Sunday, July 3, 2011

I did it!

*If you are looking for my DIY 4th of July project round up, go here!*

I have had this shirt saved in my bookmarks for months, maybe even a year.  I was delaying in trying it because quite frankly, I was afraid I would fail and it would look horrible. I'd never sewn a shirt that involved a neckline or sleeves before. But, I finally sucked it up and made it. I sat down at my coffee table, put on The Cosby's (which if you haven't seen it in a while, or ever, you must. And start at the beginning.)  And guess what? I really love it!! It's super cute.



I'm in lalalove. That belt just adds a little 'mwah' to the outfit. Yes?  Since I had to stay home this morning with a sick little baby, I had a few hours to sew in quiet, with just the voice of David Pawson teaching me about Jesus in the background. It's been a long time since I did that, and it was really relaxing. 
Go make this shirt; you won't regret it! I'll probably knock out 2 or 3 more of these this week, maybe add some pockets,  and then move on to my next project.
Yay!

Monday, September 13, 2010

I MOVED!

Not ME really, but my blog. I moved it over to a different address. Same content though. If you are a follower, go here and click "follow" please! I'd love for you to join me there!

NEW BLOG

See you there! -Jenn

Make It Monday

This may or may not be a new feature on my blog...we'll see how often I remember to do it! I'm going to try to post a tutorial every monday that I think is either super cute, very useful, or both.  Here's the first one!  This is one of my favorite websites. The author is incredibly witty, and I am inspired by her creativity every time I read her posts! I hope you enjoy.



Little Boy's Shirt out of Men's shirt from Made by Rae

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

When things get tough...

Whenever I get discouraged or start going through a time in my life that I know I need enrougagement, these are the things/friends/sayings/pictures/whatever that help me remember and stay the course...

My favorite book of all time, God's living Word. No other thing is as life-giving as His promises.
My other favorite book.  If you are a mom or a family member of a kiddo on the autism spectrum, this is an absolute must.  I have read this book 3 times. I'm pretty much always reading it. It is full of encouragement and truths when I am in the midst of the world reminding me there's no hope.
The first time i read this book, I was on a self-inflicted retreat of solitude. I locked myself in my friend's guest bedroom for 3 days and read, prayed, slept, repeat.  This book changed my life that weekend. Such a great picture of our journey with the Lord through all of the valleys, on the mountain tops, and in between. I think I'll re-read this one soon.
Not sure where I found this photo, but every time I look at it, I think about how God created this world with the eyes of an artist. Isn't it just so pretty?
Cheesy though it may be, it's true. :)
My Lora.
 My Sooz.
My man.
My sis in law.

My Danni

And of course, my whole family!  (need a good pic of all of us!)

 There are so many other people, pictures, etc that I could post here.   I am blessed, God really loves me alot.

Jenn

Monday, September 6, 2010

Thrift Store Finds!

Sorry for the quality of photos, it's an overcast dreary day here.  But I just had to show you what I got today at our local thrift shop for just $5!!! Seriously. Thats all! I always just happen to show up there when there's an amazing sale going on. Today it was 50% off of almost everything. Pretty sweet. 
1.  Fabric, some vintage containers (I'm a sucker for these kinds of things.), a sugar dish, and some really sweet vintage patterns!
2. a closer look at the awesome containers.
3. a really close look at my new sweet sugar dish. I have been using a smuckers peanut butter jar for ages, so I'm stoked to have this! Even if it doesn't totally (or at all) match my kitchen.

Yay!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Life has been crazy....

...and my sweet husband knew it's been tough lately to keep up with the demands of being a mommy, wife and friend.  

This is what I woke up to this morning.

He bought these at midnight last night on his way home from a very busy day.

Aren't they just beautiful? I love you, Joel. Thanks for making me feel like a million carnations.

Monday, August 30, 2010

life update!

Sorry guys. I know I don't do much with this blog, but I like having it, so I try to keep it updated a few times a month. I'd love to do more with it, but there just isn't time! So, for now, I will try to satisfy with lots of photos of the latest happenings and maybe someday, I'll get to do more sweet stuff on here! Thanks for sticking with me :)

First, for an update. Haven has been home now for a month and honestly, the transition has not been difficult!  Not only have people been helping like crazy, with food and babysitting, but Haven sleeps most of the day, so he honestly is not high maintenence! He doesn't sleep well at night yet, but that is to be expected for a newborn, and we're workin on it. Nothing too crazy yet, but I try to keep him awake a bit more during the day. Moms, you know that its hard to keep a newborn awake if they want to be sleeping! So, thats going as well as it could be. :) I'm too busy to notice how tired I am, and Joel helps as much as he can.
 Sewing has been therapeutic for me, in a way.  It makes me feel productive amidst a day of doing all the same things I do every day.  Being a stay at home mom is not a glamorous job,and while there are plenty of joys involved, much of it can get tedious and often feels unproductive. Sometimes we dont see the fruit of our labors for weeks, months, or even years. So, sewing gives me some instant gratification and helps me feel like I'm contributing to the world in a more tangible and immediate way. Wierd? Maybe, but I'm in survival mode, so dont hate!  And as a bonus, I listen to worship music during naptime while I sew, and can connect with God in a way that may not happen while I sew when the kids are up. I love God. Dont you?

 The shop has been getting about 1 new item posted every day, so go over there and check it out. Lots of cute new bags.


As always, the proceeds go towards helping to pay for Ro's therapy and treatments.
We have lots of house projects that are in the queue but aren't happening due to recent developments with our van...we need one. A nice one. Our current Ford Windstar is about to bite the dust. So, all saved up finances will go towards that. Blah.
We still love our little cottage.  1200 sq. ft full of love doesn't feel that small.
I still miss my friends in SC and KC. You guys are forever in my heart and i think of you every day.
Rowan is doing awesome. He has a new therapist who is really great and loves him already (but of course we miss you too Emily!).  He is entering a new season and we're excited to see what the Lord does. We still cling to the promise of healing for him.  Some days it's hard to remember it. Well actually, most days it is. But God is good all the time. A quote from one of my recent favorite songs: "All of my life, in every season, You are still God. I have a reason to sing...to worship."
Asher is 3 and fully potty trained, praise GOD! Pooping on the potty took a while, but he gets ice cream now when he does it, so the motivation is there. Him and Bella share a room, so its' pretty much a party until about 9 pm. It's ok though. Good to hear them laugh together. Ash starts preschool in a few weeks. He's fiercely social, so I'm really looking forward to seeing him thrive there!
Bella is almost 2 and testing the limits in every situation. She is teachable though, and loves structure.  She acts like she doesn't, but she does. (dont we all? i mean, really. we do!).  She is so cute. Her laugh brings everyone around her joy.

(Ro would have been in that photo but he was up in therapy)

Joel still loves his job.  He is the lead developper for that website i linked to in the word "job". He's awesome. His boss is awesome. We are highly favored of the Lord.
And me.

(there's a baby in that sling. My friend Danielle gave me that sling and it's been a life saver! Mmmm....life savers...)
Well, I'm making it! Not cooking many meals for my hungry husband, but he's being patient with me as we get through this season. We eat, so we can't complain too much.
Thanks for reading. Love you all.