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.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Saturday, August 21, 2010

My first quilt!

Looky what I did! I know. You're thinking that I make alot of blankets. But really, this is the first QUILT. I got the idea and pattern from here.

It was so fun! Very time consuming, but it turned out pretty well! I just love all the vintage fabrics. I used a bunch of my scraps up, which made me feel very good. Like I was recycling or something. I kind of was though, cuz lots of my scraps were old vintage bed sheets, thrifted clothing or just scraps of whatever fabric I had leftover.   I put some low-loft batting inside and backed it with a plain white fabric. Then i did kind of a wonky pattern of straight lines across for the quilting. 

I've been cutting and sewing stuff like crazy lately, and really loving it. I meet the Lord when I sew and create things.  This blanket is up in the shop, along with lots of other new things, including handbags, a vintage mushroom thingy, and some hobo bags. All very cute, if i do say so myself. :)  Here's a glimpse:  What do you think??

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Look what I did!

So,  my sister-in-law and I were across the street from her house, looking at some leftovers from a yard sale that had been left by the side of the road, and I managed to pick up some clothes that I could repurpose.  I've been looking at all these crafting blogs of people who make women's shirts into little girls' pants, mens dress shirts into little girls dresses, etc, and I got so inspired! I found this red shirt, and I made a skirt for Bella. I'm SO excited! It makes me happy to think I could get all of my kids clothes used, save the difference, and repurpose it!  Take a look at the result, it is SO cute!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

kitchen is almost done!

sneak peak at the "after" photos
 

1. wall color and accessories
2. i made those curtains! Ikea fabric with some cute red rik-rak
3. a project about to begin...