Take the Cannoli

Friday Faves

2012-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

This was one of the longest Fridays eva! Not sure if I was just looking forward to the weekend or if having a sick baby boy just made it seem like it was forever dragging on. Both sweet, sweet babies are out like a light and I'm about to cuddle up with Micah to embroider while we watch a show of his choice.

woke to find these two having a potty party while daddy was shaving

I may have consumed two of these blueberry cake donuts, but whose counting

I planned a bagillion outfits to accompany my new fab clutch from miss Stephanie

and sent out a thank you card with an order using the stationary she sent me. lovehertopieces

so sad all day my poor lil man

except when daddy came home of course

folded two weeks worth of clean laundry that had piled up

thankyouverymuch

couldn't get enough of this one and even let her skip her nap

Happy Friday!

linking up with life rearranged this week

Hope

2012-02-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

We have been going through a study series on Hope Sunday mornings and it has been a tremendous blessing to me. Some of the messages weren't anything pertaining to me but still were so encouraging. This past Sunday was the last in its series and our pastor used an acronym to define hope

H- holding

O- on with

P- patient

E- expectations

So simply and beautifully put. Through any circumstance we may be going through we hold onto knowing that "this soon will pass", "this is for something bigger" , "not sure why I went through this but know God has a plan" there are a million things we tell ourselves or promises we hide in our hearts from what scripture tells us, but they all a form of HOPE. We are holding on with patient expectations knowing God is in control of our lives. He has a watchful eye on us. We should be looking forward to that day where we will be in heaven. That should be our ultimate hope that this life here will be just what it is our life here. On earth, because our hope is for that day when all our hurts, pain, sorrows will be wiped away and we will be celebrating in his kingdom together.

My newest creation was designed for a beautiful cause which brings Hope to so many.

Project Hope.

Meet miss Laura who is the one behind this great ministry

she blogs here

and has a shop here

She has such a beautiful heart and would love for you to take some time to get to know her.

See the hoop Elsie is modeling above. When I say modeling I mean bribing with tons of Starburst jellybeans to hold this piece and look at the camera without crying. Not only is she shy in person but camera shy as well. love her.

Laura is hosting a giveaway for this piece right now so jump on over to her blog to see details. Also note a very limited number will be made with 100% of the proceeds donated to this cause.
Not only will you be contributing to a remarkable cause but you will have a reminder of HOPE to display.
"Give to other people, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands--more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to other people is the way God will give to you." Luke 6:38

nothing much

2012-02-27T19:45:00.002-08:00

today we:

1.planned on going to Disneyland, but instead stayed in our pj's
2. ran to the post office.still in our pj's.me still in yesterday's make-up
3. went to Trader Joe's . yup still in our pj's
4. read a million books to Elsie well maybe more like ten.
5. embroidered next to Elsie on the couch while she watched a show

6. Elsie made the boring lunch not so boring with her onion ring chips.
7. gave us all a much needed bath after dancing in the rain
8. ran out to target
9. consumed way more of Vernon's goldfish crackers than he did
10. bought Starburst Jellybeans = bad idea (will kill that bag in one sitting.No joke)

11. Made jiffy pop for the first time since I was a kid.Elsie loved it!
12. watched the rain fall into the pool for a good 20 minutes with the babes
13. made a boring dinner
14. ran out to the chiropractor in hopes that they could fix my new limp
15. smelled the fireplace burning when I came home

16. miraculously got both babes in bed by seven
17. sat down to check emails but I'm blogging instead
18. listening to my tea kettle whistle
19. about to cuddle up with Micah for a new indie film
20. wishing I had some shortbread to go with my tea.

Though it was an uneventful day, it was still really good.

Happy Monday!

Weekend Faves

2012-02-26T22:26:00.001-08:00

My weekend was packed full. A good full. Filled with family and friends. Plus there was a time of productivity which enabled me to finish up a few orders. I wasn't able to officially wake up this morn until I drank a full cups worth of coffee and the clock read 9:30. but come on. it was the weekend.

trip to my local fave fabric store

M&L fabrics in Anaheim. Go there.just not with two babies.two days in a row.

waking to see this in the hallway was pretty awesome. I love my lil' Pearl.

Celebration cupcakes for our best friends move to their new home

impromptu family trip to Disneyland after a family nap late Sunday afternoon

enjoying the parade with perfect spots from where we sat and sipped lattes

I love weekends that end like this

Fab Friday Giveaway

2012-02-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

It has been one of those weeks. You know the ones where you are actually looking forward to the weekend to be able to unwind and reflect back on all the good, though busy things that happened during it. And what better way to kick off the weekend than with a fab giveaway!

I'm excited to introduce Sarah from Little Penelope Lane.

I absolutely love this sweet girl and her heart. Not only is she a fab momma but she is pretty talented to.

You can check out her blog here

Swoon over her shop here

stop by her boutique here

visit her on facebook here

She has a shop filled with adorable hair accessories and I'm thrilled to pieces that she has offered one of my readers TWO hair wraps (of your choice). SQUUUUEEEE!! But before we get carried away with our little happy dances let's get to know this sweet thang first.

Hello darling "Take the Cannoli" readers. It is such a treat to be featured on Natalie's blog today. I have loved getting to know her better through her blog. She is such a beautiful person and her light shines through her words.

Little Penelope Lane started over two years ago and I had no idea that it would take me to where I am now. It has been such a fun adventure and the best part has been meeting so many amazing people along the way! I enjoy making bows and hosting boutiques, however, my favorite job of all is wife and mother. I am married to my college crush and together we have three kids who melt my heart every day! In 2003 we welcomed our first daughter Katie into our family. Katie was born with Spina Bifida (to read her story click here) and I noticed early on when I took her to all of her doctors, hospital and therapy appointments wearing a bow she received extra attention. I also noticed that other children her age would often comment about the bow in her hair first and then ask about her wheelchair second. To me, the bows seemed to be a buffer. People would say “I love her bow…” and then ask about her situation. We always welcome the opportunity to share Katie’s story and the bows seemed to open the door to that, as crazy as it sounds, it’s true! With two little girls, our bow collection only grew and grew! Then one rainy day two years ago, the girls and I sat down to do some crafts and I made a bow, and then another and another! I had so much fun making them that soon after I started up “Little Penelope Lane!” The rest is history!

Thanks for taking a little stroll down Little Penelope Lane! XO, Sarah

Hey, Nat here. I know, you don't have to tell me, she is beautiful inside and out huh? It blesses my heart to hear such inspirational and encouraging words of a momma's love and passion behind their work. Speaking of, how stoked are you for a chance to win something from her shop.

Please click to "read more" to enter using the rafflecopter

Happy Friday all and good luck!

winner will be announced Wednesday the 29th

p.s. Penelope Lane is hosting a Spring Boutique on March 10th at the Marriott hotel in Los Alamitos (north Orange County)! Featuring over 40 crafters and bloggers from all over Southern California! Boutiques are a great excuse for a girls day out! There will be a variety of different booths to shop at as well as a photo booth to take your (free) picture in before you leave! For the list of vendors and a sneak peak of some of the items that will be at the boutique click here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

She & Him

2012-02-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

So I know I went on Vernon overload these past few posts but I was having mama issues. As in I can't believe he is turning ONE and my baby boy is growing up WAY too fast so let me eat every bit of chocolate in the house and cry whenever I have a spare minute alone. Or while holding him. Or while I'm doing the dishes. Or just cry all day.

Now that him turning was one has come and I am adjusting (barely) I thought I'd let you all know that miss Ashley from Sugar Mama Bakeshop is featuring our Love story over at her blog. You will love her blog where she offers fabulous gluten and/or vegan free recipes that will have you in the kitchen whipping up something wholesome and tasty in no time!

It is really the beginning of how our love story started because you really can't sum up a love story when it doesn't have an end. Nevertheless, I think you should go grab a cookie (or if you're like me, your 1 lb. bag of Chocolate Cadbury Eggs) and take a seat to see how it all started.

oh and speaking of when it all started, I found these pictures from our first year together that we must have scanned in the computer at one time. Our first two years together was pre-digital!!! I can't believe I'm even sharing this first photo. I'm all sweaty and gross right after his show. Man I look gross, but look at how far we've come! I know craziness. But check out the red in my hair in the next shot. WHAT THE WHAT!?? I don't even remember having that. UHMYGAWD!

aww young love!

Happy Birthday Vernon Ribble

2012-02-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Before I begin, you are advised to read parts 1 and 2 to really get the feel of this post.

I repeated the words "I need to push" but didn't need to. Micah had already ran down the hallway, out the front door, started the car and woke up my dad to let him know we were outta there.

via

I was trying to breathe but couldn't focus.

What the heck? I kept thinking, God this can't be right. It's a month early and I didn't even labor. Something is wrong. Something is really wrong. From that point on I was in a pure state of denial.

I was still hunched over the bed when Micah raced back into our room.

Micah: "Babe you need to get pants on!"

ME: "I can't move"

Micah: "Ok where are your pants"

if you've been following along these last few posts you would be aware of our recent move. and by recent I mean a mere 12 hours prior to this moment. Boxes everywhere, most clothes put away but have no idea where.

Me: (points frantically in the direction of the dresser) "The black pair there"

Micah: "Okay" (his breathing has turned into frantic panting as he is trying to get this pair of pants on me.

unbeknownst to either of us he is trying to get a pair of skin tight exercise leggings that I wore before pregnancy. Not even this pregnancy but Elsie's.

via

Micah: "Baby, lift your leg"

Me: "I can't move"

Micah: "Come on baby, lift your leg so I can get these on"

Me: in between breaths I manage to get out "If I lift, he will fall out"

Micah instinctively starts tapping my ankle with his fist like you do with a horse when you want it to lift its hoof to apply a horeshoe. I just stared down at him breathing angrily in disbelief. He understood through the look in my eyes that this technique obviously wasn't working and that he needed to hurry.

He slid my leg up and started rolling up this very tight pair of pants. He lifted the other leg and started pulling it up.

Micah: "Babe, are these the right pants"

Me: shaking my head NO

Micah: "It's okay baby hang in there" and starts rolling these ridiculously tight leggings off of me.

(when I say rolling I mean he literally had to push the material down in a rolling fashion like you would nylons to get them off. He then grabbed the ugliest navy blue pajama pants I have ever seen in my life and slid them on.

Me: "Those are hideous" (yes I said this)

Micah: "Nat! I'm not delivering the baby in our bathtub!"

That was all he needed to say.

Next thing I know I'm literally being carried to the car by my dad and placed in the front seat.

Now I realize I was basically incoherent during the drive but I also know that it should've taken us about 20-25 minutes in prime time morning traffic to get there. It took us TWELVE.

I know he didn't pause for one stop sign or signal.

via

Our conversation in the car while driving frantically to the hospital.

Micah: "What's the name of the physicians group"

Me: "What?"

Micah: "What is the name of your medical group so I can have our OB paged to meet us there"

Me: in between breaths "Why don't" breath "you" breath "Have these numbers" breath "In your flippin phone already" (ya I was a little nuts at this point, I could feel Vernon's head about to bust through and Micah is asking me for the number to my doctors office!!!)

Micah: "I was going to get all this stuff in order AFTER the move. I thought we had some time"

Me: deep breath "Orange something"

Micah: on the phone with 411 at this point "Orange View"

Me: "not view, orange, umm??" deep breath

Micah: speaking to operator "Oh there is no listing for Orange View?" directs voice to me "Nat try again"

Me: I'm literally wanting to kill him at this point "umm, orange?? Coast. IT'S COAST"

Micah: to operator "Orange Coast, yes, okay there is a listing? great could you put me through"

these next few moments were a blur but I know he was able to get in touch with our doctors office and even informed the hospital we were on our way and needed a wheel chair ready for us.

After screeching into the emergency entrance Micah got out of the car and rushed to grab the wheel chair. He lifted me out and threw me into the chair.

He raced us into the building.

A nurse with a clipboard and all of our pre-registration paperwork in order calmly spoke to me.

Nurse: "Mrs. Ensor, we're going to need you to get up on this table so we can measure you"

Me: I shake my head no and am breathing harder than I ever have in my life.

Nurse: "Miss, we need you up on this table"

Me: I shake my head No again

Nurse: now using a more direct tone "Mrs. Ensor we need to meas...."

Me: cut her off by screaming "I need to PUSH!"

Nurse: flipped her S and yelled "Alright lets get her on the table STAT"

next thing I know her and Micah are lifting me onto the table and before I'm even completely set down another nurse is checking my progress.

She looks at the lead nurse and informs her that I was at 8 cm and needed to be put into a delivery room immediately!

via

I freaked out and demanded an epidural. At least five times.

Nurse: she looked at Micah as if to say, you're baby is here and your wife needs to except that

She then looks at me and says "honey we will worry about that in the delivery room and if there's time..." her voice faded.

The curtains pulled back and like an angel from heaven with rays of light around her stood my doctor scrubbed and ready to go.

Doctor: "Nat what are you doing here, didn't I just see you?"

Me: "Yes. I know something is wrong. I need an epidural."

Doctor: chuckling at my statement "I just scrubbed up for a scheduled C-section and heard your name being mentioned in the hallway. Looks like I will page another doctor for the procedure so I can deliver Vernon. Since we're both ready to go, lets do this"

Me: "okay, let's get the epidural"

Doctor: "let's get to your room first"

now we have been here all of five minutes at this point. No exaggeration. They wheel me across the hall to my delivery room and start hooking up IVs, monitors and all that jazz.

Me: "I need to push"

doctor: "hold on let's check her"

looks down there and does her thing.

doctor: "Okay folks she is at a ten and vernon's head is here. Let's get this baby out."

Me:"what?, no, I need an epidural!!"

doctor: "Nat, he's here and I need you to push, take a deep breath"

Me: screaming and crying at once "no he's too early, I'm not ready, I'm not ready, I'm not ready"

Micah is squeezing my hand with tears in his eyes and speaks to me in a very sweet but very excited voice

Micah: "Babe, we did it, he's here, we didn't even labor, this is amazing."

Me: "I'm not ready, I'm not ready, I can't breath, I don't remember how to push"

and then the hyperventilation started. My doctor started rubbing my legs to calm me down and started to breath with me to get my breathing under control.

At this point they haven't even put my IV in because it is happening so fast. So I have Micah on one side. A nurse hooking me up on the other and my doctor below telling me to push.

With every breath I took I let that same breath out. I couldn't focus. I didn't remember I needed to hold that breath and use that energy to push. I did that three times until my doctor yelled my name and got my attention. Her eyes focused in on mine and she ordered me to push.

I did. Then I did it again one more time.

Then there it was. his cry. his perfect loud cry.

I was in shock. I didn't know what happened. There was applause. Nurses cheering. Micah crying. It was all surreal. I was in a fog. I couldn't hear anything clear except for Vernon's cry in the distance.

They laid him on my chest. He felt warm. My body still in a state of shock, felt numb. The nurse took my hand and laid it on Vernon's back. I looked down at him.

Nothing.

no emotion.

something was wrong.

with me.

They took him to do their measurements. He weighed 6 lbs 12 oz. Extremely healthy weight for a 36 week old baby. His APGAR was a 10. His coloring was perfect. Everything was perfect.

He was perfect.

still I couldn't feel a thing.

It all happened so fast.

I looked at Micah. He brushed the hair from my face. Looked at me and said.

Micah:"Nat, you did it. He is here. He is our little miracle boy"

Me: "I don't feel anything, something is wrong"

Micah: "Baby you're still in shock. Everything is good. This will be the best labor story of all time. I didn't even have to rub your back"

Me: silence

I watched as they took his footprints and cleaned him up. His cry was so loud that it helped me distinguish that this wasn't a dream but so very, very real.

Then they brought him back to me. Laid him on my chest and I held him. And I cried. And I couldn't believe that in one small moment my heart could love another someone so very much. That my love could go beyond it's limits.

I never wanted to let him go. To this day that feeling has not let up.

Vernon Ribble Ensor born February 22, 2011

You have changed my life forever little man

my love for you grows more with each day that passes

It is not only a blessing but an honor to be your mama

I pray that you will become the man that God has called you to be

the fact that I will be a part in God's plan for your life is an overwhelming thought

your character like your entrance into this world is exceptional

you never cease to brighten each of our days with that smile of yours

The joy you bring us all is beyond measure

Your cuddles and the warmth you give my heart are just as the day you were born

Your laugh is infectious

and

I can't imagine my life without you.

I love you.

Happy 1st Birthday, to my favorite little guy in the whole wide world.

the day before

2012-02-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

I sat in the kitchen unpacking and unwrapping dishes from boxes to be put away. I listened and watched as many bodies shuffled around the house placing boxes in there designated rooms. That was a year ago today when we were moving from Dana Point to Tustin. My family and closest friends came to help get our house in order as the movers emptied the truck. I was forbidden to lift a thing due to my very pregnant state. I had just seen my doctor three days prior and measured 2 cm and was 80% effaced. I know some of you are thinking WHOA why wasn't I in the hospital but here's the thing. I received the same exact measurements when pregnant with Elsie and didn't even start having contractions until two weeks later when I measured 4 cm and 100% effaced. I told EVERYONE I had at least another week and that no one needed to panic.

our last time at the beach together just a couple weeks before Vernon was born

So here we all are on a Monday moving our lives to a new place. I felt useless and busied myself as much as I could. Everyone was so helpful that I felt a little in the way. I remember feeling sad and a litle unsure if we made the right choice to move. Throughout the day I needed to sit down for a few moments not because of contractions but because of the intense pressure from this sweet baby inside of me that I felt at any moment would just fall out.

I had no appetite throughout the day and snacked on some sweet pumpkin bread Shan made for all of us.

The movers had left and most of the boxes had been brought in. The day was coming to an end and we thanked our loved ones for all their help as they gathered their belongings and drove away.

My stomach hurt. Like really hurt. Like I ate too much sugar and had a tummy ache kind of pain. I laid Elsie down for bed around seven and Micah went to return the UHUAL rental. While he was gone I started to sweat... profusely. Then my body started to shake all over.

Then before I knew it I was over the toilet. There wasn't much of anything coming, more of dry heaving affect. Then as I'm crying and heaving I realized I hardly drank anything that day and was dehydrated.
I literally army crawled to my phone that was on the nightstand. My body was shaking and in too much pain to walk. (trust me this was a pathetic sight, I'm even rolling my eyes rehashing the whole scene)

two weeks before

I called Micah. voicemail. hmmm. Called him again. voicemail. This continued for about five minutes until I felt the urge and crawled back to the bathroom. This time I started puking my guts. Sorry folks. I know this is such a lovely picture I'm painting but I'm just telling it like it is or was, well you get it. I called Micah again and was starting to panic. My body wouldn't stop shaking and I knew I needed fluids.

After one final attempt he still didn't answer. So what do I do? Call the next best thing right? You know my sister in Tennessee who can do absolutely nothing for me!! In my defense I was scared and she has had three kids and I always turn to her for advice about such matters.
After she got me to calm down, she forced me (by the tone of her voice) to get up and drink some water. It helped. A little. I was more comforted with just having her on the phone with me as I lay there sprawled out on the kitchen floor.

last picture of me that was taken before Vernon was born. This was a few days before while touring our new home.

Just as she was getting on to me for calling her and not someone who actually lived in the same state as me who could come and help, my line beeped. It was Micah. I told her goodbye and that I would call her in the morning after I got some rest.

I cried to Micah over the phone about my situation and he rushed back to me with a bag of Pedialyte in tow. I pounded those bad boys so fast and instantly felt relieved. My body absorbed all of those yummy electrolytes it was lacking and finally stopped shaking.

I felt better, but my stomach still felt a little off.

My parents had just arrived home when Micah phoned my dad and let him know that he should come back over to stay the night. We thought that I would need to go to Urgent Care or possibly the ER if the weird pain hadn't subsided through the night and needed someone to be here with Elsie.

Though my parents live an hour away it just so happened that my Dad's job at the time was located fifteen minutes from our new house so he thought he'd just come and stay then head to work from there in the morn.

We were asleep by the time he came home. Come to think of it, I don't even remember him coming into the house.

Throughout the night I had weird cramping. I had no idea if they were contractions because I didn't have contractions with Elsie. At least not like the contractions they taught us about in our child bearing class. No pain in the stomach. No cramping. Not anything like they said it would be. With Elsie I felt like I had bad gas and was never sure if I was having contractions until we went to the hospital and they informed me I was 7 cm and almost ready to have this baby.
So this was a completely different pain.
Like light menstrual cramping. I know you guys are just loving this post and all of the lady talk right?
But fo realz, that was the discomfort I was having.
I asked Micah to time it when one of those feelings came about. The pain would come and there would never be a follow up pain one or any other indication that these were contrations. I really just thought I over did it with the move and all.

It was about five thirty in the morn when we awoke to my dad shaving in the guest bathroom. I looked at Micah and told him I still didn't feel well and that we should go see my doctor about the pain. He asked my Dad if he didn't mind going into work late so he could stay with Elsie while we could hopefully get into an early appointment with my doctor when the office opened.
We all went back to sleep.

OOOOHHHHHH MYYYYYY GOOOOOSSHHH!

I jumped out of bed and stared at Micah. The clock read 7:08 am. He jumped out of bed and stared back at me. Both of our hands leaning on the bed bracing ourselves.

"I NEED TO PUSH"

that was all I said...

reflection

2012-02-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

As we're approaching Vernon's 1st birthday over here in the Ensor household I can't help but reflect on this past year. How Vernon's entrance into our world was during a time of stress and confusion. How after having him I only became more stressed and confused.
This weeks posts will be dedicated to Vernon, my pregnancy and life that came after.

I never really spoke about my pregnancy. Not just on my blog but to anyone in real life either. So I thought I'd share now.

I wish I could say that is was a joyous pregnancy. One I delighted in, but it wasn't. It was a time filled of loneliness and anxiety. Completely opposite of my pregnancy with Elsie. Hers was beautiful. A new chapter, New life. Excitement. Joy. I think my comparison of the two only fueled my sadness and feeling of disconnect while pregnant with my lil' man.
We had only just moved into our new home months prior and that was still something I was transitioning into.
During my pregnancy there were a lot more downs than ups. Too many pregnancy complications to count and two miscarriage scares. I also lost my grandfather to Parkinson's disease, a great-grandmother to old age and my brothers and sister-in-law were all in a near death car accident. That accident was one of the scariest moments in my life. After hearing the news of the accident we raced to the airport and caught the next flight to Michigan. We had no idea if they were alive upon arrival. They were but my younger brother was hanging on by a mere thread and was covered in a multitude of prayers that week. Due to the amount of stress. I cramped. I bled. I cramped and bled some more. We were certain we had lost our baby. After my brother was breathing on his own and moved out of the ICU we felt it safe to leave.

this pic is still hard to look at, such a scary time

When we returned home a week later I immediately saw my OB and was rushed into a labor room with fears of pre-term labor. I expected the worst. Thankfully after all the test were done and my nerves were settled I was assured that miraculously the baby was okay even after the amount of blood I had lost. I was put on temporary bed rest.
I laughed at the thought of bed rest. With Micah working so much and all my friends and family living an hour or more away from us I knew there would be no resting in a three story house and an 18 month old little girl I needed to take care of.
We canceled my birthday and a few other events we had planned to eliminate any stress. That just made me more depressed.
A few weeks later I cramped and bled again but this time a little worse. I died a little inside that day. Then it happened again. Our baby checked out fine but was told there was too much stress on my body and that I NEEDED to slow down.
That was the last thing I did.
I started sewing again. Crafting. Filling my every moment with something so I didn't have to think about this pregnancy, my loneliness, how Micah was working harder than ever and though excelling and climbing the ladder at his job left us, his girls, feeling second or even third on his list. It wasn't intentional, but it still hurt.
I made sure to keep myself distracted and tried hosting as many craft boutiques during the months of October through December.

In the midst of all the business Micah was offered a position in New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey. I tried to be supportive and excited but was freaking out inside. He is the leader of this house and he knows I not only Love him to the moon and back but would follow him there too. He has always sought God's will and hadn't led us down any wrong paths thus far. So I trusted, and waited.

The same week of the New Jersey news I received a call directly from my doctor saying they found something and I needed to make the earliest appointment for an ultrasound. When I went for my appointment I was actually led to another office on a different floor for extensive ultrasound readings with a surgeon. I wanted to die... again. I thought I was there because of one his intestines measuring too big but in fact it was because there were clear signs of downs syndrome. After two hours of checking and me holding down the vomit rising from pure fear I was told that everything checked out fine. Well the baby checked out healthy PRAISETHELORD but I did in fact have muscle tearing throughout my stomach and there were a few hernias detected. He informed me that I would have to have surgery on them before or after he was born. ummm, wow. So wait. The baby is fine, but I am jacked. Okay I could live with that. Or so I thought.

These family photos were the closest things I had to maternity shots. I was six months pregnant though you could hardly tell.

Within a matter of days I could barely lift my hands over my head and was instructed not to pick up or even hold Elsie because of the hernias. Umm, ya. I didn't listen and by the end of my seventh month could barely walk. I found out that those fatty balls of excruciating pain along my stomach were lipoma NOT hernias and no surgery would be needed. Though I could barely move, I was beyond relieved.
Oh and by the way New Jersey fell through as well as a few other offices that were offered to him during that time. My frustration with his company and his will to please them grew daily. Especially the day I found out we were moving. Not to another state but to a house closer to his office. We agreed that him showing up five minutes before bed time wasn't working and that something needed to change. I wasn't used to this Micah, he was different. He was driven but by his work. Not by God and his family. He will admit to that now. I never told anyone during that time because he is so precious to me and I didn't want him to be looked at in a bad light.
Though I was excited to move closer to his office I was heartbroken to be leaving this house that we had just moved into TEN months prior. We sold our first home to move here and now we were moving again. What for? For a job that he wasn't even sure he wanted to continue with? I was so confused.
I became more depressed with the idea of having to move from this place Elsie and I had made our own. Our daily walks to the coffee shop, almost daily trips to the beach, my view of the beach from the house.

Okay Lord please give me the strength. I prayed this often.
I started packing up the house and my memories. I wished I had taken more photos during my pregnancy but there were hardly any. I decided I would get maternity photos done before we moved into the new house.
Except the move came and with that move came Vernon. A month early.
and that my friends will have to wait for a post of its own.

oh and p to the s I'm linking up with the beautiful Laura over at Bits of Splendor. She has started a new link up for Mondays and it is just lovely.

Vernon's turning O-N-E!

2012-02-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

My lil' man will be turning ONE this Wednesday but we had a very intimate celebration this afternoon. It was perfect.

Though we weren't throwing a party I wanted to make it special and decorate as if we were.

From the day this little miracle entered our world he has been our ray of sunshine. He has brought us so much joy and can light up any room with his smile. We decided to go with a color scheme that suited him (grey/yellow)with "You are my Sunshine" as our theme.

Elsie helped paint the "Sunshine" wood art plus baked and dipped the cake pops! Sweet big Sis

He went right after the cake the second we placed it in front of him, except he had no idea what to do with it.

but once he did, there was no stopping this kid.

he loved it

and completely freaked when we took it away from him. haha!

These past few days have been, well... rough. I can barely go five minutes without hot tears welling up.

I keep thinking how Vernon came into my life at such a necessary time and I can't help but reflect on this past year. Though there were hardships and struggles there was also so much love and laughter that this little bundle brought us. He is my Sunshine and always will be.

Now I'm off to stare at the slideshow Micah made of his first year and cry, for the hundredth time today.

Valentine Swap

2012-02-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

So I am a lover of all holidays, including the over commercialized Valentine's Day. I really am. The candies, the treats, the colors and the crafts that surround this holiday make me happy!

via

However, I don't celebrate it with Micah. Well we do. Kinda sorta, in our own way. After experiencing a stressful "first" Valentine's day, while dating ten years ago we agreed that when it came to Valentine's Day for US it meant: no cards, no going out to a restaurant and no gifts. We stay in, order pizza and watch a movie together while snuggling in the comfort of our home.

I love our tradition.He loves me well and I don't need a Hallmark Holiday as an excuse for him to waste money on an oversized stuffed bear that has no use or on roses that at a whopping $80 will be dead by weeks end. In fact I forbid him to buy me anything. Nada. Zilch. I love him, He loves me and spoils me rotten throughout the year. You can read more on that from this post

However, I love spoiling friends with Valentine goodies. Heck, not just girlfriends, when I used to work in the office, I would bake up a storm, have goodie bags for all the ladies and even put on Valentine Swaps within the workplace.

Even now as a stay at home mama I love having Valentines for play dates, baked goods made, decorations put up and making treat bags for the ladies in my bible study. I love to celebrate it but not with my honey. Is anyone else like that?
So anyway....

When I heard these rad gals were hosting a Valentine Swap I jumped out of my chair and did a giddy little happy dance. I love meeting new people and receiving fun surprise packages in the mail. I had a blast on the New Years Swap here and knew I had to be part of this one as well. So I signed up as fast as my happy little fingers would type.
I was truly blessed with my swap partner. Besides being oh so cute and friendly, she was beyond understanding. Not only did I send her package out late but had written the wrong name on her card. GO ME! I was like,"CRIPES! Way to make a girl feel special Nat!"Ok so moving on...

Meet my new friend and swap partner Angel from Simply.Lovely.Things

When I first checked out her blog I was excited to see she was crafty and owned her own shop. I was crossing my fingers that she'd make me something.
Which of course she did. When I opened the awesome package I was stoked to find my handcrafted goody PLUS additional accessories she bought me to make a fab outfit out of.

She made this brown flower clip

and bought me this fun bright scarf and Fab blue ring!

See what I mean? This is sooo a girl's holiday!

Thanks so much for my awesome gifties Angel. You're simply the best.

Make sure to stop by Angel's blog to see what I made her! And while you're at it, check out all the other fun swaps on either of the hostesses blogs here or here.

Hope your Valentine's Day is blessed and filled with much love!

My weekend scores

2012-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

So I purchased this dress from my local thrift shop for $1.50. I loved the soft cotton feel and the vintage-y print. It wasn't a perfect fit but knew a few darts and an inch or two off the sides was all it needed to be revamped.

(Never you mind the pasty colored skin)

I originally bought it to wear as a dress but after reviewing the "before" shot I realized it was a bit too short for a twenty-nine year old mama of two to be rockin' so I turned it into a fun "dress" top. This literally took me all of five minutes which left plenty of time to whip up my headband while both babies were napping.
I found the no-sew tutorial for the headband here.

I thought sewing the dress was simple but this headband, seriously, go make you one!

I didn't even get a good shot of my new vintage boots I picked up over the weekend. LOVE!

and my fave part of this whole ensemble is this sweet necklace I scored from Nat's Knapsack

I won the giveaway from Through the eyes of the Mrs. blog and I couldn't be happier.

I have never won a giveaway and couldn't be more stoked about this awesome piece. I love it!

I will definitely be buying future gifts from her jewelry line. If you haven't already you can check out her goods here

I will be honest, I put this outfit together with no where to go but after Micah snapped a few shots he informed me how hungry he was. With it being Sunday afternoon and no groceries in the house we found ourselves at BJ's pizza where I almost completely devoured a Red Velvet Pazookie on my own.

No shame in my game.

Oh and the most random thing, my parents were in the area and met us for din (they live an hour from us) and so they totally entertained the babes while I was ~~licking the pazookie dish clean~~ eating my dinner in peace. Perfect end to a fab weekend!

Friday Faves

2012-02-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

created new pieces with my vintage buttons today, new treasures found every time I open it.

finding Daddy's goggles and pretend swimming happened all morn

coming home from the market to find neighbor walking him home...again (sigh)

lemon suckers!

sitting outside to change the scenery for my fussy baby. poor sick lil' man

Handcrafted headscarf from my girlfriend. Totally hid my three day unwashed greezy-ness!

all day cuddle sesh

cheap, dirty chinese food, right outta the container

dessert, perfect combo

snuggling up with this man to watch movies of his choice while I embroider.

Are you Smitten?

2012-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

You know when you stumble across a fun blog and you're instantly drawn to it and then you read more about the person and their family and you instantly become smitten? Well, that was the case with sweet Sarah and her blog Little Penelope Lane.

This is Sarah the gal behind Little Penelope Lane Boutiques. You can check out her blog HERE.

You can read more about her HERE and her background story behind the making of her bows. It is a must read.

She is hosting a giveaway for my newest creation "Smitten." It is also available in the SHOP but why not go check out her blog and become a follower for a chance to win it!

Good Luck!

Chalkboard Love

2012-02-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

After receiving a couple of emails about where I got my chalkboard from last weeks post I realized I never blogged about this new treasure.

Remember when I posted about all the awesome family heirlooms I inherited. If not go check it here

There was lots of other random gems I scored but didn't talk about and this 1930's - 40's tabletop was one of them. No legs or stand. Just a tabletop, ready to be thrown away like yesterday's trash and I snagged it. I had hoped to create a new table from this but was in need of a new chalkboard and well I had left over chalkboard paint and no legs to build a table sooo Chalkboard won!

I cleaned it, painted it, drilled in some D-rings and added some mounting wire and called it a day! It is leaning on my breakfast bistro at the moment but will return to the sunroom as my Weekly Planning Board.

I love it!

Oh and the heart banner is left over heart doilies from last Valentine's Tea Party and I just sewed them along some vintage bias tape. Easy Peasy.

Linking up with this lovely blog!

My Beloved

2012-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's sermon was one of those messages where you think you know everything about a particular scripture passage and have heard it taught a hundred different ways and so there couldn't possibly anything new you could gleam from it except that it is awesome and you just love hearing it.
Our pastor is doing a series on Hope for the broken. Yesterday's message was a continuation on broken marriages. Ours isn't broken or even heading into a direction of needing mending but I always want to have an open heart about these areas whether I'm going through them or not. We don't know where life's paths will lead and I don't want to say we will never be there. I think we won't, but know anything can happen.

I always love to have preventative lessons on how to work through situations and what God's word says about it. He was covering Ephesians five, and for some reason when he started talking about verses 25 - 27 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her..." something really stuck out to me.

I realized Micah loves me as God instructs him to. I sat there taking in the message all the while my heart was bursting at the seams with this new awareness. Through this past year with all my struggles and hardships, Micah has been by my side. He has loved me when I didn't deserved to be loved. He cried with me when I cried. He hurt when I hurt and laughed when I'd laugh. This past year was one of the hardest years of my life and yet I have never felt a more stronger connection between him and I. He loved me. For better and for worse. No dozen roses or silly valentine could ever express what he already has and continues to do on a daily basis. He loves me. He truly does. I don't know where I'd be without him.

He is my best friend. The love of my life. My Valentine every February. I love this man probably more than he'll ever know.

Of course being inspired, I whipped this up and is now available in the shop
Also, in response to the emails about the discount code, it is no longer valid. Sorry. BUT every order will still receive a Sweet Heart Pin!

the best "change of plans"

2012-02-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

My parents came over last night to stay with the babes while we planned on attending our dear friend's adults only 30th Birthday Bash. It started at 5:30. When 6:30 rolled around and both babies were crying and clingy we just knew it wasn't going to happen, especially since they live almost an hour from us.

I didn't care. I've learned to leave room for times like these in my life and to not get frustrated with the babies. They knew something was up and were acting out because of it. That is fine. That is life. Plus Micah went ahead and made a very late night reservation for us at La Cave in Costa Mesa. Swanky Steakhouse is the best way to describe this little gem. It was perfect. Food was amazing and my company even better. I loved our unexpected romantic rendezvous and think God knew it was just what we needed.

How did your Saturday night turn out?

Friday Faves

2012-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

preparing orders and gifts to mail out

Vintage Valentines always make me smile

Target's dollar section had me dancing in the aisle! Wood trains, COME ON so awesome!

Sweet Erasers

dollar journal yo!

And because I was so incredibly blessed this week by all of you I am offering

but wait there's more, a Sweetheart Pin will be included in every order too!

Do you know this Hymn?

2012-02-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Because you should. It is beautiful and has been on constant reply in my head since my post yesterday.

He is so faithful even when we are not, and I find comfort in knowing that he bestows new mercies upon us each and every day.

Morning by Morning based off these beautiful lyrics and is up for grabs in the shop

Great is thy Faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with thee;

Though changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be

Great is Thy Faithfulness! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-

Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto thee

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy an love

Great is Thy Faithfulness! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-

Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto thee

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy Faithfulness! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-

Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto thee

weeds

2012-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

I'm ashamed to admit I kind of let my garden go. As in forgot about it and stopped caring for it. The season for most of my plants to produce had passed so I slowly stopped maintaining it. During the holidays I frequented it even less and told myself that we would probably be moving come February when our lease is up so why bother with it. There was never really talk of moving, quite the opposite really. Micah has talked about buying this house more times than I can count and we love it here. We have made it our own and forget that it is not really ours, but for some reason I used that as an excuse not to maintain my garden. I figured whats the point of going through all that work if we are moving in two months, which turned into one month which led to today.
Today. The weather was beautiful. So while Elsie and I were playing in the backyard I let my eyes travel to the forbidden area I have kind of avoided.
My Garden.

This once magical place.
A place that brought comfort when I felt so lost.
A place created as something for myself, even though I had no idea who I was at the time.
So many changes happened last year near the time we decided to plant our first vegetable garden that it quickly became a place that helped me escape. To have my quiet time. Even though Elsie would come out there with her shovels and Vernon would chill in his baby swing, I kind of would get lost in the garden with my thoughts.
That is until my world was uprooted once again by something out of my control. Voles. Voles are small varmints. Part of the mole family. I won't even waste time talking about those despicable pests only to say that they destroyed my garden. They came through and literally killed 80% of it.
I was devastated to say the least.
I never even blogged about this tragic event.
I refused to go out to water what was left for weeks after the attack.
I know it is just a garden, but it was so much more to me during that time last year. The vole incident only fueled my depression and anxiety.
This was just one more thing I felt like I failed at. I felt defeated and it made me feel less than. After I let some time pass, I continued to harvest the remainder of the veggies and herbs but with no zeal. My heart was just never the same towards it.
Needless to say, time passed, weeds grew and the garden became overrun.
Fast forward to today when I decided it was time to put on the gloves and wage war on the weeds. After about five minutes into the process I realized I needed heavy machinery to get most of them up but I pressed on with blood, sweat and tears. yes there were tears. Not tears from the pain of the hot sun beating down on me while my back and leg muscles were screaming for a break but tears from an overwhelming sense of peace.
?????
"Lucy, let me "splain"
After pulling back dead limbs and removing intruding shrubs from the vegetable beds I discovered something.
Hidden treasures.

Thirteen red ripened tomatoes, some onions and herbs a plenty. I was shocked. Dumbfounded. How were these plants able to produce with such neglect while being suffocated by weeds no less?
I couldn't understand it, and yet here they were. As I started to pick the tomatoes, something happened. I started to cry. Like hard. Like I couldn't catch my breath. This garden was a portrayal of my relationship with God.
The garden came under attack by forces of evils, damage was done and I gave up, walked away.
Much like this garden my relationship with God came under attack and I felt suffocated by words tangled in lies, and neglected the Truths from His word. I gave up. I was overwhelmed with my life's struggles that I couldn't keep up with maintaining my relationship with Him. I felt so unworthy and hopeless.
But God.
He came and took hold of my life. He came and cleaned up my heart and renewed my spirit. He removed those lies and replaced them with truths, he guided me back into his word where a stronger foundation of faith was built, one that no weed (trials) could insnare. And after restoring me, like restoring the garden for new crops, he revealed to me hidden treasures. Things I didn't know I was capable of. A person I didn't know I could be. Still able. After all that I went through, I am still able. Only by the Grace of God.

After the sobfest had come and gone, I stood back and examined the progress. A seemingly impossible burden was possible. Although moments of weakness struck and the pain seemed too much too handle, I pressed on. Granted there are still imperfections and work to be done, it is ready for new growth.

So am I.

New Years Blog Party Gift Swap

2012-01-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

I was stoked to be participating in my first Blogging Party!

Hosted by: Casey, Alycia & Danielle

All we had to do was submit our email address and then were randomly paired up with another blogger to swap homemade gifts with. I totally loved this idea and getting to meet someone new out there in the blogosphere. And now I'm happy to say I have a new blog pal. She is super fun and totally sweet. Like I would travel to Louisiana tomorrow and show up at her doorstep unexpected and she'd welcome me kind of sweet. She is my kind of gal and I'm blessed to now know her.

Meet Emily the author of The Dashboard Diaries.

You can visit her blog below. Trust me you'll want to.

I totally did a happy dance upon receiving her package. I opened the manilla package only to be blasted with a Mardi Gras Explosion! Obviously I was too excited to open my gift to even think about taking pictures of it and instead tore through those purple, gold and green necklaces and tissue paper to discover this.

How rad is this?

Love this rustic frame and the French quote she has hanging inside of it. I took pictures against different backdrops to show how it really can go anywhere in the house and it just flows.

I will just type word for word her sweet note to me.

When preparing for this gift exchange, so many ideas went through my mind! I mostly wanted to give you a little taste of Louisiana, but most of those options would involve food.. and crawfish doesn't ship well! Since Mardi Gras season has officially begun. I reaaaalllly wanted to make you a King Cake (terrible idea) so instead, I was left with making you a gift incorporating the greatest quote of the Mardi Gras Season, "Laissez les bon temps rouler" which means "Let the good times roll" in French. I hope this quote encourages you and your family to enjoy the happy times you have together, and to live every day to the fullest! (In case you get bred with it, I included extra letters and rope so that you can change the quote throughout the year)

Ummm, hello how thoughtful is she! Love this gift and the fact that I can change out the letters for a new quote. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

If you have the opportunity for a blog swap party I highly recommend you jumping on it! So much fun!

Thanks Emily for this rad gift! Oh and to see what I gave her hop on over to her blog and check it out. Click Below

Spotlight and a Giveaway

2012-01-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday All!

Have you visited Kimmie's blog Sugar and Dots yet?

If not get on over there and check her out because she is pretty amazing. Not only is she beautiful, hilarious and compassionate she is also inspiring. She has encouraged me along on this blogging journey and is actually spotlighting my blog and I today.

She is also hosting a giveaway for one of my fave pieces from my collection!

the Celebration piece!
I wanted to mention that you don't need a blog to be a follower of my blog and to be able to enter the giveaway or any future one.

I received quite a few emails during my last giveaway from people who "read" my blog but aren't actually "following"

If you have blogs you like to read and would like to let the author and other readers know your a fan,

you can do so by "following" their blog. It's a sweet gesture to say we like what you have to say and we support you.

Again you don't need a blog to be a follower. It's not just for bloggers. (mom this means you too) By becoming a follower it helps you keep up with new posts. You can follow publicly or privately. Once decided on how you would like to follow just click "Join this Site" button on the upper right hand side of my blog. see example below.

Hope this helps. And good luck!

Insta-Beach

2012-01-30T00:36:00.000-08:00

The best thing about early naps is plenty of time left in the day to go play.

Note to self: Don't talk while pictures are being taken. This was the best of 10

occasionally being spontaneous has its downfalls, like not thinking to have Elsie wear more than just a swimsuit, plus no towel and no change of clothes. Thank goodness her daddy is a gentleman.

If she had her choice, we would've stayed until morning.

Instead of

2012-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Instead of sleeping safe and sound Thursday night, I was up until 3:00 am with the Sheriffs deputies investigating suspicious noises. These said noises were amplified with the fear of being alone while Micah was away.

Instead of cozying up for our usual Thursday night routine, Micah was getting this tattoo done while I embroidered these.

Instead of bathing solo, Elsie asked to play with Vernon in the tub.

Instead of the forecasted 80 degrees on Friday we were blasted with the Santa Ana winds

Instead of heading to the beach, we stayed home and built castle after castle

Instead of crying because the beach plans changed, Elsie asked to go shopping where the "Froggie Fountains" are.

Instead of wanting to avoid going out in the winds, I obliged.

Instead of making "some" Kale chips, I baked two trays worth and ate it ALL in one sitting.

Instead of dolls Elsie treats her Minnie Mouse like her baby.

Instead of enforcing a schedule while daddy was gone, we just played everything by ear.

Instead of waking up perky like usual they were both pretty fussy.

Instead of trying to tidy up before Micah's return I just held my sleepy babes all day.

Instead of sleeping in my bed, I slept with Elsie in hers both nights he was away.

Instead of going to sleep at a decent hour like a responsible mama, I stayed up until the wee hours watching a full season of The Wonder years last night.

Instead of a Soy Chai Tea, my brain and body required coffee with TWO shots of espresso this morn.

Instead of laying down Vernon after he fell asleep in my arms I kissed his soft sweet eyelids and held him so tight. The thought of him turning ONE in a few weeks hurts.Too fast. It went too fast.

Instead of cuddling up with Micah on the couch listening to him tell all about his trip I am blogging, because Elsie missed her daddy and

Instead of telling her to just stay in her bedroom he is laying there singing to her. And it blesses my heart.

Rain

2012-01-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

I used to hate the rain. Well not my whole life. Of course as a kid I have fond memories of swimming in our pool during it or using the culdesac street that we lived on as a place to set sail with homemade cardboard boats.(ya they never lasted)
Though somewhere along the line, I'd say around junior high 'til just recently, I dreaded rainy days. I never realized I became gloomy gal Nat when the weather turned. I mean grey skies meant Tori Amos or Mazzy Star playing throughout every speaker in the house.
Only since being married to Micah did he point out how blah I became. I didn't think anything of it, I am a melancholy girl at heart. Those of you that know me are thinking, what? you, miss happy go lucky, has a zest for life and is always up for anything girl. True that girl is me, that is because I am with you. When around people, or keeping busy out and about I don't leave room for idle time. Which meant no room to be left alone with my thoughts.
These past few months I have learned to sit. To think. To be with my thoughts. This past year has been a time of reflection and a time of getting to know me better. As a wife, mom, friend. I, for the first time in years can have nothing on the calendar and be ok with that. This coming from a gal who if not every day was filled out with plans or appt(s), would become anxious.
I realized that filling my days with things from work, gym, date nights with Micah, dates with friends, appts, traveling somewhere or another were all ways to me to fill the space. The empty space. I made it a pattern to keep myself preoccupied at all times so I didn't have to focus on past hurts, guilt, regrets, whatever the emotion was I didn't want to feel I filled it with something to do. Even after becoming a momma I made sure to keep a full schedule for myself and the babes.
See why I hated rainy days, having to be stuck inside, not able to get out and escape the world in my mind.
The Lord has worked on my heart and has made me aware of this. I can honestly say that he has healed my brokenness and helped me move forward. I can not only enjoy the rain as it comes but I can dance in it as well.
Listening to my babies giggle under the umbrella as we ran across the parking lot in attempt to stay dry reminded me of how far of a journey I have come. Though my past is still my past I am no longer broken. Now I thank God for the rain. For days like this to be able to slow down. To see the beauty in it. To cuddle up and reflect on all that he has blessed me with instead of things that I can't change.
Today I am thankful for the rain.

Oh Happy Day

2012-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

and what a happy day it will be for one lucky follower when you win this little piece I embroidered and tons of other goodies from lots of other fab blogs. In celebrating Ashley's 25th birthday she is hosting a MASSIVE GIVEAWAY of thirty-five different prizes. One Winner takes all!

To have a chance at it make sure to go to After Nine to Five's blog for all the rules and entry info.

or just click the pic above to take you right to the Birthday Bash action.

Happy Friday all and good luck!

it's really that simple?

2012-01-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

Vernon was the happiest I've ever seen him when I let him roam free without his diaper

of course that was only for about 15 minutes until he peed in Elsie's room while rummaging through her clothes. She was not a happy camper about it.

We received a delivery that came in a big box full of packing popcorn

Elsie insisted it was snow

and played in it all night long

Vernon wasn't too sure of it.

I love to see the simple things that bring them so much joy.

Bow Garland Giveaway

2012-01-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

remember this?

well if not you can view the post about how to make it here OR you can head on over to Sugar & Dots to enter the giveaway for it! That's right, one lucky reader gets a chance to WIN this!

Just click on the link below and follow the instructions on entering. GOOD LUCK!

Oh and if by sad chance you don't win, I have them up in my shop for sale. Just sayin' is all.

open for biznazz

2012-01-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

I understand my last post was ummm, kinda crazy. I mean all over the place. So let me just sum it up.

my shop is now open

and God is so very, very good.

Stitchin' and Hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'

2012-01-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have been skipping around all morning. Only because I'm a tad bit excited. Okay let's be real. Ecstatic!

Nevermind my morning face and leftover make-up crusties. Focus on the Happy.

I had been planning on opening my shop at the end of the month when I had more products, buuuut an awesome opportunity came up and well, I just added what pieces I had for the time being.
That opportunity being part an awesome giveaway on this fab blog. She is having a birthday bash on Friday with loads of goodies she is giving away, including a piece from my collection. So make sure to check out her blog on Friday for more deets.

Check it yo!

If you had been following along the last few months I had shared I was struggling with big things and though I'm not ready to delve into that part of my soul I will share that besides journaling (like real pen and notepad kind of journaling) I have been embroidering again. It has been beyond therapeutic. Besides blogging, it has become a great outlet for me. My creative outlet.

I know that this is the right time in my life to have a little something on the side. (I'm talking about making handmade goodies people) In the past I have pushed to make things happen in my timing and it never quite panned out. Looking back I see that God intervened and I'm ever so grateful he did.

The Lord put on my heart to take a step back and have a seat. To do the ministry he has called me to right now, which is raising my babies.

I will admit there was this foggy phase I went through this past year with moving twice and being pregnant, oh and then delivering sweet Vernon a month early that kind of left me feeling... lost. I have never clung so tightly to God and his promises during that time yet still struggled to find my own thing to help take my mind off my other struggles.

When really he needed me to be still and listen. To not try fill my time with things. To not put so much on my plate. To just be. Be the momma he has called me to be. There will be a time and place for creating things and hopefully one day selling them. He was right. I took a seat. I Prayed. Thought. prayed some more. started a new bible study. made new friends. and now here I am. Though I am opening my shop and will be adding new goodies often, my babies come first. They are my first priority and I'm at a point now where I can be calm and not frazzled trying to get unnecessary things done. I have to remember there are no timeframes only the ones I create. Stressing out over getting something made and sacrificing time with the babies to do so isn't worth it.

It was made very clear this past week that though I knew I would be opening my shop, that it would have to come second to my real life. I had high hopes to have 20 items in there plus new ones sitting pretty to be stitched. But God, in his oh so gentle way put me back in my place. Reminding me his truths

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord,Thoughts of peace and not evil, to give me a future and a hope. Jer 29:11

But also that
"A man's heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps" Proverbs 16:9

My poor baby boy caught some nasty virus last week (day before he busted his lip) Unavoidably, I caught it as well and then of course it spread to all of us. So needless to say, stitching up last minute projects and having this glorious blog ready with a shop button did NOT happen. But golly miss Molly is working on the beautification process of the ol' blogger while I take some time this week to finish up some pieces.

The point being, I had plans but the Lord obviously had different ones.

and I am perfectly fine with that. So today my little humble shop of seven pieces awaits.

Click on the above photo to take you to the shop

Though I am thrilled beyond measure to be presenting you with some of my latest goodies, I am even happier knowing that each piece was made with love and not stress.
I am happy that creating these pieces are fun, and something I absolutely LOVE doing, but fully aware that it doesn't mean I drop everything for it. In His time I keep telling myself. HIS TIME.
One day I will have so much time on my hands to create, craft and hopefully be running a fab boutique, but then that will also mean they will be older, in school, away from me. I won't get this time back...ever.

Well I have no idea how a post about me opening my shop turned into this. but it did.

Please make sure to check back in for new items later this week. especially the LOVE inspired pieces for Valentine's Day!

Did I mention I was excited?

Woot-Woot!

God is so incredibly good, isn't he?

Very Merry Unbirthday

2012-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Yup. It happened. I received a nomination for Mother of the year award today. It was right about the time my poor little man face planted it off a step onto tile floor. Let's just say there was lots of crying. Mostly from Elsie and I. annnnnnd way to much blood to even talk about. ok. moving on before I start crying again.

Thank God he is totally fine, just has a busted lip and some swollen gums. I can't bring myself to take a picture of it so we'll just look at this sweet picture before the accident.

While he napped I snapped a few shots for an embroidered piece I made for an upcoming giveaway (so excited for that-eeek!) and then had a tea party using the cake from the shots with Elsie. No more than a second after the words "Tea Party" left my mouth she said "We get dressed up Mama?"... and so we did.

I asked her to be patient while I went and grabbed some forks.

staring in the face of temptation.

she was overcome.and I returned to find out more than once apparently.

I still hadn't washed my face or brushed my hair and don't forget was just crying for like an hour so no moneymaker shots today folks

just grabbed it off my "to mend" pile and threw it on

fugly face + ill fitted dress = best tea party eva!

I know baby gurl, you ain't mad atcha mama.

this should be everyone's 2012 mantra

Here's a sneaky peek of the piece for the giveaway at the end of the month. Make sure you stop by for that!

just a another Tuesday

2012-01-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

"But now you must also rid yourselves of all

such things as these; anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips" Colossians 3:8

Blink, blink. I sit here pondering these words. Why didn't I get up and do my devotion before the babies woke. I needed this exact scripture for this mornings happenings. Vernon waking up way too early at 6:00 which led to his big sis waking way too early. *sigh*

So let's see...

Anger: I let out the biggest grunt of frustration to Micah because of them being up so early.

Rage: Stomping around the house and washing Vernon's bottle very loudly and spitefully. *ahem, ya I think that is considered rage right.

Malice: Threatening Elsie with no shows to watch because she didn't stay in her bed while shoving Vernon's bottle in his mouth. (yes I did that)

Slander: hmmm, would telling your husband that your babies are ridiculous and are setting you up for failure today fall in this category.

Filthy Language: what? Oh not me. of course not. Oh wait, I believe after setting Vernon in his highchair and having Elsie sit quietly on the couch I stormed into the kitchen and said to Micah, "How am I to be a good mom and wife when the day starts of so Sh*@!y! UUGGGHHHHH!!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!

Thank God for Micah taking the time to pray with me before he left. My morning instantly turned around but desperately wished it hadn't needed to be turned. I am beyond grateful for this passage this morning. Obviously convicting, revealing areas that need some major work. After all we are works in progress right?

I had high hopes for today. Getting up, doing my devotion, finishing up one of my embroidered pieces, getting dressed and then preparing breakfast for me and the babes. I am laughing at this glorious picturesque morning I had planned when I know full well nothing ever goes as planned when you have littles.

Instead I will be rockin' the sweats, downing Donut Shop coffee and after this post will be coloring with Elsie until Vernon wakes up. Who knows, it's nice out... maybe a venture to the beach? All I know is there will be lots of prayer as I go about my day asking Him to rid of these things I wish not to have come from my lips again.

hope your day has started off better than mine... and if not I hope that it will be turned around as well as mine did.

The Wonders of Baking Soda

2012-01-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

So I learned a new tip and thought I would share. It has been sometime since I posted a Mondays Made Simple tip and well, it has been awhile since I had anything worth sharing. But this, this is definitely worth sharing.

So Elsie as you know is now in big girl panties but still wears pull-ups for bedtime. She occasionally gets up during the night to go potty (she doesn't grasp that she can just let it go in the pull up) and well decides that the pull up comes off and somehow manages to find underwear, in the dark mind you, to make the "switch." There have been many of mornings I wake to find her in panties instead of the pull-up and am puzzled how she accomplishes this when I can barely walk straight let alone change clothes come the middle of the night.

Ok to make a long story short, because of her changing in the middle of the night, without us knowing, has lead to her having two accidents in the bed. Once in ours and then in hers last night. No biggie right, wet a towel, soak up the mattress, wash the sheets, wait for mattress to dry and call it a day. Unfortunately both hers and our mattresses are new and I kind of went neurotic on making sure no stains or smells were left behind.

After scouring the net for How-to's on ridding of pee and the scent of it I went with the simplest and highest ranked option. BAKING SODA!

All you do is coat the wet area (heavily) with the baking soda and let it soak up the moisture. This takes a few hours. Then vacuum it all up when it is dry. This is seriously amazing. Oh and you can rid of old stains the same way only you soak the dried area with a wet cloth first then apply baking soda. It is truly astounding that this works on old stains. No crazy circles stains, no scents!

Ok so now that you can sleep soundly with this new knowledge let us move on to my highlights from this past week.

having a surprise visit from a friend with this sweet goodness in tow was THE highlight of my week

being able to relax, journal and soak up the sun was awesome

watching Elsie splash in the water was priceless

found out Vernon was ann official Sand EATER!

While the babies were hanging out with Grandma & Grandpa Micah and I took a bike ride to In & Out. It was fab and reignited my love for family bike rides.

scrambling around aimlessly at three in the morn crawling on the floor and feeling around for his paci. Of course I couldn't find it and had to turn on the blinding lights only to see that he was holding it in his chubby little hand.

this was my view of the boys from the sunroom.Couldn't resist to snap a shot

some of us obviously need less sleep than others. Love Her!

DIY: Bow Garland

2012-01-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

So my house was looking pretty bleak after all the Holiday goodness was stripped away. Especially our mantle that once held garland, decor and stockings that were hung with care.

So in an attempt to jazz it up I made this little number with some left over felt I had from another project.

Don't you love it?! I was going to make a bunting banner but felt like I wanted something a little more, I dunno. like THIS!

So this is what you'll need if you are dying for one and must make one right now!

Felt (by the yard, felt pieces will be too small unless you desire smaller bows, which is totally fine)
Coordinating color of thread
Jute or Ribbon (or any other type of string you want to string your beauties on)
Hot Glue Gun or Fabric Glue
Needle
Scissors

Disclaimer: I cut the bows this length & width because it was the size of fabric I had left. You could totally make adjustments according to what you have.

Oh and don't judge me on the lighting differences on the photos. I gotta work around naps and bed time people.

Ok now that you got the goods lets get this party started.

for this next step I went and strung it on my mantle and spaced them out how I wanted before gluing them down. Not Necessary.

Now see. Simple fix right? From blah to Ahhhh!

Besides the new garland, I love that I can display some rad gifts I received. The "Be anxious for Nothing"framed print is from Shan

(she actually bought it because of this post. LOVE HER!)

and the yarn E is from sweet Dawna

Would love to see how yours turn out!

Also I'm linking up with Kimmie this week. Spread the love or link up yourself!

Out with the Old, In with the New

2012-01-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

This is how we rang in the new year...

so my parents let me borrow their Wii so we could play that Dance game. Here is a video of Kate and I trying it for the first time.

(definitely for your viewing pleasure)

let's just say we only did one more dance before changing into work out gear, moving the furniture and literally danced 2011 away

Happy New Year!

New Year. New Me.

2012-01-01T22:46:00.000-08:00

While packing up Christmas Sunday tears were shed. Tears of sadness for such a wonderful season coming to an end and then there were some of joy for a hard year finishing up as well. I will be on hundred percent honest when I say I was elated to ring in the New Year. To put 2011 behind me and to march forward in the New. Though 2011 brought us Vernon. The sweetest most precious baby boy.

It also brought heart ache, struggles and challenges beyond belief. Praise God for Micah and his tender heart towards me and his strength in leading this family whilst always seeking God's will for us first. He truly is such an amazing husband and am honored to be entering into a another year with him by my side.

All that being said I am ready for this year. I already have been able to see God working in me and transforming my heart for the better. He has softened my will so that HIS would be done. He has lifted the bricks that once laid across my chest which left me heavy laden for far too long. I thought by letting him lift those bricks from me I was abandoning all. My past. my failures. My insecurities. But realized I was so so wrong. Though I felt lighter from the load being lifted I held onto those bricks and one by one stacked them up to build a wall.

I hid behind it, it was safe for me. I could be happy with just my babies and Micah. No need to let anyone in. No one would understand. No one felt how I felt. Or so I thought. Feeding myself these lies only left me feeling alone and helpless. Though I called on God daily and dove into his good word, I wasn't receiving all that I could because of this wall I built up.

There was a moment. Where I just wanted to pack up. Just our little family. Move away. Far away. To a small town. Just be. Away from everything. Away from the things that took hold of my thoughts and fed my fears.

It was then that I realized that my thought process needed to change. I think it was this day... remember. I needed God to help me take my thoughts captive. To surrender all. In doing this I realized I needed to let him take my wall down. My guard down. My comfort zone was shaken. My hiding place should be in him, not behind the lies I fed myself. As each brick was removed, a piece of me was exposed. People could see in. This terrified me but then realized how much love there was for me. How my friends and family love me for who I am not this image I tried to be.

I have seen that the Truth will truly set you free. God's promises are real and that is enough for me.

There is already a glimpse of what God is working on for me this year and I'm excited to see where it will lead. New opportunities that have already been given. New friends. New adventures. And of course New Mercies everyday.

As most of you, I too have made new goals. Resolutions for the New Year. Besides actually folding the laundry this year and striving for a bit more patience I am in the process of opening my online store of embroidered and other sewn goodies. But most importantly my main resolution is to be grounded in Truth.

God's truth.

To not let words tangled in lies steal my joy or get me down.

This year I want to fill my heart. home. blog. with these truths.

Here I am 2012. Bring it.

John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth and the Truth will set you FREE."

unwinding

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Last week was full of love, family, gifts and so much more.

and though we enjoyed every minute

I was grateful to have a day with just us.

to be able to relax, and take in God's beauty at the beach.

to talk of this years events and looking forward to a New Year. With new goals in mind and reigniting old dreams.

This day was much needed for all of us.

Psalm 16:9 "My heart is glad and my glory rejoices, my flesh will REST in hope."

Holiday Happenings

2011-12-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Lots of photos Ahead

Have the last couple of weeks been a whirlwind of events for you as well? Besides both my plumbing and water going out the weekend before Christmas which just happened to coincide with the weekend that Micah was out of town, everything was Fa-La-La-La-Tastic.

Micah had flown out the weekend before to attend his sister's graduation for (drumroll please) her PhD.

Way to go Kristi!

He flew back home with his parents which kicked off our Christmas week. There was lots of balloon making by Papa, snuggling with Jammie, a day at the beach and a night at Downtown Disney. Lots of relaxing and shopping in between. As always, their stay was way too short and we all enjoyed every minute spent together.

Oh, and if you have a moment check out Elsie singing 12 days of Christmas while eating breakfast before taking them to the airport.

After we dropped them off at the airport I had less than 24 hours to prepare for the Holiday weekend and all its festivities. The Quiggle's were coming over for our traditional Quigsor Christmas Eve. This tradition started because we were Next Door neighbors for five years and didn't see any reason to break tradition after we moved and still keep at it. Lots of laughs, tons of gifts and many cherished moments is what make traditions such as these awesome.

The next morning was actually Christmas Morn, but almost forgot because I felt like we already had Christmas twice with the Ensors' and then the Q's. Elsie was so much fun and Vernon, well of course he had no idea what was going on but was so excited to open gifts nonetheless. No sooner than finishing breakfast and opening a few gifts from each other did my family show up with a truckload of gifts for all of us. At first I was overwhelmed but then realized they had brought gifts to us from my brothers and family in Michigan. Ok so I was still a little overwhelmed, but it was awesome!

Below is a video of Elsie waking up Christmas morn and opening her stocking

This video is of Vernon opening gifts. He was hilarious and would squeal every time we put something to unwrap in front of him. Pure joy this boy of ours.

Soon after opening gifts we all headed to my Aunts house for some more holiday cheer and got to catch up with my cousins and have my little ones blessed with more gifts from the Aunts and Uncles. It was a very full day of love and family!

Now its time to relax until the New Year weekend.

Happy Holidays!

Just what the Dr. ordered

2011-12-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

This past Friday Micah and I hosted his office Christmas party at our home. This meant twenty or so people would be here donning their cocktail attire in a kid free zone. Since it was a company thing with no kids allowed, we knew we couldn't have our two babes toddling around either. This put us in a predicament seeing how the only people who have watched Elsie overnight has been my parents and besides one time when she was 11 months old it has only been at our house, where she is in her own bed. We have yet to leave Vernon unless it was after both of their bed times and snuck out for a coffee or a bite. This being said it was a really big deal to have my parents come and pick up both littles and keep them for the night. Like HUGE. Even up until the day prior I tried canceling the party because I was a bit uneasy about the whole thing. I was made comfortable with the whole thing knowing that my dad took Friday off of work. My parents were so excited to be able to have them both at their house for the evening.

The night was a success and though we missed them terribly we loved having the next morning and day to ourselves until they brought them back to us.

sadly, this is the only pic of me from the party, you can't even see the fab dress and shoes I'm rockin'

We woke up from a sound sleep and went to breakfast at our fave spot in San Juan Capistrano. Ramos House. I have mentioned this place on more than one occasion, but I mean it is honestly some of the best food we have ever tasted.

We drove past this on the way to breakfast and Micah just about got into an accident when he saw it. I swear this made his weekend.

Well rested and ready to eat

this place is no joke

After eating, and taking our time doing so, we made our way to the beach and enjoyed the sand and the sound of the ocean waves until we just about fell asleep. Then we headed to Newport to shop for the last few items on our Christmas list.

We came home to a quiet house and cozied up on the couch to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" while we waited in anticipation for my parents to bring the babies home.

Just Plain Ugly

2011-12-08T22:14:00.001-08:00

There was a gathering of sorts for my ladies bible study group last night. We are on a Holiday break until the New Year but our leader suggested we get together during December for a fun fellowship night during our six week break. It went from "Getting together at a restaurant" to "meeting up at one of the gals house". From "Just bringing yummy treats and a small devotion" to a full blown Potluck and Ugly Sweater party!
I was super pumped at first. I mean not only were visions of Sugarplums dancing through my head but ones of the perfect sweater I would find if I could make time to go thrifting. Of course time did not permit and this momma started to panic as the week was approaching, that is until I remembered my Dearest Kate and her hubby had worn horrible sweaters in a Christmas Card they sent out. Actually it was this card below from a few years back.

I know, hilarious! So in remembering this catastrophe (because let's be honest, who could forget this picture) I called her up to see if she had something I could borrow. She did. And it wasn't her sweater, it was the gay apparel Josh was donning.
I added a few more holiday pins and made some last minute fabric bulb earrings to complete the look. Oh and I know I'm channeling Winnie Cooper with the headband and bangs but I had actually attempted the bangs Kate is rockin' in her photo card and just couldn't get it to look right so just curled them under instead.

Look at the details on the sleeves! Are you kidding me with this thing?!

It's okay, you can laugh. No one could take me serious throughout the evening. Even when I was giving Micah some notes on the babes before heading out the door said, "I can't take you seriously right now, stop talking and just go." HAHA!

Have you attended an ugly sweater party this year? I love seeing pictures of what people find or create.

Caught the BUG

2011-12-06T16:33:00.001-08:00

I literally just let out a big sigh knowing I have a few minutes to blog. It has been a bit crazy around here since Thanksgiving with both babies catching a virus of sorts. Whatever bug they caught wasn't pretty. It has been a nonstop SNOT-FEST over here. Not only has it been gross with all the green mucus everywhere but it has been exhausting to say the least. Of course right when the babies start to kick this thing after nearly TWO WEEKS, I wake up at 3:00 a.m. with a throat so sore I felt like I had swallowed hot coals. So now I caught the bug, and have literally been laying on the ground while my babies who apparently recovered and have more energy than the energizer bunny himself, have been crawling over me while I laid there like a slug.

Despite being cooped up with the sickos the past couple of weeks we didn't let that stop us from getting into the Holiday Spirit.

So here's some of the scenes from the past couple weeks. Oh and I have not one picture from Thanksgiving. Way to go me.

I stole this wonderful new tradition from my girlfriend Jenn

Basically you wrap up 24 Christmas stories and each night the kiddos unwrap one for a new story to read each night. We are saving The Night Before Christmas for the Eve of. The one we will have them open on Christmas Day is a special book we have that tells the story of Jesus's birth and why we give gifts to show our love.

So it is a Book Advent Calendar. I had about eight Christmas books on hand and then went to the library to check out 16 others. Micah and I wrapped all the books the last night of November so Elsie could unwrap her first on the 1st of December. She loves this, and gets so excited each night. Even more excited than opening the door on the Wooden House Advent Calendar that holds special treats each day.

Micah surprised me with this Advent on Dec.1st 2005, the year we bought our first house and celebrated our 3rd Christmas together as a Married Couple. I love this advent and always anticipate what treats will be waiting for me behind each door.

Greggy was here for a few weeks visiting from Michigan. We got to see him a few days during his stay and the babies loved every minute with him!

my little Grandma celebrated her 80th birthday. She isn't doing so well these days and her memory is starting to fade so we were grateful to be able to celebrate another birthday with her.

on top of his cold our Bubs has been teething like crazy leaving puddles of drool wherever he goes. Kind of like a snail. HAHA! Thankfully his two bottom teeth have popped though!

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful season, creating lots of new memories while continuing old traditions or starting new ones.

determined to be hopeful NOT hopeless

2011-11-22T16:01:00.001-08:00

I had hoped to post about last weeks happenings. But you know, life happened and was unable to do so.

I had hoped to post about Micah's birthday and our Disneyland Afterhours adventure.

I had hoped to post about my little brother Greggy flying in from Michigan to surprise the family. I had hoped to pick him up from the airport as planned but not only did the morning turn into a complete mess but my car wouldn't start and I no longer took part in the surprise.

I had hoped to attend church service this past Sunday. My Poor teething baby. Vernon's schedule was off and I stayed back to watch it via web. Again. For the third week in a row.

I had hoped for Vernon's nine month check up to go well but instead I left in tears because of the feelings brought on by the realization that he is behind on quite a few "skills" according to the nine month questionnaire

I wish I could say it didn't get to me, and that I know all babies develop differently, but it did. Greatly. and my heart was heavier because of it.

I had hoped that Elsie would be handling her big girl bed as beautifully as she did the first couple weeks, but she isn't. She is getting up multiple times during the night, and we are not used to this kind of thing from her.

I wish I could say I handled these long nights graciously with patience, but I haven't.

I had hoped that the Gingerbread Latte I ordered, after waiting in a twelve minute drive thru line with screaming babies in the back seat, was what I would receive. Instead I gulped a nasty swig of Egg Nog latte. This discovery wasn't made until I was well on my way home.

I wish my babies (even with all the teething & not staying in bed phases) would stay this little forever.

I hope that I will live closer to my friends again someday.

I hope to learn to pray without ceasing.

I hope to one day be a more virtuous woman. I am trying.

I had hoped that by my age I could take hold of my emotions rather then wear them on both sleeves.

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

and make wonderful memories with your loved ones.

I also hope you don't have a mister like this lurking around to devour your Thanksgiving Ham. If you have no idea what that is in reference to read Micah's post about that year here.

I hope you will all take the time to listen to this and be as blessed as I am every. single. time
I listen to it.

Psalms 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

Birthday Boy

2011-11-13T20:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to you

Happy birthday dear

MICAH

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to the most swell guy I know. Wishing you a day full of love and surprises. You deserve everything and more.

Micah, you are an amazing husband, father, friend, and son. You make me laugh when no one else can. You bring so much sunshine into my life. You are my best friend and wish I can give you everything you ever wanted. I hope you have the most splendorific day ever! I love you!

xoxo,
Your sapphire.

an offering of hope

2011-11-13T19:11:00.001-08:00

Mr. Fox

He was created for a very special event

Happening right now over here

Kimmie over at Sugar and Dots is hosting a HUGE raffle for Project Hope. If you haven't heard of this wonderful cause you should check it out here and read of sweet Laura's heartbreaking stories and what got her started on this venture here

This is one of those things that I can not personally relate to but have been touched by so deeply and can't help but get off my keester to help in any way possible. I encourage you all to check out the links above and to offer any LOVE you can. Any donation gives you a chance to win Mr. Fox and TONS of other amazing products by some of the most talented gals out there. Not only are your donations tickets towards winning loads of goodies but gives you an opportunity to take part in such a beautiful ministry that helps women in times of despair.

I am always amazed at how God always brings such beauty even during a time of pain and suffering. Though this is the season to buy, buy, buy it is also a time to Give and give again.

Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

bittersweet

2011-11-12T23:15:00.001-08:00

in less than two weeks Vernon will be 9 months old. In nine short months I learned my heart could love so much more than I ever thought it could. I found out that time really does slip through the grips of my hands, no matter how tightly I hold on. I also realized I haven't had a day with Elsie in that same amount of time.

I mean of course I see her everyday, interact with her, love on her. It is just all in between her baby brother's feedings and naps. There has been an occasional girls night to run and get a tasty treat together but no more than an hour or so.

I will be 100% honest. I miss it. You know, the me and her days. alot. You all know how obsessed I am about my lil' man and he will forever hold my heart, and though I love him more than words I still can't help but think of days past. It feels like just yesterday we were in Dana Point walking to my local coffee shop every morning, having our lunch at the baby beach or just lounging in the patio swing reading books. uninterrupted.

I somedays feel guilty for longing for quality time for just the two of us. As if my love for Vernon doesn't run as deep. But it does. He comes first. everyday. He is my baby. He still needs me so much. But Elsie doesn't understand that. And her cries to be held while I'm holding him breaks my heart. Her wanting me to sit and read while I feed him makes me sad. Not all days, but most.

I know she needs me too. Somedays more than he does. I mean she is a girl, MY GIRL after all so she of course will have days when she just wants to be held and sung to. I get her.

So that is why we did it. We had our cake and ate it too. Our special day. The one I have been wanting to do for months.

After a fabulous family breakfast we were Disneyland bound with no time restraints before us. Not only did we ride her fave rides multiple times, but we hugged Minnie, devoured churros, danced alongside the parade and casually coasted past her normal nap schedule. Not only was our day incredibly memorable but we topped it off by getting a hotel and snuggled together all night. Just her and I.

After check out and before heading home we shopped at Downtown Disney to find her a special souvenir to remember our special outing by. I knew it would be a Minnie Mouse of some sort. She picked out a ballerina Minnie Mouse and has held onto her since.

It's funny to me that even though I longed for this day and enjoyed every single second with her, I couldn't help but miss Vernon. So, so much. Does this momma thing every get easier with finding balance? I have no idea, but I do know that this is my calling. This is my life and I love these two precious beings more than anything and can't wait to create long lasting memories with each of them.

Psalm 127:3 "Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Movember

2011-11-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of this?

Last year was the first year I had heard of this fundraiser because of a friend who was part of the campaign.

Here is the low down.
"During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men."

How awesome is this? I mean after reading that statistics on prostate cancer and finding out that 1 in 6 men will get it made me a little sick to my stomach. That is a greater risk than us women getting breast cancer and yet we don't hear much about it.
After reading on the Prostate Cancer Foundation's website what an asset the Movember Fundraising is to their research I was even more proud of my husband for taking part of this campaign.

"Movember has initiated a growing international dialog on prostate cancer and men’s health and is an invaluable partner in energizing the global research enterprise for prostate cancer. Here in the U.S., unrestricted funding from Movember is helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation accelerate the world’s most promising research, enabling game-changing projects from whole genome sequencing and the development of innovative therapies. These will help men with advanced prostate cancer live longer, more productive lives than ever before.” - Dr. Jonathan Simons, CEO and President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Though what he is doing is admirable, I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of the stache. I know this a dream come true for Micah since he has been wanting to grow one for some time but due to corporate policy hasn't been able to have facial hair for about eight years.

So basically his office "no facial hair" policy has worked in my favor considering most mustaches, now I said most, not all, mustaches creep me out. Especially when they are on someone who shouldn't have one, like say... my hubby. He doesn't have the sketchy "should be driving a windowless van around schoolyards" type of look but more of a Magnum PI jumping out of helicopters look. Which ultimately cracks me up every time I look at him. I can take NOTHING he says seriously because it is just too comical. I love him, and love that he is raising money for this cause, but come Dec. 1st that Stache is Trash. Fo realz, it's gotta go.

Not only is his "new look" a good laugh but so is his team's name.

pretty snazzy huh?

Join the Sons, support the cause. Please feel free to donate any amount using the link below. What a great way to help in such a Noble cause.

Movember

Namesake

2011-11-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

Meet the Ribbles

Vernon Ribble was named after Micah's Papaw, Ribble Bristo. Both Mamaw and Papaw flew out here to meet his namesake. Bless their sweet hearts for making the trip to come visit. They are the most warm and loving people you will ever meet. I sometimes forget that they are Micah's grandparents and not my very own. Although they do treat me as if I am their very own. I have never felt more welcomed by anyone in my life as I have with these to wonderful people. This is the kind of thing when they say you not only fall in love with your spouse but their family as well, and it is so true with them. They are those grandparents that you just want to hug every time you walk by them.

Here Elsie is anxiously awaiting their arrival. I made the mistake in telling her they were coming not realizing they would land after her bed time and would head straight to their hotel. She still kept peeking every time she heard a car door.

Vernon loved bouncing on his great Papaw's knee.

Elsie was showing Papaw how to use the iPad

Fashionable as always, Mamaw was rockin' her silver glitter Toms. I heart her.

If she wasn't on one of their laps she was riding on Mamaw's walker. HAHA!

Generation shot with them all in their flat caps and plaid.

Mamaw's sparkle Tom's had Vernon up and crawling right towards them. He went right under the table just to get to them.

our mini Papaw

I almost couldn't post this picture because every time I look at it I instantly start to weep. I don't know why, it's just seeing my precious babies and their Great Grandparents touches my heart. This was just one of the best weekends with family. So much quality time and good laughs. Catching up and learning so much more about each other. I didn't want them to ever leave.

I truly am so thankful for these two in my life.

Thankful this Thursday

2011-11-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

well, not just this Thursday but everyday I am so Thankful for the many blessings I have received.

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I am forever thankful to be Loved a God that is so AMAZINGLY good. For Micah, being the most perfect helpmate a girl could ask for. He is truly the best.

For Elsie Pearl and her beautiful personality who literally makes me laugh out loud everyday. She is so fun.

For Vernon, oh my baby boy, he is just so precious and brings so much more joy into my life.

For my wonderful family. I am so thankful to have so much love coming from all sides of the spectrum. Both mine and Micah's families are so wonderful.
My friends, oh man my friends. They are awesome. I love the people that have been brought into my life. People that have stayed close for years and even those who were there for a glimpse and left an impression on my heart and will always remain in my memories.

I know that these are normal everyday life stuff that we ALL are pretty much thankful for. But I really truly am thankful for all these things.
But there are little, not extraordinary things, but simple treasures in life that I do enjoy and I am so thankful for. Things like yummy coffee drinks. A tasty latte from any coffee shop can always give me a perfect pick me up when I need it.

umm has anyone else tried the salted caramel mocha from Starbucks? yum. but only for a very special treat

The Wonder Years on instant watch through Netflix. I have been asking for this DVD set since our first year of marriage, but due to licensing mumbo jumbo it never was released and now here it is at just a click of a button away. This show is pure nostalgia for me and kind of brings me back to my happy childhood days. (please note, we don't have TV and I'm not a big show/movie watcher, so understand this being available to watch literally had me jumping up and down with happy tears in my eyes)

Pinterest, I mean talk about a crafters dream! Although I really limit my time on this site because you know jumping on there to find a quick tutorial can turn into hours of pinning!

Trader Joe's. Can I get an Amen for Trader Joe's and all their deliciously simple meals, snacks and sauces they have, that are not only affordable but healthy as well! Seriously they have been a life savor for this momma who needs quick fix meals most of the time.

But right now at this moment I'm beyond thankful for my mom. Even after spending her morning having her pre-op done for her upcoming gallbladder surgery next week she came over (with discomfort and pain) to watch Elsie while I took care of Vernon who has had a fever of 104 degrees on and off for the last 24 hours due to a viral infection. Poor little guy has been so uncomfortable and weepy it just breaks your heart. She was a major life savor and Elsie was so excited to have her here while I rocked her baby brother in the back room.

Can I also be thankful for infant's tylenol? Whew, that has helped a lot!

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...and yes I posted this while my sweet sick boy fell asleep on my chest.

Learning

2011-11-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

I feel the Lord has been teaching me so many things these past few ~~weeks~~ months. As I've mentioned in previous posts I've been having a rough season, and as I'm going through it and still learning from it, I'm not 100% comfortable sharing about it, right now.

Not only am I learning new things about myself and figuring out who I am and who I want to be, I am also learning so many other things.

I'm learning that I am literally growing to love this man and all his silliness more and more everyday. I didn't think I could love him more than I already did, but through this season of life I realized I was wrong. He is so amazingly good to me.

I'm learning I'm kind of obsessed with ruffles. A bit too much.

I'm learning that Vernon will never be allowed to leave home. He is a momma's boy through and through. And I can't get enough of his squishiness.

I'm learning to except things. Embrace things. To trust God even more and worry less.

Like take Elsie for example. My shy little Pearl. I have worried about so many of her tendencies... until now.

She took almost two years to actually go into church day care and like it. (I was worried she never would) She is incredibly uncomfortable taking pictures, especially when pressured. She will probably most likely not look at you when first introduced and may take an hour to warm up to you if not longer. She doesn't like to be pressured or rushed for anything and will instantly break out in tears even if you're just encouraging her to throw a bean bag at an oversized Goliath at the church's halloween festival. This is who she is.

I don't have to get frustrated with her for not smiling and saying hi. For scowling in almost every picture during every professional photo shoot we've done. For crying instantly when I say "come on baby, let's go we have to hurry" because she gets frazzled on being rushed. I'm learning she is tender-hearted. Sensitive. Loving. Kind and obedient.

These other things will pass and if they don't it's who she is. Not only do I want her to embrace who she is but I need to do the same.
Because here I am at 29 years of age just learning for the first time to do that for myself.

It is amazing to me that while I'm learning who my children and myself are becoming God knew this whole time who and what we would become.

Jerimiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."

He knows our thoughts, desires and every need.

Psalm 139

He makes everything work together for our good.

Romans 8:28 "And we know all things work together for the good to them that Love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

I'm learning to tuck these promises in my heart and to fall back on them when I feel uncertain about my life.

Through my bible study this week I learned that through the ups and downs the believer may go through we cannot always control our circumstance, but we can and must control our perspective and the way we handle what comes our way.
It is maintaining a steadfast focus on God feeding our minds on His word that brings about the inner change we need to rise to the occasion.

I'm learning that while waiting on God to come to our aid we must praise him.
And that praise allows a change of heart and a chance to grow.

Repurposing Halloween Candy

2011-10-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I still get really excited for Halloween candy. The mini sized bags are perfect for a yummy treat without going overboard. Plus my babies are still too little for me to worry about sugar consumption or anything like that.
Also, we are still potty training so bring on the Smarties and Tootsie Rolls people! (that is what we give Elsie as her "reward")

Last year was a bit overwhelming with the amount of candy we had come in, I will admit that, only because I had no idea Disneyland's Halloween fest was going to give out truckloads of candy! But the candy I wasn't able to pass out or rid of through Micah's office I turned into yummy snacks.
So after the kiddos go to bed this year don't rush to the trash can to dump the junk but instead whip up something yummy using all of the stuff you want to rid of.

For example using all the chocolate candy bars you can make quite a few incredible treats, some even good enough to have with your Thanksgiving Feast.
First up is one of my FAVE recipes. So delish and it only has three ingredients. THREE!

Candy (bar) Apple Salad

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Snickers
4 Tart Apples (chopped into bite size bits)
1 8oz Frozen Whipped topping

Smash up the snickers into little chunks then blend with apples and whipped topping. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for later.

I've never made this next recipe but wanted to last year and am determined to this year because Micah loves Butterfinger anything and his birthday is in like two weeks. So I'm crossing my fingers I get tons of butterfingers tonight.

Butterfinger Cupcakes

Recipe and more tempting pics found at this lovely blog here

And then I'll leave the rest of the recipes up to the professionals over at Real Simple where they have 10 fab recipes using leftover Halloween candy.

This one I am making for sure

York Peppermint Pattie Brownies, yes please!

I'm expecting a lot of this after the loads of candy from tonight. But since we are heading to our church's Fall Festival maybe it won't be so bad...maybe.

Apple Pie Roll-ups

2011-10-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

Considering the mood from my previous post I will keep this one very *ahem* light.

This actually coincides with my last post because I picked up this easy peasy recipe from the Bible Study that night along with a few other baking tips.

I am very excited to share this with you. It is just so darn simple even the kiddos can pull up a stool and help make them as well.
What you will need is:

apples
pie crust
cinnamon and sugar

Yup, that's it folks. I was not joking about how simple these are.

Now you can make your own pie crust, or if you are still recovering from the previous day you can opt out and purchase pre-made pie crust. I also bought Trader Joe's Caramel Fleur de Sel (salted caramel dipping sauce) Uh-my-Goodness you need to go buy some of this if it isn't already in your cupboard.

Now roll out, roll out, roll out (me and my hommies, so drop that...Ludacris, anyone? ) So anyway back to this, roll out your pie crust and using a pizza cutter or knife cut the dough into eighths. Sprinkle (or coat) with some cinnamon and sugar.

Place an apple slice at the top part of each triangle and roll it up. Sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar or just roll it in the sugar mixture (wink) and place on a greased baking pan.

Now here you can melt some butter and drizzle it onto each roll up (I'm nodding my head up and down and saying yes as I type that)

Or just leave it as is (yawn) because I mean after all you do have that Carmel dipping sauce you are going to dip them in after, but what the heck, I can do both. Right? Right?

Bake for 10 minutes @ 450 and let cool for about ten minutes.
I strongly advise you to wait until they cool, no matter how good they look. Because you will be tempted to eat one right away but I'm hoping you have more self control than me and don't go biting into one right after you remove it from the oven which had my mouth tasting like fire for about 5 minutes.

So that is it. Dip it in caramel sauce, serve it with vanilla ice cream or just eat it as is.

These are a perfect play date treat. You can have apple slices for the littles while you and your other gals enjoy the pie bites.

Elsie loves tea parties so she was so excited to use the cup and saucer for this snack. Except she didn't care for the carmel and asked for Peanut Butter. Whose daughter is she?

This tasty treat will also be great for any Halloween parties you have this weekend or any other type of holiday gathering. Trust me, you will have to make a lot because they will be gone in seconds. I already have to make more just so Micah doesn't think I ate all of the first batch I made from last night. Which I did...

The Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake that could

2011-10-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

I had originally intended this to be a step by step tutorial (with pictures) on how to make these scrumptious mini pumpkin cheesecakes, but there was so much that happened in between and after that well, the pumpkin cheesecake has a supporting roll in this post, actually it is more like a walk on extra with a one line bit.

I had recently been going back and forth on whether I should attend my upcoming bible study which was actually a night of fellowship and getting to know one another rather than an actual study. This should have been a no brainer for me seeing as how I have been praying to meet new people in my area, and longing for a "community" of friends near by.
I was still undecided the day of but went ahead and thought I would make the dessert I signed up for just in case I changed my mind and decided to go.
Side note: I still have been having a rough go and haven't felt myself, hence the head games I was playing on whether or not I should even go.
As noted I had a really rough week and the day of study was no different, even worse actually. I'd go as far as saying one of the worst emotional days I have had in awhile.
I planned my day accordingly to be able to bake the dessert and not be stressed but regretted the minute I started prepping that I had signed up for a dessert because I always put so much pressure on myself to make something amazing because baking has always been my "thang". In reality these days being a momma and trying to be a good one is my new "thang"
This should've been an easy recipe. All I was doing was tweaking my regular recipe and adding pumpkin, adding cinnamon to the homemade whipped cream and toasting some praline pecans for topping.

Again this should have been easy until you factor in me being extremely emotional, nursing and feeding Vernon, potty training (and with that running to the potty every 5 minutes!!), dropping Don off at the groomers, lashing out at my precious baby girl for having another accident and then feeling so guilty you cry with her for about an hour, all the while feeding myself horrible thoughts of self doubt and what a horrible mother I am.
Oh and then when I feel my day couldn't become any more of a sob fest Elsie is complaining about her lady parts which would explain her frequenting the potty every few minutes and me realizing she may have a UTI. So now my guilt is immeasurable and I can't stop crying as I call the doc only to be told I need to bring her in at their next appt slot.
Oh did I mention that with Elsie's second accident (the one when I yelled at her) was when I burnt the first batch of cheesecakes, because I was cleaning up the mess, starting a laundry load from the accident and trying to get Vernon to go back to sleep from all the commotion.
You would think that after returning from her Dr. appt that I should of just quit while I was ahead and stayed home but Micah thought it would be good for me to get out of my element and prayerfully have my spirits lifted, so to speak.
I fought against every ounce of my soul to get in the car and actually go. But I knew if I stayed home I would lay on Micah's chest and wallow in my own self pity. And to be honest, I was tired of crying.
So while throwing on clothes I set my KithchenAid to mix up the whipped cream and toasted the pecans in the oven while the second batch of cheesecake bites chilled in the fridge.
Fast-forward to me pulling into the church parking lot ready to get out when I realize I left both the whipped cream and topping at home.

ARRRRRE YOU KIDDING ME?!

Now is where you think I would've put the car in reverse and drove home. But nooooo, I fought with myself about bringing in these gross naked looking bits of dessert convincing myself that they won't notice they need a topping even though there is a 1/4"gap from cake to top of cupcake liner.
So after I muster up enough strength to hold back my tears I get out of the car, I walk about five steps before the handle of my platter snaps and my little cursed pumpkin bits go flying all over the parking lot.
I literally yelled out loud "Really Lord, Really?"
As I looked down at this tragedy, two beautiful sweet gals walked up behind me and helped me pick them all up assuring me that they were still fine and threw away the ones that actually touched the ground. Mind you, I am crying. Not tears only crying but like a crazy person laughing, then crying and then laughing again because I can't believe this just happened and I told them that because the desserts were so ugly that it was for the best that they had fallen. And just as I stood up with every intention of walking back to my car and heading home one of the gals said "good thing there is so much room between the cheesecake and the top of the liner or else none of them would be edible, but not one actually touched the ground."
There it was. That reminder. The light. What I needed in the midst of my darkness. Shining through so evident that I knew at that moment I desperately needed to be at this service. I didn't want to, but my soul couldn't deny the pull. So I walked in, handed my disastrous tray off to the hospitality women and sat down for a fun food prep presentation which wrapped up and went into a time of worship.

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(this image is so beautiful, isn't it)

Real Worship. Like where you have no breath left to sing and a heart that is aching, so all you can do is lift your arms with opened hands to the one true great healer. Knowing that if I open my mouth to sing I would have been a blubbering mess. Yeah, it was that kind of worship.
Then a guest speaker gave her testimony which only convicted and challenged me in such a good way that my burdens felt instantly lifted and knew what I needed to do. From this day forward. Is pray. Without ceasing.
This beautiful speaker was followed by the one of the best dinners and company that I have had in a long time. To think it was with a bunch of gals I hardly knew. I don't think I have laughed that hard, and had been that honest in months. MONTHS!
God knew exactly what my heart needed. He knew what I needed to learn. He knew. HE knew.
And though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I now know that they are just shadows which can't harm me, only my fear of them can and will keep me from achieving greater things HE has planned for me. HE is with me and I need not to fear.
So yes my day ended well, and if I had it to do over I would... so very differently. In those times of weakness, I would've prayed, when the frustrations at hand seemed to hard to handle, I would've prayed.

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And though sometimes I feel like what I'm going through is so much smaller than what other people are dealing with, I will still pray. Pray to be freed, to have my heart be filled with HIS great love and know that my big may seem small to others but not to Him. He feels my pain and can comfort me. And with that knowledge my heart is already so much lighter.
...but because of these pumpkin cheesecakes my weight will be anything but that.
But like I say,

"No day is complete without a tasty treat."

and on this day my friends, I had plenty.

Pumpkin Carving Night

2011-10-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am an any Holiday type of girl. I just love decorations, traditions, yummy foods that pertain to each holiday but experiencing all of that with your babies makes it a whole lot more special. I love creating memories with my loves.

We had put Elsie in a pumpkin around the same age so we had to do the same with Vernon. See that very old post here.

If you do checkout that old post take note that I am wearing the exact same apron two years later for the same thing. I am now deeming it my Pumpkin Carving Apron.