a punk, a pumpkin and a peanut

a day in the life

2012-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

the boys requested pancakes and I was happy to oblige.

all we had was pumpkin pancake mix, but they didn't mind.

off to preschool. check ya.

a very suspenseful episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, it appears.

trains, trucks, cars, helicopters, airplanes = two happy little dudes.

nick surprised us by coming home early and meeting us at preschool for a little b-ball.

and that meant I had time to run a bazillion errands on my own.

valentines shopping

picking up a few groceries, including the supplies for this valentine's breakfast.

dinner's in.

dinner's eaten.

dishes done.

oh the drama. real housewives of wherever: guilty pleasure.

finishing up valentines for lute's class.

my husband's response: "you know he's only 4 1/2, right? couldn't you just buy them?"

does he even know me?

happy valentine's day, lovies! spread some joy!

weird

2012-02-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

That's what most of my weekend was: weird.
Only to me, though. My mom and dad took two of the boys for an overnight so I could paint
their room.
So I only had one kid. It was kind of surreal.
We took him to the zoo and he ran around like a wild monkey.
He and I ventured alone to the library, and we actually went unnoticed by the other patrons.
I have gone the entire weekend without running a load of dishes.
Weird.

I guess he thought so, too.

He reveled in his alone time.
Nobody he had to share with...
...his dump truck or loaders or lollipops or mama.
It was all his, all the time.
We snuggled up to watch Jungle Book and about ten minutes in,
he turned to me, threw his arms around my neck and said,
"I just love mama."
It's hard not to get a little teary about something like that.

Reentry has not been totally smooth for the brothers.
They missed each other, I suppose,
but they've managed 14 wrestling matches in the last three hours,
screamed at each other for turns with trucks, trains and Buzz...
but they've also sung together, giggled, eaten their lollipops,
and played To Infinity and Beyond (a very unfortunate game involving leaping from
couch to chair and back again).
I think they feel a little incomplete without each other.

Parenting only one might be easier, and there might be less dishes to do,
but it is not nearly as entertaining (or panic-inducing).
I am happy my family is whole again.
And now off to do some dishes...

a little update

2012-02-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make it just a bit easier for those of you who would like to help out with the Joyful Life Library.

You will be making such a sweet difference for the children and families who are in the PICU at Children's Hospital.

Will you take just a moment and look at their wish list?

If you choose a book and add it to your cart, the shipping info is already included

and will be mailed directly to them.

{click here to see the list}

And don't forget! For every purchase, you can enter to win

this circle scarf from Lovely Little Whimsy!

The opportunity to purchases closes Sunday evening.

Thanks for taking the time to brighten the day of someone who needs it!

getting organized

2012-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all, you probably know that I am not super organized.
I love the idea of everything having its own (cute) place,
knowing where everything is,
and not fearing that someone is going to peek in a closet and get all judgy.
I have the best of intentions, but they don't usually pan out.
But, since 2012 is the year of gettin' organized up in here, I found a little inspiration to get me going:

Source: marthastewart.com

Source: cafecartolina.blogspot.com

Source: pennycarnival.typepad.com

Source: lovelydesign.blogspot.com via Carina on Pinterest

Source: thejoyefuljourney.blogspot.com

Source: thecraftersfilebox.com

A basement stairwell pantry is brilliant to me.
Book organization is a must. (I only worry a little that my boys would use the book slings as climbing apparatuses).
A gorgeously organized sewing nook, I'll take it.
Jewelry in one lovely location would make my husband love me more, and if it's cute, well... I'm happy.
Getting all of the art supplies within easy reach and manageable containers would make me less inclined to run for the hills every time our giant crayon tub is overturned onto the dining room floor (approximately 12 times a day).

I love lovely organized spaces, and with small manageable goals, I think I can do it.
Maybe.

{Don't forget to check the post below and help us help the Joyful Life Library and win a super cute scarf!}

the joyful life library and a giveaway

2012-02-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

I am really excited to tell you guys something.
I am having a book party and you are invited!
Now, that might not sound all the exciting, but it really is.
Have you met Heather from Life Made Lovely?
She is an inspiration to me in so many ways. She is determined to make this world just a little lovelier
and she started the Joyful Life Library.

If you don't know what that means, I hope you'll take some time to read her story.
It is touching and inspiring. She has taken heartache and turned it into hope.
She has started collecting books for libraries in PICUs across the country in different Children's Hospitals
in honor of the sweet life of her little boy Samuel.
That's where you come in.
This week my sister and I are having an Usborne book party at my house.
I wish you could come, because I am making cookie dough brownies and serving Sangria.
If that doesn't sound like the perfect end to a long day, I don't know what.
So, maybe you can't make the jaunt over here (sad).
The great thing is, you can buy books all week long through this link.
Here is what God put on our hearts while we were party planning:
We wanted to open it up to all of you.
Buy a book or two for the Joyful Life Library that is in the works for the Children's Hospital in Hawaii
through the link and bring a little love into the lives of children and families who need
those still quiet moments of normal in the midst of hardship.
And guess what? For every book you buy, you get a chance to win something from me!
I am giving away an infinity scarf to one generous soul once all the purchases have been made.

How do you do it?
Just click the link, buy some books, and ship them to:

Kapi'olani Chilldren's Hospital

1319 Punahou Street

Attn: Ashley Sutherland, Child Life Playroom

Honolulu, HI 96826

United States

Please be sure to include the (Attn: Ashley) line so they go straight to the Joyful Life Library.
Then come back here and let me know about it!

{buy books here}

The cool thing is, the more books that are sold this week, the more credit we get to buy more books, and we're going to share a good portion of that credit with the library.
Children's Hospital is close to my heart for so many reasons. They've done a lot for me.
And they are doing endless amazing things for some pretty amazing kids every single day.
Will you help and will you spread the word?
You will bless so many!

the girl behind the blog

2012-02-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

I was not going to do it.

And then I was.

And then I wasn't.

And then I did.

The cute ladies of 5ohWifey and Captivated by Grace are hosting a super fun blog party.

Everyone is invited to make a video to introduce

The Girl Behind the Blog.

I was nervous, I am nerdy, but you probably already know that.

So, here it is!

(I swore I wouldn't be able to talk for 2-3 minutes, but I could have talked for 10.

Soooo, this is the edited version.)

Will you go be awkward like me?

I want to meet you!

two great days

2012-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a good one.
The sun was shining all over the place and the temps were downright springlike. Because of the dang 10K my sister made me sign up for against my will, I actually got out and went running. I daresay I even liked it. And I started mapping out running routes around my house. I don't know who I am anymore.

I also had an amazingly successful thrifting excursion with my new bloggy friend, Erika over at Rouge and Whimsy! It was my first time meeting a blog friend in real life, and I have to say, she really is as cute as can be and she led me to a treasure of thrift store goodness. In one trip I found the two dressers I've been searching weeks for, a frame to make some pinterest dreams come true, and Anthropologie mugs that match some that I already have. They still had their $10 price tags on them, and I picked them up for $1.99. Stop.

Nick was more than thrilled about the dresser situation, since I sold ours over a week ago and I have a massive pile of clothes at my bedside. (Sometimes this happens even with a dresser, who am I kidding?) I came home and told him how excited I was to paint everything and he was like, "Awesome! Go buy paint right now." And then I came home to three dressers and a bookshelf in the driveway, ready to go.
Maybe he knows I am a procrastinator?

Speaking of Nick, he let me sleep in two days in a row, took the boys to ride their bikes for a full afternoon, and even cleaned the entire kitchen and dining room this morning.
I don't deserve him.

Then today we spent the evening with my parents and my sister and brother in law and my cute, squishy niece. People watched football, but I mostly ate wasabi almonds because they're amazing. And I held that baby, and played a little hopscotch with my boys.
Football, schmootball.
I love hanging out with my family. Not only because they are awesome, but because they love my boys to pieces and entertain them for hours. All weekend I have heard approximately 483 times, "We go to Gwama an' Papa's house now... right, Mama?"
So, the feeling is mutual.

I've also been thinking and dreaming of my baby all day every day.
Still no word, but we have peace in our hearts that at just the right time we'll get that happy call.

And speaking of adoption, there is a very sweet little girl and her family who need your prayers. Will you swing by and meet Pie and say a prayer for them?

I hope your weekend was lovely, too!

foodie friday: {healthy quinoa stuffed poblanos}

2012-02-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

I was a vegetarian for ten years. The thought of any kind of meat totally grossed me out.

Then one night, after way too much deliberation, I went back to the other side with a big plate of chicken nachos.

Then bacon.

And burgers.

And now it's a rare night around here without it.

But I still love a good vegetarian meal... and this is one of them.

I came up with this recipe after I'd seen one similar in Cooking Light, but it involved

tomato sauce, pumpkin seeds and soy sauce and that sounded too weird, even for me.

My husband loved this dinner, and that's saying a lot coming from he who loves steak.

You need 2 cups of cooked quinoa. I love red more than regular, but either works.

And I make it in my rice cooker. Easy peasy!

Saute 1/2 an onion, one bell pepper and a clove or two of garlic in some olive oil.

When those are tender (takes about 5 minutes), add in two green onions for another minute.

Throw everything on top of your quinoa, along with 1/2 cup sharp cheddar and 1 cup salsa.

Slice, clean and seed four poblanos.

Every cooking show I've seen involving poblanos tells you they are mild.

Either they are lying or I got a hot batch. (And I looooove spicy.)

So what I am saying is, leave some seeds if you like it spicy, but please oh please don't touch them before they're cooked, or you might end up with a Lightning McQueen ice pack on your hands throughout dinner.

Stuff each pepper with about 1/3 cup of the quinoa mixture and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Pull them out, top each with another tablespoon of cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy!

And for those of you who care, one serving (2 halves), only has about 300 calories.

AND this whole thing only took about 15 minutes to prep, so it's quick, easy and impressive.

Quick and Healthy Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos

serves 4

4 poblano peppers

2 cups cooked quinoa

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 green onions, sliced

1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (I used 2%)

1 cup salsa

salt, if needed

Saute yellow onion, pepper and garlic in olive oil for five minutes, or until tender.

Add in green onion and cook for another minute or two.

Add sauteed vegetables to quinoa, along with salsa and 1/2 cup of the cheese.

Clean and seed poblanos (with care) and arrange on a cookie sheet.

Stuff each pepper with 1/3 cup of quinoa mixture. (You'll have extra, and it's delicious on its own!)

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, then top with 1 tablespoon of cheese per pepper

and bake for another 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

so blessed and so humbled

2012-02-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from a sweet blogger, Danielle.
She told me that she had a gift she wanted to send my way.
I was touched that she'd thought of me and looked forward with curiosity
to its arrival.
Less than a week later a small box appeared on my doorstep.
Inside was an absolutely lovely handmade scarf and two notes.

Danielle started her ministry nearly four years ago, creating handmade

scarves and hats for people in need, whether physical or spiritual: she and her

cousin pray for each person as they create little pieces of loveliness.

Both of them wrote me the sweetest, most encouraging notes about

their prayers for our family as we pursue adoption.

They both told me they were encouraged and blessed by our trips to

feed the homeless and wanted to share something with me in return.

I was so humbled, and felt so blessed.

Honestly, the package could not have come at a better time.

I was feeling exasperated by the all of life's little things,

feeling a little discouraged about the adoption wait,

ready for a break, feeling sorry for myself, and

all that total nonsense.

God knew. And He used these two lovely ladies to bless me.

To bless my family.

So thank you, Wendy and Danielle. You are both rockstars!

And we're praying for you, too :)

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love.

I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan,

which is Christ himself.

Colossians 2:2

i heart mail

2012-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love getting a fun little package in the post?So when I heard about the new year blogging party and gift exchange,I signed myself right up!And I am so glad I did because I got to meet the very lovely Miss Lauren from Pink on the Cheek.She loves shopping - especially at Target (holler),her cute pup, and is an amazing artist!Go give the girl a visit.But first check out the love she sent me!

hairbands, knee socks (I'm a sucker for knee socks), cozy gloves and

bracelets in my favorite colors. The cutest.

and the gloves? They have touchscreen fingertips. What now?

So 2012.

Thanks, Lauren! You're the best ever.

My house is fah-reezing right now, so I am going to keep the gloves on.

Love!

beauty product favorites: the basics

2012-01-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

I love my job.

Besides mothering the little guys,

I've been doing hair and makeup for the last six years.

I do a lot of weddings.

It is an awesome excuse to try fun new products

and experiment to find just the right fit.

Truth be told, I only spend about three minutes on my makeup

in the morning, which is actually enough time

to look presentable and I have found a few products

that are perfect basics. Like, I can't live without 'em.

The bonus is I can get most of them at Target,

but enough of them give me a reason to venture to

Sephora. It's like a candy store in there.

Minus the chocolate.

They should really work on that.

Anyway, here are my favorite everyday wears.

concealer

This is a bare necessity in my book.

It can instantly make you look bright eyed and bushy tailed, and I need that most mornings.

The first - Time Balm - is a little on the pricey side, but it lasts forever and is

honestly the very best concealer out there. Plus it's anti-wrinkle. Done.

The second - from Sonia Kashuk - is also great. It's half the price, and it does the job.

Plus it has a few colors and a little pressed powder, so it can really save the day

when you need a little freshening up.

face

I have been using these bareMinerals for five years and I love them.

The basic mineral foundation is nice and light and it has spf.

The blush - in glee - is the perfect shade.

I've tried other products and other colors, but I am sticking with this.

Again, kinda pricey, but they last a really long time.

eyes

I am not lying when I say I have tried just about every mascara out there.

I have spent $26 on a tube of mascara, and yeah, it was great mascara.

But it seriously wasn't better than good ol' Great Lash, which you can score

for about 4 bucks. Every time I try a different kind, I am like

"why, Carina, WHY did you spend your money on that?"

Also, eyeliner. Maybelline Expert Eyes, around 5 bucks.

I've spent more on "better" brands and they don't do anything magical.

This stuff works and I love it.

lips

I am not big on lipstick or anything heavy.

I also don't like anything sticky or overly shiny.

So, this is my go to everyday. In fact, mine is almost gone and that makes me sad.

Neutrogena MoistureShine: kind of like lipgloss meets chapstick.

Love.

finishing

I never would have known such a thing existed except that all of

the cute girls in beauty school swore by this and so I bought it.

That was seven years ago and I still love it.

MAC Fix+ finishing spray.

It's like a vitamin water mist that sets your makeup for the day.

I especially love it because when you use mineral makeup,

you can look a little powdery... here is the solution!

The best part of all of the above? It really does only take three minutes.

Oh, and just a note: none of these companies paid me to review their products,

but I'd totally let them.

Please?

determined

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

I could pin my life away.
Maybe I am pinning my life away.

source

Anyway, I am bound and determined to put all of this time I've invested
into action.

I've even started a pin board for the things I've actually accomplished (successfully).
Okay, so most of them are food.
We like to eat around here, it's true.
And I am not even kidding about the salsa recipe on there.
Make it immediately, I am telling you.

Next up is the kids rooms and I have pinned about 483 inspiration images.
(I need to reign it in, I know.)
Anyhoo, let me leave you with this.
Super easy, super cute, and a sure crowd pleaser...
my boys could barely contain themselves long enough for me to take a photo :)

Happy Sunday, folks!
The day of rest and many, many pancakes.

love ain't easy... and a challenge

2012-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Things have not exactly been easy lately.

Nothing in particular has happened... it's more like what hasn't happened.

"The days are long, but the years are short," has never been

truer than in the last few weeks.

I find myself short on patience, I don't hear kindness in my voice.

I am not doing things in love.

It's easy to brush it off and say that I can't expect myself to be

"on" all the time. That being a mother is hard work,

and don't I deserve to just feel the way I feel?

But then I think...

what am I teaching my children with my life?

I spend all the day long telling them the difference between right and wrong,

but what are they learning by what they see?

Lately, I can for sure tell you they are not learning patience.

Or kindness. Or gentleness.

I have been a burnt out, tired out, ready for a drink break mama.

Sometimes I catch myself resenting my kids for needing me.

Like they chose to be my kids or something.

And when I catch myself I feel a pang of guilt.

I remember that they are my beloveds,

that they need me not only to make their sandwiches

and tie their shoes

and wipe their noses,

but they need me to

watch them ride their bikes just to praise them for their speed,

to rub their backs before they go to sleep,

to laugh at their silliness,

to dance with them,

to make funny faces...

to engage.

To love.

A week or so ago I was catching up on a blog or two, when I happened upon

The Gentleness Challenge.

These ladies are challenging us to approach our children

with a spirit of gentleness,

and to eliminate the harsh.

It was timely. My heart was convicted, and I have thought about it

every single day since.

If I am in step with the Spirit, He will provide the love,

joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

that I need to function on a daily basis.

That I need to nurture and grow my amazing,

loving, sweet, tender boys.

Will it be easy?

Heck, no.

But it's possible. It's possible to give it over, to sacrifice,

to be different, to worship God and love my children

with my words and actions.

I am definitely going to need His help to do it,

but I can't think of anything better.

{diy}: valentine's wreath

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Last week was crazy town around here when the city was covered in six inches of snow,

then another inch of ice. And then a little more snow.

My city doesn't deal well with winter weather...

So there was a serious case of cabin fever happening up in here.

It was time to get crafty.

I pulled out all of our art supplies and let the boys go to town.

I didn't want to be left out of the fun!

So I came up with this little bit of cheer to brighten things up a bit.

Here's what you need:

My wreath was 7 1/4" in diameter. I used my kids washable paint, but any paint would work.

First up, paint your hearts. I mixed all my colors with a little white to give them the look of "conversation hearts".
I think they'd also be so cute modpodged with a scrappy fabric.
While they're drying, grab your wreath and yarn.

Wrap your yarn around and tie a knot, and then start wrapping until your entire wreath is covered.

(again, this you could use fabric scraps instead. cute.)

This is a good time to catch up on 30 Rock while you wrap.

Now that your hearts are dry, grab a couple of paper doilies, your white paint and a brush and go to town stenciling. Precision is of zero importance. Just have fun!

Since I used washable paint I had to spray them with this:

but if you start with acrylic paint, or even craft paint, you should be ok without it.

Or you can do a quick coat of mod podge!

(remember: homemade mod podge is CHEAP and it's just watered down glue.)

Start gluing! I used fabric glue, but hot glue would also work well.

Once all your cute little hearts are in place, press them down and wait until it's good and dry.
Then grab a strip of fabric, some twine or matching yarn,
tie a loop around your wreath and
voila!

Quick and easy, and so fully of cheery Valentine goodness.

Have fun and happy creating!

seven pretty things on a sunday

2012-01-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

There is a fun little blog party happening today and everyone

is sharing the pretty things that

are inspiring them this week.

This week it's all about projects.

My husband cleared a space in the basement for me to create my very own craft corner.

Have I mentioned he's the best ever?

{source}
Wouldn't this be the sweetest little work space?

Just think of all the fun things I could create!

{source}

How perfect is this little t-shirt makeover?

This is definitely doable.

{source}

Not sure my skill set is up to this piece of lovely, but a girl can try.

And it would be amazing with that tee!

{source}
Someday there will be a little lady around here,
and she is going to need one of these tops.
I know just the person to make it if it proves to be more than I can muster.
(Yep, talking to you, Mom.)

{source}
Thinking about babies and bedrooms. The boys are consolidating into one room,
we need a nursery before the baby arrives...
that means I have a lot of room design on the brain.
This sign is a for sure. And how lovely are these colors?

{source}
I can just see this bit of cuteness in my girl's room.

{source}
These hearts make me happy.
I am all about Valentine's Day this year,
and this is the perfect project to do with my boy!

What is inspiring you this week?

grow your blog or shop!

2012-01-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

interested in sponsoring us as we grow?

want to promote your space?

sponsoring is all new in 2012!

email me for details

x-large 200x300 (one available): $8

large 200X200: $5

small 200X100 $2.50

button design: $4

x-large space: solo feature and giveaway

large spaces: group feature and giveaway option

small spaces: group feature

adoption: more of our story

2012-01-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

It's been forever since I've written some of our story, and I wanted to jump back in where I left off last May. I want to remember the details, especially before we get wrapped up in the details of the next (no word yet, by the way. still praying for our girl!).

When we got the call that we'd been chosen for a baby, we were elated. Like, over the moon, butterflies, giddy excited. We called our families and friends and announced that we'd be bringing home a baby boy in a month's time. I went through baby clothes, we set up the crib, looked into places to stay and planned and prepped for his arrival.

One sunny June morning we took Lute to the zoo to see the cows. He is all about exotic animals, you know. We knew our caseworker would be calling soon so that we could "meet" or birthmother over the phone. As we walked through the trees, my phone rang. We nervously pulled the stroller over to a bench in a quiet area and began a conversation that would change the lives of all involved. We listened as she asked us questions about why we'd like to adopt and why we'd chosen a different ethnicity than our own. We heard her story and told her ours. I told her (rather nervously) that I was actually pregnant and she was more than happy that her baby boy would have another sibling. When the conversation ended, we felt peace and more excitement, and a greater love in our hearts for a baby to be and the woman who carried him. God was pressing into our hearts a desire to pray for her and to let her know that she would always be with us.

We were told not to book our plane tickets until we got the call that she was in labor, as there was no real point in being there any earlier. She'd invited me to be in the delivery room if I'd arrived in time... but she warned me she'd probably do a lot of swearing. (ha.)
The call came midday on the due date and we booked our tickets for that night. Our bags were ready and we were off. We flew cross country, rented a car and drove the two hours to the town where she was. I was convinced we'd missed the birth because of the long flight, but we got a call that her contractions had stopped and she was resting.
Have you ever heard of that happening? I haven't, and I am pretty convinced God was waiting for us.

We fell into a tired heap in our hotel room, my cell phone inches from my ear so I wouldn't miss the call. It came at 9:25am and we were out the door and in the car to drive the short two mile journey to the hospital. When we got to the waiting room of the tiniest hospital I'd ever been in, I called Sandy, our caseworker, to let her know we'd arrived, but only got her voicemail.

Seven minutes later we heard the chimes over the announcer that let the hospital know a baby had just been born.

Our baby.

Just moments later Sandy came out to tell us all about the birth. She'd done it naturally, our baby had arrived, and he was 9 pounds, 10 ounces. (Go ahead and process that. Natural childbirth+huge baby=my hero.) She told us we could come back to the room and meet him, and coached us that we should also remember to focus on our birthmother (we'll call her Molly). I am going to be honest: it was awkward. I didn't know if I should look at her or the baby first. Ask to hold him, engage her in conversation, hug her... what. Her sister was there and they immediately put him in our arms. I held him, introduced my very talkative two year old, and Nick (as he always is) was easy and natural in conversation with the sweet girl who had just given us one of the greatest gifts we've ever known.

Over the next two days, we sat with Molly and watched reality tv (kindred spirit) and talked about our lives back home, what she liked to do in her free time, and all the other getting to know you stuff. Nick and I would take turns slipping out of the room to go hold Eddie and feed him his bottles and snuggle him until the other one switched out. It was all surreal, all amazing, and even now I sit in wonder of it. All the while, Lute was at our side, loving his new baby brother.

Once Molly was released, we were free to take our baby back to the hotel. We spent another couple of days together as a family before Nick and Lute flew back home and I stayed back with Eddie until we were cleared to leave by our state and the state he where he was born. Once they agreed it was a valid adoption, I bought my ticket home to begin our life as a family of four.

It was a bittersweet babymoon for Eddie and me. I loved having endless hours to snuggle my new little love and bond as mother and son. But I also longed for home, to wrap my arms around Lute, and to marvel at this baby with my husband. I was able to have a few meals with Sandy and Molly before I left, and I still hope that I was able to convey my gratitude during our short time together. The sacrifice she made in giving her boy to me - to us - has left an indelible mark on my heart forever.

I can't imagine one day without Eddie in it. He is my little man, my pumpkin, my active, curious, often crazy, little snuggler.

I love that kid.

a snippet of me

2012-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Last week I got an email from my friend Daisy. She tagged me in a little bloggy game and I thought it'd be a fun way to tell you some things you might not know about me.

1. I majored in anthropology, became a barista, went to beauty school, became a stylist and now I have a little salon in my basement.
2. I have been to 5 of the 7 continents.
3. I could eat noodles at every meal.
4. I just finished The Hunger Games and I feel a gaping hole in my life. Someone suggest a good book, please.
5. Sometimes I look at my kids and feel like my heart is going to burst because I am so blessed.
6. My husband and I are coming up on seven years of marriage. I feel like that might deserve a night away?
7. I think reality tv is so stupid and so fascinating all at the same time.
8. I am slightly obsessed with boots.
9. I love the women in my family more than I ever have before. Something about getting older, I think.
10. The seasonings I use most in my kitchen are cumin and soy sauce (but never together, 'cause that might be gross.)
11. Headbands are my favorite but I almost never wear them.

Now for the questions Daisy asked me:
1. What did you want to be when you grew up? A pediatrician. I spent a lot of time in hospitals and I always felt at home and wanted to give back in the way I'd been given to. Then I found out I hate science.
2. Favorite activity to do outside? Gardening! It's kind of a new hobby.

3. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of you life, what would it be? Well, I did just say noodles, but maybe pizza. Or sushi. I need variety, people!

4. The best thing that has happened to you? I could say my husband and kids, but none of the would mean anything with out Jesus.

5. Name the person you look up to? My husband. That man is where it's at.

6. One thing you can’t live without? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

7. A goal you want to finish before the year is done? Become a runner. Ugh.

8. All-time favorite movie, that you’d watch every day? Walk the Line or A Little Princess.

9.Wine or beer? Wine. Specifically, Pinot Noir.

10. If you could be an animal, what would you be? Even though I seriously dislike them, probably a cat. They sleep all the time and don't care what anyone thinks about them.

11. Something you’ve learned since you starting your blog? Be honest and be yourself.

Want to play along? I'd love to read what YOU have to say. Link back with your post!

our christmas card

2012-01-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

I have no notions of grandeur when it comes to our family image.
Like tonight, for example, we all tromped in the snow up the steps to church,
hope in my heart that we would not be a spectacle.
And... we were. The sanctuary was only about half full because of the cold weather,
and my little men made sure we were visible.
And audible. To everyone.
Anyhoo.

Our tradition is to take our Christmas card photo on Thanksgiving night so that I will,
in theory, have plenty of time to order and send them before Christmas.
Not so much this year.
I put off ordering them, but still gave myself plenty of time.
And then the company we ordered them from had overextended themselves
with some "prints for a penny" sale, and our cards arrived on Christmas Eve.
And then I mailed half of them a week later.
And another batch last week.
And there are still several, unaddressed in our desk drawer.
Oh well, here's to 2012.

Back to that photo.

Here is what we sent out...Aren't they so cute? (from life made lovely!)

So, maybe they're not smiling, but they are all looking

in the same direction (thanks to an uncle doing some very enthusiastic dancing).

But because I like keeping it real, this is what the other 82 attempts looked like.

Yup.

true love

2012-01-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

One day last week Lute was in our bedroom and asked if he could take a framed photo sitting on Nick's dresser and put it in his room. It is one of Nick and I sitting on a balcony in Costa Rica on our honeymoon.

I thought it was sweet, so I said yes.

Then last night as we were getting all the boys ready for bed and Lute was alone in his room getting his jammies on, I looked in to check on him.

He didn't see me, and I saw him holding the frame and staring at it for several seconds.

He looked up and caught me watching him and a huge grin spread across his face.

"I just love you guys, Mama."

And then I dissolved into a pool of mushy goo on the floor as my heart welled

with love and affection for my sweet boy.

That kid's a keeper.

{wiww} my little cinderella story

2012-01-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

poncho:target tee:urban outfitters jeans:old navy shoes:target
earrings:nordstrom b.p.

When I was little, my favorite disney movie was definitely Cinderella.

I loved her shoes. And I am not talking about her glass slippers.

I am talking about her black ballet flats that she wore when she swept all the livelong day.

Weird? Maybe. But even today, I drool for cute flats.

The pair I am wearing in these photos are my favorite.

As soon as I saw them, I immediately thought of Cinderella.

I love them. They're covered in wool and lined with fleece.

They are the comfiest, coziest pair of cute little flats I've ever owned.

And I do do a lot of sweeping...

vintage recipes: pineapple bread pudding

2012-01-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

So, here's the story: One day I wandered into my favorite thrift shop that always has a full stock of amazing vintage furniture just begging for a beautiful coat of paint.

I maintain self control about half the time.

On this particular day, I happened upon an antique sewing table and visions danced through my head

of where it would go and how I could make it oh so lovely.

Then I opened the drawers and inside was a bounty of vintage buttons,

a recipe clipped from a very old newspaper, and a bill for sewing machine repair...

from 1962.

And I was sold. While this all took place about three months ago, that sewing table is still sitting untouched in the basement in my future craft corner. But the recipe got me to thinking: wouldn't it be fun to cook up some old school recipes, channeling my inner midcentury housewife and document it all for you here?

Thus, the idea of "vintage recipes" was born.

(Can we have a moment of silence for the fact that the 90s are now considered vintage? I mean, if something is going to make you feel old and lame, it's that.)

Now, back to that recipe. It was a super simple recipe for pineapple bread pudding.

I figured it'd be a good start. I also have a recipe book from my grandma's church, compiled in 1979.

It is filled with things like Chocolate Snowballs and Chili Jack Casserole.

Those are coming soon.

My plan was to recreate each recipe, not veering off from the written instructions, but holding to it in all of its vintage-y purity.

So yesterday, when Lute and I made this little number, that's what we did: we followed the recipe to a tee.

I was excited about baking it in a water bath - doesn't that just seem so 1962?

And whisking all the ingredients together, I imagined the former owner of my sewing table serving it to her sweet little family, who gobbled it up with joy.

But guess what?

It was disgusting. I mean, seriously gross. Like scrambled eggs with bits of pineapple and a few chunks of bread here and there. Maybe I just don't know how to do a water bath or something, but yowsas, I do not encourage you to make it.

But I am not one to give up! At least, not when it comes to dessert.

So I broke my first rule on my first recipe, and I made it the way I thought it should be made, and let me tell you:

Holy goodness, get yourself to the kitchen right now.

This stuff is good.

The key to making this without a doubt delicious was increasing the bread, butter and sugar (otherwise known as the trifecta of clean living).

supplies: milk, day old french bread, eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla, butter and crushed pineapple

You need about 6 cups (1/2 loaf) of cubed crusty french bread. I put mine in a warm oven to dry it up a bit.

Add a tablespoon of sugar to 2 cups of milk, swirl it around, and pour it over your bread.

Then beat your eggs and the rest of the sugar until creamy, then add in vanilla, melted butter and salt.

Add the pineapple to the bread...

and pour the egg mixture on top. Stir everything until it's nicely combined.

Then pour it in a baking dish and cover (foil works if you don't have lid). Bake it for 45 minutes, remove the lid, and bake for another 15.

And then behold the goodness. The ridiculous, out of this world, goodness.

This is not helping my self control, people.

Here's the recipe!

Pineapple Bread Pudding

(serves 8)

6 cups day old crusty french bread, cubed

2 cups milk

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained

Mix one tablespoon of the sugar into the milk and pour over the bread to soak.

On medium speed, beat eggs and remaining sugar together until creamy.

Add in melted butter, salt and vanilla and mix to combine.

Top bread with pineapple and pour egg mixture over the top. Mix everything together until well combined.

Pour into a baking dish and cover. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Try to let it cool a bit before digging in!

Best served warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

thrifty bliss

2012-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

I am by no means a professional thrifter, but I love a good find.

I would go thrifting multiple times a week if my life allowed for it.

But there is something just a bit unappealing about taking the boys along...

not quite the relaxing experience I am going for.
And also, since my husband's hobby is organizing and decluttering
and making unapproved donation runs to Goodwill,
I have to limit myself a little.

But when I go, I love it, and I am always excited when I find just the right thing

for my house,

for crafting, for the kids.

And when I find some perfectly vintage-y item of clothing for me?

The best.

So today when my sweet mom offered to entertain the boys for a few hours,

I decided to hit up a thrift store near her house that I'd never been to.

And it was awesome.

They actually didn't have a giant selection, but I did score a vintage gray blazer for the boys.

My heart flutters and the thought of how cute and charming that will be.

I also found some cheap mason jars,

doilies for crafting (like I really need more supplies, but whatev.),

a perfect football jersey for Eddie which usually retails for $27 and it was 3 bucks,

and...

the clincher.

I was in line to pay when I happened to glance up at a display case hidden near the dressing rooms.

There, sitting unassumingly on top, was a Kelty Ridgeline Backpack.

It was in perfect condition. Perfect.

We used to have one, actually, and used it all the time

and then in an unfortunate packing incident on an overseas trip,

the stand snapped in half.

We have been mourning its loss since 2009.

My sweet deal? $34 for something that sells for $130.

That's like 75% off!

I think I am going to be floating on my thrifting high all day, I can feel it.

And now I want to go shopping again...

Mom?

{wiww #6}: christmas lovelies

2012-01-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

necklace:the whirlwind top:anthropologie jeans:old navy boots:steve madden

Technically, I didn't get this sweater for Christmas.

I actually got another top that I'd wished for and then wasn't super excited once it was on.

So, I had to go exchange it for something else at Anthro.

I had to go all the way into the city by myself and look for something else.

What a total bummer.

Uh, yeah, if it were opposite day!

Endless time to wander around and drool over all the little lovelies that could grace my home

if I was swimming in cash (I'm not)? No problem.

AND my husband got me this lovely little necklace that I'd been admiring on etsy.

It's my favorite.

On another note, I went through all of my clothes the other day to

weed out what I haven't worn in ages and could go to someone who needs it more than I do.

And once I got my closet all organized (holler.), I realized I have a lot of cute things

I haven't been wearing because I have been in the same 3 outfit rotation rut all winter.

So, in an effort to shop my closet, I am committing to linking up with Lindsey every week!

Thanks for the motivation!

Oh! And I finally set up my facebook page: come say hello!

determination. courage. change.

2012-01-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have never been big on making resolutions at the beginning of the year. I feel like most people assume nobody is going to keep them anyway, so why bother?

At least that's how I usually feel.

But this year I am feeling inspired!
I am super excited about some of the changes I want to make, and am hoping they stick for good.

It takes 21 days to create a habit, and 90 days to make a life change,
so I figure if I can stick with them through March, I'll be good to go.

gettin' organized

This is huge. I know where everything is (pretty much), but if a stranger (or my husband) were to try to locate something, they probably wouldn't find it.

For Christmas this year, I gave Nick a detailed family calendar.
This may seem boring to most people (me included. yawn.),
but to Nick it is like the nectar of life.

I even scheduled in days were I will reorganize closets, iron his clothes,
donate stuff, etc.

It was like the best thing he could have gotten, seriously.

(Of course, me being me, I made it look really cute with stickers and pretty fonts and doodles.)

I am organizing my time, my house, my life!

running

I am not really a runner. And by that, I mean the thought of it makes me groan and want to crawl back into bed and embrace all my laziness.

I got into it for a little while, then I got pregnant with Lute and I pretty much gave it up,
apart from a run or two every six months.

Then last week my sister asked me to train for a half marathon with her.

After I stopped laughing, convinced she was kidding, I realized she was serious.
Ugh.

So I agreed to start with a 10K this March and then take it into consideration.

And my dad let us have his treadmill, which is now all ready to go in the basement.

So what I am saying is, I have no more excuses.

projects projects projects

I have spent approximately 9 hours over the last week or so
installing new flooring in our basement/playroom. I have planned on doing it for over a year,
and I am one night away from completion!

There are so many things I want to do in the house this year:

crafty sewing nook in the basement

the boys room

our room

our upstairs lofty hallway landing thing

about 113 pieces of furniture

the baby's room!

And of course there is the intangible.

I want to say yes more.

I want to be more gentle in my tone.

Spend more time being with my family, rather than just being around them.

Love more, pray more, believe more.

Here is to the next 90 days! To the courage to change the things around us and the things within us.

Happy 2012!

year in review

2011-12-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Taking a cue from some of my friends, I thought I'd reflect back over the year in bloggy land.

Here are a few little snapshots that give you a window into our world in 2011.

In January I reflected on 2010, the first time I realized Nick was a keeper and a few of my favorite things and my gratitude for a timely phone call.

February held a few hard lessons, a thankful heart for small tender moments with my boys, and the (now funny) day that Eddie almost broke my nose.

March was a big month around here. Nick and I took our first solo trip (to New York!), the oldest turned 4, and I traveled down memory lane (more than once).

April was busy: I started bakin' it to the streets, celebrated more birthdays, redid Lute's room and made a cake that sold for eleven hundred bucks (for real).

May was filled with reflections on motherhood (the good and the bad), some unsolicited marital advice and a recipe or two.

In June I turned...one year older, Lute started asking what adoption was all about, I tried to be thankful in the midst of inconvenience and all of the responsibilities of the day to day and Lute and I made some super easy chocolate-y, sprinkle-y haystacks. We announced our second adoption and my sweet Eddie turned 2!

July was c.razy full with the opening of my etsy shop, birthdays galore, talking about my love for my sister, the day I saw Jesus on the streets of Seattle, and my thoughts on the misconceptions surrounding adopted kids.

We took a family vacay in August, I talked about God's healing goodness, I started linking up with the Pleated Poppy, I discovered pinterest (aka time suck #74), and I learned some hard lessons.

In September, I started getting crafty, talked a lot about our next adoption, and started praying for my kids in a way that changed my entire outlook.

I did a few more DIYs in October, shared about our first adoption fundraiser (which was a huge success!), and confessed my constant state of worry.

In November my little Georgie turned 2, I shared my heart for the homeless, had a little reality check, and showed off my first advent calendar!

And now it's December! Things have slowed down for us as we try to reflect on the glorious birth of Jesus, but there is never a dull moment, especially when your kids are as artistic as mine.

Here's to a hopeful, joyful, hilarious 2012...

Happy new year to each of you!

let's talk about shopping

2011-12-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

I feel a moral obligation to tell you something. In case you didn't know, I like Target. I spend way too much time and money there, and I am thinking maybe they should sponsor me considering how much airtime I give them. But that's another story.

So a few weeks ago I started watching an episode or two of Extreme Couponing. Have you seen it? While I have no desire to fill my basement to capacity with liquid detergent and candy bars, it did make me think about how much money I could be saving if I at least checked for coupons for the things I needed. And that is when I discovered that Target has a whole section of their website filled with printable coupons! What? Like hundreds of them. And granted, most are for things I don't need, but just today I saved over $15 with my little print outs. Like, for example, pull-ups are stupidly expensive. But there was a coupon for $2 off, and there was another coupon attached to the package for $1.50 off, plus they were on sale. I felt like I needed my own camera crew.

(Let's not talk about the fact that everything is on sale right now, and I ended up spending way more than the fifteen bucks I saved couponing, kay?)

I feel like a whole new world of saving has opened up to me. This could be good or bad, depending on where it goes.

But, I thought you should know. 'Cause diapers are expensive, man.

Here's the link!

Target Printable Coupons

from our family...

2011-12-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

winner!

2011-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

you won Nicole's lovely earrings!

email me and I will get you hooked up.

busy busy all the day long

2011-12-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

I am actually done with my Christmas shopping! Who am I? What is going on? This is not the norm, people. But, I am knee deep in handmade crafty gifting, which means I'll probably be up until the wee hours of Christmas morning burning my fingerprints off with hot glue. It's a labor of love, though, so it's worth it.
Let's take a few minutes of quiet, grab a hot beverage (peppermint hot chocolate, maybe?)
and sit yourself down for a few. Catch up with these ladies and visit their lovely little spaces. You'll be so glad you did!

Hi there! I'm Lindsay, the creator behind Originally Me (the shop and the blog). I'm a happy go lucky girl, a dreamer, and a go getter. I have a passion for design and a love for all things creative. I'd love for you to visit my little online home (aka my blog) where you'll find lots of randomness about my daily adventures, crafty projects, recipes, inspiration and more.

My favorite Christmas tradition is spending Christmas Eve and morning with my cousins. It started when my sister and I were much younger, but is a tradition that we continue year after year. We take turns spending one year at our house and the next at my Aunt and Uncles. It's so fun to be able to share the excitement of Christmas morning with them. It often includes matching pajamas, gingerbread houses, and s'mores. How cute!

hello! i'm hannah singer.

i enjoy each day as wifey to patrick, and mama to elijah grey.

it is an honor to sponsor carina and her blessing of a blog!

pretty sure my favorite christmas tradition is all of them. ha.

these are my most favorite:

baking and decorating gingerbread cookies!

i've done it since i was a wee girl and now make them with my kiddo:)

also we have lots of delicious appetizers and desserts

all day christmas eve and watch movies and sing!

it's a special, fun time with my cozy little family.

may your christmas be joy-filled and lovely in every way!

emmanuel! blog :: twitter

5ohWifey is a mommy & cop's wife blog written by a southern girl trying to make it in Northern California. I like to blog about motherhood, the life as a police wife, mommy style and fashion, and love posting recipes I make, use, or find.

My favorite Christmas tradition is the"ornament of the year". Every year for Christmas we get ourselves an ornament to commemorate the biggest event of that year. As we have more kids we will probably do an ornament exchange with all of them since they will all have big events each year. As the quantity of our ornaments grow we will remove all the "starter set" ornaments until our entire tree is full of memories. Love it.

My name is Danielle, and I am a NYC girl, living in the heart of the south! I have an amazing husband who is part of God's work in the world as a missionary, and two beautiful daughters who we adopted from Ethiopia two years ago. In addition the being wife and mom, I work as a special education director at a small private school, and blog about life, love, adoption and faith at This Life I Live!

I don't know that I have any favorite Christmas traditions from childhood, but for the last few years we have had a fun little Christmas eve tradition that our kids love. We each draw a name and get $5 to take to the dollar store. Each person buys $5 worth of funny things for the person whose name they drew. The idea is to be as silly as you can be! We run home after shopping and fill our person's stocking with our sill gifts then open them that evening! It is a really fun time (although not that spiritual!) that we all really enjoy!

Hey there! My name is Alyx and I blog over at Every Day is a New Adventure. I'm just your average American girl living in Europe for a year. This blog documents my crazy adventures with the Hubby!

My fave tradition is definitely reading the story of Christ's birth on Christmas Eve. New traditions into adulthood? Well, since we're living in Germany where they open their presents on Christmas Eve, we have started a tradition where we each get to open two or three presents on the 24th, then save the rest for the next morning!

I am Erika-- handmade, happy, fashion and DIY-lover who lives in Seattle with my hubby and doggy. I sell pretty accessories for you and your home in my Etsy shop and blog about inspiration, fashion, vintage and all other good things at Rouge and Whimsy

My favorite Christmas tradition has changed since I've gotten married, but growing up every Christmas morning my brothers and I would pile in my parents' bed-- even up through college. Then we'd head down the stairs in age order to see what presents were left by "Santa." :)

Hi! I'm Bailey from the little blog Lost&Found. I ramble about life, love, fashion, food, running, travel, and pretty much everything else that makes my life, my life. Head over and say Hi!

My favorite Christmas tradition?

My mom would always buy me and my siblings matching Christmas PJs that we would open on Christmas Eve night. I can't wait to have my little babes and carry on this tradition!

Hi! I'm Ashley from Sugar Mama Bakeshop, where I make and sell vegan and gluten free baking mixes. I also blog about life, family and everything in between at Go Greeno. Please vote for me at the Gluten-Free Cookie Exchange and help me win a KitchenAid Mixer! :)

__________________________

Seriously, I love every one of these ladies! I think you will, too.

Now, what's YOUR favorite Christmas tradition?

a beautiful christmas

2011-12-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Last week a friend of mine posted this video on facebook.

I thought it was such a beautiful picture of that first Christmas night, and I wanted to share it with you.

This sweet song draws my heart in every time I hear it.

If you'd like to hear about Christmas in our house and some of the ways we celebrate,

head over to my friend Hannah's blog, where I am sharing today!

giveaway day!

2011-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to introduce you all to Nicole. She is adorable AND she is giving away something really fun.

Hey Lovelies!

So excited to share this lovely little treasure from my most recent trip to China.

I am Nicole. He is Adam.

We got married on June 4 and have since moved into our 120 year old house.

On a normal day you will find me sharing our adventures over at The Neesby Lookbook.

Our little bloggy is for sharing our lives with you.

The adventures. The struggles. The travels. The love.

Here's your own sweet little invitation to join the fun.

Hop over and say hey. Cuz there's plenty of room in the family!

xoxo
___________________________

Nicole brought these darling earrings back from China - how could you not love them?!

She is giving them away to one lucky reader!

Want to win?

Just follow her blog to enter and let me know in the comment section.

extra entries:

follow Nicole on twitter

follow Nicole on bloglovin

follow this blog

like me on facebook

and leave a comment for each!

That's five chances to win!

Best to each of you :)

your stories and bakin' it to the streets

2011-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

It's been eight months since I started bakin' it to the streets with the boys: twice a month we bake something, or make some lunches, or buy donuts and hit the road to brighten the day of someone in need. With a homeless population of over 8,000 here, it usually isn't hard to find a person or two to share with.

And something has happened in the process.

{source}

My heart broke. Our outings went from a nicety - teaching my kids about sharing with those in need, handing out treats - to a calling. There is so much hurt and sadness and hopelessness in some of the faces I meet.There are so many who need an outstretched hand, a smile of hope, a moment of prayer. I can't do much, but I can do that.So, we will continue. I will post about our experiences once a month or so, and I encourage you to continue to share your stories in the comments section. They are such a blessing to read.
Here are a few sweet words that have stuck with me:

We live in a community with a fair amount of homeless people that come out of hiding once in a while to ask for money around our grocery stores and restaurants. Last weekend I was popping into a grocery store (without the kids so I was able to be a little more aware of my surroundings rather than keeping their hands to themselves) and I noticed a man asking people for money.. It's not hard not to recognize it.. so I went in and and came out and sure enough he was waiting by the door to ask me. I didn't have any change on me as I just had my debit card, but I did have a bottle of Ginger Ale with me. So I asked him if he would like to have it and he said yes. He was so thankful and held out his hand for me to shake it - of course I did and I pray that he felt respected. He sat down, opened his pop and waved and smiled at me as I drove away.

Jordan Anne

I made care packages with my students to pass out to the homeless here and when one student passed her's to a woman on the street corner, the woman starting weeping and said she'd almost given up. Doing something, even if it's small, can give hope!

Chelsea

I know I can't change the world, but I can spread love and hope at all times. We went downtown last Saturday and fed some homeless people, and a man we call a friend. He is always on the same street, and we take food down to him every time we go down there. He is so sweet and smiles each time. He touches my heart so much. I have been blessed and my life has been changed in so many spiritual ways since we've started feeding the hungry.

Nicolle

Carina, my students (aka the entire St. Thomas More middle school) are doing Bakin' it to the Streets on Monday. We are making and delivering 50 sack lunches (complete with cookies!) to the less fortunate at Lafayette Park in DC. Your idea has gone from one coast to another!

Jack

Sometimes I think it's pointless to do so little, but what may seem little to me could be huge to someone else. When we lived near downtown Lincoln (NE), when we passed a homeless person, my husband and I would always ask them if they wanted something to eat. If they said yes, we would get something to go from the restaurant and bring it back to them. Once we saw a group of three men sharing food we bought for the one (we didn't realize he wasn't the only person, otherwise we would have gotten more food). It was seriously so heartbreaking to see three grown men so hungry.

Alyx

Thanks for sharing YOUR stories.

advent=anticipation

2011-12-09T23:07:00.001-08:00

For all of my adult life, I have loved the season of advent. The weeks leading up to Christmas day: a day filled with hope, and joy and peace. Every year I try to take some time alone to read the story of Jesus' birth and close my eyes in wonder of what it must have been like that first Christmas night. I imagine stillness and quiet and awe as Mary held her baby. That despite all the chaos of a barn, she was so taken with her child - God's child - that everything else faded into the background as she breathed in His very being.

{source}

This year I am reading a little daily devotional called the Magnificat that has very short reflections on preparing our hearts for the wonder of Christmas. Honestly, I haven't found the few minutes it takes to sit down everyday and read it, but today I did. I caught up with missed days and one reflection in particular struck me: the idea of anticipation.

Is there anything that brings greater anticipation than the birth of a baby? The excitement and joy surrounding welcoming a new little life into the world is sometimes too much to bear. I know with my own babies, and most recently with my sister's , I couldn't wait for the day to come. I was giddy and nervous and totally and completely impatient. And when they arrive...utter joy. To snuggle a sweet little babe in your arms, the quiet warmth, the unending love, the little bundle that you just want to drink up and never let go of...(oh man, I want another one. right. now.)

{source}

Do I have the same eagerness, excitement, giddiness for Jesus? Do I sit in quiet wonder and drink Him in? For a baby that I am not called to nurture, but to be nurtured by?

I hope so. I hope I can. It's my prayer this advent season, that's for sure. Because in all the crazy busyness that the holidays bring, I need those moments to bask in the sweetness and the holiness and the utter joy that comes from above.

This season is the one that draws me closer like no other, calls to my heart in ways that renews me for whatever comes next. And I need it now more than ever.

{source}

My hope is the same for each of you.

just trying to capture the moment

2011-12-07T23:06:00.001-08:00

I took some photography classes in college and loooved them.

My professor said you might take a hundred shots and only get one you like.

I don't think she took into consideration trying to get a decent photo of three rascally boys.

There is no shortage of personality around here.

And for that, I'm grateful.

surprise! a little gift from me to you

2011-12-06T20:42:00.001-08:00

click on over!

things that are awesome and things that are really not

2011-12-05T15:19:00.001-08:00

My temptation is to be kind of a whiny punk in this post, because this morning was ridic. But to balance it out, I am also going to share some of the good things, too.

Things that ARE NOT awesome.
waking up at 5am because one kid has a cold and woke up his brother who he now shares a room with and then just deciding to be up for the day because there is no way they are going back to sleep.

driving to the grocery store with the car carts so you can get supplies for dinner and such with your two 2 year olds.

walking into the store with the two 2 year olds, holding hands, which takes 14 times as long, only to find out they don't have any car carts available, which makes the 2 two year olds scream. a lot.

driving to the next store and repeat.

driving to the third store, which is the original store you were going to go to because it is right across from the preschool where you dropped off your oldest, but they have way higher prices and finding an actual car cart and spending all the money you would saved on gas anyway.

two minutes into shopping having to relocate one kid because the other kid won't stop pinching him. in the face.

surviving the whole ordeal only with mild sweating, to get to the car and realize that the kid in the car section, unbeknownst to you, stole a candy bar and has chewed through the wrapper and it's a PayDay, which is the candy bar that is one big choking hazard and having to push the dang car cart back into the store to pay for it while the kid in the front of the cart tries to climb out because there are no buckles.

going back out to the car again to have one of your bags break apart while you attempt to unload your groceries.

And this was all before 9:30 in the morning.

Things that ARE awesome.
today is my husband's birthday, and he is awesome.

yesterday my awesome mom babysat all day and did my dishes while we went wine tasting.

crock pot french dip sandwiches, which is happening right now and my house smells.... awesome.

Source: jasonandshawnda.com via Carina on Pinterest

egg nog birthday cake because my husband likes to choose strange and unusual original and unique flavors every year. I tried it, it is amazing and I am about to whip up the cream cheese frosting to go on top of it. holla.

Source: lifeinthegarden.wordpress.com via Carina on Pinterest

my kids taking two hour naps today all at the same time.

actually being able to clean up my house and discovering this little gem in the process:

the kid has talent, amiright?

I hope your day is filled with awesomeness, and not even a little not.

Cheers!

{and happy birthday to my amazing Nick!}

finding humor in the maddening

2011-12-01T12:41:00.001-08:00

We are working on a few behavioral issues with this kid.
The twos are really something else. Specifically:

throwing things. food, plates, and cups from the table.
random cars and trucks at people in the grocery line.
and so on.

running into the road because it's fun to be chased.
(and thus giving mama panic attacks.)

coloring on anything and everything except paper.

About a month ago he found a red permanent marker and went to town on the walls, cupboards, doors, our armoire and the windowsills. In less than 90 seconds.

After a time out and some furious scrubbing with a magic eraser, we worked on the idea of coloring on paper and nothing else.

Then last Saturday morning, when I thought my husband was watching him and he thought I was watching him, Eddie came up with this little masterpiece:

As soon as I walked into the bathroom, he looked at me with the pen in one hand and the cap in another and said, "Just color paper, Mama."

At least this time the marker was washable?

When we go outside and get in the car, he repeats over and over,

"Never ever run in the road. Garbage truck will get you."

This has not stopped him.

And today when he threw his plate and cup on the floor to announce he was done with his lunch and was then sternly corrected, he looked at me with those big browns and said seriously,

"No throwing! You hurt people. You hurt the paper. Just color the paper."

Well, at least we know his hearing works.

And he's cute, so he has that going for him.

And I love the little rascal.

gettin' crafty: {diy} advent calendar

2011-11-29T21:43:00.001-08:00

I have been searching for just the right advent calendar for the last few years to no avail. But this year pinterest gave me the confidence and inspiration to make my own. And I am so happy I did! My inspiration came from this photo:

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Carina on Pinterest

There was no tutorial to go with it, though it seemed easy enough. So, I set to work!

It came together in an hour or two - so you still have plenty of time to get it together before December arrives! And if you're a few days late... well, who really cares?
Ok, now gather your supplies:

24 clothespins, spray paint, paintbrushes, glue or mod podge, patterned ribbon, a stencil, white paint, hot glue (not pictured) and wood.
A few notes: you can use a 2x4 and paint it any color you'd like. I used some pieces of our old fence - love the rustic look and I love repurposing.
Seriously, use whatever white paint you have. Craft paint, ceiling paint, acrylic, whatev.
I used three different patterns of ribbon. You can also use fabric, washi tape, or just leave your clothespins painted. Make it your own!

The first step is spray painting your clothespins.

I used colonial red, which was the perfect Christmas color for me.

Spray one side. Let them dry for a bit, flip them and spray again.

If you're covering the front with ribbon, you really just need to make sure the sides are well covered. Once you think they are good enough, leave them to dry for about 30-45 minutes.

In the meantime, cut 24 strips of ribbon or fabric. Just use your clothespin as a guide.

The ribbon I chose already had adhesive on the back. Super handy and so quick!

Apply your ribbon to each clothespin. If yours doesn't have adhesive, or you're using fabric, you can use a little school glue or some mod podge.

quick tip: did you know that mod podge is just diluted glue? Just add a little water, swirl, and voila! You've just saved yourself bundles of crafting cash!

Next up is stenciling your numbers. I positioned my clothespins about where I wanted them and then stenciled on each number just above.

Now fire up that hot glue gun. A thin line of glue on the back should be all you need to attach your pins to the wood.

Presto! You're done! So easy, and you've got yourself a lovely little Christmas keepsake.
What you decide to hang from your clothespins is up to you, but I've decided to have a fun little variety for the kids to get us into the Christmas spirit.

I found these free printable gift tags:

Source: jonesdesigncompany.com via Carina on Pinterest

I am going to print out fun activities on some of them for several days... things like:
watching A Charlie Brown Christmas
going out to look at lights
baking cookies
fun Christmas crafts
singing carols and drinking hot chocolate
reading Christmas stories
sharing treats with our neighbors

We'll also have days where we say a prayer together for someone special
and read parts of the Christmas story from Scripture.

And no advent calendar is complete with out candy, amiright?
So most days will also include some of these:

Source: peppermintplum.blogspot.com via Carina on Pinterest

How cute are those?!
That's the final touch, which I will attempt to whip up tomorrow.

I am so excited - this is the best time of year. And as my kids get older, I LOVE making every day magical. Happy advent, one and all!
What fun and crafty Christmas projects are you working on?

two more ladies i love

2011-11-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce to two more fantastic ladies. Grab a warm bev, snuggle up with a cozy blanket and read on...

ashley at sugar mama bakeshop

Hey there! I'm Ashley. I love to create delicious gluten free & vegan desserts and recipes. You can buy mixes at Sugar Mama Bakeshop and they make perfectly sweet little gifts for anyone on your list! (Have you thought about teacher gifts? Best friend? Your grandma? The mailman?)

Baked goods make such a lovely gift and especially if you know anyone with a restricted diet (no gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, etc) I can promise you they will be thrilled to have holiday sweets they can actually enjoy :)

I am so thankful for so much right now it's crazy, but here's my top 3:

*A safe, warm place to call home. It isn't our first choice of a place to call home but I'm incredibly thankful for it. You can read more about that here if you're interested.

*Community. I have found such a wonderful, encouraging and supportive community through blogging and I'm extremely thankful for it!

*My sweet wonderful little family. This is Lily's first trip to the zoo... She's clearly not nearly as excited about it as mom & dad.

Oh yeah, because I love Carina's blog and you obviously do too... I'm offering 25% off your order with the code MERRYCHRISTMAS. Woo! OR get free shipping when you order 8 or more mixes! Just enter OVER8 at checkout! Also message me if you need them individually gift wrapped and I'll hook you up :)

shop . blog . twitter . facebook

esther at lovingly thrown together

Hi there Punk, Pumpkin, Peanut readers! How much do you loveCarina and her little guys? I just love being a sponsor over here. It makes myheart happy to see my little button over yonder.

My name is Esther and I blog over at Lovingly Thrown Together.I’m a 23-year-old wife to sizzling hot dude who is the kindest soul on theplanet and the mama of one little guy we call Jake-the-Snake who is 14-months-old and keeps me on my toes.

My blog is whereI share the good, the bad, and the ugly about being an amateur at this wholehousewife thing. I cook, I clean, and I craft… but mostly I play because it’sall my little stinker likes to do. I just try to keep it real.

This Thanksgiving, I am praising God for:

1. My son's feet. Why? So many reasons. Three of them are: he laughs when I bite them and I love his laugh. He uses them to walk to me to give me an open mouth, wet kiss. He kicks them when he's happy.

2. My husband's faith in God. I'm so grateful to have a guy by my side who considers God before he considers me. Coming from a background where spirituality is for women, I consider myself blessed to be married to a man who isn't afraid to lift his hands to the Lord.

3. My refrigerator. Every time I open it I remember how fortunate I am to not have to fear that my family will go hungry.

I hope you’ll hop on over to my corner in blog-land and check out the story of a girl discovering motherhood and domesticity. Oh and, just for good measure, you can also find me onFacebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.