7 In 7: It's Going To Be Epic!

What happens when the blogosphere goes wild and the great link up of all link ups is announced?

You either A) hop on in and think how this is going to be the best.linkup.EVER or B) read the post several times that explains the link up and fret about if you really should join in 'cuz whose really gonna want to read from you seven days straight any way.

I chose B and then waited until this morning to sign up for the link up and just jump in with both feet. Or, both hands as is the case.

It's not that I don't think it's going to be awesome to read from so many of you each and every day, it's the feeling that I may lack the material for you to enjoy reading from me each and every day this week.

Oh well, why not give it a try? So,with trepidation, I'm in for the week and you're stuck reading (or not reading if you wish) from me every day from today through next Sunday.

Are you ready?

Joining Jen and a slew of other bloggers this week in writing seven posts in seven days.

I've decided to start the blogging week with Mindless Monday. 

Yes, something that is a bit of a fluff post, but if you are like me (please tell me you are) Monday is a fluff kind of day. Don't you agree? 

It seems that no matter what kind of spin I put on Monday and no matter how fun I dress it, Monday is just kind of a downer and crazy. I'm finding that it doesn't matter how prepared I am, whether school is in session or it's summer time, Monday whirls and swirls.

Alrighty, so here's the fluff. And evidence that while I am quite busy, I still find time for silly things that give me way to much satisfaction for their small worth.

My new leisure time/click as I pass the computer activity: Swagbucks!

Do you do Swagbucks? Oh no, you don't? Well, you should/could. 

(Insert shameless referral plug here) Hint: you can click on my link in the sidebar and I'll earn some credit if you do sign up and use it.

While I've been using Swagbucks for several years, I've been revamping my game and turning it up a notch for the last year or more. Recently, I've been doing even more. Why, you may ask? 

One word: CHRISTMAS.

Currently, I'm working each day to accumulate swag to redeem for gift cards. I'll be able to get gift cards for my favorite places like Amazon, Walmart and Target to help out with our Christmas gift giving. Will this cover all of our Christmas? Certainly not, but it's really going to help us out. 

How do I earn? Well, I mostly earn doing searches, clicking/watching videos (movie trailers, etc) and taking advantage of special offers Swagbucks posts. They even have daily goals set for you and if you reach them, they accrue through the month and you get bonus swagbucks. Sounds nice, huh?

Of course, the more you do, the more you earn. While Swagbucks isn't always flawless or ideal, it is pretty easy and  my SIL and I are admittedly slightly addicted a little obsessed about it.

Do you use Swagbucks? What is your favorite way to earn? 

And that, my friends, is Mindless Monday. That wasn't too painful and it was quite mindless.

See, I told you this week was going to be epic, didn't I?

Find far more mindful/thoughtful posts at many of the other contributors at Jen's.

Happy Monday!

Can She Build It? Yes She Can!

A couple week ago I found this great deal on some patio chairs at Target. On sale they were $16 and that seemed like a good deal since they sat comfy, stacked, were durable and I'd been on the hunt for some new chairs. I bought six of them, three khaki and three aqua. I'm so stylish and fashionable like that. Or, I just didn't want to commit to one of the colors and Lily agreed that mixing it up would look really cool too.

My new quest came for a reasonably priced (read $100 or less) patio table to sit our whole family. It seemed that a oblong/rectangle one would be the way to go.

To my delight apparently some stores consider the end of June to be the approach of the end of the summer season, so a lot of tables were already marked down. I had several options to choose from at a couple different local stores.

In the end, I scored a $125 table for $70. Not bad.

Well, when I see an unopened box and it's early in the week and clearly hubby won't have time to tackle said item in the box until the weekend, I get a little idea.

Heck, let's just open it up and see what I can mess up do to get this thing put together.

And that's exactly what I did.

Don't let a few pieces, some screws, hex bolts, nuts and bolt covers scare ya.

You can do this.

(It helps if at least one little girl is napping and the other is content to play around in the garage)

Get your big, strong kids to give you a hand to get it over to the deck on the complete opposite side of the house....

Shazam! Project complete!

Total project time from taking out of the box to placing it on our deck:

43 minutes 

That just may be my personal best project time EVER.

*Insert pat on the back here*

Even better, I just crossed something off my husband's to do list, so his weekend just opened up. 

Stop on over for a glass of lemonade, won't you?

New Year, New Word

 Maybe you recall my post last year declaring my word for the year?

I'll remind you, just in case. My word was TRANQUILITY.

There I was on the brink of a new year with the impending birth of my little Irish twin, filled with anxiety. How would I manage? How would things get done? Would I survive?

Tranquility didn't come easy and the challenge to strive for it became nearly impossible some days. It did, however, prove to be the word I needed as a reminder in 2012. God did bless us and every day supplied the steady drip of grace I required to thrive.

My plaque reminder sat on the windowsill above the kitchen sink the entire year. Some days, the word was lost and forgotten. Other days, at the forefront of my mind and in my heart. You see, there were plenty of times my mind or my spirit were agitated. Many others, both of them were quite agitated. I did learn a lot though this year and grew in humility as my human perfection was tested.

As the year came to a close, new words for the new year floated in and out. Being a perfectionist, I was eager to lay my eyes upon the right word, the perfect word. As tranquility strengthened me last year and helped me grow, I prayed that a new word would be one to reflect and draw upon.

There are so many words that can help us, aren't there? So many virtues on which to grow, so many inspirations on which to draw upon.

I had my 'final three' list of choices and then asked my husband if any of them jumped out at him for areas that could be a focus for me this year. He came up with similar answers that I had and they left me feeling a bit unsure. They just didn't 'grab' me like tranquility had.

I read all of your nice words that many of you had chosen for 2013 and felt inspired, so I kept praying that something would jump out at me.

I read Cari's word and then turned for heavenly guidance once again to lead me in a new direction.

I later opened up my Google reader and as I scanned the post list a word jumped off the screen.

Nurture

 the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development 

 of someone or something

As I stared at the word it became evident that this word actually encompassed the other words I had pondered in the days prior. 

You see, some things were put on the back burner during the past year as my needs at home required me to be present here more. There were some friendships and relationships that didn't get tended to quite as often. Some of my spiritual needs weren't always met or cultivated, my domestic heart was lacking many days as we strove just to survive and sometimes kindness, cheerfulness, patience and the like were lost between the cracks.

I want to spend this year nurturing the things that were left behind in 2012.

Nurture my family.

Nurture me and my motherhood.

Nurture relationships/friendships.

Nurture my prayer life and spiritual needs.

Nurture hobbies.

Nurture my domestic church, my home.

I'd say 2013 will be filled with many opportunities to foster and nurture so many areas of my life.

It will surely lead to hardships, milestones and adventures that will help me to nurture more fruitfully.

No doubt it should be an interesting year of catching up.

I look forward to it.

Point, Shoot, Click

I don't know that I have a {passion} for photography and photos, but I do have a strong interest/desire/intrigue for it. I have long enjoyed pulling out the camera in the effort to find the perfect shot with a simple click.

Of course, my favorite subjects are my children and still-framing the big (and little) moments that remain in my heart, but will also remain embedded on my jump drive for years to come.

Over the time that I've been reading and following blogs I have been privy to some amazing photography. Pure beauty and awe-inspiring.

I often wonder (and sometimes dare ask in your comboxes) what kind of outrageously expensive awesome camera you use. Realizing fully that it's not necessarily the camera that does all the work, but the handiwork of the artist/photographer mom as well.

With the plan of having many more years to capture life's moments, I've been scheming and plotting how to save up my pennies for an upgrade. Keeping in mind that I don't follow nor understand much of the camera jargon, all I can say is that I want a simple and easy to use DSLR camera with more capability than my current model (Canon PowerShot SX120).

Did I mention that I don't want to spend $500, if possible?


So, my dear witty, talented, smart and phenomenal readers, enlighten me.


What camera do you use and what would you suggest? 

One Word

Over the last couple years I've read from other bloggers who chose a word for their new year's focus. I haven't been able to follow suit, but thought this year I may only be able to attend to the reminder of a word, rather than a list of mighty goals.

While I've never made resolutions or been the greatest at goal-setting, I still live life in a way of finding aspirations and models to find inspiring along the journey.

I have a few things in mind for 2012 for our family and also hope to make a short list with hubby too. Not necessarily big things, but small things that will help our greater good. With preparing for a changing household and another baby, just on the heels of a monumental first year with Gianna, I think we're allowed to take it one day at a time in 2012.

One thing I have in mind for me personally is to allow myself time. I tend to push myself in a number of areas sometimes in order to try and maintain SuperMom mentality. Oh, I'm not that great at it, but I have expectations that many times are unmet due to my overzealous perfectionism. I think on the inside I put more pressure on myself to be 'doing' so many more things than I need to or can do. There is always the "Mom Guilt" that arises and makes failure feel inevitable. I want to be able to enjoy this year and life with my wonderful husband, my growing big kids and the transition of two little kids. 2012 holds so much potential for our family!!

One concrete thing that I hope to make changes in is the area of exercise/physical wellbeing. I've been able to maintain a good pregnancy again and keep up the exercise this whole time. I'm looking toward getting back to my normal self and a healthy weight and size. I have ambitions of getting into my best health ever (even if it's not a HOT body, but an overall healthy one) and attempting running. Yes, RUNNING. I even aspire to at least do one 5K this year. I think all of my following Colleen has left me VERY inspired. (Thanks, Colleen!!) We'll see how I do and how I bounce back after baby and go from there.

Ok, so finally....my Word for 2012:

TRANQUIL(ity)


Definition: free from agitation of mind or spirit (a tranquil self-assurance); free from disturbance or turmoil (a tranquil scene)

Synonymns: calm, peaceful, placid, hushed, restful, serene, still, quiet


I think this word is ideal for me as I look ahead with great anticipation in the new year. A new year that sometimes scares me a little because of all the unknown juggling and potentially tiring days ahead (you do recall that I can sometimes be an OCD, obsessive planner, right??). I'm looking forward to days that are utterly tranquil and serene with our growing family. Letting go of what is not in my control and what doesn't need tending to for today. Embracing each day in peace rather than in uptight, stressful mode.


2012 is going to be a very good year for me and for our family.

Hibernation And Nesting

You know, I think we could learn a lot from the animals. I don't think we give them enough credit for their instinctive actions. Most of the birds from around here fly south for the winter. As do retirees and we call them 'snowbirds', but I call them wise. Other animals find a warm, cozy place for their fluffy, overweight selves to hibernate. Best idea yet.

Oh sure, we're not animals and we do have obligations and duties that make us the responsible humans that we are. But when the wind starts howling, the temperature drops and weather forecasts give indications of first snowfalls, this mom starts getting in hibernating/hunkered down mode. You're right, I am not made to live in Minnesota. We come from hardy descendants though and we are tied with resilient heart-strings to our families and we just can't bear to leave this wonderful state.

Until the first snow flies...

So, when the first flurries began and the winds were howling and moaning out my window, creating slushy roads and reminders of winter realities, I couldn't help but think. You know, because I'm starting to feel like a mama bear these days. Big and rounded and testy. It's those hormones of course.

It's just fine though because I've got a baby in my belly that is gonna start growing like crazy in these next 15 or so weeks. There are holidays, holy days and happy days that will fill our calendar just enough to keep us busy. I've already begun all of the nesting and preparing. Trust me, even hubby was questioning my sanity when it all began last weekend. Why was I wandering around tearing into numerous projects, re-organizing and throwing things away like a mad woman? It's the change of season, the chilly weather and general nesting hitting me full throttle.

I started to wonder aloud, ponder and fret while hubby listened and chuckled. Why does it matter what we get the kids for Christmas RIGHT NOW? Why does it matter what kind of gifts we'll buy for this baby in a few years because we have so many 'things' already? What do you mean will this baby feel loved? Oh yes, I was all over the map and ever-patient-one that my dear husband is, he took it all in stride. You know, sometimes it's overwhelming (my new favorite word, just ask hubby) being so planned and organized.

In making plans for the coming months and Christmas preparations, I re-read my post from last year. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Advent season last year. I stayed out of the stores and we focused together as a family on the true meaning of Christmas. I think this will work out perfectly for my hibernation-while-baby-is-growing scenario and will also allow for some more wonderful memories and days at home.

I guess I better get plugging away at that Christmas shopping list, even though I'm planning on keeping it rather simplified and gifts more thought out/meaningful rather than spendy. I've got a little over a month to do it in an effort to keep with my December 1st deadline. I think I'm up for the challenge.

There's sure to be more nesting ahead too amidst my restful hibernation. After all, we all know that the state of every nook and cranny along with every closet in our house will really matter to this precious little one we are awaiting. Um, sure it will.

How Do You Edit?

Photos, photos...

I enjoy taking them and I enjoy working with them on the computer, but numerous hours can easily be spent messing around with this little hobby.

It's one thing when I'm doing the work in order to make them ready for printing and framing, but it's another when it's just simply to post here on my blog. Most often I just opt to post them and be done. Forget the cutesy effects or borders, it's just easier to add the photo to the text and be done.

But sometimes I want to do a little more and darn it if it isn't a frustrating feat.

I know I've got some very talented bloggers in my midst who follow or read here and I'm always inspired by so many of you. When you are working with photos for posting, how do you do it? I've worked with Picnik and Photobucket, but they tend to stall my computer and spend so much time thinking and progressing through the simple tasks I'm trying to accomplish. Like those collages from the other day, you don't even wanna know how long that took! And I even have wireless internet at home! I do have photo editing software that I use at times, but sometimes I'm just looking for something fast and simple to make collages, add borders, effects, etc.

So, leave a comment you computer-blogging-photographing savvy people out there and let me know what works best for you. Anyone use Picasa Albums? Hints? Tricks? I'm open to it all!


HELP!

Letting Go

This BIG box is sitting in my basement awaiting a springtime garage sale. This box is filled with baby and toddler clothing and the box on top holds several pair of toddler shoes. This box and those clothes have been a personal hurdle I have not been able to get over for at least two years. Until last weekend, I couldn't. I tried numerous times, but believe me, it just could not be done.

The overflowing bins of baby/toddler clothing in my storage room have been a source of pain and trauma for a long time. Although in my heart of hearts I knew that I would not ever need ALL of those clothes, even should we be blessed with a bounteous brood any time soon, I could not get myself to sort through them. If you've followed here for any length of time, you understand and you know how debilitating my heartache can be for me at times over my secondary infertility. The bins full of memories and tiny pink and blue outfits brought up such raw emotion each time I tried to tackle them, so in time I just put aside the job completely.

I did not get rid of every shred of infant reminders or every precious overall set, after all I still hold on to the hope that I will use them again. But there was excess and there are realities. Someone else really may be in greater need for these cute-as-a-button onesies and outfits. Who am I to hoard them and hold on to them? And no, I did not part with any pretty-in-pink or boy-in-blue that sparked any fond memories. For now, I still need those. I cannot completely let go. I am just one woman, after all.

This box, these clothes, are a reminder of grace. Suddenly, one day I finally held the emotion and the God-given grace to muddle through the bins. The place that I had avoided. Alone, I sorted and decluttered, shedding not even a tear. I was able to let go and I was able to look ahead, without fear of the unknown and without anxiety. How refreshing.

Beginning Of February Daybook

For Today 2.1.2010

Outside My Window...it's cold, just above zero. Later today snow will begin to fall with little accumulation.

I Am Thinking...that I cannot believe that February is here and Lent is right around the corner.

I Am Thankful For... a husband who leaves in the cold, early-morning hours to go to a cold, lifeless workplace. All so that I get to stay with my children in a warm, cozy and busy house all day.

From The Learning Room...plugging away through our school days, but this week we will begin a couple of units in Earth Science learning about Water and Land, thanks to CurrClick.

From The Kitchen...Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken that didn't get made last week and perhaps a few other new meals from online.

I Am Creating...Lily's first year scrapbook on Scrapblog. I'm new to it, but I'm enjoying my time playing around with embellishments, stickers and backgrounds!

I Am Going...to hopefully (finally!) get Lily signed up for piano lessons.

I Am Reading...The Sister Circle by Vonette Bright & Nancy Moser

I Am Hoping...that God provides answers soon and enlightens my physician next week when I meet with her again.

Around The House...there are Valentine's Day decorations sprinkled here and there, reminding me of *L-O-V-E*.

Lyrics In My Head...'greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city...'

One Of My Favorite Things...my single cup of morning coffee, with french vanilla creamer. I enjoy its simplicity.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...weather-permitting, the possibility of a trip to a local library hosting a Zoomobile. Attend a birthday party for two sweet little girls. Cooking with our friend, Fr. G, for his annual Wild Game Feed.

Picture Thought I Am Sharing...




Thanks to our host,The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Final Week!!

I'm checking and double-checking my lists. Running the numbers on the calculator and consulting the Christmas budget. Checking the pantry and pulling out recipes. I'm literally picking my brain to be sure that I have everything covered.

You remember when I mentioned almost a month ago that I had a goal? And that it was to be out of the stores BY December 1st? That's next week. You know what? I think I'm gonna make it.

I've shopped in-store and online. I've cut down our gift giving. Made a couple of cuts in our Christmas card list. I am minimizing stress.

The Christmas cards are written out (we kept it pretty simple this year) and addressed, gifts tucked away and even a couple of more time consuming and heartfelt gifts have been created and ordered. Even our Advent book basket/craft projects/family reading are shaping up. There is sweet relief in all of this. More than I had imagined.

Of course, there will inevitably be something that I missed or forgot. But then, that's why I've got hubby and I'm sure he'll make an emergency stop in the store for me if needed. It should only be for a gift certificate or two or the obvious groceries I couldn't stock up on.

But I will be out of the stores and in the comfort of my home next week. And if last week's quick run into the local Walmart is any indication (of which was already playing Christmas music), well, then I'll be avoiding a whole slew of crazy shoppers and their nasty coughs and colds too.

Sweatin' To The Rosary

Almost two months ago when I clicked to read my daily dose Faith & Family Live! and spotted this one, I must admit that I was slightly confused. I re-read the post title and literally thought that it was the weirdest thing I'd heard in awhile. I mean, I've heard of both exercising and of praying the rosary and have done both, clearly. But had never heard the two intertwined quite like this.

Feeling oddly inspired to learn more, I went on to the website to learn more about The Rosary Workout. At the time I was in a sort of exercising lull, if you want to call it that. I felt that I was at a good fitness level and really lacking the inspiration toward my exercise routine. I get like that sometimes. The more I read, the more I figured there really wasn't much too lose and lots more to be gained.

How could I not at least test it out and try it? I could add spiritual growth and renewal at the same time as working toward continued health. I could use the extra prayer time. I could use a new way to lead me into deeper meditation. I could use some guidance from someone who clearly knew fitness. So I tried it.

Seven weeks later, I'm still on my Rosary Workout journey. Although I was tempted to skip ahead since my fitness level was more advanced than 'beginner', I did at least follow along the first few weeks in order to walk through the process and find the rhythm and beauty of the workout. I am at a level now where I am doing it three days a week and there are a few other days that when the weather is still nice I take a walk with the kids or some other type of exercise instead. I did eventually jump ahead to where it fit my fitness level a little better and am just about into the interval training. I'm enjoying it. It's allowed for more frequent praying of the rosary and again feeling wrapped in the arms of our Blessed Mother.

The Workout is very well laid out and designed. It can be for the most beginner of beginners, the postpartum mom who is ready to get moving a little more and for those of us in the frigid Midwest it will be wonderful to keep up with in the winter months too. It can be simply implemented with or without exercise equipment (elliptical, recumbent bike, treadmill,etc.) or used just plain old walking or jogging. Pretty versatile and easily accessed. No excuses or limitations. I like to try other exercise routines on the days I don't do this workout and if I am able, but adding this each week certainly lends a hand in keeping my routines from becoming just that and then to my eventual lack of interest.

If you are looking for something new or for something inexpensive (did I mention it's just under $10 and is in ebook format?) to jump start you in the right direction, I'd give this a try! If you are looking for a deeper devotion to Mary and greater consistency in a meaningful, prayerful rosary, this is a great tool.

Obviously, if you have not exercised in awhile and have physical limitations and conditions, as with all exercising, consult your doctor before beginning.


*Editor's Note: For the record, I decided to use the above post photo of a random, exceptionally fit woman, rather than one of myself. Being all modest and all. Well, that and that I don't feel like I look anything like that woman! We're all a work in progress and it all starts with tiny steps...

Looking Toward Advent

While we are just beginning November and the season of Advent is a few weeks off, I have already began to think on the season ahead.

In an effort to bring about a more peaceful and memorable four weeks of preparation for Christ's birth, I've already committed to being out of the stores by December 1st. Shopping done, pantry stocked. I'm hoping that only NEEDED errands will get me in the doors and gracing the aisles of Walmart and Target during December.

I desire simplicity. I desire peace, comfort and joy as my family awaits Christmas.

In order to do that, I would like to prepare our home and our hearts during those weeks of Advent. I'm looking for something simple, yet meaningful. Something perhaps for the mama, along with something for the family. We have walked the journey through the season of Advent in in the past with Jotham's Journey and we all enjoyed it. We may be ready for a new story and perhaps my children would still enjoy something similar.

Suggestions, anyone? What do you do? What does your family do? How do you prepare? I'd love to hear what you have to say and how you prepare for the great Gift of Christmas!

Many ideas are welcome, so share away!

My Birthday = Giveaway

It's my birthday and I'm 31! And while I wrote this last year, behind that reminiscence was a whole boatload of fear as I turned 30. Something about that number really bothered me and I suddenly felt 'old' and unhappy that life wasn't exactly what I had pictured for myself at that age. But really, it was all about my home not being filled with more children as I had envisioned at age 3-0.

I quickly got over that and moved on. This 30-thing wasn't really all that bad. I have learned to embrace my thirties and to set forward on my journey. Wherever that may take me and my family. God has been good. My life has been richly blessed.

October is a great month for a birthday. I've always thought that. Through the years I've been happy where my birthday falls. Another month and it will be Thanksgiving and in another two months, Christmas. It's a good run. This year I've found out that I also celebrate with some pretty wonderful ladies, Margaret and Tracy. And my IRL friend, Michelle too! That's some good company to be in!

In order to celebrate with me, I figure I'll give you something too! What a deal, huh? So, I'm going to start by throwing out a disclaimer here. The gift is homemade, however, please understand that by no means am I a professional/flawless seamstress of any kind! That being said, here's what I'm giving away:

A set of 4 of my (reversible) seasonal table runners!

Each table runner features a different holiday on each side:

Valentine's Day
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Patriotic
Fall
Christmas
Winter

Here are the fabrics I will be using:

The final side is your choice of one of these:



Realizing that not everyone has the same taste in style or similar decor in their home, if you win I may be persuaded *wink* to accommodate you for the last side in a different fabric.

I will sew them up promptly and send them out to the winner. If this giveaway intrigues you, please leave a comment on this post and I'll enter your name. You may enter until Wednesday at noon and I'll announce the winner later that day. Send your friends on over who may be interested and want the chance to become a winner!

Splash Of Color

Over the weekend I finally finished my current painting project. While it wasn't ever left half-way finished or looking terrible during the process, it's nice to have it done.

I started it back in August when I felt like I was ready for a change of color, something warmer. I wanted to paint the kitchen, but with the way that our floor plan is all laid out there isn't an easy break or place to begin and end. So, the project turned into painting down the hallway toward the laundry room and then all of the dining room as well. The border in the dining room needed to stay. I like it and it's only about a year and a half old. I'd also already accented with decor that focused around that and wasn't about to unleash an all-out budget crisis for this change, so stuck with JUST painting.

Do you know the difference a color can make? I did or at least thought I did. I've come to appreciate it so much more though! It sure made my home feel warmer and more inviting. I'm happy with the result, especially since the kitchen area is pretty much my 'office'(I've got my laptop on the counter day and night) and I spend lots of time taking care of my domestic church here. This is also the center of the house and the focal point as you enter the front door.

What do you think?

BEFORE:








AFTER:

Hi Lo: August 28th

HI's:

1) I started painting my kitchen & dining room this week. I'm hoping to get it all finished up before school starts in a little over a week. I'm *loving* how it's turned out so far! I'll be posting photos when I'm all finished.

2) Jamie welcomed her sweet baby girl this week. I'm hoping that I can see her sometime soon. Congrats again, Jamie and hubby!

3) I heard wonderful news from a dear friend that she is expecting! She's just 7 weeks and has had a few issues of concern already, so please keep her in your prayers and for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

4) Stacey is out of retirement and back in Blogville! Welcome back Stacey! I always hold Stacey dear since she is the reason I started blogging. We were old acquaintances and a couple of years ago I came upon her blog and it was the first one I ever read. After a long time of following her, I started finding other encouraging blogs and eventually started my own. I'm seriously indebted to Stacey for all of the enlightenment and opening me up to the world of blogging!

5) My FAVORITE Christian recording artist released a new album, 'Come Alive'!(Yes, this really makes it in my Highs for the week. Is that pathetic??) Mark Schultz is my ultimate favorite artist and Reed's as well. His music has been an inspiration to me for many years, way back to his first album I bought when I was single! There are so many of his songs that touch my heart and have comforted me in some very tough days. We've been to several of his concerts and are excited to attend another one in November as part of his 'Come Alive' tour with Point of Grace. Can't wait!


LO's:

1) It doesn't look like I'm going to finish my Mother's Rule of Life book before school starts. I was hoping to in an effort to have some better guidelines before putting together my daily schedule. Oh well, I'll figure something out.

2) I had some time this week to do some pondering and it brought up some very raw emotion with my infertility situation. And perhaps a not-so-startling revelation, but one that I probably just hadn't identified until the other day. There's a post in there somewhere, but I don't have it ready just yet.



How was your week? What were your Highs and Lows this week?

Hi Lo: August 21st

HI's:

1) We enjoyed lunch on Sunday with friends and then took off for a last minute overnight trip a couple hours away. We spent the night at a hotel and part of Monday at an outdoor water park. We all had so much fun and I was glad we took the impromptu trip. There's nothing like family time, just the four of us!

2) I am closer to my goal in our schoolroom. I've been working on organizing/rearranging the room off and on for the last few weeks. I'm hoping that it will be completely finished and ready to go in the next few days.

3) The kids and I were able to join Reed and his co-workers yesterday for lunch at the office. They do monthly grilling with two staff people in charge of bringing food each time and it was Reed's turn. We were in town doing errands any way, so we joined in. The kids get lots of attention (although they aren't particularly fond of it all), but usually have a good time any way.


LO's:

1) I'm thinking that a little painting is in order for my kitchen. That's more of a High for me, but not so much for my husband. Not that he really cares what I do for painting/decorating, but he's always fine with just leaving it the way it is. So, the Low for me is more the actual job of painting. Once I start, I just want to be able to finish it and be done. We'll see. I'm sure I'll keep you updated!

2) We're going through another 'funk' in the sleep department. I think the only one getting a good night's sleep around here is Jonah. Lily's having difficulty again and I'm bummed since we had been in a better pattern for a week or so. I'm hoping we can get things turned around pretty soon since school will start in two weeks. I don't want to have a crabby student on my hands at the beginning of the school year!


Colleen shares her Highs & Lows each week too!

Kids' Bedroom Makeover

I was quite inspired by Jessica's post and pictures on re-decorating her girls' room the other week and figured it was time for a little bedroom re-do at our house.

It's a little different though, since I wanted to makeover Lily and Jonah's room and with it being co-ed I couldn't go girly or all out boy either. I presented the kids with the idea of a slight makeover and changing things up a bit, but not too much. They are much like their father and don't like to change things unless absolutely necessary, so I was met with a little resistance. That was okay. My budget couldn't afford a TON of changes, but I wanted to create more functionality and space for each of them to enjoy.

With all of the dorm room/college decor and accessories available right now in stores, it proved to be perfect timing! I started by changing up the comforters on each of their beds and went from there with the rest.



They each settled on wall appliques that suited their tastes and they are peel & stick, so nothing permanent. Perfect.




The white bookcase was already in the room, so I just purchased the other one to allow each child to have their age appropriate books on their shelf along with some that they each share. I was thrilled to find the bins that are on Jonah's shelf since they hold the paperback and Little Golden books so much easier than just having them on the shelf with the others.



Although a little bit of painting was part of the original plan, after the room was pulled together and I took a look I decided that we could fore go that. The green wall on the window side of the room that I was most concerned about seemed to match just fine. In the end I was glad I could skip another painting job, especially if it wasn't needed.

While taking on the makeover endeavor, I decided that a little re-organizing of toys and 'stuff' was also needed. Some of the toys that were overtaking our living room were brought into the kids' room (kitchen set and dishes, blocks, little cars,etc.) and either stored in bins under the bed or in the closet. We also put in a lower hanging rack for the kids' shirts so that they are more easily accessible for them. These changes allowed for our dear living room to be a little less cluttered and most toys that need to be in there are now in one corner or stashed in the toy box.



All in all, it all turned out great and we are loving the change. It also left us with a new look for the kids' room and the living room; a cleaner/more organized living space; no more shirts wrinkled and stuffed in the dresser drawers; and a clear reminder of how much I LOVE bins and baskets for organizing!

If You Are Like Me....

....you would LOVE to have this in your home.


Inspired by Tracy and this post filled with photos of all of her glorious organizing lately, I knew I had to get my hands on a label maker.

Those of you who know me IRL or via this blog, you perhaps have concluded that yes, I am a planner and an organizer (and admittedly, perhaps to a fault). How it is that one who organizes as much as myself has not gotten my hands on to as precious of an item as this, is really beyond me!

After spending a short time in my basement storage room this morning, I've done quite a bit of labeling on my storage bins in there. Oh sure, they were all labeled before with masking tape and hand written labels, but now they are beautifully labeled thanks to my new 'toy'. (Oh, if hubby only knew that was how I spent part of my morning..)


When I mentioned the idea of this purchase last week to hubby, he said he'd thought of getting one before but just never had. Ok, that was all I needed. He was in support of my spending the money on such an item. Hey, at that point I even mentioned that maybe that would be a nice Mother's Day gift that I'd really appreciate. Hubby chuckled. I don't think a label maker was exactly on his list of 'best gifts to give the best mommy in the world'. With that, I decided that my next trip to Walmart would entail hunting one of these down. The other day, I found a number of label makers that fit the bill, but my bill also included a minimal price tag. Organizing or not, we are in tough economic times people. To my delight, I found a version of the model pictured above for *drum roll* JUST UNDER $20!! Perfect. It came with one label refill in the package and I also picked up another for under $7. Not bad I'd say.

And really, this is just more evidence that it doesn't take much to please this mommy. I know, I REALLY need to get out more!!

Next on the list: labeling shelves and cabinets in the garage that are filled with hubby's tools.

Friday Photo Fun

Do you Picnik? I do now! I just read about this site from Melissa at Bountiful Blessings yesterday when she posted this cute edited photo. Give it a try! It's FREE, FUN and EASY! (As if I really needed another reason to play around and edit my cute photos!)

I worked on a couple of photos real quick yesterday and thought I'd share them with you for something fun on Friday.

Miss Lily and the latest addition to our extended family, our great-niece, Maria.



Winter temps. have returned here, so I needed a little reminder of the glorious days ahead!




Happy Friday!

Spring Fever = Sewing Project

I'll admit it, I am SICK OF WINTER! I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of the winter season. I do like the change of seasons and the newness they all bring, but winter for me could be maybe a month in length and I'd be fine. Once March comes, it definitely needs to be done and most often here, it still has a few more bursts of snow and cold left to give us. I usually find some little project to help me through it though, sometimes painting and sometimes a little sewing.


I took on a sewing project last week and finally sat down to complete it yesterday. Don't get me wrong, not that I'm a seasoned seamstress to any degree, but I do enjoy the simple projects that I can accomplish with ease. Although I went to the fabric store last week while I wasn't feeling the best, I was somehow invigorated by all of the colors and patterns. As always, my quick stop for a little bit of fabric easily lasted an hour! The choices, the colors, the patterns!! Each with it's own options to create something wonderful.

Being that I was encountering the 'winter blahs', I ended up choosing vibrant patterns and colors that were a far cry from my original intentions upon setting out for the store. In the end, I chose shades of blue/aqua/turquoise to make a valance, pillow and seat cushions for my loft/sitting area upstairs.

I love the finished product and it's nice to see the beautiful color liven up that space. I always enjoy a finished project and the contentment it gives me.

Only now, I'm thinking I need to paint that wall the tan/brown color of it's opposite wall to really make it all come together...maybe I'm not finished after all.