Love Banner

 Since I got my new Silhouette Cameo I knew I wanted to replace our Christmas Advent banner with something new after Christmas. I took until February but I cut out this cute Valentine/Love banner. I just love how it turned out. I had planned on having my girls help put it together but once I got it all designed and cut, I was feeling like it just needed to get done and I wanted it straight. :) So they helped hang it!

I was inspired by this banner I found on Pinterest: Easy Christmas banner by Lilluna. I love finding ideas on pinterest and I know I'll be pinning a lot more when I'm spending quality time nursing a newborn. It keeps me awake at night! Find me here.

Forever Sunshine

Right now I'm enjoying a new shower gel fragrance from Bath & Body Works . 

Forever Sunshine is a blend of apricot, peonies and pralines. I don't know if this is what sunshine smells like but I love it! I have to admit I almost look forward to this part of my shower knowing I get to smell this scent. :) I sure hope they have this shower gel again next summer. I usually fall in love with one of their seasonal flavors and then they discontinue it. Maybe I should stock up!
I do love summer. But when I think of summer smells something more like fresh cut grass comes to mind. I don't really want to smell like that. Or sunscreen and chlorine. Or bug spray. I love summer but summer smells aren't usually to nice. I'd better go smell the roses in front of my house to remind me of the good smells of summer.
What are your favorite scents? What smells remind you of summer?

3 Year Blog-o-versary

Today is the Anniversary of my little blog!

It's been 3 years since my first blog post. My first post was about God's goodness to me - and it still rings true! I have a wonderful little family. I love seeing my baby girl grow up each and every day. She's learning so many new things! As you can tell from most of my posts, she's my daily excitement. I usually post about her. :) I also have a wonderful husband. As the years pass, we grow closer and learn how to work together more. We have a beautiful house and wonderful neighbors. We have an amazing church family. I've been truly enjoying all the opportunities to serve and challenges to grow.

One of my first posts was fun facts about me. In honor of those first days here's an update about me...

I am: going to be 25 this year! 

28. Oh boy, I think I'm beginning to feel a little old. Sometimes I actually forget my age. When I get the age question I usually think '25' and then 'oops. I'm definitely past that.' Maybe my internal age is stuck on 25! :)
I think: in funny directions.

I am still one of a kind. I've found that mind-reading is the hardest skill to learn in marriage. Seriously, I need that superpower!!
I know: that I am loved.

that I am still loved and even more! And that I have my own daughter, I have learned what it is to love my own child. It's amazing and scary to feel so strongly about a person!
I want: a kitty.

still a kitty. :) But I think I'll wait until Millie is old enough to ask. She has way more pull with Daddy!
I have: more blessings than I take stock of.

A wonderful life! I am so blessed to have a wonderful hubby and beautiful daughter.
I wish: I was more observant.

Well I'm still working on being observant but I think I'm improving! This seems to be a life long learning process. These days the one thing I really need more of is patience. Mommyhood required a lot of it!
I plan: to be an organized mover.

to enjoy the summer. Millie loves being outside and so we're going to soak up the sun!
I hate: it when people are rude or disrespectful.

I think this one stays the same. Rude-ness is annoying. It's not that hard to be a little gracious and remember 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!'
I miss: the Tetons some days.

the freedom of life before kids (only some days). You know. Kids mean your schedule isn't yours, it's theirs. I miss having dates with my hubby!
I fear: big, fast spiders.

ugh. Still spiders!!! But family brings a whole new set of fears. I would hate to loose J or Millie. I love them so much! I constantly have to give them to God and remind myself that He loves them even more. And I know He loves me and will care for me thru any storm.
I feel: sleepy still.

optimistic.
I hear: birds.

happy baby-talk. I love this happy stage! Sometimes I wish Millie would stay little.
I smell: enchanted orchid soap.

a little funky. I go workout at the Y most mornings and it's a great time!
I crave: chocolate.

a date night. We plan way too few of these. Date nights are expensive! You pay for dinner and a babysitter plus a movie is $10 per person. Crazy. I also crave a mani and pedi day. Ahhh that sounds so relaxing. I haven't got that type of pampering since last summer.
I search: Google.

for wisdom. I am constantly look for ways to be a better homemaker, mom and wife.
I wonder: how I can better love my husband.

when Jesus will return. I'm not the type to see the end of the world around every corner. But the crazy weather, etc in the world these days has me wishing for His return more often than I used to.
I regret: being quick to speak.

not much, thankfully.
I love: J! Happy (very soon) Birthday!

my Lord, my life and my loves.
I hope: to be a mom.

in the Lord on a daily basis. He is my everything!
I ache: to have a hug.

when I hear about suffering mamas or babies. Motherhood makes my heart so much more tender.
I always: take too long in the bathroom.

hmm ALWAYS is a word I like to avoid. I always use words like always and never when I'm mad which I remember learning in pre-marriage counseling that you are NOT supposed to do. oops.
I am not: outgoing.
a morning person. Millie wakes me up between 7 and 7:30 everyday. I know that's not that early but my internal clock says it is!
I believe: God's word is truth. AMEN.
God's promises are true. He is on His throne at all times and He is coming again.
I dance: when I'm alone with Cher. :)
with baby girl all the time! I love dance parties with her. 
I sing: for fun.
because it puts a smile on my face. I especially treasure bedtime when I sing for baby girl.
I cry: when I'm hurt.
because I'm a woman and I get emotional, just accept it.
I don’t always: run on time.
wash my hair. I'm really trying not to wash it every day because it's supposed to be better for it. But it's driving me a little crazy.
I fight: because I'm stubborn.
because I'm passionate about what I think, what I believe and who I love.
I write: for fun and to clear the brain.
as a release. It clears my mind and makes my thoughts clearer.
I never: want to move away from Nebraska.
say NEVER if I can help it. Life is so full of changes and most that I sure can't control.
I need: forgiveness for the grouch monster.
daily hugs from my baby! 

Thanks for reading!

SSMT & my crazy week

Oh oh, I'm a little late but I have had a busy week. So first off here's my verse...
Proverbs 31:21-22 (NKJV)
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
I'm still working though Proverbs 31. I am halfway through my year of memorization. It is definitely getting more challenging to keep on top of! Now that we're halfway through the year have you been able to keep on top of your New Year's resolutions?

So my last week has been crazy!!
First off O had surgery to repair her umbilical hernia on Wednesday. We were up at 4:30am to be at the hospital at 5:30 and surgery was at 7:30am. I'm telling you that was way to much hanging around. O was awake and didn't exactly just want to lay in bed waiting for her turn. Once she was in surgery, the waiting was the hardest part for me. It was so hard to watch her walk away with the nurse. She cried and reached over her shoulder to me. :( Thankfully we had friends join J and I in the waiting room. A long hour and half later, she was done. New belly button!! I cannot believe how fast she recovered. Kids are amazing! After 1 day, she was off Tylenol and by 2 days, she didn't even seem to remember or care she'd had surgery. I'm so glad to have this behind us.
Second I coordinated a wedding on Friday. And not just any wedding but the pastor's granddaughter. So I felt a little pressure to do well. I worried about the weather all week as I prepped all my notes. But it was beautiful! A beautiful evening for an outdoor wedding and everything went off without a hitch! Congrats to the Newlyweds!!
I hope you're having a busy and fun summer!

Waterfall braid

I am still attempting new hair styles. This is another from My Yellow Sandbox called the Waterfall Braid. It's so easy and pretty! I think I'll have to keep trying this one.

I'm enjoying playing around with new looks. Actually part of the reason I'm messing around so much is because I'm trying to wash my hair less. I've heard a million times that it's better to not wash your hair every day. And yes it'll be a little greasy but then your hair will catch on and stop producing so much oil. So I'm trying to shampoo it every other day. But I'm still waiting for it not to be so gross the 2nd day. I may have to give up on this one. I so cannot pull off the greased monster look!

Find the original look with tutorial at My Yellow Sandbox.

Like?

Hi my faithful readers!

So I've been blogging on and off for almost 3 years (since June 23rd, 2008). Wow 3 years. That's crazy! At that point in my life, we were just buying our first house and sweet O was still just a twinkle in my eye. My posts have ranged from fun exciting news to opinions about life to mundane mommy ramblings. 

I just want to say thank you to all my friends and family who continue to read my blog, even through the slow spots. If you've been enjoying my musing on life and motherhood, please FOLLOW me!! I love to know you're still reading. I'd also to hear from you. I realize that I don't always post a lot to comment on... so I'll work on that if you promise to comment once in a while. :)

So today my question for you is... What do you like reading about on my blog? And what do you think I need to share more about?

Walk for Life

The Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Walk for Life is tomorrow!

I'm so excited to walk this year. In years past, I've wanted to participate but was usually gone or busy on the chosen weekend. So this year I put in on the calendar way early. I am finding that we're still busy this year and as I think ahead to tomorrow, I'm a little overwhelmed by the full day we have planned. But this is a very worthy cause. I think I can sacrifice some sleep. And it should be a beautiful day for a walk around the lake. So I think I might even get some exercise pushing 20+ pounds of stroller and my baby girl a couple miles.

I've always strongly believed in the sanctity of human life but since I've had my own baby girl the feeling has become personal. I absolutely 100% believe that Millie was a person from the moment of conception and it would have been murder for me to terminate my pregnancy at anytime. Each baby is a beautiful gift from God and should be treasured. This reality is something that is especially hard to accept when you're young and facing an unplanned pregnancy. The Center helps young couple make wise, Biblical choices about the future of their family.

If you want to walk or sponsor a walker, check out the details.

New Era in Football

Well yesterday marked the first Nebraska football game of 2010. We had friends over and enjoyed mexi dip. Mexi dip is standard game food at our house! Millie dressed in red and white for the first time! Eventually I'll get pictures up of her in her 'my first Nebraska tee' and little white skirt.

But I have to admit, I hardly watched the first half and was still distracted during the second half. Crazy! I know. It's so unlike me! I love Nebraska football but, what can I say, I love my baby girl more. :) I spent the first half with her - watching, playing and entertaining. And I loved it! I hardly noticed I was missing the game. I put her to bed at half time and figured I would be able to enjoy the second half. But since we had company, I was still distracted. I kept listening for her because I knew the extra noise might cause some sleep issues but she slept right through our noise. :) She's such a good baby! So I do feel little bad that I paid so little attention to the game, but we played nobody and I had a good excuse. I still plan on enjoying Nebraska football but I now have a new priority during the game. Millie comes before football. I don't think that makes me a bad fan, it just makes me a good mom. 

There have been so many things over the past almost 8 months that have changed. O takes priority over many things in my life, including myself a lot of the time. It's sometimes a hard adjustment, especially when it affect other people I love. But I am so thankful to have her. She's a blessing!
OK, I'm stopping. I could write post after post just gushing about her. I think I'm in love.

Why I do love PA

We went to PA the beginning of May to visit Justin's family again. And like always we had a great time! ...

1. I love the landscape in that area. The open gently rolling hills dotted with trees and farmhouses are so picturesque. I would love to have a Pennsylvania inspired home in Nebraska! These pictures are of the battlefields of Gettysburg but this really is what it looks like in the Lancaster area where we visited.

2. I love the food! Grandma Fisher makes the best food for us! - ham loaf with stewed tomatoes, crab legs, stuffing, the creamy-est mashed potatoes ever, ham salad sandwiches, potato rolls - I'd eat anything she makes! That must be a grandma thing because I feel the same way about Granny's food. Grandpa Fisher loves anything peanut butter and so do I. We enjoyed peanut butter ice cream and peanut butter donuts daily. Again, these are the best peanut butter donuts I've had in my life! We even had ice cream fresh from the cows. You could see the cows as you walked in. Of course we had more than one of Joe's steak sandwiches. And we brought home a box of pretzels right off the line.

3. I enjoy all the time we spend with Grandpa and Grandma Fisher. We are blessed to be able to stay with them. We drive all over the countryside talking and hearing stories. And almost every night we stay up late playing Hand & Foot. It's a very fun card game! We always play in teams and the boys usually beat Grandma Fisher and I. I think it's my fault because I'm still learning. And the guys are merciless!

4. This year I loved watching everyone get to know Olivia...

Here's Olivia with Aunt Donna, Uncle Scott & Aunt Robin, Uncle John, and Aunt Miki.

I was actually sad to leave this time. I'm usually the type who is happy to go home at the end of vacation. I really have fallen in love with Justin's grandparents and think of them as my own. I'm sad to say good bye for at least another year. But in spite of the 20 hour drive I'm looking forward to our next trip east! 

For Our Viewing Pleasure

This is our other recent purchase that I alluded to in my last post. J has been looking at TVs for about the last 5 years. Our current Tube was a Shopko return. J worked in the Shopko merchandising/returns area in college. So our TV doesn't work when it's really humid. BUT now we have this lovely new TV! :)










The very large box it came in...
We tried to put this in the back of our friend's Forerunner but it didn't fit. It has to ride home upright to avoid breaking and problems to the plasma screen. So we ended up using twine from the Sears guy to support it in the back of the truck. And I rode home with my arm out the back window for extra support on the corners and bumps.
Now our evening are mostly filled with J figuring out all the new settings and features. I think I'll like it more when we get past this stage and just watch it like normal. Some days new electronic toys are more hassle than fun. :)

My Favorite Husband & Chef

The cast of characters...
A few weeks ago after church I began craving an Egg McMuffin or a Bagel 'n Egg sandwich from McDonald's. J said 'no' because we will not be indulging my every craving - it's not healthy and I would gain 100 pounds! We even drove past McDonald's and I begged to no avail. Then my genius hubby said he could make one for me at home. I wasn't so sure. I really wanted that fake looking patty of eggs. And I was doubtful J could produce that or anything as good as I imagined it would be at this moment. OOH how wrong I was!!!
This picture is from the second time we've had these sandwiches of egg, bacon, cheese and English muffins. The may not be as structured as McDonald's but I think they're way better tasting! I am so impressed by my hubby and to blessed that he likes to cook and is good at it!




A little extra bacon and some hash browns make it the perfect Sunday lunch. Satisfying and nap inducing.










The other food I've been craving is coleslaw. Not just any coleslaw but only the world's best! I am very picky about this. Coleslaw from the grocery store has this weird tang to it and at restaurants it's just not creamy or homey enough. I finally called my Granny for the perfect recipe. It's from our Mennonite church recipe book and is actually from Dresbach's in GI. Sadly Dresbach's is no more... no more fried chicken and sides in the park. BUT the coleslaw lives on! It's perfect - nice and creamy with just enough vinegar to keep it from getting too creamy. Thanks to Dresbach's, Mennonites and Granny, I can count this craving satisfied!! Who knows what it'll be next.

Yearly Flowers

Our 4th Anniversary was July 2nd. Sadly that morning came and we both forgot to say "Happy Anniversary Honey. Love you". Only 4 years in and we're already forgetting. And I forgot to give him a card. This year I've been really bad at the card thing - birthdays, anniversary - you name it and I forgot. So part way through the day J emailed me a reminder. And I asked if we were doing anything and if he remembered our deal. Yes and he did.
About 5 o'clock that afternoon these beautiful flowers showed up at my work. I love getting flowers at work!! I get to show off what a thoughtful hubby I have. I'm sure you're wondering what 'the deal' is. Well my practical husband thinks that flowers are a waste of money. They cost a lot and they die after a few days. I know it's true but I still want flowers. So the deal is that I get flowers once a year for our anniversary. Valentine's Day is ten times more expensive and my birthday is a close second to the anniversary. I'd say it's a good deal! :)
Our joint gift was going out to supper. We went to The Dish. Have you ever been there? The food is very good. But it's a little pricey. I expected a huge plate of food for the price and just got a fancy regular sized meal. So I'd say it's a good place to go for special occasions once in a blue moon. We love trying new food places and revisiting old favorites. Since I've know J, this has become one of my favorite things about going on vacation. He always researches the best places to eat wherever we go!
So it was a happy anniversary and I got flowers! :)

Reality TV - Love & Family

Maybe I watch too much TV. Or maybe I read too much entertainment news online. I completely get drawn into shows about real families or couples or couples falling in love. I think that's girl thing. I didn't watch much of the Newlyweds but was still sad when Nick and Jessica broke up. This was particularly disappointing to me because they claimed to be Christians who believed in the sanctity of marriage. And they believed that marriage was a lifelong commitment. Sadly they did not uphold this pledge. I don't think you can say reality TV broke their marriage but I sure don't think it helped. Marriage has enough challenges without adding the pressure to perform for TV viewers.
Today's latest Christian couple to face marriage failure is John and Kate. This case makes me even more sad because of the kids that are involved. How sad that they believe that divorce is better for them. This also makes me mad because this family in particular spoke often about going to church and how their faith was not highlighted in their show. Every time the rumors come out about a new 'good' couple splitting up, I don't want to believe it's true. But after a few months of rumors, it usually happens. Now I wasn't really surprised that Jon & Kate were having trouble. Anyone could see that on the show. Kate was overbearing and even rude to her husband. And Jon was usually just not engaged in his life as a husband and father. But I am even more shocked at their behavior now! They've barely filed their divorce papers - they're not even divorced yet - and they're hanging out all over the world with their new partners for the whole world to see! Kate's short comings were rather obvious on the show but Jon's issues are coming to light now. He clearly does not want to grow up or be a father all the time. And I wonder if his 22-year-old partying girlfriend is the best influence for his 8 young kids. It's so sad to see not just the failure but total demolition of another Christian family on the TV. No wonder the world says marriage is silly and outdated and unnecessary if this is the example that they see.

On to other TV notes, the Bachelorette was on again this week. I must say there is way less drama and way less to talk about now that Wes is gone. This was the week that the fast forward button was real handy! Why does the world believe it's necessary to sleep with your significant other to know if their marriage material?!? Jillian slept with 2 possibly 3 guys in a week's time and claims to be falling in love with them all. Eww and totally messed up. What I did like this week was seeing the sights in Hawaii. What a beautiful place! I'm going to miss Reid and his awkward silliness. But I'm looking forward to the Guys Tell All show next week. I imagine more Wes related drama is in store. I've decided that my favorite part of this show is the middle weeks - when there are less guys but the physical ickyness hasn't started yet.

On another completely different TV note... We've been watching the Tour de France (say it Fronce cause it's better!). I really love that I've come to enjoy this sport so Justin and I can watch it together. I won't share many details in case you're like us and record it and might be behind a few days. But this year is drama filled! Lance Armstrong is back and making waves. Justin can't stand him and hopes he doesn't win. I can't help but secretly cheer for him sometimes. :) The next couple weeks of the tour are going to be awesome! I recommend watching - it's on Versus. Limited coverage in the mornings and recaps in the evening.

What do you watch on TV? What do you watch with/for your spouse? How do you feel about the example of Christian marriages we see on TV?
Have you seen Fireproof? Now that's a movie that portrays Christian marriage realistically and honorably! I cried at every other scene. Think that has to do with hormones? :) Not the best made movie but definitely the best message I've got from a movie in a long time.

Home is where the Heart is

June included a trip home (to my parent's house). I like that it can be home too. I have 2 homes now!! :) This was shortly after we bought our new little cannon so I have lots of pictures. And lots of 'artsy' pictures since we were trying out the features.
Highlight of the trip may have been checking out Dad's barn - more like castle/monstrosity.
Here are some views from the top... This barn has a tower of sorts on the side. You climb a very tall ladder and then climb through a small hole in the ceiling. Then you climb through another small hole to the very top where you can look out and see forever. I love how the corn is all green this time of year. So beautiful!
Here's the fire pit down by the lake (aka puddle) where we had brats for lunch. Don't worry we boiled them first so they were cooked and all that was needed was browning/burning. I love brats.
Here are our artsy photos of the day. I have more but this post was getting full so maybe later. This one is of a knot on the post of the deck. I thought it looked cool!

We also got in some animal time while we were there. Here's brother A with Desmo - Good Puppy! Well Desmo is no longer a puppy but since he's a little hyper dog, I still think of him as a puppy. He's so funny! He thinks he's big so he barks and chases everything. He doesn't like J so he always growls at him. :) Hehe. My parents also have new kitties!! Three left out of five (I think) is pretty good. And they're so cute. They followed us everywhere when we were close by the dog house. Yes they live in the dog house with the dog. He's the papa. :) I tried really hard to convince J to let me take one home with no luck. But I think I'm wearing him down!
Now the absolute best thing about this trip was telling my parents they're going to be grandparents this winter!! :) Sorry no pics of that but when I have a bump to show off I will. Right now it's so small, I would laugh posting pictures!

Finally Jillian Finally!!

Good Bye and Good Riddance Wes! Monday's Bachelorette was fairly unexciting but very satisfying because she finally sent Wes home. And he finally fessed up to all the girlfriends rumors and proved he was scum once and for all.
I don't feel like spending time on a recap, so I'll just say I'm hoping for an Ed vs. Reid final. There is something about Kiptyn I don't really like. Well it's more that I don't care - he's not interesting and doesn't seem like a good match for her.
Only a few more weeks! What do you think?
Who will she pick?
Who should she pick?
Who should be the next Bachelor - Jake or Michael?

Guilty Pleasure

... The Bachelorette.
It can't be helped. I was a casual watcher but I got hooked on Deanna's season and can't stop. It is so sneaking how they've strung the last few seasons together so you just have to watch the next one. And it does not help that most of the girls in our flock are also hooked. We all DVR it and end it watching it at home or staying late after study to watch it together. Our husbands humor us and I think maybe even enjoy it a little. Then we all shriek and ooh and ahh and discuss all the details!
Monday was a real doozy or wicked as she says. I think Jillian has completely lost her mind! Wes is just awful. He's there to promote his band and their new country CD. He's even told the other guys that! And now we find out that he even has a girlfriend at home. Of course most the guys are too chicken to tell Jillian that. And the ones that do tell her, she doesn't believe because she really likes Wes and is following her gut. Good guy and totally stand up honest man, Jake showed up this week after being sent home to tell her the truth and she wouldn't believe it. Boy, she makes women falling in love look stupid!
So Monday they had the hometown dates and we were sure we knew which one was going home. But then Ed, who had left a few weeks ago for his job showed up begging to be taken back. And of course she said come to the rose ceremony and we'll see. She gave roses to...
Kipton - nice. Bad kisser. But a front runner.
Reid - nice but slightly spastic.
Ed - yay! I liked Ed. I think he might win. And surprisingly he seems normal. Jillian has been picking rather weird guys. But what do you expect when she thinks it's a requirement that they've had the hearts broken before.
Wes - arhg!! We do not like Wes. Jillian is so dense. You should see how all the guys moan and roll their eyes when she calls his name. She must be blind!
So Jesse and Michael go home. Jesse was no surprise. But poor Michael. He was the young sweet goofball of the bunch and had totally fallen in love with Jillian already. I'm thinking he might be back begging her to marry him. We'll see.

So if you have time to waste on Monday nights tune into the Bachelorette! But as we near the end of the season be prepared to fast forward some steamy scenes. This is my least favorite things about the show and this seasons promos hint that they will show more than we ever cared to know. Eww. Thank goodness for fast forward. I really hope I can break this guilty pleasure soon! But if Michael is the Bachelor next season, I might have to watch again.

Funny Story

This made me laugh!!

Benadryl Enhanced My Sunday Worship
by Ashley Harris on 04/27/2009 at 11:48 AM
I've blogged about my allergies before. There is something in the mountain air that just slays me. Yesterday I woke up feeling yucky for the sixth day in a row. I called and canceled brunch plans after church. Before I hung up the phone my friend suggested I take some Benadryl to see if the symptoms subsided. She said that would probably be a good indicator whether I had a cold or allergies. Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that?
Probably because I don't have a medicine cabinet. Out of sight, out of mind. I still have 96 days of singleness left, so I refuse to do some grown-up things like stock a medicine cabinet until I have to. Besides, pain is your friend. It lets you know you aren't well yet. But since her suggestion did make a lot of sense, I called Brian (my fiance) and asked him to bring me some Benadryl when he picked me up for church. He stays with his parents on the weekends and they have a well stocked medicine cabinet. Thank you future in-laws.
He brought me some chewables. They were grape and reminded me of being sick as a kid. I loved being sick as a kid. My Maw Maw made me milkshakes periodically throughout the day while I laid on the couch and watched soap operas.
I chewed a tablet in the car and another a little later. I assumed that they were kid's strength since they were chewable. I was wrong. I stumbled into the church sanctuary. Brian said it was like going to church with a drunk person. Apparently I was a little loopy in our before-the-service fellowship time. So he apologized for me and explained that it was the allergy meds.
I felt really silly for overdosing and totally expected to snore through the sermon. But to my delight and surprise, I was more focused than usual. The medicine slowed down my mind enough that I wasn't thinking about my grocery list, wedding plans, what blog I was going to write on Monday, or the person smacking their gum behind me. It was amazing. I wept from the second song to the benediction. In the midst of my Benadryl stupor, The Lord reawakened my love for Him and His Kingdom.
How different could Sunday mornings be if I stopped worrying about all the things I can't change and just listen to what is going on right in front of me? I'm tempted to take a Benadryl before church every Sunday, but I know that's not the solution (and allergy medicine is expensive). So I'm praying that God will help me develop a steadfast mind because there is something very rich and life-changing about being completely engaged in the preaching of His Word.

Shopping Day

First off - yes I realize these pictures are horrible. Yes I somehow accidentally touch the lens and didn't realize it. So yes you are seeing my fuzzy thumb print in all of these pictures. :)Last week I went shopping in Omaha with my mom! I haven't been shopping for a few months. I'm thinking since Christmas but Justin would be the one to ask for sure. :)
I was looking for a spring dress and some summer tees and maybe some khakis. We only made it to one of the 3 malls in town. This is rather shocking but OK because it was still a success!

First this picture was taken at J.Crew. Now I don't normally shop here. I think they have very cute clothes. But they usually look best on very tall and skinny girls. I am neither, especially not tall. And J.Crew isn't exactly budget friendly. Anyhow I tried on this fabulous orange skirt. Pencils skirts look pretty good on me and this one fit perfectly!I should've taken the picture on an angle for the full effect. But I did attempt to stand on my tip toes. We all know a fitted skirt looks better in heels! Naturally the skirt was way out of my price range and not on sale. I could've blown my whole budget for the day right here. I also found...
1. Chino Short. I like Navy and Stone. They fit well and are a great length. 2. Minty Featherweight Cardigan. Cute and comfy! I really like these casual cardigans that are everywhere this season 3. Corsage Tee. I like the detailing. These things are going to stay on my list as things to watch. I hope they go really on sale online! So I left the store with socks. :)

Next stop Anne Taylor Loft. I love this store because they have cute stuff that is more grown up without being the Misses section at Dillards. No offense, I'm just not to that dept yet. But I also am pretty much out of the Juniors departments. It's a tough spot to shop. Last year I bought this shirt in blue.So naturally when I saw they still had them and they were on sale, I bought two! I also got a pair of pants that were later returned. My hubby gets the last word on whether or not the clothes look good. :) Thanks for the fashion expertise honey!

Next stop Banana Republic. Again this store is usually not budget friendly or curve friendly. But I found this...LOVE this dress!! But let me tell you, it was not love at first sight. It looks like a bag on the hanger. A serious bag. But it's super cute on. No this is not me in the picture (insert sarcasm and smile). So at first glance we walked right by. Then we saw it on the manikin and mom said maybe I should at least try it on. I tried it on and was slowly warming to it. Everyone that walked by said 'oh so cute, it looks so much better on than on the hanger'. This is a different style of dress for me than my usual style. Even Justin found it to be unexpected.
And of course the sales lady recommended I try these shoes...Can you say expensive shoes!? I love them. They make my legs look tan and longer. I love you shoes. Bye shoes. Maybe I can buy you when my independently wealthy sister loans me money. :) Don't you just love how the sales lady talks you into trying your dress on with shoes that you cannot afford but will absolutely fall in love with!? They capped off the whole look and I was convinced that this was the dress for me. And the dress when on sale after a couple days and I got money back. So it's definitely the dress for me!

We also walked through DSW. Does this store overwhelm you too? I can never buy anything here. It's too much of an overload. Sad but true - shoe overload can be achieved.I also came home with this from The Gap.
Like I said I like the casual cardigans. And thankfully this was on sale. But imagine full long sleeve lavender and polka-dotted navy instead of these colors. I love polka-dots!

After a quick stop at Cold Stone Creamery for a "healthy" snack and a perusal of Pottery Barn to feed my imagination, we headed home. I would say it was a successful trip!

Creative Day Off

Well I'm not feeling real wordy today but here's one of the projects I worked on while I've been home the last few weeks.Here I am in my comfys one afternoon with all of my card paraphernalia. I try to stay away from Hobby Lobby because I can't help but buy a few sheets of decorative paper every time I'm there. I have paper of every color and for every season! And here's just a sample... And after an afternoon, here's what I ended up with. I am now prepared for some upcoming weddings and showers, as well as the random birthday.
I really enjoy making cards. It's a creative outlet for me. And unlike scraping booking, it doesn't require me to have pictures. I'm really bad at taking pictures and they usually turn out bad.