rosie, you make me smile...

I'm so glad you can make me smile.
Even when I'm mad, frustrated, tired, and cranky.
I'm glad you're a goof ball.



I love that you are who you are, so authentically, and you always have been.
I hope, you always will be!



Thank you for your belly laughs, giggles, and goofy ways my sweet monkey girl!

tomorrow...

Needing to remind myself that life is beautiful. To laugh, take deep breaths, keep calm, and carry on!

My kids have been INSANELY cranky since we have gotten home from our little road trip. They are all out of sorts... which means in a nut shell, so am I.

I always know that I will pay for taking them away from home, getting off our routine, letting them stay up way past their bedtimes, and live like there are no rules... but what are you gonna do when you're on vacation visiting grandma's, aunties, and cousins?


All I know right now is...
Yikes, it's hard to be calm, loving, and patient, when someone is throwing the 676th fit for the day, is speaking in a non-stop whining tone, is crying, refusing to eat, is picking on their sibling just because, will NOT LISTEN unless being yelled at.

So, tonight, I'm gonna try something... if you are having one of 'those weeks' or 'those days' join in with me...

Deep breath.........
Happy thoughts.........

Remember, this too shall pass.
Tomorrow is a brand new day.
The blessings outweigh the crappy stuff.
Life really is beautiful!

Life is especially beautiful in the light of a new day, so as I prepare to lay my head down to rest. I will be praying that I will awaken with a new attitude... Fresh perspective... & An extra dose of love and patience for my little ones.

And heck if that doesn't work, I'm just gonna put a post it note on my forhead to remind myself!:) What do ya think?

cousins...

Hands down the best part of our trip (sorry everybody) was spending time with our adorable nephews/cousins (coosins as Meritt calls them). We cuddled them, fed them, swam with them, giggled with them, and loved on them every minute we could. We are all so very thankful that these two little guys are here and healthy, chubby, wonderful 8 month olds. It wasn't that long ago we were scared to death that they might not make it, or that they would come so early that they may have problems. So, to see them now, all 22lbs each of them, we feel like our family is extremely blessed! I know I'm pretty bias, but aren't they cute??!!

road trip photos...

We went over the river and through the woods to Nanny's house and Lake! Five wonderful days spending time with family on the lake... it was great!!! Hard to come home after loving our time there, but it's always good to get home and settled back into life too!

the praise of summertime...

This morning as I was getting ready to go to the Willamette Celebration Valley Church service, I was listening to the radio. Dee Duke from the Jefferson Baptist Church came on with a tid bit to chew on for the day, and it kind of knocked me between the eyes. {funny how God works huh?} Anyway, he said, God doesn't want us to be anxious for anything, and that when we are we are directly disobeying God. Hmmmm hello, is that me, yes! He said give your worry and your anxiousness to God, and trust that he will take care of you.

So, today, that is what I am working towards. Not going to say I have it all figured out... this letting go, letting God stuff, is HARD. But, I have to admit being anxious and worried about all the stuff going on in my life doesn't do me any service. It does me no good. It doesn't make me get all my 'to-do's' done any faster, better, or more efficiently. Actually, just the opposite. The worry zaps my energy, it makes me feel tired, and unable to cope. So, I'm taking a deep breath, letting go of the worry, giving God my anxiousness, and trusting that he will take perfect care of me! Time to enjoy the process. Enjoy the day, the season, and the blessings that overflow around me, if I'm willing to see them!

{Still working on road trip photos, they will be up this week!}

feeling overwhelmed...

Just thought I would check in with my blog and my blog friends out there. We are home, and have been home for two days from our road trip, and now, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I've been meaning for the last two days to download ALL of the photos from our trip and write about our great trip to California to visit Matt's wonderful family. But, it just hasn't happened.

There isn't enough time in the day I've decided.
There aren't enough days in the week, enough weeks in a month, and enough months in a year to get everything done, and accomplished, that I have to do on my plate.

My brain is spinning tonight...
Too many things to do, and I'm not even sure where to begin.
There is a very long to do list for the week(s) ahead!

The only thing I do know tonight is that I cannot wait to get recharged at the Willamette Celebration in the morning! Tomorrow the whole Willamette Valley is getting together for a church service. It's gonna be AWESOME!!! I need so badly to go and get centered by worshiping and praising God!!! I know that as soon as I do all of my feelings of being overwhelmed will be a distant thought.



Psalm Chapter 61:2
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

road trip...

What would summer be without a road trip???
We are heading out on ours early in the morning.
Gonna take 'Sassy' (the car) on her first long road trip!
We are all super excited...
but, first, there is a long 'to do list' to be done!

Packing...
Watering the whole yard, and every flower, and every plant...
Preparing the animals to go stay at Grandma and Papa's (lucky them!)...
Cleaning out the car so we can stand being in it for hours and hours on end...
Getting the girls haircuts... (Meritt decided to cut her own hair again last night, grrrrrrrrr. Bella got a less than stellar bang trim by yours truly, and we are getting family pics taken with the whole family in California on Monday)
Cleaning house, so it's nice and clean to come home to!...
and I'm sure a million more little details in between all of the above!

So, I'll be taking a blogging break for a few days.
I'll be back soon, with photos, and stories from our adventure very soon!
Until then, Happy Summer All!

preperations...

*This was written over at Passionate Homemaking by Kat at Inspired to Action*

{This article really hit home with me! It inspires me, and makes me want to be more Christ like as a mama. It is no secret that our kids feed off of our moods, our stresses, and our highs and lows. If we want our kids to be joyful, we must first be joyful. If we want our kids to learn to pray, we must show them how. If we desire to give more than we are currently giving, it is up to us to change ourselves!

It is really hard at times as a mom to keep your patience, keep perspective about this little things, when there are so many BIG things that need our attention. But, very often if we take a deep breath, and slow down, keep it all together, so will our precious little children!}




Preparations
We set out their clothes, make their breakfast, and tidy the house so that our children can start the day off well.

But there is an even more important preparation we need to make before the day begins.

We need to prepare the day for them. To pave the way in prayer. To prepare our hearts and attitudes to welcome them to a day full of potential.

They take their cues from us. If we wake up late and grumpy, there’s a good chance they’ll be grumpy. If we greet them with a smile and hope for the day, there’s a good chance they’ll be hopeful and happy too.

We don’t need to wake up 2 hours early. 5 minutes will do wonders. Just a focused window of prayer, thanksgiving and a little “pep talk” from the Coach before the “game” begins.

I love to meet the day before sunrise (or kid-rise or husband-rise). In the early morning, It’s a truly blank canvas. The day laid out in all it’s vastness – full of possibility.

3 Steps For Preparing The Day For Your Family

1. Start With A Grateful Heart
I’m not always chipper in the morning. I don’t always feel like praying. It’s amazing how much my attitude changes after just a minute of thanking the Lord for all the wonderful blessings He’s given me.

2. Focused Prayer for Each Person
I use this calendar to pray for my husband and this calendar to pray for my children. In the fog of the early morning or the rush of a late morning, they give me direction and focus as I pray for my family.

3. Worship
One of my favorite songs to listen to in the morning is by Christy Nockels and it’s called Invade. I’m pretty sure Christy could sing Father Abraham 128,897,979 times in a row and I think I’d soak in every single repetitive note. She has such a gorgeous voice. Combine that voice with these amazing lyrics and that makes for a wonderful morning anthem.

Jesus, come and walk the halls of this house
Tread this place and turn it inside out
With Your mercy…
Jesus, teach us the prayers that open these doors
Until Your light floods in and illuminates these floors
And let Your truth be on our steps and in these rooms
Jesus invade…
Welcoming Our Children to Today
What an honor we have as moms to greet our children with all the hope of a fresh, brand new day.

Today could be one of the best days of our entire lives.

Today could be the day our patience overtakes our impatience – for good.

Today could be a day we make memories my children will laugh and talk about for 50 years.

Today could be a day God uses us to change someone’s life – forever.

Let’s take seriously our opportunity to prepare our children for the wonders of Today.

a finished basement!...

Yesterday was indeed a very happy day! I finally got my new washer and dryer to put in my newly finished basement - laundry room. It was a long wait, but so worth it! I have been washing stuff like a crazy woman, and I'm loving every minute of it! So, I thought I would show you around my basement. Now, keep in mind we haven't been moved down here for too long. There are still some things to be done, but we are totally enjoying what we have so far!

While decorating this space, I decided to shy away from my usual color palette and went with more fun vibrant shades and patterns! I actually designed the whole space around a quilt of my great grandmother's! This quilt has always been one of my favorite possessions... I love all the colors and patterns. It makes me happy the moment I look at it, and that's how I wanted to feel in our 'family space'!

Hope you enjoy the tour!

the best kind of evening...

Sometimes when you're not looking, not waiting, not planning, the best things are able to cultivate. To happen. To be. They happen organically and authentically. You at this moment, are able to simply live in the moment. These are my very most favorite kind of moments.

This evening was that kind of evening. That kind of moment.
Simple. Pure. Good. Easy. Just right.

This afternoon went well. Meritt took a good nap without fight. Bella took a rest, and so did I. We got up, and everyone was happy. The girls decided to have a tea party. They dressed for the occasion. We made real tea. Bella made bite sized snacks. Tea was served promptly at 4:30. They were so cute. I was peaking in on them. Dressed like little princess fairies, eating and drinking their tea out in the garden. Their conversation was priceless. I decided to let them be. I went in to get my own things done, and before I knew it Matt was home from work.

I hadn't even looked at the clock after tea was served at 4:30... so dinner was not made, prepped, thought of, or even started. So, Matt said well why don't we go get something... what sounds good? Mmmm I said, Cafe Yumm. My favorite! The girls love it too. It's this really yummy organic/local restaurant we love over in Corvallis. We had an errand we had been needing to run over there so it worked out perfectly. We went and had dinner. It was so yummy. Everyone loved it, ate well, and got along. We had some funny discussions about our upcoming trip to California, and then we were off to do our errands.

Matt and Meritt went to one shop, Bella and I to another. Guess who was done first? Of course Matt and Meritt. In and out. They don't mess around. Bella and I weren't done, and we were having fun shopping just her and I, so I suggested that Matt and Meritt wait for us in the car. They were both elated with the possibility and permission to go play on the i-phone, listen to music, and play in mommies lip glosses! Meanwhile Bella helped me pick some sunglasses for our trip, and we both were having fun trying on all the goofy ones! We decided we better go see what our other two were up to, so we wrapped up our shopping and set out for the car.

On the way home, there were belly laughs coming from the backseat... I swear that may simply be the best sound on earth. (it's tied for silence!:)) Anyways, we got home and the girls hopped into a bubble bath, and Matt and I did some gardening. The girls were having so much fun 'snorkeling' that they spent a little over an hour in the tub. Matt and I were soaking up our peaceful togetherness in our yard. (I love doing yard work with him) Sometimes I forget how much fun he and I have when it's just the two of us! It was nice to have an unexpected reminder of this! Next, was bedtime for the girls. Then, Matt, Buddy (the kitten), and I snuggled on the sofa and watched a bit of TV.

Now, all three of my loves, and my three little fur balls are all sleeping soundly, and I am left with a grateful feeling for this life I have been so richly blessed with! I hope these are the kind of memories the girls remember when they look back on their childhoods. The simple, good things, of life and love, that make up a family. I know these are the memories I will remember and look back at with simple fondness!

like the night before Christmas...

In a few hours the Sears delivery people will be knocking on my door. I cannot express the excitement that this brings to my heart...

I feel like a kid the night before Christmas.
Only, maybe a little more excited! :)

Five and a half years ago we moved into our house. Our basement was the dungeon from HELL. My dad and Matt told me I would have a laundry room in a month or so. (I should have known better) I think that is what they told me so I would sell my house that had just finally gotten a wonderful, perfect, clean laundry room, for my dream house with the laundry room in the dungeon from HELL! Well, I am happy to say, good things come to those who wait! And while yes, I have done laundry (lots and lots of laundry) in less than stellar conditions for many a year now. My day has finally come my friends. Shhhh, can you hear that? Yes, that's angels singing!

This last March, we finally moved into our basement after 4+ years of working on it's completion... I am elated to say it is truly a wonderful thing! We now have a family room, a spacious bathroom, and a wonderful, large, roomy laundry room/crafting and art space! We are about 92% done with the project, so do you know what I was finally able to do? Yes, that's right, I was able to buy the washer and dryer of my dreams. This is possibly the cleaning freaks dream washer and dryer. (and those of you that know me, know that I am a cleaning freak!) Oh, my.... tomorrow is certain to be a happy, happy day! (Maybe tomorrow I will post some pictures of my fabulous transformed space!) I hope I can sleep tonight! I am so excited... what will I wash first???

why, do some people feel the need?

Hi there blog peeps... Bear with me I'm in need of a blogging vent.
Let me set the story up...
It's Saturday, day three of Crazy Days at our shop, it's been 95+ degrees for three days. (Three grueling days of very long, hard, exhausting work.) (Crazy Days is our once a year sidewalk blowout sale... it is just like it's name, CRAZY!) Anyways, I'm out on the sidewalk working, trying to help customers, while this lady (that by the way I have never met let alone seen) walks up to me with bubbly excitement, rubs my belly, and asks me how far along I am?!

Ahhhh, WHAT? I'll I could do was smile oddly and say "no, no, ahhhh no"... and all she could say was well, you are so tiny...

What I really wanted to say was, so tiny except for my BELLY that you thought was big enough to house a child? Thanks lady, I wasn't feeling gross enough today, after three 10 plus hour days on my feet in this blasted heat. Now, I need you, a perfect stranger to make me feel like crap. THANKS. Oh, and by the way... I've already birthed two children, and well there is only so much a person can do to keep taunt after being stretched past maximum capacity! OKAY?! It's called GRAVITY!!!!

Why do people do stuff like that? Why do people that don't know one gosh darn thing about you feel some need to ask personal things. As if I was pregnant, I would want everyone on the sidewalk at Crazy Days to find out that way. Also, why did a perfect stranger to me feel the need to touch my stomach when she had no idea if I was prego or not? Too bad my tummy doesn't have teeth it could have bitten her over zealous hand right off.

You can tell I'm not wound up about this right?
It's funny someone can point out the one flaw on your body you are the MOST self conscience about and it sends you right to the moon. I know logically I shouldn't let this bother me, really I do. I get she was a stranger. She did the unthinkable thing that you always think you should never do. I'm sure she felt terrible. But, it bothers me. ON SO MANY LEVELS.

These are the kind of little comments that make women do crazy things... From girlhood and beyond. Why do women do these things to each other? I mean really??? We should be aliened as sisters all on the same side, in understanding that we all have feelings, insecurities, stories, history, and hearts. We should support one another not tear each other down. RIGHT?

So, let's take this little story/ranting/venting as a lesson. Lesson no.1 don't ask personal questions to someone you don't know on a personal level. Lesson no. 2 NEVER ever, under any circumstance ask a woman if she is expecting a child unless you are 110% sure. Lesson no. 3 and this may be the most important of all the lessons we're going to learn about tonight, ALWAYS THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Lesson no. 4 be humble, be kind, and for heavens sake be loving all the time!

Thanks for letting me get that all off my chest I feel like a million times better!

summer, slow down!

Dear Summer,
I feel as though you just got here, yet you are going by way to fast!


Why is it that we wait and wait all year for these few precious months we call Summer, and yet these precious months go by in a blink of an eye. I always think there are so many things I will do, and accomplish once the weather turns nice. Gardening, yard work, house projects, store projects, trips, parties, yard sales, softball games, day outings, swimming lessons, even just some lazy summer days. Here we are, and it's just a few days after the fourth of July, and there are already school supplies out at Target. Didn't the kids just get out of school. Is it just me, or do we not want to think about school for a while? What happened to Summer, didn't it just begin... I want to slow down and enjoy it!

It's a newer appreciation I have for summer. It never mattered that much to me, until I had kids, now I long for Summer days. I cherish them. I try to soak them up, and enjoy their simplicity. I love that I don't have to live by at tight schedule and planned routine. I love that I have both my girls home to spend time with. I love that we can sort of take one day at a time, and fly by the seats of our pants. I love waking up to sunshine on my face. I love the way my house smells when all the windows and doors are open and the breezes are blowing through. I love spending more time outside than inside. I like it so much I just want it to slow down and not go away so fast so I can savor each and every moment of it! Yet, it seems the next two months are already all peppered with all kinds of plans. How about you? How do you feel about these long, sweet, Summer days? Do they go by too fast for you?

waffles...

Ahhhh, yes this is the way a Monday morning should start. As I type this, I am laying in bed blogging & drinking coffee, while my awesome husband is in the kitchen making homemade buttermilk waffles while wrangling Meritt! Yes, this is the life. I could get used to this. What a way to start the week! I hope the whole week goes this good! I hope that you are starting your Monday off with something equally fantastic!

we missed it this year...

While yes, it's the fourth of July... I'm afraid we missed the festivities around our parts this year. Ooops. Maybe next year.

We are knee deep in getting ready for our yard sale at the end of the month. I just have to state... it isn't that fun to go through old junk you don't want anymore. Nor is it all that fun to spend the fourth of July cleaning out the attic, when you would rather be doing just about anything else.

On the bright side, we have now cleaned out our whole storage room and half of our attic. A wee bit more to do and we'll be organized. Any of you out there looking for good baby/toddler stuff. Whoo Eeee do we have some for you!

I hope you did something more fun than we did! But, on the plus side we did attend two BBQ's this weekend, and have been having tons of fun with our new little fur ball Buddy, and that's pretty fun right?!

Happy Fourth of July All!

updates all around...

Thursday afternoon we did our watercolor art, inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was really fun, and amazingly relaxing to be outdoors with the girls painting. I think they turned out pretty great! I'm thinking these will find frames and become pieces of art in the family room!



Bella has decided that our new little boy will be named "Buddy". She kept calling him that all day yesterday, as she hadn't decided a name, and I think it stuck! He is SOOOOOO cute, and did awesome last night. Bella stayed outside by his side a whole 4 and a half hours yesterday afternoon. Even through 3 major downpours. She just rigged up umbrellas all over the pen. I think she's getting a taste of motherhood!:) She has been so good. It's fun to watch!




Lastly, I just wanted to report that I did make the homemade granola bars that I posted the recipe for last Friday, and they were a big hit! The whole plate was gone in two days. The biggest fan although wasn't the kids, but Papa. I think he ate more than anyone!

Happy Saturday all...
Hope you have a fabulous day!

our new addition...

Yup, I'm a sucker... and so is daddy. Meet our new addition to our family. (Name yet to be decided) She turned out to be a he, so we're back to the drawing board for names, any ideas? He's pretty sweet isn't he?!

i need help, and quick...

Here's what happened:

The girls and I were waiting in a checkout line, and we got to talking. Talking about our upcoming yard sale we're having. They want to have a lemonade stand. After thinking about the idea I'm great about it, but I want them to donate the money, and not keep it. (because there is nothing they NEED) (because I want them to learn about giving to someone or something else) After giving this some thought, I decided to mention and suggest they give their earning to Safe Haven, our local animal shelter. They are both crazy for animals (as all kids are I'm sure) I know that this is a charity that can actually have meaning for them. So anyway, as we were in the checkout line, I made my suggestion, unsure of how my idea would be accepted. Much to my surprise, there was no hesitation or resistance, I was met with excitement at the idea. So, while we were already close by Safe Haven, I decided the best way to answer the questions accurately, would be to go visit, the shelter, and the animals.

So, as we got into the car we had an in depth conversation about what to expect, and then it was off to Safe Haven for a visit.

I have to say as an animal lover myself, it was heartbreaking to see how many sweet animals are in need of love, and a place to call home.

So, you know what comes next right???
We saw a kitty.
A sweet little kitten, that I think may have our name on it.
I had told Bella last summer that we could think about an outside cat, one of these summers when they were a little older.

But, we left the shelter this afternoon without any fights, begging, or even a tantrum.

As we were driving home, Bella asked some really deep thinking questions. I was actually really impressed. After a while in the car, she asked me if she could save her money for a kitten for the "whole family". I told her that was something we would have to discuss as a family, and definitely talk over with daddy!

Here's the plus sides:
~I would love my kids to have the opportunity to learn to nurture and care for something that was dependant of their care.
~I raised many, many kittens growing up, and it really helped me learn responsibility.
~Bella has been an amazing kid lately, did amazingly in school this last year, and rarely if ever asks for anything.
~The shelter is having a "sale" on adoptions this holiday weekend.
~Bella already had enough $ to buy it, while the sale is going.
~The shelter provides, microchip, spaying, and vaccinations with the adoption.
~Adopting an animal that might otherwise not find a home feels like a great thing to do!
~The little kitty we fell in love with is SO SWEET.



Here's the downside:
~Not sure we need anything else to take care of.
~It's one more mouth to feed.
~Trying to decide whether to put heart before head, or head before heart.

So, can you see my dilemma??? I need advise, and thoughts on this matter ASAP! Please help... what should I do? Do I give my kids this opportunity, as I was able to have growing up, or do I play it safe, and say enough is enough??? I am so bad. I always feel like there is always more room for more to love. Help, what's a mama to do?

man time flies...

While down at the shop this evening, working... I was looking for another picture, and came across these. I just had to post them. If for no one else but for Bella, and for me... to remember. This was her nursery, in our old house, and it almost feels like a million moons ago.

Boy time flies... I can't believe she was that, little, precious baby, in that sweet room, that I planned and planned, just seven years ago. I love looking back at old times... Sweet times... Maybe even simpler times... it makes you grateful for where you are! It also makes me wonder where we will be in another seven years. How quickly time flies when you're having fun!