When In Doubt, Add More Salt

T W O Y E A R S

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

As we are down to mere weeks with The Sheriff being a two-year-old, I wanted to take some time to remember just who he is before his big day.

Twice the Fun

2013-05-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Little One,

I confess; you turn three months this week, but I've been keeping little notes all month long about the way you are changing and growing. If we are being completely honest, this month was a bit more of a transition for me and for our family of four, but as we approach three months, we are settling in a bit more.

Right now you have simply the sweetest little personality and are quite the cuddle bug. You crack me up because often after nursing you will either bury your face deep into the crook of my arm or look up at me for a bit of cooing and smiling.

This month found you discovering your voice and your hands. It's just the beginning of course, but you are quite the "conversationalist" back and forth with me sometimes, and you like batting away at the hanging toys "under the sea" on your play mat.

I adore your soft, fuzzy hair, and rubbing my hand across your head is a sure way to help you doze off into dreamland.

You have started waking just once at night the last week or so. In fact, I almost want to delete that sentence so as not to jinx our luck! You tolerate diaper changes much more these days, but if you are hungry, you sure let us know that the short stint on the changing table can wait.

I'm interested to see how you've grown, but we don't go to the doctor for another month. You still seem to be long and lean like your brother.

Regardless, you are so handsome and a joyful addition to our lives. We are all so blessed to have each other.

I'm grateful to have the chance to see who your little soul becomes.

I know that your brother is awaiting the day you can talk trains and fly planes. It will come soon enough.

But for now we will cuddle lots, continue to smile, and of course throw in some tummy time for good measure.

For the Love of Sheets

2013-05-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

W's room is a work in progress. I'm guessing sometime this summer we will convert his crib to a toddler bed and then eventually to the full size bed for which it's designed. In the meantime, he has been sleeping under a thicker blanket in his crib, and as we move into summer temperatures around here, it was time for something lighter and larger.

Our Sheriff enjoyed his very own mail day with the delivery of this toddler bedding from Amazon, and he could not have been more proud that afternoon.

It took convincing to actually let me wash them to put them on his bed that night.

Looks like a perfect fit!

Yep, one quick pretend sleep test later, and we're set!

"I love bird watching!"

2013-05-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not the first, and won't be the last, parent to make toilet paper roll binoculars, but I sure did feel like an all-star last week when The Sheriff woke up from a nap to a quick binocular assembly followed by an afternoon trek through the neighborhood searching the skies for something other than planes and helicopters. Using the word "thrilled' is an understatement.

To add to the simple beauty of afternoon, it all happened in jammies--W, that is.

I had to pull out my phone to note the phrases coming out of this little guy.

"Oooooh, let's get closer!"

"Just one more" -- W
"One more what?" -- Momma
"One more cheese." -- W

Ok kiddo, ok.

"Let's go bird watching that way."

After switching binoculars (yes, I crafted and sported a pair as well), "Oh, your binocu-wars are cool!"

And just in case I was doing a bit too much picture taking and phrase documenting, he was sure to remind me, "Use your binocu-wars, Mom!"

And my favorite, "I love bird watching!" Me too, buddy, me too.

When You Are a Helicopter Parent

2013-05-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

1. It's been a good morning when your living room looks like this:

Furniture moved out of the way, homemade helipads, and helicopters grouped according to a little pilot's specifications.

2. You walk around the corner and see this (more than once a day and you should have just picked it up) and upon first notice, think it some sort of rare spider and jump out of your shoes.

3. Your Pinterest search history has included "Helicopter DIY" and "helicopter crafts," leading you to locate in your home a pencil (that you had to break and shave down) and a straight pin to create this magic.

Those top propellers really spin. We are hardcore around here.

4. Your son builds this by himself and tells you it's a VTOL, and you know exactly what that means and why his design is perfect.

5. Letters are fun to trace and write, but drawing different kinds of helicopters is second nature to your child.

6. You know the difference between the sounds of a helicopter and those of the planes headed for the local airport, and you aren't afraid to use this knowledge. At least 5 times a week you hear the helicopters during waking hours, give your son a big grin, and yell, "Go! Go!" as you hustle outside to catch a view of a chopper flying by.

7. Your little guy just might own every Matchbox helicopter the local HEB has carried and still check the toy aisle every week just in case. No judgements. For this smile and a stress-free grocery trip, it's worth it. He's like a proud papa, and you better believe each one has a name and a place in his heart.

8. In a neighborhood full of girls and therefore driveways loaded with rainbows, flowers, and hopscotch boards, your child shares his love for all things aviation in our driveway and beyond.

Here's to you kid!

May you take off and land ever so smoothly in all aspects of life.

May you slow down to a hover when times call for a more careful view.

And may your heart always soar to great heights.

The Big One

2013-05-06T07:39:00.004-05:00

The CCA held its annual Kids Fishing Rodeo a few weeks ago, and since we aren't in our South LA homeland, we decided this would be a great opportunity to get a bit of fishing experience for The Sheriff.

W was all kinds of excited to pick up his fishing pole and head over to the lake. Next time we are at Grandpa's house, we will surely have to get one more pint sized!

After a quick bait inspection (although not any touching), he was ready to land his first catch.

It wasn't long before they felt a little tug on the line,

and soon began reeling in what was sure to be the big one!

And big he was, right!?! W wasn't quite ready to get his hands slimy with his first catch. In fact, he wouldn't take his eyes off of it long enough, and it seemed as though he thought that little guy was going to jump off the line and give him a big, slimy kiss.

But by catch #2, we are at least holding the fishing line and smiling. Progress.

What's a fishing rodeo without prizes? Instead of measuring the fish from the lake, the kids could spin a wheel three times adding up the types and sizes of fish for the competition. While The Sheriff had no idea what was going on, he sure liked spinning that wheel.

Not to be left out, the little guy enjoyed a nice stroller ride followed by hanging out in the Baby Bjorn. I'd say life is good today.

Easter 2013

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

We have spent so many holidays in Louisiana that I can't say that I don't still get homesick when we stay here. It seems, however, that this year was simply too busy for all of that nostalgia, and we began some family traditions of our own.

We began Easter weekend with a bit of egg dyeing Saturday morning.

The Sheriff helped me set up the dye,

and he was completely intrigued by the fizzy changing of color.

His phrase of the morning: It needs to be a wittle bit dawk-uh.

And when the eggs apparently reached his toddler-approved hue, I held my breath and let him transfer them to the carton for drying.

Note to self: next year invest in some plastic cups for this process.

The Easter Bunny spoiled our Sheriff Sunday morning, and of course the first item he picked up was the flying airplane bubble maker.

He soon was ready to check out what was inside the plastic eggs,

and of course, partake in a bit of the special Easter treats inside.

J has been taking "garage door pics" before Mass for a while now, and I can't wait to see what little project he comes up with. Regardless,

Our post church look is much less put together. Note untucked shirts and a baby who's not really having it.

Well, unless Momma's holding him. Love these Momma's boys!

We finished off the day with a jambalaya dinner, and who knows, it might just become our family's unique Easter tradition.

Tidbits

2013-04-24T13:56:00.002-05:00

Current Monday night television isn't exactly the The Bachelor/The Biggest Loser combo I was loving, but this season of The Voice is keeping me pretty excited for the kiddos' bedtimes, or in actuality, the few minutes here and there during the week when I can catch up on the DVR. Usher and Shakira are perfect additions to the show. Shakira makes me laugh and seems to look more like an understated, classic beauty, and I much prefer this to Aquilera's pompous commentary and ridiculous dressing.

While I miss CeeLo's eccentricity, Usher is such the pleasant surprise. He's much more silly than I expected, and come one, what a cute smile. I want to hang out with the guy.

And of course I've come to love the Blake-Adam banter. It makes the show. Well, that and the singing I suppose.

Now that I've used valuable blogging time for those thoughts, let's move along.

John is a spitter. W was as well. For some reason though, it stresses me out and wears me out. We go through burp cloths like nobody's business. He seems happy though, so that works. I keep telling myself not to rush time, but I'm looking forward to 5-6 months when hopefully his tummy matures and reflux settles.

Yesterday we met friends at the neighborhood park and ran into friends from our playgroup which was so much fun. Unfortunately, one of them got my attention as we were leaving saying, "It doesn't really matter now, but W's shoes are on the wrong feet." Sooooo I put on his shoes that morning! Sorry kiddo. I promise Momma hadn't been hitting the sauce!

I might be crazy, but I want to make this with The Sheriff:

Source: theimaginationtree.com via Erin on Pinterest

Seriously! It looks like goopy fun!

And on that note, I'm out!

'Tis a Gift to Be Simple

2013-04-16T14:54:00.001-05:00

I've been struggling lately to find balance, to find a family rhythm. I realize John is weeks old, and a set routine would be too much to ask. I also understand that this rhythm will change through the ages and stages that come our way.

I find myself in this struggle because I have been attempting to keep my life and Wyatt's life as similar as I can to our old days. Part of this is for him, yes, and I believe it's natural to want to maintain a sense of normalcy when a new baby comes. A good deal of it is for me. I have spent every day for over two years with my Sheriff. Granted, a new baby is what I wanted in the very core of my being. John is for what I hoped, wished, prayed.

Perhaps my heart wasn't completely ready to let go. But we are moving forward. I am moving forward, admitting my struggle, releasing a need to be all and do all, and creating a new balance for myself.

I've filled out calendar too much recently. I have been attempting to see all of the different sets of friends that we have and give W a variety of experiences. The last few days have really tugged at my heart to step back. For one thing, our sweet 7 week old needs it. More importantly, we all need it. Why rush through these days? As they are crossed off the calendar, they never return.

Today, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, we stopped and I realized that yes, indeed, 'tis a gift to be simple, but also, 'tis a gift to simply be.

It all started with a thought to play in a different room of the house. We always play in what we call "the front room" (clever, yes), the meant-to-be formal den and dining at the front of the house. It's a large carpeted area and thus great for a play room of sorts. This morning I went it to The Sheriff's room when he woke up and deemed it "Back Room Day," and you are correct; this room is a den at the back of the house.

We broke out the castle set from Grammie and Grandpa and then broke apart said castle.

Those were some great minutes while they lasted! I need to find more knight/dragon/castle resources so W gets into it.

It wasn't long before helicopters took over Back Room Day. To be fair, that's what I told him we'd do back there. Everything becomes a helipad. Be sure to notice the castle box with helicopters in the upper right. Helipad. The new blanket for our bed still in its packaging on the left side? Helipad. And be sure to notice the helicopters placed inside the circle in the middle of the picture. Helipad. Note Finn McMissile outside of the circle doing what we like to call a "drive by" and checking out the Life Flight choppers inside.

We took a chopper break, and while I composed a to-do list, The Sheriff had his fun with grown up pens and Momma's paper and did a bit of composition himself as he practiced writing Daddy's name.

A day can't go by without some outdoor fun, so we used the remained of John's snooze for some bubble blowing. Sometimes this kiddo is so simple. I found two small containers of bubbles from last summer, and you would think I had found the holy grail of bubbles.

We returned outside again after lunch for bubble blowing and this time added lots of running around chasing after them.

All the while this little guy had some quality time at home in my arms, in the carrier, or even in the boppy. Life is good today.

I knew that we would have difficult days with both of the boys home as W isn't in any preschool program just yet, but today I am thankful that he isn't. I appreciate this season of growth for all of us as we learn together how to be flexible, how to find joy in little moments, how to just be.

Big Brother Party

2013-04-15T07:37:00.003-05:00

My friends and family surprised us with a book shower to welcome John to our family and W to his role as Big Brother.

One of my best friends, a true kindred spirit, sent us a package full of goodies to host a big brother party for The Sheriff once we'd arrived home with a new bundle of joy. For those expecting another child, this is a great way to include older siblings in the celebration and make them feel special in their own right when so much attention and time seems to be given to the new baby.

Our package included blowers, sunglasses, napkins, plates, party hats, balloons, confetti (sorry Aunt Ali--that did not make an appearance yet), a tablecloth, and each family members favorite treats, including Hot Tamales for me!

As it turns out, W was less interested in a big brother party but somehow clung to and then took off with the idea of hosting a birthday party for none other than Harold the Helicopter. He created the tablescape complete with the guest(s) of honor placed center stage.

He loved sporting the party glasses

and was more than willing to hand out a pair to all party attendees.

And what's a party without silly hats and blowers!

After teaching Pop how to use his blower, we sang Happy Birthday to Harold and then a spontaneous "Happy Big Brother Day to you" to our Sheriff.

What's better than one blower?

Why two of course!

Turns out the same goes for party hats!

Thanks Aunt Ali for helping us make such a great memory!

Hmmmm.... 2013 Christmas card picture?

Some-bunny's 1st Easter

2013-04-09T14:54:00.002-05:00

John's first Mass was Easter Sunday which was definitely risky considering the packed house and lengthy service, but it was also a very special way to start his faith journey. Minus a bathroom "baptism" of Daddy when he went to change his diaper and a very crowded walk to Communion, all went well.

I'm not one for fussing over difficult clothing for a newborn (even for special occasions), so I thank my lucky stars my mom is a sewing extraordinaire. I sent her this pin after falling in love with the sweet bunnies, and she came through!

I will probably take the bunnies off and use them again next year!

Our little guy was still pooped after a long church nap.

But he woke up for a shirt change (remember, Daddy "baptism") and a bit of Easter stretching and hanging out.

May the peace and joy of Easter be forever in your heart, Little One.

Excellent Pinterest Toddler Activity

2013-04-08T14:44:00.000-05:00

While looking for some creative activities that also might allow us to explore different textures, I came upon this pin:

Source: playcreateexplore.com via Lauren on Pinterest

We tried it out this morning while our little Deputy slept in, and while W had a great time mixing food coloring and shaving cream (which he called sour cream the whole time), I thought the paintings came

out cool.

Follow the instructions on the original pin. This could not be easier, and we had a great time talking about "dyeing the sour cream" and it being "goopy."

I had already taped some letters for The Sheriff to make for him and John. This was the perfect opportunity to paint them!

I used a plastic fork to scrape the extra shaving cream off of the card stock which seemed to work better than a popsicle stick.

See, it's easy! Try it out and let us know how your artwork comes out!

Rodeo-ing Toddler Style

2013-04-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

We missed the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show this year due to the arrival of our own little cowboy, but thankfully were still able to embrace the spirit as attendees of a cowboy/cowgirl themed birthday party.

I wasn't so sure that our Sheriff would sport any rodeo threads, but.....

Yep, with a little convincing from Daddy, he turned into quite the little ranch hand, boots and all! I bought these boots at least a year ago and totally forgot about them. Now we just need to wear them out before his foot grows any more.

We brought a spare pair of tennis shoes for park play, but The Sheriff must have known he'd only run the playground with boots on.

The party was adorable, and our great hosts (Hi Nancy, Jandi, and Angelique) were thoughtful with all of the details including a horse race complete with take home pool noodle ponies.

The Sheriff chooses his horse (that he later named Daddy. Shocker!)

And he's off.

I was too busy cheering him on to take pictures during the actual race, but the kid can gallop like nobody's business.

And of course, every cowboy's got to refuel after a long day at the ~~ranch~~ park.

Next year we will hopefully make a rodeo trip or two, but until then, we're all smiles!

One Month At A Time

2013-04-04T11:52:00.002-05:00

Sweet Baby John,

Time is flying baby boy, much faster than expected and certainly faster than desired. Our family is finding its place as a family of four, and we couldn't be happier to have you in our lives. As we are now approaching 6 weeks, I love taking in the tiny changes that happen as you grow day by day.

I won these ties right before you were born and look forward to taking your pictures each month. Perhaps by next month I'll have it all together and have a non-wrinkled blanket or piece of fabric for our little photo shoot. As for now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all one notices is your beautifully handsome little face.

You are physically strong and wowed Dr. G with your kicking legs acting ready to crawl as you demonstrated tummy time and head lifting and turning at your appointment.

If your feelings about diaper changes are indicative of anything, I believe you will have a passionate little personality as you grow. You certainly let us know how you feel about them.

You are one long little baby. In the 25th percentile for weight and 80th for height, we'll certainly have some wardrobe issues just like we do with your brother. I wouldn't trade you long little boys for anything though.

You've been here a month, dear boy, but our hearts feel like you've always been a part of us.
May God continue to bless you as you grow, and may you always know how very loved you are.

Happy Easter Weekend and Giveaway Winner

2013-03-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

May you and your family and friends be blessed with all of God's peace this Easter weekend!

via

Congratulations to Angela for winning the Little Ink Designs Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet the Flight Crew Giveaway

2013-03-20T12:24:00.004-05:00

Let me first introduce you to these two:

That's my "little" brother and his girlfriend, and they are the faces behind a creative mail surprise after The Deputy was born.

Our favorite aviator now has help guiding him through the friendly skies, and with the help of those two above, our little Pilot and Co-Pilot are perfectly outfitted for the job.

Welcome Aboard!

I only thought I fell in love with these shirts after opening the package but when we dressed our little guys for a photo shoot, my heart smiled ear to ear!

I immediately contacted Anna from Little Ink Designs about a giveaway, and she is graciously offering one reader one single item from her shop. Little Ink Designs features handmade onesies with designs ranging from superheroes to sports teams to monograms and monkeys. Stop by her shop, leave a comment with your favorite design, and use the Rafflecopter below.

Entering is too easy, and the giveaway closes Monday morning so be sure to secure your entries before the weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Big Brother Burger

2013-03-19T07:34:00.000-05:00

We may be a bit behind the game here, but our Sheriff just had his first restaurant burger. Sure, he's had bites of mine cut up on his plate and enjoyed it, but this past weekend as we ventured out for our first restaurant outing with two in tow, he ordered his very own.

Mandatory ketchup dip:

Big Texas bite:

Thinking it over:

Condiment on the face smile:

It was just a burger, but yes, I pulled out the phone to snap pictures. I just had to. This big guy was so proud!

You Two

2013-03-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Sheriff,

Your love for your brother is so visible, so tangible. Forgive me for hovering, for correcting, for stepping in. You are both so young. He is so physically fragile, and your kind heart is so emotionally fragile. I have to protect you both.

We are so proud of you for welcoming John into our home with such an open heart. We are so proud of you for growing with us as we all adjust to life as a family of four. I am learning from you every day. He seems to make you so happy during a sometimes difficult stage in your life as you are becoming more willful and independent.

He brings out your generosity, your gentleness, and a brotherly love that comes from within and pours outward.

I can't wait to see your response when the little guy is able to return that love in full force.

That little one whose hand you are holding will be forever connected to you whether life in miles or circumstances drives you apart. You will always be his big brother and he your little brother. He will watch you, mimic you, learn from you.

Cherish him in each stage of your lives. Be there for him through gladness and grief, and show him the joy of singing in the shower, the power of prayer, and the release found within a good cry.

Our New Deputy,

You are one lucky boy. That fellow next to you has loved you from your very existence. You light up a little when he talks to you, pats your back, holds you hand, and gives you one of his "gentle" hugs. It seems that you already love him back in your own simple way. Thank you for being so open to his love.

You're the little one but still a brother. Look up to him but always give him reason to look up to you as well. Learn from him but show him that you've got a few lessons of your own as well. Challenge him; grow together with him in this way.

I pray for the two of you that God's loving arms may always be the first place you turn, and that this very faith carries you both wherever life leads. There is power within your two beautiful souls.

May your lives forever be blessed because of each other. May you always be grateful for that gift.

St Patrick's Day Prep

2013-03-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've never really been a huge St. Patrick's Day person. You won't find a green-themed mantle with "Luck of the Irish" printables about. As we grow as a family, though, I would like to start some traditions that celebrate the spiritual aspect of this day as well as put us in the spirit of the green.

Because I wasn't prepared ahead of time with some books I wanted reserved from the library, I went ahead and ordered The Story of St. Patrick's Day on Amazon to arrive just in time. With the story of St. Patrick combined with the traditions of the day, I think it will be perfect in its simplicity for this year.

I wanted projects that allow me to talk in bits and pieces about a loving God and St. Patrick himself to our children and although I've pinned much more than these, this year this is what we'll attempt:

Source: biblestoryprintables.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: handsonaswegrow.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

And because this veggie stamping project just looks fun:

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest

And finally, who doesn't love pizza?! Perhaps it's not the most traditional of St. Patrick's Day meals but there's a lifetime to prepare Irish Soda Bread and Corned Beef. We already have some dough in the freezer, and I think a certain chef Sheriff will enjoy helping Momma "cook" this one on Sunday!

Source: makethebestofeverything.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Wishing you and yours a refreshing, relaxing, and blessed weekend!

A Thing or Two About Hospital Visitors

2013-03-14T07:13:00.000-05:00

We didn't have many visitors during our hospital stint. In fact, with family out of town, it came down to our favorite Sheriff and his caregiver for the week, my mom.

But with a baby in the NICU, worry on our hearts, and unclear sense of the future, it seems that two-year-olds know best how to keep everyone positive and full of life.

Appreciate the little things:

Although W couldn't meet his little brother, we decided to give him the present from John on one of his first visits. He was so excited to receive the Sky Predators that he couldn't stop looking at them long enough to "cheese" for the camera.

Build each other up:

We all needed his incessant requests for Daddy to wear the surgical cap and mask to match his own new dress-up accessory. We couldn't help but smile with that face!

Each day is full of small miracles:

Perhaps it's seeing your favorite helicopter. Maybe it's an ice cream date by the fountain with Daddy.

Thanks for being our Sheriff, kiddo, and bringing joy and love to our hospital stay!

Wordless Wednesday -- Life is Good Today

2013-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Build 'Em Up -- Bringing Faith to Life

2013-03-12T07:33:00.001-05:00

I wasn't quite sure which direction I wanted this post to take. When I first read "Bringing Faith to Life" as the first topic in the Build 'Em Up link-up with Erin, Jennifer, and Courtney, my mind was blank.

Does this mean bringing faith to life for myself? My children and family? People in my community? Is the post asking me how I do this? Or why I do this?

In light of the last two weeks in which our new son was born with some difficulties leaving him in the NICU for a few days, I find myself with one word on my mind concerning this topic: Challenged.

When friends and family learned about our "Deputy's" health problems, they immediately went into action with prayer. People contacted churches for daily Masses to be dedicated to his healing; a friend offered up her daily struggles with her own children (houseful of lice at that!) for our intentions; Rosaries were prayed on our behalf; encouraging and prayerful songs were posted on facebook to comfort us. These offerings are all on top of simple, but powerful, prayers offered up by so many.

Looking back, I see the power of so many prayer warriors coming together, and I see that it's through my friends and family that I've been blessed. Through these people, my faith is brought to life. I understand that faith is about my relationship with God, and I also believe God placed people in my life to guide me in that relationship.

Because I've been so blessed, I feel challenged to be a light that brings faith to life in the lives of my friends and family. I want to be the rock that they can stand upon to see a brighter day when life is dark. I want to be a wall to lean upon, to hold them up, when they don't have faith to stand alone.

I want my children to know how powerful our asking for God's help can be. I want to pass along what God's placed in my life: the trust that God will carry us through despite whatever hardships life throws our way.

I often struggle with how to do this. Can a two-year-old understand God? How do I convey this great concept of Creator and the Love that comes with Him?

I watched Mass (yesterday actually) since we missed on Sunday, and the priest gave me an answer in saying that when others see us, may they see Jesus Christ. That's my prayer as we venture into this next chapter as a family of four. I want each and every day to bring my own faith to life by showing it. May those closest to me see through my actions and words not only my own love, but the love of God, and may their faith grow through our interactions.

Transportation Themed Room Makeover (Partially Complete)

2013-03-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have the complete room updated yet as The Sheriff is still in the crib and sleeping great (knock on wood!), but I've made a few crafty changes to add some of his personality into what will one day be considered a "big boy" room.

This first wall was completed quite a while ago. Heck, I may have previously blogged about it. I found my inspiration here and here and knew I could make this artwork my own. I found the frames at Michaels (on sale and with an extra coupon) and purchased the craft paper to make these silhouettes.

I found silhouettes of the vehicles I wanted through Google Images and used the printouts as stencils to trace onto scrapbook paper.

After carefully cutting out each vehicle, I glued it onto another sheet of scrapbook paper to fit within the frames.

Put the frames together, find a handyman to hang, and...

Morning Smiles!

Right before our sweet John (AKA "The Deputy") was born, I decided on a couple of other additions. My first was inspired by this pin. (Please excuse my lighting. Black out curtains do wonders for sleep but make for horrible pictures!)

I was already making alphabet letters for our new nursery and figured this project would be an easy addition while already tracing, cutting, and Mod-Podging.

I made closet organizers out of this scrapbook paper and simply grabbed a few more sheets (and a coordinating pattern for the frame project above).

Cast of Characters:

I first painted my canvas. You could use a piece of wood as well. My only "complaint" is that the canvas isn't my ideal to lean against the wall on the shelf. Perhaps that's not its final home.

Trace the letter BACKWARDS on the opposite side of the paper. This way you won't have pencil marks on the front of your project. Be sure your pencil hugs the outline of the letter. You want an exact fit.

Using a good pair of scissors, carefully cut as closely along the pencil lines as possible.

Place a thin layer of Mod Podge on the wooden letter AND the back of the scrapbook paper. Lay accordingly and smooth out all bumps and rough spots. Work quickly and carefully. The paper can be repositioned within the first few minutes if it doesn't lie the right way.

Allow 15-20 minutes to dry and coat the entire top of the letter with another layer of Mod Podge.
Hot glue letter to canvas.

I don't have step-by-step pictures for the frame, but I used this pin as inspiration and followed mostly the same paint, trace, cut, glue method on a wooden craft frame.

And finally, I've had this pinned forever and a day and decided The Sheriff's room needed more pictures of his family, friends, and life. What better way than to grab a few of our "life in an instant" Instagrams via postal pix!

One unfinished wooden frame from Michaels (with a 40% off coupon) + a couple coats of blue paint + twine + the cutest little clothespins you've ever seen = great Instagram display.

I have two loves for this last project:

1. I can update the pictures very easily and often (Thanks again postal pix. If you haven't downloaded this app, you should!)
2. I finally knocked off another Pinterest project!

I love that his room is coming together as a hodge podge of vehicles (construction, aviation, railway, motorized). When we transition to a new bed, things will change a bit more, but I am excited to continue adding to this crafty start.

Announcing....

2013-03-08T08:54:00.001-06:00

With a dozen blog posts spinning in my head, I sit here holding a sweet, sleeping miracle and trying to master art of typing while doing so. He's thus far an angel of a sleeper and I could put him down, but that's what nighttimes are for right now. After all, this momma had to wait days just to hold him in her arms.

A blogging break has been refreshing, but I'm so ready to record our family moments as we grow together, and what better way than a little introduction:

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers these last few weeks! God is so good!

This Guy

2013-02-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

As our family grows this week, I have to take a moment and be grateful that it's this guy:

It's not by chance that God put him in my life, that God chose him for me to walk side by side with me as a couple, as parents, as friends. God knew I'd need his love, the kind of love that holds you together when the days get long. He's beside me to celebrate life's joys, to grieve when life throws hardships, and to parent in a way that inspires me daily.

I'm so thankful it's this guy!
He shows our little one the magic of flight,

and when I hear him playing and talking with The Sheriff from the other room, I know that it's more than literal. He's showing him how to believe in himself, believe in dreams, and figure out ways to achieve them.

I know there's nothing this man wouldn't do for the four of us.

When left with cut up construction paper, a paper plate, and instructions, he helped The Sheriff become his own Simba.

It takes a real man to wield a bottle of glue with a toddler.

I thank God for this guy for being our family's "holder." It's more than just a football he manages to prepare and guard for us daily.