I Believe In Love

a bundle of goodness

2012-01-27T00:16:00.087-06:00

I love being able to give handmade gifts. I know some people could care less, but for me, it's so satisfying. I was riding high on the fun of sewing baby doll clothes when I realized they would make the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday party for our friend's little girl. After double checking that she did indeed have the right size doll, I got to work. Unfortunately Miss Emma G wasn't able to help me this time (I mostly worked on the items while she was in school or in the evening), but she did give her stamp of approval.

I already had a couple of knit items made, so I added bloomers to go with the dress. I had never made these before but they were easy enough as long as I remembered to pull the elastic as I sewed. (Pattern here and bloomer instructions here.)

I made a dress to go with the knit diaper cover. It's reversible which makes it all the more fun. I love the criss cross it makes in the back. I did have to make it slightly bigger to fit a Cabbage Patch Kid sized doll. I believe I printed it at 120% and then I made the straps longer.

I also made an outfit like the one Emma G and I made together (pattern here). I cut the ruffle wider this time (6 in.) so the shirt would cover more belly. :)

Then I found the easiest tutorial on making little diapers using felt and velcro. You could easily make these without a sewing machine using stick-on velcro or hand stitching it on. But wait...you can't have diapers without some wipes, right? I saw this idea on Pinterest, and put my pinking shears to work. Again easy, and oh, so cute!

I had originally planned on putting the gifts into some kind of diaper bag, but I just couldn't find the "right" one, and I didn't think I would have time to make one. I found a small flannel remnant that was perfect for a little blanket. A little bias tape and some pink fabric I already had, and not only did I have a blanket (and cute name tag), but something to wrap everything in!

I seriously think this is my most favorite birthday gift I've ever given. It all came together so easily, and I had so much fun making everything. You should see my Pinterest Sewing board. I have so many plans for making little doll clothes and accessories for Emma G's babies!

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday. Lots of creativity to see over there on Fridays!

the future door {review}

2012-01-26T08:02:00.000-06:00

Quick Synopsis

A mystery is afoot at 221 Baker Street, but will Griffin Sharpe be able to figure out the clues before the future catches up with the past?

When Sherlock Holmes moves out of Baker Street, a new tenant moves in—a mysterious woman named Elizabeth who has long been a fan of Holmes. When she discovers that Griffin and his uncle are also detectives, she becomes very friendly. So when Elizabeth goes missing along with a special invention, Griffin sets out to rescue her. But finding Elizabeth will take them on a race against the clock that bends time itself!

Review

The Future Door is the second in the kid's series, No Place Like Holmes. I love that the smart detective, Griffin Sharpe, is a kid. He is a budding Sherlock Holmes which has his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass, inventor of some crazy contraptions, slightly jealous and proud at the same time. It's such a fun adventure book that incorporates Biblical truths like God using "even the most painful tragedies for good." I also love how the book throws out one liners of the clues Griffin sees when he's in a sticky situation or when he's trying to figure out a crime. I think it helps kids think and draw conclusions for the outcome. I would definitely recommend this book! Silly names (Snodgrass??), problem solving adventures, and truths from God's word? Need I say more?

My nine year old boy's opinion of the book..."it's cool and mysterious." There you have it.

Recommended age: 8 and up
The Future Door flipbook

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Future Door free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. This weekend look for the fun scavenger hunt we did inspired by the book!

it's where i am

2012-01-25T00:12:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have those days (or maybe even weeks) where your head feels like it's living in a cloud and you just can't focus or think properly? I feel like I've been that way since last week. I need to prioritize some of the things I'm doing (including some new stuff which I can't wait to share more about in the next couple of weeks!), but I feel like I'm playing catch up everyday. It's like I'm running but getting nowhere. What I need to do is stop, catch my breath, clear my head, and make time to focus on prioritizing. Maybe I need a blogging break (again).

Do you ever feel like this? How do you get out of the cloud?

chase it down

2012-01-24T00:06:00.001-06:00

it was calculated :: risk

2012-01-23T00:16:00.037-06:00

With my 2012 "word" being risk, I am studying risk takers in the Bible.

It's fascinating to learn these nuggets from Bible greats.

I love studying Joshua, a great leader that seemed to obey God without question, in this risk series. However, I add Moses to this series, because I think I can relate to him a little bit more.

God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. A BURNING BUSH! What an obvious sign that God was about to speak something important! I know the task at hand, to bring the people out of Egypt, was not an easy one. I guess that's why Moses brought up every excuse in the book of why he couldn't do it.

There's a difference between knowing you're inadequate and that you need to rely on God, and whining, complaining, and making excuses with an "I can't" attitude.

It says that, after the last excuse of not being eloquent of speech, God's anger burned, resulting in Him giving Aaron as Moses' mouthpiece. Moses did end up obeying after all his excuses were thwarted. He knew the difficulty of what he was being asked to do. He didn't show a blind faith. Instead he calculated the risk and then obeyed. What a journey, witnessing amazing miracles, relying on God for food and seeing it rain down from heaven, and being the one God chose to deliver the Ten Commandments.

I can only imagine the Moses pre-wilderness was a completely different Moses post-wilderness. I wonder if he ever regretted whining like a child in those early days. God may call me to risk, but that doesn't mean He's not there beside me through it all...

Scripture reference: Exodus 3, 4

hearty chicken minestrone

2012-01-22T00:16:00.022-06:00

We recently celebrated with our friends as they brought their son home from Ethiopia! To help ease them into a life with three kids, we brought a meal to them, Hearty Chicken Minestrone from The Kitchn. I used to never try out new recipes on people other than my family, but it seems that is becoming the norm now. I've never cooked with chard and loved this addition to the soup. I did use canned beans for the sake of time (I didn't plan well to use dry), and I used MSG free chicken broth (love the convenience of chicken broth in a carton, hate the MSG part so I spend a little extra to get it without). I would definitely make this again!

raw and imperfect

2012-01-21T00:15:00.001-06:00

Joshua recently asked me if I would post some of his photos. I love that he even cares about that and that he asked me. He really is getting quite good, and I want to encourage him in it as much as possible. It was one of those weeks, however, that felt like it left little time to have some fun shooting (both for him and myself).

He took this photo of me during our Valentine's Photo Booth shoot. I really like his composition, and that's why I'm posting it. I don't like the dark circles under my eyes (it was a not makeup day), or the fact that I didn't blow dry my hair. Obviously I had better things to do on this day, and I did not think I would have my photo taken. However, I post it because it's raw (I resisted the temptation to edit it) and because I need to let go of my perfectionistic tendencies sometimes (this post awakened that). Sometimes letting go is part of taking a risk, isn't it?

because every girl needs a pink gator

2012-01-20T00:19:00.000-06:00

When my friend, Stacy, called me in October telling me that the only gift her daughter requested for Christmas was a pink alligator, I knew I needed to help her out. I mean, every girl needs a pink gator, right?

As I browsed Ravelry, I found the perfect pattern, Plush Alligator by Kristi Benedict. It was well worth the $5. The belly is my favorite! This gator is actually quite long, 18 inches, if I remember correctly, but it knits up super fast using a bulky yarn. I used Lion Brand Thick & Quick in white and pink and wooden buttons for the eyes. I'm a total fan of wooden buttons.

If you know a girl who needs a pink gator, let me know, because I'm in the business of making sure every girl has a pink gator in her life. :)

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday. It's the highlight of my week. You should check it out!

up to my ears in knitting

2012-01-19T08:16:00.001-06:00

Sunday evening I realized I had FOUR knitting projects in progress. This is so unlike me. I'm a one project at a time kind of girl. I start something, finish it, and move on to the next project. How I ended up having four at one time is beyond me.

I took a deep breath and started working on the one that was closest to being finished. Before I knew it, I was down to THREE, then TWO, then ONE!

I hardly ever knit anything for myself, so after the handmade holiday rush, I decided to start a pair of knucks. After I finished one knuck, I started on some baby socks. They had to be made for Miss Emma's teacher as she returns tomorrow after being on maternity leave. Then I got two hat orders thanks to Joshua's teacher.

I made a flower power hat in some very soft and squishy Charisma yarn (same kind of yarn I used for Joshua's afghan). Then I made a Chess Play hat using Fair Isle knitting, a technique that I had never used before. It was quite simple and I love the way this hat turned out. Knit in one of the local high school's colors, I think it will be the perfect mix of warmth and school spirit!

I'm now left with just one knuck to make. Knitting is my evening wind down so I love having a project to work on. Although I'm not advertising knitting orders, you can certainly email me if you want something made!

*Baby sock pattern is from the book, More Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

101 bible adventures {review}

2012-01-18T00:33:00.002-06:00

Overview

101 Bible Adventures offers kids a high-energy, adventure-filled approach to reading, interacting with, and learning life lessons from the Scriptures. It takes 101 favorite adventure-filled stories from the New Living Translation and puts them into one amazing book. Each Bible story has a brief overview so kids can get a bird's-eye view of the story, a key verse that sums up its meaning, and a Read and Learn application section that challenges kids to make their faith active. 101 Bible Adventures gives kids a great way to explore the Scriptures while highlighting concepts such as building good character; the importance of having good role models; and themes such as forgiveness, love, and God's wonderful plan for our lives.

Review

I really love how this book is organized. It's pretty easy to find the different "adventures" in the index if you know where they are in the Bible as they go in order of where they appear. It would have been nice if they would have also included the adventures arranged alphabetically for young readers who are unfamiliar of the Bible reference to find easier.

I also love that it has an application at the end. I always love applications. :) After Joshua read the story of Joshua in the book, I asked him what he thought about it. He liked the layout. He especially liked the overview at the beginning.

Each "adventure" is only two pages long. I really think it helps the Bible not seem so overwhelming to read for kids. Don't think for a minute, though, that two pages isn't enough. Between the overview, the story (taken straight from Scripture), the application, the key verse (which would make a great memory verse), and the cute little comic at the top (great for our visual learners), those two pages really pack a punch!

Look for 101 Bible Adventures in stores now!

Disclosure: I received 101 Bible Adventures for free from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

sewing time with my girl

2012-01-17T08:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday the kids were out of school for Martin Luther King, Jr. day. A three day weekend is always nice, however, with several days of meetings last week, I found myself behind entering the weekend. I never like that feeling. Monday morning came, and I thought I would tackle my {small} to do list and then it was going to be quality time with the kids.

That to do list was quickly (although reluctantly, if I'm honest with myself) scratched as I realized Miss Emma needed something to do to avoid the quickly approaching boredom.

I suggested we sew some clothes for her dolls to which she enthusiastically agreed. She's shown an interest in sewing with the machine, so I need to seize the opportunity to teach. We searched the ever popular Pinterest and found what we were looking for. A quick look through my stash of leftover material and we found the materials we wanted. Of course, I picked out about four different outfits (yes, the ever ambitious mama).

What I love about this pattern is that it's really versatile. With the simple bodice, you can then make a dress or a shirt like we did. What I didn't realize about this pattern is that I needed to print it between 120-130% to get the size I needed for the doll. I swear the doll in the photo looked just like Emma G's doll, but after we sewed the first shirt, it was more the size for a Barbie. I also didn't pay attention to the "fold." It wasn't printed on the pattern so it wasn't until after I cut the pieces, that I saw that important piece of info. So...pay attention to the fold or you'll have lots of weird shaped scraps!

Those little setbacks didn't seem to hinder the spirit. I kept hearing her say, "This is so fun!" She even picked out a business and website name for us. :) And don't you just love the buttons she wanted added to the shirt? I went to bed envisioning our next project and find myself today only wanting to sew doll clothes! I'm so glad I ditched the to do list for time with my sweet girl. It was the best three hours of my day.

he shouted like a crazy person :: risk

2012-01-16T00:33:00.030-06:00

With my 2012 "word" being risk, I am studying risk takers in the Bible.

It's fascinating to learn these nuggets from Bible greats.

I've always loved the story of Joshua in the Bible. God told him to do something crazy and he just did it!

Verse one of Joshua 6 describes Jericho as being "tightly shut." Then wouldn't the logical thing to do have been to use force to get through the walls? Instead God told Joshua to do something illogical and completely crazy...march around with horns for 6 days, and on the 7th, march around 7 times blowing trumpets and then shout. Maybe God was going for the shock and awe factor?

What's amazing to me is that, after God gave his instructions, it says Joshua called the priests and relayed the plan. He didn't question God. I wonder if he had ANY inner turmoil or if his faith in God was so strong that he knew obedience to the crazy plan was the only option. Was he not scared to risk looking completely crazy? Did the thought, "What if this doesn't work?" ever cross his mind?

"When God speaks, take up the shield of faith and run the risk of looking crazy."

I ask because these questions are what first pop into my head. However, God did not call me to sit idly by in my comfortable place. No, He called me to trust in Him and obey, even if it means running the risk of looking completely crazy.

Scripture reference...Joshua 6.

incognito outtakes

2012-01-14T13:35:00.000-06:00

During our incognito Valentine's photo booth shoot the other day, the kids had fun taking some photos of mom, too. Jeremy walked in the door to me sitting there covering my face with a mustache, homework not even started. NOT a normal after school sight. Loads of fun, though. I especially loved them coming up with ideas. Don't you love Joshua's umbrella??

I usually more of a fan of color photos, but I really love these in black and white. I think our indoor winter fun is going to be photo shoots! Don't forget you can order your Valentine's photo package here!

her honeycomb

2012-01-13T00:28:00.044-06:00

The minute I saw this pattern I knew it was the right one for Miss Emma. After finishing Joshua's afghan, however, I thought maybe I should find a simpler one for the sake of time. After browsing Ravelry, there just wasn't one that caught my eye, and so I began the Honeycomb. I made a little goal that would ensure it's completion. If I knit so many inches a day, I could finish it in time for Christmas.

Goals are great, but sometimes there's a time when they just aren't realistic. And that's exactly what happened. I chose to be a happy mama, enjoying the holidays, rather than a driven, crazy woman trying to finish a blanket.

So you know what I did? I wrapped that unfinished honeycomb and put it under the tree. You know how hard that was to do? Very hard! And you know what Emma G did? Right after opening it, she promptly brought it over to me, not uttering a single word. She's hilarious, that girl.

If only Christmas would have waited two weeks...

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday. It's a great place to share your creativity with such an encouraging group of ladies. Please check it out!

the lucado inspirational reader {review}

2012-01-12T00:37:00.042-06:00

Are you a Max Lucado fan? If so, you will LOVE The Lucado Inspirational Reader! This collection of some of his best illustrations and stories from his books he's written over the past 25 years has some amazing nuggets of wisdom.

"The Lucado Inspirational Reader gathers the most memorable one-liners, paragraphs, stories, and teachings from a lifetime of inspiring bestsellers into one volume. These are the words that you’ll want to turn to time and again for hope and encouragement."

It's a book that you will want to come back to again and again and one that you can easily spend 5 minutes or 5 hours reading. One of my favorite quotes from the book that really spoke to me the other day is...

"Jesus works in community. For that reason, you find no personal pronouns in the earliest description of the church."

I highly recommend The Lucado Inspirational Reader. It would be a great devotional book! If you're a person who likes quotes, you won't be able to write his one liners down fast enough, because there's so many great ones.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

valentine's photo fun

2012-01-11T00:16:00.107-06:00

Wow, can you believe Valentine's Day is right around the corner? Well, as in 5 weeks around the corner. I've put together a very fun Valentine's Day photo opportunity to celebrate! Sure the usuals of flowers and chocolate are fun, however the chocolate will be eaten in a couple of days and the flowers will wilt, but a photo. Well, a photo is a memory that will last a lifetime.

I've joined the very fun mustache craze to offer a Valentine's photobooth package! What do mustaches and Valentine's have in common, you might ask? Well, nothing, except that it's fun and different. Here's the scoop...

Package 1 $45

20 minute photo shoot
digital files of 4 different photos in the edit of your choosing
4 photo strips measuring 2 inches by 10 inches

Choice of edits include color, black and white, vintage, or 70's. I will come to your house and set up a small photo booth area using a white sheet as the background. (A fuel charge applies for distances further than 20 miles away.) I supply the mustaches, you supply the smiles.

Package 2 $30

digital files of 4 different photos in the edit of your choosing
4 photo strips measuring 2 inches by 10 inches (Additional cost for shipping internationally.)

Now I realize that some of you don't live near so this package is perfect for you! You send me 4 digital files and I will create your photo strip for you! Mustaches are optional but I can most certainly add those to your photos if desired. Choice of edits include color, black and white, vintage, and 70's.

These would be fun for a group photo of the kids or you and your spouse. Feel free to email with questions or to schedule a photo shoot.

it's basketball season

2012-01-10T00:15:00.021-06:00

Which means our Saturdays involve watching our boy play his heart out! It also means that number four is my favorite number right now. :)

I brought my camera to Saturday's game and The Grizzlies won for the first time! Hmmm...maybe I should bring my camera every game.

For the sake of not posting other people's children on the internet, I picked the ones of just Joshua, but I promise there were other players out there. He does a mean job of blocking and going for the rebound.

For the record, I don't know that I could ever be a sports photographer. Oh, my! It's hard enough catching the kids in a crisp clear shot. I can't imagine trying to capture professional sports players!

Linking up with Communal Global for Sneak Peeks Around The World.

she touched him :: risk

2012-01-09T00:36:00.060-06:00

With my 2012 "word" being risk, I am studying risk takers in the Bible.

It's fascinating to learn these nuggets from Bible greats.

Last week, after writing about risk and it being heavy on my heart, I felt compelled to study some risk takers in the Bible. The very first person that came to mind was the woman with a hemorrhage who touched Jesus' cloak in the crowd. I wonder if she felt the same feelings I've felt after hearing a renowned speaker and wanting to talk to him/her afterwards but feeling a mixture of fear and anxiety. But then the thought comes, "When will I have another chance? The time is NOW!"

I love her beautiful display of faith as she seized the moment and touched Him. I imagine it was a light, gentle touch which made Jesus taking notice of it all the more powerful. I truly believe that the roadblock to risk taking is fear. It's gripping and can paralyze us from walking in obedience. My prayer for the year is that, when God speaks, even though it might seem "risky," faith would triumph fear and lead me down the path to obedience.

Scripture reference...Mark 5:25-34.

Special thanks to Melanie of Only A Breath for designing my One Word button for 2012!

muffin tin lasagna

2012-01-08T00:05:00.002-06:00

I recently read a great round-up of muffin tin recipes on Today's Mama. It made me want to go buy more muffin tins so I could make several amazing things at once. I settled in on muffin tin lasagna from Can You Stay For Dinner for our Christmas Eve dinner. It worked out perfect. I prepared it before the Christmas Eve service and stuck it in the oven when we got home. It was so good! I loved using the won ton wrappers instead of pasta. This is definitely a dish to make again!

incognito

2012-01-07T00:13:00.000-06:00

This was my crafting project yesterday afternoon. I've got a fun photography something something coming next week. Be sure to look for it! That is, if you can find it...incognito...

joshua's afghan

2012-01-06T00:02:00.044-06:00

This past summer I decided that I wanted to knit the kids blankets for Christmas. They are always fighting over the one I made back in 2010, and I thought this would be a great gift because it would be their very own. There was only one problem. Texas must have had the hottest summer ever. With over 40 days of 100+ degree temps, breaking records, and causing a major drought, only a crazy person would start knitting an afghan. I wasn't crazy. (Although if you read my post on the afghan I made in 2010, you would see that I finished it in 100 degree heat. What is my deal with knitting afghans in the summer??)

So I waited. And waited. And waited. I finally started his cabled afghan the end of September (even though it was still quite warm) and finished it in about 6 weeks (how I did that I don't know). I love the Loops and Threads Charisma yarn in red, and the cables definitely give it some masculine style. What's more important is that the recipient absolutely loves it. The photo below was staged and all his idea. :)

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday. Look for another afghan post next week!

the jellyfish are my favs

2012-01-05T00:07:00.025-06:00

During Christmas break, I used my free Sea Life Aquarium passes and took the kids to see fish. They absolutely loved it! I love experiencing new things through their eyes. It truly is magical.

The shark tank was pretty cool and made for some great photos, but my favorite was the jellyfish. They move so gracefully in the water. I think I could have watched them all day. Well, if not for two excited children ready to complete their scavenger hunt. :)

Linking up with And Then, She Snapped for Show Off Your Shot.

starting 2012 with creativity

2012-01-04T00:10:00.044-06:00

The hubs had a great idea the other day...ring in the New Year with creativity. So...we spent January 1st with paints and a huge, blank canvas. The previous day we talked to the kids about New Year's and that it's a time of setting goals, etc. They were kind of like, "Why?" It's quite funny to try and explain time to kids. It's a new year, but isn't it also just another day?

As we prepared for our family art project, we encouraged the kids to paint what they want to be about in 2012, what they want to see, words that stand out to them. I love how it all came together so beautifully with a little of all of us in it.

It hasn't found a home on the wall yet, but I'm thinking right above the couch will be the perfect spot. I love having a visual to remind us of what God is going to do this year!

How did you ring in the New Year?

2012 :: risk

2012-01-03T00:17:00.041-06:00

A couple of years ago, I started asking God what the word for the year would be. I have to admit that I like it much better than a list of resolutions. I love looking back on the year and seeing just how much the word rings true. Peace and dream, words from past years, definitely made their mark and brought definition.

Several weeks ago, I started praying and asking God what the word for 2012 would be. My mind was a total blank but a few days later it came...risk. Funny that the next Sunday at church the new series was on this exact topic. I don't fully know what it means but that's the exciting part. There's an anticipation to see what God throws my way and how it will all play out.

I'm not a natural risk taker so I'm thinking lots of faith exercising will be on the agenda. Always a good thing. :)

Do you write New Year's resolutions or are you a one word girl like me?

Linking up with OneWord ThreeSixtyFive.

a look at 2011

2012-01-02T00:19:00.010-06:00

I really can't believe yesterday marked a new year. I always feel cliche in saying it goes by so fast but it just does! One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to look back and highlight my favorite posts from the year. Here's a look at 2011...

January

I enlisted the help of the hair dryer to get my slow moving Emma G ready for school in the morning.

February

We had a crazy Texas winter resulting in school being closed for about a week! Games, s'mores, and crafts kept boredom at bay.

March

A dream came true as I traveled to India to tell the story of young girls in modern day slavery and the hope that is available for a better life.

April

We celebrated Joshua's 9th birthday with a Lego party!

May

I Believe In Love was published in Artful Blogging!

June

We had a great time in San Antonio with the entire Price clan. All 12 of us (including 4 strollers) traipsed around Sea World, The Alamo, and other fun hotspots!

July

We traveled 3,399.9 miles for 18 days through 5 states. Rocking the gondola in Park City, UT, Arches National Park in Moab, Garden of the Gods and the zoo in Colorado, and White Sands National Park in New Mexico were all highlights!

August

What a busy month! I celebrated my 34th birthday in S. Africa and the kids started a new school year.

September

We celebrated 12 years of marriage as well as another year of life for the birthday duo.

October

We all went to the Texas State Fair (my first time ever to go to the fair) and tried fried bubble gum. I don't recommend it.

November

I was blown away when asked to go to L.A. for the press junket for Alvin and The Chipmunks : Chipwrecked but not before enjoying Thanksgiving with the fam.

December

Loved hearing the feedback on Jeremy's Acquired Taste blog tour and was so proud of Joshua for taking 3rd place in Number Sense UIL. Of course, Christmas is always a December highlight.

What are your 2011 highlight{s}?