Mason's Roost

brickyard buffalo

2013-03-06T00:00:00.000-10:00

If you haven’t heard of Brickyard Buffalo you’ll want to hop over and check them out. They have awesome deals from some pretty amazing shops.

I’m super excited to be selling 7 different Little Light Prints designs for only $9.99. That’s 41% off! Kind of a steal if you ask me. The deal ends in 5 days and there are only 30 prints available in each design. These are the designs you will find-

Goodbye February

2013-03-04T07:51:00.001-10:00

February was some month! February brought a flood of tears with the passing of Daisy Love Merrick and overwhelming joy at the arrival of my best friend that I haven’t seen in three years. We had a disastrous weekend of camping which I’m not even going to cross off my Life List because it’s so unworthy of being called an accomplishment. I started and finished all three seasons of Downton Abbey, fainted during a biopsy, and yielded to my BFF while she potty trained Mason. I’ll leave potty training to the pros and after 3 boys, she knows what she’s doing. The greatest thing in February was being reminded of how amazing God is and how perfectly He has picked out the people closest to me. My friends, near and far, have been so greatly encouraging and sweet and kind and supportive during a week filled with ups and downs. They are such a blessing.

the life list

2013-02-12T20:52:00.000-10:00

A couple weeks ago, I sat down and starting making a list of things I want to do in my lifetime. It took me awhile because I wanted to put things down that I knew were achievable, realistic, and what I truly wanted to do. Not every one is serious, but yes, I really would like to bake an apple pie, so I wrote it down. I realized as I was making the list that in order for me to cross off some thing, I have to be intentional. I have to do; I have to act. I can’t have new experiences by hoping they come to pass. So here is my list of hopes, goals, & putting into action…

visit 20+ national parks
~~get married~~ September 2008
own a home
mission trip to Africa
tour Israel
cross country road trip in an RV
read through the whole Bible
pay off student loans
~~have a baby~~ July 2010
have another one
run a 5k (I'm realistic)
make photo books every year
learn photoshop illustrator
take Mason to Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Legoland
visit Mason's surgeons at Rady Children's Hospital
volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House
go on a girls trip
camp with family/friends
eat a foreign food I've never had
plant a garden
wander through central park
adopt a family at Christmastime
stay at a bed & breakfast (again)
get a dog
visit all the islands of Hawaii
love my home
have a tan, or just tan lines
~~buy a bike~~ February 2013
make a piece of furniture
stop comparing myself to others
phone free for 24 hours
~~see the Grand Canyon~~ March 2012
~~ski~~ March 2012, Brian Head, UT
~~see the Counting Crows live~~ May 2006
learn grace
create new family traditions our kids will remember
buy and learn how to use a dslr
get another tattoo
visit every state
buy only handmade gifts for Christmas
lose 20 pounds
drink more water daily
spend 0 dollars on things that are not necessities for a month
volunteer at the children's hospital
take a homeless family dinner
eat in every night for two weeks
take Mason to his first day of preschool
see my designs in a publication
swim in the ocean in the rain (again)
go on a hot air balloon ride
visit Auschwitz
buy a dinner table and eat together as a family
read 5 classic books
no fast food for a month
donate blood regularly
donate things that haven't been used/worn in 1 year
live by candle light for 1 week. no lights/tv once the sun goes down
continue the Jane family name
see Mason stand up on a wave by himself
find a wine I like
put my feet in every ocean
travel by train
~~ride a cable car in san Francisco~~ September 2008
~~graduate college~~ May 2006, BS in Criminal Justice
eat a food I have grown myself
catch a fish
~~laugh until I cry~~ January 2013, watching home movies
sleep through the night
bowl a strike. just once, that's all I ask
horseback ride on the beach on Cumberland Island, GA
eat something that scares me
decorate a cake
take a nap without feeling mom/wife guilt
take more photos
more coffee dates, even if it's with myself
bake an apple pie from scratch
more play dates for Mason
complete Jillian Michael's 30 day shred
~~get involved with our church's children's ministry~~ started March 2013
play in the snow with Mason
internet free for 5 days
make sushi
walk in the Oahu Heart Walk
buy an entire outfit from a thrift store…and wear it (except for shoes)
~~meet Adam Duritz (for real, the only life goal I’ve had since I was 11)~~ May 2006, Las Vegas
sleep under the stars
walk daily for a month
play in the rain with Mason
plan a date for my husband
volunteer as a family
make a piece of jewelry with the shells & beach glass we have
make tomato sauce from scratch
go on a new excursion with Mason each month
catch up with an old friend
eat breakfast at least 5 days a week
fly first class
make tortillas from scratch
cut out sweets for a month
apologize when I’m wrong
make the bed everyday
be intentional in love, motherhood, friendship

small shop swoon- supplies

2013-02-11T00:00:00.000-10:00

Supplies are probably my favorite things ever. That does not mean I actually use them to make something,
but I do love them nonetheless. Here are some of my favorites right now.

polka dot felt from ilovefelt88

washi tape stamps from pinkprairies

moose kraft labels from lettercdesign

deer wax seal from backtozero

felt balls from feltfoxes

gift tags from sweetandcraftyshop

craft and packaging kit from paperandpresent

made with love washi tape from adoreneko

biodegradable pulp containers from leboxboutique

hand-painted yarn by pandiasjewels

hello friend sticker set by lifemadelovely

congenital heart defect resources

2013-02-06T21:51:00.000-10:00

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week starts today, February7th-14th!

When Mason was first diagnosed with CHD, I had no idea what the cardiologist was talking about. “Right heart,” “left heart” “blue blood” “red blood” blah blah. He drew pictures. It didn’t help but I pretended like I knew what he was talking about. I had to educate myself and find resources that explained Mason’s exact defect. It was frustrating.

Mason’s heart has been near perfect since his second surgery last year so I haven’t written much about CHD recently. However, knowing that CHD is the most common birth defect, I trust there is a heart-broken parent who just learned their child has a CHD, who is searching the internet for resources and answers.

So, I have gathered my favorite resources and am putting them in one place.

*If you are pregnant, please educate yourself on having your newborn’s oxygen level tested with a pulse ox reader after birth and before you leave the hospital. It is painless, noninvasive, and should detect most heart defects.

http://1in100.org/
http://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/
http://www.congenitalheartdefects.com/
http://www.itsmyheart.org/
http://mendedlittlehearts.org/mlh.htm
http://www.tchin.org/
http://www.pted.org/
http://www.chphc.org/hostedsites/Pages/CHDTOOLS-CHD-Fact-Sheet.aspx
https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Congenital-Heart-Defects
http://www.heartwaves.org/
http://www.savinglittlehearts.com/

If you have come across some great sites that aren’t listed here, please share them!

cheerful

2013-02-04T07:51:00.000-10:00

cheer·ful

/ˈCHi(ə)rfəl/

Adjective

Noticeably happy and optimistic.
Causing happiness by its nature or appearance

{small shop swoon} valentine’s day

2013-01-30T00:00:00.000-10:00

science diagram pillow from dirtsastudio

ceramic cups by rosslab

anatomical heart hoodie by bchildrenswear

embroidered medical diagram by refashioned

anatomical heart tee by sealmaiden

wood bird necklace from iamabird

anatomical heart mug from breadandbadger

hand embroidered heart necklace by shirlyrov

valentines banner by antnfrog

watercolor painting by growcreative

two & a half year old you

2013-01-27T00:00:00.000-10:00

-you eat oatmeal for breakfast every day
-you are obsessed with anything fireman/ fire truck related
-you love peanut butter and dried fruit
-"pa" is your favorite person
-you love the sand but not the water
-you talk constantly. even if there is no sound, your mouth is moving
-you still have that imaginary friend "Ba Boo Shay"
-you go to a early learning program twice a week and love it
-the time right after you've been dried off from a bath but before we catch you to put a diaper on, is the highlight of your day. you yell "naked boy!"
-now if only you'd stop peeing on the floor
-you finally wear 2T clothes
-your collarbones are particularly ticklish
-you've responded one too many times with "whatever"
-the "why?" question has started. will it ever end?
-you wake up at 4am and climb into our bed. every.single.morning.

links I'm loving

2013-01-22T22:18:00.000-10:00

A few links for you to check out on your Wednesday.

talking to kids about race with rage against the minivan
creating an image map for your blog. tutorial by lucy jane
printing your instagram photos
free design tutorials? yes please!
cutest valentine's day craft
any one want to sponsor a shopping spree?
everything here is just plain pretty

Any good links you wanna share?

serve

2013-01-21T09:50:00.000-10:00

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve.
You don't have to have a college degree to serve.
You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
-Martin Luther King Jr.

catching up

2013-01-19T15:24:00.000-10:00

Am I the only one who felt like the holidays lasted a few years?
My sister and brother and in-law were here for two weeks, Mason's schedule went out the window, and I gained a few pounds. Yes, it has taken this long to feel like there is structure in this house again.

Truly, not much has happened in this little house so I'll catch you up in photos since they're much more interesting (and cuter) than words.

The shop is still going strong and I've also opened an account with Society 6 so now you can get some of my designs on other products like iphone cases, pillows, canvas prints, and more.

Check it out here!

last sale

2012-12-10T10:50:00.002-10:00

Check out the shop to get in on the last sale of the year.
Apply coupon code "35OFF" during checkout to receive 35% off your entire order.

{littlelightprints.etsy.com}

list of lately

2012-11-25T12:48:00.000-10:00

1. The Joyful Life Library at Kapiolani was awarded a grant from The Awesome Foundation.

2. Mason has an imaginary friend named Ba-boo-shay.

3. Mason's new phrase is "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!"

4. One of the local news stations hosted a secret book drive and invited me to be on the
morning show to talk about The Joyful Life Library.

Not only did they surprise me with hundreds of books but they also brought the
president of the hospital who thanked the Joyful Life Library for their (Heather's)
work and donations.

5. Check out the shop for a sweet deal!
(mention which print you'd like during check out in "note to seller")

nacho libre...

2012-11-05T07:20:00.000-10:00

made an appearance on Halloween.

He's way cuter in person.

sale in the shop!

2012-11-01T11:28:00.000-10:00

SALE SALE SALE! Check it out!

{click image to go to shop}

holiday gift guide- handmade for her

2012-10-29T11:59:00.000-10:00

the brick kiln, woodland belle, son of a sailor, long winter soap co, two string jane, lavievert, sweetbath confections, bonnilu, blackbird and the owl, nest pretty things shop, orlogin, kira ferrer, forgotten cotton, french press mornings, meagans mark, wifeysinger

For more gift ideas go here.

Holiday Gift Guide- monthly subscription boxes

2012-10-26T08:54:00.001-10:00

Little Pnuts, Umba Box, Kiwi Crate, Brit Kits, BabbaBox, Birch Box, Citrus Lane, For the Makers

NEXT UP- GIFTS FOR THE LADIES

fall?

2012-10-22T14:58:00.000-10:00

It may still be in the high 80s but... whatever.

IT'S FALL!

* Mason is wearing the Flynn The Handsome Fox tee from B. Children's Wear. Check out the shop... the cutest kids clothes ever. And I mean that. Here are some others:

{And no, I wasn't paid to put my kid in that super cute shirt OR to mention it in a post. Some things are just too awesome to not mention}

Mercy Triumphs week 6

2012-10-20T21:19:00.002-10:00

Hi friends! I just wanted to let you know that I'm over at Beautifully Rooted

today discussing week six of Mercy Triumphs.

Head on over!

mercy triumphs week 5

2012-10-17T13:11:00.003-10:00

Since I'm late at posting this I'm just going to put down a few points that really spoke to me last week.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of sighing. When the house is a mess and I have a migraine- sigh. When I've corrected Mason ~~one~~ five too many times-sigh. When I wake up and the yesterday's coffee is still in the pot- sigh. When my heart is heavy- sigh. When I just don't have words- sigh.

I needed this week's study. I needed Psalm 38:9

All my longings lie open before you O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

Amen! (I added that).

"When you need more, you will have more. When your woes are great, His grace is greater. When our sins are vast, His mercy is deep/ We cannot exceed Him."- Beth Moore

Oh how I love that! Nothing is bigger than our God. Nothing!

I'll be honest with you, I'm pretty good at judging. I not a good judge, but I'm good at judging. And that is not written in pride. Trust me, there's no pride, especially after reading this:

The original word (slander) doesn't leave us room to excuse ourselves because what we said was simply the truth. To James, if it was said critically or against another person, IT IS SIN.

What a rude realization. A very hard truth to swallow.

The final thing that I wanted to share was in day 5 of the homework. As a result of a heavy heart (which has been the cause of many sighs), I have allowed Satan to fill my head with lies. Lies about my worth, or lack thereof. Lies about my job as a mom, a wife, a friend. I've been to the point where I just want to give up. The point where fighting to keep joy in my heart for more than 5 minutes is just really exhausting.... but it I am just a vapor. I am a wisp.

When circumstances are really rough, we can find comfort and courage in the verses about life's brevity. We can think to ourselves, In the eternal scheme of things, He's only asking you to do this hard thing for a few minutes. You can be faithful. It's not too long!

Your eyes opened to earthly life this morning because God will wants you here.... If the Lord did not will for us to be alive... we would have seen His face by now. We live because the Lord wills.

Again, Amen!

mercy triumphs week 4

2012-10-08T09:23:00.000-10:00

This past week was hard. The homework was intense and very convicting. Anyone else? Day 4 and 5 of the homework really stirred up my heart.

A couple points: The tongue... it can bring life or death. That's serious and I was reminded of the weight words have. Matthew 12:34 "The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart." Too often I've said something and then thought "I can't believe I said that, that was so wrong." To know that those filthy, harsh, and ugly things are in my heart... well, it's clear I need Jesus.

The second point that really spoke to me was the gentleness of wisdom. Let me be honest... I can be full of "righteous indignation." Beth writes,

"True wisdom has a gentleness about it, doesn't it? Harsh people are never wise people. they may be smart. They may even be right. But they are not what the Bible calls wise."

I can think back on many situations in my own life where the result would have been much different had I approached it with true wisdom instead of "righteousness." I can see situations where I was right, but by speaking harshly the end result was sin. Those are situations wasted. Situations that could have been pointed to Jesus, that my "righteous" self wasted. Looking back, it's very frustrating but thank the Lord for his grace and mercy.

Thank the Lord for His gentle wisdom.

waikiki staycation

2012-10-04T16:02:00.000-10:00

Last week, the mister and I stayed in Waikiki for our anniversary. Waikiki is a whole other world for me; a far world. Yes, that hour+ drive is long! We stayed in the first hotel in Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider. It's like a massive plantation home and has always been my favorite hotel.

It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say we ate the whole two days.

It was good times people.

And it doesn't hurt coming home to the sweetest boy in the world who missed his mommy way more than he should have.

four

2012-09-27T00:00:00.000-10:00

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a staycation in Waikiki to get started.

Mercy Triumphs- week two

2012-09-25T12:33:00.000-10:00

I'm pretty sure this week's homework was literally work for all of us doing the study.
Heart changing work.

Where do I even begin? The overall theme for me this week was CHOICES. I have a choice to consider it joy when trials come or I have the choice to allow Satan take my joy when trials come. I have the choice to continually seek and ask the Lord for wisdom and things that I am lacking or I have the choice to waiver in unbelief.
I have the choice to store up my treasures in Heaven or I have the choice to believe God doesn't love me because I am lacking material possessions.
I have the choice to persevere in testing or I have the choice to give in to sin. I have the choice of life or I have the choice of death. Its terrifying to me that, really, the choice is mine. The choices I make can lead to life or they can lead to death. That's not to be taken lightly. This weeks homework has changed the way I pray for people. Instead of asking God to bless so and so or do this and that, I now pray that they would choose God's blessings and the hope that He is so ready and willing to give them. There's one more point I feel deserves a mention... in day 1 of the homework- perseverance.
When I think of perseverance I think of some super fit guy or girl running a race. A race that they have trained for. But Beth gives a very different view of perseverance.
"...perseverance means "nerving oneself" like a person determined to stay on his feet, holding tight to Jesus..." Imagine that. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit. I know I don't. We don't have to be in the middle of a trial, waving to everyone on the sidelines, with a huge fake smile on our faces while inside we are terrified.
Perseverance is clinging to Jesus while the storm rages around us. I just love that!

printable woodgrain mini notecards

2012-09-22T16:23:00.000-10:00

Want some free goodies? Of course you do!

Go here! Print on heavyweight paper, cut, fold, done.

*You know the deal- for personal use only.