Time for a challenge - Sewing School

Well, let me be honest with you for a minute. See if anyone relates.

As little girls (or boys...however, I don't think I have any male readers...if so, great!) didn't we all aspire to be good at something? And, if you come from a background similar to mine...doesn't it seem like Mom was good at everything?!

My mom sews, crochets, does beadwork, leather work, cooks amazing meals from scratch, paints, makes things from metal, refinishes furniture... etc. She is the master of all things crafty and beautiful. I remember year after year watching her create gorgeous things for Christmas gifts, holiday decor or even just birthday events. She makes snowmen out of socks, Christmas light hanger things out of clear plastic cups, hangers and christmas lights...and my fave - wind chimes out of old cds and thread. Seriously....amazing talent. I've watched her put together HUGE crocheted blankets in just a few hours (one sitting!) and then wrap them up and give them away only to start on the next one.... just blows my mind.

My entire life I've wanted to be good at something. Something crafty or creative or just...something. And the honest truth is - I'm not. I can crochet, kinda. But the blanket I started to make for Ava ended up looking more like a batman cape gone horribly wrong. I attempted hand sewn curtains for the window in our 3rd apartment... only ended up using the fabric as cleaning rags. Yea, that bad. Year after year I attempt something new thinking that somewhere deep inside I have to have a thread of that creative gene my momma has. And every year I end up basically flushing money down the toilet on unused or horribly mangled supplies. This last year as we had a baby girl on the way I assumed scrapbooking would not only be EASY, but something I could really get into and be good at. I mean, scrapbooks are personal and can look good no matter what because its YOUR book, right? Wrong. Let's just say... All of the precious preggo pics and ones we have from birth to almost 10 months of Ava are resting nicely on CD's.

All this to say...

It's time for a challenge. Brad's Aunt Becky has taken upon herself the task of teaching me, as well as a few other cousins and Aunts how to use our machines. Mine (bless its little mechanical heart) has been sitting in its box unloved and unused for almost 3 years! Ahem - anyway, so tomorrow I begin my sewing class. I'm SO pumped for it. #1) It's a momma break. I have from 6:30-8:30pm to do nothing but fellowship and focus on my new event. #2) It's out of the house #3) It's a huge challenge for me. Since I was very young I've always wanted to be magical on a sewing machine. I've always wanted to make curtains and baby clothes and whatever else... and now here's my chance, at last! I remember watching my mom use hers and she just made it look so easy and so glamorous. At one point in our lives I can recall her making these gorgeous victorian gowns for a local town play - stuck with me all these years. I want to make gowns! ok, maybe not...but, I do have dreams that big!

While I worked for BBC (PA) I was allowed take 1 free class, as an employee perk. I decided to take "Ministry of Marriage and Motherhood" with an amazing, godly lady, Peggy Walker. Peggy taught us how to basically run a home, love our spouses (or future ones), raise children, etc. But the section of the class that sticks out in my mind the most was the one based on creating a home environment. Not the emotional stuff - the actual STUFF, the decor, the look of the place. She had us take a test on what our style would be. We looked at magazines to get a feel for what we liked and didn't. We researched different terms of things, Chintz, Lace, Gingham.... MY KIND OF CLASS! Anyway, Peggy said something on the last night that really stuck in my mind, and I'm totally going to botch what she actually said, but it was along the lines of, "it's our responsibility to set the look and tone of our homes. it's our job to be creative spouses and make our homes our castles..." and she went on to talk about this from a ministry stand point as she was a pastors wife for years and is now in a new ministry of sorts... So I'm just super convicted to get on the ball, learn a "talent" and get on with it. I want to be a blessing to my family by making our home look nice...and I think it can start with learning to sew. It will be challenging. It will be good.

So, here we go. Sewing School - see you tomorrow.

(ugh) ...and, other things.

Sometimes I can't come up with titles - just because I'm strange like that. But, "Ugh" seems to be fitting right now. Ava is STILL battling this viral cold thing. Runny nose, whining, not sleeping, whining, clinging, not eating a ton, whining, tantrums galore...did I mention whining? So yes, Momma Bear is feeling a little discouraged tonight and just praying that this time will be over soon. And that in the meantime I can be loving, patient and gentle with my precious girl. That's the hard part. I can handle the waking up 14 times a night to a baby crying in her sleep & I can handle the endless changing of shirts as I have more snot streaks then a box of kleenex... its being calm, gentle and patient with her. Who would've thought I would ever battle like this?! But, it's true. And in the words of my very wise mother, I need to just "get over it" and "Get used to it". So, I am.

I started a new book this week and at the perfect time. It's an old copy of Elisabeth Elliots, "A Lamp unto my feet". Literally, old copy - the paper cover is falling apart. But, I love old books. I couldn't find a picture of its old cover - but, here's what it looks like today I guess. (Thanks Bing images!) This book is just page after page of this Godly womans thoughts, prayers and perspectives on life, ministry, marriage, scripture...you name it. It's perfect for quiet mornings with a cup of coffee snuggled under a blanket. I love hearing her point of view and I love how her conservative background plays into it. I think I'm a lot more conservative then I know. Most of all - I love how God has worked in her life in such a way that she can point EVERYTHING back to him in reverence. Good and bad. And, goodness...if you've never read about her life - you need to. She's had some bad, for sure. I also really appreciate her, I think , because she was a ministry wife. She knows first hand what it was like to be on the mission field, in a church, etc. Lately I'm learning that we are totally in over our heads without full dependence on God in this youth ministry. Wow. I love how she just puts her thoughts (wise thoughts) out there...and they make sense. So, anyone else read it?! I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Hopefully I'll have some good stuff to blog about in a few days. Looking forward to the next few pages. :)

No More Stairs

Aw, my poor little monkey. What a mean momma to take away her most favorite past time...stair climbing. She does this whisper-whisper thing when she's figuring things out. I believe she's a genius and just plotting when she does this whis

pering... hey, you never know! Anyway, she's my super cute, stair - blocked girl and I just wanted to share my joy with you. And, yes, I do realize the gate is up on the 2nd step... the best I could do with that bannister. :)

And this gate couldn't come at a better time. The girl is quick - she can get almost to the middle of this section of stairs in seconds. We love it...only, just a little too risky right now.

Ava Edyn

Ah, it's Wednesday... halfway through the week already! Is time going faster or...is it just me?!
Here's our Ava Edyn - this was after her first "Spaghetti" dinner. I buckled and bought some of the jarred kind...too nervous to make my own. Anyway, she LOVED it! And for some reason - be it the mini pieces of pasta or that yummy sauce made of tomatoes AND apples (ick) she just got extra ornery afterwards. This face says it all! The rest of this day was spent chasing her up stairs, away from trash and recycling bins, off of window ledges and walkers. You see...Ava is very mobile.
Right now she has a cold and shes just about as miserable as could be. She wants to be held constantly, which is alright with me... especially on these chilly fall mornings where I can't feel my feet. I have no problem snuggling under a down blankey on the couch. :)
The last few days I've just been observing Ava and her mannerisms, attitudes and personality. She's a very funny little girl. I could be wrong but I don't think she has any rhythm. When music is on she def dances to her OWN beat. She talks to herself and her toys, then looks at me and repeats the gargles/blabbers/grunts as if she doesn't want to leave me out of the convo. She loves cheerios and anything that takes use of her very fine motor skills - which amazes me. She points at things she likes, then turns to me and lets me know. Just very smart. I love her. I'm also feeling little heart tears as I watch her grow older and older... somedays I wish she was still that 2 week old laying in my arms staring at me. I guess we all go through that. Overall, despite my mush and gush- I am truly so thankful for this child. She makes me want to be a better momma.

My Monday Muse

I'm a scent fanatic. I've always been that strange woman in the grocery store who smells every product and bases her purchase on the one that smells best. I've been known to smell every single pack of dryer sheets or dishwashing liquid on the shelf to make a decision. Ask my hubs! I'm a fanatic about good smelling laundry and have no problem paying a little extra for top quality, amazing smelling softener. I have a bazillion body sprays and lotions and I love using a different every day. Variety is the spice of life. My daughter is always coated in some kind of sweet smelling baby lotion...etc. I think how you smell says things about you.

In my home I'm obsessed with smells - candles and heated oil things are in every room. I read somewhere that each home has a unique smell - I can only hope mine is a good one. My dish towels smell like that great softener I mentioned earlier. I'm also a huge fan of Febreeze and and those old school "Stick ups" in the linen closet, scented with apple or clean linen, of course. I adore the scent of Murphys wood oil soap - and seeing how I have ALL this woodwork now, I'm eager to get scrubbing so my home can carry that scent as well.

I'm sure that more then once my over abundance of scents has offended some sensitive nose. So I do try to tone it down when company is over. But when its just us - I'm obsessed. I love smells and love filling my home with them! Is this a weird post, or what? Ok, I'll get to the point...

My Monday Muse is the "newer" Febreeze Noticeables. They have tons of different "flavors" but I just came across one that is PERFECT for this season and is now sharing its joy in our dining room. It's the Moroccan Bazaar: Ginger and Nutmeg. Ah, DELISH! It seriously just makes me happy...and it IS about the little things in life, right? So, thats my MUSE of the day - I love it and totally recommend it...if you are a scent fanatic like me.

The Lull

Ever had a lull in your life?
I feel like mine is now. We went from transition to transition, move to move, house to house, work world to ministry world... and now things are starting to settle. Routine is fairly in place. And of all mornings - I feel a lull, on this gorgeous Sunday morning.

Sometimes I dispise this sneaky streak of melancholy that I own. When for no appearent reason I feel down or lonely or sad. And those down times always come during "lulls" for me. So today I'm feeling a little lost...

This morning, despite my sad heart...for no appearent reason... I'm also thankful for the "FRIEND who sticks closer then a brother", My God. Who would have known that the life of a pastors wife could be plagued by random bouts of loneliness? Ugh, the lull. What a TRUE comfort that the infinite God of the universe lives in my heart today.

For anyone who loves a good deal...or something free

Good morning blogger friends! Isn't this cooler autumn weather just divine?! I don't know about you, but theres just something about having your morning coffee where you can see the steam rolling around your mug that warms your insides. I'm especially "IN LOVE" with the tiny yellow leaves taking over our yard...they look like mini-leaves. Anyone know what kind of tree that might be?
Anyway, about my title - a good deal or something free. Sound good to anyone? Especially in this economy where we absolutley want to scrimp and save every penny. Well, my friend Emily introduced me to an amazing website...some of you probably already know about it. It's http://www.wickedcooldeals.com/ and I encourage you to check it out. Today she is advertising the FREE starbucks coffee deal that is going on until Monday. In the past she has given links for: free walgreens photo books, coupons off grocerys, free samples of things on line...etc. Give 'er a try and let me know what you think. :) If you look under the "blogs I follow" column she is on there - in case the link doesn't work.

Now for me - I literally have an entire house to clean. I took 2 days off to just "lounge" and now thats coming back to bite me in the... well, you get it. Enjoy your October day!