My Fear

I knew when I agreed to take on our little guy for babysitting that it would be, at times, life changing for us. Going from two to three kids in my day was slightly dramatic...but overall just peachy good. A fear that has reigned in my mind, though I have tried to keep it captive, was the fear of something happening to the little guy. The child that is not my own, but under my care. How my gut aches even thinking about situations that "could" happen.

Yesterday that fear was fueled by watching our neighbor dog come at him lightening fast and nip his little leg. You cannot know how time stands still in those situations...until they happen to you. While I praise GOD that he is ok and the bite was minimal {very small dog}, I am heavy hearted, still.

After having the animal police in my livingroom and "dealing" with the neighbors responsible... things are adjusting back to normal. The dog has been taken and I was praised for doing the "right thing by calling". Apparently it's against the law to NOT report a dog bite. Hmmm...good to know. {?} The neighbors dogs have been a problem for a-while now... going on 3 years, but we've never had a real issue with them, except for the literal constant barking. ARL informed me that now the responsibility lies with the neighbors - they have to repair their broken fence, chain up their beastly animals and be...responsible.

Can I ask for your prayers? We need wisdom and encouragement. We HATE that this happened to our little guy, we equally hate the tension this puts between us and our neighbors.

Oh these fears... Lord, thank you for your protection and the quick thinking you gave to me in that moment. We never ask for these moments, but we know you hold us in your hands.

Happenings

It's been a little quiet around here on the ol' blog. Not that I haven't had a zillion posts swirling through my brain on a daily basis. Life has just been lived and days are full and kids are busy and growing. It all goes too fast and I'm trying to soak it in.

In the last few weeks we have had some really fun events in our lives.

-Friends having babies

-playdates and company over

-A very awesome, God-honoring, wedding

-Double date night with some friends

-Taking meals to new mommy's

-March Madness {ugh}

-Planning a workshop for the ladies retreat

-Enjoying 80-something degree weather in MARCH {and another high 80's today!}

Lots of lots of things.

My husband and I are up to our eyebrows in watching the series, "Downton Abbey", I'm sure you've heard of it. If not - you may be an alien. {jk} It is such a captivating show... we are right smack dab in the middle of Season 2. INTENSE. Watching episodes 5, 6 and 7 tonight :) We are party animals like that! I'm finding myself loving all things of that era now and I secretly wish I could dress like Lady Mary or Cora. Or, let's be honest... even like one of the house maids. How cool!





I'm thankful for a husband who enjoys such a thing with me. There is nothing better to me then putting our children to bed, cuddling up on the couch and enjoying some British Period drama :)

He's.A.Keeper.

We were able to sneak out for a bit a few weekends ago to see the band, Gungor, in concert. What a great time! It was so refreshing to grab dinner {sans toddlers} and a show with friends. By the way...if you live in the Des Moines area and you haven't tried Gateway Market for lunch or dinner - you are missing out! I had THE best shrimp salad!

My children are growing like weeds. August will be ONE next month... commence whimpering. I cannot believe it's almost been a year! Thankfully she's still my midgey-small baby girl that lets me snuggle her. She started walking along furniture last week and just about broke my heart. Praise God for almost 11 months of baby August! Ava is giving me a run for my money, tho, I never fully understood that expression. :) She is still into ALL THINGS girly and requests to wear a dress daily. A dress and socks, to be perfectly specific. She's a funny girl. We have started to butt heads here recently as she learns about new independence and ideas she has on life. Many nights I've gone to bed with a heavy heart over how often she truly requires discipline. I guess that's reality and I'll keep on because she is worth it! At the same time, she is brilliant! I plan to start school with her in the fall and can't wait to watch the little sponge soak it all in :)

We praise God for life and for love. It's passion week and we anticipate an awesome Good Friday service and amazing Easter Sunday!

A little Friday DIY

The mission continues...
Bring beauty into my home. Work with my hands. Create.

I came across this beauty of an idea this week on Pinterest.

The author of the blog (super cute blog) had shared the idea and apparently has used the sheet of music background for the last few holidays. Brilliant idea!

I love moss. I love the look of nature in the home. So I was ALL OVER this idea.
Hmmm...now, how to learn super fast how to do it. Little Birdie Secrets had a step by step for the how to - and I kinda did my own thing based on that. Click above to see how SHE did it.

I'm proud to tell you that I had an actual craft night. Yes, me! I've always wanted to do that... just sit and craft - but always ALWAYS feel so stupid or lost trying to figure out how to make beauty. It's not a natural talent. Trust me.

After TWO hours {thank you Caramel Macchiato} on my front porch cutting, gluing, and perfecting - I finished my version. Wanna see?

I found the frame at Hobby Lobby normally $60, marked down to $11. You really could use any frame, I'm sure. My hubs brought me a hymnal from church storage {shhh} so that was FREE. The foam wreath, moss, and ribbon also came from hobby Lobby. {I had a gift card!} The daisies are from our wedding, yep, 6 year old plastic daisies! Woot Woot! I tend to like the darker, more natural, colors so I went with a jute ribbon overlapped with a shimmering champagne color, opposed to white and pink. And I'm not a HUGE egg person - so, daisies won that out. :)

The little glass dish in front I found at Salvation army - for cents. The moss covered rocks are DOLLAR TREE goodies! {no kidding...you STILL haven't checked out Dollar Tree decor?!} And, just framed up another Easter themed hymn for an added look.

It shouldn't take 2 hours like I did. I was just really pokey and taking my time and enjoying creating. :) This was a SUPER easy project and you could change it up so many ways.

{Sigh, I love looking at it}