Birthday Bash

Calvin had a great party a couple weeks ago. We were blessed to have some many people who have been such a huge part of Calvin's life in our home. Things were a bit tight but we made do.

We went with a Sesame Street Theme because that's Calvin's love right now. The cupcakes turned out really cute and Calvin was so excited when he woke up to find Elmo, Cookie Monster and Grover on the counter.

I didn't do a lick of decorating, just plain ran out of time. For me that was huge, I love to have everything perfect, but lately decided that it's better for me to just concede and go to bed, rather than have a grumpy momma with cute decorations. I'm working on it.

Meet Grover, Elmo & Cookie Monster

They were very simple, cuz I'm not very talented in the area of cake decorating. Although I've always wanted to give it a try. My mom made our cakes growing up and I'd love to do the same for Calvin.

Sesame Street Over took our counter! I made 40 cupcakes and all but 4 were consumed the day of the party. We had a lot of people at our house.

The Play Zone

Calvin had a blast playing with his pals and cousins. The balloons were a big hit. I have been so thankful for this huge play room right off the kitchen. It was nice for the kids to have a place to play.

Present Time

Even though we specifically said no presents. Everyone blessed Calvin by helping to replace all his DVDs that were stolen. It's amazing he had no duplicates!

It's a neat picture to see most of the people who've meant so much to Calvin all in one room. We are blessed.


I still can't believe two years went by so quickly! I'm certainly enjoying all the snuggle time and hugs I can get right now, before we know it we'll be sending him off to college.

Yet Another Reason I Love ETSY!

Calvin's hat came!!! It's too stinkin' cute! I love shopping on Etsy, but trust me once you start you'll be hooked.

Choices, Choices

Well I hope to order my Kitchen Aid this week, thanks to many of you! Now it's time for to choose a color. This is the hard part! Here's what I'm choosing between.

I love this green. It's calming and sweet. It reminds me of a good friend your always glad to see.
Here a nice sleek chrome. It looks ultra modern and would be fun to have around my kitchen. It seems sophisticated and I'd feel blessed to use it every time. (not sure how well it would clean, how to keep it nice and shiny because let's face it I'm a messy cook, anyone have one like this?)

Lastly Empire Red. Need I say more. It's sassy and a pop of color and I LOVE red, but is my kitchen ready for this princess? It would make me happy just looking at it.

I'm so torn I love all of them. They all have a different feel to them. What would you choose?

blog question

anybody know how to get the cutest blog on the block template off my blog. I tried to edit my html and it's still on here.

I'm not sure what to do next.

Thanks

25 cents

Whelp today is the last day of our garage sale and we've done quite well. It's amazing how much stuff we had accumulated in the year and a half we've been stateside. Thankfully now others get a chance to use it. I definitely couldn't have done it without my mother-in-law. She was here this week when Marvin was still working. She watched Calvin all day long, did the same puzzle about a millions times, listened to his Sesame music about a million times on top of all the garage sale stuff. She's really awesome.

I decided garage sales are just an interesting place. You'll meet all sorts of people each with their own stories. It was fun to see a mix of people. It was fun to hear some of their stories and I am glad they now have a piece of our lives. We've been so blessed by complete strangers and by some we know. They have been so giving I tear up just thinking about it. One guy asked where we were moving, once he found out he then handed me $20.00. He went to his car and came back with a $100 bill. What a blessing, and he had no idea that we had just lost several things in a home invasion. God certainly is good. I do want to be able to do that someday, bless the socks off of people.

It's weird selling everything, I'm not sad it's just odd. It's interesting how objects sometimes take on some emotional value in our lives. I was glad to see Calvin's trains go to a grandma with lots of grand kids. Stuff like that have been funny to me because it's just stuff. Overall I'm quite relieved it's out of our house. The preparation was slightly overwhelming, but now that we've gotten rid of a lot it's on to packing up stuff we're keeping and trying to cram things into 12-15 suitcases, yikes. It gives me an feeling of excited anticipation to see the road ahead.

We have one more week here in this house. It's going to be a busy one. Its been quite a journey this last year and a half. Sometimes we never thought we would get to this point, but God is faithful and had us here just the right amount of time. (Slava Boga, Praise God)

Stuff

This weekend we came back home after being away and found out our house had been broken into. Our computer, DVDs (mostly Calvin's), Marvin's shoes, my jewelry box from when I was a little girl were stolen. As we went through our house with the police officer it was an odd feeling knowing someone had gone through all of your stuff. Taken a glimpse at who you are and didn't care a lick. My heart just breaks for those who feel the need to steal. I can't imagine what life must be like for them. I hope they come to know the true hope in the world, that it's not about the stuff.

Marvin reminded me of a great quote from a book we read this summer. I don't know the quote exactly but here is what it's about "You can take anything you want (talking about working overseas), but take in in your hands and not your heart. If it gets to your heart, that's when trouble sets in.

There are some things my heart is sad about. documents we didn't back up, jewelry that carried a lot of meaning, but ultimately it's just stuff. It can be replaced. It was a good reminder now as we pack up a few suitcases and head back over to the other side of the world.

Just a side note the police think it was some punk kids because they also stole our 24 packs of coke. Seriously? They also took our remotes but left the TV. Punks.

Thankfully all of our documents are accounted for and our passports were still right where we left them. We were certainly protected. So if you don't have insurance get it, it really stinks without it. Trust us!

You all are awesome

Thank you so much for all your orders and generosity I've felt so blessed to see my Kitchen Aid Project become a reality. I finally finished adding things to my Etsy Shop this evening. I only have 3 more things to add, but forgot to get photos of those things. So check it out and see if there is something you'd like. I really want to start emptying the shop. On to new things in the shop.

I have a few preschool boys aprons available in my shop. Here's one of my favorites. I actually have two of these, it's the "Super Chef".


All of my preschool girl aprons are sold, but if you want one I'd be happy to sew one for you. I have a few school age aprons left also, so make sure you check it out. I'd be happy to custom create an apron for you but I won't finish it until later this month. I have several custom orders right now begging for some attention this week.

There are some new Slippers out too. I have smalls 0-3 months and Mediums 3-9 months in the shop but if you see something you like and want it larger I can do that too, it will just have to be a couple of weeks.

I have one new nursing apron up for grabs too.



Last of all in the shop are id tags that can also be used for diaper bag tags and backpack tags.

Thank you guys so much. I'm starting to consider colors for my kitchen aid, it's so much fun.

I hope you guys have blessed Sunday! Enjoy the Sabbath.

From Head 2 Toe

Happy Birthdays

Wow this has been a fun couple days of celebrating. Marvin's b-day was up first and Calvin was thrilled to see Daddy, even though he was so tired he was quite the trooper and enjoyed a few games of hide with dad before we had dinner. His game of the week has been hiding in his "house" a blanket drapped over a plastic toy. It seriously has been hours of entertainment. It was so fun to see how Calvin immediately wanted his daddy to play hide with him.

Calvin's special day started out awesome. He got to sleep in his favorite jammies "Bob". We invariably hear the Bob the Builder song the rest of the next day. It's just too stinkin cute. I couldn't wait to give him his present and he loved opening his gifts (most were from the dollar bins at target!). We had a fun birthday dinner of blueberry pancakes & sausage. One of Calvin's favorite meals.

Today was also my 10 year High School reunion. It was nice to see everyone, several people with kids, hear what everyone has been up to. It's fun to see that everyone really is still the same, we just grew up a bit and have jobs now. I'm not one of those people who hated high school it was fun and without high school I wouldn't be the person I am today, but glad it's all just memories and we don't have to relive that awkward stage of life. Sorry Sherry my pictures wouldn't load, maybe later.

My Favorite Birthday Boy

Unfortunately Calvin and I were away from home this week so we had to delay celebrating Marvin's birthday a day late. We can't wait to see him tomorrow. We've got some fun things in the works for his celebration. Even Calvin's getting in the spirit with learning the Happy Birthday song.But seriously I can't say enough good things about Marvin. He's been so supportive with my sewing projects lately and has endured countless evenings with my sewing machine buzzing in the background and doesn't say a word when occasionally I get a bit wrapped up in my sewing to tidy up a few parts of our house. He's a great leader of our home and an amazing example to Calvin and myself of following where the Lord leads. I'm so blessed to be your wife. Praising God for you today and can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday!

A Great Craft Day

Well I am so glad it's over but my 1st craft fair went really well. I was one tired girl by the end. I crashed on the couch at 4:00 p.m., slept through Calvin's symbol playing (a.k.a. banging lids together) woke up to put Calvin to bed and ate a couple pieces of pizza then off to bed again. I was so refreshed Sunday morning. After a week of some major sleep deprivation I needed a lot to catch up.

The craft fair was so much fun. I met a lot of talented ladies, many of them also fellow "etsyians". It was fun to briefly browse through what everyone created. It's neat to see how people put things together. There were two distinct trends that I saw, those who did things by the book, followed steps and those who deviated from the path and did their own thing. Both were great, it was just an interesting observation. After doing this fair I have a greater appreciation for those who do it a lot. It's a lot of work and you really have to love what you are creating. For those of you who couldn't make it here's what my booth looked like. I had a corner booth, I was very thankful once I got things set up that I had the extra corner:

The morning was a bit slow, it was cold. Things picked up around lunch time and I actually made the most sales right before we closed. I even made one more sale as I was packing things up. I definitely made a huge dent in that Project Kitchen Aid. I'm still debating about whether to do one more fair. It was definitely worth my time, and I wouldn't have to do too much more prep work, it just comes down to do we really have time?

We are seriously moving in less than a month and the only prep that has been done is throwing things to a garage sale pile in our back room. (Which seriously is a heap of mess screaming for some organization right now.) If I were in town I'd be all over it, but it will have to wait until next week. I'm at my parents chillin' with my dad for the week and a little of next week while my mom is back at work.

I couldn't resist bringing along some yummy fabric to start on Calvin's quilt for his big boy bed. I know I'm crazy, but I really want to get it done this week and it's a very simple pattern. I have taken a couple days off from my sewing machine. Today I even took a nap. It was such a blessing.

Progress...almost done

I actually went to bed at 1:00 last night. Wow did that much sleep feel great. I only have a few more things to finish today!!! It looks like things are coming together. Everything is tagged and ready to go, now it's on to create some signs.

If your in Wichita this weekend I'd love for you to join me. My booth will be at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church Craft Fair and Fall Festival this Saturday October 3rd. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. There will be lots of booths full of handmade crafts, including yours truly. Bring the kids for some games, bouncy fun & good ole pumpkin painting. Marvin's excited about the food and I can't wait to see all the crafts, I hope I get set up early so I can browse a bit. It's a win win for everyone in our family. My booth will be outdoors so make sure you come so hi.

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church is located at 11215 W. 13th. Street North (Between Maize Road & 119th St.)

Here's a sneak peek at what I've been working on.

How is it October Already?

I flipped the calendar today and it made me a little sad. My little guy is turning two in just 10 days! How did this happen? He's certainly growing up too fast.

He's sure full of fun recently. I hear "where'd he go" about a million times everyday. I play too many games to count of "hide" everyday (hide and seek). I just love to hear his little squeals of anticipation when he's searching for you and his laugh is contagious when he actually finds you. Sweet memories that I just want to bottle up and never forget. Thank goodness for technology!

He loves anything that needs to be put together blocks, puzzles, Mr. Potato head. He'll stack anything and everything, cans, spools of thread, markers, etc. He loves it when you take the time to play with him and if your around him when he's building you're likely to hear him say "sit" and pat the ground. He's a very persuasive little guy.

It's been neat to hear him pray for those he loves. He'll come up with a list of people every time we take time to pray. He loves spending time with his grandpas and grandmas and his aunts and uncles and cousins and talks about it for weeks.

He's doing great with a cup, and wiping up spilled milk. He loves any fruit and will devour corn. He's still not a big fan of meat, but is eating many things he used to spit out or not even touch. Our persistence is paying off. (Last night I could hardly contain my shock when he actually ate his salad and didn't just lick off the dressing.)

When he's happy he gallops everywhere. He loves to play soccer with you and "golf" using these long poles from his baby gym. He loves to read and some favorites lately include The Napping House, Goodnight Moon & Dinosaur Roar. He loves to sing and recently will just sing the theme song to Bob the Builder over and over (Bob, Bob, Bob, mumble, mumble, mumble Yes......Can). The B-I-B-L-E is also a favorite, but he just sings B, B, B, B the whole song. It's pretty cute. Every color is Blue, everything he counts is 2, and every letter is B.

Art captures his attention. He loves to cut with scissors and better yet he loves to glue (mostly his fingers). He'd happily paint everyday if I let him. When he sits down to draw he's very focused, and most pictures he draws are dinosaurs because he will point to the picture and then say "ROAR." I haven't quite seen it, but maybe I need to look at it from another angle.

He gives the best hugs these days and even add as a little "awww" in there with every hug. When I go to get him in the mornings or from nap he'll often put his finger in front of his mouth and say "SHHHH". Usually Tigger is sleeping (his favorite lovey). He loves to put his stuffed animals to bed and I about melt every time he gives them a sweet little kiss and says "night, night."

He loves Sesame street right now and we hear a lot about Elmo (Mo Mo), Big Bird (Bee Bur), Ernie (Nee Nee), the Count (nount), Grover (Gover), Cookie Monster (Gookie) & Abby (he's got that one down). I decided he would love a Sesame Street birthday and since then settled on doing these fun cupcakes. I can't wait to see how excited he will be. I'm only going to do his favorites so it's Elmo, Cookie Monster, The Count & Grover Cupcakes for his special day.

Wow I still can't believe he's turning two! Time flies when you're having fun!

Project Kitchen Aid

Here's what I'm working for! I am really dreaming of having one of these overseas, it would be oh so beautiful. If you want to help me purchase this beauty I'd be happy to custom create something for you or just check out my Etsy shop. I'm thinking of putting this picture on some business cards for my craft show next weekend, what do you think? Or should I just stick to the norm?

I'm only slightly stressed right now. Thankfully I have all my baby shoes finished, now it's on to finish last minute things and I think I'll actually get to those diaper bag tags after all. Start praying for a beautiful day next Saturday. It would really stink if it rained.

I'm ready to focus more on packing and let that overwhelm me for a while. The Word has been true blessing to me during this crazy season of our lives. I hope it helps calm your anxious heart as well.

Not your typical Wedding Present

We are going to a wedding tomorrow and I can't wait. I just can't wait to see these two become husband and wife. I love it when God draws to people together. Both these sweet people we meet while we were overseas which makes this such a special wedding.

I had a hard time finding the right fabric but was happy to find the fabric I finally choose. I just love them and thought I'd share them with you. So what do you think? I know when we got married there were things we received that although we were was grateful for made me wonder why they would give it to us. I hope they don't think this, or at least humor me and my sewing machine.

Almost finished...with children's aprons

I have two more child sized aprons left to finish today!! I can't wait to be finished with them so I can move on to my baby shoes (I've already prepared my fabrics for this project. They are ironed and backed in interfacing ready to be made into adorable little Topichkiis).

I have discovered that I'm a little craft ADHD. I've enjoyed making each apron, but there is something that I learned, I don't enjoy making more of one of each apron. I like to move on to a different fabric and doing the same thing again and again gets a little tiresome. I'm really thrilled how they turned out though. My favorites include the "Super Chef" It's complete with a cape on the back. I just love it. I also love the one I'm finishing up today, the fabric really makes me happy. I'll have to post it when I'm finished with it.

Other BIG News!!!

Well Wednesday was crazy for another reason, we wanted to wait until today to share it with you all. No, we aren't expecting another baby, but we are expecting to leave sooner than we thought. This was not at all on our radar, we didn't think our status would change, but we got a call on Wednesday and due to the generosity of so many we will be able to go this year, like DECEMBER!

This means we have so much to do between now and November. We are hoping to spend our last month in the states with family. WOW between getting things ready for my craft show, packing and helping my mom out with my dad we're going to be a busy bunch. YIKES. But a good kind of busy! We are so amazed at how faithful Father is to us.

Oh and my dad doesn't know yet so if you see him, don't mention it.

Unpacking the last few days

Wow. I'm so thankful Calvin & I are home for a few days. The last few days have been utter chaos. Something that my poor husband does not thrive in. Our plans were constantly changing but thankfully the Lord provided for every need.

Wednesday was just a crazy day. We had an evening event at church and I was busy trying to get my aprons finished. After dinner at the church we had to run home to get cookies Calvin and I made earlier that day. Thankfully my phone was sitting right there and I noticed I had a message. My mom called to tell me that they were on the way to the hospital, there was a liver that was a match and they'd keep me posted on whether it was a go or not. (Often they will send you home if it's not a good match.)

So around 10:00 pm we found out that the liver was a good match and that surgery was scheduled for 4:30 a.m. So we rushed around packed a suitcase, ran to Dillons to get some food, washed Calvin's cloth diapers and we headed to KC around midnight. Calvin woke up around 1:30 am and stayed awake until 5:00 a.m. We were a tired bunch. Thankfully we were able to get maybe an hour of sleep before people started coming into the waiting room.

The surgery went well and my dad is doing about as good as you can do after such a major surgery. His new liver is functioning and so far shows no signs of rejection. Now it's just finding the right balance of anti rejection drugs. They basically suppress his immune system so that his body doesn't start rejecting this new organ.

Unfortunately since my dad is still in ICU Calvin can't go visit him, which makes for some shuffling and it's much easier to do with Marvin there. We came back home last night and I'll tell you it's so nice to sleep in our bed or not have to feel like a pack mule for the day. We'll head back after he is released from the hospital to help my mom with some of the care he'll need so she can return to work. Which means I have to work like a crazy woman this week.

I thought I'd share some ways God's hand has been seen in the midst of this crazy situation:
-My dad got the news when he was visiting his mom at the nursing home and shortly after he left my uncle came to visit my grandma and got to comfort her during a scary time.
-We were able to see my dad before they took him to surgery. Thankfully they were behind schedule by 30 minutes.
-My dad got to see Calvin briefly when they wheeled him down the hall to the elevators.
-God provided a place for us to rest our heads, even for 30 minutes in a smaller private waiting room.
-Calvin didn't melt down at the hospital. He really enjoyed the attention from everyone and loved having someone play with him at all times.
-My dad was very nervous before they took him into surgery, but he said once he was taken back he felt very peacefully.
-The surgery was a success! There were others at the hospital who did not have the same story.
-My brother, who recently moved to Houston, already had plane tickets to come back to Kansas for a wedding. He was able to see my dad a day after the surgery.
-We are borrowing my parent's truck for the time being which gives us some flexibility if Calvin and I need to head to Kansas City.
-For a sweet friend who met us at a park one afternoon. Thank you so much Marie, Calvin really enjoyed it and it was such a blessing to give him some time outside, not to mention catch up with you.

God is certainly Good. We are thankful how he has provided recently.

I'm 2 T-Shirt

Our ancient camera just me load pictures to our computer, unfortunately the quality isn't that great, but at least I can add pictures. Here is a preview of the "2" shirts I've been working on, the boy version of course. Girls version to come, but I need more shirts.

Oh and I was so bummed to see a very similar idea on another blog, because it was original folks, came straight from my brain to paper. Oh well I guess great minds think alike.

Where did the time go???

Oh my goodness I have less than a month before my 1st craft show and I'm not as far along as I'd hoped to be on my sewing projects. I'm excited for the things I'll have at my booth, unfortunately many of them are not yet made, yikes. I had hoped to get all my aprons done this weekend, but I've been distracted, the good kind, by my family and wiped out by allergies, boo, both have slowed production. I have a stack of about 8 aprons I'd like to finish today. I don't know if it's possible but I'll work till midnight and then we'll see how much I've accomplished. In case you're dying to know what my little 10x10 booth will have here's my list:

• 4-Snuggly Clippy Blankets (can attach to your stroller, carseat, baby carrier (baby bjorn, ergos, etc.) I love these and wish I had one when Calvin was little. I love that they work for a variety of things so you don't have to buy different muffs for various strollers, baby carriers and car seats.
• Fabric flower hair accessories, hair clips & headbands. These turned out very cute. I have about 15 made and I'm hoping to make a few more.
  
• Diaper Bag Tags/Luggage Tags (yet to start)
  
• More Baby Booties. I'm hoping to make about 15 more in a medium size, 6 more in a size small and 10 in size large.
  
• Aprons, children's, women's & nursing (need to make about 15 more)
  
• A few t-shirts. So far I've done a "2" shirt and hope to do a "3" shirt and "1" shirt. They are pretty darn cute, I can't wait for Calvin to wear his on his birthday. I love how he can wear this after his birthday too, unlike the "It's my birthday today" shirts out there.
• Hot Pads (haven't started)
  
• Maybe some Christmas Ornaments with a place for a picture, we shall see how much Christmas fabric I have leftover after my aprons are done.
• I spy fish (thankfully I already have these made)
  

Some days, like today, this is a little overwhelming, I'm only slightly behind schedule but feel a little overwhelmed. I just hope I finish my sewing machine projects before my dad has his surgery. I guess I better get working.

We are still having computer issues and can't load any photos which stinks because I can't add anymore things to my Etsy shop until it's figured out. Anyone know of a good computer guy in Wichita for a decent price? I think it's time we take our little computer in for a check up.

Well dinner's ready so I better go feed the family!

P.S. If you know of anyone with a 10x10 foot tent I'd be very grateful if I could use it on October 3rd.

I can't wait

I'm so excited I can hardly wait. Tip Junkie is doing a swap where you send someone a few things and then they send you a few things and I've already signed up. I'm still debating about the three items I'm going to swap, but I think I'm more excited to get a package. I love surprises.

Other news we finally finished the TV show Jericho. A guy that Marvin works with let us borrow them. It has consumed our evenings and I'm very thankful to have them back again. We're not big TV watchers during the week. Most nights the TV only comes on for the news, so this show has made us a little obsessed. It was a little 24ish but not as intense, and a little more cheesy, but we liked it. Thank goodness it was only 2 seasons.

Also I officially have a business tax number/legal paper thingy. How fun is that, can you tell how clueless I am about all this. It took me a few weeks to piece all the info I was reading together I was glad to finally figure out what I officially needed. Now I need to start getting busy looking for more craft shows this fall and making more products. I have one already scheduled, but would like to do a few more.

Well I better get back to my sewing machine. I need to finish a couple more Cozy Clippy Blankets (they have clips that you can use to attach to your stroller and car seat, they can even be used for nursing cover). Once I ever figure out what is wrong with our computer I'll post some pictures.

Have a Great Weekend.

Oh the Places We Go

It's been an interesting week at our place. Marvin's dad went in for a heart Cath last Wednesday and found out he needed quadruple bypass surgery and a valve replaced. So the next day he went in for surgery. It's amazing what doctors are able to do, I'm so thankful for the skills of surgeons. All went well and his dad is recovering at home. Marvin made the drive for the surgery and then came back home to work on Friday. We all drove up to Lincoln on Saturday, stayed the night and then stopped in BR for a while before we headed home. It was a great time with family and was good to see Marvin's dad laughing and enjoying his family. I'm so thankful for the family I married into, I couldn't have asked for a better family. Calvin had a blast playing with his cousins and seeing grandpa and grandma. It's pretty fun to see how much he loves them and remembers them. Yesterday we were looking at a picture of his cousins taken last summer (before his new cousin was born) and he said "Baby, Go?" When translated he means, "where's my baby cousin?" Even though he hasn't really paid much attention to her, she's made an impression on him.

On Saturday we were able to go to Yoder, an Amish community near Wichita. They were having a festival and it is certainly a place we would like to go back to. I was drooling over the fabric in the fabric store, unfortunately most of them were out of my price range. Marvin and I are both intrigued by Amish life. I however could never do it, but there is something to be said about living a simple life. Seeing this little community made me ponder this question a lot more recently: How do we live in the world but not a part of the world?

I had to add this picture in here because it was Calvin's first pudding pop. He loved it and ate every last bit of it. He's been into using a napkin recently and as you can tell he's very good at smearing everything across his face as oppose to cleaning his face with it. He's a pro at using a cup now, but still begs for his sippy cup. It's hard to believe he's going to be 2 in a month and a half. He's not my baby any longer, I'm enjoying him as he grows even if it is faster than I want him to.

Updates on Life

I made it through the "I'm so sore I can barely move" phase of this 30 day shred. It's a great workout and I can already tell it is working. My dilemma now is that I don't know how much to keep running. I didn't run at all last week, but I really don't want to get out of shape. Any tips?


Other exciting news is that my dad has been approved for a transplant!!! His doctors expect him to receive a call any day now. They told him two weeks ago that most patients receive a call within a month once they are on high priority. It's very exciting and scary at the same time. So we'll be heading to KC when we get the magic call. I should probably prepare a few bags. However we're very seasoned when it comes to packing in a hurry.


I also signed up to do my first craft show October 3rd. I'm very excited, now I need to get busy sewing. I have some fun things in store. Speaking of sewing I am so excited to have my own craft space now!! Sure it's in the laundry room but I now have a desk so I don't have to keep taking my machine and everything off the dining room table. You have no idea how excited I am. The really cool thing is I picked this up for $2.00 at a garage sale this weekend.


I really hit the jackpot this at a city wide garage sale. It was unreal, there were people everywhere and garage sales everywhere, it was like garage sale heaven! I walked away with a few things I was looking for and a few steals too. Marvin wasn't too excited when he saw my loot when I returned. He's just thinking of everything we'll have to sell, but nothing I purchased will go unused these next few months.

Lastly my little bro just landed his first real job! Way to go Mr. Architectural Engineer! We can't wait to visit him in Houston.

That's it for the updates. I hope you have a great day.

I don't know what I'm in for?

But I think I'm going to be pretty sore this August. I'm pumped to tone up though! Bring it on Jillian!

Something to get excited about

FABRIC!

I found the sweetest fabric yesterday. I've been planning on making Calvin a duvet cover for his big boy bead whenever we move overseas. I have loved the brown, teal, green color combo and finally found my inspiration piece, the pear print. This is the pattern I'm making. It looks easy enough. I've got a good start but I still need 5 more different fabrics. I think I am going to have fun browsing on etsy.

This weekend was really good for my heart. We headed to OK for our annual family reunion at the lake. I was able to get out and enjoy the water while Calvin took a nap. I had some fun on the jet ski with my cousin, just like old times, although we aren't nearly as daring now. It was nice to get away, not cook anything all weekend and spend it with family.

Calvin loved the water, although he's a bit intimidated by it at first. Thankfully there was nice little pool on the shore he had a blast stomping and splashing, throwing rocks. Today I asked him if he wanted to go outside and play in the water and he went to the door and grabbed his life jacket hanging on the coat rack. As we left we barely made it 10 feet before this is what we saw, out for the count. It made the 4 1/2 hour trip much more pleasant when he slept for almost half of it.

Want to Win an Apron?

I'm giving away an apron this week at my blog Effortless Savings. Visit here to enter my giveaway. It's pretty simple to enter, all you have to do is comment on my giveaway post.





I also posted a few aprons I've made in my Etsy Shop, mostly children's aprons. They are ready to be purchased and sent. These are by far one of my favorite things I have made. I have some other fun ideas for little boy aprons floating through my head, a few of them have made it to paper and a few are still in my head. I can't wait to get started on them. This week I must finish the projects I've already started though. I can't wait to show you the fabric flower hair accessories I've been busy making for the last several weeks! As always if you have an idea for something you would like made, I'd be glad to help you out.



Also I'm so excited to do some craft shows this fall. I just got an email today with info for one the beginning of October here in Wichita. It looks like my evenings will be busy sewing away!


I have seriously considered getting a part time job. We didn't plan being here these extra months and Marvin wasn't able to get very many hours last winter and since half of the people Marvin works with were laid off last week we are thinking it would be a good time to build up that savings account. We haven't quite decided how to go about this. If I find a job during the day then we'll need childcare and that plays a big factor in our decision. If I find a job working at night then I'll won't hardly see Marvin. AGHHHH, this isn't fun. Our best option is doing childcare, so if you know of anyone in Wichita looking for childcare! I'm your girl. I can watch no more than 2 kids, since we don't have transportation that can take more than 2. I seriously think I'm going to be exhausted come March.

Anyway keep praying for us. We've had some great family time recently and keep clinging to Jesus during this time of unknowns. I guess we are really being stretched in how much we trust Father for our provision right now.

Learning to Find Joy in Him!

Romans 5:5

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Well I feel like I've just been walloped again. Waiting is never easy and we've been waiting a while to go back to Nineveh. We were so pumped and excited about the thought of getting back this year. Our timeline had been pushed back a couple of months due to the lack of funds for us to go but we were okay with November, but yesterday we found out it will be even later, March. WOW was this news hard to hear.

Marvin broke the news to me over dinner last night and I pretty much just cried the entire time we were at the table. I was thankful that Calvin was in the mood to give lots of hugs because I really needed it. I was able to go for a long jog last night and gave me some good time in prayer. I was really faced with an issue of contentment, and learning to be content in the circumstances God has placed me in for the moment. Honestly I haven't really been content, I've been looking forward to returning to Nineveh and it seems that is what I have been living for. But that isn't what God has asked of me, instead rather to live for him daily and to die to myself daily. OUCH.

There are so many unknowns right now, housing??? jobs??? I know Father has provided for us in amazing ways before but we might have to make some hard decisions and the thought of going back to work kills me. So we'd love it if you could take a moment and lift up our situation to the One who already knows what's in store for us the next few months.

Thanks you guys are awesome!

An EVENTFUL weekend

This past weekend was just one of those weekends we'll remember forever. We spend the entire weekend with Marvin's folks. It was such a blessing to meet our newest niece and she certainly is a cutie. She has such feminine features and just melts your heart. Calvin was so sweet with the baby and even wanted to hold her. Of course he had to give her plenty of kisses.



We had a good time seeing 2 of Marvin's brothers and their families. Calvin always has such a fun time playing with his cousins. I've been so thankful for this time of being close, it's things like seeing Calvin play with his cousins and grandparents that make it tough to leave. It's hard to believe Calvin will be 5 during our next stateside time.

The weather was so beautiful this weekend we spent lots of time outside. The fair was in town and Marvin's mom was busy with Parents as Teachers. We took Calvin to the fair on Sunday before we headed home and he was so excited. He loved the animals and had a blast in the little kids play area. He loved the petting zoo and was beaming from ear to ear when he got to ride a pony.


Marvin and I both ran in a race this weekend, the Barnyard Boogie (isn't that a clever name). Marvin ran the 10K and I ran the 2 mile with Calvin. The 2 mile was half on pavement and half on gravel and the gravel killed me pushing Calvin. Part of it was up a small hill and I thought I was going to die. I finished in 21 minutes, so not too bad. I had hoped to finish in less than 20 minutes but that stroller added a few minutes to my time. Since it has been hot I haven't been running with Calvin, so I had forgotten how much more of a work out it adds. Marvin finished the 10K in 47 minutes, it would have been faster but he ran with me the 1st mile!!! He did great and Calvin was cheering him on at the finish line. He was so excited to see him and kept yelling YEAH GO DADDY! It was so sweet. Since it was a part of the fair we got ribbons I finished 1st for my age group and recieved my first blue ribbon since field day in grade school, Marvin finished second in his age group, he had more competiton than I did. It's also my first fair ribbon ever. I really want to run a 10K before we go back, but I need to step up my training before I'm going to be able to do that.




To end the weekend Calvin had his first Happy Meal, which Marvin ate most of. It's only the second time we've been to McDonalads since we've been back and usually when we go out to eat Calvin just shares something we get. He was more intrigued with the happy meal box. I wonder if they will just give you one of those if you don't order the kids meal. He's not very good at eating fast food and I'm okay with that.

Sorry about the sideways video, not sure how to fix it.

Mommy Mental Health Days

Can I just tell how great Marvin is!!! The week before last really took a toll on me, by the end of the week I was about to cry every time I had to discipline Calvin because it was constant, he was relentless. It just breaks my heart to see him disobey. He's certainly testing his limits right now and Marvin and I have had some great discussion due to it, but it's hard and I can see how easy it can be to just give up.


So when Saturday arrived I was desperate for some help. (Marvin's worked a lot of long hours recently and usually gets home in time for dinner then we put Calvin down for bed.) What a sweetie to give me a whole day to do as I pleased. He took Calvin out to run errands in the morning then put him down for nap, after nap he took him outside to play in the sprinkler. It was such a joy to relax, take a shower without a little boy knocking on the door. Read my bible without feeling rushed. Beautiful.

This week I hired a neighbor girl to come watch Calvin for a couple of hours while I cleaned our carpets. It was such a productive time and worth the money out of our tight budget. It was nice to get some things done so that I can be a part of family time when we do have time together, instead of cleaning.


After having a couple mommy mental health days I highly recommend one for everyone else. I've decided moms need one. So don't hesitate to ask, sometimes we aren't so great at that.


I've learned I have more to give my family because Marvin gave me some time to myself. Being a mom is something that I will always treasure, but don't forget to pamper yourself every now and then.


And just for kicks here's a video of Calvin that I took during our lunch time prayer last week. His "amen" is getting much better, but I just love how eager he is to grab his fork the second he hears that word.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Dad. I hope you had a great day. Sorry for our lack of posting this earlier, it's VBS week so we've been busy. I promise to make you a homemade cherry pie the next time we see you. I hope you enjoy your gift: that your grandson said grandpa before he said grandma, shhh it will be our little secret, don't tell mom.

We love you so much. Thanks for all the support over the years. Praying for you today!

oh the joys of parenting a toddler

Calvin doesn't really make a great shopping buddy these days. I headed out to Kohl's this week and was constantly taking clothes out of his mouth. Seriously I don't know why he enjoys it so much. He also loved grabbing every shirt sleeve he could reach. I should have known better than to push the stroller through the jewelry section. Mr. Grabby caught this one and sure enough broke it. I was so bummed because I had to buy this ugly necklace. At least it wasn't completely destroyed, he only ripped off two rows of beading. I think it will make a nice dress up necklace for a certain cousin. What do you think?

We've been having a rough week around here, Calvin is testing us big time. Today I was exhausted. We had a great morning he was quite obedient, but due to the sweet little guy only taking a 30 minute nap today we had a rough afternoon. I was working on my VBS room and needed to get some things done, he wanted my attention and I couldn't give it to him and thus major lashing out which occurred the entire time I was working on my room: turning over chairs marking on toys, throwing toys on the ground and the one that makes me really mad: hitting me. Seriously what do you do when a child hits you? At home we just march him to timeout, which is his crib or pack and play, but in public what do you do? We haven't gone the spanking route, and it also seems a little backwards to spank when he's hitting. It's frustrating and hard to see such sin at a young age and we desperately want to train him up by the truths of scripture. But it's so hard, please be praying for me that I would be given the knowledge to know what to do. I also wanted to seek our your opinions, what have you done that has worked? I'd be happy to take any suggestions.

Oh and this evening Marvin mentioned possibly going golfing tomorrow at which I promptly said "No, not this weekend please". Calvin needs some daddy time this weekend, and this mama needs a little break. My sweet husband then said, maybe I can take Calvin to the play place at the mall. I'm looking forward to spending some time digging into the Word in a quiet house. Beautiful!

Fun on the Farm

This year was the first year in a long time that all my family has been able to make it to the farm for the 4th. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family and to be a part of such deep traditions. My grandpa lives in the same house he was born in and loves to tell everyone about it. He's very proud of his family and the work that it took to keep the farm running and in the family.

We had a lot of fun laughing and Calvin enjoyed being out on the farm. He's truly an outdoor kid. Give him sticks, rocks and dirt (or soil as Marvin would say) and he's a content kiddo, add in a few dogs, toads and tractors and the boy's on cloud nine. Last year Calvin was asleep during all the festivities but this year he got to stay up and do his own fireworks, snappers. He gave those snappers a whole 2 minutes before he was on to something else.

He wasn't afraid of the fireworks but it took him a while to figure out to look up instead of looking at the tube. The thing that captured his attention was a glow stick bracelet his Uncle Greg brought. It's really such a brilliant idea, give kids something that glows so that you know where they are. That thing entertained him for a good hour.

Here are so of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

I have a picture of my mom and Calvin near this flag last year. It's fun to get a picture of my dad and him this year. (Yes most of my family dresses for the occasion, I used to think it was really cheesy but now I kinda like it.)

We attempted a little photo shoot, mainly to try and get a good family picture. Calvin isn't an easy one to photograph, one of these days we will manage to get a family shot we are pleased with.

This is the outfit Calvin wore last year. It's hard to believe that he was about this stage last year, only less chubby. Time sure does fly by.

Poor thing was up way past his bedtime, it was 11:00 when we finally got in our car to head out, he was out in no time once we finally got moving. He decided to tackle me when we were finished with fireworks. It was like he knew it was time for something else.

Calvin got to help with one sparkler.