Love...

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/love-is-patient

32 weeks and counting

32 weeks along today, but this time around I'm much more uncomfortable.  This boy kicks A LOT!  He's strong too!

So far I have 9 meals in the freezer!  Well on my way to my goal of 20 before this little guy arrives.

My awesome friend, Emily, bought me this shirt.  It is so true for this pregnancy!

Looking to the New Year and new possibilities...

Since I've been focusing on my postpartum plan with my current lack of activity I was excited when Tricia Minnick posted a cool picture of an electric run on her face book page.  What made me even more excited is when I looked at their locations.  Yes, there is 1 in Portland in August!!!  No date posted yet, but here's a picture from their website:

http://electricrun.com/about/

Kids under 7 get to participate for free and it is after dark! I've totally decided I want to do this with my daughter!  Who else is on board?  Is there a location near you? Even though I will most likely be walking in this, it is still motivation to focus on fitness!

Pregnancy fitness

Ok, so I haven't been talking much about how I'm doing sticking to my workouts lately.  And, quite frankly, there hasn't been much working out.  I'm finding if I don't get my workouts in during my hubby's workday then I don't get them in at all.  I was doing them when he came home from work in the evenings, but now that I'm carrying around a soccer ball in my belly, I'm finding my energy level isn't very high in the evenings.

And, during our 2nd move in 5 months, I was focusing on packing and unpacking which was all I had energy for.  Right when I thought I was gaining energy to get back into my workouts my current cold hit.  My hubby had it first and he fights off colds no problem so I thought, "Maybe this cold won't be so bad."  This cold got a 2nd wind and now I have a cough along with the congestion. Once this cough is gone I plan on getting back into my workouts.

However, I do remind myself that pregnancy is temporary so I don't get down about my workouts.  Working out is something I love and truly helps me have a better outlook on life.  Instead of focusing on how it's difficult to get my workouts in right now, I'm starting to focus on my game plan for post partum.  This has helped tremendously.

First, I plan on making an extra meal per week to put in the freezer until my little guy arrives.  This week I made some spaghetti sauce(which will end up being more than 1 meal, woohoo!!!).  In talking with my hubby, we are hoping to have 20 meals in the freezer that we will use on weekdays.  My hubby will be home to help on the weekends for 1 of us to be able to cook. Plus, friends and family have offered to help with food so I'm not too concerned about it at the moment.

I'm really looking forward to getting back on my bike, just gotta figure out where to set it up in the apartment. I was only halfway joking when I told a friend I might set it up in my closet...

But it would take up most of the closet if I did put it in there.

I would love to put it on the balcony, but I'm pretty sure that is against the apartment policy. So, at some point I'm sure I'll have a creative moment and figure that one out.  For now, I need to start organizing baby clothes!

Just writing...

We went to Applebee's the other night.  When leaving I told my hubby it was nice to be at a place that was somewhat "familiar" because we would go to the nearest Applebee's every now and then before we moved.  But then, it triggered something in me and I pretty much burst into tears.  I said, "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea because I'm now reminded more than ever how much I miss everything in Pullman."

Today I woke up missing all that was familiar in my life in Pullman.  I missed my house(our 1st house as a married couple), my friends, church and the beginning of the snow season that created such fun memories. I know my hubby feels the same because he actually said something along the lines about not minding shoveling snow again.  I never thought I'd hear him utter those words.

And, instead of pushing down my feelings, I realize I need to let myself grieve the loss I'm feeling.  It is a loss.  A loss I feel deeply as if someone has taken away a piece of me I can't get back.  In my heart I know it was time to move on, but that doesn't change what I feel. And yet, just writing those words has been healing for me.

I know God brought us here for a reason.  I also have to remind myself we've moved 2 times in the last 5 months and I'm still getting settled into this apartment.  Along with the fact that we are preparing for the arrival of child #2.  My daughter misses her friends and is trying to comprehend what it will be like to have a baby brother.  And, the list could go on and on...

At the same time I think about all the transition we are going through, I also realize we are doing well getting established.  We found a church home quickly and  are making friends.  I found a great bible study I'm enjoying and my daughter loves too! Family is nearby.  My hubby has a good job.  God is providing all our needs. I have a lot to be thankful for and joyful about!

 soursce: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com

My daughter...

HAD to have a heart shaped sandwich today:

I bet we'll be doing that from now on with all her sandwiches!

Belly pic

My pre-schooler is loving taking pictures.  Whether it's using my phone or camera she wants to take real pictures she can see right away.  I also like to include her in any way I can, especially when it comes to her baby brother.  Today I was texting a friend in Pullman and she asked for a current pregnant belly picture.  We were waiting in line at the post office and I asked Beth to take a quick picture with my phone.  She didn't have a lot of space to move back and neither did I.  So, here's the current picture:

And, since my personal camera has been dropped 1 too many times, my girl will soon be the recipient of a vtech kid camera that can be dropped and won't break.

While I'm at it I also finished knitting a hat for our little guy when he arrives in January:

My daughter is getting more and more excited to meet her brother!  She now has a list of things she wants to do with him:  read him books, teach him to roll over, teach him to write and many other things.  And, she does know that some of those things won't happen right away, but she's excited and has been very helpful with my growing belly getting in the way. For example:  when we were at the post office I put the package on the floor since we were waiting in line.  She took it upon herself to push the box forward for me as we moved forward.  I didn't even ask for her help. Such a sweet 4 1/2 year old!

Transitions once again..

Life is full of transitions isn't it!??!!  We decided to move again, same apartment complex, larger apartment.  This way, everyone will have their own bedroom...I think when our little guy arrives in January everyone will be much happier!

Moving wasn't easy being 6 months pregnant and I'm still settling in.  Putting things away and organizing.  We had a great crew who helped us out.  However, it still doesn't mean living here is nice and easy.  We miss our lovely college town along with our friends.  My 4 year old especially misses her friends.  She gets plenty of social interaction and is making new friends, but she misses those specific relationships that we left behind.

My mom said something that is so true:  You left part of yourself behind.  Ok, now that statement in itself brought me to tears.  She's so right!  I miss that one friend who I could just call and see what she was up to or if she needed any of her kids to come down to our house while she ran errands.  And, she would do the same with me.  Or that one friend where we just enjoyed the kids playing together in the lazy days of summer.

Don't get me wrong.  There are great things going on.  We live near family and that has been a blessing.  Seriously, our daughter is in what I call "grandparent heaven."  We love our church and are getting established there.  My husband has a good job which supplies the finances we need.  All 3 of us(and baby) are healthy...and with all my friends being diagnosed with cancer I'm not taking that for granted. I have friends who have become my family and that has become more evident in this move. I really have many blessings in my life.

I just have days where I want to click my heels and say, "There's no place like Pullman, there's no place like Pullman, there's no place like Pullman."  And be transplanted back to visiting with friends that know me better than most people do here. Obviously, that can't happen, and life wouldn't be the same...but I do miss the life we had.

I realize it takes time to get settled somewhere, but sometimes the unknown in life is the hardest.  I don't know if my husband will truly love his job.  I don't know how long we will live in this state.  I don't know what the future holds.

I do know that I have to trust God in these unknowns.  I have to trust that He has the plan that is best for us and that He brought us back here for a reason. It doesn't mean it will be easy, but no one ever said it would be. So, with all that said, I choose to keep my focus on God and the blessings He has given me.

Pregnancy-6 months

Ok, so previously I was at the stage in this pregnancy where people were like "Oh, you're pregnant, I had no idea!"  While I've been thinking, "Yes, I've put on 15 pounds, and my belly is protruding..."  But, since we moved to a new place, all the people I meet would have no idea what I looked like before this pregnancy.  Especially, since a dear family member told me it doesn't look like I've gained weight.  She even added, "And, I'm not saying that just because I'm your sister in law, it's the truth."  I'm just finally LOOKING pregnant...

So now I've crossed a threshold.  I've gone from hearing, "I didn't know you were pregnant"  To, "When are you due??"  And, along with that comes strangers touching my belly. I know, I know, pregnant women are cute...I've always thought that, but I've never had the urge to touch a strangers pregnant belly.  Maybe I will when I'm a happy grandmother and miss those parenting days or maybe I'll just remember that there are some boundaries that aren't meant to be crossed?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against people touching my belly.  In fact, when it comes to family and friends it really doesn't bother me(maybe a little warning would be nice). One day I even forced my baby brother(who's no longer a baby, but I enjoy reminding him he is;), to touch my belly.  I may have freaked him out a little, but honestly, out of all my siblings he knows me the best.  Just wait until he actually feels this little guy move...this kid already has a strong kick!

And, then there's my 4 year old who all the sudden will realize my belly has grown and start giggling.  She has said things like: "Mama, your belly is growing."  She was also the first out of the family to feel baby brother kick.  And, just the other day she told my parents, "My mom is REALLY pregnant." LOL

All this to say, I'm enjoying this pregnancy as much as I can knowing it is most likely my last.  I'm making sure to keep my sense of humor amongst all of our adjustments in this move. I'm enjoying the fact that my daughter is so excited about her baby brother and has now changed his name to:  Lightning Thunder. 

And, at dinner tonight she informed me: "I actually warn people you are pregnant so you don't bump into people with your belly."  She totally cracks me up with her statements!

Quote found at: http://open.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/my-top-ten-favorite-adoption-quotes

Cancer :(

For those of you who read my blog do you remember these two posts about Julie Longstreet?

Please pray and Please continue to pray. She passed away on September 27th. 

Also, do any of you follow Tricia Minnick.  She just lost her grandmother to cancer.

And, my friend over at http://harmlove.blogspot.com/ found out the other day that her husband's cancer has spread near his pancreas and spleen.  He will have surgery soon.

Please pray for all of these people along with their families!  Along with anyone else you know who's battling cancer or the loss of a loved one.

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

http://www.reachingyouministries.com/

Pain. Despair. Hopelessness. Emotional wounds. Deep depression with the feeling of no way out other than suicide.  But somehow, God protected Katie Jane Anderson when she decided to put her body on train tracks to commit suicide.  With all the blood she lost she should have died.  Instead, she lost both her legs and survived.  She was 17 and had a hard road to continue on the road of healing, but she persevered and God changed her.

Life in Spite of Me, Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice is about Katie's journey through her attempted suicide and how she found joy in her relationship with God. It is truly amazing that Katie survived this suicide attempt, but her survival is touching lives by giving hope to those feeling a deep sense of hopelessness.  Through her journey she has started an online ministry to provide support to others who are feeling many of the same things she felt.

I thought this book was well written and easy to read.  It truly shows how God can transform anyone going through a tough time.  She does a great job sharing how depressed and hopeless she was before she decided to lie down on the train tracks.  And,  her lack of legs are a constant reminder of the fatal choice she made.  From what I can tell, she is now living life to the fullest, reaching out to others through Reaching You Ministries and enjoying her new baby boy!

Feel free to check out her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Jane-Anderson-Reaching-You-Ministries/410445290572?ref=ts&fref=ts

**I got this book free to provide a review.  My opinions are my own.

Lack of time?

I've been quiet on here a bit and it's not that I don't want to write.  It's lack of time.  Somehow, since our move I haven't gotten into a rhythm of doing some of the things I love.  This may have to do with being pregnant, some may have to do with my husband's weird work schedule, or just maybe the fact that my daughter no longer naps(she does have quiet time, but that's about 1 hour).

So, the news I do have for those that don't know me personally is I'm 20 weeks along in this pregnancy and we are having a boy.  And, is this boy moving already!  Our daughter is the first person that got to feel him kick and now she touches my belly and says, "Baby brother, please kick!"  Today it worked and she got a little kick from him.

And, at night, she kisses my belly then says, "Good night brother, " then gives my belly a hug.  I'm hoping this deep love she has for him already will continue once he's born, but I do realize this is going to be a huge adjustment for all of us!

13 week ultrasound picture

Fitness plan during this pregnancy...

Ok, so during my first pregnancy my hubby and I went to the gym 3 times per week and I used the elliptical. Although it was better than nothing, I wanted to focus on strength training this time around so I don't lose the muscle I've worked so hard for.  I barely worked out during the first trimester due to "all day sickness", so I feel like I've lost a some of the muscle I had.  Basically, I want to maintain my fitness so my labor/delivery and recovery goes as well as possible.

That's where this new workout DVD comes in!!  Let me introduce you to: Erica Ziel from Knocked Up Fitness. Erica Ziel is a mom of 3 and a Pilate's instructor, certified personal trainer and nutritionist.  She is from southern California where she's sought out for her experience in pre and post natal fitness.  Please check out her website for more information.

http://knocked-upfitness.com/

I have been doing these workouts for 2 weeks now.  And, in a lot of ways it feels like I'm starting over.  But these DVDs are for anyone at any fitness level.  Erica truly focuses on reminding you to listen to your body and taking breaks if needed. The workouts are broken up into segments that make it doable for any one's schedule.  The workouts range from 8-20 minutes and can be paired with one another or repeated depending on your fitness level.  On days when I'm extremely exhausted, I start out with the core warm up and if that's all I'm up to doing I'm ok with that.

Her workouts include: 

DVD 1

Core Warm Up (12 minutes)

Prenatal Fitcamp (8 minutes)

Pilates arms (8 minutes)

Pilates Legs (10 minutes)

 Total Body Pilate's (8 minutes) 

DVD 2 

Core Cardio (12 minutes)

  Pilates Yoga (20 minutes).

I haven't done all the workouts yet, but what I have done so far is a good workout.  I feel like I'm working all the muscles that had such a hard time going back to "normal" after the delivery of my daughter.  I now have hope that maybe, just maybe, my muscle recovery after the delivery of this baby may not be as hard as it was the first time around.

If you are interested in purchasing these dvds, please look here: Amazon

More news for those that don't already know...

Lots of adjustments going on in my life.  I'm almost 4 months along in this pregnancy...nope, you didn't miss the news, I just haven't said a word about it on here yet.  I haven't said anything about it yet mostly due to feeling quite sick!  It's hard to believe I'm finally starting to feel better.  I'm still tired, but that comes with the territory.

Along with that means I've been taking time off of my workout routine.  I tried real hard to stick to something, or just do something simple like walking.  That didn't work at all, it actually made me feel quite a bit more sick.  I had read some blogs that said working out made their all day sickness go away, but it turned mine into a monster.  Now, that I'm feeling better, this is week 1 of getting back into some form of routine.  I still haven't set my bike trainer up on our apartment patio, but I plan to do that this weekend.  In the meantime, I'm doing some strength training.  I'm trying a pregnancy workout routine and so far it feels like a good workout(I'll post more about that later).

My little monkey is excited about a sibling.  At first she only wanted a sister, but now she switches back and forth between wanting a brother or a sister.  She pretends to be a doctor and with aid of kitchen utensils makes sure that I'm doing well.

We are still adjusting to our move.  Going from small college town, to metropolitan area is quite the change.  And, quite frankly, one we actually haven't liked very much.  On the brighter side, we have found a church we like and are starting to meet people there.

One of the many cards a friend has sent me through this process of moving.  Thanks Catrina for understanding when I need one of these!

Adjustments...

Moving is hard.  I knew it would be.  And, add a preschooler to the mix who very much misses her friends and sometimes the days become a bit more lonely and long.  I know before long we will have plenty of friends and play dates galore, but for the time being the adjustment is big and sometimes a tad bit overwhelming.

Now, some people would say: Don't you live near family?  Yes, we do.  It is a blessing living near family, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a HUGE, hard adjustment for all of us.  We not only need to get established in our community, but figuring out where we fit into the family dynamics is a new challenge.  Before, we visited and spent time with people then left. We weren't around for birthdays, father's day, mother's day and everything in between (we were around for Christmas and sometimes Thanksgiving).  It's all new navigating these family relationships and it's not easy. Some people are respectful of boundaries and some are not. These boundaries are set in the best interest of my little family (my daughter, my husband and myself).

I love all of our extended family.  However, my first priority is being a wife and mother.  I no longer bend over backwards to try to fit everyone in like I used to when I was a new mom and visiting everyone.  That isn't fair to my myself, or my daughter because I was too exhausted to be a good mom.  Which is my 24/7 job, being the best mom I can be to my little monkey.  So, right now, if someone wants to spend time with me, my daughter and I are a package deal (and maybe my hubby if he's off work).

Isn't it amazing how life changes so drastically once you become a parent?  Before I was so willing to deal with staying up into the wee hours of the morning to get time with family members, but that just no longer works and hasn't worked for quite a few years now.   All the lack of sleep with a newborn and I realized just how precious sleep is (I constantly prayed for more sleep).  I haven't taken that for granted since my little monkey started sleeping through the night.

What have you changed in your life since you became a parent?  Or, what do you think you'll change once you become a parent?

Guest Blog Post: Thankful for a Big Rear by Teasi Cannon

Teasi Cannon, author of My Big Bottom Blessing.  Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway by clicking HERE

One day not long ago I was sweeping my kitchen floor in the near trance-like state of La La Land, when I was jolted to my senses by the precious voice of my 4-year-old nephew saying, “Aunt Teasi, you have a vahwee (very) big butt.”

I set my broom aside, smoothed my shirt, and calmly turned to face him.  Bright-eyed and curly-haired, he stood – completely oblivious to the fact that he had said the words no woman ever wants to hear.  And then I let him have it.  I bent down, coming only inches away from his little round face, and said, “Why…thank you!”  Then I smiled big, stood to grab my broom, and returned unscathed to the task at hand. 

A few years ago those innocently spoken words would have completely obliterated me, and rather than a thank you, might have actually incited an immature come-back such as: “Oh, yeah?  Well, you’re short and you talk funny.”    

But now, to the glory of God, moments like that are reminders to me that the miraculous has happened: I no longer hate my body (especially my back side); in fact, it has become one of the biggest blessings in my life.

Like most women (really every woman I’ve ever met), I lived years literally disgusted with what I saw in the mirror.  The territory between my ears felt like nothing short of a war zone, with battles being fought everywhere: the bathroom, the grocery store, the bedroom, even church.  I could never silence the ambush-ready community of inner critics (those hurtful thoughts we all think) that called my head home.  And I missed out on so much: parties I refused to attend because my pants were too tight, dates with my husband because of a few gained pounds, quality time with my kids.  I know I’m not alone in this.

We women have been lied to for years.  We’ve been told that our value – our very right to be seen and celebrated - is determined by our waist-to-hip ratio or the proportions of our facial features, and that’s just not true.  Our value is determined by the only One who really knows it: our God. 

After hitting my head hard on the floor of my personal pit of despair, I slowly began my journey toward believing that.  One inch at a time of healing, truth, and righteous anger led me to a life-saving realization: All those years I was desperate to change how I looked, God was desperate to change how I see.  And He did.

Truth is, if God can make a prostitute the great grandmother of the Messiah, turn water into wine, and make blind men see; don’t you think He can turn a big bottom – or a big nose - or bird-thin legs – or whatever it is you hate – into a blessing.  He did it for me, and I’m so ridiculously happy about the journey that I wrote a book about it.  

 

My Big Bottom Blessing Review and book giveaway

http://worthypublishing.com/books/My-Big-Bottom-Blessing/

In a society that focuses so much on outer beauty it was refreshing to read this book by Teasi Cannon about body image and self-esteem. Teasi goes through her emotional struggles that led to loving not just the body God blessed her with, but also led to loving her life.  She shares humorous stories that many women can relate to, but also shares the breakthroughs she had that helped her build her self esteem.  She struggled throughout her life with low self esteem, but now lives a joyous life.

This book solely looks at the emotional/spiritual side of healing in order to accept the body you've been blessed with.  It strays from the typical sports nutrition books that I've been reading, but it was good to be able to confirm many of the things I've learned throughout the years.  Anyone who has struggled (or is currently struggling) with low self esteem, body image, or self image will most likely gain something from this book.

About the author:

Teasi (pronounced Tee See) is married to her best friend, Bill Cannon, and they have three awesome children: Carli, Ben, and Sam. Teasi has a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty Theological Seminary, and is a sought-after speaker who loves to help women remember who they are in Christ.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.

*I was also given a copy of this book to give away!  So, if you would like a copy of this book please leave a comment.  A winner will be picked at random by the end of the week. 

In the meantime, stay tuned for a guest blog post from this author in a day or so.

I know I've been absent on here for quite some time.  We've moved, are working on getting settled, and continuing to work on adjusting to our new surroundings.  We are near family and friends, however, it still means starting over.  Finding a church, social activities for our little monkey and so forth.  No matter what, this is a huge adjustment for our family.  This blog is a hobby and I enjoy it, but at this point I'm not sure how much I'll focus on it.  My priorities are to continue to focus on my family, which means my little monkey and my hubby, as we are embarking on a very new journey(and I've found I haven't had nearly as much time to write as I have in the past). I've learned that some people will understand my choices, some won't and I'm ok with that.

All that to say, I'll work on this blog when I can with no promises.

Oh, and just had to post a link to one of Leah's post from last month :

 Lessons From the Ocean

Thanks Leah for being sincere and honest!

Real quick...

This month I'm not sure how many more blog posts you'll see due to our move.  However, check back during the month of June for a giveaway and more updates!

Project Gillen update: New direction

Taking a break from packing, which is never-ending right now.  I have quite the organized mess!!

For those of you who have been involved or interested in Project Gillen please head on over  HERE to read Leah's exciting news!

Leah has been blessed (and so have I), by everyone who has reached out during this difficult time. Her story has captured many of our hearts!

So, that leaves the question:  What is going to happen with Project Gillen?  

Leah has requested to continue with the theme of paying it forward.  She knows many widows who could use the same encouragement that many of you passed on to her and Anna. Both of us are hoping you will join in to bless those widows!

Starting in June, Project Gillen will focus on sending encouragement to other widows. I will be getting information from Leah during this time to pass on to you if you are interested in sending some form of encouragement.

Please email me at: youniquemom@gmail.com to sign up for a specific month.  I have spots open from June through December.  And, I want to thank everyone who has participated in the project so far, thanks to you it has been a success!

Leah and Joel! An exciting time for both of them.  If you have a chance head on over to http://leahgillen.org/ to get the full story if you haven't already.

DIY Pinata

2 lanterns from the dollar store are now a pinata.

My little monkey is turning 4 on Monday.  She was recently at a birthday party where there was a pinata, and since we are moving I'm throwing a birthday party at our house with some of her friends.  I decided I wanted to make her a pinata, because the ones at the store were out of my budget. Thanks to pinterest I had a couple ideas.  The above picture is what I came up with.  Didn't want to put a lot of time into it because it's all about the candy anyway, right?!! 

What took the most time was attaching the two lanterns together.  I used masking tape. Then, I inserted a coffee filter to cover the bottom of the pinata and filled with candy.  The last step was tying the ribbon around the middle to cover up the masking tape. So easy!

Just wanted to give a shout out to Cheri at: I am momma hear me roar 

She is sharing  Project Gillen on her charity page.

Thanks Cheri!

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

First of all, I picked this book because Luci is well respected and well known through Women of Faith.  I was able to attend Women of Faith in the fall, but Luci wasn't on the speaking circuit.  The title of this book pretty much sums up the book and is pretty self explanatory.  There really is nothing new or earth shattering in this book, but it is quite practical and encouraging.

Luci has 50 ways to make the most of everyday.  Each chapter is short and sweet with examples from her life along with scripture references.  It's a quick and easy read; in fact I read it in the first couple days after getting it, but it's been sitting for weeks waiting for me to post this review.  If I had a coffee table this one would be on it.

Although, nothing is new in this book, it helped me take a look at my life and see if there was anything I could change.  And, as usual with speakers from Women of Faith, I wanted to get to know Luci.  There's something about being sincere and honest about your life in a book that is appealing to an audience. Here's a quote on the back of the book:

Everyone falls in love with Luci.  Everyone reads one of her books and wants to know this woman personally.  Everyone feels that sweet sense of connection, where it seems that she is sharing from her plainest, deepest self, and seeing into yours...She's the world's soul mate." -Ann Lamott

And, here's a quote from chapter 37 Figure it out for yourself:

*be clean both inside and out

*neither look up to the rich or down on the poor

*lose, if need be, without squealing

*win without bragging

*always be considerate of women, children and older people

*be too brave to lie

*be too generous to cheat

Remember this: as you figure out life for yourself, start doing common things in an uncommon way.  When you do, you'll command the attention of the world.

Basically, this was a positive book that I'm sure I'll read from time to time.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 

Other blog posts about Women of Faith speakers: Marilyn Meberg and Patsy Clairmont
If you haven't heard any of these women speak and have an opportunity, I highly recommend them! 

Thank you Mom!

This month my mom signed up to send Leah and Anna a package for Project Gillen.  Thank you Mom for sending a cool care package that arrived today!  Today Leah had knee surgery, which was perfect timing!

Lovely care package!

Prayer bear made just for Leah.

Princess prayer bear made just for Anna.

Puzzle titled: Conquering Life's storms

Yummy chocolate, flower seeds, lotion and candles....what more could a girl want??!!

And the tye die kit of course!

Thanks again mom! You are AWESOME!!

Life Changes

So, here I was last week: My husband has left for work and my daughter is still asleep.  And, here I am thinking I should get up and start my day. Instead I'm sitting in the living room enjoying the sun streaming through our front window and reflecting on our upcoming move which is just about 5 weeks away 4 weeks away now that I'm getting to edit this! However, the day I wrote the above, my little monkey woke up before I had a chance to finish this and I stopped...Sometimes when this happens, I just leave the post alone and never publish it, but this is one I want to finish!

I'm working hard to be as organized as possible, but I realize when moving day comes we will just be throwing things in boxes without thinking about whether the stuff should really go together.  I also have been thinking about the process of emotionally being ready to move.  We have been prepping for this move for 2 years and we think we're ready, but are we?  Here's the process of how things happened:

1. Job was offered at the beginning of the year: Shock and awe because there really was a job offer.  Seriously, when you've been waiting 2 years for something to happen, it's hard to believe it when it does!

2.  Sadness to be leaving eastern Washington.  We truly love it here and had there been an option we would have chosen to stay. 

3.  Put house on the market, and it sold in less than a month. WOW!

4.  Reality hitting that we are truly moving.  THIS is happening, so we better get ready.

5.  Although it is sad to leave this community that has become such an integral part to our family's life, it is time to move on. 

6.  Excitement has begun!  We will be close enough to the coast and close enough to Portland to able to have plenty of day trips: the beach, omsi, the zoo...and many other activities!

7. We will be close to family and friends!

8. How do I tell my little monkey that we are moving?  Well, we have gotten books from the library, talked about the move and constantly talk about it.  She still thinks we are moving in with the grandparents because that's where we stay when we visit for holidays.  Honestly, it makes sense, but it's a hard concept for her to understand.  

9. Packing and organizing is a long, tedious task. The donation pile is growing!

10. Just about 4 weeks and we will be heading to our new destination!

Any of you had any big moves with a toddler?  Any recommendations on how to help with the transition?

My little monkey decided to clean her room.  Her room was spotless, this was the hallway!

DIY No Sew Purse Pockets

Have you ever had one of those purses that you just keep digging for your keys or your phone and it takes forever to get to them in the never-ending abyss??!! 

One of my birthday gifts was this purse:

https://rwandabasketsr.3dcartstores.com/HB004-Green-and-Teal_p_186.html 

I'm in love with this purse, and I decided I needed more pockets(got tired of digging for what I needed.)  So, I made a cardboard insert.

Materials needed: 

cardboard, scissors, jeans, liquid stitch(or other adhesive), and a measuring tape.

1. I measured the inside of the purse

2. I cut the cardboard to fit

I made sure to put this inside the purse to see if it was what I was hoping for

.

3. I cut the part of the jeans I wanted to use and started gluing

My goal was more pockets.

I also glued the jeans on the other side.

4. Once the glue had dried I put the finished product in the purse

Purse before

And, after insert

I have used this today and I feel so much more organized!  Pockets for my phone and keys!

DIY craft experiment

I found this vest on pinterest that I decided to attempt making:

http://wobisobi.blogspot.com/2012/02/grey-no-sew-vest.html

*my personal pictures below DO NOT look classy like these pictures, not really the end goal anyway :)

The instructions called for a large or extra large hanes t-shirt. And, since I didn't have that I just decided I'd experiment with a t-shirt I already had to see if it's something I wanted to make in the future. My t-shirt was a medium, so there wasn't nearly as much material to work with.  I think I've decided I may want to venture out and find some cheap larger t-shirts to give this a try. Maybe pair it with a tank top on a nice spring day or a long sleeved shirt in the winter?!!  

**warning: I took these pictures in the short time I had by myself(a friend had my daughter).

And, this vest did take about 5 minutes to make!

Belt in place to show you what the vest truly looks like using a smaller shirt than instructed. Not quite the look I was aiming for, but this was an experiment.

I totally want to make it with a larger shirt!

If I have a chance to redeem myself and make this with a larger shirt, I will definitely do another post(or maybe I should stay away from no sew clothing??). This was easy to make!
And, here's what it looks like on a little person:

I think this will go in her play clothing bin...might be turned into a superhero cape!

Giveaway: Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd

And the winner is: Tara.  

You have made the most referrals and contributed so much to this blog! 

Thank you!

Running skirts

I'd totally enter a race just to get one of these running skirts.
Skirts+running shoes=awesome!

http://www.runningskirts.com/

DIY Headbands

Here's some pictures of the super easy headbands I made today, for instructions go here: http://elisamclaughlin.com/design/2011/08/diy-double-strand-lace-headband/