Miracles

We heard baby's heartbeat for the first time today. God is so good! I'm still tired, very tired... and sick in the mornings... and sometimes at night... but it is *so* worth it. I can't imagine anything more wonderful. Thanks be to God. Truly, truly, truly. I am thankful for every single moment.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

May we all remember that our bounty comes from God's hand- and no other place!

Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8

These are a few...

of my favorite things! Emily inspired me to write my very own "favorite natural things" list- and being as that I am *so* exhausted all the time, and I'm certainly not crafting anything lately... here goes!

1. Origins Organics Foaming Face Wash
My sometimes fitful skin that can't decide if it's oily (with breakouts) or dry (with eczema patches on my eyelids!) loves this stuff. It's expensive, but I use one pump a night, and I think the bottle with last me at least six months. Which makes it LESS expensive than the other stuff I was using!

2. Origins Totally Pure Organic Deoderant
Lets just say... I need deoderant. I've tried other natural brands, like Tom's of Maine. They don't touch me. So I switched back to the regular stuff- but when I found out about our wee one, I decided to give this a shot- and I *love* it. It works. It really, really works.

3. Tom's of Maine Lavender Body Wash
The most cost effective natural soap I've found out there, and a lovely smell. :)

4. EO Lavender Hand Soap
Nice and foaming, too! I was convinced to buy this after reading a regular hand soap label. Ew. Yuck. Chemicals galore!

5. Seventh Generation Kitchen Spray
This has hydrogen peroxide in it, which helps with those icky white countertops they feel the need to put in apartments. One drop of tea or juice will dye the countertop in approximately 4 seconds.

6. Seventh Generation Dish Soap
Lemongrass and Clementine, and it works like a charm. I didn't have alot of luck with the dishwasher soap though... it may be because our dishwasher is older and apartment brand... but it didn't work out.

7. Pure and Basic Lavender Body Lotion
Hmmm, I could only find a link to the body wash online, but you get the basic idea :)

Today I bought my first natural shampoo and conditioner. I guess my nose has gotten more sensitive because of baby- but my other shampoo... the smell now makes me sick. So, I'm going to give this a shot too! It's the Whole Foods 365 brand and it's the natural mint scent. I have my first midwife appointment on monday- I would really appreciate prayers! :)

Baby!!!

We are so thankful, and so blessed, and so happy to announce...

that we are expecting our first blessing!!!

Praise be to God!!! :) I've been feeling a little unwell in the mornings, but I really don't mind that much. I am so happy to be pregnant!

Psalm 117

O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Come What May

This is a wonderful, pro-life movie made by a group of homeschoolers. I was so impressed by the whole movie! The storyline was great, and I thought the acting was very professionally done. May I recommend you watch it for free online? And spread the word!!

Tag, you're it! :)

Oh, my poor neglected blog :) It's been very busy- and very blessed around here- but I really do need to keep this up more!

I have been tagged by Alli, Amy, and Tiffany to write six random facts about myself!

The rules are:

-Link to the person who tagged you.
-Post the rules on your blog.
-Write Six Random Things about yourself.
-Tag six-or-so other people at the bottom of the post.
-Leave comments on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged!
-Let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.

Here we go! :)

1. I love watching the sun rise on a cool morning.

Living in Texas, and not being a morning person (who now officially drinks no caffeine) makes this a rare event... so it's even more special when it happens :)

2. I can watch a few movies over and over and over again.

These movies would be: Sense and Sensibility (either version), Pride and Prejudice, Emma (with Kate Beckinsale), Northanger Abbey, and You've Got Mail.

3. I have all of my teeth... including 5 wisdom teeth!

Poor hubby doesn't get to keep his though... out they come next week. Eek!

4. I own four pairs of the same tennies. In lilac, blue, brown, and grey with pink.

Don't worry... I bought them mostly all for less than half price. Who can resist a cute little feminine tennis shoe? :) Even though I don't play tennis... lol.

5. I love wraps.

It's rarely cold enough here for a coat, so a pretty little wrap is just right on Sunday mornings.

6. I speak more French than I understand, and I understand more Spanish than I speak.

Sigh... I must work on my Spanish more. Living in South Texas, it's really important to be able to at least carry on a basic conversation in Spanish. As long as no one speaks *too* quickly, I'm usually okay- but I'm no where near where I'd like to be!

Now for tagging. I think *everyone* I know blog-wise has been tagged- but if you haven't been... consider yourself tagged as of now! :)

Very Easy Muff: My First Tutorial

A long time ago, I was given a lovely fur muff to match my Samantha doll. Paired with a winter dress coat, it was the most feminine thing in the world! :) It no longer fits me- so I was inspired to make a new one. Of course we must remember that according to Anne of Windy Poplars, a muff is only to be worn when its Zero degrees.

"'The old porch thermometer says it's zero and the new side-door one says it's ten above,' remarked Anne, one frosty December night. 'So I don't know whether to take my muff or not.'"

Well, I might not stick to that- since it almost *never* gets that cold in Texas! With no further ado- here is my very first tutorial.

Using two different yarns (Lion Chunky Wool- for warmth- and Lion Cameo- for softness) and my trusty 9 mm crochet hook.


I then made a large square piece- about 25 single crochet across, and then the size around you'd like your muff. Not too large, so it won't be drafty... but you don't want it to be too small, either!


Then I stitched it together, making a tube.


...and drew up the sides with cord elastic.



You don't want to make it too tight- it should fit around your wrist comfortably, but once again... don't let any drafts in!


Now you'll need to make a matching hat and scarf. I hope you enjoyed my first tutorial! I'll post a picture of the whole set when I'm finished :)

Sweet Babies

I was thrilled to spend the weekend with my darling, darling nephew, Noah.


Trying to get a picture of five brothers... and the newest member of the next generation... all on one couch... is difficult.


From Right to Left is Danny, Noah (Danny's son), Charlie (the youngest), Steven, Hubby (the oldest), and Joey.
Poor Charlie is squished terribly! :) But what precious memories.

Phooo, Phooo

(thats the sound of me blowing the dust off of my sewing machine) :-D

It is my opinion that every girl should have a plaid circle skirt to wear with tights in the autumn.



Buying organic fabric? Way out of my crafty price range.


Buying organic cotton sheets on clearance at a discount store? *So* in my price range.
Oh, the plans I have for these queen sheets... I think they'll have a much more exciting life than just clothing a bed!

Fireproof

We were very blessed to attend a free screening of Fireproof (from the same church who made Facing the Giants) last week. It was a *wonderful* date night for me and hubby- and how great to be able to see a wholesome movie with a great message... for free! I would encourage you all to see it. It is a movie that deals with adult subjects though, so I would exercise some caution in bringing wee ones.

A bowl of cherries...

I've been really enjoying doing a wee bit of "redecorating" around our home. Mostly my efforts have been focused on "finishing out" the kitchen... and our bedroom shall be my October project. I long ago happened upon this pretty little clock. I adored it. I wanted it. But alas, it was too much! So I waited and waited, and the waiting ended up being worth it :)

I love saving my allowance for things around the house. It's the little things that make the difference, I think!

I painted a few more things for the kitchen- this magnetic clippy was free because it had an advertisement on the top. A little primer and some paint fixed that right up! Perfect for those sweet invitations to baby showers...



That of course inspired me to be a little more bold. My sweet momma had bought me a jewelry holder a long time ago, with pretty roses painted around the edges. After time I noticed the roses beginning to flake off, and since this jewelry holder lived in my kitchen (for holding rings and such while washing dishes) I primed... and painted... and I am oh so happy I did. It's the same color as the clippy- it just photographed darker since I wasn't using the flash.



I better put away my paint now!

The New Chair

That we want for our living room. It's petite enough for an apartment... and the price is oh-so-right. Too bad Ikea is two hours away! Sniff. And what's funny enough to be a joke? I checked it out on the site- shipping for this pretty little chair is 230$ extra. Lets just say... that's not gonna happen! :)

Autumn

This morning, joyous morning, was quite cool (to me). I was thrilled. Granted, it reached 99 degrees later in the day, but its been months and months since I felt anything even resembling a cool crisp morning. Thanks be to God for the beautiful change in seasons. I know I'll be happy to say goodbye to summer! Here are some of my favorite autumnal quotations-

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
- George Eliot

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all."
- Stanley Horowitz

"Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"
- Humbert Wolfe

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus

"No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face."
- John Donne

And my absolute favorites:


October's Party
by George Cooper (1838-1927)

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed;
The lovely Misses Maple
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners,
And gaily fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown,
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground;
And then the party ended
In jolly "hands around."

Psalm 67:6

Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.

A much needed centerpiece

I can't stand to throw the little Smucker's jelly jars away. The organic grape jelly comes in these wee little jars that just beg to hang around long after the contents have been eaten. As such, several of these jars wait patiently in the cabinet, soaked free of their labels, just waiting for that moment of creativity to strike.

After our previous centerpiece met a very tragic end- (which revealed just how easily glass vases are broken) I realized I would like something this time that is small, unobtrusive, can be left on the table during conversation and not impede anyone's view! Of course, the polka dotted plates helped with the inspiration.



I used some of my glass primer from another project (free), some red and white paint I had from another project (free), and some lovely daisies I had left over from an old flower arrangement (free). And I just adore the outcome.

...Of course, once I start priming and painting, it becomes very difficult to restrain myself and not paint everything that will hold still. :)

Shuffling!

As I mentioned before, we've been moving our furniture around... our decorations around... and the cat around. :) Monday I was blessed to have a wonderfully fun day at the outlet mall that is about 45 minutes away. My momma and I had quite a good time, and even found some wonderful trinkets for our homes! Here is our "new and improved" dining room.



Momma found the pretty tablecloth for me a while back, and I picked up the oh-so-cute polka dot plates at the Pottery Barn Outlet... I think I paid 7 dollars for all four. I adore them- but I think I'll save them for decoration and special occasion use only. They're just too cute to risk chipping!



I moved around these things that were originally crammed into our wee kitchen. I think they'll be more visible here- and I could use the extra counter space. And well... I have quite enough cherry things in the kitchen as it is!



We were recently given this sideboard, which used to be hubby's mother's. I love the butterfly handles, and it fits perfectly underneath the painting my brother made for us. I also picked up the sign at the outlet mall. Originally, I was planning to paint it aqua... but I think I like it red. And that's not a tv... that's a digital picture frame (not currently on) that hubby made from several computers his company was throwing away. He's so handy, its amazing!!

Reason # 8,972

...why my Momma is the best Momma in the whole world.

She read my blog, saw the wreath on sale at Target, and bought one for me. Isn't she amazing?!

In other "house-y" news, I took the garland from the living room and tacked it onto the top of the headboard we made. I love the way it looks!


We also spent last night moving almost *all* of our furniture around in a big shuffle. I think we've ended up with a lot more room, a much better "flow", and a much cleaner apartment! (I got to vacuum under furniture that had been stationary for a year) I'm so thankful for my big strong hubby who can move furniture so well! Pictures to come this week as I get the little things all straightened out :)

This Week In Crafting

I remember long before we were married wondering how it was anyone ever neglected decorating their bedroom. I would sigh and think how I would never be one of those wives :) Hee hee. Well, I admit, when decorating funds were limited, our bedroom was what suffered! I've decided now to fully commit myself to searching out for the little, inexpensive, and hand made items that can spruce up our bedroom. Of course, the throw I am knitting will hopefully help alot with bringing color into our room. I am almost finished with the first skein... just nine more to go!


Lets see, at this rate... I'll be done in... late October/early November. I must knit faster!! :)



I also painted a sign for above our bed with a lovely scripture. It reminds me of how as a married couple, our bedroom should be a place where we can come away from the world and be together. The wood I pained it on was only 1.99 at Michael's, and I think I spent another dollar or so on purple paint! The ribbon was from my stash- so this made a wonderfully frugal way to place a splash of color on the wall. I think now I'll start looking around for some other touches, like candles or flowers. Target has a *beautiful* purple flowered wreath right now... but its FORTY dollars. Maybe I'll try to make my own version!

Proverbs 31:22

Today I've enjoyed a wonderful afternoon spent with my momma, and now I'm spending this relaxing evening painting and enjoying the Olympics with sweet hubby. I've also stocked up on my yarn for the throw for our bed. Let's just say I was very blessed to find it on sale this week!!

"She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple."
- Proverbs 31:22

A silly way to show hubby you love him

Tiny heart shape cakes made from your grandmother's recipe! ;)

Yum.



(Much crafting to come soon.)

Finally, a Pretty Coat Pattern!

I'm so excited to find one I like. A coat with a ruffle! I think I might have a new project for this winter.



Though I definitely won't be wearing it with any aqua stockings. Sheesh!

A Beautiful Baby, a Finished Shawl, and a New Project

I was so blessed this weekend to meet my darling friend's child. It was truly amazing to hold a little someone in your arms who you had prayed for and hoped for. What a miracle little Luke is! His sweet momma is one of my closest friends, a Godly woman who is an inspiration to me and such an example to look up to. I may not have any sisters by birth, but I consider her to be my Sister in Re-Birth :) What a gift from our Heavenly Father to have such friends!

I hardly stopped holding him all weekend- Rachel was so sweet to share her little one with me!

Daddy and son.


That's just precious.


My own hubby with baby Luke. Luke just smiled and smiled at my hubby :)


And I finished the Never Ending Shawl last monday. Whew! What a relief :) I can't *wait* to wear it this winter. Too bad I finished it in the middle of hot summer! Lol.

I'm so happy to be done.


You can see the pattern a little better on the back. Please excuse my bedraggled hair, I spent most of today feeling not so great!



But how could I go without a knitting/crochet project for more than a couple of days? Here is the throw for our bed in the works. I love knitting and crochet because you can just pick it up and work on it, as opposed to hauling out the sewing machine and ironing board! Rachel helped me pick out the yarn this weekend in Fort Worth. I think it's such a pretty color- and I'm knitting it on connected needles so I won't have to do it in panels. I'm excited about making something for our bed!

Washington DC Pictures!

These are mainly for the benefit of my momma :) But for anyone else who would enjoy, here's the DC pictures!

Miss Faye and I outside the fancy Ritz Carlton.


The capitol building was by far our favorite spot!

We just got soaked by a surprise storm. So sad! :)

We waited and waited, but George and Laura never came out to wave.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

It's a REALLY big statue!

My first ever Subway ride. Staying in DC made me wish Texas had better public transit- I would LOVE to sell our cars. Sigh! You can read, crochet, or just relax while someone else does all the driving. And it makes you walk *so* much more- I think we'd all be a lot more fit here if we walked so much!

The Lincoln Memorial is so beautiful at night. And so big!

Cushy beds are nice, but sleeping without your snuggly hubby is not.

I took this one especially for momma. She loves buntings!

The subway tunnels were so neat. And they stayed pretty cool for it being so hot outside- it was a nice respite!

I think we took about 300 pictures or so (!)- this is just a small sample. I would love to spend days and days and days there- there is so much to see! I hope to go back someday. In case I do, I will be remembering these 6 Washington Commandments:

1. Thou shalt never store thy cell phone next to thy Metro card.
(This swiftly makes your cell phone crazy and demagnetizes your Metro card, leading to a kink in your easy traveling.)
2. Thou shalt always wear thy most comfortable shoes.
(Even in my most comfortable shoes, I am covered in blisters.)
3. Thou shalt ask thy congressman for House and Senate passes.
(Otherwise they turn you away at the door. Luckily, its just a short walk over to your friendly obliging Texas Congressman who will quickly aright the situation.)
4. Thou shalt carry a Metro map with thou every where thou goest.
(Otherwise you might accidentally get on the correct color train... going the wrong way. Ahem.)
5. Thou shalt arrive at the capitol building before three P.M.
(They stop giving tours at four- and if you don't happen to run into a friendly federal agent like we did, you won't get a tour! Thankfully and Providentially, we got an even better one that we would have. You can't say no to an after hours guided tour from a federal agent!)
6. Thou shalt travel with an umbrella.
(See above pictures-lol!)

That was silly... but you really might want to remember those things :)

Random Thoughts Meme

Thank you, Tiffany, for the tag! :)

I am: a daughter of the King and a happy wife.
I think: that I don't update my blog nearly enough lately :)
I know: that Christ is coming back again.
I have: a neatly and nicely organized closet, since I just finished taking EVERYTHING out, going through it, and placing it back in, in a wonderfully organized fashion.
I wish: I hadn't told my husband I would *never* need another skirt again (said while cleaning the closet) LOL!
I hate: it when people use my Lord's name in vain. (I stole this from Tiffany- because I agree SO much!)
I miss: my parent's house.
I fear: nothing but the Lord. (As in reverence and awe of our Great and Mighty God)
I feel: happy to be home and catching up on wifely duties. I'll post pictures of DC sometime soon!
I hear: my busy hubby in the background, and the hum of our fridge :)
I smell: chopped celery. (I just made a veggie plate for a church gathering)
I crave: more time at home.
I search: for keys, sunglasses, and pretty much anything else I'm prone to losing!
I wonder: at the gift of the human body, and how amazingly and intricately it works in concert.
I regret: oh... sigh. Lots of things. Thankfully, regret leads to repentance.
I love: my Saviour and God, my hubby, my family, my friends, and my baby kitty.
I ache: for a child of my own.
I am not: very good at sticking to any exercise plan.
I believe: that God knows the desires of my heart.
I dance: pretty much never, unless I'm *really* excited about something.
I sing: ALL the time. I *love* to sing praise with others, especially without accompaniment.
I cry: every time I'm really touched by something. Happy or sad!
I don't always: remember to watch my tongue until too late.
I fight: my sinful nature.
I write: on this blog...
I win: all rhyming games. Muah ah ah ah ah. (thats a cackle, by the way)
I lose: most everything involving sports.
I never: want to see another roach. Yech!
I always: have a cup of coffee in the morning.
I confuse: my poor hubby sometimes :)
I listen: to my hubby, my friends, and family.
I can usually be found: with something Vera Bradley. From purses to bible covers to wallets, I've usually got something with me!
I am scared: of taking a shower when no one else is home. I'm such a baby!
I need: to finish my black crocheted wrap.
I am happy about: being home with my hubby here.
I imagine: what life will be like if and when the Lord gives us children.
I am wearing: a blue and white striped cotton shirt and a ruffled long blue skirt I made.
I look forward to: everything the Lord has planned for us!

A few more photos

And then I really need to get back to crafting! I'll be visiting Washington D.C. this week, and I *really* hope to finish the black crochet never ending wrap while I'm there. I'd love to start on a throw blanket for our bed, but I just can't justify starting a new project until I'm all done with my wrap!

So now to prove Hubby can be crafty too... He made a potato gun. The general principle is that compressed air propels out whatever it is you put in the other side. We found prickly pears to go the farthest. Note: only do this on a farm. Not in the city!

That's my daddy and my husband... enjoying the potato gun fun, and loading it with compressed air.


Ready, Aim, Fire!


I only shot it once. And I was the only one to hit the target. Tee hee.


Okay, I admit, my uncle helped me aim it :) All credit goes to him!

And how could I forget- Who can resist a rooster that loves to be petted and sit in your lap?