For today...updated

Outside my window... the sun is shining over a few feet of fluffy snow.  Joel wasn't too thrilled about the newly fallen snow, as he had to go out and shovel it before church, but to someone looking out from inside, it's truly beautiful.  I won't miss it though.  When Spring comes, I'll be the first to do my happy dance.

I am thinking... about how good it feels to get more than 3 hours of sleep at night. Haven has been giving me a 4 hour stretch at least once per night, and it feels goooood. Like, really good. So good, I may not even need my afternoon coffee! Gasp, for realsies?!! I know.  Since I like the taste of it though, I'll probably still drink it. Maybe just a little less of it. Actually, probably not. I like coffee.

I am thankful for... my beautiful, amazing children. You may not know this, but they're the greatest children on the face of the planet. Sorry, yours are probably pretty cool too, but they don't hold a candle to mine. :)

From the learning rooms... Ro is loving visiting Asher's preschool and has done WAY better than I thought he would. Looks like he'll have no problem at Kindergarten! And pretty soon, he'll start potty-training. I know I keep saying that. I'm a little afraid of how long it will take and how hard it will be. Thank the Lord for our sweet therapist, Valerie, who will be doing most of the work!

From the kitchen... I've actually been cooking and baking  alot! I dont know why. I was recently struck with motivation to learn and get better. I think most of it had to do with Joel. I knew how happy it would make him. I also knew that prior to recently, it would have been way too difficult to even try. But the timing has worked out so that I can now concentrate on actually not burning things (for the most part. We wont talk about the recent onion debacle.) 

I am wearing...   a flower shirt I bought at Forever 21 about 100 years ago, when I was pregnant with Asher, some Old Navy Jeans and a little blue cardy.

I am creating... a bunch of shower gifts for my Lauren.  I can't say what I'm making, but I will definetly take some pictures. I've been trying out a bunch of new patterns and I'm super jealous that she gets them and I can't keep them. ha!

I am going... to church in a little bit. The kiddos are watching Elmo while I write this, and then I'm gonna go put on some make up (You mean I don't naturally look this ravishing?!!), spray some smell-good on me.

I am reading...a Beverly Lewis novel. She's Christian historical fiction writer. Not my favorite, but good enough to spend a few minutes before bed every night with.

I am hoping...  to spend some quality time with my sewing machine today.

I am hearing... Haven blowing raspberries. Did I tell you he went to his Neonatal Developmental check up last week? He's absolutely perfect in every way! I already knew that though.  

Around the house...  oy. My house is crying out to me to hurry up and get to spring cleaning already. I know, housey. It's coming.

One of my favorite things... is church. My church, actually. I mean, i love 'the church' but I really love MY church. New Covenent, you are such a blessing! 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  not too much. Maybe a playdate. Then a meeting at Ash and Ro's preschool. Maybe a date somewhere in there with my hottie boombalotti.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...  It's not a picture but you have to watch it. I bawled my eyes out. Not sure why; probably the music nerd in me. 

Uh...

Dont be mad. I actually forgot about this blog for like 4 days. Oops. 

I've been on a crafting frenzy...and loving it! Remember how I said I was making some gifts for some friends of mine? Well, they're all finished and shipped out. I cannot WAIT for them to get it! I simply love to make things for people.  But, go figure, I took photos and they ended up my internal memory card, which I can't get to due to a bum USB cord.  Poop. Oh well. I'm already planning gifts for other friends for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Why not start early, eh?



I have 9 tabs open in my Firefox window. Yep, 9. Who the heck needs 9 pages open at one time? Other than my husband, who is a web programmer, me.   And to give you a glimpse into what I've been thinking about lately, here are two of the tabs:

Cheddar Cheese + Apple Pie

Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas

I'm not saying I'm going to make these. But at least I'm thinking about it! Thats gotta count for something.  Tonite, we're making Penne Cardinale from Buca Di Beppo. Anyone remember this restaurant? We used to go there in Charlotte from time to time. Anyway, the recipe is here, and it is UH-MAY-ZEENG. 

Go make it. Now.

out of the spin cycle

That's the title of my favorite devotional book. I'm still reading it, and once I finish, I'll probably go through it again. I wrote about it here.  I have never been really into devotional books. I usually find that once I read the daily entry, I forget about it an hour or two later, and then it ends up back on the 'someday I might get through this book but probably not' shelf. Which was hard for me, because I am also the kind of person who needs direction while reading the Bible or I just end up reading whatever page I open to and it almost always ends up being something in Lamentations or Habbukak. Come on people, you know what I'm atalkin' about. They're awesome books but for reals, I have to really stretch to find out how to apply it to my every day, stay at home mom life. Ok, moving on.

So, this book I'm reading. It has me laughing out loud every single time, and somehow, it has the ability to stick with me all day long. I dont know if it's because she is such an amazing writer, or if it's just so simple and real that I can't help but be reminded of it in my daily activities.  For instance, this is the entry that made me spit out my coffee yesturday: (She is talking about how we as mom's feel about ourselves and our bodies after we've had a baby or two.)

"I don't mean to shock you, but our bodies change after childbirth. They really, really change. I sprouted curls in previously straight-stick hair, and my feet grew an entire shoe size by the third baby. I now walk around on skis. My hips have never returned exactly to their former address. I nursed three babies and need not mention what a mess that left. What used to be a smooth stomach now looks like a topographical map of France. And to top it all off, I can't jump on trampolines anymore without peeing in my pants.

      Traditional Christian advice about this subject generally makes me feel violent. People, I am not standing naked in front of a mirror, quoting Scripture to my reflection. It's like looking at a garden salad with fat free dressing and saying "I love you. I am thrilled to be eating you instead of a delicious burger with a side of beer-battered onion rings." 

She then goes on to talk about how Jesus taught us that our bodies are more than clothing and life is more than food. Of course, her point being that our bodies are amazing things, nourishing babies, pleasing our husbands, running a daily marathon of diapering, lifting, carrying, etc. And not to worry about that, or beat ourselves up because we haven't returned to our pre-baby weight, but to just take care of the amazing tool we've been given. It is our friend. 

I liked this entry, mainly because I think every mom can relate. I've been dissatisfied with my body lately, mostly because I lack time to exercise (and motivation, but shhh). It was good to be reminded of those truths, and to laugh. Alot. I laughed alot.

Go buy this book on amazon, you won't regret it. And buy one for all of your friends. I just bought one for Lauren. Have you read it, yet, missy?!!

The best list of easy DIY projects EVER.

Well, maybe that's an exaggeration. Maybe not though. You be the judge! I think all of these tutorials seem super easy, even for the person who may not be as crafty as they'd like. (even though I bet you are!).
All of these projects and gift ideas are from my 3 favorite craft blogs: MADE, Prudent Baby, and Make it and Love it. Some of them are no-sew, while the others are for beginning sewists. I hope you enjoy!
First up, we have the easy sewing projects:

Boy Pants with Knee Pads

 

 

 

Boy belt

Easy hat made from a sweater!

Easiest Pillow Ever

Bean Bag Letters

And now for the crafts that don't require a stitch!

Childrens mod-podge step stool

GAK!

ribbon mobile

Framed Initial

And lastly, ideas that aren't for kids but for mama!

homemade body scrub!

no-sew flowers

mod-podge vase! (hint: you can get a vase at the dollar store!)

I hope you go crazy and make all of these. I know that I ALWAYS prefer a handmade gift as opposed to a store bought one. So, feel free to make ME all of these. I gladly accept.

Let me know if you have any questions or need more ideas.  Happy crafting!

My Creative Space and Celebrate the Boy

I have been a busy bee.
Sewing lots of pretty things for pregnant and just-had-babies mama friends, some of whom (who?) live afar.
Loving every minute of creating.
There is something about praying for someone while you create something for them to use. I love knowing that they will be touching and holding what I've touched and held and prayed over, even though they are halfway across the country. 
They'll probably see these but they don't know who 'they' are, so that's cool with me. And besides, this isn't even the half of it. So there. And I'm not explaining what they are, just in case they happen to guess that it's for them.  But I'll give you a hint, if you are wondering if it's you. Hint: You are beautiful! I guess that narrows it down to ALL OF MY FRIENDS. HA!
Some of the projects are from this here book, which I LOVE. Given to me by my beautiful friend Cory. I bet you never thought I'd use it, huh Cor?!

These are going to be softies for a few of my friends' littles. My first softies ever. Can you even believe that? I've been crafting for years and have never sewn a softie. Unless you count the dolphin I made in 7th grade home ec. Where is that, mom? I'd love to see it and laugh my head off.

In other news, do you ever wonder what to make for a little boy as a gift?? I know I've always had a hard time trying to find a good handmade gift to make.  Not only is it usually way more expensive to buy a toy at the store, but they usually end up either looking tacky or breaking, and let's face it.  A handmade gift means more. And in case you think  you aren't crafty enough to make a gift, I am here to happily break it to you: YOU ARE.  There are alot of crafts out there that anyone can do!  In the next few days, I'll be posting a list of easy, handmade gifts that anyone can do.  But in the meantime, for the more 'advanced' sewists,   "Celebrate the Boy" is going on over at MADE and Made by Rae.   Not tryin to blow your mind but two words. Abs Gorg.

 Head on over there for a ridiculous amount of inspiration.  And if you're not into makin stuff, check out all the people who make this stuff. Most of them have Etsy shops where you can BUY ridiculously cute things.

**And also don't forget to go over to Kootoyoo and check out all of the amazing bloggers who are posting their various creative spaces! **

Wordless Wednesday

Happy V-Day, blog folk. Hope you're doing something romantic with someone to celebrate this day. If not, then do something to love yourself!  This morning, I got valentined by Joel. Such a sweet sweet man.

 Beautiful flowers to gaze at for the next few days!  As I try to keep my kids from spilling it so they can play with the water (has already happened twice this morning, and it's only 9 AM.),  I will admire the gorgeous colors and sweet smells. God is such an amazing artist to give us all of these colors to look at.  I think he loves looking at beautiful things more than we do.  While I was lookin at these this morning, I was reminded of the beauty of God's created earth, and then I had a thought. (yeah that happens sometimes, even with my mommy brain!)  Not only did He make the flowers, the sunsets,  the snow-capped mountains, the oranged winged butterflies, the meadows and everything else that is beautiful on the earth, He made US, who He also calls beautiful. His bride!  I think He thinks we're even prettier than these flowers.  Ask any father who has a daughter and he'll tell you that she is the most beautiful child he's ever seen.  Pretty sure God thinks that about his sons and daughters too.

God, Joel, and my kids: I love ALL my Valentines!

Ta-da!!!!!

I never thought i could be so happy about a floor! And because we all love a good before/after post, here's the process!

The fridge is unloaded and moved...

...to the dining room. It was very wierd. 

 

 

Are you ready? Wait for iiiiit....

It's in! Oh. My Gosh. I'm in love. And so is Ro! 

There she is. As Ash would say "I love our new chocolate floor!"

I'll post another update once we get the floorboards and beaded board up. It'll be a whole new room. I just love a good remodel!


Again, sorry for the short post! Lot's going on and not enough time to sit down and think of witty things to say.  But here's one of my cute boy who rolled all the way across the living room and landed here.

There has never been a cuter baby! (Except all of mine, of course.)

Enjoy your weekend! Check back soon for a GIVEAWAY! Can you even stand it?!  I love me a good giveaway. :)

My Creative Space

I got my groove back. My sewing groove, that is.  Well, at least for a few days. I think it's gone again.  But while it was here for that short visit, I finished up 2 super cute bags for the shop! Both adorable blue designer fabric that is pretty much to die for. Or to drool over.

Buttercup Bag in fabric by Jennifer Paganelli

Medium Hobo bag in Floral Swirl Teal by Erin McNorris with removeable yoyo

So cute you can't even handle it, right?!  :)

I also listed a bunch of new fat quarter stacks...

In other news, sorry this post is so short but I have to go unload my fridge. And clean out all of the goo on every shelf. Because we are getting the new kitchen floor put in tomorrow!! HECK YES!! Have to move the fridge so why not clean it right?

And for those who were on the edge of their seat wondering how many things I crossed off my "to-do- list on Tuesday:

Laundry a.k.a.  Evil Arch Enemy

Finish sewing a bag

clean the stove

Fill out health insurance application

scrub the bathtub

prepare dinner

keep children alive

WHAT? Yes that's right, I was productive and dang it feels good. :)  The tub can wait. Next bath day is 2 weeks from tomorrow.


Kidding.

Wordless Wednesday - cool dude

To-Do

I am a chronic list-maker. I make lists about what to put on which list.  This would be totally awesome except that I'm not very organized by nature. Wierd, right? A list maker who isn't very organized. So, it usually turns out that my lists don't make sense or aren't cohesive and I end up just throwing it away and writing one 'to-do' thing down for the day.  Why do I go through the list-making process anyway? It's cuz old habits die hard, and I think I'm hoping someday I'll actually make a good list.

Guess what? Today is that day. One could even call it "To-Do To-Day." Ha.

Here's my list:

Laundry a.k.a.  Evil Arch Enemy

Finish sewing a bag

clean the stove

Fill out health insurance application

scrub the bathtub

prepare dinner

keep children alive

Wanna know how many of those things I'll actually get done? Probably one, maybe two, if I can manage the last one, which I usually can.  But at least I have a LIST!

I think I said 'list' too many times. Doesn't sound like a word anymore.  But I digress.

I really appreciated all of your dinner ideas! I ended up making this recipe, which ended up looking like this (Not my photo but it looked just like it.)

Yum.
And then, wait for iiiiiiiiit.

I baked.   From scratch. Ok, pick your jaw up off the floor now.  I made some scones that actually taste yummy and I may try it again someday. I dont know where all this motivation is coming from, but I'm pretty sure Joel is thrilled. And it only took 7.3 years!

struggling cook in need of ideas

Ok, blog people. I know there are more of you out there than just the ones who are commenting. Leave me a note and let me know you're there!

Moving on.  I need some help.

I'm sitting here tonite, trying to plan meals for the next 2 weeks.  Now, if you are my friend, you know that I don't cook much. Never really been into it, but I do it when necessity calls for it (i.e. when Joel can't.) He really loves cooking but I try to do simple dinners when time allows. Usually involves beans, rice, chicken or pasta in the simplest, most 7-year-old-could-cook-this kind of form.  I never realized how hard it would be to learn to cook while raising 4 little ones! So, it goes without saying that I know the basics and can throw simple dishes together but I normally only get about 1 hour/day to plan, prepare, and execute the meal.  I mean, I could do some of these things during naptime but uhm, hello, that is my time to sit and breathe for like 2 seconds. 

Here's where you come in:
I need simple, fast meal ideas. That my picky husband will like to eat. He won't eat anything with MSG in it and really prefers not eating things from a box.  And he refuses to touch anything that contains or has been within 63 feet of mushrooms or mayonnaise.

Ok, send the ideas! GO!

I'm easily entertained.

My Creative Space

Pardon the picture quality; I took that with my phone.  Last night, while watching Monk (Season 1, baby! Starting at the beginning again!)  with my hottie husband, I cut out a bunch of buttercup bags from the designer fabric that I freaked out about here. 

It is always SO hard for me to cut into designer fabric. Seems almost wrong.  But hopefully, these bags will turn out gorgeous and someone will come along who just has to have them.  Is it YOU?! :)

My almost-5 year old munchkin, Ro, has started visiting Ash's preschool so that he can get used to what a school environment looks like.  I was so apprehensive before he left. Wasn't sure if he'd pitch a fit the whole time, scream in the car the whole way, misbehave when he got there, etc. But guess what? He did GREAT. and he LOVED it. Success!!  I just can't believe he's old enough to be starting Kindergarten in the fall. We're also considering bringing gluten back into his diet, just to see if he still has a sensitivity to it. Nervous...

I haven't been that inspired to write on my blog, hense the explosion of pictures as of late. Hopefully soon I'll have the brain space to think of something witty and fun to write about. (The baby boy hasn't been sleeping much at night. Doens't he know that sleep deprived mommy is not a fun mommy?!!?! Probably not. And I dont think he cares. :) )In the meantime, I hope you check back often and enjoy whatever little thing I do post. Blessings!

Jenn

**Head on over to Kootoyoo and check out all the amazing creative spaces!**

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas in Blakefield