tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79489965220180046812024-02-19T10:16:44.110-06:00this is not a rough draft.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-3274637532971677542012-05-25T22:25:00.002-05:002012-05-25T22:25:26.671-05:00something new.Dear kind readers,
I have loved this blog. Loved it! But, I'm sad to keep leaving it up with no posts or updates.I recently started a new blog, <a href="http://www.alifeinsnaps.com">A Life in Snaps</a>, to merge my writing and photography, and I'd be honored if you'd follow me over there. I cannot tell you what a delight it's been to write here, but I'm needing a jump start...something new.
You know?
<a href="http://www.alifeinsnaps.com"><img src="http://alifeinsnaps.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/blogbutton1.jpg" /></a>
I will leave this blog up for a little bit to make sure everyone can follow me if they so choose. Feel free to let me know you've arrived at the new one so I can feel like a good mother duck and not leave any one of you behind. xoxoAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-56493789410844306542012-02-02T13:44:00.002-06:002012-02-02T13:55:52.804-06:00If you've spent any time on the Internet, surely you're heard of <a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/">the Sartorialist,</a> a fashion photographer who blogs daily ordinary and famous people's fashion. He decided to host a dinner of 25 of the best dressed men and filmed it. I love how dressed up they all are--do you think that fashion is leaning toward more dressy now? Personally, I blame any and all fashion sloppiness on JFK, who didn't wear a hat on his Inauguration Day and thus men stopped wearing hats afterward. He certainly fueled grunge-wear in the 90s, right?<br /><br />I'm feeling like it's important to note that I'm sitting in my yoga pants, typing this. Of course, they are very dressy ones--why do you ask?<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35926876?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/35926876">The Sartorialist: Lunch for 25</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user10206415">The Sartorialist</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />P.S. Did you see Kenye in the video?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-85166584003084742932012-01-31T10:55:00.007-06:002012-01-31T11:06:52.920-06:00hello again, to me from me.As soon as he took his steps, I emerged out of a fog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmga7JsIC-CGq-dWrK1NoHLKD85DLp2Y10BFAn5Y4Oxl54bSwCHuZwo8Q3qziGtWJ14Siu64r09ETDUsXVuzGCLBVAFAviQyW1ou_zMifQLB9_vNE5idywh9Fh34C2cCv6_6IOMchblC0G/s1600/snaps20120128-asheroutside.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmga7JsIC-CGq-dWrK1NoHLKD85DLp2Y10BFAn5Y4Oxl54bSwCHuZwo8Q3qziGtWJ14Siu64r09ETDUsXVuzGCLBVAFAviQyW1ou_zMifQLB9_vNE5idywh9Fh34C2cCv6_6IOMchblC0G/s400/snaps20120128-asheroutside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703841982463358962" /></a><br /><br />He stopped nursing, and I felt like a little more like me again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYO0Qs4qcozXWG9SYR3XyQe5cl3w5ukL39Eq3_s_zoM5Z8pnlwlz_Y9BsrY6nwvt6o0Ys69KLG8XHRNyKerZXx2w3Q-Kl0pl592XQl8KNeChv0FJ7GXOMUzaXIJket2WZTNjDdWGkPx_6/s1600/20120128-brandon%2526asheroutside.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYO0Qs4qcozXWG9SYR3XyQe5cl3w5ukL39Eq3_s_zoM5Z8pnlwlz_Y9BsrY6nwvt6o0Ys69KLG8XHRNyKerZXx2w3Q-Kl0pl592XQl8KNeChv0FJ7GXOMUzaXIJket2WZTNjDdWGkPx_6/s400/20120128-brandon%2526asheroutside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703843276759244450" /></a><br /><br /><br />Me, the person, who felt like one now that sleep was returning more normally.<br /><br /><br />This one loves having mama on more equal terms, too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLWW01-9zSSERZxvpss1nsBDsJEqQAmrjeTBvfNVOZ_Bywrimk4aaN3ARiAMXXDvf34KxgmZ475O907Yjmak0Gow0wkb1kMPXpTIqr8HP9kkNCvZ_5IyCHboyGhVPx_OTildyCVPEDRvE/s1600/snaps20120128-avawithleaf.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLWW01-9zSSERZxvpss1nsBDsJEqQAmrjeTBvfNVOZ_Bywrimk4aaN3ARiAMXXDvf34KxgmZ475O907Yjmak0Gow0wkb1kMPXpTIqr8HP9kkNCvZ_5IyCHboyGhVPx_OTildyCVPEDRvE/s400/snaps20120128-avawithleaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703842324066822834" /></a><br /><br />And so does this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxYTOd64LkvN361J_K9A7Tc0B4uzy3uO5bTpnvA-5-KWBf_vczjrdzaTCa4oOQ8Fk4WR9yMyVPDLaRo88aSF6Nx6XagyH3ajLQZ3_wT97gxUFvQvfwV4lz_Nw3pQ0EY1OdVw0J1eAdnyh/s1600/20120128-brandonsunglasses.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxYTOd64LkvN361J_K9A7Tc0B4uzy3uO5bTpnvA-5-KWBf_vczjrdzaTCa4oOQ8Fk4WR9yMyVPDLaRo88aSF6Nx6XagyH3ajLQZ3_wT97gxUFvQvfwV4lz_Nw3pQ0EY1OdVw0J1eAdnyh/s400/20120128-brandonsunglasses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703842823933202850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Life with two little ones and one of me still is an adjustment.<br /><br /><br />But I wouldn't trade being me, for anything else in the world.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-34696983600177737892011-10-20T09:15:00.004-05:002011-10-20T14:35:34.222-05:00It can be believed that God has gifted us--perhaps even every single one of us--with the ability to see through the veil.<br /><br />We live in a shadow of what once was and what is to come--a gentle ripple, and miles from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1&version=NIV">the first splash</a> we search for how to get back.<br /><br />Back to where worship and creation intertwined, double-helixing itself into the DNA of a young girl in Galilee and the faithful man who loved her. Do your gifts, your strength, echo this? Are you, who've been remade, turning the world upside down as well?<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-jeLl-mNAxY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />video via <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/10/because-really-theres-a-purpose-in-all-this/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29">Ann</a>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-11990877619090708892011-10-18T09:05:00.002-05:002011-10-18T09:25:13.802-05:00I grasp around in my environment to see if there is any sort of shadow of eternity. There has to be redemption hidden somewhere, especially after I'm searching for wayward pacifiers and ridding the house of foul smells and irrational fears. There has to be GLORY in the mundane, right? Because, my friends, when you become a mama, it is a slow and glorious self-death, but it is also a wake-up call to the extreme privilege it is to witness creation by your Creator. To see a person unfold right before you and to suspect that He is going to change the world with the tiny hands you hold. I want to join in on His mission with my own creation, but I find that I fight against all that's been handed to me--the ever-growing needs and requests and "mommy!'s-- to do so. And so, sometimes all I can do is agree with the Holy groans in my walls of spirit and home that tell me it's worth it, the sweeping of sidewalks, the drying of clothes, the taking of pictures, the wiping of bottoms, the tickling on the couch--these things that generate no money or marking or interest--they are WORTH it, because they change the world.<br /><br />I need to believe it, to hear it daily. Do you?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-32504166438717189062011-08-19T13:23:00.010-05:002011-08-19T13:54:50.608-05:00Ava's room--new!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIul3dlwNaWSLhyzZR5WNgI6aerS6UR9QlQ8FF0T22FGkNzsykOTnWVfyYjgmHQyQFROkv9wceAClWuRXUmvksPSP2wAwMMoZM-qzVF-0wXWhFnmRZ7kVpeUb4OigMHJBdM8jPjGsmVih/s1600/Ava%2527sroom2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIul3dlwNaWSLhyzZR5WNgI6aerS6UR9QlQ8FF0T22FGkNzsykOTnWVfyYjgmHQyQFROkv9wceAClWuRXUmvksPSP2wAwMMoZM-qzVF-0wXWhFnmRZ7kVpeUb4OigMHJBdM8jPjGsmVih/s400/Ava%2527sroom2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642638474160438770" /></a>
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<br />Goodness me, it's taken me forever and a day to get these pictures up from Ava's room. <a href="http://thisisnotaroughdraft.blogspot.com/2011/04/alas-its-wallpaper-and-drywall.html">Some of you may remember</a> that a leisurely day painting her room turned "interesting" when we discovered that the one (yup, just one!) wall that was covered with wallpaper was actually just covering drywall. The wall looked like this when we attempted (very unsuccessfully) to strip it.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfGkQj6zbCaqT-4SR84Y_CkQqqjh9JoSfLGOKQOdtNlxHcZnifN5-VMiUIBTEssas7HQPwNqy-8QaajFlPq_zU3hS3T3qYheiWCdIgH97gyXjaOFDxHbszbiX7gxpE75Scy8T9K5aPt2U/s1600/photo-29.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfGkQj6zbCaqT-4SR84Y_CkQqqjh9JoSfLGOKQOdtNlxHcZnifN5-VMiUIBTEssas7HQPwNqy-8QaajFlPq_zU3hS3T3qYheiWCdIgH97gyXjaOFDxHbszbiX7gxpE75Scy8T9K5aPt2U/s1600/photo-29.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
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<br />Thank the good Lord for my handy husband, who was driving from DIY store to hardware store and back again, all over town looking for a solution that didn't involve a contractor when I called him to say, "what about beadboard to cover it?" A week or so later, in between dinner and work, and corralling a little girl out of her room, he put up and painted some gorgeous beadboard that looks seamless. Seriously, I have to look really hard to find where the panels meet! We decided (okay, so I convinced him) to do the opposite wall as well, so it wouldn't seem so random. Anyway, here are the final results!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MV1bWI7xFrJpf5xQnAAKiCI5tG2D_StKZCvxA7A0IC7MGqHYmx1_XJQKG21v2EPoUImJG-ZramgczSoz9kG4wEHdDbl_VgaRkc-wk91m5dQUQVwdoB301ZxtvRFQ9BZk-OGHYTfloyNO/s1600/Ava%2527s+room.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MV1bWI7xFrJpf5xQnAAKiCI5tG2D_StKZCvxA7A0IC7MGqHYmx1_XJQKG21v2EPoUImJG-ZramgczSoz9kG4wEHdDbl_VgaRkc-wk91m5dQUQVwdoB301ZxtvRFQ9BZk-OGHYTfloyNO/s400/Ava%2527s+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642636775858399490" /></a>
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<br />We painted the same Benjamin Moore Habor Fog for the blue, and used some extra trim paint that was leftover from the previous homeowners for the beadboard so it would match up. I think the trim paint was a Walmart brand, which we won't use again because it was like skim milk! So thin.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9yTm7LZWXJ0QHZrIp3JpM4Bd0C3IvUQ5WgqnYoEneIoR7fhNvnmjOQfdtOIYEppnMUTcI9ygTM-AaQYR0cphBfrvcP_5sI99G2WTLHMRduKTUmmj6cqUFSmJNI182l2IiTHgXX33Rj8G/s1600/Ava%2527sroom3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9yTm7LZWXJ0QHZrIp3JpM4Bd0C3IvUQ5WgqnYoEneIoR7fhNvnmjOQfdtOIYEppnMUTcI9ygTM-AaQYR0cphBfrvcP_5sI99G2WTLHMRduKTUmmj6cqUFSmJNI182l2IiTHgXX33Rj8G/s400/Ava%2527sroom3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642640953913977458" /></a>
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<br />Here's a close-up of the pretty beadboard, and also a close up of her letters. You can see that the fabric is really crudely ripped and glued on. But I love them and think they look great anyway!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tKkBthU_oNCoMjIZKDreziZvZZnQhf0cse9TgCJMrDIJ_IEJ4htoBNpOGxPWJu_2da5S2d3rs5m8o0sHF4qF8bAPgNx4uOH-Vw5rp5QzJg5RZ6vXsrGto4Ro8Aydtpr8hL2Pxddjl77U/s1600/Ava%2527sroom2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tKkBthU_oNCoMjIZKDreziZvZZnQhf0cse9TgCJMrDIJ_IEJ4htoBNpOGxPWJu_2da5S2d3rs5m8o0sHF4qF8bAPgNx4uOH-Vw5rp5QzJg5RZ6vXsrGto4Ro8Aydtpr8hL2Pxddjl77U/s400/Ava%2527sroom2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642637184580863266" /></a>
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<br />Here's a view of the opposite beadboarded wall. As great as the one wall looked, I really wanted some balance to the room with the beadboard, and not just a random wall that has beadboard on it (that was patching the wallpaper). Thus, more work for my husband, but it really feels balanced now.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p1xuCHVPt21QrMc4UOawiBg03eo5qFWeDqJx2HxPbzxrx3iVIYsFmY7NxK1QTQp0uYAaKkftRh44O6vwmHLATV-0pO1eithQ-n6pt62rsZ-P34OdaYGyjBgwFgbZYeQeC3KYxiLpvz9l/s1600/Ava%2527sroom5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p1xuCHVPt21QrMc4UOawiBg03eo5qFWeDqJx2HxPbzxrx3iVIYsFmY7NxK1QTQp0uYAaKkftRh44O6vwmHLATV-0pO1eithQ-n6pt62rsZ-P34OdaYGyjBgwFgbZYeQeC3KYxiLpvz9l/s400/Ava%2527sroom5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642637601505442626" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNUek5hEXdhT0WDj9FfBV98cbfXGkwU1m4QIgd8-XE5Kv-j7-kREG-4UqLQD4XCG5UTPaHvSjHePQ_TtXedixGquHmZ-UNo3iuyvhKqBhviSAX0mTqmvBSQCcKjyjwWb2385KvvhV6Acz/s1600/ava%2527s+room4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNUek5hEXdhT0WDj9FfBV98cbfXGkwU1m4QIgd8-XE5Kv-j7-kREG-4UqLQD4XCG5UTPaHvSjHePQ_TtXedixGquHmZ-UNo3iuyvhKqBhviSAX0mTqmvBSQCcKjyjwWb2385KvvhV6Acz/s400/ava%2527s+room4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642638069595684466" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy86SDYWCDG5kBpcVzjCGnIxVtAWWve3VWTl-Mu33U9WB5MZuElzmi52iaKo01WqcOiQeWNSxFIX_AEfjX4N1R5eoRAcuhiwVNTkSlnWCfzES_-5okvII3ibLImd06o_5gGauL9tYsGGQB/s1600/Ava%2527s+room6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy86SDYWCDG5kBpcVzjCGnIxVtAWWve3VWTl-Mu33U9WB5MZuElzmi52iaKo01WqcOiQeWNSxFIX_AEfjX4N1R5eoRAcuhiwVNTkSlnWCfzES_-5okvII3ibLImd06o_5gGauL9tYsGGQB/s400/Ava%2527s+room6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642638159424382130" /></a>
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<br />Next up, Asher's room! And hopefully, it won't take me months!
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-9668780048232251902011-08-03T14:19:00.006-05:002011-08-03T15:29:02.006-05:00living room.I've been honing in on my writing style the past few months, and lo and behold, it's actually helped me hone in on my decor style. I do love tweaking the setting of my life, and honestly, it's a wonderful distraction from the rest of my responsibilities. We've recently finished our living room, which is in the same area as our dining and kitchen--another great thing about our new home. Life flows into one setting and back into another easily. Here are a few pics I snapped while my firstborn was out to lunch with her Gigi and the littlest was napping. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj119L6cq6ruKslx3mrlSquaFE5Su8fr2ezNM0aw3-N-8TVLbbmhABDVeE_kKY4ITdJdCDq559Dp0hDnMCYq4zWkC_kQYJMp1VquO81JahJlV6MpFqqCbwPWFg0Swyc-ekQbuuoNJw1_ys/s1600/livingroom1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj119L6cq6ruKslx3mrlSquaFE5Su8fr2ezNM0aw3-N-8TVLbbmhABDVeE_kKY4ITdJdCDq559Dp0hDnMCYq4zWkC_kQYJMp1VquO81JahJlV6MpFqqCbwPWFg0Swyc-ekQbuuoNJw1_ys/s400/livingroom1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636729000810950946" /></a><br /><br />The Jane Austen pillows <a href="http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/silhouette-pillow-tutorial.html">were inspired by the lovely Dear Lillie</a>. I added a green bow to bring in the moss green color from the butterflies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite-EJZgnf9YUoHWSowa1VVZs9v7k_qcafZvdwvVFuWXc7veKhXrAbfmb9mYn3VlDxSVstdR2szs40pWnfdxQ5-c84G62XXKukb17JFx9VausWQBsMm1afPqLOwW-tBY05R4heqncZz2cJ/s1600/livingroom2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite-EJZgnf9YUoHWSowa1VVZs9v7k_qcafZvdwvVFuWXc7veKhXrAbfmb9mYn3VlDxSVstdR2szs40pWnfdxQ5-c84G62XXKukb17JFx9VausWQBsMm1afPqLOwW-tBY05R4heqncZz2cJ/s400/livingroom2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636729158276503682" /></a><br /><br />What could you tell about my current writing project based on my decor? Something gothic, moody, and saturated?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiX0bPIhsSsIM9Vp3mbcWjdFatRDelOxYDTNrCshc9mkBDAIx_TRNvI-Mn0bDYJltVEwN4lH-QVrQFO-COBpvqletSvV0GUg9PycWc2J8INFP8-zsTLHZeSd-nnrK0UFHGvAuY0Ty3M15/s1600/livingroom3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiX0bPIhsSsIM9Vp3mbcWjdFatRDelOxYDTNrCshc9mkBDAIx_TRNvI-Mn0bDYJltVEwN4lH-QVrQFO-COBpvqletSvV0GUg9PycWc2J8INFP8-zsTLHZeSd-nnrK0UFHGvAuY0Ty3M15/s400/livingroom3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636729323331621602" /></a><br /><br /><br />You would be right.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-12577109822962256772011-05-18T00:23:00.004-05:002011-05-26T13:18:46.383-05:00getting your heart where your home is.There are things that I'm good at, and there are things that I'm not. I don't explain why I'm not that great at math; I'm just not. So, when there's formulas to decipher and numbers to record, I (if I can) happily pass along the task, I do.<br /><br />I'm sure there are things you're good at, and things that you aren't.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">But did you know that we can all be good at having people over?</span><br /><br />It's not about having a clean home or even feeling comfortable at others' eyes roving our corners for cobwebs, it's about loving people.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What if your home was actually your heart?</span><br /><br />Obviously, there <span style="font-style:italic;">are</span> dark corners with cobwebs, rooms with doors that will always be closed to non-family members.<br /><br />We don't expect our hearts to be perfect before loving others, so why do we wait until our home is before inviting others over?<br /><br />We've lived here for 3 months, and I'll tell you a little secret.<br /><br />Our house isn't put together after moving at all. I still haven't painted the majority of our walls. We still haven't hung much on them<span style="font-weight:bold;">. But, we have had more people over in the past 3 months than we had in all of last year.</span> B and I decided to take advantage of the "we've just moved in" grace people give you, and hosted a birthday party, desserts, dinners, playdates, and more. <br /><br />And do you know what?<br /><br />It's been awesome. We basked in the presence of others before our house felt "ready." I've kind of enjoyed having less to dust and the room to think about my potential decor...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">but most of all, I've enjoyed letting people in--and in my home, too.</span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-36779423944201198582011-05-09T05:00:00.001-05:002011-05-09T05:00:08.465-05:00At Rescued RemnantI'm over at Rescued Remnant today, a blog of sweet friends, Brad and Carrie. Brad and Carrie are two of the most faithful Christ-followers I know, and I feel incredibly blessed to guestpost for them.<br /><br /> Click on the button to go over to their place, where I used the phrase "dancing in between glory and crap" (You're interested now, aren't you?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rescuedremnant.blogspot.com"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO-hroiZIvCyLQPw1TNgIMm9u9W9rpvfBnhCBDK45zO5LVwW_qMO7TaxDp7iXFhCsN2EUYK8fDtUdDEqsFZDleOExIyNj5wRcKm7AdtjOS-rsjJvL0GxfTPAFaPtf-yZmZgMcW42gvCc/s400/finalselahbutton" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600434678204920706" /></a>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-33338768316360253632011-04-27T13:04:00.005-05:002011-04-27T13:58:42.514-05:00Operation: Postpartum sanity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pilates-trends.com/images/pilates_tops.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 253px;" src="http://www.pilates-trends.com/images/pilates_tops.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pilates-trends.com/pilates_clothing.html">Source </a><br /><br />Friends, if you've had a baby or going to have a baby or even seen a mother in the grocery store with a tiny baby who's about to lose her MIND, you know it's not easy to have a baby. Especially after the fact. You've spent so much time planning for said child that it's easy to forget about yourself. I've been trying to implement a little sanity into my postpartum-ness with the birth of my second and wanted to share some of it with you. Hopefully, this will evolve into something regular, but we'll see. I've got a baby, you know.<br /><br />My first postpartum tip has to do with weight loss, or in my case, the lack thereof. Weight loss with the firstborn was, dare I say it.....easy. This one? Not so much. Weight has made itself comfortable. Weight has been around awhile. Weight is not going anywhere without a fight.<br /><br />However, I don't want to wear maternity stuff and my nursing clothes (upcoming post planned on what kind of clothes are nursing clothes) forever, so what kind of clothes can I really invest in as a stay-at-home mom or weekend warrior mom that don't feel so <span style="font-style:italic;">temporary</span>?<br /><br />Listen up, friends.<br /><br />Workout clothes.<br /><br />What? Yes! They have stretch, are very forgiving (yoga pants), go well with no make-up and a ponytail, and guess what? You can actually WORKOUT in them!<br /><br />And.... I'll admit it, this has been my mommy trick of yore. Whenever I have rolled out of bed, late to the preschool drop-off line, it's not a tee-shirt and running pants kind of look I go for. It's a "I'm just about to dash to pilates" or a "I go to the gym so often they don't even check my membership anymore" kind of look. Maybe I'll make it to the gym. Maybe not. But the point? You will THINK I've already been to the gym (depending on how rough a night it was) or I'm on my way there. <br /><br />And maybe, just maybe, I'll make it there someday.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-52041262804314884252011-04-19T14:33:00.004-05:002011-05-04T14:32:07.576-05:00UPDATE: They're all accounted for!<br /><br />Ya'll, I still have some pinterest invites left to give. And how else will you ignore work, laundry, and your offspring? <br /><br />If you do sign up for pinterest, you will have to wait for an invite, which can take upwards of three years. Alright, maybe two weeks. But with my invite, you can INSTANTLY enjoy "pinning" recipes while the hungry people in your household ask where dinner is. <br /><br />Anyway, my point is, ask me! I'm giving them AWAY.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-35918278029887969082011-04-18T14:37:00.004-05:002011-04-18T14:55:10.927-05:00pinterestSurely you've heard about <a href="http://www.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a>, right? I would describe it as a visual way of organizing your bookmarks...and the best part is, you get to see other people's bookmarks/ideas/cool things of note. Here's <a href="http://pinterest.com/alisonfrenzel/">mine</a>, and I definitely haven't made a dent in it yet. But already, I could spend hours on it pinning more stuff and looking at others' pins.<br /><br />But don't you have enough to do, what with tweeting and linking in and poking (who does that on facebook anyway? what purpose does it serve?)?<br /><br />Yes, you do. <br /><br />But here are some reasons I love it, and why you should add it to your social networking repertoire..<br /><br />--it's a VISUAL way of seeing everything you've already bookmarked. I am always bookmarking some clever idea from a blog, and then it gets lost with all my other bookmarks. With pinterest, I can glance at through them at once.<br /><br />--very helpful if you're wanting to define your style, whether for yourself or your home. It's the "know it when you see it" philosophy, which is from my marketing days. Clients may not know what they want until they see it. Same with you, right? You know you love that bedroom and that one, too--but now that you can pin them and see them side by side, you see that you really just love lots of white bedding with a dark wall. Interesting, hmmmm?<br /><br />--I'm nosy. What do you like? Me too! You can follow others pins and they can follow yours. It's one big shopping/brainstorming session without the gas.<br /><br />If you're on it, I'd love to follow you. If you're not, I have 5 invitations to give. Message me in the comments your email addy, and I'll send an invite your way!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-79788096972380095602011-04-17T20:35:00.006-05:002011-04-17T21:24:11.569-05:00Deathly Hallows-styleB and I finally got to watch the most recent Harry Potter since it had come out a mere few days after Asher was born. It was great, but I was delightedly distracted by the cool 1940s/Urban Outfitters style throughout it, which is a bit of a departure than the other films' more Gothic feel.<br /><br />Love the style of Ron's parents' house shown here...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2010/11/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-goodbye.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 300px;" src="http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2010/11/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-goodbye.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Doesn't this remind you of Nazi propoganda?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://imcunningham.edublogs.org/files/2011/01/Picture-90-15tgre4-300x157-1ivldi7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 157px;" src="http://imcunningham.edublogs.org/files/2011/01/Picture-90-15tgre4-300x157-1ivldi7.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Fleur's wedding dress was amazing (and apparently somewhat of a scandal in my online search of it, as it was almost an exact copy of one of Alexander McQueen's)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbV3jD_fRCvGdT4qg06oaiLxQb0U8qxfczm3ptF395njvED4b9shzZ6qPRopIGEcELOhM4fXzh2vEQ6iQcthds2fCayP_-p0MNBST3OsbTY_-9NqIW5TWNRmVlZV4GWKseoIOYN5FPnO/s1600/wedding.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbV3jD_fRCvGdT4qg06oaiLxQb0U8qxfczm3ptF395njvED4b9shzZ6qPRopIGEcELOhM4fXzh2vEQ6iQcthds2fCayP_-p0MNBST3OsbTY_-9NqIW5TWNRmVlZV4GWKseoIOYN5FPnO/s400/wedding.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596740666398088530" /></a><br /><br />Remember when I promised you the results of Operation De-Wallpaper? <br /><br />I promise that I will have them soon--we're just chipping away at this project as much as we can without going crazy.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-31862283893585763672011-04-07T13:26:00.005-05:002011-04-07T14:20:02.983-05:00live dangerously-invite people over.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMmLIxir3-SQx02XKZBjK3b9ygp0Yv5CwzGNidr1YgU496_kaX2MqiAdyFSaX1fT62NJ6u0MOeuMXhuX53llMADIhmOPtULGSxYjJLYHSDMb3XadB_C6vzXYuwJlDESnBHtcDa0QOOeFI/s1600/blogpic.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMmLIxir3-SQx02XKZBjK3b9ygp0Yv5CwzGNidr1YgU496_kaX2MqiAdyFSaX1fT62NJ6u0MOeuMXhuX53llMADIhmOPtULGSxYjJLYHSDMb3XadB_C6vzXYuwJlDESnBHtcDa0QOOeFI/s400/blogpic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592910459657256482" /></a><br /><br />Why is it that having people over seems so hard?<br /><br />Is it because you have to clean, plan, and sacrifice that time that could be for yourself or your family? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Does it often seem more of a burden than a blessing? </span><br /><br />Hosting is often like dealing with conflict in friendships. It's a chance to go deeper, either with grace or with disaster. B and I once hosted a couple where the husband got sick in the middle of their visit and had to leave. Sadly, we were never able to connect with this couple again. Instead, it became an awkward situation when we saw them around town--maybe they were embarrassed, or perhaps we didn't handle the situation better. <br /><br />But, honestly? That's life. <br /><br />You mess up. <br />People get sick. <br />People will bring over germs and get you sick. <br />Kids will spill things on your carpet. <br />Your stuff might get messed up--maybe even broken.<br /><br />Which leads me to your heart. <span style="font-weight:bold;">It could get broken too.</span> <br /><br />People might not have a good time.<br />They might think your decor is tacky. <br />They might think your house smells bad. (one of my worst fears--especially when you're in your house all day and you have no idea that the trash reeks!) <br />Your child might have a potty accident. <br />Their child might have a potty accident. <br /><br />They could leave and never talk to you again.<br /><br />I'm going to be honest. <span style="font-weight:bold;">It could all happen. </span><br /><br />But the risk is worth it; I truly believe it is. I'm working on being braver--letting people see the reality of my life in my home. That my laundry room is a disaster. My kids sometimes have meltdowns. My food doesn't always taste good. I'm incredibly clumsy. And even more.<br /><br />But, like I receive grace from a Great God, I'm also want to give it. He loves me despite my messes, so I want to invite others into my real life in hopes that that they would <span style="font-weight:bold;">find refuge in the imperfections</span>. The reality is, I cannot stop my life to invite people into my home, so why not invite them along?<br /><br />People could love spending time with you.<br />They could rave about your food and ask for the recipe.<br />Your kids could charm your guests with their adorableness and talents.<br />They could ask you where you got that yummy-smelling candle that makes your home smell so good.<br />Nobody would have a potty accident, including you.<br /><br />But most importantly, they could feel <span style="font-weight:bold;">at home <span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>because everything is not perfect, and yet, you honor their visit by engaging them about their life and offering them the chance to be a part of yours.<br /><br />It's a dangerous thing to let people cross your threshold.<span style="font-weight:bold;"> Are you so bold?</span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-44871383037129940762011-04-05T13:21:00.008-05:002011-05-26T16:30:42.306-05:00Alas, it's wallpaper and drywallIt started as a normal day.<br /><br />B was going to spend a few hours painting A's room the beautiful blue (Benjamin Moore's Habor Fog) we had in our last home, and I was going to entertain the children.<br /><br />Sidenote: Don't you think he got the better job? I kept knocking on the door and picking up a paint brush, but he was on to my plan of "helping." (helping myself to a break, har, har.)<br /><br />Back to the room. Paint rollers smoothed on that pretty blue. The sun shone. Birds chirped. My son spit up. There was a wall that we knew we'd have to address. It was covered in wallpaper, but we just did a little spitzing of wallpaper-removing gel and a scourer and-easy, right?<br /><br /> No. <br /><br />NOTHING. <br /><br />That wallpaper would not remove! Finally, we managed to peel away a corner to reveal that the previous homeowners had wallpapered their beautiful floral wallpaper DIRECTLY TO THE DRYWALL.<br /><br />*heart beats fast as I scratch frantically against the wallpaper*<br /><br />"Perhaps just paint it over with paint," you say?<br /><br />Well, that would be a great solution, had there not been one wall with the wallpaper and the others weren't textured, but alas.<br /><br />"Perhaps, just call in a professional and get it textured," you say? Not in our budget, alas again.<br /><br /> Here are the pics I took with my phone. Please note that I did not do any editing; it's just that scary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfGkQj6zbCaqT-4SR84Y_CkQqqjh9JoSfLGOKQOdtNlxHcZnifN5-VMiUIBTEssas7HQPwNqy-8QaajFlPq_zU3hS3T3qYheiWCdIgH97gyXjaOFDxHbszbiX7gxpE75Scy8T9K5aPt2U/s1600/photo-29.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfGkQj6zbCaqT-4SR84Y_CkQqqjh9JoSfLGOKQOdtNlxHcZnifN5-VMiUIBTEssas7HQPwNqy-8QaajFlPq_zU3hS3T3qYheiWCdIgH97gyXjaOFDxHbszbiX7gxpE75Scy8T9K5aPt2U/s400/photo-29.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592172906023496914" /></a><br /><br /><br />You can see here that we did try to paint over it just to see what it would look like.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTAlaxnd76DAh8adUNu9aE7B1alsP_7fLSoZgBoEIfY0e1z4LYMOUhPi9XRl7GBSwxA5FkFHpx2GI2WSuGwvKT0U6w4QMmH96GkvoHa0bNO-N0ESkLUnNy0jQPdbZ60Y3r9g3Pd7q8RaT/s1600/photo-30.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTAlaxnd76DAh8adUNu9aE7B1alsP_7fLSoZgBoEIfY0e1z4LYMOUhPi9XRl7GBSwxA5FkFHpx2GI2WSuGwvKT0U6w4QMmH96GkvoHa0bNO-N0ESkLUnNy0jQPdbZ60Y3r9g3Pd7q8RaT/s400/photo-30.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592174298913523634" /></a><br /><br />"What did you do?" you say? <br /><br />Well, I will show you once it's done. Let's just say that B went to Lowe's, and it turned into a not-so-normal day. But I kinda like those days, you know?<br /><br />Update, soon, I promise!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-79740286822524060832011-03-28T14:45:00.002-05:002011-03-28T14:55:17.236-05:00I always have big plans to blog and then some little person living here wakes up from a nap ( a snooze when it has a time limit of 10 minutes) or screams because she ripped her paperdoll in two. Do you have any idea of the terror that's involved when one rips a paperdoll? Because I do. And it sounds lot like someone just walked in the aftermath of a terrible crime, NOT just a regular discovery that the paper playtoy that you've been playing with for an hour has a little tear on the corner of her foot.<br /><br />Anyway.<br /><br />We are now a month into our new home, and I've had lots of decorating done.....in my mind.<br /><br />Slow and steady wins the race, or in our case, the budget-conscious, sleep-deprived mommy.<br /><br />When people start sleeping around here, I'd love to tell you more about our new home, heck, I may even toss a few "before" picture to motivate myself.<br /><br />Someday.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-74694445499119152402011-03-05T14:15:00.002-06:002011-03-05T14:18:20.867-06:00so sweet!This wedding video just warmed my heart today! Such great style and you could see how smitten they were with each other. Enjoy!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14182488?byline=0&portrait=0&color=919191" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14182488">Adam & Eve</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1812534">dolly</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-36474547949207978552011-03-04T14:31:00.010-06:002011-05-26T16:29:48.648-05:00I went to Target today, and it was proven that regardless of what Target you go to, shopping there is similar to a sugar high. Euphoric at first, and then the crash comes soon after when you're aimlessly pushing a cartload of stuff around in circles second-guessing not only your purchases, but your entire decor--perhaps existence, even-- in general. <br /><br />How modern do I want to go?<br /><br />Does this look eclectic or just badly placed? <br /><br />Do I buy one really loved expensive purchase or ten okay inexpensive ones? <br /><br />Does that guy work here or is he just wearing a red shirt?<br /><br />Oy.<br /><br />I knew Littlest A would be the best shopping buddy when he did not abandon me after my 5th turn around the bath mats, although he did finally fall asleep from exhaustion. However, I can't say I blame him. All that was on my lists were rugs for our home and some drum shades to update our lamps in the bedroom, but I managed to spend 2 hours there.<br /><br />But why stop at just 2 hours? Let's ogle at them all over again!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.target.com/Room-Essentials-Starburst-Area-Rug/dp/B003JBZ8JA/ref=sc_qi_detaillink">Starburst Rug<br /></a> (Loving this one--I may have to go back and get it)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW9iDP4XGoKaYzcvUNBcVc-tAARzV1hwWjomCwgWSeF2jC27lMnUda5zh47TtvPQgeR6rR66WsNliMdSIRJkvn33qFuI13VFyD-K4FdN8-C2WkoKY1DWSRq-fKx594HQkgGgEten8y_jF/s1600/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-45-51.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW9iDP4XGoKaYzcvUNBcVc-tAARzV1hwWjomCwgWSeF2jC27lMnUda5zh47TtvPQgeR6rR66WsNliMdSIRJkvn33qFuI13VFyD-K4FdN8-C2WkoKY1DWSRq-fKx594HQkgGgEten8y_jF/s400/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-45-51.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580348431095703634" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.target.com/Home-Medallion-Wool-Shag-Rug/dp/B003SNYPWA/ref=br_1_23?ie=UTF8&id=Home%20Medallion%20Wool%20Shag%20Rug&node=2086071011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-23&qid=1299275268&rh=&searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cpattern_name-bin%2Citem_shape%2Cmaterial_type%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1">Home Medallion Rug</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwofdy35keuK4BkttluFxbRHvukRJ5bx7-ttfvpFzHKwSxNQPuJLMaWbugsHccerU4lK_WnGJZmfaECstTcjc9wXwE5IKspYnZ3G4gdGBhouemXAvaI0ucIkBVIYNoZTOCNBPS78iCl-KS/s1600/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-49-44.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwofdy35keuK4BkttluFxbRHvukRJ5bx7-ttfvpFzHKwSxNQPuJLMaWbugsHccerU4lK_WnGJZmfaECstTcjc9wXwE5IKspYnZ3G4gdGBhouemXAvaI0ucIkBVIYNoZTOCNBPS78iCl-KS/s400/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-49-44.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580345657996132242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.target.com/Target-Home-Dream-Bath-Rug/dp/B0043RKK10/ref=br_1_26?ie=UTF8&id=Target%20Home%20Dream%20Bath%20Rug&node=14101441&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=2&sr=1-26&qid=1299275957&rh=target_com_primary_color-bin%3ABrown&searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin%2Cmaterial_type%2Cpattern_name-bin%2Citem_styling&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1">Home Dream Rug</a><br /><br />I picked this one to go with my shower curtain that's in our main bath.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxkhMz-gnIkMJCPWVScnBrOzXr38Bn-HwA2Qv7eS9hwtSiciD-ZW-niBiZ_QCFHlCEXRvPsvVQrRSTXJWs9gD7rmdM-pHEqOn9xDYtf2waOQlxw__nmCHo6UNWlrXqqUK6Lsh2QV3xAPp/s1600/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-59-50.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 367px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxkhMz-gnIkMJCPWVScnBrOzXr38Bn-HwA2Qv7eS9hwtSiciD-ZW-niBiZ_QCFHlCEXRvPsvVQrRSTXJWs9gD7rmdM-pHEqOn9xDYtf2waOQlxw__nmCHo6UNWlrXqqUK6Lsh2QV3xAPp/s400/Snapshot+2011-03-04+15-59-50.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580348144492674306" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCmkrjWU5wOxWOfgY61txKFZb8tt6qWFXWtvVzkyPFjlW7ek7CQ44JlPEZqW_AkV8Y2ewXqm0kDtUKtg60NMAIe27aAkPnQ0kuz1D3WiIqgypDlPSWk4pGaZNoE3pk-IYTR73U9hxCaKv/s1600/Snapshot+2011-03-04+16-06-56.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCmkrjWU5wOxWOfgY61txKFZb8tt6qWFXWtvVzkyPFjlW7ek7CQ44JlPEZqW_AkV8Y2ewXqm0kDtUKtg60NMAIe27aAkPnQ0kuz1D3WiIqgypDlPSWk4pGaZNoE3pk-IYTR73U9hxCaKv/s400/Snapshot+2011-03-04+16-06-56.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580349862788479922" /></a><br /><br /><br />I got this one for the kitchen doorway off the garage. It was super inexpensive, but the geometric print made it feel like it had a little "extra."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_U4unStI7_44yV3gQXRy2BgCA2goXaTDPy3YA84uX0o5nIGHC8CeMbGEhIsCBQoVMXPnIlyB6ygDyEhuuVuDTOFITF2ulfJHNtTqu4aBmJLhJOBmr4aztgHVpVMIwAIDo8FrTZ2vFkEk/s1600/Snapshot+2011-03-04+16-13-31.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_U4unStI7_44yV3gQXRy2BgCA2goXaTDPy3YA84uX0o5nIGHC8CeMbGEhIsCBQoVMXPnIlyB6ygDyEhuuVuDTOFITF2ulfJHNtTqu4aBmJLhJOBmr4aztgHVpVMIwAIDo8FrTZ2vFkEk/s400/Snapshot+2011-03-04+16-13-31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580351595797094242" /></a>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-78009025468525365242011-03-03T16:53:00.004-06:002011-05-26T16:29:22.213-05:00We've moved, ya'll! And we're almost unpacked and enjoying all of our space ever so much. Right now I'm typing this from our family room enjoying the breeze that's coming in from the dining area. What's key about this experience is the BREEZE. Dear, owner of our old rental, why did you paint the windows shut? <br /><br />Anyways, what's also exciting about our new home is that the Littlest A gets his very own room in which to nap and otherwise grow up in. I've been planning this room in my mind so long that I'm giddy with excitement! What to start with first?<br /><br />Perhaps with his name?<br /><br />In lue of letters above the crib that are everywhere, I decided to order an inexpensive canvas from <a href="http://canvaspeople.com">Canvas People</a> with this picture that my fab sister-in-law, Jessica, took on one of our living room chairs a few weeks after he was born. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkHtni3_72qSOXc88iGKq-leyHKMwnTox-DVThDErMmJHNohaYlVhqAlFHKmFvuibmUW8luZFUScoxkRMHLu8kUO4jFeCRiwjilX4lpxCLZJrp_N1XGC6ytZ8JdmCpsHRpwSL1jf17DQn/s1600/DSC_0007-2.editedcopy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkHtni3_72qSOXc88iGKq-leyHKMwnTox-DVThDErMmJHNohaYlVhqAlFHKmFvuibmUW8luZFUScoxkRMHLu8kUO4jFeCRiwjilX4lpxCLZJrp_N1XGC6ytZ8JdmCpsHRpwSL1jf17DQn/s400/DSC_0007-2.editedcopy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580059460446597826" /></a><br />I ordered a 16 x 20 from Canvas People--and yes, it will be BIG. But, I figure a canvas is much more fall-friendly, so we might as well make it big! Plus, Canvas People is <a href="http://www.canvaspeople.com/freegift">super inexpensive</a>.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more boy nursery developments!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-73251044199890772362011-02-13T13:59:00.006-06:002011-02-13T14:23:26.527-06:00with a knick knack....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmdSxsg2ujTNGXFVPVEaS4wpFs_iBPTJ5ZSfea9TEnNG_M618rvSxsmyun8gqnw__rn3L6E_B_NHGFu-xlJhuP4DQ_nI8euoK_3KUtIO7zAtyewOakZMM0ojLMFUomfde7dTVr0kpmmPZ/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmdSxsg2ujTNGXFVPVEaS4wpFs_iBPTJ5ZSfea9TEnNG_M618rvSxsmyun8gqnw__rn3L6E_B_NHGFu-xlJhuP4DQ_nI8euoK_3KUtIO7zAtyewOakZMM0ojLMFUomfde7dTVr0kpmmPZ/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573271196684818978" /></a><br />Lately, I've come to terms that I'm a recovering "but-it's-only-$3.99!" and "how cheap can we furnish this place?" decorator. This may have come into perspective when we were quoting movers and one of them remarked that we had a lot of knick-knacks, so that would up their packing time. After he left, I then cornered B into analyzing that remark with "but we don't have a lot of knick-knacks" and "we live in a small house! if you put several things in a small house, of course that can seem overwhelming" to "do you really think we have a lot of STUFF? We don't buy a lot and we are always having yard sales!"<br /><br />I continued on until I noticed that B was ignoring me and tending to other activities such as GETTING US READY TO MOVE.<br /><br />I know, where are his priorities, right?<br /><br />However, lately I've looked at all of my knick-knack-patty-whacks and agreed that they were beautiful and a "great deal" but I didn't love all of them. This includes furniture, in which I don't love the pattern, color, or fabric. Most of them were simply bought because they were goshdarnsocheap, cute, and would fill a space. They didn't have a history with me, and I found that I would have easily given them away or sold them to get something I really liked. Which....turns out to not be such a great deal in the end, right?<br /><br />We close on our new house this week, and we delightedly discovered that when you move out of the city, you get more space--not only to run, but to live in, too. Our new house has lots of space for knick-knacks, yard sale furniture, and more. But this time, we're telling ourselves it's okay to live in empty rooms--we're not going to rush out to furnish it with pennies and some "ehhh" stuff. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm determined that we can WAIT for the things we love--to afford them and to find them!</span> <br /><br />Oh, and we're planning one mean garage sale this spring. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The picture above is actually the knick-knackiest place in our current house--the mantel--and it also happens to be my favorite part of our home. So, you know, it's all relative.</span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-64480963989822253472011-02-09T22:05:00.010-06:002011-05-26T16:28:34.676-05:00Sew. I Did It.I've been following a noteworthy, creative blog, <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/">Grograin Fabulous,</a> lately, who is posting a series called The Top 10 Big Ticket Items Every DIYer Should Own. <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-big-ticket-items-every-diyer.html">One of them</a>, the sewing machine, had always been an intimidating tool for me. I grew up watching my mom and grandmother discuss sewing and "how easy it is." My mom sewed a couple of outfits for me and even my flowergirls; dresses and firstborn's bedding. My first job out of college, I toured my company's factory and watched a slew of women sewing products with amazing speed. I wanted to learn and didn't know where to start...it's an intimidating hobby to take on...is this just me who thinks this? It's like Crafting Level Tier 1 or something, right?<br /><br />Well, I blog to bring you good news. Last year, I somehow taught myself to sew via YouTube videos on how to thread my machine and learned basic techniques by studying geniuses like <a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/">Ruffles and Stuff.</a> It CAN be done--I don't know how I learned or picked up stuff, but it wasn't as hard as I perceived it to be! Now, I have a lot to learn and would appreciate it if no one looks too closely at my stitching (or lack thereof), but, friends, I sew. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi1EzSK2k13sxUWE_amroZU8uD_KIQrE-ruOuNfbC7kJBFSUEMK7EYrfWuUQJQeZWnNjtp1aP7i148NS8GzZcwLrXZMlJErLliUE6Mw_FZTah1LVfEjUoW3KxORjdhSJ-ziK4WqEjpOQ7/s1600/51mGGOzcVcL-1._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi1EzSK2k13sxUWE_amroZU8uD_KIQrE-ruOuNfbC7kJBFSUEMK7EYrfWuUQJQeZWnNjtp1aP7i148NS8GzZcwLrXZMlJErLliUE6Mw_FZTah1LVfEjUoW3KxORjdhSJ-ziK4WqEjpOQ7/s200/51mGGOzcVcL-1._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572532345428388226" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago, my friend, Steph, told me about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Girls-Big-Style-Boutique/dp/1607051885">Little Girls, Big Style</a>. I got the book off of Amazon and decided to try the most basic of patterns in the book--a bodice and ruffle pants. I've been wanting to make ruffle pants for awhile for A-- they are so cute and feel a little Eastern to me for some reason....especially when he had some on with her Tiny Toms the other day. I would love to make some with a denim-type fabric and think they would be super cute with a tie as a belt around the waist instead of elastic. The pants were not difficult and more of a capri-style (I would do a longer style next time), but the bodice was another kind of animal. Lining, straps, and BUTTONHOLES that nearly sent me over the edge. Let's just say that I'll be taking a break from making anything more complicated from the book for awhile (I should anyway, though, right? I'm about to MOVE, people!). And, I feel like I should note that I respect sewers anymore after I sewed this "BASIC bodice" and "BASIC ruffle pants." <br /><br />Anyways, with much wailing and gnashing of teeth and a couple of days where we were stuck in the house because it had snowed, here we are! The style is a little more girly than A wears--and I may eliminate the bottom ruffle of the bodice next time, but hey, I sewed this! Myself! It's been reserved as the "Valentine's Day outfit" but she loves it and kept dancing around the room after I took this picture. So worth it after seeing her love it so much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAof5G486mSxtn87OlSNWNHcSrxNzw61toSqvkUbSJ2bz-mGYnKBGQybT5pVp4M_ZbG9KoGWwL_CjKtJuBNUIxgLCo2OhTB6FASi1KriF04sYVmZhzPZlopjcvc2LIAos1F55F4KGW8mgH/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAof5G486mSxtn87OlSNWNHcSrxNzw61toSqvkUbSJ2bz-mGYnKBGQybT5pVp4M_ZbG9KoGWwL_CjKtJuBNUIxgLCo2OhTB6FASi1KriF04sYVmZhzPZlopjcvc2LIAos1F55F4KGW8mgH/s400/IMG_7962.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572539274486637106" /></a><br /><br />Whew. Now I'm going to go take a nap. <br /><br />Sidenote: Check out my talented <a href="http://baileylanephotography.com/m-y-h-o-m-e/guest-bedroom-come-and-see-or-stay.html"> sister-in-law'</a>s darling sewing nook. I shamelessly pat myself on the back a little because I taught her how to sew after I taught myself!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-63442318600434844012011-01-17T16:25:00.001-06:002011-05-26T16:27:46.874-05:00I'm still letting this new year settle in....some people claim words for their years (Courage, Joy, Peace), but me, I'm more cautious.<br /><br />Last year, although joyous with the birth of my newest, was a challenge. I felt like it was a struggle and sympathize even more with my daughter when she is disappointed.<br /><br />Mostly, because this past year did not look like I thought it might.<br /><br />B and I had set out for last year to be the year of my writing. I was free to hole myself up in Starbucks on 7th street during A's preschool to write the story we both created. He had dreamed it one night, and my mind jumped in it like a game of Double Dutch. We were writing a story that we both loved, and I had set out to write 80,000 words of it.<br /><br />Only a 1,000 were written, and they were hard, rough draft words with empty, transparent characters. <br /><br />Over time, I stopped seeing these characters' faces, started running errands during my writing time, and then got pregnant and craved sleep instead of creativity during that time. <br /><br />My writing felt silly and something along the lines of a life of luxury...who has time to write when there is a baby to be molded and shaped? Or a medical deductible to meet?<br /><br />So I had to pick up my clients again and work with their rough draft words. I helped mold and shape them and observed the fruition of crisp, hardbound books from their words.<br /><br />Jealous, tired, and weighty. <br /><br />These were the words for <span style="font-style:italic;">me.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />My words on this blog came to a halt too. I became more self-concious and worried about the importance of them. <br /><br />So I kept them to myself.<br /><br />This year, I'm trying to be realistic, but also dream a little, too. My arms are full with a child who sqaucks and coo, there are chores to be done, and other children to be corrected, but I'm still positive....and cautiously excited about a home that's to be ours soon with its very own office for my writing.<br /><br />Perhaps this will be the year of words?<br /><br />I hope so.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-75184895220965585282010-12-31T07:26:00.004-06:002011-05-26T16:27:06.418-05:00everyone should have their own Pioneer WomanWe had a regular 'ole "we got too much" Christmas around here, so while we exert the strength of a thousand men trying to open Barbie boxes (can someone answer me as to why this is so difficult?), I have to showcase my friend, Nicole, whose family got some special <a href="http://chasingasquirrel.blogspot.com/2010/12/it-smells-like-goat-around-here.html">someones</a> for their Christmas. I met Nicole when she was adorned with her regular cardigan and pearls, but had no idea of her adorable farm-life in the making, which still includes pearls, but also the addition of cute work boots. Her 3-year-old, Annie Pearl (I know, can you believe what an adorable name that is?) is just like her, with tenacity, classiness, and personality plus. A and I, otherwise known to them as city mice, went this summer to their home in "the country," and while A ran from the chickens in terror, I flopped around in the heat, miserable and pregnant. Needless to say, we embarrassed ourselves, and Annie Pearl was less than impressed with the friends her mother brings around. We're hoping for a second chance soon because A's "we habbent visiting Hannie Pearl in 'while" melts me. Nicole brought me an incredible meal after we had Littlest A that included her homemade jam, and I am savoring every last morsel of it. I think everyone should have their own Pioneer Woman in their life, but if you can't, you should read Nicole's blog, <a href="http://www.chasingasquirrel.blogspot.com/">Chasing One Squirrel at a Time</a>.<br /><br />In other news, my son likes to play with my hopes and dreams by sleeping through the night (10pm-4am) one night and getting up every two hours the next.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-14853262035054700652010-12-21T13:19:00.002-06:002010-12-21T14:44:31.482-06:00There's something precious about finding fellowship with Mary as a mother during this season. I am stretched thin with giving in every regard, as<a href="http://aholyexperience.com"> Ann Voskamp</a> so elegantly puts it--"like a pregnant belly." I remember my own belly that was pulled taut and itchy with anticipation only weeks ago. Now my son is here as well as our joy that came with him, but the work has just begun. I am a night owl by duty (not choice), keeping watch with little Asher. We hear the passerbys of other night owls' cars and wonder what their story is....why they are out late or early...and where is that line between the two anyway? I have no mornings because I really do not have nights. I am a mother to a newborn with an awake and energetic 3 year old, and.... there truly is no rest for the weary. <br /><br />Thank goodness that His burden is light.<br /><br />So I sit and feed, bound by my tiny son's hunger, and I can't help but wonder if it is God's intent that we slow down as mamas and marvel at it all. At the speedy creation of a new soul in only 9 months, at the ability for our own bodies to continue on in provision for their gaping mouths. I wonder if Mary kept watch with her Baby Jesus... hoping that those passerbys were kindred spirits to her hope. Did they murmur a "do you know what I know?" to their friends and family back at their homes? Did unknowing strangers show her mercy as a new mother? Did she cry with the awe of it all when he peacefully slept, all the while keeping watch over her... keeping watch over Him?<br /><br />It is a mystery this Gift we've been given; one that I don't even pretend to understand as I fumble in the dark toward morning...feeding, hoping, listening.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948996522018004681.post-40112134257602222272010-11-29T16:25:00.005-06:002011-05-26T16:26:01.726-05:00Newness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTz1KuujRcfz_2S98Q8mM7QC5I-VnCfUwv_7TR-scYvkW1k92Ml2R51JIz52V9bks_wugpD_0LsgQTte_hsRfU8pfLPSIStcC1iLsooiACM5uXk9fhgEkXivR1cNxzs71N0hKGhyphenhyphenAS6zY/s1600/all+smiles.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTz1KuujRcfz_2S98Q8mM7QC5I-VnCfUwv_7TR-scYvkW1k92Ml2R51JIz52V9bks_wugpD_0LsgQTte_hsRfU8pfLPSIStcC1iLsooiACM5uXk9fhgEkXivR1cNxzs71N0hKGhyphenhyphenAS6zY/s200/all+smiles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545101699728678946" /></a><br />I long to see the back of my eyelids these days, but at the same time, I cannot keep myself from staring at my son's sweet face. Littlest A entered the word on a rainy Friday, Nov. 12th at exactly 10am. Laboring this little guy was anything but non-eventful, and B and I have laughed several times since then recalling the amount of "we'renotdoingthisagain" I whisper-yelled at him through the contractions (let's just say that epidural was not, in fact, my friend, as previously thought).<br /><br />Anyways, this little guy has proven to be sweetness personified, as well as a medical marvel by managing to score an ear infection from the hospital and wowing medical professionals all around. He's also very gifted in his sensitivity with somehow developing "real tears," which makes for a very pitiful and sad cry. <br /><br />Somehow, I flip from wanting it all to slow down to wishing these crazy first months away just so I can have the energy and sleep to actually relish in him, but at the same time, I'm just praying through our moments. We're definitely living moment-to-moment around here. Some are good, some are bad, and some....are really bad.;)<br /><br />To expedite this post (because I'm probably needing to actually nap while I can), I do want to share in a bit of news. B accepted a new job as the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries at a Waco church, and we will be moving (!!!) in February. This decision has been really difficult, but in the end, we've felt peace about it. I can't believe we're actually moving AGAIN, but at the same time, our tiny home is feeling a leeeeetle snug with our new addition. I'm thankful that we do get to experience Christmas in it, however. We've haphazardly decorated with our tree already, and the star on top is somehow managing to stay crooked no matter how much we tweak it. I'm feeling a little like that as a mother, though--trying to lead my littles to Christ all the while feeling very, very human. <br /><br />Thank goodness for grace. <br />And silent nights that eventually come (they have to, right?). <br />And for Jesus, who begins right where we end.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448112841731507360noreply@blogger.com7