Late Night Birthday Action

Get your minds out of the gutter, kids.
Can't a cute kiddo wish his one and only Grandpa a happy, happy day already?

This is what happens when Momma bursts in with a camera, a stuffed Shakespeare doll, and a piece of paper when The Sheriff wakes up. I think he enjoyed the experience, no?

Just A Little DIY with the Mama

When Becky posted about a monthly DIY I got all giddy inside. I love being crafty, but often don't put the necessary pressure on myself to get it done, so a deadline and theme (provided by Becky) was the perfect mix for me to spend too much money at go toddler free to Hobby Lobby, grab some materials, and get crafty.

The afternoon would only have been better with my Pito Ali (whose birthday it was by the way) and a drive-thru daiquiri (ahem--Pink Panty Dropper--scandalous!), but I had a wonderful Saturday afternoon starting some projects while the hubs caught up on 40-odd something episodes of The Wire. Good luck with that. For the gamblers, let's take bets on who finished our respective "projects" first. I've only got a few things done, but it's enough to share. Baby steps. Baby steps.

One project I really wanted to finish was a DIY "I love you because.." frame that's floating around Pinterest. It's not enough for me to use the printout and a regular frame. Nope, not going to settle.
I bought all of the necessary materials and now (Monday afternoon) am all armed with my spray paint and embellishments and (in my best Sawyer from Lost voice) Sonofabitch! The dang frame doesn't have glass which defeats the purpose just a tad right? Guess who needs another trip to Michaels and free weekend afternoon?

Moving on to some success.  I had to make the most of my time so I got my craft face on for some DIY LOVE!

I first went for some pizzazz provided by Every Creative Endeavor. The finished product is below. I love it, but I'm just not sure where I want to put it year after year. I think we need a couple of Valentine mailboxes to put on the shelf as well as seen here for sweet notes to each other. Or perhaps someone will bring home roses or chocolates or candles or maybe just a heartfelt card.... ahem. Kidding husband. I'm not so much into the whole flower thing, so diamonds will be just fine. ;)

The original site has great play-by-play instructions, but here are mine:

I grabbed these letters from Hobby Lobby for 1.99 a piece (I think. They might have been cheaper.). I placed the letters touching each other and sealed them with hot glue. 

However, they aren't too stable that way. ECE used a short staple gun to connect, but apparently the one at our home only houses large staples and when I asked the hubs if we had a smaller one, he said, "We have a stapler." Thank hon. So I improvised with lots of hot glue. This may or may not last very long!

And then I took the kids outside to play.  Oh hi Glitter Blast fun! 

As directed, I applied a red coat first to hide any brown. The glitter spray is pretty awesome, but you might want to do a test pass over some cardboard first to get in a groove. It came out pretty quickly and my coats are a bit uneven. 

And here they are all finished and with my other endeavor:

How sweet is this tiny banner! I'm a terrible blogger because I can't find the site where I found them! If anyone is interested, let me know and I can search some more.

The pictures aren't the best, but I can't wait for our little Valentine's nook to grow!

In other news, I FINALLY took on some of our growing collection of corks and made monogram for our front shelf or really anywhere I can find a place for it.

Juts a few of the corks we have. 

 I bought an extra "L" when I purchased those for the L-O-V-E sign and lined up my corks and went to work with the hot glue gun. So simple.

And there you have it.

 I cannot wait to see everyone's craft! I better carve out some blog hopping time for Tuesday night! Go check it out!

Fun With Our Phones

Linking up with Savannah and Ashlee today for some phone picture fun. I have a boatload of pics on the old phone and haven't plugged in in quite a while because, well, let's just say clumsy over here has managed to drop both my laptop and cell phone in a matter of 3 weeks. And my clumsy I mean me, not the toddler. He's semi-coordinated. Me on the other hand, not so much. 

I'll just share a few favorite things I've managed to capture:

A dishwasher full of coffee cups means company--my mom's favorite! 

My favorite smile

Dancing is always a classic

Birthday favorites from a friend

A much needed date night duo

Toddler TV watching feet

Current favorite toy

Peeking out from the pillows on momma's bed--2nd favorite activity 

Want to play? Grab your phone, download some pics, tell us about them and link up!

Mopping -- A Rant

Dear Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Super Twist Mop,

Wow! What a name! Surely with the name Joe Blow in Marketing has given you, you would have mopped my floor yourself with the snap of a finger. But alas, we are not having this discussion to praise your touted abilities.

First, let's just say that mopping happens during toddler nap time. If you are unfamiliar with toddlers, I'll explain.
A. You don't leave buckets of water around.
B. Their name unlike yours, is in fact apt. They toddler. This means they are clumsy as heck. At least mine is. A wet floor plus one of these is recipe for a disaster and a trip to the ER probably for said toddler and momma who also fell trying to avert the attention of the little fella from wet surfaces.

That all being said, nap time, unlike the road and the party, does not go on forever and indeed ends. (Bonus points if you get that reference, kids.) Therefore there is no time for the following:

1. Opening mop to realize I have no clue how to work it.
2. Looking in the trash can for the wrapping to find directions for the mop already plunged into a bucket of water.
3. Finding no directions on packaging.
4. Realizing directions are inside the mop (great placement of these might I add!) and are soaking wet.
5. Glancing at directions to realize there is a 4 step process. 4 steps? You are a mop!
6. Having no clue what Step 1 is talking about.
7. Proceeding to mop anyway to find that the magic eraser comes off with every pass AND is already over halfway worn down. What?
8. Finding that the blue threads from the mop trail all over the house. Thanks, really, because I didn't enjoy sweeping enough the first go round.

(And English friends, did you like how I kept that list parallel?)

Yes, I realize there is a bit of "user error" in this situation. I should have researched my mop before buying right? I should have opened the package to find directions and carefully deciphered them. But hey, remember those toddlers we talked about earlier. They don't make shopping a breeze either, so when walking the aisles of the local megastore, there isn't much time for reading the box to make sure I won't have to allot time for direction reading for my new mop.

Further, if I wanted to read complicated directions at nap time and execute task I would trek myself and toddler over to Ikea for some sort of meltdown fun and come home with a piece of furniture to build.

But instead, I've got you, babe.

SIGH! 

Randoms

I was really searching for a cohesive post this morning, but looking back, I've got 103, yes one hundred three, drafts. Some are probably deletable. Well, most might be considering they are indeed drafts.  This particular post oh-so-brilliantly entitled "Randoms" is one of those drafts, so let's knock it out and bring that little number to 102.

I wasted W's sleeping in watching The Challenge--Exes, and I'm not sure if I'm a fan or not.  Plus I feel like I wasted valuable alone time since the toddler has been needy lately. I should have been reading blogs, or writing this post, or even working out although I'm not supposed to since Momma is less than toned!
Speaking of--when did these jeans get so tight? And said jeans have a hole in the knee. Looks like I'll be joining Lindsay's movement.

Getting my patch on means a trip to the craft store which I've planned for this weekend anyway. It must be a solo trip. I was telling Nicole, my partner in yes, we will craft soon, buddy that W is pretty good on errands but there is something about a trip to Michaels/Hobby Lobby that brings out the worst in him. I've got two theories--1. My fine husband is brainwashing him while I'm not listening. 2. It's in their genes, and boys just aren't cut out for aisles of crafty fun.
My guess is numero uno, and all this time I thought they were reading books before bed. Cowboy was really instilling the dangers of raffia, mod podge, and burlap.

We did Walmart this morning---a good, long Walmart trip. The kid was amazing. Guess who totally avoided the craft area? There is really something to this.

We came back with the necessities and most of our list, but I also broke down and did the unthinkable. After much warning from the mother of the child for which I purchased colored bubbles, I bought our own purple bubble bottle. Should.Be.Interesting. Naked baby on the grass blowing purple bubbles coming this spring to a backyard near you.

And now I'm off to check out what other genius ideas I considered writing about. Better yet, I'm going to clean house first, read all of your blogs, write amazing comments, and then check it out. I'll have plenty of time right?

Happy Thursday!

Linking It Up -- Oh How Pinteresting!

It's been a while since I've linked up with Michelle for some Pinterest love, so with nothing further...

 

A friend of mine did a "Make it, Bake it, Do it," every week this summer, and I love having a driving force to guide the week, so I'm taking a look at previous pins and making it happen. I will....I will.

Make It

I've got big plans here, but if I'm keeping it real, let's just say I'll purchase the materials this week.

Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: prettylittlethings.typepad.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Bake It

No one said it had to be sweet!

Source: playwithsugar.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

And I'm not entirely certain what "type" of cooking this involves but YUM! 

Source: annies-eats.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Do It

We've got Valentine's prep people 

Source: themcclenahans.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

The Little Things

It's Monday, and I'm exhausted! Where did all of that weekend rest go? Well, there were visitors, giggly ones, princess ones, and newborn ones, and dinners and brunch, and football, and cookie cake, and the not-to-be-forgotten trip to Stimulation City also known as The Children's Museum.

Back to Monday....

It's my birthday! And in honor of my aging, I want to take a few to remember the little things today, right now, this moment.

1. I pray today and offer up any of my struggles for the mothers in hospitals with their injured of ill children and for the mothers at home rising above with strength they never knew they had to care for their babies (little or grown) who can't care for themselves.

2. Questionable decision--my house is quiet for the first time in 4 days and I'm noising it up with Texas MM.

3. Does the Children's Museum not seriously stress anyone else out? Any playgroup activity for me is. I guess we are at the very beginnings of the it's time to learn to share stage, and it's tough!

4. Next year on my birthday, I will unabashedly sing, "I'm thirty-two flavors and then some." Just saying.

5. I plan on making this year is one of zest. Exhibit A--We have a sitter tonight. The idea ran through my head (ok, maybe it currently running) to cancel sitter, grab a bottle of wine, some leftover pizza, my wonderful husband, and hit the couch for an episode from a bad Bachelor season. No! Get out of the house woman! Go! Go!

6. It's now Tuesday. The birthday hype is over, and by hype I mean, facebook notifications have ceased, there are no more boxes to anticipate opening, and the live-it-up date night pressure has been relieved. I love our little family. I mean, freaking love it! At dinner last night we talked about birthdays, and honestly, my heart was wishing to spend the night with both of my boys. Don't get me wrong, a night out for sushi followed by a stop at our own Flying Saucer hit the spot, and I scheduled the sitter. But I can't wait for traditional birthday festivities with our family. Yes, we'll still schedule a date night around the day, but I want that day to be family-filled for sure.

7. Some days I have such the organize-my-life drive. Other days I'm simply content in where I am and who I am but end up feeling a bit lazy about it after spending nap time reading blogs or watching brain-cell sucking reality TV. I think there's a healthy balance that I'm seeking. I know sometimes I need to  unplug from life and plug into some Internet living, but I'm ready to start accomplishing a few things----crafts, some books on the old nightstand, a organized work space, and even some decor updates.

8. So....instead of this list making its way to 10 (originally intended 31, but that's a long freaking list), I'm getting up. (Yea, so is the little guy, but maybe we'll at least fold laundry together!) And did I mention that when he wakes up he lies in bed and sweetly says, "Gag-gy, Gag-gy?" Yes, one day the boy will say Ds, but he's so freaking sweet!

How I Cope

As soon as I discovered this song, I knew it would be a lifetime favorite.

s

I wasn't born in November, and I have a birthday coming up but certainly one that didn't start in 1963. My mother didn't get high. 

BUT

My daddy did teach me the only thing I need to carry on. 

I'm certain it's not written this way, but it's my anthem to RUN. And I literally mean run. To grab my tennis shoes (that some of you call sneakers--knowledge attained for multiple accent vlogs!), pray my music device is charged, and burst down the street with no plan of where I'll end up or which route I'll take.

It's how I cope.

I need that feeling in my lung's that burns and lets me know I'm alive.

I crave that knowledge that I can push my body just a little bit harder and it responds. 

After The Sheriff was born and I was all hormon-ey and whatnot, as soon as I was cleared, I told Cowboy that I had to go. Whatever it took, I had to get out of the house and down the street in my running shoes. I still remember my facebook post after that first oh-so-difficult dash out of the door. I was shot, and I loved it! Then that wonder of a husband got me a jogging stroller. 

I feel a little stuck lately. Taking killer runs isn't exactly the best way to get pregnant (at least I don't think so right?), so I've been taking it easy. And now, well I'm restricted again. I'm here with thoughts and emotions and you name it, and unable to jet out to sweat it out. 

But I can't wait. I'll be sure to let you know because once I get the clear, I'm going to 

RUN BABY, RUN BABY, RUN!

What Little Boys Are Made Of

A heaping cup full of heart-warming giggles

thrown in with lots of silly wiggles.

 An occasional bit of  ride 'em Cowboy

 And more than a dash of everything's a toy.

An innocent view of the world out there

 

And so brave to continue to dare.

Add in a healthy serving of bring it on slide

with a full heart that knows in Momma you can always confide.

You are a sense of wonder and a light in this day

 

So very happy, in your work and in your play. 

 

Your daddy's eyes and his carefree smile.
You'll walk in his shoes mile after mile.

Finding ways out of your comfort zone 

And learning it's ok to just be alone.

 You are more than a lifetime worth of waves hello

and oh wow, such wonderment below.

 

You are pure.

You are light.

You are a true Godsend,

a blessing each day and each night. 

Words, Simple Words

I first want to thank all of you (those who commented and those who read and maybe just sent a kind thought and prayer my way). It's your words, your simple words of support that do indeed bring more comfort to my heart.



For a while I've subscribed to God Whispers, and these little uplifting messages never seem to surprise me with such fitting words.

Last week I received this:

Dear Jenn,   When an obstacle is in front of you, it simply means there are better paths elsewhere. Paths that are a hundred times better, a thousand times better, a million times better! Yippee, God P.S. So excited for you, Jenn.

And just yesterday:

Dear Jenn,

 

Pain is fuel. But like real fuel, it can do two things. Fuel can catch a spark and explode, destroying everything around it. Or it can be harnessed in an engine and power a rocket to the moon. What am I saying? Pain can destroy you or develop you. It depends on how you respond to your pain.
 

Congratulations,

God

P.S. If you respond with faith, pain can be the inner driving force that can change your life. Pain can be your fuel to rocket your launch to success. 

These are simple words, but such reminders. God is in control. God is calling us closer. 

And honestly, this may be my last post about this. We have such a blessed life, and I am ready to be back to posting about the crazy little bit running around these parts. I'm ready to get crafty and cooking. AND,  I'm ready to get my computer fixed so I can read all of your blogs on it instead of my phone and make comments on your daily adventures! 

Contentment Through Challenge

I wrote this last week, and we are still processing everything but holding firm in our faith in God's plan. I wasn't sure that I would share this news, but how can I not if I'm wanting to be honest with myself and others (including you bloggy friends). This is a part of me now. I will walk my days in the comfort of a angel watching our for our family and praying for us. The journey is by no means over, and I believe in God's timing as He's never let me down, never misguided me, never dropped me from His healing, protective hands. 

I haven't blogged in a while. For one, my laptop is out of commission, perhaps permanently, but that's another post for another day, but yet a reason for my slacking.

More importantly, I've been tired, really tired, and just trying to keep up the day to day because, well I was busy growing another wee bit. That's right. We were so blessed after taking some necessary fertility and holistic steps to conceive a second child. After seeing and hearing the heartbeat we told family and friends over Christmas, and all was right in the world. Talk about contentment right?

Until this week. I'm not sure about writing this post and how I will process feelings. I'm not sure if I will publish it. If you are reading it, I obviously chose to go through with it. It might even take several posts to fully deal with all of these feelings, but I'm looking for ways to be grateful for my life, all of it, and find peace in loving and being loved. 

We now have a little guardian angel in Heaven, an innocent little one with a sweet little soul, singing with the angels and dancing with Jesus. That's a sugary picture; I understand. But this is my faith and how I'm dealing with emotions. I'm angry. I'm hurting. I'm confused. But I NEED the peace of knowing there is a God holding that baby right now, the same God holding me up to be the wife, mother, daughter, and friend that he created me to be even through heartache.

I don't know what's the most difficult for me, but I know for sure that I am blanketed in fear. And I know this is silly because my faith is stronger than that. I know in my heart that God has designed our family's life and He is in control. I trust in that.
But I also struggle that maybe my desires aren't in this plan. At the end of the day, that will be ok, but right now, it's just not.

We struggled to get pregnant with Wyatt. This second one was not easy either. Trying again will appointments attended, money spent, and energy focused, and I'm scared of the monthly roller coaster. I'm scared about failure. I'm worried about hormonal crazies.

Bigger--I'm scared that we can't provide a sibling for W. I'm not knocking single children, but my heart yearns for W to have younger brothers/sisters to grow along with.
Bigger, yet somehow not so big--I'm scared of tiny holiday celebrations. This is silly, but I come from larger families, and in South LA, there are always big family gatherings. This is a worry that I must squash, for if our family is small, we will have our own beautiful traditions and memories.

That's me today. This morning was tough. I felt alone and let down and panicked about the future. This afternoon I'm more at ease.  What does this all mean for my commitment to contentment--I'm not sure. I do know that I refuse to let the experience make me stagnant in life. There is a beautiful, healthy toddler that God lent me for some time here on earth. There is a wonderful, handsome, unselfish, kind man with whom I get to spend my days. Here is an opportunity to run towards God with arms open wide and rekindle my faith. I think I'll take it. 

Today -- Where I Am

Thanks again to  Nicole  for lots of things, this post idea among them!

TODAY:

Outside my window... It's getting windy. I hear it's supposed to be a nasty, rainy day, but I'm still waiting on that. In fact, I'm hoping for it. Sometimes they are the best type of days.

I am wondering... when we will fall back into routine. As mom reminded me today--these are the winter months, and yes, it's 75 outside, but the germs are a-multiplyin' around here. If we aren't sick, our friends are. I miss play dates!

I have whimsical plans about... knocking out some of my "pins." I really want to start working on The Sheriff's room and making it less baby and more toddler. I'm just so dang indecisive.

I am believing... in the love I can't see and the love here inside these walls each day.

I am loving... fact that it's Monday and I can watch The Bachelor tonight and The Biggest Loser tomorrow. When did I become such a reality TV junkie?

I appreciate...the kindness of neighbors, both the sweet young ones sharing toys with W and the adults helping us out in the clutch.

From the kitchen... I haven't been the best at meal planning, and I'm about done with chicken and am looking for new ways to get in our veggies. Any help? Guess I better jump on over to Pinterest.

I am grateful... that in filling out medical forms there are so many questions that I can answer with "no." So thankful for good health.

I am thinking about... how time can both stand still and yet seem to be passing by at a rate that in our humanity, we can't keep up with our goals and dreams.


I am praying for... understanding, grace, and peace.

Books, books, and more books... I missed our book club meeting last week but just finished In The Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and An American Family in Hitler's Berlin. Yes, it does win the award for longest title ever, and it was an interesting read, but just a little slow. I was expecting the book to go a bit further into Hitler's horror, but what was impressive about it was the revelations before everything went utterly wrong. I feel like it contained the bits you don't learn in history class.
Now we are onto Room by Emma Donoghue, and I just started. It seems GREAT so far. I'm loving the point of view (how nerdy does that sound?) and ready to see how the plot unravels and characters develop. A bit vague, but go check out the description and get on it!

Sheriff... is more of a blessing that I can ever put into words.


I am attempting to live the Gospel by... trusting in God's plan for our family. 

Planning for the weekend.. Although it's Monday, we've got a plan. Some of our favorite Coonasses from LA  are coming to town to commiserate over losing football teams get together after not seeing each other in a while. There are zoos to take over, babies to meet, and probably adult beverages to be had.

A picture thought I am sharing...

My husband is amazing! And you should find him on IG!

2012--Commitment to Contentment

I'm borrowing a little idea from Erin who recapped the last few years in a welcome 2012 post and shared the "themes" she'd given to the years. I just took a quick look at last year's resolutions, and I'm thinking that making another To Do List to steer me through the year will just get lost along the way. Instead I'd like to give the year a theme to be a genuine reminder of where I'd like to be in my life.

So this year I'm making a Commitment to Contentment. While I'm not entirely certain how this needs to play out, I feel that this guiding sentiment will be a base for building up other areas of my life.

Last year I resolved to be more patient, and I honestly feel like I've improved. By no means have I reached the end; I will always be praying for more patience. I know that being content (and thus patient with myself), I will be a better wife, mother, daughter, and friend.

Seeking this contentment will also mean putting myself in situations and with people that help me to be the best version of myself. I hope to evaluate the way I spend my free time. I need to spend more time "unplugged." I hope to be more purposeful in friendships.

2012 surely holds big things for our family. A new year always does right?
May your new year be blessed with love and laughter, peace and joy, and glass of wine or two at just the right moment!

Oh Just A Year and a Half

My Little W,

It seems like so little but so much has changed this past month. You are still our sweet, fun-loving, active little guy who is still up to your normal tricks, but you are really growing up and attempting to say more and do more. My current favorite? You recognizing and saying the letter "Q." Adorable, kid, just adorable.

Just wanted to share a few pics of my favorite day with you this past month.

We picnic-ed!

We searched for airplanes.

 We did lots of playing:

 A little bit of peek-a-boo-ing

And a whole lot of laughing!

Happy 18 Months my little buddy!