Nap Time

This is how you take a nap when you have a 3 year old that no longer takes naps.

Win-Win....

He's happy.

She's happy.

and mommy's playing on the computer.

Decorating 101~ An Update

I bet it seems like I always start projects, but never finish them. Well, mostly that is true, but at least I have evidence of progress. Sure it takes me/us (I usually rope Justin into doing the hard stuff) a little over a year to get something done, but hey, at least we have a goal?!

One morning last week, the girls slept in and I went on a little cleaning spree. Instead of just playing on the computer when I got done, I decided to preserve the clean house by forever capturing it on the camera. (You know, because about 5 minutes after Aubrey woke up it was no longer clean)

You may remember this post last September. After seeing the curtains and buffet up close at IKEA, I went in a slightly different direction, and now that it's done (well, mostly), I'm happy that I changed my mind. The transformation is still complete with the same basic vision, but much more subtle.

BEFORE

AFTER

Just like in the magazines...much better lighting in the after pictures make for the appearance of a more dramatic transformation :) In reality, it's 3 throw pillows and some curtains from IKEA, a painted oak shelf Justin's uncle gave us eons ago, and a bunch of ROSS and Walmart frames that I painted. I love the results. Of course, I assume that many of the frames will remain empty until someone kicks me in the rear and forces me to fill them, but still, it only took us 7 months to give you the finished product. :) What can I say? We're on top of things.

In fact, I believe it was almost two years ago that we began the big girl room, and then there was the big update, oh a year and a half ago. And guess what folks, we're still not done. I mean we're basically done, but i still have two projects that I've been "working on", but can't seem to complete. So just imagine that that white framed area has cork in it, because it did for like 3 days. Until the lovely cork panels started popping off one square at a time. So now we have a roll of cork and some construction adhesive, but we still need to find the time. Oh and I have that cute little lamp with the leaf, but the lampshade I bought last year is too big. I need to take it back to Joann's and try and exchange it for the small lampshade. They allow returns after a year, right? Despite the couple things that need to be done, I think it's pretty darn cute. And taking forever to finish the room paid off because Target started carrying a really similar bedding set, so we got the coordinating valance and wall stickers from Target.

lots of fun little treasures in Aubrey's room

a sweet bird by Colleen

Name sign with alphabet cards

play kitchen by Justin and antique looking trike from my dad

chair by me

Since we're on a roll, I'm not sure I've ever posted pictures of our nursery. It's the same nursery as we had with Aubrey, so it was finished back when we had time to finish projects...you know BK (before kids). The rocking chair is in our room while Juliet is still in the pack-n-play. I'm SOOO happy we went with a neutral theme because if we hadn't, I'm pretty sure Juliet would have an unfinished room.

At this rate, I guess I should start Juliet's big girl room now. Any suggestions? :)

Oh and just so you don't think my house is ever this clean, Aubrey transformed her room into this masterpiece in about 10 minutes. It was nap time for her babies...what's a girl to do?

Worth a million words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

I think these three pictures are worth a million.

My dear Misha went to serve as a videographer for Mercy Ships Africa in February. She took the first two pictures and since the first time I saw those pictures on her blog I have been praying for this baby and his mother. Because of his mouth deformity this baby weighed just over 4lbs at 3 months old. Thanks to the lifesaving surgery that the volunteers on Mercy Ships were able to perform, here he is just 2 months later. Look at that healthy, chubby baby. I cry as I try to imagine the relief that his mother must have each day as she is able to feed her baby.

Thank you, God, for my healthy children. And thank you for people who are willing to donate their time and talent to help others!

Correction and prayer request: Earlier, I wrote that this baby had already had surgery. He hasn't had surgery yet, but his incredible weight gain can be attributed to the volunteers on Mercy Ships. They trained the mother how to feed her baby with his Cleft palate. Unfortunately, during his feedings he aspirated causing him breathing problems. It sounds like he may need a trachea. Please pray for this baby...that soon he'll be healthy enough to have surgery.

Easter 2010

What a beautiful holiday to celebrate our salvation in Christ.

We had a wonderful, fun FILLED weekend with family. It started on Saturday with a BBQ, egg hunt and other fun at Jed's (my sis' hubby) ranch up in the mountains. It started out a bit chilly, but ended up being a beautiful day. Justin's grandma, my dad, CC, my sister Alyssa, Christy and her crew (of course) and Jed's whole family were there. It was great company! :)

v My absolute favorite picture of the day v

Then on Sunday, the Easter Bunny delivered Aubrey's basket. We got ready for church and Aubrey HAD to play a little crochet before church. We went to church where we got to see all of Aubrey's cousins. Have I mentioned how much I love the fact that the both my sister's family and Justin's brother's family go to our church? Well, I L♥VE IT! We had brunch at Justin's parent's house. Then went to Misha's parent's house (she was in town from NY for ONE day) where Aubrey jumped on the trampoline non-stop. Then off to Papa CC's and back to Justin's family's. WHEW! BUSY, BUSY!




We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends! And, of course, a forgiving, sacrificial God!

Three Months

Could Juliet really be 1/4 of a year old? Seriously, the time is RUSHING by and it makes me sad. I mean, I'm glad she is at a more playful, interactive stage, but really, I'm already grieving the newborn baby stage. The sleepy, snuggly, fall asleep on your chest stage...especially because my husband says he's "in retirement" when it comes to babies. I'm giving it 3 or so years and then I'll try to convince him otherwise. But I'm not going to lie, the transition to two kids has been exhausting. Trying to find time for us or me is next to impossible. I'm really not sure how you mommies of 4 (or more) do it. Really Juliet is an easy baby, but the overall responsiblity of balancing it all has been daunting...and TOTALLY worth it. So I understand why Justin is in retirement, but I have hope that we'll get into a good groove and maybe, just maybe we'll end up with 3 kiddos. Enough about me. On to this little cutie~At three months old:

• You are very social. You coo and blow rasberries at us. You love having little conversations.
• You like to see what's going on. When we hold you, you like to face outward and just take it all in with those big blue eyes.
• You are a mover and a shaker. You squirm everywhere. If I lay you flat you wiggle and waggle and end up somewhere totally different...just look at all the moving in these pictures.
• You go with the flow most of the time, but when you get mad, WATCH OUT! It's hard to calm you down.
• You love nursing, but get frustrated with "slow flow". I usually have to pump on that side and give the milk to you in the bottle. Anyone else have that problem?
• You chew on your hand and drool a lot!
• You just started to really laugh and it's too darn cute!