Thursday, April 14, 2011

Feeling Like Home

It's amazing how nice it is to finally relax.

March was stressful. I'm not sure why, but I think it has to do with a lot of activity took place in March. And, all that activity left me plum-worn out. For real. As excited as we are that Baby A is on his/her way, that announcement left us overwhelmed and stressed out. You know the entire: HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR A BABY? As a planner, all this hit me hard.

The reality is that life throws stuff at you when you are never ready or never prepared. At ALL.

So, between our baby announcement, two siblings' announcing their engagements, and our move, I was exhausted. I had no motivation at all. In fact, I was relieved to pack up my sewing machine. What's more, I didn't want to craft anything or sew or read or cook or bake. And, those are all some of my most favorite things to do. All I wanted was to settle down and settle in. To our new home.

And, settle we did. Thank goodness. We've established a place of rest, dreams and potential. I'm excited. But, more importantly, I'm relieved to finally feel like I can relax.

How do you relax?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

My Wreath

I mentioned my wreath yesterday, but here is the finished product. It took me about 1 hour and only $7. Now that is a deal!


I think Spring is finally here!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I Make Things

With the move behind and all the boxes and things unpacked and organized, my creative juices are once again buzzing about. I am currently working on this Yarn Wreath I saw several months ago and fell in love! Mine is still in the works, but I'll post a picture once it is all finished.

Another project I am looking forward to is creating a Mixed Media Art piece for the master bedroom. Anyone who has visited my home has been subject to my complaining over the lack of art and color in our bedroom. I have finally decided to try my hand out Mixed Media. I'll be honest, the entire concept is a little mind-boggling because I get stuck on the entire what "mixed medias" to use. I know I am using paint, newspaper, construction paper/ scrapbook paper, but beyond that - I DON'T KNOW. If any of  you have tackled a similar project, LET ME KNOW, PLEASE!

A couple of weeks ago, I decorated for a friend's baby shower. Her little boy is on the way and we did the theme of a little red wagon.

Thank you, Google Images.

It was a lot of fun trying to come up with decorations, but the trick is to decorate spending very little money. I think, including the flatware, dishes, tablecloths and decorations - I spent about $34. While I am sure I could have cut MORE corners, I love expensive things (remember, my dad told Ben, that I have "a champagne taste on a beer budget"?), so this was a major accomplishment.

Table Display. (The blocks say, "It's A Boy!")

Ben definitely gets ALL the credit for making each triangle. I didn't feel good the night before, so he did it for me. I love him.
I am excited for what I'll be making in the next couple of weeks (shower curtain, art piece, etc.). Have you made anything recently?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Baby A; Week 10

This weekly update is late. I know, I know - all I have for you are excuses! But, please, accept them. Okay?? Being pregnant - especially at this stage of my pregnancy - is EXHAUSTING. I seriously want to sleep all the time. Oh, and, I'm always too tired to do anything. Literally, ANYTHING.

So, this week:

Baby A, according to my handy-dandy preggo book, moves from embryo to fetus. Congratulations Baby A on this GRAND accomplishment! Keep up the great growing!

Ben, once again, exceeded my hopes and dreams and expectations, by unpacking EVERY SINGLE box. And, if that wasn't enough, he also organized everything. He is precious and I am so thankful for him.

Ben also has graciously started the (regular) craving runs. Poor man. His hands are full with those!

And, lastly, Ben has (perhaps begrudgingly?) also cleaned up any and all doggy-poop. The sight of it makes me want to vomit.

I am extremely fortune to have a husband who goes above and beyond anything that I may ask of him...or not ask of him. Daily, I realized how lucky and spoiled I am to be married to Ben. And, you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world!

The Parent Brain: I know Ben and I are FAR from being fully immersed in the role of parent. However, I think it is safe to say we are both beginning to notice children and babies more. And, the other day, Ben told me his reaction when a friend mentioned wanting to get a vulgar bumper sticker. Ben said he told his friend, "What happens when a little girl asks her dad what that means? Why would you do that?" This is one of my favorite stories because it shows how Ben's thought process is beginning to change toward our pending new role.

There are a lot of decision to be made: finalizing names, deciding on WHERE to register, processing through decisions regarding the birth, etc. There are a LOT of decisions to be made. But, Ben and I are taking it in strides and addressing each decision at the appropriate time.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

News Flash: We Moved


I am THRILLED to announce we MOVED! And, it is only fitting that I announce it here as my blog has seen Ben and I go from RV living to Apartment living to now a little home! So, we moved and it all took place a week ago, actually. It all started when we realized that with two dogs, Ben and I...we had no room for Baby A. Thanks to Ben's incredible ability to make things happen, the move took place quickly.
 
Milo & Miko



Ben and me.












This move has brought a lot of anticipation. And, boy, oh, boy, am I excited! Because you KNOW what that means?!?!?! Let the DECORATING BEGIN! *happy sigh*  We moved into this adorable space:


I have already made so many plans...allow me the SHEER pleasure to explain what is up my sleeve. Let's start with the stairwell. Because my art collection has grown (quickly), the amount of windows in the living room and dining room will limit where I put things. Or so I thought until I saw this post by Young House Love:


For the laundry room, I'm drooling over this:
To get this beauty: go here.

I am planning to make my own shower curtain using this AWESOME fabric -

Ikea: ANNAMOA Fabric
There are a couple of things I want to finish before I give you the grand tour - but that will be coming! So, stay tuned.