Just some craftiness

So a few years ago my mom got me a sewing machine for $10 at a garage sale. Since then I have been trying to save a few bucks and make some things. So far - some pillows, slipcovers, blankets, nursing capes, burp rags, etc. Pretty simple stuff really. Well I have founds some pretty great design ideas and since I have a little girl to experiment on I made her a pillowcase dres, thanks tracy, and an iron onesie since her 1st birthday is quickly approaching. Just thought I would share since it is just too much fun!

Here is a picture of the dress I made. Just a first of many I would assume. It needs some tweaking. My aunt is practically professional and she gave me some pointers for the next one. Maybe a skirt - just need to find the right fabric, that tends to be the problem.

Today I spent most of nap time - sanding an old wooden swing for our patio. Only cost $15.00 however D was not too thrilled when I brought it home. I will post some before and afters once I get to work on it! Any suggestions on a color to paint it! D wants white - kinda boring I feel! 

Great new song

Just in case you haven't heard this song. It is one of my favorites. I just stumbled upon it surfing itunes one day! It is by far my favorite, well at least ranks up there with I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin and Fight Another Day by Addison Road.

It is Life, by Beckah Shae. Not played on 96.1 or klove, but definitely definitely should be! Just thought I would share.

Lots of love to go around

We like many of you have lots of stuffed animals in our house. In fact, some of them hold pretty high rankings. This little guy was given to Shadd when he was born, thanks to a dear friend of my moms. He was attached with his velcro hands and feet to a soccer blanket - so you can just imagine how that went over with D. Needless to say - he was named like many of the others by D since Shadd was not saying too many words at the time and it stuck. Jiggy! 

He is one special guy. Gets to wear one of Shadd's favorite shirts. Has sported the occasional diaper. Gets to potty on the big boy toilet and loves to wear underwear. He even got a full bowl of cereal the other day.

Shadd's love for this wiggly guy just makes me laugh. I used to have a little bear name Tilly and we did a lot together too. My mom probably still has him. As she has been digging up remnants of my past. Oh sometimes I wonder what I was thinking - a cherished teddy collection - come on.

Oh the appreciation I have for all you moms out there, especially mine. To patiently accomodate even a bear for the day. I'm not sure he enjoyed the rice krispies the other day but Shadd sure thought it was great. Isn't that what our job entails sometimes - doing the small crazy things out of complete love for our children. Isn't that what God does for us each day out of complete love for us. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in our world we fail to notice all the provisions He pours forth each day. So today if you have a moment - remember to thank Him for all He has done for you, especially His son's ultimate sacrifice for your sin and your soul.

Almost a walker

So the other day I was watching my children really closely while on the computer when I saw this out of the corner of my eye. No one says that they have to be fully supervised all the time right. At least I blocked off the stairs this time. Whoops!

Ells has been free standing some and using just about anything to cruise around the house, including this massive exercise ball. It is just amazing to see how quickly they grow up. Here she is standing alone and trying to offer me a vegetable rice cake. No thanks, although a fairly healthy choice.

She also goes crazy fast when she is pushing the walker. I think she might be my no fear child. At least so far she doesn't seem to fear crawling over things and making a mad dash for the stairs. She is one sneaky little thing. She loves to climb and turn the cable box on and off. Even though she isn't really talking she sure likes to say da every time she turns off the box. At first it was cute and funny, now it is a real problem between her and daddy. Oh they just grow up way too fast. This little sweet thing will be celebrating her first birthday in less than a month now. Can you believe it? I can't. But it is exciting to see  how God created her unique personality. It will be amazing to watch her continue to grow up.

New Friends

So thanks to grandma joyce and papa don we have welcomed two new friends into our lives. They currently reside in Shadd's bedroom and have adapted well to their surroundings. Shadd has named the black one Mater and the pink one Sally. Oh yes. 2 hermit crabs reside in my home.

We just have to feed them twice a week and make sure that their sponges are watered. Seems simple enough. We will see how long they last. Shadd came running into Ells room yesterday to inform me that Mater was on top of the sponge drinking. "He must be thirsty," he said.

Well I guess if all else fails we have had a little fun in the meantime, right? Oh the things I would have never allowed into my home but now if it is educational and creates some memories. Why not? Lets just hope that if they only last a little while, Shadd still doesn't have a problem with death. At least when Lala the fish died after only a few months - he still just says she went down the toilet and has absolutely no remorse. Of course, the crabs are a bit shy so not the best pictures in the world. I will try to get them while they are eating today! 

Why the title?

Immeasurably more...have you ever heard the verse in Ephesians 3 that states..."to Him who can do immeasurably more than you can ask or think." What a God we serve! He has done exactly that in my life and the life of our family. That verse is just a great reminder of the power of the Lord. Power that we can't even begin to fathom. A reminder to me as I am blogging of how blessed I am to be glorifying Him in my role and whatever situation comes my way. It is a choice to be joyful and to fully embrace motherhood. Don't get me wrong there are definitely days that I have to make a conscious effort to choose joy and but there are those moments of motherhood and being a wife where you wouldn't trade any of the low days for just one moment of the highs.

Just this morning...I spent an hour in Ells room rocking her prior to the sun coming up. Yet we got to snuggle and talk to one another in quiet voices while Dad and Shaddy slept on. Was I exhausted? Yes. But will someday I look back and wish I could grab her and hold her in my arms again. Of course. As much as they love their dad, they need me in a whole different way. Shadd fell off the couch this morning (don't ask) and he didn't want dad to snuggle with him and comfort him - NO! Only mom would do. Just another reminder of why God made me for this! What an honor!

His design is perfect. His way is perfect. He will provide immeasurably more than we can even dream. And that is why the title. Just a reminder to myself that God knows best - no matter what the outcome!