busy, busy, busy

hey all...

I've been a bit busy with some side jobs. I really wasn't trying to take on this much, but it just happened this way. I will post the rest of the rooms when I taken them. Enjoy!

long time but a good time

I have wanted so much to post something for awhile but it just hasn't seemed right to me. Even on Facebook I haven't left many if any posts. I think I have needed an "info" computer break from everyone. I love knowing the news, journeys, struggles, musings and everything else in between of those I know, but I think I needed a break emotionally from all that. This is the first season in which our family is "slowly" venturing out and experiencing life together has a family. Some cool moments that seem so routine to everyone else, but i would pause and stare and reflect was going to one of the frozen yogurt places as a family (so small but such a great time). We also went to dinner with some good friends and it was so weird that Haiden could use a booster seat and Schafer needed a high chair. I know it sounds silly, but I too haven't thought of these transitions til I am there and experiencing them. I sometimes stop and think..."oh my gosh...this is crazy that is the first time I've done this with my family of 4 when everyone I know with 4 or more it is second nature". It will get there soon. That is just me. I will get it down and it too will be a second nature. All that to say, that though our summer isn't crazy eventful it is fast enough for me.
I have also taken on a few painting and logo jobs. I really didn't mean for them to be at one time, but i promise that is how it ALWAYS works. I think that is why I stress. It usually works out I just have a few extra grays and happy customers in the end;). I'll post pics as they are winding up...really cute stuff.
The big thing I have struggled with is what we want to do schooling wise with Haiden and Schafer. I've heard it all. Now, everyone...I don't need "devil's advocate comments" this is a prayerful decision that didn't come easy. I was a public school girl and i did go to private school for 3 years and I loved it. So I am not against those institutions of learning at all. I think you do what is best for your family. I have had a crazy amount of people peppered in my life that home school. I ask questions out of curiosity, but kinda glaze over as they talk cause I just don't see me doing that. But on the flip side...I felt sick sending her to public school and private right now money wise may not be a solid thing right now, but still not liking that option either. All that to say...I have been unsettled about any options, and I really wanted to be confident and excited about where we decide to educate our children. So recently there was a meeting about the pros and cons of homeschooling, and it was good. i didn't leave thinking, "Oh yes, I am gonna home school for sure". No, I had some great solid facts from reputable sources that I agreed with, but did i want that responsibility. I was still unsettled. Well the other day a good friend of ours was telling us about a wedding they went to and it was our "youth ministry days reunion". This was a group of kids (all grown-up) that came after Chris and I got married, but I know names and backgrounds of most. Our friend was telling us the complements from parents of these kids and that these youth are just doing amazing as adults and "love the Lord". And well, isn't that what it is all about at the end of the day. Well, what I didn't realize was most of those kids were home schooled. Their parents were involved and pouring into their lives more than peers and teachers did. Most parents get 2-3 hours an day to instill value, attitude, and anything else that they feel is important. The thing is that so many of the youth "had to find" there way themselves. Not alot of guiding from parents and alot of trust in each other to make life decisions. Did some make it through and turn out fine...sure I still communicate with them. Love them dearly. But when you look at your babies and think about unnecessary struggles, influences, under lying self-confidence problems, and really not able to converse well to adults or in front of people. Why not try. After all...the Lord gave us our kids to take care of. He also was telling us about this leader ship meeting and he was telling us about a title of a book "too small to ignore". Can I just tell you that that comment stuck. That morning I was painting a mural for a church and I had my ipod and was just listening to worship and getting lost in my thoughts. very little interruptions, phone calls, not taking care of anyone at the moment but getting lost in the Lord and painting. Which I would do all the time, but I haven't got to experience in awhile. It was truly a great time touching the Lord. I was at one time just tearing up and weeping as I was painting and It hit me hardcore. Yes, we are going to home school. My little babies are too small to ignore and trust others to pour into their precious lives. I have to at least take it one year at a time. I started getting excited! that is what I was looking for a peace with excitement. Thank you Lord for showing me what we need to do with our kiddos right now. I started thinking about haiden and what would kindergarten look like and let me tell you...fun exciting ideas just started flooding into my head. I never got to learn like that. And of course, I am already thinking of what our learning space will look like. I have to decorate;). Well, that is a touch of my heart and a small insight into our summer. I will try to post more soon. Lots of pics that I haven't posted either. Stay tuned.

schafer's 1st rock/punk birthday

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Well, it has been hard to write this for some reason. I have searched my brain and heart as to why...cause on millions of levels I am so happy and over joyed that my sweet little man made it a year! And what a year to celebrate too. I normally try too hard when it comes to a birthday party. I try to do anything a budget will allow me to do. This party was so difficult...cause to us it was so much more than a 1st birthday party...it was a celebration. I wanted to figure out how to connect our year people missed with the heart surgery in the theme. I really didn't feel like I had to do everything in a "look what I can do" way, no this party was so special. It was more special to me than I thought. It really hit me HARD Sunday night as I was going to bed. Man, Chris and I bickered so much the week of on just trying to get things done, I couldn't make clear quick decisions, I felt very overwhelmed and scattered brained, I would remember what to do then in seconds forget, I never felt like I was done with the details...etc., etc., etc. It was very unsettling. I just had this funk and convenient enough it was the time of month I could have gone without that I'm sure didn't help. I truly felt like I was on a roller coaster..then it hit me that all these things were just things and I have my little boy alive and whole, healthy, and thriving. I really think that's why I kept trying to do more. Just trying in anyway to let people know how special, amazing, reflective, and that we survived and we are blessed. I just didn't realize this in the mist of the planning and executing that nothing can be better or more perfect than him. it just wasn't working for me.

I look at that little boy and he just fills me up with so much love. He is so amazing and he just takes my breathe away. I can't believe that Chris and I were picked to raise him and pour into him. I am so thankful that the Lord created his heart the way he did. It was perfect. I just want my sweet boy to know the Lord so he will then fill that perfect heart with Jesus some day.

To conclude the party...it was lovely. It went well, and we were surrounded by people that have loved us from afar as we have traveled this journey. We are so thankful for everyone of you out there that have poured your prayers, thoughts, golf tournament stuff, love and support to our family. It is so humbling and precious. We love you all! Can't wait for everyone to get to know our little man aka "brave heart". He will touch your heart...just wait til he smiles at you then you will understand. ps...the smilebox at the end has most of the video of schafer's first year we showed at the party. if you want to see the rest you will have to come over, eat popcorn, and hangout. :)

website wednesday

k guys...I promise I will update on our family, art stuff, stc. soon. My evenings and free time have been consumed with internet research stuff and editing pictures. BUT here are some fun sites to search.

http://www.dashandalbert.com/

http://www.delight.com/categories.php

https://www.myretrobaby.com

http://www.thepetitepress.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=6

http://www.whimsypress.com/index.php

Enjoy!

memorial weekend pics

Make a Smilebox slideshow

funny things

Well I have noticed that my little girl is a comedian...not sure if it is on purpose but very entertaining.
For example...Chris and I were talking about Schafer's birthday coming up and Chris just starts going on and on about some stuff he is excited about. The thing is I was talking before he started and tried to continue after he was done and he thought of a few more things to interject. So, I sarcastically say, "The problem is..." and he noticed what he was doing and said, "The problem is that I'm interrupting". Just as I was about to talk Haiden butts in loudly then casually points her finger in front of her analytical expression on her face and waves it side to side and says, "No, the problem here, (sigh) the problem here is that I am watching Backyardigans...guys." Needless to say we cracked up laughing and she smirked mainly cause she then knew she must have said something that was humorous.
And did I mention that my little girl wants to play drums! Yeah, she wants to play drums with sticks as she puts it. Where did she get that? Not ballet (though I'm sure if I mentioned it she would), not softball, not dance or tap, not even a musical instrument like the piano...drums. She did say she wanted to play golf cause her Paw Paw plays it. Which is great with me...I played it in high school for 2 years and really loved it. But Chris told her that if she wanted to try the drums and likes it...sure we will make sure you are the coolest chick drummer ever! And we will. When we thought the conversation was over she says..."I really want to play the drums, I just now need to join band." LOL! I could go on...I have about 3 more funny things but gotta save the content ya know:). here are some websites to check out for "Website Wednesday". Enjoy

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6871124&order=&section_id=&page=1

http://www.dearjohnnies.com/shop/index.php

http://www.plainmary.com/burpcloths1.html

http://www.tiny-tales.com/

http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/index.asp

http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/index.asp

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sorry if some of you have seen this in a few places...alot of people don't do facebook, but check blog. Just wanted you all to enjoy!