Can you Smell the Change?

She leaned in her little curly head and nestled into my chest. My feet dangled over the pier's edge and my arms were full of blanket and baby. The lake was so still that a fallen leaf created ripples for miles. The sun was warm, but the air was crisp, and I felt like a cat curled up in a sunny windowsill. Nothing seemed to matter in the world at that time. The men were out catching fish and I was fine with it, because, I could sit on that pier in the sun forever, alone with my baby girl in my arms. 

Ever since I was little have always been the kind of person who is ready for the next season when it comes. The smell of fresh pies in the oven, the crunch under your feet of the crispy colorful leaves, the cozy feeling of being wrapped up in a knit sweater, the orange in the pumpkins and the leaves make the sky even more blue. Maybe it's because I'm a visual learner, but I always seem to take everything in through my senses. I can literally smell the new season coming.  

The leaves haven't really changed much around home yet, but this recent visit to my parents' cabin really started the season for me. (Besides constantly checking my pumpkins in the garden, as they turn a little plumper everyday) I could never live somewhere that didn't have all these seasonal changes. I look forward to change, and it always seems to come when I need it. 

I am so happy to have found time to slow down recently. My house is a little more clean (which might I be honest in saying it usually isn't), my days almost always finish with a family walk, and although baby boy's room doesn't have flooring yet or any of his sweet items hung or placed in there yet, I seem to be pretty relaxed. Which I think is a good thing. 

Work has been busy, but very rewarding. I learn so much from spending time with our elderly residents. Even if they have Alzheimer's disease and can't remember what day it is, they can teach me the real important things. Like how to slow down and look at what is important in life.

 No new material item will ever give me satisfaction, or contentment, because it gets old and there is always another desire that follows. No amount of money can ever make me feel like I have "enough" and can never give me security that can not be taken away. The only true contentment in life is found in Christ. In getting closer to His Word, and stronger in faith. He will provide contentment and something that can not be taken away from me. And no matter what changes come in life, the good and bad, He will always be the same and there for me. 

Hope your season is starting off to a cozy start.

Moments of Clarity

Hello everyone. I just wanted to write a post to say I don't have time to write posts.

That may seem kind of silly, but things have gotten pretty busy around here. There is a lot I would like to catch you up on I just don't have the time right now.

Time seems to be something I don't have a lot of.  (But then again everybody has the same amount of time. I think my problem is how I'm managing mine.)

I think it's going to be even more true when our boy arrives. We have gone through some changes at our house. I have taken on new job tasks and my husband's schedule has changed. My husband now works first shift and I cannot tell you how normal and right it feels. 

After close to four years of his wacky shifts, this first thing is just so refreshing. These days we all get ready for the day together, we go our separate ways for little bit, and all join together in the late afternoon. We eat together, get ready for bed together, and get to sleep and snuggle together. Normally you would think this would open more time up for blogging, or making art, are doing the fun crafty things I love to do. However, the truth is I just want to enjoy every minute with our daughter while she is awake, and then every minute with my husband when we have our evenings. 

I just wanted to let you know I plan on keeping my blog up and posting every now and then. But do not expect an update after every big event, or a new piece of artwork every Sunday, or well just enjoy the posts when they come. I don't say this to be mean, or because I don't like blogging. 

But the truth is it's last on my list, because it's important to see my priorities straight. A good friend of mine shared this amazing blog post with me a couple months ago, I have to say it was so refreshing to hear and I took it to heart.

Maybe someday, some year, I will be able to make art everyday and blog anytime I want, and bake delicious recipes whenever I want. But For now I am going to be the best wife I can be, enjoy every minute of being a mother, do the best work I can, and use my personal time when I truly have the time. Not only am I okay with that, but I am proud to say it. The Lord has blessed me with so much in my life, I want to praise and thank Him by living my life the best I can, only with his guided assistance.

I am sorry for the long post and I apologize for the brutal honesty. I'm sorry for the long waits between posts. Thank you sooooo much for reading my blog in the first place, and also for those of you who decide to pop back in for the posts every now and then. I wish I had more time to paint and blog, but as I said I've been given so much I just want to enjoy and be fully grateful for what I have been given. I do promise that  when I do post it will be something I am proud of. So please stick around.

There's nothing I love more than those moments of clarity and certainty. And the only way I find them is to rely on God and His time. 

It's a....

Boy!

We are so happy to say we are having a baby boy! Jake is pretty excited to have a lil guy to take after him (even though Ellamae is very much a daddy's girl too).

We are so very blessed and thank the Lord for our little boy.

Ellamae is starting to notice my bump and point to it. She smiles when we say baby and loves to see others babies. She spent last Sunday's church service staring and talking to the baby behind us.  I can tell she will be a great big sister. 

ps. good guessing...many of you got it right :) 

Hello from our Littlest

We had a wonderful little visit to the hospital last week. Jake and Ellamae came with me and we got to see our new little babe wiggle and kick. I had the idea in my head that it was going to be so sweet with all of us there to see the ultrasound, but Ellamae didn't seem to think it was that exciting. Thank goodness Jake is good at keeping her somewhat calm and busy. 

Although Ellamae was a bit of a bear, we really enjoyed seeing our little baby. I loved our ultrasound technician. She was so detailed in explaining why she was taking each measurement, and answered every little question we had. We also got a few three dimensional photos and videos this time. (We never got the chance with Ellamae) Here is one of my favorite's from the day...a short video clip with a sweet wave "hello" from our baby in 2D profile and a 3D frontal. It melts my heart every time. 

Also, I have some exciting news!!! We never found out the gender when we had Ellamae, but this time Jake surprised me with having a baker (from my FAVORITE bakery) bake a cake that would reveal the gender to us when we cut it open. (Strawberry = Girl, Blueberry = Boy) I was so excited! We got the moment on camera. So I will share the news with you very soon, until then what do you think it is? Will Ellamae have a brother or sister? 

(This is us all antsy before cutting the cake.)

Here's to this guy

July tenth marks four years of being married to this guy. 

Fours years that have been filled with:

-late nights playing cribbage 

-many dinners consisting of bread and dipping oil and more bread and dipping oil

-fishing dates with make out sessions when the fish aren't biting

-long road trips were we both get so slap happy we laugh till our guts hurt

-many talks on our porch in our rocking chairs

-lots of silly insider jokes (that if people heard, they would just think we are nuts)

-silly quarrels about my poor job of keeping up with the laundry

-memories of our younger dating years from high school through college

-all the battles and joys of parenthood

-and lots of moments were we realized we are not just growing up. We are growing together through it all.

And I must say there isn't anyone else in the world I would want to do that with. Thank goodness God knew what I needed and he was loving enough to bless me with it. 

Happy anniversary my love! 

He was a father at heart

My husband is someone who is a big jokester. It never seems like he is taking things very seriously. As we were dating I got to truly know him and the big heart he has. My husband is very understanding, forgiving, and incredibly loving. As soon as I got pregnant and we knew we were having a baby, he let his fatherly instincts show. He is the best father, he keeps a level head, but also worries about getting everything right, he has a sensible mind about discipline, yet wants to let his little girl off the hook, and he gives Ellamae all the love she could ever need. When many people would be freaked out that we were expecting again so quickly, he was incredibly excited and smiled saying I can't believe it. Then,he got down and kissed my flat belly. He treats the baby in my belly the same way he would Ellamae, and it melts my heart. We couldn't be more blessed to have him as a hubby and daddy. 

Yesterday, we enjoyed a huge summer grill out with Jake's family. I so many BBQ ribs that I didn't eat my usual three ears of corn on the cob. It was so good. Jake worked so that is all we had time to do with him. But will celebrate with just our little family of four on Jake's day off. (Those days are the best) happy belated Father's Day to all the daddies.

 (And by the way Jake's dad- is one amazing grandpapa!)

We love this guy and can't wait to spoil him on his day off. 

My Dad

When my sister and I were little girls my dad would tuck us in at night and tell us a story before bed.

BUT this wasn't any old story...it was a "when I was a little boy" story. Every story started out with this line. And if he started in without it we would interrupt and say..."dad, dad, when you were a little boy..." and he would smile and start in "...yes, when I was a little boy".

These stories were the best, they were filled with adventures of growing up a farm boy and of being one of four brothers. I remember sitting on the edge of our beds kicking our feet along in contentment and listening to his every word. They had some with adventure with daring moments and satisfying endings. I miss those stories, I am hoping he starts to tell his grandkids them soon.

Growing up he would also read us devotions, take us to church, and pay for us to attend private schools to make sure that we learned about Jesus. And most importantly he lives by example as a man of faith.

As we grew up we saw our dad look out for us in different ways. When leaving for a friends house he would check to see if he gave us some spending money. As we got to our college years, every time we'd stop home he wouldn't let us leave until he checked the oil, washer fluid, and would maybe sneak the car to the gas station to fill up on gas.

And these days he is the best grandfather, he comes up with nicknames for all of his grandchildren and he would babysit them every day if we let him. He loves kids, he is a grade school teacher and was the best teacher I have ever had. (Also how sweet is it that after having five children, he still wanted more.)

I love my dad.

A few of my favorite things

CBS News Sunday Morning. Yes, a regular recording on my DVR. When jake first saw it on there he asked me "Are you really recording the news?" I tell you it is not just news, well not the regular news.  It's news that you learn from, its news that usually makes you happy, and honestly it's something that I think I love because I have the heart of a learner. Each show has different sections or segments on entertainers, artists, world events, locations, national holidays, mini biographies, and current topics or issues. It is on every Sunday morning. With Jake working different hours all the time we attend church      at a different services many weeks. When we go to early service on Sundays, I can't watch the show live, hence the DVR setting. But, it is a relaxing Sunday, when we get to watch it that day. I'm telling yeah, give it a try. I am pretty sure Ellamae has her own dance for the little trumpet music theme song. Also really will can't get enough Charles Osgood, the host. Here is a little clip from you tube of the theme song :)

Sprouts in Spring

This week felt pretty successful. I have been waiting to find time to finish planting our garden and a few perennials and I finally found time.

This is the fourth summer we have lived in our house, so I have had a few years to learn a little more about gardening and what works for us here. 

our 2013 garden includes:

Green Beans (a must)

Roma Tomatoes (we love Romas over all others)

Cherry Tomatoes (hello yummy snack!)

Red and Green Bell Peppers (stuffed peppers anyone?)

Pepperoncini Peppers (a new addition this year...and hoping to pickle some for Jake)

Zucchini (not sure why/how but we grow HUGE zucchini)

Squash (baked with butter and brown sugar...hmm)

Cucumbers (pickles, pickles, oh and cukes  with sprinkled salt)

Pumpkins (our exciting experiment this year) 

Rhubarb (transplanted from my mother's garden)

Asparagus (slowly getting sprouts from planting it our first year)

Chives (thanks to the previous owners)

So as I mentioned we have two new items this year. I will be sure to let you know how our pepperoncinis are doing and especially our pumpkins. (Man, I hope those go well...because how fun would that be!) I have so many memories as a young child picking fresh veggies and fruit from my mom's garden. I am so happy Ellamae will eventually be able to have the same memories. 

Baby! Baby! About Our Littlest Addition...

Thank you so much for all of the sweet congrats and messages! We were so happy to share the news!
This new little munchkin and Ellamae will be around 16 months apart. So what does that mean to me?

Already a few weeks ago when Ellamae was sick and waking more in the night than usual.  I could feel both of the babes fighting for my attention and aid already. Ellamae wishing to be held and my little baby demanding food, not later, like now! To be honest I did have a couple of hard weeks without much sleep, and some nausea as well. I can tell that even in the beginning of this journey, being a mother of two, it will take a little bit of learning and sharing to get used to.

With that being said, I can not tell you how incredibly excited we are!!! My hubby and I had been trying for our first little babe for awhile, so when we found out about Ellamae we were excited, but were praying and hoping for that positive test. While, this time we were happy to be completely surprised by the news! It was such a blessing to just find out and have no early worries or waiting. It was just perfect!

We are so excited to be having two little ones this close in age! I have always wanted to have children close in age. This is something I have especially loved growing up with four siblings (all of us with less than two years apart). And they really are my best friends (besides my hubby of course). It is so amazing to have someone like that growing up, that you can tell anything to.

We are so excited for this blessing the Lord has given to the three of us. Feeling pretty happy and blessed these days!

May 12: a special day

Its a very special day today.

I wish a happy day to all those ladies out there who have nurtured their little babies, kissed their bumps and bruises, read a favorite book time and again, gone days without sleep, given their time to needless and endless worry, rocked back and forth at any hour of the night, given too many sweet kisses to count, learned to always put themselves last, changed their lives forever, and gained one of the sweetest blessings the Lord can give us. Embrace today and what it means to be a mother.

I love being this sweet girls mother. And motherhood is more challenging than anyone can prepare you for, and yet more rewarding and filled with love than anyone can tell you.



Today is a special day for me. It is my first mother's day as a mom. All I have ever wanted since I was little was to get married and be a momma. Although I have had many dreams, being an artist, working at a museum, designing fabric, and illustrating a book, the dream that trumped all was to be a mother. One of the best days of my life, was the day I met little Ellamae. But there is another reason for me to be happy today.....

...May 12 and I am 12 weeks along. Yup. You heard right........

We all are so excited. Stay tuned for bump photos and more about what this all means for our little family. Enjoy the rest of this happy Mother's Day!

Herbs in Ink

 I have started a new series of herbs done in ink and watercolor.  Let me just say, painting makes me so happy. So my plan is to make more time for it. I hope you enjoy this first one, it is Aconite on watercolor paper.

Parks and Picnics

. 

It was a beautiful weekend with the first warm and sunny weather. We had to buy baby sunscreen! Although Jake worked most of the weekend, Ellamae and I had to get out and enjoy every minute of sun. We spent a lot of time at a near by park on the lake. We ate lunch, laid in the sun, crawled in the grass, and walked through the trails. We also tried to feed the ducks, but that turned into feeding the geese and eventually the seagulls. GROSS and feisty seagulls! A photo below is just before the feeding frenzy broke out and basically Ellamae and I threw the rest of our bread and made a run for it without looking back. (She was of course excited and saw no danger in hanging out there) 

Also, our little lady is crawling. And all over the place. It was the cutest thing to watch her get those first scoots, and then just so amazing to see how quickly she got the rest of it. It is the most adorable thing to see this little girl moving from room to room. She LOVES to explore. The best part is when she is in on tile floor she looks like Bambi trying to walk on ice. (too cute)

What an amazing weekend and beginning of the week we had with sunny weather. But tonight it is rainy and we are snuggled in tight after a bath. Only thing better than a warm weekend is a one with Jake, too. Looking forward to his days off, its been a busy couple of weeks. We are thankful for a hubby/daddy that works so hard. 

Our big baby

This weekend was a busy one. The biggest news is that this BIG girl finally got her first tooth!!!!

Saturday she was just acting a little off. Very snuggly  a little puffy in the eyes, and a sniffly nose. And sure enough it led to the discovery of her first little chomper!

We are pretty excited about it over here.

 This means not far away there will be A LOT more experimenting with different food! (ya know, like real "big people" food) 

She continued into today with the snuggles and 

that is a symptom we are all loving. In celebration we  licked a couple of new items: a pickle....loved it, a potato chip....a little unsure, and a favorite mommy's slice of pizza. yumm.

I can not believe that this little girl of ours is turning 9 MONTHS on Tuesday this week. That makes for one big girl with her own personality. 

A couple of other symptoms is the ever flowing drool seen below and the many, MANY yawns followed by naps. We don't mind this either. 

                  

We love this girl more and more everyday and although we are sooo missing our little tiny 6 pound baby, and are also very excited for the future Ellamae to tell us all her dreams in life, we love the now. And pray to always enjoy the now. Because if we don't it will be gone before we know it. 

True Story

When I was in grade school, my dad told me a story that I will never forget:

He said that when my parents were younger things were a little tight when it came to money. They were young and had the five of us kids. My dad said they were debating on whether they would be able to afford giving a little extra to church every week. They realized that the Lord will provide and decided on giving five dollars more with their offering each week. 

So when Sunday came, they put five dollars more in the plate. They had to pick up a few groceries after church. As my dad was walking into the supermarket he stopped in his footsteps when he heard a

 "crunch"

He lifted his foot and looked down to find a five dollar bill scrunched up. 

After he finished the story he looked at me smiling and said, "The Lord will Provide"

Day in the park

There are a couple signs of spring around here. And it got us in the mood to go to the park. I ahve been dying to get Ellamae in a swing, and by the shrills and squeals you can see how much she loved it! Although the park was a little taken over by flooding puddles and muddy areas, the birds chirping and the happy baby made it more than worth it. Enjoy the new little video below:

day in the park

Painting for a Meaningful Purpose

I have recently finished a few paintings that will be auctioned off at an event to collect funds at my church. My husband and I, having a young family and all, don't have much extra money to give to church besides our normal offering. I am so happy to be able to serve the Lord and give to Him by using my talents.

Snapdragons - Acrylic on stretched canvas

Happiest happy Easter

We had such a happy week here. For soo many different reasons.

Jake had to go to school for the week to do a little continuing education that his job sent him too. This means I got to cut out of work early every day to spend more time with Ellamae. We did all sorts of fun stuff like take lots of walks, jumped and danced to mom's music (we listened to the kind daddy doesn't care for- musical soundtracks and big band records), and read lots of books. Also it was the best because Jake would get done with school and be home in time for supper so the three of us had every night together. I got to plan meals that took a little bit of more time to prepare and I have to say, I actually loved it. Did I mention that Ellamae and I took a nap every day (yes both of us). (( can't tell you how much i enjoyed that))

We went to church Maundy Thursday and Good Friday all leading up to that happy Easter morning. Jake did have the whole weekend off so I was extra happy. I also got some painting in this week. Yeh!

Side note: Ella seems to be growing up so much. It is bittersweet but I honestly love her more everyday. It will be so fun to be experiencing a new season with her and I can't wait to get some sidewalk chalk out and play with her in the sand at the beach!

We were lucky to have time with both sides of our family over the weekend. It was the perfect day to eat our guts full. It's nice when you hop around from family to family because you get to eat amazing meals at every stop. (Especially when they cook like my mom) Ellamae got spoiled of course (baby's first Easter) she received some books, sand toys and some adorable outfits. Also the softest stuffed bunny. Jake and I got a little candy And flowers for ourselves (well the flowers were for me)
But of course The best thing we received from this happiest Easter week is the resurrection of Christ which means a happily ever after for real in heaven one day. Alleluia! He's risen and we will rise too!
I hope you had a happiest happy Easter too!