Barefeet in High Heels

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Mom took Niece #2 to the movies... Beauty and the Beast...

During the part where the Beast transforms into the prince and becomes the person of Belle's dreams, Niece #2 looked at mom and said...

"Grandma...I feel all tingly inside."

"It's a girl thing!"

It so is...

House update...living room

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

When the Christmas tree came down...the furniture moved.

I like the open concept and like how it seems to flow with the kitchen a little more. Still awkward...but it'll do for now.

OH, and I got a new lantern too; the tall one...isn't it gorgeous?

Best part...it was 75% off the original price because the glass was missing.

DIY of the week...herb jars...

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Wow...that's an interesting title. No, this is not a post about that freaky weed substance. This is about cooking herbs...well, I guess you can cook with that one too...ugh...

Anyway, not long ago I hit up Lowe's for some seed starting soil and some seed packets.

I've always wanted to have random herbs growing in my kitchen, and I have this fabulous window seat that gets great sun, so I have LOTS of fun plants.

Fyi...this is the first time I've been able to keep plants alive in my house.

Monday's Week in Review...

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

This past week included saying goodbye to some of my favorite people...

...they're moving back to Kansas...

...which is AWESOME for them!...

...and super fun for me because, well, they're moving back to where I go to at least 4 times a year...

...which means I get to see them!...

...and their crazy hair...

...as you can see we went to the park...

...and mini #2 hitched a ride...

...we played peek-a-boo...

...came down the slides...

...climbed...

...giggled...

...and slid down the slides again...

...and thought mommy was the most hilarious person in the world...

...she does have a great sense of humor, but is really just more of an amazing friend!...

...daddy took the boys fishing...

...and then they fed the ducks...

...went to a birthday party with giant slides...

...and wrapped it all up with...SNOW!

Totally ready for another week!

Friday's Favorites...following your dreams...

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Facebook is awesome. It lets you keep up with all those random people that you'd like to know how life is going, yet, don't feel close enough to call on a weekly/monthly basis. Or, well, ever. :)

Recently, a classmate of mine from high school posted this link..

...it's his band. HIS band. This is their first video.

Coolest part...he was voted "Most Likely to be a Rock Star."

(oh and my high school softball coach, his dad, is the guy at the beginning of the video)

Bravo Jason! I'm so happy for you!!

Go show his band some love on Facebook: Country Mice

Thursday Things I love to see...

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

We spent a lot of time in the car this last week.

Mini #2 learned a new game...

...sort of...

"Hey you. You wanna play peek-a-boo?"

"Yea."

(The rest of)...the week in review...

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

So this past weekend we hit up Cabela's...

...and saw some fish...

...and rhinos...no, that is not my child...

...that's my child...

...some other random African animals...

...muskoxen...

...the boys then found some pop guns...(we barely got out without them)

...and finally, the next day, we went to Bass Pro Shops and saw some more fish...

...and off fishing these two went...

...Mini #2 and I stayed home...warm...

And...that's it! Wow, that was epic.

Rodeo rewind...

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

All of these photos are very self explanatory...so...here goes!!

Oh, and...**no animals were hurt in the production of this** :)

Apologies...and a TON of pictures!

2012-02-06T22:23:00.001-06:00

First off, I have to apologize for dropping off the face of the Earth last week...I have no excuses beyond just being severely blogged out. It seemed like I found other things to do beyond sitting at my computer to do the blog. And here are the pictures to prove it!

Let's get started with the past two weeks ...wow...yep, two weeks!

That week included after 4 months of making hats for someone else, I finally made hats for the boys...

...seriously...

...super cute...

...spending time with Mrs. K...

...at a basketball game for Mr. High School...

...Mini #1 was enthralled...

...Mr. High School did awesome...

...somebody needed a haircut...

...oh, well, and this...well, this was a joke in crochet...(imagine it on a baby nursing)...

...rockstars...

...and figuring out how to cheat with a pedometer...the ceiling fan did not work...

..."studly" shoes...

...a birthday party...

...for another rockstar!...

...LOVE IT!!...

...if you can name what these cookies are of, you win a free hair clip of mine...NO googling...and NO one that attended the party... (Sorry Steph!)...

...wearing our shirt as shorts...

...Beauregard the calf...his mommy is the Borden milk cow...

...watching a milk demonstration...

...and seeing some animals at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo...

...like turkeys...

...and chicks...

...and then came the Rodeo!...

Alright...I think that's enough for now...tomorrow...rodeo pics!

Friday's Favorites...shout out to my girls...

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

So I was reading my blog list the other day and came across a reference on Young House Love to this gem...

http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/

(WARNING: Adult language)

Yes, I can totally see my friends and I doing something like this...

You know who you are...when are we going thrifting???

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow...

2012-01-30T11:22:00.001-06:00

Yesterday a 22 month old little girl lost her battle with leukemia. One of her family members was a close friend of mine. In her last few hours, the doctors moved her to a big bed so her parents could hold her as she slipped away.

Tomorrow I'm going to remember little miss Paxten and pray for patience, love, understanding, and thankfulness with the mini's.

And today? Well, today I'm going to play tag, and hide and go seek, and ring around the Rosie, and whatever else my boys ask me to do. The blog will come later. Because you never know when there's not going to be a tomorrow.

Friday's Favorites...garage sale find...

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I found these awesome beaded candle rings at a garage sale last summer for $.25 each.

I loved the idea of using them as Valentine's Day decor, but thought they'd be a little more fun shaped like a heart.

Some bending later...and voila! Super cute decor. For $.50.

LOVE IT!

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Mini #1 has become quite observant lately...

In Wal-Mart...

"Momma. That lady has three kids!"

"You're right. How many kids do I have?"

"Two...and Daddy."

Brilliant. He's absolutely brilliant.

The Mantel Chronicles... Valentine's edition...

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love a little red and love in his or her life?

...fun fact...my roommate (and great friend) gave me this poster while Engineering Man was deployed...

...Oh, and my cousin (and great friend) knows my affinity toward lanterns and gave me the one above for Christmas this past year...

The other two black and white photos are from Engineering Man and I's engagement shoot that was done by my college roommate (and great friend) The Cake Chick!...

How are you preparing for Valentine's Day? Any new decorations up??

DIY of the week...a Pinterest inspiration...

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

A while back I saw this great idea on Pinterest for a Valentine's day wreath that's not...well, cutesy...

...at least not SUPER cutesy...

So, I figured out a way to make my own.

I used a long "berry" strand, cut it in half, and used floral wire to tie it into the shape of an "X".

Then, using more floral wire, I attached it to a "O" wreath I already had.

What do you think? I know, not as cute as the original...but mine was FREE!...

What Pinterest project have you done lately??

Monday's Week in Review...

2012-01-23T15:33:00.000-06:00

I of course, again, forgot my camera more often than I had it.

Awesome, right?

So, here's what I took pictures of, and I'll try to do better this week.

The week included learning to do dishes...

...a trip north from this...

...to this...

...Ri-dic-u-lous!!!...

...we danced with a caterpillar...

...and learned to stand on our head...

...all by ourselves...

...even mini #2 got in on the action...

...Papa made some improvements to the hideout...

...that included this cool bucket...

...and well, when you're an electrician, you HAVE to have an electrical plug...

...we stomped in the snow...

...and followed Papa...

...went sledding...

...before passing out...

...and blowing up ships with cousins!!...

...the rest of the weekend including driving, seeing Wichita friends, and having a blast at church before FINALLY taking down the "winter" decorations...

I think coming back to 70* weather made me happy to put some red up. Updates on house decor will be up this week!

Friday's Favorites...made in America...

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've started to understand the importance of handmade and "Made in America."

Let's just say I'm on the bandwagon that China doesn't need any more of our money.

No, I'm not going psycho with checking all my children's clothing to make sure we're feeling the American love, but I have started to do little things when possible.

Namely checking the label on the yarn I use...

Yep, that' right...I'm already making my stuff in America, so why not use stuff that's made in America?

So, I recently found this...

...hello gorgeous...

Anyone want something Made in America?

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Mini #1 was running circles in the living room, slamming in to my chair and stopping. I'd then ask him a question, to have him give me the "answer password". Then, I'd put down my footrest and he'd go past.

One question was...

"What's mommy's favorite drink?"

(I thought his answer would be coffee as I drink it EVERY morning...and he knows mommy's not happy without coffee... Nope... he went a different route...)

"Alcohol."

Well played, child...well played.

This one time while Facebook stalking...

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

...I came across a post of an up and coming photographer in the Seneca, KS area.

I'd been following her Facebook page...Capture (Photography by Kayla Stallbaumer)...ever since a friend of mine had his son's pictures taken by her.

Gorgeous photos by the way, and just the type of photographer I would want my pictures taken by.

Anyway, she had happened to say she was looking for diaper covers...

*lighbulb*

After a couple of quick email exchanges, we'd worked out a fantastic idea, and now she'll be using my stuff as props, and will be "selling" them in her studio!!

Be on the lookout for some awesome promo shots. Oh, and while you're at it, click on the link above and follow her page on Facebook!

And Kayla...thanks for being so great!!

Your first package is on its way!

It's GIVEAWAY time!!!

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

But not here...no no no.

This time, my awesome friend Brooke over at B in Real Life is doing a giveaway for me!

Head on over to her page...

B in Real Life...follow the instructions and be entered to win a creation of your choice from me.

What'll you choose? A hat, a scarf, or one of those cute headbands with flowers??

Monday's Week in Review...

2012-01-16T10:58:00.000-06:00

I sat down this morning to do my week in review and realized I hadn't taken a picture this week.

Well, scratch that, I did...they were all of crocheted stuff! :)

So, a week in review without pictures...sorry about this!!

The week included the beginning and end of potty training...Mini #2 is still in diapers...

...a picnic at the park...

...movies with daddy...

...Mini #1 reading "S...T...O...P... Stop" on our bike ride...

...really getting in to working out and still not losing a friggin' pound...might be that chocolate cake we had laying around...

...70* days in Texas...

...and LOTS of crocheting!!

Check back tomorrow for some super fun news!!!

Oh, and there will be some on Wednesday too!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2012-01-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

Mini #1 picked out your birthday present...

Enjoy!

Oh, and on a side note...the following conversation took place:

"Hey mom...can I try out Grandma's birthday present?"

"No."

"But mom...Grandma can share!!!"

Friday's Favorites...Redi Shades...

2012-01-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

Mini #2 was not sleeping last week. At all...

Finally, one night at 2 am after the third time he had woken up... I asked him the following...

"What's wrong? Are you scared??"

"(lip trembling) Yeah."

"What are you scared of??"

He pointed to the ceiling and made his alligator/monster munching noise...

Oh crap...

The streetlight was coming in through his arch window and casting a shadow from his ceiling fan onto the ceiling.

It really did look like a giant monster mouth with teeth.

UGH.

So, the next day I took off for a local hardware store and found this beauty...

...yep...$19 later Mini #2 was only waking up one time a night.

We've had a much happier household...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2012-01-12T07:00:00.004-06:00

We were on our way home from church and called my parents...

...who were NOT at church, and were instead golfing...

...please note, this is extremely rare for my family...

Mom asked us where we had been, I said, in church, where we usually are on Sunday mornings.

I heard in the background dad say,

"It's better to be on the golf course thinking about God than in church thinking about golfing."

Wow...true, but WOW...

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Your present is on it's way...

...but I have to give you a hint...

...it has something to do with tomorrow's post...

;)

Monday's Week in Review...

2012-01-09T11:39:00.000-06:00

This week included a new hiding place...

...Wii with the family...

...kisses...

...and belated Christmas presents...

...a purple birthday...

...ugh...the cuteness...

...a trip down to the stockyards...

...where the kids were put in jail...

...and then got lollipops...

...yes, mini #2 is holding onto my cousin's finger and eating at the same time...

...we rode a horse...

...and cheered for the Wildcats...

...oh, and saw some Longhorns...

...the boys climbed a fence...

...and we took a picture...yes, I'm wearing purple...

...this mini played Operando...

...while this mini just giggled...

...and this mini looked super cute in her new cowboy hat!...

...the boys played on ipads...

...and the littlest ones, well, let's just say this didn't turn out well...

...we had chili...WITHOUT beans...

...and I received a super awesome present from my mama...her button collection!...

Happy Monday!

Friday's Favorites...Shoot 'da gun...

2012-01-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Over Christmas break we reenacted this video...

Go Engineering Man go...

Shoot 'da gun...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

The day after Engineering Man had his surgery...

(Mind you...he's been walking around all day...)

EM: "Do we have any salty snacks?"

Me: "Yes."

EM: "That can be heated up...with cheese on it?"

Me: "..."

EM: "Think I can heat up one of those burritos?"

Me: "In other words... "Mikaela, will you heat me up one of those burritos?"

EM: "No...I can do it...I just have to wait a minute....talking makes me dizzy..."

A holiday mantel...

2012-01-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

I've decided m mantel is going to be the focus of my "holiday" decorating...whether it's Christmas, the 4th, Easter, or Thanksgiving.

So...without further ado...the Christmas/winter mantel.

I'll switch it up for Valentine's Day...I already have a super fun idea...

Tuesday's week in review...

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

I know...I'm a day off...

I just wanted to do my resolutions yesterday, so it worked better for this today...

Oh, and it gave me an extra day to go psycho and reorganize/redo the furniture in the house... :)

This week mini #1 took a hold of the camera...

...and then I took it back on Engineering Man...

...the boys played with their Christmas toys...

...and tried to help a friend when he was helping us...

...we went to a super fun New Year's party...

...that had Perry the Platypus...

...and cheese!...

...photo bomb...

...Mini #1 found a new friend...

...I took a horrible picture...

...and then a good picture...

...drank some special champagne...

...and enjoyed it very safely!...

Hope 2012 is all you want it to be and more!!

What I Wanna Do...

2012-01-02T09:10:00.000-06:00

I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions. I don't know why, but I've always been anti-"do what everyone else does."

This year though, because it'll put money in our health fund to pay for Engineering Man's surgery, I've been talking to a health coach.

She's been super fun, and really nice.

And...pushy.

You know, all those "get healthy" things you plan to do...but never do...well, she makes you do them. Or at least holds you accountable.

Last week, she asked the dreaded question..."What are your health goals for the next month?"

**btw...when she means "health", she means both physical and emotional. awesome.**

So...here they are: My goals for the next month/year...

1) Start the Couch to 5K program.

Number 8 on my 30 Before 30 list is staring me in the face. I signed up for the Warrior Dash that's in April. Needless to say, my "running" hasn't gotten any better. So, today I'm starting the Couch to 5K program, and after 9 weeks, I should be able to run 3 miles. Wish me luck!

2) Create a Facebook page for the blog and the shop.

...and go...

3) Do at least one thing on my 30 Before 30 list every month.

My 30th birthday is coming faster than I want it to. And I've been totally slacking on my list. So, If I set a goal to do at least one per month, maybe I can knock out at least another 15 before I turn 30. That would leave only 2 undone. Wish me luck!

So, that's it. My goals for the beginning of 2012. What's yours??

Christmas week in review... Part 3

2011-12-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

...I strapped on my camera and head to the outdoors with the kids...

...to jump some bales...

...it's what the country kids do...

...I'm the king of the world...

...weirdos...

...balancing...

...and the two sides of Mini #2...pissy...

...and happy!...

...big jump...

...then we went to watch a shepherd...

...and his choir...

...group picture!...

...my turn...

...and our turn!...

...someone got a tractor...

...and I got a great picture...

...a mother and her children...

...an angry birds quilt...

...more choo choos...

...and new cousins!...

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year!

God blessings!!

Christmas week in review... Part 2

2011-12-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

...Mr. K and the family shot clay pigeons...

...photo bomb...

...ooo...look at the empty shell...

...men and their guns...

...it's so cool...

...isn't she gorgeous...

...we finished up the shells..

...and then we took to the silo...

...and did a little 4-wheeling...

...before opening some presents...

...hilarious inside joke!...

...the next morning the girls did their make-up...

...and tried to get Mini #2 to join...

...Mini #2 wanted to wrestle instead...

...the grandparents took a group picture...

...and this mini loved her new hat...

...we opened some more presents...

...and enjoyed each...

...and every...

...one!...

Last update tomorrow!!

Christmas week in review...Part 1

2011-12-28T21:22:00.000-06:00

The week started with the very first plane ride for this mini...

...and this mini...

...let's just say I was thankful it was short...

...we went north to snowy weather...

...and family!...

...Papa built a hideout for the grandkids...

...grandma had a choo choo...

...and Mini #1 built a couch fort...

...and Mini #2 enjoyed it too...

...and snuggling with Papa...

...we baked cookies...

...scratch that, ate cookies...

...the boys decorated...

...and then ate more cookies...

...Little Miss Things came to visit...

...and so did Mr. High School...

Check tomorrow for a new posting!

This week...

2011-12-27T19:11:00.000-06:00

We returned from Kansas on Monday night at 8 p.m.

Monday night into Tuesday morning, Mini #2 decided he wasn't going to sleep.

This morning...my alarm went off at 5 a.m., to take Engineering Man to the hospital for ear surgery.

We got back at 4:30 p.m.

And the boys...well, if anyone has ever been around their children's grandparents for a week and then tried to return to normalcy...well, you'll understand what the boys were like when I returned.

And well, Engineering Man can't turn his head or bend over without feeling sick.

So, all this means is, well, I'm exhausted. And will post when I feel like I can string two sentences together.

Oh, wait...I already did that?? Maybe string two sentences and a picture together.

Yep, that'll do.

And until that time, I'll be thanking my lucky stars that I have a family that is healthy and friends that are helpful!

God is great!!

Friday's Favorites...a mini Christmas program

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Mini #1 had his school Christmas program this past week...

I loved every minute of it!!!!

Here's some joy for yourself...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqsNIZ4OXZI

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd See...

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Mini #2 has figured out something valuable...

The other day he jumped on top of Mini #1, and proceeded to bounce on top of Mini #1 as he screamed.

I started to yell at the both of them and started to tell Mini #2 to go to timeout.

Instead, he helped Mini #1 up...and then proceeded to give him a hug and a kiss...

Mini #1 said, "It's ok mommy. He said he was sorry."

I turned my back and the next thing I hear is Mini #2 attacking Mini #1 again...giggling an evil little laugh.

Sorry doesn't count when you're trying to get out of trouble...a

Giveaway time!!

2011-12-21T07:00:00.004-06:00

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED****
Congratulations to ....

KRISTA!.... who loves Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson's "Baby It's Cold Outside!"

Krista - I'll be in touch to get your order.

Thanks again for all who entered!!

*****************************************************

I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing support for my crochet business. The past few months have not only been fun, but have also been extremely wonderful.

And none of it could have happened without you all!!

So, to reward one of my awesome readers, I'm giving away (1) crocheted hat. Any style, any color, any size. You get to pick!

All you have to do is comment on this post with your favorite holiday song. Is it White Christmas? Or a church song, like O Little Town of Bethlehem? Or does Justin Bieber rub you the right way? Just comment on the post and you'll be entered to win. Oh, and if you don't have a favorite song, comment with "I lika to a chacha." Random, but, whatever.

Giveaway closes Christmas Day at 9 p.m.

And...just to make things more fun...

To earn (4) more entries...

(1) facebook this giveaway

(1) tweet about this giveaway

(1) blog about this giveaway

(1) Be my blog follower!! (or just let me know you already follow the blog...)

Just come back and say "I shared it!" or "I'm a follower" and you'll get an additional entry to win.

So excited to do something fun for all of you!!!

Merry Christmas and enjoy.

Peace on Earth...

2011-12-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

In church this past Sunday, Engineering Man and I were talking to another friend about our Bible study homework (that we didn't do). Our friend had great insight about one major Chrostmas event.

Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

As our friend realized, and I never had, the angels were speaking about how when Christ was born, he actually created a peace I'm the war of God versus man's sinful nature.

So, this week, as you are crazy with plans, hectic with life, and may want to war with your family, remember God's peace and what he did so we may be at eventual peace with Him forever.

God's blessings this holiday season and always...

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-12-19T07:00:00.003-06:00

This week included a craft at school...

...one of Mommy's favorite books...

...musical chairs...

...and a Christmas program...

...all about God...

...and how he came to Earth as a baby...

...when we came home, Mini #2 decided that the rain puddles needed to be jumped in.

The rest of the week included lots of crocheting...

...and wrapping presents!

This afternoon the boys and I will be off in a jet plane to the grandparents. The boys are stoked and I'm apprehensive. Lots of prayers please!!

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-12-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

There's always a children's sermon at our Sunday church service.

Mini #1 has LOVED going to the front from the beginning.

Until...she happened.

You know...the oldest cutie of this family...

Well, she likes to hold hands when they walk to the front. Mini #1 on the other hand...does NOT.

One Sunday on their way back from going up front, Mini #1 was trying to get his hand out of her grasp. Her reply?

"NO! We HAVE to hold hands!!!"

Apparently Mini #1 has taken my training on deflecting conflict to heart.

This past Sunday Mini #1 didn't want to go to the front. When I asked him why...

"I don't want M to hold my hand...."

Awesome. Someday kid...you probably will...

The DIY Advent wreath...

2011-12-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

As a kid, one of the coolest things I loved about Christmas was the Advent wreath.

It was so fun to see each new candle being lit...

...anticipation at its finest...

So, I wanted to do the same for the boys...only...cheap. Because well, I'm cheap.

So, I stuck a random red candle in the middle of my garage sale find...

...used little votives...

...and some quarter Christmas candle decorations...

...and voila! Super simple (and free) Advent wreath.

Mini #1 loves telling me how close we are to Christmas.

AND...that when we light the fourth candle is when we're going to be FLYING in an airplane to see the grandparents.

I'm so excited!!!

A quick Christmas craft...

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

...say that 10 times fast...

...ok...now that you've completed that and had a good giggle...

Here's a quick and easy way to make fun Christmas ornaments.

Mini #1 and I used the following...

...plastic Christmas ornaments...

...tempera paint...

...baby medicine droppers...

Mini #1 sucked paint into the dropper...

...and with a little help squirted it into the ornament.

Then, he shook the ornament...to make a super cool look.

That's it. What other quick and easy projects have you done this Christmas??

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-12-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

The week included household chores...

...puzzles...

...a super fun Christmas craft (see tomorrow's post)...

...lots of crocheting (check out the shop for new items!)...

...playing with Daddy...

...watching a neighbor do a play...

...and a letter from...SANTA!!!...

...playing "Where's Boston?" while puppy sitting...

...finding a great option for discipline...don't worry...they put themselves in there...

...throwing around Santa's snow...

...and finally waiting in line...

...to see Mrs. Claus...

...and SANTA!...

This week I'll be crocheting...a lot. I'll still be posting, but only because I feel like I can breathe...sort of! :) Have a great week!!

Attention Blog Readers...

2011-12-04T22:25:00.000-06:00

...I am stressed.

Tonight, when Engineering Man was on his way home from work (yes, I'm typing this on a SUNDAY), I told him I was so stressed I wanted to go for a run.

His reply?

"It's 41 degrees outside and raining...seriously?"

"Yes."

I'm taking a blogcation this week. May pop in if my week gets better, but I doubt that'll happen...

See you next week!!

Friday's Favorites...a fire!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

When living in Wichita, we never once had a fire in our fireplace.

Since living in Fort Worth...we've had one multiple times.

I'm loving every minute of it!!

Thursday Things That All Guys Were Thinking...

2011-12-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

Engineering Man and I went on a movie date.

The movie..."Bad Teacher."

Most of the previews were, of course, hilarious...except for one.

One was a super sappy, romantic comedy that had that whole make me sick from the extreme amount of love crap.

I so wanted to see it...

After it was over, from two rows back we heard a guy turn to his wife and say..."No, I will NOT go to that with you."

Monday's week in review...

2011-11-28T14:24:00.001-06:00

This week included letters to Santa...

...a trip north to go hunting with Grandpa...

...a trip east to deep fry a turkey...

...horsey rides...

...for everyone!...

...giggling with Oma...

...a trip through the clouds...

...up in the mountains...

...ugh, gorgeous!...

...to the top of the Ouachita Mountains...

...and then when we got home; we put a 10 foot Christmas tree on the top of our car!...

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Friday's Favorites...Heaven is for Real...

2011-11-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

In light of this week's post...I thought this was very fitting Friday's Favorites.

I had been told for months to read Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo.

I never got around to it, until Engineering Man gave me a Kindle for my birthday.

I downloaded the book, and read it in just a few hours; not just because of the length, but also because it's impossible to put down.

It's an amazing look into a little boys story of his very own trip to heaven, including who he met (his Grandpa and his miscarried sister) and what he saw (God, Christ, the final fight). It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and most importantly it will make you believe.

If you have not read the book, please do. It will reinforce your faith, and make you believe once again in the power of prayer, and the power of a child's faith.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

This year I'm thankful for every blessing and everything in my life. God is so good.

Hope you all can enjoy your holiday and feel the love of God in your own life!

My faith...and a miscarriage...

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

The day we moved into our new home was a little bit..~~.busy~~ ~~scary~~ ~~long~~ crazier...than I thought it would originally be.

No one really knew, but I was actually 7 weeks pregnant.

I woke up that morning at 4 a.m., spotting.

And it just got worse...and worse...and worse...

By noon I was done. Emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and relieved that the movers were FINALLY done putting our stuff in the house. I was in a lot of pain. For anyone who's had a baby, it felt like contractions. I knew then that something was wrong.

The twins' daddy was at the house helping. Later he told me he knew something was wrong when I wasn't my usual happy-go-lucky self. He generously offered to take the boys home to his house where his parents were watching his son. (Please note that at this time my girlfriend was still on bedrest in the hospital with the twins.)

Engineering Man then drove me the 30 minutes to the emergency room. Looking back now...I know that as we drove into the parking lot, we lost the baby.

All the contractions stopped...and I just kept praying.

Maybe, just maybe...we were still pregnant.

Three hours later, we had just gotten back from the sonogram...where there was no heartbeat. The sonogram tech went to the door, turned and said, "it will be at least another hour before your results are read..." and walked out the door.

I turned to Engineering Man and burst into tears because at that point after an emotionally exhausting day, all I wanted was, "just to see my boys."

And God stepped in.

Mom and dad knocked on the door at just that moment with both boys in tow. I have never been so thankful for God's amazing timing as right then, when I could hug my children and know that everything was right with the world.

Timing...I need to point out some amazing things about this...

Mom and dad drove into town that day. Literally, they were in Oklahoma when we called on the way to the ER...

(Great conversation by the way..."Hey mom & dad...didn't want to tell you this way, but I'm pregnant; and am probably having a miscarriage as we speak.")

They not only drove the rest of the way, but went to our friends' house, picked up the boys, and drove through 5 o'clock Dallas traffic to arrive at the hospital door just as the sonogram tech left.

God is so good.

I realize now it was probably the perfect day for it to happen. After almost exactly nine months of being nomads, moving from the normalcy of work/Wichita/friends, to being a stay-at-home mom, living in corporate housing, to living with family in Texas, to separating our family and moving back in with the parents as EM did military training, to a nightmare of a home closing (three hours...yes, THREE), to finally having our own home with our family back together...

It seemed, if it was going to happen, God was waiting until I could lie in my own bed to have it happen...

God gives us only what we can handle...

Shortly afterward, I went back to my hometown for my 10 year class reunion. And discovered an old friend who'd also had a miscarriage that summer.

She was having a hard time...no one she knew had ever been through what we had. And, as she said, "No one talks about it."

It's not exactly something you randomly bring up in conversation...

"Oh, yea...we'll try to have more kids. I just have to wait until my body heals. I just had a miscarriage."

"Yes, thank you. I did lose some weight lately. About 10 pounds of weight...from a miscarriage."

"Yes, Mini #1 & Mini #2 would like to have a baby brother/sister. I'm just scared to death I'll have another miscarriage."

It's something now that I do talk about...openly...hoping that if someone else has to deal with it, they know that there's someone they can talk to.

Although, from the perspective of what happened, I was very lucky.

I didn't have to wait days.

Everything passed on its own the same day I started spotting.

We never heard a heartbeat.

We hadn't been trying for months to get pregnant.

I didn't have to have a D&C.

I didn't have to tell people I'd lost the baby.

And I didn't have to talk about how much it made me feel like a failure as a mother. Yes, that's right. A failure. I'm not looking for sympathy...I just want someone else who's been through this know that they're not alone with those feelings.

Miscarriages are normal...15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage.

But they don't feel normal. And when there's no way to know why it happened, you question everything.

I did.

And then God stepped in.

Daily I'm reminded of all the things I do have to be thankful for. I have faith and trust in a God that will be there...always. I know deep within myself that there is a reason things happen. I may not know why now, but someday, I will.

I have a wonderful husband that was and is there for me every step of the way. I have amazing friends and family that were and are there for support whenever I may need it. And most importantly, no matter what happens in the future with our family...I have two healthy, and very happy little boys.

And someday...well, someday I'll be able to meet my very own very special son or daughter in heaven.

...what more is there to ask for?

Straw poll...

2011-11-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Decorating for Christmas...

Before or after Thanksgiving?

Your decision will determine when I put my tree up this week!

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-11-21T10:37:00.000-06:00

This week included a visit from two of my favorite people...

...this cutie and her mommy...

...oh, and I made her a hat!...

...Mini #1 had his very first Thanksgiving feast...

...everyone in his class was asked what they were thankful for...

...I was sad I didn't make the cut...

...He loved playing with Little Miss P...

...and even showed her the best breakfast...cereal and cartoons!...

...after they left, we celebrated an early Thanksgiving...

...with some super snuggly people...

...that give awesome hugs...

...and great kisses...

This morning Mini #1 took off for Kansas with my in-laws. He'll be spending the next week up north, and then will head to my brother's later in the week. I'm trying to decide if having him gone will mean a lot accomplished at my house, or if Mini #2 and I will just snuggle on the couch...

So far...snuggling has totally won out!

Friday's Favorites...reusable diapers...

2011-11-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

...all I see is dollar signs!!

Thursday Things That Make a Mommy Cry...

2011-11-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

I was driving Mini #1 to school when the following happened...

"Mommy...do you know who Santa brings presents to?"

"Who?"

"Good little kids and little girls."

(Yes, exact words. Apparently girls are set apart from "kids" or who he thinks are just boys.)

"You're right buddy. Do you know why we celebrate Christmas?"

"Because of Jesus?"

"Yep, because it's Jesus' birthday."

"I'm going to try to be really good."

"That's good."

"Mommy. I'm going to TRY."

*giggling from me*

"Mini, did you know that Jesus can help you be good? You can pray to Him to help you be a good kid."

"Really?"

"Yep."

.....pause....

"Momma. Can I pray right now?"

*choke* "Yea, buddy, you can."

"Dear Jesus...please help me to be a good little kid so that I can get presents for Christmas. I really like presents. Amen."

....pause....

"Momma. He said yes."

Oh, the faith of a child...please God help me to remember how amazing that faith can be.

What it means to be a parent...

2011-11-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

Sherry over at Young House Love wrote an article on Baby Center about the 10 Reasons She's Thankful for Clara (her daughter). It's a great list and one I've told Engineering Man to on more than one occasion.

What would you add to the list?

Check it out!

2011-11-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

See my new link...yes, that one. The one that says "The Shop".

Click on it and be amazed!! Kidding...sort of...

So excited how all the wonderful things are turning out. Let me know if you'd like some stuff for Christmas!

Monday's week in review...

2011-11-14T08:48:00.000-06:00

This week I put my camera down...again. I'm thinking I'm finally at a point in being settled that this Monday post might flip back to a highlight reel instead of a play by play.

So...this week included a trip to the park...

...where someone got super adventurous...

...someone made sure he could still do it...

...and the slides...

...were super fun...

...this little mini decided he could do it too...

...and this little mini got pissy...

...the boys raced...

...Mini #1 got an awesome dinosaur at a birthday party...

...and these two wasted no time licking the beaters after making some homemade twinkies...

Alright...now it's your turn. If you could make a hghlight reel of your weekend...what would it be???

Friday's Favorites...my favorite veteran...

2011-11-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

In honor of Veteran's Day...and because he's currently fulfilling his drill duty...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Dad got pulled over for speeding on the way to see us.

Niece #2 looked at mom super seriously and asked...

"Grandma...is Papa going to jail?"

A new definition of "helping"...

2011-11-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

The mini's helped me make some homemade twinkies this past week. They greased the pan...

...and themselves...

...awesome...

Pinterest DIY of the week...Wine cork monogram

2011-11-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

I had a ton of corks in my cabinets and when I saw some Pinterest wine cork monogram action I couldn't resist making my own.

I started by laying out the corks on a leftover piece of plywood.

And then traced around the corks to make a pattern for Engineering Man to cut out.

Don't ask why, but he used a Sawz-all...it was a blast.

After it was cut, I used some antiquing glaze to

darken the piece.

Then, I put the corks back on to make sure they still matched up with the cuts.

I finished it off by gluing the corks back into place.

And voila...instant addition to the cupboards. Total cost...FREE! Everything was on hand.

Alright...your turn. What have you made from Pinterest lately?

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-11-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

This past week included a great time out trick-or-treating...

...with a mad scientist...

...and a bat...

...finishing a Pinterest project...

...some new additions to the shop...

...saving some money...

...and a visit from one of our favorite people, that ended in a haircut for the littlest mini!...

Friday's Favorites...my own laundry line...

2011-11-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

...smell that freshness!!...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-11-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Ever since I was little my dad's mom was always known as "Grandma on the Hill."

She lives on a hill...

My parent live at the bottom of the same hill...

This past week, mom brought Halloween presents for the kids...

"Mommy..."

"Yea buddy."

"Grandma...not Grandma on the Hill, but the Grandma at the bottom of the hill...she brought me this cup."

I think you've got a new name, Mom. Grandma at the Bottom. What do you think?

30 Days of Thankful...

2011-11-02T16:19:00.000-05:00

I'm a day late...and usually a dollar short...ha!...

...but I wanted to do my own 30 days of thanksful...

Day #1...Engineering Man

Day #2...the Mini's...

What my life would be like without them is something I don't want to experience.

Mr. & Mrs. R Photo shoot...

2011-11-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

How gorgeous is this family? And killer smiles from everyone? It was almost too easy... :)

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-10-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

Bear with me...there's lots of photos this week...

This week included a super fun visit from some family...

...this grandma came...

...and so did this one!!...

...the kids had lots of fun together...

...seeing flamingos...

...hippos...

...zebras...

...lions...

...penguins...

...riding the carousel...

...OH...Aunt A came too!!...

...we all rode the train...

...and giggled a lot...

...when UNCLE Engineering Man was around...

...we climbed mountains...

...in tutus...

...and giggled at "Under Monster Trucks"...

...we sailed the seas...

...and slid down the slides...

...some more gracefully than others...

...we went putt putt golfing...

...and cheesed for the camera...

...even the littlest mini...

...we got balloon animals...

...wow my husband is sexy...

...bounced in a bounce house...

...and slid down an inflatable slide...

...OH...guess who else came?...

...a little static cling...

...and some basketball...

...followed by a crazy daddy...

...Sunday we recovered after I took some family photos for friends...stay tuned tomorrow for a sneak peek!...

Friday's Favorites...a husband with power tools...

2011-10-28T07:00:00.004-05:00

Since I've been crocheting a lot more, my yarn stash has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, so has the mess that the yarn has made. I corralled it all for a while in a tub, but it just wasn't working...

...unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture, but just picture plastic sacks and yarn in a pile...

...and then Engineering Man used his table saw, and some random plastic tubing we had around to make stackable holders for my yarn...

...how cool is this?? I just lift each one to see what colors I have below. All nice and neat...fabulous!

EM's so awesome...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

...in bible class on Sauday one older gentleman to another when the topic of polygamy was brought up...

"We've had a wife a very long time...and I don't know about you, but I really don't know how I'd cope with two or three..."

Anyone remember these??

2011-10-26T08:56:00.000-05:00

I was reading my Parents magazine this past week and came across this lovely listing in the "Big Kids" Christmas present section.

Candy wrapper bracelets?!?

What happened to eating/making your own?

That dream shot...

2011-10-25T07:00:00.008-05:00

...happened Saturday.

Yes, it was my camera.

And yes, I was holding it.

Let's just not talk about how many other shots I took to get this one...

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-10-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

This week Mini #1 spent way too much time on the iPad...

...and this Mini really started getting an attitude...terrible two's anyone??...

...Mini #1 messed with his toenail until the root popped out...gross...

...and I spent many hours adding another item to my shop!...

...Engineering Man went through his military stuff and discovered three different sets of uniforms...

...and the mini's had fun with his old hats...

...friends came to play...

...and I played with my camera...

...mom duties...

...and little boys being...boys...

...an airshow out our neighbor's back door...

...the boys thought it was awesome...

...his favorite new word? Pwannnneee!!...

...Engineering Man and I trying to engineer our own airshow...

...festive toes...they're supposed to look like candy corn...

...Ea-moe...

...neighborhood football...

...some that rested...

...while others got crazy...

...and the boys...well...they were still boys...

Friday's Favorites... One Click Pix

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a photographer, I've been thoroughly disappointed with all the photo printing places that I've used over the past few years. Yes, they've been cheap, but 8x10s look...well, like crap!

As a bonus to my photography class, I actually received a $25 gift card to One Click Pix.

Never heard of them...and was interested to see how they're photos would turn out...

Well...I've discovered the new place I'll be printing my enlargements!

Amazing quality and unbelievably cheap...And 8x10 for $2.50! :)

Awesome!

**haven't been paid or perked...just liked 'em!**

Thursday Things You Only Hear in Texas...

2011-10-20T07:00:00.003-05:00

I was sporting the only K-State shirt in my wardrobe at the park the other day...

...a Theta Xi tailgating shirt when it was still Wagner Field...

...when a little boy walked by with his mom...

"Mom. Is that a TCU shirt?"

"No; it's not. I don't know what kind of shirt that is..."

6-0 and seriously no idea...you don't watch football...

Barefeet In High Heels the shop...now available...

2011-10-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

...at Girly Girl!!

Local boutique in Keller. I'm so pumped...

Like them on Facebook for info on the other stuff in their shop. But...just buy mine.

:)

Kidding...

Sort of...

Monday's Weekend in Review...

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

My life is so boring anymore...

...that, or I'm just afraid you people won't care what my day-to-day life looks like...

...or maybe I'm just being lazy about picking up my camera...

Yep. That one.

Anyway, the week included a blown up obstacle course...

...a blown up bounce house...

...a hay maze...

...that ended up at a slide...

...a Phineas and Ferb affair...

...jailhouse rock...

...a hay ride...

...through a pumpkin patch...

...Mini #1 was excited...

...we picked some pumpkins...

...and then headed home...

...the rest of the weekend included some girly-ness...

...having my wallet destroyed...

...icing the puppy...

...and watering the trees...

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-10-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Long story short...in church the following picture came up on the screen...

"Daddy...that's like Papa and Grandma's fence."

Not quite...but close...

Enjoying the weather...

2011-10-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Fort Worth's Next Top Model...

2011-10-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mini #1 started posing as I was taking family photos...

...he had some inspiration...

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-10-10T10:30:00.018-05:00

This week I got a push in my new business...

...Mini #1 had a school walk-a-thon...

...even Mini #2 came to help mommy...

...a friend took a family photo...

...and I tried to take pictures of the boys...

...we took a walk...

...with a friend...

...and I decorated for the season...

...the mini's added their pumpkins from the BEST birthday party ever...

...and we FINALLY had rain!!...

Friday's Favorites...garage sales...

2011-10-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

Today I'm prepping for tomorrow's garage sale...

My first EVER!

Yep, that's right folks. This will be the first time I have ever had a garage sale. But, I'm really excited to purge crap out of my house and get some $$ for the effort.

Wish me luck!

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-10-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

My sister told me that Nephew #1 had a new question for her...

...you know...little minds are quite inquisitive...

...anyway, Nephew #1 was going pee and asked...

"Mom. Are these pee holders?"

"No. The toilet doesn't hold pee. When you flush it goes out through the sewer."

"No mom. Not the toilet. These things...under my penis."

"Go ask your father."

About this photo...

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Did you know I used to do stage productions?...

....this was one of them...

...Hoo Haw, a spin-off of Hee Haw...

...I was supposed to just put the pie in his face...

...this time I decided to do a little more than that...

...my hair was so short...well, not as short as John's...

This week's DIY's...

2011-10-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

First up...a quick update to a garage sale find...

...went from ugly for $3 to this...

...with a little help from some $1 leaves, leftover ribbon, and pinecones on hand.

Then, Friday evening I headed to a friend's to make Trick-or-Treat bags for the boys.

She had the brilliant idea to decorate a bag with their name...

...and then put each year's costume on it.

Great, fun, quick way to remember what they were, and to have a keepsake from a holiday.

What "fall" diy have you done? Something classic, or something totally off the wall?? I'd love to see it!

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-10-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

The week included another diy project...

...some 100 degree weather...

...sick little boys...puke...ugh...

...really truly being able to crochet anything...

...wow...yep...just wow...

...Engineering Man taking over the "mom duties"...

...so I could go be crafty...

...and make super fun trick-or-treat bags...

...doing some make-up homework...

...he even wanted to "do work"...

...an AWESOME garage sale find...

...chilling with friends...

...and helping build a treehouse...

...for the birthday girl...

...spending the day with this guy...

...and listening to a couple tantrums...even from the birthday girl...

...jerry-rigging the final product...

...and giving some construction tips to the next generation...

How was your weekend??

Friday's Favorites...am I mean...

2011-09-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

...if I laughed as I watched this?

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-09-29T07:00:00.006-05:00

Mother of the little girl...

"Oh, isn't that sweet? He's patting her back..."

"Oh, wait...He's stealing her juice..."

Me..."At least he gave it back..."

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom...

2011-09-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Paraphrased from last Thursday's Grey's Anatomy...

"You think true love is the only thing that will destroy you if it's lost...rip your heart out...and make you feel loss..."

"...and then you become a mother..."

Business...

2011-09-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love girly stuff...

I mean...really, REALLY girly stuff. But, from what you've read in my Thursday Things, I have boys.

The ultimate rough, tumble, destroy stuff, (or themselves) boys.

So, since I can't make stuff for my kids...I've decided to make it for other people's.

And make a little money in the process! :)

Click on the "Store" link up above. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Anything you've seen me do on the blog you'd like me to add?

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-09-26T07:00:00.019-05:00

The week included shaving with daddy...

...wii...

...lots of girly stuff...

...a super adorable model for a super fun announcement...see tomorrow...

...hugs with Auntie L...

...a pampered chef party at Engineering Chick's house...

...a totally pink birthday party...

...with a slide...

...and this unbelievable cuteness...

...ugh...

...borrowing from the neighbors...

...and a brick in a truck...

Friday's Favorites...Geek hilarity...

2011-09-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Thursday Things that make me smile...

2011-09-22T07:00:00.006-05:00

Sunday, Pastor was talking about God's grace given to us through creation. We opened our Bibles to the beginning and Mini #1 asked me to read.

Me..."In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth..."

Mini #1 then piped up..."Genesis 1, 1."

... :) ....

Wednesday's WTF moment...

2011-09-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Walking into a furniture store in Dallas the following notice was posted:

"Unaccompanied minors must be accompanied by an adult"

Seriously??

Pinterest Thursdays...on Tuesday...talking about Thursday...ugh

2011-09-20T07:00:00.015-05:00

Back story...

We all know how much I love Pinterest.

Oh, we don't? Well..I was late to the bandwagon, but I'm thoroughly in on the party now...

Random side story...

On Sunday I was talking to my friend's mom (the friend in this post...wow, need to work on a name for you too, don't I??).

Anyway, we were actually discussing our fun Pinterest Thursday. Random fellow church member, that we don't know, walks by and hears us talking about Pinterest...she says, "That site is SO addictive!!"

...and scene...wow, sorry that was lame...

Anyway, my unnamed friend...ugh...and I decided that since we've pinned so many awesome things on Pinterest, and have yet to complete any of them, we should make our Thursday get togethers "Pinterest Thursdays."

We choose a project we both want to do, buy the materials, and finally finish a Pinterest pin. :)

This past Thursday, hence the..."Pinterest Thursdays...on Tuesday" title (may just make it a running theme)...

...we made Halloween wreaths!

Tule, ribbon, and an embroidery hoop...

...tie the tule and ribbon on to the embroidery hoop using the loop method...

...add a ribbon and bow and voila!; Halloween wreath!...

So, your turn...what have you made based on a Pinterest pin? If you want to add a picture...post it to the Barefeet in High Heels photo gallery! I'd love to see it!

Monday's Week in Review...

2011-09-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Oh Monday...where did you come from??

This was Engineering Man's "easy" week...he had Friday off...so we had LOTS of fun at the house. And...well, I had a TON of fun doing crafty stuff. Tutorial tomorrow, and a question today!

So...the week included discovering that I have a third engineer in the family...yes, that's right...Mini #2 did this...

...a trip to a *free* indoor play area...

...Pinterest Thursday's!...

...ice cream...

...Bocce ball with...

...Engineering friend and Engineering friend's engineer wife...(come on guys...we need a name for her!)...

...play time with the shutter speed...

...sidenote...I need a tripod...

...happy you made the blog now?...

...crabby mornings...

...and playing with daddy...

...while mommy made a haul at garage sales...

...rearranging the silverware drawer...

...and *trying* to fix a light...

...a possible money making venture...

...mmmm...sexy...

...soccer!...

...I love my camera...

...check out this kick!...

...well...hello Little Miss Thing...

...action!...

...checking out some landscape possibilities...

...taking off the training wheels...

...and riding all by himself!...

...this cutie just did the balance beam...

...and this cutie...

...well, I think I just found a new model...

...then it was Mini #2's turn on the bike!...

...not quite child...let's just slow down that whole growing up thing...k?

Alright...now the question for all you moms of daughters; and women who just like fun stuff...

The crocheted head band...

...would you buy it? It's a two or three strand "goddess" headband that ties in the back...I'm thinking of making more with crocheted flowers...similar to the flower on this hat... Different colors? Would you rather have a hat? Or just the headband by itself that you could buy "flowers" to clip to? Thoughts??

Friday's Favorites...Hello fall...

2011-09-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

Weather for Fort Worth, TX

71°F | °C

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Mostly Cloudy

Wind: SE at 9 mph

Humidity: 59%

86°

73°

93°

74°

93°

73°

92°

69°

Thursday Things I Never Thought I'd Hear...

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mini #1 apparently wants a sibling...or...well...just read...

"Mommy, will you have a baby in your tummy again?"

"Well, I hope to one day; do you want another brother or sister?"

"Yes; actually I want you to have TWO babies in your tummy...like *insert friend's name here*'s mommy. That way I could reach out this wide and HUUUUUGGGG them both."

I think you've got another thing coming kid...

DIY of the week...homemade laundry detergent

2011-09-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm cheap. I mean, really, really cheap.

Do you know how much I hate to spend $8 on a bottle of soap every month? Suck.

So, when my cousins came this summer and said they made their own laundry detergent, I bought the supplies.

And then, my cheap self waited until I'd already used my other bottle of detergent before I made my own. Hence the two month wait to make it.

Using the Duggar Family Recipe, my mom and I made the laundry soap over Labor Day weekend. Didn't take long, and I've been using it since. Haven't had any major problems and it seems to get the clothes clean.

It made a lot though.

An entire 5 gal bucket of this gloop.

And actually, it's 10 gallons, because you mix it half/half with water and put it in an old laundry soap container for easy dispensing.

Total number of loads this makes? 640 for my front loading machine. Yes, that's right. 640. So, if I do 4 loads of laundry a week, this batch will last me...3 years.

The breakdown:

Bar of Fels-Naptha soap - $.89

Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda - $3.24 (-$1 coupon = $2.24)

Box of Borax - $2.69

5 gal bucket with lid - $1.50

Total cost: $7.32

**Please note that this is for the full box of soda and borax, plus the bucket. The next time I make it, my cost for 640 loads of laundry will be $.89.

30 Before 30... #4

2011-09-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mrs. P has been telling me for a while to cross...

#4. Learn more about my digital SLR and get good at taking pictures

...off my 30 Before 30 list. I didn't feel comfortable doing that until this past week.

Last Wednesday I used a Groupon and attended the McKay Photography Academy.

The major objective of the night...get off "Auto" mode or "Running man"...crap...

A little background...since I've had my camera, I've been watching videos on Youtube trying to figure out the "Manual" mode on my camera. Stupid videos didn't help. I was completely lost and that darn "M" kept eluding me.

BUT...the McKay's were awesome and put it all into very simple and easy to follow terms. I'll try to pass along the details...at least, how I understood them.

The McKay's explained that three elements, the ISO (image noise), aperture (depth of field or blurriness behind focus) and shutter speed (motion blur), all work together to create correct exposure.

It's all about the light.

Here's the easy to use steps:

1. Pick your ISO...start as low as possible (100) and go up as more light is needed. But, start low and go back if you need more light with the other triangular elements. Why? Because the higher the ISO the more "noise" will be in the picture.

2. Then, choose what you want and start with that as the second element.

2a. Pick shutter speed if you want to stop action...For example: kids in a pool.

2b. Pick aperture if you want the focus highlighted more...For example: flags at a memorial.

3. Then, using your light meter, move the other element you didn't choose for #2 until everything lines up at "O" on your light meter...thus getting correct exposure.

Brilliant! Right? And super simple...sort of.

It's still taken some getting used to, and Auto is still easy when I'm trying to catch a "moment" with the kids. Especially when it's something fun and a giggle, and my camera isn't set for the environment I'm in.

What do you think? Any other tips and tricks you've learned? Have you ever had an "aha" moment with your camera? Share! I'd love to hear them!!