A Fresh Weekend

We've had a pretty busy last couple of weeks and this weekend we finally got a chance to breathe. It was so nice to spend time together around the house while doing what we love. There was much baking, playing, crafting and cuddling. And the weather was actually decent enough for a brisk walk outside. (A much needed event for those of us with cabin fever).
This book and these ovenmits were my kitchen companions this weekend.




Making maple syrup apple sauce.

My little taste tester.

These banana raisin muffins were definitely Little Man approved.

There were even fun moments of learning while cooking. This is a super easy recipe for homemade fruit snacks without all of the sugar. (They actually taste just like gummy bears).


And of course there was much play in between the cooking.
As well as time for softness and rest...

And working on projects around the house.

I hope your weekend was filled with many blessings of productivity, rest and family time.

I Love Watching Him Learn...

Ohmagoodness!

Pinterest.
Have I shared with you all just how much I love Pinterest? (You can follow my boards here).
Well, I do. I love it. It has honestly boosted my desire to be more creative and try more things than anything else in the social media world.

And...I just discovered something even more amazing about it...

The oh so amazing, Design*Sponge, is on Pinterest. (Read her announcement post here). If you were ever looking for the best boards to follow on Pinterest, Design*Sponge would be the one to follow. For those of you who are not familiar with Design*Sponge you must check it out. It's fabulous. That's the only word for it. And now that she's on Pinterest - oh my goodness - look out creative inspiration world!

February Photo a Day

This month I've decided to participate in the February Photo a Day Challenge on Instagram. I've always wanted to do it, so why not start this month. Now I didn't get started until February 3rd, but it's been fun nonetheless. Here's what I've captured so far.

P.S. You can participate, too. Just visit Fat Mum Slim to follow along with this month's list.

Day 3: Hands (from the summer time)

Day 6: Dinner (with a side of yellow and orange)

Day 7: Button (in my studio)

Getting Back Into It...

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has a tendency to struggle with blog posting...You know, really wondering why it is that I blog. I've actually considered closing this chapter of my blogging life...starting afresh...anew...a...something.

I always enjoy starting a new journal or sketchbook. Opening that cover, skipping over the first page (because some pages should be left blank), creasing down the crisp, white gutter of a new page and then beginning with whatever new thoughts come to mind...

Journals represent seasons of life. I occasionally pull out my collection of journals from high school and college and am overwhelmed by what's inside...the silliness, the raw emotion, the doodles, the relationships. I find myself getting caught up in memories (good and bad) of those past days that are so far away, but seem so near when I read each page.

That's how I feel when I browse through this "journal." I look through old posts. Browse my blogroll to see what all of you lovely people have been up to while I've been absent...

Bear with me as I get a bit transparent...
I've found myself wanting to quit doing the things I most enjoy these past few months. Starting new projects kind of makes my stomach turn because there's the always looming thought of "will I actually finish it?" Now, I do understand that life is different with our Little One in the house and priorities have definitely shifted. I enjoy soaking up the special moments of each day as I watch our Little Man grow and I do not regret pausing and embracing each of these moments. But does that mean I shouldn't go after the other things in life that bring me joy? I know God has placed the desire to craft and create in my heart. I feel it every time I look at bolt of fabric, a beautifully crafted font, a photograph that warms my heart. I feel it every time I look at what He's created...my son, my husband, the world around us. The ultimate Creator has put that desire of "creativity" in each one of us because we were made in His image.

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Let us make human beings in our image... [Genesis 1:26]
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But I've turned it into more a chore. Taking a picture with my camera (not my phone) means I have to open it on my computer, edit it if necessary and then post it. By the time I've done all that, I don't even want to follow through with the original task I set out to do...document a special moment in life...But my heart is changing...

And so, with God's help, I will climb out of this valley up to the mountain top. I will let Him burn that passion back in my life. Because we all need Him to help us follow the plans He has for us. And I need it more than ever right now.

My posts may still be sporadic, but I hope you will still follow me as I take this new path - not for my glory - but for the Glory of the One who truly is worthy of all Glory and Honor.

An Elephant Never Forgets

Little Man is getting bigger and bigger with each day. I can't believe he's going to be a year old in just one month. Ba! How the time flies. Since he's growing so quickly, I find myself rushing to have him wear clothes or shoes that are super cute that he might not fit in soon.


Last winter, my mom bought these wonderful shoes for him from Magpie Lovely and he can now finally wear them. And surprisingly, he wears them without thinking twice about it.

My Name is Stegosaurus...

...I'm a funny looking dinosaur.
On my back are funny little plates,
And on my tail there's more.

My front two legs are very short.
My back two legs are long.

My body's big,
My head is very small,
I'm put together wrong.

I learned this song when I was in kindergarten and I've always loved it. And now, I can teach it to our Little Man, especially when he gets his very own Steggy for his birthday. The Hubby and I worked together on this, each using our own craft to accomplish it. The pattern was super easy and can be found in this book.

I can't wait for our Little Man to see this. He's really become interested in toys that roll and that he can drag around.

A Little Gnome

Back in February, our Little Man was in need of a warmer winter hat. And wanting something that not every child would have, I consulted Simple Sewing for Baby and found the most amazing little gnome hat. So grabbing some super cuddly gray fleece from my stash and some re-purposed ribbon, I put together the most adorable hat.