I’ve had zero time for projects or painting. Instead, my week has been filled with dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, diapers, more laundry, character training, scrubbing, trying to fit in some exercise, cooking, prepping for a garage sale, more laundry, kissing owies, grocery shopping, and yes… more laundry.
Then I noticed a little grumbling in my heart when both the refrigerator and dishwasher broke down at the same time [face palm]. But, I have decided to choose joy!
Lots of love,
Mary
I have fond memories of my mother pressing and preserving flowers between the pages of old books, in hopes to one day create a beautiful piece of art. My mother was an artist, too, and she had an eye for beauty! She passed away when I was young and one of the few things I have from her is this handmade creation that was done by her mother, my grandmother.
It endured quite a bit of damage along the way before I received the artwork and had it framed. But I like the torn leaves and missing pieces. I think of its history traveling all the way from England to the U.S. many years ago. And I’m so grateful that it’s still here today.
I’m in love with the attention to detail. I like to imagine my grandmother working around the kitchen table, deciding which pieces to use.
Next time you stumble upon a beautiful flower… save it. Preserve its beauty in the pages of a book and create something timeless.
Lots of love,
Mary
I can’t believe it, but as I’m typing this post I’m thousands of miles away from my home and my babies! They are well taken care of, but oh how I miss them so! And because I’m thinking about my children so very much, I thought it was appropriate to share with you some amazing web finds for the kiddos!
Check out this homemade play dough recipe from kidsactivitiesblog.com And made with only two ingredients!
This is one of those, “why didn’t I think of that” moments. Thank you notes for the little ones to color! These cards are available on Etsy for purchase or as you can probably figure, make your own!
Tastykitchen.com has a fabulous all-natural recipe for goldfish crackers!
And because we all need a little laugh every now and then… (photo links to source)
Lots of love,
Mary
Today was a fun day! Movies. Forts. Snuggles. Baking. Blogging. More Snuggles. And all the in-between. Sometimes a mom’s life is a whirlwind. I couldn’t tell you what all I did today… but it was a lot! I did take a few moments to snap some photos of a project I did for baby Jude’s room – A painted dresser/changing table. This was my very first experiment with High-Gloss paint!
I introduce, Caspian:
Caspian is a Vintage Henredon Dresser that I picked up for a steal at one of my local thrift spots! The quality of this piece is remarkable and it was in excellent shape, save some deep scratches on the top of the dresser.
This piece is one of the few things I’ve painted where the original wood is so beautiful. <Don’t shoot me!> Trust me, I had a very hard time deciding. To paint… or not to paint, That is always the question. Once I decided that it was going into Jude’s room, I had my heart set on a bright teal high-gloss finish! There will be others to show restraint with.
The color is “Intense Teal” by Behr. I chose their Hi-Gloss Enamel for a super durable shiny finish. To help it adhere, I began with a coat of Glidden Gripper Grey. Gripper is an amazing primer that will literally stick to anything without flaking…even glass!
The choice to paint the hardware was an afterthought but really completes the look. Although this piece has a classical style, the paint has really transformed the look to more of a sleek modern or transitional feel. Perfect for my baby boy!
Photo bombed by a little cutie in the corner! My baby Gabby likes to be in front of the camera. (I wish you could see the smile on my face because this little one melts my heart to pieces!)
Sidenote: Nope, I’m not ignoring the fact that this dresser is standing in front of an AMAZING wood wall that I haven’t told you about yet! Thought I’d give you a little sneak peek. Truth is, it isn’t finished yet. I’m a little stumped on how to finish the wood. So maybe you guys can help a girl out!
Should I…
A. Keep the natural unfinished wood look?
B. Use Teak oil for a natural slightly darker finish?
C. Finish with a honey toned stain (Which would coordinate with the crib)?
Lots of love,
Mary
I’ve been thinking about how I would jump in and start blogging again. Where do I start? How do I plan out my posts? Where to begin? … It’s been such a long time.
After this week’s tornado tragedy in Oklahoma, I got to thinking. I felt that I wanted to share my thoughts with you, so this is where I will start.
“The Most Important Things in Life Aren’t Things” ~ from Moore, OK debris. Image links to Pinterest source.
I don’t know anyone in Moore, OK. I used to live in the Tulsa area, so I do know a lot of people close to the action. Since the devastation is close to an area where I used to live, and I know people who know people affected, I couldn’t help but look at my children and think, “what if…?” Then it dawned on me – how selfish!
Moore, OK – May 2013. Photo links to source.
(Let me fill you in on my thought process here).
Are we selfish even amidst our compassion for others? Do we only care or give it a second thought if it’s our family, our state, or our country? Tragedy happens every day. Yet, are we only bothered if it’s highly publicized? Or, like me, do you find that you only empathize if it’s close to home?
And then I’m reminded of our own depravity as human beings. That right in the middle of our compassion and empathy for others, our sin nature shines bright, and selfishness ensues. We still only think of ourselves. My Feelings. My loved ones. Me. Me. Me.
It’s always a good thing to be reminded of our need for a savior. Thank you, Lord, for Your grace. Strip me of all selfishness, I pray. Help me to have compassion for those I cannot see — a true compassion that’s without selfishness or pride. Amen.
Lots of love,
Mary
Linked up at http://cornerstoneconfessions.com
This week my pregnancy has finally caught up with me… I’m so T.I.R.E.D! Not to mention emotional stuff and the fact that I think I may be coming down with something (fingers crossed that my body is just tired and its not a cold)! Feeling yuck, so I’m just going to go sit on the couch now… just being honest with you my friends! It’s time to rest and take care of baby boy.
Source: anaturalhomebirth.wordpress.com via Karen on Pinterest
I’ve got a lot of things in the works, but as I’ve found myself now in the 3rd trimester, I’m taking the advice that has been given to me from many of my friends and family… SLOW DOWN! :) “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither will my business.
Lots of love,
Mary
So I’m just going to say it like ripping off a band-aid. This past week, I made the decision to ask my husband to leave after 11.5 years of marriage. I had found out for the third time over the past year and a half of his unfaithfulness and deceit towards me and our family. Words cannot begin to describe the agony and the despair of my heart. Because my children do not have the biblical leader as a father that I thought they originally had. And, because he was my best friend and only confidant, and this level of betrayal is unlike anything I could possibly try to describe. I have read Psalm 55 over and over and rest in the Lord’s comfort. Verse 22 says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
Source: weheartit.com via Miriam on Pinterest
I want to say that I am so very sorry to each and every one of you whom we personally know for how his betrayal and hypocrisy has hurt you. My heart aches, not just for myself and my children, but also for each of you.
I’m not sure when I will stop crying. I’m not sure if/how I’ll be able to trust again. I’m not sure how I am going to raise four children on my own. But one thing I’m sure of, is the Truth of God’s Word — That “His mercies are new every morning”, and that “His grace is sufficient for me”.
Of course, my ultimate prayer is for my husband’s repentance and restoration to the Lord who he has first sinned against. It will be a long road and I truly do care for his salvation. And although we are separating, I want him to be that man for his children.
Why do you ask am I typing this in a blog post? Because this is my life. And for those of you who know our family, I want you to hear this news from me and hear my heart. Everything is out in the open by now. And maybe just maybe there is a woman out there who would seek comfort knowing that she is not alone. My hope and trust is in the Lord and He is my strength! May the Lord be glorified in all things, even through this trial. This is my heart. I am broken.
Lots of love,
Mary
I’M ALIVE! Okay, so it’s been ages since I’ve posted, let alone done any sort of DIY project. And here it goes… I’m pregnant! Again! I bet you’re saying to yourself: “Didn’t she just have a baby?” Yes, yes I did. Titus James was born March 19, 2012 and the new baby is due March 1, 2013. We were definitely surprised to be pregnant again so soon, but we are absolutely more than ecstatic! And yes, a little crazy :)
Source: andersondesigngroupstore.com via Mary on Pinterest
My first trimester was a little rough this time around and I found myself on the couch a lot! Sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to throw your hands up and surrender. I promise, it’s okay. My energy is starting to return and I’m ready to get back on track. So now, as I try to piece my home back together, I have a new resolve for the next year or so. It’s time to finish what I’ve started. I have so many projects that have been in mind and more importantly, halfway done in my kitchen, dining room, living room, garage, etc… that need to be completed. I’m going to slow down, do what I can (when I can), enjoy my children, and finish things. My husband even joined in on my DIY interest and wants to help me finish some of the larger projects! And what I mean by “help me” is that he’ll be doing the heavy lifting while I sit and point. But in all reality, I’ll probably TRY to climb the ladder at eight months pregnant but will quickly be talked down — or else!
I do have a few things in mind to show you this week and I’m anxious to take some photos!
Lots of love,
Mary
Happy Fathers Day to all daddies out there! We had the best day enjoying time with our little ones. Adi helped me make a cake for my husband and I was able to pull off a surprise project for his office. I’m so excited to show you!
Have you heard about the $5.00 engineers print that Staples offers in their print department? I got my inspiration from Pinterest here:
Source: infarrantlycreative.net via Mary – on Pinterest
Basically, I took the kids outside with their “I Heart Daddy” chalkboard sign and took some photos. The same day, I sent my photo to the local staples copy center and ordered the engineers print in 3’x4′. The print was ready in minutes.
I then had a thin light-weight board cut to size at home depot. A little wood stain, adhesive spray, and mod podge later and voila!
Daniel LOVES it and now he has a large statement piece for his office at work. We’re sure to get some looks when we haul it into the office! Maybe we’ll hang it after hours… hmmm.
Hope your day was as lovely as ours was!
Lots of love,
Mary
Wow, what a night! After greeting a lovely client who stopped by this evening to pick up my beloved Wentworth – An Office Desk with Personality, we heard screams coming from the girls’ room. Our sweet little Gabby had a gash on her eyebrow that looked like she was nearing the third round in a boxing match. The culprit? A flying little mermaid Barbie thrown from across the room. My husband is off to the ER for what most likely will be stitches for Gabby — she’s such a tough little girl!
The house is finally quiet now that Titus is asleep in his bassinet, and I’ve been thinking about sharing this recipe with you all week — now’s my chance! :)
Easter is getting further and further behind us. Do you have dozens of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge like me? I figure we only have a few days left of life in them, so the question is… how do we use them and avoid dumping them in the trash this weekend?
Our family has been eating a LOT healthier lately. I’ve altered the classic Egg Salad recipe to get rid of a lot of the unnecessary fat and add in some extra nutrients — and boy, is it yummy! I think this version is way better than the standard and I will say for a fact that we will never go back!
Ingredients:
12 hard boiled eggs
1 avocado
3/4c Smart Balance mayonnaise
1 ear of corn
1c finely chopped red cabbage
Sea salt
Cracked pepper
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp mustard
Optional: garnish with paprika
1. Mash avocado with a fork and place in a large bowl. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard. Mix together. By using avocado in the recipe, you are eliminating the need for the amount of mayo used and thus cutting out a lot of the fat content. Since mayonnaise is still in the recipe, I like to use Smart Balance mayo (much healthier alternative).
2. Chop egg whites and add to the bowl. I’ll usually throw in one of the yolks for flavor. The yolks are very high in fat, so sticking to just egg whites is best.
3. Slice the corn off the ear and place in bowl. Add chopped red cabbage. The corn was left over from our Easter dinner and was a little charred from the grill — this added great flavor! And the red cabbage had a little crunch that added just the right amount of texture to the recipe.
4. Mix everything together and add salt & pepper to taste. This is when I suggest to check the consistency and add more of an ingredient to your liking (if necessary).
5. Serve on toasted bread and garnish with a little paprika! Yum!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we have! Until next time…
Lots of love,
Mary
Because I Like To Decorate 