Category: crafty

liam’s stocking

Liam’s stocking is done!

This kit is called Snowman Games by Bucilla. None of their kits are particularly “simple” but this one seemed to be much easier and faster than the one I made for my niece last year. I know part of that is because I have some experience now, but I also chose this one partly because it had less intricate parts. So if you are a beginner and you want to try it out, I do recommend this one!

Next on my crafting plan is finishing the quilt I’ve been working on forever, and then I’m moving on to this advent calendar!

August 13, 2014
project life 2014 : weeks 29 – 30

Today’s Project Life update is from July 14 – 27. As you can tell, I take a lot of pictures of my kiddos. I keep telling myself to branch out and capture other things, but then I rarely do. New goal!

During these two weeks I finished whole30, we celebrated Meredith’s birthday (I used an insert to document it, pictured at the end), Liam turned 6 months old, and I was sick for a week.

The first ice cream after whole30 deserved to be documented.

At first I was going to print all of the pictures in black and white, but it was just too much. I needed a little bit of color.

I really love cropping photos to add white space. The photo below wasn’t the best shot, but I thought it was so cute how the cousins were lined up on a bench to eat. In memory keeping sometimes it’s better to include the photos that tell the best story rather than the ones that look the nicest.

I actually included two inserts for Meredith’s third birthday party.

Simple, simple! I just love this project!

August 6, 2014
art journal / 1

I have been wanting to try art journaling for a long time now. I used to think I wasn’t artsy enough for it, but when I realized that it could be whatever I wanted it to be and I started seeing simple pages I loved (like this) I was in. I needed some kind of guidance or structure before I began, though. Eventually, as I was going through my Bible study and underlining quotes and verses, I realized that it was the perfect inspiration.

I finally got a little extra time and decided to just go for it. I didn’t want to spend any money so I’m using a regular journal that I hadn’t written in yet. It is ruled but that doesn’t bother me.

I freehand cut out the word “James” because that is what I’m studying right now.

Here are my first two pages. So far they just include magazine clippings, stamps, handwriting, and stickers.

The phrase here is something I took from my study on James 1:5-7. It talks about the repercussions of having faith versus doubting and how much is at stake.

The above quote is from Beth Moore. Just something I want to remember.

So far I’m in love with this journaling method. I’m planning to keep it simple and do pages whenever inspiration strikes. I’ll share updates as I have them. :)

July 31, 2014
project life 2014 : weeks 25 – 26

When I printed these photos I actually thought that it would be a pretty colorful spread, but in the end it turned out fairly neutral again. At this point I’m just going to embrace it because that is obviously my style! It’s the same with the way I dress. Last weekend I allowed myself to shop a bit for clothes and all I bought were whites, blacks, grays, and blues. Hey, it’s easy to put an outfit together that way!

So anyway, this is from June 16 – 29. Regular weeks.

My whole30 started, and I included a photo of what is basically my breakfast every single day.

We went on a date! Hopefully we can do more of this!

Liam’s five month update is here, with a couple other everyday shots.

I had to put in several pictures from our blueberry-picking trip because it was so pretty.

At the very end of these weeks Meredith potty trained, but I decided to include that in the next spread because that’s when she really got it down. I did make a note in the week in review card though.

Halfway through the year now and I still love this project!! I actually have no desire to change anything up right now. Sometimes I feel the urge to play with paper more than this, but honestly I don’t really have time anyway. I figure when I do I’ll finally start an art journal or do a minibook.

July 9, 2014
things i’m working on

I’m working on Liam’s stocking. It’s progressing very nicely and I don’t think I’ll have a problem finishing this summer.

I’m working on getting 10,000 steps on my Fitbit each day. Without trying, I average 7500, depending on how busy we are at work. So to make my goal, I’ll probably have to add in a walk each evening.

I’m working on upping my pumping output. For me that means more water and timely pumping sessions. What else can I do?

I’m working on potty training Meredith. Actually it’s pretty much done, and it was quick & easy. I’ll share my “secrets” soon.

I’m working on making it halfway through Lonesome Dove (the book) by July 13 for book club. It’s a long one so we broke it up into two parts.

I’m working on waking up earlier. My kids are just really early risers so if I want any time alone in the morning it looks like I have to get up around 5. Kind of a bummer, but I’ve also been sleeping so great since starting whole30, so it’s not too hard.

I’m working on catching up on my podcast queue, and thinking about how I can add audiobooks back into my life.

I’m working on my personal style. I pretty much know what I like but I don’t have the wardrobe yet. Since I’m back down to my regular size I look forward to another closet purge and slowly adding pieces that I love.

I’m working on a letter to my pen pal.

I’m working on coordinating Meredith’s 3rd birthday party. The plan is: family only, local park, evening, a few balloons, a banner, bubbles, grilling, and a big chocolate cake.

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Post idea from Ali Edwards who is inspiring as always.

July 2, 2014