With a Cherry (on) Top

Going Home

2012-02-05T17:32:00.001-06:00

This is the third or fourth attempt at writing this post. I'm not exactly sure what my deal is. I guess I'm just having trouble with how to start it. That's actually a typical problem of mine anyway, so maybe it's not really that big of deal, but what I'm about to share is a big deal. But enough blabbing....

I'm going home....well, we're going home.

What is home?

Home is California. Redding to be exact.

Both Jeff and I were born in California. Me in Redding and Jeff in Orange County. So, even though we have made a home here in Texas for the last six and a half years (our entire married life) California has still always been home to us. We knew in our hearts that we would go back eventually, we just didn't know when. Now the time has come.

We may be going home, and we find so much joy in that, but we are also leaving a place that will always be a part of us and who we are. I can't tell you how thankful I am for things like Facebook (and this blog, etc.) so I can stay in touch with all of the friends here that I love so much. Naturally, this is all very bittersweet.

I think I would have to write a book to accurately explain why we are going where we're going. But, if I were to give you the synopsis, the main point of the whole story, it's this: We're going where God is taking us.

We'll be leaving Texas the end of March and arriving in Redding, CA the first week of April, just in time for my brother's wedding!!

There is much to do between now and then so that explains why I have been, and will, be posting less frequently. Also, in December I closed my Etsy shop with the intentions of leaving it closed through January, at least. It will remain closed through spring. I can't make any promises for when it will re-open, but it definitely won't be before May. We'll just see how things go.

We appreciate and covet all your prayers during this time of transition!

-Tiffany

P.S. The picture at the top of this post is the gorgeous backdrop we will get to enjoy while living in Redding. If you have never been there before, trust me when I say it is absolutely breathtaking! Every time I've gone back to visit it's always made my heart skip a beat when I first take in that view.

Finding Peace

2012-02-02T10:35:00.001-06:00

source

"Peace is not the absence of chaos or conflict,

but rather finding yourself in the midst of that chaos and remaining calm in your heart."

-John Mroz

I've discovered that the most challenging chaos that I have found myself in has not been in pain and sorrow or great obstacles or the hardships of life. The most difficult place for me to find peace is in confusion.

When the circumstances around me are against me, when I face trials and tribulations, I know to lean on my Rock, the Prince of Peace, my Foundation. Though it takes a step of faith, though I have to lay myself down and trust in Him, I do it because He is faithful and I have found Him to be completely trustworthy.

But when I am not sure what to believe, when I see truth so vastly interpreted, I have trouble finding the calm in my heart. Boy do I have to press into Him more than ever during those times. I have to trust that He has the answers and that it's okay to not know all of them. It's then that I realize how much more I have yet to learn about His Spirit, and how much deeper I still have to go in my relationship with Him, with the Holy Spirit.

And that's when I pray, Lord teach me how to be Your bride. Teach me how to love and honor and adore You the way that You adore me. That we may dwell in intimacy together and that I will know what Your Spirit is saying and doing because we are of one spirit.

"...Fear not, O Zion; let not your hand grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."

Zephaniah 3:16-17

When I struggle to remain calm in my heart and I don't seem to have the strength for faith and trust...

He will quiet me by His love.

-Tiffany

Linking this up here:

Saying Goodbye

2012-01-24T09:43:00.000-06:00

A special birthday is coming up. My little brother would have turned 20 next week.

I can't help but ponder what kind of an adult he would have been. What sort of things would he have accomplished? It's not just a shot in the dark for me when I wonder. I know the kind of person he was and the goals and desires he had. Maybe that's what can make it seem hard...because I knew he would have done great things. He was a sharp kid, very gifted and passionate about what was important to him. You wouldn't want to be on the other side of a political 'discussion' with him 'cause he knew his stuff and he had conviction about it. His plan for college was to major in either History, Political Science, or both.

Even though I think often about the impact he would have made, and it's a very frustrating thought, it's not what I've dealt with the most. He's gone. I can't change that, no one can. I can't live in a world of "what ifs" and "if onlys". But I do live in a world where saying goodbye is very hard to do.

I am used to life without him. It's been almost three years and there is a new normal, sort of. But something that I still experience periodically (and more frequently lately) is the experience of saying goodbye. I'm assuming that everyone else who has lost someone very close has experienced this same type of thing, at least if they are healing properly.

Everything rushes back. Every feeling, every emotion, every thought....as if I was back in that moment when he was so sick and then passed away. It's very raw, very fresh. It's not fun at all. I went through it already, why would I want to do it again? And it's painful, but yet somehow so sweet and refreshing. It's like he's telling me "I was here", "this all really did happen."

"Now, can you let me go? Can you except the fact that I am gone? Can you be okay with the fact that I had to be so sick? Can you move on even knowing that it wasn't fair?"

Yes, I can. I can move on. Because I said goodbye.

I think it's so important to be able to let go of things when it's time to say goodbye. What's gone is gone. You cannot hold onto something and make it a part of your life if it's not there. Saying goodbye recognizes that something, someone was there, it really did happen, but now they have moved on which means you must move on too.

There will always be goodbyes in life, and some much, much harder than others. But there are also many, many hellos. And if you look at it that way, at least for me, there are so many more hellos than goodbyes. And so many of those hellos are so much greater in their level of joy than goodbyes are in their level of sorrow.

Some goodbyes we say because we have chosen to do so. We intentionally let something go and move on. Some goodbyes, though, are because someone or something was leaving and there was nothing we could do but say goodbye and let them go. The same goes for hellos. Sometimes very wonderful things come to say hello as an unexpected and happy surprise. Then there are the hellos that we choose to say, and there is endless opportunity to say those kinds of hellos.

Here's to knowing when to say goodbye and having the courage to do so...

and to choosing to say hello as often as we can.

-Tiffany

P.S. It's okay if you have to say goodbye to the same thing more than once ;)

Breathing in the New Year

2012-01-09T16:36:00.000-06:00

It's been a few weeks...and I'm stopping in to take a little breath.

It's been a nice break, though, lots of fun over the holidays and a very restful and much needed vacation with my parents here. Just what we needed before getting back into the swing of things.

Some short thoughts on the new year....

God has so much in store this year, as He does every year, but how beautiful it is to start a new year and be excited for what He has specifically for that year and to look back at the end and see all that He did. Last year was about me pursuing my passions. While there is still some ways to go and I still have much ground to cover in delving into my passions, I made a lot of progress.

This year will be a FULL year. A year full of life, growth, peace and grounding. It is a year for DREAMS. Dreams coming true. It is a year of REST and drawing closer as a family. It is a year of CLARITY.

It's a year of JOY.

...I wrote this post a few days ago and when I got on to publish it, I felt like I was supposed to add that this will also be a year of SURPRISES. Sweet surprises.
I don't know fully what that means, and I'm sure most people's train of thought goes straight to a surprise pregnancy, at least mine does when I see that word. But, while that may happen, it would not be the biggest of surprises. Because, there will be a pregnancy this year, at some point hopefully.

I am excited to see what surprises God does have in store for you and me!

-Tiffany

What I Wore - I Love My Boots! (#15)

2011-12-21T11:24:00.000-06:00

I first got these boots back in August, they were on sale and I had some Kohls cash (does anyone else out there love Kohls as much as I do?!). It was probably the most I've spent on any one item in my wardrobe for a long time. They cost a little over $40...can't remember the exact amount. Anyway, I've been wanting to get a pair of cool boots other than the ugg style for a few years now, but never felt quite bold enough. And, considering I would be going out side of my comfort zone in wearing them, they had to be just the right pair.

So, I finally decided that there would be no more playing it safe and I finally took the plunge.

It's funny that the first time I wore them I felt a little like I stood out, but by the second time, it felt natural. I can't even count how many times I've worn them since then.

I originally wore them with the top part not folded down, you can see that here and then a friend commented on how it looked like I could fold them down too. Not sure why that never crossed my mind, but that's how I wear them most of the time now. (Thanks Mandi!)

I love them so much I bought another similar pair in gray (the were super duper cheap on Black Friday, also from Kohls). I'm wearing them today.

I feel kind of silly saying that wearing boots was a bold move for me, seeing that they are very in right now and I am definitely not the only out there wearing them. There are plenty of real boot-wearing-risk-takers out there, and I feel quite safe with my own choice of boot wearing, as picky as I am.

Now that I've completely bored you with this long monologue about boots...here's how I wore them last week.

shirt - The Buckle

skinny jeans - borrowed (Forever 21)

boots - Kohls

earrings - Forever 21

-Tiffany

Breathing

2011-12-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've done any just.pure.writing. I don't care how busy or crazy life gets, I can't go too long without it. Whether it's a prayer written instead of spoken, something kept to myself in my private journal or shared here with you, writing is like letting my heart breathe. And if my heart doesn't breathe I get all stuffy inside and life gets dimmer.

I'm gonna have to start breathing more.

-Tiffany

Something's Gotta Give

2011-12-14T16:04:00.000-06:00

I can hardly believe it's been over two weeks since my last post! There's just a lot going on right now (really, there always is, but especially now), on top of it being the busiest month of the year. Plus, it's a month that needs to be enjoyed with family. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed and though I'm bummed I haven't gotten around to posting much lately, it's okay. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one dealing with this right now ;o)

With all of the "there's a lot going on right now" stuff, I've realized that I cannot do it all right now. Something has got to give, and so the only logical choice, although unfortunate, is for me to close my Etsy shop. It's not going to be permanent, but it will remain closed at least until the end of January and possibly longer.

It's not an easy decision, because I love my little shop and making cute things, and I still have so many more ideas, but it's the only thing that can "give" right now.

January will be a very busy month for my job (at home part-time church admin) and I am hoping to get caught up with everything else and put more focus into my family, because these guys certainly can't "give." Ever.

My shop will close after midnight tonight, so if you still want to order anything before then, you still can!

Also, I have one Vintage Holiday Headband in size 0-3 months at 50% off. That means it's only $4.25!!! It is ready to ship and will go in the mail tomorrow if you buy it tonight. E-mail me or message me on Etsy if you are interested and I can set up a custom listing for you. :o)

-Tiffany

Week in Pictures & Cyber Monday Sale!

2011-11-28T15:36:00.001-06:00

First things first. I have a special Cyber Monday Sale going on in my shop right now. I know it's half way through Monday and I am just now doing this, but better late than never. Family comes first, so sometimes things like this don't happen on the schedule I would like them to. But, the best part of the deal is good all week long! (Until Sunday at midnight CST.) I also have a few new items to add to the shop. They would be going up right now, but I was having some problems with our camera last night and then it got late *sigh* but I'm going to try and see if I can still get them up today. I'll let you know!

P.S. Are you following me on Twitter? You can stay up to date with my blog and shop by following me there @TiffanyKingma also keep tabs with my shop on Facebook.

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15% OFF all orders today until 12:00 AM CST - use code CYBERMONDAY15

PLUS for the entire week, when you spend:

*$10 or more, get a FREE hair clip listing of your choice (worth $4 or less-excluding holiday clips).
*$15 or more, get a FREE headband or hair clip listing of your choice (worth $6 or less-excluding holiday clips).
*$25 or more, get a FREE headband or hair clip listing of your choice (worth $6 or less-excluding holiday clips) AND Free Shipping (use code FREESHIPPING25)

Order must reach the required total AFTER the 15% discount and before shipping to qualify for the free item. Please mention in the note to seller, at checkout, the free item listing of your choice (do not add it to your cart). Keep in mind that if the Free Shipping code is used and the order does not total $25 after the 15% discount then the order will be canceled out.

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These are all from my brand new phone! Isn't it pretty?...I know it's just the back side, but trust me, it's a good looking phone, and it's making my life so much easier and a bit more fun (my other phone was having some serious issues).

This was the highlight of my week!

My first turkey!


First taste of ice cream

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

-Tiffany

It's a (not easy but) Wonderful Life

2011-11-23T15:28:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to cope with the fact that this week has not gone as planned. I'm coping pretty well, actually, as long as I don't focus on the all the disappointments.

...such as a sick mommy and daddy throwing up all night.

...being up half the next night (while still recovering) with a sick baby.

...all this happening right before Thanksgiving (which is being hosted at our house).

...a to-do list that has just been sitting there with nothing crossed off.

...having to let go of some of those things on my to-do list, such as a couple of blog posts, baking cookies for tomorrow, cleaning the house thoroughly and sewing up a gift.

...and missing family who we will not get to celebrate with this year.

Instead I am focusing on all the things I am thankful for:

-the wonderful family that we do get to celebrate with.

-friends and family who took care of us and our kids when we were sick.

-feeling better (if you've ever had food poisoning, you know what a relief it is).

-getting to go shopping on Black Friday (even of all those store thinks it's a great idea to open at midnight!)

-my husband having the next four days off work.

-getting to decorate for Christmas this weekend.

-being okay with things not going as planned even if it is disappointing.

There is so much more that I am thankful for, but these are just the things regarding this particular week.

It's a wonderful life...and without all the hiccups, it wouldn't be life :o)

-Tiffany

Mommy Facts (10 Random Facts About Me)

2011-11-17T12:20:00.001-06:00

Remember my "series" I started several months ago? You can read my first one here. 10 random facts about me with a different theme each time. So, here is 10 random, or not so random, facts about the kind of mommy I am and what I've experienced thus far...

1. I birthed both my babies naturally. Meaning no meds, no induction - just me, my body and my babies.

2. My daughter, my first, was a surprise. We weren't planning on having a baby for about another year, give or take.

3. I want a few more kids.

4. I cloth diaper.

5. I breastfed my daughter until a month past her 2nd birthday. That included all through my son's pregnancy and over three months of tandem nursing. I plan to do similar with all of my babies.

6. I/we never read an entire parent/baby book and we don't follow any specific system (although we read a portion of Happiest Baby on the Block and utilized some of it as needed). I guess you could consider our parenting style as attachment parenting.

7. I am not a stickler about schedule/routine.

8. I don't give my kids cow's milk.

9. Today is the first day my daughter has ever had a tummy bug and it's so sad.

10. Since becoming a mommy I have learned how selfish I really am and how much I need self control, but I have also realized how much I am willing to sacrifice for the sake of my children.

-Tiffany

Alive

2011-11-15T12:02:00.000-06:00

You make me feel the deepest way I can ever feel.

You bring peace that I cannot achieve nor can I explain.

I can find happiness, but You give me JOY, and it's unmatchable.

Passion was just a word in a sentence until You defined it.

Hope was a desperation, You made it a foundation.

I am completely lacking, yet I am whole.

Because of YOU.

I wonder at how You make me feel more alive than anything else ever could. Then I remember, it is because You made me. You breathed life into my breath, you formed my being, soul, body, and mind. Who I am is not who I am without You.

-Tiffany

Holiday Headband Winner!

2011-11-14T21:57:00.000-06:00

The winner of the Holiday Headband is...

Bethany!

(comment #7 generated through random.org)

.....you know what to do :o)

Expressing

2011-11-11T11:28:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I sit down wanting so badly to write something, but nothing comes. Or maybe the ideas come, and there is a lot on my heart, but I can't figure out how to express it.

Then there are those times, which happens almost every day, that I have so much to say and in my mind I can picture myself saying and writing down exactly what's on my heart, as if I was having a conversation with a friend. If only those times didn't have to always happen while I'm driving or shopping or dealing with the kids who need my immediate attention in that moment.

Nap time and bed time is my time. My time to get work done, to be creative, to write, to do all those things that are practically impossible to do while the kids are awake. But, most of the time, I'm tired and my inspiration is gone, or I just want to relax and veg out with my husband (and that's always a priority based on what we need). It's frustrating to say the least, but I'm learning how to soldier on anyway and do those things whether I feel like it or not because I know it will make the next day that much easier.

I'm also learning how to rest...really rest. A lot of the time when I'm taking a "break" or relaxing (a.k.a. doing nothing) it has more to do with me avoiding everything going on or procrastinating, in which case, it is NOT resting at all. It is actually adding to my stress and causing anxiety because my mind is still going 100 miles per hour.

Oh, look...I'm writing what's on my heart and I feel like I'm actually able to express it. Hmmm...looks like soldiering on actually works :o)

Now I feel like I have so much more to say, but I really don't want to write a book right now...

maybe someday I will, though?

-Tiffany

P.S. There is still time to enter the Holiday Headband Giveaway (giveaway will close on Saturday at 11:59 pm CST)

Sharing here:

What We Wore - Park Day (#14)

2011-11-09T12:08:00.001-06:00

On Saturday the weather here was awesome! It was cool and crisp in the morning but warmed up to a mild 60-70 something, barely warm enough to not need a sweater in the afternoon. A perfect day for the park!

Just to be clear, I am NOT picking my nose...

I had to throw this one in there, for the pure creepiness of it...and the cute little mini man over there. He spent a good 15 minutes going back and forth from the sidewalk to the dirt. He must have liked the challenge.

Me:

shirt - TJ Maxx

under tank - Forever 21

jeggings (I really dislike that word, but that's what they're called) - Target

shoes - Target

earrings - gift

sunglasses - Pier 1 Imports

bracelet - Kohls

Ocean:

shirt - Kohls

pants - Old Navy

shoes - Babies R Us

-Tiffany

Linking up here:

Ocean's Story - Part Three

2011-11-08T10:22:00.001-06:00

And here it is, Part Three of Ocean's story...finally! This is not the final part, though. I want to be able to write out the whole story, but don't want a really long post, so I'll just post this in as many parts as it takes to get it all out.


Photo by Nicole Whelan Photography

So, picking up from Part Two: Ocean was a BOY! (still is, by the way) We got over the shock of that, initially, but we still had to get comfortable with it. It took Jeff longer than it did me.

The day after our ultrasound, we went out and bought a couple of cute boy clothes, naturally, 'cause that's just what you do. We were completely clueless on name ideas. We wanted something unique and felt that would be much more difficult to do with a boy than with a girl. We had time, though, and we knew God would lead us to the right name. We knew the meaning of his name would have to be very significant, so we easily threw out some names that we actually liked just because the meaning was way off.

I remember one night, specifically, somewhere towards the end of my second trimester or beginning of my third.

I had been frustrated with Jeff, feeling like he didn't seem to be looking forward to this baby enough. When we were expecting Evening we were both over the moon and Jeff definitely had a special connection with her even before she was born. I felt like, this time around, he didn't treasure the new baby as much as he had with Evening, and that somehow it was just me and him (baby) against the world and vice versa. A lot of it was hormones.

I decided to bring this subject up when Jeff came to bed that night. I was all emotional and intense about it and told him just how I felt. I told him it was a good thing this baby could handle the way he was treating him (those weren't the actual words I used, it wasn't quite as harsh, but you get the point). Jeff wanted to know what that meant...why the baby could "handle" it.

I went on to tell him everything I knew about this baby. He was sensitive, yet strong and firm, something that is unusual to find working together. For example, I am very sensitive and can get my "feelings hurt" easily, and can sometimes get hung up on simple nuances that people say or do and let it get to me. My brother, Kanon, is the opposite. He is a super friendly, sanguine person, who makes friends very easily and can handle dealing with rejection. He's the type of person that can be a salesperson and do well....you know, be persistent and in your face and can handle whatever harshness someone might respond with. While I have trouble letting go of some things, he can just roll them right off his shoulders.

I knew that this baby would be a blend of both, the perfect balance, if that was even possible. It would give him the ability to fight and not be afraid, he could battle the enemy and stand up for justice, but at the same time be sensitive and discerning concerning people and situations. I knew he would be bold and courageous yet sweet and gentle. I don't even know if this makes sense to anyone else, but it does to me, it does to us.

To be continued....

-Tiffany

P.S. There is still time to enter the Holiday Headband Giveaway (giveaway will close on Saturday at 11:59 pm CST)

Holiday Headband Giveaway!

2011-11-07T17:11:00.004-06:00

Last week was a crazy busy full week! I made it through, though, and was oh so happy to gain an hour of sleep over the weekend. My poor house suffered from serious neglect, but I've managed to do a little bit of recovery today. Still a long way to go, but at least there's hope!

If you haven't already seen, I added a whole bunch of new headbands to my shop last week, including four Holiday headbands. Today I am going to give you a chance to win one! This is actually my first giveaway, and kind of spur-of-the-moment. I hadn't planned on doing a giveaway yet, but I think giving away one of these headbands makes for a fun start :o)

So... the winner will get their choice of one of the following headbands:

HOW TO ENTER:

(leave a separate comment for each)

1. Leave a comment telling me which headband you would choose - one entry

2. Be a GFC Follower of this blog (click the Join This Sight button on the right side bar)- one entry

3. Add my shop Cherry Baby Creations to your favorites on Etsy and tell me what your favorite thing is in my shop- one entry

4. Tweet about this (please tag @TiffanyKingma) - one entry

5. Share this on Facebook (Please leave a link to this in your comment. You can tag Cherry Baby Creation's Facebook page to make this easier ) - one entry

Winner will be announced the beginning of next week (you have until 11:59 pm on Saturday to submit your entries). Please feel free to contact me if you have questions!

Happy entering :o)

-Tiffany

Here are the other Holiday Headbands available in my shop. There is only one each, though, so hurry!

Stocking Up (A Coupon Code!)

2011-10-31T13:54:00.001-05:00

I'm getting ready to list a bunch of new headbands in my shop....just in time for the holidays! So, in an attempt to clear out a few things, I'm offering 30% off all orders until 3 PM CST tomorrow!

Use coupon code: FALL30

I've also just listed my Holiday Clips, which means you get to use the coupon code on those, too!

Happy Monday!

-Tiffany

Fall Fun

2011-10-29T11:38:00.001-05:00

Pumpkins, corn mazes, hay rides (our first ever!), farm animals, barrel trains, flower picking and fresh homemade strawberry lemonade. And dirt. Lots and lots of dirt.

-Tiffany

What We Wore #13

2011-10-27T11:15:00.001-05:00

The tucked in shirt and belt is a newer thing for me. I'm starting to realize that there are ways to style a simple t-shirt and jeans to make it a little more interesting. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone and really, this isn't even that much outside the box. You can only buy so many shirts and so many pairs of pants in an effort to update or stylize your wardrobe, when the fact is, if you really want to have more style, you've got to start wearing those clothes differently, adding accessories, wearing shoes that aren't just flip flops or basic flats. You have to put together an outfit that makes you feel good about how you look, but nervous about adventuring out in public with. It may take the whole day or even more than a day to feel natural about the way you look, but if you don't learn to take risks, you'll stay stuck in the same boring rut. Hmmm...just like the rest of life, huh?

Me:

shirt - Old Navy

skinny jeans - Forever 21

belt - came with some jeans years ago

shoes - Target

earrings - Kohls

tired eyes - teething baby

Ocean:

shirt & pants - Old Navy

bruises - being a boy

-Tiffany

Linking up here:

Ocean's Vintage Circus Birthday -The Invitation

2011-10-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Ocean's 1st birthday the weekend before last and it was so much fun! Planning the party, and of course the party itself, was a blast and Ocean seemed to really enjoy it as well (except for the cake...but he was suffering from no-nap syndrome).

I've got lots of pictures from his vintage circus themed party and I will share that in another post. This one is dedicated to the invitations that Jeff and I hand made. Apparently it's kind of our thing to go all out with hand made invitations. We did the same thing for our wedding. We hand cut, printed, folded, tied, you-name-it for our not so simple 250 invitations. Thankfully, this time, we only had to make less than 10.

Unfortunately, we were very limited to the number of people we could invite due to the size of our home. We are already starting to plan Evening's party for December and it is clear that we will need to find some place other than our home to host the party so that we are able to invite more people.

Anyway...

Would you like to come to the circus?

The background and the 'slip cover' was made using scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby. I basically fell in love with the two paper designs and came up with an idea in my head of how we could implement both into the whole invitation. We used GIMP to format and design the actual invite which we printed on vellum and attached to the background using tiny star brads, also from Hobby Lobby.

Jeff came up with an easy way to make the 'slip covers.' I was worried this part would be complicated and time consuming, but because the design of the paper was so busy, it was very forgiving. He just cut the paper to the exact length of the invite and made the width long enough to wrap all the way around it with about an inch left over to tape it closed. We left the bottom open ended since it was snug enough to keep the invite inside, as it was (this would have been the complicated part).

Jeff used this to punch out the top:

We added a ticket (also from Hobby Lobby, as were the vellum paper and envelopes) to each invitation just to add to the fun. Halfway through stuffing them, Jeff realized that we should be putting in a ticket for each member of the family. Duh!...so half of the invitations had just one ticket while the other half had enough tickets for the entire family.

And of course we made an extra invitation as a keepsake for Ocean (which we promptly lost the day of the party and finally found it just yesterday).

More party details coming soon!

-Tiffany

Best

2011-10-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

During high school I made average grades. My report cards would range from A's to C's most of the time. There was usually a battle of wills between my dad and I that followed. He always expected more from me. This type of thing also happened with other school projects, tests, and non-school related projects and activities that I was involved in.

When I say he expected more out of me I'm not referring to the fact that he expected perfection or that he was some insane slave driver of a parent or that he would blow up in anger. It was nothing like that. And, it had nothing to do with appearance and how a letter grade reflects on a person (because, I believe, whether a student receives an 'A' or an 'F' does not define their ability to succeed, it just defines their ability to succeed in a classroom setting and sometimes those two things get mixed up for some people...but that's just a side note.)

My dad simply expected more out of me because he knew I had more to offer. He knew that average was not my best.

Every time I would get into these confrontations with him, I would always remind him that I did a better job than a good many of my other peers did or would have done. I compared myself to all of those other kids who got less than average grades, who didn't even complete a project, who didn't care or try at all. (Unfortunately, where I lived, there were way too many kids like that.)

The problem with that reasoning was that I was basing my success on the success of others. I was comparing myself to them, therefore lowering the bar to a different standard - a standard that was well below my best.

My dad never let me get away with this kind of thinking.

We all know this but too often our actions say otherwise. It's a good reminder that success looks different for everyone. Whether we are striving higher or stooping down lower, we can not succeed to our full potential unless we stay true to being and doing our own best.

-Tiffany

Linking up here:

Photo Shoot - What We Wore #12

2011-10-19T11:52:00.002-05:00

I didn't manage to get any outfit pictures this week, but I've still got something to share.

In August I took the kids and went to California to visit some family and friends. While there we got to have a photo shoot with a friend, Lacy. She's actually really good friends with my best friend Bethany and in the times I've gone to visit in the last several years, I've been able to get to know her a little better. She is super sweet and lots of fun to hang out with, very genuine and she takes awesome photographs!

You can check out her site and blog at Lacy Fontaine Photography.

Me:

shirt - Forever 21

skirt - Kohls

shoes - Target

earrings & bracelet - borrowed

Evening:

dress & headband - made by me (coming soon)

shoes - Old Navy

Ocean:

shirt & shorts - Old Navy

-Tiffany

Linking up here:

What We Wore #11 - Just Us Girls

2011-10-12T13:25:00.001-05:00

We barely made it this week. As far as What I Wore goes. I only have one picture of me and it's not the very best, but decent enough to post. The camera batteries died.

shirt - Delias

under tank - Forever 21

skirt - Old Navy

boots - Kohls

earrings - Forever 21

bracelet - Kohls

So, I'm not sure how I feel about my hair here. I have naturally wavy hair. It's not necessarily a good thing. It's wavy enough so that I can't let it air dry and expect it to be straight, even blow-drying doesn't do the trick. I have to use a straightening iron and then hope it's not humid outside, which it always is half the year.

What I'd really like is to have long wavy super model hair. And we all know getting hair that looks like that takes time and effort. You can't just step out of the shower and put a little bit of gel in your wet un-combed hair, like I did. At least it wasn't so embarrassing that I couldn't go to the post office that way.

I have a love hate relationship with my long hair. I want long hair so it looks a certain way (and my husband likes it long too), but I never take the time to style it that way. I've mastered the ponytail and messy bun, but isn't that just plain ole cheating when you do it all the time? I've got to start challenging myself and figure out how to make this work or else I just might have to go back to short...

Speaking of hair...doesn't her's just look completely perfect here?

tank top - Gap

shorts - Target

sandals - Old Navy

headband - made by me

-Tiffany

Linked up here:

A Very Special Week

2011-10-11T11:15:00.001-05:00

This week is a very special week.

This sweet boy will turn one in just a couple of days!!!!

Every day for the last few weeks I haven't been able to help but think back to what was happening exactly a year ago.

I think about my very large belly that kept growing and all that we were doing to prepare for his arrival.

The last couple of months waiting for him to come looked very different than it did when we were waiting on Evening's arrival.

He was our second baby so a lot of the mystery of what and how to take care of a newborn wasn't there. We had already grounded certain "parenting" habits and decisions and we trusted our instincts in how to care for our babies, while with Evening were just breaking ground on those things.

Ocean was a boy, so it felt a little weird, actually, to prepare for another baby, but for a boy instead of a girl. Not only had our first been a girl, but up until our midway ultrasound, we were so sure we would have another girl. We just always envisioned dealing with girls for a while before we ever had a boy. So, it took a while for us to get used to the idea of a boy!

Most distinctively different, though, in preparing for this sweet baby was that he was breech! And, we were going to birth this baby in his stubbornly breech position at home! It would also be our first home birth (Evening was born at a birth center). We had no idea when we conceived this baby the adventure he would take us through! He was just making sure his entrance would be grand...very fitting for the person he is and is meant to be.

Photo by Nicole Whelan Photography

A while back I posted his birth story. You can read that here. It's long and detailed, so if you like birth stories you'll enjoy it, and if not, well, you can skip through it for the important stuff :o)

I also started writing his story leading up to the actual birth. You can read part one here and part two here. I am really hoping to get part three up this week for his birthday, but we are busy busy busy preparing for his party this weekend, so we'll see! I'm excited to share the details of his vintage circus party once it comes together. I am a little nervous, though, as I'm hoping it will all come together well and at least resemble in some sort, a vintage circus. I will have a sneak peak of his handmade invitations up very soon, so stay tuned for that!

-Tiffany

Putting Fear in It's Place

2011-10-07T06:00:00.014-05:00

Over the last several weeks I've been slowly starting to realize something. It's not so much a realization as it is an acceptance. An acceptance of a major weakness that I have, a weakness that is to blame for almost everything that I'm frustrated with about myself. A weakness that has been debilitating for me.

It's called FEAR.

To say it's a weakness, though, makes it seem like no big deal, but it IS a big deal. It's more than just a weakness, it's satan's master plan against me (no need to give him much credit, though....because his master plan is set up to fail!)

Here's what's been the problem: I've been unwilling to face it. I've been too afraid to admit that fear has such a big stronghold in my life.

Please don't misunderstand though. Fear does not control me. And it by no means defines me. But it is very real and it has controlled too many parts of my life for too long.

I have had many victories against the spirit of fear. I have overcome many many hard and painful things in my life, things that fear loves to use to slip in the door. I have fought hard and won in much of those battles. I have had many simple daily choices in which I have chosen not to make a decision based on fear. I have learned, more than ever since having children, how important it is to check myself before making a decision to be sure I am making the best choice and not the fear inspired choice.

While I understand the importance of rejecting fear, I have not been recognizing the areas in which I have NOT been rejecting fear, but rather letting it take free reign.

Fear has kept me from passionately pursuing my dreams.

Fear has kept me from being independent in that I am co-dependent on the Lord.

Fear has kept me from speaking up when I have something to say.

Fear has kept me from committing to making big plans (pursuing my dreams & my destiny).

Fear has kept me from committing to relationships full-heartedly.

Fear has kept me from being confident in the decisions that I make.

Fear has kept me from walking freely in the gifts the Lord has given me.

Fear has kept me from trusting what God is saying to me over what God is saying to others.

Fear has kept me from taking the plunge, taking a step of faith, expecting success, and being willing and unafraid to make mistakes.

But it's all ending right now. Why? Because I am looking fear right in the eyes and I am not afraid. I know what he's been doing and I'm taking him down! I will not allow him a place in my house any more!

I will dive in all the way, full-heartedly, to pursue what is in my heart. I will expect success and not be afraid of what I can't foresee. Because I know that fear was nailed to the cross and is dead. The only one that arose from the dead was my Love. It is He that lives in me.

-Tiffany

Linking up here:

Fall

2011-10-06T09:38:00.001-05:00

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Is it just me or does fall seem to be everyone's favorite season? I guess I can't blame them, it's kind of mine too. I used to say that summer was my favorite season, but the Texas heat kind of messed that up. Really, Christmas is my all time favorite season, but I don't think that counts since it's not actually a season. That's why I've decided that fall is my favorite season of the year, because fall means Christmastime is coming! He he.

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I'm NOT the kind of girl who loves pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, fall/harvest decorations (I like some) or those fall/harvest spice aromas. It's not really my thing. I'll eat pumpkin pie, but it's not my first pick and I do have to admit that I've never had a pumpkin spice latte or anything similar. So, I guess it's only fair that I at least try one this year. I'll let you know how it goes.

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What I do love about fall is the changing weather and the colorful changes it brings to the landscape. I love getting to wear clothes suited to the cooler weather. I love the feeling I get as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. All of this just makes me think of Christmas and the rest of the holiday season. I think of the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration with family and the shopping that happens early the next morning. I think of the long weekend I get to enjoy with my family as we start planning and decorating for Christmas. And it just keeps getting more and more exciting each year now that I have kids. I think about their excitement during this special time and it brings back vivid memories of when I was a child.

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Now if only it would just get even cooler here and RAIN!..another important part of fall. That might also help with the slight problem we are having this year with the 'colorful changes to the landscape.' But, fall is here and I am finally starting to feel like it is.

(I'm linking this up with Gussy Sews' Inspiration Workshop!)

-Tiffany

P.S. I don't like Halloween, so I am always very happy when it's over and I feel like I can really settle into the season with all the yucky decorations gone!
P.S.S I wrote this post last night and when I woke up this morning it was overcast. The grass was wet and it looks like rain clouds are coming our way. And, ironically, I put on a summer dress. Now I've got to hurry up and get a load of laundry in so I actually have something fall-ish to wear today!

What We Wore #10

2011-10-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

I missed a couple of weeks with What I Wore, but no biggie...so life goes. But I'm back because I really enjoy doing these :o)

Me:

top - Forever 21

skinny jeans - Forever 21

shoes - Old Navy

necklace & earrings - Forever 21

ring - Pick Your Plum

Evening:

top - handed down

skinny jeans - Kohls

hair clip - made by me

Ocean:

shirt - Target

pants - Old Navy

-Tiffany

This Kid

2011-10-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

Just a conversation Jeff and I had the other day while trying to get out the door with the kids...

Me: "Ocean's eating toilet paper."

Jeff: "Well, at least it's easily digestible."

Me: "...Yeah, I guess that's true."

(30 seconds later)

Jeff: "Wait....what toilet paper?"

Me: "CLEAN toilet paper."

Oh, phhheeewww.....'cause that wouldn't have been the worst thing he's ever eaten...

-Tiffany

Confidence

2011-09-30T05:00:00.007-05:00

The other day I took the kids to a free Gymboree Play & Learn class. They LOVED it, of course.

Something else happened too. I learned something that I wasn't expecting.

Not long into the class, all the kids were enjoying a bit of free time running around and playing with all of the playscapes and sensory toys. Behind me I heard a very loud and obnoxious stomping noise. There was a little girl standing on top of what I'll call a bridge made up of two plank boards. She was jumping up and down and it sounded like a hammer against wood, something you would expect to hear at a construction site. I was annoyed and immediately expected that the instructor or the girl's mother would ask her to stop. Before I could even complete that thought, I heard the instructor tell the mother "you want to encourage that stomping, it's good and will help build confidence."

I was very surprised, and then it clicked. Duh! It made perfect sense.

It seems that so often we are always trying to contain or shush our children. For me it is either because they are bothering me or I am worried about them disturbing others. Usually it's the latter. I do believe that our children need to learn to respect other people, just as a matter of fact, but there is a balance that I think is critical to maintain. If we are constantly subduing them, then how can we expect them to feel the freedom they need to be confident in who they are?

Are we holding them back from being who God created them to be? Are we limiting their ability to be creative and use their imagination? While we can teach them to respect the people around them, we also need to not put false expectations on them to be something they are not. They are not adults and there are so many things, especially for the really young ones, that they just don't understand.

Our children, all the children in this world, are our future, they are our inheritance, our greatest commodity. We need to treat them with respect, with respect for who they are. They are children. After all, God asks us to be more like little children. There is something intensely profound about that and I think that if we do not pause and ask ourselves what that truly means, and what that means for the way we treat our children, then we are missing out on more than we could possibly know.

I want to become more aware and more sensitive to how and when I "correct" my children. I want to learn to find that balance. I know it is a process that will take my whole life, I'm sure, but I want them to grow up confident and empowered to be everything they can possibly be. This is what I pray over them everyday and I am so thankful that God gives grace!

Photo by Lacy Fontaine Photography

-Tiffany

(linked up with Casey)

Inspiration Workshop - My Favorite DIY

2011-09-29T12:20:00.002-05:00

Today I am joining Gussy Sews for her weekly Inspiration Workshop!

If you haven't already seen Gussy's blog you need to go visit her right away!. She is super sweet and full of fun, always inspiring and positive. (Plus, she has her own beautifully colorful handmade shop.) She hosts a link party with a different inspiring prompt for each week called the Inspiration Workshop! This will be my first time joining in. :o)

The prompt for this week is our favorite DIY post.

What I've decided to do is share a couple of my favorite DIY projects that I have already posted in the past along with a few from other people that I've recently found and want to try. Plus, a sneak peak of a DIY project/tutorial that I will be posting soon, which may actually be my very favorite DIY that I have done so far...or at least one of my favorites...because there's a lot.

I love how Jeff's Father's Day gift turned out:

Tutorial here.

My most recent DIY project is this pair of Anthro inspired lace earrings. I still need to get some fabric stiffener to give them some extra durability (a definite must with a baby who likes to pull on mommy's earrings).


Tutorial here.

I love this and really want to try it soon!

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This is the best idea ever!!! I love this idea in so many ways....especially the fact that they used Green Eggs and Ham for their pages :o) Can't wait to do this!

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It's stuff like this that makes me wonder, "why didn't I think of that?"

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And here is the sneak peek of a wonderful little dress I made for Evening out of an old skirt of mine. I LOVE this one!!! Tutorial coming soon...

Photo by Lacy Fontaine Photography

-Tiffany

I Told You So

2011-09-26T17:11:00.001-05:00

I'm so glad that God doesn't tell me "I told you so."

I'm so glad that I don't have to be perfect. And that as fickle as I am, it's still okay. He still comes through. Even when I complain and all but completely give up, or change my mind and simply say "never mind, I take it back, let's not do this....just kidding, God."

I'm not sure why I still do that. Because He always finishes for me and He is still completely trustworthy. He still knows all the things that I don't. (Duh....what was I thinking?)

I'm so glad that I don't have to be perfect. Did I say that already?

I'm so thankful that I am the only one who can tell myself "I told you so", because that is how good He is. He is always whispering to me "just trust Me", and He is always right.

Okay, God, let's do this again now.

Maybe this time I won't get impatient. Maybe I won't complain.

But even if I can't promise that I won't, I DO know that I will trust You.

-Tiffany

Red Velvet

2011-09-18T18:04:00.001-05:00

We've recently discovered red velvet cake over here. When I say we, I'm referring to Jeff and I...and Evening. (Jeff has this really bad habit of leaving food out at night, and Evening always finds it and eats it the next morning, even if it's just crumbs.)

This is such a wonderful discovery for us! I mean, really...who wouldn't want to find out about one of the most mouth watering desserts on the face of the planet...packed with sugar and slathered in rich creamy cream cheese frosting...right about the time when they've decided they need to cut out sugar and dairy from their diet.

Perfect.

Well, anyway...here are some lovely red velvet desserts I found on Pinterest.

I probably won't get to enjoy any of them any time soon. But, you and me, we can look and drool...well, you can drool. I can go downstairs to our fridge and cut a big slice out of our Costco sized red velvet cake that we swear is the last sweet treat in our sugar binge before we start acting like we care more about our health than our taste buds.

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-Tiffany

Wishing for Simple

2011-09-16T11:37:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm wishing life was simpler.

Simple like it was the first few days of this week.

I did not sit down at my computer for almost three days straight.

It wasn't on purpose. I have done that on purpose, before, for short amounts of time so that I could get more accomplished, but this time was different

This time, I started Monday morning out with a plan to avoid the computer until later in the afternoon, so I could clean my floors.

Well, cleaning my floors turned into rearranging all the big toys and toy storage in our living room and moving some out, cleaning my kitchen and a ton of dishes, clearing off and cleaning my dining table, hosing down a table and faux plant that I decided to get rid of in my dining room, moving the highchair to the garage and cleaning off the dusty mini baby seat with tray and mounting it on a dining chair. Plus, several loads of laundry washed, dried and put away (this part of laundry is too often a casualty), made lunch for the three of us, made dinner (granted it was an easy one) and got the kids in bed by 8 pm exactly, then cleaned up after dinner and spray painted a couple small projects that had been waiting around for a few weeks. During all this time, the kids were happy and cooperative and I was able to give them more attention as they just hung out with me while I did everything.

Tuesday and Wednesday were productive as well and included grocery shopping and some other errands, and meeting daddy for lunch at a park with time for a little fun at the playground afterward. All the while, the house was maintained and Evening's room got cleaned...the overdue kind of cleaned.

Maybe all this seems ordinary for most people, but for me it's a really big deal.

Why?

Because, normally, I have so many other responsibilities and "stuff" to do, some by choice and some because I have to, that staying on top of the normal stuff feels almost impossible.

It was so wonderful, those few days, to be just a wife and mom without all the distractions. Plus, my husband loved coming home to not just a clean house but a newly re-arranged house.

For me, it was incredibly refreshing.

Of course, I still worried that I was going to miss something important, whether with my job or some other "responsibility".... or that I hadn't updated my blog or even checked in on it, etc. etc. But, you know what? I didn't miss anything. Nothing blew up or fell apart during my absence. And I told myself that if there was anything really important, someone would call me. ~ Really, e-mail is overrated anyway ;o) ~

While I enjoyed my few days of a simple life, I now move back into the more complicated version.

It's not a bad thing, it's just overwhelming, and that's okay because I'm learning how to not let the overwhelming part of it control me.
However, in the desire to enjoy a more simple life and to have less superfluous responsibilities, I will be doing my best to work extra hard at playing catch up. Because much of the "stuff" I have to do is stuff I like to do and want to do, it's just that I seem to commit to more than I can physically handle.

Being a wife and a mommy is a full time job. It's my most important job and I'd like it stay that way...with all the other stuff only being an added bonus- a blessing -and nothing more.

-Tiffany

P.S. You may notice that my Etsy shop widget on the sidebar there is empty. That's because I closed it down for a couple of weeks to take a little pressure off while I focus on catching up. Don't worry, though, it will reopen next weekend. :o)

(Sharing with Casey at The Wiegand's)

Fire

2011-09-08T23:33:00.003-05:00

{Disclaimer: I wrote this in two different sittings and didn't re-read or proof it at all (not that I always proof read 100%...but this time I did 0% proofing), so it may be a bit scatter brained, and I know it's a little bit longer than normal posts...but I wanted to just get it out and share it too.}

Many of you are probably well aware of the major wildfires going on here in Central Texas.

The big huge one (in Bastrop), that now has federal support is about 40 miles from where I live (it is only 30% contained the last I *heard*, with more than 550 homes lost -UPDATE: I saw on a local news post that nearly 1400 homes were destroyed as of this Friday morning, not sure if that's just the Bastrop one or if it includes the other area fires). There have been several small to medium size fires popping up everywhere in our area in just the last week. One fire which destroyed about 10 homes and damaged several others, was literally 5 minutes down the main road from us. We had friends that had to evacuate and I know someone who lost their home.

If you've ever been in a situation similar to this, then you know how eerie it feels and how tense it can get. Needless to say, we are all keeping a careful watch. The conditions are extremely bad here in Central Texas, particularly the greater Austin area because of a very very severe drought. Everything outside is crunchy. We have had strict mandatory watering schedules all summer long and a couple of weeks ago, it was bumped up another level.

The temperatures have cooled down a bit. The highs are now in the 90s with lows going as low as the 60s. This is a nice break after breaking the record for consecutive days over 100*. Over the weekend we had high wind levels and low humidity. That coupled with how dry everything on the ground is, makes for very dangerous fire conditions. We are not even allowed to grill right now. Anything can spark a flame.

We've been thinking a lot about the reality of possibly losing our home. I don't say that to sound like I think that it may happen or I'm scared that it will. I say that because people right down the road from us actually did lose their homes.

Having had these past few days to mull over the idea of what if we lost our home and what would we take if we had to evacuate, have kind of, sort of prepared me. I'm glad to know that I honestly am okay with losing all our stuff. I'm sure that if it were to happen, there would be a point, afterward, where it would really get to me. But, I am not afraid.

That being said, what would I take? Well...other than ourselves, we would grab our laptops and hard drives...because those have tons of pictures, recordings and all sorts of other important irreplaceable things. We actually did bring them with us a couple of times while we were out of the house. After that, with whatever time we were given, I would probably dump a bunch of clothes in bags (starting with the kids stuff) some of the kids toys, books, and blankets, my mom's cookbook, and maybe grab my box of jewelry. That makes me sound a bit vain...but honestly I'm just thinking of all the things that were right on hand to grab. Like the fact that, at the time, the kids clothes were in a pile on my couch...I could toss those in a bag in 20 seconds.

Anyway...

I am amazed and so thankful that so far only two people have lost their lives (not to overlook the tragedy of that...but it could be so much worse). Our local fire and police have done a great job at keeping people informed and I have no doubt that me and my family would be safe even if our home was not.

Thanks for bearing with me as I share my heart and thoughts!

If you would like to donate to the relief efforts for the victims of these fires you can do so through the American Red Cross of Central Texas here.

-Tiffany

(sharing this with Casey at The Wiegand's)

What We Wore #9

2011-09-07T15:18:00.001-05:00

Me:

shirt - Kohls

skinny jeans - Forever 21

shoes - Kohls

earrings - Kohls

bracelet - Kohls

Ocean:

shirt & shorts - Kohls

Can you guess where I've been shopping lately?

-Tiffany

What She Wore

2011-08-31T18:26:00.000-05:00

I wonder how often other moms with little girls have to buy new lip gloss....

Anthropologie Knock-Off Lace Earrings Tutorial

2011-08-30T22:53:00.001-05:00

When I first discovered Anthropologie, about five or six years ago, I really didn't care much for their style. So, naturally I hardly ever frequented their store. It didn't help, either, that the only store we had here wasn't convenient to get to. Oh yeah, and their hefty price tags...that kind of sealed the deal for me.

Lately, though, I've been seeing others flaunting some pretty sweet stuff either from Anthro or inspired by. Plus, we now have a fancy new store conveniently located closer to where I live (and right next door to my favorite place...Forever 21!).

I decided I was probably over due for at least a brief stroll through their store. After all, it was only fair I give them a second chance.

O.M.G

I'm.in.love.

I sure was wishing their price tags looked prettier. Actually, if you head to the clearance section, the prices are very doable. Still, I didn't pick anything up since my next stop was Forever 21 (to spend a little birthday money) and I knew my money would stretch a lot farther over there.

But, I didn't leave empty handed...or should I say empty brained.

Hmm...not sure if that made sense, but let's just say I was inspired!

(I know, I know...I'm very late to hop on the Anthro train, but I gave you my explanation.)

So, anyway...I saw these lovely earrings and, thought, pshh...that would be the easiest peasiest do-it-yourself project ever!

Best part, too, is that I think I like the way mine came out better than theirs. I love it when an idea actually turns out even better than you expected. 'Cause we all know that is not the case every single time.

Here is how you can make your own Anthropologie Knock Off Lace Earrings. Trust me, this is sooo easy, you don't want to miss out on having your own pair!

What you'll need:

- steel chain
- 2 hook earwires
- 4 jumprings
- lace trim
- jewelry pliers
-wire cutters

1.) First, carefully cut out each of your lace pieces and trim to desired shape.

2.) Cut your chain to desired length. You may need to test out the length once you've finished and adjust according to how far down you want it to hang, so it's better to start out longer. Mine ended up being 7 chain links long.

3.) Use your fingers (or pliers) to open up the jumprings.

4.) Next, hook the jumprings through the lace. This is something you will also have to test out depending on the shape and size of the lace you are using. I started by putting the jumprings too far out which caused the lace to kind of fold inwards when I put it on, so I moved them in.

5.) Slide the chains through each jumpring.
6.) Use your pliers to close the jumprings.

I believe there is a specific type of pliers made just for this sort of thing, but I just used the one I already had. I'm not exactly an experienced jewelry maker...but I can get the job done :o)

Almost done!

7.) Next, use your pliers to open up the rings on your earwires.

8.) Slide both ends of your chains onto the ring.

9.) Close up the ring using your pliers.

And...you're finished!

Ahh...I love them!! Even Jeff was very impressed, which means they really are pretty awesome.

What We Wore #8

2011-08-27T09:38:00.002-05:00

I've decided that it doesn't have to be Wednesday to qualify a post of What We Wore.

There was too much going on earlier this week, I never was able to finish putting this post together. But, of course, I couldn't let the pictures and time I already spent on it go to waste, so here is what we wore...

shirt - Kohls

skinny jeans - Target

shoes - Gap Outlet (years ago)

bracelet - Kohls

earrings - Forever 21


I know this is kind of awkward with my head cut off and all, but trust me...it's better that way.

romper - Ross

shoes - Target

necklace - Forever 21

earrings - Kohls

sunglasses - HEB (classy, I know)

(This "romper" was a new thing for me, since I'm trying to expand and be a little more brave in what I wear. I've wanted to try one of these for a while, but just never found the right one. Well...I found this one for $6!! I felt like it was a little bit more sophisticated in style than a lot of other ones. It was marked down so cheap because it had a few ripped seams, but lucky me, I can sew!...oh, and can I just say this: Is there not another name besides "romper" that we can call these?...it just makes it sound like I'm dressing up to go to a baby themed costume party.)

shirt - Target

skinny jeans - Kohls

sandals - Old Navy

headband - Cherry Baby Creations

Skinny jeans on her are so stinkin' cute! I'm not the squealing type, but if I was, I would totally squeal over this! :o)

-Tiffany

He Does Not Let Go

2011-08-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

This week has been quite full. Mostly with unexpected things.

Maybe not the type of things that "fill your schedule" in the busy kind of way. Just a lot happening inside us.

The Lord has been showing us a lot this week.

And it's been so incredibly refreshing.

We've been in a season of seemingly dryness and nothingness.

It has been a season full of blessing and provision, and many good things, but on a deeper, spiritual level...well, let's just say it's been a (long) period of patience and perseverance and a whole lot of just waiting and trying so hard to be faithful.

And don't think that I have been the perfect subject in the art of patience, perseverance, and faithfulness, because I haven't always been.

I've been plenty impatient, with too much grumbling and sometimes feeling like I'm barely hanging on by just a thread.

But because of His faithfulness, because He did not let go and because He has big plans for me, I am here and I know that He has made me victorious.

Because all it took from me was a small desire to please Him. Not knowing what it would require or if I was capable of it. But He doesn't leave it all up to me, or you. If that were the case, we would never succeed. What He can do with a willing heart is far beyond what we can comprehend, He can take us to incredible places. There is nothing we can do well enough, or right enough. And there is no mistake big enough to keep us from His plans for our future, full of hope and destiny (Jeremiah 29:11).

And, it is never, ever too late.

So, if you've been waiting....don't give up! He is still with you and His plans are still good and still big and you are not failing!

He loves you always....and He loves you fully.

-Tiffany

(Sharing with Casey at The Weigands and Katie at Minivan Diva)

My Sunday Church Alternative

2011-08-22T12:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, instead of going to church, I got to stay home and spend three hours deep cleaning my kitchen....

Yay!!!

Haha.

Yes, the only reason I can say "yay" and not mean it sarcastically is because I am now on the other side of it.

I stayed home with the kids because my little guy had a fever. The fever was gone when he woke up, but we didn't want to expose anyone at church...so we played it safe.

I have to be honest, I just about...okay, I did, kind of... fall apart before my husband headed out the door this morning. You know, the typical mommies never get a break, the house is falling apart, I have the whiniest two year old in the world, this is just like every other day of the week when you leave for work, we're out of coffee filters, the ants are going to take over our house!

Gosh, I'm such a baby sometimes. *Sigh*

I did, somehow (a.k.a. by the grace of God), manage to pull myself together.

We had a MAJOR ant invasion on Saturday...like a 2 inch wide trail of the big kind of ants all across our counter tops and under our appliances (and they even tried to to invade our pantry later). Jeff was the one who discovered them and had most of it cleaned up before I even knew what happened (I'm not sure if Jeff or I was more relieved about that).

Needless to say, there was a ton of motivation to clean the kitchen. It was frustrating because there were other things I wanted to be doing, but it feels oh so good now. I even rearranged all our appliances so that my juicer fits on the counter now...and I think I might have more usable counter space than I did before.

Ahh....

Sure wish I had thought to take a before picture so you, too, could really appreciate it!

Next on my to-do list: call our pest control guy!

What I Wore Wednesday #7

2011-08-16T23:21:00.004-05:00

Another week of What I Wore.

I skipped last week while on vacation...of course I did have a lot of good outfits (as opposed to bad ones?) but forgot to take pictures most days. Woops.

I'm working on having more outfits to post each week. I guess that means that I need to work on wearing outfits that I really love more often. I think I tend to not try hard enough to get a picture when I think my outfit is boring or just too basic. Nothing wrong with that, but I should still love it, right?

My new goal is to only buy (and keep) clothes that I really love. That means, not buying something just because it's a really really good deal and not keeping something in my closet because it's still really nice or it used to be my favorite. Nope. No more. If I don't feel great in it then I'm not going to take it off the hanger and if I'm not going to take it off the hanger, what's the point of keeping it around? Looks like my closet is going to get a makeover real soon!

We tried taking pictures sitting against the wall...it wasn't quite right (I'll do better next time) but it was so cute when Evening immediately sat down next to me and crossed her legs too. :o)

Me:
tank top - Target
under tank - Froever 21
skirt - Old Navy
leggings - Forever 21
shoes - Vans Outlet
earrings & bracelet - Kohls

Evening:
romper - Target
bed head - courtesy of (too short) nap time

Home Again

2011-08-15T16:10:00.000-05:00

I am home again from the beuatiful state of California!

It's sad and happy all at the same time.

Sad to leave my wonderful friends and family, but so happy to be back home with Jeff!

Our plane landed at 1:00 AM Saturday morning and I came home to a clean house and these:

....and of course, a very happy husband :o)

Unfortunately, I left my phone in California. Ugh.

Although it's frustrating (it's not lost...I just have to wait to get it back) it's actually been kind of nice to not get any calls or have that line to/from the outside world. It made it easier to enjoy the weekend with just our little family.

And, last but not least, I am proud to announce that I finished unpacking COMPLETELY before I went to bed on Saturday. Woo hoo!! That's a record! I think I need some big pats on the back for that one.

-Tiffany

P.S. Can I just say that my kids did AMAZING with the traveling and plane rides?! Especially considering we got in so late. Not to say it wasn't a lot of work...but you couldn't ask for more from a 2 and 1/2 year old and a 10 month old! :o)

What We Wore Wednesday #6

2011-08-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

I'm in California for the week, but I managed to get this post ready literally at the last minute right before heading to the airport yesterday. Phew!

Update: I did NOT finish this in time...I guess I was being just a little bit too optimistic when I frst wrote this. Thanks to my aunt Stacy and cousin Jessica (and photobucket) I was able to finish this while it's still Wednesday!

tank top - Old Navy

shorts - Target

shoes - Ross (Roxy brand)

headband - Forever 21

shirt - Delias

under tank - Forever 21

bermuda shorts - Forever 21

sandals - Old Navy

headband - Forever 21

earrings - Forever 21

This is what happens when your husband is behind the camera.

shirt - Kohls
shorts - Forever 21
sandals - Old Navy

earrings - Forever 21

Upside down is the new right side up.

Ocean:
shirt & shorts - Walmart in Maui

Jeff and I got this outfit when we were on our honeymoon in Maui six years ago. We thought it would be special to have one baby girl outfit and one baby boy outfit from our trip for our future children. Walmart is the place to get all your Hawaii souvenirs (when you're on a budget)!

Evening:
shirt - Target
shorts - Target
sandals - Old Navy
sunglasses - Old Navy

Homesick

2011-07-28T12:51:00.000-05:00

In a few days the kids and I are packing up and flying out to California for a week. I'm very excited to be visiting my home town and seeing lots of people that I love. Unfortunately, Jeff will not be able to join us.

I really hate being away from him and I miss him immensely when I'm gone. I'm not quite the same person without him.

I always get terribly homesick when I'm away from him.

When I was a kid I would get homesick often. Not for "home" such as a certain house or a location on the map. If I was away from my parents for an extended period of time or just in an unfamiliar place or situation without them, I would miss them. Not the regular kind of missing that all of us do on a daily basis, but the truly deeply disorienting kind.

There is a reason they call it home"sick"...because you really do feel almost sick, like just a little off course. Do you know what I'm talking about? Do you ever feel that way? I wish I could describe it better.

Now that I'm married, Jeff is my "home." Wherever he is is where home is. With him I am complete, I feel safe, I feel whole....I feel like me. Without him I'm lost. But, that is how it should be, right? When we took or vows we became one. There is no me without him and there is no him without me. And, I like it that way.

It makes me happy to think of how perfectly God designed the marriage relationship to be. It makes me happy to think that this is how He designed the love that I share with Him to be. Just as I am not me without Jeff, I am not me without Him.

Just yesterday I realized that I was already missing Jeff...and I still had almost a whole week before my trip. But I wasn't just missing him, I was feeling homesick for him.

There is a chance I could extend my visit, but so far the only change in our airline tickets that we can afford would be for an extra eight days. Aside from other factors that make being gone for two weeks difficult, I don't think I could handle being away from Jeff for that long. I want to take full advantage of my vacation and time with loved ones, but unless there is an affordable option for extending my trip by just two or three days...it's not happening.

I'm smiling right now just thinking about all of this...it's a wonderful problem to have!

I LOVE you Jeff and I already can't wait to come home to you!

Photos by Paradigm Photography of Oange County

Love,

Tiffany

(Linking up with Casey at The Wiegand's)

Embellished Shirt Tutorial (and What I Wore Wednesday #5)

2011-07-27T23:17:00.001-05:00

Today is What I Wore Wednesday and I'm kind of cheating....sort of..

I posted about this shirt a few months back when I was just starting to get into blogging more.

I took pictures when I made it so I decided I would go ahead and do a tutorial. So, yes this is what I wore (a couple weeks ago). I kind of failed at taking pictures of anything I actually wore last week.

Anyway...I mentioned before how I didn't know whether or not I really loved it. Well, I like it a lot more now since layering it with a black tank. It kind of fixes my problem of feeling like it's too short. Next time, though, I'm going to find a shirt with a style and fit that I love, hands down. And I'll go for softer colors or a more colorful and vibrant feel. For this shirt I was using what I had on hand and it came out pretty good for my first try. It's one of those styles where some days you like it and other days you're just not feeling the love. Do you know what I mean? There are just certain pieces in my wardrobe that I like on some days and I don't on others. I guess it depends on my mood.

What you'll need:

-tank top (or t-shirt)

-piece of scrap fabric

-scissors

-3 different sized circle templates

-straight pins

-sewing machine

- coordinating thread

Before starting make sure you have washed and dried the shirt and fabric.

1.) Trace and cut out your circles, approx. 4-5 of each size. (I used ribbon spools for my templates since it's all I had at the time.)

2.) Zig Zag stitch along the outside edge of each circle (don't forget to back stitch at the beginning and end). It doesn't have to be perfect, you just want to prevent complete fraying and unraveling of the fabric when you wash it.

3.) Fold each circle in half and stitch a few stitches into the center of the fold, like so...

4.) Then fold the circle in half the opposite way (as shown in picture below) and stitch a few stitches into the center of that fold.

When you are finished, each circle should look something like this:

5.) Lay out the circles on your shirt and find an arrangement that you like. You may find that you need more or less than 4-5 circles of each size. Just do what suites you best.

6.) Use your straight pins to pin down all of your circles.

7.) Sew your circles onto your shirt.

I ran a straight stitch through all of the circles, turning and maneuvering to try and secure each circle in a way that would hold it the best. I went back and added more stitching where I felt it needed it. I did my best to allow the circles keep as much dimension as possible, but I didn't want them to get too floppy and curl up a lot when I washed the shirt. I don't really care for the line of stitching that you can see going throughout, but if you aren't studying it too closely then it doesn't really matter that much. To avoid this, though, you could put a few stitches (with stitch length set to 0) into each circle at all the points where you want them to be pinned down (you could also attach them by hand this way).

My shirt came out looking way cooler after I washed it...plus, it kind of masked the stitching line. These kinds of embellishments always look better with that little bit of natural fray and curling.

What I Wore:

shirt- made by me (with an Old Navy tank)

under tank- Forever 21

bermuda shorts- Forever 21

flip flops- Roxy brand from Quicksilver Outlet

earrings- Kohls

(Linked up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy)

Words

2011-07-23T01:17:00.000-05:00

Sometimes there is so much to be said.

There is so much fullness and emptiness all at the same time.

Sometimes I want so badly to just get it out of me...but I don't know how to do it, how to say it, how to write it.

There are a million words but no complete thought.

In those times, I let other people do it for me.

Sometimes I just read, I listen to other people saying what they need to say.

Because somehow, in that, I can release all that is inside me.

I let it out through them.

I just let go.

I choose to be okay with not saying anything.

Even if I really do have a lot to say.

Besides, my beautiful Savior knows what I have to say.

He knows what I need to get out.

He knows how to form my words into complete thoughts.

He puts words to the fountain of my being that even I never knew were there.

He knows me...and that's enough.

-Tiffany

What I Wore Wednesday #4

2011-07-20T09:55:00.001-05:00

It's just me this week...

t-shirt tank & under tank-Forever21

jeans-Hollister

shoes-Gap Outlet

....oops, forgot to wear earrings. That is usually the one accessory I always wear. And, I do have to admit that I put those shoes on just for the photos. But, in my defense, I didn't leave home all day....although even if I had I still wouldn't have been able to wear them (which I realized shortly after putting them on) because of my "injured" toe/nail. Grrr....I guess I should just be thankful it's summer so my toe can be free and heal.

(Linking up at Real Momma, Real Style and with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy)

The Life of a Mommy is Never a Dull One

2011-07-19T13:26:00.001-05:00

I've recently been having to put a baby gate in the doorway of our bathroom while Evening goes potty.

Why?...Well, because her little brother's favorite place to explore is, of course, the bathroom...especially when she is in it. (And, by the way, I have very courteously left out a couple stories regarding his bathroom exploring. All you need to know is, he's alive!)

Anyway, after finishing up in the bathroom I lift Evening up over the gate and kind of "miss" setting her down on the other side of the gate (my husband calls this my "depth perception handicap") and her little bare bottom lands on the gate. Naturally, she starts to get a little upset. She didn't really get hurt, but you know how it goes with two year olds. I say I'm sorry and put my arms out to hold her...she runs away saying "no no nooooo" in her whiny, I'm mad at you voice. A very common scenario.

I'm sure just about every other parent out there does the whole "kiss it" routine to make the owie feel better, right?

So, after she gets over the mad phase she comes running back to me. "Kiss it, kiss it, Mama, kiss it!" again, in a whiny voice, pointing to her cute little naked cheek. Oh boy. So, I kiss it, aiming as high as possible....because it is her bare bottom and she did just finish going potty. Well, that wasn't good enough for her, because that's not where her owie was. Oh dear. So I suck it up and kiss her actual owie...I am a mommy after all and this is all just part of the package.

And since she loves me so much and was so appreciative of what I did she decided to work on a little art project for me while I put her brother down for his nap.

Isn't she sweet?

-Tiffany

My Mama's Speedy Sloppy Joes

2011-07-16T19:49:00.005-05:00

This is my first meal/recipe post.

Here's what you should know about me:

I'm not real big on cooking. There is usually something I'd rather be doing instead. I do love the feeling I get when I've made dinner and we sit down to eat it....so I guess it's the prep and clean up that turn me off so much. And, like I said, I have other things I'd rather be doing.

But, I can cook...

I may not be incredible (like my mother was) but *most meals turn out successfully.

Actually, consistently making meals for my family is one of my biggest challenges. Some weeks I am very successful and some weeks not so much....but I've come a long way since being married.

It's also very important to me for all of us here to be eating as healthy as possible and that happens better when we eat at home. That also means that many of the meals I make are usually simple. I try to keep what we eat and how we cook it clean. We're not perfect when it comes to cleaner, healthier eating, but we are working on it.

While these sloppy joes may not fit perfectly in the category of "clean and healthy" they are really yummy and I change a few things to help a little bit with that.

This was one of my favorites growing up and it's the same recipe my mom used. A perfectly fun summer meal, in my opinion!

Speedy Sloppy Joes

What you'll need:

-1 lb ground beef (I use either organic beef or all natural ground turkey)

-1 onion, chopped

-1 green pepper, chopped

-1 tbsp. prepared mustard

-1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

-1 tbsp. brown sugar

-2/3 c. ketchup

-1/2 tsp. salt

-1 tbsp. vinegar

Brown the meat. Add the chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until tender (about 5 min.). Add remaining ingredients and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns.

Most of the ingredients I use are organic and I almost always use sea salt. I'm thinking about trying agave nectar as the sweetener instead of brown sugar. I'm not sure how well that will work out, but it's not that big a deal since it's really only 1 tbsp. of sugar anyway. I also use whole wheat buns....we pretty much never use any kind of white bread around here except for french bread from the bakery.

A fresh cut salad and some all natural sweet potato fries make this meal complete!

-Tiffany

(I'll be sharing this over at Casey Wiegand's recipe exchange.)

What We Wore Wednesday #3

2011-07-13T09:07:00.004-05:00

....and the real stars of the show:

(yes, he's eating a leaf)

Me:

dress-Ross

under tank-Forever21

flip flops-Old Navy

earrings-Forever21

ring-Pick Your Plum

Evening:

Shirt-hand me down

skirt-Target

sandals-Old Navy

hair clip-made by me

Ocean:

shirt-Target

shorts-Old Navy

Linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

Eats

2011-07-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Pain

2011-07-07T22:45:00.002-05:00

Today I saw a picture that a friend posted online.

It's the same picture that I have had in my living room for the last five years.

Even so, seeing it again made me smile, but it also sent a dull, familiar wave of pain through my body.

It's from the day of my wedding and it's a candid posed picture of my two younger brothers.

It's an interesting thing.

Pain.

It's like how some people have an old injury that has healed, but they feel that dull pain again when it's cold outside or raining.

I've been injured.

But I've been healed and am still healing.

That doesn't mean the pain doesn't still come around.

And the memories never ever leave.

And sometimes, well, actually, a lot more than just sometimes, that pain brings anger.

And anger is an okay thing to feel.

When you lose your baby brother at just barely 17 years of age, it makes you angry.

You're angry that you won't get to enjoy his presence for the long rest of your life here on this earth.

You're angry that, when all is said and done, the years you will have lived without him will far out number the years you had with him.

You're angry because of all that you know he could of been .

He could have changed the world. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating, he was that kind of a person...not your average teenager.

I won't even go into the age old question "Why do the good people die and the bad people thrive?"

Because, I don't know, but I don't need to know because I have a God who knows and that's enough.

And then, when you have let the feelings of anger course through your entire being, you let them go.

And you let God do some more healing.

And you thank God for His goodness.

-Tiffany

Linking up with Casey Wiegand for What is on You Heart

Six Facts for Six Years & What We Wore (Anniversary Edition)

2011-07-06T11:53:00.002-05:00

Me:

dress-Forever21

skinny jeans-Forever21

flats-Gap Outlet

earrings-Forever21

flower clip-made by me

Jeff:

shirt-Kohls

pants-Kohls

belt- American Eagle?

shoes-Converse store

Linked up here:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Saturday we celebrated our six year anniversary.

We had a lovely date. Saw a movie. Went to The Cheesecake Factory...and totally splurged! I felt (and looked) pregnant by the time we left.

Six random facts about the beginning of Us

1. Jeff and I first met when I was 13 and Jeff was 14.

2. When my dad first saw Jeff, across the room at church he thought "He would be good for Tiffany." He didn't tell me this, of course, but he asked me how old I thought Jeff was and I said "10 or 11." Haha! I was sure shocked when my dad asked and found out he was almost a whole year older than me!

3. We started dating "officially" when I turned 16 (we were "special friends" for a year before that).

4. Our favorite hang out place was Disneyland. We got to know each other there as "special friends", had our first date there, and spent at least half of all of our dates there. So, if you ever wonder "What's the big deal? What's so special about Disneyland?" ('cause people have asked us that) - now you know.

5. We didn't share our very first kiss until the day after we were engaged...after nearly 3 and 1/2 years of dating!

6. While dating, whenever I was in a grumpy or melancholy mood, Jeff always got me ice cream because that would usually solve the problem!

-Tiffany

DIY - Fabric Pinwheel Headband

2011-07-05T15:55:00.003-05:00

Evening needed more headbands...or rather, I needed her to have more headbands, so this is something I put together real quick.

I'm referring to this as just a DIY (Do It Yourself) project rather than a full tutorial. You can already find tons of fabric flower and headband tutorials all over the internet, so this is just a little run down of how I made this one. And, although this pinwheel style flower is not anything extra special or elaborate, it's an easy no-brainer to make and it's perfect for that extra piece of scrap fabric that is too small to use for just about any other scrap project.

Here's what you'll need (plus a felt circle, scissors and a glue gun)

Okay, here's the quick run down...

For the headband-

Cut your elastic to size and hand sew the two ends right sides (shiny side) together 1/4" in from the end. Glue your felt circle to the inside of your headband covering the seam.

For the pinwheel-

Arrange your cut fabric strips into two different pinwheels, one slightly smaller than the other. Hand sew each pinwheel together in the middle, then sew the smaller one on top of the larger one. Next, sew the button onto your pinwheel .

Attaching the pinwheel to the heaband-

Cover the elastic and felt circle with glue and glue the fabric pinwheel directly onto it.

Waa-La! So easy!

This one, even I could wear, but I think it fits into Evening's style a little bit better than mine.

-Tiffany

How to Save Time (and money) When You go to the Grocery Store

2011-07-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

1. Make a meal plan.

2. Make a complete grocery list before leaving the house.

3. Wear at least one of your children while shopping.

4. Don't forget your wallet.

5. If you do happen to forget your wallet, make sure you discover that fact before you start your shopping and not right before you check out.

6. Hope and pray that your grocery store and it's employees are as accommodating as mine and hold everything for you in the cooler while you run home and get your wallet.

And, if all else fails, just make sure you've got a couple of cute kids to make you feel better and to blame all of life's "inconveniences" on.

-Tiffany

What We Wore Wednesday (a little late, but it's still Wednesday) #1

2011-06-29T21:54:00.002-05:00

This is something fun that I've wanted to start for a while. Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy started What I Wore Wednesday on her blog (which is super cute and fun and totally worth checking out) a while back as a way to help us mamas (and anyone really) stay on top of putting effort into ourselves and how we look every day. Yes, it's easy to stay in your pj pants and a t-shirt all day when you are a mom with little kids. And, even if you don't manage to do your hair or make-up, getting dressed in something cute that you like, makes a world of a difference, even if you never leave the house! Plus, the husband always appreciates it (that's an understatement)!

So, I'm joining in on this fun and hope to keep up with it as well as I can. I know it is definitely motivating me so far. Plus, it's fun and inspiring to see everyone else's style. This one will be what we wore.

I only have pictures for a few outfits from this past week.

So, here goes...

Me:

top-Forever 21

bermuda shorts-Kohls

sandals- Target (couple years ago)

headband- Forever 21, altered by me

Ocean:

onesie-Old Navy

Evening:

shirt & shorts- Carter's brand from Costco

hair clip- Cherry Baby Creations

Me:

tank-Forever 21

(you know you love your kid when you buy an Elmo shirt just to see her face light up every time you wear it....and, apparently, a random little girl at the sandwich shop, too)

shorts-Kohls

flip flops-Roxy brand from Quicksilver Outlet

Ocean:

shirt & shorts-Carter's brand from Costco

Jeff:

shirt-made by me on a Target t-shirt

shorts- local re-sale shop (American Eagle brand)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Tiffany

Stamped Poetry Applique Shirt Tutorial [A Gift for Daddy]

2011-06-27T23:00:00.014-05:00

So, remember how Jeff and I thought that Father's Day was two weeks earlier than it actually was? And then when I was so graciously given a second chance to actually do something more than just a card for Jeff?

....well....

I did something!

I'm really pleased with how it turned out although I was a bit nervous going into it.

This is one of the many reasons why I LOVE our kids' names! They fit perfectly into poetry. For those who know them well, you will notice that each phrase not only has their name in it but describes their character and personality all while still representing the literal context of those words.

Would you like to know how to make something similar?...the possibilities are endless!

What you'll need:

-a shirt

-scrap fabric (I used un-dyed muslin)

-tear-away stabilizer (I used Tear-Easy by Sulky, available at Jo-Anns)

-fabric paint (I *think* mine came from Michaels)

-alphabet stamps (available at any craft store)

- flat ended toothpicks

-piece of paper

Not pictured:

-fabric scissors

-straight pins

-sewing machine (preferred) or hand sewing needle

-thread

(I apologize that I don't have pictures of every single step, I was doing this late the night before, trying to finish secretly while Jeff played games downstairs...this also explains the quality of some of the pictures)

Part One: Making the Applique

First things first. Pre-wash and dry your fabric and shirt.

Make sure you have a flat surface to work on. Have out and ready your scrap fabric, paint, stamps, toothpicks and piece of paper. Oh, and make sure you have written out what you want to "say" before hand so you don't make any mistakes.

1.) Squirt an M&M sized (or less) dollop of paint on your piece of paper.

2.) Take the flat end of your toothpick and swirl it around in the paint to spread it out some. Wipe off excess paint from the toothpick.

3.) Dip the flat end of your toothpick into the paint and gently apply it onto the letter stamp, covering it completely. You may have to dip the toothpick more than once per letter.

4.) Carefully "stamp" the letter onto your piece of fabric

5.) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you have completed your "phrase". You may need to repeat steps 1 & 2 if the dollop of paint dries up (I had to several times).

6.) Use your fabric scissors to cut out your phrase to the desired size and shape.

7.) Heat set your letters using an iron with a layer of fabric in between your letters and the iron.

You now have your applique.

Part Two: Sewing the Applique onto Your Shirt

1.) Figure out how you want your lay out to look on the shirt

2.) Cut out a piece of tear-away stabilizer that is larger than your applique.

3.) Use the straight pins to pin your applique onto your piece of stabilizer.

4.) Pin your piece of stabilizer to your shirt at the desired location.

5.) Use a zigzag stitch to sew the applique onto your shirt. (If you do not have a sewing machine, you can hand sew it, although it may be quite tedious)

6.) When you have finished sewing the applique onto your shirt, gently tear away the stabilizer. Use your finger to hold down your applique where the stitches are to avoid ripping or pulling the stitching.

And.... Waa-La! You're done!

(yes, I know it's voila, but when I say it, it sounds more like waa-la)

This was actually a very easy project, just a bit tedious with all the letters I had to do (took me maybe a couple hours) . And, in case you are wondering, I washed the shirt and it looks even better!

-Tiffany

P.S. This is my very first tutorial, feedback is welcome! Too long? Too short? Not enough info? Confusing? Please let me know :o)

Linked up to these Parties: I Heart Naptime Sundae Scoop

What Really Matters

2011-06-20T23:17:00.064-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days when as the day moves along life suddenly yet clearly begins to come into true focus?

When certain things just don't matter anymore and you wonder why you're wasting so much time, thought and energy on them?

Today was one of those days.

You know what does matter to me?

God.

my husband.

my children.

my family.

doing what I love.

being happy.

giving.

You know what doesn't matter?

mistakes.

pleasing other people.

having everything in order.

doing the "right" thing.

giving.

Yes, giving is in there twice, it's not a mistake. Why and how come?

The giving that does matter to me is the kind of giving that I want to do, the kind of giving that comes from my heart. The giving that doesn't matter to me and, frankly, is just plain stupid, is the kind of giving that is done out of obligation or expectation.

Life is full of expectations. Most of the time it seems like we all live by expectations-our own and those of others. The problem with that, though, is that it sets us up to fail. I don't know about you, but I make mistakes all the time and I feel like 99.9% of my mistakes have let other people down. I don't want to let other people down, but if I spend all my energy trying to meet their expectations then I'm not really living.

So, instead of trying to please other people, trying to always do the "right" thing and trying to give based on what other people think I should give, I'm going to do what I love and do what makes me happy and give from my heart, when and how I want.

-TiffanyAnn

Linked up here:

My Week in Pictures - 1st

2011-06-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

Okay, so this is more like a week and a half, but here it is:

Ocean's first time wearing wool shorties....I think we might be jumping on the wool train....they work sooo well! More on that later :o)


Evening's new teddy bear from Grandpa & Grandma. A 2 and 1/2 year old's dream. Can you tell she's in love?


Uncle Kanon - our teddy bear delivery man.

You never pass up a rare opportunity to get a picture with a 2 and 1/2 year old who actually wants to take a picture even if it is first thing in the morning with bed head and no make-up.


See what I mean?...she's actually posing!

...and then she was done...rare moment over.

it.has.be.gun.

My next project once the crib bedding is finished (which, by the way, is almost done and looking pretty awesome!) This will be a cart cover for a friend.

This kid cannot stay away form cords!!! Ahhh...it's going to drive me nuts! If you know my husband, then you know we have a lot of cords everywhere. And, in case you are wondering, even though I did not notice the yellow tape in his mouth until looking at this picture, I do recall discovering it afterward and promptly removing it :o)

-TiffanyAnn

YOU

2011-06-15T14:01:00.004-05:00

There will always be....

someone who is smarter than you

someone who is prettier than you

someone who is more successful than you

someone who is more gifted than you

someone who is younger and healthier than you

someone who's dreams have all come true

But there will never be someone who is better than you because you are the only one who is the best at being YOU.

So, don't let intimidation stand in your way. Be everything that you are meant to be! Be everything that God created you to be!

photo by Nicole Whelan Photography

-TiffanyAnn

Linked up here:

10 Random Facts About Me - I Have Never

2011-06-12T16:35:00.007-05:00

I've decided to start something new and fun. 10 Random Facts About Me. While some may seem plain and simple hopefully some are interesting or intriguing, but in general it should help you all get to know me a little better, or at least learn a little something new about me. Every so often I'll post a new 10 Random Facts About Me featuring a different theme.

Today the theme is I Have Never...

I have never broken a bone in my body.

I have never gone trick or treating.

I have never believed in Santa Claus....until now. (yes, I'm kidding, of course, but only about the now part)

I have never had a taste of alcohol. Okay, technically that's not true. I have. By accident. Jeff and I were poured a glass of champagne for a toast at a wedding. I thought it was sparkling cider and I was right to think so. The rest of our table had been given sparkling cider-which is odd since Jeff and I were 20 at the time and looked every bit our age, if not younger, and all the other couples were a whole decade older than us. That first sip was quite shocking! Afterward, I still thought it was cider....that had gone sour. It wasn't until a few minutes later that the amused older crowd informed me of the truth. Ha!

I have never cooked a turkey. (that's not surprising though)

I have never ridden on a motorcycle.

I have never been able to keep a fish alive for more than a few days.

I have never had a real live Christmas tree in my home.

I have never been to Prom.

I have never been out of the country overseas. (just Mexico)

And, last but not least (ahem...#11):

I have never not licked the spoon and bowl after baking a dessert :o)

-Tiffany

Taking Advantage of My Second Chance at Father's Day

2011-06-09T14:30:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to not be lame and actually put effort into special holidays and occasions...like Father's Day.

This will include not procrastinating so I actually have the time and resources to make the day and/or gifts special.

I think last Father's Day I was lame because I don't even remember what I did for Jeff, which means I probably just gave him a card.

However, I had great success the year before for Jeff's very first Father's Day (well, technically his second because I was pregnant the one before that).

I made this onesie for Evening to wear using an iron on kit from Walmart and an idea I found online and remade on my computer.

Here is a close up:

And I made this t-shirt for Jeff, which was all my idea.

Can you read it? It says "My LIFE changed forever on December 23rd, 2008."

I don't like to brag, but this was pretty genius if I do say so myself.

Actually, it's not really like that. It's more like Yes! OMG, I can't believe I actually came up with a really good idea all by myself!

Jeff really liked it and still wears it even though it's getting worn out (he says it looks better that way).

So, now, how am I going to top that?

I do, after all, have a second chance now that Father's Day wasn't really last Sunday

So the rest of this week I am on Operation: Find a Really Really Great Father's Day Gift.

I better work fast so I don't end up finding a good idea only to not have enough time to make it happen!

By the way, I am still in the middle of Operation: Finish Baby Bedding and working furiously!

Stay tuned for the finished product and outcome of my Father's Day mission!

-Tiffany

Happy Father's Day...?

2011-06-05T18:11:00.010-05:00

So, up until last night, today was Father's Day over here.

I'm not really sure what went wrong, but somehow both Jeff and I agreed a couple of weeks ago that today was Father's Day.

Yes, I know, I know...when has Father's Day ever not been on the third Sunday in June? Well, we were wondering the same thing too!

We would have been celebrating the special day over at our house today, too if it wasn't for the quizzical look on my Father-in-law's face when Jeff handed him a card yesterday.

Ummm, yeah.

Well, anyway, the good news is, the Father's Day cards we mailed won't be late! Plus, now I have more time to prepare for what the heck I am going to do for my husband. I had a card, so far, and that was it. (Shhh, don't tell Jeff).

So, to all the father's in my life, Happy Father's Day!....in two weeks.

-Tiffany

My Newest Etsy Listing and Why I Love It

2011-06-04T00:00:00.011-05:00

It's about time I start talking about my Etsy shop.

I think I've only touched on it enough to at least give people a clue that I even have one, but that's about it (not counting, of course, the fact that I have a widget for my shop on my side bar).

So, I will talk about my newest listing and how much I am in love with it.

Petite Summer Flower Headbands
You want to know why I love it so much?

Because of how awesome the picture is!

Forget the headbands, lol.

No, really...the headbands are simple but so stinkin' cute, too. They came out even cuter than I had anticipated. I think it's because they feel so perfectly summery, you know what I mean? And somehow I managed to get, what I feel, is the perfect snapshot of that vibrant summer aura. What do you think?

Now, I realize I may be sounding all puffy with myself over this amazing photo, but don't be deceived.

I am not in the slightest way skilled with a camera. To call myself an amateur photographer would be so wrong, because that would mean calling me a photographer...and I am the last person anyone would want to have take a real photo for them.

But, somehow, and I thank God for this, all my product pictures come out looking nice enough to sell an item. At least people are buying my stuff, so that's gotta mean something, right?

Everything I know...I learned from my husband. He told me what setting to use on the camera (which is just an old basic boring point and shoot...another bad thing when paired with a non-photographer), how to help control the contrast, and he built me a light box.

It's a miracle he is still willing to help me. I pretty much throw a toddler sized tantrum within just a few seconds of the slightest hiccup to a smooth operation. Seriously. Ask him...it's pitiful. I guess I married the right guy if he still loves me after that :o) He keeps me sane.

Anyway...back on track.

I love that I managed to get a great photo of these headbands, all by myself...no husband at home! It's a miracle! Thank you pretty blue vase that made the flowers pop. And thank you sunlight coming through the window. Thanks for being there even when I wasn't thinking about you :o)

So, there you have it. My newest Etsy listing.

-Tiffany
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. Now that I've said all this, I realize that not everyone may agree with me that this is, indeed, a pretty cool shot. Silly me. But, I like it, so there.

If Only....

2011-05-31T23:16:00.008-05:00

If only my blog were attached to my brain.

And that when something fun or exciting happens (i.e. kids) or I get an idea,
it automatically makes a post, pictures and all.

That would make life so much easier.

I guess, in essence, I do have a blog attached to my brain. It's my memory bank.

But, it's my memory bank, and unless communicated just right, I can't translate my life and moments into something that all of you can experience the way it's meant to be experienced.

Which is why I wish that this blog was attached to my brain.

Then maybe I wouldn't write an entire post and then delete it. On purpose.

Because I just can't seem to sum up everything, or even just a single moment, that I've wanted to share for the last few days.

...but if this blog was attached to my brain....yeah, I know, you get it.

I guess I could at least share the pictures I was going to post.

-Tiffany

Organization: My Plan Week 3

2011-05-26T21:33:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I know I initiated my plan a couple of months ago, so technically I should be a lot farther along than week 3, but it's a work in progress and a rocky start is still a start.

I don't have much to report, just a couple of little things, but we all know those little things add up to make a big difference.

We put up this calendar/organizing thingy majigger a few weeks ago. This was WAY overdue.
And, by the way, I know we all have smart phones and computers and such to keep calendars and schedules and reminders and such (as my husband is constantly reminding me of) ...but there's something about having it out in the open that really really helps! I'm a visual person, so I need this.

And here is the Mr. Potato Head storage bin. We came back with some awesome Mr. Potato Head accessories from Disneyland (which reminds me I still need to get some more pictures up from our trip) and no extra storage for the toys that I had already organized downstairs. This isn't a permanent solution, especially seeing that it barely fits everything and that doesn't include the actual potato heads. But, it keeps it all contained and in one place for now.

Evening has been so good at cleaning up her messes lately and it sure does help if specific things have a specific home.

I'm really hoping to report something more significant next time. Like my fridge, for example...now that REALLY needs some love!

-Tiffany

Craft Overload!

2011-05-25T12:46:00.007-05:00

In case you were wondering, yes.

Yes, it is possible to be in craft blog overload.
Actually, it's probable, and you can expect it to happen if you love anything remotely creative and you read craft blogs.

Ahhh!...my brain is in craft/project/design/decorate overload right now!!!

I have so many ideas and projects swirling around in my head and every week I found new creative craft and design projects from blogs to add to my to-do list!

Now if only the days could be about five hours longer...and if maybe those five hours could be when my children are sleeping. Or better yet, how about I just don't ever need to sleep? Then maybe I can easily accomplish everything I want!

It doesn't look like that's going to be happening in this life, so I'm just gonna have to figure it out and make it work. I CAN do it!

I'm gonna have to take it one project at a time. That's the only way I'm going to stay productive.

So, for now this is the project I am focusing on. I'm not allowed to start any more until I finish this one (except for Etsy stuff).

This fun combo of fabrics is going to be a mini crib bedding set for a dear friend. The sweet little babe is due the middle of June, so I've got to finish this asap so I can mail it out before her arrival!

This will be the first full crib bedding set (other than it being for a mini crib) that I've made. I made Evening's bedding, but only the crib skirt, quilt, and accent pillow. Once this set is finished I will be working on the bedding for Ocean's room.

I'm super excited to see the end result and share it with you!

-Tiffany

Unfiltered

2011-05-23T11:09:00.004-05:00

I get frustrated easily. It's not something I'm proud of, obviously, but it's something I am not afraid to recognize.
I get stressed out very easily. That's no secret, for sure.
I worry about way too much. I know that everything will be fine and everything is and will be taken care of, but my default is still to worry, worry, worry.
I worry,
Then I get stressed out,
Then I'm just plain frustrated, because I know I shouldn't be worrying.
All the major life struggles and events, when it becomes overwhelming, I give it all to God. He gives me peace.
Ironically, it's the little things I worry about chronically and struggle with the most.
For some reason I take on all these things myself and expect that I need to make it all work myself.
All the tasks,
all the things I need to do
the things I want to do,
and the things I love to do.
The things that stir me,
the things that are fun.
I don't know how to juggle all of these things and still have peace and calm.
To still be able to sit and rest and just be.
To enjoy.

I have been in a season of my life where certain parts of the Word have become more meaningful and alive than they have ever been before. Parts of the Word that I grew up hearing and reading all the time, and, for lack of a better description, just always seemed so cliche to me as a believer. They didn't really have much meaning for me. But, now I am clinging to them. They are no longer just words I learned in Sunday school or heard in a sermon or even talked about in a deep small group discussion.
They are words that my Best Friend, my Lover is speaking to me. There is no preacher, or teacher, or book, or song to filter them through....just my Love giving me all that I need, giving me peace, giving me joy, giving me strength, giving me love.

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Looks like I am going to be praying A LOT. And I will continue to thank the Lord for all He has done and all He has given.

-Tiffany

Ocean's Story - Part Two

2011-05-18T13:11:00.006-05:00

Okay...here it is. Ocean's Story Part 2, two and a half months after Part One. And you can read his actual birth story here.

I know I mentioned before that we expected our second child to be another girl. Really, we did. We were so certain that we would have a few girls before we had a boy (we want about five kids). We knew Evening would be a girl and we were right. So, naturally this time, we kind of planned on another girl. I had bought a few girlie cloth diapers and we had only discussed girl names. Not that we didn't want a boy, we just really thought that our boy would come later.

While waiting for our ultrasound, it was nerve racking and exciting all at the same time. All the time leading up to it we did wonder "what if it's a boy?....then what?" Haha. We were so not prepared for a boy!

As I sat there waiting, I got this feeling that we were going to be dead wrong. Somehow I just knew that our baby was a boy, but I was kind of in denial until we could see for sure. Well, we saw. For sure. There was no doubting it was a BOY! And a good looking one at that...even the technician agreed that for an 8 oz. baby, he was pretty cute. He even had a little pocket of fat on his cheek already! Remember, this ultrasound was done at 17 and 1/2 weeks pregnant, at that point, my belly was still just a little bump. Amazing!

Oh, and by the way....there were two people who knew he would be a boy, the same two people who knew Evening would be a girl. They always seem to be right. They even one up-ed me on this one. :o) My friend Lindsey told me both times as soon as she found out I was pregnant what I would be having (she even knew I was pregnant with Evening before hardly anyone knew...I have proof!) And, my dad knew Evening would be a girl and while I was still pregnant with her, he told me my next one would probably be a boy. When he told me that, I thought "uh-huh, sure...we'll see about that." And during my pregnancy, he knew, and told Mary, my step-mother, even though she was also convinced we were having another girl.

And so, the journey began. A BOY! That fact changed a lot for us, it took us a while to adjust. But, once things became clearer regarding the things we had already felt about this baby and as my pregnancy progressed, that fact made perfect sense! This was in His plan. God knew Ocean before the world began and he was conceived and born into this world for such a time as this! He was meant to be and he was meant to be right now! I can't even begin to convey how excited I am to see him grow into the man God has created him to be and to fulfill his purpose and calling. He's going to change the world, people, he really is!

....To Be Continued.

-Tiffany

From My Wardrobe to Hers: Little Red Dress

2011-05-15T15:38:00.019-05:00

I've been wanting to make some more clothes for Evening for a while now and have finally been getting around to doing it. Many of you saw the quick little skirt and fabric flower pin I sewed up for her to wear on Easter.

This time I made her a dress using an old shirt of mine. I had seen so many adorable up-cycled outfits on other blogs that moms had made using their old clothing and had to try it myself!

So, I turned this....

.....into this:

I used one of her dresses as a guide for sizing, etc. and cut the neckline and sleeves to get kind of a cap sleeve look. I was kind of winging it hoping it would turn out at least somewhat wearable and I was so happy that it came out looking exactly how I had envisioned it! It is a sheer see-through-y kind of material so I cut up an old white shirt of mine and made a little tank sleeve dress to go underneath. My favorite part about making the dress was that by cutting it from the bottom of the shirt, I saved myself some time sewing, which for me, was a huge plus!

The headband I HAD to make since I had extra material. I just kind of winged that, and was happy to get a little bit of a vintage look. It "completes" the dress.

And, of course this entire get-up cost exactly $0 since it was made from my old shirt (duh) and since I have cabillions of embellishments and headband making materials already on hand!

I've already got some more old shirts set aside with some fun ideas swimming around in my head for more one-of-a-kind clothes for my sweet little green eyed girl.

I can't wait to make some more so I can share them with you!

-Tiffany

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A Tribute to the Mothers in My Life

2011-05-09T14:18:00.014-05:00

Mama-
You gave birth to me and nurtured me as a child.
You loved and understood me in a way no one could or has ever since.
You let me play with your hair.
You scratched my back every Sunday morning in church.
When you said "It's going to be okay," it really was okay. Only you could do that.
I had no doubt that you loved me unconditionally, but I am still amazed at how you loved others unconditionally. Even as a child I could see it.
You were the first person I knew who made a difficult decision in the face of fear to make an eternal impact.
You did not do, in that situation, what most would expect to be the loving, appropriate, and completely obvious thing for a mother with young children to do. Yet, I could never thank you enough for doing what you did. You have shaped who I am today and who I am still becoming.

I love you and miss you.

Mary-
You make life fun.
You have made our family complete.
You brought joy when there was sorrow.
You taught me a whole new level of love and sacrifice.
You gave me space when I needed it.
You were right next to me when it counted the most.
You were the Mother of the Bride.
My children call you Grandma.
You are the perfect listener.

You are irrevocably irreplaceable and I love you more than you could ever know.

Peggy-
You give the best hugs.
You are full of love, compassion and tenderness.
You raised my husband.
You raised a man with conviction, integrity, dedication, and a steady calm.
You raised a man who is not only perfect for me, but the only man who can handle my intensity and still love me always.
You gave him love, security, patience, and confidence. All of these things, he now gives me.
Thank you for loving him.
Thank you for loving me.

You are the most wonderful mother-in-law and I love you.