2 Days Left

2008 has been a year of seeking direction from the Lord for our family. I have been praying for direction basically all year, mainly related to Shane's and my careers. You see, I long to stay home and be a full time wife and mother while Shane is struggling in this terrible real estate market. I still believe God will answer us, just in his timing. Although He has 2 more days in 2008!

Regardless, we have learned so much this year. To be content in all circumstances, and to come to the end of ourselves and realize that His ways truly are best. Wishing you all sweet encounters with the Lord in 2009!

Updating my winter wardrobe

I have noticed lately that my winter attire seems to be from the 90's. I continue to wear extremely outdated outfits for the sake of variety. For some reason I prefer to shop in the spring and summertime. Therefore my sad winter closet has not been updated in a decade.

So I decided to hit JCrew at lunch this week since my sister in law always claims to get great items on clearance. And sure enough, all their cords were on clearance. An $88 pair of cords for only $26!! Unfortunately, they only had one pair in my size. So I snapped up the off white cords and went home to check out their online sales. They were offering free shipping to go along with the clearance cords so I ordered 2 more pairs in chocolate and some golden color. They arrived the next day (gasp) and I am delighted with my new pants. Now maybe I can retire a few pairs to goodwill since I can't seem to zip a couple anymore.

So if you are in need of winter corduroys, I suggest you check out JCrew!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We busted out making Christmas cookies this past week. It seems to put everyone in the holiday spirit and has become a tradition. My annual Christmas CD from my friend DeDe in Salina came in the mail too. Thanks DeDe!

I managed to get my Christmas cards in the mail yesterday so they'll arrive before Christmas! What a relief! I also have ALL my shopping done, so I really feel like I can pause and enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of the holiday. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with the love of Christ!

Time flies

So, it's been over a month since I've posted. Where does the time go??? Shane & I enjoyed a Weekend to Remember a few weekends ago. It was a great chance to focus on us. It was nice and confirmed that we communicate and have a pretty healthy marriage. If I could just stop comparing us to those around me. Then a week later we packed up to come to Palm Desert to meet my family for Thanksgiving. I'm hoping things will slow down soon but with Christmas a mere 3 weeks away, it's not likely. But I'm very thankful for a beautiful, healthy family and a God who saves! Happy Thanksgiving!

Jack-o-lanterns

Last weekend the weather was so nice that the girls and I sat out back and carved pumpkins. Although I never liked doing that as a child, these kits they have now make it soooo easy. The teeny tiny knives are the way to go! I even made the girls dig out the goop with their hands this year. Here are the results.

Minky Dot Pants

Although Shane says they are hideous and better off as pj's, I am proud to show off my newest creation. I made the pants and Carrie Ditter did the shirt.

Fall Break

Since the kids had 2 days off from school, I thought we'd take a drive to K.C. in to break in the new YukonXL. I also thought it was another chance for me to get my name out and have a home party for my stamps. We had a fun time at the pumpkin patch and my sale turned out great. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Hello again

I'm embarrassed that it's been a month since I've posted. It's been a busy month! We launched my new website and I think it looks fantastic! Thanks Chris! I also debuted my new stamps at Hope Market Square. It was a lot of fun and I did great for my first time out.

The Women's retreat at church was this past weekend and I enjoyed meeting new folks and meditating on God's word. The theme was Desire and I was reminded that I will be most satisfied when my desires line up with God's. Christ did not come to take away our challenges but to change us on the inside and to empower us to deal with problems from God's perspective. I guess that means that I can still be joyful and satisfied even though everything in life isn't as I would desire right now.

I also have to throw in a comment about Fireproof. Shane and I saw it a week ago and I thought it was fantastic. I think it can be life changing for some. I recommend that everyone, especially those who are married, go see it.

Curly Top Kids 2

I am investigating adding a line of note cards to go with my stamps. Check it out!

Curly Top Kids

I started a business back in 2005 called Curly Top Kids. It was created to sell vintage pillowcase dresses that my sister in law taught me to make. They are adorable but it's hard to get your name out there. So I quit last fall. However I need something to focus my creative energy on so I've been working on adding a new line of custom stamps. I'm very excited about this and will launch my new website in a week or so. Here's a preview. You can order at www.curlytopkids.com and tell all your friends!

I can make that!

Recently Shane's influence has gotten ahold of me and everything I see I think I can make myself for a fraction of the cost. My most recent projects were first seen on the cover of Kelly's Kids catalogue (dress, leggings and matching headband)and in A Little Something Extra (wall plaque). I think they came out pretty good and they only cost me a small fraction of the cost! I also managed to inspire my sisters to give it a try.

A Short and Sweet Visit to K.C.

We had a great time visiting friends and family in KC this past weekend. I enjoyed seeing the Royals scrape out a win against the Boston Redsox. Sorry Shane! The kids had fun playing at an indoor amusement park too and got to go swim a few times. And we got to meet our sweet new cousin Cami! Thanks for babysitting Nana!

Refugee Empowerment Program

Our church has recently started helping out with the Refugee Empowerment Program in Memphis. Many families from Burundi, Sudan, Somalia and the Congo are brought to the U.S. by the UN and Catholic Charities to escape the oppression in their countries. REP works to address the needs of the most under resourced people through education, leadership development, community building, cultural adjustment, and spiritual enrichment. Our small group has been paired with a family to help them make the adjustment. We are very excited to be able to help and to get to know them!

Design Star

My sister's sorority sister is a finalist on Design Star. Her name is Jen Bertrand. If she wins she'll get to host her own show on HGTV. You can vote once a day online and 5 times via text. Please VOTE! Voting ends tomorrow morning and the winner is announced Sunday, August 3rd.

An artist in the family

Mallory went to Art Camp last week and had a wonderful time. Here are some of her masterpieces. Maybe next year Campbell : )

Loose tooth

Mallory has had a dangling tooth for the past several days so Popsy came over to help her pull it out. She did it all by herself and is very excited to use her tooth fairy pillow tonight!

Camille Elizabeth Garrett

She has arrived! Cami Elizabeth Garrett weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 21 inches long. Congratulations Mindy & Chris!

Learning

Now I've learned the importance of reading the post or doing spell check ahead of time. Once you post, it's too late to correct it. : )

New Niece

I'm anxiously waiting for the call from my sister in KC to announce my new niece has arrived. She checked in to the hospital last night. This will be my 5th niece. I already have 9 newphews so it will help a little with the balance. And I don't mean that my sister has 14 children. They are spread out amoung several siblings and in-laws.

It's hard being the only one that lives away from home. But I'm counting on the new technology and my brother-in-law to send me photo updates throughout the day. I'll post a pic once she arrives.