A Few Things

First, I haven't been posting much lately because we have been going back and forth about getting a new computer. Well, as of yesterday we have decided to make the big purchase and buy the HP something rather with so many GB of something and so many somethings of memory. Shows how much I know about computers. All I really care about is being able to have a computer that I can download,(or is it upload?) pictures from my camera, have access to photo shop, email, and blogging. I guess I care about what it looks like too. I wanted one that was white to match the school room that it will be living in, but white cost more. I will be back to posting about raising kids, cooking, and painting my walls as soon as our new computer arrives.

Second, I am in the process of creating a school room in the basement. Can't wait to show pictures of the results. Oh, and I have a few great recipes to share as well.

Lastly, can anyone tell me how to delete an old blog?

I almost forgot. My Dad sent me more pics of their cute little house on the lake that I thought you would all enjoy.


Aerial shot of the Lake

View from their deck

Grandma and Grandpa's Lake House

This is where I get to stay when I visit my parents. Enjoy!!




This is where my kids stay while at Grandpa and Grandmas. Isn't it cute? They used the same siding that is on their house to create this mini one in the Grandkids room. Creative!!

Eden and Daddy

This is where you can find Eden whenever her Daddy is within her sight.



Are they not the cutest? I love my baby's Daddy!!

Nap time at Co-op

Every Monday is our homeschool co-op day. It is one of my kids favorite days of the week. We have met amazing families and my children have met friends that I hope they will have for a long time.
I have shared with some of you how Graham falls asleep on a little foam couch with his buddy Micah every afternoon during nap time at co-op. I have been trying to get a picture of this for months and the other week I finally captured my sweet little boy. So, after lunch the lights get turned off and everyone must rest. What happens when the lights come back on is hilarious. This is what Graham does when all the other two year olds are being pretty loud two year olds when nap time is over.


I wish I would have captured all of the other kids running around the room while he slept.

Hooked on Urban Farmhouse

This is my new favorite place, Urban Farmhouse
If you like vintage things or new things that look old, this is the place for you. Her store is beautifully decorated. I could have spent hours just looking when I visited her store. My pictures do not do justice to how fabulous the store actually is. Here are a few of my finds.







Little canvas green pears. They have great texture and the feel of old denim.

These little artichoke candles are my new favorite candles. They burn beautifully and they are green, my favorite.






Don't you just love these soap holders? I love the finish on them and the fact that they can be attached right to the wall. I also bought a bar of natural soap to sit in this little holder. The soaps in this store are better than the $7 ones at Anthropology.


I got this cute little "Be Kind" sign for above my couch.

I wish I could show you more. I hope to visit this sweet little store again soon!! Don't forget to head over and get a peek inside.

The Laundry Room is Finished

Remember this small and narrow laundry room? Well we moved the washer and dryer to the far wall so that I did not have to walk sideways into the room. Now I have much more room.





I bought these cute baskets at Michaels half off. I made the little chalk boards from a few pieces of wood and some chalk board paint.


What do you think of my little fabric drape? All of my ugly soaps and detergents are hidden behind that pretty thing. I love this fabric. I can't remember the name of the fabrics but they are by Amy Butler. I recently visited Granville, the town where her studio is located. There was a cute little shop that carried a bit of her fabric but the owner would not allow me to take pictures. I took this one before I asked.

Motivate Me Monday

I am currently doing a Beth Moore study with a group of girls from church. We are studying the book of Esther. I have read this book several times but with the help of Beth I am learnnig much more.
Have you gotten to a point with yourself where you are comfortable? Do you know what I mean? Things are going OK...you are comfortable but you are not being stretched. One thing I have learned in my own life as well as looking at Esther's life is that it will, at certain times, take a crisis to pivet our direction. Esther had been Queen for quite some time when her time had come to confront the King on behalf of her people. If you think about it she was probably getting pretty comfortable. She had maids, eunuchs, as well as food, clothes, and beauty treatments. Then she was hit with the fact that she and her people were going to be destroyed. She could confront the King and face death for doing just that or she could do nothing and perish with the rest of the Jews. Esther had a choice. She had to overcome herself in order to do what God had created her and positioned her to do. Often times we are the biggest obstacel in our own life. Our fear of "whatever" prevents us from allowing ourselves to be stretched.
Take a bold step this week. That crisis that you are facing? You may be facing it to change the direction of your faith. Maybe you are getting too comfortable and not risking enough. Step out in faith, have courage, and overcome yourself so that you can do what God has positioned you to do.
Do you know what the most frequent command in the Bible is? "Do not be afraid." Don't allow fear to prevent you from taking a bold step in your faith.