Pinterest

Have you ventured over to Pinterest yet?!  If you haven't- do it!  Sure it sucks up all your spare time and makes you feel like you need to cook more, shop for new clothes, be craftier, etc.  BUT there's so many great ideas.  I have been complaining since we moved into this house about the lack of counter space in the kitchen.  I have wanted an island for so long, but the cost to buy one is ridiculous- even for one of those tiny little butcher block carts!!  So I went to Pinterest to try and find ideas.  I found the idea of turning an old dresser into an island.  It seemed like the hardest part was finding the right dresser, so I started looking!  Low and behold, I found the perfect one on craigslist with a marble top already on it!  So we got it at a great price and I finally finished it!  We now have a fantastic island!!  I love it so much and I'm pretty proud of it, if I do say so myself!  I wanted it to look antiqued and rustic, so I just gave it one coat of paint and made sure you could still see the wood grain underneath.  I added new hardware, some felt pads on the legs so we could move it around and then secured the marble top!  Here's our new addition:

Christmas 2010

Here's Tenley last year- Her first Christmas.  At this time of year, I start looking back and think about how far we've come!  Tenley is running around, talking so much and into everything!  I loved the stage she was in last Christmas, but I really love this stage.  Seeing Christmas and all it brings through her eyes is a true gift.

Christmas 2011

Christmas Fun!

Here's a little Christmas fun!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?  Hot Chocolate
2. Colored or white lights on the tree and house?  White.
3. Do you hang mistletoe?  No, wouldn't even know where to get it.
4. When do you put up your decorations?  Usually Thanksgiving weekend, but the more we have to put out, the earlier I start.  It's just too much work to only have up for a few weeks!
5. What is your favorite holiday dish? Cherry Cheesecake.
6. Favorite holiday memory as a child?  Orange Cinnamon rolls on christmas morning and stockings!
7. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Not sure how old I was, but I remember sitting at the top of the stairs watching my parents put out the presents.  I put two and two together :)
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?  Sometimes I think.  I like the idea of giving Christmas pj's on Christmas Eve every year.
9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? White lights, lots of Barbie ornaments that my grandma has been giving me for years, red and gold ornaments and Mike's ornaments from childhood.
10. Snow!  Love it or dread it?  Love it over Christmas, could be ok without it after that.
11. Can you ice skate?  Yes
12. Do you remember your favorite gift?  I've had a lot of great gifts.  Can't name just one.
13. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Time with family and celebrating Jesus on his birthday.
14. What is your favorite holiday dessert?  Cherry Cheesecake, Cinnamon pudding.
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition?  So many!  But we're trying to start our own traditions with Tenley.  We are going to go look at the lights on the 23rd, read the Christmas story out of the Bible on Christmas morning and I would like to bake a birthday cake for Jesus too! 
16. What tops your tree?  Nothing :(  We don't have a tree topper this year.
17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving gifts?  I love to give!  I try and put a lot of thought into it.
18. Candy canes ... yuck or yum?  Ehh..they are okay. I like the ones that are flavored instead of just mint.
19. Favorite Christmas show?  THE CHRISTMAS STORY!!!
20. Saddest Christmas song?  Oh my word.  I heard one the other day with a little girl singing about how all she wants is her dad home for Christmas because he's in Afganistan.  I lost it.  So sad.
21. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night
    
    

It's Beginning...

...to feel like Christmas!  The tree is up, the house is decorated.  Christmas presents are starting to pile up waiting to be wrapped!  I love this time of year.  I love it even more watching everything through Tenley's eyes.  This year it's so important to me that we start our own family traditions.  Tenley's eyes light up when we turn on the lights on the tree, I can't wait to take her to look at the Christmas lights in Winding Brook.  I know that she might not remember this year, but I will never forget it.  This is the year she will actually be interested in the presents (or the wrapping paper and boxes!) and she can sit and listen as we read the Christmas story out of the Bible.  I need to remind myself to slow down this holiday season and soak up every moment!

I took some pictures of Tenley recently for our Christmas cards.  Here's one of them that you'll see on our cards!

Thankful

It's a big trend on facebook this week to list something you're thankful for everyday of November.  While I haven't participated, I love the idea.  It's not just at Thanksgiving that we need to remember to thankful, but it's still a great reminder.  So in honor the spirit of thankfulness, I'm going to list 10 things I'm so thankful for in my life.

1.  I'm so thankful for the men and women that fight for our country every day.  You do what I could not- and you serve so that my family can worship together, play together and pray together without fear.  Thank you.  A special thank you to the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for fighting for what they believe in.  Especially our dear friend Travis.  He taught me the true meaning of a hero.

2.  I'm thankful for a church family that I can feel connected to. 

3.  I'm thankful for the family I was born in to.  My cousins are some of my best friends.  My parents are two of the most forgiving people I've ever met.  My grandparents are true role models.  I'm so proud of my brother. We are family.  No matter what.  Forever.

4.  I'm thankful for the family that I married in to.  I have always felt comfortable with them and they welcomed me into their homes and lives from the very start.  I appreciate their acceptance, generosity and love.

5.  I am very thankful for my job at the district office.  Never have I felt God open the right doors than I did last January when I started working at the office.  My co-workers are a constant encouragement.  I love that I work somewhere that is not just a job, but a ministry.

6.  Our sweet little girl.  God knew just what He was doing when he created Tenley.  She's such a good little girl and I can't wait to watch her grow and mature into a beautiful little lady.  She's created such a purpose in my heart.  Last week a friend said "You're no longer Michelle, you're now just Tenley's mom".  That made me smile, because there's nothing I'm prouder of than being Tenley's mom.

7.  Hesston College.  My husband may disagree as we write checks to them every month for loan payments, BUT there's no place that I needed to be more at that time in my life than Hesston.  I met some of the most quality people while at HC.  I learned more about myself in the two years at Hesston than I ever have.  I can't say enough good things about this place. 

8.  I'm so thankful that I grew up in a home that taught my brother and I about our Lord and Savior.  Obviously, my life would be much different with God in it.  He's my best friend, my priority.  I try everyday to seek Him more than yesterday.

9.  I'm thankful for the group of friends that I have grown up with.  This core group knows pretty much everything about me and loves me anyway!  I love that now we're all that same life stage that we can watch our kids grow together and be an encouragement for each other.  We went our separate ways during college but now there's nothing I enjoy more than pizza nights at the Yoder's!  

10.  Finally, I'm thankful for my husband.  He's such a hard worker and a great provider for our family.  He never wants to let us down.  For better or for worse, he's always stuck by my side.  He's constantly trying to better himself for Tenley and I.  I appreciate that more than he'll ever know.

I challenge you to make a list of things your thankful for.  I might put this list in my notebook and read it from time to time through the year as a great reminder.

One Year

We've officially been back in Nappanee for one year!  It feels longer than that to tell you the truth.  Just last night I was looking around our house trying to figure out how I was going to decorate for Christmas and I got a little weepy (shocker!) telling Mike that I really feel at home here.  Not just because this town is where I grew up, but because of the connections we've been making recently.  We've gotten more involved at church and we love how that feels.  We also are starting traditions with Tenley and our families.  I love that.  I was just telling Mike that this is really the year to start these Christmas traditions.  In years past we've either been unsettled or living away from home, so now is when I really want to put all of our traditions into action.  I can't wait to have time just the three of us on Christmas morning.  Thank you Lord for having this plan in place before we even asked for it.  But while I'm so thankful for being right where I am right now, a year ago I wrote this post: http://michelle-mast.blogspot.com/2010/11/thank-you.html  and I am SO grateful for those people.  They will never know how much of an impact they made in our lives.

Here's another fun video of Tenley:

Decor

Sorry, I know you are rolling your eyes at the sight of Christmas decor and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I've been dying to put up some decorations, but I know my husband will have a fit.  Usually I'm a stickler for Christmas AFTER Thanksgiving, but for some reason this year, I'm just ready to enjoy it longer.  Sorry Fall decor.  You're usually my favorite- I promise I've enjoyed you.

Remember this little bug at this time last year?

How can you not look forward to Christmas when you have her in your life!  She's going to be so cute in all her Christmas outfits, dresses and I just know that this year she'll love tearing into those presents!  But it's a BIG goal of mine to make sure that Tenley knows from the very beginning what Christmas is really about.

Goldfish

Tenley has a few new tricks that she showed us this weekend. Check out the video to see one of them!

Halloween and Blessings

We had a great time trick-or-treating this year!  I really don't like halloween, but getting Tenley into a cute costume makes it fun!  We went around Nappanee to some of our close friends and families homes and then headed to Bremen to make some of the residents at the nursing home smile!  They loved Tenley and got a kick out of her costume.  Although, some people thought she was a cupcake, but that's okay!  We'll let it slide this year :)  I just love watching her interact with people and she's walking around so much more and getting much MUCH quicker.

After the nursing home we went to Mike's aunts houses.  At Aunt Barb's we got to spend some time with his cousins.  We don't get to see them enough so it was a lot of fun see how their babies are growing and catch up a little bit.  Chesney and Tenley are just three months apart (Ches is 10 months old), so watching them play together was hilarious!!  They would chase each other around and then Tenley would scream and that would scare Ches and she would run back to her mom!  But Ches held her own with Tenley too!  We are going to have so much fun at Christmas this year!!  We will have SIX babies under the age of 3!  Yikes!  I love to see how our families are growing!

This was also an exciting week, because not only did we welcome little Liam Goeglein into the world on Monday night, but we also found out that two of our good friends are now EXPECTING!  Congrats to Renee and Nick Klein and Trina and Jason Bonham!  What a special time this is!!

Safety

Around this area we've had a rash of break-ins and murders and it has everyone talking about our safety.  I've been one of the first to get freaked out.  I do a great job of lying awake at night and wondering if every door and window is locked (they always are) and wondering about escape routes, etc.  I'm great at freaking myself out.  But over the past few weeks I've really felt God pulling at my heart telling me that this world isn't where I belong.  So I started thinking today that I don't think we're necessarily supposed to feel safe here.  This world isn't supposed to be easy.  We're here to do God's work, not our own. Yes, it's scary, yes it doesn't always calm my fears in the middle of the night- BUT I know that God is here and He has a plan.  And I'm in His plan.  I'm here to bring more people to him, and to help, clothe, feed and give to others.

Pumpkin Patch

What a fun day we've had!  We spent the afternoon at Knollbrook Farm in New Paris.  It was so much fun and such a nice to day to go.  Tenley loved looking at the cows, carrying her pumpkin (and dropping her pumpkin), and going down the big slide!  Mommy loved taking pictures and Daddy loved the pumpkin launch!

We tried our hand at the VERY large corn maze, but it's possible that choosing to let Tenley lead the way was a bad idea.  We wound up going in circles and after I was satisfied with the pictures I took we had her lead us to the exit.

This was just the kind of day that we needed.  It was so nice to spend time together and hear Tenley's giggles and belly laughs as daddy ran with her on his shoulders.  It's not often that Mike gets to spend a whole afternoon with her because of work so it was really nice.  Here's some more pictures from our day together.

Tenley was in a trance looking at this giant cow!  She didn't quite know what to make of it.

Now it's on to hopefully celebrating an Irish win with some friends and then our Mast Thanksgiving tomorrow!  More pictures to come I'm sure!  We're excited to put her in her cute little halloween costume next week too!!  Look for her toddling up to your front door!

Time Flies

I was looking at old blog posts and exactly one year ago today I posted this:

"Yesterday was a big day in our house!! Tenley smiled at me, intentionally, for the first time! I just about cried I was so excited! It took quite a bit of work (silly faces, funny noises, etc) to bring it out, but I finally got one! This morning she gave one up a little more freely, so I hope that they will come easier! :) I caught a little one with my camera yesterday...

Isn't she just the sweetest!? I fall more and more in love with her everyday.
Annnd yesterday she moved her arm more than ever! Due to Erb's Palsy in her left arm she hasn't been able to move it much. But the neurologist gave us some exercises to do with her and I've been doing them everyday and was getting a little frustrated at not seeing any results. But then yesterday... We see this:


Isn't that fantastic!! I was so glad Mike was home to witness it too. Ps- Please don't judge the outfit! I ran to Target yesterday morning and came home and THAT is what Mike dressed her in. Guess I'll have to start laying out the outfits from now on!
On another note, we have boxes everywhere, we're getting all packed up and ready to move back to Nappanee!"
                                                  ------------------------------------------
Did you watch that video!?  Wow, just to think about how far we've come makes me weapy!!  She couldn't even move her left arm then and now she's running and crawling and you would never even know.  God is so good!!  This is how far we've come -

We can't get enough of this sweet little girl.  Thank you Lord for her and all the joy she brings to us.

"It's only a season"

I feel like I keep repeating this to myself these days.  It's become my mantra.  "It's only a season".  Tenley has started screaming, a shrill happy scream, but when it turns to a whiny I didn't get my way scream, I have to remind myself- it's only a season.

She spits out her veggies and only eats the starches..  It's only a season.

Mike and I just cleaned the house and now because of the busy-ness of all of us - it's messy again.  It's only a season.

We're still renting...when will we own our own house?  It's only a season.

But then, I have a week like this week.  My days off were spent with Tenley who made me laugh so hard, smile so much.  And I'm hit with the knowledge that this too is only a season.  She's going to be grown before we know it and our house won't be so messy with little baby toys or cheerios on the floor and I'll wonder why I wished away these moments, because there's certainly a whole lot of good with the bad.

This is only a season.  And I plan on enjoying every moment.

She's ONNNEEE!!!

Good grief she went and did it.  She went and grew up on us.  Tenley is ONE!  Overnight she has turned into a toddler.  What is she up to now you ask?

-She's 22 lbs.
-30 inches long (75th percentile)
-She walked across the living room the other night all by herself, but she hasn't done it since.  Stubborn little thing.  She knows how excited we got so now she's just teasing us!
-Anyone who knows her knows that she won't sit still for anything.  She's a little wiggle worm through and through- BUT when she's sitting on the chair that Grandpa made for her- She sits.  STILL.  This is a BIG accomplishment for our little ball of energy!
-She's drinking whole milk in the mornings with oatmeal and just getting a bottle of formula at night before bed.  We'll be trying to transition from a bottle soon.
-She's a great eater.
-She's still in size 3 diapers.
-She is in 18 month clothes.
-size 4 shoes.
-She says HI in the cutest way.  She also says HI at random passing signs, trees, people, animals, cars, etc.  No stranger danger here...we're going to have to work on that.

We survived our first year!  I know it's only going to get even more fun the older she gets!

One Year Ago Today...

Do you know what you were doing exactly one year ago today?  I sure do.  Today is the day that we were sent to the hospital to be induced!  A year ago on facebook I wrote "39 week appointment today!  I hope the doctor tells us something exciting!"  Boy did she!!  She said that due to my elevated blood pressure and a big baby, she was inducing!  Today!  I will never forget the look on Mike's face when she said "Are you ready to have a baby?"  Fear and excitment mixed as he looked at me, and then the doctor and said "TODAY?"  It's funny as we felt SO prepared walking into the doctor.  But walking out of the doctor and making our necessary phone calls, all the fear and nervousness kicked in!  Were we ready for our lives to change forever?!  Of course we were.  But in that moment we were second guessing ourselves!

I remember walking out to the car and making a list of everything Mike had to go and get from our apartment for me.  The doctor instructed Mike to drop me off at the hospital and let me get in checked in, and then he was to go back and get our bags.  I recall walking down the hallway in the hospital by myself thinking "We're really doing this...Today is the day baby!"  Little did I know that today would not be the day!  Tomorrow would actually be the day!

I couldn't wait for our parents to get there!  I still can so vividly remember calling Nappanee Elementary and asking the secretary for my mom.  Everyone knew this call would be coming soon!  The secretary said "Michelle?!  Is it time!?"  I just laughed as she paged my mom.  I simply said, "Mom, it's time!" I explained what was happening, that I was being induced and not to worry- Baby and I were fine, but that I was being induced right away and that they needed to come.  I called my dad and relayed the same message.  I'm sure they rushed around and so did Mike's parents.  They both walked into the hospital within minutes of each other!!  Of course they wouldn't have really needed to rush... our stubborn little baby took her sweet time coming out.

As I remember all of these feelings from that day I'm overwhelmed with how special of a day it was.  And the day after!  I love remembering everything about that day.  What an exciting time for Mike and I.  There's nothing like those feelings, thoughts and emotions.

Tomorrow our sweet girl turns one.  This year has gone so fast, I can't quite grasp it.  It's taken a year, but I'm feeling more confident in my mothering abilities (most days).  And Tenley is now trying to walk, "talking" more and her personality is incredible.  We love you so much bug!

Believe it or not.

Do you see it?  Do you see that birthday ticker right above this post!?  Can you even believe that our sweet little bug is almost ONE!?  If you're anything like Mike and I- you can't.  This past year has gone so quickly, I feel like I've had to be so intentional about stopping.  STOPPING.  And soaking in the moments.  I've tried to STOP.  and watch as Mike reads a story to Tenley.  STOP.  and watch how she lights up when we walk into a room.  STOP.  and hear the sound of her giggle.  Not just idle, but stop.  These moments will be gone before I know it.  More will come, more precious than the last.  But I'll never get this time back.  And that makes this mama a bit weepy (big surprise I know).

So, I'll continue soaking it all in and embrace the new milestones and challenges that come with it.

We are in full birthday party planning mode!  So far I'm coming in under budget.  It sure will be close though! We are so excited to share Tenley's special day with so many of our friends and family.

Calming Fears

Last night we had a storm roll through.  Around 11:45 there was a very loud crash of thunder!  It felt like it was right in our backyard.  I woke up in a panic and realizing that the windows were all still down all over the house! So I woke Mike up and we quickly (and very sleepily...yes sleepily) shut all the windows.  Right after the thunder sounded I heard Tenley cry, but I shut all the windows and then ran into her.  She was awake, kind of whimpering in the far back corner of her crib.  She was sitting there wide-eyed.  The thunder must have scared her to death!  I picked her up and hugged her telling her everything was ok and mommy was right here.  She laid her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes.  I could have stood there all night like that.  I wanted to soak in the moment.  It was the first time that I felt like I could really calm her fears.  I laid her back down and as I watched roll over and fall back to sleep, my mind raced in fast forward.  I skipped ahead mentally and could see little Tenley running into our room during a storm saying "mommy!  daddy!  I'm scared!  Can I sleep with you!?" I could just see Mike and I looking at each other with a defeated look like "How do we say no to that sweet face!?" as we make room for her in the middle.  I smiled as I laid back down thinking about how I love this job of being a mommy.  I love that for now, I have all the power in the world to calm her simple fears.  As she gets older- I know her fears will become greater and I'll have to give up so much of that control to God.  But for now- I thank you God for letting me have nights like last night.

11 months

Here's what Tenley's been up to this month!
-You're wearing 12-18 month clothes.
-Size 3 diapers
-You are eating oatmeal and about 5 oz. of a bottle for breakfast (the rest of your bottle goes in your oatmeal) and then for lunch you get a fruit and veggie of baby food.  You almost eat both jars!  You get an afternoon snack, usually applesauce or yogurt.  You love yogurt!  Supper is the time when we try lots of table foods!  You really like macaroni and cheese!  Here's a picture of you eating it for the first time.

There was most likely more on your bib, seat and lap then in your mouth- but you still loved it.  You've also tried toast, spaghetti, chicken, lots of fruits and veggies and of course ice cream! :)  Then you have a 7 oz. bottle before bedtime.
-You take two naps a day.  One in the morning for about an hour and a half and one in the afternoon for about two hours.  You go to bed at 8:30 and are such a great sleeper!
-Your bedtime routine:  we take a bath most nights, and then read a short story.  You love to give the animals kisses in the books!  Then we pray together and I lay you down.  You usually turn over on your left side and go right to sleep!
-You have 8 teeth, with more looking ready any day!
-You are cruising along the furniture.  You have stood alone for a couple seconds, and you really want to walk, but haven't alone yet.  You love to walk behind your walker though.  Here's a video of you doing that.

We love you Tenley!  You're ONE year birthday will be here before we know it!

Remains of Summer

The summer is almost over.  Time just really got away from us and before we know it, September will be upon us and our sweet Tenley will be turning one.  I'm not sure I've accepted it yet, but I know it will come whether I'm ready or not.  She's still my baby, but some days if I go to check on her during her nap, I'll just watch her sleep and I think "She's getting so big.  She looks so long in that crib.  She's looking more and more like a toddler, and less like a baby."  Our sweet little girl is growing up.  Remember on the show Saved By the Bell they used to do a TIME OUT!  That would be nice some days.  I just want to remember every moment.  Her sweet sounding jibberish.  I'm sure she has amazing stories to tell.  The way she says "tickle tickle tickle" or laughs until she gets the hiccups.  That's why I appreciate this blog, it's my way of remembering.

August and September will be very busy!  My best friend, Trina, gets married this weekend!  So this week brings a flurry of bridal and wedding activities!  I can't wait to do each one and share in this moment with her.  My new Thirty-One business is keeping me very busy, and I love it!  I now have three jobs that I love so much!!!  My part time job at the district office, Thirty-One, and being Tenley's mommy!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the remains of summer!!  I'll be putting up an 11 month most soon, and then some of Tenley's one year pictures after that.

SUYL

Over at Kelly's Korner today it's time again for Show Us Your Life.  I'm linking up today to talk about "Best Parenting Advice".

Are you done laughing?

I realize that I have been a parent for just under 11 months and I'm 100% certain that I have no business writing about this subject.  However, over the past 11 months I would like to think that I've at least picked up a thing or two.  I'll touch on a few things I've learned.

Pray.  Start and end the day with prayer.  I remind myself every night as I'm holding Tenley, her head on my shoulder that she's not ours.  God has trusted Mike and I with her and it's our responsibility to raise her to honor and glorify Him.  Sometimes that seems overwhelming.  That's where prayer comes in.

Every child is different.  I asked so many questions to my friends and family the first few months of Tenley's life.  What did I learn from those questions?  Everyone has advice, tricks and ideas of what will work.  But the truth is- no one has another Tenley.  She's one of a kind and what works with another child might not work with her.  This whole parenting thing is a lot of trial and error.

Put the Guilt to rest.  I learned very early on that breastfeeding was not for me.  I felt extremely guilty about this and it caused so much stress that I'm sure Tenley could sense it.  It's not for everyone.  Tenley seems to be adjusting just fine and we still have just as strong of a bond.  I'm not worried that I have wrecked my child just because I couldn't breastfeed.

Most of all I've learned to not doubt myself.  I'm her mother.  We know what's best for her.  And we do everything and make every decision in love.  It might not always be the right one, but that doesn't mean we didn't do it with the best of intentions.  Ask questions, weigh the options, but in the end- stick with your gut.  You carried this child for 9 months.  You know him/her.  Don't doubt that connection.

Announcement!

I am now officially a Thirty-One Consultant!  I can't wait to get going in this fun, new business!  I really love all the bags that I'm selling.  They are so useful and cute!  If you are interested in taking a look at what I have in stock, or the brand new Fall/Winter catalog- please call or email me!!  I would love to show you.  And, even better than that- if you want to have a party- CONTACT ME!  There are so many advantages to hosting a party.  All you have to do is put out a few snacks and you have the possibility of earning discounted of free products!!  How easy is that!?  Plus, I really doubt we need much of an excuse to get together with our best girl friends!!

Cousins

This was a great weekend.  I knew that my cousin, Andrew, was coming home this weekend from New Orleans and I've been anticipating spending time with him all month!  It was so nice to see him and have him spend time with Tenley.  She's grown so much since he was last home in November!  She was tiny back then!!  I failed to take any pictures of them together, but hopefully someone else got some.

We had a bridal shower this weekend for my cousin's fiancee and it was out at the lake.  I was surprised to see my cousins Ben and Darin home for the event too!  It was great to spend some time with them before the shower.  They are both in Indy and we just don't get around to seeing each other very often anymore.  I love that we all remain close despite the distance.  I want to be more intentional of seeing them more often.  I ALWAYS want Tenley to know exactly who they are.  There's times that we will be in a restaurant and someone will stop and talk to one of my parents and after they walk away I'll ask who that was.  They will say "That's my cousin."  I want Tenley to be close with my cousins- as if they are aunts and uncles to her.  That's my wish.

It was SO hot the day of the bridal shower, so I stripped Tenley down and she got in the water with Darin.  It helped to cool her off and she just loves the water so much.  Here's a couple pictures of them together.

Last One

Ok I did a little more searching.  What about THIS?!  I think it would look neat in a bathroom (it's not as large as it looks) to hang towels on.

Courtesy of Etsy

Courtesy of Flower Patch Farm Girl

 I read a blog called Flower Patch Farm Girl.  She's a country girl that lives in our area, that has this same taste!  Through her blog we've gotten a look at her home.  It's so pretty and welcoming.  She finds the oddest things and turns them into treasure.  I don't have that ability, of that I'm certain.  However- she's great inspiration.  This old ladder makes a great shelf for family frames.  I just love that idea.

Courtesy of FPFG

And a tin backsplash?  Yes, I think I will.  Modern, yet vintage.  Now we just need to find the perfect house.... :)  That's why this blog will be helpful.  When it's the right time - I'll have all my ideas in one spot!

These Days...

I think my tastes are changing these days.  When we were on vacation I found myself drawn into some antique shops.  The chipping paint of the window frames sitting out front just called to me.  I found myself wandering through the tight aisles of this cute little store that was stuffed to the gills of little knick knacks and unique finds.  This antique store had prices that were a bit too modern for my taste though.  I didn't get anything.  But lately, I've really been wanting to just turn our home into a unique collection of these things.  Now when I say, "antique" don't be confused.  Here's what I have been drawn to...

an aged/worn hutch.  i love it.

I've been looking all summer for the perfect window frame.  The problem is they can be a little pricey, so I have eyes out at sales too.  When you see an old window like this don't you just wonder where that window has been?  Who has looked through it?  I like the mystery of it.  Here's what I want to do with it...

Window by Life Expressions

And these red distressed picture frames?!  Are you kidding me?!  I already know exactly where I would put them.  These I think I could create on my own though.

Courtesy of Etsy

And these have me hooked...  heehee.  How cute would these look in our entryway.  Maybe with a cute sign about it offering friends and family our warm welcome.

Courtesy of Etsy

Ooh, and I almost forgot.  Some day I WILL salvage an old farm door and add some small knobs to it and use it for decoration.  Imagine a smaller version of this.

Courtesy of Etsy

I'll keep searching, and maybe...just maybe our home will be filled with this stuff one day.  I'll be proud of my finds.  Each piece will come with a story and a little bit of mystery.  I appreciate that.

10 months

Sweet girl, I can't even believe that you're 10 months old!  Do you know how close that makes you to being ONE YEAR OLD!?!  The day I post that picture, I'll probably be crying.  You'll learn that about your mom soon.  I'm an emotional wreck.  Prepare yourself now.  By the way, you may or may not have inherited that from me.  So prepare for that too.

Since I was incredibly late posting your 9 month stats, you really haven't changed that much from that time.  But here's some new things that you're up to.  You're crawling.  It's an odd, gimpy crawl.  Yes, we laugh at you, but it's all in love, I promise!  You are developing quite the little attitude.  You know what you want and you aren't afraid to let us know.  I prefer to call you strong willed.  :)  On the days that this really annoys me I just try and remember that this will be a great quality to have when you're out saving the world, helping others, or curing cancer.  Or whatever it is you decide to do!
You are getting more teeth.  Count as of today is up to 7.
You are into everything.  I know you're supposed to be, but you have zero interest in your toys now that you can get into all of the other "fun" things.  Days like today make me feel like I'm telling you "no no!" all day long.  But you'll learn.

We love you Bug.  You make our world a better place.  I thank God every day, multiple times a day, for choosing me to be your mommy.

Vacation

Tenley took her first vacation this past weekend!  Every year the Marshall family heads somewhere new for a weeks vacation over the 4th.  This year we could only go for the weekend, because of work, but we enjoyed a few days away!  We went to South Haven, Michigan.  I had never been there, but heard great things, so I was excited to go.  We stayed by the lake, which was great!  We played in the sand and water by day and then at night we enjoyed discovering all the shops and fun restaurants that South Haven has to offer.

On Saturday night we spent the evening down by the marina. We found a spot to watch the fireworks.  Nothing beats watching fireworks over the water, I've decided.  Tenley was asleep, but she woke up to the booms.  She loved them!  She tried to grab at them first, and then she sat in awe.  What a blessing to watch her experience something for the first time and see it through a child's eyes!  I had more fun watching her than actually watching the fireworks!

Mady and Tenley in the same outfit!

watching the fireworks with mommy

We had a great time with our family and weren't quite ready to leave!  We made it back in time to try and make it to Nappanee's fireworks though, but Mike had to go to bed early to get up for work this morning.  Tenley and I attempted to stay up for them, but she was just ready to sleep in her own bed.  But, we did discover that from our living room- we can see the town's fireworks perfectly!  So Mike woke up and we enjoyed them together.  I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July.

busy bug

Here's Tenley's 9 month picture.  I took this the other day before church while she was playing.  She's pulling up on things, and guess what....She's crawling!!!!  She finally started crawling yesterday.  It's hilarious to watch her, but she's a quick little thing!

Tenley, You are one busy little girl!  Those little legs are always moving and kicking.  You're starting to show more of your personality.  You can be stubborn, but I love that about you.  I know that you will do great things and will stay headstrong when you really believe in something.  That's a great trait to have.  You have the energy to make things happen.  I can't wait to see where it takes you.  I love you, bug.

Smack.

God made me, so he knows me better than anyone else.  He knows that sometimes he has to smack me right upside the head in order for me to say "aha!  that's what you've been trying to tell me!"  Well...he just hit me.  Smack in the face.


I'm reading Karen Kingsbury's new book "Learning".  (I could go on about my love for KK and the characters she writes about.  I pray for them.  I think about them.  They are real to me... but that's for another time).  In it, KK talks about God already knowing the plans that He has for us, and that He promises those plans are good.  I remember reading this section "underlining" the particular quote on my kindle, making a mental note to come back to it- and then continued on.  Fail.  God was trying to tell me something at that moment and I just "made a note".  I never even went back to it.  Not yet anyway.
Then today, I was reading an excerpt from the book "Radical Together" by David Platt.  We did a few sermons about this book at church and it's on my to read list, but I haven't gotten to it yet.  Well, here's the part that Platt says that I felt the WALLOP of God's hand on my forehead.


In our lives and in the church , we are never without a revelation from God. At all times you and I have his message to use in all its power, authority, clarity and might. We don't have to work to come up with a word from God; we simply have to trust the word he's already given us. - David Platt, Radical Together


The realization that I have been missing something for a very long time was too much to handle.  My "aha!" moment as some call it.  I understood something very fundamental for the very first time. I ask and ask and ask, I pray and beg for God to speak to me, to make clear his purpose in my life.  I know that I walk with Him daily. He's right here, right this moment. I've never doubted that. But in all of my blind asking and and angry seeking, in all of my fears that His voice is too quiet or my ears don't work right, I'm not going to the place where he speaks the loudest.  I've had His plans for me all along.  Right there in my hands.  Confession:  KK always jumps to the top of my reading list when a new book comes out.  Do you know what book has never jumped to the top of my reading list?  You got it.  


SMACK.


There it is again.  This time it's my own hand against my forehead.  I can't believe I've been missing it.  It's been in front of me all along.  

9 months

I don't have a picture for this post that is current, so I'll post one that was taken of Tenley when she was just a week or two shy of 9 months.  I'll work on the actual 9 month picture soon.

Miss Tenley you are 9 months old!!  You are our little bug and we just love you so much!!  Here's what you're doing these days:

-You are wearing size 3 diapers.

-You love all fruits and most veggies!  You also love yogurt and puffs.  Yogurt melts and puffs are great when we are at a restaurant to keep you busy!  

-You are wearing 12-18 month clothes.  Occasionally I can still get you into a 9 month outfit, but not very often anymore! 

-You weigh 20 lbs. and are 28 1/2 inches long. (I think I'm remembering your length right..)

-You aren't quite crawling yet, but it will be any day now.  You get up on fours and rock back and forth, and you are an expert at going backwards.  But you just haven't gotten the hang of going forwards yet.  You are also starting to pull yourself up on the furniture.  You've made it to your knees and just about to your feet.  It will come fast!  I'm not quite ready for that mover stage yet!  I know that once you figure out how to be on the go, you won't stop!  You're a very busy little girl!

-You are making all kinds of new expressions!

-You have 2 teeth that are completely in, 2 more that are almost all the way in, and one more that is just poking through.  This last tooth has been the easiest one.  You didn't get a fever with this one like you have in the past.  

-You LOVE the water and being in the pool!  It's been rainy the last week or so, but we're excited to get you back in the pool and enjoy summer.  

-You say mama, dada, nana, baba.  And you give lots of great kisses!  We're trying to teach you how to blow kisses right now.  You do the sound, but haven't done the motion on your own yet.  

Here's your schedule for a normal day right now.  You wake up at 7:00am.  Have a bottle and oatmeal.  You take your morning nap usually from 9-10:00 or 10:30.  At 11:00am you have lunch.  For lunch you get a veggie and fruit.  No bottle during lunch anymore, which you're doing great with!  This was an easy transition. You take a nap around 1:00-2:00.  At 3:00 you get a bottle and a snack (usually yogurt or oatmeal).  Then around 5:30ish you get supper - which is a veggie and fruit.  7:00 is your last bottle of the night.  You usually head to bed around 8:30 or 9.  You are such an easy baby.  This last weekend we traveled 3 hours to visit baby Makenzie and her mommy Jamie and you were such a great traveler!  You still stayed on schedule and got great naps and just were able to go with the flow!  That's a great trait to have Tenley.  I hope that continues.  

We love you bug.  You keep us smiling each and every day.

Show Us Your Life

It's SUYL Friday over at Kelly's Korner!  This is a great one, it's all about what you make and your etsy shop.  Etsy.com is a FANTASTIC website filled with homemade items that people make.  I've found lots of cute things on it for Tenley, her room, etc.  I have had a onesie made for her, plus gotten some things for her 1st birthday party.  I can't say enough about it.  So head over to Kelly's Korner and check it out!  There's not just baby and children's things- they have everything!  I'll have to try and get pictures up of what all I've gotten on Etsy sometime.  But that's for another day.

Cool Dad!

Check out this blog:   http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/ It's so funny!  This dad realized that after his 16 year old son gets on the school bus every morning the bus goes back by the house on it's route to school.  So he decided that he would dress up in a different costume every day of the school year - 170 costumes- and wave to his son on the school bus when it went by.  Humiliating?  Yes.  Hilarious?  Absolutely.  Luckily, his son shares his sense of humor with his dad.  What a fun bus ride that would be!  Check out the blog to see the other costumes he came up with!

Plans

I was looking at the calendar this morning and going over all of our summer plans.  In theory, summer is supposed to be when life slows down a bit.  Schools out, it stays light out longer, the drama of winter seems to fade away... But in reality, things get a bit busier in the summer.  Probably because of all of the reasons I just listed.  Here's a look at our our summer will be filled.

• Next weekend our friends Jess and Brian are getting married!  This is a much anticipated event, considering Jess has been saving and planning for this wedding since she was about 3.  :) Tenley will spend some sweet time with Papa and Grandma Marshall while Mike and I enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing.  We are excited to celebrate with friends.  As much as we will love the romantical (I know..I made that word up.) feeling of the wedding, I know that we will be ready to retrieve our bug from her grandparents and spend some evening hours with her before bedtime.  Which I might add has been getting later and later by the summer day.

Oh, before I go any further in our calendar journey- I must add...little Tenley has been kicked out of her nursery!  No not because she's the nursery bully, because she's moving up to level two!  She's now more mobile (still not crawling though) and she can hang with the bigger kids I suppose.  This morning will be our first try at taking her to the Balloon Room.  So long Teddy Bears.

• Ok, back on track.  Over the weekend of the 4th, we will be scurrying up to Michigan to enjoy some relaxation by Lake Michigan.  We are preparing ourselves for a healthy dose of Marshall Madness as we will meet Mike's parents and his sister's family up at a cabin for the weekend.  The rest of his family is staying for a week, but due to a lack of vacation days we will only be able to stay for the weekend.  So we will soak everything in a three day span!  It's only a 45 minute drive, so it's possible that Tenley and I might pop up there for a day during the week too.

• We will have more 1st birthday parties for Tenley's sweet friends throughout the summer.  Where did the time go?  Weren't we all just visiting each other in the hospital?  Right at this moment, Tenley is looking at me with a bit of "get over it mom" attitude.  She's probably right.  But still, I'll be wistful when her day comes.

• In August... My best friend gets married!!  It will be a beautiful day of green and orange.  I just can't wait to have her back in town.  I can't wait to share this special day with the two of them and Jason's BEAUTIFUL daughters.  Seriously, they are gorgeous.  

  

  Aren't they a pretty couple? :)

• The very next weekend my cousin gets married!  It's going to be another busy wedding summer!  I love weddings though.  Some day.. Tenley will be the flower girl that I never got to be.  I just know it.  Don't get me started.

• Then...The summer ends with THE party of the summer.  Good grief.  Miss T turns ONE.  Plans are in the works.  Money has been spent.  Tissues are in place.  She will no longer be a baby.  She's ... a... toddler.  Oh boy.  I have all summer to really let this sink in.  But it's approaching...  For now - prepare yourself for a pink ladybug filled afternoon.

And because I can't post a blog without a picture of the sweet bug herself - Here ya go.

kissy face!

Summer Fun!

Summer feels as if it might be officially here!  We spent yesterday by Tenley's little pool.  She's such a little water baby.  She loves it.  Then we tried to go on a bike ride with her new bike trailer, but it was SO hot in that little trailer that she was not having it.  So instead we drove up town and got some awesome ice cream from the Mikel's.  We spent the evening outside in the shade taking some pictures and enjoying the breeze.  After spending the whole day outside, Tenley was exhausted!  But it was tough getting her to sleep.  Finally a drive around town put her out enough that I could get her back in the house and in her crib.  So that summer sun kind of backfired on me I guess!  We'll have to be careful the rest of the summer.  Today we're headed shopping with my mom and grandma.  Tenley does she well shopping.  She loves her stroller and just likes to be moving!  She gets that from her daddy!
Here's some pictures I took yesterday.

8 Months.

You're 8 months old Tenley!  You're learning so many new things.  Here's what you're up to:

-still eating 7 oz. of formula every 4 hours.
-eating 1 container of baby food for lunch and 2 for supper.
-eating yogurt for a snack.
-the only food you aren't a big fan of is mixed veggies.
-you weigh 19.2 lbs.
-you aren't crawling yet, but you certainly figure out how to get into things!  you scoot on your butt or when you're on your tummy you can push yourself backwards.  I'm sure crawling will come very soon!  You are a baby on the move!
-you LOVE being outside!
-you are wearing size 2 diapers, but will be switching to 3s soon.
-you have two teeth (bottom middle) and two more that have just about popped through on the top.
-you blow raspberries and sometimes will give us kisses!  They are wet kisses but we love them!
-You also know how to do "so big!!" and wave bye-bye!  What a smart little lady you are! :)

We love you so much Tenley.  Your first birthday is quickly approaching and as I am beginning to plan, I'm reminded of how fast this year has gone.  I know that soon you'll be walking, talking, starting school, etc.  I pray that I continue to enjoy each and every moment and never wish for the next- just enjoy the present.  Because before I know it, the next moment, the next year- will be here.

Kaden Turned One!

The first of our little group of kiddos turned ONE!  Mr. Kaden is getting so big.  He's walking now and is so cute doing it, I might add.  We went to his birthday party last night and we had a great time.  It's so fun to see our kids interact with each other.  They all are at different stages so it's nice to look ahead to what they will be doing and look back to see what they've done!

The Birthday Boy!

 We tried so hard to get a picture of all of the kids together.  But, sadly, between the movers who just wanted off the couch, the ones who didn't get an afternoon nap and were very cranky (that would be my daughter) and those who just didn't want to be on the couch, this is what our attempts brought us ...

Eli, Kaden, Tenley, Brayden, Olivia

Oh how we tried though.  Next year I suppose. But oh how I love these little people.  I hope they know they are all  going to be the best of friends when they are older.  They might not want to you say?  Psshh.  They will.  Not an option.  :)