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.