What I Wore...

I'm done!  I'm officially over winter.  I'm ready for skirts, dresses and flippies. Warm weather and suntans. Lake days and no school...DONE.  I'm sick of everything in my closet.  Most days, I don't even get out of my cozy flannels, except to pick up the kids, then as soon as I return, they come back on.  I have no desire to be out in the elements, if I could, I would stay home and never come out...I'm turning into a hermit.  It doesn't help that sickness has been passing through our home and snow and ice cover everything.  Only two photo worthy outfits this week.   The pic of me sipping coffee, is what I normally look like. Hunkered up like an old lady, with my cozy blanket and coffee.  I'm hibernating the rest of the winter...see ya in a few weeks.

P.S.  I'll probably be back before a few weeks, I'm just cold and crabby.  Oh, and it doesn't help, my house looks like this, anybody else tired of the kids making a huge mess indoors, or doing laundry? See my dog sitting there without a care in the world...I'm gonna teach her to put away clothes...

 

I'm linking up with the following blogs.

The Pleated Poppy

Style Elixir

Because Shanna Said So

Friendship

Friendships have been on my heart and mind a lot lately. Why some blossom, why some fade, why some are so constant and dependable and others stop abruptly and leave hurt feelings and unanswered questions. Why some, have their season and place in our lives for a moment and others last through moves, years and life's ups and  downs.  

 This has been on my mind a lot, because about a year ago, what I thought was a  dear friendship of mine was ended, no discussion was had, no disagreement, no betrayal. I moved away and after a few months my calls went unreturned and messages unanswered....silence. 

Of course I want to know why. I've laid awake at night questioning conversations we had and wonder what I may have done or said that could have caused it. I even wrote an apology note, in case I hurt her feelings, but silence was all that I heard. 

For me, this friendship had a significant impact on my life. She had been my support
system at an overwhelming time in my life.  She had a personal understanding for some
of my greatest fears and worries as a mother. Though the time we lived in the same city 
was short, I thought we had roots in place, that would nurture our friendship, though
distance was far. 

I'm trying to move on. Be grateful for long lasting friendships that need little stoking and yet still produce a hearty flame. You now, those friends that no matter how much time has past, if you call or see them, things fall into place, like you have never been apart.  Or new friends, that you ask yourself, "where have you been my whole life." You "get" each other and without much effort, a bond is formed. 

During the last couple weeks I have been blessed by random phone calls from old friends who wanted to catch up. Friendships, that despite the distance, have ended up being the most true and loyal.  Thanks for reaching out girls, it came at just the right time!

I'm chalking the whole experience up to character building. A lesson learned in compassion and humility. Making sure the friends I do have, know the influence they have had in my life. That when I think of them, I take the time to let them know, that no matter how near or far we may be, I appreciate them. I may pray for them, or send a message or a call. Just a shout-out to let them know I am thinking about them. 

So, dearest friends past and present, I am so thankful for you. Your words of encouragement, fun memories, laughter and tears shed are a part of me and my growth, as a person. I thank you, for at some season of your life, sharing it with me. Though time and distance, may be an obstacle, at some point you made an impact in my life and I thank you.

I'm not sure that I will ever find out why our friendship ended, but I will continue to send her sweet family well wishes, as they made a great impact on my life and at that moment, were just what I needed.   

 "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the
 perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”
  
               -Corrie ten Boom  from The Hiding Place
    

Simple and Delicious Asian Lettuce Wraps

    

A couple weeks ago I went to a friend's house for lunch and a play date.  She fixed her version of P.F. Chang's Asian Lettuce Wraps, it was delicious.  I have made these before at home, but my recipe was a bit different then hers.  This new recipe, is a combination of both of ours.  It is wonderful, and very easy.  I had never used ground chicken before, always turkey, but loved it in this recipe. This is one of my new family favorites.   

   

You Gotta Have Faith

Lately,  some very tragic deaths have occurred to children I have either been acquainted with or belong to  a family member of blogs I read.  It is heart breaking and unimaginable.  I get panicky and my heart races just thinking about it.  But, I am also reminded that despite taking all the safety precautions we can in life, as parents, we really are not in control, in regards to when we or our children, leave this earth.  It is terrifying, if you really think about it.

But let these tragedies, be a reminder to us, how precious life it.  How, what we do and say, really does matter.  How each day is a gift and life is short.  But more importantly, have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Have you done your duty as a parent, to bring your children up in a faith based home.  I'm not here to preach or tell you how to live your life, but think about it, we do not know what tomorrow brings or the challenges we may face.  The minor challenges I have faced, were only bearable for one reason, I had God in my life.  I had His promises that say.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Philippians 4:6,7 … do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Those of you that know me, know I'm not a Jesus Freak, I make mistakes everyday and am far from perfect.  I don't preach to everyone I meet, or spout off fire and brimstone. I'm a mother that is head over heals in love with her children.  I have a heart that aches, with every unkind word that gets thrown their way, every bump and bruise they get and every trial they face.  Being a mother, is like wearing your heart on your sleeve and almost daily, I place my self in a situation I read about and think, how do you go on after a hurt like that.  These families, that seem to make it through, have one thing in common, an immeasurable faith in Jesus, that this happening is part of a plan, far bigger then they may ever realize.  I want faith like that.  I want comfort like that.  Because this life, causes a lot of hurt and I need something far bigger to rely on to get me through it. 

Do you have faith like that?

Do you have comfort like that?

The Story Behind My Blog Name

I wanted to start a blog about a year ago and you know what tripped me up...a name!!  I couldn't for the life of me come up with a name that I was happy with and portrayed the theme I was going for.  Then, one weekend, my extremely supportive hubby, was like, "Just do it, sit down right now and come up with a name and do this thing!"  So we started brainstorming.  He started thinking about song titles.  That got me thinking about songs that have had the most meaning to me and my life events.

Me when I was 9 with the kamp director, Kay Holiday

When I was growing up, I was blessed to go to a christian athletic camp for a month each summer, called Kanakuk Kamp.  It was the highlight of my year.  Year after year, I would look forward to the familiar faces and spritual recharge I would attain after a month at this camp.  I was extremely blessed and I feel it is one of the best things my parents did for me, in regards to my faith.  One year a counselor, that had formly been a camper was a singer and song writer and had recorded an album.  I remember begging  my parents for a copy.  It quickly became one of my most played albums.  Many years later, I would sing the sweet melodies to my babies, while I rocked them to sleep.    One of those songs was called,  Room To Grow, the singer was Ashley Johnston.  I have googled her a dozen times and never find anything.  Even though, she may not be singing anymore, her sweet words touched the heart of a young lady and inspired the title of the my blog, more than 20 years later.  I recorded this from my tape, so please excuse the poor quality.  



Room To Grow By: Ashley Johnston
Nothing ventured nothing gained am I right or wrong
listen closely there's a message in my song
perhaps you've heard many times and you think you know,
but believe me my friend there's still room to grow

Once upon a time in a land not so far away
walked a man through the desert all the live long day
searching high and low for the rivers flow
he never gave in, he believed there was room to grow.
though the rain did not come when he gave his call
patiently he waited and the rain began to fall
filling him with gladness and reason to live on
he believed and he began to grow

well now here's a story of a lady who was hunky dory
had everything she could want, maybe even more
until one day when the queen returned to her palace
to find only ashes scattered on the floor
such a tragedy, her riches all destroyed
now she'd have to look elsewhere to find her inner joy
she through her hands up to the sky and cried as if she'd known
heaven knows there's room to grow

well now I share the heart of my own, I once was blind, but now I see
i've still got a long way to go, don't get me wrong
but I  believe in a God who knows my name
and he's calling me back home
until that day you know, I know, there's room to grow

yeah, room to grow
for I believe that He that began a good work in me,
will be faithful to complete it perfectly
until that day you know that I will call
upon my Lord, to show me where there's room to grow


Update!!  Read here to find out how I finally connected to Ashley. 

What I Wore and No Heat Beachy Waves/Curls

Welcome to another edition of What I Wore....I'm not sure why I didn't get a shot looking at the camera, but I've been sick and and since it's February, I am a little pasty and have dry skin....tmi?  So, it seems I have a little sidekick, who insists on  being in my photos.  That is fine by me, she is way cute!   

 From left to right:  1. Cream sweater: Gap, 7 jeans, Uggs  2. Fuchsia top:Calvin Klein, Poppy tee:Gap, Poppy cords: Target, Grey Boots: Zullily,  bubble necklace:some random FB deal (i must say it has been worth every penny of $9.99) 3. White tee: Kohls, Black wrap cardi:Kohl's, Blue skinnies:Clavin Kein, Hounds-tooth Boots: Sorel,  My fav hat in the world: Kohl's, on cleareance for $2.50!!!  I love it! 

Do you  know the secret to beachy, wavy hair bliss??  I do.  I have found the secret and it is AMAZING!!  I first found out about it here at my fav blogger Alicia Hutchinson's awesome blog.   Best of all, no damage to your hair and it is easy peasy!!  I'm not so techie with vlogs, so it's in 2 parts.  Watch and be amazed!!  This is my favorite way to fix my hair.   

                                    

Remember the longer you keep it wrapped up,  the more curls you will have.   If you just want waves, leave in for an 1 1/2 to 2 hours, if you want tighter curls leave it over night.  Also, if it looks too curly at first, give it an hour or so and it will fall considerabley and look tousled and wavy.

My friend tried it yesterday, here is her sweet pic...it turned out great!  She said she left her's in for an hour and put the hairdryer to it too speed it up.  Great tip, Nicole thanks for sharing.

 

I'm linking up with the following blogs:

The Pleated Poppy 

Because Shanna Said So

Style Elixir 

Laundry/Craft Room Makeover

I have been working on this room for several months.   It held my cleaning and laundry supplies, but it was large enough to have a creative space in it too, I just need to find the right pieces to make the space.  So, below is how it was  looking  for about the last 8 months.   

I had the desk, it was my brothers as a child, and I gave it a fresh coat of red paint and new hardware.  The chair is from IKEA.  Behind the curtain is my mop, vacuum etc....not the prettiest stuff to look at, but I had this old curtain laying around and it was perfect to keep it out of sight.  I also used an old laundry basket to hold gift wrap, but I have since moved it too the basement, since I rarely need to use it. I made the fabric covered cork board and it holds my favorite pics and the kids are thrilled to have a wall highlighting their best artwork.  I didn't feel very creative in this space though, and it usually became a dumping ground for "stuff"  I didn't have time to deal with.  So I got busy, I wanted a space that inspired me to be creative.   

 

I am so happy with the outcome.  It is fun and energetic, I feel motivated and inspired and actually don't mind doing laundry as much, ok, I really still hate it, but I am motivated to do laundry, so the room stays nice and neat. 

 

The flowered fabric I purchased at Hancock fabric and just folded in all the edges and used no-sew tape, then velcroed it too my window frame....I had not unpacked my sewing machine at this point and did not want to have to sew anything....this worked wonderful! 

 

I organized these cabinets, with cleaning supplies, dog "stuff" and crafting supplies.  My vacuum, mop and broom are all hiding behind this curtain.  I added some french inspired prints I have had for many years. 

I found these baskets on clearance at TJ Maxx and adore them.  They  are so much cuter than plastic laundry baskets and hold twice as much.  In these cabinets are light bulbs, laundry supplies, towels and extra paper products. 

 

I condensed the art wall a bit and better organized all my art supplies.  I am absolutely in love with this space now! 

I made this wall art from some old canvas's I had laying around.  I covered them with chocolate/cream polka dot fabric and red burlap.  I had these letters laying around too and decoupaged them with scrapbook paper and then hot glued them to the fabric wrapped canvas

I found the shelf at Goodwill for $6, I painted it green that was leftover from my kids bedroom.  I couldn't be happier with the finished product.  I used a tension rod for the spools of ribbon and filled old mason and pasta jars with craft supplies.  On top of the shelf are old college mementos that are special to me. 

 This white cabinet was also found at Goodwill for $8.  It is solid wood and I was smitten with the sweet details of this piece, a fresh coat of paint was all it needed.    I cut out the flowers on the bins from left-over fabric from the curtains.  To spruce up some cheap plastic shoe boxes, I decoupaged leftover fabric to the lid   I glued a piece of scrapbook paper to a file box to add a little loveliness to that too. 

All in all, I spent very little to makeover my laundry room.  I have never been a big thrifter, until recently.  In an effort to become more green,  I am finding looking at a Goodwill first, is a wonderful resource.  I have some ideas up my sleeve for an Etsy store and now I have the perfect space to work in. 

I'm linking up to the following sites:
A Bowl Full Of Lemons
New Nostalgia

20 Random Things About Me

1.  I am the youngest of 4 children

2.  I graduated college from The University of Missouri...Go Mizzou!

3.  One summer in college I studied at the Paris Fashion Insitute

4.  I want to open a Etsy store with little handmade items

5.  I would love to learn how to knit

6.  I love to dance and it's not at unusual for me and my kids to have a dance party at home

7.  When I'm not dancing I love to listen to Mat Kearny and John Mayer

8.  I love Disney World!!   It is so magical!

9.  My favorite Prime time TV shows are Revenge, Parenthood and Grey's Anatomy.

10.  I secretly would love to homeschool, but it overwhelms me.

11.  I am a little bit of a hypochondriac.  I blame it on the internet!

12.   I have a crush on Jude Law in the movie The Holiday and Ryan Gosling in The Notebook and Justin    Timberlake always.

13.  The few times I have left my kids for a trip, I feel sick and hate being away from them.  My husband had a business trip to Germany a few years ago and invited me to come.  It made me panicky to think of being in a different country and I couldn't go.

14.  After college, I traveled to Europe with my girlfriends for a couple weeks.

15.  I Google everything I am curous about or don't know the answer too....this is the reason for #11

16.  I went to see  NKOTB in concert as an adult and had a blast! (and got crushes on my fav boy band again)

17.  Jobs I have had-worked in a lingerie shop in college, after college I worked for a couture bridal store and helped plan and develop the opening of a stationery store.  I was a pre-k teacher and lastly I worked at Stein Mart as a special event coordinator, where I planned shopping events, fashion shows and dressed local news anchors.

18.  When I worked at Stein Mart, I was also on a local news morning show and did a fashion segment.

19.  I eat popcorn every night and watch the King Of Queens

20.  My hubby serenaded me, at my home (while standing on top of his car), when I was 16, to  Uptown Girl, by Bill Joel.  Needless to say, I have been smitten with him ever since!

Totally random pic form 2005, my oldest was 18 months and I was pregnant. 

So, tell me something about yourself!!  You don't have to do 20, but you could at least tell me a couple!!  If you can't leave a comment on my blog, then leave it on my FB page!