the velvet cloud

starting fresh...

2010-03-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

So I've decided after my long and much needed blogging break to ease myself back into blogging again. However I have decided to simplify things and start fresh. I'm leaving this blog up for people who might enjoy browsing through the archives but won't be updating anymore. I felt that my everyday home blog better suits where I'm at in life these days and so better represents the content of my blog. I'm a stay at home mom, a wife and a child of God seeking after Him in my day to day happenings, it seems more apt. There you have it! come see what's going on in my life, what we're up to, what i've been creating etc... Here!
God bless!
-AnnaMae

taking a break...

2009-11-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello whoever out there reads my blog! I have been, and will continue taking a break from blogging here for awhile. Life has been super crazy this year and with the holidays coming I just don't see myself blogging much. I'll be adding to my Alice costume blog as I continue work on that. Which should be more often as I'm hoping to finish up the vest by Christmas. but I think I'll delete my home blog as I really just don't keep up with that. Anyway, so that's that. hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and enjoy the coming holidays!

little critters

2009-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've been steadily working away at this fun project for my sister's baby shower coming up in Oct. I'm making things for decorations that can also be used in the babies room after the party. So it all matches the bedding she picked out.

These are little wall stickers of the animals and such that the bedding features and you can view the entire room collection here on Babies R Us.

So I got the idea to make some of the little animals out of paper mache to set around on the table looking cute which can then be set on a shelf to look cute later. :) I got lots of good tips from this segment on Martha Stewart.
And so, started with making bases for my critters out of cardboard.

This is the fox and one of three owls, two little and one bigger.

Here is the bear after a first layer of paper mache. He was a bit more technical to figure out, I used a Styrofoam ball for the head and backs of the ears on a base of cardboard. but despite the lightweight Styrofoam he was top heavy and falling forward so I raided my husband's garage and came up with some very heavy washers which I placed in his hips to counter balance him.

and here you see a much more filled out bear, an owl and fox still in the process of building up and not pictured here but I also did as much with the other two owls and a raccoon.

I think one more night of paper mache will give everyone a finished plumpness and then I can move on to the paper clay step. I can't wait to start painting them though! they're gonna be so cute!!!

and here's a sneak peak at my next project for the shower...

delayed blogging

2009-09-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do this post for over a week now, indeed even uploaded the photos but then blogger froze up and I couldn't finish it. :(

Anyhow, I started home schooling Gabriel this year, we've been at it about 3 weeks now. We do a lot of little projects, coloring, painting, making and play learning games to make it fun and interesting. And lots of reading too when I can get him to sit still and listen! :)
This project was to learn how mixing colors makes new colors. We started with the primary colors of course and made green, purple and eventually a nice brown! He had so much fun playing scientist with his baster that I had a hard time getting him to stop after nearly and hour.

We've also been learning about spiders as there are many in our area at the moment, providing lots of fun study material. So of course making spiders was a given!
(ps, those pants are re-purposed from a shirt of mine I just never blogged cause we've been busy!)

busy doing what you ask? well aside from school, keeping the house clean and all the normal mom duties I've been planning my sister Erin's baby shower which is now a couple weeks away. I'll be sharing more on that soon I promise! but for now here's a peek at the invitations I made...

a repurposed dress for the bean

2009-08-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

(with way too many pictures cause she's just too cute!)

The bottom half is a top I'd had for awhile but never really wore and the top half was made from a red Christmas camisole I never wore due to the sparkly candy canes on the front. And I'm dreadful and remembering to take before pictures.

It's so soft and comfy so she likes wearing it which is a wonderful plus!

The ruffles were fun and so easy to make, I think I'll be doing a lot more detail stuff like that in future projects.

The back has a gathered section and I love how it flows and hangs.

Thanks for looking, more re-purposing of old clothing into new soon to come!

Our pet dragon

2009-08-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today we made a quick trip to Target to pick up some diapers for Gwendolyn, on our way into the store I noticed Gabriel holding his hand out flat like he was holding something so I asked him if there was something in his hand. He told me, quite frankly, that it was a small dragon. The dragon went with us all through Target and rode in the back on the way home. And so I thought I'd capture this amazing new pet on video for all of you to see! enjoy :)

I did it again!

2009-08-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

I've started another blog! ahhhh!!!! (I'm blaming it on my friend Anna who also has numerable blogs to keep them interest organized) It's all costumes! I'd done one similar before but didn't like the host so abandoned it and now I'm back but keeping with blogger cause I enjoy it's simplicity. Anyhow, go check it out if you're at all interested in costumes.
The Confessions of a Costume Addict

big kids

2009-08-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

It happens so gradually really, but as a parent you feel like you blink and suddenly your life is so different from what it was a moment ago. For while I can look back over the past 4 1/2 years of my motherhood and remember many sweet and not so sweet moments and fully realize that those years have passed...it still feels like yesterday I had a preemie baby in my arms, with nothing better to do with my time but hold him and admire his cuteness. Or our trip to see Daddy graduate from boot camp. Welcoming Daddy home to meet his 3 month old daughter. Watching Gabriel take his first steps in our kitchen...and just two years later the same with Gwendolyn.

The point is, as we sat at the counter eating our lunch today, I looked at my kids and blink, they are suddenly so grown up! I am fully aware that this will happen continually throughout our lives, and that the next time I blink they'll be in jr. high or something crazy! :) But I'll continue to enjoy each moment and stage of life that we're in. Because it really does go by so fast.
on a mommy must brag note, Gabriel is now sleeping through the night without pull ups! and I have ordered a special dinosaur related prize to celebrate the event. I've also decided to start potty training Gwendolyn. I guess the thought of not having to buy pull ups any more got me thinking about not having to buy diapers one day. The things that motivate, I tell ya! :)

drooling...

2009-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I know not everyone who reads my blog is as in love with historical fashions as I am but every once in awhile I just can't help it and must post such things on here.
Such as this video on you tube of a costume exhibit in Italy.
Truly drool worthy stuff I tell you! happy sigh :)

My beloved husband...

2009-07-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some pictures of my beloved. He is entered in a beard competition with multiple categories; most stylish and handsome, worst, most creative etc...
thus the bearded man before you.

He likes having facial hair and so takes any opportunity to grow it since the Navy has rules on such things. Anyway that was not really why I'm posting just thought I'd fill you in. :)

the reality is I wanted to show you the man I love, and just say to world how wonderful he is! I'm always amazed how much closer we grow when he is gone, absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.

My man is honest and of integrity, he is shy and reserved in his affections but loves deeply. (and he loves ME!) He has a beautiful sense of humor which balances my sometimes all too serious and deep thinking, emotional self. He always brings me back to the present moment and puts a smile on my face. He's a wonderful father, and my best friend.

He loves jeeps, guns, playing in water and movies. His smile warms my heart. He loves the Lord. He hates to be tickled but loves to laugh. He serves our country with honor and pride. He likes to surprise me, whether that be with purchased made for himself or for me, news about something, or simple scaring me out of my wits! :) He enjoys photography. He has a wonderful brain for problem solving and often comes up with brilliant ideas at work and at home.
He's someone I praise God for everyday, am blessed to spend the rest of my life with, respect, and love with all my heart.

Over Due....

2009-07-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

This summer has been much busier than I had anticipated and when I get busy things like blogging fall to the way side. So here is Gwendolyn's belated 2nd birthday post.

The pretty birthday girl...

big brother who was just as excited

siblings!

Time to open some presents...

and then try them on of course! (she's my little shoe baby)

OH! The excitement!!! funny part? she picked this out for herself the night before. Sad part? It didn't survive a month, Gabriel dumped a bottle of hair de-tangling spray on it and it no long plays music like it should.

But on to the feasting! They were waiting so patiently I had to capture it. :)

She didn't blow, just dove right in and started licking, don't worry I wished something nice for her :)

Brother was careful not to get anything on his "pink strap", his name for this particular tie.

mmmmmm....it's too yummy not to eat with your hands! who has time for a fork?

We used some small tea cups my mom gave us for the milk, I look forward to the tea parties we shall have in the future.

The sweet girl even offered to clear her dishes!

After getting cleaned up it was time to play

And so passed the day when my baby turned 2.

As for all the other things keeping us busy...
We threw a beautiful bridal shower for my dear friend Jessica, you can read about it here on my sister Emily's blog. we spent 4th of July with family, I turned 24. Jessica and Brandon's wedding weekend went wonderfully, if you want to see pictures click here and here. She was stunning and the photographers were awesome! you really should go look.
We spent the week with my Brother Nole and his family then had a bridal shower for my little sister Erin. I don't have any pictures of that because it was Emily who was taking pictures. But I'm sure I'll share them on here eventually, along with her wedding photos, as the wedding is next weekend! And I believe that is a sufficiently long catching up post! :D

ribbon curls...

2009-06-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Jessica is getting married, we, my sister Em and I, are throwing her a bridal shower this weekend. I leave tomorrow morning and will be back Monday or Tuesday so I will not be blogging during that time. However hopefully I'll be back with lots of pictures and fun stuff to blog about! :D
I'm off to keep packing! Chow!

short and sweet...

2009-06-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

I bought this for the house this weekend...

Target has several different pieces in the recycled green glass on sale and I might go back and pick up a couple of the smaller items...we'll see. but I loved the vase and you can't beat 50% off!

however my main blogging today is paint! so go here.

moral project...

2009-06-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Though I wasn't able to attend the deployment meeting this weekend cause I had company and other things to be doing we still wanted to take part in the moral project being put together for the ship. So I got some details from our ombudsman and...

there it is. an 8"x8" square, they are going to tie them together and make quilts, and then later untie them so each sailor can have his. I must say ours didn't turn out as nice as I'd have liked but it was my first time doing a fabric transfer so I think I scorched the pics a little. :( However I don't have time to make a whole new one so it'll have to do. and I think he'll still like it. I left a little plain spot in the bottom right hand corner so Gabriel can color on it with a crayon if he wants. They said last year they did pillow cases, and that sounds like a lot more fun to me than what we did this time. So I think we might make one on our own and send it in the next package.

busy and boring...

2009-06-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

So today was busy but I wasn't doing much to interest really. I mailed a box full of microwave popcorn to my beloved because the kind they have on the ship is "nasty". I cleaned the bathrooms, played with the kids, did dishes, put some random, sitting around the house needing to be put away, stuff away. We went to Lowes and used our rebate card to purchase paint for the living room. So hopefully by Monday I'll be posting pics over on everyday home of my new gray living room!
ya, so that's about it for the interesting blogability of my day. however so this post isn't completely dry I thought I'd share some of how my weekend will be. One of my beautiful sisters, Emily, is coming down in the morning to spend the weekend with me. Hopefully we'll get some painting done but honestly, if we sit and talk the whole time and don't get a thing done that's fine too. :D The only down side to the whole thing is we've been wanting to do a sister weekend and it hasn't worked out yet. so I'll miss having my other girls there as well. :(
So, why the Sephora picture you ask? well our friend Jessica is getting married in a month! So we're going with her tomorrow to Sephora to get some wedding day bridal make up! I'll get some great girly time in and be kid free for a few hours!

but wait!

2009-06-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just realized I missed two of my favorites :)
Stephmodo (I've loved her blog for awhile now but am enjoying it even more since they are renovating a little cottage in France!)
Design*Sponge

cheating...

2009-06-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today is day 4 in my blog everyday challenge and I have lots to get done before the weekend so I'm cheating and sending you to look at some of my favorite blogs.
The ones I check on frequently and glean countless inspiring ideas from.
This Young House
Chez Larsson
Pam Garrison
Paint in my hair
Grosgrain
Katie did
Sugar City Journal
Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Have a happy Thursday :)

Day 3!

2009-06-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned but I switched gears and pushed through. I was planning on running out and getting some errands done but Gwen decided to have one of her sleeping days so instead we stayed home and did chores!

I worked in my closet and was quite harsh in getting rid of things I don't like or ever wear. and then Gabriel and I washed the car and the jeep.

Once Gwen did wake up I took them out to the park to play so she would go back to sleep at bed time :)

Then we had dinner, read together, baths, Gwen off to bed, Gabriel and I watched a movie...

I got some exercise in and here I am!
However if you'd like to hear more about my closet, head on over to everyday home!

today it came...

2009-06-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

Daily blogging challenge day #2

This afternoon I have been working on my skirt, last night I'd sewn up the pleats but by morning decided I didn't like the way it was turning out. As everyone knows, if you don't love it, you won't wear it. And I want to love this skirt!
So, I brought down my dress form and began pinning and playing around to see what I could come up with.

I ended up putting one larger pleat in the front, two small pleats, one on each hip, and lots of little knife pleats in the back. which is what you see pictured.

Earlier in the day I had gone to check the mail and was pleased to fine my package from Amazon had arrived!

I had ordered the book on Terrariums and the newest Enya CD, which although it's the winter/Christmas one and it's now summer, I got anyway. For anyone who really knows me knows how much I adore Enya! I'm excited to sit down and read the book though, I've been wanting it for some time and can't wait to glean knowledge and start making my own little terrariums!
you likely noticed that there are other items in that photo which I did not include in my list of arrivals from Amazon. That is because while I was sewing away the ups man arrived with Two more packages!!! One of which is the book and CD set of "Growing Kids God's Way". I'm really excited to start listening and learning from that one as well.
The third package was from Forever 21...

I have decided that while Nathan is away, and shopping with kids is so difficult that I would try some online shopping. So I got plain white and gray tees (cause I am rather boring), a skirt and top, and a black cardigan which has a lovely lace cutout in the back!(and it all fits!) You'll also notice the pink flower head band and the necklace.

The necklace was a fun find, I liked the poetry of the heart with the anchor seeing as my love is out at sea. And since the heart is a locket I can even put his photo in it! Man I love being a girl! :D
So, it's been a fun day.

A challenge...

2009-06-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have been contemplating a lot lately, things in life, the goings on of my family and friends, and such... if you haven't heard the latest yet my sister Emily did a perfect post which I don't think I could improve upon so go check it out! :)
I have also been working on my goals of things I want to accomplish and do while my beloved is out to sea. I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to it or not but I think I've decided for it. And the "it" is committing to blogging more regularly. I don't ever want to blog out of obligation but I think it'd be a fun challenge to blog every day for a month (unless I'm out of town etc...)
So, here is post #1 for my self imposed challenge:

A skirt in the making...

I am using some left over vintage fabric I got from my mom at Christmas. You might recognize it as the same fabric I used for this apron. However because I did make the apron I didn't have quite the full amount to make the skirt I wanted. But by lessening the size of the pleats I think it'll still work out. Won't be as full of course but I SO wanted a skirt out of this darling fabric so I'm willing to compromise :)
I'm hoping to sew it up this week so stay tuned...

Busy little bee with a heavy heart...

2009-06-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

So my beloved had to leave as I said before. Thankfully my parents were coming to visit over the weekend so I had just enough time to clean my house top to bottom and welcome their arrival and no time to sit around missing him. The kids are still adjusting a.k.a. not sleeping well, it's 8:30 right now and I can hear them up there playing and making a huge mess of their room. But I'm tired so I'm ignoring them for the moment.
I was reading Proverbs 31 yesterday evening before bed and was pondering the first couple verses about the woman who fears the Lord...

Proverbs 31: 10)An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11)The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12)She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

I've been going through an entire study about being a help meet to my husband, what that looks like, how to truly become the woman that fears the Lord...and I've enjoyed practicing in the past months. striving to be a better wife and mother. But last night I was struck. In what ways can I specifically serve my husband, maintain his trust, and do him good while he is far from me physically?
Here are just a few of my ideas for the moment:
-Continuing in our plan of parenting and working hard to raise our little ones up in the Lord.
-Maintaining an orderly home and myself in a pattern of discipline so as not to fall into lazy habits or pity parties
-Pray for him daily
-affirm him from a distance, telling him of my pride in him and my love for him
-sending regular pages and letters from me and the children for moral
-keep a God honoring attitude and spirit
-maintain the cars, washing them and other small maintenance upkeep that is important.
-staying faithful to him always. (this seemed obvious to me at first, but I realized just now that many navy wives aren't faithful to their husbands when they are away and that mine appreciates that I do)
-Leaning on God for my strength and needs and never allowing myself to grow bitter or resentful towards my husband over his absence from the home.
-taking care of myself, spiritually, emotionally and physically, in other words not "letting myself go"

well that's all I can come up with right now but it's a good list I think. And one I will practice and work on in order to honor God and my husband while he is away. That I may continue to strive after becoming a woman who fears the Lord and who is far more precious that jewels.

wondering what else I'll be doing while he is away?

I have a bridal shower for a friend that my sister and I are hosting, then Gwendolyn's 2nd Birthday this June.
July brings my birthday, said friend's wedding, a visit from my mother in law, and most likely my youngest sister's bridal shower as well.
August will likely be my sister's wedding and a baby shower
during all those months as well as the ones to follow I will also be working on my house. Be sure to check in on my home blog if you're interested. I have some sewing projects I've been wanting to work on. And I'll be planning out the coming school year for Gabriel as we venture into the world of homeschooling!
And that's just the big stuff! I'm sure there will be plenty of trips to the park, pool and zoo as well as trips to see family and friends and hopefully visits from them as well.

So, just a few thoughts and some things to look forward to in my life.

....

2009-05-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

2009-05-24T16:47:00.001-07:00

My beloved deploys in the morning...I don't like that he has to go away. It makes me sad that he will miss so much, Gwendolyn's 2nd Birthday, trips to the zoo, the beach and to see friends and family. All the funny things the kids say, watching them grow and change...you get the idea. However I am thankful he is alive and well. And I am proud of him for serving our country and keeping us safe. And in our day and age technology is a blessed life line.

Here's a song by Thrice which is somewhat fitting...it's about a whaler rather than a sailor but same point. I identify with it.

The Whaler

My lover's arms,
they beg me to stay.
But I know the storms,
they will sweep me away.

My daughter's eyes,
they are two tiny seas,
whose water will rise
and then run down her cheeks.

"Father where do you go,
so far out upon the sea,
when are you coming home to me?"
"Darling why do you leave,
as the north wind begins to blow?
Will you be coming home to me?"

The boat and the blade,
they are all that I know;
the sea calls my name,
and so I must go.

And while they still sleep,
I slip out through the door;
but how can I leave,
with my anchors ashore?

"Father where do you go?
It's farther than I can see,
when are you coming home to me?"
"Darling why do you leave,
as the north wind begins to blow?
Will you be coming home to me?"

2009-05-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

I want this...

it's from Etsy

I love the Alice in wonderland quality of it, very whimsical Victorian. and the fabric combo, raw silk with cotton mmmmm yummy! :D

2009-05-07T07:16:00.001-07:00

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

I have not blogged about this till now, mainly because I just wasn't ready. I've tried to write a post about it several times and always end up deleting it. But I think today's the day...
On March 23 I was at my parents home with all my siblings, we had just finished a weekend of many emotions, tears, hugs and general family bonding due to things I won't go into at the moment. We woke up to the news that my cousin Michael Haynes had been in a car crash and was in the hospital. the other driver was killed on the scene. as hours and then days passed we learned that he had been hit by a drunk driver going well over 100 MPH who was driving on the wrong side of the road. Michael was in a coma but fighting for life and things were starting to feel hopeful. On March 27 he passed away suddenly. He leaves behind his dear wife Tawny and their two precious children, Taryn (3) and Elias (17 months); parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends and co-workers as well who are deeply touched by his passing and share in the grief with his family.
Through this, my biggest comfort has been knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, and witnessing the strength God has blessed Tawny with. In the weeks following her husband's passing she has not been idle, she is making a stand against drunk driving and all involved in the choices made when such things happen.
Here is a recent radio interview she did to make her voice heard...
It's a beautiful life
I hope you'll take a minute and listen, I personally bawled through the first half, but tears are no stranger to me the past couple months.
Michael, we miss you.
Tawny, I love you, you and your children are in my prayers daily. I am so proud of you and amazed at your strength. You are truly glorifying the Lord in these difficult circumstances and I know He will bless your faithfulness and efforts to affect a change.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.

Polyvore addiction....

2009-05-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

If I were getting married tomorrow and you were in my wedding,
this is what you'd be wearing...

outfit#2 by Ouimazie on Polyvore.com

If I were going our right now and could wear anything,
this is what i'd be wearing...

outfit #3 by Ouimazie featuring 3.1 Phillip Lim jackets

If I had to pick a favorite color right now,
Gray is what I'd choose...

outfit #5 by Ouimazie featuring True Religion blouses

2009-04-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

outfit #1 by Ouimazie featuring American Eagle Outfitters jeans

I just thought I'd share...if I could go shopping right now, this is what I'd buy! :) the best part is, most of it I could go and buy! maybe I will....

2009-04-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher (1813 - 1887)

A couple days back when it was ridiculously hot here for April, (105!) I pulled out the paints to keep the kids and myself distracted from the heat.

It was Gwendolyn's first time painting and she fully enjoyed it with happy concentration.

Gabriel was focused as well

But kids will be kids and you can't make are with out being silly and having some fun!

Ah to be a kid again! :D

Gabriel fluctuated between focused concentration, and...

complete silliness, which is what I love about him. He's always making us laugh and smile with his silly faces and antics.

Gwen was focused too, though she gave up early on the paper and decided to paint the table instead, hey, they're both white right?

but with a bowl of paint in your lap it's just too much fun to paint whatever happens to be around at the moment...

yes, that includes the bench and legs and knees...

tagged...

2009-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my sister in law, Heather, from Paper Lilley.
The deal is you're to take a pic of yourself right now, and post it.
No photoshop, no pre-picture primping.
just the real you, right now. :D have fun,
I'm tagging:
Alison
Anna
Amanda

Gwen decided to join me, but I told her she couldn't primp so the hair stayed in the face. :D

2009-04-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

"All of this God created for us to experience so that we could enjoy more fully the life that he prepared for us to know. He did not intend for these things to bring us fulfillment in themselves but to point beyond, to the Artist himself, in order to affirm his magnificence, his power, and his kindness and generosity in making our lives so full. He gave us a richly created world to help us know him better."
"God made all that he made in all of his creation to demonstrate the reality of his existence and the vastness of his personality and the reality of his glory."

-an excerpt from "The Mission of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson

The past couple mornings I've woken up to a beautiful morning chorus of birds outside. It instantly turns my heart to God, my creator. So when I read the above paragraph I felt like sharing it with someone. Take some time today, everyday, to stop and appreciate what God created for you. Take in the amazing perfection and creativity then proudly state to someone, "My God did that!" Trust me, it's really fun! :D Happy Tuesday!

image from inphotos.org

introducing....

2009-04-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

MY NEW BLOG!

I am planning on doing some much needed redecorating in my house. some reorganizing, and more art projects, photos and paintings etc... I'm a very visual person, I'm the one who tears out adds and articles from magazines and keeps them all organized in binders so I can easily access inspiration when needed. So as I started to flesh out my thoughts and ideas for my house I decided a blog would be a fun way to organize and contain it all. Thus you have, everyday home, my new blog devoted to just that. so stop by once in awhile to see whats new here at our home. In the meantime I'll still be using this one as my everything else blog. Kids, crafts, sewing, life....

I want....

2009-04-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

I want this dress.

It's from Frances May, and so cost too much, but I thought I'd share anyway.
oh, and while I'm at it, lets throw in one of these too! :)

Easter eggs and such...

2009-04-17T10:47:00.001-07:00

My baby chicks decorating their eggs...

Gwen was adorably into it, she loved stirring and switching colors and checking on them...

Gabriel enjoyed it too but being a bit older was a little more serious about it, and patient. :)

Gwen was more like a little mad scientist trying it all and making a fantastic mess! note the pink fingers :D

there they are...the little jewels all fresh and pretty!
The next morning was Easter baskets and the egg hunt of course!

I love Gabriel's face in this one as he discovers the CANDY!

This little chick Gwen got is really cute, it has sensors on the bottom so when I put it in her hand it started to chirp. you can see how delighted she is. :)

Gabriel got a little finger puppet mouse, which now after recently watching "The Tale of Despereaux" is his new favorite toy.

Then began the hunt!

Gabriel had so much fun, we hid the eggs several times for him to find, he didn't want to stop.

Gwen was only interested the first round, and even then she mostly just thought we were putting things in the basket....see the Thomas train? :)

after that she just watched.
And then we attempted a sibling picture...

It kind of worked, I like it though because that's our kids! busy little people who hardly ever sit still! :D

2009-04-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
-Psalm 24:1-3

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
-Colossians 2:2-3

Definition of the word MYSTERY:
"Something hidden from human knowledge and fitted to inspire a sense of awe; especially something incomprehensible through being above human intelligence. An enigma; anything artfully made difficult."

God is good, even when life is hard, even when he chooses to be mysterious or maybe more so because of it.

Pirate man....

2009-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

This year Gabriel has fully entered the childhood realm of make believe. recently his persona's bounce between being a dog and a pirate.

We have sword fights a lot now, mostly him and his daddy but I jump in occasionally :) can't let the boys have all the fun!

I just love watching him play and act things out, because it wasn't all that long ago, and is still so fresh in my mind, when I was playing make believe.

He calls himself pirate man, and if I ask him to do something, he requests that I say, "pirate, clean up your toys" hehe, too cute!

God's blessings...

2009-03-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday my beloved took me out on a date. It's such a joy being married to you best friend! One of the things I love most about my husband is his sense of humor, he's almost always goofing around joking or teasing. It makes me smile and laugh, both of which are wonderful things!

these are the kinds of things he does on a regular basis, you take the pic and see this instead of what you'd expect...the one below. (by the way, he calls this his "deer caught in the headlights" look )but I love him for it and would probably make him take a silly one if he didn't just do it on his own.

however if we planned it then I'd have to make a silly face as well and I don't do them as well as he does so I'll stick with smiling for now :D
point being, I'm so thankful that God has blessed my life so richly with this man.
That we can afford to go out because there have been times when we couldn't.
And I'm thankful that God created individuality and laughter, how dull our world would be without them.
And for those of your who are nosy and curious we went to the movies and watched "The International" which was quite good.

The skirt...

2009-02-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

I made a skirt, awhile back now, but never got around to blogging about till today.
I found the fabric at Joanns and liked it for it's warm wintery look but it's actually fairly cool and light weight. which is helpful when one lives in San Diego.

I'd been wanting a full length skirt for some time and so decided now was the time to make one. it's a full circle which is fun but makes me want to spin and twirl about the house all day. :D I also learned a new technique with the waistband which is done with grosgrain ribbon so that was fun! And the more zippers I put in the better i'm getting at it which is always nice.

so there you have it, my skirt.

2009-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

Life is keeping us busy these days. But I wanted to share this with you all cause I think it's adorable!

A family friend passed on a ton of girl clothes for our Gwennie bean and in the bag were a couple pairs of shoes. Gwen immediately spied these pink boots and has since worn them every day! We had already noticed her love of shoes after taking her to Payless to pick out some winter shoes. But this just confirms it, things like shoes and purses...it truly is just ingrained in us as women to love them! even when we're 1 1/2 and can't hardly talk yet. :)
So thanks Lily for sharing your pretty pink boots with Gwen, she loves them!

Gabriel's birthday part 2

2009-02-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Well I meant to post these a lot sooner but life seems to be busier and busier lately.
I had also fully intended on taking more pictures but the afternoon flew by me before I knew what was happening!

We had a great time though, Gabriel loved playing with his friends, they ate pizza and got to have ice cream sandwiches for dessert which is what you see on their faces. :D

I was trying to get a pic of the four of them, (gwen was crying and not into it by this time) and this was the best shot we got. from left to right:
Gabriel, Max, Charlie and Ellie

recent projects...

2009-01-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

I recently made a much needed trip to the fabric store in order to make Gabriel's cape, seen in the previous birthday post. I also picked up some patterns and some fabric and notions to work on some other projects. here are the two I finished so far.

I'd been wanting to make Gwen some jammies and finally got around to it. I had some trial and error with the pattern but it was good because I learned several new things and now next time I'll be prepared! I've learned that in sewing you can't get discouraged if you have to pick out your stitches and start over.

The button holes were completely new to me and rather fun to make! And just so you know, when I told her I was going to take her picture she promptly went and got the stool to stand on and then posed as you see here in the photos. such a difference between boys and girls! :)

I look forward to using the pattern again though as it has a lot of options and variations of P.J. ensembles.

My next project was to use the vintage fabric my mom gave me for Christmas. I've been wanting to make a cute apron for awhile now and thought this fabric would be perfect. plus there's enough of it to make something else as well! :)

I used trimmings I already had which was fun, and it has lovely deep pockets which I love! bonus...I got to try my hand at button holes again and they turned out even better on this than Gwen's night gown. For those of you who might be wondering, my sewing machine is old and doesn't do button holes.

Gabrie's birthday part 1

2009-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my little man's 4th birthday. He was pretty excited to open all his gifts from the grandparents but had to wait till daddy came home so we started him off in the morning with our gift, a superman cape!

And of course he had to run about and give it a testing. I chose not to put and S on it so that if in the future he'd like to pretend it's something else he can. and at this point the sheer fact that it's red seems to be enough for him. :)

Then once daddy came home we had dinner and birthday brownies! Gabriel loves being sang to, I think it's possibly his favorite part. He gets so excited, it's darling :)

And then he got to wish and blow, it took a few tries but he got it eventually.

Another favorite is licking the candles...

All this time Gwen had been favorably eying the brownies in hopes of a taste of the sugary confection.

Which she did get to have...

Then the gift opening commenced.

All in all it was a pleasant birthday. short and sweet.

However if you happened to notice, this post is labeled part 1. The reason is that his friend Ellie had her birthday today and we are all getting together on Sat for a joint celebration. So, stay tuned...

...He is faithful

2009-01-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

I don't have a lot to say today, only because my mind is full and I haven't been able to think on it all long enough for it to come out yet.
However, I am overwhelmed by the peace Christ gives us in all situations, so long as we ask for it. I'm just feeling thankful today for God's love and faithfulness to those he loves. For all that he has blessed my life with through family and friends.
And right now especially, for my dear beloved husband.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3

What's the big deal?

2009-01-11T11:59:00.001-08:00

So, I'm a stay at home mom. Like many stay at home mothers, and women in general, I get a little tired of the monotony of cleaning. However for the most part I don't mind doing things. for instance, Laundry doesn't take much effort and folding it allows me to sit down for a couple minutes. or I do it for the end result...who doesn't love it when their bathroom is sparkly clean? I might fall into the weird category for how much I enjoy sweeping though. haha!
anyway, this post is about dishes! Truth be told I don't like anything about doing dishes, I don't like scrubbing them, loading them into the machine or pulling them out and putting them away! even the site of my cupboards full of clean dishes isn't enough for me to do it without complaint. Oh, and no matter how many soaps I try I don't like the smell of dishwasher detergent, not sure why.
I've tried several things to keep me motivated enough to regularly keep my sink empty and shining as pictured above. I run the machine at night and unload in the morning and strive to put the dishes straight into the machine but....
somewhere along the line I don't follow through. Most likely just pure laziness and my loathing of this chore are behind it but whatever the reason I don't like doing my dishes! I even put up a little poem about doing dishes right in my line of sight at the sink to encourage me to be thankful, and willing with this chore of chores:

"Thank God for dirty dishes
they have a tale to tell.
for while other folks go hungry
we're eating very well.
with a wealth of happiness
it's very hard to fuss.
by this stack of evidence
God's very good to us."

It only works some of the time... :D
And so, I will continue to strive after a clean and empty sink but I don't know that I'll ever come to enjoy it. However, two days ago I was cooking a pizza in the oven, the sink was full and the machine needed to be unloaded. I glanced at the timer and it showed I had 7minutes and 36 seconds till the food was ready. And so I started to unload, and then I reloaded, and then I scrubbed down the sink. Not to mention that I had to get Gwennie out of the cupboards several times and I also stopped and parented Gabriel. So it wasn't even like I was rushing! Do you know that I finished the entire process in LESS than those 7 minutes and 36 seconds! and thus the purpose of this post, I began to wonder to myself, what's the big deal about doing the dishes? The answer? I may never truly know.

What I do when....

2009-01-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

my beloved had to leave unexpectedly for a week to work filling in for someone, so, I'm home alone and this is the kind of thing I do when I'm home alone... hehe :D

I'm sure you recognize the first as my new profile picture...

I finally got up the nerve to trim my bangs on my own. I'm usually too scared and just wait till my sister can do it. :P

I was also playing around with big hair looks after watching "the Duchess", it turned out more 60s but was still lots of fun! I have this new hairspray that allows you to brush out your hair quite easily. It was fun to play around :)

I love being a girl!!!

promised follow up...

2009-01-09T15:55:00.001-08:00

Well I promised to take pictures and post on the lovely embroidery my mom did so here you go! :)
first off is Gabriel's buck...

And then the back portion with his beloved bunny...

Here is Gwendolyn's little pink squirrel which matches her girly bedding perfectly!
and isn't the tea party scene just enchanting?!

I also thought I'd throw in these pictures of one of my gifts from Christmas.
My mom found this vintage fabric for me along with the old needle book.

Isn't the inside so colorful and cheery!

just some of the lovely things I got.... :)

woodsy realm...

2009-01-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have been slowly working towards making the kids' room looking cute. their bedding matches, and they have curtains which is nice but there is still a lot of white wall to look at and i'd like to add more color.
anyway, I had put up the strip of cork board from the start but just never found the right thing to decorate it with. So in October I made these...

little owl collages on some of the cork squares. It was really fun to do, cutting them out of cute printed paper and figuring it all out etc...

My thought now is how to incorporate more of the woodsy feel into the rest of the room to round out the theme. I have a couple ideas milling about in the think tank so we'll see what develops!

I only just put these up the other day because we've been so busy that I had almost forgotten I made them (oops). So it was fun to see the children enjoy them once I did hang them up. they both like looking at them and Gwennie always wants to touch them.

one thing that will add to the look are some new pillow cases they got for Christmas from my dear mother. She embroidered four, one for each of her grand babies.
Gabriel's has a buck with large antlers and on the back side a little bunny with his name and such... and Gwen's has a darling squirrel and on the back a little mouse tea party. I promise to post pictures of them soon, but it's late and so I'm not doing it now. :P

I'm on the look out for some new bedding for Gabriel that will still compliment Gwen's but be a little more boyish and woodsy...any helpful links would be appreciated! :) his 4th is coming up at the end of the month so I was thinking it'd be a nice gift.
Anyway, that's one thing I made in the past months and had yet to share. more still to come though! :D

2009-01-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

So, long time no blogging for me...
but that's ok, life got busy and it's more important than this online stuff anyway right? :)
We had a wonderful Christmas holiday, getting to spend it with family on both sides. these pictures were taken at my parents home up in Hume Lake. we were taking a chilly winter walk. Gwen got to be pulled around in this darling old sled which my mom used to pull me around in. :)

I think she enjoyed it a lot, but poor thing I never did find little mittens to fit her so we had to use socks and the didn't really do well, her little hands were icy cold by the time we made it back. Thankfully children don't seem to react to temperature the same way as we adults do.

And here is Gabriel walking with his beloved papa, (my dad) He's so in love with him that just today as he was playing with his pretend cell phone and I overheard him talking to papa about going sledding. :) so cute!

well, I'm husbandless this week so I promise to catch up on some blogging! till then...

Photographic perspective of a 3 year old....

2008-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Gabriel got a hold of my camera a couple times and managed to snap off no fewer than 150 pictures! here are just two that made me smile...

I also figured I'd give a little life update since i haven't posted much more than to link to giveaways lately.

I can hardly believe it's already December because I feel like I just said that about November last week! It's been a wonderful fall season for us despite unseasonably hot weather. We moved the kids into the same room which has been a battle and adjustment for all of us. We also had family visit several weekends which is always wonderful!
I've been brainstorming decorating ideas etc... for Christmas and now just have to do them. as well as start on my home made gift list for the kids. Mainly my time is spent parenting, cleaning and being a wife. Hopefully I'll be inspired to blog soon, till then thanks for stopping by. :)

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

how fun would this be!? My house could def. benefit from something like this. ;)

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've posted a lot of links to give aways lately but so many wonderfully talented ladies are being generous this holiday season. This one is supper cute and would look that much cuter on my little Gwennie so i'm really hoping I'll win it... go take a look! :)
Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Great giveaway!

2008-11-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hey, go check it out, it's an amazing give away over at Kandy Kisses Boutique.
Also have a look at her Etsy shop and online store! She even has some fabrics and clothing available on Ebay.
Her stuff is darling, you really should enter, nothing to lose and so much to gain!

2008-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my dear friend Anna from Thoughts and Daydreams, but you should check out her other amazing blog, The Art of Clothes and etsy site as well! :)

7 things I plan to do before I die:
1. learn to dance, ballroom, historical, whatever but it has to be structured!
2. travel more with my husband
3. learn to speak french
4. throw a really cool costume party for all my friends and family
5. perfect the art of being a good friend
6. get really good at baking and candy making
7. kiss my husband in the rain like they do in the movies :D

7 things I can do:
1. Sew
2. Play the piano
3. cry while listening to instrumental music, or songs sung in a foreign language...ya, almost every time... lol
4. collage and altered art
5. Crochet
6. play pretend with my kids like I did when I was a kid
7. lose myself in a book so it's hard to get out of the mood and or time period I was reading

7 Things I cannot do:
1. dance
2. Cook very well
3. Knit (not yet that is...)
4. diet...I see no point, I can be controlled in amounts but can't say no completely to things
5. understand why some people don't fall in love with Jesus
6. fly a plane
7. Be serious all the time

7 things I would have on a deserted island:
1. My Bible
2. my husband
3. a really cute bikini so I could get a tan
4. A piano
5. favorite books to read
6. an ipod with favorite music
7. A deck of cards
(just to explain, it only says "deserted island", not that i'd be deserted on it forever...as a mom of two being alone on an island with my husband sounds like heaven right now!)

7 things I say most often:
1. So.... (it drives Nathan nuts, hehe)
2. um....(need to stop that habit)
3. if you'd like to whine go do it in your room
4. what's wrong? or, what happened?
5. I love you
6. that attitude is ugly i'd like you to change it
7. I love you (I really do say it a lot!)

7 celebs I admire:,..can I change the word admire to, I like watching them in movies?
1. Kirsten Dunst
2. Kate Winslet
3. Keira Knightley
4. Nicole Kidman
5. Ewan McGreggor
6. Ioan Gruffud
7. Gerard Butler

7 Favorite food:
1. Pizza!
2. popcorn!
3. soups, almost every kind i've ever tried i loved
4. dark chocolate
5. chips and salsa
6. can I put popcorn on here again?
7. home made tacos

7 people I tag:
I decide not to tag anyone cause last time only two people did it. :(
well there you go, more about me!
hoping to blog some crafty stuff soon, just haven't been in the mood lately

kind of annoyed...

2008-11-18T11:55:00.001-08:00

I just went to upload the birthday pictures I took of my husband yesterday and they aren't there! just gone, not there, the other pictures are there but not the ones we took last night. grrr...these are the times that i don't like technology.
I'm bummed!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!
Thought this was awfully darling! :)

making up for lost time....

2008-11-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

So about a week ago we had our park torn out and they started to install all new equipment. It took time especially because of the rain we got. Everyday Gabriel would look out the window to check on the progress. :)

finally last Thursday it was finished! Needless to say we've been making up for the lost time and playing out at the park a lot this week!

I took the opportunity of snapping pictures of the kids or course! And here are some of my favorites.

I don't have too much to say about them other than that I'm in love with my darling children!

I love the lighting in these as the sun was setting...

These are some of my absolute favorites and i'm planning on framing them for our house. :) too precious!

well, as always thanks for looking!

Go Check it out!

2008-11-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

I have recently come across a lovely blog called Grosgrain, by one of the many talented women, mommies and wives that exist in the blogosphere. She just recently launched her new children's clothing website, GrosgrainStore.com and I litterally drool over her designs! so, you should check it out!

A little something for the chilly days ahead...

2008-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Recently my Mom crocheted a darling baby sweater and posted pictures on her blog, G-babies and Other Wonderments (you should go check it out!) The post was in Oct. I believe. Anyway, she was a dear and shared it with my little Gwennie bean.

So as was requested I took pictures and am posting them so she can see her handiwork on her youngest G-baby.

Thankfully despite the sunny appearance of the photos it is actually quite chilly today so she didn't mind wearing it about. :) The weather down here can't seem to make up it's mind about being hot or cold! it was 86 on Sat, freezing cold and raining on Sunday, weird!

But back to the sweater, I love it, so thanks for sharing mom. :) It's fun to dress my kids in things like this, they're unique and made with love!

Disney Land with a friend....

2008-11-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I took a last minute oportunity to go to Disney Land with a dear friend of mine. We had a wonderful time and it was so fun to have a day with no children while running around and acting like a kid myself! :)
Of course we had to take the entrance photo!

Then we headed to Space Mountain to avoid the long lines it was sure to get later in the day... What a blast! we were laughing so hard and screaming like little girls because we could!

Then we went on the Buzz Light year ride which I hadn't gone on yet, it is interactive and has you shooting things with lazer guns. My friend Brittany would like you to note the scores, yes, she was definitely winning!

We rode on Start Tours and Then went off to ride the Matterhorn which is one of my all time favorites and the last time I was there it was closed. So it was fun to ride it after so many years!

Brittany got the best seat, being in front on this ride is really the funnest ever!

Then it was off to all the kiddy rides! but first we made a stop at the Mad Hatters.

And picked up some hats to wear all day long!

We rode on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (A family Favorite) and then waited in the long line for Peter Pan. Which was worth it like always, who doesn't love flying over mermaid lagoon? :)

Snow White was next where we posed with the poisoned apple!

And of course we had to try and pull the sword out of the stone! If you're wondering, I did this too but my picture was taken sideways and for whatever reason my computer won't let me correct that right now so you miss out on my picture as well as many other cute ones... sigh.

finally, (for the pictures that is) we rode on Thunder Mountain, again another all time favorite, only with this one the best seat is in the back of the train where it whips you around even more than the front!

we also rode Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, we walked through Tarzan's tree house, had ice cream on main street and watched the parade. oh, and for those of you who know me and know of my love for Alice in Wonderland. yes of course we rode those too, but the pictures we took were all sideways and so, are some of the ones left out in this post.... silly computer!
well, thanks for looking, it truly was a wonderful, magical day!

trick or treat.....?

2008-11-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

To start our Halloween festivities we took a trip to the pumpkin patch. where surprisingly Gabriel chose a small pumpkin...

Gwen was grumpy and spent most of the time in the wheelbarrow or in my arms.

Gabriel too enjoyed riding in the barrow,

And of course Bunny went a long too!

After getting home we began the fun part!

Gabriel wasn't so sure digging into a slimy pumpkin was fun so shortly after this picture was taken he says, "ok, all done!"

He then watched daddy finish for him...

And quite enjoyed the finished product!

He carried it around the house, kept it in his room at night, it was his little buddy!

Here is the night shot...

And this one is mine.

And here is Nathan's, he fashioned it after a Tongan mask he brought home from one of his deployments.

Now we get to the best part...COSTUMES! Gabriel got his face painted for his scarecrow costume and here we have Gwendolyn checking her brother out.

Here is the whole look, the shirt was almost too small but still fit, however I think he would have been more comfortable if it were bigger, o-well, he looks darling!

He was very into the face paint and even slept in it cause he wouldn't let me take it off! lol :)

Then it was Gwenny's turn to get done up,

this was the only time she carried her basket, but it looks cute!

Then like every darling girl who's all dressed up she had to roll about on the floor to properly brake in the outfit.

one of the few we got of her once at my friends house, she was pretty shy.

And she wanted up, always up...

Then the rest of the night was about like this! well, only if she wasn't being held by mommy that is, sigh... my poor little insecure shy baby (I know how she feels!)

And wonder of all wonders we actually managed a group shot! the only ones missing were Gwen and my friends little tiny one who was a pumpkin, very precious!

Then the madness began! this was Gabriel's first time so it took him about two houses to figure it out.

At every door he left saying "goodbye, go to ring the door bell!". I honestly think he was more into the doorbell ringing than the candy!

And there you have it! it was a fun evening. even though Gwen was completely done in by the end of it, over all it was a success! :)

What to wear on Halloween....

2008-10-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Or rather what i might be wearing if I had the time and money to make any of them. :)

First off we have my favorite gown from "Tristan and Isolde" which I actually have a pattern that's fairly close to so this one might be in production in the near future.

Next we have the "Gladiator" costume, I've always loved the whole wrapped up in ribbon thing. :) and who wouldn't want to finish it off by draping yourself in gorgeous luxurious fabrics? I mean really!

This one is from "Kingdom of Heaven", it doesn't get much screen time but I love it's construction and the color is divine!

Next is one of the many gorgeous costumes from "The Other Boleyn Girl". I have always like this style though which is called Cranach I believe.

Now we enter into the regency era. There are too many costume films here to show you all my favorites to I limited myself to only absolute favorites.
is it possible to fall in love with a time period because of their hats? well I love love love this one from "Sense and Sensability".

And again, Marianne's hat is just yummy! (she's on the left in case you didn't know)

Marianne's purple/brown gown has always been a favorite.

And I also love the color and print of this gown from "Becoming Jane".

here comes the true eye candy! this section could have gotten way too long as there are just way too many 18th century gowns i'm in love with but again, I show restraint, lol :)

this lovely concoction is from "The Duchess", isn't the hat just amazing!!! I read somewhere that Keira Knightly kept it she liked it so much, I knew I always liked her for a reason! haha :P

The following three are from "Marie Antoinette". This one is made stunning by the red velvet belt contrasted against the pale blue.

I love the trimming on this one and the bow around her neck is too fun! I wish I could get away with that on a daily basis. :) And the shirring and buttons down the front....ahh the detail!

This one might just be my favorite of all hers...maybe. I think I love it because it has a similar shape to bustle gowns which I love but it still maintains the conical shape of the 18th century something I also love. best of both I guess.

This one is another where the hat is what pulls me. It was one of the first promotional pictures to come out and had me drooling for more. I also love the salmon pink dress on the far right with the lacy sleeves!

Here we have my favorite gown from "Vanity Fair". I love the collar and her hair is a piece of art!

This is the Daun Jaun costume from "Phantom of the Opera". I have always liked it for multiple reasons. interestingly this costume has two corsets. a flesh colored over bust worn under the lacy chemise and the darker under bust which you see.

And from "Moulin Rouge" we have another one I seriously mean to make one day!

This one is from the movie "Silk", And I just love the lace inset, it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland for some reason, which happens to be a favorite of mine. :)

I have always thought this dress from "Cold Mountain" was so feminine and sweet looking.

I have been in love with this dress for a long time... the saddest part is that in the film, "Dracula" you see the bodice only for maybe 2 min.! it's truly a tragedy in the costumers world! lol, but really

the amount of work and detail in the train is just stunning!!!

The bustle cage itself is a beautiful piece of art!

This one is from "Van Helsing" and I actually like the one which looks just like this, but with a blue jacket, better however I couldn't find a good picture of it, so you get to see it's red twin!

There are many lovely gowns in "The Lord Of the Rings" but I have always loved this green one worn by Eoywn.

And finally there is the bedspread dress from "Enchanted" which I have a pattern for but still haven't found the right fabric...

so, there you have it, some of my favorite costumes in film and what i'd dress up as today if I could.

come back tomorrow for pictures of pumpkins and my little folk dressed up in their costumes! :D

sugar cookies!!!

2008-10-21T14:39:00.001-07:00

Today we made sugar cookies! I mixed up the dough while the kids played and once Gwen was napping Gabriel helped me cut them out.

Then while they both took their afternoon nap/quiet time I went ahead and frosted them. I considered leaving some for Gabriel to do himself but by the time I got that far I just wanted to be done and have a clean kitchen.
They are tasty though! Nathan will be excited, he loves sugar cookies. He also loves it when I bake things for him to come home to. :)

Marie Antoinette's gown...

2008-10-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite costume websites is The Costumer's Guide to Movie Costumes. Her update today shared a link to the Royal Ontario Museum which is featuring a video on a gown believed to be worn by Marie Antoinette, though altered later in the 19th century. I found it interesting and so thought to share it here as well. :) She also mentioned that yesterday was the anniversary of Marie Antoinette's death...

first hair do...

2008-10-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

On the night before last as I was combing Gwendolyn's hair fresh from the bath I realized that it might finally be long enough to do something with! so far we've only done clip on bows. So yesterday morning I tried it out and sure enough it is long enough!

We now enter into the world of little girl hair! I love it and can't even tell you how much I have been looking forward to it. :D Obviously I'm still limited but it'll be so fun when we can braid and curl and play! Lol, it's like having a little dolly to play with, hehe!

How does she feel about this new do? well, she's not so sure, didn't cry about it but kept reaching up to touch them and occasionally pull them out. :) We'll turn her around yet, you'll see...

But isn't she just the cutest thing ever?! :)

sewing, sewing, sewing...

2008-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally made it to the fabric store and got the necessary things to finish up Gwen's costume. I was also able to get stuff to get started on Gabriel's.
He decided to be the scare crow (or snow crow as he says it).
so, here is the little felt hat... which he's wearing sideways...

And then I took an older pair of cords he has that had been accidentally bleached playing in some water and added colorful patches.

And now I'm waiting yet again to go to the fabric store to finish the top as I inevitably always forget something! But I was already in a sewing mood by now so today I made this P.J. shirt from some old t-shirts of my husbands. Now just to find some cute plaid flannel or something to make some bottoms to go with it!

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Tagged....

2008-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by AmandaBeth :)
so, here are my seven randoms facts about me!

1) I'm addicted to Goldfish crackers
2) I was born in a funeral home
3) I don't have a favorite color, too many that I love for me to ever pick just one!
4) I married my first and only love!
5) I have a tiny freckle on my left eyelid
6) I would wear corsets and dresses every day if people wouldn't make fun of me
7) some day i'll have a cat and name her Dinah from Alice and Wonderland

hmmmm.... now to pick my 7 people to tag...
hehehe :)

it's the little things in life...

2008-10-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I ran to Target to pick up some diapers and walked passed this purse, I did a double take, the initial glance as you're hurrying by and then a "wait I really like that!" stop and look. But I was in a hurry and didn't have an extra $24 laying around and so kept walking.

Then I got some fun money from my beloved and while out with a friend decided to go ahead and treat myself! (thank you my love!) It is very soft and does not feel much like plastic. has a great color! I'm quite partial to bronze and copper these days. Not to mention great storage! Which is a must with small children.

Then yesterday I was getting ready to cook dinner, (yes I am actually cooking now!) and while reading through the recipe again was dismayed to find that I was supposed to be cooking the dish in and oven proof skillet. I don't own one and after looking at the scantiness that is my cook ware,(due to lack of good storage)I couldn't think of a thing to substitute or make it work. and so, off to Target, again!

$20! and I went home to cook! In case you are wondering, it was a very yummy dish called spinach and feta frittata, similar to a quiche. And also this is the third meal I've made this week from a cookbook, a personal record. The husband has given 3 out of 3 so that's even better! :)

Back to the trip to Target last night...
I was in a hurry so I could get home and make dinner for my hungry family and in the rush down the isles passed one of those end sections where they place clearance items. It had lamps for 75% off! There were three I liked but after a very quick thinking through decided I liked this one best for my home.

It's a brushed bronze and so lends warmth to wherever you place it not by it's lighting alone. It also has a classic feel to it, which I find I am drawn to more and more these days. Timeless is always better than trendy when you're on a tight budget and trying to decorate a home.

It's the little things...they warm the heart. My dear man loves me and works hard so he can support our family. I am so blessed to have so much, a home, healthy kids, a husband who loves me, and fun money to buy pretty things I don't really need. :)
God is good and faithful in his promises!

And my small stash of fun money barely noticed the loss with a price tag like this! Now I have to find a lamp shade but I'm looking forward to the hunt! :)

Bunny

2008-10-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is Bunny, Gabriel's pal and constant companion. When he was little his comfort object was a small cow, but last year we left him at a friends house and he ended up staying there for about 3 weeks. which is apparently long enough for a three year old to detach from said toy. Last Easter his grandma P. gave Gwendolyn a soft bunny which Gabriel took a liking to immediately! And so began the friendship of Gabriel and Bunny.

They do everything together and Gabriel is very much a big brother and/or parent to Bunny. Characteristics I hope he'll come to implement upon his sister soon. :)
He reads books to Bunny, tucks him into bed, dresses him some times, sings to him, and makes sure he's well taken care of if the need arises to do something that doesn't include Bunny. Making brownies this morning for instance.

I recently felt the need to document this because I know that too soon he'll grow up and grow out of this kind of play, which is normal and right in it's place. But I do want to cherish and keep as much of it as I can. Childhood is a magical time, full of learning and imaginary realities. I love that as a parent we are able to nurture creativity and a love for learning, by stepping back in time to be a child again ourselves.

for instance, did you know that I am a wonderful train track engineer? Well I am, I have been building train track configurations for at least 2 years now and my creativity is always much needed. "I want this piece mommy, I want this piece!"...How do you use every single piece of train track you own and make it all work? wouldn't you like to know?! lol
Thankfully, as my little man is growing up he's becoming a very brilliant engineer himself and only needs my help here and there these days.
And when not building trains he's learning how to care for Bunny, share with Bunny, love Bunny and all the things he'll need in order to be a loving father one day, Lord willing. :)

siblings...

2008-10-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last week when it got really hot I set the kids up on our bed to watch a movie,
Gwen had gotten into my hair basket and found some head bands thus why they are wearing them. :)

I loved that they were sitting still and snuggling together! My little people hardly ever sit still!

Then today they were playing quite excitably on their rockers.
Gwen is in love with this pastime and Gabriel usually joins her at some point.

It's a joy to watch them have fun together :)

It's a joy to be a mother!

what to do on a hot day...

2008-10-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

spagetti for the first time!

2008-10-01T15:58:00.001-07:00

Gabriel...the little man

2008-10-01T15:51:00.001-07:00

our little man, he's full of fun and high on energy but certainly darling and knows how to play hard!

Some of Gwenny girl....

2008-10-01T15:45:00.001-07:00

our sweet baby girl, isn't she so cute!!! :)

reading...

2008-10-01T15:40:00.001-07:00

My children enjoy reading, or at least looking at the pictures and imagining. I enjoy reading to them and love that they get excited by books. I have such a love for books and always hoped I'd instill it into my kids, so far, it seems to be working. :)

bubble fun for two!

2008-10-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

ok, so no, there aren't many bubbles but, there are two!

eating...

2008-10-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

eating peanut butter and jelly can be so exciting!!!

little bird

2008-09-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I painted this a couple weeks ago, I was copying a little vintage stamp of my great grandmothers so I don't even know if it's at all like the real bird out there in the world. My mom and I have been talking about doing nature journalism and watercolors so I figured I'd share them as they come into existence.

by the way, it is really very warm here today, makes me wish it were raining or snowing instead...

Ribbons and sparkly things!

2008-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

I like ribbons, it's one of those things that is so versatile and so lovely!
I have a basket full as you can see, yet still i buy more! :D

i mentioned my trip to Micheals, well they always have this $1 ribbon section right up near the registers which usually adds a couple $s onto my final purchase.
I had bought some of the green/blue ribbon awhile back thinking it'd be lovely trim on a costume one day. well this time they had more so i got two more rolls as well as the brown and the creamy pinky one. the really fun part is that there are 5 yards on each spool! I would hope 15 yards would be enough to use as trim on a victorian bustle gown anyway! :)

I also thought i'd share with you my glitter letters. I had bought these last year while shopping with my sister in law Heather for some fun Christmas decorating supplies. (I like a silvery Christmas)

and so this time I purchased the gold ones for my fall decorations which i'm still waiting on inspiration to kick in to put up. lol :P
but they're lovely and perfect for fall!

continued costume progress

2008-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Due to my sewing machine's lack of a zipper foot i have had to put Gwen's dress on hold till a trip to the fabric store again. (where hopefully i'll be able to find a zipper foot that will attach to my old machine!) In the mean time, as mentioned, we were keeping out eye on some "ruby slippers" for sale on Ebay. Well they ended up passing our $ limit so I went with plan B. Make my own!

I started with these shoes which we had bought for my sisters wedding. I figured that she hasn't worn them since and will just grow out of them soon anyway so I might as well put them to good use right! :)

After a quick trip to Michaels today and thanks to Martha Stewart, I was equipped with the necessary tools...red glitter and glitter glue.

And so, you have a home made version of ruby red slippers! I did them rather quickly this afternoon and need to go back after they've fully dried to do some touch up work and make sure all the excess glitter is removed but all in all i think they turned out quite nicely!

2008-09-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

It took her some time to learn, and it took us a good week to capture it on film but here it is, Gwendolyn walking!

I will add that this was last week, and she is already 10 times better at it! It's amazing to watch them learn and grow. :)

2008-09-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a little peek at what I've been busy with lately, Gwen's costume!
can you guess who she's going to be?

I still have some work to do obviously but most of it is done
below are some more detailed pictures of the sleeves and the band on the skirt.

We are working to secure a pair of Red glittery shoes from ebay to round the look out. add a little basket and a doggy and she'll be good to go!

just a couple more

2008-09-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

A couple more pictures. and sorry i'm not talking much, still getting my house back in order after being away. i'm also finally working on some fall projects and decorating the house. will post pics of all that when it's done.
enjoy! :)

update on life

2008-09-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

we have been busy busy busy! and now i'm just plain tired so here are a couple fun pics i was able to snap on the wedding day! hope you enjoy!

A day at the beach

2008-08-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a quick post, but just wanted to put up the pictures and video. we had a lovely day at the beach last weekend, Gabriel had fun trying to skim board and we discovered that Gwen has a love of the ocean! :) enjoy!

2008-07-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

our dear little Gwennie girl has yet to really walk, though she has been known to stand on her own without aid of hands for furniture, and even took her first steps just a few days ago! (though she has yet to do so again)
She doesn't crawl either though.
we call her the knee walker...

2008-07-31T08:52:00.001-07:00

last weekend we went to the beach. We didn't feel like being around too many people so we went down to the military strand where the seals train.
(forgive my hair it was rather humid and windy!)

Gabriel found a live sand dollar
this was actually just the first of many, we found more still living than we did dead.

We also found several of these tiny orange sea anemones, the picture doesn't do the color justice, they were bright orange , like hunting safety gear!
anyway, they were well camouflaged to the kelp cause my God is cool like that.

Gabriel also found several small shells and rocks while we explored.

And Gwen was quite into the sand dollars...she even tried to eat one! :)

baby apron

2008-07-25T09:24:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday I was in a sewing mood but since it's been awhile since i've really made anything I decided a little project would be best.

And so, you get a baby sized apron! :)
It was fun to figure out how I was going to piece it all together with the ruffles and straps etc...I put snaps on the straps so i can adjust them easily. in fact even though it fits perfect i have to redo the snaps already because it rides up her belly and then the straps fall down...
Can't wait till she starts walking! Now I just have to find a pattern and make her a white dress to go with it!

Lego Land!

2008-07-21T10:07:00.001-07:00

This weekend we went to Lego Land.....

Gwen was NOT into having her picture taken...

But Gabriel was a little more friendly....until he tried to steel the guys hat...

which was glued to his head.

We found ourselves in a tiny D.C.

Gabriel was fascinated!

He especially liked the trucks and cars driving around.

We also saw Las Vegas,And New York City!

I think one of Gabriel's favorites though was seeing Thomas,

and Bob the Builder!

OH, and riding the train of course too!

learning the basics....

2008-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Our little Gwen, being in the first years of life, is having to learn so much that we big people take for granted. Her latest endeavor of independence has been to use utensils.
You can see her concentration....
Brother Gabriel wanted in on the picture taking...
Then she resorted to her hands...
Or why not just eat straight from the bowl? :)And in case pictures just aren't enough here is some video!

Birthday Girl...

2008-07-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Warning, there are a lot of pictures in this post!

Yesterday we celebrated the first year of Gwendolyn Marrin's sweet and precious life!
Here are some recent pictures i've taken of her over the last week...
As for her birthday party,
we started with present opening...

She enjoyed looking at her card and her new bible themed flash cards
And her new "baby" since we lost the old one,
this time it's a small pink elephant!
she wasn't so sure about this one though...

Ah, clothes!

Gabriel made himself useful
she liked the clothing tags

And then, the cake!
which is topped with my own first birthday cake topper!
"ooooh!"

she was excited and liked us singing....actually i was the only one who sang but whatever!
the tentative touch
still not completely sure
hmmm...
maybe a bigger bite?
"yummy!"
then the sugar began to set in....

Over all it was a good first birthday cake i think! :)

We love you Gwenny Girl!
We are so thankful and blessed that God has gifted us with your life!

day with the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma and papa!

2008-07-01T08:10:00.001-07:00

We got to spend a day at Hume with my parents, siblings, niece and nephew.
We took the kids to play at the lake

Avery enjoyed building with her papa,Gabriel found some goggles,
Now he's ready for and adventure!Then we lost a boat, :(

"OH NO!"

But uncle Nole rescued it! "My hero!"

North was amazed!

Gwen stayed dry this time and thankfully didn't eat any grass!

catching up with life...

2008-07-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well, summer has been busy and fun,
We have been enjoying the pool,

Gwen enjoys the water as well but is pictured here taking a beverage break...

Otherwise it's just been lots of playing in diapers due to hot days and no air conditioning!

Early morning breakfasts....

new summer shoes,

All that good stuff!

2008-05-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

~Thrice concert~

this past Thursday my beloved husband and I were able to attend a Thrice concert along with all of my dear siblings and their significant others. (all except poor Edward, he was all alone, sniff sniff....) That was really the best part, just seeing everyone, hanging out all together etc...
There wasn't much talking since the music is quite loud and rowdy. (in a good way!)
One of my favorite parts was watching the men folk in the crazy pit.
We had a nice little seating area that was off to the left of the stage and raised up a bit above the main floor. it provided a great view of the stage as well as really being able to watch the crowd.
There were several crowd surfers, one girl in particular who almost got dropped on her head at least twice. but she must have been enjoying herself for she was up there a lot....either that or her friends found her annoying and so just kept hoisting her on the crowd....not sure.
Anyway, it was fun to watch our men,
my own dear husband was unable to participate due to an injury that he could not risk making any worse. but my brothers and future brother in law as well as my little sis' boyfriend were all out there. Sadly at the very end of the last song poor Cody got his hat ripped off his head and thrown into the crowd. :( we were all disappointed at that, but thankfully that was the worst it.

Thrice

Thrice was of course the main reason for the concert,
And well worth it too.
Their music is innovative and interesting
and their lyrics are meaningful, often sharing biblical truths or scripture itself.
I quite enjoyed their performance!

Pelican

Pelican was the group which played right before Thrice,
they are instrumental and there fore no lyrics,
however it was still fun to watch them perform and i did like their sound.

Circa Survive

and before them was Circa Survive....
hmmm where to start...
well, they were certainly entertaining i suppose.
The lead singer was extremely odd in my opinion, I felt certain he was possessed at moments, lol, but then perhaps i'm just way too sheltered!
either way, i spent most of the time laughing and the rest of the time praying....

Aushua

And finally, although they played first....
Aushua, a newer group.
I enjoyed their music a lot and hope they continue to gain fans and make more music.
I felt bad that the crowd was so dull,
Heather and i tried to get them into it but no one seemed to be interested. :(
well, we liked them anyway.

That's about all i can think of for now, I'm kind of tired, probably shouldn't be blogging while tired,
so if you're reading this and it's boring or you can't understand something that is why. :)

my little ones....

2008-05-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

So I figure it's about time to update my blog,

and since my life is all about my children these days that's what you get!
Here is Gabriel with the unstoppable duo,
"Woody and Buzz"!

Here is Gwendolyn climbing the stairs,
A new accomplishment, but one that only ever goes so far.
She always gets to the second stair and then gives up.Gabriel snuggling on the couch...watching "Bob the Builder" of course!
Gwendolyn playing,
her smile can brighten any day!
Ahhhhh, sleeping children, who doesn't love that?!
Though this little hand ought to be captured forever.
For all to soon it will grow and change,
These are all from yesterday, we played and played and they went straight to bed! :)
My little man,
Love his little feet!
He's my little monkey!
Gwen was quite interested in this rake.
I think she played with it most of the afternoon.
She sits like this a lot!
My little lady :)
look closely at the upper right hand corner,
note the tongue,
He gets it from his papa :)
(neither Nathan or i stick our tongues out while concentrating)
Awww, are we done already?
sorry no more pictures for today...

Ikea

2008-04-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

Went to Ikea the other day with a friend,
and came home with some fun things.
I found this bedspread which will be fun to add to my collection of bed linens!
I like to have different things so I can switch it up fairly often.
I also found the lovely white throw at the end of the bed.
It's really great for summer since it's very sheer and airy,

I tried to get a close up so you can see the way it's made, all scrunched up! :)
(Gabriel wanted "Woody" to be in the picture)

I also found this little metal tree,

My plan is to hang some fun things on it, not sure what yet though...
And then I finally got around to buying this...

I had seen them in the Ikea catalog months ago and have been wanting to get one ever sense!
It is actually for the bathroom but I don't have a lot of counter space in my kitchen and decided it was the perfect fruit holder!
I got some other things too but just haven't taken pictures since they are fairly mundane...
lol, well, enjoy!

2008-04-09T22:20:00.001-07:00

Gwendolyn has learned how to pull herself up on things and is in the beginner stages of "cruising"!
And so we enter into the season of falls and bumped foreheads...
She is also ridiculously into her toys like normal...

her face in this picture is so precious and makes me want to kiss and squeeze her!!!!
But of course we must not forget my other darling child!

He likes to eat apple sauce...
haha!
actually, his most recent thing is being ridiculously snuggly and clingy...
something i have to remind myself to cherish in the moments when i can't get anything done.
I just close my eyes and think about the day when he doesn't want hugs anymore
or gets embarrassed by my kisses...
then i hug him close and thank Jesus that He gave me such sweet treasures!

tempted.....

2008-04-04T21:13:00.001-07:00

We had been wanting to buy this for some time now, having heard great and wonderful things about it and thinking it would be a fun series to own.
So when amazon was having a sale and we were able to get it for a mere $20! we pounced!

However, my beloved husband has made me promise not to open it and watch it till he comes home!
"Sure, I can do that for you love!" I said,
however now that it has arrived, came in the mail yesterday, I can't hardly stand it!
I want to watch it!!!!
yes, even now I am sorely tempted...
So, to end my agony I have decided to hide it somewhere where I don't have to look at it often but won't accidentally forget where it is entirely.
(wouldn't want to lose it you know)
And then we went to Blockbuster...
Gabriel chose....are you ready? Huge shocker!

He's in love with Stuart Little! watches them all the time!

I chose this one....

Haven't seen it but remembered hearing it was alright...
figured I'd give it a shot. :) I also rented some of the first season of
"The Tudors", not sure if it's any good but I know for a fact that the costumes are!
haha, I'm such a sucker for great costumes!
So yes, that's my plan, get my mind off of wanting so badly to watch great footage of my God's beautiful and glorious creations!

I got sunshine....

2008-04-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the grocery store to pick up some water and milk.
In order to get to the water isle from the door I always walk right past the kiosk of flowers and balloons. Normally I just walk right by, I don't usually stop and look at the flowers but for some reason today they totally caught my attention!
Perhaps it was the large selection of my favorite flowers?
Yes, the Ranuculous are my favorite flower.

So I gave in, and now have lovely yellow flowers on my table!
It is amazing how much sunshine and happy thoughts accompany flowers. :)
I must say i had a hard time choosing colors though.
There were white ones and a lighter yellow.
and several different arrangements of multiple colors put together.

But i finally decided on these,
Ahhhhh,
aren't they lovely! ;)
haha, well I'm happy about it anyway!

babylegs and a dress form....

2008-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

These are called "Babylegs"
I have always thought the idea was cool and was actually going to purchase some online soon.
Then last night at Target i noticed that they had some!
So that was fun! :)

But this was even more fun!

I was up at my sister's this last weekend doing wedding things,
and by chance it came up in conversation that i enjoy sewing and costumes etc...
Well the lady of the house mentioned that she had an old dress form she'd bought at and antique store years ago that she no longer wanted.
So she gave it to me!!!!
It's so cute and so old! I love it and am looking forward to finding fun things to display on it. :)