Violin vs. Fiddle

When we were in Canada Jacob got asked to show the difference between a violin and a fiddle. Hope you enjoy!



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Mommy's Little Helper

These days Lily is seriously all over the place! She's not crawling yet, but she's scooting everywhere. What makes it crazier, is that she is super fast! I turn my head for two seconds and she's across the room getting into something. We don't have a jumperoo or exersaucer yet, but we will be getting one very, very soon!

I was busy doing laundry the other day and I needed some way to keep her contained while I got a couple loads of clothes changed out and started, so I put her in the empty basket with some toys. She loved it!

The sweet little onesie that Lily's wearing (sorry I didn't get a better picture of it!) is from my friend Kristen. She sewed the adorable ruffles on the hiney - so cute!

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Have a wonderful Thursday!

Lily learns to kiss

Have a great day!

Lily Found Her Tongue!

Within the last few days Lily has figured out she has a tongue! It's so funny to see her sticking it out and pulling it back in. Everytime I've gotten the camera out lately, she's stuck her tongue out when I tell her to smile. ha!

She's a mess, for sure!

Hopefully this stage will pass before too long . . . if not, I'll have to convince her that sticking out her tongue is not ladylike! Ha!

Sweet baby girl, you are my JOY!!

This post is linked to just for the JOY of it at Good, True, and Beautiful.

just for the JOY of it- photoshoot

Yesterday a bunch of our family met at the park for lunch. It was a gorgeous day! My brother-in-law is a super photographer, so he did a little photoshoot for us. Myra posted some great pictures on her blog today too! Hope you enjoy!

Love Lily's face in this one!

The azaleas were beautiful!!

Typical family picture! Ha.

That's better!

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We {heart} Slings!

I've always loved the idea of babywearing! My sister used several different slings/carriers with my nephew, so I got to try them out with him. I really liked Myra's Maya Wrap ring sling and her Beco carrier. When I found out I was pregnant with Lily, I started researching carriers to see what I thought would be the best for me. It is crazy how many different kinds of carriers there are! I was very overwhelmed at first!

After awhile I decided I wanted to try a HotSling, but they are pretty expensive {as are most carriers}. I checked ebay and they had this brand new HotSling in my size! We bid on it and won! It ended up being about $10 including shipping!

Out of all the slings I've tried, the HotSling is my very favorite! It's so easy to put on and get Lily into. And since HotSlings are made in different sizes depending on your height, I don't have to adjust it to fit my body.

Jacob tried it on and it was so snug on him! There was hardly enough pocket to get Lily in it. ha!

I use this sling all the time, at the grocery store, at church, on walks, and just around the house. It is so wonderful to just stick Lily in the sling when she's fussy. Being close to me calms her down, but I still have my hands free to cook dinner, wash dishes, work, blog, etc.

Myra let us borrow her Maya Wrap ring sling. Jacob has especially enjoyed wearing Lily in it. Ring slings are also quick and easy to put on, but you do have to tighten them up once you get the baby in it. I have never had any problems with a sore back during or after using the HotSling or the Ring Sling. Lily's weight is evenly distributed across my back and shoulders making it very easy to carry her.

Several weeks ago I got the idea to make a Moby Wrap. I went to Hancock Fabrics and found this stretchy fabric on the clearance table! It cost me $10 for 5 yards of fabric, but I cut it in half length-wise so I got two wraps. That's $5 for a Moby Wrap!

I really like how Lily fits in it, and it's super comfortable, but it's just pretty complicated to get on {I know it's not that bad, but after I've been used to the HotSling that you can put on with one hand, it's just more involved}. Another down side is that it's really bulky {I mean, 5 yards of fabric is a lot of fabric!} so you can't just stick it in the diaper bag when you go out.

Lily seems to like all of the slings! She just loves being all cozied up close to her Mommy and Daddy.

Well, that's just my two cents worth about slings. I know nobody asked for it, but that's ok, I just wanted to share my opinions about the different kinds I've used.

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I'm Lovin' Mimi's Babies!

It is no secret that I love all things girly for Lily. Just imagine my excitement and joy when I got this surprise package from Charissa at Mimi's Babies!!

Charissa made these two beautiful flower clips for Lily! Aren't they adorable? They are so well made too. It was the first time I'd seen Charissa's work in real life, and boy was I impressed! {Edit: I have seen Charissa's work before...but not the flower hairclips. Just clarifying!}

Super cute, huh?!

Before Lily was born we were given a blue carseat that some friends had used. I asked Mimi if she could make a girly carseat cover and this is what she came up with. I love that it is unique, cute and durable!

Mimi's Babies has so many adorable items for the sweet little ones in your life! Just for the record, I'm not being paid to say this...I just wanted to share my love for them with ya'll!!

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Things I Love Thursday
Just for the Joy of it

Love, True Love!

This is a fun little thing fill out around Valentine's Day. I did it last year and thought I'd do it again this year. 

February 2008 - during the 2 weeks we were dating

1. When was your "engagement" anniversary: February 23, 2008

2. When is your "marriage" anniversary: June 21, 2008

3. How long have you known your spouse: around 15 years

4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged: haha...well, 2 weeks

5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time: Don't remember exactly, but I think it was at 4-H

6. What is your spouses name: Jacob

7. Do you have any children yet: 6 wk old Lily Grace

8. How many: Just 1 for now

9. Do you have any house pets: yes, 2 chocolate labs- one is named Roo and the other is nameless

10. Do you own a house or rent: Own

11. Do you live in the country or town/city: town/city

12. What is one of your favorite activities together: cooking or watching a movie

13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot: Not really, yet. Anywhere we go together

14. How many siblings (including in-laws): 9

15. What church do you attend: Trinity Presbyterian Church

16. Is this the church you were married in: yes  

17. What is your favorite restaurant to eat at together: Outback

18. Do you work or stay at home: Stay home with my little girl & work from home as well.

19. Where did you honeymoon: Charleston, SC

20. Leave a piece of marriage advice: 1.Give your all and expect nothing in return! 2.Love covers all sins.

January 2010 - our latest family picture

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Just for the JOY of it - homemade gifts

I love making homemade gifts! They just seem more personal and special, but they also usually save money! Here are some of the gifts I've made this year.

Brownie mixes in a jar

I made the labels with cardstock and Christmas paper from Hobby Lobby. 

I think the burlap and rope added a neat old-timey touch.

These bags of goodies are for our neighbors and church family. I love using the clear bags, they just look festive to me!

I also made the labels using paper from Hobby Lobby (it was all 1/2 price of course!) In case you're wondering, I did not hand write all of the labels. I downloaded some free fonts to my computer from kevinandamanda.com and then just printed out the labels on cardstock. So easy!

I made these bags for all of Jacob's students and youth orchestra kids (about 60 altogether!) I found the bag toppers at Hobby Lobby (of course! ha!). It was so fast and easy to fill sandwich sized baggies with goodies and then just staple the bag topper on!

I find lots of JOY in giving, but I especially love it when I'm able to add homemade touches to the gifts!

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Just for the JOY of it - baby gifts

It's such a beautiful cold day today! The sun is shining and the air is biting and I'm just thankful to be alive to enjoy this glorious day!

Nanny is still hanging on, but weakening more and more. Jacob and I were able to spend time with her and the rest of the family yesterday. It was a precious time, although very hard! Thank you for your prayers.

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite homemade baby gifts that we've received for Lily Grace. So this post isn't too long, I'll show you more next week!

My dear Aunt Jan (my Mom's sister) crocheted this beautiful baby blanket and hat. I love the extra ribbon detail...makes it so unique! My Granny crocheted alot, so it's special to have this blanket made by my aunt.

My friend Charissa made these adorable crocheted-edge socks. Aren't they adorable and oh so girly?! It's hard to find cute dressy socks and I'm just tickled that Charissa made them for Lily. Be sure to check out Mimi's Babies Etsy shop. Mimi and Charissa have so many creative items for sale. Also my sister is hosting a giveaway for some dish cloths from Mimi's Babies! You should go check it out!

These bibs were given to me at my baby shower. The lady who gave them to me said that she bought them online, but couldn't remember the website. I have searched several times to try to find the seller, but with no success. It's going to be hard to bring myself to use these bibs...they are just so pretty! The back of them is a towel and then the front (as you can see) is decorated so beautifully!

I bought this hat from my friend April, at April Accents. I love crocheted hats, especially this time of year. April has a sale going on right now that you should definitely check out especially if you need some last minute Christmas gifts for little ones in your life!

And last (but not least) for today, a dear lady in my church made these booties and bib for Lily Grace. I honestly can't imagine the time and patience it took to make these beautiful items. The detail is amazing!

I think Lily will look adorable wearing them!

Head over to Good, True and Beautiful to see more Just for the JOY of it posts!

I hope ya'll have a wonderful day!

The JOY of the Lord is your strength!

Nehemiah 8:10

just for the JOY of it - Headers and Heros

First off I want to say a big thank you to Sharon at Good, True and Beautiful for designing my new blog header! I love it!

I know many of you are participating in the 30-day Giving Challenge hosted by Kingdom First Mom, well, Sharon wanted her giving to benefit bloggers, so she offered to create 30 blog headers or buttons for bloggers this month. Such a great idea! I pray that Sharon will be blessed abundantly for her abundant giving!

Yesterday Jacob and I went to a Veteran's Day parade in our town. It was such a joy to see so many incredible men honored for their sacrifice to our country!

Doesn't this picture just warm your heart?! My sweet hubby took it, and I think it's amazing. That proud strong hand that is now old and wrinkled, once fought so hard for our country. Yesterday my heart swelled with pride as I took part in honoring these heros. Our nation has been so blessed by these wonderful men!

This post is linked to Good, True and Beautiful's just for the JOY of it.