"Sew Matchy-Matchy"

I've had this adorable apple & pear fabric I've been dying to use in a cute way. After seeing my friend use this same fabric on a super cute diaper cover for her daughter, I was tempted to do the same (and I still might with the leftovers), but was feeling sort of lazy and decided to do this instead:


The skirt waistbands are made from an old cotton knit t-shirt of mine (the sort you can purchase from Hobby Lobby). The boys shirts had staining down the center (messy eaters, I tell you!) and so these little faux ties made the perfect cover-up. I know it may seem a little feminine a fabric for a boy, but I know our boys can pull off these cute tie tees. Merikalyn loves her skirt, and Evangeline seemed to like hers as well.... although she was less enthused about the little cap I made.

Later I made two hairbows.... one for me and one for Merikalyn. I'm still considering adding a bit of this fabric to a t-shirt or something for myself.. but I haven't decided what yet.

Photos of the kids in their super cute matchy-matchiness to come!

I have a sweet hubby

I woke up this morning to find this note typed up on the screen:

I love you so much, baby!
Thank you for all that you do for me.
I feel loved.

What a kind and thoughtful husband I have!

It's hard to believe we've been married for eight years. Honestly, it seems like we've always been together, and I cannot even imagine my life without him.

On the other hand, it seems like it has flown by in the blink of an eye. I mean, wasn't it just yesterday that we became parents?


As I snuggle my sweet Evangeline, I'm reminded of when our first wee one arrived on the scene. Those were difficult times because neither of us were particularly prepared for marriage, much less parenthood. We had many struggles, made many horrible decisions, but thankfully, by the grace of God, came out on the other side of it all much stronger.

My husband truly is my "other half". I feel incomplete without him, and I know that if he was taken away from me, I'd feel like I was missing part of myself. It's obvious we've "worn off" on each other. I catch him making up words to songs like I often do. He catches me rattling off old Cajun sayings I used to think were ridiculous. We're one of those couples that finishes each other's sentences, but really don't have to say a word because we already know what each other is thinking.

A friend of mine commented, "You guys are so in tune with each other," but the truth is, things were not always this way. There was a time when we clashed at every corner. We had to learn that selfishness has no place in a marriage, and sadly, this is a lesson many couples never learn.

I have found that, if you're going to search for the flaws in a person, you will certainly find a never-ending list, but if you choose to focus on the wonderful qualities, the same will also come forth. Sometimes we are so busy picking apart our spouses, we fail to see all the wonderful qualities they possess. And, because we are being naggy and negative, we never give them the opportunity to shine further.

In those first years of marriage, I chose to dwell on those areas where I felt my husband lacked or failed me. I saw what he "wasn't doing" instead of all the great things he did do. I was angry that he didn't help much around home, but never considered how exhausted and worn he was from working long hours to provide for our family. I was "harumphing" about the toilet seat being up or his clothes strewn around the bedroom instead of appreciating a man who works diligently to provide for his family.

I've told this story before, and I'll probably tell it again a million times more, because it's so hard for me to believe I ever looked down my nose at such a wonderful man. Sure, he wasn't perfect then either, but I believe it was my attitude that drove him to do and say things that he shouldn't have. I don't think women realize how much of an impact their words and actions have on their husbands. God made us to be our husbands' biggest supporters. We are to be their encouragers and their helpers. Men love when their wives look to them with adoration and respect. Men desire to be wanted- not just "needed" because they supply a paycheck. I have found that when wives treat their husband with such love and respect, they (wives) usually receive as much in return.

So, today I want you to think about 10 things you love about your spouse. Is off to work early each morning (or home late each night) working hard to provide for the family? Does he make sure your vehicles are taken care of? Does he eat your burnt dinner with a smile on his face?

Here's my 10:

- He makes me feel safe. There's something about those big hands and broad shoulders that make me feel shielded from the world.
- He has a wonderful work ethic, and that fella works hard so that I can stay home with the children and teach them.
- He knows that I'd rather have a sewing machine than a new diamond ring, and a steam mop over a gold necklace. He's great at gift-giving, because he truly considers what would be most useful. (When I was pregnant with Keagan and having horrible "morning sickness" he replaced our old seagreen toilets with pretty new white ones so I'd have a fresh, new, lovely porcelain throne to hang over.)
- He gets me. I mean, really gets me. He doesn't make me feel ashamed about who I am or what I've done. He is really my best friend.
- He has cleaned up my throw up. And I mean, really super icky throw up. Now THAT is love, friends.
- Even though I know he's tired and would prefer to stay home and rest up, he is willing to go run errands or do something out of the house on the weekends.
- He calls me throughout the day to say he's thinking about me, and he loves me.
- He always puts our needs above his. I often feel a bit guilty about this, but pleasing his wife and children truly brings him joy- and THAT attitude brings ME joy!
- He's super handy. I mean, he can pretty much fix anything. (And if he doesn't know how, he'll figure it out as he goes.)
- We have such amazing spiritual talks. I love that we are on the same page. It's so nice to be able to have these wonderful talks about Jesus.

Yes, I love my husband, and I thank God for piecing together two broken people into one unified couple.

Baby Comparison

A few have asked to see photos of my other babies when they were, well, babies to compare them to Evie. I see little flashes of my other children in some of her expressions, but she's got her own little look.



Nolyn, appx 2 months old


Nolyn, 9 months old


Merikalyn, 4 months old

Merikalyn, appx 2 months old


Keagan, appx 5-6 months


Merikalyn, 4 months old


Merika, 1-2 months old (with Uncle Chip)


Keagan, 3 months


Nolyn


Merika, a couple months old


Keagan- 3 1/2 months

And, of Evie:








What do you think?

Baby the big boy.

Nolyn has always seemed much older than his age. He was never "babyish". He has always seemed like a grown man in a little boy's body.

Last week I realized that, because of this, I tend to treat him like he's much older. Of all the children, he is the one that has been least cuddled and coddled and babied, and for that, I feel ashamed.

Now and then, he'll climb up in my bed and snuggle next to me, and I miss the purpose. I fail to see that he is craving Mama-time and actually desires to be babied and snuggled.

Since this realization hit, I have been trying to recognize the opportunities for sweet Nolyn-Mama moments and be fully engaged with my son. I have taken him in my lap more often, holding him like I did when he was an infant... and he has enjoyed it.

Now I wonder if this is why he seems to be having issues with his younger brother, Keagan. Keagan was definitely the babying sort. He was very small the first year of his life, and at a year old, he looked to be only six-months old. He was behind a bit developmentally, but quickly caught up in the second year of his life. Still, he's very much the babyish toddler, with the babyish chubby cheeks and babyish voice. Nolyn never had a babyish voice. In fact, even small children would ask, "Is that his real voice?" He has such an articulate way of speaking, and his voice is very deep for a little boy.

I often have to remind myself... he's only five. (He'll be six in late January.) And really, I don't ever want him to outgrow Mama-snuggles. I know my husband still likes to snuggle with his mama, although now, instead he's no longer able to perch on her lap in the rocking chair. Now she sits in his lap!

I feel horrible for not recognizing this sooner- but better late than never, right? I need to remember that, while he seems to be quite big, he's still a little kiddo who just wants to be held, snuggled, and smothered with mama-kisses.

You know what he loves to do? Surprise you with big slobbery cheek-kisses. The other day he chased me around the house trying to catch me and plant one on me. :)

He's such a sweet boy, and I am blessed to be his mother.












(Couple months old)


(About a year old)

Mindful Monday: You are what you eat.

[Photo: Mandy, Fall 2009]

So next time you go shopping, remember that the foods you select to eat will literally become YOU. Your body cells are constantly being replaced, and they are built of whatever you choose to feed yourself. So the question is, do you want to be made of dead, denatured, processed non-foods or fresh, live essential enzymes, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and other vibrant, life-giving stuff?

Sarah Best, The Fresh Network

I love my Mommas!

I have the coolest group of Mommas I hang out with every week. We (all 5 of us) all just happen to cloth diaper, and a few of us even sew our own. (My friend Maria is the mind behind Cotton Cheeks!)






We like to get together and chat while we cut out diapers. :)

Cloth Diaper Lingo Glossary

[Evie-Rose Wearing Tiffany's TrueBaby Designs Diaper with a Snappi Fastener]

Some of you have asked, and now, here's your answers. What does all that diaper lingo mean?

All-in-One Diaper (AIO): diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached along with an waterproof outer layer. These diapers take a bit longer to dry because the absorbent layer is attached.

All-in-Two Diaper (AI2): diaper that has a removable absorbent layer (usually attached with snaps) and a waterproof outer layer. The soaker can be removed for washing and then snapped back in. (Example: GroVia)

Aplix: A velcro-like closure used in cloth diapering. (However, it is softer than velcro.)

Contours: An "hourglass" shaped diaper, similar to a fitted, but it does not have any elastic (no gussets around the legs). Usually must be pinned or "Snappied". Requires a waterproof cover.

Cover: Exactly what it sounds like! It is usually waterproof. A cover can be made of cotton, fleece, PUL, fleece or wool. Come in all shapes and sizes as well.

Diaper Pail Liner: A bag used to store dirty diapers. Some people simply use a kitchen trash bag, others use special washable, waterproof bags.

Doubler: An extra soaker that doubles the absorbency of the diaper. Can either be tucked in a pocket diaper or placed on top of a prefold or fitted diaper, against the baby's skin. Great option for overnight or outings.

Flat: A diaper sheet that has not been "pre-folded". You can either fold it into a rectangle and use as an insert, or learn special ways of folding them around your baby and secure by pinning.

Fitted Diaper: Diaper that is shaped to fit baby. It is usually made of cotton, hemp, or bamboo weaves. Requires waterproof covers.

Flushable Liner: A liner that is placed next to baby's skin inside the diaper. I call it the "poo catcher". It resembles a dryer sheet in that it is very thin and gauze-like. It catches solids and can be flushed down the toilet.

Insert: A layer of absorbent material typically used in a pocket diaper. The usual materials are bamboo, cotton, hemp or micro-terry.

Lanolize: A way of preparing (washing) the wool diaper cover with lanoline and soap to create a waterproof diaper. (Wool covers must be lanolized and cannot be washed along with your regular diapers.)

Longies: A diaper cover that resembles pants. Usually made of fleece or wool

Micro fleece Liner: An liner placed next to the baby's skin inside the diaper. Often built into pocket diapers, but can also be purchased to simply lay on top of fitteds, prefolds, flats, etc. Fleece is known to repel stains, making the upkeep of cloth diapers easier. Micro fleece is not absorbent but helps to draw the moisture away from baby's skin. NOT to be confused with most fleece materials you purchase at your local fabric store. All fleece is NOT micro fleece.

Minkee: An incredibly soft material used as both/either inner and outer fabric in some cloth diapers.

One-Size: Diapers that grow with your baby by adjusting in some form or fashion, often by either folding or snapping down for smaller babies. Very economical way of cloth diapering. Some companies have two sizes of "one-size" diapers for better fits. (Example: Thirsties Duo Wraps)

Pocket Diaper: Diaper that has a pocket at the front or back of the diaper for stuffing with inserts or prefolds and (usually) has a waterproof outer layer. Often has a micro fleece layer against baby's skin.

PUL (polyurethane laminate): Fabric with a waterproof laminate applied to the back.

Prefold: A rectangular material with extra absorbency in the middle. You can find these almost anywhere, including Wal-mart and Target (by Gerber, usually). Has many uses- including burp rags, dust rags, etc.

Snappi: Alternative to "pinning" diapers. T-shaped fasteners with tiny "claws" which grab the diaper and hold it in place.

Soaker: Usually means a diaper insert, but sometimes is referring to a wool cover that is made to handle heavy wetting.

Stripping: A method of removing detergent residue from diapers and inserts.

Wet Bag: A waterproof bag used to hold dirty diapers. (Great way to store dirty diapers when out of the house.)

Wicking: When the wetness from the inside of the diaper seeps through the diaper (usually around the edges) causing baby's clothes to get damp.

Wool Cover: Knitted or manufactured wool covers worn over a cloth diaper, keeping moisture in while letting air circulate. Need to be lanolized in order for them to be waterproof.

Managers of Their Chores

Quotes from the book Managers of Their Chores available at Titus2.com

"We will impact the futures of our children by whether we choose to have them do chores in our home or allow them to be free from these kinds of reponsibilities throughout their childhood years. We will prepare them for adult life, or we will hinder them."

"We do our children a huge injustice when we do everything for them and make their lives too comfortable. This is not how life will be when they are finally on their own."

"I have seen intelligent adults flounder in all of their endeavors, including marriage, simply because they were coddled as children and had no responsibilities."

"I believe it is very important for children to learn to joyfully accept their allowance of work from the Lord's hand. We are created to do the Lord's work on this earth. It has been our experience that we are not happy with too much undirected free time, both children and adults. Keeping busy and productive is one of the keys of contentment."

"From the beginning, man was created to be a worker, someone who is busy and industrious. He was not made to be a slothful person, which would be the opposite of a hardoworking one. There are twenty-one references in the bible to individuals who are called slothful or sluggards; none are positive..... It is clear that Christian parents should not desire to raise slothful children."

"The fact that God has called Christians to be industrious, hard workers is obvious as one reads down the long list of verses that contain the word 'servant'. The picture presented of the New Testament believers is one of a people who are serious about working. They are busy about their calling. Unfortunately, today in the United States, it seems that even in the church, recreation and entertainment have become the ultimate goal of our time usage."

"I wasn't given responsibility as a child. I believe that is why I struggle so much with having a sense of worth. I didn't realize that my lack of purpose was stemming from not having the fruit of my hands and seeing the bigger, eternal picture. We are told again and again in Scripture to work, to be prepared, and to watch. All of these are acts of work and service."

"Imagine for a minute if one of our hands, knees, or feet were to stop working; our service would be greatly hampered. The same is true for the body of Christ. In ever increasing numbers, different bodily parts are not working as Christ intended, and the Church in the United States is severely handicapped in carrying out the Great Commission. [...] The pleasure the Church is chasing is not quite the same as the world's, but it is still pursuing a 'cleaned-up' version of pleasure."

"Through chores, our children learn that they are contributing members of the family, and they are prepared for being contributing members of an adult society."

"A child never required to work, or one who has very little assigned to him, likely grows into an adult consumed with his self-centeredness. He does not learn the joy to be found in serving."

Video: Baby Evangeline- 2 months old

A great week in photos

I've been super busy sewing. It's become an obsession, a part of every day. So, I made myself take a break yesterday.

And yesterday happened to be our wedding anniversary! Eight years of marriage (Nine years together), and I love him more today than the day I married him. I'm glad I can honestly say that.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos of us together. So you'll have to settle with a self-portrait.

Not quite as wonderful as a photo of both of us. He truly is my better half!

Life has been quite wonderful lately, and I have just felt like God has rained down His blessing on us so abundantly that I can hardly hold it all.

I mean, I have the most precious sweet cheeks! (She's TWO months old now!)

And I've had the privilege of sewing some super sweet diapers for some super sweet friends (and myself!):





And I've had some great fellowship with my family and friends over the last week. My heart is so full!



Dad/Poppa and Evie


Celebrating Granny's 75th Birthday!


Uncle Tommy hogging the baby.


My friend Kelly snuggling Evie (Kelly is expecting a little boy in April!) at our weekly playdate.

It's just been a great week! Thank You LORD! :)

Wordless Wednesday: I forgot to post these...

Now that Evangeline is (catch me, I just might faint) almost two months... (woah, feeling dizzy)... old... (get out the smelling salts)....

I thought I would share the shots I took when she was one month. Can't believe I didn't post these sooner!








Sometimes I snuggle her and try to describe the feeling to myself, but it just cannot be described. Her soft fuzzy noggin, those sweet cupid's bow lips, her tiny ears, dimpled hands, rolly-polly thighs....

*Sigh*

And so, the only words I can think of are, "Thank you, God."

So much for the wordless part of this Wednesday post!