waiting for spring...

"For being the shortest month of the year, February can sure drag on and test our grit.  Instead of fighting winter to its bitter end, try embracing the subtle ways nature can sustain you.  Take a walk around your yard.  Listen for the first birdsong.  Turn your face to the warmth of longer sunlit days.  Spring is just around the corner."  Jane McKeon (senior associate editor of better homes and gardens). 

I was thinking tonight about enjoying the last days of winter, which seem to be the hardest for me.  Being a stay-at-home mom, I long for warm days and time to spend outside.  Instead of moaning and groaning, I hope to embrace the last days of winter, by looking for God's signs of spring.  Today in church, our pastor talked about how God clothes the flowers better than any girl will ever look on her wedding day.  I'm so excited to see the ones he dresses this spring. 

I found a canvas tonight and decided that since I can't look at all those pretty flowers yet, I'll just paint some.  This is an acrylic floral. 

My newest crafting entertainment...bows!

So, I went into Hobby Lobby today...I know, big mistake!  I can never come out of there empty handed, and it's usually some sort of idea for a new craft or hobby,( I guess that would be the point).  But, nonetheless, I went in to pick up some scrapbook stuff and decided to try out this bow making thing.  If you haven't noticed, bows are the cutest thing ever for baby and little girls, besides flowers, (they're my true favorite)!  So, I decided to make some...and now I'm hooked!  And, for those of you who make them, ribbon is half off right now at Hobby Lobby!  Anyway, here's a few that I made.  I'll post more as I make more;  if you want me to make you one or some, shoot me an email.  khristyoden@yahoo.com

I thought they would be fun stacked!  What's the most fun about this project is that I get to try them out on my best clients, Ella and Tenley!  Can't wait! 

Taking a break!...sort of... :)

So, I decided to take a break from facebook, about a month ago, not sure if I would reactivate it or not.  I was having these "I'm so overwhelmed!" days and since it's not an option to run off to the beach for a  break, I started thinking about how I could simplify my life.  I believe that God wants us to simplify and focus on Him;  although it's incredibly hard in a world full of stuff, technology, and choices.  Taking a break now and then from all the technology that's supposed to make life "easier",  is such a good thing.  It allowed me to get my focus back and not feel "tied" to a computer.  Isn't it funny how attached we get to our stuff!?  I also realized that if you're constantly on the computer and unable to focus on, say a face to face conversation with others, without messaging someone back, consider giving it a break.  You'll be glad you did.

Another way to de-stress is to practice being thankful.  There is always something to be thankful for;  on the other hand, there's always something to complain about.  What kind of person do you want to be remembered as?  I want to be thankful.  So, even though I do get caught up in complaining from time to time, I try to stop and make a habit of pausing during the day to  thank God for all that He has given me.  Like this morning, Jacob snuggled up to me and said, "Momma, you my es-fend.", (my best friend),...and it melted my heart.  I am so thankful for him...And, again, I've been praising the Lord that Jacob is finally potty-trained!  This has changed my life...you moms out there know exactly what I mean.  Having one in diapers is okay, two is just plain hard.  But, nonetheless, he got it!  And, we are so thankful.

I haven't been doing much painting lately, which is another de-stressor for me, (so I need to get back to that)...but we have been working on a major project.  And, when I say "we", I mean Lance.  We decided to install a fireplace, hand-crafted by Lance.  And, again, when I say "we", well, you get the picture.  I'm not taking any credit!  ...He has all the major construction finished, now we're down to the ticky details.  I am so ready to see it in the house.  I love fireplaces; I think they add such a comforting feeling to your home. 

I'll post more pics later of the final product.  Remember, practice being thankful today, you can do it with me.  If you hear me complain, you can say, ehem...be thankful remember.  Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week. 
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything."  Ephesians 5: 19-20