Feeling crafty, again

Every so often I get the bug. You know, the creative one. I have that condition where I see something that looks fairly simple to do and think, "I can totally do that." My attempts usually fall way short of the original concept. But, I definitely enjoy giving it my best.

Sewing is something I don't often have a lot of time for, but the more I do it, the more I love it. I've been trying variations of these appliques for a few months now and I think I'm improving... :) At least, I am more pleased with the results each time I complete one.

With the summer, I've had a little more time to bust out my sewing machine, and here are a few things I worked on for some cute little girls I know.








The girls wearing their new shirts



Up next, I'm contemplating trying to make some ruffled leggings or a dress with a layered bandana skirt. Can't decide. I know you'll be waiting on pins and needles to find out! :)

And here are the ones I did for my two favorite girls in Houston




For Jillian


and for Lauren

New York City, Baby!!!

In May, my sweet husband let me pack up and leave him and the girls in Texas, while I hopped on a jet plane for NYC.

Back in September, my sister Amy, who is a theater teacher for Midland Christian School, began planning a theater trip for her students to New York. Well long story short, I got to tag along as a chaperon, and for FREE!

The trip could not have come at a busier time of year, but I was very thankful for the opportunity. We had loads of fun and every single one of our four days was jam packed with sight seeing, shopping, theater, workshops, etc.

Thanks so much to my sweet husband for playing Mr. Mom to our girls for four days and to Amy for including me in your trip! You two are the best!




I can't think of a better way to start the trip off, then by going to see Wicked. I had very high hopes for this and it did not disappoint! Probably my very favorite part of the trip.


We weren't allowed to take pictures during the performance, so this is the only shot I managed to get. It's the curtain on the stage, which is a map of Oz. In the center is the Emerald City.

Day two began with a quick visit to Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Then on to 5th Ave, the Met, a Theater workshop and Empire State Building. Very full day!


This is the Dakota Apartment building - where John Lennon was shot in front of and where his wife Yoko Ono still owns and resides on the very top floor. I think our guide said it was the largest apartment, by square footage, in Manhattan - or something like that.


In front of the fountain at Lincoln Center


Can you hear the theme music to 30 Rock?

Radio City Music Hall

One of the big highlights from the trip was getting to visit the Radio City Music Hall. I truly had no idea how large this historic building was. It's been pretty much kept in it's original state since it opened in the 1930's and has a ton of history. Not to mention, is the home of the world famous Rockettes!




This is a lounge room where the performers go to relax. Sort of a green room I guess. All the furniture is original and though famous people are aloud to sit on the furniture and touch it, we were not. :(



Amy and I posing with an actual Rockette. Great for the self-esteem.

The Met

Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is something I've desired to do for about the past 8 years. On this trip I finally got too. Unfortunately, we were only there for a little over an hour. You can probably tell just by looking at the outside, that isn't nearly enough time. I could've spent all day and still not seen everything.
But nevertheless, we walked as fast as we could, getting as much in as we could and trying to take it all in as best as possible.
Here are a few highlights. Obviously the pictures do absolutely no justice to the pieces themselves.

The night we went to the Empire State Building, there was unfortunately a pretty terrible view. Not a huge deal to me, since I'd been before. But I was bummed for those who'd never seen the city from that view point. It had been cold and rainy all day, so this was the best picture I got.



The ever bashful and shy Amy, poses for a picture with one of New York City's finest. I think in the two minutes we were with him, he developed a little crush on that girl from Texas. :)

Last night in the Big Apple. Waiting in line to see Phantom of the Opera. Incredible!!!


Last day - Amy and I are standing outside The Players Club. Super fascinating.


Nothing too special about this picket line, except that I'd never actually seen one in person.


At the airport, about to head back to Texas. This is our tour guide Paula. We fell in love with her on the very first day. So happy she was our guide!

It was such a great trip and I'm so grateful to Rob for letting me go. And really appreciate Amy choosing me to go for free as the other chaperon. Thank you sissy!

Last day of Kinder

It seems like it was just a few weeks ago I was writing about my emotions as Maia began her first day of Kindergarten. But in reality it has been many months. Guess what, we made it through. At this age, Maia loves school and is really thriving. We're proud she made it in Project Think, which is MISD's accelerated learning program for K-2. She had very few behavioral issues for the entire year, receiving only a few verbal warnings for talking or playing.
Obviously, we made a decision that public school is what was best for our family. But it was a difficult one to say the least. Over the course of the year, the Lord affirmed our decision several times over. He's given me many opportunities to teach Maia about His love, using her classmates. Thank you, Jesus, for this gift and opportunity. May I never waste it.


Last day of school - May 2011


First day of school - August 2010


This was Maia's teacher, Mrs. Meador. She was very truly an answer to prayer. Going into completely unknown territory, the only thing I knew to do was to pray God would put Maia with the teacher that would be most suited to her personality and teaching needs. He answered our prayer through Mrs. Meador and we were so grateful. She and Maia formed a quick bond. And though she never gave Maia special treatment, I know she developed a little partiality towards her. Here is a quote from an email she sent me at the end of school, regarding Maia:
"Maia has also been amazing to have. I can't believe how creative, smart, loving, faithful, responsible and mature she is for a 6 year old. You have taught her well! She is always reminding us what Jesus wants us to do. It is so precious to hear. .. I can only hope my daughters will be like her."