Clinging to hope.

I should go to bed.  The house is quiet and I'm exhausted, yet my mind refuses to be still.

My Mom always told me growing up, that if you can't sleep, you should pray.  She said it was God's way of wanting to talk to you, so to be open to what He may say to you during those long nights.

I have relied too much on friends and our church to carry me. I am the first to admit that I am quick to fall when others around don't hold me up. It is hard for me to keep going when I'm running low on gas... when there's a lack of accountability, lack of interest, lack of hope (on my end).

What is the church's role in our lives?  Why do you go to the church you do?  Is it because of the community, the worship, the friendships, the message... what is it that you love?  Why do you continue to go there?  Is it because you have gone there your entire life, or is it because that's where you are fed?

What do you do when your well has run dry?  Is it the church's responsibility to quench your thirst?  Who do you turn to when you need lifted up?

Lots of questions... but really, I'd just love some answers.

I lift up my eyes to the hills- Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1

The bench.

Are y'all sick of DIY projects from me yet?  Hopefully not, because here's another.

Remember this bench I bought off Craigslist for $40?

Here she is today.

I wish I could show you a picture of the entire thing, but thanks to our lovely split level home, it makes it impossible.

I also took a little spray paint to the rug...

Any DIY projects happening around your neck of the woods?  I'd love to see!

Accent Vlog.

I'll probably regret this later because I know I'm about to get made fun of by some people, but here's my first (and probably only) vlog!

Just thought this was fun to participate in to hear all of the different accents all over the country. See Jenna's blog for a list of questions and to play along... c'mon, you know you want to :)

Also, you should probably keep track of the times I say "anyway, definitely, ummm", because I lost track... yikes.

More DIY.

How to make a personalized sign... 

1.  Gather wood from your back yard.

2.  Say really nice things to your husband and promise to make him his favorite dinner, while asking him to nail the boards together for you.

3.  Gather your supplies.  (primer, paint, and brushes)

4.  Paint your primer, then apply the paint.  I did this very lightly on purpose, hoping to give it a distressed/vintage look.

5. Decide what you will write on the board.  Turns out this was the hardest part for me.

6.  Begin to free-hand the words/phrase of choice.

7.  Realize you did these words way too big, and by adding the other 2 lines, it's most likely going to look way too scrunched and awful.

8.  Recruit people that will give you an honest opinion.  (thanks kristal)

9.  Re-apply the primer and paint, to cover up #5.

10.  Decide to paint the words on vertically.

11.  Pray... vow to give up if it doesn't work this time... and begin.

12.  Look back and admire your work.

13.  Hope your Sister will like it.

14.  Display it proudly at your event.

15.  Give it to the guest of honor to use at the wedding and/or in their home someday, if they choose.

Any questions?

Cohen - 10 months

Double digits, little guy.  10 months old.

Here's what you're up to!

• You love to blow raspberries and stick your tongue out...hilarious! 
• You're pulling yourself up constantly, trying to swing your leg around to get up onto things.
• You have 6 teeth!  Not sure of your weight, but I'm guessing close to 20 pounds.
• Your appetite never ceases to amaze me... you are nursing 3-4 times a day, eating 3 {huge} table meals, and 1-2 snacks inbetween.
• You started crawling the more "official" way, and sometimes with your butt completely in the air!
• Most nights you sleep 6-8 hour stretches... mommy loves these!
• You are talking more and more and discovering the silly noises you can make. 
• Peek-a-boo with your brother is your favorite!
• You are starting to play more with toys, rather than just chew/suck on them.
• You hate having your diaper changed and will roll away constantly to try and prevent it. 

I love you much!