Ruby & A New Year

The first time I heard about Ruby Bridges was during my freshman year of college. We watched the movie about her life and it blew me away. Afterwards, I read whatever literature I could get my hands on that would tell me more about Ruby. Her story is one to be told for years and years. She was the first African-American child to attend an all white school in the south. As a bitty little first grader, she was taunted and ridiculed as she went to school each day. She spent the majority of her first grade school year as the only student in her class. It is a heartbreaking, yet beautiful story of one little girl's incredible courage.

Hatred and judgment are ugly, ugly things.

Of course, nowadays, the story of Ruby Bridges would have been a top news story and people all over the world would be absolutely horrified. I would like to say that I never, ever would have been a part of that crowd outside of Ruby's elementary school. Most likely, I wouldn't have, but I can't help but think-- if all of my friends and family were there, would I have gone along just to avoid criticism and scrutiny from them? After all, that little girl probably would have never known I was there-- I was one out of hundreds. It makes me sick to even type that or think it, but I honestly can't stop wondering.

I find myself judging people, albeit silently, all too often. It doesn't matter that I'm not doing it out loud-- sometimes I think it's almost worse. At times, I also find myself getting caught up in the criticism of others just so that I can be part of the conversation. But I would never do that if the person was there in the flesh. I would never do that if they could hear my words. It has been hitting me lately that this is so not okay.

So, my resolution-- if you can even call it that-- is to rely on the Lord for my strength in loving people no matter what our differences, no matter what they do to me, no matter what they look like or who they are. I want to love like Jesus. Will I be able to do this fully? Absolutely not, but I surely will try for this and lean on the Lord when it's super difficult to be kind. I'll fail and fail, but I'll get back up and try again.

The picture above is a Norman Rockwell print that was inspired by Ruby's courage. It is called "The Problem We All Live With" which I think is an amazing title. Don't we all live with the problem of judgment and being unkind at times? My plan is to use a some of my Christmas money to get this print framed and hang it somewhere in my house. It will be a very tangible reminder to me of what I want to work on this year.

I am praying a blessed new year over all of you lovely readers! Thank you for reading my ramblings and always being so encouraging to me. I am thankful for you.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Well, we had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. We spend Christmas Eve and part of Christmas Day with T's family, where we enjoyed lots of coffee, hot cocoa, and laughs with his sweet family. They were way too generous in their gift giving and I finally received my MomAgenda! Although, I technically got the MyAgenda since I'm not a mom to a human yet. However, I did find myself a cat about a week ago and have since adopted him-- as an outdoor cat. Tyler's exact words were, "That cat can never come in this house." Personally, I thought the word never was a bit harsh, but since I'm all about obeying my husband, I took this with a minimal amount of whining. I have named my cat Pepperoni, he lives outside, drinks from a Gladware full of milk and has half an ear. He is lovely and he is mine.

On Christmas Day, we traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to spend some of Christmas with my dad's younger sister and her family. I love my little cousins; they are so much fun. That night, we came back to Troy and celebrated Christmas with my family on Saturday! And yes, I got my much anticipated Hunter Wellies and my steam mop! I am itching to get back to Cincinnati and try that baby out.

Speaking of Cincinnati, T left for home yesterday. Bless his heart, he has to work this week. I stayed in Michigan to spend some more time with family and friends that I don't get to see all that often. Last night, I was able to go out for coffee with two of my best friends who I don't get to see very much (we missed you, Meg!). We were there for close to three hours, just talking and laughing and filling each other in on life. It was such a joy to be together! I am looking forward to getting together with a larger group of our friends on Tuesday. I wish I could get Michael W. Smith's "Friends" song to start playing right now; it would be such a perfect addition. In a few hours, I am headed out to have lunch with another dear friend and tomorrow, I have more "friend dates" on the agenda. I am so blessed with such amazing buddies, both here and in Cincinnati. Lucky, lucky me!!! Pictures to come.

On Wednesday, I will leave this land of Range Rovers and Ugg Boots (seriously-- SO MANY UGGS) and travel back to the city of Bengals fans and chili. I was going to fly originally, but after the "Scare in the Air" as the media has so eloquently dubbed it, I am going to be driving back with my friend's family. They are going down to Atlanta and will drop me off on the way. I am so thankful to them! Otherwise, I would have had to get to the airport a whopping 4 hours before my flight, and I'm so not doing that.

On a more sobering note, many of you know that my dad is a pilot for Northwest Airlines. His regular route is from Amsterdam to Detroit on the A330 Airbus. The flight that the terrorist was on was an actual flight that he bid to work. Jesus protected him and not only did my dad not have to fly that aircraft, but he was home for the entirety of Christmas for the first time in years. Thank you, Jesus, for protecting him!!!! I can't tell you what that would have done to me if he had been on that flight. I know our days are numbered and that the Lord's will is perfect, but I still can't stop thanking Him that Dad was home with us when this happened.

On a final note, I am going to whip my little house into shape with my mop and some good old fashioned elbow grease and Chris Brown tunes. Then, on Thursday, my sweet friend that was missing from coffee last night will be coming into town for the weekend with her husband! I am so thrilled and can't wait to spend time with Meg and Chad. We love them so much and can't wait for our vacation with them in March.

I am blessed beyond measure this break with family, friends, and of course-- food. The diet will resume in a day or so. Yay. Can you sense my excitement?

And now, because I love you all so much (and I seek to provide you with as much entertainment as possible), I would like to share with you a few old photos that my mom has on her computer. I have never blogged from this particular machine and would like to show you just what a lovely and normal child I was growing up. So, without further ado...

I believe this was shortly after my parents brought home the boy known as Brother. In this photo, it is panifully obvious how much I loved him as a baby. "Who is this person and WHERE DID HE COME FROM?!"

This was Jack's first haircut. I should know, I was there. Clearly, I was paying close attention during the picture of this momentous occasion. Or was I? Let's take a closer look.

Okay, maybe not. I know that it's hard to believe, but I am as a child I was a bit of an attention seeker. Exhibit A. I was obviously very bored and the cure-all for boredom is always putting one's sweatshirt string in one's mouth and refusing to pay attention for pictures. Hey, if you look at the original picture, Jack seems to think I'm pretty awesome.

Y'all have a happy new year and be safe!

Heard in Room 3: Episode 4

A: My grandpa is just not fun anymore.
Me: Why?
A: Well, he just got old and died.

Shameless: Part 2.

Well, I figured if I can give myself another chance to win something, why wouldn't I? Especially something as beautiful as an HP TouchSmart computer! The computer that I have is more than adequate, but I still would love to win one of these beauties! I would encourage you to go and try to win yourself! I actually read all of the blogs of the women who are giving these computers away, so I feel as if I know them just a little! If you'd like to win, go follow these links:

BooMama
MckMama
Nie Nie
Stephanie
Kelly

Again, best of luck! We will return to our regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow-- maybe. My sweet Momma is coming for a few days and I am so excited to spend some time with her! I am on Christmas break for the next two weeks and plan to take full advantage of my time off!

Happy Sunday!

Shameless.

This is a shameless plug promoting two great giveaways that I would love to win! I have been wanting to get into digital scrapbooking but I don't have the software or the skills to do so. Therefore, I am entering this giveaway and hoping that somehow I will win! :) If you'd like to enter, head on over to MckMama and/or GrammieMommy and give it your best shot!

Best of luck, friends!

Christmas Goodies

Yesterday, we had our school's Christmas cookie exchange. There weren't very many of us, but we had such a good time! We ate appetizers, exchanged cookies, and had some great conversation. I brought Jessica's peanut butter balls and my Oreo truffles. I had some great feedback on both although I am growing rather attached to the peanut butter balls!

I packaged them in those sweet little boxes that I got in the dollar section at Target! What a steal! It was a fun way to give the cookies away.

My friend, Traci, brought Spinach Herb Dip and Beer Bread from Tastefully Simple. Oh, dear Lord, I nearly ate myself sick on that. It was beyond good. I ate so much that I actually thought I was going to vomit. Never fear, I didn't. On a side note, if you ever have a chance to go to a Tastefully Simple party-- GO. Everything is so incredibly delicious. You won't be sorry.

I brought bruschetta and it was a hit! I thought I would share the recipe with y'all. I serve this one pieces of french bread, but you could serve it on any type of crackers and I plan to try it on burgers this summer!

Bruschetta with Boursin Cheese

Ingredients:

10 small tomatoes, chopped

1 clove of garlic

1/4 Vidalia onion, chopped

6-8 basil leaves, julienned

Dash of balsamic vinegar

Olive Oil

Salt and pepper

Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin Cheese

French baguette, sliced into rounds

Directions:

1. Combine tomatoes, garlic, onion and basil. Stir.

2. Put a dash of balsamic vinegar into the mixture and stir. Put about 2-3 T of olive oil into the mixture and stir.

3. Salt and pepper to taste.

4. Drizzle more olive oil over the baguette rounds, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toast. (I skipped this step yesterday because of my lack of time and it was still delicious!)

5. Spread cheese on each baguette round and top with bruschetta. Enjoy!

This is one of my very favorite treats and it's not too bad for you if you don't count the white bread and the creamy cheese! I am planning on making this again for New Years. I must go, but I have to let you know that I have already lost 3 pounds despite the cookies and dip I stuffed myself with yesterday. Go figure!

Let me know if you try the bruschetta! I'd love to hear what you think!

Wish List 2009

After such an insane post yesterday, I thought it might be fun to share with you what I am asking for this Christmas season. For the record, I ate very well yesterday and I went to the gym when I got home from work. I was extremely hungry last night before I went to bed and I wanted something crunchy, salty, and dippy. I exerted extreme willpower, though, and ate some green pepper and hummus. I am feeling good today! Thanks for the encouragement. :)

Now, on to some things I hope to see wrapped under my tree this year...

I would love to get "Julie and Julia" and "The Proposal" on DVD. I saw both of these movies in the theater and I really loved them! I am a big Sandra Bullock fan and I think Ryan Reynolds is pretty darn cute. I also was absolutely smitten with "Julie and Julia"-- a perfect movie for a self-proclaimed foodie. We normally don't buy DVDs, but these are two that I would love to have in my collection.

Speaking of food, here are the four cookbooks that I would love to receive! I have drooled over Hello, Cupcake! at the bookstore before and I love reading Stephanie's blog about her slow-cooking adventures-- even better in book form! I own Katie Lee's first cookbook and have absolutely adored every single recipe I've made. I think it goes without saying that I want need Ree's cookbook. NEED. Just saying.

You know you're old and married when you ask for a steam mop for Christmas as well as a housekeeping book. I have heard good things about this mop and my little vacuum and Swiffer just aren't cutting it any more. I have checked out this book by Martha Stewart at the library before and have found it very, very helpful. I'd really love having my own copy.

On my first married Christmas, my mother gave to me, A WILLOW TREE CHRISTMAS NATIVITY! (Sing that to the tune of "12 Days of Christmas"; you'll LOVE IT!) The shepherd and stable animals are one of the last pieces that I need to make my nativity complete. This nativity is so beautiful and special to me. I think nativity scenes are a great wedding gift, no matter what time of the year the wedding is! I may start making this my signature wedding gift.

I blogged about Hunter Wellies a few weeks ago and I am still drooling over them and hoping that I get a pair! The only difference is that I switched color preferences from red to this beautiful purple color. The website says that the actual color is aubergine, but I think that purple works just fine for me. Plus, how do you even pronounce aubergine?

I love to be organized. It is somewhat of a hobby and a relaxer for me all at once. I have been reading about the MomAgenda on Blue Eyed Bride and she really got me hooked and wanting to try one! I am not a mom yet, but thankfully, they have the MyAgenda which I am asking for in this purple color. I guess purple is my preferred color this year, huh?

Some other things I put on my list were gift cards to places like Target, Anthropologie, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and some different restaurants. I'd also enjoy some cozy winter pajamas and some money for new running shoes. Any places that you'd recommend I look for pajamas?

All I know is that I would be so blessed and thankful to get even one of these things. After a year of watching so many people struggle financially, spiritually, and emotionally, I know that I am beyond blessed to have the life that I do and a family who loves and supports me. For that, I can never be thankful enough. This Christmas, what I would really love is to see some of my unsaved family come to know the true reason for this holiday season-- Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that I remember that Jesus is my reason for living-- not just at Christmas, but all year long. Thank you, Lord for sending your Son as a human so that we can know Your love in such a tangible and relational way!

What are some of your Christmas wishes?

Am I Insane?

The answer is a huge and resounding YES.

I am insane. Certifiably so.

Why? Well, obviously I'm going to tell you. Wouldn't that be kind of funny though? If I just left it at that. Not going to do that, though. I'm much nicer. Crazy, but nice.

Okay, back to why I'm insane. I have (as of this morning) embarked on a diet. Today is December 14 for those of you who don't know... eleven days until Christmas. Christmas-- not only the season for Jesus, but the season for food. Mostly for Jesus, though.

Being the huge foodie that I am, the holidays are always a joyous time for me. I look forward to the main dishes, the side dishes, the desserts, the recipes, the magazines, and everything else that has to do with food. This year, however, the problem has arisen that NONE OF MY PANTS FIT. I have never had this problem before and although I would love to go out and buy some new pants for myself it is A) not in the budget and B) I like the pants that I have in the sizes that they are. So, my options are A) lose some weight and the preferred option B) lose some weight. I am just waiting for the moment when some well meaning person asks me my due date. If that happens, you can surely count on seeing me arrested for assault on the news the next morning. Poor Tyler would be alone for Christmas then and we can't have that.

SO.

I am going on a modified diet until the new year. Modified meaning that I won't deprive myself of all the goodness that holiday food has to offer, but I will make smart choices when I can in my lunch, dinner, and snack choices. I also need to get my ever-expanding rear end into the gym because THE LORD KNOWS WE ARE PAYING OUT OF OUR EARS FOR IT.

I have taken a very organized and methodical approach to this since that has seemed to work for me in the past. I also know I can do this, even though, strangely enough, my biggest fear is that I can't. Last May, I was in the best shape of my life. I was eating right, my clothes fit, I was at a healthy weight and I trained for and completed a half marathon. I really, really am looking forward to that feeling again. I am planning on running the half marathon again barring any unforeseen circumstances and I need to start getting ready. After school today, I am going to head on over to the gym and WALK on the treadmill since my body has forgotten what exercise even is. I will build back up to that run soon enough.

I'm also going to make much better food choices. I have taken all my change out of my wallet so I can't just "drop by" the vending machine when I'm feeling the urge. I have brought some snacks to work that are good for me and that will curb my appetite. I made Texas Caviar and am munching on that for my lunch today. I was also very intentional about my meal plan this week and shopped ahead of time (with Tyler) so that I didn't buy random snacks at the store that I don't need. This was also helpful for our budgie*.

*Budgie is what I call our budget. It just sounds more friendly and pet-like.

My diet is really not a diet but a way of eating that has worked for me, my mom, and countless others. Basically, you cut all sugar and white flour from your diet. Add in exercise and the weight practically falls off. However, if you are addicted to carbs (like someone I know), it is hard to get those cravings out of your system. Persistence will pay off-- I promise. Here is our meal plan for the week:

Monday: Chicken Parmesan and Homemade Tomato Sauce with Whole Grain Pasta and Zucchini Crisps
Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese and Green Salad
Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Soup and Homemade Whole Grain Bread
Thursday: Crispy Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries (I will substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes-- I think sweet potato fries are WAY better!)
Friday: We usually eat out on Friday. I will have to remember to share my (hopefully positive) meal choice afterwards.

I figured if I blogged about all of this, it would give me some accountability. I have to say, it feels good to know my cabinets are full of everything I need so I won't have to stop at the grocery store on the way home.

Today is going well so far, but lunch is looming. I'll keep you updated. Have a great day.

Welcome!

Well, if you're here, then you followed directions like a good child from Adventures of a Newlywed! Good job!

This is it! Is. It. Not. BEAUTIFUL?! Danielle at The Design Girl is responsible for my darling new blog and I am so happy with it! Thanks, Danielle!

You didn't think I would just up and leave the blog world, did you? Oh, the HORROR. Never. I enjoy you all way too much.

Today, I don't really have anything of substance to say, other than to tell you about my snack this afternoon. I sent out a Tweet the other day asking for healthy snack ideas and I got a suggestion for Mary's Gone Crackers and Laughing Cow Cheese from my friend, Krysta.

The only difference is that I got the herb variety of crackers. They are so delicious and so good for you! I would highly recommend this treat. You can find the crackers at organic grocery stores or in the organic section of your grocery store. Thanks again, Krysta!

Alright, peeps. That's all I've got today. I hope you enjoy the new blog! Let me know what you think! Oh, and comments are at the top now. All these new things to enjoy. Gotta love it!

Easy (Really!) Oreo Truffles

Today, two of my favorite things collide: baking and reading blogs! Jessica Turner of The Mom Creative is hosting her First Annual Cookie Recipe Exchange! I am hosting a cookie exchange here at school next week and have been looking for the perfect cookie to bake. I am hoping to find that recipe today!

I am going to share one of my favorite cookie recipes which actually is not a cookie-- it's a truffle. I don't make these truffles often because when I do, I tend to eat them all quickly. The last time I made them, Tyler took most of them to his office where they received rave reviews! That's always good to hear as a baker or a cook. Often times, I think things are good, but it's always nice to hear others say the same! These are easy and quick. I hope you enjoy them!

Easy Oreo Truffles

1 pkg Oreo cookies

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened at room temperature or in the microwave for 10 seconds

2 pkg (8 squares each) semi-sweet chocolate, melted

• Finely crush your Oreos. (I do this by putting them all in a large Ziploc bag and pounding it with a frying pan or rolling pin.)
• Mix three cups of the crushed Oreos with all of the cream cheese until well blended. (This will take a while, but I promise, it does come together-- persevere!) Shape into 42 1-inch balls.
• Dip balls in melted chocolate (I do this with two forks); place on a waxed paper covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs or colored sprinkles.
• Refrigerate one hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

If you have a good recipe to share, go and link up to Jessica's post! I'm looking forward to checking out all the different cookies!

Great.

On Saturday, Tyler and I went to see The Blind Side with Zach and Libby. I have but a few things to say.

1. Amazing movie. Run, DO NOT WALK, to go see this film.
2. This was Sandra Bullock's best role. I love her as an actress but this was, by far, the best I have ever seen her.
3. I absolutely was blown away by this article. What an encouragement and a testimony to Leigh Anne Touhy's character.
4. I want Leigh Anne Touhy's wardrobe and hair.
5. Go see this movie. Did I say that already?

Did you see The Blind Side? What did you think?

Recent Happenings

My sweet Malachi. I love this boy so much!

Can't have a blog post with pictures that doesn't include Malia. I am all up in her business in this picture and she is loving it. How gorgeous is she!?

My first attempt at a diaper cake. I made this for Dana after Malachi was born. For my first try, I was pretty happy with the way it turned out!

In October, we moved out of our third floor apartment. It was our home in this home for almost a year and a half. It was such wonderful place to live and holds so many wonderful memories for us. I have pictures of the interior that I want to share soon. It was such a lovely place and we are so thankful that we were able to live there.

This is the day we closed on our new (to us!) house! She's 112 years old and so perfect for us! I honestly can't wait to give you the tour once we're settled in about 12 years. I'm not kidding-- there is crap stuff everywhere. But, we are blessed and happy and enjoying decorating for Christmas in our new home!

This is random, but this is my dog, Georgie. He lives with my parents, but I stand true to the fact that he is my dog. If not for me, they never would have known the joy that is this animal. Anyway, Georgie has bad allergies and bites his feet until they bleed (because they itch), so during allergy season, he has to wear this cone. Bless his little canine heart. He's so cute.

Here, Ty and I are at a wonderful restaurant in downtown Cincinnati called Nada. It serves Mexican food and oh my the delicious. Their salsa is to die for; I could drink it. I would drink it if I wouldn't have embarrassed Tyler so much. I do have some shreds of dignity left.

Our dear friends, Zach and Libby. Zach and Ty were roommates and friends in college and it is so fun to have them living close to us! For a while, we were only 5 houses away from each other on the same street! Zach and Ty planned a whole evening for Libby and I which included dinner at Nada and then...

RENT!!! AHHHH! The Broadway tour was at the Aronoff and after the guys heard us talking about how much we wanted to go, they surprised us and bought tickets! It was absolutely incredible. The music, the dancing, the story-- perfection. What made it even better was that Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprised their rolls as Roger and Mark. It was a wonderful evening-- thanks again, love!

Here's the boy at our school's Christmas concert! He did such a wonderful job and I was a very proud "auntie"!

How many sisters does it take to make the mashed potatoes? My mom is on the right and her sister, my Aunt Mary, is on the left. Aunt Mary is my "other mom". I love her! Oh, and Mom? Do you really need your reading glasses to make the potatoes? I smell Lasik right around the corner...

Turkey. Get in my belly.

Just to prove that I don't think I'm all that, I am including an extremely flattering and gorgeous picture of myself feasting on my favorite Thanksgiving side-- canned cranberry sauce. My word. It's so good. And I'm not kidding, either.

And to finish this festival of pictures, I would like to include a picture of sister's dog, Emily. Yes, it is a very human name for a very animal-like dog. It fits, though. Emily has lost bladder control in her old age, so she has to wear a diaper. I absolutely love it and think it's hilarious. Poor diapered Emily. We still love you.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Blog/Internets) Things.

I would like to share with you some of my favorite things this week. This post will be all over the place, so if you can't stand a spaz with a computer, I'd advise you to back away slowly.

This is a great coupon for Hobby Lobby! I need some things to make a Christmas craft, which I will share in a moment. It expires December 5, so move quickly.

I am really, really pumped to make the afore mentioned Christmas craft. I think I am going to attempt this on Saturday. How darling are these? I think I am going to make mine say Joy, but I'm not absolutely sure yet. I'll be sure to update you. Anyone local who would want to try it with me?

Now that we have moved into a house and have a freezer upstairs as well as a deep freezer in the basement (my dream for so long-- it doesn't take much, people), I am able to freeze so many more things hence making my life 84% easier. This post on "Life as a Mom" is helpful in reading a true life account of what you should and shouldn't freeze. It's a nice go-to when you aren't completely sure about something.

While I'm on the subject of cooking, I am totally psyched to try and freeze this alfredo sauce recipe by Laura. I know some of Laura's siblings-in-law and love reading her coupon blog. I love reading about her frugal finds. I also love this alfredo sauce recipe by PW. I have made this once and it was to DIE for.

Oh my word, the cutest. I can't even handle how much I love this idea from Ohdeedoh. I am recently obsessed with this website. However could you tell? You could make this or you could just order it here on Etsy. Take a look through that shop on Etsy, while you're at it. Darling to the max. What fun ideas for a gift!

Okay, I'm in love. What a spectacular idea for an advent calendar! Obviously, you would probably need to have kids to do this, but you can buy books at such a low cost these days that I feel this wouldn't break your budget. This combines my love of reading with my love of Christmas. What could be better?

And finally, I adore these Hunter Wellies. So, so lovely. We have to gate our backyard since we have a pool, so every time we leave our garage, we have to open and close our gate. Normally, it doesn't bother me, but when it's rainy, the grass and dirt around the gate get really muddy. It would be so nice to have a pair of these for that purpose, plus I think they are a gorgeous color. I would definitely want them in red. If my mother or husband is reading this, then I WANT THEM IN RED AND YOU CAN GET THEM HERE AND I WEAR A SIZE 9 IN BOOTS. Ahem. Subtlety is not one of my gifts.

What are some of your favorite things?

Wallpaper... friend or foe?

(All pictures courtesy of Ohdeedoh)

I am loving this nursery on Ohdeedoh. I have never used wallpaper and have always had an aversion of sorts to it, but this nursery is to die for! I love all of the white clean lines that contrast with the paper. I am also a big fan of those radiators under the windows. There is nothing about this nursery I would change! It's so simplistic and soothing. Perfect for baby.

Maybe my aversion to wallpaper comes from the fact that I've heard it's a mother to take down. Also, I have heard the horror stories of people moving into homes and having layers upon layers of paper to take down. It just seems so permanent... paint, I feel, is easier to change. However, if I'm wrong, feel free to educate me on the subject!

I also love the different ways that people are using wallpaper these days. The really cute wallpaper tends to be about $48, 843 per roll and frankly, that's not in our budget these days. Some cute alternatives are using wallpaper for shapes, wall art, or on a canvas. Please take note...

I am loving this! The idea of papering a ceiling-- not so much. Again, such a soothing room. I love this as a nursery, but I think this would be a delightful idea for a warm, inviting guest room.

I would not put an elephant in my guest room, but I think this is cute for a little one's room. I love the letter pillow, too. Oh, and the bookshelf. I think this would be a magical place to curl up and read on a rainy day-- a perfect scenario for me as a child (and now!).

Cute, cute, cute! (I know, I'm posting all nurseries/kids rooms-- baby on the brain. Forgive me.) I love the different shades of pink and yellow. Again, I love the "one wall wallpaper" look. So fun and fresh.

Giveaway(s)!

Well, here is my second post back in the blogging world and I am already making it all about me. SHOCKING. I have two giveaways that I want to give myself a second chance to win, so I am going to blog about them. However, it surely helps that these two ladies are both friends of mine, so I can sing their praises high and low.

First up? Mandy. Oh, Mandy! Well you came and you gave without taking! Can you tell I'm a fanilow (that would be a Barry Manilow fan)? I'm also a fandy (fan of Mandy-- I am KILLING it today!). Mandy is a blog friend who quickly became a real friend. We "met" (I think) through MckMama's site and I love, love, love reading her blog. She is hilarious and since we get along so famously through the Internets, I think we would get along famously in real life. I really look forward to the day when we can enjoy a pumpkin spice latte together. She is also a fantastic blog designer and I am getting pretty close to putting in an order for my own super wonderful blog design!

Mandy is giving away $50 to a bunch of online stores, so head on over to enter! Or don't, because that would give me more chances and I am selfish like that. All I know is that she is great, even though she doesn't understand my undying passion and love for Zac Efron. It's okay, we all have our downfalls.

Second up? Le! I met Le through my friend, Sally. Le is the one who gave me my sewing bug! She helped me make a placemat purse, which I'll have to do a post on-- it's SO beautiful! She is talented and kind and a wonderful mother. I love reading her blog; she inspires me everytime she writes! Her house is beautiful and so inviting, just like Le. She is giving away two monogrammed coffee mugs. I have seen these in person because Sally has one! I would love to win these and give one to my mom! If I don't win, I might just have to bribe Le into showing me how to make them. ;) I would highly recommend following Le at The Domestic Chick. You will love her!

Well, that's all for now! Go on over and enter!!

Here I am.

Whew.

I'm back.

Life has changed so very much in the short long month I've been gone. So much that it's hard to wrap my head around it. And no, I'm not pregnant. Yet. And it's okay.

We moved into our beautiful new house and I am learning to let go of my control issues in making people think I have it all together. We have had people come in and out who have seen our still unpacked boxes and messy house. And it's okay.

My life has been and continues to be turned upside down professionally and personally, for reasons I cannot and do not want to discuss. I can vouch for the fact that one day, everything is going smoothly and the next, everything is different. I am walking that road. And it's okay.

I deleted my account on Facebook because I was tired of knowing what was going on in everyone else's life and having my life put out there for the world to see. I'm not planning on joining again anytime soon. It's quite freeing, actually. And it's okay.

I have been clinging to God like my life depends on it... which it does. I have effectively been learning that He will not give me more than I can handle, even when I think I can't handle a bit more. He knows my limits, not me. He has sent women into my life lately from near and far who have built me up, prayed over me and loved me until I think my heart will burst from the combination of sadness and love. It is a bittersweet feeling and one that I have learned from like never before. I've learned that "Christ never allows the hearts of His own to be shattered without excellent reasons and eternal purposes". And it's okay.

I'm okay.

I'm thankful for this refining process, for this beautiful, terrible time of life. Terrible in the sense of what has happened and what has rocked me to the core, but beautiful in that God has been covering me so fully with His hand. I'm also thankful for my blog and for those of you I have met and connected with on a deeper level as a result of this newfangled technology.

I have really missed blogging about funny things, about mundane things, about life in general. I am thrilled to show you all our new home and to continue to share the hilarious things my students say. I'm looking forward to sharing my struggles with you and to being more real than before, but in a more constructive manner.

It's so good to be back.

Things

Hey all,

Just wanted to assure you that I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. I am still alive and kicking. I am going to take a blog break for a while due to some of the busyness of everyday life. We are all moved into our new house and are really trying to settle in, so I am throwing myself into that currently. If you live locally, stop by! We love guests.

Also, I feel the need to clarify something that has possibly offended some people. I have written a few times about how I feel the lack of close friendship here in Cincinnati. I realize that if I were a local friend of mine and I read that, I would feel quite hurt. I never meant to hurt anyone, but I should have been more thoughtful about the words I wrote. I am uncomfortable in this city and have some serious trouble making close friends period (whether I feel at home in a city or not) and I never should have pawned off those insecurities on other people. I very well may have unintentionally hurt people that I love very, very much, and it kills me to think that it may have happened. If you are one of those people, please know that I am very, very sorry. I am torn up inside about this. Really, the problem with me not having close friends here is me, no one else. I have a lot of issues to work through regarding this whole thing. I hope that if I offended you, you can forgive me, but I could certainly understand if you couldn't.

I want this blog to be a fun place for me to write and others to visit, not a place where I just vent and make others feel bad. I need to step back for awhile because of that and reevaluate whether or not I can stay true to that desire for my blog. I will continue to keep up with all of you, bloggy friends, and hope you all continue to be blessed.

If you need a way to contact me in the mean time, please know that you can always email me at rnoelhaney@gmail.com or you can keep up with me on Twitter where I will continue to update.

Stay well and hope to see you soon.

A Guest.

Hi, I'm Malia and I am here on Ra-Ra's blog to give you some BIG news! You might know Ra-Ra as Rachel, but I can't say that yet so I made up my own name for her.

So, want to hear my news? I'm a BIG SISTER! My little brother, Malachi Aiden, finally came to join our family early Tuesday morning!

People used to tell me I was a big baby, but I think they've changed their minds now that Malachi is here! He arrived at 1:27 AM, weighed 9 lbs 11.9 oz and was 22 inches long! That might have had something to do with the fact that he was 13 days overdue. My momma had him naturally, whatever that means! Ra-Ra says that momma is her hero. Malachi also has lots and lots of hair!

I would have loved to go see my new brother and my momma and daddy, but they tell me there is this thing going around called Swine Flu and that children under the age of 14 can't go to the hospital. I'm about 13 years too young. It's okay though, because I get to meet my brother today! I also got to stay home with Nana and Grandpa. My Nana is so funny! She loves to play with me and even took a week off of school to help Momma! By the way, I also think I have the best momma in the world. I'm sure my brother will agree.

I do feel a little upset though because I heard through the grapevine that Ra-Ra and Tyler spent the evening at the hospital with Momma and Daddy. Tyler and Ra-Ra really love me and like to play with me and make me laugh. They also really love my momma and daddy! Momma and Ra-Ra call each other BFF instead of real names and I don't get it. Maybe that's what I should start calling them instead. They do talk a lot and I get bored. I would

much rather play or eat. Speaking of eating, see that picture of my mom up there? She's eating Chipotle and tending to Malachi at the same time. I told you she's awesome!

I'm really glad I got to introduce you to my little brother! Everyone tells me I am going to be a great big sister. Thanks for reading my first blog entry! Bye bye!