I just stumbled upon Banter Banner. It’s such a fun company! They make a variety of banners with different phrases, all reflecting the company motto: “because we should celebrate everyday”.
And one of the great things about these banners? They’re each just $10. :)
ah, commitment. and love that’s been tried and found true.
this couple is just darling! they honestly recognize each other’s faults, but then love them anyway. day after day, and year after year. that’s what a lasting marriage takes!
Crate and Barrel just put these fabric napkins in their Sale section. I just love the pops of color! At $5.50 they aren’t much cheaper than the original price, but it would be fun to have one or two to line chip and roll baskets with this summer. :)
Have any of you seen these tea cups at Starbucks? Super cute. I think I might end up using the biggest one for eating out of if I got them though – I love using small bowls for my cereal, soup, etc. :)
Yes, so pretty. And so out of my price range. :) A girl can dream, right?
and the beginnings of a sweater vest for Emma (using yarn from a cotton sweater that was just too short on me for my liking).
This knitting book – Essential Baby by Debbie Bliss – is just too sweet! It’s projects are all classic and timeless, and range in time consumption from itty-bitty socks to a jumper or lacy blanket.
And the instructions are clearly written, too (a HUGE plus in my opinion!).
I stumbled upon this post this morning, and found it to be quite encouraging.
As some of you know, John and I have been driving one car since we got married. It has worked out fine overall, but there have definitely been times when I/we have thought about buying another!
Since we aren’t in a position to afford one (and by afford I mean pay cash for, etc) without digging into our savings, we have put the idea on the back burner for the near future.
Reading Liz’s thoughts on the subject was good, reminding me that not only are others in our situation thriving, but there are actually benefits to it.
Obvious benefits are financial, of course, but also personal. I, too, have had to be organized with my time and shopping trips, and that organization has been good for me. :)
There is one thing in particular that she said that was especially encouraging:
“On a more personal level, I feel that our situation has also blessed me with the opportunity to truly blossom in our home and to focus on my life there.”
It’s true. When you don’t have the option of driving away, home becomes your focus. My challenge is to take joy in that, and not let it become a grumbling point.
As I’m reminded of over and over, this season of life is passing quickly, and I need to focus on it, not the “someday”. Emma will be our only child for just a few more months, and she is growing so quickly. With the new baby I will need to focus on two instead of one, and there will be increasingly less time. Focusing on our home and each other (as well as our friends) is something that we will never regret.
And as Liz said to close her post, I may not get out much, but you are welcome to come over! I’ll put on the coffee or tea and we can visit a while. :)
One of the men in our church sang this during the service yesterday, and it brought me to tears (I had to borrow a Kleenex from the lady ahead of me). I recommend listening to it if you have time this morning. It is so good.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
-Revelation 21:1-5
blooming lattice cardigan 
magnified geranium blouse 
javanica tote 
