I am here. . . really, I am. . .

Hello All. . .

I must apologize to my faithful readers. . . I know you are out there. . . somewhere. I seemed to have dissapeared from the world of my blog and craftiness. . . with a good reason. . . I promise. The past 6 weeks (or so) have not been my favorite. . . I have not felt like doing anything. My poor little guy has watched more T.V. then ever and is probably getting close to "dying of boredom."

Now, don't get too worried and let me explain that it is a GOOD thing that I have been completely unmotivated and blah. . . (drum roll, please). . . . Next February, we will be expecting another addition to our family (Yeah!!!!). So, despite the fact, that I have been laying around neglecting chores, hobbies. . . basically everything, it is all been because I have been taking care of a sweet little developing baby.

We are super excited. So now that we are into the second trimester, I am now playing major catchup. I have several baby gifts and birthday gifts to make, plus some things for Ethan. Not to mention, I am in the process of planning a really cool train birthday for my soon-to-be 2 year old!

I can't believe that in less than a month, my little boy will be 2. He's done a lot of growing up this summer (besides growing out of most of his summer shoes), including climbing out of his crib and moving into a big boy bed. We are very proud of our little guy! He is such a blessing and can't wait to add another blessing into our family.

I promise to blog more faithfully now that I am feeling better. I have a ton of pictures to blog that are just sitting on my camera, with stories and recipes calling out to you. . . including the cookies I made yesterday. . . mmm. . . good!

I hope you are all having a great summer! What have you been working on?

Obsessions Goals (and a desperate cry for help)

Okay, so I am admitting to you right now. . . I just may have a problem. Orange. Yes, I said it. I have recently become incredibly obsessed with the color orange. It isn't my favorite color, but it goes with so much! I have been sewing some baby gifts using this and a coordinating striped print with brown, baby blue, and orange by Heather Ross (pictures of that project to come soon!). And on top of that, I found this incredibly AWESOME blog called How about orange? which is a great place to find inspiration because her site is filled with amazing tutorials. However, I must worn you it is also filled the some amazing TIME WASTERS. For example, last week, (the day I discovered this site) my friend Steph and I were enjoying a nice quiet night at the beach house with the kids sound asleep. . . because of this site, we discovered this status generator for facebook status'. Let me just say, we spent over an hour just laughing our heads off! That alone, will keep you busy. . . even when you have a big project (like my cookbook) that needs to be worked on. Please go visit her site and enjoy . . . laugh. . . and be inspired (if not distracted?).

Okay, so on with this post. As a former teacher, I always loved my summer vacation projects. Now, this being summer #2, I am still finding that summer vacations have a different schedule than those of the school year. Here's why:

:: no Tuesday morning Bible Study (which unbelievably opens up my week)

:: my mom (a teacher) will be on summer vacation, which means we get to hang out more (I hope)

:: The weather is hot, so Ethan and I can plan some water games for outside

There are probably others, but I can't think of them right now. But, with summer comes my summer goals. There are so many things I hope and want to accomplish. So I am hereby creating my list and hoping to slowly check things off.

:: The Cheeney Family Cookbook (This has to be done SOON)

:: Ethan a pair of Huck Finn pants from Heather Ross' Simple Sewing

:: Ethan a big boy quilt out of my stash of rocket scientist fabric

:: Plan and make stuff for Ethan's 2nd birthday (I don't believe it is actually happening!)

:: make my self at least 1 pair of pajama pants

:: Finish Ethan's fabric alphabet

:: Scrapbook at least 2 events each month

:: Finish painting the house (hmmmm. . . . we'll see!)

:: plan next year's MOPS

Okay, so now that my goals are officially made, I can now sleep. But first, an announcement (no it's not the new oven . . . it's bigger) I have agreed to become the new MOPS coordinator for church. I am very excited about this new role, although incredibly nervous about it. But, I have really felt that this was something that God wanted me to take on this year. I just know it's going to be a fun and exciting year. But, in order for it to get planned, I need to find a location for a planning retreat for the new MOPS steering team. It needs to be a place where about 10 ladies can get away from the distraction of being a mom for 1 weekend in July. . . for free. If anyone has any ideas, suggestions, or leads for me, I would be incredibly thankful.

Well, I hope you all have a fantastic Memorial day. . . I need to do some grocery shopping, so off I go. Until next time. . .

thoughts and thinkings

I should be folding clothes right now. . . but I am not. I will be as soon as they get dry, which is soon, so I will be quick with this post. This week is a super short week as I head on vacation on Wednesday. . . beach bound I am. We just finished another busy weekend and are spending Monday recovering from the weekend fun (i.e. laundry, floors, counters. . . etc.). It's not my normal heavy clean week, but I am trying to get that done, too . . . I don't like coming home to a messy house. . . it just makes coming home dreadful.

Here are some of my thoughts for today. . . maybe I will get some pictures downloaded and do some blogging while on vacation. . . there will be nap time to fill up.

:: I was going to have a good friend over for coffee today, but we had to reschedule due to a pest control issue at her house. Since, my oven is "out of order," I went to Panera and picked up a box of Strawberries and Cream Scones. . .and I just had one and I want another and another. . . they are delish! So, I am on the lookout for a good strawberries and cream scone recipe to make after my oven problem gets solved.

:: Speaking of my oven, I made another no-bake recipe last night. I think that I may have given myself a new challenge of finding no-bake recipes to fill my time. It has been fun searching new avenues of oven-less baking. This is good because I may not have a working oven until June. . . I am not getting my hopes up. In the meantime, my list of things I want to bake is growing.

:: I finally got motivated. Ahhh, motivation and creativity are flowing. The sewing machine beckons me to finish some baby stuff for a friend. I can't wait to show you what I am working on because I am changing some things up just to keep my mind moving!

Okay, the clothes are dry now. . . must fold, put away, and sew, sew, sew! Have a great week everybody! Maybe I will be back this week. . . but I can't guarantee anything!

Good Quality Time. . .

I have always struggled with good, quality time with God. I need a good, intriguing book to keep my attention because I am constantly distracted by the many, many thoughts that flood my mind throughout the day. It something I cannot live without, because I feel empty without it. Without immersing myself in God's word, I find myself prone to fighting my temper and tongue. It is so much easier to control my sinful tendencies, when I am immersed in God's Word.

I also struggle with finding a good time to spend with God. I am not a morning person, yet I accomplish more first thing in the morning - things my brain doesn't have to think on (like vacuuming, laundry, dishes, runs). I know there is a school of thought that says quiet times are best spent in the morning, but I believe God created us each with different personalities; therefore making my personality more of a night thinker. I love to get all ready for bed, crawl under my covers and dig into the Bible and journal. It is just so peaceful and many times it is my favorite time of the day. Plus, when Jon crawls into bed I can share my thoughts with him, making some good quality discussion time with my husband.

When I was in college, I fell in love with Elizabeth George Bible Studies (as well as her books). They were perfectly divided into short, daily studies that dug deep and didn't graze the surface. I grew so much, by those Bible Studies alone. Unfortunately, I have done them all. So, I recently went on a search for a new study. I found this study (and others like it) that is just awesome!

It is broken up into 5 day studies that really make you think. I can also tell you that it brought many revelations to my mind from passages that I have read hundred of time. It really makes you think. If you do each day, it should only take about 20 minutes, which is nothing, compared to many others. I split each day in half, so that I can have some good journaling time. I loved it so much that I told my friend Steph about it and she fell in love with it for the very same reasons I did! Then, we were discussing it, we thought that some of this stuff the guys in our small group with like, too! So, last week we started leading our small group (we have 5 couples in our group) through this. . . but taking out the super feminine questions. For the first time in a long time, our group has had 1.5 hours of relevant discussion related to the topic (we should get an award for the small group that goes off on the most tangents).

So, the point of my post. . . is that I hope and pray that you have a wonderful quiet time scheduled into your day today. If you don't or have no idea what I am talking about, I just pray that you will find a Bible somewhere and start reading it. . . it is so amazing and full of adventure, romance, deceit, and celebration.

Have a great day everyone! Let God quench your thirst today!

Changes

I just wanted to let you know that I am starting to work on an index. I just discovered that I can add pages to my blog, so right now if you click on "cookies" on my side bar, it will bring you to another page that has a list of cookie recipes. I am working on it very slowly, but I think it will be handy in the future (at least for me!). What are your thoughts, before I continue? Let me know (please???)

Easter ponderings

Wow! Easter has came and went so quickly; and, yet I remember complaining that they were setting up the stuff at Target before Valentine's Day was even here. So, in the midst of hanging out with Ethan, taking down wallpaper, baking, and card making I have been pondering the resurrection. I will confess that this year seemed to overwhelm me more than any other year, and I think that having a child who is old enough to hunt and enjoy his basket made me feel tugged in all directions. Sunday came and brought me such peace as I sat there in church (drinking my latte). They showed this very simple video of the cross that flashed various words describing the cross. Words like torture, inhumane, painful, humiliating, painful, betrayal flashed across the screen. But, among those words, one stood out. . . Beautiful. Beautiful doesn't seem to fit words like painful, humility, betrayal, torture and inhumane, right? Yet, nothing describes what Christ did for us better than that. He went through being loved and adored the week before to being rejected, mocked, and murdered. He, being God, could have stopped it at any given time, yet, he chose not to. He went through all that for me. Yes, for me. He had me in mind. I am a sinner. Without Him, I should die the same death. His sacrifice is a beautiful thing. It also so wonderful that it takes place during the Passover in the Spring - where all things are new. Because of HIS sacrifice, I am a new creation - just like the beauty of the spring. Yes, in all ways, Christ's death on the cross is beautiful. It is beautiful because he died and then rose again. He is alive and living in me - making me new on a daily basis.

We did start some traditions and as Ethan gets a little older, I will add more. But the focus will be on Christ. I am looking forward to adding the resurrection eggs and resurrection buns to our celebration next year.

Happy Saturday everyone! I realized yesterday that it has been over a week since I last posted something . . . and man, I have an entire camera full of stuff to share with you all! So, first, I apologize for slacking off. Because in sooo many ways I have been so lazy! But, also, I have been so incredibly distracted. You see, Spring is here. . . yes! I may have posted something recently about how spring has sprung. In the past few weeks I have planted my very first garden full of cute little rows of strawberries, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, broccoli, and lettuce. I am so very excited about reaping my harvest this summer. I can already see a little broccoli growing and some sugar snap peas developing. My strawberries are getting big. . . still a little green (i think the birds may be eying them. . . so if you have any suggestions on how to keep birds out of a garden, please comment. . . i need help!). I have also been tackling the weed problem (Let me clarify. . . I mean the weeds that are overtaking my yard. . . not the illegal plant LOL). I am absolutely loving my yard. .. it is a haven of green! I have also started cleaning carpets and taking down wallpaper in our kitchen. Last night, we bought paint for our kitchen and front bathroom. I am so excited! Our front bathroom has been blessed with nice blue tiles, sinks, and a tub. Yes, blue. The former owners also painted the walls BLUE! no joke! I am going to paint them a color, called "sand between your toes." In other words, I have a nautical theme going on there and I think a sand-like color will be a nice contrast. Out kitchen has this ugly green leafy, floral wall paper and border around it and I am slowly taking it down during nap time. I hope to start painting it a grey color this week. I am so excited about painting! I have lots of projects in my brain that just can't wait to get started!

Okay, so at the top of this post, I placed a picture of a recent diaper pouch I made using some Michael Miller fabric. I had so much fun making this for a friend. I was told to make it boy-like and green and brown. I found this fabric and couldn't resist. I also played around with a business card because this was a gift for her friend. I would love to start selling more of them.

And finally, I will leave you with a recipe that I made this week. They were eaten far too quickly for a picture to be taken. . . they were delicious. This recipe was featured in Rachel Ray's magazine a few months ago, when she did a feature on classic recipes. Being a fan of Oatmeal Raisin, I just couldn't resist. So, I made them and delicious they were! You can find the recipe here. There's also a picture there, so you can see just how tasty the are too!

I hope to be on here very soon. . . hopefully I won't get lost in the wallpaper and paint! Have a fantastic SPRING weekend!

Spring. . .

I have always thought that spring comes early in Fresno. Today marks the first day of March and my capri pants and skirts are calling out my name begging to be worn. I took this picture of a tree (no clue what kind) in my backyard last week. I have watched it change weekly. I love the pretty white flowers and now the beautifully green leaves that have been painted in between. Unfortunately, with these gorgeous spring blooms comes the stuffy head, sniffling, and sneezing that can only truly announce that spring is here.

Today, I took advantage of the beautiful weather (and nap time) to get my garden planted. I now have cherry tomatoes, lettuce, snap peas, and broccoli growing. We'll see if I can keep them alive and growing. 2 weeks ago, I spent hours on end picking weeds. . . I will have to show you pictures sometime. But, I now have a garden. I am so very excited, because I have always wanted one. . . and now I have one.

This week is going to be a quiet one, I think. Ethan is going on day 4 of a really bad cold so there just isn't much going on. Lots of movie watching and hanging out with my little guy. . . no complaints here. . . except for the cold. I am praying that this is the last cold of the cold season (especially since it seems like he has had one since November!).

Here is a peek of some things I am working on:

:: I am going to make some meals for some friends who just had babies - Italian stuffed shells are on the menu, because I can make large batches of them tomorrow and freeze a batch for us, and give 2 of them away. I found a lemon cupcake recipe I am going to try for their dessert.

:: Ethan will be celebrating his half birthday on Saturday, which means my little boy is halfway to 2. I can't believe it! I am hoping that he gets his appetite back so he can enjoy something special.

:: I sold a diaper pouch. I am really excited about this and went and bought some fabric while my husband was at an appointment. So, despite my screaming, sick child, I picked out the cutest fabric for the pouch. A little side note here. . . I am selling them for 10 dollars if anyone is interested. They make fantastic gifts!

:: I can't wait to get started on some yummy cookies for the week. . . I am going to keep them a secret until I find out if they are truly as yummy as another blog stated.

I hope that you all are enjoying the first day of March and these first days of spring. Have a great week!

think happy thoughts

The joys of now being a homeowner are taking effect. My parents came up yesterday to help Jon fix the fence (for which we are greatly appreciated. . . it was leaning at such an angle that the neighbors dog kept coming over to visit) and then the heater broke. I am sure that it was broken, but now it is not on and it's the weekend and we are cold. I am trying to have a great attitude about this, so I am drinking lots of hot tea and sitting in my warm bed surrounded by my warm covers blogging. It is cold, but peaceful. I am, however, very thankful that despite how cold it is, we live in "Cloudy" California and the low is nowhere near most people's low around the country. Not to mention, my husband, son and I all slept in together to stay VERY warm. It is a fun adventure!I thought this picture was appropriate as I am sitting here writing. . . it was kind of funny! I hope that you all enjoy it too.

:: I have a new book that I can't wait to start some projects with. It's by Amy Butler and it has project cards to work on. So many ideas are flowing through my brain.

:: I am excited for MOPS this week! It is so nice to get out and just be with other young moms and be refreshed.

:: My friend Steph and I are working on the details for our Bible Study's annual Valentine's tea. It is filling my brain with all sorts of fun ideas. I love the fun of random holidays. I also can't wait for Valentine dark chocolate M&M's to go on sale so I can restock my chocolate jar. mmmm.

:: I am really excited to make these. . . but with my new browned butter recipe. mmmm. . . I will have to share the recipe soon.

:: My mom let me use here new stamp set yesterday. . . I am so excited to make some fun Valentines for my friends.

:: This week, I can't wait to make these cookies. . . I have been craving them and I have oranges from Steph's backyard that are so very delicious! I also want to make some muffins similar to the cobblestone muffins at Panera. I have fallen in love!

:: I also have some sewing to do this week. I am hoping to get something done for my friend Marissa (it's her second!) and some rattles for some other small gifts.

I think this week is going to be busy. Hopefully the homeowners insurance people will come out quickly and rescue us from the cold and I can get some cleaning done as well as some crafting, sewing, and baking. I had better go and get the kiddo up. . . nap time and quiet time are almost over.
I hope to get on several times with some new posts. My camera is full of things to share with you, including a couple recipes. Have a great week!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the
bones." ~ Proverbs 17:22

just a note. . .

WOW! It seems like ages since I have gotten on just to post anything. I am going through withddrawls. . . really, I am. I love getting on here and sharing my creative side and thoughtful side with those of you who actually take the time to read my blog (thank you to those of you that do!).

I have so many things to share with you (to be posted soon, I promise!). I have been busy in the kitchen, in the office (a.k.a my own sewing/crafting space), and in the house. There are still boxes to be unpacked and I am so distracted by my sewing machine and the ripe lemons that are calling my name (I need to do something with them!).

I must share that this week, I actually feel like myself again. Routine has once again been established in our new house, including a new sleeping routine for Ethan (sadly, we traded our bi-daily nap ritual for one long afternoon nap). This in itself has taken some adjustments in the way I do my chores and spend my free-time (yes, I do try to have it. . . and if I keep ignoring the boxes in the garage, I will have more than I should LOL!). I can't believe how important routine is to me. . . it makes me feel organized!

Well, I am going to stop writing for now. I hope to be on soon with pictures of the things I am working on. But in the meantime, please keep the people in Haiti in your prayers. . . there was a devasting earthquake there today and the people there are very close to our church family. Haiti is a very economically poor country and our church just built a brand new orphanage there this past summer. There is a lot of devastation there, so please keep the people in your prayers.

Thanks so much!

mid-week thoughts

Here are my thoughts for the week. They are probably awfully boring, but it's me and I am loving the first actual signs of fall since last year!

Outside my window... the sun is shining brightly and there is a soft breeze blowing! Not to mention the temperature is only in the 70's today. Can I just say . . . Pure Bliss!

I am thinking... that if I take a nap nothing will get done and that a Pumpkin Spice Latte sounds delish!

From the kitchen... hmmm. . . right now the dishwasher needs to be filled. But there are some fresh baked chocolate raspberry bars (which will get posted tomorrow?) and leftover spaghetti (with homemade sauce! scrumdiliumptious!)

I am wearing...sweat pants, tank top, sweatshirt. . . my comfy's so that I can relish in the bliss of the weather!

I am creating...nothing right now. It feels good! I did make my list of Christmas presents. Kids and women are easy. . . men . . . not so much. Too bad they don't like ties.

I am going... to take Ethan to the met tomorrow night. Bob the Builder is there and tomorrow night during Art Hop it's free. . . and I am cheap. Oh, Jon's coming too!

I am reading... Acts chapter 4 this week, more Mandie, and some craft blogs!

I am hoping... to be in a new house by my birthday. It would be the perfect birthday gift!

I am hearing...construction workers. I have absolutely no idea what they are working on. I love my apartment, but there was no mention of construction going on.

Around the house... there is a pile of boxes waiting to be packed. I am getting tired of looking at them.

One of my favorite things...HULU and netflix. Who needs TV when you can watch shows the next day?

A few plans for the rest of the week: read, organize, grocery shop. Basically the basics.

new background and banner

so it is the weekend. . . and i am exhausted, thanks to the kiddo waking me up at 5:30 this morning for some cuddle time (possible nightmare or teething). and in honor of it being the weekend, am considering not using capitals. . . hmm. . . . not going to work!

I spent some time this weekend playing with backgrounds and banners from CBOTB along with the free software paint.net. So much fun! I have to admit I am most impressed with the banner here. Let me know what you think. . . I am curious.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I am off to do a little bit of baking. . . some new raspberry chocolate bars while the hubby is doing the air forecast. Looking forward to it! I will post pics and recipe soon!

More later!

What's goin' on?

This morning I was searching the net. . . in other words, I was procrastinating. . . and found a blog that had these fill in the blank like things linked to here. I am really wanting to do more writing and thought sharing with you (like here), so I thought I would give it a try. Here it goes:

Outside my window... the sun is shining and it's already getting hot. Glad I got my morning walk in early.
I am thinking... that being patient is really hard!
I am thankful for...God's constant provision.
From the kitchen... broccoli chicken casserole (for dinner) and leftover toffee bars (to be posted later this week).
I am wearing...skirt and t-shirt, but not going anywhere. . . just cool and comfy for the HOT fall day!
I am creating...a rattle, something for Jon's cousin's upcoming baby, bibs for MOPS, and something for me.
I am going... to try not to procrastinate too much . . . it's just so easy!
I am reading...hmmm. . . a lot actually. I just started the book Fresh Wind Fresh Fire for Bible Study and am loving every minute of it! I am tempted to skip ahead. I am also trying to read through the Mandie series (a childhood favorite!)
I am hoping... to hear some news of the house this week. It seems like such a long time ago that we put the offer down and won that "war." I am ready to move and make our home a bit bigger. I am happy here in our tiny apartment but long for the opportunity to host play groups and gatherings in our new, bigger home. All in God's timing, right?
I am hearing...lawn mowers. . . they are sooo loud!
Around the house...toys. . . blocks. . . since Ethan's birthday there are blocks everywhere! I love it!
One of my favorite things...right now. . . quiet Monday. Jon has the car today (his carpool buddy ditched him on accident) and it leaves me to a peaceful day with no errands. That and semi-frozen water bottles!
A few plans for the rest of the week: sew, sew, read, read. I really want to stay more consistent with my quiet times. I do so well and then I get to the end of a study or really busy and somehow they just get put aside. I am trying to regain my focus on spending time studying God's Word. It is just so important. . . my source of peace, patience, joy, love, and endurance! My cup needs refilled.

i forgot. . .and other random thoughts

First of all, I realized I forgot to post a picture of Ethan's birthday invitation. I had so much fun making them, although I must admit it is really difficult to find masculine scrapbook paper that doesn't have to do with sports, military, or traveling. But, I found this paper that kind of matched the fabric of Ethan's banners, so I was set! I also must note that several years ago (before I was married), there was a stamp special through Stampin' Up that if I bought a certain alphabet set, they would throw in the numbers. So, I have these numbers and this is probably one of the first time I have used them. . . and used them I have!

Now, for some random thoughts . . .
:::: This week was the first week I haven't had much to do, so I found some time to get sick (now better) and read! It has been so relaxing!
:::: This week I am going to get my sewing machine out and do some sewing. . . I have some new fabric that I can't wait to try out. I am really excited about my new Lizzy House Red Letter day fabric to go with her Lizzy Dish line. I think it will make some awesome hot pads . . . for my new kitchen (if we ever move!).
:::: Starting a new Bible Study this week (well, it started last week, but I was too sick to go. . . sniff sniff) going through Acts and reading Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, by Jim Cymbala. I just got my copy today and already Jon is hooked. . . must be a good read! I am excited to get started.
:::: I am wondering if it is possible to find do it yourself projects for men. . . that are actually masculine and fun. If anyone has any suggestions, please. . . please comment.
:::: I am really excited about a fun, fall toffee recipe I am going to try out tomorrow. . . if its any good, I'll post something soon.

I hope that you are able to take some time and just read a book. . . I definitely feel refreshed and ready to begin some sewing projects!

Happy Sunday!