Oh Christmas Tree DIY

I love Christmas time! I love decorating the tree. I love listening to Christmas music. I love wrapping presents. I love nativities. I love cozy fires and spending time with family. I love making Christmas crafts.
If you are feeling crafty this is the perfect Christmas decoration to make.

My husband made the tree for me and I painted. So thankful I have a husband who can and actually enjoys making things for my "little" projects. 

Step One: Convince your husband to make you a wooden tree like this. Or if you have some carpentry skills up your sleeve you can tackle this all by yourself. 

Step 2: Choose a Christmasy phrase and trace letter stencils on the tree so you have a guide when you paint, or if you are super talented and can free hand skip the stencils because it takes a little time to trace everything. As far as choosing a phrase I used "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him", but there are many other options you could pick. I'll include extra suggestions at the end. I bought Martha Stewart letter stencils at a craft store. There are different fonts you can choose from so you can get the exact look you are going for. 

Step 3: Use white paint to cover the words you traced. I suggest using the smallest paint brush possible, otherwise it can be a little hard to get the lettering just right. 

And Whaaa Laaa! You are done and have a beautiful new Christmas decoration. 

Alternate suggestions for phrases to use for this DIY:

"Have a Merry Little Christmas"

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"

"For Unto Us a Child is Born"

"Joy to the World, The Lord has Come"

"May Your Days Be Merry and Bright"

"Let it Snow"

"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly"

If you want another idea for Christmas crafting, here is a great option:

I made this sign using the same concept. Once again my wonderful husband made the arrows for me and I painted them. I used the same Martha Stewart stencils just different fonts. 

Hope you enjoy this two in one Christmas DIY and I hope you enjoy this picture I'm going to leave you with. 

Couldn't help sharing these little cuties. :)

Thankful

It's here. It's time for the turkey, for the mashed potatoes, for cranberry sauce. It's time to fill our plates and our bellies. It's time to all get together and celebrate. It's time to be thankful. I have so much to be thankful for this year. My hope and goal for this next year is to spend more time being thankful.

Truly thankful. 

Life happens. When life happens it seems like often in it's business I forget to be as thankful as I should.  I want to spend more time focusing on what I have been blessed with. I want to have a greater appreciation for all that I have. I want to wake up each day with a thankful heart. I want to have a thankful heart even when it's hard to. 

I am thankful for my wonderful husband who is always be my side supporting and encouraging me, who loves me and cares for me, who works hard everyday to provide for me and our little boys. I am thankful for my two little miracles who are so sweet and bring so much joy into my life, I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my cutie pies and raise them. I am thankful for my family who has been such a help to us. I am thankful for my dear friends. I am thankful for a roof over my head. I am thankful for yummy food. I am thankful for a nice, reliable vehicle. I am thankful for laughter and smiles and good times. I am thankful for all of God's tremendous provision for my family this year.

I am thankful.

I am blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

On another note, I'm in the middle of reading a book called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. If you are looking for something good to read, this is something I'd definitely recommend. It's actually all about thankfulness. It's really good!

 

Past, Present, Future

I love waking up to cool crisp mornings. I love that fall is starting to show up here and there. Summer was great, but I'm eagerly looking forward to all that fall and winter has in store for us.
The boys are 5 months old now. I really can't believe it. Time is going by so quickly. I feel like I'm suddenly going to wake up one day and they will be all grown up. I can't believe that my little boys have gone from this

to this

I can still remember wondering if they were going to make it into this world safe and sound. Here they are, happy and healthy and growing right along. They are such sweet boys and I am such a blessed momma. They are so good for me. They take wonderful naps, and sleep through the night, and are very low maintenance babies. I am so thankful for this. I often reflect on how I would make it through life if this wasn't the case. 

We have had a wonderful summer together as a family. Here are just a few fun things we have gotten to do. 

We have gone on several trips to spend time with Mimi and Papa (my parents) 

Met Baby Cousin Enna

Gone to the races. The boys really enjoyed watching the cars drive around the track.

This is what I'm looking forward to for the fall/winter:

1. Spending lots of time with family

2. Selling our house and moving into a new one :)

3. Introducing the boys to the holidays

4. Introducing the boys to food

5. Daddy's vacation

6. Getting to wear sweatshirts, jeans, sweaters, sweat pants, and boots

7. Playing in the snow

Keeping Track

I used to be an avid journaler. I journaled almost everyday. That was before I had twins. Since I've had them I've only journaled once. It's hard to keep up with when you spend most of the day meeting the demands of little babies. However, I have come up with a fun alternative. It's pretty much a cross between journaling and scrapbooking. As different events take place and memories are made I make sure to get a picture printed and then I tape them in a journal and write a short few sentences that correlate with the photo. Here is an example:

This is the book I use. It's just the right size.

You get the idea right? This is such a fun alternative to journaling and scrapbooking and saves tons of time. When you are a busy mother without a whole lot of time to spare anyway, this is a great way to preserve your memories. 

Roundup Cowboy

I finally finished (well mostly finished) Lane and Eli's nursery. We went all out in the cowboy/western theme. It turned out so cute. I love it.

Here it is! Complete with two cribs :) We painted the walls a baby blue and added a tree and clouds. (Ignore the sheet hanging up in the window. We have curtains, we just need to get them put up.)

The rocking chair corner. This is where I spend all my time feeding babies into the night. 

We got all this cute wall decor from Hobby Lobby. They have a great selection of cowboy/western decor.

We got this little cubby bookshelf at Walmart. It holds all their books and toys.

This is where they get their diapers changed. We are just using the top of a dresser we had. We spiffed it up by replacing the hardware with these cowboy handles. It gives it a totally new look. 

We also got these at Hobby Lobby. 

While I was pregnant I painted canvases with a boot and their name. I also sewed their bedding. I loved how it all turned out. I had so much fun making all this for them. 

Once again Hobby Lobby is the winner. We updated the light switch cover and got this adorable ruler to keep track of how tall they are getting. So happy they are here!

Two is Better than One

I spent memorial day with my family. I packed the boys up in the jeep and drove to Olathe. I only had to pull over 3 times to secure pacifiers in little baby mouths. Overall, it was a successful trip, all by myself. I had a great time visiting with my family, and my adorable niece and nephew had the time of their lives hanging out with their new baby cousins.

One for each of them to hold

Nora was fascinated with their little fingers

Both Lane and Eli are doing so well and I'm enjoying them so much. Nights are long and mostly sleepless, but it's so worth it. I remember thinking, "How am I going to handle taking care of two babies on my own?" before they were born. Now, I'm so glad I had twins. Yes, it's more work, but it's twice the amount of happiness, joy, and fun. 

Each day I am amazed at how much they have grown from the first time I saw them. I was looking back at pictures of their birth today and I couldn't help, but thank the Lord for how faithful he has been to us. Our precious little boys, who weren't supposed to survive, DID! And now the are thriving! 

The Top Ten

My babies are one month old. I've been a mom for a month. Can't believe it.
Now that I've been a mom for a month I certainly don't know a whole lot about it yet, but I do know the top ten things of new mom must-haves. These are all things that in the past month have played a huge part in my routine.

1.  A supportive and loving husband

I would not be able to do my job without this guy. He is extremely helpful with the babies and I'm so thankful that I have him in my life. 

2. A Mom

My mom has been so helpful since I've had the twins. She comes to visit every week and cleans my house, cooks, and takes a feeding night shift so I can get some extra sleep. I miss her when she is gone. 

3. Coffee

Sleep is rare these days for me and coffee helps. I stopped drinking coffee while I was pregnant and I'm trying not to become a coffee-addict again, but it just makes the day so much better. Coffee is really a must. The sunflower mug is optional, but definitely recommended. 

4. The baby monitor 

I'm a deep sleeper and if I didn't have a baby monitor I wouldn't wake up at night to feed my babies. I turn this thing on high. 

5.  A good camera and video camera 

I take pictures of my little ones all the time and although it seems like the pictures are all the same because all they do is sleep, I know I'm going to be so glad I have 100's of pictures of them.

I just bought this video camera yesterday from target. I can't wait to capture lots of videos of my boys so someday when they are teenagers I can put home videos on the tv and embarrass them. Well not  really, but I don't want to ever forget all the special memories to come. 

It's actually a pretty cool video camera. I still have yet to try it out, but it is compact, comes in a cool color, and you can shoot videos under water. On sale at Target for $99. 

6. A comfy rocking chair

I spend a lot of time sitting in my rocking chair at night feeding babies. Having a comfy chair makes getting up all throughout the night just that much better. 

7. Bouncy Seats

I'm not for sure what these are really called, but they are the most wonderful little seats. I use these all the time, especially since I have two and can't hold both of them all the time. My boys love sleeping in these during the day. 

8. Bunches of burp rags

 

I use burp rags all day long and go through them really fast. I always have a laundry hamper full of burp rags and seem to be running out most of the time. Maybe I should get more. 

9. Hamper

My baby hamper is always full. I think I do laundry every day. The thing I love about this hamper is:

1) that it's cute and 2) it has a mesh liner inside that just comes right out to carry to the laundry room. I got this great hamper at Babies R Us. It comes in 4 different colors. 

10. Diaper Diaries

This is the best little book for a new mom. I love reading it especially when I'm feeling tired. It takes on the humorous side of being a mom and really helps during the not so glorious times of motherhood. I laugh every time I read this book. If you are going to a baby shower and don't know what to get for the mom-to-be, go buy this book for her. Or if you are a new mom and don't have this book you should just go buy it or order it online because it will make you happy. 100% Guarantee.

And now 2 more bonus must-haves for the list because I couldn't just stick to 10.

11. Waterbottle

I love this little water bottle. It's great for mom's who are using formula to feed their babies. If I have to go anywhere and my boys will need a bottle while I'm out, I take this little water bottle. It fits easily in a diaper bag, I know that they are getting purified water, and it's always room temperature water so I don't have to worry about warming up a bottle while I'm out. This water bottle also has a small cap on the top of it so it's easy to pour into bottles without spilling. 

12. Formula Dispenser 

These are great containers to hold formula. It just makes life easier when you are on the go. Also, later on when your baby stops drinking formula you can use these as little snack cups. It's a win win win!

Blessed

I have a wonderful husband who takes care of me and supports me.

I have two of the sweetest boys in the world.

I have a God who loves me.

I am blessed.

The last 9 months have been a long journey. It's been hard. It's been stressful. It's been overwhelming.

However, it's also been a time to reflect, a time to trust, a time of spiritual growth, a time to be thankful.

When I think back to doctors telling me that both my babies might not make it and I look at them now, all I can think about is how blessed I am. God has done so much for my family. He has done miracles. Without His help I wouldn't have my two precious boys.

Throughout this whole journey we have had so many people praying for our little Lane and Eli, lifting them up, offering support and encouragement.

I AM BLESSED

I'm so blessed to have my boys home. I'm so blessed to be their momma.

Lane is now 5lbs 11oz and Eli is 4lbs 7oz. They are growing so fast and doing so well. I cherish every day I spend with them.

Trust

I have this wonderful little devotional that I've been reading for quite sometime. It's called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. It is by far my favorite devotional I've ever had. I am constantly encouraged and often feel like Jesus is speaking right to me when I read it.
I read today's devotion and it was exactly what I needed to hear during this time, and I couldn't help but to share it.
So here it goes. I hope you are just as blessed as I was.

"I AM TAKING CARE OF YOU. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: "I trust You, Jesus." By doing so, you release into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms. 
Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My presence brightens even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you." 

I would recommend this devotional to EVERYONE! They even have versions for kids. 

The Unknown

I was very surprised the other night when I was lounging on the couch considering getting ready for bed when my water broke. Of course at only being 31 weeks along, this got my blood pumping. I hurried off to the hospital in town and they confirmed that indeed my water had broken and gave me Magnesium to stop the contractions. They sent me off in an ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

It was a long night as I waited to find out what the doctors thought would be best. Were they going to deliver the babies right away or wait? They finally decided to just closely monitor me and do their best to keep the babies in the womb until I reach 34 weeks. I spent the night not really sleeping as the nurses kept coming in checking on the babies heart rates. They weren't stabilizing and they started talking about delivery again. 

I of course just wanted to know what would happen. I wanted to know the plan. I don't like guessing. I don't like not being sure. I want to know what will happen and at exactly what moment it will take place. 

Their little heart rates stabilized and they moved me to another room where I will be spending the next 3 weeks or until I go into labor again. They are still monitoring the boys closely and I am on antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection since my water broke. I also have been getting steroid shots to help with the development of their lungs. 

I have continued to learn so much during this pregnancy. I've learned a lot about trusting in God and fully relying in Him. I've learned about His overwhelming peace, grace, and love. I have learned as I've cried out God for help in times of great trouble that He is always with me: during the tumult of the storm and the calm.  

I DON'T KNOW what today or tomorrow holds.

I DON'T KNOW what time or day my sweet baby boys will arrive into the world.

I DON'T KNOW what it will be like or what to expect. 

I DON'T KNOW how long they will be in the NICU.

I DON'T KNOW what complications they might face or mountains we will be climbing.

However, I have peace. And this is why:

I DO KNOW that God is holding my precious family in His hands. 

I DO KNOW that He is good.

I DO KNOW that He knows the master plan

I DO KNOW that I can trust Him 

I DO KNOW that He has already done miracles for my little Lane and Eli and can continue to do that.

I DO KNOW that He has great plans for the lives of my boys

I DO KNOW that this is only the beginning of an incredible story and journey

So what I DO KNOW far outweighs THE UNKNOWN, the fears, and the worries.

The boys and I just less than a week ago.

Reflections

Psalm 8:3-6:

"When I consider Your heavens,

 the work of Your fingers, 

the moon and the stars, 

which You have ordained; 

what is man that You take thought of him, 

and the son of man that You care for him?

 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,

 and You crown him with glory and majesty! 

You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;

 You have put all things under his feet."

When I stop and think about the planets God formed, how He created earth, how He covered the ground with blades of grass, how He paints the sky with sunsets, how He creates life, I am in complete awe. What astonishes me even further is God, creator of all things, who is so majestic in all His ways, has crowned us with His glory. 

We are selfish, undeserving, unworthy individuals, but God wants us. He wants us to be His. He wants us to turn from the mundane in life and focus on His beauty. He loves us so much He doesn't care how unqualified we are. He is calling us to Him. He is holding out His hand asking us to join Him. 

Are we willing to set aside out day, our agendas for Him? Are we willing to give all our attention and affection to the one who created us? 

What would our lives look like if we lived with the knowledge that God made us to rule over the works of His hand, that He has crowned us with glory and majesty?

YEE-HAW! It's a Tutorial

Since finding out that I'm having twin boys, I have decided to decorate the nursery with a cowboy/western theme. I had many plans of making all their bedding + more, but now that I'm on bed rest, I'm not really supposed to be spending hours bent over my sewing machine creating cute little baby things. Fortunately, before being put on bed rest I was able to crank out these little quilts.

I cheated a little bit by buying the hankerchief patchwork fabric. It looks like I spent lots of time cutting out those little squares and piecing them all together, but alas I found a way to skip all that work. :)

What You'll Need:

-1 yd. of fabric for the front of the quilt

-1 yd. of fabric for the back of the quilt 

-1 yd of quilt batting

-Thread

 

Suggestion: I would wash the fabric you purchase before starting this project so that if you need to wash it later on down the road you don't have to worry about it shrinking!

 

Step 1: 

Lay the 1 yd of fabric that you intend to use for the front of your quilt on top of your quilt batting and cut the batting the match the piece of fabric. 

Step 2: 

Make sure the fabric and batting is smoothed completely flat. Pin the fabric to the batting. Make sure to pin all over to keep the fabric and batting from getting puckers later on. 

Step 3:

Lay the fabric for the back on top of the front and quilt batting pieces. The front and back pieces should be right sides together, then pin along the edges. 

Step 4: 

Sew at 5/8" all along the quilt edge through all thicknesses. On one side leave an opening of about 12" so that you can turn the quilt right side out. 

(Please excuse the terrible lighting in these pics)

Step 5:

Turn quilt right side out. Be very careful not to poke yourself with the pins that are holding the front and batting pieces together. It's a little tricky.

Step 6:

Poke out the corners of the quilt making sure you get a nice point. I used a pencil to do this. Press the edges of the quilt making sure they are very flat. At the opening on the side fold the excess fabric in and press. 

Step 7: 

Sew right along the edge of the opening making sure you catch both sides of the quilt to close the opening completely. I recommend using a lot of pins to pin the opening shut and to make sure both the front and back of the quilt line up properly. 

Step 8: 

Start at one corner of the quilt and topstitch  5/8" all around the quilt making one big rectangle. This is another one of my quilt cheating ways to keep from having to use binding. 

Step 9: 

This step might look different for you depending on the fabric you are using. Here is what I did- in order to attach all three pieces (the front, the batting, the back) and keep the quilt fabric flat, I sewed along the lines of my squares all the way across my quilt. I sewed at every 2 rows of squares. I'm sure there are many different ways you could choose to do this, but this method worked well for me. The only challenging part was making sure the quilt didn't get bunched up at the end.

 

Step 10: Take out all the pins and you should have a nice new baby quilt.

 

So there you have it. These quilts were actually a lot of fun to make and didn't take very long. Once I finished one, it was pretty easy to whip out a second one. I can't wait to finish the whole nursery so I can show it off. It's gonna be pretty darn cute.