Roman Shades

Will definitely be making these differently next time--IF there's a nex time.  I followed directions I found in a book, and while they turned out pretty spiffy, it was much more difficult then it needed to be.  I don't know why I didn't just try my method from the beginning!  Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, right?  They were incredibly time consuming, difficult, and at times frustrating.  But, I suppose the end result is worth it--a darker, cuter nursery.  And, I made them a lot cheaper then we could have bought them.  Major love to my sweetheart for taking extreme care to make them look as sharp as possible and staying up until midnight hanging them for me--your so handy!

From LA Projects 2010

New domain name

Our domain name has switched to http://www.thefamilyloft.blogspot.com/ to be more family friendly and welcoming to future children. =)

5 Days

Friday Fun

Umbrella Stroller Bag

I think our umbrella stroller was supposed to come with a little storage bag, but alas, it did not.  Scrounged up some hand-me-down fabric and came up with this:

Simple inside pocket for keys/phone/small objects.

Tried a couple different closure/attachment methods until coming up with this:

So far it's working well.  My other options include a strap with a buckle or the simple ribbon/rope tie-on method.  It doesn't really have to come on & off easily as I plan to just store it with it on as it folds up nice and compact just like this wonderful, simple stroller (lightweight, simple umbrella strollers can awfully hard to find, my in-laws bought us this one from Toys R Us for Christmas and we love it).

From LA Projects 2010

Maternity Photo Shoot

Considering the due date is now 7 days away I decided that today we should no longer put off taking a family photo BMB (Before Micah's Birth). Thanks to Sabian & Melissa for helping us out with some great backyard shots.

Midwife

Yesterday we were excited to see the midwife who delivered Ivory! Sadly, she retired early this year so we won't be able to have her deliver our precious Micah. But, she did a great job training Tammy in her stead and hopefully, *if she comes back in town by the time I go into labor*, she will deliver him. I took the opportunity to snap a couple pictures of Ivory & Suzie since we never did get a picture of her before.

She is an amazing midwife and very thoughtful person. She did a great job coaching me through my pregnancy and delivery (I went into labor the day before she left for England!). She also taught our lamaze class. She always remembers us and asks about Jason and his ministry. She is an intelligent and kind woman. We were sad to see her retire, but happy she's had so many good years serving other women and has a chance to rest now and enjoy her grandkids. Ysterday we met the lady who will be taking her job (so there will be two midwifes at our office) and we really like her. Suzie is also training her. Here's to hoping our next midwife experience is as marvelous as the first!

Mom's Group

The sweet Mom's in our Tuesday Morning Mom's Group (no, I haven't thought up a creative name for us yet...) completely surprised me with a little shower for Micah today. We were hoping Tara could join us to celebrate the July arrival of her first little girl, but alas she was under the weather. I am still blown away by their thoughtfulness, the suprise and their incredible sweetness. I just don't even know how to express how much this meant to me. I absolutely *love* surprises (well, pleasant ones)!!! We are just so blessed by the love that surrounds us here in our little town. Thank you, Jesus, for the family of God.

I immediately came home and called my family to tell them about the surprise and how much it meant to me. It was beautiful and fun. Thank you again, sweet, sweet women of God. You mean more to me then you'll ever know. And I've even forgiven you for catching me on a morning with wet hair. Really, I'm not insecure about these pictures...really...(yes, we're studying Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity). ;-)

Weekend with Pa & Ganma

Saturday morning our church had a yard sale & pancake breakfast to raise money to pay off our Family Life Center loan. We found some neat stuff while enjoying delicious pancakes and great fellowship.

That afternoon we were excited to have Grandma & Grandpa C come for a brief visit. They not only graciously gave us their trundle bed for Ivory, but they delivered it! We also received a nice desk from my great Aunt Betty's mother. Thanks so much for delivering the furniture and coming to see us! Ivory and I tried our hardest to convince Pa to stay longer, and I think he almost buckled when Ivory said, "Don't go Pa, stay." But, they will be returning soon for Micah's birth and must prepare for their extended stay following his birth, as well as traveling to Canada for Debi's delivery...and then to Arkansas for a few months stay. Yes, they're always on the go!

Ivory enjoyed "coloring" on Grandma's fancy laptop.

She also had fun planting tomatoes in her little Elmo pots from Grandma.

Grandpa played the important role of overseer.

The master gardeners at work.

And yes, he's the world's best dad. I know you're all thinking that, I just had to say it. =)

...And the gardening quickly came to an end as Ivory dumped the bucket of HOT water all over the steps, and consequently herself...thankfully it had cooled somewhat by then and didn't even leave a red mark.

Rainy Day

Friday was a fabulous rainy day!
A few things that made the day great:

-Daddy spent time with Ivory this morning so Mom could read & rest

-Naps were had by all
-A walk between rain showers
-Found an old fashion wooden swing with chains for $1
-Dinner out where we ran into church family
-Ivory giggles & lots of tickles
-Good book readings
-Talked to my sister (almost a week of no talking = inhumane)
-Ivory did a great job eating (three cheers for no food battles & lots of happy plates!)

-We all enjoyed some fort time

-The anticipation of Grandma & Grandpa C's arrival Saturday afternoon!!!