little tidbit & WIWW

I feel so lucky. I look around my home, surrounded by pictures of my loved ones, art by my mother-in-law, along with other things that illuminate with love. Not every day do I take the time to quietly sit at my desk and ponder on what I have. There are many days where I am wishing I had this or thinking I need that. Wishing I could decorate my place like so and so or wish I could afford what the "Jones's" have.

It was so nice today to be able to have that quiet time this morning to take in all that I have. My home is filled with love. I have hats and shoes lying around reminding me that I have a husband who takes care of me and loves me. I trip over toys and little dirty fingerprints are everywhere which remind me that I have a beautiful little girl who adores me. HOW LUCKY AM I? If I didn't have shoes to pick up or toys and fingerprints to clean up my life would be empty. Most days I'm complaining about these tasks but today I said a prayer to always be thankful for what fills my life and to go throughout the day filled with love and joy. AND I did just that. 

Just my tidbit for the day.

Here's WIWW. It was a COLD and rainy day. So I pulled up my hair put on my favorite (most comfy) clothes and shoes and had good day. 

Here's my "Shades of Gray" no not the book that everyone has been drooling over. My outfit.

Hope You all have/had a wonderful Wednesday!

linking up with

 

Cup 1/2 Full + much needed update.

I can't believe I've been gone for so long! I have missed blogging so much! And I have so much to say its just CRAZY. First off... I'm 17 weeks! I can't believe it. Time is flying by and my belly is getting so much bigger. I am now starting to look pregnant and not just "extra-chubby" I really hate the extra chubby stage!

So much has happened in the last few months/weeks. Some things exciting and some things horrific. I guess I could share the feel good first so that I can get through the whole post... I was able to travel to Utah to attend the SNAP conference (which was so amazing) I met so many amazing ladies who were so inspiring. I hope one day my blog will grow to be something incredible such as theirs. I learned a lot from the wonderful workshops. It also gave me confidence with my Monster & Me business and I am *STILL* in the works of getting that all organized. I swear one day it will be a profitable business but for now I just continue to sew my little creatures for my friends and family.

 Also, while I was in Utah, my mother and I were able to throw a surprise bridal shower for my sister. I spent a wonderful weekend with my favorite girls. My two cousins Rae and Kaeli and the (bride-to-be)my sister Caitlin. She was definitely surprised by the shower even more so that Rae flew all the way from California to spend the weekend with us. We enjoyed shopping and of course an AMAZING Mani & Pedi. Wonderful way to end my Utah trip.

 The next part of my post is going to be difficult for me to find the words to express the pain and sorrow I have been feeling. I just can't seem to let it go. Only a couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from my Grandmother about a very close friend and her family. My breath left my body and my mind was running in circles and the tears they could not stop flowing. I cried multiple times that weekend and still tears will stream down my cheeks when I stop and think about my sweet friend. The devastating news that I received was about my friend Angie's little girl. Little Quincy, almost two years old had been in a head-on-collision while she was traveling home with her grandparents. In the car was Val & Kathy Draper, such close friends of our family and their two grandchildren Cassi, age 11 and then Quincy. Kathy and Val left this world together. Through extensive surgeries and an amazing recovery Cassi was able to go home this last Sunday. But little Quincy passed away a day after the accident. My love and prayers were with the Draper family as they mourned the loss of their loving and such respected parents. But my tears and my whole heart and everything that I am mourns for my friend Angie and her husband Brady. I can't imagine the heartache that a mother goes through when losing a child, and one so small. Just yesterday Angie made a post on her blog about how she was doing, I sat in my bed sobbing and wishing that I could just hug her and take her pain away. She is such a strong women, and such an amazing daughter of GOD. She is such an inspiration to me. Her strength is so powerful and to read her words just sent chills down my body. Her faith in our Lord is blinding and I am so grateful to have her as a friend. I wrote her a little poem the night I found out that Quincy wasn't going to make it and thought I'd share it on my blog.

My beautiful baby angel,

 I love your tender soul,

Your bright eyes and sweet smile

fill my heart so full.

Feeling broken and shattered,

no heart can handle this.

Your little voice no longer heard,

oh how much I'll miss.

I can't begin or even know how

to say the words goodbye.

You've gone to be with God, 

spread your wings and fly.

My little baby angel

My tears for you are forever.

And forever you are mine.

I can only imagine the day

we are able to reunite.

I'll kiss your face and keep you close and

hold you ever so tight.

Soar high my angel.

My love for you is forever 

and FOREVER you are mine.

Angie's strength and her love for our Savior has really shown me a true daughter of God. I can't imagine the pain that comes at such a devastating time. But she stands one with God and knows she will be reunited with her baby girl. And she will once again kiss those sweet cheeks and hold that tiny hand. I love you Angie and a day doesn't go by that you aren't in my thoughts and prayers. You and Brady are so amazing. 

Soar high Quincy and keep those wings around your Mommy and Daddy.

Remember to kiss your loved ones and to spend the time you have with them on Earth in such a loving way. You just never know when God will need them more than we do. Our time with our precious babies goes by in a blink of an eye. Keep them close to your heart.

My cup is 1/2 full, knowing that my path has been set before me and that none of us are alone. God is there helping us as we make our way back to him.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowlege him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Big news and We are SO excited!

Wow. What a month March  has been. I'm sorry I've been missing for so long! I have missed all of you and your blogs and I cannot WAIT to get back on top of things!! For those of you that are needing an email response I promise I'll get there. I've been one sick chick and I can't wait for it to pass! I've had zero energy or motivation to do one single thing around the house. You should see the place it makes me so crazy but I'd just rather lay in bed. I've had my good days but more bad days then good. My mother called to ask how I was doing the other day and my response was an emotional, seasick, train wreck.

 In other words pregnant.

 I'm due on October 28th, maybe we will have a Halloween baby!? How fun! We are super stoked. We got to hear the little heartbeat and that was just so amazing. It's been about six years since I've done this so its very fresh, and much different than my first one. 

I honestly can tell you that I've become a crazy lady. You know crazy as laughing then crying to yelling to apologizing and after a bit ending up in the bedroom with the door locked so I can sleep away the belly aches. I feel bad for Jordan I know he is frustrated but I am so very thankful for his patience. I am also so thankful for my mom and grandma if they only knew what they did for me.

The other day I received a package in the mail from my grandma. I had no clue what it was and when I opened the package I just started to cry. This was the BEST surprise in the world. Inside the box was a fluffy stuffed bear. Not just any old stuffed bear this was the "get better" bear. My grandma has had this bear since I was a little girl. Whenever we were feeling sick, we cuddled this bear. I immediately picked up the bear, inhaled his fluffy cheek and was at grandmas. The bear was covered with the scent of "grandma's house". When I get sick I miss my grandma. Her couch is the BEST place to take naps, and she just makes everything feel better. Getting just a little bit of grandma's medicine..( her food, her blankets, her touch, her sweetness, her voice) cures anything I swear!  I miss living close to my family. Thank goodness for phone calls and text messages. I would probably still be freaking out if I didn't have my mother's words to reassure me that I REALLY wasn't going crazy and that it just felt that way and also reminding me that a nice walk in the sunshine brings happiness.

so old and so cozy

I'm a pretty lucky lady to have such amazing people in my life!

Well, I feel much better now! I hope that all of you have an amazing week.

Freedom.

Sometimes I'm scared.

Sometimes I can't breath. 

 I feel like my decisions are all wrong.

 I worry about my family and friends.

 I worry about what YOU think.

Will I ever be good enough?

I'm sure that all of you have felt these exact same things in one way or another. I've read it in your blogs. I've seen your posts and felt your pain because I have been right there with you. Most of the time I am right there with you.

BUT

We don't have to live with this. We don't have to feel tied up and feel like there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel.

Yesterday, at church one of the remarks made was "His grace is your FREEDOM."

It made me feel like a ton of bricks was lifted off of my chest. I had FORGOTTEN that I'm not in this alone and I don't have the control. I don't make my plans. He does. I strive to live my dreams and I strive to be the best that I can be. But, that is all I need to do He will take care of the rest. 

There is no reason for YOU or ME to have fear controlling our life. Bad things happen as do Good. They are our lessons... our trials. I know its hard but REMEMBERING that we can give our burdens to Him. He will wrap his loving arms around us and help us through each hardship.

.source.

Freedom. WOW. We have freedom through God. Doesn't that just make you feel so good? I can breath easy with my decisions and instead of living with fear I can just take each day and do my BEST.

On my little walk this morning a song came on and it just really hit hard and I wanted to share it with you.

Free by Dara Maclean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MQGcqPAJe4

Here are the lyrics if you don't want to listen but I highly suggest you do she's great! 

Hurting heart and broken wings
Cannot stop Your love from always finding me
No more days wasting away
I finally realize the gift inside of me

My strength alone will never be enough
But Your arms keep lifting me up

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more
You made me
You made me free

I was caged in, then You opened
Every door that held me bound and You gave me the key
No more pressure I can just breathe
The girl I tried so hard to be, has always been me

My strength alone will never be enough
But Your arms keep lifting me up

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more

Now I'm free to love, free to live,
Free to take my life and give it all to You

You tell me I've been made free
You give me everything I need to walk in my dreams
You whisper words that free my soul
You're the reason I have hope
You're everything I need and more
You made me
You made me free
You made me
You made me free

Hope you guys have a fantastic Monday!! 

xoxo-JeNeal

WIWW #4

Here's that post I promised earlier. This isn't much of a post but it's been a super busy Wednesday! It's SiX o'CloCk and I'm still not done.

Jacket:Thrifted $2
Shirt: TJ MAXX $3
Pants: Nordstrom $50
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack $50
Necklaces: Handmade by me.

Don't judge the crazy hair and my wonderful facial epressions! HAHA today is not my day thats for sure!! 

Have a wonderful evening!! 

xoxox

JeNeal

New Necklaces.

Hey there! Happy Wednesday! I am hoping to get a WIWW post up later today! But for now here are the new necklaces. 

The pictures don't do the justice! 

Keys in my Pocket

Auburn Eve

Mystic Wish

Hidden Dreams

The necklaces are handmade with antique brass chains, copper wire, and recycled beads.

The inside of Hidden Dreams was handmade with a thin layer of resin gloss and words cut from a story book.

Tea♥Time {v1}

Good morning beautifuls! Hope your Tuesday is going splendiful!

Yesterday I was going to post this but it was Jordan's first day off in ten days and we were a lazy family! It was great! I love that time spent with my family. So this post was pushed to TODAY.

I've decided to link up with Alissa over at Rags to Stitches and her lovely coffee dates she has on Fridays. Because I don't drink Coffee I would like to welcome you to Tea ♥ Time.

I hope that you will all link up and join us for a morning chit chat among beautiful friends!

If we were together sharing stories and our sipping on our fav drink this is what we would talk about.

I"ll ask you about your weekend in hopes that it was amazing! And filled with a bunch of luv! I'd fill you in on my weekend which was pretty productive. I was able to get 3 more necklaces finished. I will be adding them to my esty this week. Excited!

I also finished our "Brown House" binder and I'm excited to see if it helps me stay more organized. We'll see!

Another thing that happened over the weekend, my puppy had to have one of her nails removed. Sadness. So now she is limping around with a little blue wrapped foot.

I would tell you how excited I was to get my husband back on Sunday night! I love having him at home! He's pretty amazing. When daddy gets home he gets bombarded with love. Mister loves his shoulder, Emma and Lexi share his lap, and I'm cuddled right beside him. We are very happy to have him home.

I'd fill you in on my current obsession, United States of Tara ? It is freaking amazing! It's about a stay at home mom who lives in a crazy world. She has multiple personalities, 7 to be exact by the end of the third season. I was hooked the very first episode. If your a fan of Dexter...Weeds...Breaking Bad.. any of those FREAKING awesome shows then this might be something for you! All three seasons are on netflix. I got my husband hooked. And I'm watching it for the second time.

I found an amazing new hair dresser! His name is Zach and he's pretty awesome. I've never been able to find a hairdresser that I actually loved. AND well now I have. I did get purple in my hair but it isn't as bright as I was hoping for. I have a ton of red and its hard to bleach it all out. I love the color though. I'll share a picture soon I promise!

Okay I've talked your ear off. Now it's your turn!

How are you doing? Did you do anything new and/or FUN this weekend? Do you have a current obsession? If so I wanna hear all about it!

You guys are awesome and I love ya!
Have an amazing Tuesday!!!

Much luv --JeNeal