Garden Prep

I cannot wait until the day where I have enough (flat) property to grow a large bountiful garden. For now, I will enjoy my 4x4 box garden. It's still too cold to plant anything outside, but Parker helped me get the seeds going the other day.  The crate is sitting in one of our garage windows and the seeds are hopefully thinking about germinating. Parker and I both love getting our fingers in the dirt,  and hopefully in a few months we'll have some yummy veggies to show for all our grubbiness.

Happy Spring Gardening!

Oooops. I forgot.

WARNING: completely vain post. Also, I apologize for two posts in a row without a picture.

Wednesday was a rather distraught day for me. I woke up a bit later than usual and had to rush to get Parker to school on time. He and I were both still in a daze while driving there. I think my morning prayer had some slurred speech and my chatter box of a child hardly said anything. It's rare, people. Seriously rare. He inherited his father's gene of grogginess when waking up. They are not themselves for the first, oh let's say... 30 minutes they are awake. They tend to be unresponsive, slightly slower than usual, and if messed with....mean as a bear. Getting off track. Anyway...just trying to give you a better picture into my morning.

When I got home, I laid Graham down for a nap and collapsed on the coach to check my Facebook, catch up on all the blogs I follow, and pin myself crazy on my newest love, Pinterest. (If you aren't a member, I highly recommend it. I've only had it a month, but it has already greatly improved the quality of my life. Yes, exaggeration, but it's lovely.) Moving on.

While on facebook, I saw something that made my heart fall into my stomach. A mother of a little boys who is in Parker's preschool class had written how she had a difficult morning getting her son to wear a polo for picture day. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! No. This can't be. I've been looking forward to this all year. Parker's first official school picture. She must be wrong. Yes, seriously, I thought it was someone else's mistake at first. It couldn't be my bad. I mean, I lose my keys, wallet, and phone on a daily basis. I always forget one ingredient when cooking. I never return home from vacation with everything I came with, and I never remember deadlines for registrations (unless they are super important.) Yeah. It can't be me. She's got it wrong.

I look up the march calendar on my i-phone. Yay!!! It doesn't say pictures today. It must be April. I flip to April. No pictures then either. Uh oh. I must have forgotten to put it on my phone. This isn't looking good. I scrimmage to the kitchen to look on my paper calendar. There they stood. The words. The words that read. "School Pictures." I couldn't believe my eyes. How did I forget?

My brain then immediately turned to trying to remember what the heck I had dressed my child in. I mean, most days he goes in trashy play clothes and comes home covered in paint and glue. What had I put on him? I really couldn't remember. I was so bummed. I had already picked out the cutest outfit for him to sport on picture day and now he was giving them that million dollar smile in some worn out t-shirt and jeans. Don't say I didn't warn you that this was vain. I know it is. When I started to think about why i was so bothered, I came to the conclusion that I felt like a failure. Dramatic, I know, but if you understood what kind of mother I grew up with, you'd understand. She never forgot anything when it came to me and my brother. I was always the first one enrolled in any sport or program and I never lacked a grand (meaning big) hairdo on school picture days. She was so great at this part of parenting. Momma, someday I might be half as good as you were. For now, I will have a 8x 10 reminder that I would loose my head if it were not screwed onto my body.

Just to make sure any of you aren't concerned that I really had issues over this, I'll have you know I've moved on. I have now found comedic relief that God LOVES to teach me humility.  I get it, God. I'm vain and looks don't matter!!!!!!! I understand....but his gauzy 3/4 length sleeved button up shirt over dark washed jeans and suede leather boots were going to be ridiculously cute. I know, it doesn't matter now. I seriously can't wait to see these shots. Still hoping to get a message in his backpack explaining that the photographer completely screwed up and lost all the files...that there must be a redo. Long shot, I know. Until then, I'll just do my best to get him in swim lessons on time. Keep your fingers crossed.

Stop Praying.

 Hello blog, I have not forgotten about you, I've just been been busy taking care of sick boys, frolicking around Seattle, and crafting/sewing my little heart out. I would like to say that I'll be better at keeping up, but I know that may or may not be the truth. It is more important that I be present in my life than document it, though I hope to do both.  (Don't worry, the title will eventually be explained.)

I've had rough week. I've had some lows as a mother and my kids have felt more like armed forces determined to take me out rather than the beautiful children God gave me. I've done the best I can to count my blessings, place my problems into perspective, and maintain control of my actions. In general, I've done a great job, but I've also bombed a few times. Being a mom is hard. Being a mom of two really young boys is really hard. Why am I sharing this? Because it's the truth and I find that encouragement comes when others share the bad times they go through in addition to the good times. It makes you feel more "normal." Maybe sometime I'll get more specific about my week, but for now, I'm still trying to evaluate my issues.

On a lighter note, I'll share a funny moment Parker and I had this week.  I like pray for Parker and the rest of the family every time we are on our way to preschool. I want Parker to hear me praying for him and I usually give him an opportunity to talk to God about whatever he'd like. Sometimes he declines, other times he just asks God to help Graham stop being mean to him, or he'll ask God to keep the mooses and coyotes away. Yesterday however, his prayer went like this.

Parker: Dear Lord Jesus (yes, he said that-lol?!?), Please help mommy to stop hitting me and Graham.

Me: Ok, Parker, stop praying. You can't..... (interrupted)

Parker: Mommy, shhhh, I'm trying to pray. Dear Lord, please help mommy to stop hitting us.

Me: Enough Parker. You can't pray about things that aren't truth. God knows everything and he knows that I don't hit you. That's a lie. No more praying.

I shut that prayer down quick. Seriously? I have done many things wrong as a mother, but hitting my children is not one of them. I was laughing so hard in the car. It's only funny because i know it's insanely far from the truth. I am just waiting for CPS to show up at my front door. I wonder who else he has told, besides the all-knowing Lord, that I hit him. I don't. I promise.

I told my friend, Heidi, about Parker's little prayer and she thought she'd be funny last night. She sent me a text that said, "Tell Parker that I'm praying for him. I'm praying that you'll stop hitting him." Not funny Heidi. Not funny.

Hopefully, I'll blog soon about my wonderful trip to Seattle last week. I had such a great, relaxing time that I can't wait to share!

happily never finished

So, I decided it will never be "final." The living room, that is. And there will never be a true "after" shot. I'm OK with that, though. I like where my living room is right now, even though it's not complete. There are still things I need to buy or find during a treasure hunt (too much toddler TV), but it's finally to a point where I think it functions just as we need it to while having some cuteness.

I'm proud of myself. I'm taking risks. No, not literal ones (it's not my style to be all risky). I chose some bold pattens and slightly obnoxious colors that I may be completely over with in a year, but I like them now. That's what matters. On large pieces of furniture or pricey decor, I'm all about picking good timeless choices, but for $40 material, why not go with the print that makes you a little nervous? So, I did.  Plus, it's still nasty out and I'm craving spring. I think the need for some flowers in my life really affected me while doing this room. I love spring. Love.

I still need to make a few more pillows, find things for my built-ins, and discover that perfect stand for under my TV, but I don't want to rush just to have a finished look, I want my room to evolve as I find things and have time to create "stuff" I like.  So, here's what I've got so far. I know not everyone will like it, but for once, I walk into my house and think, "this feels like me," instead of, " I think this is what living rooms are suppose to look like."

I painted the fireplace all white a few months ago. Instead of pouring money into a new face for it, I just used paint to cover the atrocious wanna-be-bronze from the 60's. The fireplace is not currently usable because of damage to the inside, but I like having it for a focal point in the room anyway. I just threw some pillar candles inside brighten it up. It's not a beautiful crackling fire, but it'll do until the fireplace gets fixed.

 

I found a cute little window from Milton Flea Market and just used some material I had inside. I'm actually waiting on a new cut of the same fabric to come in so that I can actually turn the material the correct upright direction :) The yellow boxes were something I bought from SC a few years ago...I think they go just fine up there. The mirror is something that was in the house when we moved in. I'm not a huge fan, but I like it much better after painting it red and since I'm el cheapo, it'll do the job.

 

I know, the curtains are bright, but I think I like them. The little side table was from the market as well...it got a new coat of paint and looks just dandy. I need new pillows for the chairs, but like I said...it's a work in progress.

 

How adorable is this little wire basket I found? In a few weeks, you may see its appearance on my friend Heidi's blog. Keep posted on her site so you don't miss the adorable "bundle of joy" that inhabits my basket :)

 I bought this old window and decided I didn't like the original paint job that was on it. So I used a weathering crackle glaze on it to kind of give it an aged look. I think it turned out well. I still may attack it more in the future with some stain and sand paper...we'll see. I printed off some botanical prints to fill each pane. I think I may be changing these out as I find prints I can't live without, but it's a good start.

 

 

My little seating area near the front door. That mirror was an $8.00 find! I repurposed a coffee table to make my bench.

 

I love this picture of Parker. If I had to choose a shot that most accurately portrayed his personality...this would be it!

My couch still needs some pillows, and my lamps are sad, but it's starting to come together.  I may paint my lamps an oiled bronze color and buy new shades. Hmmm.

I can't wait for spring this year, but while the snow still randomly falls, my living room helps brighten my day. Have I mentioned how much I love spring? Thank God for March!

Crafting with a friend

I love to make things. Sometimes they come out cute and other times, I fail miserably. Either way, I enjoy myself. I just love getting my hands in paint, tangled in ribbon. or lost in fabric piles. It's just fun. The only thing I would change...having a crafting buddy. Sounds childish, but it's what I want. I would like to chat while I'll create. Well, this past weekend, I had someone with me so I could do just that. Heidi was here and we decided to make some necklaces. Why not? She actually has a life (unlike me) outside of the house and doesn't really have time to do extra little projects. Me...besides taking care of and entertaining the two little crazy men running around my house, I have loads of time. Here's two little necklaces we made this weekend. Mine is the one with lace (cuz I love me some lace) and Heidi composed the multi-flower piece. Cute huh?

 

He gives and takes away.

Last week was bizarre. On Wednesday, February, 23, a beautiful new life entered this world while a beautiful older life left to be with Jesus. 

Reed Joseph Hargraves made his grand entrance into this world, kicking and screaming I might add, and was welcomed by his pretty mommy, Lynsey, proud daddy, Joe, and big brother, Dylan. They are a beautiful family. They didn't have the easiest time with the whole "begin your family thing" and I watched Lynsey deal with loss and pain with such grace. God really is faithful, and she is now the proud, crazy momma of two handsome boys. I could not be happier for them. Lynsey is such a great mom...and friend. She's real and I love her for it. She doesn't pretend to be anyone she isn't. I like that too. Congrats you all on your new addition, I can't wait to watch him grow up.

On the flip side, Mrs. Jan, a lady who has gone to my church since I've attended, passed away leaving a lot of us sad that we won't get to be around her classy, loving, calm spirit anymore on this earth. I led worship for a few years and Mrs. Jan was a part of the team for a good portion of the time I was involved. She always came in with a smile and with super cute shoes, I might add. I always told her when I turn 70, I hope to be as stylish and classy as she.  She passed away in her early 70's,  I believe...seems like we should have had a few more years with her. But God knows best.

David and I had to leave her funeral early on Saturday because the boys were tired, hungry, and still not feeling completely up to par. On the way home, I told David I was frustrated because I would have liked to have stayed for the whole thing.  I felt bad that I wasn't able to give her the respect of being there for the whole ceremony. Then, a thought crossed my mind. If miss Jan could have been there, sitting in one of the two front chairs in the foyer of the church (she sat there often), and she knew I needed to get those boys home, she was have said, "Oh Hunny, it's no problem. I'll be fine, take them home." She would have smiled a big smile and waved me on home. I felt released knowing she wouldn't have been the least bit offended. I want to be that kind of person. I want to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable. Thank you Mrs. Jan for being a lovely lady who loved Jesus and people. I'm sorry that cancer made you hurt. Mr. Al and the rest of her family, you are in our prayers.

When I thought about the day and how Reed's earthly life began while Mrs. Jan's ended, the song Blessed be Your name came to my mind. The song's bridge says, "You give and take away, You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name." That pretty much sums up my feelings about the day. Thank you, Jesus, for both of these lives.

We Don't Brush.

Parker's first trip to the dentist was a year ago. However, it almost doesn't count because he went to his Aunt Sarah who is a fantastic dental hygienist. Also, at age two, they essentially do as much with the child's mouth as they can without getting a finger bitten off. No x-rays were taken and Parker left thinking we went to see Aunt Sarah blow up the green latex gloves. No biggie.

I decided he should go back again since it had been a year and we have had all sorts of little issues with his mouth. Nothing major, just a chipped front tooth from running on concrete, a torn upper frenum from busting his mouth a few times (this actually may have saved us from a small surgical procedure in a few years, thanks Parker), and a loose bottom tooth from hitting the floor gym at preschool. As is turns out, none of these things are an issue. Whew!

Parker loves to brush his teeth and does so twice a day. We always help afterward to complete the job. Apparently, brushing consistently in addition to a low-sugar diet paid off because he got a clean bill of oral health. Yay! Everything was great. Good thing, too. If there had been a cavity, they (being the dentist and hygienist) would have blamed me. Let me give you a quick summary of the conversation the DH (hygienist) had with Parker when we first arrived.

DH: Hi Parker, how are you today.

Parker: Good.

DH: I'm going to tickle your teeth with my special toothbrush...is that OK?

Parker: Giggle. Yeah.

DH: (Lots more kind, reassuring, child-level chatter about what she was going to do. She is really great child hygienist.) Parker, do you brush your teeth at home?

Parker: No. (While shaking his head side to side.)

Mommy: (In the background quietly shaking her head up and down.)

DH: Do you have any teeth that have been bothering you or causing you any pain?

Mommy: (Again shaking her head no, because Parker has NEVER mentioned any pain.)

Parker: Yes. My back teeth. (Pointing inside his mouth)

DH: OK, well, we'll take a look at those.

Really Parker? That's fantastic. Way to make your mommy look nice and negligent. Lucky for me, your teeth were healthy and maybe granted me a little validation. Parker really did do great. He took all his x-rays, even the ones that gag you to death. He was a trooper.

The x-rays look promising. They promise that Parker's permanent bottom teeth are coming in extremely crooked and we will have to spend big bucks to straighten them out. I guess I'll be looking through Highlight magazines with him in a few years while waiting in the orthodontist office. The x-rays also promise he's going to have ginormous front upper teeth. Like T-Rex large. Poor Parker, those darn x-rays promised that he'll not escape that really awkward looking phase. Oh well, most of us went through it and have awesome pictures to show for it.

If anyone is wondering where Graham was during this whole experience, I'll ease your curiosity. My friend Annyssa, who referred me to Children's Dentistry, played with him in the waiting room until she had to help take the x-ray pictures. She then had him wrangled under one arm while snapping the film with the other. It was humorous. Thanks for you help, Nys! You rock.

Dental trip February, 2011....success.