Happy New Year!

It's 2012!!! Can you believe it?!?

In honor of the new year, I am going to be changing around a few things around here...I started with my header and profile...what do you think?

I like the fresh look and I love Hunter's little moccasin booties in the picture, aren't they cute?

I am also hoping to categorize my posts even better and make some new buttons to match my header...

and I am planning on posting more often, depending on how much time I have each day=)

I hope everyone had a great Chrismas and New Year!

I'll be back in a day or two with more changes and a Hunter update=)

The month that changed everything...

Four weeks ago today a little miracle arrived in our lives... one that we prayed for, hoped for, and eagerly anticipated for nine months...

and I had such big plans to sit down each day and write about all of the beautiful moments that we shared those first few weeks...

but then this thing called sleep deprivation set in, along with this other thing called "busy-ness" and collecting my thoughts and formulating sentences out of them became just another item on my to-do list... 

and then before I knew it, a month had past and details started to get fuzzy in my brain and I realized that if I don't hurry up and get things out, they may be lost forever...

so here it goes...

I love being a mom...

I love the look on my son's face just before he drifts off to sleep when his eyes are fluttering open and closed and his lips are toying with the idea of a smile...

I love when God wispers in his ear and he breaks out a grin...
and you wonder what the two of them are talking about and what was so funny...

I love sitting with a good book and reading the day away while he sleeps contentedly on my chest...

I love watching Sadie as she sets toys down next to her baby brother and waits for him to play with her... and how on one occasion he smiled at her attempts...

I love singing to him in the early morning hours when the whole house is silent and the words to songs I haven't sang in years flood back in and spill out of my mouth...

I love how they remind me of other times and other places and other people in my life...and how now they will remind me of him...

I love the way he folds his arms under his chin, arches his back, and rests against my chest...looking up at me wide-eyed as if he is memorizing every curve of my face...

I love that my son looks like my husband, and how every time I see him am reminded of my love for his father...

I love how dependant I have become on prayer...and how the still small voice of the Lord speaks wisdom into my heart when I need it most...

lifting me out of the massive pile of well-intentioned parenting advice I have received from friends, family, and well-wishers in recent months...
and giving me clarity...

I love this life and the many blessings that fill my days... making the aches and pains, lack of sleep, and fuzzy mom brain so incredibly worth it...

linking to Tuesday's Unwrapped at chattingatthesky.com

Redefining Perfection

source

Last night Mike and I got to experience something really special. 


As rain poured out of the sky in sheets, we huddled under a canopy of Hollywood style rounded bulbs on a crowded street in philadelphia, trying to stay dry...


and trying even harder to catch a glimpse of the performers as they made their way from their limos to the warmth of the theater...


Flashbulbs were going off, people hollered and cheered, voices boomed from the microphone...


These were not just any celebrities...


They were singers, dancers, pianists, drummers, and comedians...


They had tophats and canes and satin dresses and bouncy curls...


They were children from all over who had come to perform for us.


not just any children, but children with special needs.


And let me tell you, they put on quite a show.


And as we sat there, and watched a little girl with down syndrome in her pink satin dress, dance around the stage with her boa and sequined cheerleading poms, with a smile and a confidence that lit up the room, I thought to myself...


If I have a child with even half of that little girl's enthusiasm for life, even half of the brightness of her smile...


I would be honored and I would be blessed.


These children were there because it was a place to showcase their talents and abilities (which were outstanding)...but what they probably didn't even realize is that they were giving us in the audience a glimpse into another world far greater than our own...


A glimpse into God's economy (the one that isn't crashing and burning around us) where they are the distinguished citizens, and we are the general public, the commoners, the spectators... A place where He (the Creator) basks in the delight of his children of every race and every ability...


It's a beautiful world, one that so many of us never see or care to look for...


and for those of us who catch a glimpse...


our world looses its luster...


which is ok with me. 


(Luke 17:33, Mark 8:36)


How about you? Have you had any experiences lately that make you stop in your tracks and re-evaluate this place, this world we call our home?

P.S. What I was going to post about, before I got kicked out of the driver's seat, was our completed nursery!!! So come back tomorrow to see gobs and gobs of pictures of our little one's new digs=)

Itching for change...

I was in the mood to mix it up a bit, so I made a new header this morning...

What do ya'll think? 

Have any suggestions on...

the pictures?

the layout?

the new wording?

Nursery...Part 1!

It's about 11:30 here and my little one has begun his.or.her nightly aerobics, which combined with the 2 hour nap I took this afternoon pretty much guarantees another hour or two or sleeplessness on my part...

Which is not necessarily a bad thing considering I have been the worst blogger since third trimester hit at the beginning of August...and I have some major catching up to do...

So, in honor of this late night soiree hosted by the little one inside me...I'm going to write the first post in a new mini series I am beginning, chronicling the progression of the nursery that I have been so diligently working on=)

Here we go!

Although I would love to just skip ahead to all the fun stuff, like the crib set, and the onesies, and the little hats and booties...

We must begin at the beginning...

One beautiful Saturday afternoon a month or so ago, Mike helped me (aka. I helped him) hang board and batten on the walls or what would become the nursery...

Although there are some great tutorials out there...we didn't really follow anything specific...just learned as we went...

(if I were to have completed this project myself, here is the resource I would have used...Sarah over at Thrifty Decor Chick has some amazing step by step instructions for all kinds of molding projects=)  

Here was the progression:

I decided I wanted it to look a little on the rustic side, with a nice wide ledge at the top, so I could interchange pictures and knick-knacks at my leisure without leaving holes in the walls:)

I am soooo happy with the result!! My hubby never ceases to amaze me with his seemingly effortless carpentry skills, and he created exactly what I had in mind=) 

So there you have it...part one of the nursery progress!!

Maybe now I will get some sleep!!

Exciting news!!

Hello everyone...

It is a beauuuutiful fall morning here in Pa, just the kind of day for some great news!!!

Great news #1:

We have a winner for the mymemories scrapbook software!! 

Kelly, it's you!! Whoohoo!!

I will send you an email today on how to redeem your package=)

Thank you everyone who participated!!

Great news #2:

Ok...I'm about to get a bit wordy so bear with me...

I have always been one of those people who takes pictures everywhere they go...

When Mike and I were dating(and he was still trying to win my little heart over) he humored me on every date by smiling for yet another picture...I have archives FULL of them, much to my delight=)

Then when we got engaged...and he still put up with the incessant picture taking...just casting the occasional eye-roll in my direction...hehe

Then we got married and jetted off to our dreamy honeymoon destination, on a trip that we knew we would never be able to duplicate...

And right around the halfway point on our trip, something horrible/tragic/inconceivable happened...

my trusty camera which took stellar pictures DIED. Just like that. 

I remember the day well...we had just rented a motorbike to tour up and down the coast of Belize and I was so thrilled at the idea of snapping pictures of the countryside, villages, and people from the backseat of our bike...

It never happened. 

we got a few good shots thanks to an emergency disposable camera back up...

but other than that...the things that we experienced and saw that day, as well as the rest of our trip, remain only in our memories.

When we got home, my dad lovingly got me another camera for my birthday...it was the same make, same model... 

but took very different pictures. 

And so for the last year of our lives, this former picture-taking fanatic has left my camera home on most adventures we have taken and dates we have gone on... so.sad.i.know.

The camera is so difficult, that I have been using my camera phone for all of the pictures that I have posted on this blog...

But now, its all about to change=)))

I am pleased to announce that I am now the proud owner of this beautiful camera:

source

I have been pretty much drooling over this beauty since I first started researching entry-level photography cameras...

And now its mine...just in time for all the fall goodness, and the arrival of our baby...woohoo!

So...I'm back...look out cuz' I have a wicked cool camera again, and a vengeance to make up for the last year of photo barrenness...

hehe.

p.s. if you read this whole post and are still reading, you are a true friend...I probably would have stopped a while back;)

Mymemories Giveaway!!

As promised...today it the day of my very first giveaway!!!

And I think we've got a good one! =)

The lovely folks over at my memories are giving away a software package, valued at around $40.00 to one lucky reader!! This software is for digital scrapbooking...basically everything you could or would do with scrapbook paper, pens, pictures, and embellishments in a physical scrapbook...you can now do one your computer, using mymemories!

So that I had a good idea of how this software works and just how fabulous it is...the mymemories team gave me my own software to try out...and I love it=)

Here is a little collage I put together of our Labor Day Party, using the My Memories Suite software. It was so easy, and I was so happy with the end result.

It was very comprehensive, and I had this page thrown together in no time!!

SO...you want to get in on this, right?

here is what you need to do...click on this link, which will take you to the mymemories website. Once you are there, browse through some of the scrapbook kits (which are available for free once you have the My Memories Suite software) and pick out a favorite...then come back and leave me a comment, including the words "enter me in the giveaway please!" and your favorite design from the website.

After you do this...please become a follower so we can stay in touch!!

Then stay tuned next week to find out if you are the winner!!

That's it!! Easy, huh?

Happy contesting everyone!

P.S. A very special thanks to my blogging buddy Catie over at Catie's Corner...for helping me promote my giveaway and for helping me get started in the world of blogging=) 

Thank you friend!!

Sweet Productivity...

Where to begin???

I cannot believe it has been a whole week since I have posted anything...

I am fighting that old blogging guilt as I sit here typing...

This has truly been one of the most productive weeks I have had my entire pregnancy. 

and one of the most exhausting.

Good news is...

-the nursery is painted (batten board walls and all)

-my 7 loads of laundry, which sat untouched while the nursery was getting painted are washed, folded and put away

-my entire house, which also sat untouched while the nursery was getting painted is now vacuumed, dusted, and mopped

-the walls throughout my home have all been touched up, and my window ledges have all gotten a fresh coat of stain

-my hardwood floors are freshly lemon oiled and smelling sweet

-Mike and I successfully pulled off a Labor Day party for 25 of my extended family members (some of whom had never seen our home)

-I am still alive.

Bad news is...

-I ache from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

needless to say, my nesting drive is in full swing...

time for a break;)

Hope everyone had a fabulous labor day weekend and got to spend some quality time with loved ones=)

P.S. Its official, the Mymemories giveaway will begin on this Friday, and will end on Monday...so be sure to come back later this week for details!!!

Hey Ya'll...Get Ready!!

So I know there are many of you who have been faithfully reading my blog for the last few months, and either commenting or telling me verbally that you have been here...

To you all...I cannot say THANK YOU enough!! I am so encouraged to know that I hopefully brighten a few days like you all brighten mine...

and now...for those of you who read my blog and never create blogger profiles from which you can leave comments, etc...now is the time to do it, because I am hosting my first GIVEAWAY!! 

WHOOHOO!

I was so excited when the folks from Mymemories.com asked if I would be interested in hosting a giveaway for their wonderful scrapbooking/photo editing software that can be used to create all kinds of custom cards, photo collages, announcements, etc...all on your computer!!

The contest will be held next week, and I will give many more details on how to enter, what the prize package is, etc...

But please get ready by creating a blogger profile (you don't need a blog to do it) so that you can enter when the time comes!!

Thanks so much!!

Coffee and fabric flowers...

Sitting down to write this post feels alot like sitting down to coffee with an old friend who I haven't seen in a while...

only the old friend is my mac book, and the coffee is actually a glass of ice water... hehe...

but you get the idea:)

Mike and I were away this week on a relaxing vacation to Myrtle Beach with our family, and I wish I could say that my mac was sitting at home all week awaiting my return...but the truth is that it was with me the whole time and I ignored it. ignored my blog. and everyone else's. ha. there. the truth is out.

I also ignored all my voicemails and emails. guilty I'm afraid...

and yet I feel total peace about it...because I had a wonderful time with my hubby and my in-laws, drank a few odoules, ate waaay too many milk duds, and didn't think twice about all my cell phone or computer the whole week.

It was fabulous=)

I have the rest of my life to blog. or check my emails. or return phone calls. 

But right now I am 26 weeks pregnant (can you believe it!!) and embracing the fact that my sanity is contingent on me slowing things down a bit and not feeling guilty about the things that don't get done everyday. ahhhh... the joy that comes when you let yourself off the hook a little;)

Anyway, back to what I really wanted to blog about, and that is fabric flowers. I love them.

Anyone else with me?

I have found a new crafting obsession, at least for the next week or two;)

Last week I went online and found some of the most fabulous tutorials and pictures on how to create little fabric beauties...and then I went to work creating my own miniature masterpieces.

Then my dear friend Bek came over for lunch with her sister Liz, and I roped them into the chaos=)

Here are our creations:

We added little clip and pin backings to them that I picked up from the jewelry making department at Joanne Fabrics...making them the perfect addition to a little summer dress or cardigan... or winter scarf or bag...or really anything...

I made three coordinating flowers out of the gray fabric that I found in the remnants bin at Joannes, and then glued them to this little white clutch that I found a few weeks ago while thrifting with my buddy Kirsten...the clutch was only 50 cents and now look at it =)

Then, I took one of my silk flower pins and attached it to a little silk petal that I had in my stash of faux flowers and foliage (which I use to garnish wrapped presents;), and then placed it a jewelry box to give it as a gift to my sister who was in from out of town:)

Martha Stewart would be proud.

and the obsession continues...

because I still have a box of fabric remnants calling my name, and about 482 people who I want to make one of these little beauties for...

So until next time, happy fabric flower making everyone!

One Year Ago...

Exactly one year ago today I married the man of my dreams=)

It has been the most amazing year of my life, and has left me with so much excitement and anticipation for what this next year will hold...

ok...and now I am speechless, because I don't really know what else to say with words to sum up how blessed I feel and how happy I am...

 so I guess I will just leave it at that;)

...don't forget to tell your spouse how much you love them today!

Inspiration for tomorrow!

So tomorrow I am going to attempt to make my own rope-framed mirror for the bathroom that is attached to our den, which has a fishing/boating kind of feel to it. Here are some inspiration pics that I found while perusing the web today=) gorgeous huh?!

Source: myevergreenonline.com via Adriane @ fruitfulhomejournal on Pinterest

Source: thenateshow.com via Adriane @ fruitfulhomejournal on Pinterest

Source: 80milestobrewster.blogspot.com via Adriane @ fruitfulhomejournal on Pinterest

Wish me luck!

Alas, I have succumb to the pressure...

There is a very good reason I deleted my facebook a few months ago...

a good reason I never joined twitter...

and a good reason I don't have "texting" on my phone...

Mike and I agreed that we would really prefer a more "unplugged" life...

and I was so happy about that...

until...

I gave in to Pinterest.

and you know what?

Oh man, am I excited!!! =)

I figure that unlike all the other technology that I listed above, this truly is a very practical thing to be a part of...where else can you capture and save all your favorite things in one place, with only exerting the effort of a single mouse click?

and so it is official...

I'm going to start pinning...

Probably right after I finish this post, hehe.

For those of you who know me well, have no fear, I will still be scouring every Potterybarn, Ballard Designs, Country Living, and Martha Stewart magazine that appears in my mailbox each month.

And I will still frantically tear out the pages of those magazines that I love and add them to my unruly folder for whenever the mood strikes and I need inspiration.

Because really, I have been doing that since I was like 7, so the tradition must live on ;)

So now, I am going to do it both ways...want to join me in my insanity?

Come visit my pinterest page, by clicking on the link below:

Hope everyone is having a fabulous day!

For Days Like These...

Maybe it is because I'm pregnant...

Maybe it is because my backyard looks like the Sahara desert...

Maybe it is because Sadie just ran through the house with mud on her paws...

or maybe it is just because life isn't always perfect...

Whatever the reason, this day...this week rather, has been so overwhelming for me. Mike and I have about 16,452 (exaggeration, i know:) unfinished projects around here that we are trying to finish all at once, and all I want to do is nest. You know...putz around the house putting the finishing touches on things, straightening things up, get everything ready for the arrival of the baby this fall...

and yet...I can't...

I have to be patient, and wait...

and rest knowing that God has a purpose for our home, for our marriage, and our lives, that is bigger than the giant topsoil pile in the backyard...

so instead of a "before and after" this morning

I have this, the verse that I am clinging too while I wait for the chaos to settle...

Those are the four words that I keep replaying in my mind over and over again...

Power, Love, Sound Mind...

Power, Love, Sound Mind...

Power, Love, Sound Mind...

That is what I am holding on to this morning, the reminder that God has given us wives, moms, and homemakers, power to bless our families and rise above the chaos of the day, love to cover the imperfections in our lives and the lives of those we care about, and sound minds to keep us grounded, so we can face each day with hope and excitement...

Anyone else need that reminder today?

Catie's Corner

It is Monday, June 13th today...

whoa...where is time going??!?!

Last I checked it was something like the end of April and now it's almost half way through JUNE!!

Since time is flying by and I have not had a chance to write any big posts on the exciting projects going on around here, I thought I would take a moment to promote a new blog friend of mine, who, like me is just getting things up and running. Her name is Catie, and her blog Catie's Corner is adorable:)

She has some very cute ideas, and has been so encouraging to me as we have started this blogging adventure around the same time!

If you get a chance, please check her out and be sure to leave her a sweet comment!

Thanks so much to those of you who keep checking up on Fruitful Home Journal, and have an awesome night!!

Challenge!

 

So, for those of you who have been coming on here fairly regularly now, I cannot thank you enough! It has been so encouraging to read the comments that you have left, and to see that I have had new visitors come through each day:)


Who knew how addicting this blogging thing would be! I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it:)


Now, I want to ask for your help with something.

On Thursday, June 9th, it will be exactly two weeks since my first post, and I have a fun little challenge for myself and you all.


I would love to have 1,000 pageviews by the end of the day on Thursday, and was wondering if you could help make that a reality!


If you are interested in helping me reach my goal, please take the next few days to tell all your friends and family who might be interested about my blog:)


I am so looking forward to making some new friendships and sharing inspiration with others, and I would love for this to jumpstart those relationships!


Thanks to all of you who are reading this! I truly appreciate your time and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Fruitful Home Journal!


(For those of you fellow bloggers who are reading this, the HTML code below is my "1000 Hits Thursday" button, which links to my homepage. Feel free to grab it for your blog! I would be so grateful!)

<a href="http://fruitfulhomejournal.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Fruitful Home Journal" src="http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc487/adimmitt/1000hits-1.jpg"/></a>