Friday Love

Happy Friday! So these pictures are long overdue, but browsing on facebook last night I happened to realize that I hadn't posted these. In October Remy was the ring bearer in my Brother-In-Law's wedding.  I am so in love with this little man (as I'm sure you have never picked up on with all my gushing...) so the pictures are the perfect way to wrap up my week with a little love!

PawPaw just happened to have a few new Hot Wheels in his tux pocket... 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with people and things that you love! Trace has his first all-nighter with the youth at our church tonight, so please pray for his stamina and my sanity as I battle evening/bedtime alone. I'm not sure who has a tougher job!

Checked Off the List

Please pardon the excitement, as I'm posting twice today... I just had two completely different trains taking off from the station at once and needed to get them down separately.

I am a dreamer. I have a hard time setting goals and keeping them because the day-dreamer in me keeps dreaming up newer and more exciting things. With the new year I made a pretty lofty list of things that I wanted to do this year, especially where 2 sweet things is concerned. The biggest of these goals is that I want to release an actual line of girls clothing with several key and coordinating pieces that work together. I have been buried in sketches and fabric swatches and with the arrival of some delicious fabric last week, things are starting to take shape. I joke to Trace that every time I make something new I squeal that 'This is the cutest thing Ever!' The greatest thing is that it's usually true! (Don't I just say so myself!?) I have really been working on the tiniest details of each piece and am finding that some wonderful things are emerging from beneath my needle. Ruffles, appliques, balloon hems, and funky prints galore~ oh my! I am hoping to get some great photographs taken and be able to list the new items on February 15th, just past the Valentine's rush. Here are a few pictures of some things to come:

So I'm still a dreamer, just a bit more conscious about having my feet hit the ground every now and then. I am finding that it's much more satisfying to dream big dreams when some of them start to take shape in the real world as opposed to just in my head.

Another thing on my list is to potentially add advertising here on my lovely blog. I have had several inquiries about doing this, and I am exploring what ways would best serve y'all, my lovely readers, and advertisers. 'Would love to know your thoughts on this!

Happy Wednesday, lovelies! Oh, by the way, there's still time to order some sweet things for you little Valentine from my shop!

Easy Potato Soup

I have to tell you, I have a bit of a milk problem. Or rather, I have an issue with those pesky 'Sell by' dates they print on things. As the date inches closer I have this terrible fear of milk going bad. I'm constantly asking Trace to smell/taste things just to satisfy my irrational fears. Fortunately for me, as I've said before, he's a pretty good sport.

Growing up I can remember in colder weather as the date on the milk would get nearer my mom would decide that the milk must quickly be used, and one of the most common ways she would do that is by making potato soup. Soup is absolutely one of my favorite things about colder weather, and I thought I would share this simple but super-tasty recipe with you that I made today. It consists of just a few ingredients that we typically have on hand and can be ready in minutes!

This recipe makes enough for 2 adults & 2 toddlers but can easily be multiplied...

Wash and peel 5 large potatoes. Chop the potatoes into equal sized pieces (I prefer larger chunks, but you can make these as small or large as you like). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the potatoes. Boil until potatoes are soft when pierced by a fork. Drain potatoes and set aside until sauce is ready.

To make the cream sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in pan on medium-high heat. (I like to use the same one I just had the potatoes is to save on dishwashing time...) When the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons flour and stir until it starts to get golden and bubbly. (This is called a 'roux', for all you technical cooks out there.) To this add 2 cups milk slowly and any seasoning you want. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium -low and add in the softened potatoes. For seasoning I add whatever I have on hand. Today I added a bit of minced onion & garlic seasoning. And you're done~ Easy!

I like to serve mine smothered in shredded cheese, as you can see in the picture, but it's just as delicious on its own!

Success

Let me introduce you to Zorro. This weekend we let Remy watch that movie, and now he is all about playing the hero, complete with his horse, Tornado (Tracey). This sweet little masked face encompasses my definition of success in life.

This week over at the Scoutie Girl blog, Tara is exploring success in all its different forms and definitions. This is something I have thought quite a bit about, and while I can't always pin down exactly what I think it looks like in my life, I do believe I'm getting there and that my priorities are in line.

From the onset of our relationship, Trace and I have been different. Different than each other, certainly, but different from the world. In our world, there is definitely the idea that success equals 'The American Dream': career, money, cars, and all the peripheral trappings of the well-endowed life. But we committed from the beginning that we weren't going to be part of this. Especially as Christians, we are called to be different. Peter called us 'strangers and aliens' even. We have made decisions based on where we believed God was guiding us at the moment, and while we haven't won the lottery or built a mansion on a hill, we haven't regretted our choices. We are living a successful life!

Back to Zorro, this handmade life is something that fits right in line with successful life Trace and I are allowing God to build for us. I would rather be at home cutting super hero masks from old shirts than climbing my way up an imaginary ladder... I love being part of preschool moments when suddenly it comes to Remy that Jesus hear him when he prays and when Halle says 'E-I-E-I-O' to the postal worker... I think I'm the most successful person I know~ and grateful!

So what is success to you? Are you living in a way that will get you there?

The Fake House

Happy Monday morning! After a busy weekend, Trace is taking the day off, and we are trying to have a relaxing day at home. Remy is begging to go somewhere, anywhere, but we're hoping to stay put. It's snowing just a little after all the snow melted away in the last few days, and it just seems like a good day to stay inside.

I am reading a book called Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli, and it has really gotten me thinking about the honesty in which I live my daily life. At our house, whenever someone is coming over Trace says I create what he calls 'The Fake House'. I scramble to have everything in it's place, tidy and neat. I think this is the house I really wish I lived in... Truth be told, we aren't terribly messy people. I just have the tendency of being a bit obsessive about what people see. I do make time for regular housework and cleaning because I genuinely like it (I know, a bit crazy to most...), but it kicks into overdrive when someone is coming over.

I think as Christians there is a certain amount of 'Fake House' that we all create in order to go to church and be around 'church people', and isn't this sad?! Yaconelli says that his book is "a strong antidote for the spiritual perfectionism in us all. Here are truths that can cut you loose from the tyranny of ought-to's and open your eyes to the deep spirituality of being loved, shortcomings and all, by the God who meets you and transforms you in the midst of a messy and unpredictable life." I don't know about you, but this is the kind of spirituality that I want: full-disclosure, unafraid that someone might see my cobwebs, loved in my imperfectness.

So in an exercise of full-disclosure, I thought I would post a few pictures of our new home. No 'Fake House' here~ I really didn't clean up anything, much as I wanted to...

Our dining room/kitchen

Bedroom

Living room~ sorry for the crappy quality... Just got my new drapes, and I adore them!

Remy's bed, complete with literally dozens of animals he sleeps with

Old armoire we rescued from the basement~ I would love your thoughts on how we should make this thing over. It has good 'bones' but definitely needs some work!

I love knowing that we can approach God with even our Real Houses, mess and all.  There aren't any surprises to Him, anyway. So what are you hiding? Isn't it such a relief to just come out from behind the mask and be yourself? I think this question is the one that plagues me... I know that it's true, but I still struggle with wanting to be something that I'm perhaps hot, and that is exhausting!

Keith Miller said this: "Our churches are filled with people who outwardly look contented and at peace but inwardly are crying out for someone to love them... just as they are- confused, frustrated, often-frightened, guilty, and often unable to communicate even within their own families. But the other people in the church look so happy and contented that one seldom has the courage to admit his own deep needs before such a self-sufficient group as the average church meeting appears to be."

I pray that here is a place where we can be honest. Until tomorrow, lovelies!

Just Us Girls

This morning Halle and I dropped Remy off for his first day at his new preschool. It was bittersweet, as I always feel so torn leaving my little ones anywhere... But the classroom was abuzz with three year old energy, and while I do not envy his teacher, I know it's good for him. The Curly Girly and I went to the grocery store, stopped by the church to say hello to Trace at work and are now settling into some together time, just the two of us. We've already spread out the art supplies to do a little creating, and in the second picture I think you can spy a bit of chocolate chip on her mouth... what's a Girls Day without cookies?!

She already seems to love getting her hands dirty in each project I come up with, so who knows what kinds of trouble we'll get into on Thursdays and Fridays! I hope you have a lovely Thursday doing something with the ones you love!

Storms that Shape Us

Eye of the Storm fine art print, courtesy of bewellc8 on Etsy

I told y'all last week that our small group is discussing the writing in Matthew 14 about Jesus walking on the water. As I was studying this week, I found the phrase 'Storms Shape Us!' scribbled in my own hand in the margin of my Bible. As I thought more about this, I realized how true this is. The things in my life, most notably the dramatic and emotionally exhausting things, are the ones that looking back have made the most profound impact on my life and faith.

Among those 'storms' that I have had to wade through, the biggest obstacle to my being 'successful' is myself. Is it strange that I am my own worst enemy? This isn't new to those of you who have been reading for a while... I have had many conversations with myself as I have been writing this blog, creating, and forging my way through motherhood. The voice inside myself often works against that of God, telling me of my constant inadequacies and the lie that nothing I do will ever be good enough. So on a daily basis, I have to tell that voice to just stop, and I force myself to be quiet long enough to hear the still, small voice of the One True God. And He doesn't lie.

I love in the account in Matthew 14 that Jesus doesn't calm the storm before he tells Peter to come onto the water. It isn't until He climbs into the boat that the wind dies down. This is such a beautiful portrait of a relationship with Him. There will be storms. I can't tell you anything but that fact because it's true. But He will always hold out his hand and say 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' (verse 27). The Master Potter allows us to be shaped by the storm, all the while holding our hand as it gets scary.

So what are the storms that have shaped you? There is nothing in this life, my lovely friends, that will cause Him to abandon you.

Friday Love~ Folded & Feminine

As I've been sketching and drawing patterns for a spring collection, I have consistently been drawn back to feminine details, especially ruffles. It seems I'm not the only one, and on etsy alone a search for 'ruffles' leads to over 17,000 results. So I skimmed some of those items and found a few to highlight that I am loving today. A little eye candy for your weekend! Happy Friday!

Pleated Neckline top by Lirola

Three Frills Clutch by DavieandChiyo

Upcycled Necktie Maria Necklace by Lilianasterfield

Coco Pearl Fancy by clairelafaye

Hot Couturier Ruffly Wristlet by prettyinpink320

It's in the Details

Ruffle Bib on the dress front

This week's 'assignment' in the 52 Weeks is all about the first stages of a new product. And while I don't really have a new product on the table, I am just finishing one and I thought I would let y'all see it. When I began sewing last year after, oh, 15 years since Home Ec. classes, the thing that rang in my mind was my mom telling me years ago that the back of a piece was as important as the front. I remember her telling me that her mom would immediately flip over a project and inspect how neatly she had sewn, tied in the ends, etc. When I began creating to sell, I knew that I wanted the insides of each item to be just as lovely as the outside. So I learned everything I could about the 'bones' of sewing. I read manuals, and I practiced.  I mastered french seaming and hand-finishing. (Okay, maybe 'mastered' isn't quite true, but I do pretty well!)

French seam and care tag

I want you to know what goes into each and every 2 sweet things item. I spend tons of time drawing patterns, finishing each seam, sewing in labels... all because I want each piece to be a work of art from the inside out!

Sewn-in label

Bias trimmed armhole

Tie back of dress

Dress back, wrong-side out

Finished dress! Size 3T/4T This will be in the shop soon!

Sink or Walk!

Well, kind of like Halle into this pudding cup, we are diving head first into our new life here in Illinois. The days are beginning to feel like our new normal, boxes are getting unpacked, and we are getting to know some wonderful people from our new church. Life is good.

Last night we went to our first small group meeting. I am always a bit tentative amongst new people... that shy girl in me really wants to stay on the surface. But the topic really intrigued me. We will be reading the John Ortberg book, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat". One of my favorite teachers once did an amazing sermon series on this book, and I have always come back to it in ways, so when I heard we would be studying this, I was totally on board. (Okay, forgive me, that 'on board' pun was totally unintended...)

The book draws from the story in Matthew 14 in which the disciples are on their boat in the middle of a storm. Jesus goes out to them, walking on the water. The disciples think that it's some sort of ghost, but Jesus tells them to not be afraid, and Peter says (verse 28) "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus says "Come", and Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water toward Jesus. That particular Bible story and the Ortberg book reinforce the fact that every act of faith includes a level of risk. We just must assume that risk in order to see more of who God is and strengthen our faith. So last night's meeting ended with the question: What is your boat? I really have been thinking about this, and I really think that our old life was my boat. Nashville was the safe thing that I had in my life that was keeping me from moving toward Jesus. And now we have jumped head-first out of the boat. Faith. And while it is a bit scary and fear does creep in, there is an incredible amount of peace that is accompanying our decision because this is a risk God called us to take.

So what is your boat? I truly believe that every step of faith reveals more of who God is, and I absolutely want to see Him, more of Him, ALL of Him! My prayer is that today you will allow Him to help you let go of the things you hold on to. Be blessed, lovelies! See you soon!

A Little Rock with Your Romance!

Groovy Guitars Booties

Last week I posted a few pictures from my Valentine's Day Collection (which is still growing, by the way!). Today I thought I would share a few things that are newly listed in my shop for the little rockers in your life.  My biggest frustration, and yours from what I gather, as a mom to a little boy was the lack of cute, durable, and affordable things for little men that didn't look 'girly' at all. Trace's gauge on everything to do with Remy is whether or not he thinks Remy would get made fun of at school. When we go shopping I hear 'I'd have to walk him to school in that', or 'That kid would have totally been beaten up at my school'. I don't know what kind of school Trace grew up at =), but I don't want that! So anyway, I picked out these awesome Michael Miller prints specifically with little boys in mind, but as I made them I realized that they would be great for a funky little girl too! ~And they met Trace's approval as the discerning father, so everybody wins!

Set of 3 Drooler Bibs

Funky Lounge Pants

These pants are made with a growing child in mind and are my absolute favorites! The legs are fully finished so that once your little one gets too long they can be turned down. I made Remy a pair in his size, but of course he was not a willing model... If I survive him being 3, I can survive anything! (Can you hear me sighing?)

For Such a Time As This

Esther 4:14 "...And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

So I am really trying to hone in on why I do this~ my mission. And I'm having a hard time, but the bottom line is that I truly believe at this time in my life God has called me to be here, in this 'space', doing what I love because he has given it to me because I am 'Any Mom'.

I started this blog with the subtitle "a journal of our days, the ones we love, and the things we make", and I still think that is what this blog is. My hope is that as it grows and changes it will become a place where any mom can find inspiration, whether that is drawn from a certain scripture which will grow her closer to the Creator, or something creative that will bring into light God-given interests and abilities. 2 sweet things blog (and shop, for that matter!) is the place where I connect God, art & inspiration, and I hope that 'Any Mom' will find that here too.

That kind of sums up where I'm at today. I definitely think in the next days & weeks I will be able to clarify a bit more, but it's a start, right!?

Oh, and I guess I'll throw in a little Friday Love while I'm here. Though, truthfully I didn't even know it was Friday until the guy at the bank said something! Today I'm loving:

~ That our family seems to be in the clear from the nasty rotavirus. Neither little one is eating quite like themselves just yet, but they are getting past it, and for that I am deeply thankful!

~That my 'studio' is coming together. I can't wait to get everything into place and give y'all a little tour. It is so nice to be able to spread out and not have to shuffle everything off the dining room table each day!

~That we have an awesome new church family. I mentioned that we arrived to a team of people who helped get everything ready and unload the truck, but it has extended to so much more than that, and we have just been blown away by their kindness.

That's really just the tip of the iceburg, but I have a few custom orders that I need to get started on for Valentine's Day. Happy Weekend~ I'll see you soon!

For Your Sweethearts!

I reopened the shop yesterday and added a few new things for Valentine's Day. These two pairs of booties are just the beginning, and in a few minutes once the littles have dozed off I plan to get a few more things listed. Aren't these the sweetest!?

Sweetheart Booties

V-Day Mary Janes

Good morning! Things are calming down here a little, and after a trip to the doctor and the er yesterday both kiddos seem to be getting over this nasty rotavirus stuff. If you haven't had any experience with it, consider yourself among the lucky. Take it from me, it is disgusting!!! Thanks to those of you who have been praying for us in the transition- 2010 came on like a freight train, but it is starting to regain a little 'normal'.

Boxes are slowly being unpacked and our house is starting to feel like home. It is funny, though, because we have so much more space here than in our old apartment, so several of the rooms feel rather empty. I'm sure in time we will expand into them... I take after my mother (I say that often, don't I!?) and tend to accumulate things from origins I can't identify.

I wanted to take some time this year, and at the end of last year really, to focus on why I do this (blog, create, 2 sweet things shop, etc). I don't want this space to become a chore or 'just another mommy blog'. Tara from scoutie girl has written a great e-book entitled '52 Weeks of Blogging your Passion', and I am working my way through it. I think it's awesome to have started it at the beginning of the year, especially when this whole life is a fresh start for me in many ways: new year, new home, Trace's new job. Week One is all about defining your mission, and I had every intention of getting to that in this post, but as I type I realize that I'm just not ready. So, I hope to have my formal mission statement ready tomorrow (it's still week one, right!?). I really see great things for 2 sweet things this year, and I hope you'll come back!

Arrived

Well, my darlings, I'm back. It's been a trying several days (and that's putting it mildly!), but we are surviving. On Saturday we woke up to snow in Nashville. It hadn't snowed yet this year, so of course on came the cold as we were loading up our moving truck... We made the eight hour trek with Halle throwing up for most of the journey. This was not 'merrily all the way', but Remy was a trooper, and I have never been so thankful to get out of the car! We arrived to an incredible crew from our new church home putting finishing touches on our wonderful new house. It was like an extreme makeover on the place since we saw it six weeks ago, and I can't even begin to describe how grateful we are. I will try to get some pictures of our new digs as soon as I have the boxes at least hidden away.

There is a ton of snow here, so one of the first things we had to do on Sunday was go to buy Remy some snow gear. He couldn't wait to get out in it for the first time.  Here are a few pictures of him out exploring in our backyard. As an apartment dweller for all of life that he remembers, a backyard is like heaven! Trace even suited up to throw a few snowballs.

And just for good measure, I will throw in a couple of pics of the 'Curly Girly'. I'm not sure why these turned out so grainy, but I love her poses. This really is her working the camera in her mis-matched pjs...

I've reopened my shop, and have added a few new Valentine's Day things. I'll be back tomorrow with more on that! Good Night!