What I Wore-Hearts

At first I thought I was too old to be wearing sweaters with hearts on them but I love hearts. Have always doodled them ever since I was a little girl, as many of you probably have as well. Now, I have an even greater love of the heart.  Ever since my baby girl was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect I am just drawn to them. They are special and have unexplainable meaning to me.  So here is my giant heart sweater that is more than just a sweater to me. 

 

Sweater and checkered collar shirt: J-Crew factory clearance
Jeans: Gap sale
Suede boots: gift from my sissy
Navy purse: vintage from my shop
Speck on the lower bottom front of sweater: hot glue "hairs" from crafting headbands. :) Don't worry it wasn't stuck on there!

 

On another note:  My thoughts and prayers going out to the families in Connecticut. My heart is just shattered at this unspeakable loss and I can't even begin to imagine the heart ache.  Every time I see a news clip I just well up with tears and have literally sobbed when I see those precious faces.  Only God knows the answers and can offer the peace and comfort we need. I pray the families cling to Him and are drawn to Him through this tragedy.   If there has never been an event more evident of the real battle of good ( Our Savior Jesus Christ) and bad (satan & his demons) that we are living in, then I don't know what is.  But, the wonderful amazing awesome news is that good wins!  Our God has already won the battle. He paid the price & sent His Son and He already has a special place prepared for us in His Kingdom.  We just have to accept Him and walk with Him each day. When God is on our side, we will be victorious! 


Linked up with The Pleated Poppy today!

Evelyn's checkup

I am so happy to report that Evelyn's checkup went wonderfully!  I could certainly tell that prayers were coming our way! So thank you to all of our friends and family who lifted Evelyn up.

 

She was totally calm and peaceful throughout her entire echo.  After they were finished running tests we went back to speak with her cardiologist.  He came back to the room within a minute and asked us if we would like to come see what he's looking at. So we followed him into his office area where 2 large computer screens were showing pictures of Evelyn's heart. You could see the blood flowing and the heart pumping.  He pointed to where the atrial leak is and said "Well it certainly has not gotten worse.....as a matter of fact, it looks a little better even! But, that could just be computer trickery or something.."  I just grinned really big and thought, "No, its the Lord.  Its all the prayers that have been prayed over her little heart!" 

 

We are not due back for a year! So thankful we serve a God who hears us and loves us and cares for us and gives us our modern day miracles!!

The Right Place

So I have been compelled to share this little story with you all...

 

A sweet friend of mine I hadn't spoken with in a while text me the other morning.  Just "Hey, Good Morning! I miss you, how are you?!" I was thrilled to hear from her. We used to have lunch together at the shop on Thursdays until she got promoted at her job. She is a radio personality at our area Christian radio station, WBGL.  So, I text her back.."We r good, busy, Evelyn turned 2! Goodness! And will you just please keep her in your prayers, we are headed back to Children's Hospital this month and she has a leaky valve.."

She said of course she'd pray, in fact they would pray at their morning prayer meeting at the radio station that morning.

 

So flash to about 9:30 that night.  I'm driving home from putting in some work at our new studio location, about an hour drive from home. I'm listening to WBGL but feeling really tempted to switch stations, see whats playing on top 40 or classic rock or something.  At that very moment, I hear my dear friend's sweet voice come on the radio.  She is saying, "my friend that I text with this morning; her daughter just turned 2; she had open heart surgery at just 9 days old and she is going back to Children's this month..& we prayed for her this morning..Do you have a prayer request? We would love to say a prayer for you here...

 

I couldn't believe it. My jaw hung open and I just thought "Ok Lord, I hear ya, I trust you!" He was speaking to me right in that moment.  Knowing that I've been more anxious about this visit, knowing that I was feeling tempted in that moment to switch stations, knowing that I needed comforting.

 

I text my friend and told her the story of what happened and I thanked her for allowing the Lord to use her. 

"He put you in the right place at the right time" she said

 

 

 

 

The Lord is with us friends. Always. He's near and He cares. So much. Just stop for a moment and listen.

 

 

 

Evelyn's What I Wore

There is this old abandoned brick building in our small town downtown and I keep thinking, "Oh the endless photo possibilities!" So after a quick post office stop, Evie and I sauntered over for a quick photo session including an outfit change!  One of the things I would love to do with my blog is "What I Wore Posts."  I love fashion. (I believe people who are drawn to design/decorating often have a fashion sense about them as well) I'd love to provide other moms with affordable outfit ideas  and inspiration to look and feel their best even after kiddos!! We deserve it! Oftentimes, how we feel about ourselves on the outside is very connected to how we feel on the inside.  A trip to the salon, a new shirt or that perfect pair of jeans, a moisturizer, or nail polish even can do wonders for busy mom's well being! 

Always so curious.



Outfit one: shirt: old navy, leggings:gap, shoes:vintage chucks passed down from brother Max





Outfit 2: all Old Navy

Just be still my heart.



I get this look alot. She looks like she could kick some bootie. Oh, she already did when she was born. Its a good thing she's a "tough cookie"  Love my girl so much.

 

 

 Prayin the Lord's blessings in your day to day and that you get the time to find your something that makes you feel beautiful, happy.

 

My Influence

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to go to the Influence Conference. I was stoked to get to  spend time with my sister, Mindy, but had no idea, really, what to expect from the conference.  I just knew that it was Christ centered, 2 hrs from home, and my sis would be there.  I can't even begin to explain how blessed I was.  I was overwhelmed in sooo many good ways.  There were times I had to "sneak" off to my room and take breaks just to process everything.  I was meeting and engaging with awesome women left and right, bawling my eyeballs out listening to some of the speakers and laughing till my cheeks and throat hurt. 

Now, I am not a "big" blogger ya'll but I was moved, I was inspired and I didn't feel for one second that I wasn't "good" enough because my blog is small.  You see, EVERY woman has something to offer, something to give and we all have a story to share.  We ALL have influence, unique to our personal trials, tribulations, and triumphs!  In Emily Freeman's session she quoted Mark Batterson, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" Isn't that awesome! 

 I prayed that God would bring the women along my path that I could connect with/relate to. And, you know what? He absolutely did! I met so many great women and I have like no pics to show off all of their beautiful faces! One of the very first gals I met,Amber, is married to a pediatric cardiologist. And, if you all know Evelyn's story, that was something friends! My eyes welled with tears as I got to share Evie's story with her.  I realized right then and there that I have a responsibility to share Evie's story because that is where Jesus met me. He made me desperate for Him and I experienced His strength, grace and love like never before.."God redeemed that". Those were Casey Wiegand's words when she spoke of the precious life she lost. 

God is raising up in this Influence community hearts that are on fire for Him and ready to make Influence for Him.  Besides being with Mindy (we quickly became known as "TheSisters")  my favorite part was Sat. night.  The conference ended in a worship session.  I'm sure the Lord was looking down on us with the biggest grin ever as He saw women being real and raw with their mascara running, and their balled up keenexs ..I was exhausted and renewed at the same time.  Can't wait till next year!

 

The Sisters

One of my precious new friends. Lena in our matching Borrowed Lark headbands.

opening ceremony. photo via Casey Wiegand

For more Influence recaps you can click here!  And, woohoo! I just did my first blog link..Serious people serious. :)

News on Evelyn's checkup

We are back from St. Louis Children's Hospital and although we didn't receive horrible news, it wasn't all perfect news either.  The cardiologist said that Evelyn has a mild aortic insufficiency.  This is a small leak of blood flow that gows back down into the left ventrical of the heart as the aorta is pumping blood out to the body.  In most cases it develops gradually and the heart compensates for it. But it can also become severe that surgery would be required.  The doctor wants to keep a close eye on it & rather than going back a year from now we are going  back in November. He said that overall he was pleased and that it is not a complete surprise to see the AI after having the arterial "switch" operation.

Did I want to hear that everything was perfect?  You bet!  Am I worried? Of course, I'm a mama and she's my baby. I don't want her to hurt.  I want her to be able to do all the things that little girls like to do..run, jump, play, dance..climb trees in her case. :)  But I cling to the hope and strength that God gives trusting in His plan, knowing that He is in control. I ask that you would please continue to keep Evelyn in your prayers.  I believe that God is our healer and that when we go back in November there could be no sign of the AI! 

Hi!

This month has been awesome & flying by just like the rest.. My parents got to come for a week & it was just wonderful to have them around.  I miss them. They spoil me & are a big help with the kids. I wish alot that we lived closer so we could all be more involved in eachother's day to day.  But, that is not the case so we make the most of the time we do get, cherish it & milk it for all we can.  We also got to go to Wisconsin to see my aunt, uncle & grandma.  My aunt is a great host & we could talk for hours about vintage treasures..(Her house is full) She shared some with me.  I am lucky. :)  It was sweet visiting my gma & I believe there were times she knew exactly who I was.

My sweethearts in our neighbor's bluebell patch

The Peters kids getting ready for a campfire.  Evelyn assuring Max's jacket is zipped.

Country Living..old tree trunks, tractors, toads and trees trees trees

My blue eyed girl loves the country

Four generations here folks! Pretty cool. Pictured LtoR: Max, my mother holding Evelyn, my grandmother & me.

Already sneaking into momma's wallet..oh my my my..she thinks she's being sneaky.

This day I praised Jesus because I was blessed with the wonderful opportunity to share my testimony for the first time at my Mops group.  I pray my story will help give women hope, strength & courage, & a deeper desire to walk with their Savior.

A Beautiful March

We are off to a great start for spring. I almost feel like we didn't even have a winter. Almost. But really we only had like 2 or 3 small snows. We have been soaking in sunshine & relishing the great outdoors as much as possible. We have realized that our baby girl is a true "nature" girl. She adores being outside. Prefers it to the indoors & usually fusses when its time to go in. You can just see it in her..Its no wonder as both her momma & daddy love the outdoors as well.

On another note, the shop was given a wonderful opportunity with a segment on a local tv show called Ci Living. We felt so blessed to be a guest & for the free exposure this brought to the shop. Even though I was a ball of nerves preparing, when it actually came time, I know the Lord helped calm my nerves..It was a Live taping by the way! They even let me "redo" their set, removing their furniture & replacing it with mine. So fun! It was fun to see & hear local tv personalities peeking in & commenting on the new "retro" set.

Getting ready for my tv debut! Ha

Having fun on set

On air in 30 seconds! Yes, they actually countdown.

Just Vintage redos the WCIA-3 studio

Look how windy it was this day! Really, I'm not blowing a fan in her face like they do for the models or anything! All natural baby.

My nature girl & I's day trip to Walnut Point. I packed a picnic lunch not sure how she would do but she sat on the blanket the whole time while we ate our lunch. My heart was melting.

I'm just a little bit onery. Wee bit.

Stephen said that in some of the pictures she looks like a camp counselor saying to the campers "Come on guys, lets go."

Explore!

Picnic

Stephen & I also squeezed in a trip to Indiana. We went to Nashville, Indiana one of the days & went to all these cute little shops. You know I love my palm trees so had to get a pic next to this "one" covered in license plates.

Max turned 5 on Mar. 2nd. Seems like this birthday was a big one. He's grown so much just in the past few months & is becoming more & more independent. He is smart, sweet, caring, outgoing, clever, social, & he's a terrific negotiator. I wonder how much longer he will want me to pick him up & carry him to bed, sing him a nigh' night song, & give him a hug & kiss on the lips..I am hoping his love for books will be my excuse to snuggle in close & read to him or watch/listen to him read to me for lots more years to come. And, we finally got a swing up for him. Gma Elaine & Gpa Rich came out for a visit & it was a good project for the guys.

In todays news, my baby girl & I went to the Factory Art Studios & visited our friend Darby at her Underground Vintage Studio. www.undergroundvintagestudio.net It is always so fun to see Darby & soak in all the artsy creativeness going on in that place. I came home with two new awesome pillows but would have come home with a whole wagon load if I could. :)

That is a chicken mcnugget in her hand. Oh goodness.

Yes, praise Jesus for this glorious day. Thank you for all that You do for us big & small each & every day.

Hope you enjoyed all the pics. I know there was alot!

Megan