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!

Pinterest

I jumped on the pinterest bandwagon fairly recently.  I still have alot to learn but I am having a blast finding inspiration and creating interesting boards.  The only downside is that I have found my "To Do" list getting longer. I must remember that this is all in fun and that I don't have to complete 100 projects or redecorate my house overnight!!  Enjoy a sampling of some of my favorite pins so far! Sorry the quality of some of the pictures are kinda blurry..

 

You can find all these pins and more on my pinterest page. So hop on over and find some pinsperation! :)

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!!

What I Wore Wednesday-Vintage

Thought it would be fun to share one of the dresses I got to model at the last Factory Art Studios show.  The entertainment portion included a fashion show which featured all vintage and/or thrifted and refashioned clothing.  Of course, I chose vintage items.  This dress is a wonderful 1960's lime green "mod' dress with a white peter pan collar and cuffs and pretty little white flowers.

 

Such a fun dress, I wore it to "work" at the shop!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

long necklace:cute local boutique shop; owl necklace:vintage
dress: vintage (auction)
brown tights: Bergners sale
boots:  Bandolinos online from DSW ( I wear a size 5 so have to order & I waited forever to find the perfect ones)

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 turned 2 today!

My goodness, it is hard to believe that 2 years have already gone by since Evelyn came into our lives and changed us forever.  She came out looking so perfect and healthy that it was hard to imagine that inside, her heart needed to be fixed.  I held on to her extra long tonight as I rocked her and tears came to my eyes thinking about the short 2 or 3 minutes we were able to hold her after she was born before they "whisked" her away.  It was 3 days after that before I would get to hold her again. 

 

When I find the time, I plan on writing and sharing Evelyn's complete story. Starting from the day we recieved the devasting, gut wrenching, heart aching news that our baby had a serious problem to the day we finally got to bring our princess home. 

 

We celebrated with a small family party tonight. It was sweet and perfect.  Evelyn had already had a big day so she was tired. But, she's a trooper and she loved opening gifts, blowing out her candles and eating cake.  She even started saying Happy Birfday! 

 

Her favorite gift was her baby cabbage patch doll from Gma Lila and Gpa Mutache.  She kept putting the binky in her mouth over and over and over..

 



before her open heart surgery which was at 9 days

Evelyn has come so far.  We are due back to St.Louis Children's Hospital the end of this month.  We continue to give God all the glory for what He has done. We trust in Him & rely on Him every day knowing that His plan & purpose is always best!

 

 

at 7 mo.

1 year birthday

 

happy happy birthday my sweet blue eyed baby girl. Mommy and Daddy love you dearly.  You have changed our lives more that you can ever know. Always.

Just Vintage The Studio

Most of you know that I own a vintage home decor shop called Just Vintage.  I am still blown away that God has allowed me to be able to pursue this dream of mine and that He continues to provide so that I am able to do this for my job.  My husband is so super supportive and a great business partner too.  I do not ever take this for granted because I know what a big deal it is to have your own brick and mortar business! 

 Recently, we were approached with the opportunity to open up a "satellite" location for the shop at one of my favorite places; The Factory Art Studios. I was flattered and thrilled. I fell in love with this place a year or so ago going to visit my friend Darby at her studio,Underground Vintage.  It is in an old shoe factory complete with creaky wood floors, exposed brick and beams, industrial lighting, and just so much stinkin charm and character you want to scream.  The second floor now has over 30 artists from all over central Illinois who have and display their art.

Just Vintage at the Studio will be the perfect place for me to combine some of our great mid-century items and my art.  When I started painting 3 years ago I had no idea what I was doing(I still learn something new every time I work on a piece!) or that one day my art would be in an actual art studio!  I am so completely humbled by this and just sooo grateful to God for opening up this path for me.

This is what it looked like before my friends.  The walls were framed out but not finished.  Needless to say, Stephen and I had our work cut out for us, not to mention that the studio is an hour drive from home.  We gathered and used elements like old barn boards, corrugated metal, doors and shutters to finish our walls..really makes a nice backdrop for our pieces! 

 

This past Saturday was our first "show"  and it was absolutely awesome let me tell ya. We got to chat with lots of people, be amongst fellow artisans, and eat great food all while listening to live music.  A fun highlight of the night ,which I got to be a part of, was a fashion show featuring all vintage and thrifted/refashioned clothing.  It was such a success that it will be happening again at a future show!

 

 

Thanks to all of you who have supported me and encouraged me in pursuing my passions and following my dreams.  It has been & will continue to be an incredible journey!

 

 

 

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. :)

The Farmhouse Market

Last weekend I got to set up for my shop Just Vintage and hang out at The Farmhouse Market with my friend Darby of Underground Vintage Studio.  We had a blast "shopping" our own booth.  We love supporting each other's small businesses and encouraging each other to pursue our dreams!  I am thankful Every. Single. Day that I am able to do what I love for a "job."

It is not work.  It is fun. 

What a blessing.

And the weather was absolutely gorgeous that day!

 

All Smiles.

Vintage treasures!



Handmade rosette necklaces and hair accessories

Purchased one of Darby's hoop arts for meself.

Ornamental lawn owls. Love

Jackson was our audience as we ate our lunch. :)

Gracey. Eeeeee.

Metal wire baskets=stylish storage

I want this metal glider.



We jabbered all day.



And, of course I couldn't leave ya hanging without a couple pics of my babies.  Max got "glow in the dark" jammies from gma Lila and gpa Alan and here is standing under the lamp "charging" them so they glow better once he goes to bed. :)

And my baby girl with bed head. Her hair is always wild when she gets up from her naps!

Thats all for now friends! 

Megan