Friday Favs Vol. 23

Favorite Moment of the Week: When we finally, finally, FINALLY won an offer on a house!! More details to come, but my goodness, I cried buckets.

What Javi is doing: Proving over and over that he is independent and competent. The boy has a list a mile long of opinions. We're working on thankfulness and manners a lot these days. He's also been soo helpful around the house. Pictured above are the kiddos doing their own laundry. They need supervision and a little help, of course, but how great is that? He also mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. This kid is a keeper.

What Keilana is doing: Speaking, a lot! Putting together sentences like a boss. "Dada home? Dada at work? Javi in room? More toast, pease?" It's adorable. She loves to follow her big brother around and attempt to do whatever he is doing. They're best buddies and I love that. She calls Javi either Ja-Da or Ja-Dee and I love it so much.

How I'm feeling: Great. No really! Glad to have the stress of the house hunt off our shoulders. Meds are working well and I can eat just about everything now. I'm finally getting to experience that second trimester reprieve that I've only ever heard about before. :) I'm slowly purchasing the things we need for baby, and can't wait to hold a scrumptious little newborn again. :)

So overall it was a good week! Started out very stressful, but finished awesomely. :)



 

Friday Favs Vol. 22

My adorable troublemakers

Favorite moment of the week: Long conversations with Lover as we house shop - discussing what style of house, how big we want it to be, how we would tweak and remodel each house to suit our family... I love house shopping and we're really enjoying the process. But we're also hopeful to find something soon, so we can get everything set before our lease ends in April.

Our weather was absolutely gorgeous here this week, so we spent a lot of time outside, although that was thwarted a bit by us all catching a nasty cold! So it was a balance of time outside playing and time laying on the couch watching movies. :)

What Javi is doing: Starting to practice the letters of his name. He particularly likes writing the "J". He still loves doing preschool, and never lets me skip a day! He's very polite, and often says "Sanks, mom." it breaks my heart a bit because I am not ready to drop the "mommy!" He's also working on learning how to get dressed and undressed by himself. His favorite thing is to put his pants on "silly" where he sticks both legs all the way into one pant leg and hops around the house. :)

What Keilana is doing:  Responding "yea" in her cute little voice to any questions. Adding more words like hippo, apple, and making us name all the members of our family repeatedly. Having lots and LOTS of opinions on dresses, shoes, hair bands, and any other aspect of getting dressed.  Starting to walk up stairs on her own, without support. Taking care of her baby doll by tucking her into blankets, giving her a binkie, and lots of little kisses. The cutest thing you ever did see!

How I am feeling: I am 18 weeks along, and feeling pretty good. Nausea is lessening, thank the Lord! I still can't eat most of the things I like best (chocolate! caffeine! sweets of any kind! cheese!) and I miss them, but I'm adjusting to this (hopefully temporary) diet. I started working out this week, and I'm hoping that will give me some more energy as well as keeping me fit throughout this pregnancy!

Friday Favs Vol. 21

Favorite Moment of the Week: We hit up some garage sales on Friday morning. At one of them I found a vintage Fisher Price house, complete with tractor and little people. Javi was completely enamored with it and played with it in his car seat throughout the morning. At one point he got stuck and couldn't get the tractor out. He yelled out "Mommy, I need help!" I replied, "I'm driving right now Javi, I can't help you. You can do it. Use your brain." He paused to deliberate this for a long moment, and then replied "Mommy, I need a BRAIN!"

What Javi is doing: Finally, taking an interest in coloring. Sadly, this interest only applies to any surface EXCEPT paper. Using all sorts of new words and complex sentences. Continuing to mix up pronouns hilariously  - he routinely says "Mommy, I want to carry you!"

What Keilana is doing: Peanut started walking holding onto our hands this week! She also points to everything she wants and has a hysterical growl. She loves playing with the little stuffed animals during diaper changes, and pitches a fit if Daddy forgets to give her a good night kiss!

And some fun internet traveling:

* Some beautiful pictures of motherhood, showing just how little has changed over the last five decades.

* 20 encouraging scriptures for moms. Yes, please.

*We made this Grilled Marinated Chicken with Mom's Barley Salad a few weeks ago, and I could NOT stop eating it. I've been obsessing over making it again. Can't wait!

That's all for now. Have a lovely weekend!

 

Friday Fav: Sunshine

Ironically, an old Friday Fav post sported the same title, but a different subject. Maybe it's prophetic. :-) Steve Azar's new song Sunshine has me captivated.  This song is my latest obsession, the music positively transports me to a place that is beautiful and romantic and heartfelt. The first time I heard it I literally had tears pouring down my face as I drove home.  The line that talks about feeling beautiful and vulnerable... and filled with sunshine. Absolutely beautiful imagery in this song. What song won't get out of your head?

Your dark hair draped across my pillow
Says I finally got it right
And as I watch you dreaming, twisted in the sheets
I can't stop thinking about last night

Well I've waited so long, so long, so long
For someone like you
And as this morning breaks through the window pane
It reveals the truth

Baby, you're my sunshine, first light
Find your way to places that only know lies
Failed tries and bruised skies
With hardly time to hold on or be strong, now I'm strong
'Cuz like the dawn you push it all away

I tell you, you're my sunshine
Everybody needs a little sunshine

Your fingertips, a kiss to this tired face
It's like I'm young again
Well I feel beautiful
But most of all vulnerable since you broke in

Baby, you're my sunshine, first light
Find your way to places that only know lies
Failed tries and bruised skies
With hardly time to hold on or be strong. now I'm strong
'Cus like the dawn you push it all away

I tell you, you're my sunshine
Everybody needs a little sunshine

So won't you take me, take me, take me
Anywhere and everywhere you go
All the warmth you bring to this cold heart
With the slightest touch is enough to know

Baby, you're my sunshine
Everybody needs a little sunshine
Yeah, you're my sunshine
Cuz like the dawn you push it all away

Friday Fav: World's Greatest Bean Dip

Today I am sharing a recipe that will change your life. It will also change your body, by adding many, many pounds to your hips. :-) This stuff is the best there is, and it is seriously addictive. I always keep the three necessary ingredients around, as this is a quick and simple dip that is a hit at every party.

World's Greatest Bean Dip


Ingredients:
One can of Hormel Chili with Beans
One 8 oz package of cream cheese
1-2cups shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla Chips

Directions:

Spread entire package of cream cheese over bottom of a glass pie plate.

Cover cream cheese with bean chili.



Cover chili with shredded cheese.

Place in microwave, heat on high for five minutes or until shredded cheese is melted and dip is bubbling.

Remove from microwave and devour with tortilla chips.

You're welcome.

Friday Fav: I Loved Her First

credit

As we head into wedding season, I thought it would be fitting to share one of my favorite songs, I Loved Her First by Heartland. This song came out the year that we were planning our wedding, and I danced to it with my dad. :-) It's such a sweet song that perfectly sums up all of those wedding day feelings!

I Loved Her First lyrics

Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love you're alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it's still hard to give her away
I loved her first

How could that beautiful woman with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it's still hard to give her away
I loved her first

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first

Love you, Daddy!

Friday Fav: Broken Hallelujah

As I mentioned earlier this week, I attended a memorial service for a beautiful lady that went home to heaven. Her stepdaughter sang this beautiful song at the service that was so perfect for the feelings of those left behind that day. The song speaks to me in so many ways, as I have had many days where my life is in pieces, and it's all I can do to try to praise Jesus in whatever way I can.

ne

Broken Hallelujah sung by Mandisa

With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord
My heart's in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment You're with me somehow
And You've always been faithful so Lord even now

When all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
When my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah

Oh Father, You have given
much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
on me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness,
Your wisdom, Your grace
Oh Lord hear my heart in this painful place

When all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
When my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

I lift my voice
Your spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You

'Cause all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
And my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Friday Favs: TheHomeCentric

Ok, do you remember Lauren's bedroom idea board? (Side note: After pictures coming up on Monday!Ack! So exciting!) In that board I featured a pillow from Etsy seller TheHomeCentric and suggested that Lauren use it to tie the whole room together. (She did, by the way!) Well, I am head over heels for all of the gorgeous creation on this talented gal's site. Seriously, I can't not think of a pillow that I want from Urvi's selection!

How bout this beauty, that is highlighted for Mother's Day? I love how all the sequins work together to create that awesome wildflower.



And this one, I am just dying over. Linen? Check. Mother of pearl? Check. Made for Jenny? Check, check and CHECK!  I love how neutral it is and yet so divine. Love.IT. :-)



Perhaps your tastes run a little bolder. In that case, you must love this purple damask - it is stunning! And yes, I also have a crush on damask, in case you were wondering.



They're not all light backgrounds though, this clever gal also has this stunning chocolate rose pillow. Me likey.



There are ten pages of pillows to browse through, with all sorts of delights like this pintuck creation,



this ruffly beauty,

or this glam statement piece.



But perhaps you're not a glam girl like me, perhaps you run away from the sparkles and glitter and shine. (Why, I wouldn't know) Not to worry, there are all sorts of muted and toned down beauties as well. Like this rose burnout velvet design,



or this gorgeousness made without any cutting! Amazing!



So head on over to Urvi's shop and peruse all her fabulous pillows! I dare you to leave without buying at least one! :-)




P.S. Nope, I did not receive any endorsements, payments or freebies for posting about this etsy seller. I just thought she was cool. Also, all the pictures are from her shop site. They're not mine, and I don't mean to pass them off as such. :-)

Friday Favs: Funniest YouTube Videos

For this Friday Fav I thought I would share some of my favorite YouTube videos. They're sure to make you laugh, each one makes me howl every time I see it. Also, I am in no way trying to pass myself off as the author of any of these videos. I just think they are really funny.Please don't disable my links.  So without further ado, here are my favs:

I always love a good impression, and this one where Matt Damon is making fun of Matthew McConaughey is stellar:



And of course who can forget Miss South Carolina?


You need to watch Jimmy Kimmel analyze her response. It's just as funny.

American Idol has become popular around the world,  apparently even in Bulgaria. I love this girl's rendition of Can't Live by Mariah Carey



I like to think I am a good driver, but I know plenty of women who fit the stereotype. Like these women:



if you like the Muppets, you'll enjoy this one:



and, my favorite of all time, guaranteed to make me laugh every.single.time:

Charlie Bit My Finger



So what did you think? Did I post one of your favorites? Did I leave yours out? Please share, I am always in the mood for funny stuff!

Friday Fav: Heather Berry Handmade Jewelry

My friend Heather runs a shop on Etsy that is chock full of her beautiful jewelry. I've seen it in person, I've given it to friends, I love it. Heather has the knack for putting just the right elements into a piece, whether it be a necklace, bracelet or earrings.

This is one of my favorites that she has in her shop right now, the Ophelia Teardrop Necklace.



I've seen this Flight bracelet in person, and it is just the daintiest thing. I love the beads that Heather has paired with the sweet little bird.



These Turquoise Flower Blossom Earrings are divine. As in, I want them, now. :-)



Heather has a whole selection of $10 and under earrings, and these Silver Lace Filigree Teardrops are one of the choices. Um, gorgeous!



Heather updates her shop frequently with new items, so be sure to check back often. I'll leave you with one more beautiful necklace, the La Vita e Bella Necklace.



Be sure to head on over to Heather Berry Jewelry and check out all her other beautiful creations!

Friday Favs: New York City

We checked in on Sunday to our hotel in Manhattan, and shortly after that discovered that the view from our window looked like this:



Yup, that is the Empire State Building. We're on the 25th floor, so we have a great view. We also need a key card to access our floor. How fun is that? :-)



Of course, this is what the Building looks like right now, with the mega snowstorm. Let me just say, that storm is seriously cramping my shopping plans. :-)

What do you love about NYC?

Friday Favs: My Project List

Last year, in a fit of despair after our trip to Florida was canceled, I made up a list of the house projects that needed completion. At that time, I thought the trip had only been delayed three weeks, and so I made us a "to do" list for those three weeks. The list contained pretty much all of the house projects that I blogged about last year. So you would be safe in making the conclusion that it took us a bit longer than three weeks to accomplish. :-)

I made the list almost exactly one year ago, and it has hung on our fridge since then. The last item was crossed off probably sometime in the fall, and I left the now completed list hanging there to boost morale. :-) It was nice to look at it and think "look at all that we HAVE accomplished." Especially once we turned the heat on and I had to dust multiple times a day due to the incredible amount of dust the furnace was pulling out of the basement and spewing throughout the house. Let's just say that we will need a spring cleaning this year. :-)

Every once in a while I would think about making a new list. There are some little odd and ends projects that need completing, and then, of course, there's everything that needs to be tackled in the basement. But, to be honest, I didn't want to start another list. I didn't want to think about more projects. So I left the completed one up, and it made me smile every time I saw it.

I blogged Tuesday about how we were seriously needing some encouragement in this renovation process. I think the combination of a large renovation project, the exhaustion of the holiday season, Lover's traveling, and the fact that we had plans to be gone for another month long business trip were really stressing us out. It wasn't fun anymore. We were trying to finish the basement by March 1st, for a visitor, and it just wasn't happening.

So we sat down and had a long talk. We reminded each other of the promise we made when we moved in: this house was for us, and always would be. We'd renovate on our own schedule, and we wouldn't become crazy, stressed out, maxed out renovation people. We told our upcoming visitor that the basement wouldn't be done in time, we took a weekend off, and we both felt better. And the funny thing is, we've accomplished a lot more in the last two weekends than we had previously been getting done. It's fun again!

So now that I've gotten my second (fourth? fifteenth?) wind, I'm ready to make a new list. This crisp new one is hanging in place of the old one, inspiring me to get moving on some new projects. And this year I'm being realistic. I probably won't get them all done in three weeks. ;-) Heck, the basement may take us another five years, for all I know. :-)

You'll notice that the right side, where it says "basement" is blank, with a lot of little boxes. I figured it might get depressing to list every single project that needs doing down there, and if I summed it all up in one, a la "finish the basment", well, that would just be depressing. I've told you before how I like lists, and being able to check things off. One line item for the basement just wouldn't cut it. :-)

Oh, and the old list? It's going into the scrapbook. I want to make sure we document all of the hard work that's going into this old castle. :-)

I've got some fun news coming up next week for the blog. It's something I've been working a ton on, and I am really excited about. Don't forget to check back in with me next week!

Linked to Finer Things Friday @ Amy's Finer Things

Friday Favs: Pandora

My brother-in-law introduced me to pandora.com about a year ago, and I've been addicted ever since. It takes about two seconds to set up an account, and then you have infinite options for music, depending on your mood. And the best part? It's free!

Basically, you create a station, and Pandora analyzes the type of music you selected, then adds other artists that have similar characteristics. Here's an example:

I added a station called "Il Divo" (Awesome group, btw)

And Pandora added Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Enya, Sarah Brightman, Jim Brickman and Charlotte Church. Every once in a while Pandora will add in a new artist for me to weigh in on. With a simple thumbs up or down, I can approve the new song, and you also have the option to put a song on the shelf for a month, or to simply skip it that day if you're not in the mood.

I really like the like/dislike feature, because although I may like a particular artist, they may have a song that I don't care for, and I can have that one removed.

And because it is free, I can try out new artists all the time, without having to spend any moolah. So go check it out for yourselves, and let me know what you think!

Linked to Finer Things Friday @ Amy's Finer Things

Friday Fav: Portrait Photography

I've talked before about how I left my boring day job stellar career to pursue my dream of having a successful photography business. Last year turned out to be a great year for the business, and the business may have had its first profit turning year! That's exciting to me, but what is even more exciting is that fact that my client base is growing, my photography skills are improving, and I am really happy with the direction my business is taking.

I started a blog for my photography site last year I think, but I was horrible about updating it. My goal was to post about sessions I was doing, as well as other fun pictures as I took them. However, I was not so good at actually posting stuff on the blog. Therefore, my plan is merge the two blogs into one, here on Words On Wendhurst. So, every so often, as I have a session or take some pictures that I like, I'll be posting them here for you to enjoy as well!

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting some sessions from last fall that I never got around to putting up (several adorable little babies!) so you can look forward to that. For now I'll leave you with some of my all time favorite shots that I've taken for my business. :-) Enjoy!

All images from www.bellisimaphotography.com

Linked to Finer Things In Life @ Amy's Finer Things

Friday Fav: Focal Point and NYCLQ

Lynda Quintero Davids

In my opinion, queen of redecorating on a dime. This glam girl reinvents her living room every other month it seems, and always does it in high style. She is an expert at reusing and reimagining the items that she owns to create a totally different look for her rooms.

She first caught my eye on Rate my Space when I saw her taxicab-inspired living room and recognized it from a magazine I had just seen it in. I spent some time perusing her other rooms, and loved her style, her free decorating tips and her endless vision to constantly reuse her items. Here's the picture I recognized:

And here's the same room, with a totally different, tropical feel thanks to smart swapping and accessorizing.

And again, glammed up for the holidays, during the day and at night.

Changing the pillows, lamps, curtains and a few accessories brings a whole new feel to this room, as demonstrated by this redo, and yet another.

It's like "One Room, Five Ways" and "How to Re-Use What You Have" got together and had a baby. And I love it. To see more of her rooms and redos, do a search for her (nyclq) at ratemyspace.hgtv.com or check out her blog at http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/.

Have a great weekend!

Linked to Finer Things Friday @ Amy's Finer Things