See ya later Alligator

For the past few weeks, I have really been analyzing my life and more importantly, the 'quality' of life.  I am so stressed these days. Crazy, busy days at work and then coming home to a house that I just haven't been able to manage lately, to these projects that I keep coming up with, and now adding to that: studying for the NCIDQ, I just am exhausted and simply not enjoying life right now.

I have too much going on. I can't say no. It's become a problem.

Brodie is growing up so quickly and I can't enjoy him because I am so stressed that our house isn't clean or the laundry isn't put away. I can't devote my full attention to him (or my relationship with any other family member) because I have so much swarming in my head that I can't focus.

At Sunday School this past week, we talked about giving it up to God. At times we feel that we can take care of it all and just rely on God during the storms. Our teacher mentioned that he had been struggling with enjoying his job and decided to give it up to God. Within months, he has gotten a totally different outlook on his job and is now loving it. That hit home with me. I realized that I can't do it all on my own. I started praying about my life and how to get peace and enjoyment out of things these days. Guess what my answer was: say no, stop trying to do so much, be ok living in the moment. How did I not think of that myself? I did, but I felt guilty doing just that. All it took was a nudge from God to get me moving in the right direction.

So in order for me to start getting a grip on my life again and to get where I can enjoy everyday life again, I have decided to say goodbye, for now, to the blog. I might post every now and then, but it will be for pure delight-- not because I feel like I need to.

I am also going to stop getting on FB everyday as I do now, read fewer blogs, and watch less tv. I added up 3-4 hours a day that I spend doing these things. That time could be put to better use with cleaning, playing with Brodie, projects, or socializing.

This is a sad moment for me because blogging has become a part of my routine- as I do things I think- 'oh that could go on the blog'. But it is also a relief. One less thing on my plate to worry about.

I hope that everyone who does read my blog understands where I am coming from. Please keep me in your prayers as I learn to say no and to begin enjoying life again. I am looking forward to a simpler life.

So it's not goodbye... just 'See you later alligator'.

Back-yard Dreaming

As one of our many things that we wanted to do this year, I had always wanted a beautiful, lush blanket of grass in a backyard. Unfortunately, it looks like this....

Greg and I decided that we would seed the backyard this early spring so that this summer we would have grass.

Unfortunately this is all weeds and rocks-no grass!

Greg spent one LONG day of tilling up the ground and seeding to realize-- we have a TON of rocks in our yard and even with the thickest grass, the rocks would cause problems.

We deliberated all the options and finally buckled down and decided to hire someone for the job.

After a two week waiting list, they came in, spread the top soil out, laid out the flower beds, laid sod, and were done IN ONE DAY!!!

It was amazing to leave for work with this....

and return home to this!!!

We still have to do landscaping and create our patio that will eventually be a fire pit but we finally have a beautiful backyard for little man to play on this summer!

Coffee Bean Bags

 A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I had won 3 really cool coffee bean burlap bags. Problem is, I have no idea what to do with them!

My house is not shabby chic or rustic--where the burlap is a common thread in the design.

 

via Restoration Hardware

I do however have dyed burlap curtains in my family room and bonus room. So I am not opposed to having burlap in our home.

What's great about these bags is that there is a bright turquoise band that runs through them that is perfect for my colors in the house.

I started searching pinterest for ideas on what to do with the burlap bags and here are some great ideas of what to do.

What do you think I should use the bags for?


Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway--- it's simple. Leave a comment and on Monday, you could win!

Pay'n It Forward

In the last few posts, I have mentioned that I won an amazing giveaway from Burlap and Blue.

When I received my gifts from most of the companies, I got discount codes for my next purchase. Although I would love to use these coupons, let's face it, I'm broke.

And that's GREAT news for you!

Here's the deal: Up to two entries per email.

1. Make sure that you are following by RSS, Reader, or email.
2. Leave the comment "Pay It Forward" and tell me your favorite company that I received a gift from.
3. Share my giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter and leave another comment on here mentioning the post.

If you aren't sure what I have won, check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

I will announce the winner next Monday (Memorial Day).

GOOD LUCK!!!!

I WON I WON I WON!!! Part 3

Last week, I posted a few more of the goodies that I won on a giveaway at Burlap and Blue!
Last but not least, here are the other few great items that I won!

I won a great credit for Paper and Pigtails

-- I have already got it planned that I will use them for Brodie's first birthday party invitations!
Here is some of her work...

Have you ever set your camera down next to others and when you went to pick yours up you thought, "Hmm, which one is mine?"

With these adorable strap covers, worry no more! These are from Knitty Bitties

I love mine (and so does Brodie!)

Here are some other items that she makes that are just as cute!!

And Finally from Burlap and Blue I got sets of coasters and 'paid it forward' by giving them to my sister-in-law (who just moved into a new apartment) and Greg's cousin who just got married. They are of great quality and something you don't see everyday.

Here are other items that they provide as well.

ISNT THIS SURREAL HOW MANY GREAT THINGS THAT I GOT?? 

Look out for another post tonight to watch out for my giveaway that 'pays it forward'!

I WON I WON I WON....Part 2

A few weeks ago, I announced that I won a giveaway at Burlap and Blue.

Here are a few other items that I won from these great places!

Songs Kate Sang

I LOVE Little Golden Books--I was able to get a ton of vintage books for Brodie. I have loved them and I am so excited that I got all these little goodies.


Signs by Andrea--

This is a cool website. She makes signs with wood, canvas, etc.. I received a printable with all of our important dates in our family-- all three of our birthdates and our wedding date. Hopefully this will help Greg remember them!

Tippy Stockton

These fantastic earrings came in the mail recently and they are even more gorgeous in person than they are in these pictures!


Benzie 

I got 20 pieces of felt-- they are great colors and exactly how they look online! Stay tuned for what I plan to do with the felt.


Burlap Fabric

I received 3 coffee bean bags-- they smell SO good! Now to figure out what to do with these babies-- any ideas?


Stay tuned-- I have one more post of goodies and then a little 'pay it forward' for you guys!