Fiddle Dee Dee: Come Read with Me

As I've mentioned before, I used to be an avid reader. Then life happened, and I got busy, and I pretty much stopped reading. Here lately, I've been reviving my reading habits, reading at least a chapter a day of a nonfiction book after I finish my Bible reading, but I genuinely miss fiction.

That's why I jumped right on board when my friend Mandy proposed the idea of an online book club. Because life is chaotic as usual, this is the first chance I've had to tell you about it. We're reading Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind in six weeks, and if you're interested, please join us!

Here's the catch: reading started last Thursday, and our first round of discussion will start this Thursday (like two days from now), but please don't let that discourage you from participating. I just picked up my copy of the book from the library yesterday, and there is absolutely no pressure. We just want to enjoy and share GWTW with one another.

So if you want to read, stop by Mandy's blog for more information. I hope to see you there!

Until next time, grace and peace.

What a Difference a Year Makes

This one turned two on September 17. It seems like this second year has passed more quickly than the first, and every time I flip through pictures from Christmas or even Easter, I marvel at how much my little girl has grown up. Last year I had a baby. This year I have a toddler.

At two years old, Micah is quite a character. Every day I marvel at how quickly she's learning things. New words abound these days, and she simply amazes me. I think she's pretty smart. She can count to three (and sometimes four or five), she knows most of her colors (although her favorite is pink), and she's pretty good at shapes. Each day when I pick her up from preschool and talk to her about her day, I'm blown away by the fact that we can have actual conversations.

She's a sweet girl, but she's also got a mind of her own. She's not above throwing a temper tantrum, but I think she's learning that her Mama's more stubborn than she is. She's stingy with her kisses and only gives them out at bedtime, when she makes sure everyone gets their nighttime sugar.

She loves to read and sometimes sleeps with her books. Just like her Mama.

Her newest phrase is "Okie Dokie," which she must have picked up at preschool. She says it all the time. Melts my heart.

Her birthday was on a Saturday, and now she thinks all birthdays are on Saturday. All cake is "Happy Cake" which is what she calls birthday cake, and ever since her birthday, she's been kind of obsessed with singing Happy Birthday, but she always leaves out the word birthday. Micah's version of the song goes something like this:

....Happy....to you.... ....Happy....to you.... ....Happy....to you....

Until she gets tired of singing it.

And did I mention that she loves Elmo? That's probably putting it mildly. I think she'd marry him tomorrow if she could.

She's pretty fond of Mickey Mouse, too.

I love this little girl more every day. I'm so thankful that God trusted me enough to be her mommy, and I pray that she grows into a woman who pursues Him with abandon. I can't wait to see what He has in store for her.

Until next time, grace and peace.

Minted: Quickfire Children's Stationery Challenge

I've been so absorbed in custom projects over the past couple of months that I haven't had any time to devote to the latest Minted challenges. That, my friends, made me a very sad designer. Thankfully, I had some free time on my hands this weekend, and I was able to enter my first Minted challenge in a couple of months. The assignment? Children's stationery.

Here are my entries.

Washi Sorbet

I've recently developed a love affair with washi tape. I use it when I package orders from senojal designs, and it definitely inspired this sweet 'Washi Sorbet' stationery.

Vintage Holla

Every time I see this design, I snicker a little bit. I realize that it's not for everyone, but if you're up for a quirky and fun way to shout out to your friends, my Vintage Holla stationery is for you. What little guy forced into writing thank you notes wouldn't want to use such funky paper?

Preppy Little Note

If this design looks familiar to you, it's because it's reminiscent of my blog design, which translates very well into stationery. Preppy Little Note is a sweet and simple design that's perfect for penning a note to a friend or writing a thank you note.

Picnics and Pinwheels

And finally, Picnics and Pinwheels is a spin-off design from the little lady's impending birthday party, which you'll hear more about later. These notes feature picnic-inspired patterns and colors (hello red gingham) and are classic and modern all at the same time.

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If you have some free time this week, please rate my designs by clicking on the images above, then spend a few minutes rating some of the other designs you see {your votes won’t count if you only vote for me}. You’ll be blown away by the talent of my fellow designers.

Thanks for your support!

Until next time, grace and peace.