Color Swirl Crayons

Ok, this past summer I worked as the afternoon teacher for a bunch of precious 5 and 6 year olds. As a parting gift when I went back to school was to make them color swirl crayons. I bought some super cheap off brand crayons at Wal-Mart and went to work! I think they turned out pretty neat even if they weren't perfect. (Plus, its a great way to salvage old and almost gone crayons!)

Step one:
Remove all paper and cut crayons into sections. I first tried little bitty pieces, but ended up liking how they turned out better when I only cut them into 4ths or 5ths (but didn't take a pictures).


Step two:
Layer colors. This is where you get to be creative. The more of a color you can put in one place, the better! (the colors mix together easily when they're melted)


Step three:
Place muffin pan in a heated oven (350 degrees) for about 5 minutes. just long enough to melt them together- they'll melt a little more even after they're out of the oven. BE VERY CAREFUL when you take the pan out- the colors mix VERY easily!


Step four:
Allow pan to cool completely then turn upside down and tap on the bottom of each muffin section. The crayons pop right out!


Step five:
Enjoy and color away!

Paint Chip Wall Art

Umm... Wow. I ridiculously love this idea for a quick and easy solution for a blank wall. Plus! The possibilities are endless as for as what you can add- bottons at the corners, a collage of photos, create a mat around a large print, so 3D art! Oh goodness! Love it!


OUR FOREVER HOUSE: Paint Chip Wall Art: "The walls are slowly becoming 'accessorized' to coin a phrase from my daughter's favorite book Fancy Nancy. I have been working on our..."

"Never" is Such a Heavy Word

Never good enough.
Never have enough.
Never be prepared.
Never see the end.
Never could have predicted.
Never. Never. Never.

I have been fighting the overwhelming feeling of never being ready for our baby. Ridiculous, I know, but its there. The more I read or research or plan, the most anxious I get that I'll never be ready to be a mother and caretaker for this little girl. It all peaked about a week or two ago with a mess of tears and need to just take a long nap. I resolved to not look at anything baby related until I could gain my composure and not stress out any longer.

It was the best thing I could have done. The fact of the matter is I will never know everything I need to know. I will never have everything I "need" to have. And I will never know what to expect and what tomorrow could bring. To dwell in those insecurities was a death sentence on my joy.

So now, instead of shriveling under the weight of "never", I'm rejoicing in the "always":
1. God will always bring supernatural peace and protection.
2. Casey will always be my teammate and support through everything our life brings.
3. My mom will always fly(or rather, drive) to my side and help any time I ask.
4. My friends will always be willing to give advice. (Thanks guys!)
5. I will always and constantly be learning and growing.

Introducing...

Malachi Rae

We have a name, an identity for the sweet little baby growing so fast inside of me... Malachi Rae.

My daughter, my precious flower.
My little girl who loves hot sauce and is always awake at 8 in the evening.
My little wiggle worm, whom frustrates ultrasound techs because she won't stay still long enough for measurements.
My baby that I only have passing glances of her little face, one I will cover with kisses and tears.
My everything. I never could fathom how much this little girl would control my heart and mind even before I get to count her tiny toes and itty bitty fingers.
My little monkey without whom I could not imagine my future.

Sweet little Malachi, Daddy and I are so excited you're growing and becoming stronger every day. We thank God he has given us the gift of you. Goodness knows we never deserved it. I look forward to hearing you cry and watching you smile. You are my everything.

I love you, Miss Malachi Rae.
~Mommy