Put The Blame on Me

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. ² Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ³ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

I recently told a friend and fellow blogger that I can't write unless I'm inspired . Well, I'm not sure if this post is from inspiration or frustration, but I'm hoping that writing it out will help clear my soul . It wasn't too long ago that I had a job in which every choice I made was watched, judged , rejudged and then judged some more . I was reminded just this weekend of that fact .

Looking back after being away from it for a while now , I'm unsure how a human survives such a position . That may be a theme in my life . I often look back at past experiences amazed I survived.  Also looking back , I know that the Lord was the only reason this human survived it . I have zero doubt that I made mistakes along the way . I have zero doubt I prayed about all decisions at all times . In that kind of situation I believe even an atheist would find themselves crying out to God every now and then . Don't confuse my words . It was a wonderful time that I wouldn't trade for the world . Even with it's insanely difficult times . But it had more than it's fair share of insanely difficult times . I'd like to think the good out weighted the bad . I can recall two fellow female leaders and myself weeping until we almost became ill over who the Lord would have for our leadership team the following year . That time of prayer and that specific leadership team produced some of my closest friends to date . That team also produced the next set of leaders . It was an amazing time of growth , desire for God and leadership . I'm so grateful I was able to have been there to see and experience it .

Just a short bit ago I ran into a few folks from that time period who , lets say , are not my biggest fans . Based on our past conversations I have no choice but to believe they never knew me or my heart . I'm sad to say I now feel like I never knew theirs either . Let me state for the record I'm the kind of chick that lives life more on a "lets' agree to disagree and go get some coffee" mentality than a "i don't agree with you so i hate your guts" mentality . But, that's just me and most people refuse to see that about me . I suppose everyone needs someone to blame at one point or another in life . I think for five solid years I was the one to blame....apparently..to some.....I still am . I've struggled the last few days thinking about the situations that removed what had once been friendships and has now made them less than friendly . I'm not exactly sure I've settled on this , but as I said in the beginning maybe writing this all out will help me settle the upset with in . I recall saying to my co-workers over and over , "you can put the blame on me" , if a situation felt like more than they could handle and they needed to pass the responsibility of a decision onto someone else . If that weight was just too heavy for them at the time I wasn't only glad to take the burden, but felt it was apart of my calling at the time .

As I hugged the necks of those who blame me for so many things my heart breaks . Somewhat selfishly and somewhat on their behalf . While I'm grateful to be seen as strong enough to handle blame , I worry that it takes them down a path even further away from the truth . I know that when I'm super angry and pointing fingers more times than not it's cause I don't want to look inward or upward . I prayed then and I pray now that the Lord would use me in their life to reflect the truth of His love and His willingness to carry their burden and to take the blame . I spent most of the day trying to recall a verse that had stuck out to me years ago . I texted several friends hoping they'd recall and be able to point me in the right direction . Finally tonight I was able to get online and search engine it . Praise the Lord it wasn't too far deep in the page feed . I must remind myself in times when the blame feels like too much that it isn't man who can judge me , but God . I must trust not only my God, but the choices He has allowed me to make and trust that I did what was best , for who I was in Him at the time . Something I've said to others that I am now needing to hear myself is, "Either you trust God with your life , or you don't" . To try to take back into my hands the things of the past would be not to trust . I find myself once again taking the blame and as it states in 1 Corinthians , "My conscience is clear...." .

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. ² Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ³ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

I Now Pronounce You

I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs . At Christmas I created my first Sharpie Art "pin-did" from Pinterest . I so ejoyed it that I knew it would be the first of many Sharpie projects . Recently one of my former RA's and dear friend Ashley got engaged . It's such an exciting time for her as she prepares , celebrates , and looks toward not only her wedding day, but her marriage . I wanted to put together a little bag of of a few things to help her to celebrate and prepare for her big day . This gift bag included two more Sharpie Mugs . I began with a few of the sharpies I purchased for a steal over the Holidays .

 

 I also purchased two plain mugs at the dollar tree to use as my canvas . I washed and dried them prior to begining my drawing . My friends wedding colors are going to be Red and Black . She and her hubby to be are HUGE Alabama fans so it's only fitting . I wanted to use those in whatever I decided to create for them .

I thought going with a Mr. and Mrs. would be super cute and fun . I hear one of the brightest parts to a new brides day is her new name as a Mrs .

I decked out the handles, the inside with a "W" for their last name , and the bottom with the date of their wedding .

For a final fun addition I thought this mustache and lips would be something fun to help get them giggling as they start the day with morning coffee .It took me quiet a while to get the lips drawn . I had been practicing the mustache for so long everything started looking like a mustache . I text several friends photo's as I worked on the project for new eyes to help me see how to correct it and make them look like lips . I did everything free hand so it's not perfect, but it's home made and I love a home made gift .

After finishing all my art work I then baked the mugs on 350 in the oven . Placing them in the oven on a cookie sheet , then turning the oven onto bake and 350 , letting the mugs heat up and cool down with the oven . After about 15 minutes I turned the oven off and let the mugs cool down inside the oven as well . They should now be washable and usable .

I hope you enjoyed these fun little mugs . I'll share in a later post what else I created for her wedding bag . What have you created that's fun and different ?

 

Congrats Ash and Robbie !



A Promise Kept

As some of you read here , I've been working on a project for a friend called "Beautiful Lengths " . It is a program sponsored by Pantene that takes donated hair and turns it into a wig for a cancer patient that is suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment . I have donated my hair at least twice before to Locks of Love and I find it to be one of the most amazing ways to possibly change a persons life . This time however the impact was quiet a bit more personal . I believe when it comes to cancer everyone knows someone who's been affected by it in one way or another .

October 2012 - Almost Ready For The Cut .



Originally ,  I along with several others had been asked if we would consider growing our hair and donating it in on behalf of a dear friends sister-in-law that at the time was battling breast cancer . Sadly since that first request was made this sweet fighter lost her battle .

Before -Cut Day - 2-25-13

This loss made keeping my word even more important in my opinion . I think that it would've been very easy to back out . To say that since Angie is now gone the donation was no longer meaningful or important . I battled with in myself against vanity and insecurity this time around with my cut . The enemy sure does know what to do to defeat us . I have never had concern when cutting my hair for donation purposes . This time, I think because it was so important , I truly felt attacked .

Wash - Hair must be clean for a Pantene Beautiful

Lengths donation . You can check donation requirements

to find out how you can prepare your hair for donation .

 

I'm friends with my hair dresser and her daughter so as I sat in her chair  sharing my reason for today's cut I began to feel even stronger about keeping my promise to my friend . I realized even as we spoke how just because my friends sister is now free from her battle that doesn't mean there aren't many more warriors on the field . Warriors that may feel better armed for the battle with a beautiful wig .

9" of bleach, dye and product free hair

 

I feel passionate about being the change you want to see in the world , giving back when you've been given so much & realization that we all are in a battle of some kind . So, lets help one another through the fight . Today as I kept my promise I felt as though a battle had been won . Not only a small battle for myself against a spiritual enemy , but a battle against vanity and insecurity as well . Once this hair is made into a wig by Pantene it will become a victory for someone else . For most females the reflection in the mirror will never be "perfect" . Imagine dealing with your daily "normal" insecurities while also fighting cancer. This area of attack on cancer and vanity can be fought in your sleep. Literally . Growing my hair was not a task . All I had to do was wash and condition my hair per usual , keep it free of chemicals such as bleach or dye and be patient as it grew .  The more I search for different ways of making an impact on this world and leaving a mark that points back to Him I realize how un-sacrificial my "sacrifices" are in comparison to so many others including my Savior .

 

After

I'm so grateful I didn't give in to my insecurities or vanity . It felt so wonderful to send a pic to my bestie letting her know that tomorrow a package will be in the mail to Pantene in memory of her amazing sister-in-law . I'm grateful for God's constant provision not just for myself, but for those I love . I'm grateful that this small "sacrifice" will make a big impact on someones life . Have you ever asked the Lord how He might use you ? Are you looking for some way to give back , love on others , or lift a persons spirits ? I'd like to challenge you to look in the mirror and ask Him what of yourself He might have you "give away" .

Here are a few links to some organizations that may help you find where you can give back .

Locks of Love
Beautiful Lengths
Habitat for Humanity
Red Cross
Salvation Army
Tough Mudder
American Cancer Society





 

~ Where I Come From ~

*WARNING: If you do not have a sense of humor or nostalgia I would encourage you not to read this post .If you have both of those things...prepare yourself for photo awesomeness that cannot be made up .Photo edits were only used to block out phone numbers or addresses . No other alterations were made .   

 

 

“Home is not where you live, but where they understand you”

 - Christian Morganstern

 

I come from a small town in East Tennessee . It doesn't seem to be known for much , but it's my home . Some (like myself) grow up with only one plan , to leave it . For a few it becomes  a reflection in the rear view . I admit for a time it was for me as well . After High School I had no plans of coming back other than for Holiday visits or the occasional wedding . I mean , isn't that how most look at their hometown ? No matter how big or small many find their home town as a place to leave in the dust . As I find myself back in this town I realize that I've lived and visited  varied cities ranging in little and much to do, but when in one place for too long it seems most people say , "there's nothing to do here" . I suppose that might be so if you aren't really looking or haven't gotten the opportunity to experience anything else . I've had the blessed opportunity to travel not only to various cities/states, but amazing countries as well . I confess the beauty and mystery found abroad is intoxicating . If afforded the chance I'd love to travel more . However, no place will ever take the place of my hometown . It's filled with familiar faces , places and memories I would never trade . It made me , me . Today I had the chance to reminisce , laugh and simply be entertained by this sweet little town I call home .

 

"Another winter day has come and gone away,
In even Paris and Rome, and I wanna go home.Let me go home... "

- Michael Buble - Home



~Free Coffee with Fill Up~

 

Get your hair done and your carry permit all in one stop . Another beauty shop in town sells certified knives . You're welcome busy multitasking modern women of today .

 You're welcome .

 

Both found only in a #SMALLTOWN #WELOVEMULTITASKING

 



“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to”.

- John Ed Pierce

 

I love my hometown . Flaws and all . However, until you have truly spent some time here you will never understand what is like to be from here . Often when I am telling friends from other places about home I feel as though they think I am making up my stories . If I could make this stuff up......well, let's just say my writings would go for a much higher price than a blog supplies . I'd be considered one of the most creative minds of our time I'm sure . Today's story begins with one of my "to-do's" that included taking Papaw to run a few errands and go to a appointment . In my driving up and down the streets of my town I started noticing things . Once I started noticing I couldn't stop . So, after I dropped Papaw off at home I picked up my faithful travel companion Jack Davis and took a drive . I proudly boast of driving up and down the streets and back roads of my town for most of the day with the fuel gage in my car barely budging . Take that Gas Hike !! #SMALLTOWNSRULE

 

Land of the Mini Pony

(No, these aren't mine....but they should be.)

 

"If I could just come in, I swear I'll leave . Won't take nothing but a memory."

Miranda Lambert - House that Built Me

 

I've taken on a motto in life when it comes to photography . I don't ever want to be so consumed with my camera , my appearance or a "should take a pic" thought that I miss the people or the meaning of the moment . So, most of the time I only use my cell phone camera for "Kodak Moments" . Hence....the photography of today . Welcome to where I come from. I hope you enjoy your tour . Prepare to see a few pretty things and several funny things .

 

Cove Lake State Park

 

If we went to school together and you proclaim ever going the right way when given this option at the park I would like to proclaim you a liar . #CLASSOF97ROCKEDIT



 

JD had no idea a flock of Geese sat behind him until just before I took this pic . Otherwise it would have been a very entertaining pic of JD sitting and many Geese preparing

to attack him in the back ground . We also nearly became a hillbilly version of Dorothy and Toto on this blustery visit to the park . Needless to say we did not stay long .





“Home is where you can say anything you please, because nobody pays any attention to you anyway” - Joe Moore

 

These pictures are proof that Mr. Joe Moore couldn't be more correct.

 I repeat....you just can't make this stuff up .

 

*WARNING: If you do not have a sense of humor I would encourage you not to continue reading. The following is truly just my  humor coming out to play .  

 

We do not live in a bubble . We have air !

 

"Bag Sale Today . Closed" . Jerks! Why tease like that ?! Please note that as I drove past a car wash around noon it's blinking banner proclaimed "Terrific Tuesday !! $1.00 Car Wash" . The chains however preventing a car from pulling in proclaimed CLOSED !

 

I'd like to know when we got a water park . To all my friends from afar that have come to visit me in my small town I do apologize for this oversight . I have decided to start reading the local news paper due to this new information and clearly huge oversight .

 

"cheapbeeRR"

Raise your hand if you were drunk and in charge of hanging the beer sign .

You're welcome world !!!

 

Maybe whoever hung the beeRR sign is the reason the youth are on fire and

 we're asking people to come see . I mean , I know there's not a lot to do in town, but........I mean. Must we set fire to the youths?!

 

Meat Market.....Fresh Broccoli ?!

 

Think Before You Burn - Town Motto....for so many reasons .

 

Maters, Taters & More

 

I'd like to say that attaining this "Maters, Taters and More"  photo along with several others became a near death experience on this overly blustery day . So, I took what I could get. I apologize for missing out on "Jank Cars" , "B'fast and Lunch Served"....at the Tobacco Store , the street sign with about six words large enough to require a bill board and the truck parked beside the "No Vehicles Beyond This Point" sign . I'll leave those for another day I suppose .

 

I repeat . I am NOT a hometown hater by any means not even a little . Someday , this town may once again appear in my rear view , but I am grateful for what it has and continues to give me . It will always be home and what made me the person I am today . I hope to never lose that . I love the people I've had the privilege to grow up with and the few I've been able to stay connected to . Not everyone has the gift of growing up in one place . I loved today and spent most of it laughing and wishing that a few of my hometown and out of town buddies were with me to enjoy it .

 

"I feel no shame . I'm proud of where I came from . I was born and raised in the boondocks . One thing I know , no matter where I go . I keep my heart and soul in the boondocks . "

Little Big Town - Boondocks

 

NOTICE: All photo's were taken from the safety of the side of the road at a complete stop. I know what "click it or ticket means" . Wait, that's not what it means is it ?

 

 

Where do you come from ? Got any fun photo's to share with the group ?

 

 

 

 

 

 



~ How Far is Your Reach~

"You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me."

Scott Adams (Dilbert)

Don't assume that just because you have short arms you have a short reach . Not to long ago I wrote here about my desire to leave a impression on this world . I also took a moment to encourage others to search themselves for a way that they may leave a finger print and give back . Whether it was through volunteering , philanthropy , writing , photo's or even blogging every one can make an impact . I think that with the popularity of blogging it has become an underestimated medium . I know I've mentioned many times through out my blogging how therapeutic it has been to me and how at times God has used the writings to reveal things to me just as much as He has anyone else . I'm grateful for this public yet private venue to share , encourage , be encouraged , etc .

 

Many of you know by now that my former ministry was that of a RD on a college campus . I wrote here and in several other entries bits and pieces of that time in my life . I have probably mostly written of my exhaustion . Almost 2 years after leaving and I still find myself exhausted from the experience . But a good kind of exhausted . A poured and spilled out for His glory kind of exhausted . As I move further and further away from that time in my life I still work at keeping up with my former RA's as best I can . Many of them are on FB so we have the ability to peak in on one anothers worlds ever so often and comment on a photo or what not . There are a few that I get to actually see and spend time with every now and then as well . I shared in this entry about the pride I felt after getting to see one of my former RA's coach . And today I want to share my pride about a few of my other girls . Now , don't get me wrong all my girls are doing amazing things these days . Everything from serving in the ministry through RD life , missions , teaching , being mommies , getting their masters , getting married , and the list goes on and on . I must admit the pride I felt when a few of them mentioned they're gonna be RD's was pretty outstanding . My co-RD and I were as transparent as possible when living the RD life . With the bags we carried under our eyes from lack of sleep it was hard not to be transparent . LOL! To know that they saw all it's good and bad and still felt called to it makes me a proud momma ! I pray I left them with a good example and a belief that they can do far better than I ever did .

Cindy & I - Homecoming 2009 RD's/ Friends for Life

(to this day we love a fire drill)

Cindy is a former RA & RD

A few of my girls have even begun blogs . Look at that , "my girls" , I mean......I think in my heart they will always be my babies . To this day if I'm in a store and hear someone say "mom" I tend to turn around or say "what" in reply out of habit . Most of my girls started calling me mom somewhere along the journey and I must say I loved it . I felt like a momma bear protecting her cubs for all of my dorm girls . I still do at times . I care so much about what the Lord is doing in their lives and am so proud of the friendships that have come from that time . It isn't the easiest thing to go from our roles as RD/RA or RD/student and transition out into a real friendship based not on our work , ministry , or responsibilities, but soul on who we are as individuals and having a true desire to be genuine friends . Luckily I made it from RD to friend with several of my girls . I'd like to brag on just a few of them now and share their blog sites with you so that you can follow them as well .

"Who can measure the influence of simple,
sacred words of testimony?"

Susan L. Warner

Myself and Telisha 2009 Fall

@ Swingfest in the Park Jazz festival

Telisha is a former SLD & RA

 

Telisha's Blog is called Life in a Suitcase . She hopes to share not only her crafts , recipes , etc. but also about her future travels and life adventures . With a heart like Telisha's I'm confident she will have many adventures in front of her . She is currently serving as a full time nanny to two sweet lil' ones while working on her Masters in Psych . Telisha and I don't get to hang out as often as we'd like, but we keep up very well via text message . Once again I say PTL for technology!!

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another"

Melly and I @ her Wedding ! 2011 Summer

(melly's real name is Kelly, but I don't even know

who calls her that LOL)

Mellys blog is called The Story of a Girl Like Me . She is sharing about her life as a newly wed , her DIY magic , and varied other wonderful things . Every time I go to her blog or see the link I start singing the song , "this is the story of a girl...." you know the sweet 90's tune ?! Anyway, Melly is nearing her 2nd year anniversary of marriage and is serving in Florida as a university volley ball coach. I had the chance to spend time with her and her team this past Fall . I seriously teared up at the game . Overwhelmed by pride . It was awesome to see her with her own set of girls that she is now leading .

John 15:13 NIV
"Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down

 his life for his friends."

 

Vee and I @ 80's skate - 2009 Spring

(yes, my eyes are eternally closed in pictures. I can't even help it.)

Vee is a former RA

 

Vee's blog is called Fun Luvin Vee and she shares many good recipes . She is also nearing her 3rd wedding anniversary and is a momma to 2 of the cutest lil' munchkins you'll ever see . The pic from above is a night of 80's themed roller skating . Vee and I laughed so hard that night I'm unsure we got anything else done . I choose to believe my eyes are swollen shut in this photo from all the laughter . It's memories like these that I keep in the forefront of my mind when the enemy tries to take me down .

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up"

 

Ashley , Myself & Stephanie

@ our night of haunted houses

We seriously went to about 5 in one night !

(it was AWESOME) 2010 Fall

Ash is a former PL, SLD, RA and is currently serving as co-RD.

 

Ashley's blog is called Crowned by Forgiveness and while she just posted her first entry yesterday I can already tell she is going to have some wonderful things to share with the world . Ash is one of those friends that will always have a smile on her face and a funny thing to say to help you have one on your face as well . She truly makes me proud when I think of her journey with the Lord and how far He has brought her . Ash is a AMAZING example of you can either be a victim or a survivor of the events in your life . She is a survivor and gives God the glory . When she told me she was gonna do RD work this year at the university I nearly bubbled over with pride . The pic above is from two Octobers past when we went on a Haunted House Crawl (you know, instead of a pub crawl) anyway, we legit went to nearly 5 in one night . I'm not sure any of us had a voice after, but it was so much fun . It's a memory I'm likely to never forget .  Ash is currently working on her nursing degree and planning her wedding along with her RD duties . 

 

Proverbs 17:17
^"A friend loves at all times..."

 

Ash, CC and I - A little shopping fun .

 

Cindys blog is called So The Cook Said , she shares a variety of things from Bible studies , recipes , to arts and crafts projects and much DIY goodness . Cindy and I co-RD'd for 3 years and our other friend in the pic Ashlee and I co-RD'd for the 2 years before that while Cindy was a RA . It's kinda cool when you get to see how things work out and have a small glimpse of Gods planning and timing . It's reassuring that He is indeed involved with our lives .  We are all still good friends and text ALLLLL the time . Every chance I get to go to chatt I visit with both Ash and CC . They're next door neighbors , like literally next door neighbors , and that makes it super easy to get to spend time with them both . Ashlee is a momma of 3 and wife of a CSI . Her babies are my sunshine and when in Chatt spending time with them is always on my "to-do list" . CC is a wife to a police man (who also ministered as a RD, we apparently only hang with leadership, don't hate) and is a new momma to a almost 2 month old little boy . The birth of her son is quiet a story and you can read about it here .

 

2009-2010 RD's RA's Team Shirts

Everyone had a nick name based on their job, floor , or personality .

 

These are just a few stories of my girls . The one's that I know blog anyway . I could write pages about each one including the ones that don't blog , but I hope that one of the things you pull away from this entry is that you never know exactly how far your reach is or how long it will last . I'd love to think that the fact Cindy and I both blog has something to do with our girls wanting to get into it . But I'm not so vain as to believe that . But to dream that our love for them and desire of God's best for them still reaches each one of them as they need it even now is a wonderful feeling . While we may not still be a "team" persay these ladies will forever be apart of my heart and ministry . I hope to always be there for them if they need me and I pray to be able to encourage and guide them in the future as/if they need . I'm unsure any of them will ever realize the reach of their influence on my life . I'm so grateful for each girl , the role they played in my professional/ministry life , and the friendships that came from it . I am excited to see how the Lord uses this new form of ministry in their lives . I know the reach will be greater than they expected . I hope to update this as time goes on with other girls that join the world of blogging .

 

"The influence of each human being on others

in this life is a kind of immortality."

Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)



Snow Day

 

This weekend has been a cold and snowy one for my little town . The view this a.m. across from my house were these beautiful snow dusted tree's . They looked like something from a Holiday card . One of the many things I love about snow is the silence it brings with it . Especially in the morning when people are waiting for things to melt a bit before trying to get on the roads . Snow seems to give us permission to slow down , do a few indoor projects , try a new recipe or two and to relax a little . Jack and I took the morning to play in the snow a bit . He loveeeesssss running in the snow . You'd think since he's so close to the ground he wouldn't enjoy it , but he does .

If I didn't put clothes on him I'd lose him in all the white . He loves to run in the snow . The only down side is that the little guy has long fur so he ends up looking more like a snow ball than a dog when he is done . He apparently doesn't mind the inconvenience . It's very hard to get him to come back to the house on days like today .

 

 

After playing in the snow I did a few house chores , worked on a craft project and enjoyed some home made crock pot pot roast . It is the first time I've ever made it with out a pre-assembled seasoning mix . With the help of my good friend Ashleigh G. I was able to make it to near perfection . It was a great meal for this snow covered weekend .

Jack however was a little snow drunk after his time in the white fluff . He also needed to thaw very badly . His little tummy and paws had snow balls over them .Since he hates the hair dryer so much , I wrapped him in a warm towel and we sat by the heat vent for a little while . Once I left him alone to fix lunch he stretched out to relax in the warm cozyness of his bed .

I hope that you've had a wonderful weekend and maybe even enjoyed some nice winter weather . Have you worked on any projects or tried any new recipes ?



Shhh Baby Sleeping

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit a friend that recently had a little girl . Calliope Sage , the sweetest little thing I've seen in a long time . She's adorable with blond eye lashes and the cutest little nose ever . This is my friends first little one and I was of course so excited to see them both . Aunt Stacie however could not show up with out a little something to celebrate the occasion .

With a new little one it is expected that people will want to come by to offer congratulations and spoil the new princess . However , not every one calls or checks in first . So, I thought that in an attempt to help alert delivery men or surprise guest this might be a nice something for them to have .

I simply took a piece of card board  and mod podged some cute scrap book paper to it . Since my friend didn't find out pre-birth what sex her little one was going to be I tried to keep the theme of the sign unbiased . I am always buying letter stickers when I find them on sale at craft stores . Not just for scrap booking, but for projects like this . I had thought about painting the paper, but I don't have the steadiest of hands . After arranging the letters I added a little bit of hot glue to them just for extra support .

I then attached some cute ribbon decorated with onesies to the back of the board as a hanger . Again , I just hot glued it to the board . Since they have screen doors there is a barrier between the sign and the elements .

I'm hoping that this sweet reminder will help keep my friend and her little one from being disturbed during nap time .