Indulgence #161 {Have Frozen Hot Chocolate}

There are plenty of signs that fall is on its way, but it's not quite cold enough for a steaming hot drink. Frozen hot chocolate is a perfect way to get a jump start on this cold-weather favorite. Especially on a day like today when it felt a little toasty in our house even with the windows open. I'm just wondering why we didn't enjoy this during our warm winter in Florida!

My Office/Blogging Nook Gets a Minimalist Redo

As you can see from the "before" photo above, my little office/blogging nook left much to be desired. My part-time work is piled up under the table, the printer takes up 1/4 or more of my "desk" space, ditto with the files, the folding chair is uncomfortable and doesn't even belong to me and this photo is actually cleaned up! Normally Brylee and Daniel have randomness accumulating on whatever space remains.

It was time to do a little cleaning up.

Counseling Session {Free of Charge}

If you've never gone to a counseling session, you're missing out. I know, I know. Counseling is often associated with a marriage on the rocks or an out-of-control addiction or some "disorder" that needs a dose of medicine and talking. But imagine going before one of these instances arises. Getting support and encouragement before you lose all hope; rediscovering balance before you're on the brink of losing your sanity; finding direction before you've completely lost your way.

That's how I like to view counseling, and that's why yesterday was a day I thought I needed it.

How-to DIY Pin-tucked Duvet | i did it myself!

I am very excited about this easy DIY! It is just satisfying when something turns out how it should and maybe even a little better than you hoped.

Duvet Inspiration

I've been pinning ideas for covering my 4-year-old Brylee's grey duvet. I wanted something a little extra girly and princess-y and frilly. And, of course, a cheap and/or resourceful DIY was a must.

1 urban outfitters | 2 kojo designs | 3 living on the chic

1 | Ruffled Duvet 

This seemed like a great option. But in DIY terms, I just wasn't excited about sewing each ruffle and would rather try a ruffled pillow or ruffled curtains.

2 | Knotted Duvet

This is so attractive, and the resourceful DIY part was a bonus. But, really, how comfortable could it be to chill on a bed full of knots? Not a great option for a preschooler, or anyone else that enjoys sitting on their made bed (eh hem, me).

3 | Pin-Tucked Duvet 

This is made out of sheets. Talk about resourceful and cheap and attractive and so doable! Yep, it was decided, this was to be a part of Brylee's bed.

How to Make a Pin-Tucked Duvet Cover

Step 1: Gather Supplies

The key with being cheap and resourceful is being flexible. The tutorial used sheets which I thought was a great idea. But when I priced it, I would be spending around $25 for 2 flat sheets plus any pillow coverings or bedskirt. I tried Goodwill, but they only had stained white sheets and a full new-in-packaging blue set that they were selling for more than the clearanced sticker price. (Nice one, Goodwill.)

I contemplated giving it up for a while and wait for a sale, but headed to Target one more time. So glad I did. I ran into this single king-sized duvet set on clearance. I'm making a duvet cover for a full-size bed (the duvet is full/queen), but $17.48 for a duvet set (including pillow covers) that normally costs $69.99 seemed to be a way better deal than buying two cheap flat sheets. Score!

I already had the needle and thread, so time to send Brylee to preschool and get to work.

Step 2 : "X" Marks the Spot

I laid out the duvet cover inside-out and marked an * staggering every 12".

Step 3: Pinch, Twist, Sew and Repeat

Once all the duvet was all marked, I sat at the sewing machine and pinched the first * I saw, twisted it roughly 180 degrees and sewed about an inch in. I had a king-size duvet cover that I was sewing down to a full, so I had plenty of room to pinch deep. I would have needed to be more conservative if I had less material to work with.

The left photo below is what the twist looks like on the wrong-side of the duvet cover after sewing; the right photo is the pucker that results on the right-side of the cover.

I kept pinching, twisting and sewing one after another. Not necessarily in any particular order, just wherever I saw an *, I pinched, twisted and sewed. Perhaps I should have been more methodical, because after I didn't see anymore, I laid it all out and found two places that still needed sewn. Not a big deal. I just sat down and sewed them no problem.

Anytime I see a DIY on a mom's blog, I wonder what in the world the kid(s) are doing while they're getting crafty. In case you're wondering that about this particular project, well, I already mentioned Brylee was at preschool. And, this is where Ian was stationed the whole time--holding onto my leg, chewing the section of duvet I wasn't currently sewing.

Step 4: Sew the Edges, Insert Duvet and Display

I'll be honest and say I don't know the best way to finish this particular duvet cover. I didn't cut the original cover apart initially because I wanted to preserve the original edges as much as possible. That was fine in the pin-tucking, but then I got all confused when the top had shrunk down to full/queen size, and the back was still in its original king.

I ended up cutting about 19" off one side of the back of the duvet then sewing it back up. That kind of worked, except the top edge on the top of the duvet cover was still it's original king-size because it had not been pin-tucked like the center. I don't think I'm explaining that clearly, but if I ever do this project again, I'll do a little more research on making a pin-tucked top fit with an unsewn back. What I did seems to work fine for us.

I love the princess feel from the sheen of the duvet cover. That just wouldn't have been the same with cheap flat sheets. And I love how quick and relatively easy this was! Brylee's plain ol' grey duvet is now a perfect addition to her princess-inspired space!

Total Cost

3 hours (figuring out how to make the top and bottom fit together took longer than necessary)
+ $17.48
= very worth the effort

>>>

also read:

new? start here...

a fancy girly space

fashion made simple

under cover crates

monthly emails + freebies

Why I Blog

Sometimes I question why I bother with blogging. Maybe it's just my insecurities speaking or maybe it's a legitimate question. I mean, with hundreds (thousands? more?) of truly great blogs out there, is it really necessary for me to add my smaller-scale two-cents?

The conclusion I've come to: Maybe not necessary for the blogging world, but it is necessary for me, and here's why.

Writing Practice

I enjoy writing. I enjoy it so much my bachelor's degree is emphasized with it. I started a blog to use this skill by writing about things I enjoy so I wouldn't lose this ability. As a kid I used to think "talents" in Matthew 25 literally referred to abilities, but the point still applies. The man who hid his talent in the ground (verse 25) got it taken away from him and given to the man with ten talents (verse 28). Simple principle of "use it or lose it" that I'm using on this blog.

Accountability

Accountability partners are helpful when trying to make a life change or form a new habit. Whether I'm doing a simplifying challenge, cloth diapering, or trying to live life more fully, this blog (or, more so, you as readers/friends) are my accountability partners.

Motivation

A good idea turns reality when I get excited about turning it into a blog post. Maybe it's the fun of sharing with others, or just the genuine interest in whatever I'm trying/learning. Either way, blogging gives me motivation to do something.

Sharing the Good News

In grade school we memorized the following that has stuck with me:

We are writing each day a letter to men;
Take care that the writing is true;
It is the only gospel some men will read--
The gospel according to you.
{Unknown}

This refers to how our actions "speak" our gospel to others. But being interested in writing, I've always applied it to my actual writing--the Good News of Jesus according to me. Blogging is an opportunity to share all sorts of pieces of that testimony in practical ways. And, hopefully, an opportunity to "stir up love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24) or perhaps an on-line attempt to "comfort each other and edify one another" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

>>>

also read:
blogging for beginners
simplicity starts here

I'm Ba-aack! A Word on Time Management {Or How I Cope without It}

Where has the last two weeks gone?!

I had a carefully mapped out schedule of posts I was excited about writing for this month that obviously has not yet happened. So where has the last two weeks gone?

My sister had a baby. (Yay!) I suppose that's been the main distraction as we joined in their joy over the occasion and enjoyed the company of family. My husband got me a new phone and I've been distracted with some pretty sweet apps. I started the Home Cure. And, I've finally realized, I'm still coping with and adjusting to our recent move. (Four months ago can still be considered "recent," right?)

Someone asked how I find the time to "do it myself" (a comment on my post about why I DIY), and the answer probably goes something like, "I don't have the time." Which is obvious considering how distracted I've been the last couple weeks. But that question got me to thinking about time management and how my view of it has changed since I've become a mom. Well, more specifically, it's done the most evolving since I've become a mother of {TWO}.

Squishy Tush Profile {Ian, prefolds and covers}

my cloth diaper user interview on prefoldslove.com

See our experience w/ prefolds + covers here.

My cloth diapering posts are now available at PrefoldsLove.com.

Indulgence #99 {Create a Goal Board}

We all have a lot of goals and aspirations in life, but seeing them everyday reminds us to continue to reach for them in our everyday tasks. {an indulgence a day, p. 57}

It's true. What we keep our sights on day-to-day determines what we will accomplish later.

However, Andrea and Patrick didn't come up with the "by beholding we become changed" concept.

Why DIY?

In Hobby Lobby, I'm trying to get ideas for turning Brylee's chore chart magnets into something cute and more reminiscent of a reward rather than unwanted junk drawer leftovers. There are so many options of pre-made flowers and jewels--everything I imagined--I just have to decide which to get. Then, I stop, put it all back and start looking for the tools I need to make the flowers myself.

My mom offers to buy them, because, as she said, after we buy the things we need and put all the work into it "it's just not worth it" and we'll wish we'd gone with the pre-made option. I tell her I'm doing it so I have something to blog about. That's true. Also because, when done right, DIY has many benefits.

Why I "DIM" (do it myself)

Saves Money

This isn't always true of DIY. But, when done carefully and resourcefully, it definitely saves money. For instance, spending $.90 on materials to cover chore board magnets rather than $18. Percentage-wise, that's huge savings!

Saves the Planet

It's in the 3 Rs: reduce REUSE recycle. If I can redo something I already have to be reused, then I am refusing to buy new and reducing my consumption, which are all more environmentally friendly than recycling or trashing when an item is no longer useful to me.

Encourages Creativity

This is a "use or lose it" concept. "To everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance." {Matthew 25:29} Even if you don't exactly consider yourself creative (eh hem, like me), even finding and implementing ideas from someone else does wonders to encourage creativity. Because you'll find your own ways to tweak the project to fit your needs, abilities and resources, and that, my friends, is being creative.

Personalizes Product

I just mentioned the whole idea of tweaking-the-project-to-fit-your-needs. Beyond meeting boring things like needs, doing it yourself means filling fun things like wants and bringing all together in a package that's slightly unique and different from the mass-produced items you'll find in the store.

Introduces the Creator

God created every extravagant detail of our world, and created us in His image {Genesis 1:27}. "Creating" flowers to cover a magnet is like a terrible stick-figure drawing compared to God's original masterpiece! But, when we make things for ourselves (or a version of create), we learn a little more about God's powerful ability, His magnificent creation, and the likeness in which we were created.

Tells a Story

I could buy a quilt for Ian's bed or a duvet cover for Brylee's or art to put in a frame. But when I make these things myself, there's a story to go with it. There's my memory of how it came into being, or an added dimension of what makes it special rather than just being pretty.

Fair Trade

There's just no other way to put this: Most of the things we buy aren't people-friendly. That's to say, to offer products for cheap, many companies use cheap labor overseas, without offering workers quality work environments or fair wages. Making certain things myself (as long as I'm careful of where the tools to do so come from) keeps me from buying products that encourage these terrible working environments.

Every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded. | Exodus 36:1

What did I miss? Why do you choose to make it yourself?

DIY Flower Magnets and Some Flower Tutorials

When looking up ideas for Brylee's chore chart, I knew I wanted to skip the stickers and opt for something that could be reused. Magnets are perfect for that. And I happened to have a whole set of small magnets not being used. However, my magnets were a little "boring" for something I was hoping to get Brylee excited about.

Cloth Flower Inspiration

We (mom, sister and I) headed to Hobby Lobby for inspiration. Have you been to a craft store lately? Oh my, so cute! Seriously, you don't have to be creative or crafty, just go find what you like, glue it to whatever you're trying to redo and you've got a fancy new update! I narrowed all the adorable options down to these flowers...

Then, as I waited for my mom and sister to get what they had gone for, I started looking at them and thinking the usual "I can make that." These cute little flowers were just fabric, ribbons, felt and buttons. How hard could it be?

I know this is the part of the story that I'd usually confess how wrong I was and how I attempted to do it myself but it just wasn't worth it. Not this time!

I bought a sheer pink fabric remnant for $.40, a purple and a pink felt rectangle for $.50, then used some of my sister's ribbons, random buttons and fabric scraps I held onto despite my conviction to throw them away. That's a grand total of $.90 to make 16 flower magnets that would otherwise cost $17.97 + tax to purchase.

Cloth Flower Tutorials

I've admired all the flowers popping up everywhere (shirts, purses, headbands, rings) from afar. This was a perfect chance to try making some myself. The first few flowers were just me going by instinct and my mom looking up some ideas online. Then, I put them away for a few days and jumped back in and found some great tutorials to make adorable flowers.

Here are some of my favorites with links to the tutorials...

Fabric-Felt Rolled Flower

Cute detail that's so simple. I didn't sew or hot glue. Just cut the fabric in a spiral and started turning, hand-stitched through the bottom to hold it together and glued it down. Of course, it probably helps that my magnet version is much smaller. Perfect for a magnet; not sure I'd use it for anything else.

T-shirt Flower

These are resourceful and cute! Trying to make this small enough to fit on a magnet didn't end with the same result. These aren't my favorite magnets, but I do plan to make a couple of these flowers, perhaps for a shirt or a headband like in the tutorial.

Floppy Flower

Love this whimsical flower! Again, the small version of this wasn't turning out exactly as I imagined, but still really cute. This will need to be made again.

Frayed Flower

These are so easy and versatile. Stitching-and-pulling-tight is the concept I started with. But the results can be so different depending on how you pull. Or how much you stitch. And what materials you use. The "poofs" on the right are the same idea, but bunched in a poof rather than formed into a flower.

Fabric Flower Ring

This simple and cutie rose is one of my favorites. I used ribbon and, again, didn't hot glue. Once I had it wrapped up, I stitched a couple stitches through it to hold it together. I've been wanting a flower cocktail ring and I think this would be perfect!

All of these flowers were resourceful, cheap, and fun. They will be a perfect check for Brylee's preschooler chore chart. More about why I DIY later. And, I'm sure, more fabric flower projects to come :)

Preschooler's Chore Chart and Allowance

Okay, so maybe 3-years-old really is too young to understand the value of a penny or to hold the full responsibility of chores. But now is when those life lessons begin for my little preschooler. She cleans up every last toy all by herself and proudly shows off her newly cleaned room with hand held out anxiously awaiting a penny or two to add to her piggy bank--this started at 2 1/2.

Preschooler's Chore Chart

I'll admit I've had good intentions to work this "allowance" into our daily routine, but so far it's just been hit-or-miss. So, I searched some ideas to implement a chore chart and an actual pay-out of her allowance. Here's some articles and printable charts I found...

• Parents.com has this "Say Yes to Chores" article that includes age-specific downloadable chore charts including this one for 2- to 4-year-olds. I don't like that a couple lines are already filled in. 
• Simple Mom also wanted a blank chart, so she made this simple preschoolers chore chart. I'm picky and I don't like calendars that start with Monday, which this one does. 
• Homeschool Creations writes about their chore experiences and includes this daily chore printout. Simple and effective, but still not quite what I was looking for.

The conclusion: I'm too picky to use someone else's chore chart. So I came up with my own. Check it out for yourself:

Brylee's Preschooler Picture Chore Chart

Blank Chore Chart

Explanation of Chores on Chart

Rather than a traditional chore chart that says things like "wash dishes" or "take out trash," I wanted more of a "to do" list or idea list. Something that Brylee could refer to when I'm busy and she's bored. Chores teach responsibility, and, at her age, being responsible for her free time is a pretty big thing to learn.

So, what's on the list?

Pick up toys, and Pick up clothes.

These are the only two items on the list that resemble traditional chores. There's other things she helps me with, but I want to keep a chore chart to things she can do herself. She has to do these before nap, bed, and before I let her watch TV.

Finish food, and Pee in the potty.

Lately she's been choosing not to eat her food and having more accidents, so I wanted her to feel accomplished when she finishes food and has no accidents.

Play or listen to music, Read a book, Play pretend, Color or write, and Do a puzzle.

These are the things that she can refer to when she's bored.

Brush teeth, and Get dress.

These are things she's learning to do herself. Sometimes she'd whine that she can't do it herself, but now that it's on this chart, she dresses herself every time.

Memory verse, Time with Jesus, and Pray.

These are partly for my reminder, but also to show her that this is an important part of our daily routine.

I included images to help her know what the chart says, but I figured there'd be a learning curve to teach her what the images meant. When I printed it and put it on the fridge, I explained what it was, and asked Brylee if she knew what it said. She proceeded to go down the list saying almost verbatim what I had printed on the chart.

Success!

The Reward, or Allowance

Of course, there's not much point of having a chore chart if there's no reward. There's two parts to the reward...

Internal Reward

The first part of the reward is the act of "checking off" the items as they're done. We're using magnets instead of stickers, so that our chart is reusable. There's some satisfaction putting a magnet next to something that's been accomplished, especially because knows these flower magnets were made especially for her. The reward in this is probably more so when we verbally acknowledge her as we remind her to move her magnet, and the high fives that follow.

External Reward

The second part of the reward is the pay-off at the end of the day. At her age, a daily reward is more beneficial. As she gets older, we'll move to weekly. Before she goes to bed, we count up all the magnets that she put on the chart that day. Right now her allowance is paid in a number of coins. If she has 10 magnets, she gets 10 coins (we decide their value :) Right now it's not as much about how much she earns, because she doesn't know what that means. Good thing, because that buys us a little time until we can figure out age-appropriate allowance amounts.

I also liked the idea I've seen of giving an allowance in 3 parts. 10% is given to be put in a giving jar, 10% is given to be put in a savings jar, and the rest goes into a spending jar. I like what this teaches, and starting early on will make the giving and saving habit by the time she's old enough to decide herself how her money will be spent. We'll be starting this as soon as I get the jars or their equivalent.

Right now, it all goes into her fat little piggy bank.

>>>>>

See updated kindergartener + toddler chore charts here.

Another Late Night and A Blog Recommendation or Two

My house is chaos. Crafting things spread over the dining table in attempt to finish magnets for Brylee's chore board. Blocks and others of Ian's toys scattered around the living room (Brylee cleaned up all of her things before bed--direct product of said chore chart). Clean laundry piled on top of the dryer and on Daniel's side of the bed waiting to be folded or hung or something other than crumpled and neglected--at least it's clean.

Prepping Prefolds

prepping prefolds on prefoldslove.com

Read how to prep prefolds >> here.

My cloth diaper posts are now available at PrefoldsLove.com.

Small Space Entertainment Center Solution

We came up with an entertainment center that works for our small space. While it's not entirely original, it is a little bit outside of the box and a creative use of our living space.

Features of Our Minimalist TV Stand

Fresh Perspective on Layout

We've been in a few apartments in this building, seeing different takes on using the living room space, and everyone seems to have the same idea that the wall in the photograph is part of the hallway and should not contain anything more than a shelf or art. The sofa is often against one of the narrow walls with entertainment stand opposite that, eliminating about 3 feet from the overall size of the living room. We wanted to make the best use of that space.

Wall-Mounted TV

Making the best use of our space meant using the hallway wall to "display" our TV. Everything had to become one with the wall in order to not interfere with walking through, and a TV wall mount made that happen.

New Use for LACK Floating Shelf

We have four LACK floating shelves from IKEA that we wanted to use in new ways. I originally had the idea of using our MALM bookshelf as part of the entertainment center, but the floating shelf was much more visually light, uncluttered and less in the way. 

Versatile Storage Ottomans

Once Daniel suggested using the floating shelf, I knew I wanted storage ottomans to rest underneath--something that could house unused blankets, hide toys when they're not being played with, and be easily pulled around for impromptu foot rests, drink rests, or butt rests. My brother came up with plans to make some that would cost less than $100. Then I found the 3 in the photo on clearance for $13 each at Target for a grand total of $36. Can't beat that! 

Hidden Chords

Okay, so this is the one thing that we don't have figured out in this set-up. There's ways to hide chords, but the truly efficient way is to put them behind the wall. Not really an option in a rented apartment. So, for now, we have as much chordage as possible hiding in an ottoman (you should have seen the chord octopus before I hid it in the ottoman!) and we ignore the rest.

Clearing Out the Excess

The only way this sort of minimalist entertainment center is possible, is to eliminate the excess. We've never really had a huge movie collection or a lot of electronic equipment, but before moving we still had unused movies and electronics to get rid of. Doing so made this come together really well.

Next Up: Media Fast

A media fast is one of my upcoming "indulgences," and writing a whole blog post on our TV makes me feel even more like I need a break from it.

Over the fourth of July weekend our family stayed at my brother's in-laws. The couple days we were there we all oohed and aahed at the wonderful place they had out of the hustle and bustle and with plenty of spaces to encourage family time. My favorite was outdoors with the gorgeous pool, various areas for lounging, hottub and outdoor fireplace. It took a day before I realized the one thing "missing" from the set-up... TV and computer. And really, rather than feeling like it was missing, I believe that was one thing that made the atmosphere so inviting and so conducive to relaxing.

I envy people that don't have a TV. Someday we just might take that plunge (I can already hear my husband's disapproval). In the meantime, I'm happy with our space-saving solution and will update on the media fast when it happens.

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also see:
new? start here...
simplifying home
100 things instead of tv
monthly dose of simple

A Visual Reminder of the Second Coming

I have a friend that has an incredible gift of seeing everything in a spiritual light. It's so refreshing to hear his casual comments about how some everyday thing makes him think about Christ. There are times in my life when I see the everyday as constant spiritual metaphors or parables. I love these times. And when those times escape me, as they more often do, I appreciate having a friend that can remind me of the spiritual light found in the everyday.

Squishy Tush Profile {Cora, prefolds and covers}

krystle's cloth diaper user interview on prefoldslove.com

See Krystle's cloth experience here.

My cloth diapering posts are now available at PrefoldsLove.com.

Have You Printed Your Monthly Calendar?

My part-time work started turning no-time last week when I left time management to the wind. I read a Parents.com article 10 Ways Mom Can Balance Work and Family, and was reminded I need a family calendar to keep track of all the pieces on our family's schedule.

Squishy Tush Profile {Elijah, prefolds fitteds and covers}

katelyn's cloth diaper user interview on prefoldslove.com

See Katelyn's cloth experience here.

My cloth diapering posts are now available at PrefoldsLove.com.

Jason and Jessica's Epic Move, part 2

In Part 1 of my interview with my friend Jessica about her and her husband's "epic move," we learned a little about the faith behind their big life change. Now we learn a little more about the excitement and challenges behind their downsizing.

She's the Apple of Our Eye Baby Shower

Everything came together for my sister's baby shower! And anything that didn't come together just wasn't meant to be :)

Jason and Jessica's Epic Move, part 1

Recently, my friend Jessica and her husband Jason downsized their accumulation of earthly possessions, packed up what was left and moved to another state. Their move was a little different from previous moves or even from the average American's move. Part 1 of "Jason and Jessica's Epic Move" tells a little of the background to their downsizing and their journey of faith. {Click here to see Part 2}

Krystle Reeves {photographer, gardener, aspiring homesteader}

Krystle and I graduated 8th grade together from a small school in Georgetown, Tenn. We didn't keep in touch very well after her family moved away and I went away to academy. She studied photography at Andrews and has an excellent eye for taking great photographs. Now with Facebook and her blog, I am regularly inspired by her awesome photos of gardening, baking delicious treats and her precious 8-month-old baby girl. Krystle is also a fellow cloth diaper user, so maybe we'll get to hear from her about that in another interview.

For now, we'll hear a little more from this "green" person that inspires me.

On Not Getting Too Comfortable with Our Humanity

cross

I was reminded today that I am too comfortable in this life. I love nestling into "my home" and settling into a routine all the while forgetting (or neglecting?) that Heaven is my home and I'm living on borrowed time, or rather it has been bought by Christ and paid for with His life.

There are a couple of epic Christians that are inspiring me today. Daniel Harper was a high school classmate and friend and his blog, Precision Points of a Called Christian has been such an inspiration as he has shared his physical struggles with a brain tumor while still being a dedicated Christian. Even though I only knew his wife by name in academy, I am also so incredibly impressed with her dedication and strength as an excellent example of what a loving, caring Christian wife should be.

Daniel passed away last night and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. If this is sobering for me, I can only imagine how it must be rocking their world.

Thinking about Daniel's example and the faith he held in the midst of struggle, I wonder if maybe I need the equivalent of a terminal illness to jump start my faith. I don't mean to trivialize the terrible journey he went through and the one his surviving family continues on. Quite the opposite. I am awed by their example and their focus on Christ.

In the whole epic story of salvation, my diagnosis isn't much better and yet my life is more distracted. It seems we all get a little too comfortable with our humanity. When life is good, we're happy and comfortable and rarely get homesick, ungrateful that we are in fact being given a 7 millionth chance at living for Christ. Just a little dose of reality to direct me back in line with Christ today.

Daniel's last blog post, well, as his sister well said: "...it's an honor to read."

I hope you will read it and others of his posts. His blog really is the gospel from an epic Christian that you don't want to miss.

I am privileged to have known Daniel and look forward to meeting him again in Heaven.

I did it! I made a decorative tissue pom pom!!

What do the above three photos have in common? (The title of this post is just a small hint)...

10 Reasons Why I've Got the "Prefolds Love"

benefits of prefolds on prefoldslove.com

See why I love prefolds here.

My cloth diapering posts are now available at PrefoldsLove.com.