Bookworm.

We are a book-loving family.   I remember as a child growing up being so excited when it was library day.  My sisters and I would load up on all sorts of books.  We couldn't wait to come home and dive in.  I even remember my mom making us stay outside 'till a certain time of day when all we really wanted to do was sit and read a good book.  Looking back, I'd say this was a good problem to have.

I'm happy to say our girls have inherited our love of books.  Anna Ruth especially.  I don't know that she's ever met a book she didn't like.  

We go to our local library every couple of weeks and also buy books at the thrift store.  This is my favorite way to buy them because you can easily find hardcover books (or softcover for that matter) in great shape for $1.00 or less.  With as many books as the girls can listen to in one sitting, it helps to have a large selection. 

Sometimes the girls sit and "read" the books on their own.  It's adorable when Anna Ruth recites the parts she's memorized or Betsy Grace babbles the pages away.  Other times I sit and read to them.  I'd like to say we do this every single day, and usually we do.  Some days we just don't get to it.

We aren't a house that tries to confine the kid "stuff" (toys and books) to one room because that just simply isn't our style.  We're in the little ones stage and we're ALL in.  So we have books stashed in just about every room in the house.  For us and the girls.  It makes plopping down (or up on the bed) with a book quite accessible and exciting and relaxing.  

I have to admit, I love the children's books as much or more than the girls do.  I've been a bit bored with novels lately.  Although I have a couple I'm excited to dive into and I'll update you soon.  But as a general rule, I almost never tire of kids books.  They're light and interesting and a lot of times written just for the purpose of being fun.  I think us adults could learn something from this. 

Do you?

Paper Bead Necklace {DIY}

Happy Weekend friends!  

Brett and I had our weekly at home date last night and it was so nice to feel like our evening was free enough to visit and listen to music and just be.  Without having to worry about waking up too early the next day.  Today one of our little gals is resting off a tummy ache so it's a low-key kind of day.  

I have an easy project for you that I think you'll like.

I made my own paper bead necklace and wore it yesterday (to the park even!) and was pleased with how well it held up.  It's colorful and simple to make and you probably have the supplies on hand already.  I found the idea here and just went for it.  

The necklace is made using art scraps of paper, but really any type of patterned/interesting paper would work if you don't have painted scraps laying around.  Or you could quickly paint your own paper scraps using watercolors or acrylic paint, which is what mine are painted with.  

I gathered some paintings I'd done, an old atlas page, and some Target packaging (the white paper with black dots) and cut them into long skinny strips or long skinny triangles.

I didn't get a picture of the next step :( so imagine it with me instead.  I placed the longest side of the triangle around a kitchen skewer and rolled it up a time or two.  Then I placed a bit of hot glue on the paper bead and continued rolling.  Last, add a tiny drop of glue to the very end of the triangle before giving it a final roll.  You'd follow the same process for rolling up the long strips of paper too.

Next I added a coat of ModPodge (which dries clear) over the beads and then strung them on a long string of embroidery thread.  

And that's it!  You're done and your necklace is ready to wear.

This would be fun to do with kids too,

and would make a great bracelet.

I've also thought about adding some real beads or fabric in-between the paper beads for a different look.  Maybe I'll try that next.

{This weekend I'm looking forward to getting some rest, possibly watching a movie, and painting!  How about you?|

This is how we learn and play.

I feel like this post should come with a warning label that says something along the lines of "Warning: Happy Mess Ahead!"  I want to document (for my own sake and to share) a few ways lately we've been learning and playing.  Those two go so well together, don't they?  Even as adults.  That's why posts like yesterdays get me so excited.  As I "play" with new kinds of art I just know it's good for me to learn new things also.   I believe God made our brains hard-wired for learning new things.  

And so, about a week or so ago I realized I'd gotten a bit off track with my goal of introducing the girls to new activities.  At our house we have moments where I'm doing chores and laundry and the regular stuff all mamas do, while the little girls play with their toys.  They need that time and so do I.  But I was noticing that every time it was "play time" they were having to play with the same things.  So, time to mix things up a bit.  Admittedly, every afternoon after nap is sluggish for me....not quite dinner prep time yet but not the energized morning either (when we usually make art).

I decided to make this lull of the day our special activity time.  

It only took a day or two for Anna Ruth to catch on and start waking up asking what our "tivity" was for the day.  I planned several activities to do for the week that weren't rocket science or anything that required an unrealistic amount of prep.  So, let's take a look at some of our favorite ways to play!  All of these activities were a big hit and allowed me to include both girls as much as possible.  Some days we'd engage in the activity for an hour, other days 15 minutes.  I remind myself that the quality of each activity, not the quantity is what matters.  And I always, always do these with the girls.  This isn't chore time for me, it's fun for me to join in too!  

1.) Play restaurant:

I gave the girls a few dry ingredients from the kitchen and we pulled out all of our play food to have a pretend restaurant.  We pretended the walker was a cash register and taught Betsy Grace how to "feed" the baby.  Which she did over and over and it was one of the cutest things I've seen. Ever. 

This was MESSY, but such a happy mess.  I quickly swept up afterwards and it wasn't a big deal. I loved leading the pretend play this day, showing the girls how to make pretend sandwiches.

Betsy Grace sat and played the whole time with us this day! That is a major big deal.  Proof that it matters (so, so much) to take time to sit down with our kiddos and play! Forget the to do list for a few minutes....

2.) Egg Carton Owls: 

The name pretty much sums these up.  Betsy Grace took big bites of the marker, but other than that it was really fun for all. :)  Anna Ruth helped me name the owls-"Clementine, Bouncy, and Go Go".  We talked about how owls fly at night and say "Whoo, Whoo."  I also showed the girls a picture of a real owl on the computer.

 3.)  Tree Stump Painting: 

Ok, so maybe we're the only ones with an abundance of these sitting in our yard but we painted some tree stumps one day and it was the MOST fun!  I'm hoping to ask Brett to move them over in a play area to be used for little tables or chairs.  Both girls loved this!  It was messy but we just washed up when we got back inside.  When we weren't looking Betsy Grace took a few swipes at the cat and painted him.  Hahahahahaha :)

4.) Piano Playing:

The girls love it when they get to sit and play the piano and especially love it when I play with them!  

Ok, your turn!! If you have fun kid activities please share in the comments! I would LOVE more ideas! I usually get ideas from my sisters, playgroup friends, or Pinterest!

(We also made a neat terrarium I'll post more detailed instructions to soon!)

Pieces and pretties.

Afternoon!  I am, admittedly, tired today.  (if you follow me on IG then you were lucky enough to read my story of leaving Betsy Grace on the ground and climbing all the way to the top of the Chick-fil-a playground to rescue sobbing Anna Ruth today.  Proud moment, lol)

 Believe it or not, I do actually get tired every now and then.  I had to give myself a pep talk this morning that I could go, go, go until about 8:30 tonight, when I'm usually "done" for the day.  It is a wonderful busy though, you know?  It's not too much or overcommitting.  It's having a one and two year old and passions and energies and hobbies.  Choosing to do my best and have fun playing and learning activities for the girls, even though it takes more effort and time.  Teaching and loving them well.  But sometimes, those things catch up with me.  

I asked Brett the other day if he thought I would change my mind.  We were talking about when I go back to work, which isn't anytime soon.  I plan on staying home with the girls and we do plan on having other children someday.  And I plan on staying home with them also.  As long as my kiddos are pre-school age I'm all in for this stay at home mama business. ALL in.  By my choice!  But, you all know I do live and dream big.  So, a conversation was being had about teaching again someday....which I love and miss dearly (but not enough to have someone else watch my kids on a daily basis), or "doing art".  

It was one morning when I rushed to lay some things down in the craft room that I saw these happy stacks and messes and heard God say three words-

"there's something there."

I confessed more than a few posts ago that I was tired of being the planner for my future. 

Hence the reason I closed down my Etsy shop, took down my photo shoot information,

and stopped planning Rosy Retreat craft days. 

I just needed to "follow my bliss" and get out of my own way.  And God's way.....

if you would have asked me a few months ago what my dreams were I would have given you a 10-step bullet point action plan.  In color.  I had very little wiggle room left over for surprises 

and I happen to think God is fabulously WONDERFUL at surprises.  

And so it was with this thought that I've been intentional over the last few months to use my gifts in order to give them away.  This quote "The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.-William Shakespeare" sums it up perfectly. 

To bless those around me, to take care of my real life people,

to brainstorm ways to encourage Rosy Life readers and hopefully add a big 'ol slice of sunshine to their days.  To give photographs away.  Purposing to make art and crafts with all the love and grace and prayer I can possibly cram into them....to deliver to others.  

Can I tell you I've never felt more?  

Never felt lighter, deeper, never hurt more for people, 

or loved them this much either. 

Never cared on this level,

never fallen this much in love with a passion.

Two, really: 

People and art.

It was after a whirlwind of a conversation with Brett that I again, asked 

"Do you think I'll change my mind?"

Before I even had time to reference what I was talking about or even finish the sentence Brett quickly said a confident "no."  I looked to see if he even knew at all what I was talking about and he said "art?  No."  

It's in these pieces and pretties of my everyday life that I just feel right. 

It's like a bird trying to hop on the ground its whole life and telling itself "I'm going to be a dog.  I'm going to run and bark and wag my tail."  And the bird being as good of a dog wannabe as it can.....working hard at at it.  

But then one day, following its bliss, the bird decides to stretch its wings and fly. 

And then it feels a freedom, a love, passion, desire, excitement, anticipation, expectation..

a hope, a joy, a dance,

deeper and bigger and stronger than that little bird has EVER felt in its life.  

It knows exactly what it was created to do.

THIS is how I feel. 

And that's about all I know.

In May I'll be featured in Artful Blogging.  I wrote a story about my blog and included with it will be some of my photos.  I saw the title page to my story on their preview issue online today and just about passed out. 

Friends, for the first time in my life, I don't have a plan. 

And yet I'm more excited about the future than I've possibly ever been. 

I don't know how in the world I've come to the place to be included with such CRAZY talented people in Artful Blogging.  But for some reason, I'm there.  I mean, these other people included are ones I look up to and strive to be like in my artistic life.  I can't quite figure out how I've come to stand amongst them. 

I don't know what I'll do with my gifts in the future. 

I do know that right now I can't wait to get better at photography,

styling photo props,

painting,

outdoor photo shoots that promote a feeling (not just portraits),

did I mention painting? (in all its wonderful forms),

art journaling,

paper flower making,

parties,

blogging,

and training my artful eye and mind.

These pieces and pretties will all add up to something one day, I just know it. 

Perhaps I'll have an art studio where I can work the day away.

Who knows?

I'm so glad I've decided to show up and let God surprise me day by day. 

Box of Sunshine {DIY}

Hi friends! 

How are you, this Wednesday?  I'm sitting at my dining room table with the sun on my back, desperately trying to let it sink in real deep.  It's definitely warm(er) today but still feels chilly and grey.  Sounds like an afternoon cup of coffee is in order to me.  I'm a warmer weather kind of gal.  Like 70's where the sun just sinks into your skin...(with sunscreen of course)

Sunny days are ahead, but for today let's feast our eyes on this box of sunshine, shall we?

I "made" this little gift for a dear friend of mine!  She was celebrating a birthday and I wanted to deliver something cheerful and kind of different.  I've seen the idea on Pinterest for a box of sunshine and decided to take my own spin on it.  Most of the other ideas I saw were full of yellow candy, but my friend doesn't eat that kind of stuff and I wouldn't appreciate a box of yellow candy either. 

So, instead I included some watercolor notecards I made, two mini art prints (torn out of a book), hot tea, two lemons, yellow straws, nail polish, a pack of yellow napkins, and a yellow hankie. 

I arranged all of this inside a cardboard box we had from the girls' play food set.  I painted the outside of the box yellow and attached old book pages to the bottom with Modpodge.  

This was so much fun to package and deliver! I'm already thinking what I could put in my next box to gift!  

Who could you bless with a box of sunshine? 

Wouldn't it be fun to surprise someone with one of these on their front porch or desk at work?!

Daffodils.

It didn't take long for the magic of spring time to seep into our minds, hearts, eyesight, fingers, and feet. Last weekend I spotted a few daffodils by the side of the country road on the way home.  I knew exactly what that meant.  

The time for a daffodil hunt had arrived.  

It was as if I felt my breath exhale, tears stopping just before hitting my eyes. 

Such relief at having made it through the winter. 

Cold, dark nights, sickness here and there that seemed to overstay its welcome.  

And now, this.  A patch of daffodils that are steady and true and there every year, nestled in the woods of our farm.  Just waiting to delight us.  Our only job is to take the time to look.  

Without me even mentioning anything to Brett, he spoke up saying that we needed to go visit the daffodil patch.  On we trekked in the farm truck until we spotted these bright yellow, cheerful signs of spring.  They looked like a parade of pretty, a crowd of celebration.  Standing tall, proud, and happy that spring has arrived.

 Of course the girls and I wasted no time getting right down in the middle of them.  I love that about my girls.  We are a "go all in" kind of bunch.  Why look from afar when you can sit amongst the beauty?  

Anna Ruth was especially thrilled that the flowers are her mama's favorite color.  She so sweetly picked a bouquet for me and some for Betsy Grace as well.  

(we caught Betsy trying to eat the flowers)

What loveliness....

two girls,

loads of flowers.  

Spring, you have sure welcomed us with open arms. 

We are forever grateful.

I sat down with the girls and showed them how to tuck a flower behind your ear.  Anna Ruth couldn't figure out if her mama was being fabulous or just plain weird...

I hope though, that this is how the girls remember their mama when they're old and recounting their childhood days.  A happy, flower-wearing mama who would sit among the daffodils with great glee.

Today I'm so grateful for flowers that remind me of the great light God is in the darkest dark,

for magical adventures with my two best gals and dear husband.

I'm thankful that life is made of seasons,

each one bringing with it a cause for celebration. 

I'm thankful for pictures and photographs that speak of the love God has for us. 

It's on the hard, sad days that I'll visit these treasures and be reminded that even in the midst of the darkest winter nights, Spring is right around the corner.  

And this corner looks pretty wonderful to me.

Watercolor Votives

This little project is brought to you by Pinterest. 

Or my love of Pinterest at least! 

Do you like Pinterest as much as I do?  I used to (admittedly) get overwhelmed by it.  And I admit, sometimes it's a bit much to read "1,000 ways to play with your toddler without turning on the tv", lol.  But, I would say for the most part I'm a huge Pinterest fan.  Part of the reason is because I actually do the ideas I find there!  

Like this one.  I found the idea for watercolor votives here. And since I'm pretty much obsessed with anything paint related lately I thought I'd give them a try.  Here's what you should know. I like the examples better than mine, but that didn't stop me from making and appreciating mine. So, if you're worrying about your idea looking like the Pinterest example, just stop. It probably isn't going to! Sometimes you might like your project better, sometimes less.  I think you should make anyway.  You just might surprise yourself with what beautiful thing you can create when you put your mind, heart, eyes, and hands to it! 

I started with the glass votives above, which I've had in my pantry for months and months.  My method for painting them was fast and quick because I worked on this while the girls napped.  In a way that's good because it meant very little time to worry or stress about "doing it right."  I mixed regular acrylic paint with water to get the consistency I wanted.  I'm wondering if you could also do this with watercolors, if they weren't too light?  You should try it and let me know!

I dipped my brush in the paint and then dabbed it onto the insides of the votives, while holding the votive upside down.  So the paint slowly ran down the sides.  At first I had a beautiful yellow/green color going on that I loved but then I wanted to try to add some more color with the pink.  When I did that they kind of turned all pink.  And these were for date night! Whoops...

Brett gets sideswiped with pink. Again. 

In the daylight these looked gorgeous with a mini candle inside.  

At night I put a red pillar candle in one, and gold in another (plus the mini candle you saw above).  I would definitely recommend using a plain white, smaller candle for these because the pillar candles showed their colors through the votive, instead of the paint. 

Overall I was pretty pleased with this project though!  I think I'll give it another try with some smaller votives next time.  These vases would look fabulous with a bunch of handcrafted paper flowers inside! 

What's been your latest Pinterest project?

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Once upon a garden...

Once upon a garden,

there were seeds gathered,

plans drawn,

ideas sketched.

Tasty food imagined,

delicious meals envisioned,

hope.

 Once upon a garden,

a little girl got to dream of taking the reins,

and dirt was gathered, load after load.

 while another little cowgirl felt larger than life on the tractor.

 Johnny Cash was played,

feet were stomped,

instruments shaken,

hands clapped wildly. 

Once upon a garden,

a mama got to drive the farm truck,

shovel dirt,

and show her girls the meaning of the good life.

Once upon a garden,
a blank book was waiting for its story to be told.
A clean slate waiting to be chalked,
food to be grown,
memories, tears, roots of joy, laughter, surprises,
ready to be sown and reaped.

This is the story of our garden.

{To be continued...}