Pallet headboard (or An Ode to my Amazing Husband!)

Ever since we moved into this house, we've been looking for a headboard. 

We had decided on the Brimnes headboard with storage in black.

Nice, right? Well, shipping was astronomical (as in, more than the the bed cost!) so off we went to Atlanta!

And it was sold out.

I really to wait and just go back later, but the Hubs really, REALLY hates Atlanta! So he started looking at headboards on Pinterest. He decided that he could build a pallet headboard, with storage and lights! And that's just what he did.

Isn't it pretty! Built in night stands, and storage behind! 

A grainy, nighttime "in progress" shot that shows the storage shelves.

Needless to say, I'm thrilled! 

The lights will be added after drill weekend!

My new toy

 This, my friends, is the greatest invention since the iPad itself! A sd card reader for the iPad! Do you know what this means? I don't have to lug out the cranky laptop to download pictures from the big camera anymore! (And my Facebook friends have already gotten to reap the benefits. Pictures from Easter were still on my camera. Uhmmm... Oops!)

It's my new favorite thing!

Another summer, another move

Well, we're moving. Again. 

Apparently I need to blog more often. Or move less. Maybe both!

We moved last summer into a tiny rental house that my mom had so we would be closer to my parents while Jason was in Montgomery. Then, about a month ago, lightening hit that tiny house. Thankfully, the kids and I were at home. I know that sounds weird- yippee the kids were there when our house caught fire!-  but, really, if we hadn't been there, we likely would have lost everything to the fire. As it was, we just lost the electronics that were plugged up at the time. 

Well, that, and a place to live.

We've been crashing with my parents since. I'm beyond thankful, but I'm also ready to have my own space again. 

We are in the process of buying a manufactured home and having it put on our land. Not glamorous, but surprisingly beautiful! Hopefully we only have a few more weeks to wait, and I'll have pictures of our new (and hopefully final) house!

Life changes

This book is making me very uncomfortable. And challenging everything I am, everything I have ever done.

And it is wonderful and refreshing!

Backstory: a few weeks ago, the Hubby got a job offer that would require moving to Marion, Alabama. We had been toying with the idea of moving into my aunts old house that was currently empty. Another major downsize. Roughly 800 square feet for a family of four. But financially, the best move. 

Then the job offer. Marion doesn't really have the best schools, and with James getting ready to start kindergarten, it didn't seem like a good idea for all of us to move. So the little house made much more sense! It's small, yes, but it would just be me and the kids! And it's right across the road from my mom and dad. 

But here's the problem- it's a little single wide mobile home. It's old. And it looks just like an old single wide trailer. I'm pretty house-proud. I want curb appeal. I love driving through neighbor hoods looking at beautiful homes and landscaping. And this little house really hurt my pride.

Enter 7.

Jen Hatmaker has both convicted me and validated the decisions we've made. It's not about who has the cutest house- but who opens their doors to the lonely. It's not about who has the cutest clothes- it's about clothing yourself with humility and clothing the homeless. It's not about the stuff- it's about the Savior!

I'm not saying I'm there. Two bedrooms for a family of four can be challenging. And right now- what with improvement projects in both houses and getting Jason ready to go to Marion, we are not even seeing the financial benefits. But I feel that this was the best decision for us, and I feel that God is really trying to teach me something big.

So my house might be tiny- but the doors are open! Feel free to come by for coffee! :-)

The only thing constant is change

Big changes are in the works for the Bennett clan.

We are moving!

No panic- we are just moving across town. No PCS, no moving company. But the move does entail another downsize. This time to a two bedroom, 870 sq ft house. I am both thrilled and terrified! I have always loved the idea of small living. I love the idea of a sustainable, off grid tiny house.

The idea, anyway.

The reality- well, we will see. 

The truth is, we are a family of four, with two large dogs. I am an only child and an introvert, who requires alone time to keep my sanity. But the opportunity is there, and financially, we just can't say no! I'm not exactly sure when the move will happen, but I know it will be sometime before August! So, stay tuned! :-)

Photography Fail

I'm not really a big resolution maker. I feel like it just sets me up for failure. However, I did make a commitment this year to write more and take at least one picture every day.

The writing- I've kept up with! Either here, or journaling or just a simple brain dump at night, words have made it to paper (or screen!)

The photography- fail.
Not one single photo.
Not. One.
So, I'm declaring a do over! Today is a new day, so I'm starting fresh!
(And I even plan to bust out the Big Camera, so watch out!)

Did you make resolutions this year?
Have you kept them, or do you need a do over, too?

Happy New Year

Happy 2013!

I cannot believe it is already a new year! So much has happened over the past 12 months, I don't even know where to start. And I definitely didn't keep up my plan about blogging last year. :-)

Honestly, I have no idea if I will do any better this year. And that is not even one of my goals. I do have several, though. I want to capture more of life in pictures. I want to write more- whether here on this blog or just journaling for me. I want to get back into shape. I want to ENJOY life more!
But mostly, I want to find myself. I want to find my passions- in writing, in photography, in life! I have spent so much time doing the things I'm supposed to, I don't even know what I really like anymore. And I refuse to settle like that! So 2013 is going to be my year to rediscover me!

Wish me luck!

In a funk

I've been in a real funk lately.
Nothing major, just tired, cranky, and not the most fun to be around.

I think I've figured out part of my problem. I missed winter!

For years, I've loved winter. I just didn't realize how much needed it! I tend to hibernate a little in winter. Two of the last five winters I was pregnant. So I basically did nothing but veg out and read. (And throw up, but that's not really a necessary part of the hibernation!) Then for two years (obviously not consecutively) I had a newborn to take care of. That also implies some hibernation. So when spring came, I felt better (in the pregnant years) or the babies were old enough to really go outside and play,  so I really experienced that spring rebirth!

I missed my hibernation this year!

We moved in early November, then there was the craziness of the Holidays, then the Hubs left for Captain's Career Course for 10 weeks. No vegging out allowed when you're the only parent around. And now, spring is here! EARLY!! What's up with that? I usually love spring, but seriously. I need winter.

So I have a disconnect. My brain is telling me that spring is here! Time to get busy, and start cleaning and planting and organizing and planning for trips to the beach and birthday parties. But my body is saying no way! I'm tied. I didn't get my hibernation... there's no way it's already spring! It's time to curl up with a cup of hot tea and read, or crochet or something! And because of that disconnect in as cranky as a toddler who missed her nap! It's not good.

And I have no idea how to reconnect to spring. And get out of this funk.

I'm Baaaa-aaack!

So, once again, it's been a while since I've posted to the blog.
In my defense, a LOT has happened since October.

To begin with, WE MOVED!!!! Finally! We decided to go ahead and move, even though we didn't (and still don't) have renters for our house in Mobile. There were several reasons for this: less travel for the holidays, and being able to show the house without trying to keep it clean with 2 kids and 2 dogs. But mostly it was because Jason had a 9 week school that he had to go to in San Antonio, and we decided that it would be better if the kids and I were closer to my family. So here we are!

We moved the first of November, and actually got unpacked before Thanksgiving! Then the craziness of the holidays began. Travel to the sis-in-laws for Thanksgiving, travel to south Mississippi for Christmas, and the general craziness of the shopping, buying, wrapping, baking, cooking, decorating, cleaning... I'm tired just thinking about it! :) But we made it!
And now the Hubs is off at Captain's Career Course, and I'm left thinking about what resolutions I'm going to make, and how I want this year to go, and changes that I want to make.

1. I'm going to find my passion. I LOVE to sew and create things, but the past few years, I've only done what I have to, and I tend to not leave enough time, so I'm rushed and stressed, and that's no fun. So I'm setting aside one afternoon a week to work on my crafts. Either pull out the machines and sew, or leisurely crochet or knit, whatever I feel like that day! It's completely up to me! :) I also plan to chronicle my really good projects (or at least the ones I'm really excited about) on this here blog! Which brings me to number 2.

2. I'm bringing this blog back to life! I originally started this blog as a way to document our families life for the family and friends we left behind when we moved. And to be perfectly honest, I stunk at that! I had no plan, and no direction. Therefore, no blog! (At least, none to speak of, or follow for that matter!) And this is one thing that I'm really interested in continuing! I love writing, even though I'm not that great at it, and I really want to get better! (Plus, I've been stalking so many blogs for so long, I figured it was time for me to put myself out there a little bit, too!
I've been told that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and I believe that was the case for this blog in the past. But never fear, I have a plan, and I am going to work the plan! I may not post everyday at first, but any thing's better than once a quarter, right? :)

3. Lastly, I'm getting my priorities straight! My family is my number one priority! The only reason this wasn't listed as my first resolution- I'm not really changing what I do! Just my attitude. I've been reminded recently that we're not guaranteed another day with the ones we love, and I believe that while my kids may remember that I volunteered in their classes, and made their clothes, I think they'll remember me more fondly if I stick to the things I'm good at, and have a better attitude about it all! Because I'm not superwoman! I can't do it all! So this year, my focus is my family, and figuring out what things I'm passionate about and weeding out all the other stuff!
Well, except for laundry and dishes. I'm definitely not passionate about either, but I haven't found a way to get around them! :)

Hope you'll join me on my adventure!

Moving... for real this time!

The Bennetts are moving! Again. For real this time!

I realize that I made this same announcement this time last year... but I'm serious this time! Well,I was actually serious last time, but we couldn't sell the house. We still can't, but this time, that's OK!

We have decided to rent our house in Mobile, and we will be renting a house in Oxford. It's the best decision as long as the housing market is like it is. The best part is, we won't actually be paying rent! The house in Oxford needs a lot of work, mostly aesthetic, and we're going to be doing the work in leu of rent. Pretty cool, huh?

It's going to mean downsizing, and a lot of work, but it is the same stuff we've been doing to the house in Mobile, just without that pesky mortgage note!

I'm really excited to be going back home. Except...

I'm a little sad. This is the only house my kids have ever known! This is where we brought them home from the hospital. They both took heir first steps here. We worked ridiculously hard to make this house a home for our family, and now we're leaving it behind! That's difficult for me to wrap my brain around.

But I'm still going home.

And we'll make that house a home too... until we're ready to build our dream house! And then, we'll do it all again! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

Heavy heart

I have a confession to make. I'm extremely blessed! This had really been brought to my attention over the last few weeks.

I just spent a wonderful weekend celebrating my babies birthdays. (Harley-1 and James-3) It was great! And I had a blast! Then I got hit with reality.

A dear friend of mine lost her grandmother last week, after a long illness; then yesterday her mother was rushed to the hospital. She had had a heart attack, and had bypass surgery last night.

Then, this morning, I get online to visit a few blogs that I read stalk, and find that one of the bloggers just found out that she has breast cancer! She's 35, y'all. And had a clear mammogram. And no family history. Wow.

I'm not even sure how to process this. These people shouldn't new this sick! I'm hurting for them. And I'm praying for them. Because we serve a big God, who's still in control. Even when life makes no sense. And even when life hurts.

Tuesday in three

Up too early.
Need more coffee.
Hubs coming home!
I can't wait.
Big bike ride.
I've missed him.
Sibling rivalry stinks.
It is hot!
Need some rain.
Gotta get moving.
Baby is awake.
Brother woke her.
Need more coffee.

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Too much!

Have you every had one of those days when you just had too much to think about? Not necessarily bad things, just too many things. That's me today. I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to turn off my mind to go to sleep.
Jason is in South Carolina this week at a school (or something like that- sometimes I have a hard time keeping up with his schedule!) Anyway, he's out of state, and I have the kiddos to myself. Fun times... mostly!
We've been potty training James for a week or two, and he's doing really well, at home. Once we leave the house, it's a totally different story. But I'm told that's normal, and that he'll get better with time. Boy, I hope so!
On top of that, we have birthday parties in less than a month! I finally decided to have them together, and I finally settled on a theme that seems to be coming together well... we'll see! Now to work on guest lists! I cannot believe my babies are getting so big! Sob! (Ok, I'm better now!)
As if that weren't enough (when combined with all the normal stuff: laundry, cooking, buying groceries, paying bills, playing on facebook) I also decided to plant a small garden this year! I have really missed having a garden, so this spring I decided to get a raised bed kit and just do it. So far, it's doing well! We have tomatoes, okra, yellow squash, zucchini, green beans and carrots. They're all small, but growing well! Woo hoo!
I'm also trying desperately to reclaim our lawn from the weeds and mole crickets! Apparently three years of neglect is not good for lawns! Go figure! I haven't actually figured out when I will get that done, but I want the grass pretty (er) before birthday parties. Not sure that one is even possible... but a girl can try, right?
So anyway, that's my world right now. Add in church, Bible study, choir practice, praise team practice and cleaning bathrooms, and you've got one busy Momma.
And I wouldn't have it any other way! ;-)

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A case of the Mondays

I've had a Monday.
A trip to Walmart with both kids, tons of laundry, messy house, and two sweet babies fighting naps, and quite honestly, being anything but sweet. I'm tired.
But...
We had an awesome weekend! Nothing special, a lot of carpet cleaning, and just hanging around the house... But really nice!!
And...the ear infections of last week seem to be better, and James get tubes on Friday!
So, in general, life is good!
But I'm still cranky. But I'm working on it. ;-)

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Friday confessions

Ok, here are my Friday confessions, in no particular order:

1. I'm trying really hard not to stress out about the possible government shut-down. I know that God will take care of us, but the enemy is really working on me.

2. I'm trying even harder not to be angry. (see #1)

3. I need to diet.

4. #3 probably won't happen due to #1 and #2. Oh well.

5. I'm starting a new writing project. It will probably spill over into this blog eventually... We'll see!

6. I'm on my second cup of coffee, and I'm already thinking about a diet coke. Pathetic!

7. I have big weekend plans... To shampoo my carpet! And I'm actually excited about it! (even more pathetic)

8. Only two months until birthday month! I'll have a three year old and a one year old! Holy crap!!

9. My gardenia is about to bloom! This makes me ridiculously happy!! ;-)

10. Heading outside to play with the little boy! Have a great weekend!!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Random Pictures

Friday Confessions

OK... I'm back.

No apologies... no explanations... nothing. But I'm back!

And, in an attempt to force myself to blog more, I'm totally ripping off the idea of Friday Confessions! So, here we go...

1) I have totally blown my diet this week. I started Weight Watchers last Friday, and by Thursday, I had given up. But I'm planning to get started again on Monday.

2) I need a Diet Coke.

3) I am completely dependent on my pillow. I am at my parents, while my fabulous pillow is on my bed... in Mobile. Le sigh.

4) This is a lot harder than I thought.

5) Tuesday, I found a great shirt at Target. It fit perfectly, and it was one of those great shirts that can go with jeans or a suit! And it rang up for $3!!! I went to Target today to get it in another color... if it was still $3. It wasn't. I bought it anyway!

6) I want to be a photographer.

7) I LOVE my car!!!

8) I have no idea how real bloggers do this!!! I sit down with my laptop... and my mind goes completely blank! I suppose if I tried more often it might be easier! :)

9) It is not even 9:30 and I am seriously contemplating going to bed. I'm getting old!!

10) I have no idea when I will update this blog again! Hey, just being honest!

Updates

Things are moving right along... just very, very slowly!!

We are approximately 90% finished with our DIY projects, and hope to finish them all this week. Well, "hope to" isn't exactly the right phrase... we are meeting with the real estate agent Thursday night, then leaving town for two weeks so he can show the house. (Without me having to try to keep it clean with two kids and two dogs!) So, we're keeping our fingers crossed!!

In other news, nothing has really changed! Harley is growing like a weed, and she is so sweet! She is holding her head up, smiling, laughing and sleeping through the night!! And James is a great big brother! He loves to help, and loves his sister! We've gotten used to being a family of four, and now I really can't imagine it any other way!! Hopefully, I'll get around to downloading some pictures while we're visiting the grandparents next week!