Makes me smile

These sweet chubby baby cheeks and precious little hands make me smile. Let's not even talk about those curious, attentive, bright eyes and contagious little smile.
 This is our little cousin, Isaac, adopted by Andrew's Aunt and Uncle. He's such a blessing and we love spending time with him! Check out this article that shares a little bit more of his story.

Speaking of adoption, have you seen Ashley Ann's blog? Its a favorite of mine- so real, beautiful, and such a sweet family- but be ready with a few tissues! They just adopted the sweetest little girl from China. Start with this post if low on time, but be sure to explore around.

*photos aren't the best quality, but still fun!*

My poor future children are going to be over photographed...   Can you capture too many moments of somebody growing up? Not sure, but if so, that's what will likely happen.

PS- Happy Birthday to my little (6ft- not so little) brother! Love you buddy!

K. | Sneak Peek

Meet little K.! She is the cutest, sweetest, brightest little girl! Andrew and I did a mini photo shoot this weekend for some friends and their daughter, K.! There are many more photos- this is just a sneak peek of the "play time" we had in the grass with just Miss. K. She is so much fun, so well behaved, and just makes me smile. Her parents are pretty awesome too! :)

She does this adorable and hilarious open mouth laugh/smile. So precious!

More to come later!

Less Scary, More Sneaky

Here are a few instagram pics from the past few weeks to enjoy while you scroll down to read the least favorite part of my job...  Enjoy!

One of the least favorite parts of my job is having to wake people up in the middle of the night. First of all, it happens rarely because unlike common thought, people in the hospital don't really sleep at night- at least on mother baby they don't. But, when they've finally fallen asleep and baby is actually asleep and quiet, wouldn't you know that at that moment, I would need to go in their room. Of course! So- the best scenario is when I can just sneak in, turn off an IV pump, empty a foley bag, check on baby, etc without waking anyone up. I like this scenario. Mostly. Except that it can be terribly awkward when I think I'm being super sneaky and everyone is asleep.... I tip toe in, use my super duper night vision skills, pre-emptively press silence buttons up the whazoo if needed, and am just about done when "AHHH" screams/jumps the mom or dad. They look around, get re-oriented to where they are and I whisper my apologies and what I am doing; all is well. BUT, I hate doing that! I hate making people scare and jump. I leave the room and can't help but laugh and add another unsuccesful sneak attack to my numbers. 

Don't get the wrong idea, I'm often times quite successful! I have often times taken baby's vital signs without mom & dad even waking. Creepy right? Better yet, I'll walk into rooms and find baby in mom's arms while she's fast asleep in bed (this is a no no). I'll try to wake mom gently and when she doesn't easily wake (and is snoring like a lion might I add), I'll just pick baby up out of her arms and place babe back into the bassinet all tucked in. She hasn't a clue it ever happened (I of course discuss it with her later as a learning opportunity when she's awake). Extra creepy, right? Which is exactly why babe shoudn't be in mom's arms in bed while she's 1. She's absolutely exhausted, 2. She's likely on pain meds, 3. She's unaccustomed to sleeping with a newborn.

All this to say, I'm starting another stretch at work and I'm hoping to not scare anyone this week. It's the little things right?

I overheard a conversation

While riding Portland's Aerial Tram yesterday afternoon to meet Andrew for lunch, I overheard a conversation unlike I had ever heard before...

Two complete strangers were discussing the towns they live in. The woman was disgusted with her small little town because.... drum roll.... "it is in the guinness book of world records for having the most churches per capita." She went on to explain that there is a church on every street corner and it's simply disgusting. She pointed out to the Portland skyline (from the tram), raised her arms, and said, "Ahhh, see, this is what I live for. Youth, excitement, recycling, intelligence. This is beauty, this is life." 

The man did not argue or engage much in the conversation. He simply listened. As did I.

She then turned onto a more political direction. She shared that this "country is so messed up" and her stance is to "just apologize to the next generation."

There may be truth in much of what she said. In fact, more truth than I first realized. 1- this world is messed up. It is not our home. Because of sin, this world will always be messed up. [Through Christ, we can choose to accept His gift of eternal life. It takes action, having a relationship with him, living in step with his provision. We can choose more]. 2- There is beauty in youth, in the human mind, to create, re-use, to find excitement and joy in creation. [But all of these things were created by God]. 3- Just because institutions call themselves churches, doesn't mean they live for the Lord, share his table, love their community as Christ would, and even believe what God's Word says is truth. 

However, it breaks my heart that the conversation ends there. She says, "this is what I live for, this is life." 

Dear woman created by my Heavenly Father, this life is simply the beginning. This messed up, imperfect life is not the end.

You can choose more. I hope you choose more. 

There are many other thoughts racing around in my little mind from this conversation. In order to not write a book, I'll stop here. 

Thoughts?
---

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling moral man and birds and animals, and creeping things." Romans 1:20-23

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes... as it is written, the righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16,17

Embroidery Hoop Cork Boards

 Meet my good friend Laura- a current pharmacy student and darn awesome gal. She wanted a little bit of help redecorating/organizing her apartment and so we jumped right to work this weekend! One of the projects we accomplished is this functional, yet fun, wall decor: Embroidery Hoop Cork Boards. She can push pin important reminders, photos, quotes, you name it... or just leave it plain! Yes, yes, we've seen this on pinterest, and I even did this project myself a few months ago. But, I haven't seen the use of cork boards with the hoops. So- here you have it!

  

1. Purchase embroidery hoops of different sizes, cork board with adhesive stick on one side, and fabric

2. Using an exacto knife, cut cork board slightly smaller than desired hoop sizes

3. Cut fabric slightly larger than desired hoop sizes. Place fabric in hoop and trim edges of fabric.

4. Place sticky side of cork board to wall

5. Hang finished hoops over circled cork boards on wall in fun pattern! 

Enjoy!

This project only took a few minutes to complete and cost around $35- though I'm sure with discount fabric, you could do it for much cheaper!

I suggest choosing at least 3 different fabrics. One solid color (with texture is always nice- like this blue/green burlap), one larger patterned fabric (like polka dots here), and one smaller patterned fabric (Laura chose the pink floral). The colors of her fabrics match other colors in her room and really help tie things together. She can always easily change out fabric later if wanted too!

Bring the Nurse that I am, instead of my eyes being drawn to the project here, I'm drawn to my arm/hand veins.... and how easily I could get an IV in those stinkers... awwwhh yeahhh...   Anybody else? Nobody? ok... forget it...just a Nurse moment there.

Here's another way to use an embroidery hoop... 

( DIY Airplane Mobile)