Thanks to the amazing weather we’ve been having, my brother invited Ahmed and I to go rock climbing at Blue Mounds State Park. As much fun as it sounded, I wasn’t sold on the idea since Ahmed and I have a lot of trips to make this summer. Gas isn’t free these days, so it didn’t seem like the responsible thing to do. After calling my brother at 10 pm Saturday night to inform him we didn’t think we’d be joining in the rock climbing fun this time, we changed our minds within an hour.
Sunday morning we loaded up and made the 3ish hour drive. Responsible or not, trips that involve seeing my family are ALWAYS worth it. Rock climbing was great too :)James is quite the little rock climber!
He was so excited to make it to the top! Way to go little man!This was my third rock climbing experience. I am really not the outdoorsy-athletic type, so it is quite a challenge. Actually, I’m a total wimp and my other experiences were rather short-lived. This trip I was feeling determined (plus it would be pretty embarrassing if my 4 1/2 year old nephew out climbed me). With some determination and a cute cheerleaders, I made it to the top. Woohoo!
Hearing “Lenae, I am so proud of you, cuz you’re awesome,” from James made the climbing even more rewarding. However his shouting (while looking through binoculars), “Hey Lenae! I can see your butt!” was not totally helpful :) Hanging onto a rock is extra difficult when you’re laughing.
Even though we spent half of the day in the car, I am so thankful for a few unexpected hours with my family.
Emma thought she needed a turn climbing too. Check out Facebook for more pictures!
Another wonderful weekend in Iowa to spend time with family. We had a double wedding shower for Heidi (my sister) & Preston and Jon (my cousin) & Chelsey.
Fun shower games
Heidi had some surprise guests this weekend. Our aunt and cousin drove up from Oklahoma to attend the shower, which made the weekend extra special :)
Cousins! Heidi, Tia, me
Gina and Heidi
After the shower, we spent the evening out at my parents. There was good food and lots of laughs.
Parachuting with a blanket was James' idea. Which, according to him, was "the funnest thing ever!"
And even some interluding.
We know how to have a good time.
These weekends at home always go by so quickly!
This is me with my grandma. I'm sitting on her lap in the front seat of a van... pretty sure that's not allowed anymore :) I was only nine years old when she passed away-- 16 years ago today she lost a battle with cancer at age 54. I have some wonderful memories of this amazing woman, and I hope I never forget them!
Sometimes you just have "one of those days," or in my case one of those weeks. I'll admit it- last week I just wanted to sit and feel sorry for myself. I had my reasons, but those things are always there and really aren't good reasons. I usually just need to remind myself of all the reasons I have to be thankful, and I quickly realize how pathetic it is to feel sorry for myself. But last week, I didn't want to do it anymore. I gave in.I really wanted to go to Iowa over the weekend, but to reiterate my mood, some winter weather made it seem like that wasn't going to happen. Ahmed and I decided to risk it and go anyways, and I am so glad we did. We had pretty good roads both there and back. Plus, being around my family was just what I needed. Especially this:
These kids know how to dance! Makes me smile every time... In case you were wondering they are dancing to the LMFAO parody "I'm Elmo and I know it." Haha:)
I'm not perfect, and I can't be happy all the time. But that's okay. Deep down, I still am thankful for everything even when I feel crabby. I'm especially thankful I can go home to such a loving family.
I had the privilege of having a 10 day break over Christmas and New Years. I spent a week in Iowa with my family playing games, eating lots of food, and doing some shopping. We attended a Christmas Eve service followed by a giant sleepover with all of my family members at my parents' house (a Christmas tradition for us).
My awesome family
On the way home from church I listened to the sweetest rendition of the Christmas story told by my four year old nephew in the backseat. I was impressed by how many details he knew. He also claimed to see the Christmas star in the sky to remind us that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday :) The next morning however, he reminded us all that although quite mature, he is four, when he prayed before our Christmas brunch, "Dear Lord, thank you that it's Christmas and we can open presents. Lots and lots of presents. Amen" Oh James...
Christmas outfits courtesy of auntie Lenae :)
Cuties on Christmas morning
After my time in Iowa I spent some time in Rochester with my friends, before starting a new job on Tuesday. Yep... I had no plans to start three different jobs in six months, but I know that God's plans are better than mine. Even though it was really hard to leave RCA after two short months, I'm trusting that this is where God is leading me, back to nannying! Bring it on, 2012.
I have spenta littleenough time on Pinterest in the past couple of months, and among other things I got the idea to make my own headboard. I didn't actually use the idea I saw on Pinterest- with the help of a few creative people I came up with a unique plan. After my dad cut the boards I needed to size, it wasn't that difficult. However I really don't see myself ever being a DIY fanatic- as much as I like the idea, I just don't have the patience!
It turns out I didn't take as many pictures as I thought I did, but here is a little of my headboard making process:I started out with a sheet of plywood for the main part of the head board and some 4x1 trim to frame and support it.
My make shift workplace: garbage/recycling cans and the plywood for the headboard
I used stain that matched the rest of the furniture in my bedroom and a polyurethane top coat.
With a layer of upholstery foam cut to size on the plywood I covered the entire thing with vinyl fabric (foam and fabric both from Hobby Lobby) and eventually wrapped the fabric around the back and stapled it in place.
Everything laid out- the white chunk of foam in the background is leftover from what I used
The trim boards were laid on top of the fabric around the edge of the foam and attached to the board with screws from the back of the plywood. I then used hex bolts to attach the headboard to my bed frame. Pretty nifty!
The finished product It actually turned out way better than I thought it would, and to make things better it was pretty inexpensive (especially since my dad gave me the plywood and trim from his own supply-thanks dad!). Not too bad for my first project if you ask me :)
Close up of the headboard- I love it!
It's true...my mom is the best mom. She is one of my best friends. She has always been there when I needed someone to listen or give me advice. She has always been supportive of me. My mom has been an excellent role model and example. I admire her faith and courage in everything she has been through. I am so thankful for all of our chats, shopping trips, and fun times we have had together.Today happens to be her birthday. I wish I could be with her, but we got to celebrate early while I was in Iowa this weekend. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!!
Isn't she beautiful? :)
