Macie

I should be working right now, but I just really want to blog. This week has been b-u-s-y. Jimmy is wrapping up a big work project at the Pittsburgh Zoo and I’ve been pet sitting, baking for Hannah’s bridal shower, and working.

Jimmy working on the zip line at the Pittsburgh Zoo!

I was thinking about balance the other day. When I have a lot on my plate, I just don’t think balance is realistic. What’s more important about that thought is that I need to accept it. This week has been busy, and I probably won’t get everything done that I want to, and that’s okay. That’s life!

I was also thinking, how do parents juggle everything? I think I’m busy with my regular life, and then I see parents take care of their children, work, and do other things and I’m like… how?! It’s amazing.

Our Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter) was low key and lovely this year.

I had to pet sit, so Jimmy and I went to church in the AM and PM as usual, I cooked a fresh ham (from my uncle who raises pigs), and we had a pretty relaxed day together. It was nice not to have too much hustle and bustle so we could reflect on the great sacrifice Christ made.

We have two dogwood trees in our yard and they’re in full bloom! I can’t believe how gorgeous they are. To take the above picture, I got on Jimmy’s shoulders. I’m sure our neighbors thought that was interesting 😉

The arrival of spring is so refreshing. It also means allergy season for poor Jimmy. I think we’re going to go to a local farm this evening to buy honey. We read that local honey can help with allergies, so we’re going to give it a try!

Only a few more days until Hannah’s bridal shower! I can’t wait. I think it’s going to be a really special day for her and a lot of fun all around. I’m going to be a little sad when I don’t have to practice making elaborate cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for the big day though, haha.

My aunt and cousins from New York are staying with my parents, and it’s so nice to see them. My cousin brought her daughter, Macie to church last night and I played with her for a solid half hour after the service. At 10 months, she’s at a really fun development stage. It’s so neat to watch her discover everything around her. I had her feel Jimmy’s beard with her hand and she was cracking up!

Last but not least, I finally painted a new paint sample in our office. I like it a lot better than the last one, so I think this is it! It’s called Peach Whisper. The sample has been on the wall for like two weeks now… I just need to find the time to actually paint 🙂

Speaking of time, I really should start work!

Tell me something you’ve been thinking about lately!

I promised to post about how I make the button art I’ve been obsessed with lately, so here we are!

Below are a few examples of canvases I’ve made for family and friends. I usually do the first letter of someone’s first or last name. You could totally get creative and do something different, though!

I decided to photograph the process of making an “M” for my cousin’s daughter, Macie. First, let’s take a moment to reflect on how adorable she is!

Okay, back to the button art.

Supplies needed:

Canvas, your choice of size
Paint brush
Acrylic paint
Pencil
Buttons
Multi-purpose glue
Stencil or letter printed out and cut into a stencil
Mod Podge gloss (optional)

Directions:

Paint the canvas your choice of color and allow it to dry completely. Lightly trace your printed letter or stencil onto the canvas in pencil.
Glue buttons inside the letter, starting with larger ones and finishing with smaller ones. You can put the glue onto the buttons or directly onto the canvas, it’s up to you.
If using Mod Podge, apply with a paint brush to the canvas, careful to avoid the buttons.
Allow glue and Mod Podge (if using) to dry and show off your artwork!