Life. Lately.

I've been struggling with questions about writing this post for several weeks now...  Do I just stop posting and leave everyone to think what they will?  Do I spill the beans on why I've been MIA?  What are the pros and cons of each and what will the impact be on those involved?

I think what I've decided is to spill the beans and pray that this post will help someone that may be struggling too, or minimally that it will be therapeutic for me to get it off my chest and stop thinking about the blog for now.

I have written a post or two in the last couple months saying lots about family and needing to focus on that right now and asking for forgiveness on the lack of posting frequency.  I had a sick Aunt, a really sick Grandmother, and I had just learned I was pregnant...again.

I am thankful to say that my Aunt is still with us, but she is struggling through therapy that will hopefully get her back to a better place.  My dear, sweet, hilarious Grandmother has also found her peace in Heaven.  She passed last Monday morning and it was somewhat of a relief that her body was no longer suffering, but, of course, we'll miss her like crazy.  I could write a book on why I loved that lady.  I've never known anyone with her spunk and zest for life.  Even when her body failed her, her spirit and desire to live always remained.  I pray that I can be even half the woman she was and I will miss her supremely.

As for me and our latest DIY project, Baby #2, things haven't exactly gone as smoothly as they did with The Babe.  We found out we were expecting in September, so that put a halt in all of my painting and heavy lifting projects.  I'm such a worrywart and didn't want to take any chances on painting, so I still have a bunch of unfinished projects for The Babe's room laying in the garage.  Besides being extra cautious, I have also had a couple of previously unexplained bouts with spontaneous bleeding.  I think any woman can relate to the fear factor you experience when you see blood when you're expecting.  My first episode in early September was frightening, and I called the OB very quickly.  They saw me and suspected that perhaps we had been expecting twins and had lost one.  The other baby looked fine and they sent us on our way saying everything should be fine.  We'll never actually know if the twin thing was for real, but either way, we were thankful for the one healthy baby they saw in there.

Things had been moving along well since early September, but I had been more tired and nauseous than with The Babe, so projects and posting took a backseat.  Last weekend, we were returning from a much needed vacation in the Outer Banks when we were faced with yet another bleeding episode.  This time, it was horror movie scary.  I called our OB from the road and they said to head to an emergency room immediately.  So, Mr. Man wheeled the car around and we headed back to the hospital.

After we got checked in and I got settled onto my bed, they did lots of bloodwork and finally an ultrasound.  Mr. Man and I were so nervous as they wheeled me into the room on a stretcher.  We were about to see our baby on the screen....and we weren't sure what to expect.  As I laid silently on the bed clutching his hand, all I could do was recite the serenity prayer.  After what felt like a lifetime, I looked up at Mr. Man and realized he had a tear in his eye and at almost the same moment the ultrasound tech casually exclaimed about the little "jumping bean" she saw in there.  Mr. Man was too nervous to tell me that he saw a happy little swimming baby in there without some confirmation from the tech, but once she said everything looked okay with the baby, we were both relieved.  BUT, confused.  Where could all of the blood be coming from?

We left the hospital last Sunday with no answers.  Just orders for bedrest and to take it easy.  I went to my OB again on Friday and finally got an answer.  I've been diagnosed with subchorionic bleeds, basically when blood gets trapped between the uterus and placenta.  From the numbers I've seen online, it occurs in less than 5% of all pregnancies.  There doesn't appear to be much you can do about it, other than taking it easy and praying for the best.  I'm now about 12 weeks along and the OB said I'm at risk for miscarriage for at least the next two months (feels like forever BTW).  Hopefully, my body can sort this out on its own and the baby will be okay, but in the meantime, the only real things I can do to try to help are to stay hydrated and off my feet as much as possible.

So, that's why things have been quiet on the blog and why they're likely to continue being quiet.  Mr. Man has been positively amazing, and we have a great support network that has been encouraging and helpful.  I just pray that things turn out well and we can get back to "normal" soon.  I certainly feel like I have a new angel in heaven now to help keep me positive.  My grandmother would have nothing but positive words for me, and I try to remember to stay positive and encouraged.

Thanks for reading this super long post and for your understanding.  If you're one of our dear friends or family that didn't know about the pregnancy before now, I just want to explain why you didn't hear it from us directly.  It's just been so hard... Not wanting to say that we were expecting until we were sure that it would be okay, but since we still don't know how things will turn out and we've been a little "off" lately, I just felt it was time.  Plus, we could use all the prayers we can get... for our strength, our faith, and our trust that God's will be done.

I may post again when we have big updates or news to share... I don't really think I'll turn this into a journal about how things are going, but who knows.  Right now, I'm focusing on each day in front of us because that means we're one day closer to welcoming this precious little baby into our family.  Until next time....

An Interview with Beth from Home Stories A to Z

Since I started regularly blogging earlier this year, I've been a fan of Beth's great blog and projects over at Home Stories A to Z.  She has such amazing style and is a very talented woman.  Heck, this lady also makes all of her readers feel like friends.  Leave a comment?  You're probably going to hear from Beth thanking you.  She's just that darn nice.  She was also nice enough to agree to a little interview from yours truly.

I always struggle with how to balance everything in my own home.  How to keep things running smoothly with kids in tow?  How to make your house feel like a home even though things are constantly hectic and in flux?  Beth manages to make it all seem easy, so I thought I would see what secrets she could share with us!  Surely a few of you feel the same way I do, too!


Hope you enjoy our interview and be sure to stop by her blog to see all of the great things I'm raving about!  I promise you'll be a big fan, too!  

{Question}  How do you achieve "work-life balance" being a stay-at-home-mom to your two boys + blogging + all of your fabulous projects?


{Answer}  Balance is a constant struggle for me as I think it is for every mom - whether working from home or outside of the home.  As moms, we're caretakers, nurturers, organizers, and professional worriers :).  I have a long way to go before I achieve the illusive "balanced life", but I do implement some practical steps which help keep me grounded.  I make time for myself, multi-task, ignore my blog reader, and set small goals.


I make time for myself. I'm an introvert which most who know me well wouldn't ever guess about me. I'm incredibly social and adore people, but they drain me. I need quiet and silence (and sometimes a nap) to recharge and I make sure I get it. 

I multi-task. If I watch television (which is rare), I fold laundry, or edit my blog pictures, or answer emails. I am rarely doing just one thing at a time. I try to work while the kids are in school and in the evenings after they are in bed. I don't have an iphone (which makes me very sad) but probably helps keep me balanced! If I had one I would never unplug....like ever. I'm willing to admit that like most passionate bloggers I am an internet addict so need some boundaries on my habit.

I ignore my blog reader. Sadly, I do not have the time in my schedule to read every post from all the thousand or so blogs in my reader. Therefore, I've found it helpful to just ignore my reader and visit posts that interest me as they pop up on twitter, facebook, or pinterest.

I set small goals. Everyday I set project goals, blog goals, and family life goals for myself and I strive to achieve them. They don't always get accomplished, but setting the goals helps keep me focused.

{Question}  What has been your biggest "pinch me" moment since you started blogging in 2008?

{Answer}  I would have to say the creation of the Haven Conference. Starting a conference just for home bloggers has been a dream of mine for several years, and I am honored and thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team of talented women! It's going to be a blast :)!

{Question}  Since your design studio / office / etc is in your home, do you find it difficult to switch off from your role as blogger and DIY maven?  When you switch off, what are some of your other favorite hobbies? 


{Answer}  Hmmmm. I don't think I switch off very often. I'm constantly creating in my mind. When I'm out for walks by the river with my family, I'm looking at sticks, berries, and flowers and wondering what I could decorate with them. When I'm in a restaurant, I'm checking out the decor and either taking notes or redecorating the place in my mind. I don't have any other exciting hobbies, but I do enjoy analyzing people, reading about relationships, and talking theology with my hubs.

{Question}  One of the themes for your blog is creating beauty out of chaos.  If you had to pick one project that sets the perfect example for this, what would it be? 

{Answer}  I wish I could give just one example. I feel like every project starts out as a bit of a mess and (hopefully) turns into something of beauty. My life is constantly in chaos...and I'm constantly attempting to put a beautiful spin on it. By nature, I am not an incredibly skilled or talented artisan, but I am resourceful, determined, and creative. I hope my blog inspires others to create beauty and get over the "I'm not_______(i.e. crafty, artistic, skilled) enough to do that." Yes YOU are! If I can do it, anyone can do it.

{Question} If you could tell your readers one thing about you that they don't already know, what would it be?

{Answer}  I've been blogging for so long and am so open that I'm not sure there is much left! Most people don't know that I was in show choir and held leads in musicals when I was in high school. I used to love to act and sing.

{Question}  What is your all-time favorite project you've done? 

{Answer}  Our board and batten on our main level. It made such a huge difference to the look and feel of our space. I love it!

{Question}  What blogs are on your daily list to read?

{Answer}  No daily list. I have my favorites but there are too many to note in this post! I adore Pinterest and love finding new blogs through my link party each week.

{Question}  If you could share only one tip with other bloggers / DIYers, what would it be?

{Answer}  Blog because you love creating and you love being part of the community. Blog with the spirit of giving. Don't blog to get---whether it be recognition, self-worth, money, freebies, or opportunities. You will not be successful in (our niche) blogging if you are blogging just to gain. Do it because you love it, you're passionate about it, and you want to share your talents....and the rest will come in time. 

{Question}  What is your favorite room in your home and why?

{Answer}  My craft room. It's still a work in progress, but it's a space just for me! I love working in there or snuggling up with a book/catalog/magazine in my window seat. 

{Question}  What has been your funniest blogger / DIY moment?  

{Answer}  I would have to say the looks I receive from neighbors as I work on projects and take pictures (of things like dirty rags to show how bad a "before" is) always amuses me. Last fall, I ran outside in my p.j.'s, glasses, robe, at 7am to take pics of my porch for a post that HAD to get done by 9am (in order to join a link party). I was caught standing in my skivvies by a large group of neighbors/businessmen on their way to coffee at a nearby cafe. They said "Hi Beth. Taking pictures of your house again?" As bloggers, we have to admit that to the outside world we seem very strange indeed! 


That's the end of my interview with Beth!  So, what did you think?  If you're a reader of Beth's blog, did you learn anything new?!  I know I certainly did and I found so many of her answers refreshing, particularly around finding balance and not blogging "to get".  Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello, too!  And if you're stopping by from Beth's blog to read this interview, thanks for visiting me at The Tall Chick blog.  I would love to have you as a regular reader / follower.  


Thanks for reading today and hope to see you around here again soon!

A Special Day

Today is a special day in our house... it's our wedding anniversary!  Three years ago today, Mr. Man and I stood side-by-side at one of our favorite places in the whole world, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and pledged to love each other foreva.  I won't get all mushy and sentimental on you today because that's not my style, so instead I thought I would reminisce about some of my favorite memories from that day.

We got married at the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site.  Technically, it's not the oldest lighthouse site because that's underwater, but this was the most recent one before it was relocated in 1999.  I loved the old foundation stones around the bottom and the symbolism of the circle.  Our vows were actually written to incorporate everything about the ocean, circles, etc, but I won't gag you with those details.  We had a beautiful, sunny, windless, bugless, PERFECT day.

After the ceremony, all of our AMAZING family and friends threw shells we had collected into the ocean with their well wishes for our marriage.  Mr. Man's dad also accidentally hit the minister in the head with a shell which is a memory that still brings significant smiles to this day.

Mr. Man and I served amazing key lime bliss wedding cake to our guests...in our matching embroidered Mr. and Mrs. B aprons.  Serving the cake to guests allowed us to have a few special moments with everyone in attendance.

After cake, we got a surprise gift from Mr. Man's sister and her hubby.  They weren't able to be there because they were expecting their son's arrival into the world very soon, so instead they sent us a bottle of bubbly.  On the left side of the picture, you can also see my orchid bouquet.

We also had our first dance to Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliat's "Lucky".  Love those lyrics and the beat.  Oh and I'll fill you in on a little secret; I have ZERO rhythm.  So, the entire time we danced, Mr. Man hummed the beat in my ear to help me stay on beat.  I don't know that it worked.  :)

Then, a few of our male guests decided to hop in the pool....  We had rented a big house near the Pamlico Sound for two weeks as a place for everyone to gather and we held our reception there.  I think the boys had a good time?!?

Mr. Man and I also spent a week at the house after the wedding.  That week, Mr. Man got to fish with his new custom built fishing rod I bought him as a wedding gift.  Coolest wife ever award, right?

We also took a plane tour (a wedding gift from Mr. Man's bro) of the Outer Banks.  

We also went up to the Northern Outer Banks to visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Whalehead Club.

This year, we're going to celebrate with a quiet evening at home.  Both Mr. Man and The Babe have a cold and we still have lots going on with some pretty severe illnesses with my grandmother and aunt (prayers appreciated!).  So, we'll celebrate quietly with a nice dinner of steak au poivre and garlic mashed taters.  Mr. Man also gave me my anniversary present yesterday, this amazing Kitchenaid mixer.  :)  It's a nice accessory in the kitchen and it may just inspire me to do some more decorating in there, since it hasn't changed a lot since this post.

We're also hoping to celebrate at the Outer Banks in a few weeks once the main road onto the island is open again.  Hurricane Irene left a lot of destruction on the island and it's still in the middle stages of recovery.  There are many residents there that lost everything, so when we go, I plan on taking a load of donations for residents.  If any Raleigh readers want to send something along with us, please message me!  I would love to take some of your donations, too.  They especially need bug spray!

Take care everyone and hope to "see" you around here again soon!

A Guest Post from Southern Lovely

I am so excited to share a fabulous guest post with you all today from Lindsay with Southern Lovely.  Her blog is outstanding and she also hosts an amazing Show & Share link party each Wednesday, so be sure to stop by to check out all of her projects and others her readers have shared. Okay, I'm going to stop talking now and get you onto the good stuff!  Here's Lindsay to take it away with a fabulous fall wreath tutorial!

Hey there, I am super excited to be here today as a guest post on Mary's fabulous blog.

 

My name is Lindsay, and I blog over at Southern Lovely. Over there you will see sewing projects, painting projects, crafting of all kinds & lots of DIY's. Today I am going to show you my first fall creation this year--a new wreath for my front door.

I started with an idea that DID NOT turn out, so I had to come up with something different. And not that I came up with this on my own, since I have seen several different wreaths similar to this--which I adore! So I went with it--and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

 

I first cut wide strips of burlap, then wrapped & hot glued them around the wreath form. It doesn't really matter the size, the bigger it is, the less amount of strips you have to cut, since you just need to cover the entire form. 

 

Next I made the felt flowers. I've had lots of practice with them, since I made about a million back in December for my little girls, tutorial is found here.

 

Start by cutting circles out of your felt. I did some large & some smaller.

Then, take your scissors & cut into the circle, going around in a spiral pattern. At the end where you first cut into, start rolling until you reach the other end. Use lots of hot glue as you are rolling, and then when you reach the end, glue the entire rosette together.

 

I then glued the little rosettes to my wreath. And to make it even more fall-ish, I added on a few wheat straws.

 

So what do you think?? Does this look festive enough for the season?? Thank you for having me! If you want to stop by & say hi, I'd love to have you! Happy Fall yawl!

Thanks, Lindsay, for sharing that great tutorial!  I can't wait to make some of those felt flowers for The Babe.  I hope you all enjoyed her post, too, and be sure to head on over to her blog to check out more of her fabulous projects!