This weekend is not going as planned.
Last night Mr. Free and I were out with friends, when suddenly I felt like I was going to pass out and get sick. When we finally got home, I was shaking uncontrollably. We figured I was dehydrated, so I got in the bath and guzzled water and gatorade. After a few hours I was finally feeling better, but still weak and sick to my stomach.
Today I'm still sick to my stomach and weak but at least I'm coherent. It was pretty scary for awhile yesterday. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to heal. We're not quite sure what's going on. Dehydration, more than likely since I drink next to no water (I'm working on that!), possibly having to do with some out-of-whack blood sugars, and I think something I ate may have disagreed with me as well.
All I know is that I do NOT want to go through that AGAIN!
Mr. Free has had me resting all day today and when I woke up from my afternoon nap, he had the whole house clean. Now THAT is love people.
Needless to say, the DIY Valentines gift I was to make Mr. Free this weekend hasn't happened yet. I hope to have the energy by tomorrow, but we shall see. Luckily Mr. Free is an understanding guy.
I hope everyone has an awesome Valentine's Day and enjoys being with the ones they love!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Mr. Free's Art
It's amazing to be married to an artist. The sad thing is that I don't utilize his gift around our home as often as I should. His art is very bold and colorful. I tend to decorate on the more muted side. I'm learning and experimenting with the best way to display his art around our home. Here's a few of my favorites:
Any ideas on how to incorporate more of Mr. Free's art into our beige, tan, chocolate and aqua home????
Any ideas on how to incorporate more of Mr. Free's art into our beige, tan, chocolate and aqua home????
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Someday I will have a chalkboard wall.
I just LOVE the look. Maybe it's the teacher in me.
With more and more little ones coming to our home (we have twin neice(s)/nephew(s) coming this summer!) I'm hoping to make our home more child-friendly.
Our dear friends bring over their little girls, Ella and Ava and the poor things are bored to tears. The closest things to toys for them to play with are our pets. : /
Someday I will have a chalkboard wall.
Just look at these images and imagine the endless fun for little ones actually getting to create art on the walls!
Doesn't that just look so much fun?!!
And yes, Mr. Free and I FULLY intend to be the artsy-fartsy aunt and uncle. And maybe even, Lord-willing, artsy-fartsy parents.
Tonight I plan on doing a simple DIY art piece using wrapping paper. Hold on in anticipation for the details....
With more and more little ones coming to our home (we have twin neice(s)/nephew(s) coming this summer!) I'm hoping to make our home more child-friendly.
Our dear friends bring over their little girls, Ella and Ava and the poor things are bored to tears. The closest things to toys for them to play with are our pets. : /
Someday I will have a chalkboard wall.
Just look at these images and imagine the endless fun for little ones actually getting to create art on the walls!
Doesn't that just look so much fun?!!
And yes, Mr. Free and I FULLY intend to be the artsy-fartsy aunt and uncle. And maybe even, Lord-willing, artsy-fartsy parents.
Tonight I plan on doing a simple DIY art piece using wrapping paper. Hold on in anticipation for the details....
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Proverbs 31: Meant to inspire...not intimidate.
Easier said than done.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version)
10 [a] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
*****************************************************
When reading this passage, I have to remind myself that this is the woman God describes as the ideal wife. This is who we are called to be as women, wives and mothers.
These qualities were not made up by some man trying to make this perfect, unattainable woman.
These qualities are being described from a mother to her son in teaching him the kind of woman that he should be looking for in marriage.
In the next few weeks I will break down these verses and give a little and hopefully stir up some good conversation!
Ladies, we have a large, God-given role in our families, churches and communities. In our own power we will not come close to these attributes. Through God and His work, He can mold us into these women.
I need this refresher more than anyone, as I often find myself with these attributes: lazy, selfish, nagging, loud, opinionated and judgmental. I do not see any of those things as qualities that I should possess as a Christian woman.
I pray for any of you reading this that together we can all aspire to be the women we are called to be!
Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version)
10 [a] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
*****************************************************
When reading this passage, I have to remind myself that this is the woman God describes as the ideal wife. This is who we are called to be as women, wives and mothers.
These qualities were not made up by some man trying to make this perfect, unattainable woman.
These qualities are being described from a mother to her son in teaching him the kind of woman that he should be looking for in marriage.
In the next few weeks I will break down these verses and give a little and hopefully stir up some good conversation!
Ladies, we have a large, God-given role in our families, churches and communities. In our own power we will not come close to these attributes. Through God and His work, He can mold us into these women.
I need this refresher more than anyone, as I often find myself with these attributes: lazy, selfish, nagging, loud, opinionated and judgmental. I do not see any of those things as qualities that I should possess as a Christian woman.
I pray for any of you reading this that together we can all aspire to be the women we are called to be!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Window Re-Dressing.....
Well, it's fair to say that *most* of our window treatments have seen better days. We've done the best we can with what we have. But, I'm ready to help take them to the next step.
First on the list? Our living room windows.
Exhibit A: (sorry for the crap-tastic picture...)
The blinds were here long before we were. They have a chunk missing out on the right panel. Convenient for snooping, but means it could go both ways. Who knows who could be peeking in....
So here are the options I'm looking at. All but 1 are DIY.
The first option? Sewing two Roman shades....preferably in a graphic chocolate print.
With a print along these lines:
Another option is the DIY Canvas Drop Cloth Curtains. I love the look and ease of these:
The third option I've racked up in my noggin is a simple dark bamboo shade. I think these look great in others homes, but we removed so much 'bamboo' out of this house, going back kind of scares me. Maybe someone will talk me back into it.
OK, so what's your vote? Any other ideas I'm missing???
First on the list? Our living room windows.
Exhibit A: (sorry for the crap-tastic picture...)
The blinds were here long before we were. They have a chunk missing out on the right panel. Convenient for snooping, but means it could go both ways. Who knows who could be peeking in....
So here are the options I'm looking at. All but 1 are DIY.
The first option? Sewing two Roman shades....preferably in a graphic chocolate print.
With a print along these lines:
Another option is the DIY Canvas Drop Cloth Curtains. I love the look and ease of these:
The third option I've racked up in my noggin is a simple dark bamboo shade. I think these look great in others homes, but we removed so much 'bamboo' out of this house, going back kind of scares me. Maybe someone will talk me back into it.
OK, so what's your vote? Any other ideas I'm missing???
Friday, February 5, 2010
My Top 5 Favorite Websites
For those of you looking for a great design website, inspiration, or an idea for what to cook for dinner, here are my top 5 websites (in no particular order):
1. Rate My Space
This is a fabulous website to get interior design inspiration for real people. Granted, some of these real people are also interior designers or have a multi-million dollar budget. Weed through those, or creatively think of budget-friendly adaptations.
You can search for specific rooms or decorating styles.
2. The Pioneer Woman Cooks
The Pioneer Woman is Ree Drummond who was once an LA girl, now a Rancher mom and wife. She has fabulous recipes that use real ingredients that you can easily find at the store (or your own kitchen!) and gives you picture by picture instructions though the recipe. This was a lifesaver as a newlywed learning to cook!
3. Apartment Therapy
I may be the minority in this neck of the woods, but Mr. Free and I LOVE modern design. This website gives you such amazing ideas for your home in design and function. They sometimes deviate to other styles of interior design, but they mainly cater to small and simple spaces. Perfect inspiration for our 900 sq. ft. home! They also have links to their sister sites dealing with cooking, recycling projects and children.
4. Slick Deals
Mr. Free and I love to live up to our name. We have become known in our circle as people who can find GREAT bargains, and often time freebies. My number one source for these little gems is this website. I check it daily!
5. The Nest
Ok ladies, remember The Knot that you always looked at for inspiration in planning your wedding? Well The Nest is the next step. It was created by the same company as The Knot, but covers topics for married women (home decorating, entertaining, budgeting, cooking, etc.) They have the same message board set-up to glean ideas from other ladies. The also have another sister site The Bump, but I have no reason to move onto that site yet.... some of you may though and I'm sure it is resourceful as well.
Well there you have it. Hopefully a new website or two to check out in your free time!
1. Rate My Space
This is a fabulous website to get interior design inspiration for real people. Granted, some of these real people are also interior designers or have a multi-million dollar budget. Weed through those, or creatively think of budget-friendly adaptations.
You can search for specific rooms or decorating styles.
2. The Pioneer Woman Cooks
The Pioneer Woman is Ree Drummond who was once an LA girl, now a Rancher mom and wife. She has fabulous recipes that use real ingredients that you can easily find at the store (or your own kitchen!) and gives you picture by picture instructions though the recipe. This was a lifesaver as a newlywed learning to cook!
3. Apartment Therapy
I may be the minority in this neck of the woods, but Mr. Free and I LOVE modern design. This website gives you such amazing ideas for your home in design and function. They sometimes deviate to other styles of interior design, but they mainly cater to small and simple spaces. Perfect inspiration for our 900 sq. ft. home! They also have links to their sister sites dealing with cooking, recycling projects and children.
4. Slick Deals
Mr. Free and I love to live up to our name. We have become known in our circle as people who can find GREAT bargains, and often time freebies. My number one source for these little gems is this website. I check it daily!
5. The Nest
Ok ladies, remember The Knot that you always looked at for inspiration in planning your wedding? Well The Nest is the next step. It was created by the same company as The Knot, but covers topics for married women (home decorating, entertaining, budgeting, cooking, etc.) They have the same message board set-up to glean ideas from other ladies. The also have another sister site The Bump, but I have no reason to move onto that site yet.... some of you may though and I'm sure it is resourceful as well.
Well there you have it. Hopefully a new website or two to check out in your free time!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
DIY Valentine's Day
Alright love birds,
Valentine's Day is just a smidge over a week away.
Since the Free household is still on a spending freeze (this applies to Valentine's Day too.... ), I am doing a DIY Valentine.
The economy is tight, couples are trying to save for bigger life events, so why not make your lover (or friend, or parent or dog or neighbor...) their valentine!
(Come on....you know it'll be fun!)
I already have my gift planned for Mr. Free and I will update you with the how-to's of it come February 15th. I am super excited about it and HOPE it turns out as awesome as it looks in my head!!!
In the meantime, let me know if you are pledging a DIY Valentine (this could include your meal as well...). Leave me a comment and let me know who else is joining me! I'd love for you to share your finished projects as well!!
Grab the button for your blog, facebook or whatev (right-click the image above and add it to your social network of choice...) and share with the world that you are taking ownership and pride of your Valentine's Day!!!
(How's that for enthusiasm?!)
Valentine's Day is just a smidge over a week away.
Since the Free household is still on a spending freeze (this applies to Valentine's Day too.... ), I am doing a DIY Valentine.
The economy is tight, couples are trying to save for bigger life events, so why not make your lover (or friend, or parent or dog or neighbor...) their valentine!
(Come on....you know it'll be fun!)
I already have my gift planned for Mr. Free and I will update you with the how-to's of it come February 15th. I am super excited about it and HOPE it turns out as awesome as it looks in my head!!!
In the meantime, let me know if you are pledging a DIY Valentine (this could include your meal as well...). Leave me a comment and let me know who else is joining me! I'd love for you to share your finished projects as well!!
Grab the button for your blog, facebook or whatev (right-click the image above and add it to your social network of choice...) and share with the world that you are taking ownership and pride of your Valentine's Day!!!
(How's that for enthusiasm?!)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Blessings
Mr. Free and I LOVE to travel. We are just fascinated at the natural beauty God has created in this planet of ours. We love to meet new people and experience new cultures.
In our first two years of being married we:
* Honeymooned in the Bahamas
* Took a road trip to Chicago
* Camped through the Rocky Mountains
* Cruised through Mexico
Not too shabby for poor college students!
Well this year we were bummed that a trip was simply not in the budget. With Mr. Free finishing up his bachelor's degree (almost there!!!) and me beginning my Master's degree, we were already stretched financially.
But God has given us a wonderful opportunity.
11 months into our marriage Mr. Free and I took a road trip to Colorado. We took his truck with our *new* camper shell and drove all through the rocky mountains camping. We stayed a few nights with our former youth pastor and his family (which was a tremendously fun time catching up and enjoying company!). We toured Denver and really fell in love with Boulder.
I think out of all our travels so far, that had to be my favorite. We had no itinerary (which is RARE for me!!!) and just enjoyed each other and our surroundings.
The mountains are breathtaking.
Well, Mr. Free as well as another couple from church have been invited to lead a youth weekend at our former youth pastor's new church. We are so delighted and blessed to have been thought of!
Mr. Free and I are very excited to go see our friends again, to hopefully teach and inspire youth and to enjoy that beautiful part of God's creation.
We are so thrilled for this opportunity. We will be heading there over Spring Break. All four of us would really appreciate thoughts and prayers during this time. We pray to have safe travel, given the right words and actions to teach these youth, and a relaxed break from our day-to-day schedule.
God is at work in mine and Mr. Free's life and it is so exciting to see what He has in store.
In our first two years of being married we:
* Honeymooned in the Bahamas
* Took a road trip to Chicago
* Camped through the Rocky Mountains
* Cruised through Mexico
Not too shabby for poor college students!
Well this year we were bummed that a trip was simply not in the budget. With Mr. Free finishing up his bachelor's degree (almost there!!!) and me beginning my Master's degree, we were already stretched financially.
But God has given us a wonderful opportunity.
11 months into our marriage Mr. Free and I took a road trip to Colorado. We took his truck with our *new* camper shell and drove all through the rocky mountains camping. We stayed a few nights with our former youth pastor and his family (which was a tremendously fun time catching up and enjoying company!). We toured Denver and really fell in love with Boulder.
I think out of all our travels so far, that had to be my favorite. We had no itinerary (which is RARE for me!!!) and just enjoyed each other and our surroundings.
The mountains are breathtaking.
Well, Mr. Free as well as another couple from church have been invited to lead a youth weekend at our former youth pastor's new church. We are so delighted and blessed to have been thought of!
Mr. Free and I are very excited to go see our friends again, to hopefully teach and inspire youth and to enjoy that beautiful part of God's creation.
We are so thrilled for this opportunity. We will be heading there over Spring Break. All four of us would really appreciate thoughts and prayers during this time. We pray to have safe travel, given the right words and actions to teach these youth, and a relaxed break from our day-to-day schedule.
God is at work in mine and Mr. Free's life and it is so exciting to see what He has in store.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
"Normal Day"
Let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you,
Love you,
Bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may,
for it may not always be so.
One day I shall dig my hands into the earth, or bury my face into my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world,
your return.
-Mary Jean Iron
Let me learn from you,
Love you,
Bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may,
for it may not always be so.
One day I shall dig my hands into the earth, or bury my face into my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world,
your return.
-Mary Jean Iron
Monday, February 1, 2010
Trader Joe's goodness!!!!
Tonight Mr. Free and I enjoyed a HUGE treat!!!
We made Trader Joe's pasta with pesto and their awesome garlic marina sauce and amazing garlic Parmesan bread.
So.stinkin.good.
Thank you SO much Elizabeth for bringing us back GREAT Trader Joe's food from St. Louis!!!
For those of you who are interested in having a Trader Joe's in Kansas City, I highly encourage you to email the kind folks at Summit Fair shopping center expressing your interest in a Trader Joe's in Lee's Summit.
red@reddevelopment.com
I e-mailed them today and was replied to within minutes. They said they have lots of interest and are pursuing it, but that e-mails of support will really help coax Trader Joe's to come our direction.
Show them that they need to come!!!
We made Trader Joe's pasta with pesto and their awesome garlic marina sauce and amazing garlic Parmesan bread.
So.stinkin.good.
Thank you SO much Elizabeth for bringing us back GREAT Trader Joe's food from St. Louis!!!
For those of you who are interested in having a Trader Joe's in Kansas City, I highly encourage you to email the kind folks at Summit Fair shopping center expressing your interest in a Trader Joe's in Lee's Summit.
red@reddevelopment.com
I e-mailed them today and was replied to within minutes. They said they have lots of interest and are pursuing it, but that e-mails of support will really help coax Trader Joe's to come our direction.
Show them that they need to come!!!
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