I left my phone in the car

I'll be the first to admit, I use my phone a lot.  Probably too much, but - I guess that's just something I need to work on.  We ventured out to the park this weekend.  Walker calls it the walking park because typically he has to sit in the stroller while I walk (haven't done that in a while - making one more thing that I need to work on!)  So...as we were all unloading out of the car, I grabbed my phone, then decided  to just stash it in the console instead.  Tough decision right?  I mean what would I do for an hour without instagram, facebook, google, email, imessage, and who knows what else that I might need to access from my phone (a call maybe)??  I had read this post from a mom in the MOPS group that I used to be a part of and after seeing the picture she posted of her family with all the technology photo bombers in the background, I can't help but think of how much I don't want that to be me.  It really got me thinking.

I grabbed my real camera instead and I will just say that it was like an hour of freedom.  No distractions from seeing my family play, laugh, run, and just enjoy each other.  I got to take pictures, interact and engage with my kids, run, throw the ball and frisbee, witness an old fashioned stick fight just take in something special.  It seriously was so freeing.  It really challenged me to do that more often because I realized what I am missing by always having my phone to lean on.  And who would want to miss a few little adventures with this bunch:)

Here are a few of our fun moments.

 This stick fight was for real - can't you see the fear on Aaron's face?

 

 Me and the kids - I like to hide as much of me behind them as I can.

 Walker creating his own walk/dance.  Could be a youtube sensation one day - ya never know:)

 Crack kills buddy.  I just couldn't resist!

 I feel like singing "in the ghetto" when I see this.  Somehow her pant leg ends up like this a lot...in the ghetto!

So here's to more fun and less phone.   Maybe it will last, and maybe it will just help me to enjoy more of the day to day with my people and not be so engrossed with everyone else's online lives...including my own!

Re-Purposing an Old Quilt

My friend Donna had 2 old quilt toppers that had always been in her family.  They really held no monetary value but a TON of sentimental value.  As she wrote about on her blog  "I toted this pile to several people who declared it unable to be saved." 

Poor little quilt toppers.  When I saw them I saw SO MUCH POTENTIAL!  They were hand stitched, falling apart, faded and worn but they were SO beautiful.  Nothing you could ever purchase, replace or make yourself.  So initially, Donna wanted a table runner...just a table runner.  OK - I can work with that!  So a few months later here's what I re-purposed for her!

A fleece backed blanket for the foot of the bed or just to cuddle up under

 A hanging platter coated with some chalkboard paint

 a 5x7 frame modge podged with some scraps

 a sweet tote for with some shabby ruffles and twisted flowers

 A linen wrapped canvas with a covered letter

 THREE table runners

 and a new Camera Strap Cover

It was SO exciting to be able to make so many fun things out of those quilt toppers.  When all was said and done there were just a few little scrap squares leftover.  I think Donna is going to have some hair bows made out of the rest (that's totally not my area).  Check out her blog post to see how she put some of these little quilted items to use.  I'm so thankful that she trusted me with this little project:) 

Adventures in St. Simons

A week or so ago, Aaron whisked me away on a mini trip to St. Simons.  I think he saw that this Mama was nearing her breaking point at home with 2 lovely children and just needed a little time away.  (there I said it, I NEED to spend some time away from my children!)  We left on a Thursday, made a pit stop for dinner in Savannah, stayed the night in St. Simons and headed back on Friday.  Thank you Groupon for affording us this swell opportunity!

Here are just a few photos from our little getaway.  I realized as we were packing that I hadn't even brought out my camera the WHOLE month of January.  What in the world, I blame it on reading some depressing articles about how newbie photographers are annoying and "ruining" the professional photography industry.  I'm ridiculous, I know!  

 We stayed at The Village Inn & Pub.  It was so nice and quaint!  Most of all, I loved our little room, it was nothing like a traditional hotel, but was warm and inviting.  And best thing...there was NO alarm clock on Friday morning!

Note taken...

 Does this count as "toes in the sand"  I'll take it!

We visited Christ Church Frederica.  Last time I was here I sat in the car with Marlee (5 weeks old).  So it was nice to get out, walk around and take in some of the history that the church has to offer.   

 They also had some BEAUTIFUL flowers in bloom which was a very welcome February surprise.

 

We took a walk around the Stables of Frederica as well.  I have always loved being around horses and this barn was absolutely gorgeous.  Next time I'd love to ride horses on the beach...HOW DREAMY!  

Thanks St. Simons for having us!  It was truly a wonderful time!