[ it is finished ]

Finally! After nearly pulling an almost-falling-asleep-into-the-sewing-machine-eyes-burning-head-nodding type of all-nighter, my camera strap cover is finished! I've had my eye on these covers for a while, and they run about $40.00 if you buy them online. I knew I could come up with something myself by using material from my scrap fabric stash. I didn't spend a dime on this thing! A special thanks to Kevin and Amanda for sharing how to bust out one of these ruffled beauties. Honestly, I will not say that I enjoyed making it. It took two tries to get it right, and just wasn't the pure bliss that I had envisioned that would take place in my pretend-wanna-be-etsy-shop (which truely only exsists in my head). I am very sure it will be more enjoyable the second time around. It just takes that initial first time to get all of the technicalities right. I can say that I am pretty in love what the all-nighter brought to fruition though. I'm talking, in love enough I might attempt this mess 

again in order to have multiple camera strap covers to switch out according to my mood outfit. :) 

Now that... is pure bliss.

 

Look what mirrors and self-timers will get you...

I'm finding that being crafty is my creative outlet, my niche, my thing. Crafting is a tool to make ordinary things your own and unique; something to be proud of! And I'm all about unique, baby.

[ in love with family ]

Breck-a-roni, the Grand Rapids Michigan treat!... is the new song Mamaw made up for me, and she sings it to the tune of "Rice-A-Roni, the San Fransico treat!" Hear it here. I kinda like it. :) 

We had such a fun time this past weekend with Mamaw, Papaw, and Great Uncle G & Aunt D here to visit! We woke up to this on our first morning together! Our first snow!

It is a sin to have guests up to Grand Rapids, and not take them to Marie's! They weren't disappointed, and fell in love with her too! 

Our new discovered love. Sparkling Peach Izzes! Mmm.

Finally! We got a reaction out of this sweet pea! He never ever, ever shows any kind of face or reaction (good or bad) to food. I think this is the third lemon he's had in his life and this the first time he made a face. :) Isn't it cute! Is the base of your tongue cramping, and your mouth salivating as you look at this too? Mine is. 

My boys. 

Papaw found the perfect size race car for me! 

Faster Papaw, faster!

Can I just say how happy this picture makes me? Because I will anyways! The ability to have my family gathered around our dining room table for dinner in our new home... means so much to me. As life changes and leads in ways we may not have expected, it allows and shows us to cherish the simple things in life that otherwise might have been taken for granted had life gone the way it was envisioned. 

Punkin' buggie was present here, just sleeping in his crib instead of at the dinner table.

Uncle Greg, Aunt Donna, and myself. They are the best Aunt and Uncle anyone could ever ask for. More like a second set of parents to Holly and I, instead of aunt and uncle. :) 

We had so much fun! Lots of laughs! 

Mom and I even had a chance to get crafty! Isn't her flower too cute!? :)

She's so pretty! :) I love my Mommy! After BrettRyan, she is my best friend! :)

My Sunday afternoon creativity.

Mom and I were awestruck by these wreaths on this storefront as we were shopping and overwhelmed by the joy of Christmas that will follow in the next few months!

My best bud J-baby stopped by to meet my Mamaw and Papaw too! 

Is it a bite or a kiss?

One more cuddle and bottle before they had to go. 

Look who will be pulling himself up next time he sees Mamaw and Papaw :) 

Feeling so thankful. 

-Amber