Just Jen

Ta-Da Ta-Da!

Just have to take a minute to brag on my grandparents - they've spent years - many, many years - restoring their old '40 Ford convertible and finally finished it this year. They did most of the work on it themselves, and it is BEAUTIFUL. They've been entering it in some shows lately, and this is the email I received from my Grandma this afternoon:

"We took our car to Whitewright yesterday and won..PEOPLE'S CHOICE..that meant we were in competition with 42 other cars..it wasn't just our class, it was all of them that were there and there were some real nice ones..ta-da  ta-da..we were so proud..love y'all..me"

You can read a story my Grandma wrote about their adventures while restoring the car here.

So Bloomin' Cute!!!

If Jack were a girl, I would most DEFINITELY have to have a pair of these bloomers. They are beyond cute. Check 'em out along with all the other cute girly things at Three Yellow Starfish on Etsy.

Little Treasure

I was in Half Price Books the other day and happened across this little gem. It was first published in 1946, and is filled with lots of charming crafts for kids (several of which I remember making as a child). I loved the illustrations and immediately snatched it up. I think it will be a fun addition to the bookshelf in my craft room! Maybe I'll even try out a few of the projects with Jack someday - when he's a little older.

Penguin Classics

I LOVE these books and think they would look fabulous on my bookshelf (whether or not I ever intend to read them). 

Check out an interview with the designer here and buy a few of them here.

Burgers and Tattoos

I'm a little late but I couldn't resist posting a few pics of Jack's first Halloween! Bret wanted him to be Charles Lindbergh (yaaawwwnnn...) and I wanted him to be a hamburger - a bacon cheeseburger to be exact. I had seen a cute burger costume on Pottery Barn's site, but it was expensive (of course) and they didn't carry it in his size anyway. I decided to make it myself! For me, that's half the fun anyway. I was really excited about the way it turned out! The night before I tried it on him briefly to test out the strap positions. He immediately started crying and trying to pull it off...uh oh. He was REALLY tired, so I put him to bed, said a little prayer, and sewed on the straps anyway. The moment of truth came the next day when Bret brought him up to my office. We all dress up at work, so I thought it'd be fun to bring Jack up in his costume too! We got it on, and he wore it all around my office without any protests. I do have the most good natured kid on the planet. And he DID look adorable if I do say so...

I got lucky and got to have his pic taken by the pros in our in-house photo studio at work. Oh - and my group dressed up like LA Ink, so that's the reason for the tattoo sleeves and crazy clothes. I'd like to keep the purple hair though. :)

Walker

I’ve been keeping up with the Caring Bridge Journal for Walker Rainey, son of Chad and Missy Rainey. Missy and I were in our church youth group together, and though we weren’t ever really close friends (different ages/different circles), I feel a special connection to her now because my Jack is only a few weeks older than Walker.

Walker was recently diagnosed with cancer and has already had surgery to remove a kidney as well as chemotherapy treatments. My heart is literally breaking for them, because I look at my little one and can’t even imagine the reality they are facing. My heart won’t let me.

Their faith is inspiring. No matter what, they continue to hope and have faith that God is in total control. And they continue to praise Him. That’s the part that doesn’t always come easy in situations like this, but it’s when God can really show us most who He is.

Sunday’s journal entry struck me and was finally the thing that prompted this post. Missy writes that on the way home from the grocery store at the end of a great weekend with Walker, she reached over to pull a piece of lint from his hair – and the hair came with it. Our little Jack was born with a decent amount of dark hair which all fell out after a few months (as happens with most babies) and was replaced with a lighter peach fuzz. It has taken forever to grow in. Lately though, we’ve been commenting on how much hair he is getting – something that in all likelihood will continue until he grows a full head of beautiful hair. It is something that up to the moment I read her entry, I have taken for granted. And that is one of the reasons that I continue to follow Walker’s journal. I read it because I want to pray for their specific needs and to be a silent support, but also to remind me to cherish every moment that my child is healthy. Because in an instant we could find ourselves walking in their shoes.

Lunch Project

I've been working on this little shawl for a while now to satisfy my current crochet craving. I decided to just keep it at my desk and work on it on days like today when I don't feel like leaving the office for lunch. I've been too busy for projects like this at home lately, so this is the time I've dedicated to working on it. I decided it is a win/win since I get to have a little "me" time without feeling guilty about it and at the same time avoid random lunch shopping where I end up just spending money on things I really don't need - like more yarn...

Here's the free pattern. I'll post pics again when it's finished.

I'd love to make this next, but I have to say I'm a little frightened. I've never attempted clothing before. Seems like such a huge commitment - what if I spend all that money on nice yarn and the time making it and it looks ridiculous on me or doesn't fit? I know I would feel obligated to wear it anyway after all that trouble. Argh! Such a dilemma...and I thought crochet was supposed to be relaxing.

Good Morning, Glories!

A shot of my Morning Glories praising God on this beautiful Sunday morning.

Lori's Invite

My cousin Lori is expecting her 3rd baby in a couple of months. When I told her she needed to give the rest of us a chance to catch up with her, I was informed by my other cousin that it's not a race. I know, I know... :) I wanted to help throw her baby shower, so I volunteered to do the invitations. I don't do them often, so I always forget how much fun it can be! I found this fantastic sparkly blue pen (think grown-up sparkly, not 3rd grade sparkly) at Paper Source to address the envelopes with. It is my new favorite thing! I also discovered that I actually enjoy addressing envelopes, which has inspired me to learn calligraphy. Paper Source happens to be giving a workshop on it here in Dallas in a few weeks. I'm SO there! Anyone care to join me?

Edge of Motherhood

I just came across these new Edge of Motherhood cards from Hallmark. As a new mom, they are especially relevant and very funny. The cool part is you can personalize the cards through their website. I can't wait for an occasion to give one! I think this is one of my favorites.