Zany Zoo

Have you read that book, 1 Zany Zoo? My kids LOVE that book. My husband does an awesome voice for the zookeeper. Chances are, you probably haven't read it- I think it was a free in a box of Cheerios (that got passed down to us from a cousin- Thanks Aunt Julie!).. But still. Very cute. I had been wanting to take my kids to the zoo for what seems like FOREVER. Finally, FINALLY(!) we were able to go this year. We went on Barry's spring break. Nope, he's not in school, he works for a University. :)

Anywho, we all had a lot of fun, despite the weather being HOT, especially for springtime here in the good old Midwest.. But you know how wacky our weather has been this winter/spring, I'm sure. 

On to the pictures!! (In just a second..) Because- Ohmygoodness. My husband pet a shark. Yes that happened, and YES I was wayyy too chicken to do it. I had to document proof for that one!

The penguins were my absolute FAVORITE part of the trip. We spent a really good amount of time watching them dive and swim and jump out of the water. We were laughing so loud at them. They were just awesome! My daughter said "Wow" twice. Once, to the penguins. Another time, to the bats. I couldn't get a good picture of them, but there was an enormous bunch- they looked like a bunch of bananas!- all hanging upside down from the ceiling cuddling and sleeping together. They were actually kind of cute. (Never thought I'd say that about bats!)

And oh man. Lions. They are SO FREAKING LAZY!! We read that they sleep and/or rest about 20-22 hours a day. I never knew that before, but hey- you learn something new everyday. :)

Anyway, we all had a ton of fun at the Indianapolis Zoo, and if you have the chance to go- it is a great time. I even went there on my bday with my hubby before we were married. We saw a lot of younger people and couples with no kids this time around. :) Reminded me of us.

Have a great day! Thanks for letting me share.

--Jenna

Coming to terms

Very recently I've had to come to terms with some hard things. First of all, I have come to realize how idealistic I can be. Its been rough coming to this realization, but I'm glad I have. I've been trying to control EVERYTHING in my life, and I finally get it.. I can't. I was so so so against public school, for a lot of reasons, but am coming to terms with the fact that it is probably where my son will end up going in the fall. He needs speech therapy, we can't afford private school, I can't homeschool him with 2 other children (under 2 years old!) who need me. So. There it is. As hard as it has been. I've realized how worried I am that he won't pay attention in class, he'll have trouble learning and interacting, that he'll fall behind. I have to give all of these things to God. I've had to already, and will continue to have to do it. I worry A WHOLE FREAKING LOT. Its not too fun.

Oh, and I also gave up being a vegetarian. The reason? I craved meat when I first got pregnant. That had never happened to me before. My Mom said something along the lines of, there's probably a reason why you're craving it- you probably need it. I thought, "Ya know, she's probably right." So. I started eating meat again. I still eat vegetarian meals, I did the other night actually- black bean quesadillas- and it was so good! And every time I go to Jimmy Johns or Subway, I get a veggie sandwich. I think they're so very tasty. But I'm not gonna be a freak-out and uppity about what I eat anymore. Its so stupid, that's what I used to do. (How lame.) I'm not saying everyone who is a vegetarian is this way- I'm saying that I used to be this way. So I'm done with that. Moving on, thank you. :)

I'm going to be 27 in a few months, and I'm so happy to be growing up, learning more about life and myself, etc. It feels freeing. I'm not saying I'm anywhere near "wise" because I'm not. Not one bit. I have a WHOLE lot to learn. Life is a great big learning lesson. And I'm excited about that. I just wanted to share that bit of my life lately, because it feels freeing to JUST LET GO. Let go of the worry and control, let go and breathe. I have such peace in the Lord, and I am forever thankful to Him. :)

Have a great great day.

--Jenna

It's been awhile!

WOW I haven't blogged in forever and a day! I want to do a better job of this, because I like to look back on posts and memories. :) I guess a lot has been going on! I'm coming up on being 7 months pregnant with our third child, a girl, and still have been homeschooling my son for his preschool year. That has kept me insanely busy. We've been updating our home, partially to prepare for the new baby, and I've been a busy bee painting rooms! It's been really fun.

I'm also really excited because Artists Against AIDS is this next week! I did it last year, sold one of my wall art pieces -which I forgot to take a picture of, oops- and was really happy to be part of an organization that reaches out to those with HIV. I wanted to share the new pieces I made specifically for the show this year.

This one is called "All You Need", machine stitched thread on fabric.

"Watch the World", machine and hand-stitched thread on fabric.

"Love Abounds", machine stitched fabric hearts.

These were all so fun to do, and a change of pace from what I have been making lately. I've been selling a whole lot of dish cloths in the shop this year. They are fun to make and people (er, women) really seem to like them. :) And its awesome! But making these were a breath of fresh air. I felt really inspired while making them, and coming up with new ideas. ----> So woo hoo to new ideas and art!

Hope you have a lovely week, I'll try to be back before another 4 months!

God bless! :)

--Jenna

Becoming a Momma

I recently found this post and was SO HAPPY someone took the time to write about the things that no one really tells you happens when you have a baby. She is spot on. If you are expecting your first baby, know someone who is, or if you are just plain curious.. Definitely check it out. :)

I will definitely write about this subject in the future, Lord willing.

Til then, here is my sweet baby girl, I, the day after she was born.

xo, Jenna

The Great Pumpkin Patch

The Great Pumpkin Patch is located in Central IL, just a bit outside of Arthur. I have been going there since I was about 8 years old. In the past decade, it has become more popular, and I am so happy for the family that runs it. Martha Stewart has featured them on her show, and visitors from all over the world now have visited this magical little place. My Mom and I took the kiddos last week and it was so much fun. We were blessed with a warm sunny day. They have added more mazes and displays this year, and I am so impressed with how much care and attention to detail the family makes each and every fall season. There is a snack shop (hello cider slushies), gift shop, and delicious bakery. If you are ever able to visit, you most definitely should. There are lots of Amish stores around the area too. Arcola (just a few miles east) has a cute main street with shops, an amazing restaurant- The Dutch Kitchen (try the homemade cinnamon rolls!!), and a Raggedy Ann and Andy museum. I love going down there every year, its a family tradition that I wouldn't ever want to change. :)

On to the pictures! These were all taken and edited by me. Please do not use without permission. As always, you can click on the images to expand.

Hope you enjoyed!

Do you think you'd visit if you had a chance?

Have a great day!

xo, Jenna

Music Monday

The Ember Days.

This band is AWESOME. I can listen to their albums over and over.

Modern praise music, slightly reminiscent of Sigur Ros.

Yes and Yes. :)

Enough talking, I'll just let their beautiful music do the rest.

Oh, and you can download a couple of their albums for FREE at comeandlive.com!

Happy Music Monday!

xo, Jenna

Happy Birthday Mom!

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
--Proverbs 31:25-31 (NIV)
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I'm so glad you are the Mom God blessed me with.
I love you so much!

love, Jenna

Homeschooling.

I started homeschooling my son this year. He is 4, so technically he's a preschooler. While it isn't always easy, its the best fit for our family. My son is a bit behind in speech, which limits his interactions with.. Well, everyone. I felt like if I sent him to public school he possibly could become the "troublemaker" or the "outsider". He has trouble concentrating. He gets angry if you don't understand what he's saying. He's shy. I love this boy to pieces, and couldn't STAND the thought of him getting made fun of for not being able to speak very well. Children can be extremely cruel. I got made fun of in school, nearly every year. I never felt like I fit in there. I wanted to be with my family. Now that I have my own family, I want to pursue that dream. Getting to be together, teaching my children and focusing on their strengths.. Teaching them about the Lord everyday, praying, reading from the bible, sharing my faith with them.. Is my goal. Is my happiness. I know a lot of people don't like the idea of homeschooling. No way of schooling is completely perfect, I'm just going with what I think is best for my family. I'm willing to change things up if need be. But I just wanted to share my decision. and why my blog isn't updated all that much. It takes up a lot of time to homeschool. Every nap that I takes, its time for me and B to do school work. When she doesn't sleep very long, we have to do it later in the day. We've been at this for 7 weeks now. Its exciting praying and letting God direct me in teaching my son. On my own, I fail. I get frustrated and impatient. With God's grace, I let go. He is guiding me. He knows my son perfectly, and when I let God direct us, its amazing to see how much B learns. I love my God so much, He is so GOOD! I can't keep that quiet at all. Friends, Jesus died for you and me, so that we can be free. He is my Rock and Reedemer. His love never fails, it endures forever.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. --Psalm 19:14

Have a great day! :)
xo, Jenna