white sauce

Who knew that white sauce could be so easy to make? I had a craving for Fettucini Alredo the other night and made the sauce from scratch. It was super simple - just flour, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. I also threw in some chicken and broccoli, too. Yummy!! I was so proud of myself! For somebody like me who's not been famous for my cooking skills, I was excited to make this for my family.

Aren't these photos pretty? I was happy with how the colors turned out. So vibrant!

Have a great night! Try something new yourself! Most things aren't nearly as hard to do as we imagine they are.... (Hmmm.. that sounds like a whole different post in the making...)

Lora

wordless wednesday - workin' hard

tuesday introspection

Here I am - not a lick of makeup, hair still wet from the shower.

Keeping it real for all my blog readers today!

I have been feeling so introspective lately. Looking at this photo, I see a 34 year old woman - wrinkles forming around my mouth, bags under my eyes, and my plucked eyebrows lighter than I thought they were (I darken them every day with brown eyeshadow and an eyebrow brush)... I've got more white hairs on my head than I'd like to admit (they are under the top layer, I promise - and I pluck them out, too).

But underneath all of that, is a girl that just wants to feel loved. Don't get me wrong, I've got a wonderful husband and four great children. I also have amazing parents and friends near and far. Best of all, I've got a God who loves me and is cheering me on everyday to rise above the noise and distractions of daily life to find the beauty in the mundane. And still, on so many levels, I don't always feel loved! It's obviously something the Lord is working in me right now. You know, accepting and LIVING daily in the power and assurance of His love for me. Just as I am. Wrinkles and all...

Lora

follow the leader

"So walk ye in Him. " ~Colossians 2:6

I took a walk with a friend this morning. And when I came home, I found this verse on today's bible reading excerpt.

What does it mean to "walk in Him"?

I've discovered lately that walking with the Lord isn't always easy.

It requires absolute trust on my part.

Trust and belief that where He takes me on my walk is always for my good.

Surrendering to His sovereignty.

Relinquishing my rights and yielding to His way for my life.

I realized that sometimes "walking in Him" means simply putting one foot in front of the other. Taking one step at a time and not getting ahead of Him. Knowing fully that He knows the way.

He's already been to my destination, and He's confident that it's a GOOD place. He's paved the way for me, and removed all the rocky places so my way is smooth. And sometimes (seems like most of the time lately), He carries me down the path He has chosen for me to walk.

Let us all walk in Him today. Let's take one day at a time and make the decision each day to choose HIS way. Let us thank Him that He is trustworthy and He is the best leader to follow.

Lora

300!

Yay!! Thanks to my sweet friend, Jenn, I have now made 300 sales on my etsy shop! Wow! Thank you, God! (and thanks to all of you reading this that have bought something from me in the past - I couldn't have made it this far without your support!)

(She bought these little beauties - aren't they cute?)

Have a great night! I am going to bed soon. Just had a fun movie night with two girlfriends. We watched Notting Hill - one of my favorites!

Lora

only one to go!

Quick etsy shop update -

I just sold my 299th item! Only one more sale and I will have 300. Wow.. Thank you, God, for your blessing and favor on my little shop.

Anybody feel like making my day? I'd love to hit 300 today. :) Click here to find lots of fun vintage goodies...

I am enjoying a quiet day at home with the family. The middle kiddos are napping. The oldest is watching Horton Hears a Who (the old version). ("A person's a person no matter how small!"). The youngest is trying bananas for the first time - its so cute watching him try to pick them up with his little fingers. The hubby is cleaning out the garage. And I am working on the computer. Nice sunny day outside. Glad to be alive and well.

Have a blessed Saturday!

Lora

new baby quilts up in the shop

I just listed two new baby quilts (made by me) in my shop tonight. I love how these two turned out. These would make perfect baby shower gifts! I've given lots of these kind of baby blankets as gifts before, and they are always a hit!

Aqua and Camel Baby Quilt with Leaf Appliques

Calico Patchwork Baby Blanket - Half Pint
(inspired by Little House on the Prairie)

Have a blessed weekend!

Lora

next door neighbors

Dee and I at my baby shower for Joseph last year

Dee and I in her front yard this morning

My next door neighbor, Dee, moved away today. I can't believe she's not next door anymore. I am pretty sad. Lots of my friends and neighbors have moved within the last couple of months and Dee was the last one of the bunch to move. Now, my street is so quiet and empty. I am processing so many emotions right now. It is tempting to be down and let loneliness creep in. I am fighting that temptation and trying to look on the bright side. New neighbors will eventually move into the empty houses. New friends will come. But how I miss the amazing community I've been a part of for the last three years. It's been incredible. So, here I am, missing my friends that have moved away. Feeling stranded. Feeling isolated. Thanking God that He's here with me. And remembering that I am never really alone with I'm with Him.

Lora