Amy Hope

Obviously, grief doesn't know time. This last week hasn't exactly flown by...it seems like my last post was from another life time.
I wrote it just a few hours before I heard about my sister Amy.
I just wanted to post briefly today to thank anyone reading this who has been praying for us and supporting us in any way. We needed you and you came through, overwhelmingly so. We know you are still there for us and feel exceedingly blessed. Your prayers have been and continue to be this beautiful covering over and around us. God has been so gracious to us and we feel His love and comfort constantly. You are a part of that. Thank you.

Here we are, home again for just a few hours. It's hard being away from my family, but Isaiah helps me a lot just by needing me. : )

As a footnote I would just like to put out there that Levi and I are heartbroken, but not despairing. We have so much hope and trust in God right now, it can only be explained as supernatural. I say this just because I know everyone grieves differently and I do not do so well in large crowds, so if you were worried at any time that I am not truly grieving, or holding anything in, I assure you, I am not. I cry a lot. But with peace.

still sunny... and recycling.

People are out mowing their lawns today.
My neighbors have fresh flowers out in the front yard just waiting to be planted....
It really feels like early spring! Hooray!
I have the front and back doors open and the breeze wafting through the house is SO refreshing!
Can you tell I'm over winter?

Right now I'm trying to sew Isaiah another clothe diaper cover since I either shrunk or he grew out of most of his other ones. : ) I found this adorable fleece at Hancock Fabrics (Walmart doesn't sell fabric anymore! :/) and hope to get at least two covers from it.
The covers are actually really easy to make. I found a pattern (which I had to adjust some) here. You will be taken to a google page, click on the top link, download the file, and print it out.

Featherstitch.
My very own little store online of textile goodies.
Also check later this week for updated items like a green star, raw-edged bag made from recycled fabric, an amazing flowery apron with front hoodie pocket, and more!
My clothes feature recycled, vintage style fabric -- and there's only one of each.

Also enjoy SeaLion Vintage and LoveMa, two of my friend's online shops. : )

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Next week-- whatever's on my mind. Probably a good recipe, and a fresh story of Isaiah's cuteness. : )

sunny days

The weather here has been, for the most part, acting like Spring is coming!
Isaiah and I have taken up morning walks again and since our neighborhood is constantly under construction Isaiah always has some big truck or dirt-encrusted manly looking vehicle to stare at. He has just started being interested in "big trucks" and it's so cute to watch! : )
He also likes to look at the geese that congregate in the empty grassy house lots.

Usually when I go for walks/exercise I feel like I'm just waiting for it to be over. I try to convince myself that I am getting a good workout even if I know I'm taking too many shortcuts.... BUT as of late I have felt absolutely energetic. I would not make this up, and I know it's not just mental, because I am not one of those "love to exercise" by nature kinda girls. : P

So what do I attribute to this new-found extra bounce?
I know I may sound like a loony but I sincerely think it has something to do with Cayenne Pepper. Honest.
I started taking cayenne (as a loose powder) mixed with a little juice in the morning (on a full stomach and followed by more food/drink). My belly starts to feel warm after it goes hot down my throat.... and it feels good!
Anyway, I read up on all the benefits and decided to give it a try about a week and a half ago... mostly because it was supposed to help keep you warm (yes it does! : ) and increase energy.
These are a few more from the website MoreThanAlive.com:
“Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, thins the blood, cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.” And I wouldn't want to fail to mention: cayenne (and probably any other hot pepper) keeps intestinal parasites away.
(And is completely safe before, during and after pregnancy.)

So that's my story for today.

Next time: starting a recycled-clothing business with my awesome friend, Ashley!!

And after that: more videos of Zay. : )