Domestic, But Not Martha

News

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Hi All!!!! I promise I haven't fell of the face of the planet :) As usual life doesn't slow down :) Just wanted to share a few things! I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas full of family & friends and that you are looking forward to this approaching New Year! Make it the best year of your life full of paying it forward, thanking God for your blessings, and creating more!

Here's baby! :) Should be sure on the gender by Wednesday (the 4th) so far, the Dr is guessing boy. I'm 15 weeks along on Sunday and the HG is finally easing off some!! Thank you God <33

In not so awesome news, Hubby is deploying again in just a few months and will not be coming back for baby's birth. They will get to meet one another in the fall :) so if you would, please send up some prayers for all of our men & women and their families serving, and prayers for their protection and continued safety <3 God is good and I know that He'll work everything out for us.

I hope to come back to blogging soon now that little guy's leg cast will be removed and I'm getting somewhat caught up in life. I sure do miss you all!!! <3

Free Pampers Gifts to Grow Points.. and What's Growing Around Here

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Sorry it's been so long and scattered but for those of you who don't yet know, I'm pregnant (about 8 weeks'ish) with baby #4. Another little pumpkin will be arriving sometime in late June/first days of July.

This pregnancy started off a bit rough, and a couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with hyperemesis graviduram (HG) and it has had me under the weather for quite a bit now. When I'm feeling a little less exhausted/sick I will explain more but my plan of treatment may soon include a zofran pump which is the alternative to hospitalization until I can stop losing weight. So far I am at a loss of 12 pounds and trying my best not to lose an ounce more. The symptoms are horrible and if you've had HG, honey I feel your pain. I also enrolled in a study at UCLA because not much is known as to the cause/etc and trust me, something needs to be done to help it/ create a cure.

More on this later but for all the mommies who use Pampers Gifts to Grow, I wanted to stop in and share some free coupon codes I stumbled upon online (various sources, I'm sorry!) You can use these codes for reward points for contest entries, coupons, free photo prints and toys/books/etc. You can also donate them to charity which is a big thing here at DBNM blog so here goes.. if you don't have a Pampers Gifts to Grow account, head here to get one. You can find free codes online sometimes and inside of Pampers products as explained here.

Enter these codes one at a time, you can copy & paste: (code to the left, worth at right)

GTGWELCOME 10 PTS
GTGREWARDS4MOMS 10 PTS

JOINNOW4REWARDS 50 PTS

HOLIDAYGIFT2011 5 PTS

2BEGINEARNING10 10 PTS

CABRANDSVRNOV11 10 PTS

GTGCOUPONPOINTS 10 PTS

CAREFORNEWBORNS 10 PTS

10PTSFREECODE4U 10 PTS

PAMPERSGTG10PTS 10 PTS

WELCOME2VILLAGE 10 PTS

CONGRATS2NEWMOM 10 PTS

GIFTSTOGROW4MOM 50 PTS

2BEGINEARNING50 50 PTS

So there you are, 255 points to get you started. Don't forget that you can donate to charities like Toys for Tots if you'd like :) Check back in with you all soon, hope to post the 1 year birthday bash soon :)

Bloggy 1st Birthday Bash!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:34:00 +0000

Domestic, But Not Martha is turning 1 in November!!! Wow what a year! I would love to host a big ol' yummy birthday bash giveaway for all of you and was wondering, would anyone be interested in sponsoring some prizes? Also, I would love to help promote any other blog loves who will be celebrating one year blogging in the next few months as well! The more the merrier!!! Lots of love and let me know! <3

Together - We can help Change the Outcome - by Amy Hillis

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:12:00 +0000

When my two older children were little, spending time in the hospital was the furthest thing from our day-to-day life. I can count on 2 fingers the number of times I took either of them to the ER. Once when Veronica was about 18 months old - she had an ear infection and then again when she was about 7, she fell on a flight of stairs and cut open her lip, needing stitches.

I never gave any thought to children that spent the majority of their childhood confined to a hospital room.

And then the boys were born.

We had just moved down to the Cincinnati area from Chicago, when I realized I was pregnant with Jonathan. Even knowing prenatally that he was going to be born with a rare genetic disorder did nothing to prepare us for the magnitude of time we would end up spending in the hospital.

I look back at the last 6 years and realize more than half that time was spent in the hospital. While Jonathan never experienced any episodes of rejection post-transplant - if there was a weird bug that only an immuno-suppressed child could catch - he caught it. Seizures? He had them. Asthma? You bet.

And just as he was getting better and staying out of the hospital for longer periods of time - Zachary came along.

Another liver transplant, but this time we weren't so lucky in the rejection department. Alternating episodes of rejection with damaged bile ducts with kidney failure and you have the first 2 years of Zachary's post-transplant life.
And again, just as he was on the mend and seemed to be out of the woods, David was born. David spent the last 5 months of his life in the hospital, passing away in January after fighting hard against both a virus and graph vs host disease post-transplant.

Six years, 3 boys and almost 4 of those years spent living in a hospital. Fortunately, not just any hospital.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

A hospital ranked number 1 in gastroenterology - the clinic that oversees all the boy's care.

We were in the very best hands and I have a very strong desire to give back to the hospital that felt like a second home to us.

Cincinnati Walks is one way for me to give back to the hospital that has given us so much.

All the money I raise will be designated for the Liver Care Center - offering help to families who are in the hospital and need some the comforts of home.Maybe it's a meal or personal care items, or maybe it's clothes or gas money to go back home for a visit.

Whatever a family's need - the staff has the ability to help.

So I ask and I know in today's hard times, it's not easy to donate. But even if it's only $1.00 - it will add up and make a difference in a child's life. The slogan for CCHMC is Change the Outcome. And that's what I'm asking each and every one of you to do. Help me change the outcome for the families going through the rough times we've already seen.

Click on David's picture and it will take you to the donation page. It's safe and secure and I receive none of these funds - they all go directly to the hospital, designated for the Liver Care Center. And I'm serious when I say each and every $1.00 is appreciated. I believe that together we can do amazing things. A great big Thank you to Crystal for allowing me to share my fundraising efforts with you. I am thankful for everyone's support.

Narrow Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:48:00 +0000

Stopping in this gorgeous Saturday (it still feels like Fall here! yay!) to introduce to you one of the sweetest people on Etsy, Wynter of Narrow Avenue. I found her shop a few months ago and just knew I had to get her into "I Heart! Handmade." She is truly such a gentle and wonderful woman of God and I'm so lucky to have crossed paths with her online. Wynter has a wonderful Etsy that completely appeals to my style and I'm so sure yours as well so I had to introduce you. Without further ado.... here she is! :D

Narrow Avenue Braided Peacock Headband

Emerald & Gray Crocheted Chain Scarf

Her heart is solid gold and she is great at communication and custom work. Did I mention she models her pictures? Isn't she gorgeous?! Her shop is full of the cutest accessories and I can pretty much guarantee you will find something you can't live without. I am definitely going to have to score her braided headbands because my big ol head may or may not be too big for most headbands. :\

Sapphire Blue Crocheted Headband

Green Vintage Headband

Her items include upcycled and ecofriendly components as often as possible and her listings always include such inspirational words. Perfect place to start thinking about the upcoming Holidays for gifting! (You know I *love* a Handmade Holiday!)

Knit headband and Cowl Set

Orange Vintage Bib Necklace

Don't forget to head over to find a little something for yourself as well to dress up your fall and holiday outfits! As the clothes generally seem to tone down in the fall or revert to jewel tones, I think that her bold and unique styling are perfect for still making you feel summer sunshine in the winter months. You can also use coupon code narrowbargain1 to get 10% off! Wynter LOVES custom work so if you are dreaming up something but can't quite accomplish getting it together, please write her!

Also, if you want a double dose of this talented family, stop by her sister's shop, AvonLea. Both are amazing and you will be Fave'ing everything in sight LOL!

Rotting food = Family fun?

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:09:00 +0000

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to stop by and post a little. The days are getting busier and busier and life simplification is something I have been doing bible study & devotional on recently because sometimes I think it's super possible to get so busy that we actually forget to pursue who God wants us to be or to lose our time to speak with Him and meditate on His word. Speaking from experience ;)

So I will be sharing with you all (as time allows) my journey to making my family more self sustainable, ecofriendly and aware, more homemaking and less appointments, more economical (think less debt and more savings/investments in mission work and our futures) and of course a closer relationship to God. I do think that all of these things pressing down on me are faith related and that in doing this that I am going deeper into my relationship with Jesus Christ & God. Life simplification is something that has to happen over time so I'm just gonna

Well, my big girl panties. You know what I mean LOL. In all of this madness of the homeschooling year, appointments, and club meetings we're all still battling colds or allergies but I wanted to go ahead and start working on some things I've had on my mind a few years. One of which is going....

source

I'd been wanting to make a compost bin for like ever so I talked the hubby into it and we got going. (I had been saving items for our bin all week like coffee grounds, tea bags, produce that was getting past it's prime). Basically, I followed the instructions here and made it in a turquoise plastic storage tub that we had lying around. When getting ready to add things to compost remember NO MEAT OR DAIRY PRODUCTS. It results in some serious stinkiness. Also, crush your eggshells down and cut your items into tiny pieces or blend/chop them in a food processor before adding).

I marked holes all in the sides, lid, bottom about 2 inches apart with a sharpie and Hubby drilled them out. Then we added some beginning soil and the assortment of produce, some lawn clippings, and dug up worms from our flower beds to help break it down and for the bin to pull double duty as a worm farm as well. I have to take a moment to say that my husband is amazing at finding worms. Not only is he gorgeous, funny, and a great guy but he managed to find about fifty worms in varying sizes when I originally dug up five.. I feel like he needed a trophy or something. You can purchase worms for this, but be careful.

In a sad experience two years ago, we found out that bait shop worms are given chemicals that help them grow which can be poisonous. If you want to purchase them, search online for composting worms and you'll have a huge selection of vendors to choose from. (We found a baby starling bird that had fallen from its nest and was still bald and raised it in our home to almost adulthood only to have made the mistake of treating it to these worms and finding it deceased the next day :( wish I had known sooner!) I didn't want to have that put into our compost so we just went to digging. Score two points for self sustainability and another green method hehe!

ewwww right?! source

After covering this layer of up with a bit more dirt (note** dampen but do not drown your contents, worms can't swim ;) and it won't break down as well) we put the lid on it and let nature takes its course. I've read to leave your container in a sunny spot so that it will break down more quickly and leave something under the compost bin to catch the super rich "juice" that this all produces. It can be used to nourish plants or put back into the container again (I'm going to pour it back in until I get my kitchen garden going!) The kids loved adding everything and digging for worms. I never knew stinky rotting food would keep them occupied for so long. Be sure to help them scrub their little hands after this activity!

Also, the contents should be mixed once about every 24-48 hours (per my research). Don't be alarmed and scream like a little girl if you go out there the first mixing day and find it teeming with ants and tiny flies when you open it. ~~Not that I did that or anything.~~ Lots of composting sites say this is a good thing as ants move minerals around and flies just naturally appear. Do worry about pests though such as rodents who can climb in and out of your bin should your holes be too large (lay down mesh screening in the inside of the bin between the walls and contents if this happens). To keep these ickies off of your hands, I stir mine super carefully with a wooden spoon and you can put double sided tape on the handle to keep the critters from crawling up your arm as you stir (thank you Pinterest for this tip!)

So there we are! Waiting and watching and continuously adding things to the bin and hoping to have a lush reward for planting next year (I've been dreaming up raised square foot gardening beds and other planting projects for a few years as well!) For a quick disclaimer, I am no expert and am relying on others who are awesome in these areas for instructions and advice. I'm pretty sure I'll make some mistakes but the good and the bad, I'll be sure to put it out here for you to ~~laugh at and~~ learn from. How about you, anyone else starting the journey of self sustainability, going green, etc? Let me know and leave me links :)

Writer's Block, As Well As Roadblocks (And The Blessings After)

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:19:00 +0000

It seems like forever now when I sit down to blog it hits me, total and complete writer's block. I have a million zillion things to say and then my fingers hit the keyboard and *crickets chirping*. I thought I would just start typing and see where it goes LOL. Homeschooling three babies is in full force and so is Awana and Girl Scouts. In addition, I've volunteered on a couple of new committees at church and am working on a major event for my Husband's lodge next month. Things are all over the place but yet God is still good! Every day it's like I'm learning so much more and it just proves how little I knew the day before.

That being said, recently while working on a project that I kept hitting roadblocks in (seriously. I've never felt so bad in my life. Seems like everything kept coming up!) God just used it in such a big way! I'm the impatient and guilty sort sometimes when I'm majorily behind on something, keep pushing forward and don't realize it might just be His timing. Next week I'm going to be evaluated for adult ADD/ADHD. Seriously lol. Through this project, an acquaintance turned into someone I just couldn't live without and what I was doing inspired her to pick back up something she loved doing and had neglected.

I will probably mention her a million times because I am so very thankful for her and so hungry for all she is teaching me. She visits me nearly daily and I just love to see her car pull in and her smiling face. I have considered writing regularly the things she is teaching/has taught me because in a way I think this is her way of leaving a legacy of wisdom, love, and patience which I believe strongly in. She is older (50s-60s) and is battling some health issues of her own (serious) but yet she is here every day without fail, to spend time and provide my family with so very much. Did I mention she also has my babies totally spoiled?! LOL. No seriously hehe.

Being a military family, my babies are growing up without the relationship of grandparents/aunts/etc in their lives unless it is over the phone, mail, webcam, etc. She takes them/us places that we didn't know about locally, brings them treats and is there continuously to lend a helping hand. It is like the mother relationship I've never had and so desperately wanted. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother, I truly do. But there is a wall there that I have tried to surpass and she's not ready to let me in and us to become close. Sometimes it moves me to tears to think God loves me enough to send me what I have so often prayed for. Someone to teach me the things I've thirsted to know, the motherly/ grandmotherly person who will drive 25 minutes at 2 am to come check on my sick child, and then later show up in the same morning on time for my daughter's parade. She often knows what we need before we even notice and is there with it and willing to do whatever it takes.

She is the straight out, honest to goodness walking/living/breathing Titus 2/Proverbs 31 Woman. Yes sir! And I am thankful every day for her loving my family this way. We want to do something to show our appreciation and love and we just don't know what. She's not materialistic and is super efficient, always prepared and provided for. She takes care of so many people and yet has the time for us. So I think, to partially thank her, I'll share with you bits and pieces of her story in time. I've promised her I will help her to write it out and pass it down. I will change her name but the details will be real. God has changed me, moved me, spoke straight to my heart through this dear woman and I just know that it's too amazing not to share. I never thought I would have this Titus 2/Proverbs 31 Woman in real life (I know quite a few of you ladies online!!) and I know I couldn't be the only one missing this from their life. So I want to share because I think she would love that, appreciate it. She has told me multiple times that she wants her story to live on. I want to make that happen for her :)

I'm playing video games for charity?

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Yep!! AND it's *this weekend!* http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=506&teamID=6268 is the spot to hit up for details and how you can help my husband and I raise money for Children's Miracle Network/ Children's Hospital in Los Angeles OCTOBER 1st! Be there or be square! ;) *snorts* See what I did there? Xbox... square? No? Okay heheh. Please feel free to share this link online through social networking venues, hoping to raise a minimum of $50 for this beautiful organization!

Yarn bombing & Guerilla Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:10:00 +0000

I've been watching these activities for a few months and I'm loving it more & more every day! Just wanted to share :D I have started pulling some of my favorites into Pinterest (Duh! Why didn't I think of sharing before?!). So what's yarn bombing? Basically it's crocheted or knit "graffiti" aiming at adding some surprise beauty, color, and artistic talent in random places creating one of those can't stop smiling experiences. Want to know more, go here.

For one of the most rad Yarn bombing Flickrs go here, many of these images I found there. (Others were Google Images and the occasional stumbling upon online.)

You're probably wondering what Guerrilla Gardening is, it's basically finding a neglected spot that's barren of greenery or plant life and having at it to create a spot of natural beauty. I'm not into trouble making and politics and all those wild antics ;) but I do love a good beautiful surprise like some of these! Images below

Which leads me to posting these neat DIYs for Moss Graffiti and Seed Bombs that I've had fave'd for a bit! Btw, they are NOT explosive and are not weapons :) so do not be alarmed :D These are part of our homeschool projects for the year.

So lately what have you been into? I love art in all forms and would love to hear yours!

Flawed Perfection = Beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:53:00 +0000

Today I wanted to introduce you all to Megan of

Flawed Perfection Jewelry features handmade pretties in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings and has many collections to pick from and most you can customize in your favorite colors (scroll through the item's pictures for choices!). There really is something for everyone and if you just aren't sure and can't decide between the pieces for a gift, she also offers gift certificates and if you want further customization, check out the add on & upgrade options. She actually has a page dedicated just to custom work and is accepting any requests for whatever your mind is dreaming up so please stop by :) (this is GREAT for gift giving and for bridal party gifts!!)

I wanted to share some eye candy with ya'll while I'm sharing our Q & A time because this is one girlie you'll want to know :)

Splash of White Necklace in Your Color Choice (this beauty's on sale!!)

Me: How did you get started in jewelry making?
Megan: I started making jewelry when I was 10 and it's been a passion of mine ever since. When I was 18, I officially started my business.

These Confetti Cluster Earrings in White makes me wish my ears weren't gauged!! Snag them on sale too ;)

Me: What inspires you?
Megan: I'm inspired by beautiful San Diego, florals, and the gorgeous colors of the sea. I also am inspired by girlie fashions!

Exotic Cluster Necklace in Amazonite (no chain) This is sooo pretty!! Would be perfect for a wedding or a family portrait piece?!! (Or anything else for that matter)

Me: What do you feel sets your work apart from others?
Megan: I think my designs are different because they are timeless and have a clean, sophisticated look. I don't worry about the trends either!

Summer In..Pendant, Your Color Choice :) (no chain)

Me: So what is the story behind the name Flawed Perfection Jewelry? I'm dying to know!
Megan: I chose Flawed Perfection Jewelry because, as my tag line says, natural gemstones have flaws. But, when you put the stones into a design, the flaws become a part of of the design and you get design perfection :) I love working with the imperfect gemstones and pearls because life in general is imperfect. When you string all you relationships and experiences together, you can have near perfection though. Non-round pearls are my favorite to work with because nature created each one in a unique way. I love the idea that my pieces are timeless and really form a collection. People can buy a piece every once in a while and they will always coordinate.

The awesome Molecule bracelet from the Molecule Collection

Some more amazing eye candy to savor! Sweet Megan wanted to offer DBNM readers a 15% OFF coupon code!! Just enter in CRYSTALROCKS (you guys always crack me up with your creative codes ;) In order to be kind to Megan for offering this, coupon code cannot be used on items already on sale, thanks for understanding!

The beautiful Clearly Colorful Bracelet

There is honestly so much more to see. Check them out!! My favorites are probably her Bubbly Personality Designs and the Bridal. Maybe. It's so hard to say with that many pretties!! Stop by and show her BigCartel and her Twitter some love. I know she'd love to hear from you!

GIVEAWAY! Printed goodies!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Hi everyone!! I know this blog looks pretty neglected but I've just been soo busy! As soon as things calm down it's back to the normal business around here ;) Anyways, I had to pop in and offer you all a giveaway!!! The sweet people at the UPrinting, one of the printing companies online, contacted me about offering you all a printed goodness giveaway and I had to agree. In a "past life" (doesn't every year seem like it was that long ago?) I was in the publishing and design business and worked with companies to do projects like this one and some just didn't seem as superior as to what UPrinting is offering right now.

Now, as a huge advocate for work at home and indie business I know how important imaging and branding can be. That being said, I know lots of my readers could use this because many of you are talented individuals with your own companies and shops! Soooo..

Who would like to score 250 flyers for yourself in either 4.25" x 5.5" or 4"x6" size? They can be used for charitable event or fundraiser, party invites, event announcements, calling cards, mini birth announcements, and even business promo cards. I'm using mine for handmade gift tags for Christmas gifts ;) oh yea! Keeping it crafty! Winner gets Front side printing only in 14 pt, cardstock gloss and they have the templates for downloading (check out the flyers and club flyers and tweak them to fit what you need) so you can get them just right before you send them in. It's a 3 business day turn around AND they're going to ship them to you free ;) yay!

The Low-down aka Rules:
To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me what you'd use your prize package for. I love creativity!!

For a bonus entry (I'm only offering one but feel free to drop in and thank them on any of these sites if you don't mind!) stop by and say hi and let them know I sent you on Facebook, Twitter, or sign up on Giveaway Blogs. Let me know if you do this (going on the honor system). Share the wealth, who do you know that needs some flyers for a charitable cause, etc? Send them this way and pay it forward! If are feeling extra sweet, feel free to follow me I'd love to get to know you! Facebook profile, fan page, or in my sidebar here on Blogger.

This contest will run from today (9/8/2011) to Monday, 9/12/2011 at 8pm PST. Winner will be chosen by random.org and I will write you shortly after contest end notifying winner.

Winner has to be 18 years old or older and reside in the US (I'm so sorry loves who are younger and not US residents :( I have to play by their rules, I'll make it up to ya'll later, promise!)

Support some of our handmade loves if you'd like by hiring them to create your perfect design. Visit Etsy, my sidebar, or even write me for suggestions, I know some pretty talented design peoples! ;) crystal at domesticbutnotmartha dot com and I'll send you some immediately. This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a party flyer for hosting. For more information about flyers, please visit Uprinting.com.

Better Than a Hallelujah

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Yesterday my "Sister" sang the most beautiful song at church. It just made so much sense and I'm in awe of Amy Grant writing such a beautiful, pertinent song with words that just grip your heart. He does want to hear from us, all the time, whether it's thanks for blessings, prayers, us needing him, etc. He wants to hear our laughter and our tears. Thank you Lord for caring about us so much! (Can I just add that I cried my eyes out during this video? Might need to get together your tissues and some poker face before playing or wait til the babies nap)

Below I've included the lyrics for you! It just touched my heart so much I had to share with ya'll! Happy Monday and I hope that this week is off to a great start for you. (Lyrics found on E-Lyrics)
Better Than A Hallelujah lyrics
Songwriters: Hart, Sarah; Hartford, Chapin;

God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)
Better than a Hallelujah
(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)

God Uses Everything For a Greater Good =)

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:12:00 +0000

I'm sure you all remember the few times I may have sent this song to you, or blogged it in some form or fashion but WOW! It just blows me away with the validity of every lyric. Go Francesca for writing an amazing song! Anyways I just HAD to share this with you!! You know my mad hot blog designin' girlie Dana? She took some lemons from the past few days and made some lemonberry slushes with it! (Anyone else craving Sonic?! Anyone?)

Her purse and Ipad went missing a couple of days ago which is enough to totally stress anyone out but to make it worse, her sweet son Mason uses the Ipad not just for entertainment, but also for help with his Special Powers. (For more info on Mason & the fam check out her family blog <3) Luckily turned up safely (yippppeee!!!) and from it, came a beautiful thing. I'll just let her awesome words sum it up :)

This is Carter. A six year old little boy who also has Autism. Some of you may know his Mom, Elizabeth from Sew Chatty. Elizabeth owns an Etsy Shop that is filled with things for everyone. She owns this little shop so she can stay home with Carter, as most of you know from our story it’s hard to work when you have a child with Special Powers.

As most parents of Children with Autism know, going out is a really hard thing to do. Our children do not do well in social settings, the have quirks and they have meltdowns. Period end of story. The same goes for Carter, his parents really struggle with his day to day quirkiness and the ipad is a new answer that many parents are turning to.

There are many apps for Autism therapy, and therapists working with children are starting to recommend it. For some who have no words or ways of communication the ipad has given these children a voice. I can’t stress to you how important ipads can be and what a difference they are making for these children and their families

So Please forgive me for rushing to a conclusion that my purse and Mason’s ipad were stolen, but I feel God had a plan in all of this.

Carter was his plan, please help me in blessing this little boy and his family the way we have been blessed by so many.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

~1 Peter 4:10~

Please don’t feel bad if you have no money to give, prayers and support in the form of spreading the word is helping.

Thank you all so much for your support in the last two days, I feel foolish and yet I know that God had a greater plan.

Please feel free to spread the word on twitter, facebook and your blogs!

*Donations are going to straight to this family thru their own Paypal account.

Cheers,

The Sears Fam

So there you have it! The reason for everything! Help us spread the word? Happy Weekend ya'll!!

The Nitty Gritty

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:42:00 +0000

I just read possibly one of the best blog posts I have read in the past year in regards to faith in God and the nitty gritty issues that can create alot of doubt, fear, mistrust in God. I've had this discussion with myself and so many loved ones and net connections, even complete strangers (Yep! I am one of those people who talk to people in McDonalds, at gas station pumps, checkouts, etc if God moves me too!)

I just wanted to post it because it is so so SO profound and I wanted you all to read it. It brought up that burning heart racing feeling I get sometimes super deep inside when I know that I've climbed somewhere new in my thinking, my feelings, my faith in Jesus Christ. Brant Hansen one of Air1's newest DJs is truly a remarkable and talented man of God and he is the writer of this post. Please check it out and check him out, God is really using him! Thank you Brant for writing this! ^^^^^

In conclusion, I know that I'm guilty of this and I've touched on it in previous blog posts. I've had this very message in Drafts, partially written, waiting for the last moment of God given (I hope!) inspiration to finish it off and press Publish. I think it's now =)

I'm guilty of sometimes idolizing my family. I can't help it. It's just to me, my husband and my babies are very easily the most treasured blessings I have received in life besides the obvious gift of life and Salvation. They are my everything and so many times I've been placed in the situation of fear, praying and pleading "God, PLEASE protect them from harm, please do not let anything hurt or sadden them, or separate us". They are my babies I mean geez! I love everything about those peanut butter and jelly smeared kisses and even the toenails that need to be clipped. I never knew love before having them. Being a military wife with a husband who deploys to very dangerous areas, sometimes I lay awake praying all night he's uninjured and safe.

My only fear in dying besides the obvious humanistic fear of severe pain or suffering is leaving behind babies who need me and a husband who needs me. It's OKAY to feel this way but we have to understand that sometimes the nitty gritty, down and "dirty" heartbreaking part of life is that sometimes we aren't meant to have them always, or them us. We absolutely have to make every moment of their and our lives count. Even on the worst days where we think they may drive us nuts with the constant bickering or screaming. The ballistic poop diapers and the projectile vomiting in awkward situations like grocery stores or at 3 am when you went to bed at 1 am, they're blessings because you are a mother, blessed to be given a child to love, raise, protect.

I've experienced alot of heartbreaking loss this year and watched some of those that I love experience even more so and so often it's said "God won't take us through anything we can't handle". It's true even though its hard medicine to swallow sometimes. Some days, it's the last thing you want to hear. I wish I could save each of you any drop of heartbreak you'd ever experience but I can't because I'm just human and I know with my own personal life, if I had been spared, I wouldn't be who I am right now writing this and where I am.

I used to wonder why, why I had to go through the pain of having a child raped by someone I trusted and loved dearly as a toddler. Why I nearly lost my 2 wk old son to a random medical situation and why I've been used and abused for years out of my life. The bottom line is, I don't know. But I do know it changed me. I'm not into a sadistic view of life by any means and I wish to God I could erase it for my baby's sake, for my own and how I can barely trust anyone in real life to be around my children, but I do know that I grew in it. It made me a better Christian, better mother, and a better person. I can use my struggles and overcoming them to reach out for someone who is drowning in similar ways and be there for them.

If I find myself again in a life or death situation I'm going to do the exact same thing I did before, plead to God to be with me, protect me/us, save us. I know that no matter what happens He will and does, even if it's not my idea of the "right way". I know He'll be there every day after for me to lean on and send me the right people to say the right things at the right times to soothe my tormented feelings and that afterwards, I'll pray that it will change me for the better so that I can be an example of His love to others and pay that forward. Just some heavy thoughts but I had to put them out there.

I'm Crushing On..

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Dreamy, dreamy dreamy!! Wanted to share some pretties with you! Just a few things and ideas I'm crushing on for my children's upcoming birthdays (will probably have just a small celebration as a family), decorating the new house and that I find generally inspiring or beautiful {in no particular order}! This may take a while hehe, grab your coffee/tea/water/general drink yumminess and get ready! I'll try to source all of the pictures but some have been collected over the past year or two and I may have lost the sources. None of them are my personal pictures, hit my Pinterest boards for alot of them!

Eye candy:

Can't remember where I got this :( I think it was here at this always outstanding blog

Lost source :( someone if you know this please let me know! (I'm dying to make them!)

Pinterest Again LOL (So much easier to keep them organized!)

Googled turquoise paper lanterns

Stenciled cookies

Been drooling over this for awhile!

Just to name a few!!! One of my hands down faves ;)

Gotta grab one of those FOR SURE! I found it online but there is no source :\ Regardless, it flows perfectly with my "goal" for my home & my life =) Show me some of your eye candy! Blog, make Pinterest boards/etc that you feel inspired by and leave me the link in comments! I'd love to see whats on your mind these days and throw some ideas around!!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Just a little inspiration for the week ahead =)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Proverbs 3:27

{We are all so capable of making that positive change even if we aren't financially rich. Use what you have and what you know and give someone something beautiful this week! Even if it is "just" a listening ear and a warm smile & hug}

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

Epictus

{Side note: I'm often thought strange for being content with what I've been blessed with and thats cool with me ;) Thank you God ;)}

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

William James

{It does}

Let's Fight Cancer With Music

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:57:00 +0000

Had to pop in again for a sec and let you know about something VERY touching and awesome I found early this morning.

It's a Project called "Let's Fight Cancer With Music" and is in memory of the beautiful Kerry Kelemen who lost her battle with leukemia last week. All profits from the album once it drops are being donated to AML research. Check out how you can donate to help get the album out and be a part of this memorial project for an amazing woman. Also, there is a Facebook page & a blog. I only wish I knew of the story sooner, God bless her family and her friends and I'll be praying for all of you!! Can my ever amazing and continuously generous loveys at least donate a few moments of time to Facebook/Tweet/blog about the cause? Her story is seriously touching and a very real sense of Kerry's personal strength and joy radiates from the comments and writings about her and I would love to see this project funded and put out there.

Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:16:00 +0000

Oh how I missed my net besties!! After not having the internet for nearly a month I am glad to say that I am back!!!!! We moved just about 20 miles from our previous location and I am thoroughly in love with my new home and very much in love with the peace I have at the moment!! While moving and afterwards since, I've made it a point not to really make plans or have alot of things on the to-do list and wowza!!! It's liberating!!

For all of you lol

Basically, I just spent time with God, my hubs, my babies, and bonding with the house which I am unpacking and decorating slowly! I'm dying to show you pictures but still no digital camera lol! (Santa, if you're listening ;) mommy needs a new digital camera and I don't have expensive tastes lol).

Cutesy cams off of WeHeartIt

Anyways!!! I'm in such a dreamy and fabulous mood and wanted to take a sec to say hi again! I was pleasantly surprised by all of the Tweets, emails, FB comments, and love being left by all of you in my absence! I have been day dreaming up alot of ideas and things to make for my Etsy but not planning to set deadlines of pressure myself so that it stays all play and no "work" lol! Especially since I'm helping out in a small craft show/fundraiser locally and may want to send some creative energy that way.

Also, I have a whole new house aka blank canvas to decorate with super interesting angles & cut outs, etc. Not planning on painting any walls/etc in the house so it's all about the decor!! Because this isn't military housing, I feel very free to decorate, etc how I want and I hope to spend a great deal of time here. As usual, I prefer to have a mainly vintage/second hand/handmade approach so feel free to leave your favorite items/shops that cater to those in comments/tweets/etc! I also want to start up IHH (I Heart! Handmade) series again so always looking for more loveys to introduce you all too! Can't wait to catch up with you all!! Tell me how you've been and whats going on in your lives!

Can you believe it is AUGUST?! Omgosh! In a month I will have and 8 year old and will turn 26, in two months I will have a 5 year old and in just a couple more it will be the Holidays!! I would love to do another 25 Days of Handmade Holiday with handmade giveaways/ DIYs & guest bloggers/recipes etc beginning December 1st so if you're interested please let me know! It was a huge hit last year getting over THOUSANDS views in just a couple of weeks time which was a big deal to me since my blog was super brand new! In November, DBNM will be one year old! Where is time going?! SERIOUSLY!

Peach A La Mode

The Sol Full Size Warmer

Cupcake Mid-Size Warmer

Scentsy Sampler

If you're looking for some yummy smell good goodies for the Holidays or just because please stop by My Scentsy Page (A Virtuous Woman) and check it out! All of my commission (20%) goes to mission work so its a win-win! Not to mention for August, most items are 10% off and alot of the Spring/Summer items are being discontinued because Fall/Winter is back in business on September 1st! I'm so excited for the new items on their way and would LOVEEEEE to fund sponsoring more Compassion International children with my sales, my little heart would probably burst with happiness LOL. Really, these are the things that just tickle me to pieces. Talk to you soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:24:00 +0000

I'm still alive lol!! Just moving! Wanted to leave you all some love because I've been working day and night to get packed and moved in such a small time frame. Hope your hearts are full of sunshine!

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

Mother Teresa

Highlights!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 04:40:00 +0000

Nope =) Not my hair lol. It's still blue black except for those random two streaks near my ears that refuse to ever dye again (someone explain that one to me, I don't even have white/grey yet?) Anyways, wanted to let you in on a few highlights in my life at the moment.

Meet Leia =) the newest rescue/ member of the family, a baby red pit whose beautiful eyes (when they're opened, she sleeps 20 hours a day lol) perfectly match her fur and who is one of the sweetest pup's I've ever met. We've had her for a week and she's my husband's second daughter LOL. I adopted her from a homeless shelter who was adopting them out and using the funds for their outreach needs, my husband has always wanted one so she was a late Father's Day/ early Birthday gift.

I miss showing "I Heart! Handmade" love so here's some handmade yumminess sprinkled throughout the post ;) especially to break up the heavy stuff. Check em out! (yoyo bundle from the YoYo Cottage in my home state of Georgia)

Second, we're moving to a nearby town into a beyond beautiful home. God is so good and you know, He truly provides. We've narrowed it down to two main homes (with a 3rd as backup) and have applied and worked with our first choice. Things are looking good for us to get the home and I'm super excited! I've already began packing and repairing the wear that almost three years of my kids, babysitting countless others, and rescuing almost ten dogs has had. LOL. Wish me luck!!

No one buy this please LOL I want this for myself ;) heheh jk. Kinda. LOL <3 Warmnfuzzies has it going on! (Also from GA hehe!)

Also, this next thing is wayyy over due. I need to issue a true and sincere thank you to everyone who wrote me, texted me, and was there when I lost my Big Daddy on May 31st. I'm not close to much of my family but he had a special place in my heart only a Big Daddy can fill. He was my stepdad for nearly two decades and we've weathered all sorts of obstacles together, including his severely declining health and loss of both legs/ a couple of fingers to diabetes, high blood pressure, and dialysis dependency.

Love <3 CirclePrints in the close by town of Los Angeles =)

The event was sudden and though I've nursed his wounds for years (my gore tolerance is past horror film quality b/c of that) and I knew it would happen one day, you just never expect to wake to that call at 6 am and when you do, if it doesn't hit you suddenly the aftermath is what may temporarily tear you down.

Seriously mind blowing brooches by Yalipaz. This one is a Jenny Lee and there are pages and pages of these breathtaking handmade treasures available. Run and buy them up like gold bricks!

He never had babies of his own so my three siblings and I became his children and later my and my sister's babies became the pride and joy of his life, his spoiled rotten grand babies. He was on a very fixed income and honestly, I'm not sure how he made it but he was always sending the kids three pound bags of gummy bears (no joke), cards, and toys he took months to pick out and save up for just for them. God. Tears my heart out to know I will never get another card or call from him. Devastated me to get a new phone and not put his number in it though I've called his voice mail a few times just to hear his voice and leave him a message even though I know he's not there to listen to it. I don't even like going to the mailbox some days, because I know only junk mail and bills are hanging out in there. But all in all, I know time heals things and he has a new body that doesn't suffer or hurt anymore. Sometimes I feel guilty for missing him so much when I know how every day was a struggle for him.

Gorgeous DIY Magnet Kit by the wonderful Scrapecochick

Thank you guys for standing by me and loving me. I still don't feel totally okay and it hits me hard and heavy at random times. I think that's partly to blame for me wanting to give up blogging sometimes. Please NEVER take advantage of one moment you have with the ones you love. I know it's cliche to say, but trust me. Even if you are mad, or arguing, etc love them. Laugh with them. Hug them every time. Visiting our hometown will never be the same. Even watching him buried didn't make me realize it at first.. it was getting home and not getting another call. You guys are true friends. Everything showed me who all will stand with me in the storm and unfortunately I was shown who wouldn't risk getting wet. Thank you thank you thank you.

There is too much I love from PKStuff. Really.

And to move onto less heavy things.. THE FAIRY HOBMOTHER VISITED ME YESTERDAY!!! Who may you ask? hehehehehheeh I LOVE this question.. come in real close and scrunch up to the end of your seat and hold on tight. YOU could also be visited by this lovey dovey and get a wish granted. In a sec I'll tell you how and oh yes, it is worth the time <3 (which is like 30 seconds). I love paying it forward and I love making peoples days you know this ;) well the Appliances Online Fairy Hobmother (this is for real and DEFINITELY not spam!) loves the same and is doing just that. I got a super sweet message and a surprise Amazon gift card in my inbox on a particularly challenging day emotionally. It was a great pick me up! I haven't spent my card yet but I have a feeling it will be something I need for the new house which truly makes my heart do a little dance!

Homemaking <33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333

So. How do you get a visit from the Fairy Hobmother? Leave a comment here. Seriously. It's that easy and genuine. Let's make it fun shall we? Leave me a CLEAN and funny joke, the cornier the better and maybe both the FH and myself will get a chuckle ;) =D Let's do this!! And btw, thank you Fairy Hobmother, you brought me sunshine on a really hard day missing my Big Daddy.

100 days, The Same Little Black Dress (For All of You Hot Mommy Fashionistas!)

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 07:25:00 +0000

I only have a moment (I promised myself I'd be in bed before midnight LOL!) but I HAD to post about an amazing woman I just found in blog land. Let me say that there are farrrrr too many of your awesome loveys out there! =)

Elaini is a 22 year old blogger who has taken the vow to wear the same LBD (little black dress)for 100 days to raise money for orphanages in India. (I encourage you all to read all of her posts, she is a very inspirational Jesus loving woman!)

Day 55

India has always been a country that I loved and thought possessed a remarkable and indescribable beauty, as well as so much hunger and poverty, so many needs to fill. It's bittersweet; beautiful and sad. I wish I could just go feed every empty belly in the world. I know I can't financially but I do pray for every person in the world every night! I truly think that by praying for everyone (especially our enemies!) so much change can be made! We may not have the money but we have the time to utter words of love to Our Father! <3 Isn't that amazing?

Can I just mention, I always add pix after I type the post and the Day 22 post made me cry <3

Today (Sunday) makes Day 57. Every day, Elaini will wear the same LBD accessorized and used in different ways to raise the funds for her goal of $50,000, as I write this, she's at $6,888 even. She posts a picture daily (she has serious style talent. REALLY!) and also accepts donations of accessories to help make the outfits work so if you'd love to send her pretties to help her finish out the journey, her email & address are here.

Day 38

Please stop by her blog and show her some love and support and please pray for her cause and donate if you'd like =) I'll leave you with some more eye candy because she is sooooo talented at making it work! Oh and by the way, she has no idea who I am and I usually write someone before I post about them but this story was too great not to share LOL! <3 She also has a Twitter & Facebook.

Day 48

Day 33

Whew. Naps can fix everything.

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:01:00 +0000

I wanted to write today to say that I think I am done blogging. At least temporarily. There is just too much going on right now and I am not sure that I can handle things with adequate attention or care. I know that first and foremost, I was created to be God's child, my husband's wife, my children's mother. Nothing is seriously wrong, it's just that I feel like there are things I need to overhaul (like educating my children, etc) because they just aren't working out this way at the moment. I hope you all understand and now that it breaks my heart a little to write this. You all know how to reach me =) I may post perodically so that it doesn't lapse, but right now I feel very conflicted about where my time and energy is going. It's just been one wild couple of years (especially this past one). I hope you all understand and will keep in touch and maybe stay subscribed to my facebooks/twitters/blog etc so that when I do post you will know =)

Mommy needed a nap ;) I guess this goes to show you that I'm definitely not Super Woman lol and that I get overwhelmed with my life sometimes. Home schooling can get slightly frustrating, especially when you are majorily behind because of life happening LOL. Anyways, my bad! <3 I love you guys!

All My love,

♥ Compassion ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:10:00 +0000

One of the things that happened since I've been away from blogging is that our family has to sponsor a Compassion International Child! I am sooo very excited for this opportunity! I know I speak often of practicing compassion and love and this just seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so and to teach our children to do the same. Often we can speak and speak of something to them, but it really drives it home when they're given the opportunity to also participate. When I first ran across this, I will admit, my heart was immediately excited but sadly skeptical. I mean, haven't we all heard of things such as this where the money never is received by the families and the images are generic and info made up? I cannot imagine how hard it would be to find out one was a victim of this and I just had to do a little research.

I found this, that the Better Business Bureau praises them highly and that they are a BBB Accredited Charity. Also, all my Twitter loves gave 100% positive reviews (you know I had to consult Twitter ;) I was immediately relieved of being skeptic and we signed up right away. We chose a child off of the "Longest Waiting" list (you know I wanted to sponsor at least 100) and paid for our first month which was a super low $38. We spend just under this or right at it (sometimes more) eating out once. What a very small amount to provide a safe place for a child to receive individual attention at a care center that will teach them about Jesus, give them regular health screenings and medical care if needed, and stimulate their minds and give them love. Read more about Compassion here.

source

G (name shortened for privacy) an almost six year old (her birthday is August 5th) precious little girl and her photo is already hanging on my fridge proudly with the artwork my own children have made. They've already been asking 100 questions and begging to write her cards and letters, even to journey to meet her (which is possible and is something I will pray about). My heart is so very touched and I wanted to share this experience with you all. We've already written her and began planning on other things to write and send her. I'm also writing up a home school unit on India and her region so that my children know more about her life. I think that this experience will be invaluable to us all.

There are so many ways to get involved and help do mission work even from your home and Compassion is a great way to consider. By sponsoring a child, rescuing mothers and children, a student in the Leadership program, or meeting critical needs you can easily make a huge change. (Not to sound like an infomercial I promise, just the real deal). It's also just a really good way to show love and I'll be the first to tell you that it puts so much happiness and joy into your heart. I'll be sure to post when I get letters or learn more about our Compassion child <3!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:02:00 +0000

It is beyond time for me to get back into this and I apologize to all of you. My hubs has been off on leave and that made it harder to steal time for blogging as we're not often given the chance to be together while he's working. God has certainly continued to work and move in my life and is bringing on the blessings which we have been working as a family to turn out to others!! Can't wait to blog some of them very soon! How are you? What's been going on? Lots of love!

Christian isn't a cookie cutter.. Mend Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:06:00 +0000

One of the greatest things I've learned in the past few years is that Christianity doesn't require you to look like anything in particular. I went years thinking I wasn't good enough because I didn't "look" Christian or didn't "dress" like a Christian. As you all know, the love of Jesus has many, many faces and mediums in which it's found.. most importantly among the different ways that His Agape love is shown.

Christian Isn't a Cookie Cutter is a new "series" of sorts where I introduce to you some incredible people working for God with awesome missions who are moving & shaking things up in huge ways! For the second one in this series (see the first: Brandt's story here), it's my pleasure to introduce you to Hunter of Mend Mark! I was blessed to have some Q & A time with him and definitely wanted to share his honest and inspirational answers.

1. I read the amazing bio of Mend Mark and was wondering if you could share a little more about MM's "birth story" for my readers?

Well, the Mend Mark idea started as a tattoo design I was drawing for myself… I know – so hipster of me right? The plan was to have 2 circles ‘inked’ on both sides of my wrist in order to simulate a hole. But not just any hole – the hole that was instrumental in killing a king. Predictably, I wimped out and decided to design a wristband around the idea instead.

The bracelet that started everything. (~~For only $6.99~~ On Sale for $5!! This is one powerful ministry tool!)

The purpose behind our brand is to creatively tell the story of Jesus and his sacrificial love. I figured: what better way to do that than with His scars… You know, every scar tells a story. Not just of wounds, but of healing. And to me, there is so much power in the scar stories of Christ and how he was wounded in love so that we could be healed. I wanted to somehow use my tattoo idea to develop a visual reminder of that story so that we’d never forget the sacrifice He made for us…

I also wanted to enable our supporters to have the opportunity to tell the story to others. The thing that makes us different from most religious products is the fact that we illustrate the message of Christ in a generic way. Our products will not talk for you… they’re not ‘in your face’ Christian. They’re designed more to spark curiosity. They’re inviting… If someone doesn’t know what your bracelet or shirt means, chances are – they’re going to ask you about it. And it will force you to be intentional about telling the story of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

The cool thing is that everybody’s different. And we all may tell the story in a different way. You may be super bold and just come out and say it loud and proud, or you may just casually mention it. That’s the beauty of it. Wear the marks, tell the story – however you’re comfortable telling it. And in the process you never know who will take that story to heart and join us as believers in the kingdom.

39 Lines tee

2. What is your strongest personal belief or the one scripture that truly calls out to you as your life's ministry?

Purpose… I believe there is a purpose for just about everything. There’s a reason that we’re all here on earth – and it’s not just to occupy existence or be a populational statistic.

I heard a story once where a young husband and wife were cooking dinner. Before the wife put the ham they were planning to eat in the oven, she cut the ends off. The husband was curious and decided to ask why this was, (or find out the purpose) to which the wife responded, I dunno, my mother always did it this way. They then decided to call the mother to find out her reasoning. She ironically replied, I dunno, my mom always did it that way. The mother decided to then call her mother to find out why she cut the ends off, after a little chuckle, the grandmother replied by saying “Because that was the only way I could get it to fit in the pan.”

I’ve always used that story as motivation, because it tells me that if I don’t understand my purpose… then I may be missing out on some of the meat in life.

Marked By Love tee

3. If you could ask Jesus or God ONE question what would it be & why?

Wow… This is really tough for me. To be honest – I’m not a real curious guy. At least not anymore. I kind of take things as they come. I’ve always heard people say that once they get to heaven they’re going to ask God why this/that happened. I have a hard time understanding that… I mean – really, if you’re in heaven – why does it even matter then? HAHA!

I used to be a lot more curious about the ways of God than I am now. It’s not that I’m not interested anymore (by any means), I just think I just came to the realization that I can’t comprehend Him. But I can serve him… It’s almost like I was spending more time trying to figure God out than I was trying to be like Him.

So… (with that said) my one question would probably be: ‘How can I be more like you?’

4. What is your favorite MendMark product & why?

The bracelet… hands down. The bracelet’s my baby! It was my first idea and I haven’t taken it off since I constructed my first prototype. It’s almost become a part of me. It may as well be a tattoo the way I ‘religiously’ wear it. Obviously I have a special place in my heart for all the products, but without the original mend mark – they wouldn’t exist…

I love it when people are passionate about God's work!!! Check Mend Mark out on their website and of course Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, & YouTube and grab some Mend Mark for yourself & loved ones (think Father's Day!) I know that I have personally had sooo many positive ministry moments by wearing faith related tees, jewelry, etc and the ways it opens up conversations with total strangers. I truly consider my life and body as a billboard for Him and I LOVE the extra opportunity to share <3! Also check out the decals & tees ;)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16 NIV) (my favorite skateboard has this on it and soon I believe my right wrist will <3)