November, already?!

After Jill's shower, I have realized that there are so many who just do not care and that is okay!  If that's how they choose to live their life, as long as I know that I'm doing what is right and pleasing to the Lord, than I will accept their decisions. 

Halloween came and went.  Michael had to work so I took the kids to visit Granny at the nursing home then we went to church and enjoyed the Fall Festival.  They served wonderful chili and stew, had games and a bounce house, and allowed the kids to "trunk or treat".  The fellowship was enjoyed by everyone.  I was exhausted by the end of the night.  I sure missed Michael!  Its hard to wrangle two kids at the same time. I needed more hands.  The weekend before Halloween, Michael and I took the kids to our company's trunk or treat.  It was a lot of fun.  We met up with Justin and his wife, Melissa.  They have two daughters that are adorable.  We all then went to Mr. Puckets house.  They had lots of great food.  The kids played for hours, we went on a hay ride, and enjoyed the company of all.

Jill is only 4 weeks away from her due date.  I can hardly wait.  I hope I am as great of an Auntie to Hannah as what Jill has been to my kids.  They love their Auntie Jewel and Uncle Lav!  Dailee thinks Hannah will be able to play with her as soon as she is born.  I hope she isn't disappointed once she realizes that Hannah is going to be talking or playing right away. 

Our Butterfly Princess and Rodeo Clown

The Feeling of Let Down....

In my earlier post I stated that I've been planning Jill's baby shower for almost 2 months now.  We had it last weekend.  I worked my butt off on it.  I know Jill was thrilled to have so many nice things given to her for baby Hannah BUT at the same time, I also know she was let down.  I know I was.  Jill is a great friend to so many.  She will bend over backwards to help someone out.  If she commits to something, she will be there.  So many of her "friends" were not there.  It was sad!  She will scratch their back when they ask but they will not return the favor.  RUDE!

Plus, I was being talked about.  Yes, I caught people talking about me behind my back.  Why they were doing this, I have no idea but it happened.  People who I thought would attend the shower didn't and then to top things off some of the guest were rushed.  The shower was from 2-4 but at 3 o'clock food began being put away.  Then at 3:15 more guests begin arriving.  No cupcakes were to be found, no cookies, no drinks.  I felt awful.  So awful for one older lady, that I gave her my cupcake that I had set aside.  All this happened because others had places to be.  Like always.  I spent lots of money on this shower, I only asked that the hostess help pay for the cookies and cupcakes.  I didn't get paid by all of them.  Some that signed up to bring things, didn't, so I had to run to the store to purchase these things.  Never again will I be the main planner for a shower.  Its just too much stress and I do not like being let down by those who I trust.  Not to mention that I do appreciate being talked about behind my back.  To sum this post up: I AM GLAD ITS OVER.  Now, if only I could cheer up.  Hubby is gone for 5 days, its too quite at my house.  Glad for a great sister who is coming over tonight!  Girls Night, plus one boy named Coy :)

A Hobby.....

I've always enjoyed photography!  It started in high school and my love for it has grown.  On occasion I will capture moments for other families.  Yesterday, I had the privilege to photograph Jennifer and Jordon's precious baby boy, Jase.  He was SO good, he's a natural :) 

These photos are only a few of the 100 that I took.  Thank you Stanley Family for allowing me to photograph Jase.  He is adorable.

Thank you, Jordon, for serving our country.  God Bless You and Your Sweet Family!

Catching Up.....

I have been busy!  I am a planner.  I like things to be in order.  Sometimes, I'd rather do everything myself rather than ask for help.  I can get anal about things.  I want things to be perfect.  This past weekend, we celebrated Coy's 2nd Birthday.  We rented an indoor bounce house facility.  It was nice having the entire space to ourselves.  We didn't have to clean up a thing.  In the end, it worked out great. BUT, I was a little skeptic during the first of last week.  I called to confirm our appointment.  I was told that I could not bring any outside food in. WHAT?! I had already bought the food to cook, I already had the table decor planned, I didn't want to use cheap plastic table cloths, my list went on.  However, after coming to a compromise, it all worked out.  We had pizza brought in, they allowed me to decorate the cake table, and most of all, the kids had a blast.  We ended up spending more on the party than what we had initially budgeted, but it was well worth it.  We all left smiling.  Thank you to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate!

cupcakes made by Auntie Jill Eudy
(please excuse the wrinkled table cloth, I forgot to bring my iron)

cookies made by Rachel Morton Dunn

Next weekend is Jill's baby shower.  I've been planning this for almost 2 months now.  I want it to be perfect for her and Craig.  So far, I've only had one oopsie, on some of the invites, the time was left off.  I recovered by sending out post cards to all of the invitees.  I'm hoping for a good turn out, I'm anxious to see who shows.  Jill is such a loyal friend to so many.  She will bend over backwards to help them if they ask her.  I'm hoping that her friends are as good to her as she is to them.  This week I will be busy putting the final touches on the decor and menu.  I can't wait to see it all put together.  I know Jill is ready!  Baby Eudy will be here very soon. 

Tonight, I'm taking photos of Baby Jase.  I'm looking forward to capturing precious memories for his family to share and enjoy for years to come. 

It's a LOVE Thing That They Passed Down.....

Grandmother Haley and Nonna both passed away with in six months of each other. 

Nonna's death was unexpected.  She went into the hospital for a check-up, her organs began to shut down, and a few days later she left her earthly home. 09/26/2011
Grandmother's death was caused from a stroke.  Since we had just lost Nonna we weren't ready to let her go but SHE was ready.  03/26/2012

Both of these ladies were strong in their FAITH.  We are still finding journals and little notes that they had stashed back.  To see their prayers and thoughts on paper is amazing.  Our families love for one another is strong, and because of these two, it remains strong.  (sure we have bumps along life's journey, but the love is still there)

I have many special memories with Grandmother and Nonna.  They both taught me how to be more loving, more considerate, more compassionate, more patient, and to be a faithful Christian.  I'm forever grateful that they taught me these things because, now, I can pass these down to my kids.  I want the love of our loved ones to continue to shine and I want my kids to know their Great Grandparents, through me. 

This is one of the many ways that I am Making Our House, A Home.

5 Generation

Spring 2009

5 Generation

Fall 2010

I will be the first to admit....

I will be the first to admit, I am not perfect.  Often times, I try to do too many things at once and tend to leave something or someone out.  Its a fault of mine.  I'm always wanting to help or do more.  Michael has helped me to realize this.  I'm so busy helping others that I tend to put the ones that matter the most on the back burner.  Don't get me wrong, the kids have never gone without but Michael has.  Since he can "fend" for himself, I've been letting him do so at times.  For this, I am ashamed.  I feel awful.  How could I do this to him?  As his wife how could I put the one who works hard for my family, who is the father of our children, on the back burner.  How could I NOT make sure his needs are met?  After beating myself up over this, I realized I shouldn't.  I realized that this should be a learning experience for me.  I'm learning how to say "no".  I'm learning that I do not always have to help.  I'm learning to think before I speak and I'm learning how to let my actions speak for themselves.  I think Michael has noticed a difference.  I think I'm getting back on the right track.  I think that I'm pretty darn lucky to have a husband that has helped me to learn who I need to be.  Who I WANT to be.

Michael was out one evening working his horse when I snapped this photo.

31 Days and Many, Many, More!

I've decided to participate the the "Nesting Place", 31 day challenge.  "Making Our House A Home, And Filling It With Love" (my blog title) is a goal of mine that will take over 31 one days to complete, in fact, it will never be completed.  Filling our house with LOVE is something that I want to do EVERY day.  For my Husband, for my Children, for our Guests, for Me.  My purpose as a Wife and Mother is to be LOVING, to make sure that my family is taken care of, and to make sure that we are continuously living, laughing, and loving each other, every step of the way.  Join me as I share "31Days, And Many, Many, More" of the my life.  

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAYS 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 8

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

On one of the many blogs that I follow I found a recipe that sounded delicious!  So, I tried it.  And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.  I've attached a link to Katy's blog.  She always has new recipes, cute craft ideas, meal planning ideas, and SO much more.  Show her some love, go check out her blog.

The Link Home

the cookie recipe can be found on Katy's blog. 

Shift Work! How I Dislike You!

oh! how I dislike shift work!  I do not work shift work but Michael does.  I am very appreciative of the fact that he works extremely hard for our family but trying to get the kids into a routine does not work well with the shift work schedule.  Just as we (the kids and I) get use to Michael being on nights, hes on days again or vise-versa.  With me having to be at work at 7:30 I have to get the kids up around 6:15 each morning.  Here recently is has been a major ordeal to get Dailee up.  By the time I get both kids dressed and into the car, I'm upset, they are upset, and that makes for a crappy day.  This past week I have changed up our morning routine a bit and thankfully it has worked.  Rather than give the kids their bath at night, I've been giving it to them in the morning.  (if they are really dirty, they will get a bath at night)  I've been using the bath tub in my bathroom that way they can play while I finish getting dressed.  Its worked well.  All three of us have gotten in the car, SMILING.  We've all had much better days because of this.  However this morning, Michael was at home.  After working nights and staying up yesterday to haul cattle, he was tired.  The kids and I bothered him, and before I knew it I was walking out the door upset. (just keeping it real, not sugar coating it).  Like I said before, a routine is not possible with shift work.  Since the morning bath routine IS working, I'm going to continue with it, I will just move it into the hall bathroom.  I can still get dressed in their bathroom while keeping my eyes on the kids, its just a matter of adjusting for me. :)  AND Michael can get the rest he needs. :)

Are you a parent who works shift work or has a spouse that works it?  How do you manage a routine with your family?  I will gladly take any suggestions.

Camp Nanny Vintage

Last week, Jill and I made a vistit to Camp Nanny Vintage.  "Nanny" has the cutest barn that is full of treasures!  I purchased a vintage wooden ladder, an end table, an old wooden window frame, and a chair.  I should have taken before photos of my finds, but I didn't.  (lesson learned)  I spent a total of $32 and turned these little treasures into "new" tokens. 

this end table was brown in color and had a glossy coat on the top.  Dailee and I lightly sanded the top and I "rough" painted the turquoise color.  It turned out great.  I put in in our living room next to the quilt that Sweet Nonna made for me.  (photo to come soon)

after buying the wooden window frame, I went to Lowe's and bought the supplies to make a chalk board.  I "rough" painted the frame and added the chalkboard.  can you say "adorable" :)

the chair that i bought didn't have an attached cushion (which I wanted) and was brown in color.  I painted the chair white and added the galvanized water can and plant in the middle.  *perfect!*

*side note--since I didn't need the cushion to the chair I threw it in the trash. 

Michael dug it out.  he's using it in his deer stand. :)

I am not done with my ladder project.  photos coming soon.

If you are a treasure hunter, I highly suggest visiting Nanny.  She is one of the sweetest people I've ever met.  Look her page up on Facebook, "Camp Nanny Vintage".

Little Miss Eudy

My sister Jill and her husband, Craig, are expecting their first child in December.  I am beyond excited!!  I with 6 other hostess' have been planning a baby shower in their honor.  I can't wait to see the final outcome of all the decorations.  The envision that I have is adorable; October 14th can't come fast enough.

I've been taking photos of Jill through-out her pregnancy. 

We will take "official" maternity photos soon.

Beginning stage of table center-piece

color theme for shower

wooden sign I made. 

Jill will also use this in the Baby's room.

Baby Shower invite

Fall 2012

Happy Fall Y'all!

Boys will be Boys

Raising Coy has been a totally different experience than raising Dailee. 

Dailee is a "laid back" child, can keep herself busy with her dolls, and doesn't like getting dirty.

Coy on the other hand, wears us out.  He is ALL boy.  He is well behaved and is a happy boy, but he is full of energy.  He is always in or on something that he shouldn't be.  He likes to get dirty, he will not keep shoes on his feet, he would rather be naked, and he likes to scare his mommy and daddy. Oh, and if there is a cat around, he's going to pull its tail. :)

Two days ago, Coy fell off of our flat bed trailer.  He really gave us a scare.  After about an hour of crying Michael and I decided that we'd better take him to the ER.  After no broken bones were found we were released to go back home.  Coy had a very rough night and the following day was hard on him.  He was extremely sore from hitting the ground so hard.  Children's Tylenol has been a good friend these last few days.  We are very appreciative of the prays that were sent our way and we are also thankful that Coy had no broken bones.





  

Coy went to the ER on 9/11/12

Dailee went to the ER on 5/31/2012

(she had a broken elbow)

Making Our House Our Home

In April of 2012 Michael and I purchased our first "real" house.  Some may say "it's little", "it's too far in the county", "it's not brick" BUT our answer is "Its Ours, We've Worked Hard For It, and It's Perfect For Us."

Michael and I have been working hard on "cleaning up" the acreage.  Michael has shredded & picked up limbs, and now that its cooler we will begin to burn the piles of dead branches and trees that we have made.  The yard is a work in progress.  I have just about completed the front flowerbed and I am still working on the "memory garden".  Now if only we could get grass to grow.  Most likely Michael will have to disc up the yard and plant seeds.  The soil is mostly sand and it is hard as a rock.  The house has large front and back porches that we are really enjoying.  I finally completed painting the kids room last weekend.  When we bought the house the room was a bright pink color.  Since the kids share a room we decided it needed to have a boyish touch added to it.  I painted all the walls except one a turquoise color.  The two colors together look great.  I'm very pleased on how it turned out. 



There have been no regrets on making the decision to buy this house and 10 acres.  We all love it!  The kids want to play outside all the time, we have friendly neighbors, and the commute to work isn't bad at all.  The Postell Family is meant to live in the country.

Front Porch Decor



Farm Table and Bench



Kitchen





Kids Room

The Postell's

Meet the Postell Family!

  Michael, Jaci, Dailee, and Coy

Making our way through life as a family of four.

Laughing, Being Silly, Playing, Singing, Crafting, Coloring,

Cooking, Eating, Potty Training, Fishing, Crying, and Loving Each Other Through It All!