Making Memories

A couple times a year, we like to do what any reasonable person would like to do in a city of 5 million people, leave the city.

Our favorite place to escape to is Camp Tejas. I’m about to show you why it’s our great getaway. Most important to note is it’s convenient location. Only a two and a half hour drive makes it a less stressful trip to begin with. There are no attraction rides, no fancy restaurants and not even any TV’s around. Some people find this hard to believe that a family of 6 can so thoroughly enjoy their vacation together without any of the above but it is so refreshing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.

For us, it’s as close as we get to camping, except there are cozy rooms with showers. Camp Tejas is a Christian retreat center but they also accommodate families like us who just want to getaway for the weekend. The hospitality is outstanding, all because the camp faculty love Jesus!

This time, we stayed in the Four Seasons which is located in the back of the property. There are 12 rooms connected by a covered courtyard. Each room is beautifully styled after one of the 12 months. We stayed in the July room, which of course was decorated in a July Fourth style.

The room was perfect for our family as it had two sets of bunks and a king size bed. It was very cozy and beautifully decorated.

I love all the detail that goes into decorating the guestrooms. You don’t see that at La Quinta!

This is the message that awaits each guest as they enter their room, it helps to set the right tone for our break.

It was really raining when we got there but it was no problem. We played a few games of checkers.

And found cozy spots to read. (no surprise that my boy is half dressed while reading)

And played some hoops, dodge ball and kickball under the covered court.

And played a few rounds in the game room.

When the sun finally came out, we got to enjoy the nature we came to see. The boys were most anxious to head over to the zipline. They couldn’t wait to get in that boost of adrenaline.

There were lots of trails for walking, lakes to canoe in, an ultimate Frisbee course and so, so much more to do. This time of year, the Texas state flower, the blue bonnet, blooms. It’s a magnificent flower with it’s deep color. We found a little patch of one of our walks. We praised God for His colorful creation and I praise God for these wonderful little boys.

These swings were calling my name and after they dried, it was my favorite spot. Especially while snuggling my baby.

At night, the courtyard lights up. We roasted s’mores around a fire. Took a walk under the tunnel of lights and finally crashed out around 10pm.

Our favorite thing to do in the car ride home is to plan for the next time we get to visit Camp Tejas. It’s our happy place!

Baby Legs

When I was pregnant with my third son, I attended a Birth Fair here in Houston. They had lots of great speakers on pregnancy, natural birth, breastfeeding and more. I also enjoyed the vendor’s that had come to the event as well. They sold everything from cloth diaper covers to slings.

One thing I came across then, and have seen a lot of online, are these baby leg warmers or leggings. I thought it was a great idea especially for the crawlers who are constantly on their knees. But I love the way they look on little babies too. They make a better option than baby pants because you can still change a diaper with ease.

In talking with a friend of mine, I decided I could make my own for a lot less than what they were selling online. All I needed were a pair of long adult size socks (preferably in a cute and fun print) and a pair of scissors.

So this is what I started with, a bare-legged adorable baby,

I used this pair of men’s socks. (I also found a cute skull print not pictured here but you really could choose ANY print!)

Using my fabric scissors, or really sharp scissors, I cut off the foot part of the sock. Leaving behind the long top. And just like that, cute baby leggings for my boy!

Too easy!

3 Months

Three months with this little guy have gone by fast in our house. It seems like 9 months is such a long time to wait and then when they get here, it goes so fast!

At three months old Evan’s single greatest accomplishment is, sleeping through the night in his own room! He’s still a terrible daytime sleeper (unless in the arms of Mommy) but I’m most thankful for a good nights rest. After a nap and feeding, he is all smiles. He loves to be talked and sung to. Nathan is especially good at making up a random song anywhere to make him happy.

Additionally, he’s developed the ability to tell if Mom is in the room or not. As soon as he catches me leaving him in his crib, he looses it. He’s completely fascinated by the lights from the TV, although TV watching comes much later. Being seated in the double stroller with big brother Austin keeps him very entertained.

Physically, this kid’s not slowing down. He’s 3 months old and fits in some 9 month clothes. Where did my little baby go? He has a bad patch of cradle cap and almost a complete mohawk on the top of his head.

We love him so much and keep telling him to stop growing, but he’s not listening

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Now that little Nugget is sleeping through the night, he’s officially moved to his own room. That’s one small step for Evan but one giant leap for me. It’s amazing how much better one functions on a full nights sleep!

As the fourth boy in our family, Evan gets the privilege of having all this amazing boy stuff handed down from his brothers. He has all the best boy toys, clothes, equipment and so on. One thing I didn’t want to hand down was the same nursery. Ok, ok, he’s using the same furniture, bedding and decorations but I wanted to create something new for Evan. God only knows, but this may be the last time I decorate a nursery.

I love the hymn “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. Especially Page CXVI's version. For those not familiar with this love song, the chorus lyrics are,

When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me

I’m singing it now as I read the words. Great stuff.

All this to say, this lovely song to God is my inspiration for creating this for Evan’s nursery…

I found some incredible examples on Pinterest to help me along. I free-handed my tree with pencil and then filled it in with paint. I used a leaf cut sponge for the leaves, only because I didn’t have the time to hand paint each one. To complete his room, I’d like to find a wall decal with the words “His Eye is on the Sparrow” but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to custom order something like that.

Now our fourth baby has a nursery that’s all his own,

Nighty-night Evan