DIY's

Maybe it's because I'm a stay-at-home mom now, or maybe it's just because I like the idea - I guess it's both, but here lately I'm obsessed with making my own home supplies (like laundry detergent). Mom and I made a big batch of detergent the other day, and so far I love it! Its cheap, natural, and so easy to make! Oh and it smells really good! Pretty sure that's the way to go! Here's a list of things I plan on making this week and next:

--body wash 

--hand soap

--fabric softener

--all purpose cleaner

--& dishwasher detergent

Staying Home

It was a super tough decision (and the easiest one, at the same time) but feeling so absolutely happy that I get to stay HOME with my sweet baby girl for one more year. Josh has wanted me to stay home for a while, but as for me, it took a little more convincing. Not because I didn't want to stay home, it's just hard going to one income (as I mentioned on my last post or 2). But we can so it. It's just so important for me to be home right now. And when I told my principal today (which I had been dreading), she was so totally understanding and nice. This just confirmed that I made the right decision. I'm so blessed to get this opportunity. I know many moms don't. My husband seriously is the best! 

Decisions.

Why are decisions so hard... at least for me. Josh and I have been going back and forth with a big one for the last few weeks. And even though I'm pretty sure we've made up our minds (99.9% sure), I can't help but be scared of what we've decided.

I never thought that staying home with Ella Jane was really an option for us. It's nice having 2 incomes. It's nice not having to budget and being able to buy things we want -- with out having to think about it. That's what we're use to (before we got married, and after). So, for me, I've always planned to go back to work. First, back in April (but we all know that didn't happen) Then in August. But now August is almost here...and my heart is telling me to stay home. Pretty crazy uh, coming from someone who always said, "I could never be a stay-at-home-mom". I guess I'm eating those words now, cause the thoughts of leaving my sweet baby girl makes me so sad. I don't want to miss a single second of her precious moments. So even though we will have to have a budget for the first time, and watch our spending a lot, and maybe even make some sacrifices along the way this year, I'm pretty set on staying home for one more year. Scary? Oh yeah! But work will always be there, right? My baby is only a baby once.

Play date

Ella Jane had the funnest play date with Rowen, Charlie, and Ben today! :) see her on the mat? She's been rolling over like crazy today!! Woohoo Ella Jane!!

Rolling over!

My baby girl rolled over for the first time the night before last! We've known for a few weeks that she was really trying so hard to do it and that it'd be any day. Saturday night I put the gym mat on the floor in the living room, with all her toys around. She kept reaching for one of them, and then sure enough...she rolled over. It was a slow roll. We actually weren't so sure she was going to get all the way around. Haha but she did. I went crazy of course. Haha! I'm glad josh and I both got to see that first rolling moment. 

Porch swing!

My dad came this morning to hang up our porch swing! Ella Jane is in love, of course! And so am I. My mom and I have always been porch sitters. For as long as I can remember...that's been our thing. We would grab us a drink (& the dogs) and go sit on the porch and talk. So it wasn't a surprise to me that Ella Jane is a porch sitter too. That girl can swing the day away on a porch swing. When my dad and mom surprised us with a porch swing for Ella Jane's 1/2 birthday, I couldn't help but tear up (well tear up a lot)! For one reason, my dad made this! also- Because the second I saw it, I thought about me and my mom. And I could immediately picture me and Ella Jane having those same kind of "porch days". I love this swing so much! Did I mention that it has cup holders and a detachable baby sit?

6 months

blogging.

So I'm really gonna try to do better about blogging. It's not like me to not blog, like every day. haha!  And I've really missed it. But believe me when I say, the last month 1/2 has been INSANELY busy. Mostly with getting our house ready, and planning for a 1/2 birthday. :)  Josh and I have about killed each other, like 100 times...he takes his time with stuff...& I want it done RIGHT THEN. So we've had to compromise. haha! But it was all worth it because I can FINALLY say that our house is basically done, at least the main rooms are done. The garage, laundry room, and the bonus room/playroom need work. But these are rooms that I can really take my time with. My next project will be the laundry room. But I'm not thinking about that today. haha! I just want to enjoy the rest of the summer with my sweet girl!

1/2 BIRTHDAY!

Where does time go? Our little girl will be 6 months old tomorrow. Even though Josh made fun of me (I still think he secretly liked the idea, haha) we had Ella Jane a 1/2 birthday party yesterday afternoon. Nothing fancy, just family. And Melissa. But we consider her family. :) haha! We grilled hotdogs and hamburgers! I just love celebrating life's precious moments like this! And I just love being Ella Jane's mommy so much. Every day is an adventure. There's nothing like it in this world. Here are a few pics from her 1/2 birthday party. :)