I Can't Believe Christmas is Almost Here.

Wanted to share a couple of pictures of the girls making their own gingerbread houses at Granna and Grandpa's- It was sooo much fun.

If you remember I mentioned that the Rutledge house hold was going to be BUSY ... that was an understatement. I think I have whiplash from all the things that have been going on.
First let me tell you that our play at church, "The Gospel According to Scrooge" was a success! There is not a mommy around that is more proud of her daughter right now. Belle did a great job as well as all of the other kids that were involved in this play. It takes a lot of work and they did great.
Second, right before the first night of the play Anthony hurt his knee. we have since found out that it is a torn Meniscus ( pardon if I spelled it wrong) and he will be having a knee scope done on Tuesday, keep us in your prayers.
Thirdly, the girls are both home from school and lounging around like they should be and wouldn't you know that is when I would get a head cold. Pray for us all.
Not to sound like doom and gloom because if anyone knows us we will muscle right through it and continue to have fun.
I will close with a Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!
Love, Jessica

The Rutledge's are...

BUSY!!! Boy, I don't think my schedule is going to slow down until January. Between Layla and Belle's school activities and extracurricular activities and the church play and keeping the family fed and the house clean I don't know when there will be time to post anything. I will do my best though, I don't want to let any of faithful readers down.
I was watching "What Not to Wear" yesterday and the woman was 35 and frumpy, when asked how she let her self get that way she answered that she just always puts herself last. I could really connect with that woman, she was truly beautiful but like a lot of women, never looked in the mirror and said to her reflection "you're beautiful".
The hosts of that show got on to her and said that she was beautiful and to stop hiding behind the "mommy uniform" - in this case was a velvet track suit with bulky pockets in front- they told her she could be "Molly" and still be a mommy and a wife. She needs to realize she is still a person that holds many jobs but the jobs shouldn't drowned out the woman she is.
I walked away from that show ready to NOT wear a velvet jumpsuit that I have worn in the past, and get rid of a lot of old clothes that I think I hide in. Maybe it's this new chapter in my life of staying home and not being in the working world that makes me feel I don't need to dress nice, but I have to remember, I do still have a husband that would like to see make up on me from time to time. My girls probably like it when I get pretty, they say so before church every Sunday.
My mom was on to something when we were little. She would always wear her hair in curlers and clean up around the house and then right before Daddy came home she would fluff her hair and put make up on so he came home to a lovely wife and mother.
Ladies, throw out those old clothes, velvet jumpsuits and tapered "mommy jeans" go out and buy something nice, with a waist line. You may see me out there buying something too.

Happy Birthday Archie!!!

To the pup that stole our hearts, the dog that thinks he's a kid. The puppy that loves his family and the family loves him, Happy 1st Birthday!!
At the request of two little girls we will be giving Archie a present of assorted cookies from Pet Co. and he is already feasting on a new raw hide bone that was given to him to calm his nerves after a long day at the groomers.

It isn't easy staying this handsome but someone has to do it.

Nothin' Much.

That may seem boring to some people but not to the Rutledge household. We are blessedly doing nothing. We had a really busy September with the church play, that I was honored to be a part of, and all that goes into that sort of thing. The girls are both having an outstanding year so far and my little side business is doing okay.(advertisement, Halloween necklace and earring sets are on sale for $20 this month). We have been steadily coasting, now we just need to get little Layla's tonsils out, this is happening October 3rd. She is a little scared but I think the idea of a whole week off of school with nothing but ice cream is really starting to sound good. Pray for Mommy and Daddy though because those thirty minutes that she is in surgery will feel like four hours.
Well, hope all is going well for all of you that read this. I hope to update this more often but who knew when I quit working I would be busier than ever before?

Meetings, meetings, meetings!

I just got back from a, you guessed it, meeting. I went to my first parent volunteer meeting at Layla's school today. It felt so good to know that I would be available at my own leisure to help out in different ways around her school. I wish I had had that opportunity with Belle but I guess this is just one of those change offs. Anyway, big things happening this fall, first is our play at church, it's a two act play on September 16,17,18 and 19th. It's gonna be really good. Then, on October 3rd little Layla will be getting her tonsils and anoids out. Mommy can't wait!!! She will be able to sleep so much better. Mark your calendars for October 8th, that's Emma's Bayou Bash, take a look at "I'm Especially Fond of You" on my sidebar for more information about that and how you can help fight Batten's Disease.
That is all I have time to share right now but I will try and keep you posted! Oh! don't forget to check out my business blog, wwww.laylabellejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com!

Zumba!

There is a new craze taking over the Rutledge home and it's Zumba! I have been at it for a solid two weeks and this marks the beginning of my third. Here is an example of one of the breakfasts that is showcased in the meal guide for Zumba, it was so pretty I had to take a picture of it before I ate it.

I'm so happy because both my girls and Anthony are so supportive. The girls have adopted some of the foods that I have been eating, for instance, toast with all natural peanut butter mixed with honey and sliced strawberries on top. They love this because they fix it themselves. I'm glad because I get to incorporate some healthy snack options in to their lunches for school. I will keep you posted on my journey to a better healthier body.

Almost August

At least that's how I'm looking at it these days. We have started practicing for a new play at our church and that means the time will fly. Since I wont be working outside of the home from now on I am really looking forward to some time spent with Anthony. We celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary yesterday, well "celebrated" is a strong word, we saw each other, watch a little T.V. together and then kissed each other good night. I think we are gonna try and catch a movie today some time. Hey, I will take what I can get, Anthony has been working so hard lately and the kids are right here with us, so maybe when we hit that 20th year we can rush off somewhere alone. aaahhh.
Anyway, my business is going good, a comfortable pace, hopefully it will really pick up once school starts. My sisters and I are still trying to make the "Open House" happen but it may just be bumped to September since August has already filled up. I told Belle that we (just me and her) would go school clothes shopping this Wednesday, I'm really excited, I love picking out clothes for my girls. I think I will shop for Layla because she's still at the stage of getting tired and bored.
Anyway, that's about all that has been cooking in this kitchen, I hope you enjoy the rest of your July- I mean, "almost August" and don't forget to check out LaylaBelle for some really neat teacher gifts!

July!

It's hot and my kids and (let's be honest) I am so bummed that we may not see fireworks this year. I mean, the mature mother in me understands that a small spark can cause a huge fire, I love Smokey the Bear, but what do we do on the 4th??? On the 3rd our church is having a huge picnic which was very successful last year and I have total faith that it will be again this year. If you don't have any plans stop by around 10:45 on Sunday.
Well, hopefully we will get a gusher before the 4th and miraculously get to witness the beautiful display of color that night.
Happy 4th of July from my house to yours!

If you could stop time, what would it look like?








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Changes

This month has been full of changes. First, my little Layla graduated Pre-School, then we get a new nephew and my baby Belle is on her way to camp and then 4th grade. Before I know it she will be driving off to college *sobbing*.
There have been big changes for me as well. I will no longer be working at Wee School but instead I will be working for myself (see sidebar for Laylabellejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com) I've started an etsy.com store and will be planning a rather large "Open House" in August showcasing LaylaBelle's styles for the fall and winter months along with my two sisters and their own franchises. Amanda will be showing off some of her designer cookies and Michelle will be sharing her menu of meals she will be freezing and selling. It's gonna be fun but it also means lots of work on the home front.
That said, my posting of The Whimsical Woman may slow down a bit but PLEASE take a look at my sister blog www.laylabellejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com to see what is new in the world of LaylaBelle

Happy Easter 2011

We had an awesome Easter, the Easter bunny left the girls a basket full of treats consisting of chocolate bunnies and other wonderful things. We then got dressed up in our beautiful Easter frocks and headed to church. Wow! Did we worship?! It was phenomenal. We ended our day at MawMaw's for lunch and pictures. I have had my Easter nap and now I'm going to start working on some necklaces. Don't forget to visit my "sister-site", LaylaBellejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com.

Belle, my pre- preteen.

Belle is 9 now and she is loving it. We had a surprise water slide set up and all her family and a few friends came over to celebrate her birthday. We had fajitas and beans with rice and all the trimmings. What a fun day.

Time well spent

I'm sorry it's taken so long to post but I have been extremely busy designing a blog for LaylaBelle. If you've got time go check it out. Www.laylabellejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com I hope you will enjoy!

Time is NOT my friend, nor is it on my side.

Well, Relay for Life is knocking on my back door and I am trying to ignore it. I have several new ideas for cute tube dresses that I will be displaying at Relay and if you come by and see me and want to make a special order you may do so, I will be ready to take it (please cash or check). I wish I could show you some pictures of SOME of the things I will be selling but that would be way to organized for me and let's face it, that's not how I roll. Oh well, you could think of it like I'm keeping you in suspense- Ha!

How Many Days 'till Relay for Life?!

WOW! I certainly hope I can get all my stuff done before April 8. If not I guess there's always special orders:) Anyway, I actually have the house to myself tonight, well, except for Archie. I dropped the girls off at their friend's house for a slumber party and then met up with my great friend Renee for pedicures and dinner. I think Archie and I will work on hair accessories and watch Netflix ... ahhhh I get the remote all to myself tonight.*sigh*

A Little Gift for a Special Boy

Drum roll please ... Luke. Yes, Luke is the name my sister and my brother-in-law finally decided on and I think it is WONDERFUL! I never liked it when Amanda would ask me about names because after teaching pre-k for almost 10yrs. it was hard not to cringe at the memories some of the names brought back. However, Luke is one among others that I could give a thumbs-up on. We aren't sure about the middle name yet but that's okay, maybe they will choose Anthony, poor guy can't get any of my sisters to name their kids after him.
We may not have a full name yet but little Luke sure will look cute in this onesie I finished for him.






Like I said, I think I'm addicted to this stuff. I was so excited when we went to visit my Nana this weekend because she let me have some needles, a thimble and some old transfers that she had kept for years. I'm going to try and work on some jewelry today and some t-shirts. I found cute cross-over purses and some adorable diaper covers that I plan on embellishing soon. If anyone has an old picture they would like me to make into a necklace or bracelet you can scan the image and email it to me at www.jessifer26@yahoo.com !

Check This Out

These are just SOME of the things that I have been working on. The shorter man in the picture above is Anthony's Pappy. I thought this would make an awesome necklace or ring. The shirt is one that I just finished for Belle. I'm working on a onesie for my nephew that will be arriving in June, he has a nautical theme in his nursery so he will be sporting a cute octopus on the front and an anchor on the rear with the words, "Anchors Away". I will post a pic of that when I'm done.
I am heading to Winnie for their Trade Day, hopefully I will find some awesome antique beaded necklaces I can disassemble to make more bracelets and necklaces.

Words to live by.

Anthony and I were part of Disciple Now this weekend. We had 12 teenage girls in our house and our own two little princesses LOVED IT! We kept up as much as we could and sometimes failed miserably but we had fun none the less. Our dear dear dear friend Curtis was here with the band he performs in from time to time and it was great to watch him help lead worship. The joy in his face when he sings always touches my heart. Our special speaker was Wes Springer,, he was at one time the drummer for a Christian band called Thalon. They all went their separate ways but since then he has become a public speaker and he was just awesome. He shared a little bit about what his brother has been called to do and that is helping young girls get off the streets of Honduras after they have been made sex slaves in horrible human sex trafficking. This of course touches my heart because I have two sweet little girls of my own and some of the former slaves aren't much older than my Belle. You can find out more by going to the link www.shedances.org. Take a look and see how you can help.
Anyway, the words that I learned this weekend, or the phrase really, was this, "because God created us for relationship and we have been made "Little Jesus'" when we accepted him as our Saviour every where we go is holy ground. There is no place that we can go that we choose to bring God with us. He is there all the time, our job is to make people aware that God is already there." Kind of makes you look at things differently huh? Amazing weekend. Let me tell you, if you haven't worshiped in a while and you feel like you just need to "meet God" please volunteer at your church's next youth rally. You will be glad you did.

She'll be comin' around the mountain when she comes...

Yep, even though we have no mountains to speak of around here, I am on my way to starting my new business. LaylaBelle will be debuting at Relay for Life this year. I will start posting pictures of my eclectic collection so that you may waller in anticipation. That is total positive thinking on my part.
So get ready and I hope you enjoy going on this new adventure with me. Oh! By the way, the women's retreat was PHENOMONAL!!! Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her house but a foolish one tears it down with her two hands."

My New Thang!

Okay, you are going to think I'm nuts but I have fallen in love with embroidery. It all started when Mom pulled out all of my Mamaw's old potholders and table runners. I was taken aback when I really studied all of the detail and obvious time put into these things. I did some searching on the internet and believe it or not there are lots of neat sites that have really old transfers for embroidery along with new transfers for a more "edgy" style. I have made a set of dishtowels and I've played around with some shirts but I am working on (get ready) Easter skirts for the girls made out of flour sack material. Yes they still sell the stuff and no it's not burlap ... what kind of a mom do you think I am??
I hope they turn out good, I will be working on a few other things like cute little drawstring purses and maybe even some jewelry. My big debut will be Relay for Life. If you are gonna be there be sure and stop by our tent (First Baptist) I'll have all my "wears" that I have finished out for sale and order.
Oh, by the way, I won 2nd place with my chili!!! I was so proud :)

A New Bed and Chili

I thought that would get your attention. Anthony and I bought a new bed the other day and we have spent one night on it so far, we went from a king to a queen ... we are falling in love again -Ha! Actually we haven't slept that close to one another since our first few years of marriage, it was nice. Our new bed is a "memory foam" mattress and it is WONDERFUL. Oh, how I love my new bed.
Now about the chili, I am going to make chili using the Pioneer Woman's recipe (check out her website, I have a link to the left of the screen) for a chili cook-off at our church tomorrow night and I'm excited. I will have to let you know how it goes.
That's really all that has been happening around here, Archie is doing good not many accidents but I'm still extremely worried that my house smells like dog. Thank God for Sentsy~ seriously. I'm working on a few things, embroidery being one of them, I will post a few pictures of my projects when I'm done.

Dad's Surprise Retirement Party

What a wonderful night! There was good food, family and friends. Dad was so surprised and he couldn't quit talking about it.






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Dad's Surprise Retirement Party Cont'd

What do you think of this?

"What exactly is the retro housewife? She is someone who chooses to stay at home to be a wife and mother. She has options to work outside of the home but prefers to make her living as the manager of her own household.

The retro housewife is responsible for all of the domestic chores that housewives had no choice but to do in previous generations. She cooks, cleans and crafts. She decorates the home, entertains guests and makes sure everything is organized.

The difference between her and an old-fashioned housewife is that she chooses this way of life and so revels in it. There are no chains holding her, here. She is a housewife because she loves to be one. Her home reflects this.

Of course, there are many different shapes and sizes of retro housewives. But a lot of them do take cheeky inspiration from the lives of their mothers, grandmothers and the women who came before them. Their homes are decorated with 1950's style and a focus on areas like the kitchen and laundry room."-The Retro Housewife's Perfect Home

Is this you? Do you want it to be? What are your thoughts?

But Mooo-ooom!

You said there would be snow!!

February

I really don't know why I put this picture up, I just love it I guess. It speaks volumes really.

Well, today is the last day of January. So Long! I'm glad February is upon us. Even though the temperature is supposed to drop dramatically within a few hours tomorrow, I feel as though spring is on it's way. I probably won't be feeling this way while I'm standing outside feeling every bit of the wind chill while waiting for sweet Archie to do his business. He probably will do it fast because, come on, who wants to do that in 20 degree weather.
ANYWAY ... still, March is right behind February and then *BAM* it's April and before you know it, May is here. AAAAAhhhhhhh, MMMMMay - but before I get a head of myself I will take time to enjoy February. We are getting ready for a Women's Retreat that will be so much fun, and I am getting ready for a play that I will be in sometime in March. Big things happening, oh, and I will be revealing my long awaited plan that I have just recently put in motion.

Hurry up and Wait

There is something humbling as a mother, wife, sister,and daughter in saying "I'm tired" which tends to translate to "I don't want to play anymore" in my head. I feel like I want to be a recluse for a while. Not in a bad way, just a "time to ponder" sort of way. I go through days of wondering if I DO too much, what should I be saying "no" to? My boss and friend, Robin, listens as I vent my concerns and I love that she doesn't try to sugar coat anything. "Sweety", she says, "there is a season for everything". I love that because it's true. Just because I don't feel moved to do something now doesn't mean that I won't be 100% ready for it later.
It's not about how much you do, it is about the shape your heart is in while doing it. I want to be someone that my children look up to and my husband admires when I'm serving God. So how should I feel when I'M the one staying home to do laundry and vacuum the house instead of going to church on Wednesday night? Aren't I supposed to be setting an example? How do you do this when you are spiritually exhausted? ... The Bible tells us we wait ... In Psalm 27:14 it says this, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" Wow, he wants me to wait, I know this because it is mentioned twice in one verse.
This scripture makes me excited for what is to come after the wait is over.


What are you waiting on?

Help! Mommy's Down!

You know, instead of "piper's down" ... I guess if you never watched "So I Married an Ax Murderer" you wouldn't know what I'm talking about. Anyway, I came home from work today and I pulled a muscle in my back. It hurts BAD but I'm sure it's nothing that a really hot bath can't fix. I hope.
Since I'm a "glass is half full" kind of girl, I am using this opportunity to get the girls to help me with my evening routine. It's amazing how Belle loved to load the dishwasher and Layla was upset because she didn't have a job, we can't have that, so I LET (heheh) her sweep the kitchen. Baby girl even got the dust pan out and scooped up the trash and dumped it. Now here is the funniest part. I don't know of any other little girls that can actually have fun sorting laundry. I supervised while Belle and Layla separated my laundry and laughed when they would pick up a pair of Daddy's underwear and scream.
Hhhhmmmm. Maybe tomorrow night I might have a sore leg or something and see how much I can get out of them.

Archie and Zoloft

I put these two names together because that is what the voice in my head is chanting. (Not really ... maybe ... no, not really ... maybe).
If you haven't gone through potty training a dog or even a child you can't possibly understand the stress I'm under. I find myself watching "It's Me or the Dog" episodes on Animal Planet to really try to "understand" my dog.
The girls absolutely love him but they really don't watch him like I do, partly because I am the one that cleans up the mess and if the T.V. is on every one's stock goes down as far as the kids are concerned. Oh well, this too shall pass.
Belle stayed home from school today with (as Nana would say) the case of the "trots" -ha! Poor baby. needless to say she got some real bonding time with Archie, which was nice because I think he's taken a shine to me *gulp*!
Anyway, that's what's going on in our home tonight, hope yours is just as eventful and if not, give us a call and we would be glad to entertain you.

Meet Archie

This little schnoodle has marked us with his love ... and in occasional spots in the living room and kitchen. Thank goodness I already had kid worn carpet, truly I don't know which stains were already there or which ones are from Archie. Anyway, we are going through the trials of potty training but it will be over soon and I will get my carpets cleaned.
He is so sweet, great with the kids and loves, loves, loves to cuddle on our laps. This is more than what I can say for my sister's new pet ...



Ha! Ha! Yep, this is a wild hog that my brother- in -law, Trent found. Sorry Shell, I think this is only the tip of the iceberg, I mean come on, you have three BOYS!!!

The Circle of Life

Well, there is sadness in the Rutledge house. Our little kitty was hit by a car Wednesday. It was the most horrible night! Poor Layla, she was sure that kitty would come back as soon as he got hungry but Belle, she just knew, without us telling her, she just knew.
Anthony and I were very sad as well. Sure the kitty was sweet and sure he was probably the best cat we have ever owned but that wasn't where the sadness was for me. I can handle my own grief or sadness, but when I'm holding my 8 yr. old as she is sobbing because this is the second cat in two months that we have lost, I can't stand it.
I know there is greater tragedies in life than losing a pet, believe me, this situation just made me realize that in my daughter's life there will be so much that makes her sad and that hurts her and she will look to me and Anthony and ask us "why?" and like Anthony said, "It kills me that I can't fix this for her."
Well, hopefully this story will not end bad. We are currently in the market for a small house/lap dog. He or she must be completely prepared to be loved and carried and brushed and dressed-up by two little girls that have a whole lot of love to give. So, if you know of a dog that is in need of a home please let us know.