I DIY-dyed my own colored jeans.

Colored jeans are a super big trend this year. These jeans were thrifted (of course) and they were a bright shade of pink, not quite my style. So I dyed them a lovely shade of burgundy. I used Rit dye in Scarlet and I followed the directions on the package.

P.s they are slightly darker than they appear in this pic.

 I KINDA LOVE THEM! : )

  

Randomness, a little of this and that

I took the kiddos to an indoor bouncy house today.

We needed to burn some energy!

The pain patches I have been wearing on my tummy and back. They seem to be helping which is fantastic.

My puppies, Jasper and Abby.

How cute is my little man?

Kevin put a new bath tub in the bathroom. It has water jets that make mile high bubble baths!

Reaching the end and starting a new beginning

The good thing about reaching the end is that you can start a new beginning. I wrote about how I needed renewal in 2012  here: New Years Renewal. At the time I really felt like I was at the end of my rope mentally. If you read my blog you know I have suffered from chronic pain for a two years now. No explanation of why despite dozens of medical tests. Not to mention natural remedies and various diet changes. But I can say I have truly grown into a better person in the process. I am continually trying to trust God and have faith in His plan. I say "continually trying", because at times it feels so much easier to trust and others it feels almost impossible. When I wrote that post I was feeling that God was just so far away. I wish He was here to tell me everything is going to be okay, I am going to be okay. I prayed for renewal. I prayed for strength, courage, contentment and to grow closer to my Heavenly Father.

God is so amazingly good. Just when I was feeling like I had reached the end and I could handle no more, I feel like he gave me sight into a new beginning. I CAN start fresh and new. I may still have to deal with the pain, for now, but I don't need to do it alone. God is here for me always! I will continually work on trusting Him even when it feels impossible. I will trust in His plan for my life, even when I don't understand why. I will pray for His strength. But I know everything is going to be okay, I am going to be okay. I can feel it in my spirit. 

I am seeing a new doctor, a pain specialist. He is confident he can help me get my pain level down. His opinion is that I have a small adhesion in the muscle fibers behind my ribcage or even pinched nerves. It might be too small to see with all the scans I have had. It is so refreshing to hear an explanation. I have heard allot of "Im sorry I cant help you" or "Its all in your head." I feel such a rush of relief. 

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content.

Philippians 4:11

¹ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by^(E)the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

When you feel that you have reached the end and that you cannot go one step further, when life seems to be drained of all purpose; what a wonderful opportunity to start all over again, to turn over a new page.
Eileen Caddy 

Thank you God for a new beginning, without you I would have no hope. 

New Years Renewal

     I am not the New Years resolution type of person. The truth is I am not that excited about a new year right now. The past couple years have been very difficult for me. This time of year brings back memories of the past years and their hardships are ingrained in my mind. I am trying to focus on the positive but the negative seems to take over. Maybe because I have had a horrible painful month with my mystery illness. Maybe because I miss my family. Maybe because I need God right now and He feels so far away. Maybe because the weather is gray. Maybe because I worry too much. Maybe because I am stressed from all the above. 

I need renewal...

So I pray God can make this year a year of renewal for me. A year of strength and courage. A year of contentment in my situation. A year of growing closer to my heavenly father. A year of leaning on Him and not my own understanding. 

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Peanut Butter Playdough

1 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. honey

2 c. powdered sugar

Mix. Play. Eat!

Entertained kiddos = happy mommy!

Rocking leg-warmers!

My sister put in a special request on how to wear leg-warmers. They seem to be really trendy this winter but I have always had a love for them. What can I say I am an 80's child. 

Remember my DIY cashmere leg-warmers post? I am wearing those here.

Here is how I rock my leg warmers.

Skinny jeans and lace up boots.
Just got these boots at GW (Goodwill) for $8 today!! I have been wanting lace up boots forever! Aren't they cute?

Booties and leggings.
I like to keep in the same color palate as the booties because I am not that brave with fashion!  

And my personal favorite, with tall boots and tucked in skinny pants.
I aways go with skinny pants when I wear boots to avoid bunching at the knees.

I hope that was helpful.

Now rock those leg-warmers like an 80's rock star!

~Nicole~

Make it! Hair Conditioning Spray

1 part your favorite conditioner + 4 parts water = 

very, very cheep leave in conditioner!