Monkey see Monkey Do

If any of you know this Harden clan you know that we love our bicycles.  Yesterday Jerrod and I had a date with the bike trainers. (these are some fancy schmancy tools that allow you to hook your regular bike up to them and ride stationary).  Yes it is as fun as it sounds.....no really not fun at all.  But anyway, it allows for riding when the weather or mother nature is not being cooperative. 

During our ride Bella wanted to know why she didn't have a bike trainer of her own.  Well let's just say that by the time I made it home from work tonight Bella had her own bike-trainer.  Jerrod rigged her up a contraption that she is more than thrilled with.  I just never know what they are going to come up with next.

Yes they are quite the pair and they sure are ready for warm weather riding...I know I am! 

Darby

Artsy Fartsy

I truly believe that it is a parents right to take incriminating pictures of our children so that we will be able to scare away future boyfriends someday.  This is the same kind of crap my parents pulled on me and so now I must in turn bless my wonderful child with this torture.

You see my child is a nudist. yep that's right NUDIST.  I have no idea where she gets her lack of modesty but it did NOT come from her mother.  She can strip down faster than you can blink your eyes when I announce that it is bath time.  No joke her clothes are flying as she runs down the hallway and before she even hits the tub they are gone! Amazes me everytime.

Tonight after dinner I told her that she needed a bath.  I forgot to mention that I was not quite ready and that I had to finish up the dishes first then it would be go time.  In a matter of seconds here comes the streaker stark naked into the kitchen announcing that she is ready for bath time. While she waits for me to finish my dishes she prances around, shakes her booty, and then decided to finish coloring her picture. 

She is officially going to kill me someday because of these pictures.  But until then....I think she may be on to something with this nude art.  I'm sure there have been other famous artists that have created in the nude???? We will just consider her one of those edgy sort of artists... 

please read the fine print.....

*Dear Bella I do apologize in advance for any embarrassment that may ensue in your future from any of the aformentioned photographs.....and although this is your first time creating in the nude I'm afraid it was one time too many....We will never let you forget this!

You know there are days when I'm not sure what I am going to blog about but I am soon realizing that spending any amount of time with our children and they will create the stories for you. It is our jobs as their parents to listen, pay attention, and of course take LOTS of pictures!

Have a Artsy Fartsy kind of week!

Darby

A strange coincidence

This afternoon my mom, Bella and I went to Champaign to run around.  On our way home we were heading through Arcola and noticed that there was a fire truck behind our old house.  Being the nosy ladies that we are we drove down another street to get a closer look.  Sure enough there were more fire trucks in front of the house as well.  By this point we could see that our old garage was burning.  Again we chose another road to get another look....I was saddened to see that there was very little left of the garage.

I couldn't help but think how strange it was that we just happened to be traveling through Arcola at the exact time that our old garage was on fire.  Weird.  I am NEVER in Arcola anymore but when I do drive through I always drive by the old place just because we had a lot of good memories there.


 

I was so very thankful that it was not the house that was on fire.  The family that live there have some very small children and I would have been so very sad for them to loose their home.  Also this house is a victorian beauty, this is where we lived for almost 5 years, and where we lived when Bella was born.  Oh how I loved her room!  Yes I'm afraid that if the house would have been on fire I am certain that I would have erupted into tears!
It seems so strange to me that even though we could not wait to move away from Arcola and were so excited when we sold the house that I still feel this weird attachment to it.  Like I said I don't have a reason to go to Arcola very often, but when I do I make my little "stalker" drive-by just to check on the place.  It really was the biggest pain-in-the.....ever! It was a money-pit, non-efficient, over-sized beauty. But oh how it had  character!  As a carpenter Jerrod could not wait to say farewell to the old beast!  Luckily the couple that bought it were very young and ambitious and thought the home was wonderful!  Hopefully they are still ambitious because this was a BIG project!

I guess this is a blog post about my sentimental nature.....It was just strange and made me sad to see part of our memories go up in smoke.  I am such a sap!

                                                                          Darby

 

Oh My Pizza Pie

When I came home from work tonight Jerrod and Bella had big plans for dinner.  They had went to the store and came home with the goods to make homemade mini pizza's. Bella was PUMPED!  She had her apron on, chair pulled over to the counter, and sleeves rolled up.....I was then informed that it was pizza makin time! 

Most people that know me know that I am NOT Paula Deen, Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart (much to my dismay).  I used to be pretty bummed out by this revelation but now it is truly a good source of entertainment for my family.

          

 *I am going to add that I CAN follow a recipe I just lack any flair or creativity.....why oh why can't I have some pizazz or kitchen flair???      

You see this is where I have been greatly blessed......Jerrod not only loves to cook but he has some serious kitchen flair (not sure he would appreciate that description but it's oh so true).  Sooooo this is why it brings me such great joy when I see my two favorite people in the kitchen.  We can only hope that she gets his kitchen flair and some other talent from her mother! (I try to be a super great assistant though). 

Oh yeah these babies were mighty tasty and very kid-friendly!  Bella stated that they were "fantabulous"! (really just never know what kind of descriptive words she is going to use!) 

Look out Martha you've got some serious competition!

Darby

It's The Little Things

Ok so I recieved two fabulous things today.....I know your dying to know right?  Ok Ta Da....a new picture from my favorite girl!  It's our wild and crazy dog Eddy (she has the ears just right)

Ok my second favorite thing of the day.....I found a new additon of one of my FAVORITE magazines!!!!!

I know, I know, I should stop tooting my horn, but this makes for a seriously good day for this Mamma!  I was able to spend all afternoon with two of my favorite little girls and they had some quality play time! Also I recieved word on an invite to my 3rd April show!  I may be pushing myself to the point of CRAZY but I just can't say no!  The opportunities are too great and I feel truly blessed that God is letting me use my talents to help support our family and I am able to do something that I love. 

Have a Big-Time-Crafting kind of week and enjoy the little things!

Darby

Lessons from Nicaragua

I just returned home from my second trip to Nicaragua.  Over the past few years my church has been working with a community in Leon, Nicaragua building a school and now a church.  During my time spent there I have been learning some valuable life lessons that will hopefully continue to shape me into the person I want to become.  It never ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives and sends us on missions that at one time seemed like an impossible dream.  I have compiled a list of Lessons that I am learning during my Nicaraguan missions.  I hope to keep adding to my list as each year passes and I continue growing and learning.

Here we go.....

1.) We always need to pray MORE!!!

2.) Always make time for children

3.) Slow down and enjoy all of the little things in life....those are what matter the most

4.)  Find ways to enjoy each others company in any circumstance

5.)  God will push us out of our comfort zone for a reason.....EMBRACE IT!

6.)  With children there is no language barrier...PLAY is a universal language

7.)  When your faith is tested PERSEVERE, don't make excuses! God is giving you the test!

      He wants you to reach out to him not become weary and hopeless.

8.) Our actions always speak louder than our words.....a smile, a hug, a handshake......BE THE LIGHT!  

     Someone is always watching you.

9.) Don't hold back your emotions....It is these emotions that show how your heart truly feels.

10.) Never think that you are the wrong person to carry out God's work.  Be brave, spread your love, and  

       sow the seed. Know that you are capable as long as you ask God for guidance and wisdom.

I cannot express my gratitude to those who made this yet another unforgettable experience. I can truly consider the people from Leon my family and leaving them behind breaks my heart.  I have created bonds with the children, adults, and team members that continue to share in this mission. I consider myself truly blessed and forever changed. Thank you!

Dreaming of Junk

We have already established that I majorly dislike winter, but as the dreary days roll on I find myself dreaming of yard sales, junk shops, and flea markets.  Oh yeah gotta love a good flea market (just the name is interesting to me....flea market). HUH? 

This should actually say Pevely Flea Market.  This is the first flea market I can ever remember going to.  It is right down the road from my grandparents house in Missouri and I have loved going there ever since I was a little kid....What can I say it's in my genes!

Anyway, yeah I can't wait to go JUNKIN!!!  I don't want no high falutin, fancy schmancy, uppity junk shop. No sir I want exactly what the name implies...For it is these aforementioned junk shops and flea markets where you can find some fantastic treasures.  Oh and how I love a good bargain.  I must say that it truly brings my heart much joy to score a sweet deal.  I will say that I'm not much of a haggler though.  I'm stubborn but I'm still kinda wimpy when it really comes down to it. 

Soooo you can better believe that with the first sign of spring this gal is loading up, headin out, and takin to the town. (especially those town-wide sales...you know the ones i'm talkin about).  oh and 3rd Sunday Market, auctions, and wherever else my little heart desires.  COME ON SPRING!!!

I just read this...Does it really say February 27th?  OH Yeah!

I am also wanting to check out this store in Iowa called Old Crow Farm Antiques.  You can check out their blog here:http://www.oldcrowfarmantiques.blogspot.com/ or http://www.oldcrowfarmantiques.com/ So if there is anyone out there looking for a summer road trip you know who to call!

Well I hope that the winter moves swiftly out of the area ASAP, but in the meantime I will be hangin around dreaming of junk.  Did that dang rodent see his shadow?

Sweet Dreams~

Darby

A Giving Spirit

So I am leaving Thursday for a week in Nicaragua and to prep for my trip I usually gather art supplies, toys, and other goodies that the children will love.  I asked Isabella to go through her room and collect anything that she really didn't play with anymore, or things that she thought the children would enjoy and I would deliver the goods on my trip. 

I must say that I was more than proud of her.  She not only went through her toys and books but we found clothes as well.  Many children would hesitate to get rid of their toys especially ones that they cherish.  Not Bella....she gathered her beloved Dora books and gave them to me. She said:  "Mom, you should take my Dora books because Dora speaks Spanish and so do the kids in Nicaragua".   

I think as parents we all want our children to be generous, kind, and have a giving spirit.  It never ceases to amaze me how God can work through little people when we share with them the needs of others.  I look forward to the day that she can go with me to Nicaragua,  see Gods work in progress, and continue to share her wonderful spirit with others. 

Have a very Blessed Day~

Darby

P.S.  There is some big stuff happening this week in my friend Annies house...say some prayers for them as they welcome a new baby into their lives on Thursday!



A Tribute to Stubbornness

If you are located anywhere near the United States this week you will in fact be aware of the ridiculous blizzard/ice storm that we have been so fortunate enough to endure.  You should also know that I REALLY HATE WINTER!  No really, if I could live in a mild climate year round I would be perfectly cool with that.  This being said I also have been working my hiney off for the last month or so getting ready for my first show of the year.  I AM STOKED! 

Another tidbit is that I AM RIDICULOUSLY STUBBORN.....(very true, just ask anyone that knows me).  So with this being said I had to get to town today because I "needed" to take my merchandise to the studio where the show is going to be held.  Yes, yes, I know what you are thinking......crazy right?  I must admit that it was against my better hermit judgement and it caused me to actually get out of my PJ's on a snow day, but the show must go on.  I can't let a tiny little blizzard slow me down! 

So at 11:45 I began the process of warming up the car.  30 minutes later I have all of my stuff loaded, car de-iced, and ready for take-off......pull out of driveway realize that the front tire is flat :(  So what does any hard-headed woman do?  Why we fire up the next car, re-load goods, and de-ice.  (I only broke one ice scraper today) So as I again am ready for take-off I soon find that I am stuck.  Yep that's right STUCK. (This was almost the breaking point)  Most logical people at this moment would take this as a sign...maybe I should just stay home.  No Not Darby, not this girl, heavens no, I've got places to go, things to do, and people to see. 

It was at this point that my dear, sweet husband, (I'm sure reluctantly) comes out to save me.  It was pretty clear that he thought I was being absolutely ridiculous, but after 8 years he knows that once I have set my mind to doing something, I'm going to do it.  He gets me out and saves the day.... I LOVE YOU SWEETS!

I make it to town, deliver the goods, and make it home safely.....Thank you Jesus for the safe trip and for all of the other times my stubbornness has gotten in the way of logical thinking. 

So as I reflect upon my day I have decided that not only am i truly stubborn and very often a pain in someones rear, at least I have determination (that's a good trait right?)  To all of you that know me you should know that I don't do it on purpose you see I just can't help it (I'm blaming it on my parents)  That's right it's their fault.  I come from a long line of stubbornness.  It has just been passed down from generation to generation...and lucky for me my sweet little lady just happens to have been blessed too!

So to all you stubborn/determined folks out there I salute you!  Keep on a truckin (safely of course) and hopefully all of the level-headed peeps out there can learn to love us and continue supporting our unwavering  attempts to conquer the world!

Darby

P.S. In all seriousness be safe out there and if you don't have to leave your home DON"T!