Happy Mother's Day!

I'm not a mama yet, but one day.

Right now, I'm a gal who adores my husband, my puppy, my nieces and nephews, and all my friends' and their kids that we've adopted as our own.

God's made my life beautiful.

Despite the disappointments and difficulties, it's pretty great. 

I've learned what's important, who matters, and that doing things that make your heart happy is what's up. This stepping out of my comfort zone has produced some pretty amazing things. Pushing the fear of failure aside and going for it anyways has been the biggest accomplishment in my life.

Does is always work out? Nope. But a lot of times, it does! Maybe after trial and error. Stains. Spills. Mess ups that require loads of help recovering... 

Like this beauty!

I'm so happy with it. Truly.

Now, I can' t quit looking at it. It makes me smile. Pretty big. 

Can't wait to see what beautiful prize awaits us through our adoption process, too. Am I'm a little scared of disappointment? Yes. Terrified at the possibility of heartbreak? Absolutely. Because we've been through it all before! 

But, we sat down at the table again and picked up the brush... So, I'm trusting this process. Well, trusting God to handle it. 

One day, I fully believe we will have the most incredible little human to pour ourselves into.

I'm going to cherish every single moment. Getting there... and when we're right in the middle of it.

Working on a new piece today.

Foundation laid, but still unfinished. 

Kinda how I'm feeling. 

I may leave it this way for a while until that specific image hits the brain.

It's been a while... felt nice to grab a brush again.

I'm learning more and more every day that life is a canvas that can be painted into whatever you choose. You may not always get to pick the colors, and something may spill on what you considered a masterpiece... you may have to start all over. Nonetheless, if you so choose, each day can produce something beautiful and inspirational. 

You know something else about art? There are countless styles and techniques out there. You can't compare a Monet to a Picasso. They're both fabulous, right? Still, there's probably very few places that would house both painters' work, that isn't an art museum.

Don't be taken aback by certain people's disinterest in your life. Maybe they're enamored by DaVinci... but you're still a freaking Van Gogh, love! Carry on. 

I'm trying to grasp that myself. Acceptance does have several stages that seem to proceed it, though. That's okay! As long as my denial and anger don't linger too long, I'll be just fine. 

I may not have it all together, but I know I have a lot to offer. I just have to find my purpose, my place, and my people. 

Every day, well, I get a little bit closer to feeling fulfilled. 

Until then, I'll love my life as much as I love this piece... even if it is slightly unfinished. 

I mean, maybe that's the very thing that makes it so beautiful?

This is what I do for fun!

The first #bakewithkristib event was an absolute, successful blast. 

I started with a small, soft launch to test registration, planning, timing, space, etc. 

These gals were such a blast to teach, and each did so great! They made me so proud. 

We started with an easy recipe that they could make their own. Banana muffins, with the option of chocolate chips, blueberries, or peanut butter. 

These little ladies all wanted chocolate chips. (You know it!)

They all listened intently, asked questions, and followed every instruction. 

My heart overflowed with joy just seeing how much this meant to them. Kids really do just want to learn, feel accepted and capable, and have fun.

The smiles that covered their faces when their very own muffins were ready to eat were priceless. And I couldn't get away with not trying a bite of each one! They were spot on. Pretty, too!

I can't wait to have my own children one day... but until then, I'll invest in yours!

I know it's all about pouring into them, and I'm here for it... But honestly, it sure does feed my soul a little, too. 

I'm already thinking of our next treat and can't wait to set the date for the second bake-off!

I think they're ready for it, too!

Looking for a fun, different, easy Christmas get-together idea? I was, too!

So.... 

I love this idea so much, because you can make it creatively festive. It can be set up however you prefer... conveniently without removing anything from their original packaging... or if you're like me, you can arrange a super cute display that will require a little prep and clean up time. 

Either way- still simple and so fun.  

Everyone had a blast! Kids went first. Once they were done, it was the grownups' turn!

There was so much creativity going on at that table, y'all. We were all showcasing some hilarious talent.

I'll admit- while I wanted all kinds of pretty colors and textures, I wanted to think somewhat technically, too. So... off to Google I went. 

Regular frosting seems to work best... and Wheaties don't work that great for the roof! 

 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, though... perfect!

One thing I will recommend, take the easy way out on the house. I wanted to see what I could do with graham crackers... and well... I did. And it wasn't pretty!

Premade houses are the way to go. They don't taste great, but do we really eat them anyways? 

Nah, just eat the left-over treats from the decorating!

Twizzlers were fun for fencing around the house... Took some effort, but with some toothpicks, anything is possible!

We'll for sure do this again. Great time with friends and their kids. 

Cute, creative, festive, and fun. 

Perfect for Christmas time, right?!

Take me back to WorldFest! 

I am obsessed with cultures. Truly. Whether I understand all the things or not, I don't mind! I'm just fascinated with them. Their meals, traditions, dances, beliefs, and their attire!

If we were all the same, the world wouldn't be nearly as beautiful. 

As soon as I saw this booth, I had to make my way over. 

SO MANY WRAPS!

As I glanced over them, this sweet woman asked me if I'd ever worn a wrap before. Sadly, I had to tell her no. But I immediately followed that with a ", but I really want to!"

That lit her fire for sure. 

She rummaged through pile after pile with me until we found "the one."

She showed me a couple different ways to wear them. 

One secret I learned, unless you have massive hair, you'll need to add some height to your head if you're going with a knot. 

It can literally be a balled-up tank top! 

There are several YouTube tutorials out there, too. 

I highly recommend trying them out. Hats are cute... but wraps are what's up!