Which leads me to my disclaimer before I start answering some of these questions… you only see a VERY small part of our life. That very small part is usually the best of the best. You don’t see the mess on our floors, you don’t witness my children trying to kill one another, and you certainly can’t hear me screaming at the top of my lungs at my totally irrational toddlers children {well, Melissa you may be able to hear that}. So, as I’ve said before, we like to do fun things. But we are a terribly flawed family… and fall short in so many ways. But we do have a hope in Jesus Christ who credited His righteousness to us. So, we don’t have to be perfect… whew! PTL! He did it for us. I also want to say that when I show you what we’ve done, whether it’s baking, coloring, playing, sewing or whatever, my intentions and motives are NOT look what we have done… but rather…. look what you can do. Make sense? The thought of someone being disgusted by my blog makes my heart ache and want to give it all up in 2 seconds.
Ok, Justin and I have had a lot of fun reading your questions and have laughed our heads off. I OBVIOUSLY need to be more careful about what I ask for. I was thinking I could a do a little Q & A post and then refer people there when they email me with questions about sewing, camera lenses, picture editing… ha ha. Y’all are killing me. I actually feel totally inadequate to even answer some of these… so I won’t. I’m only going to answer the ones I feel are appropriate for me to answer. And I’m going to throw some pictures in too… because a blog post without pictures is like a sermon without illustrations… B O R I N G. So, in no particular order…
What is the font used in your header?
I have no idea. Erika, can you tell the people? … Thanks Bryn Alexandra:: Susies Hand.
How did you and your husband meet?
We met in the Haley Center Bookstore at Auburn University. It was August 1999, the first day of classes my sophomore year, his senior. He likes to say we were “pursuing knowledge”. I don’t know about all that. I was likely pursuing him. He was checking out in line in front of me and wearing a sorority t-shirt that just so happened to be the one that I was in. I don’t know who spoke first. He was an Anthropolgy major and had a stack of books all relating to Archaeology… and I opened my mouth and out poured the words, “Isn’t that the study of rocks?” to which he kindly corrected me, “No, that’s Geology.” I guess my brain didn’t function right back then either. We didn’t date until the spring/early summer of 2000. We never broke up. We were ready to get married probably 2 weeks into dating… but didn’t get engaged until fall {3 days post 9/11} 2001 and married 5 months later in spring of 2002. I really like his eyes.
Have you sold the wicker chairs yet? If not, how much are you willing to sell them for? All they “real” wicker or the durable outdoor kind?
No. I’m still contemplating what I want to do with them. Yes, real wicker.
Did you make or where did you get the tags for sizes you used in the skirts from the post rainy day?
I made them. I’ll show you how in a post soon.
What is the name of your china? The one with the hunter, guns and animals. Where is it sold, still sold, year made, anything to help me locate a set!
I absolutely love it. Justin picked it out. We first saw it at TJ Maxx before we were married and he said he liked it. {He’ll die that I told you he was in TJ Maxx… especially before we were married!} I bought the pieces I could find at TJs the rest we were able to register for. It’s by Villeroy & Boch and called Audun. You see all of it RIGHT HERE!
Do you have any idea what that Pottery Barn message board with the letter tiles is called? I’d like to search ebay for it, but I can’t even figure out what to call it. Do you remember if PB’s box had a name for it?
I can’t find it either, but I feel certain they called it a “menu board”.
What kind of embroidery machine do you have? Can you give me any advice on buying one?
I have a Viking. I have a lot info about it in this POST.
I am learning how to sew and thought an apron would be easy…did you make the aprons your girls are wearing? So cute! Did you add the “patches” on them? Just looking for an easy pattern!!
Their aprons are from Hobby Lobby. I embroidered the owl appliques on them. You could sew an applique on using a regular sewing machine and this tutorial. Or you could use fabric paint & freezer paper. Or you could take them to a local embroidery shop and have them do it for you.
I would like to know what color the walls in your kitchen are?
Misty Air by Benjamin Moore
What was your major in college? Your husband has his own business…what does he do? You mentioned an upholsterer for your bathroom…what is he doing?
Marketing. But my friend Abby and I have had a couple discussions about the modern “world’s” expectations of women and if I had it to do all over again I would not have studied Marketing. I probably would have made up my own curriculum that included courses that would have been more useful for me. My curriculum would have included several courses in each of these: child development, culinary basics, organic gardening {which every person at Auburn took as an “easy A”… except Justin and me and we really should have taken it}, elementary education, textile design and sewing, art, photography, graphic design, web development {w/HTML}, English {writing}, Spanish, and math {I’m not good at math but I loved my math classes at Auburn, something about checking your work backwards and it being correct was always so exciting!}. Does anyone want to sign up for my new major? Justin is an Archaeologist and owns his own consulting company. He also has a pine straw business and provides a lot of the local landscapers {& homeowners} with pine straw. The upholstery man is reupholstering a vanity seat for the girls bathroom and it should be done this week! I can’t wait to see it!
How do you get your pictures so big on your blog?
I upload them to Flickr and then post the html code for each picture under the Edit Html tab. You can use any picture hosting site to do this: Photobucket, Flickr, Picasa, etc. The key to having them the “right” size and not too large is to reduce the size of your picture before you upload it. That way the largest size available is NOT enormous but rather the size you reduced it to. Warning: If you do this… for some reason you can’t spell check…
Ok, that’s all for today…. oh, one more thing….
Miki McFatter, Mary Ball and I would like to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope it is absolutely splendid!
Sara Jane
April 16, 2009 at 6:02 amI would love to sign up for your new major!! I would love to be a pro at any of those things but unfortunately, the only things I really took away from college where how to use Quark and get printing quotes (neither of which I ever do.) Can I exempt the math classes? But seriously, I would love to sit all day and learn from you!
a day in the life of jewels
April 16, 2009 at 6:10 ami wish i had time in my schedule to take those classes! what fun!! i love “flying through your window”
paula
April 16, 2009 at 6:13 amyou are awesome!
The Harris Family
April 16, 2009 at 6:16 amI think…..we ARE signed up for your ‘University’ aren’t we? 😉
The Harris Family
April 16, 2009 at 6:17 amPS- I thought of another question….{you have time right} haha
How do you mark through words (strike through) like you do in your posts? I can’t make Blogger do it….
Julie
April 16, 2009 at 6:22 amDarby you are just great. Thanks for letting us have a peak into your life. 🙂
Melanie
April 16, 2009 at 6:33 amI definitely relate to your thoughts on college majors for women who wish to stay at home with their children. I majored in computer science…it was a new major back then…and pretty much everything I learned in completely out of date. The jobs are also mostly project/deadline oriented which would not work well for someone who gets stress migraines. With this in mind…I have spent much of my college conversation with my daughters discussing how different majors might be more beneficial as a stay at home mother, since that is what they would like. Darby, thanks for sharing your life and brightening my day.
tarheel
April 16, 2009 at 6:36 amDarby, you’re the best. I think your humility shines through.
Jessica Ranjbari
April 16, 2009 at 6:41 amI definitely want to take that major! I took some child development classes and loved them…organic gardening sounds great – I want to start growing a small garden, but have no idea where to start. I was going to college for nursing, but stopped right before I got into the nursing classes – I really just want to be a stay at home mom! Maybe when my kids are in school I can take some of the classes from your “major”. 🙂
megan
April 16, 2009 at 6:45 amLoved round 1! I have always wondered how you got your pictures so large; thanks! And I would have loved to have been in that major at Auburn!
Tutti
April 16, 2009 at 6:46 amI second the question on how do you do the “strike through”?
The Gunters
April 16, 2009 at 6:52 amThanks to you, we don’t eat the same thing for dinner every night! You are truly an inspiration in so many ways and I always enjoy reading your blog. It’s such a treat when I see your name pop up in Reader. I think I would go into mourning if you gave it up! So keep on keeping on!
Lane
Melanie
April 16, 2009 at 6:57 amI just recently began reading your blog. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your projects with readers. My husband and I have been renovating a 70’s ranch for several years now(one project at a time) and to be honest I had reached the “burnt out” point. Your blog is motivating me to get going again. Thanks!
Jessica
April 16, 2009 at 7:06 amI graduated from Auburn a couple of years ago and I like to think Organic Gardening was the most enlightening class by far. I most definitely made an A+! That comment made me laugh. Love the blog!
Jill Pope
April 16, 2009 at 7:06 ami wanted more…as always. You are so awesome and inspirational. I love getting ideas through you and hearing/seeing His words run through your daily activites and family. Thank you for letting us see a peek of your lives!
Jenny Lynn
April 16, 2009 at 7:10 amI would love to hear about your camera in a post. What camera did you end up getting? Have you taken a photography course? Is it pretty “user-friendly” for someone that has never had an SLR? Any good info about that would be fantastic!
The Carrolls
April 16, 2009 at 7:17 amI probably would have reacted the same way. I, too, am a marketing major and totally need the webdesign class. I am not the best cook, never had Home Ec. Your university sounds great!
Miki
April 16, 2009 at 7:23 amOh My gosh !!!! the best birthday wish ever…with a picture of my best friend and my best blogger friend..Darby I have shared your blog with everyone I know. You are amazing..don’t ever let anyone rain on your parade.
Thank you Mary and Darby..you have made being another year older the greatest !
Love you both..
Miki McFatter
Miki
April 16, 2009 at 7:24 amOh My gosh !!!! the best birthday wish ever…with a picture of my best friend and my best blogger friend..Darby I have shared your blog with everyone I know. You are amazing..don’t ever let anyone rain on your parade.
Thank you Mary and Darby..you have made being another year older the greatest !
Love you both..
Miki McFatter
Anonymous
April 16, 2009 at 7:25 amI love your blog and find it very inspiring! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. 🙂 Keep blogging.
Ashley
April 16, 2009 at 7:26 amDarby, I did not take OG either 🙁 So sad! It might have helped my fledgling engineering GPA. Also, Adam and I discussed your blog-sadness from yesterday. We felt similarly when he was attacked last year…it’s hard. You have a blog, and you open yourself up to criticism. Also, I agree that we all put “our best” out there. Who wants to share out dirty laundry?! You do a great job of finding that balance!
But, you were right on in the response (although, I would have felt guilty and taken it down too) and gave the appropriate praise the Lord for who you are and where credit is due. I liked that about the post!
P.S. I am glad to know how y’all met!
aedozier
April 16, 2009 at 8:10 amI can’t believe you and Justin made it out of AU without Organic Gardening and witnessing Dr. James Brown and Pop Quiz Man! I hate you didn’t have that experience. I didn’t learn a whole lot, except a lot of friend’s social security numbers (in case you skipped you would fill out their quizes and we were all identified by SS# back then).
I would’ve responded the same way you did. It’s what we all do when we are attacked; especially when it’s the ones we love so. As long as we learn from it, right?
I loved seeing Mary Ball! I think that is just precious!
Enjoy this fabulous day!
Amber
April 16, 2009 at 8:12 amI am enjoying your blog so much. I love to see and hear how other mamas, and their kiddos, are spending their days. I have a degree in education that helps me everyday with my children, but I wish gardening and sewing had been included in my curriculum!
rustic rooster interiors
April 16, 2009 at 8:43 amI've just started reading your BLOG this past month & I love it! It's so real & fun . . . You have a wonderful way with your words, your children, style & your creativity. Thanks for sharing!Keep the posts going, Thanks again!
Alexandra
Melody
April 16, 2009 at 8:43 amI don’t think you overreacted at all in your previous post. I think you spoke from your heart and I don’t think you were rude. I think technology is nice, but it takes away from personally knowing someone. It is hard for people sometimes to realize what you write on a blog is not your “everyday life”…only bits and pieces of it and if you are like me, you like to hide the not so great parts. It is wonderful that you speak out about your love for Jesus Christ and through your blog you could lead someone to him. I started one but then quit because I had a stalker in college and he found me on facebook so I was afraid he would find me in the blog world too so I closed it. I love reading your blog everyday!
The HoneaBees
April 16, 2009 at 8:45 amI was in Marketing at the same time at AU! And I feel the same way about it now! I did take flower arranging, social dance and taekwondo (which was the HARDEST class at Auburn!) and I did the easy A organic gardening. I would have taken more horticulture classes had I known we would have a landscaping business. All that money for what? I guess to pay for some football player’s momma’s Escalade.
Lynn
April 16, 2009 at 8:45 amI LOVE your major! That’s kind of what I am doing in school right now since I don’t know what I want to be other than a mom… but I also know I want some kind of degree. So I’m just taking classes that I like and that interest me and that I think will be useful later.. I’m taking infant development right now and I love it!! anyway… is it too late to ask a question? I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a good bible study/daily devotional? Was there anything you liked or really helped you while you were in college?
Meadows
April 16, 2009 at 8:49 amI was talking to a friend the other day about wishing there had been classes offered to me in H.S and/or college similar to those you described. Sometimes I think the feminist movement did has much to harm women as it did to help them…
Anonymous
April 16, 2009 at 8:56 amI just started reading your blog and I am soo inspired. You are so talented and thanks so much for sharing it. I am even more impressed when I see what can be done on a budget. Please don’t let one mean spirited comment stop you from sharing with the rest of us. You are so talented, creative, beautiful and blessed in so many ways. How generous of you to share so many great ideas with fellow mom’s! Thanks!
Erika Is A Panda
April 16, 2009 at 9:28 amI love reading your blog! You have such beautiful children and it’s great to see that you spend so much time for them. I hope to do the same when I have kids 🙂
brynalexandra
April 16, 2009 at 9:38 amI majored in Advertising and am now working in Marketing… After three years I’m sort of over it 😉
Your husband is dreamy 🙂 I’m a married woman but I just had to admit that!
TO THE PERSON LOOKING FOR THE FONT NAME: I can answer that question – it’s called “Susie’s Hand”.
Wes
April 16, 2009 at 9:50 amI was a Civil Engineering major and made a B in Organic Gardening. It lowered my GPA.
Jessica {lovely jubbly london}
April 16, 2009 at 10:24 amThanks for answering some of your questions! If nothing else it should provide blogging material for any writer’s block!
I think we all needed a major like that- something more real and geared towards life. I am dying to start an organic vegetable garden now the weather is improving.
katie t
April 16, 2009 at 10:25 ami just found your blog thru a friends and I LOVE IT!
i’m excited because it is always great to find new blogs since it is something that i LOVE to do…write on mine and read others!
have a great day and i’ll be sure to come back 🙂
Andrea
April 16, 2009 at 10:30 amI just wanted to let you know that there are far more readers out here that look up to you and want to be more like you than there are that doesn't!
I want to get a sewing machine now, b/c I want to be able to do what you're doing!! 😉 And, if you knew me, you'd laugh! haha!
Keep up this awesome blog! I love keeping up with your projects & your ADORABLE family!
Carly Winborne
April 16, 2009 at 11:07 amhow fun are you!? thanks for tackling some of these questions. i was wondering how you’d break it up.
i haven’t been able to stop thinking about that comment from yesterday and the way you addressed it. i’ve boiled it down to this: when you possess an element of style and class, you can take ANYTHING and turn it into something unbelievable. you could take a burlap sack and work magic with it. that anonymous person certainly lacks such characteristics.
no matter how the comment was written, i wonder what anonymous thinks now that he/she has been “discussed” by all these commenters? 🙂 i think it’s kinda funny now.
Amanda Thrasher
April 16, 2009 at 11:22 amI’ve said it many a time…you are wise wise wise beyond your years. Hope you get to meet my Aunt Miki one of these days. That was a sweet b-day note. She and Mary Ball are about two of my favorite people on the planet. Talk about funny…..
Heather H
April 16, 2009 at 11:23 ami love your blog. i hope that you won’t ever let any of those jealous people get you down. i didn’t read the post that you took down, but i am sure i would have reacted the same.
you inspire 100s of people daily. let that 1 person just live their life of misery …. i’m trying to not let miserable people make my life miserable anymore ….
i’m so looking forward to finding out about the deoderant.
Dianne
April 16, 2009 at 11:35 amDarby, you are so special. I really enjoyed getting to know you better through these questions. In my college days there were Home Ec. majors and the curriculum was much like the one you mentioned. It’s a shame that major was cancelled. Being a homemaker and mother and wife is the hardest job on the planet. Doing it well is so rewarding. You seem to do it with such grace and wisdom .
I cannot wait to see the bathrooms. I absolutely love the reno projects you’ve attempted so far.
xoxo
Ruth Amada
April 16, 2009 at 11:49 amDarby, your attitude inspires me to be more 'Godlike', your good heart & spirit always shine thru – I only have one child, a very well behaved child at that & there are still days…..(you know what I mean). So although I did not read the article that you took down,the important issue here is that you responded to the spirit of conviction…do not allow the spirit of condemnation ruin your day….God is using you thru your blogs to inspire many woman whom would never touch otherwise! You & your sister are precious jewels in your parent's heavenly crown. Keep up the good work, for you are a good & faithful servant of the Lord!
Ruth Amada
April 16, 2009 at 11:51 amOne more thing….I have found other great blogs by the people leaving comments in yours…..so yeahhhh, makes me happy 😉
Maegan
April 16, 2009 at 12:08 pmI have been wanting to comment on your blog on a while, but, of course the hubs thinks I’m absolutely crazy for reading a complete stranger’s blog, and enjoying her pictures and stories as much as I do. I don’t think he will ever understand that it is nice to have someone to relate to, someone who stays home with their children, and seems to enjoy it.. someone who tries to find fun things to do with their children that do not necessarily include Chuckie Cheese’s, fun parks, and putt putt. I love that you put so much thought into the things you do with your children, and that you are able to share that with us. Keep it up girl!
CC
April 16, 2009 at 12:10 pmDarby, may I just say….YOU ARE SUCH A PRECIOUS LADY!!!! I’m old enough to be your “aunt”{I won’t say, mother! Tee hee} but I think I could totally hang out with you….don’t know if you would want to be caught hanging with a 40 something but I think you would be so great to have as a friend, neighbor, etc.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with all of us that “visit” everyday!
Mrs. Davis
April 16, 2009 at 12:12 pmThank you for answering my question! I like this:
“Or you could take them to a local embroidery shop and have them do it for you.” HAA!! My kind of application!!!!!
Thanks again for your time, and by the way, if someone is “disgusted” by your post…they can always click “off”…not rocket science!!!
I love your posts and your humor!
Have a good day!
Debra
Anonymous
April 16, 2009 at 12:51 pmPlease always keep blogging – your life is truly inspiring!
Quick question: My husband and I just bought an older home and we will definitely be putting down hardwood floors in the near future – What is the brand/color/width of your hardwood floors?
Anonymous
April 16, 2009 at 12:54 pmI love to look at your blog and think you are so creative. You inspire this stay at home mom to be creative and try new things. You have a beautiful family and should be proud of your talents!! Thanks for sharing.
Michele
April 16, 2009 at 1:10 pmI think your blog is great. I look forward to all your ideas!!
Staley Mc
April 16, 2009 at 1:35 pmI’m in college and I definitely wish I could sign up for your new major! I love reading your blog even as a college student thanks for answering all these questions and opening your “window” for us!!
Gail
April 16, 2009 at 1:56 pmOHHHHHH..I love seeing Mary Ball! And, YES!!!!!! I remember going to that fun, fun, fun B’day Party in PC and they got a “PIG” in their name! It was sent to Landmark Park! LOL… Soooo Happy Belated B’day to Micky Mac and Mary…I LOVE you two,and miss you, too!
Kraesc
April 16, 2009 at 2:06 pmDarby,
Please never stop blogging. I have been so inspired by your walk with God, your home-reno projects, the activities you do with your children! I will soon be venturing into the role of a housewife & hopefully soon after, mother. You've been such a wonderful example of both! I often feel ashamed of the idea of not having an outside job, not bringing in an income, etc… but reading about your life, whether it be the good stuff or the regular LIFE stuff I feel encouraged to go ahead with my dream of being a wife & mother from home, not the office. I have only ever been inspired, not jealous of you. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
the sweet life with olives
April 16, 2009 at 2:27 pmthank you for sharing. taking the time and having the courage to be so open, warm and honest. i for one really appreciate having a peek into your life. it’s exchanges like these that make blogging worthwhile!
Freckles Chick
April 16, 2009 at 3:17 pmYou're absolutely right, the nature of blogs is just a small peek into your life. And we're thrilled that you share yours w/ us! I pity those who judge someone's character based on a blog.
I'm doing the math and I think we're the same age (I was a college sophomore in 1999)……but you have accomplished so much more than me! I better get crackin' =o)
P.S. I'm married to a geologist. Ask him & he'll tell you, "Rocks rock." Better yet, don't get him started =)
Dona
April 16, 2009 at 3:38 pmtOOK oRGANIC gARDENING- LOVED IT! dR. jAMES bROWN- HE WAS GREAT! Even took OG 2
Elizabeth
April 16, 2009 at 5:07 pmDarby, I took organic gardening AND vegetable production at AU. Let me make you feel better about missing either one of them…
Dr. James Brown was a hilarious older man who invited us to church every week, occasionally sang in class, answered his cell phone in the middle of lectures (“this might be important” he’d say “excuse me for a minute…hello?”), and had an invisible friend he called The Pop Quiz Man who would visit the class several times a semester. He had an “academic counselor” who would visit class each week with – I don’t know a nice way to put this – incredibly teased, frizzy hair who wore tight, revealing satin and lace tops with her leather pants, and who always wore a smile that might shatter at any moment and reveal her true feelings of incredible irritation at having to deal with students for any reason. She would warn us of missing class for ANYTHING AT ALL. I was taking the classes to reach 150 hrs to sit for my CPA exam and she wouldn’t even excuse me to take the exam that I went to Auburn to be able to take.
I learned very little if anything at all from either class – in fact, I’ve just put into these paragraphs everything that I did learn.
Your post answering questions is quite delightful!
Lindsey
April 16, 2009 at 5:28 pmPlease don’t ever take away your blog! It makes me smile. And even Jeremy will look sometimes; and doesn’t care a/b many people’s blogs! 🙂
I missed whatever transpired, but I’m sure whatever you said back is nothing worse than what the rest of us would have done. I tend to get myself in trouble too when I speak before I think!
erika
April 16, 2009 at 6:03 pmHi,
Hello. This is your sister. I’m really surprised you didn’t throw an Interior Design class or two into your major mix. I mean come on!? What’s wrong with you? I know you hate “home dec” sewing, but wouldn’t you love to be able to estimate yardage in your sleep?
I love you, your husband, your kids, your heart, your dog, your house, and your funny commenters who love you too. You make me proud!
Glad you didn’t drown at that Intramural Swim Meet in college. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Love you,
Mommasis
meredith
April 16, 2009 at 7:43 pmDarby! You are awesome and I am constantly in awe of all the creative things you come up with to entertain, dress and feed your family. I hope I can be as good a mom as you are!Don’t let anyone get you down especially negative commenters. They don’t know the real you like we do and we think you are doing a great job! Love you bunches and hopefully we can hang out soon!
~Meredith
P.S. As someone who has known Justin a long time, I am thrilled to know how y’all met! A match made in heaven if I do say so myself!
simply seleta
April 16, 2009 at 8:15 pmThis is so fun to read. I’ve told Erika she needs to write a book, and now I think you should too. You could share agents! And go on press tours together. The kids could accompany you both in a chic airstream and you could home school them all on the road in between cities.
Didn’t know there was a yucky commenter from your Q+A post. I’m so sorry. Who could possibly be unkind to you? You give so much to all of us every day; ideas, scripture, inspiration, beauty, laughter, even occasional tears. I guess whoever it was is a coward, because they remained anonymous. I otta’….oops, better stop while I’m ahead.
Love your blog. And the beauty that you express every day. You’re a gift to so many! Thank you for always sharing a piece of your heart. It’s so refreshing.
Ebertowski
April 16, 2009 at 11:14 pmI think that sometimes the blog world is hard. You want to share life with people but lets be honest to an extent there’s only so much that can be shared and communicated. Personally I have fallen in love with your blog! It makes me smile and inspires me every time I look at it. Thank you so much for sharing your joy!
pve design
April 17, 2009 at 3:47 amI can’t really decide, I love you and then there is that twin sister of you – both of you fine ladies inspire me.
Even though my kiddo’s are older and I love my husband dearly as well as “our father” – I still am in awe of the beauty you create, share and the ability to always make room in your heart, even when your “inner 4 year old” wants to come out and call names –
I love your human side and also your super human sewing, momma-ing, caring and baking side.
I am a fly, through your window, a nice one, never here to bite or hurt. just praise.
pve design
April 17, 2009 at 3:48 amOh, as far as doing it all over, my Mom taught each of us so much, far more than any degree will ever teach, so my words to you, the knowledge and love that you are imparting to your children is priceless. Universities cannot teach that.
pve
Country Acres Primitives
April 17, 2009 at 4:48 amThanks for sharing your life. I’m sorry that someone was harsh with you. I personally have read blogs that feel very “show-offy” (is that a word lol), but yours is NOT one of them! You always always always act very humble and are always saying that God gets the glory. Your family is great. I have 4 boys and love the “break” your little girls give me from all the manliness in my home! ha ha.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Love Being a Nonny
April 17, 2009 at 5:29 amSeems like all of my questions are getting answered. Oh, I called Pottery Barn, because I SO WANT the message board! NOPE! NO MORE!!
Love Being a Nonny
April 17, 2009 at 5:30 amOh, and, you are only human…so, your response to the writer who questioned you was how you felt. Love that we all fall short of the GLORY, but know that HIS grace is all we need.
Kristen
April 17, 2009 at 7:04 amSo funny that you mentioned Organic Gardening! I took it…James Brown, pop quizzes, and all!
Haydee
April 17, 2009 at 9:55 amThe fact that anyone would think your blog was anything but helpful, enlightening and charming is completely ridiculous.
I appreciate that with your busy life you take the time to share just a little slice of your life with us. I think we can all agree that we’re all just trying to live the best lives we can, trying to raise good people and hopefully trying to add a some creativity and fun into our daily routines. Perfection not necessary.
I’m SO glad you blog! please don’t stop and don’t go private. My friends used to ask me where I got all my great ideas, now they ask was it a blog? and usually it’s yours..
P.S. although I loved my major (English) in college, I totally agree with you on the other classes you mentioned.
The Di Vito's
April 17, 2009 at 12:29 pmI have been a reader of your blog & your sister's blog for over a year now, and I think you both are awesome! You actually inspired me to learn how to sew! My Nana has been giving me lessons! It isn't as easy as it looks!=) Keep on blogging, I love reading it!
erika
April 17, 2009 at 12:31 pmCan you hurry up I’m ready for Round 2! 🙂
XO
mommasis
michaela
April 17, 2009 at 1:51 pmI am not one to leave comments on blogs but I just HAVE to say this! The reason so many people like myself love your blog is because it is an escape from all the mundane rigmarole that we all call daily life. When anybody looks back on their own life they always look back on the good times and funny things our kids did. Focusing on those times is what gets us through the not so good times. So having your blog to read and being focused on the good times is a ray of sunshine to me during my not so good times.
My mother always told me when I was going to school that no matter what profession I went into that if I was not a “professional” mom, no amount of schooling would make a difference. You are that professional mom that my mother was always talking about, and that is something that can only be self taught.
So, keep the faith and continue to be a ray of sunshine to all of us that love your blog!
Cherish Stockdale
April 17, 2009 at 1:52 pmI love your blog! I have been “stalking” it for a while and just thought I would let you know… your blog is awesome. Makes me want to move to Alabama 🙂 Although the weather freaks me out. I am used to sunny California.
Ruth Williams
April 17, 2009 at 1:57 pmDarby your blog is such a nice treat for me. I did not read the other post but do know that you are always an encouragement to me 🙂
Amanda
April 17, 2009 at 2:15 pmLove all the answers! Your blog is wonderful!
karen
April 17, 2009 at 2:58 pmThank you, for letting us take a peak through your window & sharing so many wonderful ideas with your blogger friends! I always enjoy reading your blog & would be so sad not to have that to look forward anymore! Keep it up & if we all shared the bad parts of the day…the blogs would be so boring. That is why we go to uplifting ones like yours….to get away from the craziness of the life of a stay-at-home mommy! 🙂 I have four girls & look forward to all your wonderful ideas!! Thank YOu!!!!
Rachel
April 17, 2009 at 7:26 pmI’ve been without internet the last couple of days so I missed whatever the strange comment was. However, I have always thought that it was great all the things that you show on your blog. I don’t have any children yet, but I already know that life isn’t always that perfect. You show though that it doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy to live a very fulfilling life. Thanks again for letting us take a peek at your life. If you wouldn’t have asked for questions, I would have had dozens. Now I can’t think of anything!!!!!!
Anonymous
April 18, 2009 at 2:02 amI have a question that this post inspired… You are very into the arts and there is no doubt that you are creative. In fact, I would call you an artist who uses “avant-garde and unusual mediums”. You definitely have an artist eye for colors, shapes, and placement. This begs the question, “do you also do fine art?” “Do you paint or sculpt?” There are so many beautiful things in your home. It is obvious that you hand pick them very intentionally and carefully. So, “Do you have a favorite artist?” “What kind of art do you like?” “What was the last painting, sculpture, or drawing that touched you?” If you don’t do fine art, then you should! It seems that everything that comes from your skilled hands is artful. Are you holding out on a talent that you don’t share? 🙂
Hayley and Aaron
April 28, 2009 at 4:57 pmFlickr question:
You said you used the html code for each picture? Where do you find that? Did you just mean the link/image location?
Help!
Hayley and Aaron
April 28, 2009 at 7:19 pmDarby,
Thanks for the quick response! I think I’ve got it down now! Your blog brings me much joy and inspiration, so thank you for that as well.
Hayley
Curiosity Killed the Cat
April 30, 2009 at 11:29 amdarby, i came over here from your sister's blog to see your orange bathroom which is amazing!! but i have to say that i think your new major is the MOST INTELLIGENT thing i've heard all week. seriously, i think about all the stuff i learned in college and never use vs. all the things i should have been learning instead that i could use every day.
in addition to your list i think i'd add a class in finance, nursing & woodworking.