summer 2013 recap...in photos

summertime crafts

There's a saying that summertime is when teachers become normal people again. I believe this to be true. During the school year, being an effective demands an incredible amount of energy from a person and requires even more time. The summertime break is essential- for rest, relaxation, chance to make a little extra moolah, and time to pursue the things that bring you happiness that you don't normally have time to accomplish.

For me, this means crafting. I feel most like myself when I'm creating something, and I so enjoy DIY projects- for my home, classroom, presents, friends, you name it. During the school year, I just can't seem to rationalize craft time when there's a pile of essays to be graded and a week's worth of lesson plans to be written.

The photos in this post are of little DIY projects I made for our home over summer break. Many of my crafts are spin-offs of posts I found online and pinned on Pinterest. My goal is always to either use materials found around the house or to only buy materials only when they're on sale, create something with a purpose in mind, and always add a little "Mallory flair". Enjoy the photos!

Dinner Meal Board with weekly interchangeable cards

 Wedding polaroid photo display

Incorporating shells my parents and I collected in our Floridian hometown, I present The Darcy summer mantle.

Also, a "JOY" burlap banner that I have since removed after my husband and brothers told me it looked too "Christmassy". It will make a reappearance later. 

 Lots of scrapbook paper and modpodge...DIY projects are best when watching Classic Hollywood movies starring gorgeous actresses...

 ...or listening to "Greatest Hits" by Whitney Houston, of course!

(P.S. How much do I love when I visit JoAnn Fabrics on fabric clearance day?!)

 Classroom curtains...more classroom pics to come, don't you worry!

 We made these canvas bags at a BCN Women's Ministry Pinterest Party at my church. Cute, huh?

 Finally found a use for those mini chalkboards from our wedding reception photobooth.

 Hanging above our bed...still thinking of painting the "D" orange?

 Mal & Jon photo collage in our bedroom.

 Free scripture printables framed in Dollar Store frames. As we walk down the stairs to leave for the day, what a great reminder of God' presence in our lives!

Our entry table, given to us by my Granny and Paw Paw. It was already decorated with teal and orange accents, so I decided to paint it orange. I love.

Free printables from a blog that I stalk. Fell in love with the prints, and put them in white IKEA frames I already had and needed a special use. These are in our downstairs half bath.

School officially starts this week, and although my realistic side knows that "busy" is about to be an understatement, I am determined to balance my time better this year. I believe it's important to facilitate our creative sides- putting our artsy ideas into action.

The only thing is, our townhouse is now full; the walls are covered as much as they can be without being considered "tacky". So now the question is... who wants Mal to create for them some crafty crafts???

Happy Sunday!

aaahhhhh.

It's Summer break! Those three words make me just breathe in and exhale slowly... "Aaaahhhhh..."

It feels great!

Last summer, I nannied the most AMAZING children- Abby (7), Macy (4), Judah (2 1/2), and Levi (1 1/2). Judah and Levi had just come home to America from Ethiopia, and it was an honor to spend their first couple months with them and their ecstatic sisters. 

Aren't they just the most adorable children EVER???

This year I am not nannying every day, although I hope to spend some time with these babies! Their family is vacationing on Anna Maria Island, my home beach!! I am sooo excited to spend a week on the beach with these kiddos, and then extend my trip a little longer to spend much-needed time with my rents.

Other plans for this super short, but nonetheless, much needed summer break???

Spending time with my Love, Jon...doing whatever it is we want to do. (It was a crazy spring semester of school...read previous post.) We have fun no matter what we're doing. We just need some time to be love birds.

Earn additional income and be an effective Stella & Dot stylist! (More details to come in following posts.) Let's go, debt snowball!!

Read. And read lots of books. I am starting with "Empty Promises" by Pete Wilson. Right now it is rockin' my socks off and I can't put it down. I have a stack of books I've previously selected for my personal summer reading list, and I can't wait to trudge on through.

Goodness knows in the three days of summer we've already had I've done my share of pinning on Pinterest. Now I'll finally have the time to create/bake/cook/make some of the things I've had my eye on!

Host some house guests... my mama is coming in town in just a couple hours, and then our dear friend Matt is visiting us from Fort Myers! We can't wait to host these guys...and anyone else that wants to visit the Darcy household!

Attend the beautiful wedding of Danielle and Jonathan! Soooo excited for these two frands to tie the knot!

Volunteer at VBS. Our theme this year is "Sky", and I am the preschool leader. Excited? Duh!

Potentially go to teen camp? I know, I know. You need an answer, Jason!

Attend sure-to-be boring, but required by the state, workshops on Common Core Standards. Here. We. Go. (Can you feel my excitement?)

Get my wisdom teeth pulled. (A newfound must-do. Excitement is just as much as read above.)

Pray. A lot. Last semester was a particularly difficult one, career wise. I was successful at teaching and received rave reviews on my evaluations, but I am struggling a bit with direction. Prayer is much needed.

Finally breaking out my workout DVDs. I just gotta do it!

Work out so I can eat this:

Plan a little for next school year. Yes, I said it. I am moving to 6th grade next year, and I really need to get acquainted with the 6th grade standards. Also, I need to check out their essential literature lists and fall in love with these books!

See my frands!!! Girls' nights are much needed!

Clean the house, top to bottom. (Oh, wait...my mom will be here in a couple hours, so I already did that. Check!)

Return our Altima (good riddance, car payments!), and purchase a car with cash to help with our Debt Free Plan!

Blog.

Stay up too late.

Sleep a little later.

Sip my coffee a while longer.

Breathe.

Enjoy.

I truly am thankful for this time "off" of work.

In my spirit I feel like this summer is a time of preparation for us, Jon and me alike.

He's calling us to "Get Ready." 

For what? I'm not sure. 

But I'm falling in love with Him more and more everyday this summer. 

And choosing to just breathe and find His joy in everything that happens.