Anna’s Nest

In about 2 weeks, on Tuesday January 19, we will move from Philadelphia to Seattle. Philadelphia – we will miss you so much! Especially all the friends that made it so warm for our family! Thanks for welcoming us, and for the great memories you are sending us away with! …

Today is the fourth anniversary of the death of our first child, Sarah Grace Marie. (I talk about that a bit [here](http://annasnest.com/article/big-stuff-continued).) To commemorate it, I thought I'd post this song (so beautifully sung by the Innocence Mission on …

Two weeks ago yesterday we got a new addition to our family! [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenhoe/4694534175/ "James Baden by Garden Hoe, on Flickr") James Baden Warren was born May 28 at …

So, it's not even 10:30 yet, and the laundry is going, the dishwasher is emptied, our breakfast dishes are washed, and I even took some time to attach our new hose to the spigot and give the garden a little watering! Also, I'm dressed! As you might guess, we have quite …

Are you still there? I seem to be able to make out a thick layer of dust somewhere back in the dim recesses of my mind, but nothing more than a vague shape... Okay, so it's been a little while. Maybe a big while. Maybe I have a lot to catch up. Like, did you know that I …

I started making a skirt this past weekend, hoping it would be ready in time for me to wear it for July 4th festivities. I used a fabric that I've had in my stash for awhile, from one of my favorite fabric designers, the Alexander Henry [Pink …

Bridget turned eighteen months old yesterday. It's tradition that on half-birthdays (we call them "Appreciation Days") the celebrated person gets to choose the meal, so I picked some of Bridget's favorite foods. Thus, she feasted on steamed carrots, rice, a …

And other exciting things -- for instance, I've been working on some new items for the shop, and just last night finished the listing process for a new print/painting (praint?) Presenting...dum da da DUM...The Cat And The Fiddle!\ [![The Cat and the …

[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenhoe/3372828353/ "Feeding the Chickens by Garden Hoe, on Flickr")\ Bridget and I recently returned from a visit to my parent's house in …

Hi guys! So sorry for the neglect. I've been in a blogging funk. It seems like there's either nothing to say or, more often, there's too much to say and my brain "shorts out" from all the options. ANYway. Oh! I have an update on the CPSIA law. …

"Gesundheit!" Haha! No, I didn't sneeze. CPSIA stands for "Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act", a law passed by Congress that is intended to give the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) the authority it needs to prevent dangerous …

[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/vistamonster/3127668920/ "Team Warren Christmas Card by Brian Warren, on Flickr")\ A Happy New Year to you! I took a rather long Christmas break …

I'm going to take a leetle break this week to celebrate the holidays with the cutest almost-one-year-old ever...\ [](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenhoe/3117113008/ "A very …

Dum da da dum.... [Rachael](http://bryantfam.com/) ! Congratulations, Rachael! I'll be contacting you today :u) Actually, we're really all winners, every one of us! But only Rachael gets the trees. Sorry, that's just how it works. Well, this has been a ton of …

Bad group name: I.*I'm placing this note before the rants and gift tag linkies just in case you aren't interested in such things :u) Just wanted to remind you all that TOMORROW is the last day to enter in my [super-cool …

Ooooo! I'm such a loser! I totally stood you all up. I promised to have the giveaway ready today, and you can see how that went. On the other hand, it technically is still Thursday, but I doubt any of you are up obsessively checking my website every minute to see if …

Oops! Today was supposed to kick off the last giveaway here at Anna's Nest. I remembered this late last night (actually, early this morning) around the same time that I realized that I don't have anything to give away! Double oops! The plan was that I was going to get …

I found an awesome website today when I was calming down after my panic episode. [Paint In My Hair](http://lauragunn.typepad.com/paintinmyhair/) is just an awesome name for a crafty blog, don't you think? Check out the free tutorials on the far left -- no, I meant …

Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry I'm so late -- it's been a little crazy here at Casa Warren of late. I thought about skipping straight to Christmas, but that didn't seem quite right. Also, I have this awesome picture to share.\ [![First …

That's right! I had so much fun, and was so stinkin' overwhelmed by all the fabulous comments, I've decided to pick not one, not two, but THREE winners! Yay! I wish I could give you all a little gift! So, you ready? You sure? The magic numbers are 53, …

Bad group name: Wow.*Wow! Would you look at all those comments?! Thanks for all the giveaway love, everyone! Don't forget to check out my shop, [YourNest](http://yournest.etsy.com/), for more awesome handmade-by-me stuff! And check back next Wednesday for the last giveaway in my month of …

Congratulations, Rheagan! The [atmospheric noise](http://random.org/integers/) favors you! Thanks to everyone else for playing! There are still two weeks of giveaways to go, so don't give up now! I'll announce the next giveaway on Wednesday (Wednesday's …

First, let me say that this giveaway thing ROCKS! I love giving stuff away, and I love getting comments on my blog, so I'm pretty much loving this whole thing. To see who won, check out [the original giveaway post](http://annasnest.com/article/yournest-giveaway). …

So, like I said in my [last post](http://annasnest.com/article/salt-on-the-couch), I love giving stuff away. It's just the bestest ever! Now, thanks to [Sew,Mama,Sew!](http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/), we have our [own special …

Bad group name: Comments.My first ever giveaway! Hurrah!!! I really wanted to wait until I had 4 items in my shop -- for some reason it just didn't seem official until all of my little "featured" boxes were full. AND, what's even cooler (if such a thing is possible), I'm going …

We seem to have come down with a case of the runny noses around here. This has, for some reason, not been very good either for blogging or crafting. Quite the zapper of time, this nose-wiping business. So the giveaway is going to have to wait. Waugh, waugh waugh…I was so …

Bridget is such a social little gal! Whenever we go out and she sees another baby, she gets crazy excited, and I feel a little guilty pang that I don't let her out more often. Poor thing. Enter the [Children's Museum](http://www.cmdenver.org/). Last week I signed …

Check out the new [shop item](http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17190619)\ 

Bad group name: I.Welcome to the new website! Change your bookmarks and RSS feeds, everyone! We have a cool new site with a cool new name! *I decided it needed a proper introduction. The [post](http://annasnest.com/article/ta-da) I wrote late last night, although surprisingly …

Check out the new site re-design! My web development team has been working overtime on this one! (Thank you, Brian!) Check it out, and make sure to stop by my new etsy shop, [YourNest](http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6007155)!

[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenhoe/3009252670/ "Fall Festival at Anderson Farms by Garden Hoe, on Flickr")\ We didn't go trick-or-treating this year, but I did …

Bridget is now at the stage in her development where she “unpacks” everything. This is, I hear, a very important stage, but which one isn’t? Anyhow, she’s totally into un-ordering things. If something is on a shelf, off it comes. In a drawer? What good is …

Brian and I stayed up late last night filling out our mail-in ballots. We felt so responsible! I really felt like I was prepared, and knew for what I was voting (unlike other years where I got to the voting booth and tried my best to make sense of it all, but came away feeling …

First mistake: I bought a big bag of Halloween candy at Costco. “To be prepared,” I told myself. “Who knows if I’ll go to Costco again in between now and then,” I reasoned. Mmmhmm. You go ahead and tell yourself that, Anna. (That was my imaginary …

Happy Birthday to me! Yesterday I turned a year older! One more year of craftiness under my belt! Woo hoo! I had a great birthday, just in case you were wondering. AND I have a birthday surprise for you all! It’s actually not quite ready yet, but SOON! Soon, soon, soon. …

You poor things! I am such a neglectful blogger -- leaving you stranded for almost a whole month! Inexcusable, really. I do have one, though. An excuse, that is. I've been in another state doing an Extreme Home Makeover in preparation for my sister's wedding!\ [![We …

For my awesome SIL! She sells gorgeous jewelry on Etsy at knock-your-socks-off (in a good way) prices! Go forth and [check it out](http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6091984)!

I don't like teething. There. I've said it. I recognize that it's necessary for growth, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy it. Bridget seems to feel the same way, actually. Although she is handling sleepless nights better than I am. Might have something to …

Warning! Technology is discussed below! Most details are probably correct. But no guarantees. I keep up with a lot of websites. Probably more than your average person. I might be addicted. But I’m not ready to admit it. There are my faves, which I highlight in the sidebar …

Lookit the [sweet little outfit](http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2008/07/popcorn-bloomer-blouse-giveaway.html)! [Grosgrain](http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/) just amazes me with her fabulous creativity.

Brian is now in week 5 of the [Hundred Push-ups](http://hundredpushups.com/index.html) challenge. Tonight he did over 160 push-ups (with a few rests in-between). Amazing, huh?  Sadly, I had to withdraw myself from the challenge. Constantly lifting and holding my …

Welcome, visitors from [Tip Nut](http://tipnut.com/crafters-medley-july/)! What an honor to get to be included among so many other awesome crafty projects ([combine gardening with crafting, you …

[](http://www.drhorrible.com/)\ Let me just say Joss Whedon is a genius. A very funny genius. Did you wonder what the Hollywood writers did during the writer's strike? I mean, I know they picketed, but I presumed they …

Brian and I have taken the [One Hundred Push-ups](http://hundredpushups.com/index.html) challenge. This is a training program aimed at helping you achieve a goal of 100 consecutive push-ups in 6 weeks. I'm on day 2, and OUCH. You shouldn't mess with …

Bad group name: I.Bad group name: Sooo.Bad group name: You.Bad group name: Or.Bad group name: I.*I've been on an organizing kick tonight, at least when it comes to this website. Please don't look in my cupboards! And especially not on the bookshelf next to my desk that serves as an impromptu filing system. In it's dreams! And the pile of papers above the …

This morning has been very peaceful. Bridget has been taking a nice long nap, and I have been on my computer, enjoying the quiet, happily clicking my way through blogs that I normally have to skim or skip over entirely. A nice lazy morning. Then, about 5 minutes ago I realized …

[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardenhoe/2220289242/ "Daddy's Girl by Garden Hoe, on Flickr")\ [![Nap …

I've slowly been recuperating from the craziness that was the week leading up to the Big Party (a.k.a. Bridget's baptism and the reception that followed at our house). It was really cool, and a very meaningful time for us. I hope someday we can explain clearly to her …

Bridget's been grumpy all day. I don't think she's feeling that well -- it could be teething, or it could be germies. Whatever it is, it's not endearing itself to Momma Warren. Making my precious baby cry. In spite of that, and in spite of the fact that she …

How cool is this?! Now you can make a fort even if you don't need to buy a new fridge!\ [fridgeboxworld.com](http://www.fridgeboxworld.com/index.html)\ Found via [RookieMoms](http://www.rookiemoms.com/bring-back-the-cardboard-box/)

Yikes! I got into bed last night and realized that I hadn't done a single blog post! And I was doing so well... For Memorial Day, we took the babe and went to a cookout some friends of ours were doing (they actually used to be our neighbors -- hi, E & B!). It was kind …

Check out this nifty set of [interviews](http://www.sparkplugging.com/craft-boom/category/interviews-with-crafting-heroes/) with the "success stories" of the crafting world. A little dream of mine is to someday have some kind of crafty side-business -- all …

Today's been kind of a grey day. The sky has been mostly grey, and my activities this afternoon have had a kind of grey feeling to them. That's not necessarily bad, it just makes my day boring to talk about. It's a nice velvety color of grey, but it's still …

Since finishing Brian's bag, I've been working on sewing a [top](http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=36) for myself. The idea is I'll wear this to Bridget's baptism (coming right up in a few weeks!) I had to make a muslin …

Do you like [Etsy](http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7670267)? I really like it. I could spend all afternoon browsing though all …

So here are some more blogs. Specifically ones that make me laugh (not that other blogs never do, but these more often than others). ### [Cute Overload](https://cuteoverload.com/) A great fix if you’re having a rough day. Loads of cuteness (i.e., adorable animals in …

Okay, I guess I missed my window for posting on the 14th. Oops! I haven’t gone to bed yet though, so for me this still feels like Thursday hasn’t started yet. So far this has been a really challenging week for me. Bridget is teething (poor little punkin), and wants …

Visiting other websites is a source of inspiration and often amusement to me. Some of my favorite ones are written by other moms, many of whom actually make a living (or at least part of a living) through their websites *[insert applause here]*. I think that’s just the …

I am now convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that Bridget is cutting teeth. It’s either that or an amazing coincidence of a bad mood, gnawing on EVERYTHING, and and incredible amounts of saliva. Poor little punkin. In spite of that, she did take a pretty good nap this …

Jenny over at [All Sorts](http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/) (such a fun blog – I highly recommend a visit or two..or more!) is doing a “Post a Day in May” theme. This sounds so fun, and very inspiring, so I’m going to try to do it…however I …

Don’t you love the name of [this blog](http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/)? I do. And that’s just what I’ll be doing, because the lovely people over at SewMamaSew! drew my name as one of the 10 lucky winners of a “Charm Pack” of simply gorgeous …

Maggie over at [Mighty Girl](http://mightygirl.com/) made a list of 100 things she would like to do before she dies (if you want to see the list, go to the web page and scroll down – it’s in the sidebar to the left). It got me thinking (as things like that do) what I …

I don’t write about spiritual things very often here, but I think this is a good time. Frankly, life has been a little overwhelming lately. We have our hands full with a new baby and a new puppy (not a recommended combo, but they’re both great), and keeping up with …

Bridget was born at 11:55 am on Saturday, December 29th. She weighed 7 lbs, 8 ozs, and was 19.5 inches long – a perfect size, if you ask me. Actually, she’s perfect in every other way too. You might think I’m biased, but I’m sure I’m not – …

With the arrival of our baby on my mind more and more these days, I have been thinking (among other things) about the health and safety of our home, specifically as it relates to cleaning (you know that fizzing scrubby cleaner you use on the tub? Ever wonder why it hurts your …

Yup. That’s how they say it here. (Brian spells it “Lawn Guy Land”) We’re at Brian’s dad’s house in New York. We got here Christmas eve, our flight only slightly delayed as the airlines recovered from the blizzard conditions of only a few days …

We’re trying to pull everything together to drive out tonight for Arkansas to spend Thanksgiving with family there. Woo hoo! This should be quite the experience, and assuming we live through it, I should have lots to tell. For one thing, this is the first long trip …

We’ve had a lot going on. Some Big Stuff that I’m not ready to blog about yet. But I thought I owed it to you, my faithful readers, to at least acknowledge that to you. Hopefully, within a week or two, I’ll be ready to say more than “I’m not ready …

We’re back! Yesterday we flew back in to DIA, picked up the Rust-dog from the friend who has been watching him, and got back home to an eager cat, unpacking and laundry. We’re gradually getting back to normal here and, although I wanted to sleep in this morning (as …

I am currently working on a series of pictures depicting different places. When they’re all done, I should have six pictures total. I thought it would be fun if, on a couple of them, I did a little progress picture journal – you know, “this is the …

I have been reading my brother’s thesis. It’s quite good. He’s graduating from seminary soon, and reportedly has a bad case of senioritis. I volunteered to help him proof-read the thesis and, although it took a long time (and I’m not even sure if my …

While my DH was gone at SXSW, I had all sorts of plans to get stuff done. I was gonna’ dig some in the garden, put up some drapes, you know…but all these plans came to naught, because he unfortunately passed on some germs before he left. Needless to say they kept me …

My computer, dubbed Lampy, got sick last night. Strangly and suddenly, the screen froze. I restarted, and Brian tinkered around with it a little bit and decided yes, there is definitely something wrong. So he took it to the Apple store (one of the times we are very thankful to …

I just can’t decide whether I’m artsy or craftsy. Actually, I think I’m both, but I don’t really know where to focus my energies. I love making pretty things. That’s the main focus right now. But it’s not very specific, if you know what I …

So, I got a new job. Brian’s office needed a new secretary/receptionist, and I applied and…tum ta da tum! They offered me the job. I’m hoping to keep my coffee shop job, just for Saturdays, because I think I’d just miss it too much otherwise. I started …

Some of you may have noticed my DH has been hard at work. He did some great redesign on my blog last night. The Portfolio section looks completely different, and even has a new name! The Sketchbook section also has a new name, and received some tweaks. Today I was also very …

My DH has been hard at work lately. One of his many projects as been redesigning/reorganizing my blog, so now…dumdadadum!...we have a section devoted entirely to the sketches/small paintings that I’ve been doing lately! Huzzah! The idea is that this new format will …

This was probably the most special, most satisfying New Year’s celebration I’ve ever had. I didn’t really do anything terribly exciting, and we didn’t go out to any parties, but nevertheless… I think a lot of the reason it was so wonderful is Brian …

With the holidays more or less behind us my posts here will be more regular. Sorry for the slacking in that department!

Yup, guys. That’s Prefessional with a capital “P” for ya’! Yesterday I had the conflicting experience of selling one of my paintings. I say conflicting because, as an artist, it was quite exhilarating to witness someone liking my art enough to pay money …

Hi there. I’d like to issue a belated warning: Posting may be intermittent during the holiday season. Possibly you figured that out for yourselves. Most of you are pretty smart cookies. We got back from our Thanksgiving adventures about 5 days ago (Wednesday). What an …

Okay, so I’m not as big of a slacker as it appears. Right now I happen to be on vacation with my hubby. Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, but ah, yeah. I guess I’m just sorry. A heads up would probably have been nice, although I strongly suspect that most people …

So, I guess we still have plenty of stuff going on. It’s mostly really good stuff, though. Last night we went to our regular Wednesday night Iconography class at church, and found out that our teacher, Fr. Christodoulos – a monk from Saint George’s monastery …

This has been one crazy week. Brian has been working on freelance projects like a madman all week long, and I have been quite the busy bee myself, with a couple of babysitting jobs on top of my regular work. There were several extra things on top of those that were tons of fun, …

So, we’ll see how this goes – I’ve been feeling a desire lately to be more disciplined in my artwork. I’ve done a few small pictures, but nothing really big (that I liked) since I graduated from college. With that in mind, I have resolved to post at least …

Today Brian and I headed up to the Boulder Reservoir to see the mother of our godchildren, Amy, finish a half-marathon. It was so much fun! We waited with John and the kids, Carolyn and William, and we all cheered her on as she came down to the finish. Then we sat around and had …

I have felt for the past few days that I should write something about the devastation in New Orleans caused by hurricane Katrina. Except I didn’t (and still don’t, really) know what to say. What has happened there is so saddening to me, and nothing that I write seems …