When I was younger I always made New Year's Resolutions and pretty much never kept them past the first week in January. So, I gave up making New Year's Resolutions a few years ago.
One of my best friends sent me an email about a week ago with a list of her goals for the new year. I thought that was a good idea. A goal seems more achievable than a New Year's Resolution which we all know don't usually make it very long anyways.
Here are my goals for 2012:
1. Be consistent about doing my devotions and spending time with God everyday.
2. Exercise at least a few days a week.
3. Add new products to my boutique using the new patterns I purchased. I
will also continue to grow my boutique and hopefully will show a profit
by the end of this year.
4. Blog at least once a week and continue to do reviews and giveaways to attract new followers.
5. Organize my craft supplies and inventory so it's not such a crazy
mess. This means clearancing certain products that haven't sold very
well.
6. Save up for a new camera to replace mine since it's slowly dying.
7. Spend time at least 4 mornings a week doing Montessori-style preschool with Princess.
8. Potty train Little Man. *Gulp*
9. Do something special with the kids this summer (The zoo, maybe?)
10. Stay on top of bills and paperwork...for once.
Are you making any resolutions or goals this year?
WE'VE MOVED!! You can now find us at Sunshine and Spoons!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
How I Messed Up Christmas & Why I'm Glad I Did
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| Typical girl, Princess was excited to receive clothes as gifts. |
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| More clothes! |
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| Little Man really got into it, as you can see by his excited expression. |
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| Finally got a smile! |
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| We gave Little Man this toy cell phone. Less than $10 at Target since it was on sale. |
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| Princess received this toy microphone. Also on sale at Target and I think I paid under $10 for it. |
At first, I felt bad. Weren't we supposed to give our kids a ton of new toys to unwrap at Christmas? Clothes and books were just supposed to be "extra" gifts, right?
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A realization struck me. I don't have to give my kids so many toys that they don't know what to play with just because so many other parents do. And besides, we have a lot of relatives which means a lot of other gifts for the kidlets.
So yes, I messed up Christmas because I didn't buy my kids as many gifts as I had planned. And it was the best mistake ever.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Little Man
When Princess was a baby, I thought she was difficult. Several things contributed to this belief. One being that it was such a huge "culture shock" if you will, to go from life being all about me and Hubby to being all about this tiny screaming baby. Another was because Princess had problems breastfeeding. Another was the traumatic labor and delivery that took almost two months and a lot of pain pills to fully recover from. The biggest was the post partum depression that I didn't even recognize as such until someone pointed it out to me later.
I survived and when Princess was two years old, she was blessed with a baby brother.
And he made her look like a perfectly angelic baby.
He was born screaming, which most babies are, but his was a different scream. It was an angry scream that even took the doctor by surprise. Especially when he didn't stop. When I tried breastfeeding him, he almost turned blue from screaming so hard. The experienced lactation consultant who came to help me figure out how to feed this baby boy was amazed at how violently opposed to nursing he was. Extremely frustrated, she finally left my hospital room with a parting, "I don't know what to tell you, but good luck."
The first night in the hospital after Little Man was born, Hubby and I sent him to the nursery so we could get some much needed sleep. The next morning, I awoke to the sound of a baby screaming so hard that I'm surprised the poor thing was still conscious. As I came out of my groggy state, I recognized the scream (not cry) and nudged Hubby. "That's our baby. You better go get him."
Hubby looked at me in disbelief. "That has to be another baby in a room close to ours. We wouldn't be able to hear ours so well since he's in the nursery."
Nonetheless, I sent Hubby down to the nursery to bring back Little Man and sure enough, I was right.
At this point, I thought about asking the hospital what their return policy was for babies. I refrained.
When we brought Little Man home, things didn't exactly improve. It took almost a month to figure out that the only way to get him to sleep was to swaddle him so tightly that he couldn't move a muscle, throw a light blanket over his eyes, give him a pacifier, and bounce on an exercise ball until he finally stopped fighting and screaming and fell asleep an hour and a half later. Due to the amount of sleep new babies need, I spent most of my day bouncing relentlessly. His only redemption was that starting at 5 weeks old, after I'd gotten him to fall asleep at night, he would then stay asleep in his crib all night. I really looked forward to bedtime.
The breastfeeding situation didn't improve either. Because he refused to nurse (still screaming the whole time) my milk supply decreased. When he was 3 1/2 months old, a nasty bout of mastitis put an end to breastfeeding and I reluctantly decided to bottlefeed. I was pretty bummed about it at first, but as you can see by the pictures, it was obvious that Little Man wasn't getting enough to eat from nursing and, once that stressful issue was over, things got a little bit better.
Around 4 months old, Little Man finally fell asleep in the infant swing. I had swaddled him, given him his pacifier, covered his face with a blanket and bounced him for almost three hours and he was still screaming. Finally, I put him in the swing (still swaddled), turned it on, and went outside to get some air before I lost it. When I came back inside 10 minutes later, he was sleeping. I was so happy, I cried and I might have also kissed the swing. Maybe. After that, I was able to swaddle Little Man, give him a pacifier, and put him in the swing to fall asleep. I got several lectures from well-meaning friends about how I was teaching him to be dependent on the swing for sleep. I didn't care. If I had to special order a swing that would still fit him in kindergarten, I didn't care. He was sleeping.
Between 4 and 5 months old, Little Man slowly started to improve. By 6 months old, he was the easiest baby ever and a joy to have around. It was like he'd had a complete personality change and I was finally able to enjoy being his mommy.
If you are struggling with a colicky baby, have hope. It will end eventually.
I survived and when Princess was two years old, she was blessed with a baby brother.
And he made her look like a perfectly angelic baby.
He was born screaming, which most babies are, but his was a different scream. It was an angry scream that even took the doctor by surprise. Especially when he didn't stop. When I tried breastfeeding him, he almost turned blue from screaming so hard. The experienced lactation consultant who came to help me figure out how to feed this baby boy was amazed at how violently opposed to nursing he was. Extremely frustrated, she finally left my hospital room with a parting, "I don't know what to tell you, but good luck."
The first night in the hospital after Little Man was born, Hubby and I sent him to the nursery so we could get some much needed sleep. The next morning, I awoke to the sound of a baby screaming so hard that I'm surprised the poor thing was still conscious. As I came out of my groggy state, I recognized the scream (not cry) and nudged Hubby. "That's our baby. You better go get him."
Hubby looked at me in disbelief. "That has to be another baby in a room close to ours. We wouldn't be able to hear ours so well since he's in the nursery."
Nonetheless, I sent Hubby down to the nursery to bring back Little Man and sure enough, I was right.
At this point, I thought about asking the hospital what their return policy was for babies. I refrained.
When we brought Little Man home, things didn't exactly improve. It took almost a month to figure out that the only way to get him to sleep was to swaddle him so tightly that he couldn't move a muscle, throw a light blanket over his eyes, give him a pacifier, and bounce on an exercise ball until he finally stopped fighting and screaming and fell asleep an hour and a half later. Due to the amount of sleep new babies need, I spent most of my day bouncing relentlessly. His only redemption was that starting at 5 weeks old, after I'd gotten him to fall asleep at night, he would then stay asleep in his crib all night. I really looked forward to bedtime.
The breastfeeding situation didn't improve either. Because he refused to nurse (still screaming the whole time) my milk supply decreased. When he was 3 1/2 months old, a nasty bout of mastitis put an end to breastfeeding and I reluctantly decided to bottlefeed. I was pretty bummed about it at first, but as you can see by the pictures, it was obvious that Little Man wasn't getting enough to eat from nursing and, once that stressful issue was over, things got a little bit better.
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| Little Man at 3 months old when he was still breastfeeding. Scrawny little thing, but he still had those kissable, squishable cheeks! |
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| Little Man at 4 months old a few weeks after we switched to bottles. |
Around 4 months old, Little Man finally fell asleep in the infant swing. I had swaddled him, given him his pacifier, covered his face with a blanket and bounced him for almost three hours and he was still screaming. Finally, I put him in the swing (still swaddled), turned it on, and went outside to get some air before I lost it. When I came back inside 10 minutes later, he was sleeping. I was so happy, I cried and I might have also kissed the swing. Maybe. After that, I was able to swaddle Little Man, give him a pacifier, and put him in the swing to fall asleep. I got several lectures from well-meaning friends about how I was teaching him to be dependent on the swing for sleep. I didn't care. If I had to special order a swing that would still fit him in kindergarten, I didn't care. He was sleeping.
Between 4 and 5 months old, Little Man slowly started to improve. By 6 months old, he was the easiest baby ever and a joy to have around. It was like he'd had a complete personality change and I was finally able to enjoy being his mommy.
If you are struggling with a colicky baby, have hope. It will end eventually.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
One of Those Days
You know it's going to be a bad day when you go to the silverware drawer to get a spoon to stir your hot chai latte with and the drawer is empty. So you go to the dishwasher and dig through the (thankfully) clean silverware caddy and still no spoon. When you give up on real silverware and open the closet to find a plastic spoon, the whole shelf full of paper plates, styrofoam cups, plastic silverware, and assorted loose napkins falls on your head.
Yup. It's one of those days.
Yup. It's one of those days.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Traditions
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| We mistook Princess for the Christmas tree and started decorating her instead. |
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| I told Princess to put her arm around her brother. Notice how she isn't quite touching Little Man. |
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| The kiddos' Christmas outfits made by Moi. They can be purchased here. Photography by DianeH Photography |
I've always been a big one for tradition. One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was our family Christmas reading party. Yup. We had reading parties year round and loved it. Everyone would pick out a book (at Christmas time, we picked a Christmas book), grab some snacks and find a cozy spot in the living room to read. My kids are a little young for that yet, but I give each of them a Christmas book as a gift each Christmas just as my mom did.
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| Here are a few of my favorite Christmas books from when I was a child. When I moved out, my mom gave me the books I'd received over the years at Christmas to start a collection for my own children. |
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| Here's another very special book. I received this when I was 6 years old from the ambulance crew in our town after they saved my life when I stopped breathing due to a severe asthma attack. |
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| The captain of the ambulance crew wrote a special note in the front of the book. |
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| My mom liked us to learn about other cultures as well so one year, this is the book I received for Christmas. It's another of my favorites. |
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| These are some of my favorite Christmas books to read now that I'm an adult. If you haven't read anything by Karen Kingsbury, RUN to the nearest library or Christian bookstore and get one of her books NOW. You won't regret it. |
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| Our landlady/friend gave Princess this book for Christmas a few years ago. Lisa Tawn Bergren is such a wonderful author and has a whole series like this for kids. |
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| I keep all the Christmas books in a box under the Christmas tree along with several Nativities for the kids to play with during the Christmas season. |
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| I found this plush finger puppet Nativity set at the Christian Book Store for half price after Christmas a few years ago. The figures fold up inside the barn and the barn itself plays Silent Night. Very cute and the kids LOVE playing with it. |
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| I keep the other Nativity set (a miniature one like what I played with as a child) in a music box tin. |
What are some Christmas traditions you have with your family?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Stranger Danger?
About six months ago, my previously outgoing daughter hit a new phase called "shyness". I soon perceived that it was something she was doing for attention and it was working. Then I realized how rude her behavior really was. I expect my children to respect others and use good manners. That means acknowledging when someone is speaking to you, looking them in the eye, and replying. Not fake-screaming and running behind Mommy to hide. And of course, every time she did this, the person trying to speak to her (often someone we know well) would laugh and ask her if she was shy. Yup. Thanks for giving my impressionable child a label to live up to. So, using the same tactic my mom had used on my little sister when she was young, I used every opportunity to assure Princess that she wasn't really shy and that she was just pretending. Pretending is okay sometimes, but you still need to be polite and use good manners when someone is talking to you. When someone would label her as shy in front of her, I'd pull (wrestle!) her out in front of me and tell them that she most definitely was not shy. After about a month, she was "cured" of her affliction.
Warning: I'm about to go off on a small tangent that really has nothing to do with this story, but is oh-so-helpful to know.
Kids will become whatever you tell them they are. People told Princess that she was shy so she became shy until I told her that she was not shy at which point she turned into an outgoing child. I've also noticed that when I tell Princess that she's such a good big sister and great helper, she tries even harder to be so. So, if you want your child to be obedient, tell them how good they are. If you want your child to be disobedient and disrepectful, tell him or her how naughty they are.
Okay....back to the issue at hand.
I was so proud of Princess's progress until I realized that I've created a new problem. She will now go up to a complete stranger and start telling them all about her life, our family life, where we live, what we drive, etc. Thankfully, she doesn't have our social security numbers memorized yet.
I told her that it wasn't safe to talk to strangers. Her response?
"That's okay, Mommy. First I'll tell them my name and then I'll ask them their name. Than they won't be a stranger and I can talk to them!"
I don't want her to be afraid to talk to people, including people she doesn't know very well, but she obviously needs to learn the line between too much and not enough. How do I teach her that without turning her back into a shy child who won't even look at a close friend, let alone talk to them? How do I teach her to look for me for guidance on who she can open up to and who just needs a simple hello or thank you?
Advice please!!!
Warning: I'm about to go off on a small tangent that really has nothing to do with this story, but is oh-so-helpful to know.
Kids will become whatever you tell them they are. People told Princess that she was shy so she became shy until I told her that she was not shy at which point she turned into an outgoing child. I've also noticed that when I tell Princess that she's such a good big sister and great helper, she tries even harder to be so. So, if you want your child to be obedient, tell them how good they are. If you want your child to be disobedient and disrepectful, tell him or her how naughty they are.
Okay....back to the issue at hand.
I was so proud of Princess's progress until I realized that I've created a new problem. She will now go up to a complete stranger and start telling them all about her life, our family life, where we live, what we drive, etc. Thankfully, she doesn't have our social security numbers memorized yet.
I told her that it wasn't safe to talk to strangers. Her response?
"That's okay, Mommy. First I'll tell them my name and then I'll ask them their name. Than they won't be a stranger and I can talk to them!"
I don't want her to be afraid to talk to people, including people she doesn't know very well, but she obviously needs to learn the line between too much and not enough. How do I teach her that without turning her back into a shy child who won't even look at a close friend, let alone talk to them? How do I teach her to look for me for guidance on who she can open up to and who just needs a simple hello or thank you?
Advice please!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Jewel of the Lion Fudge Review & Discount
Back in July, I was browsing Etsy for chai flavored products. I'm kind of addicted to chai. Ok, really addicted. Anyways, I stumbled on this shop that sells chai fudge. Chai and fudge. Wow. Now that's a genius combination. I started browsing the shop and almost died when I saw the selection of fudge that Julie, the shop owner, had available. I agonized over the selection for quite a while before choosing these six flavors for a sampler pack of fudge: Bacon Maple, Banana Cream, Chai Tea, Root Beer Float, Caramel Popcorn, and Cotton Candy.
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| Cotton Candy Fudge |
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| Caramel popcorn fudge |
The customer service at Jewel of the Lion is superb as well. The fudge arrived in the mail very quickly and the vacuum sealed pieces were generous. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have ordered fudge in July as I had to refrigerate it and wait for it to harden back up before I could open the packages.
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| Red Velvet Cheesecake Fudge |
Julie doesn't limit her shop to just fudge (just fudge, ha!) She also makes cookies, breads, scones, muffins, and chocolate dipped items including bacon. (Do you think I could get away with having that for breakfast?)
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| Rootbeer Float Fudge |
Here are the flavors currently for sale at Jewel of the Lion. Add this shop to your favorites on Etsy and keep on eye on it as new flavors are always popping up!
BANANA CREAM PIE
BANANA SPLIT
BOMB POP Ice Cream - Blue Raspberry & Cherry Goodness
BUBBLEGUM
BUTTERED POPCORN
CARAMEL
CHAI TEA
CANDY CORN
CARAMEL POPCORN
CARROT CAKE
CHEESECAKE With Graham Cracker Crust
Cherry CHEESECAKE With Graham Cracker Crust
Cherry Cordial with Belgian MILK or DARK Chocolate
Chocolate Covered Cherry CHEESECAKE With Oreo Cookie Crust
COKE FLOAT
COTTON CANDY
CREME BRULEE
CREME DE MENTHE
CREME SODA
DARK Chocolate CHIPOTLE
DR. PEPPER
DRUMSTICK with Sugar Cone Crust, Chocolate Lining, & Peanut Topping
FRUIT PUNCH
GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
GOOD 'N PLENTY - Black Liquorice & Vanilla Goodness
GRASSHOPPER PIE w/Oreo Crust
GREEN TEA
Holiday EGGNOG
Jamocha Almond FUDGE with Waffle Cone Crust
JUST Chocolate
KEY LIME PIE w/Graham Cracker Crust
LEMON DROP MARTINI
LEMON MERINGUE PIE with Nilla Wafer Crust & Handmade Meringue Cookie
MAI TAI
Milk Chocolate Maple BACON
MILK CHOCOLATE ORANGE
MUDSLIDE PIE w/Oreo Crumbles, Caramel Drizzles & Belgian Milk Chocolate
NEOPOLITAN
NUTTER BUTTER PIE w/Nutter Butter Cookie Crust & Peanut Butter Fudge
ORANGE CREAMSICLE
PEACHES & CREAM
PEANUT BUTTER
PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY
PEANUT BUTTER CUP
PEANUT Butter Swirl
PECAN Pie with Graham Cracker Crust & Pure Vermont Maple Syrup
Peppermint Chips
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN Cake
PINA COLADA
PISTACHIO ICE CREAM
PUMPKIN
PUMPKIN PATCH - Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla with Candy Pumpkin
RED LICORICE
RED VELVET CAKE
ROCKY ROAD
ROOTBEER FLOAT
S'MORES PIE w/Graham Cracker Crust
SOUR APPLE
STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE
Strawberry CHEESECAKE With Graham Cracker Crust
TEQUILA SUNRISE
TOFFEE CHIPS
WATERMELON
White Chocolate BLACKBERRY Swirl
White Chocolate BUTTERSCOTCH Swirl
White Chocolate RASPBERRY Swirl
Good grief. I think I just gained 5 pounds.
Julie was kind enough to offer my readers a coupon code for 10% off of etsy orders. Just use the code "FEATURE10" at checkout.
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| Watermelon Fudge |
What flavor(s) would you love to try?
Winner of the $10 Baby Bug Boutique Gift Certificate
Thank you to all who entered the giveaway for the $10 gift certificate for Baby Bug Boutique!
Using random.org, I drew a winner and that winner is.......
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Alison Reinhart!
Congratulations, Alison! I will be emailing you shortly with details.
Using random.org, I drew a winner and that winner is.......
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Alison Reinhart!
Congratulations, Alison! I will be emailing you shortly with details.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Priceless Treasure
Imagine that one day, God reaches down from heaven and gives you a
treasure. Not just any little old treasure, but a treasure that will
make you richer than the richest man in the world. A treasure that is
so great that its value is unfathomable. This treasure will drastically
change your life.
What would your reaction be? Would you try to give it back? Would you ask God to take it back because you're not ready for the responsibility of being the steward of this treasure? Would you tell Him that it's too heavy for you to carry and you don't really want it because it will become a burden?
Or would you happily accept this priceless treasure with joy in your heart, knowing that, if God gives it to you, He will also help you care for it?
Psalm 127:3-5 "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
I've spoken to a lot of people who don't want more than one or two children. I understand that God gives some people a desire for a small family and others a desire for a larger family, but the reasons given for wanting a small family are often selfish reasons. One of the reasons I hear most is financial strain. They say they can't afford more kids. Not a single person I've heard use this reason is anywhere near poverty. If they have another child, it will not mean rationing food and worrying about becoming homeless. What it does mean is no new electronic toys this year. It means shopping at thrift stores instead of department stores for clothes and toys. It means driving a used vehicle instead of a new one or not trading up your vehicle for a newer model. But would you rather have a worldly "blessing" or a God-given one?
It saddens me when I see a parent being asked whether they plan to have more children and answering with an incredulous laugh. They eye their children from across the room and reply that the ones they have are more than enough. Hopefully, their children don't ever hear them respond in that way. How do you think it makes the child feel to hear that their parents see them as so much work, so much trouble, that they don't want any more kids like them?
I'm not saying that everyone should have a large family. Obviously, God has a different plan for each family. What I'm saying is that we need to stop using selfish excuses to turn down blessings from God. Children are not a burden. They are a precious gift.
What would your reaction be? Would you try to give it back? Would you ask God to take it back because you're not ready for the responsibility of being the steward of this treasure? Would you tell Him that it's too heavy for you to carry and you don't really want it because it will become a burden?
Or would you happily accept this priceless treasure with joy in your heart, knowing that, if God gives it to you, He will also help you care for it?
Psalm 127:3-5 "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
I've spoken to a lot of people who don't want more than one or two children. I understand that God gives some people a desire for a small family and others a desire for a larger family, but the reasons given for wanting a small family are often selfish reasons. One of the reasons I hear most is financial strain. They say they can't afford more kids. Not a single person I've heard use this reason is anywhere near poverty. If they have another child, it will not mean rationing food and worrying about becoming homeless. What it does mean is no new electronic toys this year. It means shopping at thrift stores instead of department stores for clothes and toys. It means driving a used vehicle instead of a new one or not trading up your vehicle for a newer model. But would you rather have a worldly "blessing" or a God-given one?
It saddens me when I see a parent being asked whether they plan to have more children and answering with an incredulous laugh. They eye their children from across the room and reply that the ones they have are more than enough. Hopefully, their children don't ever hear them respond in that way. How do you think it makes the child feel to hear that their parents see them as so much work, so much trouble, that they don't want any more kids like them?
I'm not saying that everyone should have a large family. Obviously, God has a different plan for each family. What I'm saying is that we need to stop using selfish excuses to turn down blessings from God. Children are not a burden. They are a precious gift.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Baby Bug Boutique-Review and Giveaway
Jessica is so sweet and easy to work with. She goes above and beyond to ensure the customers' satisfaction and is always coming up with new innovative products to make moms' lives easier.
Jessica first started sewing when she was pregnant with her second child. Due to a high-risk pregnancy, she had lost her job so she was looking for a hobby to keep her busy. Money was tight and so, when she saw something she wanted for her children in the store, but couldn't afford it, she was able to design the pattern to make it at home. She also began to make baby things as gifts for friends and family. From there, her business blossomed. She did her first craft show when her son was just 2 weeks old with her dad's help. Several people there told her that her items were much better and more unique that what they were able to find in a store. She started a binder with ideas for new products and likes to put her own twist on what she makes. She now has three children who keep her busy and inspire her to create new things.
Jessica sells ready-made items and does custom orders. She also stays busy with local craft shows. You can visit her Facebook page or browse her ecrater store to see what she has to offer. She also added an embroidery machine to her shop recently and can customize just about any product.
Here are some of the products you can find at Baby Bug Boutique:
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| Animal Loveys. I gave my son a sock monkey animal lovey for his birthday and both Little Man and Princess love playing with it! |
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| Car Seat Canopies. Great for protecting your little one! |
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| Trash Stash Bags for your car. You could also use these to store toys, kleenex, diapers, etc. in your car so they're not all over the floor. |
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| Crayon Totes. Perfect for in the car, at restaurants, etc. Store crayons and paper in the tote and your child can carry it him/herself with the fun handle. |
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| Crinkle Clip On Lovey. Babies just love the crinkly sounds, soft minky backing, and colorful ribbon tags. Slide a toy link through one of the ribbon loops and clip it onto a stroller or carseat so it doesn't get lost. |
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| First Aid To Go Pouch. These have a clear vinyl front so you can see what you have at a glance. No diaper bag or purse should be without one of these! |
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| I Spy bags. Each bag has an assortment of tiny objects for children to find and comes with a laminated list of what is inside, and a loop that the list is attached to on a key ring. |
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| Nap mat. These have a soft pillow with a blanket on top. Perfect for kindergarten, sleepovers, etc. |
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| Prayer Pillows. These have a pocket on the front that a New Testament can slide into. You can also write prayer requests down on paper and store them in the pocket. |
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| Reusable Snack Bags. I use ours almost every day for Princess's allergy-free snacks, Hubby's lunchpail snacks, and snack for church and outings. |
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| Tidy Tote Bag. These have a waterproof vinyl lining and are great for stashing wet or dirty diapers, bibs, and clothing while you're out. |
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| Baby Bug Boutique is not just for babies! She also carries a full line of vendor and direct sales products! |
Other products not pictured: Crib bedding, Mama Cloths (reusable menstrual pads), diaper and tote bags, reusable baby wipes, shopping cart covers, ribbon loveys, birth record blankets and pillows, Cushy Tushy Cases (to carry diapers and wipes), nursing covers, tooth fairy pillows, crayon rolls, diaper wreaths, coupon holders, applique and embroidered shirts and onesies, burp cloths, hot and cold packs, quilts and blankets, chalk mats, baby or toddler silverware holders, pacifier clips, Ipad or Macbook covers, photo quilts, reusable breast pads (for breastfeeding mothers), business card holders, baby slings, gift baskets, coupon carriers, changing pads, cloth diapers, nursing pillow covers, washcloths, and pillowcases
You can enter to win a $10 gift certificate to Baby Bug Boutique!
This giveaway has been closed! Thanks to everyone who entered!
- Like the Baby Bug Boutique Facebook page
- Become a follower of the Baby Bug Boutique blog
- Leave a comment on this blog telling us about your favorite Baby Bug Boutique product.
- Become a follower of this blog
- Like the Supermommy!...Or Not page on Facebook.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Random Romanticisms
Hubby and I celebrated our 5th anniversary back in September. Actually, we didn't really celebrate, it just kind of slipped by with a quick exchange of cards. Hubby was busy helping someone move so he didn't have time to do anything else. Since then, he's been too busy harvesting to stop so I'm still waiting for him to slow down so I can kidnap him for a real date. Seriously, our last date was on our 4th wedding anniversary and before that....I can't even remember when the time before that was.
Lucky for Hubby, I'm not a terribly romantic person. Oh sure, I cry over chick flicks and at weddings. I love romance, but the big gestures are not what get me (although I most certainly wouldn't turn them down!) It's the little things that turn me to mush.
Like several weeks ago when Hubby, on his own accord, swept and mopped the kitchen floor. For the first time ever. He mopped so hard that he broke my mop. And I did not care, because it was the. most. romantic. thing. ever.
Or when he takes the garbage up to the dumpster so I don't have to do it. Seeing him do that turns my knees weak.
One of the most romantic things he does is be a dad to our two beautiful children. Watching a big manly man take care of a tiny baby or roughhouse on the floor with his energetic children...*Blissful sigh*
We dated for four years before he popped the question. I knew he wasn't terribly romantic even back then, but I was okay with it. He did make a point to try to call me every night, but with his busy schedule at work and The Farm, our dates were usually limited to him taking me to church and church activities. I knew that his route on his way home from work everyday took him by the library so, more than once, I would sit on the library steps just hoping to get a glimpse of him as he drove by, his mind too focused what needed to be done at the farm that evening to notice me. Pathetic? Probably. But just seeing him brightened my day.
And then, one night he asked if he could come over to my apartment with a movie to celebrate my birthday. My birthday wasn't for another month, but, as it falls right in the middle of the spring planting season, he said he wanted to celebrate while he still could take the time to. Red heart shaped flags planted themselves in my mind as I nonchalantly agreed. I had suspicions about what he was planning, but I didn't let myself think about it too much in case I was wrong. That night, he showed up at my door with a small gift bag and a copy of "Sweet Home Alabama" I put the gift bag on the table to open later and noted how heavy it was. Too heavy for a ring. My heart sank a little, but I was still determined to enjoy this time spent alone with him. We had made plans to go out for supper, but the only nice-ish restaurant in town was packed so we picked up to-go meals at the bowling alley and returned to my apartment to watch the dvd. Halfway through the movie, he paused it and asked if I'd like to open my gift now. Why not? I reached into the bag and pulled out......a rock. No, not that kind of rock. A real rock, from the driveway. Ooooookay. My mind was going in a million different directions as he laughed and told me that it was only there to throw me off. I can clearly remember how I felt when I pulled out a small black velvet jewelry box and opened it, half expecting another necklace. It wasn't. He looked nervous as he asked, "Will you? Will you marry me?" And there was absolutely no question in my mind as to the answer.
By the way...we finished the movie after that, but I had to re-watch it later because I pretty much missed the last half due to extreme excitement and calling everyone I knew (and some people I didn't) to tell them the good news. This is one of my favorite movies now.
Oh, and I should add that he did ask my dad permission first. Love that.
Lucky for Hubby, I'm not a terribly romantic person. Oh sure, I cry over chick flicks and at weddings. I love romance, but the big gestures are not what get me (although I most certainly wouldn't turn them down!) It's the little things that turn me to mush.
Like several weeks ago when Hubby, on his own accord, swept and mopped the kitchen floor. For the first time ever. He mopped so hard that he broke my mop. And I did not care, because it was the. most. romantic. thing. ever.
Or when he takes the garbage up to the dumpster so I don't have to do it. Seeing him do that turns my knees weak.
One of the most romantic things he does is be a dad to our two beautiful children. Watching a big manly man take care of a tiny baby or roughhouse on the floor with his energetic children...*Blissful sigh*
We dated for four years before he popped the question. I knew he wasn't terribly romantic even back then, but I was okay with it. He did make a point to try to call me every night, but with his busy schedule at work and The Farm, our dates were usually limited to him taking me to church and church activities. I knew that his route on his way home from work everyday took him by the library so, more than once, I would sit on the library steps just hoping to get a glimpse of him as he drove by, his mind too focused what needed to be done at the farm that evening to notice me. Pathetic? Probably. But just seeing him brightened my day.
And then, one night he asked if he could come over to my apartment with a movie to celebrate my birthday. My birthday wasn't for another month, but, as it falls right in the middle of the spring planting season, he said he wanted to celebrate while he still could take the time to. Red heart shaped flags planted themselves in my mind as I nonchalantly agreed. I had suspicions about what he was planning, but I didn't let myself think about it too much in case I was wrong. That night, he showed up at my door with a small gift bag and a copy of "Sweet Home Alabama" I put the gift bag on the table to open later and noted how heavy it was. Too heavy for a ring. My heart sank a little, but I was still determined to enjoy this time spent alone with him. We had made plans to go out for supper, but the only nice-ish restaurant in town was packed so we picked up to-go meals at the bowling alley and returned to my apartment to watch the dvd. Halfway through the movie, he paused it and asked if I'd like to open my gift now. Why not? I reached into the bag and pulled out......a rock. No, not that kind of rock. A real rock, from the driveway. Ooooookay. My mind was going in a million different directions as he laughed and told me that it was only there to throw me off. I can clearly remember how I felt when I pulled out a small black velvet jewelry box and opened it, half expecting another necklace. It wasn't. He looked nervous as he asked, "Will you? Will you marry me?" And there was absolutely no question in my mind as to the answer.
By the way...we finished the movie after that, but I had to re-watch it later because I pretty much missed the last half due to extreme excitement and calling everyone I knew (and some people I didn't) to tell them the good news. This is one of my favorite movies now.
Oh, and I should add that he did ask my dad permission first. Love that.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Mexican Meatloaf
I found a recipe for Mexican Meatloaf in one of my cookbooks and decided to modify it a bit for our family. Hubby took one bite last night and informed me that the recipe is a keeper!
Here's the recipe!
*Note-I don't measure when I'm cooking so all measurements are estimates. Feel free to add more or less of an ingredient if desired.
**This recipe makes 2 bread pan sized meatloafs (meatloaves?). Eat one for supper and freeze the other one for another meal!
Ingredients:
2 pounds of hamburger, thawed
1 envelope of taco seasoning
1/2 cup of taco sauce
1 can of corn
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cups of cheddar cheese, divided
2 eggs, beaten (or you can be lazy/smart like me and beat them as you're adding them to the meatloaf mixture.)
3/4 cups bread crumbs (start with a little less and gradually add more until the meat is the right consistency)
Combine the hamburger, taco seasoning, taco sauce, corn, tomatoes, eggs, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese in a bowl. When mixed well, add the bread crumbs until the mixture is the right consistency. Divide in half and shape each half into loaf form in an ungreased bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until center is no longer pink (Don't you just hate it when recipes tell you to do that? How am I supposed to know if the center is pink unless I dig the middle out?) Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake just until melted. Watch it closely or you'll end up with browned crispy cheese on top like I did. Serve with sour cream and lettuce if desired.
Here's the recipe!
*Note-I don't measure when I'm cooking so all measurements are estimates. Feel free to add more or less of an ingredient if desired.
**This recipe makes 2 bread pan sized meatloafs (meatloaves?). Eat one for supper and freeze the other one for another meal!
Ingredients:
2 pounds of hamburger, thawed
1 envelope of taco seasoning
1/2 cup of taco sauce
1 can of corn
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cups of cheddar cheese, divided
2 eggs, beaten (or you can be lazy/smart like me and beat them as you're adding them to the meatloaf mixture.)
3/4 cups bread crumbs (start with a little less and gradually add more until the meat is the right consistency)
Combine the hamburger, taco seasoning, taco sauce, corn, tomatoes, eggs, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese in a bowl. When mixed well, add the bread crumbs until the mixture is the right consistency. Divide in half and shape each half into loaf form in an ungreased bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until center is no longer pink (Don't you just hate it when recipes tell you to do that? How am I supposed to know if the center is pink unless I dig the middle out?) Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake just until melted. Watch it closely or you'll end up with browned crispy cheese on top like I did. Serve with sour cream and lettuce if desired.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A Few Moments of Peace
As I finish pouring milk for the kids' supper, I realize it's been over 8 hours since I last visited a bathroom. Noting their content expressions as they munch on their food, I decide that now would be a good time to make a trip.
I close the bathroom door. I don't lock it. That would just be silly, right?
I haven't stepped one foot away from the door when there's a little knock.
Princess: "Mommy! Mommy!"
Me: *Sigh* "What do you need?"
Princess: "I need you!!"
Me: "Right now?!?!"
Princess: " Yes, I need to tell you something."
Me: *Realizes that she's not going anywhere until I hear her out* "What do you need to tell me?"
Princess: *Thoughtful silence* "Ummmmmmmmmmmmm....."
Me: "Can it wait until I'm at least out of the bathroom?"
Princess: *Horrified as if she thinks I plan on spending the rest of the week hiding in the bathroom. It's a nice thought, actually* "No! I need to tell you now!"
Me: *Reluctantly* "Okay, what is it then?"
Princess: "Ummmmmmmmm.....ummmmmmmmmm.......ummmmmmmmmmm....did you know that if your head falls off, it will hurt?!?"
Me: *Slightly sarcastic tone which goes right over Princess's head* "No, really?"
Princess: *Lets herself into the bathroom so I can hear the gruesome facts a little better. Thankfully, by this time, I'm heading to the sink to wash my hands, eliminating all those awkward questions* "And did you know that it will bounce on the floor?!?!?"
Me: "Yup. I did. Now go finish your supper."
Sigh. So much for a few moments of peace.
I close the bathroom door. I don't lock it. That would just be silly, right?
I haven't stepped one foot away from the door when there's a little knock.
Princess: "Mommy! Mommy!"
Me: *Sigh* "What do you need?"
Princess: "I need you!!"
Me: "Right now?!?!"
Princess: " Yes, I need to tell you something."
Me: *Realizes that she's not going anywhere until I hear her out* "What do you need to tell me?"
Princess: *Thoughtful silence* "Ummmmmmmmmmmmm....."
Me: "Can it wait until I'm at least out of the bathroom?"
Princess: *Horrified as if she thinks I plan on spending the rest of the week hiding in the bathroom. It's a nice thought, actually* "No! I need to tell you now!"
Me: *Reluctantly* "Okay, what is it then?"
Princess: "Ummmmmmmmm.....ummmmmmmmmm.......ummmmmmmmmmm....did you know that if your head falls off, it will hurt?!?"
Me: *Slightly sarcastic tone which goes right over Princess's head* "No, really?"
Princess: *Lets herself into the bathroom so I can hear the gruesome facts a little better. Thankfully, by this time, I'm heading to the sink to wash my hands, eliminating all those awkward questions* "And did you know that it will bounce on the floor?!?!?"
Me: "Yup. I did. Now go finish your supper."
Sigh. So much for a few moments of peace.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Fun Stuff From Pinterest
Here's some fun stuff I've found on Pinterest lately.
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| Candy Cane Blossoms. I will definitely be making these cute cookies this year. |
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| Letter Box. Cut letters off of food boxes before you throw away and store in a travel wipes case. If the letters get lost or ruined, not problem! Just cut some more. |
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| Fondant made from marshmallows. I love using fondant for decorating cakes and cookies, but it's so expensive plus it's hard to find the right colors. Now I can make my own fondant at home! |
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