2012 In Review

What a year this has been!  I started off 2012 by being incredibly crabby and hormonal and I found out why when I took a pregnancy test on Hubby's birthday although I didn't announce it on the blog until over a month later.  I also shared how I got Hubby a Wii for his birthday for only $20 out of pocket.

In April, I wrote a touching letter to my children which got a lot of attention from Pinterest readers.  I also witnessed a miracle that had me running to the grocery store.  At the end of April, I had my ultrasound that revealed the gender of the baby.

May was a rough month with lots of doctor visits and a brief scare concerning Little Man's heart.

In June, I "waxed eloquent" about the size of our family.  

In July, I answered some often-asked questions about my pregnancy and did so without biting anyone's head off.  It wasn't easy.

I talked about how writing this blog is bringing in the big bucks in August.

September was a busy month with the arrival of the new baby and the surprise of my life!  I also wrote about how the labor and delivery were pretty easy, but a little shot in the leg afterwards took me out.

Right after giving birth, I started the 2012 31 Days blog series about simplifying your life which was a lot of fun.                 

In December, I published my 300th blog post!  

It's been a good year and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings.  I'm planning to redo my blog and come up with a fresh design and I'm also in the process of opening a new shop selling pdf patterns for the clothing I make.

What new and exciting things are you anticipating in 2013? 


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A Real Christmas Miracle

With so much violence going on this Christmas season, it's especially refreshing to hear something positive. 

This video aired on the 700 Club on Christmas Day.  I've met this woman before and I grew up with quite a few members of her family.  She lives only 45 minutes away from me and I remember this happening last year.  It brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear about it. 




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Every Morning

We've had the same conversation every morning since I wrapped the presents to put under the tree.

Little Man *picking up a present and shaking it*: "Now open presents?"

Me: "Not yet.  It's not Christmas."

Little Man *wistfully putting the present back under the tree*: "Nope, not yet. Pretty soon!"

Me: "That's right!"

Little Man *picking the present back up hopefully*: "Now open presents?"

Me: "Not until next week."

This continues on for a good 10 minutes before he finally gives up and goes to play.

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Day of Silence

Sadness

Maybe it's because I had just dropped my four year old off at preschool when I heard the news that so many children were killed today in the school shooting in Connecticut.  Maybe it's because I have three precious little ones who mean the world to me.  Maybe it's knowing that so many parents are going through unimaginable pain due to the loss of their children.  Maybe it's the fact that so many innocent children were exposed to unspeakable violence today.  

Whatever it was, the news that a man had killed over 20 innocent children and adults in an elementary school hit me hard.  I spent most of the afternoon watching the news, checking the internet for updates, hugging my babies, and crying.

I just can't even imagine.  I kept picturing my sweet little girl in a situation like that at her school and it tore me apart.  I've never been so eager to pick her up from preschool as I was today.

As I was putting my kids to bed tonight, it really hit me.  There are parents tonight who won't get to tuck their little ones in and kiss them goodnight because they're gone.  They will go home to empty bedrooms and Christmas gifts that will never be opened.  There are other parents who will be soothing  nightmares and children afraid to go to sleep tonight.

Things like this make you appreciate your family more.  I'd like to end this post with some pictures of my family who mean so much to me. 

Princess decorating the tree

My dad with Star (that's me and my mom in the background)

Beautiful smiles

My grandma with Star

Little Man playing with my baby sister

Spend some extra time this holiday season enjoying time with your family.  You will never get that time back, and you never know when it will be your last chance.
  

Virtual Cookie Exchange

I love trying out new cookie recipes this time of year.  Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  The recipes don't have to be cookies, any dessert will do!  Link it up below!

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Random Happiness

Here are a few things that make me happy right now:

Little Debbie's Cherry Cordials-yum yum!

Our new Christmas tree!  Our old one was a dinky Charlie Brownish $20 tree from Walmart. Out landlady was downsizing to a small tree and gave us hers.  Notice how all the candy canes are front and center?  I let the kids hang them on the tree :)

I've seriously watched this video about 15 times already.  Best proprosal ever!

Our Christmas card picture.  Star's expression cracks me up everytime I look at it.

A much better picture of my littlest cutie!

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Family Time

This week, I finally got the chance to introduce Star to all three of my grandparents.  They all live several hours away so it was an all-day trip.  Hubby had to work so he couldn't come, but thankfully, my parents and younger sister joined us so I didn't have to handle all three munchkins on my own.

First, we met my dad's mom, his sister, and her husband (my grandma, aunt, and uncle) at Ikea for lunch (and shopping, of course!)  I could spend days in that place so I made sure to pick up a catalog for drooling over browsing at home. 

Clockwise around the table: Little Man, my mom, my dad, Princess, my aunt, my grandma feeding Star a bottle.

Little Man enjoyed an elderflower juicebox with his lunch.

Little Man preferred to hang out in the kids' section rather than join "the girls" for shopping.

After hugs all around, we packed into the van again and headed over to my mom's parents' condo for the afternoon.

Little Man and Princess coloring at the dining room table.

Princess was so proud of her picture.

Showing her artwork off to "Meemah".

Nostalgia-when I was a kid staying with my grandparents, I loved to listen to my grandparents' grandfather clock chime and watch my grandpa wind it every night before bed.  Unfortunately, it stopped working a few years ago.

My grandma's killer spoon collection from my grandparents' travels.  Someday, I hope to have a collection this big!

I was thrilled to receive some swaddling blankets for Star from my aunt when we met her at Ikea.  She hand crochets the edges of a full yard of flannel to make these blankets.  The blankets are lightweight and big enough for swaddling even older babies.  She always makes 2 identical blankets for each niece or nephew which means that when one is in the wash, there's a spare.  My older two children still sleep with and treasure theirs.  Definitely a keepsake for years to come!

Star loves being swaddled!

My aunt let me pick out my own flannel fabric for these blankets and I fell in love with this argyle owl print.

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Star - 2 months old

Age: 2 months

Weight and height: 10 pounds, 22" long.  She's in the 37th percentile for length and the 31st percentile for weight.  

Wearing: Size 1 diapers.  She's in size 0-3 month clothing which are still a little baggy on her.  She outgrew Newborn size clothing around 6 weeks.

Likes: Being talked to, laying on the floor, looking at the toys on her bouncy seat, napping, eating, taking a bath.

Dislikes: Having a dirty or wet diaper.   

Eating habits: Star eats about 4 ounces of formula every 2 1/2 to 4 hours during the day.  Still a very messy eater.

Sleeping habits: She usually takes a long nap during the morning and shorter ones throughout the rest of the day.  She started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks (2 weeks later than when my older two slept through the night), but occasionally has a regression and wakes up between 3-4 am to eat.  Her bedtime is 9 pm and she's up between 6 and 7 am in the morning.  She doesn't always liked to be rocked to sleep or even held as she's falling asleep.  If I lay her down awake, she'll usually fall asleep on her own. 

Milestones: She's getting very "grabby" and if she has a blanket on her, she'll grab it with both hands, play with it, and try to stuff it in her mouth.  She holds her head up all the way during tummy time and tries to roll over from her stomach to her back.  On her 2 month "birthday" she laughed for the first time while my dad was playing with her.  My sister happened to be filming Star with her phone when it happened so we got it on camera!

Miscellaneous: Around 6 weeks old, I noticed that she had lost her newborn look and was looking more like a "baby".  My first realization of that was when I was looking at her hands one day and realized that they had changed from teeny tiny newborn hands into chubby baby hands.  So cute, but sad at the same time. 
She likes to suck on her hands and will sometimes want the pacifier, but she's nowhere near as attached to it as my older two were.
Today she got her 2 month shots and it's the first time I wasn't crying right along with the baby.  I teared up, but managed to hold it together.  Those first shots are so hard!
Her pediatrician and I decided to get her tongue clipped around 4 months of age.  I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it'll be easier to get it done now rather than wait until it causes her speech problems. 

Comparison pictures from 1 month to 2 months:

Innocent little face! 

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My Day So Far

The scene: Toys are strewn from one end of the living room to the other.  The 2 year old is throwing a whining tantrum because I wouldn't let him carry a full basket of clean, folded towels down the stairs by himself.  The 4 year old is asking me repeatedly for more milk, having spilled her last cup.  The baby is laying on a blanket on the floor of the living room crying while I'm in the kitchen frantically washing the dirty baby bottles (which, incidentally, includes all the bottles we have) so I can feed her.  I'm also trying to figure out how to arrange naps for both of the crabby older children since Hubby is currently asleep in the kids' room and somehow get 3 dresses, 5 vests, 5 bowties, 1 pair of leggings, and 1 rufflebutt onesie sewn today while holding the baby, who is not her usual happy self today.  Just as I've finished washing the bottle collars and nipples and am starting in on the bottles, the bottle brush breaks.  And then, the dishpan tips, spilling hot soapy water all over my feet.  Tears ensue.

Overwhelmed is the understatement of the year.

Can anyone relate?


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Hobbies

This post is linked up at Growing up Geeky.




My hobbies have pretty much stayed the same since I was a teenager.  The difference now is that I have much less time to indulge in my hobbies.

I have always loved reading.  My favorite books are nonfiction, but I do enjoy a good fiction read every once in a while too.  Some of my favorite fiction authors are Karen Kingsbury, Shaunti Feldhahn, Jane Austen, and J. R. R. Tolkien.

I'm really into crafts too.  I love to cross-stitch, crochet, and sew.  I've tried scrapbooking and card making, but they're really not my thing.  Nowadays, I get my crafting fix by sewing clothing for my children's boutique.

Music is another hobby of mine.  I don't have a lot of time for it right now between the kids and my job, but I'm hoping that as the kids get older, I'll have more time to play music with them instead of using all my time and energy up on just meeting their basic needs.  I play violin, a little guitar and mandolin, and I can still bang a song out on the piano. 

I have also taken up some new hobbies since having children.  The best thing is that my kids give me the opportunity to participate in these hobbies pretty much everyday.  I now spend time herding turtles (aka, taking the kids out in public), making little kids cry ("no, you can't have a fourth cookie right before supper!"), and running obstacle courses made of toys.  And, I'm getting really good at my new hobbies.


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I'll Love You Forever

"Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.

Love You Forever

It's still one of my favorite children's books.  I get nostalgic and warm fuzzy feelings just looking at the cover.  I tear up when I cuddle with my kids to read it to them. 

But every time I read the book to my children, I lie.

In case you don't know, the book is about a mother who rocks her son to sleep through all stages of his life and sings him a lullaby that goes like this (don't worry, I'm not going to actually sing it to you):
"I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be."

I truly love my children.  They are my joy, and my reason for living.  I would die for my children.   They will always be my babies, even when they have babies of their own.

But I don't always like them.

Yup.  I said it.  It's taboo to say stuff like that, especially to other moms, but I'm doin' it.

Right now, both of my older children are going through incredibly difficult phases.  For four year old Princess, it includes whining, arguing, disrespect, babyish behavior, foot-stamping tantrums, and much more.  Two year old Little Man specializes in whining and screaming tantrums that go on forever.  And seriously, at the end of an 11 hour day with constant behavior like that from both children, I don't really like them.  I love them; that will never change.  But I don't like them.  Because of the rough stage we're in, I find it hard to like them quite a bit of the time.

The good thing is that this stuff that's been going on is a phase.  It will end, and I will get my sweet children back.  They will be more likeable soon (very soon, hopefully!).

In the meantime, I'm surviving off the sweet little moments like when Princess sits down to read Little Man "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" or when Little Man comes up to me and rubs my back just because he wants to "touch my Mommy".  I'm also working on actively enjoying my children's company.  That means that whenever I can, I sit down and focus on each one individually, especially whichever one is having the hardest day.  I'm spending time each day praying for them, and for me to have patience (and lots of it!) in this stage we're in.  I'm trying to pay attention to the things I appreciate and do like about them right now.

But for now, my mantra is "This too shall pass."



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Small Business Saturday

I'm sure you've all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of Small Business Saturday?

It was first held on November 27th, 2010 and was created and promoted by American Express.  Its mission to encourage people to shop at and support local small businesses.

Now, technically,my business doesn't qualify since I don't have a brick and mortar store, but I'm still honoring Small Business Saturday at my boutique.  After all, I'm definitely not a big box store!     

On Saturday morning, I will release a coupon code that can be used in my Etsy shop and will be posting sales (and maybe some freebies!) on my Facebook page. 



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Star's Newborn Pictures

It took three kids, but I finally got around to getting newborn pictures of one of them! 

I'm lucky enough to have a cousin who is a very talented photographer.  You can see more of her pictures on her website and her Facebook page.  I could sit and watch the slideshow on the homepage of her website for hours.  Seriously.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our photoshoot!

Big Brother/Sister shirts from Heather Rogers Designs

Sisters

Resting on the Word of God

Owl Hat by Stewiecakes Boutique

Wearing my wedding crown

 
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Singing To My Kids

Almost 2 years ago, I wrote a blog post about my two older kids' special songs that I sing to them.  They are songs that I sang a lot while I was pregnant with them and continued to sing to them after they were born.  I never sat down and picked out the songs specifically, each one just kind of happened.

To recap, Princess's song is "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins from the Disney movie "Tarzan" 

   

Little Man's song is "Baby Mine" from the Disney movie "Dumbo."  Because he was such a difficult baby at first, singing this song to him really helped me bond with him and it usually calmed him down.  I'm kind of a sucker for anything Dumbo themed now :) 

When I saw this Dumbo blanket and pillow set in this auction on Facebook, I HAD to get it for Little Man. He refuses to sleep without it now.

While I was pregnant with Star, I tried to think of a song that could be her lullaby, but nothing really came to mind.  One night after she was born, I started singing "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" when she wouldn't stop crying and she instantly calmed down to listen.  I realized that I'd sang that song quite a bit while I was pregnant with her and, since she obviously like it, it became her song.




Do you have a special song that you sing to your child? 


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The Liebster Award

I've been awarded the Liebster award by Miranda over at Delightfully Sweet!  Thanks so much, Miranda!

These are the rules for the Liebster award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award sent you.
3. Create 11 questions for the 11 people you're awarding
4. Pick 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and let them know you're giving them the Liebster award.
5. No tag backs. 

I just participated in the Versatile Blogger award back in July (which I had to nominate 15 bloggers for) so I'm actually going to break the rules and not nominate any bloggers for this.

Ok...so 11 things about me...

I did a 100 Random Things About Me post in June so I could cheat and just copy 11 things from that list, but since I'm already messing this up by not passing on the award, I'll try to come up with 11 new things.

1. I'm amazed everyday by what an sweet, easy baby Star is.  Honestly, this is the first time I've been able to truly enjoy having a baby.  I had postpartum depression after Princess was born, Little Man screamed constantly for the first few months, and both had issues nursing.  I had no idea babies could be this much fun!
2. I did not know I had an issue with anger until after Little Man was born.  This is something moms don't talk about because no one wants to be known as "the bad mom", but I think more people need to talk about it so moms can get the support and help they need.
3. I got to hear Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar speak at the Hearts at Home conference I went to this month!!  She is the ultimate supermom!
4. I'm lost without my day planner.
5. I *may* be slightly addicted to Facebook.
6. Whining may be the most annoying child behavior ever.  I absolutely can't stand whining.  Unless it's coming from me...about chocolate.
7. Pinterest.  If you're not there, you should be.  'Nuff said.
8. I really love sleep.  If I don't get 7-8 hours a night, I'm just not up to par.
9. My van's check engine light came on last week and the motor sounds funny, but I haven't made an appointment to have it checked out because first, I'm afraid of how much it's going to cost to fix it and secondly, I don't know what I'm going to do for transporation with 3 carseats while it's being fixed.
10. My favorite places to shop are Target and Hobby Lobby.
11. My best friends are my sisters and a friend I met at summer camp 13 years ago and still stay in regular contact with.

Here are the 11 questions given to me by Miranda:
1. Do you believe in soul mates, you know, one right person for everyone?
    Honestly, I have no idea.  

2. What is your ideal place to vacation (you can pick a place you've never gone)?
     Italy!!  I would LOVE to go there someday.  The history and beauty of that country would make it a great place to vacation.

3. Where would you like to be in your life next year?
     In a home of my own.  I would also love for my Etsy to be my main income.

4. How did you and your partner get together?
    We grew up in church together.  When I was 17, he asked me to his work's Christmas party.  The rest is history.

5. What is your favorite childhood memory?
     I don't have one single favorite memory.  I had a pretty good childhood so there are lots of good memories.  

6. What is your dream career, if you wanted a career?
    From the time I was little, I wanted to be a mommy.

7. What is your top pet peeve?
    Inconsiderate people.

8. How do you feel about the outcome of the election?
    I don't really like getting into politics on my blog, but let's just say I wasn't thrilled.

9. Do you enjoy these surveys?
    Depends on the questions.  This one has been pretty easy to answer so far.

10. What is the nicest, unexpected thing ever done for you?
      The first thing that comes to mind is when Hubby proposed.  

11. What is the most appalling social situation you've ever witnessed?
      A guy peeing (openly) in the middle of a busy intersection.  Actually, my sister was the one who saw it happen since I was driving, but still!


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2012 Etsy Gift Guide - Toys

Welcome to the second installment of my 2012 Etsy Gift Guide series!  You can see the entire series here.
  

I've never been a big fan of noisy plastic toys that do nothing for my children's imagination.  I love the quality and craftsmanship of handmade toys which is why Etsy is one of my favorite places to find toys.

Click on the caption below each picture to follow the link to the specific item.  If you like what you see, be sure to check out the seller's shop to see what other fun things they have! 
 

Deluxe Custom Superhero Cape Set with Mask

This fleece cape has a velcro closure and felt mask with elastic.  You choose the colors, inital, and shape on the cape.
$14.95
Cape and Mask Set from EYMM
EYMM is offering my readers the coupon code "Supermommy" good for 5% off your order through December 1st.

Toss and Play Ball

 What a fun ball to toss around with your child!  It features cotton and soft minky fabrics for a tactile experience.  It also comes apart in 3 pieces which makes it a fun puzzle ball for all ages.
$26.00
Ball from teacher mom

Rainbow Ring Crayon

Each rainbow ring crayon is made from 12 crayons and will provide your child with hours of coloring fun.
$6.00
Crayon Ring from Mama May i
Mamy May I is offering my readers the coupon code "Supermommy" for 10% off.  The code can also be used at mamamayishop.com

Yellow Magic Wand

What a beautiful alternative to the cheap plastic wands you buy at a superstore!  This wand is made of wood and is all natural and non-toxic.
$9.50
Wand from 3 Princesses Store

Wrecking Ball Truck with Blocks

 This all natural, wooden wrecking ball truck comes with a set of eight blocks for your child to stack up and knock over.
$22.00
Truck and Blocks from Green Bean Toys

Color Wheel Puzzle

 What a fun way to learn how colors combine to create new ones!  This wooden color wheel puzzle is non-toxic, and the pieces can be numbered on the back if desired.
$30.00
Color Wheel Puzzle from The Puzzled One

Personalized Wooden Bowling Game

This wooden bowling game set comes with 10 pins and 2 balls.  One pin can be personalized with a name.  It comes in a drawstring carrying bag.
$40.00
Bowling Set from Little Sapling Toys 

Rosie Rag Doll

What little girl wouldn't love to snuggle with this soft, fabric stuffed rag doll?
$30.00
Rag Doll from Rosie Cheeks

I Spy Bag

This I Spy bag is full of tiny trinkets for your child to find.  The back of the bag features an attached printed fabric list of what is in the bag plus a picture list is attached with a ring as well.
$10.00
I Spy Bag from The Crafting Corner

Felt Finger Puppets

This set of five wool felt finger puppets includes a panda, elephant, bear, owl, and a person.
$20.00
Finger puppets from Nifty Kidstuff 

Magnetic Fruit with Cutting Board

This fun set comes with a felt cutting board and felt knife to cut the magnetic apple, banana, kiwi, and watermelon.
$35.00
Felt Food Set from Whispers of a Childhood

Crayon Roll

Great for kids on the go, this crayon roll holds 23 crayons, mini colored pencils, or mini markers.
$8.00
Crayon Roll from To Jameson with Love

Felt Food Cookie Baking Set

The no-mess way to bake cookies!  This felt set includes 7 mini cookies with frosting and sprinkles, 1 rolled out cookie dough with 4 cookie shapes, 1 spatula, 1 cookie sheet, and 1 wooden rolling pin.
$55.00
Felt Cookie Baking Set from Fiddle Dee Dee
Fiddle Dee Dee is offering my readers the coupon code "URSPECIAL2" for 15% off through November 24th.

Felt Tiger Mask

What a fun way to pretend to be a tiger!  The felt mask is held on with soft elastic and fits a variety of ages.
$9.00
Tiger Mask from Dani Jo Designs

Memory Match Game

This set of 20 natural wooden discs have been hand stamped with black, non-toxic, permanent ink.  They come in a drawstring carrying pouch.
$12.00
Memory Match Game from Hustle Mama

Playdough Learning Mats

This set of playdough learning mats come with 9 different farm animals plus a farmer boy and a farmer girl.  You print them off and laminate them and your child can decorate the faces with playdough.
$8.50
Learning Mats from Busy Little Bugs Shop



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