Giving away some mommy and me aprons....

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE COOKING BLOG AND ENTER TO WIN!

seven years of plenty.....

Sometimes I can't help but think how depressing it is to be at the time in our lives that we are starting our family, trying to prepare a good future for that family and trying to gain some sort of financial security or goals..... not to mention bask in the freedom we are just embarking on after living with our parents for 4/5ths of our lives thus far, only to be trampled on by this ugly economy. I will be the first to say that we are not sitting as pretty as we would like to but are still being blessed tremendously and my husbands work is wonderful..... We are at a time when some of our homes are not an asset of wealth but a burden. Some of us are living with parents once again when we just felt we left. Some don't even have jobs to provide for their families or money in the bank. This economic crisis hit as we were just getting started.... I have heard of 7 years of plenty comes seven years of famine but what if the famine hits first? I will tell you what I have gained from all of this......
Humility, Faith, Gratitude, to see that material things do not bring joy but people do, to hold on a little longer and pray a little harder and to realize things will always work out....they just do.
And when I really think about it I think how great it is that I have the chance to learn all these things right off the bat as our family is just starting, and that I can carry this throughout our life instead of wishing I had know this years ago. I am learning the importance of a savings account, to stay away from debt and that we are always in His watchful care... and if that doesn't lift my spirits kissing these cheeks always does....

I just got a $50 Gap giftcard for $25.....

Have you heard of GROUPON?? Every day I get an e mail with a local buisness bargain for 50%-75% off. Elizabeth is getting private swim lessons for a STEAL and yes I just got today this Gap giftcard for $50 but only spent $25. I'm optimistic you will LOVE it as much as I do, plus I just like the suprise of what the deal is of the day CLICK HERE to sign up!

LIFE....

Did you know I truly and honestly believe life is supposed to be a challenge...... to test us and try us....But I also know we can have complete and utter joy during this life as well....... And sometimes for a brief second we get a glimpse of heaven on earth....

and most of my glimpses of heaven include these two cuddled up close to me....

and all of my glimpses of heaven include Mr husband of course......


I.AM.BLESSED.....

P.S. I made my dress and Elizabeth's dress shown here and want to give some hand made dresses away very soon, stay tuned:)

This is a GIVEAWAY I could really use........

pitty party for one....

Yesterday was one of those days.... I could not even blog about it at the time. I was sick again, Reed was sick again and Elizabeth had far too much energy for me to keep up with. As Reed took a nice 2 hour morning nap yesterday I closed my eyes on the couch to try to feel a bit better myself. I took out everything needed for Elizabeth to create a beautiful picture as I closed my eyes... I woke up to one of our new kittens crossing the living room floor...this orange ish cat was now full on pink. I rushed to my feet to find a pink stamp pat at the scene of the crime..... already feeling like a neglectful mother I went to get Reed who had recently woken up....my head was pounding, my body aching and my glands in my neck swollen and throbbing. I felt defeated, I felt like this was all too much for me today, mothering, being sick, keeping things in order, caring for someone besides my sick self and little miss started a screaming fit right in the middle of my own melt down..... the tears just came streaming down my face but luckily at the same time so did my faith... I instantly turned to prayer.... not just asking but begging for comfort from feeling sick, pleading for desire and strength to comfort my children and care for them this day and help to make it through this day. It felt good just to cry and KNOW Someone was listening, He was listening. The events didn't change instantly but throughout the day things went smoother. I had a bit more energy, Reed was more content and calmed down as I held him and Elizabeth was calmer and more helpful. I listened to hymns and the peace that the spirit brings entered into our home and into my being and my burden was lightened. And today when I woke up I was excited to do the laundry because I felt good enough to do it...... amazing how trials put things into perspective for me and help me to once again remember the big picture:)

oh the things they say.......

Today as little miss Elizabeth was telling me what to do I said," no Elizabeth I am the parent and you are the child." to which her reply was." No, I'm a child of God.... and momma's a child of God and Reed's a child of God and dadda's a child of God." All I could do was agree, give her a hug and forget about what it was I was disciplining her for....

Giveaway winner, "how to" and ANOTHER APRON GIVEAWAY...

To enter to win one of my aprons along with a yr subscription to Martha Stewart Living Magazine click HERE!

As for the HOW TO I promised......

I'm OPTIMISTIC you can make this too.....

Trace a onesie or free hand the outline of a leotard onto cardboard (box of diapers)

Take selected fabric, wrap it around and glue it to the back using a hot glue gun.... Next you will cut some tulle (tutu fabric)..... about 6'' x 12'' (feel free to do several layers). With needle and thread and weave in and out to slightly gather the tulle, place a knot to secure the end and then glue it to the front the fabric. Next add the criss cross ribbons across the chest and then a thick ribbon across the mid section where you glued on the tulle (tutu fabric). Lastly glue a ribbon to the back for hanging as well as glue flowers or pearls or rine stones to the tutu part..... Feel free to e mail with questions...my next how to, "I'm optimistic you can do this" will be more detailed I promise:)

And the weekend giveaway winner goes to.....

Jenna said...
That is adorable! I just got my girls pink and black bedding for their new beds so this would match their room perfect! You are so crafty, I tried on my sisters apron she won from you and it is so cute. I want to try to make one! And I am already a follower!

PLEASE E MAIL ME YOUR SHIPPING INFO!

Last chance for Weekend Giveaway!!!

Up for grabs this weekend is a bow holder for your little princess (this would also make a great baby shower gift).... HOW TO WIN.....

1. LEAVE A COMMENT FOR 1 ENTRY

2. BECOME A FOLLOWER FOR 1 ADDITIONAL ENTRY....

giveaway ends Sunday night 9PM and there will be a tutorial on how to make these in case you didn't win!

Welcome to my kitchen...

Jenny & I spruced up our cooking blog and it has added features as well as easier navigation to find recipes...Check it out.... http://www.envymycooking.blogspot.com/ and if you have not e mailed us a recipe before now is a good time to add your recipes and join in on the fun!

The times I get the most pessimistic are when...... I hear of a new virus going around or disease... I ALWAYS think we are going to catch it. Sometimes I even get to the point that I think something really awful and tragic could happen. I get really scared of loosing one of my children or even my husband. I think this all stems from loosing my sister at a young age and then my mom 3 yrs ago. I have been through the trials of death and know how much it sucks and how hard it is. Sometimes I think what if my husband never came home from work that day.... I pray everyday that he is safe and makes it home to us in safety but whenever the 4 of us are not together I always worry about whoever it is that is away. I always push the thought aside and focus on the good and the blessing we have but today as the quick thought passed through my mind I wondered if this incredible man really knows how much I love him?
If I am trying everyday to show him.....and if he knows how much joy he brings into my day, everyday. I want him to know that I am thankful for him and the nights we spend cuddled to a movie and a treat. That I adore him and would do anything for him. I want my kids to know how lucky they are to be raised by two people who still today are head over heels for one another... and I want to remind myself to cherish those little moments.... don't think about the dishes while we kiss and don't let a day pass by without reminding him how much you really love him....