Monday, February 28, 2011

Little Big Man

"Nobody knows what a boy is worth,
And the world must wait to see;
For every man in a honored place,
Is a boy that used to be."
-Phillips Brooks




Fourteen and counting!


It is hard to believe that I am now not only a mother of another son that is a newborn, but that I also have a son that is now REALLY a teenager!


What a great kid our Little Big Man is!


About 9 years ago, Josh began his baseball career on the T-ball fields.  He was so tiny in stature then and even now.  However, his personality has always been BIG.  He is what I would call an old soul.  Even though he has another nickname, space cadet, he constantly amazes me with the way he sees the world around him. 



A very spiritual guy.  He often comments that if priests could be married in the Catholic Church, he would be one. 

 He doesn't know it, but his little brother's hero worship him.  Their abilities to hang out with his friends with ease is due to the ability of Josh to make them feel welcome.  Their need to play outside and play sports is directly related to his passion for heading out the door and shooting hoops for hours.

He is protective of not only his little brothers, but also his little sister who is gone.

His first words to James when he was finally placed in his arms? 

"I love you." 

I honestly don't think there could be a better big brother!   So here's to you Little Big Man.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Button's Bedding


Feeling like a fraud.  I actually BOUGHT baby button's crib bedding at Baby's R Us on Friday.  I had really wanted to make something, but the reality is that I have to do our oldest's room and his room in the next few weeks. 

Have I mentioned that I really am tired of Home Dec project? 
So why is it that I am ALWAYS doing one!!

The guest room was cleared yesterday, thanks to the help of my dad and dear hubby.  I really hope that Dad's back hurting this morning is not related!  Josh's new bed, dresser, and desk will hopefully arrive this week (note to Heidi:  add call furniture store to my "to do" list).  He is first in line for the makeover since his baby brother will be hanging out in mommy's room for a little while longer.


Here is his duvet cover I bought from PB Teen on sale two weeks ago!



  I have to buy a duvet comforter and start finding some coordinating fabric PRONTO!!!!! 

 Window treatments, throw pillows, and a slipcover for a rocker chair are in my VERY near future.  Wish me luck!!!

Did I mention that I am just recovering from a c-section?

  I think I should remind myself, too!!!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Baby Button is here!

Announcing my newest addition.........




Baby Button is a BOY!!!!!!

8lbs 4 oz......18.5 inches.  Short and chunky, just the way I like it.

We had a rocky start with a short visit in the NICU.  Oxygen hood, IVs, NG tube, Platelet transfusions...Oh Boy!!

But we are home and just waiting to wrap up a few results.  Will tell you his whole story as soon as I can catch my breathe.
   Eight years is a looong time to get reaquainted with this baby business!!!

So no dresses, skirts, and frilly things anytime soon.

But I have a few ideas already dancing in my head!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

My Little Valentine's

PHOTO BY KRISTI O'CONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY....I LOVE HER WORK!!!!

Have I shown you these guys yet?  I woke up yesterday morning with three cards shoved in my face. 
 Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy!!!

I have never really been "into" Valentine's Day.  Hubby calls it a Hallmark Holiday.  I secretly agree....

However, last year, I decided to give the boys a gift on Vday from their sister. They were delighted. 

I decided to continue the tradition this year.....

Their responses:

youngest......Oh, mommy, Jamie gave us a valentine's....I love her
middle........Mom, we got an itunes card from Jamie.  I think she dropped it from heaven on a parachute.  Then it landed near our house and somehow got in our mailbox.
oldest......Oh...silly Jamie....she sent us a valentine's day gift........*BIG SMILE on his face*

I think I might like Valentine's a bit better now..........


BUTTON is due to arrive tomorrow morning..........just sending a shout out to those who are the praying kind.  And if you're not.....we will take "thoughts" too!!!!!!!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Brand New Heart

"Only God can take the pieces of a Life that's come apart and patch it all together to make a brand new Heart."
Quote and design from: Love and Friendship Quilted Pillows




I really wanted to do at least one project for a new sew-a-long blog challenge.  It involves my favorite group of ladies "Crafty Sewing Mamas"  Do you just love that name?!?!?  Anyway, today is the second week of the blog challenge.  I missed out on the first week because I have had my hands full.  And honestly, don't think I will be able to participate every week.  I am hoping that I can at least make a dent in the list this year!

This week's project:  A pair of pjs or something for Valentine's.  I decided that I wanted to do something that not only was Valentine's, but also related to our blog love-fest "What Love Really Means".  I hunted through my MANY books and found this foundation pieced pillow design.  I instantly knew that it would be perfect.  I needed a pillow cover for the Valentine's holidays for my studio, wanted to do a bit of piecing and quilting (it has been a while) and I thought the quote was so fitting for our goal this month!

I just LOVE when a saying or a quote fits my mood and I can use it as inspiration for my projects! 



My life was in pieces...and God has patched it together.  I think He is doing a pretty good job!

 
I have never attempted foundation piecing, so this was quite a joy to do! 

 Keep your eyes open for a tutorial (shooting for tomorrow)!!!

TUTORIAL HERE!!!!!!

And as always........totally made with scrap fabrics I had.  The background fabric is an single loney napkin I had hanging out in my stash.  You know that always makes me happy to use up items from my hoarded supplies!!!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

A New Beginning

"Every end is a new beginning"
-Proverb


Today was a tough day. 

 I woke up sad knowing that I was walking into the school clinic that I work at  for the last time.  This also happens to be where my boys go to school.

I REALLY loved my job.  But after much prayer and plain common sense, I realized my family needed me home again.

I won't deny that I will LOVE to be home all day with this Button. 

 However, it is with mixed emotions that I packed up my things this afternoon.

Of course, I can't stay away from that place.   I will be helping out with screenings.  Doing some substituting if needed. It is a second home to me.  I just felt so welcomed and loved by all. I knew that on any given day, I could walk in cranky and walk out smiling.  Feeling like I made a difference in some child's life.

I also think it makes the arrival of Button all the more REAL.  I have had this date in place since New Year's as my "last day" before maternity leave.  Then a few weeks ago, it became my "LAST day" at work.  The date was set because we knew my repeat c-section was the next week and I wanted to work as close as possible to that date.  I would go in to work on Monday and Tuesday if hubby would let me!

  I already know that I am going to start crawling up walls in anticipation in a mere few hours.  Not the "normal" kind, but the kind that is filled with anxiety, worry, sadness, anger, and whatever else emotion decides to bubble to the top!  This "rainbow" baby stuff is a lot harder than I EVER imagined!

So I am going to focus on my "end" being a "beginning".  I will force myself to forsee a future with a child that will actually come home with us.  I will help hubby put the carseat together this weekend.  And even one step furthur...put it in the car.  I will take tags off some of the baby blankets and clothes and actually wash them.

Because Button is my new beginning.





Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Baby Bunting

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on."
-Carl Sandburg



First off, excuse this horrible photo!!   I have had sick kids and now a sick husband for over a week and a half.  I had to take these at night...not my favorite time of the day to take pictures.

This past weekend, however, I was bound and determined to concentrate on Button's arrival.  

I have been forcing myself to realize that we might actually have a healthy, hollering baby in our arms next week.  It is a tough thing to imagine!

  Because we don't know if Button is a boy or a girl, I really wanted to make a few special onsies for the first few weeks before we hopefully do some major gender specific bedding and clothing shopping!

So I did a Valentine's lollipop, a green/yellow rattle applique, and a sweet lamb!  JJ feels the V-day onsie is a bit girly, so it may not ever be used.

And speaking of GIRLY stuff.  I just couldn't help myself...matching hats........


A fabric flower daisy with a silver button center!  I love the yellow and green combo!



One rolled fabric rose with a leather button center.  One rolled ribbon rose with a pearl button center.  And a ribbon pom-pom on the side.  The buttons are from my "special stash"!


An Oragami Folded Fabric Flower with a felt heart button and a small pink button.  This one might go back to the worktable though....I think it needs a few more petals for a bit more volume...and a little more red fabric wouldn't hurt.


Now the REAL question is........

If Button isn't a girl, what lucky little baby girl will get these?!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Love Lives Here


 "In our life there is a single color,
as on an artist's palette,
 which provides the meaning of life and art.
It is the color of love."
-Marc Chagall

If you recall, my friend, Mattie, invited a few of us to blog about love this month.   Her blog, Beauty Will Rise, is where you can learn about her triumphs and trials through the loss of her precious darlings, Shyla Joy and Jakin. 

Today is my turn to write a bit about love for the project called What Love Really Means.  Follow the button on the sidebar to read more from some amazing bloggers.  I am thoroughly enjoying them myself the past few days and completely honored that she asked me to join in!!

LOVE LIVES HERE

If you haven't noticed, when I set up this blog, my description was and still is "A place to incorporate my love...My love for my children.  My love for my family.  My love for crafts.  My love for life!!!" 

 So, I find it very fitting to finally write about my love!

 
"Love is coming face to face with the knowledge
 that you've found the best friend you'll ever have in this world"
-Lucy Murray

18 years ago, I was a mere 17 years old when I met my husband.  He helped me move into my college dorm.  14 years ago, we married shortly after I graduated from nursing school.  I am flabbergasted how many times we have moved, the amount of changes in our lives that have occurred, and the blessings we have been given along the way.  We both have had the opportunity to grow in our careers, our hobbies, and our spirituality.  I have had the honor of staying home for many years.  I have been working part-time as the clinic nurse at my boys' school...a dream come true.  

 We have three AMAZING boys that we can't imagine life without. 



"Now I know what love is"
  -Virgil

Even with our normal lives, stressful times, we had no idea how one small little bundle would rock our world a little over a year ago.  We found out that our daughter, at 18wk gestation, had a fatal condition.  We were encouraged/instructed that early termination was the best idea. 
 Our own hearts guided us differently.  We decided to carry her as long as we could. 

Jamie Lynn arrived and our life has never been the same.



"You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments when you have truly lived
are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love."
-Henry Drummond

I often say that the day she was born, you could feel the bubble of love in that room.  A bubble of peace and tranquility.  My mom comments that God was in that bubble with us. I don't think she is far off.  The world around us continued, but we stopped.  We stopped to be with her.  Our boys were there to see their sister alive and then silently drift away from us.  My husband and I turned and clung to each other in our grief.
   I witnessed the day that my boys' hearts were first broken. I pray that they never have them shattered and splintered like that ever again.
  I know that in that room, we realized how precious each of us are to each other. 

  I would never want that taken away from any of us.



"Love is love's reward" 
 -John Dryden

And I know that through our love for her, our lovely Butterfly.....we could only see the arrival of our new bundle "Baby Button" in a mere week and a half as such a precious gift from above.  


"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get
-only with what you are expecting to give-
which is everything."
-Katharine Hepburn

After she was gone, I could only continue to put my love in my sewing and crafting. Love into being with my family.  Love into taking care of my boys.
 Really, love into everything that I do. 
 I try to honor the fact that God gave me the gift of my husband. He gave me the gift of my boys.  He gave me a gift of another baby.  He gave me the gift to create. AND He gave me the gift of Jamie.

 Instead of wallowing in grief, I can use her life as inspiration for my life.  Inspiration for my personal charity for other baby loss mommas. 
I can share my journey with other moms that are facing grief, loss, and pain.


I can "do" what she never can.

Because I love her that much...

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Tie-Dyed Sharpie Project

"Happiness is a habit-cultivate it."
Elbert Hubbard



This past summer, JJ bought a tie-dye shirt from Target.  When I washed it the first time?  It turned pink.  Thankfully, he enjoys the color pink.

After that, he "knew" that I knew how to make tie-dyed shirts. 

 He has been nagging me about it since June. 

My confession? 

 I didn't want to do it.  I knew it was a messy process, and I don't like projects that require a shower when I am done!

Then, I found this tutorial from a favorite craft blog I follow called Crap I've Made.  She is my new hero.  This project could not be any easier.  And bonus points for being CLEANER!

So I want to share the project with you. I took a few photos so you could truly see that the boys were able to do this on their own!

TUTORIAL

 

Supplies

Sharpies
Rubbing Alcohol
Squeeze Bottle
Plastic Cups
Rubberbands
T-shirt









Choose a spot on your t-shirt. Stretch it over the plastic cup and secure with a rubberband.

It was really interesting to watch the boys choose placement. 

They are very methodical about where they were going to put their "circles".






The boys put 6 dots of one color in a circle.

Then they put another 6 dots in another color in between the first set of dots.

They did learn that the bigger the dots, the more color/spread they got.

They also did 12 dots of one color and liked the results.

And, of course, they did some with three colors.  LOTS of fun!!




Then just drip the alcohol on top of the dots.  The original tutorial instructed that after 15 drops the circle did not get any bigger.

  She was right!!!

The boys experimented and found that if they dripped on a color a bit more heavily than another, the color would be deeper.  












Cool, hunh?!?!







And here is proof that they can did do it themselves!

And proof that hubby actually ventures into my studio on occasion to help out.  He is helping Jacob get the sleeve over the cup in this one...it was a little tight.

Don't they look serious?

FYI...JJ occasionally needed help from me keeping the shirt taut while he put the rubberband on.




So....do you think he is happy?

Friday, February 4, 2011

Change

"The key to change...is to let go of fear"
    -Roseanne Cash 


Today I am reflecting on the inordinate amount of change we have gone through and are about to experience.   I realize that Baby Button will change alot of things around here.  The obvious...late night feedings, lack of sleep, and basically...utter chaos.

My life will transition from part-time working mom to a bonafide stay at home mom.

I have been known to not deal well with change.
 
So I am facing change head on. 

 I decided to "change" my blog design a bit.  It is definitely a work in progress, so hang in there with me!  You will notice a few things already, but I have a ways to go!


Thursday, February 3, 2011

How sad is this???


Empty shelves at my local JoAnn's.  Yes, I am excited that they are moving to a new, larger location in March! But, I am so sad...my home away from home is completely picked over.

If I need something, I have to go to Hobby Lobby.  No arm twisting there. 

But JoAnn's is my first love........

On the bright side, I bought a TON of things on sale...they are trying to clear everything out!!!!

On the brighter side, I will be too busy with Button's arrival to notice.  I will be just getting permission to drive when the new store opens!!!!!!

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