Indie Mom

The Switch

2011-04-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Wow. Thank you so much to everyone who commented on my previous post. I love the community that blogging and reading blogs creates.

I've imported the entirety of my posts into my new blog Print Lovely, which is titled after my Etsy shop. New address same blogging. If you follow through a feed, be sure to update to our new address: http://printlovely.blogspot.com. See you there!

Tammy

Bloggity

2011-04-12T15:41:00.002-05:00

We all have discouragement in life. Some seem to have more than others, and I've learned that you may never know what someone is going through on any given day. The wait staff that seems forgetful, the driver at the four way stop who goes out of turn, the mom who can't keep her kids quiet on the airplane. The more day to day "stuff" that piles into life, the more I realize that others probably aren't out to get under my skin, they've got their own "stuff" too.

So it really boggles my mind when others seem to be so deliberately mean. They've got their "stuff" I sure, but seemly out to pick a fight. I have always had a difficult time brushing things off, trying to be carefree but analyzing parts of the day that caught me off guard.

A couple months ago I got a very rude and anonymous comment on this blog with a little wink face at the end, as if that made up for it. They were mad because Henry was wearing a Colts shirt in the photos and it wasn't "Indie". They also felt that monkeys on Oliver's socks looked too much like Curious George, and the cars screen printed on his outfit were an advertisement for Austin Healy. They were digging deep to find issues with the post. I shared it with Brian and we both decided that just deleting it was the best way to deal with it. I tried to be all "What Ev's" about it. But now every time I sit down to write a post I have to figure out if this is going to fit the bill of a blog called "Indie Mom". Which has made for very little blogging since then.

I love to blog, it is a great form of expression, journaling, and chronicling life. But I don't like blogging with the intention to make other people happy. That's not why I started. I started because I love the community it creates, the fact that my family thousands of miles away can read about our day, and to point out some great little indie and fair trade businesses here and there.

So now I'm in need of a change. While I work on being better and brushing things off, I'll be doing it from another blog title, and one with moderated comments. The comment isn't the only reason for a change, but life has become more about family and less about things. Haven't quite decided on what to call it yet, but I'll let you know when I switch over. Thanks to everyone who has ever left a lovely comment of encouragement. You are why it's so fun to blog, love the connections made.

{Update from my post about starting to work out again}

So my big push to get back on the horse and work out more regularly landed me in the doctor's office getting my shoulder x-rayed. It seems that I overdid it on one of my workouts and didn't listen to my body when it told me "stop punching!" I then drove for six hours and realized I was immense pain and couldn't lift my arm even slightly. Being a nursing mom I couldn't take much for the pain and just had to wait it out with my Ibuprofen with my wonderful husband taking care of us. It's nice to be able to lift my kiddos again.

What's a blog post without pictures?

Brian took Henry to the park while Oliver and I were on our way back from Chicago last weekend.

My husband has a favorite team...so what? (Getting better at brushing it off?)

Starting Again

2011-03-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

Almost two weeks ago Oliver slept through the night. That day I started working out again. It's been a long long time. I used to go in spurts, then one summer I got serious and started running and/or biking almost everyday. My goal was to run in a marathon or a triathlon. Unfortunately that year I was attacked while riding my bike on a local trail and I stopped almost completely for quite a while. (A post for another day.) By the time I decided to get back on the horse, I was pregnant with Henry and feeling awful. Then I had a newborn to take care of, then pregnant again...etc. The closest thing I've had to consistent workouts in the last few years has been walking with a friend daily to a coffee shop a mile away.

I'm excited to be back in the game and breaking a sweat for reasons other than carrying around a bowling ball in my belly. (Which is wonderful too, but I'm glad they are both on the outside now.) The game plan for now includes various Turbo Jam workouts during afternoon naps and some quick runs here and there until life becomes more consistent. (Will it ever?)

To new beginnings!

Image from: http://www.lululemon.com/

Campfire Chic

2011-03-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

Too cute are the items from Campfire Chic! I'm dreaming of mugs of hot chocolate by the fire while listening to the creek flow and having a good chat.

Print Lovely

2011-03-07T14:21:00.001-06:00

In my previous post about being "Busy Busy" I posted some photos of prints that I had made. Those are now for sale in my new Etsy shop called Print Lovely! I'm really happy to be creating again after a very long hiatus...since I took painting my Freshman year of college almost 10 years ago. I've done drawings and a painting here and there, but this feels different. It's more therapeutic now and needed and an outlet for me to do some thinking and some listening. It's fun to have the prints online because I really enjoy photographing them as well. My first few have been linocuts and I have some screen printing in the works.

It of course just takes me longer to do than the average bear seeing as how I've got two ankle biters needing my attention all day. But I'm excited to start creating with Henry someday soon.

Raising Boys

2011-03-07T09:33:00.000-06:00

This happened without any help from his Momma.

Busy Busy

2011-02-26T08:10:00.000-06:00

My new happy place during nap time.

Momma's Lap

2011-02-14T08:20:00.001-06:00

Tried taking these myself. Couldn't quite get it right, but all together I love them.

Part II

2011-02-13T15:52:00.000-06:00

We went out to dinner and then came back to frost the cookies.

I dropped her off at the airport early this morning. We miss her already.

I.M.

2011-02-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

We had the flu. We had a blizzard. We had the frigid cold. We had (have) the long nights. I have a case of the complaints. It's been a long couple of weeks.

Thankfully my mom is here to help out this week. I don't know what I will do when she leaves. Have piles of laundry and dishes perhaps. I told her she needs to stay for a month. She wishes that she could. Maybe come Sunday morning there just won't be a ride for her to the airport? Sneaky sneaky.

Ok guys...y'all. (I've been wanting to say y'all on my blog for a long time now. I think I'm allowed to now that we are moving to North Carolina. They say that there right?)

So, y'all I was doing SO well with my new eating "habits". So very well. But then something was brought into the house, a very slippery slope by the name of ice cream. Then I was a goner. Have eaten some every night this week. And this event happened..the Super Bowl. And I ate cherry chocolate cobbler. No control y'all.

Then this happened in our house today.

My mom made cookies with Henry for Valentines Day.

I may have helped with some quality control.

Standing in his chair "just this once".

Oh and we didn't forget about you...my glowworm that keeps me up into the wee hours of the night.

More of our lil Ollie-by-golly for good measure.

He's sleeps, but not all the time. He also does this.

But it's cute and I like him. He's a keeper y'all.

K I'll stop saying that for now.

I.M.

Food - Who's With Me?

2011-01-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about food lately. Especially coming off of the holiday season and eating entirely way too many sweets, as I'm sure is the norm for many. I was prompted by these thoughts because of how we feed Henry. Throughout the day I think about what he has eaten and what he will need to eat to have a balanced diet. Veggie, fruit, dairy, grain, etc. So I was feeding him veggies at dinner and then popping a frozen pizza in the oven for Brian and I. It finally hit me, I should be just as worried about what we are eating. Especially since he was catching on and just wanting to eat pizza with us.

I always thought by the time I hit 30 I would have my eating habits under control in a sort of "have myself all put together" kind of way. Well 30 is approaching in a couple of years and I still eat things that are awful for me. We ate pizza 3 times a week and ice cream almost every night.

My sister told me that she was going to start something new with her eating so I decided that I would too. I picked up a book that has been on my dresser for months: Super Foods Rx. I highly recommend it. It is about life long eating habits and what foods prevent certain diseases. The more I scanned through it the more I realized that I want to eat well not just for the number on the scale, but so that I can be around for a very long time and live an active life with my kids, and hopefully their kids.

Yogurt, oatmeal and apples = bath before naptime. Makes for a nice oatmeal face scrub though.

So 7 days ago I began a commitment to eating better. I've been tracking what I eat and incorporating tips from the book as well as another book called The Abs Diet for Women. In the beginning I thought I wouldn't blog about it because I didn't want to set myself up for failure and then have to tell everyone it didn't work the way I had hoped. But today I realized there might be other women wanting to get their eating habits in check and want some encouragement and accountability.

So even though it is sort of cliche to start a "diet" of sorts in January, I'm asking you to join me if you're ready to take control of your eating as well. Or maybe you have already taken control and you want to help encourage others (including me) and have some words of advice or yummy recipes* to share.

Henry getting in on it and helping make salads. (Even though we can't get him to eat lettuce.)

I'm not looking for any tips from fad or rapid weight loss diet like "only eat grapefruit for a week". I'm talking life long, back to basics, fruits, veggies, family friendly eating. If this interests you please let me know either in the comments with your email address, or email me at tammy.cody [at] gmail.com. I have some food posts planned and would love input and ideas from anyone of what I could include, or if you do a food post I can direct folks to it.

I'm keeping track of my eating (and exercise once my six week postpartum restrictions are done) on myfitnesspal.com. If you want to join me there let me know and I'll add you.

I'm excited! Though I realize that in the end I may get no response and that's ok too. I'll just keep on truck'n.

I.M.

*Just a note, we are a vegetarian family so I probably won't be posting any links or recipes with meat in them.

Easiest...Hardest

2011-01-17T15:57:00.002-06:00

I can't decide if having two under two is the easiest-hard thing, or the hardest-easy thing we've decided to do. I keep reminding myself to be in the "here and now" and bask in the stage of life that the boys and our family are in. It may not be as glorious as other stages, and includes sentences like "You should have seen the great diaper Ollie just had!" and "Did Henry eat veggies at lunch today?" (A lot revolves around fiber intake these days!)

Everyone told me it would be easier the second time. Thankfully it's true. I don't stare at Oliver at night watching his chest rise and fall to make sure he's still breathing. (Although he snorts and growls so loud in his sleep most of the time I don't have to.) But it's a new kind of challenge that makes me get up at 7 am no matter how much sleep I've had that night. Or to sit on the floor and play with trucks even when I'd rather kick my feet up and watch a movie.

Spaghetti Night

Last night Henry was playing with his construction leggo set. He put the little man on one of the pieces and was flying him around the room and having him ride across the table. I suddenly realized he had developed an imagination! The feelings are indescribable when your child shows a new development. To be able to encourage you child in something they just discovered.

So that is where we are focusing right now. Flying our leggo men through the air and eating our veggies.

I.M

Forward March

2011-01-14T14:24:00.000-06:00

The H man is napping and even though I'm super tired I purposefully stayed up so that I could be productive. Instead I find myself snuggling my gassy baby (note to self, don't eat black beans) and mourning the fact that my sister flew home yesterday.

Usually by about mid February I start to get wanderlust, but I find myself feeling it very early this year. Probably because even getting to the store sounds like a full days work. It's like 10 degrees outside, and it would mean bundling up and hauling around a toddler and newborn who can only go out after being nursed, changed, possibly outfit change, the oh wait...another diaper change, then maybe I should nurse again to have more time out, now darn it what did I do with my keys? I just want to gather my three guys, and go somewhere warm letting Henry be barefoot and play in the sand, and my lilly white legs can see the light of day.

I'll have to settle for the fact that it's the weekend, and I get to be cozy warm inside with my guys.

I.M.

How is Henry?

2011-01-12T23:07:00.000-06:00

I did a How is Henry post in the summer, and thought I'd do another since we get asked this question everyday now with our new wee one in the house.

Henry continues to be a daily source of joy for us. I am so thankful to have at least one good hearty laugh a day because of his spunky personality. We are also facing head on the "terrible two's" and can see his frustration with life when he can't seem to have his way. But we often have to hold back our smiles in his disobedience, because he is just so dang cute. How can you not laugh at a toddler saying "nu-uh" instead of "no"?

He seems to be doing really well with the transition of having a newborn in the house. He doesn't really want to be near any of the "action" of having a newborn, but will blow Oliver a kiss good night and says "Ah-Ee" (Ollie). We are really excited to watch their relationship grow.

His current loves are trucks, trains, stacking blocks, Legos (Duplos), and running up and rough housing with Brian. Our super picky eater no longer will eat broccoli but loves salsa.

I.M.

And Oliver Makes Four

2011-01-03T15:11:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to everyone who commented with congrats on the newest member of our little family. Oliver is doing very well, and we are hanging in there. Just a little low on sleep and energy, but high on bliss and loving the dynamic of our new four member team.

Highlights include:

Much shorter labor, but with an added 10 times the intensity. I think I moaned for the epidural for over an hour before I got one. It was the first thing I asked for after handing the nurse my "au naturale" birth plan upon admission. I just told her forget it and tell the anesthesiologist to get his booty up there...pronto.

My midwife was wonderful. She was there for much more than just catching the baby. She held my hand through the epi, assuring me it was ok that I was getting one. Let us take a little catnap, then came in and told me I was at a 10 and ready to push.

Three contractions and he was out! He got to come right up to me skin to skin and stayed there under my gown for at least an hour. We loved that time. Again, our amazing midwife told us we'll never get that time back so we needed to just have him with us.

We were out the next day and home to Henry. No jaundice, or sleeping in the hallway, or arriving home with our new one at 11 at night like with Henry's delivery.

He's such a sweet little guy, and I have to remind myself he doesn't scheme to keep me up all night..but he just likes to hang out. Also that he isn't trying to rip my chest off, just trying to get some food.

I'm getting used to saying "the kids" now that it's plural. Brian went back to work today. I still have my sister and her husband visiting but I can already tell it is going to be quite the challenge when it is just myself with the littles during the day. But I'll take it...I'm lucky to be able to!

I.M.

Photos by my sister Tina.

Oliver Mason

2010-12-28T21:51:00.000-06:00

Loving our new little man, Oliver.

Born this morning 5:17 am, 7 pounds and 14 ounces of pure joy.

Momma's Kitchen {Chai Tea}

2010-12-27T08:00:00.002-06:00

I love making Chai Tea as much for the smell as for the taste. Once you stock up on the ingredients it's very simple to just whip up a pot.

Start with your spices. It's very forgiving on the amounts so adjust according to taste.

10 Peppercorns
5-10 whole cloves
5-10 whole cardamom pods
3 cinnamon sticks (I only had one left)
(1) 1 inch peeled slice of fresh ginger

You can find most if not all of these in your grocery store, or at an international foods store. If you've never bought them before, don't feel intimidated (I did). I quickly realized they were more common than I thought.

Add these to 3 or 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Add 3 Black Tea bags (I had to use decaf English Breakfast) and steep for 5 minutes.

Remove the tea bags and add:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup milk

Stir, strain out the spices and serve.

Maybe a New Years morning picker upper?

I.M.

Presents Under The Tree

2010-12-26T15:32:00.000-06:00

Brian reading the Christmas story to Henry during breakfast.

New trike from MorMor and Grandpa was a hit.

Hope your Christmas was wonderful!

I.M.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T08:00:00.007-06:00

We are staying in today, just the three of us. Having cinnamon rolls, and chai lattes from scratch for breakfast, fondue for dinner, and a Black Forest Cherry Roll for desert. Love us some food! Hopefully by the time this posts we'll have gotten started on some present action and playing with toys. Looking forward to a skype session with my parents!

Pictures from Thursday night at Brian's parents house.

Maternity

2010-12-24T15:12:00.000-06:00

38 weeks, Christmas Eve

I got the loveliest package from my friend Sara. We went to high school together and she is just the sweetest.

How cute are those fabrics? It will make spit up so much better...

I.M.

Momma's Kitchen {Butterscotch Bites}

2010-12-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted about food. Surely it isn't because we haven't been eating. It just gets dark so early, and the light is already pretty bad in our kitchen so it makes for difficult photography. But I really wanted to share these because they are so easy, and so good.

My grandmother made these for us every Christmas growing up. She made some for Brian and he was hooked. There are only three on the plate because ~~I ate them all at one in the morning a couple nights ago~~ Brian likes them so much.

Combine in a double boiler:

- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- (1) 11 oz package butterscotch morsels

Heat the double boiler and stir constantly until morsels melt and peanut butter is mixed well.
Add:

- 3/4 of a 6 oz can chow mein noodles

Stir until well coated. Drop teaspoonfuls onto wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill till set.

Minimal ingredients, inexpensive, and so yummy.

I.M.

Last Year

2010-12-23T16:00:00.004-06:00

We decided to forgo/forgot about going to see Santa this year. Henry isn't super crazy about strangers, and I'm guessing a stranger dressed in red wouldn't be his favorite person. I'm sure we would have looked back at pictures of him screaming and smile a little when he hits adolescence, but he's still our sweet little guy who we try to keep moderately unscathed with scarring life events. So here is a photo from last year. He was about 5 months and it was a perfect setting to see Santa. We were on vacation, in the mountains, no line, Santa and Mrs. Claus chatted with us for a bit and then Henry told him what he wanted.

This one would have been Christmas card worthy if it weren't for the dude in the back. Guess that gave me a reason not to send out Christmas cards last year?

While we are at it, here is a photo of lil H on Christmas Day last year.

Somebody pinch me, he's so cute.

I.M.

Coaster Rides

2010-12-22T13:56:00.003-06:00

Nesting is in full force and emotions are running high. Projects are happening during naps and the time between is spent staring at Henry in amazement of how big "my baby" has gotten. He is seeming to linger for extra snuggles just before his naps, which gives me pure joy along with a dose of guilt for the fact that we are about to bring a major "attention stealer" into the house.

At points like that I just want to cry and I'm not really sure if they would be tears of joy or tears of sadness. Which is odd because I have felt so much connection with the little guy currently residing in my belly. That connection comes from knowing the wonder and complete world changing aspects of having a child. When I was pregnant with Henry I had absolutely no idea what I had coming to me, to us. Now we know...or at least we know what it is like to have one child. I love the glances that Brian and I get to exchange whenever we see Henry do something amazing. Because to the untrained eye, it is very ordinary. But to us and to Henry, it's a milestone.

I am eager for labor to start because I'm just plain uncomfortable, but I also really want to cherish and enjoy the time we have left as a family of three, including the time we have to sleep 8 hours a night. (Which is often foiled by insomnia and dancing baby belly.) On Monday night we bundled up and went out for pizza at our favorite Old Chicago on the riverfront, and then made our way to the local Festival of Lights. Once we were in the park we pulled Henry our of his carseat and into the front with us so he could see better (a.k.a so we could see him and his excitement better). He squealed, pointed, and cried when it was over. Then back home for a hair cut, bath and bedtime.

My first attempt at Bokeh.

Productivity! All the presents are wrapped. I still need to paint a rocking chair that I have for Henry, and a trike that my parents shipped still needs to be assembled, but the tape and paper part is done. The extra scraps from the stockings came in handy. I used regular kraft paper, fabric and yarn (and a trusty glue gun on some). Here are a few of my favorites.

I also finally got my hot cocoa into jars. I made yarn poms using Dana's tutorial here.

One of the things I wanted to get done before the baby came was get some pictures up on the big blank wall in our living room. Blah!

I had won a 16"x20" canvas from HelloCanvas on the blog Your Photo Tips. I finally decided on a photo and got it ordered. Then I used frames that I had collected from yard sales and painted white to highlight my less interesting black frames.

Better yes? Thanks HelloCanvas! I realize the balance of the frame spacing is a bit off, it's a work in progress. I was also using some existing nail holes because I have a phobia of putting holes in the wall. Now I need to find a different lamp.

And lastly I had bought some fabric to make Henry a flannel crib sheet a while back, only to realize it was too narrow. But it was plenty to make a fitted sheet for baby boy #2 and his cradle. Brian graciously moved a lot of furniture (including some out the door and into his parents basement) and we situated the cradle next to my side of the bed. The fitted sheet was a breeze and was started and finished in less than 45 minutes. I used another one of Dana's great tutorials.

Whew, you made it the end of the post! I'm impressed. I need to tackle a couple cleaning jobs while the cherub is napping and maybe even pack my hospital bag!

Thank you so much for reading! I know there aren't many readers, but I appreciate each and every one of you and your lovely comments of encouragement. Hope your next couple of days are filled with joy and relaxation!

I.M.

Does Not Own a Log Cabin or Live in the Country

2010-12-16T15:44:00.001-06:00

I was bound and determined to make our family members each a stocking this year. I had in mind something muted, still Christmas-y, but down played a little. I've been loving Scandinavian design lately, so even something in a gray would have been fine. Last week we were headed to town to meet some friends/family for dinner so Brian agreed to go a bit early so I could look for fabric. I had picked up something that resembled a candy cane, not in love with it, but didn't hate it. I ended up putting it down and moving on to some Ginghams. Lingered for a bit, and some how ended up with this combination. A solid maroon, maroon plaid, and green burlap.

Not what I went in thinking of, but I was excited about it and the possibilities. With most projects, it took me a bit to get started, keep going, and complete. But I did the majority of it last night and today. I finished Henry's stocking first, hung it on the wall and stood back in horror. "Little House on the Prairie" came to mind.

I kept going and my thoughts at the end of every stocking got worse and worse. It's not like I can throw these away either...I made these...for my family. The sentiment is locked in. I even made one for our unborn son with his initial on it. By the time I got to the third stocking I had images of people giving me things like a rooster wearing a Santa hat, because "that's the lady that decorates with that sort of thing".

We have no fireplace, this is the best I can do for now.

So somebody please tell me I'm just pregnant, crazy and irrational. Or tell me that country chic will be all the rave next year and for years to come.

Next project, getting this homemade hot cocoa into jars, labeled and gifted. MMmmm...

Brought this munchkin with me to another OB appointment today. He got really excited when the Midwife turned on the heartbeat doppler. Loves his lil brother already.

I.M.

Thoughts of Trying to Be Something That Cannot Be

2010-12-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

I find it really difficult to not try and jump ahead in life. This mostly happens in my mind, where I transport myself to a little dreamland where our family is in the cutest little house (but with more space,) where I would be making various crafts with my kids, homemade presents for friends, we have all the energy and time to do all the Christmas traditions our hearts desire, and we have ample money to buy everyone a really rock'n present. Plus I'd have a very successful business on the side, one that is running so well that my wonderful employees have it under control for the most part, giving me lots of family time. While we are at it, I also fit back into something other than sweatpants and T-shirts.

Instead this year I find myself on the couch due to pregnancy related issues with ideas of what we could do but haven't, piles of projects, and a cute little cradle in the back of my 4Runner that has been there for well over a week since we haven't cleared a spot for it in our room. But I should know better. I should know that we aren't in a stage of life where any of the above should seem feasible. I should enjoy what we can do, and not fixate on the have-not's of life.

I also know I should be thankful. Thankful that it's 14 degrees outside, and a toasty 71 inside. Thankful that at the end of the next 4 weeks we will welcome another little boy into the world. Thankful that Henry is too young to even know what is going on and wish that his mom had her act together for Christmas like all the other mom's seem to.

So the best I can do is play our Christmas music, get to the piles of projects when I feel better, pop open a can of green beans and spaghetti o's for Henry and smile because he's just so darn cute.

Ending on a lighter note. I found these books on the Chronicle Books website, which is wonderful by the way. You can even search for a gift by the category "hipster". I have no idea what is inside the books, but the covers made me laugh.

All My Friends Are Dead

The Book of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks

Milk It: How to Get More Than a Baby out of the Next Nine Months

Life's Too Short To Fold Fitted Sheets

Chronicle Books is running a 35% off + free shipping sale. Code HAULIDAYS through Dec 16th.

I.M.

A Few Things

2010-12-11T21:22:00.003-06:00

I've added a couple things to the side bar. First I've added some links to our work with Wycliffe Bible Translators. There is a link for you to learn more about our ministry and how you can help, as well a link with Wycliffe related posts here on Indie Mom. I've also added a section with some favorite posts from the past, as well as a search box.

Moving on. Brian and I have been talking lately about Christmas traditions, and fun things that we can start doing as a family to create memories for our kids. This year may be a bit soon to put too much energy into this since Henry still doesn't quite get the concept of Christmas, but a few posts caught my eye.

Vintage Postcard Calendar Journal

Sally's Advent Calendar

I share Ashley's ::hilarious:: discomfort with Elf on the Shelf

Added bonus, a little toy throwback to my childhood. Would love to get these for Henry...so that I can play with them.

Cash Register

Little People Fire Truck

Tudor House

Jolly Jalopy Clown Car

Doesn't it just take you back?

I.M.

Keep on swimming...

2010-12-08T14:54:00.004-06:00

Taking it one day at a time over here in the majorly pregnant household. I feel about 150% better today. Though that is just speaking of cold season issues, don't get me started in pregnancy aches, woes and complaints. No one wants to hear that, so I'll spare you.

I took Henry with me to an obstetrician appointment yesterday. Wish I had a video camera with me to show you how perfect he was the entire time, sitting in a chair, watching his iPod, while I had one of those appointments women dread...the one where you walk in and there is a sheet on the table to "cover up". We then went on to Best Buy where Henry provided some visual birth control for everyone in line, not really the perfect cherub he was at the doc's. I must say, it is very difficult to hang on to a toddler who is wearing layers with a poofy jacket on top, like holding onto Jello.

But most of the time we spend cooped up in our little house. It's not supposed to get above 22 degrees today so we spend time moving from kitchen/dining room to living room about 30 times a day. Pull everything out...put everything away. Have a snack...throw a tantrum when the snack is over. Sometimes Henry cries about it too.

I wanted to make sure I got some pictures of him wearing these PJ bottoms the other night. They have been my favorite, and it makes it even better that they were a hand me down.

The moments when he is in his Pajamas are my favorite. That means we either just got up and he's all smiles because Momma and Da are both still home, or it means he is about to go to bed...which of course is every parent's favorite time of day. Or is it just me? Most nights he starts to get really loopy just before bed, falling all over himself, playing with Brian and laughing hysterically. Then I say "give daddy a kiss", and then "let's go find your paci and blankie" and he either runs to his room or we get to walk hand in hand down the hallway for what has become the easiest bedtime routine ever.

Oh how our lives will change in just a month!

I.M.

The Sickies

2010-12-06T16:27:00.006-06:00

Henry and I are sharing a box of tissue today. But I don't really have much to complain about...it's snowing, frigid cold, Brian is going to the grocery store for us, and I have nothing on my calendar all month but Obstetrician appointments, Christmas, and my sister and brother-in-law flying in for New Years and possibly the delivery of baby boy #2 if the timing is right.

Image Source

Little Red Wagon

2010-12-02T20:46:00.002-06:00

I want to share a few more pictures from our recent adventure to California. My dad got out our old Radio Flyer wagon from when we were kids and revamped it. I remember the last time I saw it...very rusty and missing a lot of paint. I'm sure it was a lot of work, but it turned out great.

All pictures are by either my sister Tina or Bro-in-law Adam.

Henry loved it.

We even brought it with us while we were in the mountains.

This is my mom, Henry thinks she is the bees knees. I asked her if she was giving him sugar when I wasn't looking, because he was following her around like "this is the lady that gives me sugar!"

Henry loves the mountains, just like his momma.

More special moments in Fresno...

I.M

Staying In

2010-11-29T15:13:00.004-06:00

Photo by Brian

I've decided that Henry and I will be staying indoors until April, so if you need us...you know where to find us. Would love it if Brian could stay home too, but somebody has got to earn the dough.

In reality we have to go out, especially considering the fact that I plan to have baby boy #2 in a hospital and not at home.

One might think all this staying in would produce a very organized and clean home. Of course good intentions turn into toddler messes and nap times spend catching up on some Momma Z's or doing one project before loosing my breath. My bedroom is becoming such an overwhelming disaster I'm not even sure where to start.

And would someone tell me how bad chewing ice is for me? And red vines? Because that seems to be all I want to eat. I ate almost an entire box in one sitting the other night.

Good news is that we are this <----> close to sending out our first newsletter for Wycliffe. Seems like everyone else we were at training with already had theirs out a month ago. Seems to be the nature of our lives these days, a little behind but still smiling. So I will be applying address labels to envelopes tonight ~~while watching Parenthood, which in my opinion is the greatest show on TV right now. Just say'n.~~ I just found out there are no new episodes until January. Sad day.

I.M.

If you want more information about our ministry with Wycliffe, you can visit www.SupportingTheCodys.com or let me know if you would like us to send you a newsletter.

Breathing

2010-11-21T15:31:00.003-06:00

Poor quality Ipod pictures, sorry.

I know. Long time no blog.

Last week Henry and I went to California for one last hurrah before Baby Boy #2 comes. Before we have one child per parent and taking smaller trips without Brian won't be possible for a while.

I was really looking forward to this trip, but I was also looking forward to being back from it solely for the purpose of not having to fly for a while. I tried to count the number of flights I have taken Henry on, I think it is a total of 14...and he's only 17 months. (Some have been with Brian as well thank goodness.) When we landed back in Illinois I felt triumphant that I had taken four flights in a week with a toddler while 33 weeks pregnant. "Now I can breathe until January" I thought.

Unfortunately actual breathing is becoming more and more difficult these days as he presses against my lungs. This morning I made it to church but had to take a break twice before walking all the way to the doors. I only made it to a bench out front before Brian had to go get the car so I could go back home. I felt like an old woman making a scene as everyone else was walking up asking what they could do. A little embarrassing, but very helpful.

So now we are in a countdown stage of sorts. 6 more weeks till I take a different kind of breath. The big belly, restless legs, ligament pains, and nausea will be gone. We will get to welcome the fourth member of our family and give it a go at parenting two-under-two. It is so different this time around. I was completely clueless as to the unimaginable challenge and the complete joy that Henry would bring into our lives. Now I stop and gasp at the fact that we get to go through it all again.

I.M.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T08:55:00.001-05:00

2010-10-25T21:46:00.003-05:00

We are back in town and feel a bit like I've been hit by a train, and have to get up and walk right away. I ended up with the stomach flu at the end of our training in Orlando, which was so sad because I missed out on some goodbyes. Our flight home was quite eventful with one very active child crawling back and forth between our laps as I eyed the woman sitting next to Brian as she quietly read her book and had a beverage from the cart. "I used to fly alone, it was lovely. I miss the free beverages that I now realize will end up on my lap if I opt for one."

We got home and we slept. The next day, church and more sleep. Today was difficult to get back into the swing of things and I feel like Henry may be a bit bored now that he isn't in a room with 8 other toddlers all day and a cafeteria full of people to smile and laugh with at meal times.

It is an interesting change of pace, I keep expecting to turn a corner and see some faces that we have just spent many hours with the last couple of weeks. But in reality we may never see many of them until we reach the party in the sky.

Picture of our lil fam during the training.

I.M.

The Full Opinion: American Apparel

2010-10-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

Ok, Eva Marie wanted to know my full opinion about American Apparel, so here it is.

I'll start out with what I like about them. I like that they pay a fair and good wage to their workers who are all in the LA area, even the manufacturing is done in LA as opposed to outsourcing it to sweatshops overseas. They also have opportunities for low cost full family health care.

Moving on. Founder and CEO Dov Charney admits that he only has these socially responsible policies because he knows it is popular and good for business. Which might be fine, depending on your opinion. But on top of that..I'll be blunt. He's a sleezebag. Many news articles have made known that he has held many meetings in a thong or a just a sock covering his ::ahem::. Seriously? Yep. Just google his name and you will find many-a-interesting article about the way he conducts interviews with women and how poorly he treats them. And I really feel like their advertising reflects this as well.

Last year I was searching for some blank T's that we could print on for the shop. I knew I wanted them to be sweatshop free, well made, and super soft. I knew that American Apparel was sweatshop free, and had a few band teeshirts using them as a base that were really comfortable. So I went on their wholesale site to input my info. Once I clicked submit, I was sent to their "thank you" page which bore a topless woman. That gave me my answer right away as to whether or not I would be using them.

I believe in using my dollar to support causes I believe in, even with especially with clothing companies. So many of their practices really effect people's lives. So I choose not to support American Apparel when it is apparent that the leadership does not respect women.

Thoughts?

I.M

Jessalin Beutler

2010-10-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't think I would do much blogging while here in Orlando, but I just happened to come across Jessalin Beutler's shop. Hand painted clothing, much of it is Organic, and I bet I would really love the designs on Brian.

Baby Triangle Primary Organic

Black and White on Galaxy

Stripes Sleeveless Cardigan

Grey Ribbon Organic

My one and only squawk would be the American Apparel for the T's. If you want to hear my full opinion about this company let me know, but I guess it is better than Hanes.

I.M.

Wycliffe Equip

2010-10-16T12:48:00.005-05:00

Good gracious.

The only words that I can come up with at the moment in response to our past week. We are in Orlando training to become missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. It has been an intense week with a very full schedule. Henry had his first experience with all day child care, (although we got him for lunch). It was a rough go at first, but he seems to be doing much better every time.

I don't have any pictures from our classes or meals yet, but here are some from a break we had one afternoon. It still feels very summer like here compared to Illinois so we've spent some time at the pool.

Below is a photo of Poppy. She is the daughter of a very sweet couple who will be headed to Cameroon in the future. Poppy just happens to be 2 days younger than Henry and we are all pretty sure that we will keep the two in touch so that they can get married someday.

A few nights ago Brian, Henry and I took a walk around the lake in front of the Headquarters after dinner. We were so lucky to have started right at the beginning of sunset.

We have one more week here. I'll try to do one more post before we return. But right now I need to take advantage of some peace and quiet and have a nap.

I.M.

Family Farms

2010-10-05T15:17:00.002-05:00

So very worth the $3 entry fee.

Only a half hour from home. A great place to play with your bud.

Try out all the porches. And chairs.

We need one of these at home. I'd even be ok with an indoor one. (Corn instead of sand. Genius)

Maybe one of these for the backyard? I'm not even sure if would fit in our yard.

We will be back. Next time I won't forget shoes for the little guy.

The farm life would suit us well I think.

I.M.

Pieces of Fall // Day Five

2010-10-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Baroque Embroidered Jumper

Frankie Shirt Dress

by People Tree

Like Mother Like Womb

2010-09-30T16:04:00.003-05:00

I ate a whole cantaloupe anytime I could get my hands on one when I was pregnant with Henry. Especially in the summer right before he was due. Once I walked into the grocery store and saw that they were almost $3 each and just about cried. I can't really justify a $3 melon that I can devour in 10 minutes.

I can still eat a whole melon in one sitting, but I am happy to share them with Henry who loves them now too.

Pieces of Fall // Day Four

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pronta Lemondade by estilopronta
Nutmeg Rosette Headwrap by Garlands of Grace

Pieces of Fall // Day Three

2010-09-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Urban Hoody Vest

Horizon Jacket

from BTC Elements

Sewing For Your Kids

2010-09-27T15:33:00.002-05:00

So I was inspired by all that was going on with the Kids Clothes Week Challenge and decided to just try one project that was on my DIY to do list. (Which is on the right side of my blog.) I attempted a 90 minute shirt using the tutorial by Dana at MADE.

It started out very promising. "This is so stinking easy!" I thought. "I can't wait to start more projects!" but as my 90 minutes came and went, then I have to quick clean up everything to make a safe non-needle/scissors/little tiny scrap environment for my lil cherub who would be sure to put it all in his mouth and all across the room. I got it back out that night and my "I love this!" turned into "Stupid sewing machine!" as it ate my fabric and I had to rip it out of the machine. I was almost there, the moment of truth where you turn you shirt right side out and have a look...

...it looked awful.

So I sat back, had a small pity party, ate some ice cream and tried to salvage it. I ended up cutting off the sleeves and trying to rework it. This is what I ended up with.

Not terrible. Though the shirt did say "GRACE" on it. It is made from our church softball leagues shirt a few years ago. Now it says "RAC". And I'm pretty sure the neck hole won't even be big enough to fit baby boy #2 in January. Maybe they will have a dolly someday that can wear it?

Try, try again!

The shirt is hanging from Henry's new (to us) dresser that I got from a yard sale for $20. Score. I think I am the most excited about it, but Brian is thinking that Henry will need a tetanus shot. No worries, there are no sharp edges on the handles.

I.M.

Pieces of Fall // Day Two

2010-09-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

Saffron Cord Women's Classics by Toms

Cabin Shirt by Howies

Pieces of Fall // Day One

2010-09-26T10:00:00.005-05:00

I've decided to do a Pieces of Fall series this week because Fall clothing is just the best of the seasonal clothing in my opinion. The color, comfort, and feel. Plus I love the clothing companies that are sincerely trying to do it right.

Shroud Purrin Trench by Nau
Mendocino Dress by Honry Toad

Birthday Boy // Surprise!

2010-09-25T11:19:00.005-05:00

Me = horrible secret keeper.

I can keep a secret, but I have to use all of my energy to remind myself not to blurt something out. It was a good thing that we decided to do a surprise party for Brian just this past Monday because I wouldn't have been able to hold it in for much longer. I just get so excited! I really wanted to call and shout "I got a piñata!" that afternoon.

But it was well kept and Brian thought we were going out to dinner and at the last minute had to go pick up his mom. He was anxious to leave so I had a difficult time stalling but it was a success and he was really surprised. Many of our friends have babies, toddlers, and up so it was quite chaotic which made Henry feel on edge. So I don't have any pictures of pretty much the whole party, except the end when everyone had gone and Brian opened presents from family. Brian's brother shot these photos.

Brian loves his new yoga mat from his brother and sister-in-law.

Henry loves it too. Trying out his downward dog.

The box that it came in is fun too.

A Kindle from Brian's parents!

Henry and I gave him his present earlier in the week. His favorite game, Civilization, just came out with a new version. I was worried that if we didn't go get it sooner than later that he would! My version of wrapping paper was texting him these pictures at work.

Happy Birthday Brian! I am so lucky to have you for a husband and our boys have an amazing dad.

I.M.

Sewing For Your Children

2010-09-21T22:23:00.004-05:00

A couple of blogs that I follow are participating in Kid's Clothes Week Challenge and I've been excited to see what comes of it. The challenge is to sew for your children for at least an hour a day. I can't participate right now (maybe I really could and am just too lazy?) but the pictures are making me really want to. Finding clothes for Henry at this age in yard sales is proving to be more difficult. Kids are harder on clothes, spill a lot, etc. Plus clothing companies think they have to put some sort of dog/dinosaur/lion embellishment on everything, especially when it comes to boy's clothes. Can I just get some good basic pieces please?

Do you sew for your kids?

Click on the picture for the source.

My bean pole child could certainly use a belt! I've taken to folding over and sewing the sides of his pants because he only has one pair of 6mo size that will stay up on his 'lil tushy.

2010-09-15T15:49:00.003-05:00

Something special for my little guy. Although sometimes those special moments are as much for me as they are for him. Henry has had ice cream before, but to have free range at a cone was something different. He looked fairly confused the whole time, but kept leaning forward for more. I finally just handed it to him, but then he just wanted to feed it to me. I was of course fine with that.

Then to the park for some running around and trying out the swing again. We try it everytime to see if Henry might possibly like it that time. He hadn't changed his mind today.

Of course a bath and a nap were in order after the sticky ice cream and and sliding down dirt clod filled slides. Now we are just resting and waiting. Sometimes when momma gets tired she forgets to do certain buttons after a diaper change.

The waiting of course, is for daddy to get home for more fun, snuggles, and waffles.

I.M.

Huset: Scandinavian Living

2010-09-14T15:42:00.004-05:00

huset-shop.com
Smile popping patterns and modern design.

2010-09-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

Herman Miller // Many different items, including custom Eames Chairs!

Gosgrain // A Crown! from The Paper Lady

Tulips & Flight Suits // Address Stamp from Ampersandity

Sparkle Power // $25 Gift Certificate from My Fair Ladee ends Sept 16th

Pieces of Fall

2010-09-10T22:30:00.005-05:00

Not sure I can pull of fringe, but with this purse I could! JUANA by UNAshop

Cowls from Taylor House Knits - One of each please!

Seeds and Stones from La Bella Joya

Bow Shoe Clips from No144

Chelsey - Sleeveless Dress from Tangente

Hope you are having a lovely Saturday!

I.M.

Before I Know It

2010-09-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have a feeling that Halloween will be here before I know it. It will sneak up on me in all the busy that our fall is going to be, and I won't have anything for Henry to wear, and my dreams of being super mom that made her son's costume for every year of his life will be ruined forever.

Ok, maybe a little too dramatic. Plus my mom made his costume last year. Here he is as Super Cute Man.

Can you see my post-birth-hormone hair loss going on? It finally came back and now I have little whispies on both sides that I have to flat iron everyday, but I'll probably loose it again in a few months. ::sigh::

I've asked him what he wants to be this year, but he won't tell me. He just says "gurggle-murgle-lala-dada?" He is quite chatty these days, and everything sounds like a question. But no concrete words yet. So I guess I'll just choose something for him.

I guess I should be happy to choose. My mom made all of our costumes, but I decided to be things like Steve Urkel and Abraham Lincoln.

Here are some fun ones that I have seen, though a couple may some seem a bit ambitious for this amateur sewer, but I'm sure we'll come up with something. And I'm sure it will be made on October 29th.

{Click on the picture for the source}

2010-09-09T10:23:00.007-05:00

Time for a end of the week giveaway roundup! Hope you find something you like and that you win! Some of the giveaways from the last roundup are still going on as well.

Centsational Girl // A copy of At Home With Country - ends Sept 11th at 8pm

This Crazy Life // Ruffle Pouch from Sweet Pea Totes - ends Sept 21st at midnight

Spearmint Baby // One of two necklaces from Bird In Flight Boutique - ends Sept 15th at midnight EST

I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar // Free Stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils - ends Sept 12th at midnight

Craftzine // a copy of The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book - ends tonight at 5pm PST

Design Mom // a $250 gift certificate from Hi There Press - not sure when it ends but winner announced Monday

That's it for now. :)

I.M.

Momma's Kitchen {Soyrizo and Eggs}

2010-09-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

This is more of a dinner "idea" than a recipe. We first had this meal while visiting my dad's cousin in Tucson Arizona back in 2006. Paul and his girlfriend Jill lived in an amazing little house on a hill full of fun finds from their pasts and a beautiful view of Tuscon. They took us to a great indoor market that looked like it was part of a warehouse district. They got all the fixings to make this meal for us the next day.

It is so simple, and it's nice that you can add your own "flare" to it with whatever you have on hand...tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, etc. Here are the basics.

- Tortillas
- Cheese (Paul and Jill had vegan cheese but we use Monterey Jack.)
- Eggs (I used 5 for Brian and I. It made about one burrito per egg.)
- Butter or Earth Balance for vegans
- Soyrizo (We've found that Trader Joe's has the best kind, but we don't have a TJ's nearby. Also, I use half the soyrizo pictured because it is just Brian and I. If you use more than 8 or 9 eggs I would use the entire package.)

It's pretty simple! Just make scrambled eggs like you normally would either adding the cheese right away or along with the soyrizo at the point where the eggs are almost done. Heat the soyrizo though and serve in warmed tortillas along with the toppings of your choice. I have no finished product picture...because it's a burrito. We've all seen one.

I'll just leave you with this picture of their lovely abode.

I.M.

New For Fall - Dignity Regained

2010-09-08T15:12:00.003-05:00

I've been working on some product photography, and I'm really excited about our new Fall products! Visit Dignity Regained and join our mailing list for the latest.

Labor Day

2010-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photos taken by Brian at his brother's BBQ this past Monday.

Surround Yourself

2010-09-07T10:58:00.004-05:00

A series of recent events got me thinking about the concept of surrounding yourself with positive people. I've heard this advice before in various different forms and it is starting to sink in. Since it's been on my mind, I'm starting to search out encouragement to do just that.

"If your friends aren’t ambitious, if they don’t have clear plans, you probably won’t either. This doesn’t mean to reject them, but it does mean if your friends want to lay around doing nothing all day, get some new friends. The single greatest influence playing on you is your friends. You will become like the people you hang around." - Donald Miller

"Cut the cynicism: Leaders don’t roll their eyes, children do." -also Donald Miller

"Surround Yourself with What Inspires You. Get Rid of Everything Else - Days are too short and time far too precious to surround yourself with downers and ghosts and judgment and people who bite. Period." - Rebecca Woolf

"People who want to run successful businesses need to surround themselves with successful, motivated, driven people." - Megan Auman

"You want great habits and ways of thinking to seep into you. You want peer pressure to have a useful purpose like encouraging you never to cheat on your spouse or to volunteer to tutor young kids or adults. You don’t want it telling you to buy the latest non-essential object as the only way to feel worthy." - Marita Greenidge

"Surround yourself with positive people who love life and love you." - Doug Fleener

So does this mean if you feel like someone isn't positive or good for your development that you kick them to the curb? I don't think that's ok, in a way we need those people too. I just feel a need at this point in my life to seek advice and wisdom from those who have positive attitudes and care for me in a way that I need it, so that I can give the same care to others. Sometimes we simply cannot avoid negative people in our lives. Any thoughts on how to find this balance and how not to let negative people pull you down with them?

I.M.

High Five Original for Sale HERE

Trying To Soak It Up

2010-09-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

Giveaway Roundup

2010-09-05T15:46:00.009-05:00

I've won a couple of really great items on giveaways in the past. I've always been a little reluctant to share when giveaways are going on...because I want to win dang it! But I think I've come to my senses and want to share with anyone who reads some fun giveaways that I come across. Some of them may seem momma specific, but if you aren't a momma...no worries. You can save it for momma friends or future baby showers.

The Paper Mama // Baby Legs Grab Bag - ends Sept 14th

Christopher and Tia // Nursing Pillow Cover from The Pink Polka Dot Store ends Sept 10th

Make It and Love It // Various Gift Certificates from Heritage Makers - ends Sept 7th

The Bright Side Project // Chic Strap camera strap from Shey B -ends Sept 9th
This giveaway has a posted end date of Aug 9th, but I'm pretty sure they mean Sept 9th because it was posted on Sept 1st.
The Bright Side Project // $50 Gift Certificate from JloveS - ends Sept 13th

Oh Hello Friend // Custom Address Stamp from Paper Pastries - ends Sept 13th

Cakies // Three Different Items! - ends Sept 10th Happy Blog-versary Ruby!

Sparkle Power // Ultimate Paper Doll Package from Lily and Thistle - ends Sept 9th

Sandra Juto // Wrist Worms from Sandra Juto - ends in less than 24 hours!

Momma's Kitchen {Tomato Soup}

2010-09-04T21:14:00.004-05:00

When Brian and I were first married we lived in a small apartment in a western suburb of Chicago. One day he was feeling under the weather and was wanting some homemade tomato soup. I had never made anything close to that before so I busted out a vegetarian cookbook and gave it a shot. Ever since then we've been eating it often through the winter and I've stopped looking at the cookbook and changing it up a bit. More out of laziness than anything.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs or more of tomatoes (if I have to buy them I get plum, but these are a mixture from our garden.)
- half an onion (I tend to use yellow onions, no rhyme or reason.)
- 4 cloves of garlic pressed
- olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream (or however much you prefer)
- 3 cups of vegetable broth (or more if you use more tomatoes)
- about 5 leaves of fresh basil

Puree the onions and tomatoes (separately).

See my sad little food processor? I have to puree in shifts.

Heat your oil in a medium/large pot and cook the garlic and onion for a couple of minute. Just enough to soften the onion but not change the color. Add the tomatoes and broth. Simmer on medium for 20 minutes (or more if you are busy). Stir in cream and basil and let it cook for just a couple more minutes. After this point it's ready, but in my opinion it just gets better the longer you leave it on low, and is even better heated up the next day.

I served it with Cheddar Cheese Puffs. Mine didn't turn out quite so puffy and fell in. Maybe my pâte a choux came out wrong. I just thought I'd throw that word in. All the ingredients are recognizable. Plus I had to cook mine in a skillet because I only have one saucepan...and there was soup in it. Kinda sad huh? Hello Le Creuset, help a girl out?

Sorry for the out of focus photo. Someday we'll have a kitchen and dining room with lots of great natural light.

You can add and subtract from the soup, but I feel like it's pretty forgiving. I don't know the science of cooking things so if anyone happens to anything I should do differently feel free to leave a gentle comment. Thanks!

I.M.

Fall Adventures

2010-09-04T20:55:00.003-05:00

Normally kids run around all summer and then return to school in the fall. But now that Henry is more sure on his feet and it is finally cool enough to play outside we are spending more time running around in the grass than ever. He's fast but we love to chase him (most of the time) and play "I'm gonna getcha!"

Here we are, in our neighbors yard...they are out of town.

Today was another beautiful day. Brian washed the car, and I watched. He likes the company though, and we only have one scrubber. My excuse was that I was making lunch (bread machine running), doing laundry (washer running) and taking care of Henry (while he napped).

A nice cup of (decaf) Gobena.

Then we went on to have one of the those days full of good intentions for family fun but dealt with a child full of melt downs. We took him to Ackerman Farms to look at animals and run around the lawn amongst the pumpkins.

All in all it was a good afternoon, but what the pictures don't show is our little cherub turning into a noodle and yelling everytime we tried to move him on to the next animal or part of the farm. But we will look back and smile I'm sure.

I.M.

Season Of Projects - Paper Wreath

2010-09-03T15:12:00.008-05:00

Fall is here in Central Illinois! Who doesn't love the fall? My favorite parts are the smells, colors, sweaters, and a certain little boy in flannel running around in fallen leaves.

The change in season has given me some new creative energy and I know that come January there will be very little time for larger fun projects. I got a gift certificate for my birthday for crafting so Henry and I had a little buying adventure and I got busy.

I really wanted to try and make a wreath out of an old book like so many I've been seeing.

Needed:
- straw wreath (bought mine at Hobby Lobby for $2)
- hot glue gun
- old book
- ribbon or fabric for hanging
Optional:
- muslin fabric

I lleft the plastic on it my straw wreath and it in ripped strips of Muslin fabric just so that the back would look ok if anyone ever saw it. I attached it with a hot glue gun.

Next I took a book and ripped the pages straight out of it. I won't even tell you what book I used because some people might think I was a little cray cray for ripping it up. I'll give you a couple hints though, it was published in 1844 and it was owned by a president of a University in Chicago. But he didn't want it! So that makes it fair game, yeah?

Next I cut the paper into strips of four. This may vary by book size though. Mine was about 5x7.

I gently folded them over and glued them like so...

And then kept layering them (not all the way around the back though, lay it on a flat surface as you do it so you can be assured it will lay flat on the wall. At some point you need to decide how you will hang it. I just tied some brown fabric around it and in a couple of knots. But do this at least towards the middle so you can glue papers around the hanging spot.

Wah-lah!

I was also able to find a quick hour to make this pillow the other day. I got the fabric for 25 cents at a yard sale and took apart an old yucky pillow we had for the stuffing. It's not stuffed very full, but I kinda love it's floppy-ness.

Projects next on the list:

- paint Henry's rocking chair ($1 garage sale score)
- Sew new cover for a Boppy pillow for baby boy. (Got a Boppy for free from a friend!)
- Redo our bland and blank wall in the living room. Where the new wreath will fit in perhaps?

My guy took two naps today, Booya! But our neighbor decided to take his three wheeler for a spin around his front yard right by his window just now. Thanks neighbor.

Time to go play! Thanks for reading!

I.M.

Out to lunch // Be back later

2010-09-03T11:08:00.004-05:00

I so wanted to get a blog post in this morning but I don't think a long one will happen. I've been pretty busy with a toddler who has dropped to one nap a day and many hours of training online for Wycliffe.

I'll be back later to show you some projects I've been working on! I'm off to have some shaved ice with a friend, a little bit late for summer but we are determined to fit it in before it gets too cold!

I.M.

Click on picture for source.

Fair Trade Open House

2010-08-28T19:54:00.002-05:00

It was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came, I really appreciate your encouragement and commitment to Fair Trade.

I love doing this! Brian watched Henry all day long. And is there anything better than hearing your husband say, "I'm so proud of you"?

Boy Oh Boy

2010-08-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

I turned 27 yesterday. Last year was so great because my twin sis was here to celebrate with me and Henry was just a new wee one. I always worry when Tina and I have to spend a birthday apart because I always end up crying and just wishing I was in California with her or she was here with me. She's pretty much awesome and I really miss her.

Thankfully I was able to fill up my schedule this year and having a one year old doesn't give me much time to think about it. I went for a walk with my daily walking buddy Carli and on our way back home we stopped by a friends house and ended up staying for a while. Which was so fun but left me with a half hour to shower and get out the door to a fun pool party a friend put together for me. I ended up being a half hour late, I would have gotten there even sooner if I hadn't stopped to snap this picture of my really big boy in his new big boy car seat for the first time!

I also would have gotten there much sooner if I hadn't looked all over for my sunglasses only to find them on top of my head once I was halfway to the party. It was at a friend's in-laws' absolutely gorgeous house. All my girlfriends brought their kids and yummy food and we swam in the heated saltwater pool and it was perfect.

I wish that I had gotten more pictures, but Henry is a handful! After the party I rushed home, put Henry down for a nap, did a quick change and Brian and I drove to our gender sonogram while Brian's mom watched Henry.

About to leave for the sono! So excited!

At our sono.

Just found out the gender! He's all boy! My reaction...

Brian's happy about it!

It was a great visit, everything looked just as it was supposed to and we even got to see a 3D picture of our little guy. He's perfect. So we went to celebrate at one of our favorite spots, Waterstreet Cafe. The weather was so great and if you know me well you know that I love to eat outside.

Still elated!

Brian happy and texting friends and family the news.

Good celebration food. Red pepper gouda soup for me and veggie wrap for Brian.

Then back home for a couple presents from the inlaws and on to our church's missions board meeting.

I feel very blessed. Someone reminded me this might be my last birthday in Illinois. Exciting and a little sad at the same time!

I.M.

Momma Recommends {Engage Green}

2010-08-27T13:19:00.000-05:00

A while back I carried Engage Green in my shop when we had a brick and mortar store. I sold one of my last bags to a friend, which was a beautiful organic cotton/hemp blend with cork accents. When I saw her a couple months later I was mortified to see her carrying around the bag with the cork completely chipped off. I asked her if she used it all the time and it saw a lot of wear and tear and she said no, that it has started to do that right away. I emailed them right away with this issue and it seemed to be isolated to that bag so I asked for another. They were sold out. This may have been almost a year ago.

So I was really pleasantly surprised when they got new materials and let me know that they would make her another last week! It came in the mail on Wednesday beautiful as ever.

I really appreciate their customer service and commitment to sustainability. I'm going to love delivering this to my friend!

I.M.

Teenage Years

2010-08-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

We live two blocks from the town's high school. Since it has been so nice outside we have our windows open often. On Wednesday I was sitting in our living room doing some reading for our Wycliffe trainings when school got out for the day. A lot of kids walk home. The girls talk loud and fast. But my observations from the boys make me a little nervous about raising a teen boy 12 years from now.

- One boy is walking alone, another comes up behind him on an electric scooter yelling "I'm going to hit youuu!!" And he was right. He did, sending him into our trashcans. So the fallen boy got up and threw a rock at the one that hit him. He got a very belated "Sorry!"

- Another group of boys sat across the street for quite some time. I'm not really sure what happened. But one is teasing "you're such a girl!" as the other one moans (over-dramatically) "oooowww, call 911!" I think they were picking something out of his leg.

Behold. Our future (?)

Bed Head

2010-08-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

The other day I had to wake Henry up and quickly feed him lunch so we could make it somewhere on time. He was a little dazed while I shoveled food into his mouth.

Life Feels Full

2010-08-25T13:05:00.002-05:00

I've felt myself in long lasting ruts many times in the last couple of years. Having Henry was a huge change for me...a wonderful change, but difficult to adjust to. As I've said in the past, everyday seems to get easier with his independence and fun new findings. I keep telling myself, "Everyone says it goes so quickly, enjoy it while you can!" Am I going to look back and feel like I did just that? Enjoy it? Even when he is dropping one of his naps? ::small voice saying nooooo!::

These past couple of weeks I've felt like I am finally finding some hope that I will look back and say "I enjoyed it!"

I certainly don't feel like I've got it all together. But I finally feel a bit more aware of not only how fleeting life can be, but also that there are things that I can do and choices I can make today that can hopefully have a positive effect on tomorrow and beyond. Time with God, time in the Word, intentional time with family, reaching out to others, resting, working. I struggle with finding a balance on all of these, but I really want to try harder.

What choices do you make on a daily basis that will positively effect tomorrow? I would love to hear your ideas!

Wycliffe and Kumquat

2010-08-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my unintended break from the internet. I won't bore you with the details but I've only been able to check my email from my phone for almost a week. I was a little surprised by how difficult it was and how refreshing it was at the same time. I realized I spent way too much time online in the past, so I'm hoping to cut back a little from now on so I can find a little more balance in my life.

Ok. Boring. On to the fun stuff!

As of last week we are officially members of Wycliffe Bible Translators! We have been in the process of applying for quite some time now, so it is nice to have a sense of finality to it. We start our online training this week and will continue for six weeks, then go to Orlando for two weeks for some onsite training.

Then, we fundraise.

Then, we move!

We are praying that we will be able to move in August of 2011. Brian will be doing computer programming at their JAARS facility in Waxhaw North Carolina. I've never even been to North Carolina, but I am very excited to leave the Illinois winters behind us!

I'll keep you all posted with the specifics as we learn more.

We are also very excited about this week because on Thursday afternoon we are going in for our gender sonogram. I haven't let myself think too much about this doctors visit until today, and I am beyond excited to find out!

I.M.

New Date for Open House!

2010-08-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Due to family illness, we need to push the Open House back a week. It will now be on the 28th of August from 9am-3pm. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Baby Smiles

2010-08-15T21:49:00.004-05:00

In my pursuit of daily inspiration from the internet in the last couple of days I've gravitated a little towards some other momma blogs. Sometimes I get totally tired of them, which is funny since I write one. But I think I've got babies on the mind since my OB appointment this past Friday. Heartbeat a strong 147 and we go back next week for our gender sono!

So here are some fun things I've seen lately:

How to Make a Baby from Cassidy Curtis on Vimeo.

Photos from Mila's Daydreams

Display Block

2010-08-12T10:11:00.005-05:00

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on a display for some upcoming events for the shop. I have been racking my brain and hit a bit of a wall. For a couple of events I only have a 10x10 space, which is pretty typical. Of course I'd really like it to look fantastic. Somehow I have in my mind how it will look, but once it materializes I feel like I am running a yard sale.

So I've looked for some inspiration and found some in the queen of display Anthropologie. Thought I'd share it with you because it's so beautiful.

*Click on picture for the source.

Obviously mine won't be nearly this elaborate. But it's fun to dream! Back to work!

I.M.

Fall Line: Nau

2010-08-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Nau's new fall line is making my heart flutter.

Especially loving the confidant dis-dress.

Last Night's Dinner...

2010-08-11T10:53:00.003-05:00

...was great.

Deep-dish, sun dried tomatoes with atichoke hearts on one side for me and pineapple on the other side for my hubbie of five years with the cool new specs.

Here is me thinking "hm..we should do this more often".

Then it was home to put the little guy to bed and watch Date Night. We love Tina Fey!

I.M.

Frump

2010-08-10T14:43:00.004-05:00

So yesterday I though I had myself all pulled together, then we went to a neighbor's house for dinner and my fly was down the entire time. Nice.

It's super hot and humid this week, and I am so looking forward to fall. It was difficult to hear Christmas music at market a couple weeks ago and then go back to 90's+. Plus I've been working on our fall layout for the shop so I've been wanting some fall color. Stop messing with me retail world!

I've been in a bit of a funk for a while now. I think I have the "everyone else's life is so much more fabulous than mine because I live in the midwest and I'm still feeling fat not pregnant" blues. Is life more fabulous on the west and east coast?

So we went thrifting in the midst of errands. Then came home and had a dance party to ~~Jack Johnson~~*correction* Keller Williams singing about love handles while making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (because I figured that would help me not to feel so large of course). Of course I should include some action shots of Henry dancing. So here is a fun sequence:

Yep. That is carpet in our kitchen. Be jealous.

The best part of this recipe is there are no eggs. Which means I can eat the batter. Which means I haven't even tried a cookie yet because I'm full on yummy batter goodness.

The day continues to look up! Tonight is date night to celebrate our 5 year anniversary and we get to go without our sweet little cherub yelling at us and slamming his hands on the table through dinner.

I.M.

Vacation With a Toddler

2010-08-09T15:41:00.005-05:00

This past weekend we went on vacation with Brian's parents and his brother and sister-in-law to a resort close to Starved Rock. It's amazing how travelling with children changes what I think a vacation is. Suddenly vacations have turned into a lot of work. Not to mention the ones that include air travel. Thankfully this one was just an hour away. It actually turned out to be really great and there was a lot for Henry to enjoy. Except Brian and I did not enjoy two nights of good vacation sleep. Henry does not seem to sleep well anywhere other than home.

But this is pretty much what Henry did most of the weekend. Point.

Don't judge his soon to be mullet. A hair cut is in order this week. ::sad!::

There was a lot for him to point at. The place where we stayed included an indoor waterpark, and an amusement park. He loved the water park and we spent a couple of hours there. I however had forgotten my medication for morning sickness so I was in sad shape by Sunday and ready to go.

Family Shot

Even though life takes more work with children, I will say that the smiles increase ten fold. If Henry was happy at the water park, Brian and I were happy. We love to see him clap and kick after going down the slide in our lap.

And another even though....even though it's harder, it's getting easier. Less diapers, drinking cows milk from a sippy, eating what we eat, playing independently. Today I took Henry to the grocery store for an epic "stock up on everything" trip, made a dessert, and folded clothes, all while my 13 month old was awake! And I was the only one home! Gasp. I even went to the store with my hair flat ironed, full makeup, and wearing something other than a t-shirt and jeans. Oh and Henry wasn't in his PJ's! Sometimes I tend to feel a bit paralyzed when he is awake in my productivity. Which kinda messes with the rest of my day. But I'm trying to get past that. And it's getting easier.

I.M.

Momma's Kitchen {Pasta with Tomato and Blue Cheese}

2010-08-07T12:00:00.002-05:00

So like I said in my first food post, Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond is totally inspiring. I love reading her blog. She makes me want to cook more and better (even though her family eats things that moo and mine doesn't, that's ok with me). I saw this recipe for Pasta With Tomato-Blue Cheese Sauce and it looked simple enough. I always like recipes that have all recognizable ingredients. This one took about 20 mins to make so that's a plus!

Let me tell you. Drop what you are doing. Go to the store, and buy some garlic, blue cheese, tomatoes, spinach, cream, and angel hair pasta. Because that's all you need to take a bite of bliss. It was so good I made it two nights in a row. The first night Brian had three servings. The second night we actually had some leftover, which I ate for lunch the following day. Then had seconds...and a late night snack finishing it off.

Go. Shop. Now.

My photo doesn't do it justice. But go check out Ree's photo for my convincing. It's so easy. But heed her advice, don't over cook the spinach! It will shrivel quickly.

I had also picked up a big bag of nectarines at the store for $1.99. So I searched for something sweet and found this great recipe for nectarine pie. Another super easy and fast recipe that yields great results.

If you make this one, listen to the reviewers advice and add the crumble topping to it. So worth it.

I think it is safe to say I am well into my second trimester and my appetite is fully back. Although I do wish I was craving Indian Food again.

I.M.

Five Years

2010-08-06T08:35:00.000-05:00

Five years has brought us through a lot. I'm sure that it's only the beginning. Maybe we will look back and say "wow that was easy compared to _(this)_". "Look how young we were." "Look how far we've come." "Remember when we lived in that tiny little house in that tiny little town?" "Now we have a huge mansion over looking the ocean in Hawaii...." Wait, what? My thoughts are going off track, sorry.

A family picture including Henry, who was just a small little kumquat in my belly.

Love you Brian! Happy Anniversary!

Tammy

Summer Ride

2010-08-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

My super sweet friend Cali came over to drop something off this evening on her bike. She took Henry for a ride with her 'lil Molly and he loved it!

Arent' they the cutest?

I.M.

Momma's Kitchen {Pizza!}

2010-08-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

If you haven't guessed, I am totally hooked on my bread machine. I used it twice today. I think that's started to become an obsession. I promise, cross my heart, that my next post about food will not include the words "bread" or "machine".

But for today...Bread Machine!!

I had everything I needed for a really great pizza. I made the dough from my trusty Betty Crocker Bread Machine book. And they had a suggestion for the fresh veggie mix, and I added my own ingredients.

3 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 sweet onion diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 large bella mushroom
1 or 2 T chopped fresh basil

I rolled out the dough on our much loved pizza stone. Put down a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then the above fresh veggie mix, and another thin layer of mozzarella. (If I had any parm it would have been added too.) Then I put marinated artichoke hearts on my side and diced bell peppers on Brian's side.

Into the oven at 375 for 25 minutes.

Henry waited patiently. Well...he waited loudly, but overall patiently.

It was worth the wait!

I.M.

Summer Swing

2010-08-04T20:58:00.001-05:00

Momma's Kitchen {Stuffed Veggie Loaf}

2010-08-04T11:58:00.001-05:00

I think it's safe to say my bread machine is going to make me go way past my allotted carb intake for July. I think it is a trend that will probably continue. But I'm ok with that. I mean, I'm growing a person! He/She needs those carbs. And I will happily provide those.

Along with the bread machine, Brian's grandmother gave me a couple of cookbooks. I have drooled on the pages of this one:

Page 68 has a recipe for a "Italian Salami Sandwich Loaf". I left out a couple of things (salami and onion). I used 2 small bell peppers, 3 bella mushrooms, 1 large tomato, 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese for my stuffing.

Prepare your dough (ingredients at bottom) in the bread machine and divide it into 3 equal pieces then cover it and let it sit for 20 minutes. Roll out each piece into an 7-8 inch round and start your layers. I put it on my pizza stone, because I pretty much use that for everything. But you can put yours on a non stick cookie sheet if you don't have a stone.

Layer one. Half your filling on top and spread it fairly close to the edge. (I would go even closer than this picture because in the end my dough was very thick at the edge after baking.)

Layer two. The rest of your filling.

Then add your third round of dough and tuck the edges.

Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes or until it's golden on top. Can be served in wedges and feeds 3-4 people or 2 very hungry people. (Brian and I can raise our hands!)

Of course my finished product varied from the picture in the book. Theirs was a lot "fluffier". But it was still delicious.

I.M.

Dough:

3/4 cup water
1 T butter
2 C flour
2 T dry milk
1 T sugar
1 t salt
1 1/4 t bread yeast

Momma's Kitchen {Focaccia Veggie Sandwich}

2010-08-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

We have a ton of fresh veggies thanks to Brian's diligence in the garden. They take up on side of our countertop and we give them away to anyone who will take them. We have a cucumber plant that just won't stop. I like cucumbers...but not that much. So Brian found this recipe for Cucumber Sandwiches. We've altered it a bit by adding different veggies and using homemade rosemary focaccia bread instead of whole wheat. I'm sure the would be delicious no matter what kind of bread you used!

Start with a layer of mashed avocado spread onto one slice of your bread. Then add your veggies. We used cucumber (of course).

The tomatoes and alfalfa (this was Brian's, no alfalfa for me)

Then sprinkle some red wine vinegar and olive oil over your open sandwich. The other layer of bread is spread with softened cream cheese. Brian wanted a layer of Provolone as well, but I felt like I was cheating on my cream cheese.

Finished product! The avocado/cream cheese combo is so good.

I.M.

Momma Recommends {Sodapop}

2010-07-31T20:20:00.002-05:00

I had entered a giveaway on a lovely blog called Freckled Nest. The indie blogging community has so many great giveaways that are so easy to enter. I've won a few really great things. A bracelet from Elephantine, and a print from Sycamore Street Press. This one was a little more labor intensive, but I was having a nauseous day so I was just laying down anyway. Lo and behold...I won!

The giveaway had lots of goodies from different artists. I've gotten a couple of them and they are really cute. Today this came in the mail.

I love it. I haven't been wearing a lot of jewelry lately because one year old's love to pull on it and Henry is surprisingly strong. But this necklace looks really sturdy and he is learning to be more gentle. I'm wearing it right now, and I love it. If you go to Dayle's blog, you can see all the cute things she makes. Her etsy shop is closed for now but you can sign up to receive an email when it reopens. Did I mention I love my necklace? Yeah? Ok.

I.M.

Firetrucks and Tears

2010-07-31T14:55:00.002-05:00

Our local Police and Fire Department had an event today for kids. The games were all for older kids but we took Henry to see the fire engine thinking he would love it.

He. Did. Not.

"Yes and am scared, and that is what is scaring me."

Going home.

I.M.

Post Bath Fluff

2010-07-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Plastic...It's What's For Dinner

2010-07-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Look closely.

We do feed our child actual food.

At The Park

2010-07-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

We fed the geese. Well, I fed the geese. Henry was only interested in eating the stale bread. He cried because he didn't understand why the geese could have some and he couldn't.

How Often?

2010-07-29T10:55:00.005-05:00

Seriously? How often does your bathroom get cleaned?

I need some help on this subject. Nothing grosses me out more than a bathroom. Blah. I'll clean anything but the bathroom. However, Henry loves the bathroom! We always keep the door shut when he is awake because of the obvious...the toilet, for safety and sanitary reasons. But if that door happens to be open by chance he bolts to the bathroom and we race him there. The door gets shut right before he reaches it, and then he cries.

Anyway! I decided that he is eventually going to touch it so I need to make sure everything in the bathroom is clean. Which means cleaning it more often. Urgh.

So while he was doing this today...

...I cleaned the bathroom.

Here is where I need help.

How often? Who does yours? How do you do it? The last question may seem silly. But being the germaphobe that I am, I clean the toilet last because I don't want the sponge to touch other things after it's been all up in the toilet. Then I feel like throwing away the sponge. Seriously. Gross.

Then there is the floor and the tub. Do you swifer? Hands and knees? Bucket? Clean the tub/shower while you are actually taking a shower?

I'm always glad when it is clean, but I feel like it is never clean enough. Like I've just pushed all the germs around. So please..help!

I.M.

Momma's Kitchen {Bruschetta}

2010-07-28T09:10:00.003-05:00

The oh-so-lovely Pioneer Woman has inspired me to post some cooking "adventures" going on in our house. I wouldn't call myself much of a cook, but my oven was on for three hours yesterday so I figured it would be a good day to start! Although, I don't really have much to show for those three hours, but what I do was really yummy.

While emailing with my foodie friend Erin, we were talking about the difficulty of being an adult. She said she's says a prayer, and eats a cookie. I then made cookies so that I could do just that.

I used this recipe which is a chocolate chip cookie that calls for vanilla instant pudding! They were so good. Henry liked his few nibbles too, cried when it was over, then promptly spit it all up. Guess it was too sweet for his lil'tummy. Guess that will teach us to have dessert first!

I also hauled out my bread machine that Brian's grandmother passed down to me and made some French Bread. It is easier than it sounds, and I have been loving this bread machine. I turned it into Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil from our garden.

My version is super easy. I just slice the toasted loaf into ~1/4" slices. Chop basil and dice tomatoes. Toss them with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. I should have added minced garlic but completely forgot. Add those to the bread slices. Top it off with a small slice of Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese.

And the finished product

I.M.

Open House

2010-07-27T12:08:00.003-05:00

We are having an Open House for the shop on August 21st from 9am-3pm. If you are local, hope you can make it! If you want to RSVP you can go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dignityregained or click HERE to go directly to the event.

Kinda think I need...

2010-07-26T14:25:00.005-05:00

I'm at 16+ weeks in pregnancy #2. I'm at the stage where I am starting to show, but I still feel like I just look like I've put on a couple of pounds. This shirt would clarify what is going on with my midsection to strangers. Such a happy lil babe in there!

From this shop: Crowsmack.etsy.com

I.M.

There are no pictures

2010-07-25T20:58:00.003-05:00

There are no pictures of this past weekend at the Chicago Market. I did pack the camera at the last minute just to take some pictures over the weekend. But I'm pretty sure I would have gone bonkers if I had tried to take a picture at any point.

Our weekend started out with a late departure, heavy traffic, ironing clothes and eating dinner basically in the dark next to a sleeping baby. (We had intended to leave at a reasonable hour, check in, go out to eat, put Henry down and maybe watch a movie.)

Our night continued with Henry deciding that a hotel room is meant for partying and at 2am that is precisely what he should do. Except we wanted to sleep. I try to get him back to sleep, get frustrated, Brian would take over and coax him back to sleep. This happened a few times and by 6:30 we were exhausted.

I had a 8am breakfast seminar that I wanted to go to. It was being given by the Executive Director of The Fair Trade Federation. I had intended to walk because Merchandise Mart was less than a mile away. But it was raining. I decided to brave the rain in the name of saving money and started out with my phone navigation. Except it sent me in the wrong direction then told me to turn around. After walking around a block my shoes were soaked through and it was starting to rain harder. I went into a bank building and tried getting money from an ATM for cab fare. After three attempts I found that it was not going to accept my card. So I walked back across the street to our hotel and sunk down next to Brian totally defeated, wet and tired. But to my rescue Brian dashed across the street to another ATM, got some money, and we waited in line for a cab at our hotel.

I ended up sharing a cab with a woman who paid for it. (Score!) I made it to the seminar 20 minutes late, but they decided to start 20 minutes late because of the rain.

I walked Beckman's and the Fair Trade booths within it the whole morning and had a great time meeting our vendors and finding some new ones. I definitely want to go back next year (with an umbrella, and leaving Henry with a babysitter).

Brian ended up having to stay inside the hotel with Henry because of the rain so they didn't get to see much of Chicago, except the roads. But I'm so happy to have their support and am very excited for the future of the shop!

I.M.

My Happy Place Today

2010-07-22T20:46:00.008-05:00

Today was one of those days. I don't have many bad days (thankfully), but today was one of the few. The nice thing about having a one year old is that it is kind of impossible to have a completely awful day...even if they were the cause of it. (Which was not the case today at all.) His smiles and silliness bring me right back to the center.

Henry's smiles helped. A morning walk with a friend who bought me a Pumpkin Apple muffin helped. Thanks Carli! And a friend bringing over Frappacinos, a listening ear and playmates for Henry in the afternoon was icing on the cake. Thank you Denise!

I.M

Insomnia is the New Sleep

2010-07-22T08:00:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy for Tammy
A Poem (sort of)

Rest is the new production

Chips are the new apple

Nausea is the new normal

Elastic is the new waistband

Insomnia is the new sleep
Frizz is the new smooth

Water is the new coffee

Walking is the new running

Excitement is the new mundane

Heatbeat dopplers are the new stethoscope

Four is the new three.

[below, when I was pregnant with Henry]

How is Henry?

2010-07-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

We get this question a lot. We of course don't mind answering at all. What parent doesn't love gushing about their child?

So how is Henry?

Henry is hilarious. I'm not even sure I completely remember what our days were like before him. He loves to smile, laugh, clap, pinch his own nose and say "gaaah" in a nasal voice, and pinch out noses so that we will "honk".

He has taken a couple steps here and there, but is still a little nervous about walking. I'm sure if we give it a month he will be walking all over. He has taken some big spills so I don't really blame him for being a little worried.

He continues to look just like his "da" and everyone always exclaims that fact when they see him after a few month's absence.

He is loud but doesn't really have many words yet. He says "da" when he sees Brian's picture but that's about it. He knows what a lot of words mean though. Particularly the words "no-no Henry". We found out he also knows what "all gone", "last bite" and "say 'night-night' Henry" means because he starts crying immediately when we say these.

His favorite toy lately is our wok and the lid that goes with it. He loves to pound the lid into the wok and he really loves it when I sit him in it and pull him around the house by the handle.

I have been trying to empty out the pictures from my phone so now a lot of them are on my computer. They are camera phone quality(poor), but I can't let them go.

My favorite outfit for him (10/7/09)

Snuggling (10/2/09)

Reading the ads (12/4/09)

With Da (12/09)Love my boys in plaid!

Peek a boo! (12/29/09)

High Chair Play (1/13/10)

I.M.

The Mart

2010-07-20T13:58:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to attend a trade show for some time now. At first I thought it wasn't really necessary for our store, but wanted to go look at all the pretty new things anyway. I was reading one of my favorite retail blogs and they quoted the Wall Street Journal: "participating in trade shows is one of the smartest things a business-owner can do.” I knew I had the Chicago Market on my calendar, so I opened it up...this weekend! Very short notice. But I discussed it with Brian the next day, signed up and booked a hotel room. So I guess, BAM I'm going! (Hotel rooms in Chicago are not cheap so last minute before Market, sign up early!) Brian and Henry are going to come with and explore downtown a bit together while I go to the Beckmans Handmade Show as well as a breakfast seminar by the Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation. I'm excited to listen to her and see all the Fair Trade and handmade goodies and meet some of our suppliers in person.

I am a little intimidated though. It's my first market, and I'm going alone. And this is the building:

It has it's own zip code! (Seriously, it does.)

I've been trying to figure out whether or not I can take pictures, but I'll be sure to post some if they allow it. Wish me luck!

Buy Local: Twigs Market

2010-07-17T10:42:00.007-05:00

When I first walked up to Twigs Market last weekend I was so impressed by how Jani Davis had transformed a barn into a cozy weekend shop.

She carries a variety of plants, veggies, herbs, fresh and dried flowers, handmade and vintage pieces, and the cutest little bunnies and birds. This weekend she also had the sweetest little black kitten.

All throughout she has created a simple/non-cluttered country charm atmosphere.

Bunnies with bunny feed for sale.

Fresh Basil and Parsley

Vintage Aprons

Henry loves it too.

"Hiding"

If you want to stop by Twigs and see it for yourself, (and support local artists and/or buy some yummy produce) it is on the corner of Fourth and Allentown. A very quick drive from Morton. Every Saturday until the fall from 8a-12p.

Looking Forward To...

2010-07-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

January! When I...

...can start the journey back to a (new) 'normal' for myself. A normal appetite for my favorite foods. With Henry's pregnancy I craved Indian food, now I don't even like driving by one of our fav restaurants. Plus I can stop eating what I now affectionately call 'second breakfast'. Today second breakfast was a turkey (meatless) and cranberry sandwich, at 9am.
...will stop feeling so lightheaded everytime I stand up.
...will meet our new bundle! I haven't been able to think as much about our second because Henry has been occupying my "child section" of my brain and heart. But when I do think about him/her, it is so different from what I thought about with Henry. It is much more blissful and hopeful. Maybe because I know a little more of what we are getting into. Henry has brought us more happiness than we ever imagined, so the fact that we are going to have another is mind boggling amazing to me.

Here is Henry on his second day of life.

Amazing how a year has flown by.

I am also looking forward to the next couple of months. We have made some big decisions and have some big changes (and a move) coming up in the next year or so. More on that later.

I.M.

Birthday Fun

2010-07-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

Henry got to hear his Happy Birthday song three times for his first birthday. His final time was in our backyard for a small Illinois celebration of our favorite foods, bags, and family and a couple friends. Henry loved it. I felt like he really knew that the evening was for him.

Uncle Aaron fed him dinner.

He got a lot of smiles from everyone, including his daddy of course.

We all indulged in his "horn" honking, and honked as he squeezed our noses.

Even Grandpa.

We decided that he wasn't going to join us in eating cake this time. (Since our experience on his actual birthday resulted in a very grouchy baby.)
This was my first time making and using Fondant on a cake. It might be my last since it took me hours, which compared to buying a $1.50 can of frosting and slapping some on in 5 minutes is a huge difference. But I was really happy with the way it turned out. I used this recipe. This may be the only picture I have of the cake, if I find another I'll post it.

Thanks for sharing in Henry's first birthday celebrations! Next year we'll have a 6 month old sibling for him to help us celebrate!

I.M.