Creative Bubbles

Moving on Up

2011-09-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

So, after playing around with WordPress for the last couple of days I decided that I am going to move my blog there. =) It is just so nice and fresh to use and I feel like it is something I have been wanting to do for awhile.
But I am still going to blog like I have... crafts, Pinterest pins, life, homschooling, and lot of photos! Same taste, fresh start.

I am not going to transfer these posts from the last 4 years to the new blog because with them comes all my bad tagging and such. I will have a page linking this blog on the new one though so if there is a favorite post you are looking for, it will still be here waiting.

Make sure to update your RSS feeds, links, and page saves to the new blog-

I hope you all will join me there! I am going to be looking for people to guest post, crafters to submit tutorials, and lots of other fun. See you on My Sunny Side Up Life!!

Yes, it is 1am...

2011-09-12T01:18:00.001-04:00

So yes, it is 1am and I am blogging... I get a bit of insomnia when I am on a creative streak. Here's the story:
A fellow blogger named Elle asked me to write for a new mommy blog she is starting called Motherhood Uncovered. Of course I said yes because a) I like Elle, she is nice and b) It would give me a reason to craft more. However, the blog is on Wordpress and to co-write on it I would have to have an account. Dun dun dun... a whole new world of blogging people!

Well, I didn't want to look like a newbie when it came to this awesome new blog that I was going to be writing with other bloggers, so I started a new personal one to play around with called My Sunny Side Up Life. I have been thinking about branding my blog and making it flow better with my Etsy store, cleaning it up a bit and making it more professional looking. I designed the header after hours of watching Charlie and Lola with the girls... I am liking the feel of it though... clean with a hint of whimsy.

However, I don't want to throw anyone off who regularly visits me here, know what I mean?
So, what are your thoughts? Can I gently transfer everyone to the new blog or should I just stick with what works? (If you really have an opinion, there is a poll on the sidebar!)

My thoughts are this:
1. I now know how to tag properly so it will be a heck of a lot easier to find stuff on the new blog.
2. Wordpress is niiiiiiiiiice!
3. I can get a fresh look in and tie all my endeavors together
4. I won't have to hop all over the place to blog

but....
1. Wordpress is new and kinda scary to maneuver if you like to customize your look a lot
2. I don't want to lose readers
3. .... ummmm that's all I got!

so there you have it. I am up at 1am, playing between Photoshop and Wordpress and can't sleep because I have so many ideas... =)

9 Months Old!

2011-09-09T15:23:00.000-04:00

9 months old already??!!

Well, three quarters of Miss Moira's first year is over! What a difference just a month makes in this baby's life and development...

* cruises furniture

* takes off diaper

* climbs stairs

* nurses a lot still

* clicks her tongue to call the pets

* stands up without holding onto something

* shakes her head "no"

* snorts and growls when she is mad

* still has only 2 teeth

* loves to be read to and played with

* favorite toys are matchbox cars

* gets into EVERYTHING!!!


"I'm pretty sure that I have places to go and things to get into!"

Moira's personality is really coming out. She has developed quite the temper and will get reaaaallllly upset if you take something away from her. She has also learned the word, "no" and will shake her head when you say it... although she laughs and continues to do what you don't want to do. =) I am pretty sure that she is going to be fully walking by next month!

Sunday Pins

2011-09-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am addicted to Pinterest... but look at all the cool things I found!!!

Source: photojojo.com via Connie on Pinterest

Photoshop Magnets!!!!!

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Connie on Pinterest

Cute side-table ideas

Source: sleekidentity.com via Connie on Pinterest

Road Tape!

Source: iamthegirlanachronism.tumblr.com via Connie on Pinterest

Love this quote!

Source: keikolynn.com via Connie on Pinterest

Hmmm... Hallloween for Klint and I?

Source: comicsfornerds.net via Connie on Pinterest

Can't forget a costume for Moira!

Source: stylemepretty.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

Love this hairstyle...

See... now wasn't that fun?!

Clothespin Dolls!

2011-09-02T12:01:00.001-04:00

This is what I have been up to the last couple of days and I am loving the results!

They are little dolls painted on no-roll clothespins that are about 3 3/4'' tall.

I love their cute pointed toes and of course we had to make a few ballerinas from the bunch, lol.

The clothespins are really cheap and you can let your imagination run wild-

I made a fancy lady, some chilling dolls with hoodies, a few ballerinas, some chic chicks with heels...

seriously, it was more fun for me to create the outfits I think at times!

AJ is really loving the dolls and is working on making a juice container into their home. =)

I have heard that there are even bigger clothespins out there, 7 1/4'' tall!!!
Hopefully I can get my hands on some and make some even cuter dolls for the girls.
I am already putting cute outfit ideas together... lol.

I love simple crafts like this that the girls love to play with!

(if you love the dolls but don't want to paint your own you can buy some here from this wonderful Etsian!

She is a great artist and has BIG dolls too!)

Some Tuesday Luvin'

2011-08-30T17:14:00.000-04:00

Hi all! How is everyone doing this fine Tuesday? We have had a great day of cleaning and gardening, plus some new fun developments in Miss Moira's growth. She has discovered the stairs, the toilet, and how to take off her diaper! I seriously can't take my eyes off of her... she is so fast and the poor thing bumps her head or falls down tons everyday in her quest to walk.

Anyhow, here are some cool things that I have found, tried, or heard about:

How to make a book cover bunting

Easy DIY magazine art

The 7-day toy cure for busy parents

One of the coolest A-B-Sea posters I have ever seen!

Buy one here!

I love cool kids lunch ideas... here's a whole collection of cuteness!

If you noticed at the bottom of my blog there is a new widget which is our library...

I am still adding to it but it is a really cool thing to have to keep track of what you have read,

want to read, or are currently reading!

It is powered by Library Thing and super easy to use...

Speaking of reading, here is a whole collection of great book lists

if you are looking for something new to read!

Source: lushusa.com via Connie on Pinterest

Finally, here is my new crush from LUSH- Toothy Tabs.
Did you know that over 1 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfills each year?
I thought that we were being eco-friendly using Tom's toothpaste,
but here is an even greener alternative.
There are a couple different flavors and I was left with clean teeth and no weirdo after taste.
(Plus at $4 for a box of 60, you can't go wrong with the price!)

Here are some other random links that you may enjoy:

S'more Cookie Bars

Yummy Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Create a Sunken Trampoline

and finally...

One of my favorite Pinterest finds so far...

"Read a little, try a little, wait a while, watch."

2011-08-28T20:31:00.002-04:00

Lately I have been reading a lot of really cool blogs and article about unschooling- mainly the radical kind. Where unschooling means letting you child take the lead in their learning, radical unschooling extends that thinking to their whole life. A well known unschooler put it best:

Unschooling includes trusting your child in what they choose to learn. Radical Unschooling, which expands unschooling philosophy to parenting, means you extend that same trust to other areas of your child’s life, like foods, media, television… (It) requires thinking outside the box and a huge dose of courage.
Parenting is supposed to be joyful, and it can be when we learn to connect with, rather than control, our children. We were raised in a different era, where the majority of the parenting focused on obedience and doing what we were told…Once you understand that there is a more respectful, fulfilling way to live in harmony with not only our children, but also with others, you are well on your way. Just learning that a new parenting paradigm exists is often the first step in someone’s journey to a new awakening. ~ Dayna Martin, Radical Unschooling: A Revolution has Begun

There are many aspects of my life that I want to improve upon but the way I parent is the top of the list. The bottom line is that I don't want to make the same mistakes my mother, and many parents in this country, made. I don't want my kids to have childhood memories that involve spankings, guilt, harsh criticisms, groundings, bribery, and feelings of not being "enough".

I want my girls to lead a life that they enjoy, be productive members of society but not feel like they are "supposed" to do anything that does not feel right for them. I don't want them to enter careers that they are not passionate about, that they will dread going to every day. I want them to take what they learn in their youth and let it grow into something beautiful and real.

But how does one go from the norm of chores, set bedtimes, basically a very controlled environment to a whole life unschooling approach?? Well, I am taking those first baby steps by following the mantra,
"Read a little, try a little, wait a while, watch."

A good friend, Melissa, gave me that advice when I asked how to even begin changing how I approach my kids. Do I just let go of everything and let the chips fall where they may? No! Then they would take over the house and it would be an urban version of Lord of the Flies! =)

So this weekend I decided to take some steps and do away with a set bedtime and media monitoring. We will see what happens and watch our kids enjoy life in a stress free, full of joy way!

If you are interested in reading a bit more about unschooling, this is a great article to get your mind thinking of the possibilities!

Soul Pancake Bites: #2- Overreacting

2011-08-25T16:11:00.001-04:00

When is the last time you overreacted? Was it worth it?

Me being me, I tend to get all up in arms first and think about it later, especially if it is a topic that I am passionate about. Things like birthing, breastfeeding, homeschooling, vaccinating, gentle parenting, arts education, animal welfare, Spanx... these are all things that I will get on a soap box about.

Yesterday I was confronted about one of my personal beliefs and actually tried really to be diplomatic and informational instead of confrontational. I posted an article about Radical Unschooling on my facebook page about how there are some serious drawbacks to demanding blind obedience from our children. Right away 2 people who I was "friends" with said that you need to make kids be obedient or else they will run wild, etc.... I wrote back and explained that this is a completely different school of thought and is the exact opposite of being neglectful or not parenting. Well... it was like talking to a brick wall (or 2). Right away I was told that this was nonsense, it couldn't possibly work, and that basically you have to show kids you are the boss.

So I had 2 choices: Write yet another response and hope that maybe there would be a crack in the wall or just let it go because some people don't want to learn, they want to prove that they are RIGHT. Well.... I not only didn't respond to the posts but I also deleted them as friends. And then I took it a step even further and posted this on my page:

ok friends, here is where some of us have to part ways. This is my space and I don't really feel like I should have to censor my beliefs on parenting, religion, etc. You are more than welcome to read my posts or ignore them, be curious, ask questions. But if you obviously don't agree with something, that is fine, don't read it. I am not going to try to convince you otherwise but I am not going to have a debate to defend my beliefs. I will gladly share my research and answer questions though!

Yes, it was my temper coming out because I then went on a mass deletion spree and took off all the people who cause me to censor my articles, thoughts, etc. Surely, I overreacted to 2 people arguing with me about an article- I could have just said nothing and gone about my merry way. But, what about the next article that I found about gentle parenting? Or the one connecting the Hep B vaccine to SIDS? Why should I have to hide the research I am doing because there are some who are too close minded to consider, even for a moment, that there is another way to do things than how we were brought up?

I fully realize that sometimes I would be better served to think first and then act accordingly, after I think things through. But at least in this instance I feel a little lighter in that I don't have to carry false friendships where people are just bringing me down. Definitely overreacted but well worth it!

Crayon Canvas

2011-08-24T23:26:00.000-04:00

So remember this craft?

It is flying all over Pinterest and the web and I HAD to try it.

Here is what I used:

18x 24 canvas ($7)
Box of 120 Crayola Crayons ($5)
Glue Gun
Blow Dryer

Here's how I did it:

1. Draw a straight line (lightly) across the top of the canvas

2. Figure out how many crayons you need to go across the top of the canvas

3. Arrange your crayons in whatever order you want

4. Use a hot clue gun to attach the crayons, I used a dot toward the top of the crayon and the middle.

5. Now the fun.... Use your blow dryer on its hottest setting and on high to begin to melt the crayons

BUT here is my best advice: point it straight down or else wax will fly everywhere!

Also, it is best to switch to low once the melting gets going, you have more control.

6. Once it looks how you like it, admire your new artwork for only $12!

How We Roll

2011-08-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

Don't mind the messy playroom in the background!

Klint brought out his old video game system and introduced the girls to old school gaming, lol.

The played Donkey Kong, Ninja Turtles, and so much more...

Even Moira got a controller of her own and would glance at the TV

to see what was keeping her sisters so entertained.

Both Gabby and AJ loooooove games, they ask for our phones all the time,

and have a DS to play on as well as the Play Station....

we are all novice gamers!

Just another day at Casa de Krebs!

Homeschooling the Free Way

2011-08-21T22:56:00.000-04:00

So I have been gearing up for another fun year in homeschooling. Last year was sort of a blur, with a new baby and getting Gabby to simply enjoy learning again... it was fun, but sort of challenging to find our groove. We are still going to have an eclectic type of schooling going on, but with a little more structure from all over since I have discovered that left to her own devices, Gabby really doesn't put forth any real effort. (AJ on the other hand is downright pissed that she can't read yet, so she is jumping on the school wagon!)

This year I want to get Gabby in the habit of not only putting forth her best effort, but also taking the time and patience to look for answers herself instead of waiting for me to feed them to her. We are also going to add in an into to a foreign language- Italian, as well as violin lessons and swimming. But, I wanted some more resources and some sort of list for myself to keep track of the topics we are covering so I went in search of some free curriculums and resources... man, oh man, did I find some!!! Here are my favorites so far:

Scott Foresman Math and Science Curriculums: First off, these are absolutely FREE work books and sooooo nicely done! While I may not do these page for page, at least I can have some order in the topics that I introduce and a starting point for our explorations.

Lesson Pathways Guided History Lessons: Again, we may not follow this exactly, but I like having a weekly focus so that I can get out the appropriate books to spin off of, for instance, we can read The Little House series while studying early American history. (We didn't focus a lot on specific history themes too much last year so I am going to cover the year 1 lessons this year...)

Spelling City: One aspect that Gabby really enjoys is writing so this year I am trying to expand her written vocabulary and spelling. She is great at spelling words phonetically, but likes to have a word bank to work off of if she is writing something important.

The Learning Page: I am a sucker for wacky holidays like Hug Your Cat Day and National Clown Week! This site has the traditional and wacky holidays plus lessons to go with them!

Finally, have you ever heard of the Daily 5? Basically it is a way to get kids to become better readers by approaching the process from different angles, something that is important because not every kid learns the same way. Everyday you have the kids:
1. Read to themselves
2. Read out loud
3. Listen to reading
4. Practice writing and
5. Do word work.

Now, we were already doing everything on the list, just not every thing every day. I am going to try to not only have Gabby do these, but myself as well since it is good to model the process and let's face it- I love books!

If you are a teacher and prefer a more formal classroom setting, be sure to check out my sorority sister Katy's Pinterest board for the Classroom. She is a teacher and is finding some really cool posters, organization techniques, and neat ideas to implement!

Source: shadytreediary.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

(I have updated my homeschool resources, so be sure to check them out! Lots of free fun stuff to be had!)

Our Week...

2011-08-19T22:00:00.000-04:00

We played, we cleaned, we cried, we laughed...

we watched our newest member of the house play with his fellow felines,

we worried over Miss Moira's mysterious allergy,

we slept in and stayed up late.

It was an interesting week!

Baby Medical Mystery

2011-08-18T08:25:00.000-04:00

So I am calling out today to all you mamas with kids with allergies, mamas who have some experience with mysterious skin issues, namely-hives:

This is what it looks like at first, then they get bigger and redder, then they fade out...

Poor Miss Moira has been getting hives very randomly for the last 5 days. We can't figure out a common trigger and there is no rhyme or reason to the time or severity. It is driving me NUTS!
They don't seem to bother her at all and most of the time disappear as fast as they come. What is crazy is that nothing in our daily life or diet has changed. No new foods, no new household products... nada. And it has happened when we were out at a museum, at the park, 10 mins after nursing, after playing on the floor, etc.... I thought at first that she got bit my something but there are no bites, just lots of hives. They usually start on her legs, then the arms, and face- never any on her stomach or back or under her hair.

I thought that maybe it was a reaction to me eating a ton of cherries and her eating cherry puffs, but I stopped that days ago to see if the hives would stop and they keep on coming strong.... AHHHHH!!!!
Poor kiddo looks like she has the plague when they are full force!

So..... any thoughts on how to figure out what is the root cause? I have been writing down every episode and there is no pattern to the hives, no linking factor. Help!!

Sorry for the bad pics, it was late and photo composition was definitely NOT on my mind!

Wednesday Lovings

2011-08-17T07:55:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Just popping by to share some quick links and such that I am loving these days, enjoy!!

Did you know that you can borrow free dissection alternative kits? Yay for exploring animals without having to kill any in the name of science!

Here is a great article on how to talk to little girls. (Hint: ask them what is their favorite book!)

There are a still a few days of summer left... here are 10 things you must do before it is over!

And when it is over, here is an easy science experiment to get you started if formal learning is on your agenda.

I gave my reasons why we homeschool a couple of days ago, but this article says it even better!

Here is my crafty fix that even serves as an awesome new mom present: make a portable beautiful growth chart... lovely!

Well, that's all for now... I am off to enjoy a wonderful day with my girls. Have a wonderful day yourself!

Happy 7th Birthday My Gabba!

2011-08-16T07:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday my Gabba Raba Ding Dong!

(Yes, that is her nickname!)

Today you turn 7 years old,

my oldest daughter.

7 years ago you came into this world and made me a mommy,

and since then you have shared all these firsts with me,

paving the way for your sisters to follow.

You are a joy, a challenge, a mystery, and an adventure for me.

You make me try hard to be a better mom,

and make me smile with your creativity and spunk.

But there is such a sensitivity to you...

all of our friends comment on your sweetness.

I love your drawings, your passion for the animal world, and your deep thoughts.

My Gabriella Rae, you are a wonderful daughter whom we love so very much.

Thank you for all you do and all you are.

I can't wait to journey into 2nd grade homeschooling with you,

watch you discover all that there is out in this world for you,

and be there for you, no matter what.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Why We Homeschool

2011-08-15T09:08:00.000-04:00

School is all the buzz right now in Northeast Ohio. In our district, classes start in a little over a week and if you set foot in any store, mall, or even restaurant that is all everyone is talking about.

When I was younger I lived for the start of school... my book bag was packed the start of August even though in Western NY it didn't start until after Labor Day. I planned my locker decorations, re-read my summer reading books in anticipation of first day pop quizzes (yes, they did happen at my school!), and held my breath for that morning when I would go see all my friends again to catch up. It seems forever ago and yet only yesterday. And even though I loved school, my kids are not me and schools are not what they used to be.

I asked Gabby if she wanted to go to school this year, because I didn't want anyone to accuse me of not giving her the option. She didn't even hesitate before saying no! We talked for awhile about what we wanted to learn this year and then went off on another of our adventures. But it made me think about how our reasons have changed for homeschooling since we took her out of public schools last November and this is what I came up with:

1. I prefer my girls to actually experience real life learning instead of just reading about it. For example, to actually go to the zoo to see the polar bear instead of doing a worksheet on polar habitats, and use real money to pay for things instead of playing with fake plastic coins that don't resemble the real thing.

2. I want them to have a choice in what they learn and to make each learning experience matter to their daily lives, instead of stressing out about a test about something that will be forgotten as soon as it is done.

3. We enjoy being able to take a long weekend without having to ask permission or worry that something will be missed.

4. I like that I can follow the rhythm of our family rather than a forced schedule that doesn't fit us. Waking up at 7am is definitely not a Gabby thing! Sometimes we don't "school" until after dinner, sometimes we skip a weekday and then learn on a Saturday... it all depends on the kids.

5. The girls get to hang out and be with people of all ages throughout the day, just like in real life. They talk to everyone they meet, are constantly learning from their surroundings, and look for new experiences.

6. With budget cuts everywhere, teachers are hard pressed as it is to teach all that the states demand. There is little room for creative teaching, going off roading with lessons, or teaching to all the different learning styles in a class of 30. I know my daughter and how to help her succeed.

But, forget all the details and what it boils down to is that right now, this is right for us. I am pretty sure that if I can homeschool after just having a baby and having a husband who is gone 2/3 of an entire day, I can teach all the subjects that is required! I homeschool so that we can read Little House on the Prairie while eating on the beach in September, so we can sit and watch baby grizzly bears and talk about the animal world, and so that if my daughter has to go to the bathroom she doesn't have to worry about someone saying no to her.

So we will go get some new pencils, a notebook or two, and maybe even some new clothes. We will wish all of our friends well as they start the school year, and then go about our routine of learning and life. =)

What's New?

2011-08-14T09:15:00.000-04:00

Well this little guy for one!

This is Cole and he is the new addition to our family.

Gabby really wanted a lizard for her birthday... buuuuutt... the kinda geek me out.

And this baby needed a new home since his mama was hit by a car.

Cole is only about 6 weeks old, really tiny.

But he is a really smart, silly little thing- litter training was a breeze,

and he even plays with the older two cats.

(I think everyone too was missing Tuck a lot so Cole helps heal the sadness)

I am sure there will be more photos to come,

he moves so fast that they are all blurry for now!

8 Months!

2011-08-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

(this is a few days late, Moira wasn't in a photo mood lately!)

Oh my goodness!
This little girl is such a sparkler...

she has a temper like none other and can go from happy to PISSED in a blink.

But she is sooooo happy and lively most of the time.

Moira is not only crawling, but she pulls herself to standing a lot.

She is eating everything in sight and demands tastes, no matter what it is.

She giggles at her sisters a lot, especially Gabby.

I have taken to calling her "Meep Meep" (think Roadrunner's voice)

because she moves so quick and is sorta goofy. =P

She is still nursing like a champ and has learned how to lift up my shirt when we are sleeping.

There is so much to this little one of mine...

Happy 8 months baby doll!

Thursday Luvin'

2011-08-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

Hello dear friends, how is everyone today? Here in Cleveland we finally got a break from the unrelenting heat and humidity and enjoyed some cooler breezes. It was absolutely lovely! I am working on a some parenting posts, a little bit of homeschooling stuff, and trying to deal with the everyday stresses of life. Anyhow, here are some lovelies I have seen on my addiction, also known as Pinterest!

I am LOVING these earrings!!! So whimsical and fun!

Get a pair here!

Source: theburghbaby.com via Connie on Pinterest

This fairy garden is beautiful,
I love the detail work and I think that the girls would enjoy making this.

Speaking of crafting with the girls...

Source: unsimpleliving.wordpress.com via Connie on Pinterest

Wouldn't this be fun art for a playroom?

Source: smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com via Connie on Pinterest

I really would love to learn how to knit so I can make some of these...
I know the basic knit and purl stitch but that's about it.

Source: flickr.com via Connie on Pinterest

Next week starts my favorite time of year,
Gabby's birthday is the 16th,
Aj's birthday is in September... then there is the yumminess of fall and holidays.
I can't wait to start all the celebrating!

:Wordless Wednesday:

2011-08-10T23:50:00.000-04:00

How was your day?

The Rainbow Bridge

2011-08-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

On Friday I had to make the very difficult decision to let my very dear friend Tuck go. He was a gorgeous tuxedo tom cat that we rescued from a shelter just before we were married, 8 years ago. He was a adult when we got him and probably the best cat I have ever had. Tuck's fur was plush like a stuffed animal, he had these deep intelligent eyes that just knew when you needed a cuddle, and he was the perfect companion for myself and my family.

Many times I found Tuck stretched out next to my babies as they slept in their cribs. He endured years of fur pulling, ear tugs, and stepped on tails and never once got upset. Instead a purr would rumble through him and he would look at me as if to say, "That's fine, I know that they don't mean it." There is so much I could say about my friend and it hurts my heart to think that he is no longer with us. Tuck had cancer and was getting to the point that I knew that he was not comfortable and in pain. Even though I knew in my head that it was time... my heart just can't catch up just yet....

Goodbye my lovely guy... you will be missed more than I can say.

Random Thoughts On Parenting...

2011-08-03T00:29:00.000-04:00

Source: etsy.com via Cassie on Pinterest

So for the last three days poor Miss Moira has been running a low fever and wailing constantly. She popped her first two teeth at the same time and that seems to be her trend. She is NOT. HAPPY. She has expressed her unhappiness by biting me hard while nursing, in turn making me NOT. HAPPY. (Oh Hyland's Teething Tablets, where art thou?) Anyhow, any teething remedies that you all might know, including biting while nursing, will be greatly appreciated!! We have Sophie the Giraffe, frozen fruit, wooden teething necklaces.... she wants nothing but to wail away....

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It is now August and already the whole, "I can't wait till Johnny is back at school" comments are appearing on Facebook, Twitter, and elsewhere. Really? Your kids are that much of a hassle and damper on your lifestyle that you are jumping for joy when they are away from you for no less than 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? It leaves me speechless.... It is one thing if your kids like school and prefer to be there than with you... but the majority of kids that I know stress out about the start of school and dread the end of summer. And how do you think it makes them feel to hear you say that you can't wait to be rid of them? It would make me feel pretty crappy personally! (I looooooved school and definitely counted the days until September, but then again I was a nerd and living in a not-so-great home)
Maybe people should think about why they love summer so much and how once school starts all the fun is over.... hhhmmmm?

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Source: thematernallens.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

This is World Breastfeeding Week. I am very lucky in that I have not only a great support system, but also because I am a stay at home mom and have a husband who is 110% supportive of nursing wherever and whenever the need arises. I have friends who are very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of being successful and have done enough research to know how important it is for Moira's health to nurse her for as long as possible. Someday I would love to become a lactation consultant and share what I know about breastfeeding with other moms, especially ones who aren't as lucky as I am to have such great support.

**********************************************************************************************

Finally, I would like to share a little piece of parenting wisdom that I read the other day here:

We don't give them the freedom expecting that they will choose as we would choose. We give them the freedom so they don't have to. We give them the freedom because we trust them and want them to grow up trusting themselves.

I love this quote because that is what I am striving for as a parent. I want to be there to guide when needed, to listen when needed, and to observe the magic that is childhood- a time that far too many people would wish away if they could. I want to raise girls that are smart, independent, fearless, and so much more with a healthy dose of sassiness on the side! I DON'T want little robots who do whatever an adult says without question, who look perfect, act perfect and who are void of any creativity or personality. Sometimes I act without thinking about this path I am on and veer into the land of Crazy Mean Mommy. I get mad and hear myself say the word "brat" even though that is a word that is demeaning and derogatory, and then I feel really bad that I lost my cool. But I am human and realize that if I can at least admit my mistakes, say sorry for them, that is progress...

Today I am Loving...

2011-07-31T14:45:00.000-04:00

... this awesome wrap bracelet found here...

It is bright, colorful, and the elephant is a symbol of good luck!

(however, the $250 price tag is a bit hefty so I am making my own with these beads:)

and this little guy

Isn't it adorable?!

I have been making practice wrap bracelets and

I must say that it is a pretty time consuming project but a lot of fun

and the end results are worth it.

Here is the original design by Chan Luu, which are over $200 each:

and here is my bracelet that I made using this tutorial:

It cost about $6 to make and took about 2 hours all said and done...

There are tons of these tutorials flying about Pinterest and many that you can buy on Etsy,

but I am a DIY sort of gal and love that I can customize my own to fit my teeny wrists.

What do you think about this trend going around?

Home is Where You Hang Your Tutu

2011-07-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

I have been on a decorating kick lately... the need to clean, rearrange, paint is pulling at me. We are very lucky in that even though we rent our house, we have a pretty free rein to paint and decorate. Every year when our lease is up we talk about living somewhere else and we stay because it is a great house on a really nice street in a city we love.

sitting on the steps, watching the kids play

Still, there are always things about the house that we wish we could change- the teeny backyard that is too small for a swingset, one bathroom (that is going to be a HUGE issue in a few short years with 3 girls & myself in the house), a garage that is too small to fit the van, and a sidewalk that is butt up against the street.

Well, a good friend of mine and I were talking the other day and she mentioned that she would love to move and just rent out her house. She then jokingly said that we should rent her house! Um... yes please!!!! It just so happens that she has an awesomely big house complete with a ginormous backyard, a laundry room that is not in a scary basement, 2 full baths, and a room that serves as an office/family room.... love, love, and more love.

She is looking to move in the spring, which is when our lease is up- again perfect! Let's just say that we met a couple years ago and everything just flows between us, from Usborne to having our kids play together. It was meant to be!

So, I am not going to make any more changes to our current house in the expectation that there is a gooood chance that we will not be here past April. But, I am seeing inspiration for the rooms everywhere! (I just saved a vanity table from the trash and am trying to find the perfect color to paint it!) Here are some decorating things that I am loving:

Source: twinkiechan.com via Connie on Pinterest

How easy is this?

Just take a wooden base, a cheap garden decoration, glue them together then spray paint!

Source: remodelingcenter.com via Connie on Pinterest

Maybe I can get the hubby to go along with these colors...

and oh the backyard that I would have!!!!

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: punkrockbarbiedoll.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I love this idea of movies hanging out in the backyard!!

So yeah, that is what is on my mind... I am so excited and hope that everything works out and we can get into a space that is more suitable for us. Happiness!

Monday Linkies

2011-07-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

Has anyone gone to see the new Harry Potter movie? I am re-reading the books and am so excited to finally see the conclusion to this great series! I love this photo of the cast members out of character

Source: neffsays.tumblr.com via thelittlereddoor on Pinterest

It seems like Polyvore and Pinterest are BFF's and here is my idea of a perfect date night outfit!

Source: polyvore.com via Connie on Pinterest

I love new uses for common household things, especially if it makes a space prettier. This is genius!

Source: toriejayne.blogspot.com via Connie on Pinterest

I have been doing a lot of gentle parenting thinking lately, trying to retrain myself to remember the wonderful words of other inspiring parents. This is a great article concerning tantrums and a new way of looking at them. Thanks Jen!

I can't wait for fall! I am so over this heat it isn't even funny... it is hot, humid, and I have even taken a beach hiatus because the sand burns my feet... I want to be out in some cooler weather wearing something like this:

Source: peruvianconnection.com via Connie on Pinterest

I think I may do some painting tonight... I have some blank peggy dolls who need to look like this:

Source: simplesimonandco.blogspot.com via Connie on Pinterest

Finally, I have been thinking a lot about losing some major weight and getting healthier. I have been inspired by shows, saying, photos. and healthy food recipes. I will be teaching 11 dance classes in the fall (whoo hoo!) so that is a great start for my cardio. I just need to get some weight lifting going and up the ante on my diet, which isn't toooo bad, but needs some improving. I love this saying, it is something I think about when I don't want to work out but should:

Source: firsthome.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Great saying right? So, that's all for now... I am going to go take the girls for a walk and daydream of size 6 jeans! Ciao!

Loving My Lakewood!

2011-07-23T21:59:00.000-04:00

Well, today has been a pretty busy day! Here is the rundown of my day:

9:00am- taught a Mommy & Me baby dance class
10:00- went to Borders to check out the sale since they are going out of business
11:00- went to Nicky Nicole, Aeropostal, the Apple Store, and oogled Anthropologie from a distance since I am banned for the time being because I would never leave!
12:00pm- ate at Chipotle with the family and a friend- yummo
12:30- headed to Trader Joes for some Mandarin Orange Chicken- did I mention I need a 12 step program for this stuff?!
1-3pm- hung out at home, watched the kids ride bikes, tended to my computer additions such as Pinterest and Etsy.

3pm we decided to head over to the Lakewood Street Walk. It is this wonderful community extravaganza where the main street is shut down, all the businesses and community organizations come out and have healthy related booths, and everyone walks around having a good time. This is one of the many reasons why I LOOOOOOVE living in Lakewood, OH. COMMUNITY!

Yes, it was hot and steamy out and yes, we had already had a pretty long day. But I love joining everyone in the city at events like this. Here is the list of everything the kids and us go tot do (and we spent a total of $4.50!)

*Tye Dyed shirts for free
*Watched belly dancers, break dancers, fencing demos, skateboarders, jazzercisers, and square dancers
* Decorated Cookies
* Got to win beach balls for answering health questions
* Ran through a field of sprinkers
* Did an obstacle course
* Got their name written in Chinese and spoke Mandarin to the exchange students
* Got snow cones, frisbees, suckers, pencils, bracelets, and balloons among lots of other things
* Watched Army dudes climb a rock wall that was HUGE!
* Played Four Square, cornhole, and other games

... and that is just the stuff I remember!!! Neat huh?! There was even more things to do and see but I was getting hot and sweaty... when we all got home we showered off and lounged in the air conditioning. Anyways, here are some of the photos from today!

Soul Pancake Bites: #1- The Soul

2011-07-22T08:37:00.004-04:00

Well here is the first set of activities I am going to tackle, a simple thing really- the soul.

What is the soul?

What drains the soul?

What recharges it?

What does your soul look like?

I think that the soul is that essence that makes you, well... you. It is unique. It has nothing to do with the physical body as reasonable people will agree that very beautiful people can have evil souls and vice versa. It is that awareness of a self. A soul is all those memories wrapped up in a package, making your personality and choices complete the picture.

“Run your fingers through my soul.
For once, just once, feel exactly what I feel, believe what I believe,
perceive as I perceive, look, experience, examine, and for once; just once, understand.”

For me, it is soul draining to see people hurting each other and the world around them and to feel helpless. To see violence, despair, especially concerning children. Negativity is very soul draining in general. Feeling defeated is also a big factor. To feel caught up in a web where there is no escape or silver lining.... however, as easily as it is to see the bad, there is always the good. (Yes, I am the eternal optimist.)

Recharging my soul means remembering the good in this world. Seeing the beauty, finding those little things that make me happy, like quiet mornings and comfortable sweatshirts. Taking a sip of my favorite drink and savoring the goodness in it. Looking at my children and knowing that there is nothing more beautiful or special in the world to me.

I believe that if you looked at my soul it would be a mess of colors. For the most part, sunny yellows and tropical blues. But there are those dark spots too, regrets, mistakes, doubts that hold me back. There would be snippets of all the good and the bad that make up me. Snapshots from all my memories that shape my daily life. That is my soul.

** See, now wasn't that fun?! If you want to join in, please comment and let me know you also tackled this activity. :P

If you really like this, go grab your own copy of Soul Pancake!

My Perfect Book

2011-07-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the library, same as we do every week. And, true to my form, I picked up random books solely based on their cover. (I do this with makeup, food, etc- if you look interesting I am attracted!) Well I get home and we immediately start looking at all of our finds, perusing the books and settling in for reading time. And I may have found my PERFECT book! It is a book that makes me think and has all the elements of something that will hold my attention- quotes, typography, photos, questions, poetry... I am in loooooooove!!! What is this book?

This thought provoking book is like a journal, poetry book, art portfolio and more rolled into one. There are creative challenges, list making, explorations and BIG questions... like "What does Art have to do with the Soul?" .... Huge right?!

Anyhow, since I have this book in my possession I am going to try tackling some of these activities here on the blog. Feel free to join in too! I will call them my Soul Pancake Bites...

I can't get over how much there is to see in this book... really see. I have a feeling that this is one of those rare finds that will change how I see the world and myself. I can't wait to get started!

Some Tuesday Luvin'

2011-07-19T15:37:00.000-04:00

How is everyone this hot, sweaty, humid day? We woke up this morning to no power thanks to the powerful storms that swept through last night. Not a good day to be without air conditioning! I don't know about you all, but I was not made for any temps above 80... ick!

Anyhow, here are some cool things that I have seen and want to make... enjoy and stay cool! =P

* I can't wait for the cooler temps so I can wear stuff like this again!

Source: polyvore.com via Connie on Pinterest

*I am already getting the itch to get another tattoo...

I am thinking maybe a girlie version of Klint's Tree of Life one?

Source: weheartit.com via Connie on Pinterest

* I love simple things that have lots of meaning...

these penny charms would be a great addition to my keyring!

Source: etsy.com via Connie on Pinterest

* Nothing says summer more to me than fresh veggies and dip!

Doesn't this look yummy?!

Source: eatingoutloud.com via Connie on Pinterest

* This photo reminded me of the new Winnie the Pooh movie that is coming out.
I can't wait to take the girls to see it!

Source: flickr.com via Connie on Pinterest

*Speaking of which, have you heard the song from the trailer?
I am in love with it!

*Finally, this is everything I am trying to channel...
gentle parenting is getting easier and more of a habit every day!

Source: jennyanddukefamily.blogspot.com via Connie on Pinterest

Where were we?

2011-07-16T15:16:00.000-04:00

Now that the rant is over, where were we? Oh yeah... fun stuff I do with the kids and cute pictures of the baby. =)

Yesterday the girls and I ventured wayyyy out of our neighborhood to go to Amish Country in southern Ohio. I, having always been a city girl, thought that they were only in really rural parts of PA until I met Klint, who grew up next to them. Let me tell you how funny I thought it was when I saw a buggy hitched to the Ashland Walmart?! Anyhow, I wanted to learn more about them and knew a friend who adores a farm there. So off to Yoder's Amish Farm we went!

The day was perfect, not too hot and the girls were delighted with all the baby animals running around. From beagle pups to kittens, ducklings, and foals... this was heaven for them! We walked around a real Amish home and school, took a buggy ride, ate a picnic, and played hard. Afterwards we even went to get some yummy ice cream with Grandma Jan (our wonderful friend) and plays an excited game of Eye Spy in the store, lol!

It was so much fun to see how differently other cultures live as well as to walk around and watch the girls explore freely. I really enjoyed learning about the homemaking of an Amish woman and definitely cam home thankful for all the modern tools to make my day easier! I can't wait to go again and have Klint along to take more photos... it wasn't very easy getting good shots with Miss Moira in the sling, grabbing the strap!

I Just Don't Get It...

2011-07-15T00:30:00.001-04:00

*This regularly scheduled program is interrupted by the following random rant.

Proceed at your own risk!*

I just don't get the world sometimes. I don't understand why people bring children into this world and see them as a bother, something to boss around and treat however they wish without regard to the simple fact that kids are people too. All of these shows and books are created to "fix" children when the cold hard reality is that it is ADULTS who are ruining children. It is adults who are making our nations children devoid of creativity, violent, sick with toxins, obese, depressed. It pisses me off!

And then there are those adults out there who are so mean, cruel, and inhumane that I have to take a moment to process what I actually just read. Tonight I had the displeasure of learning of a blog called Mama Tao. Apparently this woman's goal in life is to mock and demean all those hard choices that a mother makes for her children, including but not limited to VBACs, vaccinating, water births, and natural childbirth. She believes that basically we (we, meaning those who went for an all natural birth, read Ina May's work and praised the heavens for such wisdom, and who question vaccinations) have all been drinking some strong Kool-aid and are to blame for lies?! I felt like I needed to bleach my eyes out after reading just one post, and it got worse with each post there after. It was vile.

It makes me sick to my stomach to think of all those people who are cheering about the fact that there are restaurants who ban children under the age of 6 from eating there. While we're at it, let's ban people over 65 because they are loud, rude, drop things, spill, and sometimes even have accidents! Gasp!!! Makes sense right? And then can we ban people who are developmentally challenged because really, they are loud and can possibly ruin my meal as well... and so on and so forth. Ugh!!

So yeah, I am pretty fed up with the majority of adults I know. I could go on and on and on about this, on any given day. From the random woman who tells me that I am doing Gabby a disservice by homeschooling her to the well meaning friend who thinks it is dumb to question doctors because they have the PhD and I don't.
But I am going to stop now and take a deep breathe and remember that it is because of these people that others work so hard to educate the public about the topics that are important.

Thank you for listening to this random rant, tomorrow we will continue our regularly scheduled program!

Our Days...

2011-07-13T15:59:00.000-04:00

Our days are a kaleidoscope.

Every instant a change takes place in the contents.

New harmonies, new contrasts, new combinations of every sort.

~Henry Ward Beecher

These summer days are flying by us. Filled with laughing, bike rides, bubbles, hot dogs, splashing, sand, and so much more. The sun has been out in full force and while we are out in the early and late hours, I am praising the invention of air conditioning.

Yesterday I made the best bubbles ever. Who knew that corn syrup was the secret ingredient? I also tried my hand at making homemade mac n' cheese and let me tell you, I am never buying boxed Kraft mac n' cheese again! You can get the recipe here! (It is a little bland unless you decide to add some spices and some spicier cheeses, but I adored it as is!)

Thanks to Pinterest I am getting back into sewing, decorating, and fashion- especially hair and nail designs. I did this trick again and it worked like magic! I have these long glorious curls and feel so sassy today. =)

Source: thepapermama.blogspot.com via Connie on Pinterest

Cool huh?! Well, that's about it... what have you been up to today?

(Psssst! Check out my Pinterest for awesome recipes, neat nail ideas, and tons of other funness!)

Psss

7 Months!

2011-07-11T14:18:00.000-04:00

Miss Moira turned 7 months old a few days ago. She is such a delightful baby to watch and grow! Here are a few highlights from this month:

* She can pull herself to standing easily and using anything and everything to help, including my hair!

* Moira LOVES looking out the front windows and all the people

* She is getting not one but two teeth at once!

* Favorite foods include hummus, guacamole, and oatmeal

* Is definitely an active baby who needs little sleep to be happy

*Sits by herself and plays with cars while we cook

* Favorite toys are matchbox cars, tag blocks, and her Jumperoo

* First Words: My Mama! (YAY!)

All in all Moira is doing fabulous and everyone is so quick to play with her and make her laugh, which she does a lot of. She is trying to talk more and I am pretty sure that she is planning on skipping the crawling thing. We'll see!

:this moment:

2011-07-08T11:22:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. For more moments, visit SouleMama.

Where the Heck is the Village?

2011-07-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

Usually when I read parenting posts that have a different viewpoint than my own I shrug them off and walk away. But once in awhile an article just hits that nerve and I have to at least speak up for those who ~~can't~~ aren't allowed to.

This article, written by a callous and inhumane man named LZ Granderson, is an article that everyone should read, as well as it's comments. It is a wake up call about the culture we live in and how we treat our pets better than our children. Don't believe me? Check out this clever little chart made by Vickie at Demand Euphoria:

Know what this chart tells me? It is really bad to hit my dog, that's animal cruelty. But it is perfectly ok for me to hit my own child, that's called discipline. Makes sense right?

Yet, in the article written, LZ states:

Spanking is not a cure, and should not be the first resort, but I don't think it should automatically be taken off the table when dealing with small kids. We're so preoccupied with protecting children from disappointment and discomfort that we're inadvertently excusing them from growing up.

Why can't people realize that kids are PEOPLE TOO! If you would get fidgety and annoyed sitting at a boring dinner where people ignore you, why is it so hard to believe that your child feels the exact same way?! So your child complains about the situation and gets punished.... or worse yet, your child tries to have fun in a not-fun situation, and gets punished. I don't know about you, but it seems like a lose-lose situation to me.

I believe that we, as a whole, need to remember what it is like to be little, unable to express any emotion that may be perceived as disrespectful (aka: discontent, resistance, annoyance, stubbornness... really any emotion that is not quiet calmness), to not have any say in how the day went, what was served, where you went, when you slept. To be thirsty but not able to have a drink without going through all the hoops of getting an adult's attention, asking for a cup, asking for help to get the drink, and hoping that you will actually get to drink what you want to drink, remembering to say please or whatever word the adult wants to hear... personally it sounds exhausting!

The thing that bothered me the most about the article though was these two simple sentences:

I do not love your child.
The rest of the country does not love your child either.

When I read those two sentences I just sat back, stunned that someone can write such hate. Hate against someone that we are supposed to protect and care for because they cannot protect themselves. And then we wonder why children are the victims of violent crimes, why they grow up to be bullies, bring guns to school and take their own lives after their rage explodes.... Here are children that needed a hug instead of a slap, a kind word instead of a time out, and needed the adults in their world to love them.

Why can't we smile at a child who is making the best out of a situation? Lend a kind word to a harried parent who is just trying to make it through the day instead of giving a dirty look or a rude comment? Kids and parents have bad days and sometimes there are situations out of their control. Maybe we can stop expecting everyone to be perfect and realize that as long as society allows this hatred of childhood to continue, bullying and other hateful acts will also continue.

Want to read more posts regarding this article? Check out this one from Vickie and this one from Tiff.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

Today we decided to skip the parade and go to the zoo to see some patriotic animals.

We are all feeling a bit "off" lately at Casa de Krebs...

bad tempers, tiredness, teething, stress...

so we are taking it sort of easy today,

instead of trying to fit in parties and festivities.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

Happy 4th of July to all!

(Now to go pop some popcorn and watch Independence Day!)

So Sweet but Sour!

2011-07-01T16:55:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we met up Carena and Heather again for another adventure with our kids- cherry picking! I have never picked fresh cherries and even though this was the sour variety, I couldn't resist eating some. (They really weren't as sour as I was told!)

The kids had a lot of fun picking, Sam and Hailey were so cute trying to pick up ones off the ground or putting fallen ones back onto the tree. Gabby and AJ helped pick a whopping 4 pounds of cherries!! It was a beautiful day filled with laughing, of course, and friends.

From the cherries I decided to make freezer jam and saved a little bit for some yummy banana cherry bread, which I will make tonight. What is your favorite fruit to pick and what do you make with it?

On Sunday...

2011-06-28T09:51:00.002-04:00

On Sunday Klint and I took the kids here:

It was simple, beautiful, and foreign all at the same time. Take this city girl out of the city and you have an interesting time! The girls loved seeing all the lavender plants blooming, real dragonflies, and a quaint little cabin where they dry the flowers.

I love summer, not for the hot weather (ick!!) but for the fairs and pick your own fruit farms. The smells of fresh fruit makes me smile and dream of pies baking on windowsills and salads topped with lush berries! Even though I wouldn't know what to do with myself in the country, there is something about it that is just calling my name. We will see....

On Saturday...

2011-06-27T19:10:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I had the joy of having a wonderful little picnic with some wonderful sorority sisters of mine. We met up on a not so sunny, kinda chilly summer day at the beach, ate some great food, took photos, saw some weirdo teenagers taking photos that borderlined on creepy, let our kids play with each other, and laughed like we haven't laughed in about 9 years! It was fabulous, to say the least.

Heather and her little boy, Sam

I love that I can pick up right where we left off, no matter how many months or years it has been in between chats. These ladies are friends and sisters in the truest sense of the word. There is nothing that I can't tell them and nothing I wouldn't do for any of them.

Carena and Miss Moira

Carena and her daughter, Hailey

Sam decided to take Leslie for a walk, so cute

The girls and all of our babies! Leslie and Heather are expecting little girls this fall!!

It was so nice seeing everyone and I know now that we are all having our families and growing up, we will see each other more often. I especially love that my girls will grow up with aunts who will look out for them and care about them as much as any family would. Thank you ladies for a lovely afternoon!!

Plank Pulling: Self-Hatred with a Side of Cream Cheese

2011-06-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye."

Today's plank isn't one thing but a whole bunch- body image, beauty...

As a dancer there is a preconceived image that you are supposed to fit: tall, skinny, chestless, long-limbs that are full of power. You are supposed to survive on only salads and water, be a size 0, be lithe and waif-like. Nothing like me.

I will fully admit that I struggle with loving my body, fighting my genetic makeup of shortness, curves, and a chest that Victoria's Secrets cannot contain. I tried to will myself into an eating disorder, as bad as it may be, because I did not look like a dancer. My calves, instead of lengthening with barre work, bulked up like a gymnasts. My muscles get large and prominent instead of long and lean. I hated looking at my reflection in the mirrors everyday in class. Yet here I am, 20 years into dancing, and even though I may not look like a dancer- I am a dancer.

I try very hard not to let my girls hear me say negative things about myself because I don't want them to think those things about themselves. I know that my girls are beautiful, there is no question. Yet, I know that society will tell them that they are not pretty enough, thin enough, tall enough, not enough... I don't want to set a bad example. But inside my head I say those bad things about myself, and I need to stop.

So what if I am not 100lbs? I can palm the floor with ease. Who cares that I am not the smallest size on the rack? I have three beautiful girls and earned those stretch marks proudly. And I know that I can't do a darn thing about my height other than laugh when I try on "capris" and they hit the top of my foot. =)

When my girls see themselves in the mirror I do not want them to pick themselves apart like I do, I want them to stand strong and healthy. Yesterday Gabby had a wipe out on her bike and got a pretty good scrape across her face. It darkened today to include a purple-ish colored eye... but to me she looked even prettier because those marks didn't stop her one bit. She asked for a bigger bike for her birthday!

First Road Rash ever!

That is the attitude I want to have... happy with what I got and just aim for a more healthy lifestyle!

Do you have a plank to pull? Hop on over here to read Jen's and to share your own!

Housework Calories Burned

2011-06-22T15:51:00.000-04:00

I am pretty picky of how I work out but really want to start doing something to get myself back down to my ideal weight. I have about 35lbs to go, every pound making a huge difference thanks to my shortness! I teach dance and am going to take Bollywood this summer, but for the most part getting to a traditional gym is near impossible. So I looked up how many calories I burn doing normal household chores... then I got all artsy and made a chart, lol! Enjoy!

As you know I am addicted to Pinterest. Aside from using it to keep track of hair styles I like, gift ideas, and food recipes, I also have a board for healthy living inspiration. Cool eating charts, before and after pics, etc all make their way to my board. I love seeing all the fit people in dance poses, the proper way to tell eating portions... makes me want to better myself! Here are some of my favorite pins:

Source: fuckyeahfitspo.tumblr.com via Connie on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Connie on Pinterest

Source: thefitway.tumblr.com via Connie on Pinterest

Monday Luv

2011-06-20T09:17:00.001-04:00

Source: my-mania.eu via Connie on Pinterest

Hello all!

How are you all?! I am doing alright here at Casa de Krebs. We had a pretty good Father's Day, relaxed, biked, made some yummy french toast for the man of the day. Here are some things that I have found on the web that you all might like:

Can't wait to make some of these... I need some more vases around here!

We love taking photos around here, but I always appreciate some tips for getting even better shots.
And once I get better shots I plan on doing this with them....------->

I haven't used the button-hole feature yet on my sewing machine yet, this may push me there!

Want a challenge? How about visiting a Park a day?

My favorite kids clothing place, Tea., is having it's annual sale!! Go here to snag some great deals!

I would love to learn how to do a waterfall braid... just like this one

Finally, I have always enjoyed classical music but this group is by far my new favorite love! How I have not heard of them before is beyond me!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T15:50:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my awesome husband Klint!

You are a father that the girls look up to,

whether you are cooking with AJ or playing Nerf guns with Gabby,

you always listen to them,

teach them to love and have fun,

and it shows how much you care.

We all thank you,

for all your sacrifices and patience.

Here's to your first of many Father's Day

as daddy to three little girls!

Love you lots!

Thank Goodness That Is Over!

2011-06-17T23:18:00.002-04:00

Well so ends my hellish days of trying to balance a 10 hr job, a baby, a hubby who works third shift, a home daycare, and sanity! I am done for the season with dance photography, my family that I care for is moving to Chicago so their last day was yesterday, and it should be smooth sailing from now on. I was happy to have the extra money, but the stress it put on the hubs and me was just too much with Moira being so little and dependent on me. Now onto dance at a fabulous new studio (I am no longer at Rock City... long story and not worth the aggravation), Gabby has tons of t-ball games coming up, and I am ready to just relax a little. =)

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In keeping with our No Junk Eating Out theme, tonight I made an awesome dinner (if I say so myself!): Chicken Taco Salad with fresh avocado, tomato, tortilla chips, and a salsa ranch dressing! Yum! Fresh fruit salad and peach ice tea and it was a great end to our day.

*********************************************************************************

I have always been a city girl but lately I have been wishing for a bit more space and breathing room... less cranky neighbors who tell my children to not turn around in their drive, more space to garden... I imagine that I would look like this- Farm Wife Chic!

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I have been reading so many great posts lately about homeschooling, gentle parenting, and just things that leave me feeling all warm and fuzzy... here's my faves right now:

* I am 100% stubborn too- tell me I can't so something and I will set out to prove you wrong.... love this!

* In general I love reading this series from SoulaMama, but this one just made me smile for days...

* Gardening is so much fun, I want to make some of this so my hands stay nice!

* Finally, this article just made me really think about why it is so important to treat your child like a friend instead of an indentured servant... great read!

How was your day/week?

Living a More Authentic Life- Part 1

2011-06-15T13:53:00.000-04:00

Always be a first-rate version of yourself,

instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

~Judy Garland

Lately I have been thinking about how my life is going and what I envision my life to be, if the world was perfect. Everything from where I was living to what I looked like and the kind of job I had. It didn't surprise me to see that I don't need to win the lottery to have that life, that many of the things on it were things that could not be bought and that I already had. I have happy healthy children, a loving husband, a career in the arts... I fully realize how lucky I am. But some of the things on my list are things that are fully attainable, I just had to make some changes. I am going to be writing about some of those changes, as they happen. Not only to share, but also to hold myself accountable and to hopefully keep up with them.

The first change is sort of a biggie for us. We are cutting out all junky fast food (i.e. fries, burgers, milkshakes, Taco Bell, take out Chinese, pizza, etc). We made the decision years ago to throw out the fryer and we never regretted that decision, however we have been letting others do the frying which is just as bad. Convenience, price, and pure laziness on our part has led us to eat wayyy more fast food than I would like to admit.

Documentaries are always popular at our house and we have seen quite a few food related ones. Last week we turned on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and haven't stopped talking about it since. (Did you know there is HUMAN HAIR in the shiny coating on candy and chocolate?!!!!) Not only did Jamie show the actual amount of fast food a family was eating (which, sadly was very similar to our eating habits) but he filled their home with a year's worth of fast food... ick!

I love Burger King Whoppers... let me just get that out right now. I love fast food in general. I hate the time it takes to cook, the mess, and the fact that many times the kids don't want to eat what we make. But, I also hate going to the doctors, needles, buying larger clothes, and giving all my money to companies that are using dog food grade beef to make my food. So.... I can easily adjust my attitude towards cooking to make my family healthier and to get myself and my husband to a healthier place. We have the physical activity stuff down, we are a pretty active bunch, but we are sabotaging it with all the junk.

I have armed myself with cook books that are easy to follow and have kid friendly recipes, made a shopping list that passes through just the perimeter of the grocery store and then goes to the farmers market and Trader Joes, and have gotten the kids really excited about these changes.

I am starting out with baby steps... making it all the way to the 4th of July is my first goal. In the meantime I am going to get into a routine of packing lunch when I am at dance, having meals planned out, and making sure that we are home for meals so that we don't get caught out and turn to take out for convenience. Wish me luck, this is going to be a challenge, but one in our best interest!

My Last 5 Pins

2011-06-13T11:57:00.003-04:00

(yes, I am addicted to Pinterest) These are my last 5 pins and I am finding so much beauty and interesting things thanks to Pinterest, it is astounding!!

5.

Source: 79ideas.org via Connie on Pinterest

Source: universityofcookie.com via Connie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Connie on Pinterest

Source: s162.photobucket.com via Connie on Pinterest

Source: madamecupcake.tumblr.com via Connie on Pinterest

2011-06-12T11:15:00.001-04:00

Hola!

I have some new things in the store... =)

a one of a kind Fairy Door

and I am now making Little Nook Fairy Doors,

perfect for staircases and tiny spaces.

I love the Happily Ever After Door.

It makes me smile with the sunshiney yellow color!

I have another crazy week coming up,

last of the dance photo shoots but 10 hr days,

kids to care for,

plus a teething baby...

so forgive me if I'm not around too much....

I will be thankful to get through these next 3 days with all my sanity

and my hair free of greys!

Are you looking forward to the upcoming week?

Happy 6 Months Baby Girl

2011-06-09T13:37:00.001-04:00

Dear Miss Moira,
You are now 6 months old and what a difference 6 very short months make! You have not only grown physically but you are figuring out this world faster than Mama and Daddy can keep up. All in one day you figured out how to roll both ways, scoot on your belly, and transfer things from one hand to another. Amazing!
Your personality is really shining these days. With strangers you will maybe* flash a smile and then coyly hide your face. No one can really pick you up yet aside from us. But with your family you are one VERY happy baby. Gabby and AJ get the biggest smiles from you of all, you looooove your sisters! With mama you love to cuddle, pull hair, and of course nurse. (Your appetite is wonderful!)
I love watching you take in this world, see you reach for the cats and dog, smile when Daddy comes home from work, and explore everything you can. You are especially sweet at night, when you wrap your fingers in my tee shirt, and cuddle close to snuggle. I never thought I would enjoy co-sleeping as much as this!
Moira Marie, or Fuzz Head (as you have no hair) as Daddy calls you, you are a wonderfully perfect addition to our family and we are all so lucky to have you. I can't wait to see what these next 6 months bring!!!

Happy 6 months baby girl!

Love,
Mama

Whew!

2011-06-07T08:08:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness. what a week! I had some crazy hours assisting at the photography studio and then the dance recital for Rock City Dance. But now I get a week off and can catch up on my housework, blogging, and get my craft room in some semblance of order.

Gabby had her photos taken for T-Ball this past Saturday. She looked so cute and grown up with her new haircut! (Her hair was reallllly long but was constantly snarled and icky, so I chopped it off for her!)

We went to a community event called Meet the Trucks, a very popular annual family funtime where all the trucks from the community gather to let kids see them up close and even sit in them! Everything from SWAT cars to city wood chippers, along with local services and schools join in on the fun. AJ got really excited about the Roller Derby girls and Junior Roller Derby Girls. I do believe that it would be the perfect sport for my little bruiser- fun names and beating girls up!

Miss Moira has been having a great time, riding on the hip in our favorite ring sling. I can't believe that she is officially 6 months old today! (Official pictures to follow!)

Well, that's about it. Some other pretty cool things are in the works, but more about that once I get the details finalized. Talk to you all later- have a GREAT day!

101 Bits of Summer Fun

2011-06-02T12:25:00.000-04:00

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer?

Well check out this free printable list of fun summer activities-

everything from dancing to washing the car!

Get your copy here and leave some love!

And if you like to take photos here are two nifty printables to get you thinking about those awesome summer photos. There is list of 10 can't miss photo ideas for each month as well as a checklist if you have traditions and events that you know you want to capture.

Happy Day Friends!!!

:Wordless Wednesday:

2011-06-01T09:07:00.000-04:00

We had our first photo shoot and it was lovely!

All the photos were taken by Klint and then edited by me....

tons of fun and I can't wait to do it again.

(if you are in NE Ohio and want photos taken email me,

we are building up our portfolio so sessions are FREE!)

When Morning Has Broken

2011-05-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has been a few days friends.... life got a little crazy for me and I had to take a few days to sort myself out. Between the dance studio recital, photo shoots, and some stuff going on at home... my thoughts are like the waves on a stormy sea.

It is in times like these that I rely heavily on meditation, my friends, and my "silver-lining" outlook on life to keep me from running for the hills. I can easily get too caught up trying to perfect everything, keep everyone happy, be the super-mom that is expected, and then I find myself in the midst of a mental breakdown. I have to remember to take a deep breathe, remember that I have had so much more placed on my shoulders and was just fine, and take everything one item at a time.

I really appreciate all the kind words you all leave me, the thoughts, inspiration, and love that I feel from my friends. Right now, my life is weighing down on me and I am struggling to figure out how to untangle the strings. In a way I am thankful for the craziness of dance recital time because once again my craft is helping me through the rough patches! Thank you and the normal, ever-cheerful Connie will be back tomorrow. Kisses, hugs, and well wishes to all!

Pinterest, How I Love Thee!

2011-05-23T23:24:00.001-04:00

If you are anything like me, you are always finding really cool things on the web. Images that strike your fancy, crafts to make, cute things to add to your home. Usually I share these things with you, my lovely readers, via a blog post. And I still will... but for myself I have found an easier way to keep track of all the coolness I see online-

Pinterest is a cool site that lets you "pin" images that you see online to boards that you create. They can be any theme from crafting to a certain color, fashion to design inspiration. And no matter what site you are on, you can pin the images to your boards. Cool right? Well this is also a community, which adds an additional layer of coolness.

Personally, I love seeing what other people like. It's like people watching, only better. And as you look more, you can see trends in fashion, design, and even photography styles. For instance, I am seeing tons of braided hair and tutus....

If you look at my sidebar you can see a link to my boards. I believe you need an invitation sent to you still to join Pinterest, but it is 100% worth it. Especially if you are in a creative field and sometimes need a little inspiration!

Here are some really lovely things that I have found, just from browsing other people's boards:

Aren't they wonderful?! I am so excited to think about what I will find tomorrow! I love any site that makes virtual inspiration boards at the tips of my fingers... (which I would love to have painted like this:

My lil girl...

2011-05-21T23:18:00.001-04:00

Words can't describe how much I love this little girl...

She is obsessed with my hair, and even though it hurts,

I wear it down so that she can play with it and pat it.

At night, she twines her fingers in my shirt and reaches for me,

making sure that I am near,

and snuggles closer until we are one.

Today I am....

2011-05-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

:digging: this Ultimate Lego Roundup! I love playing with Legos and the girls!
:watching: Gnomeo and Juliet and remembering my first encounters with this famous play... I cried at the end...
:dancing: to this song. I want to not like her music but I just can't help myself!
:reading: this book that I totally picked up because of the cover. I am addicted to Russian ballet stories that take place during the Romanov era!
:loving: this swim suit! I think it would flatter any figure... even curvy, " recently had a baby" ones!
:eating: french toast and mango- yummo!
:wishing: that the days would stay this springy, the kids would stay this little, and time would stop marching on across my face!
:hoping: that my knees hold out with all the dancing I am going to be doing cause it's a lot but I love it!
:making: some pop up cards thanks to this tutorial
:browsing: over this new website, lots of kid-related eye candy to see!
:cleaning: out the girls dressers and closets... seasons change and the girls are growing out of sizes so fast...
:craving: some more color in this house. I am strongly considering painting my stairs like this...
:learning: more about vaccinations and the risks they pose to our children, all starting with this website.

What are you doing today?

Plank Pulling: Courage Doesn't Always Roar

2011-05-20T21:55:00.000-04:00

“Promise me you'll always remember:

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Christopher Robin to Pooh

A fellow blogger named Jen does a feature on her blog where she does something called plank pulling. She writes, "The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye." So I am here to pull out one of my own planks- my lack of courage.

Most of my close friends can tell you that when they need someone to give them a piece of courage I am always there. Whether it is someone pushing them around, some well needed advice, or just a push in the right direction, I try to give some gusto to whomever needs it. But when it comes to myself, I don't take my own advice. I cower, defer, avoid, and generally let people walk all over me because I don't want to be disliked and do not like confrontation.

I let parents, whose children I care for, not pay me when they pick up their kids late. I don't ask for raises that I deserve because I don't want to make waves. I avoid mentioning that we homeschool if I don't think the other person will be understanding. And I don't breastfeed in public without a cover because I don't want to deal with the stares and disapproving looks, especially because Miss M is a casual drinker and likes to drink then look around a lot.

But I know I NEED to stand up for myself and our family values. I am so very proud to nurse my baby because I know that it is best for her and me, I love homeschooling Gabby and AJ- I wish people did not have the stereotypes that they do about it, and I need to stop letting other people take advantage of me. Sigh... my head knows all these things but my gusto goes with the wind when push comes to shove.

I realize a lot of people would say that I actually have a lot of courage- I stood up for my daughter's education and despite a lack of support from most friends I did what I had to do to make sure she was happy and loved learning. I was the one who told my teachers that we were being abused at home and needed to get out. And I stood up to my OB/GYN and left her practice when I was being forced into a c-section based on convenience instead of need. But... it is all the little things that I lack the courage for, things that aren't really hurting anyone unless you add them all up. Then they do matter...

So I guess that I need to start taking my own advice, strap on some cajones, and realize that the only person I am hurting is myself when I don't stand up for my beliefs and values. Cheers!

Books Everywhere!

2011-05-18T15:41:00.000-04:00

Every Monday we go to the library and pick out books for the week. Gabby chooses her books for school which always include her main interest, this past month it has been birds, along with a history book, a fictional story, and whatever else catches our eye. Lately her choices have been so wonderful that I wanted to share the list of books that we have taken home for the week... it is a lot!!!

Gabby's Book List

Of course AJ picks out books too which are a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, and I discovered her using her finger to follow the words and pretending to sound them out. It made me so proud to see her trying by herself to read and creating a story using the pictures!
AJ is really interested in hippos right now, for some reason rainbow colored ones are her favorite thing to draw... she is a very creative girl with animals!

AJ's Book List

Kiss Kiss!
Police Officers on the Go!
Keeping Unusual Pets: Chinchillas (No, we are not getting a chinchilla, I have no clue why she picked this, lol!)
I Must Have Bobo
Strongest and Weakest
Biggest and Smallest
The Illustrated Book of Ballet Stories

I love our weekly trips because I get to watch my girls explore one of my favorite places and see what they are interested in. I know that they can have free reign there, get however many and whatever books interest them and will be exposed to new words and ideas.
Plus it gives me a chance to get my own books. I always read before bed and devour books like chocolate!

Note to self: No more reading Dean Koontz at night, alone, before bed!

I had to stop myself from covering all the mirrors and sleeping with the lights on!

Sunday Thoughts

2011-05-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

Hola ya'll! Well after a very rough week I can honestly say that I am looking forward to Monday. I am hopping back on the No Yelling Wagon, reaching deep within that calm mommy inside, and going to set the example that I so want to be for my girls. Hopefully this rainy weather will stop so that we can get back to our regularly scheduled program of bike riding, gardening, and playing! Here are some cool things that I wanted to share before I forget them:

I am clutching this article from Tiny Buddha like it is a life-raft... good-bye bad moods!

We love going to the movies when it is bad out or too hot but these days it is really pricey. If your kids are movie buffs too check out the Summer Movie Clubhouse for a GREAT summer movie deal- 10 movies for only $5 if you get the whole set or $1 per show at the ticket box!!!

Of course, summer also means lazy reading days on the beach, at the park, or wherever else we decide to plunk down. Check out Border's Double Dog Dare Reading Challenge or Barnes and Nobel's reading program to earn free books!

I would love to organize our garden like this... so neat and tidy...

Gabby is starting to really notice nature and I wanted her to start a nature journal this summer. This is a great example of a simple journal!

And of course there is always a new Etsy find... today's new discovery is a shop called Andrew's Reclaimed. I love beautifully polished and simple decor and this wood shop delivers all that and more. Check them out, especially this neat woodpecker feeder!

Well, that's it! Here's to a new week, a fresh start, and many new discoveries...

:these moments:

2011-05-13T15:52:00.000-04:00

Hopefully these moments will stick in my memory more than those of yesterday's parenting disasters... kids fighting, baby wailing, preschooler meltdowns, my super sensitive 6yr old crying over everything possible...

Yep, I am just going to look at my pasta garden and channel my inner Zen Mama!

Puzzle Blocks Tutorial

2011-05-11T10:44:00.000-04:00

Aj has reallllly been into puzzles lately...

actually, she adores them more than anything!

So I decided to try making her some cute puzzle blocks.

Well, since we have been watching food shows like

Kitchen Nightmare, Cake Boss, and Man vs. Food

I found this adorable (and free!) digital scrapbooking clip art that was perfect-

little Italian chefs.

It was really easy to make these blocks...
here is what you need:

(2) 1.5 inch wooden blocks
ruler
scissors

images to go on the blocks
(you can get the images that I used, altered to fit the blocks here)

modge podge and a brush

sanding paper

Ok, here's the how-to for making two-block puzzles:

1. Use a ruler to cut out your image so that it fits as a whole on two blocks.
2. Cut that image in half, forming (2) 1.5x1.5 inch images
3. Spread some Modge Podge on the block face, lightly
4. Place the image down, smoothing it gently
5. Spread some more Modge Podge on top of the image, lightly
6. After the block is dry, sand the edges slightly
7. Repeat on all the sides and the play!

There are so many things you can do with this... custom ABC blocks, puzzles, photo gifts!
Enjoy!!
Notes: * I used Modge Podge because the blocks were not in danger of going in a mouth. Use a non-toxic sealant for making baby blocks.

5 Months Old!

2011-05-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

This is a couple days late thanks to a crazy schedule and Mother's Day, but Miss Moira is now 5 months old! Oh my how the time is flying by!

Moira's personality is so cheerful, calm, and watchful. She has started reaching for things she wants, Spooky being her favorite target of love. She looooooves food and has fingertips tastes of just about everything we eat from avocado to pasta sauce.

An interesting thing about Miss Moira is that she discovered how to scoot off her floor bed. I heard her wake up at about 3 in the morning one night. I looked down and saw her laying there... in the hallway! She managed to get all the way out of her room before babbling for me! Moira doesn't really cry too much so it was quite a surprise. =)

Moira is learning who everyone is in the family and smiles the biggest for her sisters, especially Gabby. Whenever we want smiley pictures of Moira we get Gabby to make her laugh!

I could go on and on about this little girl because she is pretty much my world. Let's just say that everyday I thank my lucky stars for this little girl, her kisses, smiles, and love!

Thoughts on Motherhood

2011-05-08T22:50:00.000-04:00

I started writing this post, thinking that I had some inspirational insights to motherhood. Then I realized that this whole blog is about motherhood. It is something I am and I practice everyday, 24/7. I craft for my kids, take photos of them, advocate for their education, cheer on their accomplishments, encourage them with their challenges, and teach them everything I know.

Mother's Day is a reminder that even though my own mother was not a good example of parenting, I will be a good example to my girls, setting them up to be good mother's themselves someday. Being a mom is a tough job, I don't think anyone will argue with that. But for me it is something that I wanted to be more than anything and I never forget that not everyone is as lucky as I am.

These three little girls who call me mom are my world. They inspire me, challenge me to be the best "me" possible, and love me the way no one else can.

Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow moms, mom-to-be, mothers of angels, and mother's in spirit. Enjoy your day!

5 Things I Know for Sure

2011-05-07T15:40:00.000-04:00

There are some days when I feel like I don't know a darn thing, but here are 5 things I know for sure:

1. Nursing clothes are pretty blah unless you know where to look... I NEED this sundress in orange and this awesome nursing bra! Who says you need to dress plain and dull if you are nursing?!

2. I am over all the rainy weather Cleveland has been getting! This fort-making bag makes a super gift and until we can garden for real I am making this gardening sensory bucket for the girls to play in.

3. There is something about homemade sweet tea that just makes everything right in the world. This awesome white tea make such a refreshing cold brew! And if you are needing some activities to do with your tea-drinking kids, check out this month's Action Pack from Whip Up. (Pssst... go here to get a code for 20% off the $5 Mini-mag... what a steal!!!)

4. Days are flying faster than I ever thought possible. My oldest girl now can ride a bike without training wheels and my baby is 5 months old today. When people tell you to cherish these days because they fly by, believe them!

5. Even when life gets a little crazy, fate hands you the tools to right yourself again. I have found my parenting inspiration, got an additional job teaching at a local dance studio, met new neighbors, planted flowers that will make my days sunny and colorful, and am surrounded by great music that lifts the spirit.... it is so very good here.

{this moment}

2011-05-06T11:39:00.001-04:00

No More Yelling Over Spilled Milk!

2011-05-05T19:58:00.001-04:00

No, that isn't my playroom... but it could be any given day.

What is the difference from last week until now?

How I react to it.

Remember this post that I wrote about a few days ago?

How I noticed that I am not being the calm peaceful parent that I want to be

because I am yelling all the time...

Well I took it to heart and can honestly say that

I wish everyone would read it and realize what truth there is written there.

Since reading that post by my fellow mommy and homeschooler

my days are 100% smoother,

my girls actually listen to my words instead of tuning me out,

the lying has stopped,

and there is a "niceness" to everyone's demeanor.

No, it isn't a miracle drug and no, I haven't started spanking, using timeouts, or any other punishment.

In fact, all punishments and threats are gone.

Of course I still parent and pay close attention to how my girls are acting.

But where the old Connie would have FLIPPED out at a mess like above,

the new Connie simply turns on the clean up music and has everyone work together to pick up.

Simple right?!

I realized that I am setting the tone for the day,

when I am stressed and yell,

the kids get just as frazzled and then the day goes to hell in a handbasket!!

And in the end, it is all small stuff...what is really worth more?

A trusting and loving relationship with my kids,

or a playroom where nothing gets played with because I want it to stay clean?

(Who the heck cares anyhow?!)

So there ya have it...

and I promised my girls out loud that I am no longer yelling,

so I am held accountable by them

and remember that I made a promise.

I am pretty sure everyone is a lot happier that there is no more angry mommy in the house!

(If you want to read more from the genius, this is a good post... and this one... oh what the heck, just read it all!!)

A Homeschooling Post

2011-05-03T08:10:00.000-04:00

With the formal school year winding down I have been thinking a lot about our adventures in schooling this year. We started out in the norm... waking up at 7:15, hurry through breakfast, lots of chaos and stress, going to a public school with a great reputation, homework and PTO meetings... even though my heart told me that this wasn't right for our sensitive, dreamy eyed oldest girl.

Today we have an eclectic, non-conforming routine that involves weekly library trips, singing scales in the car to teach music, throwing bananas at knives to demonstrate gravity and velocity, and go more with the flow of life. It is wonderful, scary, funny, frustrating, fun, tiring, challenging and rewarding everyday.

What I enjoy most though is the HUGE amount of resources available for kids to learn from, not just homeschoolers. There are so many great places that supplement an education... here is a quick list of some of our favorite tools, site, and books!

Gabby is really into birds so we are participating in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Celebrate the Urban Bird study. You sign up, they send you a kit, and then you get to bird watch and send in your observations. A great introduction to nature studies.

Polymers are pretty interesting for kids and this is a great experiment to do that looks at color and polymers.

Reading is a huge part of our day and now you can register your homeschool in the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program. Yay for books and pizza!

Speaking of books, we love the "You Wouldn't Want to be..." series! The books introduce periods of history in ways that interest and engage kids, plus shed some light on some pretty overlooked people... I definitely wouldn't want to be a servant in the Victorian era- yuck!

Another cool series is the "See Inside" ones by Usborne. So many flaps to look at and another interesting way to look at the body, how things work, and inside buildings.

Science really interests Gabby so I think that this homemade Lava Lamp experiment is perfect to try!

But my favorite site for getting worksheets, experiments, poems, writing exercises and more is Education.com. It is a great site, easy to navigate, and has tons of worksheets to help introduce concepts which we then apply to the real world.

So that is where we are with our homeschool... it is a great experience and I know Gabby loves it because she asks to do "school" stuff. Be sure to check the Homeschool Links tab at the top, I try to add sites and such that help me as I see them! Cheers!

Random Ramblings from a Tired Mommy...

2011-04-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

I would love to be in that bed right now... preferably with curtains drawn, lavender lotion soothing me to sleep, and no thoughts of who needed what from me. Just for a moment... then I could get up and continue this dance called life.

Today I met two teachers who were planning on homeschooling their children. Doesn't it say something when even teachers don't want their kids in public school? These teachers lived in pretty affluent cities as well, so it wasn't as if the schools were impoverished. Both were concerned over about different things from the school atmosphere to curriculum and asked really insightful questions. It was nice!

Last week we went to the nature center and it just so happened that most of the schools were on Spring Break. Gabby met a very nice 7 yr old boy who was also in first grade. Inevitably he asked what school Gabby went to... I held my breath to see how the conversation would play out. Gabby told him that she "got to school at home" and you should have seen the boy's eyes light up! He asked how come she got to stay home and Gabby replied, "Because my mom likes to teach me! Go ask your mom if you can to!"

Ok, so I have 2 questions for all you Blogger/Blog queens:
1. How do you respond to a comment right in the comment section?
2. How do you know who is linking to your blog or a post? I know that people share some things that I write about and would love to see the links!

I really need to get a jump on all the different things I have going... Usborne is up and going again but I need new business cards and stickers to go on the back. Etsy is going really well so I need to add more items and such, plus there is the craft show in June that I will need business cards for... AHHHH! Ok, time to go have a winecooler and paint some fairy doors... thanks for listening to me ramble dear friends!

Friday Favorites

2011-04-29T15:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday all!
What a week this has been... I had a photo shoot yesterday, discovered that Miss Moira can scoot off her bed and make it all the way into the hallway (!!), had some pretty hefty wind that took out our power, and have been trying to get Miss Gabby back on track with the homeschooling. (She liked Spring break so much that she is not too motivated to get back into a routine...!) Anyhow, here are some coolness that I have found on the web:

We just bought the girls some Legos and are having so much fun building all sorts of things. I would love to build a table like this for them! Also, I am sure they would love to eat out of these Legos and have a Lego themed party...

Like to sew? Check out a month of free patterns here!

We like to celebrate Cinco de Mayo so these little mini pinatas are perfect to give to each girl.

Someday Cleveland will get Spring... until then I may just make my own townhouse planter to bring some green into the house.

The birds are all excited for Spring as well, I think that this Bread Bird Feeder is a simple project to feed our feathered friends and get rid of some stale bread!

Mother's Day is also coming up and I love this simple and pretty Poppy Canvas for the kids to make...

I mentioned that Gabby is in a "non-schooling" mood... my teaching agenda looks like this many days. I may try some of these tips and tricks to make the day more interesting for her to learn without the formality of "school at home".

With summer comes Gabby's birthday so I am already putting together ideas for a simpler celebration... check out this adorable party supply store... loooooove these candles!

Lately I have noticed that when I am stressed or not feeling well I yell a lot more, something that I don't want to do and don't like about myself. Sure the kids do what I want but at what cost? This is a great article that a friend posted on facebook... it puts everything in perspective.

Finally, remember the cute little butterflies and dragonflies that I bought for the girl's Easter baskets? Well it turns out that they were reeeeaaallly tiny. I mean easily breakable tiny... so I hijacked them and made these! Very dainty hair bobbies are now in my store and ready to grace someone's head.... I can't wait to make more!

It's a Zoo Out There!

2011-04-26T15:53:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the zoo and enjoyed the 75 degree (and non-rainy) weather!

It was so nice to see everyone out and about,

let the kids burn off some of their cooped up energy,

and we got to see a surprise animal- the zoo's new male elephant Willy!!!

The Cleveland Zoo has been working on the new elephant exhibit called Elephant Crossing

for the better part of 2 years, expanding the area and adding new animals to the herd.

This is the first time that we have had a bull elephant since 1962

and the zoo hopes to breed the elephants in the future.

The kids and I have been looking forward to this exhibit since they started construction

but the opening day is May 5th,

so it was quite a surprise to see Willy in front and the girls in the back!

Here are some other photos of our trip where the kids met a screech owl named Hooty,

visited Austrailian Adventure with the kangaroos,

and toured the Lorakeet Aviary!

Going "Muddin"

2011-04-25T09:03:00.013-04:00

Well, with all the rain that we have been getting it was only a matter of time... my girls went muddin'! Gabby isn't one to be prissy about getting her feet wet, and we all know AJ is a fan of puddles... but this was a whole new kind of fun. What started out as a little peek at the flooded park turned into a whole lot of splashing, jumping, and giggling. Hey, if you are going to do something, do it right!

AJ fell over, of course, and earned the name "mud butt" for the rest of the evening! She didn't care a bit though and loved trying to get Gabby even dirtier than she was, lol!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T03:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

from

my family to yours!

Today I am....

2011-04-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

:making: these cool message Easter eggs... seems like the blog-sphere is all agog over eggs filled with cool things! Cupcakes baked in eggs, eggs filled with candy... where does the fun end?!

:playing: with these tumble bunnies with the girls. Who knew that paper and marbles could be so entertaining? (and best of all it is a free printable!)

:hoping: that all the baking that I am doing will earn me these pretty measuring cups from Anthropologie... they would look so pretty on my counter next to this salt and pepper set from Mod Cloth!

:loving: this adorable ballerina shirt and thinking about how I can make it myself with freezer paper and tulle!

:wishing: that I would have seen this Zombie Easter bunny before it sold out... I know what Klint is getting next year!

:looking: around the house to see what piece of furniture could do without it's drawers so that I can make a dollhouse for AJ and Moira like THIS, lol!

:gathering: materials from nature to make the girls some beautiful instruments just like this one... so pretty and clever!

:helping: Klint take some bokeh photos likes this and this by making his own filter. Who knew it was so easy to create these magical photos?!

(Speaking of photo-taking... I can't, for the life of me, get AJ to look AT the camera!!! She looks everywhere else and throws off the whole shot constantly... AHHHHH!!!! Any tips?? I think that we will be making a "Lens Buddy" like this so that she has something specific to stare at...)

:reading: the second installment of The Walk Series by Richard Paul Evans called Miles to Go... great book!!!

OMG! I NEED to do this with my hair!!!!

Finally, I just discovered a cool blog call A Beautiful Mess thanks to this post featuring way cool looking braids... then I saw the posts about tattoos and I was HOOKED! Looooooove it.... (and wondering what excuse I can have to get more tattoos now!)

Easter Coupons for Kids

2011-04-21T16:02:00.000-04:00

This Easter I am planning on hiding some cute Easter eggs around the house for Gabby and AJ to find. But instead of putting only candy in them I am going to put these coupons in them as well as some money to spend. I found some giant jewel-like eggs at Target and am going to put the really special ones in them, like "No Chores" and "One Spa Day with Mommy". I think that the girls will be really excited to have special coupons that give them fun filled days! Feel free to grab it too from my Flickr... there is another version of it too that is slightly different. =)

(Sorry that it is so girly... being mommy to 3 girls will do that!)

:Wordless Wednesday:

2011-04-20T08:28:00.001-04:00

Happy puddle jumping friends!

Some Monday Luvin'

2011-04-18T07:17:00.003-04:00

Well another Monday is upon us and here are some things I am LUVIN'!

♥ This year I am hiding the baskets as always, but am going to use this adorable set of printables to create a scavenger hunt for the girls!

♥ I used to have a bad habit of biting my nails and will still catch myself going for a nibble when I am bored.... maybe if I did my nails like these I wouldn't dare!

♥ I have a lot of art ideas stored up for this week... definitely love these cute (and recycled) egg carton bunnies and chicks. Super Cute! (Also perfect for Earth Day which is on Friday!)

♥ Of course, these pretty plastic egg blue birds are cute too.... lol...

♥ Everyone this year seems to be forgoing the store bought dye for the eggs and turning to the kitchen for color. I love the colors and recipe ideas here as well as the other uses!! Here is another good source for dye inspiration....

♥ And if you want an alternative to the usual candy filled basket that doesn't last through the year, here is a great post that shares some alternative ideas!

So there is some Monday luv for you all! Have a great day!!!

Probably the BEST Art Book Yet!

2011-04-17T08:21:00.000-04:00

This week I did a little bit of book selling at a local YMCA. I always enjoy selling Usborne's book because I get to go and talk to people about something I am passionate about, meet great kids, and of course expand our own home library. Usborne constantly impresses me with their never ending expansion of titles... there are new books coming out all the time that I immediately want to pick up for the girls and today I brought one home to add to our collection- 365 Things to Draw and Paint.

This book has it all- robots, fairies, birds, people, laboratories, roads, and so much more! You make collages, use pastels, blow watercolors around with a straw, and create whole drawings by taking a "line for a walk". The projects are fun, use everyday items to create, and teach art techniques that have huge value.

Gabby and I decided to try one of the projects today that involved the watercolors and a straw.... it was a blast!!

There are so many great art ideas in here, I can't wait to do some more!! It is such a joy to be able to teach Gabby about art, see her face light up when she gets it, and know that even though it is Saturday afternoon, we are "schooling"!

Smile Pretty!

2011-04-15T19:17:00.000-04:00

Today the girls all got their photo taken at a wonderful photography studio called Prelude Photography.

They sat, smiled, held their sister, and even got to have a real bunny in the photo.

It was a wonderful time and I have some very nice prints to hang up now.

I am a huge fan of the studio because they are creative and touch up the photos then and there,

the prices are also very reasonable and you don't have to wait to get the prints.

I love getting photos taken of the girls... doesn't matter who is behind the camera,

but I especially love getting to play around with the photos, like above.

The bunny tee's got lots of compliments as well, always a plus. =)

I am going to try my hand at a more complicated design tonight... wish me luck!

I have successfully done Mary Poppins, which AJ refuses to take off and

helped Klint put a cool knot design on a messenger bag....

More design goodness to come soon, have a great weekend!

ok, last one... I promise!

2011-04-14T18:08:00.001-04:00

Can you tell I am addicted to these animated .gifs?

I just couldn't resist posting this last one!

Who can resist miss aj hopping around playing hop scotch?!

:Wordless Wednesday:

2011-04-13T17:40:00.001-04:00

A Deliciously Easy Project!

2011-04-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

This project was sooooo easy, I can't believe that I waited all this time to try using freezer paper to stencil shirts for the girls!

The little ones are getting their photo taken this week with REAL bunnies and while I enjoy poofy dresses as much as the next mama, with no where to go on Easter there just didn't seem to be a point to buying them only for a photo. So I decided to make cute shirts to wear with jean skirts (or jeans in Gabby's case!).

There are tons and tons of great tutorials out there for freezer paper stenciling. It is truly easy and the possibilities are endless! For this project I just found a chocolate bunny silhouette (thank you Google!) and after it was dry and done I hot glued a teeny blue bow to the side of the bunny.

I think I am going to try something a little more complicated for Earth Day that is on April 22nd... maybe a tree or a whale, using more than one color..... My mind is racing now that I know what I am doing and the results were so nice!

Crafty Goodness

2011-04-10T15:26:00.003-04:00

One of best things about living in Lakewood is the abundance of creativity and small businesses. Many stores have unique, well made things that often find their way into my home like our pink children's table and my craft closet. I visited a new store today called Crafty Goodness, a cute little shop that only sells local handmade art. One of my fellow Etsian blogger friends- Prasti- has some adorable onesies and plush blocks there along with about 64 other artisans! (The blocks shown are from her Etsy shop- Here to There- aren't they pretty?!)

In the store I saw awesome zombie art, belts made from car seat belts, makeup, plush monsters, pillows, jewelry, and so much more! It was really cool to know that everything there was local and made with love.

Speaking of local art, there is a new addition to my store! A Special Edition Fairy Door that is shaped like a rainbow. It is so colorful and happy... I can't wait to paint some more! (Anyone who orders a fairy door in the month of April will get complimentary brass door numbers as a thank you from me, all you have to do is put in the notes to seller what number(s) you want on the door!)

And if you are curious what others think of my fairy doors, here is a wonderful review from an Etsy buyer. I made a pretty hot pink and white door for her little girls that turned out so pretty.

It was so nice to get out for a walk today. it finally feels like Spring is coming sooner than later. Happy days to you all!

Easter Goodies and a Bunny

2011-04-09T13:48:00.001-04:00

This Easter we are really cutting down on the amount of stuff we put in the girl's baskets. Instead of filling a plastic basket with junk that will be broken or lost within a day or two we are going to give them stuff that will inspire and enhance.

I ordered some cute unpainted wooden toys from Goose Grease Undone on Etsy, a set of butterflies and a set of dragonflies. Lately we have been painting unfinished wooden eggs a lot and the girls really enjoy watching me paint fairy doors and Spoolie dolls. By getting them their own paintables they can work beside me without taking my store supplies, lol!

Some other ideas I have are bird masks- (the girls LOVE birds!), recycled crayons in fun shapes like these dinosaurs, creative building blocks, and of course, fun soap!

We will give the kids a little bit of chocolate, some bubbles, and a book, but that will be about it! I did, however, make something that I should have saved for Easter, but couldn't resist showing Gabby and AJ my creation- Plush Little Pocket Bunnies!!!

These are bunnies that are embroidered and personalized with a special pocket in the back, which is perfect for storing small trinkets and such. They are super easy to make and the girls love hugging them close! I really should have saved them for their baskets but I couldn't resist!!

**I am going to try to post a tutorial tomorrow... they are super quick and easy to make. I have a pretty nasty cold right now though so we will see.**

All of 4 Months!

2011-04-08T15:44:00.000-04:00

Already 4 months have gone by...

Days filled with smiles, giggles, and chubby cheeks!

At 4 months old Moira is developing her own little personality

and finding her place in this family.

Already she knows her name,

just discovered her toes,

and sings herself a song to go to sleep.

She loves to have her photos taken,

prefers to sleep with mommy more than anyone,

and splashes in the bathtub tons!

Moira is worn everywhere so she sees everything.

In the car she stares at her mirror in facination

and started grabbing her toes to take off her socks.

Her personality is sweet and calm,

more watchful than active,

and just now she is beginning to use her voice,

(mostly to protest nap times!!)

This baby of ours is growing so fast,

cherished by everyone around her.

Happy 4 months little one!