Starting over

I've decided to start a new blog. Something new and fresh. Come and see!

http://thesidewalkends.wordpress.com

(I'm keeping this blog live so I (or you!) can view older posts.)

To my sweet boy, on his 3rd birthday!

Jacob,

Before you came along, I never knew just how much I could love someone. You truly were love at first sight.

Though I’ve only know you for three years, you have completely changed me forever. I love you more than you will ever know. That is, until you have children of your own one day.

You are full of so much energy! At times I have no idea how on Earth I keep up with you.

You have the cutest most contagious little laugh. And you are the most ticklish person I have ever met! You have such a great sense of humor. Not a day goes by without you making me laugh—whether you mean to or not.

You are so smart. You’re constantly learning new things and you pick up on them so quickly. You have such an amazing imagination and I hope it stays with you forever.

Some of your favorite things right now are soldiers, robots, trains, and cars. You are 100% all BOY! You love anything that has to do with being outside. I swear if you could live outside, you would. You love playing soldiers with Daddy and having him draw tanks and trucks on your magna-doodle. You love dancing and singing with Mommy during the day and snuggling at night. (I’m not sure who likes it more, me or you!)

To me you are, and will always be, perfect in every way.

I love you so much little boy!

Forever Yours,
Mommy, Daddy, & Emma

* * * * *

This year for Jacob's 3rd birthday party he wanted a soldier cake. So we went with all things soldiers! I wish I got close up pictures of the cake and cupcakes we made. But you know how things go when you're rushing around. Things just get forgotten!

Mandi made him his awesome military style shirt! She also bought him a pilot bomber jacket which I will get photos of him in later. I think we might incorporate it in his Halloween costume ;)

The party turned out great. Everyone who was invited showed up and some of Jacob's best buds were there to celebrate.

Jacob got everything (and much more!) than he little heart could desire for his birthday. He is one spoiled little boy. Someones room will be raided here in the next few days once I feel up to it. It's most definitely time to purge some toys.

I'd like to thank everyone for all the cards and gifts sent through the mail too! I really plan on getting around to some thank you cards this year. So be expecting them in the coming weeks!

Pity party

This pregnancy has been very rough on me so far. When I first found out I was pregnant I told myself that I was going to try and enjoy every minute of it since this will be our last.

So far I have failed miserably at that attempt. It's so hard to be optimistic when I'm feeling the way that I do. I've been horribly sick, extremely tired, and very irritable. I can hardly keep up with the most simplest of tasks: waking up, feeding my kids, feeding myself, laundry, and dishes.

In fact, we've eaten out more than ever. Mike has been doing ALL of the dishes. The kids are in disposable diapers. The only meal the kids have sat down at the table to eat is dinner--when I do cook it. My house is a MESS.

I really want to feel better. I want to feel like me again. My midwife prescribed me with Zofran which has really been helping take the ease off of my "morning" (or should I say all day) sickness. But I still just don't feel right.

I really hope this all ends with the first trimester.

On a good note, Jacob just celebrated his 3rd birthday! We had a great time with a couple of good friends, family, and neighbors. Jacob had a blast. I'll be sure to post all about it soon!

A day out with Thomas

Sorry for the lack of updates. As you can see from the post below, Mike and I are expecting again. My pregnancies seem to be getting worse with each one. I'm finding it hard to function on the most basic levels.

I'm 7 weeks pregnant now which puts this little peanut's due date right around May 8, 2011-- just before Emma's second birthday! Yes, my hands will be full :)

Speaking of birthday's, Jacob's is right around the corner. As an early birthday gift Mike and I took him to A Day Out With Thomas along with Mike's mom and grandma. We had a good time and believe it or not, no meltdowns! Yeah!

This Moment

{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. -SouleMama

Giveaway!

I'm hosting a giveaway for my shop The Art of Valerie. So if you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and you'd like to participate, please go to: http://facebook.com/artofvalerie.

Remember, The Art of Valerie is now marketed towards newborn-1 year. I will soon be hosting another giveaway for Emmylou & Jake which inclues hats from 0-Adult!

Good luck!

Recently listed

Here are some new hats that I've recently listed in my shop, Emmylou & Jake. Modeled by none other than Emmylou and Jake themselves!












I have been super, super busy. It's crazy how many orders I have been getting lately, especially since it is still August. I guess people are getting ready for Fall. I myself cannot wait!

This Moment

{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. -SouleMama

A trip to the jungle

Yesterday morning I took the kids on a nature walk in the Cedars of Lebanon State Park, which is practically in our backyard. The weather was beautiful and we were tired of being cooped up in the house.

Jacob and Emma found many treasures! We even found horse tracks, which Jacob was pretty excited about. Little Miss Emma did not want to be left out. She walked the majority of the time and picked out "treasures" just like her brother. Hers consisted mostly of rocks. She very excitedly put them in our bag.

That night I helped Jacob rinse off our acorns, chestnuts, sticks, and rocks. He was very excited and worked very diligently. He was so proud of his treasures and told Daddy all about our trip to the "jungle".

Their treasures are now sitting in wooden bowls on the dining room table. Jacob visits often and plays with them all. Who would have thought acorns could provide so much entertainment? My little man is such a nature lover!

I think we'll be making more trips to the "jungle". At least once a week.

WIP Wednesday

What have I been working on lately? Hats, hats, oh and more hats! I cannot complain. My sales are doing pretty well and my goal of getting a new couch is not too far away!

I just received these photos from Jamie Lynn. Jamie Lynn is a local photographer based in Clarksville, TN. She does amazing work! Not only that, but she's really a sweet woman. I always have fun chatting back and forth with her!

Anyway, on to the photos!

Now, how cute are those munchkins? Awesome models if I do say so myself!

County Fair 2010

We headed up to the Wilson County Fair this past weekend. All in all we had a good time. We got to watch the piglets race, the demolition derby, play with baby ducks, Jacob got to ride a pony, play on tractors, and eat fair food. Jacob's favorite part had to be climbing on the antique tractors, go figure! And Emma was just cracking up over the ducklings!

Just remind me next year to leave at least an hour before it closes. We were stuck in the parking lot for OVER an hour trying to leave.

Next year I think I will participate it some of the crafting competitions. I think I just might have a chance!

Finding Balance

I'm on a mission. A mission to find balance. Balance between being a mother, teacher, house keeper, entrepreneur, and everything else that fills my life on a day to day basis.

There are so many things I want to do and so many more things that I feel I should be doing, and I am not. I am really starting to feel overwhelmed. I need to take a step back and reevaluate things.

What is most important? What can wait? How can I simplify things? Am I being the best mother I can be? Am I being the best wife I can be?

Those are just a few questions running around my brain of the late.

Balance. I need to find it. Have you seen it?

This Moment

{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. -SouleMama

Crafting

I went on an online book buying spree. Seven books to be exact.

I haven't mentioned, but a couple weeks ago I learned to knit. I learned from watching youtube videos and remembering what Mike's grandma taught me one afternoon. I'm really no good at it yet. But I'll get there. I'm one of those people that wants to be perfect at something right away. Which makes it very hard to learn something new. I bought a couple of beginner knitting books that I'm really excited about. I think my first project will just be a basic scarf.

I've also been dabbling with hand embroidery.




This was my first project. I plan on keeping the fabric in the hoop and hanging it up in Emma's bedroom. I plan on making one for Jacob too. One of the books I bought (not pictured, because I'm still waiting on it) is a beginner embroidery book. In it has all different kinds of stitches and beautiful patterns to use. It's called Embroidered Effects . Based on the reviews it seems like a pretty awesome book. I can't wait to get it!

Here are a few patterns from the books that I'm really excited to try out!

Easy Baby Knits by Claire Montgomerie

Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner

Now if I can only find the time...