2012 Valentines

 I saw the boys valentine idea on pinterest and just loved it! So I thought I'd try and make something similar. I love Ruger's face in his, so cheesy! Happy Valentine's Day...soon!

My prelude.

     A few weeks ago I began planning my trip to quilt market this coming May. I was scheduling flights, filling out my paperwork, and searching for hotels. And then one night my husband and I were discussing work and he was telling me about something he had coming up, when I felt myself getting frustrated because it was going to conflict with something of mine. I felt competitive inside and I didn't like it. I stopped myself from saying anything and later found myself with my head against the wall (literally) praying for understanding of my feelings and for a clear decision. Something wasn't right and I knew it because my emotions couldn't find a place to land.

     I was stressed about leaving Remi. I was stressed about taking Remi. I missed Ruger's preschool graduation last year and I have another one of those coming up this year that I don't want to miss. On the other hand, if I don't go to market there will be opportunities missed and a loss of growth for my business that I've worked so hard to gain.

     While this business doesn't seem like much at the glimpse of my little blog, it's a lot to me. It started because my husband had to leave for a few months of training and I had nothing to do. As my business grew a little, my family grew a little. It was then that I decided to go into pattern writing, so I'd have more time for my children. And when I come head to head with making a decision like going to market, I have to really weigh my pros and cons. Sometimes everything falls into place and my pros win. But sometimes, even if there are more pros, the cons will outweigh them.

     Everyday for the past month I've heard the same tune in my head over and over. A quote by Elder James E. Faust,

      "She need not try to sing all of the verses of her song at the same time."

     At one point, this little business was really helpful in paying the bills and getting us to the next place we needed to be, but that's not the case anymore. The children are fed, housed, clothed, and loved. Life is good and my husband is taking great care of this family and so for now I will pause. I will still design at home and release new patterns, but going to market this year just isn't in the cards for me. So I will sit this one out.

     I am not writing this post because I think you all are going to mourn my loss at market (I mean of course you will cry yourselves to sleep tonight) but, I am writing this for my children. I want them to know that I chose them as my prelude. I don't want to miss a single beat to my song or theirs and so I need to write this down and remember in the days and years to come that they are my number one. Everything else will have it's season. I know the days will quickly come when they are late for curfew and I am sewing up a storm, pacing the floor, wondering where on earth they are or when they're at soccer practice or wrestling or ballet, I will have hours and hours to sew and keep myself busy. But right now, I don't have a lot of time because while my children are still young, I know for certain that they won't be young for long.

Six Months!

     Oh Remi, I just can't believe it's been six months already! I mean, just look at you! You love to blow raspberries until your clothes are soaking wet. You've discovered that it's really funny to pull Sawyer's hair and make him cry. You roll all over the house  and often right into the hearth and then you cry. :) You always stop traffic everywhere we go with those big dark eyes (still not sure the exact color). You try really hard to clap and end up smacking your belly and then you giggle a lot. It's super cute! You suffer stranger anxiety more than most babies and that's probably because I never let you leave my side, but that's ok...for now! :)

     You talk...a lot...a lot....and we listen. Your brothers adore you still and just can't get enough of you. They always make sure your warm and covered and happy. Ruger will bounce around the back of the van making sure you're never sad in your carseat and Sawyer tries to feed you fruit snacks all the time because he's so certain you would enjoy them. And you will, one day. You are tiny and chubby, but not. You are still very much below the growth charts but your legs are chubbier than any chubby baby has ever declared and I love it! You are tender and sweet and bring tears to my eyes with your big gummy grin! We love you chubs and still are so very happy to have you in our little family!

Benefit Concert for Amy Hamberlin.

     Recently my sweet, sweet friend and neighbor Amy was diagnosed with 5 brain tumors and she just came home from having her first of many surgical procedures. I went to see her yesterday and she was her giddy, high spirited self...I know few people that can laugh through their struggles like Amy. And she will probably tell me to take this post down when she sees it. Telling me that she's fine and people don't need to be worrying about her but I don't care, because she's one of my very best friends and I love her to pieces. Do you know that when I had my baby girl, Amy showed up at my front door with 5 bags of groceries so I wouldn't have to go grocery shopping! She's helped me so much in life (especially with my business) and I owe her so much in return. So maybe posting this will help spread the word just a little bit.
     Her sweet sisters have arranged a benefit concert for Amy to help cover medical bills now and also those to come. The concert will include Nik Day, The Lost River Wranglers, and Jo and Jacie Sites and will be held at the Rexburg Tabernacle on Saturday, January 28th. You can read more about it and make donations if you'd like here: http://hamberlinbenefitconcert.blogspot.com
     I know that everyone who meets Amy is touched by her sweet spirit and generosity. So if you are able to attend the concert, please do and help this amazing family!

Welcoming 2012!

Remember this time last year? I really can't believe it's 2012 already. But guess what? I am so ready for a new year and a fresh start. Last year was great and I enjoyed all of it, but I'm anxious to get into our new routine, start cooking again, getting this house back in shape, and designing some more. I know that 2012 will be filled with trips like this to the grocery store:

and nap times like this:

and all of that is truly heaven for me! Ruger is reading like a champ, adding and subtracting. Sawyer is learning to write his name, crack eggs, and snuggle his little sister. And Remi has discovered her tasty feet, her noisy tongue, and her mommy's pushoverness (yea, that's not a word). We are just so blessed. 2011 was a great reminder of all of our blessings and 2012 is looking like a great year of enjoying those blessings! Happy New Year!