Mama Days

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Linky!

2013-05-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across a FABULOUS treasure trove of cloth diaper giveaways!

Head on over to Baby Giveaways Galore and you'll find a wonderful Cloth Diaper Giveaway Linky!

Happy entering!

Breathing a deep, long sigh of Relief

2013-05-19T16:56:00.002-04:00

I have the amazing opportunity to become a Stay-at-Home Mom again.

I am beyond ecstatic.

The whole working mom thing? I tried it for a year and a half. And I was not cut out for it.

I am emotionally and physically drained.

I am ready to be with my babies again.

I am ready to be back in my element again.

My husband has amazingly completed his Master's degree in the time that I have been working. I am so proud of him!

I am ready for this next chapter in our lives.

*Sigh.*

I will also, of course, be blogging more regularly again. I think one of the many reasons I am emotionally exhausted is because I haven't been able to have the emotional outlet of writing. I just haven't had the time. So, I will be rejoining the world of Mommy blogging!

Stick with me!

Preparing my heart this season of Lent

2013-02-17T18:28:00.000-05:00

I am trying to prepare my heart for this adventure of this Lenten season. Part of my journey this season will be to try to lift my heart to God through music and prayer, specifically on the way to and from work. One way I have been doing that this week is by listening to JJ Heller in the car (I have 35 minutes each way in the car each day!).

These lyrics touched my heart on Friday...

"If life is like a flower

Am I doing all that’s in my power

To leave a fragrance behind

It’s time to count my blessings

Forget about my savings account for a while

When I leave I want to leave a memory filled with love

The kind you don’t forget

When I go I want to be known

As one who lived with no regrets

I want them to say

What a glorious day

She had so much to gain

But she gave it away

And I want them to see something different in me

And that I’m going to be free"

One of my struggles is letting MONEY control my heart. (Or realistically, the LACK of money.) My disciplines this season will hopefully re-focus my heart on the things of God, hopefully leading to my FREEDOM! I want to be a woman of God, not a woman of the world, who worries about the temporary things of this world, and let's those things control my life and my major life decisions.

It will be a work on progress, but I wanted to share my heart with you

sigh

2013-02-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

Guys, I miss being a stay-at-home mom.

I know I complained about it when I was doing it. I struggled a lot, actually.

But even on the worst day as a stay-at-home mom, at the end of the day, my worries and exhaustion was a result of loving and caring for my kids.

Can't beat that.

I am so tired of thinking and worrying about work when I get home. It's a struggle now to leave work worries at home, and focus on my kids when I get home.

I miss my kids. I love them.

I'll take an exhausting day of dishes, poop, vacuuming, naptimes, trips to preschool, and whining, over my current worries any day!

Independent Little Humans

2013-01-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

Benny is 4.5 now ... and he has fully learned how to challenge authority. Up until recently, he was relatively agreeable, and full-out tantrums were extremely rare.

Well, now, his mission in life is to challenge every directive given to him. Every thing I tell him to do is met with a firm, "No!" or even worse... the smiling, and blatantly ignoring my words.

As a mother, this is obviously very distressing and tiring. How many times must I repeat myself?! My kids should listen to me, damn it! What happened to my little sweet child? That child that has always been mild-mannered and a good listener?

I must be failing as a parent!

Of course, I realize that this is normal. I realize that most parents go through this. What I need to remember is that this is normal for a reason. My kids are learning to be independent little humans!

I should rejoice in their tantrums, because that means they are learning to have a voice for themselves.

After all, isn't that our big picture goal as a parent? Don't we want our kids to grow up into adults that can make their own decisions? Be on their own?

Don't get me wrong... I know there is parenting work to be done here. How do I react to tantrums? Truthfully? Sometimes I react very poorly, and throw an adult tantrum. Sometimes I yell and lose my patience. No wonder my kids lose their patience! My behaviors are modeling for them. It is my parenting goal to model empathy and respect during these frustrating moments. We often say, "Use your words" to our children. Our goal (even if we fail often) is to help our kids explore their emotions in those emotional moments.

We need to allow our children to feel their emotions. My goal is to let my kids be upset, but guide them to express their emotions in a way that is healthy. Yelling at others, hitting, throwing toys... these things are often a way children express their feelings of being angry, sad, tired, etc. As a parent, I want to see my children saying their feelings, allowing them time to feel those feelings, without lashing out.

You'll notice I keep saying "my goal is..." Of course, these parenting approaches are easier said than done. But these things are what I hope to do as a parent. We all fall short sometimes. Each day is a new day!

I'll never forget a conversation I had with my father after I got engaged in college. We were sitting at my grandparents' table in their sitting room. We were talking about future plans, and he told me, thoughtfully, and full of love, "As much as I want you to live in {our city} to be close to us, I'm glad you won't be. I think it's really important for you and Keith to start your own life, apart from us."

Wow. Now that I am a parent myself, I realize the significance of that conversation. It was the ultimate parenting moment for him. He had reached the time when his daughter was grown, and he had to let go. He had to gently and lovingly push me out of the nest. My mother and father had prepared me for this my whole life, by fostering my independence each step of the way. And guess what? I was okay! Keith and I learned how to rely on each other, how to start our own life, and what it meant to be independent. I hope we are so lucky to be able to sit back, let go, and watch our boys fly out of the nest. Maybe they'll even soar.

you are worthy {the anti-resolution post}

2013-01-02T20:48:00.001-05:00

I hate when people comment on other people's weight.

The Good. Bad. Ugly. I hate it all.

No matter what you have to say about my weight, or someone else's weight, saying it out loud send's a negative message to me. It puts me in a mini-rage. Okay, not really. But it disappoints and saddens my heart. And I'll tell you why.

To me, it says, "Your outward appearance is of utmost importance." It focuses on vanity.

"Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,

And revive me in Your ways."

-Psalm 119: 37

Sure, I have gained weight. Would I like to lose weight? Yes. Would I feel more attractive in jeans if I lost 20 pounds? Sure. Do I define my self-worth based on my pants size? No. Do I let my weight, a number, tell me whether I am worthy to be loved? No. Do I want other people to notice me based on my weight loss, weight gain, pant size, or other ridiculous outward insignificance? No.

I think our culture is sick. We are so harsh on ourselves. We as moms have such high expectations put on us by this society. We are expected to work and bring home a paycheck, keep a Better-Homes-and-Garden-worthy house, make Pinterest-worthy crafts with our kids, make gourmet meals to impress the masses, host facebook-brag-worthy holiday parties, all while maintaining a Heidi Klum figure, and being infinitely energetic to be a perfect wife to our husbands.

Did that sentence make you exhausted, too?

Whew.

Ladies, goals are good things to have. If you want to be healthier, wonderful! Be healthy. For you. So that you may have energy to do God's will and God's work! Not to achieve some ridiculous ideal of perfection. Because you are worth so much more than some silly number. You are precious, my friend.

"For it was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

that I know very well."

-Psalm 139: 13-14

Holiday Gift Idea: Snapfish Photo Gifts!

2012-11-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

I have been a consistent Snapfish customer for at least 5 years now. I have a collection of personalized photo mugs, and I have a multitude of photo albums, thanks to Snapfish's photo prints.

Now that Christmas is approaching, I am reminded that I have some hard-to-shop-for members of my family. But now that we have kids, photo gifts are such a neat, personal gift idea for those family members.

I am in love with the photo ornaments.

I bet you didn't know you could get photo jewelry at Snapfish!

And to store your beautiful photo jewelry in, how about a beautiful keepsake box?

Snapfish also offers a variety of adorable photo holiday cards...

And for those hard-to-shop-for men in your life?

You can't go wrong with photo gifts for Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunts and Uncles.

Don't forget to check out Snapfish's current OFFERS and SALES!

Happy Holiday Shopping, my friends!

I received product/products to review from the sponsor. My thoughts are 100% real and honest. I promise! :)

winners!

2012-11-04T16:47:00.004-05:00

Congrats to the latest winners at Mama Days!

I will be emailing you shortly!

More reviews and giveaways coming soon! If you like photo gifts, you might want to stay tuned!

Dress-Up Time!

2012-10-27T23:29:00.000-04:00

So, I have a really creative and artsy husband, who likes to make things.

This was Benjamin's costume last year...

100% homemade costume... by Daddy!

Here are my little dudes this year...

The only part of the costume that wasn't DIY was the hats!

Aren't they cute?!

Share your links in the comments section to your kids in their costumes!

Apples, Pumpkins, and Mums!

2012-10-22T16:04:00.003-04:00

I work all week. My husband worked all weekend.

Today, I am very thankful that I took today off for Benjamin's preschool field trip.

We are enjoying a fabulous family day.

Daddy and the boys!

Me and my boys!

Starting to get tired...

APPLES!

End of the morning, and slightly grumpy and sleepy...

We followed the morning up with lunch and a family nap time.

Glorious, I tell you. Glorious.

Why can't every day be family day?!

greenpapaya2012 etsy shop {un-paper towels review + giveaway}

2012-10-21T17:22:00.004-04:00

Have you heard of un-paper towels?! Well, let me tell you... They are genius. Un-paper towels are cloth towels, that are the same size as your paper towels that you purchase in the store. Of course, the un-paper towels are washable and re-usable, making a wonderful green edition to your kitchen or bathroom!

Greenpapaya2012's etsy shop has an adorable collection of un-paper towels to choose from. Jessica from greenpapaya2012's etsy shop has done a wonderful job at making a high quality product. The unpaper towels snap together, so that you can put them on your paper towel roll holder, just like a roll of paper towels!

From greenpapaya2012's etsy shop...

"Each roll comes with 12 (10 by 11 in.) panels. The towels are terry cloth on one side and a fun, cotton pattern (or solid color cotton) on the other. Each one comes equipped with six snaps for easy use--just unsnap one panel as needed and voila! The towels come assembled on a plastic, re-usable roll, which will fit any regular paper towel holder."

Look at some of the precious fabric choices at greenpapaya2012!

In a Halloween mood? Check out these un-paper towel prints...

I was sent this adorable roll of un-paper towels in these sweet yummy cupcake prints!

{And FYI... This is the roll that I was sent, minus 3-4 towels that are being washed, because I used them!}

Such cute prints, am I right?!

And below shows you how the towels snap together to make a roll.

The backside of the up-paper towels are terry cloth and absorbent!

I would highly recommend greenpapaya2012's etsy shop and un-paper towels to you!

Might I add... The price is RIGHT. $25 for a roll of un-paper towels! I have seen other un-paper towel sets for easily double that price!

Want to win?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

winners!

2012-10-14T17:37:00.002-04:00

And the winners are ....

short and bald - whimsical jewelry from new york {review + giveaway}

2012-10-06T14:30:00.000-04:00

Short and Bald {whimsical jewelry from new york} has the cutest necklaces. No matter what your favorite hobbies are, there's a good chance Short and Bald has a necklace to represent it. :)

So, I have always loved frogs. I know, it's kinda weird. But I love cute little froggies. So when I saw this little frog prince necklace, I was in love with it. And my little munchkins remind me of little frog princes, so I got my sweet boys initials with the frog necklace. How cute is this?!

So what do YOU like? What represents YOU?

Are you a tennis player?

How about a baker ...

... Or a chef?

Do you love Halloween and spooky stuff?

Are you a dancer?

...Or a dog-lover?

There are many more sweet necklace designs.

Are you ready to win?! There will be 2 winners!

Winners will be able to choose from the following necklaces: boxer dog, movie camera, fairy, haunted house, painting, spider and web, knitting, feather,cowboy boot, sandals, bubbled star, bubbled crescent moon, bicycle, hot air balloon, filigree key, or cooking utensils.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is what depression with anxiety looks like.

2012-10-02T19:33:00.003-04:00

Worst mom ever. It's official. That's my new title.

My kids don't listen to me.

They don't go to bed for me. Whenever I try to put them to bed, it's a 2 hour ordeal, and we all end up in tears. They want their daddy. And why would they want me? I leave them for 9+ hours a day (and even then I can't even pay all the bills). I don't play the Wii with them. I'm the un-fun parent.

They don't respect me at all. When I try to discipline them, it just turns into a who-can-yell-the-loudest match. I am terrible with my patience. My anxiety takes over. Why am I plagued with this anxiety? I am not in control of myself. I can feel my head and emotions spinning out of control and I can do nothing to stop it. What is wrong with me? Why am I this messed up?

Then, I cry. I cry because I should be able to stop this anxiety. I should be able to control myself. I should be a more patient mom. Then maybe they wouldn't put up a fit when I put them to bed. Maybe they would respect me if I were a more patient, loving mom. But, I'm not. Why would God give me these children when I am such a failure at loving them? They deserve a much better mother than me. I cry because I am filled and overwhelmed with guilt from not being able to stop my panic attacks. I am filled with guilt that the 2 hours I see my kids today, I have spent yelling at them to get in bed. Literally.

And I pray for God to calm my heart. But the anxiety does not leave. Is it because I don't believe fully that he can heal this brokenness? I don't know. Is it because I am not faithful enough, and I fail my kids over and over again? I pray that my anxiety won't hurt my kids again. But history keeps repeating itself. I need to be a better follower of Jesus. He's probably so ashamed of my behavior.

And my poor babies. They are going to be so screwed up with a mom like me.

{fall in love with fall} deshawn marie designs hand-crafted soaps

2012-09-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing says "Fall is here!" like amazingly good smells. What better way to indulge in fall yummy smells than hand-crafted soaps.

DeShawn Marie Designs handmade soap indulges the senses with fall smells like chai tea soap, and orange spice soap.

Or how about some cinnamon bark soap?

Yummy, yummy smells!

I was generously sent oatmeal almond and vanilla mint soaps to try out.

My first thought: How elegant! The packaging was beautiful, perfect for gift giving.

Second thought: Wow! The smell! A. Maz. Ing.

These soaps are such an indulgence. They are gourmet quality. Handmade with heart.

I'm not sure how she does it! How do you capture such beautiful scents in a piece of soap?! I don't know, but DeShawn Marie definitely does it.

Go visit DeShawn Marie's etsy shop!

Follow DeShawn Marie on twitter!

mama mia etsy shop {custom hand stamped jewelry review + giveaway}

2012-09-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

Mama Mia custom hand-stamped jewelry has sweet necklaces and bracelets that are perfect for any special occasion. {Or you could just treat yourself to one for fun!}

I love this one.. I carry your heart with me. Reminds me of my favorite e.e. cummings poem.

{here}

This one is pretty neat. Have your last name initial and your family member's names on it.

{here}

I love this one... "I love you to the moon and back." I say this to my boys all the time. Oh, my heart loves them so!

{here}

We have this book... God Gave Us You. It is a beautiful book, and a wonderful reminder that our children are beautiful blessings to us. This necklace is an equally beautiful reminder.

{here}

More copper and silver jewelry. Love this bracelet.

{here}

I was generously sent this beautiful piece.

{here}

It came to me packaged oh-so-pretty...

I love love LOVE copper and silver together in jewelry. I think it's so beautiful and unique.

I requested my boys names on this piece, under "mama's boys."

I am in love with this necklace.

I highly suggest you check out Mama Mia jewelry on etsy.

Enter to win a Tiny Cup Hand-Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

winner!

2012-09-16T11:23:00.001-04:00

And the winner is...

Congrats Allison! I will be emailing you shortly!

{fall in love with fall} piccadilly peddler etsy shop review + giveaway

2012-09-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

Piccadilly Peddler is an etsy store full of cute home decor.

They have cute and elegant vinyl decals, like these...

{here}

...And cute signs like these...

{here}

{here and here}

{here}

And of course, adorable Autumn decor, like this sign...

...which I was sent to review.

I heart FALL! I love Autumn everything. And the second we have a chilly night, I am ready to decorate my house in fall-related things.

So this subway art is a perfect addition to my fall-loving home.

Isn't it so much fun?! I love it. Makes my heart warm and smiley.

And you can win an Autumn Subway Art just like this one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

kerriann designs etsy shop {review + giveaway}

2012-09-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

KerriAnn Designs etsy shop is a fabulous personalized jewelry shop. KerriAnn offers wonderful birthstone stacking rings. The traditional "mother's ring" that so many people have custom made in jewelry stores is great... if you know you are finished having kids. These stacking rings are perfect because you can add to the stack at any time. :)

I also love this simple heart ring, that can be personalized with you and your lover's initials.

And these birthstone rings have a thicker band, and can be personalized on the inside of the band.

Love these simple personalized silver bands as well.

And you can mix and match the personalized bands with the birthstone rings. Love, love, love.

I was generously sent this gorgeous set of birthstone stacking rings. They are my boys' birthstones - May and February.

I love them. They are so simple and pretty.

I love that you can add to the set of stacking rings if you have more kids, or if you want to add you and your husband's birthstones in the set.

The lighting wasn't picking up the beauty of the colors of the gemstones, but the colors are vibrant and beautiful.

Go check out KerriAnn Designs!

Enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

stay-at-home mom vs. working mom

2012-08-25T12:45:00.001-04:00

I've done it both.

Before you get all excited, I am not going to debate here which one works harder, which one is more sacrificing, or which one deserves the bigger medal.

Because let me tell you what: Both are hard. Both jobs are back-breaking. Both being a stay-at-home mom and a working mom are not for the faint of heart.

When I was staying at home, I wanted nothing more than to get out of the house. I never had a break. I felt as if I was trapped in the constant duties of motherhood, the original 24-7 job. I was cranky. I was tired. I was a mess. I couldn't keep up with all the household chores while simultaneously actually spending quality time with my children. I struggled deeply with post-partum depression and anxiety after my second child was born in February 2010. I was imperfect. I was struggling. And I begged for my husband to be able to walk a day in my shoes.

Well, after a series of unfortunate events beginning in January 2011, our financial and job security was shaken to its core. We had to rearrange our family situation. After a number of different job configurations, my husband had an opportunity to walk a day in my shoes as a stay-at-home parent. Beginning in January 2012, we switched roles. I went back to work full-time. My husband began his journey as a stay-at-home dad.

The grass is always greener, my friends. The grass is always greener and more enticing on the other side.

Because I tell you what... this Working Mom gig? It's tough. Every day I struggle with the guilt of missing out on my children's day. I go to bed knowing that I only spent a total of 2 hours in my kids' presence that day. I will miss preschool programs. I am on my feet all day, running around doing a very challenging job. I deal with tough people. I have co-workers that dislike me, and make it known. I am constantly put to the test, challenged. I am often put down and made to feel I am not good enough by others around me.

And let me clarify: I like my job. I do have a sense of accomplishment from my job. I know I am serving others at my job, and I have grown a lot while learning how to do my job. I get to meet awesome families. I get to build very special relationships with my residents. I know that the love that I am able to show these older adults in the final months or days of their lives is a privilege. I know that type of service is exactly what Jesus would want from me. Holding the hand of a dying woman is a privilege that I do not overlook.

But the grass is always greener...

My kids are only toddlers once. The Mommy guilt takes over.

And I would go back to those days of pulling out my hair over the stress of dishes and laundry in a heartbeat. I would love for my biggest worry to be if I get to shower that day or not. I would love to go back to the days of dying to get out of the house without two munchkins griping at me while trying to get shopping done. I would gladly trade it all in to be able to cuddle my boys during naptime again, to be able to fix them lunch every day, to be able to drink my coffee while they watch cartoons in the morning.

The grass is always greener on the other side. So next time you are tempted to judge another parent for the role they are in, remember that you don't know their story. You don't know what brought them to the place where they are. The role that you are criticizing them for may just be breaking their heart.

Each and every one of us as mothers deals with mommy guilt in different forms. It is my hope that we can all be supportive and caring for one another as mothers, as people...

...Because we all walk a tough road.

and the winner is...

2012-08-24T18:53:00.001-04:00

The saltbox house etsy shop giveaway winner is...

Congrats! I am emailing you now!

More giveaways coming soon! Stay tuned!

CTheWritingOnTheWall etsy shop {review}

2012-08-07T15:39:00.000-04:00

CTheWritingOnTheWall etsy shop has fun and unique wall decor. I love this shop. I love having little accents that add personality to any home.

{we can do hard things}

{find it here}

I don't have a vacation home, but if I did, I would want this on the wall...

{find it here}

...Or this sweet "Lake House Rules" sign...

Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I love coffee... I NEED coffee! I love this sign...

{find it here}

It's true. Coffee = love.

I was graciously sent this vintage-inspired coffee sign for my kitchen.

Isn't it great?! I love it so much. Hand-painted. It's got that sweet vintage look. It's just perfect!

Like what you see? Check 'em out...

Favorite them on etsy!

Like CTheWritingOnTheWall on Facebook!

Follow them on twitter!

Thanks to CTheWritingOnTheWall for sending me a product for the purposes of reviewing. My opinions are real. I do not lie, folks.

Oregon Chai Twitter Party!

2012-08-06T17:40:00.002-04:00

Oregon Chai Twitter Party!

Join us for a fun night on twitter. Prizes, chatting, prizes, and more prizes! Prizes include an oversized custom Oregon Chai tea mug, double-walled acrylic iced chai tea cup, and a variety of Oregon Chai Original teas.

Plus, one lucky chai-ticipant will win a grand prize Kindle Fire!

When: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 5-6PT

How: Follow @OregonChai and use hashtag #OregonChai to join the fun.

So, come on! "Like" Oregon Chai on Facebook...

There is a special prize for someone who follows Oregon Chai on Facebook! One lucky liker will win a $5,000 Chai-scape makeover for their backyard. As an extra bonus, 1,000 fans who enter will get a chicOregon Chai Iced Chai Tumbler. Check out the "Chai-scape Your Backyard" Facebook tab tomorrow to learn more: http://www.facebook.com/oregonchai

Follow Oregon Chai on Twitter...

And I'll tweet ya there! :)

This post brought to you by: Oregon Chai

winner!

2012-07-30T20:49:00.004-04:00

We have a winner!

The Fay Street Studio giveaway winner is...

I am emailing you now!

Congrats, and make sure you check out my open giveaways...

Spunky Fluff etsy shop

and

Saltbox House etsy shop!

saltbox house etsy shop {review + giveaway}

2012-07-30T20:38:00.000-04:00

Saltbox House etsy shop is full of precious handmade, hand-painted signs.

Owl always love you... So cute. Perfect for a kid's room!

{this one found here}

I love this verse from the book of Micah!

{this one found here}

I need this sign in my office to remind me that life is not without its challenges... but peace comes from seeing God in those challenges!

And I love this one. We have all felt like we aren't good enough before because our oven never gets cleaned, or there are crumbs everywhere. But this little sign is a good reminder of priorities!

And I am in love with this sign. Every woman who has bore a child can relate to the heart-melting truth in this sign.

I was sent this adorable "You are my Sunshine" yellow sign. I love it!

I love this sign. Just makes me want to siiiiiiiing! ;)

It is very well-made. I can tell it is handmade with lots of heart.

Make sure you follow Saltbox House on Twitter and like them on Facebook!

Ready to WIN?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway