Hands and Hearts More Than Full

A Frozen Birthday Party

2014-06-21T22:11:00.001-04:00

We looked forward to our friend Niamh's 3rd Birthday party all month long and finally, on the first day of summer, it arrived. The day would have only been made better if daddy could have gone, too, but he was home "painting" - masking off walls and then wrestling with a sprayer - while we were away. Bob of all trades we call him :) Many people celebrated with Niamh, but these pictures are from the lovely Jamma (the host (Beth's) amazing mama) specifically for our family so they're, um, mostly just us. Just trust me that the place was packed. Also, I had the best key lime cupcake of my life, adorned with the most adorable Frozen-themed edible snowflake decor. mmm. Not sure exactly what was in the punch - pineapple sherbet and raspberry lemonade?? - but all three kids were angels the whole time, regardless of the fact that we left the house when nap is usually starting. Tonight they're "sleeping" on the couch-bed while daddy paints both rooms (twins + Ayara /Soleil's room while he visits /new baby room /maybe shared nursery??). Of course by sleeping I mean so far not at all (even though they really chose very little sugar at the fiesta - #momwin!) We shall see...

Also:

Almost 19-weeks-pregnant here!

Any tips on growing out short hair at an awkward length?

Don't our friends have amazing yard space?!

Taylen: blue shirt, Dayr: green cap, Ayara: pink dress + blue tights

I wore Bob's shirt this day. :)

Pregnancy Update: Pregnancy Number 3 (baby number four) // Week 18

2014-06-18T13:47:00.004-04:00

[How Far Along]

18 weeks as of yesterday (I know it's not an exact science but I like having a day of the week to look forward to, to mark my countdown as "officially" moving on, so...) Hello, month #5.

[Baby is the size of]

A can of soda or - if you're eating well (and I do believe I am) - a sweet potato. num num

[Weight Gain]

Up two pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm extremely pleased with how well my body is handling this baby. My first go-round produced 11 pounds 3 ounces of twins at 36 weeks gestation. That's a lot of baby. And I'm sure you remember the jaw-dropping weight of baby girl, Ayara, because it was 12 pounds 3 ounces, also at 36 weeks delivered. I sincerely believe that my mind and my body are working in harmony to grow a smaller baby. Fine by me.

[Movement]

I've felt the baby move on-and-off since Memorial Day weekend.Last week after Taylen lunged at me from the couch - planting his knee on top of the baby - I felt nervous not getting any movement. I made a last-minute appointment at the clinic and they were kind + found baby's heartbeat right away putting my anxious mama heart at immediate ease.

[Sleep/Symptoms]

Sleep is textbook prenatal-style: exhausted, often fall asleep as soon as I lie down, sometimes can't sleep due to restless legs and arms (usually means I'm too too tired), and on and on. Bob's great about challenging me to a game of basketball, or motivating me to take an evening walk so rest comes easier. The number of times I wake in the night to pee remains ridiculous.

[Maternity Clothing]

Love it. Seriously. I enjoy the maternity pieces I've got, and I also enjoy the giant bump in non-maternity wares, too.

[Craving]

Fresh and crispy still: grapes of all colors, carrots, apples, chopped salad, cucumbers... even oranges.

[Best Moment this week]

Watching Taylen, Dayr, and Ayara kiss the baby bump and say (although I may have coached them) "I cant wait to meet you", the smiles on their faces lets me know that they mean it.

[Looking forward to]
A scheduled doctor's appointment next Tuesday, 19 weeks, and setting up the "half-way" ultrasound at that time. Also, hopefully sharing some appointment attendance with Bob, its much more fun that way :)

a slower pace: thoughts on line-drying laundry

2014-06-10T15:02:00.001-04:00

It's no great mystery that our life has been slowing down over the last year. If you're wondering how that can be with three toddlers and one on the way I will tell you: it's all God. It started probably long ago but for this story's sake it started last November when I started to question the importance of the sponsor-driven blogging I was doing, as well as the time I was spending using social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest - even my iPhone was in question. I felt a strong urge (and pleading from my husband) to simplify life and live in a quieter time, more able to hear what God has in store for us. I am sure there are plenty of people who find their life calling through social media and the like, I am just equally certain I'm not one of them. Easily distracted and do-it-now-while-you're-thinking-about-it-before-the-moment-passes is usually more my style.

For me a slower and quieter life has looked like this: giving up my iPhone in favor of a more old school type that simply calls and texts. It has the ability to take pictures and "browse the Internet" but those features were so clearly unimportant to the cell designers when this particular phone was made that it's really more of a hassle than anything. I just don't bother. It's also meant blogging less, which gives me more time with my family and quality time as a human to enjoy life instead of constantly trying to "capture it". And doing without Facebook, Twitter and Instagram almost completely. I say almost because I have followed a Facebook link on more than one occasion for a company phone number, etc., and I did stalk a friend's recent delivery of her baby on Instagram via the computer, just to scope sweet baby cheeks :) Guilty + guilty.

Another way I've slowed down is by reading more actual books. I've gone through so many since giving up Facebook that I feel like a newly educated woman again. Bob and I have more to talk about than we have in quite some time, and it's deep topics, not just what so-and-so did on his vacation via social media. (Who cares?)

Another 'nother way I've slowed down is the diminished use of the dryer in our home. Actually it'd be more accurately described as the joyful doing of more of the household duties in general, but for this post's intents and purposes... the dryer. I am fairly certain that I owe my renewed vigor for line-drying clothes in part to two recent reads: All You Need is Less by Madeleine Somerville, and Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth. Both women write, in their own ways, about the simple joys that can come from line-drying clothes, as well as the positive environmental and financial impacts, too.

"All in all, it had taken about only ten minutes longer than hurriedly throwing everything into the dryer and pressing "Start," and I'd been able to get outside and enjoy some sun and fresh air too. I was hooked. Laundry, usually one of my most hated chores, suddenly became enjoyable." -Madeline, All You Need is Less, p.93

Any old line between two posts will work for drying laundry, here are some of my own personal nuggets of wisdom for first-timers:

1. Before you fold and bring in dried laundry, give it a good shake. More times than I prefer (that would be anything over zero, for the record) I've found a critter in a line-dried garment either before or, the less desirable, after I've brought it inside. Also on that note: you might want to clear cobwebs from the lines before you hang clothes, too. Just a suggestion from a spider-a-phobe whose "been there."

2. Double up on safety pins to save. Here's my tried-and-true method: let's pretend we're hanging a basket of washcloths. I would clip one side of one washcloth, and clip up the other side with a second pin. When I bring up the second washcloth to pin I would overlap the last place I clipped. Make sense? (See photos for examples) That way you're saving space + pins (and therefore money, too!).

3. Take note of the weather. Especially windy days are good for drying loads quickly (got somewhere to be? not sure the rain will hold off?) and extra sunshiny days are great for "bleaching" whiter items. If this is your desire consider adding a 1/8 cup of lemon juice to the wash, too - aids in the all natural "bleaching" of whites.

4. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Most often when I'm hanging clothes my kids are outside playing; benefit number one: they get to see me work, benefit number two: I get to be near them while they play. Also, if they're not around me I can use the quiet moment with beautiful bright colored clothes, fresh air + sunshine to clear my head, or even say a quick prayer. I remember reading about a man who loved to do the dishes because it was his time in prayer with the Lord, that always stuck with me as a great reason to love chores. And finally, the sense of doing something worthwhile with my time - caring for my family, extending the life of our clothes by treating them with care, saving our Earthly and financial resources - is worth the few extra minutes it takes to hang.

So there you have it, my thoughts on line-drying clothes. Have you ever "gone there" with your garments? What was your experience? If you haven't - what's holding you back? I'd love to hear from all sides! Leave your comments below and be sure to check back, I'm a firm believer in every comment deserving a response :)

recent adventures + a whole lotta photos

2014-06-09T14:48:00.002-04:00

This man. This amazing man. What a dedicated hard-worker I've married. Bob has had some unscheduled time off from work recently, by no fault of is own, and instead of lazying about (which isn't really in his nature but would probably be my first choice in that situation) he's been working day and night for our family, to build us a more simple and sustainable life. Seriously? What a guy.

The list of projects that have been done in and around this home in his shortly-over-a-week-off include: putting the finishing touches on rabbit hutches (now we just need some rabbits!), building the chicken's a nesting box from scraps, cleaning and organizing the shed (as well as both of our favorite activity - purging! - said shed), cleaning out the car (a big, dirty job) and turning around Ayara's car seat for the first time, starting and distributing compost tea over the entire garden, fishing for - and preparing for dinner - fresh Bass from the Great Lakes (thanks Dad for taking Bobby with!), and much much more.

Along with ALL THAT there has even been some time for fun! We took an evening stroll in and around Elk Rapids recently, stopping for pizza and a great park date. Then we took the scenic route (as if anything else exists in beautiful Leelanau County) to Leland and saw Maple City, Cedar + Good Harbor along the way. Stopping in Suttons Bay, my old stompin' grounds and High School city, for pizza + another park night. This time off has been renewing for all of our souls. Yesterday afternoon while all three tots napped we were even able to sneak in a midday movie, doze on-and-off, and wake in time to hear the film's banter before Ayara woke up for the night. Another park date + a family movie night ensued. I mean, seriously? I feel like I'm living a dream. (See photo above for appropriate dream-like image).

As for personal time, I've even had a bit of that! Today Bob's big heart took him to his mom's to do work, and my heart took me to the beach with a girlfriend and five kids between us, the youngest of whom just turned one-month-old! Be still my heart. Much, much more of this, please! Like the picture above gestures, it's just another day in paradise. God is good.

bump at the beach^^

Elk Rapids, MI ^^

photo by Bobby ^^

squirrel... nuts. yeah. ^^

family portrait? ^^

loverssss ^^

superhero twinkies ^^

photo by Dayr ^^

preggo crack ^^

swinging the bump, below

... a tender note

2014-06-06T15:05:00.001-04:00

It is pleasing to my soul to see this. My son, three tender years old, deep within nature, holding and caring for, and not-to-mention crunchily "baby" wearing his favorite Teddy. He was so happy. Taylen, you're going to be such a great caregiver someday. Selfishly I hope it's for your own kids (otherwise it's just not fair!) ;) but whoever is so lucky as to cross your sweet and kind path will be all the better for having known you.

All You Need is Less

2014-05-29T14:39:00.002-04:00

It is no surprise that I love a good book. If you've been following along for any amount of time you know that I get caught up reading multiple books all the time. Recently I finished a book that changed the way I'm living my life. When that happens I think it's worth mentioning.

This year our focus as a couple - Bob and I - has been to try and really simplify our lives. We've said ti all along but this year, we mean business. If we don't need it, aren't using it, and don't sincerely enjoy it then why oh why do we own it? As I heard so well-put recently: why would you save that thing for "someday" when someone else could be blessed by it now?

So that being said let me introduce you to a new family favorite: All You Need is Less, by Madeline Somerville. It's sort of quirky, I think, to tell you how awesome this book is and maybe suggest you buy it, considering its title, but it really is a phenomenal (and quick!) read. In fact I had to break it out of my husband's pile of "currently readings" just to review my own notes.

Side note: ever since breaking up with Facebook I've been reading that much more and loving all of the in-depth chats we've had because of it.

What I love about this book: I learned about ways to "be green" that are literally pain + thoughtless. What do I mean? There are times when I want to implement changes into my life and that of my family in order to lessen the footprint we're leaving, thus improving the world for generations to come, yada yada, but no ounce of my lazy body has any desire to put in the work. All You Need is Less to the rescue with ideas like baking soda toothpaste, Terracycle, and why it's maybe best to avoid toasted sesame oil for body application purposes.

Why I love Madeline: she. just. gets people! She writes in a way that is completely relate-able, never condemning, and will make you laugh until you cry. Some of the best lines in the book:

"...in our house, Adam trying to trap and terrify me using assorted confectioneries as bait is just called "Tuesday."

"Having children does inevitably involved the acquisition of stuff - even if you initially vow otherwise." This one really spoke to me.

"(I mean, who wouldn't want to find a tiny bottle of Bailey's in their stocking?) (CHILDREN! that's who, you monster.)"

and the best and most heart-wrenching, life-check-worthy quote of all...

"The best part of taking the initiative to create a sustainable life for yourself is that you are giving your children a head start on doing the same."

Pick up a copy for yourself and see what good can come from these pages, or at the very least check it out or request it at your local library (amazing free resource plug). Heck, drop me a line and I'll lend you mine, for the sake of being more Eco-friendly (after Bob's done reading it, of course!). This will make a perfect summer beach companion. Happy reading, friends!

Preggo Update Week 15

2014-05-28T15:46:00.000-04:00

[How Far Along]

I started this post at 12 weeks pregnant, then a few weeks went by, I entered the SECOND TRIMESTER and here I am, three weeks after I started: currently 15 weeks preggo, 25 to go!

[Baby is the size of]

Somewhere between a corn dog and a soda pop.

[Weight Gain]

Still holding tight at my pre-pregnancy weight. For now. My experience with 2nd trimester in the past has meant a few (okay, many!) extra pounds. New doctor's goal is <35 - I think I can do that.

[Movement]

Felt the baby move for the FIRST time while celebrating Memorial Day weekend! Sunday, May 25th to be exact. Flutters in my lower abdomen. An impromptu ultrasound yesterday confirmed that baby was right where I expected he/she is.

[Sleep/Symptoms]

Nausea has lessened its blow, but last week a binge snack fest on some of Bob's delicious breakfast potatoes left me emptying said potatoes back into the sink drain. I puked so hard all the blood vessels around my eyes popped. Bob said it was "cute", sort of like freckles. I guess it wasn't so bad. Nausea this time around is far from anything I've ever experienced before, making it extra hard to make boy/girl predictions.

Also, seems like every few days I wake up with a kink in my neck that makes me hold my head funny. Due to a bit more tossing + turning, maybe? I don't know. So far no real cause for concern.

[Maternity Clothing]

I was able to snag a great pair of maternity crops from Goodwill for under $2.00, score! And have been loving my PinkBlush tank, NOM preggo tops, and some new (soon-to-be-shared) pieces from Sono Vaso maternity, too. Dressing up a pregnant belly is much more fun than just getting dressed when you have an unpregnant-but-it-looks-pregnant belly. In my opinion.

[Craving]

Fresh and crunchy: carrots, cucumber, apples, a berry pecan salad with feta to be a bit more specific.

[Best Moment this week]

Feeling the baby move for the first time + seeing he/she on the ultrasound. Oh, also meeting the new OB :)

[Looking forward to]
Staying active and wearing myself out at the end of every day!

hiking near the Boardman river ^^

Mother's Day, three generations of estrogen :)

Sono Vaso Maternity + What Mama Wore

2014-05-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love everything about Spring + Summer combined, especially this specific set because it's my first time coming into it as a second-trimester-er. My past two pregnancies have resulted in the second trimester being some of the best prenatal memories of my life. I have a feeling this isn't going to be any different. Sleep is still manageable, the "bump" is finally to a baby-looking stage instead of just extra pudge, and the weather? Couldn't be better. Some days are perfect for shorts and a tank (if my fence were higher it might be a bikini - I think preggos in bikinis are just the best!) and some days are great for anklet pants and a casual tee. Or, if you outfit yourself with he super-versatile pieces from Sono Vaso, a casual tee can double as a statement piece.

I gladly accepted an opportunity to try my first white pants since having kids. If you have kids you know why I don't typically wear them, but these are a bit different. The Vara Skimmers are cotton + spandex sheen and completely machine washable. I can literally feel potential stains running off them when they hit. It's life-changing for a mom of three tots. I paired them in a classic way with the Jana top, not because I only wear clothing with four-letter-names, but because who doesn't love a classy black + white combo? Plus the lace sleeves make this just warm enough for a Spring breezy kinda day, and just cool enough for a warm summer night. Not to mention the cut of the top is very flattering for someone with a larger chest who doesn't want to show "the girls".

I typically wear a size XL or XXL in women's clothing and this outfit is no exception. I feel relieved to have such staple wardrobe pieces in my collection.

Follow along with Sono Vaso for feisty maternity trends: Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest

2014-05-24T19:46:00.000-04:00

We're kickin' in beach style, in between bouts of puke + diarrhea eh hem... Taylen.

Set up the kiddie pool - check.

Slather on sunscreen - double check.

Here's to hoping for: good food, great weather and meaningful encounters.

What are some of your plans?

Toddler Update

2014-05-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Taylen is really into his sandals, but he calls them slippers. He prefers shorts and short sleeve shirts above everything else. He loves when his clothes match. He's still very particular about his "possessions" and when he claims something consider it wiped out from other uses for a while. His trusty bear - given to him with the name Boris and then later renamed Boregoo - is now known in our home as Teddy. I feel this must be the start of a new life stage for him. Still loves building "tents" (giant piles of everything soft) and recently took to handing out Lego "cell phones" for the whole family, I can't figure out why. He begs for extra veggies and could not care less about meat or dairy. He's always the last out of the tub and his favorite colors are red + blue.

Dayr is the biggest stinker of all. He loves to get me going with his tongue spitting/fart noise. Do you know the one? He learned it from naughty minions via Despicable Me2 and therefore we don't watch that in our home anymore. Bummer 'cause I really kinda liked it. Sort of. His favorite clothing items are black faux leather pants, and undies with Buzz Lightyear on them, and his Superman shirt with cape. As soon as he's wearing that he vrooms around the house with renewed vim and vigor. He's the ring leader of all things sneaky and recently got his bro and sis in on an ice cream stealing brigade. I found them huddled under the counter with a nearly-full carton, sticky fingers and all. He's attached at the hip to mommy lately, and if he's particularly tired or emotional he won't let anyone else help or comfort him. His favorite colors are green + orange and he loves his new movie Rio from Grandma.

Ayara is a follower like I've never seen before. I don't know if it's her close-in-age-ness to her brothers but whatever they do she wants to do, too. It doesn't matter if they get in trouble, earn a time out, or make us proud she is united with them on it all. That being said my heart gets broken daily as she is surely the odd toddler out and gets picked on non-stop! I can't turn my back for a second before tears are rolling down her cheeks and that big "siren mouth" (as Bob calls it) is open and sounding off for the world to hear. The other day we were hiking one of our favorite spots, trying to find morel mushrooms, and we decided to run as a family across a big open field. Sissy didn't get the memo; however, because when we got to the other side she was standing in the center and just started to wail an awful tune. Luckily Bob has the endurance of... something with a lot of endurance, and ran back to get her. She is lucky to have such a sweet daddy wrapped around her chubby little fingers. She is a great helper and loves to do errands, chores, or anything she can assist with. She helps me make dinner with pleasure, happily washes dishes, and loves to carry the basket at the store, even as it repeatedly slams into the back of her stocky little legs. Oh, and her favorite color is pink. Just ask her anything - the answer is always pink.

So much to share and so little time - I can't wait to see what the next update brings! Follow our Blog via the "follow by email" subscription box on the right, so you never have to miss the fun!

Twins: three years + three months // 39 months

Ayara: two years + one month // 25 months

I wonder if I'll ever stop counting in months(?!) ... probably not. It'll just get rediculous

Scalloped Window + L.O.E Apparel via Etsy

2014-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ayara: bibdana // gold scalloped tee // faux leather leggings Dayr: LEGEN"DAYR"Y tee // infinity scarf // denim harems Taylen: houndstooth bibdana // City King tee // red faux leather sweats

I mentioned LOE Apparel before, they've got cutting edge style paired with toddler-friendly handmade goods. It doesn't get much better than that.

This week I found another perfect pairing for the unisex faux leather leggings Ayara's been sporting: her gold-dipped tee compliments of The Scalloped Window on Etsy. I mean, you see how perfectly this tee will pair with almost anything, right? It's made of 100% organic butter soft cotton, and dipped in the most delicate of ways. The design is on the front only, and of course has to be carefully ironed, if at all, but that wow factor when my tot turns around is all BAM! up in your FACE with cuteness. Personally I wear a size XL, but I see for any of you lady readers sporting a XS-L size tee there is also a dipped shirt / dress available for you!

Spring Bucket List Update!

2014-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's officially mid May, and the first day of Summer is officially June 21st soooo that means there are only seven-ish weeks left to do all the rest of the things on my Spring bucket list. Since Spring's start we've been able to do a few (see above) but there is so much more for the taking! Let's recap + plan, shall we?

Easter brought the Easter egg hunt, as well as dying Easter eggs, even though the two natural dyes I tried (turmeric + blueberry) didn't work very well.

Make Bird Feeders - That was fun!
Go for a Hike - Did a short version of this with Taylen while the other two tots were snoozing + Bob was chicken coop building - whataguy! Also got all three tots to do an evening walk around the neighboring college campus, and one out looking for wild foods, too.
Jump in a Puddle - Unfortunately had the opportunity to do this in our own front yard/driveway due to an unseasonably cold Spring + a stormy downpour, whatever... one more bucket list item done-zo!
Send someone Snail Mail - I'm marking this as done because I wrote + addressed the letter, my GF just happened to stop by before I got it in the box, but I do plan to send more. It's so satisfying to send mail the old-fashioned way, not to mention to open the box and see it in there! Anyone need my address? ;)
I "painted" rocks with sharpie in henna patterns, one of my favorite personal time/create something/relaxation activities.
We were lucky enough to be invited to our friend's for an early Easter grill out/picnic in delicious 50-degree weather. So sweet.

And that's it, for now! I am nixing c25k (couch to 5k) training from the list since I am newly pregnant, amazingly tired, and so very uninterested in running, but my hope is to get out and do some walking in its place. We shall see. Now we just need to: try out my new Birthday kite, get to a local farm for some critter feeding, visit + host a garage sale, ride a bike, find tadpoles (while feeding ducks?)This is do-able! Hows your list coming? Also, ideas for a summer bucket list? I need some! Thanks :)

Playing catch-up: Wild Foods class with the Human Nature School

2014-05-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month Bob and I cashed in on his Birthday gift, from me, and participated in a class called Wild Foods through our local Human Nature School. I don't know if there exist more chapters than the one we have here, I just assume there are others like it out there, if not going by the exact same name. Our class was to be a four hour hike around some wooded parts of Northern Michigan spent searching for, learning about, and tasting the wild foods in our own backyard.

We thought maybe we'd get a nature hobbyist as a leader but we could not have been more wrong. Our guide, Matt, had spent weeks in the wild foraging for all of his meals, creating shelter from nature, and surviving off the land. What a thought, huh? He was truly an expert. His co-guide, Rick, was the older + wiser version, too. It was raining when we woke up. I would consider us under-prepared for enduring such weather conditions. That being said I did the best I could putting together a rain-proof outfit for the morning that consisted of plastic bags in the shoes, last years 5K running pants, the shoes I forgot to throw away, and Bob's winter coat's outer shell. I was the only person with exposed calves and it. was. cold. Luckily we did the early "learning" portion inside a heated classroom, instead of outdoors as was the original plan.

We learned a few really important pointers that day.

1. Never eat a wild mushroom unless you're 100% sure of the variety, or accompanied by a mycologist (mushroom expert). Good advice for Bob + me who just last year got excited about the growth on the side of a tree in our favorite park + planned without a doubt to go back for it this fall. Big no no.

2. Queen Anne's Lace, also known as wild carrots, can easily be confused with hemlock - which is poisonous. Bottom line for this one: if it smells like a carrot, it probably is, but eat with caution.

3. Needles from a white pine tree make a great tea that packs more vitamin C than a glass of OJ. Vitamin C is, however, extremely acidic (being aptly named ascorbic acid, and may cause mouth sores) (as Bob may or may not have learned first-hand).

4. Always harvest from at least 75 feet from a road and never harvest more than 1/3 of a population. If you find a wild Trout Lily, for example, and you want to dig up and eat the bulbs (yes, we did this and yes, they're delicious!) it's important that it not be located too close to the exhaust, salt, motor oil + dog pee/poo laden road. Also, it is important not to wipe out a population so leaving 2/3 of the roots, plant and fruit ensures that other animals can get a meal and the species can continue to flourish.

Bob and a wild parsnip ^

artisan spring, I didn't know they "sprung" around here! ^

Digging up Cattail roots (above) and snacking on Trout Lily bulbs and Ramp leaves (below)

Other items we ate from the Earth: wild parsnips, Jerusalem artichoke, ramps, basswood tree buds, rose hips, violets, wintercress, wood nettle + others I'm sure I forgot. Ramps were my favorite hands-down, and left the most pungent after taste. Since taking the class Bob has implemented a regular pine needle tea into his almost daily grind. He also brewed up a batch of homemade dandelion jam, and is considering roasting the roots to make dandelion coffee, too. Stay tuned for those adventures. I'd love to know what wild goods grow near you, and what you're curious to try in your own "back yard." Happy Foraging!

What Sissy Wore

2014-05-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

I adore Alexander and Sophia not only because Ayara sported their stylin' trench and heart polka dot

scarf on Easter (and was adorable!) but also because they're overall pretty impressive. I mean, Taylen

+ Dayr sporting this button up shirt would be ahh-mazing, and a cape made for a girl? Don't even

get me started. I've been dreaming of this since the boys got decked out in Batman and Superman in Feb!

What else makes Alexander & Sophia amazing?

Founded in 2013 by sisters
Amazing clothing quality + design
Sincere customer service
Stylish + durable pieces for those most important to us - our kids!

A&S: FACEBOOK // PINTEREST // YOUTUBE // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER

updates + stuff

2014-05-12T11:24:00.002-04:00

Hi! Yes, we are still here. One computer crash, a family virus/head-cold/stomach bug-thing, and a few weeks later and we're not only surviving but thriving over here! We're back on your radar and better than ever, BUT not without some major changes. I've had some time to think + pray + ponder the future of this space I love so much, and here's what I've come up with for now:

1. No more asking for "votes". If you think we're great and want to show some love that's AWESOME, the opportunity will still be available to vote for our Blog on Top Baby Blogs + Top Mommy Blogs via links that are floating around. However, I will not solicit votes from you from now on. I promise. (Feel free to call me out on that one, please!) It's just not important in the grand scheme of things and I can see that now. The glare of a newbie blogger trying to find her way can be blinding at times, and no hate to Blogs that survive in that way, either - I support those that do AND those that don't. It's just not for me anymore.
2. Switching focus from "life with twins" (which is awesome, but not the be-all-end-all of life) to just plain old being real about how we're evolving into a family of strength + integrity through our faith in God, as well as a desire to live simply and intentionally. It's been a pretty awesome process so far.
3. Less Blogging, period. I set some pretty unrealistic goals for myself with three toddlers + a baby on the way. I was trying to Blog every. day. and that just wasn't working. From now on my plan is to Blog only when I have something significant to share, rather than trying to fabricate material for the sole purpose of creating a post. That will, I hope, allow me to be more authentic and sincere in my content.

That all being said I do have prior commitments and arrangements that I do need to hold true to. For the next couple months I will be in transition from the old way I blogged, to the new goals described above. Please bare with me as the dust settles and we can together see what will take shape.
For all the latest please subscribe to our Blog via the "Follow by Email" box on the right-hand side over there ---> you know - like bump updates + stuff... you noticed it above, right? 12 weeks strong!
Also, if there is something you'd like to see covered/discussed/cooked or created in this space, please feel free to leave a comment in the spaces below, or drop me an email: handsandheartsmorethanfull@yahoo [dot] com ... and thanks for hanging in there, friends!

Important Notice!

2014-04-30T12:28:00.002-04:00

It seems the Springtime bug has struck inside our home. Not the family members who live here, no, this time the sick one is the computer. So, what's so important about that - you might ask? Well, for one thing there won't be any new posts on the Blog until we can figure something out. A few posts have been scheduled from the end of April until the middle of May but with no way to edit, format, etc. they might be looking a little rough. I ask you to PLEASE bare with me while we work out the kinks, hopefully it won't be long. I figured this would be the fastest and simplest way to alert anyone who might be wondering about their (or my!) content on this space. SO hopefully if you're a partner, sponsor, Etsy store owner, avid reader, or the like, you come here occasionally and read updates. The nature of this "time out" will also allow very little email responding/answering/writing, etc. Please pllease be understanding while we try to get the Blog (and the computer!) back up + running again. Thank you for reading, and thank you for supporting. You are important! Sincerely, Crista

STYLE // BE GOOD MONSTER

2014-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

That feeling when things just click: your favorite shirt gets worn-in, the food you made tastes just right, or your daughter's outfit seems to come together effortlessly for an afternoon of fun-in-the-sun while her big bros nap. Yeah, those are good feelings. The kind you might get when you're shopping Be Good Monster out of Portland, Oregon. Think of Portland. What comes to mind? For me it's culture, food trucks, culture, RAIN, and probably some more culture. Matt from Be Good Monster is a proud Portlandian, I can tell. His designs are unisex style meets all-ages funk. Did you scope Ayara's fresh Food Cart Dining tee? The play on words is hilarious. In fact it fits perfectly with our budding food cart-opolis here in Northern Michigan, too! They come in adult sizes, too, but being that my belly is currently preggo swelling I wasn't interested in the head turns I might get if everyone thought I ate a truck. Dayr also received this tee, which he LOVES for the "swords" and flags, and Taylen - the week he wouldn't take off his sister's Birthday crown - received a sweet black + white king's tee. So in lust with their new clothes were they that sleeping in them was a must. Of course mama didn't mind - they're 100% cotton and super cozy, too. Bonus: didn't have to dress twin three-year-olds in the AM... win/win.

Be Good Monster FACEBOOK // ETSY // WEB

also linking up with Our Holly Days today for lotsa toddler style

Could you, please?...

EDIBLE // MAMMA CHIA

2014-04-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

We are a family that is go-go-go. If ever there's a break in the action I often don't know what to do with myself. Here's a look at yesterday, for example:

7:00 wake up, feed kids, everyone dressed

9:30 kids loaded in the car on our way to mom's bible study (that starts at 9:30)

11:30 small snack + kids loaded back in car on the way home from ^

12:00 grab another snack + head to the park in the triple stroller

1:00 home for lunch + naps

Obviously I don't know what your days are like but I'm guessing, if you've got kids, they're something like ours in the sense that there's not a lot of meal prep time, food planning, etc. My noms (up to this point in the day) consisted of: cereal + toast with pb for breakfast, donut hole at bible study, large glass of water at the park along and my life saving Mamma Chia snack pack. This preggo was feeling a little light-headed from the combo of good quality camaraderie and rushing arounded-ness mixed with a lack of nutrition. I made the best snack choice I could have grabbed: green magic Mamma Chia squeeze. Not only do the ingredients include chia (duh!), plenty of fruit and life-improving veggies, each pack also includes 1200 mg Omega-3, plenty of fiber, and weighs in at only 70-80 calories. Those are some pretty hefty snack qualities. I sported mine at the park and was able to feed me (+ baby!) with one hand, push a swing with the other! :) My only gripe? I wish take-along snacks came in compostable (or at least reusable) packaging. Green the Earth! But you saw all their great brags up top, right?

We also "drank to our health" their vitality bevvies and were not disappointed in the least. Make life easier, tastier + healthier and get yo'self some Mamma Chia, you + your family will be glad you did!

YOUTUBE // PINTEREST // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // FACEBOOK

I was sent the above mentioned products to taste + share with you. I was not financially compensated for this post, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions herein are 100% my own. Photos used with permission.

PHOTO ALBUM // IT'S FINALLY DONE!

2014-04-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

The swing set we (mostly Bob) started working on nearly two weeks ago is finally finished! It took just about every moment of his spare time but we now have a playground in our back yard! Hooray!

We also have one next door, and one about a mile down the street. The kids love to walk there in the triple stroller, but it won't always be an option with new baby coming in November!

We spend a LOT of time outdoors when the weather is "nice enough" (anything above 40 degrees, really), because six months out of the year it's snowy here. Thanks Bob for all your hard work you handyman STUD + thanks Grandpa and Grandma for such a great gift!

SIMPLE // MOMS (and a giveaway, too!)

2014-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Let's get real about something very dear to my heart, very dear to all of our hearts actually. I want to talk about moms. Recently a friend sent me this video about the world's toughest job. I won't spoil it for you yet, but if you haven't seen it I highly encourage you to take the time right now to watch it, then come back. Go ahead! I'll wait.

Now that we've all got tears in our eyes, let's get back to it. The thing is that we all have a "mom". I'm saying it like "this" because your mom and my mom may be very different. My mom is the woman who gave me life, but your mom might be the woman who chose you as her one, when she had a choice of many. Your mom may have stepped in to a mother's place when no one else was able, or a whole other slew of circumstances. Whatever the case is for you, for me, there's a very important day coming up in all of our lives. A day set aside to remember and appreciate our moms, above and beyond the recognition and appreciation they deserve every. single. day. Mother's Day.

I'm not writing this as a mother, even though I am blessed to have three children in my arms, one in my belly, and the most amazing step-son any mom could ever ask for. I'm writing this as a daughter who, because of the gift of my own children, can appreciate ever so much more the love and devotion mothers are capable of giving, as well as what they deserve, but hardly do (if ever) receive.

You don't have to get sidetracked by the consumerism of Holidays and get all in a huff. If you're not a gift-giving type there is nothing wrong with that. I believe the gift of quality time is something we can give that is beyond compare. However if you, like me, enjoy giving gifts because it gets you going, is your love language, or simply makes you smile, then you're in luck because I've compiled a list of a few different Mother's Day gift ideas for you, you know... to make it easy. Courtesy of the creative minds at zazzle.com

If you know someone who is about to be a mom for the very first time first of all WOW! What an awesome time in someones life! Maybe you'd like to gift them something to celebrate their new news. You can find cute, funny + traditional new mom gifts here. This mug is my personal fave.

Maybe your mom totes you from sport to sport, wakes up even earlier than you and gets in a morning job to keep her head clear all day, or roots you on in the stands. If that sounds like your biggest fan then check out some gifts for a sporty mom.

Does your mom keep the family together as a unit while she (or dad) gets shuffled around the country (or farther!) serving our country? Then these appreciative gifts for a military mom might suit you. I have a great respect for anyone that takes on a military life + role, including my father, a former member of the Coast Guard, and my husband, a former Marine. Such a great respect.

Like I said before, I get behind quality time 100%, and it's something I love to give to my mom. Since starting a family of my own - even though we live just a few minutes away - I don't get the time with her I'd like. Maybe sending a card is more your style, or your only option because of distance and funds. Whatever the case may be I encourage you to take a moment and let your mom know how amazing you think she is. If there's hurt for you on this day, I hope you you to find peace. Happy Mother's Day, to all the superwomen I know! And happy due date, Beth! xo

Shop Zazzle here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not financially compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own and do not reflect the opinions of zazzle.com. Thank you, readers, for supporting the companies that support this Blog.

STYLE // ROCKS AND ROOTS APPAREL

2014-04-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

You guys aren't sick of all this adorable baby fashion yet, are you? Good because we've got plenty of yummy goodies to share in the near + far future. Translation: the adorableness will. not. stop.

Come with me to a place of handmade goodness, where nature meets style and they have adorable cloth + leather babies. That place is Rocks and Roots Apparel (on Etsy, of course!) and it's a really, really nice place to be. Ahh nature, the place I've longed to be since last November(ish) when the first snow fell and I instantly became a rat in a cage. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this family, the kids couldn't wait to get back to their roots either. Speaking of roots, I think a good pair of shoes is very grounding for kids. They're learning to walk, connecting to the world via their feet, exploring with their senses, nerves and tootsies. With the sturdy teal moccasins Ayara received she's more capable than ever of exploring her surroundings, and in style. Bonus for you: these moccs are on SALE right NOW! Boom! Also, have I mentioned before what a rat's nest girlfriend's hair can be when she wakes up in the morning? Since chopping mine short I've had the same issue. The solution is Rocks and Roots Apparel's upcycled leather mama/baby bands. They tie in the easiest of ways at the nape of the neck, never requiring wandering toddler fingers to pry them away. Also, you noticed those reinforced leather-patch pants, right? Lately, although no longer crawling to get around, Ayara has been blowing through the knees + legs of her pants. What gives? I guess I don't have to worry anymore - she's set for a while with these bad boys.

Rocks and Roots on: FACEBOOK // ETSY

linking up here agin! also, could you please:

CREATE // FOOD SCRAP BIRD TREATS

2014-04-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Projects, projects, projects. There is always something fun + exciting to do when you're two, or three, or twenty-eight. When we can't be outside running and stretching our bodies because it snowed and temperatures reached record lows AGAIN this SPRING... the next best thing is crafty time inside.

If you think back to my Spring Bucket List you'll remember that I've been wanting to make bird feeders for quite some time. The idea came to me after Bob cleaned out the cupboard and found some long-since-forgotten nasty wheat cracker things. They're enormous and taste like cardboard so naturally I thought "hey! birds will probably love this!?" Right?

A few weeks ago Bob's mom dropped off a random jar of mixed nuts she wasn't loving, two days ago I bought a jar of crappy PB just for this project, and yesterday Dayr took four bites of an apple and decided he was done. "There!" I thought, "all the supplies we need for our bird treats!" I spread the PB for the kids and set everything else out on the table for them. They placed their treasures with love and when they were finished I used the tip of a pair of scissors to make a hole in the enormous cracker, tied on some hemp cord, and hung them in our tree. I love looking out the window at them. They're natural and handmade and gorgeous, they bring me a lot of joy.

What you'll need:

A "base": this can be a large cracker, pine cone, old piece of bread - get creative!
Nut Butter for "glue": I used a cheap crappy kind but any type will work
Decorations: We used various nuts, lentils, seeds, and an old chopped apple from the compost, oh and one lonely pea from Ayara's lunch plate.
A "hanger": I used hemp cord but there are many options for this, too (ribbon, string, floss, fishing line, etc.)
A "hole poker": maybe scissors, like us, maybe your finger, a stick, a knife(?)

Get creative and have fun, let me know what type of birds you attract!

CELEBRATE // EASTER

2014-04-20T21:26:00.000-04:00

Oh Happy, Happy Day!

PREGNANCY // PREGNANCY NUMBER THREE UPDATE: WEEK 9

2014-04-19T10:48:00.002-04:00

[How Far Along]

9 weeks, only four more until second trimester aka my favorite, breezy time!

[Baby is the size of]

A fun-size candy bar you don't have any of those in your pocket, do you?

[Weight Gain]

Holding steady at my pre-preg weight for now.

[Movement]

No baby movements yet.

[Sleep/Symptoms]

Just like last week, nausea is in full swing. Funny story for you: I made the kids lunch, not myself very hungry, and sat down with them to pray. I curled myself up on the wooden table bench and held their little hands in my own. No sooner did Taylen finish the most beautiful bring-you-to-tears lunchtime prayer "thank you for my beautiful family..." did I feel an overwhelming need to vomit. Fortunately the first of this pregnancy. I bolted to the kitchen sink, wretched, and grabbed a slop bucket from the cupboard. I heard Dayr ask his sibs "What is mommy doing?" Taylen announced "I have to poop!" and raced off to the bathroom. I felt a little prairie doggish myself soooo I sat across the tiny, tiny bathroom from my son, nearly knee-to-knee while he pooped and I did the same, while puking into a bucket on my lap. Tears running down my face from the pressure I couldn't help but laugh a little when I wretched again in the bucket and Taylen, without thinking, imitated my noises back to me. I wiped his butt in between hurls and after it was all over I felt starved. It was my hilarious moment for the week, and just another reason I love that boy. All of them, actually. They just make everything better.

[Maternity Clothing]

Yes, please. I love the roundness of a growing baby belly. For me it's comforting and beautiful. This week I'm playing with some new pieces from Belly Dance Maternity. Like the above-pictured NOM brand striped tank. It's made of pillowy-soft cotton that, even on my most irritable days, doesn't irritate my skin (or my mood!). If you've ever been preggo you know that's a win/win. It's long enough that it'll last all nine months, cute enough that it'll last far beyond pregnancy days, and comfortable enough to wear while nursing I am sure. I typically wear a size XL and that's what this is. Often times those are snug on me, but not this piece. It feels a lot like wearing nothing, which feels pretty darn good to me. I guess what I'm trying to say is this is my new go-to piece. This morning it's cool enough to pair with jeans and a sweater, but I am looking forward to sporting this sleeveless with shorts in the (hopefully) near future, too!

[Craving]

Carbs. I can't. stop. thinking about the next town over's ooey, gooey Parmesan bread sticks. Roman Wheel, looks it up, they're the best in the world. I just know it.

[Best Moment this week]

See sleep/symptoms above ^

[Looking forward to]

Knocking some more off my Spring Bucket List!

You might also like: pregnancy number three update: week 4, week 5, update: week 8, the announcement

EDIBLE // COMFORT CASSEROLE

2014-04-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

This week we had a church potluck we were attending, and on top of that we've been trying to stay ahead in our meal-planning so we don't get overwhelmed in the food department. The kids are often overwhelming and anything we can do to make life easier is a 100% good idea, always.

I decided to make a tater tot casserole for the potluck. Two reasons: 1) it's delicious and 2) last time we potlucked there wasn't a lot of food, let alone food that the kids would eat (the pizza someone brought was gone before we made it through the line, go figure!) so I took matters into my own hands making something that the kids will eat and that contains all the major (albeit not-so-healthy) food groups: you've got your protein (ground turkey) veggies (frozen peas - go ahead and use fresh it you've got 'em!) and carbs (tater tots), oh and there's dairy in there, too, with the creamy soup. I do not add salt to this as there's already a good deal of it in the soup and tots. But it's like I always say... to each their own! I can hear Bob laughing at me as I type that last part ;)

I figured that while I was cooking/baking it might make life easier to double the batch (one for church, one for home) so in the spirit of simplicity, I made two. The following is the recipe for one 9x13 casserole.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 C. onions, chopped
1 t. pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 C. frozen peas
1 Bag frozen tater tots

To Make:

Brown the turkey + drain it well. Add: onions, soup, and frozen veg and mix well over low heat. Spread mixture in 9x13 baking dish. Top with a layer of tots. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Some people like to smother it with cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking, I say just follow your heart (you know, literally - that's high in cholesterol + sodium) Enjoy!

I could use some recipe inspiration, what's on your "comfort food" list?