The Wiegand's

wonder forest.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:40:00 +0000

Ainsleigh is completely in LOVE with her wonder forest animals.

She has three and carries them everywhere with her, it's truly the sweetest thing.

I could not be more excited to share this incredible shop/blog with you all today!!

Giving away : a Magic Unicorn

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additional entries:

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good luck! xoxo

winners(email me)

aunie sauce: kimberly

group giveaway: ly

a guest post.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:06:00 +0000

Leslie is amazing. 

She is why I started blogging. 

She is a wise, beautiful, incredible soul.

 I asked her to mentor me. 

I was beyond honored when she said yes. 

Then I asked her to also share a monthly mentor post with all of you, because she is phenomenal.

She is challenging me.

You're in for a treat!

Leslie's blog here.

*****

I’ve always wanted a mentor. Someone not in my family. Not a peer. A mentor. Someone a few steps ahead of myself, in womanhood, in marriage, in motherhood. And though I’ve prayed, I have yet to meet her.
Which is why I will quickly take an opportunity to be one for someone else, if a chance arises. What if a younger woman has prayed for me? And what about all those lessons the Lord has taught me in my life, all that pain and pruning I’ve been through? What about that?
What if all that wasn’t merely for my benefit?
And then there’s Casey. She and I have been knit of the same stuff, I’m certain, just in different decades. Casey has given me a beautiful chance to be a voice here, on her own blog, because maybe – just maybe – I’m a few steps ahead of some of you. I don’t have all the answers. I may have different perspectives than you do about some things. But I have undoubtedly learned some important lessons in my journey so far.
There are things I wish I’d known earlier. Burdens I wish had been lifted by someone who’d already survived my same struggles. Hope and inspiration I wish I had been given. Well, those are the things I want to offer. Encouragement is what it is. And as hard as life is, who doesn’t need some of that? I'm so thankful for Casey; she's given honor to my journey by letting me share bits of it with you.

* * *

(post one is here, post two here)

It was nearly ten years ago, but it feels like yesterday. My water broke in the middle of the night, waking me up. I expected what the books told me to expect. Contractions, timing and making sure we were prepared for the hospital trip. Maybe even calling ahead, my husband and I chatting excitedly about what was to come.

But my baby had other plans. She wanted out, and fast. All the reading I'd done flew out the window as my body went into full force labor within fifteen minutes. I couldn't talk as I hunched over in the car in blinding pain. There was no way I could utilize the breathing techniques learned in class. My body knew no rhythm, just an increasing, forceful, and constant constriction folding me over and taking my breath away. When we got to the hospital, I remember a nurse asking me to change into a gown. I whispered, "I can't." I couldn't imagine moving out of my frozen, fetal position on the ER bed.

The intensity never let up. By the time they got me to a delivery room, I was dilated to 7 cm. But more importantly, by this point I was terrified. I didn't know how bad it was going to get, and I already felt completely overwhelmed at what my body was experiencing. I just wanted it to stop. All the staff were shouting orders at me. All kinds of things were being done to my body that just increased my discomfort and fear. So in my panic, I nodded yes to the order for an epidural, hoping it would lessen the pain. It did, of course, and about thirty minutes later, my daughter came into this world. My body still couldn't feel a thing.

That's how life begins. Through pain. And not just a little. Since the beginning of time, pain in childbirth is known to be the worst kind. It's what people use as the extreme point on a scale: "Tell me how much pain you're in on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being a paper cut and 10 being childbirth." Crazy that God chose to start life through such pain, isn't it? And I don't think the reality of pain ever ceases to haunt us.

I live in a constant state of conflict. Half of me is still very afraid of pain, and tries in every way to create a smooth, comfortable existence for myself. The other half of me desires to live a passionate, adventurous journey with God as my guide. But God is not interested in my comfort as much as He wants to shape my character. Isn't that annoying? You and I both know that people who have endured the worst pain also know the greatest redemption, rescue and healing. They have incredible testimonies. And I want one too.

But I'm no different from when I was in labor. I still feel terrified by how bad things could get. Whenever bad circumstances come my way - fighting with my husband, discipline issues with my child, financial strain, whatever - I just want the hurt to stop. I get totally focused on how to return to my comfort zone. Unfortunately, I also know God could allow such pain to come my way that it folds me over, breathless. I have known it to a degree already, in fact. And what I've learned is that since I can't avoid pain, what I do with it is what matters.

Of course, we want to medicate first, shove that pain way down until we can't feel a thing. And it doesn't just come in bottles. Anything can numb pain. TV, busyness, home improvements...whatever we choose to obsess over in order to block out what hurts. It's super tempting. In fact, it's popular and encouraged. "Oh, everything will be fine! Just come have drinks with us and you'll feel better." Numbing our pain always has its pros and cons. I'm pretty sure I don't want to live any part of my life not feeling.

This verse sticks with me: "Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart." Psalm 119:116

A testimony is a story of life-change by the power of God. I want a good story to tell that ends in Jesus. If you are a blogger, don't you want the same, a story to share that moves hearts and impacts others for good? I long for one that proclaims His work in my life, His healing, His transforming love. I want to encourage others who may be in the same struggles. And in order to have a testimony like that, in order to live a God-sized adventure, that may mean I encounter pain. So I cannot afford to be afraid.

You cannot afford to be afraid of what may come.

Instead of fear, we need to know and be sure of His presence. We need to wash ourselves in the truth of His word. We need to clearly see the unshakeable rock we as followers of Jesus stand on. We need to set our focus on Him and Him alone because "perfect love casts out all fear". That's His promise. And He has perfect love for us (no one else does). Loads. Try Him. Bring Him your fears and your pain and ask Him to do something about it. To show up for you. To heal you. To strengthen you. He will. (I promise. Because He's crazy about you.) He is so worthy of your trust.

Maybe the reason life begins with so much pain is because God is hinting at something more universal: only by enduring can we eventually behold a miracle.

asked me.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:05:00 +0000

If you asked me.... I would tell you that I rarely match. I like it that way :). I have been that way since I was a little girl.

If you asked me, I would tell you that I am a romantic and a dreamer.

If you asked me.... I would tell you that I am mis.judged often. And I don't love that.

If you asked me.... I would tell you that I spent 20 minutes trying to see when a live dinosaur show was coming to Dallas so we could take Aiden for his birthday.

If you asked me.... I would tell you that a daily struggle of mine is fear of loss.

If you asked me.... I would tell you that last night I rocked Ainsleigh long after she fell asleep...kissing her eyelashes, smelling her skin, thanking God for her life. Hot tears running down my cheeks...so much love I could just crumble.

If you asked me, I would tell you that I havent had a dr.pepper since the new year... new addiction- crangrape juice mixed with Orange juice!

If you asked me, I would tell you sometimes Chris and I go sneak in Aiden's room and stare at him while he sleeps. And sometimes can't resist waking him up because we love him so.

If you asked me, I would tell you- in real life I am very child.like. I am silly and find joy in the smallest things - like stickers and a snow.cone.

If you asked me, I would tell you that some of my most life changing things I have been through- I have never written about.

If you asked me, I would tell you that in my marriage I am constantly aware of how selfish I am. And I hate that.

If you asked me, I would tell you that Aiden calls bath.time "going swimming".

If you asked me, I would tell you that sometimes the fear of losing Christopher knocks the wind right out of me if I think too long.

If you asked me, I would tell you that my blood.work came back good again today!

If you asked me, I would tell you that we already have our boy and girl name picked out for this baby and I could not be more excited!

If you asked me, I would tell you that I have a good feeling this will be a lovely year :).

group giveaway day.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:56:00 +0000

CASEY20 for 20% off

all tablet, iPad and laptop snuggies are 30% off with code: NEWYEAR12

*WINNER GETS IT ALL*

TO ENTER YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG

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for each of the above links followed or liked- comment for each

good luck!

Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:01:00 +0000

I am so so excited to bring you a recipe again today from Erin of Sunshine & Carousels.

I asked her team.up with me on a little project...

since I am not so good in the kitchen/ DIY area and she is AMA.ZING....(not only does she create incredible things but her presentation is BEAUTIFUL), I have asked her to help me out in these areas! Hooray! She is truly an inspiration with all of her creativity...it makes my heart skip!

So today she is bringing you this fabulous recipe!

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

Spice Cake Recipe:

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 stick of butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 eggs
2/3 cups buttermilk

Mix your dry ingredients together and set aside. Cream your butter, sugar and salt together until light and fluffy. Mix in your egg. Next mix in your flour mixture and buttermilk...alternating by thirds until mixed well.

Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Best served warm with caramel drizzle.

Adapted from Paula Deans Holiday Spice Cake Recipe

Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of water

1/2 cup of heavy cream

3 tablespoons of butter

1 teaspoon of sea salt

In a heavy bottom pot heat sugar and water over a low heat until dissolved, try not to stir. Heat for 5-6 minutes until your sauce is a deep amber color. Remove from heat and mix in heavy cream. Next mix in butter and salt. You can keep this sauce refrigerator for two weeks, heat before using.

When used for these cupcakes drizzle right away. I recommend using a fork when consuming. Trust me.
Love,
Erin

bub.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:11:00 +0000

This is my "baby" brother Travis.

Everyone stopped calling him "bub" when he was about 8.... But not me :). I still call him

by his "baby name".

I was the only one still yelling from the stands "come on bub!!!"

He is my only sibling and I still sometimes have to remind myself he is not 8 years old.

I'm 6 years older than him and grew up feeling more like a second mama than a sister.

Actually most of his life I have spent crying for him.

Crying when teachers were mean to him or if he got in trouble. Crying when someone broke his heart or hurt his feelings. I can remember crying in the baseball stands when he was in highschool bc a coach was chewing him out on the pitching mound.

I have always worried about him.

I have always wanted to protect him.

I can remember being a little girl praying "Lord give the blessings that were supposed to be for me to him". Now I pray that prayer for Chris. almost every night.

I have always adored him.

And now here he is, just graduated from Pepperdine University and accepted his first job with the Kansas City Royals.

I'm so proud of you.

So excited to see you spread your wings.

We have been on different "stages" our whole life. When he was in 8th grade, I was in college. When we was a baby, I was in school.

When he was in college, I was talking about breastfeeding and nap schedules.

But none of that matters.

I am blessed to be his big sister. and SO excited to watch you soar.

Tuesday Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Giving away :A sterling silver and leather "Believe" bracelet. It says "If you believe it, you can achieve it." Also giving away a large ad space (200x200) for February.

*TO ENTER YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG*

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Follow her via RSS HERE

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good luck! xoxo

(email me)

bride blue: Kaylee Hornsby

kiddos.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:33:00 +0000

I have loved working with kids as long as I can remember.
In highschool I spent my weekends and summers working at kid's camps, in college I spent my summers being a camp counselor at Kanakuk.
I was also an early childhood education major so I spent all 4 years in inner city schools in Waco doing classes and a full year internship teaching.
Then I graduated on a Saturday and started my first job on a Monday...teaching "beginners" at a private school in Dallas....a classroom of 3 and 4 year olds.
After that I taught 3 years as the art teacher (same school)- that was beginners-5th grade.
Then we opened A Little Artsy and I was teaching 3 year olds all the way up to adults.
Now I teach occasionally at night when Chris can watch the babies.

Looking back, I worked just as well with the "angel" kids as the kids who got into trouble.
Something about me connected to them.
I could look past the behavior and see what it was really going on.
Teaching 30 kids in an art classroom....through the loud chaos and spills - I was able to learn from these little people.
It was wonderful.

And now years later I get to see my own babies doing these things.

And the mere sight of it takes my breath away.

DINO diy

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:01:00 +0000

Last week I posted a pic on pinterest of this precious dino jacket and asked if anyone could make me one!
Sweet Kim that blogs here emailed me and offered to make one for Aiden, how sweet is that?!
To say that he is obsessed is an understatement, completely smitten!!
Here is how she made it!
Supplies:

Sewing machine

Scissors

Hoodie

Felt

Step 1: Fold felt in half and cut triangles.

Step 2: Unfold the felt and line it up with the seam on the hoodie.

Step 3: Sew the felt to the hoodie.

Step 4: Sew the triangle flaps together so they become one. I used a zigzag stitch for texture.

Step 5: Wear and become a dinosaur.

sponsor.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

email me: casey@caseywiegand.com

xoxoxo

a new life.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:49:00 +0000

I don't know if I have the guts to publish this. I had no intention of talking about this until 12 or 13 weeks...but I am so overcome with emotion right now.

Scared to say anything and have to deliver bad news again.

Maybe if I get the courage I will. It's been a bit of a whirlwind and I process best when I write.

I took a positive pregnancy test and instantly felt a rush of panic. (of course after the tears of gratitude and celebration of this new life). Now a mother of four, forever.

One in heaven, two on earth...and one new one..... It has been days of tears and pleading God to protect my heart if something goes wrong again. It's so early on, it seems like an eternity before I will just let myself breathe.

Just 4 months after the loss of Addison, still all of that so fresh in my mind.

Two days ago I went in for bloodwork and a sono and my sono was empty. Nothing at all. I came home sick to my stomach. I have absolutely the most precious, beautiful and loving doctor and nurses.... they assured me it might just be too early and not to get down.

I sat up late on the computer searching for answers. The entire time I clearly felt God speaking to me...

Casey, the answers aren't there, they are with me.
Casey look to me.
And me alone.

Casey I can do miracles.

Then this morning my bloodwork came back and they told me I needed to immediately come in for a sono. "We should see a baby by your numbers."

I drove there alone. Turned off the music and just drove in silence. "I am going to be okay. no matter what happens, I can get through this." Over and over again. Clenching my jaw, fighting back tears.

I sat in the waiting room. My legs were shaking. I text Chris, " be prepared. It may not be good."

She called my name. I walked down the long hall. Fighting back tears the whole way down. Before we started I looked at her and said "I am going to be okay....whatever happens I can handle this." I had my hands covering my eyes.....I couldn't look.

Casey, Casey open your eyes.

A BABY.

TEARS. A BABY.

Literally I have never cried out with such thanks and gratitude. An answered prayer. Hope. A baby.

I am still early on.
And obviously we have a long road to go. I will get bloodwork every 2 days and have a few more sonos.

But for today, I am praising the One who blessed us with this life.

And celebrating a new journey. Because no matter how small or young, little baby you are mine. And regardless of what happens, one day I will hold you.

Heaven or earth, I will hold you.

dear little.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

dear little casey,

Someday you will be 28...you will have 2 babies on earth, one in heaven and will be married to a wonderful man.

Don't waste your time on all those boys before you meet christopher. Just enjoy your friends, be kind to people, make change in the world, pursue your dreams. Christopher is your one and only. Just wait for him.

Don't be down that you aren't the best at math. You career will be just fine someday without it.

And those teachers, the ones in college who tell you that you can't love the little ones you work with in school- ignore them...because one day you'll go on to start your own ministry for kids- it's called A Little Artsy...and it is a beautiful place where you care much more about the love and kid's hearts than you do about the work.

Those kids who are mean- ignore them. Don't let them break that spirit. And those heartaches you face....don't let them harden you....because someday your sensitive spirit will be something that blesses people.

Someday people will discourage you from taking risks, but you go ahead and follow God's will on your life...He isn't leading you astray- He has got you.

Someday you'll lose a baby before you meet it...and it will be much sadder than you anticipated...but don't be sad....because one day- you will be reunited in heaven. And the instant you see him, you will know he is yours.

Be nice to the kids that are different. Because different is good.

And when people try to judge you or judge others- ignore them. They are bullies. And hurting people, hurt people.

Someday, when people try and tell you how to raise your kids...or how many to have...confidently remind them that you listen to God's voice in your life. And if He allows you all to have 5 little babies, you will do so.

Little casey... don't be insecure. God made you. Even at 28 you will struggle with this. And as you start to seek out other things to fill those voids, just stop- because only He can do so. Smile, be confident. Be a light in this dark world.

Someday some crazy curveballs will come your way.... but you're going to be okay. Things you thought you could never handle, you will.

Little Casey- don't let people try to change you. You are special, unique and different- and that is okay. You have big, soft heart...let it stay soft...because the world needs Love and grace.

And maybe, just maybe....you can spread that around.

writing table.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:07:00 +0000

I am all about free stuff and hand me downs. I have no trouble accepting them :).

My dear friend Amelia text me last week and said that her school was giving away old writing centers and getting all new ones- YES I want one!!! I called Chris, asked, "do you mind going and picking it up for me??!"

The kids LOVE it.

It's like their own mini A Little Artsy. It is so fun how much they love working on art, play.do, sculptures, writing, music, puzzles and more.

Having this space to do it made it even more fun, we love it!

Also, my cousin gave the kiddos the cutest placemats and 2 of them have little prayer charts on them. LOVE! You can find them here!

tuesday giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:31:00 +0000

Giving away :Winner's choice ... any item in the shop up to $35! Open World Wide :)

*TO ENTER YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG*

additional entries:

Check out her shop HERE

Fan her facebook HERE

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Share my facebook page (additional entry)

tweet, status update, blog post( comment for each)

good luck! xoxo

*not part of the giveaway, but would love your vote!

(email me)

miss mommy giveaway: chelsea

wear.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

photos: c/o kristen rae photography

ains bow c/o: rockstar babies boutique

ains hat c/o: the polka dotted pug

ains shirt c/o: poor pitiful pearl

casey shirt c/o: poor pitiful pearl

casey shoes c/o: blowfish

casey necklace c/o: payton woodcraft jewelry design

a guest post.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:30:00 +0000

I want to introduce you today to a beautiful soul.
As you may know, I have posted a few times before about assumptions- in a way I am passionate about them.
So this seemed like a cool opportunity to share! Enjoy!

"Even though I have been through the pain of other's assumptions, I continue to assume. you are right, it is our sin nature. but He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world. Every though captive, girlfriend, every single one. ; )" - from our email exchange!

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

How to start, how to start? Hello, from Life with the Ls', I guess!

After the comment I left on Casey's blog the other night, I was very surprised to get a response and invitation to guest post. I mean, I feel sure my comment wasn't the most encouraging one she has ever received. It was more of a confession and plea for grace because of my rotten heart. You see, the other day I was stopping by one of my good friend's blogs and I saw Casey's button on the side. I see her button every time I frequent this friend's blog, which is often. There are only 3 blogs I really take the time to read, {now 4, since I found Casey's} besides my own... this one, this one, and this one. Ann Voskamp is my daily devo and Emily and Jami are friends of mine and I know them well enough to know where they are coming from in their posts, so I enjoy catching up on their lives. But, I find that the more blogs I read, and the more time I spend on Facebook, the more discontent I become in my life...not because of anything specific that people write, but because of the perceptions I make up in my own head about people based on their pictures or their posts. It is my issue, my own insecurity because just like me, most other bloggers put their lives out there for the world to encourage and find camaraderie, not to brag or become famous.

In my heart I know that.

It is my head and the thoughts that float around in there that are messed up.

This brings me to my button point. Each time I have seen Casey's beautiful flawless face on her button, I have had no desire to click on it because I made up in my mind that she must be some diva looking to get famous through her blog. I had no idea who she was or what she wrote about, my own insecurity made me want to avoid her button. What could I possibly have in common with this supermodel? Then, in God's perfect timing, just when He had spent the first 10 days of January working with me on my whole "perception issue," I did it. I clicked her button. I clicked it and it took me to this post. I felt an instant kick in the gut and such remorse for having made up a "story in my mind" about her life based on her button, because she is obviously a light in this dark world. Her blog is beautiful and her stories are real. We all develop perceptions about people or...stories we create based on outer appearances or specific circumstances we witness or blog posts we read. Perceptions aren't reality regardless of what the quote says.

All of this had been on my mind before I stumbled across her blog because I had decided to take a break from Facebook and my blog for all of January to spend more time reading and being intentional with my family. It actually only lasted 10 days, but that was long enough to teach me some tough stuff about myself. First off, right away I noticed how I felt an almost sudden contentment with my life when I wasn't looking at pictures of other's lives every day {and making up ridiculous stories to go with the pictures.} That kind of blew me away, because I hadn't realized that I felt discontent until the opportunity to compare my life to others' was take away.

Secondly, and I remember this moment of epiphany one morning in the shower, it hit me like mack truck that while I have this irritating tendency to make up stories about others' lives based on superficial evidence, people do the same thing to me, AND I hate it. There is almost nothing worse than hearing from someone that you seem "unapproachable,or like you have it all together" especially when you try so hard to be real. All my life, but especially since we moved to a semi-small town last March, I have heard that statement and it always stings. I mean, I have a blog where I share pretty much everything in our lives, good, bad and ugly...how can I come across as unapproachable? Because James and I put thought into what we wear, have kind of a retro style, drink good coffee, watch what we eat and take care of our health, people perceive us as yuppies. {Until they drive by our house and realize that yuppies don't live in our neighborhood, that is.} Do people even use the word yuppie any more? Well, they do in Enid, Oklahoma, and apparently we have been categorized as such. Because we home school, people assume that we think our kids are too good for the public schools here and that we judge them for putting their kids in school. They aren't around for the hours of conversation and prayer that we have about how long we want to home school or if it is even the best option for our family. Judgement is far from our thoughts when it comes to school, we are just trying to parent our kids in the way we feel like WE are called and not everyone is called to home school.

I'm not sure what the answer to this conundrum is...the perception problem. I mean, we shouldn't have to change the way we dress, write or eat in order to try to make everyone see us as approachable, but if we are unapproachable, how can we do ministry? How can we be Jesus' hands and feet if people are afraid to come near us or assume we have nothing in common? How can people trust us enough to confide in us when we appear to have life all figured out? AND, why do people even perceive us that way, when we are real and open and more than honest about our feelings? The only conclusion I can come to is to continue to be authentic and share our stories warts and all. Those who we are meant to enter into relationship with will see us as we are and embrace us. AND, on our own mind's behalf, we can take those thoughts captive when we make up stories about others after seeing their beautiful pictures and realize that if they are human beings living on this broken earth, we have a whole lot more in common than not. We are all in this thing together and we all need a little encouragement. Let's commit to perceiving the best of one another instead of the worst...we are all given to one another as a gift, each with our own story reflecting a little more of God's character. Let's embrace that truth!

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. I know I am not alone in this...bloggers unite, be a light like Casey. We can change the world!

love.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:32:00 +0000

pure sweetness.

Happy weekend friends. xoxo

addison.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +0000

photo c/o: kristen rae photography

A due date approaching.

I haven't talked about the miscarriage in awhile. I realized something a
couple of days ago... Addison was due march 20... which really for us means February 20. (Both aiden and ainsleigh came a month early.) And then I realized that the Dallas Shine Event is that weekend. Ashley will be staying at our house and I can't think of a better thing to be doing that weekend. So as a due date approaches and will pass, we still remember.

All you mamas out there who have lost.
I think of you often.
A new humility and sensitivity has entered my spirit when it comes to this subject. As someone before who hadn't known the struggles of infertility or loss- I didn't notice what I notice now.

Lots of opportunities for those hurting in these areas to be "stung".
It doesn't sting me anymore.
I am at a different place- I can celebrate that life now without the sadness I did before. But my mind is constantly on those who are suffering in silent. I can't tell you how many times I have asked christopher "what do you think is the line?"...the line of celebrating a pregnancy and a new life, the excitement and joy and beauty in that... and the line where people are complaining and causing people to feel the sting.

I don't know what the exact line is.

Maybe its just that- celebrating, not complaining.

I remember a friend of mine lost a 3 month old. I remember knowing how horrible it was. But at 23 years old I didnt really grasp the loss. not really. Then when aiden was 3 months old I thought back on her. And then I thought of those complaining how tired they were...and how she felt hearing that. When she longed to hold her little one again.

And how days after my miscarriage that is how I felt reading status updates of gaining too much weight and people annoyed with morning sickness.

Sometimes when I want to complain, I make my mind go there.

In all areas.

It's good to.

It makes you sensitive to the heart's of others.

And that, that is a truly beautiful thing.

what if...

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:32:00 +0000

what if, instead of reacting...we stopped and took a deep breath
what if, instead of losing our patience... we didn't
what if, instead of leaving a nasty comment.... we decided to encourage 5 people that day

what if, instead of rolling our eyes or letting ourselves turn cold as ice, we made the first move...and initiated something good

what if, instead of using the past as ammunition, we forgot...moved on and forgave.
what if, instead of buying those new shoes, we bought the homeless man lunch

what if, instead of screening the call, we took it
or what if instead of being furious....we were kind.

the world would be better.

we would be better versions of ourselves.

what if, instead of seeing heartache as punishment....we saw it as a blessing.

what if.

boot c/o: blowfish

cards c/o: julie ann art

meal plan.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:36:00 +0000

A few of you have asked me to post an "example week" of a meal plan!

It really is working great! (Normally I would list the ingredients I need out on the side for my grocery list.)

Aiden LOVES to help me make dinner so during Ainsleigh's nap we start cooking for an early dinner.

I let him help every step of the way! Something about all of the pouring and mixing makes him so happy. (and all that one on one mama time). These are EASY recipes and meals.

Then he usually plays in the water and soap and helps me "clean the dishes" after....which really is usually just a big flood! I found these cute lists here. And you can find a few of these recipes from the very beginning here.

a day in pictures.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:54:00 +0000

it's a party.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

HOSTED BY: Casey, Danielle & Alycia

Today I have a fun treat for you all :) We wanted to do something fun to kick off 2012 and thought… “How about a virtual blogging party?!”

Wouldn't it be a fun treat if gifts were involved?

So after some collaboration with some fellow bloggers, we wanted to start the year off right and do something that will help us all to connect and get to know each other better.

Each blogger who wants to participate will be randomly paired up with another blogger to do a gift exchange with! All packages must be shipped out so they can arrive to the other bloggers destination BEFORE January 31.

Then on January 31, 2012 we will all post about the other blogger we received a package from, and about the care package they sent us!

So where does the party part come in? Well you can all then link up the post you wrote onto all three of the hosts’ blogs, for one giant link up party!

The care package can be full of whatever you want to give! But we suggest keeping it simple, and would like to put a $10-$15 price cap on these packages. Just make it something small and fun, that you know would make another person’s day. Who doesn’t love getting something in the mail?

Try to get to know the other blogger, and send them something that will put a smile on their face. Maybe something to help them accomplish one of their New Year’s resolutions, or something only another blogger would appreciate? Be creative! If you are having trouble thinking of something, you can always e-mail one of us for some suggestions.

So how will this work?

Any blogger who wants to participate will e-mail Alycia their name and blog address.

crowleyparty@yahoo.com

Each blogger will be randomly paired up with another blogger, and will receive that blogger's e-mail and web address.

It is then up to those bloggers to give each other their shipping address, so they can send each other a little care package! (try and get to know your new blogging friends!)

Make sure to ship out your care packages by an appropriate date, so that the other person will get their package BEFORE January 31, 2012.

Then make sure to write up a post about the person you met, and what they sent you! &Don’t forget to link it up to ALL THREE of the blog Hosts, to spread the love and meet tons of new bloggers!

Hope we can all meet some new people in the blog world, spread smiles with some gift giving, and have a great New Year of blogging in 2012!

miss mommy giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Giving away a $50.00 shop credit and a Large ad space for Feb.

*TO ENTER YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG*

additional entries:

Check out her shop HERE

Fan her facebook HERE

Follow her blog HERE

Follow her on twitter HERE

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Follow me on twitter HERE

Like me on Facebook HERE

Share my facebook page (additional entry)

tweet, status update, blog post( comment for each)

good luck! xoxo

*not part of the giveaway, but would love your vote!

(email me)

winner of saturated canary: kate
my facebook giveaway: the sunshine stitch

life.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:18:00 +0000

If you showed up at my house unannounced this is about what you would see: me in sweatpants, a shirt, glasses, messy hair. This is my happy. Not the clothes...but the

smelling my kiddos hair when they get out of the bath
the digging in the sand for 3 hours
making dinner as a whole family
watching chris and aiden work out in the yard, he loves to shadow chris.
I love to feel the sun on my face.
I love to daydream
I love giggling as aiden brushes his teeth, we call it "teeth treats" and he uses strawberry flavored toothpaste.

I love popping popcorn with Chris at 11:30 and watching movies till late.
The way ainsleigh runs when she thinks macy is coming to lick the food off her face.

Family bike rides.
Music playing in the kitchen.

Happy.
This is my happy.

Peanut Butter Banana and Nutella Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:41:00 +0000

I am so so excited to bring you a recipe again today from Erin of Sunshine & Carousels.
I asked her team.up with me on a little project...

So today she is bringing you this fabulous recipe!

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

We sort of love Nutella in the Wilson house. I love it on whole wheat toast with slices of bananas. This got me thinking of how to make some cupcakes where I could use Nutella. So today I'm sharing a recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes with Nutella frosting. (recipe for cupcakes adapted from Martha Stewart's Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake Recipe).

Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes with Nutella *frosting* -

Here's what you need:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 sticks of butter

1 1/3 cups sugar

1/2 a cup of creamy peanut butter

1/2 a cup of crunchy peanut butter

3 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 3 bananas (mashed)

Cream your butter and sugar. Add your eggs and then your peanut butter (creamy kind first). Mix in your dry ingredients (sift them first). Then add your sour cream. Mix/fold in your mashed bananas into the mixture. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 of the way full and bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool and then frost them with Nutella straight out of the can. I adorned mine with slices of bananas right on top.

Enjoy!