The Wiegand's

changes!

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:12:00 +0000

I could not be more thrilled to show off some changes on the blog today!!!

I contacted the amazing and talented Lulapalooza Blog designs and told her about some things I wanted help doing. She is so so lovely to work with and transformed all of my visions to a reality! I have been admiring her style for quite some time and could not be more thrilled with what she did for me! She is going to help out my art website next :).

Make sure to check out all of the new pages because a lot of new info has been added! I have an art page, a FAQs page and all new sponsorships starting in April that are all on here(just to name a few of the new things)! Also, thank you for the sweet notes of encouragement left on here, twitter and facebook for Chris yesterday....it meant a lot to me....more than you could know!

(here are some snippets from the new pages)

168 film trailer.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:19:00 +0000

I talked a lot about Chris entering a film in the 168 film festival this year. I am not allowed to post the film until after it is judged but I get to post the trailer today... it's a taste of all the work he put into it!!

This year he wrote, cast, edited and directed the film all himself. I could not be more proud of the work he does. Each group gets a bible verse that they have to write their film around- this is what his verse was:

Luke 21:16-19

"You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life."

Then he had 168 hours to create the entire film.

Make sure to scroll down to the bottom and turn off the playlist before you hit play!

zoo day.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:49:00 +0000

With Ashley in town with us we decided it would be fun to go to the Dallas zoo with her and the kiddos! We had an absolute blast! Aiden's favorite was feeding the giraffes and Ainsleigh loved the slides :). One giraffe literally ate lettuce from Aiden's hand....we ate pizza and enjoyed this beautiful weather, it was fabulous :).

Tuesday Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

Every family is unique in their own way.

Every family has a different story to tell.

Every family celebrates their love for each other in many ways.

I am so thankful to be able to experience this amazing journey of raising our kids and celebrating each day that we have together - sometimes more and sometimes less. I love the look my husband gives me when we watch our kids giggle in the sunshine at the breakfast table or when they dance to their favorite song and sing out loud even though they don't know all the words yet. That moment is so magical ever single time!

On my blog I share some of those moments that touch my heart as a mom, as a woman, as a friend or a sister. I love reading about other people lives and their way of thinking which is why I am here today. Casey has touched my heart so many times and I would like to thank her for that! She is a wonderful inspiration and has such a sweet and honest soul. I adore that!

I would love to hear from you and find out about your story : )

Big hug from Berlin,

Janie

giving away: digital family/couple portrait

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

additional entries:

follow her blog HERE

check out her on facebook here

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Follow me on twitter HERE

Check out my Facebook HERE

*tweet, status update/blog post- comment for each!

winner of project love giveaway: (email me) kristina

dallas shine recap.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:28:00 +0000

The Dallas Shine Event was this weekend and it was so amazing!

So many people came (thank you from the bottom of my heart if you were someone who came) and sweet Ashley stayed with our family for 4 days. It was such an incredible event and we made over 200 blankets for Dallas Life foundation to give to the homeless. I could not have been more honored for A Little Artsy to be a part of such an amazing cause!!

sponsor.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:20:00 +0000

I would love to have you for March! Email me: Casey@CaseyWiegand.com

potty training.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Well, this isn't a very "deep" on my heart this week but I have had a few people asked how we did potty training this week! Aiden turns 3 at the end of March so we definitely waited a long time to introduce this to him. I really wanted it to be a positive, fun thing. Me and him both being frustrated was not my idea of him being ready so I just waited until we could really communicate about it!

I am soooo glad I waited- these 3 days have been a piece of cake!

Day one, I talked to him about diapers and showed him his new dino underwear! We talked about the potty and I showed him a little baggie of one dollar toys that I had for him to choose from if he went in the potty. (He had 3 accidents that morning.)- I never made a big deal on those...didn't want to focus on any negative! I was thinking he needed to just have one "success" for it to click. So I turned on a movie, brought his potty in front of the tv, sat him on it and gave him a cup of water to drink. He went! He was yelling "look. look- I did it!!!"- Chris and I acted like we won the lottery and let him choose a prize. The rest of the day we had ZERO accidents! He went everytime in the potty after that first success!

Day two, he woke up and put on his underwear- basically we repeated day one but no prizes this time...just a lot of excitement! He had 2 accidents on day two- both outside and just like the first day, we didn't focus on those....just moved right past them!

Then day three, same as the first two and only one accident.

I am soooo so proud of him! It is so sweet to watch how proud he is of himself and what a positive experience this has been! I have to say, anytime prior to this if I brought up the potty he would say no and was pretty anti-toilet...but after that first positive success it just switched! We also let him pick out a new dino toy for his first number 2 success ;)!

So proud of my big boy! He did great!

Yesterday we were all driving in the car and I was telling Chris that lately Aiden hasn't wanted his pasie much anymore. He gets it when he is starting to get tired but during the day he doesn't want it much anymore. It's so amazing because we never rushed that....in a way we are letting him grow out of these things on his own, in his own time. And I love that. With potty training, bottles, pasies and whatever else- I am glad that he was a baby a little longer and as he is ready to move past them, it's on his timing. Makes me happy.

Happy Weekend Friends :) xoxo

if you asked me,

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0000

If you asked me....

If you asked me, I would tell you that I haven't painted in ten weeks... Honestly the thought of it makes me feel tired and I love to paint when I'm inspired and full of passion/creativity. I know it's a teeny dry spell... And I'm ok with that.

If you asked me, I would tell you that I've been thinking a lot lately about entitlement. It's funny- It used to be a big struggle for me. And after years of trying to die to it.... I think it's gone.
I used to think I was entitled to certain kinds of friendships,
certain kinds of relationships,
a certain kind of marriage,
to a certain life as a mother.... And I guess I've learned to just accept what people can give me/ to appreciate it- and be content and blessed by that.

Anything extra now is just a cherry on top.
Wow it takes so much pressure off relationships- it makes everything.... Better.

If you asked me I would tell you about how The Shine Project is this weekend and I am so incredibly excited.

I would tell you that aiden is rocking at potty training and that no matter what ainsleigh does everyday, she always smells like strawberries.

If u asked, I would tell you... I've never seen a creative mind like Chris', ever.
Its unbelievable.

I would tell you a couple weeks ago we bought Aiden a birthday cake(he doesnt turn three until March 22) for a fun practice run! He LOVES when people sing happy birthday to him(more than the cake)- can you tell by the pics ;)!!

I would tell you we gave Aiden his early birthday present- a teepee and he is in love!

I would tell you I'm thankful. And that every night before bed I pray, beg as plead that God will protect the little lives in my home and that He would wrap us Chris and I.

I would tell you that today I enjoyed the sunshine on my toes and I am itching for a roadtrip to a beach.

If u asked, Id tell you that you bless me- and that this blog blesses me.

Happy day friendsxoxo

this week's giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:27:00 +0000

giving away $75 store credit to Project Love &
also a 10% off discount code for your followers... code: CASEYLEIGH

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

additional entries:

follow her blog HERE

check out her shop here

follow her on twitter here

like her on facebook here

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Follow me on twitter HERE

Like me on Facebook HERE

*tweet, status update/blog post- comment for each!

winner of group giveaway: (email me) samantha
winner of bonlook giveaway: (email me) the saragers

wear.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:18:00 +0000

photos c/o: kristen rae photography

shoes c/o: blowfish

this dress & the dress from this post are both from modcloth

Kristen snagged a few of these pics after our Valentine's shoot before we left and I think they are so sweet. I love seeing pics of me laughing with chris- because he makes me laugh all the time :). He has been editing his 168 film and I started day one of potty training with Aiden- it has gone thousands better than I thought!!! Honestly, I envisioned me cleaning puddles all day! Hopefully day two is just as successful!- oh and for friends who have asked about my cravings.... so far they are lemon, pineapple, lemon pie, oranges and sour patch kids!

xoxo

life lately via iphone pics.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:19:00 +0000

(ainsleigh had a part in chris' film for the 168 film festival- she was a tattooed baby)

I cannot wait to share this film!!!

Bonlook Glasses Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:37:00 +0000

I absolutely love love love my glasses. I truly wear them every.day!

I normally only do one giveaway a week but this week has been filled with some super fun treats for you guys!!! I just couldn't pass them up!

Here is an awesome giveaway from BONLOOK!

giving away $50 voucher applicable on eyeglasses & sunglasses (except items on sale)

Here’s a special discount of $10 applicable on everything except items on sale and valid until March 1^st: BLCASEY10

open to everyone

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

follow them on twitter here &

Fan their facebook HERE**

additional entries:

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Follow me on twitter HERE

Like me on Facebook HERE

*tweet, status update/blog post- comment for each!

winner of clementine & nellie: (email me) brittany

oh baby.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0000

photos c/o: kristen rae photography

Everything looks good so far with baby!!! Still kind of holding my breath but just remembering daily that God is in control of this. I am so thankful that today went well.

I told Aiden the other day the names we have picked out if it is a boy or a girl and he has been calling the baby by the girl name :) so cute. I will give you a hint....it starts with an A. ;). Also, Chris started his film today for the 168 film festival. I won't be able to show the film for a few months but I already can't wait- he is pretty fabulous at these :).

Hope everyone has a happy weekend :) xoxo

group giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:14:00 +0000

15% off coupon code, The code is READERLOVE15

blog: shop

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

WINNER GETS IT ALL!

* For every link about followed, visited and liked- comment for each

*tweet, status update, blog post- comment for each

*anything of mine you follow- comment for each

good luck!!

xoxo

to my aiden.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

oh aiden.

where do i begin?

I see so much of me in you.

We have a super special connection. Maybe it's because that crazy start we both had....all those emotions. Maybe it is that you have slept in my arms almost every night for the past 3 years. Or maybe it's just because we share a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses.

regardless, i adore you. beyond adore.

a few nights ago daddy showed you a video of me....the music was slow, I was laughing in slow motion- and you began to cry. tears streaming down your face. I was completely struck by the beautiful, raw, pure love you have for me. it's perfect. I wish I could bottle it up forever.

last night before you fell asleep you told me that I make you happy.

well you my sweet aiden...make me so happy, so proud- so full. You brought meaning to my life that I never knew existed. when you came, something changed in me forever.

I pray that you will know and love and serve God as you grow older. I cannot wait to see you chase your dreams.

you will be three next month. I cant believe it. already! I love watching you grow and change. Its beautiful, you are beautiful.

Letting you go will always be a struggle for me. Im trying. open hands.

I love you a.
xoxox
mama

for chris.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:46:00 +0000

The other night I went upstairs where Chris was working. He had stopped for a moment to play on the piano.

I stopped.

Sat down and watched.

I watched as his fingers slid across the keys.

Chris can play music by ear. meaning if he hears a song on the radio he can come home and play it perfectly on the piano or guitar. Its incredible.

Honestly it has been forever since i just stopped, slowed down and noticed him. Noticed his gifts.

As he was playing i started praying "Lord let me delight in him.... please let me never take for granted all of his gifts that you have blessed him with. He is so talented. Let that take my breath away for years to come."

It's easy after 7 years to stop noticing.

Life gets busy, kids fill your time.

But i don't want to stop.

want to really see him.

I want to see his beautiful videos.

I want to see his almond shaped beautiful eyes.

I want to see his gifts in music.

I want to see him loving our babies.

I want him to notice me.

I want to be his everything and take his breath away.

Before I got married, I thought once you got married all your insecurities went away. Mine didn't. I was insecure before marriage and I am insecure now. Constantly battling "am I enough?"

But you know what.

Chris is enough. He is MORE than enough- he is everything I could hope for....he should always feel that from me.

Chris, this ones for you today- I love you. You make me so happy.
Happy Valentine's Day.

photos c/o: kristen rae photography

camera strap and cute pouch c/o: the Jolly Tog

shoes c/o: blowfish

Giveaway day.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:56:00 +0000

Giving away :$25 shop credit and

a 30% of promo code for your readers - the code is CASEYLEIGH

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

additional entries:

Follow her blog HERE

Visit her shop 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

winner of blowfish shoes(email me): kate

inspire.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:16:00 +0000

you can find dresses and accessories like these at 1. 2. 3 and 4.

Sweetly Sour - A Magic Mocktail Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:01:00 +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!

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

Magic Mocktails is one of my favorite monthly features to share here on this blog. It's one I look forward to all month. Today I'm share a recipe for a drink that is somewhat like an 'Amaretto Sour' but a family friendly version. I call this little drink *Sweetly Sour.* Here's how you make it....

Sweetly Sour:

You need - sweet and sour drink mix, lemonade, grenadine, ginger ale, 2 peaches (or apricots), almond flavoring and cherries.

First cut your peaches in half and squeeze all the juice out of them. You can use this method I shared here. Add 1/2 - 3/4 a teaspoon of almond flavoring or almond extract to your peach juice and then add this to a pitcher. Next add two cups of sweet and sour drink mix, one cup of lemonade and one cup of ginger ale to your pitcher. Stir your mixture well. Now add your ice to your glasses and fill them with the drink mixture. Add 1-2 teaspoons of grenadine depending on how sweet you would like it and garnish with a couple of cherries. You're all done! This recipe makes about 4 glasses and can easily be doubled or tripled if needed.

You can learn how to make these cute drink stirs by reading below or clicking here. Hope you enjoy this sweet little drink!

Love,
Erin

jumbled thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:37:00 +0000

blogging can be a funny thing.

It can be amazing, inspiration, helpful, an outlet....it can make you feel less alone in struggles and can make you want to be better.

Sometimes it can do the opposite.

How many times have I said, "wow how does she have time to do that?" or "wow i dont feel that way, should I?"

I have been thinking about this for a few weeks actually.
We are all differenent.
We have different personality types- so surely the way we all view marriage, parenting, motherhood and so on is...... different.

I dont have to feel bad if I don't feel the same way as someone else on the internet or in real life.

I think that is okay.
This is my little space on the internet....a love letter to my babies and husband, a way to document the ups and down of our life journey- I personally choose to make it a positive one.

So many times when i first had aiden I felt like I was swimming up stream. I don't mean in "blog world" but in "real life world"....everyone was pouring out advice that i didnt agree with or feel comfortable with- so I did my own thing. It wasn't until last year I realized how many people in "blog world" actually felt the same as me...and that was nice.

I would say that people need to find their own way.

Just yesterday I was driving and was thinking about if all goes well- we will be snuggling and loving a teeny tiny newborn at the end of the summer. The only 2 hospital experiences I have to compare to are ones where we drive up multiple times a day to sneak in moments with our babies....wrapped in wires, being monitored 24/7. late at night after the nurses make their shift change is normally when we got to have our one time of the day we get to hold the baby.
That skin to skin contact, kangaroo care- set the timer....one hour.
Pure bliss.
I can still feel them both so little and fragile in my arms.
I can still smell their skin.
I can feel their itty bitty chests breathing up and down.

I will never get that back. and that makes me cry sometimes.

kangaroo kare is an extaordinary thing- both our children had under developed lungs when born and couldnt breathe on their own...but when they were doing kangaroo kare- perfect oxygen levels....amazing.

There are few things in this life that have made me feel more whole or at peace than a teeny baby laying on my chest, nestled up by my neck with the sweetest little tiny lips pursed perfectly while they sleep.

I dont even remember the sleepless nights.
I wouldnt have slept anyways...once we got them home I just stayed up all night staring at them anyways.

And honestly there were nights I wondered if I would ever sleep again.
but here we are now. and I cant wait to do it all over again.

create.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Every Tuesday we go to mommy and me art class....

it is so much fun creating with these two!!

doll c/o: i sew lucky

snake and little doll c/o: the neesby lookbook

ainsleigh headband c/o: moriah makes

Thanks for all the daily votes here, you guys are amazing :)!!!

wear.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:50:00 +0000

scarf c/o: laceymade

photos c/o: kristen rae photography

* also, I have been added HERE and you can vote for me once a day if you want!
It's for the circle of moms top 25 fashion and beauty moms- thanks :)! xoxox

love story.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:13:00 +0000

I am sharing my love story today!
Head on over here! xoxo

blowfish shoes giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:57:00 +0000

giving away one pair of shoes of winner's choice

Open to everyone!

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

Fan their facebook HERE**

additional entries:

check out their site HERE

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Follow me on twitter HERE

Like me on Facebook HERE

*tweet, status update/blog post- comment for each!

winner of wonder forest: lindsay nicole (email me)

family.

noreply@blogger.com (CaseyWiegand) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0000

sweet baby doll in ansligh's bed c/o: i sew lucky