Have a friend who’s going through a rough patch? Send a little sunshine her way! Here are a few happy and yellow-inspired gift ideas:
{gift guide} Need a Little Sunshine?
{link list} 5.23.12 Edition
I love link lists.
There’s nothing better than word of mouth, so when a blogger recommends a
recipe, a new shop or a great read, I am all about it! Here are a few things
I’ve come across this week…
1. I recently saw a couple of stools similar to these at Marshalls. Oh my word, were they so cool. Industrial, yet sorta old-school vintage? Right up my alley! I’m hoping I have a place for them in my next house.
2. Who can I send this awesome gift to? With a little creativity, anything (within reason) can go in the balloons. I’m thinking little notes, quarters, stickers, and small toys. And that’s just for kiddos. I’m sure there are many Mammas who need balloon popping as a stress-reliever!
3. Per Grace‘s suggestion, I found these awesome Saltwater Sandals. The price point is much better than my previous choice and I hear the quality is superb. So excited to order once my size is back in stock!
4. I liked this list of “Easy Ways to Surprise and Delight Your Children“. Sometimes I get in a parenting rut, and these are great ideas to step up my game. It’s the little things they’ll always remember anyway, right?
5. Imagine there was a short video series that drew on the values of “working hard, being kind, helping each other, being creative, problem solving and staying positive even when frustrating things happen”. Well there is! It’s called Olive Us and the first episode is so sweet. Be sure to watch Ben Blair (aka Dad)’s video on the aim of the project. I love that his hope is to show healthy family relationships…what a pro-life and pro-family message!
6. I’ll be avoiding a bathing suit like the plague this year, but the new swimwear at Shabby Apple has me envisioning my soon-to-be slim bod (HAH) next summer. Hard to choose, but I think this one and this one are my favorites.
7. Summer is right around the corner and for many, that means the kids are home full-time. If you’re on the lookout for activities to do when the weather is blazing, look into Smart Bottom Kids. Darcy has craft kits all ready to go…no planning or running to the craft store necessary! I have my eye on the Fish Aquarium and the Window Stars for the boys.
8. Refreshing drink ideas on my must-try list: Roasted Peach Lemonade, Orange Push-Up Smoothie, and Raspberry Lemonade Slushie.
{read along} Mitten Strings for God: Breathing and Healing
Breathing: “Over the years I have tried all sorts of solutions to the inevitable sibling battles, including forced separations, time-outs, hugs and kisses, and, at times, shouting at the top of my lungs. Breathing together works best. Now, before I will listen to either side of the story, before the argument escalates further, before I take any action at all to settle a dispute, we breathe together. I kneel down and take one child in each arm. We look into one another’s faces, we breathe long and slow and deep, we count to ten or twenty. In the process, we always seem to find in our hearts a scrap of forbearance, a shred of forgiveness–and that is the beginning of the road back to harmony.” -page 97
Healing: “…sometimes our children are really asking for more from us than a perfunctory response, and that is when we must minister not only to the skinned knee, but to an inner need as well. It does no good to advise a weeping child that the pain will go away on its own. We are mothers, after all, and it is our job to do something. And so I created the ‘hurt basket,’ a treasure chest of magical lotions, potions and healing aids. The wicker basket, stored high on a bathroom shelf, invokes a ritual–it means that time will be taken to ease a pain, that I care, that I will do my best to bring comfort. The contents of the basket change with the season: soothing throat lozenges in winter, an ‘itch eraser’ for summer’s mosquito bites. But in general we are not without peppermint foot lotion, arnica gel, witch hazel, calamine lotion…and last, but not least, a truly impressive array of Band-Aids…To an adult, a Band-Aid may be nothing but a sticky plastic strip; but to a child it is a badge of honor, imbued with magical healing properties. Be grateful and stock up.” –page 101 (emphasis mine)
{chit chat} Miscellany on a Monday
1. This weekend was busy, busy. The weather was beautiful, so we decided to cram in as much as we possibly could. A trip to Lowes to pick out new hardwood floors. Lots of yardwork and playing outside. Errands and bedtime adventures to get ice cream. I even painted my dining room! It was full and fun.
2. Nine more days until we find out if a Mister or a Sister will be joining the fam. We are all excited to finally call this baby by name. And indulge me while I rant a bit: I am getting a little tired of all of the random comments from people telling me they are hoping “I get my girl” or “I know you’ll be disappointed if it’s not a girl”. I always just smile, but I find it a little heartbreaking that no one acts like they’d be excited if it was another boy (which let’s be honest, is quite possible with my previous track record). Boy #4 is just as exciting and as much of a miracle as Boy #1. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who feels that way.
3. I am so bad about making a menu every week, but I really am trying! After a quick peek in the fridge and pantry, these are recipes I came up with (thank you, Pinterest board!)
Monday: Pork Chop Sandwiches
Breakfast for Dinner Tuesday: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Ring
Wedsnesday: Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (and probably pizza for the kids)
Saturday: Soccer and Family Day!
