Approval

I know I shouldn't care about my parents' approval, or what our families think about certain decisions.  I know that my life is in God's hands, and his approval is the only one I truly care about. BUT, I am admitting that my parent's approval, especially my Dad's, means a lot.  I worry about what my friends and other family members think, too.  Just being honest here.
When I went back to school, I felt like I had to justify it as being something that would propel my family into a higher income bracket. I found one of the most sensible majors available, and I decided I would do that.  Mark was unemployed, I panicked, and felt like I needed to be able to support my family if necessary. Mark enthusiastically approved of me going back to school, but he was hurt that my decision was seemingly made based on his "failure" to get a job. Once again, just being honest.
Over the last semester, Mark and I have spent lots of time talking about what we want for our family, and what our life would be like after my graduation.  I realized that Mark is excited and determined to support our family.  Suddenly, receiving a degree in something that was so opposite of who I really am seemed senseless.  We were both uncomfortable with the idea of me having a traditional full time job, as we don't really having pressing financial obligations that require it.
So, we've talked.  And I've prayed.  And I realized I really, really don't want to get my degree in medical office management.  I want to be an...artist.
And this is where the approval thing comes in.  Art school is seen as frivolous and a waste of money.  My own father always told me, "Art is a hobby. Not a job." And I tended to agree.  But this year, I have felt a peace that I have never felt before.  I feel at home in the studio, and I lay awake at night, thinking of new projects.  Movies, paintings, sculptures, nature and every day moments have been inspiring me to create.
I have been going back and forth about changing my major, dreading the comments that would inevitably come and the imagined disapproval of my parents.
A few days ago, I spent the day with my Dad.  I brought over my latest piece, something that was deeply personal.  I was really proud of this piece, and really attached to it.  I knew my Dad would like it, and he did. We were at lunch a few hours later, and talking about school.  He looked at me, straight in the eye, and said," After seeing all of your work this semester, I think you really need to consider going to school for art."  I almost dropped my fork and started crying.
Yes, I'm 28 years old, married with a family of my own.  But, my dad is...my dad.  He is successful, intelligent and Mark and I often go to him for advice.  I would have pursued my dreams with or without his approval (trust me, I have done it before!), but these few words were some of the most powerful ones he has ever said to me.  Knowing that Mark and my parents will be here to support me through this journey is such a gift.  Being an artist of any kind is not an easy path, and I don't know if I will ever make any money.  I really don't care.
Part of me is even scared to post this.  What will all the other mommies think?  Am I selfish and living with my head in the clouds?  Does the person who will read this think that this is a ridiculous move for a mom of two?  When I really think about it, I don't care.  In the nicest way possible.  It's time to stop worrying about what other people think and start living my life exactly the way I think is best.  I feel so free.

Happy Birthday, Liam!

Dear Liam,

Yesterday, you turned one year old.  Your first year flew by, and I am cannot believe you you are having your first birthday party tomorrow.  To me, you are still my tiny baby boy.

You are such an incredible person.  You are so mellow, calm and joyful.  You find so much happiness in the smallest things.  You love to be out and about, visiting family and friends and going places around town.  You love your sister Maggie, and you laugh the hardest when she plays with you.

You are so cautious and careful.  You like to check out your surroundings, and evaluate things.  You are a thinker, and you explore the world with care and wisdom that often surprises me.  Your first words, besides Mama and Daddy, were "Christmas Tree" and you love the Christmas season.  Every twinkling light, all the ornaments, the decorations, the shiny things and beautiful presents all captivate you.  You point everything out and call it all "Christmas".

You love soft, cozy things most.  You love to roll around on fleece blankets, bury your face in your Elmo doll, hug stuff animals and rub clothes on your cheeks.  You are our pacifier baby, and your paci is your constant companion.  You are an enthusiastic eater, and I know you are going to love your birthday cake tomorrow.

You are standing all by yourself for indefinite periods of time, and you can stand up on your own.  You cruise all over the place, and I know walking will be your next adventure. I am so proud of you and all your changes this year.

Liam, I love you.  You are my son, and a dream come true. I cannot put into words just how much your life has changed mine.  I am so blessed by you.  I am honored to by your mommy and I am so excited to see where you go in life.  You, and your sister, are my heart.  Happy Birthday, my sweet boy.



A hour or two old!

Five days old

And with Mommy



Loving his bouncy seat at 2 months old






                



Bumbo time! 



Where he has spent a lot of this year

In a box, 5-6 months

Six months

Nine months

Thanksgiving, 11 months

A week before his first birthday

Finished with Finals and Random Thoughts

It's 8:32 on Wednesday and I am done with my finals!  They went really well, and I have the possibility of getting a 4.0.  I have never done that in college, not even close.  If I don't get a 4.0, I'll have three A's and a B...not bad at all.  This semester has been so transformative for me.  I have never been happier or more content with my life before. I've also never worked harder.  These last four months have been a constant balancing act, and I got far too little sleep.  My brain is full, and I am tired.
Tomorrow is Liam's first birthday.  I cannot believe it.  I have a letter to Liam that I will post tomorrow.  I am excited to share this milestone with him and see him at his little party on Saturday.  I kinda feel like crying, but I think I'll keep it together tomorrow.
My sister and my niece are coming to spend Christmas with my whole family.  They will be here next Wednesday and they are staying a full week.  It has been so long since we spent Christmas as a complete family and I am thrilled.  Maggie is also very excited about spending a whole week with her cousin Amelia.
And now I am going to...not do homework.  Amazing.

Santa

We took the kids to get professional pictures taken today, and they turned out great!  I'll share some of those soon.  After pictures, we headed over to Santa and Maggie was excited to sit on his lap, but very timid to actually to talk to him.  It was so sweet.  Liam wanted nothing to do with him, but he still managed to look really cute!  We took them for haircuts last night and Liam look so grown up now!  I have another post coming soon all about the haircuts, but it was a positive, fun experience!  Are you taking your kids for a picture with Santa this year?

Dead Week

Apparently, the week before finals is called dead week.  I think it is because you don't really do anything during this week, you're really just getting ready for finals.  To me, the title is appropriate because I am dead tired. 

I have had lots of energy and enthusiasm throughout the semester, but I am honestly done.  I am exhausted and overwhelmed.  I turned in my final sculpture today (and it was AMAZING, I can't wait to share it with you guys) and I turned in an 8 page research paper for my Shakespeare class last week.  I have two major tests left, one presentation and one not so major test.  And then, I will be that much closer to transferring and one day, graduating!

This week, we are also getting both of the kids their first haircuts (only a trim for Maggie) and having our very first professional family pictures taken.  So excited!

I cannot wait until next week, when I can celebrate my baby boy's first birthday, really get into Christmas mode, craft, bake, enjoy my family and just forget about school for a month.  I can't wait to have more time to blog again, it has been nearly impossible to find time this week.  I mean, I only had 4 hours of sleep last night, and I was working up until I passed out.

AND, today is my nephew Nathaniel's first birthday!!  I cannot believe it has already been a year since he was born. I love you, Nate, you are such a sweet boy.  I love your spirit and determination and how deeply you love your parents.  I am so excited to watch you grow up!

Hi, Everybody! 

All By Herself

Magdalena spent an evening with my mom, and she made this gingerbread house all by herself.  She was extremely proud of herself and had a great time.  We are loving the fun and excitement of the Christmas season and are trying to do a craft or activity almost every day.  I plan on making gingerbread men soon and also making ornaments together.

I love seeing what her little mind comes up with it. And I can't wait to see how her gingerbread houses will evolve over the years.

P.S.  Today in my health class (it's mandatory in order to transfer, ugh!) my teacher had us all do a workout with bands. He is also a coach and teaches weightlifting, so he knows what he's doing.  He told us to wear workout clothes, but I thought it was going to be more of a demostration.  Um, no.  Today I wore a long, ribbed tank top, a long cardigan, jeggings, pointy flats with studs around them and a knitted sweater vest thing.  And I worked out. I took off the vest, though. It was ridiculous.  And now I am so freakin sore (only 5 hours later) that I can barely walk.  Not good.  Although, it was an awesome workout and I am so buying those bands.

New Stockings

I have been debating whether to make or buy the kids' stockings for a long time.  So long, in fact, I really didn't the option to make them any more.  I didn't want to just whip something together, I wanted the stockings to be really high quality and last their whole lives.  So, I took the busy mom route (which is happening more and more often as the semester drags on) and ordered them from Pottery Barn Kids.  I love them!  I just wish I had a better picture to show them with.  Speaking of pictures, does anyone have any reccomendations for a good digital camera around $300? I really, really want a DSR, but it's just not in the budget.

Thanksgiving Hair Clip

I made an easy and (if I do say so myself) adorable Thanksgiving hair clip.   I think it looked especially beautiful in my sister's shiny, dark hair!  Maggie also wore it for a while, and then got tired of it. She also looked adorable in it!

1. Cut out 4 leaf shapes in complimentary colors of felt.
 I just free-handed them. Easy.

2. I then used those leaves as a template to cut out another layer of felt in a color of your choice.  This will be will be the backing to your leaves. I chose pink.

3. Sew the two layers together.  I sewed them by hand, with yellow embroidery thread to go along with the fall colors.
4. I added sequins to the upper corner of one leaf.  In person, it really pops!
5.  I then used the four buttons to connect all the leaves, by sewing through more than one leaf at a time.  Sorry for the vagueness, I hope you get what I mean.
6. I then sewed the leaves onto an old clip and...Done!  It took me an hour and a half, but I was sewing by hand.

Next time, I'll take pictures! I plan to make a couple sets of clips for Christmas for Maggie, soon.  I LOVE working with felt!  It is so forgiving, such a cute fabric and really easy to work with.  I love hand sewing (so relaxing) and felt is perfect for just cutting things out and messing around.