Another Great use for Shutterfly!

3x5 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I just found another great use for Shutterfly! I have been a loyal customer of Shutterfly since my oldest child was a baby. I used it to save pictures and share with family and friends and to create our yearly Christmas cards. I have just begun using Shutterfly to create labels and fabulous note cards for my business as well. They are running a great sale right now on their Greeting Cards, Calendars and other Holiday gifts.

Check them out here

Also, please be sure to visit my website to see all the great smocked clothing we offer for both boys and girls.

Are Your Kids Destructive?

OK! So, we've been in our new home for about three weeks now and I'm about to go out of my mind!!!  My kids are little tornadoes....  How is it that I have managed in the past to keep my house clean, kids somewhat clean and well-mannered [most of the time ;)].....  Since we have moved into this new town and new home, my kids have managed to make me re-think my parenting skills - to put it mildly!!

At the end of week one - wild man #2 decides to knock over one of my lamps with his head.  It comes crashing down and shatters.  My fault for putting it within arms reach of a 4 year old I suppose!!

4 year old's destruction

And this morning - little princess decides to climb on top of my dining room table and dig through the potpourri in my crystal bowl and "decorate" the floor.  This was right after she dumped out a box of toys.  All of this in about 3 minutes!!  I was in the kitchen filling up a mop bucket getting ready to mop the living room when I hear something that sounds like glass being tapped........

2 year old's destruction

Of course, this makes me feel like "what's the point of cleaning"......if you know me, you would laugh.  I am probably one of the most anal people (my lovely family tells me so ALL THE TIME) about keeping my house clean and clutter-free.  Well, my house is FAR from clean and clutter free lately!!  If my parents or one of my siblings were to walk in my house right now, they would probably think I had certifiably LOST MY MIND!

My husband isn't of any help either....when I call to complain about he just responds with, "well you are in control of the situation, you shouldn't allow it to happen"... - ????  Am I supposed to tie up my kids so I can sweep, vacuum and mop the floors and get all the beds made, dishes done, meals prepared, laundry done?????

Moving over 3 states to finally be in the same house as my husband was supposed to be easier.....so far, it hasn't been any easier.

What's the point of my post today...I don't really know, just to vent -maybe.  But honestly, I would love to hear from other moms and dads that are home all day with their kids and hear what you do to keep your house clean and kids healthy, happy, etc??  Maybe once I get a bit more comfortable in this new town I will find something for all of us to enjoy and keep us all entertained and out of trouble!!

I would love to hear your kids' destruction stories too!!  Let me know I'm NOT the only one out there.......

Been a While.......

.....since I have written anything for my blog!  Life has been hectic, to say the least!  We have been preparing for another move and now trying to get acclimated and settled into our new home.

My oldest son (7 years old) has been so sad about the move, leaving his friends, leaving his aunts, uncles, baby cousin and grandparents behind.  I have been so wrapped up in telling him we are going on a new adventure and he will meet new friends, etc I didn't even take a moment to realize I was going to be sad too!  I have missed my husband so much the last 15 months while he was living out of town all I could think about was that I was going to be with him everyday now!!

Well, here we are - new home, new town, family all together!  Well, it has been great having my husband home every night and our kids having Dad and Mom.... But, you know I REALLY miss my parents, my siblings, my new baby niece and all of my friends.

So - it looks like my son and I are on a new adventure together trying to make new friends......

Wish us both luck!  Jacksonville is a BIG place and I'm a small town girl with a small town heart!!!

An Easy Weeknight Recipe!

I wanted to post something, but not really sure what!  I don't have any creative juices flowing today (haven't had any in a while it seems)......I am DRAINED!  It has been a crazy week (like every other week), but I haven't been sleeping very well so I am DRAINED!

I digress.....

Anyway, I've been reading a lot of blogs lately from moms that do a lot of cooking and sharing of recipes.  I love to cook and I love to eat!  So, I thought I would share one of my recipes today.  I would love to hear your favorite go-to recipe during a busy, hectic week.

MEXICAN PORK (this is from my dear friend Cheri)
This is an easy recipe that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 3 hours to cook.  Great for those days when I have a lot of things going on around the house and I don't have time to sweat over the stove.

Ingredients:
Pork Loin (not tenderloin) - like the one shown here
1 packet of fajita seasoning
olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 carton of chicken broth
1 can Rotel
Cilantro



First, I drizzle a little olive oil in a dutch oven and heat on med-low.  Then I drizzle olive oil on all sides of the pork loin.

1. I rub all sides of the loin with the fajita seasonings.
2. Sear each side of the pork loin for a couple of minutes
3. Set the pork aside
4. Throw the chopped onions in the drippings and cook for a couple of minutes
5. Pour in the carton of chicken broth and stir with the drippings and onions
6. Place the pork loin back into the dutch oven and simmer for 2-3 hours
7. 15 minutes before serving, pour in the can of rotel and stir, top off with fresh cilantro

I usually serve with brown rice and a side of either black beans or re-fried beans and serve a big crisp salad.  This is very easy and has been a big hit in my house.

I would love to hear your recipes/easy weeknight dishes!

-The Gypsy Mom

Fall Pumpkins!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the Fall to roll around.  I am ready for the leaves to start turning, to hear the wind rustling the trees and for cooler days and nights!  With the temps in the high 90's (and indexes of over 105) it is hard to imagine that those days are really just around the corner!  But they are.....before we know it we'll soon start to see ads for Halloween candy & costumes; neighborhoods will be hosting Fall Festival festivities with pumpkin carving contests and giving hayrides, etc.  I'm getting giddy just thinking about it (the Fall is my FAVORITE time of year!!).

With that said, I wanted to list my newest Fall smocking design.  This is a Fall Festival Pumpkin design to be used on boys' shortalls, longalls, Girls' bishop dresses and pantaloon sets.  You can choose either a solid orange cotton fabric or a white/ivory cotton fabric.  Please see the details below.....

Girls Styles:
Bishop -$40
Sleeveless Pantaloon Set - $38
S/S Bishop Pantaloon Set -$40
Sizes Available:
3, 6, 9, 12 & 18 mths, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5yr & 6yr

Boys Styles:
Shortall - $35
Longall $38
* the boys pumpkins will possibly have a brown stitching edge
Sizes Available:
3, 6, 9, 12 & 18 mths, 2T, 3T & 4T

Fabrics to Choose:
Solid Orange Poplin
Solid Ivory/Cream Poplin


You can place your order by clicking the "email us" button below and sending your order or by visiting our facebook page (link below) and commenting beneath the wall post.  For my blog followers, I will give a 10% discount!  Just mention you follow The Gypsy Mom and you will get 10% off your total order.  And, as always, shipping is FREE!  But hurry!!  All Halloween orders must be placed by August 15th, I would like to get all orders shipped out during the last week of September!


Ladybugs & Bumblebees Smocked Clothing
On-Line Store
Email Us!

Wordless Wednesday - A Father's Love

I have never done a wordless Wednesday, but here is my first go at it!!

True Love

Owls, Falling Leaves & Turkeys!

Things that say.....it is FALL!!  I can't wait for this heat to let up and to get my kids dressed in their Fall attire.  I LOVE the Fall, it is my favorite time of the year.  This Fall I have some really precious smocked clothing.  These are all custom made for my trunk show business and I am so excited to be sharing them with you.  You can order one of two ways, you can visit my fanpage on facebook and order by commenting beneath the picture/s of clothing you want to order. Or, you can email me your order and let me know which paypal address to invoice.  All of my blog followers will be able to save an additional 15%, simply comment on facebook with your oder "thegypsymom" or when you email me and you will get 15% off your order!

Falling Leaves smocking on background of Chocolate Brown Poplin

Owls on background of Chocolate Brown/Cream Gingham 

Turkeys on background of Chocolate Brown Poplin

Here are the styles you can choose from:

Girls:
A-Line Dress with cap sleeves - $38
Bishop Dress - $40
2pc Bishop Top with Long ruffled hem Pant Set -$42

Boys:
Shortall - $35
Longall -$38


Ladybugs & Bumblebees

Email me!

My First Photo Shoot!

A couple of weeks ago my new niece was christened and my brother asked if I would mind taking a few pictures for them. Of course I said I didn't mind! I love taking pictures and I love that one of my siblings (I have 4!!!) has finally made me an aunt! So, after dropping off my 3 kiddos at the church nursery I sat back and took a few pictures before the service and then right after (and helped rock baby girl to sleep after she was christened). I was in my element! Something about rocking someone else's baby to sleep and knowing you can hand them right back over when you are finished..... So much less stress than when it is your own!!

Anyway, I edited the pictures and emailed them over. My sis-in-law and brother were both very pleased and said I should try to have a side business (as if I need another -LOL!!) doing photography. I told them I didn't think I was good enough but thanks for the compliment. They begged to differ and asked if they could hire me to take baby girl's newborn pics. I agreed on one condition.... they had to be brutally honest with me and if the pics didn't turn out how they hoped, they don't have to pay me. End of story.....

So, today was the day for baby girl's photo session. Didn't really know what I was doing and neither did baby girl. She really just wanted to eat and sleep!!! We got through it....242 pictures later. Baby girl got to go back to eating and sleeping and I went on with the rest of my day taking care of my 3 munchkins. I just finished editing several poses (did I mention I took over 200 photos???) and sent them on to my brother and sis-in-law. Waiting to hear their feedback. Will wait to finish editing the rest after I hear a positive, yes keep going!! So, I thought I would pass along my favorite shot of mommy and baby and see what my blog followers think! My sis-in-law wasn't even intending to be in any of the photos, I was just shooting away as she was trying to caress and calm baby girl during one of her "unhappy" moments. It just happens that those are actually my favorites! I have always been a big fan of photojournalistic type of photos.....

What do you think? Are these any good? Should I try to actually pursue this?? It certainly was a lot of fun and I'm having fun editing the photos too..... Honest feedback only!!!!

My Crazy Life!!

 Have I told you how crazy my life is lately???  We all have hectic lives, but some days I wonder if mine is a little more abnormal than most!!  Some of you know that I moved back to my hometown last year in hopes of getting lots of help from family since my husband's new position at work put him on the road 26 days out of the month.  I only needed the help because I was having medical issues and needed surgery.  So, I didn't want to be living alone with three kids and no family (and no husband) nearby to help during my hospitalization and recovery time.  So, we made the decision as a family to pack up our belongings and "settle down" once and for all in my hometown so we could be near family.  And.....when I say near family, I mean across the street from my parents!!!!  Please note, I haven't lived in my hometown for nearly 17 years.  When I left for college, I only came back a few times a year to visit during the Holidays.  Needless to say......this has been a HUGE adjustment!!

Well, my family was great for the first few weeks.  If I needed someone to help watch the baby (my youngest was 7 months old when we moved here), they came right over.  If I needed someone to drive one of my kids somewhere, they were here in a flash.  The eagerness and happiness to help seemed to dwindle after about week 3.  First, I must tell you that I am NOT one to ask for help.  I would rather do it myself because I am a bit OCD.  So, it was hard for me to ask for the help in the first place.  My parents practically begged me to move back home so they could help me. **Side note - I was put on bed rest and couldn't lift anything over 10 lbs for 6 weeks after my surgery.  Well, about 4 weeks after my surgery I stopped asking for any help and just got whatever needed to be done -DONE!

Fast forward about 9 months.......I'm completely healed and feel better than I have in years!!! However, I'm miserable without my husband!!!  My kids are suffering without their dad everyday, I'm suffering without my husband everyday.  We were a much better unit when we were all together.

saying good-bye......

So.....here we go.....the Traveling Gypsies will be on the move yet again!!!  This time we will all be going together!  My husband has an opportunity to take a job with another company which will move us out of the country for 13 months (but we will all be together!!!) and then the company will move us (all together) to one of their Regional offices for my husband to head up.  They offered him a position to run the Western Region office, which means he would be based in one place and travel only 2 nights a week!!!!  So after 5 years of moving (we have lived in 4 states in 5 years!), it looks like we might actually end up having somewhere to call home!!

Not sure how I will react each June/July (when we usually get the orders for our next post) approaches and there isn't the anticipation of where will we be moving next!  Am I being too hopeful?  Not sure. My husband isn't being as optimistic as I am.  His wheels are turning in the back of his mind.....he can't quite grasp the feeling that we could possibly be stationed in one location -for good!  We'll see...one thing is for sure (if he accepts the new position) we will at least all be together for the next 13 months!  I don't think I could stand another year without him!

Thanksgiving Smocked Clothing Collection

I know, it is June and it is HOT!!!!  So how could I possibly be writing about Thanksgiving??  Well, in the world of fashion, we always have to be about 3-4 months ahead.  SO, here is my post to get all you mommies out there excited about getting your Smocked Clothing for your kiddos this Fall Season.  Tonight, I'm showing you the smocked design for Thanksgiving.  In the next few weeks, I will send out our Basic Fall (I'm thinking about Owls and Falling Leaves maybe).  Aren't these little turkeys precious?  The smocking is of two turkeys in pilgrim outfits standing next to pumpkins.  This is the only smocking we will have for Thanksgiving, but we will be offering several styles of clothing as well as several fabric choices.

Boys:

Shortalls - $38

Longalls - $40

Girls:

A-Line Dress w/Cap Sleeve - $38

2pc Pant Set (Bishop Top with Pants, Ruffled Hem) - $42

Bishop Dress - $40

Fabric Choices:

Solid Orange

Solid Ivory/Cream

Solid Chocolate Brown

Brown/Cream Gingham

Shipping is always FREE!!! 

Please be sure to visit us on facebook and become a fan! 

Ladybugs & Bumblebees Fanpage

~Mommy's Moments~: Blog Bash 2011 ~ Baby Boy Prize Pack {$100}

~Mommy's Moments~: Blog Bash 2011 ~ Baby Boy Prize Pack {$100}

Enter to win this fantastic Baby Boy Prize Pack, worth $100!!!

Please be sure to stop by Ladybugs & Bumblebees on facebook to become a fan and to earn your way to FREE CLOTHING!! That's right, become a member of the L&B Smocked Club by purchasing 9 items (not all at once of course!!) - the 10th item is FREE!

Be sure to check out the new Thanksgiving Collection - PRE-ORDERS going on now!!!

Ladybugs & Bumblebees Smocked Clothing

Bed & Breakfast - 10% off Deal

Are you looking for a long weekend getaway? Maybe to a remote area? Or maybe a quaint little town with lots of charm and character? Something for just you and your honey to get away for a weekend without the kiddos? If so, bedandbreakfast.com is offering a special of 10% off when you purchase a giftcard of $100 or more. This is a great deal and is welcome at over 4,000 B&B's in the US and Canada. Be sure to use code BBWED10 to get 10% off.


Save 10% on a gift card from BedandBreakfast.com!

ULTA BEAUTY ~FREE SHIPPING for orders over $50~

Have you been to an Ulta Beauty store?  Well, if you haven't it is worth giving it a try.  When we lived in Florida, we had an Ulta store just minutes away from where we lived.  I had never been in one until we moved to South Florida.  I was amazed at how large it actually was.  It was filled with all of your beauty needs!  From cosmetics & fragrances to hair care products and beauty supplies such as cosmetic applicators, etc.  It was really a lot of fun browsing all of the aisles, smelling the samples and seeing all of the latest gadgets out.

Here is a coupon for free shipping on orders over $50, if you can't make it into a store, well this is the next best thing!

Day 1 of our Hawaii Trip

Romantic Getaway in Hilo, Hawaii

View of the Pacific Ocean from our private lanai

Thought I should say a little something about our first day in Hawaii since I jumped into Day 2 last night.  The first two nights of our trip we stayed in a private bungalow near Hilo.  When we arrived it was late at night so we couldn't really see anything, but the sounds were amazing.  We could hear faint sounds of waves nearby and beautiful singing from what sounded like some sort of tropical bird.  The weather was perfect, a little misty and warm with a slightly cool breeze.  We rented a one room bungalow and slept with the windows open....it was refreshing.

Another angle of the view from our bungalow

When we awoke the next morning, I was in awe!  The view was simply breathtaking!  Our bungalow was right on the ocean and even though it was a somewhat rainy morning, it was still magnificent!  We were staying near Hilo, the rainiest side of the island.  However, because it was the rainiest, it was also the most abundant with greenery and florals....it was beautiful!!   This is the side where you will find most of the amazing waterfalls as well.

Here is the link to view the details of the vacation rental.  I highly recommend staying here for a romantic getaway.  The owner of the property was a huge help in letting us know about local cuisine and what attire was needed on the volcano hike and trek to Mauna Kea.  The room was great!  It was one big room with a modern bathroom, walk-in closet and small kitchenette (sink, mini- refrigerator & coffee pot only).  There is a wet bar and grill to cook on outside.  My only suggestion would be to bring your own coffee and filters if you are an avid coffee drinker like me!  I would have loved brewing a pot of coffee and soaking in the calming sounds of the ocean each morning while sipping my coffee, but there weren't any filters or coffee available.  That is one thing the owner did not think of, everything else was perfect!

Bungalow in Hilo, Hawaii

View of the salt water pool and neighboring bungalow

The Beginning of our Volcano Hiking Trip!!!

The very beginning of our hike, walked around looking at the steam vents and then off to make our 11 mile trek!!!

Steam coming from the vent of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes.  It was an amazing sight at night, the crater glowed red and you could see flashes of red blinking off and on from this new vent.  Unfortunately, my camera didn't have the right lens to capture the amazing sight.

I have lots more pictures from our first day....we drove down Crater Road and saw all the amazing lava flows.  you never really appreciate what nature offers you until you get up close and personal!  It was amazing to see how the lava flowed down into the ocean.  We actually got out of our rented jeep and walked on the hardened lava and to the edge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Here are just a few below.....

My husband walking on the lava flow down to the Pacific Ocean.  He is a big man (6'4") so you can see how  enormous the land is!

Looking down over the edge into the ocean, gave me butterflies!!!

After we spent over half of the day viewing and hiking the National Volcano Park, we ventured back to visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm/Factory...yum!!!  It was on a Sunday, so we weren't able to do an official tour of the facility, but we did get to drive through the farm and see all of the Macadamia Nut trees and did get to shop (more importantly) in the Factory Store.  We picked up several boxes of Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts and several bags of Roasted Macadamia Nuts.  Most of these were given away as gifts, but I hate to admit.....I think I might have eaten 2 boxes of the Chocolate covered ones all by myself.....not in one sitting though!!!

Our Hawaii Vacation....a Celebration of 10 years of Marriage

Day 2 of our trip......yes, I know....I should start with day 1, but day 2 was an interesting day.  We started out that day at Sea Level, visiting the waterfalls and black sand beach, basking in the sun in Waipio Valley and ended up on Mauna Kea at elevations of 13,000+ ft and surrounded by snow!

My husband surprised me back in October with this fabulous vacation package to Hawaii.  I have never been to Hawaii and have always wanted to go, so it was a great and exciting surprise.  However, I was secretly very nervous about getting on a plane.....make that 3 plane changes there and 3 plane changes back!!!  I was also VERY worried about leaving our 3 children with anyone for the 10 days we would be gone.  You know, no one is going to care for your kids like you do! Plus, I have never left my youngest two for more than one night!  I am so glad I fought back the urge to say no!  This was the most fabulous 10 days I have ever spent with my husband.  We really got to reconnect and act like we were young again (you know, like before we had kids!!).  

It was an absolutely amazing trip and so thankful my husband brought me to Hawaii and we got to experience all that we did.  We were up and out almost everyday making it a huge adventure.  We wanted to see all that the island and its culture had to offer.  We did get to get a little (much needed) relaxation in 2 of the days!!  We have only been back now for roughly 2 weeks and I miss it already!!!

Our footprints in the black sand beach of Waipio Valley

Black Sand Beach in Waipio Valley

My husband and I enjoying our time together in Waipio Valley

Me, amazed at the snow (Mauna Kea) in Hawaii in May!!

Driving 13,000+ ft up a mountain isn't exactly what I had pictured when my husband said we were going to Hawaii!!!

Yes, we are above the clouds here.....

One of my friends asked me if the trip was worth the 14 hour flight time.  She wanted to know if it was worth it or if I thought a trip to Europe would have been more rewarding.  My answer was.....ABSOLUTELY worth the 14 hour flight time.  It was beautiful, amazing, relaxing, rich in culture and history.  If you like to get out and venture your surroundings like we do, it is well worth it!  If you are a type of vacationer that likes to sit by the pool or relax on the beach the whole vacation (which I needed for at least one day!), then maybe not.  You might want more of an all-inclusive type of vacation or at least something that doesn't take an entire day of travel.  But for us, we say it is worth the time! Oh and our kids survived (so did we!!). It was a long time to be away from them, I don't think I will be able to leave them that long again (at least not for a long time).

Check out the book below to help you plan your next Big Island vacation!!  It is a HUGE help in planning out your trip.

Sample Sale

Are you looking for great prices on boutique children's clothing?  Here is a link to a sample sale for smocked children's clothing.  Quantities are limited so hurry!!  And shipping is FREE!!

http://www.p2charmsboutique.com/sample-sale.php

Ladybugs & Bumblebees Sample Sale

SAMPLE SALE/MOVING SALE

We are at the end of our Spring/Summer trunk show season. We have several samples left and have marked them down drastically. If you are looking for a smocked outfit for your little ladybug or bumblebee, we just might have the perfect one! Please be sure to visit our facebook fanpage to purchase your outfit!

Sample Sale

Become a Fan

My beautiful boys....

I remember this day like it was yesterday...... This was taken the day my second child was born, in September 2007. My oldest son loved his new baby brother so much! At the tender age of 4 he was already so gentle with his new baby. This picture kind of got lost in the shuffle of the thousands of pictures I have stored on my computer. I think this is one of my favorite pictures of my two little guys, now I need to get it printed and framed.

Didn't have much to talk about today, we have all been under the weather the last few weeks so my computer time has been at a minimum. I just happened to come across this picture (I haven't seen it in a couple of years) and thought I just had to say something nice about my two little boys. They are now 7 and 3 1/2. Time really flies when you are having fun. Hold on to all of those precious memories and embrace them when you are in the moment!!! I'm about to....kids are about to get home from school now, think I'm going to make a great memory with them and have them help me bake some cookies. We haven't had many opportunities for memory making lately, I think they deserve it!

So, all moms and dads out there....here's to making fun memories with your kids today!

The Gypsy Mom

Hayden Coupon Mom: P2 Charms & Boutique Review/Giveaway

Hayden Coupon Mom: P2 Charms & Boutique Review/Giveaway: "I recently had the privilege of receiving a bracelet from P2 Charms & Boutique and I absolutly LOVE it! It is made out of&nb..."

Custom Letters/Artwork by Robert

This letter is an example of the many ideas Robert can come up with to help decorate your child's room.  Contact Robert to discuss your letter, colors and character needs.

These custom letters are a whimsical way to decorate your kids room.  Robert, owner of Pass Christian Arthouse, is a local artist known for his wood sculptures and bronze castings.  More of his artistic creations can be found on his website.  He just recently started creating fun whimsical pieces for children's decor.  This example of Thomas The Train, Letter A was created for my son (his name begins with the letter A and he LOVES choo-choo trains!).  This is a beautiful piece of art and it retails for $40.  The woodworking on the train is extremely intricate and well detailed and beautifully sanded for a smooth finish.  The back is finished off with felt and has a metal picture hanger on the back for ease of use.  Please be sure to check out Robert's website for more of his creations.

P2 Charms & Boutique

P2 Charms & Boutique

Come check out our Jewelry and Pottery of our etsy shop! We have added a few new items......

My Miracle Baby

My baby girl....I never knew how much I was going LOVE having a girl! She wasn't even supposed to be here, but GOD had other plans for us. My husband and I have two boys, 7 and 3. After the birth of our 2nd, I started having lots of medical female issues. After almost an entire year following his birth I visited numerous doctors, had tons of tests run to find the culprit of my constant pain. FINALLY...when my son was 11 months old....my OB/GYN agreed to do a laproscopic procedure to see if she could find anything. I kept telling her my pain just "felt" female, but she didn't feel really comfortable with doing a surgery if it wasn't necessary. I appreciated that, however my pain had become unbearable, I was willing to do just about anything to figure it out and fix the problem!!! I mean the simple grocery store shopping excursion, a walk around my neighborhood, sweeping, mopping or vacuuming the floor.....all of these things became impossible because of the pain I would endure afterwards.

So, finally she agreed...and guess what? She discovered my uterus had attached to 2 seperate places, my abdominal wall and my bladder and it was being stretched causing the pain I had been describing to her for nearly a year. So, she was able to cut it away and wrap it in a guaze to try to keep it from adhering again. This was probably a tell-tale sign that having any more babies should be out of the question! Well, God had other plans.....just 3 months later I was pregnant again. The doctors watched this pregnancy very closely. They were so afraid my uterus would rupture (I had 2 c-sections and the new surgery, meant weak muscles and possibly a weak uterus wall). I actually became pregnant with twins this time and lost one around week 14, I still have my weak moments when I cry about the loss but I am so thankful my baby girl survived and arrived healthy! But this girl....she is amazing! I carried her to term and actually went into labor the morning of my scheduled c-section....she was ready to arrive! It was an amazing time, an amazing day and everyday since has been amazing and so full of joy and thankfulness.

I came across this picture last night as I was uploading them from my camera and thought, "this expression says it all". She has such a great demeanor, personality and she is full of life! I love this girl and thank GOD everyday for her, thankful He helped her arrive healthy and safely. There will be no more children in our future, but my 3 beautiful kids are my everything! They keep me busy and keep our house alive! I LOVE my 3 munchkins!!!

Barbara's Beat: Weekly Momtrepreneur Blog Hop: Promote your business, then use the code on your blog so others can join

Barbara's Beat: Weekly Momtrepreneur Blog Hop: Promote your business, then use the code on your blog so others can join

Burning the Midnight Oil?

I have been...for far too long lately!  Being a mom of 3 busy little ones, working 2 businesses out of my home, working for my father's business part-time and then all the cooking, cleaning, bathing, feeding, getting kids to sleep.....you know the routine....where is there time for me??  Well, I'm finding that there really isn't and I'm not getting nearly enough sleep, not eating healthy, not exercising as much as I would like to....when does it end?  Maybe when all three are in college?  Maybe when my husband is back home?  Guess I just won't know until it happens.  How about all of you other moms out there?  Are you finding any "me" time?  How and what are you doing to relax while getting everything completed in a day?  I would love some insight form others.....

Wishing all moms out there some peace and quiet and a little me time!!!!
Penny

Longing for a day at the beach!!!  Here is a picture I took of the Beach in Bonita Springs, FL when we lived there 4 years ago.....

Featured Showcase | Southern Belles Shoppes

Featured Showcase | Southern Belles Shoppes
Come check out the precious hand-smocked children's clothing by Ladybugs & Bumblebees......
You can order by emailing p2charms.boutique@yahoo.com or by visiting the website at Ladybugs & Bumblebees

Mardi Gras Break Over Yet?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for my kiddos to go back to school tomorrow!  My two boys are little balls of fire with their little sister following closely behind...... and their momma has run out of steam!  Trying to run 2 businesses with a toddler at home is hard enough, throwing in 2 VERY ACTIVE little boys spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R!!! 

I tried, I really did...I tried to get some work done today.   I am preparing for an upcoming Trunk Show for my Children's Clothing line and I don't think I got very far with it today.....  I finally got my baby girl down for her afternoon nap and popped in a movie for the two boys, just so I could steal an hour or so of work time when I realized it was just TOO quiet....  Yep, my middle son had gotten into the refrigerator and pulled out the can of parmesan cheese and sprinkled the ENTIRE can all over my sofa and living room floor.  Imagine the smell.....it smells like I am running a little Italian deli out of my home right about now.

This momma wasn't a very happy momma.....  So, I threw in the towel and put off all work until tonight.  Sometimes, we just have to throw in the towel and realize what is most important....our children.  After getting over the initial anger of my son's behavior, I decided I needed to put all work aside and just snuggle up with my boys and enjoy them while they are home.  Work will always be here tomorrow!  After a day like today, I think it is time to get a soak in the tub with some soft calming music.....

Our Crazy Life!!!

This is a picture of our very first home my husband and I purchased together 9 years ago and sold just 4 short years later......that was the beginning of our crazy life as the Traveling Gypsies.  This house was so cozy, warm, comforting and easy to take care of, I really miss those simpler days!!

Well, it seems to be getting closer to that time of year again......thinking about where our next move will be!!!  My husband works for a company that is contracted out by the government, so we move around like a military family.  This last year has been rough on all of us.  My husband and I decided, for several reasons (that will be another post for another day) that I should move back to my home town with our three kids so they wouldn't have to move every few years.  Unfortunately, it hasn't been all peaches & cream....in fact it has been pretty miserable.  After living the past 8 months without my husband, I have decided it is more detrimental for our kids to be without their daddy than moving and changing schools, homes and friends every few years.  So....it's off to search for a NEW temporary homestead.  I really am looking forward to being able to see my husband nightly again in another few months!

The Pepper and Her Pups: Me & Riz: Sponsor Spotlight!

The Pepper and Her Pups: Me & Riz: Sponsor Spotlight!