Having a Smoothie on The Sparkle Mama

Do you know who The Sparkle Mama is?  Do you follow her?  If not you don't know what you are missing!!

The Sparkle Mama is a wonderful blogging mama who, if you have to put labels on it, would best fit the parenting labels of Instinctive, Natural, Green, and Attachment.

By far, my favorite thing about The Sparkle Mama has GOT to be her altruistic nature.  She is the epitome of Random Acts of Kindness!  She actually has a budget she sets aside each month to fund these random acts of kindness.  For 2 months in a row she single handedly funded Spreading The Fluffy Love either paying the shipping costs to get donated diapers to mama's in need or outright buying them diapers herself.  I want to be just like her when I grow up!

I love The Sparkle Mama, I think she is awesome.  I thought she was awesome long before she ever started helping with Spreading The Fluffy Love and we became friends.  Never, in my wildest dreams, did I EVER expect to be on the receiving end to one of her random acts kindness.

Saturday, I was just that!  I don't know how she did it or why she did it but she sent me a blender with a cute little note attached to it that said "You gotta be able to make green smoothies!"

If you follow The Sparkle Mama, you know she has been into making green drinks and trying to find one that her daughter would accept.  I left a comment that a blender was definitely on my list of kitchen must haves to buy.  The next thing I know, I'm getting a blender in the mail!

Katie, YOU ROCK!  I  ♥ you so much!  I really do admire the person that you are and I hope that one day we will have the financial means to do exactly what you do!!

For the rest of you, Katie (aka The Sparkle Mama) does SO MUCH for SO MANY I really feel inadequate that I have no real way to give back to her, other than to write this blog.  If anyone would be willing, I would love to try and organize a "Let's give back to The Sparkle Mama" event.  I hear she likes Piggy Paint Nail Polish, fun sparkly lip glosses and any yummy smelling natural body product.  If you want to help out, please let me know.

We made smoothies today and toasted to The Sparkle Mama!

Teddy requested a Banana/Orange/Pineapple smoothie.  I made it with some Simply Orange Juice, a fresh banana and frozen pineapple.  I slipped some frozen spinach in too when he wasn't looking, shhhhhhhhh!

Kimmy, Karma and Sariah enjoyed a Mango/Orange/Strawberry/Peach smoothie made with Simply Orange Juice, and a frozen medley of mango, peaches and strawberries.  I also slipped some frozen spinach in when they were not looking.

Mama had a Cucumber/Strawberry/Orange/Blueberry smoothie made with frozen strawberries, fresh cucumbers from a neighbors garden, fresh blueberries and Simply Orange Juice, I also added a bit of frozen spinach to it.

They were so yummy!  Teddy is already thinking up flavors for us to try next.  He wants to try watermelon and strawberry he says.

Love,
this smoothie makin' mama,
Christy

My Breastfeeding Journey in 95 Words

I came across a blog last night, shared by a friend on FB, that invited people to write about their breastfeeding journey in 100 words or less.  This was an exciting challenge and I wanted to be a part of it but I tend to ramble on and on, as many of you know.  How in the world could I ever keep my story to 100 words or less?  My journey includes 4 kids, difficulties nursing, tandem nursing, adoption, unexpected pregnancies, forced weanings.  It is a very emotional journey for me. 

In the end I decided to focus on the emotions I felt in the up and down ride and this is what I came up with.  I will be submitting it today and I really hope that they use it.  I also hope it's ok that I am sharing it here, I didn't see anything that said I could not share it on my own blog too.


A Breastfeeding Journey of 4....... First time mom, new baby boy..... Nervous, unsure, flat nipples, poor latch, pumping, finger feedings, frustration, trying so hard..... Triumph, he's got it, we're doing it, success...... New life, baby girl, latches on immediately, easy peasy, joyous, content, uneventful..... Surprise, baby girl, adoption, tandem nursing, bonding, comfortable, amazing, bliss..... Unexpected pregnancy, forced weaning, sadness, guilt..... New life number 4, baby girl, breech, emergency c-section, will she get it, fear... Strong latch, no worries, beautiful, blessed, complete.....  Ups and Downs, Joy and Sorrow, Hope, sacrifice, attachment...... through it all LOVE!


95 words, WOOT WOOT, I still had 5 to spare, that has to be some sort of record for me!

What would your story look like, in 100 words or less?

If you are interested in reading my complete nursing journey (thus far) you can check out my guest blog The Breastfeeding Rollercoaster: 4 babies, 4 years over at Natural Parents Network



Love,
this content mama,
Christy

Dear Kimmy, today you are 3

Dear Kimmy,

This letter was supposed to start off with the words "Today you are 3...." except that yesterday you turned 3, not today.  BAD MOMMY!!  All I can say is we were having so much fun yesterday that mommy did not want to take time away to sit down and write this (that's believable right?  you know mommy loves you!).

Oh my little Kimmybottoms, what can I say.  You are getting so big.  I cannot believe you are already 3!  THREE!!  Where is the time going?  I desperately try to grab a hold and hang on to each precious moment but it's like trying to grab handfuls of water.  No matter how tightly I grip the water it still all runs right through my fingers.

It seems like only yesterday I held you in my arms for the very first time.  Now I watch you as your grow each day, becoming your own little person.  Every milestone takes you 1 step farther from me but that's ok, I celebrate them all with you just the same.

You are my firecracker baby, literally.  You came into this world 4 days "late" just so you could have July 4th as your very own personal party.  Ironically you are like your mama and fireworks terrify you for now, hopefully you will grow out of it though.  I try desperately not to pass on my own irrational fears of fireworks to you or your siblings.

Firecracker is a good description word for you, you are passionate in all that you do.  When you do something you throw yourself into it entirely.  Yet you are also shy and reserved, you have to asses the situation first before you decide if it is worth your time or not.  You are content to sit back and watch others play for awhile until you make up your mind on if you want to join in or not.  Once you deem it worthy though, you go at it 110%  Please never loose this passion!

We have a special song, you and I.  I sang it to you before you were born, as a baby and to this day.  Sure, I occasionally sing it to your siblings too but I stumbled upon the song as you were growing in my belly so when I think of the words I always think of you first.  It is our special song, (shhhhh, just don't tell the others, it's ok they each have their own special song too). 

I think the lyrics to the song can express how I feel much better than anything my limited writing skills could (mommy likes to pretend she is a wanna be "writer", indulge me a bit).

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

Currently you love Kia-Lan, Dora, Sid The Science Kid and Word World (or Letters as you call it).  I am telling you this only because 1 day (far too soon for mommy) you will be "too cool" to watch these shows and I want you to remember that once upon a time they were the coolest thing in the world to you.

I hope you dance baby girl.  In all you do in this life, keep on dancing.  I will always be here to give you a soft place to fall.  And fall you will, it's a part of life.  Don't ever be afraid to fall, just pick yourself up and keep on dancing.

Love,

your mama now and always.

P.S. This is daddy's special song for all of you girls, shhhhhh he would kill me if he knew I shared that with so many ♥

Now time for pictures.......

hello world I am here

First words out of the doctors mouth as you came out:
"Look at all that hair!"
That has pretty much been the theme ever since.

first Halloween

you were such a cute fairy that you made the paper!

1st Valentine's Day

1st Easter

1st Birthday

Daddy's little girl always

2nd Halloween

2nd Christmas- age 18 months

2nd Birthday

Summer 2010-age 2

3rd Halloween-still age 2

3rd Birthday

You are so tiny the only way to really tell you are getting older in these pictures is by the length of your hair ♥

Tender Moment Tuesday- Too Many to List.

So I had several moments this past week that I wanted to freeze in time and remember forever.  Moments that made my heart sing and turn to mush all at the same time.  I had a hard time picking which was my favorite and in the end I decided there was no rule set that I couldn't share more moments if the occurred.  So these are my Tender Moments for the last week.

Feel Better Daddy:

Ted and I were sick this week (ironically none of the kids seemed to really get sick though, just a few runny noses). Ted was so sick in fact that he stayed home from work (something he NEVER does!).  While he was in bed resting Teddy came to me with paper and crayons and asked me to help him make daddy a "get better card" as he called it.  He wanted me to help him write "Feel Better Daddy" on it.  So I took 1 piece of paper and wrote "Feel Batter Daddy"and he used that to copy the letters onto his own "card"

This was the finished product:

he forgot the e in his name (something he does a lot lately)
so he tried to add it in after he was finished haha.

And Kimmy took the piece of paper I wrote on to make her own card for daddy:

Dancey Dance Time

Kimmy had her first Tiny Tots Dance class this past week.  This made the list only because it means she is growing up and I want to make time slow down.  She will be 3 next week!

Reading to go:

Sariah was convinced she was part of the class too:

Chillaxin' and Soaking up Vit D

This morning, after we dropped Teddy of for his very last day of summer school, the girls and I decided to take advantage of the cool and sunny morning and play on our new (to us) trampoline.  First I sat and then I laid down on it as they "jumped" around me (Kimmy is the only one who really jumps haha)

This was my view:

More of my view:

Then Tubs decided since I was laying down I must be offering her some boob time:

So she took full advantage of some boobie snack time right there on the trampoline:

 ♥ It's mornings like these that I really count my Blessings  ♥

What were your tender moments this week?  I would love to hear them!


Love,
this mushy hearted mama,

Christy

Tender Moment Tuesdays- Picnic

Saturday morning we awoke to no power in the house.  Heavy storms had moved through overnight and knocked power out widely in our area.  Thankfully it was cool(ish) outside so we played out there.  At lunch time there was still  no power so we decided to have a little picnic outside.

Not a huge significant event I know but it made the cut for Tender Moment Tuesdays because of how much my kids enjoyed it.  They were all so excited, they giggled and laughed as they ate.  Teddy exclaimed multiple times things such as "this is awesome!" and "this is the best day EVER!" a few of those times Kimmy parroted him agreeing that it was indeed  the "best day EVER!"

In this picture Teddy was exclaiming that it was indeed
the "best day EVER!"

Love,
this sentimental mama,
Christy

Wordless Wednesday- Food Eploration

Decided to try and pick back up with the Wordless Wednesday posts after taking a complete break from blogging in April and just kind of forgetting each week after that.

I like to try to match my theme up with the Natural Parents Network when possible.  This week's theme is Food Exploration.

Sariah

Sariah

Karma

Karma

Kimmy

Teddy

Dear Karma, today you are 2!

Dear Karma,

Today you turn 2!  It seems like just yesterday I was writing a similar letter to your sister.  Oh yeah, that was 2 days ago and not one.

You came to us quite differently than your siblings but we love you just as much!  I feel as if I carried you myself.  The very first time I heard of your birth I knew you were going to be ours.  I loved you before I ever held you, before I ever laid eyes on you or kissed your downy baby head.

You are my crazy little monkey!  So curious and always getting into mischief.  I can't turn my back on you for a second.  You are my little teacher, always showing me things that I missed with the older 2.  You keep mommy on her toes that's for sure.  Everyday is an adventure with you, I never know what you are going to get into or climb on.  I have so many funny stories to tell you when you are older.  I imagine you growing up to be a stunt woman, or perhaps a gymnast as your balance is impeccable.

You are also sweet and loving though.  Always first in line for hugs and kisses, my little snuggle bug.  Always willing to share just about anything, except maybe your drink.  Anyone who knows you knows how seriously you take your drinks, and everyone else's as well for that matter.  You are quite the little drink thief

You were a month old when you came to live with us so you have not quite been with us for 2 years.  In the time that you have been here you have accomplished so much.  I love to watch you grow and discover new things everyday.  I am blessed to be a part of your journey through life. Your language has really exploded in the last few months and I love the "conversations" that we now have.  You are my little helper, always the first to start picking up toys and looking for other ways to help.  Often you attempts create more work for mommy, such as folding laundry, but you are always so proud of your work and I have to remind myself that at least you try.

We are so grateful everyday that we have you in our lives and while this day is your special day there are 2 other days that have great meaning to mommy.  June 19th was the day that you came to us and Feb 19th was the day your adoption was finalized.  So, in a way, its like you have 3 birthdays.  Also that does bot mean you get 3 parties and rounds of gifts though.

Mommy loves you baby girl!

Love,
your mommy!

And now the picture fest:





2 Years of Karma

June 19, 2009-1 month old- the day you came to live with us

you were adored from teh very first day!

1 month old- June 2009

3 months old with daddy- Aug 2009



3 months old- Aug 2009

5 months- Oct 2009



6 months old- Nov 2009



7 months old-1st Christmas-Dec 2009

8 months old- Jan 2010

Adoption Day!  Feb 19, 2010- 9 months old

1st Easter-April 2010

11 months old-May 2010

Birthday girl!  May 20, 2010

13 months- June 2010

15 months- Aug 2010  your "reign of terror" began haha

16 months- Sept 2010

17 months- Oct 2010

17 months- Oct 2010

19 months- Dec 2010

21 months- Feb 2011

22 months- March 2011

about a week shy of 2-May 2011