the rain came, the mud stayed

it's great to be a kid!

17 months old today!

holy cow, can you believe it?

hudson is 17 months old today! time is playing an evil trick. you know how it seems like the days are endless when your belly is about to burst and then baby makes his grand appearance and time just speeds up. friends there is no denying it! hudson is kissing his babyhood goodbye and is in full fledge toddler-mode.

some of his most recent COOL COOL tricks……

♥this boy has skillz: not only is he willing to try all foods but, he is also willing to try all different ways of actually getting that food to his mouth. I loved watching him the other night trying to figure out how that piece of strawberry on his tray was going to get to his mouth….in the most grownup way of course…. he picked it up with one hand, put it on his spoon, lifted it to his mouth, and smiled a big “MMMMM!”

♥wait for me: mr. h is constantly on the go. just 6 months ago he was barely walking. now, not a baby anymore and not a care in the world except that he must explore. forget the baby gates they don’t slow them down. forget doors he pushes right through and climbs down the stairs to the green grass, brown mud, and the sound of cows and tractors.

♥is there a doctor in the house: don’t worry this guy knows his “buon” belly button from his “ba” nose ( not quite sure why this translates). he loves lifting up everyone’s shirts just to make sure the button is there and they are from planet earth! he is also mr. handyman. if you need something fixed he will get right to business.

♥BALLS: you got game…you better bring it! he loves loves balls. and cows, but that’s another story. riding in the cart at Target “ball!”, on a broadcasted game “ball”, rolling past on the floor “ball!”

♥total sweetness: he may be a toddler but, he is still all mine. he snuggles close. gives the best hugs, and sweetest kisses especially to his sister.

which brings me back to my dilemma with time . my daughter ava turned 3 and a half yesterday. I seriously remember the day she was born just like it was yesterday. . some people say she’s advanced, some people can’t believe how old she is, some people say she is going to be famous only time will tell! but, i do know for a fact she is something else. she is one crazy kid. she is pure entertainment all the time.

i can only start to tell you how much she is like me. my husband truly believes she is my mini-me. she is a girl with passion, willfulness, a girl of grand gestures. i know that soon, oh so soon, I will blink and she will be going on adventures farther from home than our own backyard and asking for the keys to go out with friends to their new rad hangout.

always she will be my little girl.

now. i must go hangout with my awesome kids. these two little citizens have way more world to explore!

summary: kids age too fast. my kids are cute, funny, and no you cannot have them.

life in flux with balance

we got married in june of 2004, bought our first home in august 2005, got a puppy in december 2005, and we had decided that we were ready for children. it sounds like we had it all planned out, right? well, it seems like that single thought manifested itself into a little being because what felt like literally the next day .... ava was on her way.
so, even though we had thought that everything was planned out and we could totally handle changing diapers, calming cries, rocking a child, singing sweet lullibies, staying up all hours of the day.....but, at the same time it all felt like it was happening too fast. when you become a parent for the first time, your whole world changes. it’s the KING of all adjustments.
the day i found out i was pregnant, my whole world changed. from the outside looking in you wouldn't have known it; but, inside my heart and mind were racing. ever since that day i feel like i have been living life in flux----going whereever the wind blows.

honestly, isn't that the way it's supposed to be. sure you can shape your child into your own routine and lifestyle but, they have ideas of their own and they are not shy about expressing their concerns. i love my children dearly and i want them to be confident, caring citizens of the world all the way down to their own backyard. so making the most of our time together is extremely important. "Unconditional love and acceptance are the roots of self-esteem."says child development expert Michele Borba, EdD, author of Esteem Builders.
the best things you can do with your child:

spend time with her

pay attention to her feelings

goof off...make baby laugh

stay close....at least until she feels safe

explore their world....while goofing off, loving, and listening to them

WHAT ABOUT ME? what do i like to do besides being a mom? that one role can easily take over your whole life and you can forget the you you once were or the you you want to be.  i love my kids and husband more than words can express, but by never making time for ME, i was not at my best for them or myself. That’s when I knew that I needed to strive for a little more balance in my life.

how many of us really make time for ourselves apart from doing dishes, laundry and bills after the kids go to bed and it is quiet in the house. when you spend all your time doing for others you may feel resentful or angry or just plain worn out. maybe you’re a stay at home parent, or a work at home parent, or maybe a work outside the home parent. whichever path you’re on, it’s tough to find the balance that makes you fulfilled and happy, and not get bogged down in the guilt that can come from doing something for yourself instead of spending time with your family.
The thing is, though, that you are part of the glue that holds your family together. When you take time to go out with friends or your partner, or just sit in the silence and read that book you’ve been meaning to get to – you are taking care of yourself and making your family stronger. 
i started by remembering the things that i enjoy in life. sewing, photography, hanging out with friends eating, drinking, and watching movies. somethings don't go away like the bills and the emails that i would like to return and the blogs i would like to write but, i set a time limit and when that's over i head up to spend time with my hubby. the biggest obstacle that i had was believing that things at home COULD go on without me----and they did!!!
so, our life in flux continues. paul just started a new job on monday. the kids started swim lessons on tuesday. i started gardening on wednesday.

there is so much to appreciate in life. it’s all about finding the right balance.

ultimate blog party...join in the fun!

this is the first time i have done the blog party, i have just started blogging as a way to keep track of myself and all the great things my kids do. it is such a great way to feel connected to other moms, get great ideas, and read trials and tribulations from others. too often i forget to live in the moment, my kids are growing too fast!! being a mom means i get to make adventures out of everyday, ordinary things.

About me:

i am...amazed by my 2 kids, in love with my husband, a waterbug, always in flip flops with my hair tyed back, silly, energetic, bad with names, love to eat strawberries and cookies, inspired by photos and my family. my name is sarah and i am an on-the-go mom of a little girl and a little boy. they really keep me running and enjoying life—who wouldn’t want the bliss that they bring into this world. it is definitely a full-time job with lots of benefits. as my kids are growing and exploring, i am realizing that i want to learn more and more as well. it could be the teacher in me but, you never stop learning and there are so many cool things out there to discover.

i'm a SAHM going into a whole new world of business! you can visit my shoppe at http://www.melondot.etsy.com/ i can't wait for this adventure. i hope you enjoy my creations and will join me on my blog.

so obviously my top choice is the grand prize. our laptop just kicked the bucket.....i know i abused it, i opened way too many windows, left you sitting for hours, and saved way too many files on you. i will be better to your predecessor.

**GRAND PRIZE at the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 is a Toshiba Satellite L505D-ES5025**

what else would i love to win from the UBP2010?

US39 -Be My Guest certificate ($250 value) for one lucky winner, (2 night stay for a family of four) at any Hilton Garden Inn.

$200 Apple gift certificate from CmomGo
Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager from Still Blonde After All These Years!
$200 gift certificate for any Wall Slicks Vinyl Wall Decal from Modern Wall Graphics the Makers of Wall Slicks
$50 gift certificate to Starbucks from Janice Yurek

US: 57, 61, 69, 73, 22, 25, 37, 49, 50,74, 87, 95, 96, 107, 75

USC: 3, 4, 8, 13, 15, 25, 35, 37, 39

yes, i know, i know enough already but, there are so many great prizes. click the link above or on the side and join us.

nothing but blue skies and sunshine

cold and dreary is just not my thing and almost as a joke there were slight flurries yesterday in some of our neighboring towns.
but today.....today was perfect. ava may have jumped the gun a little. she was running barefoot through the grass.....but, at least she wasn't bare bummed as i would somtimes find her in the middle of winter strutting around the house. i will remind her of this someday.

this little lady is all set to explore.....sunglasses--check, camera--check

everything is starting to turn green....such a fresh and clean color

this little guy means business...he will not let the mud get the best of him

and now, a few favorite quotes. enjoy.

"The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." {Charles Dubois}

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" {Albert Einstein}

Spring Spring!

I am doing my little happy dance. My kids may think I am nuts but, they do join in. I am so excited that it is spring. The bikes and balls, chalk and stroller that have crowded my garage all winter can finally come out and my kids and I can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine without loads of layers to hinder our every move. Here are some things that I am hearting this month.

How adorable is this whale chalkbord. There are busy busy days ahead between the beach, the picnics, parks, and everything else use this hand-cut, hand-painted whale chalkboard to write reminders, notes, or quotes.

I am so in love with all the fun fabrics and prints available for spring and summer. I will be filling my etsy shop with many soon. I am also slowly gaining the courage needed to sew an actual dress for my daughter. This sweet little top from sweet tea clothier gives me great inspiration.










Check out this piece of jewelry. Instead of a corsage what mom or prom goer wouldn't love to wear this. It is from SecondSister Jewelry.





Last but not least......A great book for your little citizen of the world and hopes that their confidence will bloom and shine!

PreSchool-Grade 2—Peep is a baby chick who follows his mother and sisters along the sidewalk, but when his sisters jump confidently off the edge, Peep hesitates. His reactions run the gamut from nervous to angry to terrified, and when he finally gulps and takes that leap, he's overjoyed at his own prowess. But new challenges always await; for Peep, it's the curb that he must climb next. Every child, or adult for that matter, has trouble overcoming fears of one sort of another and needs encouragement from someone who will uplift their spirit so they can go on. This book has a very heavy message to impart to all its readers, young or old.


As if you needed a reason to shop....here are some days you just may want to celebrate!

April Calendar
Keep America Beautiful Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
National Humor Month
4/1 April Fool's Day
4/2 World Autism Day
4/4 Easter
4/7 No Housework Day
4/10 Baby Massage Day
4/16 National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
4/19 TV Turnoff Week
4/22 Earth Day
4/23 William Shakespeare's Birthday
4/24 Eeyore's Birthday

words to live by.....

so, my children do call my mama, mum, mom but, lately I have been know as "hon."

"that's okay, hon."

"just don't worry 'bout that, hon."

"hhhhoooonnnn" in her exasperated voice...you know the "are you kidding me voice."

i love the words that come out of children's mouths. ava is 3 and she just cracks me up with how grown up some of the conversations that we have can be and how seriously she can talk about a subject like the Easter bunny or the subject i'm getting married and you're invited. you know, just the other day she had her pretend cell phone with her on her walk and she was having a conversation and when I asked who she was talking to she nonchalantly said "prince eric called me."

of course the best words are: i love you mom, you are the bestest! she is definitely the bestest little girl. she picks up so many new words each day. it must be all those books.....one more story, one more story i promise, that's my plan!

my youngest is 16 months his most popular words are baaa...ball and moooo...cow. no matter how far away from the creatures we are if he hears them moo he always stops to answer them back. mama is also quickly becoming a favorite word. sorry daddy...I win! he is the sweetest little man.

these two kids are so full of joy and love for everything. i want to be more like them. i want to forget my worries and live life in the moment and for the moment. most of the time, I find this whole growing up business to be bittersweet. most of the time, I take the new developments with a smile even while I mourn that their babyhood is melting away.

they have so much to teach me about life, about who they are and who they are going to be, and about who i am.

so, these are my two little ones. i adore them. they are my world.