Finding My Feet: June 2011

30 June 2011

Summering

Boy did it feel good to see this familiar white crown of hair when we pulled into my in-laws driveway yesterday afternoon. I missed this kid waaaay more than I expected and I suspect it will be a while before I release him from this perma-mommy-snuggle I've got him in. Man is he a special kid.

Another benefit of visiting Ry's parents in Michigan is getting to visit his sister's girls who live there in town. Remember when baby Zara and Hazel first met (they're 2 weeks apart, but they didn't meet until they were 4 months old)? Now they're both 1 and toddling around G&G's house like the busy little bees that they are.

I'm not sure how present I'll be over the next couple of days, what with all the summering we have to do in this perfect Michigan weather.

Just know that we're having a lovely time,

and that Granddad & Groovy are beside themselves with the joy of having all of their grandkids all in one place!

Happy last day of June, friends!

In which Hazel channels Carrie Donovan

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Because, if you're going to pull style notes from someone, why not the late style editor of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar?

We are in Michigan enjoying a relaxing, non-humid, Northern-summer visit with Ryan's parents this week. Oliver is a swimming maniac, diving for toys, backstroking in the deep end and staying in the pool for nearly six hours straight, only to break for potty and dinner. Isn't vacation lovely?

What are y'all up to this week?

25 June 2011

Some fun weekend shopping

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I've had a great time looking through y'all's shops! Thanks, friends, for all the sweet encouragement you offer me so often. You do great work and it is my privilege to share your shops and businesses with our little bloggy community. :)

Please enjoy this lovely weekend shopping guide!

23 June 2011

Oliver's big trip

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I kissed my little guy goodbye tonight for five whole days.

We've been planning his trip to Michigan with my Mom, his weekend stay with Ryan's parents and his camping trip on Lake Michigan. We've been making lists and checking them twice. I've been squeezing in all the extra cuddles and puzzles and swims and books and special snacks I possibly can so I can think about them when he's gone.

But somehow, it still manages to sneak up on me.

He's a big boy and he has quite an agenda for his five days away. There will be a few exchanges among Grandparents and some long car rides and I was beginning to get worried that he wouldn't have a good grasp of what to expect or where he would be sleeping each night.

So, yesterday evening he and I were chattering together about the sandcastles and pool parties in his near future and I asked him if he'd like to come upstairs with me for a minute. I have no idea how he knew what I was thinking but as he followed me up the stairs he said, "Oooh! Are you going to draw me a calendar?"

He knows his Mama well.

We sat down at a desk with a bucket of crayons and a piece of printer paper and I outlined the coming days on a 4-year-old level.

This little piece of paper (which has been carried around every room of our house and is currently folded up in his duffle bag) has become his number one possession.

After we drew everything out and talked about what each day means, he took the calendar to his Daddy and told him - with authority - what he was going to do each day and where he was going to sleep each night.

And let me tell you, I'll be keeping a close eye on that calendar as well. Those stick people on the second Wednesday are going to be very happy to be reunited with their little blue stick son.

I'm going to miss him terribly. But, knowing that he understands what he's doing and when makes me feel like a little bit of me is there with him to remind him 'what's next'.

Have fun little guy! You are in excellent hands - with your grandparents and with your Heavenly Father.

Love,

Mama

Returning the favor

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I love the joy of getting to share with y'all what I'm working on. I get to post pictures of things I've made for Hazel or for gifts or to sell in my shop and you are so supportive and encouraging. I love it!

I would love to return the favor!

If y'all will leave a comment today through Friday with a link to your Etsy shop (or other online store), I would love to do a post next week about you guys and what you are busy making!

I did this last November and it was so fun to get to see what great things are rolling around in your brains and what God-given talents are coursing through your bodies. Plus, it's a great way for you to be seen and for you to get to see other people.

Last year so many people said this list of my reader's stores was such a fun way to shop and enjoy the Finding My Feet community. And many of you also said it was a nice bump in store traffic and sales in time for summer vacations and such.

So, let's do it again!

Please leave a comment with the name of your store and a link to the homepage. I will try to grab banners from everyone's Etsy shop, so by leaving a comment you are giving me permission to use that image for this specific purpose. If your online shop is not listed on Etsy, please email me a banner that is 660pixels wide and roughly 87 pixels high. That would be so helpful!

Thanks for being such a lovely support to me, friends! Can't wait to return the favor!

22 June 2011

Lisa Leonard winners!

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Okay, I have no idea how this happened, but out of 411 entries, Random.org picked 341 and 342 one right after the other!

Well, I mean, I know how it happened. It's random. But still - fancy random!

And the fun part - 341 & 342 ended up being two really sweet blog readers who have been around for a loooong time and have probably entered a hundred giveaways and never won - until now! Good for you, girls!

And hurrah for gorgeous Lisa Leonard goodness!

So, congrats to....

Molly and Christine!

(please email me to claim your $50 gift certificates!)