Nosey Mother Confession

River has a friend over today.    For just a minute, I swear they were 14.   They were in the middle of Peter Pan, and River asked me to pause the movie for a minute because they needed to go to the bathroom.    Like a couple of teenagers they made their way to the bathroom together.

A few minutes passed.    A few more minutes passed.   I started to wonder, "What are they doing in there?"    And like a typical snoopy mother, I was seized by the can't help its, and tip toed to the bathroom doorway.    

There was giggling.   And talk of how sometimes Mommy helps.    And how they needed to do this or that.   And, a bang, and then talk of how they didn't break this or that.

As I stood there at the door listening, I could just see her being 14, and getting ready with a girlfriend in the bathroom.   Then, I got a little nervous that they were gonna come out and see me, so I quickly tip toed away.

I know I breached confidence.   Unfortunately, I'm sure it will happen again.   I just can't imagine how it will be when I'm no longer the one hearing all the secrets, or always being the one to help her get ready.    But for now, I can be, and I love it every minute of it.      Even though I love seeing her grow up, sometimes it feels little too fast.

"Secrets of a Sassy..."

Tis the season...for plaid!

A friend of mine were talking the other day about how plaid comes back in every fall. And it's so true...the school girl plaid skirts, the cute plaid blazers, the list goes on and on. But now more than ever, plaid is taking the stage. Think I'm joking? Check out Ralph Lauren Runway...

Now, I'm not saying go overboard...but it is pretty easy to find something laying around with those big squares. Layer it with another shirt, or wear it under a open jacket, and it will definitely give a little boost of fashion. Even if it's old, you could probably find a new use, which is always fun. (i.e. tear your husband's old flannel shirt into a cute sash to wear!) Or hit the Goodwill and get an old blazer, and wear with some jeans and heels, and you're sure to get a few compliments. If it has big old shoulder pads in it, just cut them out! After all, you're only paying a couple bucks!

The Winner Is..

Well, what fun was that! I love knowing that you each also love homemade goodies, and I hope that we can have a holiday that supports more than just the big chain stores. Here's to a crafty holiday season! Congratulations...Beth and thanks so much to all of you who participated!!

Don't forget to check out our fun gifts at www.rekonciledesign.com. Let me know if you need any help with holiday shopping! I'm doing free gift wrapping for any Christmas gifts as a way to say thank you to supporting our little business!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

this is what i'm talking about.  people with a-ma-zing ability.  just go see what this woman is capable of.  i had to link to it.  it's just too beautiful not to!    and i mean, i'm sure that out of  about 550 people, i've got a pretty good chance, right?   haha.   but wouldn't river be absolutely gorgeous in this ball gown??!!

A Homemade Holiday

As long as I can remember, I've loved buying from smaller businesses. My mom was a saint at this. I hardly remember going to big department stores or places like Wal-Mart. She actually NEVER went to Wal-Mart, unless forced. She was dedicated to shopping from local stores and getting to know the people she shopped from. Like farmers at the local farmers market. Or the girls at her favorite clothes boutique. And this wasn't just when she lived in big cities and had lots of options, this was even when she lived in Eastern North Carolina. Sometimes it cost a little more (ok, sometimes it cost a lot more - she could go a bit overboard) but to her, it was always worth it.

Now, I'm not gonna sit here and tell you, that you can't go to Target for your stocking stuffers, because let's face it, I can't commit to that. But it has made me sad to see the decline in buying from people, to buying more from huge stores that mass produce. So I do want to try to have more of a Homemade Holiday. I've been wanting to commit to support people who create, and not machines, and the Nester just happened to be in the same mindset this year. So, when I heard about her Homemade Holiday party, I knew that I would have to participate. In the hopes that I would sell some of my homemade wares this holiday, but also, just to encourage those of you who read this blog to shop more homemade and/or locally this year. Etsy is a fabulous place to shop online for handmade goods, and has so many things to choose from. Or your local gift shops, that are more family run. Or farmers markets. Or craft shows. But also, check out all the talented and creative gurus over at the Nester's party. It's amazing to see what people do!

To celebrate the beginning of the gift-giving season, I'm going to be giving away either a potpourarrie...

or a stroller blanket

(of your choice) to one of you.

So stop by the our website or my etsy shop, and see if there's anything I can help you with for the holidays. And just comment here to enter, and then check back to see if you're the lucky one on Saturday!

Usually at Christmas time, I try to see how much I can get for the least amount of money. I think this year, I'm going to try to see how much I can bless people with one of a kind items that come from other people wanting to let creative juices flow out of them into the world around them. Talk about a gift to our economy - supporting each other...that in itself is a gift!

My Soapbox for the Season

And, no, I'm not even going to get into politics.    That would take too long.    This is another soapbox entirely.   I usually don't get on soapboxes here, but today, I think I will.   

I love fall decor.   And pumpkins and mums and pansies and corn husks and gourds.   But here's something I don't like.    I don't like the really scary gory Halloween decorations.    I mean, sure it might be funny or fun for older kids, but I really don't like having to cover my kids eyes when I walk in a store because of the skeleton holding the bloody knife.   Or the goblin mask over the scarecrow.    I mean, come on.    Seriously??

So every year, in our neighborhood, right across the street we get the privilege of looking at this huge blown up Santa with a scary scream mask face.   And my kids think that's what Santa looks like.   River says, "Mom, I just can't help but look at it."     So, I try explaining that's not what Santa looks like, not even at Halloween.   That St. Nicolas was a very kind man, not scary or necessarily fat.    Anyway, you can imagine how that goes over.     Not to mention the nightmares that go along with all the vivid images entering their minds just from driving around town.  So, I've been trying to distract my daughter from looking out the window when we pass by the store with the huge scary death face, and the billboards with the monsters.   But, when it's right across the street, I don't have much choice.

Saturday Night, Take Two

Last night, my hubby and I were all ready for a fun Saturday night. The coffee had just beeped, telling us it was ready, our pie was waiting, and our movie was in the player.

Just then, our little girl came out wiping her mouth off, saying, "Mommy..." and I knew. I knew she had gotten sick in bed. And I knew that it was here again. That season, where you never know when they might be sick.

So, after getting her bathed, and bed linens changed, and another spontaneous episode, and another bath, we had her back in bed. At 11:00pm.

So, we decided that we would wait for another night. So, even though it's 10pm, we're going to try Saturday night all over again. Let's just hope our little boy doesn't interrupt us tonight.

Running to Stand Still

As I drove frantically to one of my many commitments this evening, I remember searching for my phone in my bag, as if to make sure of something. I knew that I needed to call someone, for something. I was sure that I needed to do something else.

Many times, that's how my life feels. Never quite catching up. Always running - after a child, to an appointment, whatever it is, but I'm running to make it. And usually, I'm not there right on time. Rest is a word, that many days is only an idea.

Today, though, earlier in the day, there was a point that I sat down at the table to color with my children. And there was a song on, that just "happened" to be talking about being fully known with a love that is so much bigger than anything I could create. And as I looked at both of my beautiful gifts, I thought how I had been given more than I ever knew I would. More love than I ever thought I could possess. And above all that, having the gift to live life with a God who knows me and created me with infinite purpose. To know and to love Him. And to give that love to those in my life.

I looked at my little ones, welling up with tears, and just smiled. And then I looked at my daughter and said, "Can I hold you for a minute?" And to my surprise she came and sat on my lap for what felt like a long time for her, only a couple seconds for me. But it was one of those moments that I felt like I really lived life to the fullest. I held her close and felt like I couldn't hug her enough in that moment. So thankful for what I've been given.

Those moments are the kind that I like to last for a long time. And those moments let me see how silly all my rushing about is. But if I don't get to bed, I won't be able to keep up tomorrow. But I also know that the rest that I long for does not come from sleep.

Secrets...My Two Secret Weapons

As my little ones are playing wildly in the background, I'm going to attempt to post a secrets. I have don't have a lot to say today. Just 4 words.

Big earrings. Big sunglasses.

Now, I know this can be controversial, but I am a strong believer of wearing big sunglasses even when it's cloudy out. And big earrings can make me feel like I just put on a pair of heels. Except on my ears. But not exactly, because they don't hurt. You know what I mean.

They dress you up a little, but not too much. They just give you a little pick up to your outfit, that says, I'm no superstar, but I have time to still look cute.

You are entitled to your opinion - sometimes, yes, if outrageously big, sometimes they can look a bit silly. Even on those hollywood moms. But for the most part, I absolutely LOVE big sunglasses and big earrings. Another great thing, is that usually you can find the glasses at the Dollar Tree!

Enjoying Etsy

a snapshot of the show - these are a few of the goodies i've been spending my time on. take a look and see some of the rest...the pictures aren't as clear as i had hoped, but it's still fun to have the etsy shop up to date.

i love etsy. sometimes i get a little intimidated by all the "real" artists on there, but it's just so neat to see all the items handmade by different people. i'm glad that there are still places to be able to get things that aren't just mass made.

Weekend Update

Whew, I feel like I've been away for a while! I've been here, but just away from the computer. We had a wonderful shower here yesterday for one of my dear friends, and then a show last night, with lots of other Crafty Craftersons. Which was also really great. I love getting together with other crafty people, to soak in their genius and enjoy their creations. Not to mention to get ideas of things I could copy and make! Of course, me being the nerd I am, didn't get any pictures.

You were so right - the biggest hits were definitely the shell jewelry, the tutus, and the aprons. I've GOT to get my etsy shop up to date. I mean, it's just pitiful how behind I am. However, after many nights of 4 and 5 hours of sleep and not much time with my hubby, I'm proud to say, I came home last night, showered, snuggled, and fell asleep by 10pm. Hooray for sleep!!!

Secrets...."New Favorite"

I went shoe shopping this week. Got a pair of new Isaac Misrahi's snakeskin flats, Apostrophe black semi-heels, gold pointy Go Max heels, and yes that is a pair of Cole Haans which retails (at a discounted price) as you can see here is $185. I wish I could find the original retail value, but oh well.

Paid $10. Not for one, not for two.....for all four pairs.

Don't ever tell me that nothing good comes out of Salvation Army. I was so excited. And I had been wanting to do a "secrets" on putting a little shimmer into your outfits, anyway. And since these pretty gold ones are my new favs, it just brought it on out of me. Not to mention, my daughters new favorites to walk around the house in. They're cuter on her than they are on me.

I think it's really fun to bring a little glam into your everyday. Not essential. Just fun. I don't do it every day. But I feel a little more fancy when I do, and it's really fun.

Because you can find gold, silver, and bronze, anywhere you look these days, it's not hard to find shoes, belts, bags, scarves, for a cheap price. Don't overdue it, and go with a silver bag, gold shoes, and big gold belt. Just little touches every now and then. Maybe a cute pair of shoes. It's nice because the metallics go with black, white, or brown. Or a big fun bag that's has a shine to it.

I also love finding vintage things and sprucing them up a bit. For example, if you were to find a pair of flats at Goodwill that feel comfy, you could always buy a can of spray paint at Wal-Mart for a dollar, and spray those babies gold. I haven't done that, but it totally is something I would do. But if it backfires, don't blame me. Hee hee.

My point is that it's fun to add a little shine into your daily life. And these babies are definitely brightening up my days!

Change of Plans

You know how sometimes things don't go exactly according to plan?

On Friday, I had about 6 places to go for our afternoon errands.   Don't ask me why I felt it necessary to cram all into one afternoon, but they kind of just fit together.   You know one was on the way to the next, etc. etc.   And we were going to end our errands with the reward of a playdate (planned by my daughter) with our wonderful friends that we don't see often enough.   And since we were going to be in their neighborhood, I was excited to go by another friend's house to see all the fabulous changes that have taken place since the last time I had stopped by.

Well, after spending about an hour trying to get out of the house with everything I needed for the errands, and getting shoes on, and changing a dirty diaper, and getting snack, we headed out to the car.    We were happy to be on our way.   Until, we stopped at the stoplight, and as I started to go again, my car very hesitantly chugged, chugged, chugged, onto the 45 mph highway.   And even though my check engine light has been on for a couple of days, now it was blinking at me.    As if to say, "I'm SERIOUS this time!!"

So with my daughter crying, "It's NOT FAIR!" I turned the car around and headed back home.   Slowly, with my hazards on.     I was disappointed at the turn of events, but I knew that it would work out.   On the way home, I stopped by another friend's who only lives a couple blocks away and begged her to let her kids come over and play.  She said yes, and our ruined plans quickly turned back into a great afternoon.

So, yesterday when we went apple picking, we all four piled into my old '94 Eclipse hatchback, and with no speedometer, and no odometer, drove to go apple picking.   Which, I'm sure I'll tell you about soon.

Today in Sunday School, the lesson was based on Joseph's life, about how even in our worst  moments of life, God is still at His best.   Working things together for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).   We broke into groups for our small group time, and a couple girls were new to our group.   Even being in our small group for the first time, when I asked, "Have there been times when you have had really bad things happen?  When you weren't sure if God was working in your life?"   These two spoke up and said things like, "When my brother got put in a wheelchair."   and   "When my mama couldn't raise me because she drinks and parties."

And I just think sometimes, how much faith it takes for those who suffer, to see that God could be working for the good.   To choose to trust in His best, even though it's no where in sight.  Even though it might look like utter crap and junk, and a pile of @*##, there could still be a plan to bring something great out of it.    These girls were able to smile and say that they knew that God could still work in those situations.

Another one of my girls gave a great answer that I loved.   When asked how we could live that verse out this week, she said, in her panthers jersey, "I guess if the panthers lose today, I could know that the other fans would be happy for their team."   I laughed, and said, "That's a great example!"    However, they definitely did not lose, and I know that she's glad of that.

I love how even a mind of a child can fathom the wonders of God.   It makes sense why He tells us to become like little children.

Secrets...Not so Sassy

So how's this for a sassy mama? I woke up at 6am, and got dressed for aerobics. T-shirt, sweat pants, tennis shoes. Hair back in some hot pink polka dotted headband, that didn't even match with my gray and red t-shirt. No earrings, no cute hoodie, you get the picture.

Didn't get the chance to change all day. Much less shower. So, right before going to my sister's for dinner I threw on some jeans and flip flops just so I could look a little better. Stress the "little". But my point?

Jeans and flip flops are one of my all time favorite outfit. I get sad when it's so cold that I can't wear my flops with my jeans. Because, even if my toenails aren't painted, and even if my jeans are all that great, I think it's still cute. My husband agrees. It's probably his favorite outfit that I could be in. T-shirt, jeans, and flip flops. (And I did grab my silver hoops, in case you were wondering.)

So, not so sassy, but I think overall, jeans and flops are always cute, youthful, and fun.