Passion. Do you have it?

Lately I am finding myself a little short on artistic passion, which is what has inspired me to change the look of my blog. I have also journeyed into a wonderful world of jewelry making; stamped sterling pieces of all shapes and sizes, soldered wonders flat or bubble glass and I still feel like I'm not fully using all my potential I know that lies inside of me. Maybe it isn't a lack of ideas but rather too many flowing into my head. Or it could possibly be because I have yet to finish my "working" room in my house that will double as our mud room. Not only am I wanting to make unique phenomenal jewelry but I'm wanting to catch those split second, wonderful, magical moments that my children make and are impossible to duplicate once they've gone. I want that keen eye for different angles and light that make a regular picture look spectacular. And trust me when I say that I really meant well when I got my ukulele for Christmas last year and I taught myself to play a couple songs but sadly it has been sitting in the corner of our room since then. I think ukulele lessons will be on my list this year for Christmas so I can follow up on that. Now tell me, when am I supposed to perfect all of these things bursting from me in between toddling toddlers and a cooing infant? How do I fit it all in between the continuing home improvement projects, daily vacuuming, washing dishes, tumbling clothes, and dinner bubbling in the oven? What about that book I bought and have been wanting to read, or flipping through my magazines to gather more great ideas to try and accomplish? So mothers out there in the world who have tons of things they'd like to do on their plate how do you manage to do it all or don't you? How can you find that true, deep, awesome passion for each different thing you do?

Okay, now for pictures!

Caroline 7 Weeks!

Shaake's Pumpkin Patch 2009

On The Hunt

Ewwww! oops not that one...

This one looks good!

Boys Fascinated by Tractor Wheels

You Talkin' to Me?

How Tall Are You This Fall?

Me Want Coooookieee

Christmas Ideas

Please visit my Facebook page to see photos of my new unique personalized sterling silver jewelry that I stamp. New shapes and sizes now available. Place orders soon! Click on post title and it will take you there to browse. :o)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030382&id=1411120854&l=ab8ea7cdde

Randomness That Makes Me Smile

Sam's first drawing of a face with eyes, nose and mouth!

He said it was Grandpa.

Isaac trying on mama's fun heels :o)

Big Truck Lookin'

Brother Love

Mama's Rings

My Pretty Girl

INTRODUCING......

Caroline Marie Kellen

Born: 09/11/09

Time: 2:15

Place: Menorah Medical Center

8lbs 2oz

20" long

Friday or Bust!

Could it be? Has my time finally reached the finish line for my little bundle of love? Friday is the day. Now, I have tried to be very patient on waiting for baby #3 and it has made me so anxious and sick to my stomach at times I just can't stand it any longer. I was informed that at 41 weeks we would induce regardless but I don't even want to wait out the 4 extra days to get there. I'm huge, stretched to the max (which sometimes has a burning feeling under the skin in the area where baby's rumpa is pushed up), reflux from merely drinking water, and complete exhaustion. "No, I don't want to wait until next Tuesday" I said, "How about Friday?" So Friday it is. Baby, you have two more days and then mama is making something happen. Sorry for rushing you but I can hardly stand it! I have been prepared for weeks now; house as spotless as I can make it on a daily basis, bags packed, car seat in the car, car seat cover washed, stocked on newborn and size 1 diapers, mini projects done, and waiting. Yes. It is time!

Hic-ups, kicks, and stretching

With every passing week I continue to stretch one more pound, and as I continue stretching just a little bit more than I think is possible, I feel the never ending hic-ups of my sweet unborn child. I feel and treasure each kick to the ribs knowing that an upcoming day, sooner than I'll be expecting, I'll finally get to meet my sweet child that has been stretching and kicking me ever so lovingly. Some dread the stretch marks, and I don't care for the ones I've earned, but my loving husband also reminds me that those marks are of love and great sacrifice; that I'll forever be sexy to him, and although I can't fully comprehend this knowing what my body used to look like, I smile and am thankful that he does truly feel this way or lies well enough to make me still feel good about myself.

Other things that are currently brining a smile to my face is comparing the new born diapers next to Isaac's. It is amazing how fast the memory of itty bitty things come and go.


I have also decorated for Fall with the help of my Mom. I just love my things. I love sitting and looking at all I have accumulated from various places. There is no greater compliment than someone coming into your home for the first time exclaiming that it just feels cozy and that they want to just sit down and enjoy the scenery. I LOVE IT! Now some of you may be thinking that decorating for Fall came a little prematurely but I wanted to get it done before baby 3 came, and really, when you start decorating for Christmas in November there isn't a whole lot of time to enjoy Fall decor. Here are some of my favorite things.










With this chillier weather also brings the urge to bake non stop. There is nothing better than having your house feel just a bit crisp then adding the sweet aroma of fresh baked goodies. LOVE IT! Hope everyone is enjoying the change of weather as much as I am. What a wonderful time to add another bundle of joy to our ever growing family.

MY WATER BROKE....take 1

As the continuing days pass I try to think little of when my little one will grace us with their presence. I go to my weekly appointments, listen as my doctor says I am dialated to one cm. and go about my day thinking, "woo hoo one cm. that could take forever to progress into more." I explain to my anxious husband that NO, one cm. isn't far along for this time and that YES, I could be stuck on this number FOREVER! (He is a little anxious about when this can all go down and getting to the hospital in a timely manner.) Ahhhh, nothing much happens after my appointment and the day eventually ends and we go to bed.

The following morning I get up early to shower so that I can be fresh and awake for our scheduled play date with our new friend. I go to the laundry room, squat down to pull out my clothes, and stand up to feel something warm and wet.
"Jooooeeel", I call out, "I think that my water just broke." Seriously he says? "I'm pretty sure" I tell him. I squatted down to get my clothes and I stand up to find that my pants are wet. I tell him the clothes I want thrown in a bag to take to the hospital and that I am going to take a quick shower and get around. I call my doctor to let her know what had just happened. She obviously told me to come into the hospital but also proceeds to tell me that it could just be urine, that this happens to a lot of women who have had multiple births. I, some what defensively, told her that I think I would of noticed if I wet my pants; I really don't even want to go into the Dr. office or hospital unless I'm pretty darn sure it is what it is.

As more time passes I start to question what really happened and if I indeed did wet myself. Surely not. When I sit down to go potty I can tell that I am going, not anything like what I felt this morning. After showering and cleaning up I head to the hospital to have a simple test run to tell if any amniotic fluid has been leaking......NOT! What?! You mean I wet my pants and had NO EARTHLY IDEA that that is what happened. I'm not feeling mortified by now but rather feeling silly that I made such a mistake, I mean after all I had NO idea what I had done this morning. A learning experience for me and an added reason why Joel is pushing for an inducement so that there are no more false alarms. :o)

Note to self: ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS go to the bathroom before squatting in anyway shape or form. Thank God I didn't do this at a retail store!

My Own Worst Critic

Being your own worst critic can be a blessing and a curse; throw you into hormonal tears or give you an exhilaration for life excited for the next thing to happen. For me at this very moment, sadly I must say, has thrown me into hormonal tears. I'm sure all you mothers out there have had this feeling at one time or another but I am upset with the fact that I'm sure I could be a better mother and am sad for my boys that I haven't been giving them my best. I feel I should be doing more playing, less web surfing, more crafts, less cartoon watching, more adventurous play outings, and less forming into hermits in my house!

Time whips by us all too quickly and I find myself just sitting. What is wrong with me?! I have two great boys whom I love more than anything and I let them sit and watch cartoons all morning while I do what I want to do. Selfish? Obviously so, or I wouldn't be having feelings of remorse of how I have been mothering lately. Granted I am just 2 weeks away from having my third child, but to be quite honest I have been feeling great, there is no reason for my laziness towards my children. I can be a mover and a shaker yet I know I haven't been giving my kiddos the attention and loving that I think they should have. What is funny is how your children give you unconditional love (especially at this young innocent age) regardless of the crappy job you think you are doing as a mother. I don't think there is anything more heart melting than your child yelling "Mooommmmy" with a million dollar smile running to you with arms wide open once you have gotten home from a 30 minute errand. You would think that you had been gone all day yet they are genuinely ecstatic that all you have done is come home to them.

So why then do I know that I'm not doing my best job but still find it hard to get out of the habit that has been made the past couple of months? Have I lost my inner child? I hope not. What a sad day that would be. Regardless of age everyone should keep the feeling of wanting to play. I want to change yet find it hard all at the same time. I am a good person. I do love my children dearly. I do know that I have a wonderful life especially when there are many more others out there that don't. I do love trying to soak up every bit of laughter, smile, touch....and yet I'm still sitting here today posting to my blog rather than being engaged with my boys. I'm not completely sure what is wrong with me but I do believe I need to to reread my soul searching books that ends up giving me a renewed sense of self and motivation to be a better person. Perhaps we all need a bit of recharging, regardless of how your life is going at any given instance I think everyone eventually needs to recharge themselves even if everything appears to be peachy keen.

Here is to my children a renewed promise to them that I will be a better mommy; a mommy that wants to build fun memories while I have the chance in this most important age that my children are in. If you have felt this way and have any ideas on how to recharged your inner being I would be open to your own personal tricks.

Birthdays

Oh goodness where to start? Other than being busy with making jewelry we have had some birthdays in the family starting with my Dad's the end of July. How cute are these pictures?!

Grandpa's Boys

Then it was my birthday the beginning of August. Can you see the little eyes peering over the table at the cake? I'm sure he'll really enjoy his birthday this year; I already can foresee cake all over in eyes, hair, ears, and just maybe in his mouth. :o)



I have been trying to get a great picture of Isaac and his pouty face but this is the best I have come up with so far. I really need to capture that great expression before he doesn't do it anymore, after all, as much as I don't want to admit it, Isaac my little baby is about to be bumped out of baby status in a matter of days or a couple weeks. Time passes much too quickly!

Something for you?

I have ventured into the wonderful world of jewelry stamping and charm making. If anyone who reads this blog would like me to make them something that is unique and one of a kind I would gladly do so! These are just some examples of what I can do. 

Circles layered or by themselves are the most popular with names, dates, etc. stamped on them. Everything you see here is sterling silver but I can also accommodate gold, copper, and nickel if you prefer those. Feel free to mix and match metals, shapes, textures, and sizes. I can spell anything and put any number. My specialty stamps include a leaf, baby foot, heart with wings, basketball, football, small/large asterisk and snowflake. Hopefully next week I'll include a bird stamp, baseball, and cross. Little by little I'm adding to my collection! 

Converse with me about what you would like and I can tell you the charge for your custom unique piece! 

MIsc. Pictures

Joel and I at a Family Wedding

Watching a Movie Together

Taking Time to Cheese

Wagon Ride!!

Okay honestly I have just been getting burnt out on dealing with my blog, hence the long break. I hope you have liked some of the updated photos. Isaac is saying more words day after day and has started to actively play with his brother, which has been fun to watch. Samuel is completely potty trained and has been for quite some time. The next transition will be moving Isaac into Sam's bed this week in order to get ready for baby #3. I'm not due until Sept. 8, but I have already been having some contractions. :o) I'm huge, get out of breath, and am exhausted so finally after 4 years of marriage and 3 of those years of being pregnant I'm ready to have my body be mine. I'm hoping I'll get the motivation to lose this body weight that I have gained over three children although others would probably tell me I'm crazy. 

We have done lots of work on the house; adding a new front porch railing and framing out the heater since the people that previously lived in this house didn't understand how to make anything look decent. Thanks for the help Dad! I have painted our mud room, hung up my shelf that will help with organization of scrap booking goodies and my stamped jewelry materials. Joel is turning into my regular handy man and has recently bought himself a new electric sliding miter saw! I'm so excited that soon we will be able to do our own projects without help but in the mean time am very thankful that he has a patient teacher. :o) The baby's room is finally taking on the look of a decorated baby room, and we are putting down new baseboard in our room along with new crown molding. Our room has been the "catch all" for too long and it will be so nice to have a beautiful relaxing room that Joel and I deserve. 

My over-grown  garden keeps me busy and it is almost time for making homemade salsa! Yesterday I picked an entire big beach bag full of zucchini, squash, cucumbers, 3 different kinds of tomatoes, green beans, and jalapeno peppers. Next year I know not to be so eager to use the whole pack of seeds. :o) In fact, we have soooo much, I thought of having Joel make me a little farmer's market stand so that I can sit out front in our yard selling some of our produce. LOL. 

We are also in the process of selling our Volkswagen Passat, which I'm just sick about, but having three kids forces you to upgrade to a larger car. I think it should be standard in all sedans that the car should be wide enough to accommodate 3 car seats in the back row! 

That is our story right now. Not too much new except waiting for our third miracle. Which hopefully will wait until after my birthday and our wedding anniversary at the beginning of August. I can't promise that I'll update this on a weekly basis before the baby but I'll try to make it shorter than the couple months that have gone by.