Gifts

Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself. Thou must bleed for me. Therefore the poet brings his poem; the shepherd, his lamb; the farmer, corn; the miner, a gem; the sailor, coral and shells; the painter, his picture; the girl, a handkerchief of her own sewing. This is right and pleasing, for it restores society in so far to its primary basis, when a man's biography is conveyed in his gift, and every man's wealth is an index of his merit. But it is a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy me something, which does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmith's.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A reminder to give something of yourself today.

Give your talents. Your time. Your hands. Your full attention. Your compassion. Demand of yourself to give an unselfish gift.

"It is better to give than to receive"
~D&H

Toddler Room: Little DIYs for a Big Girl Room

The transition from a crib to a big girl bed is not easy.  We thought the adjustment may be easier if the big girl bed was awesome. 

It was not easier. 

BUT the bed is awesome. 

Bed DIY:
It took D about a weekend to build, prime and paint the bed.  We found free plans for the bed from Remodelholic's Blog.

He added these copper string lights that make it feel so magical at night during story time. 

Table DIY:
I wanted a place for her to color and work on puzzles so we found table a table at Goodwill that was a height suitable for kid chairs (~18 inches), then found an adorable set of chairs from Homegoods and went to work getting the table just right.

I sanded it then made a chalk paint that was a little lighter than the wall color by mixing a 2:1:1 ratio of wall paint, white paint and plaster of paris.  

After sanding it again to bring out just a hint of the old color I used this Minwax Finishing Paint Wax to complete it.  Cutest $11 table that I've ever seen. 
 

 

Dresser DIY: 
This chest was given to us by my late grandmother and she would probably die again if she saw what we did to it; although I know she would've loved that it is in E's room and is used everyday.

In our defense, we did love this chest, we just didn't have a functional place in our house for it.  So it lived in our garage for a little while until we needed to get E into a big girl room and inspiration (necessity) came knocking (kicking in my belly). 

We found wood trim pieces at Home Depot, D added the trim pieces and sanded it. 

I painted it with a white chalk paint on the outside and a pink on the inside.  I used storage bins to keep her clothes organized.  Since we had the paint this dresser only cost us the trim, knobs and storage bins.   

This dresser has actually been a great tool as we teach her independence; the bins make it easy for her to pick out her clothes for the day and put away her own laundry.       

Decor DIY:
Speaking of my grandmother, when E was born my grandmother's gift to her was animal sketches that she did for the nursery.  

My grandmother was the kind of artist that would sit in a coffee shop and sketch the face of patrons with an impressive acuity for capturing their demeanor.  She kept saying that animals were not her forte, but I beg to differ, she managed to give character to the sketched animals in a way that only she could.        

I had never seen my grandmother be affectionate until the moment she met E, after that I saw a side of her that I had not known before.  

 

E and I would visit her regularly until she passed and I am so thankful that we have these sketches to remind E of the love that my grandmother had for her.  

I made the floral E by hot gluing fabric flowers to a 13" wood letter from Michaels. 

We created the butterfly using shims and mixing paint colors for the different pink and purple tones. 

I use baskets on the open shelves to keep her toys organize and also separate toys she can play independently with and ones that I do not want her to have immediate access to.

 

We came across this beautiful three story dollhouse peering at us from a garage sale on our way down to the river one morning.  This one is not a DIY but it is one of my favorite finds...ever and for someone that doesn't typically do the garage sale thing, I feel like we hit the jackpot. 

We had so much fun with each of these little projects for her room and hope that each time E is in her room she feels completely surrounded by love.

~D&H

 

 

Currently Loving: Glidden's Dusty Miller Paint Color

If peace was a color, I think it would be this "Dusty Miller" color by Glidden.

This paint color perfectly reflects it's leafy namesake, a hearty plant that is worth adding to your garden, and both are my current obsession.

D painted the nursery this color and the more time that we spend in there with our girls, the more we love this color. 

The airy sage tone changes with the light throughout the day to a peaceful gray in the evenings. 

If you're looking for inspiration for your next paint project, definitely give this color a try! 

PEACE!

Products to Love: Things that smell nice & look pretty

Things that smell nice

Way late to the party I JUST fell in love with the Mrs. Meyers brand. If you haven't picked up on it, I am crazy picky when it comes to moisturizers & this lotion makes the cut. It is thick enough to provide serious relief to overworked hands, it smells amazing and it is not sticky at all. Yep, I fell for this lotion, then I ran away with the room spray and picked up a candle on the way out the door. 

Something that looks pretty
 
Now I typically stay in my lane when it comes to makeup purchases (see also: boring) but this gorgeous red STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS Y'ALL. 

A true red that promises to not just stay but SUPER STAY, yass I'm in.

Cost:  $5.99, Color: Pioneer

Ease of Application: Difficult 
Because this color is so bold, lip lining needs to be done accurately, i.e. not in the passenger seat of a truck. Kudos for the applicator wand though, it works well. 

Results After 1 Hour:
Kissed two kids with zero smudges. 

Results After 2 Hours:
Chugged coffee with zero smudges.  Used chapstick, lipstick is still staying put.

Results After 4 Hours:
Holy crap this lipstick super stays!  

Bottom Line:
This lipstick is definitely a win. I put it on at 9am, wore it through kid drop-offs, meetings, a coffee break & lunch.  

 
I'm no model but taking a photo was worth it for this red.

au re(d)voir,
D&H 
 

breastfeeding: the real eat, pray, love.

Prior to having kids I did not consider what breastfeeding would require of me - that it would impact everything from when I sleep to what I eat, drink and wear.  It is demanding.  I also did not realize the connection and quality time that it would give me with my girls. 

I am so thankful that I have been able to breastfeed both of my girls and that I work in environments that provide clean spaces for me to pump when I am at work.  

It is difficult to explain the mental gear shift that happens before and after breastfeeding - my pregame routine for hockey begins with a feeding session, and throughout the day when I step away from work to feed (or pump) it can be a challenging momentum shift. 

But these moments are so special to me.  I've prayed for these girls and I couldn't love them more.  

For all of you breastfeeding mommas out there, I hope that today you take a deep breath and enjoy your little miracle!  As moms we tackle countless issues throughout the day, it is easy to miss the little victories, like a few minutes to just sit down and stare at our baby. 

If you have a friend, family member or colleague that is breastfeeding, please remember that she has a 2-4 hour breastfeeding timer - her body is working to nourish her baby even when the baby isn't there and to maintain her milk supply she needs to pump when her baby would need to feed. Be considerate of her time. Be respectful of her privacy when she needs to feed.  If she is carrying a breastfeeding bag (to or from!) where she pumps, you do not need to urgently stop her and talk to her. Give her peace; her mind and body are working overtime.   

Below are a few links that I have found helpful.

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  

**
Links
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kellymom
The authority on everything breastfeeding- including charts with info on breastmilk storage.

Using your Health Savings Account (HSA or FSA) for breastfeeding products

I always give new moms that I meet the items below when they are planning to breastfeed.
Lanolin: Use after EACH feeding, no exceptions!
Gel Pads: When just starting to breastfeed, keep these in the freezer and after each time you breastfeed apply lanolin then these pads.  It will keep your nips from cracking!   
Milk Storage Bags: Lay them down in the freezer so that they freeze flat, then place upright in bins to keep organized by date. 
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow: There is a reason this pillow is the #1 best seller. 



  

To My Second Kid

I recently saw the video of the moment we found out we were having you - our second little girl.  I cried but not quite like I had when I found out about your sister.

You see, with your big sister I was terrified that I wouldn't be good mom to a little girl. I was scared that we couldn't have a healthy, loving relationship - I didn't know what that kind of relationship would even look like.  Then I had her in my arms and love conquered all. All fear. All pain. All insecurities.  Our relationship just is. She is her own little person, I love her and she loves me.

There is something so simple and pure in love. I wish I had known that before and had not been so afraid.

Then you came along and I cried again, but that time I cried because I was so excited that I got to do it all over again. I got to have ANOTHER little girl. Not one, but TWO. Two girls that I can raise to be strong, brave, confident and loving. Two girls that I can encourage, love, snuggle, tickle and teach.

I will always strive to be the kind of mother you girls need, and at the end of each day I'll go over in my mind the moments I had with you girls and challenge myself to be the best mom I can be.  I'm sure there will be days when you girls can't stand me, and I'll be scared that I'm not the best mom, but love will conquer all.  I could never have imagined the kind of love that I have for you girls -it is going to embarrass you girls when you're older I'm sure. 

So for you, my adorable second kid, you get a mom that is a little more at ease, a little more tired, whose hands are a little more full and whose hair is a little more gray.

You, my wonderful second kid, get a mom that is tirelessly working to be the first - the first person you see loving unconditionally, the first person you see willing to sacrifice with joy, the first person embracing who you are and teaching you faithfulness.  The first to challenge you, encourage you and love you. The first to hold you up so you feel strong and the first to hold you tight when you feel weak.

You are earnest, full of joy and your eyes are wild with wonder and curiosity.  You are a sweet, gentle and graceful addition to our family.

You, my luminescent second little girl, are so loved.
   

MLK: Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination.  I encourage you to take the time to read his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail".  

My words can do no justice to MLK's letter, but if you have yet to read it, I will say a few words about his letter since it has absolutely influenced my perspective on several issues, including recent marches and protests. 

He communicates his thought process, strategy and leadership for his campaign with an eloquence and authority that is incredibly moving, but most importantly, his letter highlights the love he has for his fellow man.  

His letter was written with love poured over every word; love for those who agreed with him and those who didn't.  Love was the beautiful chorus around which his verses were written.  His words were torturous, humbling and inspiring to read; not only had he been put through atrocities against the human heart, soul and body, but he reacted with a composure, methodical process and articulate message that resulted in real and lasting change for our entire country. 

His purpose came from an empirical understanding of injustice.  His message was clear because vandals and antagonists could not participate in his cause.  He spoke and acted with love for his fellow man and his mark on our country cannot be understated. 

I hope you take the time to honor him and read his beautiful letter.
~D & H