It's been a almost two years since God brought Jose into our lives. I remember receiving the packet in the mail like it was only yesterday. He was 4 and from Mexico {left photo}. It came with a very brief letter from the agency about where he lived, his likes/hobbies and a little hand written note with a drawing he had made. Just melted our hearts. We knew, even from afar, he was part of our family.
Since then, we've been much like pen-pals. Every few months we get a photo and letter about what's going on in his life. Birthday's and Christmas we sent a gift but that's been where it ends.
Two years later, now he's 6 {right photo}, and we receive our newest letter and for the very first time his questions weren't: Where do you live? How many kids do you have? What's your favorite thing to do? His questions was, when will you get to visit me?
Talk about your stomach hitting the floor. I just about started balling. We've always wanted to do more than just be his sponsors, was this it? Are we suppose to travel to the middle of Mexico to meet this adorable little man? Our hearts say yes. We're not sure how or when, but YES, we're going to meet him soon.
There are so many children out there that need only a kind heart. Someone to give them encouragement.
Matthew 7:12 ”So whatever you wish that others would do to you,
do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Become a sponsor. It will change your life forever. Click HERE for more information.
I'm so happy Laura invited me to hang out on Our Reflection while she's on holidays!
My name is Lena and I blog over at Mom2MemphisAndRuby and Lena B Photography! I'm a mom of 2 wild and wacky kids and they certainly keep me on my toes!! They're at that age now {4 & 6} where they either get along fabulously... or not at all.
Case in point. I used to LOVE bath time. It was a nice "wind down" from our day... there was nothing better than hanging out in a warm room listening to their giggles & splashes, am I right? Not to mention the smell! Oh, babies smelll sooooo good after a bath!
Well, that has changed a lot in the past year or two.
When they do take a bath together, there's splashing alight... AND lots of whining and screaming too. Nobody thinks they're dirty and nobody thinks they need their hair washed. The whole thing has been quite unpleasant.
Until I remember something I saw on Pinterest a while back.
Glow sticks!!
Can I get an "Amen!?"
I'm totally serious! Grab a few of these, turn off the lights and it's a whole new experience! They LOVE it! And it's such an inexpensive "treat" at the end of the day! They're having fun, and I get to make sure they're clean... without any screaming or arguing. It's a win-win!
So, that's just a tip from one mother to another!
I'd love to hear your tips for keeping bath time under control!
I am super stoked to be here today... Laura is.the.best. For reals!
I co-host the Hellocotton Hop with her, and I LOVE taking part in her weekly photo challenge.
She is an amazing woman and a great friend!
For those who don't know me yet... I'm a mom of 2 really cool kids! I work a "boring" day job and love photography. I'm a natural born shopper, but I also love to be thrifty! I'm a huge admirer of tattoos, and I love nail polish, Diet Dr. Pepper, Etsy, scary movies and Instagram! {I think I actually "squealed" when I found out it was available to Android users finally!!}
Of all the things I am and do, being a mom is my proudest "title."
Nothing compares to that moment when you hold your baby for the very first time and realize your life is theirs. Everything from that moment on is for them.
I'm far from being a perfect parent...
I've been known to lose my cool, or skip the "time out" because I just didn't feel like putting up a fight. I've let them have ice cream for supper.... and this for breakfast {I know 'fluorescent' isn't a food group!!}
BUT
I think I am the perfect mommy for them.
I am patient and fair.
My hugs & kisses never run out.
I tell them how special they are.
If they need extra cuddles at bedtime, I'm totally down for that!
I like to surprise them with little treats.
I talk to them about everything, and answers their questions honestly & truthfully.
{and at 4 & 6 they have a TON of questions!}
For all the other mommies out there, we know that parenting isn't always easy.
Just the other day, my son {who has been diagnosed with ADHD & is currently being evaluated by a psychologist & psychiatrist} was having a particularly bad moment, and my husband & I looked at each other and thought the very same thing.
"Thank God, he's ours."
I know it probably seems funny to have that thought during a particularly bad meltdown... but what would have happened if he had been born into another family? One less understanding, patient and loving? It makes me sick just to think of it.
No matter how many grey hairs they give me... I would choose them a hundred times over!
On a good day, I wish to have a dozen more just like them! ;)
How many of you feel the same way? I think most of us do.
No matter what else in the world we do... our hardest & most rewarding job is being there for them.
We don't always get a "thank you" at the end of the day... but nothing is better than watching them sleep peacefully knowing we all got through another day. Together.
This week we got a little crafty {totally out of the "norm" for us}. We do a lot of baking in our house but when it comes to arts and crafts, sewing, putting things together with our own hands, it just doesn't happen. Who would have thought this simple craft project would totally changed my way of thinking. I don't have to be an artist or seamstress to do these things with my kids. We'll learn together {and probably laugh A LOT along the way}! I treasure those moments I can spend one-on-one time with my daughters. Sometimes I need to remind myself, everything else can wait, family comes first. My kids are growing fast and if you don't take the time now, I might not get that chance again. Gosh, I never intended this post to turn into a cry-fest {as tears run down my face}.
Framed Button Heart {Under $5.00}
Pin It
Don't get overwhelmed by all the photos. I'm a photographer so sometimes it gets the best of me. {I seem do better visually that verbally.}
Here is what you need:
Frame {you can get from the dollar store}
Buttons {we purchased from an antique store for $2.00}
Fabric {we used an old scarf from the antique store for $1.00 or burlab fabric would work}
Cardboard {we cut an manila folder in half}
Hot Glue Gun {any super glue would work}
First we spread everything out and warmed up the glue gun.
Opened up our piece of material, put the piece of cardboard in the center and
cut around the cardboard, leaving 2" of extra fabric around each side.
We then used the hot glue gun and glued the fabric around all the edges.
{Yes I burnt my finger!} Our first laugh of the project.
We then opened the frame, removed the glass, inserted the fabric covered
piece of cardboard, and put the frame backing back on.
Then the fun crafting started. I had my daughter Charlie (age 6), choose any
buttons she wanted to use and make an outline of a heart in the center of the frames opening.
We chose pink since this was a Valentine's project.
Once the heart outlined was created, I had her start filling in the middle.
She was so engrossed this project. I loved her attention to detail.
After a little rearranging, the heart was complete.
Then I stepped in with the hot glue gun and began gluing the
buttons down exactly where she had placed them.
Charlie is just as particular as me, she corrected every millimeter I was off. Again we
were laughing hysterically until we both couldn't talk and tears we running down our faces.
And voila, our master piece was complete. Miss Charlie was so proud of her work
{as she should be, it turned out beautiful}.
It now has a permanent spot in our living. The heart is a constant reminder of the love of our family and for me personally, to take more time for the little moments.
And for all your not-so-crafty moms like myself, I hope this was found helpful.
Now let's go get our crafty on! Join in our DIY Valentine's Craft Link Up Party!
