Frankenstein!

You might be asking yourself, What in the world is that? Well I bought this super cute pattern for felt tools that K can play with at www.GulfCoastCottagePDF.etsy.com. The patterns are very reasonable and it didn't look to hard, right??? I always like to have a challenge and have nothing else around my house to do so why not take on another project! So as I started this I quickly realized that my sewing looks a lot like Frankenstein all patched together. It's definatly not perfect which really bothers me but everytime I made a mistake I would just laugh because my one-year old is going to play with these anyways (hopefully!) This is step one - the handle! Also my new sewing machine in the background (early b-day present from my Mom!Next sew all of the hammer head pieces together. Might take you 30 minutes.Hammerhead finished and stuffed. Now all that is left to attach them! Sounds pretty simple right?Finished product! I hope he enjoys it! Now just 5 more tools and box to go . . .

Patience

When I first found out I was pregnant I wanted a girl with all my heart. I dreamed about a baby girl for months, only had girl names picked out and would actually gasp aloud when I saw outfits like the oh so cute dress above. My Mom and I are so close I wanted that same relationship with my daughter. But there was a time when my Mom had to deal with my smart mouth (sorry Mom!) However God had different plans for me. When I had my ultrasound at 18 weeks I found out I was having a boy, I think Aaron actually said "Yes!" I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my boy with all my heart. But there is an important point I would like to note that goes along with my little man. He requires a lot of patience! After I had him I remember one of my friends asking me "Have you gotten frustrated yet?" and I replied "No actually." And that was the truth. I have a lot of patience for a person. I mean I teach 19 first graders all day, I have a lot of self control. But today I truly got frustrated and I have to ask myself whether boys take things to a whole new level. I was trying to put him down for his morning nap today and he wrestled me and screamed. This carried on for about 30 minutes, finally I just put him in his crib and walked away. Five minutes later he was done crying and asleep all on his own. Geese should have just tried that the first time instead of waiting until me and him were both worn out! But I truly think boys and girls are just different in nature. Case in point: My bff Sarah was over today with her sweet little Maddy who is four months old. Kingston was crawling everywhere, throwing things, knocking things over etc. I think at one point Sarah was concerned for Maddy's well being. All I could do was shake my head, this is my life with my crazy monster (as I lovingly call him.) But Maddy did something that I've never seen Kingston really do. I showed her a toy that she didn't really like and she stuck out her lip (which was honestly one of the cutest things I have ever seen!) and she kept it there. She lets you know how she feels! And it made me laugh! Oh my boys and girls are so different! To wrap this up each night I pray for more patience with my boy. But I cherish throwing him up in the air, wrestling on the ground and even getting my hair pulled. Cuz I'm his momma and every one of those things brings me true joy!

Reflections of Motherhood

This use to be me . . . before.(circa 2000) Wasn't I pretty? In case you're wondering yes there was someone else in this picture who shall remain nameless and yes I used to have a gap in my front teeth up until a few months ago. But all of that is really not the point! The point is that this was me 10 years ago, before motherhood. Now I am still considered a new mother, but after all of my years of college I learned that after you learn something new you should write a reflection.So here is mine, so far. . . From the moment I found out I was pregnant I felt like the world had completely changed. Suddenly everything seemed so scary. What if someone hit me while I was riding in the car or what if I fall while I'm pregnant (which of course I did cuz I'm clumsy). These are just a few of the many thoughts that pulsed through my brain on a day to day basis. But I learned to focus on one of my favorite bible verses Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. As my pregnancy continued and I got to see my precious boy shown here at 5 months pregnant :

My love for baby only grew. The day he was born was honestly the best day of my life. I remember looking at Aaron and saying "I already love him so much!" and then cried. I never thought you could love someone so much that you just met!
In these past nine months I have learned many things, felt many emotions and changed as a person. I'm not sure I could describe it all to be honest. Somedays I still feel like that girl at the top of this post, and when I look in the mirror I don't even recgonize my appereance. But I know that I will never be the same person on the inside. Being a mother has made me appreciate and love my parents in a way I could never understand before. Now I know why they worried so much because I feel the same way about my son. Just hearing him cry can break my heart. But I wouldn't change it for the world, no matter what happens. Being a mother has made me a better teacher, friend, and daughter. Even though I have those days where I don't want to get out of bed and I'm exhausted by chasing him around, I know that my life couldn't possibly be any better. Each morning I have this to look forward to...
When things are tough I just remember how lucky and blessed I am to be a mother.