Exploring Opportunities

The past few weeks have brought up some incredibly difficult times for our family.  We found out recently that the daycare Callie has been in since she was 3 months old is having to close.  Fortunately we have coverage until the end of the school year, but this means that we will have to figure something out for next year.  We have been so fortunate with our childcare, Callie has been one of four and has spent everyday with her cousin, Kinsley.  Ideally, I would love to stay home and be with my sweet girl but that just doesn't seem to be the plan God has laid out for us. 

With all of these things (and a few other work related things) on my mind lately I've been toying around with the idea of opening my own Etsy shop for the summer months to test the waters.  Crafting is one of my favorite hobbies and has proven to be a great outlet for me.  I would be selling handmade infant/toddler headbands, leg warmers, diaper clutches, minky blankets, and even custom nursery wall letters.   I have no idea weather or not anything I make will sell, but there is no way to find out unless I try, right?  Below are some pictures of things I've made. 

Infant rosette headband with pearl embellishment 

 My beautiful niece Kinsley modeling a grey rosette headband with crystal embellishment

 Grey and pink chevron wall letters in Callie's nursery. 

 Diaper clutch (holds diapers and wipes)

 Pink single rosette headband

 Country pink single rosette headband

 Blue, green and white striped leg warmers / turquoise rosette headband

 Pink rosette headband with crystal embellishment

 Argyle leg warmers

 Pink button wall letter in Callie's nursery.

I am also contemplating adding pacifier clips to the list... I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on my potential venture.  There have been a few people who have expressed an interest in busying the headbands, but the other items I've only made for Callie.  Any feedback would be MUCH appreciated!  Thank you in advance!

Andrew is ONE!

It seems like just yesterday that I was rushing out of work to drive across town in an attempt to make it to the hospital in time to meet my newest little nephew.   He was this tiny, blue bundle with the sweetest, little hands and deep blue eyes.  At the time I was pregnant with Callie and an emotional train wreck.  Holding him for the first time gave me a memory that will forever be stamped on my heart.  

Standing in that labor and delivery room, looking around at my family, I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat as Daddy came to mind.  I could just picture him standing in the corner, one leg propped up behind him on the wall, arms crossed over his Dallas Cowboys jersey, a relaxed smile on his lips and those big, brown, puppy dog eyes glistening with tears as he took in every sound, smell and sight.  My heart broke thinking that Andrew would never get to meet his G-pa on this Earth, and furthermore that my soon-to-be daughter wouldn’t either.   Somehow, despite all of the pain I was feeling, Andrew was able to bring a new light into our lives.  He has grown to be such a sweet, independent, loving little toddler and has truly blessed our family immensely. 

Andrew’s birthday party was a truck/car theme and Melanie did such a great job with decorations!  Family from all over Texas and Colorado was able to make it in to celebrate him.  We had a wonderful time talking, laughing and spending time together.  My prayer for Andrew is that he will grow into a God fearing man, respectful, loving, and ambitious.  I know that Daddy is looking down smiling at his “mini me” and praying the same things.  Tony and Mel, you are incredible parents, thank you for blessing our family with your two, sweet boys.  We love you all so much!  

 

 His first taste of yummy chocolate cake

 

Snuggled up with Mommy as we sang "Happy Birthday"

 Family kisses

 My beautiful Aunt Clair and her son, Ryan

 

Play time with my little man!  

 Can't get over the beauty (inside and out) of these two sisters!  Blessed to call them family.

 They took a photo with every guest and Andrew and will put personalized notes from them under the pictures in a scrapbook!  What a great idea. 

 Callie will forever be Tony's "little girl."

 A mountain of gifts!

 Andrew trying to steal a cuddle on Callie's blankie

 Grandma Chandler loving on her little girl

 What a beautiful family!

 This moment captures their relationship perfectly... Matty will forever be Mom's baby.

 Andrew's "smash" cake.

 Play time with Aunt Ashley

 It's moments like this that make my life complete.

I love this... The boys both wore the same birthday hat and bib.  A side-by-side comparison of the two brothers!  On the left- Andrew, the right-Matty.  My sweet nephews!

Blast From The Past

We cleaned Callie's room this weekend and discovered one of the outfits I wore when I was a baby and just had to do an impromptu photo shoot!  I was 8 months in this picture, and Callie is 9.  It's incredible to see the differences in she and I, she is definitely her Daddy's daughter (and thank the Lord she doesn't have my abnormally large noggin)!  This outfit was made by my Great Aunt, Joanne Stucker.  If only my Daddy were here to see this, his heart would completely melt. :)