My first quilt

Remember when I told you all about the nursery, here? And then there was a change of plans here, I decided that I would be making Talon's quilt myself. Well friends, the quilt is finished. Can I just tell you how much I love making quilts? Or how much I love this quilt? Oh man, I want to show it to everyone. I don't think I have ever been so proud. Don't worry, I humble myself when I look to the detail. Ha! I mean come on it is my FIRST quilt. Sooo, you want to see it? Sure you do, take a look!


Isn't it wonderful? Oh yeah, Talon loves it too. So does Rhi. They had a blast playing on their blankies together (you will see hers sometime next week when I do the room reveal). Okay so, you can see it here too just not well.

Candy Covered Marshmallows

Since Rhiannon and I got our Modern Housewife aprons, I have been dying to whip something up with her. Since Rhi is only 2, it was a little difficult to find something that she could be really hand on with. This little dessert was perfect. So, grab your little one and try it out.

You will need:
Marshmallows
Chocolate Chips
Sprinkles
Lollipop sticks (I used skewers and cut off the tips because my grocery store was sold out)


Step 1:
Put your marshmallows onto the lollipop stick

Step 2:
Melt your chocolate in a double boiler. I am ghetto so I just use two pots. Make sure to stir it often so you don't burn the chocolate. Transfer your chocolate into a bowl so the little ones don't burn themselves.

Step 3: Dip Marshmallow into chocolate, then dip into the sprinkles


Step 5: Enjoy! Simple right?

(I actually prefer them as smores with graham cracker crumbs instead of sprinkles but that's not as fun for a 2 year old to work with)

Losin' the Pounds

Let the diet and exercise begin! Okay, so technically, since I am a breastfeeding momma I cannot diet. However, I will be eating more healthy. Not healthy but a little healthier than I am now. Yeah, I said it. I am NOT going to eat healthy. I don't want to try and fool myself. I love me some carbs and sweets. I will be cutting back but not cutting them out. Have you ever noticed that the more you fight it, the more you crave it? So why torture myself?

Anyway, if you follow me on twitter, you may have heard that I have this goal of fitting into my engagement dress by my anniversary. Actually, it already fits, just not like it used to. So here it is, the dress and what I looked like in it then.
Wow! So you think I can do it? I don't. Ha! You see how much faith I have in myself? Little to none. So I will need your encouragement. I also need you to hold me accountable. M goal is to lose 14 pounds. Maybe if I am lucky I will be able to squeeze into my wedding dress also. Yes, my wedding dress is smaller than my engagement dress. Two reasons. One, I had more incentive to work out and look amazing for one day. Two, it's called a corset people. Learn to love them. I did. Why can't we wear those things everyday?

What do you think? Could I pull that off? Can you hear me laughing at myself? Because, well, I kind of am. See I need your help! Push me! My anniversary is July 2nd. Let's rock that dress!!!

Our Adoption Plans

Since I was a little girl I knew I wanted a big family. I come from a big family. My dad has lots of siblings and so did his dad. In fact when my great grandma passed away her obituary said that she was survived by 317 grandchildren/great grandchildren. That was years ago and I believe the number has grown. Whatever the number may be, it is a blast having so many relatives. I want to continue that. Do I want 14 kids like my great grandma had? No. Well I don't think so. I do know that I want a lot of children.

Steven and I have always said that we would have what we could handle financially. I told a friend the other day that I thought this was God warming me up to His plan. I'll explain later.

As sure as I am that I want lots of kids, I am even more sure that I want to adopt. Again, the number I am not sure. (By I, keep in mind that I mean we, hubby is so on the same page) I am also not sure how we plan to adopt. International (the one thing hubby is not on board with), Local, Private, Open, Foster to Adopt...we just don't know. I love the idea of a baby from Africa or China but it is just not an option for us. For numerous reasons that I don't have time to get into. Remember I blog while my baby is on my lap or napping?

I have always had this dream of adopting a baby by standing outside of an abortion clinic and talking someone out of aborting the beautiful child they are carrying. Telling them that I will gladly adopt the precious life they hold. And although I still feel strongly about doing that or even just having you tell a friend who is desperate that I am here, I think God may have another plan.

You see the past few months the topic of Foster to Adopt has been brought up. Let me tell you how much I hate the idea of this. I just get these images of holding this amazing child that I have had for months and then having someone come in and rip them out of my hands to take back to the mom that abandoned them. Don't read to much into that, I don't think all moms that give their kids up are evil, only the one in my head taking my baby back. However, every time I hear or think about the option of Fostering to Adopt, I feel something pulling me. I don't want to say it is God because I am not positive and I don't want to put words into His mouth. But I think it might be.

At this time in our lives, we could not afford to have another child. We surely don't have enough for adoption. This is where the part about the thing I said before "God warming me up to it". Lately, whenever I say there is no way we could afford to adopt, I feel like God is saying "If you are willing to take a child, I am willing to provide" Not His exact words or even surely His words at all. You see a parent through Foster Care is given money to assist in raising the child. No, this is not the reason I would be doing it. I do not care about the money. It is only enough to help with the child. Key word being HELP. It does not cover everything but it would be enough to make another child affordable for us. Does that make sense? I don't want people to think I want a child for the money, so I really hope that is clear.

Does this make my fears go away? No! Not at all. I am terrified that if we go this route I may have a baby taken back, if not more than one. I am trying to wrap my mind around all of this. I feel overwhelmed. I am not saying that we are going to do this soon or at all for that matter. I want to confirm that this is really truly God speaking before we move forward but I want your input. Sooo...comment here or email me! Tell me your story or of someone you know. I want info and input on our plans.

WIWW- Week 2

Ok, so this week was crazy but I managed to get most of my outfits in here. Let's take a look.
(I also realized that I wear my ugg boots way to much. What can I say, I like comfort.)

Went to dinner at Chipotle with a couple of friends.
Shirt and Under shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- Forever 21
Shoes- Payless

Bible Study

Top- Old Navy
Undershirt- Target
Jeans- Target
Ugg Boots- Sports Chalet
Headband- Allora Handmade

Played with my babies all day and then ran errands with the hubby at night.
Shirt- TJ Maxx
Cardigan- Target
Adorable Brooch- Olive Blue
Jeans- Local boutique
Boots- Milano Shoes

Went and ran around at the park with the fam.
Shirt-Solomon Beads
Under Shirt- Target
Jeans- Old Navy
Ugg Boots- Sports Chalet

After 10 minutes at the park this was the new look.
All of the above plus
Sweater- Forever 21

Comedy Night at my church
Top- TJ Maxx
Jeans- Target
Boots- Ross
Necklace-Premier Designs
Bracelet- Anchor Blue

Moms Night Out
Uh Oh I have a repeated cardigan...
Different brooch though-The Pleated Poppy

Changes

The new year is here and with it came a ton of ideas for Rock-A-Bow. Not only is my brain filled with new ideas but also a great deal of motivation. I thought that you, my followers, should be the first to know what is about to happen. A sneak peek without an actual peek.

A New Look-
I will be switching over from Etsy to Big Cartel. It's a huge leap but after reading this over at Gussy Sews, I am convinced it is the right choice for me and my business. BTW that means I am clearing out the etsy shop to add new items (you will read about those in just a few seconds). In order to clear the store, everything is 30% off. Yes, you heard me right 30%. Just type in the code NEWYEARchanges.

Anyway, back to the changes. Big Cartel will be a whole new look. Fun but simplified. There will be a new, simple and clean look to the blog as well. With a button that you can all add to your blogs. It's gonna be rad! Do people still say that? Doubtful but I like it.

The new store and all new look should be here by the end of the month. I'm trying not to rush anything since I have the two little ones.

New Products-
This is what I am most excited about. I am totally changing the concept of the shop. It is going to be totally directed at babies-young kids. Although it is already mostly that, it will still be a big change.

New styles of bows...fabric bows. A lot more fabric through the store since I LOVE FABRIC now. Lots of headbands. Some adorable felt flowers that I have been playing with.

Oh yes, clothing! Yes clothes. I am so super thrilled about this. Starting off with just a few items but will expand as I go. There will be appliqued onsies. There will be some re-fashioned dresses. There will be completely handmade dresses. It will be fun!

New Things Happening-

Not sure exactly how many or how often but there will be guest bloggers. Super excited for this as well. Just emailed a friend, who I ADORE and you will too, to ask her to be the first post. Ahh! I cannot wait

There will be tutorials. I mentioned this a little before. Said I wanted to do it but never did. Well it WILL happen this year. They will help me to continue crafting for myself and my fam. That is something I do not want to lose sight of.

I am also hoping to start posting about other items or blogs I love. There are so many handmade business' and mommy bloggers out there that I just know you all would love. I should be sharing them with you. So I intend to.

There is so much going through my head right now. I am sure I forgot something but I thought I would share and get you excited with me. Make sure if you don't already follow Rock-A-Bow, click to follow now. You will not want to miss out on this!

WIWW- Week 1

Okay, Let's give this a whirl. For the first time ever I am going to do What I Wore Wednesday. I intend on doing this every week from now on. Hold me accountable people! By the way, I did take pictures for every day but the hubby deleted them on accident. Opps.

As far as the background. Well, the only room with a full length mirror is the kids room, so please forgive me in advance for any mess or toys joining in on the fun.

Date Night! Dinner and shopping. (Yes my husband is amazing and took me shopping for our date)
Jeans and Tank- Target
Cardigan- TJ Maxx
Boots- Ross
Necklace- Salon 180

New Years Party/Playdate at my Home
Shirt- Forever 21
Jeans- Target
Ummm...shoes... well I guess I shot the picture to high.

Toughed the rain and took the babies to John's Incredible Pizza

Jeans-Old Navy
Tank-Target
Cardigan- Forever 21

Ugg(ly) Boots- Sport Chalet

Beanie- Krochet Kids Int. ...Check them out, now, seriously!

Oh Man! I went there...Let me just be real with you. I cleaned all day and played inside with the kids. Frankly, I wanted to be comfy and comfy I was!

Husbands wrinkly sweater- Tillys
Yoga Pants- Old Navy
Super comfy socks- Kohls

Replicated Cinnamon Roll

Remember my last post. You know, the top ten things I received in 2010? I mentioned my love of baking and all the new things I got for the kitchen this past year. Well, all those wonderful things have inspired me to bake, bake and bake some more. Good thing? Not sure yet. My tummy is loving it, as is my husband, however, not sure how my butt and thighs are dealing yet...

Anyhow, last night I whipped up some AMAZING cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese frosting. Yummy! Everything lately has been from scratch, so my heart really goes into them. Let me give ya a little background on just how much heart went into these babies! Hubs and I spent our Honeymoon in Pismo Beach. We chose somewhere close in hopes of going back every year. While on our honeymoon we found this little place that made the BEST cinnamon rolls. Sooo it became tradition that on our anniversary we would go there and enjoy. Cute right? Well...we went back once and then came Rhiannon. And now Talon. Apparently when we made these plans to go back every year we knew nothing about being parents. Bye Bye trip. See ya later cinnamon rolls.

So last night I decided to try to replicate those yummy cinnamon rolls. Although doing it around our anniversary in July probably would have been a better idea. That's not the point. They hit the mark! That's what is important.

I thought I would share them with you. If I knew how good they were gonna be I would have taken pics along the way and made you a little tutorial but I had no idea. So here is the recipe. That is the best I can do for ya. You will not be disappointed! Here ya go friends...

(Pardon the horrible photo. Snapped it super quick with my phone.)

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups warm water
  
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/3 cup sugar in warm water. Stir in salt and 2 cups flour. Beat mixture for 2 minutes. Beat in eggs and oil. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; set aside.
3. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces. Take each piece of dough, roll into a log and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the knots in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden.
   

Then for the frosting:

Ingredients

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
  

Directions
Combine confectioner's sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add milk gradually until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Spread over warm (but not hot) cinnamon rolls.