Toddler Talk Tuesday

This week was a Toddler Talk Tuesday FAIL! This week I failed for two reasons. Reason number one, I was completely thrown off by the holiday weekend. That almost never happens to me but today it did. Reason number two, my toddler learned to talk back. I have been crazy busy trying to break this horrible habit. Talking back, mean words and just naughtiness. That is probably what I will be talking about next week.

Anyway, that is why my post consists of one paragraph and you are all having to link up a day late. Sorry everyone.

What are you battling this week? How do you handle it?

How this works:

Simply link up your posts talking about your toddler. It can be anything really; crafts, games, trips, suggestions on toys, tips or just fun stories. We simply are going to talk about our toddlers and experiences being parents of toddlers. {multiple links to different posts are fine}
Grab the button in my sidebar and link back here. Help spread the word about Toddler Talk
It's as simple as that.
{The first 4 weeks will be a trial period to see how this goes. Be sure to link up so we can keep this going}

Recipe: French Toast Cupcakes

This year for Christmas, we had a birthday party for Jesus. Since I wanted the kids to celebrate Christ's birth before opening gifts, I needed a creative way to make a birthday cake that I didn't feel guilty about giving my kids at 8am. Sooo, we had French Toast Cupcakes with a Maple Buttercream topped off with a bacon garnish.

It was amazing. I was thinking about making these bad boys for breakfast today and mentioned it on twitter. Of course, these babies got lots of attention and the recipe was demanded. Okay, I lie, my friends asked nicely. Demanded just sounded better.

It was a rough morning so I didn't get around to making them. I wanted to share the recipe with you all anyways. Since I didn't make them today, no pictures. Enjoy everyone!

For the Cupcakes:

Ingredients-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. maple extract
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350° degrees. Line cupcake pan with baking liners.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk together butter, sugar, and eggs. Add maple extract. Alternate between mixing in flour mixture and milk into liquid mixture. Make three additions of flour and two of milk. Beat until smooth.

Pour into your cupcake liners and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting-

Ingredients-
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
1 tsp maple syrup
4 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
4 slices bacon, cooked

Beat together cream cheese, butter and salt until creamy. Add maple syrup. With mixer on low, add sugar 1/2 cup at a time until light and fluffy. Increase mixer speed between additions. Frost cupcakes. Cut cooked bacon into 1 inch pieces and garnish cupcakes.

**I bake my bacon for the this recipe in order to make it a little more crispy. Better for presentation.

Disney Day

This past Sunday was a mother-daughter Disneyland Day. I know when I say that the mind first takes you to a day with my 2 year old and I. This is not the case, not this week. My mom and I were long overdue for some time with just the two of us.

We started the day off with Starbucks. Perfect beginning, right? It only gets better from there. We hung out at Disneyland for about 3 hours. Had a blast. Picked up some souvenirs for my kids. You know, because we aren't at Disneyland every week. Spoiled they are... whatevs.

We took a short break so I could nurse Talon and then headed right back.

We had an early dinner at Rainforest Cafe and went back into the park. We had ice cream for dessert and goofed of like little kids. It is the happiest place on earth, ya know!

We finished off the night watching A World of Color, which is AMAZING by the way.
**Let me give you some input though, when you ask the lady how wet they mean by "Wet zone" and she says "It is just a mist from the water", ignore her, she lies!** We left there soaked. I happen to be one of those weird people who love to sit in the soak zone. You know, even though I flinch, jump and occasionally complain about how drenched I am. My mom on the other hand says she will never ever in her life stand that close. We will see.

Any how, it was a blast. Enjoy the cell phone pics from the day. Isn't my mom hawt?

What We Wore Wednesday

I did pretty good this week. Got up and dressed almost everyday. That is an accomplishment around here, especially with a sick toddler!

Shirts: Target, a LONG time ago
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes:Rainbow store in San Onofre
Bow: Rock-A-Bow

My silly child is so hard to get a picture of. BUT we managed.
Everything she is wearing is Rock-A-Bow...except her Target sandals. I have put a few of these outfits in an Etsy shop. Leftovers from Queen Bee market will be joining them there soon, head over there now! Click Here

Friday Night was Date Night. Dinner and a Movie.
Top- Kohls
Jeans- Target
Boots- Ross
Bracelet- Anchor Blue
Earrings- AFD Jewelry

On Saturday we went to the OC Marketplace as a family. So much fun by the way.
Cardigan and Tanks- Forever 21
Jeans- Target
Sandals- Rainbow
Bow- Rock-A-Bow
Necklace- Amy Cornwell

Sunday was a Disney Day.
Top- Forever 21
Cardi- Forever 21
Jeans- Target
Sandals- Rainbows...again
Necklace- Anchor Blue...again

Toddler Talk Tuesday

Once upon a time, no very long ago, there was a little girl who would eat anything her mama put on her plate. What happened to this little girl? The world may never know. Her mama thinks it has a little something to do with those evil terrible twos and he onset of strong will.

Because my daughter has become so picky, I have started having to trick her into eating things. A couple months ago I heard someone say to simply make their food fun. I thought for this weeks toddler talk I would share one of our favorites with you. Jellyfish. Not actual jellyfish. These are of the Chicken or Turkey dog origin. Super easy and FUN!

Ingredients:
Hot Dogs of your choice, Rhi prefers chicken.
Spaghetti noodles
Tomato Sauce (I was out of spaghetti sauce today so we used pizza)



Step 1: Cut your hotdogs to create the Jelly fish tops. I cut mine a about 1 in



Step 2: Break noodles in half and insert into Jellyfish tops



Step 3: Boil until noodles are cooked and strain.
Note: Noodles inside of dogs remain a little on the crunchy side.



Step 4: Top with a little bit of heated sauce.



Enjoy!

How this works:

Simply link up your posts talking about your toddler. It can be anything really; crafts, games, trips, suggestions on toys, tips or just fun stories. We simply are going to talk about our toddlers and experiences being parents of toddlers. {multiple links to different posts are fine}
Grab the button in my sidebar and link back here. Help spread the word about Toddler Talk
It's as simple as that.
{The first 4 weeks will be a trial period to see how this goes. Be sure to link up so we can keep this going}

Emotions Ran Wild

May 21st. Many of you will laugh as soon as you read that date. It seems like a joke to so many. Although it was so obviously false to many of us, it brought on a lot of emotions.

Like I mentioned, many thought it was hilarious. A complete joke. Others feared for their lives and those of their children. They feared the death that was coming and where their soul would go.

Some went out and blew life savings, others already had their dollars spent promoting this "cause". Some people celebrated the life they had lived and the death that was soon to come. Others went on with their days expecting nothing out of the ordinary.

For me? May 21st was filled with emotions as well. Fear, Hope and Joy.

Fear, not because I thought the world would end but because I knew it wouldn't. What would happen to those who accepted Christ because of the fear in their hearts? What would happen to those whose faith was in this Judgement Day? What about the people who still don't know Jesus? What would they think of us "Crazy Christians" now? May 20th, I could not sleep. I used my time well and prayed for all of the people who would be affected by the false prophecy. I prayed that all those who believed in this would see that their faith was placed in the hands of a man and not in our Savior. That they would be able to wake on the 22nd and begin following the one and only God. I prayed that both, the believing and unbelieving, would see that although this was not the day, that it IS coming. We will one day face God.

I woke up on Saturday, full of hope. Hope for a hurting world. Hope that Jesus would be revealed, not by a rapture but by His people. All day I was hopeful that each of us would grow a little closer to Jesus through the knowledge that one day He will come. Not on a day that we have designated for Him but when God decides. Matthew24: 35-37 says "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." He will come and we need to be ready.

Of all the emotions brought on by May 21st, the strongest for me was Joy. I know this sounds absurd. How could a false prophecy and fear in the hearts of so many bring joy in my life? Hear me out.

I believe in Jesus. I know who He is. I know what He did for me. I know where I am going. When the world passes away, I know that I will live with Him, forever. That, my friends, brings tremendous joy. Praying for so many on Friday night and through Saturday, although a sad sad topic, brought me so much happiness. I have a God who will listen, a father who despite the hour makes time for me. I will never fear a rapture or a judgement day. Instead I will look forward to the day I get to meet my savior face to face.

May 21st has come and gone. Nothing has changed. Can I challenge you all to make a change though? Let's live our life like Jesus is coming back today, everyday. Live our lives in a way that will make Him proud. In a way that others, who don't know Him want to know Him because they want what we have, that joy that shows even in hard times. The joy that only Jesus brings.

He is Moving

A couple weeks ago, I shared over at RagstoStitches. She is doing great series on how God is moving. It is her {Be Ready, Be Prepared, Be Molded} series. I wanted to share with those of you who didn't make it over there for my post. If you like what I share, or even if you don't, you should head over there and read what others are saying.

"The holy spirit doesn't move like it used to"

"We don't see healings anymore"

"God couldn't use me"

We hear things like this all the time. Luckily, all of these statements are false. I know they are false because my life itself is a testimony to the exact opposite of all three statements.

I have heard the Holy Spirit speak and have been overwhelmed by the presence of His spirit. I have been healed. And little ol me has been used for the good of God.

I never thought I was worthy of any of this. I grew up having no relationship and definitely was not worthy of even walking in God's presence. But to Him, none of that mattered. God has a plan for my life and although I have no clue where He plans to take me, I know I will be used tremendously.

It all started on an altar where I laid weeping and gave my life to the Lord. I was moved by the Holy Spirit that night in a way I can't describe. He is still present.

Only a few short months later my husband, boyfriend at the time, felt a tug on his heart and told me I needed to be prayed over.

You see, for years I had issues with my heart. I had seen a few cardiologists who had diagnosed numerous small problems with my heart but they could not find the root of it all. All we knew is that my ECG's looked like one of a brittle old woman. At 19, this was terrifying.

So, we prayed. Nothing profound seemed to happen. Light did not shine down from the heavens. The earth did not shake. But the next day, in complete faith, I walked into my cardiologist's office and demanded an ECG. To everyone's surprise, except my own, the ECG came back clean. They ran it again and passed it on to other cardiologists. No one could explain it. I knew I was healed. I let them know I was healed. It is a lie that God is not still moving and healing. I have the ECG to prove it.

Until I was 19, I did not walk with God. I never really thought I would. But here I am; a living testimony of His grace and mercy.

So what do we do with the false statements? The false beliefs that I started off with? We prove them wrong. We continue to walk with Him, let Him cover us in truth and we share our story.

God is good. He is here and He is moving.

Toddler Talk Tuesday

I am so excited to share with you this week. We are potty training! Last week I began the whole process. Sort of. You see my little one has been, on occasion, going "poo poo" on the big girl potty. Since she has done fairly well with that, I thought this whole potty training thing would be a breeze. So overcomplicated by all the other momma's out there. Go ahead, point your fingers and laugh at me now. This is tough!

So away with the thought of just having Rhi go potty when she tells me. Away with the wet diapers because Rhi NEVER tells me. I've got my timers set, the M&M's in the bathroom, the training panties and waterproof covers are on. I have designated the front bathroom or guest bathroom as Rhi's.

The part I am excited about is a little printable I whipped up and want to share with you. "The Potty Challenge". I originally just made one for Rhi and thought some of you might want it. So, I took out her name and erased the rewards we have set for her so you can enter your own. Here is Rhi's:


A simple board game concept. She places a sticker in a box for everyday that she goes with no accidents. When she reaches one of the milestones, she gets the prize we have designated for her. Golden Spoon, a new toy, a trip to Chucke-E-Cheese, a day at Disneyland with just mommy (no baby bro), and finally a pizza party!

She is super excited about all of this. As for right now though, she isn't making it without accidents, so we just put up a little paper by the toilet that says Pee and Poop, she gets to place a sticker in the right section each time she goes. Just a simple little way to encourage her. That and the M&M's.

If you are interested in the Potty Challenge printable for your own little one, here is the blank version. Enjoy.

{Download}

What is happening with your toddlers this week? Link up and let us know.

How this works:

Simply link up your posts talking about your toddler. It can be anything really; crafts, games, trips, suggestions on toys, tips or just fun stories. We simply are going to talk about our toddlers and experiences being parents of toddlers. {multiple links to different posts are fine}
Grab the button in my sidebar and link back here. Help spread the word about Toddler Talk
It's as simple as that.
{The first 4 weeks will be a trial period to see how this goes. Be sure to link up so we can keep this going}

I {Heart} Mondays - Notebook Hunt

Last month, while doing a wrap-up of what I learned at Creative Estates I had mentioned that I needed to get a notebook. You can read a little bit about that here.

Basically, we were told that "every girl needs a notebook" and "by writing things down you are freeing up real estate your mind". These things make complete sense. Why had I not thought about them on my own? Maybe because all of the real estate has been taken up with the loose ideas floating around? I'm going to go with that.

The girls leading up the Happy Chaos session told us that we should have one notebook to store all of our thoughts in. It was recommended to have one that was a 2 subject notebook, for short term and long term goals and ideas.

I promised myself that after Queen Bee was over, I was going to get more organized. I need to implement what I learned. I have sketches of new products all over the place in my office and it is not acceptable. I am so type Z personality. Queen Bee has come and gone (amazing by the way). So, it is time to fulfill my promise. I want a notebook, I need a notebook. And so the hunt has begun.

I have searched high and low for a notebook that I like. Okay, I lie, I have looked at Target twice. But both times, I failed. I am thinking that my best bet is to buy a basic spiral notebook that has two sections to it and then cutesy it up with a cover. That is wear the items I love come in. Here are some things I have found.

Two of my favs are from The Pleated Poppy. I mean you can't go wrong with anything from The Pleated Poppy, they are adorable, always fun fabric combos. The ones I would love to have with me always? Black Damask and Jade with Red Dots. I love them both so so much.



The other route I was thinking of going was one of these beauties. Downstairs Designs In Touch Clutch. Super cute. Not really for a note book though. Maybe a notepad on each side. One for Short Term and one for long. They are just so cute that I want to make them work.



So these are my thoughts and my wants. Ha!
What do you think? What do you use? I would love some input from you all.

What I Wore Wednesday - Mothers Day

This mothers day was extra special for me. Not only was it my first mothers day with two kids, my second born was also dedicated. The original plan was to dress nice for the baby dedication and then tone it down a little bit before our annual motherhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifday dinner. I was too busy in between to change anything. This is what I wore the entire day. Do not pay any mind to the fact that it is almost the exact outfit that I wore on Easter. Mama is on a budget!




Dress- Urban Outfitters
Boots- Ross
Headband- WhippyCake...the band itself is from a local boutique
Bracelet- Premiere Designs Jewelry
Necklace- Amy Cornwell . That's right I got the necklace that I dropped a few subtle hints for.

Toddler Talk Tuesday

Welcome to the first linky party of Toddler Talk Tuesday! I am so glad you made it over. I was hoping to have a spectacular first party post lined up. Maybe next week. Bear with me as we get this whole thing to what I envisioned...

This last week was crazy. I think, I mentioned that on Thursday. I knew that it would be a tough week on me but did not know the toll that it would take on my 2 1/2 year old Rhiannon. She was pooped and she let me know it. Although it was a struggle, she provided me with some funny quotes to share with you.

By Wednesday, she was tired of being a career woman. I turned on her light bright and early in the morning to grab her and head to the office. Before I could even get to her bed or try to wake her up, she screams at me in her angry voice "NO! I No work today! I tiiiiirrrreeedddd!"

Thursday while driving to work Rhi began to cry. When I asked her what was the matter she responded "Anbo" (Anbo is one of her little buddies) I repeated her "Anbo?" and she said "yes, Anbo, I miss her". Sweetest little friends.

Although it was a rough week, we had a good time. We hit up the park a few times and shopped around the Queen Bee Market on Saturday (I'll share more about that later this week). It ended up being okay but my poor girl is just not cut out for child labor...

I wish I had more fun stuff to share with you since it is the first linky week but we just had sooo much going on. So share your great stories!

How this works:

Simply link up your posts talking about your toddler. It can be anything really; crafts, games, trips, suggestions on toys, tips or just fun stories. We simply are going to talk about our toddlers and experiences being parents of toddlers. {multiple links to different posts are fine}
Grab the button in my sidebar and link back here. Help spread the word about Toddler Talk
It's as simple as that.
{The first 4 weeks will be a trial period to see how this goes. Be sure to link up so we can keep this going}

EX-hausted but excited

Today, although I want to blog about something profound and wonderful, I've got nothin'. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. So can I just pout and complain instead?

This week has been wearing. I have been stretched thin.

As many of you know, I am a work at home mom. I work for a company that is simply amazing to our little family. When it was just Rhi, I worked in the office. I brought her with me and it was tough but I had the best of both worlds. Now that I have two babes in tow, working with them is not as doable. Hence the whole WAHM thing. Anywho, the boss is out of town this week, so I am needed in the office. I have both babies with me. Enough said, right?

On top of working, this weekend is Queen Bee, so there has been lots of sewing and gluing and craziness to prepare. I have been working into the wee hours of the night. Luckily I have amazing support at home. Steven and his parents have helped me a ton with the kids. Although I have had tons of help, Talon is still a nursing baby. Translation: a cling to mommy baby...

I love my job and I love Rock-A-Bow. AND Queen Bee is my favorite show of the year BUT this working mommy/handmade biz owner is tired. No, beyond tired. There are a few things cheering me up though.

Like...
Last night we did a mock up of my booth. A few plans I had didn't work out but all in all I'm happy with it. BTW that is your sneak peek today. I'm in love with those felt flower headbands. You will be too, I promise!

Oh and the other thing making me super happy? I have these two adorable babies and an awesome hubby who have promised me an amazing mommy's day in San Diego, (we always have a ton going on Sunday so we do my day on Saturday). So on top of hanging out at the amazingness that is Queen Bee, I get a fun day with, get this, NO WORK!

Wordless Wednesday

And for a couple words…todays sneak peek! Felt Bow Hair clips!

Toddler Talk Tuesday

Okay, I have a huge announcement. By popular demand, I will be bringing back toddler talk Tuesday. In case you are new, Toddler Talk was a once a week series I was doing, until Talon was born, where I would share some funny stuff Rhi said throughout the week. I then opened it up for readers to share with me via email what their toddlers had said and I shared for them. Sort of a kids say the darndest things kind of post.

WELL, I’m changing it up a bit. Instead of just what kids have said, I want to know fun things they did, games you all played, crafts or really anything that you want to share about your fun toddlers and/or life as a mommy with a toddler. Basically instead of just sharing what our toddlers talked about, we are gonna talk about our toddlers. Make sense?

Here’s the fun part. I am going to go out on a limb and make this a, drum roll please… LINKY PARTY!!!.

So starting next week, come on over and link up your post about your toddlers! We will try it out for a month. See how it goes and hopefully make it permanent.

For now, let’s see our second sneak peek of products that will be at Queen Bee this Friday and Saturday.

Since we are on the topic of toddlers, I’ll let you see a product designed for them. Artfolios. These babies have been hot, so you will want to rush over and snatch one up before they are gone.

There’s this one as well as these cute lil things…

Meet me at Queen Bee!

I {Heart} Mondays + a Sneak Peek

On Friday, I mentioned on Twitter that I would be posting daily sneak peeks all week of products that will be at the Queen Bee this coming weekend. (Look here to learn more about Queen Bee). Sooo…this week look through each post. There will be some sort of sneak peek in each post.

Alright folks, are you ready for some cuteness? I am seriously dying over here and so excited to share this product and my friend with you. I recently met an amazing couple. They go to my church and are on the worship team with my husband. For some unknown reason (completely sarcastic), my husband thought Gaby and I would get along well.

Gaby is a fun, young momma like myself. The young momma part, not trying to inform you all of my coolness. Ha! She also happens to be an extremely talented crocheter. I know, crocheter is not a word, spellcheck informed me of that. Either way, she is amazing at it! After talking to her a little about Creative Estates and some of the great product trades, we decided to barter. Are you even ready for the cuteness you are about to see? Take a look!

Are you dying? I am! Did I already mention that this is killing me? Rhi just loves it, as I am sure you can tell. She refused to take it off all day. We seriously love Hello Kitty in our home, so this was perfect. We were even able to choose the color. We stuck with the trademark red because it is Rhi’s current fav. Oh, and the bow, it is removable. So, if we wanted to dress Hello Kitty up or down we could switch it up. How fun is that.

Gaby aka Nature Mamma, also had an aviator beanie that I am wanting to get for Talon and so much more. She is fairly new to the handmade world, so go show her some love. You seriously can’t beat the cuteness or her amazing prices. Go Go Go!

www.naturemamma.etsy.com

Oh, what’s that? I forgot your sneak peek? No! Here it is. The item that I am bartering with my friend Gaby. A custom bible case. Gaby went with one that was listed in the shop but there will be a few fun fabric combos at Queen Bee. Smarty pants me forgot to take pictures of the ones I am bringing but here is a little idea of what you can expect…