Hey moms, can't we all just get along?

This is a bit of a departure from all things holiday related, but

I have a wish for 2012 on my brain today...

I wish, we as moms, could all just get along.

{via}

You know, do that thing God asks of us...

Be an encouragement to one another.

This is so strongly written on my heart.

We listen to so many ways about how to organize ourselves,

keep our home, manage things, but what about what we can do for one another?  
It's a simple thing really.

Respect. Be Kind. Encourage.

There is no specific season for this or time, it's just something to do every day.

Please know I do not mean this in a preachy way.  I have just seen friendships collapse, feelings hurt, and relationships stopped before beginning all because of assumptions, envy, judgement, and it's plain sad.

I have to remember it myself, to just be ok with how I parent.  

Not  hide behind the veil of insecurity and tout the decisions we make for our children.

Not look for others to agree and highlight why someone else

who does it differently is wrong, misinformed, not as Christian. 

{grr that one always gets me}.

I am talking here about the collective whole of moms,

who want the best for their children, and to make this world a better place

for them to live in... to carry out their God given plan.

As moms we have so many decisions to make.

We seek out advice from trusted sources, pray about it, etc.,

What about just being ok with making the decisions for you and your loved ones without having to reason why others who decide differently are wrong.

Maybe it's, "well I am just speaking my feelings."

True.  Honest opinions are valued.  

But did you have to alienate people who do it differently?

Aren't most of us trying to do the same thing?

I speak from my heart and wear it on my sleeve.

Lately it seems if a mom can do things successfully, well 

we want to point out what she may not be doing well.

She's crafty, the Lord didn't make us all to be crafty.

OK, but he made her that way, so why not lift others up for the 

gifts God gave them?

She homeschools.  She doesn't homeschool.

Maybe she does what she thinks is best for her kids.

There are many women I admire and wish I would have their talents.

I was not made that way, it's ok, and it's also ok to SHINE at what 

my creator did make me good at.  It's also ok to not want to have to hear why someone doesn't think it is authentic.
There is nothing to prove.

Let's give one another the benefit of the doubt,  how does that sound?

It seems these days you just can't win.  

If a mom decides to potty train, 

well there will be loads of opinions on why it's not the right time.

If it's too early you just want to be a show off,

if it's too late, what are you waiting for?

Let's assume we are as moms, making the right decisions for our family.

It's so crazy that when my oldest started to read at 3, 

I was so proud of him, but so quiet about it.

Again, well she must have done that 

Your Baby Can Read program.

{for the record I didn't}

He just memorized it, he didn't read it.

{well, that was proven wrong}

Why can't we just be ok with what others do?
And jumping out on a limb here...
{gasp} happy for them??

Insecurity.  Maybe.

It rears its ugly head because we think maybe we are doing the wrong thing.

Judgement.  Ugh.

See insecurity again.

I know my opinion just may not be the popular one {smile}.  Or maybe

I shouldn't care, but I do because think of how much 
good we could do if we held up other moms?
...not just our mom friends...


What if we reserved judging the mom whose child was screaming in the grocery store?  If we gave her a reassuring look instead of the evil eye that she must be doing something wrong.
Haven't we all been there in some form?


What if we voiced our beliefs but reserved judgement?

I don't mean to not make waves or hold tight to your beliefs.

Have beliefs, have loads of them, and live according to them.

Stand up for your beliefs.

Being passionate is such a gift.

Just know that others are just as passionate about theirs.  


*~*~*~

One of my friends, cancer survivor, amazing woman, we met during my first Relay for Life.   She understood my passion for finding a cure...for my son to never have to face the ugly C again.  

Every email she sends ends like this, and so I leave it with you too my 

sweet friends.  

"Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody.  
It's a good life enjoy it."  
Jim Henson

And thank you to those who are so encouraging to me,

both in real life and in blogland.
It means more than you know!!
I hope I can do the same for you.

{michelle}

I'm taking a little trip today...

{if you're stopping in from Nikki's hello!  take a look around, hope you find some inspiration and be sure to enter the giveaway!}


Head on over to Nikki's fabulous blog, 

Everything Under the Moon

I am sharing my project using these today.  Can you guess?  

It is super simple and definitely can be accomplished before Christmastime!


Plus Nikki has been hosting a party all week..tutorials, tips, all great fun especially if you need some fresh inspiration in this final week before Christmas!!  

*~Thanks so much for having me Nikki~*


{michelle}

Capturing Wonder

Today I want to capture this childlike wonder...

{Ethan at 3}

I want to save it up, bottle it up.

I remember the day I took this picture.

I remember the hat.

I remember he told me the snow tasted like ice cream.

WONDER is such a beautiful thing.  

Especially at Christmastime.

There is nothing like seeing it all through the eyes of a child.  

In the craziness, to-do-list a mile long, running, running, running, that it is, 

I am trying to pause to keep this at the front of my day...

I am trying, aren't we all?

Wonder is all around.  Miracles abound.

Everything covered in His light.  

"A child has been born to us: God has given a son to us.  He will be responsible for leading the people.  His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Enjoy the *wonder* friends!

{michelle}

GIVEAWAY: Playroom Design Help + Print Giveaway!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!    GIVEAWAY!!!   GIVEAWAY!!!

Yesterday was a milestone here at Our Wonder*filled Life

and it had nothing to do with potty training!!

We have welcomed 150 followers to our blog, 

and while I would write no matter what,

it is absolutely wonderful to have you following along,

reading your sweet comments and the stories you have shared with me.

So, welcome new friends and old...

not old friends but friends who have been with us {phew!}

our dear followers.

Of course what better time than Christmastime

 for a giveaway right?!!

*~*~*~*~

Does your playroom look a little like this after the holidays?

Toys strewn about everywhere?

And does it still look like this by St. Patrick's Day? {grin}

{google images}

If you're new around here, hello!, you'll see I have five boy wonders
and well our home does look a bit like that photo after Christmastime!!!


But with some organization and planning, I try to get it back to looking like this...hopefully before Summertime!!

Even if you don't have a space {ours was intended to be a dining room}
there are still ways to organize toys so your children can play more
effectively, learn how to put their things away, and so you aren't 
biting your tongue every time you step on a lego...aren't those the worst?!!


I will help tackle your design dilemma with a mini consultation 
via email and inspiration board to help with any of the following:


creating a play space area,
setting up specific functional areas within a playspace,
budget finds for storage,
playroom decor ideas,
solutions for mixed ages or boy/girl playrooms
or something else that's been a struggle
{within reason of course!}

{ Take a peek at the article I wrote for Janell's House of Fifty blog on 
creating special rooms for children. }  



I am also giving away this ADORABLE print
{unframed}
and reminder so dear to my heart...

{Plum Street Prints}
-or-



{Plum Street Prints}

These prints are not being given away by the shop, they are MY
gift to you, my sweet followers!!!


Entering is simple...


{1}
New to Our Wonder*filled Life?  
Follow here via Google Friend Connect
and leave a comment to say hello or answer the question in #2. 


{2}
 If you already follow here via Google Friend Connect, 
tell me what is your toughest challenge or biggest
design dilemma when it comes to organizing your kids
and their stuff?

I will answer some of your questions as best I can
after the holidays {in the New Year}.



{3}
And because you'll need some caffeine to tackle
all the after Christmas mess...it's a blessed mess isn't it?
I am giving away a $10 Starbucks giftcard in a separate random drawing to one of our followers.  


It won't necessarily look like this one, just thought it was a cool card
and for a purpose!!

{image}


This giveaway will end on midnight December 23rd,
with the winner announced on December 27th.  So enter away!!


Just in time for that New Years resolution to get organized!!!
Well it's one of mine anyway!


Good Luck!!!
Love having you follow along with us on this
full-speed-ahead adventure!!!


{michelle}




Linking up this giveaway to...

It's a Wonder*Filled Christmas! {DayTWELVE}

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

a real, 9 ft. Christmas tree!

{whoops, didn't karate chop or arrange the pillows...eh well}

It's the very last day of 

It's a Wonder*filled Christmas! 

{sniffle, sniffle}

 Thank you all for stopping by and all of your lovely comments.

I want to keep it real and tell you there were no magical elves,
no babysitters, and so I need to thank my husband, Matt, for 
helping me find the time to put this whole twelve days together.


It took a lot of planning and organizing, and while it may not be
what is out there in blogland all fabulous {smile}.
It is my fabulous and it was hard work and yet so enjoyable too.
{In the midst of potty training four 2-year olds, this is maybe
what our tree should have looked like}...

And well our home has some new festive decor
and traditions to keep in years to come.  


OK back to the tree...
 

We are thrilled we have a real tree!  It's from a tree farm in Wisconsin,
we bought it through our church, they even dropped it off, perfect for us!!
We do have a couple more trees around, the artificial kind, 
this one is just so special to me this year.


With a real tree comes a tree stand, water, and little hands that want to play in said water.  I have seen trees in silver buckets, but I decided to paint and stencil this one to fit our decor a bit more.  Not only do I love it,
but I love that my only cost was paint!!


DAY TWELVE
{Stenciled Christmas Tree Bucket}

 It's the same bucket from the boys' first {little sailors} birthday seen in the last photo here.  I spray painted it, hand painted on a stencil and voila, there you have it!  The stand fits inside the bucket!!

We made a star for the top of our tree from a metallic and linen paper combo
using this tutorial.  Isn't it pretty?!

Onto one of my favorite things about the tree...

{Snowflake Mobile}

I love hanging decorations from the ceiling...it's magical and fun.  I usually hang them over our island or in the playroom, but decided to hang some snowflake ornaments I was not using over our tree.  Just a handful, so pretty.

 

All you need is the ornament, fishing wire, and thumbtacks.  I used white since our ceiling is white.  That's it.  E came down and said, "I LOVE it Mom!!!"
I knew he would!  

Of course I'll add in some gratuitous pictures of our tree and living room decor. 
I ditched our ribbon on this tree and went with some silvery beaded garland
we had from our apartment days more than ten years ago.  It sparkles so nicely!

{yes, present wrapping is up next!}

The ornaments on our Jesse Tree are growing.  Yesterday we found out more about who Jesse was and his youngest son David, E LOVED that!  

Wrapped this cardboard K and painted this little birdie silver.

No mantel {boo!} but still have a pretty place to display treasured 

photos of my handsome boys.

My favorite Christmas picture ever!!

OK, this is really our mudroom.  Yes it needs a jingle-bell wreath!

A special thank you to my sweet friends...

 Meg from Little Blue Prints

for this elegantly simple tree pillow tutorial. 

Rachel from Holy Craft

for this stunning ornament garland tutorial.

Holly from Heart Break Kids 
for this festive, kid-friendly craft.  


Thank you so very much for taking your time to post here,
I loved having you!  Head on over to see what other amazing-ness
they are up to!!


I'll catch you back here soon!  
I have a couple more projects up my sleeve,
I am so excited for Christmas Break...
and of course will have loads of pictures to share!


Oh, and I almost forgot to mention.
Later this week, giveaway, be here or be square.
It will be one to help you get organized for 2012 after toy-orama 2011!!

So..what was your favorite part of this series?  I'd love to know!


{michelle}

Linking up my stenciled bucket to these lovely parties and here...

The Nester

It's a Wonder*Filled Christmas {Day ELEVEN}

Can I say how much I love bark?!!
It's divine, but I was never a fan of the double broiler,
tempered, involved kind of bark.
It is delicious, but I just can't take that on!
Last year we made this super simple, good in every way...

{S'Mores Bark}

We loved it so much it's now a Christmas goodie staple.

It is such a GREAT gift too!


You'll need...
2 packages Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips
{they melt the best}

mini marshmallows
graham crackers
parchment paper
cooking spray
packaging

Spray rimmed cookie sheet with cooking spray.
{you're spraying so the parchment doesn't stick to the cookie sheet,
you don't want to spray the parchment paper because the bark won't solidify}
Place parchment paper in cookie sheets, with an edge overhanging on all sides.
Break up graham crackers into small pieces.


One way to do this is have your oldest child put said graham crackers in 
a ziploc bag and hit them with a mallet...just one option.  I have to admit it's kind of fun.  Like this...

Melt both packages of chocolate together in the microwave according to package directions {at 50% power}.

Pour chocolate into cookie sheet, evenly distribute and smooth out.
{don't you like my proper cooking term usage?!}

Immediately place mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces on top,
press into chocolate a bit. 

Make sure you stuff as many of the remaining marshmallows 
as you can in your mouth.  

{no I did not let him eat those all!}


Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Break into pieces and package!


I keep the bark in the refrigerator until delivering it, but I find if it's prepackaged then I won't break into it and eat it! {grin}
Our bark will be on its way to school with E for some deserving teachers!



You can make so many different kinds!!

Here are some more variations...
just switch up the chocolate and add-ins and you have a whole new bark!!

Martha Stewart Easy Bark Recipes

Easy right? Go ahead, hit the button...

See you right back here tomorrow for day twelve!!

Hope you have a cozy, relaxing Sunday night!!

{michelle}

It's a Wonder*Filled Christmas! {Day TEN}

Hello, Hello again!

Only a few more posts left in our 

It's a Wonder*filled Christmas Series!!


Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas yet?
I hope it is beginning to feel like Christmastime!!

Today I am sharing our advent calendar with you.

I know advent is nearly half over, but it's still not too late!

{at least that's what I tell myself!}


Instead of letting this little project sit in a bin until next year,

when it will most likely not be finished, it will now be all ready to go!

I found a great way too to handle the 
more-than-one-child,

who-gets-to-open-today issue too!  

On a daily basis to mark our journey toward the 
most wonderful day of the year, we have...


Ralph the Elf moving about
Trader Joe's advent calendars to each open
Ethan's paper chain advent from religious ed. class
and most importantly...
our Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath


It all helps to just make these days more special than all the other days in the year.  It's not about what you can cram
in the day, but just to say today is different, today we're moving a day closer to the birth of our King and that is every reason to celebrate!  


 For this advent calendar you'll need...


large number stamps 
small number stamps
ink
25 small muslin bags, I got these for a steal at Pick Your Plum 
love that they had red detailing, perfect!
yarn
25 clothespins
advent goodies or slips of paper with activities
your calendar to coordinate activities with
{it's easier to do this if you have the days planned out ahead of time}

Use the large number stamps to stamp the date in the left hand corner.

Next stamp your clothespins with the initial of who gets to open
that day... our worked out nicely with the number five yay!
Keep in mind, we have the chocolate advent calendars too so 
each one gets to open one every day.  I think the Trader Joes ones were $1.99.

So you'll have a bag and clothespin for each day.

I put some goodies inside, chocolate, little toys.  

These can be picked up throughout the year.  

We also use slips of paper like these that cost next to nothing.  

My favorites...have a slumber party by the Christmas tree {right now with E}, Christmas lights scavenger hunt, and bake Jesus a birthday cake.  

Ethan's half birthday falls within the advent timing, so he gets to open
that special date.  That's why I love this idea!  We do a small celebration,
a book, some cupcakes, it's a fun tradition.  

Ours hangs on some string, using these little hooks along the walls in 
Aiden, Beckham, Liam, and Griffin's playroom.  

I love these little muslin bags, I used one for my niece's
 giftcard to go with this tree.

Coming up a delicious, simple, kid-friendly bark recipe!!
I promise you won't want to miss it!
over and out,


{michelle}


Linking up my advent sharing solution to these lovely parties!!