Crafty Texas Girls: mothering

Showing posts with label mothering. Show all posts

3/26/18

Preparing for Easter

It has turned right from winter to spring around here. This week begins the final few days before Easter. We are preparing with egg decorating, treats and church.

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6/26/17

Last summer we went to Oregon for our big family vacation. I realized that I never shared the trip here on the blog and now that summer is here-- I have a little more free time. So I am sitting down and sharing all the details about the trip with you! Vacations have become something that is really important to our family. I know that everyone has different opinions as to what things a family should invest in. For us, we like the vacation experience. Making memories, trying new things, and just having fun together is something that we want to give our girls. And luckily, my husband really likes to plan our travels! So last July, we headed up to Oregon.

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1/10/17

Snowing on the Sun & Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies

Living in Texas is a lot like living on the Sun. The summers are scorching hot. And the other seasons... are pretty much non-existent. I am not complaining, I really do prefer to warm. I am not used to being cold and I don't own much cold weather gear. (Besides the random gloves I bought at the Dollar Spot at Target and my collection of cute plaid scarves that every girl seems to own.) So we were all surprised to get a dusting of snow on January 6th.

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1/3/17

So it's a New Year--- Now What?

It's 2017. We celebrated the arrival of the new year at a friend's house. The New Year is always confusing to me. We get all excited about getting a 'new year', a fresh start!!!! But after the champagne toasts are over and the confetti is swept away... what happens next? Now what are we supposed to do?

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8/31/16

"Outer Space Art" inspired by Creative Galaxy

Today I am sharing a craft that is 'out of this world' :) Ya'll know that one of favorite things to do with my kids is get crafty. Whether we are in the kitchen making a fun snack or breaking out the paints in the craft room-- I really enjoy being creative with my kids. It seems to bring out the best in all of us. And to be honest, sometimes playing with kids (whether its dolls, legos, "pretend" etc) is kind of hard! Which is why being creative together is so great. Artistic and creative projects allow you to spend quality time with your children and keep both of your minds stimulated :)

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5/7/16

Mother's Day Printable: From Your Favorite Child

If you are a mom, then you know, despite what anyone says-- you have a favorite child. You are not 'supposed' to have a favorite child. But you and I both know the truth.

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11/9/15

Behind the scenes of a Musical Parody: "Somebody to Love"

Whoever said cleaning with kids in the house is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos was right! Sometimes keeping the house clean (while maintaining a loving home for you family) can be a challenge. Which is why, when I was approached this summer by Laughing Moms (aka Alisha and Eden) to be part of a video parody about clean carpet--- I immediately accepted!

To see the video click here: https://youtu.be/BOFz0psbGtI

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9/16/15

Super Girls: Mother Daughter Retreat

On Sunday, we hosted our second Mother-Daughter Retreat at White's Chapel. The theme of the event was "Super Girls". The retreat included lunch, a photo booth, games and crafts.
A talented group of ladies worked together for months to make it all happen. And I am proud to say I got to help with the planning, leading one of the crafts, and serving as the featured speaker. It was a big day!

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6/24/15

DIY American Girl Doll Apron

This post is titled "America Doll Apron". But a better title would probably be- do something fun with your kids. Because although we did make American Doll Aprons together, the finished product wasn't really what I was thinking about when we were making these.

Which explains why I have no photos of the process of making the aprons.

We were too busy talking and fussing around in my craft room.

I used to be in my craft room all the time. I spent a few hours each day in there. I had a clothing and accessory line (see it here). The accessories were mainly made in that little room. Early mornings, hot afternoons, and late evenings. I lived in that room.

I put all that aside awhile back (see more here). And when I did, I literally shut myself off from my craft room. It hurt to go back in there and see all the makings of my small business dream (read about it here)all washed up-- my creativity now packed into boxes and shoved in to the corner. I started to use that room as 'walk-in' storage. I stacked boxes and bags on the craft table. I covered my sewing machine. I closed the door and refused to clean, organize or even work in that room.

But my girls have been asking, prodding, pushing me to go back in there. Which confuses me. I felt like the time I spent in that room was time I could have (should have) been spending doing something amazing with them. But they remember it differently. I felt like I was not paying enough attention to them because I was sewing and creating.

Yet they tell me happy stories of 'Remember when you made headbands for me and my friends?' 'Remember when I would sit on your lap and sew?'. 'Remember when I played Barbies under this table and we talked while you worked?'.

I guess I didn't realize that all the time I spent in that craft room, they spent right there with me. They grew up a little bit among bolts of fabric, yards of tulle and spools of thread. They have really joyful memories of all those moments.

So I am trying to get back in there. Not to start a new business, but to do what WE loved doing best in that room. Being creative. Talking. Spending time together.

Now, summer is here. We have time. And today, we used that time to make our own pattern from a piece of blank white paper and then sew American Girl Doll Aprons.

You can see the tutorial and detailed directions for making a doll apron here. "Strictly-Homemade" has a great post with easy to follow steps for making a 18 inch doll apron :)

And when you look at this picture of my girls, maybe you can see it. See what I am starting to see. That kids don't care about finished products or the success of a small business. They just really want to spend time with their mom. So whatever it is that you do (craft, bake, read, nap, walk, sew, work etc) - as long as you are with them, it is a moment in time your child will look back on with joy and love.

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5/10/15

Celebrate Every Mom

Happy Mother's Day! I spent the week (yes, I said 'week'!) celebrating the moms in my life. I did a 'girls night out' with my mom friends. Where we decided to declare that from now, it should be "Mother's Week" not just "Mother's Day". After all that's how we celebrate birthdays around here. Why not Mothers? Plus there are so many amazing mothers in my life. I need a whole week's time to celebrate them all!

Source

My mom friends are my village. We are in the trenches of mommyhood- day in and day out. They are the faces of PTA, cheer, church, soccer, and all the things that make our children's lives go round. They are behind-the-scenes making life good for all our kids. Cheers to you ladies! This job wouldn't be as much fun without you.

I owe a lot to my mother-in-law, she raised the most wonderful man I could have prayed for. She taught him how to be a good man, devoted husband, and loving father. She is a loving Mimi who plans adventures and special dates with my girls. She also makes the best chocolate chip waffles they have ever tasted.

My stepmom is a bonus in our life. She is a delightful grandma who has patiently spent hours teaching my girls to quilt. She knows magical things like how to build fairy gardens. And she can always be counted on to have something special in her pantry.

My own mom is one in a million. God picked her just for me. My memories of her from when I was growing up are filled with hugs, patience, kindness--always kindness. She has a heart of gold. Now that I am a mom, our relationship has changed but stayed the same. She is the best listener and always seems to know how what to say. My girls adore their Grammy. She has special powers like growing a garden, making forts, and spontaneously playing softball at the park. Her house is full of treasures from the past that have turned into stories my girls will always remember. China dolls, vintage Raggedy Anne books, and Barbie dolls from the 60's. No one can replace my mom.

Today I am thankful for all the women in my life who care, nurture, and love children. Motherhood is the hardest job you will ever love.

In the past, I have made Mother's Day crafts and gifts. But this year, I went for the classic gift. Beautiful flowers delivered to each of my favorite 'mom's' front door. Thank you to ProFlowers for helping me Celebrate Every Mom!

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

2/28/15

What To Do When You're Snowed In With Kids

Well our magic chicken noodle soup recipe worked... school was closed on Monday due to 'inclement weather' aka ice. Then it was closed again on Tuesday, due to the refreezing of that ice. Aaaaaaaand then, it was delayed two hours on Wednesday due to snow. We then wrapped up the week with several inches of snow on Friday that led to an early dismissal! What a week!

For the most part, my girls play well together and are easily entertained. But still, getting 'snowed in' with kids can be sweet & sour. On the one hand, it is fun to have extra time together. Time to relax and take a break from a busy schedule. On the other hand, it is really easy to go 'stir crazy'!

So here are my favorite ideas for "What to Do When You're Snowed In With Kids" :)

1. Get Outside. We don't have real 'winter' gear. But that didn't stop my girls from playing in the ice and snow. It did lead to some extra laundry, but it was worth it. I firmly believe that fresh air can cure anything! (Even cabin fever.)

2. Break out the Crafts. My girls are always getting craft/activity kids for gifts and we don't always have the time to sit down and enjoy them. Knowing you have nowhere to go... makes for the perfect time to give those activities a try. If you don't have craft kits on hand, cruise Pinterest for crafty ideas or science projects that are age appropriate for your crew. You would be surprised what you can make with items you already have at home.

3. Bake. There is something about cold weather that makes a person hungry. Let your kids help you in the kitchen. My girls wanted to make s'mores but we were out of graham crackers. So we put 4 mini marshmallows on a ritz cracker and microwaved it for 15 seconds. Then we topped it with a piece of Hershey chocolate and another ritz cracker. It was ahhh-mazing. I will never go back to graham crackers.

4. Turn on the TV. I am always fearful that I will rot my kids brain with television. But my husband sweetly reminded me "A few extra hours in front of the tv will not kill them!" When you are trying to keep everyone happy under unusual circumstances, tv is good. So I snuggled up on the couch and we watched Netflix movies. I had forgotten how fun those old Disney classics like "Swiss Family Robinson" are to watch.

5. Read. Read to your kids. Have them read to you. Grab a book you like and read to yourself while they look at books. Let them read to each other! My girls fell asleep in the same bed one night while they were reading to each other. So sweet!

6. Play. Sometimes we forget to just play with our kids. Puzzles, Wii games, dolls, legos etc. Make a snowman or start a snowball fight. Do something silly or just give them your complete attention. My girls love for me to be the audience to their elaborately choreographed dance and singing shows. I have a friend who shared on facebook that she let her kids play "Fancy Hotel". She relaxed in bed while her kids 'spoiled' her with room service, fluffy towels, and great manners.

7. Be Social. If you have neighbors, invite them over for lunch, dinner or a playdate. Getting to socialize with others makes everyone feel better. On our second 'snow day' the roads were dry enough to drive, so we met friends nearby for lunch and a trip to Jump Street. It was good for us all to get out and talk to other people.

And remember, this too shall pass. The snow will eventually melt, everyone will go back to real life and busy schedules. So no matter how crazy you might feel while stuck in the house, your kids will remember those snow days. Their best days and favorite memories will always be the ones they got to spend with you.

2/6/15

Coffee, Chocolate, and Must-Have Mascara

It was cold last week. Our weather continues to flop from spring to winter, 70 one day and 30 the next. I would complain, but those cold days really make you appreciate the warm ones. And since it is still winter, a little cold weather is expected. Even in Texas. Thursday was especially cold. The girls didn't have any activities after school, so we had the gift of time without constraints. We decided to go for an 'after school snack' at Buon Giorno. It's a cozy cafe with rich coffee and tall cakes.

We snuggled on the worn leather couch and talked about school. The cake was so tall that no one even had to 'fork fight' over the last bite. Is there anything as perfect as coffee with chocolate? I think not. Coffee is life giving!

When we got home I found a package from Popsugar Moms containing a 'new mystery' mascara to try out. It's an interesting idea. Send an unbranded product to a bunch of bloggers to review.

The only info included with the mascara was a little card. It read, "Lucky you! You get the exclusive sneak peek of this new mystery mascara brought to you by Popsugar & Sephora." It's a new mascara that comes with an "innovative brush that hooks your lashes for visible lift, giving you super-curl that lasts up to 12 hours".

Well who doesn't like a good mystery?! With an audience of two- who kept asking if I would give them 'make-overs'!! ("No, you got cake.) I gave it a try. If you are new here... I am something of a mascara junkie. It is my favorite make-up. I have several go-to brands. But I am always on the look out for the next 'new' thing. (My current 'mascara must-haves' are Loreal's Voluminous, Younique's 3-D Lash, and Victoria Secret's Mascara.)

And honestly, this 'mystery mascara' won me over. I usually buy mascara with a big thick brush. But this little brush had the whole 'lift-and-separate-thing' going for it. It felt like it was a comb, grabbing each little lash and coating it with mascara.

I applied several coats. It is easy to apply, and does as promised... adds length and curl. I mean really lengthens. It didn't irritate my eyes, it didn't take long to apply, and didn't feel heavy. Which left me wondering "Who makes this?!!"

"Mascara" Selfies... awkward?!

Included on my 'happy mail' info card from Popsugar was a link with the 'reveal' the mystery brand. Drum roll please...... It's "Benefit Cosmetics"! you can see the product description here at Sephora.

When my sample runs out, I will definitely be purchasing more of this Roller Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics. I love the look and I am adding it to my list of 'must-have mascaras'. It was fun experimenting with a 'mystery beauty product.' It made for a perfect afternoon- coffee, chocolate, mascara, and my girls. #curlpower

PS- Thank you for all the thoughtful comments you left on my last post. It's nice to know you are all out there supporting me :)

And if you are a coffee lover like me, be sure to check out this post with 17 Smart Uses for Coffee Grounds.

2/3/15

Easy Valentine Boxes

Hello! This has been the longest break from blogging I have taken in 5 years. Christmas came and went. Then the New Year rolled around. And I just never sat down to blog. I felt like I didn't have anything to say. There are so many talented bloggers now and their projects are so amazing. The photography is flawless, the ideas are original, it is all so good. I didn't think the Internet needed anything that I had to say or make. So I stopped writing.

I still posted on Instagram @craftytexasgirl a lot. Because that is easy and fun.

But I gave up coming here and writing. It seemed like too much fuss for really no reason. What did I have to say that was 'so important' it should be published online??

Now this lady! She had some things to say that are worth reading.

So weeks and weeks passed and no blog posts... Then over the weekend, my girls and I worked on a holiday project. Nothing huge, just something for fun. I helped my girls make their Valentine boxes. The weather was dreary and we were stuck in the house. Crafting is one of my favorite ways to pass the time.

While we were working, I realized why I hadn't been posting about crafts much anymore.
To do a really good craft post, one with great lighting and fabulous photos, you need to stage everything. You need to look at the light, the background, the composition. You need to dress your kids in a cute Valentine outfit and situate things 'just so'.

Source

And honestly, I am just not in the mood to do that much right now.

So I decided to take photos with my iPhone instead and enjoy the moment with my kids. They did most of the work themselves, like real kids do. These are not 'Pinterest-looking' Valentines boxes. These are real Valentine boxes. The kind most people make. The kind that don't go viral on the Internet or get featured on Craft Gawker.

These are shoe boxes covered with craft paper from Target and globs of Elmer's glue.

This is a box 'designed' by an 8 year old who loves neon stripes and sticker letters.

These are hearts cut out by a five year old who is working on her 'scissor skills'.

I am hoping the Internet still needs this kind of craft blogging. Because this is all I am really wanting to do anymore. It isn't shiny or fancy. It isn't the stuff 'craft dreams' are made of. It is messy and it is sticky. And when it was all over, I had to clean it all up.