If you are a parent of young children, I'm sure you know all about pillow pets. Maren really wants one. One day after her nap, Chris let her watch a little television while he was getting some work done. The commercial came on and from the other room Chris heard Maren mumble to herself, "I wanna pillow pet." Well, I am not exactly in love with them so I decided to create my own version of the pillow pet for Christmas. I found a cute turtle pattern from
Bend the Rules Sewing and just enlarged it by a lot. It was really easy and cost me nothing, since I only used fabric I had on hand. I guess it doesn't look anything like the real pillow pets, but Maren will still use it as a pillow when she is watching TV or reading. I have to say, It's really nice to have a two-year-old during birthdays and Christmas. She doesn't know any better so my inexpensive, homemade gifts are exciting for her.
P.S. Christmas came early for me...I found my wedding ring! Maren put it in my freezer paper roll that I use for making patterns. Our little monkey just
loves hiding things. Chris and I had been out looking at new rings the day before and even found one we like, but decided to wait on the purchase just in case. I kept thinking to myself, "One of these days I will find it when I least expect it." And I was right.
Christmas! I'm telling you, having children really brings the magic and excitement back into the holidays. Maren loves singing "Jingle Bells," talking about what Santa is going to bring her (candy and a bear), helping me wrap presents and looking at Christmas lights.
I started making these birds for my tree last year and finally finished. I found the pattern in this book and really like how they turned out. 
I love being a mom. And I love that Chris works really hard so I can be home. That being said, Maren is stubborn to my breaking point. Everything with her is a long, drawn-out battle (getting dressed, getting undressed, eating, leaving the house, coming home, sleeping) which I frequently lose! One doctor called her "high need" and it wasn't even an appointment for Maren. I'm even starting to get "looks" from other moms (screw them for judging!). Sometimes when I am feeling at the end of my rope, I remember she is her own little person. She is sweet and loves to cuddle and give hugs. She can say an entire prayer all by herself. She is super smart and mostly speaks in full sentences, even if most of those sentences are "No, I'm not" and "No, I don't." She is creative. She has her dad's sense of humor. She is tall, delicate and beautiful. She remembers to say please, thank you, sorry and excuse me most of the time. She is energetic and coordinated. I love every part of her dearly. I'm just hoping that her headstrong personality will come in handy when she starts dating. I also wish she would wear the adorable H&M shirt I just bought.
I also had to share with you these little cars and accessories we found today at the thrift store.
I teach Sunbeams. It is one of my favorite callings and I love all my crazy, sweet 4-year-olds. Every Sunday I come home with an interesting story for Chris (which usually involves hitting and spitting). I had to share this weeks story with the rest of you.
