hissie vs conniption

Oy.  I'm tired.  Exhausted.  At my ends.  And that's the truth. 

This waiting and stretching is hard for me.  As I am sure waiting and stretching would be hard for anyone.  I have several friends that are all going through their own versions of waiting, too.  So it has been comforting to see and hear them all going through the same thing.  To hear of them "going through the fire" with me and seeing a reflection of the same issues and questions and hopes. 

And I am sure that some people don't get why we are so worked up about what we are waiting for.  I mean to them they see only a change of address.  What's the big deal?  To us...it is SO much more than that.  It is going HOME.  It is being part of a loving community.  It is what our hearts are longing for.  It is being near family...family that love our boys and would be (more) of a part of their lives.  

Though this waiting and waiting has been HARD, I know that it is worth it...if for nothing else but for the fact that I can feel God tugging on me...working on me...refining my character...making me into a HUGE mess as He works on my heart and soul.  

Me longing to leave here does not mean I am not thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with...I have made a point of using this time to make myself aware of all that I am blessed with.  I fall to sleep most nights just going through a list of everything I can think of to thank Him for...from food in the fridge to being able to buy new clothes.  I know I am blessed.  

I have also been thinking about how terrible I am at waiting.  And it is true.  I have terrible patience.  And I am tired.  I am tired of being told how to feel.  I am tired of so many people defending Charlottesville like it's where puppies were invented.  I am tired of being told how terrible I am for talking about God and the hard stuff I am dealing with all in the same breath.  I'm not bothered by any of that...because what's the purpose of a merciful God if I am already all "good"...I am just tired of hearing it.

I am tired of being told to "just pray God's will" like the thought had not occurred to me yet. 

I am thankful for the small group of friends that I can be real with and work through all this mess with.  I am thankful for a husband that is good and encouraging to me.  I am thankful that through all of this mess I can feel and KNOW that God is near to me...that He IS working on me.  I am thankful that I know that He has not forgotten me.  That He is teaching me in this moment.  

I feel like my first 18 year of life left me with a lot of rough spots...and it is moments like this that He is really working to smooth those out.  And leave me a better person in the end.   

I am thankful that I KNOW that in the end HIS will is the best.  That HE has a plan for me.  That all of this will be used for HIS good.  My brain knows all the right things.  It's my stupid girl emotions that are making everything a mess.  Making it nearly impossible for me to get through a day without a hissie and/or conniption fit depending on where you are from.  

So while it IS hard.  He is working.  I am learning.  He is shaping.  I am growing.  And for at least a brief moment or two during the day I have a peace that surpasses understanding and I know that all will be well before I know it.     

I feel like I am failing at everything...or being knocked down to be built up again. 

The best part of this whole ordeal...is that I have developed an unquenchable desire for His word wherever I can find it...since someone asked about which devotions I do I thought I would share my routine...You can click on all of titles for a link to sign up. It looks like a lot...but most don't take long to read...

In the morning before I get out of bed I read these on my phone while I listen to the boys waking up:

Encouragement for Today

(written specifically for women comes every morning)

Upwords-Max Lucado

(comes once a week)

Desiring God-John Piper

(comes once a week and hurts my head to read before coffee...I usually have to come back to this one)

Parenting By Design

(comes every morning)

This "The One Year Devotions for Women" at night along with my daily portion of The One year Bible.

I just finished reading Tortured for Christ.  You can click on that link to get a free copy...it's good for some perspective about how great life is here in the states.

So that's me. :)  I made it through another day.

finished...

Just finished up this sweet custom order...it's done from her daughters original drawing. :) So precious and ready to frame.  I can do a couple more before Christmas...here's a listing if you are interested.

(Just so you know this particular artwork cost more than the listing in the shop because of all the detail...you can contact me for a price quote.)

Happy weekend!

wishin.

 In parsley, please.  I broke my current hand mixer making a really thick recipe this fall. 

 This would be the first non-mom bag I have owned in four years.  Plus it will hold my camera so I won't have to lug a purse and a camera bag.  Teal, please.

 So I would never really want this...because my children would destroy it upon entry of my home.  But in wish land your children don't ruin the things you like best right?  From krita.

 This would indeed make me feel special. From vesselsandwares.

 I've needed an extra large one for some time.

And this would just make my life a little easier.

And money to spend here is always nice. :) 

A girl can dream can't she?

20 minute crafter. Christmas t-shirt inspiration.

 Moses requested a Christmas shirt...one with a tree and a star to be exact...

 Using the method from this 20 minute crafter...this is what I came up with.  The only difference was that instead of using a single piece of fabric I actually sewed some strips together in a wonky style before I used the iron on backing and cut out my shape.

 Of course hoho had to have one too...and Moses says he will only wear his to school.  Oy.

The shirts are from Old Navy for about $4. :) 

Happy crafting!

little boy funnies.

Some boy funnies recently:

at dinner moses was adding "yo" to the end everything he said. 

he got goofy and it went something like this:

"i eat yo.
milk yo.
man yo.
boy yo.
...table yo.
hoho yo.
i eat snow yo.
but never yellow snow."

you know i always wondered what was going on in the brain of his sometimes....now i know. yo.

~*~

At lunch recently, Moses ended a story he was telling with

"and then God gives you a hug. And a cookie".

~*~

 Hoho is that guy who says I love you...a lot.  A couple of times a half hour at the very least.  And he will repeat it until you say it back.  And he doesn't forget and move on.

The other day he was saying it to Moses...over and over and over...Moses said I love you back.  A couple minutes went by and Hoho needed another fix.  So he said I love you...over and over and over and over until Moses couldn't take it and said "I don't love you anymore hoho".

~*~

The boys were playing together...Aaron wanted a toy that Moses had...Moses didn't give it to him.  Aaron started to cry.  Moses says to Aaron "Why don't you cry about it and see what that gets you". 

(I have definitely never said that to him). 

~*~ 

Moses recently inquired about a body part he had never noticed.  He asked what they were called and insisted on an answer.  Doug finally complied and told him what they were called...and that we don't talk about them.  And that sometimes boys can go without a shirt but girls can't...to which Moses responded "Yeah, because they don't have nibbles". 

~*~

I've taught Moses to say "God speed" when he sees a fire truck or ambulance with their lights on...only he says "God sneeze!"

what i wish. num 14.

Welcome to "What I wish I could tell you"...an anonymous platform for bloggers to share what they don't feel free to share on their own blogs.  If you have a story/thought/ache/hurt/feeling/secret/prayer request you want to get out, feel free to email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com.  You will remain anonymous to all but me unless you choose otherwise. 

The author of this entry has chosen to stay anonymous.  Say hello to anon #14: 

~*~
I wish I could tell you how miserable you make me feel when we're out and you can't take your eyes off of that beautiful woman. How it hurts me, and it never goes away. How each and every time you do it I crumble.

I wish I could tell you that email I found, that you wrote to that woman saying she was gorgeous, nearly killed me. And, every time you look longingly at another woman I think of that email. Yes, I said I forgave you for that, but it never goes away. I wish I could tell you how it makes me feel that you would tell another woman, which you have never met in person, that she is gorgeous, and you have never said anything remotely close to that to me. I wish I could tell you that every time you do that I wish I would have ended the relationship before we ever married and had kids.

I wish I could tell you that I hate so much that I feel this way. I don't want to feel like this. I wish it didn't bother me so much that you do this.

I wish I could tell you that I have never felt so inadequate, so stupid, and so ugly, until I married you. I wish that for just one day I could feel like I was as beautiful in your eyes as those other women you stare at. I wish that for just one day I could be half as intelligent as you are, and that you wouldn't argue with or tell me how wrong I am for each and everything I say. I wish I could tell you how worthless you make me feel.

But what I wish I could tell you most of all, is that I love you, and if it were not for these wonderful children we have together I would just leave and never look back. 

~*~

Want a turn to share?  Email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com. 

Feel free to comment and encourage or just relate and assure.

allow me to encourage you...

If you have been here a while you have heard me preach this before:

Please, instead of doing NOTHING...do SOMETHING!

What I mean is, how many of us regularly think of some great thing we could do for somebody.  Then we think of the time it will take and the money and the blah, blah, blah...and before we have even STARTED to do it...we have talked ourselves out of it OR put it off until we have the money and time.  Which is really the same as deciding not to do it.  

So I implore you...do SOMETHING.  Even if you can't do the big idea...you can do a small one.  Even if you can't buy your friend the big fancy mixer she wants you CAN bake her some cookies.  Even if you can't solve your friends problems...you CAN write her a letter to encourage her.  Even if you can't be with someone this time of year, you CAN send them a little something to let them know you care. 

You might remember that two Christmases ago I got a really lovely note from someone here in Charlottesville...the note simply said "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from a fellow Norwegian-with his name and number"...it was written in Norwegian.  My husbands car has a Norway sticker on the back and his license plate makes it clear that he is Norwegian.  Anyway...for TWO Christmases in a row I wanted to do something for that nice gentleman...just to say thank you...I had big ideas...but because they were so big...they never got done.  So this year I decided, that I would at least write him a little thank you note...and then if I can I can always do something else.  But at least I have done SOMEthing.   

This is the time of year that I start sending out my "Christmas cheer" packages...just simple packages filled with cookies or other little things...just SOMEthing to tell the recipient that they are special and that I care enough to tell them so.  I don't worry about sending everyone I know one...which is a reason that I know keeps others from doing something similar...I simply send to whomever God puts on my heart...

So...if you have it in mind to do something for someone...and you can tell that you are putting it off "until"...can I suggest and encourage you to do SOMEthing...today. :) You have no idea how much a card or a small bundle of cookies could mean to someone. 

:)

curtains take two.

 All this waiting has spurred me to get a lot of projects done that I have been meaning to do...much like nesting to a pregnant woman (i am NOT pregnant)...the anticipation of something to get ready for has me in a tizzy...lots of things are finally getting done...these curtains for example.

 You might remember me making some similar ones for my dining room...you can read about them HERE...and learn how to make them there too.

 And...these photos do them little justice...it's tough to get a good photo in the room they are hanging it since there is only one window...

 All the fabrics are from Hawthorne Threads.  I did a search for damask, red and aqua and chose a few fabrics based on the results.

 You can do these...if you look at my little how-to you will see that there is NO tricky sewing involved...and I cut the curtains on the seam making an instant straight line.

And these little guys will be heading to the shop tomorrow...after they are a little more glittered and tinseled up...and after much consideration I decided to have a cyber Monday sale. 

Starting at midnight tonight everything will be Buy One, Get One 50% off.  

50% off comes off of the cheaper item...does not apply to shipping.  Unlimited to how many items you get...buy two full price, get two 50% off.  Does not apply to custom listings that are not already in the shop...

Tomorrow only. :) 

Happy Sunday!

so thankful.

 God has been helping me with my perspective.  He is awesome like that.  I find it no coincidence that ever since I had my devotional yesterday I have come across a wide variety of clips and stories that remind me that I have so much to be thankful for...from stories about sick children in hospitals, to a family who found out that their son had died in Iraq, to family with three children who lost their mother in a terrible car accident and other stories that remind me, again and again that my life is far from terrible.  Not that I thought it was...it's just ME comparing the life I DO have to the life that I guess I think I would have made for myself had I been in control.  

The good news is that I know that my planning is terrible when it comes to what God can do.

So when I have started to fret...I have started to list to God what I am thankful for...

- my amazing, understanding, patient and wonderful husband.

-my wonderful, spunky and crazy little boys.

-that even though my boys are both sick right now...I am SO thankful that it is JUST a cold.

-we have a house that is clean and safe

-that my husband has a great job

-that we have clean water

-that we have clothes to wear

-that we can buy our boys anything they need

-that we are in a position to help others...and do!

-that we have books to read and toys to play with

-that we have a promise of Heaven and have been saved from hell

-that I have friends that love me

-that we have access to ANY healthy food we could want

-that we could put up a Christmas tree this evening

-that we can be FREE to worship Jesus without fear of persecution

-that I have family in the people that God has given me (you know, the in-laws).

I could go on and on...and I plan to.

And here's a verse that I have been clinging to:

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've  

received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24

I believe, I believe.

{trying} to focus on perspective.

(image available at drawpilrgim for free download)

My devotional this morning was about keeping a proper perspective in a situation...and really how it makes it easier to be thankful and more aware of the blessings that God has given you and take the focus off of what you are wanting or longing for. 

This time of year is always hard for me to keep that perspective in line.  My parents (and as a result my brother and sister and entire family) are not part of my life...or my boys lives.  Every holiday season my heart just breaks for the family I don't have...for the warm and fuzzy holiday times...for getting together with family and having it be GOOD.  I grieve for all the things you would expect a person who has been orphaned by her family would grieve for. 

But I try to hard to focus on what I DO have.  

I have Doug, a wonderful husband who is great to me...who is mentally, physically and spiritually healthy.  I have two wonderul boys who are a joy and healthy and wonderful.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  And there will be no turkey at our house.  No mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie or any of the other holiday goodness that normally surrounds the day.  It will for all accounts be a normal day here.  Doug will have to work until 10am that day and be back to work by 2 AM the the next morning.  There is no reason really to have a big dinner that would just take away from the time we will have together.  In reality the money we would have spent on that dinner is going to help other people this season who need it.  

And honestly that is not the part that has me bummed out.   It's the fact that this year that we will see NO family whatsoever.  And the comfort of extended family is something we are all craving more of.  It's been extra tough this year...

Part of the reason I think I am taking such a beating is the waiting we have been doing for an answer that we are waiting for.  An answer that I have prayed for dozens of times a day since we found out that an answer could be near...so I guess I am saying that I am coming into a highly emotionally vulnerable season...already emotionally vulnerable.

So I am trying to change my perspective... 

Instead of being sad about not having a Thanksgiving this year I am trying to be thankful that Doug has a great job...that allows him to take care of his family and allows me to stay home with our boys.

Instead of being sad about not getting to see family...I am trying to focus on being thankful that we do have family that wants to be part of our life year round and NOT just during the holidays.

Instead of being sad about not having an answer yet...I am trying to be thankful that my level of patience is growing.  And that the "problem" we are facing is a first world problem. 

Instead of being sad about the possibility that we may not get the answer that we want...I am trying to focus on the fact that I know God's plan is best.  Even if I can't understand it.  Even if I feel like I will be crushed if it doesn't work out the way we are hoping for.         

It's a slow and grueling process for me...but every year is a little easier.  If I know anything about myself, I know that slow change tends to be more permanent that quick one...so I least I feel that I can count on my growth to stick. :) 

It's all about perspective.

what i wish. num 13.

Welcome to "What I wish I could tell you"...an anonymous platform for bloggers to share what they don't feel free to share on their own blogs.  If you have a story/thought/ache/hurt/feeling/secret/prayer request you want to get out, feel free to email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com.  You will remain anonymous to all but me unless you choose otherwise. 

The author of this entry has chosen to stay anonymous.  Say hello to anon #13: 

~*~

Letter 1 to Friend 1

Dear Friend 1 I wish I could tell you how I really feel lately, 

We have been friends for 12 years.  We grew up together.  We used to be able to talk on the phone for hours baring our souls to each other.  I graduated and it all changed.  We kept in touch, but you moved an hour away and apparently that was too far for either of us to travel often to visit.  You were a Maid-of-Honor in my wedding, where did that friendship go?   Our friendship started to decline then and there.  You dated guy after guy whom I knew were not good for you.  I watched you become a chameleon changing into whatever that guy wanted you to be.  The last guy you dated was the worst and I so badly wanted to tell you how horrible he was, but you were blind and you would have shut me down.  Years later you commented that what good are friends if we can't be honest with each other, you admitted that you were not ready for honesty back then.  

Flash forward to last year.  You got engaged and asked me to be your Matron-of-Honor.  Despite the 1 hour time difference and 930+ miles between us I did everything I could to be there for you.  When you called to pour out your heart about a concern in your relationship, I understood because I had been there.  But I know you must have shared with him that you told me, because after that it was sugar coated and everything turned perfect.  Knowing the issue I knew it never goes away that quickly--you had been silenced.  It was then that our relationship started to go in reverse.  The phone calls fewer and fewer, the conversations more shallow.  Suddenly I realized our friendship was more of an acquaintanceship.  My heart is saddened.  Come back to me.  Come back and let us grow as Christ wants us to.  God created community so that no one would be alone.  A picture perfect appearance to life is no good if there is no one in the picture with you.  I've been reaching out to you, but it feels hopeless.  My heart is heavy because I miss you.  12 years.  This can not be the end.  I want you to know it's okay for things to be rough and for you to confide in me.

Letter 2 to Friend 2

Dear Friend 2 what I wish I could tell you is that, 

Friend 1 introduced us.  We have been friends for about 10 years.  It wasn't until after high school that our friendship blossomed.  You were a bridesmaid in my wedding.  You called for relationship advice and when I didn't know the answer I got a male perspective from my husband, which you said you were so grateful for.  You have had tragic things happen in your life.  You've lost loved ones, you've been lied to, you gave years to a man who changed his mind and married someone else.  I can't fathom the hurt that you still deal with.  It's not fair.  I want you to meet someone, I want you to get married, and have babies, and accomplish all the dreams you have for yourself.  You need help though.  I can't tell you this because you will shut down and recoil back into your shell that you have so neatly placed around your heart.  You need therapy to work through all the issues that have hurt you.  I wish I could be that person who opened up to like you used to, but I realize now that I am not equipped to help you the way you need.  I can only imagine how hard it is to see love in others when all your previous examples failed.  I saw how you acted at Friend 1's wedding, how sad and withdrawn you were.  I know you didn't mean for me to see it.  It was obvious to me that you were sad that your own mother will never be there for your day.  I know that you so badly want the partner God so carefully picked out for you.  I saw you were hurt and yet I couldn't comfort you, because you were in denial.  I pray for you, I pray for the friendship we once had where I would listen and you would pour out your heart to me.  I want better for you, but you don't think you deserve it.  Why must you keep everyone out?  I was told that I made a joke that hurt you and I didn't even realize it.  I apologized and I asked that if I ever do it again please tell me then and there so that I can realize how I hurt you and take it back so that it doesn't fester in your heart.  Your passivity is not helping, you must tell me before I forget what was said.  I need to do the same with you too.  You have hurt me with your own words, but because I knew you were joking I let it slide.  The jokes weren't funny to me, but I let it slide because I knew you would never mean to say something so hurtful.  I don't want to start over with you, I don't want to go back to small talk, I want to slip back into our comfort zone where we each felt safe.  Please come back to me so that we can grow together as friends the way God the Father intended.

Letter 3 to Friend 3

Dear Friend 3 what I wish I could tell you, 

I have been friends with you for 12 years.  You became friends with Friend 1 & 2 through me in high school.  You were my bridesmaid and I am about to be yours, but during college our friendship drifted.  You liked to party and had everything given to you, I worked full time and paid for my own school.  You dated guys and participated in activities I didn't support, but I was still there for you.  After college your friendship with Friend 2 blossomed even more, when you started to work together.  I couldn't be happier to have all 3 of my friends as best friends to each other.  But you still partied.  I can't recall hanging out with you any place other than a bar for years.  I was frustrated as I watched you drink yourself drunk each and every time we were together.  Was I boring to you?  I was told by Friend 1 when you were invited to her wedding that I make sure you didn't get drunk at the reception.  I watched you, but inevitable you drank more than your fair share.  A few months later you asked me if I had a problem with your drinking and I couldn't be honest because you  were so angry with me.  You said I told a stranger that you had a drinking problem which wasn't true.  I realized later it must have been Friend 2 who said this, because she knew about Friend 1's request at the wedding.  All of a sudden I am a bad guy because I tried to help Friend 1 on HER day.  I do think you drink too much.  There I have really said it now.  I'm about to be in your wedding and I ask you all the time how can I help.  You never want my help.  I live the closest.  You ask the people who live the farthest away to help you.  Why do you want me in your wedding?  You have confided in all of us that you have a problem taking things personally.  That makes me scared to ever share my heart with you.  The last time I did you lashed out at me.  You spoke rashly and hurtfully and now I am pulling back.  I have watched your start your walk again and I am so excited for this!  I want your wedding to be all that you want it to be, but it will never meet your expectations if you continually compare it to everyone elses.  Please let me help you, let me be the friend I've been trying to be.  I want to be your friend, plain and simple.

Letter 4 to all of them.

Dear Friends what I wish I could tell you is that I've written each of you individually and now I must address the situation as a whole, except I can't.  I can't tell you how you have really hurt me over the years.  I am a friend who takes a beating and comes crawling back because I hope you will all change.  In your defense, occasionally, you do change for a short period of time and I feel comfortable again.  Inevitably you take pieces of me and use them as ways to make fun of me.  I'm done laughing.  I'm done letting you tear me down instead of build me up.  I have worked so hard not to step on your toes for fear of how you will react, but I am tired of working so hard by myself.

What I really wish I could tell you is that I'm 10 weeks pregnant, or I was, until Saturday.  I had a miscarriage and I couldn't tell you.  You knew we were trying, but instead of being excited for us you laughed at us for planning.  You chastised me for reading books about planning to get pregnant and preparing my body for a baby.  My husband saw my hurt and couldn't believe how my "sisters" of 10+ years could be so cold.   I used to think my kids would call you Aunts and that maybe one of you would be a God-Parent to my children, but the thought of that now puts a horrible taste in my mouth.  I want to tell you that I was pregnant and I want you to realize that it was the most exciting thing in my life.  We will never all be on the same page again in our lives.  This isn't highschool anymore and I know you are newly weds, newly engaged, and single, but you must realize that I've been married for 6-1/2 years and that we waited to have kids until now.  We have been planning and praying about this for a year despite only telling you 6 months ago. Your reaction to our planning made me realize you weren't ready to share this journey with me.  The fact that we aren't all in the same stage of life is something that we should be excited about.  We can all learn from each other!  What I really want to say to you is that as much as I miss our high school friendship and the ease that came with it, I truly miss the potential our friendships could have now if you would let them, no matter how dirty they may get.  I will be moving further away from all of you in less than a year and if distance is what we need, so be it.  I pray though that at some point you'll understand what we were and what we are now and what God intended this to be.  Thank you for the great years, I really honestly wish you all the best.  I hope someday I can write you a letter thanking you for the amazing friendships you've blessed me with.  I hope that by the time we get to start trying again that you will be excited for us.  I hope someday you'll  understand.

~*~

Want a turn to share?  Email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com. 

Feel free to comment and encourage or just relate and assure.

arm candy. aka 2x the wardrobe.

 You might remember THIS DEBATE from some time back...it was about whether or not baby legs were for boys or girls.  I won because not only did Aaron wear them...but when he was done, Moses took them over and used them as sleeves under his short sleeved shirts. 

 It instantly turned his summer shirts into winter shirts. 

Plus it gave him a way to express his Moses self.

 So...this Fall, I sought out some new ones to add to his collection...

 ...and found "mama runs with scissors".  

The cutest sleeves/leggings I have seen anywhere.  

 I chose a few and they came quick in the mail.  

To say Moses was excited to see them come in the mail is a huge understatement.  He was thrilled to now own some with gnomes, monkeys, bikes and more. :) 

So thrilled that he quickly agreed to a quick modeling session.  

 

Go check them out...mama runs with scissors.  

Excellent quality, great price and quick shipping. 

Fun for boys and girls. :)

christmas gifts you can make. :)

 I know...I have been a blogging fool lately...but I have SO much I am trying to get in...that I just have to...so just hang in there...I'm sure I will level out eventually.  For now...I thought I would share a couple of Christmas gifts I have finished up. :)  These are for my niece...

 For this first dress...I sorta used a tutorial that I found at Make it and Love it. 

By sorta I mean that I looked at it...and then did it my own way.  But the tutorial is great so use it. :)

 You are basically adding some ruffles to the bottom of a long sleeved t-shirt.  Easy and cute.

This one I made a little differently but used the same general idea...

 This one I just made a 6in wide and a 12in wide piece fabric (length depends on how much ruffle you want...2x the width of the shirt will work well)...ruffled them together and sewed them onto the bottom of the skirt.  Super easy.

 And then hair bows to match of course...

You can find a tutorial for making similar ones HERE.  

 Except I used my machine to sew it into a circle onto a piece of felt. 

And buy extra large buttons to cover HERE.

I hope she loves them...I'm always worried about being the Aunt that does this:

I will try to help with any questions in the comments. :)

public service announcement...

It's that time of year where I ruin the surprise of all those on my Christmas card list to gush about the creator of my Christmas cards.  Sara has made my cards for the last four Christmases...on top of other card designs here and there.  To say that she is AMAZING is a huge understatement.  

Her service is superior.  She is patient and talented and completely lovely to work with.  And she doesn't ask me to do this for her...but every year I am SO totally blown away by how GREAT my cards are and how much I love them...that I can't help but tell you all about them and how much you are missing out if you don't get your Christmas cards from her.  Honestly, if it wasn't for Sara I wouldn't do photo Christmas cards.  Mostly because I don't like sending something that I know someone else will be sending...and because I always get duplicates of Christmas cards from different families.  And I don't want to be a duplicate.  Snobby of me, I know.       

I don't know about you but I can hardly STAND how cute these Christmas cards are!!

And the best part...if you order from her right now...you will most likely get a proof of your card within about 24hours.  She is super fast!  She fixes it up and sends you a file to print off as much as you would like!!!  OR you can have her print them for you with all sorts of add-on's like front and back(like ours will be) or rounded corners or matte or glossy.   And great prices all around.

Either way getting your cards will be the easiest thing to get done on your list. 

And you will love Sara.  Go visit her at Less Ordinary Designs. 

I promise.

And like I said, she doesn't ask me to do this for her, I just love her that much, but she IS sponsoring a giveaway tomorrow...come back for that then.  :)

P.S.  "God Jul" is Merry Christmas in Norwegian. :)

haters gonna hate.

 I found this article, via Tim Ferriss, some time ago and read it again today...it's GREAT advice for bloggers and those of us who share via some form of social media.  It reminded me of a few things that I need to keep in mind...I hope you enjoy it too...

1. It doesn’t matter how many people don’t get it. What matters is how many people do.

“It’s critical in social media, as in life, to have a clear objective and not to lose sight of that,” Ferriss says. He argues that if your objective is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people or to change the world in some small way (be it through a product or service), you only need to pick your first 1,000 fans — and carefully. “As long as you’re accomplishing your objectives, that 1,000 will lead to a cascading effect,” Ferriss explains. “The 10 million that don’t get it don’t matter.”

2. 10% of people will find a way to take anything personally. 

Expect it.

“People are least productive in reactive mode,” Ferriss states, before explaining that if you are expecting resistance and attackers, you can choose your response in advance, as opposed to reacting inappropriately. This, Ferriss says, will only multiply the problem. “Online I see people committing ’social media suicide’ all the time by one of two ways. Firstly by responding to all criticism, meaning you’re never going to find time to complete important milestones of your own, and by responding to things that don’t warrant a response.” This, says Ferriss, lends more credibility by driving traffic.

3. “Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.” (Colin Powell)

“If you treat everyone the same and respond to everyone by apologizing or agreeing, you’re not going to be recognizing the best performers, and you’re not going to be improving the worst performers,” Ferriss says. “That guarantees you’ll get more behavior you don’t want and less you do.” That doesn’t mean never respond, Ferriss goes on to say, but be “tactical and strategic” when you do.

4. “If you are really effective at what you do, 95% of the things said about you will be negative.” (Scott Boras)

“This principle goes hand-in-hand with number two,” Ferriss says. “I actually keep this quote in my wallet because it is a reminder that the best people in almost any field are almost always the people who get the most criticism.” The bigger your impact, explains Ferriss (whose book is a New York Times, WSJ and BusinessWeek bestseller), and the larger the ambition and scale of your project, the more negativity you’ll encounter. Ferriss jokes he has haters “in about 35 languages.”

5. “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” (Epictetus)

“Another way to phrase this is through a more recent quote from Elbert Hubbard,” Ferriss says. “‘To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” Ferriss, who holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive tango spins, says he has learned to enjoy criticism over the years. Ferriss, using Roman philosophy to expand on his point, says: “Cato, who Seneca believed to be the perfect stoic, practiced this by wearing darker robes than was customary and by wearing no tunic. He expected to be ridiculed and he was, he did this to train himself to only be ashamed of those things that are truly worth being ashamed of. To do anything remotely interesting you need to train yourself to be effective at dealing with, responding to, even enjoying criticism… In fact, I would take the quote a step further and encourage people to actively pursue being thought foolish and stupid.”

6. “Living well is the best revenge.” (George Herbert)

“The best way to counter-attack a hater is to make it blatantly obvious that their attack has had no impact on you,” Ferriss advises. “That, and [show] how much fun you’re having!” Ferriss goes on to say that the best revenge is letting haters continue to live with their own resentment and anger, which most of the time has nothing to do with you in particular. “If a vessel contains acid and you pour some on an object, it’s still the vessel that sustains the most damage,” Ferriss says. “Don’t get angry, don’t get even — focus on living well and that will eat at them more than anything you can do.”

7. Keep calm and carry on.

The slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” was originally produced by the British government during the Second World War as a propaganda message to comfort people in the face of Nazi invasion. Ferriss takes the message and applies it to today’s world. “Focus on impact, not approval. If you believe you can change the world, which I hope you do, do what you believe is right and expect resistance and expect attackers,” Ferriss concludes. “Keep calm and carry on!””

That was enlightening.

what i wish. num 12.

Welcome to "What I wish I could tell you"...an anonymous platform for bloggers to share what they don't feel free to share on their own blogs.  If you have a story/thought/ache/hurt/feeling/secret/prayer request you want to get out, feel free to email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com.  You will remain anonymous to all but me unless you choose otherwise. 

The author of this entry has chosen to stay anonymous.  Say hello to anon #12: 

~*~
I wish I could tell you my mother has passed away. It may not hurt as much to just have her be dead. I wish I could tell everyone my mother loved me. I wish I could say I have a great relationship with her. Instead when asked about my mom, I get a pit in my stomach. When I happen to see her on the rare occasion my heart drops to my toes. When I had my one and only child I cried for days that I didn't have a mom to show me how to be a mom and do everything just so. I wonder all the time why she doesn't love me. I wonder all the time what I did wrong. Knowing the love I have for my own son, I wonder how a mother could ever hurt her child. EVER. How could a mother ever lay her hands on her own flesh and blood.
I wish I could say I wasn't like her. I try every day to break the cycle. I live my life by her bad example. I try to be the mom she never was, and never will be. I try to not be her daughter.
I wish people could understand. I wish they could understand the reasons without me telling my whole story. I wish they would respect the choices I have made for my own life. I wish they knew I was better off without her.
While my dad has been the best stand-in mother in the world. My heart aches that I didn't have a mom to talk to about my first period. To talk to about the boys I liked. To take me wedding dress shopping. To ask breastfeeding questions to. To be there for my son as a wonderful grandma.
I wish I could tell you my mother was dead. Instead, I live with the pain of her living near, not caring, or loving me.

-anonymous

~*~

Want a turn to share?  Email me at ricracandpompoms @ gmail.com. 

Feel free to comment and encourage or just relate and assure.

define: ridiculous.

This is around the corner from my house.  

That is a duplex.  The line down the middle goes all the way down to the street.

Almost...but not quite as ridiculous as people insisting that I am not entitled 

to having and sharing my opinion on my very own blog. 

You will never read a purposely hurtful word here.  But that does not mean that I will not share my opinions.  About my life.  And my experiences.  It is after all MY blog. 

Because I share a like doesn't mean that you have to like it.

I am not a blog that tries to paint a picture that EVERYONE will love all the time.  I paint my own.  I paint a real picture because that is what I would want from others.  If I tried to avoid topics that would hurt anyone because of some individual pain then I could never talk about:

my children (because some don't have them), my husband (because some don't have great ones), my successful business, my house, my struggles, my hurt, my dreams, the fun new things I bought or the things I want, the things I make, that I want to move, that I get to stay at home, that my husband has a great job, that people hurt my feelings, that I hate where I live, that I don't want more children, that I want a craft room...I couldn't talk about my experiences or growths ever. 

It would be a pretty boring place to read and visit.  If you want that read the dictionary.

If you like real and sometimes different and sometimes the same...sometimes relate-able and sometimes not...then welcome and know that I would never intentionally be ugly.  I am accountable to too many people to ever be purposefully hurtful here. 

And I stand by my belief, that anything worth saying is worth signing your name to.  

That includes comments.  

goodness.

 Just wanted to share my current favorite item...coming soon in NON-Christmas fabrics...it's a hand towel and there are a couple available in the shop...custom orders and color requests welcome...

 There are also a couple of my houses in a row towels in the shop...one of my all time best sellers...they make a sweet little gift for a teacher or your mom....or anyone you love enough to buy handmade for. :)

 And I am dying to buy some of this ribbon...

...and this one.  But it is only available in 25 yard spools for $31 each...if you would like to share a spool with me...email me...even if we split it several ways that would be awesome.  

Email me at ricracandpompoms@gmail.com if you are interested and we can work out the details. 

And I have a couple of sponsorship spots open...I try to keep the slots limited in number to keep the exposure high for each of my lovely sponsors.  If you are interested in a spot for a GREAT rate...just email me. :) 

Happy Friday to you! :)

20 minute crafter. diy pj pants.

 Ok.  Don't freak out.  Making pj pants is way easier than you think.  And it really only takes about twenty minutes from start to finish...make them from fleece to make them extra cozy. 

 You will need:

~yard of fabric (maybe less if you have a non-directional print)

~1/4 yard of fabric for the cuff if you will be adding that.

3/4in elastic (enough for your child's waist)

kraft paper or other paper suitable for pattern making

pair of pants that currently fit your child.

 Start by making a pattern piece...simply fold in half a pair of pants that fits your child...adding a half inch all the way around to allow for seams...and about an inch to the top of the waist...

 Cut out your pattern...

 Fold your fabric in half vertical to the direction of the print...line the long side of the leg pattern piece against the fold...trace and cut out...being sure to pay attention to direction of your print if you have a directional print fabric...

 Turn your pattern wrong side up and cut the inverse...now you have a piece for each leg.

 This is how I made a cuff....I estimated how thick I wanted it to be....and traced the leg of the pants I just cut out directly onto the cuff fabric...

 I laid the pant piece on top of the cuff piece and traced...I made sure that the top edge of the cuff fabric was straight.

 Then to attach I flipped the cuff fabric up...you can pin it if you want...

 Sew it down this way....

 ...then I folded it over and sewed it down this way...

 ...so I ended up with this...

 ...Lay the pieces right sides together on top of each other...and sew the front seam and back seam together...

 ...then fold so that it looks like pants again and sew the inner leg seams together...up one side of the inner lane and down the other...

 ...fold up the cuff about and inch...

 ...and hem...

 ...repeat on the other leg...

...fold down the wait and sew a pocket big enough to feed your elastic through...measure and feed your elastic through...(I measured hoho's waist and cut the elastic an inch and a half smaller than that.) then sew the pocket closed...

And you are done! :) I am making these for my boys this year instead of buying matching pj's for Christmas this year. :) 

Easy peasy and you CAN do it!

I will answer any questions in the comments. :)