Friday, December 21, 2007

Confessions of a neurotic mother...or am I just a bit of a perfectionist?




I keep saying to myself that my mom didn't go through this for me. I consider my mother one of the best mothers of all time, however, I continually think about the fact that things were different back then. Yes, you hear that all of the time, I know, but I can't help but to think it is true.

It is my belief that today's mothers are faced with pressure and choices more frequently than our mothers. Why do I think this? Our mothers did not have the Internet to deal with. They didn't have to check e-mails daily in addition to child rearing. Pressure was not placed on them to blog every little milestone of their pregnancy with photos and links. I find myself getting a little jittery and itchy when I'm sent a blog like this because I did not do one for my son. Then, irrationally I begin to think that I'm not as great of a mom because I didn't not blog my child's conception through child birth. Hell, my mother didn't bother to finish my baby book and till this day she laughs it off, "Ha ha ha, you were the third one. If you couldn't get up and get your own bottle you went thirsty."

She has unknowingly scarred me due to an unfinished baby book. I find myself obsessing to be sure that every nook and cranny of his baby book is complete! I do not want my son to have an unfinished baby book. This has sent me into a frenzy of scrap booking and photo sessions to be recorded and reminisced for years to come.

Did my mother send out Christmas cards depicting a studio portrait of us? Umm no, she didn't even get to the sending part. Ironically though I am reminded at each holiday, by my mother, to be sure his picture is taken and that his outfit is perfect.

Does she have any idea what it was like for me to find the perfect p.j.'s for this picture, and a snowy enough snow globe? Oh, and did I mention that I brought our 6 lb. Chihuahua, Lola, to this photo shoot. I'm sure you are so surprised to find that she did not cooperate and therefore is not pictured here. Did I really think that she would look into the snow globe at the same time my 19mth old would? Even if Christian stuck a soggy half eaten Ritz cracker to the side of the globe?

Life sometimes becomes burdened so quickly that you can't help but get caught up in it all. I do know that at the end of the day, what keeps me sane, is knowing that I have something so precious and so amazing. No matter how many great tasks I accomplish... I am still loved unconditionally, clinged to in scary moments, and kissed upon asking, by my angel, my son.

More creative crafting...





I was so happy to finish a name banner for a friend's baby. It turned out super cute! I also enjoyed putting it all together with it's custom name tag, personalized onesie, name banner, and handmade ballet slippers from an Etsy shop. It looked so pretty wrapped! I know my friend will love it. Handmade items are treasures to savor for many years to come.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

For Detailed Oriented People








Wouldn't it be lovely to just wrap a present and stick a store bought bow on top? I certainly do not know what that feels like. Nor do I know what it feels like to just buy a regular gift at the mall or store. I am speaking directly to crafters and anal retentive people!




I decided recently that I wanted to make individual paper or tissue flowers for each package. Furthermore, I decided to use buttons and glue to adorn my packages. Lastly, I made a few presents this year as well and I am still not done! I made that banner for my little niece and I am hoping they like it. I also bought quite a few handmade items from Etsy shops for as many people as I could. I LOVE handmade items. It is so personal and so unique in giftng to someone a handmade gift.




Sunday, December 16, 2007

Isn't it Ironic?




WARNING: For those of you stuck, at home in a snow storm, without power, you might not want to read this.


Ironically, my husband, my son, and myself drove 1 hr 45 min. SOUTH to Mt. Dora, Florida to let our son play in the snow. We waited in a 45 minute line, circled around the park, in 80 degree weather, for one chance to slide down a hill. Was it snow? Not really, more like a huge mound of ice. Was it fun? My husband and 19 month old thought so. I only wished it would have lasted longer, but not long enough to shovel it off of our car or sidewalk.
Oh and did I forget to mention? Yes my husband is wearing a short sleeved Hawaiian shirt.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

always inspired: Birthday Wishes for my Punkin Wunkin

Birthday wishes for my punkin wunkin







My wish for you, son...


My wishes for you, my dear son, are so grand; I could fill the sea with blown out candles. Candle by candle, wish by wish, I dream of great things for you, as I imagine any mother does. Can I take you to the French country side to live, or a quaint cottage by the sea, filling your life and soul with simplicity? Can I follow you always, ever so closely, throughout your life to guard you from harm? How many pony rides and cotton candies will ever be enough for me to take pleasure in when I see that smile on your dear face? Will you run so freely, often enough, through a childhood filled with green fields and perfect skies? Can I fill each holiday with enough traditions to make you so proud year after year? Can I teach you so much and so often about the love of God‘s grace, right here, right now, all around you? Will you and I make the world around us more delightful, with each passing day? I promise, I will…


Love always and with all my heart,
Mom

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

A Compton Christmas


Guiltily blogging away today when I should have been straightening my toy cluttered home led to my latest inspiration. I read some amazing blogs today! Belle and Boo...oh I am so jealous! This Etsy shop has captured the glimmer of childhood in every print! I especially loved the Tooth Fairy pillows! Seriously, it was like I was on a rampage. One amazing blog led me to the next and the next after that. I stumbled in a daze upon French boutiques and vintage finds galore. I was hooked!


Further reading and clicking led me to my bff, Marie Antoinette. Here, I found the most amazing Marie Antoinette book made by four ladies across the globe. I'm still anxious to find where this book ended up. Each participated in making four pages. This is a must read blog for only serious M.A. fans. Scroll almost all the way down twinklepink's blog to find the AMAZING Marie Antoinette book.

Here I lead you to my slightly pathetic but adorably glittered red Merry Christmas toille ornament. I'm proud of its imperfections because it is shabby chic. I've definitely got the shabby part down pat. The C is for Compton. Making this little ornament today made me so excited and I felt like such a great mom. Why? I am hoping one day my son admires this little handmade treasure from his mommy, but he won't. Who am I fooling? He is a boy and his wife one day will take a look at my little ornament and she will decide it won't be good or grand enough for her tree. Sorry for the rambling... I love it, and my husband pretends to, and that is all that matters.