The Little Bluebird Diaries

Courage

I've been away lately, but wanted to share a quote I was reminded of this morning  when looking at this image of myself in the miror.  These words are so very fitting for life with our sweet boy right now -- "Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow.'"  And so, my son, we will, together, try again tomorrow...and tomorrow...and a thousands tomorrows after that.

Tricky Treat Totes

 
We are on our way to the doctor’s again shortly, and have been trying to get sweet boy’s providers switched for his new therapy program.  ICB-9 codes, developmental doctors, sensory profiles, swallow studies…my head has been spinning.  With all these tricks, I wanted to take a quick time-out to share a fun treat that I recently made!

 

These were made from a die cut, glittery dyed cardstock, hand-dyed silk ribbon, a few punches, and one super-sweet Halloween stamp from my favorite rubber stamp store – The Rubber Stamp Fantasy.  There is a learning curve to assembling the die cut once it has been cut, but they are pretty easy-peasy after a little tweaking. 

Layered-punches...

Spooky silk ribbon from my previous post...

And yummy treats...what is your favorite Halloween candy?

 
When I had finished my little project, I looked over to find the image below.  I hesitated to share because the lighting was terrible -- thus a blurry image -- and we are generally so very careful with the American flag.  However, this was the best treat of all.  When I saw him curled up sleeping in freedom, I knew then he was undeniably my child.

A Cameo Appearance

I enjoy molding chocolates and even worked once for a chocolatier.  One of my favorites are the inch-long cameos I recently made.  They were very easy to make and solidified quickly.  One of the most important tips I could offer would be to not overfill your molds -- add a bit of chocolate, tap gently (clearly the trapped air to prevent bubbles), and then fill until the chocolate barely sits below the rim of your mold.  I've always loved Cameos and decided to look at their history -- surprisingly they date back to well over 250 years before the birth of Christ.  I wanted to share with you some of the photographs I took of my recent endeavor.  I love to add them to a scoop of ice cream for an easy touch for a pretty dessert or top off a cupcake with a contrasting color.

 
These remind me of jade.

 

This saturated pink fondly reminds me of Fauchon. 

  Wouldn't an initial out of these pretties be the perfect touch to a simple birthday cake? 

Sweet boy has spent a lot of time at the doctor lately, so we're off to take him out to the store as soon as he wakes up. His Nene volunteered to ride him in the scooter while I checked off my "To Buy" list.  I'm still trying to figure out who enjoys the ride more -- Coe Polk or my grandmother.  Wishing you a happy week ahead!

 

These Boots Are Made For...

This is the preferred attire lately -- the ever-so-fashionable Thomas the Train boots!  Sweet boy has some sensory problems, so he doesn't care too much for shoes.  However, I hit the jackpot when I found these fun covers in our local Stride Rite store!  So where are they going today?  These boots are going to the horse farm to check out Coe Polk's new Hippotherapy program!  We are very excited and hope to see some positive results from offering him therapy on horseback...

Dyeing for Halloween

 
Busy dyeing yards of ribbons with a mixture of markers and dye mist...

The mixture provides the perfect array of shaded, spooky grays...

 
And enjoying these fun little pumpkins that fit perfectly with my monochromatic look with a splash of color -- just $1 at Wal-mart and picked by sweet boy to decorate very soon!  Wishes for a fall-filled week ahead...

Wishes For You

 
To a treasured friend on your birthday:

I’m not sure where you are on this day, compliments of the United States Army.  Nevertheless, you are close in my heart.  Today, the day you were born, I celebrate another year of your life – not only for what you have done through your duties as a soldier for countless throughout the world but for the gifts you’ve given me through the years of your friendship. 

You have taught me humility, reliance upon myself, strength in God, to be comfortable in who I am, and selfless service to others.  Most importantly you have taught me how to be a friend – a true confidant. 

I admire you both professionally and personally and wish so many things for you in your upcoming year. 

Above all, may you my dear friend, come to know just how truly special you really are and come to see yourself – even a tiny glimpse – through my eyes and the eyes of my child. 

I’m sure wherever you may be tonight there are no candles and there is no cake.  So tonight, we made a wish (or three) for you and hope they come true. 

Countdown

The countdown is on to Halloween, and we're using a fun advent calendar to help sweet boy count down the days. 

Today is day one.  A witch adorns the first day, and is holding a yummy treat.  Once the treat is removed, the ghost marks the current day.

This reminds me of the most wonderful advent stockings my Mother made me for Christmastime.  Happy counting, sweet boy!

Frilly Trinkets

Frilly -- I love that word -- how it rolls off my tongue -- the connotation -- and the memories it evokes.  Sweet Boy went down for a nap the other day, and I was so covered in work, I needed a break to reset.  With such a bogged down mind, I didn't think anything remotely creative could come out of me. 

I set out to make a tag -- someone dear to me that I admire 1000 times over asked me to make one of my tags for her.  Having admired her since I was a very young girl, I was intimidated to make something for someone I looked up to with such adoration. 

Much to my surprise, I started mixing Glimmer Mist with Copic markers and embossing powder, some of my grandmother's old sewing stash, and pieces from one of my favorite stores -- Accessories of Old.  

I absolutely adore these sweet little pins with hearts on top.  I know they were meant for more decorative purposes, but I use them when sewing, as well.  I can't help but smile when I see how very dainty they are with their blush colored heart.

Somehow it all came together, and I felt much better -- a gift to offer and a cleansed soul, ready to finish my work after naptime was over. 

 

While taking pictures, someone wanted to ensure I photographed him with the box of trinkets, as well.  I love this picture -- the light blazing through his hair, the blurred motion captured with his ever-moving hands, and the inquisitive look that danced across his face.  What a lucky mother am I...

Tagged!

 

 

I’m absolutely in love with the contents of this little white box that I received in the mail last week.  It contains these fun little cups that you can fill with anything from sweet treats, to glass glitter, to small trinkets and affix to your project.

 

I have a few more project to show you using these fun little accessories, but here’s one of my favorites so far for a special friend.  I used my prize ribbon and cupcake stamps, Martha Stewart seam binding, a precut tag, chalk ink for the detailed stamps, my Copic markers for coloring, and glittery Jolee rhinestones to add the perfect finishing touch.

 

These make such a nice addition to any package or can be used as a token gift all by themselves.  More tags to come!

 

And of course I had to share a picture of our brave boy.  For our friends and family that are following his progress, he did very well at the doctors today.  Three shots down, and two lollipops later -- he's all smiles again.  What an infectious spirit he has.  We're off to spend some time with our Papa...

Bon Voyage

Three of my favorite girls just left for Saint Augustine.  I couldn't join them but wanted each of them to know I am sending lots of wishes for a grand time together. 

So I decided to put together a little pack of treats and entertainment to share. Two of my new girly favorites -- the book, Julie & Julia and the movie, Sex and the City.

 

And of course, every good book and movie needs a little sweet and salty -- popcorn, M&Ms, Swedish Fish, and chocolate-covered peanuts.  Happy vacationing, girls...I can't wait for your return!  But for now, I have a little Monday Night Football to watch with one of my favorite guys...