Mama & Me Journal

Found this great idea through another blog,  Mama Jenn, and had to try it out! You will need:

• basic composition book (purchased at Walmart for about 40 cents)
• craft/scrap book paper 
• label-you can download the sticker label on Mama Jenn blog page or create your own

I was able to get all four of mine made in about an hour. (And that includes writing a note to each child!) Basically this is a journal between you and your child where you can share anything you want back and forth.  For the younger kids they can draw pictures and this can also be a great way to practice their writing! (Ssshhhh...don't tell them that!)

I am so excited about these journals! The three oldest kids got their journals tonight and I cannot wait to see how this goes over the next few weeks! With four kids one-on-one time with mom is hard to come by so I hope this will help them feel they are getting a little extra one-on-one time through our journal. Not to mention what a great keepsake these will become years from now!

Remembering 9/11

Ten years later I still cannot talk about 9/11 without crying. I guess time does not heal all wounds. It makes my heart heavy that my children, because most were too young when the attack happened,will never truly understand the impact this had on our country and so many lives. As well as how it changed our country forever. 

In a way I am grateful the only America they have known is post 9/11. They do not know what freedoms we lost that day. They do not ask the same question I do over and over, "How could someone have that much hate for someone else that they would want to commit an act so terrible?"

What do I wish my kids could remember?... The unity and pride everyone felt after 9/11  because we all came together in this great country. How everyone flew their flags with such pride. Seeing a member of the armed forces and thanking them. (some of us still do this). 

I will always be grateful to the first responders, volunteers and our military! God Bless America!

My new favorite necklace I made!

I had to post a picture of one of the necklaces I just finished. I had a necklace I bought about eight years ago from a street vendor in DC while there with my friend April. Over the years the chain had started to look pretty rough, to the point I really couldn't wear it anymore. So I removed the chain and made it into a domino necklace. Yeah I have a new favorite necklace!

You can check out more of my necklaces on my Facebook page! Just use the link below:

Designer Dominoes