Thankfulness Day 140:: Caption This!

Here's how to play!

Check out the pic below, make up a caption for it in the comments and I'll pick the winner!

You can check out more caption this here:

Today I am thankful for having a good laugh.  It's really needed right?

Thankfulness Day 139:: Living with the Rents

Have you ever lived with your parents while you're married?  How about with kids too?

In the beginning it seemed easy to say I live with my parents because it had only been a month or so and I knew Huzz would land a job and we would be on our way.  Right?

But now after 15 months, well it's embarrassing. I don't want to tell people as easily as I did before.  I find that my faith was unshakable for a long while so nothing could question my trust in the Lord.  However the past couple of months have done their number and I'm now on wobbly ground.

I don't know how I got here but it doesn't feel good and I want my Faith back!  Living with my parents is a blessing and can also be very hard.  So I'm praying for answers, I'm praying for increased endurance to get through this time, and I'm praying that I will see God's hand in all of this.

Until then, my name is Cheri and I live with the Rents.

Today I am thankful that I have family who will take us in.

Thankfulness Day 138:: Dear Laundry

Dear Laundry,

We've been spending time together for four days now.  Just when I think we have nothing more to say to each other another child pees his sheets and so we meet again.

I don't like you.  I'm sorry but you smell...and not in a good way.  My kids like you alot though.  They enjoy spilling drinks and wiping peanut butter on their clothes so they can see us together.  I don't share their view though.  I try to put off our meetings but you get angry at me and multiply over the days.

I wish you would just go away, fold yourself, and come back clean.

See you tomorrow,
Cheri

Today I am thankful for having a home to do laundry in and NOT having to walk to a Laundromat!

Thankfulness Day 137:: praying for a miracle

Did you notice that I now have a button????  Don't forget to 'Grab My Button' and put in on your blog! It's to the right ------------------------->

I'm also gearing up for a photo shoot July 6th with my amazing photographer friend Alli!  So if you have an adorable daughter that just needs to be in my pictures please let me know!

Well we are already coming up on July so it's time to pray for a miracle!  I REALLY want to move out in July and have our own place by July 25th our Anniversary.  I don't know why it's so important to me but it is.  So I'm praying that God would make that happen but it would mean a miracle on the job front and us finding a great deal with renting a 3 bedroom.

So join me in pray this week for God's will for our lives, that our passion and desires would match up with His, and that our strength would be renewed during this time!

Today I am thankful for hope.

Thankfulness Day 136:: New Hurley Jacket

New Jacket.....Hurley......$20.  Jealous???  Well you could have had one too if you came to the sale! 

Seriously the Hurley stuff was sooooo cheap!  $2 running shorts for girls, $5 board shorts, $5 tshirts!  Now that is cheaper then the Hurley Warehouse sales!  So next time, listen to me and come because you won't regret it! 

I'm going to go make a statement in my bright yellow jacket just so I can tell SOMEONE how cheap I got it!

Today I am thankful for great deals and meeting new friends.

PLUS you get to visit me and I love to see my friends AND meet new people!

Thankfulness Day 135:: Now that's love

We all have a "ugly" school picture from a time in our lives when we just didn't know or care what we looked like.  It's usually in the tween years when you feel like you don't fit in but want to so badly! 


This is mine::

Stop laughing.  Seriously.  Okay I'm laughing too, it's funny!  I had a uni-brow, no straight iron, and some great pearly whites hidden behind metal.  This is my 'ugly' photo.  However when I went to show my hubby he exclaimed that I looked cute and then followed it up today with 'I'd date you.' 

Thanks Huzz.  You get me.  Or know you that it wouldn't last forever?  Either way it was the best thing to say and that's why I love you!  Anyone else DARE to post your 'ugly' photo???

Today I am thankful that I now know how beautiful I am because I'm created in God's image.

Thankfulness Day 134:: Innocent to Irrational

Could you say No to this face???  Seriously he gets me everytime!  This was Nash about 1 1/2 years ago but he still has this innocent face that gets me!  Today he came over stroked my hair and said "I love your hair mommy" then stroked my face and said "I love your face too mommy".  2 minutes later he's screaming at me because he can't have a Popsicle at 7am.  Alas, he still gets me everytime.

Today I am thankful for this 2 year old and his wide range of emotions :)

Thankfulness Day 133::Wordless Wednesday

We are now making and selling these BEAUTIFUL Flower Headbands!  They will fit Newborn-to me!

My other new product:

As I was working on these bows at Chick Fil A I got two people asking for my card!  They really are cute!

Today I am thankful for the boutique I get to be apart of this weekend!

Thankfulness Day 132:: Praying for our kids

Did you know that I do hair?  "Do" as in I am a licensed Cosmetologist.  I went to Beauty School when I was 17 and then got my license.  That is a young age to start your career don't you think?  I thought so and after a few years I called it quits!  However I still love to do it and look at it as a sort of Ministry with the discount prices I offer.  I love to connect with people and I sort of get to 'choose' my clients.  (I like easy going easy to please people! he he)  However if I was walking with God during that time I think I would have chose differently and probably would have saved myself a lot of pain and heartache.

What if we started to pray that our children would know what they are suppose to do at a young age.  If we started to pray that they would hear God's voice loudly calling them and directing them even when they are small.  Can you imagine some of the heartache and so called wasted time we may have avoided?    So I'm now trying to be intentional about praying that my boys would hear God's voice at a young age, know it, and follow it so that they would be richly blessed with Wisdom and Understanding that only our Lord could give them. 

I challenge you to do it to because we can move mountains right?  Because if we want wisdom we are just to ask right?  Because we can't do this parenting thing alone and we aren't suppose to right? 

Today I am thankful that God works all things together for good even when we weren't following His leading.

1 Month of Giveaways from Rayovac!

Love Giveaways?  Love Batteries?? Me too!  Check Rayovac out for a giveaway everyday for 30 days!!

Enter here!

Also the Rayovac Powers Your Summer upcoming Twitter event is on June 30, 2010 and The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Twitter Event will win a prize package from Rayovac!!  


So don't forget to blog about it!

Thankfulness Day 131:: the WINNER is......

Thank you to all who entered our giveaway!!  We can only have 1 winner and that winner is.....


Stephanie Dotson!

Congrats Stephanie and we hope you love the new tutu!

For all you locals, come check out Sweet Lily Tutus THIS Saturday in Costa Mesa at a Fundraiser for P.O.E.T.S. (Put On Earth To Serve) which is a group of local moms with a passion to help those in need!

Here's more info!

POETS SAMPLE SALE

Location: Jamie Rice's House
3089 Loren Ln
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

When: Saturday, June 26, 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Phone: 714-856-8564


Lunch will be available for $5. This includes one of three sandwiches (prepared by chef Fred Palmerton), chips, drink and dessert.

Included in the sale are:

Hurley Apparel ($2 - $20 items. Hundreds of items available.)
Oakley Sunglasses ($50 each)
Designer Jeans
Handmade Tutus (Sweet Lily Tutus)
Toys
Bows
Adoption Tees by Kristen Howerton
Eli's Lids (If no baby maybe we'll get a surprise appearance??)


And much more...


Prices will be drastically reduced on all merchandise. All prices will be as clearly marked and no tax is included. All proceeds go to support POETS, who, in turn seek to help those in need (especially single moms).

Lunch will be available starting at 11am

Cash or checks accepted. Checks should be made out to POETS.

Today I am thankful to be apart of such a wonderful fundraiser!

Thankfulness Day 130:: Father's Day!

Today we celebrate those Fathers in our lives that were amazing or those people who took the place of a Father.  I have an amazing Dad who has always been there for me and most importantly taught me responsibility and organization!  I think my love of Excel Spreadsheets is genetically passed down from him!

My husband is a great Father!

The day he became a father!

He made sure Kai learned what was important....music of course!

And then the 2nd son came along, surely we would have figured out parenting by now??

And he's doing a great job!

Happy Father's Day Huzz!

Today I am thankful for my amazing dad and wonderful husband!

**Check back tomorrow for the winner of the TUTU Giveaway!!

Thankfulness Day 124:: TUTU GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

Sweet Lily Tutus is giving away a Beautiful Red, Pink, & White tutu WITH Red Flowers AND a matching Flower Hair Clip!

This tutu fits size 2T-4T girls and if you don't have girls this makes for a GREAT Gift!

How to win???? (open to all US residents) 

Main entry (mandatory): Visit Sweetlilytutu.etsy.com and then come back and leave a comment about which item you like best! (1 entry)

How about some extra entries??

*Become a fan/like  Sweet Lily Tutus on Facebook or let me know you already are! (1 entry)

*Tweet about this Giveaway and then leave us a comment that you did! (1 entry) (Tweet about it everyday, get an extra entry everyday!)

*Post on Facebook about this Giveaway, then leave a comment that you did! (1 entry) (Post about it everyday, get an extra entry everyday!)

*Subscribe to Sweet Lily Tutu's Blog, then leave a comment here that you did! (1 entry)

*Blog about this Giveaway and leave a comment that you did! (2 entries) 

For every extra entry, be sure to leave a separate comment on this post!

~The Giveaway starts today and will continue until Saturday.  Winner will be announced next Monday morning!

Good Luck to All!

(Due to the giveaway I'll be posting my thankfulness here throughout the week)

6/14 Day 124:: Today I am thankful that my son is getting healed! 

6/15  Day 125:: Today I am thankful for my first official sewing lesson!

6/16 Day 126:: Today I am thankful that I have a job with internet when mine isn't working

6/17 Day 127:: Today I am thankful for my internet being back up!

6/18 Day 128:: Today I am thankful for owning the name Sweet Lily Tutus!  I'm official!

6/19 Day 129:: Today I am thankful for grace and forgiveness.

Why do I post about being thankful everyday?  Read here.

Thankfulness Day 123:: From 0-100

Kai went to bed with a fever and then woke up around 3am and vomited.  I gave him some Ibuprofen and went to check on him and found him like this::

Um I guess he's okay now?  A few hours later the medicine wore off and he was back to 0 as he was too weak to walk and didn't eat all day.  He slept for hours and I started to get really worried.  But then after the medicine kicked in he dressed as Spiderman all the way down to his undies!

Why is it that when I am sick I just want to lay in bed all day!  It never crosses my mind to dress up in my tutu any play clothes I may have!

Today I am thankful for fun & play even when you are sick.

Thankfulness Day 122:: WINNER WINNER!!

That's right you read that correctly I ACTUALLY Won something!!!

It says it will make my skin look younger and end the aging process.  I just turned 30 it's about time I start using something to stop these wrinkles from forming!

A BIG Thank You to Jennifer Klein over at HERE and over at OC Moms Blog.  So everyone enter the giveaways because you really CAN win! 

I'll be posting pictures of my new ageless face approximately 2 weeks after I start using it!

Today I am thankful for winning a really cool product!

Thankfulness Day 121:: Condo or not to Condo that is the question

Okay peeps I need some prayer here!  We relocated from Illinois to California in April 09.  We have been living with my parents ever since just awaiting a job for my husband.  Well he has a temp job now and we are really getting cramped up here!  We want a place of our own so bad!!! 

How will we afford a 3 bedroom?  (room for boys, hubby and I, and future baby/craft/business room)  Sure I could just rent a cheap 1 bedroom and be squished but I don't want to move anymore!  We have been in 5 places in 6 years!  This next move needs to be more permanent.  But we don't even feel permanent. 

So we started to look at places and of course I fell in love with a certain condo.  It's just so perfect.  Do we move out on faith that God will provide that extra money.  Do we stay put until everything lines up perfectly?  I'm such a planner but I really need guidance here.

Also we sold every piece of furniture we had last year and have been living on that money.  How will we get furniture for this place.

Okay so you can sense my worry, excitement, and overall confusion.

Thanks for your prayers!

Today I am thankful for the possibility of moving out.

Thankfulness Day 120:: Pacifier, when to give it up

We struggle daily around here with the pacifier (a.k.a. BE-BE)  Nash loves it and wants it all day.  The rules are however that he can only have it at nap and night time.  He almost always cries after waking because he wants to keep it. 

We have tried to take it away and used the various lines as "You're a big boy now", "Another baby needs it", "It's going to mess up your teeth", "You have to choose between diapers and Be-Be"  you get the point right?

At around 2 1/2 we took the pacifier away from my first son and after a few complaints he was over it.  It IS NOT going to be that easy with this child!  He lets everyone know exactly how he is feeling and what he does NOT like!  Sometimes I think I like that he has it because it's an easy fix to get him to lay down and at complete desperate moments I can take it in the car or something.

So what do you think?  Any good strategies?  How long is too long to have a pacifier?  Will he be bringing it with him down the alter?

Today I am thankful for the daily parenting struggles and how it is shaping me with much character development!

Thankfulness Day 119:: New Cupcake Shirt!

So we are making a few new items and here is the one I'm most excited about!

Sweet Lily Tutu's NEW Cupcake Shirt!  What do you think?  I like it because it's different and fun.  It's such a great gift for birthday too ( I gave one last week for a present).  If you want one click here Sweet Lily Tutus.

Today I am thankful for the long nap my son is taking so I can be creative until he wakes up!

Thankfulness Day 118:: I love you

There is nothing better then to hear those three words from your child
                            
I...LOVE...YOU!

My 2 year old loves to tell me this and you know he really means it when he says it because a good majority of time he is upset and mad at you for not getting his way.

Then I hear Mommy I Love You.  And it melts my heart.


Today I am thankful for Words that encourage and change you.

Thankfulness Day 117:: THE BIG NEWS!

I know you have been waiting around eagerly anticipating the Big News from Sweet Lily Tutus right???

Well wait no more!

We are pairing up In His Steps International to help STOP Child Sex Trafficking in Cambodia!  Sweet Lily Tutus will give 20% of all proceeds to this organization and hopefully we can increase this giving number in time.

Why this organization and why Cambodia?  Years ago I almost went to Cambodia to teach woman how to do hair in rescue shelters once they were rescued from Brothels.  That didn't work out and a few years later I actually got to go to Cambodia for three months , loving on the people there, and staying with the Founders of this organization.  Then a couple of weeks ago I was thinking about giving and a 2 year old girl in an Aids Orphanage came to mind.  I called her Lily.  I hadn't remembered her until now. I loved her!  I held her all the time.  She lost her parents due to Aids probably from her dad going to a prostitute and infecting her mom.  Oh Sweet Lily.

I then broke down into tears.  It was one of those moments where I KNEW God was speaking to me and this is what He wants me to partner with and spread awareness about. The name of this business wasn't by accident.  I knew I needed to pair up with people that I trusted that had the same goal in mind.  And story's like this touched me so deeply:

"At an age when most children might be preparing for their first day of school, Srey, 6, already has undergone trauma that is almost unspeakable.She was sold to a brothel by her parents when she was 5. It is not known how much her family got for Srey, but other girls talk of being sold for $100; one was sold for $10.
Before she was rescued, Srey endured months of abuse at the hands of pimps and sex tourists. Passed from man to man, often drugged to make her compliant, Srey was a commodity at the heart of a massive, multimillion-dollar sex industry in Phnom Penh, Cambodia."

A few statistics:

**77% of Cambodians live on less than US $2 a day

**35% of prostitutes in Cambodia are under the age of 18

**Children as young as four have been sold into the sex industry in Cambodia

**Minors, some as young as seven, constitute more than 25% of the prostitutes    in Cambodia’s sex industry

**The local industry for sexually exploited children is exploding for two reasons: Many Khmer -- and other Asian men -- believe sex with a virgin will renew their vigor and youth, and the fear of contracting HIV is fuelling a demand for younger and younger virgins

**40-50% the prostitutes in Cambodian are HIV positive

**Prostituted girls endure miserable conditions and abuse, including beatings, cramped quarters, inadequate food and sleep, and little to no protection against sexually transmitted diseases

 You can give straight to In His Steps by clicking here

Today I am thankful for awareness and opportunities to save a child's life.

Thankfulness Day 116:: My bizarre day

Here is my car.  It's an amazing car and the fact that I have it in the first place is a miracle in itself.  I had a bit of an oops moment today....Maybe  Twice.  Okay Three times!!

1.  I rushed the kids to the car and buckled them in but left my son's door open.  I was waiting for hubby to come and close it and then get it.  Waiting a bit more....(I don't pride myself in my patience) and so I decided to back out and forgot about the door being opened until I heard a BANG!  You see that is where it hit and pressed open harder against the brick mailbox.  Surprisingly there was only minimal damage with a few marks!

2.  I drive to a birthday party and then drive onto the wrong side of the freeway, quickly pull right and get onto the right side!  In my defense it looked a little confusing and it wasn't marked clearly. 

3.  Once I arrive at the birthday party with gift in hand that I HANDMADE for the 1st birthday girl........I was told it was for her older sister who is 3.  Dang that 1st birthday shirt I made for the youngest!!  Are you sure it didn't say the younger girls name on the invite????  

I'm not sure what is going on with me today but it isn't good and I don't like it!  I DO still like my car though!  Glad I didn't get creamed on the freeway going the wrong way! 

Today I am thankful for my amazing Ford and the angels watching over me today because I know they had to call in back up!

Thankfulness Day 115:: Casting Crowns

 As I was listening to this song today I really started feeling like it was written for me at THIS time.  It's a great way to put into words what I've been feeling this past year. 


Praise You in This Storm 
by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Today I am thankful for songs like this that give a voice to my uncomfortable circumstances.

Thankfulness Day 114:: Featured Friday Posh Pipsqueak

Today we are featuring Posh Pipsqueak because she makes some cool 80's leggings! 

Let's get to know her a bit::

1. Tell us about yourself.
I am a mom of 22 month old twins, one boy and one girl. I am happily married to my husband Billy and reside in the Chicago land area. I work 2 days a week as a Dental Hygienist but I have always loved to sew and do needlework. Most of my creations have been for gifts or for myself until now.

2. When did you make your first Posh Legs?
I made my first pair of Posh Legs in July 2009. I received a pair of footless tights for my daughter and thought they were super cute. When I found them in stores I realized they were insanely expensive and thought I'd try to make them myself. As I brainstormed I realized that they would be even better if they didn't cover the tush. Tights always get a saggy crotch! These would provide warmth, be easier to change diapers, protect the knees on the floor and be too stinkin cute! It didn't take me long to see that others too appreciated their versatility at which time I introduced my Fuzzy Legs line, and then of course the Big Kid Posh Legs for dance and gymnastics.

3. What is the most popular item you sell?
I'd have to say my flower/striped Posh Legs this year. However, during the holiday season my Christmas Fuzzy Legs blow all my products away!

4. What one product can you not live without?
My Christmas Fuzzy Legs. They are irresistible.

5. What is your favorite design of Posh Legs?
For boys I'd have to say the brown and tan striped Posh Legs. For girls I'd say my beige on beige Fuzzy Legs. I have been using a super soft bamboo knit that is soooo luxurious.

6. What inspires you?
My babies inspire me. sometimes I will look at what colors are trendy that season and coordinate my products to match. Most times I just try something on a whim. If it's cute I try it for a while, if not it is trash.

7. What one word would you use to describe you?
Tenacious. I opened Posh Pipsqueak on Etsy selling a variety of children's items in May 2009. I didn't have my first sale until July 2009. Since then I sell mostly Posh Legs and Fuzzy Legs. I have my own website http://www.poshpipsqueak.com, and I have two other online retailers that carry my line.

**I have some exciting products in the works that I plan to launch this Fall and would like to extend a special offer to your followers. Make any purchase in the month of June at http://www.poshpipsqueak.com and receive 15% off your entire purchase by entering the coupon code SWEET15.

So GREAT!  Thank you  so much, yours product are too cute!


Today I am thankful for a possible business opportunity I'm checking out today!

Thankfulness Day 114:: 80's Week Trivia

80's Trivia!  

 

Let's see how well you do!  Answers are in the first comment::

1. What was the very first James Bond movie that was shown in the 80's? What was the last?
2. Name the actress who played the pretty blond girl Elliot danced with in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial?
3. In Empire Strikes Back, what was chewing on the power cables of the Millenium Falcon while Han Solo and company were hiding inside the asteroid cave?
4. What was the license number on the Ghostbusters' car?
5. In 'Back To The Future', where did Doc Brown get the plutonium to power the time-travelling DeLorean?
6. In 'Empire Strikes Back' when the ghost of Obi Wan Kenobi said that Luke was their last hope against the Empire, who was Yoda refering to when he said: "No, there is another"?
7. What does Ally Sheedy use to decorate her picture in the Breakfast Club?
8. In 'Dirty Dancing' what was Baby's real name?
9. What were Mouth and Chunk's real names in "The Goonies"?
10. What not very good aliases did Bill and Ted give their 7 historical figures when introducing them all to Missy?
11. What is the name of Sarah's brother that she is trying to save in "The Labyrinth"?
12. In 1989's "The Little Mermaid", what was Scuttle's name for a fork?
13. In the 1984 movie "Splash", the pretty blonde mermaid chooses which street name to be her own?
14. Who provided the voice for the independent Eilonwy in Disney's often criticized 1985 movie "The Black Cauldron"?
15. What two '80's dance movies did Cynthia Rhodes have a major role in?
16. What is the name of Marty's band that trys out for the dance in Back To The Future.
17. Where did Ronald and Cindy go on there last date together in the movie "Can't Buy Me Love"?
18. What is the name of the airline that operates the ill-fated flight from LA to Chicago in the movie Airplane!?
19. What were the Ghostbusters' names? 
20. In the movie "The Goonies" what brand of candybar did Chunk try to give to Sloth?

Thankfulness Day 113:: 80's Week N.K.O.T.B.!

New Kids On The Block!

I once knew this girl who was obsessed with Jordan Knight.  So much so that she went to two of their concerts and may have cried when he looked her way!  She had huge posters of him all around her room and knew every song by heart.  I was sure She was sure he was singing straight to her in all of his songs.  

Yes that IS an 80's Perm!  We'll talk more about that tomorrow!  For now enjoy this cool video and reminisce with me!


Today I am thankful for childhood crushes.

**Be sure to check back on MONDAY for a BIG Sweet Lily Announcement!

SALE!!!

I interrupt this 80's week for a Special Announcement!  It's time to stalk up on tutus for your gifts and for your daughters! 

Sweet Lily Tutus is having a Sale for 1 week ONLY!!  June 1st-June 7th buy any 2 tutus get 1 FREE! 

AND they ALL come with a matching hairclip! 

Sweet Lily Tutus

Check them out!  I'm also open to do Custom Tutus and YOU pick the colors!

Thankfulness Day 113:: 80's Week Scrunchies!

How could we forget the Scrunchies!  Not just one in your hair but remember this look?

And I'm pretty sure that I took those fluorescent scrunchies and I tied up the side of my shirt with them!  Maybe you can relate?  Or maybe I just took it to an extreme!

Scrunchies had their place in my life and hopefully just in the 80's!

What about you, did you wear scrunchies??

Today I am thankful for a new decade of hair!