We were asked to serve as the "Holy Family" for a children's Christmas Eve service at our church. I thought this was quite an honor, but I think it's more likely that there just aren't that many families available with babies that are young enough to pull off an accurate-looking nativity. Of course, our version of the nativity included 2 "holy sheep" that accompanied the family, the younger of which had a little trouble with his ears but overall did a fine job being sheep-like. As the service began our sweet baby fell right to sleep - just as she was supposed to - and we now a wonderful memory of this special Christmas as a very blessed family.

It's Cold Outside!

This video is sure to get you in the holiday mood! These kids are so cute; Drew's mom & dad used to be our Sunday School teachers! Go Drew & Ellie! We're big fans!! Enjoy!


Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors - Official Music Video - "Baby It's Cold Outside

Newborn News

It's a GIRL!! Yes, we had a baby girl...3 months ago...but we STILL can't believe it! I feel like I am just getting out of the fog of those very newborn weeks, where sleep is scarce and chaos runs rampant. Yet I do still feel like I'm dreaming...just can't believe it's a girl. The boys were convinced they were getting a sister all along - how do kids know things like that?! - but their daddy & I are still completely floored. We are so happy to announce Isabella Claire to the world!

Jammin'

This is Boden last fall...almost a year ago; but I'm just now getting around to editing some video. He's quite the rocker!

My Childhood Bedtime Prayer

This Tim Hawkins clip might be funnier than the Chick-fil-A bit below...
This IS actually the prayer that I prayed every night as a child, as did (and do) so many others. I'm sure my parents were so proud that I learned it so well and said it devoutly every night; but subconsciously, I was probably scared NOT to say it...GEEZ!! ANyway, hope you'll get a chuckle out of this...

I'm in Love with Chick-fil-A

This guy is so funny, I just had to share! Plus, I AM in love with Chick-fil-A, so it's very fitting. Look for him at www.timhawkins.net

What's Cookin'

I admit that I have been a dead-beat blogger lately. Hopefully, any of you that actually read this blog have had enough excitement of your own to not miss reading about my world! Anyway, all that baking this winter has gotten me my own actual bun in the oven. Yes, we're expecting another Merkle! Praise Be! Merkles seem to never cease at our house! Since we're already in "boy mode" around here, we're all betting on another brother; but we're not going to find out what this one is. So you'll have to keep checking the blog to discover what kind of bun we're baking up this time. Due August 17th, it'll be a long, hot, and fat summer, but oh, so worth it. I'll keep you posted on the progress; it really is a thrill, even the third time around. Here is a poem I wrote about being pregnant when I was carrying our second child (and a photo from that time). Hope you enjoy.

Making Some Bread!

My new creative outlet for these winter months has become making artisan bread. My dad, a potter, has cultivated a love for bread making and has gotten me hooked on an easy artisan bread recipe. It's also scrumptious and fills our home with smells of yummy goodness. It's taken me awhile to get the technique down, but I got confident enough to take a picture of a rather well-shaped and nicely browned loaf. We've been trying eliminate processed foods from our pantry as much as possible and incorporate more whole foods into our daily family intake, so this homemade whole wheat bread has been a great step in the right direction. I plan to take my creativity further and begin to put my Sculpture degree to use by making loaves like the photo below. I'll see how it goes...

 

Made with Love

My friend's two year old little girl, Haley, is on my mind constantly - my heart broken that she's having to go through Chemo treatments so very young and fragile. So I made her this doll about a month or two ago. It's a Chemo Friend for her to drag w/ her to Chemo. I made her out of fleece so she'd be cuddly;  and I made her a cute dress as well as a hospital gown to wear. She also has medical accessories to carry w/ her in her tote bag: a stethoscope, bottle of asprin, heartrate thing, and a shot. The doll's hair snaps on and off, and she has a couple of hats to wear; but fortunately, little Haley's hair has not come out at all! I thought I was actually having an original idea on this one, but in my online research I found this great site w/ great Chemo dolls, too:

www.kimmiecares.com

Anyway, thought I'd post some photos of  my little project.

Cancer Awareness

I have recently cut off my hair to donate to Locks of Love in honor of two special friends dealing with cancer right now. One friend is a the mom of a two- year-old little girl who was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor in August. Little Haley is doing great and is set for her last Chemo treatment on December 24th...merry Christmas! The other friend is also the mom of a two year old little girl who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her daughter was only 4 months old. Kita is one of the most optimistic, joyful people I've ever met, even though she has continued to fight cancer for the past two years. Hats off, and HAIRs OFF to these extraordinary friends who fight for their lives everyday and yet continue to smile and thank God for His goodness. I love you girls!!

My New Book

My mom & I have created a book together that is now available in print! It is titled Love Spot and is available at: www.authorhouse.com/BookStore. We joined efforts to explain the process of In Vitro Fertilization through this story after a new member of our family was conceived through the IVF method. It is a beautiful, yet simple explanation of the of IVF conception process that is sure to touch your heart! This book is a must have for anyone who has ever experienced the miracle of IVF! Check it out!

Bibs That'll Make You Drool

Ooo-EE, I am so excited about this new product in the making at Amy's Own! The magic of Iron-On Transfers has gotten me fired up! My designs are working great on these little bibs. They're not on the website yet, but write and let me know what you think of them. I'm trying out some other products that I can iron-on, like tote bags, onesies, and kid tee shirts. So fun!

Oh, by the way- Yes, Jacqueline, this is for Baby Jack; and yes, Kerry, the lamb is for Baby Caroline! 

The Joy of Friendship

Today I got to meet up with some of my old friends from college, most of whom live in the same town as I though we never get together. How great it is to remember that real friendship is not bound by time passed nor proximity. I love that deep sense of personal history that comes back when seeing friends after a long while. It's a reminder of a life full of blessings - in every stage - and the impact that each friendship has had in strengthening my character, helping make me all that I am in this present time. Thank you, to all of my friends who have always (and still do) make my life so very, very rich!

Caught in the Web

I was recently invited to join Facebook; and it didn't take me long to wonder how I ever lived my life without belonging to this amazing website! I have been in touch with old friends who I never thought I'd be able to find - some who now, literally, live on the other side of the world. Being on Facebook is like having all your favorite people right on your computer all the time, just waiting for you to share your day with them. Sometimes my internet goes out, and I declare my hatred of computers. Sometimes I have a deadline for a lovely customer and my printer goes on the fritz; and I declare my hatred of computers. Sometimes my files get corrupted for an unknown reason, and I declare my hatred of computers. But really and truly, I don't hate computers; they allow marvelous opportunities for me to be in touch with you...and I love that.  

Time flies when you're turning five

I must say that I do feel very badly that it has been a month since I have written on my blog. But I have been in the throws of childhood merry-making, celebrating my oldest son's fifth birthday! He decided after viewing snippets of old Indiana Jones movies (with his dad...ahem) that he MUST have an "Indiana Jones Waterslide Party". Since none of his friends really knew who Indiana Jones was, they got an Adventure Party including treasure maps to hidden treasures! We had the party at our family farm, and it really was a great time for everyone. They kids got an Adventure Pack when they arrived and got to choose their own treasure map (there were 12 different maps leading to 12 different treasures around the farm). Then they could slip & slide on the "water slide" (aka: a big sheet of plastic), take a boat ride, bob for apples, or generally just go wild and get dirty! It was a day to remember, and our boy had a BLAST! We have been recouping for 2 full weeks now. Anyway, here are some pics below. If you need help with your own party, call me 'cuz I've got party fever! Seeing little kids get happy is a huge thrill, so let me know if I can help you out with your shin-dig, too. I 'd LOVE it!

I'm a Dog

I think I have successfully edited my first home movie! It has taken me almost 3 years to figure out (though I admit to not studying it for longer than 10 minutes at a time until earlier this evening), but I think it's been worth the effort. Here is my now, almost 5 year old in a shining moment of toddler-hood. Enjoy!

You can expect another video of my one-year-old in about 3 more years. I can't promise that it won't be HIM eating dog food next time, as he seems to be fond of it too. My oldest son watched the above video and remembered aloud, "Mom, dog food really does taste like cookies to me." ...what can I say to that? I guess we buy some pretty high-quality dog food at our house. Am I bad mother or what?!  Ha!

Encouragement for Moms

Nicole Johnson's The Invisible Woman.

My friend, Julie, sent this to me; and I wish I could personally send it to every mom I know. This is 5 minutes that will keep you going for a lifetime! 

Picture Perfect

Last week our family made a trip to the beach, and it was really, really great together time. But in the words of the infinitely wise rock-band, Poison,"every rose has it's thorn"...oh, so true, Poison. And our thorn for the week was taking that elusive, perfect photo of our two precious angels in sweet serenity by the ocean side. I will never know how other people capture that perfect Kodak moment for their Christmas cards each year; but if you are on our Christmas list, you'll never have to worry about a sickeningly perfect photo of our children coming your way. You're safe with us. It will never happen. Here's some documentation of the wreckage:

At this point, I gave up & realized that perfection is SO overrated...how boring is being perfect?! I hope we can send out an outrageously, crazy-fun photo on our Christmas cards this year...something that will really make you chuckle, instead of gag. In the end, we did get this pretty nice (though fuzzy) shot of our little angels...God bless their spunk!

Art for My Sake

Initially, I was VERY excited about beginning this blogsite; but after actually getting it up and running I got blog-fright. I had imagined a wonderful space of my own where I could be totally free to make a statement, just put my thoughts and my little artwork out there for the world to access. But then I realized that other people would be looking at what I posted, and that I really don't have any deep statements to make that anyone else would actually want to read. So about as quickly as my blog began, it ended. But I've had a personal break-through; and I've realized that no one actually reads this anyway, so what am I scared of? The real answer for me would be a sketchbook/journal, which I have about 100 of around my house that I have started and not finished. So at least this blogsite will save paper and condense my ponderings (is that a word) into one place, which will make my husband happy. And I will get to have a space of my own which will make ME happy.

In honor of the forthcoming Independence Day holiday, I am posting an Amy's Own original card from about 1984. I was a pre-teen and very sure of my art abilities. Have you ever received a homemade card for the 4th of July? Well, I haven't either; but my mom assures me that it really enhances the holiday, especially if your child is the artist behind the sentiment.