tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70228689959028430162024-03-13T21:57:26.251-05:00Rustic RemnantsAmanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.comBlogger603125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-1502743889331209232016-02-16T20:26:00.000-06:002016-02-16T20:26:15.231-06:00Three baby months<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24842337345/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 16"><img alt="Paisley 16" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/24842337345_1f49e4c8d1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Three months of this cutie pie face brightening our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24842381415/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 6"><img alt="Paisley 6" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1570/24842381415_3135834916_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She is a pro at holding her head up and insists on sitting up as often as possible. Her hands evidently taste extremely good because they are constantly in her mouth. In fact, I had to work hard to get a picture where I could actually see her face.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24474734469/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 9"><img alt="Paisley 9" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1507/24474734469_f568478d3b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She's a big time mover and shaker these days, and unless she has something to hold her in place there is no telling where you might find her. I can only imagine how mobile she'll be in another month. I'm not quite sure her big sisters know what they are in for when they say they can't wait until she's big enough to play with them. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24749062811/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 3"><img alt="Paisley 3" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/24749062811_1f4c5d1ae6_z.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24214327984/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 2"><img alt="Paisley 2" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1526/24214327984_0a193fd2c4_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-80967146778081441482016-01-24T05:02:00.002-06:002016-01-24T05:12:56.440-06:00Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hm-97QPqWiA/VqSwrKcX9BI/AAAAAAAAAc4/VieOYoednEA/s1600/IMG_20160124_050552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hm-97QPqWiA/VqSwrKcX9BI/AAAAAAAAAc4/VieOYoednEA/s320/IMG_20160124_050552.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm learning a lot, already, on this journey of being a mama to three. One would think that by the time baby three comes along you'd have already learned quite a lot, however I am finding this to be untrue.<br />
<br />
One of the things I'm learning is that as your children get older and you can begin to reliably regain a normal amount of sleep at night you really forget what those sleepless nights were really like. And once those sleepless nights begin again you find, in my case at least, that you have a much harder time physically adjusting to them than you did before. I swear I used to be able to get zero sleep and still function like a somewhat normal human...though I might have been a few years younger then. Ahem.<br />
<br />
I've battled a bit of a cold all week and it left me feeling very run down, and quite frankly just plain exhausted. I was so thankful when Saturday rolled around and my amazing husband was able to step in and let me sleep as much as humanly possible in an effort to get caught up on some much needed restoration. I awoke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the laundry list of projects I had procrastinated on all week - and the actual laundry. I also awoke with a bit of a headache. Nevermind that, press on! There are things to tend to I told myself, but eventually the headache won out. By the time our evening routine started my head was pounding. It hurt to move (heaven forbid I had to bend over for something) and nothing seemed able to combat it.<br />
<br />
I was relieved when even the tiniest girl seemed settled down for the night. I gave myself just a few extra minutes to sit before heading to bed, but just as I was ready to start towards bed, someone decided it was time to wake up again. And so has gone our night. We've slept possibly a grand total of 2 hours tonight and my headache has not improved one bit.<br />
<br />
Yet as I sit here in the early morning hours typing this on my phone while rocking with a fussy and restless baby in my arms, I can't help but notice how differently this scenerio is playing out than it might have in years prior.
I'm not lamenting over the lost sleep, and wishing for the days that, when I put her in bed she actually stays there for the night. Sure, tomorrow I will be exhausted, and I'd never turn down more sleep if it were offered, but those days will come in due time. She will never be this small again. I will never have the chance to rock her at this exact age again after this, for each day she grows a bit more.<br />
<br />
Our oldest two don't need rocking to sleep anymore, in fact they're becoming more and more independent with each passing day. So tonight I rock, and ponder, and cherish each sleepless moment while it lasts because I know all too well it will quickly - much too quickly for my liking - flow into the next stage of mothering.<br />
<br />
So maybe I have learned a thing or two along this journey of motherhood after all...if only I had learned to like coffee. Yawn.Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-79459926734628185992016-01-11T13:28:00.003-06:002016-01-11T13:28:37.600-06:00UnicornThere aren't a lot of handmade gifts to share from this holiday season. As the days crept closer and closer to Christmas, more and more things were taken off the list. There were no late nights scrambling to finish gifts and so there were no exhausted and cranky days caused by lack of sleep. I found myself tucking my girls into bed and following suit soon after, knowing that any sleep I missed would be due to the littlest of my girls and so I needed to grab every minute I possibly could. It felt strange to look back and see only a handful of handmade this holiday, but it feels good to know that I was finally able to step back and realize that overextending and exhausting myself wouldn't do anyone any good.<br />
<br />
There was one holiday gift that I made sure was put to the top of the list this year. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24238118841/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unicorn 4"><img alt="Unicorn 4" height="443" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1716/24238118841_73a294ed76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
A certain 5 year old in our home just happens to love unicorns. I have had this pattern for ages and just never could manage to move it to the top of the crafting to-do list before now. I was determined to finish it while unicorns were still a favorite, you never know how long that might last after all. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24294531626/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unicorn 1"><img alt="Unicorn 1" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1567/24294531626_c59ebf759c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24237992561/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unicorn 5"><img alt="Unicorn 5" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/24237992561_12dcbb788f_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I used the<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109924320/crochet-pattern-amigurumi-unicorn-luna?ref=shop_home_active_2"> Luna pattern</a> from Madison's Craft Nook. I would definitely recommend using this pattern, it was incredibly easy to follow and the end result is incredibly adorable. I didn't really make any changes other than I didn't sew the rear legs quite as tightly to the body. So, while it will still stand, I wanted it to rest in more of a sitting position.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24238045081/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unicorn 2"><img alt="Unicorn 2" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/24238045081_607f80ed2e_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24212328352/in/dateposted-public/" title="Unicorn 3"><img alt="Unicorn 3" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/24212328352_e130258971_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those sparkly purple buttons! I really want to make another unicorn in rainbow colors next, and I might make the mane just a bit longer too. </div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-24921494675217515892016-01-10T21:28:00.001-06:002016-01-10T21:28:15.904-06:00Two Months<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24223902701/in/dateposted-public/" title="Two Months 1"><img alt="Two Months 1" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1718/24223902701_f1bf6e7f22_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our sweet Paisley is two months old now. Though, I don't think you'd be able to convince her of that. In her mind, I'm certain, she's much much older. She very much prefers to be sitting up at all times and absolutely lets you know in no uncertain terms if you don't believe her. She uses all her might to sit up any time you try to recline her at all. Tummy time is not for her, though I sneak it in without her knowing by laying her on my chest. She thinks she's simply lifting up and looking about for fun. She has also discovered her hands and is becoming quite proficient at getting them to do exactly what she wants, which is mostly going right into her mouth so she can chew them a bit. A slobbery mess of a thing, two months. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Her laughter is coming more often these days. You're most likely to hear it if you tickle under her chin, or if you happen to simply be one of her big sisters. Those two are evidently quite the humorous pair. Of course, it's nearly impossible to catch the laughter on video. I'm determined to manage it one day soon though. </div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-20406966634370940402016-01-04T12:25:00.000-06:002016-01-04T12:36:48.951-06:00Create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aVLpYHzmKk/Voq6xfx2bTI/AAAAAAAAAcU/Mz7m55rNirc/s1600/2016-01-04%2B12.29.07%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aVLpYHzmKk/Voq6xfx2bTI/AAAAAAAAAcU/Mz7m55rNirc/s320/2016-01-04%2B12.29.07%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
2016. A new year. Typically this time of year means a new list of resolutions being made. Lists of things you want to accomplish, and yet rarely seem to manage. It just seems like such a harsh way to start off a new year full of mystery and potential. <br />
<br />
A few years back we simply decided to stop making them. That doesn't mean I don't have goals and plans and dreams for the new year, it simply means we've decided to approach it a bit differently. <br />
Instead of making a list of tasks to complete we decided to choose a word, a single word, to represent the new year and its potential. A theme, something to guide our thoughts and actions throughout the year and hold our focus.<br />
<br />
In years past we've chosen words like gratitude, simplicity, and explore. This year was a bit harder, nothing seemed exactly right. I mulled over the hopes I had for the new year, and what I wanted not only for the family but for myself as well. Compassion, kindness, reverence...all these words seemed so wonderful and are, of course, great to keep our focus on. Yet, they weren't "the word" that we needed. One word kept popping into mind and over and over again I kept dismissing it.<br />
<br />
Create. That couldn't be it. What does it even mean really? It's much too simple afterall. Yet there it continued to sit, right in the middle of my thoughts, and suddenly I understood. Of course! Create.<br />
<br />
Not in the obvious we're a crafty household and we like to make things kind of way either. But in the you create your own destiny so get out there and make things happen kind of way. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>CREATE</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>things</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>happiness</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>connections</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>friendships</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>opportunities</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>memories</i></div>
<br />
It seems obvious now, the perfect word for us for 2016. I cannot wait to see the year that we create. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-2548633402995373092015-12-31T20:57:00.000-06:002015-12-31T20:57:09.604-06:00Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas this year was a bit different than in years past for us. There were less activities, less busyness, fewer handmade gifts made, and even fewer photographs taken. Somehow it just seemed right this year.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24068769656/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Eve 6"><img alt="Christmas Eve 6" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5804/24068769656_334c065ebe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24012298141/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Eve 4"><img alt="Christmas Eve 4" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1647/24012298141_4459b3629d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24069302926/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Morning 2"><img alt="Christmas Morning 2" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5654/24069302926_ebde7f29a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23467035524/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Morning 3"><img alt="Christmas Morning 3" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1596/23467035524_062db651c8_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24095168785/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Morning 7"><img alt="Christmas Morning 7" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5689/24095168785_17586f343c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23727298399/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Morning 9"><img alt="Christmas Morning 9" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1628/23727298399_31b69cd315_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24012809671/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Morning 4"><img alt="Christmas Morning 4" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5819/24012809671_7d1a19e035_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is what it looks like when you get hit with a snowball as you're taking a picture, just in case you were wondering. Sneak attack. New jammies from Grandma, lots of giggles, and an indoor snowball fight or two made this Christmas just exactly what we needed. </div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-62895766701327411822015-12-31T19:11:00.003-06:002015-12-31T19:11:49.069-06:00Snowman Cousins<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23985059962/in/dateposted-public/" title="Snowmen 4"><img alt="Snowmen 4" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5664/23985059962_64cdffdb4e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few years back I had the wild idea to make all the little cousins <a href="http://rusticremnants.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-recap.html">matching reindeer shirts</a> for Christmas Eve. They were all so tiny back then! Well four years later we've added two new cousins, so of course new shirts were in order. Because why not make 7 matching snowman shirts with a 6 week old baby? Doesn't everyone do projects like that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23985127812/in/dateposted-public/" title="Snowmen 1"><img alt="Snowmen 1" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1623/23985127812_8351ddd99f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23464946284/in/dateposted-public/" title="Snowmen 3"><img alt="Snowmen 3" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1571/23464946284_85fbee1c25_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23467531683/in/dateposted-public/" title="Snowmen 9"><img alt="Snowmen 9" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1584/23467531683_10b5476a02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24066927206/in/dateposted-public/" title="Snowmen 11"><img alt="Snowmen 11" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1582/24066927206_97914d211c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We even managed to get all of them into one picture and some of them looking at the camera. Even though we had one snowman that would have much rather been a dinosaur and not part of the picture, I'm still calling it a success. And how cute is this? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-74410125911327614912015-12-31T18:58:00.001-06:002015-12-31T18:58:47.480-06:00Gingerbread<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24092490915/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 9"><img alt="Gingerbread 9" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1630/24092490915_cc92d17154_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23464419344/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 1"><img alt="Gingerbread 1" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1646/23464419344_a895b77be4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23984866052/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 3"><img alt="Gingerbread 3" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/23984866052_c7ccb1c7d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23984429352/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 4"><img alt="Gingerbread 4" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5735/23984429352_5f3dc873a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24066348426/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 6"><img alt="Gingerbread 6" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5744/24066348426_a0fc585604_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/24092414475/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gingerbread 7"><img alt="Gingerbread 7" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1700/24092414475_22d37433df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-6533905229348512532015-12-21T15:37:00.000-06:002015-12-21T15:37:17.933-06:00Season of SimplicityEvery year I say we're going to cut back, the to-do list won't be as long, and we won't over commit ourselves (myself especially) so we can enjoy the season. And yet, somehow, every year there seems to be more to-do than time and I find myself stressing about completing everything and end up exhausted and feeling like I missed so much of the holiday season. <br />
<br />
This year I was craving a much simpler holiday. With all the changes in the past year I knew there was simply no way I could manage all the hustle and bustle of typical holiday preparations, especially with a newborn that prefers to be awake and held for the better part of the day. I didn't want to look back on our first Christmas as a family of 5 and remember being short tempered and too busy to play because of a self imposed list of demands. I knew something had to change this year, and it was up to me to make it happen. I drastically cut down the amount of decorations we unpacked, said no to a lot of event invitations, and cut my gifting list down by as much as possible hoping everyone would understand. And you know what? Everyone more than understood, and it has felt absolutely wonderful.<br />
<br />
I must admit that while it has been wonderful, it has also felt quite strange, but in a very good way. I'll be perfectly honest and admit that neither myself or my husband were quite sure if I could manage to let so much go and really not allow myself to feel stress over the holidays. I think I surprised us both this year. Only a fraction of our holiday decorations were unpacked, and we haven't missed a single thing. There are no pictures of our beautiful Advent spiral being lit because after the first few days it honestly went forgotten most evenings. Many handmade gifts were abandoned in favor of a store-bought (and mostly online shopped) present that I'm sure will still be very loved. The goodies I had intended to bake and deliver to friends and neighbors never happened, and somehow that all seems okay this year. Perhaps we'll bake New Year's treats instead. <br />
<br />
What did happen this year is singing Christmas carols while the girls decorated the tree placing their favorite ornaments all in front and leaving the back of the tree mostly bare. Reading our favorite Christmas stories by the light of the tree before bed in the evenings. Afternoons spent coloring, crafting, and simply being together as a family. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23894335195/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Girls 1"><img alt="Christmas Girls 1" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/684/23894335195_eb593516d2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
These faces here, this is what I want to remember from this holiday season. I want to look back and know that I spent much more time staring at these faces than I did worrying about some list of imaginary requirements. I am thankful for the things that did get completed and happy to let go of the things that didn't. In these last few days before the holidays we'll do some baking together and of course I'll work on a few more gifts if time allows, because those are things that bring us joy. And if nothing more is completed we'll be just as happy with that outcome as well. </div>
</div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-76964137941291361352015-12-18T10:11:00.002-06:002015-12-31T19:54:27.031-06:00One Month <br />
As am awake with you for what must be the hundredth time tonight, I realize an entire month has somehow managed to sneak by without so much as a warning. How can that possibly be? Surely there must be some mistake. Though even as that thought crosses my mind, I realize that there is of course no mistake and time has simply sped by in the blink of an eye. Already I can see the changes in front of me. You're growing so quickly, as made evident by the ever growing stack of newborn clothing cast aside as I discover it no longer fits quite as it should. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wish time would slow down just a bit, I'm just not quite ready. However, as I look at your two older sisters, who adore you just as much as I do, I am made fully aware of the fact that despite my protests time simply continues marching on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your oldest sister eve said to me "Now we get to know what it feels like to be you watching us grow up". It seems that perhaps I'm not the only one struggling with you growing so quickly. So please do us all a favor and slow down just a little and let us have time to prepare. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-52052109122794661222015-12-05T15:40:00.003-06:002015-12-05T15:40:53.297-06:00Trimming the tree<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23178092709/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tree 1"><img alt="Tree 1" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5678/23178092709_daf41353d7_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Every year as we put up this old tree a few more branches break and even more needles litter the ground. And every year we say that it’s the last year we’ll use this tree and that we’ll definitely buy a new one next year. Yet every year we pull out the same old tree, and I just can’t quite make myself find a new one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23519571826/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tree 3"><img alt="Tree 3" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5755/23519571826_04ca438a31_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/22918535643/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tree 4"><img alt="Tree 4" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/645/22918535643_072858e01b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
We bought this tree our first Christmas as a married couple, and even back then it wasn’t anything fancy but at the time it was perfect just the same. Our Charlie Brown tree, as we affectionately refer to it, has seen many changes over these past ten Christmases. Somehow holding up under the weight of new ornaments marking the additions of new babies and special memories we want to remember from the year behind us. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23437160622/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tree 2"><img alt="Tree 2" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5671/23437160622_22404f5e2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this year we add another special ornament with the addition of our third and final sweet baby. Perhaps this is just what we’ve been waiting for all this time and this truly will be the final Christmas for our old tree. Maybe next year we will finally retire this faithful old tree and bring a new one home to enjoy…but then again, maybe not….</div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-88604776113557913662015-12-04T21:11:00.001-06:002015-12-04T21:11:03.953-06:00Slippers for St. NicholasThis time last year I found myself up until the wee hours of the morning hurriedly trying to finish a new pair of slippers for each girl before St. Nicholas arrived. Nothing sparks motivation quite like a last minute craft project and a quickly approaching deadline. Thankfully I did manage to finish in time, but only just barely.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/22900240154/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Slippers 7"><img alt="Christmas Slippers 7" height="406" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/683/22900240154_5364f3c409_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23502407736/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Slippers 8"><img alt="Christmas Slippers 8" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5802/23502407736_3a0c8b9b66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23528557715/in/dateposted-public/" title="Christmas Slippers 5"><img alt="Christmas Slippers 5" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/23528557715_bf29f4857f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The girls were quite pleased with them, though the colorway made them extremely difficult to photograph well. The pattern was the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170940098/crochet-pattern-218-big-kids-vanessa?ref=related-7">Vanessa Button Slipper</a> from Two Girls Patterns, and it was thankfully very quick and easy to complete. <br />
<br />
This year as we began to settle in for the evening and prepare for the arrival of St. Nicholas we discovered that half of the slippers were missing! Each girl could only find one slipper and though we turned the house upside down, the missing slippers were not recovered. How is it possible that each child lost only one slipper? Where could they have possibly gone? <br />
<br />
Regardless of the why or how, I find myself once again up facing a looming deadline and hurriedly hoping to finish slippers before the arrival of St. Nicholas. I certainly hope this doesn't become an annual tradition. Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-91384166830347329142015-12-03T21:51:00.000-06:002015-12-03T21:51:08.509-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23456580336/in/dateposted-public/" title="Thanksgiving 3"><img alt="Thanksgiving 3" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/679/23456580336_f05e9c1fbc_z.jpg" width="613" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23114553669/in/dateposted-public/" title="Thanksgiving 7"><img alt="Thanksgiving 7" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5624/23114553669_c13e150d71_z.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23114944819/in/dateposted-public/" title="Thanksgiving 6"><img alt="Thanksgiving 6" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/699/23114944819_2b9ed2411c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23456536046/in/dateposted-public/" title="Thanksgiving 4"><img alt="Thanksgiving 4" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5640/23456536046_9bdabcc442_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-13591098217708697112015-12-01T01:45:00.003-06:002015-12-01T01:46:21.094-06:00Hello World! We are so happy to announce the arrival of our newest girl... <br />
<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23160694641/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 18"><img alt="Paisley 18" height="347" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5657/23160694641_b2a095382c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
She had her own ideas about when and how she would be born, but finally at 41 weeks our sweet little Paisley was here. She was 20 1/2" long and 8lbs 15oz, most of which I'm pretty sure was in those cheeks. <br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/23160760621/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 6"><img alt="Paisley 6" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/717/23160760621_005cbbed07_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/22528004883/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 5"><img alt="Paisley 5" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/707/22528004883_e586e4dffe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
She was welcomed into the family by two very excited big sisters who couldn't wait to get their hands on her and begin spoiling her absolutely rotten. They had waited so long for the day they could finally meet their new sister face to face and the love they showed for her was immediate and intense. Our sweet little one will never want for a pair of arms to hold her close.<br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41787352@N07/22526383364/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paisley 20"><img alt="Paisley 20" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22526383364_b9dcb2c8a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Becoming a mother for the third time is just as amazing and life changing as it was the two times prior. We waited so long for her and the fact that she is finally here with us absolutely takes my breath away in some moments. Being able to relish in the love and warmth of this new addition to our family is a gift beyond measure. Knowing that you grew and nurtured a life within you is an absolutely humbling experience, and I am honored for the opportunity to begin this journey of motherhood once again.Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-3451715026727125772015-11-19T11:25:00.013-06:002015-11-19T11:25:53.838-06:00..........Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-46308258388336652522015-11-19T11:25:00.011-06:002015-11-19T11:25:46.450-06:00........Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-9666581226243208702015-11-19T11:25:00.009-06:002015-11-19T11:25:40.085-06:00......Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-53550639097422100582015-11-19T11:25:00.007-06:002015-11-19T11:25:32.701-06:00....Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-35825136719500974632015-11-19T11:25:00.005-06:002015-11-19T11:25:23.025-06:00..Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-6273224435640412272015-11-19T11:25:00.003-06:002015-11-19T11:25:13.842-06:00..........Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-64744972511449669912015-11-19T11:25:00.001-06:002015-11-19T11:25:04.667-06:00........Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-48331159252607999142015-11-19T11:24:00.003-06:002015-11-19T11:24:56.297-06:00......Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-34173305056971075952015-11-19T11:24:00.001-06:002015-11-19T11:24:47.888-06:00....Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-32776584850131860632015-11-19T10:42:00.009-06:002015-11-19T10:42:45.318-06:00..Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022868995902843016.post-91501324077951098172015-11-19T10:42:00.007-06:002015-11-19T10:42:31.846-06:00..........Amanda @RusticRemnantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15693210696787777962noreply@blogger.com0