Baby and Cakes

Another Give Away...

Click on Miracles Happen to read of a jewelry give away. If I lose, which I probably will, I'm ordering a piece for me for Christmas. Who doesn't like personalized jewelry?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We aren't doing much during this break. Our mission for the coming days: be thankful. Then keep on being thankful!

10 things/people I'm thankful for...in no particular order:

1) Matt
2) Charlie
3) Aubrey
4) Kimberly
5) Mom&Dad
6) my bed
7) sleeping past 5:30am
8) coffee
9) Biolage shampoo
10) Downy

Leave a comment and say what you're thankful for!

GREAT CAUSE AND GIVEAWAY!

FROM THE HENDRICK'S BLOG....

I should have known this little community at Sit A Spell would come through with so many great companies making and selling products in a way we can all be proud of and support.

Every day this week I'll post about companies like the one featured here today. Hopefully we can all get the word out about these companies that care about labor issues and are giving part of their proceeds to kingdom minded organizations. Hopefully we'll support these businesses with our business.



A sweet girl in my life, Kim Davis has an etsy shop called Oh Sweet Joy. Her work was recently featured in Child Style Magazine.

When I met Kim she was an unmarried college student sitting in the Her Hands class. I always loved to hear what was on Kim's mind. She's a beautiful girl inside and out. Kim and her husband Chase are now living in Colorado.

Please take a second to hear Kim's heart behind her business and her work:

"I started oh, sweet joy when I needed a break from apparel. I've worked retail for years and refurbished vintage t-shirts for a while, as well. I lost my retail job in early September and started nannying for a family in town. One of the boys, Ollie, had a birthday coming up, and I wanted to make him something unique. I bought some eco-felt, grabbed some of my designer fabric scraps and went to town on a cute little owl. I loved making the little owl, so I kept making more and sold a few at a local art studio tour. Little did I know the Lord had bigger plans for this little project.

I took everything out of one etsy shop and opened another with a new focus. My husband has been encouraging me to be more focused and gospel centered in every endeavor. I couldn't really figure out what that meant until I searched my heart and the Lord revealed and reminded me what He has created me for and what I am passionate about. It took me a while to figure everything out, but the Lord has laid on my heart to bring joy into homes by using my gifts and talents to further the Kingdom and bring children hope (as silly as it sounds...one owl at a time).

One way I am accomplishing this is donating a percentage of all sales to Compassion International and Love 146. 20% of everything I make (after etsy & paypal take their generous cuts haha) will go to truly make a difference in children's lives. I couldn't be more excited about this effort, and I am so thankful that the Lord has changed my selfish heart. He has turned something that started as me wanting to make some extra spending money to something that is so much bigger than myself. He is faithful."

Kim's owls are precious.

I also love the headbands. My niece will be getting one of these!

Kim does custom orders. She also sells an entire family of owls for only $25.

Owls are quite the "in thing" right now (as are any birds, really). Hey...if Anthropologie says owls are "in"...they are.

I also was impressed with Kim's November shipping special. Buy 2 products and get free shipping. Can't beat that.

Please take some time to browse Kim's shop. This would be a great place to buy gifts that are made right her in America and have peace of mind that women and children aren't being exploited in the name of consumerism.

I've placed a custom order with Kim, and I can't tell you how happy it makes my heart to know that some of the money I send her will go to help such great organizations that are out there fighting against so much evil in this world. I'm honored to get to play a small part of bringing God's love, light and truth into places that desperately need to know His peace, grace and strength...all while shopping.

Kim has also agreed to give away that cute owl at the top of this post! Get excited. Isn't that owl adorable? He's a medium sized, "Ollie" owl.

To enter the giveaway you need to have a US shipping address. The winner will be announced next Monday, November 23. There are many ways to enter and you can have up to 6 entries per person.

1. If you browse Oh Sweet Joy you can come back here and leave your name in a comment and say "I browsed".

2. Tweet about Oh Sweet Joy and then leave a comment telling us you did.

3. Become a fan of Oh Sweet Joy on Facebook then leave a comment telling us you're now a Facebook fan. Go here to become a fan.

4. If you post about this giveaway on Facebook, leave a comment telling us you did so..

5. If you post about Oh Sweet Joy and this give away on your blog you can leave your name in a comment with your blog address.

6. If you have an Etsy account and you "favorite" or "heart" Oh Sweet Joy then you can also leave a comment letting us know.

See...everyone gets a chance to have 6 entries each! I'm not good with math, but I think that really bumps up your odds of winning!

__________________________________

Thank you, Kim, for giving away this treasure. And thanks for the peace of mind you've given me while I'm shopping.

Baby Nate!

Nathan John Newton arrived last night at 8:45. He was 8 pounds and 13 ounces. Born exactly 8 months after Aubrey. Newton grandbabies have all been born on the 12th of a month....3/12, 4/12, and 11/12. Pretty cool. Can't wait to hold him.

Big Dan's Deer

I look like my uncle!

I see Matt's little brother Marc in this picture! So adorable.

Cooking and Cleaning

We were up at five this morning. Charlie told me, while patting me on the head, "it's not night night time mommy". I was so warm and comfy
all wrapped up in the sheet. We got up and I stumbled to the coffee pot to discover that Matt and the coffeepot had had a fight and apparently the coffee pot won. He was up an hour earlier for deer hunting. I'm just glad nothing was broken because I was going to wake up Aubrey for a Bucee's run. It's illegal to be up so early on a Saturday and not have coffee or smelling it in the process of making.
Got the iPhone and found Chris Tomlin in my iPod and we jammed through breakfast and kitchen cleaning. Then Aubrey woke up at 6. Fed her and got them playing so I could tackle the bathrooms and vacuum.
Reading domestic blogs has inspired me to work smarter, not harder to make this house run smoothly. I'm sure this feeling will pass but humor me, eh? Chicken is boiling with carrots and onions for chicken spaghetti. I'm going to freeze the broth and use it for soup. Really. I am. I made lentil soup Sunday and have two small containers in the freezer for dinner or a school lunch. I'd like to make some wheat bread for fun, but I have perfectly good yeast rolls in the freezer. Thank you Brookshires.
Tomorrow I'll collect my second week's worth of coupons and try them out at my next shopping excursion.
**up at 5 and didn't turn on the tv until 9:30** a woman has to shower right?! I have a love/hate relationship with the idiot box.

Halloween 09

Kids in the Cradle

Matt's Dad made this cradle for his children. It's survived 4 Newton babies and a house fire. Charlie used it and we put Aubrey in it last night to snap a few pictures. She liked it until she hurt her gums chewing on it. Now it is getting passed to baby Nathan who is set to make his debut in 2 weeks! Cannot believe he'll be here so soon.

John Winston's Birthday Cake

Aubrey's Baby Legs

I love these little leg warmers! She doesn't seem to mind them at all. This little girl is crawling everywhere and pulling up on anything including Charlie. Everything is going in her mouth so I have to vacuum all the time now instead of whenever I feel like it. I'm loving her!

Saddle Up!

Charlie is trying out his Halloween early. He has to or he would never wear it! I put on his chaps over his diaper Sunday morning and I had the camera ready. It had to be his idea. He is very picky about new things. There's a vest and a belt to complete the ensemble. I'm not getting my hopes up that he'll wear them all at the same time.

Clean house

Get over here quick. The front of the house is totally clean. This time tomorrow I'm not making any guarantees. Seriously. Our bedroom and Charlie's? Well, I just closed the door. That's tomorrow's assignment!

Lunchtime!

Having lunch with my favorite companion.... My Medela Pump Pro. I guess you could say I'm " pumping that Mustang spirit up"!

Why?

Do you have to be SO loud every morning? Why do you feel the need for a diesel engine? I get it when I see them on a ranch or pulling a 20 horse trailer. But you live in the city. You don't pull horses or cows or poodles. I understand that the only way to get rid of loud and proud trucks and hurtfully loud stereo systems is to MoVe. Give us some time. When we're debt free you better watch out! There. Don't you feel threatened?

Starting this week with a Tuesday. Hopefully this short week won't be the longest one eveeeer.

Laundry

Will

I

ever

Get it all done?

I think I need to have the birds and the bees talk with our clothes. They are out of control. Thankfully we are celebrating Columbus finding San Salvador and bringing sickness and diseases to the natives today so I can catch up on my chores.

While it's on my mind let me know if you'd like to come to my jewelry show 10/24. If you can't make it, but would like some bling I am taking pre-orders.

Fair on the Square

Saturday Mom, Aubrey and I went to the fair on the square in Huntsville. I went for Michelle's bows and loaded up. We also found this cute pink hat to attach flowers and bows to. Aubrey likes it. Matt says she looks like a rastafarian.

Aubbie in her new bed

Now let's just see how long she can sleep there! She started out in it last night, but of course by the wee hours was snuggled up next to me.

Change ups

Matt started out vaccumming this morning and it turned into making Aubrey her own room. I really wanted the kids to share a room, but their sleep schedules are too different to allow that and Matt and I wanted the Pack and Play OUT OF OUR ROOM. We tried three different ways to move the baby bed without taking it apart. It was impossible to move it through the door without breaking it down. We stored lots of things in our shed outside and 4 hours later we were mostly back to normal again. The only thing I had to buy for A's room was curtains to block the light.

It was a good Sunday... Now to get Charlie over his cough!

Thanks Spanki!

We had pictures taken last month and I finally got around to ordering the first batch of them. Started with 2 16x20s. One of Charlie and one of Aubrey. The colors are so rich and I can't wait to see them framed. Now I have to decide where to hang them once I get them framed. Boys and girls the woman takes awesome pictures and is very efficient when it's time to order. I ordered some 5x7s today that may be Xmas presents. Check out the website under my link list. Can't recommend her enough!

Cinnamon Roll recipe

rep. Time: 4:00
Serves: 12 - 15

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 Tbls. ground cinnamon
(2) .25 oz. pkts. active dry yeast
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 cup 110 degree water
1 cup warm milk
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. salt
2 eggs - slightly beaten
up to 8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts OR pecans - optional
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple extract - optional, but recommended
up to 6 Tbls. hot water

-Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and the cinnamon; set aside.
-In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in warm water; set aside.
-In a large bowl, mix together milk, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, salt, and eggs; add yeast mixture and 4 cups of flour to mixture; beat until smooth; stir in enough flour to form a slightly stiff dough.
-Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for 8 minutes.
-Place dough into a large greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
-Punch down dough and let rest for 5 minutes.
-Roll dough out onto a floured surface into a 15" X 20" rectangle.
-Brush 1/2 cup melted butter over dough; sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over dough; sprinkle nuts evenly over dough, if desired.
-Tightly roll up dough and pinch edges together to seal; cut the roll into 12 - 15 slices using dental floss or thread.
-Coat the bottom of a 13" X 9" X 2" baking pan with 1/2 cup melted butter; sprinkle 1/3 cup sugar evenly in the bottom of the pan.
-Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the prepared pan; cover pan and allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
-Bake rolls in a 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
-Stir together powdered sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, and extracts; stir in hot water, 1 Tbls. at a time, until the glaze reaches desired spreading consistency.
-Spread prepared icing over slightly cooled rolls.

Seems like a lot of work. The really hard part is being patient and letting them rise. The wait is worth it. Comment if you try them. I'm thinking about trying another type of sweet bread soon.

http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/C/71.htm

Tired Tuesday

Ladies who commented about cinnamon rolls I will post the recipe. I'm ready to make them again. I really need to turn thuscthingvoffcand.....see I can't even type! Hope everyone in bloggy world is staying well and flu-free! Good night folks!

The final product

Mission accomplished!

Took the cinnamon rolls out of the oven about 4:30 and slathered them with frosting. I'll have to post the pics Monday. Next up is Lindsey's birthday cake. Think I'll wait till the kids go to sleep so I can concentrate on it with no interruptions. Now if only I can keep myself out of the cinnamon rolls!

The dough is risin'...

Can't post pictures so you'll just have to imagine what it looks like. ;)

Cinnamon Rolls

As soon as Aubrey goes down for a nap I'm going to try my hand at homemade cinnamon rolls. I've read the recipe over and over so hopefully I can get it right. I guess I'm scared to bake with yeast. Never cooked anything that's alive. Well, here goes nothing. I'll post pictures good or bad. With Ryan Adams on my iPod what could be bad?

Mustang Football

Another week of school down and it's the first home game tonight...if it doesn't rain! I wonder
how Charlie will like the game. I'm sure we're in for a few tantrums. Oh well, at least we'll be outside.

New personal email

csnaknewton@yahoo.com

Chillin at home

So nice to be home at the start of a long weekend. Watching 90210, holding a sleeping babe, and Matt and Charlie just left for Bedias.
My Aunt Kathy is coming for a visit and we're having burgers at Mom's tonight.
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jen are coming tomorrow after church. Their baby boy is due in Nov.! I can't wait to see another baby Newton. Maybe I should send Charlie back with them for some practice.

New Phone!

Got me and iphone last night. I told mom it does everything except breastfeed my baby! I'm not kidding! Now that I have my new little jewel I'll be a facebookin' fool and may even try out Twittering.


TGIF! And a 3 day weekend at that. Have a safe Labor Day! S

updated site

Click on the Sparkling Creations link to your right and see some of my mother-in-law's latest cakes! There are tons more to post, but I only had a few minutes to work on it today.

Pictures

New pictures!

Click on Spanki's site to your right and scroll down past the cute cheerleaders and see what we did Sunday night! She was running a special (and still is) and we took her up on her lower priced sitting fee so we could buy more pictures!

I'm going to see how to get them on here. May take a minute. S

You want to do what?

My big Sis and I have officially signed up for the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Marathon in November. Last year I went as a cheerleader for Hillary and Lacy but this year it's all for me! We are running the 1/2 marathon at only 13 miles and a smidge more. I'm not thinking about the 13 yet. I'm focused on smaller victories like running 2 miles and not having a heart attack. I know 13 is doable. It will be way more mental than physical. I'm getting an iPod for my birthday as well as some new running shoes so hopefully those things will help me reach my goals. We'll be running the Shitake Run and maybe a few more small runs before November rolls around.

Speaking of birthday--I'll be 29 soon! I like birthdays because it's better than the alternative.

Inservice starts Monday. I've already gotten my class list for 09-10 and I'm excited to meet the little dudes. They always start the year so small and by June they'll be big 3rd graders. This will be a great year I can already tell. I'm excited to see my girlfriends every day.

I bought the new Charlie Robison CD. Sweet.

mommy's babies

growing fast!

What a difference

four months makes! Aubrey is a giant compared to little Harper. Just goes to show how incredibly fast babies grow.

Harper Nash

swing

Here's Harper's swing...Aubrey loved it. It has a mirror and a mobile. All a 4 month old needs for endless entertainment.

Kimberly and baby Harper meeting for the first time. Harper is so tiny and sweet!

retreatat artesian lakes 2009

4th of July

We went out to the Stiver's house for some 4th of July fish frying. Doug is a great fisherman and an awesome cook as well. The kids had a lot of fun playing together. Notice Charlie sans clothing in the swimming pool. He's a nudist at heart.

HOT!

I thought it would be a good idea to go to the lake yesterday and let Charlie throw in some rocks (what he calls fishing) and we tarried too long. 30 minutes later I had a red-faced, crying boy. We cooled off with the car a/c blasting and a baby wipe. Got home and cleaned up some more and it was off to bed for a nap. All of this happened before 11am. Seriously dudes it was mucho caliente. We're staying in today for sure. Through all of this Aubrey was in her sling and very comfy. Go figure.

IT'S A BOY!!!

Jeff and Jen will be having a baby boy in November! We are so excited for another new Newton.

sleepy head

turning over

Funeral picture

Nothing like a funeral to provide a good photo op.

Rachel...and Jesus

At the funeral we went to Friday (Matt's grandmother's husband) there was a statue of Jesus and kids. I just had to get Rachel in the fun. You should have seen her face when I said, "Hey Rachel get behind Jesus!"

Aubrey's Quilt