Handmade Leather Journals

I have always had a journal and love having a place to put all my thoughts and record different memories. I think I was about 9 when I got my first one and have since gone through quite a few. I've kept them all and still read them sometimes to remember where I've been and to see if I've ended up where I thought I would. Now that I'm a mother I have started one for each of my kids so that I can write about special moments that they have and record those hilarious things that they say when they're little. Like, today my son said "Mom, I'm getting bigger everyday, but you...you aren't going to get any bigger you're just gonna get really old" (How True) Now that my son is 5 there is so much I feel that I would have forgotten if I wouldn't have jotted it down. After some searching I've found some unique handmade leather journals to inspire you take up writing.

These journals by WEE BINDERY come in many different sizes and colors.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery?ref=seller_info

Baby Locked In The Car

What a day today...I decided to take my two kids to the park and it started out fine, then my 5 year old son thought it would be funny to hide from me but not tell me that he wanted to play hide and seek. So, I had a minor heart attack while I tried to remain calm and looked for him for 10mins that felt like an hour. I remember doing that to my my mom in department stores as a kid, inside of the clothing racks, I thought it was so hilarious but she assured me that it was not. It's funny how you really do understand what your parents went through once you become a parent. Then I thought I'd follow my daughter to the jungle gym by hoping up onto the second level. I did not see that there was a low hanging metal bar and hit the top of my head so hard that I literally could see for a few seconds. So, I thought it's definately time to get going, we head to the car and I put my one year old daughter Avery in her car seat. My cell phone rings so I set my keys on the drivers seat and reach over the grab it. It's my husband, we're talking and I shut my door and Avery's door and walk around to put my son, Owen in on the other side. I can't get his door open, IT'S LOCKED. I don't know how but Avery is locked in the car with Owen and I outside and it's 90 degree. I was on the phone with my hubby at the time so I say can you bring the spare key and after discussing where it might be..I realize that it is in my purse in the car! I left the sunroof tilted open but could never fit through it, so I jump on top of the car and try to prey it open. This is a full parking lot at a huge park with people everywhere. I called 3 locksmiths and nothing, it's Sat. with no one open. I called 911 within about 3 min of the door getting locked. and luckily they arrived in 5 min and got her out. She was still happy as ever but red cheeks and super sweaty from the heat. I swear, these three incidents just about wore me out today and my head is still throbbing. 

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

It's recipe time again! And after making these cookies again last week I am excited to share the recipe with you.
I have made lots of different cookie recipes over the years and these are the best.

Chocolate Chip & Walnut Cookies

You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter
• 1/4 granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/8 cup flower
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. With an electric mixer, cream the butter and two sugars together until light and fluffy.
3.  In another bowl, mix the egg and vanilla then beat in the butter and sugar mixture.
4.  Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. then stir into the rest of the batter. 
5. Add the chocolate chips and walnuts mix well. 
6. Place heaped teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
7. Bake until lightly colored, not too golden, we want them chewy :-) about 10min
8. Place on a cool rack and enjoy!

What I Love About Being A Mom

There are lots of times throughout my week when I stop at any given moment and think to myself  "See, this is what I love about being a mom". I've always been a playful adult before having kids and love that I have the opportunity now to play again. I love for instance when my son says "Mom, can we play Candyland?" I really enjoy sitting down with him and getting lost in the moment, one that I built memories on as a kid. Hide and seek is another favorite, we dance to old 90's music that I have saved...you know the ones I'm talking about...gonna make you sweat, Tone Loc, Marky Mark. We roll together down the hill at the park, we make a mess baking cookies, play pirates. Any excuse to help them use their imaginations is a great moment for me. I've noticed over the years parents that don't play much with their kids because they are "too busy". In the beginning I had to literally train myself to be mindful that life is short, they grow up so fast, and there will come a day when they won't need me as much. So, that said....I let the dishes go sometimes, and try not to be on my laptop until nap time or evenings, the laundry sometimes gets left until the weekend. But I'm enjoying life and loving every minute of it. So, let yourself become a child again sometimes because I assure you it's worth every minute. Because sometimes as an adult we lose the ability to connect with our inner child.