Do you "like" me?

Last week I told all of my Facebook fans that if we reached 300 "likes", we would shoot for 500. When we hit 500 the fun will begin. I have some very generous and very talented friends who happen to be shop owners. We have put together an amazing giveaway if you ask me.

So here's the deal. Head over and "like" us on Facebook. Tell your friends to like us. Tweet it, FB share it. Just get the word out. When we hit 500, one lucky FB "like"r will win ALL of this!

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog | Shop

Blog & Shop

So, what do you think? Pretty awesome right? I wish I could enter. I mean I "like" Rock-A-Bow. ;) The giveaway will go live when we hit 500, so like I said. Head over, spread the word and hopefully you will be the big winner!

GO NOW!

Little Christs

A few months ago we were asked to have our picture taken for the church website. The picture is used to represent adults/family at the church. It's pretty fun seeing ourselves up there when we go to pay our tithe or check on upcoming events.

Other than being excited to see our cute family when I go to the website, that picture being there has not changed anything. So I was surprised when a friend made the statement "Man you better be on your best behavior now that you are the face of the church". This through me off. Big time!

It's not that I don't think that we represent the church because we do. If you are a Christian, a follower of Christ, I have news for you, YOU represent the church. YOU represent Christ. An image on a website means nothing. The day I surrendered my life to Jesus and decided to live for Him was the day I should have been told "Man you better be on your best behavior now that you are the face of the church".

Now I don't mean to slam my friend here. In fact we sat and talked all about the statement and how we as Christians (that includes me) seem to forget just how much our behavior affects what non-believers think of Jesus. I mean, how many times do we hear things like "I don't want to go to church, it's full of hypocrites" or "If he/she is what a Christian looks like, I don't want to be one" It is the most common reasoning that I get from friends I try inviting to church.

We should be modeling Christ daily. Our actions or words should show the love of Christ and the walk He wants us to be taking. I remember hearing a while back that the word Christian was originally used as an insult. It meant little Christs. It was used to mock followers of Jesus, unfortunately for the taunters, Christians liked it. It was a compliment to be a little Christ.

That is what we should be striving for. To be a mini version of Jesus. We are called to be like Him. We may fall short. No, we WILL fall short. We are all sinners. We will all make mistakes but the goal should be to be as much like Him as humanly possible.

I will be making a point to be more like Him. I will be doing my best to show His love to everyone I come in contact with. I will be His hands and feet just like I am called to be.

It is not always easy to walk the walk. It is so easy to fall into the ways of the world. To do what those around us are doing. But why can't we make it the norm to be like Jesus? Why can't we make it fun to avoid sin instead of seek it? Why can't we be the majority, following Christ and striving to please Him?

Seriously, why can't we? Let's do it! Let's show the love of Jesus. Let's walk like Him.

Wordless Wednesday

Toddler Talk with Russell: Take 2

Hey Rock-A-Bow readers! So glad you came back to hear from me. This week has been nutso in the Murphy house. It seems like everyday a new family member has been sick. First the little guy, then the mommy and the girl (double whammy) and then the dad. Wowza. It's a good thing they can't touch me. I didn't want those nasty germs.

Because they were sick, I got a little bit of rest. I mean with no kids to watch, I didn't have to keep hiding. But when I did. Oh boy was it fun.

Well except on Wednesday. Someone thought it would be a good idea to do this ^ NOT FUNNY. I know the smile says otherwise but umm that smile was FROZEN on my face. Leave the hiding to me folks. This was not okay with me.

I thought that since the parents thought it was fun to make me freeze, that I should have a good old fashion snow ball fight. They got lucky and these snow balls wouldn't go anywhere. They both were like targets and me with no snowball amo. Grr.

Oh Oh Oh big news. Did you all know that Santa sometimes recruits moms to expand his workshop? Me either. But this mom has a full blown workshop in the house. She is making lots of presents for little boys and girls and shipping them all over. I overheard that one is even going to Japan. I was so excited about this that I hoped on down and got to work. It felt good to be in a workshop again.

The next day, well I thought I deserved a reward. Cookies and Milk? Yes, please. I may or may not have feel asleep on the job. Shhh.

Then, the kids were sick. I just hung out for a few days. I played up at the North Pole and then got a last minute word that they were all better. So I caught a ride back to make sure I'd get there in time.

Well, I think that is all. Until next week friends. What'd you do this week. Please share!

Wordless Wednesday- A Walk in the Rain

Toddler Talk with Russell

Hey everyone!

I'm Russell. Russell the Elf. I'm staying at the Murphy's home this month. Keeping an eye on them for Santa. I was excited when I arrived because I recognized Rhiannon and Talon from Santa's "Nice" list. I was a little nervous. I have heard some stories from the other elves and well, they aren't so pretty. What a relief!

The Murphy's named me Russell my first night here. That wise guy dad picked my name. He's lucky I didn't send him straight to the Naughty list. I thought I would cut him some slack though. Rhiannon loves my name and well, I do this for the kids.

Since I will be here for a whole month, I thought it would be fun to take over Toddler Talk until I go back to the North Pole. It's a win/win in my book. This mom has her hands full and I have been wanting to give this blogging thing a whirl. It seems to be the new hot thing. All of the elves at the North Pole talk about their "lifestyle blogs", I'm a hip elf. Why shouldn't I have one too?

Enough about my hopes and dreams of being a big name blogger. I'll stick to guest posting here for now. While I'm running Toddler Talk, I am just gonna take you along on my adventures around the Murphy household. Maybe share some stories about what I see being an elf on a shelf over at their place.

The first morning I hid in pretty plain sight. I wanted to take it easy on the little ones, since it was their first time hunting for me. They found me pretty quickly. We packed up and headed to work.

 

Once we were there, it was chaos all day. I was shocked at how good those kids were in an office though. Especially Rhiannon. Sharing, playing quietly. An angel I'm sure. Talon had some fits but his sister reminded him that ... in here words "Russell gonna tell santa you naughty. No cars for you anymore!" He shaped up.

 Day 2: I brought back a note from Santa and hid to see Rhiannon's reaction.

Day 3:It was fairly warm out and I'm in this hot suit so, frankly, I needed a bath.

Day 4: Since it was a late night, I hide in the kids room, pretty plain sight stuff. The mom thought it was boring and didn't take my picture. I was a little hurt but hey Santa will get her back for it.

Day 5: I took a friend to the north pole with me. In elf life, that's kinda like bringing someone home to meet the parents. So I guess you could say its pretty serious.

So what have you all been up to? Share your toddler stories, will you?

Here we go...

It has been almost a year since we began REALLY talking and praying about adoption. Almost a year since we felt the call to go the route of Foster to Adopt. Almost a year since I have been fighting or ignoring the tug on my heart to do Foster care to adopt.

I thought maybe just maybe, I was hearing wrong. Okay, maybe I knew in my heart all along that this was God and just chose to pretend I was not sure. We all do that sometimes right? Right? I am not the only one am I?

.......

So after a year of playing the good ol' game of denial, I heard God loud and clear. In an audible voice. PS I am not crazy. Before I was saved, before I experienced a real life relationship with God, I thought people were crazy when they said they heard God. Not true. God actually speaks to us, if we are willing to listen.

Okay. I promise. That is my last tangent. Where was I even going with this?

Oh, yes, my conversation with God. I am calling it a conversation because I am a little embarrassed to call it what it was an argument. The "conversation" went something like this.

Major tug on heart once again. Stronger than ever. Telling ME that it is time to do foster/adopt. 

Me: "God, I can't. I think this is what you are telling me to do but I can't. I am too scared. I am not strong enough to lose a baby I love"

God: "You don't have to be. I AM. I am big enough and strong enough to get you through this. Remember your miscarriages? Remember how broken you were? Did I not pick you up and pull you out of that?"

Me: "That was different. When I lost my babies I knew they were going to you. They were safe in YOUR arms. I was okay with that"

God: "So will these babies. I will be with them. Whether they are with you or with their birth moms or another foster home. I will be with them"

Me: "I'm just not ready. Not yet. I will be. I trust you. I'm just not ready yet."

God: "You trust me? Then what are you waiting for? Drop your net and follow me."

Me: "My net?" ::Remembering the story of Simon (Peter) and Andrew:::

Looks like we will be doing Foster to Adopt.

At the beginning of the year we will start the process. We will be filing out paper work. We will be preparing our home. We will be getting ready to welcome hurting babies into our home.

We would love it if you would pray for us.

Pray for our hearts. That the fear of losing our babes will be minimal. Pray that every child we come in contact with would feel our love for them. That each one would be rescued from their pain. Pray for guidance. That we would know exactly where to go and what to do. Just pray.

I am getting excited about this journey. I am still scared. I want to rescue all of the motherless/abused/neglected/hurting babies. I want to sweep them up from the system and give them a forever home. I know that God is going to use us. Whether the first baby in our home stays forever or we take in 25 and they all must leave, I know He has a plan. I am scared but I am done letting that fear control me. I will follow God. I will have a new baby soon. I can't wait to meet them. Eeeek!

Keep praying. Come along on our journey with us and help us to pray and love on any and all of the children that come in our home.

Cyber Monday!!!

Hey everyone. Today is the last day of all of our blowout sales. I have been so excited about all of the support of my readers that I thought I would say thank you by adding another little perk. On top of these sales prices, anyone who purchases today will be receiving a free gift with purchase. 

 

Don't forget to enter your coupon codes at check out. Thank you all again. You are amazing. 

Click here to SHOP NOW!!!! 

Sale items: 
Artfolios
Bible Sleeves
Spry Rosettes

Thankful

Every year on Thanksgiving we reflect on what we are thankful for. This year has been full of ups and downs for our family. As a whole the year has been great. We are blessed more today than we were yesterday. It seems as though, no matter how much we go through, are days are filled with more love, friendship, faith and well blessings. We serve an amazing God that continues to pour out not only those blessings but promises of more.

This year, I am thankful for Family 

 

And for friends.

 

I am thankful for food on the table and a roof over our heads.

I am thankful for a husband who goes above and beyond to provide for our family.

I am thankful for babies who will snuggle me all day.

I am thankful for all of you.

I am thankful for so much. We have been shown favor and love. It is love that has given us all the things we are so grateful for. Love from eachother; to provide, protect, comfort, encourage. It is love from the Lord to provide these things, to protect us from any harm.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!-1John3:1

On a whole other note. Here is our ad for Cyber Monday! I know I am also thankful for savings :)

What We Wore and Small Biz Saturday

The last time we came to Oregon, I thought for sure that I would freeze to death. This year, thankfully, it was cooler in California. I was more prepped for the cold Oregon weather. Yesterday I was even able to leave the house in a thin long sleeved shirt. I felt like a real life Oregonian. I was proud.

My outfit:
Shirt: Old Navy

Tank: Anchor Blue

Jeans and flats: Target

Headband: Made by me

Rhiannon's Outfit:

EVERYTHING is Target. 

Oh yes, and don't let me forget the Small Business Saturday Sale:

Vacation, Black Friday and Toddler Talk

This week we are in Roseburg Oregon. Enjoying time with family, relaxing and just taking some time to ourselves. We arrived yesterday and are having a blast. As my husband put it, we "Enjoyed a wonderful day of absolutely nothing in-particular." So far we have done just that.


The kids have run around the house playing with our cousin/goddaughter. We have just enjoyed them. It is so important to do just that. Sit back and worry about nothing except playing with your kids. This time goes so fast. They grow up so quickly. Cliche, I know but still true. 


In the blink of an eye, Rhiannon has gone from newborn to 3. Even faster, Talon turned 1. I don't want to miss anything. So we are planning nothing this vacation. Just family and fun!


Wellll...except, we are doing Black Friday. Who could pass up Black Friday in Oregon. There is no sales tax. So on top of the sales, we get an extra 8% off. Woo Hoo!!!


On that note, you know, the Black Friday note. We are having a sale. A big one! Three products a day. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Nine products total. Some up to 75% off. Huge!


Here is what's happening on Friday. Stop back tomorrow to see the next ad.

Also... please link up for Toddler Talk Tuesday, even though I was a bit of a lagger on it. :)

Where did the shop go?

There are some big big changes happening here at Rock-A-Bow.

We have come to realize that the way things are done here at Rock-A-Bow are not what is best for our family. Since Rock-A-Bow has started it has been a made to order shop. If you don't know what that means, Made to order is when a customer comes to shop, they purchase their items and then it is made to be shipped to them.

This has been okay for us. I only make what I need to. I don't have to purchase tons of fabric ahead of time. It just was most doable for us.

With the recent increase of business, in the past 6 months, it's becoming quite overwhelming. I feel like I am always playing catch up. Do any of you shop owners feel that way?

When I have nothing going on, no orders. I sit. When I am busy, it feels like someone has opened the flood gate to customers. It has been such a blessing but so hard on myself and my family.

So...we are changing it up. Starting this week, everything in the shop will be ready to ship. (except dresses and custom orders). That means that everything you see in the shop is already made and will be shipped out within the week. As you may have noticed, the shop is in maintenance mode right now. That is because we are filling it up with LOTS of product.

As for now, we are calling this a trial run. We will see how this goes this month and reevaluate. So please please please give your feedback. I want to know if you all like the new system. Hate it. Or are happy either way.

I feel like this will be a win/win. I get to make product in my down time. Hopefully limiting my game of catch up. And you, the customer will get your items faster. Only time will tell. The shop should be re-opened by the end of today or tomorrow.

Oh yes and you will be wanting to check the blog tomorrow and the days following. We are having HUGE sales on Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday. All of which will be announced in the next few days. I think you will be pleased :)

WIWW- More than just an outfit post

In our day to day lives, we (women) wear two different types of... items, for lack of a better word.

::Top and vest- Old Navy.  Jean-Target.  Boots-Ross  Headband- Local boutique with Whippy Cake Clip::

There is our clothing. We wear it for practical reasons. You know, like staying warm and being modest. It is also worn to make us feel good about ourselves. We keep up with the latest fashions. We wear accessories to help out the cute factor. We wear our clothing as an expression of ourselves and our likes.

Then there's the second type of "item". The items that mean so much more. They serve a symbolic purpose.
It's our wedding band representing a commitment between ourself and our spouse. It is the heirloom piece handed down from one generation to the next. We hold these pieces near and dear to our hearts. They stand the test of the trendy times. We cling to them for a life time.

Today I received one of those items from a close friend.

If you know my story or have read my blog recently, you know of the loss of not one but two babies that we never got the chance to hold.

I have struggled so much lately to simply get by. My heart aches for the babies I am missing. My friend Tess was able to capture it all in one gift. To help this hurting mommy on a path of healing. All with this necklace.

::Necklace- Amy Cornwell::

A bar with mine and Stevens initials and our wedding date. Where it all began.
The heart charm. One heart for each one of our children. The two who are here with us and the two who are not.
And then two angel wings.

For the first time there is a visual of our family. Complete. Not just what meets the eye but what truly is.

Beyond that, this necklace represents the support and love of our friends. The prayers that they have poured out on us. The love they have for, not only us, but for our family. Our COMPLETE family. The extent of this gift cannot be expressed. The appreciation for this gift cannot be expressed. The joy that came from this gift cannot be expressed.

Because of what I'm wearing today, I feel a little more whole than I did yesterday.

Let's Dance

For months, I have been trying to potty train Rhi. No hope! None at all. She wanted nothing to do with it. I tried candy, I tried games, I tried it all. A friend said she took her daughter to see a dance class and told her that when she was potty trained she could join. It worked for her. I tried it. It didn't work. Rhi said "I dance at home..."

After 6 months, read that SIX MONTHS of potty training Rhi decided (on her own) it was time to use the toilet. I guess when they are ready, they are just ready. Since we had promised she could do dance classes when potty trained and I secretly wanted her to anyway, we signed her up!

This was the perfect reward for her. You know, once she was actually ready.

She LOVED her class. She talks about it non-stop. She tells me how she is a ballerina and that she loves tap. I ask her what she wants to do today and she always responds "I do ballet".

We knew that she would love her dance classes but had no idea the extent of it. Oh yeah, I am pretty sure that she is the cutest little ballerina that I have ever seen. Ever!

I wanted to make sure that her daddy got to see her all ready for her dance class so we did a little mini photoshoot. It was wild. She was so riled up since she was in her dance clothes that I am surprised that I got any shots. While we took pictures, Talon chased us around spraying us with the water bottle that I use to do Rhi's hair. We were a sight to see. We usually are. We have fun!

Do you love her even more after seeing these photos? I do. She is gorgeous and that is great but I just love how her sweet little heart shines right through that smile!!!!

How was your week? What did you do with your kids?

Baylee's Quilt

A while back, in ::cough: April ::cough::, I gave my good friend Stefani a quilt for her new baby, Brynn. I told her and you that soon I would be making and giving her a second quilt for Brynn's big sister Baylee.

Well it has been almost 6 months. Yes, 6 months. I felt horrible. But Stefani and her husband are forgiving and let it slide. Baylee on the other hand has been asking her mama for a quilt like Brynn's. She had even convinced Stefani to let her sleep with Brynns since she didn't have one.

How terrible is it that I kept this little cutie wait so long?

 I mean she even models for Rock-A-Bow. She helped me out and I lagged on her!!!!

She deserves more than that, right? If Rhi knew, that I made her friend wait so long, I would be in so much trouble!

So, I FINALLY finished sweet little Baylee's quilt. She loved it! I am so glad that it was worth the wait to her.

Here it is.

As you can see, just like with Brynn's quilt, I forgot to take photos until after it had been folded up ALL day. So it is nice and wrinkly for your viewing pleasure.

Anger

I always say that I want to be honest here. That I want to be real with my readers. I shared earlier this week about my recent miscarriage.

I told you the basics. The bare minimum.

What I didn't tell you, is that I am a little bit angry with God. That is a lie. I am ticked off!

I didn't feel this way with my first miscarriage. I wasn't angry at all that time around. This is so new to me.

I was fine (anger wise) to begin with. Then I was talking to someone who recently found out she was pregnant. Someone who has NO BUSINESS having children. I know that sounds so mean and so judgmental but I don't say those words lightly. I would share the details and try to persuade you but that would be gossipy and that is not me. So just trust me.

Enough ranting. I was talking to this woman and all I could think was "Really God? REALLY?!?"
There are so many woman who don't want children. Who abort. Who neglect and abuse. And they have perfectly healthy pregnancies. Completely healthy babies. Why on earth does this keep happening to me? Why does my heart have to be shattered again?

I am angry.

I do not blame God. I just don't understand why.

I know there is a plan and a purpose for all things. I just don't get it. I may never get it.

In most things, I am okay with that. I know He is in control. But right here and right now, I am so angry. I want to know why. I want to know the purpose.

Lame!

I hate that I am here, telling the world that I am angry at God. I hate to be vulnerable. I hate to let people know that as a Christian, a woman who loves the Lord, I still get angry at Him. I think people need to know that though.

I will get past this. I know I will. I DO still have faith that God is with me. He is what I am clinging to, even in my anger and hurt. Do not get me wrong in that.

I am doing my best not to dwell on these feelings. I am reminding myself constantly that because of Him and my salvation through Him, I have these precious babies waiting for me. How can I be angry at someone who would offer me that? Someone who despite everything I have done, would prepare a place for me in paradise. Someone who would hold my babies and protect them while they are without me.

Then I am angry with myself... How could I feel this way?

I am so ready to for these feelings to be gone. I am ready to be okay. I know I will always hurt over my lose but I am just ready to be okay.

Wordless Wednesday- Harvest Fest