Strollers are Scary

I have a confession. One I am hesitant to admit.

I am scared of having baby number four. I don't hesitate to admit it because it is shameful but because I know so many women who would give anything to be pregnant. I do not mean to offend anyone or hurt anyone as I tease myself about my fear.

That being said. I am scared y'all! Not all the time. Mostly just today.

I had the initial shock fear when we found out we were expecting. This little dude was not planned. Don't take that as he was an accident. We look at it as a surprise little blessing. I have always wanted a big family. Always! I come from a big family and I love it. This just wasn't how we planned it. God is so funny :)

That shock and fear of having four kids four and under (while being called to do foster care) wore off pretty quickly. I grew excited of the idea of the two youngest being GULP 15 months apart. And then today happened.

We have been shopping around for strollers. The stroller I really want is this one:

Valco with Accessories

A Valco double stroller with a Joey seat for baby and a hitchhiker for my four year old. No big deal. Remove the attachments when they aren't needed. Add them back on as we get more foster kiddos. Bam. Handled.

Then I put it in a shopping cart. And holy cuss word!

So the shopping continued. And we quickly realized something more like a Foundations quad would be more in the budget. Great stroller, not my first pick but it's awesome with good reviews. I can deal with a 50-70lb (before kids seated) stroller. That's not the scary part.

Foundations

Want to know what's scary? Every one of those seats will be filled. Every. Single. One.

I (semi)-jokingly asked my friend Stefani, if she would raise one for me. I'd even give her one of the boys to counter-balance her 3 girls. She quickly reminded me that we were the crazies, not her. And I was snapped back to reality.

All y'all having 4 kids spread out over the years are the crazy ones not me. Within 5 years of eachother every one of my kids will be moving on out while yours are watching you age. Haha.

My future

But seriously, if I have to push this thing around, send me to the looney bin.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Looking back about 5 years ago, I can remember in detail the feelings and I thoughts I had when the ultrasound tech told us that we would be having a girl.

There were so many flashes of our future and all the sweet events we would have. Her first day of school, her first date and prom, her graduation and wedding.

Last weekend we had one of those firsts that this mommy dreamed about. Rhiannon had her first little sleepover.

It is bitter sweet watching your kids grow up. Your relationship and bond changes gradually as they become more independent. I love seeing my girl mature and grow. I hate the thought of her growing up. She is not a baby anymore.

Oh, but the fun you can have with a sweet little girl.

Crafting time.

Junk Food.

Make-overs

And Fashion Shows

Open for business.

{image source}

Last week I had to close the shop. Remember that?

I hate doing that.

I hate turning away potential long term customers. Killing potential relationships built. Not getting you what you came looking for.

Hate. Hate. Hate.

You get the point.

We reevaluated. We looked at where we are, not only in this business but at this season of life. We already hired a seamstress. What more could we do? Could we afford more assistance? Then you guys e-mailed. You NEEDED the shop reopened. You needed gifts and favors and products. You needed us open.

So we took another leap of faith. We hired another seamstress. You may have seen the call on our fan pages. I was shocked with the response. I thought I would be lucky to get one application. I got several. I thought the decision would be easy. We had some seriously talented people we had to sift through.

In the end we found someone who we feel is the perfect addition. We are thrilled. We are not overwhelmed. We have re-opened the shop!

Unfortunately, we still have been too busy playing catch up to actually photograph items before they leave to their new homes. So you will have to bear with us as we gradually swap those out.

I promise that soon eventually we will restock with some new clutch designs and fun products that have been in the works. For now, head on over and purchase your princess aprons! A little birdie as been running it's mouth that there will be 4 more princess' added soon.

At the rate we are headed, we may even be lowering the turnaround time and in the next few months we hope to get back to being a ready to ship shop. How cool would that be?

We look forward to your continued support and business. Thanks again!

-The Vessel Handmade Team

Joy Overwhelming

It has been a while since I have blogged about our foster care journey. It is difficult to find words to share here that will not get us into trouble. There are lots and lots of things we can't share, which is why if you follow us on instagram or facebook, you have grown rather familiar with the back of our Little Man's head. Haha.

What I can share here is how I am feeling. I am overwhelmed. Now I say that and I know where your mind went. You guys, I am not talking busy, even though I am. I am not talking about fear, even though it rises. I am talking about joy. I am talking about blessings.

I want to preface all of this by saying, foster care is not an easy road. It is not all rainbows and unicorns. It is tough. I think about the way my little man acts in the hours or days following a visit and it is saddening. I think about the twists and turns in his case that make it appear that he may go home and it's scary. Being a foster mom can be really hard at times.

But oh the joy.

Each milestone is so exciting. Watching these sweet babies overcome is exhilirating. Knowing that God is using us to help heal these babies is an honor.

Each trial has taught us to rely more and more on the Lord. Our relationship with Him has grown so so much. He is the rock that keeps us standing.

I have heard so many times, by so many people, things like "I could never do what you are doing", "I don't know how you do it". People, do you know who you are talking to? I am the girl who said she couldn't wait to adopt but would NEVER do foster care. I can not do this alone. I am only able to do this because of God. I am, oh so  thankful that He pulled me from that place of fear and equipped me. This life, although challenging brings us so much joy. Joy overwhelming.

I wish that in this spot, I could post a picture of our little man's smile. He moves people. He does something to you. There is something about him...something no one can resist. God is using him. God has a plan. He has a had a plan for this child since before he called us to be his foster parents. God is using us in mighty ways. I am not saying that to boast but to tell you that this road is not all pain and sorrow, it is not all challenges. In fact, most days have no pain, no hardships, just joy.

I have heard a lot lately about kids who are being detained (removed from their parent's care) and have no where to go. There are not enough homes. The stories have been heart wrenching. So many of you have e-mailed me and said you wished you could take them. You wish you could do this.

I am here to tell you, you can! I never thought I could. I never thought I had it in me. But the love for these children takes away all those inabilities. The love of Christ in us overpowers the fear. That's not to say fears will disappear. They are still there, for me at least. What I am saying, is that our God is bigger than our fears. He is able when we are not.

My biggest fear outside of "losing" a child while doing this was loving the parents. <---- Did you know God calls us to do that to? Craziness, right? I'm kidding. Kind of.

Last week after our visit, bio dad said "God Bless you" as he walked out of the room. Because I fought my human self and desire to dislike them, because I chose to love as Christ would love, this man, who weeks earlier wouldn't speak a word to my husband or I, asked God to bless me. I don't know how much he meant those words but I can tell you what they meant to me. Joy. Our God is so big. He is changing hearts and lives. Whether this man changes or not, I know that God has begun moving in him. What greater joy than to know the Lord and to show Him to others.

I don't know where I am trying to go with this post. Maybe one of you needed to hear this. Maybe one of you has had doubts as to whether or not you could do this or if God could use you in this way. Maybe you just needed to hear that it isn't all pain. Maybe you needed just a little push to make the big jump. If that's the case, would you please e-mail me? I would love to speak with you.

Chevron Quilt {Part Three}

How are your quilt tops and backs looking? Have you all completed them? If so, it is time for our next step. Quilting, eeek!!!

When I originally started this quilt, I thought for sure that I would do some free hand quilting. Guess what? I'm a chicken. So we went with a stencil. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Before we can quilt, we have to secure our layers together.

Rhiannon loves a nice snuggly blanket so I knew I needed to put some batting between the top and back. Since we live in California and it doesn't get all that cold here, I chose to use a low loft batting. To adhere my layers, I start by laying the batting on the floor and the quilt top on top of it. Pull back half of the batting and spray a washable adhesive, smooth it out and do the other half. Repeat this step for the backing. Use 12million safety pins to hold it together. You can be a risk taker like I am sometimes and skip the pins and count on that good ol' adhesive but I make no promises on it holding together.


Next step, take a deep breath. It's time to quilt. Since I chickened out on the freehand stuff, I grabbed a stencil and traced a scallop pattern, starting at each corner and working my way in on each side.

Once the tracing is done, you can simply follow those lines with your machine...using a quilting foot of course. This quilt was a twin size and was a little bit of a challenge to move but you will be able to handle it...with minimal cursing. Ha!

In the bottom of the image below you can see what the quilting will look like on each side. Once it is complete, you will need to cut away any excess fabric. This will prevent bulking while adding your bias.

Now that you are about finished, it is time to bind the quilt. You will first need to attach a few pieces of your binding. My quilt took about three strips. To attach these, you will want to open up the pieces, facing the wrong sides together, cut them diagonally. Next you will turn them right sides together. They will look angled, for a lack of better word. Stitch them together and fold them back up. 

Line your binding up with your quilt and start stitching about 6 inches down from the top of the binding. You will need the extra binding in order to attach it at the end. Follow around the quilt until you reach a corner. I have a hard time directing this and the photos didn't turn out as clear as I would have liked. So, I am simply going to direct you to Cluck Cluck Sew, her tutorial is fab. Do that.

Ummm...you guys we are done. We have complete quilts. If you have followed this tutorial, PLEASE send me a picture. I would love to see what you did. Oh you want to see this one? Here is is....

  I am in love with this quilt and the room is beautiful. We will be showing off the room as soon as it is complete...hopefully before we add the new babies stuff to it. Then we can show you the changes :)

By the way, if you are just tuning in, you can find the first two portions on the tutorial here:

{Part 1}

{Part 2}

Family Fun

This weekend was amazing! Like I can't even put into words the fun we had as a family. We went to San Diego. First stop Yo Gabba Gabba Live. Next up, 2 days at Sea World. Seriously the best family vacay we have ever had.

Instead of telling you all about it, I'll just show you all of the fun. We took a ton of pictures...only on our phones since we were too bust enjoying it to be photogs :)

Here are some of our favorites, minus the face shots of Little Man. Hopefully one day we will get to share those with you one day too.

Fun at our favorite hotel.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live: Get the Sillies Out

Sea World Fun Day One

Sea World Fun Day Two

These kids are Orca whisperers

And the group Favorite was....THE STARFISH

Want to know what else is fun? We have a winner for our Tasha's Sweets Giveaway is in! 

The Winner is Melissa Steele!

We will be e-mailing you soon so you can claim your prize.

A "Sweet" Giveaway

People! I cannot even explain how excited I am to introduce you to my friend Tasha today. This girl is an example of being obedient to the Lord and the fast rising success of her business is proof of His faithfulness when we follow His plans.

I could go on and on telling you about how great this lady and her amazing chocolates are but I'm gonna let her tell you about it all for me. OH, and she is being so kind as to offer us a giveaway! So meet Tasha and then enter the giveaway and of course order some yummy chocolates.

Hello, first and foremost I am the daughter of the King. My name is Tasha-Ann, and  I love Jesus.  I am a Wife and Mother of two with a 12 year age gap.  I have a servants heart. I am very blessed with the love for what I do. I enjoy making others happy and I seem to be able to do that well, through their stomachs.  I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with my little honey.  My husband is Awesome.  He has been such a cheerleader for me.  I have been through a lot in my life.  Most of which I brought on myself.  I have known Jesus practically my whole life but have chosen to ignore him for a lot of it.  Praise the Lord for Grace.  Since I've fell back in love with him, life has been so much better.  I am blessed beyond anything I could dream.

I have been casting chocolate since I was about 12 or 13.  My mom brought home a 50lb box of chocolate and a bunch of molds and that was the start of something awesome.  I taught myself. I have been trying to get my daughter to help me make candy but she only likes to eat the finished product. 

Tasha-Ann's Sweet Treats started getting serious about 1 year ago.  When I realized that I had a product that people wanted.  I have always loved making candy, and that was usually what I always brought to anything I was invited to.  Even though friends and family knew what I did, it just wasn't on their mind to share.  This is something that people need to see.  They have no idea sometimes, the candy that I can make. So after much thought and tons of encouragement from many people I started a page on FB.  Since I have done that the Lord has blessed me.  I get to glorify him, give him thanks and praise while making others happy and bringing some joy to their event.   I am blessed to still continue being at home and work my business.

My Mission is to bring some expensive looking candy to your event for budget friendly price.  Custom candy like this is not hugely available because the cost is so high.  I believe your party favor should be edible or useful.  Why spend all that money on something that someone will throw away, when you can spend all the money on something that someone will get to eat?  I love doing this so much, I wish I could just give it away.  (We will later.) Yay!

My inspiration comes from my friends and family.  As soon as I have a theme, I take it and run.  When I find a candy mold that I know someone would enjoy I try to make it for them.  It brings me much joy to bring joy to others.  That is my way of telling you I LOVE YOU!  

I specialize in Chocolate Lollipops for almost any occasion, theme, or event.  Candy comes in many different colors.  All colors are white chocolate flavored.  I am able to fill some molds (depending on size) with cookies, caramel, sprinkles, graham crackers, marshmallows, cake pop filling and so on for an additional cost.  I am getting more creative with my fillings by the day.  I also offer Chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries (in season), marshmallows and soon will be introducing cake pops, but in the form of a candy mold. For the pops I make homemade buttercream icing.

I try very hard to keep my prices low.   I do all this by hand and alone.  The more notice for an order the better. I give free samples at scheduled appointments.  I like to see your invitations and color scheme at our appointment.  That way I get a better Idea of what you would like.  I can mail out orders however it will be an additional fee. More time for order to be fulfilled would be required on a mail order. Delivery is available, cost will vary.

I will be introducing new items in the summer since I am so limited on selling candy.  (melts at body temperature).  I am able to make chocolate during the summer as long as your event is indoors and the nights are cooler, otherwise its a no go. Get orders in early for winter holidays.  I will be limiting my orders and closing shop temporarily so I can have time with my family.

My favorite candies to make, are the novelties.  I love quirky, funny, "oh my gosh I didn't know you could make that", kind of candy.  I have a big "Golden Ticket"  candy mold.  So Fun.  All pieces come individually wrapped in cellophane and tied.

I believe the Lord has plans for me that He has not revealed yet. The one thing I hope you take away from reading this, is that you see the Love Christ has for you.  As I am writing this I feel the Lord tell me that someone will read this and she will feel broken.   I don't know who that is, but what I do know is that God is so faithful and Loving and he loves YOU!  I am so humbled to have been asked to share Tasha-Ann's Sweet Treats with you.  It will be an absolute pleasure to serve you, and a honor to have my Sweet Treats at your next event. 


Ummm, she's pretty stinkin' cool huh? I knew you would love her. Want to love her even more? Tasha is offering the winner of our giveaway a box of either 30 baby shower or birthday themed chocolates. That is a prize worth at least $45 y'all!

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