34!

One pretty fantastic day of celebration and joy! 

  Thankful for my little family and the time I got to spend with each member today! I loved and appreciated each one of my wishes and calls and messages and texts!  I felt so special the entire day! Thank you:). 

34 feels pretty spectacular!

A day in pictures below:   

Sewing with Ava early Saturday morning, she's getting so good at designing and creating things.. of course we needed a Star Wars purse, made fem with our lavender bird ;)
Leo and Ava got invited to a superhero party that afternoon, here's a picture of Leo in full Superhero mode, and Ava being Ava.

Maximus, KJ, John and Mr. Rigby and I had cupcakes to celebrate while the bigs were eating cake at the other party.

John and I went to Sur La Table and made a 4 course meal together {and then ate it :)} which was probably the most fun I've had at dinner in 34 years!  We loved it and the meal prepared was absolutely delicious!  I'll have to make it for you one day ;)

 This looks to be a fabulous year!

Excited for what's to come :)

J.O.B., 

Grace 

Favorite Things #1: Tuna Salad

This will officially be my very first recipe POST!

I've decided to make my Chirp a bit more personal.  I am a lover of things.  Once I acquire something wonderful, I spread it!  I let every single person I contact that day know about it, and then if another friend happens to enter the convo late, I retell about it!  That's how joyous I am about the favorite things in my life.  

It's a pretty simple list, so I decided I'd start sharing with my Flock. 

             {Super mom moment..}

We found out in January of 2009 that my one year old lion, Leonidas had FOOD ALLERGIES.  Oh dread.  He had a Peanut, Milk and Egg allergy.  I remember the moment I got the call from our pediatrician with the test results:  He was sitting at his table in front of me eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a big cup of milk!  Awesome.

Leo at 17 months:  A true lover of living he is :)

I immediately started revamping our entire household diet to accommodate.  One gem I found from the many: Tuna Salad made with French Vinaigrette {I got my recipe from the old school Joy of Cooking cookbook, but really like http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/11/how-to-make-french-vinaigrette/ version.} and instead of Dijon mustard, I use dry mustard..  I guess I just make my own version because mine is much more simple to put together, but for those who enjoy actual measurements and true ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe ;)

So I make mine with REALLY, REALLY good tuna to start with, such as canned Yellow Fin from Central Market or Fresh Albacore Tuna canned from Wholefoods 365, and make sure they're packed with EVOO.  I then drain, because it will have the soaked goodness from the EVOO it was packed in, but will be ever enhanced when I add my personal EVOO to it, thanks to a lifetime supply directly from Greece from my Mother-in-law {one perk of marrying Greek}!  I throw into a Tupperware container that has a lid, and add equal amounts {about 2 Tbls each} of oil, red vinegar and a squirt of lemon juice.  I add a dash or 2 of dry mustard--because dry mustard enhances any dressing in my opinion--and some fresh ground pepper.   Throw in your choice of nut {pecans or almond slivers are truly divine in this, but also walnuts--your choice}, and don't forget the dried cranberries {adds the perfect sweetness}.  Next, place top securely on container and shake, shake, shake!

Enjoy alongside your favorite cracker, toasted, thinly sliced french bread {or toasted cranberry walnut bread from Central Market, YUM!} ALSO a hit on top of a fresh bed of greens with some fresh cut tomatoes and purple onions. Any time I have you over for lunch, I'll most likely make this for you alongside some fresh pitted Kalamata Olives, toasted slices of an assortment of breads, some feta and a huge bowl of salad greens;)

I must state this:***Leo doesn't really LOVE this dish like I do, but it has been a true favorite of mine since Mayo exited our life.   

Let me know if you try it--I hope you LOVE IT!

J.O.B., 

Grace 

Joyfully Optomistic Bird, or J.O.B.~

 

Just Grace:

I am a mother of now 4 beautiful Little Birds who are constantly inspiring me. My 6 year old, the original inspiration of Little Bird, is an aspiring Artist or social worker or professional play date, she's pretty cool. My 4 1/2 year old plans on being a cowboy (or cowgirl at times, depending on the color boots he's wearing at the moment) but can and will be anything he sets his mind to.  My 3 year old is definitely going to be a lover, or maybe even President of the United States and my now, 16 mos old, Kalliope Jude is our go getter, and has a spunky determination to be big and do everything her older sibs can do.  She is a perfect fourth and completely makes our Nest!

My soul mate, best friend and biggest fan is my husband. He was once asked at the beginning of our relationship, "How can you stand her voice??" (It's been said I sound like a Japanese Rat...) His response, "What's wrong with her voice?" I've loved him ever since :) My biggest fear is losing him, he makes me, me.

My humongous fault (or one of): Using "We" instead of "I"--much to my mother's dismay especially. I am very aware that everything happens with a team--whether direct or indirectly. I could not have accomplished any of my successes if it were not for someone else who helped in some way--big or small. I suppose I use "We" just to ensure credit is given where due at all times.

No man is an Island.

I am a lover of Kid-less weekend's away with the one you love, although I've never taken one ...

I'm a firm believer and supporter of Mommies! I think that we are all Superhero's and demonstrate our heroic powers day in and day out. I'm so proud and honored to be apart of the motherhood group :)

Our goal here at Little Bird's is to spread warmth, love and happiness - and we are doing just that, one bird at a time.

Little Bird is passionate about mommies and mommy friendships. Little Bird Vintage Designs was created when a long distant move separated 2--Anastacia and Grace, original designers and owners, back in 2007.

USA constructed, based in Texas.

We strive to offer as much natural, organic sweatshop labor free material as possible in Little Bird production, from our organic T collection to our organic cotton quilt batting used with each bird.

Each blanket is hand painted and lovingly created, uniquely designed with care. And our Direct To Garment Print tees use eco safe inks that do not peel, they are 100% safe to produce and wear.

Little Birds has a passion for encouraging Love and support to those in need.  Check out our Buy Love, Give Love 2012 Campaign!

I personally hope you love us!  Join our flock and become a part of our story.

Flock to us at The Chirp to stay in flight with us! http://littlebirdvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Downed Bird, Now back in Flight!

I had it.  All the symptoms, signs, steps, you name it, of grief, depression, despair, heartbreak.  It was apparent in me, through me, around me ... I was deeply caught up in it.  I haven't felt this low, this sort of unbearable, can't help but collapse into tears and sorrow kind of miserable feeling since our first pregnancy ended in miscarriage.  This time was different, though.  It came upon me in such a force, I couldn't control it, couldn't stop it. And this time, I was not alone to deal with my pain. I have four other very dear lives dependent on my--thankfully usually, balanced state. Their lives would definitely be affected.  And this time, there was no loss ... 

My husband who just recently finished residency decided to take part in a once in a life time opportunity--participate in the 2500 Anniversary of the Athens Marathon--In Athens, Greece.  We were all going initially, to take part of his goal and adventure and celebrate the end of our med school/resident journey that we survived together.  We have the blessing of being obviously extremely fertile.  We found out in May that we were expecting our fourth--planned, just planned though, the month before :) That changed things.  Our joint plans of going were thwarted since I'd be so far along (I'm officially in the first week of our 3rd trimester today in fact!) yet he did not altar his plans, nor was it expected of him to have change his original thoughts of continuing on the journey, just now minus us.  I felt so abandoned and sad about it.  It's never fun to feel as if you're the one who has to sacrifice.  It was a joint decision to have number 4 at this time in our life, why is it that I feel I've made the majority of sacrifices throughout each of the four's beginnings and lives??  There you have it--The cause of my hurt.  I felt left out.

Since July, I have progressively become more and more sad and mad leading up to the day that October 1st came.  Our schedule was slammed, mine affected as well as his, due to a month's worth of his shifts being condensed to the first 2 weeks of October in order to free up the last 2 weeks for his 12 day vacation/adventure at the end of the month.  No date nights worked in, his free time was centered on working in trainings.  Thus began an entire month of pretty much solo parenting.  Felt as if we had never left residency ... 

Ava is at an age to truly soak in the experience so, we long ago decided she should still go.  And I think that is where the actual depression and darkness sank in.  I had never been away from her for that long--she is only 4, and my first born, only daughter, the inspiration for Little Birds, my passion, my perfect helper, my independent one!  Her presence was missed more than I could have ever imagined.  Not just for me, but in Leo and Maximus as well.  But it wasn't just the missery of missing her, I was envious of her.   Seeing Greece with John, when I hadn't, going on a vacation, when I wasn't, a vacation I felt I earned and deserved just as much as he, experiencing all of these magnificent sites together while the other part of our family unit stayed behind ... I was jealous!  Jealous of John, jealous of Ava, jealous of my in laws for being the one to greet him at the finish line of a race that I had helped him prepare for ... I got caught up in all of this negative energy and it affected me.  I walked through these past 12 days on autopilot, thankful for my routined schedule with the boys.  Thankful each night for their early and predictable bedtimes ...

They come home today!  The missing third of our Nest arrives tonight!!! We have missed them so :) Leo Said he was going to run super fast up to daddy and give a really big hug and kiss and ask him about his race :) He cannot wait to see Ava too--Maximus just might pass out in all the excitement! We are such a close knit family in so many ways, the distance from extended family, the ages of the kids, the way we choose to live out our life, anyone's absence affects us, but for such a period, WOW, I've never experienced such a void.  Scary how easily it engulfed me and altered our week.  I have since pulled through and will get over this.  Glad it is finally coming to an end and we can put Greece far behind us and move forward to November.  I felt, though that I needed to explain my absence.  My inspiration was in Greece!

Secret Guilty Pleasure for a WAH-mostly solo-Mommy

Cinnamon Chip Scone-toasted to heat-accompanied by a strong, rich, no frills, latte--this is my morning pleasure for today-Sunday, 10/10/10.  A little guilty over it though, just a little.   It's another weekend of John (my adoring husband) having to work, me solo parenting it.  Our new church home in San Antonio is conveniently located .2 miles from a Starbucks (a couple locations actually) one way and Panera Bakery-today's choice indulgence-the opposite direction up the road.  It makes it all too convenient for me not to just drop the kids off, each settled in their Sunday School Classes, checked in with my cell number available if they were to need to locate me (it's a large church, so this is protocol :))I then walk inconspicuously back through the forward approaching crowd in the parking lot, get in  my car, turn off all toddler tunes and go enjoy a quite, relaxing, worry free hour to myself to slowly sip and devour my latte and pastry, catch up on thank yous, read, or just sit back and soak in the peace :)  

I feel as if I've stolen this hour all to myself, free of charge, free of pay back--Although I am a strong believer in and active Tither :)  The perfect escape.  And for the record--here's the guilt--I am usually early for the 11 o'clock service, ready to worship!

What's your guilty confession today?

holy mole!

Do you ever wish to be critiqued?  For good--some critiques can be found in the positive, right?--and bad.   I was thinking over that last night while getting ready for bed.  I'm pregnant with our fourth child, so I guess if I were to be critiqued it would have to be done in such a way that is kind--I'm pretty sensitive and emotional these days ;)  

We all have personal quirks and things of ourselves we consider flaws, but I'd love to know, (some days) what other people might consider noticeable, negative, positive, questionable, of me.  For example, I have a mole that I hate, despise, dread to catch a glimpse of, directly under my right eye.  I would consider that one of my physical flaws, something that I would happily change.  My husband, on the other hand, considers it to be one of my uniquenesses and would probably not look at me nearly as lovingly if I were to one day just go and have it removed.  He thinks it's what makes me me.  (I personally think he's ensuring he'd always be able to pick me out of a line up!)

I also tend to not be a great listener, or at least feel that way after I've had a conversation with someone.  I try to be, and I actually really work to focus on it, making sure the other person knows they have my full attention, but then start focusing to much, I fear, and lose sight of the entire conversation all together ...  I feel so special when someone listens--truly listens to me.  What a gift.   It's something that I'm constantly working to improve upon.  Feel free to let me know when we're in conversation together the next time, if you feel I'm not giving you a 100%:)

Little Birds is a personal venture of mine.  I've been passionate about it's growth and success since day one back in 2007.  I take every compliment and comment and critique to heart.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, even critiques at all times.  Especially as we try new things like introducing our new additions.  Just don't critique my models and we'll work well together :)

Wishing you a flawless day full of Warmth, Love and Happiness!

Grace

Just Grace

**I wish I was photogenic and could post a cool pic of me to give you a visual image for this bio, alas, I'm not, so take these words and picture what you will :)**

I am a mother of 3 beautiful Little Birds who are constantly inspiring me. My 4 year old, the original inspiration of Little Bird's, is an aspiring Astronaut, as she informed me today.  My 2 year old plans on being a cowboy (or cowgirl at times, depending on the color boots he's wearing at the moment) and my 16 mos old is definitely going to be a lover:) We're anxiously awaiting our newest addition to our nest in January!
 

My soul mate, best friend and biggest fan is my husband. He was once asked at the beginning of our relationship, "How can you stand her voice??" (It's been said I sound like a Japanese Rat...) His response, "What's wrong with her voice?" I've loved him ever since :) My biggest fear is losing him, he makes me, me.

My humongous fault (or one of): Using "We" instead of "I"--much to my mother's dismay especially. I am very aware that everything happens with a team--whether direct or indirectly. I could not have accomplished any of my successes if it were not for someone else who helped in some way--big or small. I suppose I use "We" just to ensure credit is given where due at all times. 

No man is an Island.

I am a lover of Kid-less weekend's away with the one you love, although I've never taken one ...   

I'm a firm believer and supporter of Mommies! I think that we are all Superhero's and demonstrate our heroic powers day in and day out. I'm so proud and honored to be apart of the motherhood group :)
 

Our goal here at Little Bird's is to spread warmth, love and happiness - and we are doing just that, one bird at a time.
 
Little Bird's is passionate about mommies and mommy friendships. Little Bird Vintage Designs was created when a long distant move separated 2--Anastacia and Grace, original designers and owners, back in 2007.
 
Little Bird Vintage Designs has since evolved into a multi-product, multi-team, multi-mission driven purpose to connect, not only with mommies and babies, but all mankind through little bird ventures.
100% USA Made, based 100% in Texas, by a team of Momprenuerers! Each bird is hand painted and lovingly created, uniquely designed, a perfect gift for your fledgling or someone else's.
 
Flock to us at The Chirp to stay in flight with us! http://littlebirdvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/