What??? April of 2011 is over??

Sleepy today, tired.  My B-Team collectively, me especially, are extremely fortunate to now enjoy the life that we share together--it's perfect, an almost dream life, if you will ;), especially when compared to what we were sharing before July 2010--a husband in residency, a work from home, mostly edgy mommy of 3--expecting #4, a little stressed, to say the least ... 

Now that John is officially out of residency, we have vowed together for him to work only the minimum amount of shifts per month (12).  In doing so, I keep my full time job, but what a piece of cake to work it in now with him home helping out the other 18 days;) and the kids get 2 full time parents.  

We have it pretty good, I'd say.  NO room to complain, but yet, here it goes.  

*D. B. has to work 2 weekends every month, and I dread Saturdays ... I have our entire parenting life.  Sunday's are easy, and even more special when it's just the 5 of us.  We have our church activities, lunch, sometimes even open art, we love Sundays!  Saturdays stink though.  It's super hard to solo parent on a day when the majority of 2 parent homes have 2 parents home that particular day of the week ... So here I am venting about it.  I wouldn't trade our life for anything.  It's pretty incredible having D. B. around most regular days of the week, participating and helping in drop off/pick up routines, activities, pre dinner time entertainment, enjoying date days together while kids are in school :) ... But there is a tiny percentage of me that longs for that predictable 8-5 daddy weekday, guaranteed 2 day weekend off scheduled life, usually that yearning for falls on Saturdays like these.  

Today we woke up at 6ish--cause who doesn't wake up super early on a weekend???  Pancakes were demanded for breakfast, and grumpily made ... poop on the door of my 2-year-old's freshly painted--just this week--room to clean:(  My 3 month old had a leaky, very leaky diaper on me as I was herding all 4 out the door from playing at The Little Gym--my planned activity of the day, not to mention she and Leo, my 3 year old throwing a fit as we made our grand exit.  And that all occurred by 11:30 AM ...  I spent the next hour in the car stalling.  We drove to Chick-file, picked up lunch, while they picnicked in the car, I explored the roads of San Antonio, we headed home around 12:45, changed 2 diapers, washed 5 sets of hands (mine included), read 2 bed time stories and each were tucked away separately throughout the house for *hopefully* an extremely long afternoon siesta :)  Fingers crossed!

Sewing today and finishing up our March-April branching out project--All profits are headed to Japan in relief efforts from their recent devastation.  Looks like Tuscaloosa, AL should be our May relief effort--I'll keep you posted.  Keep the orders coming, it keeps me somewhat sane :)

Wishing you a little coolness, happiness and LOVE today :)

Off to catch a brief siesta myself :)

grace

*D.B.=Daddy Berios, My Johns :)

spring 2011

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Fiesta!!

It's Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas this weekend!!!

I think instantly of RED :)  

Looked all over (at the last minute) for TUTU's for the girls, should have ordered from http://www.tutumoi.com/ a long time ago ...

We borrowed this one way back in 2007, right before Leo's arrival, to put together a last minute Christmas Card ... It would have been perfect for this weekend's festivities.  

Cucumber with Cream Cheese Sandwich anyone??

Much to my surprise this week, Leo, my 3 year old son, requested to bring Cream Cheese and Cucumber sandwiches for his snack day at school tomorrow--A first for me, John and I actually had to Google the recipe just to ensure we were making them correctly and that the ingredients were just that--Cream cheese and Cucumbers on bread ... 

We learned that the addition of cream cheese is what makes up the American version of the British sandwich.

Branching Out -- For Japan Part 2

LOVING and appreciating all the fun feedback and support for our 

Branching Out for Japan project!!  

This past week my Little Bird Crew flocked together with fellow Little Bird Fans and Lovers in Austin, Texas 

for a Melville Family Retreat!  

These little birds are the reason 

I LOVE what I do :)

Cooper Eliza Melville, A HUGE Little Bird Fan :)  And my youngest niece.

My niece and Namesake, Gracey Jayne Melville, 9 years old, my oldest niece :)

While we were there, Little Bird received several orders that I get to prepare 

and send out to day :)  

All in support of Japan Relief! 

Currently enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning at home, it's amazing how being away, even on a super fun adventure, can make you appreciate just being at home:) Love!

Wishing you a day full of Warmth, LOVE and Happiness--

Grace 

Loving the interest and support we're getting on the 

Little Bird effort in 

Branching Out for Japan!  

Keep the comments and purchases coming :)and please re post this on your blog, Facebook, Twitter--the more the merrier :)

Having a great week this week--We're getting our shower fixed upstairs this week causing me to be a bit more home bound than I normally would be on any given day and thus enabling me to get much accomplished!  I'm in that post addition nesting phase (translation:  weeding out things to make the addition of one more, to an already full home, welcome) :)  WE ARE IN LOVE with Kalliope Jude, such a joyful blessing, we couldn't have pictured a sweeter little offspring!

Pictured here smiling with oldest sibs and Papou :)

Last week the Little Bird crew headed to Houston, TX to enjoy the last half of our Spring Break together at Papou and Yia Yia's house--our first adventure since Kalliope's arrival.  Boy, were we all ready!  That trip and grandparent get away was just what each of us needed.  We took in some sites while we were there as well--NASA, the kids loved it and the Farm, who doesn't love to get down and dirty feeding the animals and riding horses?? 

Manning the sheep

 It was a perfect break, we all came back with renewed spirits and fresh energy after.  Ready for Spring!

The official Crew Pic!

Wishing you a great end of your week and a Happy Weekend!

AND REMEMBER ...

The FALL promo is still in effect and The Profits for Japan goes through April!  

As Always we LOVE your feedback -- 

Let us know how you're lives have been impacted since this latest disaster?  

I'd love to hear:)

Wishing you warmth, Love and happiness--

grace

Branching out -- For Japan

As a mommy, friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter, neighbor, person, I can't help but be affected by the tragedy Japan is facing at the moment.  I am devastated, heartbroken, helpless and thankful all in one.  I could not even fathom going through such a horrific situation, what I would be like, what I would do?  

How can I help?  

I have started with being thankful for what I have and still have--my family, neighbors, friends, shelter, food, transportation, peace.  The next step is reaching out--thus this blog:  

All Profits for MARCH and APRIL from 

ALL Little Bird Sales will be donated to the Samaritan's Purse International Relief Organization.  

I'm a big believer that one person can make a difference no matter how small of a contribution, but just think of how big of a difference many people can make with even the smallest of contributions adding together as one!  

Please help spread the word by sharing it on your Facebook Page, Tweeting about it, Emailing it out.   And I urge you to find ways in which you can share with those that are in need by researching organizations like Samaritan's Purse International Relief, RedCross, and many, many other reputable organizations that are simple to donate too, and find a way that you feel comfortable branching out.

Wishing you and your little birds continued, 

Warmth, Love and Happiness~

Grace