mama life - chikaustin

mama life

August2nd

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craft hope book giveaway

Posted in: craft hope, mama life

I’m sure you all know where I’ve been the past month. Nope, didn’t get stuck in the south on our family road trip. I’ve been kicking it over on the Craft Hope site. Winding down Project 8, launching Project 9 (sign up now), and being completely stunned over the whirlwind of activity surrounding the Craft Hope book.

So where do we start? Hmmmm…. we got back from our trip a couple of weeks ago and were exhausted. This is Chloe and I in Alabama. It simply was the most beautiful trip as I was able to connect with many online friends along the way. While on the trip I was able to do some work for Craft Hope and somehow manage things from my phone. I will do a trip post after I get all the pictures edited and uploaded. That all got pushed to the back burner as soon as we got home.

This is when things started to get busy. While on the trip we decided that we had met the goal of the relief organizations in the gulf and had received over 70,000 washcloths. Simply amazing. So we halted Project 8.

I got home from our trip and the very next day pictures started showing up on facebook and I started receiving messages that the Craft Hope book was out. What?!? The official release is August 3rd (tomorrow!!!) , but books started showing up on shelves and making their way into living rooms. So stinkin’ exciting. Needless to say things went from zero to sixty in about thirty seconds.

The next couple of days we launched Project 9. Chloe turned 10 months old. Yes, already.

Just today Lark Crafts announced their Month of Hope to highlight the charities in the book, the designers, and the inner workings of Craft Hope. You can see my interview here to kick off the Month of Hope.

And so now here we are. The book comes out TOMORRROW officially! It’s quite surreal to say the least.

I am doing a giveaway on the Craft Hope site for a signed copy of the Craft Hope book, but you know what? I’m doing one here too and I bet your odds to win just might be higher with fewer comments. I’m just sayin’. Just leave a comment on this post by Friday (8/6/2010) at noon and I’ll draw the winner.

Hope you are all staying cool as these summer temps heat up. We are gearing up for Makena starting kindergarten this fall. Things are certainly going fast.
March17th

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i’m still kickin’

Posted in: mama life

Life has been going on as usual around these parts. You know, laundry, get distracted, hang tissue paper pom poms in the girls room. Laundry, get distracted, hang a giant map in Keegan’s room. The usual.

I found this on Marjorie’s blog and I thought it fit perfectly with my life right now. I’m sure none of you can relate.

If You Give A Mom A Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin,

she’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.

She’ll pour herself some.

Her three year old will spill the coffee.

She’ll wipe it up.

Wiping it up she’ll find dirty socks.

She’ll remember she has to do laundry.

When she puts the laundry in the washer,

she’ll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.

Bumping into the freezer will remind her

she has to plan for supper.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.

She’ll look for her cookbook.

The cookbook is setting under a pile of mail.

She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.

She will look for her checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse

that is being dumped out by her two year old.

She’ll smell something funny.

She’ll change the two year old’s diaper.

While she is changing the diaper the phone will ring.

Her five year old will answer and hang up.

She’ll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.

Thinking of coffee will remind her

that she was going to have a cup.

And chances are… if she has a cup of coffee

her kids will have eaten the muffin that goes with it.

– author unknown

I really think the only thing missing from this is the mom checking Facebook.

Have a great spring break everyone!!
February15th

5 Comments

so much to say

Posted in: mama life

I have so much to blog about, but time is slipping me by these days. I don’t want to miss the moments with Chloe. The ones that go so fast.

I haven’t told you about Makena’s birthday party, way back in early December. I haven’t shown you our first family hike earlier this month. I haven’t told you about our impromptu snow trip. I haven’t shown you my latest thrifted treasures. I didn’t even tell you about the surprise blogland baby shower that showed up on my front porch. The one that made me and my hubby cry like babies. Way back in October.

If I sit here at the computer too long, the dishes pile up. The laundry takes over. And I lose myself in blogland. Dreaming from one blog to the next.

The Olympics have started so that sucks my evenings away. We are big fans. Huge.

All of this to tell you that we’re still kickin’. And I’ll try to get my thoughts organized and get some posts cranking. I feel like I need to catch up before I can carry on.
January14th

11 Comments

hope for haiti

Posted in: craft hope, mama life

I’ve spent the past 48 hours immersed in the news coming out of Haiti. My heart broken for the people. I’ve spent the same amount of time on the computer working on Craft Hope. When I hear of these types of tragedies it is like a fire is lit within me. The stories consume me, the need to help overwhelms me. And I go back to, it’s only me… what can I do to make a difference? Then I remember Craft Hope and the incredible community that I’ve come to know and love over the past year. God has truly blessed me with the gift of Craft Hope and entrusted me with it. I thank God daily for allowing me the opportunity to serve in this way. Even if I truly want to jump on the next plane leaving for Haiti.

Talking to my hubby last night, all of the emotions were swelling within me like when Katrina hit New Orleans. I was a new mama, home in the evening with my 9 month old baby girl. I sat on the couch and cried. Wanting to help. Then a local news station broke in that the evacuees were heading to Austin. That they would be arriving at the Convention Center and the Red Cross needs donations. I loaded up my car with things Makena had outgrown or did not use anymore. The car was packed. Infant car seats, a bassinet, clothes, diapers… I knew women were arriving with babies and had nothing. And boy were those thoughts correct.

I jumped into my loaded car in my pajamas. I kid you not. Showed up at the Convention Center where bus loads of evacuees were arriving. Began unloading my car with items to help those mama’s make it through the night with their babies. And realized pretty quickly that the NEED was greater than reported. There was no one there to accept the donations. Simply people unloading. As I walked around I noticed hundreds of people, disoriented, trying to come to terms with what they had just been through. This group came straight from bus and airplane to Austin. I hurried over to the first Red Cross worker I could find and volunteered my time.

I worked through the night. In my pajamas. Welcoming people to Austin and listening to their stories. Helping them get into the proper lines to get a shower. Noticing that all of them arrived with NOTHING. Not a bag in their hands. They had come from devastation. They had to leave everything behind.

I worked the next four days, specifically evening times with a couple of friends from my church. One I happened to reunite with here in this blog space that I hadn’t seen in a couple of years. Crazy, small world. Stefani and I spent countless hours there. Sitting with the evacuees, listening to their stories, offering them a shoulder to cry on. It was truly the first lesson in my adult life in how to just BE with a person. Nothing else was expected.

I spent the daylight hours as a case worker for the Red Cross processing the evacuees and getting them money. Helping them figure out whats next.

Through all of my work on Craft Hope the past couple of days I have come across countless organizations and their multitude of needs. Honestly though, the stories that really break my heart are the stories of the children in the schools and in the orphanages.

I found this organization called The Hands & Feet Project, don’t even ask me how at this point, and have been following them on Facebook. They are updating their site regularly. It is an orphanage in Haiti. I look at the pictures of the children and I want to reach through the computer screen and make it all better.

This is a picture that they posted on their site earlier this evening. The children and organizers at the orphanage sleeping under the stars since their building is damaged. This is day two for them of no help. But there they are, each tiny body sleeping peacefully under God’s grace. Alive and well. This picture gives me hope. Hope that Haiti will overcome this devastation and the next generation will grow and thrive. It will take years, but for these precious souls it MUST be worth it.

Please do what you can and support Haiti. There are many outlets in which you can donate. You can text “haiti” to the Red Cross at 90999 and they will simply charge you $10 on your next telephone bill. What a great way to donate $10. You can also see what Craft Hope is doing with Giving Children Hope and also calling all crafters for donations for an Etsy shop to benefit Doctors Without Borders.

Please say a prayer tonight for those sweet souls in Haiti. They need our prayers more than ever.
January5th

11 Comments

a glimpse of 2009

Posted in: mama life

A year seems to take an awfully long time. Especially when you’re in the middle of it, waiting for what’s next. Even more so if you are pregnant. In Texas. During the worst drought in over 100 years. With 30+ days of over 100 degrees temperatures. Oh wait? That wasn’t all year? Because it certainly felt like it.

As I’m sitting here at my little desk in the corner of my living room I think back to the past year. Starting Craft Hope, a book deal, and the birth of the littlest Sims. All the while juggling life as a stay-at-home mama to two other monkeys, rambling in this space, trying to be a good wife and make more than just cereal for dinner, and every other thing the Good Lord threw at me.

Today, my monkeys are getting older. The book is almost complete. Chikaustin is still my place to ramble on. Craft Hope is AMAZING and I am blessed to have met so many wonderful individuals through that process. My husband still eats cereal from time to time, but he realizes that life won’t always be this way. The house is a mess, always moving things around adjusting to our growing family and the needs of everyone in this space. And heck, I get bored if furniture and pictures sit in one spot too long. I twirl through the room like a whirling dervish and rearrange the place quicker than you can blink.

A look back at 2009…

{January}

We took the longest road trip ever, to Taos, New Mexico, so the kids could play in the snow. Had a revelation on a Sunday morning and started Craft Hope.

{February}

We thrifted, hung around, watched movies, painted, and played. Found out we were expecting the littlest Sims.

{March}

Hosted the first Craft Hope project and 27 dresses arrived. The dresses now have homes with little girls in an orphanage in Mexico. I was breath taken.

{April}

We announced that we were expecting. And thought we should retire chikaustin to focus solely on Craft Hope. Silly hormones. How could I leave this space?!?

{May}

Pregnant, and out of the first trimester, I was busy as a bee. Sewing girls clothes, traveling around Texas, nesting, and getting a glimpse of our littlest one. Love that second trimester!

{June}

Had an editor call me from Lark Publishing offering me a book deal for a Craft Hope book. What??? From there I connected with amazing designers and bloggers for the book. There’s more talent in that book than you can shake a stick at. Kept my etsy shop up and running with Fiesta dresses and vintage home goods. Stayed inside because it was starting to get HOT.

{July}

Pfew. July was busy. Craft Hope was growing and growing. So was my belly. The kids loved 4th of July and the hometown parade. I nested some more.

{August}

We were gearing up and getting ready for baby. Birthday celebrations, more nesting, and a family trip to the beach.

{September}

I was 9 months pregnant and exhausted. The nursery was ready and so were we! Makena tried her hand at soccer and realized she liked running through the tunnel at the end of the game more than playing the game.

At the very end of the month we welcomed Chloe Jeanette Sims to our family.

{October}

October was all about being home with Chloe. Chloe was brought into one activity filled house with a three and four year old. She napped best to the noise and grew like a weed.

{November}

Fall is my favorite time of year and we spent most of it cuddled up on the couch. We took a few outings with family, but mainly played in our own backyard.

{December}

I got to meet two wonderfully fabulous bloggy friends at the Pioneer Woman’s book signing in Austin. And did you know that I’m famous? She linked to me. Oh yeah. We spent the holidays with family and enjoying our new family of five.

Bring it on 2010! I can’t wait to see what you have in store!

*******

If you made it through that recap and are still with me you are in for a treat. And since I feel personally responsible for making sure you have the most up to date/current/hip/happenin’ information, here ya go…

Renegade Craft Fair is coming to Austin. What? Renegade Craft Fair is coming to Austin for the first time May 15 & 16. I’m shouting over here. Can you hear me??? Sooo excited about this one. Oh yeah, because Austinites are THAT cool!

And…. my ever-so-hip father-in-law introduced me to a new show. He’s the same guy that just burned the new Lady Ga Ga and Black Eyed Peas cd’s for me. Uh huh, he’s THAT cool. You are not going to believe it. My dream job would be to be a buyer for Anthropologie. You know, traveling the world in search of vintage treasures to go in the stores. There is a dude that does just that. And there is a show called Man Shops Globe on the Sundance channel that follows him around. BELIEVE IT! Set up your dvr now. It’s a doosy.

Since we’re talking antiques, Round Top is coming up the first weekend in April. The last one was the weekend I gave birth to Chloe and Miles refused to push me around in a hospital bed. Men. Needless to say I won’t be missing it this time. Giddy up and hit the road with me!
December7th

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pioneer woman in austin

Posted in: mama life

Last week one of my dreams came true. And although Ree Drummond, AKA Pioneer Woman, was there it wasn’t my dream to meet her. Even though she is one rockin’ mama. My dream was that one day I’d actually get to meet in person one of my bloggy friends. And it was a very good dream because I was able to hang out with TWO fabulous bloggy friends.

We met up to go to the Pioneer Woman cookbook signing at Book People downtown Austin. I was out-cameraed (that is a word) very early on so left it up to the girls to take the pictures and share them with me.

That’s Courtney, me, and Dana! Dana is our most recent transplant to the Austin area and we are so glad she’s here. She’s also featured in the Craft Hope book (shhhhh….).

It was Fire Marshall crowded.

We were given instructions such as, no throwing your bras up onto stage. I kid, I kid. This is the spirited staff at the bookstore that led us in a rousing rendition of ‘Pioneer. Woman. Pioneer. Woman. Pioneer. Woman.’

While we waited, we took pictures of our feet. Because that’s what you do while you are waiting for something to happen. Just so you know. Wait, who is that walking by? Cowboy boots?

Wait for it. Wait for it. Take some pictures of it.

Marlboro Man’s backside. Heck, it’s on the last page of the cookbook so how could we not take a picture of it too.

While waiting in line to get Ree to sign our book Marlboro Man had a line of his own. So we had to jump in. Had to.

Why are we here again? Oh yes, to see Ree. Right.

She is just as funny and endearing as she is on her blog. A bit taken back by the fame.

But she had her family there to support her. Love this picture, so very sweet. He was giving her a hard time about not having any Christmas decorations or even the tree up yet. Funny husband.

Of course she has great shoes. That’s the first thing I’d buy if I were on a book tour.

Dana and I waiting in line. Just happy to be here.

We only waited about an hour after she was done speaking to get her to sign our book. Loving my post-baby belly.

There we go, hide behind friends to hide the belly.

It was an incredible night, bloggy friends who appeared right off the computer screen into my real world.
November24th

4 Comments

thankful day 4 :: moments of peace

Posted in: mama life

Okay so I missed a few days in the being thankful blogging every day. But honestly, those of you who know me knew I wouldn’t be able to do it. I tried, heck I went three days in a row. But then life sped up and I had some no computer days. Gasp. I know. And here we are.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It’s really beginning to feel like fall here in the Hill Country. The flip flops are making their way to the back of the closet. Chloe is making continued improvements on her fussy-wanting-to-be-held-all-day-long-not-liking-to-ride-in-the-car nature. The kids are starting to work on their letter to Santa. Of which, at the top of Makena’s list is a drum set. I flat out told her that it is not going to happen. Ever. So there.

A good friend graciously came over and took pictures of us for the Craft Hope book. Nothing like trying to capture a picture of a mama and her three birdies under four years old. Of course she amazed me with her skills to capture just what it’s like to run Craft Hope and be a mama at the same time. Heck, what it’s like to be a mama. Period.

What were we talking about? Oh yes, the thankful series. Today I am thankful for a few moments of peace (not quiet) to catch up on emails and work on the book. They are fleeting moments, but moments much appreciated.

I am also thankful for change. Yes that is my desk that was in my crafting space in our bedroom. With the new baby I have very little time to sit up in my bedroom and sew or craft. So now the desk is in the living room for all of us to use. Makena has claimed many of the drawers for her construction paper, glitter, and beads. I still have a few drawers, but have moved out permanent markers and ink pads. Those do not mix with white sofas.

Sweet baby Chloe has brought out a lot of change. To a family of four that had a pretty good routine. She shook us up, spun us around, and placed us back down again. Letting us know that she is here. In my head I keep hearing the phrase from Horton Hears a Who ‘we are here, we are here!’ I think that’s exactly what Chloe is saying to us. I am here! I am here!
November11th

12 Comments

who moved my cheese?

Posted in: mama life

God has quite the sense of humor and his timing is not always in line with my timing. Hey, whose in charge here? Wait, I know that answer.

So let me tell you a quick story while Chloe waits patiently. I’ve got about two minutes before she insists that I wear her for the rest of the day.

Ready, set, go!

Long story short we had to get new carpet in the bedrooms and hallways. Septic issue that happened the day after we came home with Chloe from the hospital, I’ll save you the details. So the carpet guys came yesterday to install the carpet. And let me tell you that it’s not easy to do my mama duties with carpet guys in the house. Everything from every closet and bedroom was either moved out onto the decks or into bathrooms and my laundry room. Last night we were able to get the furniture back in the house, but the rest of it had to wait. The kids bathroom, my bathroom, and the laundry room are full. Piles stacked high from floor to ceiling.

About 3 am last night we hear the pitter patter of tiny footsteps. Followed by Makena’s voice ‘mama, I threw up in my bed.’ My hubby and I rushed downstairs to clean up the situation, but I could not get into their bathroom or the laundry room. 3 am is also when Chloe wakes up for her nighttime play date.

So today I’m accepting applications for a baby holder. Just so I can make my way to the washing machine.
October7th

11 Comments

getting our hands dirty

Posted in: babes in toyland, mama life

Today we are playing, loving, nesting, laughing, feeding, changing, burping, and napping. We are exploring, digging, encouraging, and helping.

We all have new roles with the new baby in the house. Each one of us.

I am working on balancing. Balancing being a mama to three. Realizing that everyone needs a bit of mama time. Each one of them in their own way.

Keegan, adjusting to not being the baby. Needing mama time, but not able to find the right words to tell me. Me, learning to recognize and give him the time he needs. Not pressuring him to be the ‘big boy’ I really need him to be, but allowing him to get there on his own.

Makena, realizing that she is the ring leader of this crazy kid circus. Keeping up and playing with Keegan. Settling into her new role, embracing it really. Wanting to help me. Wanting to hold Chloe. Wanting to be a part of it all. Wanting to be more independent than I’m ready for her to be.

And Chloe, well what can I say… sleeping, burping, napping, pooping, crying, swinging, cuddling, loving. The baby smiles when she sleeps, the coos, the baby noises I’m not used to. The late nights watching reruns of Three’s Company and The Cosby Show with her in my arms. The moments we usually complain about, but I’m treasuring. For a night of catnaps, a pumpkin spice latte in the morning makes it all better again.

So friends, you can find us at home. Each one of us settling in to what it means to be a family of five. And never looking too far forward or back.
October3rd

46 Comments

sweet child of mine

Posted in: babes in toyland, celebrations, mama life

Chloe Jeanette Sims :: Born September 29, 2009 :: 12:52 pm :: 8 lbs. 7 oz. :: 20.5 inches :: Austin, Texas

We came home with Chloe yesterday evening. After two summers of drought, we came home to a yard filled with flowers. All of the plants and trees are blooming purple, yellow, white and pink flowers. I like to think that God brought us flowers for the baby’s delivery. Along with the most precious gift he could give us. A sweet baby girl. My heart is full of love and gratitude. My head is hazy from a combination of a lack of sleep and pain killers for the c-section.

Makena and Keegan are adjusting like they should. We are trying to make sure they are getting quality time as well. So far, so good.

Chloe’s heart is perfect. Such a blessing. And we are incredibly grateful.

I’m sitting in the bedroom right now wearing Chloe in a sling so I can type up this post and share her with you. I’ll be on here as much as I can. I’ve got about 500 pictures I took at the hospital to sort out as well.