Sunday Lately.2 The One Where We Visit The Beach

This week I’m participating in “SUNDAY LATELY” – a weekly writing challenge where a group of fab bloggers all respond to the same prompts and share a little glimpse into the last week of life. This week’s themes:
 Completing, Visiting, Repeating, Writing, Scheduling
- - -

:: Completing ::
I am working on completing my LONG to-do list before we leave for our girl’s trip this week. I’m just entering into this next phase of parenting, where my girls are old enough to really help with the vacation prep; it’s awesome! I used to worry that I’d never be ready to move past the baby-days, but I am loving this stage. The baby is almost three and the big girls are prepping to jet off for a few days with me at the beach; what a JOY!

:: Visiting ::
This week, I’m visiting South Carolina. Our home away from home. Bring on the sunshine!

:: Repeating ::

It’s too easy to caught up in the bustle of the days. To rush through the everyday moments that ultimately shape our lives. I am constantly repeating to myself “BE PRESENT” – I want joyfully experience each day and never lose sight that there is wonderful joy ahead.

:: Writing ::
I’m writing…
Journal entries for my May babies.
Love notes for C to find while we’re away.
Lesson Plans for our last month of Homeschool.
Blog posts for y’all.

:: Scheduling ::
I’m currently scheduling the next RTS limited edition upload! Save the date: May 24th! I’ll have several pieces available in a variety of ready to ship sizes and a few custom listings too!





Thanks for visiting! Please checkout the SUNDAY LATELY link up for more good reads!

Sunday Lately.1 The one where I Join In

This week I’m joining in on “SUNDAY LATELY” – a weekly writing challenge where a group of fab bloggers all respond to the same prompts and share a little glimpse into the last week of life. This week’s themes:
 Updating, Remembering, Needing, Wearing, Being

- - -

:: Updating ::
Updating the way I list new DAYDREAM BELIEVERS items (yay!) Instead of sporadic sales and pre-orders, I’m going back to a ready-to-ship collections and limited runs.  The goal is to upload new pieces every 4-6 weeks. Each upload will be themed/have coordinating pieces. These pieces will be mostly OOAK and ready to ship. I will offer some designs on a small-scale – where three or four people can order the piece in the size of their choice. This new format will give me more creative liberty with my uploads, more time for taking custom orders, and will give y’all a chance to know in advance what is coming up. I think it’ll be great! Look for the switch to happen in May when I reopen the Daydream Believers Designs storefront.

:: Remembering ::
Remembering that Spring Fever is REAL! These last weeks of the school year are LONG! I remember feeling it every year as a student, then again as a public school teacher, and now as a homeschool mom. The weather is getting warmer and my girls’ attention spans have dwindled. While I’d love to say I am full of energy; the reality is, it’s been a long year, we’ve done a lot of work, and we’re all ready for Summer break! So, we’re taking it day by day, making more time for fun reading, enjoying daily walks to the river, and counting down the days ‘til we leave for the beach!

:: Needing ::
Needing to pack for our girl’s trip!

:: Wearing ::
Wearing sandals for the first time this year, yay!

:: Being ::
Being grateful for everyday miracles! Friends, we had a close encounter yesterday. One of those isolated instances that make you pause and remember how close angels are. Yesterday, when my sister picked the girls up from play practice, they had an accident in the parking lot. Sweet Viv shut her hand in the car door. Bless. She pulled the door shut in such a way that it jammed, slamming her hand inside. My sister acted fast and thankfully was able to pry the door open. With the screaming and tears (from everyone in the car) Monica was expecting the very worst. She was prepared for blood, for cut limbs, for severe damage. But, by the grace of God, my little girl’s hand was freed from the door completely uninjured. Not even a scratch. It was amazing! When Monica told me what had happened, my heart about exploded. God is SO good!



Thanks for visiting! Please checkout the SUNDAY LATELY link up for more good reads!

Let’s Have Coffee and Catch UP

It’s been so long since I’ve blogged on a regular schedule, I truly miss chatting with y’all! I wish I could call you up, invite you over for coffee and spend an afternoon catching up! How about a virtual coffee date?

If you (really) came over, my girls would run to the door to meet you! They are sure to give you a big ‘ol hug and greet you with excitement, stories, and new toys/artwork that you have to see. E will probably be in my arms, he’s a little shy, so he’ll probably just watch quietly until he warms up… then you better be ready to play cars/ball/chase the dog because that sweet boy loves to run and play!

In the midst  of you being (lovingly) swarmed by my crew, I will fix us each a coffee and offer you a snack. I will use the snack to lure my kids off of your lap and distract them just enough that you and I can chat a little.

I will ask about you. I will want to know how you are feeling and what you’ve been up to.
I hope you have joyful things to share. That you are feeling well. That your life is happy.

I will tell you that we had a wonderful Summer. That it passed by too quickly.
That the highlights were the days spent with my family.
Traveling to the ocean. Strawberry picking.  Street fairs and farmers markets.
Reading by the pool. Taking the kids to the beach. Erin & Matt’s wedding.


I’d tell you about Iyla’s week of vocal camp; and how I admire her bravery and spirit so much.
How awesome it was to watch her on that stage. How much she has taught me about life.
I will joyfully show you the videos and we’ll probably gush about how special these kids are.


I’ll freshen up your coffee and tell you about my first art fair.
How anxious I felt.
How I thought about quitting too many times.
How  I struggled with myself; letting self doubt creep in and falling short of my own crazy expectations.
I’ll tell you how I prayed. How I pushed myself. How glad I am that I did.

I’ll tell you that the Market was a smashing success. I was blown away by the response to my clothing!
As on an online retailer; my contact with clients is limited – getting to meet local moms and chat with them was so, SO fun! I enjoyed meeting many new people; clients and makers alike.

I’d tell you that I nearly sold out in the first 3 hours and by the end of the day, I had just one dress left.
I’d tell you that it was AWESOME!

I’d tell you how grateful I was that so many local clients and friends came out to see me.
I’d tell you how I couldn’t have done the Market without my sister. Spending the day with her was the best.
I’d tell you how the support of my husband and mom, and the enthusiasm of my girls, strengthened me.
I’d tell you that sometimes, we have to push ourselves so that we can do BIG (awesome) things!


We’d laugh about how much we had to chat about, and promise to not let as much time pass.
We’d sip the last of drops of our drinks, I’d walk you to the door and give you a big ol’ hug.

Until next time…

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Today, I’m saying Cheers to all the Mummas!   There is no relationship that compares to that of a Mother and her child. Being a mom is my greatest privilege. Motherhood is a beautiful, emotional, exciting, challenging, joy-filled responsibility and I am SO grateful to be experiencing it.

Cheers to my Mom. CB, you are my favorite! Everything I am is because of you. xx

Cheers to my sister Monica. You SHINE as a mother! Lia is smart, happy, and hilarious!  xx

Cheers to Iyla, Vivian, and Ethan for making me a Mumma. You kids are my greatest JOY! xx

Cheers to all the Moms who support my dreams by dressing your sweet kids in Daydream Believers Designs; you are SO special to me!  Embrace your littles today. Love on them. Smooch their cheeks and hold them close. Remember that you are loved, appreciated and admired by your children every day. You are AWESOME!  Enjoy this special day!

(( <— ONE Year Ago, today! ))

CHEERS!

Today, I’m saying Cheers to the bloggers involved in American Blogger. You are all wildly talented, inspiring storytellers, and some of my favorite writers on the web! Cheers to you girls! Ya’ll rock!

Cheers to Chris Wiegand for pursuing your art and creating a film that means something to you and your family; what a gift you are creating for your children!

Cheers to all the artists who support and lift each other up; you’re my favorite!

Cheers to the writers and bakers, dreamers and makers; you are awesome! Keep doing your thing!

Cheers to you for reading this! Have a great weekend!

 

HELLO MONDAY

I’m joining  Lisa Leonard in a weekly segment called Hello Monday.
Hello Monday is a post to greet the new week with an open heart and a fresh perspective.
Today is a new day, a new beginning–and there’s so much to be thankful for!

Whew! It feels like the last week FLEW by! Yesterday, my sister and I took the girls to paint pottery. The event was a fundraiser for our church. We had SO much fun! I managed to snap a few iPhone photos…

Hello Vivian and Monica, ready to paint!

Hello pretty plate (painted by me). Hello Iyla, hard at work.

Hello to finished projects, church supper, and a FUN girls day!

 

 

This week I’m saying,

Hello  to new products ready for the shop!
Hello to taking my kids to the museum to learn more about civil rights!
Hello to six more inches of snow headed our way, at this point, I say bring it!
Hello to shipping out St. Patrick’s Day Dresses!
Hello to shooting Ethan Rex’s NINE Month Photos! Where does the time go?!
Hello to a GREAT collection of handmade tutorials/gift ideas for BABIES, coming to the blog SOON!

What are you grateful for/looking forward to this week? Leave your Hellos in the comments section.
Have a beautiful week!

VALENTINES DAY. SPREAD SOME LOVE

Happy Valentines Day!
I’m up early, feeding the baby and enjoying the quite snuggles that come along with early morning feedings. Hubs is at work,  the girls are still sleeping and for an hour a day, it’s just me and Ethan. I talk to him and pray over him. He loves the attention and in return gives me the best smiles, cuddles, and babbles of the day. It’s a sweet way to start my day and I’m grateful for that.

.
Tell me, how are you spending your Valentines Day?
I treat the girls to a Fancy breakfast each year (tiara’s encouraged, but not required)
In years past we’ve had heart shaped pancakes, waffles with heart shaped strawberries, omelets filled with red peppers and pink kielbasa served with heart shaped biscuits and strawberry jam… it’s a total glitter fest! We use (ahem) “fancy” printed paper plates: you know the ones from Target, with the hearts/glitter/ya-ya on them that the kids think are SOOO beautiful; yep, on Valentines Day we buy ‘em and the matching cups too.

In the past, I’ve made all the food and set up all the decorations ahead of time. But this year I’m changing it up just a bit. My girls, especially Vivian, LOVE to be the hostess. They love cooking and enjoy putting together serving displays. So today I’m going to let them help me prepare and serve breakfast. They will think it’s awesome and I will enjoy the hilarity of my kids in the kitchen. Tell me – do your kids act like they’re hosting a cooking show every time they prepare a dish? Or is it just mine?

Iyla (who is 6) told us yesterday that “Valentines Day is the day we show the world the love we have in our hearts for our family, our friends, and for God by being kind and doing nice things for each other”
Yep, totally melted my heart. That kid, she’s a smart one! So after breakfast, we’re going to perform some Random Acts of Kindness to spread a little love on this special day.

How about you? What are your Valentines Plans?
Are your little ones wearing anything special today?

I’d LOVE it if you’d post pictures of your Valentines Day!
You can blog about your day and link it up in the comments, or go ahead and post away on the Daydream Believers Facebook Page. To thank you for sharing, I’ll give away a db gift card (or 2!)
I can’t wait to hear about your day!
Be well!
xx M

ps. It’s against blog-law to publish a long babbling post and not include a photo.
Please enjoy this random iPhone picture of sweet Ethan. xx

PRESENT. MY ONE WORD MANTRA FOR 2014

2014.
A new year. I’m hoping it is filled with peace, surprises, love, laughter, energy, smiles, warmth & JOY.



I have always been a planner. Naturally anxious, organizing calms me and brings me peace.
That changed in late 2012, when I became suddenly ill.  I had lost control of my carefully planned life and I didn’t have the energy or clarity to regain that control. I tried to appease my anxieties by spending 2013 embracing my dreamer-side. I didn’t stress about lists or deadlines. I told myself that I would be less anxious if I just let life happen. I tried to do less and just BE.
I’ll tell ya, the notion of just letting it be and going with the flow sounds fabulous; but it left me feeling lost.

I realize now, I don’t want to just let life happen. I want to live intentionally.

ITS OCTOBER–TIME FOR COSTUMES!

In my family, we LOVE Halloween!
Dressing up in handmade costumes is a tradition I look forward to every year.
The last few years have been extra special for me, as Iyla and Vivian have chosen their own costumes.
They love dressing up all year round and have such creative, imaginative spirits;
it’s a joy for me to make their visions a reality. They have been “Fancy Pumpkins” –
An Apple Tree – A Silly Clown – A penguin – An Owl – A Ladybug - A Lion.
This year, Viv has chosen to be a unicorn and Iyla chose to be the tooth fairy.
They both have very specific plans for their costumes and I am SO excited to create these fun costumes for them!

Here’s a peek at the drawing Viv gave me outlining her plan for her costume…

Gotta love a girl with vision! ;)

:: Tell Me :: What are your littles dressing up as this Halloween?

 

{Tags: Halloween, Handmade Costumes, Unicorn}

It’s a Nice day to start again

I’m happy to reveal the new and improved  Daydream Believers Designs blog!
Welcome Friends! I’m SO happy you are here!

Earlier this week, my old site crashed and unfortunately, could not be revived.
The good news is that I was able to retrieve ALL of my old posts, tutorials and photos!
The bad news is that ALL of the links to the old site will now lead you to a 404

I’ll admit, I was frazzled for a few hours and disappointed when I realized all that I lost.
Hundreds of followers, Dozens of features and THOUSANDS of Pinterest Pins; all lost.
Boom! Just like that! After three years of blogging, I was bumped back to the starting line.

SO…
I took a deep breath.
I started the new site. 
I transferred over my old content.
I said quite a few prayers for patience
and I started again.
It’s a nice day to start again, wouldn’t you say?

I’m so happy that you are here! I look forward to filling this new site with great new content and building the site up to be better than ever! I would love, love, LOVE it if y’all can help me spread the word about the new site!


Cheers for fresh starts and new beginnings!
xx M

What a Wonderful World! (Introducing Baby Ethan!)

Welcome to the world sweet baby Ethan! You are SO loved!

Photos by M. Nordstrom. Do not save or copy.
Wonderful World Print courtesy of Laura Winslow Photography

Telling My Story…

I love to listen to people share their stories.
I am truly interested in life. In your life. In wanting to know about your experiences, hopes, dreams, fears.
I love to listen to people share their stories; but I’m slow to share my own.
I tend to talk a lot about my kids, my sweet hubs, my talented friends, my awesome family, my company… but, I never share much about myself.

As I mentioned in my “One Surprise After Another" post – my life is far from normal these days.

Word about my recent health situation spread quickly through my hometown and through the blog-community too.
In what felt like an instant, my family and I were showered with love, prayers and support. It was amazing.
We were humbled by the outpouring of kindness that has been sent our way – from friends and strangers alike.
I will be forever grateful to everyone who lifted me up in prayer over these last few weeks, even without knowing all of the details of my situation. Your kindness has been such a comfort and gave me a tremendous sense of peace and strength.

I appreciate all of the support that I have received and continue to receive! I love reading your emails, messages, texts – listening to your voicemails – reading your cards/letters --- each one warms my heart.  Many people have reached out to me asking for updates and for more details; I realize that I haven’t shared much publically and I apologize if our lack of information has alarmed anyone. It was never our intention to leave anyone in the dark. It’s just not easy for me to share my story. But, I’m going to try. Because this is my life – and this life is such a good one.

On my heart: Just one surprise after another…

(Source lilblueboo via DBD on Pinterest)

If you really knew me, you’d know that the last two weeks of my life have been surreal. Seriously!
You’d know that I woke up one morning incredibly weak and unable to stand on my own.
You’d know that I went to the doctor thinking that I had the flu and was sent straight to the hospital where I was admitted for internal bleeding and tachycardia.
You’d know that I experienced literally being in shock. Shock that this was happening. Whatever this was.

You would know that I spent four dreadful days in that hospital – and that the first two were a blur.
You would know that after undergoing multiple procedures – they weren’t able to locate the source of the bleed.
That it took four days of meds and two blood transfusions to stabilize me enough to send me home.
You would know that coming home to my girls was the BEST feeling, ever!
That being away from them was harder than I can express.

You would know that my new team of doctors and specialists are phenomenal!
That I am confident that they will find the source of the problem and that I will be healed!
You would know that daily trips to the lab, tests, and appointments with doctors have replaced my normal life.
You would know that my stats have been improving and that the doctors believe the bleed has stopped :)
You would know that we still have MANY unanswered questions.
You would know that I am still recovering.
You would know that while I am physically quite weak, I am starting to feel stronger every day.

You would know that I have my moments where it doesn’t feel real that this has happened.
Moments when I feel like I’m going to wake up and this will have all been a crazy, whirlwind dream.
Moments when I let my mind wander to what could have happened, what almost happened, what still may happen – You would know these moments terrify me.

If you really knew me, you would know that I believe all things happen for a reason. His reason.
You would know that I don’t like to waste time trying to figure out “why” things happen; I trust the Lord’s timing.
You would know that in addition to feeling scared and confused, I feel grateful, lucky and loved.

You would know that I *LOVE* this little design company that I created.
You would know that it is a joy and a privilege for me to create for you and your sweet kids.
You would know that it pains me to have to do this, but I have to stop taking DBD orders until I am fully recovered.
You would know that I am so sorry friends!
That I had BIG plans for the upcoming holidays and it hurts my heart not to be able to just spring back to action.
You would know that I need a little time to get well.

If you really knew me, you’d know how much I value you being here, reading my blog, supporting my passions.
You would know that I am praying for you and wishing you the best, always!

xx
M


PS – Just because I need to slow down, doesn’t mean you won’t have some GREAT opportunities to score some One Of A Kind Daydream Believers Designs! I’ve recently joined forces with Boutique Challenge Auctions, and will be offering you some very limited edition, one of a kind Daydream Believers Designs! These pieces will be sold “auction style” with starting bids at 50-60% off the retail value! Fun, right? I will share more details soon! :)

On my heart today. Countdown to Kindergarten.

If you really knew me....

You would know that Iyla starts Kindergarten on Tuesday
and that this milestone is affecting us all in different ways.

You would know that I expected to be nervous, anxious and a little sad.

You would know that I didn't expect to feel so unprepared.

That I surprised myself by just how difficult sending her to school really is.

You would know that I am SO excited for her to start this adventure,
but so sad because OUR lifestyle is going to change.

You would know how much I have LOVED these last five years, when we were able to just BE.

No schedules, no expectations, just sweet, slow, lovely life, filled with smiles, laughter, pj days, made up holidays, random dance parties, messy crafts, afternoon naps, long walks, make believe, cuddles, celebrations, joy, PEACE.

You would know that I feel so blessed to have spent these years at home with my girls, letting them grow up slowly.

You would know what a joy it has been for me to watch them explore the world in their own unique ways.

You would know that I’m scared that she’s not ready to go, that the “real world” will hurt her or crush her spirit.

You would know that Craig and our girls are my world.

You would know that their happiness is everything.
That I want so much for them.

I want them to be confident and to celebrate their uniqueness.

I want them to be kindhearted and brave; I want them to make good choices, every day.

I want them to Love, and to be Loved. To make great friends, and have great adventures.

I want them to be filled with Joy and Compassion.

If you really knew me, you’d know that I love my life, and that I want my girls to live full lives.

You would know how much I cherish my daughters. How long I prayed for them. How much I LOVE them.

If you really know me, you would know that I will need extra hugs, tissues and café mochas on Tuesday.

You would know that I am praying for you, and wishing you peace.

What is on your heart today?

 

On my heart today

If you really knew me....

You would know that this picture of my girls makes me smile every time I see it.

You would know that my heart has been SO heavy since hearing about the tragedy in Colorado.

You would know that I have been so saddened by the horror of that incident, that thinking about it leaves me breathless and in tears.

You would know I that I have a tender heart, and that sometimes, that softness is more of a burden than a blessing.

If you knew me, you’d know that I keep imagining Craig and I in that theater, and wondering what would we have done.

If you really knew me, you'd know that I love life.

You would know that Craig and our girls are my world.

If you really knew me, you’d know that I believe that life should be enjoyed, not rushed through.

You would know that our house is filled with lots of music, lots of dancing, lots of cuddles and LOTS of laughter.

You would know that hubs and I try to surround our girls with JOY, while teaching them about compassion.

You would know that I will always choose spending time with my family over doing work.

If you knew me, you would know that this weekend I cancelled all plans and spent the day at the beach with my family… and that I LOVED it. 

That I only cooked dinner once this week, and yesterday, we ate giant cupcakes for dessert.

That I just had a glorious afternoon nap with my girlies, and that watching them sleep, holding hands, snuggled up to me; they were so beautiful, I cried.

You’d know that I am yearning for a way to bring peace to people in pain.

You’d know that I’m contemplating sending off all the dresses that I have prepared for the next upload to random customers, just to brighten their day.

You’d know that I am praying for you.

What is on your heart today? 

Let’s Spread A Little LOVE

Happy Monday my friends!
After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to change things up a bit!
Don’t worry, it’s all good, I promise! ;)

Quite simply, I want to do more.
I want 2012 to be filled with more charity, more selflessness and more random acts of kindness.
I want to focus more on DOING and a little less on business.
The Daydream Believer Project is so important to me; I  know that God has given me the strength and abilities I need to perform awe-inspiring deeds – I look forward to working with YOU to change the world!

SO…
To kick off this beautiful new year – I’ve decided not to sell the “Birds of a Feather” Valentines Collection.
Instead – We’re all going to Spread A Little LOVE!

I have 10 pieces, one of each size starting at 6/12 months and going up to 7/8.
A few of the pieces are clearly "Valentines" - but the majority can be worn after v-day too!
I love 'em all – and I want to GIVE THEM to deserving girls!

Yep, I am giving them away.
Rather, WE are giving them away!
I want ya’ll to help me Spread A Little LOVE this season!

Seriously, what is better than putting a smile on someone’s face?
How AWESOME will it be to send a sweet little lady a *surprise* package of Daydream Believers loveliness?
I am SO EXCITED just thinking about it!

Here’s what I want you to do- Send me an email nominating someone to receive one of these packages!
Whose day would you like to brighten?
Who do you know that would LOVE to receive a special Valentines’ Day outfit?
In your email, please include the child’s full name, address, and size.
If you want to share why you selected them, that would be great too! :)
To be considered, you MUST include a full name, address & size! (US addresses only, please)
I will keep the nominations open until we have matched each piece with a recipient (or until February 1 – since I want to make sure the packages get to the lucky little ladies before Valentines day!) 
Please email your nominations to daydreambelieverproject@gmail.com
UPDATE - Nominations are now closed. THANK YOU to everyone who sent in an email! I appreciate all of your support! We have matched each piece with a recipient and are no longer accepting nominations. The response to this campaign was AWESOME! I will do my best to respond to each and every email! THANK YOU!  Best, Michelle

Enjoy Life!

It's a Beautiful Day!