many sparrows

we're a featured family on the ergobaby blog

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:48:00 -0600

we're a featured family on the ergobaby blog: So thrilled to be a featured family on the Ergo blog...

trouble sleeping? try a book. (here are my picks.)

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:03:00 -0600

Technology has a way of sneaking up and becoming a permanent fixture in my daily routine. I work...

Today, Orphan Sunday, I join many others in remembering + praying for so many children who are...

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:25:00 -0600

Today, Orphan Sunday, I join many others in remembering + praying for so many children who are...

Is Joseph going to have a little brother, or a little sister?...

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:58:35 -0500

Is Joseph going to have a little brother, or a little sister? It’s official — it’s a…

how to get the perfect bun + apply eyeshadow without looking like a clown

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:03:38 -0500

There are two things that make a cold, dreary day a little happier: frivolous pretty things, and...

And the winner is...

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:14:43 -0500

Congrats, Jane! I did a really hi-tech drawing with handwritten names on slips of paper. And yes, I...

first-ever giveaway on the blog: free 'get you here' world map design print

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:47:00 -0500

I’m so thrilled to offer an exclusive giveaway…and it’s a good one, you guys. My...

Spotted our shadows while walking home from a baby shower where...

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:40:41 -0500

Spotted our shadows while walking home from a baby shower where many mamas talked about cherishing the little moments while your kids are young. May I never forget this sweet silhouette of mother + son. (Taken with Instagram at Dover Avenue Alliance Church)

This might be the best video I've ever seen that echoes our feelings on international adoption.

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:46:35 -0500

This might be the best video I've ever seen that echoes our feelings on international adoption.: My...

everything's better with brownies.

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:03:00 -0500

Our little guy had a bit of a rough morning. He had his two-year shots, which was not fun. (For him,...

overcoming mommy guilt: a little moment with a lot of love.

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:07:05 -0500

As we were lying in bed last night, I confessed to Jonny that sometimes I don’t feel like a...

easy DIY fall decorating

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:25:15 -0500

We recently moved, and part of turning our house our home has been the tiny tweaks and touches that...

Today marks 15 weeks in my growing of a human! To celebrate, I...

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:05:35 -0500

There's a little baby in there! [15 weeks]

This little bean can now suck it's thumb! [15 weeks]

Ruby had to get in on the action. Of course. [15 weeks]

It's a point of pride for me that I'm not wearing any maternity clothes! [15 weeks]

Joseph couldn't decide if he wanted to play in the dirt or join Mommy. [15 weeks]

He makes me smile about a billion times a day. He's going to be a great big brother! [15 weeks]

This guy. I'm so blessed to be his mom. [15 weeks]

Today marks 15 weeks in my growing of a human! To celebrate, I convinced my [slightly embarrassed] husband to stand in front of the church for a mini photoshoot to snap pics of my little bump. [I have no shame. I know this.]

Here’s what What to Expect says:

Curious why your body is finally looking like it’s pregnant? That’s because your baby is growing bigger each week — he or she is as long as four and a half inches right now. Need a better visual (and a snack)? Hold a large navel orange in your hand — that’s how big your little darlin’ is at 15 weeks pregnant.

5 non-maternity things that have made me feel pretty while pregnant.

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:41:00 -0500

Amid migraine headaches + trips to the porcelain goddess, it’s easy dwell on pregnancy woes....

back in the [blogging] saddle.

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:21:26 -0500

I took an unplanned blogging hiatus for most of the summer/early fall. Amid packing, planning to...

It’s true. Joseph’s going to be the best big bro for...

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 11:33:16 -0500

It’s true. Joseph’s going to be the best big bro for our baby due in March. :) [in case you missed our recent barrage of facebook posts] (Taken with Instagram)

the quick + easy way to brew iced tea.

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:18:00 -0500

I’ve always been a huge fan of iced tea. So refreshing with just a hint of caffeine, there is...

5 unexpected things to do with ivory soap: the many uses of ivory soap

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:51:00 -0500

When you think of Ivory soap, what do you think of? I remember my mom always saying, “So...

fear, international adoption, + learning from martyrs.

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:27:00 -0500

I’ve been thinking a lot about fear. Fear of letting go of comforts. Fear of being judged....

My 7 Summer Essentials: My Mother’s Day gift from the boys...

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:05:00 -0500

My 7 Summer Essentials:

My Mother’s Day gift from the boys was something I’ve been pining over ever since I saw the infomercial: Bare Minerals foundation starter kit! Before this, I wore the cheapest-of-cheap drugstore makeup that I think most women stop subjecting their skin to when they turn 12. I love that the light, airy powder foundation lets my skin breathe. It’s perfect for summer, and the no parabens or phtalates is a huge plus. PS: The primer is awesome for helping the powder stay. I think I’m hooked!
Sunglasses from the Jersey Shore. I am not kidding. They were $6 on the Atlantic City boardwalk. I usually go with the big Jackie-O shades, but these are fun and quirky and plastic and perfect for going to the wading pool with Joseph.
In my attempt to start buying less-chemical-laden cosmetics, my latest Target trip landed me with Burt’s Bees Radiance Exfoliating Body Wash. The lather is so-so and the exfoliation is kind of weak, but it smells pretty and has lasted me a long time, and of course, it’s free of parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals.
OK, clearly this nail color isn’t derived from natural ingredients. But the pretty magenta is so perfect for a warm-weather pedi, and Essie means it’ll last a full week on my hands without chipping, which is pretty miraculous. The color is “Big Spender” but you can nab it at Target or Wal-Mart for around $7.
I’ve heard rave reviews of Born shoes, but I thought comfortable = ugly, until I happened upon these sandals at Marshall’s. Since I’m outside or on-the-go all day with an almost-two-year-old, my feet were starting to hurt in my $2 Old Navy flip-flops. These provide pillowy-goodness for my high arches and the aqua color is super perfect, especially against a summer glow.
Everyone knows that makeup is fun, but it’s important to wash your face at the end of the day. And then you moisturize. Except for me, because I’m historically ~~lazy and cheap~~ low maintenance when it comes to a beauty regiment. These Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes are a good cure-all for lazy ladies like me — they remove makeup and moisturize with one a few quick swipes, and a month’s supply is less than $10. Plus, the wipes are derived from 99 percent natural ingredients.
I’ve been curious to see if Gud, the Burt’s Bees scented offshoot, is actually, well, good. When a coupon came my way, I opted for the Vanilla Flame scented body lotion. You guys, it just smells like summer. It brings me back to my life-guarding days. And it works well enough to moisturize my dark-skinned son, which earns it some major kudos.

So, tell me: What are YOUR girlie, kind-of-unnecessary essentials for this summer? And where I can score a good deal on them? ;)