Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday Shop Update!

It's Thursday!

Can you believe that we are sitting in the last day of February already?  It's crazy!  I am ready though, for days filled with sunshine and flowers!

A few items have been added to our website this week including a BRAND NEW doll design which I am very excited to share with you! 

Over the last few years I've desired to design a smaller doll for Baby be Blessed.  Some of which I've shared with you here on the blog...but none that actually grabbed me enough to stick around and become a doll that is regularly available.  There are a few reasons for creating a smaller doll -first reason probably because they are so darn cute tucked in the arms of our regular sized dolls.  It reminds me of big sister tucking little sister up in the lap.  But also, I understand that not everyone has a budget for a regular priced doll.  So though a lot of the same time and effort is put in these new lovies as the original ones --I do feel very blessed to offer a more affordable BbB doll.  They don't hold all the color options + styles as the larger dolls but in spite I pray they will be cherished and loved!

So today I introduce to you....


Baby be Blessed's *NEW* bitty Blessings!!

They measure 12" tall and have all of the same features of our regular sized dolls.  Right now we only have these available but will offer this doll as a personalized item in the near future...and who knows what direction the Lord may take this new line!!

This week we also have added a few more...

And we also have these cuties left over from last week...


CLICK HERE to view the Finished Items on our website.

So what do you think?? 

I'd love to hear all of your thoughts in the comments below! 

post signature

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

{LOVE}



I love spending Wednesday evenings teaching four littles about God's truth!  They each knew their memory verse by heart tonight.  "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them."  Exodus 20:11 

My heart is full!

post signature

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The same ol' same ol'....


Mornings seem to all start out the same.  Alarm goes off and one leg at a time pull myself out of the warm bed.  Everything is dark as I run my hand along the L shaped hallway, floors creaking, to the top of the hardwood staircase.  It's fifteen steps to the bottom and I wonder how many times I've counted with arm loads of laundry and children. 

The living room gives way to soft light from the old gray wash tub full of pine greens sitting on the front porch, still lit up with twinkle lights.  I move quietly picking up toys, folding the crocheted afghans Grandma made, straightening pillows and grabbing the cup and dirty socks that are sitting next to my husbands chair. 

Every morning it's pretty much the same.

This morning I smiled as I made my round and grabbed that cup and dirty ol' socks, and my heart is full.  Keith and I have been married 15 years and there was a time in our marriage that the sight of that cup and those dirty socks made my skin crawl!  Man I would get so mad at him.  Here I was picking up after (then) three children plus daycare children and even after I ASKED him to please put his cup in the sink and socks in the laundry.  He didn't.  He just wouldn't!

My blood would boil.

One time I let his dirty socks pile up for a week!  It was a pretty big pile and his sock drawer was getting low...but guess who ended up putting them in the laundry?  Yep.  Me, because every time I would see them I would get red hot mad.

It didn't seem to bother him much and in his defense I don't think he was trying to make me mad.  I'll have to ask if he ever chuckled over my two year old temper tantrums.  {and...maybe...still chuckles over them?}

At the age of 28, my husband joined the military.  It was a time of deep growth for our family.  And being a new Christian I knew I had to do work in my heart before he left for Iraq.  So though I still grumbled inside (and it still really bothered me) I picked them up without grumbling or complaint.  What meaning did those things really have anyway?

Keith was gone for eighteen months and though I had family around me along with our children...it was one of the loneliest times of my life.  I missed him so much and would give anything to have that cup and those dirty socks sitting by the chair.  My heart ached for it.

It sounds silly but I would even put some of his clothes in the laundry just so I could fold them.

Sometimes we can get all hung up and fussy over the simple stuff and drug down over the same ol' same ol', but it's all in our perspective.  I am so very blessed to pick up that cup and those dirty old socks {again} this morning.  I pray for decade's of more mornings that start just the same!  

post signature

Monday, February 25, 2013

So ready...


Just need to say.... I AM SO READY FOR SPRING!!

That's it.  Thank you for listening. 

Snow + ice coming again tonight but not enough to make a snowman. (sigh)

Maybe I'll start some seeds indoors.  =)

Hear the birds start to sing
Feel the life in the breeze
Watch the ice melt away
The kids are coming out to play
Feel the sun on your skin
Growing strong and warm again
Watch the ground
There’s something moving
Something is breaking through
New life is breaking through


Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And all we’ve been hoping and longing for
Soon will appear
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
It won’t be long now
It’s just about here


--Spring is Coming -Steven Curtis Chapman

post signature

Friday, February 22, 2013

Words for the Soul + Baby be Blessed {Yay Free Friday!}

Update:  This giveaway is now closed. 
Congratulations to -Amber Lee Cucciniello + Megan Chaney!!

Welcome!! 

I love signs, and signs with scripture makes them all the better!!!

This week we are partnering up with Erin from Words for the Soul! 

About
I am a stay at home mom blessed with 3 amazing kids and wife to an incredibly supportive husband.. I started making signs because I couldn't find anything that I truly loved to hang in my kid's bedrooms. I wanted special scriptures, but couldn't find the specific verse or a style that would fit into their decor.

I love making scriptures into trendy, modernized art for your home. It brings me so much joy to know that I am creating a sign that has special meaning to someone and will be displayed in their house.. I love when customers send me messages to share their story behind their purchase. It truly touches my heart...so please do:)

All of my items are handmade and may vary a bit from the item pictured, which makes them all the more unique and personal. I distress my signs to give them a perfectly imperfect finish.
I truly appreciate each and every order that I receive.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find something that speaks to your soul!

..........................................................................

Erin is super sweet and does offer custom signs!
Just email her for options and pricing.

**Current Production time is approximately 14 days**

Etsy Shop- http://www.etsy.com/shop/WordsForTheSoul
Facebook-  www.facebook.com/pages/Words-for-the-Soul/532314543475636




So what are we giving away this week??1- One FREE sign from Words for the Soul + 1 - FREE personalized doll ($61 Gift Voucher) from Baby be Blessed!

YAY!! {High Five!!}

Enter below and please note that all links will be checked --so no cheating allowed! =)
--Winners will be announced on this post Monday!

And as a special treat...Words for the Soul is offering a 15% discount on all orders over the weekend with special discount code:  blessed15 at checkout!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Enjoy!

post signature
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday Shop Update!

It's been a busy busy week and I can't wait to share all of the new finished goodies we have for you on our website this week!!!

Living in Ohio during the month of February makes it sometimes a challenge to get everything photographed.  But in spite of the cold cold days & gray skies...I tried to capture everything the best I could.  =)



So this week --we have several whirly twirly turquoise ballerina's {which turned out so darn cute!}


And how about these cuties for those Easter Baskets????


And one of my personal favorites....lovely Scripture Crowns!


We also have several doll outfits + doll blankets still available!

CLICK HERE to view the finished category on our website!

post signature

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Sweetness! {Too Cute Tuesday!}

 


 I won this sweet bunny one of your giveaways a couple years ago and knew it would be perfect for a photo shoot I just had with my niece. My daughter LOVES her bunny and I love that she has a verse so close to her heart as she sleeps at night.. ~Shawna K.


--Thank you Shawna!  Very beautiful photo's! 
To have your special photo featured on our Too Cute Tuesday, please email them to babybeblessed@gmail.com {photo must include a BbB doll} Thank you!  XOXO -Tina

Monday, February 18, 2013

Can you hear it?


--The bleating of little lambs????
 
Today is the last day to personalize a little lamb for Easter.

In this listing only --we are offering you a choice of TWELVE chenille colors ~AND~ the option choose from FOUR different minky colors for the face and inner ear!

You may personalize this item with your child's name, favorite scripture, also if you want -a special message or date.

~CLICK HERE to order

Looking forward to filling those baskets!!




And look what I found!  An old Easter video from 2010! 

Has three years passed already?


post signature

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Paper Spindle + Baby be Blessed {Yay Free Friday!}


Hello!  --Happy Yay Free Friday Everyone!

We are so excited you are here to meet our giveaway partner this week, Haley from The Paper Spindle!  Haley lives in the big state of Texas and offers beautiful scripture cards and stationary in her Etsy shop!



My favorite item in her shop are these scripture memory cards!  Aren't they beautiful??  Sure beats the scrawled up spiral bound index cards I carry around in my purse!  Wouldn't they make an encouraging gift to a friend?? 

The Paper Spindle also offers the option to customize a set of memory cards with scripture of your choice!  These cards come 5 to a set, are printed on heavy card stock, and bound with a metal ring.

She is also starting to offer some sweet handmade stationary that I'm sure you'll love!

You can find The Paper Spindle through Etsy and facebook!

Etsy-  http://www.etsy.com/shop/thePaperSpindle
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ThePaperSpindle?ref=stream#!/ThePaperSpindle

  Set of 4 vintage thank you cards  Easter Scripture Cards  Heart banner all occasion card 

So what are we giving away this week??

1- TWO scripture card sets from The Paper Spindle + 1 - FREE personalized doll ($61 Gift Voucher) from Baby be Blessed!

YAY!! {High Five!!}

Enter below and please note that all links will be checked --so no cheating allowed! =)
--Winners will be announced on this post Monday!

And as a special treat...The Paper Spindle is offering a 20% discount on all orders over the weekend with special discount code:  BLESSED20 at checkout!
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Enjoy!

post signature
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thursday Shop Update {Happy Valentine's Day!}

YAY!

I'm so very excited you stopped by today! Welcome to our VERY FIRST SHOP UPDATE here on the blog! Every Thursday we will have a shop update in which a few finished items will be added to our site!

This week we added some very cute dresses made from adorable cotton prints --with matching bloomers!  You know your Little's will just love these fun fashions!  One of the things I love the most about these little dresses, is that they have a velcro closure which makes it very easy for small hands to dress and re-dress their babies! 


We also have some very cute handmade {by my Mom} doll quilts and a few Scripture crowns!

CLICK HERE to view our Finished items!  Simply choose the category you would like!

...and to celebrate Valentine's Day, 1st Shop Update and my {LOVE} for each of you all wrapped up together --TODAY ONLY, we are offering a 10% discount with code:  LOVE

post signature

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Friends!



I don't know about you...but I'm missing warm sunshine filled days! 
 
This is Kolton and his friend Miya at the horse show last summer! 
Oh, I could sop them up with a biscuit! --SO CUTE!
 
post signature

Monday, February 11, 2013

2013 Easter Cart!!



I'm so excited!

To be honest, I really wasn't sure if we would be able to offer an Easter Cart this year.  We've been super busy {thank you, Lord} and I just wasn't sure if it would be possible to sqeeze in a seasonal item.

BUT-

I am pleased to announce that we WILL have an Easter cart for 2013!!

We will be making scripture lambs only,

AND

only 20

...so order SOON!

In this listing only --we are offering you a choice of TWELVE chenille colors ~AND~ the option choose from FOUR different minky colors for the face and inner ear!

You may personalize this item with your child's name, favorite scripture, also if you want -a special message or date.

~CLICK HERE to order

Thank you SO VERY MUCH!
Looking forward to filling those baskets!!


post signature

Friday, February 8, 2013

Lewis & Bucky + Baby be Blessed {Yay Free Friday!}


..........................................................................................

UPDATE:  This giveaway is now closed!
Congratulations to  Stephanie Kussler for winning the $15 shop credit to Lewis and Buckey Designs & Michelle Eckhardt Smith for winning the $61 BbB Gift voucher!!!!  --YAY!
 
..........................................................................................

Yep!  It's Friday!

I'm so very excited to share with you this week, a sweet little company called Lewis and Bucky Designs!  We are a family of three long brown haired girlies so I absolutely fell in {LOVE} with these precious headbands.  Oh, how fun!  I feel they have a very fun vintage chic look and no two are exactly alike! 

Lewis & Bucky Designs offers a unique variety of beaded, floral, applique, and fascinator headbands. Custom orders or remakes welcome!

About

Hi! Welcome to Lewis & Bucky Designs! I started designing headbands this summer just for fun--beginning with ones I thought I'd enjoy wearing myself! My shop is gradually growing, little by little, and I hope to be adding more to it each week.
Enjoy looking around; each design is unique and reflects a little bit of my personality. There's sure to be something just perfect for you! :)
 
 
 
So what are we giving away this week??

1- $15 shop credit plus free SH from Lewis and Bucky Designs + 1 - FREE personalized doll ($61 Gift Voucher) from Baby be Blessed!

Yahoo!! {High Five!!}

Enter below and please note that all links will be checked --so no cheating allowed! =)
--Winners will be announced on this post Monday!

And as a special treat...Lewis and Bucky Designs is offering a 15% discount on all orders over the weekend with special discount code:  LB15FEB at checkout!

post signature
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 7, 2013

It's Time...

My husband asked me many years ago, "What are your five year goals?". 
I literally looked at him crazy.  Five year goals?  Are you joking?  I don't even know what I'm doing this afternoon!!

I have NEVER made any lifetime goals.  I was comfortable with whatever the Lord would give us five years from now and thought it a waste of time otherwise. 

That was simply my mindset. 

Now my husband has a completely different view on setting goals (thank goodness) and I completely respect him for that!  He is always looking forward especially when it comes to providing for our family.   He is wired completely different from me and is more structured with his day, takes frequent notes and stays on task to the best of his ability. 

Though I try my very best to stay on task, some days I feel like a butterfly........fluttering....... from one thing.......to another...... and when that happens, I feel scattered and frustrated that nothing seemed to get accomplished that day!  Some part of that is having four children + daycare children + a doll ministry + church ministry that I work with on a daily basis.  Each of those beautiful things take time and cause interruption and distraction.  You have to be flexible.  I always thought I couldn't do my husbands job easily and he couldn't do mine easily.  We are different people and approach things differently...yet we balance each other.  It's a beautiful thing!

Over the past six months or so God has been speaking to my heart about these goals.  Not directly concerning a five year goal but simply daily, weekly, monthly goals. 

Short term!  Yes Lord!  I need me some short term goals!!

In starting to practice these short term goals, I feel less frazzled and more focused.  I'm writing down my goals in an actual daytime calendar instead of napkins that float around on the counters!  I feel more accomplished in each task that is completed and use red ink to scratch that duty as complete! (feels awesome!)  I've structured my days differently setting goals to housework, computer and sewing time.  Bit by bit, step by step -sweet accomplishment!

The thing is though, my nature is to start strong but fizzle out and fall back into old routines and craziness.  I've felt defeated in not keeping up and letting people down -like maybe even you if it has taken me over a week to email you back =( .  But God is the one who is faithful and he draws me back.

"Standing in an imperfect place is just the perfect place to begin, and everyday offers the hope of day one.  His mercies are new every morning -and this is a gift!  Yesterday is gone, nothing left today but grace." 

and also and most importantly....

"The accomplishment of a day isn't so much about accomplishing goals but abiding in God, and this is the thing that needs remembering!"  {both quotes by Ann Voskamp written in my journal for remembrance!}

My point?  If you fall back or fail.  Simply stand up, dust off , grab His hand and start again.

Yesterday I was talking to Laura and she mentioned that it would be nice to have some finished dolls on hand so that when we receive emails requesting dolls for special occasions that the personalized lead time didn't fall into, there would be an option for a finished item.   It is never a coincidence when God uses someone to speak a word to you because I shared with Laura that one of my goals for this year is to be more consistent in offering finished items.   Like in many other areas of getting organized, to set a day each week to offer some new finished products.  Though this has been a goal that was set, I drug my feet to actually get it started because of trying to catch up on personalized orders.  Reality is (and I praise God mightily for it) we are never caught up on personalized orders! We haven't really been for the past four years!  What is caught up?  We have seasons of longer lead time than others but we are always busy...and may God be glorified!  I pray Lord that it is always about You!

So long story short --I guess.  (This post is a longer than expected.)

We are just going to move forward and trust God with it!  Each Thursday we will have a shop update in which new finished items will be added to our site.  Some weeks will have more than others and I pray and ask God for your grace as I start down this new path! 

YAY!!  I'm excited! 

So, see you next Thursday?????

post signature

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Rest for the Soul


You know....It's just been one of those days.

Some days you just feel dried up and washed out.  And though I desire to keep this blog uplifting and encouraging...I thought maybe someone out there was having one of those days too.  =)

Yesterday morning the kids and I read through Psalm 107. 

It's been refreshment to this weary soul....

------------------------------------------------

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
 
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
 Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
 
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
 
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
 
Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
 Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He has broken the gates of bronze,
And cut the bars of iron in two.
 
Fools, because of their transgression,
And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
Their soul abhorred all manner of food,
And they drew near to the gates of death.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And declare His works with rejoicing.
 
Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
They see the works of the Lord,
And His wonders in the deep.
For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
They mount up to the heavens,
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people,
And praise Him in the company of the elders.
 
He turns rivers into a wilderness,
And the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness,
For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.
He turns a wilderness into pools of water,
And dry land into watersprings.
There He makes the hungry dwell,
That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,
And sow fields and plant vineyards,
That they may yield a fruitful harvest.
He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly;
And He does not let their cattle decrease.
When they are diminished and brought low
Through oppression, affliction, and sorrow,
He pours contempt on princes,
And causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way;
Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction,
And makes their families like a flock.
The righteous see it and rejoice,
And all iniquity stops its mouth.
 
Whoever is wise will observe these things,
And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Lord you are good, you LOVE your people and I praise you!!

{DEEP BREATH} 

Now, lets take that next footstep forward! =)

post signature

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Sister Love! {Too Cute Tuesday}


photo--Sisters!
 
Thanks for the beautiful dolls. The girls love them.
 
 
Oh, PRECIOUS!
They are both adorable! 
 
post signature

*If you have a photo you would like to share on Too Cute Tuesday, please email them to babybeblessed@gmail.com (photo must include a BbB doll)  THANKS!!!! 

Friday, February 1, 2013

Love is in the Air! {Yay Free Friday!}

 
 
Update:  This giveaway is now closed. 
Congratulations to Rebecca for winning the $15 gift voucher and Emily Allie winning the personalized Baby be Blessed doll!  YAY!! 

--------------------------------------------------------

I love Valentines Day!

I know, I know...many say it's just a commercialized Holiday but I think it is a wonderful time of year to show people that you love them and more importantly, that God loves them!!

Being a mother of four, I'm always keeping my eyes open for cute Valentines that share a beautiful message of truth and I fell in love with Bunglehouse Designs!!

I was so excited when Amy agreed to partner with us this week! With Valentine's Day just around the corner...this weekend is perfect timing to get all of our goodies printed and put together!! YAY!



About Bunglehouse Designs:

My name is Amy, and I love designing printable products with Scripture verses and Christian messages.

I'm a former first grade teacher and now a stay-at-home mommy to two sweet little girls.  What a blessing! I'm also enjoying being creative and sharing some of my favorite Scripture verses. I think I miss decorating bulletin boards - so my new venture is kind of like creating "virtual" bulletin boards on my computer. :)

My wonderful husband has done most of the work on our beautiful home himself, and his nickname for it is "The Bunglehouse" - named after the paint color "bunglehouse blue" in the upstairs where I design. Since I create at home, I thought it was the perfect name for my little shop.

Etsy Shop -- http://www.etsy.com/shop/bunglehousedesigns
Blog -- http://bunglehouse.blogspot.com/
      

post signature a Rafflecopter giveaway