2014 Photo Contest

ANIMALCategory

#1 Animals

HOLIDAY Category

#2 Holiday

#3 Holiday

#4 Holiday

CHILDREN Category

#5 Children

#6 Children

#7 Children

#8 Children

#9 Children

#10 Children

#11 Children

#12 Children

#13 Children

#14 Children

#15 Children

#16 Children

#17 Children

#18 Children

Vote for your FAVORITE (or multiple favorite) photo's in the left sidebar!

Each category winner will receive a $10 BbB Gift Voucher.
OVERALL WINNER will receive a $65 Baby be Blessed Gift Voucher!

Winner announced Friday!  xo

2015 Custom Carts!

Whew guys!!

We made it through 2014!

EVERYTHING HAS SHIPPED!!!!
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In praying, pondering and looking forward to next year, I really need to cut back on what I am doing.  I absolutely LOVE making all of these babies.  I praise God for the opportunity...but I am very poor at prioritizing things.  My spiritual gift is creativity not organization and that's okay.  Not an excuse, but okay to see where my strengths lie.  I'm a people pleaser and I don't want to let anyone down.  I say yes yes yes to everything and then I can't accomplish it to God's glory.

This isn't just in the doll area of my life, but in every area.

Last month I read the book The Best Yes, by Lysa Terkeurst.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It has rocked my world! {Need a gift?  Buy it!}   I love how God works!  He knew how much I needed to read it and receive some guidance  --some Biblical direction in this area of my life!

SO...

Long story short {don't you feel lucky?!}  I need to cut back on the quantity of dolls I am making.  I can no longer maintain 30-40 dolls at a time.  Well not that I could before...but I really tried!

I'm going to start out with only taking orders for 10 custom dolls a week.  If that is still too many to maintain in a manner that honors God, I will then drop it back to 5....but we at least have a starting point.  

With that said, our Custom cart's are OPEN  for the very first ten orders for 2015!

My heart desires to Glorify God 100% through Baby be Blessed!

I praise God for each of you!
Looking forward to 2015!!  xo, Tina

Photo Contest!

It's been a few years since we've had a good ol' photo contest!

>> Remember this??

So let's have some fun!!  
Use your imagination and creativity!!
Send in old photo's or take some new!

Here are the categories....

Animals, Children & Holiday

Contest Rules:

1.  Photo must have a Baby be Blessed doll in it.  
2. Email photo's to babybeblessed@gmail.com by DEC. 28th.
3. You may enter in only 1 category.  

We will vote for the winners right here on the blog!

Each category winner will receive a $10 BbB Gift Voucher and the OVERALL WINNER will receive a $65 Baby be Blessed Gift Voucher >>so GO GRAB THOSE CAMERA'S!


Have FUN!  xo, Tina



By emailing your photo you are giving Baby be Blessed permission to post it on their website, blog and social media sites.   THANK YOU!!  xo

Why

Yep, why.

I'm sitting here in my sewing room this morning.  Soft music playing in the background.  A radiant pink orange blaze trimmed the curtains.  I pull a corner back and take in the sunrise of a new day.  A new day of grace.

The past couple days have been a bit messy and I am pondering why.

I set myself up you know....with tv and postcard scenes in my mind, the trimming of the tree never has played out quite exactly how I have built it up to be.  It was a bit easier when the kids were all small.  Their excitement!  Handing out the ornaments, one by one.  They burst with happiness!  Hanging them on heavy low branches.....

Maybe this is what I miss??

It sure beats the teenager grumbles and husband snoring in the recliner, that was last year.

I want JOY, SMILES, those GIGGLES!  {Trimmed with some soft Christmas music, the crackle of the fire and a warm cup of coffee in my hand, you know....}

But this is real life and in real life comes many seasons, so why get so grumpy when the postcard image doesn't play out?   Why allow it to steal my joy?   And you know how it rolls when mamma's not happy....

This year {though two teenagers still grumbled} we DID have a seven year old get up at THREE AM because he was so excited to "build the tree" and as Natalie and I tended to the horses, the two youngest built it together to surprise me.

My heart spilled over.

It is all just a reminder how we can build up expectations and then when things don't pan out...it's steals all of our joy, smiles and giggles.

As we head into Advent, my heart desires to only expect the expectation of His coming....and as I sit and ponder THAT this morning>> when I switch my focus to HIM...everything else simply falls into place.

xo, Tina

Too Cute Tuesday!

My little girl (Aspen almost 2 years old) loving her "dolls" She calls her lamb a "doll" too. Can't wait until I can have heart to heart with her about what those scriptures mean to us and hopefully to her. Thanks for spreading Truth one doll at a time!   --Katrina R. {2012}

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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on

 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 

Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  

The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  

Use your imagination!  Have Fun!!

Giveaway

I'm always up for new Advent Adventures!

Over the years we have done many different things with our four children.   Today, they range in age 7-15 so it's not always the easiest to find (and adapt) an Advent book/activities that covers such an age range.  Often what fit well for the oldest didn't work well with the youngest and let's be honest, you just reach an age in those teenage years that cotton balls and glitter projects just aren't that cool.  Well, I'm quickly finding out that few things are cool at all when it comes to Moms and fifteen year olds.   xo

Last year I read the adult version,  The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp and oh my...how God used it to speak a word and give perspective into what can be (and last year WAS) such a CRAZY busy season.

The world just screams at us this time of year...demands of us.
But that is not what God asks of us.  We put ourselves in our own mess.

How is God speaking to your heart as we move into this season of Advent?

Are you excited or are you full of dread?

Have you made a plan to walk through Advent with your children?  If so, how?

For our family, I'm excited to go through Ann Voskamps newest book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift!

The story of the Jesse Tree has always been a beautiful one!  It journey's us through the Bible, reminding us of God's great plan from before the beginning of time...to send us the greatest gift of all, Jesus.

Though I have gone through the Jesse Tree story myself many times, and even adapted it to fit into my children's understanding, Ann Voskamp breaths new life into the journey!






Highlights of the book:

-Daily readings from God's Holy Word.
-Beautiful Devotions
-Application! Thoughts to discuss along with family activities (even for 15 year olds)
-Visual aide!  Hang ornaments on your very own Jesse Tree.  --FREE printables!
   (I think we just might go cut ours down from the woods this year)

>>And all it takes is a small slot of your time.  A precious small slot of your time.

This book is manageable, understandable, and meaningful... pointing us to the GREATEST GIFT of all.  Jesus Christ.  And isn't THAT something to celebrate!  xo

Our friends at DaySpring would love to bless one of you with your very own copy of Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, by Ann Voskamp (24.99 value)  To enter, simply leave a comment below.  Winner will be randomly chosen tomorrow (Fri. 11-21-14)

xo, Tina

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Disclosure: DaySpring provided me a copy of Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, free for review. All thoughts and opinions shared are honest and entirely my own. 

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UPDATE:  Winner is Erin from INDIANA!

a lover of Jesus, wife to my hot Toddy, mother to Colin and Evan, Bible reading,, Target loving, nap taking, interested in adoption mama.

--Please email me at babybeblessed@gmail.com to claim your new book, Erin!

Congratulations!!  xo, Tina

DaySpring DEALS!

I love DaySpring!

I'm better off if I don't even go visit their site if the budget isn't allowing a purchase because I tend to overindulge.  xo    THE GREAT NEWS, are all the AWESOME sales they are currently offering as we head into CHRISTmas!  Who doesn't love 60% + off!!  And to top it off...a gift that points to Christ!

As an affiliate, I am receiving firsthand all the FANTASTIC deals they are offering this holiday and want to share all of these sweet deals with you along with a few giveaway items (more on this tomorrow!)

So click on the link below and take a look around!

Early Black Friday Markdown Items

My kids (and Bible Study kids) would LOVE playing with this cute Peanuts Christmas Felt Advent Calendar!  >>Orig price $39.99 NOW $11.99!!!  Or what about that Redeemed & Blessed - Ceramic Cookie Jar??  LOVE!

xo, Tina


{UPDATE}
Check out these AMAZING $5 deals!!  48 hour sale 

Affiliate link  >> Money Saving Mom 48 Hour Sale


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Too Cute Tuesday!

Lilli LOVES her new Baby Be Blessed doll!

(My ears are still ringing from her shrieking when she opened the box!)

Thank you so much, and God bless your ministry. (2012)

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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on

 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 

Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  

The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  

Use your imagination!  Have Fun!! 

Yay Free Friday!!

Okay, so here's the scoop!

Other than the last handful to finish and ship....we are DONE with 2014 orders!  Can I get a SHOUT!!!!  Last year was a challenge from beginning to end.  I bit off way more than what I could chew and oh my....I'm glad we made it through!  Many of you showed me much undeserved grace!

Moving forward to this year, I did try to be very diligent to keep our lead time in check and to make sure all Christmas orders were processed in a timely order.  It wasn't perfect, but it was beyond WAY BETTER!  --All I can do is praise the LORD!

A special thanks goes out to my ladies as well for helping me and working hard for the Lord through Baby be Blessed all throughout the year.  Thank you so much Laura and Lori!  I really don't deserve either of you!  xoxo

SO, here we are in mid-November and we have time to sneak in another 10 custom dolls for Christmas.  And not just any doll, but the NEWEST BbB doll!  Her name is Eunice.  I kinda love it.

Our Giveaway this week is for a $65 BbB Gift Voucher.  That is just enough to hopefully grab one of these Christmas dolls for yourself (if there is one left by Monday), otherwise it can be spent on some finished items or held until our custom carts open back up for 2015. Anyway you look at it...it's $65 JUST FOR ONE OF YOU!!  =)

Enter below.  The winner will be chosen on Monday!!  xo, Tina



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Too Cute Tuesday!

I've been meaning to send this along. My daughter got her BbB last Christmas and we thought her reaction was so cute! It's almost a minute long , I wish I knew how to shorten it for you! Enjoy and thank you for the lovely doll!  --Tiffany

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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on

 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 

Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  

The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  

Use your imagination!  Have Fun!! 

Dear October

You are by far one of my favorite months of the year!  Besides the fact you bring back the smell and taste of my beloved pumpkin spice, all shades autumn + bits of small leaves strewn about the hardwood floors....you also held many new family treasures.  First friend sleepovers, hunting with my favorite man, celebrating 17 years!, buckets o' laundry, healthy eating, family weddings, Birthday, Birthday and another Birthday.  Also --hay rides on the wheel horse, friends, stacks of pumpkins, jack o' lanterns, parent teacher conferences, weekend adventures, trick or treating, pumpkin buckets, chocolate + oh yeah... and trying to remember that healthy eating thing!  

October....you are loved.  

Until next year, xo, Tina

Yay Free Friday Giveaway!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Let's choose FUN and BRIGHTNESS and FELLOWSHIP with each other today with another Yay Free Friday Giveway!!

I loved the ::2 ways to WIN:: option from our last giveaway so I'm bringing it back once more!  Maybe it's a new trend??

So DOUBLE up your chances to win by entering here on the blog and also by visiting our facebook page!  

You are entering to win a $65 BbB Gift Voucher.  Winner chosen Monday!

Have FUN!!

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Yep, I blew it this morning.

A gentle person is slow to anger and willing to accept God's Word (James 1:19-21).  Gentleness has the power to turn away anger (Proverbs 15:1). Gentleness is being tenderhearted toward others and eager to put others first.....

Gentle people show courtesy and respect, not fight for their own way.

So it struck me this morning.  You know...as I review the lesson of GENTLENESS I'm going to teach tonight at Jr. Church Bible Study...that I have been anything BUT gentle in my attitude this morning.

Yep.

I fought hard against the harsh and sharpness in my tone.  And can I admit, didn't do very well.

Nothing BIG happened.  No tears shed.  Just children moving kinda slow and looooong discussions as to who was going to run upstairs and grab the extra toothpaste, and "Oh yeah...I need ran into school early",  and "I can't find any socks", and "I forgot my flute".

You know.  A normal morning before school.

So why do most mornings just run off the back, grace and encouragement can be given,  and yet today....THIS  morning....well you get it.

I blew it.

So what do you do with something like this.  With real life.

I kneel before the Father.  Ask for His forgiveness.  Ask your husband to forgive you, your children.

Poor over the scriptures and allow them to wash over hearts,  minds & start again.

Father I thank you for demonstrating YOUR gentleness to me daily.  In the times I am slow, argue over petty things, forget things that I am supposed to do and can't find my socks.  You are faithful to draw us back again with your gentle promptings and unending grace.

Too Cute Tuesday!

We took our babies to our photo shoot in Laie, Hawaii

for little sister's one year old photos.

Big sister wasn't so cooperative!

 --Sarah Lee

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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on

 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 

Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  

The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  

Use your imagination!  Have Fun!!

Yay Free Friday!

Hey!  How are you?!

Another week has FLOWN by!  It has been filled with cutting the last of our Custom dolls for the year, ordering more material, sewing, finishing + shipping!  A few NEW items have been added to our site this week including a few Finished Bitty Blessings & some flannel jammies >>more to come!!

Let's celebrate this fall weekend with a $65 BbB Giveaway!  This week you can enter --- 2 WAYS --- below here at the blog and then hop on over to facebook and Like, Share, Comment!  

Thanks so much for your kindness, support + for helping us share the Word of God...one doll at a time!!  xo, Tina



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too cute tuesday

Meet my sweet grand baby Josie. 

She brings so joy to our family;) 

She loves books, balls and of course her baby! 

Blessings to you!  --Beth D.

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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on
 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 
Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  

The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  

Use your imagination!  Have Fun!!   XOXO -Tina

YFF!

This week has been a BUSY one!
The Custom carts are now closed for the Holiday season...but don't fret!  We have some goodies coming very soon including new warm winter flannel jammies, Christmas dresses, Gingerbabies (big + small) along with a plenty of finished items that can still fill up those stockings and boxes under the tree!!  xo

Until then, let's celebrate this first Friday of October with another $65 Gift voucher from Baby be Blessed! 
>> It's simple!  All you have to do is enter below!

Have a beautiful weekend!  xo, Tina


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Dear September

   You officially are the first month of our Baby be Blessed/behind the doll making Memoir and have been filled to the brim with so many good things!  You have come and gone SO QUICKLY that I can't really grasp that you are gone!  You brought fall crisp weather, falling leaves + a 12th Birthday with a cake that held PINK flamed candles that you could barely see with the lights turned down and a squinted eye.  Also farm visits, hay rides, FREE ICE CREAM, heart shaped cinnamon rolls, chubby kitties, NEW kitties, dentist appts with bubblegum air, 4-wheeler magazines that a certain 7 yr old just HAD to read in the public restroom, new Bible studies, soccer, friends + 8th grade concessions.  Uninvited dogs that seem to be always popping up in the car --you know when we were running a tad bit behind and didn't need the extra hassle.  =)  And speaking of cars!  Our very first driving permit and the feeling my stomach got when he slipped behind the wheel for the very first time.  You also brought that popcorn explosion in the kitchen, laughter, beautiful sunrises, Woman Weekends, quiet moments of scheduled JOY and the continued blessing of making all these babies!  September, you have been awesome....

Until next year,

xo Tina

too cute Tuesday!

January 2013
Finlay and his little buddy. 
Thank you!


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To have YOUR child(ren) featured on
 Too Cute Tuesday, please email,  babybeblessed@gmail.com. 
Send in your photo's!  Share your stories!  Let's hear how God is working in your life!!  The only requirement is that you must include a Baby be Blessed doll in your photo.  Use your imagination!  Have Fun!!   XOXO -Tina

hello monday!

Why Hello Monday!  
I snapped a quick photo of our oldest daughter taking her pony out to pasture this morning.
Here's to the start of a new week, it's going to be awesome!

xo, Tina

$65 >>Yay Free Friday!

It's YAY FREE FRIDAY, and the PERFECT opportunity for YOU to win a $65 Gift Voucher for Baby be Blessed!  Christmas is coming!  (I know, I know.  We don't like to talk about it) But we NEED to talk about it!! =)

Custom carts are closing OCT 1st!!

That means you need to get your orders in soon!

Like today, right now!!  =)

BUT!  --One lucky person will WIN $65 to customize a doll however they wish!   >>All you have to do is enter below.

Winner will be chosen on Monday.  xo


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Welcome to Cabin 5....

...my home away from home this weekend!

Come on in and sit for a while!

We were sure roughing it....

(you know....when the bathrooms are nicer than the ones you have at home)

And I can't ever leave home without 

having a little animal therapy!

Though I worked most of the weekend it was a blessing to fellowship with such wonderful women + enjoy God's creation all around me!

It was also a plus to end up with a heated cabin.

One thing that I have taken away from this experience is that we need to seek out opportunities to schedule JOY.  Sometimes that is within the walls of our home and sometimes it is stepping away for a couple of days.  The point is...be intentional about doing it.  xo