Thanksgiving Injury

Thanksgiving was interesting to say the least.  My little family and I went to visit with my grandmother for our usual shindig.  Superboy decided that it's not a holiday without an injury.  While playing football with my 13 year old cousin, he fell and broke his arm.  It was a stressful day from then on out.

 

Superman took him into the local ER while I stayed with HRH and Photoboy at grandma's house.  My cousin decided to show himself and bring the family drama.  SB and Superman came back with a splint on because even though it needed an actual cast the worthless excuse for a hospital wouldn't call an orthopedic doctor in on a holiday. They just wanted met to make sure my 6 year old autistic child held very still until after the weekend. Um, no way!

 

We left and went to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. I cannot express enough my amazement with this hospital.  They had him back in less than half and hour and seen casted and discharged in less than an hour.  They were flabbergasted that the other hospital didn't cast his arm.  Needless to say I'm thankful the holiday is over. Ha Ha

 

 

I hope your Thanksgiving was less eventful than mine.  Bring on Christmas!

 

Superboy all smiles about his cast

 

 

~Rachel

End in Sight

There is finally an end in sight to the stormwork! Superman will be leaving NY on Monday and be home sometime Tuesday.  It has been a long couple of weeks but we've pushed forward.  Unlike some couples who've begun to fight with the stress of the distance, we have been doing well. Just a few tears from me after an overwhelming day with the kiddos.

 

 

This will be a short post because I'm getting everything ready for him to come home.  I'm so excited. Squee!

 

I love you my darling husband and I can't wait until you get home.

 

~ Rachel

At Wit's End

As we draw closer and closer to the one week mark of my husband's absence, I feel myself slipping a bit.  I'm completely at wit's end and have no idea as to how to fix it.  There are a couple of options but neither are appealing. Option one : mother-in-law comes to stay with me. Nope not happening! That's just as bad as having another child thrown in the mix. Option two: pull all my hair out and run screaming through the neighborhood. I'm pretty fond of my hair so I think I'll pass.

 

 

Truly I only have one option and that is to endure. All jokes aside this has been a very tough time for me and the kiddos.  Generally somewhere I get a break. Whether it's hubby coming home or the kids being in school. Superboy has been home sick pretty much all week while Photoboy has had a couple days off from preschool.  HRH is getting a new tooth and is quite unhappy that her daddy is nowhere to be found.  How do single mother's do it??? Or military spouses??? I can't imagine my husband being gone longer than the projected two weeks. My heart goes out to them.

 

Most times I get at least one kid free day a month. That hasn't happened in nearly two months. Between family being unable to help and sickness there's been no support or help. It's just me and the three kiddos. Going into this whole mess of storm work I was already spread thinly. Now I'm pretty sure I've been wearing my crazy hat for the past few days.

 

 

SB thinks its funny to repeat things over and over as if I didn't hear him the first hundred times and PB.....well PB is in that lovely four year old "I don't want..." stage. It doesn't help that he gets his stubbornness from his mama. 

 

 

Phew! I feel just a tad  better now. I'm sorry for the kind of rant like post. I promise I'll be more coherent soon. Ta ta for now

 

~Rachel

World Prematurity Day: Nov 17th

In honor of my sweet little nephew, Smidge who was born at 29 weeks, I am encouraging everyone to recognize World Prematurity Day.  There are many wonderful charities you could give to but I plan on giving to the Nationwide Children's Hospital. They have been so wonderful for Mr. Roboto and JSmitty.  I cannot thank all the doctors and nurses for caring for these people who have a huge place in my heart.

 

 

So here is to all the teeny ones out there! Please if you are able, donate to a charity for preemies.

 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

 

~Rachel

A Bittersweet Day

Today was a bittersweet day for me.  It was the first time my husband had to miss a birthday party for one of our children.  Thanks to Hurricane Sandy he's been called out to help bring back power to those in New York. 

 

I'm immensely proud of him, but I just want to break down and cry today.  After all the family had gone for the night, and the kids were in bed I felt the loneliness creep up on me. Even though I'm completely exhausted from a day of nonstop running around I couldn't sleep if I wanted.  The house is too, too quiet. Funny how one thing changes and the entire vibe of a place is changed. 

 

Superman and I have been married for almost 7 years now. Today marks the first time we've ever been so far apart. Don't get me wrong we've had some time apart here and there over the years. Never have we been states away.  I feel my heart aching.

 

 

HRH did not feel her daddy's absence today, thankfully. She romped and played with her cousins and brothers. All in all her party was a success. A great big thanks to my wonderful family for being here.

 

 

And thank you to the Kroger bakery woman who made this outstanding smash cake. When I ordered it, I expected just something to match her cake. I expected something in the same color scheme icing wise. This wonderful lady found the Cinderella topper and thought it'd make a lovely smash cake. I almost cried at her sweetness. How often do you see someone go out of their way like that?  Not too often!

 

So with all my thanks given and my tears shed perhaps now I'll be able to sleep.  I doubt it will come to me easily with only half my heart.  Good night all. Hug your love tight!

 

~Rachel



The Wife of a Tree Worker

Sitting here with HRH eating breakfast and the boys playing, I try to prepare myself for a very long couple of weeks.  You see, my husband is a line clearance technician a.k.a. a tree trimmer for the power company.  With Hurricane Sandy's destruction, I knew it was only a matter of time until he was called out to help those in need. I still find myself selfishly wanting to ask him not to go.

 

 

Tomorrow is HRH's first birthday party and even though she'll never remember he wasn't there, I will. We are big on firsts in this family. Thankfully, by some weird fluke he overslept on her birthday and got to spend the entire day with us.  I'll be taping her party for him to watch later. Also, we'll be doing something extra special when he gets home.  I'm hoping with all the extra crews they get the situation resolved quickly.

 

 

Sleep is going to be a hard thing to come by in the following weeks. Without him by my side, I toss and turn constantly. The kids even sleep a little worse when he's away. Almost as if they sense my restlessness.

 

 

To all those effected by the hurricane, I hope you are all okay and get power back soon. Take care of my darling husband. I'm kind of attached to him.

 

~Rachel

More than Halloween

Today is more than just Halloween to me. Today is the day my darling little girl was born.  My princess is my rainbow baby. For those who haven't heard the term, a rainbow baby is a baby after a loss. Kind of like the rainbow after the storm.

 

 

HRH is now one! It is astounding to me that a year has passed already. Last year I had just delivered her in the car and was settled in at the nearest hospital basking with my family in the beauty of my daughter. Superman was wrapped from moment one. Here's our little story.

 

 

At three A.M. last year, I woke up with painful contractions. After being in false labor off and on for about two weeks, I knew it was time.  I timed them for about a half an hour then I woke my husband to tell him it was time to go. He thought timing contractions for another half hour would be smart. I guess after being sent home from the hospital a couple of times you get skeptical. Hehe.

 

At four the contractions had amped up, so it was wake the boys and call the parents. We were off to have a baby.  Our hospital was roughly an hour away. Being a stubborn woman, I wanted HRH to be born with the doctors I'd used for all my pregnancies despite our moving away.  The family still teases me for this. 

 

Halfway to the hospital, I tell Superman that we need to stop at the hospital that is closer and on the way. HRH was not waiting! Two minutes and a stop sign later, I yelled at him to pull over she was coming NOW! He said, "Don't push we can make it." Ummmm, I'm not pushing dear; she's just doing it on her own!  He whips into the fire station with the phone to his ear and in no time is at my door. From start to finish my labor was one hour and forty-seven minutes.

 

I watched as Superman was in awe of her and wrapped his brand new sixty dollar shirt around her messy little body. Then all of the firefighter/EMTs came out of the firehouse and got myself and HRH into the ambulance. My boys were a bit dumbfounded in the back seat. SB told me I needed to not scream in the car. Gotta love that kid. Haha.

 

 

In the ambulance, four (yes four EMTs were there. Waibel says its a big thing for them to get a birth) grown men huddled around my tiny little girl working to clean her up.  My mom, sister, mother-in-law and her brother all met us at the hospital shortly thereafter.  It was a hectic and blessed day.

 

 

Today, I'll probably just take tons of pictures and snuggle with my girl. Nothing quite as exciting as her birth but that's just fine by me. Her party will be this weekend and then we will settle back into normal life.

 

 

Happy birthday to my darling girl!

 

 

~Rachel

Hurricane Sandy

I just wanted to say to all those that are being hit by the hurricane, you are in my thoughts and prayers. It is my hope that Sandy does not do as much damage as they are saying it might. 

 

Stay safe!

 

~ Rachel

Yucky Sunday

I awoke yesterday  to goopy eyes, a sore throat and a horrible feeling of pressure on my chest. Needless to say, I spent most of the day in bed.  I was bummed because I had planned on taking the kiddos to the pumpkin patch.


The sickness also has ruined my plans for the week. I had planned to go help JSmitty finish up some moving things but with her little guy being in NICU I don't want to risk her getting this. All I can hope is that I get better by this weekend for HRH's birthday party. I doubt I'll be better by her birthday itself, Halloween.



Besides Sunday I had an enjoyable weekend. Hubby painted a mural on Smidge's wall after we helped JSmitty and Mr. Roboto move.  At one point, the bestie and I went a little kooky and became trash bag ninjas. He he.


Isn't my hubby awesome?


 

Trash bag ninjas



 

Our hubbies were not amused....well a little amused. Using contractor bags for our craziness probably wasn't the best plan. Oh wells we had worked hard all day and needed a good laugh.  I'm incredibly blessed with a friend who shares my odd sense of humor. :)

Well, I'm off to lie down in my supah warm bed and try to get some rest before PB has to go to school.

~Rachel


 

DIY diaper cake

I've been waiting to post this because it was supposed to be a surprise. Sadly, the diaper cake didn't make it to the shower. It did however make its way to the bestie's hospital room.

 

She had her little boy at 29 weeks!! Mama and bebe are doing well. Thank goodness! Now on to the cake.

 

 

 

I used size one diapers and a bag of rubber bands. Of course you could use any size you like. Just remember different brands roll to different sizes. I wish I'd thought of this BEFORE I started. Hehe. Oh well, all's well that ends well.

 

 

My supplies

 

 

Diapers all rolled up

 

1. Lay diapers face down and roll. Place a small rubber band. For this size cake I used 3 packages of size one diapers. Continue until finished.

 

2. Take a moment to appreciate the insane amount of diaper that you just rolled. I was amazed! Ha ha.

 

3.  As you can see in the second photo I have a toilet paper tube. I used this to make the rounds. Take a large rubber band and place it on the tube. Then take diapers and put them in a circle around the tube held tight by the rubber band. For a larger circle use a larger rubber band. Or for a smaller a smaller band.

 

4. Make three rounds. One small, one medium, and one large.

 

 

Photoboy admiring my handy work. He decided it needed a candle since it's a "cake".

 

5. After you've gotten the rounds completed, stack them one on top of the other.

 

6. Add ribbon around each round to hide the rubber band.

 

 

Completed cake

 

You can add embellishments like the paci clip I added to the top. Other things you could add are teddy bears, blankets, washcloths, etc. I've seen them done many different ways.

 

 

Tip: When carrying cake, be sure to place it on something. I made the mistake of carrying it as is, and the bottom layer fell apart in the parking garage of the hospital. Oops! Needless to say the cake didn't look quite so pretty.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoy making your diaper cake. Please share any pics if you decide to make one. I enjoy seeing other's work  :)

 

 

~Rachel

 

 

 



Hectic

This month has been quite hectic so far. Between the bestie having her baby almost 11 weeks early and planning for my own little one's birthday I've had something constantly moving. Superman had his vacation last week so we took the kiddos to the county fair.  It was COLD! Phew! Next year I think we will go to an earlier fair. This mama can't take the cold. Hehe.

 

HRH is turning one on Halloween, so we have decided to make her party a costume party. She's gonna be a tutu princess. PB is going to be a clown and SB is going to be a power ranger. That is if I can find a power ranger costume!

 

All in all, October is one of our busiest months. I hope you stick around because there are some fun ideas brewing in my little red head. 

~Rachel

Special Offer

Starting now through December 1st you can receive a coupon for 10% off of your next order when you refer a friend and they make a purchase.  All they have to do is give your name at the time of order. Upon receipt of payment, I will enter your name into my referral list.  Easy peasy!

 

~Rachel

 

 



Children's Hospital

To say last night was eventful would be an understatement. Superboy and Photoboy are very rowdy boys and rough house often. Last night Superboy thought it'd be a grand idea to pull Photoboy's legs out from under him. Cue screaming, blood and an ER visit.

 

Photoboy is doing fine, but his once straight teeth are now crooked on top and he has one heck of a gash in his lip. The dentist on call at Nationwide Children's Hospital said the tooth may fall out but that there isn't much they can do. Poor brave little man took all of the poking and prodding like a champ. He didn't even accept pain medication! A much braver person than his mama because I'd have been begging for something. I can't stand pain in my mouth.

 

Superboy was quite distraught and apologized. Hopefully they both come away from this a little more careful. As for HRH she's just amazed at her brother. She laughs each time he speaks. Apparently she thinks he's putting it on for her amusement. Cause ya know it's all about her huh? Hehehe

 

So for now this mama is gonna have a sleepy cuddly day with her two babes and hopefully catch some much needed z's before SB gets home.

 

~Rachel

Giveaway success!

The giveaway was a great success! Thank you to all who participated and congrats to the lucky winner, Ambre Sautter!!

 

I'm deep in brainstorming for new ways to bring in some more business. Never would I have imagined my giveaway would have attracted so many entries.  230 entries total! Amazing!

 

 

What type of promotion would you like to see Ladybug Inspirations offer? Any ideas on what product you'd like to see made?

 

 

I can't wait to read all the fun ideas!

 

~ Rachel

DIY Barbie art

I've had several little projects going at once and thought I'd share one of my simpler ones.

We all know those data pages that come with your photos, right? You know the ones that have the teeny tiny picture of the prints you ordered. Well, while cleaning out my papers I found several of these from a recent Shutterfly ( Love their prints!) order.  Now I despise getting rid of anything with my precious babes on it. I mean how can I throw away such beautiful faces?

 

 

It then dawned on me. Barbie needs a photo album! I mean how cute would it be to have HRH's brothers hanging on her dollhouse wall? HRH is not quite to the fashion doll stage so this is of course a project for far in the future use for my little one, but I'm happy to share my light bulb with all of you.

 

 

What you'll need:

Teeny tiny picture thingy (Yes, thingy is a very technical term. ha ha)

 

Scissors

 

Photo friendly glue/ mod podge

 

Card stock

 

Toothpicks for frame optional

 

Depending on what type of art you what to create for your doll, you can use a frame or string the pictures together with a small sewing needle.

 

I chose to leave mine unframed at the moment. It makes it easier for storage.

 

Step 1:  Cut each picture neatly. You can leave a small bit of the white for a "mat" around the picture. Remember this is all artistic and to your taste. Have fun with it!

 

Step 2:  Use your friendly glue to tack photos to the card stock.

 

Step 3: Allow to dry. Depending on the type of glue (I used Elmer's school glue) the time can vary. Mine took about 20 minutes. Throw in some laundry or dishes. Do your nails.

 

Step 4: Cut the pictures out of the card stock.

 

You can be finished here. If you want to frame it you can go on to step 5.

 

Step 5:  Trim the pointy end off of the toothpicks. I used scissors but I recommend using an exacto knife or snips.  There were flying bits of toothpicks all across my kitchen. The upside? Photoboy and HRH were in stitches!

 

Step 6: Hot glue or glue tooth picks into a frame shape and attach to picture.

 

Voila! Art for Barbie. I'm sure there are other uses for these tiny little pictures. Maybe in model houses and towns. The sky is the limit. Enjoy!

 

 

~Rachel

 

 

 

*I am sorry for the lack of photos for this tutorial.  Silly me didn't think to do this until AFTER I'd already put the teeny pics into storage along with HRH's dolls I plan on giving her. Please feel free to share pics if you decide to do this. I'll post them to your credit on my DIY page. *

 

 



Giveaway options

I've finally finished the picture of the giveaway applique options. These can also be done in turaqua (totally the yarn brand's name for the color).

 

 

So far there has been a lot of activity and positive feedback on the giveaway. Keep it coming! :) I love to hear the opinions on my work.

 

 

What would you like to see me offer? Is there an idea you've been wanting to see done in crochet? Email me or comment. I can't wait to hear it.

 

~Rachel

 

 

 



Etsy!

Squee!!! I am so excited to announce that my Etsy shop is officially open.  Ladybug Inspirations has its first listing with my mustache cup cozy. Also, I am doing a giveaway which you can enter here on my bestie's blog.

 

It has long been my dream to sell my little projects. I'm certain I'll have ups and downs but I'm excited all the same.  A huge thank you to the bestie, JSmitty, for all her help and encouragement. Without her the shop would still just be an idea in my head.

 

Love ya Smitty!

 

 

~Rachel

Busy autumn

It occurs to me that I've been neglectful of my poor blog. Never fear ; however, for I am back and ready to write again. And I'm still a dork. Hehe.

 

Autumn is a very busy time of year for the Ladybug family. Superboy and HRH both have their birthdays as do Superman's trusty sidekick the Waibel and my sister D. Actually there are a TON of birthdays in the family during autumn.  Those are just some of the main ones. In addition to birthdays we have the beginning of school for the boys, vacation time for Superman, and a baby shower for my bestie, JSmitty.

 

Phew! That makes me just tired thinking about it. With SB's birthday finished and HRH's fast approaching, I've been in serious party mode.  She has tons of new outfits just waiting to be wrapped. Also, I started on her princess costume (not that she isn't already a princess) for both trick-or-treat and her birthday party.  We are doing a costume party seeing as how she's our little Halloween baby. 

 

I've also been working on my crochet in order to make some money for Christmas. Thanks to the wonderful mind of the bestie, I'm getting somewhere in my efforts. Nothing sold as of yet but I've made some nice things.

 

 

A mustachioed cup cozy

 

and a dress just for Barbie

 

 

I also made a Santa hat just for JSmitty's little bundle due in December.

 

 

Things aren't looking to slow down again until well after the end of the year. I'm looking forward to the hustle of the season. A time for me to get my behind in gear and keep up with my blog, my crochet, and my reading. All things I need to do for myself.

 

If you are looking for your very own Ladybug Inspiration item or have an idea for an item you'd like made, please feel free to contact me via email. Or via my Facebook page.

 

~Rachel

 

 



My work

 Today I made my very own lightbox! Completely excited about it. It was rough and I'll be making another one now that I've realized where I went wrong in the first. 

 

Can you tell the mistake?

Newborn headband

Just a little hat

My third foray into embroidery


Those are  few things I can make. My embroidery isn't all that great. I'm still learning. If you have the patience you can teach yourself anything. I'm the perfect example. :)

I taught myself to crochet and can now follow a pattern and make just about anything.


I'm sorry for the short and badly worded posts as of late. My brain has been a bit off lately.

~Rachel

 

Dawes Arboretum

   This past May my family and I took a trip to Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. It was as always gorgeous! I know of many who won't attend because they think it's just a place for trees. Wrong! There is SO much to do.

 

If you are a lover of history, you could take a walk around the Daweswood House Museum. Originally the home of a farmer/blacksmith, it was bought by the Dawes family sometime between 1917 and 1918. The house and it's gardens would be wonderful for weddings anytime of the year. Those interested in having an event at Dawes can click here.

 

I love walking around and always see something new with every trip. Fortunately, I live only 10 minutes away from the grounds.

 

Japanese Gardens Small Lake

Japanese gardens

Japanese gardens


If you can't tell which is my favorite spot, its the Japanese gardens. The peace is beyond awesome. Even with a few people milling about, it was very relaxing. I also had my three children, my two nieces and two nephews, my sister, the Waibel, my husband and my parents with me.  Phew! I didn't realize there were that many. Ha Ha.

 

The Arboretum is out of this world for photo shoots. Recently I took Mouse and Person's engagement photos there.  The only problem was choosing a spot because of how many great spots there are.   We ended up deciding on the island in the center of  Dawes Lake.

 

Mouse getting ready

Aren't they sweet?


For the parent, it would be a great place to take the kiddos to learn. They do an educational walk for the young and old. Also, they have animals there at different times in the discovery center beneath the gift shop. 


Whether you are a single person just wanting to go for a run or a family looking for a FREE fun day, Dawes Arboretum is the place for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as my little family does.

~Rachel

 



Engaged!

My baby sister, Mouse,  is getting married this December! Squeee!!! I wanted to do something special for her and her fiance(Person), so I took their engagement photos. Today I received my handiwork in the mail in the form of her save the dates.

 

I was fairly pleased with how they turned out. Not too bad for my first ever project, if I do say so myself. :)

 

 

The other option I made for them.

 

If you have something you'd love to do, just go for it. You never know what will come from it.

 

Congratulations Mouse and Person!!!

 

~Rachel

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Shout out Saturday

Shout out Saturday!!

 

Today's shout out is to the wonderful Jessie Smith at Pure of Heart Photography. If you live in the central Ohio area, she is the go to gal for professional photos.

 

 

Jessie is a dream with children and truly enjoys her work. She was so patient and even let one of my children help her take a picture! They adore her.  I cannot brag enough about her. You can see her work on Facebook and her website.  Long story short, if you want quality photos for a reasonable price, check out Pure of Heart. You can't go wrong!

 

~Rachel

 

My favorite of Superman and myself



How my Superman became Superman

Well, today was a bust. Nothing was done and I didn't go to my parents for the fatherly type's birthday. All this ruined because HRH is sick. Superboy and Photoboy were little champs for the most part by behaving themselves. While we were chilling at home, Superman went and got a superman tattoo, so I thought it would be a wonderful time to tell the story behind my hubby's nickname.

 

In 2010, I was pregnant with our third child. Both of us were beyond thrilled even though it was a surprise pregnancy. Things seemed to be going well other than my hyperemesis until the day of the gender ultrasound. No heartbeat. I was devestated and could hardly speak.  Superman came rushing from work to my side. We spent several hours in labor and delivery only to give birth to a beautiful stillborn baby girl. The next few weeks were kind of a blur to me; however, I do remember one thing. Superman. He made sure I was taken care of, planned the funeral and made sure the boys were okay. 

 

As weeks passed, he tolerated outbursts and me locking myself in our room. Never once did he break down on me. Like Superman, he was strong and took on all demons. Looking back now I have no idea how I could have made it without him. So, that's how my Superman became Superman. Now he really does have an S on his chest. Haha!

 

 

 

Thank you Superman! I love you for all that you do.

~Rachel~

 

 

 



Testing...1..2..3

Recently I realized I need an outlet. Not just my hobbies; an actual outlet.  While on Pintrest killing time and a little frustrated, I found my inspiration. I would start a blog! Now those of you that know me know that I'm kind of a rambler.I start one story then somewhere in the middle get sidetracked into another one. Blogging might not be that successful you would say. I think I'll give it a shot :)! So here goes nothing.

 

 

Testing.....

 

I kid. I kid. Hehe. Right now my biggest project is working on my daughter's (Her Royal Highness) room.  We turned our entertainment room into a small bedroom. It wasn't the best for entertaining because of how small it was.  I wish I'd taken before pics! The difference is amazing. Before it had two half walls and a built in entertainment stand. There was barely enough room for a full sized couch and a coffee table. We, and when I say we I mean Superman and my future brother-in-law Person, finished the half walls into full walls.

 

Next, Superman and his trusty sidekick Waibel destroyed the entertainment center. Somewhere in between my mom came and plastered the wall seams. Lately it's been sanding, painting and carpet. It looks pretty good so far.

 

 

 

 

In the process of completion.

 

You can see a bit of my hubby there on the left. :)

 

Now I'm on the hunt for decor items to put in with her cherry furniture. I'm thinking pink and black damask bedspread and curtains. Something in which she can grow.  I have a gorgeous fairie lamp thats bronze and frosted glass that will go on her bedside table. From there I'm just winging it. I'll be taking more pictures soon!

 

What are some of your nursery ideas?

 

~Rachel~