march's fab-mama-jama is...

BROOK-ay!  well, i call her that on occasion ;)  her name is brooke.  she's an at-ease mama of two cutie pies, hudson and elaina, and a fun-loving wifey to her man nate-dogg (okay, i call him that on occasion), i mean nate ;)  already you can probably tell w/ the way i joke w/ her and her husband, brooke is a hoot and a joy to be around.  i admire her positive energy and love her silly sense of humor.  she's someone that doesn't take herself too seriously, but she does takes her mom, wife, teacher, friend, volunteer roles seriously...and in most of these roles, she uses her cooking to show she cares :)

meet brooke...

*what did you want to be when you "grew up"?*

Growing up my career choice changed daily! I wanted to be a doctor, a mommy, a Sea World trainer, a lawyer, a singer, a politician, the list went on and on.  The one thing that was always on my list was teacher. I loved kids and I knew that when I when I grew up I wanted to help people. And, if you ask my sister and brother I was very good at telling people what to do! ;)

*what is your best memory of your mom?*

My mom worked full time growing up but I don't ever remember her being tired. She would always come home and cook a good dinner and whenever possible she would have us sit around the table and eat as a family. Some of my best memories are of these times. She would also wake up on Saturdays and make us homemade biscuits or pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse.  I can imagine after working all week sleeping in on Saturday would have been something she would have liked to do, but she rarely did that. My mom was and still is a very selfless person.

*what do you do to relax?*

Relax...what is that!!  When I do get the time I love to read, cook and workout. Running (I know some of you will think I'm crazy) is very relaxing to me. I love being out there by myself, listening to music and just being alone. It is very relaxing to me.  I also come back after a good run, a very happy mommy!

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

Now that my kids are getting older I am beginning to see just how different they are and it is really neat. I try to do things with just that one kid throughout the week, but I am not always very successful.

Hudson: This boy has a huge imagination and he loves when I participate with him! Playing Batman, legos, or just going outside to play any game he picks is fun for him. He got a bike for Christmas so this is his new favorite activity. He can ride it with no help, but he just likes me to be outside with him so he can talk my ear off!

Elaina: This girl LOVES her books. He favorite thing to do is to read. She loves it when I read books with her. Her favorite book right now is Knuffle Bunny. It's a cute story (you should all buy it). Right now her big thing is "I help!"  she wants to do anything that I am doing and she wants to help. She loves cooking with me, putting makeup on with me or fixing my hair with her new princess hair kit!  It's very cute and sweet!

*everything you cook and bake is super yummy, where did the love for yummy-making come from?*

My love for cooking comes from my mom and aunt. Those two ladies are the best cooks in the world.  I never thought I would be able to cook like them so I never really got into cooking until about 4 years ago. I got a Barefoot Contessa cookbook for Christmas and the recipes looked fun to make so I started trying some out.  Then I began attempting some of my aunts and moms recipes and I guess the rest is history! This Christmas my aunt gave me a framed recipe of my Mamaw's pecan pie.  It was her original recipe. It is probably one of the best gifts I have ever received. My mom and aunt say that my Mamaw was one of the best cooks they knew so maybe it started with her...

*what recipe does your fam love the most?*

I asked my husband what recipe he liked the best and he said everything I make is great. (He is such a kiss-up!) So, I told him he had to think of one and he came up with Santa Fe Soup and sweet corn bread. It's a great cold weather recipe!

*what is your best kept recipe?*

Sausage Bread!! I am not sure that this recipe is a big secret but it is one of my favorites. It is actually a recipe that my aunt made up. I don't even know if I have the recipe written down. It is one of those that I can do from memory! It is simply delicious!!

I do have a secret spice that I like to add to a lot of my dishes...but I'm not telling you that!! ;)

and speaking of secrets...it was killing me to keep this post from going "live" for so long.  poor brooke answered my questions and took pictures back in january, and she has had to wait until now to get her surprise (sorry girl, you know how i am!)!  when choosing that certain someone to share some kind words about this special lady, i knew w/o a doubt who to go to...her mom...and brooke, i hope this was worth the wait...

One of the greatest joys a mother can have is to watch her own daughter become a mother.  It was a very rewarding experience to watch my oldest daughter, Brooke, become a mother when Hudson was born.  It touches your heart in ways that are hard to explain.   Often, you see your children as little ones they once were and you forget they are grown adults with families of their own. 

Brooke is an amazing young mother, her patience and sense of humor with Elaina and Hudson never ceases to amaze me.  She handles each situation with grace and love and never seems to get her feathers “too” ruffled.   She enjoys her children and takes time with them, which is one of the greatest gifts she can give them.

Brooke loves her family and has created a warm and caring Christian home for them.  She has created many wonderful memories for Hudson and Elaina and I know she will create many more in the years to come.

I am proud of all my children’s accomplishments, however, watching Brooke, as a mother is a special accomplishment/bond only a mother and daughter can share. Brooke has made me a proud mother and I know one day her children will be writing the same thing about her.  She brings such joy, laughter and happiness to our family and many others.

brooke, you are a lovely lady that i'm blessed to call friend.  you are a wonderful role model of a working mom, a supportive wife and nurturing mother.  i'm always impressed how you handle life w/ ease.  i know i haven't sat in your classroom, but witnessing your kind, natural way w/ children, i only hope my girls have a teacher like you!  you are one of the most encouraging and supportive people i know.  thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders...you know how to make this blogger feel special ;)  i just hope i can persuade you to blog about your delicious recipes...

much, much love to you BRRROOOK-ay!

oxox,

sandra

p.s.--that santa fe soup recipe will be posted soon!!

february's fab mama-jama is...

my girl mary.  i've mentioned this lovely lady several times in my blog posts, and i have been wanting to introduce this special friend to you for months now!  i was going to set-up a surprise afternoon get-away to her favorite restaurant (mai's) and flower her w/ peonies.  but w/ childcare issues, sick babies, sick mamas, daddies gone...it just wasn't in the cards.  i finally decided to surprise her anyway...a simple flower arrangement and dinner at her house (children playing, hubbies gone) had to do.

i know this all sounds like i'm courting my girlfriend, ha...and yes, i am, lol.  every woman knows how wonderful it is to have close girlfriends that you can always count on...someone to vent to, someone to ask for advice, someone to welcome their home to you b/c you just have to get out!  girlfriends understand hormones.  they understand the daily to-do's of being a mama.  and even if they don't understand they're always there to listen and support you.  my girl mary is that and more.  she's a devoted wife, loving mother and still nurtures her friendships.  i know friends come and go, but there are some that are in for the long haul :)

funny thing is i met mary in kindergarten!  we even grew up in the same neighborhood.  we were friends then, but as junior high and high school came around, we ran in different circles.  it wasn't until a few years ago when she and her husband moved back to the area that we became the friends that we are now.  we chatted, and we clicked.  she enjoyed the same things i did.  we found humor in the same things.  and we just felt at home around each other :)

waving at the camera at my (11th?) birthday party

on our way to see justin timberlake in concert (pre-babies)!

anyone who knows sweet mary, knows what a kind, caring and loving woman she is.  her dear friend racheal knows...

Mary has been one of my closest friend for over a decade. So many of my greatest memories include Mary. She is caring, funny, and nurturing. She is a wonderful mother to her beautiful daughters and an amazing wife. She loves the Lord and is a great example of what it means to be a woman of God. When she asks how you are doing, she genuinely wants to know the good and the bad. She is willing to talk through the tough things or just sit back and listen. She is a great friend. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. I love you Mary!!

meet mary...

*what did you want to be when you "grew up"*

Honestly, I never thought about what I would be when I grew up.  When I was in junior high and high school I thought it would be fun to be an interior designer...does that count? 

*what is your best memory of your mom?*

There are so many wonderful memories that include my mom, but the one that keeps standing out is when she cared for me after I had my wisdom teeth removed.  Those of you who have undergone this procedure know how unpleasant the recovery can be, and my mom jumped into action to make my experience very positive.  She even made ice packs out of tube socks!

*what do you do to relax?*

My methods of relaxation have evolved over the years.  Since having children, the way I like to relax is to watch some guilty pleasure television (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and enjoy a cool glass of Chardonnay.

  

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

My favorite thing to do with Abigail is to get her up in the morning.  I love opening her door and seeing that beautiful, pacifier-filled smile beaming at me.  We share some hugs and kisses and then begin our day!

My favorite thing to do with Loralai is singing her a song at bed time.  After my husband reads her a story, she always asks for mama to sing her a song or say a prayer with her.  I just LOVE that time together!

*you're a super friend, who always has the right thing to say and do for those in need...where do you think that comes from?*

My parents have always given me invaluable advice and counsel, and in addition to their words of wisdom they would reference scripture that pertained to my specific circumstance.

*what do you enjoy doing most for your friends?*

I truly enjoy giving my friends unexpected gifts.  Whether it be tangible gifts or acts of kindness, I just love doing things that make my friends smile and feel special!!

*what could a friend do for you that would just make your day?*

I love when my friends set up unexpected occasions to spend time together.  

and how awesome, she happens to have a business that allows her to party w/ her friends!

*what is your favorite part of selling stella & dot?*

...having an excuse to hang out with other women and share the fun jewels that S&D has to offer!

if you're interested in hangin' w/ mary and her jewels ;) contact her at maryweatherall@hotmail.com or check her website out at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/maryweatherall

marrrrry, you're a beautiful woman, inside and out!  your natural caring way is such a wonderful example to your sweet girls, and i just know they will grow to be beautiful young ladies like their mama :)  you put up w/ all my quirkiness, and you laugh w/ me in all my silliness.  and you always offer prayer anywhere and anytime time i need it!  i pray that you know how much i and many others appreciate your kindness and generosity.  your welcoming hugs, welcoming front door and welcoming love are only a few reasons why i love you girl!  thank you for being you!

oxox,

sandra

aaaahhhhh!!!!!

i HATE that i haven't done a post in a week, but it's been a crazy week that started busy from saturday on...late nights, early mornings and full days.  so sorry!  i finally had a moment last night to do this post, but alas, i fell asleep :/  but enough about that b/c i am SO EXCITED to announce this month's fab mama jama of the month!!!!

her name is christina and she has become one of my close friends over this past year.  she's funny, sweet and honest.  she's a dutiful mom to a cute little miss named madison (madi) and a supportive wifey to her hubby, dylan.  dyaln's job keeps him traveling a lot and w/ madi's schedule of dance and gymnastics, i'm amazed how this lady does it all!  on top of that, she's crafty (beastie boys, anyone?)!  this girl can whip out a painting, pillowcase dress and even sew a nap mat in no time.  christina called herself lazy the other day for enjoying the occasional nap...i laughed at this!  ummm, no girl, you are NOT lazy!

i admire my friend for taking a big leap of faith last year.  she completely changed careers to take a job she enjoys.  she is now a dedicated teacher and obviously truly cares for her students.  and after her first year of teaching, her school district has switched her from first grade to fifth grade...this girl has taken it all in stride and still makes her little girl feel loved and special, just ask madi ;)

i love my mommy.  we like to go swimming and get sno cones.  she makes me happy when she gives me a sticker.  and we pretend to be doctors with baby dolls and play kitchen.  i really like the chicken she makes and breakfast!  i want to be a teacher just like my mommy!

madison playing school w/ my little isabella

soooo, i asked my very talented friend, angela wilson, to photograph my fab mama jamas...who wouldn't LOVE to have a professional photographer shoot pics of you w/o your little one grabbing at your face or having to make sure the whole fam is saying, "cheeeeese" ;)

meet christina...

*growing up, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?*

You know, I don't seem to recall my childhood as well as I wish I did (it's strange...but that's a whole 'nother topic of conversation), but as far back as I can remember, I talked about being a lawyer or a doctor.  I'm a first born, which usually translates to overacheiver, people-pleaser, type-A personality - I thought being a doctor or a lawyer would make my mom and (mostly) dad really proud of me.  As I got a little older, I recall telling people I wanted to do "big things"...whatever that meant at the time, I'm not sure.  I went into college dead set on being an FBI agent or a Forensic Psychologist, and majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice.  Obviously, things turned out a little bit differently than planned... :)

 *what is your best memory of your mom?*

My mom is a pretty incredible, hard working, completely selfless, loving, caring woman.  Remember how I said I don't remember a ton about my childhood?  Well, even though I don't remember what seems like segments of time, I do have some very vivid memories of little moments from my childhood.  Most of these memories involve my mom.  I remember coming home from school and rushing in the door to see my mom and smelling fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. I remember a lot of baking, actually.  I remember how hard she worked as a single mom so that my sister and I could "keep up with the jones's" at school, I suppose. ;)  I remember how much all of my friends loved her.  She just had a personality that won everyone over.  And I remember that I wasn't afraid to tell her anything.  

*what do you do to relax?*

....I don't relax.  Ok, I rarely do!  I have discovered that there are really only a couple of things that REALLY get me to relax.  The first is sleep.  Sad, but true.  It doesn't take much to get me to the point of being relaxed enough to sleep either.  You give me a pillow, I'm gonna sleep.  Other than that, it is when I am creating (anything and everything) that I feel completely relaxed.  If it is painting, decorating, crafting, sewing, etc., it is in those moments that I realize my mind is completely at rest.

*what is your favorite thing to do w/ your little girl?*

Sitting and being.  She's at the age that she wants to be constantly entertained, going and doing something, and when she's not, she's whining about wanting to do something.  Soooo, I cherish the times that her and I curl up on the couch together to watch a movie or when we just lay in her bed and talk before bedtime.  When we both slow down and enjoy hugs, cuddles, eskimo and butterfly kisses...those are my favorite moments.  I also love the silly dances we (don't tell my husband I said this, but this includes him too) come up with, the goofy outfits and other crazy antics you might find us doing on any given evening at home.  I love the times she really makes me laugh.

*you switched from working in the corporate world to being a teacher, what made you make the big leap?*

Faith.  100% leap of faith that I was following God's direction and his plan for myself and for my family. Going back to your first question - what did I want to be when I "grew up"...I wasn't doing any of those things that I thought I would be doing, but I was "successful", climbing the corporate ladder fast, making more money than I imagined I'd be making at 25 and 26 years old, and in the best position I could be in for reaching one of the top positions in my field fairly quickly.  I could say I accomplished the goal of making my parents proud, but I was getting further and further away from what made me, me.  I did not like what I did, it became a chore, it created a lot of stress in my life, it took up a tremendous amount of my time and energy, and I couldn't even say I believed in what I was doing half of the time.  I had been praying and doing a LOT of soul searching for quite some time before I made the decision to take the leap.  Each time I would consider doing something different, I would get scared and fall back into my comfort zone...a safe place financially too.  Starting over seemed out of the question.  What if I made the change and hated it?  Or couldn't find a job even?  What if the money isn't as good?  After much praying, lots of discussions with my husband, family, friends, and the birth of my daughter opening my eyes up even more to what makes me tick...I went for it.  Looking back, I know it was God's plan for me.  There is a long chain of events that happened over a span of about 2-3 years that were all intrical in getting me to the point of taking that leap of faith - without any single one of those events, I don't believe I would be doing something that I find so much joy in today.

*during the first year of teaching, what was the biggest thing you learned?*

That teaching is HARD work and that there is a LOT of work that goes on "behind the scenes" that I don't think parents (I know I didn't) realize.  I like to say now that what people consider our work hours (7-3) is really just the time we are sort of "presenting" our "work".  School starts much earlier than 7 and ends MUCH later than 3 for a teacher.  It carries over into my kitchen at dinner time, it continues when I'm sitting on the couch watching tv in the evening (not that I do that much during the school year!), and shows up pretty often on the weekends too.  It doesn't really ever stop - thinking about better ways to teach a topic, thinking about how to reach that child who comes from a broken home, planning your next move, rethinking the lesson you taught the day before, etc.  It's a lot of work, but what I have come to realize is that when you truly love what you do, are passionate about why you do what you do, and know that the harder you work, the more impact you may have, it doesn't really feel like work at all.  Sounds really cliche, but it is what it is!

*you are miss crafty, what's your latest craft?*

Headbands!!!  Some friends and I saw these super cute headbands in a little boutique and loved them.  So fashionable...yet so pricey.  As cute as I thought they were, I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much money on it, especially when I realized I could possibly make them myself!  So, I got some ribbon and went to work. Loved making it and am so excited about how they turned out!

i've actually hired crafty christina to make some goodies for me...

cuuuuute monogrammed pillow for sophia and matching one for isabella :)

these beautiful his and her pillows the master bedroom...LOVE!

you can order some goodies from her, too...blog coming soon!  in the meantime you can contact her at fireflyfancy@gmail.com for headbands, bows, wall art and pillows!  AND she is graciously contributing a headband tutorial that will be posted SOON!

christina, i've been blessed to get to know you and call you a friend.  i have so much fun during our "girl times" and when we're running around w/ our little misses.  you're honesty and sincerity are characteristics that make you a beautiful person, and are some of the reasons why i love you!  you're sweet 'n sassy AND very smart madi is a true reflection of a loving and nurturing mom.  aaand, you are an inspiration to other people who are thinking of making a switch in their career...keep rockin' on!

oxox,

sandra

our very first...

fab mama-jama of the month!!!

her name is angela, and a few of us call her "super mom".  i've been blessed to get to know this lady through our small bible study group at church.  she always seems at ease, joyful and her children reflect this as well.  she laughs when we tell her this and promises there are moments of melt-downs (both babies and herself), but it's just one more reason to love her.  she's sincere, honest and i just couldn't wait to BRAG about her ;)  not only is she a fab mama-jama, seeing her and her hubby together, i imagine she gets an A+ in the wife department, but what do i know...so, her sweet hubby chris has a few words to say...

Angela is the most selfless person I have ever come across when it comes to her family and friends. Every day Angela always goes out of her way to make sure the kids get the most out of there day educationally and have fun while doing it. Angela also takes this same attitude when it comes to her professional life as well. When working on her Photography, Angela is able to capture people in there true to life beauty and does not stop working until everyone is happy. Angela has been the biggest blessing in my life. 

angela wilson: wife, mom, friend and photographer

i emailed her a few questions acting as our interview...she has a newborn and two toddlers at home so uninterrupted time doesn't come easy these days!  meet angela...

*what did you do want to be when you "grew up"?*

Oh goodness! Well, I can honestly say that I was quite a day dreamer. I would imagine myself as a singer or dancer with an amazingly attractive husband of course and a family full of kids! Most people would not even know this though since I was always such a quiet little girl. Once I finally realized what a career actually was I became a little more practical and wanted to own a daycare. I have always adored little children and for some reason, they like me too! I am now a wife, mom, nurse and a photographer!

*growing up, what is your best memory of your mom?*

The best thing about my mom is her honesty with me. She has always told me things exactly how they were and I have always been able to tell her anything. Being able to communicate is so important, therefore I feel blessed that my mother and I have always been able to communicate with each other.

*what do you do to relax?*

Relaxing right now would be amazing! Nothing is better than a good book and my elliptical...I could do it for hours and get off feeling totally refreshed! I love to read anything and everything from the Bible to silly girl novels! I would LOVE to say that I walked on the beach everyday because nothing is more relaxing than the beautiful ocean and sun, but well, that just doesn't happen! I absolutely love to sweat, love to work out and love the ocean and beautiful sun! I think I feel relaxed just thinking about it all!

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

- Austin is my 4 year old and I love our alone time together. He is the sweetest boy around and we just have the best time when it is just the two of us. It doesn't matter what we do because he is always fun to have around. He loves to just cuddle, play outside or even shop with me! 

- Reagan is my 2 year old daughter and I really enjoy our girlie moments. She loves having "pink toes" and enjoys getting ready with me when I am trying to make myself pretty! She has her own make up bag, hair dryer, brush and curling iron that she uses right by my side when I get ready. She also has a blast going to Hobby Lobby with me or "Hobby Wobby" as she likes to say.

- Anderson is 7 weeks today and I just enjoy his little baby self! I got the first smile from him last night which just melted my heart. I also cherish my nap time with the little cutie. We do not plan on having other children so I am really trying to savor the baby in him!

*how did you get into photography?*

I have always taken tons of pictures as a child and could look at old photos for days. Photography became my cherished hobby around Jan of 2010 when I purchased my first Nikon and took photography classes in order to capture every moment of our childrens' lives! My passion for capturing every little moment has grown now into a side career for me. As a mother of 3 precious children I want to try and record every little detail of their lives, and there is no better way to do it than with a camera! My children already love reading their photo books and talking about past birthday parties, friends and families. My goal as a photographer is to capture that special moment for my client. I love close shots of beautiful eyes, hands and tiny toes! Children are only little for so long so I want to make sure I get the little details on camera for my clients since it I know how difficult it can be for parents to take care of their children and take a picture at the same time! 

*what made you decide to start your own business?*

I have always known I would own my own business and when photography came into my life, I knew I could make it into something more than a passion! I am such a "daddy's girl" and since my father owned and ran his own business, I have always had the confidence that I could and would do the same!

i've had angela take photos of both my girls twice now, and i'd love to share the last photo-shoot we had for sophia's first birthday AND some sweet sister shots!  here are just a few :)

angela brought balloons and i brought sophia's banner from the party :)

angela is SO good w/ kids!!

she also brought this cute gift prop

i adore this shot

no words...

one of those shots where she just keeps snappin' away and captures great shots!

sophia is almost DONE, but angela keeps her goin' :)

I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO GET THIS!!

i loved isabella's outfit so much i just had to get some shots of her alone...angela sweetly obliged

hey, her birthday is just around the corner ;)

as if this post couldn't get any better...it does!  there's a GIVE AWAY from angela wilson photography!!!

**One Free Baby/Child Session at location of their choice. Like me on facebook and comment on at least one photo**

in 2 weeks there will be a drawing!

angela, i love your smile...your children are a pair of sweet hearts...you serve yummy, healthy lunches to my kids AND me all the while w/ a newborn bundled up on a sling w/ you...you are a FANTASTIC photographer and captured some wonderful memories that i never could.  THANK YOU!!!

oxox,

sandra