7QT Friday- Bits and Pieces

Another Friday (or as I keep seeing all over social media FriYAY!) is here. 

1. Vacation Box- PARIS, France

You may recall that we found a neat way to involve the girls more actively in the works of mercy by making a vacation box to Hawaii for a couple near and dear to our hearts.  It was such a fun project and such a neat way to spread love to others, that we have completed another vacation box.  This one for a dear woman whom we decided would enjoy a trip abroad to the lovely, fashionable, and romantic city of Paris.  

The trip took her to Paris where she "visited" the church of the Miraculous Medal, Sacre Coeur, and even attended a ballet while enjoyign some French cookies of course and learning a wee bit of the French language.  

The girls also arranged for her to "journey to" the Arc de Triumph, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and they designed 3 very fashionable ensembles for her to wear on her trip.  And of course some macaroons.  One could have much more fun with the food aspect of a "vacation box" if you live near to the recipient, but we've had to make ours somewhat simple in that regard because our recipients live out of town.  

And a note to explain a little and just because.  :)

We already picked our next recipient and decided we'll be taking her on a trip to the Swiss Alps.  Stay tuned...and share ideas if you send a vacation box to someone you love.  :)

2.  Due Date

Today is Kolbe's due date.  It's so weird to say because he's been with us for a whole TWO weeks.  But this is technically the day that he was "due" to make his way into the world.  He chose a pretty awesome day to surprise us though (Mother Teresa's birthday). 

Happy two weeks, Little Man!  

3. Library trip

One of the first outings I ventured out of the house with 5 littles in tow for was a trip to the library to refill our bag with fresh titles.  The effort to make the trip was well worth the quiet and peace that comes for several days after a trip to the library.  We have many little "readers" in this house for which I am very grateful.  

I found these two like this just a couple days ago.  My heart melted.  Not even kidding.  

4.  Chapel Veils

My sister in law, also Laura, makes custom chapel veils and has just started up a shop on Etsy.  Check out her work and grab a veil for yourself, a loved one, or even your child making their first communion.  She has done some lovely work and she can work with you to make your veil (or a gifted veil) just what you want.  

(picture used with permission)

5. Little Bro

In case you were wondering the girls are still completely in love with their little brother and they ask me constantly often if they can hold him.  

 

Daddy loves his snuggles with Kolbe too when he returns from work.  

6. First Day of School pictures

We started nearly two weeks ago at this point, but it's been busy around here, so I haven't got all these cute shots up on the blog yet.  Enjoy. 

This one cracks me up.  I told them to squish closer together.  Sophie wasn't enthused about the idea.

7.  School

It's been a breeze so far.  Kayla has been so responsible and comes and takes care of her school work almost on her own each morning.  She reads like crazy in the afternoons and is gearing up for her first ever book report.  Elise (and Ava too) are working with me each morning and are doing a great job with letter sounds and numbers currently.  We are having a lot of fun and can't wait for lots more throughout this school year.  There have been some tantrums some days too, but that's to be expected.  I'd want to play all day too....

How was your week, friends?  

Link up with Kelly from This Ain't the Lyceum with your 7 Quicktakes for the week.  

7QT- It's nearly the MIDDLE of AUGUST??

Joining up for 7 Quicktakes Friday with Kelly of This Ain't the Lyceum .  Definitely check out the link-up--always so many interesting blogs and tidbits!

1. Pregnancy updates

I'm still pregnant (duh).  I'm at 36 weeks.  

I am for the first time ever NOT positive for Group Strep B, which means I do NOT have to get antibiotics at the hospital before delivery (which by the way, I never get, because--fast deliveries (or haven't you read some of my birth stories?).  Normally we have to stay at the hospital longer and baby has to get checked out a bunch because I've always been group strep b + and I almost never get the antibiotics dosage before baby comes barreling out.  This is GREAT news for me.  I don't know what made a difference.  The changes in my life this pregnancy were that I went gluten free for my thyroid, lowered processed sugar significantly, and I take probiotics regularly.  Or it could be totally random that I am negative this time, but whatever the reason, I'll take it!!!

2. Hatchprints SALE!

One of my favorite shops in the world (I LOVE her prints) is having an awesome SALE!  From her FB page:  "SALE - Buy one, get one! Buy any single print and get any other print of the same size FREE. Sale excludes The Seasonal package and cards. No coupon code needed; please write what print you would like in the notes section at checkout. For example, if you buy five 8x10 prints, write the names of the five extra 8x10 prints you want. Sale ends Saturday, August 13th at 11:59PM Pacific or until supplies run out. Great time to stock up on gifts!" 

So definitely go and check out Hatchprints and snag up some lovely prints! 

This print in the frame is one of hers that I have by the kitchen sink "God walks amid the pots and pans" - St. Teresa of Avila

3. Hormones

I have been a hot mess this week.  The flowers in the picture above are from Chris because I was just on an emotional roller coaster this week.  Up and down and up and down.  

A dear friend and mentor from my old mom's group also sent me a beautiful card with lovely words of encouragement because she knew that I was having a bit of a rough time recently.  

And another wonderful friend here, Megan, brought lovely sunflowers another day when her family came for dinner.  It was such a breath of fresh air in my emotional week to hang out with another amazing family and to get a beautiful bunch of sunshine-y flowers.  She's having surgery today, by the way, so keep her in your prayers.  

4. Baby's arrival guesses

This week we put our official arrival day guesses up on the calendar.  

Chris: Sept. 7

Me: Sept. 5

Kayla: Sept. 9 (the due date--she wants baby to be a due date baby like she was)

Elise: Sept. 16

Ava: Sept. 3

Sophie: Sept. 13

And then we just randomly put everyone's names on other surrounding dates to fill the calendar up for the week and a half before and after the due date.  Whoever's name is one the actual arrival day gets a prize.  Chocolate for Chris and I and if it's one of the kids, they get the first turn holding baby at the hospital.  

5. Last Summer Concert in the Park

A park near us has summer concerts and last week was the final one.  It was a Frank Sinatra-style cover band and it was really fun to listen to.  

concert selfie--minus Chris

6. Fly Me to the Moon

It really was such a nice, relaxing, enjoyable concert.  Take a listen. 

                             

7.  Tumbling Camp

Kayla, Elise, and Ava all attended a little 2-hour tumbling camp together and loved it.  There's Elise on the rings.  

They all wanted to go again next summer.  Or tomorrow.  Whichever comes first.  ;)

My Favorite Small Businesses

As you well know, we are pregnant with baby #5 and kind, generous people do still ask if we need anything.  And it occurred to me that a beautiful way to welcome a new baby into our family with multiple other children is to encourage, inspire, and add beauty to our family as a whole and to our home.
So I began looking for items that bring Christ into our midst as a family unit or as individuals within the family.  Plus I like to support small businesses especially Catholic ones and (well-made) handmade items are some of my favorite because they are so beautiful and unique. 

Obviously, things like diapers, wipes, and meals brought to the home will always be welcomed with open arms and glad hearts, but just for fun, here are a few other creative ideas for welcoming baby and congratulating and supporting the family of that new little one.  You'll notice these aren't necessarily specific to "new baby", but are more of a way to bless the entire family and add beauty and grace to their lives for years to come.

1. Inspirational Prints and Pictures
There is nothing like a beautiful print or picture to lift your spirits (if even for a moment when you are in the thick of the craziness that is parenthood, especially newborn parenthood, and especially newborn parenthood with tons of other little monkeys running around. 

I love everything from Katrina of Hatchprints!  If the child is named for a Saint, a fitting quote could be a sweet gift, but any uplifting quote could be a wonderful addition to a home and bring the family members peace and joy.  My current favorite is her Totus Tuus print (my love for that phrase dates back to Chris and my time in Rome when we first saw a picture of Our Lady with the words Totus Tuus underneath-courtesy of JPII who wanted a picture of Mary in the Vatican plaza).  Several weeks ago she had a giveaway (make sure you follow her on IG) and asked her followers to share their favorite of her prints.  That was mine, though they are all so lovely, you can't help but love them all.  Over the past year or so, I've picked up a few of her prints (such as the ones below) for our home and as gifts. 

(this was a gift for Chris for Christmas)

(my little sister received this one for her wedding)

I recently discovered Jessica from Sweet Little Ones and love her work as well, most especially her "Be Still & Know" print and her "Choose Joy" print.  Aren't they just lovely?  

My friend Kristin at Inspired Life Co. makes (among other things) the most gorgeous floral monograms.  I know I'd love to have letters for each of the kid's names to use to (finally) decorate their rooms a bit and add some beauty and personality to their space. 

Another beautiful, meaningful gift would be a lovely Saint portrait of the patron Saint of the new child, other children, and/or other favorite Saints of the family.  Tracy from Portrait of Saints does amazing work, and I've been drooling over her lovely work for awhile now.  She has an amazing selection of Saints.  I love them all.  

2. House decor
A new baby generally brings a bit of chaos and mess to a house during that transition phase as everyone adjusts to life as a family of (insert family size #).  Some fun new decor can add some excitement, order and a touch of loveliness to that messy chaos.  



My friend Sheena at BeaninLoveStudio makes the cutest pillow covers, and sometimes a simple spruce up or a fun new look in a room can make the house feel more like home.  My personal favorite is the Kravet Ishana cover in the picture, but I love the Citron Leaf a lot too.  Sheena is about to go on "maternity leave" from her shop for a bit since she has a little baby girl coming soon, but she has a SALE going on now that you don't want to miss.  Use coupon code 'ohbaby' to get 20% off any order of $25 or more--good until Wednesday!

Cristina at HandmaidEmbroidery makes the most darling hoops that would add a fun and rather whimsical element to a room's decor.  She used one of Kristin's designs (see her floral monograms above) to create this particular hoop that is pictured.  Isn't it exquisite?  I also love and I mean LOVE her Lady of Guadalupe hoop.  I'm sort of pining for it. 

3. Gifts with Mommy in mind
Mom has just endured 9 months of a crazy, beautiful, uncomfortable, painful, yet wonderful journey to meet her newest little one.  And the sleepless nights are barely beginning, so something to encourage mom, make her smile or feel pretty is always a nice idea. 



OrganicMamasShop has a wide assortment of items, some of which fit into this Mommy category.  My favorites are this teething necklace shown and the novena bracelets (see one version pictured below) which have movable crucifix charms so you can keep track of what day of a novena you are on.  Additionally they carry rosary bracelets, nursing bracelets (like the novena bracelet except to keep track of when you last fed baby), earrings, and a subscription to a Mama's Box with fun items shipped to the mommy each month for a special treat.  Another fun item for baby would be the teething rosaries they sell-SO cute!!!   And I have a fun discount code for all of you to use for 20% off your order until May 31!!  Coupon code is 'LAURAROSE'

I found this cute shop Pink Salt Riot with a fun assortment of creative jewelry items.  My favorite are the Rosary bracelets pictured (one for Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, and Glorious).  You can purchase them individually too if you just want to snag one.  What a nice little item to have so you can easily say your Rosary while you nurse baby. 

Jenna of CallHerHappy has the sweetest hand embroidered necklaces and there are SO many neat, creative designs.  Someday I'd like to personalize one of her rosette necklaces with a rosette for every kid.  My other favorites include anything with flowers and that adorable flamingo necklace.  Seriously, go take a look.  Everything is awesome. 

Becky of BCInspirations makes the cutest things.  She has an assortment of rosaries including some really sweet kid-friendly rosaries.  Additionally she makes personalized bassinet pins (which would be fun to add to baby's room decor), car rosaries, bookmarks, and keychains.  I have always been drawn to Our Lady of Guadalupe as one of my favorite depictions of Mary and her Lady of Guadalupe keychain is gorgeous!

KeoglerStudios is a shop owned by some fellow Franciscan grads, so I love their 'shout-out' to FUS households (Catholic brother and sisterhoods that people liken to fraternities/sororities in some ways).  They have rosary bracelets (like the one for my household, Theotokos, pictured below) plus an assortment of lovely rosaries, music, and lovely art.  They have offered a special discount for my readers of 10% off your order using the coupon code 'MAMALAURAROSE' plus they offer FREE shipping.  The coupon code will be good for a week starting now, so go get ahead on some Christmas shopping or buy a new mama something lovely.  

(this print comes as a boxed set of cards.  totally want some!)

4. Something for Dad

Dad is the rock of the family.  He's the protector, he's the provider.  Having babies is a big financial, spiritual responsibility and a little 'shout-out' to all his hard work and love is never a bad idea.  

I noted that Hatchprints (above) has a neat print for the beer-loving guy.  

Additionally, Kendra (from CatholicAllYear) and her shop PrintablePrayers has some neat prints that the men especially might appreciate.  There is a blessing for beer (see link), as well as a cool quote about St. Joseph and a St. Michael prayer print...plus more. 

This is a fun beer mug with Benjamin Franklin's "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" quote etched on it.  

Megan from BohoHandmaids has a really cool shop with a variety of men's, women's, and children's jewelry.  Coming soon to her shop there will also be additional bridesmaid and wedding jewelry available.   My favorite is the men's carved wooden bead St. Augustine bracelet.  Rustic, earthy, and very masculine AND you can choose to switch out the medal for a different Saint of your choosing on both this and the Pope Francis men's bracelets in her shop if that's your preference or even add a monogrammed tag.  

5. Fun for the Kids
The kids at home love having a new baby at home, but that transitioning time can be tough for them too, because Mom's attention is frequently on baby whose diaper needs another change or who is hungry again! :)  Something new and fun for the other kiddos is a great way to help everyone in the house with the transition.  

Over at HandmadebyMegK, you will find some really sweet felt Saint dolls.  Each of our girls has a Saint doll currently, but they love adding to their collection.  Most recently, Elise requested Bl. Chiara for her birthday.  With the move, we've only just ordered it, and she is THRILLED! Meg also makes Mass kits and lovely stoles so that your little boys can play the priest at their own play Mass at home.  

TheLittleRoseShop also makes cute dolls and has a beautiful sign that would be perfect for the kids' bedroom.  Additionally they have sweet hair bows that I adore.  In this house, hair bows and headbands are always welcome!!

PunchandJudyPegs has some sweet peg dolls.  We took part in a Saint peg doll exchange, so we currently have many, but what caught my eye were the sets she makes.  I have to admit that her Nativity peg set got me thinking about Christmas and just how much the girls would love a peg doll Nativity for our home.  She also has a Little House on the Prairie peg set (Squeeeee!) that is darling. *Note* She's taking a little vacay from the shop for a couple weeks starting Wednesday, so if you see something you like, snag it up quick or wait for a few weeks to let her have a rest from all the First Communion peg dolls she's been creating in April/May.  

MyLittleFeltFriends makes some really sweet items for kid play as well.  From felt Saint dolls to finger puppets to bookmarks, she's got a variety of fun items.  My favorite might be the St. Apollonia 'tooth fairy' pillow doll.  We've just started losing teeth around here, and that pillow would definitely see a lot of use in our house.  

5. Sweet Baby Items

And some baby stuff that adds a little fun and flare in case you just have a hankering to buy that new little one something special

I love everything from the TheKeenBean, but my favorites have to be the 'mushie' baby shoes.  I don't do baby shoes until at least 1 year old except this type.   The Denim Flower print for girls and the Mustache print for boys are my top picks, but they are ALL totally adorable.  

Mima's Nursery Shoppe has some really sweet baby items such as blankets, burp cloths, drool bibs, and more!  I personally want to try out some swaddle blankets (which also double as great nursing covers on the go) with this baby and my favs from her shop are the Star Swaddle and the Circle Swaddle blankets.  The Dot and Butterfly prints are top picks as well.  

What are some ideas you might add to my list? 

 Care to share any of your favorite little shops?

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Other fun links to shops/items

Blessed Is She has a lovely shop with ALL KINDS of neat stuff: shirts, prints, devotionals.  They have been my go-to shop for Advent and Lent devotionals and I own their "I Found Him Whom My Soul Loves" shirt as well.

I love the headbands and bows from ThinkPinkBows.  

Under Angel Wings has really sweet, childlike paintings of Saints (and other sweet characters) that I adore.  They would be a lovely addition to decorate the kids' rooms.  

BrickHouseintheCity has a large assortment of lovely digital prints, quotes, decor (including a cool G.K. Chesterton quote that dad might really appreciate).  

WhollyHoldford has quotes and beautiful paintings of Saints.  My favorites are the Holy Family and her St. Faustina.  

LittleThingsWorkshop has a bunch of cute cards (I love the Father's Day and Mother's Day card especially) and she has some lovely prints as well.  Now that' we've moved to Colorado, I need someone to request a custom Colorado card set (if only I'd discovered her cute CA ones before we moved!!!)

I love the clothes, swaddle blankets, headbands, hats, and shoes (BOYS and GIRLS) from TesaBabe.  You must check them out--I seriously want it all.  

Over at HoneychildForest, Heather has whimsical decorative items and prints plus some car decals.  

Another shop that has the cutest little felt Saint dolls is OurHeavenlyFriends.  Their happy little smiles make me grin too. 

I also love Rakstar Designs.  She makes some lovely stuff.  Her shop is currently low on stock because she's on maternity leave for a couple months, but my favorite items from her shop are her necklaces.  They are beautiful, unique, and often incorporate Saint medals (totally want to customize some of those for our girls--maybe for First Communion or something...?)




All photos used with permission.
All opinions are my own.  I did not receive product to promote these businesses.  I simply love all these little shops and wish them every success.  God bless!