Marti's Jewelry Box Update - Giveaway

I took some pictures to help Marti with her Jewerly business "Marti's Jewelry Box" and she is now up and running on Etsy!  She closed her Ebay store and is selling soley on Etsy.

I took some pictures for her to use for Etsy.  If you see something in my pictures that is not listed on her store, contact her and she will let you know if she still has some available or is able to make you a new pair.  Check out her new Etsy store here.

You could also try to win a pair for FREE in my giveaway.  One week left. :-)

Veteran's Day

I love this picture.  My brother is in the Army and recently returned from Iraq in August after a year on duty.  My Brother-in-law came home from Afghanistan a few weeks ago...just in time to see his baby girl born (baby #4). :)

A special thanks to all those that have served in the military and a thanks to their family who sacrifices so they can serve.

Tights on Totsy

I love these!  I think I need to invest in some of these tights for Sissy.  She is SO tall and then that I cannot find jeans that fit her right.  I've tried the adjustable waist and that helps to keep them from falling off, but they are so baggy when they fit for length.  If I get a few pairs of thick tights she could wear shorts/skirts in the cooler weather.  You know...those 2 weeks we get in FL.  :P

They are $7.75 on Totsy originally $16.  Check out these and other sales

Zumba Xbox 360 kinect $24.99

Total Price:

$24.99

List Price:

$49.99You Save 50%

Our Price:

$24.99 + FREE SHIPPING

Here

A lot of people I know rave about Zumba.  I've never tried it.  I worry that I would be embarrased by my lack of coordination and dance skills.  I'm a music teacher.  I'm supposed to have good rhythm.  For some reason it just doesn't transfer over to dancing for me.  I saw this deal and thought maybe I could try it at home where only my kid and DH can laugh at me. 

A big family....how big is too big?

I'm sure many of you have heard that the Duggar family is expecting baby #20.  I heard on the radio this morning.  I've only seen a couple epidsodes of their show, so I'm no "Duggar expert."  It really makes you question how many children is too many.  If they are able to take care of them, should they be able to keep having them?  Thankfully, we live in a free country where they are able to have as many children as they want.  I can't say whether it's "right" or not.  It's not my family and I don't feel I have the right to judge them (well...I try not to).

There are so many children born that do not have a good family to raise them.  Some men have more children than they even know about or can count.  I assume all women know how many children they've had. ;)  I guess at least with the Duggars they are taking care of them and they are self sufficient.  I'm sure money from the TV special helps.  I come from a large family and helped take care of younger siblings (my baby brother is in High School).  It's hard being a big sister taking care of younger siblings, but it wasn't devastating to my childhood and I learned a lot about children.  I still became a teacher, so it didn't make me hate taking care of children at all.

Personally, I already feel inadequate as a mother at times.  I have to work and I can't always be with my children all the time.  Though I feel some separation is good, I wish I had more time to spend with my children.  I have to divide my attention between two (who am I kidding...3 counting the hubby) when I am home and with them.  I can't even imagine multiplying that by 10!  I do want to have another child though.  With finances and many other things we've considered, 3 children is probably our limit.  Knowing that if we are blessed with another child it will be our last is helping me be patient.  I'm not ready to have my last baby. 

No matter how exhaused, tired, and overwhelmed I am, I love my family and don't regret one minute!

Do you think the size of a family should be limited?

I think before we limit the size of a family we should look at those wanting more children that can't take care of the family they already have whether it's 1 child or 10.  I'm not just talking financially.  Lots of people have financial hardships arise and are able to overcome that.  My Mom managed to be a young, low income parent and she managed.  I'm talking about financial combined with emotional, physical, and overall well being of the child.

Tattoos

Sissy calls temporary tattoos her "tick tack toes." 

Earrings Giveaway!

Updated pics! :) 

Marti has a reletively new business and sells handmade earrings.  She has some really cute designs for a very low price.  A lot of teachers at my school are very fashionable (everything matches) especially their earrings.  Also, children love it when we dress for different themes (ie Christmas, spirit day, etc), but who has the money to buy tons of different jewelry to match all of the different outfit combinations you may have.  I know a teacher doesn't that's for sure!  These are inexpesive, so if you lose one (which I always do) then it isn't devastating.  They are actually on sale as an introductory rate.  The low price may not last long, so get yours soon!  The metal on the jewelry is made out of silver or is gold plated and the beads are crystal or glass not plastic. 

I've seen similar earings on Etsy for $15-30!

One lucky reader will win a pair of handmade earrings of your choice (priced $7 only) from Marti's Jewelry Box Etsy Store.  Check out her other designs.  There are lots of other designs and other jewelry available (ie matching bracelets, necklaces, etc).  If you see something in the picture above that you like that is not listed in her Etsy store right now, just contact her and she can make more.