Free Desktop Background by Letters from Rita

While I'm enjoying the little guy, my bloggy friends have generously agreed to write guest posts for me! Hope you enjoy!

Hello blog-world-lovelies! I'm Stephanie and my blog Letters from Rita is all about words, doodles & little everyday encouragements. 

While Sarah is off being an awesome new momma, I've conjured up a summer computer background filled with my favorite, fresh colors. Now that I'm a college grad with a full-time job, summers have a different feel to than when I was younger. BUT I always know that iced green tea, my grandparent's lake house, and eating ice cream every Saturday night will always be on my list of things to enjoy! 

I hope you like this little reminder that the best days are yet to come.

Just drag and drop this picture onto your desktop and set as your background!

Scary Things by Beyond My Wildest Dreams

While I'm in "baby mode," some lovely bloggers will be stepping in to guest post for me! (Be sure to leave them some love!) I'll be popping in here and there to share sporadic baby updates with you :). In the meantime, enjoy!!

Do one thing every day that scares you

Hello readers of Yes, Teacher Crafts! Sarah was kind enough to let a newbie like me guest post on her blog and I'm so thankful for the opportunity. I'm Riana and I blog here: 

I'm a 23 year old who loves: all things Disney, running, eating gummy worms, reading, having fun, and has a passion for traveling. 

Today I wanted to share a quote with you that I try to live by, "Do one thing every day that scares you." -Eleanor Roosevelt 

Many times we fear something and then let that fear limit us or hold us back from experiencing something new. Eating, watching, doing, ____________ (insert your choice of verb here) something new can teach us so much about ourselves and the world we live in. We can never learn from that which we don't try. The very thing that scares you could end up being something very rewarding that you truely love and enjoy.  

I know it's not actually feasible to do one thing every day that scares you, but it's more about living every day a little outside of your comfort zone. I never want to live with regrets for not taking full advantage of an opportunity or situation that was given to me. 

Last November I traveled to Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. I had a blast trying new foods, drinks, and experiencing new activities while on vacation. We did a few extreme sports while we were there: atv riding through the jungle, jumping from a ledge into a cenote (a natural pit exposing natural ground water), zip lining, riding jet skis, and repelling. All of these activities were out of my comfort zone because I'm afraid of heights (something to do with falling to my death) and scared of high speeds. Another tourist on vacation said to me, "How often are you in Cancun? Go big or go home." He was right I had to take full advantage of where I was and the activities that were available.

  

Here are some photos from my trip to Cancun: 

I counted to 10 like 20 times before actually jumping. I can't really remember how high it is but I think it's about 100 feet from the water.

The bottom of the cenote. Isn't it pretty? 

Zip lining in the jungle

 Repelling. Idk how I managed to smile, I was sooo scared. I almost decided to skip this part.

You see why though right? You're a zillion feet in the air and there is nothing to set your feet on!! You're holding yourself. See that red rope on the left? In the time it took me to repel down, 4 people whizzed past me.

They told us not to go too fast, I was wayyy under their speed limit. My definition of fast and their definition of fast are two different things. 

  I just threw this one in for fun cause I liked it.

So remember to live each day a little outside of your comfort zone and do something every day that scares you. I'd love it if you stopped by my blog and checked it out!

Welcome Home, Baby!

I've been busy with our little bundle of joy! But so lucky with family in town to help at every turn!

We left the hospital on Saturday.

And came home to festive balloons!

I've been doing a LOT of nursing, and yesterday, William had his first bath!

My favorite is relaxing with my little man :)

Baby's Future by MoonbeamWishes

While I'm in "baby mode," some lovely bloggers will be stepping in to guest post for me! (Be sure to leave them some love!) I'll be popping in here and there to share sporadic baby updates with you :). In the meantime, enjoy!!

Hello Yes Teacher readers!! My name is Ms. Megan and I blog over at MOONBEAMWISHES. When Sarah asked for guest posts a few weeks back I jumped at the chance to do a Tickle Me Tuesday post. I love finding things around the internet/Etsy and sharing my likes/loves. So when it was time for me to round up my favorite things I knew I wanted it to be all about Sarah's little boy. I often wonder what lies ahead in my life and the lives of loved ones + friends around me and as Sarah is a dear friend I couldn't help but wonder what her little boy will be when he grows up and where his life will lead him. Enjoy >>>

1. He will become a famous writer. Write stories that will make him so famous people talk about him in the same breath as Stephen King or Charles Dickens. They will be so inspiring and thought provoking that English teachers will assign their students to read his book for class. Of course he will also win awards for his novels/short stories (he will do both of course!) and  go on to influence many through his written word. //Typewriter found HERE at NAMAKI//

2. He will become a famous painter! He will draw landscapes, portraits and places he has dreamed about. He will travel all over the world painting and his work will be so beautiful and moving that it will hang in museums and, for a large sum of money, in some peoples houses. //Paintbrushes found HERE at PRECIOUS WISHES//

3. He will decide to peruse archaeology and will end up traveling to various places, islands, continents to find what he can unearth. He will find a new species of bird, wolf and dinosaur and his discoveries will re-write history books! //Archaeology set found HERE at ARTEMIS JANE//

3. He will be a teacher, just like his mom. He will influence young minds and when they grow up they will have him to thank for their knowledge and wisdom. He will make the difference in peoples lives. //Chalkboard found HERE at JOLLY TIME ONE//

He could also, for course, be a myriad of other things too: A doctor, a little league coach, a baseball player, a basketball player, he could be a tennis player and win Wimbledon, he could be a deep sea diver, a Captain, a fireman,  an accountant or a husband and a dad.

Whatever he chooses to be when he grows up I know he will succeed because he was brought up by two loving parents who will support him no matter what.

Fashion Forward from ModaMama

 While I'm in "baby mode," some lovely bloggers will be stepping in to guest post for me! (Be sure to leave them some love!) I'll be popping in here and there to share sporadic baby updates with you :). In the meantime, enjoy!!

Hi guys!  I'm Joanna from ModaMama, and I really suck at writing guest post introductions about myself.  So here's me in a nutshell: Mama, actor, photographer, tv host, wanna-be fashion blogger, and an epic failure at making spaghetti.  Yeah, I know of all things! *sigh*  Sooo...that's kinda me.  Oh, and that's me in the picture there too...and in every other picture. Maybe I should add narcissist to that list?  *stop rambling, Jo*  Anyway, onto the fashion. 

Do you know what I love about fashion? *other than the cute clothes and pretty things of course*  What I love about fashion is its ability to make you grow, change, and take you to unexpected places.  I know that's putting a lot of meaning into the things that keep us from walking down the street naked, but that's what it's been doing for me lately.

Let's rewind.

Several years ago you'd be hard pressed to find me in anything other than black.  I just didn't have confidence in who I was and what I was capable of, so I thought it was easier to stick to a simple black silhouette.  As I've gotten a little older and gone through some things, I've become more confident in who I am as a woman and what I have to offer, and I've tried new things, first in fashion, then in life.

Now you'd be hard pressed to find black in my closet.  It's there mind you, it's just hidden among the sea of colors, pattern, shapes and styles.  I still don't know who I am sartorially speaking - one day geeky, the next bohemian, etc. - but I've realized that my fashion can be fun, unexpected, and that I don't have to be too concerned about the message I'm sending, or not sending.  I used to over-analyze.  Now I play...and I love where that attitude has taken me.

I would not have expected my favorite pair of pants to be skinny, black velvet! Nor would I have thought that I would be drooling over a fringe shirt.   But they are, and I was!   I love that getting a Peter Pan collar shirt as a hand me down, made me say, "Who cares if I look too cute for a grown woman and mother!  That's what I like today." 

This sartorial attitude has changed, or perhaps reflected,  my general attitude.  I've become more open to trying things, even if they make me nervous or scared.  There have been some mistakes, but the successes have far outweighed them.  Some of my successes have been photo shoots of fictional characters like "Nadia" and "Dawn," producing films/series *here*, and running a series called Mamahood Exposed, through which I've met some incredible women and heard some amazing and hilarious honest stories.  I can't wait to see what happens next!  Thanks for listening to my ramblings.  I'd be pleased as punch if you came to hang out with me on ModaMama.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on fashion! 

p.s. See that little fashionista diva there?  Yeah, she's on ModaMama a lot too. 

p.p.s. My best advice to new Mamas and Papas:  Get rest whenever you can, forget the housework as much as you can 'cause no one should judge you, and crying like a maniac on a daily basis in the first two months is totally acceptable!  You're grieving the loss of your old life, trying to manage the new life and the new feelings, along with crazy hormones doing the funky chicken inside your body.  

He's Here! Introducing...

Our son, William Edward:

Born 6/21/2012

7lbs 4oz

19 inches long

Twelve hours of labor and two weeks early! (Hallelujiah and Amen!)

Black hair and dark blue eyes (for now)

We're all exhausted but HAPPY and doing well!

Can't wait to write more about it in detail in the weeks to come. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the fabulous guest posters I have lined up!

(PS: Have you entered the two giveaways yet here and here? Ending soon!)

Just Because I Can

So here's the thing. Do I actually *need* embellished burp cloths? Pretty containers? Cute travel changing pads? No. But do I *want* them? Yes. I just couldn't help myself:

Burp cloth tutorial here.

Haha! Do you think I made enough of them?

I wrapped these plastic containers to hold both reusable and disposable nursing pads. Do you like the water droplet paper I used? It's my own inside joke :)

I made three travel changing pads from this super easy tutorial. They're made from a vinyl tablecloth (so easy to clean!) that cost $3.25 at Big Lots!

I'll be giving this one to a friend!

There's one more sewing project I'll be trying to do before the baby comes (this floor pouf). So far, I've had a lot of fun putting my crafty powers to good use!!

Baby Bumpdate: 38 Weeks

Only two weeks away from my due date! Here's the latest:

New this week: the swelling. OH THE SWELLING! My ankles are simply monstrous.

Also? Feeling like I need to pee All. The. Time. At what point should I just give in and get adult diapers?! (Joking - kind of.)

My mom is flying into town this weekend and my dad will be following by car a few days later - they'll be here for a month! I'll be the luckiest new mom in the world ;)

Starting next week, I have some fabulous guest posts lined up, so stay tuned!

Getting Spoiled

I received a lovely package from Ms. Megan last week! I would have included pictures of the delightful wrapping job, but I tore into too quick (oops!). Here's what was inside:

ADORABLE hoop art! It's going to look fabulous in the nursery!

(She sells her beautiful work here!)

This darling necklace: MERE means "mother" in French. How sweet of her to remember that France is part of my home!!

Lovely note cards from her shop! I just know I'll find lots of uses for these!

Thank you so much Megan!! I truly feel spoiled by my bloggy friends!

Tickle Me Tuesday, 74th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Tickle Me Tuesdays, where we all share what's been tickling our fancy!


**NOTE: This will be the last Tickle Me Tuesday link up post for a while! I hope to bring it back once Baby arrives and we have figured out some sort of routine :). Thanks for your patience and participation!!**

If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
  

1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)

2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)

3. Come back here and link up your blog post!  

4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!

Dictionary Art Print from The Rushing Rabbit

Retro Bandaids from House 8810

Bird Vase from Asleep from Day

Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy lately?

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a>

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: The Chatty Mommy

I'm so happy to introduce Rachel from The Chatty Mommy. Isn't her family just lovely?

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Rachel loves  chatting about the kids, the household, the husband and the Lord who makes it all possible.

AND!! She's giving away TWO MONTHS of ad space on her blog!!

(This giveaway is open worldwide until Sunday, June 24th at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Good luck!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet and Greet: Kara from Snugly Duckling

If you don't know sweet Kara from Snugly Duckling, you're missing out! She's a charming new blogger... I'll let her do the rest of the talking!

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

What's your favorite thing about blogging?

My absolute favorite thing about blogging is gaining more followers. I feel more and more blessed when I see a new follower and so shocked that so many people care about what I have to say. I can't wait to meet even more great bloggers out there!

What's your favorite thing about summer?

My favorite part of summer is definitely beach time! We only live a few hours away so we try to get out there as often as possible. I must say though, my tan could use way more work!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Jac & Elsie

I'm so excited to introduce Jaclyn to you today! She sells beautiful jewelry in her shop (Jac & Elsie) like these beautiful cameo lockets:

Here she is!

"ShaggaLikesAxes" --  The beau and I were very excited when the second season of "Game of Thrones" started on April 1. I went on a rampage through the house to find a "costume." I found this hat (from an old Haloween costume, I think he was a viking?), and the beau brought me a hatchet. This is me being intimidating.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

My favorite thing about selling on Etsy is how it indulges something I so love to do. I found out I enjoyed making jewelry on something of a whim, and being able to sell online keeps my stock down so I'm not left with hundreds of pieces I could never wear. Plus, I'm a newspaper reporter by day, and considering how down that industry is, it's very nice knowing I have an -- albeit, small -- supplement to my income. (I know that's the thing you're never supposed to say about selling online, but it's true.)

What's your favorite thing about summer?

My favorite thing about the summer is the weather. You know that heat you feel when you get into your car after it's been parked in the sun all day? That sweltering air you can actually grab hold of that makes you sweat your face off? Yeah, I love that feeling. I'm a total freeze baby, and wind and cold make me angry. What am I doing living in the Midwest?

**COUPON ALERT**

Guess what? Discount code: 14yesteacher23 entered at checkout will get free shipping. Good on everything in the shop except items in the "fundraiser pieces" section.

**GIVEAWAY**

Jaclyn is giving away YOUR CHOICE of one of the two necklaces pictured above. Aren't they lovely? This giveaway is open worldwide and will end on Sunday, June 24th at 11:59 PM. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is chosen. Follow the simple steps below to enter! 


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Meet and Greet: Geeky and Sassy

I'm so thrilled to highlight my wonderful sponsors today! First up is Virginia from Geeky and Sassy. She is a lovely and uplifting blogger... I hope you'll leave her some love!

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

My name is Virginia aka V.  I love to write and share what God has done and is continuing to do in my life.  Sharing my struggles and finding joy in the small things let people know they're not alone.  Nobody is perfect and we shouldn't have that expectation.  I don't have all of the answers, but I like to share what I'm learning or working through.  

Michigan summers make the winters worth it.  The beach, family get-togethers outdoors and the weather is amazing.  The quality of my days are usually judged by how many baths my kids get after playing in the dirt.  (The better days they get 3). 

Something Special

I can't believe that in less than two months, hubby and I will be celebrating our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Oh man.... I know we got married at 20, but this makes me feel old just the same!

Before we got pregnant, we had been planning a wild and exciting trip to commemorate this special day: traveling to Central or South America, for example. We had tens of thousands of frequent flyer miles in the bank and ready to go.

Well.... needless to say, we won't be globe-trekking this August - I think the baby would notice we were gone and miss us just a bit :)

BUT! Just because we won't be in South America on an anniversary adventure doesn't mean that we can't try to make it special in some way. Luckily for us, my in-laws will be in town that day so I'm hoping we can at least go out for a special dinner!

Another way to make it special? Pretty jewelry from Anjolee! They have a beautiful selection of diamond anniversary rings, diamond pendants, and diamond engagement rings. I received this lovely heart shaped pendant that I can't wait to wear on our special night:

I have a feeling it will look stunning with a little black dress!

What about you? Do you have any pieces of jewelry that you wear for special occasions?

Date "Night"

Do you have a regular date night? My parents did (and still do!) and they're pretty religious about it - Thursday nights were always sacred to them.

Max and I don't have a specific day set aside... we do things sporadically and spontaneously. We are masters of what I call the "errand date": when you go out to run an errand together, but then make a point to stop somewhere and enjoy a shake/frozen yogurt/coffee somewhere and just chat.

But just last Saturday, we decided to do a date "night" (we rarely go out in the evenings - everything is cheaper during the day, haha!). We ate at Chipotle's, and then went to see a matinee: What to Expect When You're Expecting.

We very much enjoyed this movie - I'm not sure if it's because we are right in the middle of this time in our lives, or what?! But we laughed a lot!

I have a feeling that getting away for date nights is going to become even more important once the little one arrives. We may have to be more intentional about it in the near future!

What about you? Do you do date nights?

The Temporary Nursery

Today, I'm excited to show you our temporary nursery. Why is it temporary? Because we need our actual nursery room to stay a guest room for the first two months or so to accommodate our families. We'll be having a steady stream of family members stay with us from out of state. I'm excited to see everyone (and for all the help!)

Anyways, while I have been busy decorating the walls of the actual nursery (those pictures will come at a later date), we've also been setting up the practical side of things in our master bedroom. It took us my husband the better part of two hours to make everything fit right. Here are some pictures:

Adorable plushies from See Kate Sew

Matching crib sheets and changing pad cover from Land of Nod 

(via a sweet deal at a consignment sale!)

Beautiful blanket my aunt crocheted for Baby

Rocking chair from Costco

True story: when you sit in the rocking chair, you have a perfect view of the bed. Which means when I'm nursing in the middle of the night, I'll be able watch Max resentfully lovingly as he sleeps...

I'm happy with our temporary nursery arrangement and I hope it will end up being as practical and functional as we envision it in our heads! Three more weeks and we'll find out ;)