tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19248659421924490692012-01-30T18:46:02.163-05:00One moment changes your life forever, and thus is born your new habit.crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comBlogger1521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-60587651922040889112012-01-28T10:36:00.001-05:002012-01-28T10:38:57.926-05:00

1 3/4 cup almond milk 3/4 cup egg substitute or 3 eggs Kale leaves (I use about half a bunch but start with less and experiment to your likeness) 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil) 1 teasoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups whole wheat flour (I use buckwheat to be gluten free. Can also mix flours...experiment with coconut, amaranth, etc flours) 2 teaspoons baking powder

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-87822791964234776412011-11-01T09:26:00.000-04:002011-11-01T09:26:36.165-04:00

With all the goings on around here, it's really hard to keep up a blog. I'm really not sure how other moms do it. Moms? Advice? Finn is now 14 months old, and he's so active! Between playing/learning with him, cooking all of our food daily, designing a monthly magazine from home, marketing for Little Lion and doing artwork for Little Lion ... I barely get time to shower, let alone blog. So, the

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-76975137664364858262011-09-15T23:33:00.001-04:002011-09-15T23:33:40.886-04:00

Family is the most beautiful and fulfilling thing. My daughter gave me life. My husband gave me hope. My son gave me "the now". My family ... My life raft. My prayer is to be something major to them, in return. They are the stuff that makes the world go round. Love. Life. Joy. I am a blessed woman. Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-90400882583572737252011-08-25T12:15:00.000-04:002011-08-25T12:15:45.951-04:00

Finn is now 1! I can hardly believe it. Seems like yesterday he was this little teensy peanut. Finn's first day. I can hardly believe how much he knows already. I think he's smarter than me. He picks up things that I never would have realized that he was picking up. I caught him brushing his own hair the other day. When I saw it, I said, "are you brushing your own hair??? Can you brush

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-47391484007772501072011-08-04T18:15:00.000-04:002011-08-04T18:15:41.242-04:00

Need a gift? Want something for yourself? There are tons of goodies at the Have a Heart: Auction for Operation Healing Hearts! Little Lion Designs (my company) has donated my signature lion collage, which will be one of the many items available to bid on. Bid on me and save a life! In Iraq, 30,000 kids are waiting on life-saving surgery. Only a tiny fraction will get those surgeries.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-33749637742727933022011-07-27T11:56:00.000-04:002011-07-27T11:56:29.896-04:00

So, I totally skipped over the 10 month update. It went so fast, and we are so so so busy right now, that it went by the wayside. BUT, that just gives me more to report now. I can hardly believe this is the last monthly update before he turns one. Time flies! But he just keeps getting more fun with age. The biggest news to report is that Finn walks now! He doesn't walk far, but he'll go from

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-19276233282290976962011-07-27T09:53:00.000-04:002011-07-27T09:53:16.873-04:00

As all of you know, we lost our daughter to a congenital heart defect in July of 2009. Since then, I've made it my priority to focus on my family. This required a career shift so that my creative efforts could benefit children affected by congenital heart defects. Since starting Little Lion Designs, I've been blessed to be able to raise hundreds of dollars for chd research. Very little dollars

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-47115048306178249132011-07-02T21:43:00.001-04:002011-07-02T21:43:20.529-04:00

Dear kk, you are loved more than you will know. Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-90270115492667891802011-06-16T14:59:00.001-04:002011-06-16T15:01:46.327-04:00

My Kota love. Shakota, For years (14 years and 6 days, to be exact) you loved me. You hated all others who came between me and you, which was EVERYONE, in your eyes. I didn't mind. It made me feel special. I loved how you'd sit behind me in my office chair. You comfy back there? You always found a way to be near me or on me, no matter what. Even when I was pregnant, my belly couldn't get in

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-81134254838556260332011-06-10T09:55:00.002-04:002011-06-10T09:55:47.353-04:00

This is a good thing to remember always. I always quote this to myself when I start to get a little angry at someone I love. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-66531581496359184542011-06-09T08:35:00.002-04:002011-06-15T11:09:55.444-04:00

June 9, 2009....minutes before they took her to open heart surgery. June 9, 2009....minutes before they took her to open heart surgery. Two years ago, right now, I was saying goodbye to my little girl. She was on her way to open heart surgery. Little did i know the surgeon I trusted her life with would botch the surgery and leave her lifeless 3 weeks later. My birthday will always be a

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-33335196722058589142011-05-30T09:49:00.000-04:002011-05-30T09:49:34.019-04:00

Kaia & Daddy, one week post-op. My baby girl's 2nd birthday is today. She's celebrating in heaven. I ask that any of you who feel generosity in your hearts, please donate what you would have paid for a gift for her, to the Children's Heart Foundation's Heart Walk in September. I've set up a team and have a donation goal of $2000. We are already at $640! Over 25% there! Even $5 will help. If

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-24931762631349286172011-05-30T09:37:00.002-04:002011-05-30T09:56:21.522-04:00

Dear Kaia, I miss you! I love you! I want to make those things clear. Papa and I just laid in bed at 9:16 and remembered the moment when you entered our lives. We were so scared, but had no idea the real fear was to come when your heart started to stop. Now it's two years later, and look how much you've grown us! Papa, brother Finny and I are going to the beach today to celebrate you, as a

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-56537314010002899742011-05-25T10:27:00.002-04:002011-05-25T10:30:43.538-04:00

Look at this amazing shot my friend Shannon Miller got of my two main men. She's incredible! Check her out at http://shannonmillerphoto.blogspot.com. She also did the shots from Finn's first photoshoot.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-15325840988757800112011-05-24T18:57:00.000-04:002011-05-24T18:57:40.559-04:00

What fun. Nobody told me it would be this fun to be a parent. Holy moly. So, Finn is crawling like a champ. He's now added cruising to his repertoire. In seconds he's off and pulling himself up on tables and chairs and plants (to my misfortune). He stands well but still has to hold on with at least one hand. Walking is just around the corner. Changing a diaper is next to impossible. This is what

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-42658346519070840762011-05-12T08:12:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:27:37.188-04:00

My weekend started on Friday, when my amazingly awesome stepmom drove here from PA just to spend a few hours with me and Finn. It was such a nice surprise to have her come. She's been such a huge support in my life, and it was so nice to spend part of Mother's Day weekend with her. Last Mother's Day was hard for me because it was my first Mother's Day, only I didn't have my daughter here on

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-91927676527854638172011-04-26T12:35:00.000-04:002011-04-26T12:35:26.136-04:00

Finn turned 8 months on Saturday. We spent the day in Pennsylvania at my Aunt Jodi's house. Finn's two cousins, Lilly and Tyler, were there. It was such a nice day with family, and it went way too fast. Here's some pics! The newbie, Lilly. This is my cousin Beth's daughter. Gram, Lilly & I. Finn's first Easter egg. He tried to eat it. Finn likes to make kissy faces and drool. He

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-30185292972212126652011-03-24T10:25:00.003-04:002011-04-15T20:27:21.589-04:00

The Troubadours of Divine Bliss is a musical group consisting of two amazing women who travel the world and spread mighty kindness and messages of love and inspiration through their music. They began to touch my life almost a decade ago. In trying times, I lean on their music to remind me of what is important, who I want to be, and the peace and kindness I want my life revolving around. Last

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-55713806011981470862011-03-23T10:26:00.001-04:002011-03-24T10:42:11.577-04:00

Oh my oh my oh my! He's over the halfway mark! What a big dude! He is just too damn cute. I can't stand it. He's at this adorable stage of laying his head on you when he's sleepy. He likes to nuzzle. Sitting is such a strong suit now. I no longer need to build a wall of pillows in case of a tumble. The forward lunge is happening, and I keep waiting for that crawl to come! Where is it? Finn now

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-37499337722802365462011-03-22T14:06:00.001-04:002011-03-22T14:11:15.302-04:00

I finally opened my Artfire account. You can see all the artwork I currently have available for instant purchase. You can also contact me for special order requests. Here's a link to my shop littleliondesigns - ArtFire Artisan Studio. Of course, you can always still shop at my etsy site. However, my etsy site has all of my options on there, not just the items I currently have in stock.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-52878043210174054482011-03-20T09:16:00.000-04:002011-03-20T09:16:54.115-04:00

On September 17th, there is a CHD walk right here in NE Ohio! I've put a Krew together to walk this event. So far, there really isn't much of a Krew though. That's where you come in! We need to raise (my goal) $2,000! Won't you please consider a small donation? Kaia's short life was so big in so many ways. If she touched your life at all or changed you in any way, can you consider giving back

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-81276006147116447972011-03-20T08:41:00.000-04:002011-03-20T08:41:09.220-04:00

Stop it already. Save yourself. Save your planet. Save your children and grandchildren. Just stop it already!

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-15595336576118846282011-02-25T23:40:00.001-05:002011-02-26T10:08:42.213-05:00

Holy moly, time flies. It's been half of a year since my little darling was born. I can hardly believe just how far he's come in such a short time. He went from being my little bean to a big boy....from only being able to cry, to mostly laughing and learning. Look at him so small, the day after he was born. This is my grandmother holding my little man (my dad is filming). I used to be able to

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-78391256103474840502011-02-11T13:35:00.002-05:002011-02-11T17:11:59.038-05:00

Go browns! even steelers fans can't hate me cuz I'm too cute. I tooted! I love to giggle! try not to love me drunk off oatmeal my new high chair came! My little man is growing so fast, I'm already ready for another baby. ;) Finn is doing so much these days, it's hard to keep up. He rolls over and around. He has favorite toys and loves to drop things. He believes nothing should

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-6331718134024011532011-02-09T10:44:00.000-05:002011-02-09T10:44:20.277-05:00

So, I've been knee deep in work for a bit. It seems like it anyway, but I'm sure it's because I'm also full-time mommy-ing it to my 5 month old. ;) Been getting a lot of animal portrait requests, and I wanted to share these adorable pooches & kitties. Some sad stories, some happy, but all cute as can be. Portraits range in size. Sizes can be seen in any of my etsy listings at http://

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-78990065869718250872011-01-17T15:18:00.000-05:002011-01-17T15:18:40.467-05:00

That is all. I have cast you under my spell....my spell of cuteness!

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-49980810185667126212010-12-23T13:12:00.000-05:002010-12-23T13:26:39.185-05:00

I love saying "my kids". I can't describe the feeling that gives me inside. Such a proud statement. ;) I came across this pic of Kaia yesterday and realized we have the exact pic of Finn. Can you tell which is which? Finn and Kaia looked almost identical at birth. Finn just looks like a boy version of her. I'm in love with my family. Disgustingly in love with them. Typical mother hen. lol.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-83324944362059340142010-12-23T13:09:00.000-05:002010-12-23T13:26:31.500-05:00

Wowie Zowie! Finn is 4 months old today. And just like the little bugger he is, he waiting until today to grab his feet for the first time. Heck yeah! I've been trying to get him to do this for a long time now. I talk into his feet, and he loves it. Giggles and giggles. Tried to get a photo of him grabbing them, but he never cooperates with that. So, here's in between grabs! Little dude is now

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-90252892605853601312010-12-20T22:11:00.000-05:002010-12-23T13:26:31.501-05:00

Finn had his first real road trip. We trekked it to VA Beach for my cousin's wedding. Finn did amazing in the car and LOVED socializing with everyone. We've come to learn that Finn has a rough time sleeping (meaning he just won't do it) if there is ANYTHING at all going on around him. He's got to be in the action at all times. My cousin was in the Navy. So we found it appropriate to put the

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-21654417152632115122010-12-20T16:45:00.001-05:002010-12-23T13:26:31.502-05:00

Look at these. I finally did it. Finnegan's hand and footprints.... I meant to do this when he was first born, but, let's face it, NOTHING gets done when  you have a newborn. A good friend of mine, Galen, sent a wonderful little gift package for Finn. She makes some really amazing things for kids and some pretty nifty adult invitations and such too. Check out her etsy shop. One of the things she

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-45732985187858879642010-11-30T22:30:00.001-05:002010-12-23T13:26:31.503-05:00

Swimming on the bed. HOLY MOLY time flies! Finn is 3 months old, and I feel like I have a toddler already. I'm sure those with toddlers are saying, "you just wait, woman." But he is SO BIG. He weighs almost 13 lbs and is like 8 feet tall now. ;) I am so amazed each day by how much he learns. He literally wakes up every day with a new talent. I swear he learns them in his dreams. Sometimes he

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-24062605222103260182010-11-17T18:27:00.003-05:002010-12-23T13:26:31.504-05:00

my cutie patootie son He's quite the model! My good friend Shannon offered to shoot him, and, of course I jumped at the opportunity! She did an amazing job! In fact, I would highly recommend her if any of you need photos for ANYTHING (she does it all!). Check out her blog http://shannonmillerphoto.blogspot.com Just look at this amazingness! Don't you just want to eat him and squeeze him and

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-69974015201731144952010-11-17T18:07:00.002-05:002010-11-18T11:49:14.771-05:00

I was just flipping through channels and, to my surprise, heard the name "Dr. Ross Ungerleider" mentioned. Holy moses! That was Kaia's surgeon. He was on this show on the Discovery Chanel called "NICU". Apparently, the show went to University Hospitals in Cleveland to shoot this episode about a heart baby and her surgery....the same place Kaia had her surgery. I found it quite interesting that,

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-77509073483054409852010-11-09T15:04:00.000-05:002010-11-09T15:04:47.204-05:00

Well, I finally did it. I finally got prints of my artwork made and ready to sell. Get any one of your favorite LLD pieces now in an 8x10 matted print. These prints are matted to 11x14, and have a crisp black bevel. They come complete with backing and in a bag with the title of the piece and artist's signature on the front and an LLD sticker on the back. They are GORGEOUS! You can see the details

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-61523293643069134702010-11-07T21:27:00.000-05:002010-11-07T21:27:23.497-05:00

I need not say a word. Total gangsta cuteness! Wha wha??!!

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-83949303419203959292010-11-07T21:18:00.001-05:002010-11-07T21:20:26.332-05:00

I'm so behind on my updates. About a month ago we headed to PA to see my Grandparents before they headed to Florida for the winter. It was so great to have four generations of us together. Having kids has shown me the importance of family, and I cherish these moments. What an amazing thing to ssee my grandparents hold my son. Pictures! Pictures! Finnegan and his Great Grandma Finnegan and

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-21045279668942575172010-10-09T11:01:00.000-04:002010-10-09T11:01:27.641-04:00

It's posts like these that make me long for this in my own life. This mother truly supports her daughter, and it's a beautiful ode to motherhood. God bless this mother and her devotion to her child. I aim to be this to my own children. letter to my daughter in wake of tragedy

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-5100456326015649292010-10-07T12:57:00.000-04:002010-10-07T12:57:52.276-04:00

Finn is now 6 weeks old. He's growing so big so fast. I've been so caught up in taking care of him that I haven't been able to keep up on what's going on in the CHD world. Yesterday I logged on just to catch up. My heart broke to find out that nine babies...NINE...lost their lives in one week. I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about Kaia so much more since Finn arrived. I've cried more

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-29999074869512917902010-09-24T19:40:00.000-04:002010-09-24T19:40:46.369-04:00

Of course we had to take Finn to our favorite beach (Huntington Beach, Bay Village, Oh). He loved it! We took a nap in the shade while daddy swam. What a lovely day!    

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-75165064956352980662010-09-24T19:32:00.000-04:002010-09-24T19:32:52.056-04:00

Anyone out there able to tell me how to get the face in focus when everything else isn't? I can't figure it out on my camera. Sometimes it does it. Sometimes it doesn't. Here's some shots of Finn and his Peace blankie.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-33861707384962674282010-09-20T11:36:00.002-04:002010-09-20T11:52:16.163-04:00

Finn is one month old! I can hardly believe how fast that went by! I am amazed by my little buddy, over and over and over, all day long, every day. I could stare at him for eternity and never get bored. Here's some pics from his birthday morning in the sun. Finn and Kaia's lion Looking sweet and cuddly Trying to look out the window to see what's going on in the world.  The beginning

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-20876185982189595402010-09-13T13:03:00.001-04:002010-09-13T13:03:48.768-04:00

Just in time for Finn's 3rd week birthday. :) I'm a huge fan of http://www.etsystalker.com. They feature some amazing artisans that I would never have found otherwise. They're all people like you and me, trying to sell their wares on etsy. One day, I grabbed my courage and asked her if she would consider featuring me. She agreed! And today, there's an interview and a giveaway right here (click

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-67809859258452092062010-08-30T19:06:00.000-04:002010-08-30T19:06:49.693-04:00

Our precious son, Finn, was born August 23 at 7:39 am. After two full days (roughly 48 hours of labor), he decided to come by c-section because his heart was not tolerating labor anymore. My kids just don't fit through my body, which is okay. We're just glad he's okay and is here and gorgeous. Finn weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 19 inches long. We knew that ultrasound doctor was wrong in his

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-73053809297483169952010-08-14T19:42:00.001-04:002010-08-14T19:43:36.563-04:00

I saw this quote today, and it just stuck with me: "They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself" - Andy Warhol I like it. I believe it. :)  Today is baby Urban's due date. Sigh....no sign of him/her yet. On a productive note, I put more pieces up on etsy today. Check em out by clicking here. Or visit my facebook page! Here are some of my latest

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-26737623873365331772010-08-12T18:17:00.000-04:002010-08-12T18:17:48.176-04:00

I saw this today on 1 in 100's facebook page and had to share. It's so true, and some people need this advice. Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself. ;) "Do not judge the bereaved mother. She comes in many forms. She is breathing, but she is dying. She may look young, but inside she has become ancient. She smiles, but her heart sobs. She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans, she works, she

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-15279880630299323402010-08-05T14:00:00.000-04:002010-08-05T19:54:35.175-04:00

Today is the day I said "I do" to my amazing husband, one year ago. I cannot believe it's been a year already! We have become such a team, we truly have "become one". I thank God every day for Eric. He's my best friend, such a supportive partner, a voice of reason (when my head gets wacky!) and such a positive person to walk this path of life we are on. PLUS, he gave me the two greatest gifts of

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-9068395582488889742010-07-29T20:04:00.000-04:002010-07-29T20:04:15.674-04:00

Well, I'll be 38 weeks pregnant on Saturday. I cannot believe how fast time flies! There has been so much that's happened over the past 9 months, and there's so much more to come! Eric and I have been keeping cool by taking a lot of beach trips! Luckily, Huntington Beach is only a few minutes from our house. I think we've spent all of the 90+ degree days in the lake. Eric took pictures of me in

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-85155080933400161772010-07-16T22:10:00.000-04:002010-07-16T22:10:51.946-04:00

I'm so proud to announce this. Little Lion Designs will be gracing the walls of The Root Cafe in Lakewood during the month of August. I can't tell you how much I love this place! They are deeply rooted in the community and supporting local farmers and the environment. They are mindful of waste and even their coffee cup lids are compostable. Their food comes from local farms, etc etc. I could go

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-14262760595845293902010-07-12T14:44:00.001-04:002010-07-12T14:45:30.130-04:00

Hello all! This Saturday, from 12-5pm, there is an art show being put on by the Cleveland Craft Coalition. Little Lion Designs will be there, along with 20 other local artisans, selling their wares. The show is called the "True Colors: Exposed" show and is located at two Lakewood locations (right next to each other). LLD will be selling tons of artwork, some at discounted prices, at River Colors

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-79158190843301265112010-07-08T19:26:00.001-04:002010-07-08T19:26:38.714-04:00

The response to the give-a-ways has been amazing! One has ended, but the other is still going, as far as I know. Here's the link if you want to enter: http://thedebroffdebrief.momcentral.com. I'm in tears reading these comments. I want you all to know that I am reading, and I thank you for your heartfelt words. They encourage us every day, to live, laugh and love. You all truly bless my life.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-51259179795960335882010-07-03T12:20:00.001-04:002010-07-03T12:21:22.547-04:00

Wow, yesterday was a tough day. Today has been rough too, as I sift through all the wonderful heartfelt messages we've received from those touched by Kaia's story. Thank you all for lighting candles and sharing the night with thoughts of her. It means so much to us! I received a wonderful gift in my email yesterday. A good friend of mine has been behind the scenes, working on getting our story

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-72508460649726429562010-07-02T11:07:00.003-04:002010-07-02T11:16:40.863-04:00

Two days ago, I was driving your little brother or sister to St. John's for his/her 33 week check-up. As I was nearing the hospital, I heard an ambulance siren. I looked in my rearview, and there were the lights. An ambulance was going to the same hospital that I was. This is the hospital where you were born. All of a sudden, this wave of emotion came over me. The last time I was here and heard

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-65206307009711890482010-06-29T11:22:00.001-04:002010-06-29T11:22:32.617-04:00

new commenting system test.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-29569444191345729842010-06-28T12:07:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:33:23.465-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've updated about Eric and I and baby Urban. I just finished this piece for someone, and it reminded me of our family. I can't believe we'll be a family of 4! Kaia might not be physically here, but she's definitely here! It's summer, and we've been really working hard to prepare for our new addition. Baby Urban is growing very well. In my last post about us, we had

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-90883230785395023242010-06-28T09:57:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:31:43.966-04:00

Win win win!!!! Did I get your attention? You can win a Little Lion piece! How? Well, I'll tell ya! It's super simple. Just go to the fabulous monsterbites365.com website and read this blog "Hear Us Roar!" (click to be taken directly there). All you have to do is follow the link and comment on that blog post by telling them what animal you associate with a specific personality trait – Little

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-11402502999844693732010-06-20T17:01:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:30:33.970-04:00

Hey all! I've been truckin' along with art and wanted to share some adult pieces I have done recently. Visit my etsy site (click here) to purchase available art or to special order a piece.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-23492492057717740592010-06-13T15:06:00.000-04:002010-06-13T15:06:05.499-04:00

Does anyone have issues with some spammer out there trying to post comments on your blog that's a bunch of Chinese lettering, which is a link to something? I've never clicked on it because I don't want to know what that link leads to. But I have to monitor all my comments, and I require a captcha. So, it's an actual person putting them up, which I just keep rejecting. But they are insistent. And

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-51571287122456782682010-06-08T12:06:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:30:33.971-04:00

New pieces are up at www.facebook.com/littleliondesigns and www.littleliondesigns.etsy.com. They're also on my website at www.littleliondesigns.com.  Reminder that my show is running all of June at Bela Dubby. Bela Dubby hours and location are located here.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-12998799852482844922010-06-05T18:03:00.001-04:002010-06-05T18:03:46.658-04:00

I'd like to take a minute to ask for some prayers for a very special mom, Jenna Evans. I don't know her, but I do know her story through some heart moms. Jenna lost her daughter, Bentley on April 6th of this year. Bentley had Holoprosencephaly and lived only 4 months. Bentley had an older sister named Hailey, Jenna's other daughter. Hailey passed away just yesterday from meningitis, completely

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-11670875781685496112010-06-03T19:43:00.002-04:002010-06-28T12:32:05.133-04:00

Well, it's officially up! My first big show is now up at Bela Dubby in Lakewood. Bela Dubby is located at 13321 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH. I have 21 pieces up there now and am bringing in 2 more over the weekend. This Saturday there is a big arts and crafts exhibit there. It's on Saturday the 5th from 12-??. It would be a great time to go shopping for local art. :) Be sure to pick up a CHD fact

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-66013156266265775962010-05-30T10:12:00.000-04:002010-05-30T10:12:52.603-04:00

Today, last year, at 9:16 in the morning, Miss Kaia Belle Urban made her debut into the world weighing 6 lbs 9 oz and measuring 18.5 inches long. Today would have been her one year birthday. Kaia, I miss you more than words could ever explain. I can't believe how much our lives have changed because of you. And I know that your lifetime of work was done in only 34 days, and then you were allowed

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-62840050339185439262010-05-24T09:29:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:32:05.135-04:00

Hello all! The June show at Bela Dubby on Madison Ave. in Lakewood, Ohio will be going up the morning of June 1! I'm letting you all know that it will be up the entire month of June, just in case you were unable to make it to the opening on June 12 from 5-8. For Bela Dubby or the June 12th opening party info, please see this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/?act=56148047#!/

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-22944069309481879482010-05-16T13:00:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:30:33.975-04:00

Please visit my facebook page to get the latest updates on events and works. Remember that a portion of all sales ordered in May will go to The Children's Heart Foundation, in honor of Kaia Urban. I hope you enjoy! Tree Frog, 18 x 24, Commissioned and sold! Copyright 2010 LLD Apology, 22 x 30, Available for purchase, June 1 at Bela Dubby in Lakewood, OH! Copyright 2010 LLD Michael Williams

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-68227186004323331902010-05-11T20:12:00.001-04:002010-05-12T11:47:04.555-04:00

Oh my gosh! Paula, I hope you don't mind, but I'm so proud of her, I had to share this! Several months back, I posted a few prayer requests for baby Hope (click here for a refresher). Hope has been so close to my heart since before she was even born. She has HLHS and is such a little fighter and quite the survivor. Hope's mother, Paula, was interviewed by the Akron Beacon Journal, who wrote a

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-90425050096614938382010-05-11T17:17:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:34:26.276-04:00

Hello all! It's May. And May is the month our beautiful daughter was born. To honor her life during her birthday month, I will be donating (a minimum of $10 from each sale I make) to the Children's Heart Foundation. If you would like to donate a bit of spare change or whatever you can afford, in honor of her and all the other children who have passed away from CHDs or live with them daily, please

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-71598888403443355672010-05-11T10:53:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:30:33.976-04:00

My good friend, Sativa, is such an amazing woman and a huge supporter of Little Lion. I was surprised this morning to wake up to a message that LLD has a write-up on an automotive blog (I used to be a designer for two automotive magazines). What a wonderful Mother's Day gift! I'm not sure how many people follow this blog, but each person that reads this is one more person closer to finding what

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-14157980829419566742010-05-10T09:42:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:37:40.431-04:00

This mother's day is a rough one. I will be celebrating it with my husband, and it feels so strange. It's almost been one year since Kaia's birth and I still cry every day. I still can't listen to certain songs. Sometimes when our baby kicks inside of me, I think of her...of stroking her hair or her soft soft skin....of her beautiful face and how she would look at me. It's so hard to let go of

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-40603352983671692422010-05-06T10:13:00.005-04:002010-05-06T11:06:26.714-04:00

There's a little girl named Cora. Five months ago yesterday she passed away in her mother's arms while breastfeeding. Her parents had no idea she was born with a heart defect. When her mother was feeding her in the middle of the night, she looked down and saw blood. Little Cora, who was so perfect on the outside, had an undetected CHD and didn't make it past her 5th day of life. To read her story

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-89650997007302393912010-04-26T21:30:00.001-04:002010-06-28T12:35:21.073-04:00

All pieces (except for the fairy) are available for purchase on June 1 from Bela Dubby in Lakewood, OH. Come to my show June 12 from 5-8 and see in person! Also can be purchased on my etsy site. See etsy link on the right side of this page!

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-78513546847644215682010-04-26T21:25:00.000-04:002010-04-26T21:25:19.961-04:00

A friend of mine sent this poem to me today. She also lost her baby to a CHD and knows the pain well (we love you Hailey & Kaia!). I told her that very often I find myself crying...more often now than a few months ago. As I feel this baby kick, I remember her. I miss her. The feelings flood back. The horror, the joy, the sadness...they come in great detail. They mix with the great joy of what's

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-28207153567628087982010-04-20T22:46:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:36:42.837-04:00

It's official. Little Lion Designs now has a space on the great big world wide web! Please come check it out! My complete portfolio of fabric work is on there. It's a very simple website that I created last night in a few hours on our mac. I love free software! Someday I'll get some real web design software and create a spectacular site. But for now, this will do the trick. You can subscribe to

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-45919683955937104032010-04-18T11:56:00.003-04:002010-06-28T12:35:51.466-04:00

Today, in the knowledge of such tragedy, loss & fights for life.... I am reminded to be grateful for my health, for my husband and love life, for my family, for the life inside of me and for our glowing happiness that eminates from living simply and simply living.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-86101435282591957082010-04-16T08:11:00.001-04:002010-06-28T12:36:11.524-04:00

Look at how cool our baby is. He/she may be small, but it's already giving us the peace sign during it's fetal Echo. It's saying, "I'm cool guys, really. No worries. Can you shut off the lights?". This child fits in already. Peace and love baby! And what is that in front of the leg? Is that the other leg or the chord or something else? Any u/s experts out there?

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-66739659386711020052010-04-15T10:52:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:35:21.074-04:00

this one here is "Lily": Click image to make bigger. This one is "Moonlight & Copperfoot". Click to make image larger. Both will be available for purchase at my June show at Bela Dubby! (June 12, 5-8 pm in Lakewood).

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-29035190835006031002010-04-08T13:11:00.001-04:002010-06-28T12:35:21.076-04:00

See facebook page for details.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-60613441730622889952010-04-07T14:40:00.001-04:002010-06-28T12:35:51.468-04:00

Hey all! We had our 21 week ultrasound yesterday. Everything initially looks good, but our baby is on the small side. They want to do a fetal echo on tuesday to rule out any heart defects being the cause of his/her small size. It could be that we are just making a small baby. It could be the stress I was under. It could be the baby's heart. It could be another defect. Or it could be an inuterine

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-61359618338511188472010-04-02T12:10:00.001-04:002010-04-02T12:12:01.013-04:00

So, there's some new studies out now about the dangers of Agavé nectar. Agavé has been very popular over the last several years because of its low glycemic index. It was believed to be a slowly metabolized "sugar" that didn't spike your blood sugar levels and was thought to be the best and safest sweetener around for our bodies. It was even considered safe for diabetics. This all-natural

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-528818018201046282010-03-24T09:27:00.005-04:002010-04-20T10:22:34.293-04:00

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-14365888788702054462010-03-24T09:07:00.004-04:002010-04-20T10:23:12.445-04:00

A picture of Kaia and her urn sit on our mantle. We had it blown to look like the earth, since that's what her name meant. We had a pinch of sand from the spot we got married, thrown into it. Thanks to Michael from the Glass Bubble in Ohio City for blowing a few for us to choose from! The swirls go on and on, there is no ending point....just like a life.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-70210392621000168202010-03-23T10:50:00.009-04:002010-04-20T10:52:54.882-04:00

If you're not friends with me, you can add me. I'd upload them to picasa or something, but I just don't have time right now. :( I wish I did! Here's a few. We love the keys and want to move to Bahia Honda State Park and live in a tent!!!! These are two of our campsites that were on the beach. There was a beautiful white pristine beach right in front of/next to our campsite. There were fossils in

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-56242118992096638782010-03-22T12:38:00.003-04:002010-03-22T13:23:15.064-04:00

I know I know. I'm not here to make enemies, but just to make you think. I never thought I would be one of the people struggling to find health care to cover me and my growing child. I don't think this new bill is the answer. But something has to be done. What happens when private insurance won't cover maternity or your baby? What happens when private insurance disqualifies you for any financial

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-59899141926936508542010-03-22T10:00:00.003-04:002010-03-22T10:24:25.302-04:00

When I was working at my last company, I didn't feel fulfilled. I was happy with my job, but something was missing. It bothered me daily that what I was doing was not helping people in any way. I was doing nothing for others. I was merely using my creativity to help a team pull in ad dollars. After three and a half months off for Kaia's birth, illness and bereavement, I went back to work for only

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-42151163417796603792010-03-21T09:58:00.000-04:002010-03-22T09:59:42.798-04:00

Two fer Sunday:"Dont be jealous of people who are more prosperous than you. Until we are truly happy for others when they are blessed, we will always be in need. Instead pay attention to how you respond in your heart and with your attitude when you hear about someone's blessings,you might locate the reason for lack in your own life." -- Joyce Meyer"See you and me have a better time than most can

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-11905619164591388502010-03-20T14:31:00.004-04:002010-03-21T10:54:22.784-04:00

It's official! Bela Dubby (in Lakewood, OH) will be filled with Little Lion Designs' artwork the entire month of June. Please stop in and see it! Every piece will be for sale. We are having an opening on the evening of June 12, 2010. The event starts at 5pm and will go until around 8 or so. There will be food and drink for all. I will always have flyers with CHD facts and what you can do to help,

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-75793641396030259562010-02-26T22:46:00.002-05:002010-02-26T23:07:53.690-05:00

This is a repost from Robert Stockham. This woman is amazing, and she's such a supporter of charity and basically bends backwards to help people out. Here's the repost. Please donate if you can!"My friend Rebecca is an avid believer in charity works. This dress sale is the same as what she and her friends and family worked so hard to put on last year. It’s in Youngstown and will benefit a

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-46021133406361352552010-02-24T21:38:00.002-05:002010-03-21T10:48:51.113-04:00

hey ya'll! Etsy has this fancy schmancy new trick. You can add it right to your blog page. So, from now on, you'll see my latest 5 etsy pieces in the right hand column of this blog. Just click on a pic to see that image, or scroll to right under the pics to the link that says "littleliondesigns". Also, you can now shop my etsy site right from facebook! If you go to my facebook page (click here),

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-49277859237502610032010-02-18T10:01:00.002-05:002010-03-21T10:48:51.114-04:00

click image to make bigger.I thought it was time I went back to how I USED to draw. I used to do only people. To show some versatility in that I don't only do cute animals, I did this piece. It's available for sale through me (not etsy). If I don't sell it before, it will be at my show at Bela Dubby in Lakewood in June. :)

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-22159245913582698322010-02-16T17:46:00.003-05:002010-03-21T10:54:15.324-04:00

So, it seems that nobody can find me on etsy. Etsy doesn't allow spaces in their names. So, if you search, you have to search "littleliondesigns" (no quotations and no spaces). But here is the link, just in case you would like it. :)www.littleliondesigns.etsy.comAll of my new work appears weekly on facebook as well. Please feel free to take a look! While you're there, please become a fan and

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-85946085749670323122010-02-10T10:09:00.002-05:002010-03-21T10:57:15.809-04:00

I am ashamed at myself for not making the time to make this known on my blog sooner. It might be national healthy heart month, but this exact week (from the 7th-14th) is CHD awareness week. There are many angels that have been lost, but they are now up in heaven together without the limits of the human body. My daughter has taught me that there is no room for anything but love and that which

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-31859369911725522652010-02-04T10:38:00.000-05:002010-03-21T10:57:15.810-04:00

The Chosen MothersBy Erma BombeckMost women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit.Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with life threatening illnesses are chosen?Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-40474689334397133562010-01-23T14:16:00.006-05:002010-03-21T10:57:15.810-04:00

this was written by a woman who lost her children and husband in a house explosion. But I feel the words are so poignant and true for any parent who's lost a child. I see this image in my mind every day of my life. _________________________________________________________"~Please talk about my loved one, even though she is gone. It is more comforting to cry than to pretend that she never existed.

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-20009039658607927352010-01-23T13:56:00.002-05:002010-03-21T10:57:15.811-04:00

Our dear daughter made it into another CHD awareness video. I strongly urge everyone to watch this video. It not only has a bunch of people with CHDs and angels who passed from a CHD, but it also has their feelings and the parents of these kids feelings. One woman said exactly how I felt with Kaia. It's 4:37 minutes/seconds in. I too remember holding Kaia's warm dead body until it got colder and

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-52959390447013280302010-01-20T15:39:00.003-05:002010-01-20T15:49:50.096-05:00

I thought that it might be helpful for me to list a couple of CSA (community supported agriculture) groups ya'll can sign up for. Here are some web links to some local goodness (click on their names to take you to the link):1. Fresh Fork market: Fresh Fork is a local CSA that holds a farm market in Tremont (by Lucky's on Starkweather) in the summertime. You can sign up now for a spot and pick

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-19840980115778636122010-01-20T14:49:00.002-05:002010-01-20T15:24:48.677-05:00

The other day I went over why it's important to eat organically. However, I know it to be nearly impossible to ONLY consume organic foods. For that purpose, I will list the most pesticide laden foods, so if you have to choose, you know WHAT to choose. First of all, organic foods just taste better. Don't believe me? Try organic vs. conventional side by side. I bet you will especially notice this

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-6410618088431434752010-01-20T13:24:00.002-05:002010-03-21T10:48:51.114-04:00

I'm always in the belief that if one person mentions that you should do something, listen, but don't feel pressured. If two people mention it, think about it a little harder. If three people mention it, you'd better get off your ass and do it because you are clearly not listening to the signs the universe is putting right in front of you. ....Thus little lion joining twitter. Tweet tweet! Won't

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-28243120999730843272010-01-16T11:06:00.007-05:002010-01-16T11:15:39.842-05:00

www.littleliondesigns.etsy.comHey all! I have a small request. With a new little one coming and no job options available, i'm really trying to make the fabric art work. Please spread the word, if you find it in your hearts or if you like my work. I have a facebook page with all of my work on it. Please become a fan! Click here to do so.Feel free to email me at littleliondesigns (at) yahoo (dot)

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-1614795956541136762010-01-16T09:55:00.006-05:002010-01-16T10:36:25.880-05:00

This carrot was NOT organic. Full of hormones ... given to us by our neighbors.Here's one my MY organic carrots next to the ones our neighbors gave us. What are they doing to our food????!!!!Today I want to go over the importance of eating organically. It's not only better for the earth, but it's imperative in the fight for our health and against cancer. Tomorrow I will go over the most important

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-47219762936218273652010-01-15T14:35:00.007-05:002010-03-24T10:30:02.621-04:00

As most of you know (and some of you might not) Eric and I are expecting our second child, due August 14th. We found out in early December but decided to wait to dish the scoop until we had our first appointment with our midwife. During this appt, she couldn't find the heartbeat on doppler so we had an emergency ultrasound to make sure he/she was alive and okay. Of course we knew it was/is but we

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-45005354870085943572010-01-10T15:52:00.002-05:002010-03-24T10:30:21.950-04:00

I recently found this blog, which I want to share with you all. A wonderful heart mom & CHD warrior for awareness, named Kelly, started it in honor of her little girl, Chloe. Chloe was born with a rare CHD called Taussig-Bing which wasn't discovered until 9 hours after she was born. Kelly's intuition & a Pulse Oximetry Screening (not standard on newborns) confirmed her CHD. She's fighting to make

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924865942192449069.post-52746983688537839452010-01-10T12:04:00.001-05:002010-03-24T10:30:52.150-04:00

Please watch this trailer. About the filmMichel Ilbawi, M.D., leads the pediatric heart surgical team at The Heart Institute for Children. Headquartered at Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, they perform over 400 operations and care for more than 3,500 children with heart defects each year. With over 25 years experience as a pediatric heart surgeon and more than 20,000 surgeries

crunchygranolamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292889087069734744noreply@blogger.com0