Kids Stuff World — The little things, the big things and all the "stuff" in between

Blessings in Disguise

by Stacy on January 25, 2012

Source: sassyandalwaysclassy.tumblr.com via Stacy of on Pinterest

Beside the gift of time I am finding to be with my children in more and simpler ways , another blessing I am relishing this week is all of YOU! I assure you, your comments on my last post and words of encouragement did not go unnoticed. I am still working on answering each and every one of you, but don’t think for a moment I have not read your words or taken them to heart.

I started this blog with hopes of finding “people like me” and I am happy to say I have done just that. Each time, I open up my normally guarded self … just a little bit, you welcome me with open arms and give me the courage to do it again.

Thank you all for that! XOXO
Always here whenever you guys need me

P.S. - And a great big {{{HUG}}} to you Michelle for helping this pin find me, and for thinking of me when you found it. What a true blessing you are! Folks find more of her awesome pins here and get to know a new friend by checking out her perfectly wonderful blog.

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Making the most of what we have

by Stacy on January 22, 2012

January has proven itself to be more of a blessing than a curse.

Still reeling in memories of christmas purchases past,
I found myself feeling the need to
splurge a little less and save a little more.

I did just as I have in times like these before and placed myself on what I lovingly refer to as a
“spending freeze“ ~ in other words, no non-essential purchases until all the bills are paid.

Three days in to my freeze, we received some unexpected, not necessarily welcome news.

My family now operates on a budget $750 a month less than we did before.

At first there was panic.
Then, worry.
Yet, somewhere in the midst of it all,
we found joy.

Joy in a life less hurried.

Joy in the extra moments living with less is now freeing up for us to spend time with one another.

We’re only three weeks in, but. right. now … We are WINNING!

In the best possible way.

It’s an adjustment for sure, one we are still having to learn to deal with, but just like every other challenge –
we will face it and overcome it together.
And … no doubt, learn a lot about ourselves along the way.

Since this new budgeting style will be making itself such a prominent part of our lives, I though it only fitting it should also become a prominent part of what I do here. I plan to share the ways we find to live more, with less.
Look for more on this topic in the posts to come.

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have along the way.

Also shared on Life Made Lovely

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Life in an Instant: A picnic in the park

by Stacy on January 9, 2012

I know there hasn’t been much activity here lately, but there are lots of big changes happening behind the scenes I can’t wait to tell you about. I have to start blogging at some point this year and since I really want
Life in an Instant
to become a place we all share and get to know one another, I thought I’d start here. I encourage all of you to add any post that shares a highlight of your week or a special moment you captured in time on your camera, your phone, whatever medium you had at your disposal.

Here’s a bit about what’s going on in our world this week:

It was a week full of picnics and play dates.

Time spent outdoors, just being kids.

Learning together (I’ll have a post on this coming soon)

and trying new things {Capoeira}.

Oh yeah, and …

It also helps to have a super cute Co-Pilot with you where ever you go!

I’m thrilled the start of 2012 has found us in such a happy place and good rhythm with one another. We somehow found time to do things together everyday this week, and we were all the better for it. I’m really hoping this trend continues throughout the year.

Now it’s your turn!

Life in an Instant

I’m working on our button for this link up,
not 100% happy with it yet but here’s where it’s headed.
I’ll have it ready to share for everyone next week.

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Wintertime Family Fun

by Stacy on December 22, 2011

Today wasn’t just the shortest day of the year {the winter solstice} or only the official first day of winter, but it’s also the first day I’ve started to notice my mom friends stressing out. Their kids are all home, they are starting to wreak havoc in the house and are looking for some new ways to burn off energy and have a little fun. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry Moms! Nature Rocks is here to help
with an awesome FREE download:

The 2011-2012 Winter Activity Guide

This guide is chock full of ways you can enjoy some quality family time together without a ton of preparation. You’ll be staying active, getting outdoors, making memories with the ones you love and even saving money. Now there’s a great way to spend Christmas vacation.

Download your copy today and you’ll get all the details you need to go on a Photo Safari, make some rain art, build a backyard beach and even watch a sweet potato grow! All this and many other ideas included in the winter activity guide.

A huge shout out to my fellow Nature Rocks Ambassadors Carlene, Debi, Katharine and Lindsey for their awesome ideas and contributions to this guide. These ladies are amazing resources. Check out their blogs and follow the Nature Rocks Facebook page where you’ll see us all contribute ideas from time to time.

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You are all an inspiration & Cindee wins a prize!!

by Stacy on December 19, 2011

I held a quick and easy contest over the weekend asking folks what good deeds they had done this holiday season.
The responses blew me away.

Truly.

What an incredible bunch of women you all are.

My family does what we can when we can, I use leftover holiday money to buy $5 gift cards to McDonalds and Subway and the likes. I give these giftcards to people I meet throughout the year who might need a warm meal or a helping hand. We run races once a month for various causes and charities and I try to support as many worthy campaigns as I can throughout the year, but Wow. You ladies have really inspired me.

♥ Toni touched my heart when she told me about the Angel Tree project in her town that gives presents to children whose parents are in prison so they will know someone out there cares for them.

♥ Jen’s office had an amazing idea to raise money by decorating their work spaces and voting for the winner with cash to be donated later.

Our winner, Cindee has gone above and beyond to share with others in their time of need. Congratulations Cindee, you were randomly chosen for the $25 credit to Rue La La. Merry Christmas!

♥ Julie could use our help raising money for Penelope’s adoption. If you have a few extra dollars to spare, I’d like to ask you to donate them here. It could mean a world of difference to this beautiful girl.

There were so many other great stories, here go read them yourself!

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