finally…a winner!

Sorry for the delay in choosing a winner, but after having to post EVERYDAY for almost a whole month, I think I deserved needed a little break! After all, these fingers of mine just aren't used to this much typing, actually this brain of mine isn't used to this much thinking!!

So onto the winners…yes that's right I picked two! Using random.org the first winner is commenter #12, Sad Kitty at The Nature of Balloons and winner number two is commenter #4, Angie at Still Life with Circles!!! Congratulations to you both. I can’t wait to work with each of you on these very special pieces.

I wish I could make all of you something for your precious babies, but that just isn’t feasible! However, if you would like to place an order through my shop, you can use code “25dog” for 15% off your order until January 5th. If you don’t see what you’re looking for send me a message and we can work it all out.

Thanks again for participating in the giveaways. I hope we can do it again next year! Wishing you all a peaceful New Year filled with your hearts’ desires and comfort for the absence that will always be felt in your souls.

Oh...and I'm serious about needing some advice on how to fix my little problem of not being able to follow new blogs. HELP!!!!

day 25!!!!!

ZERO!!!! This is it! The last day for giveaways!!! Thank you all so much for participating, whether it be by hosting a day or entering to win, your participation is what make this all happen. Thank you also for your kind words to me. I guess I really didn’t know the impact these little giveaways had until I read your sweet comments and so many of you said the same thing.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I wish for you a peaceful day and gentle thoughts of your babies that will be missing from your day’s celebrations. I know I have struggled over the last few days just thinking of how this holiday should be. I miss my girls, however I do take much comfort in thinking that Hutch’s grandma is looking after them.

Since I can’t mail you all a Christmas card, here it is on my blog. I don’t know if you can read it or not, but the front says, “Blessed. So much to be grateful for this holiday season.” When I was choosing my cards (I went with Tiny Prints this year and LOVED them!!) I liked the looks of this one, but I really didn’t pay attention to any of the wording on it because that can always be changed. Once I decided I liked the layout of the pictures I read the card and thought it was perfect. We are blessed and we do have so much to be grateful for. We still miss our girls, and that will never change, but nevertheless, we are grateful for the ones who are here with us. The inside has Sophia’s & Ellie’s Christmas Tree in the sand that Carly drew for us. It is beautiful! Just my way of including them.

Okay, so onto the giveaways. I really don’t even want to tell you about the first one because I really want to win! But I will, today we are going back to see Amelia’s mommy, Stephanie, at Carried Through Grief. Stephanie is such an amazing painter and she has TWO paintings she is giving away today to two lucky winner! Go check it out, you’ll love them!

I am hosting the other giveaway today. So many of us have a certain phrase, saying, object, whatever that we associate with our babies. I want to work with the winner to come up with a very special piece of jewelry that captures their baby’s spirit perfectly. You may have something you have seen in the past, or an idea in your head, or no idea at all! But we will be working together closely to make it just right. Here are some things that come to mind that I have done in the past:

To enter my giveaway leave a comment here telling me a little something about what you think you may like if you win. I will choose a winner in a couple days because I know you are going to be too busy to visit today!

Merry Christmas my friends!

Sophia and Ellie mommy is missing you today and loving you always. xoxo

day 24

ONE!!!!!!!   Today we are going to see Kennedy’s mommy, Alissa, at On KK’s Butterfly Wings.  Alissa has the following quote at the top of her blog, “I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."  I’m sure you know that this is from the book Love You Forever  by Robert Munsch.  I have this little thing I do…I buy books for Sophia & Ellie and this is one that I have for them.  I actually have a few copies of this, one is Emma’s, I have at least one in my classroom, but Sophia & Ellie have their own very special copy…just for them.  The message in this book is beautiful and really, I don’t think I have even read it out loud since losing the girls, it was hard enough for me to get through without crying before their deaths!  Anyway, thank you Alissa for these simple words, because that is one of many things we all have in common, we will love our special babies forever and always.  Go on over and see what special thing Alissa is giving away today.  Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for our final giveaways!!!!!  Good luck!

day 23

TWO!!! Oops, so sorry I didn’t get this up sooner, I fell asleep last night and completely forgot about this post.  I guess all those late nights are finally catching up to me.  Anyway, there is a great giveaway going on today.  All of them have been GREAT, but today’s is just a little different.  Today’s giveaway is being hosted by Hadley’s mama, Jessica, at Four Plus an Angel.  Jessica has really pulled many resources to make her special giveaway happen.  Go on over and check it out, I think you’ll love it!  Good luck and see you tomorrow!!

day 22

THREE!!  Today we are going to visit Aiden’s mommy, Angie, at Expectations Revised.  I am new to Angie’s blog, but one thing I LOVE about it is right under her heading she has the following line, “Remember. Honor. Celebrate. Love. December Maya, Mason, Lyra Mae, Lucia Paz”  These are the December babies who are having a birthday this month…LOVE it!  What a sweet and simple way for her to say she is thinking about others.  Go on over and take a peek at her giveaway.  She has some information posted about it in her sidebar.  Today we are also going to see Calvin, and Rainbow’s mommy, Crystal Theresa, at Blessed to be Broken.  This is another new blog for me, I love meeting all the new mamas out there!  Anyway, stop on over and meet Crystal Theresa (if you haven’t met before) and see what she is offering today.  In one of her recent posts, Crystal Theresa has a bit about referring to our babies as angels.  I think this sums up how I use the term quite well…see what you think about it too!  Good luck and see you again tomorrow!!

day 21

FOUR. MORE. DAYS. (insert screaming here!) Okay, I feel better now, onto the giveaways! Today we are going to see Gracie’s mama, Susan, at Our Lives Forever Changed. Susan has offered me lots of support and comfort since we “met.” She is a sincere woman and a dear friend. Go see her lovely giveaway, won’t you? We are also going to visit Devon’s mommy, Monica, at Honoring Our Angels. I am new to Monica’s story (and really need someone to help me fix it so I can follow new blogs…read here to see what I’m talking about!) but she beautifully honors her angel and many others on her blog. She spotlights other blogs (these giveaways were featured a couple weeks ago, thanks Monica!) and provides many helpful resources to bereaved families. Go on over and pay her a visit, maybe you’ll see something new. Good luck and see you back here tomorrow!!

a story, a winner, and day 20

Several days ago I received an etsy message from someone interested in ordering a necklace.  This is what she said, “Hi, your jewelry is beautiful! I just had twins in April…”  OUCH…twins, in April.  Really, I read that and it just stung a little.  I answered her question and congratulated her on her babies.  She then replied, “ Hi, I just saw that you have twin girls! How old are they?…”  Uhhh…how do I answer this?!?  I didn’t want her to feel badly for asking, I didn’t want her to think, “OMG!!!  How horrible!” and not come back!  So this is what I said, “My twins, Sophia & Ellie, were born in April 2009. However, they were very premature and both passed away. I have hesitated in answering your question because I know how my answer will make you feel. Please though, do not feel badly for asking, I love to talk about my daughters…”  I was content with this, I was honest and asked her not to feel badly.  What I wasn’t expecting was her response.  “Oh Tina, I'm so sorry about Ellie & Sophia. Their names are just beautiful. Believe it or not, I have answered people similarly when they ask about my *C*. *C* was stillborn at 32 weeks in November of 2007 due to an umbilical cord accident. It has been a very long road, as I know you know. Bringing home our twins this year has brought a lot of joy and healing to our whole family…”  This woman and I went on to share many thoughts and feelings on our experiences.  It is really unbelievable that we found each other and shared our stories.  She does not follow my blog (although I did tell her about it and the giveaways, so if you are reading I hope you don’t mind me sharing our story…I just think its worthy of sharing!)  so she did not find my shop through any baby loss link.  She just saw my shop along with many others and something drew her to me.  She could have made her purchases and never asked about my girls.  It really makes me think that just maybe Sophia, Ellie, and *C* are together somewhere and wanted their mamas to meet. 

 

Anyway, I just wanted to share that story…I think it is amazing and needed to write about it before I forgot!  So, onto the winner…

Using random.org, the lucky winner is number 8, Susan at Our Lives Forever Changed.  Congratulations Susan!  You mentioned wanting the ornament because you don’t wear jewelry, but there are other options.  Contact me and we will discuss it!!  Thank you all for entering and for your kind comments about my little shop.  You really are all so sweet!

Day 20…Two more giveaways today!  Let’s go see Nolan’s mama, Ashley, at A Ruby Family.  Ashley is such a sweetie and she has a smile that must light up the room…at least that is what I think from her pictures!!  Go on over and see what she’s been up to and what she is offering today!  We’re also going to visit Jonathan’s mommy again, Jessica, but this time it will be at Forever Remembered Photo Collages.  Jessica is kind enough to do two giveaways this year…isn’t that sweet?  Go check out her talents and what she is giving away today.  Good luck and see you tomorrow!!

day 19

It has been so wonderful to meet new people and read new stories through these giveaways, but I am having a little problem.  I have been trying to follow these new blogs, but I can’t…when I try to follow nothing happens.  I think I may be maxed out on the number of blogs I follow (that is just really sad on many levels!)  Can anyone give me some advice or a clue on how to fix or get around this?  I hate to meet you all and then not be able to find you again!  Thanks!

Now for today’s giveaways!!  Let’s go visit Rebekah Joy’s mommy, Karen, at Gott Joy!  Whenever I read Karen’s blog, I always get a sense of peace from her, even when she writes of her pain and sorrows.  She is a lovely lady and mother to all her children.  Go on over and see what she is giving away today and maybe you will leave with a little peace too!

Our next stop will be at Jaxon, Courtney, and Colin’s mama, Rachel, at Triplet Butterfly Wings.  Rachel is a wonderful woman who does so many great things!  I am honored to have her as a friend and fortunate to have her in my life.  Go check out her giveaway and see all the lovely things she does while you’re there!   Good luck and see you all tomorrow!

day 18

Oh goodness…1 week until Christmas!!!!  That means seven more giveaways after today…well that's not exactly true!  There are actually 12 more because many of the days have two in one day!  So for today we are going to visit Riley & Peyton’s mama, Jessica, at Too Beautiful for Earth.  Jessica is a very talented woman who makes beautiful memorial art pieces.  You can check out her shop here.  One of my favorite items is her angel plaques.  I love the way the wings wrap around the baby’s name…really, too beautiful! 

Our second giveaway for today is from me.  I really don’t know what to give away.  I hate making this decision!  I have recently had the honor of making a couple Christmas Ornaments for some very special babies this year.  (I would post pictures, but just don’t have the energy to download them right now!)  So I could make an ornament for the lucky winner, but I just don’t know if it will get to you before Christmas.  I could do a gift certificate to my shop, but that seems impersonal to me.  I could choose an item, but what if its not what the winner wants?!?  See my dilemma?  I think I will let you decide.  To enter, leave a comment telling me what you would like to win…an ornament, gift certificate, or tell me the item from my shop that you would like to have.  You can check it our here.  Hope you can find something you like!! 

Don’t forget to check back here tomorrow for 2 more giveaways!!!

:::

So we survived Disneyland.  We really had a wonderful time.  The weather was good, it wasn’t too crowded, Gigi was perfect!  Really, she didn’t cry the entire time we were there (and it was a looong time!)  I, however, did have tears in my eyes.  We were on It’s a Small World and Gigi was loving it.  She was moving her head from side to side looking at all the lively and bright things.  Brady and Emma were also soaking it all in and all of us were just really content.  I thought to myself how lucky I am to have such wonderful children and then it hit me…How different this picture could have been.  How we should have Sophia and Ellie there with us too.  I could picture the chaos our family would have been in.  To have two toddlers there on top of everyone else would have been fun, probably pretty comical, but still fun.  It hurts to know they will never get to be a part of these perfect moments.  They should be.  They should be here with us enjoying it all too.  It just isn’t right, but I have no way of fixing it.  I miss them, plain and simple, I just miss them. 

day 17

Two more giveaways today!!  First lets visit Dylan’s parents, Jus and Kat, at In Dylan’s Memory.  They have a very beautiful item they are so generously giving to someone…go take a look at it, you will love it!   Then lets go see Lucia’s mother, Angie, again at Still Life 365.  This is Angie’s second giveaway, the first was on her personal blog, today it is on her art blog for bereaved parents and family members.  If you  haven’t been there yet, go see all the amazing things our community does in memory of our little ones.  Good luck and see you tomorrow (and a huge YAY for me because today is the last day of work for two weeks!!!)

day 16

just.got.home…TIRED!  Today we are going to see Maddie’s mama, Angie, at Little Footprints.  Angie is great!  One thing I love about her is that she always comments to her commenters (not sure that is a real word, but I’m too tired to figure it out!)  Go see Jamie and what she is giving away today.  We are also visiting Vincent’s mommy, Jamie, at Week by Week.  I am new to Jamie’s blog, but it is great to read because she always posts a picture or two that make me smile.  Go peek at her giveaway too!  Good luck and check back here tomorrow!!

day 15

I am REALLY hoping this worked and this post I scheduled is up…if you are reading it I guess it did! We are actually out of town right now. We have played hooky and are taking the kids to Disneyland…I’m not sure if we’re sane or not, I guess I’ll let you know tomorrow!! Today we have TWO more giveaways! Go on over and see Bridgitte & Ashlyn's mama, Heather, at Two In Heaven One on Earth. Whenever I read Heather’s posts, I often feel like she has taken the words right from my very own head. I can really relate to her pain and loss, maybe it's just a twin thing, maybe its more, but I appreciate Heather and her words. Our second stop will be at Henry’s mama, Mindy, at Dear Henry August. I am new to Mindy’s blog and her story, but I will tell you when I have visited, I have left with tears in my eyes because her story is so beautifully written. Go check out both of these wonderful women and I will see you here tomorrow, that is if we survive Disneyland with a 13 year old, 6 year old, and 6 month old, and not to mention my crabby in large crowds husband! Oh well, I’m sure it will be great fun, after all it is the happiest place on earth right???? (Is that a guarantee?) Good luck!

day 14

Fourteen down, eleven more to go!  Today we are visiting Adelle’s mommy, Mary, at The Youngs.  Mary is a lovely lady who honors her precious daughter with the graceful things she writes.  Go on over and take a peek at what she is giving away today.  Good luck and we will see you tomorrow!

day 13

We are over half way done!!!  Yikes…that means I only have 12 more days to finish my shopping?!?  (insert huge sigh here!)  Oh well, onto the next giveaway…that will make me feel better!  Today we are going on over to see Lukas’ mom, Mary, at Nobody Knows It But Me How I’m Missing Lukas.  I enjoy reading Mary’s blog, she always has interesting things to write about.  But one of the things I appreciate about her is that she always seems to learn form her experiences.  That is sometimes hard to do when you have experienced something so painful as the loss of a child, we all know that.  Go on over and take a peek at what she is offering today and while you are there, maybe you’ll learn something too!  See you tomorrow!  Good luck!

day 12

So sorry I’m late…I tried to sleep in a bit this morning!  Today we are visiting Carleigh’s mama, Holly, at Caring for Carleigh.  Holly is amazing and honors her babes in such beautiful ways.  Go on over and check her giveaway out!  Also, Amanda didn’t get her post up until later yesterday due to some technical issues.  So, go visit her quickly, she is leaving her giveaway open for a little longer today.  Have fun and good luck!  See you tomorrow!

day 11

Here we meet again!  Today we have TWO more giveaways…I get so excited when we have two in one day!  Its just like icing on top of the cupcake I guess!  Go on over and see Hannah’s mommy, Katy, at In Hannah’s Honor.  Katy is a lovely lady who gives so much to other mothers like herself.  She is also very crafty, you can see some of her wonderful creations here.  Our next stop is Adison & Lillian’s mama, Amanda, at What’s Cooking…Or Not!  Amanda is a very funny lady.  Every time I read her blog, I always laugh out loud at something she has written!  Go on over and check out both of these giveaways and you know what to do tomorrow!  Good luck!

day 10

Awww, day 10, almost half way there! But I don’t think I want them to end!!! Today we are going to head on over to Chase’s mommy, Christy, at A Piece of the Pearsons. Christy is a wonderful lady who I am lucky enough to consider a friend. I love reading her post because she always writes so honestly…the good, the bad, or the ugly, she is always honest. Go take a look at what she id giving away today! Don't’ forget, check back here tomorrow and good luck!

day 9

I can’t believe all of the AWESOME things that have been given away so far!  Seriously, your giveaways have been wonderful!!  Today, on the ninth day, we visit Lucia’s mama, Angie, at Still Life with Circles.  Angie is so talented.  She is a WONDERFUL painter.  I have seen her artwork first hand in the traveling journal she put in motion.  I secretly wanted to steal borrow the beautiful painting she included in the journal, but decided to keep it in its rightful spot.  Angie is also a fabulous writer and was just featured in a book about baby loss.  Go on over and check out her blog to read more about it.  Thanks Angie for all you do!  Good luck everyone, see you tomorrow, same time (approximately), same place! 

day 8

Today we will be visiting Amelia’s mama, Stephanie, at Carried Through Grief.  Stephanie is an amazing woman and artist.  She is very talented and you can see her beautiful paintings here.  I hope you are enjoying the giveaways.  I think they have all been so wonderful!  Thank  you for participating and don’t forget…check back here tomorrow!  Good luck!

day 7

Two special ladies are doing two special giveaways today!  Emma & Chase’s mommy, Jill, at Footprints on Our Heart is hosting one.  Jill is a very special person who does so much for others.  You can take a look at one of her projects here.  Today’s other giveaway is being done by Alexandra’s mommy, Maggie, at Butterflies for Alexandra.  Maggie is such a sweet woman who offers so much support to those around her.  Thanks ladies for hosting today’s giveaways!  Now go on over and see what they have to offer and don’t forget to check back here tomorrow for day 8!!

day 6

So are we having fun yet???  I know I am!!  For day six, head on over to What the Future Holds.  Jessica is Jonathan’s mommy and is a lovely lady with a huge heart!  Jessica also makes beautiful collages of our babies and will be hosting another giveaway on that blog a little later.  So go ahead and check out what she has to offer today.  Good luck and check back here tomorrow for another great giveaway or two!!

day 5

Today we visit Jenna’s mommy , Franchesca, at Small Bird Studios.  I can’t wait to see what Fran is offering today!  She has sooo many different talents and I know whatever she does will be fabulous, whether is be a  pretty flourish, some blog design, a hope collage, (I could keep going here, but you get the picture of how wonderful she is right???)  Go check it out and also take a look in her flourish shop…you will LOVE it!!!  Good luck!

Christmas cards from shutterfly

Yesterday we had our family pictures taken for our Christmas cards. I know…its a little bit late, but our original plan didn’t work out because of weather conditions here in sunny California! Taking pictures always tugs at my heartstrings because Sophia & Ellie aren’t here to be in them. This year, though we had sweet Gigi, and focusing on her made it a little easier. Just trying to get her to look in the right direction took all our energy. But even though my mind was distracted, I still missed my girls. I thought of what it would be like seeing the two of them toddle around, trying to keep them away from all the unsafe things. Where would they have been positioned in the pictures this year? Would Hutch & I each need to hold one of them? That thought brings tears to my eyes because I so badly wish we could hold them. I wish they were here to be in our pictures.

Last year I included them in our cards. I used Shutterfly to design our cards and I was so pleased with them. You can view them by clicking here. I plan on including the girls again this year and thanks to Carly have the perfect way to do that. I can’t wait to get our images and out it all together. You can check out all of Shutterfly's Christmas Cards here. I have already picked some of my favorites. Here they are:

I love the fun colors in these cards. The girls and I word pink so the first two will be a great match to us. The second two are so clean and classic. I love the flourish designs on them! Now I just have to decide!!

I recently used Shutterfly to make a photobook of Gigi's first few months. It is so stinkin' cute! You should also see all of their very unique gift selection. They have things like photo jewelry, ornaments, sticker...lots of fun stuff!! I also think I am going to have some Thank You cards made with the kids' picture to send out after Christmas. Too cute!!!

If you are a blogger you can get 50 Free Christmas Cards, click here for more information. If you don’t blog Shutterfly always has great discounts, right now they are offering 20% off!

day 4

Wow…the fourth day already?!?  I think everything is going smoothly now.  I had some major issues and confusion, but I think I have figured it all out…wheh!

We have TWO more giveaways today…yep TWO again!  Go take a look at Holly’s blog, Lost For Words.  Holly is Freja’s mommy and is another talented photographer.  Go see what she is giving away today!

Our second stop is at Bree’s blog at My Baby Butterfly Ella.  Bree is Ella’s mommy and is a dear friend to me.  She offers so much support and comfort to so many of us moms.  Go check her and her giveaway out too!

Good luck and see you tomorrow!!

day 3

I am soooo sorry about yesterday's giveaway.  I tried to post a new giveaway from my phone, but it obviously wasn’t working.  When I got home, our internet was down and couldn’t do it then either.  So anyway…so sorry it didn’t work out, but now on to day 3!!

Today’s giveaway is being hosted by Lareina at Surviving Without My Little Man.  Lareina is mommy to sweet little Kaelen.  She is a wonderful photographer who can do some pretty amazing things with that lens of hers.  Go on over and take a peek at what she is offering today.  Good luck and see you back here tomorrow!!!

a winner and day two

And the winner is……Bethany at See You on the Moon.  Congratulations Bethany!!!!  I’m soooo jealous!!!  Please send me your contact info so I can forward it to Angela. 

For the second day of giveaways we are going to visit Nicholas’ mommy, Lea, at Nicholas’ Touch.  Lea is such a kind and gentle woman who makes the most lovely angel wings in memory of our babies.  Hop on over and take a look at what she is giving away today.  While you are visiting, leave Lea a little extra love, I think her heart needs it right now.

Check back tomorrow to see where to go next!  Good luck!!