On December 14th a terrible tragedy hit our nation, yet again. Twenty 6 and 7 year old children were senselessly taken from families who cherished their every move, mood and giggle. Six adults also died that day.
As God would have it, on December 15th I celebrated the 6th birthday of my daughter Paisley Elizabeth. What a blessing it was to wake up and see her smile another day. We truly never know the last time we will say “I love you” to our children.
I wish I could say that this tragedy has shaken the selfishness out of me. I wish I could say that I have viewed every bad attitude as one to hold dear, one that 20 parents would give anything to be experiencing right now.
The truth is every day, every breath is one to honor regardless of what is happening in the world. However, it takes a shock of great magnitude to wake us up.
We can’t let what occurred in Connecticut dominate our every thought. Instead, we must pray for those affected and use this horror to propel us to a higher standard of parenting. It’s not easy for me to choose the higher ground when my children are acting like animals at church. I tend to want to act just as childish as them.
But, I must, I will do what God wants me to do… Raise up my children to love and honor Him and those around us.
I share not only cloth diaper information and products with you but also the rawness of who I am. I, like you, am a constant work in progress.
I could not be more grateful to be walking with the Lord than on those days when I seem to be an utter failure or when sin rears its ugly head like it did in Sandy Hook Elementary.
Today, I will continue the My Favorite Things event.
I absolutely LOVE giving things away! Knowing that someone will be jumping with joy at winning these prizes makes me giddy.
Donations today come from Thirsties, Inc, Charlie Banana and CJ’s BUTTer!!
Thirsties is a family run, made in the USA company. They are truly a joy to work with. Thirsties has generously donated 5 Duo AIOs and a container of Booty Love.
Thirsties Duo AIOs are one of the easiest, trimmest cloth diapers to use. They’re almost a no-brainer if you are looking for a good quality, affordable Made in the USA cloth diaper.
Charlie Banana is one of my favorite pocket cloth diapers. I’ve referred to them many times over the years. They have donated a one-sized pocket for today’s giveaway.
Rounding up today is CJ’s BUTTer. The winner will receive 8.5 oz. Apples & Spice Carcass Cleaner, 4 oz. ‘Tis the Season Spritz, 4 oz. Cranberry Balsam BUTTer® Tube, 2 oz. Peppermint Cream Jar, .15 oz. Frosted Pumpkin Lip Balm!
Woohoo!!
I have a CJ’s BUTTer product in most rooms of my house. I love the Spritz so much that I bought 6 of them (all in Pixie Pie scent) so that I would always have it handy. In my bathroom I keep a big tub of rash cream in the BUTTer Plus formula.
BUTTer Plus contains shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, Vitamin E (derived from soy), sesame oil, neem oil, and essential oils. Yes, it stinks. Neem is stinky. But, it heals skin so well!
Don’t forget all giveaways are open until December 28th!!
December 17, 2012 at 10:19 pm
My son’s giggle is so infectious. I love to hear him laugh.
December 17, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Heard of this terrible tragedy on the radio while coming home from a doc appt with my 3 day old baby. It brought tears to my eyes and I had to say a quiet little prayer thanking my Father for my new little one as well as my other children. I pray that he blesses those families who are suffering with comfort and peace. Onto a happier note, I would love to try some Thirsties Duo AIOs!! And CJs butter?! Love that stuff!!
December 17, 2012 at 9:21 pm
My babies and I have cuddle time every morning, though I have been holding them a little tighter since Friday. It always make me smile when I see the two of them hugging.
December 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm
I gave my 7mo old a kiss tonight before I laid her in bed and she smiled. Melted my heart!!
December 17, 2012 at 9:11 pm
I can’t say that I have, but I have talked to my little one–he is still in my tummy! He’ll be here in about 6 weeks!!
I love when he is moving around in there…especially when he starts moving b/c his daddy is reading to him <3
December 17, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Every morning when I go into hos room and he smiles up at me I just melt- that and about a million other times a day! And I tell him how much mommy and daddy love him all the time. And I give him a ton of kisses
December 17, 2012 at 8:45 pm
My 18 month old raising his hand and saying “me” in response to questions these days never fails to bring a smile to my face!
December 17, 2012 at 8:27 pm
When he gives a big smile to me, I smile it right back at him. I have a silly little 7 mo old boy who is learning to walk and always amazes me!
December 17, 2012 at 8:26 pm
It always makes me smile when my 18 month old daughter comes up and pats me on the back. She will do it randomly then give me a hug.
December 17, 2012 at 8:02 pm
When my 1-year-old is about to get into something he shouldn’t, he first yells, “Eh!” to make sure I’m paying attention. This makes me laugh!
December 17, 2012 at 7:44 pm
We have a new baby in our house. My older four children are 2,4,6 and 12. I love to see them show their new brother how much he is loved. They kiss him and hold him (with my help) and it just melts my heart. They talk to him and tell him how far they love him. Like “mason I love you all the way to the cabin and back!” I guess you can tell we read the book Guess How Much I Love You often!!
December 17, 2012 at 7:21 pm
my 5MO brings a smile to my face when I peek into his crib in the morning and he immediately recognizes me by SMILING AT ME! As my first child, I could not be more blessed. And also, thanks for the goodies!
December 17, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Yes I have and when he says I love you or makes a silly face I instantly smile! He makes me smile everyday
December 17, 2012 at 6:22 pm
I was told that I could not have children and then survived an abusive marriage, only to follow into what God had for me. A wonderful husband and the most wonderful gift God could ever have given me, my perfect daughter. Everything she does is a treasure to me, because she is my miracle God used to show me that He was always with me.
December 17, 2012 at 4:34 pm
my almost 3 month old has been an absolute joy. Even in those late-night/early-morning feedings, I will remember how blessed we are.
December 17, 2012 at 4:27 pm
My little man brushes my hair and doozies me up, I love it!
December 17, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I tell doctor destructo often that I love him. And it makes me smile when I hear him singing along with Daddy when he’s being put down to bed. He will really belt out “jesus loves me”
December 17, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I can’t help but smile when my little Wright tries to whistle! He is 14 months old and the biggest blessing!! Any time I start to cry (many times on Friday) he comes over and gives me a big snuggle. He is such a sweet little lover!
December 17, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Yes!
My oldest has been playing Tiny Village. When the critters need food they open their mouths and point. Now the older kids have the baby doing it, especially when they were all ready for lunch. It’s hilarious!
December 17, 2012 at 3:30 pm
My daughter has her first birthday today. She woke me up with smiles and kisses again this morning. She doesn’t really understand yet, but I tell her often how much I love being her mommy.
December 17, 2012 at 3:25 pm
My nearly 16 month old just gave me huge hugs and kisses unbidden. wonderful feeling!
December 17, 2012 at 3:02 pm
When they smile….even if I know they are being mischievous, I can’t help but smile.
December 17, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Yes! My favorite thing is to hear my one year old an husband giggling together! It gets me every time!
December 17, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I make sure the first thing I say to my boys in the morning and the last thing I say to them at night is that I love them and they are special. I love it when my 18 month old asks for a hug. He gives really great hugs!
December 17, 2012 at 2:33 pm
i have 9 kids- so they each have their own thing that makes me and my husband smile. my favorite thing together would be the way they play together, and interact.
December 17, 2012 at 2:15 pm
When my 3 year old daughter gives me a big hug and tells me I’m her best friend and when my 1 year old runs up and kisses me over and over again!
December 17, 2012 at 2:13 pm
I love when my little one (9 months) gets excited- his whole face lights up and he bounces up and down
December 17, 2012 at 2:11 pm
I love it when my five year old tries to take care of or help her little sister who will be 2 on Friday.
December 17, 2012 at 2:05 pm
My children are all so different from each other and yet make me smile in so many ways. I just can’t get enough of my smile-y happy 6 month old…I am constantly smooching and squeezing that one. My 5 year old is just too cute. When I feel down and I look at him he comes back with this silly little expression and says “what?, why are you looking at me?” and I just have to give him a hug. My 9 year old melts my heart when he comes up to me and just says ” I want to cuddle with you mommy.”, yes he is saying in a “baby voice”, but I am relishing it because I know that the days are numbered that he will come snuggle up with me. My 12 year old is a mismatched fashionista diva and the different outfits that she put together and her funny poses that she strikes or when she starts to break out into a dance (when we really want her doing something else) just gets me smiling (usually on the inside since I am trying to get her to do something else). I am so very blessed.
December 17, 2012 at 1:37 pm
My 6 and 2 year old have the most infectious giggles. I can’t not smile when they laugh!
December 17, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Their smile makes me smile!
December 17, 2012 at 1:11 pm
My 15 mo old daughter loves to give out kisses! Any time of day, no rhyme or reason, she could be in the middle of playing by herself and she’ll turn around look at you and pucker up her lips until you give her a kiss. It’s the best
December 17, 2012 at 1:09 pm
My 10-month-old has recently started giving really good hugs. Pretty much everything he does makes me smile, but hugs from him are certainly at the top of my list.
December 17, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Watching my 3 year old and 5 month old interact makes me smile. DD loves her baby brother so much, and he smiles whenever she looks at him.
December 17, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Yes I have! When they ask to snuggle with me!
December 17, 2012 at 1:02 pm
My daughter always make me smile when she wrinkles her nose up in a big smile!
December 17, 2012 at 12:59 pm
My sweet little 2 year old girl my smart 11 year old son and the flutter in my belly of my unborn son.
December 17, 2012 at 12:56 pm
My kids say some goofy things, they can always make me laugh, but the best is when I hear them laugh, a deep down belly laugh!
December 17, 2012 at 12:55 pm
When my 2 boys (4 & 2) play & giggle together, and my cooing 8 week old.
December 17, 2012 at 12:51 pm
My kids make me smile all the time with the crazy things that they say.
December 17, 2012 at 12:48 pm
I talk to my little girl daily and tell her I love her
I am expecting her arrival into this world on Friday. Every kick, squirm, or roll brings a smile to my face and I can’t wait to see hers shortly.
December 17, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I love eavesdropping on my 3 “big” kids (6, 4, 2) while they play. They say some really hilarious things and I just enjoy the dynamic they have with each other.
December 17, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Recently my little girl has been kissing pictures of things she loves and since we’ve been getting lots of Christmas card with pictures of other adorable children, she kisses them all the time!
December 17, 2012 at 12:32 pm
We are expecting our first, and just got to hear babys heartbeat… I listen to it all the time, and it always makes me smile!
December 17, 2012 at 12:20 pm
My baby will be 1 month old on Wednesday. His smiles make me smile.
December 17, 2012 at 12:16 pm
My son has been building with blocks a lot lately and when he finishes a project, he runs up to me and says, “Look what I made!!!” It makes me smile every time!
December 17, 2012 at 12:11 pm
No kiddos yet but I enjoy talking to the one still growing!
December 17, 2012 at 12:09 pm
My son just turned 8 weeks old. I tell him I love him. He started smiling a week ago, and that makes me smile no matter what.
December 17, 2012 at 12:07 pm
When my 3 yr old does silly dances and when my 7-week old gives me a beautiful smile
December 17, 2012 at 12:06 pm
My first child is due in June and I can only imagine what the parents of those 20 children are feeling my hearts go out to them.
December 17, 2012 at 11:53 am
I tell my baby I love him every day, as many times as possible. I love the big smile he gives me when I come into a room.
December 17, 2012 at 11:53 am
I haven’t, but only because my son is still asleep! He was snuggled next to me until I finally decided to be productive this morning. I do hope he knows that I will ALWAYS be there and ALWAYS love him, no matter what.
December 17, 2012 at 11:49 am
I tell my kiddos I love them all the time. I have three and one on the way and they make me smile all day long.
December 17, 2012 at 11:44 am
There are so many things that my 7 kids do that make me smile. I especially love when they are sweet and tender toward eachother. When the 8 yearold comforts and snuggles the 1 year old, when the 14 year old helps the 4 year old, when they all play together and giggle and have fun… Being a mama is such a blessing!
December 17, 2012 at 11:43 am
I love when my babies sing little songs and laugh and smile.
December 17, 2012 at 11:38 am
Yes, I tell my daughter many, many times a day!
I love when she points to something (wanting to touch it), I let her, and then she gives me a HUGE grin. That always brings a big smile to my face!
December 17, 2012 at 11:33 am
Hooray for give aways!
December 17, 2012 at 11:33 am
I smile and laugh daily when my 2 yr old does crazy funny things, but lately he’s learning so much so fast and everytime he says a new word or phrase, it makes me smile
December 17, 2012 at 11:25 am
I love when my 16 month old little girl blows me kisses at bedtime!
December 17, 2012 at 11:17 am
yes, today my youngest looked at his daddy before he left for work and said ” wait you no go, i not kissed you yet! and I wanna hug too.” Every morning my husband leaves (on a motorcycle the kids think is awesome) They have to have hugs and kisses and stand on our fense to wave goodbye. That always makes me smile and reminds me of how much love they need everyday. Must have those hugs and kisses.
December 17, 2012 at 11:14 am
I tell my daughter everyday how much i love her. She wakes up with a huge smile on her face every morning which makes me have a better day
December 17, 2012 at 11:12 am
At 14 months my son gives me the sweetest smiles and most sincere hugs. I wish I could bottle it so I would always have it on hand when I’m stuck in traffic or sitting in a meeting. Best. Thing. Ever.
December 17, 2012 at 11:05 am
My LO is still in the womb…but he/she will always know how wonderful they are!
December 17, 2012 at 11:05 am
i really wanted my daughter to tell me she felt sick so that i didnt have to take her to school. we pray every morning today was just a longer prayer with more kisses and i love your!! GOD IS GOOD !! lets continue to pray for those families mourning.
December 17, 2012 at 11:03 am
Yes, I tell them daily. My toddler brings a smile to my face everyday when she climbs up on my lap and says, “I happy! Are you my best friend?”
December 17, 2012 at 11:02 am
My son, Simeon is such a joy to me each day! He is almost 9 months. He’s my ‘little pal’ as I like to refer to him cause I don’t go anywhere without him. He is my companion when my hubby is gone on business trips (so very often). Simeon has the most precious smile and laugh…and I even like his screeching
I DO love him very much, and even though he doesn’t yet understand it, I tell him that I love him. I thank God for him in my life and mourn for those people in Newtown who have lost dear ones. Our prayers are certainly with them! ~ Bless God!
December 17, 2012 at 10:57 am
I tell him I love him when he kicks me
December 17, 2012 at 10:53 am
Amen! Breaks my heart to have such a tragedy happen, prayers to all the families,friends and entire community. All must be hurting so much and prayers for God’s loving hands to surround them and bring only the peace that He can bring to sucy a horrible thing. Blessing to all Autumn’s followers and give everyone you love a big hug, let them know you love them today!
December 17, 2012 at 10:47 am
My baby is 5 months old, and I tell him how much I love him every day. When he smiles it melts my heart. Every time. I snuggle him as much as possible. Someday he won’t want me to do that so much, so I have to take the opportunity now. So much love.
December 17, 2012 at 10:45 am
I’m always telling my kids how precious they are to me!
One thing my little ones do that instantly brings a smile to my face, is when they hear music (whether it be from the ringtone on my phone, or a commercial) they start dancing! It’s absolutely ADORABLE!!
December 17, 2012 at 10:44 am
I say I love you and give lots of hugs and kisses!!
December 17, 2012 at 10:43 am
I do everyday! I love it that they never fail to look out for each other and constantly hug each other and say I love you…the world definitely needs more of this!
December 17, 2012 at 10:42 am
I have no children to speak of yet but I do have one in the oven. This being my first successful pregnancy after four tragic miscarriages I do send my wee one good vibes on a daily basis. I just recently reached viability a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t be more thankful to have past this milestone. I smile inwardly every time I feel my little girl move and I cannot wait to meet her!
December 17, 2012 at 10:42 am
My heart melts every time my 5 month old son smiles!
December 17, 2012 at 10:39 am
I still love the bonding time I have while nursing my 7 month old
December 17, 2012 at 10:34 am
Yes, things like what happened in CT do make many of us stop to cherish what the Lord has blessed us with. I wish I could say I cherish my children everyday like I do when something this horrid happens but unfornatley that is not the case. I too, am a continual work in progress wanting to move ahead in the process faster than I really am but am thankful for what I am learning. I want my children to learn the good from me and not the bad, but I know this is impossible. I’m so thankful for God’s grace on my children and on myself. Without His help where would we all be? On a different not, I love watching my children play together, giggle, having fun and of course always love watching them sleep…it’s something very peaceful! May the Lord help us to have more moments to cherish what he has blessed us with…even THOSE days we all have with our precious blessings!
December 17, 2012 at 10:28 am
I LOVE when my 4 mo old cracks up at me for no apparent reason, we just go round and round making each other laugh for no real reason
. And as for my 20.5 mo daughter, there are so many things she does that make me smile, just one of which is the way she sings to herself when we’ve put her to bed and closed the door. She just sings one note tho, maybe two 
.
December 17, 2012 at 10:24 am
I love it when my son randomly crawls in my lap and want to snuggle! This weekend I have been more than happy to allow him to do that as much as he wanted.
December 17, 2012 at 10:16 am
My son is only 3 months but I love it when he smiles and he is just now starting to giggle! It’s so much fun!
December 17, 2012 at 10:11 am
Izzy has just started crawling and I love how when she sees me her crawling gets faster and more excited until she gets to me.
December 17, 2012 at 10:04 am
We hug our children, say our prayers and kiss them goodnight as we anxiously await the fulfillment of his promise ” and he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”~Revelation 21:4
December 17, 2012 at 9:53 am
when she wakes up snuggling me and tells me she loves me.
December 17, 2012 at 9:52 am
I have a child on the way, and I smile when he reminds me that all is well with a giant, stomach turning movement from inside!
December 17, 2012 at 9:50 am
My son cracks us up with his earnest pursuit of our cats. He crawls after them until they allow him to catch up, then he gently head buts them in the side and rolls over laughing.
December 17, 2012 at 9:43 am
When my four year old tells me that she loves me and daddy and Jesus but loves Sister most of all.
I want my daughters to grow up as strong Christian women who are each other’s best friend.
On Friday I gave my four year old an extra big hug and I was almost happy when my three month old woke up for two extra feedings that night. I cherished that time as I never had before.
December 17, 2012 at 9:32 am
I told them how much I love them when I put them to bed last night…and I went back in their rooms and gave them extra kisses after they fell asleep
My 3-year old daughter hugs me and says “Aww Mama, you’re so sweet!” and it just melts my heart. My 14-month old son has started coming up to me at random times during the day and holding his arms out to be picked up just for a hug and a cuddle. Those are the sweetest moments 
December 17, 2012 at 9:31 am
My 6-month-old son’s smiles and laughter can brighten even my darkest days. Seeing his little face each morning as I go to get him up is a wonderful start to every day.
December 17, 2012 at 9:16 am
I always smile when my son says “da-ba-ga-da?” and hands me whatever I told him not to play with (I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it).
December 17, 2012 at 9:06 am
Every day before I send my kids off to the bus (my teens) or when I walk my elementary aged kids to school and drop them off, I give each one a hug and tell them I love them and to have a good day. I’m a bit weepier this morning as I send my first two off. I have a 6 soon to be 7 y.o. who is home sick today and I just hurt inside thinking about last Friday and that it was children his age that were all taken from this world.
My 2 y.o. makes me smile when I tell her I love her and she responds with, “I love you more!” With seven children, there are many other things I could share.
December 17, 2012 at 9:00 am
Telling my 6 month old “I love you” every chance I get. I don’t want him to grow up in a family that’s afraid to say it like my DH’s family.
December 17, 2012 at 8:37 am
When my baby girl wakes up and has a sleepy smile it just melts my heart!!! The cutest thing ever!
December 17, 2012 at 8:35 am
I am one who tells them I love them often- it is always the last thing I say before bed at night or when we are going to be apart for a few hours. It’s important to me that my loved ones know I treasure them. It may be the last time they hear those words from me. This life is so temporary and tomorrow is not promised to any of us. One of my favs is the way the kid’s faces light up when they see me in the morning always melts this Mama’s heart!
December 17, 2012 at 8:21 am
I told my 2 yr old I loved him as I tucked him back in bed at 4am. Little stinker keeps getting up at night! I smile when he shares his favorite foods with us without being told to.
December 17, 2012 at 8:09 am
I try to tell my son many times a day that I love him. As much as he can drive me crazy, I would not trade one day with him. I’ve hugged him tighter this weekend and I plan to continue to hug him tighter. My son makes me smile and laugh with his crazy antics and his already apparent humor at only 2 years old!
December 17, 2012 at 8:00 am
First thing in the morning when they wake up. My son just smiles and babbles, and my daughter hides under her covers and giggles. They are not awake yet, but when they do wake up I will let them know how much they are loved.
December 17, 2012 at 7:53 am
My children always make me smile when they are putting together one of their “productions”. They love to stage plays for us. They will spend hours, and sometimes even days practicing and doing costumes and sets. I am not allowed into the “stage” area until they are ready to preform for us. I love that they are so creative and would rather use that creativity than sit in front of a TV.
December 17, 2012 at 7:50 am
My 10 month old and I blew raspberries together then collapsed into a fit of giggles. It’s then best way to start the day.
December 17, 2012 at 7:44 am
When my 2 week old does his milk drunk smile and when my not quite two year old says or signs “love you mama”.
December 17, 2012 at 7:17 am
Making my children smile. They have the most beautiful smile. I can’t imagine the sorrow and pain those families are feeling now. I pray that God will take away the pain and to help them through this in the only way he can. I pray that the children that survived can heal as well. God is great.
December 17, 2012 at 6:31 am
when my 11-week-old daughter laughs:)