to give :: to receive

So they say that it's better to give than receive, but after some of the things that have been coming to my mailbox lately, I'm not so sure. I'll have to get back to you. I'm going to "give" at the end of this post, so I'll let you know which feels better!

First of all my dear long-time blogging friend Kristen, sent me a nice little package a few weeks ago. In it were some of her fabulous fabrics, which are the nicest fabrics that have ever graced my fabric shelves, along with a MollyBirds print, in a new (my favorite so far) colorway.  Who knew a little woodworking project could inspire something so great? Kristen also sent along two pads of her new line of papers. I love them and I'm beating my children off with a stick to keep them away from them. They've got sticky fingers those girls so I've taken to hiding them in different places around my desk.

And Kristen, for the record, Happy Belated Birthday! I made you a video message to send as a little "gift", but I chickened out. I'm working on "take 2". Thank you, friend! You know what I love.

As if that wasn't enough, Molly,(whose new banner I love), my dear blogging friend and new penpal sent an extra large "letter" in the mail for our last exchange. In it she included this cute little puzzle wreath, these books that she scores at her "friends of the library" sales (I'm jealous), and some homemade marshmallows. Molly, the books were key--especially the horse-drawing one. I'm not turning it over to Emma quite yet because apparently my horses aren't "real-ish enough" these days. I need some lessons.

Now about the marshmallows...I'm not sure if I should admit this openly, but I've never had homemade marshmallows. Whoa. Is there any ounce of comparison between powdery puffy store-bought nothingness and fluffy, sweet, perfect homemade? The bag was gone the next day--probably another thing I shouldn't admit openly--but I did have lots of help with the finishing...

And last of all, one night when Dan was well into dreamland, I was up late on the computer and somehow stumbled upon the etsy shop DoggiePiggie. I'm not one for impulse buys, but as soon as I saw these animal tracks alphabet cards, I knew I needed a set for me, (I mean, the girls.) I love them. I'll probably somehow use them to decorate in their new room. And tonight I see that the shop owner at doggiepiggie was holding out on me!! She now has a Memory Card Game, Counting Flash Cards, and great sets of flat and folded cards. Her profile says she's combining her love of science and art. I think they've come together beautifully.

Now for the giving....I've somehow managed to have an extra copy of Amanda's Creative Family book. And I would love to give it away to someone who doesn't have a copy. If you are a mother, auntie (uncle? anyone?), grandmother....you should be reading this book. I can't tell you how many times Amanda's words come back to me throughout my day. Leave a comment indicating that you'd like your name in the hat. I'll pick a name later in the week. You can read my review of her book here.

I actually have two other books to give away, but I'll save them for another post soon. This turned into a longer post than I anticipated.

I gave the bloggity-blog a facelift today. I just needed something new. This was different. The seasons are changing and I get blog-design-ants-in-my-pants. I feel much better now.

Comments

[erin]

I love the blog's new look - I noticed it right away. I think the font size is fine and your banner is stunning.

[melissa]

darlin' fabric and notepads. LOVE those notepads. Can't ever have enough of them.
Nice fresh looking page, Molly!

[Michelle]

Oooh, I'd love a copy of Amanda's book, I *need* a copy of Amanda's book! Thanks for putting my name in the hat...

And I like the new look a lot, the font is cute. I like small. :0)

[tara]

Please throw my name in for the book! I love your blog and am delurking for a chance at this great book.

[Tamara]

I was hoping you hadn't changed the banner. I love that photo, the colours, the girl and everything.

And of course, I would love my name in that hat.

Thank you

[Mama Urchin]

Love those track cards. I'm adding them to a list for the urchins.

[kristin]

i have a copy already, inspired many times.

have fun giving and receiving!

[Rebecca F.]

I'd love the book. How generous of you!!

As always, love the blog.

Rebecca F.

[Deb]

Love all your gifties. And I can't wait to check out the animal track alphabet cards.

I did find the font a little small, but then I'll be "over 35" in a few weeks. Lol.

[Candace]

ooohh. yes. yes. please! I still need to get Amanda's book.

[Missy K]

Oh, goodness, I would love my name in that hat-- that would be wonderful.

I love the new banner-- very spring to me!

[Bethany]

I love Amanda's book and I'd love to own a copy so please put my name in the hat.

[Desiree]

Love the new banner! Please add my name to the hat too!

[Kim]

Oh I would love the book! I've wanted to get it, but just haven't had the extra moolah. So sweet of you :)

As for the blog facelift, it looks great! The font isn't too small (at least not for me), and I love the new banner. Very nice :)

[Lori]

i read you in rss, so .. the blog looks great! .. but i don't remember what it looked like before!! rofl

xoxoxo

[christine]

Oh - please add my (delurked) name to the hat - I've asked our library to order a copy and put my name on the hold list but goodness only knows how long THAT will take ;).
And I love the new banner - green finally --ahhhh, it was a very long winter. font looks nice too.

[Sarah Jackson]

Ooh! I'd love to be in there. I haven't been able to find it anywhere local and haven't yet ordered online.

That bird fabric is so perfect. I love it!

[mandy]

Yes! Please add my name in the hat. Her book has been on my wish list forever!
I like the new look. I love the new banner. I just changed mine a few weeks ago and keep thinking that my font is too small, but I haven't heard any complaints yet. As for yours I think it looks just fine, so maybe mine is too I guess. Geez, enough rambling?

[arah]

oh, I want my name in the hat. Love your blog, you inspire me!

[arah]

oh, I want my name in the hat. Love your blog, you inspire me!

[Allison]

Molly, the banner is fresh and Springy, the font legible and the give away to good to by pass. (Though I'm not sure if you are willing to post internationally, I completely understand if you aren't)

[Emma]

That fabric is wonderful isn't it, I have a piece too. And those track cards... oooh. Pity my daughter is too young (10 months), but maybe we can just keep them for later? Of course we can.
I would love to be put in your hat for the draw, my library doesn't seem to even have it listed. Sigh.

[Jenn]

I have to say that I, too, love your new header! The colors are so great together! I'd love to be thrown into the give away, if you don't mind:) I keep looking at Amanda's book but just haven't had the chance to buy one. Maybe I'll get lucky (stranger things have been known to happen:). Thanks for the generous gift.

[analilia]

i would love to have this book! please put my name in the hat! i'm a big admirer of crafting mommas and have been meaning to buy that book, but if i win it that would be so awesome!

[Erin Zackey]

Ooo, I have been trying to earn credit by selling books to my local bookstore to get this book, what a treat it would be to win!