Owen's Monkey Business

I received another handmade blessing late yesterday made by many many hands of family, friends, and loved ones! Kindred spirit Kim coordinated a virtual shower scrapbook of baby blessings which was presented to me yesterday for Mother's (to be) Day by my husband. I was floored. I must've read through it four times in a row. Each page or set of pages is an individual treasure and put together it is just something else. I will probably share some pages here on the blog eventually; I know some people are still finishing up pages too. Here is the cover and introductory page: As you might be able to see, the title is Blessings. Derek took me up to a local park with views overlooking our valley in order to give it to me. It was a gorgeous afternoon. We did take some pictures and I will add them to this post soon!

We have been blessed with so many lovely and thoughtful gifts in the past weeks as we get closer to the arrival of little one! Thank you to everyone we are very grateful for everything! Here are some of the handmade items we have received for little guy: diaper cake made by Marina diaper wreath made by Carmen (in swing seat) "Los Pollitos" made by Clara: Baby afghan made by Marianna: baby blanket made by Dana: quilt made by Jodi: In addition I know of one more handmade gift coming soon: My Aunt Susie is making a wall hanging with all of baby's info once he's born!

This is a double post here at Casita Luna and Junebug St. The tradition of having a blessingway ceremony for expectant mothers is believed to have its roots in the Native American culture. There are many ideas of how to hold or celebrate a blessingway here . Since I am so far away from friends and loved ones I had an idea to incorporate a little bit of the flavor of a blessingway before our little one arrives, so I am inviting any of you who may be interested to participate. (Men too!) If you are so inclined, you are invited to send (or email) a little wish, quote, thought or prayer to me which I will assemble into a book of blessings to keep with me before, during, and after the birth. I am also inviting you to send a power bead of your selection for me to string into a bracelet or necklace which I will have with me during labor for encouragement. If you do send a bead, please include a note as to why you picked that color, shape or design and what significance it may have to the eve...