Tuesday, May 23, 2017

My First Born




     She is my sunshine, that sweet girl. I waited my entire life for her. Throughout my childhood, whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, my answer, quite simply, was always "a mommy." So you can only imagine my reaction to that one amazing word that popped up on a pregnancy test one very early morning in February back in 2010: pregnant. I couldn't breathe. After a few very long seconds, I could no longer even see straight. Big, fat tears had formed in my eyes and began rolling down my cheeks, blurring my vision making it nearly impossible to focus on that one single word that I'd waited my entire lifetime to see, a word that quite literally changed my life forever: I was pregnant! I was going to be a mommy!

     The old wive's tale says that when you're pregnant with a girl, that sweet baby steals the beauty from her mother. Most women I know who have had girls agree that during their pregnancies their skin broke out in pimples, or their hair was completely flat and lackluster, or they felt bloated all of the time, or they just felt unattractive altogether. I couldn't disagree with this theory more. I've never felt more beautiful in my entire life, than the almost 10 months that I carried her within my womb. I had awful morning sickness but boy did I glow; happiness and pure excitement emanated from every pore on my body. I carried her with such joy and grace.



     As sick as I was throughout my pregnancy, no amount of dry heaving or nausea was going to stop me from embracing every second of that experience. Everything had to be just right for her. We'd been blessed with this beautiful baby girl. She'd been given to us by God and I wasn't going to take a second of it for granted. From the colors we chose for her room, to her bedding, down to the sweet, little outfit she wore home from the hospital, every intricate detail was perfectly selected and ready just for her. 

     The second I laid eyes on that gorgeous ray of sunshine, however, all of those details went straight out the window. The only thing that mattered from that moment on was her. That sweet baby girl, the one that made all of my dreams come true, there'd never be another moment exactly like that one...ever.

     Giulia has grown into a very quiet girl who is very set in her ways and she's been like that from the moment she came flying out into this world (yes, quite literally flying). She has truly challenged me in ways I never thought possible. She has not only taught me to think outside of the box but to parent more creatively as well. Her quirky personality and spunky sense of style never fail to make me smile. She will not hesitate to put you in your place or even throw you under the bus if it means being honest and doing the right thing; two qualities we take very seriously in our family.



*Her passions include the widest variety of things: collecting Shopkins, caring for her dolls and stuffed animals, doing art, taking charge and leading others, and exploring the great outdoors.

*She's a girly girl at heart but is not afraid of getting dirty and looking for bugs. She gets enjoyment out of riding her bike, spending the day in her pajamas, cuddling up to watch a good movie, organizing her room, camping with her family, and chowing down on her favorite cookie in the whole wide world: Oreos.

*I call her my bag lady because she has so many bags that contain everything from used tissues to lip gloss to flash lights to first aid kits. If you're ever out and about and you're in need of something, she's your girl. She's better at packing our diaper bag than I am.

*She has a deep love for her family, friends, and teachers, however, she holds a very special place in her heart for her daddy. 



     There is absolutely nothing in this world that will ever come between that girl and her daddy. The bond those two have is everlasting. To think back on the day we found out that our first baby would be a girl, it makes me giggle remembering the total fear that overtook that strong, manly man of mine. "Are you sure? Can you just double-check?" he quietly asked the ultrasound technician. "Oh, it's most definitely a girl, Mr. Rollo," she smiled back at us. The silence that ensued for the next hour scared me. I feared that maybe he was not happy or maybe he was disappointed. I didn't know what to say until suddenly his quiet voice broke the silence, "Danette?" "Yes?" I replied. "I'm terrified. A girl...I don't know what to do with a girl. What if I break her?" I suddenly found myself laughing and crying all at the same time. "Oh honey," I said, "You're her daddy and you'll figure it out. You won't break her! You're going to teach her so many amazing things. She's going to love you so much." He looked over at me, a smile on his face and tears in his eyes..."My baby girl," he said. 

     To see how far their relationship has come since that fear-filled car ride home 7 years ago...it quite literally takes my breath away and although she happened to also inherit her daddy's stubbornness, she truly has a heart of gold. I can rest easy knowing that that girl will forever keep our family together and going strong long after her daddy and I are gone. She has a wisdom far beyond her years, one that I know will continue teaching me until the day I die. I am forever grateful for this little girl and for every little thing that makes her Giulia ❤️






Monday, May 22, 2017

Kloverbox Review April 2017



Elements of Aliel - No. 2 Peace Cleanser - $15.00 Restore calm and peace to irritated and inflamed skin with this gentle cleanser. The Peace Cleanser is simplicity at it's finest. Pure raw African black soap combined with kosher vegetable glycerine and a custom blend of herbs create the only cleanser you will ever need. It removes dirt and oil without drying skin. The combination of Chamomile, Yarrow, and Dandelion Root create a powerhouse formula to help you achieve the beautiful skin you deserve! Find out more about Elements of Aliel at: http://www.elementsofaliel.com and use coupon code Klover2017 for 20% off.

*The packaging is adorable but the SMELL!!! Oh the smell is just horrid. I'm also not a fan of how messy it is, because you have to dip your fingers into the container and scoop it out onto your palm causing it to run down the sides of the container. It's been great for my skin, but it's a thick mess. 

Mud Love - Be the Change Band - $10.00 Be the change you wish to see in the world. MudLove products are handcrafted in Indiana. Your band is a clay piece with elastic cord and words are stamped into the clay. The band is waterproof - wear it 24/7! Best of all, your band provides one week of clean water to someone in the Central African Republic. Through partnering with Water for Good, every product you purchase provides one week of clean water to someone in need. The Central African Republic is a country in desperate need of hope, love, and basic necessities. Access to safe, clean water has the power to transform communities and save lives. To find out more about Water for Good and MudLove visit: http://www.mudlove.com use coupon code KLOVER and get 30% off!

*I love this bracelet! Not only am I proud to wear it because I know it has helped someone in need but I also think it's super cute. I can't tell you how many random people have commented on it! Go get yourself one and give a family in need a week's worth of clean water ❤️

AvoSeedo - $12.99 One great way to celebrate Earth Day is to grow a plant or even a tree! With AvoSeedo, it's easier than ever to grow your own avocados! Compared to the original toothpick method, the advantage is the avocado seed doesn't need to be perforated, reducing the risk of damage (and thus, failed germination efforts). All in all, AvoSeedo is simply the perfect tool for you to grow avocado trees at home. The demanding germination period can now be mastered with almost no effort - giving your new trees an edge right from the beginning! Find out more at : http://www.avoseedo.com use coupon code kloverboxspecial for 20% off (valid until 4/30/17).

*I love this so much and boy do we love avocados!! This couldn't have come at a better time  since I had to put my upright blossoming cherry tree on hold until next year ha! Can't wait to get this thing growing. I'll keep you guys posted.

Zabana Essentials - Dry Shampoo Lavendar Citrus Mint - $12.95 Let's save water for Earth Day and plump up those limp strands. ZE Dry Shampoo is a quick on the go alternative; absorbing excess oils, adding volume, and refreshing the hair and scalp without water. Infused with natural minerals, essential oils, and bamboo extract that softens, adds shine and strength to hair and scalp. *Suitable for All Hair Textures And Colors* This dry shampoo is 100% Natural & Vegan. Zabana Essentials says, "We believe it is vital to our health that we responsibly utilize the nutrients provided to us by Mother Earth, as there is an abundance of gifts that exist in nature." Find out more about Zabana Essentials at: http://www.zabanaessentials.com use coupon code KBandZE and get 20% off (valid until 4/30/17).

*This smells so good but let's be honest...I have naturally curly hair. My hair has to be either watered down or shampooed daily so I can re-style. A little dry shampoo most certainly will not help tame my lion's mane of a mess, upon waking. Maybe, when I have some time on my hands (read: in 15 years) and I have no where special to go, I'll give it a whirl and let you know what I think ha.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Rollo Family General Store: American Flag

     


     Due to my father's service in the United States Air Force and my husband's service in the United States Army, the American flag holds a very special place in my heart. Ken and I, both, wanted something to hang in our library that was not only rustic, to go along with our home's theme, but also a good representation of both the importance of the military and our country's freedom. Ken then set to work on this magnificent piece and a few weeks later emerged from his workshop with this beauty. 



     For lack of a better word, it's a beast! It measures 37" wide and 19 3/4" high but can be customized to your liking. It's measurements and cuts aren't perfect, adding to it's charm. Ken torched the wood in the area around the stars and selected stripes to give it that rustic,  weathered appearance. He's received such positive feedback on this piece; it truly holds such meaning and allure. A piece to this magnitude is $125 with free local delivery and pick-up, but price really varies depending on specifications. 





General Store Hours

Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm (Spring-Fall; closed during the winter to re-stock inventory).

Available by phone, text, or private messages 24/7 203.615.2599