Baby Makes 5

Vintage Dumbo Party

2012-01-23T14:23:00.000-05:00

A blogger friend Jessica mentioned Charlotte's Dumbo party dress on her cute blog today! Thought it would be fun to share the original party post last July! And, when you get a chance, visit Jessica at littlepumpkingrace.blogspot.com

http://amanda-babymakes5.blogspot.com/search?q=dumbo

And a few more of the party dress and the birthday girl! Thannks for visiting!

A Few Highlights

2012-01-02T12:35:00.000-05:00

Wanted to post a few highlights from December. WOW! Where did the month go...actually, I know where mine went...it was spent between 2 states, 3 hospitals and 1 Mommy with a brain injury. BALANCE and being JOYFUL have been hard this month but I had to try for the sake of my family, they deserve a "present" Mom! Hopefully, as this year wraps, things with my family (My Mom/Dad) are on the upswing and I can find a place of peace and rest withing my soul...its been unsettled and things have been "noisy" for too long! OK, enough of that...onto some highlights!

Our Church's Children's Christmas Program!

Charlotte and Christian sung in the Angelic Choir and Campbell was a Shepherd in the play!

Then it was onto our local grocery store/Starbucks where Charlotte and Campbell

played piano for shoppers...this is a big deal for Charlotte who get so nervous,

I was so proud of them both!

(It was freezing in there, hence the coat :))

and then it was Campbell's turn and my battery died...no pics of his turn :(

The next weekend we headed to our Club for Brunch with Santa!

and...these are the only pics we got because Christian would not sit on Santa's lap...nor did he sing at the Church program (pictured above) ...oh well, he is a little stinker and I was fully prepared!

We celebrated Christian's 4th Birthday on December 6 (need to post those pics?!) and then we celebrated Campbell's 10th Birthday on December 22!

Per tradition we started the day early with gifts and breakfast and for the first time ever Campbell had school on his actual day!

The highlight was the Burton snowboard for sure!!!!

Like my blurry picture of the empty roller rink?!

We celebrated with a party for his whole class (and then some) at the roller rink...it was tons of fun but clearly my photography was lacking that night! :)

Another highlight for the kids was seeing where I silly little Elf might appear...they love this little guy!

Many more highlights, this was only the first few weeks of December

but some favorite memories for sure!

Happy New Year!

a few of my favorite things!

2011-12-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough few weeks to say the least! ...so, I figured I need to make a list of some things I am grateful for, happy about and feel blessed by! (in no particular order, either! :))

my God and my faith...
our tradition of seeing the nutcracker again this year...it seemed particuarly great today!
hot cocoa afterwards with friends where we watched our daughters dance like little sugar plum fairies all through starbucks!
a roaring fire, sitting by the light of my beautifully "perfect" Christmas Tree
the amazing smell of my aspen candle
the homeade wrapping paper that my kids created
the elf on the shelf who continues to surprise and delight us each day!
that at 38 my mommy is still my mommy...even if she too confused to know right now!
snowflakes today...finally feels "Christmas-y"
my friends...simply put - they are ANGELS in my life!
Caramel Brulee Lattes from Starbucks - yum!
my comfy, cozy bed...
the sheer delight of seeing christmas thru my babies' eyes!
my church
that my sweet bryan is on vacation for the nest two weeks...can't wait to be together!
brunch with santa (tomorrow)

I think thats it for now!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hello! I have missed you...my blog has fallen wayside to caring for 2 very ill parents who have both been hispitialized over the last month. To say things have been crazy in an understatement! I am trying hard to keep it all together and be what everyone "needs"...Mom, wife, daughter,sister and friend but I am failing I am sure...I thank God for this season of grace and beauty and celebration of our Savior's birth! There is no better time in my eyes, to forgive, to love, to have compassion and gladness, to give to eachother and to look ahead with hope and excitement and anticipation for a new season of health and happiness and renewals...I wont be around much these next few weeks here on my blog, chances are I am trying to prepare Christmas in spite of feeling most "un-Christmas"...but my babies deserve the very best I can give them so I will turn my focus to them...

Blessings to you all this Season! xo

Frames with Friends

2011-11-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

Some girlfriends and I stayed up way too late a few weeks ago...we had a ball,of course! We had decided to get together and do make picture frames as Christmas gifts!

I love pictures and I love frames and I love "crafting" and making things...I have seen frames very similar in stores,mostly small shops for $35 and up...we knew we could do better than that! Plus, I think its more meaningful when the gift comes from the heart!

Not the best pictures of the pictures:) but you get the idea...

So fun to personalize with a "blingy" initial, a cross or an old brooch...we have been collecting lots of goodies and ribbons and frames to make a really fun gift! :)

Blessings friends and family as we head towards Thanksgiving...I am bound and determined to have all of my shopping done by next week! Wish me luck!!!!

Baby Stella

2011-11-10T15:56:00.000-05:00

My beautiful friend Gindy had a baby girl last night!

Stella Lee Weaver...

I am over the moon excited! I love babies and I love Gindy and her sweet family - she did not find out ...boy or girl, so that make her news all the more exciting!

Gindy has wonderful style...we met through mutual friends years ago and we were kindred spirits from the get go...we love to shop and decorate and antique...

we love wine and good food and a great candle :)

So, in honor of she and baby Stella I wanted to show you a few quick pics I took on Halloween of her nursery...I just love how it turned out!

of course, these pics don't do it much justice but it is lots of neutral colors...with a silver-gray paint on the walls...all white linen bedding and lots of special, precious touches!

And now...she gets to throw in lots of pin:)

Her son Harper also has a handsome new "big boy" room...

See what I mean...?! Great style....

This was Gindy (on the right obviously! :))

Halloween passing out candy!...

Congrats sweet friends

Gindy, Brian and Harper and Baby Stella...

so happy for you all! We love you-

Tablescapes...

2011-11-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

There are few things I love as much as Holidays....but prepping and planning and the anticipation is just as wonderful if not more so!

I love any reason to use my silver and old linens from both sides of our families...I love my white ironstone and brown and white transfer ware and the opportunity to set a beautiful table,prepare a special meal and "deck the halls"...

This was a Thanksgiving table from a few years ago...

(my little pilgrim girl! )

Do you spy what doesn't belong in this picture?! :)

We always write a few things we are thankful for....this particular year we hung them on Kraft tags from the chandelier along with vintage Thanksgiving postcards I have....

Such a happy time of year!

Posterity Picture

2011-11-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

Wanted to make sure I had a "Halloween Keepsake" on my blog....

a family picture of us all dressed-up!

Harry Potter, Friendly Witch (her black cat), Peyton Manning and his on field referee:)

Seems Like Halloween was now weeks ago...with Thanksgiving so close and Christmas right behind....I am excited and every year I swear I am going to squeeze every last second of Christmas fun out of the Holiday but yet I feel behind even before it has started...silly I know.

Less than 50 days....

Halloween #1

2011-10-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

We are knee deep in Halloween celebrations here this weekend that is also our Fall break!

Halloween was a one day/night event when I was little and now the celebration lasts for weeks it seems! We had great weather last weekend and were able to attend our neighborhood party just for an hour or so but its always nice to be close to home and see old friends/neighbors and meet some new families too! The highlight for the kids is the hayride through our neighborhood! Lots of fun-

13 years

2011-10-17T14:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary to my sweet Bryan!

Truly...every girl should be so lucky!

Oct. 17, 1998

Halloween Smoothie

2011-10-17T09:50:00.000-04:00

My kids love Smoothies!

...so... I made them ..."Halloween" smoothies for a fun after school snack!

Very Easy...

Banana, Mango, Yogurt, Milk, Crushed Ice...blend!

Top with spooky sprinkles!

(I try to sneek in flax seed or protein powder when I can too ;) )

Puma Paw Print

2011-10-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

My baby girl is so proud!

She earned her FIRST Puma Paw Print at school...

This is apparently a very big deal - when you are recognized for being an "exceptional" student or doing something really, really "good"...

She has been wanting one and was so happy to get her paw print!

Oh, the simple joys in life...I pray she will always be "exceptional", really really "good" and strive to be her very best Charlotte!

and just because I love this picture of my sweet, sweet girl...

We are so proud of you Charlotte!

You have Puma Pride! :)

A glimpse...

2011-10-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be fun to post some random pics from my Iphone....they are not great in terms of quality but they are fun to just catch a quick glipse at life with the Joneses' of late! Here we go...

I'm singin in the rain...

Charlotte and Lily...little ballerinas

LOVE this pic...Christian's "make, take & bake apple" bag from school!

Packing for my 20th HS reunion :)

Hilltopper (reunion) cupcakes!

My FAVORITE pizza ever...I ate alot of it when I was home :)

Old friends are the best friends!

My dad and his best friend...they go back to their college days!

Me and my Mama

"Shoogie" with 2 of her grandbabies...

The Spooky Village...my kids ADORE this...comes out earlier and earlier each year;)

Uh oh,....the mice have arrived too!

Glimpses of Fall

2011-10-11T12:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall Friends!

20 years and Home Again

2011-09-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

Headed to my 20th HS Reunion this weekend....and I can't wait! You see there is something so special about this school - "the castle on the hill" as it is refereed to! Some of my most precious memories are from HS, from Glen Ellyn, from home...!

And although we can't ever really "go back" we can sure enjoy the time and relish in the memories!

Things I am looking forward to:

a girl's weekend...w/ about 10 of my HS besties (and all that a hotel, child-less, husband-less, responsibility-less, big slumber party entails!

a reunion with old classmates & friends
the Homecoming Parade and Football game
the parties....
the laughter....
Barone's Pizza
Santa Fe Mexican
The Cracker Barrel Bakery
Alfie's Inn
the lake, the leaves and the nostalgia of being there again...

I can't wait to go home!

The house I grew- up in... so many memories!

679 North Main Street....

Triathalon

2011-09-27T08:19:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of Bryan who competed in his FIRST Triathlon Sunday! He did an amazing job in the rain and cooler temps...he finished 7th! overall in the swim leg and 51st overall in the race! Out of a few hundred! Way to go babe! He travels alot for work and when he is home he has little time to do anything else than be a Dad, husband, dog walker and handyman/get-it done man...so his training was sporadic (at best) but he was diligent and went for it anyway! The kids and I loved cheering you on, thanks for being an awesome example!

Coming out of the water!

Transitioning to his bike

A couple "fans" :)

waiting to see him finish his bike "leg!" ...12miles!

GO! Daddy Go!!! Coming into the shoot after the 5K, the final leg!...

There is Campbell to his right cheering him on!

We love you Bryan!

xoxo

Blankie Love

2011-09-18T20:00:00.001-04:00

I managed to re-arrange and organize our teeny, tiny linen closet this week....

it makes me happy to see it all "perfect" (albeit short-lived I know!)

Some of my babies' blankies I could not part with and decided not to pack away...

It will be a cold,long winter here and my hope is that they will end up at this closet and pull out a little piece of their history to warm up and snuggle with!

The quilts and blankets on top are from both sides of Bryan and I's families - I love that....

and I love that my kids can wrap around them a part of our history too!

Blankies and organizing = happiness!

Happy Sunday friends!

(Wow! Not very good pictures Iphone by the way....)

My Baby Birdie

2011-09-07T00:14:00.000-04:00

My baby...

my last baby, my youngest baby, the baby I prayed so hard for, fought so hard for....

(bedrest 2007)

and celebrated so intensely...

(delivered 4 weeks premature but healthy and strong!)

December 6, 2007

started preschool today!

My little "birdy" has flown the coop, left the nest
and spread his wings today!

(new school! - September 6, 2011

I love you my sweet, sweet Christian, my forever little birdy...this Mama
loves you more than words!

Donut Date for Kindergartners

2011-09-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

A girlfriend and I decided to host a "New to Kindergarten" play date at school shortly after the Class lists were posted....

We sent an Evite to those we knew and just asked those friends to spread the word

and forward the Evite...

We had close to 30 or so incoming Kindergartners and their Moms/Dads!

We provided donuts, juice and coffee for the "big kids" :)

It was a beautiful, sunny morning and was so much fun to get all those kids together, they saw some familiar faces but met lots of new friends too - we knew that might ease first day jitters!

Our school has wonderful playgrounds, a Prairie and Pavilion - lots of exploring fun!

(PS- Hang with me...I am pretty sure that these next few posts will all be back-tracking...I have sooo much to post about)

Ice Cream Social

Back to School Night

Teacher Meet & Greet

All our Summer adventures

Campbell's soccer team

and much, much more!

there they go....

2011-09-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

and we are off and running....

Feeling pretty lame and (less than inadequate;) ) that I have not even blogged about (or showed any pics) of the kids going back to school...so many emotions, big firsts this year and who know, maybe I am still in a little bit of denial about it all...! I am so happy and so excited for my three but have felt a little sad, a little nostalgic and a little "now what?!" (not gonna lie!)...although, I am excited and feeling very lucky to be getting sometime to myself now...I know it will go fast but it will be huge for me! First time in almost 10 years I will not have had at least one little one at home...weird and strange, cant really describe it, but exciting to be entering the next "phase" of our lives!

my loves!

Everyone is doing great, still adjusting to new routines and my little Kindergartner is tiiirrreeeedddd by 3pm but she is loving every.minute.of.it! Campbell has settled right into 4th grade and has shown some great responsibilty of late, very proud of him - he has also been a pretty great big brother to his little sis as she "learns the ropes"! Christian starts school Tuesday, today was class visitation and he loved it, I loved it, it was such a happy day for him...all about him for the first time - his school, his teachers, his friends, his playground etc....by God that child has earned it! :) I did something very unorthodox for myself and threw all my plans for him (and his schooling) out the window this week, went with my gut and I am SO happy that I did, feeling at peace....his new school is literally right outside my neighborhood, So convienet and we love that so many friends are there too :)

my wild & crazy new preschooler!

I really wanna be more regular here - this is my scrapbooking/journaling right now so I need to more accountable! Hope you all are enjoying the end of Summer, start of a new school year and time with those you love!

be back soon-

my 4th grader...

Charlotte with her sweet teacher; Mrs. Hammond

Kindergarten Orientation

august 24, 2011

My Boys

2011-08-17T08:23:00.000-04:00

These BOYS make my heart skip a beat....

New Do and Lost Tooth

2011-08-14T09:01:00.000-04:00

Miss Charlotte lost her tooth....a week ago Friday in a S'More :) She was thrilled and could not wait for the Tooth Fairy visit....she brought her $2!

Not only did she loose her first tooth but she got a sassy new "do" for Kindergarten too...Oh my, changes, changes around here...gulp~

New bob!

(can you see that missing tooth? bottom left :) )

Another New Year

2011-08-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

2 weeks and 6 days til school starts...wow, I still just feel like time is flying by way too fast! I start to feel panic set in right about August 1, every year...here are a few things that run thru my mind in the middle of the night...

Another year older (ie; one more step out the door :( !), what will this school year bring? good or bad? (some of both, I know for sure!) , am I prepared?......healthy foods, meal plans for dinners, snacks, pantry cleaned and organized and ready, clothes and shoes bought, backpacks, supplies, blah, blah, blah...) I should start Christmas shopping, I should order Christmas cards (the early bird gets the worm, right?!). This year feels different as I send my only daughter out into the big, bad school world where I am not so able to control her environment, where she will be gone from me longer than she ever has in her precious 6 years of life and that is a hard for pill for me to swallow! 8 hours a day, 5 days a week....sigh. And then theres my little guy, my last, my baby, starting his journey to Preschool (watch out world) he is a "handful" and his brother and sister are POSITIVE he will be expelled within a few weeks of starting (they are just partially kidding Friends :) )...SO much to think about, to contemplate, to plan, to organize, to rejoice in, to feel sad and nostalgic about, to just plain want to freeze time or at least slow it down...but I know I can't so I take comfort in knowing they will be in the watchful eye of Him and He will be leading them thru there little lives...day by day, hour by hour. I pray they always know His Grace, His mercy, and His love! And as their Mama, I have a great sense of peace about just that; I know they will be OK, better than OK! They will soar....! Here is to a "new" year!

Giving Away

2011-08-01T20:59:00.000-04:00

Its constant, this giving away...

Click on the link below to read one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever read...Paige's blog is a favorite of mine and this post is just amazing. I know as Mothers we have to let go but it is just so, so hard!

Charlotte starts Kindergarten in 3 short weeks and Christian then starts Preschool...their big brother Campbell is just two short years away from Middle school. None of those milestones seem possible...my heart is heavy with these thoughts yet I am excited for them to grow and learn and spread their wings just a little bit more with each new day that passes but it is not easy to do!

First we give them roots and then we give them wings, right?

http://paigeknudsen.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-constant-this-giving-away.html

Camp Week

2011-07-28T18:36:00.001-04:00

Where does the time go? Where has Summer gone?...I am so behind on blogging but have enjoyed being more "present" and in the moment this Summer instead.

It has been a busy few weeks around here...Campbell spent a week at Camp Tannadoonah with a group of 10! other buddies (they had one whole cabin to themselves)...he hiked, fished, swam, kayaked, cook over an open fire and won the Golden Arrow award for Archery (very distinguished I guess ;) )...camp memories are the best and more and more each year he grows a little bigger and falls more in love with his experience away from home. We miss him alot when he is gone, it is so quiet without him but we know he is having a blast and it gives us lots of quality time with Christian and Charlotte which is awesome too! I managed to sneak in a little "playtime" with friends myself - boating and sitting in the sun, laughing and enjoying a yummy lunch, girlfriends are great for the Soul. Other highlights included a night at a friends' lake house for dinner and boat rides, Charlotte did a week long ballet and art camp and Christian learned to swim all by himself without his "muscle" suit! We are so proud of him! I feel like my kids have grown leaps and bounds in just a few months! Here are a few highlights from the week!

4th Summer at Camp Tannadoonah

Cabin Buddies...

The top bunk rules as well as the new Camp tshirt!

After a visit to the camp store...

Saying "goodbye" for the week...

Now its time for these kiddos to have some fun...

after dinner "cruise" on Birch Lake

Manicured tootsies :)

Bumper Boats

With all our kids away at camp it was so much fun to get a group together

to have some of our own lake fun!

Our lovely hostess for the day as well as our boat driver!

Jumped off the top of the Pontoon boat and just floating...

Our best effort at a group shot...it was such a happy day!

Loose Tooth

2011-07-20T13:43:00.000-04:00

My baby girl has her FIRST loose tooth and she is over the moon excited!

It actually started wiggling right before her 6th birthday party...she was sure you had to be 6 to lose a tooth ~ she is just too cute for words I tell ya!

Everyday its just a little bit more "wiggly" and she waits patiently for her first visit from the tooth fairy!

I can't believe she is 6

I cant believe she is about to lose her 1st tooth

I can't believe that in 5 short weeks she will off to Kindergarten....all.day.long

SIGH....

Pinterest Help!

2011-07-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

OK, so I am trying to get on the Pinterest "bandwagon"...Im finding it a tad confusing....hoping you can help!

I requested an invite...it says "thanks. youre on the list"...but then what? How do I get an account? It says once you get an email from them then you can sign in using Facebook or Twitter? Well, when does the email come? I cannot imagine it would take very long since I am sure thousands are requesting an invite by the minute...

Can you help? Thanks....

Cirque de Charlotte

2011-07-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

We celebrated Charlotte's 6th Birthday this weekend! Does not seem possible...but her party was a wonderful celebration in honor of this most precious little girl! I wish I could adequately and eloquently express how special this child is; she is just the light of our lives...so sweet and so kind and caring, she is so creative, her imagination is beautiful and unique! She originally told me right after returning from Disney in February that she wanted a "Dumbo" birthday....so I started thinking how we could put a fun twist with the Dumbo idea...I decided on a vintage circus theme, Charlotte loved the idea and Cirque DE Charlotte was created! 200 pictures were taken at the party so I am sorting and editing but wanted to share just a few tonight!

Be back soon with more photo fun...

Sneak Peek

2011-06-26T22:49:00.000-04:00

http://tadacreations.blogspot.com/2011/06/custon-dress-vintage-circus.html

A little sneak peek at Charlotte's party dress! Cirque de Charlotte party planning and prep is in full mode around here! We have one excited little girl who will turn 6 in just a few days. It just does not seem possible! She has filled our life with more love and laughter and smiles and giggles and joy than I could have ever imagined! Can't wait to celebrate that little girl in big fun this week and on her party day too!

Summer Piano Recital

2011-06-17T05:53:00.000-04:00

Charlotte and Campbell just had their Summer Piano Recital!

Both were a little nervous but did great - I think it takes alot of courage to get up in front of a room full of people and play the piano!

Their teacher "Mr. Matt" is wonderful and I think the kids just like the visit from him once a week more than they like playing...he makes it fun for them with trips to Build a Bear and to play paint ball! (all family outings!)

There is always the issue of these two needing to practice more but all and all they enjoy it and learning about music at a young age...I think that's a great gift!

Charlotte LOVES getting flowers, so her Daddy & I gave her a big bouquet and Campbell got Jelly Bellies and a Notre Dame chocolate bar :) - I wrote them both personal notes to tell them how proud we were of them and their efforts!

Treat Tuesday

2011-06-13T19:51:00.000-04:00

Treat Tuesday, a new Tradition (origina) idea found here: http://megduerksen.typepad.com/

So each Tuesday this Summer the kids take turns picking a "treat" that they want to make with me...something new or just a stand by that they love! Campbell was first up last week and he chose donuts! So, we that's what we made and they were yum, yum! I did cheat some, these were NOT from scratch (I am nice, but not crazy! :))...

We used a can of biscuit dough -

flatten each piece of dough and cut a hole in the center (I use a bottle cap from our Wesson oil)
meanwhile you are waiting for your oil (Canola or Vegetable) to get hot enough to fry your "donuts" in! - and I use enough oil to submerge the donuts in...
test the oil w/ just a small drop of water first , once its hot enough, drop one in until brown, just a quick minute or so - use tongs to flip and do the other side.
transfer to a plate lined w/ paper towels, when you are done frying them comes the fun part!

shake, shake and shake some more....

we dropped 4 in a bag of powder sugar and four in another bag with cinnamon & sugar!

Pour a big glass of milk and enjoy while HOT!

Easy and fun!

(PS- do you notice....no Campbell?! he decided he was "done" once the frying began but he did come back for a finished donut...little stinker! )

Another Treat Tuesday tomorrow!

Sweet Summer

2011-06-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Summer is off to a "sweet" start!!!!

A boy and his board

2011-06-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

Campbell's new hobby!

(yikes!)...

Cam, I love that you love to try new things...and be outside and show your baby brother

"the ropes"... I admire your sense of adventure!

just remember to always wear your helmet!

I love you

Dollie Bakery

2011-06-03T23:34:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was pretty rainy...so this is how we spent a good part of our Saturday!

Making cupcakes for Lanie and Grace's(her AG dollies) new bakery!

Charlotte and I had lots of fun imagining all the ways this bakery would serve the girls and their friends!

Charlotte is so clever and has so much attention to detail....I love that about her!

I feel like these days of dollies and play and make-believe are numbered (although I truly hope they are not!) so I treasure the time on the floor with my little girl....and her "little girls" too!

Schools out...Summers here!

2011-05-27T20:06:00.000-04:00

Summer is officially here, well, one more day of school left. But we have had tons of rain,chilly days and little sun! With the yucky weather, a travelling husband and saying good-bye to a very dear friend who moved to Ohio, I have not felt much like blogging lately! Looks like the weather will turn around by Memorial Day though! Cannot wait to sit by the pool with the sun on my face!

I feel very unprepared for Summer this year, I may just try and "wing it" with lots of swimming and the hopes that Christian being one year older might be "easier"...he can play outside w/ his brother and sis and just be that more independent! We shall see -!

The last few weeks have been busy! Preschool Graduation / Music performance, Field Day, Olympic Day, class parties and all the other day to day...we also had some work done in our family room after some Winter water damage...it looks beautiful! So fresh and light and calm and I can't wait to share pictures of everything! Soon, I hope. I am also in full swing planning Charlotte's 6th Birthday party...she has requested a "Dumbo" party (on the cusp of returning from Disney!), but we also decided to put a vintage circus twist to it...soft grays, pinks and yellows. It is going to be so fun, cant wait to share the ideas with you!

I came across an adorable summer activity printable today that I wanted to share! I plan to frame this in an oversized, white distressed frame and refer to it for lots of fun ideas! I also printed a few extras out and want to give to friends with a bottle of lemonade and plate of cookies as a "Happy Summer" treat!

Take a look and share the Summer the love...

http://laurawinslowphotography.com/blog/2011/05/25/freebie-101-bits-of-summer-fun-laura-winslow-photography/

Girly Tea

2011-05-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

I had the honor of hostessing a table at our Church's first "Intergenerational Tea"...It was so much fun to bring so many women together in friendship and fellowship on a rainy, cool Saturday! I loved using my grandmother's china, beautiful linens and silver! I was channeling my Mom back home who taught me to love flowers at a very young age - although she has mad skills...I just try and emulate her! Fussing over flowers, table settings, and finding the right "favor" is truly a creative outlet for me, one that lets me express myself, fills my bucket and always puts a smile on my face. I love to honor my friends and family this way too...never doing it to impress (although always nice to hear the compliments)...just really doing it for me and those I love!

Each hostess was responsible for her own table settings and centerpieces...it was so much fun to see every one's tables - all lovely and original! There was a 'tea bar" - many flavors to choose from and all the food was homemade and donated by Church friends! We also had a wonderful speaker who discussed her volunteer work in our community to fund cancer support and medical help! It was just a happy, happy day!

My Table...

Other pretty things...

My friend Claudia's table was gorgeous in green...black&white! Loved her centerpiece with limes and lime green Hydrangea!

She made each of her guests a flower pin to wear...so clever!

I loved the glass bottles of "Voss" water...a really fun

and modern twist!

A few of my sweet friends and table mates!

"My cup runneth over...."

Easter Buckets

2011-05-11T12:00:00.001-04:00

Easter Buckets for our best buddies!

Pails were half off at HL

I bought vinyl letters - Monogram for the girls and single initial for the boys

I used shredded (recycled junk mail) paper as filler....right from the paper shredder

Just a few goodies inside that were color coordinated and of course one big & yummy Chocolate bunny!

Tied up with cellophane and color coordinating grosgrain ribbon.

The bottom of the buckets were signed and dated...

I Love to give gifts and love when I get an idea, a theme or I get to hunt for things that color coordinate...makes me happy!

This would also be a fun idea for any Holiday, teacher gift or Birthday present!

Who wouldn't love a monogrammed bucket filled with favorites?!

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T13:06:00.001-04:00

I am lucky to be called "Mommy" by these little ones...

I have good days and bad days, I lose my temper, I don't give my all sometimes, I'd rather blog than play blocks...the list of my faults could go on and on BUT you love me unconditionally! You never fail to amaze me or make me smile or truly put the world into perspective! You make me proud and and help me to remember to slow down...literally! To stop and smell the roses, look at a rock or watch the ant colonies! You love the simple things, gum and lifesavers and Family Movie Nights! Thank you for the cuddles and the belly laughs and the kisses that you give so freely! I love you with all my heart, more than words could ever say! Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day...breakfast, sweet gifts, homemade cards and lots of love!

and thank you to the greatest Daddy (behind the Mama!) who lovingly helps and rarely complains, who always puts us first and who gives me time to just be "Amanda"...

I love and thank you!

Feeling Grateful!

2011-05-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

God Bless America...

May 1

2011-05-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

Egg Fun

2011-04-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Hoppy Easter Weekend!

bUNNY bRUNCH!

2011-04-18T10:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Brunch with the Bunny and an EASTER Egg Hunt AT OUR CLUB ! It was sooo coLd but sunny and happy nonetheless. It makes me so happy to see my kids having so much fun, all dressed-up, surrounded by friends!

Master Bath Haven

2011-04-14T22:23:00.000-04:00

My favorite new place to be....love it all! Find a place you love to be...and...just be!

Blog Help?

2011-04-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

(and just because we need a happy picture!)

OK, Blog professionals...I need some help. It seems everyday or so I have a new "Follower"...which is quite exciting ...until I look and see who it might be...apparently, I am attracting lots of men with foreign names that I cant pronounce and who clearly are not visiting my blog to read about my sweet family...?! Any idea where they are coming from and how it works? I am assuming because my blog name starts with an "A" that maybe it is some automated thing or something? Anyway, its no bother other than its weird and creepy and I am posting about my kids (with pics!)...I am "blocking" them but is there a way to remove them all together? Any thoughts? Thanks for your help - it is just very strange and has only started happening in the last few months...?!

Time Away

2011-04-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

I love time away with my hubby...

I crave that balone, quiet time...no kids, no dishes, no laundry, carpool, cooking, etc...I am lucky enough to get to tag along on a biz trip now and again. Right now, I am in Jacksonville with him! Yesterday we arrived and hit the pool...laid there and soaked up the sun...had a great dinner at Ruth Chris where I had one of the best steaks I have ever had - its been years since I have eaten there and it was delish...we had a small table for 2 overlooking the River and laughed alot - a great night. Today Bryan worked all day and I kid you not I pretty much stayed in bed all day and rested and blogged while it rained outside. I did get a workout in and a quick trip to the bookstore to get some reading material for tonight - (biz dinner, I am enjoying some more alone time) and takeout from Ruth Chris - again!

Tomorrow we have the day to ourselves before a flight back to see family and the kids in NC...I feel so lucky...lucky for the time away, lucky for parents who offer to babysit and lucky for a man that values me and loves me so much and knows that I need him all to myself sometimes! Thanks honey, I love you.

(pic above is from our getaway to NYC last Summer)

Holy Mathis & Spring Spruce-up

2011-04-05T10:47:00.000-04:00

On vacation this week...spending time with family and managed a short getaway with hubby, sans kids! Its wonderful to be in the South again...lots of green, flowering trees, Azaleas, wild Freesia and blue skies!

However, I look forward to getting home to see our Master Bath completely finished! Then, its on to the Familyroom where I have had the pleasure of working with Holly Mathis (Interiors) who has offered a fresh eye and perspective in an effort to help us lighten-up our Familyroom in anticpation of Spring and Summer! Cant wait to show you the Inspiration board and the direction we are headed....I have also enjoyed shopping for the rom while away! Hope you are enjoying Spring where ever you might be!

Holly at Roundtop (pic used from her blog)

Big Day

2011-03-22T23:15:00.000-04:00

Today was a BIG day! I feel like it was certianly a milestone...Christian visited Preschool (for next year), met his teachers and played in his classroom. I got to experience all his first reactions..he was excited and loved playing with all the different toys...dress up, the blocks, the "5 senses" special, and the big hits were the water table where he made bubbles and the airport and planes (circa 1975, ha.) I love the "old" toys. He relished all the new books and enjoyed mixing and messing with Flubber! Do you know what Flubber is? Very cool stuff. He was a little timid and reserved but did great and sint want to go. We walked down to the music room and observed the class, he was nervous then and was very timid with his rhythm sticks! It was so cute, he jumped right in my lap and just took it all in! Precious, precious moments...the simple things, the moments that matter in motherhood!

After spending the special morning with Christian it was off to Kindergarten testing for Charlotte! All dressed-up and ready to go with a big smile on her face. She told me her tummy was filled with butterflies but they flew away after we got to school. The teachers (testers) came and got the 5 kids/Mommies and off we went. The kids moved between 5 stations while the Moms and two other teachers met with us and had a question and answer session. Already having had a Kindergartner I basically knew what to expect but it is still so fun and new and different with each child. After the kids were done testing they joined the parents for cookies and juice. She had a giant smile on her face and told me she loved me and gave me the biggest kiss! Aw, so sweet! After telling me some of the specifics of her testing (name, address, sorting, drawing,colors, shapes and hand eye coordinations - ie throwing a ball, walking a blance beam,etc.) I can promise one thing...our little girl is gonna rock Kindergarten!!!

Daddy and I are so proud of you both we hope your new school journies will bring you every happiness - what a big and happy day!

(I did not get any pics today...but here is a fav of the two getting along, having fun and Christian is in his Sissy's pink jammies...he worships her! sweet love-)

Green Day

2011-03-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

We love any reason to celebrate at this house! Happy St.Patty's Day

Master Bath Sneek Peek...

2011-03-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

"Hardwood" tile....planks! and the start of the wainscot on the walls

White Subway tile and Mother of Pearl accent tile in the shower...

Shower without the frame less glass...will be installed next week!

I love the built in niche for my "products" and the corner shelf...to shave my legs on! Love it...

My cute model...

Shower floor...in hexagon white

and to tie in the Mother of Peal accent tile we had the same MOP individually "dropped" into the floor ...see them mixed in with the hexagons? I love how it turned out!

Left to do...

The painters are here painting the wainscot (True White by BM)

and the walls Seattle Gray (by BM)

Frame less glass shower installation

Installation of all the double shower heads

Installation of the chandelier above the tub (a vintage claw foot tub recycled from a MI farmhouse)

Placement of Tub

Placement of Double Vanity

Tub and faucet Installations (in Victorian by Delta in Oil Rubbed bronze)

Plantation Shutter Installation

Update:
Paint is done, vanity and tub are placed...just waiting on plumbing hook-ups and shower installation...the Contractor says he hopes to be done by week's end! Whoohoo!!! You know where I'll be this weekend...soaking and showering..:) Will post finished pictures soon!

Just Because

2011-03-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

I love you Bryan Campbell Jones....xo

(Disney, last week)

Craigslist Find

2011-03-07T18:59:00.000-05:00

HOME sweet HOME! Just back from Disney and we are currently "decompressing"....It was a wonderful week with both immediate and extended family...truly a magical place! I only went once as a young girl and have very few memories of it so getting to see it thru my children's eyes not once but twice now is priceless! I have hundreds of pictures to edit and then I will be sharing many but in the meantime I wanted to share some pictures of some recent acquisitions to our Dining Room...from CRAIGSLIST...the best part...are you ready?! $50.00 for BOTH pieces...solid wood, overall very good shape and almost identically match the existing table/chairs we have. They are french in their look and shape and have lots of storage, I just could not of been more thrilled! I promise if you are patient and look hard and are persistent you will almost always find what you want on CL...And God Bless my husband (and 9 year old) who drove 4 plus hours round trip hauling a trailor on a blustery November Sunday to pick it up! Love that man! :) I may or may not paint in eventually, I love black furniture so maybe a distressed black, I am not sure yet.

You can see some wear and tear and there are one or two missing knobs but all and all $50 is just such a steal, I still cannot even believe it, I worried the whole day my husband and first born were gone that it was a hoax and they would be meeting up with some crazy killer or robber...nice trust I have in humanity, huh?! haha but seriously, isn't the CL thing a little weird and scary?! OK, I digress...I am anxious to change up this room some too, hopefully after our Master bath redo is done and then onto our bedroom and family room (just some smaller changes) I will tackle this room that we actually use a great deal! Things I want to do and change:

Ditch the red color...tired!

Rip out the carpet...replace with hardwoods and beautiful new rug

Possibly paint some/all the furniture

Re - accessorize for sure!

I have black and white toile window panels in there that are from Brunswig &Fils that I spent a small fortune on so they stay, I am trying to pick a paint color (adjoining LR is a pale, pale yellow (almost a creamy color - called Cashew)

Thoughts on a color?!

Destination Disney

2011-02-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

Just 6 days until we are in Orlando....

Disneyworld, here we come....

Can't wait to share our plans and all the cute clothes that the kids will wear to meet Mickey, Minnie, the Princesses and all the other friends...

Any favorites I need to know about...?

Sweetness

2011-02-10T06:46:00.000-05:00

We LoVe Valentine's Day at our house...

Making the most of these bitter cold days and passing time w/ sick kids...

Having fun crafting,

make Valentine's and getting ready for class parties...

Baking and waiting for

my sweet Valentine

to make it home tonight from a week away at work

so I can

smother him with KISSES...

(My beautiful handmade card from Charlotte last Valentine's Day)

2010, 4 yrs.old

Mudroom Stuff

2011-02-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

Loving my new chandelier in the mudroom...

perfect amount of bling and

in such an unexpected place!

I could hang a chandy in every.single.room. LOVE them!

Now, if my kids would just hang up their coats! Stay warm...more snow expected here overnight...ugh!

LoVe

2011-02-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

On this February 1st...

I am reminded about all that I LOVE...

Stuff

2011-01-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sneak Peek at the new vanity for our master bath redo. Things are moving along nicely, almost too fast as I am dragging my feet on some final big decisions (not like me)!

In other news,

we are getting very excited for our family trip to Disney in the end of February
i am working out very regularly again and i love it
we have one of the worst winters on record (temps and snow) but we have manged to do tons of sledding some skiing and snowboarding and ice skating!
i continue to be crazy busy behind on laundry...help! someone must have a remedy for me? :) i think my kids have too many clothes...
we have big plans for our kitchen this summer~
Charlotte has started "cheer" for a local bb team...i am helping as a coach's assistant and we are both LOVING it...seriously, she is so cute with her pom poms!i need to post some pics...
i love February...i feel so loved all month and i celebrate my birthday just 4 days after valentine's day - which i LOVE too...then it seems like spring is right around the corner!

Happy week ahead!

Campbell's Bday

2011-01-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

Still here...still recapping December just in time for Valentines Day~ ha.

Just wanted to share a few pics from Campbell's 9th Birthday. December 22nd he turned 9 - CANNOT believe! He really wanted to go see my parents, outside Chicago...the day was all about him, whet he wanted to do, where he wanted to go, etc...it was a fun day trip and I love going home to the Village where I grew-up...frozen lake, quaint downtown, Trader Joe's, a park on every corner, etc...I digress...so without further ado...

Celebrating at one of his favs...Alfie's Inn (best hamburgers ever!)

With Shoogie (my Mom)

Another cake...soccer! Baby brother watching...look at those feet!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

May all your wishes come true this year!

More December

2011-01-14T12:51:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to recap our December and Christmas ...

And wanted to remember some of the ordinary days and time

we spent together!

Having SILLY dance parties with my babies...

Watching the kids preform in their Christmas play at Church...

Decorating Gingerbread houses on a cold, snowy Sunday...

(I love that Christian sticks his tongue out when concentrating!)

Getting homemade gifts from my babies...

Having our best girlfriends over for a PJ party,

hot cocoa and to exchange our Christmas gifts!

Playing Barbies by the tree...

Taking time to slow down and enjoy our tree and each other!

Celebrating his 9th Birthday with a special weekend trip to Chicago!

(that post to follow)

Christmas at our Home 2010

2011-01-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share a few pictures of our home

all decorated for Christmas "last" year...2010

(I am determined to recap December even if it takes all of Jan 2011!)

Winter vibe more than Christmas this year...trying to mimic what Pottery Barn did as display in their stores this year...did you see? Simply stunning!

White fur, natural elements like Boxwood, grapevine and white flowers, some mercury glass and lots of white candles! Loved how it came together

And since there was alot happening next to the stairs, I decided to abandon my usual greenery business and just used the lime green "scarfing" and lots of leopard /animal print ribbons and hung lime green glitter snowflakes

Dining room I used more lime green...in candles and other accessories and all my Fitz and Floyd Town&Country dishes, white Pointsettas and I hung my collection of Gorham Silver ornaments. I love to showcase them this way!

Lots of vintage balls inside my Pine cabinet...simple...

More piled in a white ruffle bowl...again, simple

and makes me so happy to see!

Pink and green glitter cone tress...$3.99! They are so fun...my Rooster is all pretty too with her silk ribbon and pink ball necklace

My favorite green birdcage with a winter vignette inside...

In the breakfast room I tied fresh greens and red balls to the chandelier...I also added lots more animal print ribbon - have loved using that!

Fresh greens, pine cones, red balls and lots of white candles

in the Family Room

Gum drop and Peppermint topiaries that the kids and I made while on bedrest with Christian...this was their 4th Christmas with us and although I am tired of them they are sentimental and I cannot imagine not using them...they are sitting on some sweet snow...sugar!

A favorite new tray from HL...1/2 off...

I'll share the trees, mantle and back staircase another day...

We have received over 25" of snow in the last 30 hours it was magical and we have had a great weekend sledding and building igloos, having a snowball fight, enjoying Chili with friends and consuming LOTS of Cocoa!

A SWEET Birthday

2011-01-07T23:38:00.000-05:00

Still in recap mode from the Holidays...

Christian's 3rd Birthday

We invited just a few close friends for Donuts in their PJ's

We love morning parties around here...everyone is happy (usually) and the food is easy/fun to prepare and you and your guests still have the rest of the day free!

The Birthday Boy in his donut shirt and flannel PJ bottoms

I am so in love with all these wooden Melissa and Doug wooden food sets

these are the donuts...the kids had fun changing the "toppings" and stacking them all up!

(Kept the decor pretty simple (which was hard for me))...

The breakfast bar...with some pics of the Birthday Boy mixed in!

Hot Cocoa Bar

Also served little chocolate milks with cute red striped straws...did not get a picture though, shoot!

Mimosas for the Mommy's & Daddy's

Front Door...I love to do something really fun at the front door or in the entry...it makes such a statement but I ran out of time, this was thrown together quickly but it was cute! A scrapbook page in party colors, attached with a big wooden "C" and lots of polka dot ribbons attached to a wreath

I about died when I spotted this donut ornament at HL earlier this Winter...I knew it would be perfect...it says "Every good day starts with Sprinkles" so fun! It hung over the breakfast bar!

Donuts, fresh fruit, granola bars, muffins and quiche were served...not to self make sure all donuts have sprinkles...this helps avoid controversy! The sprinkles were the Birthday boy's fav!

The Donut "cake"...

Make a wish sweet boy!

Christian and "Isa"...his very special friend!

Lisa is a very special friend to me too...so lucky to have she and her family across the street!

No games or anything since it was mostly little ones but we did have wooden color kits that were Gingerbread Men...cute and at $1 a piece a great deal... the 3 and up crowd enjoyed those too!

I also had the wooden donuts out to play with along with some other fun "sweets" in the form of puzzles and toys, and pretend breakfast food

One of the only family pics we got...I ordered donut iron-ons from Etsy and picked up some tees from HL...boys wore red and girls pink!

I love to coordinate for parties! :)

Friends...big and small!

Christian,

your 3rd Birthday

was just as sweet as you are...

We love you!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

I am so behind...behind in blog posts, life, laundry, notes...etc. But our Christmas was wonderful and I want to share some pictures! Bryan was off for 2 full weeks...we stayed busy but had lots of downtime too. We had some fun day trips, slept in, played games, lounged in our jams, shared dinner and football with friends, ice skated, skied, drank lots of cocoa and ate a ton...it was alot of fun. Christmas was magical...seeing their faces as the rush down the stairs is priceless! Nothing brings me more joy!

Making cookies for Santa...

Santa has come...

for Charlotte Rose

and Campbell...

and Christian...

Stockings! Always a favorite for me as a little girl and now for my kids...

Santa knows what we love!

FINALLY! A pogo stick...seeing the goodies for the first time...

A Jellycat...a pink giraffe trimmed in velvet...do you know about Jellycats?

A "Cartoon" (what he calls "Cars") suitcase for Disney next month...

Mommy got a....

PINK Ipod...3s a charm!...

A Batcave...so fun! ..."Banty" or "Bantam" as Christian calls Batman...

A Notre Dame football...

City Apartment for Barbies'... fully furnished...all wood...so fun!

Just a few highlights from Christmas morning!

A new Year

2011-01-02T00:48:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Hope your day was spent with your feet up...

relaxing

and contemplating your year ahead!

Friends, Fun and Family...

2010-12-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Post Christmas Madness...

I feel like I have so much to recap from the last week...overwhelming...I am pooped and just finished a very fun day of skiing with my family! We have had a wonderful break...filled with so much fun...we made so many happy memories. A highlight was seeing some friends who drove-in for 24 hours for a quick visit. They used to live here and moved about 2 hours away...we miss them aloft and were able to get lots crammed in the time...swimming and pizza at their hotel pool, girls shopping, adults only dinner out and I hosted brunch for a few of their/our friends...the kids were all able to play and were very excited waiting for Santa's arrival later that night...we just feel so lucky to have so many special friends that we spent the holiday with when were not able to be with family!

Be back soon to recap both my boys' birthdays, an overnight to Chicago, day trip to my parent's and Christmas Eve Nativity...then Christmas Day and the ski trip we took today! We look forward to a relaxing last few days of break...

4 more days

2010-12-21T01:13:00.001-05:00

The anticipation is building....

Do you feel the magic....?

Piano Recital

2010-12-13T23:20:00.000-05:00

Charlotte and Campbell have been playing piano for about 6 months now...last weekend they had their very first recital and it was beautiful! They were both nervous but so brave and played so well...we are SO proud of you both! We love you so much and thank you for adding music and joy to our hearts everyday!

Leaving home...

Charlotte went first of the two (#6 out of 19 kids)...other than a little hair in her face that slowed her start she was fantastic!

Campbell's turn!

Her Daddy and our sweet neighbor who attended gave Charlotte flowers...she loved it!

Then it was off to a reception...it was a very special day!

2010-12-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

Let it Snow...

We are currently under a winter storm advisory...could see up to 2 feet of snow! Everyone is excited and it feels like Christmas! We have had a very busy first week of December...here is it is in bullet points!

Tree bought and decorated
House inside and out decorated
Advent Festival and hanging of the greens at Church
Class field trip to a local performance of Christopher's Christmas
School fundraiser "Winter family Craft Night"
8 hour day spent Christmas shopping...95% done...wooo hooo!
Charlotte's dance company's performance of the Nutcracker...next year she will get her first part ! :)
Many mugs of hot cocoa consumed
Secret Santa gifts purchased for school and Church for community friends in need
Rehearsal for Church Christmas play niext weekend
Piano recital today for Charlotte and Campbell...first one, everyone is nervous!
3 dozen "Rudolph" cookies baked for said recital

Still lots of fun and to do's in front of us...including Christan's 3rd birthday and party, Christmas cards, parties, wrapping, and hosting my ladies circle for brunch this week! Of course this is all material....what really matters is the reason for the season, our Savior! I feel especially blessed to have a warm home, a family that I adore, friends and so much to look forward to! Hope your holidays are too, blessed!

Feast

2010-11-24T14:40:00.001-05:00

Wishing you and all your little Pilgrims and Indians a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

Charlotte's Feast at Woodard Preschool

Nov. 24, 2010

Seasonal table

2010-11-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

Since I am full-on decorating mode I thought I'd share another table idea...this is simple, you probably have it all on hand and it can be adapted to any season really....

Just start with a big tray, I used silver. Then put some tall flowers on it (I used Paperwhites), a few pillar candles and one tall taper in a silver candlestick... and then just starting adding in and on...berries, branches, fresh Pine and Boxwood I also used fresh oranges and grapefruits. I added in sparkly silver ornaments that caught the light and reflected candlelight in the evenings. After Christmas, I just take the ornaments out and it a nice

Winter-y arrangement that lasts all season! And since I can never leave well enough alone I added more silver and more candles around the tray. I am always playing and tweaking! Happy decorating!

Snow

2010-11-12T16:43:00.000-05:00

We had our first snow last weekend...the kids were thrilled and I have to admit the first of the season is always exciting...and I went to a friend's open house/party Friday night as it snowed and she had her house all decorated for Christmas! She is a talented friend and designer...it all looked beautiful...it was the perfect start of the season!

Before it started to stick...

Early morning sunrise...fresh fallen snow!

It was back into the 70's this week but will be cold again for the weekend...

I did get some Christmas shopping done, Christmas card photo shoot, ordered cards, and will start to bring out the decorations this weekend too! I am so excited!!! And, as not to forget about Turkey Day...we have ordered our smoked turkey from Tyler, Texas....YUM!

What are you working on? Are you feeling festive yet?

Thanksgiving Brunch Table

2010-11-04T21:04:00.001-04:00

I am starting to play around with tablescapes for Thanksgiving...I wanted to show my table from last year. It was an extra special Holiday as we were so "thankful" that my older brother was able to join our family for the long weekend...we don't see him often. We actually went out (gasp!) for the big dinner but I hosted a delicious, all homemade, brunch the day after Turkey Day, which is kind of a fun twist I think.

I used a mix of brown and white transferware as well as all white transferware set a top silver and gold chargers. Do you see our S&P set...? A very special unique tranferware pair I found in an antique shop in NC...I love them! On the other side I used a white set of turkey S&Ps that I have had since our first year of marriage. I used Ralph Lauren gold velvet mats and matching napkins tied with chocolate brown organdy ribbon. I tied on a delicate hand blown glass pine cone ornament as a favor. I loved how it caught the light and sparkled. Do you like my daughter's contribution...the silver EGG she placed in the cranberry dish? 5 and she loves to set a table like her Mama! Our silver is Melrose by Gorham - still love it after 12 years of marriage and we use it pretty often,not just for special occasions. Fresh "fall" flowers were the centerpiece - I added pheasant feathers for added texture and again, tied on an oversize gold acorn with the same ribbon. I used small mercury glass votives as well as a pair of silver candlesticks that were a wedding gift.

Everyone got a card to write what they were most grateful for...and then hung them with gold silk ribbon from the chandelier...see what Charlotte's gratitude card read...BARBIES!....aww, love it.

So, what are your table ideas this season...?

I am linking back to:
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Go visit for great table ideas!

3 little punkins'...

2010-11-03T13:27:00.001-04:00

dressed as...

Superman, a Peacock Fairy and a Re-con Commando soldier.

I think Halloween is the new Christmas...it was a jam-packed, sugar filled 5 days...very fun, very memorable, very exhausting!So long October, hello November!

spooky

2010-10-31T21:20:00.000-04:00

happy halloween!

tootsies and jeans

2010-10-30T21:44:00.001-04:00

Love, love my new polish color....LOVE it...

and my most comfy jeans from White House Black Market...

(even if they do have paint spills all over!

so, just for fun...if you want to leave a comment

tell me your fav polish color and your fav jeans...would love to know!

Giddy Up

2010-10-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

we were invited to a friend's first birthday party...a rodeo/cowboy theme...so cute. they live out on acres and acres in the country...it was a great party and since i love a theme...decided at the last minute to "wrangle" up (ha) some cute tees for the kids....

i took a blue tee that christian l aready had and cut a red bandanna with pinking shears...just cut a big square and wait for it...HOT GLUED it onto the tee...then i did the same with a fun michael miller fabric that was vintage cowboy...just cut he fabric a bit smaller and blued it on top of the bandanna. it has been washed and worn a few times now and has help up great, i love the way the edges look frayed and worn in...

the birthday boy received some 'cowboy-ish" little golden books and a tee (not glued but done by a proffesional tee lady person off etsy...) a cute cowboy with his name on it...all tucked in a blue cowboy hat and tied-up with cellophane and a red bandanna...did i mention i love a theme?!

charlotte's tee got a similar look...but hers was a hot pink bandanna with a sequined "c" on top ...can you spy it?

it took all of 15 minutes to whip up both! perfect for cake, pumpkin painting and outside play...

my pumpkins

2010-10-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall my little Pumpkins...

october

2010-10-03T23:06:00.000-04:00

happy Halloween month...

we are busy here baking and cooking, dipping apples, crafting (the frame I made), and picking pumpkins! we are decorating and prepping for my third annual Halloween swap - this year's theme is SPOOKY

can't wait to share spooky sips, sweets and savories with my friends this week...

Apple Picking

2010-09-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

There are few things I love more about the Midwest than Fall...and experiencing it with my kids of course! I went with Charlotte on her class field trip yesterday and it was a wonderful and beautiful day!

I love you apple of my eye...

Donut Birthday

2010-09-27T09:42:00.001-04:00

Never to early to start planning a party in my book...If I had more time and money and hands, I am pretty sure I would have reason to celebrate at least a few times a week...

So, with both my boys having December birthdays I try and get their part-planning done early - on to control my stress level!

While I was at this great paper shop a few weeks ago downtown Chicago, I found the cutest invites that were primary colored polka dots and stripes, they open and hold a picture of your birthday boy/girl...I wasn't sure how I'd use them but I knew they would be cute for Christian's 3rd Birthday, so I bought them...
And, I think I have found my theme!...A donut party! It will work great w/ the circles, who doesn't like donuts and it happens to be one of Christian's foods...go figure. I also love to host parties for kids early in the day...they are happy, not ao tired, no one is napping and typically it is just easier. I thought it would be fun to have all the kids (and parents too if they wanted) to wear their PJs and then in lieu of presents, I would ask them to bring a new pair of PJs and or book to benefit the Pajama Project as seen here: http://www.pajamaprogram.org/ - .

This party is my inspiration as featured by Christi at P is for Party her site is filled with cute ideas!

http://pisforparty.blogspot.com/2009/06/delectable-doughnut-party_08.html

What do you think?

Last on the List...

2010-09-21T20:57:00.000-04:00

Well as we "officially" say good-bye to Summer I wanted to share a few pictures of one of the last things we did on our "Summer Fun To Do" list...a lemonade stand! Charlotte wanted baked goods too and chose to donate her profit to our Church. She made about $16 - (we had a few high-tipping neighbors!) and we did let her keep a few dollars for her efforts. She was kind enough to let her baby brother hangout with her too! Kudos to her Daddy for making all the cookies and Brownies and lemonade, while I was laid-up in bed the day after my Wisdom teeth were pulled....I know they are mine and I biased but are they not the cutest?! Now, off to get the Halloween decor out...

Bento

2010-09-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Do you what a Bento is/means? (see link below)...

I had no idea, until tonight...when I came across this blog....I am smitten!...I am on a personal quest to get my kids to eat better, to eat more healthy, to try new things. I want to make their lunches more appealing, more efficient, and more exciting. I am the first to admit, I have failed my kids in this department. I don't buy alot (like hardly ever any) junk...I buy mostly Organic and all-natural when I can. I rarely buy anything with HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup)...occasionally, yes, as a treat they will get "junky" but I have never wanted to reward bad eating habits with junky foods. But, where I seem to fail is letting them get-away with not eating what I prepare for a meal, not trying new things and "snacking/grazing" all most all the time. My kids also fill up on milk...they love it and I probably let them drink too much of it. So, I have decided to change the obvious and also come at things from a different angle and I think this Bento just might be the trick...or a good start anyway...let me know what you think...and I would love your "healthy eating" ideas and suggestions!

http://www.anotherlunch.com/p/faqs.html

MomAgenda-For Sale

2010-09-17T00:27:00.000-04:00

Would anyone be interested in a brand-new, never opened MomAgenda; the Mini Daily in the Zebra print?! (see the link below)

www.momagenda.com

I have mistakenly wound up with two and will sell it for $25 (paid $42), free shipping. Let me know and I can send you a PayPal invoice.

This is like my third or fourth year using the MomAgenda, they are great! Spots for your kids/activities, menu plan, etc...check out their site - lots of fun things!

Stages

2010-09-15T15:02:00.001-04:00

First year of travel soccer...

Last year of Preschool...

In between toddler and full-fledged little boy...

I love each one of you so much I think my heart might burst most days! I am so proud of all of your accomplishments and the wonderful little people God has created you to be...

Love, Mama

Stuff

2010-09-14T20:18:00.000-04:00

Hello friends...so this what we have been up to lately...well that and lots of travel soccer and getting one more little one back to school...lots of activities and potty-training too. The potty-training was actually quite easy and it is DONE, very exciting. The bathroom renovations...not so much. Seems we encounter one problem after another and of course there is never enough time to work (as Bryan plans to do most of it himself...Good and bad!?!)...and I find myself in a strange place...for the life of me I cannot make a decision to save.my.life! So, not "me"...I am overwhelmed with all the choices...I can see what I want, just having a tough time bringing it all together right now. I have Christmas on the brain and am already stressing about not wanting to stress this Season...to start the shopping and cards early, the same song and dance every Season for me. And just for one last "bitch"...my teeth (3 weeks post-op) are still hurting, I make a daily, yes, daily trip to the Oral Surgeon to have my packing changed....ugh. Really, who has time for that? It hurts when I exercise, bend over and pretty much eat. Fun! So, I have not felt much like blogging of late. Lots on the brain, as always, lots of ideas and a "to do" list a mile long. Hoping to feel more settled that Charlotte is back in school 4 days a week...we'll see. So, what are you up to?

More BTS Fun...

2010-09-08T01:55:00.000-04:00

Charlotte, 4

2009-2010 school year

While I swear every child we know is back to school...our little Charlotte is NOT. She is so ready; missing her brother and friends and feeling a little left behind. She does start next week though and I have plans to make her last few days at home lots of fun! I feel as if she gets "lost in the shuffle" alot...the middle child! Between all of her older brother's activities/schedule (school has been in session almost 4 weeks now for him) and her little brother who still requires so of our much time and attention (and we are potty-training!) I try to make things a little extra-special for her when I can. Well, I found a GREAT new blog http://onecharmingparty.com/category/back-to-school/tonight that has some really cute back to school ideas...her pictures and projects are very simple and sweet and timeless (very MARTHA I think!)...so I just wanted to share a few of her ideas that Charlotte and I will get to work on. We are hosting a few, small friends for a BTS lunch next week, there will be teacher gifts, Orientation/Open House and the traditional BTS "night before dinner" as well as "day of breakfast". Campbell had his celebration and now it will be her turn! ...

apple..clever twist...great gift idea!

erasers covered with scrapbook papers

this is my favorite!...just darling!

and some pictures from my blog last Fall...

my wreath for the front door...

announcing it was time for school!

Campbell's 1st day after school treat...

Do you celebrate the start of the school year?

Celebrate with Cake

2010-09-05T17:02:00.000-04:00

Back to School Cake...

Authentic

2010-09-02T09:55:00.000-04:00

This picture was part of a challenge from the brilliant Becky Higgins (www.Beckyhiggins.com ). I love her...I am obsessed with everything about her...her looks, her blue kitchen subway tile, her scrapbook room/office, the built in TVs in her kitchen that ONLY rotate/show pics...how cool is that?! She is beautiful, has an eye for great style and color, I love her Project Life (just started mine this year) and has some really cool free downloads - anyway...her challenge...set your camera down (literally) and snap the pic.

Here is what my pic looks like...let me tell you about it ...and in turn, I think it speaks volumes about me! So try it and try visiting her blog, you wont wanna leave...I promise!

Apparently I love drinks...yes, I do! Coke Zero, La Croix Lime and of course a Grande, NF Cinnamon Dolche Latte from Starbucks! All perched next to my Dell, pink laptop that I LOVE...I feel like having a laptop has been good and bad for me...either way it has opened-up a whole new world for me...and I have loved learning all about people, new recipes, blogging, photo editing, tutorials and information on any thing imaginable! The silver creamer holds some of my fav pens and pencils...the creamer was my Mom's and was part of a set that was always out in our home when I was growing-up...love it, I always feel close to her with it sitting here. The tortoise Parsons table is my desk and was also in our home growing-up...in our finished basement - we ate meals on it by the fireplace and did an occasional game or puzzle too. I love this table, it is falling apart in some places but I wont let it go. And mu other favorite thing - (from the photo) is the Making Memories caddy...Bryan and the kids gave it to me a few Christmases ago...it holds so much! Pens, markers, adhesives, ruler, calculator, it has small drawers for clips, brads, etc and it spins which I love!

E Mealz...

2010-08-29T12:19:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of this?

I am so excited to be trying this plan...Saving money, having a meal plan and a grocery list (broken down by aisle no less) along with directions...I could not be more thrilled! Its a win-win. This Summer was alot of sammies, grilling, takeout...I am ready for Fall, to cook again and for everyone to come to the table together again...this takes all the guess work out for me! Woo hoo! Head over and take a look...let me know if you plan to try it...

www.e-mealz.com

Despite laziness in the kitchen this Summer we did have great success with our garden...LOTS of tomatoes and cucs...and they have all been gobbled-up! Looks like another good batch will be ready to go this week too!

Chipmunk Cheeks

2010-08-27T17:56:00.000-04:00

Had my wisdom teeth pulled yesterday...resting today, although swollen and uncomfortable has not been too bad! I have great friends and a wonderful husband who are taking good care of me and my little nurse Charlotte who has been a wonderful helper today... I am catching up on blogging, reading and sleep! This weekend I hope to watch some movies and rest up before hubby leaves town on Monday! And for something fun to look at...check out these edible pencils...what a cute idea for the lunchbox! Happy weekend!

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/chew-on-your-pencil-784817/

My 3rd Grader

2010-08-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

We are off to a great start in 3rd grade...its good to be back to school!

We love you sweet boy and are so proud of you!

School

2010-08-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

The last weekend of Summer before school starts....it is rainy and cloudy so instead of the beach or the pool we are...

shopping, planning, sorting, donating, organizing, washing, packing and preparing...

Another school year begins...cannot believe I will have a 3rd grader and a 5 year old in Pre-K! Time flies...but you knew that!