The other weekend, in the midst of an quickly cancelled trip across state lines because of the weather, I decided to do a little look-a-back at the ol' blog-arino. And guess what? It's my freakin' anniversary! I've been doing this thing for three years; hard to believe.
I started this blog because, well because everyone else was doin' it and I was all like, I'm just as good as they are! But over the years, it's sort of become an easyish way for me to keep a scrap book for my kids without actually doing the work of keeping a scrap book. I'm a sucker for any stories about my childhood and I think it will be pretty amazing for my children to have this opportunity to look back at what was going on in real-time... okay, well maybe not real, real-time, but close enough to real time.
It also allows me to do this for the sake of my blog; like taking pictures, going overboard at parties and read tons of other blogs and get inspiration- all without feeling guilty.
This next year is sure to be even better and I'm excited to continue my blogging journey.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
We Totally Made This Christmas Garland
It's not everyday that I can think of a pretty inexpensive craft that my kids can help with; usually inexpensive stuff equals not toddler friendly. But this, this is different. As I was flipping through the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens (don't knock it, that magazine is cheap and has some good ideas in it), I spotted this garland; it may not be the prettiest, but it sure looked easy. I tried to find a link to the actual garland that was pictured, but gave up after searching various things, so if you click on the link, it's just gonna take to the plain old main page, feel free to 'search it up'!
Here's all that you will need to make a pretty spectacular, easy, keepsake Christmas garland.
Paper Straws (I got mine in the dollar bin at Target a while ago)
String of any kind
Scissors
Wooden beads
Approximate cost (if everything is bought new)- $10.
Difficulty Level- Easy
Start by laying everything out and then telling your kids not to touch anything so that you can snap a picture for your blog, that will go over well:
Here's all that you will need to make a pretty spectacular, easy, keepsake Christmas garland.
Paper Straws (I got mine in the dollar bin at Target a while ago)
String of any kind
Scissors
Wooden beads
Approximate cost (if everything is bought new)- $10.
Difficulty Level- Easy
Start by laying everything out and then telling your kids not to touch anything so that you can snap a picture for your blog, that will go over well:
Next cut each straw into small pieces, I cut each of my straws into thirds.
Then I approximated how much string I would need to fill, knotted one end and let the kids go to town; alternating between a bead and a green and red straw. Of course, I had to assist to the point that they could actually help, which really means pulling the string though the bead or straw. That lasted for a few minutes, evenutally they both decided that they'd had enough and quit half way through, but it was fun while it lasted.
Once you reach the end of the string, and may or may not still have kids helping, tie off the other end and snap another picture, 'cause look at y'all, you just made something pretty awesome.
Hang it up.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Friday Short
You guys, I couldn't decide which picture to post, then blam, it hit me: make a freakin' collage. (Do we all know about PicMonkey and Pixlr? If not, go there and use them.)
Here are two shots of the boys the other day when I had off and Jim had to work... not that I want to rub that in or anything, but don't they look real happy to be with me?
Here are two shots of the boys the other day when I had off and Jim had to work... not that I want to rub that in or anything, but don't they look real happy to be with me?
Thursday, December 5, 2013
It's Still The Truth
Again, I bring you the best explanation of the spirit of Christmas and Santa. One day, I will share this letter with my children and I hope that they understand all of it; why we do this, why it makes the world a good, decent place. Happy reading, feel free to pass this along; it's worth it.
The Truth
The Truth
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
It's My Favorite
Christmas time is my favorite; probably because it's right before my birthday, everyone is in joyous spirits and the house is filled with kind of beautiful things. Decorating is crazy though... advice from parents of older children, when does the fighting/ornament breaking/disregard for the lovely ambiance that I'm working hard to set up- stop? Is it around 4 years old? 'Cause that'd be nice. Every year I expect that the boys will be too delighted by the sounds from the TV seasonal music station that their fighting will be temporarily put on hold, but that's not happening. But... it is getting better. Only a handful of smashed ornaments and one or two meltdowns each; I'm cool with that.
We had a few firsts this year: first train set, which was immediately broken and still remains off the tracks in the family room, first Christmas in our new house and first time that Cullen took a real interest in helping to set things up- more man business as he would call it, I suppose. The results are perfect- for us. I love all of the planning and time it takes for this to take shape, it's a nice way to spend time together, even if it is mixed with some fighting and crying, because it's what we do and how we do.
We had a few firsts this year: first train set, which was immediately broken and still remains off the tracks in the family room, first Christmas in our new house and first time that Cullen took a real interest in helping to set things up- more man business as he would call it, I suppose. The results are perfect- for us. I love all of the planning and time it takes for this to take shape, it's a nice way to spend time together, even if it is mixed with some fighting and crying, because it's what we do and how we do.
Labels:
2013,
Arden,
Christmas,
Cullen,
Decorating,
Family,
Jim,
Love,
Me-Me,
Things I Love
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Giving Thanks
Let me tell you how these three are what I am most thankful for.
Quite frankly, I don't care if everyone else on Earth says that about their children and husband,
I feel blessed to be on that band wagon to begin with.
Happy Thanksgiving 2013!
Labels:
2013,
Family,
Holiday,
Holidays,
Love,
Thanks,
Thanksgiving,
Things I Love
Thursday, November 21, 2013
These Things Are Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Here are some totally awesome gifts for anyone and everyone that can work for anyone's and everyone's budget. And as Arden would say, our budget is very "whittle."
Tea Set
This Onesie
Meridian Tray
LED Storm Lantern
Lyrical Artwork
Monogram Doorknocker
USA Blocks
Mansion Dollhouse
Got No Doe Wallet
Retro Kitchen set
$259-699
Pottery Barn |
$14.25
Amazon.com |
This Onesie
TshirtMarket |
$99.95
Z GALLERIE |
$14.99
Brookstone |
Birch Candle Holders
$65.95 for a set of 10
Birch House Market |
$19-24
west elm |
Princess Throw Pillow
$20
society 6 |
$19.95 +shipping and handling
Lyrical Artworks |
$19.99
Amazon.com |
$30.00
Anthropolgie |
$98.00
Anthropologie |
$189.99
Overstock.com |
$27.80
Forever 21 |
$49.95
Zazzle |
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday Short
I'm having a very circular life right now: one day I'm feeling on my A+ game, then the next day I've dropped the ball, big time. Well, just about the only thing that I could manage to get accomplished in my second career as a mom-blogger is this post. So drink up and enjoy this cuteness overload courtesy of my four year old.
After the boys returned home from a grocery trip with their Dad, I said, " I missed you!"
To which Cullen said, "Mommy, do you think you were crying?"
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday Short
Labels:
Birthday,
Birthdays,
Cake,
Cullen,
Friday Short,
I Love My Kid,
Love
Thursday, November 7, 2013
I Totally Made This Thing
ATTENTION EVERYONE, I TOTALLY MADE THIS CAKE!
(Can you tell that in my mind, I'm kind of a big deal right now?)
When Cullen told me that he wanted a Ninja Turtle cake, I did what any parent would: google image searched Ninja Turtle cakes until I found one that I thought I could replicate. With zero knowledge of cake decorating, unless you include countless hours spent watching Ace of Cakes and the cake testing for my wedding, I embarked on what I thought was sure to be a simple little cake.
Yo, I was wrong.
This thing was hard. It was heavy and time consuming, but totally worth it when Cullen exclaimed, "Mom, I love it!" (I swear, I didn't even make him say it.) It brings back fond memories of the time my Grandmother made me a Barbie cake for my birthday and it was awesome; the skirt was made of cake! Who wouldn't want a cake skirt?!
As I warned all of my family members, if you don't like it, lie to me. So on that sentiment, I will leave you with the cake from start to finish and the response I got from my sister after I emailed her pictures:
Megan- It looks really good
Me- Really or are you just saying that?? Because it took a lot of work!
Megan- Well you told me to lie; Just kidding, I think it looks good. I bet for the party it will look even better
Me- Uhm, let's not go making assumptions... I literally gave it all I got this time!
Megan- Well you'll need to give it 110% next time
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