Monday, December 27, 2010

Not Exactly Picture Perfect

Little ones in red and green jammies fit snuggly to their body, Christmas tree twinkling, a fire crackling, snow lightly falling outside and daddy reading us all a bedtime story, what a perfect Christmas Eve.

Ok so ours wasn't exactly how I had envisioned the holiday happening. Both my little boys spent Christmas with goopy, green, disgusting noses, barking coughs and glazed over eyes. They were a pitiful sight, trying to be excited and thankful but really just wanting to curl up in mommy's lap. We trudged through the day trying to create joyful memories but beneath it all was frustration.

You plan, anticipate and prepare for weeks. Picturing the perfect Christmas in your mind, playing it out over and over. Then when it finally arrives and the excitement is buried by sickness it is a bummer, a big bummer.


A friendly reminder from the one above that plans are just plans, nothing is set in stone, life is real, unpredictable and challenging. We are blessed, thankful and overjoyed even when the couch is piled with used kleenex, the once festive counter now looks like a drug store and someone is crying in almost every picture. Life is good and we will go on!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Needle + Thread = Hand Sewn Wonder


I love hand sewing. Might seem odd if you know my personality; I am a fast-paced, always on the move, never sit down kind of girl. I do all things quickly, am very impatient and like to accomplish a lot. Hand sewing is the complete opposite; it is time consuming and requires patience.

On the other hand though hand sewing is relaxing and calming. It can be done almost anywhere with very few materials. Every day of the week I turn our tiled kitchen counter into my work space. It is the hub of the house, right in the middle of the action. I can easily watch the kids play, referee their spats, tend to dinner cooking (ok maybe not that one) and it is the perfect height for hand sewing. I position myself just right in the corner with my feet lined directly in front of the vent pumping out warm heat and away I go. Fabric flower pins, coffee cozies and a variety of gifts are created here.

Hand sewing is quite the wonder, give it a try!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Paper Ornament Project

Looking for a great way to involve your kids in decorating for the season? Check out this easy Paper Ornament Project that can be done with kids of all ages!


What you will need:
-Gluestick
-Circle Hole Puncher
-Ribbon
-Christmas Paper(scrap paper)
-Your Kids!!

Step 1: Grab some scrap paper from around the house! Christmas colors are best for season!



Step 2: Cut 6 circles using the hole puncher.



Step 3: Fold the circles in half.



Step 4: Glue the top/outside parts of the circles and place a ribbon at in the middle on the glue. Fold the ribbon in half to make a loop.



Final Step: Place your Paper Ornament on the Christmas Tree!

Coffee Cozy Craziness


You anxiously await the Starbucks barista to finish a festive peppermint mocha with crushed candy canes on top. I adore this time of year with all the special holiday coffee drinks for us non-coffee lovers but coffee drink consumers. So your mocha is up, ready to be sipped til the last drop, you grab it off the counter and yikes it's hot! You can either put a brown cardboardy sleeve around the cup OR you can slip a stylish, trendy, super cute Poplin coffee cozy around the deliciously perfect mocha.

These coffee cozies are the latest craze at Poplin! Originally created for caffine addicted mamas who can easily pull a chic cozy out of their purse or diaper bag at any coffee shop (or Target) but now cozies are being purchased for anyone.

Include a gift card to your local coffee shop with one of the cozies and you now have the perfect gift for teachers, friends, co-workers, neighbors and mamas.

It Was a Hoot!

Paceler's first birthday was owlishly great! The house was filled with family, friends and lots of little owls. The night owl himself was laid back and relaxed as usual. He enjoyed the cake, all his new toys and playing with friends. No more birthday parties til next year, I do however already have ideas...























A Farm Birthday to Remember

It was a spectacular, fantastic, better than I imagined "on the farm" birthday celebration! I admit there was stress, exhaustion, continuous prayer for good weather but every second was worth it, just seeing his smile. Trexen can be shy and unpredictable but not today, he was giddy with excitment, hugging all of his friends showing off his "farm". The weather was cloudy and cool, just like a farm party should be. My husband's man garage transformed into the barn filled with snacks, balloons, hot cider, chocolate milk straws and party hats. Guests arrived and the fun began! My sister, aka tour guide, led the kiddos around the farm stopping at little stations where my other wonderful family members awaited with fun facts and hands on activities. My husband drove the haywagon and parents followed along snapping pictures enjoying the smiles.

Gift giving was chaotic, loud and messy. Kids all talking at once anticipating their gift being opened. After each one was wildly unwrapped Trexen gave each friend hugs and thank yous. He received lots of books, trucks and farm related toys. Birthday cake was delicious as kids slowly reached sugar overload. As the last guests pulled out of the farm we went inside to a heaping pile of dishes, half inflated balloons, presents filling the family room and one extremely happy 2 year old.

As the day of celebrating came to a close we marched upstairs to his new "big boy bed". This tractor bed which his daddy built was highly anticipated on his end and mine. This little life that came into our world 2 years ago said, "oh my goodness" over and over as he saw the bed. So overwhelmed with joy he jumped right up on the bed and slept all night.

Months of planning, preparing and praying for this day of thankfulness, thankfulness for a precious life that has rocked my world was perfect. I am so blessed to be a mama, loving every moment.

Birthday Boy


Chicken Coop

Milking the cow

The barn





The tour begins





On the Farm Party

2 week countdown has begun! Farm Party planning is in full swing around here. Party hats are finished, menu is set, cow balloons and cups ordered and farm tour is mapped out. Now have to make a bunch of signs/banners, figure out how to make all the animals stand up in the yard and finish the coloring book party favors!
Getting ready to make party hats

Party hats!

Piggy boxes & other decor
Printable Party Pieces ordered from www.typewink.etsy.com