Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Gift From The {Heart}
Sigh...
Swoon...
I have been bitten...
...by the chalkboard paint bug.
Who I am kidding...
Ryan Gosling makes my heart skip a beat, too!
(Shhhh...don't tell the hubby)
Alas, I did not find Mr. Ryan under my tree this (ahem, last) year...
....nor did I gift him to any loved ones this year.
These did make their way into the hands of our loved ones Christmas 2011...
...and they were a HUGE hit!
(and I am hitting myself for not making one for me!)
Cheap Wooden Frame (Wal-Mart) + Chalkboard Paint + Words + Simple Bow + A Perfect Picture = Gift Giving From the Heart Success
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Halloween 2011
Halloween 2011 was loaded with treats and one nasty trick. The older three boys each enjoyed their respective class parties full of games, prizes, treats, and for the older two a fun costume parade. Our carved pumpkins turned out fantastic. The boys and I went to town scooping pumpkin poop and Eric rocked the carving knife (again). Each boy had a clear vision for their pumpkin and it was brought to life by Eric. I wish I could share our pumpkins with you. Truly I do. Alas, the nasty trick we (ahem, I) encountered was one of Ryder throwing a tantrum. Arms were swinging. Feet were stomping. As for my camera, it was injured in said tantrum. On Halloween night. With flailing arms, our three year old knocked my camera out of my hands and onto the concrete. I wanted to puke. As a result, my camera is not functioning properly. Halloween night it barely functioned at all and I have a mere handful of photos from that night. Moving on....
The man himself...Buzz Lightyear (aka Ryder). As soon as we began discussing costumes, Ryder was certain he wanted to be Buzz. He talked about it (endlessly) for weeks. Quite honestly, he owned the sidewalk the night of Halloween. There was a pep in his step and a wing span that warned others to stay away. The following morning as I inspected his costume for stains, rips, and other wear and tear I smiled. The evidence was all there. It was obvious Ryder had embraced his inner Buzz and had a great time in the process!
Hudson...oh, sweet Hudson! On Halloween night he became the third Lindsay boy to sport this lion costume. Say it with me...ADORABLE!!! He had a great time running through the leaves at my grandparents house. For years, we have always began our night at their house. Grandma and Papa take great delight in seeing their great-grandchildren in costume and the boys love diving into their candy bowl. From there we Trick-or-Treat our way home...down the few streets that separate our house from my grandparents. Hudson longed to run after his brothers, following them from house to house. Unfortunately, the chaos of Halloween was not going to allow for that and in the stroller he sat. An unhappy little lion he was! After 45 minutes, Eric headed home with him and they both enjoyed the hustle and bustle from our porch. And perhaps a piece of candy or two!
I had a great list of dynamic duos for Parker and Garrett to dress up as for Halloween. Batman and Robin. Scooby Doo and Shaggy. Darth Vader and Alankin Skywalker. Ghostbuster and Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. They wanted nothing to do with Mommy's ideas! As they pulled the exact same costume (Clone Trooper) from the shelf of a local costume shop, they set out to fool their family and friends and leave them wondering who is who. Are you fooled?
Next year I have high hopes of putting together an ensemble of family costumes. The older two boys are already less than impressed with my idea. I have a little less than 365 days to convince them otherwise!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Fall Fun at Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
We have been trying to make the most of Eric's time off this fall. With that in mind we headed to our favorite pumpkin patch after school a couple weeks ago. It was a windy night, but we still had great fun...pumpkins for all (with some extras to spare) and our very first (ever!!!!) family hayride. With the older three boys as our guides we (almost) completed a 5 acre maze. Prior to leaving we enjoyed homemade doughnuts and apple cider. I captured some great photos along the way....
Happy Fall!!!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Breaking It Down...Mother's Day
12:15am I am wrapping up my fifth phone conversation with my own Mom of the day.
3:00am Middle of the night feeding with Hudson.
4:00am Early morning wake up with both Ryder and Hudson (clearly they missed the memo that Mommy should get to sleep in on Mother's Day)!
6:30am I began to clean up a broken light bulb compliments of Garrett (thankful for no injuries).
6:50am Eric is home from work and tells me to go lay down till 8am.
8:12am Before Eric heads to bed himself, 4 of my "boys" (Hudson is back asleep) present me with doughnuts, handmade treasures from school, a HYSTERICAL card that produced a hearty laugh from me, red roses, and a super cute tumbler adorned with colorful pictures and words from the special little dudes in my life.
9:25am The older three boys and myself make our way into the front yard while sporting our jammies...they ride bikes & scooters while I sip my coffee.
9:50am I hear Hudson on the monitor and drag another little boy outside as well...I am pretty certain an entire bag of Goldfish crackers is consumed during a game of Orange Light/Wheelie (don't ask).
10:25am I bribe my kiddos with doughnuts to come inside so that I may make Spaghetti for lunch. As I cook, Parker and I work on Reading activities that will earn him an entrance into the Right to Read Week Carnival the following day. I draw no less than 12 faces on brown paper bag puppets for Ryder. Crayons and bits of brown paper find their way into Hudson's mouth. I continually remind Garrett to lower his voice as Daddy is sleeping.
11:30am Via text messages my Sister-in-Law and I arrange for an impromptu Mother's Day BBQ that evening.
11:35am Lunch is served...Ryder EATS!!! I declare it an awesome day!
11:45am While we continue to eat, Garrett reminds me that Aunt Dawn and her babies are celebrating Mother's Day in heaven. Parker comments he wishes he could hug Aunt Dawn's mommy today as he is sure it is a sad for her. I agree and find myself thinking how BIG their hearts are. Whew...I am doing something right!
12:15pm Naps for Ryder and Hudson. I break my own rule of no laundry on Mother's Day and throw in a load of towels. The older two boys are now properly clothed and back outside riding bikes. Their laughter brings a smile to my face.
12:50pm Time to clean up the disaster from lunch, make a few phone calls, shower, and put together a few dishes for tonight's gathering. I kick myself for not getting to the greenhouse yesterday (as planned) for Mother's Day gifts. The afternoon rain got the best of me and my spirits. I am certain the special Moms in our lives will understand and gladly accept their gifts later this week.
2:15pm I apply another coat of spray paint to a project I am working on for Ryder's birthday party next week. Three years ago we hosted a Mother's Day BBQ the day before we welcomed Ryder into the world. I am reminded of our spread that day and my mouth begins to water for grilled cabbage. Hmmmmm....
2:30pm I break my laundry rule (again) and put another load of laundry into the washer upon putting the towels in the dryer. I spot Hudson hiding in the corner, pooping in his diaper, and laugh.
2:50pm I glance out my front window and spot a neighboring mom. While sitting in a lawn chair she reads a book. Her husband is mowing the lawn and her two daughters work busily in the yard as well. She looks relaxed. I briefly wonder if a future Mother's Day will provide a similar scenario for myself (sans daughters and insert four boys). I catch a glimpse of Hudson as he flies by me. Crusty nose. Drool covered shirt. Minus one sock. Mess of blond curls atop his head. Relaxation? No thanks. I will take two more of him please!
3:00pm Confession time...that shower I talked of earlier? Didn't happen. I quickly hop in...with my two bitties in tow (at times a necessity in this house for safety purposes). I lather and rinse. Hudson splashes. Ryder pretends to put out a fire with the shower hose. I am questioned by my almost three year old where my pee pee is. Three sons down to ask that question at age 2'ish...one more to go!
3:17pm Snack time for all! The older three boys nosh on string cheese. Hudson and I share a Fiber One yogurt while sitting on the crumb filled kitchen floor.
4:02pm My four boys and I make our way to my brother's house via foot, bikes, and an overflowing double stroller. One of us is sporting flip flops that are closer in appearance to slippers (ahem, mama needs flip flops...mental note). I notice Ryder's shoes are on the wrong feet. As we make our way down the street we are a cross between a small parade and traveling circus. Regardless, the sun is shining, we are healthy, and off to see loved ones. For that I am forever thankful. We literally stop traffic (twice) with a new, independent, determined, and on the slower side bike rider.
4:19pm We (safely) arrive at my brother and sister-in-laws. We, the adults, talk, laugh, and BBQ. The kiddos ride their bikes 'round and 'round.
6:10pm Following dinner, my mom, her husband, Ryder, and I head to the cemetery. The rest of my clan stays behind with my family. I place a purple metal flower at my friend's grave site to honor her this Mother's Day. With Ryder's help, I place one blue and one green pinwheel at the site for each of her sons. After a small debate, Ryder (reluctantly) agrees to place a pink pinwheel into the ground on her daughter's behalf. As I stand up, tears flowing down my cheeks, I am reminded that our friendship has changed. Our dinners out are a thing of the past. There are no more shopping trips. Our phone calls and texts back and forth have abruptly ended. Our friendship has taken on a new meaning. There are trips to the cemetery, fundraisers to take part in, endless tears, and the fondest of memories. I know she and her children are in a glorious place, but selfishly I want them back here on earth.
6:45pm We make our way back to our family gathering. Hudson is in my sister-in-law's arms, tears streaming down his face. He was not happy mama left. After a quick feeding, snuggle, and dessert he appears happy again.
7:13pm My crew and I make our way home. My mom offers to help me out by taking Ryder with her on her visit to Grandma Mary's. It's a no go...he wants to ride his bike home like his older brothers.
7:24 pm We are less than a block from home and Ryder declares he wants Mimi. He refuses to budge and kicks his legs wildly as I pick him up. I am spent; therefore, I cave. I place a quick call to Mimi who promises to be there shortly. We stand on the street corner waiting for back up. Within minutes, Mimi arrives and Ryder's world has been righted.
7:38pm The older two boys, Hudson, and myself arrive at home. I decide to forgo baths for the night and let the older boys know they can shower in the morning prior to school. I wrestle with my overly tired 14 month old to get cleaned up, diaper changed, and PJ's on. Soon thereafter, he is fast asleep in his crib.
7:51pm Mimi drops off Ryder (after he cried for Mommy at Grandma Mary's...noticing a pattern). While we stand in the kitchen, a chaotic fight amongst my older three boys erupts over a new set of plastic golf clubs.
8:22pm After our bedtime routine of stories, songs, kisses, and hugs; I tuck the last of my three boys into bed for the night.
8:27pm I attempt to regain control of my house...dishes are done, towels are folded, my second load of laundry is switched over to the dryer, the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room floors are swept. I carry the trash out and hang a new hand towel in the bathroom. Book bags and school clothes are at the ready for the following morning.
9:12pm I make my way to my room to change into my pj's. As I remove my bra, two Sweetheart candies fall from it. At first, I am baffled; however, I quickly remember the exploding bag of candy I had opened earlier in the evening for the boys. I have to laugh...
9:25pm With my bootie planted on the couch, feet up, and laptop nestled atop my lap I hear nothing. Silence. I am beyond blessed for the four beautiful, sleeping boys that are snuggled in their beds. While I welcome the calm the late night hours bring and I am reminded how I LIVE for the chaos that is sure to follow in the morning.
3:00am Middle of the night feeding with Hudson.
4:00am Early morning wake up with both Ryder and Hudson (clearly they missed the memo that Mommy should get to sleep in on Mother's Day)!
6:30am I began to clean up a broken light bulb compliments of Garrett (thankful for no injuries).
6:50am Eric is home from work and tells me to go lay down till 8am.
8:12am Before Eric heads to bed himself, 4 of my "boys" (Hudson is back asleep) present me with doughnuts, handmade treasures from school, a HYSTERICAL card that produced a hearty laugh from me, red roses, and a super cute tumbler adorned with colorful pictures and words from the special little dudes in my life.
9:25am The older three boys and myself make our way into the front yard while sporting our jammies...they ride bikes & scooters while I sip my coffee.
9:50am I hear Hudson on the monitor and drag another little boy outside as well...I am pretty certain an entire bag of Goldfish crackers is consumed during a game of Orange Light/Wheelie (don't ask).
10:25am I bribe my kiddos with doughnuts to come inside so that I may make Spaghetti for lunch. As I cook, Parker and I work on Reading activities that will earn him an entrance into the Right to Read Week Carnival the following day. I draw no less than 12 faces on brown paper bag puppets for Ryder. Crayons and bits of brown paper find their way into Hudson's mouth. I continually remind Garrett to lower his voice as Daddy is sleeping.
11:30am Via text messages my Sister-in-Law and I arrange for an impromptu Mother's Day BBQ that evening.
11:35am Lunch is served...Ryder EATS!!! I declare it an awesome day!
11:45am While we continue to eat, Garrett reminds me that Aunt Dawn and her babies are celebrating Mother's Day in heaven. Parker comments he wishes he could hug Aunt Dawn's mommy today as he is sure it is a sad for her. I agree and find myself thinking how BIG their hearts are. Whew...I am doing something right!
12:15pm Naps for Ryder and Hudson. I break my own rule of no laundry on Mother's Day and throw in a load of towels. The older two boys are now properly clothed and back outside riding bikes. Their laughter brings a smile to my face.
12:50pm Time to clean up the disaster from lunch, make a few phone calls, shower, and put together a few dishes for tonight's gathering. I kick myself for not getting to the greenhouse yesterday (as planned) for Mother's Day gifts. The afternoon rain got the best of me and my spirits. I am certain the special Moms in our lives will understand and gladly accept their gifts later this week.
2:15pm I apply another coat of spray paint to a project I am working on for Ryder's birthday party next week. Three years ago we hosted a Mother's Day BBQ the day before we welcomed Ryder into the world. I am reminded of our spread that day and my mouth begins to water for grilled cabbage. Hmmmmm....
2:30pm I break my laundry rule (again) and put another load of laundry into the washer upon putting the towels in the dryer. I spot Hudson hiding in the corner, pooping in his diaper, and laugh.
2:50pm I glance out my front window and spot a neighboring mom. While sitting in a lawn chair she reads a book. Her husband is mowing the lawn and her two daughters work busily in the yard as well. She looks relaxed. I briefly wonder if a future Mother's Day will provide a similar scenario for myself (sans daughters and insert four boys). I catch a glimpse of Hudson as he flies by me. Crusty nose. Drool covered shirt. Minus one sock. Mess of blond curls atop his head. Relaxation? No thanks. I will take two more of him please!
3:00pm Confession time...that shower I talked of earlier? Didn't happen. I quickly hop in...with my two bitties in tow (at times a necessity in this house for safety purposes). I lather and rinse. Hudson splashes. Ryder pretends to put out a fire with the shower hose. I am questioned by my almost three year old where my pee pee is. Three sons down to ask that question at age 2'ish...one more to go!
3:17pm Snack time for all! The older three boys nosh on string cheese. Hudson and I share a Fiber One yogurt while sitting on the crumb filled kitchen floor.
****Insert mad dash to get myself and four kids ready, diaper bag packed, and stroller loaded...it is not pretty, folks!****
4:19pm We (safely) arrive at my brother and sister-in-laws. We, the adults, talk, laugh, and BBQ. The kiddos ride their bikes 'round and 'round.
6:10pm Following dinner, my mom, her husband, Ryder, and I head to the cemetery. The rest of my clan stays behind with my family. I place a purple metal flower at my friend's grave site to honor her this Mother's Day. With Ryder's help, I place one blue and one green pinwheel at the site for each of her sons. After a small debate, Ryder (reluctantly) agrees to place a pink pinwheel into the ground on her daughter's behalf. As I stand up, tears flowing down my cheeks, I am reminded that our friendship has changed. Our dinners out are a thing of the past. There are no more shopping trips. Our phone calls and texts back and forth have abruptly ended. Our friendship has taken on a new meaning. There are trips to the cemetery, fundraisers to take part in, endless tears, and the fondest of memories. I know she and her children are in a glorious place, but selfishly I want them back here on earth.
6:45pm We make our way back to our family gathering. Hudson is in my sister-in-law's arms, tears streaming down his face. He was not happy mama left. After a quick feeding, snuggle, and dessert he appears happy again.
7:13pm My crew and I make our way home. My mom offers to help me out by taking Ryder with her on her visit to Grandma Mary's. It's a no go...he wants to ride his bike home like his older brothers.
7:24 pm We are less than a block from home and Ryder declares he wants Mimi. He refuses to budge and kicks his legs wildly as I pick him up. I am spent; therefore, I cave. I place a quick call to Mimi who promises to be there shortly. We stand on the street corner waiting for back up. Within minutes, Mimi arrives and Ryder's world has been righted.
7:38pm The older two boys, Hudson, and myself arrive at home. I decide to forgo baths for the night and let the older boys know they can shower in the morning prior to school. I wrestle with my overly tired 14 month old to get cleaned up, diaper changed, and PJ's on. Soon thereafter, he is fast asleep in his crib.
7:51pm Mimi drops off Ryder (after he cried for Mommy at Grandma Mary's...noticing a pattern). While we stand in the kitchen, a chaotic fight amongst my older three boys erupts over a new set of plastic golf clubs.
8:22pm After our bedtime routine of stories, songs, kisses, and hugs; I tuck the last of my three boys into bed for the night.
8:27pm I attempt to regain control of my house...dishes are done, towels are folded, my second load of laundry is switched over to the dryer, the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room floors are swept. I carry the trash out and hang a new hand towel in the bathroom. Book bags and school clothes are at the ready for the following morning.
9:12pm I make my way to my room to change into my pj's. As I remove my bra, two Sweetheart candies fall from it. At first, I am baffled; however, I quickly remember the exploding bag of candy I had opened earlier in the evening for the boys. I have to laugh...
9:25pm With my bootie planted on the couch, feet up, and laptop nestled atop my lap I hear nothing. Silence. I am beyond blessed for the four beautiful, sleeping boys that are snuggled in their beds. While I welcome the calm the late night hours bring and I am reminded how I LIVE for the chaos that is sure to follow in the morning.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Happy *HEART* Day!!!
The older two boys were busy celebrating Valentine's Day at school this week. I will admit, I greatly enjoy taking on artsy-crafty projects alongside the boys. Okay, keeping it real...often, I am the leader and they follow along. Regardless, we work well together and it is fun to dig into my craft supplies.
Garrett and his classmates have been passing out their Valentine's throughout the week and yesterday was his "true" party. The kiddos enjoyed cupcakes brought in by their parents and games rewarded with small prizes. In the past, the children at KKNS have been asked to decorate a bag to place their Valentine's inside. This year they were asked to decorate a box (yea!!!).
Garrett, Eric, and I worked together to make Garrett a Robot Valentine box. I was pretty happy as I had all the supplies on hand with the exception of the felt hearts (which I scored dirt cheap during a sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics).
This was the first year that we did not do store bought Valentines for the boys to pass out. Darn those ladies over at eighteen25!!! They have posted some absolute yumminess for Valentines Day inspiration this year. We jumped on (last year's bandwagon) and made these A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E Tootsie Pop Valentines for Garrett's friends. About 48 of them...
Okay, so we substituted a Blow Pop in place of a Tootsie Pop. No biggie. Garrett was amazed that Mommy took one picture, yet we had 48 (give or take) of these spread out all over our Dining Room table.
Ahhhh...Parker's Valentines. If you checked out the above link to the Tootsie Pop Valentines, you may have noticed the Robot Valentines. Parker wanted those. I cannot say I blame him. They, too were pretty darn A-Mazing! I (Parker has been sick, remember) had darn near completed the 17 of them *we* needed, when I had one HOT mess with M&M's and Tacky Glue. Change of plans...
I went back to the sisters over at eighteen25 and came across these...
Garrett and his classmates have been passing out their Valentine's throughout the week and yesterday was his "true" party. The kiddos enjoyed cupcakes brought in by their parents and games rewarded with small prizes. In the past, the children at KKNS have been asked to decorate a bag to place their Valentine's inside. This year they were asked to decorate a box (yea!!!).
Garrett, Eric, and I worked together to make Garrett a Robot Valentine box. I was pretty happy as I had all the supplies on hand with the exception of the felt hearts (which I scored dirt cheap during a sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics).
Garrett and his Robot...SUPER cool (and yet, super cute!). Garrett's favorite part was putting on the sticky rhinestones (aka bolts!).
Okay, so we substituted a Blow Pop in place of a Tootsie Pop. No biggie. Garrett was amazed that Mommy took one picture, yet we had 48 (give or take) of these spread out all over our Dining Room table.
Ahhhh...Parker's Valentines. If you checked out the above link to the Tootsie Pop Valentines, you may have noticed the Robot Valentines. Parker wanted those. I cannot say I blame him. They, too were pretty darn A-Mazing! I (Parker has been sick, remember) had darn near completed the 17 of them *we* needed, when I had one HOT mess with M&M's and Tacky Glue. Change of plans...
I went back to the sisters over at eighteen25 and came across these...
They were super simple to make and Parker wrote his name (and classmates' names) on the back. Personally, I think the photo works splendidly with the Happy *Heart* Day template!
 |
| Inside held a sweet treat... |
Two Robots are better than one, right? Especially when Mommy has all of the materials already out. Thankfully, we were able to carve out a few minutes here and there while Parker was to sick to complete his box. Eric would like for it to be known that he attached the head. Thanks, Daddy!
Parker's Valentine's Day Party at school was a success. Mrs. A's class enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, goodie bags galore, a Valentine Craft (lead by yours truly, duh...), and a quick game of 7-Up (OMGosh, I had forgotten all about that game...too fun!).
Have a fantastic weekend!!!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thank You For The Memories, Christmas 2010
Whew...and Christmas is over. We put so much time, effort, and prepping into one day (or a few days of celebrating) and POOF in a flash it is behind us! Our Christmas Eve and Christmas was full of chaos, craziness, and cute kiddos in matching outfits...
The boys and I survived Christmas morning minus Daddy, but all agree next year will be much more enjoyable with him home! The boys were allowed to open their stockings and two gifts on Christmas morning. The remaining presents sat under the tree (taunting them) until Daddy returned home from work. There were cheers all around when he walked in the back door! Together, we sat down to open gifts. Christmas carols were playing, children were smiling, and mid-opening gifts THE TREE FELL DOWN ON MOMMY! It was a classic America's Funniest Home Videos moment! Christmas 2010 shall be one we never forget.
I have started taking down our Christmas decor and slowly we are returning our home to normal conditions (with a lot more stuff). The boys are more than happy with the gifts they have received from us, Santa, Grandparents, and cousins galore. Santa was pretty good to Mommy and Daddy as well (thank you for my laptop!).
Our next few days will include one final Christmas gathering and the excitement of Garrett's 5th Birthday! We will ring in 2011 in just days...WOWZERS! Eric and I have a babysitter (thanks Mammy!) on New Years Eve for the first time in years. We are looking forward to dinner out with friends at a local Hibachi grill. What about you readers? Any plans to ring in the NEW YEAR?
The boys and I survived Christmas morning minus Daddy, but all agree next year will be much more enjoyable with him home! The boys were allowed to open their stockings and two gifts on Christmas morning. The remaining presents sat under the tree (taunting them) until Daddy returned home from work. There were cheers all around when he walked in the back door! Together, we sat down to open gifts. Christmas carols were playing, children were smiling, and mid-opening gifts THE TREE FELL DOWN ON MOMMY! It was a classic America's Funniest Home Videos moment! Christmas 2010 shall be one we never forget.
I have started taking down our Christmas decor and slowly we are returning our home to normal conditions (with a lot more stuff). The boys are more than happy with the gifts they have received from us, Santa, Grandparents, and cousins galore. Santa was pretty good to Mommy and Daddy as well (thank you for my laptop!).
Our next few days will include one final Christmas gathering and the excitement of Garrett's 5th Birthday! We will ring in 2011 in just days...WOWZERS! Eric and I have a babysitter (thanks Mammy!) on New Years Eve for the first time in years. We are looking forward to dinner out with friends at a local Hibachi grill. What about you readers? Any plans to ring in the NEW YEAR?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wish Lists 2010
Parker wishes for...
A New Bike
Lego City Set
Razor Scooter
Bakugans
Garrett Wishes For...
A New Bike
A Razor Scooter
Lego City Set
Toy Dirt Bike
Ryder Wishes For...
A Meatball (AKA A Speedboat)
Buzz Atyear (AKA Buzz Lightyear)
Toy Car
Scooter
Hudson Wishes For (With Some Help From Mommy)...
Toy Piano
Ride On Toy
Ball
Choo Choo Train
Dear Santa,
I have a special wish all of my own. If you could do your part
to ensure the Lindsay Boys are feeling better by Christmas that would
be swell!
Sincerely,
A Very Desperate, Pleading, and Exhausted Mama in Ohio
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Chic Yarn Trees
Do you follow the sisters over at eighteen25? I recently came across their blog and fell in love with it! They have super cute (and easy) craft and decor ideas! I have been working on these yarn trees that I saw on their site and could not be happier with the end result.
My stylish little trees have become part of my Dining Room buffet decor. If you have some spare time on your hands (okay, maybe not this week) check out the link above for the how-to's! I will note that I did two layers of yarn on my trees as tiny bits of Styrofoam were peeking through with one layer.
My stylish little trees have become part of my Dining Room buffet decor. If you have some spare time on your hands (okay, maybe not this week) check out the link above for the how-to's! I will note that I did two layers of yarn on my trees as tiny bits of Styrofoam were peeking through with one layer.
Happy Crafting!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Baking With Ryder 101
Multi-tasking is okay...Mommy does it all the time.
In fact, it is encouraged!
Go ahead and sit atop your work space.
Invite a friend to join you!
Making a mess is all part of the process.
No, really!
Sometimes, you really have to get into your work.
Use two hands!
Add in your favorite yummy treat.
Perhaps more then the recipe calls for!
Grab a bowl and enjoy the extra ingredients.
Yummy!
Finally, shock your mommy and do not eat a single cookie when they are finished baking.
Huh? Whose kid are you anyway, Ryder?! Surely, not mine!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Around The House 2010
Christmas is now less than a week away! Can you believe it? How are you feeling about this joyful holiday quickly approaching? Frazzled? Zen? Personally, I have a lot left to do...wrapping, baking, and decorating. Sure thing, we are 6 days out and I am still decorating. However, I am trying my best to stop and enjoy the little moments with the kiddos as well. There are TV Christmas specials to watch while cuddled up on the couch. Yummy treats are to be whipped up with small hands that just smeared snot all over. Thankfully, the boys enjoy getting crafty as well. You can expect a kiddie craft post (or two) in the coming days. The boys have GREATLY enjoyed unwrapping a Christmas book each night to read aloud before bed. Don't get me wrong, we have had our fair share of Christmas chaos. I am trying to take it all in stride, though (that is when you don't catch me pre-morning coffee and after only 3hrs of sleep).
Take a peek at the decor we have amongst our crazy home this Christmas season...
Take a peek at the decor we have amongst our crazy home this Christmas season...
Paper Loop Wreath (Version 5.0) greets you at the back door. Indeed, it was replaced by Paper Loop Wreath Version 1.0 (which now hangs in all it's beauty elsewhere).
I adore snowman and all their cuteness! This little family sits on the back porch. They were a gift from my mom a few years ago.
Paper Loop Wreath Version 3.0 hangs on the kitchen door leading to the basement. It fits perfectly with the Ruby Red Lipstick color of the kitchen; however, the kitchen is due for a make-over following Christmas.
It is hard to say what will hang in it's place next year!
In the corner of my kitchen counter sits a burlap wrapped tree (another one of my must haves), a festive tin that holds the Christmas cards we receive, and a newly purchased Nutcracker.
A rustic snowman, candle, and framed photo make up the little vignette I have atop my bathroom counter. The snowman was a gift from my Mother-in-Law a few years ago and it was love at first sight.
An additional newly acquired Nutcracker rests on the back of the toilet. Jo-Ann Fabrics had numerous Nutcracker characters in stock this year. In the past, I have not cared much for these decorative pieces. However, this year they called out to me. More than once. They were on sale (thankfully!).
Another burlap wrapped tree and a few candles (purchased at Rite-Aid of all places!) found their way to the bottom of our built in hutch. Our Dining Room and Living Room features the massive original woodwork from the home's beginning in the 1920's. The woodwork had been painted white in the 80's (I believe); however, my husband restored the wood in the dining room. What a task! His efforts paid off, though. It's gorgeous! I wish we could get around to restoring the wood in the Living Room prior to placing the house for sale (please do not ask when that will be...haha!); however, with four young boys I do not see that happening.
A sneak peak at our Dining Room buffet. In the past, the buffet has been one of the very first things I decorate. It has always been a place for my Christmas Village to reside; however, this year I opted to not put it up. This year, the buffet is taking on a different look with (cheap) glass vases and (cheap) red and gold bulbs. I am still working on a few handmade touches to add in as well. A stunning Poinsettia had been the focus of the buffet, but I killed it (too much water, I think). My bad. I will share my end result when the buffet is finished. Who knows, that could be after Christmas!
I printed off this subway Christmas art from here. If you do not follow her blog, add Jessica to your list! She has some great, cheap, and easy decor ideas!
The boys' stockings hang from the stairway. Each of the four stockings were a gift from Eric's grandmother, Sammy. They are from Lands End and I love that they coordinate. I am intending to purchase additional stockings from there for both Eric and I. Our stockings are the first things to get opened on Christmas morning. As a child, my absolute favorite thing to do first thing Christmas morning was open the small treasures found within my stocking. I truly enjoy passing down the same tradition to my boys.
What's that? Where are our trees, you ask? Good question! Parker and Garrett's room contains a tree, as does Ryder and Hudson's room. Both trees are nothing elaborate; however, we keep adding ornaments to them as the years pass. I was prepared to show my Dining Room tree; however, I stripped it bare Friday night. And redecorated it. In the past, it has held my gold, white, and green ornaments. This year, as I glanced around my Dining Room with all the red decor, I felt the need to add red to the existing color scheme. It is coming along, but not quite done. In recent years, it has become a tradition of ours to add a live tree to the Living Room. At the last minute. We have scored some great deals this way and enjoy decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. The boys do not feel slighted as we have the additional trees elsewhere in the house. Stay tuned...
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