Cheese!

We had a weekend packed full of fun family activities. Lots of picture taking was going on (will post later). Bryar has learned to imitate mommy very well. She says "cheese" every time she picks up a camera, LOL! It's very cute and I love how she holds the camera upside down, priceless!

It's ya birthday!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to my beautiful Bryar! Little Bryar is two years old today. I have been so blessed to have such a sweet baby girl. I'm proud of you Bryar. You are learning so much and you are such a smart little girl. Lots and lots of love and a big hug filled with warm birthday wishes!

XOXOXOXO

Lights on

Remember the Lite Brite? My mind takes me back to a darkened bathroom floor, doors closed, where my cousin Amy and I would sit and play with our Lite Brite. We would stay in there forever making all kinds of silly things on the Lite Brite board. Back then, you had to plug the Lite Brite in. It would get hot from the large bulb on the inside and those pegs never seemed to want to go into the holes very easily. Needless to say, Hasbro has revamped the Lite Brite and it's pretty cool!

I purchased one for Roxy a couple of weeks back. I had the whole, "Awe, I used to have one of those" moments in the store when I saw it. They now come in a variety of colors. They have picture sheets for guided push peg art. It also now comes with a handy little built in tray for all of those tiny pegs. Pretty clever if I say so myself.

Roxy and I both have been enjoying her new Lite Brite. She stays busy for long periods of time making new designs and redoing old ones. It's tons of fun and easy on the wallet!

just simply cute

Just thought I would send a little cuteness your way!

Picture perfect hair...kid style!

The girls will be having school pictures made on Monday. I have been doing a bit of research to find some cute hair styles. With one super curly headed 4 year old and the other, a super straight haired 2 year old, I didn't have much luck. However, I did find some cute styles for boys and girls HERE. When you open the link, there is a button you can click to play the slide show. You will see 17 different hairstyles, all unique and with different personalities in mind. Kids are fun and I think there hair should be a little more fun and a little less controlled. So, on picture day, have fun and let the kids be kids!

You do the math

Check out this sweet back to school treat!

Reuse it!

I recently took the girls to the library for our bi-weekly book return and check out. The girls love to play on the computers, look at new books, play with the puzzles and of course the highlight of their visit is to see Mrs. Deborah (or Deb'r as Bryar says)!

I saw this book and the minute I flipped to the front page, I knew it was a keeper. This wonderful book, My Forever Dress by Harriet Ziefert, is a unique story to teach little ones some very important things. The book talks about the child's love for her grandmother, the talent of sewing, reusing/recycling materials, gift giving and changes in life as our bodies grow.

Roxanne and I both loved the book. I mean come on, it's about sewing. What's not to love! The book is filled with bright colored art, pictures of paper pattern pieces, sewing supplies and other fun pictures. It's a keeper. We've gotta save up some money in our piggy bank and then we are off to purchase this book. Yea, we love it that much!

Because BOLD is beautiful

I heart this fabulous design!

A bowl full of berries...

According to researchers, blueberries have been shown to have antioxidants that are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Blueberries happen to be one of my favorite fruits. I could eat them by the bowl full. While in Ohio we visited The Blueberry Patch, owned by one of my family members. Let's just say...I could live there. It was so beautiful and the fresh hand picked berries were delicious.

To find other interesting facts about blueberries and your health, click HERE.

stay in check

I found this cute little printable weekly calendar that may help your child(ren) stay in check with daily activities. Roxanne has shown interest in knowing what day it is and what events will be taking place during each week. So, I printed this helpful calendar and we have it hanging beside the bathroom mirror. Each morning when Roxanne is brushing her teeth we look to see what day of the week it is and we discuss the events that will happen during the day. Then, at night when we are brushing our teeth we talk about all the events that took place that day and we look at what events will happen the next day to make sure we prepare ourselves. We gather any needed items for school, such as show-n-tell items, clothing and hair acc.that will be worn and any other items that she may need to have ready for the day ahead.


I hope that you all have had a good week and I am sending wishes your way for an
enjoyable and restful weekend!

ONE DAY SALE!!!

Matilda Jane is having a one day sale from Aug. 13th-14th. Head on over and find some great deals on her girls Platinum clothing line and the Mighty Acorns line for those handsome boys. Follow the Matilda Jane link above to start racking up on some good deals on stylish clothes! Hurry, sale ends soon!

I got mine

I wanted to share a cute little FREE applique download of an owl. It is just too cute. The picture above is from Ashley's blog. She created this owl applique and used it on an adorable set that she made for a birthday gift. The minute I saw this furry creature, I grabbed him (or her). I have had a stash of owl fabric that I have been saving for this fall. Well, let's just say...I used it! Yes, Roxy's got a cute little owl print skirt, now I am on the hunt for the perfect shirt to use this applique on. Wish me luck!

ABC's & 123's

Schools in! We had open house last Friday to meet the girls new teachers and to introduce them to their new classroom at preschool. Monday was our official "back to school". Roxanne whizzed right in with a big happy grin on her face ready to take on the school day. Bryar was a little hesitant to walk into her classroom, but she soon spotted the blocks, play kitchen and baby dolls. After that, she was feeling pretty comfortable with her new surroundings. I am looking forward to all of the fun school activities and programs that this school year will bring. This year will be double the fun with both girls attending preschool. I hope that you and your children have a blessed school year.

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."

- Henry Ward Beecher

bed head

I love to see bed head. It's the perfect way to get a quick chuckle while getting your day started. There's nothing like evidence of a good night sleep! My little one loves to get in mommys bed in the morning. She's the best wake up call!

amazed

While we were in Ohio browsing through my grandpa's garden, we saw this little creature buzzing about. He was an unusual fellow, kind of like a hummingbird, maybe similar to a butterfly and as friendly as could be. We had never seen anything like it. He was busy drawing the nectar out of each tiny flower, as if he didn't notice anyone watching.

Tommy and I were almost eyeball to eyeball with this flying friend and he didn't seem to mind a bit. Tommy was brave and reached over to touch his wing. The little guy acted like nothing even happened...hmmmm, what's in that nectar? It must be some pretty good stuff. Tommy gently touched his rapid flapping wings a few more times. I was amazed, the insect never seemed to mind. It was a very cool thing to watch!

Happy feet

If you are looking for a fun and creative way to make those boring canvas shoes come to life, check this out! Family Fun has created a tutorial to create these unique monster shoes along with many other styles to get some smiles out of your little one. This would make a fun weekend project and it may even help get your child out of bed and ready for school Monday!

My belly loved it!

I am not a great cook, but I do enjoy cooking. Tommy and I both like to get our hands "in the mix" when it comes to the kitchen. The other night the whole family was in the kitchen buzzing about and it seemed like everyone had their hand in making dinner. Tommy was preparing the salad, I was making homemade mashed potatoes and keeping my eye on the grill, the kids were placing cupcake liners in the pan and stirring up the batter.


It was just a fun family meal time. I could live off nights like this.

You can have it all, just give me happy people in the kitchen...pure bliss!

Good food, great fun and a whole lot of laughs :) A beautiful meal with my beautiful family. Each one of us having a part in making it all come together. It was delicious!

Tommy, Roxanne and Bryar...I love you!

I went to visit George...

...avenue that is! I'm back from a trip up North. Thanks for all of your emails asking about my absence. All is well and it feels good to be back!