Well, well...

I had trouble the other day uploading a post from my cell phone and was completely bummed, because I do quite a bit of posting from there these days.  I ended up posting it from my computer and no worries.  Well, today I got on to change my heading picture and background and received an error message when trying to upload my new photo...I have reached my photo upload quota.  So, now I have to purchase more space so I am able to upload photos to the Picasa Web Album.  I am completely torn about this because I have invested $0 in blogging, so the thought of this now costing money makes me sad.  Yes, I am cheap!!  I am going to do a little research and see what all I can do without changing my blog web address.

Christmas was great here! The kids loved their gifts and have had a wonderful time spending time with family.  I love the Christmas season, but can I be honest with you, I am glad the hustle and bustle is on the down turn.  It has really taking a toll on me and I have not left the house much since Christmas, which is completely fine with me.  I actually did not do any after Christmas shopping, which is unlike me, but I have been completely fine lounging around the house.  Christmas decor is still up...I am thinking that Saturday sounds like a good day to take it down!

Jase is so obsessed with Lego Star Wars.  He got a DVD for Christmas and it is actually pretty cute and quite comical.  It is pretty short in length, so he has watched it a few times.  I woke up this morning and told Shawn that I am now dreaming about Star Wars...ridiculous!!!

Reflecting back on 2011 and feeling very blessed.  Shawn and I were able to get away to Cabo for a few days, my little sister graduated college and got married.  Jase turned 4 and is now sleeping through the night with big boy underwear on...so big!!  Allyson had a fabulous 2nd birthday and is quite my little talker and I love her little phrases like "ta-da" and the hands on her hips while talking is too much.  Plus, I was looking at pictures from earlier this year and oh my word, she still did not have much hair 7 months ago; it really start growing over the summer.  We got awesome reports about my dad and his recovery with kidney and prostate cancer...cancer free!!  Praise God!  While I miss my nana dearly and tear up when I look at pictures or think about her, I know she is in Heaven and is not suffering anymore.  And this is not goodbye forever, just goodbye for now.  Miss you Phil. 

2012...what an exciting year ahead.  Shawn is going on a mission trip in February with Living Water International and he is super pumped about that.  Jase has a big birthday coming up...the BIG 5!! He will also start kindergarten...cuurazy!!  Allyson will turn 3 and that doesn't seem possible at all.  Shawn and I will celebrate 8 years of marriage, and 16 total years together.  I'm one lucky gal!  I'm sure many more things will be added to this list as the year progresses.

Thanks for following and sharing our memories with us.  Have a blessed New Year!!

Christmas Eve Traditions

Today was a great day. We started off the day at my mom's house and had our Christmas with them today since we will be stopping by my dad's tomorrow after church and Shawn's parents tomorrow evening. The kids, of course, made out like bandits and loved everything they received.

Later we went to our 5 o'clock church service, which was very nice. We took communion, and we usually only do that once a year or so. Both of the kids were in the service with us and that was a little challenging. Jase was great, but Ally, she wanted to talk up a storm.

Afterwards we went to my grandma Smith's house and ate dinner. It was nice to visit with her. I do not see her as much as I should, so it was nice to go over there. Allyson loved going in her tv room and making herself right at home. Jase entertained everyone with Star Wars facts. He is officially obsessed! And he has not even seen any of the movies, this is just from books we've checked out at the library. He is going to go nuts when he opens a Lego Star Wars movie tomorrow!! :)

We then went and looked at lights. The neighborhoods that used to have traffic a mile long are no longer crowded and the lights are just so-so. As a matter of a fact, other than one other house, we are the only house on our street with lights up. What's up with that? We came home and the kids opened up one gift, as they do every year. We started a PJ tradition when Jase was little, where they open up new PJ's on Christmas eve. Jase, of course, got new Lego Star Wars ones and he loved them!!! Allyson's had ballerinas on them. I bought her 24 months and the pants were hanging off of her. And the shirt for 18 months would have been too short on her. Oh well.

We then took the kids outside and they sprinkled reindeer food on the lawn. They loved it!! We read the Christmas Story (Jesus' birth and his gift of eternal life to us) and a couple other books and they are off to bed. Allyson is sleeping with Jase for the first time tonight...I hope that goes well. So far, so good.

We are looking forward to opening gifts in the morning...I know the kids are excited too. Tomorrow will be another busy day, yet enjoyable because we will be spending it with people we love. I am feeling very blessed and thankful for so much, and yet so unworthy for it all. Thank you, Jesus.

Merry Christmas!!

New Wall Decor

Jase is quite my little decorator. He and scotch tape are very close friends!! :) I just love it when I find him taping up his newest pieces of art on the wall.

We have been keeping up our "book and scripture a day" and enjoying it. I love it that the kids, especially Jase, look forward to reading the bible verse and book everyday. I am looking forward to continuing this tradition next year.

We have been so busy these past couple of weeks. All of the hustle and bustle have definitely caught up with me. I am so thankful that Shawn has been my HEB and Wal-mart go-to man over the past few days. He has helped in that area quite a bit.

The kids are get very excited about Christmas and gifts, but we are doing out best to instill that Jesus is the reason for the season. Jase told me today, out of the blue, that the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth. It made my heart smile.

If you're reading, I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and cherish your time together with your loved ones, because you never know how long they will be around.

Santa Claus came to town!!

We (including me) were so excited for Santa to visit our street on the fire truck this evening. We had our front door open, waiting to hear the siren, alarming us that he was on his way. After running outside several times for false alarms, he finally showed up at 8:30. (It was 8:45 last year.)

All four of the kids were excited and all four of them got a prize!! Jase got a matchbox car, Allyson got a pink TY bear, Jeremiah got a yo-yo (and he was a pro at it), and Destiny got a remote control car...so cool!

Host Family

We have had the privilege to be a host family for two boys and a chaperone this weekend. They are part of Children of the World - International Children's Choir. They arrived Thursday afternoon and will be performing at our church tomorrow morning.

Destiny is 9, from Uganda, and Jeremiah is 11, from the Philippines. Auntie Carla, the chaperone, is also from the Philippines. All three of them have been great to have over the past few days. Our family has grown to love them and will miss them when they go.

We have been able to do quite a few things with them: see Alvin and the Chipmunks at the movies, kickball at the park, backyard football and soccer, Lego and tinker toy construction, card making, story time, Santa Claus' arrival on the fire truck, say nightly prayers together, and sharing meals together.

It's been a blessing having them in our home. We are praying they are a blessing to the congregation in the morning and continue to have safe traveling mercies as they travel the USA.

5 Nights in a Row!!

We have set a world record here at the French house and I am so excited!! Jase's pull-up has been dry 5 nights in a row!!! Super excited for him! He has gone 1, maybe 2 nights in a row with a dry one, but 5 is unheard of. We are hoping this is a sign of more dry nights to come and not just a fluke.

Super proud of my big boy! :)

Jase's Christmas Party

Yesterday Jase had his party at school and all the kids had a great time. One mom made the kids cute place mats out of 12x12 scrapbook paper and had them laminated. Another mom made super cute reindeer chocolate donuts. See pics below! :) (Pinterest...yes please!)

Instead of a craft, they had a book exchange, which I am definitely a fan of. We cannot wait to work in Jase's book he opened.

Christmas Biscuits!

I woke up this morning and decided to make the kids (and myself) Christmas Biscuits! I've taste tested 2 of them and they are yummy!

Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa

Jase brought home his picture with Santa today...so sweet. This year, his teacher included what he asked Santa for on the bottom of the picture. You'll see below, no big surprise. :)

Allyson on the other hand didn't want anything to do with Santa and would not take a picture with him. I asked her this morning if she wanted to go see Santa and she immediately shook her head and said no. You could see the fright on her face right away. Maybe next year.

Christmas Party

This past Friday we went to our Sunday School Christmas party. We had a great time enjoying each other's company and there were plenty of laughs. It was a tacky Christmas sweater party, so it was funny to see everyone's lovely attire. We did this last year with the college, so this year I guess I just wasn't feeling that festive, so I decided to sit this year out.

We each brought white elephant gifts (something you have at home) and those are always fun to see what people bring. I opened up a gift and it was...are you ready for this...a Circle E Birds of Paradise brand new candle!! I LOVE this smell!! Of course, the next person stole it from me; I don't blame them!

First fire of the season

First fire in the fireplace that is. Last time the fire was lit (several months ago), the gas pipe cracked and it if you turned on the gas, it would leak out...not safe!

After several trips to home improvement and speciality stores, Shawn was able to get the correct part to repair it. We were so excited to get the fire going, that we decided to make one tonight.

Shawn and Jase loaded up the fireplace with wood and Shawn started up the gas to get it going. The fire was blazing away, but only one problem...the vent was CLOSED! The flames were so high that Shawn couldn't get his hand in there to open it up.

Next thing you know it is getting major smokey in the house, Jase is telling us that the firemen are on their way, and smoke alarms are going off. My sister and her husband were over, so he ran upstairs to fan that smoke alarm and I fanned the one downstairs. It was a mess.

Shawn was finally able to open the vent and we opened up windows and doors to help with ventilation. It is in the 50's outside and we have windows and all the doors open...a little chilly inside now.

It was pretty funny. And my sister just texted me and told me that they smell like they have been at a bonfire, even after changing clothes!!! Making memories, right?

Reindeer Park

I had mentioned that I took the kids to Reindeer Park on Friday evening, but haven't taken the time to put together pictures that a friend took of us.  We had a great time and the snow sledding was my favorite part.  Allyson and I rode it twice together and all three of us rode it together once!

Allyson's Mittens

I went up to Allyson's room this morning to wake her up and found her with her socks on her hands like mittens. It was so cute, that I had to take a picture of her when I brought her downstairs. How do you not start off your day in a good mood after this?

Picnic Time

After Allyson finished dinner this evening, she went into the playroom and two by two she brought her picnic to the table. It probably took her 10 trips back and forth to bring all of her items to the table. I love watching her play!

Snowman Dance

This evening we went to the local Reindeer Park, where they had a snow area, sled riding, wagon rides, ice skating, rock wall, pony rides and a few other things. Well, they had a Snowman there that enjoyed dancing and of course Jase couldn't help but join in the fun. This recording is of him the second time around. Ha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdAZqEOrdY

Christmas Craft Time

This morning we continued our Christmas story craft. We made angels (again) to represent the angel visiting Mary and telling her the great news that she was going to have the son of God. Jase really enjoyed making this one. We used scrapbook paper and markers on-hand and Jase used his safety scissors to cut out the shapes of the angel. At first I told him to cut out a triangle and he was struggling, but then I drew one on the paper for him as a guide and that was much better. He did a great job with it!

We also started something new this year. I wrapped 24 books, along with a different Christmas story bible verse and labeled them accordingly on which day to open them. Today the kids opened up the first book: Christmas Cookie. It had a good message about the true meaning of Christmas. I hope the kids look forward to opening a book everyday and reading the book and bible verse throughout the day.

It was a great morning together with my kids on the living room floor. I love these simple mornings with them.

Elf on the Shelf

Well...we had a special delivery today! After I picked Jase and Allyson up from school today, the Elf on the Shelf was sitting on the table.  Watch the video I took of Jase HERE as he found the Elf box.  He was pretty excited.

I thought this was going to be the best thing ever...um, a little rocky at first.  We got the book out and I read it to them and explained about not touching the Elf.  He threw a fit and I mean a fit.  He told me "just let me hold him" and "he's not magic, he's just a toy."  Complete melt down.  I stood my ground and did not let him touch it.  I turned on the Elf on the Shelf movie and things finally got a little better.  What I thought would be a great thing, was not so great at first.

After Church tonight, all four of us watched the Elf on the Shelf show together and I read the book to Daddy and the kids.  A name was finally agreed upon: Jokey.  Can't wait to see where the kids find Jokey at in the morning.

Christmas Book

The kids did not have school today, so we stayed inside ALL day long, but it was a great day! After breakfast I told them the Christmas story about Mary and Joseph and travelling to Bethlehem and Jesus being born there.  I created a PowerPoint slide show with each scene (Mary with the Angel, Joseph with the Angel, travelling, manger scene, etc.) to keep their attention and to help them visualize the story better.  They really enjoyed it and I plan on doing it again on Thursday, when they are home all day.

After story time, we had craft time.  I found online and purchased "The Tale of Christmas" activities to do with the kids.  It is basically the Christian Christmas story broken up into all the scenes.  I will probably do a craft every Tuesday and Thursday.  I also have 4 different lessons I will teach them each week, leading up to Christmas.  I hope they enjoy it and it makes learning fun!

Sorry for the blurry pics of the kids, taken on my phone and I didn't know the lens was completely caked with fingerprints until afterwards!

Today they created the cover page for the Christmas book they will be working on throughout this month.  It is supposed to be an Angel out of their hand prints.  Jase's wanted his to be white and went up to his room to get a book to show me what a real angel looked like (not kidding)...so his is white! I told him we had to back it with a different color so you could see the angel...he finally agreed.

Then, on his own he glued together two yellow strips and created a cross and drew Jesus on it.  He said, "I know this is Easter."  Although he is only 4, he really loves Jesus and tells me that Jesus lives in his heart.  The other day he asked us when he could be baptized and Shawn was explaining to him when he believes in Jesus and lives for Him, and Jase responded with "I believe, he lives in my heart."

Back to the Christmas book...it is a very simple outline and each page tells one part of the story...very basic and maybe too basic for him.  After the cross picture, he drew the nativity scene and said that could be the first page of his book!! Haha!! He will probably be upset when we make another Angel in a couple of days.  He will probably tell me "Mom, we are drawing this story way out!"

On a different note, we recorded The Elf on the Shelf 30 minute movie last week and are finally getting around to watching it today...they both LOVE it!! It's a cute little show.  We may have to look into getting an Elf this year, especially since he has watched the show (too many times already) and understands what it does.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I took a few days off from blogging.  It wasn't intentional, it's just how it worked out.  I actually enjoy posting and sharing what we are doing at the French house.

We had a nice time in Livingston for Thanksgiving.  We were about to leave and my stepdad mentioned something about next year having the meal catered and I thought to myself...whoa, and miss out on all this good food?!  But over the past couple of days I have been thinking about it and I am with him.  The ladies had been cooking all morning (and the previous day as well) and then we had a mishaps with frying the turkeys (hole in the new pot), so we didn't end up eating until 3:00-3:30.  Then you eat and it seems you are finally able to relax and visit.  Before you know it, you're eating dessert and heading home and that's that.  Don't get me wrong, I love the food (maybe a little too much), but the company of family is definitely more important than 20 casseroles and appetizers.

Friday afternoon we went to Lowe's and picked up a Christmas tree.  We ended up going with the one that Jase picked out!  And if you ask him, he will tell you that he always picks out the best tree...confidence...my kid does not lack!

Picking out our Christmas tree...in shorts!!

Oh and you may notice that we're ALL in our TEXAS LONGHORNS gear!! We were definitely flying the burnt orange and white after our big win over the Aggies.  Hook 'Em!!

Yesterday I got down the Christmas decorations and decorated our living area and the tree.  Oh, how I love this time of year.  I think next year we will get a tree as soon as we see a fresh tree lot in town. 

I made the wreath from items that I had bought from the Nutcracker Market a couple of weeks ago.  It is made out of deco mesh...I love that stuff!  I had some leftover, so I made a bow topper for the tree and added some free flowing pieces in as well.  And the Christ-mas sign I also got from the Nutcracker.  It defines Christmas as: A Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, often celebrated by special gifts, greeting, and hospitality.  I thought that was a great description of what Christmas is...celebrating Jesus...may we never forget or lose sight of that.

Shawn and Jase did a great job of hanging all the lights up outside...did I mention I love this time of the year?? :)

I do not have too much planned this week...just trying to get back into the routine of things here at the house.  Well, one big thing is straightening up the study that is attached to our bedroom.  When we had Allyson's birthday party (September 3rd) we pulled a ton of the toys out of the playroom and stored them in the study...well, nearly 3 months later I still have toys in there..sad I know!! Most of the toys left in there are slated for a garage sale in the next week or so (fun!!), but that room needs to get in order.  I am hoping to set up a creation station in there a.k.a. a craft room! That way my hobbies are not always on the kitchen table (thank you, Shawn, for loving me and putting up with my clutter). ;) 

Thanksgiving Dinner

We had a great time in Livingston today with the Smith family. A little bitter sweet though...it was the first one in Livingston without my Nana. We sure miss her, but know that she is looking down on us and is in Heaven with Jesus and Poppa, living it up. :)

The picture of Ally is when so tired and was gnawing on a roll!! She ended up falling asleep. It was so funny.



My Oh My...I Love Some Pies!!

Reusable Snack Bags

Last night I went up to Hobby Lobby and purchased some velcro and Osnaburg fabric (kind of reminds me of linen).  I wanted to make these reusable snack bags that I saw on...wait for it...Pinterest! :)  It was one of my first pins and I really liked the idea of packing a snack for the kids and reusing the bags.  Here is the tutorial I followed and it worked great for me.

Of course the second one (blue with green squares) I made turned out a little better due to trial and error.  The velcro I purchased was a little wider than I wanted, so the first one I made is over the top with velcro, as in I may have to help Allyson open it.  On Jase's I cut the velcro in half and it is much easier to open.

I'm happy with them and I think the kiddos will enjoy.

Thankful Update

Jase is thankful for...

16 - The library - we went to the library and checked out books and movies
17 - Football - we took the kids to the Deer Park HS football playoff game and he loved it
18 - Zoo - he loves watching all the animals at the zoo (we went on Saturday)
19 - Nanny & Paw-Paw - Jase stayed at their house for a little bit while Mommy & Daddy went on a date
20 - Aunt Alisha - He loves his aunt!!


Jessica is thankful for...

16 - My son's & daughter's school - thankful for all the wonderful ladies that work there and teach and love my kiddos (Jase's Thanksgiving Feast was so cute!)
17 - Public library & ability to read to my kids and also that they enjoy it too
18 - Exercise - I've been enjoying it lately and I feel great afterwards
19 - Zoo - I love watching the animals and it was a great time with my family and friends
20 - Children's Church - enjoy teaching the little children about God's love

Allyson's 1st Pedicure

This afternoon after Church, all four girls got pampered with a pedicure....Aunt Alisha's treat!! This was also Allyson's first time to go to the nail salon! We've painted her toes at home, but she's never been here before.

She picked out her color...PINK of course! She did great and stayed completely still, and the nail technician even clipped her toe nails and she didn't move an inch while she did it...I was super surprised!!

After she watched a little movie on the DVD player, I handed her my phone and she watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...she loves that show!

So proud of my big girl! I can add something new to the baby book: 26 months...first pedicure!! I can see many more visits to the nail salon in our future!



Zoo day

We met the Mery Family at the Houston Zoo today and had a great time. We even got to feed the giraffes, which was AWESOME!! They are probably my favorite animal!

Sample Day at Sam's

I promise I fed her breakfast this morning, but she, well both of us, were sampling up a storm this morning at Sam's. They had cheesecake (2 different sampling stations), green bean casserole (Thanksgiving warm up), chex mix, pita chips and hummus, meat, crackers and cheese, and many more stations.
We took our time browsing around the store and went down nearly every isle. Allyson and I enjoyed our mother/daughter time this morning. :)

We're still doing our Thankful Tree

While we may fall a day or so behind here and there, we are still doing our Thankful Tree.  :) 

Jase is thankful for...

11 - Food
12 - Friends
13 - Stingrays, his soccer team
14 - Soccer party (soccer is officially over)
15 - Toys (he was playing with toys at the kitchen table during our thankful convo)

Jessica is thankful for...

11 - Nights at home - I love to be gone, but I also love spending time with my family, relaxed at home.  Homemade hamburgers and the Sword and the Stone movie!
12 - Financial Blessings - Ability to pay the bills and then some.
13 - Being a stay at home mom - Spending precious time with my kids that I'll never get back.  Also, when they are sick, I'm glad I'm able to stay at home and take care of them, and it makes for less stress.
14 - A great pediatrician - I love my kids' doctor and she loves them.
15 - Prayer - When myself or someone is in need, you can always turn to the Lord.  He is always there to hear our praise or our need.

Thanksgiving Feast

Today was Jase's Thanksgiving Feast at school.  I so loved it!! Those little 3-5 year olds are so cute!!! They sang the cutest little songs and did motions that went along with them.

Jase walking into the gym

Conversations with Jase

Just sharing a couple of conversations between me and Jase today!
I asked him if he wanted a Capri Sun for lunch and he said "no I'll just take sweet tea".  Ok...he is SO my kid!! There is usually always sweet decaf tea made up in my fridge.

He has been talking about going to Mickey's house lately, so I pulled up Disney World online and was showing him all the things to do there...he loved it.  There are also some videos you can play and an option to add your name.  I typed Jase's name in and a couple of them had "Merry Christmas Jase" at the end of the clip.  He said "Oh, Mickey loves me!" I told him that he sure does! So sweet...can he remain this innocent forever?!?! He wanted to know if me or Daddy knew how to get to Disney World.  Then he asked me what he would wear to Disney World and I told him that we would probably get him some Mickey Mouse shirts and he said ok.  A few seconds later he pulled out his Christmas Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and started plaything with him.  Then he asked me to put on a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for him to watch. I love this little guy.

No lie, as I am typing this blog post he comes up to me and asks if we can send Mickey a message, here goes:

Dear Mickey,

Disney World is much fun.  Please Mickey, can you send us a map and help us find Disney World real soon?

Love,
Jase

Maybe we will go one day when you're a little older Jase...one day!

I was really having one of those funk/blah days today and now it is raining, but our Mickey Mouse talk really cheered me up! Thanks Boo Boo!

Sick Baby Girl

Allyson was sick all weekend long with a low grade fever, coughing, sneezing, loose bowels, throwing up...poor baby.  She woke up this morning fever free, but I could tell that she just wasn't herself yet.  I made her an appointment for this afternoon to be on the safe side and get her checked out.

I guess our doctor was running behind because my appointment was at 4:10, but at 5:20 I still had not been seen by her yet.  Even with over an hour wait and trying to keep two kids entertained, it was not the worst day ever because I love my pedi...she is so down to earth and always makes me feel so comfortable and most of all...she loves my kiddos and has patience with them.  Especially when she is trying to talk and Jase interrupts her to tell her something "very important", she takes time to listen and I think it makes her adore him more.  :)  Love it...I could probably use some of her patience!

Well, the doctor listened to her breathe and she could hear some wheezing at the end of her breath.  I brought Ally in about 2 1/2 weeks ago on a Saturday and she was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, so I was bummed that she heard the wheezing still.   Ally's throat was also red, so they went ahead and tested her for strep...and it came back positive.  Hoping and praying that Jase does not get it.  It wasn't too bad to keep them apart today since Jase was at school and I kept Ally home, but tomorrow it will be us three at the house all day.  Hopefully the weather is ok and we can venture to the backyard for some fresh air.

We got an antibiotic and an inhaler along with a puffer (anti-static valved holding chamber).  You attach the inhaler to the puffer and put the puffer mask around their mouth and nose and squirt the inhaler and it will allow Ally to get the affect of the medicine through the puffer.  My doctor said that this is like the new breathing machine.  Only thing is that the nurse was demonstrating how to use it on Ally, and Ally completely freaked out because a stranger was putting a mask over her mouth and nose.  So, my first administration this evening at home was not all that great...I am hoping she will relax and let me give it to her.  Poor baby...she is up in her room just a coughing away while sleeping.  I hope she gets some good rest.  I hate it when my babies are sick.  Prayers for my little girl tonight.

How Sweet It Is

This evening I helped host a baby shower at church and I must say it turned out so "sweet"! Our theme was "How Sweet It Is" and had all kinds of goodies at every table for the guests. We decorated 9 tables for adults and 2 kids tables.  It was a great turnout, with probably over 90 people in attendance...what a blessing.  The church definitely showered Charles and Tiffany with love and support tonight.

In the pics above, my sister made these super cute, but super easy cotton candy pops.  Jase even helped her make them!  She got a large marshmallow and put it on a lollipop stick, dipped in it melted almond bark and then covered them in cotton candy.  We wrapped them up and they stayed fresh for the shower!  I think these were the first to go!

In the pictures above my sis also made some cute diaper candies.  She rolled up a diaper, slapped some ribbon on it, put it in a clear bag and tied the ends.  Looked just like a wrapped piece of candy...so cute! She and my mom also made some lollipop suckers out of baby wash cloths and a baby spoon.  They were great for table decor and went along great with our sweet theme.

The above pics showcase the two kids' tables.  Each place setting had crayons and a place mat to color on and of course...plenty of candy for them! And the big bundt cake candle was a hit...it completely filled up the Fellowship Hall with a sweet smell! (Haha...bundt cake...reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding!)

My mom and I made this sweet diaper cake for the couple.  Tiffany's mom decorated TINLEY with super cute paper and embellishments; they matched the pink and brown decor perfectly.

And yes, the presents...what a blessing for this young couple.  :)  We loaded up my settee couch (it was my grandmother's) and thought it would be sweet for the couple to sit on and open gifts together.

And if goodies on every table wasn't good enough, we had a whole table designated for Sweet Treats! My best friend did a great job on the cupcakes...so stinkin' cute...and tasty! Alisha made some swirled white almond bark; it really turned out nice. And Tiffany's mom made those dipped marshmallows!!

Whew...it was definitely a sweet party...I am still digging the theme if you couldn't tell by all the puns.  Glad I could help out and happy for the expecting couple.

Oh, and a quick cupcake stand tutorial for those interested.  I wanted a cute cupcake stand, but did not have the cash flow to buy one, so Dollar Tree it is! I bought a large foil platter and a 2-pack of smaller foil platters from Dollar Tree.  I taped two toilet paper rolls together and wrapped them with pink scrapbooking paper I had; I made two of these.  Then I hot glued the rolls to the foil platters and badabing badaboom...a cupcake stand!  See pics above for finished product on display. So for $2 I made a stand that held more than 2 dozen cupcakes!

Up All Night

Ok...so I am pretty much hooked on the sewing machine!! I'm about to call it a night, but thought I'd blog about what I have been doing all night...especially since everyone is asleep at my house and I have no one to show it to! ;)

The fabric flower was fun to make and pretty simple.  I followed this tutorial, but changed it up at bit and didn't add the jewel/brad in the middle.  I am using a soft cotton, almost flannel material, so I was able to stand up the pink fabric and glue it together to make it stand up.  I've made two of these (this one and another out of felt) and I've come to the conclusion that they work the best if you put them on a hard or soft (below) headband; and not a clip so much.  Allyson wears clips nearly everyday, but I am liking this new look to change it up a bit, so we have started experimenting with hard headbands, and so far she has been keeping them on.

The morning will come very early.  Night night!

Matching Burp Cloth, Onesie, Bib & Fabric Flower Headband

Matching Burp Cloth and Bib

First Sewing Project...Updated

Well...I did it!! I've been wanting to try sewing for a while now, but hadn't made the time to do so. Oh and a little problem: I don't have a sewing machine! Last night I went over to my mom's and she gave me the run down on how to use her machine, so I packed it up last night and brought it home to borrow and test out.

This is really my first time to run a sewing machine.  In junior high I opted to take wood shop instead of home ec. :)  I decided to make an "easy" burp cloth I found on Pinterest. It wasn't too bad actually; however, this one is not gift worthy. The hardest part was turning it out and tucking in the edges in and closing up the hole.  Hoping to keep at it and figure it out!  Here is the source I followed: http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2010/07/super-duper-easy-burp-cloth-tutorial.html

UPDATED!

Ok...round 2.  I so should have known to go with a pattern to begin with.  I am so a follow the recipe/pattern type of gal.  Yes, I like to be creative, but I am definitely like clear defined steps to begin with!  So, when I came across THIS tutorial I gave it a try! It took a little more time to pin and cut out, but I definitely like the end result a lot better.  And the contoured shape is neat I think...it will fit whoever is burping the baby perfectly! Win-Win!! :)