The Elf & His Silliness
 |
| loving the bed head! |
For more WW: A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too, Momspective, Wordless Wednesday ,
November 29, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
For more WW: A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too, Momspective, Wordless Wednesday ,
November 27, 2011
The holiday season just started and I am already BEAT!
Phew... What a week!
I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving and time spent with family and friends. This holiday season will be Jason's first where he is not working shift work, so that means he is HOME for them ALL! Yippee! Usually, we work around his schedule and squeeze in a meal at some point during the day depending if he is working days or nights, but not this year. This year we were like a "normal" (if you can call us that) family.
We ate way too much (well most of us), at a decent time, and just enjoyed each other's company. The kids were super excited for their feast even though in reality they ate nothing except rolls (and that was due to finding nuts in the rolls and nuts = lottery tickets)...
Since Jason was home, I was able to participate in, for the first time ever, Black Friday marathon shopping! What a blast! I had tons of fun, got some AWESOME deals, and laughed til my belly hurt. I left the house at 9 and returned at 5, and my fabulous husband let me sleep... I only lasted til noon, but that was plenty...
The rest of the weekend was GORGEOUS! We went to the park, did some more shopping, decorated for Christmas, and ended it by strolling through a winter wonderland!
Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend as much as we did and here's to a happy, healthy, and love filled holiday season!
I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving and time spent with family and friends. This holiday season will be Jason's first where he is not working shift work, so that means he is HOME for them ALL! Yippee! Usually, we work around his schedule and squeeze in a meal at some point during the day depending if he is working days or nights, but not this year. This year we were like a "normal" (if you can call us that) family.
We ate way too much (well most of us), at a decent time, and just enjoyed each other's company. The kids were super excited for their feast even though in reality they ate nothing except rolls (and that was due to finding nuts in the rolls and nuts = lottery tickets)...
Since Jason was home, I was able to participate in, for the first time ever, Black Friday marathon shopping! What a blast! I had tons of fun, got some AWESOME deals, and laughed til my belly hurt. I left the house at 9 and returned at 5, and my fabulous husband let me sleep... I only lasted til noon, but that was plenty...
The rest of the weekend was GORGEOUS! We went to the park, did some more shopping, decorated for Christmas, and ended it by strolling through a winter wonderland!
Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend as much as we did and here's to a happy, healthy, and love filled holiday season!
November 23, 2011
The choices are endless...
Unless you have my children and are lucky to have ONE shot where they BOTH look ok :)
Christmas cards are a big thing for me... Before kids, I could not wait to have my own little minis to dress up all cute and get creative with THE Christmas card! Once I had the minis... oh boy did that change! I still love it and can't wait to get THE perfect pictures for THE card, but man do you know how difficult it is?!? They never smile, someone is always grumpy, and the pictures never seem to come out right! It usually takes me a month of tries before I get a shot that is deemed worthy for THE card!
Once the shot is captured, I usually head on over to Shutterfly because they have some of the cutest card choices.
I heart Shutterfly and their products! I have ordered many of their items for myself and as gifts (photo books, prints, calendars, mugs, and TONS of cards) and have always been pleased with their quality! I am thrilled with all the different card choices this year!
I love the simplicity of this one and I think it has that classy feel!
Note: Participating bloggers are reviewing the new Shutterfly cards and sharing their faves, and we have been compensated with coupon codes for 50 free cards.
Christmas cards are a big thing for me... Before kids, I could not wait to have my own little minis to dress up all cute and get creative with THE Christmas card! Once I had the minis... oh boy did that change! I still love it and can't wait to get THE perfect pictures for THE card, but man do you know how difficult it is?!? They never smile, someone is always grumpy, and the pictures never seem to come out right! It usually takes me a month of tries before I get a shot that is deemed worthy for THE card!
Once the shot is captured, I usually head on over to Shutterfly because they have some of the cutest card choices.
I heart Shutterfly and their products! I have ordered many of their items for myself and as gifts (photo books, prints, calendars, mugs, and TONS of cards) and have always been pleased with their quality! I am thrilled with all the different card choices this year!
I love the simplicity of this one and I think it has that classy feel!
so pretty!
I had a hard time deciding on just the right card... BUT finally, I came up with one and I think its pretty cute! I will share once I send them out, I mean I can't ruin the surprise now can I? Happy Shopping!Note: Participating bloggers are reviewing the new Shutterfly cards and sharing their faves, and we have been compensated with coupon codes for 50 free cards.
November 14, 2011
Would we be mothers if we didn't worry?
I'm thinking not. I mean we are mothers. Worrying is part of our job right? I know I have my fair share of worries and I admit 99.9% of the time its for nothing! (Thankfully!!)
This summer I was FREAKING out about my first baby loading the dreaded school bus and heading off ALL day for school. I had visions of finding my son wandering the town midday since he was going to be walking to the bathroom all alone... I mean really, did these people know what they were in for? Anthony can be quite the character and I am amazed majority of the time with the stuff this kid can dream up... (and he has the follow through... TRUST ME!)
Well, we are nearly three months in and I realized I have never really given the BIG kindergarten update and I am pleased to report all is well and I have yet to find him wandering the street of my burg! Phew!
Anthony is doing AMAZING! He is reading a TON, he is working hard, his math skills are scary (note to self: must look into tutor prices because at the rate he is going he will be well beyond my mathematical ability in NO TIME!), he is learning SO much, and most importantly he is having a BLAST!
His first report card was AWESOME! Jason and I are so proud of him!! I won't lie, he flips the occasional card, needs to improve on his handwriting, and there was a wee little playground incident that landed him into the Principal's office (readers digest version: Kids were picking on his friend, Anthony told them to stop, they didn't Ant pushed, they hit, he hit back, apparently there was some ground rolling, and to the office he (they?) went... Punishment occurred, apology was written, and very long numerous chats about how we do not "karate chop" kids, if there is a problem we use our words and tell a teacher, and that if the Principal ever calls mommy again for bad behavior he just might never see the light of day again (KIDDING... well maybe) were endured. I was a wee bit glad he took up for a friend though and was NOT afraid to speak out but FIGHTING? OMG I almost died with THAT phone call), but even after all that he really is doing FANTASTIC! Each day he gives his all and that is all we can ask for. My kid's not perfect; nor do we expect him to be. He makes mistakes, as do we all, learns from them (hopefully), and becomes a better Anthony in the process :)
I think majority of my worry was for no real reason and I am thankful for that! Anthony is loving school, I am enjoying the whole experience thus far, and his teacher and the school staff I have interacted with have really been STELLAR. I could not have asked for a better experience (especially after last years NIGHTMARE!). I have loved watching my son grow, mature, and blossom in the last three months. Its really crazy how "big" he seems in such a short amount of time...
So far its been great and I am looking forward to what is yet to come!
This summer I was FREAKING out about my first baby loading the dreaded school bus and heading off ALL day for school. I had visions of finding my son wandering the town midday since he was going to be walking to the bathroom all alone... I mean really, did these people know what they were in for? Anthony can be quite the character and I am amazed majority of the time with the stuff this kid can dream up... (and he has the follow through... TRUST ME!)
 |
| look at THAT face... LOVE |
Well, we are nearly three months in and I realized I have never really given the BIG kindergarten update and I am pleased to report all is well and I have yet to find him wandering the street of my burg! Phew!
Anthony is doing AMAZING! He is reading a TON, he is working hard, his math skills are scary (note to self: must look into tutor prices because at the rate he is going he will be well beyond my mathematical ability in NO TIME!), he is learning SO much, and most importantly he is having a BLAST!
His first report card was AWESOME! Jason and I are so proud of him!! I won't lie, he flips the occasional card, needs to improve on his handwriting, and there was a wee little playground incident that landed him into the Principal's office (readers digest version: Kids were picking on his friend, Anthony told them to stop, they didn't Ant pushed, they hit, he hit back, apparently there was some ground rolling, and to the office he (they?) went... Punishment occurred, apology was written, and very long numerous chats about how we do not "karate chop" kids, if there is a problem we use our words and tell a teacher, and that if the Principal ever calls mommy again for bad behavior he just might never see the light of day again (KIDDING... well maybe) were endured. I was a wee bit glad he took up for a friend though and was NOT afraid to speak out but FIGHTING? OMG I almost died with THAT phone call), but even after all that he really is doing FANTASTIC! Each day he gives his all and that is all we can ask for. My kid's not perfect; nor do we expect him to be. He makes mistakes, as do we all, learns from them (hopefully), and becomes a better Anthony in the process :)
I think majority of my worry was for no real reason and I am thankful for that! Anthony is loving school, I am enjoying the whole experience thus far, and his teacher and the school staff I have interacted with have really been STELLAR. I could not have asked for a better experience (especially after last years NIGHTMARE!). I have loved watching my son grow, mature, and blossom in the last three months. Its really crazy how "big" he seems in such a short amount of time...
So far its been great and I am looking forward to what is yet to come!
November 9, 2011
I miss my minis!
Really, its ridiculous. I mean I am WITH them (aside from school) 24-7. My job is to take care of THEM, but yet somehow I still feel like I never SEE them.
Anthony's at school all. day. long. Madison is gone 3 mornings a week. The days seem to fly by and before I know it, its bedtime and I haven't "seen" my kids.
I'm cleaning, errand running, working on projects, volunteering, birthday party attending, occasionally cooking, and always taxi driving. Its endless.
This weekend I had ENOUGH! I missed my babies and the quality time we used to have oodles amounts of. Jason had yard work to do and the kids and I rolled OUT. I mean did I really wanna cut back all the plants? Nope.
We seized the opportunity of an unplanned afternoon and PLAYED our hearts out! It was FANTASTIC and I SO need to forget the dirt and say NO so we can have more fun more often!!
Our first stop was a children's museum where we harvested apples, built roller coasters, played in moon sad, and I even got a few X-rays by my adorable little tech!
Of course after all the play some "Hot Donalds" was in order so we filled our bellies before hitting up one of my favorite parks! We climbed, we swang (swung? swinged?). we ran, and most importantly we LAUGHED!
Once they were a bit wore out we strolled around the pond checking out the ducks, geese, and even spotted a few fish.
The day was perfect and I enjoyed every second of some alone time with my babes. There were no friends to chat with, no phones to answer, no distractions. It was just the three of us having fun together.
I miss my babes and THIS mama is SO going to say NO more and plan some more unplanned days for some much needed mama and mini time!
PS I SO timed our arrival home perfectly. The yard work was DONE and everyone was hungry so out to dinner we went: SCORE!
Anthony's at school all. day. long. Madison is gone 3 mornings a week. The days seem to fly by and before I know it, its bedtime and I haven't "seen" my kids.
I'm cleaning, errand running, working on projects, volunteering, birthday party attending, occasionally cooking, and always taxi driving. Its endless.
This weekend I had ENOUGH! I missed my babies and the quality time we used to have oodles amounts of. Jason had yard work to do and the kids and I rolled OUT. I mean did I really wanna cut back all the plants? Nope.
We seized the opportunity of an unplanned afternoon and PLAYED our hearts out! It was FANTASTIC and I SO need to forget the dirt and say NO so we can have more fun more often!!
Our first stop was a children's museum where we harvested apples, built roller coasters, played in moon sad, and I even got a few X-rays by my adorable little tech!
Of course after all the play some "Hot Donalds" was in order so we filled our bellies before hitting up one of my favorite parks! We climbed, we swang (swung? swinged?). we ran, and most importantly we LAUGHED!
Once they were a bit wore out we strolled around the pond checking out the ducks, geese, and even spotted a few fish.
The day was perfect and I enjoyed every second of some alone time with my babes. There were no friends to chat with, no phones to answer, no distractions. It was just the three of us having fun together.
I miss my babes and THIS mama is SO going to say NO more and plan some more unplanned days for some much needed mama and mini time!
PS I SO timed our arrival home perfectly. The yard work was DONE and everyone was hungry so out to dinner we went: SCORE!
November 8, 2011
November 5, 2011
My Funky Mod-ish Master Bath!
I have always DISLIKED my master bath... We have done NOTHING to it except use it. I hate all the white tile. I hate the french fry lights. I HATE the monstrosity called a mirror. I despise the chrome. Yup, I really hate that space. (Honestly, I dislike most of my house at the moment which is why all these home projects have started). It was just a blah builder standard space with no life and definitely not a TRACE of my personality...
I forgot to snap a picture of the cabinets before, so I snapped a quickie of the kids bathroom cabinets because they are the same ugliness (and are hitting the chopping block soon)! Do you see those light fixtures? UGH... The ones above the shower and tub were basically useless and the ones over the mirror? YIKES, they did NOTHING for one's confidence! My cabinets and drawers were in disarray, but have since been purged, organized, and prettied up!
Now, the whole space just feels complete and makes me smile. I LOVE it and my hubs hard work TOTALLY paid off...
The first thing we (ok Jason, but all of it was MY idea) did was remove, sand, primer, and paint the cabinets. We have a power sander so that was easy peasy lemon squeezey... The primer and paint took a good bit longer. I think Jason said he did 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of the black paint. He did say next time he would only do one coat of TINTED primer... He spent a whole Saturday working steadily... On Sunday, he added a final coat and touched up a few spots. The worst part was waiting for the cabinets to dry but once they were dry and rehung the room was instantly transformed! I was GIDDY!
The following weekend the hubs was back to work, this time painting the walls... I actually did help this time. I did all the tape (This is one skill I am actually good at!) and I painted those few inches by the ceiling the roller can't get at... Go me! haha!
Jason also got brushed nickle faucets, shower fixtures, towel holders, etc. We are still trying to find a Roman tub faucet we like that isn't OUTRAGEOUS, but that is proving difficult...
The room was coming along and I could not wait to add all the tiny touches that would make it my own!
I hunted down a tutorial in the blogosphere, and with a little help from a friend we banged these babies out in NO TIME! The best part? All I used was craft foam board, some batting, and duct tape! Yup, that's right peeps: DUCT TAPE! How cool is that? I was a bit doubtful, but they are totally sturdy and look PERFECT! (side bar: The tutorial is BEAUTIFUL! I love the shape and simplicity of her cornice board, but I felt the clean lines went better with my space)
Finally, it was time for all the fun, one of my most favorite things, SHOPPING! I found some things at Target, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and the newly openedgonna get me in MAJOR trouble Hobby Lobby.
My BIGGEST headache? The mirrors. Who knew finding 2 simple BLACK framed mirrors would prove so difficult? I kept finding 1, BUT I needed a pair. I drove to three Targets one day on a mission, but I failed... MISERABLY! Finally, I found TWO matching mirrors, the right color AND size at Home Depot and I like them... ALOT!
My best find? Scoring some uber cool BRAND new light fixtures from our local ReStore for a fraction of the cost at Lowes or Home Depot... The ReStore has become one of my most favorite places!!
So, here is it all put together... FINALLY!
So what do you think? Any and ALL opinions much appreciated!
PS: Its all organized too, but that will be in another post for I am pictured OUT! :)
Pin It
I forgot to snap a picture of the cabinets before, so I snapped a quickie of the kids bathroom cabinets because they are the same ugliness (and are hitting the chopping block soon)! Do you see those light fixtures? UGH... The ones above the shower and tub were basically useless and the ones over the mirror? YIKES, they did NOTHING for one's confidence! My cabinets and drawers were in disarray, but have since been purged, organized, and prettied up!
Now, the whole space just feels complete and makes me smile. I LOVE it and my hubs hard work TOTALLY paid off...
***
The first thing we (ok Jason, but all of it was MY idea) did was remove, sand, primer, and paint the cabinets. We have a power sander so that was easy peasy lemon squeezey... The primer and paint took a good bit longer. I think Jason said he did 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of the black paint. He did say next time he would only do one coat of TINTED primer... He spent a whole Saturday working steadily... On Sunday, he added a final coat and touched up a few spots. The worst part was waiting for the cabinets to dry but once they were dry and rehung the room was instantly transformed! I was GIDDY!
The following weekend the hubs was back to work, this time painting the walls... I actually did help this time. I did all the tape (This is one skill I am actually good at!) and I painted those few inches by the ceiling the roller can't get at... Go me! haha!
Jason also got brushed nickle faucets, shower fixtures, towel holders, etc. We are still trying to find a Roman tub faucet we like that isn't OUTRAGEOUS, but that is proving difficult...
The room was coming along and I could not wait to add all the tiny touches that would make it my own!
***
I knew I wanted cornice boards for my windows and a friend suggested making them out of foam board (Thanks Mo!!) so I began scouring the web for fabric and fell in love with Poppy Lane by Alice Kennedy. I immediately set out to order it... BUT in usual Casa de Crazy fashion, this fabric has been discontinued and I could not find enough yardage ANYWHERE! (This is my normal and THIS is why I am crazy 99.9% of the time) However, being the obsessive freak that I am, I FINALLY hunted down a wee tiny fabric shop on on the other side of the country who just happened to have enough yards and shipped it to me ASAP! LOVE!I hunted down a tutorial in the blogosphere, and with a little help from a friend we banged these babies out in NO TIME! The best part? All I used was craft foam board, some batting, and duct tape! Yup, that's right peeps: DUCT TAPE! How cool is that? I was a bit doubtful, but they are totally sturdy and look PERFECT! (side bar: The tutorial is BEAUTIFUL! I love the shape and simplicity of her cornice board, but I felt the clean lines went better with my space)
Finally, it was time for all the fun, one of my most favorite things, SHOPPING! I found some things at Target, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and the newly opened
My BIGGEST headache? The mirrors. Who knew finding 2 simple BLACK framed mirrors would prove so difficult? I kept finding 1, BUT I needed a pair. I drove to three Targets one day on a mission, but I failed... MISERABLY! Finally, I found TWO matching mirrors, the right color AND size at Home Depot and I like them... ALOT!
My best find? Scoring some uber cool BRAND new light fixtures from our local ReStore for a fraction of the cost at Lowes or Home Depot... The ReStore has become one of my most favorite places!!
So, here is it all put together... FINALLY!
So what do you think? Any and ALL opinions much appreciated!
PS: Its all organized too, but that will be in another post for I am pictured OUT! :)
Pin It
November 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
