I loved some of the pictures I shot of Hannah the other day, so I played around with them again and made them B&W. And I like them a ton more in B&W. So, I thought I would share them with you too. Someday I will figure photography out, but until then .. trial and error.
It is Carnival Time again. All the elementary schools are having their end of the year carnivals. We love them and go to most of them in our neighborhood. We did 2 last weekend and will probably go to another one this weekend. People probably think we are weird, since we don't have school age kids, but it is the perfect night out. it is nice to enjoy the spring weather. It is cheap and Hannah can just run around having so much fun and we have fun with her. We usually know people, so it is fun to talk with friends too. Like I said, we love Carnival Time!
After 3 years of diapers and several tries at potty training. My daughter finally figured it out today and continuely got it right. This is huge... huge. We will see what tomorrow brings, but so far we are looking good. I can't tell you what a relief this is to me. I absolutely hate having 2 kids in diapers, but those days are starting to get shorter... i can't wait.
Also, almost as exciting is that i am starting to fit into my clothes that are "one size away" from where i was before I had Ella. So, this is huge too. I am starting to see progress and in a few more months I could be back to my pre-pregnancy weight.
Third (I told you there was a lot to smile about) I went running tonight for the first time since little Ella. It felt so good to be exercising. It was hard and my legs felt like bricks, but I was outside and being active and just feeling so good. I hate running and love it at the same time.
Things are looking good these days... hence the big smile on my face :-)
I read some of these useful and interesting tips and thought I would pass them on. Who knew...
Lemonade Kool-Aid
Cleans lime deposits and iron stains inside the dishwasher. Pour a packet of lemonade Kool-Aid (the only flavor that works) into the detergent cup and run the dishwasher while empty.
WD40
Removes crayon from almost any surface: plastic, metal, TV screens, freshly painted walls. Just apply a small amount and rub away with a clean cloth.
Baking Soda
Polishes silver. Wash tarnished items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add the baking-soda solution (1/4 cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water) to cover for a few seconds.
Toothpaste
Buffs scratches from CDs that skip. Apply a small dot of toothpaste (not gel) to a cotton pad. Rub in a straight line from the center of the CD outward and over the scratch. Rinse off the toothpaste with water.
About a month or so ago, I featured a new magazine called SMALL. It had a pattern of a cute little sun dress that I said I would make. And to my surprise, I actually did. Here it is. I got the adorable fabric off of ebay for $3.00 and whipped this little cutie up. Basically, it was to practice sewing, which I came to the conclusion, I only like easy, quick sewing projects. And this one fit the bill.
To all the moms out there! This is your day. Live it up and remember all the great things about being a mom. It is the hardest job there is. Salary.com survey found that stay-at-home moms would make nearly $140,000 if they were paid for their time and expertise. On average SAHMs work at least 10 jobs (like housekeeper, driver, nanny, and family CEO) and work about 92 hours per week. So, be proud of all that you do.
And to my mom! I love you! Thanks for the pink, cropped Guess jeans when I was 13. Thanks for being there each day after school (especially my first day at a Cherry Creek high school). Thanks for the knowing when I was lying and grouding me for it. Thanks for making me take piano lessons for 8 years (even though I have forgotten most of it, at least I can play the basics). Thanks for the great advice, even now that I am a mom myself. Thanks for coming to our "dance performances" at Karyn Bates' house. Thanks for the shopping trips and helping me look cute and stylish. Thanks for loving my daughters like you love me. Thanks for your faithfulness and example and most of all Thanks for being YOU!
I am trying to learn to use my camera more (not always using automatic everything). Well, this session wasn't so good, but I did manage to get a few good pictures of Hannah playing in her playroom. We both had fun in the playroom today!
This issue of ROP is of my husband's and mine favorite place. Rockport, Massachusetts. (the site of our first date). Every spring, I start to miss the East Coast and all it has to offer. All the day trips we would take from Boston. I wish we could go back to visit all those great places (especially right now when the weather is perfect there). But since I can't, these pictures will have to do.
Here is my weekly picture dedicated to Ella. She is a pretty good sleeper, but sleeps the best when she is in Mommy and Daddy's bed. One day, she slept 5 hours in her and this is how she looked. So peaceful and pretty :-)
While we were in SLC, we went to church and they had a whole class about Emergency Preparedness. It was very interesting and they handed out a ton of information about food storage, preparing your house and undestanding what to do in certain situations. It really got me thinking (again) and asking myself "Are we Ready? as a family" So, this is something I really need to start working on and am going to try (yet again).
But one of the great things they showed us was this manual that FEMA has put together and will send to you FREE of charge. It is comprehensive and a must have.... just in case. You can get your own copy by calling (1.800.480.2520). Thought I would share!
Last month, I posted some clips/barretts that I had made for Hannah. Well, I decided to elaborate on the idea and make them even snazzier. So, I did. I purchased different appliques and added them to the barretts. And now they are even better. Hope you enjoy.
Okay, I promise this is the last birthday photo, but I loved the photo and thought I would do a little storyboard of it (not my typical storyboard, but a little something).Enjoy!
Here is a recipe I tried from Cooking Light. It is really good and nice and light if you use lettuce, but you can also use tortillas, for a little more of a hearty meal. And the best part, it is quick and easy.
Life with a toddler has presented some difficult times. I feel like I am punishing and getting up set more than I am laughing and having fun. I have to remind myself constantly that although I need to continue to teach my daugher what it means to obey and to behave appropriately, I also need to continue to have fun and recognizing"TV commercial moments". You know the ones... where life looks perfect! Like the latst Rice Krispies commercials with the mom and daughter in the kitchen enjoying the cereal and hugging. Perfection! Luckily, I think we all have those moments in our life where you can step back and think "that would have made a great Rice Krispies commercial, because the moment was perfect!
So, I have been trying to recognize those moments when they occur, to remind myself that being mom isn't always hard, but there are great moments too. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and I love my children, we are just going through the
Terrible Three's and it is a bit hard right now. But this too shall pass, but until then... these are the moments I cherish!
1) Hannah and I were in the car and she was trying to tell me something. I kept tryign to guess what she was saying, but couldn't figure it out. I kept trying to repeat her, but she would say "no" and repeat it again. After guessing about 15 times, I just started laughing so hard. I couldn't for the life of me figure it out. I just kept laughing and then she starting laughing - you know the belly laugh-kind. I am sure if anyone looked over and saw me, they would have thought I was crazy, laughing so hard by myself.
2) I had stubbed my toe and layed down on the bed in agony and pain. Hannah could tell that I was hurt and jumped up on the bed and grabbed my foot and kissed it. And looked at me and said "you be okay now mommy!" And believe it or not I was. Probably because she put a smile on my face and made me forget about the pain.
3) My favorite moments are when we are reading together. All three of us girls on the couch. Ella in my arms and Hannah snuggled up next to me. And another great moment is when Hannah gets on the floor next to Ella and reads to her. Those are moments where I think - TV Commercial moment for sure.
4)Hannah greets my husband every evening when he comes home from work with a big running hug and always yells "Daddy". it is the cutest thing. Well, since I am always with her and hardly gone, I don't get the same loving responses from her. Except on Sundays. Hannah goes to nursery (which is her favorite thing about church, of course) and when church is over, she finds me and comes running into the room and yells "Mommy" and gives me a huge hug and shows me what she has made that day. (and then she is off to play with the other kids). Sundays are great, because I get my LOUD, ENTHUSIASTIC greeting from Hannah.
5)And of course anytime she is dishing out hugs and kisses. Those are the best moments a mom can have!
How cute is this? I found this on another blog, who found it on BHG.com. So, cute for those summer birthday parties or pool party. I had to share!
Here is a collage of all the photos from the big birthday party. If you click on the image, it will appear bigger and you can see each picture better. Enjoy!
A little disclaimer. I took so many picture of the party, but of course hardly any of them worked out. (I am still learning about exposure and haven't figured it out yet). But here are some of my favorites from the party of Hannah's friends (the ones I could salvage). I will post a fun collage of the party with all the pictures (good and bad) later, but for now, here are some photos of her guests!
Hannah had her 3rd Birthday party yesterday. It was a Curious George Party (one of her favorites). It was tons of fun and fairly easy. We held it at a park and let the kids run free. They played on the "jungle gym". Then they had fun painting with both brushes and hands and there was also chalk for them to draw on the ground. They all got Curious George T=shirts to wear to help keep them somewhat clean. The kids just had fun being able to run around, climb and make a mess. Luckily, the weather was perfect (until the wind kick up) but that was at the end, so it worked out great!
I found a few little gems (no pun intended) the other day.
1) Forver pendant necklace
2) mesh silver ring
3) Tapered silver ring
I love jewelry and it doesn't have to be the expensive kind (although I am still waiting for the day I have a nice pair of diamond earrings, but until then) here are some cute and inexpensive, fashionable do-dads that I just love! (or should I say "do-moms", since Mother's Day is around the corner).
Overstock.com is a great site and what is even better is that shipping is $5 (no matter what you buy) how awesome is that.
Here are some more pics of her day. One of her presents was a MR. Potato Head. It was the perfect gift. She has been playing with it for 2 hours now. WARNING: The next few days will be all about our little birthday girl, since we still have her big party tomorrow. Can't wait to see how it all goes... wish me luck!
Well, I got some random pictures to show of Hannah's bday. These are the artistic ones. I will post the fun ones later on. But I thought I would play around and see what I could come up with and this is what developed.
The one of Hannah on the phone is her talking to her grandparents (Nana and Papa) in Denmark. It was so cute, she was so happy to talk to them and tell them about her day. And of course I had to include Ella, she was there to celebrate!
People are so clever. What a fun birthday idea or activity to do with your kids. Candy Sushi. Now I know that my husband wouldn't have a problem eating this!
On the side under "related wikiHows" check out
* How to Make Rock Candy
* How to Make Rainbow Jello
* How to Make Kitty Litter Cake (warning! this is gross, but funny)
Happy Birthday to Hannah. Today is the day. I can't believe she is 3 years old. We will open up family gifts and go out for ice cream tonight. But she is having her birthday party on saturday, so that is when the real festivities will occur. She is quite the little lady and tons of fun (When she is behaving. I don't know why they call it the "terrible twos", the twos were fine. It is the three's they should call the "terrible threes",but I digress.) She is a cutie and brings fun and craziness into our lives. I can't wait to see what the next 3 years bring... whooaa!
If you haven't heard by now, Martha Stewart is coming to Michaels. I was in the store the other day and couldn't believe my eyes! She has created lines of decorations, party accesories, gift and projects. They are just as you would imagine - cute, coordinated, desirable and somewhat affordable. I am in love with her again or at least this newest collaboration. I was about to give up on Michaels and exclusively go to Joanns, but they have pulled me back in.
The Today show created a list of 20 products and gear that moms have tested and say they can't live without. The new "sliced bread" of our generation. Now my question for you is...
This will be the last of pictures from Ella's Blessing day. But I had to post some more of the family (for the family). Everyone had a turn holding Ella and they are such cute pictures.
I have to share the funniest things Hannah has said in the past few days.
1) Her friend Serenity was over and they were watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Serenity says "Hannah, I'm Daisy. You be Minnie Mouse". And Hannah in all sincerity says "No, your Serenity and I'm Hannah".
2) The other morning I went into Hannah's room and she had her panda bear and poodle dog leaning up against her safety railing. And she is moving their feet back and forth saying "Shuffle, Shuffle. Put it down". Which comes from dance class when they are at the ballet bar, practicing shuffles.
3) This weekend we were in SLC. Hannah was able to play with her cousins. And boy did she have so much fun with them. She kept asking where her cousins were. "Where are my cousins? Cousins, Cousins!" Every time, she would see them, she would say "My cousins."
4) Chris was telling Hannah that she "Has to want it." about something she was trying to do, but it was causing her grief. She replied with "I want it!". But this morning Ella was upset and Hannah told her "You gotta want it Ella."
Because Hannah's birthday is coming up. I have been noticing cupcakes. There are so much cute and yummy ones out there. So, I thought I would share. There are two great blogs with adorable and yummy cupcake ideas. Cupcake Blog and For The Love of Cupcakes. And then there a so many cute cupcake cookbooks. I found a great one again while I was at Michaels, but you can get them on Amazon too.
In a few days, I will be showing off a cute little cupcake I will be making for Hannah's birthday party. I love cupcakes because they are just the right size... a tiny little piece of cake.
Posts
All Comments
