Bubble and Outside Fun

The weather has been just perfect here the past week, so we went outside to enjoy and blow bubbles (since Hannah got a few cute ones for her birthday). She had so much fun and once the bubbles went flying all the neighborhood kids had to come play too. She had a blast! Here are some pictures (and again this is me trying to understand me camera better).

Side Note - bubbles have come a long way from when we were kids. Now they are motorized and bubbles are constant. It is pretty fun and easy for kids that haven't mastered the blowing thing. And they are slightly less messy. So everyone wins.

Doing it Disney Style

Well in case you haven't heard, Disney has created its own line of wedding dresses inspired by their princesses. I know a few people that would love to get married in these gowns (purely because they are Disney), but once you take a look at them, you too wouldn't mind it I'm sure. They are quite beautiful. There is at least one from each line that I am in love with. So, check it out and see which princess you would be on your wedding day.

Let's Play

I noticed the other day, that we have a nice little collection of games. Hannah and I probably play at least one of these at least every other day. I have to say my favorite is probably CandyLand. Where I think Hannah's favorite is Hi Ho Cherrios! Thank heavens for fun games that teach and help us have fun together.

Beaten to the Punch

I hate when somebody beats me to the punch. So, as many of my friends know I kinda like to throw parties and make them all coordinated and fun (kinda like Hannah's Curious George Party). Well, I was thinking the other night as I was going to sleep that I need to make money off of this. So, I was trying to come up with a way to do it - packaged parties. Kinda like parties in a box, but more classy and original. I was thinking of different ways to do this and of course needed to find the time to commit to ie, But then today, lo and behold, I come across my idea. Somebody else is doing it. Hostess with the Mostess . But I have to say this site is fantastic and so cute and right up my alley! I Iove it. Such cute ideas. This doesn't mean that I won't do something like this someday, but until then, use this site, i know I will.

Also, check out their blog. They did a whole week highlighting cute stationary. Oh, my goodness, first of all I love stationary, can't get enough of it. They feature such cute stuff. I could spend hours on each stationary site. So enjoy that too, I know I will during nap time.

Privacy Please

This is the pose Ella strikes when I feed her at night. It is so funny, she does it every single time. It is like she is protecting herself from anyone that might be trying to sneak a peek at her while she is feeding. I love it, so I had to get a picture of it, so I could show her later on in life.

A Tale to Tell

There is a publisher of books that i just love. They are called Tiger Tales. Hannah receieved her first book from an aunt and uncle "Little Bunny's Bathtime". Then for her birthday, her friend Joseph and Sarah gave her another book "Twinkle, Twinkle". Both books are just great. Why you may ask? Well, first of all they are both soft cover books. And second of all the illustration on both are just fabulous. So, I went to their site to check it out and I love all the books. I love the titles, the illustrations and the stories. If you are in need of great books, check these out. Oh, and by the way, go to half.com, to get them really cheap.

More Photos

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.

Carnival Hopping

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!

So Much to Smile About!

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 :-)

Who Knew?

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.

Just in Time for Summer

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.

Happy Mom's Day

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!

Playroom Fun

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!

ROP

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.

Sleeping Beauty

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 :-)

Are you Ready?

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!

Clips 2.0

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.

Last One

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!

Recipe Sharing Time

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.

Finding Those Commercial Moments

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!