Random Wonderful

I am a collector. But I am also poor.So I collect photos of stuff I think is really fabulous to refer back to when I have a bit o cash or just want to be inspired. lately I have come across some really great things that you can't just pick up at WalMart and thought I would share.




Chalk Markers. I have mentioned these before, but just found a new source. If you have(or want) chalk board walls (or doors like me) They are a MUST. NO dust!! And so vivid. This company has lots of colors available. The website also has examples of others artwork using them. http://www.chalkinkworldstore.com/

For my husband. He's been a fan for a long time.
For real, this is me. http://www.craftster.org/ is an awesome site and has tons of cute tees.

Like this one...

And this one too...

BTW- I read on http://www.coolmompicks.com/ that the CPSC is passing a law or something that would require special testing on all toys and child products. Which is fine except that also includes all handmade stuff (dolls,bibs,hats, blankets hair acessories etc) and the $1000s it cost to have the testing would basically kill any crafter who sells her goods on etsy or craftshows and the stores that sell hand made too. Leave it to the USA to take it to such an extreme. The problem is with CHINA. Not gramma knitting bonnets. Uggghh.

I really want to do this to all Summer's jeans that are WAY too short. The kid could still be wearing 6s except that they would go half way up her calf. Solution? Add a cuff of super-cute fabric. Love.



The Etsy finds. Oh what a dreamworld Etsy is. I have posted this guys stuff before. But what a great Valentine for someone not-so-sappy like me. Squirrels are funny critters.

If you have ever stepped foot in Etsy, you have probably seen the Black Apple. Her work is very Alice in Wonderland, dreamy and cozy. I love it. I want to paint like that. But ya know, in my own style;)

I've been eying this for a while. I need a new everyday necklace, I love the idea of my 3 sweet peas. The artist is Sudlow.

Well, I wanted this, but its a one-of-a-kind and sold. I was torn because of its adjustable nature. that makes me think cheap. Plus I kept thinking I loved it because of the presentation. Love it photographed on the print.

Wow. this pic stinks. I love nests. Love them. I want a giant print in black and white in my home of a nest. Because it just means home to me. They do these in necklaces and rings. They are precious, arn't they? My 3 little eggs. Adore. There are a lot of artist on etsy who make these.

OK, enough Etsy. How about this challenge for my knitters out there? I want to learn to knit JUST to make this hat. Can you imagine on Teagen? Mandy, you think its hideous, don't you?

Oh I just love it. I may go get my needles out yet...

Last but no least, more Lisa Leonard. http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/ One thing that is really inspiring, is the whole Ali Edwards movement of choosing a word to represent your life in 2009. If you don't follow Ali, some examples are faith, organize, calm, simplify, create, aspire etc etc etc. Ways you want life to be better in the year. And people are putting there words on Lisa's jewelery. How cool! I am still working on a word. So far I like ORDER. As in, doing things in the "right" order (priorities) and as in order in my home and life(organization). Not set in stone(or sterling) but I like it. And goodness knows I need it.

One last thing, I am sslloowwllyy reading "The Shack". It takes me time to absorb anything when it comes to spirituality, and I want to fully understand the message the writer is sending. So has anyone else read it?(beside Julie who loaned it to me, I'll talk to you when I am done)Just wondering about other opinions.

Kennedy's 5th Birthday

Saturday was my niece Kennedy's party at Clipper's. Clipper's is a kids hair salon and they planned a princess party for her. So nice, they have a great room just for these princess parties. So here is the before pic.... The girls got a tour of the salon and we informed of all the fun stuff they would be doing. Here, our party planner showed the girls how to make their very own lotion-potion. The party room was full of dresses and gowns, lots of boas and played some of the girls favorite music.

Kennedy, our queen for the day.

Ya have to wonder what they can do to all the hair Summer's got! In this pic, Summer is admiring the giant "diamond" ring that she got from Aunt Rae.

And the Princess Summer Jaye.

Kinda funny because I had the youngest and the oldest at the party. Summer was nearly too old(I thought) and Teagen was almost too young. But we soon realized that Teagen enjoyed herself more than anyone. THIS is the world Teagen wants. People doing her hair,nails and make-up everyday.

More nails...

Ahhhh....the crowning.

And a princess emerges. Permanently.

Summer and Kennedy insisted on changing their dress again so that they could be twins.

Waiting to sing...

make a wish!






The Queen and her court. Summer, Madison, Kennedy, Lexi and Teagen.

Got the giggles.

Perfecting "the wave".

Blowing a kiss...

This was very well organized and so fun for the girls. The salon did a very good job. You get your moneys worth in service and personality. Thank you Rachael and Kennedy for such a special day:)

One to Remember

(click on photo to enlarge)

Some gift highlights. We really have it so good.

We stayed in for New Years. Jason had to work both New Years Eve and New Years Day. Which was fin since he didn't have to work Christmas Eve for the 1st time in a lot of years. We bought some drinks, had pizza and Jason and I played some fierce Battleship(he won one, and I won one too)VH1 had 2008 Best Year Ever on and we laughed our butts off at all the crazy stuff that happened this year. Teagen and Summer barely made it to midnight, but didn't want to miss their 1st kisses of 09. Sorry, no pics. But its a wonderful memory:)

I am hoping for 2009 to be a year that helps us move in a positive direction. I hope to know what it is I am going to be doing for the rest (or a good portion of my life) on top of being a good mama and wife. I want to get organized! I want to find a job I can stand and can still be here for my kids. I've got big plans, and big aspirations. We'll see how it goes. Luckily I've never been one to be too hard on myself;)

Last Christmas...whew...

Our last party was at Brandon and Laura's the Sunday after Christmas. Ya know, durring all the flooding. It was crazy to drive along through the Holland area and see all the parking lots full of water and water that came right up to the road. We got warning that a major road was totally flooded on our route. By the time we came through, it was passable, but barely. Our jeep is designed to go through (up to) 19 inches of water, so I was certain we would be fine. I didn't take into account the idiot driving straight at us from the other direction. He nearly ran us off the edge and right in to the river. Yep, I freaked. But we got there, and it was a wonderful day. The kids disappear into their wonderful downstairs and we get to just relax. I even was able to play a game with Laura and Alesha! Can't tell you the last time I played a game with kids around!

Laura is a fantastic cook/baker, and spoiled us all. My personal favorite was the Mexican Coffee. Oh my, puts ol starbucky's to shame.

Bob got a new bow case.

Teagen was thrilled with a package of "Peek-a-Boos"

So sweet to see the kids taking pics of the little kids.

We had so much fun, but I am so relieved its over. I need my jeans to loosen up a little. Oye.

Christmas Evening

We always roll over to my Dad's after a leisurely Christmas morning. I so love this. It is comfortable, simple, and just relaxing. Gramma Cindy opening a gift.

I cannot help but post this. my sweet little Reid-Man. But check out "Dave" from the Chipmunks behind him. He's horrified!

My Dad and his favorite daughter. I think we are just used to it.

Were you aware that my Brother-In-Law Gary was a pirate?

Arrgghh.....

5 kids, 6 adults. The smallest gathering we have. It was a great Christmas. and it wasn't over yet! We still had Christmas with Bob and Joan to go! One of these days, I'll convince everyone to meet for an entire day in one big place! Until then....

;)

Christmas Morning '08

OK, so before I completely forget....

The kids didn't even wake us until 8:30. I think we were the last family with children up on Christmas morning. Apparently they just played in their room until Summer could not take it anymore and sent Teagen to wake us! So the pics are once again in no particular order. Dang picasa...

One of Santa's stocking stuffers was loads of tootsie pops and the chocolate pops. I am not lying when I tell you that Grady had(tasted) about 10 suckers. I would just walk by and pick 'em up and throw then in the trash.

The girls in their stockings.

Everyone with their very own Ukes! Oh the beautiful music...

Teagen received a TON of dress up stuff. The girl may never wear regular clothes again.

Our house has been invaded by even more little pestshop, and webkinz. Who knew there were any that they didn't already have!

If you didn't know, each kid got a big item, Summer got her American Girls bed(will be in a later post) Teagen got a cradle for Bitty Baby, and Grady got this amazing train table. That is still acting as a coffee table. It will be moving to its home in his room soon as we find homes for the 30 Little People Sets that are currently in there.

Christmas morning always bring tears to my eyes. My body just knows that these are special moments and will not last forever. The magic of Christmas is still very strong in this house:)

Friday Fill Ins

I know I am way behind on the daily, and December is over! I'll catch up(trying to "fix" all the pics from Christmas day) But just so you know I haven't fallen off the earth, here's the fill ins for today!

And...here we go!

1. The world is round.

2. "Hello Kitty is a good artist!"(to Summer) was the last thing I said.

3. I wonder what I am going to wear,but I am guessing its not gonna be these pajama pants. And I'll probably add a bra.

4.Peace is at the end of all things. (I know, deep stuff)

5. There's something to be said for After Christmas shopping...whoa deals.

6. Right here is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Dinner and a movie with my girlfriends, tomorrow my plans include Kennedy's birthday party at the hair salon and a date night with the hubs and Sunday, I want to get organized for the back to school!