life's little details

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T17:24:00.003-04:00

Since we had so much fun with "LOVE" at Valentine's Day we thought we'd give it a try again. "LUCKY" was a little harder but it was still fun. Hope you have a great day.

The Luck of the Irish

2011-03-07T19:37:00.004-05:00

Well I am pretty sure I am not Irish (not even a teeny tiny bit) but that certainly doesn' t keep me from enjoying St. Patrick's Day. As the Valentine Decorations came down the St. Patty's Day ones went up.

Can't wait for the big day to arrive.....Lucky Charms for breakfast, cornbeef and coleslaw for dinner and a hunt for coins that will lead to a pot of gold for the girls!!!

Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme Goodness

2011-03-07T18:26:00.003-05:00

Love it when I find a new product that makes life easier....and love it even more when it is cheap and YUMMY!!!

Sunday's newpaper had a $1.50 coupon for Philadelphia Cooking Creme and my grocery store had it on sale for 2 for $4.00....you do the math.

There are several flavors. I bought the Santa Fe Blend. It came with several different recipes but since I already had Enchiladas on the menu I chose that one. It took about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes in the oven. Best part is was delicious!!!!!!!

If you go here and register you can get a coupon for a free tub. Can't wait to try the other flavors, especially after I get my coupon for a free tub.

Right Now....

2011-03-01T11:06:00.003-05:00

I'm...

Reading: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Listening to: Bruno Mars CD - Grenande is my favorite
and addicted to Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" (the clean version) and Gwyneth Paltrow's version from Glee - my favorite version

Watching: waiting for Season 3 of True Blood (it's getting passed around work)
waiting for last Season of Brothers and Sisters to arrive in the mail

Playing: Wordsmith on my phone (generic/free version of scrabble)...oh, I'm addicted

Wishing for: warm weather and lots of outdoor time and March Madness to begin

Hoping: hubby recovers quickly

Happy about: spending lots of quality time with my family and planning our summer activities

Trying to: stay motivated in this cold weather...been going to the YMCA to get my groove on!!!

and

Getting used to: my newly red hair!!!!

WANTED....

2011-02-21T18:43:00.005-05:00

lost socks:
* white sock with cupcake and pink edge
* pink and brown poka dot
* pink with flowers and swirls
* stripes with a hippo
.......ETC

These are just descriptions of some of the lost socks in our house. Everytime I do the girls' laundry it seems as though several go missing. I'm worried the dryer might be eating them???? Where could they possibly be???

I refused to put the unmatched sock in the sock drawer for fear it would be forever lost all alone. So I started laying them on a shelf in Emma's closest. This was definitely not ideal. So during a recent blog surfing expedition I found this and this. What a great idea!!!

So last week during an unexpected day off this is what I did:

When we remodeled our 1/2 bath we stained tongue and groove floor boards and put them on the ceiling. We had scraps just laying in the basement that worked perfectly. I painted over the stain with crackle then topped it with off white paint. I didn't like how that turned out. So then I painted it with a greyish tan color....much better. I stamped the clothes pins with brown swirls so they didn't look so plain. I used my Cricket to cut out the letters and Viola!!!!!!

I hung this in the upstairs hallway next to the bedrooms.

****Since this photograph was taken 5 missing socks were found (in Emma's bed between the sheets and in the dress up drawer). Off course after the latest laundry washing 3 lonely socks were found and added to the board. I believe this will be a never ending mission!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T12:21:00.010-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Valentine Art

2011-02-13T12:14:00.003-05:00

It is amazing to see how a child's imagination and creativity progresses as they leave their toddler years. We went from scribble to stick figures to full blown scenery. Recently Emma was creating and made this wonderful picture. Though basic, I loved the concept. I loved it so much I decided it should be framed.

I hope she and Abby will continue creating and using their imaginations to their fullest extent.

I {HEART} the Library

2011-01-30T08:39:00.008-05:00

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." ~ Dr. Seuss

I LOVE that my girls LOVE to visit the library.

I LOVE that my girls LOVE to READ.

I LOVE that my girls are CURIOUS and EXCITED about learning.

We usually make a monthly visit to our local library. They have a wonderful children's area with many learning and imaginative toys and of course, BOOKS. We spent an hour and a half yesterday at the library. The girls will usually read for a while then play. Sean and I take turns staying with the girls while the other looks around.

We came home yesterday with 49 books...should of grab another just to round out the number!!! We read 3 books before bedtime and the girls looked at several during the day.

I hope they continue to understand all the wonderful things they will learn and experience by reading. I was never a big reader growing up but in the past five years definitely have a love for books and reading. I also hope the girls will be encouraged and more interested to read when they see Sean and I reading.

When we bring the books home we keep the in a "library book" basket. The girls are very good about putting the books back there, so they don't get mixed up with their own books.

This is what was going on at our house yesterday afternoon after our library visit.

Has anyone ever seen these..... I've seen the books on CD but never a "Playaway". It is basically a recorded story on an "IPod" like device. You rent the Playaway and all you need is a AAA battery and headphones. The girls LOVED them. Didn't have a chance to see if they had adult books available on Playaway, but definitely will on our next visit. Also saw on-line you can download books from the library to your I Phone, computer or DROID (which we have). Can't wait to check that out as well.

Not that I really need ANOTHER reason to LOVE the library but there is....and it is the MOST important one....IT IS FREE. Don't get me wrong we have paid the library for a lost book and some fines in the past but that was pennies compared to what we would have spent at the bookstore.
I hope everyone takes advantage of this wonderful GEM and enjoys all the adventure and knowledge you can gain from a book.

Valentine Decor

2011-01-27T11:36:00.005-05:00

Been doing a little decorating. Had originally decorated with the snowflakes after taking down the Christmas Decorations but I realized the house needed some warmth, especially with the cold temps and snow.

The lanterns are from IKEA.

The framed subway art is from Dittle Dattle Blog (free printable). I added the hearts at the bottom. The 5x7 framed quote, "Love One Another" is from Becky Higgins (free printable).

The "Be Mine" garland is something I saw on a blog last year and didn't get the time to do it. I apologize that I can't give credit to the appropriate Blog.

The decorations are up and Love is in the air.

WOW!!!

2011-01-09T16:42:00.007-05:00

Has it been that long....my last post was November 1st!!! We were definitely busy with Christmas and all the holiday activities. Hope every one's Holidays were filled with family and wonderful memories. Can you believe we have arrived at 2011. Seems like just yesterday everyone was worried about the arrival of Y2K. Here we are 11 years later.
Seems like time just goes by so fast lately. Not sure if it is because I am getting older or because life is just so full of activity. Spending time with the girls is our number one priority but sometimes the craziness of life interrupts.
We definitely enjoyed Christmas and made lots of memories. We are hoping 2011 brings lots of new memories, quality family time and good health and happiness. I wish the same to you and your family.

BOO!!!

2010-11-01T12:41:00.004-04:00

Can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. September and October were extremely busy with parties, weddings, soccer and fall activites.

We had a Halloween celebration week with several parties, a book character parade, ZooBoo and of course Trick or Treating. Here are some pictures.

Back to School

2010-09-10T17:06:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am still trying to catch up with all the recent happenings.

School started for the girls on August 30th. Abby started Kindergarten and Emma is in 1st grade. Abby had a gradual entrance week and didn't have a full day until Friday. Emma had a great first week. I can't get over how serious 1st grade is and how much she will learn. There are several kids in her class that she knows from Kindergarten and her teacher seems really nice. Hoping she has a great year.

Abby got to ride the bus for the first time on Friday (her 1st full day). She was so excited. I did better this year then a last...if you are a regular reader you will remember that I followed the school bus last year on Emma's 1st day and watched for her to get off (click here to read that blog post). This year I DID NOT follow the school bus. I felt more comfortable about her riding the bus: her big sister was there with her, she knew several other kids, we know the bus driver and I know the routine when she gets off the bus. What I did do was drive to the school and park out front. I waited for the bus to arrive and wanted to make sure she made it to the correct line. Shortly after I pulled up Sean pulled up behind me....BUSTED. Then as the bus pulled into the driveway Emma and Abby both spotted us and started waving...BUSTED AGAIN!!!! I am happy to report Abby made it safely into school.

The hardest part was the realization that my "baby" is growing up. What I also realized is that having two children so close in age, they will be doing everything back to back and time is going to fly by. I held myself together as Abby got on the bus but as soon as I got in the car I cried. Where has the time gone, she looked so big getting on that bus, I can't see the baby in her anymore...all of these thoughts were going through my head and as the tears ran down my face.

I am very proud of how well she has done so far. I know it will be a busy year and hope I can keep up with them.

Summer To-Do List

2010-09-09T14:22:00.006-04:00

So at the beginning of summer we made of list of activities we wanted to do over the summer. When I first proposed this to the girls I was afraid their wishes would be outrageous (ex. Disney). But I was shocked....most of what they wanted to do was FREE. Some of their ideas were going to the playground, playing in the back yard and playing with friends. I was glad they were happy with the cheap and day-to-day activities.

So as a family we came up with our Summer To-Do-List. I put it in a picture frame to display and so we could use a dry-erase marker to check off the activities as we did them. Here are some of the activities we came up with and actually did this summer:

* have a picnic

* see Toy Story 3

* go to a street concert

* go to a beach

* family movie night

* join the library summer reading program

* visit a new playground

* visit the zoo

* visit Aunt Gail

* watch fireworks

* go to the 4th of July Parade

* complete the summer challenge from school

...and a few others. If you notice most are free or very cheap.

As you can see we had a busy summer including a 2 day trip to Hershey Park (that's why I didn't blog much over the summer). We completed everything on the to-do list except for ice skating...hoping to do that soon.

Now that summer vacation is officially over and we are back in school we are planning our fall activities.

Frugal but Fun Fourth of July

2010-07-06T17:41:00.006-04:00

Having fun with your family doesn't have to be expensive. With many people including us trying to spend less these days finding fun but cheap activities are a must. This past weekend the four of us managed to have a fun filled weekend by just spending.......Let me show you what we did first.

Friday (the girls' daycare was closed so we had a 4 day weekend)

***Zoo - including a ride on the new Jones Falls Zephyr Train

Saturday
***4th of July Parade

Local beach

Sunday

***Toy Story 3

Swimming at the pool

4th of July Fireworks

Monday

***Eclipse (movie time just for Me)

Pool (Sean and the girls)

Much needed rest

We were exhausted after the weekend but not broke. So how much do you think we spent????

So here is the breakdown:

Zoo - have a membership (paid for itself after 1 1/2 visits) = $0 out of pocket on Friday for admission

Train ride $2 per person = $6

Parade - FREE

Beach - $3 per person (kids in safety seats FREE) = $6

Movies - more expensive than I had expected; had to go to a more expensive theater for an early showing = $32

Pool - have a membership (will explain this in another post) = FREE

Fireworks = FREE

Movies (Eclipse) - $6 admission + $8 popcorn and soda = $14

Pool = FREE

Rest = FREE

GRAND TOTAL = $58

Not too bad for a 4 day weekend for 4 people!!!!! We are good about packing lunches when we go to the pool, beach and zoo.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Indepenence weekend...we did!!!!

Checking in...

2010-06-08T21:17:00.006-04:00

So Abby's Birthday week continued with her Pre-School Graduation. There is nothing cuter than 20 some kids with a cap and tassel singing their little hearts out. I hadn't really thought about it much until I was sitting there realizing she has accomplished another milestone and is moving onto a new chapter of her life...that is when Mommy started crying. My baby is becoming such a little lady.

Then on Saturday we continued to celebrate Abby's Birthday with a Fancy Nancy party for her friends followed by a family get together (pictures are in reverse order).

As Abby says, "I'm all the fingers on my hand!!!"

Lots more to update on you....like the leak in the upstairs bathroom that has created havoc on our life the past week and a half. Will be back soon with lots of pictures.

Birthday Celebration

2010-05-26T20:58:00.005-04:00

Abby's 5th Birthday started off with donuts for breakfast, requested by the Birthday Girl of course. Then unfortunately we had to work so she went to school, but not empty handed.....she took chocolate chip cookies to celebrate her birthday with her friends. Then for dinner she asked for French Toast and bacon. Abby loves bacon and almost ate it all, Sean and I were able to snag a few pieces!!!! Our neighbors, Zoey, Kira, Steve and Jess came down to help sing and eat cake...the flip flop cake, homemade by Mommy and Daddy. Then nothing better than a little bike riding with your sister and friends to end a great day. This is a week long celebration for Abby....Friday is graduation from Pre-School and Saturday is the friend party followed by the family party!!!!
Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl.

5 Candles!!!

2010-05-24T21:34:00.007-04:00

Time Flies....how many times in your life have you heard this saying? Not until recently did I truely understand the meaning.

Just 5 short years ago my BABY was born. She was perfect and she completed our family. Today she turns FIVE!!!!

She is full of energy and life. She loves to sing, fight with her big sister and eat her mac n cheese. She has clothing issues usually on a daily basis. She gives the best hugs. She has the most beautiful smile and can make some of the silliest faces.

She will graduate from Pre-school on Friday and start Kindergarten in August. She is growing up way to fast. My how TIME FLIES.....

Happy Birthday Abby!!!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy & Emma

What I have learned....

2010-05-08T17:17:00.004-04:00

about being a MOM.

* the best artwork is the art you kids make at school and you display on the frig

* you can NEVER get enough hugs and kisses

* the love you have for your children is like no other

* you pick your battles(rain boots with a pretty dress when it is NOT raining is OK)

* sometimes Mommies need a "time out"

* laughing can make almost anything better

* I love to check on my girls before I go to bed and watch them sleep.

* you can NEVER take toooo many pictures of your kids

* the littlest boo-boo is the biggest deal to a child

* seeing my girls after working all day is the highlight of my day

* the DRAMA can be out of control sometimes

* too much quiet ususally means trouble

* Mommy's kisses don't alway make everything better

* being a Mom IT IS HARDER than I EVER THOUGHT

* there are not enough hours in a day to do all you wish you could do with your kids.

* chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and pizza are sometimes they only things they will eat

* everytime I look at my kids I realize they are growing up WAY TOOOOO FAST

* Mommies don't always have the answers

* laundry and cleaning are NOT as important as having fun with your kids

* giggling kids are music to my ears

* using your imagination is the best "toy" EVER

* listening to my kids sing is the best music I've ever heard

* reading with your child opens up an endless world

* eating dinner as a family is priceless

* I AM THE LUCKIEST MOM IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!

This list could go on forever. I would love to hear the most important thing you have learned from being a Mom....leave me a comment.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms.

Bubbles & Peanuts

2010-05-02T20:09:00.005-04:00

Now that is a combination!!! Yesterday evening, while sitting on the deck, Emma was blowing bubbles and Abby was breaking open peanut shells with a crab mallet. Just had to share...her are some pictures:

Tis the Season....

2010-04-26T20:13:00.004-04:00

to Flea Market!!!! I love this time of year....everyone is cleaning house and getting rid of all their junk. You know the saying, "One person's junk is another person's treasure." I think in the past several years there has been a resurgance of flea marketing, maybe due to the economy or due to the effort to recycle and reuse.

This weekend was a big weekend for community yard sales. Craigslist has a catagory for Garage Sales and that is where I have been finding the hot spots. I hit two of them and several individual ones on Saturday and here are my finds:

I put the side table in Emma's room for a night stand - matched the color of her furniture perfectly. $5

Have a plan for the picture frame - will post pictures when the project is complete. $.25

I have NEVER liked our dining room light and have been looking for something to replace it - I think I will paint it black to match the room better and get some shades. $5

Looking forward to my next outing and finding some treasures!!!!

Spring Fling

2010-04-12T13:00:00.003-04:00

One of the blogs I follow: Tip Junkie, is having giveaways ALL day tomorrow. Check it out.

Outdoor Eating

2010-04-11T19:53:00.003-04:00

This time of year we take full advantage of the weather and eat outside as much as possible. Some weekends we will eat every meal outside. I love my deck and yard, however it is not my "dream" space. I would love something more like these.

A girl can dream!!!!!!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T20:27:00.005-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful day with family and friends.

Spring is ALMOST here

2010-03-30T17:22:00.006-04:00

Well a few weekends ago we had a warm weather teaser. We were riding bikes, playing in the yard, swinging and sliding, wearing flip flops and shorts. Unfortunately it was short lived. Since Saturday it has been cool and rainy. Monday night and this afternoon we had some heavy rain. But there is SPRING in our future. Tomorrow it is suppose to clear up and hit 60 degrees. By Easter we should be sunny and in the high 70's, possibly in the 80's. I think we will turn the corner this weekend and welcome SPRING.
In anticipation I have been decorating. A few weeks ago we all decorated a birdhouse (yes, even Sean). I have displayed the birdhouses in a "springy" way.
I hope everyone enjoys the weekend and wherever you are you have BEAUTIFUL weather and a blessed Easter.

See that little speck of green in the front middle??? That is a plastic grasshoper that has found a home in my decoration, thanks to Abby. He looks kinda cute in there :)

What I've been up to...

2010-03-29T15:40:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been away soooo long. I really don't have any excuse. Haven't been overly busy....just caught up in life.
So here is what I've been up to:

Been watching: American Idol - on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Been reading: just finished Dan Brown's Lost Symbol and Nicholas Spark's Dear John recently
Been listening to: Darius Rucker's new CD...loved him in Hootie and the Blow Fish years ago.
Now he is solo and went country.
Been wanting: the weather to break and stay nice. Enjoyed the weather two weekends ago.
Been eating: some good beef, since our cow was ready the end of February.
Been wishing: for money to bloom on my trees
Been enjoying: time with my family

Looking forward to:
the warmer weather, playing outside, opening my windows, turning OFF the heat for good, losing a few pounds, spending more time with my family, having a few fun days off this week to enjoy Spring Break.

Hoping to catch up soon and post more. Check back often.