Two Birds/One Stone

Kindergarten-er

2011-08-25T13:05:00.001-06:00

JJ is all grown up!! One of the BIGGEST reasons why I induced my labor with Jack, was so that I could DEFINITELY be there to see JJ off to his first day of Kindergarten. We had his assessment the Friday after I had Jack, and although, I was still a bit loopy, I was able to take him to it... thanks to my mom watching the little brothers to facilitate it! He did so well and his teacher was so sweet with words of praise and encouragement. I could tell he left with an excitement for the school year. It was so fun to be there!!

He picked out his Spiderman backpack with Grandma and was

Here is the line up of SOME of his friends from the neighborhood that are also in his class. Pretty fun to have so many friends!

My personal FAVORITE part of the dropoff, was watching JJ voluntarily open the door for all three classes of the kindergartners. So cute to watch him perform such a sweet service!! LOVE HIM.

Brody will head to preschool NEXT year.. Time sure flies!!!

Welcome to the World, Jack!

2011-08-23T14:44:00.000-06:00

So.. it finally happened!! I will not go into all of the details of our precious baby Jack's birth (since I do have a journal and let's face it.. pictures tell a story by themselves!)

Here are the boys loving their brother. They constantly ask to hold him and help feed him. They can hold him, but feeding him so far has been my job alone!

Introducing Jack Philip Tomsick,

August 15, 7 lbs 11 oz, 20 inches long.

BROTHERS.. so excited!!! My three sons..

Mom trying to catch every magical moment... Hair appointment to shortly follow..

Here was the joke of trying to get a Tomsick boy shot....

We had LOTS of visitors (which I LOVE in the hospital! Seriously.. so boring without friends and family stopping by!) I sadly, didn't get pictures of EVERYONE, but here is a start..

Grandma and Grandpa Tomsick

Ana Proctor

Uncle Rob and Aunt Kim

Aunt Jennifer

First Family shot.. Party of FIVE!!

Still Pregnant

2011-08-12T15:19:00.000-06:00

My boys appeared in my bedroom like this. JJ took a big sigh and said "It feels like I will NEVER have this baby."

I guess we are ALL getting pretty excited to meet the new baby brother in a few short days!!!

Finished Product

2011-06-01T13:22:00.000-06:00

So, I posted about the topiaries I wanted to make and the Ballard Desgin Mirrors I wanted. Here is the finished product!! I really am loving the added light and cleaner look on top of the piano. I am feeling like the main floor is done with decorating for awhile.. Now on to all of the upstairs bedrooms!!

Super Heros!

2011-05-28T19:32:00.000-06:00

Never fear.. the enclosure to the tramp is now up.. So don't call DCS!

The kids got this beauty for Easter and have been LOVING life ever since.

That is, when it isn't raining.

Here they are in their superhero get ups (Super JJ and Super Brod).

JJ loves trying to FLY!

Brody sure gets bounced high, but LOVES every second of it!!

Sunshine and happiness all around.

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-27T10:11:00.000-06:00

JJ is so grown up! This week he graduated from preschool. These past few months have just hit me like a ton of bricks. I can't believe how quickly time is flying. When I took JJ to kindergarten orientation, I nearly broke down thinking about the wide world he was about to enter. JJ did great up until that night when we let him watch the DVD Miss Kathy sent howe which was a compilation of pictures from the year. He came into my room sobbing that it was over.. so worried that he wouldn't see his friends or Miss. Kathy anymore. It was a poignant moment for him as he realized a bit about growing up and moving on.. It was maybe more so sentimental for me, his mom, to watch him have those feelings.

Before the graduation, there was a little program, and JJ did so well. WIth each round of applause, JJ tried to hide is grin. He got to dance "Partner, Partner" with his self-proclaimed "love," Elise. It was so cute watching him blush as they danced and sung. I just love this little boy of mine.

Brody watched on with eager anticipation of every song. I have rarely seen him sit so still. JJ told Brody all about the things that he could expect when he goes to preschool. JJ is a wonderful big brother and always looking out for Brody (intermixed with teasing him and wrestling). It isn't hard to see why Brody adores him so much.

When I think about adding this 3rd boy to the mix, I just melt. I can't believe how fast the time has gone since just 5 Augusts ago JJ entered my world and changed it permanently. Before Brody was born I couldn't fathom loving anyone with the intensity I felt for JJ. Then something miraculous happened, and my capacity for love just grew. They are my entire world! It is exciting to know that this will happen again when we welcome this new baby boy into our family!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!

2011-05-05T08:54:00.001-06:00

This is from last year. I can't believe how little JJ was!!!

Preschool Easter

2011-04-29T12:59:00.000-06:00

I had the chance to help out in JJ's preschool class party for Easter last week. It was so fun to get to spend time with just JJ and see him in his element. He only had one request: that we get a sitter for Brody so it would be a special JJ and Mommy time. Done.

They had a great time sponsored by a creative and fun teacher. They colored eggs, hunted eggs, played egg memory and other games! They left with an Easter basket each full or candy and prizes. It was such a fun and exhausting day!!

JJ said his favorite part was at the very end when he and I played Ninja girls (a game made up by the boys in class to utilize the excessive Polly Pocket toys in which the polly pockets become ninja girls and fight crime). Needles to say, it melted my hear that this was his "best part." It was mine too.

Hard to believe he will be entering Kindergarten in a few short months!! My little baby has gown up and become such a fun, handsome, and creative little boy!

Baseball Boys

2011-04-29T12:50:00.000-06:00

We love baseball season!! JJ is such a great hitter and Jeremy is a great coach. Brody is an amazing athletic supporter!

We are all pretty worn out, but I have a feeling there is a lot of ball games in our future!!!

Pregnancy is the time for Projects!

2011-04-27T13:34:00.003-06:00

Something has happened and I am on a redecorating RAMPAGE!! I have picked the color for the big boy's room, spray painted the frame I am repurposing in there, re-planned the top of the my piano area and redone some accesesories in the eating area. That has been this week.

I have a project that I am pretty excited about, so if you hate it.. please dont tell me.

Anyway, I am really digging these boxwood topiaries from Ballard Designs;

Of course, I don't want to pay $65 each since I will most likely hate them in six months so I am in the process of making some! I will post a picture soon. I just got back from pulling over the side of the road with my hedge clippers to get the branches for the these babies! Don't worry I didn't take any branches from a live tree. Just disgarded tree clippings on the side of the road. Usually that sort of thing really bugs me.. but I was glad I got free branches!!

(Such a good thing Jeremy doesn't read this.. he would be mortified!)

Next on my list is the purchase of these beauties:

Again from Ballard. I saw a tutorial on how to make some with leaded paint etc.. but when I really thought about it, I just decided I wanted the real thing. I will only have 2 since that is what comes in a set but this with my topiaries above my piano is going to look so traditional. I am excited. Then I am done.. I swear.

The down side is that these are backordered til May 20th!! Mother's Day will be great for me this year!!

A Miracle EACH Time!

2011-01-22T17:58:00.002-07:00

About a week before Christmas, I found out that I was expecting, again!

I was shocked, excited, then shocked some more!!

We were trying, but had only been so for about one month. It has always taken me much longer to conceive.

About a year or longer with each of my boys.

Right now, I am praying for patience and serenity!

What is TRULY amazing is that sometime this fall I went from wanting to wait a long time for the next one,

to wanting a baby.

Immediately.

So, we tried, and succeeded on the first go.

The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!

We couldn't be more excited!!

So, there you have it.

Here is the answer to all the pertinent questions:

Due Date: August 20.

So... how far along?: 10 weeks, today.

Am I feeling okay?: Changes minute by minute, but I have lots of help!!

Do we want a boy or a girl?: public answer: either one will be warmly welcomed!!

My heart: Secretly hoping for a girl.

Jeremy: Wants to round out his foursome with another boy.

Brody is cool

2010-11-03T09:41:00.001-06:00

Words can't describe how much I adore my little one and a half year old. He is so sweet and gives spontaneous hugs to strangers. He smiles easily and loves following his big brother. He plays so well by himself. He makes me so happy. He loves shoes and always is clopping around in someone's kicks. I adore him.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T08:50:00.000-06:00

So.. we are pretty much "halloweened out" around here. We have had so many parties and so many parties yet to come that I feel like I have truly gotten my money's worth of this holiday this year.. I am already looking forward to the rest of the holiday season.

BUT.. I could not NOT post these cuties!!
These are definitely two INCREDIBLE boys. LOVE them!

TBall- Go Brewers.

2010-10-20T09:12:00.000-06:00

JJ loves T ball (mostly). He really likes to hit.. he is still working on loving the rest.

This is year we FINALLY realized that there was a field right by our house and it made the whole experience much more enjoyable.

JJ and Stockton are "2nd generation trash talkers." It was fun having them together on the team, JJ thinks Stockton is the coolest.

JJ has really become a good little hitter. He makes us all proud (especially his beaming daddy).

And.. a few pictures of JJ's number one fan..

Just in case...

2010-10-16T10:43:00.001-06:00

I am hosting thanksgiving and am in the process of getting rid of some items... so my house is less cluttered. My chain of thoughts don't always make sense.

I am selling this ready-to-reupholster wingback. You remember what the finished product looks like??

Anyway, let me know if you, or anyone you know are interested. I am only asking $30, and half of the work (the worst and dustiest part) is already finished (the pieces were saved to use at a pattern!). Perfect for your first project.. (it was mine!)

I even have 7-8 yard of the same fabric I used on my chair if you want to buy that too, I just don't have room for the other chair in my family room anyway!!

Thanks!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-16T10:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Fall!!

We LOVED the Peterson Farm's pumpkin patch this year. it was so quaint and fun!

Halloween is a time for PROJECTS!

2010-10-06T16:45:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of Halloween projects I have been working on in my spare time (HAHAHAHAHAHA).

I made this Halloween pennant banner and it was SO EASY!! You can totally make this. I simply cut and used heat and bond to adhere the letter backgrounds to the pennants. I used iron on letters and really didn't do much sewing on it! I like the way it looks in the room so much, I am CONSIDERING making one for each holiday..when I type that it really doesn't seem realistic.. I mean a Columbus Day banner may just seem ridiculous, right? The colors and fabrics are actually a lot cuter than this crappy picutre portrays. Promise.

Next up: These trick or treat bags are burlap on the outside, since I LOVE my burlap, but lined with the cheesiest Halloween print I could find in cotton since no one wants burlap covered candy. I actually stole this idea (It is what I do best) from a cute booth girl at Swiss Days. I took one look and said, I am TOTALLY making that. She gave me a weird/slightly annoyed look, but I will most likely never see her again, so it is okay.

I let JJ choose what design he wanted on his exterior and he chose a BAT, for batman, or course. I then opted for a candy corn on Brody's. Mostly because it seemed easy.. not gonna lie. The felt shapes were just cute out and sewn on. Easy peasy. I love the way they turned out and if I get to it, I will most likel embroider their names and the year on them as a memory. Not making any promises, though, since I still have their costumes to finish!!
ahhh!!

Just for good measure, and because kids in costumes make my heart melt, here is a little reminder of what my little spooksters went dressed as last year!!

Anyway, happy haunting!! I LOVE this time of year!!

Fire House Field Trip

2010-10-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I got to go to the firehouse with JJ's preschool class on a field trip. The firefighters were so great with the kids and JJ had the best time! He, now, wants to be a fireman. I think it is mostly because of the "giant water guns." I had so much fun enjoying JJ and all his excitement. He is truly a little ray of sunshine in my life. I am completely in love with this kid!

Honorary fireman for the day!

They were trying to get one of the fire fighters to flex his muscles.

Putting out the pretend fire! This is blurry, but you can see how much JJ enjoyed himself

All of the kids and their fabulous teacher outside the station!

Standing at attention for the captain!

JJ flexing HIS muscles.

Cowboy

2010-09-30T13:07:00.000-06:00

What else is a preschool cowboy party for if it isn't for me to dress JJ up mercilessly?

I love that he still goes along, but I can feel the days fast approaching when he will no longer acquiesce to my inner project runway contestant. Already it takes a lot of convincing for him to wear the items I make.

Last year, realizing it was cowboy day at school, I came up with a vest made out of a brown paper bag and duct tape. I was pretty pleased with myself, but yesterday (thanks to a giant and DELICIOUS Coke Zero), I couldn't sleep so I created this ensemble for the new and improved cowboy day.... For the 4 year old JJ.

I used some old chinos that were in my DI pile (thank goodness I never actually remember to bring that pile with me!) and the embroidery stitches on my new machine. I am happy with the result. I should have gotten better pictures!

The mustache is the best part, in my humble opinion, but OF COURSE that is the part JJ always wants to rip off!!

I did not finish the edges or anything, because I was committed to making this a 30 minute OR LESS project! When I washed the "frays" got really curly. Oh well!

I love my liddle pardner. I also love dress ups. Win-Win.

Da Bomb(s)

2010-09-21T16:24:00.006-06:00

My latest project (thanks to my friend/s-i-l) were bath bombs.

What is that you said??? You have never heard of a bath bomb? You are clearly in the wrong place... go away.

....kidding...kidding...

Wikipedia says:

A bath bomb is a hard-packed mixture of chemicals which effervesces when wet. They are used to add scent and colour to bathwater.

I say that they are just plain awesome.. and fun.

Anyway, I am somewhat obsessed.

Bath Bombs on display at "Lush."

I have made about 4 batches already and it is interesting to me how one little thing can completely change the whole outcome of the bombs(just like life). The funniest part is that I don't take baths nearly as often as I would like to, and don't know when I will use all of these "lush"ous (get it.. haha) bath bombs!!

Oh well, I love finding something fun and simple to make and use as gifts!!!

I used this tutorial to make them, but have found that the oil in them makes my tub sort of oily. (yes, I have used one already, but it wasn't for me, I put a bomb in the tub for my boys.. they sure thought it was cool.. and I loved how lavender-y they smelled all day).

Has anyone made these without the oil?? I am contemplating trying some with just water and glycerin instead..

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Featured

2010-09-15T13:33:00.000-06:00

Hey! Look at me!

Thanks for the love on my new favorite food blog!!

New blog name, Same old me.

2010-09-14T16:20:00.001-06:00

You may have noticed (or maybe not, if you are as observant as I am) that I have changed the name of this blog. I considered starting a new one all together, but since my web address never matched my name anyway, I though a new look and title would suffice.

I chose the new title because practicality is practically what defines me these days. I love finding a good way to accomplish something, I love things that work, I love a good deal or creating something on the cheap, and I love my family. That is what this blog is all about. What is in my brain from day to day. Randomness, pragmatism. I am owning it.

If you link, feel free to change your linky
if you want.
No biggie.
Only it you have the time.

LOL

Yeah, We Hike

2010-09-13T17:29:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to take my boys on a hike all summer! Last weekend was the first, but definitely NOT the last hike of our family experience.

Here are JJ and Ella enjoying some snacks at the top.

JJ was a trooper and wanted to be in front the whole way. He and Jeremy got such a lead that they actually hid and scared the pants off of one of our friends when he passed. We all thought it was pretty funny.

We went up to Bell Canyon Lake, it was a perfect, short little hike to water (a destination is essential for this crew). Even Brody hiked part of the way.

I highly recommend this hike for a family with small kids! It was only about an hour round trip!

Anyone have other, good family-friendly hikes? Please share.

Better Late...

2010-09-12T13:24:00.000-06:00

Thought I would just share my thoughts on the important anniversary yesterday. Jeremy and I remarked on our memories of 9/11. We were about to become engaged and the unrest that flooded our country and our hearts was consuming. Seems interesting now how unsafe I felt, even in Logan, Utah. I was worried about my family in the D.C. area, and how we would all react to the new fear and worry taking over our minds. Amazing that it has already been 9 years!!

We told JJ about the events and he was incredulous that this type of thing REALLY happened. He asked "why are there really real bad guys in this world and not really real superheroes." Then he asked if he could be Batman when he grows up.

Don't worry, we told JJ about the heroes of that day and the every day.
We are proud to be American!

DIY "grain sack" Pillow

2010-09-10T13:51:00.006-06:00

Two Words: Restoration Hardware.

Who doesn't love their gorgeous furniture and textiles? I sure do! Anyway, I have been obsessing over the grain sack, vintagey-looking pillows I have been seeing there (and other places), but even with pillow-sewing skilzz.. those grains sacks are not cheap! I do love how they are super neutral, but still have interest. But unfortunately.. out of my budget! (which is approximately zero).

Cue this tutorial from Graphics Fairy.

Now for the fabric:

Who here has purchased fabric at Walmart?? LOVE that I can get fabric where I get milk.. Oh how motherhood has changed me! Anyway, they have this great unbleached muslin that is very natural-looking and cheap! ($2.47/yard). I think it was a little "loose" in the weave to get a super clear picture, but I actually like how it looks faded and "used."

Total Restoration Hardware cost: $32.. not bad.. but that is the SALE price, AND just the cover!!

Total Rachel-ation Cheapware cost: Approx $1.50 for fabric + $0.10 for photocopy + $5.99 for the Citra Solv (I found an online coupon and have 95% of the bottle left, so I maybe used $0.50 worth). I also found a nice, down pillow in the clearance section at TJ Maxx. I bought it to unzip and use the Down form inside. That was $1.00. Total: $3.10

Now that I know that I can do this, I am on the hunt for great graphics to use on other projects... just think.. dress froms, lampshades, tote bags!!!! The options are limitless! Next time I would do a mitered edge to make it a closer mimic of the RH pillows.

p.s. you may have noticed that I am amping up the projects lately.. I am redecorating my family room. I will have to post a picture with a breakdown of the cost so you can all know how cheap I really am!!!