the parker family.

april month in review

2013-05-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

If I can't manage to blog daily {ha!} or weekly, then surely I can get myself together enough to have a month in review post. I don't want to forget everything that is going on in our sweet family, and with a major case of pregnancy brain most days, it's definitely liable to happen.

April was a BUSY month for us!

Here are a few snippets of what we did:

* Caroline turned 4 and Molly Grace turned 2, my goodness it's going by so fast! We celebrated both girls' birthdays with having a few of their friends come over, with a special appearance from Ariel! The little girls loved every second of the princess party, while the boys were quite content playing on the swingset. {I posted a lot of pictures from the party, and yes, I post dated it, so as to not remember that I couldn't get my act together to post them on time.}

* For Molly's actual birthday, we had pizza and cake before opening presents. On Caroline's we took the girls and grandma's to Hibachi! They were mesmerized for a while until the volcano and ring of fire came, then they wanted know part of the cooking show. Molly loved the food though, girl can eat some chicken and rice!

* At Caroline's 4 year old check up, she weighed 33lbs and is 41 inches tall. She was able to do the sight test all by herself, reading the letters off of the chart as any adult would. When we go back with her, it will be took get all of her kindergarten boosters! I can't believe that.

* Molly had a great check up as well. She weighed 30lbs and is 35 inches tall. She's trying so hard to catch up to her sister. She has more words than we can count, and is still the happiest child I know...except when she's throwing a terrible twos tantrum because I've said no. We are in no way worried about speech with her, and excited about her starting MWF twos next year when Caroline starts PreK.

* We found out we are having our third baby girl!! Sweet Sisters we will have, and are so excited to meet her. She may not have a name, but boy will she be loved! When telling Caroline, she exclaimed, "I told you it was a girl!" Ha! Molly too thought it was a girl and when I asked her what we should name her she quickly shouted, "Simba!" Simba is the name of her lovie...yeah, don't think so.

* Daniel finished MBA school! And all God's people said, Amen! What a crazy two years it has been; Daniel started at PES, we had Molly, and he started school all around the same time...so glad that piece of the puzzle is over! I am so proud of him!

* Caroline is still in swim and loving it! Our little fishy hasn't used a float since her first week back in February. I can't wait to get her in the pool, although I can wait to get in a maternity swimsuit, and have her show Daddy her skills!

* Molly started Sportots this month, which is basically gymnastics for toddlers. She has lots of little friends in there, and with help can walk on the balance beam, scale a wall, and do a somersault! She loves the trampoline the best though!

* We ended the month with Muffins and Moms at Caroline's school. Molly and I attended chapel with Caroline's class, and were then invited to enjoy yummy muffins that her teachers made for all of the moms. Molly of course made herself right at home. I call her the class mascot! With 9 little girls, they all squeal when Molly walks in, it's so cute! After eating her muffin, chocolate of course, she walked across the hall when she joined Ms. Elizabeth's class in circle time. We so hope Molly gets Ms. Elizabeth next year. She was the assistant in Caroline's 2's class and now teaches MWF 2s. Even the director commented that Molly was ready for school. We just love DUMCP and are so happy the girls are there.

20 Week Bump Picture...I finally popped!

I can't promise any posts between now and the end of May, but maybe I'll surprise myself! May is shaping up to be just as busy, and can't wait to share pictures of all we are up to!

caroline and molly's princess party!

2013-04-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

The Girls' Princess Party couldn't have gone any better! Ariel and her Lady-in-Waiting came and surprised all the girls with a morning of fun. The weather was perfect, as was the company! Caroline enjoyed it so much that we've already been told that when she turns 5 we are headed to Cinderella's Castle at Disney World! At least she says Molly can come too, right?

My Precious Princesses

Listening to Ariel's story

Practicing curtseying

Being pronounced "Princess Caroline"!

Everyone curtseying to Princess Caroline

Gotta love Whit with his bottle koozie

Tiara face painting

Of course eating nothing but icing

Sweet Mac loving every bite of the cupcake

Walker obviously enjoyed his as well!

the reason for my {unintended} absence...

2013-03-06T12:28:00.000-05:00

Baby #3 will be here mid September! Exciting times ahead for our family!

light 'em up!

2012-12-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds. ~ 1 Timothy 6:18

I love when I come across blogs and moms that just "get it." Courtney at Lil Light O' Mine, is one of those women, and has started a movement to change the focus of Christmas; teaching our children that it's also about giving, not just getting.

And the best part...she's made it SUPER easy! Courtney has come up with fabulous printables, ideas galore for all the people in your community, and even gift tags for your treats. She's taken all of the work out of it. All you and your kids have to do, is figure out who you and your kids want to spread some holiday cheer to.

We've decided to make a few batches of Puttin' on the Grits' delicious Carmel Chocolate Pecan Bars, bag them up, put a tag on them, and hand them out. Some of the people who our family is grateful for is the mailman, the UPS man (God Bless this man, he has to walk up and down our steep driveway just about every day), the garbage men, the sweet ladies at Publix who walk us to our car, our "dry cleaner man," who gives Caroline pops every time we go, and of course the policeman who directs traffic at during carpool.

My plan is to always have a bag of treats or candy cane with wrapper to hand out to unsuspecting people in our community, and my hope is to teach my children how much fun it is to give to others, and see how happy it makes both the recipient and giver. Having kids has made me see that giving is so much more fun that getting. I LOVE watching my children open gifts and how joyful they are; I want to share this joy with my children, and let them experience how wonderful it feels to give someone something as well.

In light of Friday's horrific tragedy, I think people are in need of a pick me up these days; something to make them smile and show them that regardless of how much bad is in this sinful and broken world, there is still LOTS and LOTS of love too, especially from the littlest people that inhabit this world. You never know what someone's day has been like, or what they are going through, a smile or "Merry Christmas" could change their day completely.

I'm so thankful for my children's innocence, they are able to go to sleep at night without a care in the world, completely unaware of what took place on Friday. I pray for those children whose lives changed dramatically and were thrust into seeing the evil that lurks around us. I'm also praying for the parents and loved ones who lost as well. Heaven gained 26 angels on Friday morning, and although we can't fully understand why, God does, and knows that they are FAR better off there then down here with us. Hug the ones you love a little tighter, I know I am.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.

it's not too late!!

2012-12-12T14:24:00.001-05:00

If you haven't ordered your Christmas cards, there is still time!

Today is the last day to guarantee that you can order holiday cards from Tiny Prints, get them in time to address and stamp them, and have them delivered to your recipient before Christmas. Of course, you can also have these awesome, personalized cards delivered right to the recipient.

You can also save up to 25% today using the code 25DEC (20% on all orders, 25% on orders more than $149).

Ordering is super easy. Simply:

1. Visit Tiny Prints' and look through their Holiday Card selection. You'll find at least a few that you love.
2. Once you have chosen that special card, upload pictures, write your own text, and design a little piece of awesome to send out this year.
3. Review your card. Make sure everything is right.
4. When you checkout, make sure to use the code 25DEC to save 20-25%.
5. By Friday, you should receive your cards. Spend the weekend addressing, writing notes, and stamping them.

So go get to work on a great card and be ready for people to tell you how awesome they were!

gift ideas from minted

2012-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Minted has recently come out with a gift idea list for the holidays. Think Oprah's Favorite Things List, only ALL paper and picture gifts! Their list is great and the perfect go-to for those people on your list who are hard to shop for.

My favorite item on the list this year is the calendar! It's revamped this year with a new matte paper that is textured and a thicker weight than their past calendars. All calendars come with chic, rounded edges and they come in two sizes; the standard with is 8.5x11 and the grand 11.5x14. The standard is only $29 and the grand, at almost double the standard's size is only $10 more at $39. With 27 different calendar options, different color options within each calendar, and the option to personalize each month with a different picture and add birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion the possibilities are endless!

I just ordered the Pop of Color grand calendar and it's fabulous! I loved being able to customize each month with a special family picture and adding in special occasions and dates so we don't forget! I'm a sucker for organizational tools, so being able to hang this gorgeous calendar on my fridge is awesome!

Here are some additional options for the calendar as well as interior views. I wish I could have one of each, they are all so gorgeous.

Another item that I love is the family tree art. You can order this framed or unframed, and it's the perfect gift for someone who has everything, or for yourself! I can't wait to add one of these to our gallery wall, once our family is finished growing that is.

Here are all the sizes of the family tree art that are offered in human scale...genius!

And if all else fails, there's always stationery! Minted has gorgeous designs from independent artists. Stationery is a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, nannies, or a great stocking stuffer for yourself!

Head on over to Minted today and be sure to check out their calendars, as well as the great gift guide!

come ride the pink pig!

2012-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

We went on our annual (3 times now) ride on the Pink Pig last week, and keeping with last year's tradition, we rode MARTA again as well. Both girls absolutely loved it, although they may have had more fun on the train. I feel like I said that last year, and swore to riding MARTA down to the airport sometime...maybe we'll try for that this coming year. Although, it can get a little scary on certain stops, so maybe just riding around Dunwoody is good enough! ;)

Ready to go!

"Oh this is going to be exciting!"

"Look, Daddy's work!"

Taking it all in.

Say Cheese!

Playing chase and getting out all of their energy before heading home.

Mols enjoyed herself a bit more on the way back home!

I love this holiday tradition, and especially the cause it helps! Pretty soon we'll have a Pink Pig Christmas tree with all the different ornaments we've collected!

last days to save at tiny prints!

2012-11-30T13:25:00.002-05:00

I've been posting some great deals this week from Tiny Prints, but they've saved the best for last...starting today through Sunday, you can save 35% of ALL gifts at Tiny Prints. Save 35% on iPhone cases, photo gifts, mugs, notepads, AND stamps!

If you thought you missed out on the savings, you've now got one last chance to save before the sale is really over!

Head on over to Tiny Prints and stock up on gifts, and be sure to let me know what you got!

Here is the code to save:

Friday-Sunday: 35% off all gifts
Code: CYBER1130
Expiration: 12/2/12 11:59 pm PT

Happy Holidays!

sittin' on santa's lap

2012-11-28T11:38:00.001-05:00

We went to see Santa last week, and despite Molly not smiling and saying "Help! Help!", while on the Big Guy's lap, I was just glad no tears were shed! Caroline on the other hand talked non-stop, and he supposedly laughed when she told him what he wanted. This is probably due to the fact that she added some new items on to said list that morning, leaving Mommy Santa in scramble about how to get these toys that she "just has to have!". Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!

Caroline is really into Christmas this year, which has been lots of fun. She has loved decorating the house, listening to carols, and putting ornaments on the tree. Molly has loved destroying everything in sight, but that's why we have a Little People Nativity Set, not a porcelain one. :)

We're off to the ride the train and the Pink Pig tomorrow! I love the holidays, so many fun things to do with the kids!

Happy Holidays!

Making their wish list for Santa. Molly wants a playhouse, Caroline wants a clock game and an ice cream game. Remind me not to take them into anymore toy stores. Santa's list seems to be getting bigger by the day.

Molly only moves this fast when pulling a bow out of her hair, and Caroline only looks down when smiling for the camera. :/

"Is that Santa?!"

Apparently this is the only way to get a picture of both girls smiling...take a separate one and put it together.

deal of the day at tiny prints!

2012-11-28T07:02:00.000-05:00

Here's another Tiny Prints Deal of the Day for you!! Who doesn't need a stamp or embosser? I use mine all of the time, and at 35% off, it's a steal! And if you have one, you know how great they are, so pick one up as a gift!

All you need to do is go to Tiny Prints and enter CYBER1128 to get this deal! Enjoy!

Wednesday: 35% off Stamps & Embossers
Code: CYBER1128
Expiration: 11/28/12 11:59 pm PT

Also, if you missed the Tiny Prints Cyber Monday/Tuesday 30% Sitewide Sale, they are extending for another two days! You can still get a great deal on the best custom holiday cards,Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, holiday party invitations, custom photo gifts...everything on their site is on sale for two more days, today and tomorrow, November 29.

Just use the promo code CB12 when you checkout to get this awesome deal.

tiny prints "cyber week" deal of the day!

2012-11-27T08:02:00.001-05:00

Tiny Prints is having a "Cyber Week", with a new Deal of the Day for you to enjoy!

Today, enjoy 35% off notebooks over at Tiny Prints, see below for details.

Tuesday: 35% off Notebooks
Code: CYBER1127
Expiration: 11/27/12 11:59 pm PT

And don't forget, the 30% off sale is still going on!

more cyber monday deals!

2012-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

In addition to the awesome Tiny Prints deal that I told you about here, they are having even more deals today! Already have your holiday cards? Then head over to treat. and pick up a treat card club pack!

What is the Treat Card Club?

It's a really cool way for you to get major discounts (Up to 60% off on Cyber Monday) and save a ton of time at checkout by pre-ordering greeting cards in bulk.

For one day only, you can save up to 60% on Treat greeting cards with the Treat Card Club.

For Cyber Monday, if you use the code CYBERTREAT, you can save 30% on their already discounted card packs.

You can literally do all of your holiday greeting cards with Treat, and make each one of them completely personalized!

Here are the Cyber Monday Prices:

18 Card Pack: $1.39/card, 60% Off Regular Card Price
12 Card Pack: $1.57/card, 55% Off Regular Card Price
6 Card Pack: $1.74/card, 50% Off Regular Card Price

The more cards you send, the more you save with the Treat Card Club.

Treat offers three card packs (6, 12 or 18 cards) which provide significantly greater value (personalized card) and lower cost per card than what you could expect to pay for a generic greeting card at retail.

You can use the cards in your packs to create and send any card from the Treat collection any time you want. And, redemption of cards can be applied during any current or future card purchases. Once you use up all the cards in the pack, Treat makes it easy for you to replenish your card stock if you'd like.

Treat's card plans take the hassle out of buying and sending cards, and they make it super easy, crazy fun, and totally personal to create a card for someone special. Treat takes care of the rest.

So check them out today to take advantage of this amazing deal.

Mixbook is getting in on the Cyber Monday deals as well with up to 50% off EVERYTHING on their site today! Take advantage of this great deal and finish that photo book for the year that you've been wanting to do!

Here are the details:
Code:CYBERSALE12
Valid: 11/26/12 6:00 am PST - 11/28/12 11:59pm PST
Restrictions: This offer is only valid with coupon code CYBERSALE12. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, vouchers, Groupons, or applied after an order has been placed. Discount applies only to completed projects. No adjustments on previous purchases. Shipping and taxes will apply.
Offer expires 11/28/2012 (11:59 pm PST).

it's cyber monday over at tiny prints!

2012-11-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's time to buy your holiday cards, invitations, and more.

Just in time for the season, Tiny Prints is offering 30% off everything on their site. Custom holiday cards, Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, holiday party invitations, custom photo gifts...you name it, it's on sale for two days, today, Monday November 26 and tomorrow, Tuesday November 27.

Just use the promo code CB12 when you checkout to get this great deal.

If you have used Tiny Prints before, you know how incredibly awesome they are. If you have not, you are missing out on the best custom cards, invitations, gifts, and customer service anywhere. Their site is super easy to use and you can customize everything. You write your own text, upload pictures, and make everything uniquely you!

There will never be a better time to buy from Tiny Prints and this sale ends tomorrow at midnight Pacific Time, so check them out today.

I'm a loyal customer of Tiny Prints...here's a preview of what I got over this year! In Love!

free holiday cards from tiny prints!!

2012-11-07T08:28:00.003-05:00

Beginning now, until Tuesday, November 13, Tiny Prints is GIVING AWAY 10 free holiday cards of your choice! All you have to do is, head on over to Tiny Prints, pick out your favorite design, use promo code: HOLIDAYCHEER, and wait for them to arrive at your house! Pretty simple, and who doesn't want free holiday cards?

I for one usually run out of my Christmas cards, so an extra 10 is perfect for me! Here are some of my favorites...

You've got nothing to lose, except not making the deadline! Hurry over to Tiny Prints and get your free cards today!

Promo Code: HOLIDAYCHEER

Limitations: Flat cards only - options charges will apply (rounded corners/paper options/envelopes options) and shipping charges will also apply. Regular shipping only costs $5.99 in the U.S.

tea collection holiday line

2012-11-07T07:59:00.004-05:00

Have you checked out Tea Collection's latest holiday and winter line? They have got some incredibly cute and comfy looking clothes! Their clothes are a perfect balance of dressy and playful....your kids look put together and adorable all at the same time, while still being able to play like kids in their clothes!

I absolutely love how soft the Twirly dresses are!

Here are a few more things I love about Tea Collection Clothes:

Tea Collection clothes are authentically inspired with a fundamental artistic interpretation of the global destination. (The new holiday collection is inspired by Nordic design!)
Adorable, durable fabric: perfect for all ages from newborn to 12 years.
Ease (wearable, distinctive pieces)
Versatile (creative, yet functional)
Fun, Modern (fresh, forward thinking)
Prints! Very on trend this season
Mix-and-match wardrobe sets

Head on over to Tea Collection and let me know what you're loving about their new line!

boo!

2012-10-31T16:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!!

halloween treats from lulu mcgee

2012-10-31T06:30:00.000-04:00

Lulu McGee is turning one today, and to celebrate their birthday, they are having a TWO DAY SALE!!

Anyone who buys today or tomorrow {Wednesday and Thursday} will save 15% on their orders! Simply use code: PARKERBIRTHDAY15

Lulu has been working like a crazy lady getting her Christmas stock ready, and it is adorable!!

Here is some of the cuteness that Lulu has cooked up for the holidays:

Holiday Girls' Set 1

Holiday Girls' Set 2

Holiday Boys' Set 1

Holiday Boys' Set 2

Sibling Reindeers

Thanksgiving Truck

My Favorite -- Mod Holiday Dress!

I do believe that monogramming is included in her pricing and you can also add bows/ribbon onto some of the designs. They come in long sleeve or short sleeve, and her sizing goes from 6-12 months all the way up to size 8. She also has a few extra goodies in store with the sets!

Be sure to check out her facebook page and website for all the details!

Remember to use code: PARKERBIRTHDAY15 when you check out to get your discount! Come back and let me know cute clothes your kiddos will be decked out in!

Happy Halloween!

cagles' family farm

2012-10-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

We traveled up to Cagles' Famly Farm last weekend after a recommendation from my good friend Jenn, and it's a must see. It is the perfect fall activity for little ones; pumpkins, bounce "pillows", goat walks, a 3 mile corn maze {which we opted out of}, petting zoo, hay ride, and funnel cakes! Per usual, Caroline had so much fun that she threw a massive fit as we were leaving, but I guess that's also a sign of a successful and fun trip, or at least that's what I tell myself as I break out into a sweat trying to get her in her carseat. Anyone else deal with this, or just me?

If you're looking for something fun to do, head on up to Canton and check out Cagles'. Berry Patch Farm is right down the road as well, another fun outing. I think we may go there around Christmas!

Enjoy the pictures!

One of two massive bounce pillows

Still sleepy after being woken up from a snooze in the car.

We need these for our playset!

The kernels went in her mouth after I took this shot. Yuck.

Not a happy camper.

Looking for Spookly the Square Pumpkin, but he was no where to be found!

LOVE this child.

And this one too!

We'd still be in the 3 mile maze if we had attempted it...

Playing hide-and-go-seek with a new friend, the little girl is behind the rock. So funny.

18 months and a trip to the er

2012-10-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

How did this happen? This sweet Baby is such a bundle of joy! She is equal parts feistiness and sweetness, perfect in my book.

We went to the doctor last week and he said she is doing great! He loves that she is saying so many words. He challenged me to have her saying at least 15 words, with Caroline's speech and Molly being a second child, he wanted to make sure that we spotted any potential issues early and that we had her trying to say words as opposed to saying them for her and not allowing her to try.

Here are her "stats"

Weight: 28 pounds - 96%tile {She hasn't gained any weight since her 15 month appt in July}

Height: 33 inches - 85%tile {I have written down that she was 33.25 inches in July, so clearly we have it written down incorrectly. I feel like she has grown a little in height because things are shorter now than they were a few months ago.}

Words Molly Says:

No! and No, No, No -- her favorites

Yes

Hey/Hi

Bye-Bye

Mama

Dada

Cah or Cah-Cah for Caroline

Sissy

Book

Ball

Bath

Belly

Eyes

Nose

Bubble -- for Bubble Guppies

Cheese

Fish

Night Night

Wa - "Water"

Wa Wa - "Waffles"

Keys

Shhh!

Boo! -- Peek-a-Boo

Num! Num! or Yum! Yum!

Signs "Please"

Tries to say "Thanks"

Animal Sounds:

Quack Quack

Mooooo!

Meow!

Ruff Ruff -- Also a good one for, "Molly, Goooo Dawgs!!" followed by her "Ruff Ruff!" Daddy is so proud!

She's trying to mimic everything we do, whether it be cleaning, talking, and of course climbing up stairs and every other item that comes in her way.

As you can see in the pictures, she seems to have entered the posing for the camera stage. She will smile or say "cheese" when I ask her to, and completely ham it up. Love it!

18 months also marked another milestone...our first trip to the ER. We spent most of Tuesday afternoon and into the evening at Scottish Rite. On Thursday at her appt, Molly received the flu shot. She also had her last dose of amoxicillin from a sinus infection she was getting over. Thursday afternoon, she came down with a fever. I honestly thought, it was due to the shot. The fever stuck around through Saturday, with it leaving her completely exhausted on Saturday. She woke up from her nap on Saturday fever free but Sunday developed hives. We put a call in to our ped and CHOA nurse's line. Both said to give her benadryl and watch her. On Monday, she woke up with even more hives so in to the doctor we went. We were sent away with an allegra dosage and told that they could get worse. It was thought that it was the fever virus leaving her body.

On Tuesday she woke up, hives were worse and as the day went on, she was not wanting to walk or bear weight on her feet, she was also super fussy. At around 2:30, I was told to bring her in immediately due to swelling of her feet and knees, worsening hives, and not being able to console her. It was determined that this was an allergic reaction. To what we aren't sure, and may never know. They doubt it's the flu shot, because the doctor we saw hasn't seen a reaction like this before. It could be to the amoxicillin, a reaction to the virus that brought on the fever, or maybe even food. I don't think that she had a peanut butter m&m, but I can't be positive. She is now on steroids and a prescription strength benadryl. Its not a magic solution; the meds won't make the hives go away, it's something that will have to run it's course. But, hopefully it will give some release.

We aren't completely out of the woods yet, we have to watch for fever, which indicates an infection, and also hives in her mouth. It's all rare, but can happen. The fact that she had no fever Tuesday is why we weren't admitted overnight. Praise the Lord.

Thank you for all the texts, emails, calls and mostly prayers. Seeing your child so miserable and scared is frightening.

"Cheese"

"Rock, Rock" -- She thinks every chair is a rocking chair and attempts to rock once she's climbed in.

first day jitters

2012-09-27T09:04:00.003-04:00

Have I mentioned before that I hate uploading pictures from my camera to my computer? I never seem to have enough time to sit down and do it, and in the evening when Daniel and I are in the den together, the last thing I want to do is leave to go to the playroom...it's not a huge deal, it's just something I hate doing. :)

So anyway, above problem is the reason I've had no picture posts in the past few weeks.

Caroline started 3 Year Old Preschool {MWF} a couple of weeks ago, and loves loves loves to go! She has the same teacher she had last year, which we were thrilled about. He teacher has the strictness that Caroline sometimes needs, but is so loving and nurturing too! I also love that her teacher is able to see the vast improvement in Caroline's speech even from the end of the school year last year!

And speaking of speech, she is going fabulous in that as well! We are working on our last few sounds before being discharged! Her therapist, Allison, is beyond excited with how fast she has broken bad habits and learned how to make sounds correctly. So proud of Caroline and all of her hard work!

I really tried to get a picture of Caroline and I together on her first day, but as you can see, I could barely get a shot of just her...oh to be a fly on the wall that morning. :)

Sideways smile...

I'm done smile...

Hmm, this is a good one, although she's laying on the floor...

I'll give it to her, this is a good picture. Just glad the loaves of bread aren't babies, she'd be holding them by their necks!

These were our first day of school gifts that I mentioned here.

Love this picture! I said, smile for Daddy, and voila! I'll be saying this more often.

And she's off! Thank goodness for children who love school!

tiny prints deal of the day!

2012-09-20T13:08:00.000-04:00

You know the holidays are upon us when Christmas Card promos begin! I was perusing for them yesterday, but that's actually not the deal I have for you today.

Today and today ONLY, Tiny Prints is giving you 50% off Address Labels and Gift Cards! Score. Make sure to use Promo Code: DOD0920

If you can't think about Christmas Cards yet because you know you don't have a picture to use {like me}, you should check out the address labels and gift cards at Tiny Prints. You'll need both come the holidays! Or pick some up for your kids! I bought gift cards for Caroline from Tiny Prints, and everytime we use them, I get asked where they are from.

Here are some of my favorites:

This is the one I bought for Caroline.

Head on over to Tiny Prints now, you only have today to take advantage of this great offer!!

Promo Code: DOD0920

two simple words...

2012-09-13T11:14:00.001-04:00

"Thank you."

Two words not said enough, by bosses, by spouses, by friends, or by strangers on the street. Tiny Prints is out to change that.

For one week only, you can get 10 FREE thank you cards from Tiny Prints. All you pay is shipping (as low as $3.50).

These cards can be completely customized and personalized to your tastes. Choose from thousands of designs, add pictures, change the text, the fonts, the colors. You get to make these cards uniquely you.

Just use the promo code FREETHANKS when you check out and pay the shipping and Tiny Prints will send the 10 cards right away. Then...it's up to you to use them!

Let's start a Thank You Revolution!

Visit Tiny Prints now to take advantage of this incredible deal.

teacher gifts made easy

2012-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Is it selfish to say that I wish Pinterest had been around when I was teaching?

The ideas I see that people {women} come up with for teacher gifts and snacks is amazing! I have to think that a lot of these women are teachers turned SAHM, because the creativity factor is through the roof. Not many preschool teachers can come up with the rhymes I've read, and I should know, I taught PreK!

Teacher gifts are a simple, cheap, and thoughtful way to say thank for to the person{s} who are loving your little ones every day they see them! Teaching can be such a thankless job, so even if you can't spend any money saying thank you, a simple handwritten note would do the trick, I promise!

Here are a few I found on Pinterest, including a few I've used myself!

Source: skiptomylou.org via Callie on Pinteres t

Source: gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Callie on Pinteres t

Source: hilaryishappy.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

There are many, many more out there, these were just a few of the more practical ones. As a teacher, I personally enjoyed receiving gifts that I could use outside of school. Not to say things on a "Wish List" aren't truly appreciated, but a crayon wreath was never something I longed to have...just my opinion and my two cents if you are ever wondering what to get your child's teacher!

goodbye summer, hello fall!

2012-09-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend is the official start of fall for me! It may not feel like it outside, but with the pool closing, football beginning, Home Depot covered up with folks, and the PSL at Starbucks out, how can it not be?

We were lucky enough to have Daniel home with us for both Friday and Monday, making our holiday weekend even more fun! :)

Friday morning we took a walk up to DD for coffee and donuts. We did this ALL the time last fall, and I'm so glad the mornings are cooling off a little, allowing us to continue this little tradition. This shot is of the girls back in their stroller on the way home, guess leaving Dunkin Donuts isn't much fun.

On Friday evening, Daniel and I had the pleasure of attending the NC State/UT game. I sported my red and black for NC State, since we were guests of their's {and b/c any time I can wear red and black against the Vols, it makes me happy! ;) }. On a side note, we were unaware of this accident until later on in the night. We were completely shocked and saddened by the incident and are praying for healing and comfort for the family of the victim.

Saturday morning, we packed up and headed over to Athens to cheer on the Dawgs! My little cheerleaders stayed back at the house during the game, but were ready to play when we returned!

We watched at wedding take place on Saturday evening, next to Grand Dan's house, and as I was saying to Daniel that I had never heard a bride walk down the aisle to a song with lyrics (vs an instrumental one) he said, "Callie, that bride is signing!" Sure enough, the bride and groom met each other in the aisle, singing to each other. Just when you thought you'd seen it all...

The little punkin was sick Saturday night/Sunday morning. I was up most of the night with her. I took her into an after hours clinic on Sunday thinking it was an ear infection, and while she does has fluid in one ear, it's just a cold right now. This picture is pitiful.

On Monday, we took a family trip over to Home Depot to get some things for the yard, like these pretty Mums! I LOVE Mums! They are so colorful and remind me that cooler weather is on it's way...even if that means a couple months.

And finally after naps on Monday, we headed up to the DCC pool for one last hoorah! I understand it is open next weekend, but Daniel has school, so I highly doubt we'll make it up there again! The girls had dinner and played till their hearts' content! We have had a blast this summer up at the pool with all of our friends, and can't wait until May when it opens again!

got my toes in the water!

2012-08-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

I look forward to our beach trip each year. I usually go in August because the prices are lower and for us, if we go in June, then what do we have to look forward to for the rest of the summer? It also signals the end of the summer once it's over. Personally, I'm ready for cooler weather, football Saturdays, and everything fall brings {including my birthday}, but I am sad that vacation time is over.

I grew up going to Destin every summer with my family, so I love the Gulf Coast. Up until the crazy amounts of hurricanes that were hitting that area every summer and then the oil spill, that was our vacation spot of choice. When we couldn't go there, we changed to HHI for a few summers, but I was glad to be back! I love the sand, the clear water -- I have to see my feet or I don't go in, and memories of beach trips when I was little. We tried out Watersound after lots of recommendations, and couldn't have been happier with our decision. It was quiet, it was South of 30A {meaning we didn't have to cross the road to get to the beach}, we had a golf cart to help lug all of our stuff to and fro each day, and the house was fabulous -- I'd love to have half the upgrades in my "forever home" that this house had in it. The last night we were there, Daniel and I went for a sunset golfcart drive and ventured upon a poolside showing of the Little Mermaid at the pool. Good thing Caroline was asleep, because she would've died! I think it's safe to say that we'll be visiting Watersound again. :)

Doesn't every 17 month old lounge in a beach chair?

Love little girls in matching outfits!

We'll be cheering on the Dawgs and spending time at the pool before it closes this holiday weekend! Have a fun and safe Labor Day!