Introducing...

Baylee Marie Bland, 2 days old

We welcome with love, precious girl! I'm happy to report that Mommy and baby are doing beautifully.

What were you doing?

We were hanging out after the kids went to bed acting "totally natural"...
Stephen in his chair watching ESPN baseball.

What were you doin'?

A Challenge + A Giveaway!

You know it's time for a pedicure when your two year old looks at your feet and says,

"What's dat? (Looking at my big toe) You got chalk on your feets? Mommy!"

Yea, buddy, it's called a callus and it's grody odie. I guess I need a pedi...

I actually love pedicures, it's the time to go get one that turns me off. I don't even paint my nails because I hate it when it chips off and they look all ratty and tacky. I prefer a nice, clean, white nail with little or no maintenance. Simple.

Sometimes, simple is good. Simple is easy and stress less. Lately, I have been trying to cut back on the stuff that doesn't need to be done or bought right away and I'll tell 'ya, it has been great. I stress less and I have been more calm. I have been able to play with my children more and relax without thinking what needs to be done. I am enjoying my summer.

The boys really know how to relax...

Now, for the challenge! I read Elizabeth Kartchners blog, Just Us. She has a fun challenge going on right now and I'm going to play along. Want to play? Here is what you do:
1.) Have your camera handy on July 8th-this Wednesday (tomorrow, people!)
2.) Take a photo of whatever you are doing when your clock says 10:11 am or pm. (we won't worry about timezones)
3.) Challenge yourself to think outside of the box in how you take the photo or don't worry about that part and just snap one real quick!
4.) Post the photo on your blog or an online gallery. Leave a comment on my blog linked to your photo and be entered into a giveaway.

Sound fun? I thought so! This will be a great giveaway of stationery and embellishments that everyone can use, not just scrappers and crafty people, so play along!

Oh, Baby!

Welcome, little one...

Baylee Marie Bland

July 6, 2009

6 pounds, 3 ounces

17 inches long

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Elizabeth, had her second baby today. A healthy, baby girl. Mommy and baby are doing just fine. I can't wait to post some new baby pics tomorrow!

It seems as though little babies are getting ready to pop out everywhere! I have been doing lots of shower invitations and personalized baby gifts lately, and I have to say, it's awfully fun! Here's a little peek of today's work:

More feltie flowers for the Etsy shop. See the green button? I added those polka dots with a white paint pen... how crafty is that?! The duck stationery is a gift for one of my girlies and the polka dots is an order for another expecting mommy.

Stay tuned for more fun in tomorrows edition of the bloggaroo... a challenge + a giveaway!

Lazy Sunday...

We had a very busy weekend and we are all so tired. We spent the day playing inside, watching a little T.V., and taking naps. It was delightful and much needed!

Our Fourth of July actually began on Friday night at a friends house for a cookout. The kids played and got to do sparklers. We saw some fireworks and stayed out way too late! The adults had a pretty darn good time too!

Yesterday, we had our Annual Fourth of July Parade in our neighborhood. This is when the kids decorate their bikes, wagons, big wheels and strollers and wave to the neighbors. At the end we are rewarded with juice, water and delicious doughnuts! My children love this tradition!

Elan scooting to catch up with the police car...

As promised, my LO that I had been working on:

The little white rub on after "Daddy" says "hero". I took these pictures of Stephen and Anna in Hilton Head and loved how they turned out. All the supplies used were from my Studio Calico kit from June. I sanded and distressed only the outer edges of the paper to make it look a little "weathered". It's now hanging on display in my craft room to remind me how special the bond is between Anna and Stephen, she truly is a daddy's girl.

Fun Friday!

It's Friday! Stephen's home, got to dive into some craft time and we have cookout plans tonight and the weather couldn't be better! Woo-hoo!

I stocked the Etsy shop with more felties, take a peek if you haven't already!

http://www.craftypapergirl.etsy.com/

I'm working on a LO of Stephen and Anna right now that is precious... can't wait to share it with you tomorrow! I got my Studio Calico July kit today and it's so cute I almost cried. I'm still having so much fun with the June kit that I immediately put it away until I'm ready for it!

You absolutely must check out this site: http://www.switchflops.com/ I got my flip flops in Hilton Head, but I think someone in Westport Village carries them. This company was started by a college girl, brilliant! You will love her web site and her flops are super comfy (I have them on right now!)

Please look past the ugly feet to see the cuteness of the flops!

Yesterday I got to watch one of my best friends little boy, Liam. He is 3 weeks older that Elan and I don't mind saying he had a ball over here playing! Mac and Anna gave him undivided attention and Elan loved the company! Liam will be joined with a baby sister on Monday morning! He is such a good little guy, I know he will be a great big brother.

Take a look at this precious face...

Here, he was looking up at Mac in the tree...
Hope you have fun plans tonight and the rest of the weekend! I'll be back tomorrow to share some pics and a LO or two!

A Better Day...

It was a much better day today, I made it through without a box of chocolates or a half gallon of ice cream. I do think my bad mood and exhaustion is the cause of some serious allergy and sinus trouble. I will overcome (with Zyrtec and Tylenol)!

I have been busy creating new items for the Etsy shop, and stocked a few of them today. More to do tomorrow and some wicked cute birdies are in the making!

I made this layout yesterday to add to the book about Stephen and I. I was really excited because I used my new printer to run through a piece of 12x12 cardstock to do my journaling. I think I will refer back to this page when I'm in a slump... I am so many things!

This was made using all products from the June Studio Calico kit, Soda Fountain. Photos taken by my darling, Stephen.