Family Fun

I love coffee. It's 8:15 on Sunday morning and I've already enjoyed 3 cups. Stephen's Uncle Scott and Aunt Cindy were in town this past week for a visit from Minnesota. Cindy is a barrista and roasts coffee. She gave me a pound of fresh roasted coffee and let me tell you, it is wonderful! It has a peanut butter aroma and flavor. Yum! Thanks, Aunt Cindy!

While they were in town, we all got together a few times to hang out. It was so much fun. We grilled out at Uncle Rick and Aunt Vicky's on Thursday night. They have a creek that runs behind their home and the kids played in it and had a blast! Anna "fell in" 3 times while trying to catch shells, minnows, crawdads, rocks, etc.

This is her first outfit, but by the end of the night, she had borrowed 3 t-shirts from Uncle Rick!

This is Uncle Scotty. Elan is named after Uncle Scott because we all think he is so great! Elan adores him, and they hung out together playing and acting silly. These pictures will be in his scrapbook soon!

And lastly, Uncle George brought the kids Navy t-shirts from his trip. Uncle George is the kindest, gentlest, and most dapper dresser I know. He was in the Navy and Mac really loves talking to him about it. Here they are in their new shirts:

GO NAVY!

And for today, I am busy crafting and blogger is being a booger... it has taken me all morning just to finish this entry! I will post all my creations in the morning!

LO for a Challenge!

Yeah, I know this is a LO of last years 4th of July festivities, but I just put this page together yesterday. I am typically a year or two behind with scrapping holiday photos. For some reason, I have a hard time doing holiday LO's. It's probably because I have a ton of pictures and never can decide which to omit and which to scrap. So, I was delighted when I got all these favorite pics on one page without it looking too busy or tacky! I am also submitting this LO to a blog challenge called The Pink Elephant. The challenge was to create a card or LO using "Stars & Strips" (strips, not stripes!) My polka dot frame is cut strips of paper and I added some gold star brads to make it a bit more patriotic. Personally, I think the photos speak for themselves!

I plan to have a fun weekend of crafting and creating. I feel like I got a lot of chores done today, so I can indulge in some guilty pleasures! Happy crafting!

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.