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A Cover Up

I have hated this phone outlet since we moved in. I mean we haven't had a land line in about 5 years.

I tried removing it when we painted the kitchen during our big makeover, but that wasn't going to work. The only thing I knew to do was to cover it. Because it sticks from the wall, I had to take that into account when searching for a solution.

This is what I came up with.

Just a few embroidery hoops with some leftover fabric in them. Perfect solution. And, it was free. Can't be that.

Christmas...finally!

I just recently uploaded family pictures from Christmas. Sad, I know.

My husband and I kept saying that this was the best Christmas we've had yet!

I made a new Advent Calendar this year. Loved it.

I put a verse and a piece of candy for each child in each cone.

We went on our yearly family trip to Gatlinburg.

It was a blast! Emma took this pic of her big brother while we were there.

Oh my he is growing up way too fast! His little brother isn't too far behind him. He had his Christmas program at preschool.
I don't think he sang a word.

The kids got there traditional Christmas Eve pajamas. I lucked out and found the Elf and Santa ones at Crazy 8 on clearance. Score!

The kids seemed to be really excited about their presents this year.

Hope you had a great Christmas...2 months ago! : )

An American Girl

So, I'm a little late in posting about my girl's birthday, but better late than never, right? Emma loves American Girl dolls and since the closest store is about 5 hours away, we decided to make a little trip out of it. She invited a friend and we stayed in a hotel where they even provided accommodations for the dolls. They giggled, learned to braid hair and ate cookies and milk.

The next day, we spent a few hours at the store and had brunch in the American Girl Bistro.

She spent way too much money, but it was her money and her day, so I let her enjoy it!

It was a great trip, but we were all tired!

So, that's how her 7th birthday went down. Can't believe it has been that long since she was born. Where does the time go?

Birthday Boy #2

To celebrate Konnor's birthday, we had a football party.

We decorated with all things sporty: trophies, footballs and of course mini Toomer's oaks covered in TP.

Instead of a cake, we thought cupcakes would be easier for hungry little boys. The football toppers were made from scrapbook paper, a little cardstock and some toothpicks. I used a piping tip made for creating hair to make the green icing look like grass.

We made football shaped chocolate sugar cookies for favors.

For the past three years, Konnor has wanted to play a football game at his party, but the weather didn't cooperate. This year, we planned to have his party inside a gym so the weather wouldn't be an issue.

We were actually able to fit 9 candles in a cupcake!

He had a great party and I think he will always remember his 9th birthday as being a great one.

I don't even want to think about having a kid in the double digits next year. Wow.

Birthday Boy #1

We recently celebrated Brady's 3rd birthday! We met up with family the day of his birthday to exchange presents.

Later on in the week, we invited friends over to celebrate. That boy loves trucks so it was an easy theme.

Anyone who knows Brady, knows that it is very tough to get one of his smiles on camera.

This was our attempt to get a pic of all the kids at the party. Brady is not even looking at the camera.

He had a great birthday and has started his 3rd year of life out with a bang by moving to a big boy bed and potty- training. I am so thankful for this sweet but tough little guy.

Since Brady really only plays with cars, trucks and the iPad, we really did not want to overload him with more toys that he probably wouldn't play with anyway. So, instead of gifts, we asked his friends to give a small donation to help buy formula for a mother-less baby in Africa named Alama ( a name given to babies whose mother's die in childbirth). I met Alama's parents when I went to Africa last year and stayed in their village.

I was told by the missionary there that many times when a mother dies during childbirth, the baby "goes away." I don't really want to think about what that implies. The missionaries agreed to help with the cost of formula for the baby and they found another woman in the village who would care for him. The monthly cost of formula for Alama is around $140. The missionaries have had a few donations but are now pretty much paying it out of pocket. Alama will still be in need of formula for about 5 more months. Maybe you feel led to give and make a difference, not only in this little guy's life, but also in a village who have heard the saving gospel of Christ, but not embraced it. If so, leave a comment or send me an email and I will let you know how you can help.

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."-John 13:35

Back to the old routine

Well, summer break is officially over although the weather stuck around! : ) My kids had lots of fun this summer and of course, every year, it seems to go by faster and faster.

This summer, we made our first summer list.

We marked off MOST of them. There are still a few left- one of which is potty-train my new 3 year old.

We spent lots of time on the waterslide.

We had our Back to School family night a couple weeks ago. We did this last year and the kids loved it!

Emma was in charge of decorations. She drew placemats on the paper tablecloth.

She also taped up little pictures she drew of school supplies.

I scored some lunch trays at GW several months ago.

Of course, we had to have rectangular pizza and corn.

Konnor always tries to close his eyes when I take a picture.

Brady said the blessing.

We talked about the new school year and how K and E could be an example of Christ to their friends and teachers.

After dinner, we made pencil cups out of old soup cans and scrapbooking supplies.

Then, the first day of school arrived. Emma started 1st grade and Konnor started 3rd.

Little Brady is still in pre-school!

We are looking forward to a great year ahead!