SMILES

He Awakes...

2012-01-29T16:18:00.003-07:00

...but only for a short window. The joys of new borns and how much they sleep. Walt is a sleeper and has been doing really well through the night too, just only gets me up a couple times and lets me sleep in in the mornings. Oh I cherish his littleness!

He's here!

2012-01-24T18:03:00.003-07:00

Well right on time the first day of my 37th week our lil Walter came to us. He was our earliest baby and also our biggest baby weighing 7lbs 8oz and 20in long. He actually has chubby cheeks....my babies never have that so we are excited about that.

This labor and delivery was longer then my other two. When I went in my water was leaking and then my water broke soon after, but oddly I wasn't having contractions or dilating. So we waited 3 hrs and I only dilated to a 5(still no contractions that I can feel) so they gave me some drugs to speed labor and soon after I got the epidural before I did start to feel pain b/c that's how I roll. Pain free labor yay! Then went to sleep for another 3 hrs to be woken up by the nurses saying "lets try to push" then 2 pushes later was our lil Walt!

Recovery was good as always...the nurses either hate me b/c I'm boring and don't give them anything to do or they love me b/c of that reason. Walt is breast feeding wonderfully and we are both healthy and happy.

The Home Stretch!

2012-01-16T15:26:00.004-07:00

I'm 9 months (36 weeks) pregnant today! Ah so close...I had both Miles and Lucy in my 37th week so if history repeats itself this baby is coming with in the next week or so. I knew I wouldn't make it to February. Although I don't want two January birthdays. Guess we will see....I have a Dr. apt this Friday so we will see where I'm at. Last week I was dilated to a 1 and 50% effaced so it begins! I'm so excited to meet our new lil guy!

Lucy Turns 2!

2012-01-07T22:02:00.004-07:00

Lucy had a wonderful Birthday. Almost better then Christmas!

I can't believe my lil Lu is 2. She really isn't a baby anymore.

BatCycle

2011-12-29T15:40:00.004-07:00

I forgot to mention he is also wearing batman underwear...duh!

Handmade Gifts

2011-12-27T15:01:00.005-07:00

This year I thought I did pretty good keeping up with my Handmade gift pledge. I made everyone something that I had to get a gift for.

First was my twin sister Steph I made her this needle felt brooch locket, she did teach me to needle felt over the Christmas break so she was surprised to see I caught on quickly.

I also put together this framed antique spoons that represent her and her fiance.

Next I was my sister in law Julia's secret santa. I made her my first coin purse and it was so much fun.

Then a cross stitched necklace.

Also for fun a cat burglar key chain.

Miles drew his cousin Emily for a gift and he wanted me to make her a felt crown and a bubble gum necklace.

I cross stitched this temple for my grandma. Oh my gosh did this take forever!

Another needle felt brooch for my Aunt

Lucy drew her cousin Piper and we made her some Indian dress ups out of felt.

I also made 4 Calendars from snap fish for gifts, and another needle felt brooch locket for my friend I didn't get a picture of it though.

Christmas Eve Festivities

2011-12-27T11:50:00.002-07:00

Have a Merry Lil Christmas!

2011-12-26T00:34:00.002-07:00

7 years of Lovin!

2011-12-17T15:17:00.003-07:00

I’m so lucky to have the most handsome and amazing man in my life. He works 9 or more hrs a day 7 days a week and always walks through the door at the end of the day with a big smile on his face and a happy attitude. He never complains if I don’t have dinner or a clean house. He does dishes after dinner every night so I can make a mess of the kitchen in the morning then comes home for his lunch break and does my breakfast dishes along with tidies up the rest of the messes the kids made. So then it’s all clean for me to mess up again for dinner. He keeps up the laundry and cleans the toilets. He always tells me how beautiful I am even when I’m pregnant and wearing my pj’s.

It’s all the little things he does too…like always manages to have a nice cold ice water by the bed so when I’m really thirsty and don’t want to get up there is always one there for me. When we are about to watch t.v he just brings me my glasses with out me even realizing I need them. When my phone rings he brings it to me with out me even asking. This is starting to sound like I’m really lazy, but with a husband that does it before I can…I can’t complain right! He makes the bed everyday if I’m not in it. If there are clothes on the floor they are mine not his. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but he shaves, takes 2 showers and flosses his teeth everyday. I just know a lot of woman that have husbands that are slobs and I take that for granted. He never complains and always does what I want to do…weather that is dragging him to a place he doesn’t want to go, dressing in something he doesn’t want to wear, or watching the kids so I can go play. The best thing about him is he gives the best back tickles and never wants any in return!

If I had to tell you his faults it would be hard and they are kinda lame, but here we go. He hates chick flix, plays pc games(which I don’t mind, but some woman might hate) not really a problem b/c he puts family and responsibilities first. He doesn’t like the nice preppy clothes I think he would look cute wearing, and he pops his fingers way too much.

Even through all his HORRIBLE (ya right) faults he truly is the most selfless person. He always puts everyone first. He cares about their feelings before himself! I am so blessed and don’t deserve a best friend like that for eternity, but I will be thankful and try my hardest to love him just as much in return. There’s nothing like starting the day and ending it with a kiss and “I love you” from Robert Martin!

More lil Village

2011-12-12T22:53:00.003-07:00

My newest addition to my Christmas decor. I finally got these in the mail after mailing them to the wrong address...long story so thank you Mom Martin for sending them to me. I love these lil houses, they are pretty old and oh so sweet!

Sneak Peak

2011-12-11T22:26:00.003-07:00

Here is a lil sneak peak at some of my favorite 2011 Martin Family Photos. Taken by my lovely friend Alecia with Alecia Dawn Photography. This girl is so unbelievably talented! To me finding your photographer is like finding your soul mate and Alecia is my photography soul mate. She gets my vision, even if they seem over the top sometimes and she executes it perfectly.

It was very cold for us wussy sunny St.Georgians, but totally worth it. Even though Miles is making a butt face in half the pictures I still love the candid shots the best.

Stay tuned for the rest later!!

Almost there

2011-11-30T17:12:00.001-07:00

It's funny how my belly doesn't get much bigger just pointier.

Merry & Bright!

2011-11-28T23:30:00.003-07:00

Yay for The Holiday's! I am so excited for Christmas seems like more then ever this year. Maybe because I'm in the nesting phase of my pregnancy and I want to get all creative.

This year I did things a little a different, but of course sticking to my vintage ornaments which make me so happy! There is nothing like Christmas that makes you want to be surrounded with the magic of your childhood and decorating with stuff I grew up with makes me all warm inside.

Although I got my first nontraditional "WHITE" tree and am sooooo happy with my lil twist on traditional. My ornaments just pop out of this tree. I'm sorta in love with it. (I do have colored lights on the tree but you can't tell in the picture)

Next is this sweet tender tree skirt. I had one just like it that my grandma made but I found this one at the thrift store which I just loved. Only a $1....to think the time spent making it...I will appreciate it, who ever made it. There is even initials on the stockings, but that makes me love it even more. There is nothing better then sequence and felt during the holidays.

Here are a few close ups of my tree...I made the pom pom garland and it was so much fun...a mess but fun. Can you spy Batman? Of course we have to have Batman!

My favorite newest addition is my beginning of a Christmas village. I'm in love with the bottle brush trees and I've seen so many ways of dying them diff. colors. So you bleach them and some turn out yellow, light green, teal, cream and I bought some pink cloth dye to make my peachy pink trees. Then along with the trees added some lil people. Thanks to my grandma for collecting me all my wooden people and ornaments all year round. She even found me the house music box. I can't wait to add more next year.

Lastly just a few other touches....I wish I had more places to put all my stuff on display but with my kids everything has to be unreachable...the tree is a story in itself. We are excited to do our advent calendar my mom made last year (an exact replica of my childhood advent calendar).

So we have our christmas lights up on our house, tree up, elf on a shelf watching, Josh Groban Christmas cd playing and holiday candles burning! Time to make some gifts...and buy some too.

Just Today!

2011-11-07T23:54:00.006-07:00

Just some good ole fashion fun today. Lucy got herself dressed, can you tell.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T23:17:00.003-06:00

We always go trick or treating to Dad's work and Miles dressed up like Daddy....it was so sweet to see my lil Miles look like a mini Rob.

The trick or treat gang!

Halloweeeeeeeeen

2011-10-30T23:13:00.005-06:00

Rob and I went to our friends party last night and trying to get Rob to dress up for Halloween is not easy. So I convinced him to do something I knew he would love. Hello Back to the Future! He was game and made the perfect Doc!

Trying to get Miles to go as "Lil Carl" as "Up" wasn't going to happen after seeing the batman costume at the store. He was set on being batman, but "cool batman" so late Friday night last minute I ran to the store to see if they had any left and of course not, but really I couldn't bring myself to spend $20 on a cheap ugly batman store costume. So I bought a gray turtle neck for $4 and made the rest out of stuff I had....and he LOVED IT! He has actually been wearing it for 3 days straight along with sleeping in it.

Since Miles was batman, no one could tell what Lucy was as 'Lil Ellie" from "Up" unless she was with Miles as "Lil Carl" so I had to act fast and whip up something cute. She said she wanted to be a princess and again I don't do store bought ugly costumes. So she got a lovely felt cape and crown. She loved it!!!

Another project

2011-10-18T19:21:00.004-06:00

I'm loving all the Oct Birthday's this month. Gives me a reason to get creative. Here is a lil guitar for a lil rocker chick. Lucy's friend just had a bday and so we made this for her! I think Lucy wants one now.

getting there

2011-10-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

Adventure is out there!

2011-10-04T18:52:00.007-06:00

We just got back from Disneyland where we got to do the Halloween night and trick or treat. So I thought what Disney characters can we be that I doubt I'll see anyone else dressed up as........guess what we were the only ones dressed like "UP", lil Carl, Ellie, and Kevin. The Disney workers loved Miles!

The things I made:

My wings/headband from scrap fabric

Miles goggles from felt/mason jar lids, shorts, and dyed sweater vest
Lucy's bottle cap pins, bow headband, sewed fabric patches on overalls

G.A.D!

2011-09-07T11:06:00.003-06:00

My new church calling is Girls Activity Day's Leader...and I'm loving it so far. I knew I would, I mean come on it's only twice a month and I get to hang out with 10-11 year old girls and be a tween again! This was our activity last night. I had them make magnet boards with word strips of the "Articles of Faith" to help them memorize and pass them off in their goal books. They loved it and so did I!

Labor Day at the Lake!

2011-09-05T16:40:00.003-06:00

It's a.....

2011-08-30T12:27:00.002-06:00

DUH!

Projects

2011-08-23T22:02:00.001-06:00

I have worked on some new and fun projects lately...here they are...

I was inspired to do some cross stitching pendants from a blog called "doe c doe". I have been wanting to do it for sometime and had the perfect opportunity for my BFF Alex's bday!

For my cousin's new baby boy I made this warm soft blanket and a matching hat....I forgot to get a picture of the hat but this picture is what it looks like, but in the hounds tooth pattern. I got the tutorial and pattern HERE

Lastly my some what failed attempt at a hooded towel I made for my friend with two boys. This is after she washed them so you can see I need to work on figuring out how to make the towel not fray everywhere. It was fun and pretty easy..just gotta work on the details.

water

2011-08-19T13:38:00.001-06:00

Be Silly!

2011-08-16T20:08:00.004-06:00

So all of you who knows me knows all about my favorite thing in the World...and that is Silly Girls! It's something I look forward to every month and not only do I get to hang out with all my friends for a pretty awesome girls night, but we dress up and take pictures. You are never too old to be silly and play dress up's I say! If you don't know anything about Silly Girls United/ Shenanigans check out the facebook page to view all the photos from our group and different groups. Visit the Shenanigan blog for details if you want to be apart of something great!

It's been a full year since I first started with my friends and we have done a themed photoshoot every month. We look forward to another great year of fabulous pictures and FUN!

Fabulous Girls Weekend!

2011-08-15T10:29:00.004-06:00

It started with my best friend Alex and I driving up to SLC! Hitting up our favorite Antique store!

Then JOSH GROBAN! It was amazing as usual. It was my 3rd Josh concert and they just get better and better!

This weekend is just what I needed for some good old fashion girl time!

Miles 1st day of pre preschool!

2011-08-11T20:09:00.003-06:00

Today was Miles non offical 1st day of Pre preschool. It was just orientation, but he still got to hang for an hr and meet his teachers and classmates! He has been waiting to go for 5 months now and was so excited to wear his batman backpack for real! His first day with out mommy is next week and I feel real good about it. My lil boy is growing up, but I actually look fwd to it! Maybe if I wasn't pregnant and needing the extra quiet time I wouldn't feel the same way.

Where I'm at!

2011-08-09T13:06:00.003-06:00

In 3 weeks we get to find out it's a "BOY" ;)

Pregnancy #3

2011-08-05T12:56:00.003-06:00

Well this pregnancy has been a doosey that's for sure! Excuse the lack of blogging. I don't remember being this tired and unmotivated during my other pregnancy's. The morning sickness has been settle, but uncomfortable. Lucy was such a breeze and I pride myself on easy pregnancy's, but it's official...I hate the first trimester! Oh please the nesting phase can't come soon enough.

Lets just say there has been a lot of this.....
Lounging around!

silly boredom moments...

oh too much of this....

"no momma's"

more boredom silliness...

t.v. watching....

coco milk chuggin...

This is what Miles room has looked like the past month

I feel like the worst mother....Satan mom has defiantly come out more then usual. I always say I enjoy being a stay at home mom, but not when I'm pregnant. I have to remember the wonderful moments and know things will get better!

Cousin's!

2011-08-02T18:03:00.002-06:00

What an excited last couple weeks we've had. Cousin's Adalei and Piper are here and it's been one big cousin fest after another. Here is what we did the first day they were here. More to come of lots of fun in the sun and cousin time!

Lucky Number 3!

2011-07-13T15:57:00.002-06:00

My little gummy bear says "Hello"

I am 9 weeks along and morning sickness hasn't been kind. I think I'm on the last leg of it though and I can start getting back to life. We are so excited for our third lil person. We should be expecting he/she Feb 13th....but we are shooting for the 11th (My Grandpa's bday) or the 7th (Wilber Larson's bday) he is my Grandpa's imaginary friend...don't ask.

4th of July!

2011-07-07T11:29:00.003-06:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

2011-06-19T20:20:00.005-06:00

We had such an amazing week with family and to top it off spent fathers day with them too. Here is what Miles, Lucy and myself had made for grandpa Martin and daddy.

Miles drew a picture of Daddy and Grandpa and then I helped Lucy draw a picture of a heart then I embroidered it onto a hankie. They both use hankies everyday so I thought this would be perfect. I got the idea from Pigeon Pear.

This is daddy....Miles was so excited when he scribbled his own little heart. He said "mommy look, look I drew a heart!"

This is Grandpa Martin

fun in the sun

2011-06-10T20:59:00.002-06:00

Diaper Bag

2011-06-08T10:23:00.005-06:00

Some of our good friends just had the sweetest baby(makes me wanna have one again real soon). This is a literal diaper bag. What do you get as a baby gift to someone who already has most of everything they need. Something functional, diapers, wipes, etc stuff they will always need.

This bag is fun because you can use it for new or used diapers, traveling, toys, whatever! I used this tutorial to make it, this is the same one I made for the lingerie bag.

New addition to skirt collection

2011-06-04T12:18:00.003-06:00

lil lady

2011-06-03T22:38:00.004-06:00

This lil lady found this lil hat and had to wear it most of the day!

10 Step Summer Skirt

2011-06-01T20:35:00.006-06:00

Here is my own version of an easy summer skirt. The tutorials I look at to make skirts are complicated and hard to understand so I hope I've made this one a lil easier. Plus my sister and some friends wondered how I make my skirts. Enjoy!

Here is another skirt I made, this one is longer, the waste band is thicker and it's a silky flowy fabric...I may make more of my skirts like this.

Bad "A" Shades!

2011-05-31T19:13:00.004-06:00

We found these lil gems at he DI. Not sure if they are kid appropriate, but my kids love them. Ya thats how we roll, don't mess with these babies!

Camping!

2011-05-31T15:29:00.004-06:00

Our good friends from Cali...The Avalos' came into town to spend a couple days with us. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends. We all went camping for the first time in like a long time! The kids lovvvvved it! It was lovely fun! (thanks to Suz for her amazing camera and capturing these precious moments)

Random pics today

2011-05-25T16:28:00.004-06:00

Waiting to play with cousin Lochy(Lochlan), Elimy(Emily), and RJ(Rhett)

Getting wet, sun burned, and sticky from popcycles. Miles picked out his new hat...you like it? He calls it his cowboy hat.

Miles loves motorcycle and had to get a pic on this one. Nothing more bada$$ then sitting on a motorcycle wearing a diaper. (To Aunt Aymee (potty nazi), we didn't bring extra underwear and he got his all wet so thats why he is in the diaper)

play

2011-05-18T10:37:00.002-06:00

Sewing Desk Update

2011-05-16T22:09:00.008-06:00

I converted my old sewing desk and crap into my closet so I could shut it away. Plus it was fun to create fun ways of organizing my stuff.

Boring, sloppy BEFORE

Organized, quaint AFTER

I found this cute sewing table at the DI, yes I know you probably think I'm one of those crazy DI shoppers that are there 3 times a week and yes you are right!

We ♥ Weekends

2011-05-14T20:27:00.004-06:00

Water fun

2011-05-13T11:04:00.003-06:00

Blowing straw bubbles!

Miles Gotham City

2011-05-10T20:06:00.002-06:00

On my weekly DI find it was this homely lil play table that just needed some life to it. Only $8 can't beat that, Miles made it Gotham City!

Mothers day!

2011-05-08T16:52:00.004-06:00

Trying to get a photo before church...it's the best we could do.

Miles got into that kiss from momma there in the end.

This is what my lil sunbeams did for their momma's! They stamped their lil finger prints in the heart.

Pretty Skirt

2011-05-04T16:08:00.006-06:00

Sorry to bore you all with my projects, it's just nice to finally get a chance to make some fun stuff. Today I made a skirt...my first "ME" skirt...I love it and I plan to make many more!

Felt Flowers

2011-05-03T13:38:00.004-06:00

I fell in love with these felt flowers I saw on Pinterest so I made some of my own. Here is how...

They were so easy...now what to do with them?

over the weekend

2011-05-02T19:51:00.003-06:00

Miles got a batman helicopter...he about pooed his pants when he saw it.

It took awhile for Rob to figure out how to fly it with the remote control...it wasn't easy, lots of crashes.

Then we went to nonni and pa's and found this lil guy in the garage. They love lizards.

la la la lovely

2011-04-30T11:58:00.002-06:00

smells like summer

2011-04-29T10:38:00.003-06:00

monday play

2011-04-25T15:04:00.002-06:00

Lingerie bag

2011-04-25T14:06:00.003-06:00

Just a recent lil project I did. My sister in law had a bridal shower so I made her a lingerie bag filled with goodies ;)

Early Easter

2011-04-18T23:29:00.006-06:00

Guess who finally got a new camera.....right in time to take some fun pics of all the cousins. We had an early Easter celebration with an egg hunt, lots of candy and fun games! Thanks to nonni and old nonni!

today

2011-04-12T20:42:00.003-06:00

We are so lucky to have Aunt Katy for 10 whole days!

Miles surprise smile and his "two face" face.

I know this video isn't that exciting but I'm finally borrowing a camera that has a video camera...but wait soon enough I will have MY OWN camera.

THE BIG 3!

2011-04-02T16:40:00.004-06:00

Miles turned 3 yesterday! We celebrated Batman style, b/c really thats the only way!

He had probably the coolest Birthday, all of his bestest batfriends came! Plus he got some aweomse gifts, including...

"Spirit" movie(thanks Martin G Parents)

Glow stars/book(Thanks Jax)

walkie talkies/lightsabor bubbles(Thanks GJ)

clothes/shoes/2 airplanes(Thanks Nonnie and old Nonnie)

transformer flashlight/light up alien(Thanks Brecken/Taylor)

huge sea freighter with accessories(Thanks Lochlan/Emily)

Batman Figure(Thanks Aunt Stephy)

Batman backpack/batman digital camera/THE "dark knight" batmobile.(You're welcome love)

Here are some snaps we took with his new BatCam...of his awesome Batmobile/Batman. Daddy probably loves it just as much as he does!

Lu's first cut

2011-03-31T16:34:00.003-06:00

Well I did it...Lu got a trim, very settle sweet trim!

The Tube

2011-03-27T17:03:00.004-06:00

So for a couple months we have been watching t.v with a lovely pattern like this covering half the screen.

Because of this lil stink and his batman friends

So we gave in and got this! We went from a 42" to 55" for a real good deal...oh and we got a plexiglass shield just in case batman goes flying again.

the life

2011-03-25T15:30:00.002-06:00

inspirations!

2011-03-22T18:47:00.006-06:00

I have literally been obsessed with Pinterest it's an awesome website you go to catalog your favorite things from diff. websites. My bookmarks start to get crazy with things I like from blogs, etsy, websites etc...then I discovered Pinterest. I have literally cataloged over 300 things and it's been so nice to just go on there and look for the stuff that I want to make or recipes! You can also follow other peoples pins and repin their pins...it's a great time waster thats for sure.

(click on the Pinterest link it should go to my boards if not type "stacim" up in the search and you'll find all my pins, if you wanted to be invited I'll send you and invite let me know)

Here is one of my Pins..I can't remember where I originally got this sweet lil owl laptop case..somewhere on etsy. It inspired me to make my own version.

today's randomness

2011-03-22T16:47:00.004-06:00

stink #1

pretty clouds

stink #2

DIY

2011-03-18T14:24:00.004-06:00

I found this cute lil apron at the DI and loved the pattern of fabric so I turned it into a pillow for Lucy. She likes sleeping with pillows now.

today

2011-03-16T19:02:00.001-06:00

some sweet smiles, ratty hair, and silly faces

scared miles, microscopic bug, and facing fears

Dress up

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Should I be worried?

This is what happens when grandma brings me DI dress ups and I leave it in the living room. Yes those are guarders around his arm in case your wondering.

Bow Tie

2011-03-10T13:02:00.003-07:00

I got crafty and made Miles some bow ties for church...minus the silly face he looks quite handsome!

UPDATE

2011-03-10T10:51:00.002-07:00

Booo I didn't win...and what makes me even more of a soar loser is they originally were going to pick 3 winners but b/c there were 235 entries they ended up picking 6 winners and I still didnt win. Mine by far was better then some they picked. I'm a soar loser and I'm gonna cry about it.

It was still fun to do though.

A visit!

2011-03-09T23:42:00.003-07:00

We went north last weekend to visit Aunt Steph. We stayed at our cousin's home which has this fun lil play place and Lucy loved it. It was like her own lil house...with out MILES!

handmade is always better!

2011-03-08T10:51:00.004-07:00

So I know I'm a little behind but I'm finally going to take the "Handmade Pledge" I really want to be creative this year and give unique gifts to people. If you aren't familar with this it's a pledge you make to buy or make only handmade items. So far I have been doing well with this and I hope to continue the rest of the year. So if you plan on getting something from me I promise to be creative and get you something unique, original and awesome!

flying batman

2011-03-03T20:37:00.004-07:00

Spring is in the air and so is Batman. We finally had a fabulous, warm windy day to fly batman!

We even had a sweet lil rainbow

My Milk Toofs

2011-02-25T20:21:00.009-07:00

Milk Toof

I've been a lil obsessed with this blog for awhile, it's just a blog about these two lil milk toofs and their daily lives. It's very sweet and I've been really wanting the book. Sooo the girl that does it is doing a contest to create your own milk toof. I have no life and I really want a free book so why the heck not. I made them out of fimo clay and love. Here they are and their story....

"A love story about Toofs-Smiles and Lulu

Smiles belonged to a boy named Miles

Lulu belonged to a girl named Lucy

Miles and Lucy were in love as long as they can remember.

Smiles and Lulu were there through it all, January to December….

braces, to silly faces, yummy sweets, to yucky beets, first kiss, to wedding bliss,

cavities, crowns, smiles, and frowns.

The couple grew old and the Toofs grew week,

until one day parted from the cheek.

Only to be replaced by dentures,

this was the beginning of their adventures!

They watched the two lovers grow old and more in love each day,

as they did too with out decay.

For true love will never aloof,

as long as it lives in two little Toofs!

yes we went outside

2011-02-24T11:40:00.006-07:00

Emily's felt doll book

2011-02-21T14:07:00.004-07:00

Excuse the horrible photography skillz here....this is another project I had worked on for my lil niece Emily. It was her bday this month and a great opportunity to be crafty.

Prayers for Logan

2011-02-15T16:36:00.003-07:00

I don't usually do this kind of stuff but my friend Amber "Goodnight moon blog" has friends with an 8 year boy Logan. He was just diagnosed with stage 4 Wilms Tumor which is kidney cancer that is found in children. He is currently going through chemo for a six week period and then the doctors will do further testing to see if they can operate on his tumor. Logan's cancer has now spread to his lungs and lymph nodes.

Amber is trying to raise money for him and his family and is doing a raffle with some pretty great stuff....including all of my "Sweetheart tree" stuff. I thought since it's not selling I'll donate it to a great cause. Check her blog "Goodnight Moon" for more info and enter the raffle!

BAT BELT!

2011-02-14T20:48:00.005-07:00

I got crafty! Miles' cousin Lochlan always has the cool Batman gadgets including a batman belt. Of course Miles had to have one so I just made it!

Equipped with the finest batman gadgets including; GPS bad guy tracker, removeable Bat phone, Batarangs in stored pouch, and hook/weapon/tool.

He died and went to batman heaven when I gave him this. My favorite is when he takes off the phone and dials with his two fingers while making "beep beep" noises and says "hi Robin, what you doing?" "No Robin" "Oh no Penguin" .....

Looks like I'll be making one for cousin Lochlan too!

Thrifty Finds and Divine Designs

2011-01-28T11:29:00.005-07:00

I have a new addiction...thrifting! Don't worry I won't turn into a hoarder. It's just something fun when I'm bored being at home and looking at the same things all day long.

This lovely gem was actually something my mom had in her garage for years, it was my aunts so I gave it a face lift!

Yes your eyes don't deceive you...thats PINK! I'm kinda in the crazy mood these days!

I was quite smitten with this handmade pillow from the DI...fits Lucy's rocking chair perfectly.

My new favorite wall in the house. I was so happy to finally find all these great golden frames at the DI....the mirror also a great find at a local thrift store! This whole wall cost me $9!

I have also found awesome costumes for my Silly girl Shenanigans!

Eating healthy

2011-01-19T11:18:00.002-07:00

As of late I have been really worried if my kids are even healthy. Miles eats hardly anything! He drinks about 8 cups a milk a day...sometimes I wonder if I just blend all his food into a milk shake if he will eat it then. Lucy has been really good up until recently she doesn't eat fruit and veggies as well as she us to. She still eats way better then Miles though. There are some things they will eat so time for deceiving!

I got this book for Christmas. I have been wanting it for sometime and I'm excited to start some of the recipes and ideas of deceiving my kids to eat healthy. If you haven't heard of the book it's written by Jerry Seinfeld's wife. It's a simple kids recipe book mostly about purees. All of her recopies incorporate purees of fruits and veggies. For example her brownies have pureed broccoli in them. What I love most about the book is how simple and kid friendly all the recipes are. I also like the quotes from her kids and Jerry after each recipe, how they liked it.

My first attempt...both of my kids were really good about eating bananas every morning...that has stopped recently, so guess what I pureed banana into their waffles and they ate them all...wooooohahahaaaaa!

Since being a stay at home mom I feel my biggest duty other then taking care of the kids is meals. I feel like that is the one thing I can have all control and try to perfect. I think this last year has been going well with having meals every night, planning menus for grocery shopping and doing one new meal every week. This will just be one new thing to add which I'm excited about. I hope it works and my kids are getting somewhat of what they need to stay healthy.

cabin fever

2011-01-12T15:27:00.005-07:00

We've been getting cabin fever this last week and really needed to get out of the house. Yesterday we tried the Library...uhhhh yeah! That didn't go too smooth. Miles just wanted to run, jump, make noise and NOT read! So my only outlet is playgrounds. Good thing we have warmer weather here so we can play outside more. We need more fun stuff to do for kids in this town I tell you what.

Miles biggest fear...BUGS! He comes running yelling "bug mommy bug!" I told him to show me thinking it's something big and scary and he points to this!! Then he wouldn't go near the tic tac toe board the rest of the time.

Lucy's big day!

2011-01-10T23:59:00.003-07:00

♥

2011-01-09T23:27:00.003-07:00

The little bit of of snow we have left.

Lucy loves to swing

Miles loves Lucy

Lucy walking everywhere

Lucy is 1!!!!!!!

2011-01-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know I say this a lot, but for real I can't believe my baby is 1! It's a bitter sweet day...seeing my baby become an actual age, but sad to see her grow at the same time. I have literally enjoyed every second of this lil girls life so far. From the moment she was born she has brought us pure joy.

When you cry I get excited to comfort you, your smile is contagious, your laugh is the best sound in the world, your nose, ears, chin, cheeks, teeth, eyes, fingers, and every inch of you is pure sweetness. When we go to kiss your cheeks we try not to suck them off. Your smell....Miles never had a smell, but you smell so sweet it's hard to describe, we call it Lu's smell b/c it's one of a kind. You are one of a kind!

I would always say she is the perfect baby and she truly is. So now that she isn't much of a baby anymore I hope that doesn't change, I can't imagine it to change. No matter what this girl does she is sucked into our hearts and souls forever.

We have really enjoyed all the wonderful adventures in growing with Lucy as well. With her we were more laid back and let her develop on her own time. She surprises us with her fast learning as her abilities develop. She is so bright, when you show her something she picks up on it right away. She loves to read books, get tickles(soft tickles)(like mommy), she loves all food and lots of it, playing with Miles, getting into whatever she knows she isn't suppose to, playing in water, sunlight, she smiles on command and is happy with everyone she meets. She has been walking here and there and every day she grows more courage. She says dadda, momma, baby, bye bye, Miles, and whatever else she tries to say that we can't understand. At her last dr. apt she was measured above average and a lil below average on weight so tall and skinny (although i see a chunk compare to miles).

Well there you have it our lil Lu bug is 1 now and I can't imagine how fast the rest of her life will be from here on out. I can't wait to see her woke up face, smell her Lucy smell and kiss her soft sweet cheeks in the morning!

The Machine!

2011-01-06T13:38:00.005-07:00

Here she is...I call her sister! So far I love this machine!

Shoe project-Since I'm basically teaching myself how to sew, bare with my imperfect sewing abilities so far. Thats what practice is for right? Well I made these sweet lil slipper shoes for Lucy and she seems to dig them. I plan to make some more this week too. Hope they turn out better then these though.

New Kitchen

2011-01-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted any Christmas pictures. My camera is sadly broken and so now I'm using my moms for the time being. I'm going to take pics of all the stuff Miles and Lu got. First up one of this coolest gifts. A kitchen from Grandma and Grandpa Martin! He loves it...Lucy plays with it all the time too. I can see her taking over the kitchen when she gets a lil older.
My first sewing project on my new sewing machine is the lil curtains for the kitchen. I love my new sewing machine! More projects and Christmas toys to come!

2010 wrap up

2010-12-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 6 Years of Love!

2010-12-19T09:33:00.003-07:00

Rob's gift to me, this is the concert he took me to on my Birthday. Such a good album!

11 months young

2010-12-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

This lil lady has 1 month till she turns 1!

Picnic day

2010-12-07T20:05:00.003-07:00

Not everyday you can go outside with no coats and have a picnic in the middle of Dec!

2010-12-06T00:49:00.003-07:00

Alright you are all required to listen to Roger Whittaker Christmas music while looking at this blog post. The tree is up in all it's childhood vintage glory.

I'm not sure if I told you all last yr but most of my tree consist of ornaments from my mom, grandmother, great grandmother etc. I love looking at my tree and having it remind me of the tree I had growing up, until I get tired of that it wont change.

My sweet grandma has been collecting all year for me at her daily thrifting all my wooden ornaments I love to collect. She totally hooked me up with a whole bag full this year.

Finally..it's only been a couple yrs in the making, but my mom finished "the" advent calendar. An almost exact replica of the one we grew up with, including my vintage wooden tiny tiny ornaments. Miles has really enjoyed pinning them on the tree everyday so far.

I was worried with Lucy and the tree this year, but Miles has been the one to worry about, he can't stop playing with the ornaments. I guess now I know what my mom would have to deal with when us kids during Christmas.

TA-DA, we did it..we did most of our whole house with lights this year. I love how untraditional our lights are outside, but how traditional the inside of our house is with Christmas Decorations! You can't tell very well but the bushes are striped white and pink lights and those are bright pink balls in the bushes(sorry that sounded bad)

YAY for Christmas, we are looking forward to a very sweet festive Holiday this year!

Thanksgiving Festive fun!

2010-11-26T12:57:00.002-07:00

Another cool daddy fort

2010-11-21T18:35:00.002-07:00

Miles the photographer

2010-11-16T20:34:00.001-07:00

Miles likes to take pictures of himself...can't you tell!

Murder at Mardi Gras

2010-11-15T00:40:00.010-07:00

This is late but last month I hosted my first Murder Mystery Party! It was a Masquerade ball set in New Orleans Mardi Gras. I served a 4 course meal including; appetizer fried green tomatoes, salad, jambalaya and french garlic bread, and for desert coconut chocolate bread pudding. Most of these foods were a first for me so I was quite proud when they all turned out.

Lochlan Birthday

2010-11-14T19:40:00.004-07:00

It was Miles' cousin Lochlan's birthday the other day and Miles and I made him this "Mighty King" costume. He likes to dress up.

Air Show

2010-11-13T21:56:00.006-07:00

Daddy, Uncle David, and Miles went to the Air Show in Vegas today. Miles LOVED the planes almost as much as daddy.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

2010-11-12T16:59:00.002-07:00

Most of you probably never knew I had pain in my knees. So after 10 years of knee pain I finally went to the Doc to find out why. Yes I know I put up with it way too long and thought it would go away but it is now getting worse and has moved into both knees. I never injured it, it just has always been there through the years for no reason. Well now I know the reason.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

also known as runner's knee, but mine is a little different then most because mine didn't start from overuse of knee in a sport or activity. My knee is deformed hahah just kidding but sorta.

A normal knee curves up at the top, but mine is completely flat...almost like people with flat feet. Which causes different things to happen.

Here is a pic of what my knee cap looks like, because of the flatness of my knee it causes my cap to slightly tilt to one side and that puts stress which causes pain. The pain occurs when my knee is bent, or bending. So to squat, bend down to the ground on my knees or even just sitting or laying with my knees bent for a couple minutes cause it to hurt. Lately worse then ever!!!

My options are basically physical therapy and just learning to exercise it the right way. I have to strenghten the muscles in my upper leg that help support my knee...once those are strengthened it should help with the pain, but it is something I have to work on the rest of my life. No gaining weight and keeping my legs fit is going to be hard but that option sounds better then surgery or injections.

I'm just finally happy to know what my knee is doing now and what I need to do to make it better. It sucks, but I always knew there were things wrong with my body that I had no control over so if this is it then I'm ok with it.

"The" Bryan Adams

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Rob got me Bryan Adams tickets for my Birthday and the excitement was too much. I mean most people love him..who doesn't he is one of the greatest romantic song writer of all time. It was truly magical to hear my favorite love songs come from the man himself. Plus we were right up front so I could smell his sweat. It was all acoustic just him and a guy on the piano. Rob was really impressed so thats a good thing. Really one of the best concerts I've seen.

celebrating 10 months!

2010-11-07T01:22:00.000-06:00

mixed emotions

2010-11-06T19:39:00.001-06:00

Our masterpiece!

2010-11-04T00:44:00.001-06:00

Trick or treat with cousins

2010-10-31T09:41:00.003-06:00

Tonight we celebrated Halloween since the "REAL" Halloween decided to be on a Sunday. Thats ok because we live in UT where everyone is joining us...we are cool like that and will someday rule the world. Alright moving on...Miles is dressed like Batman, but only because Lochlan was Batman for Halloween, but once we started trick or treating he became the robot again!

Lochlan ended up loving the batman mask I made Miles right before we left so much that I gave it to him..I'm pretty sure he is sleeping in it tonight.

Guess no one got the memo that we are trick or treating tonight instead of tomorrow b/c we probably got only 5 houses out of the whole town to cough up some candy. It was still a lot of fun!