Candy Crazy!

**disclaimer*** these are not in perfect order - just too many to worry about that! also, my children can make some "ugly" faces so please don't judge?!?

These two finally got to have their party and boy was it a party - sugar of every shape and size was in attendance. Here is their pre-party pose (thus showing all kinds of faces)


Our wonderful friend, Sis. Jennifer, made us a "crooked" cake upon Abbi's request and just iced it plainly for us. We (and with a little supervision, I mean they) took over from there. They added skittles, M&M's, gummie lifesavers, candy buttons and a giant lollipop - it was quite the hit (and tasted GREAT too!)


Here is a view of it all - not really but that was IMPOSSIBLE!


Can you see the excitement? His quote: "This is the best party I have ever been too, except for mine" Hilarious!

We decorated our own cupcakes and Taylor was totally into it - I picked this pic to post (say that fast 3X) because you can see the intent look on her face as she decides where to place her candies.

Bella enjoy hers!

See: proof of "ugly" faces - what was that?!?

Exhibit B: "ugly" faces caused by too much sugar.

We tried to do some "minute to win it" style games and this one apparently needs special 2 liter bottles and some crazy strong tape/glue or whatever. The kids enjoyed it but it wasn't quite Golden Globe worthy execution on our parts.

We had a bubble blowing contest - Daddy would've won had he been eligible to compete - apparetnly Dubble Bubble gum isn't the best choice - oops again!

Grant tried but bubble blowing is not his forte:(

Kids of all ages rediscovered their love of candy - Bryan sharing Fun Dip with Tori - gotta love those eyebrows she has!

And the end of the goodie bag line - a new TOOTHBRUSH - figured that might come in handy and be cheaper than a trip to the dentist!

Over all it was fun party, the kids had a blast and will have great memories to share. Thank you to all who attended or played even the smalled part in making it all happen! We love you:)

Cards & Flowers

So what could be better than a card with some flowers? Today I'm sharing two card ideas that are relatively quick and can use some of the supplies you have on hand - cause we know you got 'em!

First up is one for sweet Tori (who turned TWO this month - unbelievable!) I used a solid cardstock and did a version of a bi-fold for her. The hello cutie is from K&Co as well as the hearts. The cardstock is standard. I just mounted the chipboard sticker to a solid white then double matted with pink. Then I cut a strip of white approx .5 to .75 thick and adhered the ribbon to it. Basically making a sleeve for the bi-fold card.



This is what the the sleeve looks like from the back. The white/ribbon strip was adhered to the back of the chipboard mounting so the back had a smooth look. I added cardstock to the inside along with our Birthday message and then slid the sleeve on.


Another perspective. Here you can see how the strip is adhered.


Here is a quick "standard" card for my hair-dresser who recently got married. She got married on the beach so I thought the teal/blue was fitting. A little bling never hurts either!

Now to the flowers - I know you think the pic is messed up but really, it is that orange/flourescent almost. Really pretty!

Here is a bouquet for my mantle - at some point the thorns become worth it and the first clipping of the year is surely that time. Love fresh flowers in the house!

Here is the Spartan Iris that we just planted last week but is blooming already - the kids think it's cool how fast that happens (and actually, I do too.)

We've been kinda busy but I do have more activity shots for ya but thought you might like something creative today. Hope to be back tomorrow - until then, enjoy every minute!

Random.. & Not So Random

So I'll start by saying this is FULL of pics but since I'm trying to purge, organize, etc. today (in anticipation of my new furniture) I didn't want to do too many posts cause I'm ready to get movin'

I loved this day - amazingly there was no fighting, minimal complaining and an all around day of memory making - love this girl! On a side note, this was in Baytown Wharf in SanDestin and it cost $10 including skate rental - totally worth the drive!!!!


This made David laugh - I kept saying "did he make a silly face?" and David just kept laughing (hard) so when I checked the photos - this was the surprise. He is always trying to be funny - reminds me alot of his Uncle Bryan ( i mean that in the best way possible)


This was just too cute (it isn't coffee) He had to stop every lap for hot chocolate but boy was it good! Starting 'em early on starbucks - hee hee!


Super-sized game of strategery - I loved how Mason wouldn't give up even when he appeared clearly beaten. Abbi wanted to quit but he wouldn't hear of it - gotta love that!


So, if I had been there I would've brushed her hair (Sunday School must've been wild that day) but I am so, soo, soooo proud of her! She played Away in a Manger during the offering time in Children's Church on her 9th Birthday! SO WONDERFUL!


Christmas P.J.'s - our tradition - they knew what they were but were still excited to see what they looked like.


This year we had to leave carrots for the reindeer - Mason thinks of everything!

Christmas night was spent at Bryan and Melissa's house and Ms. Tori was super excited about her pig that Aunt Teresa bought her.

A Florida Soccer ball - no way!

Taylor was excited about her NEMO game for her Leapster.

This was the hit of the night - Grandma bought this toy for Tori that works with the t.v. but also spins and makes horsey noises too - she spun round and round, un-dizzied herself, and started again. Can't you see the wind blowing her hair? TOO CUTE!!!

Well, that's all for now (hope you read this far) Hope you are all having a fantastic day and making those changes today!

Love to you all!!!

3,285 Days Ago.....

these sweet babies were born!

In some ways it's so hard to believe but in others, not so much. I am so proud of each of them (in different ways) and know I couldn't fit it all in here but here's a short version.

She is artsy, athletic, obedient (mostly) and very smart..in English and the literary stuff.

He is logical, avid reader, pushes the borders in almost everything and is very smart...excels in Math and Science.

If you know us (their parents) it is fair to say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - someways that is good and other ways just "rotten" ha ha!

He is so silly! I try not to discourage it because I think it could come in handy one day with whatever the Lord might choose to use him for.

She wants to please us so desperately and I pray that quality doesn't get her in trouble one day with her peers. Trying to keep it all balanced is a tough act (I know from personal experience!)

Anyway, just wanted share a happy birthday tribute to my beautiful Abbi and Mason!

Now that I've got my computer "figured out", I hope to be back soon with some Holiday fun - there clearly is no scrapping going on right now and I'm longing for when that will start up again - maybe after my new office furniture comes and I get seriously organized! Yippee!!!

Merry Christmas to all!