J O Y

May you know the real JOY of the season this Christmas!!!!


Lee, Amber and Reese

WIP

I feel like I have been up to my eyeballs in my to-do list the past couple of months.  I am finally got around to the quilt that has been on my bedroom make-over to-do list (thanks to a late night girl's sewing time).  Here is a sneak peek at it.  Right now it is at my friend's getting quilted...yippee!!! (I promised myself that I would practice and master FMQ in 2012!)  I can't wait to see what it looks like on the end of my bed. Now to get busy on the pillows!!!!

Oh and did I forget to mention that I have manged to paint 3/4 of my house.  It feels so good to have it finished, but everything it a blank canvas.  I can't wait to start creating and adding new and upcycled decor after I get all my Christmas sewing finish!!!

Trip to the Apple Orchard

We went to our 2nd annual trip to the Apple Orchard with my MOPS group a few weeks ago.  This is always a favorite for us.  Miss Reese has grown so much since last year.  All the baby/toddler is gone. 

Here is a picture of Reese from our trip last year.  Makes my heart hurt a tad.

Of course we had to stop for a picture.

Then off for a tour of the sorting and packaging of the apples.

Look at all the yummy apples!!!



Dad was able to go with us this year.





I wanted to take a few of these home with me.  I am pretty sure someone would have noticed me sneaking them out, so I decided to leave them there.

Next up was a hayride through the orchard to see all the apple, peach and cherry trees. 

The littles were able to stop and pick out a pumpkin to take home during the hayride.

And of course, we enjoyed the beatiful scenery.  I love all the colors that come out in the fall.

Stoping for a little photo shoot along the way.

After all the group activities came to a close, we decided to stay and pick a few (read way too many) apples. 

Nothing like a little help from dad. 

Nothing like the taste of fresh picked apple!  YUMMY!!!

It's Official.....

I am a mother of of Pre-schooler. How is that possible!?!?! Reese started 3 year old Pre-school a couple of weeks ago, and she LOVES it. It helps that she goes to school at the same place that I work, and she goes to school the two days I work. Mama is always close by. She has made a few new friends and is settling in just fine. Here are a few pictures of my big pre-school girl.

We hope you have a year full of learning, fun and new experiences.  BUT please stop growing up so fast, Peanut!!!

Love,
Mama & Daddy

Summer Time....

Summer came and went much too fast.  It was a busy, busy summer.  I kept waiting for things to slow down....and it never happened.  It seemed like my blog was one of the few things that has been neglected.  Fall is going to be just as busy, but I am determined to not let things get so neglected!! 

Here is a glimpse into some of our summer fun:

Reese was able to experience sparklers for the first time this summer....They were a big hit!

Everyone eats marshmallows on the end of a plastic spoon....right?!?!

Lot's of fun times spent with Papa.....

and Mamaw....

 Reese's 1st trip to the beach.  I am pretty sure we will be making more trips back in the future.

Playing in the sand....

We spent a lot of time at the pool....including swim lessons in July.



So much FUN!!!

 Reese was finally old enough to attend VBS.  It was a Gold Rush theme, and the kids were asked to wear western themed clothes.  Is it a bad thing that Reese had a different western outfit for all 5 days.....wink.  She was chosen as the best outfit in her class on of the days.  She was able to go up on stage and pick a candy bar of her choice....she chose a Milky Way.  She beamed with pride as she told us all about it. 

Fun songs......

and even more fun motions.....

And what would  a summer be with out a little splashing in some water puddles!!!

We hope you had a great summer....we sure did!!! 

Now to get busy on the never ending to-do list.....lots and lots of painting in my future!!!

Sweet Vintage 3rd Birthday Party

I know I am over a week late, but I had a good reason.  I have been enjoying some time away with Lee and Reese.  I started to write this post several times while we were away, but each time I sat down I had heavy eyes.  We are safe and sound back home with suitcases to unpack and laundry to wash.

Now onto Reese's Sweet Party.......

I had a lot of fun planning this sweet party for Reese's 3rd birthday.  I have to admit that it wasn't what I originally planned.  I had another theme all worked out and had even started buying a few things.  However, Reese figured out that her party is all about her and that she is the one who gets to pick out the cake.  She insisted on a princess cake, Cinderella to be exact.  I am so not into character themes, so I came up with (talked Reese into) the idea of a vintage inspired Cinderella Barbie cake.  From there, I decided to use vintage sheets and sheet scraps for the rest of the decoration.  I was really happy with the result, and I am so proud of myself for not going over board and stressing myself out (and believe me I could have stressed over a few things).

I went more simple this year.  I only decorated the dining room, only made the desserts(ordered pizza) and deciding to skip on favors (my family could care less for the small touches). 

Bunting made out of vintage sheets.  I am going to put it in my new sewing space to brighten it up.

I use an old framed print for the back drop of the dessert table.  I spray painted the frame pink, removed the glass and covered the print with a piece of vintage sheet.  The aqua "R" is from Reese's room.  I used aqua mason jars (thanks to my mom and dad for letting me have them) to hold fabric pinwheels.  I filled the jars with candy and wooden spools of thread.

Cake bunting made from vintage sheet scraps.  Lee requested a Ho-Ho cake, and it was one of the big stresses-I have made it numerous times, but the top layer decided to break into 3 pieces and fall off.  I was running to Target to get eggs and bake another layer at 11:00 and the party started at 1:00.  It came together in time thankfully!

Reese made it very clear that she wanted pink cupcakes with sprinkles to put on the cupcake stand (found at Macy's).  I made the pinwheels out of paper and glued a cute, little button in the middle. I then attached them to sucker sticks.

A big thanks to Aunt Denise for making Reese's Cinderella cake.  She was so thrilled when she saw it for the first time!

Cute vintage cards.  The one on the left was from me and Lee.  The one on the right was from my sweet friend, Jessica. 

Jessica also made Reese an adorable hat.  I LOVE it and it makes my heart smile every time I look at it.  She sells them if you need one :)



Reese was beyond thrilled with this little chick that came with her hat.  She kept sneaking it off the table every time I turned my back...Thanks for a special treat, Jessica!  Reese loved all the fun, girly thing you picked out Miss Grace!

Lee and I, as well as the grandparents, bought Reese this play house. Lee and our friend, Kevin, worked all day the Wednesday before the party to put it together.  It was sooo hard to keep Reese out of the back yard for 3 days.  It was totally worth it to see her face when we showed it to her before her party.  Thanks Uncle Kevin!

Also, Papaw and Mamaw brought this fun blow up house for all the kiddos....it was a huge hit!  Thanks Papaw and Mamaw!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Reese.  I am so glad that you enjoyed your party...even if it wasn't what I had planned orginally!