Ashly's INs & OUTs

{cozy comforts...}

2012-02-17T04:46:00.012-08:00

We are coping {ever so slowly} to life here without our precious house guest- Cooner! She swooped in & tempted us with life's pleasures that we became accustomed to. Did y'all know that homemade bread can be made DAILY? Or that desserts should be made {from scratch} DAILY? Or that Spa days can happen outside of the Pinehurst Spa DAILY? We now know that they can.... and we want MORE!!!!!

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Our house was so cozy with her here...

We got use to the wonderful smell of bread raising by the fire!!

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And she helped me with SO many things that I cannot begin to tell you. She does little things like: clean my earrings that I never take out & baseboards & windows & deep tissue massages to my neck- she has always known right where I need it. I guess that's what makes her mine!! And did I mention she can sew? She can- and OH how she did!!!!!!!!!

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We gave the guest room/office bed a little makeover. I wanted to incorporate some grey into it- so she did. She made this patchwork duvet cover that makes me want to spend the night here too!!!

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... and a bed skirt to boot. Are we the only 2 women that believe that you MUST have one? Please tell me the bed skirt is NOT dead?

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I love it so much more that anything we saw in the stores, in the magazine, or on-line!!!

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I know our future guests will too! THANK YOU sweet Cooner!!!

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And I found this old map while we were treasure hunting. It had been pretty neglected with water damage to the matte & in a yucky gold gilded frame. But, it was on canvas & I had never seen one this big on canvas for less than $50. It was $10- So I rescued her!

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Cooner cleaned her, I painted the matte & frame, then Joey distressed her. She resided in the hallway for now, until Catherine comes & advises me..... I love the colors.... & she might be my favorite 10 bucks that I've ever spent!!

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But... as much as we hate to admit it.... We have NO pride & are counting down the days until she comes again... And makes icing & lets A-man lick the mixer whisk or takes naps with the A-man or plays Legos with the A-man or .... does anything else that the Prince asks of her!!!

{happy V-day Joey..}

2012-02-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm helping out with both of the kiddo's class parties- busy BUSY! But I had to show you the little Valentine I made for my sweet husband. A Snellen eye chart of course that says-

"I love you Joey grow old with me ~A~".

Those were the last words in my wedding vows that I wrote for him. So today I'm reminding him of that & how I love him more than any wife ought to be allowed!!!!!!

Happy

Valentine's

Day!

XXOX

{Prissy's Valentine...}

2012-02-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

Well trying to out-do our previous years Valentine is proving to be harder & harder. This year we decided to make something edible! After all, every party needs an animal???

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We decided on these little critters from Martha's website. We picked up some kisses, yarn, pink felt, pompoms, & google eyes {actually just the kisses- sadly had everything else..}. First we glued on the little noses.

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Next the tails- carefully unwrap the foil, tuck inside, & wrap in back around the yarn.

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Then cut out some felt hearts for ears & add them between the 2 kisses.

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Add the eyes... She liked the bigger ones!

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TA DA!!!!!!!

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Did I mention that I {heart} 8 yr olds as much as 4 yr olds???

I do!!!

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I couldn't think of anything ~~corny~~ clever to write on them.... I thought about "Rodent you be mine?" or "You're so mice Valentine"? Then Prissy swooped in & said, "Momma how about Cheese be mine?" "PERFECT- my love" I said! And that's just what we did!!!

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We put them into some fun little pink frilly favor boxes {cause presentation is 90%- right?}.

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And added some conversation rings that we made here. The boys got some Star Wars chocolate coins & the girls got... well lip gloss of course! Prissy wouldn't have it any other way & besides I found them after Christmas on clearance for 20 cents each!!!!!!

{A-man's Valentine...}

2012-02-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hot off the printer.... they are done! This year we went with Star Wars themed valentines {NO surprise I'm sure}. I first semi-homemade this one with photo shop & copy/paste. I new we wanted to use glow sticks=light sabers. They turned out cute- A-man LOVES them! I cut a little hole & slipped a glow stick right into Yoda's hand. And corny is just cute- so of course "YODA one for me!" seemed brilliant beyond brilliant....

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Then I found this little template {I forget where it's from}. It's simple & cute as can be! I minimized it to fit a few onto one page of card stock.

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Then added some glow sticks from Michaels {$1.00 for 15}. I cut a little slit & taped the glow stick into place on the back.

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I think they are even cuter {and used WAY less printer ink}!!! And.. he got to write his own name- which is pretty precious to me. Have I mentioned lately that I {heart} 4 yr olds? I do!!!

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I found some star wars coins to go along with them. My A-man is beside himself for his class party.....

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All-in-All I'd say he's peeking- Star Wars Valentines, Star Wars chocolate, Star Wars in the theater this weekend in 3D, new Star Wars Legos this week, & Cooner is here!

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All is right in the republic!!!!!!

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P.S. I met up with my sweet BUNCO girls last night! Lauran hosted at her new beautiful house & made us food that was out of this world- recipes to come I PROMISE! I haven't laughed that loud that long in I can't tell you how long!!!!! THANK YOU Lauran, Susan, Char, Mel, Tracy, Michelle, Kim, Konni- I can't wait to do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{bags, bed, & bench}

2012-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well... {I always say that huh?} we have been busy little bees around here! Cooner is here & we have only 3 objectives to accomplish during her trip- #1 bags {for Prissy's class V-day party} #2 bed {making the new little guest bed a little more.. well pretty} #3 bench {the bench in the dining room has visible nail heads & chippy paint that offends Cooner in the highest degree}. We are making progress, but the blog is gonna have to take one for the home team. I do have some super fun V-day stuff to share, but for now I'll recap some past V-day tutorials.

Enjoy!

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fortune cookie Valentine

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V-day backpacks

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Car Valentines

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Peppermint heart suckers

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ipod Valentine

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Chocolate boxes

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Cutie pies

{hit by the bug... not the love one!}

2012-01-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

Well.... I thought that the "bug" was over with only a slight case. The A-man & I had sick tummies on Friday and over the weekend {# 3s- named by my man child}. Use your imaginations please- I haven't the strength to go into it. But... low & behold on the way to school this morning- the "pukes" {again named by him} began for the A-man. He was pretty pitiful {but not as much as Prissy :) }. She dared not witness the blessed event! And the girl who begs to be walked into class- asserted her independence & walked right in with no protest- thank goodness! We are home, he is bathed, crackers are a plenty, Backyardigans are in progress... & now car carpets must be tended to. OH how I wish I had someone else to play "grown up" around here today...........

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But.... he wants me to hold him like when he was this age. I guess that's the Lord's way of making this "bug" bearable!!!

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p.s. A-man wants me to mention that the new Star Wars Legos come out today... He thinks maybe he might feel better if his daddy brings one home- hint hint!

{He'll fight for you...}

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

... and He will win! I can easily let the mother bear out when it comes to my kiddos. I can. I am NOT perfect nor do I pretend to be. I am cross some days just because & almost always I take great offense when the hearts of those I love get broken.... I instantly want to jump in & settle things {i.e.- make it all better}. But... sometimes I can't because it is not my fight. You see I am learning right along side of my sweet babes that life is not always pleasant. Good sometimes {even for Anakin Skywalker} doesn't always win. And sweet spirits do often get taken advantage of. But that being said- don't think that you are alone! You are NOT. He who formed you in your mother's womb is with you my sweet girl & He will make it right. When others break in like thieves & try to steal your joy- He is with you. When I am not there to give you the words to say- He is! When you are scared & to the point of tears- close those tiny watery eyes- & you will see Him. He is fighting for you even before you ask him to. I know these things cause He & I are close like that.... He & I talk about you. He & I.... we love you! And as much as I adore you {and that cannot be fathomed on a worldly scale} He adores you more! Remember this my sweet girl & all that we have talked about. He will fight for you!

~Ex 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.~

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I saw this today & instantly thought of that kind of love. The love that protects NO matter what. The Momma love... The Julia Sugarbaker kind of love!!! He loves you like that too!!!

{brought to you by the letter.. N}

2012-01-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

I thought we had letter "M" for snack.... I had wonderful ideas for "Mickey Mouse" cheese & "milk & M cookies" or "mini" anythings.... But- I had signed us up for "N" snacks! Why my brain doesn't work when it comes to alphabet snacks.... I'll never know? The kiddos & I raided the pantry last night in hope of inspiration. They turned up their noses at the idea of "natural" peanut butter, "navy" beans, & "noodles"- YES we need to make a market run :). We decided on "necklaces" made out of gum balls, pretzels, candy, fruit loops, & whatever else fun treat that could be threaded onto "navy" blue yarn {Prissy's idea}!

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The kiddos & I dumped the before mentioned into bowls, cut the yarn , labeled the bags, & strung the "Necklaces" like ~~one~~ some gone mad!

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The A-man was meticulous about getting a little of everything.... on his- ha ha!!

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Prissy was ALL about making them pretty... she made Mrs. Archer's & most of the little girls'!!

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A-man said it was a success???

{conversation rings...}

2012-01-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

Yes! It is time to start thinking of Valentine's day already..... Although I thought I was ahead of the game :: only to find most stores putting out St. Patrick's & EASTER stuff. Any-who we here @ Harris House- {heart} V-day! I saw this simple tutorial on Pinterest. Super cute, cheap, & easy as taking candy from a baby- shame on you {Joey} if you have done that!!

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~Conversation Ring Tutorial~

{start out with a bag of candy & some wedding favor metal rings}

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Simply size the rings to your 8 yr old- no surprise who helped me- ha ha! Then glue them on.

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It's as easy as that! We put them in some little boxes that we scooped up on clearance last year {or was it Cooner that scooped them up?}. No matter- they have them again this year @ Wally & Harris Teeter.

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I'm pretty sure they are gonna be a hit. Now hurry up & get gluing!!!!

p.s. I also picked up some "conversation heart" erasers @ the Dollar tree- I think I'll make some of those into rings too.....

{Magnum Opus...}

2012-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am asking myself what is my greatest life work, my masterpiece.... my magnum opus? I instantly think of my sweet Prissy. Who is the very best & worst of me. She has a heart of gold {you can ask anyone}. She is precious to the very core. And she could walk in high heels at 1 & 1/2..... {don't ya just wanna pinch that little tooshy?}

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She giggles when you take her picture even now {mommas love that}. She is kind, patient, & sweet.... She is! And I love her little ways- wanting to mother her brother, her daddy, & me!!!

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She adores all things regarding crafts:: paper {fun or just plain white}, tape, glue, fabric, googlie eyes, puff balls, & sewing.... And always has! She colored in the lines when she was 2!

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And she's FANCY! She loves boas, ruffles, sequins, jewelry, & anything other accoutrement that makes an ensemble more than before. I {heart} that about her!!!

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She is compassionate. When I was on bed rest she took care of me. YES- my then 3 yr old brought my lunch {prepared by Joey & placed on the bottom shelf of the fridge} to my bed almost everyday. She brushed my hair, brought me lotion, played card games with me, tucked herself in for her nap, & learned to wipe her own bottom! Yep- she did!

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She is loyal. My sweet girl is on my side.... even when I'm wrong- bless her little heart. It's not easy admitting I'm wrong, but she drives me to it- she makes me want to be better!!!!!

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She is generous- so much more than me. She would give you anything you asked for. She is constantly giving away her favorite things, I hesitate & want to tell her to keep them. But am reminded that she is teaching me {most days} on this journey of ours....

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She is beautiful! Both on the inside & out. But her beauty is breath taking! She has a way of making your day in her sweet words, notes, & phone calls. Her voice is one of most favorite thing about her.... and Cooner's too! And she is also a beautiful dancer- I love to watch her. And singing... we sing on the way to wherever we are going on ALL the way home. It makes me miss Cooner so much {she's our trio}!!!

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She has been reading Charlotte's Web for school {we've read it a few times- she & I}. It makes me think of me & my life as a mother. What I'm doing in this world that counts? I think of her & the legacy that I am leaving. She is one of my finest works- my Magnum Opus!!!!

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"Are you awake, Charlotte?" he said softly. "Yes," came the answer.

"What is that nifty little thing?"

"Did you make it?" "I did indeed," replied Charlotte in a weak voice.

"Is it a plaything?" "Plaything?" I should say not. It is my egg sac, my magnum opus.

"I don't know what a magnum opus is," said Wilbur.

That's Latin," explained Charlotte. "It means 'great work.'

This egg sac is my great work- the finest thing I have ever made.

~Charlotte's Web

{FYI}

2012-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

I am mildy obsessed with Downton Abbey. Have you heard of it? It aired on PBS last year & I quickly became a HUGE fan. Season 2 began last Sunday. You can go online & watch all of season 1 & catch up. It is full of wonderful! Am I the only 30 something girl that loves british love stories???

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...and 2 quick notes~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my gentle-giant of a brother! I hope you have a super wonderful day big bro..... And please pray for my sweet SIL Carol who is having her gallbladder out today. My kiddos are very concerned that "Uncle Carol" will be scared. She was quick to let us know that "she will be brave, because she has Jesus!" Amen!!!!!

{another office re-do}

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

In an effort to actually "live" in all the spaces of our home, I'm attempting to change the office a bit {again}. I really want it to double as a guest room {meaning more than an air mattress} & an office/sewing room. I found this little bed in one of my favorite 2nd hand shops. It is a bit smaller than a twin, but perfect for my space. Although it started out a bit extreme PURPLE.... I knew it had potential.

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I painted her & had the man rough her up a bit {bless his little heart}! But I need some help with furniture placement people.... and bedding ideas...... white or color?

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I tried it up against the wall- like a day-bed/couch... but it didn't feel right? It does look spectacular with the trunk at the foot... but again I'm not sure?? Suggestions PLEASE!!! Should I make it a couch against the wall or keep it out like a bed???

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But... I am for sure about 1 thing! I love this little basket- kinda fun for company to have some magazines to look through.......

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And I love this little candle with a cameo- shiny & antique chic ALL in 1!

{source $4.00 @ TJ Maxx}

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help me sweet friends.......

{good deeds...}

2012-01-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

Well.... we are taking it easy today. I {heart} Sundays! I love the whole day off together & knowing that we don't have to be ANYWHERE [after church]. Today we are starting these...

"good deed cards".

I saw this idea months ago, but decided to start it fresh after the new year. The kiddos get a punch for every "good deed" that they do. Now... that does not mean helping your little brother put on his shoes {that should be done no matter if prizes are awarded!} or unloading the dishwasher {although that is new around here too}. We have never really had chores or allowances {and aren't starting now} but I do think it's important to "train" them in every area including but not limited to: setting the table, clearing the table, & unloading the dishwasher. I'll let you know how it goes- hopefully they will gain some independence & I'll be appreciated a bit more- only time will tell?

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Now back to the cards- I issued the cards Saturday. They were briefed on the meaning of "good deeds" & all the necessary questions were answered. "How many punches do I need?" {13}. "What do I get when my card is filled?" {A prize that you'll love, because you will have earned it!} "When does it start?" {Now}. "Momma can I massage your back?" {Of course, but remember a "good deed" is something above & beyond- ha ha ha}. Anyway- as you can see the punches have begun, the kiddos are crazy excited, & .....long live the Queen!!!!!!

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I found them here.

Just go to this site & download. Please keep me updated with your "good deeds".....

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And speaking of new around here.... Joey & I are attempting to read through this bible in a year together. We read on our own, journal about it, then discuss it @ night together. So far so good! It has always been a goal of mine, hopefully with a buddy I will stick to it. And something about the shameful look that I imagine him giving me... makes me dare not skip a day! Prissy has joined along side us too! We are 8 days in & her journal entries would make you cry your eyes out. Oh the faith of a child.... thank you Jesus for your sweet spirit in her!!!

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And the A-man has made a couple of resolutions too.... like learning how to spell his middle name & playing Legos at least 5 out of 7 days! I think he'll make a valiant effort {at least with the no. 2}- ha ha!

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Happy Sunday!

{free-cycle friday..}

2012-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Well.... I promised to share what I've been working on this week. I have been itching to change some things, but hesitate to put a lot of money towards something that I might want to change AGAIN very soon- y'all know me- ha ha.

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As you know I {heart} white almost to a fault sometimes. Most of the red is gone & has been replaced with softer hues of blue. Our kitchen chairs were stained red {by Joey about 9 yrs ago}. I thought of going white, but when I saw a pint of some bluish color.... well you know what happened.

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Joey distressed them- sorta fun with the red showing through. I really LOVE the new look & it was free- score!!!

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Next I bought a rug {which I hated & now have to return- boo} but in the process realized how GREEN my fireplace was.... So I ~~begged~~ asked my sweet hubby to paint it out for me {he is much better @ details than me}. And- I ADORE it!!!!!

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Do you remember the before?

{this looks black in the picture, but trust me it was GREEN}

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Now after.... Aha so much better- & again FREE. I always have white paint on hand :)

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Then..... I brought in the little blue sofa from the office {finally}. It's my very very favorite piece in the whole house & now we get to use it more!

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The kiddos are nuts over the new set-up. A-man plays in here more than ever. He now has his very own Island of Hoth {snow scene from Star Wars = white sofa} & 2 forts to fight with his Nerf guns- yeah! I think????

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Plus we now have seating for 3 more- bring on the company!!!!

Have a great weekend....

Never underestimate what you can do for FREE!!!

{Christmas break highlights....}

2012-01-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

Well.... break is over, the tree is down, & we are back to school.... but the memories remain. I really think this break {doing nothing but hanging out here @ home & with friends- was so wonderful}. We stayed in our pj's about 50% of the time- {total bliss- I tell you}. We all took turns under my comfy quilts & enjoyed movies in my bed with the heated mattress pad {my very VERY favorite of my Christmas gifts}. What can I say? I am a VERY old soul that tends to channel even older comforts in life- like heating pads, aprons, knee socks, vicks vapor rub, & black & white movies- now heated mattress pads can be added to my list- ha ha.

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Prissy cracks me up! Here she is wearing a hair clip that I put on one of her presents & her new glasses. She has been wearing my "fake" glasses around here for months- y'all remember the ones from Claires that covered your eyebrows & were peach? Well... the new & MUCH improved ones just fit little girls & actually look real. She has worn them everyday since Christmas!!!

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A-man- well let's just say he's in LEGO heaven. He was over the moon with his gifts, but the Republic Frigate won 1st place in his heart. We all chipped in with the assembly & it was completed by the afternoon- Amen!!!!!

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And {being the frugal shoppers that we are huh hunnn} BOTH got each other this toothbrush. Regularly $80.00- 1 day 1/2 off = $40.00 + $10 off coupon + $20 off rebate = $12.00! We cracked up when we both opened it up. I told y'all he was my soul mate!!!!!!!! {p.s. yes I know I look a bit rough here- but I worked Christmas Eve, got home around midnight, put a roast on, filled the stockings, then showered, barely closed my eyes, & was awaken by 2 little VERY eager children........}

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And although it was not a "white" Christmas... I made some of these for my little guy. Does this make you think of anyone???? If you were thinking "Yoda" then God bless you & may I say "the force is strong in you"!!!! A-man hugged my neck clean off when I gave them to him. I saw the idea on Pintrest.

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But.... I think one of my very VERY favorite moments was Prissy's piano recital.... Can I just say... tears!!!! {you can click HERE to listen to a smidgen of it... as many times as you like :) }

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Now I'm off to finish up some things around here- I can't wait to show y'all. Hopefully later this week........... Remember my red chairs?

{Happy 2012...]

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

{my new mantra for 2012}

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and.... today I'm having a bit of "house envy"- do you blame me? Isn't this little cottage precious? It makes me want to paint my brick house white- I'm not even kidding. This place needs a little sprucing up in 2012.... so y'all get your glue guns ready cause NO piece of furniture is safe- ha ha.

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... and this is the view inside the front door. See- y'all want to join me with re-do's & over hauls now don't ya? Okay!!! I'm itching to show you the new furniture move in the living room & the "near" rug that wasn't to be.... But for now I'm soaking up the last days of break with my sweet kiddos... I'll be back soon!

{merry CHRISTmas 2011}

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

Adoring with you, our humble king- which is Christ the Lord!!

{on the 5th day of CHRISTmas...}

2011-12-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

... my book page wreath came to be: 5 bazillion book pages, 4 dollars spent, 3 3rd degree burns {from the glue gun}, 2 hours in prep, & a wreath that makes my heart smile!!!

::the book page wreath tutorial::

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First get yourself an old book, a foam wreath form {$4 @ Michael's with coupon}, & your glue gun!

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Next rip out all of the pages.... don't worry it doesn't her. Although I did feel a tiny smidgen guilty... at first. But- by about page 30 the shame & guilt were gone!

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Begin folding the pages {ripped side out- to make it a little more fancy} in sort of an accordion style like this.

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Over lap and keep going..... until you think you might die of boredom or glue gun burns........ Then fill inside the wreath with shorter pages {I clipped the pages in 1/2}. Until it looks full enough.

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Then set back & marvel at your work. I wasn't sure at first... but I LOVE her now!!!

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And I think she can stay up after the CHRISTmas tree comes down. Which makes me SUPER happy!!!

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p.s. I found some star fish... Do y'all like the tree better before or after???

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And... my little A-man made this little angel for me. Isn't it precious. I asked him "why she looked sad?" He said "he didn't know how to make a smile face, but she was happy on the inside!" {very seriously}. ::update - A-man has now mastered a "smiling face" thanks to his sister!::

Merry CHRISTmas eve Y'all!!!!!!

{brown paper packages tied up with strings..}

2011-12-23T05:06:00.000-08:00

Yes! Brown wrap {and white} are 2 of my favorite things. I have always believed that when you give a gift- you are really giving 2- the actual gift & the wrap! Silly? I think not! :: Our favorites this year: A-man's- the one with the lego mini-figure; no surprise! Prissy's- the one with ruffly white bow {a scrap from the elastic from a sheet :) }:: These pretty packages under our CHRISTmas tree are making us more & MORE excited about the big day!

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I think using trader joe's bags as CHRISTmas wrap is pure genius- I can't take the credit- I saw them on urban farmgirl's blog. But we do have some under out tree too!

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Also this is a MUST make after CHRISTmas. I think having a little "home" for my ear buds is gonna make running even more sweeter. And I'm pretty sure a little girl I know will want some to...... {credit from dog under my desk- blog}

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And this little lego creation from my A-man makes me want to cry... This is Prissy {I love the ponytail on the side}, me {and I love my scarf & shades}, Joey {tie & khaki pants}, & him {backpack full of legos!}- ALL headed to Indiana for CHRISTmas!!!!

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::Our family has a few CHRISTmas traditions: #1 we exchange ONLY 3 gifts because we want our children to see us giving 3 like the wise men did for baby Jesus, #2 we always adopt a family in need (usually with children) so that our children can help choose gifts for them, #3 we bake a birthday cake for Jesus on CHRISTmas Eve & eat it for breakfast on CHRISTmas morning, & #4 Joey reads the story of baby Jesus to us during our party- this is my FAVORITE because Josey now chimes in with verses & narrates right along with him! Well.. I gotta get back to work- we have a few more gifts to deliver... "Only 2 more sleeps Momma" has been said around this house more than once this morning.. (that is how she has equated time since she was 2.. I LIKE her....)::

{parties.. parties... parties....}

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

A-man's party was 1st this year. We did cupcakes & party hats for Jesus' birthday. And a craft of course. We made little edible Christmas trees. {sugar cones, green icing, & enough skittles, gum drops & m&ms to induce a sugar comma :) }. Trust me- they LOVED it!!!!

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Prissy's party came next{I got a little smarter this year}. When I placed the sign-up sheet: I made spaces for sweet, salty, & HEALTHY! The kiddos ate their weight in brownies, cheetos, & carrots! Then we made a craft {you expected that didn't ya?}. I found some design your own travel mugs from the Dollar Tree. We gave them a mug, some fun scrapbook paper, & enough stickers to cover the entire thing if they wanted! Those 3rd graders LOVED every second of it!!! And the A-man did too. He found some Star Wars stickers {not by coincidence} & created a masterpiece of this own! Then we hosted a play-date with one of her dear friends- "the perfect ending to the perfect day" in her words!!!

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This year Joey & I were asked to help out @ our neighborhood's Christmas party. He was asked to share the story of baby Jesus- which he did a phenomenal job! Complete with goodie bags for the Q & A answer portion @ the end {thanks to Prissy & I- who just happened to have whipped them up minutes before we left}! And I helped the kiddos do a Christmas craft- so FUN!!!

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... and now y'all know why I didn't answer my phone on Monday & we stayed in our pj's ALL day long! I LOVE break............ Now if we just had a little snow, all would be right in the world!

{American Girl gifts} & Prissy's program...

2011-12-20T04:36:00.001-08:00

Remember these.... little American Girl Doll stockings that I made for Prissy? Well.. yesterday she decided they needed a little something in them!

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First we made something for Lizzie.... a little Julie inspired headband {she's an AGD from the '60s & with that came questions}. What is a flower child? Were they bad? What makes you a hippie? I died laughing @ my little one desperate to understand the PG version of "free spirits" & "give peace a chance"......

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We just cut a piece of lace {about 6 inches} then added it to a piece of elastic to make it fit easily around her head. Next we did a pattern with some beads to give it some color.

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It turned out super sweet- & we did a little home school history lesson to!! Which reminds me- the American Girl Doll book collection is fabulous! If you have little girls you should look into them....

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Next we made a little soft pink tutu for Lucy. It was my favorite of the projects. The perfect little skirt for my grand-daughter-doll! I know she'll love it :) or at least her mother will tell me she does- ha ha!

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This was also the easiest! We just took a piece of scrap trim & secured it together with a few stitches-

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TA DA! The perfect little stocking stuffer AGD style!

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Finally we made this little flower pin for Lanie. Prissy says she "loves blue & flowers" so this seemed like the obvious choice for her. They really are the perfect little accessory- for her hair, her purse, or anything!

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First get some satin scraps & cut them into 2 or 3 sizes then round off the edges.

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Then burn the edges {I did this part} with a candle until they look ruffled.

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Next stack them on top of each other- we decided 2 was enough for this little one.

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Then secure them together with some beads. Add a felt leave or 2 {optional} & pin on the back- PERFECT!!

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Finally we she wrapped them up pretty! I made some little gift bags out of wax paper {inspired by the folks @ Anthro}. Prissy finished them off with American Girl stickers from Michael's. **Michael's has ALL of the American Girl craft stuff 40% off this week**

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Prissy was an angel in the SCCS program this year. She {in my biased opinion} was perfect in every way!!! I had NO words.... just tears & lots of clapping!!!!!!!!!!!

{fudge} & A-man's program...

2011-12-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well... I think the holiday baking this year is nearing an end! We have baked for parties, school mates, teachers, neighbors, & co-workers. The kiddos have been a HUGE help this year- at least @ taste testing- ha ha! These last 2 weeks I have been missing my Grandma Sissy even more than when I have stains {she was a master stain remover} or when I make vegetable soup {hers remains the family's favorite}, or just when I wear one for her aprons. But... ALWAYS when I make "candy" her word for peanut butter fudge. I use her recipe faithfully {I hold it very dear because it is written in her beautiful writing}. This year I made her version & Paula Dean's- both were a hit, but Grandma Sissy's was the best!

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Paula Dean's Peanut butter Fudge:

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I wrapped mine just like Grandma- she hand wrapped each piece.

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Also- this year I added 1 cup butterscotch bits to my brownies- THANKS Carol! They were a HUGE hit!!!

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My A-man had his pre-school program last week... isn't he handsome!!!

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He & Syd stood next to each other.... of course!

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...and this year- HE SANG! {with all of his heart}!

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.... & I cried {with ALL of mine}!! Then I kissed his little face off & bought him some ice-cream!

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P.S. our Christmas break has officially begun around here..... let the fashion begin! This is Prissy's day #1 Pj/morning ensemble!!!

{keeping up the charade...}

2011-12-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy lately that I haven't gotten to hit some of my favorite "junk stores". So.... when I got the chance this weekend to sneak out ALONE- {dare I say it}, I stumbled on some unlikely treasures. Now rule #1 of thrifting is: keep a running list going of things that you need. I call it "my mental needs list" which Joey thinks is a figment of my imagination... and that's partially true. When I come home with something he'll say sorta amazingly "I didn't even know we needed that" after I've driven home the point {the minute that he gets in the door}- that I've been looking for this for weeks...... & it's perfect..... & I saved tons of $...... and well you get the point!

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I really {wink wink} have been looking for one of these old watering cans with a fluted neck. This particular one was just the right size, I LOVE the color, & it was $2.00- SCORE!

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My little guy's arsenal of weapons is growing by the day.... and Christmas isn't even here yet! We formally had a little wire trash can, but it was easily knocked over when company comes & it was NO match for the "big guns"! Solution- this galvanized one that weighs about 10 lbs. It looks sorta retro-cool & is perfect in size. Total cost a splurge @ $8.00

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As I was leaving I noticed this little tree... the owner through it in for free. I attached it to one of the A-man's little vintage trucks. I love the look of it & I saw some of these for $15.00 on Etsy.

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Now as I was leaving again.... the owner {don't know his name, but he knows my little guy cause I dragged him along a few months ago :) } asked "is your little fella still into Star Wars?" "Yes Sir I said." "Does he like Legos?" "They are is love language right now, why do you ask?" I said. "Well I knew I had some Star Wars stuff around here somewhere... you give him this from me & tell him Merry Christmas!" Y'all I was shocked- I knew 2 little boys {Joey included} that were gonna be over the moon when I returned!!!

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Joey {being the novice gypsy- ha ha} looked on eBay to price it. It was an original Star Wars Lego- UNOPENED going for $195.00 on eBay! Needless-to-say we opened it! And it now has a shiny new spot on the "favorite" shelf. I guess I have no other choice but to keep up this whole "junking" charade .... it's a chore but it must be done!!!!!!!!!!!!

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p.s. this little picture says it all. 3 of my most favorite things in the whole wide world. And one of them is clutching a new Lego in this pic.................

{stocking shop talk....}

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

So... when I went away to IU Cooner sent with me: a glue gun & floral wire?? I know I looked at her crazy-like. I swear if y'all knew how much I used those things then.... and how much I do now- it would amaze you! Now speaking of crafting.... let's talk stockings! This year I wanted to go neutral & knew that the red & green oldies {circa 2001- when the Mr. & I moved to NC} had to go! I found some white ducking fabric @ Wally for about $8.00/yard {60 wide}. **do not count out Wal-mart for your fabric needs**

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I started out with a pattern out of a shirt box {I left it @ Cooner's}. One thing these new ones needed was to be FUNCTIONAL. The others were a bit narrow at the top- these are NOT {I like to stick DVD's etc in them}. I decided to go the easy route & not even turn them once I stitched them- gasp!!! I think they are prettier with the more sorta worn look & they took all of about 5 minutes each {including the cutting}!

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Next I added {with the help of Cooner's button box & Carol's advice- THANKS girls!} some buttons & other ruffly scraps....

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~Joey's~

{simple with faux fur, scrap popcorn fringe, & a sweater button from who knows where?}

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~Mine~

{with a ruffle & a rose made from a sheet- you know me so well!! Finished off with a VERY girly button with a genuine imitation diamond!}

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~A-man's~

{sorta rodeo}- I couldn't make "lego" or "star wars" neutral.... so I told him that "he's the deputy around here & he can carry a pistol"- he smiled! Star buttons & a cowboy boot button finished it off on top of faux fur & some cream felt circles {courtesy of Antropologie- I love how they wrap gifts to me!!}

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~Prissy's~

{hers... well makes me smile! I had to add a rose cause she asked :) & the little antique crystal buttons were my grandmothers. I added some cream canvas ribbon as an outline to make it a little more "girly".}

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Total cost = $8.00 for enough fabric for: 4 family stockings, 3 American Girl Stockings, & a tree skirt {unfinished I'm afraid until next year}....... The happiness that they bring= PRICELESS!!

:: case in point that it doesn't cost a lot to make the holidays special ::

{our Christmas tour 2011}

2011-12-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well.... if you stopped here hoping for a glimpse of what y'all saw last year- STOP! Or... you can check it out {here}. Cooner did not come.... but Christmas is still coming. I have scaled back {much to Prissy's fancy dismay} from last year & even changed my color scheme. You'll notice less red & much more natural colors & things that can be left out after Christmas.... I like to call it "winter decorations" -ha! I do LOVE the white & softness. Our home feels clean & fresh somehow?

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1st stop- the mantel.... I used fresh greenery this year, but it id dying FAST with the fire...

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How do ya like the new stockings? I'll show the details another day, but for now I LOVE them!

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I used subtle touches of Tiffany blue all throughout this year. This little music box came from a photo shoot with Tina.

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...on the other side- I flanked some books tied up with gray ribbon & a new compote pot from Cooner- {she finds the best things!}.

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I added in some more white in the built-ins. Owls seem to be all the rage this season. This little guy came from Ross- I think he was $5 .

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My tree is in Cooner's words "pretty, but not spectacular!". She has never been one for sparing the truth- but I love that about her.

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And to that I say "well then come over here & HELP me!"

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I know that it needs ribbon & perhaps star fish {and if you know where to get some- please tell me}, but this is all I got... this year!

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more little Tiffany blue touches....

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I added just a little touch of decor in the dining room with a white poinsettia {from trader joes- $2 } & vacation shells!

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The mantle wreath has changed 3 times already... and I can't promise that there won't be a 4th? I made this one out of book pages {tutorial to come} last night. What do you think?

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....and the packages are even joining in on the color scheme- I have used everything to wrap gifts with this year from grocery sacks to sheets to burlap!

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I'm also loving the look of faux hanging wreaths onto mirrors. I put this little girl up with a suction cup hook & strung some ribbon behind the mirror. {dang these gold walls- they make everything look jaundiced in these pics :) }

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p.s. I'm linking up with the Nester here....

{easy-does-it....}

2011-12-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have been e-a-s-i-n-g into the whole Christmas decorating thing this year.... Partly because we went away over Thanksgiving & that's when I like to decorate, but mostly because Cooner isn't here to make the most tedious of tasks fun!!! However... I have 2 make that 3 eager elves around here that will not be "just one more day-ed" anymore- ha ha. I think our tree is done {for the most part}. It is much MUCH less excessive than last year, but I think it will do? The kiddos' trees are up.... I think you can guess which one is the A-man's!!!!

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He insisted on putting his "bath-time" Star Wars guys on it. I think it is positivity precious... much like the little boy that falls asleep looking at it!

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Chewy took top honors this year.....

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Prissy chose a more traditional tree with feather boas & tiaras & jewels... I wish she were more fancy- ha ha. I made her these little stockings for Lucy, Lanie, & Lizzy with scraps from our new stockings that I FINALLY finished- AMEN! I can't wait to show you how great they turned out!!!!

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The kiddos got their 1st ever Advent calendars tonight- gasp! A-man got this one- no surprise! He could hardly eat dinner tonight... he is so excited to get the tiny gun ship & the tiny Yoda & all the other "tiny-s" that come along with it!!

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Prissy got this cheapo from the Fresh Market. I was sorta in a panic with not having anything for her & knowing she would want to open something every morning like the A-man. She adored it- and the sparkly pj's that came along with it :) . And thanks to 3rd grade Latin- I just learned that "advent" is a verb meaning coming... which implies the "coming of the King=Jesus"! Am I the only one that didn't know that... please tell me I am not???

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p.s. Prissy & I decked out her classroom for "Crazy Christmas" tonight- SO FUN!!! Let's just say the spirit shield may have a new home- ha ha. And.... the A-man & I are headed there tomorrow to teach the 3rd grade all about the nervous system & the circulatory system- YIKES!!! I have a few fun surprises up my sleeve.... but I am NO public speaker {even with little people}!

{our Holiday highlights...}

2011-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

We are back from our wonderful trip up north.... We had an amazing time! We came back & have hit the ground running since- YIKES! But I have to show y'all a few highlights really quickly-

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First stop- Cooner & Papaw's. We celebrated Thanksgiving with my parents this year. Cooner had a table set for kings! She & Prissy put these @ every setting.

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I cracked up once I heard what the A-man had asked his sister to write for him... "I am thankful for... Star Wars Legos!"

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"I was thankful for...." this PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE {from Martha Stewart's website} & my salvation & family too of course. Joey, Prissy, Travis, Tucker, Sysun, Abbie, Jaylee, Kelly, & I ALL agreed it was the single BEST dessert that we have EVER tasted!!!! The double batch was gone in less than 24 hrs!!!!!!

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Cooner picked these greens on Thanksgiving- they were amazing!!

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The A-man & Tuck shot some hoops for hrs at the gym- THANK YOU Uncle Michael! {and Aunt Peggy you are my our prayers!!}

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Next up- Grandma Harris'. We were warmly welcomed with chili & treats- YUMMY!!! Then the ROOK began... Jeff, Jean, Joey, & Jamie table talking like you have never heard before- ha ha!!

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And somewhere in between- we got a new wookie for the A-man, a Glee Album- SO FUN!, some crafts, some clothes, & some new fun things for Prissy's- Lanie, Lucy, & Lizzy. I cracked up when I heard her unpacked talking to her girls about "sharing their new things"- what a fantastic little mother!!!!!!!!!

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and dare I say some new legos.... THANK YOU Uncle Jeff & Tyler for helping the A-man put his new ship together!!!!

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And Prissy & Allisonny got to spend some girl time together crafting & hanging out!!

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And I got spoiled by a little girl who wanted me a lot... and I LOVED every single minute of it! YES my sweet little Paige was my little BFF the whole trip. I secretly planned the whole thing- getting her a wand & putting on top her gift to lure her in..... it worked perfectly. HURRY down her to see you Aunt Ashly little one- I MISS YOU!!!!!!!

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Of course what Muncie trip would be complete without a pony ride or 10 from Uncle Jeff? I'm pretty sure I know what he ~~wants~~ needs for his b-day next month.... pain killers & a back adjustment- ha ha. THANK YOU all so much for everything!!!

{turkey treats}

2011-11-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up for some fun Turkey stuff this week..... Last night was Prissy's "Taste of Thanksgiving"- precious! And today the A-man is having his class party {I do so LOVE parties}. We made these little guys! They have been taste tested... and they are adored by ALL!!!!!!

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~Here is what you need~

Rice Krispies, marshmallows, white icing, sucker sticks, candy corn, & chocolate- I mean really.... how could they be anything but wonderful??? YUM!!

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First- make a batch of rice crispies & mold them into balls. Then put them on wax paper & pop them into the fridge to set (about 10 minutes).

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Next dip them into chocolate (I just microwaved some chocolate chips in a bowl for about 1 minute & swirled the ball in it) Then I added the details- tail feathers & eyes. I wish I had some other fun things to add to them.... but that's the beauty of 4 yr olds! They LOVE anything sweet!!!

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Finally... wrap them up tight, tie a little bow around their necks, & pray for the President's pardon- ha ha!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

{late... b-day wishes!!!}

2011-11-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy

Birthday

Aunt Michelle!!!

we love you!!!!

{holy sheet....}

2011-11-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

..... y'all know I love to re-purpose things & sheets are my FAVORITE. They are perfectly worn in = soft, versatile = ours are all white, & you always have them on hand = clearance sales!! When the holes come- that's when the magic happens! This week I used up the rest of the one I used for the ruffle lamp shades. Remember them? Here is how I made them {lampshade tutorial}.

**I am just now realizing the title of this post may be a tiny bit inappropriate??? Sorry!**

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I moved the "real" curtain from the office into the dining room.... and needed a quick fix. I decided to try a sheet? Cooner has made a blue million- so I knew it was possible. It turned out pretty great considering it was already hemmed on 2 sides & it was $FREE$. Joey thought it was "genius". This coming from a man who once asked me {2 days into our marriage} if I knew anyone who could sew a button on his shirt.....

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And because I LOVE wrapping gifts... I added some leftovers from the sheet to some gifts. I knew that my sweet Prissy would appreciate it... and she did!!!

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I love the look of this crib sheet scrap that I used for my sofa pillows last summer. This one is for the A-man... he was not as impressed- ha ha!

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p.s. THANK YOU for your sweet comments & e-mails about our Christmas pictures!! I ordered our cards- yeah!!! And if you are looking... check out Costco- their prices are amazing!!!

{someone help me.....}

2011-11-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

So..... the girls & I ran away to the beach last weekend! We had a blast, but did so MISS our sweet friends Michelle & Jodi B. They had really good excuses THIS YEAR, but I'm sure they'll tag along next year. We shopped & ate & shopped & laughed, then shopped some more- SO FUN!!!!!!! Then we came home to our lives that interestingly enough just keep right on going even without us..... I attempted {pause & sigh here} to take our Christmas card picture last night. After an hour of begging, pleading, & bribing.... this is all I have to show for it! Now with that being said, I do have about 1000 of Prissy that I would frame in a minute, but the 2 together- NOT so much. I need your help in choosing the best one......

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{not really a choice, but isn't she precious!!!!}

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{another non-card-contender picture... but I love her little 8 yr old ways}

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{again- not really a choice.... this was my breaking point! But they do look pretty cute now {a day later :) }

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p.s. Jodi PLEASE come & take my kiddos pictures soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I don't think you make nearly enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{11-11-11...}

2011-11-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

means 2 VERY important things to me!

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#1 It is Veteran's Day & being that I'm WAY patriotic it's a BIG deal to me. Daddy served in Vietnam, both of my Grandfather's served along with countless other family & friends. We as Americans have MUCH to be thankful so today... tell a Veteran "thank you!". In my family, Cooner thought it very important for me to know each of the armed forces theme songs. We would sing @ the Legion for the Veterans & I can remember them standing, saluting, & crying during their song... I had no idea then what they had been through, but now as an adult I can try to imagine....

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THANK YOU Daddy for leaving your peaceful little Bloomfield to make it safe for Cooner & Travis, & me..... You are a HERO to me today & EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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and #2 today is my hunky husband's b-day & y'all know how I hate to throw parties- ha ha!!! And being the sweet little wife I am {or at least want to be...}; I've have been running around here crazy this morning.

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He loves pumpkin & ANYTHING chocolate... and since the office did cake yesterday.... We are making pumpkin brownies. I saw this recipe {only with a cake mix} & wanted to try it out. And since we have 1/2 a cake in the fridge.... why not??? Just mix 1 can of pumpkin {gasp- not real?} & one box of brownies- that's ALL. Bake for 35 minutes @ 350... We tried them... they are TO-DIE-FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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And since Christmas last year when my MIL got us this incredibly wonderful blanket, affectionately referred to as "the wookie" yes another Star Wars reference.... We ALL want to use it EVERY night. And just guess what I found @ TJ Maxx this week.... yep another Wookie in blue- yeah!!!!! I they let him open it up last night so he they could use it. We have a few more surprises up our sleeves tonight.. including a Custom Lego Capt. Rex mini figure that I'm pretty sure may make me WIFE-OF-THE-YEAR & if not that, at the very least MOTHER-OF-ALL-TIME! Joey has been watching one on eBay for weeks... You see- I have a husband that says he's into Lego's for our son.... but after 13 yrs together- he can't fool me. He loves them too!! I'm SO glad that he got a little boy to play with- although I know he wouldn't have minded another full face of make-up wearin' or tea party-lovin' little girl.

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The kiddos & I are fancy-ing-up the dining room; complete with pin the candle on the b-day cake & place cards from Prissy! And a delightful centerpiece made of Legos & puff balls from my other trusty assistant!!!!

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HAPPY

BIRTHDAY

SWEET

JOEY!!!!

{"H" snacks....}

2011-11-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Today, as I juggled 2 backpacks, my OJ, my purse, & the leaf blower.... Oh I'm so glad you asked about the leaf blower:). I have no use or time for our little vacuum to clean out the car with these days #1 it is PATHETIC, #2 it has to be plugged in, #3 it takes way TOO long. So, I have started {and by started I mean TODAY} using the leaf blower instead! Genius right? Well sorta... only I'd re-think the cute scarf {that got caught in the motor of the blower this am} & perhaps use both hands next time....... None-the-less we made it ON TIME & with "H" snacks for the A-man's class. Aren't these little "Harvest Pumpkins" the cutest little things ever!!! My MIL gave us a little Kraft foods book with the idea.

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all you need is:

circus peanuts & something for the stem {I cut up a gummy Yoda- A-man had a little problem with that at first.... but quickly agreed that it was for the "good of the republic"- ha ha}

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just ~~smoosh~~ mold one together then draw the little pumpkin details with a knife

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VERY cute & VERY easy!!!!

{the class LOVED them... & Prissy has requested some too........}

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p.s. I really s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d on the whole "H" snack thing. I had originally thought of taking Hummus & Honey grahams.... but that didn't set well with the A-man. So... we went with

"Harvest Pumpkins", "Hersey" chocolate dipped pretzel rods, & mini "Hotdogs"! When I quizzed him on what to call his treats this morning he just kept saying, "Hu Hu pumpkins, Hu Hu pretzels, & Hu Hu piggies in blankets"- YIKES!!!! As y'all can see I am gonna need your help with "M" week.............................

{tonight...}

2011-11-07T15:35:00.001-08:00

... I {in an effort to win my hubby back over with food} made this. Homemade pizza SO makes me long for London! We can take down 2 pizzas now- for better or worse???

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.... and can y'all believe that our little garden is still yielding lettuce? It is- & the kiddos are eating it up as fast as it can grow- thank you Papaw for setting it out for us!!!!!!

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But.... what I really REALLY want is some of Cooner's pumpkin pie {the real kind NOT from the can- I know that sounds bratty but don't judge until you try it- There is NO comparison!!}. Actually... I just changed my mind. I really just want the one who makes the pies... come over Cooner! I miss you!!!!!!!!!

{Adan & Even...}

2011-11-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

I had to share this little clip that I just found . Joey had asked Prissy to tell him her favorite bible story. The story of Adam & Eve from a 4 yr old....... never mind the little "ice cream truck driver" in the background- ha ha!

I mean really- now can you begin tounderstand how much I love this child??
now multiply that X 1000

{a few things...}

2011-11-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Y'all know how I like to share great deals with you..... If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance- listen-up! You can go online & sign up for "blue points". It is a FREE health assessment program that tracks your eating, workouts, & other stuff. You get $10.00 for just signing up & the points add up VERY quickly!! Joey has been doing it for 2 yrs now & I just signed up last month. These babies came in the mail today.... & I'm totally stoked- YEAH!!!!!! They have gift cards for almost EVERYWHERE- including gas cards, restaurants, & iTunes.....

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I have been wanting one of these from Anthro for 2 years now. I usually carry it around the store then talk myself out of it because it's $15.00.....

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but low & behold guess what I found at Ross yesterday??? Yep this precious little thing... and it was $2 yes 2 BUCKS!!!!!!!!!! So... I scooped one up & now I want to go back & get more for gifts!!

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And.... while Cooner was here- my car {acting like it was on auto-pilot} turned itself down a street with a "moving sign" on the corner. Next we plundered around & I spied these beauties out of the corner of my eye. I love to ask {knowing that they are hundreds new & still yet expensive used}. Then I heard it... "I'd take $5.00 a piece," said the husband {I hope he doesn't get killed over the deal- ha ha}. "I'LL TAKE BOTH!" I heard myself say, {rather desperately I'm afraid}! Y'all it was like an out of body experience. #1 I had NO room for them & #2 I had NO truck to get them home with with..... Although, I felt like the ball was in my court with the Mr. since we had just killed ourselves with the Men's Breakfast {God is SO good to me- with his perfect timing & all :) }. Joey borrowed the neighbor's truck, we got them home safe & sound, I gave one to Cooner, & the rest is history..... It's a sickness I tell you- I love pretty things!!!!

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This is NOT good, but worthy of mentioning.... My little A-man did a 360 last night on his big boy bike. I swear the little angels that are assigned to him are EXHAUSTED by the end of the day- I know I am!!!!!! He was a "little brave" as he said.

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Thankfully we had some Star Wars band aides & a new Star Wars t-shirt to make things better. Cooner found these @ Wally for $7.00 & they are pretty cool!!!!!!!

HAPPY HUNTING!!!

{Halloween 2011...}

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well.... our night started out pretty darned SPOOKY with gusty winds & rain.... but dag-on-it- we went any way!!!!!!!!!!! The kiddos {of course} chose their own costumes this year. I think the days of me pointing them in any way towards something I like... is well... OVER. Prissy has wanted to be an Indian Princess for 2 years & the A-man... well he's Star Wars or bust these days!

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Prissy's FAVORITE part was the facial jewelry {I know y'all aren't the slightest bit surprised!}- ha ha!!!

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A-man's favorite part was a tie between the Clone blaster gun & the the talking Clone helmet {which he played for the crowds}!!!!

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They were both {surprisingly} VERY into it this year. Last year we carried the A-man, but NOT this year. He was the 1st man @ the door ringing the bell. He would say "treats please, NO tricks please!"

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I'd say it was our best yet!!!

{even though we had to start layering over the costume as the night got colder... and some certain Indian Princess didn't love that idea...}

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...and when they got home they assessed their good efforts!

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and then JOEY "helped" them sort it out- ha ha ha!!!!

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HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

Y'ALL!!!!

{greek feast part 2...}

2011-10-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

... finally I got the pics, but they ain't what they ought to be! I wish I would have taken more, that I would have brought a different lens, & that I could have collected myself enough to get one of Cooner with Prissy or me with Prissy or ANYONE with Prissy!!!! O-well coulda shoulda woulda I guess. Just trust me- that it was a HUGE success!!!!!!!!

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"The Program"

{printed by Mrs. Miller and ripped & burnt by me :). She died laughing when she saw them- I think she is starting to embrace my clearly psycho ways- ha ha!!!

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...I decided to make these little place cards Sunday night about 11ish. {Joey said he was scared about Prissy's wedding & the levels that I might go to... And I think he may be on to something- ha ha!!!}

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Cooner, Prissy, & I made these little party pics for our dessert tray...

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...and it was YUMMY FABULOUS!!!!

{NOTHING was left over when it was over- which I believe translates to a SUCCESS!!!}

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I opted for fancy over functional... and don't get Joey started on that one either! I can't tell you the # of hand towels that are for "show" & not to use {unless you're a guest} around here. But.. the kiddos LOVED the fanciness of it all!!!!!!! Needless-to-say I refilled some cups a few billion times :) !

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My brave Achilles... and I mean BRAVE. Here she is reading her clues to the "who am I" game in front of 60 parents & guests along with the entire school. She did FABULOUS!!!!!

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{Medusa & Artemis}

JC's momma & little sister {who just happens to be one of A-man's buddies}. They are SO fun- I love that they dressed up too!!!! And YES I made Artemis a place card too- she hugged my neck about 100 times. She calls me "Miss Ashly Harris, Ashton's mom"- ALL in one breath! I love her to pieces!!!!!!!!

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The 3rd grade class singing "On a Mountain named Olympus"- I know every word thanks to Prissy!!!!!! And the A-man does too, but he won't admit it- ha ha!! Did I mention how GREAT they were? THEY WERE AMAZING!!!!!!!

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Here is part of the food table. Cooner helped scape the entire thing & it was fantastic!!! We had the real deal in terms of Greek food. I now know that I LOVE it- who knew???

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Gracie's mom made the cutest cheese & fruit platter complete with gold silk & spray painted snakes- LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

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The kiddos also have been working tirelessly on art for the Greek Feast. We displayed some of it so the parents could see as they walked in. I could have picked out Prissy's without help... hers was the fanciest with the MOST accessories!!!!!

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Did I mention that my Prissy was SO great? She WAS!!!!! And did I tell y'all that she promised the A-man that he could "keep" the new sword & shield? He LOVES the whole idea of the Greek Feast!!!!!!!

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Cooner picked up these "Ancient Greek Ruins" at a tag-sale. They were a BIG hit too. I raided her storage shed when we went home for fall break. She is the ONLY woman I know who has 20 gold chargers, 50 clumps of fake grapes, & enough columns to decorate an entire church. I want to go on record by saying "I'm sorry" for ALL of the hoarding jokes over they years. She really came through for us on the Greek Feast!!!!!!

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GOOD JOB Achilles- your momma is SO proud of you. Through this entire Greek study you have proven yourself very loving, very kind, very respectful, very joyful, very patient, very good, very faithful, & with MUCH self control. I see A LOT of Jesus in you & everyone else does too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{greek feast part 1...}

2011-10-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

....so the greek feast went better than GREAT! the kids looked amazing, they knew their parts cold & blew away the audience with their performance, the food was to die for, & the decorations... they were pretty great too {if i do say so myself- ha ha}!!! i can't wait to show y'all pics, but my camera is being mean this morning... so i gotta wait until my mr. gets home to fix it :). now back to the feast- my sweet little girl played achilles {a boy, but that's a whole different story!}. achilles' mom having loved him so much, dipped him in the river of immortality to keep him alive forever {i can totally relate to that kind of love}. alas, she grabbed him by the ankle, thus leaving that little bit- mortal. so as the story goes- paris shot achilles in that ankle killing my precious achilles {but she did die ever so gracefully- even smoothing out her dress when she fell. i had to smile & tear up all at the same time!}. the teachers made a very clear depiction of the hope that we as believers have in jesus. see the romans did not know him. they were forced to put their trust in false gods that will always {like man} let you down. the kiddos got to see the amazing gift that we have in him & got to see how powerless we are without him. it was awesome & i know they will never forget it. in fact the other classes came in to watch & they started talking about their greek feast experience it was so cool how they could really see the big picture.

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i love getting to do these things for my sweet girl! and having cooner here to help... that just made it that much better!!! she left this morning... and that stinks, but i know we have to share her with you indiana peeps. but..... you had better treat her right, or we'll snatch her up again!!!!

{the ROC...}

2011-10-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well.... our church has been sponsoring the ROC {Reach Out Celebration} ALL about missions. We have been host to 11 different ministries from all over the world including India & Africa. All week ~~Joey~~ Cooner & I have been working our little fingers to the bone for the Men's breakfast this morning- WHEW! At first we were only making bacon & pancakes- that quickly changed {Wednesday night - OH about 11 pm}. The final menu included: pancakes, bacon, eggs, gravy, biscuits, juice, milk, & coffee! It was a resounding success.... but sadly I didn't get 1 picture of the food, the table scapes, the stenciled ROC burlap, the country cut outs... or anything else. We were running around like mad this morning starting @ 5 am & didn't sit down until we got in the car around noon. But.... it was ALL worth it cause the men- they LOVED it! And God- He was glorified!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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... my only picks of the beautiful gilded pumpkins & breathtaking leaves {all the way from IN- THANKS Precious Cooner!!}

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I think this says it all.... I only wish y'all could hear some of the testimonies from the missionaries. I have laughed & cried this week SO many times about how God is SO faithful to His people. The stories of human trafficking {in our country} & unwanted little girls left on the streets of India is so unthinkable.... but true! I we have MUCH to be thankful for!!!!

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Joey & I got all fancy last night for the Adult International Banquet! {with Cooner home with the kiddos- it was so fun going out & playing dress-up!}. Prissy raved over my dangly earrings... she just kept saying "Momma you look so pretty- those earring are amazing!" I think maybe I have failed her as a mother... I always wear studs- ha ha!!!!

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I just want to say... I could NOT & would NOT attempt this EVER without my sweet, patient, exceptional cook & gifted artist of a mother- helping me...... We have such a ball together, we need not even talk while we are working- we know what the other is thinking. THANK YOU Cooner- you are the BEST!!!!!!!!

p.s. and while I'm writing this... the woman is spot cleaning my staircase... the woman is a machine I tell you! Her mansion in heaven is gonna be RIDICULOUS!!!!

{Fall break in B-town...}

2011-10-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

FINALLY!!!! I'm gonna share the 2nd part of our trip back home...... We went to the Apple Festival, I helped Cooner & her BFF Brenda get all dolled up for their reunion- too funny, & we went to our Hord Family Reunion {that may have had the BEST food that I have EVER tasted- YUMMY}!! Sorry that it's taken me forever- we kidnapped Cooner & we've been crazy busy with 2 projects that I'll share later.... Here is a peek of our trip!!!!

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Here are the kiddos riding the slide

{BIG thanks for Papaw Bud for carrying the carpets up & standing with them about oh I'd say a 1,000 times!!!!}

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more rides.....

{as corny as it sounds... I love the Apple Festival! I love the food {taco salad in a bag MOST}, seeing people that I never get to see & their kiddos, & mostly just hanging out with my family. I look forward to it EVERY year!!!

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A-man's 1st ever cotton candy {gasp}.

Don't be too sad for him... I think he made up for EVERY sugary thing he hasn't tried & then some!!!

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...and his 1st funnel cake EVER!!!

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and what trip to IN would be complete without some 4-wheeler riding??

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And this time Joey was persuaded to ride along too!!! He was in excellent hands- Prissy showed him him the ropes.... {I wish you could see my parent's beautiful garden in the background- it is still producing. Probably because they are so generous to give so much away- God blesses them months after it should be gone :) }

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Last year my family decided to have an auction @ the Reunion to off set costs. Last year my Aunt Betty's homemade jelly was the biggest ticket item. This year it was her coconut cream pie- TO DIE FOR!!!!!!!! {Daddy bought it for Prissy & I- it's our favorite!!!!}

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Prissy (8), Precious (7), Tuck (10), & A-man (4)

{taking a quick break from fishing & 4-wheeling so I could get a pic of the 4 of them together}

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Prissy fishing a bit.

{Notice the feather in her hair? She wanted to get one in Muncie, but they didn't have any @ the salon. As luck would have it- they did @ the Apple Festival!!}

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Cooner & Daddy getting ready to leave for the BHS class of '71 Reunion. Aren't they cute together? I think so!!!!

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Now I gotta get back to our mission = Men's breakfast & Prissy's Greek Feast.... I wish y'all could taste this food that Cooner is whipping up EVERY night! I took some pics to share, but let's face it- that is NOT the same. We may keep her with us forever!

{Fall break in Muncie...}

2011-10-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

We just got home from our annual Fall trip to IN. Muncie was our 1st stop on the trip- home to Grandma Harris, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Carol, Tyler, Allison, Uncle Jamie, Aunt Michelle, Paige, Uncle GB & that's just to name a few.............. We were greeted {as ALWAYS} with love & YUMMY food!!!!!

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Then they persuaded Grandma Harris to take the mower for a spin {they love riding on ANYTHING}!!!

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....more playing around after the LONG car trip!

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We couldn't believe the weather- it was in the 80's & I packed for 60's.... Needless-to-say we had to pick up a few things from TJ Maxx. It was painful to shop, but someone had to do it- ha ha!!!!

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Poor Uncle Jeff.... I bet he slept well after we left. I have NEVER heard him deny my children 1 time.... "Uncle Jeff will you play with me?" "Uncle Jeff will you hold me?" "Uncle Jeff do you want to build Legos?" "Hey Uncle Jeff would you hold me again?" "Uhm when you are finished playing with Ashton, can you hold me again?"

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And SWEET Allison {or Alli-sonny as Prissy calls her} was such a joy to be around. THANKS for showing us some new hair styles. We have already busted out a few!!! And THANK YOU Uncle Carol {as the A-man calls her} for the little $ treat- they got some fun things while we were out shopping!!!!!!

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"Hey Uncle Jeff can I wear your glasses?"- see proof of what I told y'all!!!

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Grandma Harris always has something fun up her sleeve when we come in. This time she had an auction set up for the kiddos. They took turns picking out things {everything from $ to candy to snacks to toys to coloring books. They were completely amazed & so were Joey & I. THANK YOU Grandma Harris for ALL of the special touches. WE LOVED them!!!!!

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Prissy selected a bead kit- luckily the A-man didn't choose it- ha ha. Grandma Harris helped her make some beautiful bracelets. Sadly I didn't get any pics with Uncle Jamie, Aunt Michelle, Baby Paige, Uncle Carol, or playing mini golf. Aunt Michelle had picked up TONS of fun Star Wars stuff for the A-man & some great books for Prissy. She is always so kind to pick up stuff for my kiddos when she sees it- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

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THANK

YOU

MUNCIE

FOLKS

for everything....

{friends... no FAMILY!}

2011-10-05T04:01:00.000-07:00

In this life we have been blessed with amazing friends.... really more like family! They are the kind of people that drive 12 hrs to your wedding, leave cookie dough in your fridge when you get back from your Honeymoon, come to the hospital when you have your babes, ALWAYS pray for you even without asking, they are the ones that you put on the list of "people to contact in case of emergencies" for your kiddos, the people who run away with you to the beach for "girls" weekends, & the kind of men who stand in the gap for your husband when he needs it most! These precious souls are family that God has blessed us to do life with & we love them more than you can imagine...... Last weekend part of our family {who moved away....BOO} came home for a visit. We LOVE you Baker Family!

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ALL 18 of us went out to eat for breakfast & it was SO fun. A lady came over to our table & said "I love to see siblings getting together with their families!" I laughed & told her that we weren't blood, but that we were "chosen" siblings- SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This is our brood of kiddos.... good gracious they are cute!!!

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And girls- I can't wait to run away with you again next month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{super hero day- take 2}

2011-10-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

.... we are just beginning our Fall Break here. The weather feels like Fall & we LOVE it!!!! Prissy had her "Spirit Day" on Friday. She loved her brother's new bat cape so much that she used it too..... I think she just wanted an excuse to wear a fun polka dot twirl shirt & her patent leather boots... the cape was just another accessory at that point- ha ha!!! Her class got 2nd but they all looked amazing!!!

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She has a style ALL her own & I am learning to embrace it!!

I wish y'all could see the dozens of sketch books/napkins from restaurants that she draws little outfits on- they are PRECIOUS & I would TOTALLY buy most of them!!! I think she will be in Paris one day....

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No doubt I'll have to drag myself there to visit her.... It will be horrible {with all of those chocolate croissants & the like...} but I'll have to bare it- {wink wink}!!!

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We have just come from her AHG {American Heritage Girls} meeting. If y'all have girls you should look into it in your area- it is so wonderful. She is having a ball & even better than that- she is learning about how cool it is to be a girl with integrity!!!!

{super hero day- take 1}

2011-09-29T10:31:00.001-07:00

So.... I found out last Friday that A-man's class would be having their 1st "Spirit Day" today. The theme was.... "Favorite Super Hero"! I he tried & tried to find a way to make a Star Wars Clone {we have that costume already} a super hero, but to our dismay it is NOT! I decided to try looking for costumes @ the Coalition {sorta like Good Will but it deals mostly with church donations & contributions}. They have an entire rack of costumes & I found this "Bat Man" & snatched it up for $3 bucks- score!!!! ALL the costumes {any size} are $3.00. Because I {shamefully} know how much costumes are & what brands are best, I about died when I saw some of the same ones there from Chasing Fireflies & Rubies catalogs ! Y'all need to go & check it out... I only wish that I had a pic of his manly muscles bulging out of his carseat this morning... it was hysterical. He just kept saying "Mommy it's just me Ashton... I'm a good guy!"

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This VERY same costume {padded with belt & cape with built in mask is retail is $45 + shipping. I also got some accessories for my little Prissy {you never know when she'll want to be the queen of Sheba?} for 25 cents!!!!

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The A-man was TOTALLY jazzed about his costume... until we got to school! We walked Prissy in & he saw that no one else had a costume on {Prissy's class has their Spirit Day tomorrow}....... THANK GOODNESS for Sydney {who just happens to have a big brother in Prissy's class}!!!!!! She came right over & gave him a "Sidney Sandwich" & he was all good again!!!!!!

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And then we saw Ethan..... and ALL was right in the world!!! I ran out & got the class suckers & erasers because they ALL looked so cool!!!!!!!!!!!! And because Prissy told A-man that it was a competition between the classes & the class with the best costumes won a prize.... They didn't win the actual "award" but they think they did!!!!!!!!!!

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Finally we met up with Prissy & her classmates for lunch/recess. These girls are precious to the core!!!!

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.... and they are so darned cute! They gobble down their lunches in about 5 minutes then sing, dance, run, & dance some MORE!!!! I {heart} 3rd graders..... and 4 yr olds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{Holy-ween Harris style...}

2011-09-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished putting up the Holy-ween decor {cause Cooner has had hers out for 2 weeks now & I'm feeling a bit of pressure- ha ha}. However I have NOT transformed my chandeliers into centerpieces with fall foliage & the like as she has this year. I swear the woman is a machine! No doubt if she were here she would have fashioned some one-of-a-kind-from-Asia mantel out of sticks & pine cones...... But not to worry, she's coming next month- YEAH!!!!

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I added some food coloring to some water to given the mantel a bit of orange.

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Cooner sent us this "Book of Spells" years ago. It talks when you open it- the kiddos adore it!!!

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A-man quickly found his dollar tree pumpkin {I made holes in it where Mr. Potato Head has holes last year} & helped himself to his accessories...

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... and Prissy finished up hers as soon as she saw his!

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creepy crawlers all around

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This is the pillow that I thought I needed to make out of a t-shirt {someone shoot me now} =

1. nearly cutting my finger off with my fancy new cutter

2. A-man nearly getting a concussion from dragging my vanity seat over to get me a band aide & almost falling in the toilet

3. swallowing my pride & admitting that I did need ~~stitches~~ Dura-bond {thank God for my ER nurse neighbor who had some on hand}

4. realizing that it really should get stitched up, but finding out {after having a surgeon look @ it Saturday} that I missed the "stitches" window...

5. going with steri strips for 2 weeks & praying that I might be able to wash my hair again with 2 hands!!!!

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And what Spooky scene would be complete without a black bird in a cage {he is from the dollar tree last year}???

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And my October is never complete without Martha's Halloween issue . I'm gonna curl up with it tonight!!! Bon weekend mes amis!!!

{and the tradition continues...}

2011-09-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Well... it's that time again! The kiddos & I put out our little friends around the Pear tree. They make me smile every time I see them! If y'all want to make some here is how we did it.... I am LOVING this Fall weather.... makes us crave the Apple Festival & homemade doughnuts from Muncie!!!!! Squeeze your little'nz extra tight today because.... well just because!!!

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"Now how many tablecloths does it take Momma?"- this year she is taking notes... She says that she is gonna make them for her little ones one day too!

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The A-man is over the whole decorating thing.... He just wants to know when we get to dress-up & get candy. Good thing he's a cutie.... I think we'll keep him!!!!!

I {heart} silhouettes... do you?

2011-09-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

I have a mild obsession {that has been going on for some time now}! It's with these guys.... I loved them when I was little & my teacher gave one to Cooner of me {she still has it}! Then when Prissy was 4 we had hers done @ Disney World {I love how she has her tiara on in it- that was TOTALLY her at that age}. And, I adore the one we had made of the A-man when he was 4 @ Disney {he was clutching his Star Wars guy when the lady was making it....}. Anyway they are ALL over Europe & getting pretty popular here too. I have seen them on bags & pillows and it makes me want them {and I don't even know who they are of??}. Which brings me to my latest project.... Prissy needed a fun black & white {and possibly zebra striped} shirt to go with a fall skirt that I made. I got this idea to try to make Prissy a personalized "silhouette" t-shirt from a $4.00 Wally shirt. I'm still not sure if it's precious or scary? PLEASE tell me what ya think!!

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First take a photo-

1. make it the size you want

2. print it out

3. cut it out

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Next trace it on the shirt in pencil.

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Then fill it in with paint...

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Finally add a bow {I did manage to work in the zebra print- yeah} & ask your friends what they think.... And be HONEST, I can take it- she's my child for goodness sake! I can't have her mocked because of her crazy Momma- ha ha!!!!!!!!

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p.s. I just saw child size Silhouette tees on Etsy for $29.00 + shipping & they are not personalized to your child! Does that make mine any less scary????

{little white lines...}

2011-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

It's funny the things you remember or at least the things that you pass on... I have always told Prissy that the little white lines that come on your fingernails were "fib lines" put there as a reminder to us for not telling the truth. My Grandma always used to say that God put "little white lines" on your nails if you told "little white lies". It would make you not want to tell fibs & if you did, you were reminded of them.... and everyone else knew what you had done too- YIKES!!! **Now as I'm writing this I realize {for the 1st time} that this may come across as a teeny tiny bit harsh or neurotic??** Anyway- last night the A-man came into my room {well after bedtime} with his hands behind his back & his shoulders hung with his lip out {can't y'all just see his poor pitiful self?}. He said "he needed to show me something, I got one of those bad lines." "What lines?" I said in complete confusion. "The ones that make you have to tell the truth... I need to tell you..... that I did have to go stinky @ ballet when you asked me, but I was afraid to go in that bathroom with those goowls (girls). Now I have this dittle line cause God knows the truth!" I was torn to go ahead & tell him how even though God knows EVERYTHING- He doesn't give you "fib lines". And how those little "fib lines" are really from trauma to your nail beds that go away without confession. He does however give you His spirit that guides you to tell the truth.... & I'm sure glad the A-man is getting to know him! But... instead- I hugged & kissed his neck {and his "dittle" fingers}, prayed with him about telling the truth, & piggy-backed him into his bed. I {heart} him!!!!!!!!!

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p.s. This morning the A-man noticed this on Prissy's fingernail.... Heaven help his pre-school class & anyone else that has one!!!!!!!!!!

{polka dot burp cloth tutorial}

2011-09-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my friends had a baby-boom! Needless-to-say that meant baby showers & most of them were having #2 or #3 so I had to get a bit creative {on a budget}! I started making polka dot burp clothes. I loved them so much that it made me want another baby... so I got one & made him some too!!!! Now it seems that the baby-boom has hit again, only this time I'm NOT getting caught up in how cute they are- ha ha! I still think these polka dot cloths are the perfect accessory for every outfit {when you have a tiny one that is} & the perfect baby shower gift too....

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First start off with some plain old fashioned cloth diapers. I usually get mine @ Wally, but I found these @ TJ Maxx {make sure to get the reinforced middle kind- they absorb more}.

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And because I found out the HARD way that cheap acrylic paint {45 cents a bottle} once applied to fabric- will NOT ever come off. It is the perfect solution to this project.

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I lay one out right on the counter & start making my dots {I usually do 2 colors, but you can do as many as you like}. Then I carefully flip it & go back over the dots on the other side too.

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Then hang them up somewhere safe overnight- {the only safe place in my house for these little cuties is my closet}!!

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Next wrap them up in some tissue paper & tie a pretty bow around them. I think it looks more professional + even more precious!!

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Finally wrap up the boxes & send them off with love....

***also these make the best cleaning cloths after your baby burping days are over!***

{nothing to report...}

2011-09-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

I have nothing amazingly creative or brilliantly clever to post, but....... I do have SUPER precious kiddos!!!

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...and one can rock a uniform in a heartbeat!!!

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And I am lovin' these stages best of all!!!

{I think 4 & 8 yr olds are possibly the cutest ages in the world. However last yr I was convinced that 3 & 7 yr olds were...... I think I see a pattern- ha ha!!!}