Hoodie Ninja

This is a hoodie my Grandma Ruth made for me when I was little and Madelynn loves to wear it...and dance to the song Hoodie Ninja...cracks me up!

Keeping busy..

Here are a few updates from our busy summer and some of my pinterest projects (yes, I am addicted and I can admit it...that's is the 1st step right?)

 i wanted some way to organize Madelynn's "craft" stuff so I could keep it in the dining room.  Baskets are expensive and then I remember that I had this diaper cady that we don't use anymore and it is perfect for her craft stuff.  Now it is easy to get and still looks nice.

 Our little monkey.  We, well I, redid Madelynn's bathroom (because we moved her stuff into our bathroom).  I love it.  I cant' decide if I want to paint the walls or not, but we will wait to see.  I just love the cute little monkeys.

 Madelynn's new "hair accessories" organizing station.  I can't believe I found monkey fabric in the exact colors I needed.  It was really pretty easy and I love it.

 Well, I didn't realize I had such a problem with ribbon until i put it all in one place.  Wow, I need to come up with some projects to use it, which is where the project above started.  At least it is all in one spot now and organized.

 My mostly finished bathroom.  Still a few finishing touches and some painting touch ups but I will get to those. I found a cabinet I really want.  This is a "towel rack" my friend Sara made.  It looks great in here but we need something on Bruce's side.

 I love this wall.  It is like a red "throne room".  I guess we need some "bling" from the throne :)

 And this is how my little princess spent her time while I was "organizing" the craft room. 

 I just love these pictures.  She is so cute!!!

She is such a good little mommy.  She loves her babies. 

Oh, and one more apron for the summer.  I have at least 2 more to get finished.  Maybe next week.



Summer favorites...

Here are some of my summer favorites that I just can't get enough of. 

The 1st one is carmel/peanut dipped grapes.  So good and refreshing, and really easy.  The problem is I was popping as many in my mouth as I was making.  (Yes, i saw this on Pinterest...I just can't help myself.

 My next favorite, from my friend Sara, is a dip but really a meal.  Saute some spinach, I added garlic, don't add S & P I made it a little too salty.  Chop up some rotisserie chicken and then a few spoonfulls of Green chile dip (sorry if you don't live in NM and are ready this because you can't get Creamland outside of NM).  Mix together and eat with chips.  See, great summer lunch.  Drink with a Diet Coke and it is perfect bliss.

 Thanks Jane for this one.  LOVE IT.  I am on my 3rd pitcher this week.  Crystal Light Mojito drink.  It is so refreshing.  I actually water it down some and actually get all my water in for the day.  Yummm, I will be taking this to school.

 And thank you Lynn for this one.  Super good.  You get about 1 cup water and a bunch of ice, International cafe sugar free (decaf for me) and blend it up and then add a couple scoops of Cool Whip (forgot the picture of this part) and it is a super yummy treat, fairly guilt free.  Now I add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and drink it for breakfast.  Really quite tasty!

Why didn't we think of this!

We had 3 girls and always had this problem.  Why couldn't we come up with this.  I really hope these will be for sale soon because I really want one....I just hope they aren't really expensive when they are available.
http://www.simplysolvedinnovations.com/Products.html

Knock it over

 Why is it sooo much fun to build a tower and then knock it down?  Madelynn has spent the last hour playing with PlayDoh, putting it back in the containers and then knocking it over.  It is amazing the joy she gets out of this.  Should I be concerned that she is destructive or is this just normal discovery?  It is really cute to watch.  It is amazing to see her just hanging out at her house, not having to go anywhere, she has changed her clothes 3 times and it is only noon.  It is like watching an animal in her natural habitat.  We need more days like this....

Reflections of mommyhood

 I found a book my wonderful friend Lollie gave me before I even had kids, I think.  It has reflections of mommyhood over the years and I was amazed at how true each stage was.  Here are a few excerpt from it. (by P. Taylor Copeland)
The Pledge: It's up to me; I owe you direction, to nurture you and love you and give you protection.  This is my promise.
Newborn: Entrusted to me, I'll give you my best;  A bright future for you is my quest. 
I hold you often, both asleep and awake, if this is spoiling I'll indulge for our sake.

One:  While I cook dinner you play at my feet in your special cupboard filled with plastic treats...
Cuddle time come, a story is read; with love in my heart I put you to bed.

Two:  Your world is enlarging, there's so much to see; the zoo and the park and the pool (beach) are just three.
I'm here to protect you, to keep you in sight; your being safe in my ongoing plight.
Fascination erupts, you crave to learn; I use lots of sunblock so you won't burn.
Not always aware of why you're told "no", you are continually testing and ON THE GO!
When we go shopping I must advise, "We look not with our hands, but look with our eyes"
The terrible twos are thought of with dread,
But I say you're inquisitive and just want to be led.

I can't believe how she has changed and grows from day to day.   I saw a great reminder at my friends' house today. 

"Remember the little things in life...As you get older, you will realize they are the big things."

Sometimes I feel like I can't get things done, my house is a mess and my laundry is forever not done, there are finger prints on the back window, there are snacks in my purse, and each tasks takes twice as long as it should, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Seeing life through her eyes amazes me each day and reminds me of how life should be. 

Just for you Jessica

Madelynn's kitchen.  Is this a better picture?  How do you like the hair?  She took her hair ties out and had just gotten up from a nap.

 Bathroom Mirror project.  Still don't have things painted and don't really know when I will have the time.  The top tiles were much harder than I thought they would be; as you can see with all the tape up top.  It turned out fine(but it is hard to get a good picture of it), but a little uneven on top...just don't look too closely.

I hope to have more pictures in the next couple weeks.