on the back burner & a date with my daughter!

This here little blog has been put on the back burner for awhile until I can get through the next couple of weeks and for this bazaar I'm helping to coordinate and prepare some craft projects for my own Stampin' Up! table to be O-V-E-R. It's been a little difficult trying to keep up for some reason, and I have a bad case of being overwhelmed! It sure is a good thing I have an awesome mom and wonderful friends who are willing to listen to me "talk it out"...and even cry it out. Stupid emotions. I figure something has to give and it can't be my children, so sorry blog. You're cut for a bit!

But, blog land...never fear, I will be back!! Don't give up on me yet!

Announcement!! I am postponing the craft challenge deadline to Thursday, November 12th, so you have an extra week to keep working on those photo projects. Visit HERE for more information on the craft challenges.

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We had a busy weekend, but I surprised Mikayla with a date for two to Disney on Ice on Sunday. It was Daddy's idea (he was the one who found the 1/2 price tickets!), but he "sacrificed" and let Mommy & daughter go and stayed home with the little man.

Before the event, they had princess dresses set up.

She even got to see Cinderella!

She let me take ONE picture of her during the event...
"just one, Mommy!"

~ Disney on Ice ~

Top it off with some icecream!!

There's just something about spending some time with my little girl. Holding hands, sharing in her excitement, and being together. I will forever cherish these moments!

the play room again?

OK, some of you will laugh at me right now and some of you will just roll their eyes. Either one, I'm OK with because it's just the way I am.

But...I just didn't feel like the arrangement of the play room after the last time I rearranged was officially the way I wanted it to look. My own crafty space feels perfect, but something on the other side of the room just seemed off, so I was determined to fix this before it drove me insane. I know...I need serious help!

I'm all about things being even, so when I shared about my new way to fit more of MY stuff into the play room, I had to do some rearranging and then a little wall decorating which brought one side of the wall to look like this...

What do you mean you don't see anything wrong with it?

Let me explain: The play kitchen just does not belong right in the center because now the spots on the wall all seem off-centered, and the circle frame doesn't have as much wall space underneath as it does on top. I only had so much wiggle room to work with because we have a rug underneath and everything had to fit nicely on the rug so it wouldn't look off. See? Now, do you see what's wrong with it?

So, I rearranged once more and it went back to the way it was...
Typical, right?

But then one of the other sides of the room had to go from this...

...to this, so everything could fit!
{I even purged some toys that will be going to Grammy & Papa's for the winter.}

I love how the kitchen sits right underneath the window and covers up the windowsill. My next mission is to find some cute ribbon that I can tie on the curtains to add that extra cuteness factor. {I wonder how long that will be on my "to do" list?}

I'm officially satisfied.

No, really, I am!

I even added some decorations to another part of the wall to fill up some blank space that was in desperate need of filling! I found these cute ALREADY PAINTED POLKA DOTTED -- hello!? -- letters at Babies R Us on clearance.

As we were putting these up, I joked with Ryan that maybe it's meant to be that we only have 2 kids because what if I can't find another polka dotted letter that matches? See? Told you I have a problem. *wink*

Thanks for listening to my late night ramblings! Let's hope you don't see another post about me rearranging the play room anytime soon.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

lost and just a whole lot of other randomness

Help! I've lost my blogging mojo...

I can't seem to get back in the groove of blogging on a regular basis, like at least twice a week might be nice.

It might be the fact that I've been a bit busy preparing for some Stampin' Up! events (check out the cards and projects over at my SU! blog from my last two events)

Or I wonder if it's the fact that I came down with a sore throat late Friday night and I'm finally just now getting over it with a finale of coughing fits. I lost my voice starting Sunday morning...it's been kind of quiet around here for the last few days. I wonder why? The motivation factor in getting things accomplished just has not been there. Wiping noses of two little ones probably doesn't help either.

Or it could be that I am getting ready for participating in my first ever craft bazaar and my mind has been filled with what to make for that. Production is a bit at a stand still, but I've worked on a few things. Oh...and not to mention I'm coordinating all of the other vendors, too. So, here's a little shout out to anyone local - We are holding our 1st Annual Newberg MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale on Saturday, November 7th, 10-4 PM at Newberg Christian Church. Currently we have 30+ vendors, so we're super excited! Now, we just need lots and lots of shoppers!

I hope to be back soon with lots to share...I'm hoping some inspiration will strike soon!

And on a sidenote, I have tried uploading the cutest little video of Austin for a couple of days now, but Blogger doesn't seem to be cooperating. Now I have the cutest little video of Mikayla, too. Anyone having issues with video on Blogger?

And, because I can't have a post without a picture...

this boy just gets me with those blue eyes
(helps take away from the messy little boy face!)

Oh yeah, and Ryan and I are still discussing the 2 kids versus 3 (no, I'm not pregnant!) Mikayla, who just days before wanted a doggy, has now informed me that she would like a baby brother AND a baby sister. SAY WHAT?!


And, Linsey...I actually did write this post at 12:56 AM. My mind just won't shut off!

let's paint!

OK, be honest. Who shutters when they hear these words from their kids, "Mom, I want to paint!" I cringe, but I still allow it because I know that painting is a part of childhood. For her birthday in April, Mikayla got some fun paint markers that I recently found in the art cabinet after giving it a good cleaning and decided to give them a try. Why hadn't I done this sooner?! Have you ever heard of Crafty Dab Paint Markers? They are fabulous! The kids love them and even Austin can use them without making a mess! Now, that's saying something. What's even better is that these particular ones that we own are scented. Not only do they smell good, but we have the shimmery kind, too, so they sparkle on the page. These paint markers are so easy to use and with no paintbrushes or water they are a snap to clean up. I highly recommend these if you aren't a fan of having paint around the house for your kids to "experiment" with. They are non-toxic and washable! OK, now I'm beginning to sound like a salesman. Sure wish I could get me some free stuff for spreading the love. *wink*

{Visit I Blame My Mother for KFF!}

oh my

Over the last month or so, Ryan and I have been discussing about what life would be like with 3 little ones. (I don't think it has anything to do with the long list of friends who are having or recently had a baby. Couldn't be.) We happened to be discussing this very topic in the car a couple of weeks ago. Mikayla must have overheard the conversation and needed to put her two-cents in. She matter-of-factly stated:

"Mommy, you can have a baby
and I can have a doggy."

Not sure it's going to work out like that, sweet girl.
Besides, I think you have enough "friends" to snuggle with for now.

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Goodness, I don't even know why I have been MIA.

My plate is full, but not that full.

Hope you're enjoying all of the fun, fall festivities!

{one of the cards for my next Stampin' Up! event}

fall festivities, a winner, and the new challenge!

September and the beginning of October here in Oregon have been amazing! I wore capris and flip flops yesterday on a walk to the store. That's unheard of this time of year! We're usually known for rain, rain, and more rain here in the Pacific NW. I'm sure it's coming, but for now we are loving this weather and how perfect it is for all of the Fall time fun!

MOPS Outing
(Mothers of Preschoolers)
Fir Point Farms
September 28, 2009

Pumpkin Painting
~our front yard~
October 5, 2009

Pumpkin Patch Fun
Baggenstos Farms
October 6, 2009

I LOVE FALL!

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Thank you to everyone who participated in September's craft challenge by making something Fall or Halloween-themed. We had 26 participants!! I also want to say thank you to the readers who took the time to go check out all of the great crafts and left comments. The purpose for this craft challenge is to inspire and be inspired and we are all doing that for each other!

So...one lucky participant was randomly chosen to win some fun Fall/Halloween crafty goodies: 2 packages Halloween stickers, 1 package Fall stickers, 12 Halloween 6x6 patterned paper, a Halloween card (made by me!) and a Halloween themed magazine by Better Homes & Garden. And I may just throw in a surprise!

And that lucky winner is...

a fellow Oregonian
Liz @ Sugar Plum Creations!!
{Liz, e-mail me your address and I'll get these goodies in the mail to you.}

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You might also be wondering what the next challenge is going to be?? Well, wait no more!

PHOTO PROJECTS

Christmas is coming up (only 11 weeks away...not to stress you out or anything!) and what better way to get ready than to start crackin' on some fun, photo project ideas for gifts. I'm not just talking about getting your picture printed on a coffee mug or mouse pad, but what are some fun, crafty projects you could do using a photo? You have until Thursday, November 5th to start working on something for October's challenge. This one could get a bit tricky, especially if it's a gift for someone that happens to read your blog. Feel free to share about past projects that you have done using photos or just spoil the surprise...your choice!

Here are some ideas that I have blogged about in the past if you're stumped on what I mean about using a photo for a craft project:

Puzzle
Memory Game
Mod Podged Box

I can't wait to steal...I mean borrow some of the ideas that you all will share! Looking forward to our next linking up party on Thursday, November 5th. Spread the word...

kids in the kitchen - homemade waffles

You know how some nights you just don't feel like cooking? Oh, wait. That's me every night. Well, anyway...we decided that last night was going to be waffle night! And, of course, Mikayla wanted to help and who am I to say no to such a wonderful request? So, off she ran to get her princess apron and chair to stand on. This was a much needed mother-daughter bonding time after the day we had had the day before!

I have the best Homemade Waffles recipe that I acquired from one of my very best friends (thanks, Natasha!) our senior year in college. If I remember correctly it's a Pampered Chef recipe. We love waffles at our house and this recipe makes us smile even more! Mikayla and I love peanut butter and syrup, Austin likes plain syrup, and if he had his choice, Ryan would definitely pick homemade blueberry syrup to go on top of his waffles.

Homemade Waffles
2 eggs, separated
1 3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

(I have no idea where she is getting this "posing" thing,
but it's happening more and more lately.)

Measure the milk.

Separate the eggs (add egg yolks to milk).

Beat together the eggs and the milk.

Add flour.

Add oil.

Take a break for a cheesy picture of little brother.

Add in the baking powder, sugar, and salt.
And stir.

Beat the egg whites (in a separate bowl)
with an electric beater until stiff.
Fold in egg whites with the above mixture.
(Not pictured because mommy needed to do it.)

Pour batter onto a hot waffle maker.

And enjoy!

I was going to snap a picture of the kids enjoying their meal, but both of them decided that they weren't in the mood, so just picture two hungry kiddos devouring their "breakfast for dinner".

{Head on over to A Little Fun With Me and Lu for Kids in the Kitchen.}


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Don't forget TODAY is the last day to link up for this month's craft challenge. We have 26 participants so far and I love it!! You really must go visit to see the fun crafts that everyone made for Fall. No, really...you need to go check them out!

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i'm outta here!

Friday at 3:00 PM.

I'm outta here!

Scrapbooking,

scrapbooking,

and more scrapbooking.

Oh, and a whole lot of laughing with friends!

See you on Sunday!

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Keep those Halloween/Fall themed crafts coming! Link up here and if you haven't visited all of the amazing creations...you really must!!

craft challenge - Halloween or Fall themed

Well, friends...are you ready to get inspired? I am! I look forward to seeing all of the great Halloween or Fall-themed craft projects that you have been working on.

The monthly craft challenge is simple: Each month, I give you an embellishment, tool, or idea and you get to create something fun to share with the rest of us! You have one month to work on the project (big or small) and then you come back to share your creation on the first Thursday of the month. You'll have one week to link up...so don't fret if you're not quite finished on "due date" time. September's theme is Halloween or Fall.

I shared with you yesterday my little Fall decor project from last year that I just didn't think was quite right for my style of home decor. After pulling it out of the Fall decor box this year, I decided to start over and still use the wooden plaques to create something new and fun for Halloween!

BEFORE

*presto chango*
AFTER
{click to view larger}

My plans for this will be each year, I will display a few "trick or treat" pictures of the kids from the previous year. Each of the blocks with pictures have photo corners that I can just slip the picture in and out of. I used chipboard sparkly letters for the "trick or treat", re-painted the edges to a deep orange and mod podged the Halloween themed polka dotted paper onto the faces of each plaque. Then I hot glued black gingham ribbon down the back of the plaques to attach together. I love it! The only thing I'm not sure about is where I have it hanging. It might find a new home in the next few days, but that's kind of how I work!

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Now, it's YOUR TURN!!

1. Link up using MckLinky below.
2. In your post, either use the button on the left side bar or a link to my site for others to be able to join in the fun or to come on by to see what everyone has created.
3. Try to visit as many of the participants as you can and comment on their creations.
4. This month's craft challenge will end on Thursday, October 8th.
5. A random winner will be chosen from the participants and be announced next Friday. The winner will receive something Fall/Halloween themed, of course!

6. So...what are you waiting for!? Link up and let's see what masterpiece you have created! Get creative, get crafty, and be inspired!!