Saturday, November 28, 2009

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone had a Thanksgiving feast full of friends, family and fun! We enjoyed a wonderful holiday with our best friends, the Mattone's. We couldn't have had a better day!

Joel loves Aunt Shell!!!

(p.s., he needs a MAJOR haircut)


Where are the chocolate chip cookies?!


Hey, corn does taste good!


The kids table ROCKS!!!


Yesterday our dear friends Julie & Darrell and their 2 little guys visited for the afternoon. Jay and Darrell were in the police academy together and we were in each other's weddings. They moved about 4 years ago, so our visits are few and far between now. Seeing them yesterday made us realize just how special they are to us and how much we miss them. What a Thanksgiving treat to have shared some time with them....we love you guys!!!!


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Halloween Germ Fighters

Need a quick, cute, inexpensive Halloween treat?! I made these last night for the kid's preschool teachers and director, but they would be cute for anyone. The new Target Up&Up brand of hand sanitizer has an orange pump...perfect for Halloween! I pulled off the front label, added a monogram and tied the top with lots of cutesy ribbon. Voila...fast & reasonable (a necessity when you need to do 7 gifts).
I packaged them in these little Dollar Tree favor boxes I had from forever ago and added a silly label made with, you guessed it, printable name badge labels from the Dollar Tree.
Gotta love the Dollar Tree!


Monday, October 5, 2009

Hey JTP...


The binder and paper clips are from Walmart of all places. They have really cute black and white ones, too. Sad when binder clips get you through the day...I feel the same way about ribbon!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

What We've Been Up To...

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!! Sorry I've been missing for a while. Since we've started back at preschool it feels like we're running all week long. Here's what's been keeping us so busy...
We had a double b-day party last weekend for some good friends. I made both the girls (4 & 2) Halloween pillowcase dresses and hairbows but my camera battery died right after taking this picture of the baking kit I made for Logan, the 4-year-old. I wish you could see the goodies in this basket, but we were running late (what's new). She had such a good time at Gabriel's cookie decorating party that I knew this was just the gift for her. I included a double sided spatula, topping spoon, cooling rack, measuring cups and spoons, cookie cutters, a squeeze bottle, and cookie sprinkles. I also included sugar cookie mix and powdered sugar with instrcutions how to make icing to put in her squeeze bottle. I made a cute "sweet treats" bag to hold these items. Oh, and I can't forget my favorite...a tub of store bought icing covered with scrapbook paper and a "Logan's Yummy Cookie Icing" label. We got a "thank you" yesterday and her mom said it was by far her favorite gift and that she insisted on using it the very next day!!! I love the way it turned out and I love that most of the items came from the Dollar store or the grocery store...how easy, right?!

Some new nap mats for a boy & girl cousin...


see how the pillow is attached to the mat now. The pillow and mat inserts are still removable, but it makes it much easier for traveling. I've sold about 9 nap mats so far and have 2 more special orders. Let me know if you need one!


Some little goodie bags for the teachers the second week of school. The boys were feeling quite sad when I dropped them off in their classrooms (you would think I was leaving them for the day, seriously, Gabe and I can see each other from my classroom door to his!), so I thought these little bags of fun binder clips and paper clips would be a nice "thank you" for the extra hugs and kisses. I clipped on a little tag with a fun play on words. The teachers really like them!


Jenna's Pre-K field trip to the park and pumpkin patch. I love this photo Jay took. Where did 5 years go? I can't believe how much she's grown!!!!


Proud owner of a precious little pumpkin!


The little (big) guy is standing up and taking over the household. I think his easy-going disposition was just a cover...he likes to get in every drawer, touch every outlet, play in every vent...you know, anything forbidden or dangerous. I have a feeling my life is about to get even more exhausting!

And here's my other little guy helping his daddy clean the hot tub. He loves to do everything himself right now...it's been quite a power struggle with him lately. One of the joys of having a 2 1/2 year old!
Well, I promise to stay a little more up-to-date. Remind me of this next month when I apologize for slacking again! Have a great weekend and enjoy this beautiful fall weather!!!

Friday, August 21, 2009

My Big Boy

Joel had his 9 month well visit this morning. He's doing great and still off the chart for weight and almost off for height. Here's his current stats (and Jenna & Gabriel's @ 9 months...I love to see how they all differ):

Weight: 27 lbs. (Jenna: 21lbs. 15oz. / Gabriel: 24 lbs. 3 oz.)
Height: 30 1/2 in. (Jenna: 29 in. / Gabriel: 30 1/2 in.)
Head Cir.: 18 1/4 in. (Jenna: 17 3/4 in. / Gabriel: 19 in.)

He got 2 shots and a finger prick but never made a fuss...his thighs are soooo big that I'm not even sure he felt the needles. He LOVED having the bandaid on his finger...kept him very, very occupied! He's resting right now from his busy morning.

Oh, and we found out today that we'll be doing flu shots in October. Most likely 3 to 4 for each kid...regular flu (plus booster for Joel) and swine flu plus booster. Those should be fun Dr.'s appointments!!!

Well, we have a busy weekend and upcoming week...wrap up the kids bedroom projects (ambitious), sew 11 nap mat covers (very ambitious), finish setting up my classroom at preschool, first day back at PRE (parish religious education) on Sunday after a long summer break, and the start of our new school year on Tuesday.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!! If you live in TN, enjoy this beautiful weather!!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Hired Help

So Jenna's laying on the floor this morning entertaining Joel. I hear her say, "One little piggie went to the market, the other piggie carried the groceries."
Hmmmm...I think to myself, "I wonder how much these pigs charge for their services?"

Monday, August 17, 2009

Nap Time!

Currently taking Nap Mat orders. Comfy, cozy flannel...$12.00 for mat cover, $8.00 for travel pillow sham. I love the way this one matches Jenna's quilt so well...too bad it's not for Jenna!
Speaking of naptime, this is how I found the little guy after I placed him in here to play after breakfast one morning. It wasn't like he had Thanksgiving dinner, just a baby yogurt and some cereal. Must have been a good breakfast!


Notice the Barbie in the background....definite playard no-no. One guess for who placed it in here...Gabriel, where are you?!




Thursday, August 6, 2009

Happy Birthday to the Old Gals!!!

Better late than never, I guess...it's still August 6th in this time zone (plus my mom is heading here tomorrow morning :-)). Happy Birthday to my mom (Joan on left) and my Aunt Joy (on right)!!! I'm certain I'm getting my ass chewed out after they see this post. You see, I have no good pictures of the two of them together, 'cause at every function they are the ones behind the scenes making everything so great. They are the best thing that's ever happened to me (along with Jay and my kids, of course!). They are the reason I am the woman that I am today. They would do ANYTHING for me...trust me, I'll be the first to admit I'm spoiled! The other thing that's so great about them is their wonderful relationship with each other. My aunt is 8 minutes older than my mom and you couldn't find two siblings that loved or cared for each other more than they do. Because of their relationship, my brother, cousin and I have been blessed with a feeling of having two moms. How could we be so lucky?! Happy Birthday Mom and Aunt Joy...sorry I had to use your "Tweedle Dee" and Tweedle Dumb" photos. I love you both more than you could ever imagine. Thanks for being my very best friends in the whole wide world (except when you cut my hair and I don't like it, Mom). Oh, and thanks for loving Jay more than you love me...ha, ha (although I know it's true). Oh, and no cute photo from the kids holding signs or anything...too many issues last time with temper tantrums and paper eating.
Hope you had a great day and know that you're always in my heart!!!



Saturday, July 11, 2009

Pretty as a Picture

My girlfriend Julie's little girl, Lily June, celebrated her 2nd birthday today. I had this adorable photo of her from Gabriel's cookie decorating party that I just had to frame as part of her gift.
I found the cutest frame at the Dollar Store (yes, $1!...it looks like wood but it's made of plastic) and I thought it would be sweet if I hot glued a bow to it. Then it hit me this morning that I could make an actual hair bow that could be removed from the frame.

Look closely at the left hand corner of the frame. I hot glued a small piece of white grosgrain ribbon, leaving space in the middle to slide the alligator clip of the hairbow in and out. How cute and simple, right?! I have big plans for this project...watch out Dollar Store, here I come!

P.S. Notice the reusable shopping bag in the background? That was a TJMaxx purchase this week...2 pack, both with an initial ("L" for Lily June, of course), one large and one small, for $2.99. That's less than I would spend on 2 gift bags...and they're reusable and so cute!




Friday, July 10, 2009

Happy Birthday Papa!!!

Today we celebrate the birthday of a super special man in our lives, Jay's dad Steve. I can't begin to find the words to express how important he is in our lives. He's Jay's very best friend and he loves us all so unconditionally. As his daughter-in-law, I feel so lucky to have such a positive father figure in my life. I can call him whenever and about whatever and I know he'll give me his most honest opinion. He's a father, but also a great friend. And as far as the kids are concerned, Papa is the best! Happy Birthday Dad! Happy Birthday Papa! We love you so much!!
Papa, can you fill in the blanks? Yes, it says "We Love Papa." Sorry that the 8 month old would rather eat the paper than pose for Papa's picture. And Gabriel just happened to have an itch at the same time. No chance to reshoot...turned into a meltdown...happy birthday anyway!

Monday, June 22, 2009

A Happy Father's Day

Jay's new tractor was delivered early Sunday morning...thanks Ma & Ronn!!!

Does he look like he's going fishin' or what?!



Tha whole family had to check out the new tractor action from the front porch (check out the dog at the door). The littlest Moyer was taking a nap, but I'm sure by next summer he's going to want to take a ride, too!


Even the shade of the porch couldn't cool off this bunch yesterday...they headed in for a air conditioning break shortly after this picture was taken!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Jenna's Special Day

Jenna had asked to get her ears pierced last week and after a phone call to Jay in Myrtle Beach (yes, he was on another HARD business trip by the ocean!), we agreed that she could get them done. We made an appointment for Saturday afternoon at Sweet and Sassy salon, where they cater to little girls and all their beauty needs!!! She was a real trooper...hopped up in the chair and was ready to go!
Getting them nice and clean.


Ready, set, go!
(I think I was more nervous than she was.)

How sweet does she look?!?! She did so good. She cried a little, but said the noise of the gun scared her more than the piercing itself. I guess 3 years of shots and pricks at Vanderbilt has her pretty numb to things like this! She was so proud and everyone in the salon was cheering and clapping for her. She got a certificate with her picture on it, a really cute lollipop and we let her pick out some new nail polish and nail stickers since she did so well. The salon treated her like a princess...I would recommend it to any parent. We rounded out her special day with dinner at Logan's. She loves their yeast rolls and the unlimited peanuts. She had a GREAT day.
Next month Gabriel gets his special day...let's hope he doesn't want his ears pierced, too!!! LOL :-)




Watermelon, Teeth, & A Good Nap

Joel tried watermelon for the first time last week in his mesh food feeder...messy & delicious!!!
Here's his two cute crooked teeth. They make for some good pizza crust chompers!

After a little snack it's time for a cat nap. As you can see, the watermelon juice didn't agree with his highly sensitive skin...oh well, it tasted good!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

On A Roll

Joel's had a busy week...a first tooth, a second tooth, and I went in yesterday morning to find him on his belly in his crib. In one short day he's become a rolling pro, making it difficult to get him dressed or keep him in one place for long. Where is the time going?!?!

Teacher Gifts

Our last day of preschool is next Tuesday and with us moving this weekend, I wanted to get the teachers summer gifts to them. I decided to make them little summer survival kits out of washclothes...I've done this before for baby showers and included nail scissors, travel baby shampoos, baby powder, etc. This time I included a travel size aloe, a tube of sunscreen, insect repellent wipes, tissues w/ flip-flops on them (too cute!) and spray hand sanitizer.
Everyone LOVED them...and I got to hear about all the fun summer places they were going and how they were going to put their gift to good use.

Wrapped up and ready to go.


Ms. Cheri's crayon name plaque.

One of Gabriel's teachers is taking the summer off (the kids go to preschool for 8 weeks in the summer, too), so we gave her the end of the year gift we made for her. I got the idea from another blog (it's actually featured on Tip Junkie, too) and despite the lack of time to find the shadow box frames the other woman used, I think it turned out really cute. The other teachers can't wait to get theirs in a couple of months!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Milestone!

Joel has his first tooth! Jenna noticed it on Thursday afternoon and sure enough, there's a little chomper popping up on the bottom left side. I love baby teeth...I'll post a pic when it comes in enough to see it.

My Life In A Nutshell (Or A Box)

We're in full blown packing mode. We close on our current house and our new house on May 15th and time's flying by. Thankfully, my mom and aunt flew in from Philly last week to help out while Jay was in Indiana taking a class. They got lots of stuff packed and helped out tremendously with the kids so I could get stuff done, too. Jay and I packed stuff all weekend, only taking a break to head to Costco and church. For some reason the more I pack, the more I find. Will it ever end? I guess with 3 little ones, a dog, 2 cats, a semi-pack rat husband (he's getting better), and my crafting self there's going to be a LOT of stuff! Well, enough chit chat, gotta get back to work!!!!!

P.S. Anyone notice the cat in the basket on top of the boxes...she'll be lucky if she doesn't get packed up the way she hides in things!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Party Weekend

We have a weekend full of parties again and I haven't had any time to sew or be creative (house selling and hunting have been main priority). Here's the best I could do...still turned out cute, I think! My friend Kim's son Henry is turning 4 and I bought this bucket when I purchased the green one for his big brother's bean bag gift. What to fill it with, though? Well I found these great children's gardening items in the Dollar Spot at Target. The shovel and hoe are made of painted metal and I added a cute striped ribbon on the handle. I also purchased a pair of gloves, a mini sunflower greenhouse kit, a spray bottle (from the beauty travel section) and my most favorite...a "paint your own gnome" kit. All for a dollar a piece!!! I topped it all off with a bag of gummy worms. I packed the worms and gnome up in cellophane bags and made tags on the computer for them along with a tag for the bucket. Total price: $9.50 (not including ribbon and gift wrapping). How can you beat that?!

Wrapped up and ready to go. Hope he likes it.
Happy 4th Birthday Henry!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Blessed Easter

We were blessed with a fabulous Easter. We're so lucky every year to spend Easter with so many people we love. This year, we added some more names to our list...the Perry family! Chadwick was welcomed into the family by being invited to hide eggs with the men, while Jennifer hung out in the kitchen with the ladies and little ones. We had a delicious meal, good company, a fabulous egg hunt, and a phone call from our realtor with an accepted offer on our house. A pretty eventful Easter!!!
On your mark, get set, go... Jenna and Toby on the run.

Tyler and Toby searching for the last few eggs.

Gabe lost in thought.

Baby William's first egg hunt!!!

"Look what I got Mom."

Tearing open that package.

Is it Easter or Christmas?

William enjoying his first Easter's goodies.