Teddy Bear Picnic

Simon had a very special day last week...

The Teddy Bear Picnic,

where ALL the mommies and daddies were invited.

I got all packed up at home,

drove to school,

and realized I forgot his Teddy Bear!

He looks a little ticked in this picture

because he was the only one in class who didn't have his bear

to receive an award, but...

I did drive all the way home

and got it for my boy...

I made it back in time for the

"Teddy Bear Hunt."

The teacher lead the kids all around campus,

searching for their Teddy Bears.

Finally...Simon found his!!

And thankfully, the teacher's aide

saw my situation and hung an award around the

bear's neck, so he would be like the rest of them...

just a little late.

We took pictures,

snuggled with the bears,

and sat down to eat our picnic...

only I forgot to bring his picnic!!!

What the heck...

It's a Teddy Bear Picnic

and I forgot the Teddy Bear AND

the picnic!

Luckily the teacher had some fruit to give Simon,

so he didn't starve.

The day ended up good.
He sang some songs about bears...

did activities that started with the letter "B"...

balance beam and squirting balloons...

and the day ended up not so bad.

He had a few tears here and there because he

was missing his bear and snack for a brief time...

but hey...he recovered quickly.

I didn't...

I felt terrible!

But ya know what...

I'm doing the best job I can!

Thankfully, Simon still loves me

and forgives his mommy in her "mommy moment."

What I've Been Working On...

I am SO excited about this project I've been working on!!

We are hosting our 4th Annual Holiday Boutique at our church...

and this year...

it's gonna be GREAT!

Here's a taste of what you'll see

and hopefully BUY...

My partner in crime,

helper with boutique and MANY projects,

Kelly, from Once Upon A Cupcake. Jesilyn Designs...

gorgeous artwork & sketched glass...
Chrissi Rouse from Flipflops & Applesause...
awesome handmade coloring books for kids...

one of my faves,
31bits,
a ministry related vendor
selling handmade jewerly by women in Uganda...

Deer Lovely clothing....
ridiculously cute!


and iSanctuary,
another ministry related vendor...
hanmade jewerly by women who have
survived Human Trafficking...
proceeds benefit and help prevent this crime.




These are just a few...
COME join us on Thursday, Oct.21st at 6pm
at Saddleback Covenant Church.
Check out http://www.sccholidayboutique.blogspot.com/
for more info!
See you there!!

Handmade Fall Decor

I got some awesome scrapbook paper from

my good friend, Hannah (a fellow crafter).

It was perfect for a Fall craft

to spice up my mantle.

First, I took 4 small wood plaques

and fall-themed paper.

Next, I used the sold colors to cover the front of the plaques

in alternating colors.

Then I used the floral paper to make the letters,

that spelled "fall."

The next step was to Mod Podge the back of the paper

onto the front of the wood plaques.

Then Mod Podge the letters onto the paper

in alternating colors.

Next, Mod Podge overtop of everything

and let dry for a few hours.

Finally, I got some cute fabric
and cut out basic flowers.
I hot glued the fabric flowers on top of one another
to give it dimension.
Then added a button for the center.

All done!

Sorry the pics aren't great,

but you get the idea.

Hope you like it!

Try it at home for this Fall season,

then stick it away for next year.

Enjoy!

Chit-Chat Time

One of my favorite times of the day

is when Simon gets home from Preschool.

We come home,

put his backpack down,

get cleaned up,

prepare a yummy snack (for both of us),

and sit down at his little table for Chit-Chat Time. I LOVE this!

We talk about the day...

what new friend he has made,

what centers he liked best,

what his "job" of the week is,

what his favorite part about school is,

and so on and so on...

It is so special to spend time together chatting about

all the new things that are going on in his life.

He loves sharing, giggling about it, and

telling me all the details...

I LOVE seeing his face light up

as I see my little boy

growing up!
People say, "Oh, they grow up so fast."

I believe it...

that's why I don't want to miss a beat.

As long as he's willing to share,

I'll sit there for hours

and listen to my boy do his little chit-chat.

Upcyled Baby Jar Project

This project was super easy AND nearly free!

First, take Mod Podge, food coloring, and empty baby food jars. Pour a small amount of Mod Podge on a paper plate

and add a few drops of food coloring.

Mix it up well...

Then paint the outside of the jars,

painting in all directions

(up/down & sideways).

Let it dry overnight and then you are done!!

It creates a stain-glass effect and it really is beautful.

Put a candle inside and it creates a nice greenish tint glow!

Tie some raffia and ribbon and you have yourself a

beauty of a gift OR

keep it for yourself.

Place a trio set indoors...

or outside on your patio table.

Seriously...

they look even cuter in person.

I think I found my new favorite craft!

Enjoy and Happy Crafting!

Preschool!!

Second day of Preschool...

going good!!

Simon looks like Sid the Science Kid

(just like his daddy whose a science teacher). I've never seen him so excited to go somewhere...

you would think it was Disneyland or somethin'!
Thank goodness he likes school
(so far)!

Family FUN

First slip & slide... Cousin Ryan makes family parties

SOOOOOOO fun!

Uncle Pete was in town after MONTHS of working in Illinois.

We love him SO much!

Thank you for loving your nieces and nephews so much...

You are the BEST uncle in the world!

The heat was blaring and the kids were trying to stay cool...

Simon tried to slip & slide for the first time...

it didn't quite work...

at least he got to the end somehow!

Game On!

I needed a little makeover on my mantle...

and went to work today!

I had some old glass jars that were

taking up too much room

in my cabinets.

The first step I took was... took 3 glass jars (all different heights).

I took some old

mini dominoes, chess pieces, and scrabble pieces...

Then I put them into the jars...

arranged them on the mantle with my existing props...

and voila!
I love the organic colors, natural feel, and "game feeling"
of my new mantle.

You would be surprised what fun little knick-knacks
you find around the house...
it'll spice up your mantle, coffee table, or diningroom...
Pull out those 'ol game pieces and
start decorating!!

My Little Man...

started Preschool today for the very first time!! His beautiful, sweet teacher greeted him with a hug...
Simon posed for some pictures for Mommy
in front of his new classroom...

He shows off his backpack...


and puts it in his cubbie...

and we left him while he was playing in this really cool kitchen...

"Bye Simon...aren't ya gonna cry?"

NOPE!

He had a GREAT day for his first day of school...

As we were driving home,

he was sound asleep!

I love it!

Can't wait for another day!

Recycled Matte Picture Frame

This is too easy!

I had a cool picture of an old bicycle

that was used as a planter outside.

It is in front of one of my favorite spots...

The Tea House on Los Rios Street.

I took this pic on my birthday because we went there to celebrate.

I had an old frame,

an old yellowish matte,

and this picture that I needed to frame.

I measured the scrapbook paper of my choice

(sorry if it's a little wild...

but that's how I roll)...

then I cut the paper to fit the matte,

glued it,

put the picture inside and...

voila!

It captures a special memory,

was only 25 cents,

and fills a blank wall in my bedroom...

it's perfect!