Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Vintage Reindeer Redeux


I purchased this vintage set of reindeer from a local antique shop for $10.
It's amazing what a little silver spray paint can do.


{I downloaded the free subway art show above from 
and had it printed at Sams Club for $1.54.}
What have you spray painted lately?

Monday, November 28, 2011

Burlap Christmas Pendant Banner DIY


Linking up for the party going on at Skip To My Lou and The Girl Creative!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Christmas Tree Hunting

We took the boys to cut down our own tree this year and they really got into it.
So much so that I think it will be come a new family tradition.
Ryan was not so sure initially, and it took some begging convincing on my part.
But on the drive home he admitted he had a change of heart. 
He even let us listen to Christmas music while we put on the decorations. {insert gasp here}
The day really was a lovely one. 
Brisk, but not frigid with no puddle in sight. 
Mild enough for only sweaters and scarves. 
My favorite. 
And my littlest let me dress him. 
Although it took everything within me to convince him that he 
did not need to wear his Missouri Tiger baseball cap.
Tell me do you do a real or faux tree?
Real is definetly messier. 





Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Be That Spark

Source
One of the things I've worked hard to instill in my Kindergartner is how very important it is to treat everyone with kindness. 
Even if they are different 
Even if they are not kind back. 
I want my boys to be the kind ones.
We talk about it frequently and Gentry always looks at me not really saying much. 
Sometimes I wonder if he thinks I've lost it.
Or if his wheels are really turning and soaking 
it all in and processing my words. 
The other day at drop off an older boy and his sister walked in right after us. 
Gentry ran up to the boy and gave him the hugest hug ever.
I could tell the boy felt special. 
The smile on his face was priceless.
It really almost brought tears to my eyes.
I called my sister (who has an older son) 
to ask what grade kids start to notice that some 
kids are different and not as "cool."
Just the thought breaks my heart
but I know it's a reality.
She remembered having conversations about it in first grade. 
(Gosh that seems so so young to me!)
I've decided that even if he thinks I'm 
crazy or weird 
I will not stop reminding him that he was born to be kind.
To be a friend.
To be a witness for Christ.
To make others feel 
special
important
loved.
As his mom, it's the very least I can do.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Lazy Weekend

This past weekend I was feeling a bit under the weather. 
Just a head cold, but it was a doozie.
Thank goodness we had a non-eventful weekend planned.
The weather was beautiful so we took a couple 
of walks and even managed to get to the park to run 
off some energy.
The time change really messes with my kids sleep schedules. 
I sure wish they would just cancel the whole darn change.
I tried to keep them as active as possible so they 
would sleep really well.
(Ikey was still up at 5am on Saturday morning.)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Even with the low key weekend I was able to capture 
some fun shots using my phone.


Gentry insisted on wearing this get up for a quick lunch and stroll around the Plaza. 
As quickly as I'd forget, 
a family would bust up laughing as they walked by.


Isaak found this plastic eyeball left over from a Halloween craft. I taped it to his forehead and he immediately began acting like a goofy monster. The longer I look at it, the more I laugh.
I think because his eyes are nearly the same size as the fake one!



This is what I felt like doing all day on Sunday. 
Our spoiled Paisley knows she's not supposed to 
lay on the couch or on the pillows. 
I think she knows I was ill and was taking full advantage.



While Paisley slumbered the day away, 
I watched a Sock Monkey puppet show. 
Ikey couldn't quite figure out how to keep his 
head beneath the "stage" while still holding up 
his "puppet." 
And then the whole "stage" came tumbling down. 
It was hysterical. 
After it fell about a dozen times they finally gave up and resorted to decorating the cardboard with stickers.
Sometimes lazy weekends are the best kind of weekend!
How was yours?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Really Bad Mom

Sometimes I feel like I'm a really bad mom. 
Bed time prayers are forgotten.
The bickering becomes too much.
I yell when I shouldn't.
We eat cereal for dinner.
Teeth go unbrushed.
I forget to read the bed time story.
Because its been a long day.
And I'm tired. And a bit cranky.
And I take it out on them. Even though I know I shouldn't.


I teach them to say I'm sorry.
And sometimes I have to say it too.
I ask for forgiveness.
I pray for strength.
And my little boys always give me another chance.
To be a better mama. Their mama.
And I try really hard to do better.


I asked Gentry tonight if he will let me give him kisses even when 
he's big and has girlfriends.
With a toothy grin on his face and arms wrapped tightly around my neck 
he replied
"I choose you to be my girlfriend."
I'll remind him of that one day. 


So today this mamma or **ahem** girlfriend will try harder.
And tomorrow too.
Maybe one day they will say that I was a really good mom.