Cute stuff...

Here are some cute things I've been working on lately. A lady saw my card in Curves and called me about making some bows. She wants her granddaughters name, Elle, plastered all over that little girls head...so I've been making some new bows that she wanted.
And, a friend asked for doll diapers. I love them!! So cute. And all materials that I have at home. I have many more in the works.

Birthday presents...

2 of Sophia's best little friends are turning 4 in a couple weeks. I made these presents for them. I love them!!! Found these cute little tank tops one the sale rack at Target...added a 4 and made a matching bow with their initial on a covered button in the middle. Made pillowcase dresses for each of them with a matching bow. And, made a little bag with their name on it as the "wrapping." I think I may give them the 4 tank tops early so that they can wear them to the party if they want to. Special presents for 2 of Sophia's special friends!!

Tulsa Bound...

Last year's trip to Tulsa was a little rough...this year was easier. One extra kid, but 2 husbands makes a BIG difference. Our "usual" place was booked, so we stayed at the Indian Lodge. Circa 1950's...they have refrigerated air there!!! It did work out very well though. Playground, pool, pond, lots of area to run...and the Western Hills state park was about 5 min away with the horse stables, nature center and lake. So, there was lots to do!

When Sophia saw the sign lit up at night, she called him the "diving guy." Pretty funny....he is above the pool...and his hands are up like he's ready to dive!

Admit it...you want this paint color for your house. I wrote down some decorating ideas while we were there!!
Sophia riding Sally. She rode both the pony and the "real" horse this year!Jake got brave and rode King King this time!!!
Making "swamp monster" faces at the pond. We had a really good time. Dick seemed to enjoy the kids and craziness and they enjoy spending time with him. Next year there will be 5 kids on the trip. Wow!!!

Craft space...

It's official...I've taken over the dining room. I had to get things in order. I couldn't continue to work in the mess. So, thanks to a tip from a friend, I got this bookshelf for $5 at a garage sale. The rods for the ribbon and plastic bins were $21. I went through my fabric. Got rid of some, folded and organized the rest. And for a grand total of $26....it went from this:To this:
While I'm working I can cover the dining room table and use it as a work space. But, everything can be put back pretty neatly. Now we can use the dining room when we need it for its "official" use. The folding table and sewing machine can be put away easily. A big big improvement. Now it's on to tackle Joshua's room and later Sophia's room. I will get the house in order if it's the last thing I do!!!!!

What's more fun than this.....

3 long time friends and 8 kids (all 6 and under) at the ranch for 3 nights. It was crazy and loud, but so much fun. Kelly, Jay, Ryan, Tyler and Austin came on Thursday. They were on their 3 week road trip (WOW!!!!). We went to the lake that afternoon. Friday we went driving around the ranch and after nap time, we hit the Waco Water Park. That place is great!!!! Shalon, Mike, Jansen and Hudson came late Friday night. On Saturday we went to the Children's Museum at the Mayborn, took all 8 kids into Fazoli's for lunch (again...WOW!) and then went to Baylor to see the bears and do a little BU shopping. Kelly and her crew left early Sunday morning. Shalon and I took the kids to the lake again....and then everyone headed home.

We had a great time. 3--2ish year olds (Austin had a birthday while they were there!), 2--4 year olds, 1--5 year old and 2--6 year olds. Joshua and Hudson got the award for being the quietest and least amount of trouble. The big kids had a few issues, but all in all...did great!! Everyone had a playmate.

I loved being able to spend time with Shalon and Kelly. And Jay and Mike were real troupers. Jay was a big help being "Camp Counselor Jay" as Kelly always said. Who knows how many 4 wheeler rides he did with all the kids.

I'm SO lucky to have such good friends and the ranch is just perfect for get togethers like this!!! Next trip...who knows???

8 kids visiting the Baylor bears. We were lucky to get all of them sitting together!! Joshua made a fast get away after this was snapped! Austin celebrating with his birthday cake!

4 wheeler fun. It didn't even need to be moving for the kids to enjoy it!!

Children's Museum...it kept everyone busy!!!

Water park fun. Notice Sophia's fancy hair!! Kelly is an expert french braider!!!

Tyler and Sophia sharing mac and cheese.

This was at the river. Sophia found 3 eggs...not sure what they were from...and was sad that we forgot to take them home to her "collection." Way before our trip, Tyler had asked Sophia to go on a picnic with him. They were both so excited about it. This was at the lake after swimming. Sadly Sophia got stung by a caterpillar and spent most of the picnic crying. But, the other kids enjoyed it!!

Austin or "the beast" as Kelly and Jay call him...trying to give Joshua a hug. He's not too sure about it!!

Swimming at the lake. It was perfect because they could go all the way out to the yellow barrier and still touch!!!

Thank you!!

Thanks to Ms. Cole...we now have a little man who is ready for 1st grade! She was a perfect teacher for Jake this year!! Very strong classroom management and discipline, but very loving! And her dog Lucy just added to a great year. Jake loved Fridays when Lucy would come so the kids could read to her. Ms. Cole will always have a special place in my heart. It was a year of some downs...but mostly big big ups!!!

Men in Uniform....

First Cub Scout meeting was last night. Jake was super excited. Mike...a little apprehensive about being Den Leader for 10 little boys. But, I know he'll do a great job!!!

50 Nifty United States...

Sophia's class has been working on the state song all year long. It's pretty funny to hear 3 and 4 year olds recite all 50 states in alphabetical order!! I can't do it!!! So, today was the big performance...also the last day of school. :( The video is 2 minutes..but well worth watching!!


Taking a bow after the performance.

Her wonderful teacher, Ms. Maria. She's been SO good. Everyone is sad that she won't be coming back next year.

End of Kinder...

Let's all think back to August when I cried over Jake going to Kinder, cried about him getting a tray when he already had a lunchbox, meeting with the counselor over his tantrums and tears over not getting his way...there were a lot of tears.

Now...here's our little guy. Almost a whole year older, a lot fewer teeth, a lot more mature, much closer to being a "real" reader...and a lot ready for first grade. WOW!! We couldn't have asked for a better Kinder teacher to help through this year. Ms. Cole has been wonderful!!! I just hope first grade goes as smoothly!!

Summertime is here...

Popsicles in the backyard mean it's summertime!!!! With Bosque always close by in hopes of leftovers!