Teacher gift

I have had this project on my list for awhile now and finally got it finished last week. It is for Teagan's Kindergarten teacher. It just so happens that her last name starts with a W, which works well for Williamsburg too.

Here are the supplies. I got everything at Hobby Lobby.

Glass Block - $7.99 A little more than I wanted to spend, but it already has a hole drilled for the filler and it is made for crafting

Vinyl letters - $15 (originally $30, but 1/2 off on sale) Yes I only used one letter, but I have lots of plans for the others

Crinkly paper - $2 I could have used 1/2 as much which I saw for $1 at Star Drug.

So I figure the whole project was about $9. If you can get the block cheaper it would be even better.

Rubbed on the "w" - almost did it upside down, but caught myself.
Stuffed the paper in and was done. Seriously took about 3 minutes and I like that she can change the inside to whatever material she wants.
Here is what Teagan was doing while I was making the gift. She got a Hannah Montana design studio for Christmas. Honestly, I think she has some potential.

Here is Tate's new addiction. Look familiar? Anyone who has had Teagan look at their albums knows what I am talking about!

Well, its officially back to work for me starting tomorrow. I can't believe how fast time goes, but I got a lot of projects done and got to spend some quality time with the kids. Having my job (which I really do enjoy) makes me appreciate the time I do have at home with my family. Enjoy your week!!

Butterfly cupcakes

I made these cupcakes for Teagan's birthday last week. Bless her heart - she said she would like cupcakes instead of a cake. One less for me to make. Plus, I was really excited to do these and I really like the way they turned out. Super simple too!

I made chocolate cupcakes, but obviously you can use any kind. While they were baking I did the most time consuming part, but still simple. I melted almond bark in the microwave according to the directions and then a little more till I got the consistancy I wanted. I added a little food coloring - light purple for us. *Hint - put your container in a bowl of warm water. That will keep the almond bark from hardening.

Then dip the preztels in about 1/2 and lay them on wax paper to dry. I didn't take any extra pictures decorating, but it is up to you what you want to do. I used pink frosting and some extra pink sprinkles. I lined up different types of Skittles. Then I stuck in the un-dipped part of the pretzels for the wings. Then I used some "writing" frosting to make the antenna. I am really happy with the way they turned out. And they were super good too!!

Ok, so this next part is SO unrelated to happy, cute butterfly cupcakes, but I have found a couple new shows that I can't get enough of. Ironically the are called "Obsessed" and "Hoarding" and are on A&E.

I have only seen episodes about OCD and hoarding, but it is amazing that people live this way. I highly recommend checking it out. I think "Hoarding" is on after "Intervention" on Monday nights. Great TV people!!

Happy Birthday - Times Two!

Once again we celebrate the kids' birthdays together. We ended up with a pretty good day, a little warm, but it could have been worse! Thanks to the friends and family that joined us - everyone had a great time!Happy Birthday! How do I have kids this big?
Sorry this is blurring, but I couldn't get a picture where the kids weren't running. Gpa and Gma Schaefer purchased this for the grandkids to use both at their house and for birthdays. The kids all loved it!

I think Teagan went down more than anyone. By the way - it is 9:15 right now and she is still sleeping! Completely wiped out!

You get a good idea of how big it is. Pretty sure that is Madox trying to scale the side!

Believe it or not this is the best picture we could get of all the kids. I think it is hilarious! Tate trying to escape, Cole crying, Griff is like "this is a little scary", Gavin posing, Jenna is like "what is that kid doing?"! Teagan and Bryce are the only 2 really taking a picture - What a group!

Some of the "big" kids. At Teagan's first birthday they were all in carseats or strollers.

Tate finally got in the water. After that we had to drag him out!

Dads doing what they do best!

Eating supper.

My creations! I will blog about the cupcakes later, but I also did Tate's cake. I really enjoy it. Also - ignore the pictures in the back. I don't display them for guests - I was trying to get rid of extras!!

Present time!

What a ham! Don't let her fool you - see loves the attention!

Loving the tractor cake!

Grandpa getting in on the action (and Jack too). These two are the reason Tate is so in love with John Deere! We wouldn't have it any other way. Farm boy living in the city!

The grandmas are always such great help. Dishing out ice cream and cake - later the dishes! Love them!!

Beth enjoying the homemade ice cream! Had to put this one in!

The great-grandparents. It is so special that they get to celebrate with us and they really enjoy all the kids. We are blessed to have this time with them and the kids will always remember that.

It was really a good day. We got everything in before the storm and took the rest of the night to review gifts. Today is going to be a lazy day - now its 9:30 and Teagan is still in bed. Ah, summer!! Have a great week everyone!

Yesterday was a busy day with the kids at home, but I did manage to get a couple things done. I posted earlier this summer about this plant stand I got cheap at Hobby Lobby, but the pots needed help. Well, I got spray paint happy and here is what I did. A little chalkboard paint and chalk and I have a little welcome area by our garagedoor. I am hoping to change it for the seasons - we'll see.
What were the kids doing during this project? Well...Tate put all the chalk on the seat of his trike and drove around the driveway. This is the result.
Teagan was off on her bike again. All the injuries just can't keep her off of it!

This is Tate's "jumping" spot. You have to have Jodie D. tell her firsthand account of his skills! Found them here earlier in the day. If its not one at a time then it is both of them! It could be worse!
While the kids were napping I checked out the garden. Look what I did!! My only problem is that there are some peppers growing and I am not sure what kind they are. I don't think I bought anything hot, but not sure. I guess I'll find out!

We are off to celebrate Teagan's birthday tonight. She always picks Red Lobster and then off to get school supplies. Big birthday party this weekend - will post on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Seriously?

You may remember that I blogged about my kids' injuries last week. Well, this week it was round two. They are quite the sight!I know I shouldn't be posing for pictures like this, but I just can't help it!

So here it is - Miss Teagan and her face. The scrapes on her nose came from a little mishap at daycare on Tuesday. It looks worse than it is, but I really want it to heal well. Any advice?

You might also notice her right lip is a little swollen. That came from yet another bike riding incident last night. Good thing she had on her new helmet!

A quick Tate update - his bump is still there, but has gone down quite a bit. The hubby did meniton that he fell down all 3 concrete steps last night in front of the house. Luckily he is getting really good at the "tuck-n-roll" so no major injuries! Please nobody call DHS - they are all legit - I swear!!

Today is my last day to get a couple small projects done around the house before birthday parties this weekend. I got these up on the wall and am deciding if I should leave it the way it is or have a frame made to go around it. What do you think?

I reorganized the basement for the time being. I kind of like it, but Brad isn't a fan. Too bad I guess cause this is how it is staying (for awhile at least).

I also cleaned and moved stuff around in the toyroom. It is amazing how much crap you can get into such a small space!

I am most proud of the fact that I got the kids' pictures in their frames already. For those that know me, you know I can have empty frames sittting/hanging around my house for months. This is huge! Look at those cuties!!

Off to the projects. I have decided to keep the kids home today since I haven't seen them much since our parents weekend (an absolute blast by the way!) This means that only half the list might get done and any mess I clean up will need to be cleaned again in about 30 minutes. Oh well, they are way more important than a clean house!

Summer treats!

Brad got our first batch of sweet corn this weekend and he put it on the grill last night. It was really good and the kids loved it!

This is what was left after Tate devoured his first piece.
The kids helped "clean" the corn before we got started. I think I was the one who really did the cleaning - afterwards!
Tate was hilarious! He left nothing on the ear!

After each bite he would say "yum" and then take another huge bite!

Teagan has always loved sweet corn. Good thing she still has her front two teeth for summer!

Trying to fit into Daddy's shoes. Someday buddy!

This is nothing new. Teagan usually has a new pair of shoes on before I do!

Going crazy with the "shakers".

More self portraits taken by Teagan! I seriously think she might be a photographer someday!Enough of the pictures Teagan!!

Have a good week everyone!!