Let the Rain Come Down...

Look at what is happening to my beautiful one and a half year old ceiling!

Yes, it is sad... and just a little bit infuriating. Why yes, it is a brand new house. Fun stuff! 

I'll just let you peruse a few pics for a moment or two...

So, I know that I have said this before but, new house does not equal no worries/no problems/no issues.

I'm baaaaccckkkk!

All because SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMA!

So, So Sorry

Dear Blog,

I am so, so sorry that I have been neglecting you this last month. I don't know how it happened. Something about three kids, and new side business, a husband taking business trips, and a full time job have kept me from my passions. But now is not the time for excuses, just apologies. I can't promise that it won't happen again, but know that I am doing my best and I will come back to you!

:(

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Okay, so I have a confession to make. We are not Easter people. Yes, the Easter Bunny comes to our house - I don't think I could have come up with a good explanation for why the Easter Bunny skips our house, but goes to everybody else's, including Nana's - but we don't do church, or a big family dinner, or anything else really.  Last year we skied on Easter which was awesome because it was warm, spring skiing and there was NO ONE there. The big bunny did make an appearance, however, and there was an egg hunt. Plus we skied!

That being said, I LOVE finding items to put in my sons' Easter baskets. I don't know why, maybe I am the ultimate consumer. Yup, that is probably it... The good news is that I also LOVE to share. Look what I found!

 
Even cuter... what if you get one with a seaside flair?
   
I don't know why, but I am in love with these adorable bucket bags from Seabags. They are a little pricey. So, my plan is to DIY some other things.

I found this awesome playground chalk recipe, made using plastic eggs. A Beautiful Mess posted this plantable felt garden recently and I figured I could probably get away with just making some vegetables (carrots for the bunny?) for the boys to use when they set up their grocery store or restaurant. I've also been dying to try these from the Love from the Oven blog (I think it was my first pin on Pinterest).

I usually throw in a book or two, some bubbles, a toothbrush (to get all the sugar bugs) and call it good.

Anyone have any other DIY ideas? I am open to suggestions and inspiration. Really I just love the baskets!

A Few Good Books

Today I am sharing a few of my favorite books for kids. This is nowhere close to my complete list, but a few is better than none. I love, love, love books which is probably why I decided to become a teacher and share that love with kids.

 I have included books that are good for a range of ages and reading abilities. I have also tried to include some newer titles with some old favorites.

For the Youngest
Baby Faces
Babies love to look at other babies. This book has it!



Little Puppy: Finger Puppet Book 
Anything with a puppet and a book? Sold! The boys liked it even better when the puppy barked, sniffed, and interacted with them.



Maisy books
My boys loved Maisy! I'm not sure why but when they hit two years old Maisy was the go to book. This one was their favorite. They loved to lift the flaps.




Sandra Boynton Books
I have to admit, I really get into these ones. When you read them, you can't help but sing...and maybe rock out just a little. Our favorites are the Belly Button Book and Barnyard Dance.




Early Readers
Elephant and Piggie Books by Mo Willems
We have just discovered these. My 6 year old loves, loves, loves to read them and hearing him read them with excitement is his voice warms my heart. I actually love all of Mo Willems' books which also include Knuffle Bunny and the Pigeon books.




Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
Another of my 6 year old's favorite books. These two friends are unconventional, but still have some good times.




Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Any time you can get a kid hooked into a series you are golden. If they love it they will read each and every book in the series and cherish them. This one is great because it has history mixed in.

 

Elementary Readers (1st - 6th)
DK Publishers Eyewitness Books
These books are all nonfiction, and fascinating. One of my favorites is the Titanic, but they have a ton of information about a ton of topics. With great illustrations, photographs, and information!


Warriors by Erin Hunter
This is another series that kids fall in love with. This one is about a cat clans who talk. (Think Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nim) You will get sick of hearing about the different clans and who belongs with who, but the kids REALLY get into it.







Rick Riordan Books
Rick Riordan has a knack for incorporating mythology from Rome, Greece, and Egypt into real world settings. His Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles series are all instant hits. Kids line up to get the newest editions on the day they come out.


 Older Kids (Middle School - High School)
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
This book is about listening to yourself and not worrying about fitting in with the crowd. It teaches kids that everyone has something special and interesting about them. You just need to give them a
chance.





Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper
The main character, Melody, in this book is unable to speak due to Cerebral palsy. Although her body has failed her, her mind has not. The girl is a genius, only no one knows it. The entire book is from her point of view. A great read for
 

Wonder by RJ Palacio
A boy with a birth defect (a facial deformity) is sent to school for the first time in his life. To make it worse, it is middle school. This is the story of Auggie's journey into the public world. Palacio tells the story from not only Auggie's point of view, but also from the point of view of those around him. Another great read for kids and adults alike.


Cinder by Marisa Meyer
This book blends a futuristic world where cyborgs and humans intermingle with the classic tale of Cinderella. And, somehow, it works! This book is also part of a series.


Divergent by Veronica Roth
Want to read the next Hunger Games? This is it! This series will become just as popular and be made into movies, guaranteed. The science fiction is set in a world where people are separated into factions that tell them how to dress, act, and govern how they are treated in their society. Teenagers have one chance in their lives to switch factions. Read this book to see what happens when one does.
 

The Angel Expirement (Maximum Ride Series) by James Patterson
Did you know that James Patterson writes books for young adults? Well, he does. This book is about a group of teenagers who have been born with special powers/genetic deformities (it all depends on your perspective) and their struggle to stay free.

100 happy days, one day at a time

Okay, so I think I am a little late to the party on this one. Sadly, I find that I am a little behind the eight ball on many social media-type things. Oh well, sometimes having a life is more important. I already spend WAY too much time on the blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, the list goes on and on. Couldn't they just stop making new social media apps? I can't take anymore!

Anyway, in an attempt to extract myself from social media (yeah. right.) I have decided to try the 100 Happy Days project. Have you seen this? Do you know what I am talking about? Please tell me that there is at least one person out there who doesn't know about this yet...

Basically, you take one picture of one thing that makes you happy. And you do it again and again for 100 days. It is an attempt to help all of us unfocused, rushed people stop and notice how wonderful out lives are and, hopefully, appreciate all that we have. I love the premise behind it. I am a little sad that it takes social media to help me take these extra steps but it is what it is. I do have to say that I appreciate and give thanks for my life and my family every day. But it is kind of fun to do it in pictures.

Just in case you want another bloggers point of view on this, check out A Beautiful Mess' post this week here.  Oh, and there is actual scientific results that shows that this project makes people happier and more satisfied. Want to sign up (and to see more information)? Go to 100happydays.com and check out the project!

Here are my first few happy days.

What makes you happy? Share your happiness!
Go to #100happydays to see what makes the world happy

Mimosas and Muffins

This past weekend I hosted a mimosas and muffins party.  It was quick and easy as far as set up and planning and it was a great way to spend some time with some of my favorite ladies!

To get ready I baked two dozen muffins (straight out of the box...I am no Martha) and bought fruit for fruit salad, three kinds of juices for a variety of mimosas (OJ, Blueberry Pomegranate,  and Crangrape) and a bottle of champagne for every guest. Overkill? Maybe...but I didn't want to run out.

I then scavenged my house for every bright colored, spring looking thing I could find. And then scavenged my mom's house (thanks Mom) and ended up with a pretty festive color palette. Clearly I am dreaming of spring and completely ignoring the single digit temperatures out there.

Then I searched the internet and found these lovely, free printables from the Handmade Home (thanks Guys!). I added some words using PicMonkey and printed.

Here is everything all set up and just waiting for my guests...

Sorry I didn't get a picture with all the food and mixers out but things got a little hairy in the end. I still had to feed the baby, vacuum the first floor, get the two year old dressed, and pee (TMI?) at about the same time that the guests were due to arrive. Eek!

Once everyone got there it was a help yourself, relaxed get-together. People made their own mimosas, grabbed their own snacks and hung out. My 45 minute party ended up lasting 2 1/2 hours. It was fun and I even have leftover champagne!

I hope all these spring colors bring a smile to your face!