guess who made Grandma's birthday cake with minimal help from Momma?
a journal of autism, homeschooling, faith, and general family craziness
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - my little baker
guess who made Grandma's birthday cake with minimal help from Momma?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Not Me Monday -
I'm sitting here sipping my morning smoothie and contemplating the previous week. Time for a little "Not Me" therapy! It's always relaxing and completely freeing all at the same time. You may want to see how many others are releasing their stress through "Not Me" therapy and perhaps join in yourself. Nothing like not really admitting to anything!
First of all, I would just like to say that I am not sitting here gloating that my fantasy football team decimated my hubby's team 144 to 86. No, not me! That would certainly not be very Christ-like even though he should have been better prepared to lose to such an awesome team as the Fightin' Frogs!
And I am not here drinking a smoothie for breakfast because the man and I have finally made a commitment to eat healthier and become generally more healthy people. Nope, not me! Everyone knows that this girl cannot resist junk food and especially anything sweet. So obviously I have not been tediously recording everything I eat in my "Lose It!" application on my I-phone.
Because of course I would not have worked hard to convince my hubby that I needed an I-phone. Now. I would not have agreed to pay out of my contract so I could get one. And naturally, if I had, I would not have been sitting up late at night playing with all the applications that the glorious I-phone comes with. As if!
It is not me that uses my children as slave labor, making the 2-year-old do mountains of laundry. He most certainly would not agree to pose for such a photo so it must be a very skilled use of photoshop.
And finally, I absolutely did not get the deals of the century on the kiddies' winter wardrobe this year at the local consignment sale. I mean, $8 for a brand-new Old Navy coat? $2 for Gap jeans for the Beast? $1 for a brand-new Carters blazer for the Drama Queen? Pretty unbelievable, I must say. Nope, not me!
Are you "not me-ing" today?
First of all, I would just like to say that I am not sitting here gloating that my fantasy football team decimated my hubby's team 144 to 86. No, not me! That would certainly not be very Christ-like even though he should have been better prepared to lose to such an awesome team as the Fightin' Frogs!
And I am not here drinking a smoothie for breakfast because the man and I have finally made a commitment to eat healthier and become generally more healthy people. Nope, not me! Everyone knows that this girl cannot resist junk food and especially anything sweet. So obviously I have not been tediously recording everything I eat in my "Lose It!" application on my I-phone.
Because of course I would not have worked hard to convince my hubby that I needed an I-phone. Now. I would not have agreed to pay out of my contract so I could get one. And naturally, if I had, I would not have been sitting up late at night playing with all the applications that the glorious I-phone comes with. As if!
It is not me that uses my children as slave labor, making the 2-year-old do mountains of laundry. He most certainly would not agree to pose for such a photo so it must be a very skilled use of photoshop.
And finally, I absolutely did not get the deals of the century on the kiddies' winter wardrobe this year at the local consignment sale. I mean, $8 for a brand-new Old Navy coat? $2 for Gap jeans for the Beast? $1 for a brand-new Carters blazer for the Drama Queen? Pretty unbelievable, I must say. Nope, not me!
Are you "not me-ing" today?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Green Shoes
The Drama Queen has been begging for a pair of green shoes. Currently her favorite color is green, and she already has a green jacket, green coat, several green shirts, and a green star necklace.
And while I would love to give my little girl anything she wants, it's hard to justify spending money on a pair of shoes that will not match everything. Especially a pair of shoes from the oh-so-cute but oh-so-pricey Gymboree.
Last night I went shopping for the kids' fall/winter clothing. We have this fantastic huge consignment sale twice a year here, and I usually sell enough to pay for the kids "new" clothes. I always make a list of each child's needs before I go and set myself a budget. This year the budget for all three little ones was $100.00. I was thrilled to find everything on my list - from winter coats (brand-new) to shoes to skirts that were actually long enough to keep my little girl modest. The total for the 35 items I was purchasing was $95.00. And then, the Drama Queen saw them. The coveted green shoes from Gymboree! I checked the size - just right - and there was exactly enough money left in the budget to get them.
I am thankful for the big things in my life - my familly, my home, my church, our vehicles. But every once in a while I can be thankful for the little things. Thank you God for green shoes!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Loaded Questions
Recently my father-in-law received a board game entitled "Loaded Questions" for his birthday, and we were able to put it to the test at some family gatherings. The premise of the game is simple - answer the question and hope that no one guesses that it is your answer. Basically, on each turn, a moderator (changes each turn) reads aloud a question and everyone else writes down their own personal answer to the question. Another player reads aloud all the answers, and the moderator must guess who wrote which answer. Questions range from "What do you complain about most?" to " What is the best purchase you ever made?" It is the perfect game for a lot of discussion and laughter.
I myself have been pondering some loaded questions recently:
1) Is white tea a marketing gimmick? Is there really such a thing as white tea leaves that supposedly make a milder and healthier tea? Come on, people, have you tasted that stuff? It tastes like water with a little added flavor. Personally I think someone made it up, bottling flavored water and selling it at ridiculously high prices as "white tea."
2) And now to the coffee creamer. I recently purchased a bottle of Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer for the fridge. Seriously, folks? "Limited Edition?" What - should I run out to the store and buy up all the pumpkin pie spice creamer before anyone else does because they are collector's items and marked "limited edition"? Isn't all coffee creamer "limited edition" anyway - limited by its expiration date?
3) Should I cut the Spud's hair? His luscious blonde curls are starting to get rather long. Every day someone stops me to tell me how adorable my little girl is. I am afraid that if I cut it, all the curl will go away. Ah, decisions, decisions,...
4) Why are people always asking me what my secret is to my kiddies' good behavior in public? There is no secret, people - you just happened to catch us on a good day. Either that, or I've discovered a new source of bribery - recent bribes have included a trip to the pet store, licorice, "special" papers to color when we get home, and an extra half-hour of tv. And I'm just curious - was everyone oblivious when the Beast threw a major tantrum just minutes ago?
What questions are weighing on your mind today? Share in the comments please!
I myself have been pondering some loaded questions recently:
1) Is white tea a marketing gimmick? Is there really such a thing as white tea leaves that supposedly make a milder and healthier tea? Come on, people, have you tasted that stuff? It tastes like water with a little added flavor. Personally I think someone made it up, bottling flavored water and selling it at ridiculously high prices as "white tea."
2) And now to the coffee creamer. I recently purchased a bottle of Limited Edition Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer for the fridge. Seriously, folks? "Limited Edition?" What - should I run out to the store and buy up all the pumpkin pie spice creamer before anyone else does because they are collector's items and marked "limited edition"? Isn't all coffee creamer "limited edition" anyway - limited by its expiration date?
3) Should I cut the Spud's hair? His luscious blonde curls are starting to get rather long. Every day someone stops me to tell me how adorable my little girl is. I am afraid that if I cut it, all the curl will go away. Ah, decisions, decisions,...
4) Why are people always asking me what my secret is to my kiddies' good behavior in public? There is no secret, people - you just happened to catch us on a good day. Either that, or I've discovered a new source of bribery - recent bribes have included a trip to the pet store, licorice, "special" papers to color when we get home, and an extra half-hour of tv. And I'm just curious - was everyone oblivious when the Beast threw a major tantrum just minutes ago?
What questions are weighing on your mind today? Share in the comments please!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - why I stay up late at night
Monday, September 21, 2009
Seen on a Leather Couch
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Mission Mommyhood
I have a bit of an unnatural obsession with mommy jewelry. Show me a beautiful piece of jewelry with my angels' names on it, and I want it. Badly! I especially love unique pieces, like the gorgeous spoon handle necklace my hubby purchased for me for Mother's Day.
Isn't this mommy necklace just stunning? I love the slight distressing of the metal and the lovely pearls!
This mommy necklace and many other beautiful pieces of certified mommy jewelry are hand-made by Heather at Mission Mommyhood on Etsy. Heather not only makes unique and gorgeous jewelry, but she is also unique in the fact that she herself is not a mommy. Yet. She has been making her mommy pieces now for a long time, all the while longing for a sweet baby of her own. As a teacher, she is daily surrounded by other people's children, but she has yet to come home to her own precious baby. Heather and her husband have been troopers through the infertility treatments, and now they know that their only option is in-vitro. Which, folks, is a pretty spendy treatment. It costs between $15,000 and $20,000 - way more than Heather and her husband can afford. Instead of feeling worry for herself and having a giant pity party (which I think she is totally entitled to, by the way!), Heather has launched her mommy jewelry shop called Mission Mommyhood to help pay for the in-vitro. She estimates that she needs to sell about 500 pieces to fund the in-vitro costs.
She has sold about fifty jewelry items already. Besides mommy jewelry, Heather makes beautiful hand-stamped pieces as well, including the clever coffee cup design on the earrings shown above.
Will you help Heather in her quest to mommyhood? If you are unable to purchase something from her shop, you can at least get the word out to others through blogging, twitter, facebook, etc.
I would love to see her announce on her Etsy shop - "Mission Accomplished!"
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Some Inspiration to all You Crafters Out There
Inspired yet?? There's still time to enter The Fantastic Froggy Fall Craft Contest! Just email me with your craft idea for one of the four categories described here, and you could win Starbucks cards and a host of awesome goodness from The Framed Frog.
I need people to spread the word too, so head on over to the contest post and leave me a comment on how you blogged about, tweeted about, or mentioned it on Facebook.
I need some more entries! Help me out please!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - playdough birthday cake
ah, the sheer joy of molding homemade play clay and various accessories into a "birthday cake" for Mommy, and then having her "blow out" the candles a bazillion times. . .
more wordless fun at 5 Minutes for Mom...
Monday, September 14, 2009
Design Style
HGTV has become my channel of choice lately. I love watching all of the home makeovers, getting ideas for my own space and getting jealous of those who have the money to pour into their own spaces. :) I also enjoy watching Divine Design and other HGTV shows to get inspiration for the pieces I create for my shop The Framed Frog.
Anyway, I also enjoy a little reality tv here and there; so The Next HGTV Design Star was the perfect show to watch and unwind after church on Sunday evenings. Talk about great design ideas! I became a big fan of Loni's beautiful graphics that she painted on the walls and the interesting furniture that Dan and Antonio built themselves.
And then, after a little catching up on my blog-reading, I found that Monica at The Writer Chic also had been keeping up with The Next HGTV Design Star. She has been doing some fabulous things to her master bedroom, and I love her design style. She posted her results to a design style quiz she had taken at HomeGoods.com, and I was intrigued enough to take the quiz myself.
Here are my results:
Hmmm....I am not sure about the elegant and refined part. I think the second paragraph completely describes my sense of style. I absolutely love color and have banished the white walls in most of our little home. In fact, I am sitting here now trying to think of where in our home I can incorporate that beautiful green color Antonio used in the bedroom in The Next HGTV Design Star finale.
What is your design style?
Anyway, I also enjoy a little reality tv here and there; so The Next HGTV Design Star was the perfect show to watch and unwind after church on Sunday evenings. Talk about great design ideas! I became a big fan of Loni's beautiful graphics that she painted on the walls and the interesting furniture that Dan and Antonio built themselves.
And then, after a little catching up on my blog-reading, I found that Monica at The Writer Chic also had been keeping up with The Next HGTV Design Star. She has been doing some fabulous things to her master bedroom, and I love her design style. She posted her results to a design style quiz she had taken at HomeGoods.com, and I was intrigued enough to take the quiz myself.
Here are my results:
"Jeanette, you are an Elegant Classic
You have a refined sensibility with an appreciation for history and tradition in your furniture and your rooms. You value beauty, things that are well crafted, and family heirlooms. You are visually sensitive and understand how symmetry and a formal layout give order to a room, and hence your home is refined and calming. You are not taken in by the trends of the moment. You go for things with a timeless appeal, and appreciate old-fashioned virtues like manners and handwritten notes and making a home that is welcoming for others.
You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be."Hmmm....I am not sure about the elegant and refined part. I think the second paragraph completely describes my sense of style. I absolutely love color and have banished the white walls in most of our little home. In fact, I am sitting here now trying to think of where in our home I can incorporate that beautiful green color Antonio used in the bedroom in The Next HGTV Design Star finale.
What is your design style?
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Toddlerhood
Figuring out toddlers is certainly not easy. One of the hardest tasks is getting them to understand that they need to wait while you go and get something. The Beast will sob hysterically for juice, even when he knows I am in the kitchen, getting the juice out of the fridge and pouring it into his cup. It is rather frustrating.
And then there's the just not understanding them. Yesterday the kiddies begged for peanut butter and jelly for lunch. I made them the requested sandwiches and paired them with fresh peaches. The Beast freaked out for no apparent reason and kept screeching, "I wanted peanut butter and jelly! I wanted peanut butter and jelly!" I tried reassuring him that it was indeed peanut butter and jelly, but the drama continued for several more minutes until suddenly and mysteriously he stopped and then quickly inhaled his sandwich. ???
The food battles are the worst. Phrases such as "You need to at least try that" and "Come on - you love grapes and ate a whole bunch of them yesterday!" are useless. The Drama Queen's favorite food today could be a despised food next week. Both she and the Beast are very suspicious of new foods and flatly refuse to eat them. And lately, the Drama Queen has been casually tossing food she doesn't "like" off the table and then announcing, "Oops! My food fell off the table! Now it's dirty so I can't eat it!"
I thought that she had pulled that trick again this morning. She asked to be excused from the table, claiming that she had indeed eaten all of her cereal. Suspicious, I looked on the floor and around her table. "Momma! I really did eat it!" she chimed in. "See - it's all in here." And she lifted up her shirt with her slightly rounded tummy as proof that she ate her breakfast.
I smiled. Navigating the world of toddlers can be tough, but there are quite a few funny moments along the way. At least they aren't going all emo on me or getting ridiculously embarrassed to be seen with their parents! Before I know it, I'll be blogging about the drama of rearing teenagers.
And that's enough to scare the bejeebies out of me...
And then there's the just not understanding them. Yesterday the kiddies begged for peanut butter and jelly for lunch. I made them the requested sandwiches and paired them with fresh peaches. The Beast freaked out for no apparent reason and kept screeching, "I wanted peanut butter and jelly! I wanted peanut butter and jelly!" I tried reassuring him that it was indeed peanut butter and jelly, but the drama continued for several more minutes until suddenly and mysteriously he stopped and then quickly inhaled his sandwich. ???
The food battles are the worst. Phrases such as "You need to at least try that" and "Come on - you love grapes and ate a whole bunch of them yesterday!" are useless. The Drama Queen's favorite food today could be a despised food next week. Both she and the Beast are very suspicious of new foods and flatly refuse to eat them. And lately, the Drama Queen has been casually tossing food she doesn't "like" off the table and then announcing, "Oops! My food fell off the table! Now it's dirty so I can't eat it!"
I thought that she had pulled that trick again this morning. She asked to be excused from the table, claiming that she had indeed eaten all of her cereal. Suspicious, I looked on the floor and around her table. "Momma! I really did eat it!" she chimed in. "See - it's all in here." And she lifted up her shirt with her slightly rounded tummy as proof that she ate her breakfast.
I smiled. Navigating the world of toddlers can be tough, but there are quite a few funny moments along the way. At least they aren't going all emo on me or getting ridiculously embarrassed to be seen with their parents! Before I know it, I'll be blogging about the drama of rearing teenagers.
And that's enough to scare the bejeebies out of me...
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
A View into the Gallery
It's been difficult to find time to blog lately. Sick kiddies certainly don't help in that arena. And custom orders for The Framed Frog have been taking up a huge chunk of my time. Not that I'm complaining! I started The Framed Frog with the premise that customers would be able to order exactly what they were envisioning in their minds. I wanted them to be able to find the items at The Framed Frog that they would not be able to get anywhere else. There is a certain joy and satisfaction in making something that completely matches the customer's wishes.
So, would you like a peek into my gallery of "What I've Been Up to Lately"?
This is Apple Blossom Cluster in Sepia, custom-made to match a customer's entryway. She actually got two of these paintings as a set. The Apple Blossom Cluster painting is now available in my shop - and can be custom painted in any color palette.
Another customer has this beautiful bench on her front porch decorated with sunflower pillows. She wanted a sign to match her decor that gently reminded guests to remove their shoes before entering the house. I am currently working on another version of this sign that reads "Welcome" for another customer.
This is my favorite fall project so far. Earlier in August, a customer requested their family initial done in an autumn theme to hang in their living room for the fall season. Since then, I've done two more of these letters for other customers and am planning on making one for our home as well. The brightly-colored pumpkins, gourds, and leaves are a lot of fun to paint!
And here is the 2009 Christmas ornament collection from The Framed Frog. These keepsakes are made of paper mache and hand-painted to exactly match your custom needs.
The I'm Dreaming of a Pink Christmas ornament features whimsical green and pink Christmas trees and the year. The flip side is decorated with retro stars and whatever personalization you want.
The I'm Dreaming of a Pink Christmas ornament features whimsical green and pink Christmas trees and the year. The flip side is decorated with retro stars and whatever personalization you want.
This is Baby's First Christmas ornament. Custom match the baby's skin color and hair color to your little one's, and personalize the flip side with the baby's name and sweet polka dots.
The Paisley Fields ornament comes in your color choices and personalization.
TJ and Robbie made their Framed Frog debut on this whimsical blue frame, perfect for a little boy's room.
And the orders for my custom keepsake name trains keep chugging in! The airplanes and stars theme seems to be a popular one. Currently I am working on a set of trains for two sisters in a pink ribbon and roses theme.
And here is my latest wall letter order. The yellow damask pattern was custom-painted on the letters to match the nursing chair in Marlowe's nursery. I absolutely love the aqua and yellow in this nursery - totally unexpected for a girl and totally beautiful.
So I'm just a little busy. Meanwhile, have you entered the Fantastic Froggy Fall Craft Contest over at The Scrappy Frog? You could win some of the things you just saw in that contest!
Or you could do a little Christmas shopping at The Framed Frog...
And here is my latest wall letter order. The yellow damask pattern was custom-painted on the letters to match the nursing chair in Marlowe's nursery. I absolutely love the aqua and yellow in this nursery - totally unexpected for a girl and totally beautiful.
So I'm just a little busy. Meanwhile, have you entered the Fantastic Froggy Fall Craft Contest over at The Scrappy Frog? You could win some of the things you just saw in that contest!
Or you could do a little Christmas shopping at The Framed Frog...
Monday, September 07, 2009
It's the Chicken Pox
The Spud is suffering from chicken pox. Yep. And he got it from his chicken pox "vaccine." Oh yeah. And it means. . .
. . . that I have been clipping his nails extra short to try to prevent scratching
. . . that neither my man nor I have been getting much sleep lately
. . . that we are home-bound for at least a week
. . . that children's Benadryl and tylenol are my new best friends.
Good times indeed.
. . . that I have been clipping his nails extra short to try to prevent scratching
. . . that neither my man nor I have been getting much sleep lately
. . . that we are home-bound for at least a week
. . . that children's Benadryl and tylenol are my new best friends.
Good times indeed.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Hooray for Contests and Giveaways!
Hooray! It's Labor Day weekend - although for me more labor than relaxation will probably be occurring during this extra-long weekend. However, I am going to make some time to enter some great giveaways and contests out there on the blogosphere.
First, you should know that my craft blog The Scrappy Frog is hosting a fantastic froggy fall craft contest. There are lots of ways to enter and lots of prizes, including Starbucks gift cards and a custom gift package from The Framed Frog valued at over $40.00.
Next, a dear friend at The RikRak Studio is hosting a birthday giveaway! Her prize is $50 worth of lovely goodness from her etsy shop. Who wouldn't love to get one of these adorable vintage fabric wallets or custom Christmas stockings?
And finally, I am definitely in the mood for a little PF Changs! Or a lot! 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a giveaway for a $100 PF Changs gift cards here! And as usual, it's a super easy contest to enter.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)