They Can Be Cute

We had an eventful Easter, to say the least. Who knew that the combination of sugar, church, and overly exciting activities would lead to such drama?! The story behind that will be the subject of another post.

For now, feast your eyes on my cute offspring in their matching (of course!) outfits:

Sisters! I am so excited to be able to say that now that we have added Little Sprout to the family. The Drama Queen was pirouetting in her turquoise and black dress all day, and Little Sprout was irresistible in her bubble dress, even more delicious than any old chocolate bunny.

Brothers! I caught the boys relaxing together on the recliner in their matching outfits. I wonder how many more years I can pull off the whole matchy clothing thing before the kids start protesting?

My new blog header is my favorite picture of the day, but this one is a close second. No question that these kiddos are related, eh?

Grandma and Papa came over for a heart-attack-inducing Easter dinner. Can you tell the grandkids love them lots?!

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Proof Positive

that the Drama Queen can be quite the little angel when special occasions call for it.

that the Beast is indeed as studly as his dad.

that no matter how many times he gets in trouble, the Spud can immediately pull out his squishy smile and be redeemed.

that is quite possible for all three to sit peacefully on the same couch together.

that I have an amazing, adorable, and absolutely perfect little family. At least for a day!

Hope you all had as fantastic an Easter as we did!

Remembering

I woke up this morning to sunlight streaming through our tiny bedroom window. It was a glorious sight indeed, as sunshine has been a little scarce around here, oh, just the last SIX MONTHS or so! The joke that Oregonians have to buy a new pair of sunglasses every year because it's been so long since they've worn them last is particularly true this year. :)

Sunshine was also present on the dining room table, where a tray of bright chickie cookies and little blue bunny candies waited to be taken to the Drama Queen's class.

I rejoiced in the sunny smile on my daughter's face when she came out of her room this morning to discover what Momma had made for her class.

Everyone's spirits were high as Momma allowed each of the offspring to have a sugary treat for breakfast - personalized, no less. (shh, don't tell the pediatrician!) The grand moods continued as I loaded the kids into the van and drove the Drama Queen to school with the windows open. The boys wiggled in their seats in anticipation of a day that could finally be spent outdoors.

The trees outside our front window are abundant in vibrant blooms; the daffodils our neighbor planted in great faith are finally poking their brilliant heads toward the sky. A cheerful robin quickly peruses the backyard in search of the perfect worm. It is spring! These sunny scenes around me remind me of what we will be celebrating on Sunday - the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, rose from the dead and gave us the opportunity at a glorious new life with Him! Gladness and songs of praise fill my heart as I ponder these things.

But. Today, commonly referred to as Good Friday, was not full of sunshine or new life so many years ago. Today I think about my Savior suffering for me, being scourged by Pilate, denied by his disciples, mocked by the people, tortured on the cross, and surrounded by common thieves. Yes, I know the wonderful ending to this story, and I am thankful beyond words for it. However, I know that too often I forget the agony and suffering my Savior went through on that day. I pass over it to celebrate the grandeur of his resurrection and neglect to acknowledge the darkness and terribleness of the crucifixion. Today, despite the joyful sunshine outside, I choose to remember. My heart is heavy with the things He endured for me.

Matthew 27:26-54

[26] Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

[27] Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
[28] And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
[29] And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
[30] And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
[31] And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
[32] And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
[33] And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
[34] They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
[35] And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
[36] And sitting down they watched him there;
[37] And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
[38] Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
[39] And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
[40] And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
[41] Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
[42] He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
[43] He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
[44] The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
[45] Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
[46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
[47] Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
[48] And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
[49] The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
[50] Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
[51] And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
[52] And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
[53] And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
[54] Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Let us never forget!

Fabric Banner Tutorial

Yesterday, I posted the lyrics to the beautiful song "He Lives" with a very brief and admittedly inadequate description of how that song has affected me this Easter season. It got me thinking that I would like to have some more meaningful Easter decorations in my home. I decided to make a fabric banner with those words - HE LIVES - to put up in our living room.

There are dozens and dozens of fabric banner tutorials all over the internet. I checked some out but then decided to make it up as I went along. Money has been a little tight around here; so I was determined to make the banner without having to purchase any new materials. Fortunately, I have boxes of designer fabrics left over from the French memo boards I used to make for my etsy shop.

So here's how I made the banner:

First, I made a paper pattern for my fabric triangles. I folded a piece of paper in half and then cut a diagonal to the size triangle I wanted.

Then I opened the triangle up and laid it on my fabric. I traced two triangles on each fabric that I was using and cut them out.

I chose to use a different fabric for each pennant on my banner since I had so many coordinating fabrics, but it would be really pretty to just choose two fabrics and alternate them.

Next, I took two matching pieces of fabric and placed them back to back. Using my sewing machine, I stitched down one side and up the other, leaving the top open. I did this for each set of fabric triangles.

I used a small pair of sharp scissors to trim off all the excess fabric on each pennant.

I turned each pennant right side out, using a skewer to make sure the point of the triangle was completely turned out.

Then, I ironed all the pennants to make the seams and creases sharp.

I found a pretty pale blue ribbon that had been wrapped around a gift I received and folded it in half length-wise, ironing it so that it would stay folded and creased. I then arranged my pennants along the inside fold of the ribbon and pinned them in place. (note my ghetto safety pins - I could not locate my sewing pins and had to make do with these!)

It was very quick to sew a quick seam along the ribbon to attach the pennants to the ribbon. (A glue gun would work well here too!)

For my letters, I just used my Sizzix die cutter to punch out black felt letters. It would be pretty easy to make the letters using any stencil or even hand-lettering with fabric paint. I used my hot glue gun to adhere the letters to the pennants.

It took two scrap pieces of black ribbon and a step ladder to get this banner hung front and center in the living room. I love it! It makes a great Easter decoration, although I will probably keep it up for a while afterwards. I love the message and the colors.

What have you done to decorate for Easter?

He Lives

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

Chorus:

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

- Alfred Ackley

This is the song that has been on my heart lately as I think about the upcoming Easter Sunday. The words are so powerful and so true - He lives! Not only did He rise from the dead that wonderful day, He lives today in my heart and in so many others.

Because of Him, I can face today and every day joyfully. He lives!

Family Moments

The kiddies got Easter beach pails this year. :) We made a special trip to the Dollar Tree and stuffed the buckets full of coloring books, bubbles, Veggie Tales toothbrushes, army men, glow sticks, and more. I think we spent about a total of $8 per pail - totally worth it! :)

Drama Queen was super excited to put on her new twirly skirt and spin madly in circles. The rhinestone shirt and lime green leggings were purchased at Childrens Place, and the extravagantly large hairbow was made by a friend of mine. The skirt matches the ties I got for the boys - all three pieces were made by Savannah of Savannah Williamson.

The Beast in his new tie, amazingly not bothered by it at all. Poor Beast has a rather thick neck and struggles with tight necklines in shirts.

Couldn't help but snap a quick photo of this cutie strolling down the hallway. He is already quite the ladies' man!

The three little reasons that made me a mom. I just love those precious little faces!

Have a Glorious Easter!

Easter Fun!

There has been a flurry of activity in the Frogster household as of late, and I just uploaded almost 400 pictures to my computer as proof! I have much to share but for today, I'll focus on some shots we got for Easter. The wild child in the photo above is getting ready to dye some Easter eggs - hence the "I-don't-care-what-happens-to-it" T-shirt. Gabi (below)is slightly less excited in her facial expression, although don't let that fool you. She sobbed bitter tears when the whole process was done.


David had a very steady approach to the art of dyeing eggs, and he did not waver from it. He simply dabbed on tiny patches of dye and then got bored, wanting another egg to color.

Gabi's method was quite different, as evidenced in this photo. Apparently an egg should be painted by sticking out your tongue in fierce concentration and sponging on exorbitant amounts of dye.(which excess Momma later had to remove with a paper towel).

Unfortunately this method is not good to the hand, but the eggs turned out so pretty. And thanks to Momma's watchful eye, not all of Gabi's eggs were colored green. (her only favorite color as of late!)

Here the charming bunch poses in their Easter outfits. The tie T-shirts and T-shirt dress turned out nicely, and you can find the instructions on making these cute outfits at The Scrappy Frog.



The kiddies all greatly enjoyed their Easter buckets from Momma and Daddy. No Easter bunny visited us as we wanted to take all the credit for all the cool things they got. :)

Michael mostly enjoyed the Easter grass in the bottom of his bucket.

Here Gabi is showing off the adorable crocheted bear bonbons that I purchased for the kiddies at StarSapphire's Etsy shop. She loved the bubbles, slinky, and other fun toys in her bucket - we mostly avoided giving any candy this year.

Since Daddy did the Easter bucket shopping, a few interesting items worked their way in. I don't suppose Momma would have thought that a carrot-shaped baseball bat and a rubber baseball would be appropriate for a 2-year-old who spends most of his playtime in our condo's living room. Ah, well, the bat will most likely "disappear" within a few days...
Unfortunately I forgot to take the camera to church and so missed a host of photo opportunities as a helicopter dropped 25,000 candy-filled eggs on the church property for the kiddies to grab. Both Gabi and David were sufficiently impressed and managed to get an impressive haul of eggs, most of which were relegated to the laundry room (aka "Mommy and Daddy's secret treat stash").

After church, we got to visit Grandma and Grandpa Frogster and partake of some yummy ham, turkey, yams, and various other delectable goodies. I love this pic of Michael with his grandma - what a face!