Monday, February 27, 2012

Destination: Inspiration Linky Party #4

I hope all of you had a great weekend and are enjoying this last weekend of ...February. Seriously? This year is just going crazy fast! We had a great time celebrating Kade's 5th birthday party and I can't wait to share some of those pictures this week along with more of our St. Patrick's Day decor. In the meantime, I enjoyed all the amazing inspiration you sent in last week! Here are some of my favorites. If you were featured I'd love it if you'd grab my button below and share it on your blog!

If you love Pottery Barn and gorgeous decor then you MUST check out Kristel's The Velvet Door blog. This post focused on how to get the same amazing looks you find in Pottery Barn for less! Oh swoon!! Take a tour of her house and you are sure to be inspired making it one of my top three pics this week! Thanks Kristel! 




Have you seen the awesome duct tape hanging out at the checkout lines in Michael's and Home Depot? It is too, too cute! Silly  me. I thought I just might use it to...tape something. Oh beginner crafter. 'Twas but a small vision of the possibilities. Leave it to Itsy Bitsy Paper to employ Duck Brand's "Duck Tape" to make this crazy cute wreath!! I can't wait to make one of these wreaths and am thinking I have to start with Teagan's upcoming birthday party! This tutorial is easy to follow with tons of great pictures. While you are there you've gotta check out Lindy's site for it is truly what inspiration is all about!! She also sells amazing personalized invitations and stationary! Awesome!




Who is with me that these crocheted shamrock hats from a little bit of everything are just too, too precious??! I so love the attention to detail and the beautiful shamrocks they added. In my dreams I would have the time and talent to make one of these myself.  In addition to posts about baking, crafts, crocheting, decorating, homemaking, and knitting they also love travel. A little bit of everything has amazing photography of their adventures around the world which makes this a super fun site to check out! 

  
 
OK so off we go to week four! Show me what you've got! Past and present projects are welcome. Anything family friendly and homemade goes, including Etsy shops as I love to support home based business! I know there are tons of linky parties to chose from and that posting takes time. I so appreciate your inspiration and stopping by!
 
Teagan's Travels Button, 2012 February
 
 
I Was Featured, 2012 February




Passport to an Awesome Party

*I am trying to grow my little blog so please do follow me using Google Friends Connect on my sidebar!

*Grab my button and post it somewhere on your blog.

*Link to your post instead of your overall blog address.

*We all love comments so spread the love to at least one other blogger.

Happy Tuesday! I'll leave the linky up again until Monday night.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Friday Five: Fun Ways to Get God's Word in Your Little One's Heart


Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe it is already time for a second edition of the Friday Five! Last week a girlfriend and I were talking about our fast our "babies" went from a dream in our hearts to big brothers and sisters...to just weeks shy of their third birthdays! Then I read a statistic that said our children's first five years are the most critical in developing life-long character traits. And I laugh because God must have really wanted me to see that stat. I kept running into it in the most unexpected places over the week!

It convicted me that Brian and I have a vital job to do NOW. Believe this tired mama when I say I'd love to wait for a day when I've had more sleep. When my errands and laudry are done and my to do list has magically cleared itself. But these days are flying and I know it can't be up to someone else to get God's word into our little one's hearts, know what I mean? It would be nice if we could just take them to church once a week then some day wake up to a fifteen year old who magically wants to embrace God and His truth with all his/her heart. But there's something about my own teen years teling me that just isn't the way it's going to go down, y'all!

I think about the power of prayer. How we have a true, vested interest in our own children that can't be replaced. No one will pray for them or over them like a parent will. Ok. Maybe grandparents? I can think of a few I know who are doing this with exceptional dedication. And I thank them from the depths of a mama's heart. But you know what I mean. 

We must teach our little ones about God, His love, His word, His great rescue, how He wants us to live and more. Indeed, we are charged by God to do so in what just may be THE most important job we have as parents:

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)


So today's Friday Five features Fun Ways to Get God's Word into Your Little Ones Hearts. I'd thought I'd share some of the ways we are doing this in our house and I'd love to hear from you on how you are doing this! What are your favorite resources, sites and more? How do you structure your time in this? I know there are so many ways to approach this that I've never considered so please leave a comment if you can!


1. Meal Time Devotionals - One of my favorite things about being a stay at home mom is that the girls and I get to have an unhurried breakfast in our jammies! We usually start our day with a story out of The Jesus Storybook Bible. It is an amazing collection of some of the bible's most famous stories with lots of great pictures. After reading this to Teagan for a few weeks I asked her why she thought God gave us the bible. What was He trying to tell us? I thought she'd say something about how he loves us. But nope. She said, "Not to eat apples." followed by "That Goliath is NOT very nice. He needs a time out!" Oh my. I suppose we have a way to go but I love that she is so intrigued by these stories and now asks me to read her favorites by name.

And at night at dinner we aim to read our Little Visits book with 365 family devotionals. This book takes a bit of God's word, gives us a short story that makes it applicable. We answer a simple question about the passage as a family and then say a short prayer that is provided. It is so great and a wonderful way to connect us as a busy family at the end of the day. We also like reading Victoria Osteen's sweet My Happy Heart books which teach about thankfulness for God's blessings. These are such fun little books to read!  

2. Prayer - We start meals with fun prayers the kids can say very proudly on their own including:

God is good
God is great
Let us thank Him for our food
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Or, (to the tune of Are You Sleeping?)
God our Father
God our Father
Once again
Once again
Thank you for our blessings
Thank you for our blessings
Amen
Amen

Kade and Teagan have started to add the things they are thankful for to these prayers. Their own special little requests can be super funny at times as can the things they are thankful for. The lizard on our front porch, anyone?

I also pray outloud for God's protection when we get into the car and when I need patience (often!). I praise Him for things throughout the day. And when we put Teagan to sleep we get on our knees and pray at the foot of her bed. We thank God for our family, our health, His blessings in our lives, for friends, our church and for the health and happiness of two special Compassion International children named Pascaline (Rwanda) and Darling (The Dominican Repubilc). We want our kids to know they can talk to God about anything, anytime, anywhere.

3. Teaching During Playtime and Craft Time - St. Paddy's Day shamrocks are all the rage in our house this month. We've been coloring them, painting them, making them into cookies, gluing fun bits to them and more. I love that St. Patrick used the leaves of the shamrock to teach the Irish people the concept of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So we've been talking about that. And once a week we pick out a page in a coloring book of Teagan's. Each page has a toddler friendly verse. We make up hand movements to remind us of key words. And we review verses we've previously memorized. It is a-mazing how much Teagan can remember and it really helps me too as I struggle with verse memorization.

Our verse for this week is:

I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

[examples of our motions: I (point to self) can do all things (open arms wide) through Christ (point to Heaven) because he gives me strength (make bodybuilder type movement with toddler biceps - too funny!)]


4. Movies, books and computer time - You may wonder just what an asparagus, tomato and cucumber have to do with leading your children to God but let me tell you the Veggie Tales are simply addictive! This clever little bunch of veggies make us laugh while teaching key stories from the bible such as the story of the prodigal son, Jesus' birth, Daniel and the lion's den, and Jonah's message to the Ninevites - just to name a few. And in addition the series teaches some of the 48 Godly character qualities including honesty, forgiveness, kindness and courage.  We love watching the movies, visiting their online world at http://www.veggietales.com/index.php and have some of their books including God Made You Special and even Fish Slappers Need a Second Chance! You are gonna love them but don't blame me if you wake in the middle of he night with the catchy tune "God is Bigger Than the Boogey Man..." running through your dreams!

5. Sunday School, Mom's Day Out Programs, Vacation Bible School and Awanas - It may seem odd that I put the church last on my Friday Five list. That's because I want to emphasize our role as the first in line to teach our children. But we are blessed to have a fantastic children's program in our church. It constantly amazes me and I am so truly thankful to all those who contribute their time and energy each day to growing godly children. I also take Teagan to the Mom's Day Out program occasionally which allows me to enjoy a mommy bible study or as in the case of this upcoming week, an inspiring luncheon where I'll meet moms who are missionaries from all over the world. Teagan loves it because they play and make crafts. I love it because I know she is safe and actually learning about Christ. I can't wait until she can join our Vacation Bible School and Awana teams that are dedicated to developing " spiritually strong children who faithfully follow Jesus Christ" via play, crafts and fun that inspires them long after the sessions have been completed.

There you have it. My Friday Five for Friday, February 24, 2012. I so hope you will leave a comment or question. And have an amazing weekend! We'll see you back here for pictures of Kade's 5th ultra cool birthday party, Tuesday's Destination: Inspiration linky party and more!

In Jesus' Name, Michelle

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Change The Story

Compassion Sunday 2012

Hi everyone! I am still feeling a little under the weather but have Compassion International's 2012 Compassion Sunday on my mind. This is a truly amazing experience and a way YOU can change the story for thousands of our world's poorest children and their families.


Compassion Sunday is a national event that draws the attention of the Church to the needs of the world's poorest children.It's your opportunity to join with thousands of other caring Christians on one special Sunday in April. Whether you're a teen, a retired person, or any age in between, God can use you on this special day to share your heart for the poor and see children sponsored. With God's blessing, we anticipate that 15,000 children will find hope—and a new life story—through the prayers and efforts of people just like you on this important day.

The official date for this year's Compassion Sunday is April 22, 2012.

If that date is not suitable, you can still participate on another date that best suits your church's schedule. Want to find out how you can work with your church's leadership to bring this to your congregation? Visit http://www.compassionsunday.com/

Or shoot me an email at teaganstravels@yahoo.com. I'm a sponsor of a little girl in Rwanda and also an Advocate for Compassion International. I'd be glad to help in any way including coordinating this from where I am.

Have a wonderful day where you are.
In Jesus' Name,
Michelle

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Destination: Inspiration Linky Party #3

Welcome to my third Destination: Inspiration Tuesday DIY Linky Party!! I am SO glad you are here and ecstatic that this party continues to grow each week! This week I am workng on my St. Paddy's Day mantel, adding links to my Linky Love page and a Pinterest button to my posts. I am also adding an embedded reply button so I can respond directly to your wonderful, sweet comments. But at the moment the HTML code is giving me a problem. And my brain is fuzz as I am trying to fight off a virus. Happily I am 97% there so please be patient while I get that working today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, I know there are a ton of linky parties and I appreciate the time each of you take weekly to join us. Wow! We had 47 incredible submissions last week! Again, the quality was truly outstanding and I am finding it hard to narrow down to my three favorites. If you were featured below please grab my "I Was Featured" button and post it along with the button for this linky party on your blog!


Check out this wonderful American Flag pillow from Twigg Studios! When I read the tutorial for this I actually squealed. I told them they had me at "no sew"! Last summer I searched high and low for THE perfect gift for my friend Natasha who had just become a US citizen. Wouldn't this have been perfect for that celebration...or for Memorial Day, July 4th...or any day for that matter? I can't wait to give this a shot! Check out Twigg Studios inspiring blog.

I love the gorgeous scrapbook papers Sabrina at Superfluous picked for her clothespin wreath! This is a really fun, easy tutorial and a great way to add festivity around your house for the holidays. While you are on her blog be sure to check out her Christmas version of this wreath! I am such a fan of her blog and know you will enjoy it too!


If I ever get Isla's first birthday party underway for April she will have an owl theme. Brian's got three business trips between then and now making that date rushing towards me with lightening speed.

Thank you to The Seven Year Cottage for these little Owl pops that make up one of my favorite submissions this week. They couldn't be cuter or more inspiring to me. What about those flirty little lashes? Seriously cute! And the dainty, perfect ribbon bows? Lurving them. Check out the DIY tutorial to "Show your loved ones “hoo” cares with enchanting, easy-to-make owl pops!" This site has so much fun inspiration that you are gonna want to visit!


Teagan's Travels Button, 2012 February
I Was Featured, 2012 February

OK ladies, off we go to week three! Show me what you've working on! Past and present projects are welcome. Anything family friendly and homemade goes, including Etsy shops as I love to support home based business!

Passport to an Awesome Party
*I am trying to grow my little blog so please do follow me using Google Friends Connect on my sidebar!

*Grab my button and post it somewhere on your blog.

*Link to your post instead of your overall blog address.

*We all love comments so spread the love to at least one other blogger.

Happy Tuesday! I'll leave the linky up again until Monday night.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

DIY: Pop of Shamrock Color Vase Fillers!

A few weeks ago I became inspired to show some love to two of my candle holders after reading about the beautiful seasonal ways Amanda from My Heart's Desire uses her hurricanes. What an amazing transformation she makes in her home using very simple materials to create a festive look! In the past I've just been bored to bits by my little hurricanes and without a clue on what to do with them. But after reading Amanda's post I gave mine a spruce up and am ready to show them off on my mantel for the upcoming St Patrick's Day!

Here's a little tutorial on how I achieved this look. First, I didn't like any of the vase fillers available at my Michael, Hobby Lobby or A.C. Moore. Instead, I took a plain (and cheap!) bag of lentils that we had and used some pretty olive green metallic paint I had for a previous project. After I added the paint Teagan had a blast shaking them with all her might in a sturdy Ziploc bag! Finally, I put them out to air dry on a piece of wax paper for about an hour though they dried super fast even without having to turn them. 


Once they were dry I added the lentils to the vases. I used a full bag for each vase but felt it needed a bit more. My husband thought this picture was funny as I have "borrowed" one of Isla's toys to give the candle more height. Thank you letter "E" from the Alpahbet Train!

Finally, I added a bit of gorgeous ribbon I got at 40% off with my trusty coupon at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. Here's the finished product with our Irish buddy Padraig. See him bringing the turf in? Brian's parents have the most amazing stove on their Irish farm that burns this form of fuel! I love the way it smells and it brings back happy memories.

That's it! Easy-schmeasy, inexpensive and it adds so much color! This green holiday is huge in our family especially because it is a fun way to feel connected to our family and friends in Ireland! And I can't lie. As much as I have pink-a-fied my toddler's world she insists that her favorite color is green. Soooo funny. I can actually hear my little Teagan right now. She's having breaky with Daddy and telling him in a super enthusiastic voice, "Green is my favorite...but Daddy! Greeeeeeeeeeen is my favvvvorite!!!"  I think we got it little Tea. So off I go. We are getting in the verde mood and I can't wait to reveal our Paddy's decor this week!

Have a great Sunday everyone!
Michelle

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday Five: Ways to Get Your Craft On! And a Single Mom Story

Happy Friday everyone! If you are popping over from Kelly's Korner you are so welcome! Kelly's is one of my very favorite blogs. As part of her Show Us Your Life linky party I can't wait to introduce you to my twin sister Melissa who adopted my nephew as a single mom at the end of my post.

First, I am starting a new weekly series today called Friday Five where I will list five sites, books, recipes or other inspiration around a theme for each week. I got this idea from Katie who writes for another of my favorite blogs that I'll be guest posting on very soon. By the way, I welcome guest bloggers too or more ideas for an awesome Friday Five theme so shoot me an email at teaganstravels@yahoo.com if you are interested!

#1
For this first Friday Five I am spotlighting my new obsession with crafting. It seems a wave of inspiring websites, books, shops and more have taken over making this a pastime that appeals to everyone and every budget. But in my opinion this popularity is primarily due to a little 'ole site called Pinterest. Trust me when I type that this site is serious. Seriously addicting, that is!

A basic rundown of the site is that you have a profile where you set up boards such as Favorite Recipes, Crafts, Kids Room Ideas, Party Themes...the sky is the limit and the themes can be customized to include whatever makes you swoon!


Above is a mini look at the boards I have set up. Now when I am on the web and see something I like I can "Pin It" using a button that I've uploaded to my computer. In addition, I can see what my friends and others I choose to follow have pinned recently. This.is.awesome. They have similar interests so I get so much inspiration repinning what they've found!

There is a big push to respect intellectual property with this invaluable tool so it's important to link your finds back to the original source...and if you are inspired by a craft or project give credit where credit is due so we can continue to enjoy the inspiration! Teagan's Travels is on Pinterest too! This week I will add new buttons at the end of my posts where you can begin to follow me and pin items from my blog which I so appreciate!

#2
Next up is a site called Craft Gawker. It is not as well known as Pinterest but has a similar concept. I find tons of inspiration on this site along with dwellinggawker, weddinggawker, and foodgawker. I wondered how much overlap the two sites have so today I ran a search on St. Patrick's Day crafts. Here's the return I received. I don't see any projects listed here that I've bumped into on Pinterest...verrrrry interesting!! That's what makes it number two on my list for today as more inspiration is always good inspiration in my book!

So with these sites and a plethora of others which should definitely include linky parties such as my Destination: Inspiration Tuesday linky parties and other crafting bloggers (see my side bar and Linky Love page for some crazy talented Mama's) you should have no less than a million projects pinned online or at least in your heart.

#3
So off we go! Now you need the materials to get started. A must-see site is Save-on-Crafts

Save-on-Crafts has it all. Get your fill of gorgeous apothecary jars, vase fillers, wall decor, greenery, moss, chandeliers and so much more. And the best part? It is always 20-50% off! What do we say about that? Super score! By the way, if you know of someone planning a wedding tell them about this site immediately. They will thank you. And maybe even mention you in their speech. Yep, the site is that good.

Last April I used a bundle of wheat from them as a centerpiece for Teagan's second birthday, a pink cowgirl theme. Here is one of the centerpieces. The bundles were huge and of such great quality. For the same money I would have spent at Michael's I was able to get four times as much wheat in one order!

In the fall I used another bundle in a simple but favorite vase as a day-to-day centerpiece. Loving' me some Save-On-Crafts!


#4
Pick Your Plum is another great way to get crafty and it is simply a-mazing. This site posts a deal a day at 7 am (MST). They list the retail price versus their own, amount remaining and maximum number you can buy per order. I also receive an email each day from them and it is ever so tempting to buy something daily as their offers are just that wonderful. Look at today's sweet deal that made my heart race with visions of neighborhood kids gathered round my yard on July 4th with these homemade treats in hand. Sigh.


#5
If you still need inspiration and just wanna craft without having to get the idea, search for materials and the best deal then look no further than Linda's incredible site Craftaholics Anyonymous. I simply can't get enough of her tutorials and plethora of inspiring ideas. One of the coolest things she offers is a craft of the month club. She provides the idea and materials inexpensively. One click and you are on your way!!

Craftaholics Anonymous



Here's one of Linda's craft kits from February. Who is with me that this is just too cool? I so want that banner, like now. I can't wait to see what's coming up in March.


There you have it. My first Friday Five. I would love to hear from you if you have another inspiring site. And I so hope you will join my Tuesday linky party. This week was our second week and we had over 40 crafty linky party submissions that were all of just outstanding quality. I'll be featuring the top three and choosing those will be no small feat! If you've got a family-friendly craft, recipe, domestic goddess or inspiring tip we'd love to hear from you!

Show Us Your Life: Single Moms
Now before you go, when I saw Kelly's Korner was featuring single moms today I knew I had to include my twin sister Melissa in this post. Melissa never married but always felt God prompting her to adopt a child. Five years ago on February 21st she did just that as a single mom. The courage it took was inspiring in itself. I've said before that Kade was a gift from God to us too as Brian and I suffered through multiple miscarriages and fertility issues. Our entire family embraced this baby and he will always be our special little boy in so many blessed ways.

Me on the left with Melissa on the right.
Melissa is a Senior Technical Project Manager which means long hours, high-pressured deadlines, and late nights. When she adopted Kade as an infant we worried for her but she just takes one day at a time and we try to help as much as we can too. But 99% of the time she is a mom on her own and I wanted to take a moment today to tell her how proud I am of her.

And in awe. Many is the night when I can't wait for Brian to come home so I can take a hot bath, not have to cut up someone's food or brush teeth. I am not sure how she finds the energy to do all of this by herself. In addition she makes sure he goes to church on Wednesdays and Sundays, birthday parties, soccer games and to our local adoption support associate meetings where she serves as a board member. They are a team, this mother and son.

I love you Melissa. Adore you. Thank you for being so special and for being strong, perservering, unwavering.


Kaden, Age 5


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.


James 1:17

Monday, February 13, 2012

Destination: Inspiration Linky Party #2

*Thanks very much for your prayers! We've received word that my stepmother has had a successful brain surgery and is hopefully on her way to a full recovery! Praise Jesus!*

Welcome to my second Destination: Inspiration Tuesday DIY Linky Party!! I am SO glad you are here and can't wait to see this party grow! We had 27 A-mazing submissions last week. The quality was truly outstanding so narrowing down my three favorites was not easy. If you were featured please grab my Featured button below and post it on your blog!




Oh.my.heart. I just love this photo birthday notes from Jill at Create.Craft.Love. What a very cool tradition to have with the kids! I so want to start this with Teagan and Isla. Like, now. Wouldn't it be amazing to have a collection of these at their birthday parties and even their weddings?


Cheryl at Sew Can Do inspires me on a daily basis. But as I am all about pink this season it is her sweetheart glitter cottage that makes me go weak in the knees. I seriously heart this and wanna give it a go myself!



I just love this peek at spring in the form of handmade earrings from KooKooCraft!

Thank you ladies for truly offering some great inspiration to our week. Now on to more fun ideas! This week's party is the same as last week's. Any family friendly post is welcome as long as you made it somehow. This can include DIY tutorials, crafts, Etsy shops, recipes, domestic goddess tips and more!

Passport to an Awesome Party
*I am trying to grow my little blog so please do follow me using Google Friends Connect on my sidebar!

*Grab my button and post it somewhere on your blog.



*Link to your post instead of your overall blog address.


*We all love comments so spread the love to at least one other blogger.



Teagan's Travels Button, 2012 February









I Was Featured, 2012 February










Thanks for linking up everyone! I can't wait to be inspired!!! Come back next week to see if you've been featured. In the meantime, stay tuned as I am so ready to kick off St. Paddy's Day ideas. In our house with an Irish daddy and also a toddler who has declared her fav color to be green, this is one of our favorite holidays!


Happy Valentine's Day!
Michelle


Perfect Peace

Later today I will feature the top submissions from our very first Destination: Inspirations Tuesday Linky Party. But for now I am having a quiet moment. Ok. Make that I am TRYING to have a quiet moment. Teagan just will not nap and has already dumped out her pajama drawer. And her bookcase. And now she's woken up her baby sister. Sigh.

But let's just say I am taking a moment to pause out of my busy mama day. I am praising God for His wisdom, His grace, His gift of peace within an often turbulent, painfilled earth. Today marks a very serious surgery for my stepmother Shirley. At this time doctors are operating to intricately remove a massive brain tumor, one of three found recently in addition to a relapse of her ovarian cancer.

Have you seen those signs that are popping up on my beloved Pinterest? Keep Calm and Carry On? I have to admit that sometimes I get so caught up in the world we live in that I find myself acting out a not-so-similar sign that reads: DO Panic and Run Around Like a Crazy Loon. Ahem.

But not today. Today is TOO important. Today I am giving up my thoughts, surrendering them to God. As I think of Shirley, I pray for her, for the medical team, and for our family and friends in Texas waiting for news from the hospital. The image of our Lord and Savior watching over her in the operating room gives me peace. Placing my trust in Him and His plans to for us grants me peace. And this verse, His truth, gives me peace:




You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)




If you are struggling with the turbulence of life today that threatens to toss you around like a leaf in the wind...well, I pray for you. Oh I have so been there with you friend, walking that desperate, anxiety-filled road. I pray you will make a decision to turn all your cares over to our God who loves you. Our God who created you. Our God who calls you child. He knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you, not harm you. May His peace, which is available to us all, be yours.



It would be my honor to pray for you. Please leave a request in the comment section below or if you'd prefer more privacy email teaganstravels@yahoo.com



In Jesus' Name,
Michelle







Sunday, February 12, 2012

A Groovy Kind Of Love


If there is one thing my little girl loves it is art! Last week I took Teagan to the best little studio where she got to go to five toddler friendly stations and create Valentine themed art to her little heart's content! Here she is painting with shaving cream. I recently saw a Pinterest post on this where the mom added food coloring to the shaving cream to make it a bath-friendly medium. How cool is that?


Teagan also got to paint a large wooden heart and then paint and glue on smaller hearts.


Next she beaded pipe cleaners attached to her wooden hearts, turning it into a cool ornament that now graces our refrigerator.


This was my favorite station. She painted a heart shaped doily and topped it with various pieces of fun fabric, yarn, glitter and more making a very groovy Valentine for Daddy!

My little Jackson Pollock! We moved from station to station according to Teagan's whims and she had the best time while still getting everything in!


She decorated a fun Valentine's mailbox with more paint and glitter...


And wrapped up the session with a trip to the play dough table followed by the whale collage table. Love it!

I got a bunch of great ideas and can't wait to make my own little craft stations with her at home. If you have toddlers, what are some of your favorite crafts and art projects? I'd love ideas so be sure to link them up this Tuesday on our Destination: Inspiration Linky Party!Happy Sunday! Stay warm everyone!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This


Happy Saturday friends! We had a sweet time yesterday with our toddler buddies with a Valentine's party! First we made a craft Valentine's mailbox. Next we delivered Valentine's cards to each other, had pink lemonaide and other goodies. We wrapped it up with a pink lesson on how to decorate mini cupcakes with frosting and festive sprinkles! The picture above is my favorite picture from the day of sweet Alexa Kate decorating her cupcakes! When 11:30 rolled around it was time for lunch and naptime! An exhausted but happy Teagan, Isla and mommy took a three hour nap!


Teagan so excited and waiting for friends to arrive!

I just love little Landon's cute Valentine's outfit! Mama Leah looks amazing too! On of my favorite photos from the day.

Buddies Kaden and Carson! Aren't they cute? Carson asked if she could take her daddy a cupcake and that just made my heart melt!

Check out Alexa Kate's cuuteeeeeeee skirt!

Kaden's brother Grayson always makes me smile!

My happy baby. She stayed in her carseat most of the party, content to just watch the festivities. I just love this picture of her two little teeth.

I am SO excited Blair and Lauren got to join us!! Isn't Blair so pretty? Love this!

Speaking of pretty! Wendy and Alexa Kate added some sparkletastic to the party!

We were delighted that Natasha's dad Ivan could join us! He's visiting from Russia. Doesn't he have the kindest eyes? Is so see my beloved friend in her Daddy's face! And Lera loves her grandpa!

I adore the bows in Lera's hair. Isn't that precious?

Ha! Landon seems to be thinking, "What have we done giving all these kids sugar???"

Looks like baby Isla is just as mesmerized as mommy by all the pinkalicious goodies here!

Shanna and baby Liam get a snuggle in!

Hi sleepy boy!





Happy Valentine's! I still have so many fun kid crafts to share and pictures from Teagan's Valentine's art class last week! Hope to see you tomorrow for more. Plus, we had a GREAT turnout this week for our first Tuesday Destination: Inspiration Linky Party. Be sure to come back if you submitted to see if you were featured. And if it is your first time, join in the fun!