Polar Bears and Teenagers......

We had Maddie's birthday party with aunts, uncles and cousins tonight. Maddie knows her mom misses theme birthday parties from years past, so she throws me a bone and gives me a "theme" every year, even at 13 :). In December she said, "I think I'll do a polar bear theme for my birthday Mom." We had polar bear cookies, snowflake cookies, snowflake balloons, etc.. The cousins all loved it, and we had a great time celebrating our new favorite teenager.

Friday, January 28th, was the end of an era for me. Madeline Elizabeth, my baby, became a teenager. It was a bittersweet day for me. I have AWESOME teenagers, but I sure miss my babies sometimes. We celebrated with monkey bread for breakfast, dinner with a few friends that evening, and family coming later tonight for cake and ice cream. I love you Maddie!!! :)

Maddie and her birthday morning Monkey Bread!

18

My Step-Son Austin turned 18 on January 26th! When I met my husband, Austin was just 10 years old...a cute kid with wild stories. The funny thing about 18 is I REMEMBER turning 18.....I remember the party at my Mom and Dad's yellow kitchen table, the cake my Mom made, the "practical" going away to college gifts, towels, a suitcase, etc.... You are a grown up, but not really. Austin is a kid with an infectious personality and a sweet smile. We love you A.J.! Happy 18th! (p.s. and I didn't get you any towels or a suitcase! :) )

Blowing out his candles!!

Maddie and I chalked Austin's truck windows and filled it with balloons and signs! Hey 18 is a BIG DEAL! :)

What a difference a month makes......................

A month ago today we were here.......................................................Glad January is almost over!

Let the Birthdays Begin! :)

Maegan's birthday "cupcake" cookies. Happy Birthday Maegan Lola! We love you!!!!

Our Saturday started with a birthday party for cousin Sam who turned 3! Grandson Jack went with us to the Mickey Mouse themed party at a fun bounce house place. I made some (simple) Mickey Mouse shaped cookies for the celebration! :) Then, Todd's parents are in town so we headed south for a birthday party for my stepdaughter Maegan's 19th birthday. It was a good time! This begins a busy birthday couple of weeks with Austin,Maddie and Todd's birthdays over the next ten days. Lots of balloons, cakes, gifts, family and hopefully some cute cookies!

Felt Heart How-To

I started with two pieces of standard felt (craft dept.). I just folded them in half and cut out a heart. Then, I used scrap fabric and felt to cut out hearts, and the initial of the child. I used wonder-under on the fabric only (not the felt) to iron it on. Then, I blanket stitched around all the hearts and the initial using 4 strands of embroidery thread. After that, I used 6 strands of thread in a contrast color, and blanket stitched up both sides of the heart, up to the top where the heart curves. I left the top open, and just continued to blanket stitch around the FRONT of the heart (leaving the back open). Thats it!

Place on your child's plate and fill with fun things....cars, little dolls, crayons, markers, bubbles, small books, socks, candy...........or if you have teenageers like me lip gloss, itunes cards,socks, perfume, pens, cds, etc.....Be creative! :)

Valentine Project

I've been working on a Valentine project lately. Here's a little backstory. When I had kids, I was very young. I knew I wanted to have really special holiday traditions, but my family wasn't big on holiday traditions. So, I would scour the pages of parenting magazines for ideas :). When my firstborn was just two, one magazine had the fun idea of felt hearts. Think the Christmas stocking of Valentines day. On Valentines morning, you would have a heart with your name or initial on your breakfast plate. It would be sewn on both sides with the top part open, and inside would be fun little treasures: matchbox cars, crayons, conversation hearts, socks, etc.... I LOVED the idea, and made a little red heart "pocket" for my two year old. I didn't have the patience for blanket stitching back then, so I had my Mom sew them on her machine on the sides. It was a fun way to start a special day. This year, I decided we needed new ones. At 38 I learned blanket stitching is not hard, and these were easy-peasy to whip up while watching tv late at night. I am pretty happy with how they turned out. Later today I will post the how-tos. I can't wait until February 14th!

Snow Day................

Today was a snow day, so the kids were home from school. The girls and I went to Lori's house and took pictures of all her new outfits. I've been trying to help her "update" her wardrobe. We have been shopping a few times, and then to the cleaners to have all the clothes altered. I was worried she wouldn't remember the outfits, so we had her put on each one and we took pictures. Now she can hang the pictures inside her closet door and she will know what goes together. Lori LOVED the attention and the girls all fussing over her. I am sure lucky to have her for a little sister, and the kids are blessed to have such an awesome Auntie. We love you Lori! ...now I'm thinking I need someone to come put together outfits for ME and take pictures!!!!!! :)

Rose Dance 2011

Bailey went with some friends to Rose. They got ready at Hayley's, and their "stylist" (aka Taylor, Hayley's older sis) did their hair and makeup. The girls had a good time. Maddie and I did flowers for the girls spending the night.

six teeth...

Maddie just had six teeth pulled at the dentist! She came out of the 7:15 a.m. appointment and I could see a hint of a tear in her eye. The dentist told her six more months and he will re-check for being ready for braces. Maddie's teeth have been "late bloomers." Her siblings all had braces almost off by now. So I asked the dentist what he could do with these baby teeth that wouldn't fall out. The solution? One teary eyed girl with a sore mouth and gauze. But she's thrilled...no more baby teeth!!!( picture from Thanksgiving with Grandpa Bob)

His....Mine...Ours

It is very rare we are all together...Todd's kids, my kids...all of us. So in October when we had everyone at our house, we had my sister-in-law snap a photo. I was so glad to have a picture for our Christmas card!

December look back...January look ahead...

Me and my brother aka Uncle Daniel were a great Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the Hoyt family Christmas gathering! All the Hoyt cousins together

Jack's first gingerbread house...this boy loves him some gingerbread house decorating! :)

Gingerbread houses! It is our FAVORITE holiday tradition

Cookie baking with my favorite girlies
So much fun! Now that the holidays are over, I've begun a massive clean out of cupboards and closets. I've thrown 15 black trash bags away so far...go Melanie! This weekend is Mickey Mouse cookies for nephew Sam's 3rd birthday..... and then I'm posting Valentine Traditions..I'm already getting ready!

My first post!

Welcome to my little corner of blogland! I am excited to jump into blogging! My journey begins....

New Year...New Blog!

I am in the process of having my blog "designed!" I will be up and running very soon! Thanks for stopping by