THE LACEY PLACEY

New Blog NEW Look!

2012-01-17T12:59:00.001-05:00

We've decided to freshen up our look for 2012! And we wanted to start it new on a BRAND NEW BLOG! This blog began as our family blog and as we started this company and it began to grow our family blog turned into the Lacey Placey blog. But it deserves it's own name and place! So if you would like to stay updated on LACEY PLACEY info, prices,coupon codes and GIVEAWAYS follow us at:

www.laceyplacey.blogspot.com

you can browse our shop at:

www.thelaceyplacey.etsy.com

We have big plans and new ideas for 2012! So stay tuned and follow us! We also have a Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/Laceyplacey

Thanks for following us! If you have any comments or suggestions we'd love to hear them!

Christmas Fabrics and TODAY ONLY coupon code!

2011-11-03T11:49:00.000-04:00

We are happy to announce that we have sold 1000 Pillow covers! We are celebrating by giving out a coupon code!

TODAY ONLY!! Enter coupon code: 1000Today15

for 15% off your entire order

****(not valid on curtains or inserts)

Also a special offer on our Facebook Fan page! Go there to see it!

http://www.facebook.com/Laceyplacey

Did you hear?! We are now doing Monogramming for only $9.50! You can do it on any pillow cover in our shop!

Check out details in THE LACE PLACEY

MORE FALL!

2011-10-11T21:58:00.000-04:00

NEW in THE LACEY PLACEY

I added the last of my FALL FABRICS today! As always $14.50 each
New:
Creamy Sparrows
Autumn Damask
Red Orange Lattice

THE LACEY PLACEY

NOTE: All fabrics are from different designers selected by me and put together to make cute colorful combinations!

Giveaway on ETSY FIX!

2011-10-09T22:28:00.001-04:00

My last Pillow Cover Giveaway for the Month of OCTOBER starts Today!

Check it out on Etsy Fix !

This blog is AMAZING! It always has all the BEST etsy shops featured! So you can learn about tons of cute shops out there from following her BLOG. And not only does she feature awesome shops she's constantly doing free giveaways! I am so excited to be doing a give away there and also VERY excited to just now be in the know about all the cutest, newest stuff on Etsy!

To play along check out her BLOG for all rules and details!

You can also follow her on FACEBOOK!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU WHO ENTER! : )

STENCILED Walls!

2011-10-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

I am totally and COMPLETELY Obsessed with Wall Stenciling! I love searching on Pinterest! There are a million cute wall stenciling ideas! I love them all. It's a great way to get wall paper with out using Wallpaper! I am a big fan of wallpaper but this is a good way to get that look without the price!

So pretty much this is the place to get Stencils!

http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/

These are just a few examples from their website. I am so in love! I could really do every room and closet in a beautiful pattern!

Here at Nannygoat she shows you an idea how to make a homeade stencil! And she includes a link to print off her design! She has a lot of great tips and really walks you through it!

Just some more STENCIL INSPIRATION!

Who says you have to stop at walls! This is a cool idea I'd never be brave enough to actually try! But I love it!

And I'm loving all the steniled rugs I've seen out there! I want it all!

This last photo comes from Ikeahackers.net

They have tons of awesome ideas!

Hope you feel inspired! So what do you say?? Should we all start stenciling?!!

It's GIVE AWAY time!

2011-10-03T20:28:00.000-04:00

Well Today's giveaway is from the Mackey Madness Blog!

She is the cutest girl! She does tons of awesome giveaways on her blog so her blog is definitely one you want to FOLLOW!

Go to her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a FREE pillow cover of YOUR choice!

Good luck! : )

And don't forget to follow her most adorable blog! : )

oh and HAPPY OCTOBER! I'm so happy Fall is coming! ; )

The Lacey Placey UPDATE!

2011-09-26T20:46:00.001-04:00

It's time to update on what's been going on in

THE LACEY PLACEY!

HMMMM....Where to begin?

Let's see, well first off I have released most of my FALL FABRICS!

I have a few more still to come pefect for fall!

The next latest news is
"MY PROJECT RUNWAY LIMITED EDITION" Serger!

I am now as of 9/25/2011 Serging all Pillow covers. NO Fraying, all finished insides! I'm so excited to take my Pillow covers to the next level of Quality! I already felt proud of my pillow covers. But now I'm extra proud and I know you will continue to be happy and hopefully they can exceed your expectations! I take pride in having items that are sewn very well, low affordable price, and up to date on the latest trends and fabrics! So any suggestions are always welcome! I have had A LOT of requests for RED! I would have never known red was such a hot color if it weren't for all of YOU! So thank you for your feedback! I am releasing about 10 NEW red fabrics soon! They will be perfect for all year round but also so cute for Christmas mixed with a few NEW greens I'll be adding too!

ALSO NEXT MONTH... I'll be adding MONOGRAMMING! Woohoo right?!! Who doesn't love a personalized gift! Your childs name, family members last name, a holiday saying or word like " NOEL or JOY!" The possibilities are endless! Stay tuned for that!

Did I mention I'm now doing CURTAINS?!

These are perfect for putting your rod through the pocket or using clip rings! They have all finished sides and are double stitched for a proffessional clean look!

Here's the listing info:

CLICK HERE to go the the listing on Etsy!

You've all been asking! I just couldn't hold out on you any longer!! I"m so excited to introduce THE LACEY PLACEY Curtains! I have them all over my house! Nothing changes a room like a new set of beautiful curtains!
2 Yellow Chevron Curtains (1 Pair)

-choose size below!

-Made in Home decor weight fabric for high quality!

-everything is hemmed and finished edges for proffessional quality and look!

-3 inch pocket hole, 3 inch bottom hem, 1 inch side seams

-Can be used with a curtain rod through pole poket or used with clip rings!
NOTE: CAN BE MADE IN ANY FABRIC LISTED IN MY SHOP
The price is the same for any of the 3 sizes:
50x84" 7 feet

50x96" 8 Feet

50x108" 9 Feet
Any size under 108 length and under 50 inches wide can be done for the same price also. So if you'd like curtains custom to fit your exact windows and height just leave your exact measurements and and email address I can reach you at in the BUYERS NOTE!
It includes 2 panels of curtains and your choice of EITHER

-2 18x18 Pillow covers (or smaller)

OR

-curtain clip rings

(in black or brush nickel)

This order takes between 2-3 weeks (possibly sooner! ) to order all the fabric and get them sewn, ironed, packaged and shipped out to you!

If you have any questions or requests I would be more than happy to help! Just convo me or email me at Thelaceyplacey [!at] gmail.com

FABRIC INFO:
54 inches wide

Pattern Information:

3 3/4" Horizontal

by

1" Zig Zag Stripes

Fabric:

100% 7 ounce Cotton

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....I wanted to fill you in on my UPCOMING giveaways!

I will be doing 2 GIVEAWAYS in the month of OCTOBER!

October 3rd: http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/

1 free pillow cover of your choice plus 10% OFF for all readers!

October 10th: http://etsyfix.blogspot.com/

1 free pillow cover of your choice plus 10% OFF for all readers!

Boys and Balance?!

2011-09-12T22:23:00.001-04:00

How do you all BALANCE your lives?

I have found that finding BALANCE it a constant struggle for me every single day. How do you fit it ALL in? I mean we as Moms are supposed to clean, cook, grocery shopping, do the laundry, take care of the kids, pay the bills, some of us work on top of all that. Then you have all the spiritual responsibilities

(prayer, reading scriptures, & church duties.)

And then what about all the fun stuff like shopping, crafting, sewing, hobbies, hanging out with friends, watching a movie or going on a date once in a while.

I just feel like I can never balance it all. I always feel like I'm falling short in one area or another. I hate feeling guilty because I'm not doing one of these things often enough or well enough. How do you know when you're doing too much. What's normal and what's not? It is physically impossible to do all of these things well EVERY SINGLE DAY!

I just wish I could figure it all out!

That being said my most favorite things to do is TAKE PICTURES! I wish I could fit THAT in every day. I am so envious but happy for full time photographers. What an absolute joy to be able to take pictures ALL day every day. In different locations of different, beautiful, or interesting people! Play with lenses, lighting, and settings! It's one ot those things I just love so much that I would be scared to do it as a JOB because I would be afraid that my LOVE for it would fall away because it was now my Job instead of my fun hobby. I see photographers producing images I could only dream of producing because I don't have all the skills and know how yet to create pictures like they do. But I am so inspired by them!

My most FAVORITE Photographer is Ashlee Raubach! I do not know her personally. I came across her blog when she posted about take her first photography class. I watched week after week as she posted her photos. And I was immediately in love with all of her work! And every time I have have a few minutes to check out her blog or website I am just sucked into her photos. I love her because I love her style and I love her becasue she's a mom of a hanful of kids, I love her becasue I watched her from the beginning and have loved seeing her improve when she already seemed so incredibly talented and who knew she could improve anymore! But she always does! When I first started following her she was in Utah. And I had my heart set on getting a session with her when I went out for my yearly visit. But she was already booked up when I contactd her! So i just figured I'd get one next time I was in town. But then she MOVED to SAN DIEGO! So I'll probably never get the chance to see our family or my boys through her lens. But atleast there is still internet and I can see all her beautiful pictures! How could I tell you that LONG drawn out story with out sharing some of my favorite pictures from her BLOG! GO check her out! Follow her blog, book with her if you are close by her! I know I wish I could.

So here are some of ASHLEE RAUBACH's photos. It was really hard for me to narrow it down.

Her website: http://ashleeraubach.com/

Her Blog: http://ashleeraubachphotography.blogspot.com/

This first one was one of her early photos. It was one of my most favorite photo shoots from her earlier stuff!

And isn't this the cutest thing! Every preschool class should get a cute photo shoot like this!

Isn't this location and the colors so dreamy?!

And I love this photograph! This whole shoot was so cute! Her and her Groom make such a beautiful couple!

And seriously!!! Who get's a photoshoot in a CANOE! How fun!

I love this beach family photo!

And the lighting and Gold Grass setting is so so beautiful!

Now you all Know why I love her so much righ?

She is one of the MANY photographers that inspire me to squeeze in taking a few photos here and there. I can honestly say I feel so happy, and so complete when I'm CREATING something. A photograph, a new pillow, a new idea...anything. I was BORN TO CREATE! But my most favorite thing to create is Photography! Here are a few I've snapped lately....

So glad I get time to CREATE, just wish I had more of it!

Thanks for checking out my Amateur photographs! : )

Yummy Recipe!

2011-08-15T15:43:00.002-04:00

I found this awesome website called Plainchicken.com! I love it! They have tons and I mean TONS of delicious recipes for spicing up chicken. She also has other recipes too!
I am attempting to make this one tonight!

It looks easy enough but it looks so delish! My husband loves chicken. I'm a steak girl myself. But Chicken is what we eat most of. So I'm trying to find more ways to cook it! So here's what's on the table tonight!

Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Betty Crocker

3 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup Bisquick

1 tsp Lawhorn's Signature Seasoning (or seasoned salt)

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup milk

2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about a pound)

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 425°F. In 13x9-inch pan, place butter. Heat in oven 2 to 3 minutes or until melted.

In shallow dish, stir Bisquick mix, Lawhorn's seasoning and pepper. Pour milk into small bowl. Coat chicken with Bisquick mixture, then dip into milk and coat again with Bisquick mixture. Place chicken in pan. Bake uncovered about 25 minutes. Remove chicken from oven, top with BBQ sauce and cheese. Return to oven for about 5 minutes, until cheese melts.

UPDATE:
we loved this recipe! The best, yummiest chicken I've ever made! This will be a new family favorite! I didn't have bisquick so I just used any pancake mix and I used regular season salt. It was sweet but savory and the BBQ sauce added a yummy smoky flavor. I don't really love BBQ flavored things but I LOVED this! You have got to try this!!

Lately....

2011-08-04T23:12:00.000-04:00

It has been WAY too long since I last posted but this is why!

1) Me and my Family took a little vacation to one of my MOST favorite spots. The Outer Banks in North Carolina!

I have come to realize it's not much of a relaxing vacation with 2 kids this young! But I just had to realize it's all about the kids now. Making it fun for them. And even though it's more work than it's worth...sometimes it's just worth it to see them happy and having fun! Someday ahhhh Someday I'll get a REAL relaxing vacation maybe in about 10 years! : )

(Can you tell it's a phone pic? it's so pixely. on a side note don't you love the INSTAGRAM app! )

2) Just being busy taking care of 2 CRAZY boys. My Beckham is now 6 months old and is getting his first 2 teeth. One is poking through and the other is on the way! And My Brody who is 2 just keeps getting more fun each day. I feel so lucky to have two wonderful little boys who are so pleasant to be around!

(if you look closely you can see his little tooth!)

Constantly talking away sometimes I can understand him and sometimes he speaks his own language!

3) THE LACEY PLACEY

I am having a blast sewing all these pillow covers. I'm really excited about the HUGE new selection I'm adding over the next few weeks. Lots of new fun colors plus lots of fall/Christmas fabrics!

I'm going to be adding Duvets soon and in September I will doing Monogramming on Pillow Covers! Just in time to get those Personalized Christmas gifts!

So Stay Tuned!

2 New ones added today pictured here. The Yellow Diamon and the Dark Yellow/Gray Chevron!

http://www.thelaceyplacey.etsy.com/

Giveaway WINNER!

2011-07-07T22:53:00.000-04:00

We have a winner from the Giveaway hosted on TENJUNE blog!

Congratulations Jennifer from Firstgradeblueskies!

She chose the :

PINK DAMASK (one of my favorites!)

Thank you to everyone who entered! I won't be doing another Giveaway untill Fall! But I have a lot of sweet surprises coming up! New. Fun, Bright Pillow covers coming.....

All the adorable, sweet, kind ladies shopping THE LACEY PLACEY have been keeping me sewing around the clock!

I have been having so much fun sewing all your pillow covers! But because you've all been keeping me so busy I haven't had time to add my latest fabrics! Here's a few that need to be sewn and added. But I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek!
These are just a few of the Many I need to add! The Blue/Green chevron is adorable. It's the blue/green version of the pink/green chevron in my shop now.

If there is anything you see here that you would like. Just email me Thelaceyplacey@gmail.com or convo me on ETSY and I'll sew you some pillow covers in these fabrics....Remember only $14.50 each! And if you are a repeat customer don't forget YOU can use your Coupon Code I sent you!

Thanks!

DIY Baskets

2011-07-06T19:05:00.000-04:00

This DIY basket tutorial comes from http://www.marthastewart.com/

I saw this a few weeks ago and am DYING to try it! I love DIY projects that look so expensive. And this one is beautiful! I could see myself getting carried away with this one!

I just love that blue and white one!

Here's a few pictures to entice you to go read about it HERE

I can't wait to try it out! Store bought Baskets are so pricey! Plus these are just so cute, nautical-ey and stylish!

Boston Ferns

2011-07-05T20:04:00.002-04:00

You may have heard me say before that I am notorious for killing any and all plants and flowers. But I try again every year. Well a few weeks ago I bought 4 beautiful Boston Ferns to hang on my porch! Last year they died when we went on vacation for a week.

Are you really supposed to ask neighbors to water your plants while your gone?

Well Anyway... I'm determined to keep them alive! I did a lot of research on how to properly take care of and maintain Boston Ferns. So for any of you who are like me and may not yet be gifted in the plant area. I thought I would share some of my new found knowledge about ferns!

Ferns really are one of the best plants to start with because if they die or dry out you can nurse them back to health pretty easily. (plus they are $5-$10 a piece, I buy mine at Kroger) so if you do completely kill them atleast you didn't invest a lot of money.

The History of the Boston Fern
The Boston Fern has a great history of being one of the Victorian parlor room tropicals. Along with the parlor palm and snake plant, it took its place on the front porch for the summer. Hanging in the night's breeze and creating all sorts of romantic evenings on the porch swing.
Doesn't that sound so sweet?

It originates from tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. Often covering rain forest floors, it quicklyspreads. It can also be used in landscapes as great fill-in.

(I had to get my helper involved! He gets a little distracted. Can you blame him, he's 2 and there's water involved?!)

Ferns like....
Ferns, in general, thrive in rich humus soil, partial shade, and high humidity.

Care:
Misting is ideal, it creates the tropical and semi-tropical conditions that the plant loves best. Water when soil becomes dry. I water mine every other day.Water-soluble plant food can be applied once every two weeks during the warmer months.During winter, fertilizer should be applied monthly. And once a week it's a good idea to fill up a bucket of water and sit the fern inside of it. That way all the roots become saturated. (sometimes water is good at finding the fastest exit route and the roots don't get the water they need.)

TIP:
I ready all over that to help achieve a rich, green color, the Boston fern can be given a mixture of two tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water.

Watch out for:
Pay close attention for aphids, mealy bugs, or the red spider. Do not use pesticides for they are a tad strong on ferns. Use soap and water, drenching and repeating the process several times.
I have never had a problem with any of these. Although now that I said that I hope I don't jinx myself!

They can be hung from a chain with an eye hook and an S hook. The eye hook is installed into the surface you want to hang them from. And then you attatch the chain ( we used a white one so you can't see it from far away and we purchased from it from Lowes), then the fern hangs from the S hook.

Hope that helps!

Good luck! And cross your fingers for me too!

4th of July!

2011-07-02T12:53:00.001-04:00

Thought I would share a little 4th of July inspiration

that caught my eye!

Who doesn't love shopping at Ralph Lauren. I love him and everything he creates. From Bedding to clothing you can always expect something classy and beautiful.

I'm loving the red, white and blue. I like that it seems to be the trend this year to not use the typical Navy Blue but to use this shade. So summery and fun!

You can find the tutorial for this cute Subway art table HERE at Craft Gossip.

How about a delicious Patriotic cool treat! HERE at Poca Cosa

She calls it the "United Shakes of America"

Some people are just too good with wording : ) !

Make these HERE

Yummm...Check out these delicious eye Candy Apples over at TIDY MOM

And last but not least I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Pottery Barn Flag. Not only is it cute for the 4th of July but it would look good all year round on a shelf, or wall!

Check out the Copycat Tutorial HERE at My Dear Trash

The top picture is from the Pottery Barn Catalog priced at $129.00

The bottom picture is hers! She did such a great job!

I've seen this idea posted around on a few other blogs where the DIYer said it cost around $10 to make! This goes on my REALLY long list of things I want to make!

The Gray Chevron

2011-07-01T15:23:00.000-04:00

Just added the Gray Chevron Pillow Cover $14.50

Last Giveaway untill FALL!

2011-06-28T16:34:00.001-04:00

Well I am giving away ONE last Pillow cover on one of my newly discovered MOST favorite blogs! It's TENJUNEBLOG

She (MICHELLE) has the cutest style,blog and she herself is adorable! You have to go check it out.

(DON'T MISS THE WALLS IN HER OFFICE!! love them!)

She also has a FACEBOOK page so you'll wan to go like her Facebook page too!

On a Side note Can you Believe it's almost JULY!! This spring has flown by and I'm afraid Summer will too! What is it about these warm weather months that just makes you want to decorate, clean, organize and plant flowers?

I have been doing all of thee above... well except planting flowers. I can't keep them alive. I did buy 2 Boston Ferns to hang on my porch. So we'll see how long they survive! I have however had the sewing bug and I have atleast 15 new pillow covers to add to my ETSY SHOP but haven't had time. But watch for those! Here are a few of the latest ones I have gotten around to:

I aslo just wanted to say Thank you for all your comments and feedback! I appreciate it very much and I love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Please feel free to recommend other colors or patterns for me to list in my shop. A cute shopper (Kimber) of my etsy shop is the reason I now carry the Yellow Chevron which is one of my top sellers! If you see something in another shop or website just email me at Thelaceyplacey@gmail.com and I can probably find it or something similar for you!

Thanks again!

Make your own Baby Food

2011-06-22T17:48:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to make my own baby food since I had Brody. But for some reason it just seemed like way too much work and I figured there were recipes to follow and I'm not one who loves to try new recipes very often. So I just bought regular store bought Baby food.
Well since then I have talked to quite a few people who have made their own and they made it sound so wonderful. So I searched online and came across a few great Make your own baby food sites. One of them being http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com

And now I make all of Beckham's Baby food! I love doing it! It's pretty much free since I already have to buy bananas for Brody and peas for our family. We already had a food processor ( a blender will work fine too) so there's really no extra money involved. And it takes 2 seconds to whip some up. I just put it in plastic mini tuppeware I get at Target.

(Mine Look like this except they sell a pack without cups and forks. It just has the bowls and lids. Called "TAKE N TOSS" I LOVE these!)

And from there I can freeze it or refrigerate it. I haven't really frozen any yet. I just make enough for a few days and then make something new. I don't feel the need to make a huge year supply and freeze it. But if you like to cook a huge batch and save on time later. That would be a great way to do it!

So I've started with Banans and Peas.... I thought I copy and paste the directions for making them so you could see just how easy it is!

Bananas - bananas are a great first food for your baby. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion. Bananas are sweet, which may help baby more readily accept the first food experience.
Vitamins: A, C, Folate

Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium

1. Peel a ripe banana - do not cook

2. Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree

3. You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness

4. Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

The best way to cook peas for homemade baby food

Steaming or boiling peas in a scant amount of water is the best way to cook peas for baby food. For a nice flavor, cook peas in a homemade vegetable, chicken or beef stock.

Peas - Basic Baby Food Recipe - same method for Green Beans

1. If using fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod.

If using frozen Peas (or Green Beans), cook according to package directions.

2. Place fresh peas into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket.

3. Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level.

4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the peas.

5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees - green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree. Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well.

Plunging hot cooked peas into a bowl of ice cold water is known to help make a smoother puree.

6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

7. You may wish to push the peas (or green beans) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins

GOOD LUCK making your own Baby Food!

The Lacey Placey Giveaway WINNER!

2011-06-22T16:07:00.002-04:00

Brandi From Maryland won the Giveaway hosted on

BROWN PAPER PACKAGES!

She chose 2 of the "PINK FANCY" covers!

(4th from the left on the top row)

Congratulations BRANDI!!

www.etsy.com/shop/thelaceyplacey

Become a Fan of THE LACEY PLACEY on Facebook to be in the "KNOW" about all the giveaways! I will be doing one last giveaway for the summer on TEN JUNE BLOG soon!

Stay Tuned.....

Father's Day!

2011-06-19T08:47:00.003-04:00

I had to say Happy Father's Day to my Husband! He is a fabulous Dad to our 2 little boys! For Father's Day we baked him GERMAN PANCAKES! Mmmmm I LOVE this super easy, super delicious recipe! So I figured I'd share it in case there is anybody out there who hasn't tried it!

Beckham and Billy

Brody and Billy

German Pancakes
6 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

Mix all the ingredients except butter in a blender. Then pour melted butter into an ungreased 9x13 pan and then pour all the other ingredients on top. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

So quick and so Tasty!

Add a little powdered sugar and Maple syrup and you're done!

Giveaway tomorrow! Win 2 free pillows!

2011-06-12T22:36:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for another GIVEAWAY from THE LACEY PLACEY on Etsy?! It starts tomorrow on one of my MOST favorite sites maybe some of you are followers like me! THE BROWN PAPER PACKAGES

Go check it out! Good Luck to all who enter!

By the way I just added Chevron in blue,brown and black!

Inspired and In LOVE with a new SITE!

2011-06-07T10:48:00.001-04:00

What is it you ask?! http://jonesdesigncompany.com/

I woke up last night because of a silly nightmare so I decided to play on the iphone when I came across the website thanks to the blog http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/

Oh my gosh! I couldn't stop reading and browsing through all the beautiful pictures of her home and decorating ideas! I was so inspired!

SO CHECK OUT THIS SITE http://jonesdesigncompany.com/

My favorite thing was this amazing painted wallpaper! If only we weren't putting our house up for sale in a couple months I would be attempting this today!!

Want to know how to do this painted wallpaper! Well lucky for all of us she explained it all in full detail!

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/painted-wallpaper-a-tutorial/

for more detailed instructions on the double lines... ( i guess some readers had questions) here is another post about it!

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/create/painted-wallpaper-how-to-share-your-project

I am seriously doing this in my NEXT house! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Here are a few more pictures of her inspiring beautiful home!

Lately in my Etsy shop!

2011-06-07T09:07:00.003-04:00

I have been busy sewing up a storm for

THE LACEY PLACEY on Etsy!

Here's a few of the newest additions!

I had to share a picture of how cute those nautical pillow covers looked in Brody's room! I am planning to do 4 panels of curtains in the blue and red striped fabric! Won't that be so cute?!

Losing Weight?! Picture #2

2011-05-03T10:33:00.002-04:00

So I posted the first Picture March 15, 2011 and April was so crazy with Brody's 2nd Birthday, Beckham's Blessing, Easter and a million other things going on that I didn't take a picture!

A litte update from the whole losing weight thing:

The day I posted that picture me, Billy, Brody and Beckham all loaded up and went to the gym together! Brody actually ran into the play place and was so happy to be there. So I was thrilled and shocked, we worked out and when we came back they informed us that the baby has to be 3 months old!

So I tried going to the gym by myself the next day and I just felt awful and guilty being at the gym while Billy was trying to juggle both kids after a long day at work and me not spending time with them. That's when I realized the whole working out thing was going to get post poned another month!

Well now Beckham is 3 months old and we are back on track! I only lost about 4 or 5 pounds last month but I have to be honest I didn't do anything different or work out much. So This month should be better!

I took a picture today and I can definitely see an improvement. But nowhere near where I want to be. I still can't even fit into most of my clothes!! I have about 8 more pounds till my pre pregnancy weight and about 15 pounds if I want to be at my goal weight.

I have a beach vacation planned the end of July so that's really motivating me!
Here's a BEFORE picture ha ha !

PICTURE 1 3/15 PICTURE 2 5/3

I have only been working out and eating well about a week

Eating well can be so tough sometimes. I love baking cookies and brownies with Brody and it's so hard not eating them!

So what am I going to do?
Jillian's 30 day shred in the mornings and gym M,W,F nights with Billy and the kiddos
Eat better! I am loving Kroger's Turkey Burgers with no bun of course, peas and brown rice

WIsh me LUCK! : )

THE LACEY PLACEY Giveaway!

2011-04-06T01:15:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone!
I'm doing a giveaway on one of my MOST favorite Sites...THE CRAFTING CHICKS!

The giveaway will be posted on THURSDAY on their site so GO check it out!

You can enter Thursday through Sunday. The winner will win 3 Pillow Covers!

2 of this Pillow Cover

And then 1 Pillow Cover of YOUR choice!

There are lots to choose from in my shop
Here are some examples of just a few!

GO to their site for all the Rules and Details!
http://thecraftingchicks.com/

Springtime

2011-03-26T16:27:00.003-04:00

I love SPRINGTIME! It makes me want to freshen up my home...fill it with flowers and bright colors !

Which is why I'm so glad that FLOWERS and FLORALS are the latest trend for spring clothing and home decor. I have never been into florals because they felt to grandma or dated for me. But they have found a way to freshen them up and brighten the fabrics to make them feel young, and beautiful and FRESH!

I'm so excited everytime I go shopping to see all the bright florals on everything!

I just had to post a picture of this cute mirror! My hardworking hubby made it for me. We picked out all the molding and he glued it on and caulked it, sanded it and made it look perfect! I love it!

Thanks Billy!

Here are some of my springtime finds:

I found these Floral Plates at TJ Maxx for $2.99 and I love them!

I thought this floral/paisley basket was adorable too!

I love this curvy gorgeous mirror too! I am selling it in my Etsy shop though, because I don't really have a place for it! I think it would look so gorgeous in a bathroom. All my bathrooms have mirrors already. So I just can't justify keeping it!
See it in my shop HERE

SOLD

The KRAZY coupon LADY! I'm obsessed!

2011-03-25T14:49:00.003-04:00

CHECK THIS OUT!!
http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com/

I have recently discovered EXTREME couponing. When I heard about people using coupons, I always thought to myself. " what a waste of time to save a dollar off this and .50 off that." But I was totally wrong and missing out! I saw a post on a FB friend's status. It was this picture

Thanks TARA !! ( hope you don't mind I stole this picture from you! )

She got all of this stuff for $15 but they actually overcharged her by $10.

So then I was intrigued. I found the KRAZY COUPON LADY and her amazing website and I was hooked. I've been getting free stuff ever since!
The first time I got:
16 boxes of pasta
and 4 gatorades
for $2.00
My second time I got:
2 free toddler socks,
Visine,
and 2 soft scrub spray cleaners (MY FAVORITE CLEANER OF ALL TIME!)
for $1.52.

And Tonight I'm going to get
4 big bottles of Listerine
2 big packs of advil
and 2 Thermacare neck and wrist wraps
for $2.00

Seriously if you are interested in this whole couponing thing... JUST DO IT! It's awesome. I was always so worried about taking the time to find all the deals and match them up but The Krazy coupon Lady does it all for you on her site and her FB page. So I get updates all day on FB and then I just go do them if they are cheap or free or something I need. If you go to her website she walks you through exactly how couponing works and eveything you need to know!

Plus don't miss the two ladies behind it all on MONDAY on NATE BERKUS!

I'M HOOKED!!! And thought I would share!

Spring Sale on The Lacey Placey!

2011-03-19T10:17:00.001-04:00

Let's get our homes ready for SPRING!

All Pillow Covers are now $14.50!

at THE LACEY PLACEY on etsy

There are tons of new ones coming soon! So check back often.

Marvelously Made Mondays! (RECIPE)

2011-03-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

This recipe needs a new name because the name just doesn't do the Recipe justice!
Seriously one of the yummiest recipes I've had lately!

My aunt Wendy brought me this after I had Beckham. And I tried it and LOVED it! I swear I ate most of what she brought! They were so good. I got the recipe from her yesterday and though I should share it with you!

Black Bean Wraps ( I Really Need a better name!)

2-3 Chicken breasts
1 packet of taco seasoning
1/2 jar of salsa
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
1 can of refried beans

Mix all ingredients except refried beans. Put chicken on top of mixture, place in crock pot on low for 4 hours, remove chicken and shred, put back into mixture and add refried beans. Heat through

Then put it on some tortillas and add a little cheese...

SO GOOD! : )

Biggest Loser Tuesdays!
So what better day to announce that I'm going full force in working out, eating better and getting in shape than on Tuesdays when THE BIGGEST LOSER is on!
Me and Billy are going to be working hard to get into our best physical shape. We want to run some 5Ks together and just feel healthier. And hey who doesn't like to LOOK better too! Although Billy has a hott bod already and doesn't really need to do this. But I do!
I'm going to post a picture every month to see my progress ( I know BRAVE right, or crazy...not sure which one ha ha )
Here is my first picture:
7 weeks after giving birth to my Beautiful Beckham Tues. March 15, 2011

It's a pretty crappy picture I took it on my phone. But I'm not worried about it.
I know I don't look skinny and I could have worn a baggy shirt to hide it better, but I don't feel bad. I just had a baby and I know that. So now I just get to move forward and work out! Can't wait to fit into my clothes again! : )
Last time I had a baby. I didn't work out or watch what I ate at all after I had Brody I was just having too much fun to care. And I guess because of nursing I lost it all and then some. It did take 6 months though. So I'm hoping it will be a little quicker this time! Either way I know I'll feel better.

And if you are wondering about my crazy socks... Going to the gym for me is such a drab..gets so old to me fast. So I can't resist wearing fun bright socks to brighten my boring work out up!

Anyone else trying to slim down for Spring/Summer?

Sister Wives on TLC

2011-03-14T01:44:00.000-04:00

Has anybody else seen the show "Sister Wives" on TLC!?
It's so interesting to watch their show and peek into their lives. I have always wondered how polygamists lived. How their family dynamics worked and if they were happy.I can't imagine sharing my husband with 3 other women.
But I just can't see why everyone is so hard on them. I may not agree with how they live or in any way want that for me, but why does it bother everybody so much? Why are they being investigated? And why are they at risk for losing their kids. They are about as wholesome as a family can get. They are so caring towards their kids. And they seem to be so happy living in their "lifestyle". So what's the big deal?!

It seems people are super open minded tO a lot of crazier, way more destructive, weird or just plain wrong ways that lots of other people are living their lives.

I don't see how they are hurting anyone, and I think they should have a right to live how they want. As peculiar as their "lifestyle" is shouldnt we just let them be...

I would love to hear what anyone out there thinks!!

What? Where? Why? Wednesdays!!

2011-03-09T14:25:00.003-05:00

I am starting a new fun thing on my blog....

WHAT? WHERE? WHY? Wednesdays!
I'm going to feature cute Etsy shops or other stay at home Mom's businesses. I have realized there are the coolest, cutest products and ideas out there that not enough people know about it. So what better way for me to find out about all these cool things and to share them than to make it a weekly THEME on my blog!

Today I'm starting out with 3 Etsy shops I adore!!

1) Do you have a DSLR camera? Then this one is for you!

WHAT: adorable sturdy DSLR camera straps!

WHERE: COTTON CANDY BY NATALIE
WHY: Because seriously these are the cutest camera straps you've ever seen! They are bright and colorful and the cutest fabrics, not to mention they are made really well! Check out her Etsy shop there are tons to choose from. Something for everyone!

P.S.- I have to mention I've personally met Natalie and she is one of the sweetest, nicest girls you'll ever meet. So if you do buy one oh her straps just know you are buying from a super sweet person!

2) Have a little girl? or do you love adorable sweet clothes, for not just your little girl but for yourself? Seriously one of the cutest shops I've EVER seen!

WHAT: an online classy, sweet, chic boutique full of Womens shirts, little girl tutus and many more cute things!
WHERE:
DEAR LILLIE ETSY SHOP
DEAR LILLIE BLOG
DEARLILLIE.COM
WHY: Because you will find adorable things and new items all the time, the blog has cute DIY ideas for decorating your home. And the website links you to the their blog and Etsy shop! Plus you will see beautiful pictures taken to show off all their items!

3) Do you love Headbands for your babies and little girls? These are in a LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN! Not your typical "headbands" it feels wrong calling these headbands cause they are so DANG cute!! : )

WHAT: The original Vintage Shabby Chic Hair accessory

WHERE: COZETTE COUTURE Etsy Shop

COZETTE COUTURE Facebook Page

WHY: Do I really need to explain after seeing these photos? The cutest Hair accesory out there! She also carries cute lace leggings, some belts and she does give aways on her FB page. So check her out!!!

If only I had a little girl to adorn in all these cute things from these adorable ETSY shops!

Hope you saw some new Shops you haven't seen before! Let me know if you have a shop/business or you know of one I should share with the Blogger world!!

Pottery Barn

2011-03-06T21:34:00.003-05:00

Oh how I love Pottery Barn! It feels like Christmas when the catalogs come in the mail! I look through them over and over again. Stealing decorating ideas, taking mental notes of paint colors used, fabrics in their quits, their bedding (I LOVE linens, bedding, towels, etc...) and all their latest color trends.

Well I have been dying to put two black beautiful rocking chairs on my porch. It just feels like the right thing to do to a "southern" porch. It feels so blank and empty with out them. Well I found the biggest jackpot 2 weeks ago at Goodwill. 2 brown wooden rocking chairs for 30$ each!! They are $99 a piece at lowes and I have been eyeing them every summer! But now the hunt has ended! We are going to paint them black and they already look so cute on the porch. The other day we had a nice, loud Georgia rain storm and I sat on the porch rocking my little Beckham. It was so perfect, so relaxing and I LOVED it!

Anyway so back to Pottery barn... when I saw their catalog cover had black rocking chairs on it, it made my Goodwill find seem that much better!

Their catalog got me so excited for spring! It's time!!!! It needs to come quicker! : )

And I had to share a spring DIY project I found in blog world!

Green Spring Wreath from
http://burkelodge.blogspot.com/

Full Directions HERE on how to make it!

The only thing I would have done differently is Made a bigger one! I love HUGE wreaths. This is so adorable just the way it is though!

I love NATE BERKUS!

2011-03-01T21:58:00.001-05:00

So if you haven't seen the Nate Berkus show you are totally missing out! I absolutely adore him. He's adorable, fashionable, an amazing interior designer, DIY expert, friendly and did I mention ADORABLE!

You can go to the show's website to see when it's on near you HERE if you don't already DVR it like I do!
It's on at 6:00 pm here in Georgia

Thought I would share one of his DIY projects that I loved.
(Have I mentioned I love things that are handmade that don't look handmade!!)

Get the step-by-step guide to creating your very own cashmere cable knit pillow cover on a budget.

Cashmere sweaters are a great fall accessory to make any home more cozy! But a store-bought cashmere sweater can cost upwards of $350. You don’t need to break the bank to add a millionaire look to your home. With a few cable knit sweaters from a thrift store and pillow inserts, you can create a cashmere pillow for under $20!

What You Need
Cable Knit Cashmere Sweater

Pillow Insert

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Pins

Instructions
1. Lay your cashmere sweater flat and place your pillow insert on top.
2. Cut the sweater around the perimeter of the pillow, leaving about ½ of an inch around each side.
3. Line up your two squares as perfectly as possible, and pin the two squares together around the perimeter of your cover.
4. Sew together three sides of your pillow, and then turn the cover right side out.
5. Insert the pillow form and pin the fourth side of your pillow in place, making sure to match the cables.
6. Slip stitch the fourth side of your pillow closed, and your good-as-new cable knit cashmere pillow is complete!

Tips: When you’re thrifting for the perfect cashmere cable knit sweater, look for men’s large sweaters so you have enough material to create your pillow cover.

My New Life as a Mom of 2

2011-02-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

Well I have completely abandoned my blog as you can see. I LOVE blogging maybe cause I'm a journal keeper so for me it's just one more way to keep track of everything that happens and say what's on my mind. But taking care of 2 kids is my new life.

Can I just say it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much harder, more stressful, more exhausting than I could have ever imagined! As I tell people who have 2 kids this, they all seem to be so surprised and say " really? Transitiioning to One baby was much harder for me"

I just can't relate at all! One baby was heaven, easy, I felt sort of guilty that I just got to stay at home all day and play with a cute perfect baby. He slept all night and took tons of naps so I had plenty of time to do whatever... it's was so fun! Plus It took 9 months to get pregnant the first time and then of course 9 month pregnancy so by they time Brody got here I couldn't wait another second! Billy is a super hands on dad and we would fight over who got to make him stop crying, or who got to hold him, or even change his diaper( in the begining)

Now not to say I don't adore this new little guy. Because I love him so much!! He's the sweetest and he could be Brody's twin brother! But seriously I am having the HARDEST time adjusting to taking care of 2.

If I even think about sitting down for a second, brushing my own teeth, or taking a shower one of them starts crying, screaming, pooping their pants, or needs to be fed! I wonder how people ever have more than 2 kids!! ha ha

I know it'll get easier and I'm happy to do all of the work and take care of them it's just A LOT harder than I had expected!

On the plus side there are 2 kids now so Me and Billy don't have to fight over one of them! : ) One for each of us.

I better post some pictures.....

These are from yesterday after church

You can tell getting a picture of all 3 looking decent is still pretty impossible : )

We went to the park to feed the ducks, but it was such a beautiful day that I guess everyone in all of Snellville, Georgia had the same idea because the ducks wouldn't even eat our bread! They were all so full.

Beckham checking things out...

Billy and Brody having so much fun at the park....

I love Brody's face you can tell he's just having so much fun! To be a kid again.....

DIY Decorating and Valentine's Day!

2011-02-28T14:04:00.001-05:00

DIY/Decorating Stuff

Well even in all of the craziness going on in our house lately (2 Kiddos, hospital visits,visitors from Utah,&master bathroom remodel) I have still managed to make time for all the things I love!

I have been obsessed with Vintage shops, antique shops, flea markets and goodwill. They are great places to go when I have 20 minutes that I can spare to go out by myself and breathe and shop around! It's been so fun. So I have been putting some of the items I find on my Etsy shop because I can't keep everything I buy! I'm running out of room and I know not everybody has all these cute Vintage Southern shops in their areas. So here are some of my finds. I have fixed up some things, ya know painted them added a lamp shade, polished... whatever it takes.

The lamp is from Goodwill. It was 3.80 and I bought 2 of them, sprayed them blue and bought new white drum shades at Walmart.

This striped vase is actually from Target. I had to have it! I bought 2 of them.

These Items below I added to my etsy shop...of course if they don't sell I will not be dissapointed I would love all of them in my home! :)

This mirror SOLD

Love this ring! I'm obsessed with these huge cocktail rings I have a billion of them. This is an antique one though.

Key: SOLD

Isn't this key so cool?! It's 17.5 inches long so it's pretty big. I immediately fell in love!

I had to post this for Aunt Kaitlin!

Valentine's Day
It was so different this year, there was no way a date was going to happen! : ) So Billy brought home a card for me with an Itunes Card ( now I can buy some Justin Beiber tunes ) and some candy. And then he brought Brody of Valentine's Baloon cause Brods is obsessed with balloons.

He also planned the best Valentine's dinner we've had. He went and got chili's dinner and dessert and brought it home. We all ate together ( me, Billy, Brody and Beckham) for some reason it was just so fun to have a sweet little dinner with our new family of 4! I loved it.

Billy and Brody after church Valentine's weekend!

He's so goofy I love it!

Brody made this for me in Nursery. Oh my gosh it totally melted my heart! I have always heard moms say they love those hand made cards or hand made anyythng fromt thier kids. And it never made sense to me untill now! I loved it! It's still hanging on my fridge : )

Okay I just had to post this... I felt so envious looking at this picture.

Dont you wish you could sleep this good!!!

Emergency Room Fiasco!

2011-01-30T14:21:00.001-05:00

First off I just want to say that Beckham is totally fine and doing wonderful!!

We were told to take Beckham to the pediatricians one day after we left the hospital just to make sure he didn't have jaundice. So when we went in they asked the last time he had a wet diaper. And he hadn't had any wet diapers in 30 hours since the day before at the hospital. So they were immediately super worried. She gave us formula and told me to feed him right then. He drank the whole bottle and still wanted more! So the doctor said I'm going to call you tonight at 4:30 and 6:30 and make sure he had a wet diaper. So we went home. Fed him every 2 hours and 4:30,6:30,7:30 and 8:00 passed and still no wet diapers!! Plus then I noticed him spitting up a tiny bit of blood too! I was so so worried. The pediatrician called me again and said take him to the ER immediately!

So we drove down to Scottish Rite Childrens hospital.(equivalent of primary Childrens but for the South East).
It was so scary just being there with a 2 day old baby. They checked him out and decided they would do an iv and run tests. So when they went to check his temperature(in the bum) he poof and peed everywhere!!! We were all so excited! Ha ha they still wanted to do an iv to get him fluids. And that was the worst part. Baby vans are so tiny they would collapse when they finally found the vain. Mean while Beckham is crying cause it hurts!!! Billy was so stressed and kept saying "I'm fine if you don't do the iv" he was worried they might do permanent damage by searching and messing with all his vains. Finally after a couple hours and a few different doctors they got the iv in. He got fluids and all his tests came back normal. So we were allowed to take our boy home!! Oh and they think the blood was probably blood in his tummy from delivery. So they didn't seem to worried about it. We go back to the doctor on Tuesday to make sure his weight goes back up. He was born at 9.2 and at ER he weight 8.2 so he lost quite a bit in one day. But we're pretty confident he'll be back to normal weight tuesday. He's doing great now!!

I am so grateful for a pediatrician that I really really trust (Roswell pediatrics) and good doctors at Scottish Rite!! And a wonderful husband who gave our little guy a blessing! I have really learned how many peoPle it truly takes to take care of a baby. Their little lives are touched and influenced by so many people!

New Year's! 2011

2011-01-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

(taken on phone which is why it's all pixelated)

I love the beginning of a new year. It feels like a fresh new start. I love setting goals and looking back over the past year to see what goals I actually stuck to and accomplished.
Last year was amazing...
2010
Brody:
I have had so much fun watching Brody grow into the 20 month old that he is now! He's changed and grown so much.
He turned ONE and had his first Birthday with LOTS of support from friends and family! He learned to walk this year, run, say his first words, eat with fork/spoon, go potty on his little potty, hit the ball with a baseball bat, kick a soccer ball around and throw a ball so hard and fast that he hits me in the face just about everyday! He loves to tickle people, dance, and climb up everything. He has found a love for coloring, reading books, dora stickers, play dough, and puzzles.
He loves to feel like he is helping out. He likes to get the dishwasher liquid out of the cupboard and put in the dishwasher and push start, put the clothes in the dryer, help mix and add ingredients when we bake, shut any door he sees open. If anything seems out of place he likes to put it away (not his own toys of course!)

Me:
It's been a lot of fun buying our fixer up and seeing all the progress and how far it's come.
I loved moving to a new place(Snellville) and meeting so many great people.
I have loved decorating our house and sewing lots!
I have loved all the new callings at church and doing things that really pushed me outside my box!
I have really fallen in love with the everyday life of being a stay at home mom. The cooking, cleaning, taking care of Brody and everything else that goes along with it.

Billy:
Billy has always been an extremely hard worker. But this year he has out done himself again! He works so hard at work and then works on our house in the evenings and weekends. But he still manages to help out so much with Brody and spend lots of time with him. And he always seems to fit in all his sports! Softball 2 seasons this year, basketball ( church and rec leagues), and flag football! Not to mention he works out at the gym and had met his goal of being able to lift 265!
He's become quite the handy man from working on our house. I am confident he can literally do anything and it will look fabulous! He is a perfectionist and likes to do things on his own. But that's okay because the finished project always turns out great!

Looking forward to 2011!
Goals:

Get our new baby boy Beckham here safely!
Finish and and put our house up for sell and buy another
buy a bigger car (truck or SUV) much needed!!!!
finish reading the scriptures all the way through! We are so close to finishing!
Me: get back in shape and lose all the baby weight again, go to the gym 3 X a week. Billy: Lift 315
we both want to run atleast one 5K together
SAVE SAVE SAVE!
continue diving into photography and learning everything I can, keep up my 365 blog
Finish Beckham and Brody's quilts
learn to plant flowers and keep them ALIVE!
cook more and learn some healthy recipes
go on a cruise

Playing with Photography

2011-01-09T15:01:00.002-05:00

I have a huge interest in Photography! I have been having so much fun reading, playing around and trying to learn everything I can about it. There is so much to learn and to know. But I love it and am having a blast. These were a few I took recently. I can't wait to have a newborn to practice on. Who will sit still and lay there while I shoot away! : )

p.s.-to learn more about and get some good practice I started a 365 blog you can check it out at http://lacey365.blogspot.com/

December is flying by!

2010-12-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

Brody Meets Santa !

I figured I better update with a picture! It's been a while! Brody loved Santa this year. Last year he pulled his beard and it made for a great picture! We've been enjoying this Holiday season with our older Brody. Each year seems to get more and more fun!

Update on Pregnancy:

I am about 5 weeks from my due date and I am so DONE being pregnant. But still feeling nervous about a new baby and especially adding a 2nd one to the mix. It's a lot more complicated when you have one already. Because it's not just going to change our lives(MIne and Billy's) but little Brody's life too! I am so curious how he will adjust to the new baby and if all my potty training work will go down the drain! Last week at my appointment they said they think the baby is Breach!!!! YIKES! I have an ultrasound next week to confirm it. But I think the baby may have switched around again. I swear I feel his feet in my ribs. But we'll see! As for the little guy's name... We are not set on any middle names yet. We are naming him Beckham which I have loved for like 4 years but couldn't use with Brody. So we are thinking

Beckham Taylor Quale

But not 100% sure! Naming is a BIG decision!

I still can't believe I am going to have 2 kids, 2 little boys, and a family of 4! All so scary but super exciting!!

Enough Rambling....

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you all have the best Holiday!

p.s.-anyone who is curious about Potty Training....it's been going fabulous! He is accident free most days. Once in a while when he is too involved in playing with friends or his toys he'll forget. He'll even go on a public toilet when we go places. He sleeps through the night dry and naps. But I do wake him up around 12:00 when we go to bed to have him go potty. The pooping is still a challenge. I called my pediatrician and she said that its completely normal and part of the process. She said kids look at their poop as an extension of thier body and it freaks them out to see it leave their body. It just takes some time to get the hang of it. So we are still working on it!

Potty Training a success!!! COMPLETELY accident Free today!

2010-12-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

Well I said today I would do one last post on my Potty Training adventures!
So here it is:

This has really been one of the most challenging weeks so far as a parent. After the three days every day seemed to get a little better. But I have been exhausted from it! Watching Brody so closely, trying to be overly excited everytime he used the potty, being calm and patient when I wanted to freak out, not seeing daylight for 7 days, taking care of a dog in heat, and being 6 weeks away from my due date have completely taken every ounce of energy out of me!!

But it was all worth it!! My Brody had No accidents today! Made it to the potty every time successfully! I CAN'T believe it considering last Sunday he was my 19 month old diaper baby who'd never even seen a potty! And considering how AWFUL Monday was with like 50 accidents and cleaning up pee all day. I would have never dreamed 6 days later he would be accident free!

Brody doesn't seem afraid of going poop at all. He now let's Billy take him to the potty and if I ask him if he needs to go and he truly needs to go he runs to the bathroom!

I think what worked for us was that the 3 day method gave me and Brody a crash course on him learning his own body signals because I only took him to the potty if he had an accident or told me. I didn't just take him around the clock every so many minutes. By day four I started taking him more often and that helped on less accidents but I think it was important to let him have all the accidents in the first 3 days so he could learn his body signals. I'm SO glad I read the three day method because there were so many situations that came up that I knew exactly what do because she addressed them all. I would have been so clueless!

Now for the future I plan to use a pull up for going out shopping and long car rides even though she recommends not doing it. For me I need the crutch to lean on. I would be too worried and stressed out going anywhere. I will just put it on over his underwear.
But luckily he's completely night time and nap trained so I will really only use the pull up for going out until I feel more comfortable.

I'm a newbie at all this potty training stuff and I have a lot to learn I'm sure but here is my tid bit of advice for any moms about to start potty training.

Make sure YOU are ready!!! It's a huge commitment and if you are doing it because u are tired of changing diapers and think it'll be easier... Let me tell you it's NOT easier! Diapers are way less work. That was one of my main motivations for starting and boy was I WRONG about it being easier!

I have read a lot of info on potty training. And there is a lot of controversy out there about whether or not you can or should potty train your child before they are ready. Some moms say it is not when the child is ready it's about the mom. Some kids might take longer because they are younger but they are just as capable. And some moms say it won't work and it's totally pointless if the child isn't "ready" Who knows what the right answer really is! So I guess you have to decide which way you lean and pick a method that matches with your feelings on those ideas.

Personally I feel like there is nothing wrong with potty training when YOU want to. I don't tt think it's going to harm the child if you wait till 3 in a half years old or if you do it at 18 months. I am writing this only because I read so many harsh comments out there in both directions! Just do whatever works best for you. And who cares what everyone tells you like " shouldn't your kid be potty trained by now?" or " your child is WAY too young to be potty trained" I say lots of moms have done both age ranges and been successful and happy with the timing and results.

I'm just so happy that first week is over now and we can start living our life normally and figure out how to make trips to the potty fit into our life and schedule! And we hope for many more accident free days!

I'm so done talking/thinking/ and dreaming about potty training!
So good luck to anyone out there going through it!

Day 3 of the 3 day potty training method

2010-12-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

Day 3

Today started wonderfully when I found Brody in his bed at nine thirty a.m. Completely dry!!! I was so impressed he went the whole night! From 8:00 p.m. till 9:30 a.m. It's so shocking because every single morning his diaper would be so full!! But this method has you stop liquids 2-3 hours before bed which I did. So stopping liquids mixed with him wanting to keep his underwear dry is what's working for him! I'm glad I didn't chicken out and put pull ups on him at night. I was so tempted! I think we underestimate our toddlers and how much they truly are capable of! But the real test will be tomorrow morning!

Okay so back to day 3... He woke up dry! And then I rushed him to the potty and he didn't go pee. I was then realizing that he is learning to control his bladder and is holding it in. I knew the poor kid had to go!!! Since he had gone since like 8:00 the night before! So I starting filling him full of liquids! A big cup of milk, a Capri sun and still nothing! Not only that he wouldn't get off the couch! I don't know if it's cause he associates his accidents with being on the hardwoods and he didn't want to have an accident or if maybe he was just cold and being on those hardwoods is chilly!!

Either way it was making me so nervous because I knew eventually it was all going to come out!! Finally at like eleven he starting having an accident and I ran him to the bathroom! He finished in the potty and I rewarded him! He had about four more accidents (just little dots or dribbles) nothing major. He ate lunch, napped and woke up dry!! I was feeling pretty good but a little disappointed because I was expecting him to be perfect today!

After nap he kept holding it in and would just put it off till I would rush him in when I saw a drop on his underwear. I was expecting him to tell me every single time like yesterday! But now he was doing everything in his power not to tell me and avoid the whole situation altogether! I was feeling super discouraged!!! But then I had to tell myself this is all part of the process. And him learning how to hold it in is a big step and important! He gets the idea and for being 19 months old , never ever tried potty training in his whole life to be now understanding the whole process... To tell me, be successful more than 75% of the time,and be dry at naps and night and completely out of diapers... it can only get better from here!!!
Also he pooped twice which is always good news! Ha ha
Once in the underwear and once in the potty!

So does this method work?! I would say if your kids are the recommended age of 22 months or older then you'll have no problem using this and being successful. As long as you follow the method to a "T" and use all her wordage and everything! At the very least I am positive they would atleast understand how to tell you, learn to keep their underwear dry and be successful most of the time! If your kids are younger than 22 months it might just take a few more days or weeks to fully grasp it!

I feel great about the progress he has made and am looking toward to seeing how far he has come by Sunday! I plan to stick to this method completely till Sunday. And then I will relax a little and see how it goes! After all this hard work though there is no way I could go back to diapers and start over again!! Especially now that I know he is capable it's just a matter of being consistent.
Something funny and interesting about today was that when I'd rush him to the potty after an accident he would be sitting on the potty and would pull his underwear off his ankles and chuck it at me! I would try to put the new underwear on and he would yank it off and chuck it at me with this little disgruntled look on his face! It was so cute! But I could tell it was his way of saying"mom I am so done with this!!" and I couldn't help but feel for him. What a scary and big process these little toddlers have to go through! They can't do it without our help and it's all so new to them!

So I'll probably blog one last time about this on Sunday. Maybe by then he'll be a potty expert!! : )

I am very proud of my little baby Brody! He is growing up so fast! And I'm sad to see see him grow up so quickly!! But this is all a natural part of life... Learning to pee in the potty! : )

Day 3 over!!!

Day 2: of the 3 Day Potty Training Method

2010-12-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

Day 2: of the 3 Day Potty Training Method by Lora Jensen

Today was a GREAT day! I have to say the hardest part about this whole process is just doing nothing but staring at your child all day playing with them and watching their favorite shows without a break! I like to think I normally spend a lot of time doing those things with Brody. But I can usually go do the dishes or check my email. So I get five seconds here and there to myself. But with this whole Method you can not ever let them out of your sight. And for me that is the most exhausting part!

That being said it TOTALLY works! I reccommend this e-book for anyone who is potty training.

This morning I laid in bed thinking to myself. Here we go again... and I was just waiting for him to wake up so I could get a fresh start on this whole Potty Training thing. Plus I wanted to see if he made it through his first night dry or not! We put him to bed around 8:00 Pm and when we checked on him around 12 he was still dry. So we were hopeful!

I had the monitor in my bedroom all night and I heard him babbling to himself at about 2:30 a.m. but I didn't go and get him. I was too nervous he would get all riled up and not go back to sleep. But I was worried that he might be peeing in his bed too! Well I think he was because this morning he didn't wake up untill 9:30 am. and when I went in he was completely dry but his bed was soaked. Which means his underwear must have dried by morning. Poor guy! I should have gone in at 2:30 and had him go potty.

But after I changed him into dry underwear and changed his sheets, the morning went great!!! He told me EVERY single time he had to go to bathroom. What I mean by told me is he would look at me and then run as fast as his little legs could go to the bathroom. He would stand there I would pull down his underwear and he would go! By 12:30 he had gone through 5 pairs of underwear but only because a little would dribble in them before we got to the potty, he would still go in the potty every time. And he still ran to the potty EVERY time! He ate lunch, went potty again and went down for a nap at 1:00 pm. He slept for 2 hours and I was so happy to find him completely dry AGAIN when I got him out. He had the same pair of underwear from like 11:00 am till 3:30 with no accidents, dribbles or anything! I was so surprised and so proud of Brody. Then he may have dribbled a few more times after that but he still ran to the bathroom every time and there were definitely WAY more successes!

Then my husband Billy brought home dinner and it all went downhill! Brody starting clinging to me and running to me every second and laying his head on my shoulder. He was acting scared of Billy! And he kept running to me with this worried look on his face. So I kept thinking he had to go to the bathroom or something but he didn't so he would get frustrated that I was taking him for no reason. I have no idea why he was acting like that. The only things I can think of is maybe he was nervous to go potty in front of Billy or he was nervous Billy was going to take him to the potty and he only wanted me to do it. Or maybe he had to poop and is STILL holding it in and scared to go in the potty. I have no idea! But he had 4 accidents from when Billy came home to when we put him to bed. Which put a damper on my WONDERFUL, successful day!

But Today was a BILLION times easier than DAY 1! I was feeling like he was practically potty trained! Untill Billy came home that is : ) So maybe I am just going to have to stay close to him when Billy is around untill he gets the full hang of it!

I feel great about today though. And if tomorrow goes any better than today he will be a Potty Trained Boy for sure by the end of tomorrow! I can't believe this method works so quickly!!

Still worried about that pooping thing! I think he is for sure holding it in. And that whole dribbling every five minutes thing has gotten a lot better. He's learning to go all at once now. Which is wonderful!

So Day 2 Over....

Day 1: of the 3 day Potty Training Method

2010-12-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

Day 1:
Wow.... is the first word that comes to my mind when thinking about today! I'm so glad Day one is over! To be honest I was pleasantly surprised in a lot of ways and in some ways it was more tedious and tiring than I thought. But overall it was a SUCCESS! So I will start from the beginning of today.

He woke up at ten thirty. I made sure I was fully ready to go because I knew I could not leave his side after we began. We went downstairs and I had him throw his very wet diaper away. I explained to him that there were no more diapers. (doubt he understood any of it) But hey I followed the rules of the method.

Then I put on the first pair of underwear. I made sure I had a full supply 30 or so pairs in the bathroom, hand sanitizer, M&Ms for reward, and plenty of wipes.

I gave him a huge cup of Milk like I always do and then I had him help me pour in all the ingredients for Orange Julius. I know Orange juice makes you pee a lot and I knew he'd love it and drink lots of it. Then we went into the living room and played with toys.

Then came the first accident. He was totally freaked out by the fact that warm pee was running down his legs and a huge puddle on the floor ( I had previously rolled up the rug, thank goodness for hardwoods ) He looked so scared and immediately ran to my arms. I scooped him up and ran him to the bathroom. I said " let's keep your underwear dry. Tell Mommy if you have to go potty okay? " as I sat him on the potty. Then we changed his underwear. And went back to the living room to play. After an hour and a half I had gone through 15 pairs of underwear. He would dribble tiny bits in his underwear or lots on the floor and each time I did the same thing. I scooped him up and ran him to the bathroom. I said " let's keep your underwear dry. Tell Mommy if you have to go potty okay? " as I sat him on the potty. Then we changed his underwear.

I was feeling extremely frustrated by this point it was only 12:00 and I wasn't sure this wasn't going to work. But soon he started marching really fast and running to me every time he had the urge to go. We didn't always make it. We still got a little in his underwar and went through lots more pairs of underwear. But now I knew he understood how to tell me. Eventually he started doing that little march and coming and grabbing my hand and we would run to the bathroom!!! He started making it to the potty with out going in his underwear! And of course I would reward him each time he told me and we went on the potty even if he got some in his underwear. I couldn't believe he was actually telling me and that he was actually going in the potty! Each time I would show him in his potty all the pee and tell him " I am so proud of you, GOOD JOB! You are such a big Boy!" and we would go play.

He still had accidents here and there but they were more of little dribbles. Finally It was around 1:45 and I was so nervous about putting him down for his usual nap at 2:00. I was nervous he would wet the bed. And I contemplated putting a pull up or diaper on him to give myself a break. But I stayed strong and kept to the method. Which says there is no need, they can take naps with out diapers on. Just make sure you have them pee before and as soon as you hear them wake up hurry and get them and rush them to the potty. The method also tells you not to feel bad if they wet the bed. After all you are pumping them full of liquids all day. And it's bound to happen.

Well he made it untill 2:15 with out any accidents. He would tell me everytime and he would go potty. I felt confident he could last atleast an hour for a nap. (atleast I hoped) Plus I seriously needed a break by now!!!

So I put him in his bed. He slept untill 4:00 PM. I went in as soon as I heard him. I was SURPRISED to find him DRY!!! I ran him to the potty and he went a ton. He went three more times after that with in the next 20 minutes, he told me everytime and had no accidents! I was completely shocked!! Could this really be working already!!! He was still in that same pair of underwear from 1:45 Pm!

In the e-book she says for half of her kids it took till the 3rd day till they even made it in the potty. And she recommends you wait till 22 months. She thinks that is the ideal age. But she also says if you try sooner it just might take longer. So I was seriously so excited he was starting to really get it!!

Unfortunately after that he had lots of "dribbles'' and accidents and successes too. But nothing as consisent as earlier that day. I did 1 load of wash with his 30 pairs of underwear. So that tells you how many accidents he had.

I am still feeling really good about it. I didn't think he'd be able to communicate to me that he had to go. And that alone is a big success for DAY 1 to me. And the fact that he napped with out an accident is another TOTAL success to me. And that he made it through out the day on the potty tells me he is more ready than I probably knew.

I think part of me was secretly hoping he wasn't ready and after the 3 days I could put him back in diapers and try again later. But I am now realizing he is ready for this! I just need to stay focused, Patient and banned to the house for 2 more days!

The one thing I was worried about all day and totally FRUSTRATED by was that it seemed like he would go 10 times in an hour before his bladder would be empty, sometimes a lot and sometimes little dribbles. And I wasn't mentally prepared for anything like that. I was starting to wonder if something was wrong with Brody. That he couldn't just go to the bathroom and let it all out. But I read through the e-book again. And someone had asked her that same question and she says it's completely normal and part of them learning how to release it all. So I thought I would share that for any of you out there who might face that problem too. I was literally running him to the potty every five minutes some hours. And little dribbles would come. It was super TEDIOUS!

The other thing I am a little concerned about is that he hasn't pooped at all today. I normally change 4-5 poopy diapers a day!!! So I'm wondering if he is nervous about it or holding it in or something. But I know kids have days where there is no poop. So I'll see how it goes tomorrow and Wednesday.

Lots of info!!! But I want to remember all of this. And I figured it might help some of you who might be going through this "FUN STAGE" soon!

Day 1 officially OVER!!!

3 Day Potty Training! YIKES!!!!

2010-12-05T22:18:00.002-05:00

Potty Training....
I figured I better blog about this HUGE even taking place this week! I am going to attempt to potty train my 19 Month old Brody! Thanks to some tips from some friends I have decided to go with the 3 Day Potty Training Method by Lora Jensen. If you are interested in reading her e-book you can go to 3DayPottytraining.com

I will blog at the end of each day and let you all know how it goes. I am really nervous! He's still pretty young and doesn't have too much of a vocabulary. I mean he couldn't vocally tell me he has to go to the bathroom. But according to Lora Jensen they don't have to be able to tell you vocally. So we will see how it goes! After these 3 long days of focusing on nothing but Potty Training....if he's still totally not getting it, I'm okay with that! I just figured I better give it a shot before my new baby comes in 7 weeks! If he's not ready that's okay with me we'll do it when he's 2 after we adjust to the newborn.

My preparation:
-Read the E-book by Lora Jensen
-We bought lots of cute little boy underwear! (SO CUTE! ha ha )
-Plenty of Liquids in the house
-M&M's for rewards
-A brand new little Potty chair ( such a huge fiasco picking one out by the way! ) But this is the one we went with It's $21.00 at Target. It's a stand alone potty but also converts to the seat you put on the regular toilet. And also changes into a stepping stool.

UPDATE: DID NOT LIKE THIS POTTY CHAIR!!!

Any tips or advice would definitely be appreciated!
Wish me Luck I think I'll need it!! : )

UPDATE: Just wanted to tell anyone who reads this, we HATED that potty chair pictured above. We took it back and got a different one. It's a green frog and it's $12.26 at Target. It's so much better and easier to use. The one pictured above is a total pain. The pee guard falls off all the time. Then pee gets underneath the seat but it's almost impossible to clean out because it's hard to drain the water once you do clean inside it. And the seat makes a weird squeaking noise everytime Brody sat on it. And it would freak him out. Plus there is just way too much going on with it, too many distractions. My advice is to get a simple potty chair. No need for all the bells and whistles. We actually bought 2 frog pottys. One for upstairs and downstairs. We love it and so does Brody!

Marvelously Made Mondays! CHRISTMAS

2010-11-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas Inspiration From Blogland!!!

Don't you love this front door at The Pineapple Room ?! I do!! I LOVE THIS!

What about these super cute Stockings at Decor Chick? I love seeing different stockings!

I'm obsessed with Topiarys so of course I adore this Pine cone topiary from Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures

And this is such a cute idea I love this Monogrammed Wreath from

Dittle Dattle

Ugly Side Table MADE cute!

2010-11-16T14:50:00.015-05:00

I am always stopping by Goodwill as often as I can. It's always hit or miss with Thrift Stores. Sometimes I find GREAT stuff and other times there is nothing good! I'm always looking for old looking furniture that I can put new cute hardware on and paint. I'm really picky so I'm always happy when I find something I like!

This table I probably would have NEVER bought untill I saw the price tag of $3.00! It was such a steal I had to see what I could do!

So I got out my Sander and went to town on the top, drawer and lightly everywhere else. Then I primed with Valspar RED/BROWN primer. Don't mind the messy can... I had the spray paint handle on wrong so it was getting everywhere! That Spray paint handle is amazing though! I highly recommend it! It was only 2 dollars at Lowes and it attatches to any spray paint can.

Next I used Glossy Black Rustoleum Spray Paint

I spray painted the gold hardware with some flat black spray paint I had lying around and it's finished! I had decided when I bought this that I would sell it on craigslist to make a profit on it. (Trying to save up some extra money for a Secret Christmas Present for the Hubby) But it I were going to keep it I would have put a really cute clear crystal looking handle on. They have adorable ones at Hobby Lobby!

Now it's no Million Dollar Side table but not bad for $3.00 right??!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-11-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

Christmas Is COMING!
1 Month 1 week and 3 days... in case you wondering!

So here are some cute Christmas Crafts from Blogland:

First up Adorable Home made stockings from Dear Lillie

I Adore these! They are shabby chic and super sweet! Love them!

Next up This CUTE Ribbon Wreath from She's Kinda Crafty!

I love wreaths! She gives great detailed instructions on how to make one so go check her out!

This is such a sweet idea... great for gifts too!
Isn't this so fun?! A Hand Print Christmas Pillow from SUGAR BEE Craft Edition
You could do one every year of your kids as their hands get bigger. What a fun Christmas Tradition!
She gives you all the details on how easy it was to make! Go check her out!

I love these cute little Personalized Christmas Shirts too! You could do so many different things with this idea! This idea comes from Leslie's Life Go check her out... She tells you everything you need to make them! Super easy and cheap too!

This isn't necessarily a Christmas themed project..But you could make it for a Christmas gift!

This cute wall hanger comes from one of my new Favorite blogs TRACY'S TRINKETS

She's to talented! Check her out!

P.S.- Click Follow on the right side and Follow my Blog... I'd love to hear your favorite picks too! Don't be afraid to leave a comment!

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-11-08T12:06:00.003-05:00

Here are this weeks finds from Blogland:

DIY Boxwood Topiary

Isn't this adorable?! I want to make this right now! I even went thrift store shopping to try and find a cute base or URN for the bottom. As soon as I find the right one. This is my next project! It looks like it fell right out of a Pottery Barn catalog!

This comes from the THE BLESSED LIFE

And she gives great detailed instructions on how to make it with tons more pictures! Check it out!

Brush Your Teeth Sign

I thought this looked so great and so expensive! Like I've said before I love things that don't necessarily have that Home Made look. I love this! I love how easy it is to make and how cute it would be in any bathroom...but also so many other things you could spell out! It's not Vinyl either which is a money saver!!

This comes from Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures

She has lots of adorable pictures of it and full detailed instructions on how to make it! Go check it out!

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-11-01T12:15:00.003-04:00

On Marvelously Made Mondays I'm always posting everyone else' projects and DIY ideas. So I figured I better post some of my own! First up... Caramel Apples

You probably don't even need instructions on how to make these. But I wouldn't have tried making them unless I had seen well written out instructions myself! : )

I just bought these caramels they came with Popsicle sticks in them for making caramel apples. But normally you'd have to buy those seperately. They had them at Walmart for 1.75 for a huge Pack.

I bought 2 of these bags and they barely did 8 apples.

Then you melt the caramel on medium low in a pan...pretty easy

But have all your apples washed, and prepped with popsicle stick already in them. Because once the caramel is ready you have to hurry! Then take the apple on the stick hold it over the pan and pour it on to your apple with the spoon untill it's covered.. Let the excess drip off for a few seconds and then roll it in your toppings.

I'm a crazy sprinkle lover... So of course I had to have sprinkles!

Note: At first I didn't realize the caramel came with popsicle sticks so I bought these Candy Apple white sticks... Thinking they would be cuter. Such a bad idea. They were so weak they would bend and could barely hold the apple. And it was so hard to stab them into the apple. Definitely use POPSICLE sticks!

I bought these bags to put the apples in... FYI they were too skinny and I ended up having to cut them and use to to wrap it completely around the apple. So my advice is to make sure the Bags are bigger than the apples you are trying to put them in. You really only need bags if you are giving them away. I gave them away for Visiting Teaching. Otherwise I would have just put them on a cute platter and called it good!

Finally the finished product! They turned out really cute. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. But the caramel did start to kind of fall down the apple. But as soon as I put them in the fridge it was fine. So put them into the fridge immediately after to you dip them. And when you want to actually eat the apple. You'll probably have to microwave it for like 15 seconds because the fridge hardens the caramel so much!

And of course you have to finish it off with Apple cider! I love it whenever I buy this the cashiers always ask for my ID! It always makes me laugh : )

This will now be a yearly tradition: Making caramel apples and carving pumpkins! Here is what Brody thought about Carving pumpkins!! : )

Here is a wreath I literally threw together in 5 minutes. I was feeling sad that I didn't have a Fallish wreath on my door. And I had been picturing a green wreath with lots of white pumpkins! And I couldn't find anything like it anywhere!Well when you wait this long into fall. There isn't much to choose from... These were all the white pumpkins I could find!! They were there very last ones and I had to steal them ( I paid for them) off the HUGE Hobby Lobby Holiday tree display because they were the last ones! I really should of /could of put a lot of more time and effort into this wreath and made it spectacular... A cute Brown bow... pinecones... some type of white gourd with a little orange would be nice too! But I was WAY too burnt out on Fall decorating. So this is what it came to! But I am happy with it. I love how Big it is and I love how inexpensive it was to make... and I LOVE green so it fits me perfectly! I will probably take off the pumpkins and gourds and do something with red in it to make it Christmasy! Anyway... Here is the breakdown on cost:

All items bought at Hobby Lobby:

Grapevine Wreath: $5.49 (50% off Sale on top of that) so $2.75

Long Green Berry Garland $6.99(also 50% off on top of that) so 3.49

White Pumpkins 1.50 Each

Green gourds 1.50 Each

so with a total of 5 of them (also 50% off) $3.75

So not bad if I do say so myself! : )

You have got to see this before picture to get the full effect! Click below to go to her blog to see it! I could not get the before picture to show up!! But seriously one of the best transformations ever!! : ) I am loving it when people put fabric or cute paper on the back of shelving or cabinets. It's so cute! And it wouldn't be that hard to change out when you get tired of it.

http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2010/10/hounds-tooth-book-shelf-for-you.html

Okay this has been a favorite of my mine for a while. I've seen similar things on other blogs for a while. So I finally had to post about it! I LOVE love LOVE this idea. This first wreath is with acorns... Just glueing them to the wreath. It turns out so cute. I could see something like this selling for a lot in Pottery Barn. I love things that don't necessarily have that home made look about them. Which is why I love this so much! Check out all the colors you could do for every Holiday! I'm partial to the green and white!

Click below on the link to get full instructions and to see more colors and ideas! She also gives other examples of other kinds of beans you could use!

http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-acorn-wreath.html?showComment=1261010857152#c5128291518060242534

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-10-25T19:37:00.001-04:00

It's Halloween Week!!

It's Monday again! I love doing Marvelously Made Mondays on my blog. It gives me a chance to share ideas I find around Blogland, and I get to have easy access to all my favorite ideas out there that I may just want to try out too!

First is this cute Vintage Square Wreath... I think what I like most is that it's square! You never see square wreaths. I think it looks so cute on a front door! Plus with with this wreath it would be so easy to change out that middle piece and make it totally different for any holiday. Not to mention this is one of the cheapest wreaths I've seen to make. They can get kind of pricey buying all the stuff to adorn the wreaths with. So this one is super cheap!

To see her full tutorial of how she made it... click below to go to her blog!

http://thecraftingchicks.com/2010/10/vintage-halloween-square-wreath.html

Next up I had to post about this shelve. I am re-doing my Boy's room and I need some major shelves for the room to display all the stuff. Shelves are super expensive atleast the kind and size I want! So I have been thinking it would be so much cheaper to make my own. So I was pleasantly surprised to see these cute shelves with directions!! I will probably make mine bigger and chunkier... But these are perfect for this room and displaying dolls!

To see her instructions on how to make your own shelves... click below to go to ther blog!

http://yearofhomeandhealth.blogspot.com/2010/10/shelves-for-american-girl-dolls.html

And last but not least.... I thought this wreth was so ADORABLE! I am in love with making fabric rosettes!(for those of you who don't know what those are... they are little scraps of fabric rolled into roses...aka rosettes) So I loved seeing another wonderful use for those Rosettes! SO cute for Halloween too! But you could make this with any fabrics, or colors for any occasion! P.S.- those grapevine wreaths you see pictured here are SOOOOOOOOO cheap! They are a great base for making wreaths. I've used them many times. I just bought a REALLY huge one for 5.99 at Hobby Lobby plus it was 50% off! And then I added all my own stuff.. Pictures coming soon!

To see her full instructions on how to make this adorable wreath click below to go to her blog!

http://roselandfamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/we-are-ready-for-halloween.html

FYI- go to Joanns and Michaels and buy all your Halloween stuff over the next couple weeks. Everything is atleast 60% off! Next year you'll be all stocked up for Halloween! : )

Marvelously Made Mondays! (RECIPES)

2010-10-18T19:01:00.001-04:00

RECIPE TIME!!

We've been out of town for a while so it's definitely time to do some grocery shopping! So I figured why not try out some new recipes. I found this on http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/ (the same girl who did the cafe rio Copy cat recipe.) She has a million delicious recipes I want to try! Anyway this one looked so great! I'm definitely going to try it out this week. I'm also trying out AUNT KAREN'S Lasagna recipe, my grandma's Cream of Broccoli cheese soup, navajo tacos, and broccoli casserole! Let me know if you want any of the recipes. I'll let you know how they all turn out. (CAN YOU TELL I"M PREGNANT!! ha ha these are all hearty, comfort foods! Probably not the most figure friendly!) I'll have to eat super healthy for the rest of the day so I can splurge at dinner!

In case anyone was wondering about the cafe rio one a few posts back... it was EXACTLY the same! The only mistake I made was with the Tomatillo ranch I added a kind of large jalapeno and it turned out spicier than usual. But it still tasted the same.

EASY Chicken Roll ups

1-2 cans of canned chicken (or roughly the same amount of shredded chicken)

1 8 oz. package cream cheese

2 Tbsp. milk

salt and pepper to taste

2 cans crescent rolls

2 c. crushed croutons (you can also use the Parmesan Shake n' Bake)

Blend together first four ingredients. Separate crescent rolls into triangles. Spoon chicken into the bottom of the triangle, fold in the bottom corners, and roll up. Lightly roll in melted butter then roll in crushed croutons. Place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 min. If desired serve with cream of chicken soup diluted with 1/2 cup milk over the crescent rolls (I also like to add salt, pepper, parsley, cayenne, and curry to the sauce)

P.S.- if you have any recipes post them in the comment section so we can all share them! Plus then I can refer back to them!

Utah TRIP OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-14T12:12:00.002-04:00

Utah Trip October 2010

Oh how things have changed... My best friend just got married ( krista

of course) last night. I was so surprised to see her with a handful of
brides maids I didn't know. I didn't know her fiancée at all since I
live so far away in Georgia and her beautiful family was even more
beautiful and grown up since I left! When you leave and move away you
don't realize how much you're missing till you come back and see
everybody. Life goes on and changes but you aren't there to see it
happen. New people fill the space that you left and your role isn't
nearly as significant as it once was. As much as you wish you could be
that person filling the roles of all those peoples lives you know you
can't. You've made a new life with new friends, responsibilities, and
your own family to take care of and be there for. Which is why you are
so grateful new faces could step in and fill the space you left. It
amazes me how much people change in one to two years time! We visited
lots of family while we were in Utah and it amazes me how people with
no kids suddenly have 2 year olds, How people grow a foot and look so
different and way more grown up, and how in two years people can
really mature and change into a completely different person. This trip
to Utah was amazing but so strange for all those reasons! It was so
good to see everyone I could fit into one weeks time! But I think I
learned an important lesson about relationships this trip. And the
importance of nurturing relationships and taking time to make those
important people a priority. Otherwise one day those relationships
could be gone or not nearly as strong! And life is too short to have
spent so many years building important memories and strong bonds with
people to let it all just go to waste! Unfortunately life is busy....
And we don't have time to talk to every last friend and family member
we ever knew and had fun times with. So I think it's important to make
time for the ones you REALLY love and couldnt imagine your life with
out! And it's okay to let old friends and acqauntices turn into
memories of wonderful people you'll cherish forever! And hopefully see
now and again and say hello on FB! : )

All that being said I am so grateful to have a family that's always
there when we visit Utah
( my side and Billy's) and one BFF who will always be my BFF! I
honestly know with all my heart that she will always ALWAYS be there
for me no matter what happens! And I will ALWAYS be there for her too!
Just not in person since I live 2000 miles away! And I'm so grateful
for all the new friends and people in my life in Georgia! And
seriously I feel so blessed to have the best husband in the whole
world who is a better person than I could have ever wished for or knew
existed! I also adore my cute Brody and love being a Mom! And I love
having Billy's family in Georgia... I love every single one of them!
Maybe the fact that I tuned the BIG 25 made me realize all of this...
Ha ha but Life is short,wonderful, and so precious and I'm going to
truly try to cherish every moment and all the people in it!!

Enough with the novel here are some pictures from our trip! I didn't
take nearly enough and definitely didn't get pictures with all the
family and friends we saw!! But here are just a few of the million I took:

( This website is being crazy and won't let me upload any photos I've cropped or flipped! So more PICS COMING!)

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-09-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share a few FUN ideas I've recently found that I LOVE and ADORE!

1. Fabric Book Shelves

Okay.... aren't these the cutest little fabric book shelves???! I am in love! I love the idea because you can pick out any fabric that matches your decor and your kiddos can reach them easily! So fun and super easy...well I haven't tried it yet. But the tutorial looks really easy! Check it out by clicking below at PENNY CARNIVAL! She has tons of pictures from lots of other readers who have made their own and hung them in all sorts of fun places! I love all these talented women I get to learn from! : )

http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2009/02/tutorial-hanging-book-display.html

2. Hutch REDO

I'll admit it I'm completely obsessed with adorable antique looking furniture that is repainted and brought back to life again! I could look at amazing before and after pictures like these ALL DAY long! I would love this hutch! Check out how she put that adorable pattern inside too!

TO see the full post click on the link below to CRAFTING CHICKS!

http://thecraftingchicks.com/2010/09/dining-room-hutch-makeover.html

3. Painted cookies

I cannot get a picture of these to load on this post... SO sorry no picture. But these look like so much fun!

They are basically sugar cookies and then you paint them with a mixture that you add food coloring too! And then bake them. I think kids would absolutely LOVE this! If Brody was a little calmer I would totally do this with him! ( I think I'll wait 6 more months) But for kids a little older it would be perfect!! Try it out all you FUN MOMS out there! : )

Click on the link below to check out THE BIRD'S PAPAYA blog with the recipe and pictures!

http://thebirdspapaya.blogspot.com/2010/09/painted-cookies.html

Halloween Costume sneak peek!

2010-09-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

Oh I just LOVE love LOVE Halloween and Fall! I have been scoping out all the Halloween stores and every other store for Halloween costumes for Brody! I haven't found any that I really am in love with. He's at such a hard age because he's too big for a lot of the cute baby costume ideas and he's too young for all the fun little boy costume ideas. So there's not much left for the Toddlers that doesn't seem to baby-ish or too Kid-ish! So I found this Tiger and thought it was pretty cute especially from behind. So here's a sneak peek!

Honestly though I think I probably just like it cause it's orange and I have orange on the brain this time of year! But I figure he'll look cute in whatever he wears!

Pork Salad - CAFE RIO COPY CAT RECIPE!

2010-09-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

I am trying this out tonight! This girl seems like she's got it DOWN! All the comments of people who tried it say it tastes the exact same! We will see! : ) If you want to try it out too here is the link to this amazing cook's website! She seems to be awesome at figuring out any recipe from tasting it!
http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2007/11/jared-and-i-love-cafe-rio.html

It's a Boy!

2010-09-17T20:08:00.001-04:00

I FINALLY had my ultra sound after MONTHS of waiting! And we are so excited about our cute little baby boy! Brody will be 21 months old when Beckham is born so it's SO perfect that he is a boy! They can be the best of friends growing up! Plus I have this silly obsession with having 2 boys in bunk beds. It sounds so fun to me. So I can't wait to make that happen! I can't wait to watch them grow up together and hopefully entertain each other : ) ! I have so much fun going to all Billy's games...This year he played on a basketball league, a softball leage SPRING and summer, and now Flag Football starts tomorrow! And that doesn't even count all the times he goes and plays church sports! So he keeps us SUPER busy! But I look forward to going to my little boys sporting events one day! Boys are so much fun! (although I am still convinced nothing is sweeter than a sweet little girl) Anyway, we could not be HAPPIER about the gender of our little baby! We feel so lucky and are looking forward to becoming a Family of 4!

Thought I'd share a 1/2 way photo!

So here's the story on the cupcakes:

I am a little bit of a cheeseball when it comes to Holidays and any kind of special occasion! So I always have to do something to make it even more fun. So this time I decided to make cupcakes dye the batter either blue/pink and then frost them. Then take the cupcakes to co-workers or close friends who were just as excited to find out as us! So obviously I dyed them Blue and it was so fun to see people open them up and be excited to see! Anyway I think it's a fun idea of how to tell REVEAL the sex of the baby to close family/ friends.

Thought I better post some pictures of Brody since it's been FOREVER! Here he is smile less. Apparently smiling is the last thing on his mind when I flash a big camera in his face : ) But his sober faces make me smile! They are so curious and serious as he looks at me like " what are you doing Mom?"

His latest Milestone would have to be him being a pro at eating with his own fork and spoon. I can actually give him a bowl of food and a spoon or fork and trust that he won't chuck it off his tray! Yay!! He is always so proud of himself doing it too!

I just have to post about this Cozy Coupe because seriously he plays in it every single day! He loves this thing!

He also loves to read books! He brings them to me all day long! And his very favorite is his Dora book he brings it to me and shouts " DORRRA!" with a big grin on his face. It's too cute! : )

Billy was about to leave for football practice so that explains the sweet cut off!

DIY Spray Paint Old Light Fixtures

2010-09-14T12:08:00.002-04:00

So obviously these pictures are in backwards order. But these bottom pictures just weren't special enough to post on top. Anyway, I have been wanting to spray these ugly, GOLD, 20 year old, outdated, covered in webs/hornet nest light fixtures! They hang outside our front door, garage, and back porch. But I figured the glass wasn't removable and I didn't feel like scraping paint off the glass after. And I hate touching webby/ nesty things! But I just couldn't look at those hideous fixtures anymore. So the hubby took down the lights for me. I cleaned them WELL! It was pretty traumatic HUGE spiders kept crawling out of weird crevaces on the lights. I know I'm a baby but seriously the bugs/spiders are so BIG here in Georgia! Before I get off on a tangent about that... I better continue.
So pretty much ...

took the lights down
removed all screws that held glass in place
removed glass
cleaned everything
layed it all on a drop cloth and spray painted them black
And then put it all back together again

Pretty simple... anyone could figure it out. We used indoor/Outdoor spray paint since they are hanging outside.
I think they look a million times better and it's one less thing I have to buy for this house!
(We have been renovating for a year now! And it seems there's always something to buy for something!)

Here they are hanging outside. Next major project will be painting the exterior of the house. You can see a tiny piece of our newly painted black shudders. We also painted our Front door black too. I think it looks way better!

Fall Wreath on ETSY!

2010-09-12T17:02:00.008-04:00

I have been LOVING Fall ever since I moved to Georgia! It's so much cooler here in the Fall, and it's BEAUTIFUL with all the gorgeous trees in orange and red. Not to mention all the fun that goes along with Fall....Fall cooking and baking, crafting, pumpkins, Halloween, and so much more! Seriously the best season ever!

Enough of me going on and on about Fall... Check out my new wreath on ETSY in the Fall Treasury where they featured my wreath!! I was so excited or you can go to:

"THE LACEY PLACEY" on Etsy!

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-09-07T11:18:00.006-04:00

Marvelously Made Mondays!

I love Halloween! And it's on it's way! SO here's a cute Halloween Craft!

Check out her blog by clicking below!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/08/spooky-subway-art.html

I love Pedistool stands, cake stands, candle sticks and anything like it! So I loved these! I couldn't believe she made these! So adorable

Check out the full post below!

http://beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com/2010/09/project-wedding-cake-stands.html

And last but definitely not Least! You know I love anything refurbished! This turned out ADORABLE!

It makes you want to look a little deeper at those old antique and garage sales!

For more pictures and the full post check out her blog below!

http://frostedgardner.blogspot.com/2010/08/brooke-buffet-before-after.html

Marvelously Made Mondays!

2010-08-30T10:58:00.010-04:00

Today is my first ever "Marvelously Made Monday" on my blog! There are so many cute ideas out there on things that are sewn, home made, fixed up or baked! I want to be able to share some ideas from other blogs that I find. Plus then I get to have all my favorite found ideas on my blog for me to remember or use later! So here are a few of my finds for today:

Feel free to let me know your favorites too!

NOTE: (the links are linking for some strange reason. SO you'll have to copy and paste the link)

Pin the tail on the donkey? Well how about Pin the candle on the cupcake?!!!

How cute is this:

Check out the full post HERE:

http://www.janeofallcrafts.com/2010/08/my-own-take-on-classic-party-game.html

Next up:

I love Thrift store and antique store shopping. So I love seeing these "bought something for $3 and made it absolutely adorable" posts! I thought this desk turned out so cute!

TO see the full post on her blog check it out here:

http//lemontreecreations.blogspot.com/2010/08/drab-to-darling-desk-re-do.html

Third Item I love:

Isn't this such a cute birthday gift idea for a little girl! So SO cute!

Check out the full directions and how she made it here:

http//allthingsbeautiful-charity.blogspot.com/2010/05/bulletin-board.html

MY FAVORITE ONE!

I saved one of my favorites for last! You will not believe the before on the DIY project!! It doesn't even look like the same piece of furniture! I thought this turned out so ADORABLE! I would have never thought to paint the inside of the cubby's a different color. But it turned out so perfect!

For full directions check it out HERE:

http//tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

The Lacey Placey

2010-08-23T15:44:00.008-04:00

I am very excited to announce that

my Etsy shop is FINALLY up!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLaceyPlacey

Go check it out! And if any of you have one I'd love to see yours too! I am a fan of buying cute stuff on Etsy. It's always adorable stuff you can't find anywhere else!

I'm currently selling Decorator Pillow covers. I have a ton to finish up so they'll hopefully be up this week! So keep checking back!

The Double Stroller

2010-08-19T13:14:00.004-04:00

The DOUBLE STROLLER!

(Kolcraft Contours double stroller)

I can't believe we actually need one of these with 2 kids so close in age! But we do and we bought one. I had to post about this stroller cause seriously it's awesome!!

Let me tell you a little about it:

-you can remove both seats and turn them in a different direction. So you can face them toward each other or face them towards you.
-you can completely remove on one seat if you just want to use it as a single stroller with tons of storage
-pretty much all carseats hook on to it
-they lean back all the way flat
-the sun covers can completely cover down if you're trying to block a newborn from the sun
-each seat can hold up to 40 pounds, so a kid could ride in them
-the back seat is set up higher so they can see over the front seat if the sun cover is not up of course.
-the back tires are larger than the front tires, which just makes for a way smooth easy ride

I'm always looking for reviews on strollers, carseats and everything so I thought I'd talk about this one for anyone shopping for one. Online it got great reviews too!

Now the baby or cousin Gantt need to get here so we can try it out with 2!!

Feeling Crafty

2010-08-13T12:18:00.002-04:00

Well I always feel a little crafty...but lately I've REALLY been feeling it. Maybe it's thinking about all the fun fall/Halloween crafts. But check this out! This is absolutely adorable! And I had to share it. I haven't made it yet. I just barely found it...But I plan to!

http://www.amberpacker.com/amber/2010/08/paper-flower-topiary-gtu-my-minds-eye.html

Brody's 15 Month Check up

2010-08-02T10:58:00.002-04:00

On Friday Brody had his 15 month check up and shots. 15 months seems really old to me. I can't believe how fast time is flying by! Here are the Brods stats:

Height: 33.50 inches 96 percentile

Weight: 27 pds 82 percentile

Still growing strong! The pediatrician (who I absolutley Love!! Dr. Burnham at Roswell Pediatrics) said so many wonderful things about Brody at this visit. He told me that he is one of the most confident 15 month olds he's ever seen and he usually doesn't get to do such thorough good checks. He was impressed with how many words he is saying or has said. And he said Brody had some of the whitest cleanest teeth he'd ever seen! That would be props to Billy for forcing a toothbrush into Brodys mouth every single night and getting each and every inch of his teeth. When I brush his teeth I usually just let him do it or chew on it. Anyway... guess it's paying off! It made us feel really good! We know we are doing something right! ha ha : )

Brody's personality has really changed and grown in the past 2 weeks. He is super silly and goofy all of the time. He giggles all day at everything he does and at us. He's so funny! And he loves to show off and dance all the time! He has jabbered and talked for a long time now. But now he does some crazy baby language where he looks at you and goes on and on thinking you can understand him. It's so hilarious : ) He also loves to pretend talk on the phone. I could go on and on! Just when I thought it couldn't get any more fun with him it does!! Although I have to be honest he has become quite the handful on top of all the fun! He has turned into mega explorer and wants to touch everything no matter where we are. And his favorite thing to do is run away from you and have you chase him. And this kid runs FAST!! At Church yesterday I'd let go of his hand for 2 seconds and he'd be running down the aisle of sacrament heading toward the stand! And I would run as fast as I can in 4 inch heels after him, but he always makes it to the front!! Good thing he will be in Nursery in October!! : )

In other news:

Pregnancy still going strong... Still sick but I don't think it's as bad as last pregnancy. And I will have like 4 good days in a row sometimes. So I'm really grateful for all of that. I'm now 14 weeks along and it's KILLING ME not knowing what the gender is. Usually you find out around 20 weeks. I just want to know if Brody is going to have a little brother to wrestle and play with or a little sister to annoy and protect!

I also got a new calling: I'm sunday school teacher for 12-13 year olds. I was TERRIFIED when I first got it. Just because all of the sunday school classes I was in were terrible! I feel so bad for all my old sunday school teachers! But surprisingly enough, I have absolutely LOVED teaching them! It's been so fun! I love all the kids in there and I'm learning a ton about the Old Testament!

Outer Banks 2010

2010-07-26T10:56:00.002-04:00

OUTER BANKS 2010

Outer Banks Was a total Blast! We had so much fun....and Brody was so fun to watch! I can't believe how much I enjoy just watching him explore everything. Who knew a 15 month could be so entertaining! We sure Love our Little Brody! We ask each other all the time " how did we get so lucky?!!" He is just the best thing in our lives! Here is a sneak peek of some pictures from the week! But wow I have lots... so another LONG post will be coming soon!

Skydiving!

2010-06-29T13:56:00.005-04:00

For Billy's 28th Birthday I surprised him with Skydiving! He was totally shocked! He was really excited to go! So here are a few pictures from the day!!

Billy always gets his favorite DQ cake for his Birthday!

Here's everyone that went!

I thought we got some pretty cool shots of everybody in the air! Here are a few of Billy!

He said it was one of the coolest things he's ever experienced! He said he loved going through the clouds, you could feel the moisture. They did a few flips when they were free falling! He said it wasn't scary at all! It was just really fun! He is now talking like he's going to go once a year!!!
I have such a crazy thrill seeeking husband, I'm so glad he loved it!!

Brody's going to be a BIG BROTHER!

2010-06-29T13:35:00.003-04:00

Baby #2 is coming soon!

I already announced it on Facebook but I can't forget about the blogging world. We are having baby number 2! The baby is due January 31st 2011! We are really excited but also still feeling a little bit shocked. : )

We had just barely started trying...And last time it took us 9 months to get pregnant with Brody. And it was so hard each month that we would find out we weren't pregnant. So we decided to just not think about it this time around.If it takes a year so what! We are in no hurry. We figured it would be less stressful and when Heavenly father wanted to send us a baby we'd be so happy to have it!

Well apparently it was time!

I starting feeling super tired and really nauseous about 4 weeks ago. So I took a test and it said Negative. So I figured I just had some stomach bug or something. Then I kept feeling this way so I finally took another test a few days before Father's Day and it said Positive. So I guess it takes a while for it to show up.

Because I am 9 weeks pregnant!

( This is at 4 weeks when I figured I was pregnant)

I have to admit though I'm a little nervous. I didn't have a lot of time to think about another baby in our lives. And It's all hitting me that we're going to be parents of TWO kids! A family of FOUR! And they won't even be 2 years apart! So it will be a challenging first couple of months but after we get the hang of 2 I'm sure we'll LOVE it! : )

I absolutely LOVE being a Mom and I was thinking today about how much I smile now that I'm a Mom. I just smile at cute little Brody all day long. At all the funny things he does and says. At all his funny faces... and all his precious open mouth kisses he loves to give! I knew I'd love being a parent but it's more than I could have ever imagined! It's the best thing that has ever happened to me...well besides marrying Billy!

Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine shoot!

2010-06-23T13:28:00.003-04:00

Pregnancy and Newborn shoot!

Well I forgot my camera this day! I was so bummed! I really wanted to have pictures of all the behind the scenes stuff. But luckily we snapped a few with Billy's iphone. This was such a fun day! It was cool to see how many people it takes to put something like this together. It was exciting to see what they had picked out for him to wear and who he'd be shooting with. We were the last babies of the day so most the babies had left. But the few that I saw were so so BEAUTIFUL! The 2 little baby girls I saw I couldn't believe how perfect all their little features were. I mean come on what baby isn't cute! But they had found some really cute ones!

Anyway, so we got him dressed in the clothes they had picked out: this cute red plaid shirt, the jeans, cowboy boots that were so adorable! And a hat & hankerchief. They had a little play area for the babies waiting...which he of course loved!

Then it was time to get him on set... First they tried having him sit on the floor on this stuffed pony! He was like " yeah right, I'm outta here!" so he kept getting up and running off set! So luckily they had a back up: the rocking horse. Which he was too afraid to get off of! : ) So it worked perfectly... But because he was now sitting up higher they had to switch the whole set around. All the lighting was different and background things were showing that shouldn't. So it took a minute to get it all adjusted!

Once we got them all situated! It was so time to try to get Serious Brody Boy smiling at the camera. We pulled out every goofy face and song we knew! But he only shared a few smiles! And getting both babies to look and smile and stay put at the same time was a challenge! I give props to all the people that put magazines together. There is so much work that goes on! And it takes so many talented people to make it all work and look great! The photographer was so patient!They shot them together for a while... But between Brody trying to get down and the cute little girl crawling off. They eventually shot them individually too. They said they got what they needed though! So hopefully Brodster gave some good faces! He sure looked cute!

Over all it was a fun day! I can't wait to see how it turns out! I know it will look great. They said he will be in the October issue of Pregnancy and Newborn magazine. So we are looking forward to it!! : )

I'm excited to frame the photos and it's something we'll be proud of and love to show off. But I'm definitely not trying to turn Brody into a baby model anytime soon! I just want him to enjoy being the cute little boy he is exploring, playing and enjoying life as a 14 month old! : )

Brody growing up so fast

2010-06-23T11:29:00.006-04:00

I haven't posted new pictures of Brody in a while. And I feel like he's grown up a lot over the past few months! Its so amazing to me how fast babies grow and change. It seems like every single day he doesn't something new! It's so fun watching him grow!

He loves Balls and Blocks!

He loves to run around screaming or talking serious business in his loudest baby talk! He tells us what's up!

Brody's newest words:

Ball

Dog

Mom

Da da

oh (for uh-0h)

two, three (he usually skips one and says 2 twice)

eyes (iss)

trees

He loves soft teddy bears! In this picture I'm holding one in front of him.

He loves Peek a boo and thinks it's so funny! We hide around the house jumping out at him and he thinks it's hilarious!

He's still a more serious boy! But definitely has a goofy, funny, silly side!

He looks so tall to me in this picture!

He loves Mickey Mouse Club, Dora and the Backyardigans!
I think his little cheeks looks so cute all tan with his red hair!

Over all Brody is just a chill, relaxed laid back boy! A lot of people tell me he walks around with a too cool attitude! Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing! : ) But we sure adore everything about him!

Billy's Big Birthday Present!

2010-06-07T13:00:00.003-04:00

This is going to be Billy! He's going SKYDIVING!!

So Billy turned 28 on May 23! I know you are all thinking WOOOOOW THAT IS SO OLD! I know he is really getting up there! So to celebrate he is going SKYDIVING! The subject of going skydiving got brought up recently and he said he would totally go and that he really wants to try it! But now that he is actually going I think he's really nervous! I will be watching from the ground! So anybody BRAVE ENOUGH who wants to go...come join him!! : )

Time to get FIT!!!!

2010-06-03T11:08:00.003-04:00

Time to get Fit! No more excuses!I love the show " The Biggest Loser" but unfortunately every time I watch it I'm eating chocolate chip cookies or ice cream! When Billy and I got married we were super healthy eaters and worked out every single day after work for like 2 hours. I would usually do 2 work out classes and then run 3 miles around the track at Orem Fitness Center. And Billy was super buff!

Oh how things have changed! Priorities change and having a perfect body falls to the bottom of the list. When we were newlyweds working out was something we both loved doing together. But we didn't have a house to take care of, a baby, or lots of other important things that keep us super busy.

I know we will not be able to work out 2 hours a day every day with our busy lives. But I think being healthy is super important. Not only do you look good, but you feel SO good! You have energy, you feel happier, you have way more confidence and you just feel healthy inside and out. It was nice being able to go up a flight of stairs with out feeling winded : )
( Billy deserves more credit though, he works out almost every day on his lunch break. Its me who needs to get it together!)

I have never felt as unhealthy in my whole life as I do now! And it's so awful. I get tired so easily! I'm moody, I have no energy and feel like I'm going to fall asleep all day long. And I think it's time to fix things!

I'm not saying I want to be a work out maniac...But I am going to find balance in my life. I'm going to make time to work out, find healthy recipes, and still have time for everything else going on! So LA FITNESS here I come! I was using the excuse that Brody freaks out everytime I go to the gym which is totally true! After ten minutes they come get me because he is so hysterical so I guess I'm going to have to wake up at the crack of dawn before Billy goes to work and hit the gym!

So any healthy recipes out there send them my way!!!

I love looking back and seeing what I USED to look like. It's fun to remember old times and know you actually could wear a 2 piece! ha ha Which I probably will never do again thanks to stretch marks and I'm a Mom now and feel like I have to set a better example for Brodster. No offense to anyone that wears them believe me I wore my fair share : )

Weight lost Goals:
Lose 13 pounds
Work out 5 days a week
Eat healthier
Drink my body weight in water

Let's hope that because I posted this on here I will feel obligated to stick to it!
I'm not looking to go on a diet. Diets don't work and when you lose the weight you will always gain it back. Because you can't be on a diet forever you always come off of it. It has to be a lifestyle change that you live for the rest of your life. I've always tried to do that. But once I got pregnant and starting having fun cooking and learning new recipes I kind of lost my way. So Anyway I'm getting back on track!

I had to post this picture cause I thought it was funny! This was when me and Billy were dating still. We went to Florida with his family and had so much fun! The days before we were all married and had kids! So fun!

Ally's Attic -consignment shop

2010-05-18T14:35:00.002-04:00

Found the cutest little place: Ally's Attic!

Stone Pedistool: 15.00

It looks cute with the green fern I have on it.

I love a good bargain!

Brody Sickey!!!

2010-05-18T14:24:00.002-04:00

Poor Brody got his first stomach bug! He threw up everywhere and it was so sad. It was one of those Mom moments where you actually are the one that is supposed to clean it up and make it all better. I loved being the one to cuddle him all day long. He cried a lot and just wanted to lay his head on my chest and watch tv. And Billy was in HEAVEN when he came home and got to hold him and cuddle! He's feeling much better today and we are so glad!

Brody's 1st Birthday Party!

2010-05-13T12:50:00.009-04:00

We LOVE and ADORE this cute little ONE year old! He's growing up so fast and we had such a fun time throwing him a party to celebrate it!

It was supposed to be outside but it rained all that day....which was a bummer but all the friends and family came and squished in with us. We had lots of sweets.... and the cutest Cake!

As Brody was looking around trying to figure out what the heck was going on and why there were so many people standing around staring at him... I do the worst thing and smack him with the elastic as I put on his cute hat! I felt bad but I always think that crying face is so adorable! : ) I couldn't help but laugh. So I took the hat off and let the digging in begin....
It was such a sweet Mommy moment to me as we all sang happy birthday to my little Brody. There were so many friends and family there to support and it meant so much to us. I love knowing Brody is loved by many.

Anybody that knows Brody knows that it was no surprise that he dug in and demolished his cake...He'll eat anything and everything and he never stops!

The Brodster with His Noni....I like this picture because I'll always remember around 12 months he started putting his finger in his nose... Real attractive : )
Thanks for squishing in with us! It was so fun having all the friends and family there.

I pictured Brody off running around and not wanting to open presents cause he's only 1. But he actually loved it and would check out every toy.

I love this face He's so excited! : )

After everyone left... Billy had fun putting all Brody's toys together. He got so many fun toys to play with. I felt so lucky having so much support being so far away from my whole family and all my friends in Utah. Georgia is really becoming home for us. And we are so happy to be here!

So overall Brody's first Birthday Part was a success!

Thriftstore/consignment FINDS!

2010-05-06T17:11:00.004-04:00

I have really fallen in love with Southern decorating and the whole Traditional style of decorating. Lots of different fabrics that all coordinate somehow. Lots of tall panels of drapes on every window. And cute white curvy ceramic things that look like they belong in a southern mansion. I have come to appreciate all the impressive looking southern homes here with thick white moldings everywhere, white beadboard and paneling and cute shuddered brick homes.

It has taken me 3 years to finally find my style and start a collection of all of these things. I feel like I have hit the jackpot lately with all the consignment shops and thriftstores! Here are a just a few of my finds.

Cute white curvy ceramic pot: 1.94

Brown serving tray 2.90

I have desperately been looking for lampshades. But they are like 4-5$ per shade and I was hoping to find a sale somewhere. And lucky for me. I found all 5 of them at goodwill.

A steal at 99 cents each!

(not to mention this chandelier we found at goodwill for 8$ brand new in the box never opened, it was gold but we spray painted it brush nickel)

And this little guy... well I've been ranting and raving about these every year at Christmas time in the Pottery barn catalog. They are like 40$ and they are so cute with big tall red candlesticks on them! I think it looks best with 2. One on each side of the fireplace mantle. But hey you can't be picky!

I found this for 4$ at goodwill.

Fell in love with this fabric at Joanns. Hopefully I'll get around to making some cute pillows or something out of it!

P.S.- Brody's Birthday pictures soon to come! Thanks to everyone who came and supported our little guy turning One. We know it was squishy! Thanks for all the nice gifts Brody has been in heaven with all his new toys!

Thundercats!

2010-05-04T13:19:00.004-04:00

We joined a softball team. It's been so much fun! My skills aren't exactly what I had hoped they would be...ha ha But I like to think I'm improving. We have a really good team full of fun people. So go THUNDERCATS! Here's a picture:

WE have the best Noni in the whole world too! She comes to all of our games and watches Brody for us while we play!

Brody is ONE

2010-04-22T14:43:00.010-04:00

Brody Quale is ONE!

(Billy was such a good Daddy and brought home a Happy Birthday Balloon for the Brodster...Can you tell he was excited?)

Brody really is one now...so crazy to me. I took him to his 12 month check up yesterday. Here are his stats:

weight: 23 pounds 68th Percentile

Height: 32.75 inches 99th percentile

I was already aware my baby is huge... but 99th percentile is really huge : ) He's gonna be a big boy!

Well right after I got done bragging to my doctor about what a fabulous eater he is and that I am so lucky I don't have to worry about any pickyness or spitting out food... well then I went and bought WHOLE MILK. ( I have to admit I was pretty excited, it felt like such a big deal... the switch from Formula to Milk) Well I was so thrilled poured it in his cup and he made the worst face I've ever seen and spit it right back out. I have been trying all day today too... he makes the most disgusted face and spits it all over himself! I am completely out of formula so there is no way I'm buying more..But seriously he hates the stuff. I can't blame him... I'm not a fan of Whole Milk either. But it has to taste better than smelly formula!

We sure do Love this serious little guy !

Brody's Turning ONE!

2010-04-18T18:29:00.003-04:00

Brody is TURNING ONE!

(April 20th)

I can't believe my baby is turning ONE! We weren't going to throw a party for him cause he can be really shy and we wanted him to feel comfortable at his own birthday party!... but the past few weeks he's opened up a lot. It is weird with out my family nearby for such a big FUN day! If only Utah weren't all the way on the other side of the U.S. But we are glad we have a wonderful ward and plenty of people we love, to share it with! So this week we will bring on the 1st Birthday FESTIVITIES!

Brody really is so much fun to have around. We feel so lucky to have such a GOOD baby who sleeps well every night will eat anything and everything in sight and who is just a Chill little guy! (unless he's at kids club at the gym or stuck in a playpin at softball practice for 2 hours!)

We love and adore him so so so much! We had a blast taking pictures of him for his Invites... He is officially WALKING now. SO that's been crazy and fun!

And I'm realizing he is talking more than I knew!

Just over the past few days I've noticed the things he says for certain things...

He calls me Mom not ma ma but MOM which I think is cute!
And of course Da Da
he says Ball
and I think he tries to say Dog and Milk. But they are not so clear! : )

Things he LOVES:
Juvee his little puppy!
playing outside
pushing the vaccum
climbing the stairs or anything he can
stepping on everything with his feet
chucking everything he can as hard as he can!
Playing with cars and balls
splashing in the bathtub and soaking us!
getting into my makeup
He ALWAYS has to take things out of where or how they should be. For example: plastic easter eggs cannot be closed, if we close them he opens all of them. If anything like toys are inside a container or bucket he will sit there and take them all out. You can put them back in as many times as you want but he cannot stand to leave them alone. It's like it buggs him or something. He has a block train that blocks stick on... If you put any blocks on the train he MUST pull them all off. It's funny to watch and works to our advantage when we need to entertain him : )
He LOVES to eat! I haven't found anything he won't eat. This kid will eat mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, califlower, every kind of meat, onions, bell peppers, Seriously he eats anything! It's pretty funny when we have something we pick off our food that we don't like we just give it to Brody to eat! : )
He loves to push the kitchen chairs and laundry baskets around the kitchen
He loves pulling everything out of the bottom cupboards

We have had so much fun this year and are looking forward to another year exploring the world through his eyes!

Happy Birthday BRODY!

Nicknames : Brodster, Brodopotomus, Brod, lil dude : )