Pinterest Friday....DIY Night Lights

Let me begin by saying that I am in no way an artist. But I do love a good DIY!!!
So when my daughter started waking up in the middle of the night complaining her room was too dark I began searching for something crafty to help me. I found this amazing site on Pinterest and decided to try it  out.


The moment I saw it I knew this was the perfect solution. Check out the site here
I knew that my pink princess would like something that would match her decor!

With a couple canvases and stencils purchased at Joann Fabrics, and a lot of time, I came up with something she really loved. I used an exacto knife and some masking tape to put the Christmas lights on. I only used a strand of 35. Really, it is so bright I could have used much less if I could find them.
THE FINAL PRODUCT!!!!
She just loves it. She wanted me to add a princess to the castle...like I said, I'm no artist so that may have to wait!

And when I do something this special for one I have to do something for the other....

This is a great project for the most anti-dyiers.
I love that I can give something of myself to my kids.

JAKE

Today Jake got out some trains, which he hasn't played with in ages! I love that he can pick up something that he hasn't played with in so long and it is as if he hasn't changed at all.

(Sorry this is so dark)

It got me to thinking just how much he has grown and changed over the last almost 6 years. And I love him more every single day!

JAKE...

Jake is smart, energetic (beyond measure), and spirited.

He is all about Transformers, Power Rangers, and Star Wars.

He is outspoken (I have no idea where he gets that from)

He is warm, loving, and has a heart for the Lord.

He is a protector for his little sister.

He has surprised me with how much he has learned in Kindergarten over this last year.
He wants to be just like his Daddy!
He challenges me on a daily basis to be a better mom and person.

I thank God each and everyday for Jake, he is a blessing!

I love him so much....all the way to the moon and back!

BTW...last week we had to send in a picture of Jake as a baby to school. They are starting to write autobiographies and needed a baby story from us. I am so excited to see what this will become...I loved looking through all the pictures and pick one. The four in the middle picture didn't make the cut but how darn cute are they??? 

Pinterest Friday...lovely towels

I've decided to take my obsession and make it useful.
If you've been living under a rock you may not know what Pinterest is so I will try my best to explain.
Pinterest is a great place for sharing ideas, thoughts, and discoveries.
If you find something interesting on the internet you can easily "pin" it to one of you boards and others will be able to see it.
Whether it is a design of a living room, a neat tip for cleaning, recipes, or a great outfit...you can find it all on Pinterest.
So I thought I would share how I have made Pinterest useful in my life.

I stumbled across this pin and just had to try it.

I love using CHEAP, everyday household products to help enhance my everyday things.
Here is the tip:
wash towels in 1 Cup of vinegar on hot, then again with 1/2 cup of baking soda on hot. They will smell 10 times better...you don't realize how musty and gross they smell over time!

Okay so I decided to do this and it was fantastic. Just putting the towels in the dryer I could tell they didn't have any smell to them at all. I have a very very very old washer and there always seems to be a musty smell. I think this took care of a little care on the washer too.
Love this one...
Stay tuned next Friday I'll pick another Pinterest fave and let you know how it goes!
Making the fun practical!

CALLING ALL MOVERS!!!!

Ok...I have to confess that I am a bit obsessed with my kids favorite music group, The Imagination Movers.

When my oldest was two years old (and the youngest was just born) we discovered their show on the Disney Channel.

Dave, Scott, Smitty and Rich...were a blessing in our home. With their up beat sound and fun loving problem solving skills they helped keep my little one happy when I took care of the little...or when I was trying to rest. He was mesmorized by them!

I also learned that each of the guys were professionals: Scott a teacher, Dave an architech, Rich a journalist, and Smitty a firefighter. They are based out of New Orleans and were all hit in one way or another during Hurricane Katrina. Since they have worked to rebuild their city, even taping their Disney Channel show from N.O.

Jake and I went to our first Movers concert two and a half years ago...and i have to say it was so much better than a kids concert. We have been to two more since, both with the hubby and little sister.

From the interaction they have with the kids throughout the entire concert to the covers of Van Halen, Journey and U2 we have had a blast each and every time.
On Saturday we drove out to Glenside, PA for their Rock-O-Matic concert...

 Shirts from last years concert...beyond excited and ready to dance!

 She had so much fun she couldn't stop smiling

 Big hugs and kisses for me while The Movers sang "I love you, Mom!" One of my personal faves!

 And yes they do play their own instruments!

 They danced in the aisle the entire concert!

 Doing their best 'Nsync dance moves

 They got to high five Rich, Smitty and Dave (you can just barely see Jake's forehead here)

 Jake was beyond thrilled to high five Smitty, a real live Fireman!

The day wouldn't have been complete without some Wobble Goggles!

They light up and blink and flash!

This was a great way to spend an afternoon...i loved seeing the smiles on their faces!
If you are on Facebook you can like their page and get more info!

My Mom's Day!

I had the sweetest of days!
I slept in, had a D&D breakfast complete with my fave iced coffee.
Even a little craft time!
With the help of my adorable two I planted my veggie garden (and a few pretty flowers for my mom and grandmothers)
Of course a catch with a baseball had to happen, I have the next Mike Schmitt on my hands!

My hubby made sure the day was sweet, which generally means no dishes or cleaning!
I had the sweetest of days spent with the ones who made it possible for me to celebrate!

Photo Shoot!!

The other day was one of those really overcast, it could rain any minute kind of days!
My kids were all about being outside and play on the swings and blowing bubbles...there is nothing they love more on a windy day. (The think they are Peter Pan and Tinker Bell)
Someone told me that overcast weather is the best kind of days for an outside photo shoot...so I decided to bribe them into it!
With the promise of popcorn and mini marshmellows!

My kids are a handful, energetic, curious, imaginative, and fun.

My kids love each other...but don't worry they bicker and fight just like any other brother and sister.

Big brother is protective, a leader, and loving!

Little sister is bubbly, sweet, and sassy, and adores her big brother!

Their momma feels overjoyed and blessed to have these two wonderful people in her life.

I love them...all the way to the moon and back!

Hiking Croft Farm

With the amazing weather we have hadin South Jersey this Spring I have tried to take advantage of it and get some much needed outside time with the kids.
My mom let me know about a wonderful hiking trail right in the backyard of one of our favorite parks, Challenge Grove in Cherry Hill. This is something my mom and dad are great about. We used to take spontaneous day trips to state parks and just explore...one of my favorite things!
So I took her advice and on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday morning I packed a lunch and the kids into the car and heading out to explore.
We discovered some great trails and a lake with plenty of wildlife. Most importantly the kids were able to run and get dirty...one of their favorite things.
And, after we got a chance to spend sometime at the play ground.
The makings of a pretty great day!

Thanks Mom for the tip...keep them coming!