When All Else Fails, Shop in the Kids Section:)

I don't know if I will end up as one of those parents that embarrasses their kids. I'd like to believe, and I really do, that my kids just won't be the type to get embarrassed. For sure I will never tolerate them not giving me kisses and hugs because it's not cool. Oh, I will hunt them down while applying my reddest lipstick and smooch them good. 37 times. Right on their sweet little faces!:) Our family is goofy. And loud. Really, really loud. (Is yours loud?  Does it hurt your mama ears sometimes?:) We play jokes. And the kids talk openly about everything. We pray in the mornings before we walk into school. And if we forget, well...we stop and pray in the hallway real quick. I like how the four of us operate as a group. They know Phil is always good for a smackdown. And that mommy still thinks words like fart and booger are funny. (I do. You do too. Don't lie;) I even love the noise. Well...most of the time. And my hope is that all the noise and laughter and goofiness will keep us a little shielded from the world. And what others might expect as the kids grow. And especially keep Niamh and Philly protected from being aware of things like feeling embarrassed or silly or even grown up. For as long as possible:).

After the kiddies went to school, Phil and I went out to breakfast this morning. Then drove up to the bookstore. I was excited to browse more than just the kid's section this time;). Although, I did stop in there and buy a really cute Halloween storybook. I gotta say, I have gotten use to having this guy all to myself for a few hours each week. He definitely makes me laugh. Caught him lurking behind bookshelves a couple times, trying to sneak up on me. I guess we still haven't grown up. :)

Speaking of growing up. I'm just going to say it. I bought my vest in the little kid's section at Target this week. So. I have been looking for a big, furry vest for a month now. They are all so expensive. And I never found the one. Until I saw a rack full of THEE ONE's on the way to check out the other day. I stood forever at that clothing rack. Doing sweeps of my area, making sure no one was looking. Quickly holding it up to my shoulders to check the length. But, I wasn't sure it would fit around my back.  Insert: trip to little boys section, between socks and pajamas...where no one else was in sight. I tried that sucker on so fast, I started sweating:). And it fit. LOL. So, if you like the vest...check the kids section at Target. It's only 24.99!!

And here are photos from the week of my two little rascals. Niamhy had to get stitches because she fell into a table at home. Twirling in living room + long hair in face = falling down ( + 6 stitches). She asks me at least 10 times a day if anymore of her eyebrow hairs have fallen out:). I keep telling her, Baby-- women pull them out all the time. You're ahead of the game! LOL...And my Papa Bear. *sigh* I just want to kiss his cheeks forever:).

I hope your week is treating you well...and that you get lots of chances to enjoy childhood...Whether it is through your own kids or just alive in you own heart. Or both.

xoxo

Turtleneck. Glasses. Favorite Shows.

Fall is in the air.  At least somedays it is. Although it was rather warm today, I was just in a turtleneck mood:). Turtlenecks make me feel a little nerdy, but I like them:). I have a big head and a really skinny neck (you can laugh... sometimes I can't believe my neck supports this dome:). Anyways, big collars make me feel, well, proportioned a little better:P. I bought these Urban Outfitters glasses ages ago, and I love them:). Totally geeky. I could wear them everyday!

I look forward to fall for two reasons really. The fact that I can wear all my boots once again. And all the brand new TV shows! I don't watch a lot of television, actually. In fact, it doesn't even go on until the kids get home and eat a snack watching Sponge Bob. (Did I ever mention how much I love Sponge Bob? I'm obsessed:). Throughout the summer, we watch Yankees every night. I actually really like it. I'll put on sports center before I'll put on the national news:). I love watching our teams. And the Top Ten highlights.  Love those.  Besides the sports though, we don't watch any TV in the summers...Fall is exciting for this reason! So...here are the shows I cannot wait to watch every week!!

The Walking Dead (this takes top spot hands down.)

The Office

Modern Family

Fringe

Dancing with the Stars

(I fast forward to all the fast dances...the slow ones bore me to death!)
Rachel Zoe Project (I want to meet her. I think I could carry her around in my pocket...she looks so tiny.)
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (I'm either highly offended by this show or I laugh my butt off...it's really a hit or miss for me.)
hmmm...and Phil wants to see this new one on Fox called Terra Nova. (looks Jurassic Park-ish...)

Some of the first episodes have already aired...Like The Office, which we LOVED this week. I'm so glad we have all these new show to look forward to...because we just finished all the Battlestar Gallactica episodes (another nod to my geek side) and I almost cried. Not because the last episode was sad, but because the series was over for me:(.   Is that not the most ridiculous thing ever?!

So what shows are on your I Can't Wait to See This list this fall?? 

Wednesday Lovin'

So many exciting and fun things going on here-- I can't wait to share the new challenge blog with all of you card-making/stamping girls:). It is coming together so nicely!! And, since it is my weekly post about the things I'm really loving right now, I have to give top spot to my very first design team:). We will be introducing the new blog and each member starting Saturday!! I cannot wait-- these girls are really amazing:). AU-MAZING! I wish we weren't so spread across the globe, so I could give them each big hugs in person! I couldn't have imagined how sweet and generous they'd be. *Smooches* to all five of you!!

**ps...I know some of you are interested in a Dt spot. The core team has been chosen, but a guest Dt call will happen at some point in the future! *pinky promise*

Second thing I'd like to share...this denim shirt from Target. It's a mom shirt. One of those comfy button downs whose sleeves can be rolled up and looks worn in before you ever put it on. I say 'mom shirt' because it is so durable and easy. Effortless. I wore it for the first time today and really liked it! Jean on jean is not something I've done before...but, as long as the washes are different, it really is kinda cute:).

So, I am giving dreadlocks a break for a while. A While. Just need a break...but I do miss them. What's a girl to do?? Try something new to hold me over:). Feathers!! I bought these pretty, long feathers to clip into my hair. (Gonna try to put them in Niamhy's hair, too.) I think it is just the touch of craziness to keep me happy till I put the dreads back in:). LOL. It's like I need wild hair. I know. Been this way for years!:)

(check 'em out here!)

When I saw these boots on the Lulu's site, I drooled a little onto the keyboard:). No, not really...Aren't they the sweetest, though?! They are my new 'autumn pair' this year (I need a pair each fall...it's the only good thing about the cooler weather IMO:). They remind me of the boots all the princes wore in the Disney movies:)! I just know Niamh is gonna make me carry her around the house while I'm wearing them. (She loves to be carried like a princess:). 

I've been looking for this type of skirt forever! It is such a hard style to find...a maxi skirt that has some poofy-ness to it, some structure. Now I just need to decide which color I want. Think I'm gonna go with green:). I mean look at this girl-- she looks so stylish and comfy!!

That's the top five of my week:)...Hope your week is going great!! Half way to the weekend-- YAHOO!;)

an Oufit and some extra Thoughts:).

har·mo·ny

n. pl. har·mo·nies

1. Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony.

2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole:

It's a beautiful word, just hearing it. Harmony. During the sermon today, my pastor-- who is an artist himself-- described how an artist uses composition, color, and lines to create harmony in a piece of artwork. Whether it is a photo or a painting or an illustration...it's all there. Elements and colors and lines and placements, working to make a beautiful whole. It is just like a perfect song. A perfect day. Different little pieces doing their job. In agreement. Working towards the same ends.

It's a wonderful illustration for many aspects in our lives. You can feel when your life is in harmony. And family. When a family works together for the good of everyone. And a church. Everyone offering what talent(s) God has given them. It is in the details, too. Nothing-- nothing-- is too small in God's eyes. It took me a long time, really just till recently, to realize that God doesn't need everyone to work on a grand scale. Not everyone has to travel the world...but everyone can walk closer to Him. Everyone can do the little things in their day to His glory. Those thoughts make the daily grind mean so much more! Suddenly, it isn't about a list or a schedule or a routine. It is about doing everything to the best of your ability because it matters. It matters.

I thought I'd sprinkle an outfit post with some thoughts rolling around in my head today:). This was actually my church outfit:). I'm always cold. Once it hits 75-ish degrees, my body looses all ability to keep warm:). The shirt is so tissue thin, it is perfect to keep me warm but not hot!   I'm not sure my outfit is in perfect harmony;), but I always like mixing whites and creamy colors...those outfits always feel so soft and fresh.

I hope your weekend has been good, relaxing...filled with a sweet harmony:).

Recipe

shirt,skirt;  Free People

boots; Wanted 

tank, Target

Linking Here.

Tidbits.

Okay. So Non-Schedule Girl (me;) went out and bought herself a planner tonight. I tend to buy them compulsively...I might feel a little frazzled with upcoming events, so I go to the planner isle and buy one. It instantly gives me a feeling of organization and preparedness, even if it just sits on a desk or in my purse:). Slowly, that feeling fades and the frazzled one comes back:). I end up with all the tidbits floating around in my brain and often end up looking like this.:) LOL. So, this planner purchase, I took my time. I want to actually USE it! Went through lots of them and found the one that suits me best. I need lots of space, so I can write down categories of "To Do's." Mommy things, chores, orders, emails that need to go out...etc. I do feel a little better tonight, knowing I have my new planner and can keep track of things better:)!

Today I added designs to my Etsy stamp shop:). I've been working hard thinking about designs that are useful, whimsical, and even a little different. If you'd like to comment with some ideas that you'd like to see, please feel free to share. I still have tons:), but it is nice to read through ideas sometimes. It focuses my creative energies a little bit:). I always appreciate your input:)!

There is a photo of my (tiny) Copic marker collection:). The local craft store just started carrying them, and I picked up a couple here and there. I had never used one before...always been a Prismacolor girl:). I really like them, though! Definitely a little pricey, but the color and application is so nice! I'm in marker love:)! And, I have been making things left and right for Etsy shop photos. To give an idea of the image colored-in. Now I have stacks of cards and crafts completed. What do you do with your completed 'just for fun' projects?? I have a couple birthdays coming up, so I can give them out here and there...It will be nice, because I always forget to buy a card in the store!! Maybe I'll send some out randomly as sweet snail mail goodies to friends and family:)...

Lastly...I am starting a challenge blog at the end of the month:). I have a wonderful design team in full swing...Check their creations out!! (Carisa, Kellie, Jane, and Lori). Super sweet and talented girls who I feel very privileged to work with!! I can't wait...It will hopefully be a site full of awesome challenges, inspirational posts, and just a lot of FUN!!:)

Hope your Friday was fabulous! Enjoy your weekend!

...I have a mud race tomorrow! Will hopefully get some funny pics to show!:) xo

An iPhone. Finally:).

Hello!! I know it has been a little quieter over here lately. I'm trying to get into a schedule 'groove.' Although, I'm neither a schedule nor groovy person;)...So, it is taking a couple weeks to work out the kinks:). It is nice to be busy with orders and emails though:). I love the opportunity it gives me to work from home. I really appreciate the opportunities God is giving me that keep me busy but available for the kiddies, too!

Yesterday I finally got an iPhone:) I am not a technology geek. New things come out that everyone has and I'm still using the old rotary phone:). Even so, I've been wanting one of these for a while. Phil could never hear me in my cell (no one could, actually...I was the poster child for the 'Can You Hear Me Now?' commercial!:) I finally took the plunge yesterday. I LOVE it:). I wanted to post a Wednesday Lovin' video yesterday from it-- but I was still too nervous. And embarrassed. I shot it twice and just couldn't go through with it. Must have fixed my hair 100 times. A nervous tick, I think:). Anyways...maybe in the coming week. Or month. Whenever I finally get the courage:).

Here is my first Instagram photo:) I think it is the reason I wanted the iPhone the most. Just for that app:). LOL.

Do you have a favorite app??

I've been scrolling through the photography category. And the kids are really into some angry bird thing:) Any recommendations as far as good photo apps?? I'd love to check them out!:)

xo

Lazy Saturday!

I feel so lazy today...but I really haven't been:). I worked on orders this morning. Got up before 830am-- and that is pretty amazing for me on a Saturday morning:)!! Played with kiddies. Did some chores. (Okay. Did a chore. One chore for the whole day. Fell a little short in that area:). Anyways, for all we did, it's just been a lazy Saturday! I didn't even do my hair. Just put a ballcap on:).

The kids and I walked over to my sister's house. It's maybe a half mile away, but the kids like walking it. Kinda feels like a mini adventure because we have to cut across fields and a couple yards:). (That is why I put the ballcap on. I didn't want to be seen out and about in someone else's backyard with my frizzy hair undone:). The field is full of corn stalks right now. It was pretty fun-- until I almost walked into the biggest spider I've ever seen (not behind glass in a zoo). It was the size of my hand. The cornfield spider. Let's just say there were shrieks coming from the cornfield this afternoon as three "nut jobs" (that's what Niamh called us) ran through the remaining rows:).

Niamh thought it would be funny to wear a winter hat. She dressed herself-- I'm not sure the hat is the funniest part:). I really can't decide. That would be another area I kinda dropped the ball on today-- dressing my girl (and myself:). Oh well...someday's you gotta forget about looking good and just enjoy the day!

Do you love those lazy days...the ones when pajamas never get taken off and ballcaps (also, winter hats) hide hair? 

We do!:)

Happiness:)

My 

List...

This week, I read a post by Ilene @ Much Love, Illy. Besides being one of the sweetest and most friendly bloggers I've met, she has lots of great posts...the kind that either make me crack up or start thinkin' bout things:).Or both:).  She did a post about her current "Happy List."  You know, I have lots to be happy about...but I sometimes forget to just stop and think about those things.  When I pray, I'm usually asking.  Not about things, but asking to keep the kiddies safe...asking about helping family members...asking about this and that.  And when I'm focusing on my work, I'm usually setting goals-- but I hardly ever stop to be thankful for where I am right now.  I can keep going-- but the point is, it is a good thing to take a second and think about being happy.  And there is a LOT to be happy about;)! Here are some sources of happiness for me, right now.

1.  Philly.  His tears these past two weeks have broke my heart...It is hard to drop him off and walk away hearing him cry "Mama!"  ... But I am happy that he has a wonderful, loving teacher who shoo's me away:) and that he has learned new letters this week and made new friends.  I am especially happy when he tells me, "Mom, I thought about you today."  Thank you, Lord, for my boy:).

2.  Battlestar Gallactica sweatshirts for me and Mr. Smith;).  Okay-- so I don't think we can wear them the same day...cause that is crossing a line of matching-spouse-geekiness that I might never return from:)...But, I am so excited for our new BSG sweatshirts to get here:). 

3.  My Etsy stamps...Guys, thank you!!  Oh my goodness, I never expected such an overwhelming response!!  I am so happy.  So thankful.  It is a lot of hard work-- but so rewarding!  Blowing kisses to you all!! 

4.  Niamhy playing school with Philly this afternoon.  And calling me in for a conference, because a certain boy wouldn't keep quiet during her lesson.  Niamh told me it is hard to teach a lesson when a student is talking.  (I might have seen a choir of angels when she said this...)  I had her repeat it to me three times before it dawned on her.  Miss Chatty.  Miss Benchtime:).  Miss Popular:).  She is the sweetest, most well behaved kiddo ever-- but she can talk.  And today, she taught herself a good lesson:).  *Happy mom!*

5.  Having Phil to myself a couple days each week:).  We ran errands, went out to lunch, snuck off to an afternoon movie...I feel like we are back in California sometimes, re-living our first year of marriage:).  It is refreshing...to have him for a few hours each week, all to myself:).  *Although*...this guy in a check out line has the attention span of a 5 year old:).  In the same line he asked me for ice cream, a candy bar, and batteries (asked me...like I was his mom:). But he makes me laugh-- and I love him!!

What is on your Happy List this week??  What do you have to be thankful for??

Wednesday Lovin'

So, it is Wednesday Lovin' time:)...and I'm changing it up just a bit tonight. I've been in love with this Jake Owen song for the last couple weeks, and the radio is playing it constantly-- feeding my obsession:). It makes me think of young love and back roads...And, while I'm sure some of you non-country people are rollin' your eyes;), I love the sound of country music. Twang. Songs that tell stereotypical stories:). All those parts that make it repulsive to some, well-- that's exactly what I like:) So...instead of showing you my favorite things of the week (which, believe it or not was a post dominated by boots and jeans:), figured I'd share my favorite song right now. And-- give this a try for some inspiration-- pick a song and let it play on repeat while you collect images for 15 minutes (or so) from the web...See what you come up with...Your song's inspiration board. It is really fun!

So...click play...and scroll down. No rollin' of the eyes allowed:P

Happy Wednesday, lovelies:) xoxo

*all images via weheartit...if you know an original source, please email me and i'll give proper credit!  <3*