Trick or Treat....

So, I do realize that it's still August. For a little bit longer anyway.

But I intend to make each of the kiddo's costumes for our church Harvest Party and that requires somewhat of a head start!!

Joy has been asking for about 3 months now if she could be Strawberry Shortcake.

When a friend of mine had a pair of these tights in Joy's size for sale, I snapped 'em up!

Add a cute, and easy to whip up, tee dress, newsboy hat, pink mary janes, and presto....

Insert Joy's delighted squeal here....

"That's just what I wanted Mommy, thank you thank you!! Can you make it now?"

Umm, no, sorry. :)

Isaiah's will be fairly easy as well.

For those of you with little boys, I'm sure you are familar with who this young man is!

Isaiah is insisting he wants to be Wildmut, one of the aliens that Ben 10 transforms into but I don't really want to tackle that one!

I figured since he'll be getting the Omnitrix for his birthday on Saturday this costume will work!

And I even have some olive denim for the cargo pants. Easy peasy.

There you have it:

2 happy kids.

2 cute costumes (without breaking the bank I might add).

So how about all of you? Thinking that far ahead yet?

Or is it just me? :)

And the award goes to.....

ME!!!

I am BEYOND thrilled to recieve my first blogging award, compliments of the fabulous Tawny of Daily Icing.

The rules. Always follow the rules, that's good life advice that works in every situation! :)

First- Thank and link back to the one who gave you the Versatile Blogger award.

T- what can I say... you are awesome, inspiring, talented, and a wonderful friend. I am glad to have known you for, gosh, it's been 5 years! Is that right? I lost track.... :) And your blog, Daily Icing, is so so much fun to browse.

Second- Share 7 things about yourself.

1. I am a Southern girl at heart, even though I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life.

2. I am currently living in a constuction zone. :) We are remodeling and the majority of the walls in our living room are down to bare studs right now.

3. I am not allowed to learn any new crafts. Strict orders from my husband. My craft room is packed with fabric, ribbon, yarn, tulle, scrapping supplies....

4. I love, love the fall season. The crispness in the air, the lovely colors on the trees, cozying up in a comfy sweater and taking walks. :)

5. I am a mom to 2 of the greatest children ever!

6. My favorite day is Saturday. My day to sleep in and my wonderful husband is in charge of making breakfast.

7. My 6 year old son can beat me at air hockey, and no, I don't let him win.

Third- Pass the Versatile Blogger award on to 10 other deserving bloggers.

1. Becca of Fresh Fruit

2. Darlene of Simkins Farm

3. Martha of Sutton Stories

4. Sachiko of Tea Rose Home

5. Ashley of Lil Blue Boo

6. Angel of Tada*Creations

7. Make it and Love it

8. U Create

9. A Little Bit Biased

10. allsorts

Fourth- Contact all the bloggers chosen and let them know they've been selected for the award!

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my little blog! I'm so glad to have you. :)

Baby Love

Well, I did it. I finally finished the 12" waldorf-inspired dolly I started for Joy. The kit I ordered came with hair, but I wanted something a little fun and funky. :)

So, searching the many, many options for handspun yarn on etsy, I found this beauty....Is this not gorgeous!?!! I couldn't resist.

I was even more in love when in showed up in the mail and I got my hands on it.

This truly is the softest yarn I have ever felt. I couldn't stop touching it!!

Okay, that's not true, but it is really, really soft. :)

And just look how cute she turned out! I do intend to make her some fun cute (matching) clothes.

For now, she's wearing this creative ensemble that Joy picked out.

I'm linking to:

Patterns and Amy Butler.....

One of my fave crafty blogs, Tea Rose Home, is celebrating an anniversary! Congratulations to Sachiko on reaching 2 in blog years!! It's been a great journey and I am blessed to be able to follow along. :) Wishing you many more years of blogging success!

Anyhow, Sachiko (Bless your heart) was brave enough to contact the folks at Amy Butler. She was rewarded greatly. They generously donated 5, yes 5!!, of Amy's fabulous patterns to giveaway!

Want a chance to win one? Head on over to Sachiko's amazing blog to see how.

Little sidenote: I am not connected to Amy Butler or Sachiko! Just a fan. :)

A work of art.....

Our on-going remodel projects are just about done. So next step, for me anyway, is to think about decor.

I was wanting some and didn't want to spend too much money. So... I was inspired by another designer currently doing this with her daughter.

I got some inexpensive artist canvases and paint brushes and let the littles go at it.

So far, they are LOVING this project. It kept them occupied for a good 1/2 hour so that works for me. :)

At the end of the first session....

It is interesting to see their color choices. Although, I'm sure the paintings will look way different will all completed.

And I love the fun polka dots that Joy added to her canvas.

I plan to hang them down in the family room/playroom along with this darling wreath. I love the funkiness of the leaves and it will look great with the fabrics I've picked out for throw pillows for the couch. Can't wait to see it all put together!

I'm linking to:

Waldorf doll and giveaway contest.

So, I'm sure that you've all seen these fabulous dolls. If not, google them right now!! They are fantastic, adorable, cuddly, and sure to be a wonderful heirloom for your little one to pass down.

Well, talented Waldorf doll maker, Rainbow Dolls, is giving one away!!

Not just any doll, but specifically the cutie pictured below.

You really don't want to miss this opportunity.

To enter, all you have to do is go post a comment on this blog. Please, please, please be sure to mention that Melissa Caldeira sent you. That increases my chances of winning her for Joy!! ;)

To make it even more fun....

Come back and post a comment here letting me know that you mentioned my name and I'll put your name in a drawing to win your choice of either a dolly knit twirl skirt or a dolly knit upcycled dress!!

Fun, food, and friends....

There's nothing better then celebrating a holiday weekend with very good friends. Once again, we loaded up the Focus and made the 4 hour trek over the mountains to visit the Simkins family. Always a good time. :)

Isaiah was bouncing from the moment we told him we were going, excited to see his "good buddy, Jack" as he calls him.

Even though we only spent the weekend, we managed to pack in about a week's worth of activities.

Dave helped Jeremy "take care" of 2 roosters, we went to the pool, enjoyed a yummy BBQ (kid-free!!), and played a round of Phase 10. And that was only day 1.

Sunday morning, we double-tasked with getting ready for the drive to Twisp for church and packing for the picnic afterwards.

Although, we didn't stay for the fireworks. By that time the kids were getting antsy and tired, so we packed up and headed back to the cars.

Our departure was delayed by a surprise parade. Jack, Isaiah, and Joy didn't seem to mind too much though as there was candy being thrown.

And Joy got to see a horse. I'm sure that was the pinnacle of her weekend. :)

The picnic was a blast. Lots of good (great) food and plenty of conversation.

Isaiah enjoyed his first ride on a jet ski. I was impressed with how fast he let Dave go!

So proud of my little man.

Boys being boys, Isaiah and Jack had fun splashing in the water.

Joy and her girls. She loved having girls her own age to play with.

And I had the opportunity to practice my photograpy a little.

I love these pictures, of course, my subjects really help with the quality of the photos.

They are all so adorable!