One giant tent!

So I built a tent/fort for these two the other morning. Maybe not the best choice to move furniture around with a big prego belly but they had fun. Well at least for the 1/2 hour or so. Of course, the fun ended as soon as Ells decided she could cross the top of the tent...What? Yes. I heard a scream and she was totally flipped over lying with her feet over her head. I thought for sure it would require a trip to the ER or something. It looked horrible. But we were all fine! Just a little shook up. In fact, big cautious brother reminds her of the incident all the time as he warns her not to climb on the furniture.

I guess what can I expect. He is still scared each time we go in the elevator. As we had a slight incident where at my Grandmas apt complex where she didn't get off and the doors shut and the elevator was called upstairs and well she rode up a floor, screaming. Scared us all a bit but thankfully the kind lady and the top took her down to Grandma's apt. And I came running up the stairs. Nevertheless, each time we ride an elevator he makes sure she gets off before he does. Even the sliding doors at the doctors office kinda freak him out. I guess he is just afraid of her getting lost.

We going on a hunt...a treasure hunt

So I don't know if you are like me but these short, yet long winter days can get to us. And lately..leaving the two of them alone for too long is just plain dangerous. Like a toilet full of femine products, or pen all over the walls. Thanks to the amazing Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean for helping me clean off the pen and not having to repaint the walls.

But I found if I plan simple activities besides school for us...it can make the whole day role a lot smoother. Since our letter last week was N and a verse is Matt. 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. We decided to go on a treasure hunt to find treasure and talk about where our heart lies as that is where our treasure lies also.

So it took me a few minutes while they were taking a bath to hide the clues but they had a blast running all over the house trying to find the clues to lead them ultimately to the treasure.

Of course...Shadd said he needed his bag! And Ralphy the buffalo had to go along

Ells tried to keep up with gear in tow but the up and downs caught up with her. 

Their favorite place to play...who doesn't love a spare bed to jump on, right?

Just a little treasure! 

My baby girl is going to be a great big sis - and super momma some day!

So Ells got a Bitty Baby for Christmas...I was a little hesitant to spend $50 on a doll but since my niece who is now 8, still plays with hers. I figured I might as well bite the bullet now and not spend $20 on a random doll she would eventually toss into a pile.

Well, she has really grown to love on that little one. Taking her for walks, giving her a bottle, some food (which we might have to watch when her bro or sis arrives), rocking and putting her to sleep. Its a amazing how we girls are born with a desire to care and nurture others. I always knew I would love being a mom and I know someday, this little sweetie will be a great one!

Of course, its tough to catch her in action taking care of this little one but I'm sure as we have a new little arrival at our house. That baby will always be in tow. For now though, its fun to see her and Shadd, yes...he loves her too, dote on that little bitty baby!

Camera project

So lately I have been craving a project for me...and it would have been done like forever ago if i didn't have to waste some of my nap times by showing this house! please someone just buy it!  we just want to move on and start something new!

Well...so I told you that I got a new camera from my awesome parents for Christmas/Birthday. As mine is only 9 days after the big holiday. Well I definitely didn't want an ugly camera bag...No. Something cute but not spend an arm and a leg. So I thought...I'll just see if I can sew one and stubbled upon this awesome tutorial.
See here....www.bluelacehouse.com/2011/05/make-your-own-camera-bag.html

And well I got started...
I got a great bag from oldnavy on clearance - plus my mom bought it so it was essentially free but i think it cost her about $8 or so. So the breakdown...


Bag - $8
Foam - 1 yd as I cut wrong the first time for my bottom piece = $3.50 with coupon
Velcro - had some
Fabric - left over from Ells elephant pillow
Thread - always on hand


So pretty darn cheap and super cute, minus the hand sewing that I had to do. I absolutely hate it! But I needed the practice! Some of the pictures...took with ipad so I could show you with the camera inside. 

Inside the bag...finished product

Another view of the insert

Outside...prior to being stuffed inside the bag

You may be able to see the super cute camera strap I made a few weeks ago too...Just love being able to personalize and make this camera all it can be...Now if only I had time to work on taking better photos. In due time, I guess. I followed this tutorial to make the ruffled cover for my camera strap.  
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/crafts-projects/make-a-ruffled-camera-strap-slipcover.html


It was as always a great use of some scraps! 

Rapefruit anyone?

"My turn...Rapefruit"...these are the words that are screamed from this little one as she hopes to get a few bites of D's grapefruit. I hate those things but my two love them! In fact, we buy 6 each week. Plus we always get a ton when my grandparents return from Texas!

Bath Time

One of our favorite times at our house is bath time! Of course there are some things that make it great. Bubble bath and color dropz, a great safe alternative to food coloring.

But the best thing is having someone in the tub to mess around with! And these two sure know how to have fun! 

And then there is the squirreling around after bath. Usually we do them before bed, but sometimes there is just something to be said for a great morning bath, right?

A little birthday celebration

So a few weeks ago, I got to celebrate yet another birthday! Typically my whole family gets together to celebrate but they actually celebrated it without me in Indiana, due to Shaye's birth. However, they didn't cease to disappoint a week later. El Rodeo for dinner and of course, an awesome homemade cheesecake from my momma. Plus I got to shop a little with my mom and get some goodies to work on sewing a bag for my camera! More to come of course...

Of course, D and the kids took me out for ice cream at Marble Slab. One of my favorites places. And I got a new lens for my camera which I tested out in the house - the zoom probably a little bit more suited for the outdoors but fun to play around with! 

I was also spoiled to spend an evening with some of our best friends to celebrate as well. Our of the eight of us, Ali and I share a birthday. Which makes it twice as great! 

Even though I still have one more year before the big one...it has been such a great reminder of how much the Lord has blessed me the last 29 years. The list could go on and on. If this isn't suiting...I was 29 weeks prego on my 29th birthday! Crazy uh? In fact, every other year for the past 4 years I have been preggers on my b'day! Kinda random but funny! 

One girl...lots of expressions

Spring Weather in January

So even though it wasn't as nice as it was here...it was still fun to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and explore a new park. Shadd and Frama tried out a really tall slide and lets just say it had tight corners and Frama laughed hysterically as she went down. We were completely entertained for a hour or so. Ducks and even a swan. Plus a stage for Shaddy and Ells to debut some of the songs they have been practicing on their new karaoke machine! 

Indy's Children's Museum

So for the past few years I have been dying to try out the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Although we only had a couple of hours to explore prior to nap time, we had a blast. I got a few photos but mostly we did our best to enjoy the exhibits and keep wraps on the two little ones in a busy place. 

Shadd though these two were awesome...they were trying to get in! 

Might be a professional someday! 

We saw the dinosaur exhibit last but it was the best! With lights and sounds. This picture doesn't do it justice!

 

Shadd planted all the flowers. Even used the gloves!

Ells planted a veggies - like a big puzzle