I have a fun little project to share tonight.
How many of you are racking your brains, trying to figure out what to do for your special someone/significant other for Valentines?
I was, until a couple days ago. My thoughts spanned the Spectrum- what could I buy, do for or make for my husband? Then it hit me. I'm not sure how the idea surfaced. I like to think I thought up of it all on my own, but I may have had some inspiration from an outside source. *Ahem pinterest*. Maybe.
I'm just going to stick with thinking up of it all in my own :D
Valentines coupons! I made valentines coupons for Kyle. Ten of them, to be exact, and they range from sweet little compliments whenever he wants them, to an hours massage (by a professional, of course). They'll never expire, so he has all the time he needs to redeem them.
I needed a little help thinking up of coupon ideas, so I googled it. There's quite a few options! There are a lot of downloadable templates out there. Not so many for creative romantic activities. But, there were enough to make 10 romantic coupons for my dear husband.
And, I'm so proud of it! I can hardly wait to give it to him.
Are you hand making/crafting gifts for your special peeps? How about your kids? There's a ton of ideas for the littles out there, but I'm just going to stick to the store bought route. The kids spied really cute stuffed animals at Wally World, so I'm thinking I just may buy them one each of those.
Till next time...
~a
Showing posts with label dear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dear. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Monday, July 23, 2012
Near the End
Phew- what an incredible day, weather wise today! There was severe weather all over the place. Did you have any severe weather?
For something a little different today, this layout is a scrap lift of Heathers' We Never Get Any Sleep! layout. I absolutely adored the shapes of her photos- love the retro, flower/leafy look the rounded edges on the opposite corners looks. Instead of going with bold, dark prints like Heather did, I wanted to mimic the look of the grass in the bottom picture- bright green, contrasted with the white fluff of dandelions. Doesn't it just scream summer?!
Once again, I turned to the Sweet Nectar paper pad that's been lurking in the depths of my stash, and recently popping up on a lot of my projects. Some scraps were used, like the punched strip of floral paper, and the yellow card stock its matted on. (On that piece of yellow card stock, I used my 'baby's breath' cuttlebug embossing folder for some interest and dimension).
I can't remember where I got the blue buttons from, but the 'free' sticker at the top is K&Co, and the little 'sweet' sticker at the bottom (nestled next to the flowers) is also K&Co. I made the flowers myself: they're easy peasy!!
All you do is take your circle punch (or punches), punch as many circles as you like; crumple them, then layer them. Voila, instant flowers! The punch sizes I used were .5" and 1.5" by Creative Memories. The pearl rhinestones are Recollections. And, to create a 'mat' that the photo's are adhered to, I just took a black pen and drew a border around the outside edge, mirroring the same shape the patterned paper/photo mats are.
Once again, the girls were playing at the park. These pictures were taken near the end of our excursion there. I wasn't near enough to them to know fully what was going on, but I imagine they were playing' super bunny...to the rescue!' Addison's arms spread out beside her suggests that (I'll give you a little hint: her arms are mimicking a cape!!) Hee isn't that the darlingest thing ever??!
Yes, a mother in love. For sure.
Tomorrow, I'll have one last layout from our play date at the park over Fathers' Day. After that, there'll be some pictures from Father's Day.
Stay tuned!!
~a
For something a little different today, this layout is a scrap lift of Heathers' We Never Get Any Sleep! layout. I absolutely adored the shapes of her photos- love the retro, flower/leafy look the rounded edges on the opposite corners looks. Instead of going with bold, dark prints like Heather did, I wanted to mimic the look of the grass in the bottom picture- bright green, contrasted with the white fluff of dandelions. Doesn't it just scream summer?!
Once again, I turned to the Sweet Nectar paper pad that's been lurking in the depths of my stash, and recently popping up on a lot of my projects. Some scraps were used, like the punched strip of floral paper, and the yellow card stock its matted on. (On that piece of yellow card stock, I used my 'baby's breath' cuttlebug embossing folder for some interest and dimension).
I can't remember where I got the blue buttons from, but the 'free' sticker at the top is K&Co, and the little 'sweet' sticker at the bottom (nestled next to the flowers) is also K&Co. I made the flowers myself: they're easy peasy!!
All you do is take your circle punch (or punches), punch as many circles as you like; crumple them, then layer them. Voila, instant flowers! The punch sizes I used were .5" and 1.5" by Creative Memories. The pearl rhinestones are Recollections. And, to create a 'mat' that the photo's are adhered to, I just took a black pen and drew a border around the outside edge, mirroring the same shape the patterned paper/photo mats are.
Once again, the girls were playing at the park. These pictures were taken near the end of our excursion there. I wasn't near enough to them to know fully what was going on, but I imagine they were playing' super bunny...to the rescue!' Addison's arms spread out beside her suggests that (I'll give you a little hint: her arms are mimicking a cape!!) Hee isn't that the darlingest thing ever??!
Yes, a mother in love. For sure.
Tomorrow, I'll have one last layout from our play date at the park over Fathers' Day. After that, there'll be some pictures from Father's Day.
Stay tuned!!
~a
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Snuggly Soft
The surest sign you aren't feeling good is cuddling.
Baby, you are not a cuddler--when you're feeling good. But, when you are not, its all you want to do.
And, today was one of those days. You snuggled up to be, curled up in my arms, dozing off and on all day long. When you weren't throwing up, that is.
Throwing up on me.
Thank you for making clean up so easy! All I had to do was change my clothes and rinse you off and change your clothes (four or five times, but who's counting?!) I'm pretty sure it isn't always going to be as easy as this!
And, dear sweet Addison, thank you for being so sweet and happy and self-entertained most of the day. I know you're not feeling good either; it just didn't seem as bad as your sister.
You both are so special, and mean the world to daddy and I, and it makes us feel so awful that you're feeling awful. But, like I told your daddy, if making you feel better means sitting on the couch all day long cuddling you, then I feel like I've done my job.
Its exhausting, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is you!
Baby, you are not a cuddler--when you're feeling good. But, when you are not, its all you want to do.
And, today was one of those days. You snuggled up to be, curled up in my arms, dozing off and on all day long. When you weren't throwing up, that is.
Throwing up on me.
Thank you for making clean up so easy! All I had to do was change my clothes and rinse you off and change your clothes (four or five times, but who's counting?!) I'm pretty sure it isn't always going to be as easy as this!
And, dear sweet Addison, thank you for being so sweet and happy and self-entertained most of the day. I know you're not feeling good either; it just didn't seem as bad as your sister.
You both are so special, and mean the world to daddy and I, and it makes us feel so awful that you're feeling awful. But, like I told your daddy, if making you feel better means sitting on the couch all day long cuddling you, then I feel like I've done my job.
Its exhausting, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is you!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Waiting Game
I've been trying so hard to keep the despair and negativity I'm feeling towards Addisons' disposition, health problems, temperament (take your pick--I'm not sure what the right word is to describe the situation, though I feel that health problems is the best way to describe it) out of my blog, but tonight I'm unable to avoid it.
Just in the way that we have to wait again for a referral to a new pediatrician. I am hoping, earnestly, that we do not need to wait long (as in 3 months long). Not knowing what is wrong has gone on long enough. She was doing so well up until the middle of November, and then things went all awry again. She doesn't sleep well at night, waking up howling, as if she's hurting somewhere; holding her and cuddling her doesn't help anymore, either. When I hold her, she pushes away. She isn't hungry; typically she wakes within an hour or two of eating.
She's begung crying at frequent intervals throughout the day again- for the most part enough throughout the day that I dare not leave the living room where she's playing, because as soon as I start doing something, the crying begins again.
Her appetite remains on the poorer side--one day she'll eat fairly well (for her) and the next, she eats next to nothing. For a while, even rice cereal didn't go over so well. In the last week or so, it seems to be getting better again, thankfully, because breakfast and supper tend to be the only meals where she eats (in my mind) adequately.
Naps aren't going so well, either--for both girls. Maybe its teething; I'm not sure. Typically, they would nap an hour or a little longer each time they went to sleep during the day. They were having a quick snack at 5 pm and then heading for another quick, short nap after that, tying them over until supper time at 7, and then bedtime at 8. Not anymore. Now we're not napping at all after 2, and the naps we do take are only half an hour long.
Thankfully for Maren, she's starting to sleep through the night. It might not be every night, but three out of the last four nights have been all-nighters for her. Thank you, baby!!
I've been bringing Addison to the chiropractor, which unfortunately isn't making a big enough difference for us. It isn't really helping. Her pediatrician, who we saw last Monday, didn't have the time to listen to my concerns, so sent us home with an inadequate diagnosis (slight ear infection--so take amoxycillin and an antacid for tummy troubles). Today, we went to another doctor, this time in town, and I am not totally satisfied with what he had to say, either. I was hoping he would have some insight into the situation; either he was playing it safe or he really didn't know.
The chiropractor isn't able--and hasn't been able to over the last three visits-- to get Addisons' right knee to reflex with her rubber mallet. She is a bit concerned about it, so asked me to have it checked by someone else. We did, and now we're waiting for another doctor to have a look at it. We hear that this pediatrician is really good; his waiting list is long, but once we get in, we won't be disappointed.
Dear Lord.
The first time we were referred to him, we had to wait three months. At the time, that was wwaaayyyyy too long. Thank goodness our current pediatrician came up with the diagnosis of colic. It may not have been the right or accurate one, but what he prescribed certainly made a difference.
Not anymore. Now there's something else. Oh, she still has her happy moments. And when she does, she is soooo sweet. I just wish they happened a little more frequently.
For my own sanity--and for the sake of my dear child--I am not sure I can wait that long again, either.
Just in the way that we have to wait again for a referral to a new pediatrician. I am hoping, earnestly, that we do not need to wait long (as in 3 months long). Not knowing what is wrong has gone on long enough. She was doing so well up until the middle of November, and then things went all awry again. She doesn't sleep well at night, waking up howling, as if she's hurting somewhere; holding her and cuddling her doesn't help anymore, either. When I hold her, she pushes away. She isn't hungry; typically she wakes within an hour or two of eating.
She's begung crying at frequent intervals throughout the day again- for the most part enough throughout the day that I dare not leave the living room where she's playing, because as soon as I start doing something, the crying begins again.
Her appetite remains on the poorer side--one day she'll eat fairly well (for her) and the next, she eats next to nothing. For a while, even rice cereal didn't go over so well. In the last week or so, it seems to be getting better again, thankfully, because breakfast and supper tend to be the only meals where she eats (in my mind) adequately.
Naps aren't going so well, either--for both girls. Maybe its teething; I'm not sure. Typically, they would nap an hour or a little longer each time they went to sleep during the day. They were having a quick snack at 5 pm and then heading for another quick, short nap after that, tying them over until supper time at 7, and then bedtime at 8. Not anymore. Now we're not napping at all after 2, and the naps we do take are only half an hour long.
Thankfully for Maren, she's starting to sleep through the night. It might not be every night, but three out of the last four nights have been all-nighters for her. Thank you, baby!!
I've been bringing Addison to the chiropractor, which unfortunately isn't making a big enough difference for us. It isn't really helping. Her pediatrician, who we saw last Monday, didn't have the time to listen to my concerns, so sent us home with an inadequate diagnosis (slight ear infection--so take amoxycillin and an antacid for tummy troubles). Today, we went to another doctor, this time in town, and I am not totally satisfied with what he had to say, either. I was hoping he would have some insight into the situation; either he was playing it safe or he really didn't know.
The chiropractor isn't able--and hasn't been able to over the last three visits-- to get Addisons' right knee to reflex with her rubber mallet. She is a bit concerned about it, so asked me to have it checked by someone else. We did, and now we're waiting for another doctor to have a look at it. We hear that this pediatrician is really good; his waiting list is long, but once we get in, we won't be disappointed.
Dear Lord.
The first time we were referred to him, we had to wait three months. At the time, that was wwaaayyyyy too long. Thank goodness our current pediatrician came up with the diagnosis of colic. It may not have been the right or accurate one, but what he prescribed certainly made a difference.
Not anymore. Now there's something else. Oh, she still has her happy moments. And when she does, she is soooo sweet. I just wish they happened a little more frequently.
For my own sanity--and for the sake of my dear child--I am not sure I can wait that long again, either.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Frolicking
in the bath has been yours and your sisters' favorite past time since your very first bath. (I even like to think you enjoyed it while you were still in the womb...)
When you were really little, you would just lean back and soak up the warmth--and the pampering. (Who wouldn't, right??)
As you continued to grow, and further enjoy your baths, I began wondering (just recently, truth be told) when you were going to start cooing and smiling during your bath. Typically, you're preoccupied with kicking your feet and keeping your hands out of the water as much as possible. Once, you kicked so hard, you got water in your face.
{Insert snicker (hidden, of course) here}
Shock passed over your features, and then a very visible (though mental) shake of the head, and you continued to play. Funniest thing, up to date, your mother has ever seen. From you, that is.
The sweetest thing your mother has ever seen, up to date, while you're playing in the bath, occured this evening.
All of a sudden, you stopped playing, there was no expression on your face, and you stared hard into the water you were soaking in. (It scared me because I didn't know what was going on--were you going to poop right there in the tub, were you going to cough, fart, spit up???) Nope. You looked up, looked right at me, and smiled the biggest and brightest smile.
Oh dear, sweet Addison.
{Insert swoon here}.
I laughed a little too loud (in delight, of course), and I think it scared you, because all seriousness returned in the very next instant. Dang it!! So, I began to whisper to you, and in the next instant, you began cooing. And talking. And smacking your lips together--just like a fish--all while still kicking your feet. Oh, and playing with your bath toys.
After drying you off, we took a quick detour into the living room to tell daddy about your new milestone, and the entire three minutes we stood there talking, you continued to smack your lips together like the sweet little fishy you are, and every once in a while your leg would lightly thump my thigh-- you were still kicking. And smiling. (You continued right through getting lotioned up and dressed in your jammies, too!)
To finish off our amazing bath time, I walked into your room to get your sister dressed, only to find you passed out. In bed. With your binkie above your head, your mobile playing, and your sucky hanging haphazardly from your relaxed lips. I pulled your blankie from under your feet and back on top of you, re-adjusted binkie so he was in your arms again, and pushed your sucky back into your mouth.
You never stirred.
After such a wonderful day, this evening was the icing on the cake.
I love you, Miss Addison
When you were really little, you would just lean back and soak up the warmth--and the pampering. (Who wouldn't, right??)
As you continued to grow, and further enjoy your baths, I began wondering (just recently, truth be told) when you were going to start cooing and smiling during your bath. Typically, you're preoccupied with kicking your feet and keeping your hands out of the water as much as possible. Once, you kicked so hard, you got water in your face.
{Insert snicker (hidden, of course) here}
Shock passed over your features, and then a very visible (though mental) shake of the head, and you continued to play. Funniest thing, up to date, your mother has ever seen. From you, that is.
The sweetest thing your mother has ever seen, up to date, while you're playing in the bath, occured this evening.
All of a sudden, you stopped playing, there was no expression on your face, and you stared hard into the water you were soaking in. (It scared me because I didn't know what was going on--were you going to poop right there in the tub, were you going to cough, fart, spit up???) Nope. You looked up, looked right at me, and smiled the biggest and brightest smile.
Oh dear, sweet Addison.
{Insert swoon here}.
I laughed a little too loud (in delight, of course), and I think it scared you, because all seriousness returned in the very next instant. Dang it!! So, I began to whisper to you, and in the next instant, you began cooing. And talking. And smacking your lips together--just like a fish--all while still kicking your feet. Oh, and playing with your bath toys.
After drying you off, we took a quick detour into the living room to tell daddy about your new milestone, and the entire three minutes we stood there talking, you continued to smack your lips together like the sweet little fishy you are, and every once in a while your leg would lightly thump my thigh-- you were still kicking. And smiling. (You continued right through getting lotioned up and dressed in your jammies, too!)
To finish off our amazing bath time, I walked into your room to get your sister dressed, only to find you passed out. In bed. With your binkie above your head, your mobile playing, and your sucky hanging haphazardly from your relaxed lips. I pulled your blankie from under your feet and back on top of you, re-adjusted binkie so he was in your arms again, and pushed your sucky back into your mouth.
You never stirred.
After such a wonderful day, this evening was the icing on the cake.
I love you, Miss Addison
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Wheels Are Turning
and working in high gear. Now that Christmas is over, my energy has turned from deciding on Christmas presents and getting some festive baking done to birthday cakes, birthday parties, invitations and party favors. Truthfully, the upcoming milestone has been on my mind for a number of months already, but now we're coming down to the wire. Husband thinks that turning one isn't a big deal, and I shouldn't make a big deal out of planning a party for them; but, it is a big deal- you turn one once only, and it's their first party ever. I've got to set a precedent-- I don't want them to have a bunch of disappointing birthday parties just like their daddy and I did growing up (of course, if I can help it). Besides, I sort of think of it as a mothers' right of passage--something that's expected, almost mandatory, to do for your children. They are special and they deserve to be treated that way!
Should the girls' party be on their birth date or should it be over the weekend? Should I even give out party bags--most of the kids that will be there are babies themselves, and younger than my own children. Small toys and candy just won't do. Who should all be invited--I need to make up a guest list (I might take this whole party thing a bit far, but I'm a list maker. If I don't do it, I forget. Blame it on baby brain or disorganization or too few brain cells up in the attic; whatever you call it, it works for me!!) Should I make invitations? What are the girls going to eat--I am not sure they can eat cake, and I am not crazy about letting them eat icing. Would a litte bit of pudding be kosher instead? Should I make up a few fruit and veggie platters for the grown ups???
Big question marks...
I'm actually excited about the invitations part. I can't not make invitations for the girls' birthday. Its what I do...as one of my new years resolutions, I've promised myself to make more time to craft (aka do things that make me happy), and as a result, I'm hoping (and so far am succeeding, though some of them may be late to their recipients) to make birthday cards for all my family, close friends and everyone else that is special to me- and that includes making invitations to announce the pending birthday party for my dear twin girls. Just, how am I going to make them? Another Big question mark there. (I also am realizing that I am a pro at procrastinating and so always end up with less time than I like for scrapping and general paper crafts. I've got to get better at that!)
The only definite in the midst of all this uncertainty is that it is going to be a Dora the Explorer themed birthday party. I've noticed the girls smiling at her in tv commercials and when the show is actually on, so I think that's the route we're going to go. I've enlisted sisters' help in coming up with party favor ideas for small children, and I'm thinking of enlisting a friends' help with coming up with ideas for invitations. I am pretty sure Wilton has a Dora cake pan, and i know a lady that sells Wilton, so the plan is to get on the horn with her and order it, then somehow learn how to decorate it so she actually looks like Dora!
Think I've bitten of more than I can chew? Maybe when it comes to the cake, otherwise...NAH!!!!!
Should the girls' party be on their birth date or should it be over the weekend? Should I even give out party bags--most of the kids that will be there are babies themselves, and younger than my own children. Small toys and candy just won't do. Who should all be invited--I need to make up a guest list (I might take this whole party thing a bit far, but I'm a list maker. If I don't do it, I forget. Blame it on baby brain or disorganization or too few brain cells up in the attic; whatever you call it, it works for me!!) Should I make invitations? What are the girls going to eat--I am not sure they can eat cake, and I am not crazy about letting them eat icing. Would a litte bit of pudding be kosher instead? Should I make up a few fruit and veggie platters for the grown ups???
Big question marks...
I'm actually excited about the invitations part. I can't not make invitations for the girls' birthday. Its what I do...as one of my new years resolutions, I've promised myself to make more time to craft (aka do things that make me happy), and as a result, I'm hoping (and so far am succeeding, though some of them may be late to their recipients) to make birthday cards for all my family, close friends and everyone else that is special to me- and that includes making invitations to announce the pending birthday party for my dear twin girls. Just, how am I going to make them? Another Big question mark there. (I also am realizing that I am a pro at procrastinating and so always end up with less time than I like for scrapping and general paper crafts. I've got to get better at that!)
The only definite in the midst of all this uncertainty is that it is going to be a Dora the Explorer themed birthday party. I've noticed the girls smiling at her in tv commercials and when the show is actually on, so I think that's the route we're going to go. I've enlisted sisters' help in coming up with party favor ideas for small children, and I'm thinking of enlisting a friends' help with coming up with ideas for invitations. I am pretty sure Wilton has a Dora cake pan, and i know a lady that sells Wilton, so the plan is to get on the horn with her and order it, then somehow learn how to decorate it so she actually looks like Dora!
Think I've bitten of more than I can chew? Maybe when it comes to the cake, otherwise...NAH!!!!!
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