Five Things

Closet Fashion Tips

My friend Courtney has a clever little fashion blog, Closet Fashion Fix.  She goes shopping in your closet to create new and improved outfits out of everything you already own.  This week she posted some great fashion tips.  Her tip about using a safety pin to hold your belt in place works!  Hope you guys find some of these helpful.  Thanks Courtney!




Brave


Check out Disney's newest trailer, I'm sure it will be a hit.  By request, we've watched the trailer a few too many times already:)  In theaters June 22nd...dinner and a movie, anyone?

Scotcharoos


I can't believe I haven't shared this dessert before.  One of our family favorites and always the first to go when I take it to a party.  I once saw the same guy eat half of the plate.  We will be home most of the weekend and this sweet and easy treat is perfect.  You won't make regular rice krispie treats again:)


Mama Moment


I rarely get both kids napping at the same time, but today they are.  After William went down I could tell Lauren was fighting sleep and she insisted "I don't want to take a snooze."  But I held her and sang while I watched her eyes get heavier and heavier.  Before they even closed I had tears in my eyes thinking how long it's been since I actually sang her to sleep and how rare this moment is.  I snapped that mental picture and tucked it away.  




Clap your hands


My baby surprised us on Monday night with some clapping!  We've been working on waving "hi" and "bye" for over a month and nothing.  But I showed him how to clap his hands for the first time and he nailed it.  

XOXO


Aubrey

Impromptu Bowling

I was feeling like there just wasn't enough family time this past weekend.  Billy had travelled most of the week and while he caught up with the kids on Saturday, I took some me time to meet up with my friends for brunch.  Sunday was filled with a visit to see a friend's new house and outside chores.  By the time Sunday night came, I felt we needed to make the most of the evening. So after dinner I suggested we grab the diaper bag and go bowling.

It was one hour of quality family time and the perfect number of people for an impatient Lauren who wanted her turn, every turn!

The bumpers came up just for her and went down for us so there could be some friendly competition.   

 Her stance after every roll...waiting and waiting for her ball to knock a few pins down.

We all had a blast! William might disagree, as he needed to be held when he really wanted to run out onto the lane.  As for Lauren, it sure tired her out, stating on the way home "I'm ready for bed."

XOXO


Aubrey

Spring Blooms

May is right around the corner and this is usually the time I get the idea for a spring pot on our front porch.  Until this year, I've never done one because I ultimately decide that I'll be planting for summer soon enough and why bother?

I got my idea much earlier and had my pansies in hand before April 1st.  I can't believe how well they've done even on cold nights.  I only bought a few because our pot isn't that large and then purchased some forsythia branches from JoAnn's and later got some real branches from Kroger for $.99 because I felt it wasn't full enough.

And of course, I needed a wreath.  I love the look of burplap and found this easy tutorial.  I didn't want an Easter theme, just something springy that could also be used into summer if I wanted.  The flower just clips on so I could easily change out.  Simple, no fuss.

Any Spring projects you're working on?  Or are you holding off till summer?

XOXO


Aubrey

Five Things

This is Five Things: Birthday Edition...aside from a little celebrating and an overnight at Grandma's, I don't know how we got to Friday this fast.  Though I'm so ready for the weekend.  Weird, huh?

Rocking Climbing

I wanted to do something different to celebrate my birthday this year.  We always go out to a really nice dinner and while it's very special, I was looking for something else.  And boy did I find it.  I've always wanted to go rock climbing but it's way out of my comfort zone, adventurous isn't Aubrey. Oh, if I had a bucket list, it would be on it.

It was an amazing experience.  A conquering fears, pushing yourself experience. 

The Aubrey


While trying to get a nice picture of my mom and I at our birthday dinner...I was let in on a little secret.

It's called "The Aubrey."  A dance move my brothers have been recreating behind my back for years.  Supposedly, it's my signature move.  


It goes like this.  Unless there are any objections, I think I'll be retiring it:)

Somebody get this girl some Crest Whitestrips, right?

Three Times the Birthday Fun


My mom, PJ, and I all share April birthday's...April 15, 16, and 17th (best for last).  Growing up I hated that I never had my own cake or my own party.  Everything was shared with PJ.  But now I appreciate and look forward to celebrating together.




I had to ask Sean if he felt left out that he didn't have an April birthday?  Not this brother, he loves having two parties in December.  I hope Lauren feels the same way too!

Thank you so much for hosting us Grandma!

Birthday Breakfast


Before Billy left for long work trip, he woke up extra early to make breakfast.  Lauren got to enjoy his take on Green Eggs and Ham.  She loved it!

 A little Wisdom


I don't have it figured out, but I'm continuing to see that the experiences, the memories we make far outweigh the challenging days with toddlers or a spotless house.  Don't get me wrong, I will never surrender to living in a sh*t hole. But I envy the people that already have that figured out. I know I've said it here before, but I read this on my birthday and wanted to share this quote with you too. Because it's been speaking to me all week.


From my favorite blogger...



We wake up every day, look around and make note of what we have. We smile and say thank you in every way imaginable. When things aren't so great, we do what we can to make them better. And we make it a very important priority not to let life get stale.
                                                                  -Kelle Hampton


That's it right there...never let life get stale.  


Happy Friday, friends!


XOXO


Aubrey

And She's Off...

We had just finished dinner one night and the sink was piled high with dishes not only from dinner but lunch too.  Billy could tell I was tired and came over to the sink to give me a hug.   "They're devouring me."  

We both began to laugh so hard, finding humor is what we Crawford's do.  And sensing that I needed some quiet, Billy made the decision to take the kids for a walk.

  

Lauren had defied and pushed me that entire day.  I felt so tired from all the "what did we just talk about," to "do that again and it's a time out," and my personal favorite, "I'm going to count to three."  I was beaten and needed my own time out to recharge.  I finished the dishes , sat down on the couch with a book and glass of wine and did one big huge exhale when I heard Billy outside.

"You're doing it, you're riding your bike all by yourself"

I jumped up, bolted to the window and peaked through the blinds to see Lauren racing down the sidewalk on her bike.  ALL.  BY. HERSELF.

I grabbed my camera and ran outside.  Immediately energized and fulfilled.  She got it.

After weeks of coaching and encouragement, she got it.

After feeling like a failure, I was again a winner.

 It's amazing how hours of battling can be erased when you see pure joy on their faces.  Especially joy that came from something that you helped with.  I keep thinking about this night almost everyday since it happened and that amazing mama feeling.  Reminding myself to keep doing what I'm doing.  That even though it may seem as though she isn't listening, she is.

XOXO


Aubrey

Five Things

Dentist

We checked that first visit box this week.  In true Lauren fashion, she got all dressed up for her big appointment, even brushing her teeth extra good.

BEFORE....

 DURING...

AFTER...
It's blinding how much cleaner they got:)  No cavities and was an exceptional patient!

Banana Pops

This sweet treat was much easier than the dreaded cake version.  We did a family movie night last weekend and since we were letting Lauren stay up a little late, a sugar buzz wouldn't hurt too.  Just slice up the bananas, melt some chocolate and serve up with some toppings.  The only thing I would change next time might be the size of my slices or the sticks I used.  The link attached used these vintage straws I keep seeing everywhere, they might work better.

For the Love of Gingham

Spring always brings out my inner prep and I'm just warning you that when you see me next and the time after that, I'll most likely be wearing check.  These suckered gingham shirts are light-weight and breathable...so they work now layered and into the summer.

 I will not eat green eggs and ham


I caught this little moment of her reading out loud this afternoon.  She just got Green Eggs and Ham for Easter and can already recite almost the entire book.  Hopefully she'll become an avid reader just like her dad.

Bloom


One of my favorite blogger's wrote a book and it's a beautiful story about her daughter's first year of life, a daughter they unexpectedly welcomed with down syndrome.  I started it a week ago and am almost finished...getting to have a real time book club with Beth over our favorite paragraph's and discussing how honest her writing is.

My copy will be making it's way to another Kelle lover, so if you can't wait, go get this book...otherwise, I'm happy to keep passing this along.  There is something for everyone in this book.


XOXO


Aubrey

A Crawford Clan Easter

We had a nice and quiet Easter weekend at home which was a first.  We usually have a full agenda of family celebrations, but this year there was no hustle and bustle.  I thought it was the perfect year for us to host Easter dinner.

As with any other Sunday, the alarm monitor woke us bright and early, but it is a precious wake up call when you get to deliver early morning hugs and kisses...besides a bottle its all he wants!

The Easter Bunny brought all these fun things, and it's a toothbrush you want?  Go figure.

And no, we don't believe Easter is the new Christmas.  I got some great deals with coupons and clearance items...

Grand total = $25

These two are most certainly cut from the same cloth because she too loved her Dora toothbrush.  It was the first thing she told her teacher today when asked how her Easter was.  "I got a toothbrush from the Easter Bunny"

Three years old is a great age for Holidays.  Lauren was so into the egg hunt, but completely clueless that the "Easter Bunny" left his loot out for all to see.  Whoops!

I kept our Easter breakfast simple since I was later cooking dinner.  These biscuits were not only the cutest thing, but also super easy.

Bunny Biscuits

1 package of pillsbury Grands

cranberries and almonds or whatever cute embellishments you want:)

-4 biscuits for the face

-4 biscuits cut in half for the ears

-attach on a cookie sheet and bake per package instructions

(I would press the ears to the face a little tighter next time as they came out a little flimsy and broke easily)

We even had an extra guest for breakfast too:)

After breakfast we picked up the pace to get ready for our guests.  It always seems like a race against the clock to get ourselves and the house ready while making sure the kids don't kill each other.

And speaking of kill...these were the best I got of the kids all dressed up.

Lauren putting William in a choke hold.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter with your families!


XOXO


Aubrey

Master Bedroom: Bed Reveal

Our bedroom is almost complete.  This project has taken much longer than I ever thought it would, kitchens are done faster.  Life happens, right?  But I'm so happy with how it's turning out!  Warm and inviting....I never want to leave our little haven.  

I showed you how we made the headboard but we did end up purchasing the actual bed frame from West Elm.  I wanted the backdrop of the bedding to be white and added colors and patterns with pillows and a quilt.

I found the corally red pillows at Target and my mother made the floral pillow.  I just love the fabric (remember, I stalked it)!  It's a classic floral pattern that will never go out of style.  Plus, it has so many colors you could easily change up accents seasonally or pair it with the latest trend.

I was going to add in chocolate brown, but when I saw this grey quilt I knew it would work better with the tones of the room. 

Curtains are hopefully going up this weekend and the current lamps may find a new home, but after that the room should be complete except for a few little things.  That's what haunts me, because I obsess too much that it never gets done:)  

Easter Fun

I promise that this year I won't bombard you with a mutha load of Easter postings like I did here, here, here, and Lawdamercy, here!  Clearly, I had jumped on the Easter train last year, but there was good reason.  An unusual cold spring + new baby = stir crazy toddler.  I was doing any and everything to keep her entertained.

This year we are keeping it simple.  One hunt.  One visit to the Easter Bunny.  

 Heh dude, I know leather is slippery, but can ya make sure my kid stays on your lap? 

Valassis hosted a Bunny Breakfast last saturday and both kids had a great time visiting daddy's work.  There was so much for the kids to do.

Lauren especially liked having her face painted and searching for candy filled eggs!

We were just happy William didn't eat any of the paper.

The eggs are dyed too.  Grandma Mary came over yesterday and we carefully let Miss Lauren do most of the dying.

 It's amazing to see how much more she can do all by herself in just one year.  She is always wanting to do everything all by herself and is so unbelievably proud of herself when she accomplishes something she knows was hard.

In many ways Lauren is very independent and in many she wants to be just like me, adding a belt to her outfit after seeing me in mine or putting her babies in place after they've acted up:)  More and more I'm seeing just how much they watch me and just how much of a teacher I am to them.  Sponges, I tell ya!

There are egg salad sandwiches and deviled eggs in our future, any other ideas?

XOXO

Aubrey