Hats Off!

How cute is this pretty beach hat?  I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

Just a Target hat that I had monogrammed.  I saw the idea in a magazine and just had to have it.  

And in less than sixty seconds, I turned it into a Derby Hat!

I simply added a black headband and cream flower pin.  If we happen to make it to the Derby next year (something Billy is taking the reigns on), I'm all set.  

I would have shared this earlier, but I'm surprising a certain birthday girl and had to wait.

I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!


XOXO


Aubrey

Never a Dull Moment

I wasn't even going to write about last weekend because it's already Wednesday and I've gotten over the craziness that it became.  Billy was gone almost the entire week and to describe how ready we were for his return...we were all in the car as he pulled up ready for a Friday dinner out!  

We had a great family dinner, went shopping for plants, took the kids for ice cream, and had some much needed family time outside before getting the kids to bed.

Then came Saturday.  I had grand plans for the day.  Keep the kids occupied with all the water toys we own while we tackle some much needed yard work.  Fail and fail.

I'll never get back the two hours of my life that were wasted putting this lagoon together.  I kept blowing it up only to have it leak somewhere else.  After I finally gave up, I figured the kids would be happy with the three other water toys.  

Nope, they were on top of every move we made.  Go figure.

Just as we were really getting going, Billy stopped.  Sick.  The kids had enough sun anyway and after getting everyone settled I attempted to get cleaned up.  Lauren and William got into EVERYTHING while I showered, my coffee tables have some nice new dents from them banging my hand mixer beaters.  I lost it!  Pretty sure my neighbors think I'm the craziest mom ever.  

I knew I just needed a break.  I was basically solo parenting all week.  Luckily, I was getting together with the girls on Sunday and my in-laws came to babysit so I could regain my sanity!  The three hours with them brought me back.  This too almost went bad when my phone died and the restaurant we were suppose to meet at was closed!  I had two simple instructions upon my arrival...a hug and a drink.  Both were waiting.  Thank you ladies!

Things don't always go according to plan and I've been trying to learn to roll with it.  But add beyond crazy kids and dad getting sick?   Moments of insanity happen and I can only hope I'll grow so next time...I"ll just turn to the drink and hug first:)

Hope your week is going well. I've been a crazy lady preparing for an upcoming vacation with a still sick hubby:(  Hoping he has turned the corner today, fingers crossed.

XOXO

Aubrey

Five Things

I took a break from this weekly post, but I'm back today:)  While I've been posting more lately I didn't feel like I had anything to share for this. Well, I do now!

Snack Time

I had to bring a snack for Lauren's play group and a friend shared a little butterfly idea with me.  I changed it up a little but couldn't believe how easy it was.

*Pipe cleaners (cut in half)

*clothes pins (smiley face optional)

*snack size baggies

*cheddar and cupcake Goldfish (You could do mini crackers and cheese too)

Scrub-a-dub

With summer fast approaching I wanted to find a body wash that was also a scrub to wash away the winter skin.  Softsoap's coconut scrub is fabulous.  Not too harsh, not to smelly, and drug store prices are nice too.

(Mark, so sorry to stray from P&G.  I tried:) )

Call Me, Maybe

I'm gonna apologize first for getting this song it stuck in your head.  It's been in my head for a good week (thanks, Joc).  In my head so much I'm lying in bed and humming it.  Best part, toddlers love songs on repeat and so do I.  Yep, we've listened to this about 25 times in the last two days.

 

Lauren's Style


I think I need to start a little fashion blog for her.  This is what she comes up with on her own.  No help from me.

This is what I helped with for school this morning.  

Lauren was in new clothes as soon as we got home, taking 15 minutes to get something new on.  I would have taken a picture but we had an accident.  If I help for a particular reason...play clothes or certain outfit for school, she changes as soon as said activity is over.  

Fast forward ten years and we'll be waiting in the car for her after lord knows how many outfit changes.

Brie and Brisket Quesadillas

On the menu for this weekend.  Don't these look tasty?  Not sure I"ll tackle the mango chutney, store bought may be the route we go. Check the recipe out here!  After we make it I'll post a mini review in the comment section.

XOXO

Aubrey

William's Room: DIY Shell Art

I did a little DIY'ing last weekend too.  This project was unbelievably EASY.

I picked up several RIBBA frames from IKEA for the display wall I want to create in William's room.   I debated using a shadow box type frame but liked the idea of having the shells exposed.

After removing the glass, I cut scrapbook paper to fit and glued to the cardboard that came with the frame.  Then positioned my shells and hot glued.

 How's that for a tutorial?  Start to finish...10 minutes.
When the display wall is complete I may spray paint the frame.

In this picture the oranges aren't meshing, but it works.  Things are moving!  The rug arrived and I want to try and pick a paint color this week.

XOXO


Aubrey

Weekend Roundup

The weekend started early and ended yesterday.  Full of fun for the kids but some mom time too, of course.

We started Friday morning with a trip to Domino Farms.  It was a gorgeous day so we included a picnic lunch too.

Lauren LOVES her friends Tristan and Tinsley, I have started to joke that she wants to be a part of their family...case and point.

We ended our friday with some singing, dancing, and CHASING.  

The Merry Music Maker put on a great show but William wanted nothing to do with the show or sitting with me. 

If you're happy and you know it...find the janitor's broom.  Anything and everything that isn't for tots, William wants.

Lauren was ready to run around halfway through as well, but I somehow managed this.  Too bad she is a little blurry.

Saturday night we were a family of five.  We babysat Tyler who was visiting from California while his parents went to a wedding.  He was so good, an absolute delight to have.  Easy going and laid back.  Our kids are CRAZY compared to him.

We were waiting for Kristi to return and Lauren kept saying "I've got my guys."  So cute!

If you're still with me...I know this is long:)

Mother's Day was awesome, one of my favorites.  

Nana hosted dinner at her house.  My mom and brothers were included and Lauren got to visit with most of her cousin's.  (Which she said was her favorite part of the day)

Nana orders Chicken Shack and calls it a day.  You help yourself and find a chair.  I do love the fuss that goes into a nice home cooked meal and a beautifully set table, but sometimes simple is welcomed just as much.  It was an afternoon where everyone was enjoying themselves.  I was lucky enough to be able to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine.

 

Thanks for a great Mother's Day, Nana!

  

To get in one more fix with our 
California friends we did an early dinner last night.


Great to see you guys and safe travels to 

Nashville!

We were back to our routine today after a week off school, next week is her last week!  I can't believe summer is here!

XOXO

Aubrey

Because I'm the Mom and I said So!

Words I heard all too often growing up when I asked "why."  I would roll my eyes at all the phrases my mother would use, mostly reasons for why she said "no."  There is no blueprint for motherhood, no four year degree.  High school prepares you for college and college for your career.  But motherhood, where was that class?  

We have our parents, friends, and own upbringing to guide us.  But we are the boss, fast tracked from entry level to CEO from the very moment our babies are laid into your arms.  People often say it takes six months to a year to really feel comfortable in a new job, and surprisingly the same has applied to becoming a mother of two.  I've grown more this past year as a mother to both William and Lauren then I ever would have thought.

Through meltdowns and tantrums, colds and sleepless nights, adventures and everyday, laughter and tears...I couldn't have done it without every other mom I know.  

It takes a village!

To ALL my mama friends...I'm so lucky to have you not only as friends but as mothers I can look up to, discuss worries, celebrate victories and when all else fails, vent!  You are all raising beautiful children, and doing it with such poise!   

To Robin...Billy is the amazing dad he is because of you, I'm thankful for him everyday.  We often talk about wanting to parent as you and Bill did because whatever you did...you did it right three times!  Thank you for everything you do for us and our children!

To Mom...I never know where to begin on Mother's Day.  You were and are an amazing mother.  Someone with awe-inspiring patience, a listening ear that has never grown tired, who almost never complains, and a mother that still puts her children before herself.  I love you and hope that my kids will see me like I see you someday.

(This continues to be one of my favorite pics of us)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Put your feet up and cheers yourself...why?  

Because YOUR the mom, and I said so:)

XOXO

Aubrey

Trader Joe's: Hits and Misses

I love when my friend's send me a new recipe or insisting on getting a copy of tasty dish someone served.  But sometimes it's nice to know what their new favorite is at Trader Joe's...or anywhere, really.

Trader Joe's is a three minute drive from our house and a 15 minute walk.  I hate to admit this but I'm there at least once a week and it seems the last month or so I'm finding myself there two or three times a week.  I'm just waiting for someone to call me by name or offer me a job.  What makes it even easier is that the kids are so good there...free samples, finding TJ the Tiger (your local Trader probably has another animal), and free stickers.

I thought I'd share some of our latest hits and misses that we've found.

The Misses

Arancini Bites - GROSS!  A rice ball with a doll-up of fontina cheese in the center.  The kids wouldn't eat them and while I do have my opinions on my favorite foods, I'll eat just about anything.  Even I spit them out.  

The So-so

Raspberry Lemonade Sparkling Water - This is my go to drink when I want something sweet without the calories or sodium.  I love the brand La Croix, and it's still my favorite.  You may think that they are all the same and I know some people just aren't fans, but these were just ok.  

The Hits

Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus - very tasty, not too spicy but great for snacking.

Falafel - In the frozen section and great for a last minute dinner or even lunch.  I like to always have pita and hummus on hand and this is something I can easily now add to make it a meal.  Lauren wouldn't try it, so maybe not for the kids.

Revelation Chardonnay - This is the piece de resistance.  Normally $6.99, but it's being featured for $4.99.  It's really light and not oakey because it's a french chardonnay vs. California.  Even if you don't like Chardonnay give this a try, I wasn't a fan before this either.

If you are as obsessed with Trader Joe's as I am, have you found any new favorites lately?

Or what is always in your cart?  

A Crawford standby -- Edamame Hummus.  It's always in our fridge, the kids love it too!

XOXO

Aubrey

William's Room Inspiration

I'm finally getting around to starting William's room.  For almost the first year he was sharing a room with his sister but for the past few months has been in his own room with only a dresser and crib.  I decided to create this mood board to help give me a little direction and light a fire to get me going!

1.  This little canvas was a baby gift and started the inspiration for the entire room.  As soon as I opened the package my wheels started spinning.


2.  Color Scheme:  Grey, Orange and Blue
While orange and blue sparked the theme of the room, I think grey will add a modern touch and also less of a baby feel to the room.


3.  Fabric
This seems to be the hardest part for me and what has kept me from really starting.  There are a million paint colors to choose from, but only so much fabric that will work.

I'm not going to do new crib bedding when William could very well transition to a toddler bed before he is two, but I want to add more color through fabric to the room.  

Decorating a boy's room is much more challenging (to me) then a girls' room.  I'm not really into the themed decor.  Right now I'm liking this, this, or this all from Annette Tatum.  They are all cute and would coordinate well, I'm just not sure how I want to use the fabric.  Curtains?  Pillows?  

4.  Paint Color

I keep coming back to grey walls.  All the furniture is white and I think a light grey wall will be a fresh look for the room.

5.  Repurpose an old chair

All of the furniture is white and the only new piece we are planning to add is a chair. Possibly reupholstering or painting a craigslist find.

6.  Rug

The entire upstairs is hardwood floors so a rug is a must.  At first I was drawn to a chevron print after seeing it in other nurseries, and while I still like it, I'm on the fence.  With some of the little touches I want to add a sisal or sea grass rug seems more fitting and would add some texture to the space too.


7.  Display Art
I love our gallery wall in the bedroom and wanted to add something similar to William's room but with more art and color.  This wall is my inspiration!  I have already picked up some frames at IKEA and have a few ideas that I can't wait to get started on.  
I found this ABC sign, and hope to use some shells that we brought back from our trip to Marco Island.


So now that I've shared my mood board (which was super easy to create, BTW) I'm going to get a timeline going and get this project started.


This time I've got before pictures....

Little helper:)

XOXO


Aubrey

Free Comic Book Day

Today is not just Cinco de Mayo or the Kentucky Derby, it's free comic book day!  So while you may be deciding between margarita's or mint julep's, stop and pick up some freebies!  Look how happy they are when we mentioned the word FREE!

It was a big deal for Billy to take the kids today, usually mom sits these trips out but today we must document. 

Forget the free stuff, I'm thrilled we got one last wear out of his Halloween costume:)

Superhero in training...

Happy Free Comic Book Day, Derby Day, and Cinco de Mayo!

XOXO

Aubrey