halloween decorations & a banner

Usually I decorate for fall and not Halloween. This year though I thought I try something new. Paper and mod podge were definitely my friends. BFFs actually.

Remember the dirt cheap wooden, bird tray? Thanks to my trusty ole' spray paint and some mod podge it's transformed.

I framed a notecard that had a little Halloween lovin' going on.

I'm all for different heights when you are decorating.
I'm hoping to come home to some warm, banana nut bread on

this cake plate though.

Halloween banner. Since I only scored a few of these banner pieces I thought I'd double duty them. On the reverse side of this banner is one waiting to be decorated for Christmas. All I have to do is change the ribbons.

Thank you Dollar Tree for cheap, cheap frames. Scrapbook paper, stencils, and spray paint changed the whole look. Now all I have to do is change out the paper for the different Holidays...oh yeah, and come up with three-lettered words.

This little box was one of those cheap Christmas boxes that you use for cookies. The lid decided to disappear so I wrapped it in scrapbook paper and mod podged it. How many times do you think I've said mod podge? I'm shooting for a record here peps!

Recently I was talking about the beautiful, vintage music books my father-in-law gave me?

I used mod podge (yes, I'm addicted...do you see a pattern here?) and a simple tile. Simple stickers that spell out our last name and seasonal ribbon.

I love seeing other people's ideas. It really gets my juices going and sometimes...I just copy. Okay, most of the time. Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive. Use what you have and make the most of it.

move over nancy

Nancy, she is the queen. With her melotone voice, mom-do, and customized denim she teaches us to sew. I remember as a young girl seeing her on PBS on Saturday mornings and thinking....does it ever end? It was the worst thing evah! Well, Nancy has some competition now.

That's right ba-bay...momma finally got herself a sewing machine! Happy Birthday to me...2 months early! This is only a decision that I've been pouring over for months. I have no clue whatsoever so this should be quite interesting. My mom might be sick of me calling to ask what I need, is this alright, and what the hey? A couple of summers ago my mom tried to teach me and it seemed like such a pain in the...whoop, you know! So, here goes.

ps: if I start to wear button up silk blouses with coordinating tapered pants while video taping myself for a PBS show on how to cut quilting fabric....stop me.

sweet giveaway

Kasey at Lola B's has a great giveaway in honor of her 300th post. I am drooling over everything in her store. Go over and check her out! You'll be happy you did.

chalkboard plates

Obsessions can be a good thing. My obsession as of current is decorating for Halloween. I'm on a rampage and nobody can stop me. One can of chalkboard paint is taking over. I've been chalkboarding everything from clay pots, trays, picture frames, and now plates.

These 3 plates are above my shelves in my kitchen/dining area. I love them but am wanting to change my whole style. Unfortunately, my kitchen/dining/living area is all one big (okay....cozy) space so changing it out all at once is just not possible for me. I'm trying to live and be content with what I have without dwelling on the changes I want to make. Babysteps as Bob would say. I have been really blessed with hand-me-downs from my mom but even she says...get rid of it. Isn't it funny how you love something and the next minute you want to change it?

So, in decorating for fall/Halloween I needed to change up those plates. I thought some cute damask plates would have been adorable up there but wanted instant change. No patience for shopping here. I had 3 plates that I found up in my cupboards as I was cleaning them out so I chalkboarded those bad boys up. Chalkboarded...it's a noun, a verb, an adjective. You know, like mod podging, mod podged, that's mod podgey. Brakes on, enough of the English lesson. I thought it'd be cute during Holidays to write things on them....like Boo, Joy, and ummm...okay, that's all I got. 3 letter words for other Holidays?

I need to get some of those plate hangers that you can't see. Have y'all seen those? If not, check them out here. They would make a huge difference in these plates.

I might find these plates addicting. I will have a new appreciation for those 25 cents plates at yard sales now. Happy Halloween y'all!

filler blocks

Is it wrong that I steal blocks from my youngest? Yesterday I was decorating for Halloween and needed a filler for a vase. The iredescent marbles at the hobby store weren't calling my name. Black jelly beans were....but that meant a trip to the store and well, nobody wants to see me in my yoga pants with a paint stained shirt. This I promise you! So, off to the toys.

I spray painted 2 sides but since it's spray paint it got most of the block. The orange one in the background was an already painted toy block. Just roughed it up some.

Next, I cut some strips of scrapbook paper and mod podged the paper and 4 sides of the block.

Wrap it up. Easy and beyond peasy! I put a protective coating on because I have a feeling that the little one will want his "blocks" back.

I just used a flower vase I had on hand and added stickers to it, tied some ribbon around the vase, and added the blocks.

quick happy gift

Tristan is getting a new teacher. At first I was a little upset because we love (with a capital L) his current teacher. Every May at his school a letter comes out for you to choose next years teacher. You get 4 picks and are guaranteed one of them....usually it's one of your top 2 picks. Anyways, didn't mean to bore you with all that, our school is overflowing in K and in 5th grade so our school was allotted 2 new teachers. Why you say then is Tristan getting a new teacher since he is only in the 3rd grade? Well, his current teacher was a 5th grade teacher and one of the new teachers they hired was a 3rd grade teacher so they did a floparu. As much as we are saddened by losing Mrs. Peterson we know our new teacher, Mrs. Somers, is wonderful. She has children at the school and has been very involved.

What is a girl to do for a new teacher that is being thrown into a class after the school year has started and has my comedic, talkative, somewhat disruptive energetic child? Bribe...hello!?! This is my somewhat of a' peace offering. I love to shower the boy's teachers with little gifts throughout the year. Teaching is a hard job (or so I can imagine) and they certainly don't make enough money for all the work they do.

So, I took a 30 cent mini-notebook and cut out scrapbook paper. Glue the paper on the front and back. Next I took ribbon that has adhesive on the back and stuck that on the binding of the notebook. Sand the edges and ink them to make them look worn a bit. Embellish to your hearts content.

For the pen I just took scrapbook paper and cut it to cover the white part on the pen. Put a little Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the pen. Let dry and put a protective coating of Mod Podge on the paper. Again, embellish.

This was the easiest, cheapest project and you can use what you have on hand.

Make sure to thank all the teachers that have such a profound impact on our kids...and for my homeschooling friends...thank yourself! It doesn't have to cost a fortune to say "thanks!".

i wonder where he gets it?

The other day my ziploc stash had dwindled by quit a bit.

Today, I realized why.

Someone has taken over his momma's obsession to organize.

crafting mojo

I guess getting rain for 6 days straight gets your crafting mojo going. I've been lacking it big time lately. A Ballard catalog in the mail always gets a girl excited though. Does everyone else drool when it comes?

I recently bought a bunch of frames and have yet to decide what I want to do with all of them. I know I want to do some chalkboards, cork boards, and a tray but this dreary weather got me in gear without all the supplies I need.

Before:

After:

My father in law bought some music books at an estate sale that I hesistantly ripped a few sheets out of. They are so lovely. One was from the 40's and had a calendar tucked inside. I almost died! Don't you wonder what was going on in 1943 on December 16th? They smell old and bring my heart great joy. Maybe one day I'll put them to use and actually play the music.

For now though, I'm using them for decoration. This is a picture of my mom and 2 of her siblings. I love how the photo boasts of ripped edges and stained spots. It is irregularly perfect. The sheet music is a song from Bach that is in English and French. I am starting to think I've turned into an old soul.

(guess what I learned...this is not my mother but my father, his sister, and I'm guessing one of their cousins. oh well, you learn something new each day, ha!)

My other project was for Tanner's teacher's birthday. Since I can tend to procrastinate I thought I'd jump on it since her birthday is next week. She is young so I thought I do something a bit more funky. Remember those banner pieces I got for pennies? Well, I decided to part with one of them. I made the ribbon flower by just looping and stitching so it would stay secure.

We have puzzles galore in our house and pieces seem to walk away. I used the leftover pieces from our alphabet puzzle to create this plaque. I can't wait to show you what I'm doing with the base of the puzzle:)

the invite

I hope I don't bore you all with birthday party plans but this is what I'm doing these days. I can't help myself. I get so focused in on something and it becomes my life. Ridiculously loserish, I know.

So this year I decided to do my own invites. Do you ever see a vision in your head but you can't describe it? I have a wonderful gal who does all my stationery and invites but I knew I wouldn't be able to get out what I wanted. If you've never visited scrapblog before you will be sucked in...kinda like etsy. I wanted a color theme and this is pretty much it. For the party I will do some variations but I think it's pretty darn cute.

i'm going mad

It's officially birthday season here in our house! My mind gets to whirling and creativity brews. I love it. Of course, Tanner's birthday is not until November but one can never be too prepared.

First, you gotta come up with a theme. I'm not one for character stuff but we all know how kids can be. As of now, I don't ask Tanner what he wants his birthday to be like. I figure I've got plenty of time to hear of Transformers, Batman, and all things superhero. I just try to make it as magical as possible for him and he'll never know what he's missin'. I know...I'm a mean mom. Our theme this year is the letter T. I'm a monogramming fool so anything with an initial on it is just for me! Oh wait, this is not my party....or is it?!?!

Next, choose your colors. For us, it will be aquas, orange, red, and celedon/lime greens. Lurrrrve it. Oh the colors are devine.

Third...oh yeah, it'd be nice to know where you are doing it. 20+ kiddos in your house doesn't sound like fun to me. This year we are doing ours at the pumpkin patch. We'll have it all to ourselves so it will be great!

Now, get your shopping shoes on and shop, shop, shop. Or, if you are like me and are trying to stay on a budget (is that really possible for a birthday party?) get to creatin'. I made my invites on ScrapBlog to try and save some money. They turned out really cute. Will post those soon...I promise. I'm also going to make all the favors.

For food we are doing all things T. I'm going to have a taco bar and make a tortellini salad (Mexican style). We are also going to do a candy table. I know, parents are going to KILL me but hey, it's a party! We'll have Twizzlers, Twix, Tootsie Rolls, taffy, and toffee. I'm trying to find bottled drinks in my colors. I'm thinking those cute Izze drinks wrapped in some cute scrapbook paper with the letter T on them would be adorable. Unfortunately, those run about $4 for 4 of them. Since we are inviting about 30 kids and their parents and siblings...it's totally out of the question. I think that drink purchase would be my entire budget. If you have any ideas shoot them my way!!!!

Finally, I'm going to try my hand at making some paper pom poms. I've heard they will make you pull every last hair out but surely it can't be that bad. I just think they will be oh so cute hanging from the trees. (This may very well be a purchased product for me. Since they aren't very expensive it might just be worth my time..and sanity....to purchase them. If you've done them before give me your thoughts.)

Does anyone else get obsessive about your kid's birthdays?

pronto pups, funnel cakes, & cotton candy

It's fair time. I love the fair and expected to be entertained this year as we decided to give up our old faithful Mid-South Fair and venture to the burb's new fair. This is, I believe, the 3rd year we've had 2 different fairs to pick from here in Memphis.

Fairs are not the most classy but they do boast some fine eats. Tanner had his first ProntoPup and decided he didn't need the hot dog...he settled for the fried part covered in mustard. He is so my child! If you like fried foods you've got to get to a fair near you. Our arteries were clogged just looking at the food boards on the front of all the carts.

I was geared up to be entertained, like I said before, but was totally let down! Where were the toof-less carnies, the cutoffs, the mullets? Oh how I was let down. Seriously. We even went to the tractor pull to get some action and nothing. We did however see some beer branded bikinis for sale. Do girls really wear those?

Tanner decided he wanted to ride the ferris wheel. Momma was FREAKED.
Since we conquered the ferris wheel we thought we could ride anything. Do you see the terror?

Monkey ride...both were happy. And hooooootttt!


What is a fair without posing in the cheesy face cutout props?

or being locked in jail with a mouse as your guard?

All in all a very fun day but man, it was scorching hot! I still don't understand why the fair doesn't come later on in the year when it's cooler. I'm thinking the carnies like to get their tan nice and leathery while it's warm. Starting to wonder if that is a requirement on the fair job application.

my new spray paint

I have a new "spray paint". Spray paint has become an obsession of mine....along with modge podge, scrapbook paper, and fabric. I have turned into somewhat of an old soul lately and want to make everything. Be it my cheap self or my creative side...I'm learnin' to save while creating. I'm a trunk show lovah' but seriously, the prices make me want to scream.

A crafty friend of mine, Maribeth, taught me how to applique. I'm hooked! and then some! I can't believe I've been paying $26+ for appliqued t's. Now, I'm learning...perfectionism not required.

car tee...not finished yet though.

monkey see

Goooo Tar Heels!

Just gotta add the tar to the heel.

Halloween tee.

We have to scare everyone when wearing this

because it says "boo" and not his name.

It's a work in progress. An addiction to be tamed. I have a feeling I will be investing in some band-aids. I have some serious numbness in my thumbs from all the needlework.

I won, I really...really won!

My sweet bloggy friend, Beth at Raising Three Sons-Not a Bow Insight, gave me an award! She has boys too so I feel like we connect on being that "boy mom". She is such a sweet, godly woman who tells of real life and the emotions that go with it. Check her out!

Here are the rules of this award:

- This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming.

- These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.

- They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.

- Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

- Please give more attention to these writers.

- Deliver this award to other bloggers who must choose others to pass it on to and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

- I will pass this award to some of my bloggy friends that I find exceedingly charming...

Rachel over at A Little Bit Vintage.

Andy at Poppies at Play.

Maribeth at pigtails & pjs

kicking & screaming

Do you think you know your children and their personalities? Well, I did until we decided to play sports. Tristan has always been my artsy child....I totally gobble it up. One of his favorite things to do is cook. I dream of a cooking show (totally like Paula) where he calls me "momma" at 30 and comes in to kiss me right on the cheek. I do love my boys.

Tristan is 8 and has played sports in the past but they were never his "thing". No biggie. Well, this fall he decided he wanted to play flag football. Great, let's give it a try. Wouldn't you know...my artsy child is a true blue football guy. I love how my kid's prove me wrong.

Unfortunately, hubby's dreams to watch Tanner score the winning play in a State Championship may be a bit off. He was going to be our athletic guru. He's rough and tumble and loves to get dirty...well, not his hands but other than that we love getting filthy. We talked to Tanner about playing soccer and he was thrilled!!!

Our first soccer practice:

We've got our cleats...check.

Socks...check.

Here we are singing I love soccer:
(notice the rhythm in the hand motions)


all smiles


Until, we have to play. If you look to the right of the coach,
2 children over, that is Tanner.
Standing still, screaming his eyes out.
Oh wait, it does get better.
Unfortunately I didn't get the pictures of him
throwing his little ole self down on the ground and screaming.
Sometimes we even throw some dirt around.
It was great. I was one proud mom.

there's no santa?

Recently Tristan and I have been talking about salvation. It's been a really hard topic for me to try and explain to him. I've been praying for God to give me the right words but still, I can't seem to explain it on a 8 year old level. He is questioning everything. I embrace his thoughts and love that he is trying to find his answers in his time but it's hard for me to sit back while he says "God just couldn't be around forever....he had to have been created at some point.". I have explained to him that is where faith and His Word step in.

Becoming a Christian at a young age and not really knowing what I was doing, I want Tristan to accept Christ when God moves him. Not because he feels like he has to or because he is scared not to.

One of the greatest moments I hope to experience with my boys is watching them live for God. Having two boys is challenging at times. I try to live as Christ-like as possible and know that I'm not perfect. I hope they see how great a God we have. Over and over He heals all wounds and forgives when we surly don't deserve His forgiveness. I pray they are successful and happy but most of all...have God in their heart. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I am raising boys to be men. Hopefully men after God's own heart. What a great task our Savior has given me.

So, our last conversation was about faith. Me being beyond brilliant, tried to explain believing in things you can't see. My husband said air and brainiac here decided to use santa as a metaphor. Thinking that I had just belted out what would make his heart and brain click, Tristan broke out the "I think it's just parents that leave the presents out!". Whaaaat? So now, not only am I trying to explain salvation...I'm explaining why there is no santa. It's that time....my boy is growing up.

butt station

Everybody loves a good catalogue. Delivered right to your door are pages upon pages that bring a sparkle to your eye. A new blouse, a kitchen gadget you can't live without, toys galore....

or,

the butt station.

There is also the snuggle blanket.

What happens if you have to go to the

bathroom suddenly? A fire?

You always know the kids can find something they want.

Hmm, Batman scares me!

The Holidays are coming so what better

way than to decorate your computer screen!

Come on bloggy friends...

I expect at Christmas to hear about

all the garland that abounds while reading my blog!

Don't know what to get the man in your life?

How about some knit jean loungewear?

Really...should the words knit and jean

be able to describe any attire?

Oh, drawstring included!

Deer, they are cute. Bambie stole my heart long ago.

Somehow, I don't remember Bambie's legs being this long?

If you are an avid hunter you need,

yes...need, to showcase your hunt

on fine china. Deer china that is.

I think Spode has some competition.

After a long day of hunting you need to hang those

orange duds on your gun coat rack.

Don't forget to put a

coaster under your Natural Light.

You wouldn't want to ruin your side table.

And if ever you need to wrap a present,
what better way than to camouflage it!
I bet they'll never find the present....
you know you want to keep the butt station
for your very own.



And last but not least....
Fido.
How could we ever forget about
man's best friend!

I think my hubby and I giggled for an hour over our new found coffee table book. Thank you postal service for delivering 387 pages of laughter!