Introducing Ms. Tiggy Winkle!!

We have adopted a new member into our family...she is cute and prickly and curls into a ball. You may have enjoyed reading about some like her in your favorite childrens stories. Meet..........


Ms. Tiggy Winkle

ARRGH! Beck found the booty!

I was vacuuming the house today and spied Beck going in and out of my room. Something kept drawing him away from playing with his toys. "Hmmm..what is he doing?" I turned the corner and found this:




That boy and the dog were FEASTING on the Pirate Booty I left next to the computer.


Today Beck had on his anchor shirt...how perfect with keeping in tone of the event.

Happy Birthday Vara!!

Today our girl has turned THREE!!! We love.love.love her and think she is perfect for us.


She woke to a room full of balloons, had frenchtoast with blueberries and candles for breakfast, and some playtime and lunch with friends. Thank you for the gifts!!
After a good nap, we worked outside cutting branches and shrubs. Nothing like hard work on your birthday!
Nana and Papa came over after dinner with an IceCream cake and a gift of dress-up clothes. Vara was really into it...


Thank you to everyone for loving our girl!

Attention Knitters

Okay, so with three little ones, I find myself very tired at night. Most nights too tired to sew, to tired to read, etc.

This is not a "woe is me" post, just a quick preface to my admitting that....... I sit infront of the tube almost everynight!! Yes, I know, not the most productive activity. Therefore, I really need a new sitting hobby. I want to learn how to knit. Ive been thinking about it for months and am super ready to get started. I have done a little research and feel completley overwhelmed on where/how to start.

So, to all those who knit (and I know there are tons out there) please offer some pointers for me to get started.
Thank you, thank you!

Happy Birthday Beck!! (updated)

Our little Buddle is ONE!!!








We are so thankful for our little Beck! He is cuter than ever. Happy Birthday Buddle!

We had a fun day celebrating. While Reid was off with a friend, Vara and I took Beck for a long bike ride. We ended the day with a simple dinner and carrot cake with Nana and Papa.

Reid's First sleepover

Reid stayed at Titus' house last saturday. I was really excited about this milestone--first sleep over!! He did great and didnt ask to come home in the middle of the night or anything.

They started the afternoon with a pool party. Camped that night in a tent in the living room. Woke to morning cartoons and waffles.
Reid said his favorite part was sleeping in the tent.

I am thankful for such a great little friend for Reid.
(im just realizing I am posting again about Reid and Titus...)

rambles about Reid

Reid, Reid...getting too big. He loves the Blackburn boys and asks to go to their house about everyday. I think it might also be because Beth gives him Nutella(notice the smudge on his face?) :)

I love him. He is so sweet to Beck and loves to make him laugh. I heard them "talking" in the room this morning and it made my heart melt to think of their bond that is growing.
Yesterday, I was talking to him about boasting (something we are working on) and he listen intently as Vara chimed in to say, "Just pray to God..that He will change your heart. God died on the cross for your sins....buddy." (she's a little mama)
This afternoon, after the two younger ones were down for naps, Reid began packing for a trip. He broke up wood on a plate for fire, got the sprinkler for his gun, a butter knife(which I replaced with a wooden toy knife) for hunting, and had me cut some bread for his sandwich. He hugged me and told me he loved me. He was to be gone forever. I told him I will pray for his safety and that Id miss him so much. He closed his eyes and agreed.
After I went back to my room to put laundry away, he came in slowly and was excited to tell me about his trip. He said "Im baaack. It was GREAT! A big bear ate my sandwich and I killed him with a bomb. Mom, what's a bomb?"

I am glad to be able to jot this down so I will remember. Thanks for reading.

stuff

I found a new way to recylce Vara's old clothing. Some I give away and some I donate, but some I still want to see. So, I made an old shirt into a doll's dress. I plan on doing more when I have a chance.
In the first picture, I simply cut off the sides and sleeves to create an A line dress.
Then, sew together leaving a gap to sew in a sleeve on each side. I trimmed Vara's shirt sleeves down to size(length only) and gathered to fit into the doll's arm hole.
Last, attach the sleeves.
The shoulder of the shirt happened to make a perfect little bonnet, (no sewing required). There you have it!
**This is a horrible tutorial, but is posted upon request :)


Big boy, Big table..Here's Beck getting so big. He sometimes joins us at the table and gnaws on a carrot. He isn't eating solids yet, but likes this for teething. Also pictured is my new dining table. Ive always wanted and antique farm table and finally got one! I know, I know, earthly treasures..but I cant help myself! After spotting it on Craigslist, my Grandma was super generous (yet again) and got it for me. It was too good of a deal to pass up.


Reid and Vara love to hide and "scare" Mark when he comes home from work. This day they were sporting their new chef's outfits from Nana and Papa. Can you find Vara in the first picture? That's her usual hiding place.