Decorating for Christmas/Random photos from around the house

I have fallen in love with milk glass. I have a great source in town. I have more luck there than at goodwill or salvation army. I picked up each piece for no more than $2.00. They are versatile pieces. I have been known to use them to serve my hummus or guacamole in.

My table has seen better days. Years of family meals have taken it's toll on the poor thing. One of these days I am going to get up enough guts and paint it. I love all the diy blogs with info on furniture painting. Those folks are so brave!
I promised some seasonal pictures of what I do to the hutch to add festivity. So here you go. This is what I created this year.

Every year my husband buys me a snow globe and I display my collection in the hutch.

Last year The kids made those adorable felt gingerbread houses, pipe cleaner trees, and snowmen. They had there own space to be displayed.

Lost tooth

Payton lost his first tooth.

Paytie Soccer 2010

I decided not to order team picture and take them myself. This is the result

candy corn made into vampire teeth

fall pic of kids

ways I express my thankkfulness for you

To name a few
Give you extra long hugs
cook for you and make your favorites.
Listen to you (this is sometimes hard cause my mind is going at speed warp time, so I make a conscious effort to stay tuned in to you)
Drop by to see you.
Take the time to mail you
call you just because

Theres loads more but it's Thanksgiving day.

Lovin every minute of it!

weekend of rest

Payton had the flu this weekend. So we had lots of mommy and Paytie bonding time. We watched three movies, read 1 book, played two games of pick up stix, put together a huge dino puzzle, colored pictures for each other, and watched numerous shows. All is well now and he says he "feels like a new man".

made it

Ok, Chicago was dreamy. Got to go to Ikea as well as hit the kid spots. I bought an area rug for 13.99 and another one for 19.99. Saved some cha-ching there. Planning another trip soon, without the kiddo's. Right Deanna?
Sold some large kid items at the yard sale and made the paper flowers. Got to see them hanging in all their glory at the baptism. It's hard to call it a baby baptism it was more like a wedding reception. Holy cow it was beautiful. All in all I would say that I was able to maintain peace. Now it is time to rest my head so I am going to bed. Goodnight all!

fall break is not gonna break me

Heading to Legoland in Chicago with the kids and the Elizaldes tomorrow. Boys are so excited they can't sleep. Mom is so busy she can't sleep. Looking forward to my first fall break since the big switcharoo in occupations. I love working at the preschool. I miss the munchkins don't get me wrong. The plan is for them to come over on Friday and help me with the garage sale. I have to sell some kid gear. It is filling up the garage and basement. I also am making 20 or so giant flowers like the ones I had at Parkers birthday party for Miranda's babys dedication. Now that I take account of my to do list it doesn't feel like much of a break. We'll see how I feel after this weekend. I do believe it is possible to be at peace while I'm busy. But can I accomplish it. Hmmm I will keep you posted. Sounds like a challenge to me.

family pic

Went for a walk along the river. We stumbled upon an "art in the barn" show.

Kids went on a hayride, saw some naked people art, ran into Kyan (preschool student) and cousin who warned us about the naked people art (in case it was to much for

innocent children), hung out with our friends and ate fried chicken. Couldn't ask for

a better day.

the colts flag football team

Park is number 13. They certainly have inherited their fathers love of the game.

These photo's are taken by my friend Jeannine. She is getting pretty good!

We have a team of very talented players.

It has been very enjoyable to watch them play.

could be better

night not so good.
Thought it was going to be way better.
Is my family being targeted or what?

A touch to the Hutch

The before

Items needed,

1. Hutch

2. Handitak

3.scrapbook paper

4. kid free 30 minutes

Put a little tack on the corners.

Makes your pretties pop out a bit.




My hutch houses extra kitchen appliances on the bottum and my serving glasswear up top. Along with my addiction of Rachel Ray mags and cookbooks.

During the holidays I add small decorative items here and there. A few pumpkins in the fall and during Christmas I display my snow globe collection. I will post more when the time comes.

The after picture didn't turn out to bad.

I think it would look even better without the cookbooks but until I find a better place. This is where they rest.

dinner with Miranda

Cutie Theadora

Pete was trying to give himself bunny ears

John and Theadora

Miranda and Spiro



I am amazed at the people that God puts in my path. I feel so lucky to know so many amazing people that I can call MY FRIENDS. Here's one that we don't get to see very often. But when we do, we leave with huge smiles and a pain in our stomach from laughing so hard. (Even more laughs when my hubby is there. He is hilarious!)

summer 2010

knuckle sandwich anyone? Not as good as the spankin sandwich.
The night we spent at the baseball game.

My favorite boyscout in the world.

She loves her boys.

Best buds!

my babys going to kindergarten

wow what a tough morning.

Here's why: Can you see his face? The other kids hurried on the bus and Pete stopped and turned around like he thought to himself that I was going with him. It all hit him in that moment. He stalled for a bit then he turned and got on. I have been watching the clock ever since. I can't wait till he comes home. Parker was excited to see his friends and he knows his way around the school. I was excited for him. It's Pete right now, that I am worried about.

2010 family reunion

I kept trying to get them to flex but they didn't want to brag. Instead they wanted to kick it James dean style.
You saw it here first, spiderboy out of costume!

I was afraid we were all going to starve on this catch. Not very much meat on this one. He put up a nasty fight to.

Youngest there. Beautiful Olivia.

Lots of love going round. It would be nice to see you more than once a year but at least we have that. Love you grams.

county fair 2010

Park was ready for the big kid rides. He is so brave. I love that boy!

Winding down in Disney

A big huge thank you to Mike for the park tickets and discount.

perfect ending to a magical day!