A Good Day All Together

Doug's parents were so sweet to have the kids spend the night last night. The kids were so ready to go with them, they almost forgot to tell us "bye". LOL!  What do we do, while they are gone?  {Hmm}

We haven't seen Whitney in several weeks and I've heard that she's really gotten big, so we decided to go visit her and Zayne. She's at the nesting stage. Bless her heart. She wants so much done, but can only do so much. Her mom, Maryann, has been coming over and helping her get the nursery ready. I think they did such a good job painting and decorating. I took my camera, but it's a small room and Whitney was tired. So, no pictures to show you. I will tell you that they painted in block style on the wall with a shade of green (I would say close to a sage color), a coffee brown and ivory colors. Beings that her nursery theme will be jungle, it is precious. She is so excited about her baby shower tomorrow. She told me, they will get all the last minute stuff soon after the shower and then they should be ready for baby.  She wanted to get her suitcase packed, but she only got as far as getting the suitcase out of the closet. Poor thing, she is all baby and so darn cute. Us girls spent most of our visit comparing pregnancy notes and experiences. I made sure and told her to keep my number close by, for her to call me when things get crazy. She promised me that she would. Oh, how I remember those days (best forgotten).

I'm set on go tomorrow for the baby shower. Whitney requested to have one of her favorites at the shower, Spinach Dip. HERE  is my Spinach Dip recipe, if you ever need a good one.  I've had great reviews on this dip, so I hope you enjoy it.  Normally, I cut out the center of a round King's Hawaiian bread and set a small soup bowl down inside the loaf.  I cut up the pieces of bread and set around the cut out loaf for dipping.  I also offer a large bowl of Scoops chips beside the dip.  It is soo good.  We needed some more centerpieces for the guest tables, so I decorated my gift to Zayne and Whitney's baby into a centerpiece.  I just spoke to Maryann and I believe everything is coming together nicely.  Please stay tune for LOTS of photos from the baby shower of the year. . . 

This morning, Doug announced to me "we are going to Birmingham."  Well, I always love it when get to go off because I get to visit places that I haven't visited in quite some time.  If you remember, Susan and Leslie were telling me about their visit to "Garden Ridge" at Grant's Mill Station.  Doug was so sweet to take me there today.  I was one happy woman.  As you know, I'll be hosting Thanksgiving this year and I had a few ideas for decorating.  Well, I needed a few things to accomplish these decorating ideas.  Nope, I'm not going to tell right now.  You'll have to just wait.  {wink, wink}  Y'all this place is awesome.  They have a little bit of everything from seasonal decorating items, ceramic decor, outdoor living, furniture, linens, wall decor, kitchen, party items and much much more.  They have a lot of unique items as well, which is what I loved.  The prices were very reasonable and they also had several areas 50% off the sticker price.  WONDERFUL!  Their wooden arbors were on sale for $40, real nice.  I needed Living Room pillows for our sofa and loveseat.  I purchased 4 real nicely made pillows for $9.99 each.  I was tempted to get a couple of the extra large floor pillows for the kids.  They love to lay and play on pillows in the floor.  I really liked this place and hope to have to opportunity to go back again. 

Before heading home, we stopped off at one of our favorite restaurants, "The Cheesecake Factory" for lunch.  YUM!  Doug and I split a juicy cheeseburger, so we both could enjoy a delicious cheesecake.  Doug ordered the Red Velvet Cheesecake, while I had the new Chocolate Bar Cheesecake (actually it's made of Hershey's chocolate).  Unfortunately, we couldn't finish our cheesecakes, so we brought them home for later.  Oh, I was such a happy Bama mama when I found a script "A" cookie cutter at the Campus Spirit's shop.  Now, I can serve delicious Bama cookies to our guests during this season's football parties.  YAY!!  I'm just having a good day all together.  Can't you tell?  LOL! 

We were not shopping around inside Sam's Club for very long before I found the new Better Homes and Garden's special "Trick or Treat" edition magazine.  I knew that The Celebration Shoppe was featured in the magazine because Kim wrote about it in her blog.  She does such great work and enjoy the free printables, she shares with her readers.  Right off the bat, I picked up the magazine and began looking through it.  I also noticed Martha Stewart has her 2011 Halloween edition out as well.  I enjoy looking through these magazines and getting creative ideas.  While I was thumbing through "Martha Stewart's Halloween", a lady walked up beside me and also grabbed Martha.  We got to talking and I mentioned the feature in the BHG of The Celebration Shoppe.  She seemed interested, so I flipped over to Kim's pages.  I sold the lady and she took a copy with her.  LOL!  Doug asked me if I get commission for selling the magazine for The Celebration Shoppe.  The sweet lady is an Avon manager and she host several parties.  I told her that she might get lots of neat ideas and free printables from The Celebration Shoppe for her business.  She thanked me and assured me that she would be checking it out.  I did purchase Martha Stewarts Halloween and I can't wait to check it out. 

Happy 6th Birthday Baby Girl!

Happy 6th Birthday

Katie!

As you know, Katie hosted a slumber party last night as part of her birthday.  I have no clue as to what time the girls FINALLY went to sleep.  I heard the clock chime, announcing that it was officially 1:00 am.  Yes, in the morning!  I could still hear the girls laughing and talking and I didn't hear anymore clocks going off again after that, so I must have passed out soon after. 

This morning, Doug and I began stirring around 8:00 am.  After I got my shower, I couldn't believe my ears.  I heard the girls talking and giggling.  I just knew they would hang in there until 10:00 am.  I got the breakfast food out on the table, but the girls were not all that hungry until a little later.  Doug shamed me on the breakfast selection.  He expected me to scrabble eggs, cook some bacon, the whole nine yards.  He doesn't know girls too well.  Boys may eat this early in the morning, but not necessarily little silly giggly girls.  I set out cereal, two types of donuts, and strawberry pop tarts.  Doug made some bacon and set out on the table, but I don't think any of the girls touched it.  It wasn't long, the girls' mamas began showing up and heading home.  Out of all the stuff the little girls brought, we only lost "J's" hair bow.  We looked and looked, it's like it just disappeared in thin air.  I've still got my eyes open for it. 

Beings today is the special birthday for Katie, Doug and I spent most of the day with our first born.  As Katie would call it . . . Today was "the day of Katie."  We headed to the FunZone, in hopes to drive Go Carts, but their double carts were out of commission.   Katie being her worried self, asked "what do we do now?"  We stopped by the movie theater to see what would be on today.  We got to see "Cars 2" in 3D and I think it was worth the money.  It was pretty funny and Katie really liked it.  She enjoyed doing a little shopping with us.  One of our locally owned shop, Monograms Plus, had a lot of Hello Kitty products in their clearance room.  Katie and I had fun looking through the stuff.  You would have thought she won the lottery, her hands digging inside the boxes of Hello Kitty stuff.  I ended up getting her for a couple of dollars each, HK necklace, HK ice popicle molds, HK impression rubber ice cube tray, HK bath softeners, and HK sports bottle.  As we were checking out, Katie picked out a Vera Bradley suitcase on wheels.  It was pretty and BIG.  She told her daddy that she really wanted it because it could carry all of her stuff.  LOL!  He asked me how much it would cost.  Well, knowing VB and I noticed the teflon tag on the baggage, I knew it was going to expensive.  I thinking maybe a couple hundred.  Nope.  Doug looked at the price tag and had Katie put it back.  HAHA!  I had to know and he told me $300.  LOL!  Baby girl's got taste.  Very. expensive. taste.  To end the day, we did a little furniture shopping.  Our magazine rack acts like it's about to fall apart.  It's so bad, Colton likes to sit on the top and rock it back and forth.  Guess what?  We got a new magazine/side table and Colton's not allowed to sit on the top of it.  PERIOD.  We needed a chest in Colton's room and I think we got a fairly good deal on one.  I was so excited that I ended up with two empty drawers.  YAY!

To end the night, Katie, Colton and I went through the things she got for her birthday.  I think Doug and I got most of the clothes for her.  The other two outfits, she tried on to make sure that they fit.  They looked so sweet on her.  She received two board games from my mom and dad.  You have to understand that Katie's not a good sport when it comes to playing games of any kind.  Doug blames me for letting her won most of the time, when we play games.  My intensions were that I had hoped that it would instill confidence in her.  I guess I was wrong.  Well, she wanted to play her new "Operation" and "Sorry" games tonight.  She got a little mad at me and wanted to cheat a little, but it wasn't too terrible.  We even did one of the crafts, she received, together.  Allison - she loved the sticky mosiac!  I will have to get her more of these.  I never knew they existed, FUN.  She's already got us making bracelets tomorrow.  HAHA! 

I would say that Katie had a superb birthday. 

Our Day Trip 2011

Doug and I searched the internet, talked about the past vacation spots and decided to stay close to home. We've been wanting to take Katie to the McWane Center for quite some time.

So . . .

We finally made it to McWane Science Center with Katie and Colton.  They had a blast! It's a total of 4 stories high.  Filled with fun, laughs and educational experiences.  The lower level is the aquarium, which includes a petting pool.  Katie couldn't contain herself when she got to touch a bonnethead shark and a stringray. 

I had to take a picture of Katie sticking her head inside this Large Mouth Bass.  Too funny!

Level 1
You can make very large bubbles, all sorts of science experiments, gift shop and art studio.  Katie and Colton loved playing in the playground, which included pretend play in a large plastic submarine, planting a garden, make music.  Colton's favorite was playing in the water.

I'm lying on a bed of nails.  Check out Katie touching the nails.

A pully system, where the kids can pull themselves up.

Colton and Katie really like the pully too.  Of course, I had to help Colton pull himself up. 

I just knew a time or two that Colton would end up inside the water thing.

Level 2

We got to see dinosaur bones and the kids liked digging in the pit.  Colton is a dinosaur fan, so when he saw the exhibit, he wanted to touch them in the worst way.  They had a mock weather studio with radar screens, green background and everything.  Katie liked playing the virtual games with a small group of kids. 

Virtual soccer

Level 3

There goes Katie

Colton spinning the earth's waters

I believe the zip line was on the third floor.  Katie said the long line to the zip line was well worth the wait.  After the zip line, we went through a large maze.  I had Katie lead the way.  Oh my goodness.  She was so lost.  As soon as we discovered that we just made a circle, Katie said "oh, I know which way to go".  It was fun. 
Despite the building full of people, it was so worth the money and time.  As we were leaving the building, Doug asked Katie which museum did she like the best - Earlyworks or McWane Science Center?  Earlyworks still holds her heart by far. 

Our little day trip wasn't over, we head over to Leeds, Alabama.  Doug wanted to go to Bass Pro Shop.  I hardly ever buy anything there, but I enjoy walking around and looking at everything.  However, this time I bought Colton a pair of camo overalls for this Fall/Winter.  He is going to look so cute, I can't wait to try them on him.  I wanted to get him a hat and hunting boots to match, but he didn't like the hat and they didn't have boots to fit his feet.  Daggum it! 

Lastly, we spent the rest of our day at The Shops of Grand River.  Oh, I love this place!  I don't know when I'll have the next opportunity to get over here, so I took this chance to do a little school clothes shopping for Katie.  Wow!  We hit this place at a great time.  The Children's Place had t-shirts for $6 and Katie picked out a couple of headbands for $.99.  But Gymboree was the hot spot.  I still can't believe that they didn't have a crowd of people in there.  There were several bins full of clothes, all sizes for $.99 and up.  I hit the jackpot!  I got Colton and Katie lots of Fall outfits.  Katie hates long sleeves, so I didn't get too many.  Besides, it's a long time before it gets real cold here.  Carter's didn't have very many Fall outfits on sale yet, but the clerk told me to wait another month or two.  I may have to take a special trip. 

Before I end this post, I have to share this video. Guess what they are advertising? Too funny! This commercial was shared with us by a friend.


Y'all have a wonderful 4th of July!

April Fools

I know this post is a day late, but had to post it. As you know yesterday was April Fool's Day. Were you able to trick anyone? Well I was lucky, I got two in a row. I must be getting good at this whole lying thing. NOT!!!! Early in the mornings, I always have a challenge trying to get Katie out of bed and ready for school. Not yesterday. I went in her room like always, turned on the light. I told her that I just saw the Easter bunny outside her bedroom window. If she wanted to see him, she had better get up and look. HAHA! Of course, I had to explain April Fools to her. I told her that was the only day she could tell fibs, but she had to say "April Fools!" In order for it to count. She liked that idea. So we got our little heads together to come up with a really good April Fools for daddy. For the past couple months, we've been trying to get rid of another armadillo that visits our yard every now and then. I had the perfect plan. As soon as Doug got out of the bathroom, I told him that the armadillo was in our front yard. It didn't take too long before here he came down the hallway with his pellet gun. He was ready. He asked me where it was and to let him know if it runs. "It's still there right by my bushes," I told him. I just knew Katie was going to give us away with her sneakering. Nope, he was falling for our April Fools. All three of us (Katie, Colton and myself) were looking out the window, smiling or giggling, waiting for Doug to look at us. When he couldn't find the pest, he looked at us in the window. Katie and I both hollered out "APRIL FOOLS DAD!!" It was rich to see his face. He had fallen for our trick. He even told us that was a good one because he had forgot about April Fools Day.

Since we didn't have family night last night, we decided to have family day today. Katie needed new dress shoes and I had to punish myself once again, trying to find that dress for Easter and Decoration Day. I loath trying on dresses or should I say trying to find a dress that covers up all my parts that doesn't need to be showing. Yeah. Katie announced that she would like to go to the mall. I have to say that she did fairly well with me looking for dresses. I did find two that didn't look too grotesque on me. This may be the first year, I've ever worn lavender for Easter. Just when I've given up on Katie's shoes, we walked by Stride Rite. Doug told me to go and see what they might have available.  They were having a sale that when you buy the first pair, you get the second pair for half off. Katie is a bit of a shoe hound and can wear a pair out in nothing flat, I thought I would check it out. Well, I found the perfect pair of white dress shoes in her size and she fell in love with a pair of funky pink shoes that reminded me of the Twinkle Toes. They had hearts, peace signs and most importantly, they lit up. Of course, you have to have the charms to hang all over them. She picked out two pink kitty cat charms. I couldn't believe that she wears a size 11 already. The sales clerk said she had plenty of room to grow in the shoes. By the end of the day, we were dragging. Katie didn't want to stop shopping, but we were all exhausted.   On the way home, we stopped at Target, grabbed a snack and headed home. 

By the way, I'm working on a new craft for the Easter holiday.  Stay posted.  :)

Mommy, Daughter Conversations Are Priceless!

A Mother, Daughter Conversation On A School Day
I had to write down this conversation I had with Katie. Please keep in mind that she's only 5 years old and not 15. Saying that, I'm sure it will be a glimpse as what we will be dealing with in the next 10 years. LOL!

Me: (Knowing that Katie loves to watch, "Disney's The Suite Life On Deck") Katie, did you know that Zach and Cody have a special coming out in March?

Katie: Yeah, I want to see it when it finally comes out. Mom, who is the cutest? Zach or Cody?

Me: I don't know. Which one do you like?

Katie: (giggles and grinnin' from ear to ear) Cody. {hehe}

Me: Why do you like Cody the best?

Katie: I just do. He is so funny.

Me: Is he the smart one or silly one.

Katie: He's real smart, but funny. Mom, do you like Bailey? I think she is beautiful. Did you know that Colton like London the best?

Me: He does? Why does he like her the best?

Katie: It's because she dresses up in really pretty outfits.

This conversation about the show lasted until we got to school.


One of my nieces and her husband are expecting a baby in October. They just found out, so they really need your prayers.

Anyway, I told Katie but she really wasn't paying attention. I had to get a few things at the grocery store and I mentioned it again. This time, I had her full attention. Her eyes got all big and her mouth fell open. She loves her cousin, Whitney, and she loved the idea of them having a baby. Unfortunately, she wanted the baby to come like the next day. I told her that we had to wait and I reminded her about when I was expecting Colton. Then, the question came out of her mouth. "How many babies is she having?" I asked her how many she thinks that she should have. I think she should have two babies, she answered. Shocked, I asked her if she wanted Whitney to have twins. "Yeah" she agreed with big eyes. Later, she asked me if she was going to have a boy or girl. I told her that we didn't know right now. Well, it really bothered her not knowing what the baby's sex or name was going to be. These questions lasted the rest of the night. I asked her what she thought Whitney should have. "I think she should have a boy and a girl. But mom, what will Whitney name them?" she asked. I told her that we don't know. At bathtime, she asked again about the names. I told her that I thought it would be a good idea if she gave Whitney some suggestions. "I think they should have names that rhyme." she said. After much thought she came up with Lonna and Logan. At bedtime, I got her all tucked in bed, read our nightly story, said our prayers, kisses and lights out. It wasn't 5 minutes before I heard her door shut. "What are you doing out of bed young lady?" I asked. She comes straight to me and whispers in my ear. "Mom, I like the name Lonna, but I think I've changed my mind. I think she should name the girl Charlotte." she said, turned around and went back to bed.

Today, Whitney and Zayne came by and visited for awhile. Bless her heart, she's been so sick. I told them the story about the twins, Charlotte and Logan. They both had a good chuckle, Katie right there beside us listening. I know Whitney appreciated the suggestions and enjoyed the story. Personally, I think Whitney is only focused on getting the next few weeks past her. The other day, she had to go to the hospital because she became very dehydrated.  They went ahead and did an ultrasound.  They only saw one heart beat, but you can't tell Katie that because she wants twins.  LOL!  Whitney is approximately 6 1/2 weeks and the baby seems to be doing just fine.  We are all so excited for them!  I love babies, I'm just glad it's not me.  LOL! 

Prayer Request
Mom's got her back surgery scheduled for Thursday morning.  They are going to go ahead and load her up with probotic meds and take all precautions necessary to avoid the mishaps that happened last time.  NIGHTMARE!   They are going to give mom the option to stay overnight, after the surgery.  But if she is feeling fine and is up and walking around, she could go home if she wanted.  She's getting around good right now, but she is  experiencing some discomfort.  Nothing like it was before.  Before, she couldn't get out of bed.  Right now, she has her good days and bad, but she is able to walk. 

Of course, please remember Whitney and Zayne.  I've already told them that I expect to be on the babysitting list.  LOL!  I have a feeling they won't have a problem finding a babysitter.  

Shopping Day
Thursday, Colton and I stayed the day with mom and dad.  I helped do a little cleaning and visited.  Dad was so nice to fix us pizza for lunch. 

Friday, Doug, Colton and I spent most of the day cleaning out the flower beds, trimming trees/shrubs, lime and fertilize our lawn.  I haven't trimmed back our shrubs in probably 3 years, so they really needed it.  We still have lots more work to do, but we got a good start.  That night, I had to take Tylenol PM because I was so stiff and sore. 

So as a reward for all the work we did, we all went SHOPPING!  Millard and Peggy wanted to check out the new outlet centers in Leeds.  It was a nice day trip.  Katie and Colton were actually a lot of fun shopping with for the first time.  I guess it's because they are getting older.  We didn't stay very long.  In fact, we didn't get to see every shop because Peggy and I were wore completely out.  We really just went to the childrens' shops and toy stores.  I got some good bargains from "Carters" and "OshKosh B'gosh".  The kids, especially Colton, really needed some Spring/Summer clothes and shoes.  He feel in love with a pair of light-up sports ball tenny shoes.  He currently wears a size 6, but he doesn't have a whole lot of room left in them. I grabbed him a cute pair of flip-flops for the Summer.  Katie picked out a dress and a few t-shirts for school.  They have a type of 60/70s flair with lots of differents colors and big 60/70s flowers.  Katie was dying to buy SOMETHING.  I told her to just wait that I wanted to take her and grandma to a very special shop that I thought they would really like.  At the time, I couldn't remember the name.  Then, we saw it "The General Store". As soon as we entered, Katie's eyes lit up "oh, mom you were right.  I do like this place."  They have tons of stuffed animals of all kinds.  Ones that sing, dance, and are very unique.  Katie loved looking at all the dolls and especially the Disney character dolls and statues.  She probably would have stayed in this shop for HOURS, if I let her.  She found the Precious Moments vinyl dolls and feel in love.  They had a few on display that were dressed up as Disney Princesses.  She really LOVED Belle from "Beauty and The Beast", but momma couldn't see paying $50 for a doll.  Luckily, they had smaller dolls with smaller price tags.  I told her that she could have one of the smaller ones as an Easter present from dad and I.  That's all it took.  She picked out a pretty Precious Moments Cinderella doll, but she can't have it until Easter.  She hung on to her box with her special doll.  She let all of us know that it was her special doll and for us to take care of it.  "Watch my doll and don't hurt her" she'd say.  I've been looking for a Train Conductor's hat for Colton to wear during his birthday party.  I've seen them online, but I kind of want to make sure they fit his big head before I buy one.  Peggy and I have seen cute Train Conductor costumes.  I've thought about getting one of them because my kids LOVE to play dress.  I didn't find the hat.  Millard said he saw that Toys R Us sells them, so I need to call around.  We had such a good day and weather made it perfect.

Colton Story
I have to tell this one thing about Colton.  He will be two years old very soon and I can tell that he's changing.  Him hanging around Katie is so cute.  He LOVES his big sister.  He watches and does everything she does.  This can be a good or a bad thing, it depends on what she's teaching him.  He's at the point, when the television is on, he wants to tell you what he wants to watch.  If he doesn't like what's on, he'll hand you the remote control and points to the tv.  If he doesn't like what's on again, he'll holler and point to the remote.  This tells me to change the channel.  If he wants to watch what's on tv, he will try to take the remote out of your hand and put it on the table or he'll point.  It's funny until he because obnoxious when you have a show or program that you really want to watch and here he is hollering.  LOL! 

In the mornings, he likes to watch "Mickey Mouse Playhouse", but in the afternoon it's all about "The Suite Life On Deck" and for some reason he likes back to back shows of "Good Luck Charlie".  Neither one of these shows are cartoons.  I would think that a baby or small child would prefer a cartoon show over a real life show, but not Colt.  He likes to watch "America's Funniest Video" and I always have "Madeline" on standby, when I'm trying to get him to sleep.  He is one of a kind.  I've put on cartoons and he will throw a fit. 

Today, I let the kids stay outside and play.  They had too much fun because when it was time to go inside, Colton throw a HISSY fit.  Kevin and Maryann also came over visiting.  Kevin couldn't get over the fit he was throwing just because it was time to come inside.  Unfortunately, he throws these alot.  I try to get Colton's mind off on something else, but it takes a while and a good imagination on mommas part.  Today, I gave him gummies to eat and milk.  It worked! 

I Made The News Y'all!

We were in Best Buy looking at the Wii consoles because they were priced very reasonable - $169. I've always wanted a Wii system, I think they are so fun. While we were there, I guess we counted 3 or 4 different news medias waiting around with their cameras. Well, we made the news on Channel 48! After the news reporter makes her spill, the camera pans to the right. You'll see me and Doug reading the Wii boxes. I'm wearing a blue jacket and my hair is pulled back. LOL! When Doug told me later that we made the news, I didn't believe him until I saw it for myself.

I guess it's been five years since I've done a Black Friday. Peggy and Millard kept the kids for us over night, so we were up and ready by 4:00 this morning. The temperature was around 50 degrees when we left the house. By the time we got to the stores, it was 34 degrees. Can you say BRRRRR? You talk about freezing. It was raining and the wind made matters worse. Doug and I sort of knew what we were looking for when we headed out. We knew that it was going to be crazy, so we took our time. We got to Best Buy around 5:30 and I suppose the crowd thinned out by then because it wasn't that bad in the check out line.

We debated on going inside Walmart, but it wasn't that bad either. They had some GREAT DEALS on Blu-Ray movies. I got "Julie/Julia" in Blu-ray for $5; "The Backup Plan" for $10; "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" for $5. It wasn't a Blu-ray, but I got "17 Again" for $1.96. Doug got "Predator" in Blu-ray for $5. They had HDMI cable regular $35 for $10. I couldn't get over it. Taking our time because the Iron Bowl didn't start until 1:30, we got a LOT of Christmas gifts knocked-out. To top it all off after we finished shopping at Walmart, we didn't have to wait in line to checkout. AWESOME!

Martin's had a lot of their Bama stuff on sale. Their button up dress shirts for $21, plus $5 off at the register. I found some Tervis Tumbler mugs with handles for the loved ones that like to drink coffee. I think it makes a perfect gift.

We had enough time, when we got home, for me to take a short nap before the Bama game started. I have to say the first half of Bama vs. Auburn has been WOWing, I just it continues the rest of the game.

ROLL TIDE!

I hope you had just as much fun this Black Friday as we have had.

My Diva Performing and Great Deals

I've had Katie's dress-up boxes down from her closet for the past couple of days. She's had a ball, dressing up and modeling in front of her dad and I. Last night, she discovered her microphones, so she wanted to do a concert for Colton and myself this morning. What got me tickled was how Colton was playing with his microphone. I didn't get it on tape, but he was dancing with his mouth on top of the mic. You should have seen his eyes (shocked) when he accidentally pressed the button on the Little Mermaid mic. Too cute!

Quick Colton Story
I was so proud of him this morning. During our playtime, I handed him a small stuffed cow. He took it from my hand and put it in his F-P barn. I was shocked, but it's encouraging that he is paying attention to our playtime. He knew where that cow belonged. Also, he picked up one of his balls and put it in his ball pit. He is beginning to enjoy books more now. I'll catch him getting out one of his books and just look at the pictures. In the mornings, he'll sit and watch Sesame Street while eating his breakfast.

Diva's Ready For School
Doug and I have knocked out Diva's school supply list, except for the nap mat. The school has the soft cloth mats with pillows available to purchase for $25. The secretary said they haven't come in yet, but they are very nice with velcro closure. I don't have to purchase theirs, but I don't see why not especially for that price. I ordered her backpack from Mountain Sports the other day.  I think Katie will like her new mesh backpack, I just hope it won't swallow her up too much.  HAHA! I know little "C" had a backpack similar to this one, she could handle it somewhat and she was a first grader this past school year.   Hey, at least we know she'll grow into it.  Here's a picture of the backpack, we should get it sometime today.

We have our school Open House on Friday, August 6th.  Lord willing, we'll get our letter so we will know who Katie's teacher will be by that time.  HAHA!  The school secretary assured me that we should receive the letter with all the information by the last week of July.  Talk about waiting until the last minute because the first day of school is August 10th.  Oh well, I just like having my ducks in a row. 

I plan to take Katie school clothes shopping next week.  I guess, I shouldn't say "school clothes", but school shoes and anything she needs right now shopping.  LOL!  Her Summer clothes and sandals are still in good condition, so I don't think I'll be getting any new.  If I find a really good deal on Fall/Winter outfits, I might get them in the next size up.  I say this because I went overboard at the beginning of school last year and she ended up going up a size before she got to wear her Fall/Winter clothes.  Last school year, she jumped two sizes before the year was over.  Ugh!  So, I've learned my lesson and plan to either go up one size or wait until she has out grown her other outfits.

The Children's Place has a great deal right now on jeans and t-shirts.  Their jeans/pants are regular $16.50, but they are on sale for $10.  You can't get them that cheap at Walmart and they hold up very well.  The great thing about their jeans is they have the inside adjustable button sides, which is great for little waists, but long legs.  Long legs, but small waists has been our problem in the past and I love getting the adjustable inside buttoned pants. You've got to check it out.

If The Shoe Fits, Etc. is currently having a 50% off sale on all clearance shoes and sandals.  There are some really good deals.  It would be great, if you knew what size your little one would be next Spring and Summer. 

Lilly's Kids from Lillian Vernon has all of their Back to School items out ready to get your child personalized.  I love Lillian Vernon!  Being a pretty good customer, they have good quality stuff. 

Lenox is having a 12 Days of Christmas in July sale, going on right now.  In fact, today is day 2 out of the 12 days, so don't wait around too long.  There are some really pretty things in this sale that are very inexpensive.  Take advantage while you can. 

School Bus Cookies

Prep Time: 20 min.

Bake Time: 12- 15 min.
Decoration Time: 30 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes 24 bus cookies.
Recipe Courtesy of Bright Ideas

Ingredients
1 roll (18 oz.) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2/3 cup flour
3 cups prepared vanilla frosting
 ¼ cup prepared chocolate frosting
1 cup M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies
¼ cup M&M’S® Brand MINIS® Chocolate Candies
Yellow and green food coloring
Baking sheet
Spatula
2 resealable plastic bags
Microwave-safe bowl

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Knead the sugar cookie dough and flour until smooth. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a scant 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out the shapes, re-rolling the scraps if necessary. Then, use the spatula to transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
4. Tint 1/2 cup of the vanilla frosting green, place it into a resealable plastic bag, snip off a small corner, and set aside. Tint the remaining vanilla frosting yellow, and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 10-20 seconds, stirring every 5 seconds until the consistency of slightly whipped cream.
5. Spoon the heated frosting over the cookies one at a time—completely covering each one. You may have to scrape up excess frosting and reheat it to cover all the cookies. Let the frosting dry for about 30 minutes, then carefully remove the cookies from the rack and scrape any excess frosting from the edges.
6. Spoon the chocolate frosting into one of the resealable plastic bags. Snip a small hole from the corner and pipe frosting for decoration. Then, using the photo as a guide, add M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies. Finish by snipping a small hole from a corner of the plastic bag with the green frosting and piping on the names.

Tip:

•  To eliminate frosting from the recipe, just add 3 or 4 drops of yellow food coloring to the dough while kneading in the flour. Then, once the cookies have cooled, adhere the M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies to the cookies using dots of decorating frosting. Kids love to be involved. Many steps in this recipe are perfect for kids of all ages:
• Children as young as two can help with measuring and mixing ingredients. Filling measuring cups with the ingredients and kneading the dough can remind them of activities they already do on a day-to-day basis.
• Children who are older will love rolling out the dough. Of course, when it comes time to cut the cookies everyone can lend a hand.
• Remember, decorating is a personal expression. Everyone will love sharing their creations with family and friends.

Prayer Request
A high school friend and his wife have had trouble, like Doug and I, starting a family.  After trying and stressing, God heard their many prayers and blessed them with a little girl about 3 years ago.  Well, J told me how he and his wife would like to have one more child before they called it quits.  They were very happy to finally get pregnant again.  Unfortunately, J emailed everyone stating that their little boy "Grant Elijah" was born to heaven on July 10th.  I can't begin to imagine what they must be going through right now.  His facebook is flooded with regrets and supportive messages from his family and friends.  Please ask God to lift him and his family up in your prayers.  If he didn't live so far away, I'd give him a big ol' hug.  J is a man of God and his faith has kept him going, but he is still a man with pain in his heart. 

A family member is having a hard time dealing with their ailment.  The meds her doctor put her on is making her hallucinate, which is one of the many side-effects.  We just hope that he will change them because she said she can't take it anymore.