Crazy Craftin!

I have this crazy obsession with crafts...if I find one I like then I just have to do it! Well in my fun blog reading last night I found this great new blog, with a GREAT new idea that I just had to try!

First off you must head over and read Happy Together and see all her fun stuff!! The first, of what I am sure is going to be many projects from her blog that I gave a try was the Quilt Square Scarf. She has a great tutorial posted so you can get started on one of your own.

I went out right away and got some of the supplies that I didn't have on hand, not being a frequent seamstress and all. Once I had my supplies I was ready to go! I changed mine up a little from hers adding an additional square to each end, and using some fun fringe I found instead of the pom-poms. I LOVE how it turned out and can't wait to make some more!!

The Loot

Christmas is not about the gifts, we have tried to keep this in mind and teach our kids its about giving and not getting, but sometimes as a mom I like the getting!! I love both parts, the part where I get to give someone something they really wanted (even without them knowing!!) and the part where I get something I really wanted!! The kids got a lot of great things this year that they really wanted including some legos, Apples to Apples, doll clothes, and matchbox cars. In the end we got quite a loot!

For at least a year now the hubby and I have been talking about getting new appliances. We had some oven trouble so we went looking and then decided to wait. Well going from having a dishwasher to not has really been a killer lately!

So guess what??? My darling hubby got me one for Christmas!!! We don't usually do gifts for each other, but decided to this year and low and behold I got my dishwasher!!

This is the one I am getting:

Frigidaire Gallery 24" Built-In, in Stainless. This is the stainless that doesn't leave finger prints!! I love the look and am hoping to get the rest of the matching ones soon!!

What was your favorite gift to give or to get this holiday?

Tis the Season

This year in our family we have added A LOT of babies! I thought that opened up a great opportunity for some cute pics with some adorable coordinating shirts!! So of course I totally jumped on board and got started.

I wanted to make them somewhat matching, but still have some individual style. I decided that I would go with a tree for the girls, and festive ties for the boys.

These are the 2 girl variations.

And the boys!!

Here they are altogether...can't wait to get some great group shots tomorrow!!

Letters to Santa

Well we decided it was time to let the big man know what we wanted for Christmas and although we went and met with him, we wanted to be sure he remembered what we wanted!! I mean he is a busy guy! So here are this years letters to Santa:

Visit with Santa

Tonight was the all important trip to see the man in red....SANTA!! The kids were somewhat excited to go, but the excitement really hit once we arrived. They knew exactly what they were going to ask for and were really hoping they made the "nice" list!!

It was fun to hear them chat with Santa and tell them their wishes, it really brings out the magic of Christmas. The belief in jolly old elf who can bring you wishful joys on Christmas morning. The glow in their eyes and sweetness of their smiles!

I love the look on her face here...that sneaky, yet sweet look!

Jake and his joyful smile, can bring a smile to anyones face!!

Many wishes that they make the "nice" list and that all their Christmas morning wishes come true.

Hustle & Bustle

Oh the fun has truly begun!! The kids and I are officially on Christmas Break and the parties are starting!! We have many fun holiday celebrations planned with friends and family I can't wait to enjoy all the fun!!!

We are starting off tonight with some skating and fun with friends, a family party next week, another friend party, and so much more!!

I love all the fun family time and holiday traditions that come with this time of year. I love to share my special memories with my kids and help create some for them! We are enjoying reading our holiday book a night, have been to see the AWESOME holiday local light display, and are looking forward to the more we have to come!!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions??

Decor Galore!

Santa's Watching

A few years ago the kids got this great gift..."Elf on a Shelf" It comes with a great book and this fun little elf that you even get to name!! Every year just after Thanksgiving he arrives to bring some Christmas joy...and to keep a watchful eye on the kids for Santa. Every night Chip...as we named our elf....moves to a new location. The kids LOVE to find where he is every morning!!

At night he flies back to the North Pole to make his report to Santa on how the kids have behaved. Let me tell you, Chip is a great reminder to be on your best behavior! You can't touch this special Elf or he will lose his magic and won't be able to fly back to the North Pole. On Christmas Eve he will leave our family for another year and hang out with the big guy himself until it is time to return.

This Elf has created so many great memories already and is sure to make yours. You can buy "Elf on a Shelf" in a number of locations. Be sure to get one for your family and sit back enjoy and make some memories!

A Wreath For The Door

Since moving over a year ago, I have found myself with a TON of holiday decorations, yet somehow in the many boxes of ornaments and garland I didn't have a wreath!! I saw one I LOVED at Pottery Barn and decided....I could do that!! I also got a little inspiration from a couple of cousins who tackled this task as well. So here is my version.

First collect your supplies:
-green pipe cleaners, or tie ons of some sort
-fake evergreen wreath (18" or larger)
-glass ornaments in a variety of colors and sizes

Next I set all my ornaments out on my wreath and arranged them. Mixing up the sizes and placing them in random spots. Til I liked how they looked.

And this is what I ended up with:

I still have some fluffing to do, but I am really happy with how it turned out!! I hope you will give it a try too!!

Thankful Days #24

Today I am thankful for traditions! I love all the great traditions that we have in our family, some may be silly and are nothing fancy while others are special. One crazy tradition that I have is that I go out shopping the day after Thanksgiving....not to really score the deal, but just to go really.

For years it was always me, my mom and my good friend Amy. Now Amy and I continue the tradition. Its fun! Another fun tradition we have is that in the last couple of years I started wrapping up Christmas books and starting Dec. 1st we read one book a night. It's fun because the kids never know what Christmas story we will be reading each night!! The best is that Emmah has figured out how to find her favorite story The Polar Express!!

Thankful Days #23

Today I am thankful for unconditional love. I am truly loved unconditionally and hope that I can love those around me unconditionally. It is truly a blessing to have unconditional love and know that no matter what there is someone who always love me.

Thankful Days #22

Today I am thankful for the wonderful staff at my kids schools! Everyone from the classroom aides to the teachers and the principle are a group of very caring and child focused people. I appreciate all the extra effort and time they put in to help my kids learn and have the best experiences!!

I am looking forward to my years ahead at their school and thank them all for their love of kids!

Thankful Days #21

Today I am thankful for Game Nights!! I am in LOVE with the fact that my kids are really getting into playing games!! We have always sorta had a game night, but now that they are a little older we can play some really fun games!!

Uno has been the recent favorite along with of course Candyland! I am looking forward to adding some fun games to our game cupboard this Christmas! They can learn so much from games and it is FUN! We still play games as adults with friends and family and I am happy to pass this along to my kids!

Thankful Days #20

I am thankful today for lazy mornings!! I love it when we have no place to go and can just hang out in our jammies and play games, chat and share some laughs!! Those mornings are the best. They usually happen on a snow day, but every once in awhile one creeps up on us and we able to enjoy some fun time together!! Cuddles, cartoons and all!

Thankful Days #19

Today I am thankful for my husbands job. His job has had it's ups and down, but all and all has provided for us. It has allowed me to work part-time and run my Bloem & Grow business. We have been very blessed that when things have gotten slow and he has been laid off, we have been able to work through it.

I am thankful that he works so hard for our family to provide us with what we need. He is a wonderful husband and father!! I don't know what we would do without him!

Fallin

I LOVE fall!! It is one of my favorite seasons! I love the fall colors, the slightly crisper air, the football (sorta) and the fun fall activities that go along with it!! I have been on a real craft kick lately as well as looking for a nice festive wreath to hang on my door to celebrate this wonderful season.

Well I am cheap so I have not been having much luck. In my many hunts of the blogs that I follow, which usually leads me to more blogs to follow (it's an endless cycle really!) I recently came upon this awesome yarn wreath. Not only is this wreath budget friendly it is the modern chic I LOVE!! So I decided to give it a try, I mean there were step by step directions so how hard could it be?

Not hard at all! I was so excited to make it I bought my supplies and had to start it that day...of course I had to wait til 1o:45 to start which in turn made for a late night. I finished up yesterday and am so excited how it turned out! I am definitely making more of these!

If you want to make one of you own check out blog take heart and make one of your own!!

Happy Craftin!

Thankful Days #18

Today I am thankful for cupcake bites!!! They are so delicious and I love the joy they bring wherever they go! I am not the worlds best baker, but I have cornered the market on these, it is my specialty! They have all that is good in a cupcake in a bite size piece dipped in chocolate....does it get any better?? I think not!

Recently I picked up the book Cupcake Bites by Bakerella....oh the inspiration!! I can't wait to try all the fun designs she has in there. The tips are great too!! She makes it so easy!!

Thankful Days #17

I am thankful today for fun fall memories!! Playing in the leaves, enjoying a hayride, hot chocolate, brisk mornings and all the beautiful colors!!

Fall is one of my favorite things about fall is all the beautiful colors and even though I know that these fall colors will quickly fade to white....I still love them!!

There is such beauty in the nature that we see, I hope you will take some time to enjoy it!

Thankful Days #16

Today I am thankful for smiles. It may seem silly, but I think they bring such joy and happiness. You can say a lot with a smile and when it comes to smiles we all speak the same language.

I love to see my kids smile, even if it is their cheesiest smile. To me is just means happiness and pure joy. I hope you will share a smile with someone, you never know you just might make their day!

Thankful Days #15

Today I am thankful for my home business. I have always loved to be crafty and did hope that one day I would be able to take it to the next level, well a year and a half ago I was able to do that when I started Bloem & Grow.

I love being able to share my craftiness with others and make them happy and able to give others special handmade gifts. I been lucky enough to really make it happen and have fun doing it. I have wonderful customers and love coming up with new ideas!!

Wonderful Walls

For awhile now I have been trying to figure out what to put on Em's walls. I don't want them to be plain and boring. I am working to add a custom magnet board to her room, but just haven't had time to get it done. Well while out this weekend, I saw some adorable wall art, but the price was not so adorable...so I said to my crafty self "I can make those." And well....I did. Here is how I did it.

Wall Art Tutorial

1. I started with 3 pieces of canvas, you can go big or medium. I got mine from Big Lots for $5 each. Nothing fancy needed.

2. Next I decided on my design, I consulted the owner of the room. We decided on some trees and a house with flowers. Next I picked out some papers that matched the bedding. Regular scrapbook paper will do.

3. I traced my shapes out to make some patterns and layout the design.

4. When we were happy with the design, I went ahead and traced it on the paper I had chosen for the design.

5. Next I painted the canvas in a coordinating color.

6. Once the paint dried, we began to lay the paper out and glue it on.

7. Once we had it all glued on (You might want to put something heavy on it just to secure it.) I sealed it with one of my favorites Mod Podge.

The final product!! I think they turned out great and my daughter does too!!

Hope you will try some of your own! Have fun and be creative!!

Thankful Days #14

Today I am thankful for the great doctors that we have been blessed to work with. Many of you know that Emmah has ADHD and we have been dealing with issues related to this since she was 4. This past summer we started working with a natural dr, who deals with natural supplements instead of perscription.

We have found this to be a HUGE blessing as it has brought out a lot of Emmah's personality. She is such a funny and spunky little girl and sometimes you just can't see that. With this choice we are hopeful to be off the perscription meds altogether sometime early next year.

Thankful Days #13

I am thankful today for my crafty-ness. Those skills have been have quite a blessing. Without those skills I would not be able to make my fun projects, like rainbow cupcakes, and turkey shirts. Nor would I have my awesome home business Bloem & Grow!

I can't believe how far my eye for the crafty things in life has gone. I love that I can make fun projects to make our house more of a home, give people gifts that are made with heart, and just plain have fun.

Who knows where the next crafty bug will take me, be sure to keep your eyes on my blog I have a long list of must tries!!

Thankful Days #12

One thing I am very thankful for on many occasions is my husbands sense of humor, he can make the even the dumbest things funny. His sense of humor has gotten us through many of not so happy situations and made some fun situations even better.

What I am even more thankful for is that my kids got his sense of humor. Both of them have their way, but they are always up for a good laugh. It is some really great times that we have had at the dinner table...I mean who doesn't sing Broccoli...excuse me (you know in the VeggieTales theme song?)

Watch out world here come the Bloemers, be ready to laugh!!!

Thankful Days #11

I am thankful today for my freedom. By living in this country I have been given some incredible rights. I don't think we think about how many people have given their lives for our freedom. I am thankful for their service and for their ultimate sacrifice of their life.

Many soliders have come home, but many are still far away from their families. I had the pleasure today to attend the Veteran's Day assembly at my kids school, it was a honor. I think it really made a real connection for the kids.

Today take some time to thank a solider for their service.

Thankful Days #10

Today I am thankful for the talents that I have been given. I have been blessed with the talent to create, listen, teach, and as I am sure my hubby will tell you the gift of gab! Although to him I am not sure it is a talent he is thankful for.

I love that I can share these talents with my friends and family. I hope that My kids can see their talents and put them to good use.

Turkey Time

Lately I have been on a really sewing kick! I don't know what gave me the idea or the nerves to get brave enough to whip out the sewing machine and give it a try, but I did and have been pretty successful. Not to say I haven't had my moments, like have to ripe out my stitches...TWICE!! Overall, I have found great fun and pleasure out of making things by myself. I have used quite a few tutorials to get there and for that I am thankful!

This weekend I decided to try my hand at a little more challenging sewing project. I found this great Turkey Shirt tutorial over at The Cottage Home.

So on Saturday, I gathered all my supplies:

6 different print fabric scraps

Fusible interfacing

White T-shirt

Embroidery Thread and needle

Iron

To begin I gathered my supplies and got right to work. I got out my fusible interfacing removed the paper on one side and placed my fabric scraps on it.

Once I had them all arranged I ironed them on.

Next I traced the feathers and the body onto their fabrics. (The template can be found at The Cottage Home)

I then cut them out, and arranged them on the T-shirt.

Once I had them all arranged, I ironed them on. The next thing I had to do was to stitch the feathers on and then the body. When that was complete, which took me awhile seeing I had to take some stitches out. Go slowly especially at the tops where they are rounded. I then added the embroidery details, adding the eyes, nose and legs.

All complete and one happy momma and a very excited 7 year old!! Mission complete!!

Thanks to The Cottage Mama for her awesome tutorial!me tutorial!!

Thankful Days #9

Who doesn't love a good vacation?? I know I do!! Today I am thankful for vacations. We have been blessed to be able to take some really great ones. Although most have been close by that doesn't make them any less special.

Last summer we went to Chicago and the kids had their first real taste of vacationing, sight-seeing, and hotel life. Let's just say we learned alot in that short time!

We also were blessed to head south for Christmas last year to visit with family and see some friends too! It was nice to be with family for the first Christmas without my mom. We made some really great memories and hope to make this an every other year thing.

Vacations are a break from the norm, they allow you to have fun, make memories and enjoy some of the great sights. Where are you headed to next???

Thankful Days #8

Today I am thanful for the health of my family. We have really been blessed to not have major health issues. And although we have seen first hand how health can change your life. My two kids are happy and healthy and enjoy life to the fullest without restraint.

Many are not so lucky and for those I continue to pray and hope.

What's for Dinner??

I get asked this question a lot....I am still trying to figure out why they keep asking me?? First of all I don't cook well and there are really very few things that I cook well to begin with! We have the short list and I have tried a few new things here and there, some turned out well, others....not so much!


Here is one of the BIGGEST favorites in the house! My kids literaly jump up and down when they find out that we are having this for dinner! Here is our family favorite...Meatloaf Muffins!!



They are so great and fun for the kids, perfect to bring for leftovers for lunch and weight watcher friendly!!

Meatloaf Muffins

2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
1 box stuffing mix
2 eggs
1 cup water

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Spray muffin pan w/non-stick cooking spray.
3. Press equal amounts of mixture into muffin cups.
4. Bake for 25-30 mins. at 350.
5. Enjoy!!

What are you having for dinner??

Thankful Days #7

I am thankful for all the wonderful friends I have been blessed with in my life! I have some truly great friends who are there through it all. Some I have known for what seems like forever and others are newly found. I am thankful for each the same as they all contribute something great to my life!!

Thankful Days #6

Today I am thankful for my mom! She was an AMAZING person and learned so much from her. I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. I strive to be the mom she was to me, to my kids. I have such wonderful memories of traditions, fun, and just plain old good times with her.

I am thankful that she was able to be there when both my children were born and that they remember her and have great memories of the fun things they did with their Memah.




She is truly missed and will be everyday. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of her or see something that reminds me of her.


Because I knew you...I have been changed for good.

Lyrics from For Good
Wicked The Musical

Thankful Days #5

Thankful things are not hard to find, if you only take the time to look for them. Today I am thankful for the roof over my head. Although we gained more space it was not in the way I would have liked.

When my mom passed away we gained a house, a house with memories, a house with space, a house with TWO bathrooms, a house with a big nice backyard, and a house with a basement with some nice usable space.

We are so thankful to have the extra space and room to do all the fun things we want. I also love that I am able to share my memories as a child along to my kids. I especially love that Emmah has the same room I did growing up as a little girl. Living here we are not taking away from the memories, but adding to the memories this house will hold.

"May your walls know joy;
May every room hold laughter
And every window open to great possibility"

Thankful Days #4

Today I am thankful for my job. I have a great job and work with some pretty incredible people. They are always supportive and there when I need them most. I have been blessed to work with great people, some of whom have become really close friends.

Another great part of my job is that I work part-time which allows me to run my small business Bloem & Grow as well as help out at school and in their classrooms.

What are you thankful for today? Please join me on this thankful adventure, comment on this post or better yet post your own.

Hope you will share why you are thankful today, I would love to hear it. Be sure to follow my blog and keep up to date on all the happenings in our house! Craft experiments coming this weekend!!

Thankful Days #3

Today I am thankful for my extended family. I have such a wonderful family full of sisters, brothers, cousins, neices, nephews, aunts and uncles, mom's and dad's.

Each one has a special part of my life and is very special to me! I look forward to spending holidays with them as well as sharing fun times. Great memories have been made and I am sure there is more to come!!

*Special note....Fondue Fork Fight anyone???

Kids

Today I am thankful for my kids! Even though sometimes they drive me crazy and make me want to pull my hair out I LOVE them with all my heart!! They are each so much their own person and it has been great in the last year to start to see those personalities start to really come out.

Emmah is our silly, crazy, sports loving, skirt wearing, goof ball! She is very much like her father, with her quick wits and vast knowledge. She keeps us guessing and laughing. And although she is a girl and now wears lots of skirts and dresses, she is still the one who can tell you the entire line-up for the Detroit Tigers either by name or number. I would say she is pretty well rounded!!

Jake on the other hand is more of the caring and nurturing type. Some might say he is a little bit of a mama's boy, but he is quickly growing out of that!! He is very athletic, and I am sure will play everything at least once! He makes the best faces, and has the cheesiest smiles! He is smarter than he puts on sometimes. He is like his mother a little, but we are noticing how much he is like his Uncle Kyle....hmmm things could get interesting!!

All in all we love them both for just who they are! I know they will continue to make us proud and bring us much joy...and probably some grey hairs too!!

What are you thankful for today?? I encourage you to share in your comments or on your own blog.

Thankful

For the month of November I have decided that I am going to post something I am thankful for everyday. I don't think that sometimes we take the time to really think about all the good things we have in our lives.

For day 1 I am thankful for my wonderful hubby!! I don't say it nearly as often as I should, but he keeps me grounded and sane!! I love him to the moon and back a thousand times!! There are so many things that he does for us and for me. He is a wonderful dad and husband and we are truly blessed to have him!

What are you thankful for?

Come back tomorrow to see what is next on my list!!

Holidays Craze

Okay, I LOVE the fall holidays! Thanksgiving to Christmas are my most favorite, all the decorations, the traditions, the food and most of all the family!!

With that being said I am a Christmas card fanatic...I mean I start to think about what I will do for the next year right after I have sent out the current years. Obsessive I know, but I just love to share the Christmas love with just about everyone! My list for cards is about a mile long and my husband rolls his eyes at me every year! Shutterfly helps to cross this major crisis off my list. I love that their designs are modern and fun and fit perfectly into my vision!

I love their holiday card options. This one is perfect for anyone who can't choose just one photo.



Their Christmas cards are perfect! This is another fav, reminds me of one of my favorite holiday movies ever!




As you can see the options are endless...yet so perfect, can't wait to send mine out!!

But if you are looking for another perfect gift for that hard to buy for person, may I suggest Shutterfly's photo calendars?? I did these last year for gifts for both grandparents and great-grandma. Needless to say...they were a hit!! Guess what they are getting this year?

Hope this helps you on your adventure to send out holiday greetings!

Change is a comin

I have decided that it is time to take my blog to a new level....I am going to expand my blogging. I have another blog that is just for my business, but I was thinking that I would add more of my crafts, and home projects as well as projects for the kids too.

Hopefully I am able to make these changes smoothly. So enjoy what is new and don't worry, I won't leave out some of the fun family stuff too!!!!!

Change

As this season fastly approaches and leaves begin to change, I also start to notice how much my kids have changed too! They are becoming so grown up and have learned and accomplished so many things.

Yesterday we went out for a fall photo shoot, along with half of West Michigan, because well the weather was anything but fall like, but the colors are perfectly fall. Here are some of the shots we got...

Change is good so we look forward to the the many changes that will happen this year.

Soccer

Jake loves to play soccer, he loves it more each day and continually asks when he has practice or a game. I have to say he is pretty good at it too...most of the time. He has a little trouble staying on his feet when dribbling, not sure if this is him or the grass...probably him!

He has scored twice this year and has gotten close about 25 times, just has to learn how to finish it! He is pretty competitive, which is a good thing, but can sometimes get in the way. He likes to smack talk, which we are quickly putting to an end! Jake also thinks he should be able to push and shove when someone is in his way of getting the ball and scoring. Of course his whole team has this issue as well, so he is quickly learning this is not how the game is played! His excuse yesterday for being called out on pushing was..."well they shouldn't put good players on the other team!" there's Jake logic for you! I am thinking of contacting ESPN to mic him during a soccer game with voice of the game....it would be hilarious!

Hopefully I will post some pics later, we are heading out for some awesome fall photos today and I will put them on the computer along with my soccer pics!

Behind

Ever feel like you are so far behind, yet you seem so far ahead? That is where I am at right now. In getting ready for the school year and all the new tasks it brings as well as getting ready for the busy craft show and holiday season I feel more behind then ever!

We started the year off slow and with some changes to Emmah's meds it has proved to be a HUGE challenge getting back into things. As a mom you want to make things right and fix things for you kids, but as my husband correctly put it sometimes they have to learn it for themselves or they aren't going to learn it! This is very true with Emmah we can only do so much for her and then she has to take charge and lead the way. I feel so challenged by her and frustrated at the same time. After a HUGE meltdown on my part I think I have come to the place I should have been all along...SHE has to figure it out. I can do my part, but the majority of the responsibility is hers and hers alone.

I worry that people won't see her for the bright, spunky, energized, beautiful girl she is and get the wrong idea about her, as her dad said "well that is their loss!" It is their loss, she is so full of life and if they don't take the time to see that then they are missing out on one beautiful person. I hope that things will turn the right direction and that we can lead her to a path where she can be sucessfull.

Times like these I miss my mom...

First Day

Today was a BIG day at our house, the first day of school. Emmah was up and ready to start her day at 6am....I think she was a little bit excited! We surprised the kids with a special breakfast, and it was definitely a hit! I met the day with anxiety and tears, but they greeting it with laughter, excitement and smiles.

Emmah was off and ready for 2nd grade, her Memah would be proud!!

Jake was ready to ride the bus and head off to Kindergarten.

Wordless Wednesday