Izzy Lately

Izzy is in love with playdough these days.  She sits and plays for several minutes - it's one of the few things that will keep her attention for longer than a few seconds.  I remembered to grab the camera and snap a few pictures since it's been awhile since she's made a blog appearance.  I sure do love this girl!

I Will Carry You

Today is a day that will forever be engraved in my heart.  Lily would be three today.  I am certain that Heaven is covered in pink boas and balloons today to celebrate my little princess.  We are going to keep our little family tradition of going to lunch and visiting her gravesite today.  I always hold Izzy a little tighter when I'm there.  I miss Lily so much, but I couldn't be more thankful for the gift He has given us in Isabelle. 

My sweet friend, Katie, sent me this song last week because she knew Lily's birthday was approaching, and she wanted me to know she was thinking about us.  I'd actually never heard it before, so of course I cried like a baby when I listened to it.  Get the tissues ready, and don't say I didn't warn you. 

Latest Obsession

I recently discovered the greatness of Jimmy John's, thanks to my friend Karla.  I have also recently discovered an awesome class at my gym: Nike Training Club.  It's a bootcamp-style class that gives you a full-body workout.  I walk out of there feeling like I just got my butt kicked, but it a good way, of course.  So, the last two Thursdays, as soon as I've finished NTC, I have promptly driven my freshly-kicked butt from the gym to the Jimmy John's drive-thru.  I'm currently in love with the Beach Club (I believe it's #13), hold the mayo - because let's be honest, mayo - unless you are in chicken salad, I have no use for you.  This sandwich is so good.  It's just turkey with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, and avocado spread.  I know - so simple, but trust me...it's tasty.  I think it's the bread that makes it.  I have a strict Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy with this sandwich and it's nutritional info.  I choose to believe it is healthy.  If you know otherwise, feel free to laugh behind my back.  But for the love of all that is good in this world, don't ruin this for me.  Already looking forward to next Thursday.

Jute Wrapped Vase

I found this idea on pinterest, and thought I'd give it a try.  I had an old, cheap vase just taking up space on top of the cabinets in my laundry room, and I had jute left over from another project (which I also need to post).  So, technically, this was little ditty was completely free!  Always a plus with any DIY project. 

So, here's what I started with:

I started on the bottom of the vase

...and i just kept wrapping and gluing.

...until it looked like this.  I think it turned out pretty good.

I found this similar style at Kirklands, on sale for $19.99

With the right shaped vase, you could even get away with using it as a candle holder.  Maybe?

So, whatcha think??  It was super easy, but definitely took some time.  I am loving all the jute-wrapped ideas on Pinterest.  I may have to try some of these:





http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/

http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/10/diy-jute-wrapped-light/

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/11/chair-makeover-for-diy-magazine/

http://sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/jute-napkin-rings.html

http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/

On the Mend

My little household passed around a cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, etc., last week.  We have been popping antibiotics, steroids, z-paks, and OTC meds like candy around here.  Thankfully we are all starting to feel much better.  Poor little Izzy had a horrible cough that was waking her up every night, so her doctor put her on steroids.  This was the first time she had taken them (at least outside the NICU - I'm sure she had every medication known to man while she was there).  Anyway, we had no idea what we were in for.  We knew from the listed side effects that she may experience facial flushing, nervousness, and an increased appetite.  We did not know she would turn into the Incredible Hulk.  My sweet baby was out. of. control.  We're talking major tantrums, where Griff and I couldn't even control her.  It was nuts.  I heard a lot of, "No Mommy!" and, "Yes I Can!" At one point, my mom and sister came over.  I warned them that she was "raging" and they laughed and rolled their eyes at me because she was happy and running around the living room.  Well, it only took about 5 minutes before my mom's glasses were knocked off her face and homegirl was doing a pull-up on the kitchen counter.  Insane, I tell you.  Luckily, she is back to her sweet self again.  Crazy how that medicine can have such an effect on her little personality.  So, here's to hoping we can all stay well enough to cross off the 101 items on our to-do list!

My sick baby and her daddy

She looks sweet, but I'm tellin' ya, you don't want to mess with this girl on roids.

Time for Tea

I took Izzy to the most precious birthday party for her sweet friend Gabrielle this weekend.  It was a tea party theme, and my friend, Karla, went all out.  There were 8 little ladies and 1 little gentleman (the birthday girl's little brother) in attendance, and they were so well behaved.  The girls LOVED dressing up and acting all sassy.  It was the cutest thing you've ever seen.  I'm definitely going to be stealing this idea in a few years!  Of course, I forgot my camera, so I only have pics from my phone.  Better than nothing, I suppose. 

How cute is this table?  LOVE the cupcake stand she and her mother made, and did you notice the little plastic teacups with straws?  Adorable!

After we worked out on Friday, Karla (who had people refinishing floors at her house) brought the kids over to play with Izzy while we whipped up these cupcakes.  They were a hit at the party.

Each sweet girl had some fancy jewels waiting for them when they took their seat.

All dressed up and ready to eat lunch.  They had Chic-fil-a nuggests, fruit, chips and dip, and eggrolls.  She also served chili for the adults.  Delish!

After dinner, the girls decorated foam-picture frames that were shaped like a teacup.  Then they picked out two boas - one to wear and one for their hat.  (The mamas hot-glued the boas to the hats.)  Here's my girl.  This picture cracks me up.  Her dress is sleeveless, so I put a little cardigan on her, so she looks like a little old lady with her hat and jewels. 

So fancy!  After all the girls got "fancified" we lined them up for some super cute group pictures, but I didn't want to post other people's children here without their permission.  Just trust me when I say they were all precious. 

Being fabulous is exhausting!

I can't say enough about how fun and adorable this party was.  Izzy can sometimes be a handful in new situations, but she was a little doll (all the girls were), and she had a blast.  This party got me pumped to start planning Izzy's 3rd birthday party.  Say whaaat?  She's going to be 3???  I decided on a Minnie Mouse theme awhile ago, and I finally started making some progress on Sunday.  I'll be sure to post a blog about her party and all the little goodies I'm making for it after it's all said and done.  

The Mantel Dilemma

I had so much fun decorating my mantel for Fall and Christmas this year.

But now that all the decorations have been put away, it's pretty pathetic looking. 

It got even more pathetic after I moved the candelabra to the tv cabinet.  (Hubs hung the tv on the wall, so the cabinet was bare and screaming for something just that size.)

So, like all the great decorators , I googled, "How to decorate a mantel," and found this for inspiration.

I gathered things I had around the house, and put this together. 

I've been living with this for about a week now.  I don't hate it, but it definitely needs to be tweaked.  I'm hoping there's a kid-free trip to HomeGoods in my near future.  I'm also considering moving a big round mirror from my entry way here and adding some wall sconces on each side.  I can already picture the head shake and eye roll from hubs.