I thought I'd start 2018 off by sharing a few of Our Latest Family Photos (2017) from a photo shoot we had a few months earlier. Every fall I make it a point to get our family's photos taken, it's something that I start off dreading because of all the figuring out for six people. It know it can be such a chore planning outfits, figuring our color schemes, accessories, … [Read more...]
30 Questions to Ask Your Kid After School
Check out these 30 Questions to Ask Your Kid After School instead of "How was school today?" Thank you to Dr. Oetker USA LLC for sponsoring this post. Visit the store locator to find Virtuoso Pizza by Dr. Oetker in a retailer near you! If you've ever had trouble getting more than a one word answer out of your child's mouth when you ask about how school was, then … [Read more...]
Piggie Stained Glass Tissue Paper Art
*We love Mo Willems books and are so excited to be sponsored by Disney-Hyperion for the #ReadMo Ambassador program! This super cute Piggie Stained Glass Tissue Paper Art, from the famed Elephant & Piggie series from Mo Willems, is the perfect craft for kids of any age! Now that Oliver is in kindergarten, it is so fun to see all the cute artwork he brings home … [Read more...]
Food and Fun at Chuck E. Cheese’s
You will be so excited to see the new menu items at Chuck E. Cheese's! Food and Fun at Chuck E. Cheese's all the while the kids run around playing games and tiring themselves out! Chuck E. Cheese's is one of those rare kid places that I actually enjoy bringing my kids too. I think it's because at ages 10, 9, 7, and 5, they can all still be entertained there...yep, all … [Read more...]
Origami Ninja Throwing Star
*This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures and all ideas are 100% my own. Anyone can learn to make an Origami Ninja Throwing Star with this easy step-by-step tutorial! If you have a little ninja in your home like I do, then you know all about one of a ninja's favorite weapons...the Ninja Throwing Star! And since a real one is out of the question for most … [Read more...]
Diaper Bag Checklist Free Printable and Meijer Stores GIVEAWAY!
This Diaper Bag Checklist Free Printable is perfect for new parents and caregivers! Being a new parent is hard! I remember when my four were babies and how crazy and messy life became in an instant. It still amazes me how such a little person can go through so many outfits in one day...So. Much. Laundry. And the diapers...Endless!!! I remember how packing the diaper bag … [Read more...]
Making Memories with HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Hershey Company. All opinions are 100% mine. This is a sponsored post created with The Hershey Company The other night as I was getting the kids ready for bed, my littles wanted to look at a few photo books I made about our previous summer adventures and our summer bucket lists from the past four years. I started to … [Read more...]
Elephant and Piggie Party PLUS Giveaway!
Giveaway closed!!! *We love Elephant & Piggie at my house, and we're so excited to partner with Disney-Hyperion on a sponsored post to celebrate 10 years of the series! This Elephant and Piggie Party loaded with themed food, decorations, and delicious treats is sure to be a hit with little ones of any age! If you are looking for a super fun way to get your … [Read more...]
Chuck E. Cheese’s Birthday Party Experience
A couple of weeks ago we had a "Half Birthday" celebration for my two girlies at Chuck E. Cheese's. I know, half birthday, right?! My girls have summer birthdays and with vacations and camps and everything else going on in the summer it's hard to figure out a good weekend to do a party, let alone two (or three if you count Oliver's birthday!) So sometime in the winter, … [Read more...]
The Secret Life of Pets: Movie Night Snack Tray
*This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment You guys! I am so excited to share this post with you today because we absolutely love, love, love this movie. I remember the year before The Secret Life of Pets came to the theater we had seen it as a preview before another kid/family movie we went to see and the whole theater was laughing at … [Read more...]
Honest Kids now at Subway!!!
It's crazy how busy our schedule has become since the start of school. In the last few weeks we have recently added in two new sports into our routine in addition to our usual activities that started in September. Our rule has always been that each child can do one sport and one extra like boy scouts, girl scouts, etc. depending on age, but we had a few fun opportunities … [Read more...]
How We Do Family Game Night
As much as our family is always on the go, go, go, we also like to take it nice and slow every so often and just be in our home, just the 6 of us…and our dog, lol, so make that 7! Family time is super important to us because it allows us to spend some time with our children without devices, phone calls, and text messages so we try really hard to make it a point to do … [Read more...]
Family Photos 2015
Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday spent with your family and friends and all your loved ones! We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. It's always so magical seeing Christmas through your children's eyes, isn't it? We were lucky enough to have four days off to spend together as a family, living it up in our pjs, playing legos and board games … [Read more...]
How to Feed a Busy Toddler
If you have a toddler in your house you know how they are always on the move. And now that school is a back in session and my oldest 3 are in gone most of the day, my youngest little guy desperately needs to fill the void of all day sibling craziness and playtime. So with the weather still nice and not snowing or freezing cold (yes, I know it's inevitable here in Chicago!) … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas 2014
Merry Christmas a day early, friends!! I just wanted to pop in before I take a little vacation from the 'ol blog to spend some time with my family this holiday season and wish you all a very Merry Christmas! … [Read more...]
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Read Aloud and Movie Party
Last week my littles had an early release from school and what better way to celebrate it with than another story read aloud and movie party! This time around we did 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' as this book and the movie are so fitting to this time of year! … [Read more...]
Celebrating 8 Years Of Noah
Today is my oldest baby's birthday! How crazy is that?! Eight years ago today this tiny little 6 lb 2 0z baby would come into our world and I would become a momma for the first time ever. Crazy. … [Read more...]
Frozen Read-Aloud and Movie Party
Last week after school one day we had ourselves our now little Frozen read-aloud and movie party. It was so much fun! I always love doing little parties like this especially when a book and a movie go together! And fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you feel about Frozen these days!) we are still very into Frozen at our house! … [Read more...]
Happy Anniversary to Us!
You guys!!! Today is our 10 year anniversary! Holy cats! Somebody pinch me because it couldn't really have been 10 years since we started our life together. Since we said 'I do', since we danced to our song in the chilly air with the sun shining down on us, since we celebrated along with our closest friends and family? I just cannot believe it. … [Read more...]
Soccer Life: Team Snacks and Capri Sun
These days if your child is participating in any kind of sport you have a very high likelihood that there will be some sort of team snack schedule that you will be a part of for the duration of said sport. We have had our two oldest in soccer and team snacks after every game are a just a part of soccer life. The kids look forward to them after each game. Every child can't … [Read more...]
Watercolor Resist Painting Using School Glue
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® Elmer’s and Wet Ones, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CraftandCleanUp http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV So far this summer we have been lucky enough to enjoy vacations, road trips, hanging out with the best Grandma and Grandpa you've ever met, visiting with aunties and … [Read more...]
Eloise is Turning Four!
My little Eloise turned four this a earlier this month. FOUR!!!! How has she been a part of our family for that long already? It seemed like just yesterday we were racing to the hospital, they ran me up to Labor & Delivery, threw a gown on me, and she flew out. By far our fastest delivery and just minutes from being born in the parking lot. … [Read more...]
When Father’s Day and a Birthday Collide
Happy Father's Day (a day late!) to all the daddies out there! I hope each and every one of you had a fabulous day. We celebrated Father's Day but it also just happened to be Oliver's 2nd Birthday so we celebrated that too. We had a whole lot of celebrating going on! It was a busy but fun day and we had our littles stay up just a bit too late. Sometimes that happens. And … [Read more...]
Family Movie Night Snack Bar with Dixie Ultra Moments® Tableware
I used to adore going to our local drive-in movie theater in the summers, laying out blankets, eating popcorn and candy during the double feature, and getting to talk and chatter as much as we wanted because we were in our own little bubble in our car. However, since we've had children, and our oldest is only 7, we just don't get to do it anymore. With the first feature … [Read more...]
A Day in My Life Polaroid Instax Photo Journal
A few years back I received a Fuji Film Instax Mini 25 as a gift and I have love, love, loved it ever since. It works just like the old school polaroids we all remember but the pictures that come out are about half the size. I still love waiting for the picture to appear and wonder…if I shake it will it develop any faster? … [Read more...]
Our 2013 Christmas Card and Some Family Photos
Here is a peek at our family Christmas card from this past Christmas 2013! I have to tell you, I am always so happy that I spent the time and effort to get our Christmas cards finished and printed every year. No matter how crazy that time of year can be, it really is nice to look back through the years and see how much my littles have changed and our family has grown. Of … [Read more...]
Making Messes (and Memories) in the Kitchen
I know it's been said time and again that the kitchen is the heart of the home and I for one truly believe that is the case for us. Our kitchen is a place where we share meals together, where we gather after school while we eat a snack and I get to hear about the details of my kids' day at school, it's where homework is done, and a place where we work on crafts and art … [Read more...]
Zombie, Witch, Cat, and Mummy Halloween Costumes!
This weekend I actually finished all my littles' Halloween costumes! And with a whole 5 days to spare, phew! :-) We even carved our pumpkins and into more than just jack-o-latern faces too, I tell ya we are on a R.O.L.L. So back in August (yes AUGUST! Don't your kids start planning out Halloween costumes months in advance?), Noah kept telling me he wanted to be a … [Read more...]
Bounty and Puffs Summer Survival
If you have children I bet you have felt like I have felt almost every day this summer...that the word child is just another word for tornado. Loud and messy, am I right! I still don't understand how such small bodies can take a perfectly clean room and turn it into a disaster area in no time flat. I am embarrassed to even show you these pictures but hey, it's life as I … [Read more...]
Oliver: One Year Old
Well, it finally happened. The day I was dreading for a year. My little dude, Oliver, turned the big "1" on Saturday, sigh. Where, oh where has the time gone? Birthdays are so bittersweet, aren't they? Especially that first birthday. You hate to see them grow up from your sweet little baby to a moving force of toddler energy but at the same time you are so … [Read more...]
The Latest Happenings.
Just thought I'd share a bit of the latest happenings in our house over the last few weeks...or, ummm months? I guess it's been awhile since I've posted about my littles! This little dude turned a whopping 11 months old earlier this month. Oh, it kills me that he is going to be a whole year old in June.He is such a happy little guy. He's been cruising on furniture for a … [Read more...]
Nestle Outshine Bar Review and a VISA Gift Card Giveaway!
Did you know that those delicious Edy's Fruit Bars you can find in the freezer aisle at your local grocery store (that's Edy's on the east coast and Dryer's on the west coast!) are now being called Outshine bars? Yup, true story. I have always love, love, loved these fruit bars for their great flavors and simple ingredients. You too? The newly named Outshine bars are … [Read more...]
First Taste.
Somebody finally had their first taste of food this weekend. Yes, it's been long overdue. All the other kids were already at least a month in to trying out food at this point but since Oliver is our last I will fully admit that I am milking his baby days for all they are worth. 7 1/2 months old? Pshh...that's nothing. What else can I delay? ;-) He seemed quite into it … [Read more...]
Our Family Pictures (2012)
Yes, that really does say 2012, your eyes do not deceive you ;-) I truly had all intention of sharing these pictures with you last year (okay one month ago?...does that sound better?) but time and life got away from me. We had the pleasure this fall of having my good friend, Jessica, of Studio Pop Hair & Photography take our family pictures. I think they turned out so … [Read more...]
Big Little Man Turns 6
Holy cats! I cannot believe that my oldest child, my big little man Noah, turned 6 years old yesterday! What is going on with that? I swear he was just born. His birth made me a momma, something I will never forget. Thinking back to that day 6 years ago seems like yesterday. My water broke while I was at work. Although I had no clue that that was what was going on as … [Read more...]
3 Months Big
Three. Months. And getting so big. Please make time stop now. Little man can now sit up nicely in our picture-taking rocking chair...well at least for a good 10 seconds before he starts in on the 'TIMBER!' (ps. don't mind the pink walls, his room is getting a makeover soon, promise.)I can't believe how much he's changed. Can you? He's chubbing up, losing hair, and we … [Read more...]
Some Gratuitous Baby Photos and Giveaway Winners!
{Oliver saying 'hi'} Thought I would share a few pictures of life around here lately. Mr. Oliver is doing awesome and letting his mommy and daddy get some really good sleep at night, ahthankyouverymuch little guy! :-) He is very well-loved, especially by his big siblings, who ask on a daily basis (and with every diaper change) to hold him and then have their pictures … [Read more...]
Little Dude: One Week
It's hard to believe that Oliver went from this little guy a week ago... To this little guy today. A week old already? Say it ain't so. For the most part, his day-to-day is pretty much the same...eat, sleep, poo...eat, sleep, poo...Ahh, the life of a newborn! He has been the most perfect addition to our family. We feel so blessed that every day we get to hold him … [Read more...]
Oh Baby! Oh Boy!
So, as some of you may have heard over on Facebook (thanks to Mr. Smashed Peas!), we had ourselves a little baby on Friday :-) I still can't believe it. He is here, yup, HE! It's a BOY! Oliver Nicolas 6 lbs 10 oz 19 inches long {Oliver Nicolas just 5 minutes old!} He is absolutely perfect. We are all in LOVE! :-) He didn't come as fast as his sister Eloise, … [Read more...]
Graduating, Painting, and the Belly.
On Wednesday, these two sweet little goobers had their last day of preschool. Boy, did this year go by fast. So fast in fact that now I have a super big boy Kindergartner on my hands. A for reals Preschool Graduate...say it ain't so. Next year Noah gets to take the bus AND go to school 5 days a week...strange, exciting, and sad all at the same time. We took the … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day 2012
Here is a peek at my Mother's Day weekend fun. It was so nice. Besides picking my way through a box of See's chocolates (Dee-lish!), I accomplished so much. I know that might sound horrible to some of you but to this momma-in-nesting-mode it was awesome! My kitchen drawers are organized, my front closet is neat and tidy, all the winter gear is washed and put away. My … [Read more...]
Happy Heart Day to You!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you are having a lovely day full of hugs, kisses and lots of love whether you celebrate it or not...everyone deserves those things every day don't you think :-) Our house is decorated with lots of cute hearts...as are our windows, remember this post! I made a whole tray of dark chocolate-covered strawberries for the man of the … [Read more...]
The Big Project of 2012
And one that just seems to keep getting bigger and bigger each week is this one... Surprise!!! I'm pregnant!!! We are just super excited over here and I have been just dying to tell you all, hooray for fun news to share! If any of you were wondering just what happened to all the craftiness on this blog over the past few months, well, it was getting flushed down the … [Read more...]
Ginger Kids and Ornaments.
Just ten days until Christmas, is that right? Well, we continue to be knee deep in Christmas activities that are keeping sweet little hands busy and sweet little faces full of big smiles, how about you? Last year I found these ginormous Gingerbread men, you might remember them from this post here. Well, I went and bought them again, thank you Trader Joe's, and they … [Read more...]
Thankful.
Thanksgiving is just one day away (if you are in the States that is!) can you believe it? This is the time of year that we all reflect on the things we are thankful for and while I have a laundry list of things I could go on and on about can I just spend a moment being thankful for my family. We just had a family photo shoot not too long ago and I just love what our … [Read more...]
Berry Picking and a Sunsuit.
It's now the Fifth of July so I must ask...did you make your Sopapilla cheesecake yesterday? :-) I thought I would throw it out there that it's also darn good with strawberries. Some of you had even mentioned that in the comments and yes, it's true! I thought today strawberries deserved a shout out for the awesomeness that they add to the dessert, and let's face it, … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day!
I hope all you momma's out there had a great Mother's Day! And for those of you who are not momma's please know that you are very loved and appreciated for all that you do too! I had a great day and weekend, I felt truly spoiled and it was great! I won't bore you with the details but I wanted to share one of the funniest things I received this past Mother's Day with … [Read more...]
Play with Your Food…Cheerios Style!
This past weekend I decided that the kids and I would not only have snack time but play time too! I always love a two-for-the-price-of-one kinda deal. We got out a big box of Cheerios and played and ate, played and ate, and played some more... 'Peek-a-boo, I see you!' 'Look how high I stacked them mom!' I was thinking back to when I was a kid and my momma did … [Read more...]
Wat’cha Talking About Willis?
{Brought to you by Eloise, 4.5 months old} I hope those of you that live in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Did you go crazy Black Friday shopping? We had a meal that made me want to bring out my maternity pants. Seriously. That. Good. No Black Friday shopping for me...it's going to be a Handmade Holiday if I can help it :-) Okay, so we are off to … [Read more...]
Celebrating 4.
This weekend we are celebrating my little man's birthday. Happy Birthday Noah! {Check out Noah's awe and excitement over a sparkler candle!} Dear Noah, At the sweet little age of four you are already so grown up! You love to ask questions and sometimes I wonder how the heck they entered your mind. Your mind and your mouth run 100 miles a minute and I hear from … [Read more...]
Life…As We Know It
I've been looking back at some photographs that we've take in the last few weeks and so many of them make me smile. They are just pictures of the little things that we do everyday. They aren't exactly the most spectacular moments in our life but moments I am so glad we captured as they will always remind me of how my little ones were at a certain age and place in time. … [Read more...]
Cheerios Aren’t Just for Breakfast!
So, I wanted to share a little obsession I have been having since last spring. I am just a lee-tle obsessed with itsy, bitsy, teeny, tiny, mini you might say, cookie cutters. I love them!! Maybe it's cause I love all things tiny-sized (mini oreos, cupcakes and Halloween candy anyone?) Here are the latest ones I bought: Little mini Fall cookie … [Read more...]
Spit Bubbles
So, my little lady turned 3 months yesterday...I know, where does the time go? {Love those big eyes and long lashes} She has been doing a lot of this lately... {Blowing Spit Bubbles} And she is starting to get lots of these... {Squishy Baby Rolls on her arms and legs} She still does a lot of this: {Sleepy Baby} And she gives us lots of these... {Love-ly baby … [Read more...]
A Warm Noggin
Last week we had a nice welcome to Fall with some very chilly weather. Even at the beginning of this week we woke up to a rather freezy home. Since Fall brings lots of walks in the neighborhood crunching on pretty leaves I thought I would make Ellie a little something cute for that sweet little noggin of her's to keep her warm. Anyone else take an hour to get around the … [Read more...]
Looking for Something?
perhaps try searching