Koehler Family

love day 2012

2012-02-14T22:14:00.002-05:00

A quick re-cap of the Valentine's treats at our house this year....

Our valentine's card. From a great card company I used for the first time this year, called Mink Cards. If you use them, be sure to upgrade to their "luxe bamboo" paper. It is velvety thick and rich!

Noah's preschool valentine. Turned out so cute! Again, used a company I had never used on Etsy, Redletterdesigns. Loved the card design! Bought a choco covered "Peep" and tied it up in a cello bag. Voila! Instant cuteness for preschoolers!

I fell in love with Bryson's valentine as soon as I spotted it on Etsy! Super cute! The card says "Top Secret" and instructs the child to use the attached magnifying glass to read the clues at the bottom to figure out who the Valentine is from! I purchased them assembled, which was a nice time saver!!!

And teacher's gifts. We love our teachers too! Cupcakes with melted candy cane heart shaped toppers!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!!!!

winter vacation

2012-02-12T18:30:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we headed north for a little winter "mini" vacation and took the boys skiing. Let's just say the weather was a little less than ideal. We arrived Friday. It rained... all day.... Saturday. Sunday was a little better, at least not raining, but VERY misty and foggy.

We didn't get to ski Saturday, so we improvised, and had a family bowling tournament!

We put the older two in Ski School Sunday. Actually, snowboarding! They loved it! Great skiwee program there. Just like when Bryson was three and skied for the first time, he picked up snowboarding instantly... and loved it!

Now, Noah was on skis for the second time. The first time did not go so well. This time... well, it was a bit better!

He may have been the best skier on the slopes... but look at that face!

another love day idea

2012-02-08T22:29:00.000-05:00

Love day will be here next week! Are you ready???

Here's another cute little idea for school age kids!

instructions found here.

love day..... 14 days and counting...

2012-02-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, there are just 14 days until Valentine's Day! Here's one of fourteen daily Valentine's ideas. If you need a classroom idea.....

So cute! A glow stick with a little heart shaped note attached!

Idea found on Pinterest.com

go team!

2012-01-31T21:18:00.000-05:00

Ok, I must admit I am not a huge NFL football fan and I really don't "get into" the SuperBowl very much. However... if I was and if I was going to have a SuperBowl party, THIS would be on my table!

complete DIY tutorial on the toppers found here.

jewelry

2012-01-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Since "love" day is fast approaching, I thought I might share a few of my jewelry finds that are on my wishlist for Spring!

graphic bangle found here

hands down my favorite jewelry designers - Slane and Slane ~ rings found here.

another Slane piece ~ found here.

wrap bracelet found here.

the J. Crew bubble necklace ~ found here.

love gift?

2012-01-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

Need any cute ideas for a Valentine's Day gift for a special mom or special teacher or special friend?
How cute are these?

many monogram options and colors available. found here.

beach house

2012-01-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

You know how you look through decorating and houses in either magazines or online (Pinterest!) and you sometimes say "I like that except......"

Well, I found this post on House of Turquoise and can honestly say it is my new dream house and I would not change a single thing!

"love day" is coming

2012-01-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

I have never been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. I always thought it was just an excuse for the candy makers and floral designers to turn a profit. However, since having children (as with everything else), I do enjoy it much more now! Even if I do have three BOYS!

**photos found on MonTresor blog**

coffee cake love!

2012-01-10T21:44:00.000-05:00

If you have not seen this recipe before, you should check it out! It is coffee cake in a cup in FIVE minutes! Yum - O!

Recipe found here.

party planning....

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

So, I am already planning Valentine's Day treats for the kiddos' classrooms. Searching ideas on Pinterest. If you have not discovered Pinterest yet, you should! Filled with ideas for everything you can imagine. You can follow my Pinterest finds here.

I am also in party planning mode for the two upcoming birthdays here at our house. We have one mid March and one the first of April, so it gets a bit crazy around here. I have a few ideas floating around! Take a quick look at these rice krispie treats that are made to look like popsicles found here. Love it!

happy 2012

2012-01-01T20:15:00.001-05:00

Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

*photo via pinterest.com

our family holiday photo

2012-01-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

My silly little Santas and our sweet Beau Henry!

the christmas round up ... in photos

2012-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

*cute little tags on the candy jar (teacher's gift!) is from one of my Etsy favs... Daninotes

a personal visit with santa

2012-01-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

The boys were very lucky this year (and excited!) to be invited by a friend to a special visit with Santa. We were able to have Santa all to ourselves in private for as long as we wanted without waiting in lines at the mall! It was the BEST visit with Santa ever!

every tree has a story....

2011-12-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a family. This family went out on an adventure to find the "perfect" Christmas tree for their home. They loaded up in the car and headed northwest to the mountain area of North Carolina in search of a tree.

And what to our wandering eyes should appear..... but a Christmas tree farm very near!

There WERE creatures stirring... as you can see!

So, we looked and looked and measured them all, only to find that we needed one very tall!

The Christmas tree man took us to a "secret" tree place where we could search for trees at our own pace.

Alas, we succeeded and found the right one! Hooray! Hooray! This tree hunt is done!

The man cut down our tree lickety split, and threw it in the back of truck to fit.

Away goes our tree to be bundled up tight. For we still have a trip to see Christmas lights!

While we waited for our tree to be tied down, they offered us hot cocoa which caused a big frown!

Finally we were done and ready to go! Dances of joy, a Christmas tree to show!

A quick stop on the way to the lights. For a photo with Mommy on this of all special nights! Mommy's 40th birthday is today... No way!!!!

(And Noah is TWO in case you needed to know!)

So, with the tree tied on top of car, we headed to the light show not so far.

Christmas lights abound and some traffic too. But, all in all, it was quite the "ta do!"

And there you have it, our Christmas tree story.

Good night, Good night, Good night to all!

happy holidays

2011-12-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

for the men in our lives....

2011-12-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, sometimes I feel like I cannot live with mine and cannot live without mine.... but, they are the men in our lives and most of them are pretty deserving of a good gift!

old typewriter key cufflinks

varsity scarf (can be personalized with an initial)

a mountain bike

luxury aftershave balm

Happy shopping!

gift giving

2011-12-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season! December is here! Trees are going down the highway strapped to the tops of cars, stores smell like cinnamon sticks, and the funny Target lady in the red jumpsuit commercials are back on!

So, thought I would share a few items I have come across lately in case you need any gift giving ideas... or ideas for your own Santa list!

What girl would not want one these things???!!

Later I will share a few ideas for the "men" in our lives......

22 shopping days left......

charlotte tourney weekend

2011-11-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

Last weekend hubby, Cameron, and I were in Charlotte for the Under Armour Cup for youth soccer. I had no idea how much fun and how intense this weekend would be!

The boys are the team had a great opportunity to really get to know each other off the soccer field since we were all in the same hotel for the weekend. You could tell it really paid off on the soccer field! They won their first three games and made it all the way to the finals! Hubby and I were very proud parents!

notice the team captain armband!

Although I think our team plays well, given the competition in this kind of a tournament, I did not think we would make it to the semifinals, much less the finals!

Unfortunately, we lost the final game, 2 to 1. But, not because we did not play our little hearts out! We just had an unlucky break and the scored. But we made it the finals! We won second place! A silver medal!

We are now ranked third in out local soccer division in our age group and the one above us!

Go Rapids!

cameron's last regular season soccer game

2011-11-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago Cameron's travel soccer team, Team Rapids, played it's last regular season game. Happy to say they WON and Cameron had some great saves as goalie!

And now... off to Charlotte for the tournament!

another school field trip to the farm

2011-11-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

This time it was little Noah's turn to venture with his preschool class to the local farm! Totally different perspective to see the same farm animals through a two year old's eyes versus a five year old's eyes! Both are very interesting... and comical!

Noah's "bestest" preschool buddy, Ethan

Even though it was after Halloween, the kids still enjoyed taking home a souvenir pumpkin!

And, Noah fell in love with a goat.... or maybe the goat fell in love with Noah....????

priceless.....

my terrific kid....one of them!

2011-11-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago hubby and I attended the elementary school's Terrific Kid Program Award ceremony. I am very proud to say that Cameron was awarded terrific kid again for responsibility. Very proud since this is the second year in a row he has received this acknowledgement!

Good Job Cameron!

2011-11-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

***lots of "catch up" blog posts to come.......

party pics!

2011-11-06T22:12:00.001-05:00

Only two weeks late with this post..... better late than never!

Six years ago, I remember so well being rushed to the hospital by my "never-in-a-panic" husband who broke every speed limit possible. Oh, and did I mention that my mom was in the backseat?!!! I remember not being able to walk to the door. I remember hubby putting me in a wheelchair and taking me upstairs to Labor and Delivery. I remember my mom parking our car. I remember hubby's voice saying that I needed help - fast!

Then, fifteen minutes later, I remember hubby looking at me, a bit teary eyed, saying it's a ...... boy!

Six years ago, on October 22, 2005, Bryson Gray entered the world (in a hurry!) and our lives have not been the same since!

A few things I love right now about my little Bryson....

his humor, he can make us all laugh without even meaning to do so.
that blonde hair
his "not caring what others think" attitude. I envy that actually.
the thumb on his left hand that is always red and chapped from sucking it at night!
the way he will give me the biggest hug when I agree to do something he wants to do!
our nights when we snuggle on the sofa, just us, and have hot cocoa
the way his left ear turns down at the top a bit more than the right one!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Bryson!

A few pics from the party day....

invite lemonadepaperie on Etsy

cake design by Jackie Treschl

the "ring master" in the ticket booth/circus tent

the whole "circus" including several "clowns" with red noses on!

a few more of the little "goblins" on halloween

2011-11-02T21:43:00.000-04:00

There was my little Noah as a puppy dog!

My little Bryson as a spooky ghost!

My Cameron as a vampire! This was the year that i finally had to "give in" and accept that Cameron is older and he wants to be scary now on Halloween... thus the blood dripping from the fangs!

And so there they are.. my three little goblins....

Oh, one more..... Beau Henry also decided to be in costume... as a rescue St. Bernard!

the friends

and the older boys... the scary boys... off on their own for the first time to trick or treat!

happy halloween!

2011-10-31T21:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from my little vampire, spooky ghost, and puppy!

the pumpkin party

2011-10-31T11:05:00.002-04:00

A few photos from our annual pumpkin carving party. I love fall and Halloween and enjoy so much carving pumpkins with friends in our backyard every year!

cute little invite from MonkeyMooMoo.

a perennial favorite... bobbing for apples!

...treats! S'mores in a bag using graham squares, mini hershey bars and ghost Peeps!

And a special thank you to our very special friends that came this year all the way from South Carolina to join us!!!!

Looking forward to doing it again next year!

the rapids

2011-10-28T17:45:00.001-04:00

Cameron's soccer team... the serious.....

and the funny.......!

Go Team Rapids!

UNC soccer

2011-10-28T17:41:00.001-04:00

As I have mentioned before, Cameron made a travel soccer team this fall and has been enjoying playing at such a competitive level. Last weekend his team was able to serve as ball boys for the UNC men's soccer game against Maryland.

Cameron came home telling me what a cool experience it was and who is new soccer "idol" is. I think it was #6 Matt ???? Anyway, I think it got his "wheels turning" about trying to play soccer at a college level!

They were able to walk out on the field with the players at the start of the game. Cool!

Pizza at halftime. Then lots of opportunities for photos and autographs with the players after. Autographs on the sweatshirt... really Cameron??!!

kindergarten field trip to the farm

2011-10-28T17:31:00.000-04:00

Fall is a time for pumpkins, leaf piles, pumpkin bread, and visits to the local farm!

Bryson's class took a trip last week to our local Maple View Farm. We all learned a lot about the animals, pumpkins and the changing of the season from summer to fall.

Did you know that a pumpkin is 90% water????????

happy belated birthday

2011-10-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

Oh my... blog catch up time!

Even though it was almost two weeks ago, I wanted to say a very special happy "belated" birthday to my special little nephew. Little Miller turned two years old!

Happy Birthday Mill!

the "maine" review!

2011-10-19T22:34:00.005-04:00

We are back! Let me just say that if you have never been to Maine, please put it on your "bucket list." Maine is simply breathtaking. Beautiful!

After flying into Boston and driving into southern Maine, we stayed here our first night, the Union Bluff Hotel. Amazing views of the water and amazing rooms. Would highly recommend this place to anyone. Loved it!

Nubble Lighthouse. One of my favorites!

This was the quirkiest little building on the side of the road. I made Doug stop the car so I could get a picture of it. Again, probably one of my favorites.

This is overlooking from the drawbridge in the little town called Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove was probably the cutest little town we visited. Plenty of boutique shops and restaurants surrounded by this marina area where the lobstermen came in and out of.

the scenic lobster boat tour

The Bush estate on Walker's Point. The former president was in the front yard and waved to us as we went by! Seriously!

We had the most amazing whale watch tour ever! One we will never be able to repeat again.. ever! The captain of our boat said that he had been doing this tour for nearly 15 years and he had never seen this many right whales in one area. Right whales are on the endangered list and he said what we were seeing was probably half the population. They usually are found more in the Nova Scotia area. It was mind blowing how large the creatures are and how close they were to our boat. One swam right under us! Scary at first, but then cool!

on the streets in Kennebunkport

at Cape Elizabeth Light

ate lots of these....

Portland Head Light

"The Bug" Light in South Portland. The architecture of this lighthouse was so intricate and majestic.

We decided that if we win the lottery we are moving to Maine and this will be our house!

and we're off...

2011-10-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

We are headed here:

Hopefully to see lots of these:

And eats lots of this:

We are off to Maine for 6 days!

Celebrating 15 years together and both of us turning the big 4-0 this year!

pumpkins!

2011-10-04T23:04:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend we were fortunate to spend the day at the pumpkin patch with our neighborhood families, enjoying the perfect fall weather! Picking the perfect pumpkin, hayrides, corn maze, climbing the hay bales, and face painting. The perfect fall activities for kids!

the whole gang!

Love the face on this one!

the face painting! Bryson was so happy that I finally let him have his face painted!

please notice Noah's expression here.... does it not look like he wants to "attack" me with the corn stalk?!

guess I am turning in to a "soccer mom?"

2011-10-03T23:09:00.000-04:00

my goalkeeper

2011-10-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

More soccer this weekend! Both boys had soccer games. So much fun to watch them really enjoying one of their favorite sports.

ideas to share...

2011-09-29T16:23:00.000-04:00

Yes, these are completely random ideas! But, I just had to share when I came across them on Pinterest.

Isn't this a great idea to eliminate kids "fighting" over who does what?! You could customize the chart to almost anything.

One of the cutest craft ideas ever! Would be great for a preschool or kindergarten activity at Easter or when learning about animals.

Love this! Wish I had done it with one of my boys!

What a great way to say "I love you" to any loved one or little one.

Adding an old drawer pull onto a chalkboard......Why didn't I think of this?

For any new parent, remember this idea! Trace your child's hand on every birthday or maybe every "first day of school" and collect like this!

Enjoy!!

all images via Pinterest

the day we brought home beau henry.....

2011-09-28T21:15:00.002-04:00

Sounds like bringing home a newborn huh? Well, in some ways, having a three month old puppy is a little like having a newborn! And our family is already attached to him just like we would be having a new human in the house!

One of our first photos of Beau Henry.... posing with his sister and brother. The day we went to the breeder to meet Beau Henry, his sister was also leaving. She was being picked up by a family driving from Florida! beau is the one on the far left, "standing up."

"Picking" Beau Henry was just as hard as I thought it would be! Luckily we knew we did not have the girl as a choice... so eliminate one. But, both brothers were so sweet. One was a little calmer than the other. One was a little more "mischievous" than the other. And one was a little "plumper" than the other. So, which one did we come home with???? The rowdy, mischievous, plumpy one! Bryson just bonded with him instantly and we knew he was the perfect fit for our crazy lifestyle!

Nothing sweeter than puppy kisses!

The first family photo with our newest addition!

we have an announcement.....

2011-09-21T21:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our family! Our new puppy - Beau Henry!

He is a Cavachon puppy and is the sweetest thing ever! He came home with us over the weekend, but was born June 29, 2011.

We are all in love!

go rapids!

2011-09-18T22:38:00.002-04:00

Soccer is in full swing for the oldest Koehler boy! Cameron had his first "official" league game with Triangle United Soccer Association this afternoon. I have to brag that he was chosen as team captain for this game! he was very proud!

In case you notice, the blue band around his arm is there signifying he is team captain. It's not a blood pressure cuff!

The game ended in a tie, but we were very proud of Cameron and all of his teammates! Go Rapids!

isn't this gorgeous?

2011-09-15T19:51:00.000-04:00

The holiday season will be here before we know it!

Complete tutorial found here.

how many days until swimsuit season again?????

2011-09-13T21:29:00.000-04:00

Surely I can eat some these little babies and have enough time to get the extra weight off?????!!!!!

Don't they look amazing!!???

Recipe: French Breakfast Puffs

Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 25 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 12

Print Recipe3"x5" Cards4"x6" CardsFull Page

Ingredients

3 cups Flour
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1 cup Sugar
2/3 cups Shortening (Crisco)
2 whole Eggs
1 cup Milk
1-1/2 cup Sugar
3 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 sticks Butter

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.

In a large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a different bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar and shortening. Then add eggs and mix again. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.

Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

In a bowl, melt 2 sticks butter. In a separate bowl combine remaining sugar and cinnamon. Dip baked muffins in butter, coating thoroughly, then coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

original recipe found here.

friday find!

2011-09-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

Butter nail polish!

Fabulous!

Find it here!

take a look

2011-09-07T22:07:00.001-04:00

Oh, I am dreaming right now!

rainy day craft?

2011-09-04T22:00:00.001-04:00

It is supposed to be rainy here tomorrow. Thinking the boys and I might work on a little DIY memory game. Might have to "tweak" it just a bit to be a little more "manly" though for three little boys!

See the "how to" here.

notepads

2011-09-04T21:20:00.001-04:00

Noticed these notepads on ThePartyDress the other day and just thought I would share!
Check them out here.

it's that time of the year....

2011-08-30T21:44:00.000-04:00

Kate Spade sale time!

kindergarten and fifth grade

2011-08-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

School has started! We have one in preschool with a new teacher, one in 5th grade with the best 5th grade teacher anyone could ask for, and one that had his first day of kindergarten and did great (and also has the best kindergarten teacher ever!!!).

harker's island

2011-08-28T21:50:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we spent 4 days in Harker's Island, NC. What a sweet little place to spend our last weekend before the start of school/end of summer!

Harker's Island is a quaint little island right outside Beaufort, NC. We rented a small bungalow that I found online at VRBO.com. We got so lucky. This place was a real gem! Never ending views of the water, a boat dock for the boys to fish off of, a small, private, sandy beach to discover crabs on, and a grassy backyard with an old wooden row boat to play in. Perfect!

A few photos form the weekend. And I am trying out a new online photo album company to put together a collection of these photos. I will let you know how it turns out!

right up my alley...

2011-08-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

Chic Coastal Living

back to school!

2011-08-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year again.... kids are sad and moms are happy!

If you are still doing any back to school shopping, check out these cute little online treasures I found:

Land of Nod

Etsy

where can I put this in my house?!

2011-08-23T22:21:00.000-04:00

found on pinterest.com

recycle a glass jar

2011-08-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

Love this idea for ribbon or yarn storage! Genius little idea!

For more uses for old jars go here.

A,B,C... back to school

2011-08-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated the end of summer camp with a back-to-school pencil exchange party! My middle little guy is starting kindergarten in just a few days and I decided this would be a nice way to kick off kindergarten with a few friends!

I have to say this party was a blast to plan. There are so many creative ideas out there for back to school!

Dani at Daninotes was kind enough to (again) design a custom invite for me!!! Thank you Dani!

I took black construction paper and chalk and made it look more like a "chalkboard" for placemats/name cards. Super easy!

scissor erasers!! orientaltrading.com

the kids decorated pencil cases with stickers and paint pens to hold their pencils from the exchange.

thought this was a creative idea... they are pink school erasers wrapped in wax paper to look like "candy!"

idea found on OneCharmingParty.com

We also decided that it would be nice to make a gift to take our teacher on the first day of school. So, we put a bunch of highlighters in a treat bag, tied with ribbon, and added this super cute DIY tag found on OneCharmingParty.com

And what's a party without snacks?! These cute little apple cupcake toppers are from AppleBlossomBakery on Etsy. Such a great Etsy shop for cupcake toppers!

We also enjoyed "Scrabble Junior" Cheese-It crackers (to make words of course!), grapes, and these cheese stick pencils! Cheese sticks with ham as erasers, bugles and raisin pieces for the lead. I saw these on Family Fun's site and really wanted to try them. I have to admit, they are NOT as easy as they look! I ended up only making a few.

Only ELEVEN more days until kindergarten!

eye candy

2011-08-13T10:56:00.001-04:00

images via pinterest.com

girls gone wild at wrightsville!

2011-08-12T14:49:00.001-04:00

Our annual girls weekend trip to Wrightsville Beach, NC! What great fun and great friends!

it's in the bag!

2011-08-08T22:07:00.001-04:00

Along with my LOVE of paper, I must admit I am a "bag" junkie! Some people have an addiction to shoes... well, I guess mine is an addiction to a good bag. Not necessarily like a good Kate Spade bag (although I LOVE those!), but a good tote bag too!

Here's a few on my list right now....

A taste of preppy. I am a huge fan of Vineyard Vines and I love these bags. Their classic tote comes with varying prints along the top depending on the season. Love!

I do not have one of these yet... but I am hoping! This collection from Garnet Hill has three pieces, the rolling bag, a weekender bag and the smaller make up bag. Such fun prints! The weekender is my favorite!

I stumbled upon this Etsy shop one day and immediately loved her style. This bag is my favorite one she does - the perfect bag for almost any need!

And, finally, my favorite of favorites! I ordered my first Scout bag last week. I am sure I am the last one to know about these bags, but they are fantastic! Absolute perfection for moms because they wipe clean! Can you say, "yes please?!" Bungalow sells every Scout bag made. You can see the different prints before you actually purchase and there are too many sizes and styles to mention!

Happy shopping for your perfect bag!

always sad to say good bye...

2011-07-30T16:13:00.016-04:00

Here is the end of our summer vacation week in photo format!

It is always sad to say goodbye to the beach after being there and waking up to it for seven straight days! But, we always know that we will return soon!!!!

family photos... coastal style!

2011-07-26T22:31:00.014-04:00

So, toward the end of our summer vacation week, we decided to do our annual "beach family photos."

Definitely my hubby's favorite part of vacation!

Sharing a few from the evening...

midweek of summer vacation

2011-07-26T16:46:00.016-04:00

ahhh... the lazy days of summer!

2011-07-26T15:51:00.031-04:00

Summer vacation the first few days.....

We returned a week ago from our annual summer vacation to Emerald Isle, NC. I love this vacation week because it is with family and it is so relaxed! We just enjoy each other's company and hang out at the beach! Perfect!

That infamous first day of vacation walk to the beach, Cameron's new found LOVE.... surfing, Noah's new found item to imitate after his big brother... surfing, poolside with Bryson and his "almost" girlfriend.. Erica (he says he has to be six to have a girlfriend!), and evening kite flying on the beach - what could be better??!!!!!

hats off to you!

2011-07-20T09:48:00.011-04:00

As you might recall, I used an Etsy vendor, StellandLivi, to do a custom ellie hat for Noah's first birthday last year. I could not have been happier with the result. Probably one of my favorite "details" of his party!!!

I wanted to share a couple of recent projects Teresa has been working on. Her felt hats are just amazing and if you are in the "need" for one, I highly recommend contacting her!

pizza perfect for summer!

2011-07-19T21:13:00.005-04:00

Look at this fruit topped pizza perfect for a summer party!

Complete instructions and original post found here at HungryHappenings.com

i need this chair!

2011-07-17T20:57:00.003-04:00

Love!!!!!
Where can I put it???????

* found here on one of my favorite blogs to drool over!

another yum-o!

2011-07-17T20:47:00.004-04:00

Check out this one! A definite on my "to-do" list!

Recipe found here.

homemade s'mores ice cream.... ahhh, yes please!

2011-07-17T18:54:00.003-04:00

Perfect summertime fun. Homemade ice cream. And s'mores flavor!

See recipe link here.

normally i would not...

2011-07-06T12:30:00.003-04:00

Ok, I normally would not blog about something like this, but really, isn't everyone talking about this today "around the water cooler?!" I am just appalled at this whole case in more ways than one. I ran across this article today and just had to share. Go Marcia Clark!

images from new york

2011-07-05T20:51:00.021-04:00

As I mentioned in the last post, I really did enjoy my girls weekend trip to New York... even though it started off a bit "rocky!" While I enjoyed many parts of New York, I have to admit I could not live there! I have always considered myself the kind of girl that could live in a big city like that. I was wrong! At least, I could not live right in the heart of New York City. It was just a bit too dirty, too crowded, too smelly, and not quite "green" enough for me.... oh, and did I mention too dirty!?

However, I really enjoyed our Broadway show! Wicked was "wicked!" I REALLY enjoyed Fifth Avenue! I thoroughly enjoyed our Harbor Cruise! Beautiful! And, I really enjoyed Central Park and our meals!!!!! I had the best creme brulee I think I have ever had - hands down! So, New York, I may think you are a bit dirty and smelly, but you do have the best food and the best shopping!!!

Thank you for a great early 40th birthday celebration weekend girls! Looking forward to our next weekend getaway!!!!!

how long does it take to get to new york city from north carolina?

2011-07-03T12:20:00.006-04:00

Well, if you ask me, it takes almost EIGHT hours... and that was by plane!!!!

Last weekend was the Girl's Weekend to New York City to celebrate our 40th birthdays! (Although my "official" 40th is not until later this year)

The trip did not start off as planned, but it turned out to be a fantastic weekend with friends in the Big Apple! Our flight as scheduled to leave RDU at 10:20am. At 6am I got a text from Shelby saying the flight was already delayed until 11:30am. Well, that seemed ok, just a little bit more sleep time for me! However.... when I arrived at Shelby's to meet up with Carolyn and head to the airport, we found out the flight had been totally cancelled and we were scheduled for a different flight at 6:20 PM! PM, that NIGHT! We had Broadway show tickets to Wicked for that night at 8pm! Not good news for us!!!!

So, we headed to the airport to "plead our case" and see what could be done. Then there was some (the only!) good news of the day. We could be put on a Continental flight headed to Newark (not Laguardia) that left at 12:30pm. So, we checked in at the Continental desk only to be told their flight was also delayed until 1pm. Ok, 1pm, we are still ok. So, we wait in the terminal only to find out the flight is delayed again to 1:20. Ugh, this is getting worse!

We finally board the plane at 1:20 and are feeling like the day might be salvaged. Then the news... the pilot announces we cannot take off until 2:40PM!!!!!! So, we are stuck on a plane on the tarmac for another hour and half!

2:40pm arrives, no take off. 2:50pm arrives and we start to taxi. Finally, take off! Although the flight was a bit bumpy, we land in Newark. Then, adventure number two begins. Figuring out how we get from New Jersey into the City - quickly! Our best option - the train. We hop on the airtrain over to the train terminal, purchase our tickets, head down the escalator and find about a million people waiting for the train. A train that is evidently NOT coming, because the entire Northeast corridor is shut down due to a voltage problem!!!! Is this really happening to us?????!!!!

So, option number two, taxi or the bus. The lines for both are insane! EVERYONE is trying to get into the City. After a long wait for the bus, we board only to enjoy New Jersey traffic for the next hour! Really, is this happening to us????!!!!

So, about eight hours after we left home, we arrive on the streets of New York! At 7:20pm! Broadway show tickets are at 8PM!!!

to be continued........

tee it up!

2011-07-03T12:10:00.005-04:00

I guess this is a glimpse into the rest of my life... with THREE boys and a Daddy!

and the wheels are off!

2011-07-03T12:05:00.005-04:00

A couple of weekends ago, (I am soooo behind in blog posting!) we decided it was time to remove the training wheels from Bryson's bike and see what he could do. Amazingly, after only ONE time down the street with Dad, he had it! One time and he was set! And now he is riding all over the neighborhood like a "big boy!"

Good Job B!

granddaddy

2011-07-03T10:23:00.008-04:00

Summertime fun with Granddaddy...what could be better??

serious house love here....

2011-06-22T12:27:00.006-04:00

I have posted many times about different homes and/or rooms that I adore, but this one "takes the cake!"

*original post and info found here.

icy treats

2011-06-22T12:13:00.006-04:00

What a great treat for your little ones on those hot summer days!

*original post and all info found here.

summer

2011-06-22T11:51:00.008-04:00

Ahhhh... welcome summer! Yesterday was the first "official" day of summer and I could not be more excited! Summer (to me!) equals flip flops, fluffy beach towels, the smell of Coppertone, white starfish, brightly painted toenails, and three little boys with really cute tan lines across their bottoms!

So, since summer is here, that means July 4th is right around the corner. Be sure you see this insanely cute idea from TomKat Studio. This has to be the cutest July 4th treat I have ever seen!

hurry...

2011-06-18T21:47:00.006-04:00

If you happen to be "in the market" for Crocs for your little ones, check out Zulily today! They have a great deal going on some kids styles of Crocs. And, if you are not familiar with Zulily, you should check it out once and awhile. It is similar to a Gilt.com or Overstock.com site. They have sales that feature certain (usually upscale) vendors and the deals only last a certain amount of time.

The Croc sale ends Monday!

pomp and circumstance

2011-06-12T21:07:00.019-04:00

Friday was a very special day in our house.... preschool graduation day for Bryson! It is hard for me to believe that Bryson will start kindergarten in August. I am sure I would not be handling this so well if I did not have one more "baby" to go through preschool! (So I am sure when Noah graduates preschool my post will be very different!)

It was such a bright sunny, albeit HOT, day for a happy graduation ceremony. Bryson was very blessed to share his day with his "Gommy" and Grandaddy and his Aunt Laura and cousins! To be surrounded by family and friends makes all events so much more special! I wondered how Bryson would do during the ceremony. The last time he sang in front of an audience he got a bit of stage fright. But not this time! I think he was so proud of himself and felt so confident wearing his cap and gown and being "a big boy" with his friends! His preschool did an excellent job of putting together a very sweet little program for all of us!

Congratulations Bryson.... Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you!

noah's favorite flavor is...

2011-06-10T22:16:00.004-04:00

Chocolate! Can you tell???!!!

a soccer star in the making????

2011-06-10T16:06:00.005-04:00

Bryson is almost finished with his third soccer season. Last weekend he scored his very first goal... ever! I wish I could explain or could have captured on film how excited he was! Truly heartwarming!

This weekend is his last game of the season. Go Orange Chihuahuas! (Yes.... that is their team name!)

bug hunt...in the dark!

2011-06-10T15:48:00.007-04:00

Last weekend our local museum in Durham, the Museum of Life and Science, offered a really cool event. They were doing a bug hunt in the dark after hours with black lights and "bug experts" to give bug info. It sounded like so much fun. However, when I called to get out tickets, they were already sold out. Not happy!

So, after hubby and I discussed it, we decided we would just "create" our own bug hunt in the dark at home. We turned on our outside flood lights to attract all the creatures, picked up our flash lights, and headed outside! The kids thought it was one of the coolest things we have ever done! We spotted spiders, beetles (again, Noah's favorite!), moths, and the moon!!!

Two things about this.... one, call the museum early next year for tickets! And, two, kids really can have so much in their own backyard!

lovely coastal homes!

2011-06-09T14:05:00.004-04:00

Be sure to check out this post of some gorgeous coastal homes on Shorely Chic blogspot!

So light and bright! Love!!!

summer breakfast!

2011-06-08T21:56:00.003-04:00

Check these out! What a clever idea!

See the complete "how to" instructions on the blog "random thoughts of a Supermom" here.

Enjoy!

memorial day weekend

2011-05-31T21:30:00.009-04:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Although we were not at the beach... or on a tropical vacation somewhere, we had a very nice family weekend!

beetle bug

2011-05-28T14:50:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was "Bug Bash" at Noah's preschool. To stay true to Noah's "love" of beetles, we had to dress as a big black beetle bug! He loved it!

more mouths to feed!

2011-05-28T14:37:00.003-04:00

Well, we don't have to feed them exactly.... the mommy bird gets to do that! But, they are living in our bushes!

Aren't they the cutest little yellow birdie mouths! Waiting for "mama!"

a few random pics of noah

2011-05-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

I just loved this little "series" of photos of Noah from our beach weekend a couple of weekends ago.

Sweet little boy...

inspiration

2011-05-27T16:02:00.005-04:00

This will HAVE to be what my master bedroom and bath look like in my next house!!!!!!

If you are at all interested in interior design, take a moment to check out this family's blog. Their new home is truly breathtaking!

Photos courtesy of lovethislife blogsite, the Hibner family, found here.

chocolate and healthy...who knew?!!!!!

2011-05-22T22:07:00.003-04:00

This will be a definite spring/summer treat at our house this year! In the words of Rachel Ray... Yum-O!

Recipe here.

a blog to follow

2011-05-22T21:49:00.004-04:00

Check out this newly created blog by the very talented, Donna, of MonkeyMooMoo and LemonadePaperie! Hopefully she will post her daughter's Alice in Wonderland party soon. It was amazing!

ah, yes please!

2011-05-17T11:51:00.002-04:00

a dream laundry room.....

*photo found here

cameron's new love

2011-05-16T21:23:00.010-04:00

So, while we were at the beach almost two weeks ago, Cameron met a surfer while playing in the ocean. This guy was a local and an incredible surfer. He spoke to Cameron and then asked if he wanted to "try out his surfboard." Cameron basically jumped out of his skin with excitement. He had been watching these older guys surf for hours, admiring their skills!

He gave Cameron several pointers and was really great with him! So nice! He complimented Cameron on doing such a good job and shook his hand. Cameron was so proud of himself. I don't think he stopped smiling the rest of the weekend.

Cameron has always had an interest in surfing. He is my little beach/surfer boy. So..... here come surf lessons this summer during our vacation!

wrightsville weekend

2011-05-16T20:55:00.011-04:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, I was lucky enough to spend Mother's Day weekend at the beach. The weather could not have been nicer... and neither could the boys!!!!! It was a very nice time. Just a couple of photos from our weekend.

Thank you my boys!

when i woke up....

2011-05-15T22:02:00.004-04:00

When I woke up Mother's Day morning.... this was my view from bed!!!!!!!!

We spent the weekend at Wrightsville with the boys! So fun! Photos to come.....

the memory jar

2011-05-14T19:50:00.004-04:00

I struggle every year with what to get my mom for Mother's Day. This year was no different. She has everything and needs nothing!

I found an idea in Better Homes and Gardens magazine for doing a "time capsule" for a Mother's Day gift and include items and or photos from the year. I "adapted" this idea a bit and decided to do a "memory jar."

I included a few items from the past that reminded me of things we did together, such as sand and a seashell to represent all of our time at the beach, and a pencil to remind her of my school years, college, and the fact that she was a teacher when I was younger, and put them in a glass jar. I also included a few photos. Love the way it turned out....and I think she did too!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

the gumdrop lollipop

2011-05-14T19:37:00.007-04:00

I am wayyyy behind on blog posts!

Teacher/Staff appreciation week at Cameron's elementary school was the week before last. Each day of the week has a theme. One of the days was "bring your teachers flowers" day. I try to come up with something a bit different each year so the teachers do not feel like they only get fresh cut flowers. However, since Cameron is in 4th grade, I was struggling with an idea this year.

We decided to make a gumdrop (or orange slices!) flower on a stick! It turned out really cute and different, however, this photo is not very good. I took the orange slices and laid them in a flower pattern. Then pushed a lollipop stick through one "side," then the other, and put a small piece of tape around the base of the sticks to keep them together. It is a bit tricky at first, but it works.

little sooti

2011-05-05T10:12:00.004-04:00

Very excited to share that a bit of Noah's second birthday party was posted on one of my favorite blogs, Little Sooti. Check it out and tell me what you think!

waddle waddle waddle

2011-05-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

Probably one of my favorite photos of Noah ever! What a iconic little boy thing to do! What I wish I had gotten on video was before this photo was taken, when Noah is walking around "chasing" the ducks saying "quack quack" and doing the hand motions to go along with it!!!!

perfect spring day....perfect strawberry picking!

2011-05-02T21:33:00.023-04:00

Over the weekend we decided it was just too nice to be inside! After two soccer games for the "older ones," a little nap time for the "little one," we were back outside! Last year about this time we went to a local organic strawberry farm and picked our own strawberries. We decided to do the same thing this year! So much fun!

After dinner, we spent our evening making fresh strawberry muffins! Yum!!! And some chocolate dipped strawberries... per Bryson's request!!!

And at the end of the post, be sure to check up our little friends that "waddled" their way up to the strawberry patch!

oh, and this one too!

2011-04-30T21:08:00.001-04:00

And the staircase in my next house! Oh how my wish list grows!!!!

*photo credit