I've Found IT!

I have been stressing over the past couple of weeks of what to get Bree for Christmas. She's such a persnickety little child. One might would think that she would get great enjoyment out of a play kitchen, or something like that. Well, I have this thing called intuition, and it kicks in when I'm searching for something to buy. Whether it be new shoes, or a shirt for a certain occasion, I won't buy it unless I know that that's IT. I'm the same way when I buy Bree toys. I've got to know without a shadow of a doubt that Bree is going to play with this toy until all of the stickers are peeling off of it. Bree goes crazy every time the commercial for the Dancing Dora doll comes on television, but I honestly can't justify spending that much money on something that sings and moves up and down. Bree would be bored with that thing in 3 seconds flat.

So, we spent our Friday night at Wal-Mart. We just walked around looking at different stuff, just to help pass time by. For some reason the Hubs suggested we go to the toy section, knowing good and well that Bree has a conniption every time we enter the toy aisle. She immediately wants everything that she can get her hands on, and if I don't hand it all to her, she begins to scream like someone has just stabbed her in the gut. Anyway, we were browsing the toy aisle, looking at all of the Dora dolls and Kai Lan dolls when I saw IT.It's a Smart Baby play set complete with stroller, play pen and changing pads...and best of all, it is only 50 bucks. The same amount of that stupid Dancing Dora doll. I could see Bree pushing the little stroller around the house with the baby in it, and then tucking it in to go "nigh nigh" as Bree says it. It was perfect!

We didn't accomplish much tonight, but we did finally find the thing to get Bree for Christmas. That makes me happy :)

Excuses, excuses...

I am waaaaaaay behind on reading blogs, and catching up with you, my beautiful bloggy friends. I really am sorry, but I do have a good reason for being so lazy slack. You may not want to hear my excuses, but I'm going to tell you them anyway. This entire week I have been working on a Christmas layout for Apple Juice and Milk. I plan on changing everything on Thanksgiving, and I want it to be super cute! So far I think it is, and you may get a sneek peek next week sometime. My other reason is that somehow, our morning routine has changed. I am getting up earlier, working out, and then Bree and I have breakfast. You would think that getting up earlier would allow me more time to read all of my blogs, right? Well, not exactly. Bree eats her bananas, watches an episode of Go Diego, Go! and then she's ready for a bath. During her bath time, I try to speed clean her bedroom, and my bedroom and get laundry started all before she's bored with the tub. By the time Bree gets out of the bath, and has had her hair dried, the Hubs is home for lunch. I can't very well get on the computer while he's home for lunch, or he'll think that's all I do with my day. I generally try to look busy while he's home. When he leaves to go back to work, then it's time for Bree to eat lunch and then, finally...it's nap time! I generally take advantage of nap time, and catch up on my blogs but the past two weeks I have had to do other things during that time.

So, there ya go. There is one big long excuse of why I haven't been up to date with everyone's blogs.

Back at the beginning part of the week, I did get a blog award! Yay! Go me! I have gotten this award before, but I had forgotten to post it over there on my award wall. Anyway, the Unexperienced Mom gave this to me, so thank you very, very much! It'll go nicely with the others! Now, like most awards, you have to pass it on to other bloggers. I've decided that I have so many favorite bloggers, that I am going to give this to everyone reading this blog. So, if you're reading this post right now, then go ahead and save that blogger award to your desktop and share it on your blog, because it's yours! Congratulations!

On another note, I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It seems like November was a lot shorter this year, and normally I wouldn't mind. This year I care. My brother leaves for bootcamp on January 11th, so, you can imagine that I would appreciate it if these days would slow down a bit. I don't want him to join the Marines, but he's already been sworn in. So, there's no going back now. What do you get someone for Christmas who is leaving for the Military? I think the Hubs and I have decided on getting him and his girlfriend a gift certificate to a pretty high class restaurant & some movie tickets. Somewhat of a "goodbye" present for him so the he can spend it with his girl.

I have 2 photography sessions this weekend, both on Sunday, if the weather permits. It is supposed to be cold and rainy on Sunday. I hope not...I was hoping to treat myself to a new pair of shoes with that money and then put the rest back for Christmas. Yes, I know, I just bought new shoes. Turns out, not having a wide width size, makes a difference. The stupid shoes just waited until I had, had them for 3 weeks before they started KILLING and I mean KILLING my feet.

Anyway...I hope you all have a great weekend & I'll see you back here on Monday!

Try This! Thursday - Thanksgiving Place Card Holders

Since Thanksgiving is next Thursday, I thought this would be the perfect craft for you and your kids to do! If you have a lot of family coming over for Thanksgiving, this will make seating arrangements easy and won't leave anyone guessing where they need to sit. Besides, these are super cute and add a little spunk to your Thanksgiving Day!

Thanksgiving Place Card Holders


Supplies
- Heavyweight letter-sized or card stock paper
- Pencils
- Safety Scissors
- Colored Markers
- Glitter glue pens (red, green, or gold) opitional
- Crayons

Directions
Step One:
Pass out paper and a pencil to each child. Have them place one hand down on the page with their fingers spread widely apart. Show them how to slowly outline the shape of their spread hand, tracing between each finger. Tracing should begin and end just below the wrist joint. This extra piece will be the stand. Keep repeating this step until you have as many name cards as you will need.

To ensure a sturdy card, use the heaviest stock paper you can find. It should be thin enough to cut with safety scissors, but rigid enough to stand on its own when folded.

Step Two:
Make a medium-sized rectangle in the center of the body (or palm); this is where the name will be written. Outline the box in black marker, or with one of the glitter glue pens.

If using the glitter glue pens, allow the glitter to dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step Three:
Pass out the crayons and markers and let kids color in the feathers (or fingers) of the turkey and its head (or thumb), being sure to add the eyes. Encourage kids to color around the outlined name box as they color in the body. The final step will be adding legs to the bottom of the body.

Step Four:
When all the cards are colored, cut them out. You can do them all yourself, or have your kids help you.

Once all the cards are cut out, begin filling in the guests' names. Let kids help out, or at least allow them write their name on their card.

Step Five:
To make the cards stand up, fold the excess paper under and towards the back of the name card (the fold should begin at the feet of the turkey).

A variation is to make a quarter-inch cut on either side of the excess paper at the bottom of the name card and fold it into a "v" to serve as a stand.


To find more crafts like this one, click here
Craft Directions, and picture found here

20 FREE 4x8 Photo Greeting Cards...

This was too great of a deal to NOT share!! Right now at CVS Online, you can get 20 FREE 4x8 photo greeting cards. All you have to do is log onto CVS Photo Online, upload your picture(s) for the greeting card, and then pick which card you want. They have lots of really cute greeting cards! When you're all done with your card, you have to add 60 cards to your shopping cart, type in PROMO CODE: 20FREECARDS, and finish checking out. It's pretty easy, and I can't wait to show you all our Christmas card!!