Beth and Co.

What Animal Are You?

2012-01-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

My sister's secret talent is not such a secret anymore. During one of her interviews for Survivor she spilled the beans that she has a knack for pointing out what animal people look like. To make it even more of a skill she can usually do it within just a few minutes of meeting you!

She's done it for as long as I can remember and in case you are wondering I'm a mouse. Specifically (for any American Tail fans out there) I'm Feivel's Sister...

If I had a quarter for every time someone has asked my sister, "What animal am I?" since the cast was released I'd be a rich woman! So I decided to put all that asking to good use and stick the slogan on a t-shirt that we can proudly wear in support of TEAM KIM!!

If you'd like to join us in wearing her name proudly every Wednesday you can head HERE (as in click right here!!) to order a shirt. The code is COF21888.

Today also just so happens to be the animal whisperer's birthday...

Happy Birthday bestest buddy! You're one of my favorite people in the whole wide world and the coolest person I know.

It's a Wonderful Life.

2012-01-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, Christmas has come and gone. But I've decided not to stick the saying on the shelf until the holidays roll around again next year. Even with all the fancy tinsel and twinkling lights packed away I'm convinced there is still plenty of wonderful to be found in everyday life. Even if there is a whole box of Cheerios on my living room floor...

She was as guilty as the day is long...

I was reminded recently that there is power in simply saying, "Today is going to be a really good day". It's true we get to choose. It may not feel like there is a whole lot to look forward to or get geared up for but if your outlook is bright you might just find the everyday routine holds plenty of things to get excited about. Sisters hugging...

Birthday dogs barking all. the. live. long. day...

Newly turned two year olds exercising their "independence"...

And occasionally something a little more fancy like a date to the movies with my favorite 6 1/2 year old (Beauty and the Beast 3D)...

And then there was today. We spent all day at home. We needed it badly. So with toys littering every square inch of our floor the four of us spent time just being together. Emme found a photo of she and Carter from when she was a baby and requested a re-enactment...

Carter wrote an adorable story called The Bee that I hope I will keep forever and ever...

She also penned a letter to Taylor and signed it "your fan" be still my heart (if only I could get this to her I just know she'd love it as much as I do)...

They soaked up an afternoon with their daddy who had been away all week...

To be honest it was my favorite kind of Saturday (did I mention we all took a nap?)...

Nothing out of the ordinary but still plenty of wonderful. Happy Weekending!

Turning Two

2012-01-26T06:11:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that Emme loves Elmo. As her second birthday celebration approached I knew that furry little monster would be a part of the festivities!

We had her party at one of our favorite places The Kiddie Park with lots of our favorite people. I was so touched by my sweet little Carter who came early, focused, worked hard and helped me set everything up. She is such a wonderful big sis...

We managed to get everything taped down just in the nick of time (it was a little windy out)...

And I was tickled pink with Emerson's Elmo cake...

Our guest started to arrive and we got the party started!

It means so much when sweet family and friends come together to celebrate your little people...

I think birthday's are such a good reminder to take a deep breath and remember what is really important...

And for making wishes...

And for eating cake (of course)...

Birthdays are good for best friends...

Family...

(Nate swore he didn't realize his shirt matched Emme's leggings but I think he was fibbing! That guy speaks my love language...it's called color coordination!)

(and speaking of love languages my sister surprised me by taking off work so she could come...now that is my love language...as in it totally made me cry.)

Birthdays are also very good for turning two (which only happens once in a lifetime)...

A BIG thanks to everyone who celebrated with us and made this day such a happy memory! It was one of those "Best DAY Ever" kind of days for sure.

Emme's Birthday

2012-01-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

We all get a big kick out of the way Emerson talks these days. It's all "Emme this" and "Emme that" it's all third person all the time. But Thursday really was Emme's day. Her birthday which we celebrated with plenty of special and a lot of love. She actually had her first taste of birthday fun on Wednesday when she shared cupcakes with her Mother's Day Out class...

The next morning we treated her to a little breakfast serenade of "Happy Birthday to You". I love the sweet look she gets on her face when you sing to her...

Later that day she spent a little time on her new favorite activity, watching Aunt Kim's Survivor Video...

And of course hanging with her good buddy Elmo...

Later that night Kim and Bryan joined us for pizza and cake. Emme had been dyyyiiiiinnnnnggg to eat a piece of cake all afternoon so when it was finally time her smile said it all...

And I can't get enough of the look on her face when we sing....

Friday we had a little down time after all the celebrating and got to rest up for her party...

I'll be sharing all her party pics soon but here's a little sneak peak at our Elmo Extravaganza....

More to come...

She's a Survivor

2012-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is nuts with a capital N. I have to admit Wednesday was about as fun as it gets. To finally be able to tell friends and family or even the lady checking me out at the grocery store that my sister is going to be on SURVIVOR (ok so I'm kidding about the grocery store bit but don't put it past me!) was so stinkin' fun.

My first thought when I woke up yesterday was, "Yay, It's still true!" This whole thing would be SO exciting even if I had never watched an episode of the show. But the fact that I would consider myself a diehard fan pushes the whole thing to the "I'm like a kid at Christmas" phase of excitement. I mean how many people can say Jeff Probst thinks their sister is smart?! (Click here to see what else he had to say! I'm particularly fond of the, "she's a favorite to win" part!)

Sure I've had seasons that have been ho-hum or that I've even considered jumping ship after. But I always come back and for some reason this show has just become one of those can't miss things for me. Watching it is something that my sister and I have shared and to get to watch her now going through the whirlwind of actually being on it is a little surreal.

It's hard to believe that prior to Wednesday you could google Kim Spradlin and find your average facebook page or some old blurb about her from high school. All it takes now is "Kim Sp" and you can read more about her than you've ever dreamed! I realize this could be a problem because a.) obsessing over reading everything that is said about her could become a full time job and b.) there are some bitter betty's and bob's out there who somehow missed the "if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all" bit.

I realize everyone is entitled to their own opinion and of course mine will be in the semi biased "I think she's the most awesome person they've ever had on the show" category. And while my opinion may be a biased one here is something that is pure fact...my sister is real.

She's a real person that has been one of my favorite's for as long as I can remember. Kim has always been someone that people cannot help but love. She is magnetic, she is the life of the party, she is the person that lights up a room.

She is a real person that works hard for that gorgeous physique that everyone is going cuckoo for cocoa puffs over. There is a lot of sweat that goes into a six pack like that! Trust me I know. She took me under her wing as a workout buddy (something I will be forever grateful for) and 20 lbs. later I realize that being in shape at 30 does not come for free!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that for a lot of people my sister is about to become a picture on their screen or a person on their TV (craaaazy!). I'm sure it will be easy for them to love (or hate) her based on what they can learn in a short amount of time. For us its L-O-V-E all the way. Knowing her like we do it would be impossible not to!!

Two

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Birthdays are good for lots of things. Joy, Happiness, Celebration and (maybe one of my favorites as a mom) reflection. It's so easy as I move from day to day, week to week, month to month, etc. to miss the subtle changes that eventually result in tiny babies...

Who are not so tiny anymore...

My dear sweet Emerson is two today. Seven hundred and thirty beautiful days old. On this particular day I'm taking a moment to think back to the very first one. She was such a little bundle...

Just perfect for holding...

New found roles of "big" and "little" sister came naturally to my girls. Carter had been waiting quite a while for this moment...

So had I...

I was so grateful for you sweet girl. For the opportunity to get to be your Mama. Your smile could have melted my heart...

No matter how hard I try to catch you growing the days seem to fly by...

And suddenly here we are another year gone by...

Ready to take on being two...

With a personality that is as bright as the sunshine...

You add so much to our home...

To our family...

Today we celebrate you...

Who you are...

and who you will become...

I know the future will hold years of growing and changing...

But before you get even another day older I want to share a few of my favorite things about you right this minute...

The way you run. The way you smile. The way you say, "sissy". The way you look when you wake up. The way you put your hand on my cheek and pat it. The way you love to play outside. The way you talk about yourself in the third person. The way you love your daddy. The way you say, "it's not working!" The way you can't get enough fruit snacks. The way you console your baby doll. The way you shake your bootie. The way you say, "hold you." The way you sing along to Jesus Loves Me and The Itsy Bitsy Spider. The way you fold your hands to pray at dinner. The way you wave to everyone we pass at the grocery store. The way you say, "brush-a teeth". The way you love hats. The way you run and give Carter a hug when she gets up in the morning. The way you giggle. They way you blow kisses. The way you say, "door open." Okay, so I just love the way you talk, period. The way your cheeks are

the most kissable thing I've ever seen.

The way you have made our family fall

head over heels in love with you.

Happy Birthday precious Emerson!
If you would like to see the book I created for Emerson's second year feel free to click on the cover...

Drumroll please....

2012-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

Finally. F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!! Have you ever had a secret? Like a good one. Like one you really can't tell? I have.

I know I left y'all hanging after my last post. Let me start by clarifying a few things. First of all my BIG news has nothing to do with one of these...

(Although they're pretty darn cute)...

We're also not getting one of these...

Or putting one of these in our yard...

It's nothing you'd guess (not in a million years).

So here goes.

I'm sure most of you have heard of the show Survivor (I mean unless you live under a rock or something). Well, I've been a fan for as long as I can remember. I've never missed a season (except for the very first one which thankfully means I don't have visions of Richard Hatch in all his glory seared into my brain). I got hooked after Season 2 and can remember thinking I would love to be just like Elisabeth Filarski. I've had quite a few favorite castaways over the years...Stephanie, Boston Rob, and JD just to name a few. But I'm pretty sure I may have a new all time favorite after this next season airs. As a matter of fact I can guarantee it (look closely I'm pretty sure one of the cast looks vaguely familiar)...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Can you believe it! I'm not sure when I've been this excited about something!

In just 4 short weeks the world will have a chance to get to know my beautiful sister a little better. I have no doubt they will see her for the warm, competitive, gorgeous, funny, bad ass that she is (click on this photo to watch her video)...

I'm so proud of her! I'm also sure I'm driving her crazy by taking her picture (but I keep telling her when we're old and gray she'll be glad I documented things so well). Kim watching Kim...

And finally getting to tell people where she really disappeared to (on the phone in this pic with Mimi and Papa which was one hilarious conversation)...

Gotta' say that for this stay at home Mama excitement like this doesn't come along very often. Thanks Kimmi for letting us all be a little part of your adventure. This is going to be awesome!

Set your DVR's people (don't worry I'm sure I'll remind you again). February 15th is going to be added to the "Best Day Ever" list. Go Salani!! (Click here to go directly to the Survivor: One World homepage and have fun checking out the cast, photos, videos, etc.)

Gone Country

2012-01-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

My parents were in town for a few days this past weekend. They have a new hobby, thanks to their good buddies Laynce and Leslie, they've taken up two stepping. It's pretty cute if you ask me. So since they just so happened to be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary we all put on our boots and headed to the famous Floore's Country Store...

35 years is definitely a reason to celebrate...

We were all happy to share the occasion with them...

I love my parents and am so thankful for the love that they have poured into my life. I've never appreciated them more. I also have to give a little "Happy Birthday" shout out to my lil' brother who was born on their anniversary 27 years ago...

This week I'm enjoying the everyday things that I sometimes overlook like sweet sleeping babies...

And cheerios for breakfast...

Oh and just because I'm about to pop the next time I post I predict I will have some very big news. BIG, HUGE, I mean REALLY HUGE!! (Are you curious yet??) Stay tuned...

A Week of Saturdays

2012-01-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh the dreaded "get back in the routine after the holidays week" is here! This is a little hard to swallow because we spent the entire week after Christmas treating everyday like it was a Saturday. There was a lot of playing with new gifts going on (the girls mastering the new wii)...

And plenty of make believe (these little animals were "babies" for the day complete with pacifiers and bottles)...

I love the little glimpses of two girls playing happily together with no fighting or hitting...

Sometimes it really is the little things in life that matter most...

We spent sunny days outside (the weather here has been AMAZING) which meant an unplanned trip to The Kiddie Park was just what the doctor ordered...

Emerson is finally old enough to hop on all the rides. She is a big fan of the carousel (I couldn't pick a favorite)...

We also took the opportunity to meet Grandad at the park as he was passing through town...

Grandad's are the best swing pushers...

That is until you learn to "swing" yourself...

After weeks like this one where things like routines, laundry, blogs and taking down the Christmas decor are gladly exchanged for happy little girls...

I'm reminded that sometimes we need a little "overdose" in the family fun department...

It does a body good!

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

We had visions of spending our New Year's Eve out on the town (what is it about New Year's that brings out the inner party animal in people?). No big plans developed and so we had elected to save our baby sitting money and spend the evening at home.

Nate (whose New Year's resolutions include running a half marathon) came in from a jog yesterday afternoon and announced that the girls (that would be Carter, Emme and I) should get ready we were all going to dinner. Apparently he had decided we should start a new tradition with them of a special New Year's Eve dinner where we would discuss the year ahead and encourage Carter to maybe make a resolution or two...

Can I just say I love him for spur of the moment decisions like this. The obvious reason is I don't have to cook or come up with dinner. The more hidden one is I think it reminds me of my childhood. My dad was really good at making vacations and occasions feel special and I think that my heart remembers those moments well.

So the girls in our family got just a little more fancy (for the little girls that meant dresses for me it meant simply grabbing a shower because I'd been cleaning house all day). Then the fab four headed out to dinner...

One thing is for sure the year twenty twelve will be a cuter place with these two munchkins in it...

Nate kept Carter in the dark about his restaurant of choice but as we pulled into the Cheesecake Factory she said, "I KNEW IT!!" I think she has begun to associate that place with "special occasions" and I love that. A round of drinks later we were all ready to toast the year ahead...

We had a wonderful dinner. Just being honest we don't take the girls to "sit down" restaurants too often. The thought of a long wait for food can be a little intimidating. We were pleasantly surprised at how well they did and my heart smiled as Emme said thank you every time someone came by our table (whether they were dropping off water, bread or just a little plate of butter) I love that kid.

Life can be full of routine and has plenty of everyday so why not take every opportunity to celebrate...

It was one of the best kick offs to the New Year I've had in quite some time. Topped off perfectly with a good laugh and a little time spent with two of our favorite people Kim and Bryan. I think the year ahead will be an unforgettable one. Welcome 2012!

Goodbye Christmas...

2011-12-31T13:28:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. We did it up right this year. Road trips...family time...plenty of togetherness...present opening...cookie baking...craft making...and many a late night bedtime added up to two very happy girls. Christmas this year did not disappoint (all real photos courtesy of my sweet sis-in-law Jenny who is not lazy like me and still uses something other than an iPhone to take pictures)...

(carter + twinkle lights)

(scratch off's with Poppa, Nonna, Kathie and Bart)

(Roxi's little helper)

(snuggling with Aunt Jenny)

(Emme posin')

(Mimi and G.G.)

(Roxi's Tree 2011)

(Pops and Roxi)

(Emme plays Jenga with Christmas presents)

(Sugarplum Fairy)

(Emme found the perfect spot for napping)

(Tank was sweet to share)

(late night Cosby watching)

(Emme and G.G.)

(Clint + Jenny)

(Emme pitches in)

(tippy toes)

(Papa and Mimi)

(cold day Carter)

(3 Generations)

(Christmas Light Looking)

(hanging out with the fam)

(Emme does a heart good)

(Roxi and Carter)

(cookie baking)

(time for presents)

(ready for Santa)

(he came)

(we heart Rody)

(Christmas Day movie date)

(full hearts...even FULLER car)

(pit stop in heaven)

(happy Christmas campers)

I hate goodbyes and this one isn't easy...but until next year we bid you farewell sweet Christmas. Thanks for being so good to us!

Away in a Manger

2011-12-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with this adaptation of The Christmas story as told by a group of children in New Zealand...

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Santa Sister

2011-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Their new favorite game is "playing Santa". Emme pays her sisters lap a visit and they discuss what they want for Christmas...

It's about as close as you can get to the real thing...

This sweet Santa seems to have a good effect on Emme...

I'm happy to report there were no tears shed on this visit...

These girls sure do make Christmas merry...

Merry Christmas Eve! Don't forget the milk and cookies and that you're never too old for a little visit with St. Nick...

Baby Reindeer

2011-12-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Okay so technically they are goats. But, being that it's Christmas and all we'll go with the fact that they look a lot like deer and keep things festive. We've had a few unexpected guests hanging around this week...

Aunt Kimmi has been playing Mama to a couple of baby goats and the girls are in heaven...

By the looks of things these little reindeer are going to make great additions to Santa's sleigh one day...

While we're on the subject of reindeer Carter had her class party Tuesday. She was sporting her own little antlers...

And had a little create your own reindeer food buffet that was really cute...

She had worked very hard on signing her name for a little treat to give each of her classmates...

This little elf has had a really great first half of the year in Kindergarten...

Speaking of elves Emme has taken quite a liking to "baby Jingle"....

This has been the year Carter put 2 and 2 together and the Elf on the Shelf gig was up! We were going to let her help play "elf" for Emme but all little Emerson wants is to hold "baby Jingle". Maybe next year Jingle will return in full force (smile).

We are enjoying all the togetherness that comes with the holidays. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Caroling Daisies

2011-12-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas is full of busy moments. I'll be the first to admit things can get a little hectic. Trying to pull off all the "giving" not to mention traveling, partying, etc. can keep things hopping at a pretty good pace.

This morning I had one of those unexpected little moments that reminded me why I love Christmas so much. We had been packing to leave town and took a quick break to meet up with Carter's Daisy Troop at a local elderly home. I had a billion other to do's on my mind but the minute we walked in the door I was struck by the moment.

A sweet room full of smiling people expectantly waiting for these precious little girls to "perform". It didn't take me long to realize that this might very well be the highlight of their Christmas...

They were an attentive audience. Quietly listening to sweet little voices. Tiny smiling faces singing just for them...

I was struck by the simplicity of the moment. The lack of pomp that surrounded the circumstance and yet is was quite a profound one for me. Watching as many of these elderly Alzheimer patients sang quietly along to the carols I remembered Christmas is all about the giving...

I am so very grateful for this "silent" moment that touched my heart and will stick with me for quite some time.

Tacky is our middle name.

2011-12-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we rounded up our friends for a little Christmas cheer. I spent the day doing some of my favorite things. First things first a little party favor assembly. Lucky for me my assistant was happy to work for marshmallows...

I was tickled pink with the finished result (note to all the DIY'ers out there the containers I found were in the dollar section at Target and the rest is pretty self explanatory)...

I also added a little bit of "MERRY" to my dining room with banner made of felt...

At 7 o'clock our guests arrived. They had been instructed to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters (the tackier the better) and they did not disappoint. It was a delightful evening with a rousing game of White Elephant and a photo booth to capture all the smiles...

It was the perfect way to kick off our Christmas Vacation! Thanks again to my mama who graciously took the girls so we could have a little fun and wrap up our shopping list. Our girls always love spending a couple of days at Roxi's...

We are all wrapped up and ready for Christmas (well almost...can you guess what everyone is getting?!)

Merry Wednesday!

Goody Goody Gumdrops

2011-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday we set out for a local gingerbread workshop....

Now this is my idea of fun...

All the happy memories with zero clean up...

The girls both whipped up a couple of masterpieces. First up Emme's candy concoction...

Carter's was carefully constructed...

It was a great time with the whole fam (doing our best to get everyone in the shot here)...

I also lucked out later that day when my trusty little sidekick helped assemble our Christmas cards...

They should have made their way to most of our sweet family and friends mailboxes and I would love to share it with you! I used a new company called Pinhole Press and I'm in love with the results. Two of the things I love most in life, paper and photos, coming together for one fun trifold card...

To be honest I cannot get over how very excited I am to have photos that I love of our whole family. It was the best Christmas gift! We met up with the sweet Savannah of Savannah Leigh Photography (Click here to see her post on our shoot) and she did a FABULOUS job. I'm going to do a post with all of them sometime soon. Right now my eyelids are fighting the urge to close so I'm gonna leave ya' with this, my sweet little Carter in anticipation of hanging out with Mr. Clause...

And Emme was all smiles too...

Until she found herself on Santa's lap (don't worry we promptly snatched her back up in .5 seconds flat)...

I was thinking things might be a little different than last year...

But I think it's safe to say she's still not a fan. You know what she is a fan of? Brushing teeth (specifically brushing Elmo's teeth)...

Making early morning runs to Target with her mama...

Jammies required...

Double the Binky fun...

BIG kisses (she is really good at those)...

And last but not least (she's totally going to kill me for this one when she's 16) "practicing" on the potty (don't forget to pause the music at the bottom)...

In case you missed it she said it "splashes the poo poo." I die. This kid may very well have a comedic future. Speaking of comedy check this little video out. The girls have taken quite a liking to my Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred video. So much in fact that they sometimes do it for fun...

Hey exercise is exercise! Carter has also found another indoor activity to keep her occupied the good ol' fashioned hula hoop. It's pretty impressive if you ask me (Emme is quite a fan too and cheers her on with "YAY Sissy!")...

And with that this has officially become the most random post ever. See what happens when I'm practically falling asleep while typing?! Night!

Believer

2011-12-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

It seems like there is a new wave of blogs popping up. I've run across a couple of them and I'll admit my first instinct is to feel a bit convicted.

The gist is that as Believers (aka Christians) we are doing our children a dis-service by entertaining the idea of Santa. I think the well meaning concern is that by trying to incorporate both Jesus and Santa somehow our children will become confused or worse yet they may not believe in Jesus because we lied to them about Santa. It is all well articulated and sounds good in theory. I just have one problem with this train of thought....me.

You see I was raised in a home where Christmas was magical. Equal parts presents from Santa and a celebration of Jesus' birthday. And here's the thing, all I remember is that Christmas was magical. I can also say that I have never once questioned the validity of Jesus based on the fact that my parent's "played" Santa for the first 6 years of my sweet childhood. Learning the truth was not a traumatic experience for me. I was ready...I asked...and without any real heartbreak (at least that I can remember) I no longer "believed".

I would be lying if I said I have not questioned my faith a time or two over the years. But I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt the fact that Santa was a part of my childhood has never been the reason why. As I sit here at 30 I know this: I love Jesus with all my heart. I also think Santa, St. Nick or whatever you want to call the jolly ol' elf is a part of growing up that is sweet, fun and yes just a little magical.

I'm not looking for a debate or an argument. It's just my two cents on what comes to mind when I revisit my childhood. I think it boils down to this. As an adult looking back at the lengths my parents went to at Christmastime I feel an overwhelming amount of love and gratitude. While I'm certain this same feeling exists in homes without Santa I know that "believing" as a child has never once caused me to love Jesus any less.

I think the thing that really stands out to me is the hope that my children will grow up grateful and with a deep understanding of who Jesus really is not only during the Christmas season but 365 days a year. I think Christmas is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate giving to them in a very real way. It's not always a concept that comes naturally to a 6 and 2 year old but we're working on it!

Carter was reading to me this afternoon from her Jesus Storybook Bible. We had flipped to the story of Jesus birth and as she read I was thinking about all of this. My thoughts were interrupted by her voice as she excitedly got the the moment were baby Jesus was born and Mary laid him in the manger. Suddenly it seemed so simple. All this worry over whether or not our children will be able to tell the difference between "real" and "fake". I think it may be just that...worry. I trust that deep down in her heart she'll know (just like I did) that Jesus is real.

I'm reminded of the other day when she and I were having a conversation about those little moments when you know somethings not quite right. At 6 it comes down to things like telling a lie or being mean to your baby sister. She was tracking right along with me as I pointed out how sometimes we just have that thing in our heart that tells us something is wrong. I explained that it was Jesus and that He speaks to us in that way. She piped up with, "Yeah, and when you lay in bed at night He tells you that He loves you." And in that moment I realize she knows. She hears His voice. And that is what it's really all about. A baby in a manger and that excitement that you feel in your heart just thinking about Him.

Imposter a.k.a Why St. Nick needs a REAL beard for crying out loud!

2011-12-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we loaded up and headed for Fredericksburg. It's oozing with charm this time of year and a lunch date and some quality time with Nate's fam was calling our name.

Nonna had promised Carter a Sudoku lesson and she delivered...

Emme isn't quite ready for Sudoku (she must take after her mom) and spent her time ~~torturing~~ loving the cat...

She later channeled some of that energy in Nonna's direction...

After a muy delicioso Mexican lunch we headed to The Pioneer Museum for Kinderfest. They had some special kid themed Christmas activities planned. The girls hung their stockings by the fire in hopes that St. Nick would fill them with goodies...

Then it was off to see St. Nick...a.k.a the man without a faux beard. Carter immediately informed us, "He was fake!" She is one smart cookie...

Thank goodness we know the real guy...he sets up shop right around the corner. He even has his own little house and we'll be visiting him later today. Lucky for us there were stockings stuffed with candy to off set the less than authentic St. Nick...

There was also plenty of love from Aunt Kathie and Uncle Bart to go around...

I even managed to sneak away for a few minutes to pop in a couple of my favorite stores. I have to admit I always have a little bit of anxiety whenever I shop in Fredericksburg. But after what happened a couple of years ago can you blame me? It's enough to give a girl a panic attack but I wasn't passing up an opportunity to walk around RED at Christmas...

In other BIG news it is actually cold here! Cold enough that Carter could bust out her new blue velvet coat that Roxi got her for Christmas last year (she was channeling one of her favorite American Girls Samantha)...

Yay for cold and Christmas! It's the perfect hot chocolate drinking, lights twinkling, presents under the tree combination...

Happy Friday!

Ladybug Picnic

2011-12-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I spent the afternoon volunteering in Carter's classroom. I've decided that I kind of love it. There is a look on her face that says, "Mom, I'm so glad you are here." And it does wonders for my heart.

Since Emme was hanging with her favorite sitter Kira we decided to have a little "after school snack date" and headed to get a cupcake. It was the kind of winter afternoon you only get in South Texas...warm enough to enjoy an outdoor table in the sun. We chatted about Christmas (what else is there) and I soaked her up...

As we were getting ready to leave a ladybug caught her eye...

She was fascinated and quickly named him 2 Spot...

They were inseparable for the better part of an hour (the ladybug even made it through a trip to the grocery store) before I convinced her he would be much happier living in our flower bed. She reluctantly released him. I love this kid...

It's a Wonderful Life

2011-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm that person. You know the one. She probably annoys you. I'm the full time Christmas music, gets her tree up the day after Thanksgiving, constantly humming Fa La La La La La kinda' girl. And you know what? I like it...

I have too many Christmas decorations and in our most recent move was threatened within an inch of my life to downsize my wrapping paper collection to a "normal" amount. Normal is soooooo overrated. I'm sure Christmas makes some people feel a little Bah Hum Bug with all the added to do's but for me it will always be merry...

I'm pretty sure it's in my genes. My Mama always had a way of making Christmas seem magical and I'm on a mission to keep the ball rolling. So we kicked off December with our first day of advent. I've done several different things over the years but ran across an idea in Martha Stewart aka the Queen of Craft and decided to go for it. They used really cute striped bags but I fell hard for these chevron ones instead...

I hung them just out of reach down our hallway...

I like the idea of bags because they give you a little more creative freedom when it comes to the size of each day's gift. I had envisioned the numbers a little differently but decided to make do with what I had around the house (let's face it a trip to Michael's with an almost 2 year old is not high on my list of favorite things to do)...

Overall I'm digging it...

The girls were very excited to get started (Carter is orange and Emme is green). Today their bags contained a clue...

Off they went in search of gifts...

I decided to wrap up their ornament (I give them one each year) and give it to them for the first day. A tradition I plan on continuing next year (if I can remember I started it!)...

For Carter this little Cat was purrrrr-fect! It reminds me of her and all of her crafty, homework lovin', can't get enough of pencils, crayons, glue, etc. ways!

Emme, well that was easy, Elmo of course!

I couldn't be happier that December is here. Maybe it's watching my girls, maybe it's the change of scenery around our house, maybe it's the Tori Burch moccasins my sister is getting me...but for me it really is the most wonderful time of the year...

Tis' the Season!

p.s. I used an app that's the bees knees called Red Stamp to create the graphics around my photos...check it out!

Sister Suzy Sitting on a Thistle

2011-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

We've been decking the halls around here. Lights, garland, glitter and memories are all dancing to the tune of Christmas carols playing in the background. We all stopped and had a good laugh when this one came streaming through the speakers yesterday...

All I want for Christmas
Is my two front teeth
My two front teeth
Just my two front teeth
Gee, if I could only have
My two front teeth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas

It seems so long since I could say,
"Sister Suzy sitting on a thistle"
Gosh, oh gee
How happy I'd be
If I could only "whithle"
All I want for Christmas
Is my two front teeth
My two front teeth
Just my two front teeth
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas

All I want for Christmas
Is my two front teeth
My two front teeth
Just my two front teeth
Gee, I if I could only have my two front teeth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas

Santa Claus and his reindeer
Used to bring me lots of toys and candy
But now when I try to call their names
None of them can understand me

All I want for Christmas
Is my two front teeth
My two front teeth
Just my two front teeth
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas
Then I could wish you merry Christmas

The difference is our sweet little Carter is needing a few more than two...

8 to be exact after her rambunctious little sister knocked another loose one out with her foot the other day! I wonder if Santa knows a good dentist?? Happy Monday!

T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L

2011-11-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Home Improvement

2011-11-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

I've had a few unexpected flea market finds lately that have brightened up our little house. It started with this Sonneman lamp that I ran across at an Estate Sale around the corner. I knew this little mid-century gem would be right at home in our living room...

Less than 24 hours later my mom called me after she picked up an old stainless steel medical cabinet at a garage sale. It needed new glass but even with that added expense it was a steal at $30. It is currently making me just a little bit happier every time I walk into my kitchen. I love it...

I've also had a couple of Pinterest projects up my sleeve. I've been browsing for weeks looking for the perfect way to display some of the girls art. I finally settled on an idea that uses empty frames. I started with these...

And spray painted them high gloss "real orange". When you walk in our front door this is what you see...

I decided the perfect place to "hide" my gallery was on the other side of that little overhang that divides the two spaces (looking back at the front door)...

I love it because I can see their works of art from the living room which is where we spend most of our time. I landed on this idea because it makes swapping art out a cinch. You just hang a clip with a nail inside each empty frame and you can change things out as often as you like. It also gives you the ability to hang something that has a little dimension like the feathered head band Emme made at Parent's Day Out...

The girls couldn't wait to help fill the frames and so we did a little Thanksgiving themed painting...

Carter opted for a turkey...

And I set Emerson up with another little idea from Pinterest. They used painter's tape to spell out words but I didn't have any on hand so I just spelled out T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L with sticker letters. Emme went to town finger painting (which leaves you with a really messy baby)...

Once her paper was completely dry we pulled off the stickers and were left with this...

It was fun and equally successful at a play date with the girls names...

I could not agree more with Mr. Picasso...

Happy Monday!

Best Banana Bread

2011-11-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

Nothing says lovin' like two little chefs to help you whip up some tasty Banana Bread...

This recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks Mammie's Feeding the Flock by Helen Allison. It was written by the mother of a family friend. I've yet to make anything that isn't delicious out of it and being that I was born and raised "Southern" it has recipes for all the staple comfort foods...

I have a new goal to bake some sort of bread each week. I feel so much better about serving them a snack we made ourselves and my girls gobble it up like a couple of turkey's (both girls pictured in Thanksgiving hats they made at school)...

They are also more than eager to pitch in and help clean up...

What more could a mom ask for? Well other than the occasional spur of the moment dinner out...

Life is Good. Happy Friday!

Mammie's Best Banana Bread

1/2 cup margarine softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (I leave these out for kid friendly factor)
1 teaspoon soda

Combine margarine, sugar, cream until light and fluffy, add eggs and bananas, mixing well. Combine dry ingredients, stir into banana mixture, just until all ingredients are moistened, stir in pecans and vanilla. Spoon into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake at 300 for 1 and 1/2 hours.

*Carter looooves mashing the bananas up and whipping up the batter literally takes less than five minutes, easy peasy!

Win the Day

2011-11-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

When my dad started off this fall in his first season as the Temple Wildcats head coach he issued a challenge, Win the Day. They bought in and had their first winning season in quite some time. I'm sure there were a few people who were pleasantly surprised when they earned a spot in the playoffs.

Saturday we loaded up and headed to Corsicana to cheer on the Cats. We started the day off with powdered sugar donuts (if you're looking to add a little something to a road trip I would highly recommend them)...

We picked up Roxi along the way and she entertained Emme with a little monkey-ing around...

We also managed to squeeze in a trip to what just my be my favorite tex-mex on the planet. God Bless Rosa's...

We finally made it to the game, WHEW!

It was one of those really windy Texas days...

But that didn't stop everyone from cheering their loudest...

I know I've said it before but I'm so glad my girls are growing up surrounded by football...

It was one of those days and things didn't go their way, but that doesn't take away from the fact that they had a winning season (just ask some of their littlest fans)...

And we'll be back to cheer them on again next year...

We love a good football road trip...

Especially when it is topped off by a Texas sunset...

Click here to read about Carter's Sunday art project with Roxi!

Happy Wednesday!

Tis' the season to say CHEESE!

2011-11-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! In just a short few weeks mailboxes will be full of merry wishes from friends and family. I love Christmas cards both in the getting and in the giving. I also love the thought of helping someone send out a picture they are proud of. Last year I had the opportunity to take quite a few pics for friends and friends of friends and will be offering up the same thing this year. Sessions are $100 and you will receive all your edited images on a disc to print, give (don't forget a photo of your munchkin' makes the best Christmas gift) and use on your Christmas cards. My first session is posted at Bethany Saxton Photography (click on the logo to check it out)...

Email me at beth@bethsaxton.com to schedule a session. It's quick, easy and painless!

Our Favorite Veteran

2011-11-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Bahama Mama

2011-11-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The BIG FAT Bahama post! Just a warning this post may have a little too much (kind of like the real Bahama Mama that left me a bit too tipsy at 3:00 in the afternoon if you catch my drift).

We've been planning this trip to Atlantis for a while now. My childhood friend Laynce was getting married and we didn't want to miss it. Laynce has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember...

We've grown up together...

The thing is the Nix's aren't just friends they're family (one of my favorite pic's of my mom and her best friend Leslie)...

So off we went in search of salt air and new memories. Thanks to Nate and his frequent travels we decided to go first class (glamorous, glamorous) and just in case you're wondering they really do serve warm nuts...

It was a long day of travel...

But woke up to beaches and the beautiful Atlantis...

After a little exploring we hit the slides...

Later that night we got fat on spaghetti and hooked up with friends...

The next day Kimmi arrived and we spent the afternoon poolside...

Then cleaned ourselves up and headed to the beach for a welcome cocktail hour...

Wedding day finally arrived! So much fun to get to be there in such a beautiful place for a such a beautiful day with so many of my favorite people...

We danced the night away (quite literally) and had the best time...

Oh...and at some point Kim and I switched dresses (just to keep people on their toes)...

It was a really fun trip to celebrate two very beautiful people (I stole this pic off facebook :)...

But as the saying goes all good things must come to an end so we headed home...

We decided to make the most of a long layover in Miami and ventured out to South Beach for lunch...

I was feeling like we'd had quite the adventure but after being away from my two favorite little people there is no place like home...

The End.

p.s. A VERY BIG THANKS!! to Nonna who made our trip possible by taking such good care of our sweet little girls!! We love you!

Lately...

2011-11-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

It seems ironic to me that there are times when I feel like we have nothing going on and then suddenly it's like everything on our calendar just so happens to fall in the same week! Lately life has been just like that...busy and fun. Carter had her bike rodeo at school...

What's a bike rodeo? Well, it's just like it sounds. Little kids riding bikes instead of horses...

Anxious to show off their skills...

Carter had been practicing all week and patiently waited her turn...

Finally it was time for her to get going...

She did great!

Emme and I had run up to the school and had a front row seat...

Carter passed her safety and skill test with flying colors...

She couldn't wait to show off her ribbon...

I had so much fun watching as she and her sweet friend Hannah helped each other and hung out all morning...

Speaking of sweet friends the girls had an impromptu play date after church with their "cousins"...

I use the term cousins loosely because I realize we are definitely closer to distant than actual cousins. The funny thing is sometimes family is a lot more about something you feel with your heart...

Lately there has been something else on my mind as well. I can't seem to get over Emerson...

She seems to have slipped from babyhood to little girl...

It's pure delight...

Did I mention we've been busy? As in the girls also shared flower girl duty at their sweet babysitter Kayla's wedding...

They looked beautiful...

And sweet...

And I was reminded to never underestimate how much little girls love playing "princess" for a day...

Lately life has been good. So good in fact that Nate and I managed to squeeze in a little trip to the Bahamas...

More to come!

Blue Ribbon

2011-11-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

I kind of live for little moments like other day when I picked you up a little early from school. I stood at the end of the hall waiting as you came hurrying towards me as fast as your little legs could walk (cause' running in the hall at school can get a kiddo' in trouble). You had your arms full of papers, your backpack slung over one arm and a paper crown haphazardly sitting on your head. Your excitement was obvious and I chalked it up to the fact that you were escaping a few minutes early.

As you got closer several pages escaped your grasp and fell to the ground. You quickly tried to scoop everything up and couldn't wait any longer...as you knelt there trying to gather your belongings you started to quietly yell (because that exists in school hallways), "Mommy I WON!!" I will never forget the grin on your face, "Mommy my pumpkins won first place!!" You are coming towards me again, "I got a blue ribbon...I WON!!!"

I can't stop thinking about how precious you were. You and your sweet heart that was just about to burst because you couldn't wait to share the news with me. I love you Carter Brooke.

Sugar Baby

2011-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween means cute little people in costumes. We totally dig that kind of thing around here. Emme kicked things off this morning with a little Panda-mania for mother's day out...

Where's Emerson?

Later it was time for the sugar haul to begin. Heidi and her little garden gnome sidekick were ready to get this show on the road...

Carter is well aware of the way this whole trick or treat thing works and was looking forward to showing Emme the ropes...

Emme and Claire were too little to remember much about last Halloween...

What a difference a year makes...

Now they're just a part of the gang...

It took them a few houses to get the hang of it...

But before long Emme was following as fast as her little legs could carry her asking for, "More! More!"...

They made out well and Nate and I are currently enjoying the results of all their hard work...

Happy Halloween!

I'm a 30 year old Taylor Swift fan.

2011-10-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

She plays multiple instruments, sings with just enough twang to call herself country, is the cutest darn thing I've ever seen and last Tuesday night we headed out to see her in person...

I have to admit Carter is kind of the reason I got turned on to her music...

There is something catchy about her songs and they are just sweet enough for little girls to sing along to without their Mama's having to cringe over any of the lyrics...

But somewhere along the way I started to really listen to the lyrics and you know what I liked them. She tends to write about things like growing up, Tim McGraw and young love...

Carter loved the anticipation of the night but by the time Taylor hit the stage she was beginning to fade. She wound up quietly taking it all in. Just being honest Nate and I felt like she was the perfect excuse for us to attend because we had the best time. I have to admit I had a little tear in my eye when she started in on....

You take a deep breath and you walk through the doors
It's the morning of your very first day
you say hi to your friends you aint seen in a while
Try and stay out of everybodys way
its your freshman year and youre gonna be here
for the next four years in this town
hoping one of those senior boys will wink at you and say
you know I havent seen you around, before...

Because there is something about the way that she sings those words that takes me right back to that moment 15 years ago. I'd be lying if I said there weren't a few things I wish I'd done differently (I'm sure we all have a high school regret or two). I also find myself thinking about my own little girls and how I hope maybe they'll be spared the same bad decisions their Mama made. Which about sums up what I think I find so fascinating about the talented Taylor Swift. She somehow manages to capture so perfectly what being a teenage girl is like. She blurs the lines of adulthood and effortlessly takes you back in time. She also seems to be branching out a bit as she herself is growing up. I find songs like "Ours" going right along with something I've been thinking a lot about lately and that is how each and every person/couples love story is so unique. Taylor says it more eloquently than I ever could...

So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough
But this love is ours...

I would honestly have loved to just sit and listen to her sing. But her concert goes above and beyond. With a vintage vibe and bit of cirque de soleil-esque acrobatics and pyrotechnics thrown in the whole thing was...

well....

highly entertaining...

So in short...I'm a 30 year old Taylor Swift fan (and proud of it).

Thanks Carter for taking your Mom and Dad along for the show, we loved every minute of it!

Whirlwind

2011-10-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

This week is keeping me on my toes! We've been busy...

Last Saturday, with babies buckled in, we made the familiar drive North to Temple...

Nate had his fifteen year high school reunion. The girls were sad to see us go and wouldn't allow a photo to be taken without the two of them in it (funny how that works...want a picture can't get it...want them out of the picture, not gonna happen!)...

Not to worry spending time with Roxi is nothing to be sad about. While we were away they were busy making caramel apples. And these weren't your everyday caramel apples. In fact my mother laughs in the face of store bought caramel. These puppies are made from scratch with love...

Who needs Popsicle sticks? Not my mom! Her caramel apples prefer to be dressed with charming branches that are still sporting there leaves (she is Martha Stewart's long lost sister)...

We've been crafting around our house too this week. Carter needed a literary pumpkin for school (sounds important right)? She took on the painting process in her skivvies because she's a bit of a neat freak like her mom...

Wait...did that make it sound like I paint in my underwear?? Let's clear that up, I do not. Her pumpkins were transformed into Lily and Julius from one of her favorite books Julius The Baby of the World...

You would think funny face glasses would be easy to find this time of year right? Wrong. We searched everywhere and wound up having to go in one of those creepy Halloween stores with zombie babies and skeletons hanging everywhere. Carter (who tends to have aversions to things like creepy zombie babies) closed her eyes and buried her head in my rear as she held onto my waste and followed me through the store. Special. But alas the pumpkins looked fabulous so our efforts were rewarded...

Oh, and did I mention that we managed to squeeze in a trip to see Miss Swift??

We totally did. That deserves its own post though because it was ah-MA-zing! Too-da-loo off to the bike rodeo...wish me luck!

Party Time at OhDeeDoh

2011-10-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

I love OhDeeDoh! If you haven't checked it out you totally should. They are always sharing the latest when it comes to kids be it fashion, decor, or some great DIY project. It just so happens that they have a really cute party that popped up today...

CHECK IT OUT!

It kind of made this stay-at-home Mama's day. Smile.

Happy Wednesday!

Makin' Whoopie

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

No offense but I've decided Pinterest can be nothing but a waste of time if you're all pin and no make. I'm half joking but my new goal is to make something "Pinteresting" at least a couple of times a month. Meaning I will actually use one of the many ideas that I've pinned!

First up Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Deceiving I know...you thought maybe this post was about something else? Well trust me these babies are kind of sexy in a gooey you can't help but devour them pumpkin kind of way. I found them yesterday on Pinterest which led me to the recipe HERE. I followed her instructions exactly (although I did use Sugar instead of Splenda because it is what I had on hand). The results...DELISH!

These would be great for a fall party. I think you could even make "mini-whoopie pies" because these bad boys are rich...

Speaking of deliciousness Saturday night we all enjoyed celebrating Nate's birthday with my Mama's homemade Carrot Cake (Emerson singing "Happy Birthday"=Sweetest Thing EVER)...

Unfortunately we would be re-visiting the Carrot Cake in the wee hours of the morning via Emme's very first stomach bug. Can you say Ewwwwwww??

Between celebrating and attack of the killer invaders I managed to have just enough time to squeeze in a pumpkin painting session of my own (clearly someone should write a book about me...maybe title it I don't know how she does it? Joking.)

I love pumpkin all year but it is definitely the most fun when October and November roll around. After Carter's pumpkin painting success Saturday I was feeling inspired to try my own.

Something about being at my mom's house makes you want to get a little crafty. I'm in love with Chevron (who isn't) and decided if my white pumpkin could be anything for Halloween he'd go as Missoni...

The stripes were by no means perfect as I just went for it and free handed them. But it had a nice effect and got the point across. I just used a small sponge brush and made each section of chevron the width of the brush. After one row was complete I used it as a guide to create the rest. I also did a little baby pumpkin to compliment it's stylish Mama...

Again definitely not perfect but close enough for my decorative purposes. This one was simple. Just a strip of masking tape around the middle and then two different paint choices on each half. They make me smile every time I walk through the front door and see them on top of my buffet...

The fact that they are a little higher than eye level means maybe no one will notice all the little imperfections...

I like to think it gives them character. Perfect is overrated if you ask me...

Here's to pumpkins, and whoopie, and paint, and occasionally doing something "Pinteresting". Happy Friday!

Steal This

2011-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year because Anthropologie has some of their ridiculously expensive yet fabulous clothes really on sale. Like this dress that was $198 and is now $29.99 (shown in Peach also comes in Black)...

Go steal it now (I just did). We are headed to the Bahamas in a couple of weeks and this dress will definitely be making the trip. Even if you're completely over Summer just remember it will be back next year and you would look great wearing this dress in it!

Silo Farm

2011-10-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday my Mama and I loaded up the girls and headed to Silo Farm. Just outside of the Temple/Belton area is a cute little farm that is all dressed up for Fall. Appropriately named Silo after the cool one that stands prominently on their property (the girls are in front of it in this pic)...

There were plenty of activities to keep two little munchkins busy. They loved the petting zoo and Carter really got into the pumpkin painting...

She can be quite the little perfectionist when it comes to art or school work...

Lately I am totally in love with her use of color and pattern. It's "munchkin modern"...

Lucky for me there was also the rare opportunity to grab a few pics with all three of us. Of course it's quite a feat to manage to get one with everyone looking at the camera...

But the real reason for our visit was to pick out a few perfect pumpkins...

It didn't take Carter long...

And Emerson found some that were just her size...

This little goofball keeps me smiling...

And don't get me started on her chubby cheeks...

She is the most cuddly kissable little thing you've ever met...

It was a day that could have only been improved by cooler temperatures. I really do find myself missing the way fall feels. Washington had a knack for fruit stands, winding back roads and a crisp day that could epitomize what fall is all about. There was definitely a moment or two Saturday when I felt like I might spontaneously com bust which doesn't leave you feeling all fall and fabulous. It's a trade off though because I love being near our family and feeling at home here in Texas. Definitely not something I'm willing to give up for beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures!

I'll take hot Texas fall any day of the week if it means being right smack dab where I want to be...

Happy (HOT) Fall y'all!