Simply Sweet!

I am almost finished with all the stuff I am making for Taylor's birthday party this coming Saturday. Just picture CANDY and you pretty much have the decor.
I had been putting off one project and I finally tackled it yesterday and today.
I expected it to take a long time, but it really was quite simple.
First I picked up some Styrofoam discs and balls at the Dollar Store. I paid $4 for four discs and about 16 balls. Taylor and I painted the balls and discs yesterday and left them on some newspaper to dry overnight. I did turn them over before I went to bed to ensure that both sides dried. I happened to have some cellophane in my wrapping paper supplies and I cut it to fit my different sized balls and discs. I wanted it a bit bigger than the actual size so it would look real.
For the suckers I simply covered the disc, twisted it a bit underneath and tied a ribbon on.
For the candies I rolled each ball in a piece of cellophane and twisted the ends.
And here is what I got...

I think they turned out super cute!

My last project is to finish up this giant lollipop which will be out in the yard.

And I would like to get a birthday banner made, but we will just have to see!

Giving Myself A Break

Last month when I was suffering with incredible jaw pain I lost my rhythm.
I just lost it.
Now I cannot seem to get it back.
We are off kilter with school, my cleaning schedule is out of whack, my meal planning is all out the window, I am behind on all my projects and my mood is just plain blah.
I have been guilting myself to death over the past two weeks. I am one of those perfectionist types and when I am not perfecting my role as wife and mother I feel like a failure (Oh how I NEED the Lord).
I have been trying to get back on track, but it has not been very successful.
When you are behind on everything the only way to get up to speed is to haul it to the finish line.
Right?
Well, I do think that is the fastest way, but it is not the easiest nor the most pleasant way.
So, after talking with my sweet husband, and praying, I have officially decided to GIVE MYSELF A BREAK!
Wow.
There is a huge burden off my shoulders just typing those words.

The plan (yes I always have to have a plan) is to take the remainder of November and December and get back on track. Since the holidays are always a busy time of year I need that extra time to get it all back into gear.
During this time we are still doing school, but on a simplistic level. Of course, most of December we will be learning about and celebrating Christmas.
As far as the rest of my life goes I am going to take it easy and slowly work myself back into a routine.

Are you feeling overwhelmed???
I know that as moms we all have unique struggles and situations.
I urge you to GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK every now and then.
It feels fabulous and I promise the world will not stop!

Busy With Birthday Prep

Were you worried you had missed the big birthday party. Well, never fear, the party is on the 21st, so in just under two weeks. I have spent a little bit of time each day trying to get some decor stuff finished. I am pretty much done with everything that can be done for now.
And I do realize I never got around to posting a picture of the full invite. I promise to take care of that in the next week.
First, though, here is what I have been up to!

These are cupcake toppers.

These were easy peasy to make just a bit time consuming.

I have decided I desperately NEED a scallop punch.

I scalloped these edges with scalloped scissors and

it was a bit tedious!

I also made some smaller tags to go on the party favors.

They are double sided and here I am showing you both sides.

I am going to attach them with this fun, sparkly ribbon.

I made some candy necklaces for the kiddos.

These too were easy peasy and did not take anytime at all.

Just hot glue the wrappers so they overlap and voila, a candy necklace!

I made Taylor's a bit different and she keeps asking me when she

can wear hers!

I used a Styrofoam tree shape and made a ribbon tree.

I just looped the ribbon and stuck straight pins into the Styrofoam.

Simple, but sweet!

And I also made a candy tree!

Just hot glued the candy to the tree and the suckers are

just stuck through the Styrofoam.

Bringing Up Baby

It is amazing how much a puppy and a baby (or even often a toddler) are alike.
-They both require you to wake in the middle of the night. The puppy needs to be taken out to potty and the baby needs to eat and may need a diaper change.
-They both will put anything and everything into their mouth. Taking said objects away only makes them more determined to find something you will not take away.
-They both require you to frequently stop everything you are doing to attend to their potty/diaper situation and/or to feed them.
-They both play hard and sleep hard, alternating between the two without a moments notice.
-They both require you to watch them like a hawk never for a moment giving you a minute to breathe. Forget anything that you might need to do, like going to the restroom yourself.
-They both are just plain exhausting!!!!

We are adjusting the life with a puppy. It is a bit of a change, but going well. The potty training is going decent. Not a ton of accidents, but of course one is more than I prefer. Any advice on the training process is appreciated.

Have a great one!!!


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And The Winner Is!!!

True Random Number Generator Result: 4

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Number 4 is the winner!

Congratulations to Rachel at Steffen Family News.

Email me your address and I will get your package to you!!!

What is in the package???
I will post a preview before I mail it!

Thanks to all who participated!!

And thanks for sharing your favorite fall spots.