Keychains and 4th of July flags...

I saw the keychains on a blog last week and thought I'd make a few!
And the little baby flags just melt my heart. They are 1 inch tall!I'm off to make some cards...

A few projects...

I've been working on a few little projects the past few days.
I've seen lots of super cute idea's with state maps (pillows, baby onesie's etc...) so I thought I'd play around. I googled state maps until I found a small picture i could trace. Then I taped it to my card stock and cut it out- it was super easy! then I played with my card stock and made a few little wall hangings- one for my Mom and one for Chelsea. The frame one is in my living room.

I've also been collecting vintage sheets for a long time and I've been going crazy making super cute banners/flags,garland- whatever you want to call them! It's been a lot of fun!

I made a little 4th of July board to hang on my door last night & today- I'm trying to get better about decorating for the holidays- so there's my little attempt. Hey- it did involved a few power tools!

Dressing up...

Yesterday Grace introduced me to her princess and when I turned around, I almost had a heart attack- Willow was wearing her baby blessing dress that used to be safely hanging in the closet wrapped in plastic! Luckily it was free from greasy little girl make- up that they had out earlier (Oh, thank you Lord for watching over that one!)but I grabbed a few pictures of their moment.

Never buy Play Dough again!

A little while ago I asked Grace what she wanted to make and she quickly replied, "Play Dough!!!"
Not being in the mood, I agreed just to bring a smile to her face- so we hopped in the kitchen and in a few minutes made two batches of homemade play dough. It's super easy and if you keep it in a air tight container/bag- it will last A LONG TIME! We made it for the first time a few months back and it's still great!

3- C. flour
3- T vegtable oil
2- packs of Kool Aid
3/4 C. salt
2 C. boiling water

*** mix together and kneed until well blended. If needed, add a little more flour and continue kneeding! That's it folks!

Playing dress up...

Yesterday, Grace came out and said, "Mom, look at Willow all dressed up!"
Indeed she was- rocking a mermaid outfit and all!

Thinning peaches at the Orchard...

Last night I took the kids and Liam out to the orchard to thin the peaches. Trav had to go out with the missionaries, so I loaded them up, drove out and helped for as long as I could while trying to herd the 5 kids in the right direction! We had fun, and oh, boy, I can't wait until those little peaches are the size of softballs! Canning season- I can feel you aproaching!!!

A dog party...

Oh, my little firecracker, Grace surprises me hourly with her funny little personality! Yesterday she had a dog party underneath the tramp. When I was given a hand-written & hand- delivered invite, how could I not attend???
...she just gets my heart!(And yes, they look like orphans with their crazy hair! Where was their Mother anyway?)

Tristin & Liam cookin it up in the kitchen...

Yesterday Tristin & Liam signed off a Scout requirement by making a dessert! Peanut Butter & chocolate rice krispie treats!

Homemade sidewalk paint...

I found a reciepe online for sidewalk paint and thought we would try it out yesterday. It was super easy too! 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup cornstarch & food coloring! I read that it washes off with the hose, but I was lazy and left mine on the driveway! The kids had a blast- and that was the point!

The fountain...

I've been trying really hard this Summer to do fun activities with the kids- so we braved the 95 degree weather the other day and took them to the fountain near our home. I'm all about the free activities as well, so this was perfect! There were tears and smiles, laughs and shade so it all worked out! And nothing better than seeing my sweet Willow is a swim suit with those little chicken legs walking around! Pure Heaven!