Avery's Sweet Shoppe

 We started off Avery's birthday by cuddling in bed and naming all the reason we love Avery. Then I made german pancakes for her special birthday breakfast, we sang Happy Birthday, she blew out some candles, and opened presents from the fam. 

she got a cute jacket

and a princess game

Then it was PaRTy TImE. The last few hours before the party were crazy, but I'm really pleased with the way things turned out. It was a huge hit with the kids! We had SO much fun. 

silly me thought it would be easy to make a fondant cake

the kids made candy necklaces and played games to earn "money" to go shopping at Avery's sweet shoppe.

I did things in the wrong order and upset the birthday girl. Once I said she could open presents after she blew out the candles, she was happy again

We ended the day with candles on Pizza (her favorite dinner) and one last birthday wish as she blew out the  candles.

HaPPy BirtHDaY AvERy JanE!!!

My Baby Turned 4 Today!!

We Love you Sugar Booger, Princess, Sissy, Angel Avery! You bring so much joy and happiness to our lives! Just when we think we can't love you any more, you find a new way to melt our hearts again and again. Thank you for your hugs, your sweet kisses, your laughter, and love!

Sleeping Booty and The Little Mermaid

Last Night Avery was singing "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Booty ( as Drew says). She sang "I know you I danced with you once upon a dream...doodoodoo your ugly". I told her that wasn't a very nice thing to say. She said but that is what the Prince says to Sleeping Beauty. I said that it would make her feel sad, and that her prince wouldn't say that. But she was very insistant that the prince says she is ugly. I figured she was just trying to "get away" with saying a not nice phrase. She sang it all last night and today. Well, we watched the movie tonight and Avery made sure that I was listening when that part of the movie came on. "Watch mom, he says your ugly". So, I listened to the song carefully and totally started cracking up. Here are the lyrics

I know you

I danced with you once upon a dream.

I know you

The gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam

I love how when kids don't know a word, they make association with things that they do know. She had never heard " familiar a gleam" before, so she picked the closest word. When you sing it, it can totally sound like UGLY to a 4 year old. What a funny girl. She makes me laugh!!

For about a year and a half now, Avery has been obsessed with the little mermaid. Last Christmas she asked Santa for some Ariel fins so that she could swim in the water like a mermaid. I thought it was just a phase. But, at least once a week she reminds me of her NEED for some Ariel fins. Last night we sat down at the computer together to see if we could find a mermaid costume that she liked. We looked at about EVERY costume on the internet at least twice and she kept saying no. She finally told me that they wouldn't work because they all had holes at the bottom and showed your feet. She wanted one that didn't show your feet so she could swim in the water with them. I tried to explain that she couldn't really wear them in the water and that they weren't going to help her swim like a mermaid. But, she TRULY BELIEVES that she can be a mermaid as long as she has the fins. There is no convincing her otherwise!!

Do you think maybe we watch to many Disney movies?? She LOVES those Princesses!

Vintage shots

I had this great vision in my head of how I wanted my kids' Christmas pictures to look. I've been trying for weeks to take them, but there was always one part of the equation missing (Drew's tie, cool ugly chair, a husband to help, good weather, time, willing subjects, you get the idea). I decided to just go for it today even though all odds were against me. The photo shoot lasted about 15 minutes before Avery was just about frozen and Drew fell in the mud. I didn't get any images I liked, but thought I'd share my try at some different vintage looks on a few salvageable shots.




We also had a fun filled week in Georgia for Thanksgiving. The car ride was long, but SO worth. The kids just love their cousins. And once again, I have no pictures from the trip. Thanks Dana and Reed and families for the great memories!!

{s.i.m.p.l.i.f.y}

my life has been way too busy lately. so my new motto is SIMPLIFY. I love to run my little etsy business, to be an aspiring photographer, to be a mom, a cook, do craft projects, etc. But, I keep biting off more than I can chew. I just get So excited about new ideas, that some times they take over. My latest craze is Avery's birthday party. It is a good thing that we don't have money and I am forced to budget, otherwise I might go a little overboard :) I am REALLY trying to simplify and remember it is just a LITTLE party. BUT, it is just so much fun to create!! I guess I could justify it by saying I am following the council on the apostles (president Uchtdorf's talk in the general relief society session, go read it if you haven't yet!!). Here is a sneek peek at what I have been working on.

Avery was so excited to take pictures this time because she got to eat a big lollipop. She is my candy monster!! This was my first time making an invitation like this, and it took me forever {deep breath, and s.i.m.p.l.i.f.y.} but I think it turned out pretty cute. (okay, I decided to take the invitation down because I haven't passed them out yet, haha. Here are just a few pics for now)

here it is again






My sweet friend Bridi let me use her cricut machine to make this. Again, I was so excited to make it but it took forever. Maybe I should have just bought a $5.00 sign from the store??

the picture doesn't do it justice

anyways, I'm having fun, but need to relax :).

Am I the only one, or do you guys get really excited about your hobbies, projects, or whatever some times too?

Leaves are falling all around

I just love this boy!

HaPPy Stinkin' hALLoWeEN!!

Here she is! Meet the cutest Lemon Meringue ever!!

The kids were SO excited. They ran from house to house and cleaned out the neighborhood in 20 minutes flat!
My Mom sent us these great halloween pumpkin faces. They are perfect for younger kids. Avery and Andrew LOVED making them. They got to pick out their own faces and push them into the pumpkin. The fun lasted about as long as their attention spans (which usually doesn't happen with pumpkin carving) and there was no mess to clean up!!

Sunday Drives

I love going for Sunday drives. Today we went to this gorgeous spot that we found last year. I remember the colors of the trees were AMAZING. I think we were a week too late this year though. : ( It was still beautiful and I love the crisp fall air and going on little walks with my family. These are the moments I cherish.