Our Valentine's Day

I know I know. Valentine's Day is over- but you guys should know by now I take forever to post stuff....next week will be Christmas photos :)

I designed several Valentine's Day cards so Ashton could have some cool options- little did I know that he would change his mind a gazillion times. Seriously- this kid is nuts.  I reeeeallly tried to convince him to do the dinosaur ones, but he thought the bugs were cooler.  YUCK. They seriously gave me the heebedy jeebedies. In any case, I gave in and I had to just close my eyes and touch as little as possible while tying them to the cards.  Ashton did a great job with the hole punch....and playing with the bugs.  He also wanted to make necklaces for his teachers (and his BFF) so he beaded these all by himself! How sweet is my baby?

For my love, I designed this card (freebie!) because we like being more silly than romantic.  You guys, my husband seriously loves maps.  Funny story: (and slightly embarrassing) One time we went out to eat at some restaurant with some friends.  Lorin had to use the bathroom- right as we were leaving, of course- and we waited FOREVER. Like 20 minutes. I totally knew he had gotten distracted by something. When he came out we all gave him a hard time and he was like "what?" like it was no big deal. Turns out there was a vintage map in the bathroom and he just stared at it and followed all the roads to see where they led and where the lakes were and blah blah blah. Sooo, now you all know how much I love my husband- as much as he loves maps.

 OK.....almost done. For their Babba, we made this hand print set that didn't quite turn out like I imagined in my over-thinking brain.  I thought the paint would be more distinguishable between each handprint....but alas, trying to force down the most defiant toddlers hand and an infant who wouldn't release her death grip made for this weak-sauce hand print of the 3 grand-kids in the shape of a heart. You see it, right?? Perhaps it would work better if we had pink paint or something.  Oh well, it is the thought that counts right? Always next year.

Yummies: Salad Savoy Chips (kinda like kale)

I have a child that eats everything (sweet baby hah), a child that eats mostly everything and a child that eats nothing.  I have a minor freak out at least 3 times a week that my middle child is going to starve. After about 2 weeks of making him green smoothies (which he loves!), I just wanted him to eat something NOT blended.  My friend told me about these kale chips she makes her boys and they love them.  This past week I got salad savoy, which looks like kale, so I gave it a go.  All I had to say was "chips" and they dug their chubby little hands right in.  I really don't give my kids junk so they 

saw this as a sweet treat! Muahah- silly children. I actually loved them. I couldn't stop munching. And better yet, the kids ate them. Point for me.

Most kale-ish chips have the same recipe so I remembered one that I saw somewhere on the internet.  And it is so easy that any kiddies can help.  I had mine pour the oil and stir.  I put them in and took them out of the oven because I am a safe mom- and my child is 4.

Salad Savoy Chips:
1. Wash leaves and tear stems.
2. Once leaves are dry, put in a bowl and mix in about 1 tbsp. of olive oil and sprinkle salt.  I used sea salt.
3. Preheat oven to 350.
4. Line cookie sheet with tin foil and spread leaves so that they form a cup.
5. Bake for about 16 minutes.  I took them out at 15 minutes but should have kept them in longer as I like crispier chips. 
6. Eat and eat as many as you can before you have to share! Just kidding.....this snack was for the kids....

Breakfast with Santa

Does anyone absolutely LOVE Christmastime?  We love everything about Christmastime and try to do something fun everyday with our family.  One of our favorite traditions is Breakfast with Santa.  We've been to several Breakfast with Santas- even when Ashton was a few months old.  This is our 6th one and was our favorite by far! We went to the Gardens at Dry Creek in Lehi.  We were welcomed into this quaint reception area. It was so pretty- like a winter wonderland. They had a really nice buffet (the french toast was AMAZING!) and you didn't have to stand in a long line!  They called each table by name and while you waited you could color and make a little Santa craft.  Our whole family (8 adults, 2 children and 4 lap babies) was able to sit at one table! There was also a North Pole room where Santa was sitting waiting for the kiddos to tell him what they would like for Christmas.  They called each table up at a time and we were able to decorate cookies and get our face painted while we waited.  The North Pole was just like what the North Pole would be like: white, cozy and chilly.  Santa was the real deal.  The kids were so happy and most were ok with Mr. Claus-  no major meltdowns.  Ashton was all business- he gave him a picture he drew and told him all the things he wanted.  He was very specific. Oliver was very stoic, only uttering a few words but no crying.  And Adelle was just a perfect little princess.  She had been getting a little separation anxiety lately but she was just perfect. I seriously loved this place.  We felt welcome and not just one of the crowd and our kids had such a wonderful time.  We will for sure be back next year!

Dear Santa+ Freebie

If you are behind the ball, like me, here is a little treat for you!  I made these for my littles to fill out.  Daddy wrote out what the kiddies said.  Ashton was very specific while Ollie was a little quieter.  I added the last line because I think it is important to think about others.  Ashton really thinks Ollie needs clothes- maybe because Ollie never wears pants!  Now we know exactly what our kids want and Santa will now know, too!  Feel free to print these out for your kids.

 

Download Here

Back from hibernation

 I am alive!  I am a mother to 3 children- 4 and under.  I am surviving...trying to get back to normal life with few hours of sleep. 

I have been pretty busy...see?  How could I not snuggle with this precious babe all day long?

 Ashton started preschool- which he absolutely loves!!

Ollie and I hang out, play and nap, of course!


















Little Miss Adelle and I like to go out from time to time- just the girls :)

 

Look at how big she has gotten!  Just minutes old.... 

now 11 weeks old!!!

Trying to balance family, home and work is going to be a challenge.  I always feel guilty if I work when my kids are awake, but I have to- even if it is just 1 hour.  In order for my business to continue I have to put in work.  Nights are difficult as well because I want to spend time with my husband and it is easier to clean the house without little hands destroying what you just completed.  Anyway, after talking with my husband about the difficult balancing act I have to perform, we decided that it will be good for me to have my "me" time and "work" time.  They can't be the same, even if I actually enjoy working.  I have to be more focused in my work time and really dedicate time to produce new ideas and new product.  I am, afterall, providing a small cushion for us to fall back on financially since he is in the BYU MBA program (aka poor students...again!). 

So from now on, I will be more focused and will try to blog about 3 times a week with personal things, but mostly party ideas or client commissioned work.

Coming up...... husband commissioned work.  Doing manly design work was a bit difficult for me because I like beautiful and colorful things.  Stay tuned for the final product!