Another New Obsession

... Toe Bling!

I love all these shoes for little girls with bling on the toes, and cute ribbon laces. I checked out some on etsy.com, and they were just ridiculously priced, so I decided to make my own! I ordered a couple of pair of Converse off ebay, but now their prices have suddenly skyrocketed. So, I resorted to other pairs with white toes that I found at Wal-Mart and Old Navy. Then, I added my own rhinestones and ribbon, and voila! I must say that I love the Converse best, but for the price and the small amount of time Gentry will wear them, I like the knock-offs too!

I am having so much fun with all of this cute, frilly stuff, and saving money to boot!

Rhett's Back to School Party

Last Thursday, we hosted a little back to school party for Rhett's friends, all of whom are going to some sort of school this fall. Some of them are starting kindergarten, while others will return to or start preschool within the next few weeks. I honestly can't believe the time is already here, and I wanted to do something fun for the kids and moms (like me) who are finding it a little difficult that school is starting soon!



I used free printables from the internet (various sites), and used things that we had lying around the house to complete my "school" theme.
My friend, Betsy, always gets my "theme" and brought these cookies on this adorable platter, complete with pencils! That's why we're such good friends! lol!


For favors, I got Crayons at Target for $.20, and tied them up with ribbon and a cute printable from Eighteen25. For the mamas, I glued a little poem to a small package of Kleenex. I found the poem on Pinterest, and it said:
(get ready for some tears)

I wonder what you're doing right now,
and if everyone is treating you kind.
I hope there is a special person,
a nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows
just how special you are to me.
And if the brightness of your heart
is something she can see?

I wonder if you are thinking about me,
and if you need a hug.
I already miss the sound of your voice
and how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you can possibly understand
how hard it is for me to let you grow.
On this day, know that my heart breaks,
for this is the first step in letting my baby go.

I used bath tub foam letters and numbers, and laid them out all over the table.

I cut cheese and summer sausage into letters and number shapes.

I used old fence pickets I had left over from another project and made one into a pencil,

And the other into a crayon!

I used an old chalkboard that we had hanging in Rhett's closet as the centerpiece, as well as a dry erase board that we use for practicing writing letters.

I found these printables for each grade level (can't remember where), but they make great first day of school photo props.

This baby block was a vase from a flower arrangement sent to me when Gentry was born.

I printed out these labels, and filled the jars with Dum Dums and Smarties. They said, "Always Remember, You are a Smartie", and "Never let anyone call you a Dum Dum".

I got the idea to hot glue crayons around a bowl from a blog (can't remember where), but boy was it a mess to get off! I filled the bowl and lunchbox (below), with cute little rice krispie treat apples from here.

I used printables for these pretzel crayons, that were so cute, but not so much a hit with the kiddos.

We had a great time, and the kiddos had fun playing before their big day!

My little soccer star

Rhett had his first soccer practice on Wednesday. Well, if you can call it "practice". Really, it was more like "get with a partner and kick the ball to each other". But, it was his first official practice of a sporting event, and I am so proud of him.

Cheers to 9 years

On Wednesday, the 10th, Jeremy and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. So hard to believe we have been married for 9 years, have 2 children, and have been together for almost 14 years! It all seems surreal sometimes. But, I am glad that it's my reality. I love this man and am so happy that 9 years ago, he chose me to be his bride!

Thank you, Jeremy, for all you do. Plain and simply, you are wonderful! And, I love you so much!


We took these pics on our anniversary in the car after dinner because Jeremy was too embarrassed for me to ask the waiter to take our picture! Love him!

A New Obsession

Shortly after Gentry was born, I discovered the cuteness of Toe Blooms. I know that some people don't see the point in them, but I think they are adorable! My mom bought Gentry her first pair, and I had plans to purchase more. Below, is Gentry in her first pair. (Sorry the pic is small, I pulled it off FB).


Once they arrived, I looked them over and decided how genius this little invention was. They are literally less than a yard of stretchy fabric and a flower or jewel. The genius part is they cost $20+ to purchase, but upon further inspection, I discovered I can make them for about $1.00. Sure wish I would have thought of these! I could be making some big bucks right now! So, without further adieu, I give you my versions, only for Gentry:For this purple pair, the sequin trim was on clearance for $.47 a yard. I needed 1/4 of a yard and already had the rosettes! Score!

I love dressing up my little girl!

2 Months!

This sweet girl has graced us with her presence for 2 whole months now! We love her more than words and can't imagine our lives without her. She has quickly stolen her big brother's heart. He is always quick to ask about her when she's sleeping, comfort her when she's crying, and try to play with her anytime he can. We are all having so much fun with her.

At 2 months old, Gentry weighs 12 lbs., 3 oz. (85%), and is 22.5" long (57%). She is smiling and cooing, and recently has started sleeping all night!
(I probably just jinxed myself by typing that).

She had her 2 month check up and shots today. This pic was taken at the doctor's office just before her shots. Sweet girl, didn't know what she was in for!

Love, love, love, love this baby girl!

I love you better than donuts

Those are the words that my son told me today. My heart about melted into a giant puddle right then and there. First he told me, "Mommy, I want you to know...how much I love you". Then proceeded to tell me that he loved me better than donuts because he likes to eat donuts. Later in the day he told me I was his best friend. What sweet words from my little man who is growing up WAY too fast! Here are some recent pics of my handsome little mister.






He is starting preschool in about a month, and the closer it gets, the sadder I get that my little buddy won't be here everyday with me. I know it's only 2 days a week, and it will be beneficial to him in SO many ways, but I also can't help but feel that once he starts to school he will never be the same. I know he will learn so many new things, and that is so important. But, sometimes my selfishness wishes there was a "pause" button on life!