Things We Love {At 4.5 Months}

It's amazing to me what the boys actually love. We also have some things we aren't so crazy about {I'll share that later}. Please keep in mind this is what works for us and I am no expert on what babies need or want. I'm learning more each day and every child is different.

The boys are almost five months. Just think, I started writing this post when they just turned four months. Oh, how time flies. They actually started looking at toys {mainly ones that light up} and really grabbing for things at about three and a half months. Here is our list of things we love right now.

Books. All kinds of colorful books. We really like getting new books from the dollar spot at Target.

Balls. We started with one and had to get another one. They don't get how to share yet. :) These balls are great because they are light and they are easy for them to hold because of all the holes.

Boo, otherwise known as Laugh and Learn Love to Play Puppy.

Spot the dog...who now has a brother...the elephant, known as Trunk in our house.

The Lantern. The best of both worlds, music and lights. Plus it gives mommy a break from singing.

What do your kiddos love?

Growing So Fast {We Are 4 Months Already}

Time is flying by. I feel like we just brought the boys home from the hospital and now they are four months.

They are hungry hippos.

Lil A first time eatting cereal

Lil R first time eatting cereal

They can hold up their heads.

Lil R {He really is holding up his head, the bear just got in the way}

Lil A

Lil A rolled over {I think it was sort of on accident}.

They can grab at things.

I can assure you they did not intend to share that ball. As you can see there is another one behind them. {Lil A, Left; Lil R, Right}

They smile and laugh.

They've made new friends.

Lil R and Cody

They are just too precious.

Something to Celebrate {The Boys Are Baptized}

My boys had their Baptism this past weekend. We had a wonderful day. It felt like we prepped for the party for over a week but you have to take into consideration when you have two infants that your only free time is when and if they nap. I couldn't be happier at how everything turned out. I can not take all of the credit. I have my aunts to thank for their mad skills in the kitchen and my generous mom for getting the boys the cake you see above. Also, my mom was my right hand man helping me prep everything {cleaning the house, making decorations, caring for the little ones and so much more} the week leading up to the Baptism.

My brother & cousin with their godson.

My best friend & brother with their godson.

After the Baptism we had everyone over to our house for a late lunch.

{Sorry, I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the table the was home to the amazing bruschetta, spinach artichoke dip, veggies and dip, fruit, meatballs, lasagnas and salad.}

Our theme was light blue and white. I made the decorations that hung from the curtain rod above the patio door out of three different size circles (4", 3" and 2") cut from scrapbook paper. You punch a hole on the top and bottom {save one small circle for the last/bottom circle and only punch the top hole} and connect them together with jump rings.

We had centerpieces of babies breath in mason jars and one center piece on the kitchen table with blue daisies.

We had cake, angel food cupcakes with a few pinwheels to decorate them and sugar cookies in the shape of crosses.

Above the dessert table we covered a picture with silver wrapping paper and I cut out the text 'Children of God' and my son's names using my Silhouette. Above the picture we also hung a cluster of tissue paper pom poms. Super simple to make and it added a lot to the area {my mom became a pro at making them}. We hung them from hooks {the 3M kind that can pull off easily} on the ceiling.

Like I said it was a great day!

Our lil family with Great Grandma

Favorites from 2011

I know, I know...we are already half way through January and everyone and their mother has been posting their top lists from 2011...but if you haven't noticed posts are taking me a bit longer and I'm a a little behind on most things in my life {like the bathroom that has been on my 'to clean' list for, ahhh, over two weeks}.

Most Meaningful Post

Through Maggy's Eyes

Not only did I love writing about my sister, I was also honored to win The Shine Project's challenge.

Most Viewed Post

Subway Art Beach Sign Tutorial
This was a fun but very time consuming project. None the less I plan on doing more subway art signs. I just love word art.

Fun Post to See Again

The Bump
With my hands full I almost forgot about how little my bump was at the beginning, because boy oh boy was I huge when I delivered my little bundles.

Best Recipe...Ever {The picture does not do it justice}

Knock You Naked Brownies

These brownies are...like..wow!

Did You Know?

Vacation Recap

The day we got back from our vacation to Arizona last year I found out I was finally pregnant.

One of My Favorite Tutorials

State Wall Art

This is one of my favorites because the project had a lot of meaning behind it. I made it for a friend who was moving home.

And Last but not least...

My Favorite Picture from a Post in 2011

This is a picture of my mom, my great grandma, me and my grandma.

Now...let's make some more favorites for 2012!

I Heart Saving Money {The Best Time To Buy Stuff}

I always find it interesting and helpful that there are certain times of year that you can get a better deal on certain items...both large and small scale. Here is an awesome reference post from lifehacker.com.

Adventures in Mommyhood

I'm new to mommyhood.
Of course I've changed diapers before,
but not at the speed I can change them at today.
And I've fed my share of babies,
just never two at a time.
Now I juggle...two babies,
who, most of the time, need me at the EXACT same time.



Lil A {left} & Lil R {right}



I'm totally new to nighttime feedings,
taking their temperature, rectally,
holding their tiny little legs while they get a shot,
cleaning up throw up,
and exploding diapers,
giving baths.
I'm new to an evening cup of joe,
just to keep me going.
Multiple days in a week where I don't shower,
much less change out of my sweats.

But with all those less than flattering perks of mommyhood,
I also get smiles.
To be the only one who can calm them,
snuggles,
the voice they recognize,
the person they follow when I walk in or out of the room.
I have the arms in which they can always fall asleep,
and so much more.

So with every sweet smile,
and even every stinky, exploding diaper.
I am reminded that I am meant for this.
I know that this is the job I was put on earth to do,
because I am the mom who gets happy when they poop.
Dirty diapers mean happy and full bellies.
And I encourage big boy burps,
even if it turns into me having some spit up on my shirt.
Their little smiles brighten my whole day.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Fresh Start {Because it's 2012} & 2012 Goals Printable

I'm going to give my blog a 'fresh start' this year because I've been MIA for the past few months with these little cuties...

The good thing is that with many hours awake, day and night, I've had lots of time to brainstorm new ideas. So cheers to starting fresh {again} this year {just like every year, month and Sunday in my life}. I always need to hit restart in my life. I guess I just work better that way.

Every year the most common word at the end of December, begging of January is resolution. I'm not much of a resolution person. Personally, I feel that they get forgotten about by the end of January. I do have to admit there is something refreshing about starting a new year. With a new year I feel energized to start working hard again, I feel like cleaning and organizing. All in all I feel like doing more and being a better person. For me the word goal resonates a lot higher in my mind. So this year I thought I would set goals and split them into six categories: For Me, Family, Friends, Home, To Help Others, Success/Work. Here are my goals for 2012...

For Me: I want to take time to focus more on photography. Learn my new camera and techniques in editing.

Family: Take time out to enjoy life. Plan some adventures...a trip to the zoo this summer, a weekend in Door County this fall {just a few ideas}.

Friends: Work harder to stay in touch.

Home: I want to organize the rec room/playroom in the basement and finally finish the boys nursery.

To Help Others: I want to combine my love for saving money and couponing with obtaining items for the local food pantry.

Success/Work: I want to grow my marketing, advertising and design business with new clients and finally creating my website. I also want to work to grow my etsy shop with new designs and making sure that I repost listings weekly or more. Lastly, I want to revamp my blog and work on providing content that will gain followers.

Now, I just have to make sure I stay on top of my goals. I'm going to write my goals on this 2012 goal chart I created and post it near my desk. You can print a copy for your 2012 goals here.
What are your goals or resolutions for 2012?