ctbaker in the acres

The trouble with boys...

2012-01-30T17:23:00.000-05:00

The trouble with boys is that they often get the raw end of the deal when you're trying to shop for age-appropriate "cute" stuff. I run into this when trying to buy outfits for special occasions, fabrics for clothing and decor, party ware, favors, etc. There is always an abundance of girly things available, but not so much for boys. I usually end up making something for them. Maybe I'm too picky, but I just don't want to do movie and cartoon characters for themes all the time. It seems that once they're out of baby/toddler stuff your choices become very limited.
What happened to cute and fun?

Ya know? Is anyone else with me?

My current holiday dilemma is Valentine's Day.

A lot of the things I've seen on the market for Valentine's Day are a tad too cheesy, especially for a 9 year-old. Unless you go the licensed character route, everything you see is plastered in hearts, pink and red, and frilly. As with any holiday, I like homemade better so I made the boys something to hand out and wanted to share it with you.

Here is a free Valentine's Printable for all you boy moms out there.

Go here to download. Print on card stock and cut. These cards will fit size A2 envelopes or you can punch holes and tie them to a favor.

{If you have trouble downloading, just email me and I'll send you a copy!}

Enjoy!

Let me know if you have a custom design in mind for Valentine's Day. There's still time for me to whip it up!

My poor children!

2012-01-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Back in November, on the way home from my mom's house, we spotted and old ugly vanity and a hopeless looking lamp. I made Shannon stop AT ONCE, as I am on this DIY-One man's trash-jag.
I yelled, "Ooooo, ooooo! Pull over!"

Shan said, "I really don't think we need this. Nor can we fit it in the car."

Little voices from the back seat shouted, "What are we doing? Mommy, why are we taking someone's trash?"

But I was determined!

We removed the passenger's side middle seat and put it in the way back so we could slide the vanity in, but we couldn't close the hatch, nor could we close the door all the way because the vanity was hanging partially out. But I didn't care because...We weren't far from home and all that mattered was we got it in the Odyssey!

Please look at poor Sam and Fulton's faces in the back!

{Note Sam's guitar. Never leave home without it!}

My OH-SO-COOL and humiliated 9 year-old kept saying, "Are we really doing this?" Fulton chimed in, "Can't we just take it back?" Poor Oliver just looked completely confused as we drove the mile-and-a-half home.

Shannon and I were laughing so hard because the back hatch, which was not closed because we stuffed the middle seat back there, kept flying open...even with us going 15mph!

Every time we stopped to push the back hatch down, the moans and pleas from the backseat got even louder.

When we finally arrived home, Sam hopped out as quickly as he could and said, "thank goodness that's over!"

Oh my! I know they think I'm nuts.

Sadly, I think they're right.

But isn't it cute? Doesn't it just scream po-ten-tial?!?!

Do you recognize the lamp? See my dresser re-do here and you'll see the lamp...as good as new with a fresh coat of paint and a new shade.

Once Upon a Pin 1

2012-01-25T16:02:00.002-05:00

If you haven't already, you need to get on Pinterest. Pinterest is like Crack for the Crafty and everyone in between! I was introduced to Pinterest by a fellow blogger about a year ago and was instantly hooked.
I have tried a few projects that I have pinned and even blogged about one. I have a few I still want to blog.

This week I tried a recipe. I am a soup lover! There is just something more appealing about soggy veggies that float. I'll try most any soup, as long as there are no weird meats in them.

This recipe was right up my alley.

It originally came from a great website called 365 Days of Slow Cooking

Day 56: Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup

Photo by Clair Buys/BYU Magazine

Makes about 2 quarts

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
2 cups half and half, warmed
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.
3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don't be afraid to always season to taste at the end).
4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

Review:
So it's starting to be spring and soup season is about over, but add this recipe to try someday when it's cold because it is delicious! This is a recipe from my family cookbook and I just adapted it to the slow cooker. It turned out great. I brought it to a church dinner and it was completely gone, so I'm thinking that means it was good. It is very creamy and rich. If you wanted to make it a bit healthier, you could leave out the half and half and put skim milk or evaporated milk in. I've tried that before and it has turned out fine...just not as rich and fattening. I give this recipe 5 stars.

I actually made a few changes but thought it was super tasty, nonetheless!

1. I did mine on the stove top because I forgot that it was on the menu for the night and missed my "crock pot window."

2. I strained the veggies and pureed them in the blender for 2 reasons... 1. to disguise any undesirable veggies from my boys and 2. for a thicker base

3. I used only 1 cup of the 1/2 & 1/2 and substituted 1 cup of skim milk.

Here's mine!

I served it with a yummy piece of cheese bread!!! I was surprised that the boys ate as much as they did. Another plus, the recipe made so much that I've got a big ol' bowl left over in the freezer

I think it's definitely a keeper.

Thanks, Pinterest.

Follow my boards here...

Ollie turns 3!!!!

2012-01-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that this precious chunk of love, born with black hair and just shy of 9 pounds just turned THREE!

January 15, 2009

Oliver Shannon Baker

I just want to kiss those cheeks and snuggle with that sweet baby one more time!!!

2011

You're getting big so fast!

I cannot begin to tell you how much joy he has brought to our family.

Here's Oliver at 3...
Personality: He is spunky, sassy, feisty, and so incredibly sweet. He listens very well and minds the guidance we give him. He is helpful and compassionate. I have been told by his preschool teacher and several others that they are amazed by his good southern-boy manners. He's not so fond of sharing, but he's learning.

Toys: His favorite things are his set of Cars2 cars and racetrack, monster trucks, and Toy Story figures

Activities: His scooter! He loves his scooter that Santa brought. He'd ride it all day if I let him. His big brothers...he loves any chance he gets to play with them. Coloring and painting with watercolors seems to be a new fave too.

Foods: He really likes Mexican, but if he had his druthers, he'd eat breakfast food all day long! He loves chocolate milk and sweet tea!

Friends: He loves all his buddies, but his best bud is Hampton "Hanton" Dubose. He is the younger brother of one of Fulton's BFF's. They are so precious together!!

Books: Snowy Olie and There's a Wocket in My Pocket

Sam and Fulton continue to be the best big brothers to him. They all look forward to seeing each other when we get S & F from school. Oliver just lights up the second they get in the car!

He was really in to Snowmen and Santa this year. And when I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he said a "snowy rollie party" (after the book he loves). Since he's a January baby, that wasn't that hard to pull off.

We had a family-style party with family and friends who are close to Oliver. It was great fun and the kids had a blast! We had a snow party indeed... we had a {styrofoam} snow-ball fight, we made it snow in the den with packing peanuts, there was a delicious hot chocolate bar that was the BIGGEST hit, and marshmallow snowman party favors. We had a yummy pizza supper with a big salad and ambrosia. Even though it was pretty chilly out, the kids bundled up and played the entire time. They didn't seem to mind at all.

For his actual birthday, on Sunday, we took him to his place of choice for lunch. Then later that evening, mom and dad had us over for burgers and a chocolate chip cookie sundae! I think it's safe to say that he was well celebrated and had a great birthday!

Here are a few {thousand}pics...

The invites

Yummy cupcakes!

Edible snowman favors

Kiddie table centerpiece

Hot chocolate bar toppings

Thumbprint mat and snowman favors

My 75% off Hobby Lobby Snowman

Another kiddie table centerpiece

Hot Chocolate bar...prior to filling the pitcher

Tissue Poms

The traditional thumbprint mat that you've seen a thousand times...but I love it!

My cute snowman wreath

We frosted and snowed the door

Jack and Newt

The Birthday Boy

Carson and Sam

Sweet Thompson taking a break from the "Snow Ball" fight

Yummy salad and ambrosia to go with our pizza

Mom and Robin guarding the food

Kiddie Table 1

Kiddie Table 2

The Griers and sweet baby Mae

Nate and Henry grabbing some grub

Parker was such a good sport as the only teen amongst the youngsters

Chow time!

I got mobbed at the hot chocolate bar! It was a HUGE hit!!!

Sam...he takes his with a heap of chocolate chips, 2 peppermints, a few marshmallows, a double shot of whip cream, and a dash of cinnamon

Hampton's hot chocolate...so proud!

Oliver and Hampton...like 2 old men in a coffee shop enjoying their hot chocolate

Ted and Patrick convo at the kiddie tables

Dr. Ted showing off his pickin' skills

Oliver and his BFF, Hampton.

Happy Birthday to Ollie! Sam was kind enough to strum along on his guitar as we sang to Oliver. Precious!

Hampton and Oliver trying to open the heavy present

Personalized car mat made by Muzzy and Boppa...I don't know who loves it more---me or Ollie!

Oh yes we did! We had a (packing peanut) snow storm in the den.

Thanks to my friend Sazy at Cottage & Vine for the peanuts!!!

Ollie playing on his mat post-party amidst the blizzard

The snow plow stopped by the house

Singing Happy Birthday 1 more time

Presents from Mommy and Daddy

Sam and Fulton LOVE present time too

Ok! Share with your little brother guys!

Happy Birthday, sweet Ollie-Bird! We love you more than you could ever imagine!!!

XOXOXO

Be kind...Please Rewind

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

We're rewinding the Christmas Holidays!

I'll make this as short and sweet as possible.

Forgive the ridiculous amount pictures!

We end our holiday season each year at church with the Feast of Lights celebration for the Epiphany (January 6th). The children participate in a pageant that depicts the arrival of the 3 Kings to Bethlehem. I love this tradition. It really drives home the magic of the season of Christmas and what a blessing it is to have received the gift of our Savior. The big boys were shepherds this year and Ollie was a little lamb. I think next year I'll have all shepherds...hard to believe!!!

My sweet little lamb and shepherds

On new year's day we stuffed ourselves with the traditional new year's feast and took it easy. We played with the neighbors and did fireworks at dark. It was a very refreshing first day of the year.

Sam, Carson and Fulton...Oliver was inside and scared of the fire!

New Year's Eve is by far the most overrated holiday...EVER! I always feel like we have to have great big plans, but I realized this year...we don't. We were invited by the Gibsons to enjoy a low-key night with a few of their neighbors and their children. I have to say - it was just what the doctor ordered. Such a fun night with very few whistles and bells... a perfect way to ring in 2012.

Oliver in his PJ's watching fireworks out the window

Twice a year I get together with the girls I grew up with, as a group. My dear friend Kathleen, who I have posted about several times, comes in town for the holidays and spends a few weeks here. It is always a joy to see her! This year we also wanted to get together to lift the spirits of my friend, Anna, who just lost her dad suddenly before Christmas.

It is amazing how we don't get together often as a group and nothing seems to change. We always pick right up where we left off.

Helen, Meredith, Me, Eron, Anna, and Kathleen

(I never realized exactly how short I am...sheesh!)

Christmas Day, as always, was such a joyous day! Each year we give thanks for the birth of Jesus and that we are able to provide a good Christmas for our boys and give to others. I love watching the surprise on the boys' faces on Christmas morning and following up with a cozy day with family.

This year was especially fun with Oliver. He was REALLY in to Santa.

Oliver was none too happy with me for making him wait on the stairs while daddy and I snapped a few pics and got the video camera ready!!!

Oh My!!!

Sam's favorite gift from Santa...Air Jordan's for the court! He is his father's child!!!

Fulton's fave...Nintendo DSi and his Harry Potter game

Oliver...ANYTHING Cars2!!!

Happy boys!

Fulton and his new bike! He even learned to ride without training wheels a few days later.

Time to open from mommy and daddy!

Christmas Day at Muzzy and Boppa's

Muzzy and Ollie

Uncle Clayton and Sambo...We're so glad you're feeling a little better!!!! We're praying for a successful surgery on January 18th and a speedy recovery!!!

Fulton glued to the DSi

Ollie chillin' with some pound cake

Christmas Eve we spent the earlier part of the day finishing up last minute Christmas details. That evening we headed to church for the children's pageant and service. Sam had a reading part and Futlon *sang*. I love that service so much! It's so festive and sweet! Mom, Dad, and Shannon's parents came along with us.

We finished the night off with my parents, Shannon's parents, Nic and Noel at our house for a light supper. We called it an early night, as there was much to do before Santa's arrival!

S, F, & O in their holiday digs: compliments of Muzzy!

Sam reading his part. I wish the audio had been better but you get the idea!

Fully singing

Shan's Mom and Dad

Noel and Nic

Sweet Sambo

Crazy Fu

Precious Ollie-bird

Shan and me

Boppa reading A South Carolina Night Before Christmas... If you're from these parts, it's a must have!

Noel, Nic, and Muzzy

Dad, Mom, Me, and Nic

We sure did miss Michael and Clayton and their families...but we understand the traveling issue on Christmas Eve ;-)

After all was clear and everyone was snug in their beds, Santa made his arrival!

On December 23rd we celebrate Christmas at the lake with the Bakers. We pile in to their home, act wild and crazy, spend the night, and trash the joint! Not really, but I'm sure that's how they feel. I would be scared if I saw us coming!!

Sweet Madeline

Teen Queen Kirstin

The breakfast brigade

We also did our usual holiday festivities...

Decorating the Gingerbread house

We made THREE batches of Biscottis

Went to see the local light shows...

Elgin Lights and Train Museum

We wore our PJ's on the drive through Saluda Shoals

We woke up to a delicious feast prepared by Sam on one of Shannon's days off

And had lots of visits from our elves, Jordan and Alex!

All in all, it was another fantastic holiday that hated to see come to an end. I am excited to start a new year, but just love the wonder of the Christmas and wish I could experience it year-round.

2012-01-16T10:57:00.001-05:00

Hi! Didja miss me again?
I'm wondering if I'll ever come up for air these days. I cannot seem to get it together.
I last blogged 10 days ago. I had all intentions of putting together our Christmas and New Years Rewind but it never happened.

I feel slightly inadequate in blogland sometimes...I have SO much to say and share with you (my family and 5 readers), but so little time to write it all down. I have several friends who blog and have scheduled times each day that they post. Currently, I'm a night-time blogger - after the boys go to bed. I'd love to fit it into my day, but I'm just not that organized. I'm trying...but I'm not there yet.

Anywho...

The past 10 days have been a whirlwind. Shan rarely travels, but when he does he's gone the entire week. When Sam was a baby I didn't mind it so much. I'd hang out with my mom and dad a lot and they'd take us to dinner. I'd schedule lots of evening playdates with friends and their babies to kill time while I was missing Shannon. But now, so much has changed. I have a ton on my plate with the schoolwork and extra-curricular schedules of my 3 boys and my volunteer obligations. It's so much easier to cook a quick supper and stay in from the time they get home from school until bedtime. Anything extra outside our home is just too much.

Shan headed out last Sunday morning and I was on my own. Every time he travels, the place in my heart for single parents and military spouses grows even bigger. I DO NOT KNOW HOW THEY DO IT...EVERY DAY! We picked him up Friday night and I couldn't wait to see him. It makes me really realize what a wonderful guy I married. He helps me so much and is the best dad. The boys really missed him and were kinda outta sorts all week. But we got through it without too many issues.

However, while he was away, I thought I'd try to be a little more productive. I finished planning and shopping for Ollie's birthday and tackled a few little projects around the house - necessary and frivolous, alike.

I cleaned out and purged lots. I organized little things that had gotten out of control, and I did some deep cleaning that had been neglected over the holidays.

I made these cute pillows for my den...

And a cute winter wreath...

(We frosted the glass on our storm door for Ollie's birthday...It doesn't usually look cracked and smudgy.)

Needless to say, Shan was quite happy to see that we not only survived without him, but that I was productive too! (Not because he thinks I'm incompetent without him, but because I'm always very weepy when he leaves as I'm dreading the overwhelming week ahead.)
The boys and I spent LOTS of quality time together and we learned LOTS more about each other's personalities. Let's just say it's nice to have daddy around as a buffer!

Hopefully, we can get a little more back to normal in the upcoming weeks and maybe I'll be able to get back on a regular blogging schedule. I wouldn't want to leave all of you sitting around on pins and needles for too long awaiting my next post!

XO

Time.

2012-01-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Time.
We have God's word that there is a time for everything.
And there definitely is.
During the holidays, so many things - emotions, activities, obligations, traditions, etc. - are crammed into such a small amount of time.
I love the hustle and bustle, but love the calmness and peacefulness at the same time. It's weird and can be quite hard to manage at times. But we see the holidays come and go each year and I always wonder if I did too much or did too little. I'm still waiting for the year that I feel juuuust right.
I wonder if I'll ever feel that way?

If Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 had been written by me about the past month it would go something like this:

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to set up market and a time to break it down,
a time to hunt for and decorate the perfect tree and a time to grind the greens,
3 a time to shop for gifts and a time to return them because you're clearly not the "medium" your husband likes to think you are,
a time to wrap and tie beautiful bows and a time to unwrap them and put the beautiful paper and bows in the trash,

4 a time to bake 3 batches of biscottis and a time to selfishly hide the last one so no one else gets it,
a time to reunite with the best of friends and a time to say good-bye again,

5 a time to worry about the poor health of loved ones and a time to pray {lots} for their comfort and healing,
a time to spread some holiday cheer and a time to receive it with a grateful heart,

6 a time to dress in holiday duds and a time to stay in warm fuzzy PJs all day,
a time to over-indulge in dips made with cream cheese and a time to get on the scale and have a panic attack,

7 a time to design, print, and ship Christmas card orders and a time to proudly display each one you receive on the wall,
a time for Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and a time for Silent Night,

8 a time to remember that precious baby born in a stable many years ago and a time to remind yourself and children of the REAL reason for Christmas,
a time to reflect on the good and bad of the year that has passed and a time to toast a new one.

As we wind down the holiday season and begin a new year, I am praying that I will be blessed with the ability to better manage my time throughout the year and recognize the appropriate "time for everything".

Happy New Year!

Christmas recap to follow...stay tuned!

2011-12-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

From What's Bakin'?

Holiday faves

2011-12-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

I love the holidays and all the hustling and bustling. We always have fun parties to attend, special artwork and projects coming home with the boys, and great traditions. Over the years I have really started looking forward to several things - from decorations and sweet treats to special events and people. I thought I'd share them with you!

(in no particular order)

Mallomars!

My momma is to blame for this seasonal addiction. They only come around this time of year down south. It's probably a good thing. In recent years she introduced these to me. If you've never had them...RUN to the nearest grocery store and buy all of them (unless it's my grocery store---I've already bought them all.)

The JLC Holiday Market

Read all about it here and here

My Ceramic Christmas Tree

This little ceramic tree was made by my Grandmother's (my mom's mom) hands. A few years after she passed away, my momma gave it to me. I couldn't be more delighted to have it. It's such a treasure!

Biscottis

I write a post on this every year! So if you've been following me for a while, you know how much I love to make these, eat these, and give them as gifts! It is a very special Italian tradition started by my Great-Grandmother (my dad's grand-mother) many moons ago. We haven't had our Biscotti day this year, but we'll probably do it this week some time. YAY! I love passing this tradition on to a fifth generation with my boys.

My Tree

I. Love. My. Tree. Every. Year.
We spend hours trying to find the perfect tree. It's kinda like Goldilocks and the three bears. {Maybe that'll be my next pot to put my hand in... Goldilocks and the Four Bears- a Christmas story!} I love decorating it. I love driving up and seeing it twinkle through my front window. I love sitting in the LR at night by the light of it. It's truly one of my favorite things of the entire year. We leave it up as long as possible; until the Epiphany (January 6). I'm always sad to see it go and my house looks so bare without it. If there are any decorators out there who can tell me how to fill my void year-round...I'd love the advice.

The 30+ year-old plastic musical bells at my mom and dad's

These have been a favorite in our family for ages. They will not die! My brothers and I wait in great anticipation for their annual appearance. My mom posted a video of them last year on FB. (If you're my FB friend you can view it here.) It was hilarious. If I can get my hands on the video...I'll add it to this post. Yes! We are aware that they are completely out of tune and don't even resemble half the songs they're supposed to be playing, but that's why we love them.

The Bunco Christmas Party

The Girls

Shannon H., Shannon K., Mason, Me, Ellen, Jen, Ansley, Marie, & Allison (We were missing Darby and Leigh)

The Boys

Tommy, Jimmy, Steven, Chad, Patrick, Shan, Lindsay, & Brian (Minus John, Malcolm, and Patrick)

Have I ever mentioned all the good cooks in the bunch??? What a spread!

There are many a-posts on this blog about my bunco girls and how much I love them {and their husbands}. One thing is for sure, with this group, there is NEVER a dull moment. I am so thankful for them!

The Saluda Shoals Lights on the River

Worth. Every. Dime
We have blast every year as we ride through the miles of beautiful lights with our hot chocolate and Christmas tunes in the background. The oooos and ahhhhhs of children young and old are the best part!

St. John's Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve Service

Sam 2009

The pageant- It's short and sweet with little to no frills, but it lights up my Christmas Eve every year. The voices of the children reading and singing brings joyful tears to my eyes. I love hearing them deliver God's word.

The Christmas Eve Service- It's breath-taking, up-lifting, and awesome. I am ALWAYS moved to tears by the carols and hymns. I feel an amazing sense of peace, calmness, and gratitude. With all the holiday drama and craziness, it's easy to lose sight of the true reason we celebrate, but that service brings me back. I am so grateful for it!

We are so blessed with with so many fun traditions and special opportunities to make memories with our boys. I love that I grew up in a very tradition-oriented family, so that I can pass it on.

Merry Christmas!

Hilarity Part II

2011-12-10T16:34:00.001-05:00

Y'all might remember my post from last year...I linked to one of my favorite blogs, The Pregnant Chicken. She did a post on awkward pregnancy pics. It was absolutely hilarious. WELL! She just posted a Part II.
I cannot stop laughing!
Here it is...
Go there... NOW!

My FIRST Re-do

2011-12-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I went to a yard sale and scored an old blue dresser for $15! I have been needing the extra storage space for table linens and wrapping paper for a long time now. I had no idea what color to paint it or where I'd put it for the longest time. It kinda floated around the house looking for a home. It landed happily in the living room, but as you will see it needed some major TLC. I had a vision and I finally got to work.

I have been very inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Centsational Girl. She is amazing! I have been following her for a while now and I just love how she turns sad, lonely pieces into beautiful focal points. I love how she makes furniture POP.

My first hurdle was to find a color that was pop-able against my pale green walls and that would down-play the loudness of my must-have-hot-pink-sofa. I have a table skirt that's a floral print with pinks, greens, browns, and darker yellows. I have lots of this fabric left over with the intentions of making a throw pillows, which never happened...in 7 years. BUT I haven't given up hope. They will be done...soon.

I decided on the darkest shade of gold in the table skirt. It's called Yukon Gold and I love it. It definitely POPS!

We roughed it up and primed it with 2 coats of KILZ white primer. When that cured, I painted 2 coats of the Yukon Gold. The pulls were gun-metal grey, which I didn't really mind, but they just didn't go with anything else. I used this great brown hammered spray paint by Rustoleum and gave them a face lift too.

Any who! I was super pleased with the outcome for my first real re-do project. Thank goodness my momma is a re-do diva and was standing by to answer my ignorant questions. I had lots.

I was so excited about getting started, I almost forgot to take pics.

Blue Dresser Before:

Gold Dresser After:

Yay me! My table linens and wrapping paper are all neatly tucked away now. I just love it.

We had to move it to put the Christmas tree in the LR. So, for the time being, it is the display spot for my growing Nutcracker collection.

The Centsational Girl would be proud!

{I also have a story about the lamp. That's to come. So stay tuned.}

Blackhole-iday

2011-12-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

I fell into my annual blackhole last week.

That blackhole is called The Holiday Market, sponsored by the Junior League of Columbia.

For the past 5 years I have helped organize this enormous under-taking along with an amazing group of ridiculously talented and well-organized women.

I have compared it to a pregancy, leading up to labor & delivery.

It is a year-long process. We start meeting once a month, then twice a month, then weekly...and then TA-DA! It's market week! During market week we spend just about every waking moment together. We learn ~~way too~~ so much about each other.

Planning the market is so much fun. It's great to watch friendships blossom, to be a part of a team, and see another thematic vision unfold. I am always inspired by the beautiful decorations and the way our committee takes a big metal warehouse-type building and turns it into a holiday wonderland. It's simply amazing! In fact, the color scheme was so beautiful that my house very closely resembles the market...pics to follow.

It is a loooong week, but lots of fun. We host 3 big events in addition to standard shopping hours.
Our big Holiday Market Preview Party is held the night before the market opens to the public. It is a black tie event with TONS of great food and drinks! I always look forward to seeing what people are wearing. This year, I went for cheap and comfortable!

{FORGIVE THE TERRIBLE IPHONE PICS! I was so busy running back and forth, to and from the personnel office to keep up with a camera and my phone.}

Thursday night we hold the Ladies Night Out event. JUST FYI: This is a presold event that sells out every year. Get your tickets ahead of time next year if you missed it this year. It is the best time! I always bump into some of my favorite people there. Again...no pics because I just couldn't juggle it all.

Me and my sweet friend, Eron. She's a long-time, dear buddy. We have a whole slew of pics like this circa 1990. It's been years, but still seems like yesterday since we posed cheek-to-cheek. LOVE HER!!! She was just one of the several familiar faces that I was able to visit with that night. It really is a great "girlie" time!

Then there's PJ's with Santa; a family event. It's always a great time for the kids. There's tumbling, Christmas movies, story time, cookies and milk, the balloon man, face painting, crafts, and of course... SANTA!

{At least Ollie wasn't screaming this year! He still doesn't look too sure though.}

In the past, I have had the pleasure of chairing/vice-chairing a couple events; Ladies Night Out (in its infancy-2007 & 2008) and PJs with Santa (the inaugural year-2009). I have also been behind the scenes with Marketing (2010) and Personnel (2011). I have to admit, I love the event planning the most. Who knows what next year will hold. I will probably finish out my JLC career in the Holiday Market placement in the next few years

Any who... the market was a huge success again this year. I was so happy to be part of it.

Now, to climb out of the blackhole, finish decorating my house, get caught up on Christmas card orders, and do some holiday-ish stuff.

Stay tuned!

Holiday Photo Cards are Here!!!

2011-11-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

It took me a while due to a few bumps in the road, but I made it just in time for the HOLIDAY season.
Here are the 2011 Holiday Cards by CTBaker Designs.

Remember, custom designs are available too and the rest of the collection can be seen in our shop!

Believe

(Blessed)3

(exponent number can change)

A Child is born

Classic Christmas

Colorful Christmas

Dots

Fa-la-la

Believe

(available in your team colors at no additional charge)

Glory

Joy to the world

Laughing all the way

Christmas Cloud

Merry Little Christmas

Tartan

Wonderful Life

Joy & Happiness

Rejoice

Happy Always

There are 2 ordering options this year...

You Print: Add your design to your cart here, then select your quantity here, and I'll send you a high-res jpeg to print at the photo lab of your choice (Wal-mart, Walgreen's, CVS, Rite Aid, Ritz, etc.) For your convenience I have size A7 envelopes available here in the event that you need them.
I Print: Add your design to your cart here and I'll send you a proof before printing your cards. Once you approve, I'll print them and ship them along with envelopes to you. (If you're local, you can contact me about pick-up.)

For pricing and to see the rest of our collection, visit our shop. Feel free to contact me with questions.

Shop with us at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CTBakerDesigns

Giving Thanks...Again!

2011-11-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine started out great! Wednesday night I hosted a few of my favorite girlfriends for an impromptu reunion for our friend Leigh, who moved away this summer. It's always a good time when I'm around those girls!

Thursday, Thanksgiving day, I woke up to the smell of blueberry muffins and a little voice {Sam}, saying "mommy, the parade is about to start. You don't want to miss it." I was so excited...they let me sleep until 8:50 AND breakfast was ready!!! What?!?!

I proceeded downstairs with a terrible "runner's cramp" in my stomach, which I thought was weird because I certainly had not been running. I started my food for thanksgiving lunch and we watched the parade. I did my usual kick-line with the Rocketts and I sang and danced along with all the broadway stars, living vicariously through them.

Fast forward to lunch at my mom's. We usually go to the lake with Shan's family for thanksgiving lunch, but we haven't for two years now. Last year our plans changed suddenly when my poor mom was sent to the ER with terrible vertigo. This year we elected not to go because I wanted to help my mom, who has had a particularly awful year health-wise and my aunt Laynie who has not been well either. I even offered to host, but was quickly shot-down. My mom and her 2 sisters pull ALL the weight on holidays and I wanted to make sure they had some help this year. Although, I ended up not being a whole lot of help because of that dumb cramp. It was a no-fine-china packed house...28 to be exact.

Any who! We wrapped up a great lunch and visit with mom's family and headed to the lake to spend the night with Shan's parents. Our plan was to visit, put the boys down, and head out for Black Friday sales. But I just did not feel well...you know, with that cramp. So I went to bed myself at NINE:THIRTY. When do I ever do that? By 10:00pm I was giving thanks for the toilet my head was in and the sweet husband holding my hair.

That cramp...was a stomach virus! I spent all day Friday in bed. No shopping for me! All of our fun black Friday plans had been foiled. I was so bummed!

The picture I posted above says Gobble til you Wobble. I think this year it should have more appropriately said "Snarf til you Barf." On one hand I was thankful that I got to eat my feast before I got sick. On the other hand ... Let's just say it's a lot better going down. Ewwww!!!

Here's to wishing all of you a great rest of the weekend and kick-off to the Christmas holidays. And to those of you watching the big game tonight...Go COCKS!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Giving Thanks!

2011-11-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful for my boys' schools and all they provide them. Each morning when I send them off I know they are in good hands.
Oliver is in a preschool that we have been a part of for 10 years now, since I worked there when I was pregnant with Sam. They know us very well and have always taken the best care of my children. I have referred to it as "The Jesus Bubble" for years. It's this safe, sweet little place and I can feel God's presence there.

Sam and Fulton attend a Montessori school. We have been there for 3 years and have LOVED every minute. We can count on them to cover all the bases with their education. They always manage to slip life-skills and character education in some way, some how. I feel like they not only take care of them academically, they take care of their character as well. There is no arrogance and they are taught to appreciate everyone, even if they differ in other aspects of their lives. I love that the values my boys learn at home are also being taught in their school.

Getting close to the holidays there are always some extra special activities going on. Just yesterday, Oliver's class had their Thanksgiving party. And just like most preschools, they bring home the sweetest things. I love PRESCHOOL! He had a little hand print turkey place mat with scripture on it and he had made his Indian head-dress. Here's Chief Oliver...

My friend Katie and I are the homeroom moms for Fulton's class. We spent the morning making Cornucopias {posted here a while back} and Fingerprint turkeys. They all turned out soooo cute and the kids loved making their own "horn of plenty".

Sam and his classmates are the lucky ducks, though. Today they are headed to the ballet...The Nutcracker! I really wanted to chaperone, but due to budget cuts they were limited as to how many people could go. Sam has never been to a ballet. He's been to recitals and plays, but never a ballet. Last night in a conversation with him, I asked him if he wanted to wear his cute hot chocolate shirt. He said, "no ma'am. We are going to a ballet and we have to look our best." LOVE IT! I asked him what he wanted to wear and he said he thought he should wear his navy blue blazer and a bow tie.
He did. And he looked so ~~adorable~~ handsome! My Dapper Sam...

Any who...I'm so thankful for what their schools offer them. I feel like God has truly blessed us with the best educational opportunities for our family.

It's Bullet Time

2011-11-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

So, my poor neglected blog has just been floating lifelessly in the blogesphere.
October is such a "bloggable" month for the Bakers. November...not so much. Recently, we (I) have been super busy. The best way to catch you up is with bullets...so here we go.

Fulton finished soccer season...Go Rockets! And a huge Thank You to his great coaches, Coach Brandon & Coach Barker.

It's Christmas Card season over at ctbaker designs...in a word---CRAZY! But I love it! I'll be posting more info this week on 2 different ordering options.
I got to go on another field trip with Fulton's class to see the Princess and the Frog ballet at a local high school. It was fantastic! I got to see two bloggie friends' (Ashley and Beth) little girls dance. And they were beautiful! It made me want to relive my days on stage...my how I miss it {sometimes}.
The 2011 JLC HOLIDAY MARKET is almost here, which means I have been busy, busy, busy with meetings and preparations for the Personnel office.

We're painting the Living room. We've gone from a pale green which I've been looking at for 7 years to a great darker-appley-green. I have a pink sofa and have struggled with whether or not to recover it. Well...it's cheaper to paint than recover so the walls are getting a face lift. I also painted the Smurf-blue yard sale dresser. I'll post on that soon too.
We took Ollie-bird to his very first USC football game. He had a blast with Sam and Fulton showing him the "ropes" before, during, and after the game. He held out until well into the 4th quarter. I could tell he was getting restless when he said at the end of the 3rd quarter..."Mommy, I'm done" Me: "With what, hon?" Oliver: "Da Gay-cocks, Mommy." He lasted a lot longer than I thought. But we made great memories that day.

Any who... That's where we've been and where we are. I'm soooooo looking forward to this week and celebrating Thanksgiving, picking out a Christmas tree, and moving into the Cantey Building for the Holiday Market.

{Lots}More to come...

Free THANKSGIVING Printable!

2011-11-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

Go get it!!!
There's a free thanksgiving printable at http://www.ctbakerdesigns.com/!
Print a few for yourself and someone else!
Happy Monday, folks!

CTBaker Designs: Giving Thanks: It's been a VERY busy fall; LOTS of fun parties to help clients style, cute invites to design, and getting ready for the Christmas card rus...

Forget-me-not Friday on Sunday

2011-11-06T22:47:00.001-05:00

This is the wallpaper in my bathroom...

I share this with you because...

As I was taking a shower Friday, my little friend Oliver, who follows me everywhere was standing in the bathroom chattering, just as he always does. He was asking himself questions AND answering himself over and over like this---

Horsey scare me? Noooooooo
Doggie scare me? Noooooooo
"Squir" (squirrel) scare me? Noooooooo

So I joined in with his answers, having no clue where he's going with this.

"Lion King" scare me? Noooooooo
Tiger (it's a cheetah) scare me? Noooooooo

I continue playing along.

Birdie (it's a peacock) scare me? Noooooooo
Ducks (they're geese) scare me? Noooooooo

Wondering when this will end and why he's naming all these animals and the lion king, I poked my head out of the shower and saw him staring at the wallpaper and pointing out the animals. I just sat back and listened to him re-name several until he said---

Monkey scare me? (Long pause) Yeeeeeeeeeesssssss!

I guess we won't be potty training in that bathroom!

Love him! Could truly eat him with a spoon!!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Halloween in The Acres

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from the Bakers!!!

Papa Smurf and Smurfette

Little Mummies

Monday morning I "liked" a friend's FB status who said it best...Halloween seems to have been going on for days! I loooove Halloween, but we have truly been celebrating since Friday! We went to the annual Pine Island Carnival that Shan's parents take us to every year. It was FREEZING this year, and sprinkling rain. But we still made the best of it. I totally forgot my camera so I only snapped a few pics from my iphone.

Mummies in the Mist!

Fun with Cousins...Madeline-The Sweet Fairy and Kirstin-Progressive's Flo

Cotton Candy!!!

Sam and Kirstin getting ready to ride!

Did I really put my 9 year old on that ride!!!!

The boys got their cotton candy, popcorn, candy, etc. and rode several rides and went on the haunted hayride that they have a love-hate relationship with. It's a wonderful Halloween tradition that we look forward to every year and even with the misty rain and cold night we still had our usual great time!

Saturday was low key but Halloween-y, as the boys attended a party with some buddies at the Kvam's house. I sent Shannon with them, so of course I didn't get any pics...;-)! I got the house and porch all ready for Sunday with final spooky touches and mended their costumes from the wear and tear on Friday night. We made some Halloween cupcakes and all huddled up on the chilly night and watched {most of} the Carolina game together.

Sunday, before church I whipped up a fantastic batch of Pumpkin Waffles with Black Cinnamon Syrup. Yum! Such a nice fall treat and a great start to a wonderful day.

After church, I spent the day getting ready for our 1st EVER FAN Halloween Parade that my mom and I organized. You can read about it here.
I made a big ol pot of chili and corn muffins for us to have after the parade. It was so chilly out and it hit the spot!
With the great weather and all the Halloween festivities and traditions, it was a perfect fall weekend!

Monday was as busy as ever, as I went on Fu's class field trip, finished our Smurf costumes, and got the boys all ready for the neighborhood party and trick-or-treating.

Here's Halloween night in photos.

Mummies "in character"

Our first trick-or-treat house-our awesome neighbor, Netta

All the neighborhood kids

Headed out on Dr. Ted's Haunted Hayride

Ollie with his BFF Hampton

Lilly and Ted as Princess Peach and the Mushroom

Their boys were Mario and Luigi

Fulton's turn to ride the hay

The dressed-up adults

Uuuummm how does this glow stick work?

Sam digging into his loot...already

Fulton and his buddy Thompson

Oliver's got the hang of it!

Takin' a break for a little snack

Last stop...Muzzy's!

It has been NON-STOP for days!

I am glad we can check all that off! Ready to move ahead...Maybe it's the Christmas commercials that are already on. Hmmm?

1st EVER Forest Acres Neighborhood Halloween Parade

2011-11-02T14:24:00.000-04:00

It all started with a conversation between my mom and me as we were riding down Forest Drive, in the great little city of Forest Acres. We were talking about how much we love Halloween because it's such a beautiful time of year and a fantastic time to use your creativity. I told her that I wanted to have a Halloween parade. My inspiration for the idea came from a book I've been reading to my boys for several years now...Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade by Harriet Ziefert. For some reason the setting and characters seem so familiar to me and I could see this happening in our little city.

But I didn't want a New Year's parade. It's too cold and too commonplace. And seeing that we're such Halloween junkies (here and here) and I love the fall so much I thought that'd be the perfect time.

As most of you know, my mom has been costuming her family and going all out on Halloween for as long as I can remember. So her natural reaction to my idea was "LET'S DO IT!" With it being just a couple of weeks before Halloween I said "maybe next year, mom. We don't have enough time to get it together."

She said, "We can do this! Come on."

I really didn't take her enthusiasm seriously, but I should have. A week later she had recruited another friend of ours to help us take it on and suddenly, an "event" invitation popped up on my Facebook.

The 1st EVER FAN Halloween Parade was on!

We sent emails, Facebook invitations, and I posted it on the blog and in just 5 short days we had about 150 people participate in our 1st parade. Mom provided lots of refreshments and was able to secure a couple of donations and discounts from local businesses. We were grateful that so many wonderful people showed up with snacks and baked goods for the children, too. Mom and dad served everyone hot chocolate, cider, and goodies.

The turn-out was impressive and the feedback was even better. Neighbors came out to tell us it had made their day. Parents were just as excited as the kids. And EVERYONE has said they can't wait til next year!

We've already started planning and hope you'll join us in 2012!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who came out and helped make it happen. Here's a small recap in pictures. If you attended and have any pics to share, feel free to email me with them. I'd love to create a scrapbook. Contact me, also if you'd like to participate next year so I can keep you in the loop!

Great Momma Day!!!

2011-11-01T14:57:00.000-04:00

Some momma days are good. Some are tough. But yesterday was a great momma day!

I volunteered to go on Fulton's class field trip. I loved spending that one-on-one time with him and his little buddies. He's getting big so quickly and I just want to enjoy every minute of his care-free happy spirit. His class is ADORABLE and his teacher is awesome! We just love Ms. Turbeville. She has the patience of Job...truly! I was just delighted to go along for the ride with all these great people - students and chaperones.

Any who...

We went to the Clemson Extension. It is a fantastic place affiliated with Clemson University. They have this gigantic piece of property where they harvest crops, raise all kinds of plants, and have beautiful gardens to tour. It is also the home of the oldest weather station in the country. Very cool!

The kids got to go through a corn maze where they got to pick and ear (or 3) of corn, tour the facility on a hayride, and visit "Mr. MacGregor's Garden". They also got to do a "science experiment" involving a pumpkin seed and got to take home a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. We topped it off with a picnic lunch and headed back to school.

The quality time I got to spend with Fulton made me so happy. Being able to share his field trip with him and see him happily learning, skipping around, and being a kindergartner made for a great momma day!

My birthday, fair, and kickball

2011-10-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

I was very blessed to celebrate my 3?th birthday surrounded by the people that I love!
Thursday October 20th, my actual birthday, my mom, dad, aunt Judy, aunt Laynie, and cousin Renee treated me to lunch at Jason's Deli (my fave salad on the planet is there)! Such a nice treat.
I love y'all! Thank you for loving me back!

It was sooo windy and cold downtown, but so beautiful outside. Poor Ollie looks to be asleep in this pic.

Renee, Aunt Laynie, Aunt Judy, Mom, Me and Ollie (Dad...behind the camera)

It's also fair time here! We continued the celebration with my boys there after Shan got home from work. My mom went into labor with me the night she got home from the fair. So I feel like the two events go hand-in-hand. ;-)
A few years ago I posted my fair checklist. It has changed slightly since we have added another little peep to the bunch and Sam and Fu are older.

It goes kinda like this...

Park at TNT sports -c/o Carter Ellis (He has our VIP spot every year...THANKS, Carter!) Please support them! Side note...They are a fantastic local sporting goods store---Love the Ellis family!
Fried Mushrooms -Me & Shannon
Corn dogs -Shannon, Sam, and Oliver
Pig Races-The whole family
Cattle barn and Petting zoo -The whole family
Various Kiddie Rides -Fulton and Oliver
Various Big Kid Rides -Sam, Fulton, and Me (Shannon gets motion sickness)
FISKE French Fries -The whole family
Various Big Kid Rides -Sam, Fulton, and Me
Sand sculpture-The whole family
Giant Ferris wheel for picture-The whole family
Cotton Candy/Candy Apples -Sam, Fulton, and Oliver
Elephant Ear -The whole family
A few more rides for the boys
Bye Fair!!!! See you next year!

It was a great day to celebrate being blessed with another year!

On Friday we had the school Mother-Son Kickball game. It was so much fun and I highly recommend it as a small fundraiser for your school.

My dear friend Katie and I with 2 of our 3 boys

Shannon had arranged for us to meet a few of our closest friends at The Public House after the kickball game. I just love these people. Their friendship means the world to me. Unfortunately, the Gibsons and the Kirklands couldn't make it and neither could Brooks's husband, David. But we managed to still have our usual belly laughs and great conversation.

Anne Stuart, Jen, Me, and Darby... (Brooks missed the photo-op)

I love that I share my birthday week with 4 other family member...April (S-I-L) and Jameson (nephew)-10/14, Sam-10/15, and Clayton-(10/22). We try to cram them all in at once with my side of the family since everyone is all hither-thither-and yon now.

So we did just that on Saturday. I was really bummed that my youngest brother, Nic wasn't able to come. But, we still had a great time catching up.
On Sunday, Shan and the boys still hadn't cut my ice cream cake or given me my present because we had been going non-stop!!! So we invited mom and dad to lunch and FINALLY did it!

Me with my mom, dad, and two of my three brothers

I am truly blessed and thankful for all the years God has given me on this earth. I am equally thankful for all the wonderful people who are here to celebrate it with me. I love my family and friends more than they know!!

Forget-Me-not Friday

2011-10-28T23:58:00.001-04:00

I have two.
One-
This face.

Two-
The sunlight in my backyard shining on the fall foliage.

Wish I had a good camera! The iPhone doesn't do it justice.

FAN Halloween Parade

2011-10-27T10:35:00.001-04:00

First annual Forest Acres Neighborhood Halloween Parade. Inviting all those on foot, bikes, and golf carts to join us as we follow a short route to celebrate Halloween. Come dressed in costumes, decorate your bikes and or golf carts. Please bring your own flash lights. Children under the age of 12 must have an adult participate with them. No child under 16 allowed to operate a golf cart in the parade. At the end of the parade donuts and hot chocolate will be served.

The parade route....begins at the corner of Satchelford Rd. Go right onto Oakhill Rd., right onto Landrum Dr., right onto Briarfield Rd. right onto Satchelford Rd.....ends at school. We'll try to stay close to or on the sidewalk on Satchelford Rd.

Sorry for the very short notice. But, we are hoping you will make plans to attend. The parade be a fun time and make lasting memories for the children and adults for many years to come!

So, grab your babies, your neighbors, your friends, your grannies, your camera, your noise makers...come on, put on a mask, a hat, some ears, anything festive!!!! Let's have some Halloween fun!!!

Important notice: Enter the parade at your own risk...event creators, organizers, promoters, and all others are not responsible for your safety.

RSVP (click here...)

Sam's Birthday (Part 3)

2011-10-25T09:45:00.001-04:00

Just in case you missed it...Here's Part 1 and Part 2.

I posted several years ago that we celebrate birthweeks, not just birthdays. Sometimes I think it gets kinda outta hand but then I say..what the heck!!! Why not celebrate as long as you can. Right?

Any who...

Sam's Birthday actually fell on a Saturday so I think that's why it seemed to stretch from Thursday to Sunday! Party Thursday, Shannon and I finished shopping for his gifts on Friday, lunch with friends on Saturday and we gave him his gifts, dinner with just the 5 of us on Saturday night, and lunch with Nana and Papa (Shan's parents) on Sunday after church. THEN we had his Celebration of Life (explained here) at school on Monday!

WHEW! Momma was wo' out!
But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my boys...I quietly celebrate all three of them every single day. They are they greatest gifts of my life!

What could it be?

Yay!

What else?

A new helmet and ALL the safety gear...Mommy's favorite part!

And away he goes! I watched between my fingers!!!
(Disregard Fulton whining in the background because he doesn't like his skateboard. It went on for about an hour. But never fear, he used his birthday money to get a new one. Now everyone is happy.)

Sam's choice for his birthday dinner...Hibachi!

In lieu of cake, he requested Yumilicious. No arguments here!

I'd say he likes his present.

Me and my Testosterone Posse

Lunch with Nana and Papa. And I gave up on a good picture. This is as good as it gets.

Sam's Celebration of Life at school. It's always so sweet. Sam and Fulton have gotten to the point where they anticipate me getting teary. They just laugh! My favorite part is the children passing the stone and saying something special about Sam. I think it makes him feel really good!

Happy Birthday, Sam! I hope you have a fantastic year being 9! We love you!!!

Nineteen Years!

2011-10-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

1992

Every year on October 24th Shannon and I recognize the years we have been together. Today we celebrate # NINETEEN! We don't do anything special, but we do acknowledge it. This morning I awoke to a very sweet text from him, as he was hopping on a plane. He beat me to it and it made my day!!!

I have been very blessed with such an amazing guy.

In the past 19 years we went through college, found our careers, got married, changed careers (a few times), had 3 beautiful baby boys, and have created a lifetime of fantastic memories.

He still possesses all the same great qualities that he did when we first started dating.

He is a man of quiet confidence and great character. He is a good Christian and role model for our boys, a very hard worker who continues to plug away even when the chips are down. Underneath his shyness, he is quick-witted and frequently makes me laugh out loud...usually at myself.

He is my best friend AND husband.

What more could a girl ask for!

2011

Too bad the Capitol Cafe is closed...we'd go re-create our first date all over again.

Who knew Paul, an "Old Shoe", and water with fry would usher in a beautiful life together??

I love you, Shan!

What a wonderful... (Sam's Birthday Part 2)

2011-10-18T13:43:00.001-04:00

Birthday Weekend for Sam!

It was an incredible birthday weekend for my sweet Sambo! It all started with a bang Thursday evening. We were able to have his party on Thursday night because they were out of school on Friday. Sam had been asking for a rock-n-roll party for a while. When Fulton got his karaoke machine for his birthday a month ago, Sam decided to make it a rock-n-roll karaoke party. It actually turned out well for a "thrown together" event, as I was late planning. It doesn't hurt that I have a musician for a dad either.

Of all the parties we've had, this one ranks up there with the Biker Bash for Fulton's 4th. I loved it and so did the kids. I think my mom said it best...in their 9 year-old heads they REALLY are ROCK STARS! That's what made it so much fun.

So on with the show!

Setting the stage...

Fill your own SWAG-BAG favor table...

ROCK STAR munchies...

Practice round begins...

Taking a break for some grub...

Back to the stage...

The 1st cut

The making of ROCK STARS...

(I love Ollie with his glasses on upside down...what a trend setter)

Charlie likes glitter

Sam goes black (actually grey on blond hair)

Taking care of business like a true stage mom! I love the girls' faces

ROCK STAR READY!

Tattoo time...

Me and my Rock Star!

The girls take to the stage for a little duet

The Gang's All Here!

And it was all good UNTIL...

The rain came and moved our festivities inside

But it didn't stop us!

The show must go on!!!

And it did as the parents and siblings joined us for the talent show!

Sam and Will wanted to show off their guitar lessons

Happy NINTH Birthday, ROCK STAR!

Thanks for all the joy you bring us. We love you!!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sam! (part1)

2011-10-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

This is truly one of the happiest, best feelings of my life captured in a photo! There are no words to describe the first time you hold your newborn baby and smell his sweet skin. If I could have a thousand babies just to have that feeling again, I would! There is a book I love to read to my boys to try to share with them how happy we were{and everyone anticipating their arrival was) when they were born. And how incredibly special they are to us.

The only problem is that they now laugh at me because I struggle to get through the book without a flood of tears. When we see it in stores, Sam says, "Oh no! There's that polar bear {polar bears are on the cover} book. She's gonna read it and start crying in the store, Fulton."

And I do.

I torture them with the embarrassment, but they stand there and listen...again and again.

Sam is NINE today and I can still remember that feeling like it was yesterday.

So here's to you, Sambo! You are for sure one of my greatest blessings in my life.

We love you more than you know and couldn't be more proud to be your parents!!!

On the Night You were Born

by Nancy Tillman

On the night you were born,

The moon smiled with such wonder

That the stars peeked in to see you

And the night wind whispered,

“Life will never be the same.”

Because there had never been anyone like you…ever in the world.

So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain

That they whispered the sound of your wonderful name.

It sailed through the farmland

High on the breeze…

Over the ocean…

And through the trees…

Until everyone heard it

And everyone knew

Of the one and only ever you.

Not once had there been such eyes,

Such a nose,

Such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.

When the polar bears heard,

They danced until dawn.

From faraway places,

The geese flew home.

The moon stayed up until

Morning next day.

And none of the ladybugs flew away.

So whenever you doubt just how special you are

And you wonder who loves you, how much and how far,

Listen for geese honking high in the sky.

(They’re singing a song to remember you by.)

Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo.

(It’s because they’ve been dancing all night for you!)

Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind.

(Listen closely…it’s whispering your name again!)

If the moon stays up until morning one day,

Or a ladybug lands and decides to stay,

Or a little bird sits at your window awhile,

It’s because they’re all hoping to see you smile…

For never before in story or rhyme

(not even once upon a time)

Has the world ever known a you, my friend,

And it never will, not ever again…

Heaven blew every trumpet

And played every horn

On the wonderful, marvelous

Night you were born.

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY TO MY MOST PRECIOUS SAM!

(Y'all know I have to do birthday posts in 50 parts...so stay tuned!)

Lunch Date

2011-10-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be selected by a very precious 1st grader as a VIP on Tuesday. It was VIP week at her school and she got to invite her own personal VIPs to eat lunch with her. I MADE THE CUT!
This is Madeline...

She's my niece (the daughter of Shan's brother and his wife). If you're familiar with the Bubble Guppies, EVERYTHING about Deema reminds me of Madeline.

It cracks me up! Oliver even says "there's ma-lin" when we watch it.

Any who... Oliver and I joined her for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed our brief visit. We got the run-down on what everyone had in their lunch boxes, talked about her favorite part of school - recess, and talked about the pending rainy-day recess. Oliver felt so BIG at the table of 1st graders. Maddie-Lou even brought some extra fruit snacks to share with him. He was in heaven! I probably could have left him the rest of the day. ;)

I was happy to be selected and... Madeline, I'll be your VIP anytime!

Lucky Day

2011-10-10T16:22:00.002-04:00

This post could have several names, but I'm going with "Lucky Day."

I was on the phone with my dear friend Darby - who I am excited to say is back in the blogosphere after a 4 year hiatus - and I was telling her about my weekend and some of my woes. While some are very petty and I realize that I could have it much worse, I really feel like the wheels are falling off the freakin' bus sometimes. So I wanted to title this..."Things are just crap right now, but I'm tryin' to find the good", but she convinced me otherwise by just laughing hysterically. (I'll link to her blog once she's completely ready to go. She's the mother of FOUR so you can only imagine the stories she has to tell.)

I won't bore you with the crappy details of my life right now, but I will tell you that two dear friends of mine are in desperate need of prayer! These sisters suffered an enormous family tragedy last Friday. It is a huge loss to our church parish. I would love if you could help me pray for them - The Moores - specifically for peace, strength, and comfort, as well as physical and emotional healing. This is going to be a long road for them over the next few months and I know they would appreciate being lifted up. Thank you!!!

On a lighter note, today started out really good.
After I left the gym I found a really cute and lonely table sitting on the side of the road in the drizzly rain. I can't wait to paint it! I've been looking for something like this to either use in my Craft Room or in Ollie's big-boy room that we plan to do for his birthday. Now it will be re-purposed and loved again...Yay!!

THEN. Remember my post a few weeks ago with my birthday wish list? I really want a new Swivel Sweeper because my battery pack bit the dust a while back and I had to steal my mom's. Well, the newer model is out, it's red and has a flexible handle that I could take or leave and runs about $50. So I was in a nearby Dollar General and found the older model, the same one I had - which I love - for only $28. Yay, again!

I started feeling a little lucky after all that! Then I topped it off with a great trip to the grocery store where everything I bought was on sale...with the exception of produce of course. I was so excited and can't wait to cook supper this week because they had all kinds of good stuff on sale!

Any whooooo... I love days like this!

On a completely different note...I've been wanting to post this but didn't want to ruin it for the recipient. I just love it and am making one for all my boys. I'm going to go ahead and do Ollie's in his big boy room colors. As for Sam and Fulton, I might just stick with a masculine color scheme since their rooms won't be changing much color wise. I was thinking about doing a giveaway on here for it. What do you think? So it could end up being your lucky day if I do that. ;-)

You don't have to have a new baby... we can always go back and back-date or just leave the stats off. I can match nursery/bedroom colors and patterns, too!

Well, it's been nice feeling a little lucky today! It doesn't happen often, but I'm enjoying it none-the-less.

Thursday Randomness

2011-10-06T17:36:00.002-04:00

While none of this post will change your life, it just might give you the peek inside our lives that you've always wanted!

Not really, but any who...

I've got that fresh from the dentist feeling!!!

I got an A+++ at my check up today. The hubster, not so much! (shame, shame) He has to have a cavity filled and HIS WISDOM TEETH PULLED! Didn't we all do that back in the 90's.

He's so 2000-and-late! ;-)

I mailed this cuteness today to a great client in Charleston. Gotta love the easy-breezy people who appreciate your work! Thanks, Connie!

I spent a little time this morning finalizing the plans for this fun fabric in my den. The den went from butter yellow to a pale blue this summer. I've actually had the fabric a while, just haven't known what to do with it. I used some of it for this project already.

I'm helping a client style her son's 1st birthday party. FUN!!! Can you guess the theme?

After carpool, I had a date with the Testosterone Posse at Yummilicious!!!

Ollie thinks it's good to the last drop!

In other randomness... if you haven't seen this, it's like the new break dancing. My Aunt Laynie introduced me to this video last weekend and I love it! My boys and I keep going back to watch it because Pumped Up Kicks just happens to be one of our current favorite songs! Check it out!

Now, we're off to get ready for our Thurday night baseball game, followed by Rooftop Rhythms in "The Acres"!!!

Ta-Ta,

Fabulous Day for a Cause

2011-10-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the Palmetto Health Walk for Life to benefit breast cancer treatment and research. It was the most beautiful morning! It was sunny with the bluest sky and the temp was about 60 degrees. I couldn't have hand picked a prettier day. I was an active participant in this event for years, during and shortly after college. I haven't participated in several years and I realized on Saturday how much I miss it! I met with a few of my sweet friends from church to walk in honor of our dear friend, Alice.

This event is so wonderful on so many levels. Our large group broke off into smaller groups as the walk got under-way. A couple of girls I walked with are my friends through church, but I have never really gotten to know them. We spent about an hour-and-a-half chit chatting, sharing stories, laughing, and talking about our plans for our homes and children. I really enjoyed getting to know them better. We got to enjoy the perfect weather, bond with good friends, and got in a great walk at the same time! All this while raising money for a really good cause!

Back to Alice! Alice was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Like so many women, she has this terrible disease, but it DOESN'T have her. She has had the most amazing attitude and faith in God to pull her through this. The verse she clings to comes from Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Alice has a great story to tell about being a "Spider Fighter", her diagnosis, and determination to fight this. I'd love to have her share it on my blog one day. She is a true fighter and inspiration. Her struggle hits very close to home, as she is a young, busy mother of three beautiful young ladies. I will continue to pray for her healing and speedy recovery, as well as a breakthrough in fighting this terrible disease. Won't you join me in prayer?

So here's to Alice and all the women fighting all kinds of cancers!

Go Team Alice!!! Alice, The #1 Spider Fighter, is the little pink dot in the middle who the girls are holding up

Pre-walk

Katie, Sarah, Wendy, Me, Katherine, Birley, and Christine

Party Time at CTBaker Designs

2011-10-03T15:46:00.001-04:00

This is the best time of year to come up with an excuse to have a party! The weather couldn't be more PERFECT. The last few weeks I have been creating up a storm...lots of baby showers (all girls for some crazy reason), outside birthday parties, and fall parties.

I thought I'd share a few of my creations with you.

(I don't like to be a spoiler. And I try to respect the privacy of my clients soooo...Names and addresses have been changed to protect the innocent ;0))

What kind of party are you hosting this fall?

Forget-me-not Friday

2011-09-30T15:35:00.001-04:00

I don't want to forget:

Today, when I picked Oliver up from preschool he had a special request as we were buckling up to go home. He asked that his Happy Meal dinosaur that he took for show & tell (it's "D" week) sit next to him in the vacant seat. He was very concerned about his plastic friend's safety, as he asked me to buckle him too. The entire way home he said "talk to him, mommy!" over and over again. I think he just wanted Mr. Dino to feel like a part of the family! So I did just that. I made idle one-sided chit-chat with a toy dinosaur and it made Oliver as content as ever. He is currently napping and sharing his bappy with Mr. Dino!

My Birthday is Coming! My Birthday is Coming!

2011-09-27T08:34:00.000-04:00

My (3?th) birthday is just around the corner in the beautiful month of October! It's just a smidge under a month away. I love celebrating birthdays. Anyone's. Although, the older I get the less fun it is to celebrate mine...uuuuhhhg!

Even though I do not expect gifts from ANYONE, it's always fun to keep a running wish list.

If for nothing else, than to just keep track of things I'd like to save for or splurge on one day.

Here goes...

1. A new Swivel Sweeper. This mama ain't too proud to ask for a household appliance. My dad gave me one a few years ago and I used it on a daily basis. I just loved the convenience of not having to drag out "JAWS". Well, it just bit it a few weeks ago and I really want another one. It is perfect for the crumb and dirt trail left by the littles.

2. A heart rate watch like these by Garmin or Polar. It will make it a little easier to calculate my daily intake vs. output. I don't really need all the whistles and bells my running friends use. The simpler ones would do just fine.

3. I'd also LOVE some rocking chairs in black for my front porch...4 please! Well?!?! I have a big porch that I like to obsess over.

4. Next up...this is my totally unrealistic request... THE NEW SILHOUETTE CAMEO!!!! I. WANT. IT!

{I even conveniently researched the best pre-order price here and am posting the link just in case Shan wants to make my year...I'm not sure he even reads this dumb blog. Have I ever mentioned how much I love him!!!! ;0)}

Any who... that's just my little wish list. However, homemade cards and artwork are always welcome too.

Bullets, Pics, and Bull

2011-09-26T16:35:00.000-04:00

I've got a case of the MONDAYS!

I love it when fellow bloggers do bulleted updates. It makes for a quick, easy read and you feel fulfilled afterward!

The last few really rainy days have left me a tad washed upin the blog department -hahaha!

So! I give you Bullets, Pics, and Bull...

If you were in "The Acres" then you were probably blessed enough to see the double rainbow around supper time last night. It was absolutely gorgeous. I have never seen a rainbow so vivid. From our perch the double bow was quite faint, but the other was magnificent. The sky had a yellow hue which made it stand out even more! The picture doesn't do it justice at all, but you can take my word for it.

I am a DD girl (~no, not like that~). One day last week my super presh husband treated me to a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Dunkin Donuts. Holy cow!!! It was A.MA.ZING! For me, Starbucks is way too strong, so I fancy DD. Any who... Given the $-price-$ tag of that cup-o-goodness, I had to find a recipe to make my own. My friend Shannon "pinned" one on Pinterest the other day and I decided to try it. It was pretty darn good. Hindsight, I should have used a creamer or half & half instead of skim milk, but other wise it was tasty!

Recipe and Photo here

Any who... I had a friend and reader tell me last week that she thinks I should rename my blog "ANY WHO". I've never realized it, but I must say it a lot. I think that's actually a cute name and something to consider. Who knows, once I figure out where I'm going with this blog, I just might do that.

It's the time of year when I start obsessing over which planner I'm going to buy to usher in the new year. I have a couple of friends (Southern Mama and Blue-Eyed-Bride) who have gone bonkers over the ErinCondren.com planners. I first discovered Erin Condren's fabu Life Planner on shutterfly last year after I had JUST purchased the MomAgenda, which I currently have and love. I was so bummed because I immediately fell uber in love with it. Erin Condren's Life Planner offers so much customization and something I have been longing for that MomAgenda has left out of the spiral bound planner...POCKETS!!! I looooooove a pocket! There's even a mini zipper case to hold stuff like coupons and stamps. I MUST GET ONE! I can't decide which one...

This one

or this one?

This summer Shan built an entryway bench and entertainment shelf to use in our den. We replaced our very traditional, dark wood, bonnet-top entertainment center with the new, more functional pieces. We got the plans from ana-white.com (LOVE THAT SITE!). I have a virtual notebook full of ideas I'd like to build. We picked this one and modified it for our needs. So if you know someone handy, it's a great place to find DIY furniture projects. Any who...My little bench was in need of a cushion; a soft place for the boys to park their little hineys and put on their shoes and to serve as extra seating if need be... so I made a cute striped tufted bench cushion! I think it turned out pretty nice!

(Apologies to Misty on this bullet...it was too good not to steal.) If you've gotten to this point then you're considered a "reader" and I am so happy to have you here. I have noticed increasingly more traffic on my blog. That, my friends, is exciting! Comments are what bloggers live for - nice comments that is. Please let me know you've been here by leaving a comment below (see that little link?) and give this lowly blogger something to live for. ;-) And if you feel compelled, you can subscribe over to the right. -----> That's right! Over there, under "subscribe". Go ahead. We don't bite.

XOXOXO

Doctor, Doctor...Gimme the News!

2011-09-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

Friday morning I awoke to a house full of crummy-feeling little boys. One had a sore throat, one had an ear infection, and one hasn't been sleeping well, so I had him checked out too. Once I told them we were going to see Dr. Laura they perked up (even saying her name is like magic!), almost enough for me to question their complaints. I told them if they were malingering (they loved learning that word) they'd have to reimburse me the co-pays and they would be taken to school at once ;-)!

In an earlier post I mentioned Sam's dislike for medical procedures. I forewarned him that a "swab" would be involved. Nervously, he agreed to be brave...uuuummmm, not so much! Like every time we go to the doctor, we have to create as much chaos as possible. Sam only had to be restrained by 1 nurse this time while Dr. Laura swabbed him, unlike having 3 in the past. Now, that's what I call progress!

That tiny exam room was making us feel a tad claustrophobic. While waiting on strep results, flu shots, and scripts they had miraculously re-gained all their energy.

So much that they literally began climbing the wall. In an effort to curtail boredom and to remind Sam in the future that a strep test is no big deal, we did a video interview. Fulton and Oliver wanted to join in too.

Unfortunately, because they missed school, they also had to miss Friday and Saturday practices and games and they were none too happy with their "mean mom"! Thankfully, they are all on the mend now and no one had to reimburse mommy.

Devoholic

2011-09-22T11:27:00.000-04:00

Hi! My name is "The Manager" and I'm a Devoholic!

Wow! That feels good.

Y'all might remember my post on my "Devo-Bin". I have a bin full, shelf full, and Iphone full of inspirational and devotional books, blogs, and apps. You can't have too many, I don't think. I like them all for different reasons. I think it is so interesting that whichever one(s) I choose to pick up or click on they some how speak to me that day. (It's probably because I'm so screwed up and need so much help that ANYTHING could speak to me...even if a dog wrote it.) Seriously. It's almost as if I'm led to the WORD at the right moments. I LOVE THAT! Sometimes, even if I can't apply it to a current issue, I can reflect on it at a later date. I LOVE THAT TOO.

There are so many talented people who have the ability to minister through these devotionals and inspirational texts and websites. I admire the way they can reach out and touch so many hearts...hearts looking for direction, hearts looking to minister, hearts looking to heal, hearts looking to forgive. It really is an awesome gift, divinely granted.

I thought I'd share my faves.

About Children:
Book- Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Web (also available in print)- 31 Biblical Virtues to pray for Your Children

For Children:
Book- Veggie Tales 365 Very Veggie Devos for Kids
Web- Keys for Kids (register to have them come to your email inbox)

For Couples (together):
Book- Moments Together for Couples by Barbara and Dennis Rainey, The Love Dare
Web- Crosswalk Moments Together Daily Devotional

For Marriage:
Book- Power of a Praying Husband, Power of a Praying Wife both by Stormie Omartian

For Organization/Inspiration:
Book- More Hours in My Day by Emilie Barnes, The One Year Devotions for Women by Jill Briscoe
Web- Proverbs 31 Ministry

For Peace:
Book- Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

General:
App- (iphone) You Version Bible App, iTalk to God (free for iphone), Logos Bible (for iphone)
Book- The Essential Bible Guide by Whitney Kuniholm

Any who...thought I'd share!
Let me know if I'm missing out on any really good ones. I'm up for studies or daily devos!

Mama's lost her Mojo

2011-09-21T09:01:00.000-04:00

Mojo! Mooooooooojooooooo! Has anyone seen my mojo?

Remember in my summer catch up post the other day I mentioned my quest to lose more weight?

No?

Oh well, you can go back and read it later.

Any whooooo...

I have completely lost my mojo. Back in May I started logging and paying attention to everything I put in my mouth. I adopted the motto "it can't possibly taste as good as being healthier feels." I was eating a very clean 1200-1500 calories a day and was never hungry, had very few cravings, and didn't feel guilty for splurges because I was in "my zone". I was going to the gym (Zumba, particularly) 5 times a week. By mid-June I was down 16 pounds. I am still down 16 pounds, which is good, I know. It came off slowly and I am obviously doing enough to keep it off for the past 3 months, BUT I just wish I could get my mojo-vation back. I was on a roll! But I have felt super lazy recently.

I feel like if I publicly put "IT" out there then I just might get it back.
I need to start logging again. I personally LOVE sparkpeople.com and their iphone app for counting calories. I also need to get back in the gym at least 5 times a week, again. I enrolled in a 10-session small group personal training with a friend of mine who is a trainer. I love it but it's only 2x/week and I am being kinda slack only adding an additional day or two to that in the gym. I have not been paying great attention to my eating habits and I REALLY want to. I have heard the breakdown is 80% what you eat, 10% exercise, and 10% genetics. I truly believe that.

I have a couple goals in mind...
Lose 25 more pounds and run a 5k (that's it) with a few precious girlfriends who have the same goal (one of them is right here). None of us have any intentions of being marathoners. We just wanna check it off our bucket lists. I also secretly want to do a triathalon, but I need to get through these other things first.

Before: April 2011

(this picture was my mojo-vation in the first place)

Now: September 2011

Ok. So that's a little better. But I gotsa looooooong way to go!

Now. If someone, anyone has seen my mojo, please tell it to come back!

Oh and prayers are also welcome. Thanks, y'all!

Circle of Life

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday, Shan and I took the boys and a couple of their friends to see the re-release of The Lion King. I never actually realized that it is one of the few Disney movies the boys have not seen start to finish. I have a fondness for that movie and couldn't wait for my boys to see it. So, we treated them to a movie date.

It is definitely one of my favorite animated movies of all time. The first time I saw it was back in 1994. Shannon and I had been dating a little over a year. (Wow!) We both loved it and for some reason still feel a sentimental connection to the movie. In fact, I loved that movie so much that I named 2 of my beloved college pets after the characters. My one and only cat , Simba (1994-2005), and my beautiful parakeet, Zazu, who I loved for several years during and after college.

I have seen it so many times, but the last time I saw it I was not a mother. I don't think I was even married. The parts of the story by which I was moved the most were very different from what they are now. Originally, I watched it and processed it as a child. I put myself in Simba's place, thinking of how sad it would be to lose your father and carry the blame. This time I processed it as a wife and mother; thinking about how awful it would be to lose your husband and have your child runaway, feeling guilty, and having the weight of the world on his shoulders. That would probably be the deepest of pain for a mama. On the lighter side Pumba and Timon offered the same comic relief as they did the first time around. They truly signify the importance of loyalty in a friendship. Adorable!

I loved hearing the boys's critique! Of course they LOVED the music. Who doesn't?!?! The soundtrack is crazy good! My favorite is the opening song, Circle of Life, it brings me to tears and covers me in goose bumps EVERYTIME! Everything about it is so beautiful, majestic, and peaceful. It's kinda funny that a cartoon can make you appreciate the wonder of the earth. Hakuna Matata is as precious as always. And the scene with Can You Feel the Love Tonight is so sappy, cheesie, sweet! I just love it! When I asked Sam and Fulton what they thought of the movie, naturally, they thought it was great. But it was very interesting to hear Sam express those same feelings from the perspective of a child as I had when I first saw it. I told him I felt the same way before I became a mama, but now I feel differently. He said, "yeah that would be sad for your child to be gone for so long. I bet she missed him a lot."

Any who... I guess the "circle of life" does go on. I was glad to be able to share a long-time favorite movie of mine with my boys. Hopefully, they will tuck it away as one of their faves too.

Fulton's Birthday Party (2 of 2)

2011-09-19T13:22:00.001-04:00

Part 2 of 2...
In case you missed part 1---it's here
The birthday boy requested a small group of friends for his birthday this year. He wanted it to be a Scooby-Doo Mystery Party! I was all over it! The possibilities are endless!!! It's a perfect backyard party theme. There is something so quaint about a backyard party - ya know?

The hour-and-a-half party was filled with games and clues to slove a mystery.

I'll set the stage for you...

The kids were busy playing "Scooby-Scooby! Where's your bone" and the Freaky Phantom Villain (a.k.a. Boppa, Fulton's Grandad) crept into the backyard and swiped all the birthday presents. When the game was over, we discovered that all the gifts were missing. The phantom had left a trail of clues!!!

Any who...here are the deets!

The Invitation---designed by moi!

The colors

Game and Prop #1

Hayden sneaking up on "Scooby" (Brooks) to steal the bone under his chair

The Villain creeps onto the scene

The Villain loading up his loot and leaving his clue

Game #2 Balloon Stomp

The next clue was found inside a balloon

Game #3 Mummy Wrap Relay

Each team raced to wrap all their mummies the fastest!

Clue #3 was under the winner's chair

Game #4 Freaky Phantom Spray

The kids attacked a very good-sport Villain with the Phantom Spray!

They best part of the day!!!

When the phantom was down he handed over the next clue.

The kids raced to the table for Scooby-snacks and to sing Happy Birthday to Fulton!

Make a wish, sweet boy!!! I hope they always come true!!!

The next clue was hidden under the cupcake stand.

The final clue...

To the MYSTERY MACHINE!!!

Is the Villain inside with the presents???

He is!!!

"I would have gotten away it, if it hadn't been for you meddling kids!!!"

The Mystery Inc. Gang and the Freaky Phantom Villain

And a few more highlights...

The car looked great! However, I don't recommend it!

The "Doggie Bag" favors

Mystery solver clue book and disguise inside

Dear friends!!!! Helen and Anna

Keepsake Photo mat that I do for all my boys's parties

Good buddies...Henry and Sam

Our precious neighbor, Carson as Velma.

We also borrowed a Scooby-Doo from the Gibsons

My beautiful birthday boy!

Happy Birthday, sweet po-ta-tuh!

We had a fantastic party for an even more fantastic boy. We love you, angel!

Forget-Me-Not Friday

2011-09-16T13:28:00.001-04:00

Somethings I just wish I could etch in my brain forever! Like the way Oliver looked when I picked him up from school today. If I could just freeze time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...cuz dats how I roll, yo!

Fulton's 6th Birthday Weekend (1 of 2)

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Six?
This tiny little person?

How can it be? That's a big kid age! When a "T" no longer follows their clothing size it means they're getting really BIG. Going from 5 to 6 bridges the gap between little boy and school-aged-big-boy. Even though he's only in 5K (because of the whole Sept. 1 cut off thing), SIX just seems so old!

Fulton's birthday was greatly celebrated again this year with lots of fanfare. On Friday morning (his actual birthday) we attended his celebration of life (COL) at school. I can't remember if I've ever posted on this but the COL is a very sweet, personal way to recognize a child on his birthday in the Montessori environment. It's a very peaceful ritual in which the students learn the significance of the child's existence to his family and friends. They also develop a deeper appreciation for that person as they hear important details of the child's life at different stages. It's a wonderful way to focus on your child's special day.

After soccer practice, we let Fu pick where he wanted to eat dinner. He chose Hooligan's, a great landmark in our neighborhood! We serenaded him with Happy Birthday and his cookie dough ice cream cone. He hurriedly ate it, as he couldn't wait to get home to open his presents from us.

Make a wish buddy!

The triplets

(Side Story: I really had someone ask me if they were triplets once. Ummm, yes sir...kinda like the 3 bears...one was too big, one too small, and one was JUUUUUST right!)

SO excited!

He's been dyin' for Just Dance 2!

Huh? Why do I need a Karaoke CD?

It's a KARAOKE MACHINE!!!

Needles to say, we had a singing and dancin' party all.night.long! Good gravy!!!

Saturday, it was GAME DAY here in Gamecock Country. We were playing Georgia away. We invited some friends over to watch the game and let the kids play. The Gibsons are huge UGA fans. The problem with that is their youngest son is Fu's BFF. SOOOOO they think it's really cute that their child has converted Fulton to a BULL DAWG!!! He even asked to borrow one of their jerseys for the game. I thought we would cry. Unfortunately, all I got was a few crummy cell phone pics because I couldn't locate my camera for a while. But regardless of their choice of team, the boys looked precious playing ball in the yard in their jerseys and the parents had a great time! The McMillans also came and served as a neutral party and their precious girls were troopers hangin' with the boys all night.We finished the night off with a little Just Dance 2 dance-off!

(NOTE: You can pause the music on the player at the bottom of the blog so it doesn't compete with the video)
My favorite part of the video clip below is what Wright says about Fulton and Fulton's response! Hilarious! I love those boys! I wish you could see precious Caroline in the far right of the screen...Girl's got some moves!!! (She's actually in my video but I shot mine side-ways...nice! So I had to use Shannon's version.)

Everyone was at meltdown status and the fun ended, but we needed to rest up anyway for Fulton's birthday party on Sunday!!

Part 2 of 2 to follow

Catching Up is Hard to Do (Part 1)

2011-09-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

I'm doin' pretty well! I have managed to make at least one post a week. Sometimes that's even a challenge! Now that school's back in and I have my routine during the day, after school activities, volunteer obligations, and sheer exhaustion at night; it's hard to squeeze time in for a post. It may take me a few posts to catch me up to speed, but I'm gonna try my best!

Rewind to summer...

Even though we had a rough start to summer, it ended up being really nice. Our days were packed with camps for the boys, afternoons at the pool, a few beach trips, and weekends at the lake. We feasted on BLT's, tomato pies, the most perfect peaches and even made them into peach ice cream, "bawled" peanuts, Beaufort stew, and other seasonal faves ...A pretty typical southern summer!

Sam had his first OVERNIGHT camping experience. He was there with his BFF, Will, and Whit, an old friend from church and preschool who moved away. I was nervous at first but once I logged into the camp photo website and saw him laughing, playing, swimming, making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, and painted orange, I new he was just fine and that I was missing him waaaaaaay more than he was missing me! That may be a stand-alone-post...

Fulton attempted roller-skating for the first time. We got a great laugh out of it. He was so serious and determined! He did great and looked so grown up!

Oliver grew SO much over the summer. He just gets cuter and funnier by the second. He loves the pool and any body of water for that matter. He had a blast in the sand at the beach. I have a fondness for a sandy, sunscreen-slathered baby! It's a reminder to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the simple things.

Shannon had knee surgery AGAIN! That threw a kink in things for a week or so. I'm not sure who had the worse recovery...him or me, as we had very limited help with the boys. Entertaining 3 wild Indians and nursing an immobile hubby back to health made for some long tiring days. He's actually a great patient and was very understanding when I would have my hands full and he had to wait. We managed to get through it together and forge ahead with our summer.

As for me, Nothing too noteworthy except that I lost 16 pounds! Yay me!! I have about 25 more to go, but HEY it's a start! I have done it with a combo of diet and exercise. I lost the bulk of it in May and the rest has come off slowly. I haven't been trying hard recently in the food department, but have managed to keep it off with exercise. I'm waiting on the motivation truck to hit me again!!!!!

Hmmm...what else?

Any who! Here's part 1 recap in pictures Memorial Day through July 4th

Memorial Day Weekend at the lake with our dear friends, The Gibsons

Maritime snooze

Parker-Puff and Special K{atie}

T-R-O-U-B-L-E on the water!

Beach with Shan's Family

Beach Bum Bakers

On Papa's Golf Cart

If you've ever been to Garden City beach, then you know where we are! Sam's Corner of course!!!

The Peter Pan pose

The boys called this "Mommy's Ocean Cafe"

Fishing at the pier

Cousins in the Starfish cake

BEST BEACH PIC EVER!

When asked, Sam and Kirstin said they were digging to China

Fulton and Madeline were staying close to home...they were digging to Alabama!

My BIGGEST blessings!!!!

The Baker Clan

Here in Gamecock Country we celebrated a victorious homecoming!

USC Baseball Team National Champs 2 years in a row!!!

July 4th weekend

Cookout with my mom's side of the fam, lake with friends and family at Shan's parents' house

Mom and me with her sisters and their daughters at a cookout welcoming our newest addition, Baby Peyton! We were so glad to finally meet her and so happy that they could make the trip from Midland, Texas!

Fun and Fireworks with cousins at the lake

The Hopkinses joined in the fun

Cap'n Kangaroo

Sign of a good time had by all!

The boat police must have been bored, if all they had to do was tow my husband back in to the dock. He'll do anything to save a buck or 2...which is how much the float cost that he swam after!

Shannon, one of my dearest old friends!!!!

A fresh and clean Sam and Morgie in their Rocker PJ's, settling down for the night.

So cute!!!

Weekend Warrior

2011-09-06T21:13:00.001-04:00

We spent our Labor Day Weekend at the lake with our fabu friends and all of our children (more highlights to follow). Six adults, eight children.

There was lots of hoopla and good times being had and very little sleeping going on. Which is how it's supposed to be, right?

The youngest of us all was a TROOPER to say the least; a real weekend warrior!

By Monday afternoon he had hung up his trousers and party shoes and swapped them out for his big bro's cleats and found a comfy place to crash...

He called it a weekend.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...cuz dats how I roll, yo!

Scrub-a-dub-dub

2011-08-24T08:12:00.002-04:00

Scrub-a-dub-dub THREE men in a tub...

Bath, Book, and Bed time in a house with 3 boys can be quite crazy! It's often the most hectic and chaotic time of day.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the amount of noise in the bathroom, the tons of water on the floor, and all the water-logged toys I have to pick up afterward. I try very hard to remember to be thankful that they are happy, healthy, and active little people. And that they are capable of having a good time together and love each other very much. One day they will bathe themselves and get dressed on their own and I'm sure I'll miss these times. Sam's already very close to being completely independent. I only have to follow-up with him now to make sure he's done everything thoroughly. So, I am realizing how short this phase is in the grand scheme!

In the meantime, to organize the chaos as much as possible, we usually bathe Ollie solo and stagger showers for Sambo and Fu. BUT sometimes we get really brave and throw all three in at once! And occasionally we'll put them in as little boys and they come out as old men with white beards!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...cuz dats how I roll, yo!

School-year's-eve

2011-08-15T13:12:00.002-04:00

It's SCHOOL YEAR'S EVE!!! And how does What's Bakin' spend the last official weekend of summer vacation? Well...

I've kinda had the gotta-cram-as-much-as-possible-into-these-last-few-days syndrome because I always wonder if we've done enough, if they've enjoyed themselves, and created good memories. I'm pretty sure they have but I just want to be reassured.

We decided to spend our last Friday being lazy and staying in pj's until lunchtime one last time. In the late afternoon we made a lemonade stand. It was no average lemonade stand. Sam named it the "RUSH HOUR LEMONADE STAND"! We live on a quiet street and rarely have steady traffic, except at peak hours. We figured rush hour would be the best time for customers. And who doesn't need a refreshing drink after work?!?

The crew at Rush Hour Lemonade Stand

Sam's signage
I love that Sam is his mother's child. He wanted to coordinate the sign with the red polka dot pitcher and yellow lemonade. Presh!!!

We ended the night at the park after supper hitting some baseballs and running wild!

Sam at bat

Oliver

My Fu monkey

Saturday, Sam participated in a pick-up baseball game with some of his PBL buddies. He went 3 for 4 at bat, which is great for a rusty little ball player.

My catcher

In the field

We topped our day off with a back-to-school/daddy's birthday dinner at our fave Japanese restaurant. Even with uber stuffed bellies, they still begged to go get frozen yogurt at yummilicious. When we got home Sam said, "mommy, this was the best back to school night ever!!" And Fulton chimed in, "yeah, it was awesome!" It made my heart smile!

Being super busy, Sunday rolled around quickly! And what better way to celebrate the upcoming school year than with...

A School Year's Eve Party!!!!

Shannon and I hosted an ice cream social at our pool. It rained cats and dogs just as it was time to start, but that didn't stop anyone! The parents took cover and the kids swam in the rain!!!

We returned home because Shan had a meeting to go to, which was going to hinder our "birthday party" plans for him, but fortunately, he didn't have to go at the last minute. So we had an impromptu supper and cake to celebrate.

Happy 37th, Shan!!!! We love you more than you know!!!

My favorite testosterone posse having a bedtime birthday party for daddy

It's best to keep the ollie monster stripped down until he has destroyed his cake and ice cream

The diaper wasn't even salvageable! I think that's a sign that he enjoyed it.

The boys were all tuckered out and ready for bed early after a fun-filled school year's eve. It was a delightful end to a wonderful summer!!!

Best wishes to all of you starting school this week!

Friday edition of Have You Ever

2011-08-12T15:08:00.001-04:00

My 5 readers will probably have me committed after this post. If they don't, they'll definitely say..."homegirl is losing it!" And technically, this the 1st edition of "Have You Ever", but "Friday Edition" sounds like something people always look forward to reading.

Any-who!

Have you ever...
Felt sorry for something that doesn't actually have feelings?
No?
Oh well! I do.
So, here's my story.

When I was a little girl I had several favorite stuffed animals (lovies, as they are called now). I'd snuggle up with all of them at night. There were about six or seven of them. Every night as I'd be drifting off into dreamland, I'd have a few on either side of me. As a rule, my arms had to be stretched across each one of them. If not, I would feel sorry for the one(s) left out. I remember waking up and noticing the lone lovie and thinking, "awww, poor Puff-a-lump!"

I know it sounds weird, but times have not changed. I often find myself still doing that. In recent weeks it was over a plant that was given to us when Sambo was born. I have been nurturing this plant for almost 9 years. Now it looks like this...

We went to the beach and I returned to find it looking oh so sad and have not been able to revive it. I'm pretty sure it's a goner. Which really stinks because my goal was to give it to Sam when he bought his first home.

Back to my point...
I have found myself feeling sorry for the dumb plant!!!! Does it feel neglected and sad? How will it feel on the trash pile? Perhaps I shouldn't feel sorry for it at all. Maybe it was relieved to get out of this crazy house and move onward to plant heaven.

Then today, I was eating baby carrots and hummus for a snack and it brought more feelings of sympathy (if that's even possible, because i'm the only one with feelings). Not because I was eating the carrots, but because of this...

The poor abnormally long carrot in the bag of baby carrots. I wonder how it must have felt. That is, if it could feel.

On a different note...
School starts back on Monday!! So hopefully I will regain some sanity and you will no longer have to read posts like this. ;-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone...cuz dats how I roll, yo!

Pool days

2011-08-03T19:15:00.003-04:00

Pool days, pool days

Soon to be the school days!

My goodness, how the summer has flown. I think it's gone faster than any I can remember. We have really enjoyed our trips to the lake and beach with great friends and family, lazy days hanging around the house making paper guitars and air planes, our mornings at the gym with fellow gym-rats in the nursery, and our afternoons at the pool with friends.

I'm always a little sad to see the summer go and school start. However, it doesn't take long before the routine sets in and we get the hang of it again.

We have lots to look forward to this school year. Fulton starts 5k! Real big-boy school!! Even though he did the all-day 4k program last year, this is still a huge milestone. Sam will be in T-H-I-R-D grade. I can't even say it!! I really remember 3rd grade. Ya know? I have some memories of 5k-2nd, but I REALLY remember 3rd grade. Don't you?

Any who...as the pool days are numbered, we are soaking up the sun and good times at the QL. Hanging on to it as tight as we can!

Fu's monster goggles

Water baby

Sam walks on water

Fulton's jack-knife

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Things I want to remember

2011-07-28T16:19:00.001-04:00

I went upstairs late Tuesday night to tuck in my boys and kiss them one more time. I had to step over this on the floor.

Sam had tucked in their elves.

I walked into the den today and saw the cutest little spiderman ever eating his lunch. I love his sweet little hands.

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