Creative Play~

Oh, what a weekend! Miss H went and turned 7 on Friday. Where did the time go? The only thing she wanted for her birthday was art supplies (apples and trees) and to go shopping. Saturday morning the two of us went for a quick bite and then to the art supply store. I absolutely love who this little lady is turning into, she is smart and funny. I love seeing the world through her eyes!

She saw this 36 piece art kit and just had to have it! You know the one you had when you were a kid with the waxy crayons and erasure that pops out every time you open the case? She absolutely loves the heck out of it! She also got an art journal and she has been happily filling it all weekend with drawings, paintings and magazine cutouts. It makes my mama heart go pitter patter! :)

Honestly, I wasn't planning on buying anything for myself. I really should have known better. They had the large Dylusions journal ( yes, the one I have been drooling over for months) on sale. As, well as the Dylusions Spray Inks. Be still my heart and my wallet! Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am an art supply junky!  

These spray inks are usually about $6 a bottle so I had convinced myself that I really didn't need them. Then I saw them on sale and picked up three bottles. I busted into them immediately upon returning home, like Augustus Gloop and the chocolate room! Holy smokes, they are AMAZING! I turned around and headed back to the art store. I had to have them!!! ;) I limited myself to 6 more, I definitely want the whole line of colors. They are so pigmented and juicy and wonderful, and here on Monday morning my hands are still stained blue/green and it makes me crazy happy! Being me I made swatch cards for them. We have After Midnight, Crushed Grape, Calyso Teal, Cherry Pie, Bubblegum Pink, Dirty Martini, Pure Sunshine, Squeezed Orange, and of course White Linen. It's true love! I gush! Time to go play. Have a beautiful Monday friends!

xoxo,

Back To School Cool~

Today is the day! You know, the one where we trade lazy mornings for up with the sun and rush to get everyone ready and out the door. The kids were all up early, filled with first day excitement and nerves.

Some wise people say "happy wife, happy life." I personally subscribe to the theory that a well caffeinated teacher is a happy one! So, it really can't hurt to start the year off with a little "getting to know you" gift. Seriously, though I just spent an entire Summer with my children and I appreciate how hard teachers work! The mini glassine gift bags are from Target, and unfortunately I can't remember where the Washi tape is from. I decided to keep it simple, (especially since in true Steph fashion, I left it to the last minute) $5 gift card, a few Cafe Rio Coffee caramels and the card. Easy breezy!

The card is nothing to write home about but seeing as how I stamp so infrequently these days I'm putting it out there. The stamp is from a retired? Stampin' Up! set that has been collecting dust, and desperately wanted to be come out and play. :)

Oh, yeah Martha Stewart's got nothing on me! ;) I had this whole back to school lunch thing planned out in my head last night, fresh fruit salad, PB&J "Sushi", and homemade granola, of course it really would have been helpful if I had ensured that we had the ingredients for this dream meal or if the children would eat it. 

What would BTS be without the first day photos? Some were more cooperative then others. Just one more I hissed, no don't touch your sister, please, just smile, we are almost done! Oy! 7:45am and I already need a break, sure hope I can convince the three year old that "big girls" take naps, I know this one needs one. How many more days until Winter break?

xoxo,

Soaking Up Summer~

The kid's go back to school in 2 days so we are soaking up ever last ounce of Summer! 

summery nails, just because!

Back to school shopping with the boys. This kid only wanted 2 things and darned if they weren't nearly impossible to find.

A quick bite at Panera Bread between stores. Getting boys to try one clothes is exhausting! ;)

Tay was so excited to have a bowl made out of bread, it was as big as his head. LOL.

Separate shopping trip with this girl. She is a little shopaholic in the making, she  so does not get that from me.

This little pixie girl has been extra huggie lately, I'll take a sweet little snuggle any day! The baby elephant is just because I wanted to see if I could draw an elephant. It's a work in progress. I'm off to soak up the last of our lazy summer. See you in a few with some big art stuff!

xoxo,

This and That~

 We've made it to Wednesday! Hurrah! I managed a little Art Journaling yesterday but, it's not ready for sharing yet. I have been listening to Jars of Clay Under The Weather on repeat. It just has this amazing energy, the way that only live music can. Lily always claps her hands and spins in circles when I turn it on. Priceless!

Hailey has taken up semi-permanant residince in this tree in our backyard. Just try to keep her out of it, I dare you! I keep saying "Not so high"! She truly is the most fearless person I have ever met which makes Mama's heart skip a beat quite frequently!

Andy surprised me the other day with this lovely Lemon Tart from my favorite dessert place~ Papa Hyden. It was delicious!

Lily's little face gets me every time. This is her camera smile right now.

Daddy and Lily enjoying a little before dinner camping nap!

Lastly, when passing through Tillamook it is an absolute must to stop at the cheese factory and have ice cream. In our case it was 9:30am and the kids were thrilled to have it for breakfast. When on vacation! My brother Dan and Riley and Taylor jumped in the Loaf van for a quick pic. 

Today I have errands and packing to do. My family is going camping and it really would be easier to put wheels on the house. Alas, Lily and I are not joining them on this trip so that means 3 days of just Mama and the 2 year old. It will be a blissful vacation for all! LOL! I just hope I can squeeze some painting in today amidst all of the pre-camping chaos. We shall see!
xoxo~