Paint on Canvas

Ella is 2!!!

2011-09-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

This pic was taken at her party. That blog post to come soon.

Ella turns 2!

Ella,

You were ready to be 2 for at least a month before your birthday. Your daddy and I started asking how old you were in July and getting you to say 2. You are now a pro at it. Ella your love for life is contagious. You wake up happy and go to bed happy. You love to play all day long. Your favorite toy these days is minnie mouse. She is with you every minute of the day. If she isn't, it doesn't take long to notice that you don't have her. We lost her recently and you didn't sleep well at all that night. You talk to her and she does everything you do. You also love to read. You read daily and your favorite book is the Bible. You pretend or fake read in your rocking chair. Your other favorite books are Pete the cat and Tickle monster. You know that the Bible is about Jesus and you know that God's way is Perfect! You love to sing. Some of your favorites are Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Bibbidi Bobbidi boo, Mickey mouse march, The wheels on the bus, The itsy bitsy spider, Jesus loves me, God is so Good, I've got a dream-tangled. Ella you also love to color. That is why we had an art party for your birthday. Your favorite breakfast food is muffins. It is the first thing you ask for when you wake up. Mickey mouse, Toy story, Curious George and Tangled are your favorite shows/movies to watch. You love playing with mom and dad's phone. You also are really good at navigating on the Ipad. You love pretending, playing in your kitchen and with your babies. You are excited about being a big sister. You are getting lots of practice with your cousin Ross and Paisley. You love doing absolutely anything with your daddy. Playing hide and seek with him is probably your favorite. You love to play in mom's make up drawer and pretend to get ready while I get ready. You love to talk to people in the grocery store. You usually end the conversation with "see ya next week." You say excuse me, please, and thank you. You have a turtle named crush. You love going to church and Gymboree play and learn. You also love to look at pictures and videos of yourself.

Your dad and I are so thankful for each day we get with you. We count it as a gift. Our prayer is that one day you will trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that you will love people and that your love for life will only grow as you get older. We pray for boldness, strength, and favor as you live your life. I love you to the moon and back and back again Ella Reese!!!!

Insta-Friday

2011-07-29T22:02:00.005-04:00

This is my first insta-friday. I am so excited to share our day with you.

After 3 doctor visits and a hives outbreak my poor baby is over these meds.

Ella's birthday invites were mailed today. The post master looked at me like I was a little crazy. The last time I mailed inflatables were in college. :) Ella told the confused woman they were for her "Happy" This is what she calls birthdays. It melts my heart because I do think they are extremely happy and my friends and families birthdays are a happy day for me.

This is where the doctor pricked ella's finger. She refused to do anything with this hand. It was like she didn't have a right hand. Finally at 5:30, I thought I wonder if I take it off? Sure thing, that girl said, "Boo Boo gone" and started using it again. :)

The prius was packed to the brim for our vacation to Charleston, SC.

Eventually this almost 2 year old went to sleep while watching her newly favorite "Curious George"

I read this while she was sleeping and Matthew was driving. I absolutely love the lessons in this book.

What I read today that I liked so much was....

-stay calm, enter the moment, and give thanks.

-Life is brief and it is fleeting but it is not an emergency.

-Wherever you are, be all there!

- I want to slow down, taste life, give thanks, and see God.

As I held ella one last time before laying her down, I watched time slow down

As the 3 of us sang I've got a dream (from tangled) in the car, I tasted life.

While reading the story of Ruth to ella, I gave thanks over God's promises for our lives.

And in the still of the ocean, I saw God.

My snack along the way. Ella knows that I love Cherry Coke. It is funny to hear her talk about it. The other day the Toys R us cashier said "I bet you could use a happy hour right about now." (Ella was a little grumpy, but I didn't think my face showed that I was tired or worn out) Anyway I immediately said without thinking..."Sonic Happy hour sounds great right about now." He laughed and made some kind of comment that made me realize he was talking about another happy hour. Cherry Coke is my drink of choice what can I say. I know my kindred spirits-Phyllis malcom, debbie bagwell, lane moore, heather wall, and sandy martin can agree.

We stopped at Chicfila or Chic-way as ella calls it so this little chick could play. Had to share a favorite wardrobe item of mine. This dress was made by my aunt debbie. It is super comfy and I love anything with pockets. Ella's silly face makes this picture all the better. :)

Laney

2011-07-28T23:51:00.002-04:00

While looking at all the pictures I have yet to blog about, I found some special pictures of my bestie Lane.

Julia Lane Moore was born on December 30, 2010.

This is me holding that sweet baby.

This is only 10 plus hours after the birth. She looked this good after delivery too.

A few things about my bestie!

-She is an amazing mom, wife, and friend.

-She is one of the hardest working people I know-If she has a goal-she will meet it and do really well at it.

- She is a friend through thick and thin.

-She shares a love for Sonic with me.

-She is my christina yang.

-Hands down one of the best teachers I know.

-Loves God and loves people.

-Selfless in every single way.

-She holds me accountable in my walk through Christ.

The list could go on....So glad I found these sweet pics. More yearly recaps to come

No more Birthday bummer!

2011-07-20T08:37:00.002-04:00

Guess what! The shop opened on etsy and she is making ella's birthday outfit! Yah!

Birthday Bummer!

2011-07-16T22:42:00.002-04:00

Here was Ella's birthday outfit. (keyword was) I had been meaning to order it a month ago. Because I dragged my feet, the etsy shop is on vacation. I don't know when they are returning but It is very unlikely Ella won't have this adorable outfit for her party or photo shoot. I emailed the seller and begged. We will see if she hears my birthday plea. I am writing this so I can look at it one last time and move on. I guess she will be wearing something homemade by me. :(

What to wear to disney world....

2011-07-16T20:40:00.003-04:00

For Christmas we are going to Disney. It is a secret so don't tell Ella or any other Strickland family kid. :) Since I am a bit under the weather, I went to bed early and found myself looking at all things disney. I decided to plan the Disney wardrobe. Since we aren't doing Christmas gifts I thought it would be fun for ella to unwrap a new outfit made by mom to wear each day. I hunted for outfits that fit her and here is what I found. All of the outfits can be found on Etsy. I have linked almost all of them.

The Jessie look---The idea is to take a pair of jeans that are too short and add the cow print. I am going to start looking for a yellow bandana to make the shirt. It needs that Jessie touch of red. Ideas welcome.

Mom shirt can be found here

Ok this shirt I might just have to make for myself. I would love for a baby to be on the way by then but if not, It will just have to say mom. Still super cute.

The cousins shirt---I have already thought about how all the cousins need to wear a shirt like this with their initial. I don't know if I will convince all of them but if not maybe just the little ones. Love the initials.

You can find these here

This snow white apron dress is absolutely Adorable!!!

You can get this dress here

I love the monogrammed princess shirt.

You can find this shirt here

Since we are going around Christmas- This applique would be perfect.

You can find this here.

I love this one too.

You can find it here.

This shirt has put the song in my head. I can hear My mom and sisters singing "practically perfect" in my ear. I love it!

You can find this here.

Rapunzel shirt idea---- White t-shirt that has this quote ".....Like all you lovely folks I have a dream." -Rapunzel

I came up with this one since Ella sings this song alot. "I have a dream, I have a dream." It is too funny listening to her say lovely folks.

So many fun ideas.

The perfect fabric for the birthday girl

2011-07-16T20:23:00.003-04:00

This is an Alexander Henry fabric that can be bought here. I love Whipstitch fabrics in Atl. I have got to make Ella's 2 shirt out of this and maybe some cute short bloomers. It will be perfect for the party. I love that it looks like crayon marks. If you live near Atlanta, I recommend driving to Marietta Street and checking out this fabulous store. If you live far away, you can always order from Etsy. Happy Saturday!

Babyland General

2011-07-14T15:37:00.005-04:00

On Friday, Ella got this doll. Matthew's Aunt Judy had it in her closet for years and decided she needed a good home. Ella has played, burped, slept, rocked, fed, and read to this baby all week. I decided she needed to go see Babyland General in cleveland to show her where her baby came from. :)

The old babyland general is no longer used. They built this one a few years ago.

Ella was ready to take her "baby" to see her old home. She calls her baby. When I ask her what she is going to name her she says -Buzz, Mimi, Papa, Grana, Pops, Reagan, Asher....the list of family names continues until she just says- "it is baby."

"Baby" was sporting an olympic gold medalist outfit. We thought she needed something a little more fancy. The search for the perfect outfit is on. You would be surprised of the opinion an almost 2 year old has when it comes to fashion.

The cabbage chair.

Ella felt right at home in this room. The kitchen in the background she has at home. She played with the cabbage patch girls and fed them lots of cake.

The beauty salon station was by far her favorite. Her baby set in that chair multiple times for a hair makeover.

This is the outfit ella picked out for "baby" A purple smocked dress.

While we were there we saw a birth. A little girl in the crowd got to name the baby and she chose Ella.

The stroller went everywhere she went. It was too sweet.

After much play, Ella and baby were worn out. We had a great day at Babyland General. If you live or travel near the Atlanta area, I recommend going to Cleveland, Ga and touring Babyland. It was such a treat.

Let the birthday crafting begin.....

2011-07-13T15:21:00.004-04:00

Ella's art party crafts are in the works. Today I made the wreath to go on the door.

Here is what I did. I took her last years Birthday wreath (remember this?)

I took off all the fabric scraps and covered it with burlap. I did it two tone-light burlap and dark burlap.

I then used 3 boxes of 24 count crayons and hot glued them on.

The wreath cost a total of .75 cents. Crayons are on sale at Kroger this week for .25.

Gift ideas for Dad

2011-07-12T22:33:00.003-04:00

Father's day gift for matthew included these pictures. I painted the DAD letters. You can get the letters at Hobby Lobby. They have every letter in the Alphabet. I then used them as a centerpiece on my dining room table to decorate for Father's day weekend. Would be a great birthday idea for a grandparent too.

A fourth of july craft

2011-07-05T22:00:00.003-04:00

I made a 4th of july fabric using another placemat. I got scrap fabric and made some fireworks. I added heat-bond lite and then sewed it down.

Cost of project 2.50

placemat-Target

Fabric-scraps

Our 4th of July...

2011-07-05T14:26:00.011-04:00

Our Fourth of July through the eyes of Ella Reese.....

A wagon ride to Cousin Paisley's house led to a morning full of fun events.

We saw old friends that we haven't seen in a while.

We had pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows that ella got really excited about.

We watched the little ones play, roll, sleep, read and laugh.

We had great conversations.

We enjoyed each other's company.

We celebrated our freedom in the U.S and our freedom in Christ.

We took lots of pictures.

We wore shirts made by mom.

We decorated our wagon for the little parade.

We had a parade.

We swam with friends.

We read with Eryn.

We watched Paisley snuggle with her teddy bear.

We ate sandwiches, mom's fruit pizza cookies, and chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes.

We played in the pool again.

We went down the slip n slide- again, and again, and again!

We watched fireworks. I didn't really like the bright lights in the sky. I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. (I think my mom had higher expectations for me enjoying them)

I had fun chasing my cousins around though and playing with the light up toys aunt jen-jen gave us.

All in all It was a great 4th of july with family and friends. Special thanks to my cousin April that planned the little parade and for family that came over to my house for a day of fun.

Our holiday weekend

2011-07-04T22:24:00.004-04:00

Our holiday weekend started out with making our own pizzas on friday night. Ella rolled the dough and we all picked our own toppings. The fresh mozzarella made the pizza.

Yummy! Matthew is the expert chef in our family. I say all the food network has paid off.

Saturday Matthew and Ella woke up and had a daddy daughter date. Home Depot workshop. Ella had so much fun.

Taken before their date. :)

Cousin Reagan was also there. Matthew and ella made coasters. and a coaster case. She got her own apron and got a pin for her apron. Ella loves spending time with her daddy. Thankful for their time together.

Ella's turning 2!

2011-06-24T15:14:00.003-04:00

The party has finally been decided. I can't wait for ella to be able to choose her party themes. I love planning for them but dread deciding what to do. The top four loves in her life other than her mom and dad and family :) are 1. Coloring 2. Toy Story 3. Mickey mouse 4. Sweets (cookies, cake, etc. ) Choosing between one of those should be easy right? I was set on having a sweet shoppe. I had it all planned out in my head. Bunting, candy buffet, blow-up play things in our yard etc. I even told my friend jill that was the theme yesterday. I was still hesitant though about invitations because I just wasn't sure.

Some of you are thinking "Katie, does it really matter? Will she remember this?" I am not sure if she is like me in this area, but just in case, I want to make them super special. I remember every birthday I ever had. My mom has them all on videos. I remember my sisters dressing up for me as my favorite celebrities, going to Winn Dixie and picking out my cake, deciding on party favors and what we were going to eat. We lived on a very tight budget, but my mom always did her best to make it really special. That being said, I want to live up birthdays. I look forward for ella to party plan with me and to make the decisions.

Last week we went to visit Mimi and Pops and play with aunts and cousins. While Ella was sitting in her desk coloring before bed she said "mama, I color and I am happy."

So there you have it, we have a theme. I want her birthday to be something that makes her happy!

Coloring, painting, using markers or a pen of any sort while creating a masterpiece-that is her happy!

Excited about the crafting and baking and all the fun food we are going to have.

This quote is a sneak peak into the party inspiration.

Thoughts....

2011-06-23T16:35:00.002-04:00

I got a book for my birthday on using montessori approaches with children. Teaching is a passion of mine and now being a mom has made me want to collide the two together and help Ella. :) It is a dream of mine to one day open a montessori type school but in a public educational setting. (Really long way down the road) I have tons of research still to do. In the meantime I have been reading up on some things and found this very interesting.

It is from http://www.montessoriathomebook.com/Brain_Development.html

The brain weighs about 12 oz. at birth. By age 6, it weighs 95% of its adult weight, about 48 oz. Brain growth is 95% complete by age 6!

At birth, the brain contains over 100 billion nerves. Each nerve has branches connecting to other nerves. The potential pathways between nerve branches number in the trillions. Until about age 6 children open new brain nerve pathways at an astounding rate. The experiences a child has determine how many brain nerve pathways are opened, or ‘activated’. These active nerve pathways organize to create what scientists call brain architecture. We form most of our brain architecture by six years of age.

Around age 6, nerve connections that have been opened are kept by the brain. The rest begin to be eliminated in a process called ‘pruning’. Once eliminated, those connections are gone forever. Your child has about 6 years to open the maximum number of brain nerve connections and build the best brain architecture possible - for life.

Montessori At Home! will show you how to easily and inexpensively provide over 200 brain-building activities for your child - right at home. These activities will help your child develop a positive self-image, a love of learning, and early reading, writing, math and science skills. These are the best lifelong gifts you can give your child. Get started today!

I love the hands on approach to montessori learning. I also love that children learn at their own pace and it builds on one another. I love that if a kid isn't ready for something it isn't forced and they continue to get better at what they already know. The montessori approach lets a child develop when they are ready. So many times we push children into learning things that they aren't ready for just because of a state standard. Then there is a flip side to that, We don't push them into learning things because it isn't required. I am going to download the activities. Can't wait to practice them with Ella.

I'm back

2011-06-21T09:00:00.002-04:00

February seems like forever ago doesn't it? Well it was and I am now deciding to come back to the blog world. I've had one friend that called me and put me in my blogging place. It was much needed. You can find Melissa here. I also have seen one friend and one (practically family) friend blog almost daily-weekly and that has given me the push too. You can find Lane here. You can find lindsey pilgreen here. I didn't give into blogging peer pressure I promise. I actually was ready to come back. It was just a little boost that I needed. Thanks girls!

Much is going on in the Strickland family. We have already had a full summer of fun and it isn't even July. Yay! Looking forward to sharing all about it!

Charleston 5 year anniversary

2011-02-09T14:00:00.013-05:00

Matthew and I celebrated 5 years of marriage on Dec. 31, 2010. We decided to take a trip without ella and celebrate. Neither one of us had ever been and it was a place we both wanted to visit. This picture was taken at the hotel before dinner on New Years eve. That night we brought in the new year at Hucks Lowcountry table. Matthew and I consider ourselves foodies so this was a great city to be in. There were too many great restaurants. My friend Jaime gave me a list of what she and her husband thought were the best. 3 days was simply not enough.

Where we stayed

We woke up on Saturday morning and went and had a couples massage. Matthew and I had never done this together

so this was a real treat. We then went and grabbed some lunch

HERE- It was Yummy!

I loved walking around Charleston. It is such a beautiful city. There were random quotes like this along buildings and sidewalks.

We walked past this bookstore and saw this cat in the window. I love unexpected "happy" moments like this.

I'm not a cat person, but this one I could have taken home.

I had been looking forward to eating a cupcake from here

but this sign was in the door.

Broken-hearted we left and I enjoyed my cupcake right at 12:01 on Jan. 2nd. It was actually our last stop on the way home Sunday.

Saturday we walked along the streets and admired all the history.

We had a small photo shoot. :)

I know my husband is a hottie.

We saw a wedding party on New Years day taking pics before the big day. It brought back so many sweet memories of our special day.

We walked down to the farmers market and took pictures of lots of numbers like this one

It is for a project I am working on.

We tried to go to the old slave museum, but it was closed.

That night we enjoyed a little moes (it wasn't on the great list of restaurants but we didn't want to get back out, sent we spent the whole day in Charleston) and then went and hung out at Barnes and Nobles.

Sunday we woke up at breakfast at Hominy Grill. It was a legendary breakfast and will go down in the books as "the best breakfast I have ever had." Even though the big nasty might not sound like the most appetizing meal-but oh it was!

The weekend was great. We celebrated 5 years of marriage and looked ahead to the many more anniversaries that we would have. Tonight while writing this post, we started talking about how we get to share life together for many years to come. With our laptops in our laps while watching tv-I said "that makes me happy."

There are so many things that you have to learn and experience when you are married. We learn more each day about how the other one ticks. Marriage takes work, but I wouldn't dream of living life with any other person. He said "Yes" to me on New years eve 2005 and I will continue to choose him everyday. He challenges me in all areas of life. Thankful for the 5.

What's new in our life

2011-02-01T21:54:00.002-05:00

I turned 27. I don't feel any different. Should I? Ella, Matthew and I were all born on odd number days and odd numbered months. Pretty cool huh?

Ella has started calling me katie when she screams mama and I don't answer within 2 yells of "mama".

I went to lobby at the capitol today to bring awareness against human trafficking.

I am behind on several blog posts. oops.

Matthew knowing my love for holidays has allowed me to sit out a fun valentine tree, bunting, and other valentine decor around our house. :)

Matthew surprised me with surprise guests on the night of my birthday dinner. It was a nice surprise and such a sweet idea. Loved it!

We had great weather this weekend and enjoyed a day at the park. So nice.

I have not been running. Rain please stop so I can go do that.

Matthew and I everyday have a new story about our love-ella reese. She does something new everyday and lives up every day to the fullest. That must be why I am so tired? haha

She said Happy several times on my birthday. Couldn't say birthday so Happy was her word. It made my day.

Claiming these verses Luke 1:37, Luke 18:27, and Ephesians 3:20.

Teaching ella to count--she has 1,2, and 3. (I mean really how important is it that she knows how to count past that ;) haha)

Can't believe it is already Feb. Slow down!

Free James Dobson book

2011-01-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share a free James Dobson book-Click on this site and get your free one. I loved Bringing up Girls that he recently wrote. I just ordered this free one for matthew. Enjoy!

Sharing a story

2011-01-24T11:04:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning and turned my birthday countdown. One more day until 27. I am living up this last day of 26. While ella was napping, I sat down to read my google reader. Julie at Joys Hope is a blog I love to read. I have been a reader for a year now and never knew the story behind the blog name. Her firstborn Joy celebrated her 9th birthday today. It caught my attention and read the back story. You can find it here. There are 7 parts so I encourage you to read it all. I just sat and cried my eyes out over this story. Much love was given and lost but through it all God got the glory. Thanks for sharing your story Julie.

sorry about all the spaces and line breaks in last post....I have to remember to upload pics first before typing. :)

2011-01-16T15:53:00.001-05:00

Weekend thoughts

2011-01-16T14:49:00.003-05:00

Because I am reading this.....

It has gotten me thinking about the word of God and how much I need to take it to heart. (by memorizing it) and how much I want our family to be well-versed in His word. So today I started thinking about how cool it would be to take snapshots of events, places, daily life, objects etc that reminded me of the verse/verses I was studying. Wheels kept turning and I was already thinking of how I could get this marketed. Haha. Well guess what, someone else thought of it first and gave it such a great name. Scripture and a snapshot ....I just love it. She even has an etsy shop, so go check out katie. (what can I say it must be the name) I still plan on taking pictures and making them for me as a reminder of the ones learned, plus I thought it would be great for ella to see mine and then one day we can make hers. I think making scripture and a snapshot for each kid is a great way for them to take their verse to heart. Here is one that came to mind today.

The grass wither and the flowers fall but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

(not my picture but still you get the point)

I pulled or pinched a nerve and have been in pain since January 3rd. There isn't much you can do, but had a good

talk with a friend at church and he rec. lots of stretching and a turn table. Thankfully my friend and her husband are

going to allow me to use this wonderful invention a few times a week. Tomorrow day 1 of intense stretching. Hope it

works.

Sewing does not come easy to me but somehow I enjoy it. Have you ever thought about the things that you do well at with little effort and then the things that you really have to think and try on. I've thought about that this weekend.

I love allorahandmade!!!!! I've been waiting on this little beauty to arrive. It makes me happy.

I consider myself an abolitionist and I am ready to storm the capitol on Feb. 4, 2011 for Lobby day. This is what we want to get passed.

Accountability

Hold the adult entertainment industry accountable for the secondary effects of their

business by enacting a $5 adult entertainment surcharge specifically to fund services

for minors who have been commercially sexually exploited.

Minimum Age in the Offense of Prostitution

Amend Georgia law to reflect the fact that minors lack the legal capacity to enter into

the sexual or commercial elements of the crime of prostitution.

Protect Programs Serving Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Protect funding for the CSEC System of Care coordinating rehabilitative and restora-

tive services for victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

I really want to find my memory card usb because I am ready to blog about Charlston, SC. It is easier than getting out my cord but I guess I am going to have to get the cord out.

I saw something like this a few years ago....

and decided to find numbers in the environment. I did. I can't wait to make my first one. I am kinda partial to the way they look in color though. My new lens that I absolutely love took some great pics. This is my new lens.

If you have a canon rebel xs, xsi, xti etc. I would say add it to your wishlist. I got mine for Christmas from my inlaws and it hasn't come off my camera yet. I love everything about how it takes pictures.

I have been really bad at this

So tomorrow writing up my list and gonna clip, clip, clip.

I've also been dreading the day we finally take this away.......

That day is approaching very fast for ella reese. Her first birthday I said ok...16 months pacifier is only in the car and

at bed. We have done well with that. Ella drops her pacifier in her bed every morning after she gets up because she

knows that paci is only for night-night. At 17 months we said no more pacifier in the car, so ella only gets her paci at

night. I also said at 18 months I want it gone. I am just 28 days from that and already dreading it. I am sticking with it

though. I'm all in.

My iphone sometimes takes me away from my family time, task time, crafting time, school work, etc. I spend way

more time on it than I ever did with this thing.....

So this month I have been spending way less time on it. I waste so much time on it. I also find myself getting on it

while matthew is driving. You know the drill, your husband is driving and you open up your iphone to check facebook,

email, words with friends, etc. Well, I am going to be more mindful of this.

What were your random weekend thoughts?

Pottery barn platter Remake

2011-01-14T22:52:00.003-05:00

This

sprayed on this gives you a great chalkboard platter.

I have loved having mine. I got the idea from the fall pottery barn catalog. It is great to write menus, notes/memos, holiday greeting or message. I absolutely love it. The best part is the platter was found at goodwill for 1.42. Don't you just love chalkboard spray paint.

What all have you used chalkboard spray paint on?

Ella at 17 months

2011-01-14T21:35:00.003-05:00

Ella turned 17 months old yesterday and continues to blow me away with her verbal skills. I wanted to brag since that is something moms never do. Ella and I spent the day with my aunt Debbie, her friend Nadine, and cousin Bethany. On the way home Debbie asked what all Ella could say.( She never ever -I mean never ever ever- plays this game with me) I began saying words or phrases not thinking she was going to perform. It was like peat and repeat. I have to say I was shocked that she was showing off because she usually doesn't play this game with me. Tonight she did though. I have to say I was pretty amazed. The conversation between she and I went on for a while because she knows so many words. Here are the words she knows or she can say. I have started to notice sounds and letters that are hard for her, or letters she omits, or words she omits in phrases.

At 15 months the pediatrician was blown away with how many words she was saying. That was when I knew her verbal skills were above the bar. :) Ever check-up before that appt went like this.

Can ella roll over yet? um..no

Can ella crawl? um...no

Has she started pulling up? nope

Is she grabbing on to furniture and walking beside it? nope

Is she walking? nope again.

I thought it was funny that at every appt. that she was sup. to have something we were behind. (with the exception of growth...she was always above 97% in height and average in weight) I knew she would eventually. (really-there was never any doubt :)) It did though, make the 15 month appt. that much sweeter because her verbal was so good.

sidenote---then back to story I promise

I will say that is one reason I love my pediatricians. They all are really good about encouraging parents and making sure that they know that the checklists they give aren't going to be on track with every baby. Not all babies are alike.

So anyway.....Ella and I went back and forth with her repeating all the words, phrases , and sounds she knows. Here they are

-Mama

-Daddy

-Ok--she says this probably 100 times a day. I am not exaggerating either. :) The best part, she uses it in context every time.

-car

-ok

-wow

-whoa

-cool

-see you soon--it comes out though as see soon

-where did it go---this comes out as where dait go

-love you

-baby

-papa

-pops

-shauna---she says sha

-natalie--she says nat-nat

dana

jen-jen

-paisley-april and jeremy's new baby to be

-mimi--comes out mama

(I do have to add we are working on grana--that has been a booger. It is the only grandparent name she has yet to tackle.)

-dog

-light

-cat

-sheep

-cow

-snow (guess when she learned that one ;)

-outside

-more

night-night

-paci (says all the time because we only get it at night now and we are constantly reminding her of that.)

-all done

-bye-bye

-look (we use this one all the time too)

-watch (we use this one all the time also)

-uh-oh (says all the time)

She can say my friend becca's new little one kate

-Julia-lanes baby girl comes out Ulia-but pretty close

-Sam

-two

-puzzle

-mickey, daisy, pluto, donald, minnie, goofy--she does the whole roll call in mickey mouse clubhouse

-book

-hat

-shoes

-boots

-bed

-pull (she says this when she wants to be where u are-mainly when we are on the couch)

-cookie

-cake

-snack

-YaY!

-open-this comes out as apple

She can say others but these are the ones she knows and understands

sounds

moo-cow

baa-sheep

ruff-dog

meow-cat

So yah I am proud of my 17 month old. Oh yah...she eventually rolled over, crawled, and is now running, just in case you were wondering.

Thanks for letting me brag about my E!

It is changing my thinking....

2011-01-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

I am reading this......

My sister shauna is also. She rec. it over christmas and immediately ordered it. I meant to sit down yesterday and write what I have learned thus far but never got the chance. I guess she had the same idea so her is hers.

Matthew and I are just starting out on this adventure called parenting. I remember for kids, I would ask him how he would react in this situation or what he would do if this happened. We even talk now about how we want to parent ella. Kimmel talks about how every child has three driving needs. ( I already have a craft project- I plan on making for our home as a reminder) The three needs are a need for security, a need for significance, and a need for strength.

Security=love

significance=purpose

strength=hope

Our home....

a love that is secure

a purpose that is significant

and a hope that is strong.

That sums it up. I want our children to know that when they leave our home. There is no doubt that I love ella reese a ton but desiring to love her and actually loving her in such a way that she develops a secure love of her own are two different things. (kimmel)

Also reading this.....

Seeds family worship is a great site with some really great cds to help your children learn scripture. I love that they are themed. Ella and I are listening to seeds of purpose right now. The songs are great and I am even learning verses that I didn't know already. So thankful for this. My nephew sam sang 3 or 4 songs to me over break. He is only 5 and knows the whole cd. My sister shared that she has been able to remind them of the songs and verses in real life examples of things they have faced.

Totally tots a blog I follow has great resources that go along with seeds worship cds.

Go here Jenn and team do a great job with resources.

What I want to remember about Christmas 2010...

2011-01-11T11:41:00.011-05:00

I want to remember.........

The time spent with my sisters.

Sam and I snuggling and watching twice upon a christmas. Sam asking to sit by ella every meal we ate out. No wonder she took to him so much.

Grocery shopping with Asher while teaching him about couponing.

This pic of my mom and ella. It says so much about their relationship. Ella is indeed smitten with her mimi.

The oohs and aahs said by all the cousins at the aquarium.

The sweet kisses that ella would blow to all 3 of her cousins-elijah, sam, and asher.

Standing in line to go through the penguin crawl with ella, natalie, asher, and sam. Enough said it was crazy.

Getting to spend 2 weeks with matthew being off work. It was so nice.

Asher and I wrestling and playing basketball when he let me. :)

The guys playing legos. (All the guys)

Playing settlers of catan--not the ipad version like Sam is playing but the board game. Playing with sam on night two was funny. Natalie, Michael, and I never thought that a five year old would have actually hung with us on this game.

Going to Waffle house with Ben and Natalie at 1:00 am.

Watching my mom and her siblings look at the books that phil made them. The pictures in the album and the memories captured were priceless to them.

Ella looking at April's belly and saying baby. Then the next day she pointed and said Paisley.

The many conversations that were shared.

Debbie making mom, doug, and phil an apron out of the sheets they had when they were younger. (ok..so doug and phil's aparon will probably be worn by lisa and bai but still really cool)

The time that we all got to spend catching up.

Ella and sam wrestling in the hallway.

Talking to elijah about life in SF. He is wise beyond his years. I enjoyed talking to him about life in general.

I want to remember the cousins outside all playing basketball together.

The pictures taken that will be remembered from generation to generation (there are 4 generations here)

Spending time with my cousins and watching the little cousins play with one another.

Thankful for the memories and the ones that were captured.

What the pics don't tell

1. We are a really loud family

2. We ate a lot of food during this week together.

3. We stayed up really late every night together.

4. We played a lot of settlers of catan.

5. We really enjoy spending time together.

Our white christmas

2011-01-10T15:56:00.008-05:00

Our house on December 26, 2010

A few things that we already know about our 16 month almost 17 month old Ella Reese....

1. She loves photo ops. This picture she was saying Cheese to her daddy.

2. She is fearless. She face-planted so many times in the snow, we lost count. She just got back up and started running again until history repeated itself. Over and over. :)

3. She is extremely independent but sometimes lets me hold her hand. It doesn't happen much, so I will cherish this photo. Ella likes to experience new adventures on her own. The snow day was just another she would have been fine to tackle by herself. I know I am exaggerating a little but I can already see the leader she might be. Hoping she will guard against the stubborn-perfectionist attitude that can come with that.

4. She is very curious. I sometimes call her an explorer or a scavenger. She can find her toys in nooks and crannies in our house that I didn't know existed. This picture makes me smile every time I see it. Her two new favorite words are look and watch. When she discovers something new or wants our attention---"MAMA Look!" All the things that I don't even think about being important or cool, she finds mesmerizing. I find myself getting excited with her now. So many times I look to my Father and say "look God....I get it." Even though He is El Roi (The God who sees) and Omniscient, I know that He takes delight when his children understand His Heart and His Word.

5. She is super silly and happy about life. Ella laughs at herself, which Matthew and I find hilarious. Sometimes she will do something and let out the biggest cackle. Her smile makes my heart melt when I come home from work. The weeks I am at home with her, She goes full speed but always has time to wrap her arms around my legs and says "mama." Just recently she started saying love you. I don't think I could have prepared myself as a mom to hear those words.

6. Ella doesn't stop from the moment her feet hit the floor.

She keeps going.....

and going...........

and going......

and going.....

sometimes she has to catch her breath....but not for long...

Finally the end of the day after she has worn herself out, she stops and says night-night. Baby-wise has been good for our family and for Ella. In order for her to keep at the pace she wants to stay at during the day-she figured out at a early age, she needs naps. Ella still takes 2 naps a day. I laugh though when her naps are over because 99% of the time she wakes up talking to herself. She gets just enough sleep to re-energize.

7. last but not least---she loves her daddy. There is nothing sweeter to me than to see Ella scream daddy in the mornings. You see her face light up when he picks her up and hugs her.

A few things Ella loves to do with Daddy:

1. Sit on his guitar case as he serenades her with singing.

2. Sit in his lap

3. Wrestle with him

4. Eat breakfast with him

5. Snuggle in the big bed and watch mickey mouse

6. Loves dad and daughter conversations

7. She also loves daddy reading her stories.

She just really loves being with her daddy!

Christmas Day

2011-01-10T14:57:00.005-05:00

Christmas day was filled with new traditions for us. We woke up opened presents, ate breakfast as a family and played until lunch. It was nice getting to be with each other as a family instead of rushing around having to get somewhere. The night before we set up Ella's three gifts from us. She got a fisherprice cash register, basketball goal and a kitchen set.

She immediately started playing in her kitchen.

Ella opening the melissa and doug fridge pack.

Ella opening her other kitchen items-pots and pans, and cookies.

Dad reading ella the christmas ABC book I made her.

Santa left a lot of goodies in Ella's stocking-books, rain/snow boots, Dr. kit, guitar, basketball bath toy, and color wonder.

Grana and Papa gave ella this dollhouse.

Ella hugging me after I opened my gifts-silhouette sd machine and garmin gps

Matthew got a rice cooker.

Even though his facial expression doesn't say I am excited..he loves his razor.

Our Christmas eve/day traditions that we started last year and continued this year or plan on doing next year.

1. I continued with a homemade gift for ella. I want to do this every year for each of our children. Last year ella got christmas dolls that she was able to play with during the holiday season. This year I made her a fabric book.

2. Next year Matthew and I decided to start opening up from each other on christmas eve.

3. We want to enjoy Christmas morning as a family. Read the christmas story together, open gifts, eat breakfast and play.

4. Happy birthday Jesus cupcakes will be made next year as we celebrate his Birth as a family.

5. We also want to give more than we receive. We adopted a family from my school for christmas. The mom couldn't buy for all 8 kids. We all went and delivered the gifts and they were so grateful. We adopted a little boy from the salvation army as well, Ella and I went out on several different days shopping for him. Matthew and I want our children to see the reason why we give. We give, because He has given us so much. I pray that Ella and all our children one day will look at giving the same way.

I know my christmas posts are way overdue but I have a few more....hang with me.

Christmas Eve in snapshots

2011-01-09T16:54:00.004-05:00

Christmas eve was spent at Grana and Papa's house in Jefferson, Ga. We had fun eating brunch, watching the grandkids play and perform, talk and eat, chase ella reese around, open gifts, and spend time with one another. Here is our christmas eve in snapshots.

Matthew holding ella and ross

Ella's minnie mouse slippers from aunt jen-jen, uncle murray, brooklyn and brantley.

Ella opening vintage minnie mouse pjs from grana and papa

Brantley opening up his gift from us.

Ella asking for milk

Reagan and ross

Christmas eve

Joey and Reagan

Dana and Ross

The cousins performing the 12 days of christmas.

The wall plaque we got matthew's mom. Dayspring has great customizable wall decor.

Papa and Ella. Ella rubbing her ears. This is her way of saying--I want my bed.

All Aboard

2011-01-01T18:21:00.005-05:00

The Polar Express was a special treat that Grana and Papa got for the grandkids. The adults had just as much fun as the kids.

We arrived 5 minutes before departure. We literally had to run to get on the train. I felt like the little boy who was the last pick up in the movie. We then had to go from one end of the train to the other because they had overbooked the train. When we crossed through the outside part of the train where you see the tracks moving under your feet, I really felt like I was in the movie. Each cart looked the same, so we were experiencing dejavu every 30 seconds. When we arrived to the front of the train they told us that we got an upgrade for our troubles. We got first class seating, the signature polar express cup with cocoa and the snack. We also were the first to see Santa. It all worked out in the end and the upgrade was a nice surprise.

Riding on the train.

Brooklyn and Brantley drinking their cocoa.

Grana and Dana getting their tickets punched.

Cousins in train museum.

Reagan and Ella (best buds)

Story Ornaments tutorial

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year and all the fun christmas crafts it brings. I wanted to make the special people in my life an ornament that told a story and created a memory. Story Ornaments are ornaments that do just that. My dear friend and cousin Bethany and I ran a half marathon together this past spring. I wanted to make an ornament that she would always look at and remember that day.

Materials for ornament

Clear bulb ornament

small buttons or trinkets that can fit inside

fuzzy craft balls

Ribbon or string

tag-cardstock and paper

scissors

Once you decide the memory that you are going to tell in your story, you are ready to find your trinkets/buttons.

Here are all the buttons that I found to put inside my ornament.

Sunglasses

A shoe charm

Music notes

checkerboard flags

Taco

Once you have all your buttons or trinkets, open the top of your ornament and place them in.

To add some more color and to make it pop when hung on the tree add some fuzzy, sparkly, craft balls.

The next thing you need to do is add your tag. The tag tells your story. I wanted my friend to look at this ornament on the tree and remember that day from years to come. The pieces in the ornament will allow her to remember but the tag lets others know as well.

Once you have your tag string it through with another charm of your choice. I put the tag and shoe charm on the string. The charm is added to the outside of the ornament to give it that extra flair.

Put your ribbon through your ornament and tie a knot.

This would be great to create a special memory of that vacation you had last year, or the new baby that arrived, your sisters wedding, or the love in your life. The possibilities are endless.

Check it out.

2010-12-10T15:16:00.001-05:00

I was featured on tatortots and jello check out my tutorial here. So excited.

Wisdom from my sister blogger

2010-12-08T15:06:00.002-05:00

My sister is a very talented writer. In addition to raising 3 precious boys she writes on the side. I always love reading her blog. Today was one I had to post on mine as well. You can follow her here. After reading I prayed that Ella would know and see her parents follow Jesus, not just because we say it but because how we live our lives. Much to learn from Mary. Thankful today for my sisters wisdom and words.

Gotta Love Mary

Most of our time is lived in the present, as it should be. Yet, it's always hopeful to look to the future and then there's always a lesson as we look to the past.

As a mom, it's easy to stay in reflective mode. You know that mode that clicks 'on' when you watch your kids grow up before your very eyes? Or catching yourself doing something your mom did when you were young and you stop to say, "I am her!"

Well, look back at the past with me, I mean waaay back.

To the wedding in Cana in biblical days.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, obviously knows what her son is capable of, to some degree. When the wine had run out, Mary states the obvious!

(Which of us moms spend all day doing with with our kids...stating the obvious?)

"They have no wine," she says.

Jesus, who hadn't taken his miracles and ministry public yet, says, "Woman, what does that have to do with me?"

Mary, I can imagine, gave him that motherly look.

(You know. You've either been the giver or receiver of that look!)

So she then tells the wedding servers, "do whatever He says."

This moment became Jesus' first earthly miracle. He turned water into wine - the best

wine actually. (He is into doing things with excellence and perfection, isn't He?)

This wasn't a miracle where all the guests believed and were saved, but it was a miracle that opened the eyes and hearts of his closest - the disciples.

And the beautiful part of the story is that Mary wasn't just a mom who was raising the Son of God, she was a follower, too!

For Scripture says in John 1:12 that after Jesus left the wedding, his disciples joined Him in Capernaum. But guess who else came? Yes, His mom.

I am certain Mary had many proud moments as a mom. I'm also certain that on those nights she lay in bed awake, she often reflected on that encounter with the angel Gabriel. And she felt peace and joy knowing she told God, "okay, I'll do this."

Not only to raise the Light of the world, but to follow Him as well.

As a mom, how am I raising my children?

Do they know I follow Jesus?

Do they hear me talk of Him?

Let me raise my kids in such a way that they want to follow me

as I follow the Light of the world.

Writer: Shauna Pilgreen

Christmas Craft Exchange

2010-12-06T23:15:00.002-05:00

I have never been a part of a christmas craft exchange before until this year. I received a name and address through email. I then sent Lisa a handmade gift and she sent me a handmade gift. I made her an advent jar and she made me this fabulous wreath. I put it on our fire screen. I absolutely love it. Thank you Lisa!

Ribbon Tree Tutorial

2010-12-06T22:39:00.002-05:00

I saw this ribbon tree in a Michaels insert and couldn't wait to make my own. Here is how you can make your own.

Materials

styrofoam cone

2 spools of one ribbon (you can prob. get by with one)

1 spool of a different ribbon

Cut your strips of ribbon a little over an inch long.

Hot glue the strip together.

Layer the ribbons alternating the colors

This is what it looks like completed.

Here is the finished project on the mantel.

Christmas Cookie/Sweets Baking Day

2010-12-04T17:35:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year. I love baking also at this time of year. There are those special recipes that you tend to get out and make during the holdiay season and this year I am going to bring out the old and also add a few new in. The past 5 years I have had a baking day with a friend. Krystal and I used to do it one night and then once Ella came, it was easier in the day. I choose now to do it during her morning nap time. I am usually able to get through prep and start baking before she wakes. Last year my friend Becca and I had a baking day and look forward to having another one this week with her. Here is what I plan on baking. I have friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to bake for. The line up is.....

chocolate chip reeses cookies

whoopie pies (Becca's specialty)

Rocky Road Brownies

All my dipped in chocolate items:

Pretzel rods

chocolate nutter butter reindeer

chocolate covered marshmallows

Chocolate covered oreos

Chocolate covered rice krispy treats

Looking forward to my baking day and all the yummy treats I get to share.

Happy Saturday!

Thankful

2010-11-27T11:42:00.003-05:00

Our thanksgiving eve began with a sick baby and our thanksgiving day ends with a sick baby. Hoping to be fever free tomorrow. Thanksgiving is one of those days where many people including myself take food and family often for granted. There are so many without family members this holiday season. There are also people around us that wouldn't have had food. I am thankful that my family and friends met 4 families needs yesterday with a meal. The family we took food to yesterday wouldn't have had food yesterday without it. There is much to be thankful for.....here are just a few.

I am thankful for this sweet little girl.

I am thankful for matthew

I am thankful for my parents

My sisters

Clean drinking water

My freedom

Thankful for friends and family and not pictured also :)

Mystery Dinner Neighborhood party

2010-10-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

If you have never participated in or hosted a mystery dinner party, I recommend trying it. They are loads of fun. We hosted our first one last year with friends and had a blast. This year, we invited neighbors. It was great because these were people we wanted to get to know better. the theme of the evening was the Chicago Caper and we were all trying to solve a murder mystery. We all posed as couples before we sat down for appetizers.

Ashley the club singer and Rusty the attorney

Matthew-the baseball player and I am the flapper

Pam the reporter and Jay the gambler

jay in character

Rusty and Ashley again

Greg-the golfer and Stacey the hotel owner/business partner

At the end of the night, no one got it. We all thought wrong. The killer was our second choice but in the end we all picked someone else. It was still a lot of fun. Can't wait till next year.

Crafting procrastination

2010-10-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

The wreath I meant to make......

This past summer I looked at my front door often and thought A wreath needs to be on that door. I never made one of course and kept putting it off. This past saturday night after ella was in bed and april came over to hang out. I started making one. I know that it will sit in the closet and wait till spring/summer but at least now I have one. Here is what you need to make your own pinwheel wreath.

Wreath

fabric squares of different complementing colors

hot glue gun

1. Take each fabric square and make them into triangles.

2. Glue each triangle one by one in the shape of a pinwheel flower.

3. Repeat until the desired amount of pinwheels is made.

I hope you enjoyed my crafting out of season project

Initial canvas tutorial

2010-10-27T22:14:00.002-04:00

I love monograms and initial embellishments. We have a wall in our living room devoted to our initial and decorative accent pieces. I wanted a canvas S. It isn't something I have ever seen, so I set out to make it myself. Here is what I used.

1. mod podge

2. small canvas--I bought this one in the dollar bins at Michaels this past spring

3. vellum clear accent frames--I found these in the clearance section at michaels

Put your frame on canvas and cover with modge podge. Center your initial on the vellum frame and cover with mod podge.

Here it is. I can't wait to put it on our wall.

katie

Matthew turns 29

2010-10-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

So I am married to one of the coolest people I know. Matthew Strickland turns 29 today and instead of presents he wants water for people without it. When he told me he set up this site I was super excited because I think it is a great idea. I am way to selfish the majority of the time and don't think of others enough. I am thankful to have people in my life that model this well. I can't wait to help out with this and want to see his goal met. The goal is 1,000. The 1,000 dollars will give water to 50 people and 10 families. I will keep you all updated on the goal and how far we have to go to get it. We would love your help. If you want to donate to the cause all the money goes 100% to charity water.

http://www.mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=9647

Matthew turns 29 today! Ella and I have turned the countdown wheel on the fridge every day. We both smiled when we turned it today and it said Happy Birthday. We are also celebrating Francsico Castellon in Nicaragua. He turns 13 today. For Matthew's birthday I went online and found a boy that needed to be sponsored. He has been waiting for 6 months. He was a high priority kid on compassion international. I thought it was really neat that as a birthday gift, he happened to be born on the same day as Matthew. Even though we don't know Francisco and all we have is a picture. Our family is praying for you and we are celebrating you today. Happy Birthday Matthew and Happy Birthday Francisco.

If you want to sponsor a child, go here

Meeting Bakerella

2010-10-26T21:42:00.002-04:00

Bakerella was at Lenox this past weekend. I was first introduced to her by my friend lindsey.

She makes all kinds of fun stuff for her dental school friends. I am not very good at making the cake pops but love reading her blog. I think bakerella's blog is true eye candy. Ella and I stood in line to meet and get our cookbook signed.

http://www.bakerella.com/

Here are the Halloween cake pops she had made that day.

Ella fell asleep during the wait.

Here I am with Bakerella. I told her the truth about my skills and she said she had faith in me. If only she had been in my kitchen a few days ago. She probably would have had a change of heart.

Even though my cake balls look like cake lumps, they are still delicious! Bakerella thanks for inspiring me to bake.

katie

Days with Ella

2010-10-21T22:15:00.003-04:00

(This pic was taken a few weeks ago)

I am a part time teacher. I job share in a fifth grade classroom with a friend and love how well we work together. My mom is on her way to California to spend some time with my sister and her family. I know she is super excited. Since she is there I had to work 2 1/2 weeks straight because mimi is a big help for our family when it comes to childcare. Today while ella and I were playing I looked at her and said, "I am so glad to be at home with you today."I look forward to the next 2 weeks that I get to spend with her. Today she gave me two big kisses on my lips and hugged me. She clapped yesterday when I walked into her room after not waking her up on a week day for a while. She hands me books and grunts until I start reading. To sum it up.....I love being a mom and I am looking forward to the days ahead with ella.

fall decor on a budget

2010-10-21T13:23:00.004-04:00

I love fall and love to change the look of our home when it comes around to look more festive.

Here are some cheap ways you can add fall decor on a budget.

Ceramic pumpkins can be found at tj maxx or marshalls after halloween for very cheap. I bought this one 2 years ago for .70. The best time to snag stuff like this is on Nov. 1.

Demdaco has a fabulous line called Embellish your story. I bought this at a boutique but you can purchase it online also. They have other magnets beside the fall leaves. I bought the leaves but plan on making my own magnets for the rest of the seasons.

If you have clear vases fill them with pumpkins or acorns or anything else that screams fall. I had these from my college days and just found ways to use them around our home. The pumpkin you see was another nov. 1 (2 years ago) tjmaxx purchase. 1.00 was all I paid.

I think black birds are perfect for fall. I just added this one to the end of a tray. I love Target 1.00 bins.

Sometimes you have that favorite scent in a plain jane jar. My creamy caramel candle should look as fabulous as it smells. Add a colorful fall ribbon to any glass jar to make it pop for fall.

I love decorating on trays with fall colors. This tray has a plate that I wrote on with an expo marker, another creamy caramel candle, a ceramic pumpkin salt shaker, and a glass vase with small pumpkins and a candle. (I added the brown ribbon to make it pop and to give a color contrast.)

I hope you are having a great fall day! The weather is fabulous outside so Ella and I are going out for a wagon ride. Happy Fall!

Katie

Embroidered bag tutorial

2010-10-09T22:41:00.003-04:00

I found this houndstooth bag a few months ago in the target dollar bins. I thought it would be a great reusable bag for my sister plus she is a bama fan. It was a very easy craft. Here is what you need

Reusable bag

thread

fabric

needle

I didn't have any crimson fabric so I cut up a shirt I didn't wear.

Then all I had left to do was stitch on the initial. It would have been much easier if I had used a fabric besides stretch knit. Note to self--I dislike stretch knit fabric.

My sister Shauna is celebrating her birthday on Monday. I made this for her.

Happy Saturday!

Katie

2010-10-08T00:32:00.003-04:00

My sewing machine and I have a date this weekend. Looking forward to mending clothes that need some love, working on a project that I haven't had time for, and finishing a last minute birthday item for my sister. Excited already.

I do need your help with something. I have this great Children of the world fabric. I have been

trying to come up with something to make for ella to wear out of it.

Any ideas suggestions? This is what it looks like.

Alexzander Henry fabrics are extremely busy,

but I do love them.

A deal for you

2010-10-08T00:00:00.003-04:00

Vista Print is having an amazing sale. Check it out and get a bunch of free items. All you have to pay is shipping. If you go to retailmenot you can get free shipping on 25.00 and 25% off that. Here is how you do it. Once you click on the link Vista print, start adding the free items to your cart. Then go back and add a few items that cost money. Once you get your 25.00 you are ready to check out. Add the coupon code for being a new customer and get your free shipping and 25% off. I got some free christmas gifts. Here is all the things right now you can get for free.

FREE Tote Bag

1 Starting at FREE

Create a one-of-a-kind bag for a unique trick-or-treating experience.

Details and pricing

FREE Photo Flip Books

1 Starting at FREE

Create a special keepsake with our handy 4" x 6" flip books. Upload your photos and customize with captions. Includes 10 pages with 1 photo per page.

FREE Rubber Stamps

1 Starting at FREE

Save time with these high-quality, self-inking stamps. Great for address or general purpose use. Choose from 18 designs and create in minutes.

Details and pricing

FREE Business Cards

250 Starting at FREE

Perfect for networking, interviews, mommy cards and more! Choose from 45 professional designs and customize with your text.

Details and pricing

FREE Invitations

10 Starting at $7.99 FREE

Scare up some fun this fall. We have designs perfect for Halloween parties, haunted houses or any of your fall festivities.

Details and pricing

FREE T-Shirts

1 Starting at FREE

Create your own style with our customizable T-shirts. Choose from a variety of designs or customize with your own photos and text.

Details and pricing

Sticky Notes

1 Starting at $4.99 FREE

Leave a more memorable note for friends, family and co-workers. Add your own fun flair to one of hundreds of designs.

Details and pricing

Pens

1 Starting at $4.99 FREE

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I got these great gift tags to put on christmas gifts.

I also got this for a friend that started a new job.

A mini scrapbook for a christmas gift also.

I did well. I got all the other items for free too. I saved over 90.00.

Go do some fun christmas shopping that requires very little spending. The picture mug, calendar, tote bag and t-shirt make great personalized items.

This post is dedicated to my friend that says, I don't tell her about the freebies I find.

A good day...

2010-09-30T21:54:00.002-04:00

Well..for starters this post would be better if I had the actual pics of the day, but my computer was being funny, so you get to look forward to those later.

It was a great day. I spent some time with these two plus ella.

We went to Gladys. My favorite hometown restaurant in Americus. I had some very yummy food. Then mom, ella and I went to get my haircut. That is a funny story. I asked for the ends cut. The ends cut only. I walked out with layers and way more cut off then the ends. Oh well. After that, we walked around some fun stores in Americus where I found 2 great finds.

1. Pillows for the sunroom. (6.00 a piece) Love them

2. Found antique canisters in yellow. 4 of them and they are all labeled. I can't wait for you to see the pictures of these. I paid 12.00. I got out of the store as fast as I could for fear they would realize how crazy they were for selling them for so cheap. We also went to the Taste of Sumter. It was a very crowded but We all ate great food. Ella has a new favorite icecream....cookies and cream.

The day got even better when I found out that these two are having a girl. Ella will have a baby girl second cousin. Exciting. Wait. Not second cousin, make that 3rd cousin. That is confusing. Anyway, The girl in the black cardi and the guy in the suit are married. Jeremy is the my cousin and he married april. They are pregnant. You can follow their story here. I am so excited for them. Can't wait to meet Paisley Bagwell. I love her already.

Another amazing thing about today is that Elijah is 7 today. I still remember the first time I held him. He was my first little love. I have many little loves now because I have more neices and nephews but he was my first. Elijah is holding Ella in the pic. He had an exciting day in San Francisco. He met the 2 of his favorite Giant players. I got to skype with him today and see him open his presents. So thankful that I got to see him today. 7 years ago I had driven several hours to Monroe, LA to see that boy for the first time. Still as sweet as ever. I love you Elijah. Happy Birthday!

I also got to skype with these two girls plus Asher and Samuel. Samuel showed me his tattoo on his stomach and Asher pointed at Ella. Can't wait to spend Christmas with all of them.

Hope your day was just as good.

Katie

Waiting for Superman

2010-09-27T22:45:00.002-04:00

This video and this article have caused a lot of buzz of conversation in the educational world. I have mixed feelings about this documentary. I am a teacher. I am a 5th grade public school teacher. I care about kids and I care about their learning. I love my job and I make sure that each student is pushed to their full potential. Is it hard when you have all types of learners. Yes. Do I have to differentiate so much in a day, that I lose track of all the different ways I taught it. Sometimes. The point is I teach like my hairs on fire everyday in the words of Rafe Esquith. I was bothered by parts of the reviews and articles that I have read about the film. The focus has been on educational reform and choosing charter schools since public schools don't measure up. I am not denying that our system doesn't need fixing, because it does. I just wanted to hear that we know not all schools are like that, or there are great public school educators among us. Anything positive would have been helpful. The very last line of the article says "Don't lose hope in your neighborhood school." That has all kinds of positivity. I don't like the neighborhood school being the bad guys and the charter schools being the good guys. Shouldn't we all be on the same team? I value education. I value choice. I think if you are getting a bad education somewhere, you should have the right to find another school. I also believe in teaching the child not the test. One of the points that was made is that schools are failing, there are teachers with tenure that shouldn't be teaching, test scores are bad, this generation is going to be less literate than the last. My question is Does the media really think that teachers of this generation have started slacking? Did the last generation become more literate because of the education they had.

Everything I teach today is 1-3 years earlier than when I learned it in elementary school. I went to a private college prep school from K-12. When I first started teaching 2nd grade their were standards that I taught that my children mastered that I didn't learn until I was in 3rd or 4th. Since I have moved to 5th nothing has changed. I teach algebra, circumference, pi in math. All 3 of which I didn't learn until middle school. I think there are numbers of reasons why education has gone "downhill. "

1. No child left behind---our government still trying to recover

2. State testing that limits a teacher. They choose to teach to the test and not to the needs of the student. We have become too test driven. Some teachers don't go above and beyond the standards because they don't feel like they need to. This is what I have to cover then this is what I will teach. Something is so wrong with this picture. Not all do this but there are many that do.

3. Education is caring more about data and less about kids. The federal govt. is putting lots of pressure on documentation. Many teachers are having to spend much of their time writing down and filling out countless forms to prove something is wrong with a student academically or emotionally. You have to jump through hoop after hoop just to get a student some help. It could take years for diagnosis or services to be given all because you have to spend weeks and months documenting. I am not saying I don't believe that DATA talks. I do. I think teachers should analyze student work and see weaknesses and strengths. I just think we should be able to do it in a smaller time frame. Children need help. We don't have time to wait countless months.

4. Educational reform has come to bring change but along the way I think we have lost the glamour of learning. So much is being required from not only teachers but from students that everyone feels the stress of day to day learning. Every year my goal is to build a classroom that feels safe, where students are not afraid to share opinions, stories, thoughts, and questions, where learning is hands on, where it is ok to not know all the answers. So much emphasis has been on this type of environment but then all of the other weighs so much.

I might not be the norm, but I have a tendency to forget all the junk and just focus on the important thing: my students. Many other people don't have that luxury. I have to be honest and say I feel like every year that confidence dwindles a little. It is hard to be student focus when you know so many other things are going to try to get in the way and they are coming down from people that control your job.

I want to be a mover and a shaker (my aunt Debbie uses that term sometimes). I want to be someone that speaks out for change. Waiting for Superman????? Here I am and I know several other teachers that are "Superman." The good ones/heroes aren't just in private and charter schools. There are good ones in public schools. I hope that people don't walk away from this movie and think that public education is terrible and there aren't any good teachers. I hope it is an enlightening movie that challenges people to think about education differently. I hope it challenges them to be the superman. We have to be the change. If you see something that isn't good for kids, you have to be the change in your school. If a parent doesn't agree with something, do something about it. We all have voices. I don't have answers to how the educational issues around us can be solved. I wish I did. I think there are many things that have a role but I will save that for another post. We can all be movers and shakers. Ultimately if we put up enough fight, we can all be Superman.

I should read this everyday.

2010-09-26T18:56:00.002-04:00

I got this from Elements of Style.

I hope everyone has had a great sunday! Matthew attached this to his facebook. I loved it and loved her blog. So as I start a new work week I am going to remember this little token of wisdom. Enjoy your Monday!

Love for Reading

2010-09-25T22:31:00.003-04:00

As a teacher, I know the importance of early literacy in the home. I have been taught the why and read countless books on examples of the importance but never saw it first hand. Ella is showing me that daily. We read every day. Some books we only get through a few pages. Her favorite books we might read 4-6 times a day. I can see the value of my students reading or hearing a book read more than once. When I read picture books in a reading minilesson, I know that some of them might have heard another teacher use that same book. I also know that every time you read or hear, you usually get something else out of it. The teaching point might also be different. Saturday and Teacakes by Lester Laminack has great use of sensory details, rule of 3, and small moment. When we teach students a lesson using a picture book the learning objective might be different each read. It opens a child's mind up to the realization that we can learn from authors and it will make them better readers and writers.

So through my background I have seen the power of re-reading to kids. I haven't though seen it work in toddlers however until now. I can say Ella want to read the ABC book and she will grab the ABC book. I can also say lines from books and she goes to grab that one. For example: I often say this..."Your my little lovebug, my cuddly kangaroo, my funny bunny, sweet as honey, all of this is true." A few seconds later she plops this book in my lap.

I am not trying to say my child is a genius (although I think she is). I am just blown away that hearing the text reminds her of the book. The power in that alone blows me away.

By the glider in her nursery is a night stand with several books. She always reaches for the Karen Katz book.

She smiles right when I begin reading and throws her feet in the air when I get to the 2nd page. 13 months old and she knows the plot. She knows the order of where I am going to kiss next. (Toes, feet, knees, belly button, chin, nose, hands, ears, eyes, head) Can she verbalize it? No, but she knows and I can see by her reaction.

I have learned so much about the types of books she enjoys.

Richard scarry is one of our favorite authors. We reread this book daily. She loves books that only have a few words on each page. she also loves analyzing the picture. She looks at everything.

Sandra Boynton is another short, sweet and to the point author. She is another one of ella's favorite authors. I think it is because they sound like a song. Has really good rhythm. Barnyard dance makes us both laugh because It sounds like a rap.

My heart melts when ella and I are playing and she places a book in my lap for me to read. That want ever get old and I always want her to have a love for reading.

2010-09-24T15:46:00.002-04:00

I know some of you might thing I have an obsession with the silhouette cutter. These are the last of the giveaways I entered. I am worn out. I have typed what I would do first if I won this machine so many times. I secretly hoped I was the only one out there that would attempt to enter every silhouette giveaway. Well....I am not the only crazy one. There are many just like me. Still deciding if that is good or bad. :) For now I wait until all of these great blogs reveal who won on the 30th. Hoping they pick me and my other die hard silhouette cutter wannabes. I just want one. I don't need all 20. Just one. So here is my last attempt. Also if Silhouette blog reads this and decides to send me one to review. I am ok with that also. :) Well. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Check out these great blogs. They are all some pretty crafty people. Hope you enjoy.

Katie

The Crafty crow

Our Best Bite

The finer things in life

I was featured

2010-09-23T21:48:00.001-04:00

Check me out on One pretty thing. My monogram garden flag tutorial was featured in her daily diy.

Random Friday

2010-09-23T15:11:00.000-04:00

This week I have done hardly any of this......

Because I have been entering every website I know to try to win this......

Here are some of the sites I went to:

http://www.howdoesshe.com/

http://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/09/300-silhouette-cutting-tool-giveaway/

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/giveaway/silhouette-craft-cutter-giveaway.html

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/08/03/free-silhouette-cutter-giveaway/

http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/09/giveaway-silhouette-digital-cutting.html

The list goes on. :)

I learned a lot about aperture and my camera from kevin and amanda. They have a great website also. I can't wait to try changing the aperture on my camera. I am very visual and Amanda even walks you through step by step on what to do to change your camera settings. Love it.

I have been using this

to take great pictures of this little girl.

I have been wearing these all week.

and eating these two together. It tastes like a Payday.

I have been reading Karen Katz Counting kisses 5 times a day. It is Ella's favorite and she loves going through the

book and getting kisses from me. Once I sit in the rocking chair with her, she reaches for it with a little

grunt. Too Sweet.

I know Random. Would love to hear whats been your "random" this week. One of my favorite blogs Joy's Hope does

a great job at Randomness posting. Her flipflop post makes me laugh. Have a great friday!

Thankful jar tutorial

2010-09-23T10:23:00.001-04:00

Thankful jar tutorial

I saw this tutorial on Little Birdie Secrets and thought it was too cute. I decided to change it a little and make it a little more rustic. So here is my version, although I totally recommend you checking out her tutorial. It was a lot of fun making it. Ella had fun playing with the ribbon. :)

Here are the supplies you need.

A jar with lid

A stamp and stamp pad

ribbon

Scrapbook paper

Begin by stamping your thankful quote onto a solid piece of cardstock.

Take the stamped paper and glue on to a piece of scrapbook paper. Using mod podge, glue the scrapbook paper onto your jar.

Take the inside part of the lid off the jar. You are left with jar and the part of the jar that screws on.

Cut your ribbon.

Tie your knots around the jar lid.

Once all your ribbons are knotted around lid, it should look like this.

Cut your strips of double-sided paper. You want double sided so when you make links both sides are pretty.

Put your strips of paper into the jar. Start taking them out one by one once November arrives to link them together. I remember my sister making an advent calendar with links. This is kind of like that. This is a great family activity. Your children can help write down what they are thankful for. Ella is too small to have input yet, so I wrote what I was thankful for. As I take each piece of paper out to staple, it will be a reminder to pray for that person, organization, event etc. I hope you all have as much fun creating your thankful jar as I did.

What are you thankful for today?

30th time is the charm

2010-09-22T14:44:00.001-04:00

My clothes are not folded, I have dishes in the sink, I have a to do list a mile long, but I am blogging about the silhouette cutter in hopes to finally win.

Sad story....This is the probably the 30th time I have tried to win this wonderful machine.

This is a machine that can do iron on apparel, vinyl adhesives, glass etching, scrapbook pages, cards and much more.

The last time I tried to win this machine, I posted it everywhere with links on facebook etc. and someone I knew was chosen. I know....heart break...huh?

End of sad story.

Moving on:

I keep persevering in hopes that this giveaway is the one. One of my favorite crafting blogs is Blue cricket design. They are doing a giveaway. I am doing everything to get it. I have posted what I would do with it. I have linked to facebook, twitter, became a follwer on the silhouette blog....all for this amazing machine.

So even though my clothes are not folded, I have dishes in the sink, and I have a to do list a mile long....I will try once more to win this incredible crafting machine.