Cookies

I started making cookies!

Cakes!

I have had a bast creating several cakes this summer. It's definitely something that is new to me, but I am feeling more confident with some of my skills.

The "Endless Summer" cake has already made its debut on the blog, but I wanted to include it since it was my first attempt.

Noah's "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" cake!

Alice Ann's "Minnie Mouse" Birthday Cake

Brooklyn's "Elmo" cake

AA's Mickey Party!

I spent a lot of time getting ready for Alice's 2nd Birthday party and am really excited to share it with you!

Here are the invitations!

The Cake!

Goody Bags for the kids...

The food was served at the "Moo Mart."

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The picnic tables were set up in "Mickey Park."

All the kids enjoyed swimming at "Circle Lake."

I set up a bin of sand with a list of treasures that were buried!

The bounce house was in "The Jungle." 

(Notice the "Hula Hibiscus!")

Here is Andrew fishing for Gooey Fish...

The kids really enjoyed the "Road Rally!"

Rain Chain

I first heard of a rain chain from Carrie from PowerWorks.  She watches Alice Ann while I work out and is a complete blessing because my baby LOVES HER! She showed me hers and I was so intrigued! One Sunday after brunch, our friends came over to hang out in the garage.  We stopped by Menards on the way home to pick up come copper wire.

I wrapped the copper wire on a caulk tube I just so happened to have in the garage. Dad saved the day with the delivery of his bolt cutters. I made links by cutting the wrapped wire with the bolt cutters.  Then, I connected the links and .... Wah lah! A rain chain. :):) here is a video of it in action.

Endless Summer Cake

Our friends, Bill and Kim host, an annual "Endless Summer" Party to kick of the summer season.  Unfortunately, they were forced to postpone the party due to rain.  Phillip gave me the idea to make a Jimmy Buffet themed cake as our contribution to the party.  I have always enjoyed baking and have always been interested in delving into decorating cakes... You know, like they do on TLC and The Food Network.... So I decided to dive right in...

Although my husband wasn't too excited about the high price tag I ended up paying at Hobby Lobby on cake decorating supplies (seriously, can you go there without spending ATLEAST $90??????).... Anyways (chuckle), I had big plans for this cake and a fearless attitude towards a trade in which I was completely clueless. I decided that I would be true to the party and lean towards an "Endless Summer" theme with surf boards and pay homage to Bill and Kim's back yard Tiki Hut.  

I made marshmallow fondant and made a rainbow layered cake with fondant waves.... I didn't buy proper support dowel rods, so tried to strengthen straws and use them instead. The straws lasted a good ten hours, but not over night... If the party was on, the cake would have survived; but alas, it had to suffer through an unnecessary evening and did not survive :).  We dropped off the cake top to the Blocks the next morning because we did not want it to go to waste! 

I'm looking forward to my next cake... This is going to be fun. I need help piping icing.... Practice, practice, practice... 

Christmas Stocking

I finally finished Alice's stocking! I started it last year (2011) during the holiday season, but didn't finish it in time for her first Christmas; therefore, I put the project on hold... For a year. :)

 I finished it for her second Christmas!

Halloween 2012

Alice as "Alice!"
 I made her the blue dress and added an apron Grandma Kitty found for her. She was super cute, if I do say so myself. :):)
Here is one of my all time pictures of AA and her cousin, Reagan.

Illinois Alumni Game 2012

We had a blast at the Alumni Game this past Fall. I loved watching Alice Ann run around on Eichelberger Field and playing in the dugouts! It was super sweet and brought back a lot of great memories!
I found a football uniform with my number at Meijer, then made a tutu and shoes for her to accessorize!

Volleyball Dress

 Here's a little number I put together for Alice Ann to wear to the volleyball games last Fall.

What a difference a year makes!

I know I am known for sporadic posting, but my goal right now is to catch-up this past almost year and then blog once a week. A lot has changed over the past few months that will allow me to focus on what I love.... My family and being creative.  Honey and I have decided to name the blog; hope you like!

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, I made my mother a bag and a bracelet with her and AA's birthstones and a locket with AA's photo. They were both born in July... Lucky girls with ruby birthstones! Also, I made my mother-in-law a tote bag for her dance gear and a clip with both her and AA's birthstones for her to clip onto her key chain!

Derby Day!

The past two years, we have hosted a Derby Party. We decided not to have one this year since it was our first year with AA and didn't think she would appreciate not being able to stay up late and party. She is a very social person and hates to go to bed when she knows a party is going on.

Although we love hosting the party, Honey and I had to admit that it was nice not having to spend all morning prepping. We had a casual morning. AA has been teething and for the first time since she was a few months old , she's been a bit off her game; meaning, she's been rather odd, fussyish, awkward... Just not herself! And for the first time in a long time, I actually feel tired... Why does she all of a sudden want a 3:00 am bottle?! Why can't she decide whether or not she wants to nap?!.

Honey was great this morning and took care of AA this morning so I could get a little extra sleep. When I got up, we went on a walk as a family. Worn out by the walk, AA went down for a short nap. I took advantage of this time and made Honey a bow tie be had been asking for. Then during her afternoon nap, I figured out my new serger and made a skirt out of, get this, an old bed sheet that belonged to Honey's grandmother. When AA woke up, we played outside in the garage. While honey and AA were wandering around the driveway, I made her Derby hat! We had a great time with friends at Lime Street and came home and I started working on a bow tie for our friend, Da (that's what Honey calls him, his Da(d)). Here are some pictures of what I worked on today! Hope you enjoy. 😄