Happy Birthday Banner Giveaway!

What?? Another Giveaway! That's right ladies, I know how you love 'em. And who can pass up a good giveaway when the chance comes your way, right? This one's a great one too! Design Stash is giving one of you lucky readers this FABULOUS Happy Birthday Banner. Oh how I wish I would have had this very banner for my daughter's carnival. The banner was created with a "fun polka-dot, balloon, and good-enough-to-eat icing with sprinkles frosting paper." It's tied together with cheery ribbon and an adorable cherry-topped cupcake pops out in the center. It would be the "sweetest" addition to any birthday party. Design Stash sells a number of custom banners for different occasions and if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, they will custom create a banner just for you. All of the banners are a one of a kind design and are reinforced with chipboard to prevent bending or tearing so that they can be treasured for years to come.

* Anyone can enter. To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment below. Gain a second entry for posting about the contest on your blog and then leaving a second comment. This contest will close on Thursday April 2 at 10 PM MST.

5K Fun

Yesterday Gabe ran in his very first 5K. For those of you who know my Gabe, he is not one for discomfort, if you know what I mean. If he is uncomfortable, the whole world knows it...just like his mama. What a proud mother I was watching him run (and walk) with a big smile on his face for the entire race. Good Job Gabe!

Trip Pictures

Alright, so I've learned something new. It's really hard to take pictures of yourselves as a couple when all you've been doing for the past nine years is taking pictures of your kids. We ended up with four pictures. One on the beach (as seen below), a blurry one at a lookout point, a funny one of Dean body surfing, and our friend the turtle.

Hawaiian Getaway

We just returned from our fabulous Hawaiian Getaway. It was such great weather and so much fun to spend the time together. I have never left my children for more than one night without seeing them and I'm not going to say that it was easy for me. I actually had a meltdown two nights ago when it looked as if we may not get on a flight for a couple of days and I thought I was never going to see the kids again! A word of warning...do not put Mrs. L in a high stress situation. Other than that one moment though, the trip was very relaxing and I am so thankful we had the opportunity to go. Thanks to all of you who made it possible.

Hula Pop Winner!

Thanks for all of the entries for the Hula Pop Necklace. Once again I wish you all could win. Then winner selected is...KARINA!

Hawaiian Giveaway - Hula Pop!

In celebration of my upcoming vacation I decided to hold a Hawaiian Giveaway. I am absolutely "In Love" with this Hula Pop Necklace from Lychee Kiss and one of you lucky readers will be winning it! This "retro hawaiian inspiration" would be perfectly paired with that new spring dress. Lychee Kiss has a fabulous selection of beautifully inspired pieces that are unlike any I've ever seen. She is an amazing artist so be sure to check out her work!

*To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment below and remember for a second entry you can post about this contest on your own blog and then come back and leave a second comment. That's two entries per person but don't forget to comment twice! Anyone can enter. This giveaway will run until 10 pm MST on March 25. Good Luck!

AG Craziness!

Meet Mia! As you may have remembered she joined our family at Christmas time this past year. Mia has become just like a fourth child to us and is treated just like a member of the family. She comes everywhere with us, has to be tucked in at night and kissed on the cheek just like the rest of the children, and has to be dressed every morning in her new outfit which I SWEAR takes longer than dressing all three of my other kids together. Paige looks forward to the American Girl magazine that she gets in the mail once a month so that she can pick out and dream about all of the things that she hopes one day she can get for her Mia. A magazine came the other day and Paige asked if she could put a check mark on some of the things that she would like to get. Of course I thought this was a nice idea and it would give her some things to save up for. About an hour and a half later, she came out of her room, proudly finished with her work. "Here, Mom, I'm all done. Now you can see what WE need to buy." I opened up the magazine to find this...

Now look very closely. As you can see almost every item on each of these pages contains a check mark! This is just a very small sampling may I remind you. The entire book is filled with check marks. I would say 95% of the items are checked and that is only because she has the other things. I decided today it would be funny to total up all of the things Paige wants. Keep in mind that this does not include other dolls, it is accessories Only. Our total American Doll purchase will be a whopping...$2,936!

A Fairy Tale Friend

Once Upon A Time...Mr. L met a fabulous man named Scott. For some odd reason or another, Scott took a liking to Mr. L and they became great pals. In fact, he liked him so much that he decided he enjoyed giving Mr. and Mrs. L presents. Yes, you heard that right, PRESENTS! All kinds of presents. Anything ranging from a pile a gifts under the Christmas tree, birthday extravaganza's for the children, a barbecue grill dropped off as a house warming gift, even a fridge full of milk and cream from the milk truck he drives. Yes, Scott might very well be called the most generous man we have ever met. Well, now he has gone and added another gift to the long list...A week's stay in his timeshare in Kona, Hawaii...Free! How cool is that? They had the condo reserved for themselves but were unable to go, so of course he insisted his favorite friend Mr. L takes the condo. So in this time of busy Hawaiian travel we will be attempting to make it over there on Saturday, all by ourselves for a romantic getaway. Mrs. L really likes Scott! The End

*This photo was taken 11 years ago, the last time I went to Hawaii. Mr. L and I had just started dating. Can you read what it says? Ahhh, young love!

Sunny Weekend

I hope your weekend sees some sun. I'm hoping to find myself and my honey somewhere like this next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. More details to come...

Marriage of Figaro

Tomorrow is our next and final Opera for the season and it is the much anticipated Marriage of Figaro. Mr. L has been waiting for this for a long time. Neither of us have seen it and I guess it's a pretty big deal in the World of Opera. We are taking our friends with us and it will be their first Opera Experience. I'm a little bit nervous for them. Should be Exciting!

Carseat Covers

My cute niece just started making these adorable Carseat Covers. These would make a great gift for any new mom. You can choose from the styles they have and they also take custom orders. So go and check out Baby Cabana and Cover Up Your Cutie!

Yoga What?

Last night, I went to my very first ever Yoga Class. After I watched Denise Richards on DWTS amazingly jump in to the splits after "obviously" having no dance experience and then hearing her credit it all to Yoga...I mean hey, who doesn't want to do the splits right! I knew I had to climb on board. Now keep in mind that after this post I will continue to attend Yoga, but these are just a few things I learned for all you beginners...

*It's very important to Get Your Giggles Out before you enter the room. You will SEE lots of funny things and HEAR lots of funny noises.

*Do Not, I mean Do Not Disturb the Yoga-Serious! You can do this by walking in late, falling over on top of them, or even laughing while they are in the "out of reality" zone.

*Wear some pants that can give a little. You wouldn't want your pants to split right when your bum is up in the air (Right Ash!)

Little Angels

Right now I have a very good friend going through something I cannot imagine having to bear. She found out a few months ago that the little angel baby in her belly has a heart that's not quite right. My friend is so worried but is showing such courage. This baby and her family have both helped me to start noticing the small moments and blessings in my own life. I am beginning to realize lately that I spend way to much time for myself and not enough time for the angels of my own. I am thankful they are mine and for every moment of laughter we share. For a story of courage and to add some encouragement of your own, go and visit Libbi's Blog.

Popped Full O' Luck

I'm not too into St. Patty's Day, but this Going Green Popcorn will be happening at my house.

Be Happy

Last night I lay sick in bed, very sick! It was late and my Bugga didn't want to go to sleep so I had him come lay by me. He didn't make a peep. He just layed there and watched me, excited that I was letting him lay in my bed and wondering what was going on. If I looked over at him, he grinned, hoping it was time to play again, but when I rolled back over he realized it was sleeping time, so he layed still again. This is my very favorite age of life. I cannot get enough of a squishy 2 year old!

Photo Here

Happily Ever After

I haven't posted about this yet because I didn't have pictures so thankfully my sister in law put them up on her blog so I could steal them! Mr. L's Twin got married last week and I picked up the cutest new sister in law. We've waited for a long time for this and it was the sweetest wedding. They looked so great and it was so wonderful to see everybody. The second picture is with my mother in law, sister in laws and nieces. Love you guys!

Perfect Party

Ooohhh how I love this Birthday In A Box from Polka Dots and Pirates. I will have to say maybe a tad bit pricey, but I also have to add that I swear everytime I take myself to Zurchers for party supplies I end up spending a fortune and it's definitely not this cute.

Found on Mighty Junior

Seedlings

We have a massive garden at our house which I love. The kids are always very involved with the planting and weeding, but I thought it would be fun to try something new this year. I am going to let them start all of the vegetables indoors, everything but the corn at least. There's just too much of that. We usually start from seed in the ground, but I hear they do better if you start them inside a little early, plus it's a fun project. We always do corn, peas, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, and cucumbers. I will also be attempting pumpkins this time in hopes that we can at least grow a pumpkin per kid. I want some suggestions on some of the things you love to grow and how you enjoy it!

Photos found here.

Shocking!

Shocking "J"! Truly Shocking!

Pretty Day

I'm excited tonight for my upcoming week of nothingness. No weddings, no birthdays, no anything. Not that I don't love those things, but still it's nice to have just a regular week of regular things. The snow is almost melted off the grass and I noticed the little tulip buds popping up along my path on the way out the door. I can't wait to bring them inside. One special girl even got to wear her flip flops and springy dress to church today. My favorite time of year. I know we've got a little more winter to come but I will enjoy it for now.

Photo Here