Where Cameras Go To Die

A few weeks ago I was checking out a local thrift store and came across this display of cameras for sale. Cameras that will likely never be purchased, as so many of us already have at least one of these in our own homes, and everyone is moving away from film. It made me a little sad to see this camera graveyard (as I snapped a photo with my iPhone). I looked to see if there were any ones with a cool factor for decorating purposes, but not this time.  I would have picked up a poleroid camera just for the baby to experience later if they were still selling the film. The green in me wants to scream, but I guess its just the necessary cycle for technology.

Cleaning Up After The Holidays

My house is still a mess of glitter, crafts, Santas and ornaments - let alone all of the gifts we have around the house. So I decided to do a bit of spring cleaning - and am getting rid of 1/4 of our DVD collection that we never watch or are duplicates. I've already got takers for 4 of the almost 30 movies below from my facebook friends.

I'm sure the bookshelf will fill itself back up soon enough though- with toys and movies especially for the little miss.

I've also been working on the laundry while watching the show Horders for the first time. And it made me realize that I'm a bit of a horder of cleaning rags for some reason- yikes.

So I cut it down only to what would fit in the basket... which is still more than 20 rags. Doesn't that look better? Gah, I love organizing.



There's a Monkey In My Bed

And she's rolling over! Its official, this baby's world is turning right side up again. She is the master of rolling over. This girl has no fear... must take after her dad.

Happy Half Year Baby Girl!!!

Six months! Happy half-birthday to you!

These past six months have been the most amazing of my life, and you are really a true miracle in our lives. I can't say 'how time flies' because even though it does feel like you're aging so quickly, it feels like I've known you forever. You have completely reprioritized our lives, and our daily schedules now revolve around you more than they do ourselves. Being parents has changed both your father and I for the better - and having you has even strengthened our relationship by creating the family we've both always wanted.

With every week that goes by you're growing and learning; I almost cried last night as I watched you play with your bath toys. This month you discovered your feet - which makes your photos adorable; and you're still watching your hands when you catch a glimpse of them. You hit everything around you when you get excited, in the tub you love to splash with your legs, and you pulled on my lip for the first time this month. Tummy time has really taken off for you now that you've realized how to tilt your head and reach for things with your hands, and we can play with you on your tummy for 30 minutes almost everyday. You reach out with both hands for your bottle, and I hope that in the next few weeks you'll be rolling over. We're still working on adding rice cereal to your meal plans- and you don't like bananas yet (we have video to prove it). Although you still don't have any teeth, you're actively teething on everything from our fingers and your toys to our faces. Sometimes you even lean in when we ask for kisses.

You met Santa and had your first Christmas. You were so much more engaged in your presents than I ever expected - focusing on the paper and pulling, then hitting your toys and giggling. Oh the laughs! We can get full giggles out of you daily now by swinging you around and chewing on your cheeks. And even the dogs make you laugh by just walking in the room or giving you kisses. You were amazing on your first road trip (to North Carolina to be with your grandmom). You're branching out so quickly with your toys, and now can be amused with anything that is flashing or makes sounds.

Everyday you prove to be more amazing then we ever expected a baby could be.

Love you always; kisses and squeezes.


Your Mama

Christmas Trees Craft

I am LOVING having my sister stay with us during her winter break. She's so crafty and inspired by blogs- which makes energetic to be crafty and inspired when I get home from work. Crafting with her has been a wonderful start to 2011.

Here's the latest beauty to add to our holiday craft collection! Free - thanks to my various stashes of twine and 2 large sheets of paper that was bought for another holiday craft. Of course she had to make two by the time I finished one. Tip? Either be prepared to go very slowly to make sure the twine is pressed together evenly or use paper the same color of your twine. Otherwise the gaps can get a little obvious.

We got the idea from here.

Let It Snow (Indoors)

Another easy winter Christmas craft - this time with pipe cleaners! They could also be used as homemade tree ornaments... or a winter mobile for a baby's nursery.

The cost was under $2 for the whole craft. Just a dab of craft glue, ribbon, and pipe cleaners (assembled in reverse order).

And by the way, does anyone really use pipe cleaners to clean pipes? I never understood that.

Idea from here

Winter Fooding

This week we made one of our favorites: Reuben Pizza. I have no idea where I found the recipe  - I didn't write down the source, and there are dozens online- but seriously, this is great. I used my homemade pizza crust - all the ingredients are baked in. The longest part was waiting for my pizza dough to rise.

The photo does remind me of Old King Cole's blackbird pie though. No blackbirds on the ingredient list fortunately. And did anyone see how those black birds fell from the sky this week? Very sad. :(

Christmas Crafting

My sister is staying with us over her holiday break (which has just been incredibly awesome - I missed her so much!!) So anyway, we've been verrrrrry busy entertaining ourselves with crafts. We pulled this one together last night:

Of course it was free. I had the ribbon from a Christmas present, the muslin was from an old curtain set and the base was just a wire hanger. I think it is the perfect year-round wreath, but a MUST display for the holidays. Perfect for a home-warming present, right??? Gah, I love crafting.

Directions to this craft from a new favorite blog here.