First Day of School!!

It's finally here!! The first day of school. These girls got up at six this morning-they

were that anxious. Whitney Starts 2nd Grade and Amber makes the Big jump to Kindergarten.Don't they just look eager to learn??Here is Amber settling down in Kindergarten class-boy trapped.

She doesn't seem to mind one bit.

News Update.

As some of you guessed, I am expecting again. I am really excited about having another-this time we won't be finding out what it will be since this may very well be our last and I want to have the surprise experience. I am due on Tax day April 15th-but since my babies have jumped 1 1/2 lbs with each one my dr may want to induce me early to save me from an 11 or 12 pounder. I've been pretty sick this last week and it's been difficult to do many household chores. Joe's been a big help and he's done alot for the girls and me. I am on prescribed meds to help with the naseau and am wearing my psi bands. These have helped me to keep things down so far-but I still feel sick. I am really hoping that with this one-the yucky morning sickness will go away soon and not last my entire pregnancy-like the previous ones have. I have not been very good at updating my blog because I am mostly laying down whenever I can. School starts on Monday for the girls so for 1/2 the day it will just be Brooke and me. We met their teacher's last night and I am really excited for both of them. I think they both will like their teachers and that Amber will continue to progress. Well that is all the family news for now. I will try to keep up with my blog whenever I am feeling well.

Birthday News!!

So today is my birthday and to celebrate I thought I would share some news with everyone. Now hold on....I am not making it that easy by telling you outright. Just browse around my blog and you will find the "answer" somewhere..yep..you have to guess what it is. I just love surprises don't you??

Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday and Toothfairy!!

5 years ago we were blessed with a special little red headed girl who is full of spunk and determination. Amber was born on our anniversary and somehow, it makes both a little more special. What greater gift can be given on your wedding anniversary?? Amber will be starting Kindergarten this year and she is so excited. She has grown so much this last year- I can't believe how big she has gotten. One thing that hasn't changed-she still has the most pinchable face ever.

One yearTwo YearsThree Years

Four YearsFive YearsHappy Anniversary Joe!!! Married 8 years and still going!!

Plus Whintey lost another tooth today-she is so excited so I had to share!

Organize upon entry

So with school starting-moms are happy to have a break from bored kids and a little more time to get tasks done without kids underfoot-but it also means the start of piled up artwork, muddy shoes tossed carelessly about, and lost homework. Here are a few ideas that may help declutter and organize back to school mayhem.

Very colorful with container basketsCorkboard makes a great wall accessory for hanging up

proud projects and homework.

Keeping hooks at children's height makes it easy for little ones.

A tray to set wet/sloshy shoes is great to save floors.

Simple-a hook and a basket for everyone.

Try the Hide it all in the closet method..

Confessions of an Insomniac

Okay so yes those who know me well already realize that I am a night owl. I can't seem to turn my brain off to go to sleep the same time the rest of my house does (excluding whitney ofcourse who seems to have inherited this). I am sure I got it from my mother too..who got it from......well who knows...?? It seems when I do try to go to bed early I will lay in bed for hours with thoughts running in my head like crazy...and i feel like the attempt at early to bed is beyond me. The point is that YES-
I will stay up late and read, really helps to wind down my mind
OR
I will blog surf OR do what i'm doing right now and update my blog
OR
watch a movie
OR
Exercise-this seems to tire me out enough and relaxes me too.
OR
Stay up to catch an OLDnavy coupon-
AND yes this happens too-rarely though-
I will go to the store for something i forgot to get on an earlier shopping trip (I know-I am forgettful too).
And here is my last one...I am not an early riser by choice on account of my late hours...duh -it's totally forced and I wake up a bit cranky. But once I am up-there is no going back to bed for me. I really am trying to work on this-but not enough to drug myself into sleep. But tonight I am feeling lucky it is only a little after 10 and I am feeling quite exhausted...maybe i'll get to sleep earlier than I had thought.
Okay so who else wants to confess????

So you think you can dance Finale

My Favorite Dances: Definitely the Paso Doble Brandon and Jeanine danced. It was Intensely Perfect!!
My Favorite Solo: Jeanine solo was my favorite-shocked me how amazing it was. I really wasn't expecting her to outshine Kayla tonight-but she did.

I agree with Nigel that based on last night it will be between Brandon and Jeanine. But based on the entire season-I think it's between Brandon adn Kayla. I think Brandon will win.

Kids organizing ideas

I love these Ideas for organizing a children's room-playroom. I definitely will be keeping my eyes peeled for garage sale finds that I can transform into something similar.

Book storage: Turn a plate rack into a bookrack: Take 3-4 of these, paint and mount them side by side or stacked for a really fun look.
I really like this shelving idea with containers-and floating desk area.Or this one-with the open toybox area on the bottom.Reading Area Ideas:

Fun Reading Benches

The bench cupboards could be used to-store books underneath

and a few comfy pillows on top-cozy reading corner.

Mud Room Ideas:

I like how pretty this one is.I like the washtub for underneath storageThe Locker style is always great at dividing your childrens' things.

Check this clever little shelf out. I would put two sets of these

shoe racks up-one on top of the other