Forget the baking and make this instead

I think this project is so nifty.
The kids will love to help decorate the house for the holidays.
I think I'll make mine out of wood and use it as a yard decoration.
Find all the yummy the details here.

2nd Grade Twin Day

Raistlyn & Savannah all decked out in their
Rockin' HSM T's for Twin Day at school

Then they transformed into monsters ~
check out Savannah's crazy red popsicle tongue!

and here's the Triplets~ Alley C., Allee T. & Mikayla

Happy Turkey Day

These are the cutest little turkey confections EVER by Bakerella
and then there's these yummies by the hungry housewife
I think I'm going to gain another 10 pounds eating stuff like these!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Like Sugar or Salt scrub? I have lots of oils and supplies that I'm ready to use or get rid of. Let me know if you are interested in coming over and making some great holiday gifts. There will be minimal cost involved - (you only need 4 ingredients to make these...epsom salt or cane sugar, carrier oil, essential oil (for scent) and food coloring). Super Easy and they make great gifts. If you'd rather make your own, check it out here

I might even try my hand at making these cute cupcake bath bombs (find the tutorial here)

Made me **LAUGH**

This post: Sweet But Dark: Fifty Ways to Kill a Twinkie by Cakespy just cracked me up...Especially when I got to this picture ~ (you'll "get it" if you are a Heathers fan like me)

If that doesn't make you laugh...maybe this will:

Who has time to create this type of fun stuff? Wish I did. It's genius. Go check it out!

The Birthday Party was a SPLASH!

The invitations ~
looked like little purses
(though you can't really make out the black ribbon handles)

The Destination~

The Birthday Girl ~

The Party Guests ~

The cookie cake that was a total decorated wreck ~
however, it still tasted Yummy

The massively cool indoor water park ~

The girls getting ready to dive in ~

The little brother having the time of his life...blue lips and all ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAISTLYN

AAARGH! Pirates

Ahoy Matey! Finally found some time to post a few pictures from Halloween. The kids were all dressed as pirates as you can see. I made treasure map trick-or-treat bags for Raistlyn & Caiden - Rowan had a really mean looking pirate skull to carry around. They all had so much fun. Of course, any time the night revolves around candy my kids are in SUGAR HIGH HEAVEN! The little ones really got in to trick-or-treating this year. It was a hoot watching them run from house to house with their cousins gathering their sweet loot.

Hmmmm......

Does anyone else think this is funny???
'cause I just can't stop giggling!

It's my Birthday

Anyone want to buy me this cutie?
I'd be totally SWEET toodle-ing around in it this winter!

Find it here - along with a lot of other super cute things - shipping is free too with code "STORE CUTE"
Oh, and check out this page - for some fun Christmas items. I think my sis Annette needs this Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

I'd get these for my nephew-in-law Robert.

this for my hubby

This for my favorite dentist

These last 2 would be MORE PRESENTS FOR ME! CUTE STUFF HUH?

October Craft Club

Arent' they just 'BOO'tiful?
Boo bags, Witches Broom Treat Bags and Halloween Cards
Next month is a Christmas Theme, just $12.95 for the kit

To kick off the Holiday Season
I'm offering 10% off Close to My Heart Orders totalling $50 - $99
and 15% off orders totalling $100 or more
Simply email me for details

My Girls

My wonderful niece photographed my girls last weekend.
My littlest just turned one and big sis Rai will be eight in November.
My they grow so fast! (yes, there is a boy in between and he'll have his turn in January)


Melissa is offering a special for Christmas.
If you are interested book it soon, cause she only takes a few shoots and will fill up fast.
You will not be disappointed! Her website is melissafullmer.com go there and get all the details.

My inspiration

Amy Atlas is her name and she's an event planner in New York City that specializes in Dessert Tables. Looks amazing huh? Think that sort of thing would take off here in Fort Worth because I'm sure thinking of starting my own business! I'm inspired.

I think I'll make up a batch of these brownie pops too!

Wash Their Mouths Out with Soap

They might like it if the soap looks anything like these yummy creations!

I've tried my hand at soapmaking in the past - I might have to
break out my popsicle molds and see what I can whip up. I do
love to "bloglift" a great idea.

They are made of Pure Glycerin soap which is very easy to work with.
You can pick it up at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby or buy it online like I do at Wholesale Supplies Plus they sell all sorts of products for the do-it-yourselfer!

Did you know.....Glycerin is a humectant, drawing moisture to your skin, allowing it to remain hydrated and soft. It is also known to be a natural remedy for yeast and fungal infections, such as eczema and psoriasis.
It is especially good for sensitive skin because it does not contain synthetic ingredients that will cause irritation. It does a great job of keeping your skin looking AND feeling healthy and soft.

If you don't want to attempt to make your own you can purchase Soapsicles here they have TONS of great, unique stuff!But if you are anything like me ~ you love a great craft project.
I promise you can make these, it's easy! My friend Kerri has a great tutorial on her blog here.
This is an example of the beautiful soap she made ~ go check it out because she is also HOSTING A GIVEAWAY and I know how we all love FREE GOODIES!

Discovering Where I'm "At"

I just read an excerpt from The Worn Out Woman

This is a quote that really stood out to me:

“The problem is that we really can’t do it all- and if we try, the items we never get to are sometimes the most important ones. Overcommitment is not only exhausting; it also makes maintaining balance almost impossible because “urgent” issues will almost always crowd out those that are more important but less time sensitive.
We quickly reach the point where we are routinely postponing time with the Lord and with family and friends in favor of “getting things done”- even replacing meaningful relationships with the temporary rewards of trying to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

I want to do SO MANY things. I try to plan, prioritize, organize and stay on top of everything. I'm at the point of just trying to come to terms with the fact that I CAN'T DO IT ALL!
I (we, the family) get invited to something and we try to go because I feel it's important and I enjoy supporting my friends and family. Besides, I want them to return the favor and support us in our endeavors. I often get disappointed when my friends let me down and that weighs on me. I also tend to have a hard time saying no.

So, I’ve been encouraged to take the time to really think and pray through all of the things that are clamoring for my time and attention. My children are growing up before my eyes and I don't want to look back and realize that I've missed something. So I'm prioritizing which relationships and activities that should really take precedence in my life now. By setting my priorities I feel it will help to ensure that I am spending my time and energy on the things that really matter the most. If you feel frazzled or stressed I encourage you to do the same.

I'm sure you've noticed the lack of blog posts. I'm hoping to get caught up soon.
Raistlyn started 2nd grade, I got a new (keep me VERY busy) calling at church, Adam passed his 1st certification test, Rowan turned 1, and Caiden started potty training - just to name a few big events in our lives...we have alot of pictures to post to get caught up...but I'm vowing to not let it stress me out!

Little Snowie

We got this little snowie - he's AWESOME,
the kid's just LOVE him.
We got him out after FHE and
made us up a little summer treat!