Spring Decor!

Easter and spring are up there with Christmas for me, as far as decorating goes.  I love decorating for spring!  Especially after a cold winter (okay, it doesn't get that cold here in NC but it's been a yucky one this year with lots of sicknesses and I'm over it)!  

I didn't buy any new decorations this year (imagine that!), just changed some things around.

The dining room….

Funny how my decor tastes have changed in the last few years.  This is what our dining room looked like our first year in PA…

Lots of golds and greens.  Can ya believe it-not one hint of turquoise, not even one little blue egg?!  

Anyway, moving on….

The playroom….

The kitchen…

The family room….

There really is no rhyme or reason as to how I decorate for the seasons or just how I decorate in general.  I like to use things in places that they're really not supposed to go like chargers on the mantel or cake stands to hold vases or old purses to hold eggs or starfish mixed in with eggs and bunnies-lol.  But somehow it works or at least I think it works.

So you'd think a person that makes wreaths would have a brand new wreath on her door every month but I'm currently busy taking orders and making this wreath….

 {email me if you'd like one for yourself;)}

Which means I currently have last years wreath up, which I love and it looks even better this year on the newly painted door….

You don't want to see the most recent before.  It was black but had some splotchy parts due to my fast paint job.  This time I took my time.  It's so creamy looking-I just love it so much better!!  Especially for spring and summer!

I'll leave you with a few more outside pics…

Happy Spring!

Linking up to Savvy Southern Style!

The BEST treat on a sick day!

Well, I think we may be over our last (hopefully last) cold of the season.  I say that because how could we possibly all get sick again?!  Enough is enough!  With that said, I'm wrapping up my last post for a three part series program for Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold.  As part of this program I've shared some tips on how I keep my children somewhat smiling on sick days as well as how to survive this cold and flu season.  So many of you have shared as well and I've enjoyed reading all the fun and sweet things you do with your children to make them feel just a little bit better on those sick days. 

On my last post I shared a yummy recipe for cookies that Ainsley and I made while she was at home and not feeling well.  I highly recommend you try the recipe-really, really good!  But I think my kids all time favorite treat whether they're sick or not (but it really helps when they're sick-although not with some stomach thing is RED VELVET CUPCAKES!  

Do I have some magical recipe?  Nope.  Just the ones from the box but you must use cream cheese icing!  

Of course it's always fun to make these around Valentines Day as well!

Yes, these make my kids happy!  And let's face it, it's not easy staying home with sick kids.  It wears you out as well but I promise this little treat will make you happy too!

   
I like to use this fun little tool to make my cupcakes look somewhat professional and the kids are totally impressed 

So while Children's Mucinex helps the kids with their congestion, runny noses, and cough, the red velvet cupcakes help to really put a smile on their face  

One reader commented that she likes to make vitamin c smoothies with her child-great idea!  I would love the recipe!!  Much healthier than my red velvet cupcakes!

Here's your last chance to receive that $100 CVS gift card!  Read below for the question….

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold 
When your child has a bad cold, you both can feel miserable. Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. 

-Do not use more than directed 

-Product is intended for children 4-12 years old

-If you are unsure about using Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold, please consult your pediatrician

(*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012) 

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold is offering readers a $2.00 off coupon to use on your next purchase, you can retrieve your coupon here!
  
Would you like a chance to win a $100 CVS gift card?  Let me know “What special treat puts a smile on your child's face when they're not feeling their best?"

No duplicate comments.
You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Just Stop Saying It!

See this little guy? Yeah, he pretty much hung the moon according to his mommy and daddy. Today is "Spread The Word To End The Word"...the r-word. When you say "that's so retarded" or "you're retarded" or "does this look retarded?", it hurts millions of people. And you may not even think about a person with intellectual disabilities when you say it, but to a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, aunts and uncles and friends of someone like Bennett, it HURTS. It hurts to the core. 

You may never understand why it's so offensive but if you were in my shoes, you'd be writing this post. So just take my word for it. Please, please think before you speak and take the r-word out of your vocabulary. And tell others it's not okay to say this word. Its about respect and Bennett and so many others would really appreciate it;)

Sick Day Fun!

In a previous post I shared our tips and tricks on staying healthy during the cold and flu months.  Sometimes they don't always work but you do your best and hope the kids stay healthy. 

I suppose my tips and tricks aren't working so well this year because we've had lots of opportunities to stay home from school due to all kinds of illnesses. I thought I'd share what Ainsley and I did recently when she was home with me.  I have to admit it is nice to have one on one time with the kids.  Of course I hate when they're sick but when they do stay home it's usually just one of them at a time and it's a good time to give them that attention that they don't always get.

With Valentines right around the corner I thought we could make Ainsley's valentines for her classmates.  Ainsley loves crafts and I knew this would make her feel better and cure some boredom as well.  We scrolled through my "cute kids crafts" board on pinterest and came across this:

 Seemed simple enough so Ainsley got to work.  We didn't have all the supplies at hand but we made it work.  Believe it or not (as hard as it is sometimes I've gotten much better about letting the girls do their own projects.

This kept Ainsley busy for quite a while and I think it took her mind off of feeling sick.  

They turned out very cute and all of it was done by Ainsley which makes her feel proud.  Not quite how I would have them look but it's NOT my project!  We still need to add the wiggly eyes though

Another activity that Ainsley always enjoys is baking.  Once again we scrolled through my "tempting desserts" board on pinterest and she picked out the one that looked the yummiest to her.  

 Yum!!

These are seriously so good!!!  

M&M Samoa Blondies

Recipe source: Recipe Girl

Ingredients:10 tablespoons unsalted butter1 cup packed dark brown sugar1/4 cup granulated white sugar1 large egg2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon kosher salt1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 1/4 cups sweetened flaked coconut1 1/4 cups mini M&M’s

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 8x8-inch pan with nonstick spray and then line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it browns and begins to smell nutty (watch it closely so it doesn’t burn). Let the butter cool for a few minutes, until just barely warm.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and sugars. With a wooden spoon, stir in egg, vanilla and salt. Stir in flour, coconut and M&M’s until batter is blended.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle a few additional M&M’s on top. 

Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Let the blondies cool before turning them out onto a cutting board and slicing into squares (chilling them will make that process even easier).Side Notes:*Use chocolate chips in place of M&M’s if you’d like.

*For slightly gooey, underbaked blondies, bake for 25 minutes. For fully baked blondies, bake the entire 30 minutes.

While we waited for the cookies to be done Ainsley took it upon herself to make our neighbor, her good friend, a get well card because she was sick too.  Such a sweet girl

So with the Children's Mucinex on board which helped with her congestion and the fun activities to keep her busy, I'd say Ainsley had a fun sick day!  

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold 
When your child has a bad cold, you both can feel miserable. Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. (*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012) 

The next time your little one comes down with the inevitable cold, give Children’s Mucinex a try! And go here to print a $2 off coupon!

 What activity makes your child smile when they are under the weather? Leave me a comment for a chance to win a $100 CVS gift card!
No duplicate comments.
You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Bennett wants to know...

Happy Valentine's Day!  ♥

Spring Decor For Your Door….

Looking to give your door a little "facelift" this spring?  Want something different?  Something you can't buy at any store?  Maybe you'd like something like this….

or this…

 or maybe mesh is your style….

or this pretty vine wreath….

Have I mentioned before that I make wreaths?;)  

I don't think I have on the blog.  But I do sell them and ship them so if you're interested you can email me.  You can also look at my "Spring Wreaths" album on my facebook page.  It's just an easy click on either mail or facebook at the top left of my blog.

Your door is the first thing people see when they come to your house, why not make it look welcoming, unique and cheery this spring?!

Children's Mucinex

This has by far been our worst fall/winter when it comes to being sick.  We've had strep throat, stomach bugs, ear infections, nasty coughs and colds, pneumonia, and the flu.  Once again I feel like I'm coming down with something and I'm afraid Bennett is starting to fight something.

In other words…we really need spring to get here!!  Like yesterday!

With all that said, I'm excited to be part of a three part series program for Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold!  As part of this program I'll share some tips I have on how I keep my children somewhat smiling on sick days as well as how to survive this cold and flu season.  I hope you'll be willing to share your tips as well!

As far as the things we do during this nasty germ season (and I'm sure many of you out there do the same), our number one rule is "Wash your hands!"  Wash them when you get home from school, wash them before you eat, wash after you use the bathroom, wash before bed etc.  Of course hand sanitizer goes with us everywhere.  

We also like to make sure our kids get plenty of vitamin C so we load them up with orange juice, even when they complain.  Taking their vitamins every day is another essential.  

A set bedtime is important for us so they get plenty of rest and when they are sick, we encourage them to lay down in their beds, even if it's with a book or ipad or whatever because we all know kids will just keep going even when they probably shouldn't.  

So you do all that and your kids won't get sick, right?  Don't we wish.  They're bound to get something some time or another.  We've recently tried Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold with our girls.  My husband swears by Mucinex for himself and we were happy to see the Children's Mucinex helped them with their congestion as well.  During the day they felt better but especially at night when it seemed to be the worst.  

What I liked most about the product was how it made it easier for them to clear their cough, rather than have it rattle around in their chests.  What they liked the most was the taste.  And what's worse than a runny nose especially when many kids don't know how to blow their noses?  Children's Mucinex helped with that as well.  

So I'll hope you'll check back for tips on how I keep the kids smiling and entertained when they have the sick day blues.  In the mean time…stay healthy and wash your hands!


Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold 
When your child has a bad cold, you both can feel miserable. Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. (*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012) 

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold is offering readers a $2.00 off coupon to use on your next purchase, you can retrieve your coupon here!
  
Would you like a chance to win a $100 CVS gift card?  Let me know “What activity makes your child smile when under the weather?”


No duplicate comments.
You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Patience Is A Virtue….

….that's what they say, right?

"All good things come to those who wait."

Well patience folks has never been my thing.  It's always been something I've had to work on.  And we all know not to ask for patience because then God will give us something to be patient about!;)

Patience wasn't something that I really had to practice until Bennett came into our lives.  Let me just tell you, when you have a child with special needs, you WILL learn to be patient.  You have to or you'll go crazy. There is lots of waiting and hoping and praying and just when you've pulled out your last hair... the child decides it's time.  And then there's just nothing to describe that feeling.  Let's just say...  you learn to celebrate the little things.

Every.Little.Thing.  

Because the little things are HUGE.  As I've said before, you just want to shout it from the roof tops!

Recently Bennett has done something I/we have waited for, for a looong time.  Something that has always been on my mind, nagging at me and annoying me.  I was so over it!  Prayed about it.  Complained about it.  Stressed over it. Sometimes cried about it.  I haven't written about it in quite a while on the blog because frankly I had given up hope because there were absolutely no signs that this would happen and zero progress in 2 years of therapy…lots of therapy and lots of different therapists.

Well God stepped in (he'd been there all along but I guess it just wasn't the right time;)) and with a lot of prayer, the help of a wonderful school called Frankie Lemmon and an awesome private OT, Bennett finally did it.  Out of the blue, look what my little man has finally decided to do…..(no idea why it's sideways and I can't fix it but you get the gist).

He just started eating real food with his hands one day.  We still need to work on the chewing mechanism because I think he swallows a lot of things whole but this is a big step for him.  Anyone that has dealt with feeding issues understands this.

But it doesn't stop there!  Since Bennett has started school: he knows most of his colors, shapes, can count to ten (with prompting) and has tons of words and loves to repeat everything we say, although it may just be the last word we say;)!  We're working on putting 2 and 3 words together and his teachers have this very simple way to do that. They showed me how it worked and within one try Bennett did it!   Putting 2 words together takes way more coordination than I ever knew because it comes so easy for most kids.  I'm so excited to work on that with him and I'll have to share! But it could take time and patience;)

It's simple things, I know.  But it's different for a child with Down syndrome.  They CAN learn all these things, it just takes more work and a TON of patience.  But it's all worth it!  Bennett has taught me so much in his 3 years that I never knew or cared to pay attention to in my 30 years before he arrived.  I absolutely love watching him accomplish things because I know he worked so darn hard to get there.

So patience is definitely a virtue, a virtue I've never really possessed without a lot work.  But if God does give us things to be patient about when we ask for patience, I'll gladly take the gift of Bennett and all the milestones that he's accomplished.  I know there's so much more to come!

Bennett is totally worth the wait.

Wrapping Up December….

Hard to believe it's almost a new year!  We've had a very busy December though, here are a few pics from this month….

Ainsley turned 8 on December 20th!  She had her party on the 15th and I plan to share that on my party page.  10 little girls had a great time though.  

Party day!

Bennett has had soooo much fun at school this year.  This day was pajama day!  He loves wearing that back pack!

Writing letters to Santa;)

 This is one of my favorite pictures of Bennett because he's wearing the same coat his daddy wore when he was a little boy!  Yep, Grandma saved it!  He was all dressed up to meet Santa at his school Christmas party.  

Opening his gift from Santa.

The girls had fun at the party and are tracked out for the next 4 weeks…I have no idea what we're going to do but I better come up with something quick! :0

Here's Bennett meeting Santa.  This is the first year he's interacted with him.   Other years he's just plopped on Santa's lap and the girls sit next to him and we get a quick photo.  But at his school, Santa really took time with each and every child. I thought this picture was so sweet;)

Pushing the red light under Santa's glove-very nice trick I must say;)

There was so much more and of course we haven't even gotten to the big day but thinking back on everything just exhausts me.  In a good way though.  We've been blessed with happy and healthy kids, great friends, loving family...so much to be thankful for.  So just a few more days and then "that's a wrap!"

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!!!