Crayon Art Teacher Gift

I ran across this idea last year and LOVED it so much after making it last year for the kid's teachers that I couldn't' help but make them again this year. I think they are such unique personalized gifts. The kids have such WONDERFUL teachers so I hope they love them as much as I do! Merry Christmas to some VERY important people in my children's lives... their teachers! We are so blessed!

The M &M Nativity

I wanted to share the cute little treats for Conner, Kennedy and Claire's little friends for Christmas. I ran across this cute little poem and thought it would be perfect for Christmas.

The M & M Nativity
As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, You will see the M becomes a W, an E, and a 3.
They tell the Christmas Story; It's one I'm sure you'll know. It took place in a stable A long, long time ago. The E is for the East Where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the manger Where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is for the Wise men bearing gifts; With haste they came.
W is for worship; Angels sang praise to His name.
So as you eat these candies Or share them with a friend, Remember the true spirit of Christmas and never let it end!

I Hope you have Merry Christmas!
Love,
Conner, Kennedy & Claire

Attach a little bag of M & M s and you have a sweet little Christmas treat!

Snowman Ornaments

My latest project for all of Conner and Kennedy's teachers has been these ADORABLE snowman ornaments. They were super easy to make and the kids had a blast putting them together. We first broke toothpicks in half and painted them orange for the snowman's nose. We picked up some little sticks outside for the arms. I cut little strips of flannel for the scarfs. I bought the big clear glass ornaments and added a little bit of "quick water" (it is the fake water that you put in the bottom of vases of silk flowers, I found it at Michaels). We then dropped in a nose, a couple sticks, some little black beads and a scarf. I topped them off with a cute little polka dot bow and a little tag that read:

SNOWMAN: KEEP FROZEN
DO NOT THAW!

The kids thought this was just too funny to have a melted little snowman in an ornament and I thought they turned out pretty darn cute!
This is not the greatest picture but you get the idea.

A "Ground Breaking" Experience

I can't tell you how excited we are to have FINALLY started on our new home. Last week they broke ground and began to dig the basement. We also put our current home on the market last week. As you can tell ALOT is going on around the Taylor house these days. We are ecstatic to start this new journey in our lives of building a new home together. Yes, we are a little anxious, nervous and stressed but still overjoyed! LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

Turkey Toes

I wanted to share a super cute idea I found for Thanksgiving treats....
I simply took a mason jar and filled it with candy corn and embellished it with some fall colored ribbon some cute little tags I printed out. I thought it turned out super cute! Conner and Kennedy were super excited to take them to school for a special Thanksgiving treat for their teachers. We are so very thankful for all the WONDERFUL teachers that are apart of our kiddos lives!!!

Claire's 2nd Birthday Party

Claire and her Daddy




"I'm 2"


It is hard to believe Claire's 2nd Birthday Party has come and gone! We had such a wonderful day with BEAUTIFUL weather. Lot's of family and friends came to celebrate her special day with us. I wanted to share some of my favorite details of her party which I think turned out SUPER cute!

THE INVITES

I put a number 2 on some simple blank black and white polka dot cards and had the following printed inside:

Claire is turning 2
and it's a very special Day!
Come join us as we celebrate
in a fall sort of way!

THE CUPCAKE TOWER

I thought this cupcake tower turned out really neat and really cheap to make I simply covered 3 empty boxes with wrapping paper added some ribbon and some cute card stock lettering to personalized it. I made little picks for each cupcake by gluing simple little circles with the number 2 on them to wooden craft sticks. Much cheaper than a birthday cake and definitely easier to serve at a 2 year olds birthday party


S'MORES MIX
I made some take home s'mores mix out of golden grahams cereal, mini marshmallows and milk chocolate chocolate chips in little baggies for all of our guests to take home. My kids were the taste testers and they LOVED it!


PUMPKIN BRACELETS
The kids and I had so much fun making (and of course eating) these super cute pumpkin bracelets for all of Claire's little guests to wear. We threaded candy corn pumpkins with dental floss to make a bracelet and then knotted ribbon in between each pumpkin to add a super cute detail. They were a big hit!


PUMPKIN FAVORS
Everyone went home with a little pumpkin tied with a cute little bow!


HOT CHOCOLATE CUPS
I found these adorable little travel mugs at the dollar tree that had a removable liner which I took out and replaced with pieces of polka dot card stock that I personalized with each child's name. Everyone was super excited to have their own personalized mug to drink hot chocolate in at the party. They were another super cute party favor too!


CARAMEL APPLES
You can't have a fall party without caramel apples so I individually packaged apples and tied them with a bow for everyone to take home.


THE TREAT BAGS
Everyone went home with a bag to carry all their goodies in. We also put a popcorn ball inside and some tootise roll caramel apple suckers (Mom's favorite)!


THE HAYRIDE
I think the hayride was the most exciting part of the party for everyone! Claire's Papaw showed up at her party with a tractor and wagon and took everyone for a hayride! Claire was SOOOOO excited as you can see in the picture below when she say the tractor pull up "MY HAYRIDE!!"






Claire and Mommy on the Hayride

BLOWING OUT HER CANDLES
Claire loved all the attention of everyone singing happy birthday to her she even sang along with everyone at one point!



S'MORES
Of course we had to have a little capfire to roast S'mores, one of my kids all time favorite things to do!


PRESENTS
Can you say Toy's R US!!!! One rotten little 2 year old!

Happy Birthday Teacher

I'm a little behind on this post but wanted to make sure it made it to the blog. Last month was Conner's teacher's birthday and he wanted to make her an extra special gift. We took an empty crystal light container and placed #2 pencils around it and secured them with a rubber band. We tied a big bow around the pencils to hide the rubber band and and filled it with some gerber daisies. I thought it turned into a SUPER cute vase for a SUPER SPECIAL teacher!

Happy 2nd Birthday Claire!

Claire's 2nd Birthday is almost here. Man that is so hard to say, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd....OK I said it! I just can hardly believe my baby is going to be 2. In keeping with our family tradition here is here 2nd Birthday letter:


Two years ago, as I lay on that hospital bed awaiting your birth, I knew not the kind of change you'd bring into my life. It was a change so drastic it spun me out of my world and shook my very core. Although you're just this teeny tiny 'thing', you already make me want to be a better person for you. You showed me the meaning of true Joy when you cracked your first smile in the 1st month of your birth. You taught me the value of patience when you struggled with your first steps and uttered your first words at 9 months. You commanded Respect when you became this little person with your own intelligence and temperament. And most of all, you remind me of the grace that you are, everyday of your life. So, thank you for just being you. I hope you will enjoy the journey of life with Mommy and Daddy.

Even though you’ve been with us for two years now, I’m still tickled when I say “my daughter.” Heck, your brother has been with us for nearly 7 years, and I’m still tickled to say “my son.” That feeling never changes, and I love it.


You, my third child my baby forever, melt my heart. I could end the letter right here. Wipe my hands clean of what I want to say and call it a day, "Happy 2nd birthday." But alas, I have so much on my mind and I want to say it all to you. I could never live without you. YOU are my baby, my last, the third child that I always dreamed of having. You complete us as a family. I will never have another baby.

I knew you long before I ever saw your face. And when I first held you in my arms, I fell in love. Some days I think I know you better than I know myself.
I know the way your hair naturally falls. I know the shape of your eyebrows and how your right one is scragglier than your left. I know the chub of your big toes and the way that nail has a curve to it that makes it hard to trim. I know the gentle curve of your tushie. I know the way your eyes sparkle with your smile. I know the little dimples on your elbows. I know the pink shade of your lips. I usually know what you’re saying, even if no one else does. I know where your bruises are, and I how you got many of them. I know the scar on your eyebrow, while hoping it will fade. I know that when you hurt your head that it feels better after you put your head to mine. I know the sound of your laugh better than I know my own. I know what helps you fall asleep. I know the way you fit so snugly in my arms. I know your tears and what they mean.

Your surprise kisses brighten my heart. Some days I wish I could hold you and keep you from the world, in hopes of keeping you from heartache, but that would also keep you from many joys.

Never would I have imagined the absolute joy of watching you grow, learn, walk, and talk. Most of all – the happiness and delight you bring to your Daddy and I (your smile and laugh still make me melt...) I'm still in awe at how much that delicate baby I once held is gone, growing up fast, and getting a little more independent each day. Although, in my eyes, you’ll still be my little baby girl (even when you’re 30...)

Still, you amaze me, you stump me, you humble me.

You have taught me so many things over the last two years. You have taught me that Tupperware is a hat, that a pack of Smarties provides hours of amusement. You have taught me patience, and love. Every day brings me to my knees in thanks for your existence, for your wisdom, for your health.

As I watch you explore your world, always know, I am your BIGGEST fan.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!
Love,
Mommy

Claire's Song

As my little angel gets closer to turning another year older I set back and think about how lucky I am to have been chosen to be her mother. She is such a precious gift from God! It amazes me every day when I think about how blessed I am!

I want to share something very special to me and I am sure someday Claire.
Almost 2 years ago when I began to plan Claire's baptismal ceremony I asked my brother-in-law Aaron, who is ever so talented I might add, to play as song at the ceremony. I left it up to him and it could have not been more perfect. Can you imagine having a song performed just for YOU and only YOU. Yes, Claire is one special little girl and Uncle Aaron sang one special little song just for her!

This Child We Dedicate To Thee

This child we dedicate to Thee,
O God of grace and purity.
Shield her from sin and threatening wrong,
And let Thy love her life prolong.

O may Thy Spirit gently draw
Her willing soul to keep Thy law;
May virtue, piety, and truth,
Dawn even with her dawning youth.

We, too, before Thy gracious sight
Once shared the blest baptismal rite,
And would renew its solemn vow,
With love, and thanks, and praises now.

Grant that, with true and faithful heart,
We still may act the Christian’s part,
Cheered by each promise Thou hast giv’n,
And laboring for the prize in Heav’n.

(Click on the link below to hear the song, it is also number 11 on my playlist at the bottom of my blog)

This Child We Dedicate To Thee.mp3

This one's for my Teacher Friends

I ran across this NEAT idea I thought it was TOO CUTE not to share. No, I am not a teacher but I have a few teacher friends that I thought might enjoy this idea and want to use it in their classroom. Yes, it is a little late for this year but put it in the idea book for next year.

The teacher first took little cellphone cone shaped bags and filled them with a homemade trail mix and tied them with a cute ribbon. The mix and bag for the mix could really be whatever you want, it is the attached poem that is SO CUTE! The teacher attached the following poem to the mix and handed them out at the open house before school started to each of her new students. HOW CUTE IS THAT!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL SNACK MIX
The night before school is exciting and fun,
there are always so many things to be done.
Your clothes are ready, your backpack is too.
Your classroom is full of fun things you will do.
There are so many questions that go thorough your mind,
all types of thoughts of every kind.
But sometimes we all the the jitters down deep
and that makes it hard to fall fast asleep.
So I've made you a magic snack mix, it really is cool.
It will help you be rested and ready for your first day of school.
Just eat the snack right before bed
On the night before school starts when you lay down your head.
The snack will help you sleep through the night
And you will wake up in the morning fresh and bright.
I'll be sure to have this magic snack, too.
And remember, I just can't wait for school so I can see YOU!!!

First Day of Preschool

Kennedy was so excited to go back to preschool this year at St. James. She had a blast last year and could not wait to get started again this year! I thought she looked too cute in her little uniform and "piggy tails"! It is hard to believe that she will be old enough for kindergarten next year!

My Little FIrst Grader

It is so hard to believe that my little guy started first grade this week! It seems like he should still be my little baby! I took it pretty hard when he informed me the night before the first day of school that I could walk him to his classroom but ABSOLUTELY NO kisses from mom "how embarrassing"! He is growing up too fast! I hope you have a wonderful year little man! I am so proud of you!



Conner and his first grade teacher





A Teacher Treat for the first day of school

Mexico 2010

We had a WONDERFUL family vacation this year to Mazatlan, Mexico! The kids were able to experience a bunch of "FIRSTS"
Their FIRST plane ride
Their FIRST time at the beach
Their FIRST time using passports

I can't wait to keep adding to this list with our 3 amazing children!!! What an awesome experience this was for our family! I can't wait to vacation again!

Conner and Kennedy had so much fun they both decided they both wanted to live there! I can't say that I blame them, all the food, all the drinks, all the pool and all the beach you want all day long!

4th of July

We LOVE sparklers!


The "Poppers" were a BIG hit!


Little Miss Independence


Look at the fireworks Mommy!


Love the matching dresses!


Right before the firework show!

We had a wonderful 4th this year. We had the annual "Thunder Over Rineyville" at Uncle Phillip's house on Saturday and spent the day swimming at Uncle Mickey's house on Sunday! We had so much fun enjoying the fireworks and spending time with friends and family!

TOOTHLESS

It was a BIG DAY in the Taylor house on Thursday, Conner FINALLY lost a tooth! He has been wanting to loose a tooth for the past year ever since his friends and cousins started loosing teeth. He could not wait until he had a loose tooth. We even watched the movie the Tooth Fairy (very cute by the way if you have not seen it) the other night! He is a brave little man he said "Mommy, I pulled it out all by myself!" To answer you question, YES the Tooth Fairy did visit the Taylor house that night, although, Kennedy was not so sure she wanted the Tooth Fairy in our house!!!