the knecht's

Christmas Party Decor and an EASY Craft!

2011-12-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'll start with a "tutorial" on the easiest craft ever.Really, a monkey could do this. I created these chargers for a Christmas partyI hosted. But, I plan on using them for other occasions. Versatility: a best friend!

All you need is:

silver platters from the dollar store, a canof chalkboard paint, and a paintbrush.

step 1: paint on a thin layer of chalkboard paint.

step 2: let it dry.

step 3: repeat steps 1 and 2, about 4 times.

step 4: after your final layer, let dry for 24 hours before writingon.

Also from the dollar store, I bought clear glass dinner plates. Write aphrase on each plate, and put your glass plate on the charger! Adorable.

How cute for "it's a girl/boy" or "so and so is 30!"

Here's a few more decor items I used for my husband's office party. I call this decor "Dr. Suess meets charming."

I found these cups at the dollar store as well. I know. "They're ridiculous" is what you're thinking, but I couldn't pass them up!

Give me some credit,I did remove the crazy straws!

My center piece was a mason jar filled with Christmas ornaments and embellished with cute partridges (two of these).

And the whole shabang...

Thanksgiving moments...

2011-11-28T21:10:00.005-07:00

Gentry gave our turkey the rub-down of it's life.

She literally massaged butter into this bird for a good 15 minutes! She even massaged under the skin onto the actual meat. A future career?!

The pre-K class Turkey Dinner. A couple friends and I fabricated this adorable paper bag turkey for our kids' Thanksgiving party.

Hello, super easy and super hilarious.

Served on a decorated platter.

(Thanks pinterest and onecharmingparty for your idea and how- to!)

Their teacher "carved" the turkey and served each of the kids. And of course the snack inside was a huge hit. We created a trail mix to "stuff" inside!

Peek A Boo with Jetta Boo

2011-11-27T22:42:00.002-07:00

Could you not play "peek-a-boo" all day with this adorable gal?!?!?

(insert quick booger check)

2011-11-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that Jetta bit Harlow the other day and left a bruise! Or that Jetta pulls Harlow's hair when she's mad at her. Or that Jetta does this weird arm scratching thing to Harlow when Harlow has something she wants!
I know Jetta loves her!

Jetta has about 7 words, and "Harlow" is one of them, amongst words like, "hi" "bye" "dada". Oh ya, she's totally in to her!

Par-tay on a dime...

2011-11-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

As in my friend and I planned all the deets two days beforehand, and did it on a super-friendly budget!

Now before you start thinking this is going to represent Assssspen...or Breck, think again. This is more going to represent Snowy Range in the middle of freakin' Wyoming. Ok, let me just say it: slighty 80's, run down, borderline trashy. This party decor shall not represent the character of the person this party was for. But he DID totally love it!

After the early afternoon shin-dig, some people went to Boulder for a Warren Miller film. It's a movie about skiing. And since I loathe skiing, that's all I'm going to say about that.

So, I give you, the "80's run down ski lodge" party theme on a dime...

Food:

Deli Sandwiches.

We put them in plastic bags, so they'd look straight out of a cafeteria. I even debated putting an expired date for the "use by", but thought people really might wonder!

You could totally go tuna or egg salad here! Yum!

Sides were super-sophisticated single serve chips and some veggies!

And about the sign! Like, I said, think Wyoming. Or 80's skate-land. When have you ever NOT seen one of those menu signs with the letters falling down or all mis-matched?!

Dessert was amazing hot chocolate. Guests could pick the alcoholic add-in of choice. Some of the choices were never meant to be mixed with chocolate or milk. But at this party, they were!

And what ski lodge would be complete without a bear skin, I mean, whatever the H this rug is?! I am making out a sherpa leading an alpaca here. I could be wrong. But, it did the trick!

This is how...

2011-10-28T09:19:00.000-06:00

...I wear my TOMS...

{with a 17 week baby bump}

Whaa?!?!

2011-10-27T08:11:00.000-06:00

I'm really not sure how we went from high 70's to 10 inches of snow. These two events took place within three days of each other!

First, the pumpkin patch scene.

Pumkins, gourds, hay rides, yadda yadda. A really warm afternoon!

On a side note, my girls are going through a stage of "loves and hugs." Totally getting along, and I am by all means a super fan! It may not last long, and it may come in stages, but I'll be cheering them on!!

The pumpkin patch had these bad boys all around. I want to do this next year, on a smaller scale for my dining room table. Yes, I may introduce pumpkins into my decor.

And this one, just because I like gourds, and think these are all so pretty!

And now for the event that took place three.days.later.

Ten blasted inches of snow! The trees nor I was ready for this storm. The city is littered with broken trees. Not just limbs, like, halves of trees just snapped like toothpicks.

Jetta started out having a good time, but this is how it went...

"hmmm...I don't know if I'm into this. it's cold and weird."

"no. get me the heck out of this stuff."

"I'd much rather be inside, just enjoying the view!"

Jetta

2011-10-26T09:13:00.000-06:00

Jetta turned one a couple months ago, and surprise, surprise,

I just recently got around to her "one year" photos.

She is adorable. And her "thankles" are still true to form.

This little lady brings a lot of laughs and joy to our family!

Pretty Girls

2011-10-25T09:09:00.003-06:00

Gentry, 4 1/2

Harlow, almost 3

Jetta, 14 mos

Creating Space

2011-10-21T10:25:00.006-06:00

We had this SUPER inefficient laundry room.

A big room with just a washer and dryer and some wire shelving.

We also had one small bathroom upstairs (besides our master) for 4 bedrooms. With 3 girls, and one he/she on the way, one bathroom was going to get pretty cramped. And I hate wasted space.

Enter genius idea: turn said laundry room into a bathroom/laundry room.

Here's how we (and by we, I pretty much mean the contractor!) did it:

First, here is the naaaasty room before. The previous folks painted the room a "laundry detergent" blue. That's some amazing linoleum flooring. And notice the tetanus ridden metal washer pan that I tripped over countless times.

And here's the pretty, efficient room after:

1. We switched to a stack-able washer/dryer to create more space

2. Alex found this ADORABLE dresser at a thrift store for $6!! It holds stuff like extra sheets, cleaning supplies, random stuff that I don't feel like finding a real home for, etc...

It can also be used as a folding table.

3. We found the old crates at antique stores, and they were reasonably priced as well. They're good for holding practical things and pretty things!I'm trying to decide if I should hang the third crate or leave it sitting on the dresser.

You don't have to go with conventional shelving/cabinets. Find a piece/s that you LOVE and make it work!

4. On the other side of the washer/dryer, we added a toilet and sink. Going with a pedestal sink versus a vanity gives you a little more breathing space. We picked one that has a bigger rim, so there is some room for soap, toothbrushes, etc...

As long as you have some storage elsewhere, go pedestal. It also adds some character!

5. A bigger crate for dirty laundry!

6. A classic honeycomb tile floor.

7. The Tub. I saved my husband's glorious idea for last!

If you noticed in the "before" picture, this was just a wall. On the other side of that wall, is our master bath. The master tub was on this wall. He had the idea of moving the wall so the tub could be in the new bathroom, versus the master. Sheer genius. So this is now a full bath!

Now our guests have their own space, as this is directly across the hall from the guest room. Eventually it will be for some of the girls and hopefully we've headed some of the future "morning mirror" arguments!! Lord help us!

It's just this simple sometimes!

2011-10-07T20:38:00.002-06:00

I didn't make this video and I encourage you to just minimize the video and LISTEN!!!

Earring Organizer

2011-10-04T16:12:00.004-06:00

This is how I kept my earrings organized. And by organized, I mean jumbled and scattered! Lovely.

I got this frame for $1 at a garage sale and this obnoxiously green spray paint for $3. I also bought an adjustable window screen at Home Depot for $6. I know you can buy a roll of screen, but for this project, I didn't need as much as comes on a roll.

I put about 39 coats of spray paint on the frame because I didn't wash it, sand it, or prime it. I just started spraying! After it was dry from being left out in the rain over night, I stapled the screen to the back. SIMPLE.

I think it turned out so pretty and no more searching for my earrings!

Some tips

( I did none of these, but recommend you do!)

1. At least wipe down your frame, maybe even give it a little rub down with some sand paper. Your paint will go on much better.

2. Use a heavy duty stapler to staple your screen to the back of your frame, not a home-use one. Just trust me on this! I suppose you could use hot glue? Not sure. Thought about trying it half way through, but endured.

3. Make a second one and give to a friend! Perfect birthday or Christmas gift! You can get two screens out of the mentioned adjustable window screen. Four if you were to use smaller frames!

An Amazing Find.

2011-09-29T08:28:00.000-06:00

OK, I have always loved headboards like these:

The shape and the classiness just warms my heart. These two models are from Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn, respectively. (Maybe they'll give me a free one for referencing them?!No?!)

An.y.way. I was driving to the park and my hawk-like eyes saw a little nugget from heaven sitting in someone's driveway. With a FREE sign on it.

Yes, folks, it was this:

Please take a minute, one: to compose yourself, as I had to after doing a totally illegal u-turn without looking for traffic first. And second, to look past the cracked, white patent leather fabric studded with gleaming gold buttons. Oh friends, this is going to be a beaut when I am done with her!

And in perfect time for the need of another twin bed as the littlest is about to get the boot from her ever-comforting crib that she spends 70% of her life in! Check back soon!

I resist

2011-09-28T14:06:00.006-06:00

decorating. Not decorating in general, but in a "themey" way. Like, fall, for instance. Pumpkins and leaves make we want to vomit. But, since it just doesn't make sense to have out summery throw pillows and bright springy colors, here is my take on fall decor.

This is my dining room table. I realize the first thing you see is a pumpkin

{note what I said above}. But it's a messy wicker-ish pumpkin. So in my mind it's cute!

Also,the burlap table runner is the easiest and cheapest way to make a table runner. And it can be used for all seasons, just change out the accessories.

Fabric squares are fall-ish colors.

And just to be clear, that's not a second pumpkin, it's a gourd. MUCH different.

More gourds. I love these. And they have some sentiment, because Alex's parent's made them! There's a lot of work that goes into hollowing them, drying, and then staining them.

One orange polka dot fall pillow. $5 at target? Yes, thank you.

And moving outside, my "fall" wreath. Gasp. I spent four freakin' hours on this thing, and may have gotten carpel tunnel. So don't ask for one, but I'll gladly tell you how you can make one!

See, fall doesn't have to be about spooky carved pumpkins and fake fall foliage. Make it what it means to you! What are using this fall?!

And P.S. I should have said pumpkins and leaves make me want to vomit when in my house. I have seen some very cute decor involving these things. Please don't not ask me to come over because you're afraid I'll judge your pumpkins. I won't. Maybe I'll learn to love them!

just a glimpse into their hearts and minds!

2011-09-13T14:24:00.004-06:00

This one is the oldest and pretty much rules the roost. She knows how things work around here. Really, she could just take over for me and things would go as scheduled. Ha. That's what she thinks! She is so freakin' adventurous and is not afraid of much. She has a really quirky memory and remembers things of utmost UNimportance! Like, the route to the drive in movie theatre that we went to LAST summer with friends, which friends we went with and what movie we saw. Haven't been there since, haven't even talked about it since. She is also VERY sentimental: about friends and events. She tells me once a week that she misses her "best friends" ,Toby and Cody. They are her cousins that moved away 18 months ago and she hasn't seen them since. She makes hilarious faces and will interject a comment into any conversation you may be having. Lastly, she is BFF with any male she comes in contact with. This, we must be cautionary with.
Here is the middle one. And she has known she's the middle since she was born and there was no "middle". She is a mama's girl to the max. She will most likely follow her older sister into anything, but much more timidly. She is the most compassionate little 2 1/2 year old I know. She changes her baby's diaper about 20 times a day. She says things like, "you're so pretty mommy". After seeing a very sick person in a wheel chair, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked, "mommy are you going to be broken and in a chair?" Ah, melt your heart right out of your chest. She has the best laugh and shocking eyes.

The littlest is a character. She is 13 months and can hold.her.own. She has the most amazing growl/grunt that she uses to communicate. She is a monkey. She climbs everything. I cannot leave her in a room alone anymore for fear of what she might climb. The fireplace? Sure. A chair, onto the table? Why not? Into the toilet? Almost. She used to be content strapped into the stroller of choice. Not anymore! She has the most voluptuous thighs you've ever seen and probably gets them from her whole milk addiction. Which, we've been working on. She sleeps on average seventeen hours a day. Not even kidding. The girl loves to sleep.

Warrior Dash

2011-08-28T20:50:00.005-06:00

(first off, the pics and font on this post are messed up. i had no energy or desire to fix it. read on, warriors, read on!)

A couple friends and I did a really fun 5K last weekend. I ran the first mile and walked the rest! Now, before you judge my athletic ability, know that it wasn't just a straight run. It was a 5K obstacle course on the side of Copper Mountain. So it was hilly, and obstacley, and MUDDY. The obstacle at the 2ish mile point was a mud pit. Like, swim through thick muddy water. I was on my hands, with the rest of mt body back behind me. I would have kicked and frolicked, but felt bad for the person behind me to get a mouth full. After that you do the rest of course caked in mud.

Maisie and I before the race. We look amazing (we meaning "I"), because, who doesn't get up

and primp before a race?!

The mud pit. Literally swimming through it!

And the last obstacle. The fire pit. Honestly, my four-year-old daughter could have cleared this thing. But it just felt so dangerous and cool.

Look past the Hans and Frans twins, perfectly in sync,making "Night at the Roxbury" gestures and you'll see me hurdling the first fire pit.

Me? Athletic? A natural hurdler, you say? Oh stop. Really, stop.

The warrior dash comes across the nation, you should check it out in an area near you next summer. It's fun, not super-competitive, and you get a free beer at the end!! Beer's not your thing?! Give yours to your husband or a friend. See, no excuses!

DO IT WITH ME NEXT YEAR?!?!?

Jetta's First birthday parties!

2011-08-27T21:15:00.003-06:00

Yes, that's plural, she had two parties. I'm telling you, she's got me wrapped.

OK, really, one was to celebrate with her b-day buddy, Remi. He was born a few hours before her. His mom and I are BFF4V...WTH...Bam, they'll get married someday.

The second party was so daddy and family could watch her smash a cupcake in her face. I know. OBLIG.A.TORY.

Party One:

decor and treats

lots of kids

birthday buddies

how Jetta and Harlow felt about a second party

gotta love a county fair

2011-08-12T14:50:00.007-06:00

We recently went to our county's fair. Here's some secrets: go on the 3rd or 4th day. There is no one there! And, go in the evening, when it's cool. Everyone will be much happier! Lastly, the food is ridiculously expensive and so are the rides. Just deal and let your kids have a reasonably good time!

And of course some pictures that describe our experience!

Harlow, sadly watching a ride she can't ride that her sister and friend can. Unbeknownst to her, she would have been terrified had she been able!

Can you say, "my two dads goes interracial?" This is how they were walking through the fair. I snapped a picture before we told them it was unacceptable!

The two littles riding in style.

So typical Gentry style. Pearls.Dress.Boots.

Harlow's Hair

2011-08-05T18:49:00.004-06:00

It's been said that all of Harlow's nutrient intake goes into her hair production. I think it's halfway true. She's the tiniest thing, yet her hair is a thing of it's own. It produces the most perfect ringlets you've ever seen. It's usually braided or in a ponytail because it's a disaster if left down. Well, it was time. Time to give it a trim. I had a mere three inches taken off. I was sad to see the ringlets go, but I think they'll be back once it gets some length back.

*before*

*during*

*after*

Gentry got her hair trimmed up as well, looks much sharper, it was pretty scraggly as I let it grow out too long since the last cut! Her job during Harlow's cut was to entertain Jetta. She looks so entertained, eh?!

Well, then a homeless man came to the window and neither of them could get enough of him. I think they gave him a big smile in return!

baby thankles got some new shoes!

2011-08-04T13:41:00.004-06:00

This little lady has some amazing legs. We call them "thankles". No, not kankles. Theses beauties start at her thighs and go all the way down! They are not to be contended with!

This little lady also got some new shoes. She's growing up. Time for some big girl shoes. She will be ONE in less than a week. We literally just brought her home from the hospital!

(Did I also mention that she has amazing cheeks!)

Cutest Baby Shower Ever

2011-07-22T22:14:00.007-06:00

...Not to be confused with the cutest.baby.ever.

K, now that that's out of my system..back to the baby shower at hand!

My friend Maisie and I went straight up Martha and threw our friend a baby shower.It's her first baby, so everything must be over the top!

A sweet little sign that doesn't really need explaining.

Tissue poms in the tree, hanging above the tables. Need I say more?

These are so easy to make, and they cost about $1 each. If you want a tutorial, search for tissue pom poms on you tube. Look for the girl wearing an inappropriate spaghetti strap tank that has her baby in a high chair in the background. Classy, yet informative.

News Flash:Cake Pops are the new cupcake!

The Starbucks birthday cake pops could easily replace

my decaf, skim (sometimes), iced caramel macchiato!

These were chocolate cake, dipped in white bark and topped with teeny tiny adorable blue sugar crystals.

Awesome cake-popping skills, Maisie!

How about some "thanks-for-coming" lollipop favors!

Baby's initials on one side, "thank you" on the other!

We made a little scrapbook during the shower. There are 12 pages, one for each month of baby's first year. Each guest made a page, ready for a 4x6 picture to be placed when the time comes. My friends did this for me a few years ago at my first baby's shower. Genius!

This pink lemonade is specific to my home delivery service, and it's amazing. You should be jealous if you don't live here! But it adds so much color to the table, even if you have to store buy it or, heaven forbid, make it yourself!!

Don't all...

2011-07-20T21:17:00.003-06:00

...dad's skate board with their daughters in tow?

...families say their "goodbye's" and "safe travels" in the middle of the street, ignoring all dirty looks and honks?

...grandpa's make hilarious impression faces (yes, he's mocking Jetta!)

a storm

2011-07-10T21:35:00.004-06:00

I am not usually one to photog landscapes or nature. Just not my thing. But this. This storm was different. And we were out in it. With a mere white tent to huddle under. Amongst 3,012 other people trying to get under the same tent.

Let me just tell you the instincts of a mother bear kick in at times like this.

There was no way in "H" my kids and I weren't getting a spot under that tent!

We did get a spot, and even a spot at a table where we ate our $4/slice pizza. Oh, street fairs. I've come to loath thee...

Anyway, back to the storm. No hail or anything super scary, just pouring rain. And I love the one balloon I caught floating into the mammoth clouds!

Now, I totally love my husband, but must make a point to share this. Don't worry, I teased him to his face as well.

If you know him, you know these two things:

1. he LOVES hot sauce on ANYTHING.

2. He is a messy eater. Like, 4-year old messy.

This is his shirt after he tried to put hot sauce on his $4 pizza slice. At the dang street fair.

Just.So.Typical.

Don't mess with puppy

2011-07-04T23:39:00.006-06:00

Jetta has a puppy that I bought for her when she was about 3 months old. She has been totally obsessed with it since she was about 6 months old. Obsessed, meaning she won't go to sleep without it. Obsessed meaning she knows the difference between it and some other animal head on a silky blanket. I once tried to put her down with Gentry's bunny (a bunny head on a silky blanket) and she screamed for 20 minutes until I took hers out of the dryer, still wet, and gave it to her. She fell asleep in two minutes. So, you get the point.

She's had a couple "run-ins" with her friends who have tried to take puppy.

Little ones be advised: DO NOT MESS WITH PUPPY!!

Her latest perpetrator. Doesn't she look so sweet and innocent?!

Going in for the kill.

the get-away

looking to anyone for help!

And this is one is just because she's the most adorable thing ever, and must be within 2.4 inches of me at all times. Seriously, she's attached! I suppose I am too!

Harlow

2011-07-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

This little thing is just a heart-breaker! Ask either one of us! She knows how to wrap you tight!

And about the hair: She likes it down. Not in a "silly braid" as any child calls a pony tail, right?!

So it's usually down. Un.tamed. Un.brushed. I don't care. See, I told you she can wrap tight!

baby gets some ice cream

2011-06-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

Kissing Cousins..

2011-06-29T15:06:00.004-06:00

These two are *smitten* with each other. Can you tell?!

pretty much...

2011-06-28T18:13:00.002-06:00

...describes a photo shoot with 6 cousins. Imagine had all 12 been there!!

Real pics to come soon.

(photo courtesy of Chris Walker)

Jetta Boo

2011-06-24T14:09:00.003-06:00

How can this little gal be 10 months old?!

She is crawling, eating "big people" food and is very vocal! Her laugh is amazing. I need to get a video of it and post it, but every electronical thing we have that records video always seems to be dead.

Anyway, she's stinkin' adorable...especially with that top tooth poking through!

Daddy's girls...

2011-06-21T14:37:00.000-06:00

2011-06-20T14:08:00.003-06:00

I recently took my 3 little ladies and my 2 young lady cousins on a ROAD TRIP! We were on the road a mere 35 hours in 6 days! You may call me crazy or weird or "filled with the spirit" as one friend put it! Really, it's all of the above!

It had been WAY too long since I'd hung out with my cousins Lauren and Kelsey. They are more like sisters, as we lived together growing up. And of course, it's always a joy hanging out with my sister Aimee and her daughter Piper.

We were a group of 8 girls (my sister pregnant with the 9th girl!) just having a good time!

Amazing games and prizes await you in Vegas!

2011-06-04T10:31:00.000-06:00

We took our annual Mexico trip a couple weeks ago. If I posted pics from this trip or last year's, you wouldn't know the difference. We do the same thing every time. Eat, swim, sleep, swim, eat, sleep, and so forth and so on. For seven days. By day five, I usually get antsy, and on day 6, I am dreading having to leave.

Mexico is amazing and cheap. You should go.

Mexico should give me a free trip for encouraging you to go!

Here's just a few of my favorite pics from our trip. There are no {good} pics of me and the McDreamy. He is growing his hair out, and he really does kind of look like him!! When he had his head shaved, he looked like Wenworth Miller. For reals.

Anyway, that was a total tanget...Of course, all pics of the little ladies. Whatev. Love them.

Look at this girl's curls in the humidity! That's totally natural!

This chubster pretty much doesn't stop smiling!

And this one had to be drug out of the water.

She taught herself how to swim in like two days on our trip.

Embrace the Camera

2011-06-02T22:21:00.003-06:00

Yes, it's late...but it's here :) Me and the chub-master-flash!

He leaves soon...

2011-05-12T09:23:00.000-06:00

This is my bro-in-law and he leaves soon for his deployment. A sad day, but an HONORABLE day at that! Thanks Ian and ALL you brave men that keep our country safe! Every time I see one of you in uniform I want to say "thank you" and then feel like you will think I am weird. But seriously, you all make BIG TIME sacrifices.

As for Aimee, and that big chunk Piper and the little chunk Aimee is growing, THANK YOU for sharing your daddy and supporting the sacrifice he has to make!!

the chaos

2011-05-06T12:11:00.001-06:00

I flew with my three little gals last week to visit my friend, Alisa.

She has 3 sweet girls, and 1 mischievous boy!

Our kids all got along really well and we actually got some time to catch up on each other's lives.

While there, the kids played and played and swam, and played, and ATE.

That seriously sums up the week!

{TANKED}

What trip is complete without a Strawberry Shortcake puppet show?!

Seriously. A good time.

And, I took some "real" photos of her kids. You can view them here

Embrace the Camera

2011-05-05T08:16:00.000-06:00

ahhh, finally some warm weather. had to travel to AZ to get it though.

Visiting an OLD friend

2011-05-02T21:47:00.009-06:00

I have a friend, Alisa, that I have been friends with since before I even have memories of her being my friend! Got that? No? Let's just say it's been a LONG time!!

We don't get to chat very often between her taking care of her family of 6 and me taking care of my family of 5! We do get to see each other about once a year, and we always pick right back up where we left off. I hope everyone has at least one friend like that!

Just a little history: (that's her and I in the middle)

25 years later!

OK, this is how we really felt after spending the week with our {combined} 7 kids!

Wait for the next post with pics of the chaos!

Look Alikes?

2011-04-18T21:18:00.004-06:00

Jetta, 8 months old on the left. Piper, 13 months old on the right.

They are cousins, and SO many people have said they look so much alike!

Agree?

Lap child

2011-04-15T12:21:00.000-06:00

We recently took a trip to Vegas to visit my sis and her family. It wasn't much fun, to be honest. That place often brings out the worst in people, including myself. Odd?! I think not.

Anyway, there were a few redeeming moments:

Like, Harlow's lap child on the airplane:

And this time at the park. A cold and windy time at the park, but I did get this fun photo:

Piper (my niece), Aimee (my sis), Gentry, Jetta, me, and Harlow(on a bike)

Embrace the Camera

2011-04-14T08:33:00.000-06:00

I realize I look like I have a triple chin here people, just roll with it!

Gentry is 4!

2011-04-13T14:32:00.007-06:00

I've been meaning to post pics of her party, because it was really fun! But blogging motivation is at a low these days! Trying to get back on the bandwagon here people...

OK, so the party. It was a pajama party. Let me be clear here, not a sleepover!! Eleven kids, all five and under is not a sleepover, it's probably your worst nightmare! I don't know, maybe you're more adventurous than me!

We mailed these adorable sleeping bag invites. The kids were asked to wear pajama's and bring sleeping bags and pillows for game"s"!

The game (yes, we ended up playing one) was supposed to be like musical chairs, but musical pillows is what we called it. It was basically 11 kids running around screaming while the music played, then 11 kids running around screaming when the music was stopped. Fun times, really. We didn't even take a pillow away; one: they just didn't really get the concept and two: they were having fun the way it was going.

OK, moving on to the food (my fav part!) No birthday cake what?! How about birthday cereal and DOUGHNUTS!! I threw some yogurt and fruit in there too, not sure if any child ate it though!

I love this pic of Gentry looking at her daddy (he was behind the camera)

And I'll leave you with what your living room would look like if you did have a sleep over. Of course yours would be without the death trap of T.V. and DVD wires stretched across the room...seriously, do you see that?! We brought a small t.v. down so the kids could watch Toy Story 3, and this is how my husband set it up.

They always turn out

2011-02-27T22:49:00.009-07:00

I have these visions of taking pics of my own girls,

but *oddly* the sesh never goes how I want it to!

"Oh wait, what? Let it go and have fun and I be you'll get some great photos?!"

Yes, and that's just how it went today! And I got some really good photos that perfectly portray my girls' personalities!

Anyway, I took the pics because Harlow turned two (a couple months ago), Gentry is almost four, and Jetta is 6 months. I think this is the only time I'll be able to squeeze them all into one session and be close enough to the birthday!

Love them. I do.

Smirky, camera-snob Harlow

Smiley McSmilerson, Jetta

Goofy, strike-a-pose Gentry

(yes, she did this on her own)

(Insert jazz music here)

SO typical!

So Stylish

2011-02-17T21:13:00.003-07:00

Jetta's "aunt" Ashley bought her these adorable sunglasses this past weekend in Dallas.

She wears them well!

2011-02-17T16:32:00.003-07:00

Me and my friend Ashley from high school. I recently went to Dallas to celebrate her 30th!

2011-02-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

I took this picture a few weeks ago of the girls having a good time....

Ya, that's Harlow pushing Gentry in a DOLL stroller. They do it all the time, it's like the one thing they do together that doesn't turn into an argument.

As I was looking through OLD pics recently, I came across this...

Yep, that's Gentry pushing Harlow in the SAME doll stroller!!

Priceless!

Embrace the Camera

2011-02-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of mt BFF's Robin and our little cuties were born on the same day,

about 4 hours apart!

My friend

2011-02-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

..is moving to KS soon. I know, I know I keep blogging about it.

Maybe it's my coping method. Sue me!

We put together a little scrapbook with photos and pages for friends to sign.

Yes, mine looks like a high school year book page.

LYLAS, BFF4E

"Littles" is growing up.

2011-02-08T09:18:00.001-07:00

Alex started calling her "littles" because she's just this petite, tiny little human. Although she is still tiny, she is growing up. She doesn't need her mommy as much anymore.

{Tears inserted here}

Quoting "Michael Bluth" from Arrested Development:

"I know life isn't fair to women, your children grow up and don't need you anymore"

(tangent: have you seen this show? pure.comedic.geneous.)

When I dropped her off for a sleep over recently she didn't even bat an eye.

She's pretty outgoing now and talks a ton. Good thing I have little Jetta to replace the baby stage! What will I do when Jetta is this old?!?!!

Sissy was in town!

2011-02-07T20:41:00.004-07:00

My sis and family came into town a couple weekends ago. It was a short visit, but really fun! Aimee, Ian, Alex and I all went out, kid-free! Not sure we've EVER done this!

Fun was in order! First, bowling. Only my sis and I could, without knowing (seriously), create that score board. Ya, just look closely!

bowling SKILLZ (notice I don't have skills, I bowled a 50.)

Then a Greek feast. Literally. I am pretty sure us four took down an ENTIRE lamb!

And of course, Piper, their ten months old of pure cuteness daughter!

Jetta Boo

2011-01-24T21:09:00.003-07:00

Well, I am a little behind because she's already 5 1/2 weeks, but here's a pic of the little

"moo-moo" at 5 weeks. We don't call her "moo-moo" for no reason! Look at those cheeks.

And just wait until you see her thighs....pics soon!

A new project

2011-01-19T22:14:00.005-07:00

So, I have really been wanting to get a backdrop and some simple "studio" lighting. And by simple, I mean, basic;

as in "just trying to figure it all out" basic!

So I did. I got a little set up, and we'll see how it goes.

Here's a few I snapped today.

My kids were into it for about 3.21 minutes.

'Twill be a sad, sad day...

2011-01-17T14:23:00.004-07:00

We have some *really* good friends, the Eggers.

Like, as in:

*been there for all your kid's births

*hanging out until 5am playing poker

*flying to Vegas for your birthday weekend

*keeping your your kids overnight

Good.

And so, yes, it will be a *very* sad day when they move to Manhattan, KS.

And that day is coming soon; very soon.

So, I am cherishing these last days spent together over the next couple of weeks.

Here are just three of the reasons for my sadness...

Embrace the Camera

2011-01-13T10:34:00.003-07:00

They really are good friends...

2011-01-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

...they just play a little differently!

WINNER, and WINNER

2010-12-19T09:01:00.003-07:00

Yep, that would be two winners of the lovely birdcage necklace!!!

So....

AUDREY BAKER!!!

and

LAUREN GEISLER!!!

(Lauren, I don't have your email. Please send it to me by Tuesday to claim your prize!!)

Hope everyone has a joyful and meaningful Christmas!

We are staying in Colorado this year and don't have any big plans. I am excited for that.

This is the Christmas card we sent out this year. I LOVE it. So festive!

Embrace the Camera

2010-12-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

joining in here

Recipe for Christmas Party Fun

2010-12-15T14:16:00.003-07:00

Lots of Good food

A handful of great friends

Throw in some gifts, massages, and {sometimes racy} good conversation, and your'e good to go!

I LOVE hosting this ladies only Christmas party every year with my friend Kayt. We change up the theme each year, throw in some giveaways, etc... The best part is spending the evening with a group of friends, that are rarely able to come together all at once, being there are 30 and some kids between us all!

Ladies, look forward to next year, it's gonna be SASSY!!

4th and Final Giveaway!

2010-12-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

K, I told you this one would be good....

Birdcage necklace with total BLING!! Seriously, it's adorable

It's long, not sure how long. I could measure it, but that would take too much time, huh? It hits right around the boob area! Sounds like an official measurement to me.

Want it?! Just leave a comment with your name and email address!! Simple.

Hair Bow Model

2010-12-13T13:58:00.002-07:00

This baby should be a model. Oh wait, she is.

Here she is modeling some ADORABLE hair bows that my friend makes.

Check them out here

K, and maybe she's not the official model of these bows, but in my heart she is!

Wild Olive Winner...

2010-12-12T20:54:00.002-07:00

...is JAMI!!!!

Woo-hooo. Now you know I'll be expecting some recipe cards for Christmas. Just sayin'.

I said there would be 4 giveaways, and honestly, I don't know what the 4th will be! Ha. Pro.Crast.Ination.

So check back in a couple days! I promise it will be good!!!

Sweet Harlow

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Joining in here

Art

2010-12-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

I've been struggling with hanging "cute" things on my girls' bedroom wall. I feel like everything out there is so trendy, and I'll probably hate it in like 6 months.

I also have been struggling with ALL the "art" that comes through this house with Gentry going to school, and doing random crafts at home with the girls. Sorry to say, but I do pitch quite a bit of it. Just. don't.have. room.

(enter BOO-YA here)

I picked a few of {my} favorite art pieces the girls have done, framed them, and hung them in their room! As new art comes through, I can easily change them out!

Don't forget to enter here for the $20 Wild Olive gift certificate!

Flameless Candle Craft

2010-12-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

I have been searching for these flameless candles for awhile now. Target finally put them out with their Christmas decor. $13 freakin' bucks for one candle. Um, no thanks.

But can you guess the first thing I saw when I walked into the dollar store the other day? Ok, the second thing, the first was the leaded-paint Christmas ornaments.

YES, you guessed it....Flameless candles. ONE dollar each!!

So, here is what I came up with for Gentry's teacher's Christmas gift. I assume that teacher's can't have real candles burning in their classrooms. I can count like 10 reasons off the top of my head. But these can add a little ambiance during a lunch break, and they are even scented!

Supplies: paper and ribbon of choice, modpodge.

(ideas I had as the project went on: a family picture, a quote, an initial, options are endless!)

End product: Adorable candles!

Now, I have not tested these. So if you make them and the paper catches on fire, I can not be held liable! Just sayin'. Is modpodge flammable?!

Don't forget to enter here for the $20 Wild Olive gift certificate!

Wild Olive Giveaway

2010-12-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

OK, for all of you craftys out there...

The next giveaway is a $20 gift card to Wild Olive

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildolive

She makes adorable printable files from embroidery patterns to recipe cards.

Check out her etsy site and then leave a comment with one of your favorite items to enter to win the gift card!

L.O.V.E winner is...

2010-12-04T21:11:00.002-07:00

AIMEE!!!! ( my sis, but I swear it wasn't rigged)

This is really ironic that she is the winner because her husband HATES pillows! Like, with a passion. It's comical. He once made their bed, put a pillow on each of their sides, and shoved the rest of the pillows under the bed! He also hates decorative pillows on couches. I'm pretty sure I've seen him chuck a couple across the room.

Well, Ian, you are going to L.O.V.E the gift your wifey just won...unless of course she plans on giving them as a gift! Ha, good luck with that.

And seriously, Aimee, MANHEIM??

Check back on Sunday for the next gift!!

Embrace the Camera

2010-12-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

joining in here

Cutest. Baby. Ever

2010-11-30T09:04:00.003-07:00

Well, besides my other two little gals, who were also the "cutest. baby.ever"

Anyway...this one is being spotlighted because she is 3 months old now. She is the most chill little thing ever. She only cries when she is starving because I have forgotten to feed her for like 6 hours because the other two have been demanding 102% of my attention. OK, I haven't done that...Yet.

But really, she is the sweetest little thing and I am so thankful for her!!

And now, DROOL at the cuteness

**Also, you have until Saturday to enter and win these adorable pillow cases**

L.O.V.E

2010-11-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

Next item up for the win...

these adorable "LOVE" pillow cases

To enter to win this item leave a comment with your

1. FAVORITE Christmas song!

2. your email address

(if you aren't already a follower, you can enter a second time by becoming a follower and leaving a comment that you did so)

And the winner is...

2010-11-28T15:40:00.003-07:00

OK, I know I said I would post the winner on Saturday (which was yesterday)! But.... I had a stomach bug that had me couch ridden for a couple of days and honestly, drawing a winner from my blog, was THE LAST thing on my mind. Not to mention, I had the stomach bug, while I was in Las Vegas visiting my sis for Thanksgiving. As my good friend Amber put it, "Boo, Hissss". Seriously, it sucked.

So anyway, on to the winner of the COZY CUP HOLDERS, which is SHANOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo-hoo!

Don't forget to check back and enter to win! Three more awesome giveaways!!!

Christmas Gift Giveaways!!!

2010-11-21T12:00:00.004-07:00

Too lazy to shop for Christmas presents? Not enough cash-ola in the budget to buy a gift for everyone you'd like to?! Have someone you don't really want to give a gift to, but you just know they are expecting one from you?! Ok, just kidding on that last one!

This is the blog for you! Over the next four weeks,

I will post a "Christmas gift giveaway" each Sunday!

Sha-what?!?!

Yep, enter to win it for yourself (no one will ever know!)

or to give to someone else for Christmas!

Here's the lo-down:

1. Each Sunday there will be a post for a giveaway. Also, there will be instructions on how to enter for that specific giveaway.

2. You can only win one giveaway during this time. Unless of course you happen to be the only one who enters, because your'e the only one who cares to win!

Sorry, gotta share the wealth!

3. The winner will be picked randomly and announced on the following Saturday.

4. Only shipping these giveaways in the US this time.

So here we go....the first giveaway!

Love these. His and hers cozy cup holders:

Sip coffee with your man, in style!!

Here's how to enter to win:

1. Leave a comment with your email address, letting me know you are have been or are now a "follower" of my blog!

Wrapping Paper and Fabric Vomit

2010-11-19T15:22:00.005-07:00

Here's a cute way to "personalize" a gift. Yes, the paper will get ripped to shreds in about 4.2 seconds when the person opens the present. It's the thought...right?!

We had some plain blue wrapping paper. Brown butcher paper would be super cute!

Gentry painted this paper for her BF at school, Chase. We then wrapped the "electric guitar" that she picked out for his birthday.

Paint, paint away...

And the littles needed a project too. Which I framed. Adorable.

And in other news...{LAUNDRY} is going to be the death of me. My girls are all under 3.5 years old, and ALREADY I am drowning in it....

My freshly cleaned room, minus the pile of fabric vomit, I mean laundry, on the floor

tattoo

2010-10-18T10:12:00.005-06:00

Here's the old...

Here's the new...

I suppose you could say it has some meaning. I have three girls! But really, the old one needed a major overhaul, as it was starting to look like a black cancer growth!! And, yes, there is room should another star need to be added....just sayin'

We are STILL friends

2010-10-15T21:00:00.012-06:00

Ok, I was going to blog about my tattoos...and about how I share these two tattoos in common with two of my BFF's. Oh, you didn't know that Jami and Emily have these tattoos? Ya, I haven't seen them adorn their blog yet, either. Gals, it may be time....just sayin'

(1st photo taken by Gentry, 2nd taken by me)

ANYWAY....So, I started looking through pics, because I wanted to post a pic of us when we were young and naive, close to the time we got these tattoos. And I started getting all sentimental and turned this post into what it is.....A tribute to you gals....

Jami, Emily, and Ashley (who will ONE DAY have a blog)

We have been through A LOT together....

High School

College

Weddings

Babies, Babies, and MORE Babies...

(9 thus far, with a few more on the way, I'm sure...)

And not even mention all the emotional turmoils we've helped each other through. So, you get it. We are in this for LIFE!! Our lives have taken us down really different paths, even spreading out across four different states!! But that hasn't stopped us. We are STILL friends.

We are STILL there for each other no matter what. And we even make it a point to get together, just us 4, once a year....and still act totally young and stupid...just a little less naive, I suppose!

LOVE YOU GIRLS

**And by the way, I am getting my star tattoo "worked on" on Sunday!**

Come back soon to see the new look!!!

Thanks...

2010-10-15T08:33:00.005-06:00

to EVERYONE who took up my offer for donating to the Anderson's during their "share the love" adoption fundraiser!! "Share the love" week is NOT over yet! But unfortunately my "match" offer is! Sorry folks, unfortunately, our bank account does have limits!!

You can and should still donate and enter to win FANTABULOUS prizes!!! I mean have you seen the bundles?!?!

bundle 1 -craft/hobby

share the love: part deux

2010-10-12T13:11:00.004-06:00

Now here's where it get's exciting for YOU!

Did you enter over at "share the love"?? Are you planning on entering over at "share the love"??

I am matching YOUR donations, up to $20!

The best part is, MY match will be an entry in YOUR name!!

It's simple.

1. Donate over at "share the love" It's an adoption fund raiser, and you can read all about it on the blog.

2. Email me at hannah.knecht@gmail.com and tell me that you donated. I'll match your donation up to $20, and will attach YOUR name to the entries. In your email, be sure to tell me which "bundle" you want your entries to go towards!!

3. Follow my blog if you'd like. It's random ramblings on me, my family, and life in general!

{P.S. You don't need to tell me how much you donated, but I will need to know you donated at least $10 or $20!}

share the love

2010-10-11T13:49:00.002-06:00

One of my BFF's is adopting a girl from Ethiopia. This little gal will be welcomed into a GREAT family, but first she has to get here! Help a great cause, and enter to win FABULOUS gift bundles.

Visit http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/ to find out more!!

apples

2010-10-08T23:22:00.000-06:00

organized chaos

2010-10-07T15:11:00.000-06:00

I love "organizing" 12 kids for a group photo! Actually, I do love capturing chaos! And so, my attempt yesterday was successful. There are FIVE babies and FOUR toddlers missing from this photo, but a pretty good representation of our peeps!!

2010-10-01T14:34:00.000-06:00

My life is under construction. OK, really, just my blog, my photog business, and my wardrobe! Yep, thanks younger, hipper sister. SO...check back for NEW LOOKS, NEW POSTS, and

GIVE-AWAYS!!

P.S. Yes, I recently turned 30, and might possibly be feeling the pressure of getting "old and nerdy" Just being honest here!

this is a random post about...

2010-09-13T14:30:00.000-06:00

1.Little Leaf Diapers. I, myself, am not into cloth diapering. Just can't do it. I know, I know"it's so much cleaner, and easier, and better, and blady-blah than it used to be." Still just can't do it. Call me a tree-hater, I suppose. However, I have heard from peeps who use this brand (designed and made by friend Jen Dekorte), they are a great design and work wonderfully. .

BUT...I do love these burp cloths, and since Jetta happens to be a spitter (awe.some), I needed some! Don't you love the fabrics?! These are stock fabrics, but you can choose your own too!

2. Decorating. Fall is coming, and I've decided to take down my "spring" decor (hey, it was summery enough that I got two seasons out of it). Here's my dining room table...

3. Piper, my sister's 6 month old daughter. Just.Adorable! Aimee took some really cute pics of her the other day and here is one of my fav's!

It's Official

2010-09-11T17:26:00.000-06:00

My sister is blogging!

This is her, and her daughter Piper, in all her chunktified splendor! (Piper that is.)

So head over to her blog and see what's happening in the French family!

Jetta Monroe

2010-09-08T23:02:00.000-06:00

...was born on August 9, 2010 (that's 8.9.10 for all you math nerds!). She weighed a whopping 8 pounds and 13 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long.

So far, she is an easy going little sister! Gentry has been totally unaffected by her arrival. Harlow, well, that's a different story! Harlow is a MOMMA'S girl. So to have her place taken by another little one has been a little traumatic for her! She's getting better though. We are past the days of her chucking little Jetta off of my bed and trying to feed her banana bread! Seriously.

So here she is...at two weeks old.

pretties

2010-08-07T22:09:00.001-06:00

these are my pretty, pretties and SOON ENOUGH,

pretty #3 will be making her debut!!

My sister is here for the big arrival, and I couldn't resist this pretty either!

I have great friends...

2010-07-26T21:46:00.000-06:00

...Not just because they throw me a shower even though it's my third girl and I should have everything (plus a little more) than I need.

Nope, because they are mindful of how my life is about to change, and that every little baby and mommy carrying that baby needs to be celebrated...

gifts or not.

So thank you, friends, for making me feel loved during this time!!! I have definitely needed it lately as I, honestly, am so over being pregnant!! Sound selfish?! It is, I realize this.

But it's time...

...Time to walk rather than waddle!

...Time to be able to drink water without getting heartburn!

...Time to not sweat even when I lay on the air conditioning registers with the temp set to 71 degrees (its crapped out twice now!)

...And definitely time to hold this little one!!!

My shower in KC...Thrown by a couple friends and my sis.

OK, this was over 5 weeks ago, trust me, I have gotten bigger!

These gals know the key to my heart...chocolate fondue!! Ft. Collins shower at the melting pot!

This was a total surprise. A few friends showed up at my house and took me to the melting pot, where a plethora of other friends were waiting for me!

Before!

After!

I should have taken before and after shots of my butt, because you know right where all that chocolate went!! Especially since "exercise" these days is walking up my stairs only to plop immediately into my bed!

every gal deserves an apple green room.

2010-07-21T16:37:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics of the nursery for our third little gal. I had to change it up after using ALL the same stuff for Gentry and Harlow. And well, times have changed too, and we've got keep up with the styles around here...

Wall flowers above the crib

Fun little accents

My fav piece in the whole room!

Glorious crown molding we had put up! Just finishes the room! Love it.

Zip sheets. Now, whoever invented these might possibly be a genius. Changing a crib sheet is like torture. Pure torture. It's a joke. Well, it's not something I'll be wrestling with anymore...

Here's the jist. You put the "bottom" piece on the mattress, ONCE(it covers the bottom of the mattress and comes up the sides. Then, the best part...You ZIP the top piece on/off. So... your baby pukes or poops all over the sheet and instead of covering it with a blanket and waiting until you gag every time you walk into the room to change it, you just zip off the top and replace it with a clean one! Genius.

And also my fav piece in the room is this bumper that I got at a thrift store for 50 cents.

dinner and ice cream

2010-07-13T21:33:00.000-06:00

At a loss for what to do for dinner the other, I came up with this. I had some random ingredients in my fridge that needed to be eaten. They could be a great app to take to a party too.

Turkey and Asparagus Rolls:

Cream Cheese

Turkey

Asparagus

Crescent Rolls

There's really no set amount of any of the ingredients, depends on how many rolls you need! Spread a "dollup" of cream cheese on the unbaked crescent roll. Wrap the asparagus in one or two peieces of deli turkey, then wrap the turkey/asparagus in the crescent. Bake as per the crescent roll directions!

Other ingredients I think would be good to try:

Bacon or Salami

Seasoned cream cheese

Green onions (instead of asparagus)

The options are endless here folks.....

And what dinner is complete without ice cream at the local DQ with friends?!

Get 'er done, Benson!

No, that's not blood coming OUT of Rafe's nose, it's chocolate!? And the snorkel mask?! You'd have to ask him yourself!

Sweet and dainty, eating with her spoon, no dribbles on her dress. Well, she had just gotten started!

And I can't leave out the littles...

after the rain

2010-07-10T13:44:00.001-06:00

Random

2010-06-06T14:45:00.001-06:00

Gentry went to her first day of "school" last week. It's kind of relaxed pre-school. Not as intense as the real deal, but they don't just eat goldfish and watch movies either. She loves it, and told me the first day that she made friends. She is my social butterfly and would be friends with a rock (and talk it's ear off) if it was the only thing around. Here she is with her back pack and water bottle!

I am 30 weeks prego right now, and have been diagnosed with polyhydramnios (tons and tons of amniotic fluid) again. At 28 weeks, I was measuring at 35 weeks. I seriously get huge. And there's nothing to do about it, unless the baby is not thriving, which this one sure is! She is at the 65%tile for growth right now! So, I suffer. OK, it's not that bad, but it's definitely not fun feeling full term for the last 3 months of the pregnancy.

I have been HORRIBLE about capturing this pregnancy. I don't have ANY shots of my belly so far besides these 3. SAD.

30 weeks (not much longer before I can't see them at all!)

24 weeks

18 weeks

And lastly, here are some photos of our recent play date at the "water fountain" park. This little park in Old Town, FC is great when you need cheap, easy entertainment. It's a lot going to the pool these days with friends, especially when you are outnumbered 5 kids to 2 adults! So this was our alternative this day. Still fun, as you can tell from the pics! These kiddos are best friends and they have fun no matter what they do together!

Waiting for the water to shoot out of the rock.

Warming up on the hot sidewalk

Harlow LOVES baby Mira. She's actually only 6 mos younger, but Harlow thinks she is so much older and more mature that she calls her a baby. Now this looks like a wrestling hold, but really I think she was trying to "hold" her!

{Hugs}

Half smile, half "I don't think I liked that water shooting in my face"

Better Homes and Gardens...Knecht style.

2010-06-04T09:09:00.000-06:00

It seems a regular occurrence around here that by the end of the day my girls have "lost" half of their clothes and have some remnant of some meal stuck on their faces. Could even be from breakfast...ya never know. When I look through pictures, Harlow has boogers or food on her face in almost every picture and Gentry is missing a shirt or pants...or both. But, that's how we roll these days.

Now on to the "Better Homes and Gardens" part, which is actually what this post is about! I finally got around to getting some flowers planted. The girls and Alex helped :)

And these cookies are so good. I can't even tell you how much dough I ate. I saw them on the Today Show and decided to try them. A little piece of chocolate heaven (is the name of the cookies not explanatory enough!)

Sugar Dough Chocolate Cookies with Cream

2 sticks butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1.5 T vanilla

2 eggs

~3 cups flour (give or take a little)

4 ounces of cocoa powder

1/2 bag chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time. Sift flour and cocoa together and add into batter in small batches. Fold in chocolate chips. Form into a 12-inch log and wrap in non-stick wrap. Chill until firm, at least 4 hours.

Cut dough into 1/4 inch slices, place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 6-10 minutes.

Cream

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1/4 c mascarpone cheese

1 T sour cream

1/4 c powdered sugar

1.5 tsp vanilla (not in the original recipe, i added it)

Cream all ingredients in a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Serve cooled cookies with cool cream! So yummy. Other options are serve with fruit (to also dip in the cream), spread vanilla ice cream on one cookie and top with another to make ice cream sandwiches! ENJOY!!!

Homemade Popsicles!

2010-05-27T16:30:00.000-06:00

I got these Popsicle trays on my recent IKEA run. Gentry and I gave 'em a try this morning!

Our ingredients: Fruit, OJ, and Yogurt in various quantities! No measuring here. Just throw in whatever sounds good to you, so many healthy options!

Liquefy.

Pour.

Let kids drink the left over!

Gentry scarfed one down before I was able to get a proud shot of her enjoying her creation. An absolute hit, though!

IKEA: Part One

2010-05-25T21:53:00.000-06:00

I know this IKEA trip seems like it was a sojourn to MECCA. It pretty much felt that way! When I saw the big yellow and blue sign, it was like Christmas morning when I was five!!

I know all of you who live close to an IKEA are rolling your eyes!

Every time we go to a city with an IKEA, I visit it and drool over all the things I want, but could never bring home on a plane. So...I planned a trip to IKEA, in Draper, UT. Yes, SIX POINT FIVE hours away from Ft. Collins. Only these gals were crazy enough to come with me... (not my little ones, oh no, they stayed home with daddy).

We drove to Draper on Friday after Dara and Katie got off of work. It took 7.5 hours because of a wrong turn and lots of rain! All for this...(thanks for the sweet shot Katie!)

We were not the only crazies that drove from far away lands!

This is what all transpired after FIVE hours of shopping ( I was pretty sure I was going to go into labor) and LOTS of money spent ;)

All you other gals who wanted to come, you missed out, however, we may have been sending some of you home on an airplane!! This is the back of Alex's expedition! It spilled over into the seat in front in front of it, leaving one little section for Katie to squeeze into!

And although this has nothing to do with IKEA, I was almost as excited when I saw this sign in the morning leaving our hotel for IKEA... YUM!!!

More later on what I actually got! Half of it I have to put together, boo, we'll see when that happens!

Nesting

2010-05-20T08:57:00.000-06:00

"Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in.

This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world." "Nesting brings about some unique and seemingly irrational behaviors in pregnant women

and all of them experience it differently."

--Parenting Weekly--

I started this first project on a Saturday afternoon while Alex was gone for the day. It was a really hideous wood piece that I bought on CraigsList for $10! But there's nothing a little spray paint won't cover! 4 cans of spray paint, that is. Being applied by me, on a windy day. 6 months pregnant? Irrational? Well, not comparatively so to what I did next. I had the uncontrollable urge to get the project done. So I, by myself, hauled this thing up from the driveway, up our stairs into the girl's bedroom. Min you, it's made of solid wood. Completely irrational. I realized once I started, that I was absolutely out of my mind, and realized at the same moment that if I dropped this thing, it would go straight through the wall at the bottom of the stairs.

The rest of the projects shown were much more feasible and not meant for two grown men to accomplish!

Our fireplace. I have lived with this wood paneled fireplace and adjoining wall for way too long. All the fire place needed was some white paint. The adjoining wall will be dry walled over soon.

And--wah-la...

Now, these blasted "little" poms were quite the project. Since I have a little resentment towards them because they took about 8 hours to make and I burned my fingers at least 30 times with the hot glue, I will not expand on them. But they are pretty, and you can find a good tutorial here and another example of them here.
Dress up chest. My friend Robin and I turned these old suitcases into storage bins for our girls' dress up clothes.

1. Buy an old suitcase at a thrift store for $3-5.

2. Take a horribly blurry picture of the suitcase mid-project.

3. After all the lining has been ripped out, mod-podge paper scraps to the inside. I also lined the edge with ribbon so the uneven paper ends would be hidden. This project could totally work for a little boy's guns and cowboys hats too! Just use "boyish" paper and twine versus ribbon!!

And lastly, this 1/2 random wall in the kitchen just wasn't doin' it for me as it was. So...

With some chalkboard paint and a really cute way to hang cards, coupons, artwork....much better.

I got these little bird clips at this ridiculously cute boutique in Old Town, FC.

Not even close to being finished with projects, unfortunately. Projects in the works: the nursery and the girl's room!!

I "just" checked on them

2010-05-20T08:54:00.001-06:00

...Is what daddy said, when mommy came home and found us like this!

Mexico

2010-05-15T20:15:00.000-06:00

I've been lazy getting these pics up from our trip to Mexico. It was Mexico. What else is there to say?! Beach, pool, unlimited food and drinks. Love it! We had a really good time, despite both my girls being sick for about a day, not from anything down there. Although I did give Harlow a bottle (yes she's 17 mos, don't judge) using the tap water and read the "no potable" sign the next morning. Awesome.

Harlow's Mexican Ringlets! It's the humidity!

This one got them!

Happy little fam :)

Harlow chillin' with a snack

2010-04-16T22:24:00.000-06:00

Aimee and Piper (5 weeks old): Some of the {very} few pics I took while they were here.

2010-04-14T20:30:00.001-06:00

This cutest little peanut ever...

Will be wearing these cutest little shoes EVER!! Are theses not the cutest things?! Yes, they make TOMS in mini sizes!

2010-04-05T21:11:00.000-06:00

The girl's little table just needed some LOVE...

With a little mod-podge and paper, LOVE'N IT GOT!

2010-04-01T15:42:00.000-06:00

While I was doing this...

Pedicures, peaceful lunches outside, and just sitting around with GREAT, old-time friends (from high school!)... my girls were looking like this...

Thug-lyfe, 4-EVA

Not really sure what to call this bow situation!

But whatever!

They were having so much fun at the Denver Children's Museum. Our really good friends, the Nelson's, who BTW don't have any children themselves, braved taking our girls for a day, while I was in Dallas with my friends! In their defense, they didn't actually get the girls ready, this is how they came! Daddy knows how to spruce 'em up right! Here's a few more pics from their fun day! Thanks Drew and Katie!!

Constant state of gross...

2010-03-23T13:57:00.000-06:00

I suppose this is just the phase Harlow is in right now. I mean, you would think by the looks of all these pics that she is a highly neglected child. But she's not! There is just a point where a parent gets so sick of fighting a child who is so sick of getting her nose or face wiped. So for now, these are memories we have...

But how can you not love this face? Boogers, snot, drool, crackers, jelly and all?!

It's Spring!

2010-03-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

...And I am actually decorating! I don't even hardly decorate for Christmas (I know, I know, stone me now!) But...I was inspired by this (thanks Em!), so I made these...

And since I bought enough supplies to plant an entire flower bed of these in my front yard, I stuck a little tag on them and handed them out to friends. Shazam. Don't say I never gave you a present! (Which I also suck at around Christmas and birthdays!)

And, a cute little Easter wreath outside! Now, I did not make this, it cost me a whole $7 last year after Easter! See, I do plan on decorating, it just takes more motivation than I have sometimes!