I just came across this adorable Blog called "The BottleCap Factory." It's a small business run by a mother/daughter team. They make these beautiful custom bottle cap necklaces that are all the rage. All proceeds from their sales go to their house fund (see their blog for more info). I'm thinking of getting a few of these for Isabella for Back to School.
Please check it out! http://www.thebottlecapfactory.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Where did I leave off?
Oh yeah, party planning. I spent so much time planning AJ's party but of course nothing ever goes as planned. Rick and I saved what we could so we didn't have to worry about budgeting for the party. We spent WAAAYYY to much at the Supermarket and then WAAAAYY to much at BJ's and then WWWWAAAAYYYY to much at the party supply and toy stores. Catching on to the theme yet??? LOL, but I digress.
It had me thinking back to Isabella's first birthday. Rick and I didn't have much money so all we did was a few balloons, a birthday banner and a yummy cake. And of course presents. But there wasn't anything else. Just family and Bella. Made me realize how little we had and how far we've come. However we did give her all the love she would/could ever want and ask for. Sometimes I think that is way more important than material things. I don't like spoiling the kids too much, but every now and then, they deserve it.
Okay, and back to the party. I decided to take off the 15th and 16th of July as vacation days so that I could spend time with the kids and go into the party relaxed. Wrong...so wrong on both counts. Those days consisted of us running all over the place pick things up and drop things off and buy this and buy that. In the end, I was lucky that on Friday, my friend took Bella to the spray park so I could finish the last of the errands. Unfortunately the truck had other plans for us. What was it that happened next??? Well, I'll save that for my next installment!
It had me thinking back to Isabella's first birthday. Rick and I didn't have much money so all we did was a few balloons, a birthday banner and a yummy cake. And of course presents. But there wasn't anything else. Just family and Bella. Made me realize how little we had and how far we've come. However we did give her all the love she would/could ever want and ask for. Sometimes I think that is way more important than material things. I don't like spoiling the kids too much, but every now and then, they deserve it.
Okay, and back to the party. I decided to take off the 15th and 16th of July as vacation days so that I could spend time with the kids and go into the party relaxed. Wrong...so wrong on both counts. Those days consisted of us running all over the place pick things up and drop things off and buy this and buy that. In the end, I was lucky that on Friday, my friend took Bella to the spray park so I could finish the last of the errands. Unfortunately the truck had other plans for us. What was it that happened next??? Well, I'll save that for my next installment!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July & the Big "1"
Well, it's July and if you can already believe it, it's July 13th! We are almost halfway through this month and with that brings something that I have been partially dreading and yet so excited about. My peanut's 1st birthday!! It's hard to believe that only a year ago I was in the home stretch, counting the days down to his due date when my OB decided that he was getting to big and it was time to discuss induction. Ha ha! That little boy had a mind of his own because I SWEAR, he heard induction and he was like, "I'm outta here..."
And with that, just like with his sister, I went into labor on my own and my precious little bundle was born on July 16th. It seems like a lifetime ago, but it's only been a year and while I'm sad that he's already past the infant stage, I can't help but smile when I think of all the things to come. Before I know it, he'll be like his big sister and running all over the place and talking up a storm and fighting with me to get dressed and take a bath, etc.
My husband and I made a silly realization the other day. We are now officially a family of four. I mean, we've been a family of four since he was born, but for some reason it's a little different when they are in an infant seat or being carried all the time. Now that peanut is wanting to get up and start walking a bit, it seems more real. I can't believe he's almost one! So now as I count down to his first birthday on Friday and his party on Saturday, I can't help but smile and think of how much life has changed and how much he will grow as he reaches this milestone and goes onto the next one. For now, I'll just enjoy the fact that he's still little and that both he and Bella allow me to kiss and cuddle them. Who knows when they will grow out of it and find it embarrassing. I shudder to think!
Next up: Party Planning at its finest!
And with that, just like with his sister, I went into labor on my own and my precious little bundle was born on July 16th. It seems like a lifetime ago, but it's only been a year and while I'm sad that he's already past the infant stage, I can't help but smile when I think of all the things to come. Before I know it, he'll be like his big sister and running all over the place and talking up a storm and fighting with me to get dressed and take a bath, etc.
My husband and I made a silly realization the other day. We are now officially a family of four. I mean, we've been a family of four since he was born, but for some reason it's a little different when they are in an infant seat or being carried all the time. Now that peanut is wanting to get up and start walking a bit, it seems more real. I can't believe he's almost one! So now as I count down to his first birthday on Friday and his party on Saturday, I can't help but smile and think of how much life has changed and how much he will grow as he reaches this milestone and goes onto the next one. For now, I'll just enjoy the fact that he's still little and that both he and Bella allow me to kiss and cuddle them. Who knows when they will grow out of it and find it embarrassing. I shudder to think!
Next up: Party Planning at its finest!
My Etsy Shop is FINALLY up and running!
I've done it! I have finally gotten to post items onto my Etsy Shop. I've created another blog that follows my crafting and Etsy Shop so that I don't take away from this one. I'll continue to post about my life and my kids on this one. If you want to follow my Crafting and Etsy Shop adventures, follow me at www.bellabooandajtoo.blogspot.com. I'm going to update this blog shortly with our latest adventures.
...Stay Tuned!
...Stay Tuned!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Me time...
It's painfully obvious that I have way to much going on in my life right now. Between work, the hubs, the kids and activities, I can never seem to find time anymore to indulge in my own happiness. I haven't scrapbooked in ages. Let's put it this way, I have completed about 4 pages of AJ's baby book and he's almost 11 months old!!! I'm trying to get my crochet business off the ground. I am trying to build my stock up, but let's face it...there is only so much I can churn out a day without totally ignoring my family and responsibilities. I've decided to take a step back and begin fresh this weekend. I have vowed to do all my "adult responsibilities" (grocery shopping, laundry, vaccuuming/cleaning and bill paying) on Friday evening. That way I can start my Saturday off fresh with an hour of working out/stretching, a quick shower and then an hour or so of crafting before waking the kids up preparing breakfast. I figure since I'm normally an early riser on the weekends (need to maximize the day so I'm up by 6:30), it makes the most sense to use that time for me.
I'm trying to organize my life as well. Now that AJ has his crib, the carpet has been installed and my father is settled in his new space, I think it's time to discuss paint options for the hallway, kitchen and living room (trip to Home Depot anyone??) and maybe a new desk for me. I'm thinking of stripping the one I already have and repainting it to give it a fresh look and then pass it on to my daughter and I will go out and get a new one. The thing is I need one that's functional. One that will allow me the space I need but that won't take up a huge amount of space in our room. I wonder if something like that even exists! Saturday afternoon, after a quick trip to the park, will be the best time to search out my favorite stores in search of something. Saturday night is movie night...not sure what we will be watching and then off to bed. Leading us to Sunday...
I think on Sunday I will let the kids sleep in while I take advantage of the quiet and bring my crafting/crochet supplies outside (weather permitting) with a nice cup of tea. I think this plan sounds good in theory...the question is will it work in practice? I guess we'll see this weekend. With the week half over and the weekend in sight, I am hoping for good things. Only time will tell...
Happy Hump Day!!
I'm trying to organize my life as well. Now that AJ has his crib, the carpet has been installed and my father is settled in his new space, I think it's time to discuss paint options for the hallway, kitchen and living room (trip to Home Depot anyone??) and maybe a new desk for me. I'm thinking of stripping the one I already have and repainting it to give it a fresh look and then pass it on to my daughter and I will go out and get a new one. The thing is I need one that's functional. One that will allow me the space I need but that won't take up a huge amount of space in our room. I wonder if something like that even exists! Saturday afternoon, after a quick trip to the park, will be the best time to search out my favorite stores in search of something. Saturday night is movie night...not sure what we will be watching and then off to bed. Leading us to Sunday...
I think on Sunday I will let the kids sleep in while I take advantage of the quiet and bring my crafting/crochet supplies outside (weather permitting) with a nice cup of tea. I think this plan sounds good in theory...the question is will it work in practice? I guess we'll see this weekend. With the week half over and the weekend in sight, I am hoping for good things. Only time will tell...
Happy Hump Day!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
My Review of Delta Venetian Sleigh Crib - Natural
Originally submitted at Toys R Us
The elegant, sturdy, and versatile Venetian Sleigh Crib from Delta is a comprehensive centerpiece to your child's nursery decor. Once your child outgrows the crib, it easily converts into a toddler bed. The crib has a five-position mattress support. Its made for infants up to two years-old and ...
Exactly what we wanted!!
By Bella & Ajs Mom from Massachusetts on 5/8/2010
Pros: Easily Assembled, Durable, Stable
Best Uses: Infants, Preemies, Newborn
Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children
Since my husband and I were unable to reuse the original crib from when my daughter was a baby (she's almost seven now), we were forced to find a new crib. As we weren't looking to spend a fortune, we decided on this one and fell in love as soon as we saw it. It matches our decor and was a cinch to put together (in less than 40 minutes). The instructions are clear and concise and there aren't a billion little pieces to worry about. Definitely a good buy for us!
(legalese)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Hello and Good-bye April - a quick recap
Well, April came and went and according to my blog, it was just a passing thought. I went back to work on Wednesday after a week in Florida and these last four weeks have passed by in the blink of an eye!
Nothing major happened during the beginning of the month. Babies R' Us has officially abandoned us as after several phone calls and visits, they have refused to contact us regarding the out of stock crib. AJ has been sleeping well in his cradle and we'll hopefully solve the crib dilemna soon. Our Disney trip came and went and though the initial anticipation had us rearing to go, I felt it went by all too quickly and here I am, back to work and waiting for the weekend. Almost as if the trip didn't happen.
We left on Wednesday, April 21st and had a fabulous week at the Pop Century Resort. We had so much fun and AJ's first trip was a success. He rode a few rides, got some sun and was smiling ear to ear. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. I'm planning on taking Bella and AJ next August/September although I would like to do separate trips for them so I can enjoy it with each of them. Isabella and I are already planning on going back to Disney in August with my sister and nephew.
Yes, and of course my AJ turned 9 months old on the 16th (seriously where did the last 9 months go???). It was a little sad, but he's getting so big and so much more animated. It's fun to watch. It makes me really appreciate the little things in life. While in Disney I got the sad news that a fellow Bumpie (http://www.thebump.com/) had given birth to her son. So as not to invade her privacy, I won't divulge to much info, but the long and the short of it is that she carried this precious baby to term knowing that the likelyhood of survival was slim. She did have a few precious hours with her little one and he passed on, as expected. It really got me thinking, you know. It's amazing how we can get worked up over the littlest things. It made me realize that I needed to appreciate every single day/moment/hour/hug/kiss/laugh/smile that I get withy my children. They are my world and I couldn't imagine the heartbreak of losing one or both. And as Mother's Day approaches, I appreciate that sentiment more and more. My kids really are my life and my world and most of all, they are my heart and soul.
Nothing major happened during the beginning of the month. Babies R' Us has officially abandoned us as after several phone calls and visits, they have refused to contact us regarding the out of stock crib. AJ has been sleeping well in his cradle and we'll hopefully solve the crib dilemna soon. Our Disney trip came and went and though the initial anticipation had us rearing to go, I felt it went by all too quickly and here I am, back to work and waiting for the weekend. Almost as if the trip didn't happen.
We left on Wednesday, April 21st and had a fabulous week at the Pop Century Resort. We had so much fun and AJ's first trip was a success. He rode a few rides, got some sun and was smiling ear to ear. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. I'm planning on taking Bella and AJ next August/September although I would like to do separate trips for them so I can enjoy it with each of them. Isabella and I are already planning on going back to Disney in August with my sister and nephew.
Yes, and of course my AJ turned 9 months old on the 16th (seriously where did the last 9 months go???). It was a little sad, but he's getting so big and so much more animated. It's fun to watch. It makes me really appreciate the little things in life. While in Disney I got the sad news that a fellow Bumpie (http://www.thebump.com/) had given birth to her son. So as not to invade her privacy, I won't divulge to much info, but the long and the short of it is that she carried this precious baby to term knowing that the likelyhood of survival was slim. She did have a few precious hours with her little one and he passed on, as expected. It really got me thinking, you know. It's amazing how we can get worked up over the littlest things. It made me realize that I needed to appreciate every single day/moment/hour/hug/kiss/laugh/smile that I get withy my children. They are my world and I couldn't imagine the heartbreak of losing one or both. And as Mother's Day approaches, I appreciate that sentiment more and more. My kids really are my life and my world and most of all, they are my heart and soul.
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