WooHoo Wednesday- Concerts on the Square

Wausau may not be a big metropolis but it really is a wonderful place to live. One of the best things about the summer is Concerts on the Square on the 400 Block downtown. Tonight we enjoyed the music of Windsor Drive along with Sara, cousins Mallory & Meghan, Grandma Sweeney, Jenny and cousin Taylor.



The weather was perfect. I packed a little picnic and away we went. I'd guess that there was close to 500 people there.

Grandma Barb and Jenny

Me and B

Scout wrestling with Mallory

Bennet was standing on my legs. Goofball

And now the best part of the evening. All 3 girls are snug asleep in bed. I have a glass of red wine and a good book. Signing off-

Fat Tire

The year was 2000 and I used to travel throughout the U.S. for work several times a month. It was on one of those trips that I fell in love with Fat Tire Beer.

It was always such a treat to find it on one of my trips (That and Kilkenny which is still superhard to find). At the time it wasn't available in Madison or Minneapolis, much less Wausau. In fact, it wasn't until late last year that the local distributer picked it up. Of course I was pregnant at the time so it didn't do me much good. But. . . now that I've had sweet EllieLouLou I can partake in a delicious Fat Tire again!

Product: Papers- Jenni Bowlin, Jillibean Soup, Cosmo Cricket. Alphas- Heidi Grace, Scenic Route. Labels- Scenic Route

Eleanor Margaret at 5 Months

*Loves her Mama. She just lights up when she hears my voice. I LOVE it.
*Weighed 17 lbs and was 25.75 inches at her 4 month appointment. She's a long kid.
*Falls asleep on her own around 7 p.m. and sleeps until 6 a.m. So nice.
*Now takes all her naps in her crib. A very nice change. I haven't needed the wrap in weeks.
*Is eating cereal and just started some veggies this week. I think her older sisters are more jazzed about it than she is.
*Sticks her tongue out like a little lizard.
*Loves to laugh for Dad. Or when Scout gives her zerberts on her belly.
*Rolls over both ways but prefers to scoot around on her back in a circle.
*Wearing 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers
*Is a very smiley baby. You just want to smooch on those cheeks.
*Still sucks her thumb
*Bennet likes to tell everyone she meets that she has a cute little sister named Ellie.
*Scout calls her Goose.

Scrapfreak's July Kit- Summer Lovin'

This was my first month designing for Scrapfreak and it was So.Much.Fun!!! Just check out the bright, summery colors. I'll admit this was a bit outside my comfort zone but I like how things came together.

I love that I was able to complete 5 layouts. One for each of the girls plus one for me :)

Summer Lovin'





TITLE: We Call You
Journaling: At 4 months you already have nicknames that will stick.

TITLE: Right Now
Journaling: Losing baby weight. Singing along to the GLEE soundtracks, Addicted for Facebook, Drinking Summer Shandy, Still pondering the meaning of the LOST finale. Loved that show, Kissing on Ellie, Reading 'The Girl Who Played With Fire', Excited for Brett & Caitlyn's wedding, Looking for a job, Wishing for a lazy, memorable summer.

TITLE: Gake Up
Journaling: Looking good in my 'gake up' You are one cute disaster.

TITLE: So Cool

Journaling: Chillin' with a lollipop in the backyard sun. 04/10

TITLE: Teeny Bikini

Journaling: Water, sun & fun at the Splash pad means that summer is offically here! You were so happy to wear your flower and bow bikini. You are too cute!

WooHoo Wednesday- 6/23 Rainbow Day

When we woke up today it was rainy and gray so I figured it would be craft/movie day. We hopped in the car and were at Michael's right away at 9 a.m. to buy some supplies.

On the way there Bennet pointed out a big rainbow over Lake Wausau. It was so colorful. She said, "Mom- where's the unicorn at the end of the rainbow? I want to slide down into the money and see the unicorn" No idea why she thinks there is a unicorn there.

At the store she picked out Rainbow stickers and that sealed it- today was going to be Rainbow Day.

By the time we got home it was sunny. Go figure. After lunch the big girls had giant lollipops. Sticky gooey messes. (I need to modify my camera because all the photos are fuzzy. Weird!)

After quiet time it was time for a project. We made Corn Syrup Paintings. It was sticky and fun. Between the lollipops and paint they were a sticky mess. You should have seen the girls faces when I told them they could eat the paint :) It's all glossy when it dries.

I did this one

And then- as if that wasn't enough- we played outside some more. AND we went to Grandma Sweeney's for a quick picnic dinner with my nieces Mallory, Meghan and Morgan. Too much fun!!

Here is a photo of Ellie too. She's always along for the ride and we're lucky she's so flexible. It allows the big girls to enjoy WooHoo Wednesday's to the fullest.

I Simply Adore You

When I took this photo of Ellie I immediately knew that I wanted to print it in a larger size. I had it printed at ScrapbookPictures. They do a great job and are very reasonably priced. This was printed as an 8 x 12.

TITLE: I Simply Adore You
Journaling: Your eyes up to the sky taking it all in. 04/10


Product: Jenni Bowlin alphas, American Crafts alphas, October Afternoon papers and journaling spot, Martha Stewart butterfly punch

Constant

Scout loves Ellie. And Ellie is really starting to light up when Scout plays with her. Not so much when she gets stepped on though.

Scout has heard me call Ellie a 'silly goose'. Now she just calls her Goose. The other morning she went into her room and said, "Hi Goose- good morning" I think it could be a nickname that sticks.

TITLE: Constant
Journaling: There is no denying that Scout is your biggest fan. Your constant. Always kissing, hugging and patting your tummy. You are her baby Ellie goose and she loves you.

Sweet Summer Splash Pad

After what felt like a month straight of clouds and rain it was finally decent last Friday. We were all starting to go a little stir crazy. When I realized that naps were not going to happen I put the kids suits on, lotioned them up and took an impromptu trip to the Splash Pad.

It took Scout awhile to warm up to getting wet but once she did it was hard to get her to slow down. Total goober.

Look at that face. She's determined!

I have no idea where this came from. They NEVER want to hold hands but for some reason today they were inseparable.

And the littlest apple on our family tree slept.

I say it every year but our Splash Pad is such a great deal. 50cents a person, all the water you can handle AND it's fenced in. Can't beat that!

The Perfect Day

Let's be honest. Life is bonkers 75% of the time. The daily grind of running here and there. Kids up too early in the morning and to-do lists that only get longer. Always running out of milk and wishing one of the three girls would stop whining. Then when you least expect it life gives you the perfect day.

A day when all the kids behave. A day where laughter and smiles are more common than negotiations and ultimatums.

Today was the perfect day. And the scrapbooker is happy to say that I don't have one photo to show for it. I was just enjoying the time together as a family.

This morning-

The big girls sleep past 7 a.m. (a true rarity) and I had the chance to crawl into the lower bunk and snuggle with Scout. She gave me kisses and made funny noises with my mouth.

We loaded up the double stroller and the whole family walked to the Farmers Market in the sun. It isn't too hot and there is a nice breeze.

After the Farmers Market we walked up to the Mint Cafe for brunch. The wait staff adore the girls and the food is amazing as always. Can't beat pancakes and coffee.

Ellie sleeps. Ellie smiles. Ellie rolls with the punches.

On the walk home Nick had Bennet on his shoulders-
Dad- "Bennet you have a bony butt"
Bennet- "No Dad- I have a cute little butt"

The Afternoon-

Naps, naps, naps.

A trip to Target to get new hand weights and a scale. Two things needed to keep our new exercise regimen going.

The Evening-

An impromptu dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Or as Scoutie says, "Bubalows". Great service which made the whole event wonderful.

Dinner without tears or screaming.

As we got into the car after dinner the song "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain and Tenille was on the radio.

Me- "Oh Bennet- I love this song"
Bennet- "Does it make you fall in love with Dad?"
Me- "Yes- it does"
Bennet- "Then kiss him Mom"

So I did. And the girls smiled and giggled.

And then- when it couldn't get any better we came home and Scout said. . .

Scout- "I have to go poop on the potty"
Me- "For real?"

And she did. And we cheered. And we danced and we high fived! And we put stickers in the book and had a treat.

Bennet got her special books to read. And then she said, "Mom- let me get your camera- now where is it?" A girl after my own heart.

So no matter how crazy and out of control tomorrow will inevitably be I can remember that today it was pretty darn perfect. Today was a day that reminded us why we do it.

He likes Zombies

Last year when I asked the girls what Dad liked they said, "Tissues". Based on that we made him a pink tissue box for his office.

This year when I asked the girls what Dad likes they said, "Zombies Mom. Dad really likes Zombies"

So- we made him an Ugly Zombie doll.

Scout picked out the grey wool felt. Bennet wanted purple brains and green writing. I just drew a template out and went to town. The red zipper came from a box of sewing notions that my mother-in-law gave me.

Scout Monster in Boots

Some layouts that I completed at Tall Oaks Retreat.

Me: "Bennet, what's Scout's middle name?"
Bennet: "Monster"

I guess we do call her Scout Monster on a pretty regular basis. :)

TITLE: Our Lil Monster
Journaling: the face, the growl, the total craziness

Product: Sassafras Lass paper, Doodlebug Designs alpha, Pink Paislee alpha

TITLE: Boots

Journaling: It started with kitty boots and grew into an obsession. Worn with pants & skirts. Every season of the yr. Swampers to the park & grocery store. A constant favorite in your fashion arsenal. 2010

Grandma Mary Ella Visits- Day Two

Tuesday- Day Two.

It's still cloudy and rainy here. Come on SUN!!

We went to the library in the morning for storytime. Once we got there we realized that the normal storytime was cancelled because they had a special guest- Professor Oops The place was packed. There were over 100 people there. Unfortunately the subject matter was a little advanced for Bennet and Scout. Fortunately, Bennet had to use the bathroom which gave us an out. They still had time to play and check out some new books for the week.

Next we did some Father's Day shopping. It's top secret.

We spent the rest of the day napping and sewing aprons. When I say 'we' I mean my mom. I did some of the cutting but she did all of the sewing on her fancy machine. I had made Bennet an apron for her 2nd birthday and thought it was time for Scout to have one. I already had the fabric so it was quick and easy. Of course we had to make 2 since B wanted a 'sparkly' one. We also made one for Nick since he's been waiting close to 3 years for his. He can't see it until Father's Day though.

Here is the finished product. We're ready to bake!!

Grandma Mary Ella Visits- Day One

Whenever my mom, Grandma Lella (Mary Ella), visits we always have a ton of fun. She arrived Sunday night and the fun has been non-stop since.

On Monday morning we were up bright and early. We went to pick strawberries at Mike's Berries in Merrill. Since we had an early spring the picking season is earlier too. Perfect timing!

Ellie was a trooper.

We spent most of the day in the kitchen. We made frozen strawberry smoothie pops, strawberry jelly and a strawberry pie.
I also made a pan of these brownies with this frosting. So fudgy and minty!!


Then to top off the day Nick and I were able to sneak out for a drink- just the two of us. I think it was the first time that happened since Ellie was born. We went to the Great Dane for a beer. I love their microbrews. Former Badger and Heisman winner Ron Dayne happened to be in town for a Charity Golf Outing and came in for a beer. It was really cool to see him.

Stay tuned for Day Two!!

It's a tropical Luau Crop @ ScrapFreak

You heard me- it's CROP time at ScrapFreak. The Design Team has put together some fun, tropical themed challenges. The crop starts today and runs through the entire week. Plenty of time to squeeze some scrapping in.

Here are two layouts I made for my challenges.

TITLE: Be Happy
Journaling: That smile gets me everytime. be adorable. be cute. most of all just be you. Product: October Afternoon patterned paper and journaling spot, American Crafts alpha

TITLE: OH!

Journaling: Your face says it all- so much fun in the sweet, sweet summertime. July 09

Product: American Crafts paper, buttons and alpha.

Good Just Got Great

I made this layout as a sample for a Freaky Friday challenge at ScrapFreak. Go join the fun!!!

I actually printed three copies of this photo since I'm planning to make a page for each of the girls albums.

TITLE: Good just got Great
Journaling: Just when I thought life couldn't get any sweeter- there you are making it great.


Product: Cosmo Cricket patterned paper and tiny alphas, American Crafts rub ons

Spa Day

I just realized that I never posted the layout I made about our WooHooWednesday Spa Day. I used the ScrapFreak sketch from May for this.

WooHoo Wednesday- Let's Go to the Mall

Bennet has been begging to go to the mall for weeks. You'd think it was this super cool mall instead of the sad, little, pathetic thing known as the Wausau Mall. Seriously- it's nothing to write home about.

The big girls love the indoor play center. Probably because they are both monkeys and I let them climb all over the soft equipment.

I have to admit the mall has one thing that I LOVE- the photo booth. I am such a sucker for photo booths. To me it's the best $3 you can spend. This particular booth is in need of an ink refill but it was still fun. Our first shots with Ellie :)
Next week we'll be working on Father's Day projects. But can anything top last years pink painted kleenex holder? I think not.

ScrapFreak Design Team

I recently applied to be part of Team Freak at ScrapFreak. I've been active on the Freak for the last year or so and have found the community to not only be active, but also incredibly inspiring as well.

I'm happy to announce that I made the team!!! Starting in June I'll be working with their monthly embellishment kits. I am excited and ready for the new challenge!!

Here is the layout I submitted.

TITLE: Strike a Pose
Journaling: "Look at me Mom I'm a model" You love making faces for me to take photos of. How can I resist? 03/10 Product: Bazzill Kraft, October Afternoon patterned paper and journaling spots, Jillibean Soup alpha, Doodlebug Designs alpha

In other scrappy news today I'm off for a weekend of Kari-time with some fellow Freaks at Tall Oaks Retreat. I can't wait!!! Ellie's bottles are prepped and labeled, the big girls are at school today and a sleepover with their cousins tomorrow and Nick has had a month or so to mentally prepare :) I am going to do my best to enjoy the weekend with minimal Mommy guilt.

WooHoo Wednesday- Flip Flops

It's rainy and icky here today so we decided to watch a movie (Tinkerbell) and do an indoor project.

When my sister Katie got married (nearly 5 years ago- WHAT?) she made her bridesmaids these super funky flipflops with water balloons tied to the straps. I wore mine as soon as photos were done and continue to wear them on a regular basis. I dig em.

The girls LOVE mine and wanted a pair of their own. I picked the flipflops up at JoAnn.
Of course I bought a pair to make for myself but I can't feel my thumb after tying balloons on 4 sandals tonight. The girls did help speed things along by bringing me the correct color.

An inexpensive, quick and colorful project- perfect for the sunnier days of summer.