My Big Boy!

I referred to Douglass Charles just yesterday as "the Baby." Doug graciously reminded me that he wasn't a baby anymore and obviously, by looking at these pictures, he isn't. I mean, look at his shadow in the second picture. I am about to schedule his 18 month appointment (he was 18 months old yesterday) and I am interested to find out just how tall my little guy is - not much shorter than big sister.

Anyway, it is funny how I still look at him as my baby, but he is starting to put his vast vocabulary together and he is understanding more and more - like cleaning up our toys, brushing teeth, and knowing where to go for time out. It is amazing how much they grow and change and sometimes I just have to stop and watch it because in all the busyness I seem to miss some of it.

I have so much to share and I am behind on some of my posts. I have a great recipe, a Lagniappe in the works, pictures to share from our trip and our first Chucky Cheese visit and also a new character in my line of graphics to introduce soon. So... stay tuned for a whole lot more heading your way over the next few weeks. Oh, and I have my Stock Up and Save event coming up next month that you won't want to miss - a great way to get started on that holiday shopping (I know, is it really time to start thinking about that???)

What We're Watching...

Thanks to Elmo and Sesame Street for introducing my children to such beautiful music. Charlotte actually prefers this version to the Elmo version - because of the "petty lady. She princess!" Can't tell you how hearing her sing along just melts my heart. Brings tears to my eyes.

We are back in the saddle again and are home. Adjusting back to real life after a good visit with some of my family. Pictures will be coming soon. :)

Polka Dot Party Fun

So an Aussie mom contacted me earlier this summer with a request - she wanted my Polka Dot invite. Her color scheme pool and red. I must say, after finishing her adorable invitations and rsvp cards she had me hooked on this color combo, but after seeing the pictures of her daughter's party I am in awe. How cute is this party? You can learn more over at her blog at Just Call Me Martha. Thanks to Leoni for allowing me share these pictures with my readers.

The kids and I are off for a little R&R with some of my fave people - my mom, sister, two nieces and sister-in-law. Hope you have a great week!

Giving Joy

After a rough and emotional week this sweet face...




and these beautiful flowers were just a couple of the things that warmed my spirit.

Hoping these bring a little smile to your face no matter what you might be dealing with today.

Happy Monday

There's a Little Shout Out...

about The English Pea over at one of my favorite blogs - Grosgrain. Check it out and stay tuned for more. She will be offering a nice little giveaway in a couple of weeks. I will let you know so you can join in.

Happy Friday!

WOWZERS!

I finally did a little analysis on the grocery bills over the last seven months. I compared January and February bills to June and July's bills. Obviously there were several variables - like formula in January and more diapers (because Charlotte wasn't potty trained yet) and vacation and trips in June and July, but I must say I was PLEASANTLY surprised. So what were the results??? We are saving $200-$400 a month on groceries since I started clipping - WOWZERS! I am SO excited. Not only does that mean I officially do not have to shop at Walmart anymore (so thankful), but we are saving $2400-$4800 a year on our grocery bill. That is HUGE for our small budget.

This just motivates me to get better and again, I keep asking myself "Why did I wait so long to start doing this." The savings are AMAZING!!!

Party Time

Fly Fly Away Invitation


Hoe Down Invitation


Noah's Ark Invitations (great for twin birthday)


(inside the invitation)

I promised there were a few new things headed your way in the party department. I apologize for taking so long to share these with you, especially since I promised the "Hoe Down" invitation back in April. Oh well...

I must say I love all of these invitations and hope to add a few more things to my party collections - like cupcake toppers and party favor stickers. Is there something you would like to see added to a birthday party pack?

Also, I do have a question to pose to you, my loyal reader. What do you think about offering printable invitations. I have been pondering over this as I have seen other designers offer this option. My big reservation has been about the quality. If you have ever seen or ordered my stuff I am pretty particular about trying to use the best and offering the buyer the option to print their own things takes this "quality control" piece away from me.

BUT... it is much more economical for those that want to do the work to print and cut the invitations (and the rest of the party pack) themselves. So... tell me what you think. The great thing about printing it yourself is that you can print as many as you like so if you want a crazy big party you don't have to spend over $100 for 100 invitations. What do you think?