Artsy Ashby: The Artist Mom

Altered Board Book

2012-02-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

The other day I came across a book called The Artistic Mother by Shona Cole. In it she shares a project on altering a board book. I was looking for a gift for my Aunt and once I saw that I knew that was the one. I started with an inexpensive board book, then painted each page white. I got out all of my paints, stamps, and scrapbook paper scraps and went to work. It was so fun to make! Here are a sampling of some of the pages. Try it and see what you come up with.

Sewn Bookmarks

2012-02-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

I made these the other night. I hand sewed mine, but a sewing machine would be much faster. They were fun and easy to make.

These were my inspiration. I saw them on Pinterest. They are by Regina at creativekismet.com

Our Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

This is what our Valentine's Day looked like...

Red Velvet Pancakes

Sweet time with my mom

Mrs. Gatti's Gourmet Cupcakes and coffee

Paper Plate Heart Pocket

Lots of Chocolate

Valentine Wreath

2012-02-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

I saw a paper penny wreath on Pinterest a few weeks ago. This is the one I made this morning. ( http://pinterest.com/pin/17803360996717702/ )Go to flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com to see Shannan Martin's wreath and for her instructions.

I added Love Birds to mine. Try it out and make one for your home!

February Sketch Challenge

2012-02-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

This month my friend Susan challenged me to make a sketch box for each day in February and fill each with a daily drawing. Here is what I have so far.

I've had a lot of fun with it. The drawing doesn't have to be perfect or serious. It's a little box so it doesn't take much time or commitment.This was my morning coffee one day.

I saw these flowers on the bag of Starbucks coffee I bought.

While I was cutting each flag for our valentine banner I was left with this shape. It looked like a charming little house to me.

In the following box my mind took off with a line in the book I'm reading right now called Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

This was one of the pictures I got in my head when I read Psalm 37

These are some jars I recycled, washed, painted, and then glued dinosaurs on top of.

Feel free to join the challenge, it's fun!

Happy Valentine's Day Banner

2012-02-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by this banner created by Rebecca Cooper on Pinterest. Copy the link below to visit her blog.http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2012/01/friday-craft-day-simple-valentines.html

Here is the one I came up with... I started by cutting out the flag shape out of newspaper. Then we glued on construction paper, and scrapbook paper hearts. Next we stamped the letters out in black ink. Then came the glitter!

After they dried over night I took them to be laminated. Last few steps were to cut out, string, and hang.

I'm happy with it, and had so much fun making it!

Can't Stop Painting

2012-02-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Adlie and I love the 'Stained Glass' Paintings I shared yesterday. We just can't stop making them. Here are the paintings we did last night and this morning.

Stained Glass Paintings

2012-01-31T13:02:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Pinterest

Check out Let's Explore Blog Here

We gave it a try. I put black acrylic paint in our school glue bottle and then shook it up. We were talking about Grasslands today so I made the design have flowers, bison, and a prairie dog.

If you have older children you can let them do the glue design. The black glue looks like the lead in a piece of stained glass. Next my daughter applied watercolors over that.Our girl's painting is so colorful, it reminds me of Kandinsky's work. Let your kids try it and see what they come up with!

Bears and Caves

2012-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today's preschool lesson was about bears and caves. We made our own 'bear cave' under our kitchen table.We got out Adlie's lantern and read these books...

I taped up a brown paper bag to the underside of the table and we used Crayola mess free watercolors to make a cave painting.

Preschool at home is going so well. Teaching Adlie is a total joy to me!

Birthday Party at the Children's Museum

2011-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

This morning we met our friends the Liccketto's at the Children's Museum of Houston for their son Nico's 2nd Birthday. We had a ton of fun, and our so thankful for them!

Maya, Nico, Quinton, and Kristina

Adlie and Maya

Christmas 2011 in Pictures

2011-12-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2011! We are so thankful for Jesus and for our family!

Handmade Christmas

2011-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

This year I made the majority of our Christmas gifts. It was challenging and fun. I made owl memo boards, banners, key holders, trays, a cork letter, and paintings.

December in McKinney

2011-12-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

We spent a few days up in McKinney with my parents before Christmas and had a great time. We hung out, ate good food, went to see Arthur Christmas, and Shrek Ice at the Gaylord Texan. Good times. Love Boo and KeeKee!

9 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-15T10:52:00.001-08:00

Today's advent book #9 God Gave us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren art by David Hohn.

This is my favorite Christmas book we have. It just brings it all back to God and how Jesus is why we celebrate Christmas!

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Advent Through Books

2011-12-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

This year I started two new ways for us to be mindful of advent. The first was the advent calendar with the boxes that was in my previous post. The second idea was shared at my Mops group (Mothers of Preschoolers mops.org). The idea was to celebrate advent through books. One book for each day leading up to Christmas.I got all the books gathered from our collection and from the library. Then I wrapped them up and each day my daughter gets to open one. We have loved it! Follow me on twitter @artsyashby to see the next few days of advent unfold.Here are some of the ones we have opened so far.

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Our Advent Calendar

2011-12-07T11:37:00.001-08:00

I saw this on pinterest...

http://buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-christmas-advent-calendar.html

I was completely inspired! This is how mined turned out.

I started with a magnetic board from a craft store. I then hot glued fabric that i found on the remnant table at the fabric store around the board.

I bought 25 tiny boxes and painted the tops gold. On some of them I added a little scrapbook paper. To attach them to the board I hot glued round magnets to the bottom of each box.

I filled each box with a scripture or song lyric and a little treat. Some of the treats I included were candy, nail polish, Chapstick, and tiny ornaments.

I am so glad I made it, and I look toward to searching for tiny treasures all year long to fill it for Christmas 2012!

Adlie is having a blast with it and it really builds up the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Day.

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November Week in McKinney

2011-11-27T09:00:00.001-08:00

Adlie and I spent the past week before Thanksgiving in McKinney with my parents. We had such a fun and memorable time.Here are highlights in pictures...

Highlights in words...* Christmas parade and tree lighting* Adlie seeing Santa* Trade Days in McKinney* Fun dinner at Twisted Root* Pedicures* Watching Christmas movies* Listening to Christmas music* Shopping and being inspired with my mom* My dad making me laugh* Watching Adlie love Boo and KeeKee* Watching Adlie love their dogs and treat them like fellow kids* Meals together, lots of coffee, and good conversations* Being together so that Adlie can make so many good memoriesGood times! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

Adlie our Ladybug

We met some friends at First Baptist Church Houston for their fall festival. Adlie got to ride a pony, pet animals at a petting zoo, and ride down a giant slide. She had a wonderful time!

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2011-11-03T18:14:00.001-07:00

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Cousins

2011-11-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

Last week was bring a friend day at Adlie's gymnastics class. When I asked Adlie who she wanted to bring she quickly replied "Jenna!" her cousin.

So thursday morning we picked her up and went to class. It was Halloween day so they got to play hide and seek, go through a spooky maze, jump and slide. They had a blast!

Back at home they played games, helped me bake a cake, and watched Rio.

Jenna got to spend the night so Friday we started out with French toast for breakfast. It was a cool day so I had the windows open and they sat and watched the world go by.

That afternoon we took lunch to the park.

Back at home I made paper mâché animals for them to paint. Jenna wanted an elephant.

Adlie chose a lizard.

We all had a blast and we are so thankful for Jenna and that she got to come over for gymnastics and their first official sleepover.
Horray for cousins!

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Family Day Out

2011-10-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

Saturday Michael, Adlie, and I went to lunch at Jimmy Johns. They didn't really have a kids menu so we ordered Adlie a turkey sandwich that was about as big as she is.

Then we strolled around Pier 1, and Best Buy.

We finished the day with Putt Putt and snow cones. I got wedding cake, Michael had piña colada, and Adlie had blue bubblegum.

Good times!

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Go Train Go

2011-10-19T20:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Adlie and I met our friends Susan and Billy at Discovery Green for story time.

The story was Go Train Go. Adlie and Billy are both big Thomas fans so it was perfect.

The best part was that they had a little train to ride.

After that we picked up free cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes. Susan follows their tweets and sometimes they have a special phrase you can say to get free ones. The flavor was apple cake with peanut butter icing. It sounded like a strange combo but it was really good!

We then met for lunch at Berry Hill and ate our cupcakes for dessert.

It was a really fun day out.

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Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Autumn Centerpiece

2011-09-22T13:40:00.001-07:00

How to create...

Step 1. Decoupage glass jars with coffee stained book pages. I used pages from an old almanac.

Step 2. Paint coffee filters with your kids using red, orange, and yellow watercolor paints. Let dry.

Step 3. While the filters dry go outside and collect twigs.

Step 4. Cut dried filters in random lines and flower shapes.

Step 5. Poke the filters onto the twig stems and scrunch so they stay in place. Then arrange in jars and tie around the jars with raffia. Then enjoy your display and the lovely Autumn season :)

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Visiting

2011-09-22T13:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Adlie and I had a day of visiting family and friends. We started off by having breakfast with my Mamaw, followed by a little shopping with her.

Then we went to see Katie, Reese, and new baby Mollie. Reese and Adlie played and Adlie got to hold Mollie.

That afternoon we met up at Rise Cupcakes to see Glenna, Rylor, Everett, and Jasper. We had fun catching up. The cupcake shop had great atmosphere, really good coffee, and of course good cupcakes.

Adlie and Evie

We brought the day to a close by having dinner with my Grandmom, Grandad, Uncle Kris, Aunt Nancy, and cousins Christian and Connor. It was a rich full day.

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Shapes in Art

2011-09-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

We just got this book ( Look! Look! Look! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace) from the library. I love it!

It teaches kids to look at art and see shapes and patterns.

We made shape renditions just like in the book of the painting "Portrait of Lady Clopton" by Robert Peake.

Here is Adlie's...

Here is mine...

Check out this book for you and your kids, it is really cute!

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Flora & Muse

2011-09-14T16:15:00.001-07:00

Monday we met my lovely cousin Allann and my grandparents at a restaurant called Flora & Muse. If a restaurant could reflect who I am and what I love I think this would be it. They have cool interesting food, delicious coffee, dessert, and a gorgeous French country atmosphere.

Allann had moved so it was nice to visit with her. She is a Super talented wardrobe designer and stylist. She never fails to inspire me.

My grandparents were great and made us laugh. We loved our time with them.

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Cousins

2011-09-12T20:54:00.001-07:00

We spent the past weekend with Michael's parents. We watched football, ate, relaxed on the back porch, and swam.

Our niece Jenna was over too. She and Adlie played so well together. Their imaginations soared. The couch was their bounce house, a box their house, and the ottoman their stage. Sweet childhood.

Thankful for family.

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Vacation in McKinney

2011-09-09T12:14:00.001-07:00

Michael took the past week off for a vacation so we headed up to McKinney to visit my parents. We got there really late Friday night.

Saturday we enjoyed the cool morning and took it slow. Then we had lunch at BJ's. We were heading to downtown McKinney when we saw the sign for the Heard Museum. My mom had heard about it but had never been so we gave it a try. It was neat, animals to see, Dino dig for Adlie and lots of trails.

That night my dad, Michael and I went to a shooting range while my mom and Adlie hung out at their house. I had never shot a gun before, it was a good experience. I'm glad I know what it's like now.

Once we got home and got Adlie to sleep, we made coffee and played Nertz. My dad was making me laugh so bad that I actually choked and spit coffee out all over the table! It hurt but it was a hilarious moment and memory made.

Sunday I didn't feel so well so I rested while my parents and Adlie went to church and to a birthday painting party.

Sunday night we all went to Top Golf is like a bowling but golf. It was really fun. Adlie loved setting up the ball on the tee for all of us as we took turns.

Monday we had lunch at Chipoltle, Adlie's favorite restaurant. Then we went strolling in downtown McKinney. We found this old desk for Adlie and she loves it.

Later we went to Ikea and got to meet Kellie Clements from Design Star. She was just there shopping and Michael spotted her. We talked with her and she was really sweet. She can still win her own show by winning the fan vote so go to hgtv.com/designstar and vote for her.

My mom and I then made a trip to Michael's craft store to buy supplies for owl ornaments. We came home and each made one.

Tuesday my parents had to work so we went to the Dallas Zoo. It was wonderful! The best part was getting to pet the giraffe. However, Adlie and Michael would probably say the best part was the Reptile House.

That night my mom made my favorite home cooked meal: Meatloaf. Yum! Then we all sat on their back patio and had coffee while Adlie played in the backyard.

The week was fabulous! We love Boo and KeeKee so much!

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Bugs!

2011-09-08T18:06:00.001-07:00

Our preschool lesson for today was about bugs. Adlie is a huge bug fan. She loves crickets, and ladybugs.

I drew 10 pictures of food numbered one through ten. Then we cut out ants that Adlie had colored. On each piece of food Adlie counted and placed ants to match the number on the page.

Next we made fingerprint insects from Ed Emberley's Fingerprint Drawing Book. Adlie surprised me by being able to follow the steps.

Then we read About Insects by Cathryn Sill and flipped through Ants by Ann O. Squire

Michael is on vacation this week so he got to go with us to Adlie's gymnastics class and out to lunch today. Then he went to the dentist, and Adlie and I made a trip to the library. It's been a very good day in my book.

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Preschool at Home

2011-08-26T08:52:00.001-07:00

My daughter is three now so this year I wanted to be more intentional with teaching her. I got a big preschool lesson plan idea book from the library and started planning out a few things to learn each day. So far we traced her body and talked about our five senses, made a book all about her, and today a book about all the things she can do herself. I look forward to the year and seeing her learn and experience the world.

Glorious Summer

2011-08-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

Coffee Filter Flowers

2011-08-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Adlie and I made these this morning. After they were done, I got an idea for a friend gift...a gift giving kit. It might sound strange but one time I received the prettiest gift tags as a present, and loved using them for years. The kit could include these paper flowers to attach to wrapped presents, fun handmade gift tags, and a roll of ribbon. I know just the person who would love this, maybe you do too.
Happy crafting and giving!

Adlie's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-07-11T14:36:00.001-07:00

Our Birthday Girl

Adlie is three, she makes us laugh, very silly and sweet. She loves to play outside, find bugs, and paint. She is an absolute joy, and we had so much fun with our family and friends celebrating her birthday!

The Friends...Everett, Jenna, June, Adlie, Maya, Presley, Reese, and Sophie

The Gymnastics Fun

The Cake

The Balloons

The centerpiece...Rapunzel's Tower made out of a paper towel roll and scrapbook paper

Party Favors...A fill in painting of Pascal and the sun, a set of watercolors, a Tangled cup and a paintbrush

The Party Favor Bags

Allann's Birthday Lunch

2011-06-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Adlie and I met my grandparents and my cousin Allann to celebrate her belated birthday. We met at La Madeleine and had a great time. Allann is the daughter of my mom's brother Keith. She is lovely and hilarious. She is full of life and fashion talent. We love her so much!

After lunch we all stopped at my brothers shop to see him for a bit, then Allann, Adlie and I went to a little shop called Brown. For some reason Adlie loved the shop and acted as our tour guide. She went through the whole store telling us that an item was either complicated or expendable meaning expensive. It was a great tour. Then outside the store they had these little benches and so Adlie told us it was an airplane. She had us sit down and she flew us to California and then onto Africa. All that to say, our day was a wonderful adventure!

Paper Mermaid Doll

2011-06-13T14:08:00.001-07:00

I was going through a Somerset Studio magazine today and came across a link for free downloads of paper doll templates.

http://www.theenchantedgallery.com/paperdolls.html

I printed it out and traced it onto card stock.

Then Adlie colored it

Then we put it together with tiny brads. Now she has a handmade moveable mermaid!

Try it and let me know what your kids think!

Dad's June Visit

2011-06-06T13:34:00.001-07:00

My dad came for a visit this past Thursday, and we had a great time! We had lunch with my brother Justin, my dad's mom, and dad's sister Sharon at Goode Co. Taqueria. Then we went to a movie, Dad and Adlie saw Kung Fu Panda 2 and Justin and I saw Pirates of the Carribean 3. Later that night we took Dad to Orange Leaf frozen yogurt. Saturday we all went for a swim so Adlie could show her Boo what she's learned in swim lessons. Fun times. Thankful for my dad's love and time.

Mother's Day and May

2011-05-08T14:03:00.001-07:00

Me and my Adlie Jane

Being a mom is my joy, it is a lovely honor, a challenge, a reward, a daily test, an adventure.

Me and my Grandad Ed on our way to the Steve Tyrell concert in Galveston last night.

Adlie and Uncle Justin

I love my brother!

Adlie at the Tea Room

Antique Shopping

I love my Mom and am so thankful for her presence, how vibrant she is, her love, her listening ear, her conversations over coffee, her prayers, and for how she lives in the moment and savors life.

Nature Girl

2011-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

There is a girl
A very fun enchanted girl
They say she wanders very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
is she

And then one day
A magic day she came my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This she said to me
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"

We love to love our Adlie Jane and be loved by her in return.

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

He is Risen! We are so thankful for Jesus today!

April in McKinney

2011-04-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Time with the puppies: Adlie and Annabelle

Dallas Arboretum with Boo

Library Visit

Pedicures

Shopping

Fields of Flowers

Adlie and I had an awesome time in McKinney with my parents. So many good memories. We got their on Wednesday and on Friday a group that my dad works with came over from England. The head couples leading the team are amazing people. We got to eat sushi at Blue Fish with them, shop at Northpark mall and hang out with them at my parents house. It was a great time!

Our New Place

2011-04-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry they are fuzzy phone pictures my camera batteries need to be charged.

Adventures in Katy

2011-04-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our new adventures in Katy. So far we tried a church called Grand Parkway Baptist, the pool, our local starbucks, and a park they call the barn park. We are having fun and Adlie is adjusting beautifully!

February in McKinney

2011-02-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sparkling Fish

2011-01-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

Adlie and I had a lot of fun putting the fish together the other day. We got The Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book from the library and found this project inside.

First we cut out two fish and drew on the scales with a grey marker

Then Adlie helped me paint the fish red with watercolor paint.

Then we applied glue and silver glitter.

Then we stuffed the fish with crumpled paper, and glued it shut. We pinned it with clothes pins to keep it together until it dried.

The last step was attaching a silver pipe cleaner to the fish and hanging it in Adlie's room. You could also attach the pipe cleaner to it's mouth, and hang it from the ceiling so that you can see both sides of the fish.

The finished product, fun times.

Adlie's Got Mail

2011-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

I've had the idea for a long time but finally decided to decorate a mailbox for Adlie. She loves to open it and close it, put cards in, and take them out. We got a classic mailbox at Lowe's for $15 then got $1 ribbon at Michael's and Target. I hot glued the ribbon on, and Adlie put stickers on it. We used fabric paint, glitter glue, and sequins on the door. I think it would make a great gift for kids. The next time I need a present I will make one and put stationary and some stamps inside. Give one as a gift or let your kids make their own and let me know what they think!

Adlie at 2.5

2011-01-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Our Visit to Burnet

2011-01-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Last week Adlie and I joined my Uncle Kris, Aunt Nancy, and my cousins Christian and Connor for a trip to Burnet, Texas to visit my Uncle Keith and my Aunt Faye and their kids. Keith is my mom's and Uncle Kris' brother. It was my first time out there and we had a really good time. They have a big lot, with a water fountain, chickens, an awesome wrap around porch, and a house full of character. Here are the pictures of our time there...

Early Christmas In McKinney

2010-12-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

We spent the past weekend in McKinney to celebrate Christmas early with my parents. We had a wonderful time. We went to pajama story time at A Real Bookstore, and Adlie and her Boo made the Christmas wreath craft. After that we went to see My dad play soccer.

Saturday morning we went to Breakfast with Santa at their gym. My mom and I shopped in downtown McKinney square. Adlie and her KeeKee made owl ornaments and snowflake window decals. We watched Holiday Inn, drank apple cider, opened presents, and loved every minute of our time together. Thank you God for giving us Christmas and for our families.

Adlie and her new stroller and Rapunzel doll. She is loving it!

Getting Christmasy

2010-12-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Our Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

This year my family's thanksgiving was at our house. It was really fun, my brother Justin came, my grandparents, and my parents came to town from Dallas. Over the course of the week we ate yummy food, went to the park, took walks, played dominoes, and took Adlie to see Tangled. Good times! Thanks be to God for our families!

Sorry there are only two pictures. I just enjoyed the time. The pictures I took were on my phone and didn't come out so well.

Happy Thanksgiving Crafts

2010-11-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

First cut a tree from a piece of cardboard. Then glue it to a large piece of white cardstock.

Then let your child paint leaves with their fingertips using red, orange, yellow, and lime green paint.

The last step is to add detail to the tree and sign the artwork with a brown marker.

Another craft idea is this turkey box. My mom found this project on the family fun website...

http://familyfun.go.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-craft-decorations/thanksgiving-turkey-crafts/turkey-table-topper-669418/

You can put a pretty cloth napkin in the box and then it can hold the rolls on Thanksgiving day or it can be a napkin holder. It was fun to make, try it out!

Christmas Gift Idea

2010-11-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

I bought these: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Piece-Wood-Blocks/dp/B000068CKY/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1290096368&sr=1-2 and then Adlie and I painted them for her friend Presley who turned 3. I am painting a set for Adlie for Christmas too. I think it would make a great gift for 2-4 year olds. You can let your kids paint them too. They don't have to be perfect, it is just fun, whimsical and personal.

I got the little purple bucket at Target in their dollar section. Then the blocks come with a place to be stored.

Adlie's First Trip to the Zoo

2010-11-15T07:35:00.001-08:00

Michael had the day off for Veteran's Day so we took Adlie to the Zoo for the first time. It was really fun. We saw almost all of the animals, and finished the day off with a ride on the train. It started raining on the ride, but it just made it more memorable.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Adlie and Gram Gram ( Michael's Mom)

Michael's mom came out last night so we could go out for Michael's birthday. She spent the night with us too so we could have a fun day together today. We started out by going to the Pumpkin Patch, then had lunch at Lupe Tortilla's, and ended up at a park to let Adlie run around. It was such a fun day!

We ended the outing at this park...

Adlie Jane

2010-10-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Spontaneous Weekend in McKinney

2010-10-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

My dad called me Friday morning around ten, and asked if Adlie and I wanted to come visit him and my mom for the weekend with a free SW ticket he had. I asked Michael and after a bit we were go for a trip. Adlie and I got our stuff together and made the 1 o clock flight. We didn't tell my mom either. She got home from work and my dad told her to go outside and see a surprise. She asked him if he got her a puppy, to which he said no, but just go see. Me and Adlie were out there playing with their three dogs and yelled surprise! I can't remember the last time we surprised my mom with anything. It was awesome!

We went to McKinney trade days, the splash pad in Allen, had lunch at The Purple Cow, hung out with some of their neighbors, played at their playground, got crafty with my mom, drank coffee, and had a great time together!

Our Outdoor Adventure

2010-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while Michael and his brothers went to the Texans game, us girls had some fun of our own. Michael's Mom, Grandma, my sister-in-law Carmen, our neices Sarah and Jenna, Adlie and I went to the Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble.

We saw snakes, fed turtles, walked two trails, toured the frontier village, and ended up at the playground. It was a georgious day and I'm so glad we got to spend it outdoors together.

Kee Kee Weekend

2010-10-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

My Mom (Kee Kee to Adlie) came in town Friday night and we were so happy to have her with us! We got Chuy's takeout and watched Ironman 2. Saturday we went to Target and then made fruit pizza. That night we went to my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Kris' house for a birthday get together for my Grandad who will be 76 on Wednesday. Sunday morning we got Starbucks and went to the park on Clear Lake. It was a sweet fall weekend!

We walked out onto the peir on Clear Lake and met a guy named Polo who was using a cast net. Here he is casting it out. He would bring it back in, and whatever little fist he caught that he didn't need, Adlie went after. I didn't know she liked fish so much. She was completely comfortable picking them up wiggling in her little hands. She would look at them, and them toss them back into the water. She was very entertained, and so we were we!

Her watching/gaurding the big fish he was going to use as bait.

My Aunt Nancy's fabulous burgers and sweet potato fries at Grandad's birthday get together.

Adlie Sportin' her Shades

2010-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Giveaway: Butterfly Clips Art Hanger

2010-09-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Adlie and I made these a couple days ago and will be giving one away. Leave a comment to be placed in the drawing! I will pick a winner Monday morning.

September Visit to McKinney

2010-09-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

Adlie and I went to visit my parents in McKinney on Thursday. I put on a Stella & Dot Jewelry Trunk Show for my mom and her friends that night. We had a blast and my mom got tons of free jewelry!

Friday we met up with my best friend Valerie who I hadn't seen in two years since she lives in Nashville. My dad took us to the Dallas Aquarium and that night my mom made Chicken and Dumplings for dinner.

Saturday my mom, Valerie, Adlie and I went shopping in Downtown McKinney and had lunch at Cafe Malaga. Fun fun! Saturday night my parents went to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds in concert, and us girls stayed home. We took my parents' dogs on a walk and hung out on their back porch catching up.

Sunday we went to the Dallas Arboretum and it was beautiful and ready for fall with tons of pumpkins. That afternoon, we took Valerie to the airport, and then my mom, Adlie and I went and walked around Northpark Mall. We spent the evening at their house, watched a cute movie called Ponyo, and tried to soak up every last minute together. Adlie and I drove home today. I love my parents and Adlie loves her Boo and Kee Kee! Valerie too! Awesome weekend!

The Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Aquarium

Watching Ponyo with Kee Kee

I'm Live on AaronBrothers.com!

2010-09-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Check out my first post.

Postponed

2010-09-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

My blogging for Aaron Brothers has been set back a little bit. I will post as soon as things get rolling with them. In the meantime here are some recent pictures of Adlie.

Right now Adlie is talking so much. She is learning how to use tone so we are trying to teach her when it's ok and when it's not. She still loves to be outside. We went for a walk today and went up and down two hills, and being the huge Dora fan that she is, she said "where do we go next?, the flowery garden?" I played along and showed her a neighbors yard with flowers blooming everywhere, and told her our next stop was the mailbox. Good day, good times with her. She makes us laugh and keeps us going!

Raspberry Sherbert

2010-09-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am the biggest fan of the blog www.eatathomecooks.com . The site has weekly menus and grocery lists all planned out all you have to do is click print! The dessert on my current weekly menu from the site is Raspberry Sherbert. It is delicious and easy!

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen raspberries (thawed)
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. of vanilla

Just mash all the ingredients together, cover or seal and freeze. Enjoy!

I'm the Aaron Brothers Mom Blogger for Fall 2010!

2010-08-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new feature on my blog! I recently won the Mom Blog Off Contest on www.aaronbrothers.com I am the new Aaron Brothers Mom Blogger for Fall 2010. I just received my prize package it is full of wonderful Big Top Artist and Crayola products that you can find at your local Aaron Brothers store. I’m so thankful for the opportunity, and hope to inspire moms and their kids to get creative together!

For the next few months I will create a blog post on Fridays featuring a craft you can make with your child using Aaron Brothers art supplies or a post about a product that I think your children will enjoy.

This week’s project is a mermaid painting! My family and I just got back from a beach vacation so as Summer winds down I thought it would be fun to create a painting to remind us of the ocean and its wonder.

Materials Needed
Aaron Brothers “The Artist Studio” Traditional 12in. x 24in. canvas
Crayola Kids paint 10 pack
Crayola Mixing Mediums (Glitter It! And Pearl It!)
Crayola Paint Brush Pens
1 pencil
Big Top Artist Paint Pods
Strathmore Kids Paint Pad
Bead Necklace that you don’t mind cutting
Glue
1 Sheet of Tracing Paper
Scissors
Spray Polyurethane
Glitter

Step 1. In your big top artist paint pod, mix together Crayola Kids paint (white and a little turquoise) plus some Pearl It! Medium. Mix it all together well, and then paint your canvas. Paint the edges also, so that it looks finished and doesn’t require a frame. If your child is old enough they can tackle this step. You decide which of the following steps your child can help with based on their age. Have fun!

Step 2. Paint coat one, Let canvas dry, and then paint a second coat, let dry.

Step 3. Paint one sheet of Strathmore Kids Paint Pad paper in four different colors using Crayola Kids Paint and Glitter It! Medium. Mix the colors where they come together to create a gradient effect. I used blue, purple, and pink each mixed with white and Glitter It! Let dry.

Step 4. Draw out your mermaid in pencil. It doesn’t have to be perfect, mermaids are whimsical to begin with so don’t stress over it.

Step 5. Use Crayola Paint Brush Pens to color the mermaids body. I used yellow for her face, arms, chest, and torso. I also, added blushed cheeks with my fingertip dabbed in mix of pink and white Crayola Kids Paint and Glitter It!

Step 6. Paint the mermaids tail using blue and white Crayola Kids Paint, mixed with Glitter It! Let dry.

Step7. Paint the mermaids bikini top stars, and her hair using pink and white Crayola Kids paint mixed with Glitter It! Let dry.

Step 8. Using the purple and blue Crayola Paint Pen color the mermaids facial features. Also add detail to her hair and tail by following hair lines and tail direction. Also, outline the mermaids body, I used the blue paint pen.

Step 9. Using a sheet of tracing paper, trace the mermaids tail with a pencil. Then lay the tracing paper pencil lead side down onto dry multi colored Strathmore Kids Paint Pad sheet, and trace your pencil marks again, so that the shape is transferred.

Step 10. Draw scallop lines going across shape and if you wish, cut each scalloped sections out individually or to save time leave it whole. Cut out each section or cut out traced shape as a whole. Glue each section down like I did, or just glue the whole shape on her tail area.

Step 11. Lay necklace on painting to see how long you need it to be. Cut it to size, and then glue it on.

Step 12. Seal it with polyurethane and sprinkle it with glitter immediately after. Let it dry. Now you have a fun mermaid painting!

My Recent Creation

2010-08-24T18:28:00.001-07:00

A few Sundays ago we sang the Hillsong United song called " With Everything" These three words from the song stuck with me, so I decided to redo a painting I had in my kitchen featuring them. What do you think? What is a song that has gotten to you recently? Leave a comment and let me know.

Our Beach Vacation

2010-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Rosemary Beach, Florida with my parents last week. It was so much fun to be with them on the beach. Adlie had never been before, so it was so neat to watch her experience it for the first time. She loved the sand, and on the last day realized she liked the ocean too. We relaxed, built sand castles, shopped, read books, ate great food, took walks, and just enjoyed being together. We are so thankful for my parents and for God's creation of sand and ocean, there is nothing like it!

From My Sketchbook

2010-08-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

What have you created lately? What has moved you or inspired you?

Lake Livingston

2010-08-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

We spent the past weekend on Lake Livingston with Michael's family. We had a blast. It was so relaxing! We rode on the jet ski, swung from the rope swing, fished (my first time to fish, and I caught a little perch), ate tons of great food, and made lots of memories. Good times, we are so thankful for our family!

Giveaway Winner!

2010-07-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Heart Print Stationary giveaway is the Johnson Family. Thanks for participating, I hope you will enjoy it!

Heart Print Stationary Giveaway

2010-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Adlie and I experimented with apple prints the other day. The apple print itself didn't turn out so well. Adlie started painting her hand and arm and I cut the apple into a heart shape. She stamped her hand and I stamped the heart and both had a much better outcome. Once we were done I cut the hearts out and made a ten card stationary set. To win please leave a comment and your email address if you are not a blogger user. I will announce the winner tomorrow! Good Luck!

Ashby Family Manifesto

2010-07-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

The other day I was inspired my friends blog amjohnson3.blogspot.com She made a plaque with house rules for her and her family that was so cute. Here is what I came up with for us. I called ours a manifesto, because it means a public declaration of intentions.

I used a wooden plaque I got at Michael's for $14 and the rest was stuff I had around the house. I used my Close To My Heart My Acrylix stamps sets to stamp all of the words. The background is a paper bag that I cut to fit and glued on. I cut the swirls from a piece of scrapbook paper.

I stamped out each word and phrase and then cut them out

Then I played with the layout and order

Last two steps were to glue everything on and hang it up!

I like it and I hope you do too!

Kee Kee Weekend

2010-07-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

My mom flew into town Thursday night. Friday morning we went to Target, got Starbucks, and let Adlie look at toys. While there, Michael called to tell me he was driving himself to the ER for a kidney stone. We finished up there, got Adlie home and napping, and then I went to see Michael. They got him on pain medicine and then took him away for a cat scan. He told me to go ahead and go to the concert and so I went home and we all got ready. We took Adlie to my grandparents so they could watch her for us. My Aunt and Uncle treated us to a Michael Buble concert for our birthdays.

Dinner at Backstreet Cafe with my mom, Aunt Nancy, and Uncle Kris before the concert.
My mom and I split Shrimp and Cheese Grits and Orange Bread Pudding for dessert. Fabulous! The concert was amazing too I just didn't get pictures of it. It was a great experience and memory made. Thanks Kris and Nancy, we love you!

Kris Campbell's Cup O Ccino ( So I Married an Axe Murderer movie fans will get that)

Michael got home from the hospital around 8 o clock that night and was given pain meds and a referral to a specialist but it's the weekend so we had to wait. He was okay though.

Saturday Morning we woke up and went to Brunch at Onion Creek with my brother Justin and his girlfriend Charlie. We had fun getting to know her more and hearing about their recent trek to California and back.

After brunch we took Adlie to the Houston Children's Museum

After the museum we came home and chilled. Then we had my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins over for dinner and homemade ice cream. Good times.

Sunday we hung around the house, and my mom highlighted my hair for me, then she had to fly home. It was a wonderful weekend, we love every minute we get to spend with my mom. Michael is doing better too, and has a dr. appt. tomorrow.

Adlie's 2nd Birthday

2010-07-12T15:20:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Adlie's 2nd Birthday Friday and Saturday. Her birthday was on Friday so Michael and I took her to see Toy Story 3. It was her first movie in the theater and she loved it! The movie was awesome too!

On Saturday morning her friends came over for a garden party. We made garden stepping stones and ate flowery cupcakes. Then at lunch time our family came over for a Toy Story party. We had a blast and we are so thankful for the gift that Adlie is!

My 26th Birthday

2010-07-12T15:11:00.001-07:00

Four days prior to my birthday I went out with my friends Katie, Marisa, and Taunie. We went to lunch at a sweet place called Tiny Boxwoods. Then we went shopping at High Fashion Home. It was such a lovely day and I'm thankful for all of my friends.

On my actual birthday Michael, Adlie, and I spent the day together. We started out with breakfast at La Madeliene, then coffee at Starbucks. We followed that with shopping at Aaron Brothers where I got canvases as a present from Michael and family. We also shopped at Old Navy, Michael's, and World Market. We came home and let Adlie nap and then we ended the day with breakfast for dinner at my grandparents house. My Grandad makes the best pancakes. It was a perfect birthday!

Inspired Shelves

2010-07-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

I recently bought the summer issue of Fresh Home Magazine and got inspired. They refreshed a dresser with blue paint and cool circular decals. I just got three magazine shelves for my birthday made by my Grandad. I painted them cream yesterday, and then today I gave them a little pizzazz that mimicked the decals on the dresser. Let me know what you think?

Before pictures

Book for Daudi

2010-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

My dad is going to Uganda in a couple weeks and he is going to get to meet a boy he and my mom support named Daudi. He asked if I could make something artsy to give to him and this book is what I came up with. I hope he enjoys it, he is six so I think he will.

Rain+Adlie's Naptime= Creativity

2010-07-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Scrapbooking March, April, May and June

Portrait of Diane Setterfield

I recently read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I was drawn to the picture of the author on the back of the book and took a shot at trying to paint it. I usually steer clear of painting people because I don't have much confidence in it. However, I'm glad I gave it a try. I went into it telling myself to just have fun and not stress about it looking realistic or photographic. I'm happy with how it turned out and thankful for the rain that motivated me.

Adlie Jane and I

2010-07-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Adlie will be Two in 8 days. And just like everyone always says time has flown by. She is a delight! She is fun to be around and she's funny. Here are some things she's been saying lately...

"Mom, where are you?"
"Hello baby, miss me?
"Prolly not"

What she's into right now....

Buzz and Woody
Dora
Thomas the Train
M&M's
Reading Go, Dog, Go over and over
Looking through her Jesus Storybook Bible and naming the characters

What she's learning...

How to count, she can count to eleven, but she skips number seven
She sings a lot, and somehow knew that anything can be a microphone, ex. a lego tower

How to sing her abc's
How to talk in full sentences
How to put on a whiny voice, yikes

I'm so thankful for her and I love that I get to be her mom!

Happy Birthday Grandmom!

2010-06-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we celebrated my Grandmom's birthday. My Grandmom is my mom's mother. She is thoughtful, welcoming, generous, lovely, classy, and true. She is always there when you need her. She is fun to talk to, she loves reading mysteries, going to the Tea Room with her friends and going to church. I'm so thankful for her, she is very dear to me, and I love her!

My grandparents, Uncle Kris, Aunt Nancy, and cousins Christian, and Connor all came over to our house. We had pot roast, green beans, rolls, and salad. And for dessert we had Chocolate Dream cake that Nancy made. We had a great time. She got a globe, a pretty puzzle, and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Happy Birthday Grandmom!

Concert In The Park

2010-06-28T13:23:00.001-07:00

Saturday night my Grandad and I went to Concert in the Park at League Park in League City. The Kurland Street Big Band performed and they were wonderful! www.kurlandstreetbigband.com. Big Band is probably my favorite type of music. My favorite song they played was "The Way You Look Tonight". The night was breezy and we sat in the shade, it was lovely. I'm so glad my Grandad came. We made a great memory. Summer is sweet!

Morning with Family

2010-06-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

My dad was in town yesterday and today. He came to our house yesterday and had lunch with me and Adlie, and watched Toy Story with us (Adlie's favorite movie right now). This morning we met my dad, my Aunt Sharon, and my brother Justin for breakfast. We ate at French Gourmet Bakery, stopped by Buffalo Exchange, and then hung out at Justin's house for a bit. It was a great morning!

Paper Bag Book

2010-06-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Nancy showed me a paper bag book like this that my cousin had made for her a while back. I thought it was so cute that Adlie and I made our own version today.

Supplies:

Paper Bag
Scissors
Stapler
Magazines Optional
Paint Optional
Pen or Marker

Step 1. Cut a paper bag into four or five equal sections

Step 2. Paint or Draw on your cover page. We stamped Adlie's hand with acrylic paint, you could also just trace your child's hand or if they are old enough let them design it all by themselves. Adlie is 23 months so I helped her with this one.

Step 3. Decide what your book is going to be about, and if you want, cut corresponding pictures out of magazines. Or like I said if your child is older let them draw their own pictures. We made our book about things Adlie does, so I cut pictures of books, food, art, because Adlie reads, eats, and creates.

Step 4. Glue your pictures on and write your story lines.

Step 5. Staple your pages together

Step 6. Put finishing touches on your cover page and give your book a title.

Step 7. Fill the pockets with pictures, tags, or post-its like we did. After the page that reads " Adlie eats" I wrote her favorite foods on the post-it. After " Adlie creates" I wrote that she loves stickers, paint, and buttons, etc.

Step 8. Enjoy your new little book and read it with your kids to their hearts content!

Our book reads like this..." Adlie...Adlie learns, Adlie creates, Adlie reads, Adlie eats, Adlie stops to smell the flowers."

Gift Tag Winner

2010-06-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

The winner of the gift tag giveaway is Alli! Congratulations! Hope you enjoy them!

Above is an example of how to use the tag. I also made the wrapping paper by stamping plain newsprint. Easy and fun.

Gift Tag Giveaway

2010-06-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago my friend Glenna gave me gift tags for my birthday. I loved them. Ever since then I stopped giving cards with birthday presents. I've made my own gift tags and now I just tie a ribbon on the present and attach a gift tag. It is nice and simple.

Today I'm giving away a set of 10 gift tags. Leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Friday June 25th.

My Home

2010-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Living Room

Kitchen

Breakfast Area

Half Bath

Guest Room

The Nursery

Adlie's Room

Study

Our Dining Room that is in need of curtains.

Our Room - not there yet, not even close. We plan to get a platform bed, different lamps, curtains, and more art.

Grapeland Visit

2010-06-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon Adlie and I went to Grapeland Texas to visit my Aunt Joanie and Uncle Mike. Thursday we drove to Tyler to see my cousin Alex and his wife Katie. We ate lunch with them, went to the Brookshire Museum, Barnes and Noble, and The Children's park. Thursday night we drove back to Grapeland, talked and watched Alice in Wonderland. We had a really good time. It was nice to be in some wide open spaces, and now we are back at home and happy to be with Michael.

The Children's Park in Tyler

Brookshire's World of Wildlife and Country Store

Me, Aunt Joanie, and Katie

Playing outside on their property

Rainy Day Creativity

2010-06-08T14:53:00.001-07:00

My neighbor gave me this plaque a while back and I just came up with an idea to transform it. Yesterday once we got home from the petting zoo we had a thunderstorm. I put on Diana Krall singing Isn't It a Lovely Day and worked on it. This is what it became.

Me

I painted the flowers in the background and glued buttons for the middles of each flower

I painted chip board letters, put glitter on them, and then put them on top of everything

I stamped the lyrics to "You can't always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones. I love that song because it's a lesson I'm always learning and one that I want to ingrain in Adlie. I can't decide if the piece is for me or for Adlie's room.

Petting Zoo

2010-06-07T10:56:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to a petting zoo outside Friendswood Library. Adlie really liked it, and she wasn't afraid of anything. She got to pet goats, sheep, rabbits, and a pony. Good times.

Adlie's Faces

2010-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Egg Carton Wreath

2010-06-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Materials Needed

1 egg carton
Acrylic Paint in various colors
1 piece of cardboard or the back of a tablet or notebook for the ring of the wreath
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Green paper for leaves
Glitter optional
1 piece of ribbon to hang it

Step 1. Cut egg carton into individual sections

Step 2. Paint each section or let your child paint them. We used three different colors of acrylic paint.

Step 3. Cut leaves out of green paper

Step 4. Cut slits into each section once they are dry

Step 5. Spread them out so they look like flowers and so they are ready to be painted in the middle

Step 6. Paint the middles of each flower white and apply glitter if you want

Step 7. While the flowers dry cut out your wreath ring out of whatever board you have on hand and then paint it

Step 8. Get glue gun hot and lay flowers out to see how much spacing you will need. Then attach leaves and flowers to ring with your glue gun. Lastly attach ribbon, hang up, and enjoy!

The finished product

Our Little Soloist

2010-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:00