I'm Elmo and I Know It!

For the past few weeks Autumn and her friends have been practicing for the

Atkinson Academy spring lip sync contest.

It started out rocky as the group was divided upon which song to use. There was lots of arguing, yelling, and even some tears. Finally they agreed upon a song from You Tube titled

"I'm Elmo and I Know It", which is set to the music from

LMFAO's "I'm Sexy and I Know It".

They put the routine together pretty quickly, and we were all happy that they were having so much fun. After one last practice last night before the big show, they were all set to go on stage.

The main "character" who played Elmo had requested that their group be last. So out 17 acts

they were #17. As the time came closer, I was beginning to get nervous. I guess because you

never know what's actually going to go down on stage.

They ended doing a really great job. Elmo stole the show of course! And when it came

time to announce the top three winners, you could see them all crossing their fingers.

Winners for third and second place were announced. Then it was said that there was a tie for

first place. The act "The Polar Express" was announced as a first place winner, and then

"I'm Elmo and I Know It" won first place as well!! :))

After this there was lots of screaming (my ears still hurt). I was so happy for them.

This they will always remember.

The gang after their performance.
Molly, Matt, Catherine, Delaney and Autumn

I want to say a special thank you to the Moms in the group ~ Julie, Kelly, Stacey and Kerry.
This could never have happened without their creativity and generosity.

Have a great weekend all!

xo,

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Fabulous Friday Finds ...

...A Cameo Appearance!

Trend Watch ~ Have you noticed the latest trend which has brough back the cameo?

In the past cameos were romantic jewelery or hair accessories.

Today things have changed, in a big way.

Sure there's still traditional cameo designs which I think are beautiful,

but no longer are cameos only pastel and romantic. During my Etsy search this week

I came across the coolest products with cameos which are not pastel, nor romantic.

I would describe this collection as coloful and fun.

I know colorful and fun is not what comes to mind when you hear the word cameo,

but after checking out these products you will have changed your view on cameos.

(Although I did sneak one vintage item in there that was colorful, but still romantic.

Can you spot which one? :) 

As usual each product is numbered, and below the collage is a link to each shop

if you'd like to see more from a particular artist.

Enjoy :)

1}  Vintage Cameo Collection of Bobby Pins from NestPrettyThingsShop on Etsy
2}  Audrey Hepburn Custom Color Decorative Accent Pillow by regansbrain on Etsy 
3}  Coin Purse with Colourful Spring Flowers & Dots by microbio on Etsy
4}  Kitty Cameo Embroidered Kitchen Towel by FabulouslyFierce on Etsy
5}  Upcycled Farm Wood Silhouette Princess Cameo Painting by TheCuddlesFactory on Etsy 
6}  Personalized iPad Case by PrettySmitten on Etsy
7}  Traditional Silhouette Collection Custom Large Plate - Hand Painted by AedrielOriginals on Etsy
8}  Believe in Sherlock Mini Printed Notebook by IGotAJarOfDirt on Etsy
9}  Felt Cameo Brooch Loving Log Eco by LittleGrayFox on Etsy

So what do you think?

Do you prefer old-style cameos, the trendy new-style cameos or both? 

 I have to say I ♥ both.  

Happy Friday!

xo,

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Have we lost the art of letter writing?

Yesterday I was thinking back to when I was in junior high and how I had a "pen pal" from the West Indies. Her name was Marva. It was so exciting, almost surreal, that I was communicating with a girl my age who was so far away, and led a completely different kind of life.

I loved receiving her letters in the mailbox, and eagerly wrote back. I remember putting my letters in a special envelope, and going to the post office and asking for it to be send Air Mail.

Photo source Kaboodle.com

Photo source csebastian.tumblr.com

Unfortunately I don't think I kept any of Marva's letters. I have no idea why I wouldn't have, but they are nowhere to be found. What I do have though is a shoebox full of handwritten "notes" from junior high and high school. {I know there are many of you out there who probably have a similar shoebox stashed away somewhere.} I used to love looking through them and reminiscing about days gone by.

I haven't taken these notes out for years, but it occurred to me that I am lucky to have this box full of memories. Of conversations between friends. Something that kids today will never have.

With all the texting, facebooking, emailing, blogging and twittering I do believe that letter, or note, writing is almost nonexistent. {I know for myself that my hand cramps up just writing a check as I'm more accustomed to a keyboard.}

The good part about all the technology though is that maybe there is a possibility that I could find Marva again. I think I've found everyone else I've ever known lol.

Is there anyone out there who still writes letters?

Or how about still keeps a shoebox full of notes?

I'd love to hear if you do!

Have a great Thursday :)

xo,

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Wordless Wednesday ...

Tweet, tweet!

(tweet is NOT a word :)

I had to add a few words! For today's WW post, I wanted to share the newest addition to my Etsy shop.  A set of 12 Little Birdie Thank You Notes with Matching Handmade Envelopes. Perfect for spring-time baby showers and birthday parties.

These whimsical birds are created from cardstock, patterned paper, and buttons, and the envelopes from coordinating cardstock.   

Please feel free to link up your WW posts here!  I always return the ♥.

Comments are appreciated as well.

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10 Things I Love About Spring

As of today I can officially say Happy Spring!!

Many of my recent posts have been about the arrival of spring. From some of my Fabulous Friday Finds posts, to my posts about my Little Birdie Cupcake Toppers and other products, and how perfect they are for spring events.

Because today is the first day of spring I thought I'd make a list of the top 10 things I love about spring :)

1} Longer days

For me this means pleny of time for both work and play,

without the darkness of winter settling around us so early.



Image source greenteadesign.com via jackandjillwedding.com

2} Eating ice cream outdoors

Finally you don't need to cuddle up on the couch, under a blanket, to enjoy ice cream. It is also not so hot that as soon as you hold your ice cream, it melts into a sticky puddle.

Photo source karaspartyideas on Etsy

3} Waking to the sound of birds

In the summer birds begin the chirp about 4am which is just way too early. In the spring here they seem to appear with the sun, which is perfect timing.

Photo source photoshow.com

 

4} Wearing flip-flops

Finally I can trade my cozy warm Uggs for a pair of brightly colored

flipflops, without freezing my toes off.

Photo source amominredhighheels.com



5}  Frozen drinks

Yum, what more is there to say?

Photo source displayfakefoods.com

6}  Vintage inspired swimsuits

No it's not warm enough to wear one, but it is time to start thinking about it.

Photo source betseyjohnson.com

 

7}  Driving with the car windows open

After cranking the heat in the car for the past few months we can finally roll down those windows and get messy hair.

8} Outdoor Parties

This is the perfect time of year to hold an outdoor party.  It's not so hot your uncomfortable, but the warmer sunshine make things a bit more cheery.

Photo source countryliving.com

9}  Reading Outdoors

This is one of my favorite activities. Bringing whatever I'm reading outside in the sunshine.  So relaxing.

Photo source sacramentostreet.com

10} The reopening of Skips

And last but certainly not least is the reopening of my favorite burger place.  They are only open in the spring and summer, so we always visit as soon as they reopen.

 

Photo source dinerhotline.wordpress.com

 

So that's my top 10 favorite things I love about spring!

What do you love about spring?

 

xo,

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compassion

Teaching a child how to show compassion is not always an easy task. This is especially true for Autumn, who is the baby of the family. When she was born my older two children, Taryne and Zachary, were already eight and eleven.

This was also the time when I was transformed into a SAHM. So whereas Taryne and Zachary were not completely dependant upon me for everything, Autumn was. I have found that being the center of attention in this way makes a child feel loved, but at the same time they may have a difficult time learning compassion.

Autumn is a girl with her own agenda. She will listen to my opinions, but then she will follow her own beliefs rather than follow what I have tried to teach her. In some aspects this is wonderful, but she needs to learn that many times her actions will affect others in some way.

In the fall Autumn decided that she wanted to sign up for Brownies(Girl Scouts). I loved this idea because this is a place where girls can learn important values from someone besides a parent. Personality-wise this was perfect for Autumn.

This brings me back to the subject of compassion. This past week's Brownie lesson was all about compassion for animals. We visited a local animal shelter where the girls donated supplies, took a tour, and then discussed all of it afterwards during their meeting. In the end they all earned a badge to place on their vests, and hopefully came away with a bit more knowledge of compassion.

Happy Monday :)

xo,

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