SOOOOO much to share...

Well, this past week with Gabby at home has been wonderful, busy and tiring! I just wanted to thank everyone for all the nice comments and emails...it means a lot to me! These two pictures of Gabby's little head and feet were taken by Kim at the hospital when she came to see us...there was this perfect evening sun coming in through the window so we took advantage of it and did a little photo shoot. Such cute pictures, hey?

And here is Payton and Gabby...sisters. So cool! I love saying that! Payton is such a good big sister and loves Gabby to death...always wanting to kiss and cuddle and help the baby burp. P just cracks me up...she likes to take Gabby's soother and hide it on me. But she always knows exactly where to find it when I ask her to get it!

And here's Gabby and I when she was 2 days old...my little girl...so fun to have a baby around again...

Gabby is just like Payton was and looooves to be wrapped up tight in her blankets...her eyes aren't open that often (she is an AWESOME sleeper!) so I had to take this picture of her when she was lounging on the couch, looking around. So sweet!!

Okay, don't laugh at me...Gabby sleeps in a laundry basket beside our bed right now. She has a beautiful crib, but I would just rather have her close to me right now so I can hear her and not have to get out of bed at night...and look how cute she is in there! This little bed is the perfect size! hehe! I may have to borrow a cradle from someone soon...


And here is Graham with his girls...he is so cute with them, there's nothing like seeing your hubby love and cuddle his kiddies. Makes my heart so happy.

And last but not least, I took this picture today...I left the room for about 2 minutes and when I came back, Payton was decorating her little sister with stickers. How hillairious is that? I had to take a picture of course, it was so funny. Glad that Payton was willing to share her stickers (one of her FAVE things to play with) with her little sister. Again, it made my heart so happy. So things are going well...we're all learning and adjusting to the changes in our family, and I know that's all a part of the process. I just keep telling myself that the only thing that matters is that my kids are happy. I know I am....tired....but also very happy.

kk

Now let's not forget about Little Miss Sassy-Pants...Kherington Gray.

(click on collage to see larger)

Okay, where oh, where do I begin when it comes to my crazy- cute 2 year old? Let's start off by saying she's full of spunk, sass and life. This girl always has us laughing and is developing quite the personality. While she's shy with people at first, once she warms up there's no stopping her personality and cuteness. We are learning that she loooooves to sing and dance. She sings "twinkle twinkle little star" in her own language on a daily basis...at the top of her lungs and with actions and all. She loves the movie "Tangled" and sings along with it, too...it is so funny. I think sometimes Graham and I forget that she's getting a little older...she's been our baby for 2 years and it's hard to believe those days will soon be coming to an end! We just recently moved her into her "big girl bed" and she has done so well...she thinks it's funny to come to her door with all of her pillows and blankets, but it's usually pretty easy to get her right back into bed. Oh, and she loves all of her baby-dolls...she is always carting one around. And she's very particular when it comes to tucking them in at night...everything has to be just so before she goes to sleep. Again...she's so funny! While 2 can be a challenging age, it certainly makes up for it in cuteness.

We just love our little princess. Her big sisters are totally enamoured with her, as are mommy and daddy. I don't think there is anything in the world that melts a parents heart more than hearing their little ones say "mama" and "daddy" clear as a bell...she definately has daddy wrapped around her little finger! Honestly, I could go on and on...she just brings so much happiness to our family, I don't know what we would do without her! I can't wait to see her be a big sister to her "boy baby" as she calls him...we love you, KK. *mwah*!!!

:)

home again

Well, I'm home! I got back from Houston at 1:30am on Sunday morning and after a full day of travel I was sooooo happy to go to sleep in my own bed! I had such a fun week with my sisters and their kiddies. I was sure I was just going to be so happy to be on my own with no children, but of course, I totally missed my girls. I kept wishing that I had brought them with me, but then I would just remind myself of the hassle of taking little kids on trips...the flying, the strollers, sippy's, bottles, naptimes, bedtimes, and just all of their STUFF...whew! I'm tired thinking about it.


So anyways, it was a very fun week. Niki was a good sport and took Karly and I shopping almost everyday. We had to hit those stores that us canadians don't have...Target, Pottery Barn Kids, Bath & Body Works, etc, etc, etc. We even went to this store and it was sooooo amazing! Of course I forgot my camera that day which is a total bummer 'cause this was the most beautiful scrapbook store I have ever been in. All pink, black and white with high ceilings and crown molding and just gorgeous, ornate frames that they displayed everything in. It was awesome. And the store owner came and chatted with me...she was in the "Year to Remember" class last year, too, so that was cool to talk with her. So much fun.




And I totally harassed my big sisters to take some pictures...they always complain about it and then afterwards they're both like, "Ooohh, make sure you email me all the pictures!" Haha!! Love these girls. We had some good laughs, let me tell ya. Poor Niki is still recovering from her C-section and Karly had us laughing pretty hard one night...fun moments to remember.







And me with Baby Harry...he is such a sweetie. And we referred to him as "Baby Harry" all week...that's just what everyone calls him! I just can't believe how tiny and sweet he is, there is nothing like holding a brand new baby. His little cries, movements and baby sounds were so precious...sigh. I got my baby fix for a week!!





And Baby Harry's big sister, Molly. This girl cracks me up...holy cow. This was the best pic I could get of her, she is constantly wiggling and on the move! She had us laughing all week, too...from getting stuck under her bed in the morning, then getting tangled up under her night table, running away from Mommy in the mall, wanting cold water poured on her face in the bath, her "time-out's"...there was never a dull moment!

Thanks for letting us crash your house for a week, Nik! Love you!




So now I am home and, once again, just trying to get back in the swing of things! I could barely function yesterday I was so tired. I'm looking forward to taking it easy this week. Actually this is a nice month...nothing major going on.



Hope everyone has a good week and I'll be back soon...lots to blog about!




And there's a new challenge up at the Goodie Box...our 1 year anniversary!



Tal:)

the simple things

A blessing and a curse.

Kherington is passed the glorious days of regular napping, so when she crashes in the late afternoon, I am always torn....do I wake her up and deal with the nasties that will follow, but know that she gets to go to bed early? Or do I let her sleep and enjoy an hour of quiet (she is two, after all!), but then deal with her refusing to go to bed at bedtime???

Either way, seeing her sleeping so peacefully was a simple moment in our home this week. (And for the record, on this day, I did let her sleep...who am I kidding, I probably went to sleep, too. Heehee!)

"why God made moms"

My friend sent this to me today by email and I just thought I'd share...so cute! All these answers were given by second grade school children. I'm sure you'll laugh like I did!!






Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.



How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.



What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.



Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.



What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.



What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?



Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.



Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.



What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.!



What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.



What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.



If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.



Haha!! Cute, hey?? Anyways...I totally should not be playing on the computer right now, it's time to get the girls ready for bed. Daddy's upstairs doing bathtime. Have a good night!!


T:)

kk and crew's room

Well, here it is...Kherington and Crew's little room. I had so much fun putting this room together and finished it and took these pictures last Tuesday morning...just in time, since I went into labour on Tuesday night! (nothin' like putting it off till the last minute!!) Anyways, for such a tiny room I had to keep it simple, but I think the fabrics and colors make it fun...I was totally inspired by all the grays and yellows I was seeing online, and thought that would be a fun color combo for a boy/girl room...take a look!

This little Pooh bear was a gift from my dad and has been in all my babies rooms.

KK's bed...she LOVES her bed! Naptimes and bedtimes are quite easy around here! All of the fabulous bedding was made by my mama. We went out shopping together and picked out fabrics, I told her what I kinda wanted, then she sewed everything up. I looooove how everything turned out!!

Love this pillow!

*sigh*....the ruffles.

I'll be adding a picture of KK and Crew together above the change table, and I made the "I am a Child of God" print in Photoshop. Again, I'd seen alot of these online and just created my own. I made the little elephant shadowbox using scrapbook paper and this cute elephant template. Oh, and the fabulous knobs on the dresser are all from Anthropoligie.

Of course that empty frame will be filled with an adorable picture of Crew...

And, the yellow crib. I love it! (am I saying that alot?) I wasn't sure if the yellow would be too much, but after having a pink crib for 2 years, what's the big deal to switch to bright yellow, right? These clouds were in KK's nursery, and I have a big "C" on order that will go above the crib, too. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to make/add a mobile for above the crib or not...we'll see!

The gorgeous quilt and bumper pads made by my mom. Again, just loving the yellows and grays!

A few more close-ups...the "you make me happy when skies are gray" was another one I created in Photoshop. I love this quote 'cause my grandpa used to sing me this song when I was little. :)

And there ya have it! I'll still be adding a couple things here and there, but just getting the room this far before Crew was born was a huge accomplishment! It's tiny but functional for my 2 little babes...thanks for taking a peek!

Tal xo

my girlies

I have been sooooo bad at taking pictures of my kids lately. I got out of the habit of snapping pictures when my camera wasn't working and then away being fixed, so I am trying to get back into it. Here a few pictures of the girls that I took in our front yard on Saturday morning. And I have to say....so cute! My girls make me so happy. I could eat 'em both!! (and notice their "skinny jeans"....haha!! I love them!!)



I just can't believe how old they are getting. Payton is totally a little girl. So grown up and sassy and determined. And Gabby is slowly but surely transitioning from a baby to a toddler. Starting to have meltdowns. Oy. Gray and I always laugh after we put them both to bed...we love them so much, but oh, it is SO NICE to have a little peace and quiet once they are in bed! Haha!!



I was just folding laundry and once again my mind went to scrapbooking...it hit me as to why alot of people DON'T scrapbook...they feel like there's no way they could ever scrapbook ALL of their pictures, and therefore, they don't scrapbook at all.



Guess what????




YOU WILL NEVER SCRAPBOOK ALL OF YOUR PHOTOS!! NOT IN A MILLION YEARS!!!




I think that is another misconception that people have about scrapbooking....that you have to scrapbook every single one of your photos. But we all know that that is just not possible and THAT'S OKAY. I personally just scrapbook the photos that I love and that are speaking to me at that moment. No pressure. No worries. Just FUN. The only expectations that have to be met when it comes to scrapbooking are THE ONES THAT YOU SET FOR YOURSELF. Don't worry what other people are doing. JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. If you tell yourself that you have to scrapbook all 200 photos from your family vacation this summer, then obviously you'll get discouraged and quit before you even begin. Just pick the 2 or 3 that are your faves and have fun!!


Sound good?




For some reason I am just wanting to "free" people when it comes to putting their pictures in scrapbooks lately...don't know why, but it's been on my mind alot.



Okay, I had a root canal done on my tooth today, so time to take some tylenol and get to work...I'm working on some CUTE stuff for the Goodie Box next month. I can't wait to share!!



T:)

i made a font!!!

I am soooo excited! I have been keeping this a secret for a while now, but a while back, I submitted a font that I designed to Creating Keepsakes, and they chose it to make into a font for the scrapNfonts website. Cool, hey? You can check out my font, "CK Taliatype" here...I hope to see you scrapbookers using it on your pages! Hehe! I used it for the writing on the above card...so weird to see my writing as a font. Kinda fun.

As usual, I've just been busy busy. I'm finally getting things a little better organized on my new computer...it's so different and it's taking me a while to re-learn everything...hopefully I'll be a pro soon. So I'm going a little cross-eyed right now, I've been sitting looking at the computer screen for hours. It's definately time for bed!

I did have a good day, though...I got a pedicure tonight which was so relaxing. If it didn't cost so much I would get them all the time! Nice to be pampered a little bit. And has anyone been watching "So You Think You Can Dance"??? Ah, I freakin' love that show. Donyelle, Travis and Benji are my faves. They are just so amazing. AAAahhh! So glad I still have another month of viewing pleasure.

Anyways, I'm honestly going to pass out if I don't get to bed NOW...I need to take advantage of the fact that I get to sleep thru the whole night. Not much longer till I'm up all the time! Craziness! Catch ya later.

the new room!

So this weekend was busy as usual...we managed to get the girls all moved into their new room and I am sooo happy with how it turned out. Why don't I let you take a quick look around and then I'll share some details...







We bought these bunk beds from Ikea and Graham just painted them white. It was so much cheaper to paint them compared to some of the other bunk beds we looked at. Thank goodness my husband's a painter! For the duvet covers and sheets, I ordered these sheet sets from Pottery Barn Teen. I knew I wanted to do their room in pink and orange and couldn't find anything that I liked in fabric stores, and then I came across these on the PB Teen website...it was meant to be! (just a note...Pottery Barn doesn't ship to Canada. My sweet big sister ordered and shipped them here for me...thanks, Nik!) The large frames above the bed are from Ikea as well.



My mom used the flat sheets from the sheet sets for the tops of the duvet covers...it worked out so perfectly! She also sewed the cute accent pillows and the curtains (which you'll be seeing soon). Again, soooo lucky to have a mama who is an amazing seamstress. Thanks, mom!





Next up is the dresser and bulletin board. Remember this bulletin board that I did last year? I did the exact same thing this time, but I also spray painted it hot pink. So stinkin' cute! I figure this will be a good place for the girls to display artwork and any pictures they want up in their room. The fridge is running out of space! (both the dresser and bulletin board are from Ikea...are we seeing a pattern here?)






And here's a peek at the curtains and the big wooden "P". Again, the curtains were sewn from one of the flat sheets, and a good friend cut the girls initials for me. Also, the hot pink paint color is "Wazzup" by General Paint. It is the perfect color, exactly what I wanted. But I'm warning you, only use this on one wall...it's very intense and would be overwhelming on too many walls! (I think the light pink balances it out quite nicely.)






My mom also made these little bags with the girls initials on them from leftover fabric. So cute...my kids love to collect things and carry them from place to place, so these will get lots of use around here!





On the wall opposite the beds is the girls Barbie house from Santa and this storage shelf from (surprise) Ikea.






Above the toy storage I have these shadowboxes displayed with the girls blessing dresses in them. These dresses are very sentimental to me as they were blessed in them by their daddy when they were both around 6 weeks old. (and sewn by Nana) I did Payton's a looong time ago and I've been meaning to put Gabby's in a shadowbox as well and just finally got around to it. This is such a sweet reminder of their individual blessing days and you can do something like this with any kind of baby outfit that has sentimental value to you. I hope that when the girls get older they'll appreciate that I kept these safe for them!

(frames from Ikea)



It took me a while to decide what toys I wanted kept in their room and which ones were being banished to the basement. After watching the girls play, I saw that they love their dolls. So this shelf is jam-packed with barbies, polly pockets, groovy girls and little plastic people. I purposely left the top empty 'cause they love to have a surface for their dolls to play on. Already, it's been working like a charm...they are in barbie and polly pocket heaven. (and I am loving that everything is organized!!!)







And a quick look inside the closet:

Gabby's clothes on the top rack, Payton's on the bottom, dress-up clothes and laundry on the floor. Dress-up clothes are an absolute MUST for my kids...they both change about 5 times a day, so this stuff HAD to have a space in their room. (And since this picture was taken I've added 2 clear plastic bins on the top shelf for clothes that they out-grow.)



And last but not least, toy storage under the bed. The perfect spot for larger dolls and toys that need a place in the room, but that I want hidden when not being played with!





So there ya have it! I told you, it was a big job and definately a team effort. Graham painted the walls and put the beds together on Friday night, my mom did all the sewing (I helped a little!), Graham painted the furniture and I did all the "projects". It seems like that wouldn't be too hard on my part, but it took a long time to decide exactly what I wanted to do, where it was going to go, how it was going to work, etc. Then on Saturday Gray and I moved everything in and spent the day organizing all the clothes and toys and cleaning cleaning cleaning. Payton and Gabby were sooooo excited when they saw it for the first time. It was very worth it to see how happy they were!



Now it's time to start thinking about the baby's room. Oy.



Tal :)