FALL FUN

I am not sure why in the world I love fall so much, but I do! It was wonderful to be on break, the week before Halloween, because the kids and I made some interesting treats. We drank soup out of test tubes, made mummies, monster cupcakes, and monster teeth! Lots of fun. Catch a glimpse at some of the other good times that rolled in!

PUMPKIN PATCH

DECORATING PUMPKINS

I had an idea of how we could do them and the kids kind of ran with it! You can see their marks. Cute, huh?!

OUR ANNUAL BOO

Usually this is our way of delivering invites to our party.

Since we didn't have one, we delivered little Halloween treat bags.

LM couldn't understand that we weren't haven't a party...a bit devastating for us both! :)

TRICK OR TREAT

THRILLER PARTY

A friend of the family had a Thriller party...love this girl!

She encouraged us to dress up.

Brian, of course, went with a sports theme. I tried to match him and the party theme; going as his "WILDCAT" girlfriend in the eighties.

As you can see, a lot of the outfit was a bit homemade on the day of the party! :)

Things to Love

A lot of people can't figure out the meaning behind my blog title. I really came up with the name when I was toying around with starting some form of a baby/children's boutique. As most of you know, I have an absolute obsession with stripes and polka dots...it just seemed like a natural fit. As I grew up the courage to start my blog for the family, I could not think of anything creative to title it. Yesterday, I decided to start featuring some of the striped, polka dotted, and what not things that I love. Hopefully, you will love the items and decide you can't live without them! If you come across a "thing to love", pass it on. I can feature you and that item! Happy Loving!

ZEBRA STRIPED

My friend, Maggie, created these masterpieces with her kiddles! I just love them especially the zebra striped one! You, too, can create one of these! Mag was able to free hand both...wish I had that talent. To achieve the zebra print, spray paint the whole pumpkin in white. Then create the black stripes with black acrylic paint.

DOTS AND STRIPES

I recently ordered this whimsical banner from Etsy. I adore it! You can find your own creation at Whimzy Creations. The designer was super easy to work with and promptly had my purchase in the mail. I have got my eye on a "Give Thanks" banner for Thanksgiving.

Traveling with Kids

Not too long ago, a friend ask for some traveling tips for flying with small children. I am no expert, but have been traveling with the kids since they were super small. Let's see, LM was 8 weeks old on his first plane trip. Miss Peanut was 4 weeks old when we made a 15 hour road trip. Since I just got back from a trip to see my family in Oklahoma, I thought I could relay some of those tips.

1. Create little goodie bag or presents for kids to open up. This last trip, I had little Halloween bags filled with little trinkets (necklace, flip bracelet, tattoos, gummy Lifesavers, etc.).
2. Bring lots of snacks/drinks and when you think you have enough...add some more. You can NEVER have enough! Security lets you bring small drinks through if they are for kids.
3. Have Clorox wipes and antibacterial wipes handy. I'd wipe everything down!
4. Bring activities and books that revolve around a theme.
5. Blankets are a necessity, so the kids don't get cold!
6. Extra clothing/socks for YOU and kids! Trust me...you may need them for yourself. Miss P threw up one time all over herself, Brian, me, and the man sitting near us! We didn't have extra clothes for Brian. YUCK!
7. Make sure the shoes you and kids are wearing are comfortable and easy to get on and off quickly. Security check requires everyone take shoes off and it is awful when people are rushing you to hurry up. You may also want to make sure you all are wearing socks...just seems gross for everyone's bare feet germs to be everywhere.
8. Take a stroller...even if your kids are bigger. Most airports I have flown out of have a special line for this! IT IS SHORTER and helps you avoid standing in a long line with small children. The stroller also makes it easier to keep track of kids because getting distracted will happen in an airport filled with chaos!
9. Take pics of the people you are going to see...builds excitement for kids.
10. DO NOT take any liquids that are more than 2 ounces. You must have liquids in a plastic bag too!
11. Have gum, pacifier, bottle, or chewy candy ready for landing and take off. This helps release tension in their little ears when the air pressure changes.
12. This was my first time on a plane with a DVD player and it would have worked out great if I had charged it! :)
13. Minimize your bags into 1. That means no purse...put important stuff in the big bag and pack purse in suitcase. You can switch it over when you get there!
14. Be prepared to deal with flight personnel and passengers that don't love kids. I hate this, but it is so true! Smile, but remember to protect your kids!

***Couple of funny things that happened on this trip...

• While working with Little Man, Miss Thing spilled a tiny bit of water. She was taking her clothes off when I turned around to check on her! Nothing like a streaker on a plane!
• LM accidentally spilled his drink all over the man sitting next to him. Keep in mind that he was asleep! Ha! What a way to wake up. The guy was totally awesome about it, but I was super mortified!
• The above weren't so bad! I have been on a 12 passenger plane's restroom with two kids. LM was using the restroom while I had Miss Peanut on my hip. She began vomiting all over the lavatory door. That was a mess! Never a dull moment!

HAPPY TRAVELING!

Like Her Momma

So, Miss Peanut is a girly girl! Check out her make-up and the pedicure she gave herself! :)

Wildcat Homecoming

Right around the wedding, LM was selected to be MR. FUTURE WILDCAT for our town. He got to be in a parade and walked across the field on Homecoming night. I think it was fun for him and always...I loved playing dress up with him! Check out my little stud and the cutie, MISS FUTURE WILDCAT...

PARADE

HOMECOMING

***Had to throw this one in of my brother, Cam! I have to tell you that I think Uncle Cam (Nax)beat us in the PRIDE department that night. The two of them have always been buds!

"Get your Game on"

Basketball season is right around the corner. This is HUGE for our household with Brian being a coach and Little Man loving the sport! Since basketball is so big for us, a lot of people really think we force LM through drills to improve his game. SO NOT TRUE! He is at the gym a lot with Brian and is able to pick up on things that probably most kids aren't exposed to as often. This kid is flat out obssessed on his own...he watches highlight videos without Brian even being here, sets up cones outside to improve his quickness, and...


That is right...he is carrying a hoop up a hill! SERIOUS TRAINING, I say!


***Just kidding! Brian and I turned around to see him doing this. He was trying to move the hoop up to the concrete area! Funny pic, huh?

Missy's Wedding

Thought I would share some of the pics from the wedding I was in a couple weeks back. Pictures keep surfacing and I am waiting for one with Missy and me! Shame on me for forgetting to grab one! I think I was a little bit nervous before the wedding because I hate being in front of people and was worried about falling! Yes, I know...hard to believe that crazy me gets nervous about things like that! On to the BRIDE'S DAY with some family and funnies...

(Couldn't resist this one! You know me...gotta love the shock factor!)

***Kelley...stay tuned more pics of kids soon!

Teeny Tiny Tea

For Missy's Personal Shower, we decided to have a Teeny Tiny Tea at my house. I probably drove the girls nuts with all of my craziness. My goal for every little party is to have great food and one or two items that will leave an impression. I loved working on this shower because it was for my friend, my favorite color is plum, my home is filled with decor that matched the shower colors, AND I used the flowers from my wedding that was almost 10 years ago. Shannon came over the night before to help make all of the food that you see! The photos were taken by Miss Carolyn, our Children's Minister (thanks, friend).

Flowers, vase, and marbles from my wedding with a new twist!

Found these over sized tea cups at ROSS back in July for $5! We used them for a game, to hold plasticware, and tea selections.

THE BRIDE

TEENY TINY SOMETHINGS THAT WON'T BE SHOWN ON BLOG ;)

I had a "Teeny Tiny Tee" made for any future babies that may come along!

Missy and her Bridesmaids...Amber (thanks, friend) brought over all of her tea party hats for everyone to wear.

Finally Breathing Fall!

With everything that has been going on, we haven't gotten to do many fall activities. We are working to get our decor out, hit a few festivals, and make our trip to the pumpkin patch! Hoping we get into the swing of FaLL soon! The season brings one of favorite things as a Mom...dressing the kids up for Halloween! I LoVe it~
The other night, I took LM to get his Halloween costume. Long gone are the days where I can shape and mold his costume. Over the years, I have tried to bring some creativity. He wants to be a STAR WARS character this year. This is truly uncharted territory for me. I have NEVER had any interest in this movie...EVER! I have decided to do what good moms have to do in certain situations...LET GO! You just have no idea how difficult this is for me! Luckily, I have a little girl that is just waiting for me to create a cute little costume for her! One of my favorite Halloween costume catalogs is WISH CRAFT. They also have an amazing clothing line called CHASING FIREFLIES. I really want to get Princess Peanut everything they sell, but would settle for the pettiskirt and ruffle jacket. I am not at the point where I can splurge on the clothing yet, but I am going to keep dreaming! Who knows my dream may come true some day! Happy Costume Shopping!

Sporty Jayme

Yes, I know...Sport and Jayme do not belong in the same sentence together, but let's play make believe for a bit!

Not too long ago, we went to our nephews' (Brian's sister's kids) birthday parties. At one of those parties, I had a time warp flashback to my Whitman Elementary days. I used to play tether ball every day at recess. We would scarf our lunch down and jet out the door towards the tether ball courts. I like to say that I mastered the game to some degree. My father put a court in the backyard of our house in Mesa AND Oklahoma. It was serious stuff! I will never forget the one girl that I could never beat...old MONA...she was so intimidating and twice my size! As I got older, the love of the game began to fade and shopping became my sport of choice. The passion for the game returned when I could see the court, in the distance, at the pool where Little D was having his b-day pool party. I tried to teach LM how to play and then Brian wanted in on the action. I held my own, but couldn't never beat him. Please note I was in a skirt and wedged flip flops. The sweat was profusely pouring down my back (even had to take a shower afterwards). Yet, this didn't change my desire to beat someone...ANYONE! My bro-in-law, Tom, walked up inquiring about the game. Brian and I gave him the objective and rules of the game. He is a good guy, health nut, and athletic. Believe it or not, we actually have a lot in common. We know our way around the kitchen, love to bask in the sun, and are rather competitive. I guess our competitive nature appeared because one thing led to another and we began to play each other. Proud to say that I beat him a couple of times, but he is no fool! Tom quickly learned to use his height to his advantage and beat me ragged. I wish I could say that I let him beat me, but I didn't.

This little incident leaves me wondering where in my backyard I should put my tether ball court so I can begin training to beat Tom. Would any of you come over and practice against me?

SIDE NOTE: Literally, after an hour of trying to upload my most recent photo of Tom, I have nothing to show for it. I decided to quit and use one of him holding Annie from...um...two years ago! UGH! Good photo of him, but PeAnUt looks crazy like she is super hungry! Oh, well, that is technology and my ancient computer! Hey...I just bought a new fridge...why not a new computer too! Don't think I won't!

Glimpse Into the Last Month or MORE!

Okay, so my sister has been hounding me to update this blog. I really wish that I would have recorded each of her texts because they got downright funny! One of the funniest was: "BLOG! WOMAN!" Just when I thought no one reads this or cares...Kelley comes through with one of her demands and here I am at the computer once again! As true to "JayMommy" style, I had overextended myself to the point that Brian has requested that I don't plan any parties for awhile. Which means no Halloween party...ugh...we still will decorate and deliver treats with the kids in our sneaky way. The sad thing is we have been so busy we haven't had the chance to enjoy the Fall festivals. Why don't I just give ya a little peak into the last few weeks and I can elaborate in separate posts?



Enjoyed Kings Island Passes...


Went to our nephews' parties and taught my favorite Brother-in-Law how to play Tether ball...








Watched LM play soccer...



Planned a bridal shower for my good friend...




Organized a block party....


Worried and fretted over Peanut dislocating her elbow...




Shopped for a new fridge because my original wimped out and was replaced by the one from college...it ain't cutting it...my new one will be here on Friday...




Prepped for a wedding...got airbrushed...be prepared to say..."Oh, my!"...promise the color mellowed, but not before we had some good laughs over it!




Girls' Night out...Bachelorette Party...who looks crazier...me or Missy or BOTH?



Styled Little Man for his appearance as Mr. Future Wildcat at Homecoming...



Enjoyed family visiting...



Participated in a wedding...

NOW I AM TRYING TO GET MYSELF RESTED AND READY TO ATTACK MY GARAGE, START TOT SCHOOL, AND DECORATE FOR FALL!

Honestly, three days after all of the crazy whirlwind of busyness is over, I am still feeling exhausted!