The Wagner Family of Five...

My husband says I eat weird things...

2012-01-27T11:51:00.004-05:00

If you ask Chris, he will tell you I eat strange foods together.

Top FIVE:

1).

2).

+
I put butter on my saltines. I used to watch my grandmother do it and I like!

3).

Chris thinks I am strange for liking french dressing in the middle of an avocado-it is YUM!

4). Eggs on top of toast. Normal right? No, I put jelly on the toast and then add the egg. Weird? Maybe.

5). This is the top one for Chris. Waffles with gravy. No chicken with it. Just waffles with left-over gravy poured on top. It is soo good. Chris calls it "Yankee food." I am from the south (born in Charleston), but LOVE waffles and gravy!

almost forgot this one! Here is another one. Peanut butter and marshmallow cream sandwiches. Mmmm.

all images via google images.

My weekend list

2012-01-27T09:27:00.006-05:00

A list for this weekend.

1. Finish caulking & painting the fireplace! Oh so close! I have a few spots at the top of the newly primed and mostly painted brick to caulk. Also, the very bottom of the brick- where it meets the floor-needs one more coat of paint. I went with a Historical Charleston color called Aunt Betty's white. I love it!

our fireplace 1.26.12

2. Purchase this rug for upstairs playroom. Dash & Albert-Trimaran Stripe Navy/Ivory Indoor/Outdoor

3. Talk Chris into going to look for a couch for the playroom. This will be the tough one. Chris likes to "kick it at home," as he has taught the twins to say.

4. Make this meal...

with the above salad

5. Browse Pinterest and read hundreds of blogs.

That is all folks! Have a wonderful weekend!

Project number 895

2012-01-25T14:49:00.020-05:00

Sorry, no fancy "mood board" for you.

Have you guessed!? I am queen of the starting of projects. Queen of designing/daydreaming/wishing about a new project in my house.

Moving on...

This is our playroom (cough cough) upstairs-a hot mess!

It is not really a playroom yet. As I said before, it is the 'graveyard of unwanted/needing work chairs.' My plan is to purchase a couch similar to the one below. I gave up on the Ballard one I love!

A navy one with a lighter colored piping is on the shopping list:

inspiration picture for a couch above from google images

current chair upstairs. Mom gave it to me. It was my grandmother's chair. The yellow is growing on me, so I decided to use it as my 'inspiration' to decorate the playroom instead of spending $400 to get it re-upholstered, I might as well spend the money on a rug and accessories. Remember last week I found a table to sand/prime/paint.

Speaking of accessories...

I found this lamp (two of them) at TJ Maxx for $30. It matches the yellow chair perfectly! Score!

Plan on purchasing some IKEA shelves for the tv wall. Do I think Chris will mount the tv on the wall like the above picture from Pinterest. Heck no!

Potential? Yes!

Found a Rug!
I am going to be purchasing this rug ASAP . Although it is not available until April. It is Dash & Albert- Ivory and Navy stripe. Indoor/outdoor love=kid friendly!

Can you see I am going for navy & yellow for my colors! Oh, and I plan to find some fabric for the drapes & pillow(s) with some orange in them for a 'pop' of orange :)

My "pop" of orange inspiration! Now, if I could just find a fabric with all three colors! Navy/yellow/orange!

A sad looking chair that desperately needs a make-over. It was a Goodwill find for $6 about 5 years ago! I have plans to have a slip-cover made for it too.

Found this picture on Pinterest. Would LOVE for hubby to 'punch' some holes in the walls and give us some extra needed bookcase love in the playroom!

Picture from Pinterest. Will purchase some IKEA Ribba frames like above picture for the wall where you see the dollhouse is currently placed.

7 foods

2012-01-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

7 foods even safety experts will not eat...

Click on picture of apples for full list

Playing at the park after school

2012-01-24T15:35:00.001-05:00

Hudson, Henry, and Amelia

Tuesday Pinspiration

2012-01-24T08:22:00.001-05:00

Current entryway in our house. Boring.

Want very subtle stripes above chair rail. Above photo is my inspiration.

Went on a blog vacation. I am back!

2012-01-23T07:45:00.010-05:00

WARNING. RANDOM BLOG DUMP!

I am searching for a couch and rug for the upstairs playroom. Right now, the room is our 'chair graveyard.' It is filled with chairs that do not work downstairs or are intended for the playroom (or thrift store finds that could not be passed up). Oh, and quite a few need to have a major makeover. I love the above fabric in the Ballard magazine for a couch. I am going to try to find something similar in the Charleston area.

Speaking of playroom...

found this table at the Goodwill yesterday. Dad says it is solid wood.

I was dropping off a load of stuff and went in to 'look.' Came home with a future side table next to our future couch. I will be painting it and replacing the knob(s). It was only $6.75!

Remember "Meow," our kitten! This picture is from last summer! She loves to sleep with Henry (still). She is almost a year old now!

July 2011

Speaking of last summer, remember this picture (below) of Amelia. She LOVES mayonnaise! Guess what!? She now loves turkey sandwiches (with her mayonnaise)! no more mayonnaise sandwiches (for now).

that mayonnaise is long gone!

Some days I look at the three kids and cannot believe they all started out as 5-6 pounds!

3-11-09

8-14-06

I went to a Pinterest Party on Saturday night! Everyone had to bring a recipe from Pinterest! I cheated and brought a recipe and THEN pinned it ;). I brought Natalie's Jalapeno Popper Dip. Recipe found here.

Speaking of Pinterest, I want to make these...

I think Red Lobster is disgusting (my opinion). BUT, their biscuits, I could eat a whole basket. Found this recipe on Pinterest which says they taste just like the Red Lobster version. I will let you know!

Happy Monday!

Blog Stalk much?

2012-01-17T21:37:00.007-05:00

I am loving the above blog right now. I would of NEVER thought of spray-painting one of these!
It is an IKEA light (comes white) and she (her husband) spray-painted it gold! I know what light will be going in the twins' room asap!

The above blog feels so much like myself. This post is to-the-tee what I would recommend for having a new baby!

I am thinking of doing this...

2012-01-17T19:35:00.001-05:00

YOU?

Wanna know what has been going on here?

2012-01-17T17:19:00.001-05:00

The stomach bug is here! Started with Hudson Saturday night, moved to Henry, then me! Oh joy!

Without too many details, this has been me for 24 hours!

Picture via google

Absolutely horrible! Chris stayed home today and had yesterday off. Thank goodness bc he has cleaned up vomit & diarrhea from places he never thought possible. Chris was a good sport. I think we (he) washed every last drop of fabric in this house!

Chris also had to hold Amelia while she was sick (it was soo sweet)! Believe me, I was left alone to deal with my sickness myself, baby girl, on the other hand is daddy's girl!

Maybe there will be a miracle and Chris will not get sick #nothildingmybreath

Soup recipe

2012-01-15T18:28:00.001-05:00

Three-bean Taco Soup

Click pictures for link/recipe.

We LOVED Laura's recipe for hearty, chicken tortilla soup.
http://evelynsmommy.blogspot.com/

Welcome baby Sophie Louise Byrne!

2012-01-14T17:35:00.003-05:00

My childhood friend, Meredyth had a baby girl yesterday in Ireland! Congratulations! Sophie was almost 5 llbs. and 5 weeks early! Doing well so far!

My top-five list potty training twins

2012-01-13T08:21:00.001-05:00

Here is my list of the top-five things I have learned in two-weeks of potty training twins:

1). Monkey-see-monkey-do. No need for explanation.
2). I was anti-pull ups. That quickly changed when Hudson told me "no diaper!!" I learned never say never. I mean, what else do you do at night!
3). When you say to one twin, "babies wear diapers," remember the other toddler is listening. Once Henry heard me say it, he refused a diaper -but had no desire to use the potty. Only solution for me was a pull-up full time. Again, never say never!
4). Once you offer a pull-up during the day to the twin who was doing great, look out for wet/dirty pull-ups! Hudson now asks for a pull-up to poop in it! Ugh!
5). Don't complain about the cost of diapers because pull-ups are twice the cost and you need a hundred pairs of undies! Ha!

Update on dead deer

2012-01-12T13:24:00.001-05:00

Chris walked in the house yesterday afternoon and said, "I cannot believe it took you this long to get rid of the last thing manly in *my* house (our)."

Success!

What will my husband think?

2012-01-11T16:20:00.004-05:00

this is temporary, but permanent (hopefully) for one reason. Let me explain. Chris bought our house before we were married. I despised(past tense) the house. Now, he cannot get me to move! Once I (we) have made it our 'home,' I do not want to leave. Yes, we have three small young-ens. Yes, we will outgrow this house very soon. But for now, I want to make it as 'home-y' as possible. With that being said, I removed the dead-deer from the living room. When Chris bought the house and I 'helped' pick out the furniture, I pretended (yes) to love Bambi in our (his) living room. 10 years later, dead-deer goes upstairs in the playroom/man room. Buh-bye!

Chris is going to be irritated by me moving his dead friend. Tough! No, really-if he insists on Bambi downstairs, I will change it (not without a fight). Ha! The mirror where the deer existed was just a switch-a-roo from another spot. I will add my gold-ish mirror {hand-made from wood-shims} once finished. Also, the lamp base is temporary. I will buy a gold-ish one to match the gold-ish lampshade (which by the way- I LOVE).

Rain!

2012-01-11T14:05:00.001-05:00

another recipe

2012-01-11T12:03:00.004-05:00

My friend, Laura and I have very similar taste in food. This is Laura's recipe for a soup she made recently. Some pictures from her blog...

She had me at cilantro! I LOVE cilantro!

For full-recipe for this hearty, chicken tortilla soup:

http://evelynsmommy.blogspot.com/

No more...

2012-01-11T11:06:00.003-05:00

...john-johns for twins. potty-train {ing}. sad.

boring, empty drawers now.

Do you do what I do?

2012-01-11T09:08:00.001-05:00

Went to Target yesterday morning to pick up a few things {ahem Pull-Ups-said I would never buy}.

Saw this lamp shade. Admired it. Touched it. Walked around with it. Mind you, it is gold-ish & white. Not my usual style. Decided I did not need. Put it back on the shelf. Went home and COULD not stop thinking about it.Husband came home from work and off to Target I went. Darn. No will-power.

This makes me nervous

2012-01-10T19:44:00.001-05:00

Read this story about my town...

http://m.live5news.com/autojuice?targetUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.live5news.com%2fstory%2f16491089%2fsummerville-shaking-foreshadows-big-quake

Blog dump

2012-01-10T15:32:00.005-05:00

My 2012 'to do list' is coming along very well!

Here was my living room, fireplace a few months ago....

My fireplace is now primed! I will be painting the brick an antique white.

current...

Progress

My hubby bought me Photoshop Elements for Christmas this year. I am beyond over-whelmed by it. I 'play' with it a little every night before bed. I have always used Picassa and I wanted something a little more 'advanced.' This program makes Picassa seem like child's play.

I am also trying harder to learn how to use my Canon camera. I bought a book from Amazon last week for learning the basics of my camera.

This is a photo I took while 'playing' with the settings on the camera. Nothing special. Just a 'raw' picture from my yard.

Now that was a blog dump!

Oh my brownie!

2012-01-09T20:21:00.001-05:00

Click picture for source of picture & recipe

Cupcake heaven

2012-01-09T20:11:00.001-05:00

Samoas (think Girl Scout) cupcake with salted, caramel, buttercream frosting.

Source: click picture

You know you are ready to use the potty when...

2012-01-09T09:31:00.001-05:00

...you come inside from riding your bike and lie on the floor and ask your mommy to change your diaper.

Buttermilk, blueberry breakfast cake

2012-01-07T20:46:00.001-05:00

Mmmm. Click picture for recipe.

Potty training twins

2012-01-06T08:19:00.001-05:00

Hudson-a big boy now!

Hudson is doing very well with using the potty. He has a few accidents a day. I cannot give up now-I cannot put an almost-three-year-old back in a diaper!Hudson told me this morning he needed Amelia's hat to use the potty (hence the pic)! Whatever works, right! I will have to say, Henry could care less about using the potty & I am kind of happy bc potty training two boys at the same time-not so fun! Once Henry is ready, it should not be so bad since he is getting to watch Hudson and knows what is involved. I wanted to jump up & down on the diaper isle in Target the other day-I got to buy a SMALL pack of diapers! That is HUGE for a twin mommy!

Meatloaf recipe

2012-01-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

I am determined to MAKE my husband (kidding) like meatloaf. I never make it bc Chris calls it 'hamburger pie.'I am making this version tonight...

Photo and recipe from Pioneer Woman. Click photo for link/recipe

A recipe to try! Creamy Mac & Cheese

2012-01-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

It worked! Saw this recipe on Pinterest and it is great! The only downfall, you have to stand at the stove & stir for ~30 minutes (noodles are cooked in milk-no water-so must stir for no scorched milk).

Recipe link by clicking my picture.

My bench make-over (in progress)

2012-01-02T09:15:00.001-05:00

Now...

I brought the bench downstairs out of the attic. Chris' grandfather made this bench a long time ago. I am going to paint it and add a custom cushion.

My inspiration above.

I think I want to use a chevron pattern with a contrasting piping.

This type of cushion above (but different colors).

I am a sucker for chevron.

Happy new year 2012!

2012-01-02T08:57:00.001-05:00

Happy new year from The Wagners!

We took Amelia to James Island County Park for two-nights last week. My in-laws (pictured) have an R.V. and "camp" there for a week after Christmas every year. Amelia LOVES to go! They ride the train every night, roast marsh-mellows, and ride bikes for hours. Great memories!

This year, the twins got to go (insert mommy jumping up & down)! We picked Amelia up & left the twins. The plan was for them to stay 2-nights....

Well, a second night did not happen. The picture above is the ride home. Hudson decided to run a fever.

The twins were asleep before I hit the interstate. Sorry for the terrible picture (I took it driving-but while ONLY looking at the road).

In other news, Hudson woke up on New Year's Day and said, "no diaper mommy, I want big boy pants!"

Hudson wore underwear all day yesterday! Only one accident last night while playing upstairs!yl

Henry could care less about potty-training.

I started my mirror!

2011-12-30T08:45:00.001-05:00

2012-bring it on. Now, if I could only talk Chris in letting me pay someone to remodel our bathroom.

My 'want' list for 2012-a new shower in the master bedroom.

Four ingredients: pie

2011-12-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

When I first saw this picture on Pinterest, I thought it was something with bacon on top {bacon gets me every time}!

The recipe is actually for Butterfinger Pie!

As usual, click picture for recipe and link.

What is for dinner?

2011-12-29T13:45:00.001-05:00

I have moments quite often where I realize it is three o'clock and I do not have any dinner plans!

I opened up the fridge and looked to see 'what are my options?'

We have ground-beef! So I headed over to check out Natalie's blog to see what she
had for ideas. Click above pic for Natalie's link/recipe.

So here it is...
Cheesy green chile taco pie!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T20:25:00.004-05:00

Mommy & Daddy Wagner on Christmas Eve 2011
Henry, Amelia, and Hudson
Christmas Eve 2011

Happy New Year!

2011-12-26T18:13:00.001-05:00
Santa brought the twins some bikes!

Amelia got so many presents! She is one happy little girl right now!

Happy New Year!

A hard-to-buy for

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001-05:00

I bought these adorable linen, tissue box covers for my two aunts. I struggled for a while on what to buy them. Then last week, my Southern Living Magazine came in the mail (which one of my aunts gives me every year for my birthday), and this was a top gift this year. So, online I went!

They are from Pottery Barn.

Link here:http://www.potterybarn.com/m/products/linen-tissue-box-cover/?pkey=e|linen%20hemstitch%20tissue%20box%20cover|1|best|0|1|15||1

DIY list after the holidays

2011-12-23T08:53:00.001-05:00
Make a DIY mirror from wood shims.

My current mantle (messy)

Paint the brick white and add a custom cushion to the brick to make extra seating for our living room. A cushion like the below picture.

My inspiration picture below...

Organize. Organize. Organize.

My inspirational pictures!

I would like to add some covered bricks to our bookcase for book-ends.

My 'to do' list for 2012 is to remodel our master bath. Remove the bathtub (ahem 1980s) and replace with a fancy shower. I love the below tile!

All picture credits are given. Click on picture for link/photo credit.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!!!

Peppermint truffle recipe!

2011-12-21T15:33:00.001-05:00

Peppermint crunch truffles!

2011-12-21T15:32:00.001-05:00
3 ingredients!

Baked, buffalo chicken rolls

2011-12-21T13:36:00.001-05:00
I made them and LOVED them!

Click picture for link/recipe.

As always, I changed a few things:
•did NOT use crumbled blue cheese. Too strong for me. Did dip them in blue cheese dressing!
•heavily coated them in vegetable oil Instead of spraying with Pam. Made them crispy.
•used the broccoli slaw

New to the blog world?

2011-12-21T09:15:00.001-05:00
If you are new to the blog world and love to look at DIY blogs, go go www.younghouselove.com
-click below picture

This post (link on clicking above picture) will show you a list of fabulous bloggers who DIY! The links to the other DIY blogs look just like the picture I snapped on my phone (above).

How do I get hubby to do something...

2011-12-21T08:42:00.001-05:00
Send him a text! This is the text I sent Chris this morning just to go see the lights on James Island tonight. JI is only 25-35 minutes from our house but Chris acts like it is two-hours.

The very bottom he said 'yes.'

If I were to call him, I would get all kinds of 'I work all day and I am tired when I get home....'. Blah blah blah. A text message gets it done! Welcome to 2011!

Notice when I asked, I had to tell him 'how much it will cost.'

Chris squeaks when he walks. CHEAP

Lemon-garlic hello!

2011-12-20T20:47:00.001-05:00
I will add this one to my list of 'must try' recipes.

Click picture for link/recipe

No bake pie!

2011-12-20T20:32:00.001-05:00

I might have to make only bc I have all of the ingredients!

Yum!!

Click pic. For link

2011-12-20T12:17:00.001-05:00
Best carrot cake. Ever. Hands down.

Click picture for link.

I make a few changes:
•I do not use the pineapple, instead substitute applesauce.
•omit coconut (Chris despises coconut)
•no nuts. Kid allergies.

This recipe is also called (jokingly)-'four-hour carrot cake.' time consuming but worth it!

Amelia see Santa

2011-12-20T10:19:00.000-05:00

What kind of husband?

2011-12-19T08:37:00.001-05:00
I drive my husband's 4-Runner to work on Saturdays. My 'mommy car' a.k.a. Mini-van stays at home so Chris can cart the kids around if needed.

As you can see, FOUR lights are on in the dashboard! How long have they been on? Oh, let's just say FOUR months! His reason, "I had it checked to see why and it needs a new gas cap!"

I grew up with my daddy and grand-father checking my air-pressure and oil EVERY TIME I turned around! So, needless to say, I am on my own keeping MY car in check.

What type of hubby do you have?

"twice the..."

2011-12-18T08:37:00.001-05:00
When you have twins, you constantly hear strangers say, "twice the...!". Sometimes you hear it quietly, sometimes it is very loud across a store, sometimes it is unique and sometimes annoying.

Here are the regulars:
•twice the fun!
•twice the love!
•twice the work (so true :))
•twice the joy!
•twice as nice!
•twice the money!
•twice the work!

My favorite is **snicker** "oh, you poor thing, you must be exhausted!" I always want to say, "yes, but I have no choice!"

There are days when I want to use this phrase-"TWICE AS BAD!"

Last night, Henry and Hudson were taking a shower & became quiet (never a good thing when A CHILD is quiet.

Guess what they did! Emptied FOUR bottles of shampoo & conditioner! I had JUST treated myself to some expensive products that day!

This is the product-line I purchased. I had taken this picture that day to ask my hair-girl if she liked this line. This was a travel-size that came with the box I bought. My hair has been so dry since I had it high-lighted two-weeks ago. I have VERY dry skin - so it doesn't help matters.

Chris' Pantene wasn't really a big deal, neither was the kids' shampoo! BUT my two bottles down the drain made me think, "TWICE AS BAD!"

Mmmm

2011-12-18T08:19:00.001-05:00
Click picture for recipe

I made the above! Yum! I admit, they are very rich. I could only eat one!

Hudson seeing Santa Video

2011-12-16T11:27:00.005-05:00
The verdict. Twins are too young. You will see Hudson gets half-way through his personal message from Santa, and "wants milk."

A personal message from Santa! Callling all parents with kids!

2011-12-16T08:29:00.002-05:00
Click this link to watch Amelia's personal message from Santa. This is the most brilliant thing ever :) Believe me, you will thank me for sharing this website for you! Your kids will smile and look forward to Santa, I promise!

My little sweetness

2011-12-15T18:15:00.001-05:00
Amelia had her eyes examined today by Dr. Saunders @ MUSC Storm Eye.

The technician did the regular eye-chart test first and Amelia said she couldn't see the small letters. The tech warned us "sounds like someone will need some glasses.". Once they dilated Amelia's eyes-Dr, Saunders said Amelia's vision was perfect! We will return in a year to check again.

Someone got special glasses to wear outside after having her eyes dilated. No school today either bc Amelia was saying, "I cannot see, mommy (in a pitiful voice)." so, we got a doctor's excuse for the day off :))

Buffalo

2011-12-13T17:04:00.001-05:00

Buffalo chicken rolls. Mmmm

Click picture for recipe

Sharing some fudge recipes I found

2011-12-13T08:04:00.003-05:00

via

A blog-post I found with 15 fudge recipes! Perfect for cookie-exchange parties .

I might have to...

2011-12-13T07:55:00.002-05:00

...show the twins this picture one day!

proof they love each other!

Happy Holidays from our twins, Henry & Hudson

2011-12-12T15:38:00.002-05:00

saw the twins on the couch being cute and grabbed the camera!

That is what we have to do with almost three-year olds!

Randomness

2011-12-12T11:18:00.001-05:00
Made pretzels with peppermint Hershey kisses melted on top for Amelia's school. Picture is before they melted.

Wanted to share this interesting picture floating around Facebook. The caption says, "click like if you can spot the HUMAN in this picture!". It took me a few minutes to find him! Double-click on picture to enlarge.

Did you find the man?

This was Hudson at our town's parade yesterday. The twins were afraid of the loud noises.

Our friend, Richard is the new fire chief of our town. His daughter, Kennedy and Amelia are in the same class-Amelia was trying to take a picture of Kennedy with my phone.

Is this idea genius or what! I saw it on Pinterest and had to share. Big clips on the side of the table for your plug-ins.

The above house is a typical "ranch-style" house. I love the gray color of the brick with the black door and shutters. I am tired of our tan, colored house.

My dad gave me a bunch of scrap wood from a fence he built. I am constantly finding ideas for left-over wood! Love the above idea!

A friend of mine is selling/making a custom snowman out of wood! I cannot wait to see ours!

Chris sent me the above picture on Saturday. It is paint all over our fresh pine straw :). He wasn't happy! #ishouldofcleanedupbeforehecamehome

My mom has a GREAT chili recipe I will share later! It is easy And very good!

Twins looking for fish and turtles in the pond.

Me before mascara (eww)! And no make-up :)

No make-up yet! But, I wanted to share my love for Lancôme primer/mascara. I barely have eyelashes and this stuff works!

Acorn treats

2011-12-09T10:31:00.001-05:00

Found this on Pinterest. No link with it. Assuming the below ingredients...

Wish me luck!

Pinterest addiction

2011-12-09T07:57:00.001-05:00
What I have been up to lately...

Hot-glue with festive ribbon around white candles

Saw the below picture/post on pinterest and had to make...

Not quite finished (will pick-up black & white pictures from Costco this weekend).

My version of the snowman wreath on my front door. I gave up trying to find a hat.

An embroidery loop covered in some fresh boxwood branches from the yard....

This is my tomato cage tree. It was supposed to be cheap $. It turns out, I used two-boxes of the garland already with lights. I was supposed to use the cheap garland without lights, so I stopped at two-boxes of $13.00 lights/garland and stuck it behind another plant on the porch (the bottom does not have lights/garland)!

My mantle. Saw this idea on Pinterest.

The red "vases" are spray-painted Pringles cans! I do not care for the color red, so these may go n the trash when Christmas is over. Zero money spent-got the Pringles from a friend and already had red spray paint!

Cookies for Laura

2011-12-08T13:45:00.001-05:00
Here are some cute Christmas cookie pinspirations!

Click on pic for link

Christmas crafts/hot glue gun

2011-12-07T13:22:00.001-05:00

Cracked heels

2011-12-07T08:47:00.001-05:00
Anyone tried this remedy for cracked heels?

Click picture for link

Love of painted cabinets

2011-12-06T08:02:00.001-05:00

via

I made the below recipe!

2011-12-04T15:02:00.001-05:00

Making this recipe for dinner

2011-12-04T08:56:00.001-05:00

Chinese Honey Chicken
Click on picture for link.

Had to share

2011-12-02T17:41:00.001-05:00

You had me at turtle!

2011-12-02T09:14:00.001-05:00
Turtle cheesecake bars!!

Click on picture for recipe link

Our tree is decorated!

2011-12-02T07:35:00.001-05:00

Another project

2011-12-01T20:31:00.001-05:00
Saw the below picture/post on one of my favorite blogs (click on picture for link).

It reminded me we have the below bench in our attic!

I know what you ate thinking-ANOTHER project! I am a little like my daddy-I start new projects before I finish the previous ones!

A little ivory paint and a cushion made for this puppy-she will look brand new....

Recipe

2011-11-30T20:33:00.001-05:00
Mmmmmmm

This looks yum-o!
Brown-butter walnut cake!

Click on picture for recipe link

Almost forgot my birthday picture

2011-11-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

I am NEVER in front of the camera. I am always TAKING pictures.

My dad took this picture of Chris and I on my birthday.

Amelia's Christmas list

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Amelia walks around our house with my phone taking pictures constantly! Someone **wants** a camera for Christmas!

Random snaps...

Our tree

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We let Amelia pick out our Christmas tree. We bought it last night, so it will sit for a few days and we will decorate this weekend! I did not realize how "crooked" it was until Hudson was on the floor holding the poor cat down and I snapped a picture with my phone. Our tree has 'character!'

Anyone going to do this for their kids?

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You can upload Santa in your living room to show your children that Santa was in their house! Click on picture for link.

"what cha talkin' 'bout?"

2011-11-29T13:16:00.003-05:00

This picture of my twins-makes me smile.

Ooooo....all of the "quotes" I can come up with about what

they are sayin' to each other! Hee Hee ;)

Anyone tried these?

2011-11-28T19:59:00.001-05:00

Click on photo for link for recipe and photo credit

I love everything about this foodie blog

2011-11-28T19:53:00.001-05:00

I did it!

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I ordered my bag!!

But, guess what!? Apparently, so did 100 other people today! Back-ordered until January 16th. It is okay, it is paid for and I used today's cyber code and received free-shipping and a 25% discount!

My birthday!

2011-11-27T12:04:00.003-05:00

I had a perfect birthday yesterday! I had to work for a few hours in the morning and came home to presents from husband and kiddos, then dinner at Bambu. Bambu, by the way, was FANTASTIC! The best sushi I have had in a LONG time. The service could not of been more perfect either. Our server, Josh, made my birthday even better. I pretty much let him take over on what I had to eat/drink. We started with lobster wontons-yum! I had two drinks. One drink was a mojito of some sort with ginger in it-it was great! The second one was some sort-of coconut & rum drink in a martini glass. It was also yum. Reminded me of the Bahamas. Chris had a beef entree. Not sure what it was called, but he loved it. I had two sushi rolls; Mt. Pleasant and South of the border. BOTH were incredible. Josh, our server tried to talk me into dessert. We were stuffed, so he brought us a sample-size Saki (sp). It was Bambu's house Saki infused with pear, cinnamon, and apples. It was great! I usually do NOT like Saki.

For my birthday, Chris gave me a new pair of Toms, the CD of our pictures from Crescent Moon Photography, and some new make-up. My in-laws gave me moo-lah and I bought a dress from the JCrew outlet, which I wore last night and LOVED the dress!

My parents also surprised me with some extra money to buy this bag (I am dying to have right now). Tomorrow is the last day it will be 25% off for Cyber Monday. Code: GETGIFTS (more you spend, more you save). It is also my Christmas present (early)!

More fabric options

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I also love these two options for my living room...

Pillow

Window treatment

Hubby might not love flowers in the living room!

From tonic living website

Crafty Christmas

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I think I may try this one....

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2011/11/make-adorable-cupcake-liner-christmas-trees/

I spy

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...some fabric(s) I want to purchase...

Our bedroom (currently).

I am ready for a change in the euro -sham and window treatment department.

LOVE these two (above) choices.

I am thinking I want to go brighter...

I spy some really fun-colored fabric...

Wish the blue in the above fabric was closer to the blue-color in my lamps (new lamps!??)!
On to the living room...

This (below) would look perfect as window treatments in my living room!

I am obsessed with lime green!

Love the below fabric for pillow shams in living room (NO WHITE with kids)!

Also, I still need to order this fabric (below) for the twins' duvet covers!

Love the above fabric also-but staying away from white!

All fabric from these two websites:

http://www.hawthornethreads.com/

http://tonicliving.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:08:00.012-05:00

First, and foremost! Happy Thanksgiving!

picture above via

The kiddos watching Oswald on Turkey Day!

Daddy, Chris is off duck-hunting! He woke up at 3am to duck hunt and should be home by noon.

Happy Thanksgiving from my little chicken, Amelia (smocked chickens on her dress)!

Speaking of chickens, or should I say TIGERS! Husband has his engineering degree from Clemson, so I HAVE to be a Clemson fan! ha! Goooo cocks ;)

AND MORE IMPORTANT! Clemson/Carolina game day is also....

my.....36th....

My life sure has changed! This is what I want for my birthday...

All of the pictures used for my blog are from Crescent Moon Photography in Mt. Pleasant. I asked for the CD with ALL of the pictures from the session. So, thank you to my mom and Chris-they are giving it to me for my birthday.

Bambu, Mt. Pleasant.

We are also going to Bambu Saturday night for sushi heaven (I eat it until I am almost sick, but in heaven)! ha!

Hubby, Chris asked me last night if I "still wanted some shoes for my birthday that you sent me as a text last week?" My first thought, TORY BURCH!! No, I sent him a picture text/link of a new pair of Toms :) So, I think he may of also ordered some Toms!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What my kids do when out of school...

2011-11-23T15:38:00.001-05:00

IT MAY BE 65 DEGREES IN CHARLESTON...

Amelia did this all on her own.

She even put life jackets on her

brothers! NO WATER used-do not worry!

Twins' Thanksgiving at school

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Crafty

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http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/01/photo-wreath-valentines-day-style.html

A craft I would like to attempt for my house (Christmas decoration).

My little Turkey

2011-11-18T12:29:00.006-05:00

Amelia had a play this morning at her school for Thanksgiving...

She even had a speaking part (I have NO IDEA what she said....shhhh :)!

She is a turkey, NOOO she is Amelia!

Silly, Vanillie, Amelee.

My REAL-istic Christmas List:

2011-11-17T21:09:00.004-05:00

Chris....if you just so happen to stumble upon my blog...

My husband thinks a blog is dumb. Facebook is dumb. Anything social is dumb-ha! My hubby has a very dry sense of humor, so he does not find entertainment in reading my blog. I still love him :)

Here is my Christmas list I will have to PRINT for hubbs ;)

Otterbox for my iPhone

MORE Jo Malone. I will wear this till I die. Best smell ever. Nectarine blossom and honey.

A life-time (kidding) supply of Starbucks for my Keurig. French Roast. Mmmmmm.

Toms. Size 8. Grey with Pink shown above.

My last pair of Rainbows were a gift in 2006. Gone and missed. Want.new.pair.

Dash & Albert Rug for living room (he would never, ever buy-I thought I would ask anyway). 8x10 size. It is indoor/outdoor=great for kids!

My first Pinterest Pin!

2011-11-16T15:08:00.008-05:00

Amelia went to a pre-school at our Church from the time she was two-years old until she went to Kindergarten. It is the best school, in my opinion (the twins go there now).

Amelia's teachers were soo crafty and super, duper talented. I wanted to share one of our 'treasures' from pre-school.

A reindeer with hand-prints! (don't you LOVE the 'dead' deer it is hanging on-we live in the South-ha!) Who noticed our deer has ornaments hanging from his ears!?

close-up

This is a reindeer made from hand-prints (if you follow me on Pinterest, I am OBSESSED with hand-print art :)!

Supplies needed:

place mat (yep)! I would do Christmas colors (red or green).

acrylic paint (see above colors used). Note-the white lines on the place mat-came on place mat

red pom-pom for the reindeer's nose (you can buy them at Wal-Mart, Michael's, and AC Moore (among other places).

twine

a good-old paint stir stick!

hot glue

googly eyes (I think that is what they are called). I have bought them before at AC Moore or Michael's.

Your child's hand!

A sponge cut in the above shape, or better yet-use the child's footprint as the body of the deer!!(waiting on friend to tell me what she used)-will update asap!

Directions:

**Some of this can be in whatever order works best for you.

**Hot glue the paint stick to the back of place mat and add twine to desired length. Make sure to glue the twine BETWEEN the stir-stick and place mat (so the ends will not show). Let dry.

Decide exactly where you want your deer's body and hand placement (maybe use a pencil to mark the stops?).

**Place black or brown (your preference) paint on a paper plate and let your child put their hands down in it and cover the bottom of hand and fingers.

Place hands as shown above where you put (or will put) the body of the reindeer. Lift hands and clean well.

**Make the body of your deer by placing sponge in paint or child's foot in brown paint and place directly on place mat under "antlers." Make sure you press it down enough to color the entire body of the deer.

LET DRY COMPLETELY.

**Once dry, add the eyes in appropriate spot as shown.

**Next, hot glue the 'nose' to the appropriate spot. (You could also paint a nose on the deer).

Add desired embellishments at top if you wish (see holy and berries on this one).

Once all glue is dry-you are ready to hang this beauty where your heart desires!

Amelia's teacher added the ivy and berries at the top. She probably used a stamp and dipped it in ink for the extra. She is crafty like that!

Squeezing my eyes

2011-11-16T14:00:00.001-05:00
Amelia got up this morning for school and when she was getting in her carseat, said to me "I cannot see the t.v. unless I squeeze my eyes."

I made an appointment with Dr. Saunders for a few weeks from now. When Amelia was a year-old, I noticed one of her eyelids looked different from the other one. We saw Dr. Saunders then, who said Amelia had (has) Ptosis, also called 'droopy eyelid.'. He also said she may grow out of it or need cosmetic surgery later on to correct it. It has gotten better and only shows when she is tired. Dr. Saunders also mentioned that based on Amelia's eyesight at that time, she would probably need glasses by the time she was in kintergarten. She is in kindergarten. That man is brilliant! Ha! We shall see what he says-I am now wondering if Amelia complaining of headaches about once a week (I have been writing it down) is related to needing glasses? Hmmmm

my little DIY project of the twins

2011-11-14T08:27:00.005-05:00

UPDATE! SEE BELOW

Saw this tutorial above on Pinterest. Couldn't resist trying it myself.

Starting with a profile picture of Henry

(yes, I had to 'write' his name on the picture-twins look VERY much alike)!

Then I realized, "holy snizzle, I have to pick out colors!"

Blue on green or green on blue! These are JUST ROUGH DRAFTS with some paint splattered on a piece of notebook paper and taped to a canvas. Just trying to decide color first.

I think I like example number 2 (above best). The canvases will go on another wall.

Not above the beds.

I am going to do these today! Stayed tuned for final results!

RESULTS:

THE ALMOST FINISHED PROJECT! I ONLY DID HENRY'S PROFILE. GOOD THING I DID B/C I USED THE 2ND CANVAS (FOR HUDSON) ON HENRY'S FINAL SILHOUETTE. I ENDED UP LIKING IT ABOVE THE BED. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND USING GLOSSY PAINT, B/C IT IS A LITTLE SHINY FOR MY TASTE. OTHERWISE, IT TURNED OUT PRETTY CUTE!

THE TOTAL PROJECT COST:

Staples to enlarge the profile to fit the 16x 20 canvas: $2.15

The 16x20 Canvas was purchased at Tuesday Morning for $5.00

2 cans of spray paint (Rustoleum Fern Green and Aqua). Matched the window treatments perfectly! $8 for both cans.

Total Cost: $15.15 for one. The only cost will be $2.15 for Hudson's enlargement at Staples, and another canvas. Plenty of paint left over!
Forgot the contact paper!!!!! $2.00

Help! Any Boxer lovers!??

2011-11-13T10:24:00.002-05:00

My mom needs to find a home for her Boxer ASAP! His name is Kingston and he will be a year-old in a few weeks! He has epilepsy and needs his medications three times a day. This is more than my mom can handle right now. He is free to a good home and comes with his medications, heartworm and flea control (a year supply). Kingston is neutered, microchipped, up to date on all vaccines. I work for a veterinarian part-time, so Kingston has had perfect health care. Please help if you know a good home for him! VERY hard decision,

but the best for Kingston (and mom).

EMAIL ME IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE: I LIVE IN THE CHARLESTON AREA. MOTTIEMEL@AOL.COM

My favorite clothing sale...

2011-11-11T11:21:00.001-05:00
Friends and family sale!!!
Ends Monday night!!

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My Christmas Wish List (realistic & un-realistic)

2011-11-11T09:51:00.010-05:00

Christmas is in a few weeks!!!!!!!!

First, my UN-realistic wish list (in other words, I COULD buy these items IF we DID NOT have three children and on a budget). Thank you Dave Ramsey for teaching my husband about wanting vs. needing [sigh].

source

Only to dream of having this bag (this home-slice only buys Target/TJ Maxx handbags).

source

I have wanted these shoes for three years now!

PICTURE SOURCE

A TRIP TO BORA BORA! WOULD HAVE TO STAY IN ABOVE ROOMS!

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology uses high-energy pulses of light to provide long-lasting results in the treatment of sun damage (dark spots, blotchy discolorations, visable vesels and fine wrinkles) and rosacea (facial redness and blood vessels). IPL stimulates collagen formation which tightens and tones the surface of the skin while removing dark spots and blood vessels.

IPL: I would LOVE to have this done all over my body-ha! No, really, on my face and chest. I have several dark spots from pregnancy hormones. My dermatologist suggested I have this procedure done. She did mention it is pretty expensive (elective procedure-insurance does NOT cover). Oh to be able to go as many times as needed would be un-realistic! Again, three kids :)

Twins love school

2011-11-09T18:46:00.003-05:00

Henry, Teacher; Mrs. Kelly, and Hudson

One of the best parts of my day is picking up the twins from pre-school! They are always happy to see me!

Three of us on the cruse

2011-11-09T18:42:00.002-05:00

Something to write down for later

2011-11-09T18:07:00.004-05:00

I picked Amelia up from school yesterday and she got in the car with a sad face (Amelia is a first-child, people-pleaser. Does NOT want to upset her parents). She told me she 'went on yellow today' (got a warning at school). I asked her to tell me what happened. Her response, {pouty sad-face} "I pooted and laughed!" I think I about lost my lunch from laughing!

After some asking of questions, Amelia disrupted class by laughing about her 'poot' and had the other kids laughing/disrupting a lesson.

Part II of Cruise Surprise

2011-11-09T17:50:00.002-05:00

Seriously??

2011-11-09T08:38:00.001-05:00
I usually order the kids' crocs from their website. Therefore, I get their catalogs in the mail. I received the new winter one in the mail yesterday. Is this not ridiculous?!

Crocs are now making winter boots! Come on people, Crocs are plastic shoes made for boating or playing in the yard! Stick with what you do best Crocs! Trying too hard=failure!

A funny

2011-11-09T08:32:00.001-05:00

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