Gifts for a Boy and a Girl

New babies are a great motivator in getting me behind my sewing machine.  Recently I've had a couple friends who have had (or are having soon) new babies.  Here's a few of the things I made.

The first set is for a little boy.  Ironically enough, his name (or rather shortened form of his name) is Thor.  A great name for a Marvel-loving family (can you see why we like them?). :-)  This was their first boy after a 3 girl streak, so they (and all of us) were pretty excited!

What better for the son of Captain America (not MY little Captain America...oh no, he is hardly old enough, thank goodness.  My boys think Music Man's friend is Captain America because he's really tall and strong and blond, just like Captain America), than a Captain Jr. Onesie!

 And for those of you (REAL) Avenger fans, you'll know what this is.  But for those of you who aren't "learn-ed" in the ways of the Avengers, this is the symbol for S.H.I.E.L.D., which is the division in which General Fury created the Avengers.

Doesn't every new mom of a little boy need one of these?  A Pee-Pee-Teepee!  I do have to admit that I have NEVER used or really had to use one of these on my boys, but they've always looked so cute and it was fun and easy to make.  May I also note that this fabric was from my stash of, need I say "vintage," fabrics my mom gave me a while back that are from way back when I was a wee one.

Now for the girly stuff.  My other friend is the opposite of my first (previously mentioned) friend.  She has 2 boys and is having her first girl!  I like the sound of that!  Having all boys and mostly nephews, I don't get to make pink things very often.  In fact I found joy in trying it on little Monkey to make sure it would fit a (almost) 2 year old.  He just looked so cute (bad, rotten, mean mom points, I know!  That's about as child abusive as I get.).  He wouldn't stand still long enough for me to take a picture, but here's my proof he actually wore it:

Here's the outfit he's wearing (do you like how I used my Christmas tree box for a background...the same Christmas tree that is STILL left out, being used as a baby gate to our front stairs?).  The skirt was originally a big lady's skirt that my mom had for some reason bought "as is" without a zipper, thinking she would some day add a zipper.  She ended up giving it to me (Why did I accept it?  I must have had a vision of some sort).  So after holding on to this brand new skirt for...um, embarrassingly...years, I finally had a reason to use it!  I shrunk it into a cuter pleated skirt.  With some of the remnant fabric I made a flower for the shirt.

Now for my favorite.  My friend really enjoys photography, so I made her a little photo assistant onesie...in PINK!  Pink, oh pink.  (Really I used to hate pink until I had a boy...then another...then another...now I crave it in my laundry!)

Until the next baby!

Less Pinning, More Doing: Burlap Ruffle Wreath

Hi, my name is Queen Bee and I am a pinaholic.  Yes it is true, I admit it, I have an addiction and it is called Pinterest.  I've pinned way too many things that chances are I most likely will never ever make or do, but they're organized so lovely and easy to find.  Instead of jamming my computer with all sorts of never-to-be-made project ideas, its now on the internet!  Yippee!

My goal this week has been to do:

I didn't get off on the right foot seeing as I had a sick 18-month old Monkey who decided he needed to be held pretty much every waking minute of his day.  But today:

Can you believe it?  I hardly can.  After weeks of pinning, I've finally made my very first official project!  And its so lovely too.  The idea originated from Janet at Today's Fabulous Finds.  You can click over to her to get a more detailed view of the project.

I made a ruffly wreath made form burlap.  So cute.  This year for Christmas I'm in to rustic and glitter.  I'm not so sure how either one of those connects, but I'm trying my darnedest to some how make it all work.

Here she is:

For this one I used a green-tinted burlap, but I also made a traditionally brown burlap wreath as well.   Since I made the green one specifically for Christmas, I hung it from a big red frame I had (you might recognize it from the Willy Wonka party we had a few months back).

Here's a few tips I learned form doing this tutorial.

1. Foam rings are tricky.  You should be able to find them at your local dollar store, for none other than....a dollar!  Amazing.  If you're struggling to find them or your dollar store doesn't have them and you don't want to fork out like 6 bucks, try this technique.  I didn't do it for my first wreath, but did for my second.  I do recommend covering the entire thing in duct tape or else the pins will all pop out.
2. Like I said before, I used this tutorial, which was good, but I was just a little confused on how to pinch the burlap squares (I don't know why, I'm a little challenged at times!), so I made my own picts of it.  They may or may not be easier to understand.

Getting Ready for Halloween

All of my boys have been so excited for Halloween this year.  They've already chosen what they're gonna be and I'm well on my way to making them (I actually have some done already!).  I'd have to say Captain America is especially excited.  Last week he wanted to try on all of Marvel's old costumes to see if they fit him.  It was so much fun watching him and Monkey dress up!

First off, Batman & Robin:

Batman's got some moves!

Notice how well this costume fits?

Cap is only 4 1/2 and Marvel wore it when he was 5 1/2...uh oh, someones catching up fast!

Peek-a-boo Robin!

Even Music Man got in on the action (per Cap's request).

I, hereby give you King Music Man,...

...Sir Knight America...

...and Dragon Monkey.

This cheetah costume was mine when I was a wee one. 

I've put it on every one of my kids around this age.

Love it!

Monkey was obsessed with chewing on the tail.

I don't think a REAL cheetah would do that...maybe a monkey though. :-)

I really wish I would have gotten a better picture of him in this.

Monkey as...wait for it...a monkey!

He was so stinkin' cute!

I was wondering where my Thanksgiving turkey had gone to!

Can't wait to share this years Halloween costumes! 

Code Name Kids

 

After much deliberation, I've decided I should probably use code names for the fam.  Its not like I'm gonna make it big in the blogging world or anything.  I just figure its my choice to blog and not my families, so I should do what I can to protect them.

My boys helped me pick them, so don't judge...they were chosen by an 8 & 4-year old!

So for your reference, here's our new code names

My husband - Music Man -Seeing as music is his passion and profession, it only seemed fitting.

Baby Boy #1 - Marvel - He's seriously an expert in all things Marvel Comics....annnnd a little obsessed.

Baby Boy #2 - Captain America - As of right now, this kid lives and dies for Captain America.  The other choice was Woody...his other obsession is with Toy Story!

Baby Boy #3 - Monkey - This baby is a MONKEY!  "Curly" would have worked too.  "Trouble" was my 1st choice, but Monkey's a little nicer.  He gets into everything!  And the kid CLIMBS!  It's a PERFECT fit for him!

And for me, they named me: Queen Bee - Not too shabby!  My boys know what's up!

Okay, so there you have it...our new found names!

Willy Wonka Party

Last weekend we celebrated my oldest sons birthday with a big birthday bash.  I'm all about themes...for Halloween we always go with a family theme, for birthdays we go with a theme.  It makes things more fun.  And I must note that since I only do a birthday party (well a big one with friends) every 3 years (1 boy a year), I go a little nutso.  I go WAY above and beyond.  I'm just crazy like that.  Its just too much fun for me!  I have to remind my husband that if I actually had money to spend, he'd better watch out!

The theme for this party was Willy Wonka.  You can say my family is a little obsessed with Willy Wonka...the original, Gene Wilder version, that is...the GOOD one.  REALLY is there even a comparison?  It's just so clever!  We've read Charlie & the Chocolate Factory for our night time reading.  My boys watch the movie pretty much once a week.  We quote it on a regular basis.  It's just so good!  Really what is NOT to love about it (other then the creepy boat ride in the tunnel)?

I just had SO much FUN putting this all together and so much MORE FUN watching all of the kids enjoy it!

Here's the invites (modeled after the Wonka bars in the movie):

I printed them out, then wrapped them around a real Scrumdiddlyumptious bar (found them at Target).  Here's what the backs looked like:

Inside each wrapper was a golden ticket (this image is B&W, but it was printed on gold paper):

I'm SOOO bummed that I don't have a good working camera right now.  So all I have to share with you are from my husband's iPhone, which only takes good pictures when in perfect sunlight!  So most all of these are blurry or grainy.  I'm REALLY bummed!

The day of the party we actually had 18 family members staying at our house.  I really wanted the "Chocolate Factory" to be a surprise to everyone, so I had to barricade the living room so no one would go in.

As the kids arrived, we had them wait downstairs for our VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GUEST.  

Can you guess who it might be?

Why it's Mr. Willy Wonka himself!! (aka my husband)

The first order of business was to have each child sign Wonka's contract.

Cue "Pure Imagination" and now it's time to introduce the Chocolate Factory!  Sooo Exciting!

My son's expression and excitement was worth every minute of work and every late night I spent getting ready for his party!

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Chocolate Factory!

Here's a closer look:

There was Wonka Vision, with Mike TeeVee Dinners, Fizzy Lifting Drink Testing Room, Willy Wonka & an Oompa Loompa portrait, the candy man's Candy Shop, a candy tree, and the goose that lays the golden chocolate eggs!  Phew!

But what would a proper chocolate factory be without a

CHOCOLATE WATERFALL!

No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall. 

But it's the only way if you want it just right. 

Mmm!

I don't blaim Augustus Gloop in the slightest.  I would have done the same thing in his position!

The chocolate waterfall ended in a scrumptious fountain of silky milk chocolate...

...flowing into a chocolate river scattered with delicious treats.  

My personal favorite (from the movie AND the party)...the mushroom filled with creamy goodness!  My 4-year-old was so upset when I dipped a strawberry in it.  He told me "No Mom, you're supposed to scoop it up with your hand, just like the movie!"  Mmm, wouldn't I have LOVED to do that, but somehow I refrained.

My lil' sis made the cutest Wonka cupcakes EVER!  And they were SO delicious!  You seriously would never be able to guess that they were gluten-free, dairy-free!

For activities, we played a golden chocolate goose relay (the kids raced to get the golden egg and run back to their spot first), pop Violet Beauregarde (which we didn't actually play since a few of the kids were a little more than bothered by popping balloons), 

Wonka Trivia, and creating your own Everlasting Gobstopper in the Inventing Room.

I think the biggest hit of the party was watching everyone pose as Willy Wonka & his Oompa Loompa pal!

Such a fun, fun party!  

Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed everything.  And thanks to my son most of all for having a birthday and loving Willy Wonka as much as I do!


{Click here to download all of my Wonka printables...beware its a BIG file.}

Great Sites

Here are a few of my favorite sites (I say a few, but really there's a lot, but there are SOOOO many more good ones out there! Believe it or not, this is a VERY condensed version!).  This list will definitely grow...and grow...and grow...  So be sure to check back periodically for new ones!

Cooking ~

• The Pioneer Woman
• Keeper of the Home
• Nourished Kitchen
• The Humbled Homemaker
• Prudent Baby
• GNOWFGLINS
• Kitchen Stewardship
• Joy the Baker
• Bakerella
• Hartke Is Online
• Healthy Home Economist
• Cheese Slave
• Modern Alternative Mama
• Passionate Homemaking
• Health, Home, & Happiness
• The Urban Homemaker
• Simply Basic
• Fun Snacks 4 Kids
• Carina Bean Creations
• Food That's Good
• Taste & Tell
• Elana's Pantry
• Better Homes & Gardens
• Sunset
• Gluten-Free Girl
• Gluten-Free Goddess
• Nook & Pantry
• Our Best Bites
• Smitten Kitchen
• Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy
• Sugar & Spice
• Tasty Kitchen
• Food Scheming
• The Nut-Free Mom
• The Happy Housewife
• Living Locurto
• Steamy Kitchen
• Cybele Pascal
• Smashed Peas & Carrots

Cleaning ~

• Frugally Sustainable
• Crunchy Betty
• A Delightful Home
• Keeper of the Home
• Passionate Homemaking
• Healthy Home Economist
• Simply Basic
• Eco Habits
• The Happy Housewife
• The Humbled Homemaker

Schooling ~

• The Pioneer Woman
• Counting Coconuts
• Layers of Learning
• The Chronicle of the Earth
• Butterflies & Barefoot Lasses
• Homegrown Learners
• Keeper of the Home
• Simple Homeschool
• Frugal Granola
• Latter-Day Homeschooling
• Confessions of a Homeschooler
• First Grader at Last
• Mrs. Wheelers First Grade Tidbits
• Moffat Girls
• Surviving a Teacher's Salary
• 1+1+1=1
• The Homeschool Den
• Fun In First
• Childhood 101
• Sippy Cup Central
• Noggins & Nonsense
• Sweet Simplicity
• Lesson Pathways
• Starfall
• Raising Arrows
• Chocolate on my Cranium
• Adventures in Homeschooling
• Classic Play
• The Happy Housewife
• Thomas Jefferson Education
• Sue Patrick's Workbox System
• Homeschool Creations

Growing ~

• The Pioneer Woman
• Care 2 Healthy Living
• The Urban Farm
• Hartke Is Online
• Frugal Granola
• Healthy Home Economist
• Simply Basic
• Better Homes & Gardens
• Sunset

Making ~

• Building
• Ana White

• Sewing & Crafts
• Prudent Baby
• Homemade by Jill
• V & Co
• Made by Rae
• Dana Made It
• Da Font
• A Lemon Squeezy Home
• Bloom
• The Idea Room
• Living Locurto
• Tip Junkie
• The Felted Pear
• Salt-Water Kids
• Smashed Peas & Carrots
• Lemon Tree Creations
• Sew, Mama, Sew
• Make It Do
• Crafting Chicks
• Skip to my Lou
• Make Baby Stuff
• Twig & Thistle

• Party Planning
• Hostess With the Mostess
• Amy Atlas
• One Charming Party
• Tip Junkie
• Living Locurto

Thinking ~

• Sugar Doodle
• Chocolate on my Cranium
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Living ~

• Health & Beauty ~
• Frugally Sustainable
• Crunchy Betty
• Saving Naturally
• A Delightful Home
• The Woodwife's Journal
• The Family Herbalist
• Care 2 Healthy Living
• Hartke Is Online
• Keeper of the Home
• The Humbled Homemaker
• GNOWFGLINS
• Kitchen Stewardship
• Cheese Slave
• Modern Alternative Mama
• Healthy Home Economist
• Frugal Granola
• Passionate Homemaking
• Health, Home, & Happiness
• The Urban Homemaker
• Childhood 101
• The Happy Housewife
• Eco Habits

• Home Design ~
• Desire to Inspire
• My Ideal Home
• Unhappy Hipsters
• Better Homes & Gardens 
• Sunset

• Frugal Living ~
• Frugally Sustainable
• Saving Naturally
• Mama Bargains
• Baby Steals
• Kid Steals
• Family Friendly Frugalty
• Keeper of the Home
• The Humbled Homemaker
• Frugal Granola
• Passionate Homemaking
• The Urban Homemaker
• The Happy Housewife

Welcome, Welcome!

I'm kinda granola.  I admit it.  And kinda proud of it.  What's "kinda" about being granola?  Well I love nature, but don't like to rough it.  I like to eat healthy, but enjoy my sweets.  I recycle, but sometimes throw it in the trash.  I garden, but spray Miracle Grow on it occasionally.  I love to cook, but I enjoy eating out.  I'm a mama, but only to boys.  I use cloth diapers only when I'm at home.  I homeschool 3 days a week and send my kid to school the other 2.  I am a little bit right wing and I'm a little bit left wing.  I'm religious, but not a fanatic.  I don't wear make-up, but I can't live without deodorant.  I'm frugal, but not much of an extreme couponer.  I'm a little of this and a little of that...I'm not a fence sitter, I AM true to myself and others...I'm just kinda granola!