Activity Board

So....THIS post was huge for this little blog.  As of today, it has gotten almost 9,000 hits.  It still gets daily hits two years later and from what I can see has been pinned close to a thousand times....absolutely crazy. 

Charlie didn't play with it all that often, I thought it was a waste of time, but good news is that as he gets older, the more and more he plays with it...thank goodness.  Here is an update and side by side that makes me what to CRY

**SIGH**

Blog in a Bubble

Very cool website you can upload your blog into and it will create a collage with the most used words- website on the picture

Ombre Dresser on Better After!

You can go see it HERE.
Go vote that you love it, I don't want to get a bunch of hmmmms.....that would be sad

Updated She's Crafty

I learned a new trick (how to make a picture a link) so I re-did my crafty page.  Take a look!

Things I want him to know

Plus, things I want my step-kids, nieces, nephews, friend’s children…and quite a few adults to know, even myself sometimes 

Permission granted and courtesy of motherhoodwtf.com. Probably one of the greatest motherhood blogs out there

• Befriend the nerds, the geeks, the weirdos. When everyone grows up, these are the people great husbands, wives, and best friends are made of.

• Don’t be scared of the bullies. Mean people are everywhere and they feed off fear. Be the kid who stands up. Be the kid who protects the little guy.

• Don’t exchange what you know in your heart for what you think others will find cool.

• Know who your real friends are.

• Peer pressure is stupid, and anyone applying it to you is not worth your worry.

• Whatever it is that is breaking your heart today, I promise that it’s not that important. Let it go and move on.

• Your life is so long ahead of you, all of this daily drama is small in the big picture.

• Don’t let yourself be labelled or pigeon-holed. People will try. You can be as many different things as you want to be, and you can always change.

• It’s OK to be different.

• It’s OK to be popular. It’s OK not to be.

• It’s OK to be into sports or theater or music or math.

• It’s OK to work hard and do well.

• It’s OK to struggle.

• It’s OK to be embarrassed once in a while.

• It’s OK to have friends in different cliques.

• It’s OK to have a lot of friends. It’s OK to have a few.

• It’s OK to do and be whatever it is you want.

Will I Win?

How to be a dad is having a father's day giveaway and you get 25 entries if you make some form of art/comic/picture.  It's very open ended

Here is my entry.....

Will I win?

Auction- Sunday, April 29th

The house next to us has been vacant for many years. The husband passed quite a few years back and the wife has been in a nursing home. Betty was a crazy collector...of everything. The woman had over 400 Longaberger baskets for pete's sake. The children finally decided to clear out the mountains of stuff Betty had in the house and have an auction.  I couldn't believe how much stuff they pulled out of this tiny little house.  I felt bad for the kids.  It was a hard day and an end of an era for them.  On top of that, it was cold and poured most of the morning, ruining a lot of the stuff and killing the crowds.  Good for the bidders, not so good for the sellers. I contacted a bloggie buddy over at The Hunt for Vintage.  You may know her as the woman with this unbelievable kitchen that was featured in BH and G  

I have followed her blog for years, but I had never met her. She was just as wonderful in person as she is online and really knows her stuff. I think I broke about 100 auction etiquette rules. She was very tolerant when really she should have probably swatted me. I finally caught on about 7 hours in on how the whole thing works. It's really fun and a total rush when you get what you want for a good price.

Here are some of the miscellaneous finds.  I will post the jewelry tomorrow



I freaked out when I saw these and knew I had to have them.  For an auction, I probably overpaid, but I had to have them.  I paid $15.  I was so excited about my bronze Scottie bookends. Matt did not share my enthusiasm, as usual



After a Brasso Bath

The aftermath of the auction.  I should have taken a picture of the action, but I was too busy in there!  They had three huge trailers full of stuff, plus boxes, furniture, shelving lining the perimeter, plus the house was full of furniture and some of the most amazing quilts I have ever seen.  They were too rich for my blood, going for $40-$100 EACH.  And those were the leftovers!  I talked to the son and he said all the really nice ones were picked out!

Canisters.  I got these for $2.  I will probably re-sell these as I don't need them, but the tea is damaged a bit.

How cool are the labels though?

This cool, amazing tin platter I got for $1

A Tonka for Charlie

Ammo Box

Tobacco tin- I have no idea why I bought this.  I think it's because it kinda looks like my Aunt Joyce's?  I don't know, I got swept up, but I only paid $1 and got a pencil sharpener with it (that's how auctions work)

Matt spotted this flipping awesome chair $2

This is what made my whole day worth it.  They don't make iced tea jars without spouts anymore.  And the spouts always leak!  You can find the spout less glass ones online, but they go for $25 or so.  I've had my aunt, my sister, everyone on the lookout for these (PS, keep looking-  I'd like another one!)  I spotted it on the trailer and just about had a heart attack.  I told Nikki  'I don't care if I have to pay $50, it's mine'.  I paid $3

We made Apartment Therapy's Family Page!

One of my favorite large blogs has featured the magnet and activity board we made for Charlie.  Go here check it out.  (seriously wishing I had put pants on Charlie- total Mollie move)

Jigsaw Table

Seriously, can I have a house big enough that there is a table just for puzzles on my main floor? Source 

Q&A

Decor and the Dog put together a Q&A, your supposed to link other blogs, but I'm feeling a bit lazy today
1. What's the one thing you can't resist ordering when you eat at a restaurant?  Matt and I haven't eaten at a restaurant in I don't know how long.  We're not big restaurant people. I guess my company Christmas party? My weakness is usually anything that contains bleu cheese.

2. What's your biggest blogging accomplishment? Creating a very detailed memory/baby book for Charlie

3. Skinny jeans, boot cut or wide leg jeans?  Wide leg, trouser jeans.  But I usually buy boot cut because they are easy to find and usually cheaper than the former.

4. What's the one thing you'd like to improve on your blog?  I seriously need to take a photo editing class, and buy that $900 camera I've been eyeing (yeah, right)

5. What kind of car do you drive?

2004 Saab 9 3

It's had a few issues and I don't even care, I love this car, I hope it lasts forever.  I've never been one to care what I drive, as long as it's drivable (I drove a 1992 Vigor up until just a few years ago and loved that car too)



6. How many hours do you sleep at night? Around 7-8.  If I get less than 7, I'm not happy.  I'm a girl who NEEDS her sleep.  Matt functions like a rock star on very little sleep.  One night of bad sleep and it messes up my whole world.

7. What one word would your best friend use to describe you? Reliable, punctual, good listener and a little bit crazy for good measure.  And if we are listing it all, probably a little bit opinionated.....I admit it.

8. What is the architectural style of your home? Mid Century Ranch, built in 1957 - tiny closets, one bathroom, weird electrical structure in the kitchen, but great bones, real wood floors (in dire need of refinishing) and a HUGE back yard

9. Is there a blogger that you try to emulate?  No way, my blog is my blog.  This is my personal thing that others are free to read if they would like, but I aim to please absolutely no one

10. What is the one thing you regret not having learned? I wish I would have been more focused in college and majored in my passion - political science (the ultimate major for the opinionated) I was so conservative in college, I couldn't get past the liberal teachers.  I wish I would have learned to stand on my own two feet and done it anyway.  (this is so funny to me now that I abhor the republican party, but my republican party then is much different than the GOP today)

11. Do you work out regularly and if so, what is your routine? Yes..no...maybe...no comment. 

Okay, here are some more from Paisley Print Shoes

1. What is your favorite meal? Anything that Lucy cooks to go with some awesomeness my dad grills

2. If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?  Seriously, toughest question ever.  I know Radiohead's OK Computer, Grateful Dead 100 year hall (that's a double disc, does that count as one?) and I have no idea on the third.  Adele?  Bob Marley? Bob Dylan? Muse? Can I make a mix?

3. What is your favorite item in your closet? These pair of black capri yoga pants.  Schmumfiest pants EVER

4. When is the last time you cried? Not a crier


5. What is your favorite TV show of all time?

6. What is your favorite movie? Now, what is the guilty pleasure movie that you could watch over and over again?

"Wow! That's a great question. Tough one, though I mean, what does one gauge his response on? Physical prowess? Keen detection skills? The ability to banter well with super villains? "

Mallrats (see quote above), Pride and Prejudice (BBC miniseries, not that terrible movie with Kiera whats-her-name) 16 candles, Walk Hard, Moulin Rouge, The Big Lebowski, I love you man, Bridesmaids, Almost Famous, any Apatow movie really, I could go on and on....

7. What would your dream vacation destination be? Prague, Czech Republic.  I want to go somewhere where the buildings are older than my country. 

8. Describe your personality in three words. See #7 above

9. What is the one make-up item you absolutely have to have on your face every day?  Sunscreen - does that count?  I'm perfectly happy with no makeup on, but I put sunscreen on everyday after I wash my face.

10. Dream dinner party guest list! (Three people, living or dead.) My mother's mother Edna ( I barely remember her and hear she was amazing), my father's mother before her memory started to deteriorate, maybe when she was my age, and the third would have to be my mother who I lost when I was 9.  What an amazing group of ladies to have dinner with (I call I get to bring my sister to said dinner)

11. Why did you start blogging? I started for no reason.  Then I got engaged and it turned into a full fledged wedding blog.  Then I got pregnant and it turned into a pregnancy blog.  Then I had a kid and it turned into a site for him.  When it's all done, it will basically be a history of my little family.  I hope to blog about Bridgette's wedding plans and grandchildren.  I love it.

Blog Roll

You may have noticed my incredibly long blog roll on the right side of the blog.  Do you wonder, how in the world does she keep up with all those blogs?  Believe it or not, I do keep up with them all.  Truth be told, most are small time bloggers that post every couple of days and are really heavy on the photographs.  I find a lot of blogs through Better After.  If I like your re-do, I go check out your blog.  Some of my favorite blogs have been found that way. 

Secret?  I usually know in the first 10 seconds if I'm going to like the blog. 

Things I don't like:

I immediately judge a blog by what font they use (is that terrible?)
#1 pet peeve is people who fish for followers.  If you have a good product, the advertisers will come if that is what you are looking for.  If you blog for non-monetary purposes, I like you even more!

Things I like:

I like lots and lots and lots of pictures.  Who cares about your dog with a bandanna on?  I do.
I like pictures of your children and your husband and friends.
I like personal stories.  I want to hear the truth.  The more personal, the more I like the blog. 

Blogs like:
Love is Waiting - a blog about a couple trying to adopt.  I'm on pins and needles waiting for Arthur to come stateside!
Mom and her drill - a hilarious blog about a single mom with a louse for an ex-husband
Shoe obsessed one - despite the name, I have become a religious follower of this blog. I don't even know this woman....but I feel like I do and I wanted to fly to Rhode Island and go to the beach!
Janette Drost - Her faith inspires me. And she's adorable
Broken Saucer - My favorite little blog friend Sera.  I found her back when I was planning my wedding.  She was planning a wedding too and she is the only blog I still follow from that era in my life.  I just like her.  She posts, well, basically never.  But I wait.  Patiently.

I always say, if I read your blog and I feel like I could have a cup of coffee with you, I continue to read.

There are a lot of blogs I try out for a while- they usually get the boot down the road.  I try to give them a chance, then one day I'm just done.

Then there are my lesser favorite blogs like A Year of Slow cooking (her layout and graphics need some serious updating) and That's my letter and Magical Childhood - most of them either have font or layout or repetitiveness issues, but they have such handy stuff on there I reference them often. But they've made good, helpful blogs so good for them

Then there are the biggies:

Ohdeedoh Great kids blog
The Kitchn My favorite foodie blog done by the same people who do Ohdeedoh
Cup of Jo Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't follow Joanna? I can't figure out her formula for being so popular. She just posts pretty, non-controversial things and you just fall in love with her (and that Toby!)
Weelicious GREAT kid recipes. Tip: Don't watch the videos- she is literally the most annoying lady ever
Post Secret One of my favorites- only posts on Sundays. It's my favorite Sunday ritual to read the new Post Secrets

Then there are blogs from my friends and family. I love these blogs- it's a way to be involved in other's lives that may live far away. I had a cousin that I was close to growing up- she had a blog long before me and I completely credit the blogosphere for bring us close again. I finally talked my sister into doing one and I have loved having her out there.

And then there is my blog.  I don't list my followers. I have 17, mostly from people I have no idea who they are.  I wish I could boot them the way you can boot friends on facebook.  I don't want advertisers.  My blog is mine, and others are welcome to read it if they would like, but it's mine. And if I want to write a post showcasing my magnets on my fridge (no joke, I did that) or 42 pictures of Charlie looking at his foot, then I'm going to post them.  I get a pure joy blogging, it's an amazing outlet.  And it's a historical account of the last few years of my life.  I started right before I got engaged, not knowing it was coming.  What a great time to start a blog because my life has been a roller coaster ever since!

Charlie's Birthday Shoutout on Oh Dee Doh

Click here to see Charlie's birthday shoutout

(One of) my favorite kid's site's is oh dee doh.  They do birthday posts and you can send in pics with a little message and then watch all the people tell you how cute your kid is

It's silly, but fun

Catching up with videos

Blogger just decided to stop uploading videos- as you may have noticed, I haven't posted many videos lately.

I was too annoyed and short on time to research what was going on, but after weeks of getting error messages, I finally looked into it.

I will have to start uploading to You Tube and embed them to here. I thought this was going to be a pain, but I just did it with the last video and I think I like it even better than doing it through blogger. I wasn't aware that you could upload videos on you tube and make them completely private, which was my issue.

So there will be a slew of videos coming soon.

Red with Jealousy

This is my KC Bloggie Buddies kitchen.  It's been featrured on BH&G and it is pretty much amazing.   You can find her over at hunt for vintage.  Isn't it perfect?

A revamp of the bloggy blog

I started this blog shortly before I got engaged and it morphed into this ridiculous wedding blog. I was posting and posting and posting all things wedding and pretty back when I was planning. One year later I got married and was so done with wedding planning, I didn't even want to look at all the wedding blogs I had been so loyally following. I kicked them all of my following list and never went back. I kept a few that were actually getting married themselves and were very close to their weddings so I could see how it went, but the wedding blogs that just covered weddings, I was done with. Four days after the wedding, I got pregnant, and now the blog has turned into all things Charlie. This blog is going to be only our family now for pretty much my personal use and updates for friends and family. I even went so far as to go back and DELETE all the millions of dress, shoes, idea posts I was putting up for the wedding. And some day, I'll probably even go back and delete the nursery idea posts I've put up. I kept a few of my very favorite posts like

my favorite wedding ever

The coolest idea for a wedding ever

MN Girls are awesome

Cute pics and more cute pics

And this post that made my heart skip and this one that made my heart double skip

Whew- it's almost a relief to have this blog so cleaned up.

In order to form a more perfect union

Escort Cards!

buttons made by the Busy Beaver Button Company

Table "numbers"

Each table will be named after a political figure. Yes, we've taken pains to match groupings of guests with particular political figures. Yes, it's all under wraps until May 24. But the table signs are making me so happy right now, I just had to post one as a preview. I used components of our invitation suite to build them.

Why didn't I think of this?! I can just picture who I would sit at the Ronnie Reagan table...

I love this wedding!

Eat Drink Marry