Adorable Invitations

So, this is NOT Cool Summer Days related, but these invitations for a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) leadership retreat were too cute to not share. Remember the old school Cootie Catchers we used to make in elementary school? Well, here’s a twist to use them as an invitation! (found at Parents magazine)

You don’t have to follow these instructions to a T, but basically, I trimmed the edges of a 12x12 pieces of paper (just to be cute). Then, fold like an old school cootie catcher. Here are the instructions if you need a refresher. One side should look like this: I purchased round labels and printed the words right on them, but you could just write them on (depends on how many you’re making, right?). This was the next step: Then, I put the “need to knows” on the inside: Then the specifics on the innermost part: Fold it up, put it in the envelope, and mail away for a fun piece of mail. Who doesn’t love and appreciate that, right?

Good review for quiz type information too! As a teacher, I used to have my students make them to help study.

Blueberry Picking

Yay! Daddy joined us this time (dragging his feet a little bit at first, but then he really enjoyed the “great outdoors”). Today was an example where I’m glad I put things on the calendar. I had invited some friends and quite frankly, if they hadn’t wanted to go, we probably wouldn’t have. But how cute is my family above? It was definitely worth getting off our lazy bums and getting out there! It was HOOOOT! But the blueberries were delish and hubby even found some yummy almonds, too!

Here’s our happy fam, kickin’ it in the shade (just ignore Allie’s Donald Trump comb over…it’ll be gone soon enough! hehe)

Dinner Delivery!

I’m getting better and better at delivering dinner for friends who have just had babies. Having received them myself, I know what a tremendous blessing they are! A few things I appreciated that were not necessary, but were FANTASTIC were…

#1. Something for the older sibling to eat. Let’s face it, while your casserole is divine, chances are, my 2 1/2 year old is not going to eat it and I will have to end up cooking for him anyway. So, included in my friends’ dinner delivery was mac ‘n cheese for her two boys: #2. Include drinks! Again, totally not necessary, but certainly a fun treat. A friend of mine brought sparkling lemonade that was divine. This day, we chose to go the beer route for the dad. C’mon, they need deserve it, right? #3. Include recipes. I received many dinners that were delicious and wanted to make them again! If you include the recipe, neither of you will have to hassle sending/obtaining said recipe. I know, may be a bit presumptuous, but fun nevertheless: #4. Include enough for leftovers. Again, not necessary, but seriously, you’re already making enough for an army, right? ‘Cuz you’re gonna feed your own family as well (plus, you’re bringing dinner to a nursing mom! Who knows, she may gobble up the leftovers that night at midnight!) It will be appreciated. #5. Just for fun, I included a “Distraction Kit” for the older siblings, so hopefully this new mom of 3 could have a peaceful moment. I included silly glasses, fun stickers, bubbles, and a few cheapy toys. Again, these things are all above and beyond, please feel NO pressure if you’re delivering dinner to a friend. Know that the dinner itself is a Godsend. Even if it’s pizza! It’s a night where she doesn’t have to cook or do dishes. Hooray! But, if you haven’t done it before, consider it, it is a true blessing. =)

The swing

Simple, adorable thing I HAD to share. While at the park when Cooper was little, my good friends shared the fun “share the swing” trick with me. You know the little bucket swings that have little holes for your kids legs? Well, my friends would put their little ones back to back in the swing, genius! That way, even if your little one is a little young to be in all by him/herself, they can share with their older sibling….exhibit A: Oh my goodness! How sweet! Overall, Cooper LOVED sharing the swing with his sister. After awhile, he wanted it back to himself, but for awhile, he was quite proud being the big brother. And Allie simply adored it! Giggles all around. Here’s another snapshot to help you visualize. Sweetness! I just want to gobble up those chubby little thighs! Scrumptious! =)

Enjoying Home

This is my second summer “celebrating” Cool Summer Days. Last summer, my conclusion was, this is a great idea because it does get you out trying new things, having a blast, and creating precious memories with your kids. However, with that being said, it can also drive you a little batty if you feel the need to stick to your schedule. Especially with a “new” baby (okay, so she’s 4 months now, that’s still new alright!? hehe), grant yourself some relax at home time.

I love that my son plays with his toys. We often have people come over and comment on how many toys we have (thankfully, most of which I haven’t had to purchase, thank you grandparents!). I keep reviewing them, trying to determine what we could get rid of that Cooper doesn’t play with. Thankfully? He really does play with nearly all of them! Wow! What a creative, fun, playful little fellow!

Grammy & Papa just recently bought him a little outdoor grill. And Cooper does just love it! After feeling like Cooper needed a little one-on-one mom time, we headed out to the backyard after sweet sister went down for a nap to just hang. He cooked me a hot dog, a cupcake, and was just the sweetest thing ever. I love that my son now tells me that he loves me back. Melts my heart! Even remembered to wash his “chicken hands”, as mommy calls hers in the kitchen. hehe

More fun at Concert at the Park

I’m becoming more and more a fan of creating some lasting traditions in my children’s lives. I won’t be hard core about them because let’s face it, we need to have flexibility and fun in our lives. I NEVER want to go do something out of the sheer feeling of obligation. That would be horrible!

Concert at the Park has never (yet) felt like an obligation. Only pure, child-like fun! Here we are with some friends waiting for the train… And here are the kiddos ready to ride! Know why they’re all sweaty? They were dancing the night away! =) Nothin’ beats a picnic dinner out on a lawn with some bad cover band watching your kids dance. Precious!