Brynnleigh's First Day of Preschool

Brynnleigh started her first day of preschool exactly one week after Owen.  B is going to O's old preschool which we love.  She is only going two days a week (Tuesday & Thursday) 3 hrs each day.

I attempted to get some 1st day of school pictures...but she didn't want to hold, or sit near the sign! (I should have known that this would lead into the rest of school!)

I knew she would not be as easy as O was for school at any point (O never ever cried when we took him to school, even the first day)...but I had no clue that a week later, she still would hate it!

Unfortunately I couldn't take off from work to take B on her first day (with Vacation, and all the time off getting O ready for big kid school there was no way)....so my Mom & Dad dropped her off.  Here's the pic I got of her when I dropped her off at Mom's



Poor thing...look at that face!

So Mom took her....and she walked in.....

Then, she lost it at "Teacher hand off" time. 

The teachers told Mom that she did fine, she did cry a bit, and was "angry" and didn't want to participate in a lot.  She did forget that she was angry and would play for a bit, then remember she was angry again.  She did enjoy being outside!


"I no wike cool Mama, I no wike it"

I know she will adjust, but I hate that she's not in love with school like Owen has been.  They are like night and day....O is up, dressed and ready to go to the bus stop 2 hours early, B will pretend to be sick (at 23 months) so she doesn't have to go!

Saturday's Top 5 Laughs - 9/29

I love these posts....and I know these will be the ones that I will go back and read again and again as my kids grow up!  I may even have to pull some of these out at graduations and weddings! ; )

I'm linking up with Melissa at The Mommyhood Chronicles

Here are our Top 5's from this week (and maybe one from last week that I didn't get posted!)

5. - Brynnleigh shortens the names of EVERYTHING (maybe because she has such a long name, who knows)....but she has renamed her jacket to jack so every morning....I got my Jack Mama, put my Jack on!  And even better....her belly button....is her butt!  Yep, if you say where's your butt Brynnleigh, she lifts up her shirt and points to her button...."dere it is"

4. - We were driving home Wednesday night and B got excited when we passed McDonald's - "I wan nuggets, and fwies, and a MILKSHAKE!", O looked directly at her and responded "No Brynnleigh, Tonight I'M cooking dinner, and we are having pizza"  So B responds " I eat PIZZA"  (And yes, O cooked it - he makes the whole family english muffin pizzas every Wednesday)

3. - Owen saw the invitation to Brynnleigh's birthday party at my parent's house and thought that she did not invite him since he had not gotten an invitation himself....I had to show him his "invitation" when we got home and he was so excited and ran to Brynnleigh and thanked her for inviting him to her party! 

2. - Brynnleigh is not in love with school - so every time we talk about going to school, she responds "Missy come back" which means she finally realizes that Missy (my mom) will come back to pick her up, she's not left there forever!

1. - Owen had his school pictures Friday morning...we tested out his outfit Thursday night and I told him he looked like a Stud Muffin....so he was running around the house beaming "I'm a muffin I'm a muffin!"  Even better, B now calls him Stud Muffin, "night night Stud Muffin Owen" and my husband calls him Dr. Stud Muffin.....I can only imagine his conversations in school that day!

Baker's Blooms & Bows Spotlight

I hope everyone read/saw my Baker's Blooms & Bows review HERE.


I'm not sure you can think of a hair accessory that is not available at Baker's Blooms & Bows.  They have pony tail holders, clips, bows, bottle cap clips, and the list goes on.



Lets find out more about Donna from Baker's Blooms & Bows shall we...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self..

I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of 2. I love to sew for my daughter. I am a member of our church choir. I teach the Kindergarten Sparks class at our church.


2) Can you tell us more about Baker's Blooms & Bows and how it got started?

Baker's Blooms & Bows was started because I was tired of paying SO MUCH for hairbows for my daughter. I saw this really cool bow that someone else has & thought, "I bet I can do that for WAY less!!"

3) What is your favorite item and why?

I love all the "Blooms". I think it is so neat to see all the different colors & varieties that you can find in flowers. Plus, you can put just about anything in the middle of one!!


4) How can I order?

You can order by clicking on any album on my Facebook Page.  Just post "sold" & your info on the individual picture of what you want & it's yours!!!

Love what you see? Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event where you can enter to win a flower/bow of your choice!

Covered in Cuteness Spotlight

I hope everyone read/saw my Covered in Cuteness review HERE.

Covered in Cuteness has a ton of fun girly things...from bows, hats, and headbands to jewelry!  They even carry Bellanonna Beauty which is fun bath therapy, scrubs, cremes and much much more!


Lets find out more about Stephanie and Covered in Cuteness...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self...

I am a stay at home mom who enjoys crafting on the side. I also have a degree in Physical Therapy and do still treat on occassion.


2) Can you tell us more about Covered in Cuteness and how it got started?

Covered in Cuteness was started because we would often look for items that our young children could wear safely. Many items for infants had small beads or were held together by pieces that could easily come off thus posing a choking risk. Still, other items were held together by pins or glues that may be toxic. While no item is 100% safe, we take great pride in our products. After all, if we would not put them on our own children, we won’t suggest you put them on yours.

We have recently branched into carrying the all natural Bellanonna skin care line as well.


3) What is your favorite item and why?

My favorite item is the red rose headband with the pearl center. I love the feel of the red shabby flowers and the sophisticated look of this particular piece.


4) How can I order?

You can visit us at our website or on facebook.


Love what you see?  Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event  where you can enter to win a specialty Halloween hat which fits ages 6 months to 3 years.

Wordless Wednesday - Fishy Pizza Face

She's my little fishy!  A fishy who throughoughly enjoyed her pizza dinner that her big brother made for her!

And this other picture I love because she looks so innocent and free spirited!

 

 



Jennifleurs Spotlight

Remember JenniFLeurs?  Yes, that is where the kids got their super cool super hero capes!  Make sure to read my review HERE.

Lets find out more about Jennifer from JenniFLeurs shall we...


1) So tell us a little bit about your self..

I am a stay at home mom, with one five year old daughter. She is very loved by my husband and I, as you can imagine :)


I graduated Arizona State University with a degree in Family Studies. Although I have never "professionally" used my degree, it seems as if everyday my education takes purpose in my life. I love volunteering in my daughter's school, cooking, being outdoors, etc. and I am extremely crafty and creative!


2) Can you tell us more about JenniFLeurs and how it got started?

The shop name Jennifleurs came from my Aunt Jac, which she endearingly nicknamed me, and it stuck. My ETSY shop began by the prompting of a few moms at my daughter's preschool. I had just taken up sewing, and decided to try making a few new capes for the kids dress up section at school. They were such a hit at school, that one of my friends suggested I put them up on ETSY...and here we are! I had no idea that they would sell. They were truly one of the first things I ever made. I always joke with my husband, that if I ever try sewing something new, I may just hit the jackpot!

3) What is your favorite item and why?

My favorite items are the custom orders. I have made matching capes for a family of four boys that were helping their mother battle breast cancer. I have made capes for two extremely premature twins, that I later learned were called their "prayer" capes. The parents would bring the capes in the NICU with them...and both twins made it home and are progressing everyday.


I love hearing the individual stories...whether it is a child's obsession with semi-trucks or a big brother welcoming his new baby sister....that is what has made this experience so rewarding.


4) How can I order?

You can order through my ETSY shop by visiting www.etsy.com/shop/jennifleurs. I have many appliques listed, but always accommodate new ideas and requests.


ETSY takes credit cards, debit cards and Paypal.

I look forward to working with you!!



Love what you see? Then make sure to enter the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway Event where you can enter to win a custom super hero cape!

Baker's Blooms & Bows Review

Brynnleigh received some great flower bows from Baker's Blooms & Bows to review.  She actually enjoyed playing with them, and wearing them!

Unfortunately, since she enjoyed playing with them so much, I did not get a picture of her wearing all of them.  She hid two of the bows and the hair band that came as well.  We received an awesome bow with the bottle cap center, which is not pictured.

These flowers are so fun!  And I will apologize now for the pictures of B w/the bows...we had pizza for dinner, which I thought I had removed from her face....I was wrong! ; )

Baker's Blooms & Bows has pretty much every type of hair accessory you can think of and is one of my sponsors for the Keeping Kids Creative Giveaway which ends on Sunday!  You can go HERE to enter the giveaway which includes a choice of any flower/bow clip on Baker's Blooms and Bow's facebook page!  You have to check out everything they have!

Wordless Wednesday - Family Landscaping

This is what we the rest of the family did on Saturday after Owen's soccer game....

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well so I rested most of the day.  I was able to push through a 7 mile run and of course didn't miss Owen's soccer game...then I crashed for a bit.  I did manage to step outside to take a few pictures!  I'm upset I missed a beautiful fall weekend but glad the kids could enjoy some time outside!

Oh and my awesome father in law...did all this for us on his birthday!  Thanks Jerry!!

Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway!

I'm very excited to participate in my second giveaway hop.  I really enjoy doing these because I find new blogs/bloggers and gain tons of great followers!

Okay....now for the good stuff.  There is only one rafflecopter for all 5 prizes sponsored by The BOAT.  I will pick 5 winners via Rafflecopter, so please make sure you complete the mandatory entry and let me know your prize preference in order.  If you tell me you are only interested in 2 prizes, and you are picked 3rd and your two prizes have already been claimed, I will pick a new winner.

I will continue to do reviews and sponsor spotlight posts through the giveaway so please come back during the giveaway period!.

Giveaway #1 - Copy-Kids Eat Fruits & Vegetables DVD & a cute wooden fruits and vegetables set from Plan Toys. Go HERE for my review, and HERE for my Spotlight and Interview!

Giveaway #2 - Covered in Cuteness specialty Halloween Hat!  You can see my review HERE  and Spotlight post HERE.

Giveaway #3 - A personalized reversible super hero cape from JenniFLeurs.  You can see my review HERE, and the company spotlight HERE.

Giveaway #4 - Bakers Blooms & Bows flower bow/clip of your choice from any album on their page!  Check out my review HERE and spotlight post coming soon.

Giveaway #5 - Kelly Kits annual subscription for a monthly craft kit mailed directly to your door!.  You can see my review HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now, links to other blogs and GRAND PRIZE info..


The last week of September has been Nationally designated as "Keep Kids Creative Week". While this week is often celebrated in schools with many fun activities to help stimulate kid's creativeness, parents can also take advantage of this week to do some really fun things at home. Many parents struggle with finding time to fit creativity in but there are lots of products out there to help us with getting those creative juices flowing. Mama-Nibbles and Life With Two Boys created this event to help you find some fun products to keep your family creative not only during "Keep Kids Creative Week" but any time of the year!

Keeping Kids Creative begins on September 17th at 12:01am EST and ends on September 30th at 11:59pm EST.  Along with the awesome prizes that each of the participating blogs are offering we also have 3 Grand Prizes thanks to our sponsors BabbaCo, Green Kid Crafts, Kelly Kits, PowerCapes, Bannor Toys, We Can Too, and Kat and Company.

Enter to win the Grand Prizes here!

Disclaimer: Please note that the Keeping Kids Creative hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.



JenniFLeurs Reversible Super Hero Cape Review

I was so excited to receive and review these super hero capes.  Owen has gotten all into super heroes and of course Brynnleigh just follows behind.  Brynnleigh is actually obsessed with "Piderman".

Jennifer Edwards from jennifleurs etsy shop allowed me to pick/design any super hero capes I wanted for the kids.  O originally picked the pirate cape (see below) then changed his mind to spiderman. 

B of course wanted "piderman".  I asked Jennifer to switch B's up a bit and do a girly spiderman, and it came out perfect!  Both kids decided to do the lightening bolt initial for the opposite sides of their capes.

As soon as we got them, O HAD to put his on and started running around the front yard.  B was a bit timid at first, but then she was all about it.  "My ero Momma, put my ero on!"  It was soo cute!  Ever since then, neither has taken them off.  O has already asked if he can sleep with his on! 

Jen took so much time to make sure every last detail was perfect!  These super hero capes are top quality and a great steal for only $22.00 plus shipping!  These are great Christmas gifts too!  This may be my new birthday present staple!

The kids go back and forth with what side cape they want.  B normally wants her "piderman" side showing, and O switches it up throughout the day.  Somehow I didn't manage to get a pic of them with their spiderman showing, but I did take a picture of just the capes.

JenniFleurs graciously offered to sponsor The BOAT in the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop and will be giving away a personalized reversible cape to one lucky reader!!  Stay tuned, the giveaway starts tomorrow!

If you can't wait, and you need to order one now, you can go straight to her etsy shop or email Jen directly!

Covered in Cuteness Review

Who doesn't need to be covered in cuteness?  This company has a ton of fun and cute embellishments!  They are one of my sponsors, and are participating in the Keeping Kids Creative Blog Hop Giveaway which starts on Monday!

Stephanie with Covered in Cuteness sent Brynnleigh two special flower hair bows and a soccer sports bow to review, and I LOVE them!  The flower bows not only do they look cute on, but they look cute attached to my shirt as well!  A super cute accessory, definitely an added plus. 

Brynnleigh typically only wants her "air bow" for certain periods of the day, the other periods, I have it attached to the bottom of my shirt or on my sleeve.  This flower hair bow, looks like it's supposed to be there which I love.

B calls these bows her "fower air bow" and they ALWAYS stay in her thin hair!

 These bows are great for special occasions, and even just digging in the dirt!!

Unfortunately Brynnleigh would not cooperate with the soccer bow that we received....I think she was done and ready for nap time....but it's huge (just how she likes it) and very well made.  We will love to wear this to Owen's soccer games!  It even has a little bling bling in the middle, and everyone needs a little bling bling!

You can check out Covered in Cuteness and shop directly from their website or facebook page.  I would definitely like the facebook page so you can stay on top of their sales, specials and giveaways!

Stay tuned for a giveaway on Monday!!!

I received these products for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Owen's First Day of Kindergarten Interview

I totally copied this off of Pinterest, but I'm so glad I did!  I know I will go back and read this as the answers change and my baby grows up!

Favorite TV Show - Doc McStuffins
Favorite Movie - The Polar Express
Favorite Color - Every color except purple and pink
Favorite Food - Fruit except apples
Favorite Candy - Ice cream
Favorite Toy - Train toys
Favorite Activity - Building with Legos
Favorite Sport - Soccer & T-ball
Favorite Superhero - Spiderman actually Captain America
Favorite Shoes - Every kind that are my size
When I grow up I want to be - an artist
Height - 45 1/8"
Weight - 47 lbs (with shoes on)

All answers are word for word straight from Owen's mouth...my favorite....the shoe answer...that boy has a problem.  (The first week of school, he didn't duplicate his shoes ONCE!)

Owen's First Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe this day has come...my baby is starting "5 year old school" and I am not ready!  Owen on the other hand has been talking about this day for months!  Here are a few pics from our crazy morning (and me doing everything I could to keep myself busy).

For Owen's first kindergarten lunch he wanted to pack a "cheese & mandaise sandwich with no turkey, ham, or chicken", a frozen gogurt, pizza pringles, watermelon, a chocolate chip cookie, and a water bottle!

He chose to wear his Winterpock Wolves shirt that we got from Prep Sportswear and blue shorts and his blue "Chelsea" shoes (yes, his shoes have to match what he's wearing....thanks Troy for passing that down!).

O picked out his "gray" metallic dry erase board and was so excited to take pictures..

Then he realized that he needed his name on it....so he added it!

By then, it was time to head to his bus stop

Once he got there with the other kids, we no longer existed.  Luckily we were smart enough to say our goodbyes before the bus showed up..

Owen's little girlfriend who lives across the street not only rides his bus, but they are in the same class.  They are so excited, I'm a little worried since they argue like a married couple! ; )

Then the bus came, and we were left, standing there waving to our little man, who never even looked back...

Of course as the bus pulled up and he ran on...I lost it.  I did my best to keep the camera in front of my face...but my wonderful husband stole it to get one last picture!

While Owen was at school, Brynnleigh and I ran to pick up a few balloons and custard filled munchkins for when he got home...

Then Brynnleigh and I waited...in style of course...and my little man jumped off the bus with just as much excitement as he had getting on (well maybe a bit tired, but he loved it!)

Owen, even though I cried and I missed you terribly while you were at school, I'm so glad you love it.  You will learn so much over the next year and start your journey to becoming a man.  I know you will make lots of friends and have lots of fun, just don't forget about your Momma & Daddy!!

Also O....your sister was so excited to take an early nap so she could come with me to get you off the bus!  After I told her our plans she responded "I go night night now to get Bubba off the bus, YAYYY".  Follow your heart and trust your gut and always keep dreaming...you can make whatever you want happen and be whatever you want to be!