Another year flies by...

Well here we are, the night before Nora turns 2 years old and I can not believe it! She is growing up so fast and still never ceases to amaze us daily... She has learned so much this year... Although we are still in diapers she has learned so many new words I lost track how many she knows, she knows everything we say and ask... She has her own little chores she does daily which is to pick up clothes and put in the hamper and to pick up any "trash" and make sure its in the kitchen.... If she sees a fuzzy or a crumb from her snack it all goes into the kitchen lol... she has her favorite shows and her favorite stuffed animal is Lambie from doc mcstuffins... her favorite food is probably grilled cheese or sausage and she loves Taylor Swift Shake it off.... she still loves mickey & Doc but she also really loves Curious George and Strawberry Shortcake (The most recent version).... she is the best blessing we've ever been given and enjoy watching her grow and learn daily.... I will post tomorrow some pictures of her (I hope)..... 

She has been really into Christmas this year so that makes me, an already super excited person about Christmas, that much more excited!  She doesn't really understand though why she is getting all these new things but she is really enjoying her Doctor kit and "kitty cat" aka puppy surprise... apparently the dog looks like a cat! ....

Any way, tomorrow is the big 2 year old status so we are excited and might I add terrified with what 2 brings... lol but we are going to enjoy every second of it! I do wish though that she could just stay little forever or maybe just stretch these years out some so they don't go so fast!!

OH! Here are some of her Birthday clothes... I just can't believe its here already!! 

Frozen Kid Party...

This weekend was 2nd birthday party #1.... The kid party with all the cousins.... Aunt Erika and grandma brought Ali and Josie and Aunt Jessica & Uncle Jim brought Brett and Remi.... we had a great time, however we did miss the boys (Weston and Tucker) but I think the party was pretty fun! The kids had a great time... They played snowball toss with the Olaf I drew, they made ornaments, ate pizza and cookies plus cupcakes and they played and giggled... and giggling kids mean a great time! 

Thanks Aunt Erika again for the cute birthday outfit we loved it!!!

Making Ornaments with Mommy

Blowing out her birthday cupcake

She was so tired but she had a great time...

and the amazing towel Aunt Jessica made her! OLAF Hooded Towel! You are the very best!!

Photo Cred: Aunties Jessica and Erika....

Seeing Santa....

So, I took Nora to meet Santa.... I just don't know why I thought it would work out but at least we got a cute screaming head off kid.... She was waving and saying "hi Santa!" then I went to put her on his lap and she flipped her lid.... He even gave her crayons but nothing was going to settle her down... she finally calmed down once we couldn't see him or hear him anymore- 

Anyway we will try again next year... Her cousins were just as ticked off....

So Far this month...

I know we are only 4 days into December but I have been one very productive momma! 

This is one of my favorite movies to watch every year so of course I had to buy it since we don't have cable anymore and I didn't have any other way to see it.... It just completed my collection! 

I had Nora do some painting... Mistletoes are the cutest! 

Of course Rudolph! 

I had Nora watch Frosty already this season too! She LOVED it, of course, she is MY child! another classic that is a must see... Besides this we have also seen every kids Christmas movie Netflix has to offer (We have been watching them since halloween)

I made some Rudolph peanut butter heads for Miss Jane....

I DID THIS! Super proud of my less than mediocre drawing skills... It looks similar to OLAF and that is what I wanted so I'm very fine with the out come... This is for Snowball Toss at her Parties over the next 2 weekends.... 

And of course Momma has to have her cup of happy.... extra chocolate hot chocolate with a vanilla peep... In a santa mug for extra Christmas points!!! 

I hope everyone that reads this is enjoying their holiday season! I spend all day baking today so there will be more productive posts to come! 

ALSO Can I just ask... Did anyone notice that I've been on my blog game lately?!!

Top Movies...

My top 11 Christmas Movies

1. Home Alone
2. Christmas Vacation
3. Its a wonderful life
4. Elf
5. The Santa Clause
6. Miracle on 34th Street
7. Rankin & Bass Classics (1 case counts as 1 spot... Rudolph, Frosty, Santa's coming to town and year without a santa claus)
8. Home alone 2
9. How the grinch stole christmas
10. four christmases
11. Family Stone

Honorable Mentions:

1. Christmas Story
2. Unlikely Angel 
3. To grandmothers house we go
4. I'll be home for Christmas

Nora's top 11 Christmas Movies

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
2. Mickey's once upon a Christmas
3. Mickey's twice up on a Christmas
4. House of mouse Snowed in
5. Muppets Christmas
6. Snow buddies
7. Rankin and Bass
8. Grinch
9. Elf
10. Disney channel original Holiday pack (Lizzy mcguire, kim possible, even stephens, that's so raven)
11. Winnie the Pooh a very merry christmas 

Most of hers are on Netflix currently 

My Little elf....

How can we not be super excited for christmas with this adorable elf running around.... we are very excited this year because she is really into Christmas and she is very excited about the "No mans" (Snowman decorations I have everywhere)

She is growing up so fast and she continues to amaze us daily.. She is so smart, funny, sweet and even a little rotten.... but she is our girl! We are so blessed every day to see this little flower bloom into something more each day... 

I can't believe she is almost 2!!! Where has the time gone???

December Agenda.... BUSY

First of all, YAY Its christmas time! Bring on the Jolly old Elf....

Now down to business.... the month of December is ridiculous!

Week 1: I have to see the Dr. ; Nora's birthday party with friends and cousins; and trying to see christmas lights....
As well as starting our 25 days of Christmas projects and finish wrapping presents!

Week 2: Nora's 2nd birthday; her 2 year check up; her party with my family and Christmas with my pop-pa Jones and Aunt Kelly.....

As well as trying to get picture with Santa and more festive activities along with the 25 days of christmas and our 12 Days of christmas begin (See later)

Week 3: Christmas with my best friend and her family *Hopefully*, and continuing our festivities


Week 4: Hosting Christmas eve with my whole family, Christmas day and My best friends' birthday.... along with finishing festivities.....


NOW The break down.....


Our 12 Days of Christmas... *Read in tune of song ;)
12 Family guests
11 favorite movies (List to come in next post)
10 songs to sing
9 baking days
8 dozen cookies
7 out of town guests
6 shopping days
5 Christmases
4 crock pot meals
3 Homemade cakes
2 2nd birthday parties
and 1 Jolly Mall Santa......


Fun I know!!!


now for the festivities:

I want to see a lot of Christmas lights
Mall Santa
Build a snowman *Snow pending*
Bake a bunch!
Host even more!
Send cards
and our 25 days of christmas fun *Multiple posts to come*

so please take time to enjoy this busy season, I know I will!

REMEMBER:

Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing......

BLACK FRIDAY....OK Thursday....

SO as usual my sister Courtney and I went out shopping only this year our younger sister Brianna came too! It was just us sisters and that doesn't happen often! We ended up going out around 9pm Thursday and can I just say Kohls still had EVERYTHING even after being opened for hours, plus there wasn't too many people and as far as our other stops, Target and Walmart they were not nearly as crazy as usual.... so either we hit them at the right time or people just aren't shopping on Thursday... either way it was a win for us! we got everything we needed/wanted/didn't need... I got completely done shopping, and we woke up the friday morning and went out some more! We had a great time and I can't wait for next year to do it again, although we did miss the rush of being there when the doors opened so I think next year we are going to Toys R US just for the rush! 

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving and Shopping weekend! Bring ON Cyber Monday!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to yours! I hope that everyone has safe travels and that everyone enjoys a little bit of a cheat meal day! I also hope that if you're in retail you will remain positive and enjoy your day... You know well in advance that IF you work retail you have to work Thanksgiving- Also to all the shoppers, I hope you find wonderful deals but don't let greed get the best of you, don't push and shove to save some cash on a tv you don't really need or that $1 dvd... its really not worth the bad karma.... 

As for myself I've always been a Black Friday shopper.... I remember my first black friday in CLEVELAND, Oh with my mom... (What was she thinking?) It was the year of the furbie... the first time they came out in the 90s.... it was insane there mothers throwing those suckers across the store... a car was stolen in the parking lot we were in and I feel like someone got shot but we were not there for that one! Ever since I've enjoyed going out and seeing how insane the human race can be... its watching idiots in their natural habitat... Its like a train wreck you can't look away... 

My sister and I have been going together for about 8 years now I think... before her I would go with friends or my mom.... I've been at it I think somewhere around 15 years or so except the year I  was 9 months pregnant I made the decision to not go because I could barely sit up let alone walk in a crowd of insane crazies.... 

I love the thrill... I've stood in line for hours in the snow to get nothing just to go for the experience.... I usually do my shopping online and enjoy the day out with my sister we also are normally done shopping by that time so we shop for ourselves or what our homes need... I did buy Nora a dress last year on a whim....

Either way whichever end you're on- the retail, the consumer or the i'm staying at home... I hope your day is great! 

Eat Turkey, (except I hate turkey so I'll eat potatoes and cranberry sauce)

More from the Machine....

I will say that this is the first year, EVER, that I  am so caught up on projects that I had to think of something to sew.... So, I decided to make Nora and her cousin Ali matching Frozen scarves and myself a cute wintery pattern "scarf" its more like a wrap but either way it will keep my face warm and I'm not going to lie, it already has... *We've had some super cold days already*

I also made Nora and James new blankets that they LOVED and nora wants to sleep with hers every night which made me feel like an excellent mother! WINNING!! 

James loves his too.... we all sit out in the living room wrapped up in the blankets I sewed... I'm going to do some self bragging but I'm really proud of myself that I know how to sew now :) 

SURGE....... AHHHHH

SURGE!!!

Well, my brother-in-law bought a case of these bad boys from Amazon... and my sisters and I opened one and had "Sister Surge Shots".... it tastes the same as it did a decade ago.... but my love for it was only as a child... its too sweet for me now but nonetheless I  had some! 

Now if only they will bring back Crystal Clear Pepsi so I can see if it tastes like I  remember, maybe some 3D doritos too :)

Reading with Washi...

Well here is the second washi post I promised... 

Bookmarkers...

I went to hobby lobby and in the jewelry section they had these little book charms... I fell madly in love and decided that I had make a couple gifts for someone I know... She loves these two in particular and I went with it... I love the pairing with the washi that I did... Ii think it matches and goes well together and can I just say how much fun these are to make! 

I also went to the dollar tree and bought a pack of tea lights (16 for $1) and made matching washi covered tealights... 

these are seriously such a cute little gift!

Washi Love!

 Washi Tape.... How on earth did I go 27 years of life without you? I'm so glad I found you.... You complete me:).... Ok so after I have just professed my love for this stuff you should go buy some... now.... its everywhere even the dollar tree has it... for you guessed it... $1!!! (The gingerbread tape came from there)

So here are some ideas for washi *Another post will soon follow*

Iphone Chargers covered in washi tape suddenly makes me happy to see my phone charging... PS I buy my chargers straight from china for less than $1 so I have a million of them to play with... I know a lot of people who pay a lot of cash so they may only have one or two max!

Cheap wooden frame covered in the washi of choice... I made this one because it looks shabby chic and I'm in love with pinks and florals... 

I may have a problem because I can't stop crafting... but I can't help it, once you have these cute little rolls everywhere you will just want to craft all day and all night.... Its like Lisa Frank for adults.... 

check back in a few days for a great gift idea with washi tape! 

Thanksgiving....

So, I'm not a big decorator for the Thanksgiving holiday... I am more of a straight to Christmas kind of girl... but this year I decided to make this bad boy because I'm in love with Tulle and needed a great reason to play with more! SO here you have a Turkey Wreath that is currently out on the front door... We may have Christmas lights hung up in the kitchen but at least passersby will think we're all about the Turkey :) 

Why Yes, I did watch Elf while I  made this and no I didn't feel bad about it! Now On to Christmas Crafting!!! So Excited for this Holiday Season... Nora will be 2 and she is already very excited when we go to stores and see big Santas and snowman *she calls it all santa* I hope I can give her a heart full of Christmas magic that she will treasure for a lifetime... I know one thing is for sure, there are so many wonderful things that come with Christmas... and For me personally I've always been as spirited as a Christmas elf, however in my adult life the holiday has only gotten more meaningful... 

I met James just before Christmas, It was our first holiday together.... two Christmases later he proposed to me.... and on our 5th Christmas we had just brought our first baby home, and had Christmas in our first house we had bought.... Granted our 6th Christmas we were renting again but that came with an awesome new job for James... now here we are coming up on our 7th Christmas.... I can't help but get excited- so to my best friend... You had your Halloween.... now let my Christmas begin :)

More Halloween Surprises....

Since Nora is the first kid on my side of the family (since my sister Bree who is almost 21) She is a little spoiled.... I didn't take pictures of everything but here are a few below....

My parents got her an adorable little owl bag, goodies and clothes for halloween, Aunt Jess made goodie bag, I got her a new shirt, and movie.... My grandma got her a goodie bag, the neighbor brought over a sweet goodie bag and box of homemade sugar cookies... and then below is a package that came in the mail from my Aunt Kelly and her mom, Debbie.... Way too sweet everyone and we thank you all so very much for being super awesome to our princess.... 

I just wanted to make a post to thank everyone for being so kind and great to Nora! We couldn't ask for better family and friends than those who are actively involved in her life! 

Our little Punkie Pink Pirate Princess.....

She is her momma's girl.... She loves all things pink and girly so when her Aunt Jessica let us borrow this costume she was super excited about it and she ROCKED it! We thought this was the cutest little costume! She kept spinning around saying "pretty mommy, baby pretty" and that makes my heart very happy! 

Although it was all of 40 degrees for trick or treat or as Nora Jane kept saying " Punkie treats"... We still went to Nana and Papa's house and visited some neighbors and family friends just to make it back before the ice and snow started... Indiana weather I tell you, unpredictable.... Needless to say it was a great success and super fun... she said "punkie treats" to everyone and she said "nank you" so manners were spot on! 

PS... I hit the sales after halloween and this chick will be snow white next year! $5!!!:)

Steele kiddo bash Pumpkin Coloring....

I will say this over and over again.... "Carving Pumpkins Sucks".... So what do you do with tons of kids at a kiddo bash? Give them a handful of crayons and mini pumpkins... yes, a mess, goop, stink free way to decorate those little orange "Punkies" as nora jane calls them... 

It was a hit the kids enjoyed themselves I enjoyed the clean up... *PRO TIP: Count out crayons when you give them out and count them when you get them back so none magically appear on your walls in two days*

*There is Weston by the way in a sea of little girls....*

PS. HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2nd annual Steele Kiddo Halloween Bash....

 So I would call our 2nd Annual Kiddo Bash a success.... we had a new baby join us this year (Tucker the adorable Tiger) and all the girls and Weston have grown so much since last year! Its crazy.... but here are a few pictures of the kids in costume... (I will do a separate post with Nora and another party post)

*Pizza party*

*Tucker the adorable Tiger*

Remi as Elsa and Brett as Rapunzel each with awesome hair done by their incredibly talented mother aka my BFF :) Love you Jess you did so great on their hair! 

we had so much fun! I'm glad everyone got to come and have fun ***We did miss my niece Josie she stayed at her new house with her new pet goat***

Minky Flannel blankets...

I  am in love with minky and flannel fabrics... Most use these as blankets for new babies, I however make blankets for everyone with these materials....

I made my grandma one last year for christmas and she LOVES it! 

The first one pictured below (2 Pictures) I made for Nora for Christmas this year.... She has just started watching Strawberry shortcake and I seen this on sale a long time ago so I already had the flannel... I  just did a yard of flannel and a yard of minky but minky stretches differently so a yard goes a little longer. anyway I am horrible when I sew, I never pin anything I just go with it.... For whatever reason I love a seam ripper lol.... but these blankets I just go where the fabric takes me so it takes about 20 min. on a 1 yard blanket and for the 2 yard blankets a little over 30 minutes.... only because my table is so small and the fabric has no place to go... 

I found this bright reindeer flannel last christmas and never did anything with it so I made myself a christmas present for this year! I'm super excited about it! it snuggles perfectly... I will be giving myself this gift in the next couple days when the highs will be in the 50s! 

NOTE: When you make these sew them inside out leaving "hole" about 6 inches so you can pull it through then sew the rest up.... the seams are a lot nicer this way!

What is Mother Nature telling you?

Just take a moment and look at this beautiful sunset... NO FILTERS, NO EDITS, just a breath taking sunset....

I am so very blessed to see beautiful things like this pretty often in my life and I know how I got so lucky...

I had two very special and amazing grandparents (Mama and papa Crabtree) they were and still are very important to me and when they passed (2007 & 2008) I had a very hard time and still to this day I have some really bad days. Some days I look up to the sky and pray that they can see what is going on or if I am thinking of them and really need them I talk to God about it and I'm not kidding something beautiful comes into my life like a big warm hug sent from them to only me... I am so lucky I get my "hugs" from them pretty regular... Some people may think I'm crazy and some people may say they see the same beautiful sunset but honestly I think that it is more! 

It happens all the time... A week before this sunset I was having some issues with a family member and I was really struggling with forgiveness and I thought of my grandparents and two clouds moved and the sun peaked out from behind and I literally seen the sun's rays beaming down telling me its ok and no matter what I am loved from above! 

So just take time from your busy life to pray a little and think of someone that has passed away and if you pray about it you will receive your hug too! 

Headed Home....

Our trip was so much fun!  I hated to leave but we will be back again soon!!! 

If any of you have traveled recently with a child under 2 you will understand how a 4.5 hour drive took over 7 hours! 

We had to stop a few times to let our princess walk/run for a while which was fine... I enjoy a great truck stop just the same as the next person! HOWEVER shortly after we crossed into Kentucky I started seeing signs for "FLEA LAND Kentucky's Largest Indoor Flea market" and if you know anything about me and where I come from you know that there is a gene I have that makes it physically impossible to keep driving past a new to me flea market... I come from a long line of flea market junkies, in fact my papa crabtree had a booth set up back home in West Virginia and as a kid I spent a lot of time there! I am also addicted to auctions but that is a whole different story!  

Anyway, seen the Flea Land sign my eyes lit up with pure joy and Nora was starting to get cranky so we trucked the 22 miles to this joyful little land of wheelin' and dealin' and let our little darling "Valk" for a little while... 

This place was AWESOME! very clean and tons of different booths! I didn't plan on buying anything and I actually didn't buy now one thing!  JAMES however seen a rocking horse and he had to have it for Nora so he bought it! It is the prettiest rocking horse i've seen and its very special when a daddy picks a special present out for his daughter! (Picture below) It warmed my heart! So all in all this stop really made the trip home magical! 

Moral of the story: Only magical things comes from stopping at a flea markets, so ALWAYS stop when you see a sign for a flea market you've never been to! :) Mom if you're reading this just go with the flow and stop the next time dad asks you to!  you never know what you may find!!