Tiger Lilies

My Auntie has the most gorgeous garden! My Auntie and Uncle's entire backyard, is AMAZING!! Since I was a little girl, I've LOVED to go visit them. And the one memory that never fades, has always been their pretty flowers. :)

Last year, my Auntie was thinning out her flowers. Oh boy! Her lirios and lilies grow and grow. Into HUGE clumps. Every year, she thins them out. Plants them in other areas. And gives some away.

I just happened to go, a week too late!! But my Auntie promised me, that she'd save a bunch for me. This Spring!! In March, she called me. And told me, that I just needed to take her some containers. When the girls and I got there, oh my!

The girls and I helped her dig them out. And we left, with over 30 plants!! I just couldn't believe it. And I was so happy, when we got home. And planted them. Right away!! My Auntie told me, they probably wouldn't bloom until next year. Because they usually bloom in May. And would need some time to get established.



But guess what? They just bloomed! Not all of our flowers. I'm just so excited for next Spring! This is going to be so fun. :) I'm not sure what it is, about these little orange flowers, but they make me smile!!

Part of it, is I remember fun memories, from my childhood. Part of it, is all the good memories I share with my cousin, Auntie, and Uncle! I'm just so happy, that our backyard, is going to be full of these pretty flowers. Very soon! It just makes me so happy!! ~Maggie

Now That We're Home....

Now that we're home, I've never been so glad, that we built garden boxes last summer! We came home, to a nice garden. :) Full of gorgeous plants, and a few veggies, that were ready to eat.

Of course, we have my parents to thank too! They came by and watered for us. 3 times a week. The entire time we were gone. But I'm 100%, that our garden boxes, just made it so much easier for them.



Not to mention, there is a lot less weeding, that has to be done with garden boxes. Watering is usually, fast and easy too! The picture above, was our inspiration. And in 1 Saturday morning, my hubs and I, were able to build 4 of these. Definitely a gardeners best friend! ~Maggie

Pretty Necklaces

I've been dreaming of new jewelry. Something fun. And of course, easy to wear!! When you become a Mommy, you suddenly realize, life has to become more simple. No more complicated shoes, or jewelry. And it should be "baby friendly!" There were more times than not, when my kiddos would use my necklaces as teething tools.



Isn't this a fun necklace? I just LOVE how interesting it is. Without being too overwhelming. Or boring.



And I just adore the birds on this necklace!! How fun is this?? Oh my goodness! I really wish I could find this necklace. Both of these necklaces, were found on a recent Google search. With broken links. :(

Has anyone seen necklaces like this? I would adore wearing one. Something fun and stylish. I want one. I would like to buying one. Or two! ~Maggie

Cutest Bows Ever!!

Not too long ago, I seen this picture. In the middle of a Pinterest search. For the world of me, I can't find the link to it. Or the website, that this picture came from....



But I just adore these bows. I've made a few trips to the store. Picked out some felt that I like. And now, I just need to bite the bullet. And make a few of these. I know that my girls would LOVE to wear something this cute! ~Maggie

Tooth Fairy Time

Brianna is at that age. You know, when the teeth start their business. They get a little loose. Wiggling about. Telling you, they're ready to come out. Making room for the big guys. Jake thought this was the coolest thing!! He was so excited when his first tooth, got loose. He and my hubs, have found fun and new ways, to get those little guys out. Every loose tooth, has lead to a new fun trick, to help out. :)

Brianna, not so much!! I knew it was coming. I'm actually surprised, that we've gotten this far, without any loose teeth. But it's happened!! And my dear daughter, won't eat. She wants things like soups, apple sauce, anything soft. She eats on one side of her mouth. And takes 10 minutes to very carefully, brush her teeth.

I think she's scared. Scared that she will loose all her teeth. And never get anymore!! I've talked to her. My hubs has talked to her. So has her big brother, Jake. Nothing is working!! My kids have a dentist appointment tomorrow. And I'm a little nervous for my Bri!!

I started a little treat for her. A little Tooth Fairy. And I'm hoping, that tomorrow, the dentist might be able to convince Bri, that her tooth has to come out. That's were this sweet little one comes in. I'm hopefully, it will provide some comfort. 'Cause really, who doesn't want a trip from the Tooth Fairy?



It's not a tough pattern. If I had planned ahead, she would be done!! Instead, I'm quickly trying to finish her. If not, we might have a disaster on our hands. Heck, we still might!! Please keep Bri, and our dentist in your prayers. We're all going to need it! ~Maggie

Fun for a Tuesday!!

I know today is Tuesday. But to me, it still feels so much like a Monday. Long holiday weekends, do that to a person! Well, I wanted to show you something. That put a big smile on my face!



This is the Sew It Like You Mean It dress! Isn't it just too fun? I thought so! The fabric is so fun! And the style of the dress, is classic. Now I wouldn't wear this dress. I think I'm a few years, too old. But it made my day a little brighter. It's clothes like this, that make me wish, I had had more money, when I was younger. Or that I was a little younger right now. Do you know what I mean? ~Maggie

Rick Rack Fun!

Many of our friends and family, are welcoming new babies. It's such a wonderful time. And I want to continue, making them each a gift. I think it's so nice, to make something for a new baby. To go with a cute store bought item.

Recently, I came across this pattern. For the Rickrack Rainbow Blanket. I just think it's adorable! And honestly, a precious blanket, for my baby girl. :)



Out of all of our kiddos, Audrey is the most like me. Appreciates things from yesteryear. When I tell her we're going thrifting, my little girl jumps up and down!! Yes, she loves it that much. :)

I'm thinking of making her, her very own "Wic Wac Bankie." Audrey has walked around for days, saying that. I'm thinking, we need to go shopping, together, for the perfect yarn! ~Maggie

Girly Skirt

Lizzie and I were doing some Pinterest searching the other day. And we happened to see this adorable skirt. "Momma can you make me one? Putty peas?" The girl thinks, her momma can make anything.

I followed the pin here. And was pleased, that there was an incredible tutorial!! Score. In my head, I thought, "Well maybe, I can do this."



I haven't gotten too far on this project. But hope, by the end of the month, to have 3 done!! I know, I might have chewed off too much. But it's for my girls. :)

We've made it to the fabric store. I let my girls each pick out a color. And I've gotten 2 of the 3 cut out. Cross your fingers everyone. My girls now run to the sewing machine, every time that they hear it. I just hope, this project goes as well in real life, as it's going in my mind. ~Maggie

Researching...

I guess I should start off with, my hubs and I bought a house. When we were very young! We've dated since we were teens!! Yes, we're one of "those couples." But we were so excited and proud, when we bought our first home. I was actually still a teen...I was 19!! And weeks away from getting married. We had thought about just buying a "first home." But decided to look for a "forever home" instead. That was the best decision, we could have ever made!

My hubs and I, had looked at so many different houses. But we kept getting pulled to one side of town. Our realtor wasn't happy with us. She wanted us to buy a brand new home. On the other side of town. One that was overpriced, in our opinion, for what it was. No yard. Yes, they were gorgeous houses. But it didn't feel like home, to us.

Instead, we bought an older house. On the side of town, that we liked most! :) That sits on an acre of land. It's a HUGE house. I remember thinking, what are we going to do with all this room?? Now I laugh at that! We're a family of 6 now. And it feels like, this house was built just for us!

Over the last, almost 12 years, we've done a lot to our home! A LOT!! In fact, just a few years ago, my hubs surprised us, with a swimming pool. :) How cool is that? These are the things, that an old house can provide for you. And a BIG yard!! The opportunity to grow. To customize our home.

But let it be known, an older house is also tough. There is ALWAYS at "to-do list." ALWAYS!! Weird things are always happening. And we usually have to contact 10 people, before we can make a plan. It takes a ton of money. Which is tight, for us. A family of 6, living on 1 income. Oh ya!!

We are lucky though. My hubs enjoys DIY projects. Honestly, he is so proud of himself, when he can do the job himself. And do it good! We also have lots of help. My parents, my in-laws, friends, some other family.

We've wanted to update our kitchen for years!! Nothing too crazy. Because we really do like the "bones" of the kitchen. I LOVE our old cabinets! They're HUGE!! Definitely not something I want to get rid of. But they are dark. And a little dated. We want to make some updates.

My hubs has his plans all mapped out. We actually took a 4 hour drive, not too long ago, to score a GREAT deal on tile!! We got it, for 70% off!! We just couldn't pass up that deal. Did I mention we also got our counter tops? Expensive ones....on a great deal!! We were lucky enough, to have some good friends, who went with us. They brought back the counter tops, and we brought the tile.

When we first moved into our home, we updated the appliances. I remember thinking, we are crazy!! Those other appliances aren't so bad. Why did we just spend all that money?? In the long run, I'm glad we did. That and a fresh coat of paint, were all the updates, that we made at the time. But now, it's time to update the rest!!

We have everything that we need. All our supplies. Paint and everything!! We're putting in wood floors. The tile is for the back splash. We also bought tile for the last bathroom, that we have left, to remodel. In less than 12 years, we've remodeled 3 bathrooms already!

But this is where we're having an issue. I'm almost 100% positive, that my hubs would rather buy some cabinets. New ones. Ready to roll. Me? I want to keep our old ones. But give them a "face lift." That means, lots and lots of research!!



I've talked to my cousin. Who in fact, redid her own cabinets. Because in her words, she's a "poor college student, that can't afford luxuries." At the time that she painted her cabinets, I think she had owned her home, for all of 2 years. And was eating Ramen every night! Ya, this was a necessity. Girl couldn't afford food, much less new cabinets!!

Let me tell you, we've spent a good 8 hours, talking about the process. She's shared all the tips. And tricks!! Then I found this little article. And I'm feeling pretty positive about this process. I bought all the supplies. Including new hardware! For about $100. A lot cheaper, than new cabinets!

I've even convinced my parents, to watch all 4 kiddos for a weekend!! I'm praying. I know my kiddos will be good. But I'm almost positive, this will be the 1st time, they take all 4 kids, at once! For an entire weekend!!

I've even let my hubs know, I'll do the cabinets. All by myself. :) This really did give me a lot of confidence! I'm going to do it all! Sanding and painting. I'm even going to try and install the new hardware. But my hubs has got to do the rest! Because let's be honest, what do I know about tiling and laying floors? If you have any tips or tricks, please let me know! And maybe even, say a few prayers for me. :) ~Maggie

Momma in Red

My hubs and kids, spoiled me this year!! I must have been a good girl. ;) My Mother's Day was so fun!! And relaxing. Filled with lots of love, fun presents, and the people I love. :) First up, are my presents. Because I really didn't expect them!!



Don't you just LOVE this dress? I do!! I like that it's a dress that I can wear casually. Or I can dress her up!! The style of the dress is so fun. So is the name of the dress....Red-y for Inspiration. Late last night, my hubs told me, it sorta reminds him of when I wear his shirts to bed. :)



Oh, and not to be outdone, is this lovely dress!! I just adore the style of the dress. The print is just AMAZING!! Oh, the Red-y for Tea Dress, is my favorite new dress!!

Can you see why I feel so blessed? And spoiled!! On top of all of this, my hubs gave me some beautiful flowers. My kiddos made me the most adorable cards, and a cake. :) My hubs cooked up a yummy breakfast in bed. At church, they showered us Mommas with prayers, little gifts, and tons of love!!

We also had a BBQ at our house. With all our favorite dishes. Cooked by my hubs, my Daddy, and my Daddy-in-Law. :) It was just such a fun day!! And it makes me feel like, I'm doing a good job with my own kiddos. Sometimes, it's just nice to know, that we're not ruining our kids. That we are actually doing a good job in raising them!! ~Maggie