{MAddiE Lu'S}

FAMiLY WoRd

2011-01-19T07:51:00.001-08:00

I am claiming these scriptures for our family:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 6:7,8

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11,12

We are asking, seeking and knocking....and we are waiting for an answer!

thE NeW NaP TiME

2011-01-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

Nap time for Miss Madelynn has long gone. When she turned 2, her naps became few and far between. There was a time last summer when the only days I could get her to nap was on the car ride home from our beloved Teacher Cindy's swimming lessons. Then we moved into a nap phase that I re-named "Crap Time". (I don't usually use that kind of language, but those of you who know about this particular phase would agree that I have earned the right to use it...just this once:-). The good thing about phases (at least this one) is that they don't last forever. We finally settled on "Quiet Time"...which has worked fairly well until the last couple of weeks. No amount of pleading, bargaining, threatening, or disciplining was working. Something needed to change--had to change, or both of us would go crazy. And today I finally figured out what it was...it was me.

This last week has been extremely tiring and challenging. Madelynn came down with a bad cold and has been up every night for at least an hour. On top of that, Lila was waking up 2-3 times a night. In other words, I wasn't getting much sleep. I had decided to exchange Quiet Time for a movie since (while Madelynn was sick) I knew it would be a losing battle. Yesterday I tried to reinstate Quiet Time and it ended in disaster--tears and tempers flying on both ends. My heart sunk as I knew I was losing Quiet Time, too. I sought encouragement and creative ideas from my mom (as I often do;-), but something deep in my heart told me that I already knew what I needed to do. Surrender. Not the kind of surrender that gives the child control over the situation. This was something much deeper than that. I had to let go of what I wanted to do during that 1 hour of Quiet Time so that I could see what Madelynn needed...Mommy Time. I used to wonder why Madelynn was so darn stubborn. Now I realize that I needed to take a good long look in the mirror. I have been so intent on keeping the Nap Time tradition that I could not (or would not) see what really needed to happen instead.

So today instead of preparing for another battle, I spread a blanket on Madelynn's floor. I set our pillows side by side. I put out books and covered us with a blankie. And without question my daughter snuggled next to me and listened intently as I read. When I finished the story I told Madelynn that I was going to close my eyes for a minute. She laid still next to me for a moment and then quietly sat up, tucked the blanket around me, and gently stroked my face with her little hand. It was by far the best Nap Time ever. It was "Mommy and Daughter Time."

NEW YeARs REsOLUtiONS {and MeRRY ChRiStMAS!}

2010-12-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

{MeRRY ChRiStMAS}

From our little family...

*photo by Jodi Mockabee Photography*

...to yours!

And on a totally different note...

{NEW YeARS ReSOLUtiONS}*

*because I really need to write these down NOW, before I forget!

1. Build my Business.

MAddiE Lu'S has been a slightly profitable business up to this point. I want to change that to VERY profitable. A slight make-over, additional handmade products, and expansion are some of the ways I plan on accomplishing this. (I haven't decided wether to sell on Etsy again or not)

2. Blog.

I'm sure by now you all have noticed I've been SLACKING in this department...to say the least.

3. Become a better Photographer...with an iPhone.

Nope, no fancy camera here. Just an iPhone. Somehow I need to figure out how to take better photos with it--a new camera is not in the near future.

4. Bedroom Uplift.

Our master bedroom NEEDS HELP. Small space, huge bed & furniture, no style, totally un- sexy.

5. Begin an "idea" journal.

I'll let you know how I do!

My hUSbANd

2010-11-12T19:24:00.001-08:00

My husband is an amazing man.

I love that he is passionate about the outdoors (or "the woods" as we call it in our house)...

I love that he made me a part of this beautiful family...

and even though he made me look like this- TWICE...

I love that he gave me this...

and this...

He is my manly man, my best friend, my solid rock, amazing father to my children, our provider, my shoulder to lean on...

and my lover.

I guess what I am trying to say is, I love my husband.

*Professional photographs by Jodi Mockabee Photography*
(excluding deer-head and prego picture....I'm sure you can tell the difference!)

bittY bAbY ShOES

2010-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is a little sewing project I finished before baby Lila was born:

I bought a baby shoe pattern on etsy for these reversible mary Jane shoes...and I love them! It's too bad baby Lila's feet are too tiny to wear them yet! My favorite part is that they are reversible--a girl's gotta have options, right?

And what pair of shoes is complete without a little coordinating frock? A MAddiE Lu'S onesie was in order:

The shoe pattern also came in larger sizes...I expect Lila will need at least one pair in each size! Maybe a brown tweed for this winter....

PiNkY bLEU

2010-09-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Before baby Lila arrived, a friend of a friend contacted me to do a trade with some MAddiE Lu'S hair clips. I was flattered-then very excited when I saw her PinkyBleu etsy shop! In exchange for a few hair clips I received these darling little ruffle-bum panties for baby:

I love the colors and fabrics!

Please check out her etsy shop...she also has adorable onesies, burp cloths,and bonnets (I don't know how much longer I can resist her bonnets-hmm, maybe for next summer?)

Here is the cutest little model showing off her new fancy-pants from PinkyBleu:
(Photo by Jodi Mockabee Photography)

MEEt LiLA (and the story of her arrival)

2010-08-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome baby Lila!

*Adorable ruffle-bum bloomers from PinkyBleu*

*Amazing photos taken by Jodi Mockabee Photography*

The newest member of our family finally arrived on the 13th of August. I say "finally" but according to my due date-August 29th-I was two weeks early. It just felt like I was overdue! Here's the run-rundown:

12am- woke up feeling kinda funny so I got up to go to the bathroom and WHAMO....my water broke. I was very surprised, as this was not how I expected to start labor.

12:15am- got in the shower, expecting contractions to start any moment...

2am-still NO contractions! I walked circles in the house, got the carseat ready, packed last minute essentials, window-shopped online.

3am-mild contractions began, stronger than Braxton-Hicks, but not what I'd call active labor. I decided to try to sleep.

5am-got a little sleep but began getting anxious about contractions. They were regular, but still not really painful. I was supposed to go to the hospital 4 hours after my water broke and at this point I was putting it off. I really wanted to give birth naturally, and I knew that since my water broke I would be urged to start pitocin to get my labor going.

6am-called Grandma "Yaya" to get Madelynn. Finally called the hospital and of course they wanted me to come in.

7am-arrived at he hospital. Contractions slowed down and sometimes I could not even feel them! My doctor was out of town (I know, so typical!) so I met the on-call doctor...I was not very impressed (even more typical!). At this point I was dialated between 4 and 5 and the doctor suggested I start pitocin to get things going. But I was dead-set on giving birth naturally...even if it took longer. So...I began walking...

11am-...and walking...

1pm-...and walking. Now I was dialated between 5-6. Big Woop! I thought the second time was supposed to be faster! Nothing was going as I envisioned...

2pm-another walk around the hospital.

3pm-I was suddenly very tired and deciced to lie down and try to sleep. I slept in between a few contractions and then BAM! A real labor contraction finally hit. BAM! Another one hit and I was really having to breathe through it. BAM! Ok, this was starting to really get going!
"Jess..." I said to my husband (who had fallen asleep on the chair),"you might want to call my mom and tell her to come back."
"Why?" he asked sleepily.
"Because I think I'm going to have this baby soon!"
As he called my mom I kept having more contractions-each stronger than the last.

3:30pm- Shortly after my mom arrived the doctor came to check on me. I was starting to feel very "pushy." This was a term I remembered all to well from the last time, and I was not very fond of this part. It's the part between painful contractions and actual pushing contractions. It's TRANSITION. The doctor said I was fully dialated and ready to push! (Not that I didn't already know that). I could literally feel the baby moving down with each contraction. I had to grab Jesse's hand. I felt like I had to sit straight up, squat, kneel...anything but lie down at an incline. My nurse raised the back of my bed at a ninety-degree angle so I could face the back of the bed and kneel. There was a steel bar I could hold on to, which was probably a welcome break for Jesse's hand! I could tell that this was going to be quick. I think I gave about 5 or 6 six big pushes and then.........

3:50pm-Baby Lila Nevada McMahon arrived! I can't even explain what a relief it was to get her out! I already felt a million times better. Lila let out a big cry. She was (and is!) absolutely perfect.

My labor was much different than I had expected. I would say that my actual hard labor was about an hour. An hour! But such a strange beginning with my water breaking and slow-starting contractions. My nurse told me that next time if my water breaks I should get to the hospital RIGHT AWAY. Well, we'll see if there is a next time...

For now we are pretty content with our little family of four! Welcome baby Lila!

MAddiE Lu's iNitiAL CLiP

2010-08-11T07:02:00.001-07:00

I've been busy making new matching hair clips for the girls...and I came up with a new design that looks great on a headband too! More pictures to come!

iNfANt PANtS RE-fAShiON

2010-08-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Cozy pants just won't do for our little summer baby!

I love these little infant pants of Madelynn's...

...but they will be too warm for the new baby girl. So I decided to make them into a little skirt:

All I did was cut the pants off right at the crotch (sorry-I hate that word but could not think of a better one!) and sewed some eyelet lace along the bottom. Because of the material I didn't even have to hem the skirt!

With the extra fabric from one on the legs (waste not!) I made a matching hair clip.

The whole little outfit is now packed in baby girl's diaper bag...
...waiting to be worn...
...any time, now...

dREsS-uP

2010-08-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

We have a new past-time at our house these days...DRESS-UP (with Mommy's clothes, shoes, and purses)!

bACk tO OuR "ROOtS"

2010-07-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend for husband's birthday we went on a grown-up getaway. This is something we used to do daily before we had Madelynn...

It felt good to be outside breathing the fresh mountain air we love so much.

Jesse set up a spinning rod for me while he stuck to flyfishing. We didn't catch anything, but it didn't matter...

...the scenery and uninterupted conversation more than made up for it.

We did have one slight mishap on the trip involving the following: the wrong set of car keys, a tiny desert town, no cell service, and twenty dollars (for a pair of plyers, a bucket handle, a water bottle, and a redbull). But I'll leave that story to my husband:-)

This may have been the last getaway before adding to our growing family. Here I am at 34 weeks:

Thanks for having a birthday, babe...I still love being outside with you!

bUbbLES

2010-07-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Madelynn learned to blow bubbles "all by myself" at YaYa's house:

tiCkLEd PiNk

2010-07-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

I have been busy upcycling a few of Madelynn's little onesies for the new baby:

Most of these had long sleeves since she was a winter baby.

This little sleeper was a little too boring so I did a couple heart appliques. I cut them from other outfits of Madelynn's that were stained.

I cut the sleeves off off this onesie, added a flower applique, and added ruffles at the legs.

I almost didn't do this one because it has gingerbread on it (very winter-y) but it turned out to be my favorite. I made a matching hair clip to go with it (shown at the top of the picture)

I cut the sleeves off, added pink polka-dot ruffles and a ruffle-y rosette.

This one was just plain polka-dotted so I added the embroidered cupcake applique (which I cut off another onesie that was stained)

More colorful ruffles and bright stitching made this onesie a little more exciting.

My husband commented with a smile, "that sure is a lot of pink!"

I guess you just can't help it when there's going to be a house-full of mostly girls!

NAp StRikE dAYS

2010-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Miss Madelynn has been deciding to forgo most of her naps this week in exchange for some pretty silly stunts. This picture captures her energy on the first day of her nap strike:

Bouning off the walls got a little dull so the next nap strike day I opened her door to find this (after a series of grunting):

The mattress was propped up on the white cupboard and she was trying to slide sown it before it crashed down on the other side. Yes, I was looking for the little munchin that helped her flip her own mattress over the furniture...but, no. She did that all by herself!I always knew she was the type that thought outside the box...but this? I couldn't close my dropping jaw or decide what to say to her so I went and grabbed my camera instead. She obliged me by posing on the cupboard and sweetly saying, "CHEESE!"

Oh, Madelynn, (and this is such an understatement, but there are just not enough words in the dictionary for you!) you are one in a million!

How I love you!!

LaY dOWn YoUR SweEt hEAd

2010-07-12T07:05:00.001-07:00

I recently finished making some (mostly decorative, but totally necessary:o) ) pillows for baby girl's nursery. I stitched the flower and crown appliques on by hand, then did the pillow part with machine. It was a fun, satisfying project...and they accent the room like I was hoping! Pictures of the finished room are coming, but for now I leave you with these:

AnOthER YeAR

2010-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Madelynn has grown up so much in the last year! She has gone from baby to little girl...and the change has been fun, exciting, challenging, and a learning experience! Here she is enjoying the water this year:

She has so much life and personality and always keeps us on our toes.

One thing that hasn't changed from last year is her love of the water:

31 WEekS

2010-07-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

I had to lean really far over my belly to capture our newly painted pink toes...

...because this is what my belly looks like these days:

My word! At 31 weeks into my pregnancy I think I am bigger than the day I delivered Madelynn. The official due date is August 29th. Somehow I feel like I won't make it that long- am I listening to my body or faking myself out? Hmmm, I don't really like this saying right now, but "only time will tell" I guess. All I know is that this belly (and body) sure feels farther along than 31 weeks. After all, I was about 10 days early with Madelynn.

Anyone care to guess a date?

"LaSSO My CoWgiRL" SuMMeR ToP

2010-07-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Confession: before I knew that the baby was a girl, I thought it was a boy! And just in case I was right, I bought some vintage-inspired cowboy fabric for an unknown future project. It really was too cute to pass up. Well now that we know it's a girl, what to do with that fabric? I decided that Madelynn could totally pull off, given her free spirit and not-so-frilly nature. I just needed the right fabric to put with it. I had an old shirt in my project pile that would be perfect...the brown added contrast and the flowers made it girly. So I used the collar and part of the button-down edge to make the bodice...and the rest is made with the "cowboy" fabric. This was my first (and perhaps last) attempt at designing a top from scratch.

I learned three important things during the process:
1.) Next time I WILL use a pattern.
I completely made this up as I went, and ran into all sorts of problems along the way- like how to attach the straps after everything else was sewn, the ends of the fabric in the back did not quite line up, and exactly how to fasten the top in the back (buttons, snaps, elastic...)

2.) I am NOT a knowledgeable seamstress.
For instance, I hand-cut and stitched the button holes in the back because I have no idea how to do a real button hole (sad, I know.) I didn't make the bottom section of the top is not as gathered as I wanted because I didn't cut it wide enough. The straps were supposed to be parallel but didn't look right (although I do like how they ended up).

3.) I need to stop critiquing this top-because I have to admit, Madelynn looks adorable in it!
This little top seems to fit her personality just right...not every girl can wear something with lassos and pistols!

I wish she had a pair of cowboy boots to wear with it!

P.S. Yes, my little pistol CAN sit still long enough for me to double-french braid her hair! Getting her to sit still and pose for a picture is a different story...

I know, she is just too cute, huh?

Now I really appreciate all the things my mom sewed for me and my sister...and they had coordinating shorts! (I'm remembering a little shorts and tank outfit in a fly fishing theme, is that right, mom? :>)

FAbRiC FLoWErS

2010-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Baby girl's room is coming right along! The other day I whipped up these super-easy, no-sew fabric flowers (tutorial on MADE.blogspot.com). I chose three coordinating fabrics that fit in with the nursery colors...this little photo shoot will give you a little sneak peek at the nursery:

I didn't have any wooden dowels for the stems so I used some of husband's unsharpened pencils-sorry, babe!-and painted them brown.

I love them so much that I want to make some for the dining room...

...and maybe some for our bedroom...

...but for now I feel good about crossing another thing off my nesting list, and being one step closer to finishing the nursery!

ChALkbOARd

2010-06-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

A large white wall in my kitchen needed some help! I had a big framed map that I wasn't using...and I had an idea! First I painted the frame (which was dark brown) with the same paint I used earlier for my thrift-store desk. A sort of grey-teal-blue color. Then I got some chalkboard paint at WalMart for $10.00 (kinda pricey, but I am planning on using it for other projects). If you use this chalkboard paint then do it outside...it's very smelly. I painted right over the glass in the frame. Then I waited an agonizing 24 hours for it to dry before using my mom's chalkboard pen (the coolest invention ever) before playing with it. I got my inspiration for the words from this website.

Do you like how it turned out? My favorite part is that you can change it whenever you want! Now I really want to find more things to use this chalkboard paint on!

GArdEN MArkERs

2010-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

A while back I found some plain white plastic garden stakes at WalMart. There were about 25 of them for $4.00!

I spray-painted them a cheery yellow, then wrote veggie names with a black sharpie. I wish I had this many veggies in my garden...these were actually a gift for my dad for Father's Day. He has an amazing garden with almost 25 different kinds of veggies/herbs. I love how the bright yellow stands out from the green when they are in the garden. (Sadly I don't have a picture of it)

Anyway, I thought it was a fun little project and gift for a gardener...I may just have to make some for myself!

FLoWeR ChiLD

2010-06-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the only way to get a good photo shoot is in the car seat....while she's strapped in!

LiViNG RoOM UP-dO

2010-06-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

I recently found some pretty fabric at trimweaver.com that I thought would give my living room a little more pop. So I made two new pillows for the couch in a teal-gold-and grey floral:

On one of the pillows I used some gold quilted fabric that I covered my desk chair with:

I was also in desperate need of some curtain tie-backs. So I sewed a strip of the same floral fabric onto each curtain with hidden velcro to loop aroound the curtain. When the curtain is closed, the strip of fabric is easily tucked behind the curtain.

I had to mix some gold curtains with the teal-grey-bluish ones because I didn't have enough of either curtain for all the windows in my living room/dining room. Now they work together welll with the same fabric tie-backs!

I got a yard and a half of this fabric during a half-off sale and made (2) pillows, (10) tie-backs, and a valance for the kitchen window!
...And I crossed another project off the Nesting List:-)

FAthER's DAY FLy-iN

2010-06-20T15:27:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Dad's Day with a trip to the Columbia Airport for the annual Fly-In. The weather was perfect and we all had fun watching the planes zoom by. Madelynn even sat down with us! What a memorable Father's Day...especially remembering that it will be the last one with just the three of us!

My handsome husband...the best Father EVER!

Madelynn thought we were looking at "holicopters!" It was a shame to correct her because the way she said it was too cute!

She loved watching the planes fly by.

I know...such a cutie!

I swear it was an accident that Madelynn is covering my belly...

She loves to give kisses! Most of them went to her Daddy today :-)

Such neat old planes to look at...

Watching another fly-by

We all liked this little yellow one...

Here comes the main event! The super fast (and LOUD) Jet plane!

HAppY FAthER's DaY!

A NeW SuNnY BAthROOM

2010-06-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

The "girls' powder room" (or guest bathroom) was in desperate need of a re-do, as these pictures show:

No Life.

No Style.

No Personality.

So I chose a bright, sunny color and added some girly, vintage touches.

I didn't want to spend much money so I decided to make the shower curtain myself. Remember this fabric? Yes...it's the sheet I found at the thrift store for $1.50! I had the shower rod already, but added a large button (or two) to each ring. I picked all different sizes and colors and glued them on.

I found some old hankies from my grandma and put them in yellow spray-painted frames that I already had. The spray paint was about $4.00.

I took an old wooden sign I wasn't using and covered it with another hankie, then wrote "Little Dreamers make Big Achievers" with a permanent pen. I bought the little wire shelf/ towel bar at Hibernation for about $12.00. All the Burt's Bees Baby lotions etc. are from my wonderful Mother-in-law who keeps me in ample supply:0) The colors are perfect with the new theme!

I have been on the lookout for a new rug and some hand towels...but haven't found the right ones yet.

When Madelynn woke up from her nap one day to find her bathroom re-decorated, she exclaimed, "OOOHH Mommy!" Then she went around touching everything saying, "Mommy made this!"
It's nice to have someone appreciate your decorating:0) Now I walk into the bathroom with a bright smile....and I crossed another project off the "nesting list!"

BobA FEtt

2010-06-16T21:03:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I took on a new challenge: decorating a Boba Fett cake for my nephews' birthdays!
Challenge #1: I did not know what a "boba fett" was! (I have yet to watch Star Wars from beginning to end-pathetic, I know!)
Challenge #2: I have not decorated a cake since a class I took in elementary school!
Challenge #3: deliver said cake to about 25 kids and 2 of the biggest Star Wars fans ever-the birthday boys themselves!

Well thank goodness for the boys' MaaMaa who made the cake AND made an outline of Boba Fett on trace paper for me to copy! And thank goodness for step-by-step directions of how to decorate a Boba Fett cake (also provided by MaaMaa!)

It was a fun challenge and I enjoyed trying something new. The best part was delivering the cake and seeing the looks of delight on my nephews' faces! Happy Birthday!

ShOWERed WitH LoVE

2010-06-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my mom and sister gave me a beautiful baby shower! Family and friends showered me and the coming baby with such wonderful things as: handmade blankets and burp cloths, diapers, a pedicure, baby outfits, gift cards, and even a family photo session! Of course everything was decorated beautifully, my mom had a make-to-order espresso bar, and we had an amazing cake made by local legend Kim Angel. Thank you so much to everyone...you made a pregnant girl feel very special!

NEstiNG

2010-05-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that have been keeping me busy around the house lately:

Organizing and getting the nursery ready for baby girl (nursery pics soon!):

Painting and organizing my newest thrift store find (sorry there's no before photo-it was an ugly honey-colored wood with brass handles):

Re-doing my terribly messy, embarassing laundry space:
BEFORE-

AFTER-

And finding a space in the garage for husband to hang his lovely, ever-growing collection of hats:

I have also been working on decorating the guest bathroom...and the nursery, the livingroom, the master bathroom, husband's closet, the kitchen....
No, I'm not nesting or anything.....:>)

SuN BAthiNG

2010-05-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

The long-awaited, sunny, eighty degree weather has finally arrived! Madelynn was thrilled with a little impromptu sun-bathing/splashing/jumping at Nana and Pa's house. I even got to SIT for about a half hour while she was preoccupied (this does not happen very often-the sitting, I mean).

Don't ask me how I was able to catch these photos of her "posing" because they only lasted for a split second!

It's so refreshing to watch someone enjoy life so much. My little Madelynn always keeps me laughing. :0>

The other day we stopped at cousin Kade and Kuper's house after an afternoon walk. The boys always include her in their play...and this time they were riding the quad! Kuper helped Madelynn keep it out of the ditch...thanks, Kuper!

And just for fun I wanted to share these pictures from the park. One of Madelynn's favorite things to do is swing on the tire swing...

...probably because she can stand up while its swinging!

StARbUCkS GiRLS

2010-05-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

While visiting our family up north, we decided to teach the girls a few things about the Starbucks family tradition (these cups are empty of course!):

1) Coffee is always more enjoyable when drank with someone you love...

2) Biscotti is to coffee as butter is to bread...

3) Starbucks must always come first before any road trip...

4) Some people must avoid human contact until they have had a few sips of coffee...

5) Every coffee lover is different-Madelynn loves her Tall Nonfat Vanilla Latte, while Paisley enjoys her Double Tall Nonfat Extra-Hot Latte...

6) Never leave any coffee in your cup!

Pa'S LittLE GiRL

2010-05-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Need I say anything more?

MiSs MAddeLyNn'S RoOM

2010-05-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Its finally finished! This has been one of the most fun decorating experiences I have had! I wanted the room to be colorful and fun-just like Madelynn. I tried to get as creative as possible and think outside the box. Usually I am a very precise, "matchy" and symetrical decorator-so it was fun to do something different! See what you think:

Madelynn's wonderful Nana and Pa bought her the super-cute wall stickers, hedgehog beanbag, and awesome pink storage cubicle and canvas buckets. My sister painted the bright green owl figure sitting under the tree on top of the storage cubicle :>)

The "woodland friends" sheets and bedspread are from Target (originally I wanted the owl bedding from Pottery Barn but found the Target version at almost 1/4 of the price!).

I bought the hanging birdhouses for a dollar each at thrift stores and painted them and covered one roof with fabric.

This little pink child-size mirrored cupboard used to be bright red and very shabby looking. A fresh coat of pale pink paint and it looks brand new!

I gave Madelynn's pink curtains an update by sewing a huge tree with a pink bird on one panel, and a giant owl on the other panel. All the fabric I used was on hand. (I really must invest in a nice camera one day-these pictures look terrible!!)

The pink retro kitchen was a Christmas gift from Nana and Pa:-)

I just noticed the mixed-media canvas above the kitchen that I made has some fabric hanging down in the corner. Guess I didn't hang it far enough above the kitchen and Madelynn put her special touch on it!

I have to say that Madelynn seems to really like her new room! She was very excited to see all the little critters on the walls. She also loved helping me paint the birdhouses. I love that the room now fits my daughter's colorful personality!

Here is what I spent to re-do her room:
Bedding: $65.00
Birdhouses: $2.00
Pink Paint: $12.00 (I was shocked that a little quart of paint was so expensive, but I have plenty left for a few projects in the baby's room :-)
Everything else I had on hand!

MAddiE Lu'S BAbY ShOwER GiFt

2010-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

I love creating handmade gifts...especially for babies! It was so much fun putting together this little gift for a baby shower I went to today:

This little basket contained two coordinating burp cloths, an embelished newborn onesie, a tiny flower hair clip, a petite stuffed bunny, and a pair of socks with pink pom poms (not pictured because I already wrapped them).

It turned out pretty cute! In fact, I think I will replicate the set for the new Miss McMahon (yet to be named!)

My wonderful Aunt Jayne suggested that I sell similar baskets at Hibernation--and I think I may take her up on it! I currently sell the hair clips and onesies there. (Check out Hibernation's new website...coming soon!!!)

P.S. if anyone needs a unique, handmade baby gift...let me know! And I love doing custom orders!

BAbY SEEdS

2010-04-14T20:10:00.001-07:00

Well the wait is finally over! We found out that our "baby seed" is indeed a girl! Here is a lovely profile of our next little princess...

...she totally has the famous "McMahon nose", don't you think? We also got to see her playing with her toes in this next picture...

So amazing to see such a little baby do such a thing! We also caught her yawning. :-o Madelynn will be such a wonderful big sister, and we can't wait to see the sisterly bond they will have. Exciting!!! And now to prepare and decorate!

On to another type of seeds...

My dad and I had so much fun starting our gardens together. The "Man of Plenty" conveniently bought enough seeds and seed-starting pods to supply two gardens! He was more than happy to share the extra with me. So we spent Saturday afternoon selecting seeds, "poking" them into the pods...

...and even making diagrams of our pod garden on graph paper!

It was a wonderful father-daughter project...in a "Cannon" sort of way! Thanks, Dad!

"GoURmEt" BRoWniEs

2010-04-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

They're not organic. They're not low-fat. They're not made from scratch.
In fact, these brownies are from a box, and they took me ten minutes to make. Sometimes you just don't feel like putting that much effort into being domestic. But, hey-they look "gourmet", right?

After pouring the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies into the pan, I melted some peanut butter in a small bowl. (I actually did use all-natural peanut butter) Then I poured it right out of the bowl, going back and forth to make many uneven lines on top of the brownie batter. Then I took a knife (because I didn't have any toothpicks) and drug it through the lines (perpendicular, not parallel), switching directions each time. Then just bake it according to the directions!

And there you go! Husband is happy and wife didn't spend two hours more in the kitchen!

MiXEd MEdiA ARtwORk

2010-04-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I had so much fun creating two mixed media canvases for Madelynn's room.

The best part was getting to use so many different materials-canvas, paint, fabric, wood, stickers, and glue! I used two painter's canvases I had laying around and painted them a pale pink. Then I found a coordinating green fabric and glued it in a strip on the bottom of each canvas.

The tree stems, leaves, and flowers were leftover wall "stickers" that I used to embellish the walls of Madelynn's room. They are removable, so I had so much fun playing around with different designs...they are so goof-proof!

The little owl is actually a thin, wooden, paintable cutout from a craft store-but since I didn't have very many paint colors, I decided to use fabric instead! I cut the fabric shapes just like the pattern that was pre-drawn on each owl, then glued them on. Soooo easy! Then all I had to do was glue the owls to the canvases. it was so much fun!

Madelynn's room is almost done and ready for pictures! Only a few last minute touches!

TuNiC REfAshiON

2010-03-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

The other day I did a little refashion for Madelynn. This little tunic dress is a size 6-12 months but still fits Madelynn like a top.

I wanted it to work for spring and summer, so I cut the sleeves shorter and added a little ruffle out of a pale yellow shirt of hers that she has grown out of. You can't tell from the picture, but it's actually a double ruffle. I simply cut off the bottom hem of the yellow shirt and cut the hem open at the bottom (on the fold).

I also cut out a little elephant patch from the same shirt and hand stitched it in the corner of the refashioned shirt.

Instead of packing this tunic away, it now has new life!

And just for kicks....here's a picture of her wearing it when she was about 10 months old:

This picture makes me laugh-that little face is so squishy! (And, yes, that is my belt wrapped around her twice-I had so much fun dressing her up!)

Madelynn has outgrown many of her summer shirts and I hope to refashion some more!

Have a great week!!!

A HoUSEhOld MiRAcLE

2010-03-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

My house was beginning to look like it had encountered a natural disaster and a funky smell was starting to come from my neglected sourdough bread starter on the counter. The laundry pile was about to erupt.
If you have kids-you know what happens when they get sick-all your attention is focused on your poor sick little baby. And in our case...NO NAPS. Just when I was about to give up the daily 1:00-3:00 struggle...a miracle occurred. SILENCE. For two whole hours. I scrubbed, I cleaned, and took a deep breath. I even had to wake her because she was sleeping too long! Finally it seems our house is back to normal and Miss Madelynn is feeling herself again. I went to wake her and found this:

That's my girl- if she's not refusing her nap, she at least had to pick WHERE she took her nap :~)
This next picture is what happened one of the days she didn't take a nap:

We went out late in the afternoon and she fell asleep in the car. When we got home I set her down and she laid right there on the carpet next to the kitchen table and kept on sleeping.

On another note, here is a little project I did as a gift for my sister's birthday:

Can you guess what it's made out of???

It's a sheet I found at the Salvation Army for $1.50! I loved it because its so sunny and springy:~) I have a ton left so I want to make Madelynn some summer clothes...maybe even an Easter dress!

Have a wonderful weekend-I will try to blog more now that things are back to normal!

HoUsEWaRMiNg GifT

2010-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

My Aunt-in-Law recently moved to a new house and I wanted to make her a little something to welcome her home. I found a small stash of vintage keys, a wire hook, and a ribbon in her favorite colors-and came up with this:

I also had an idea to put some buttons (I recently received a rather large jar of buttons my mom and dad won for me at Mother Lode Christian School's annual Jubilee-thanks mom and dad!) in a little glass vase tied with matching ribbon. I mean, who doesn't use buttons, right? This thoughtful little gift cost $0....that's right zero dollars! I found everything at home. I guess that's why my Aunt-in-Law calls me Miss Resourceful! (Jodi should love this...as her gift budget is $5! I love it!)

And here's a little teaser as to the theme I am going with in Madelynn's room:

I have finished her curtains, but am waiting to take the picture until I can raise her curtain rod-the curtains are dragging on the ground right now. Next I'll be working on a truly unique wall decoration that will cover the top 1/3 of her walls (Madelynn proof). And get this-its not going to cost me a dime!

A HeARtbEAt and COokiEs

2010-02-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had my 13 week prenatal check-up and was able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time! Hearing that little pitter-patter makes my morning sickness, mood swings, and the extra __ pounds I've gained seem like no big deal! Now all I can think about is the little miracle growing in my belly....and whether its a boy or girl!!!! Madelynn is even becoming attached to her unborn sibling. Nearly every time she comes in contact with my growing belly she starts to rub it, cocks her head to the side, and says, "Mommy has a baaaaby!" Now if that doesn't melt your heart....

Today was one of those stay-at-home-and-be-domestic days. At 9:00 I had a pot roast in the slow cooker, followed by a long morning of chores around the house. Usually when we hang around the house all day, Madelynn does not take a nap-and today was no exception. So to pass the time we made Molasses Crinkle Cookies-the BEST cookies EVER-a tradition of the Cannon family (thanks to my wonderful mom).

Madelynn LOVES helping mommy make cookies. Mommy loves making cookies with you too, Madelynn-but do you HAVE to touch everything and try to "cwimb" all over the counter???? These priceless memories are very dear to me but often take A LOT of patience! She got to taste (a bit too much) cookie dough-as I looked away for seriously ONE second to find her entire finger covered in dough and already half inside her mouth. She was very good, however, at rolling the balls in the sugar :-) Oh, Madelynn-what would I do without you!!!!
(notice my "lovely lady hump"-I mean "bump" in these pictures :-)

On another domestic note, I wanted to share a little project I did for Madelynn. She has one of those cheapy strollers with the plastic-y slings for her dolls. Obviously these were not made to handle a toddler's weight because after six months the poor thing had come apart. So I whipped up a new one with one of her old flannel receiving blankets (two layers of fabric-just in case Madelynn decided to use her stroller as a step stool on more than one occasion). It was soooo easy and quick...I'm glad I didn't just go buy another cheap stroller.

Well enjoy the last hours of this wonderful domestic day!!

INtROdUctiONs

2010-02-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am finally starting a blog! Yeah!!!!
Well I'm not very good with introductions so i guess I'll start with a simple "Hello!" I am a wife to a wonderful, handsome man and mother to a beautiful, full-of-life two year old girl. I love spending time with my family, being outside, running, crafting, sewing, and cooking. With another addition coming late this summer to our family-I thought this would be a perfect time to start a blog. Our lives will only get busier! I have many projects planned for the new baby, as well as for my vibrant two year old. She is fast growing out of her too-frilly pink flowers bedroom and needs more color to match her personality! With all the To-Do lists I've been making lately, I'm a little scared to see what happens when the nesting stage hits!
I will finish tis introductory post with one of my favorite pictures of late....and I look forward to sharing our journey!