Sweet Emma Paisley turns ONE!!

Can you believe it? I swear it was just yesterday I was bringing that sweet girl home, and now she's one? Where does time go? Where's that pause button?! We love this little girl more than words can say. I remember when we were told we were going to have a little girl, tears just fell down my face. I hope to be her best friend, and I hope she loves me as a mother as much as I love having her as my daughter.

We celebrated Emma's actual birthday by lunch at Red Robin (shocked?) and some cake later. I was debating on whether to wait until her actual birthday for her to eat cake, but I just didn't think it'd feel like her special day without some cake! (It was the first time she's had something sweet. Other than fruits!!)




Here's some pictures of Emma's actual first birthday party.


I tried to throw the sweetest first birthday party a girl could have, Emma is just about the sweetest little girl in the world and she makes me smile everyday. My family is truly my happiness, and I hope that I make them happy. I love this little girl to the moon and back 15 million times.

Happy (late) Halloween

I'm sorry this post is so late, but I wanted to share some pictures of the kids in their Halloween costumes.

The morning of Halloween started out a little tough with Kolton waking us up puking everywhere. His fever spiked, he puked, he was mopey for a minute, and then he was fine. It was the craziest thing. He must have known that if he didn't start feeling better he wasn't going to get any candy later. ha! So once we got him straightened out, Emma decided she just flat out wasn't in the costume Halloween trick or treating mood. So the whole hour of trying to get the kids dressed was utter chaos, melt down, craziness. Buuut we pushed through and thank goodness we did because the kids looked too adorable in their costumes. Once we started our trick or treat trek, they started to change in moods and started to enjoy it. By the last house Kolton go the idea of what was going on, so I'm sure next year will be even more fun. lol! Here's some pictures of my adorable witch and handsome vampire.

Don't they both look sooo happy? ha!!

Happy (late) birthday, Kolton James-Allen!!!

A very special boy turned two years old this past week. :)

Two years ago on October 29th my adventure of motherhood started. Kolton James-Allen was brought into my life, and he's had my heart dancing ever since. Despite the struggles he had when he was first born, I couldn't ask for a healthier, happier, more handsome TWO year old boy. Where does the time go? This little boy lights up my days with his silly grins and giggles.

Since Kolton had a first birthday party to himself last year, we decided to let Emma have her special party instead of throwing them a joint party (since their birthdays are so close) But Kolton had one very special birthday. We woke up early that morning to a breakfast of blueberry pancakes, and after stuffing our faces we opened all the cards and gifts everyone sent him. Adam and I got him a train table and Kolton seemed pretty excited about it.

After we played, had a yummy lunch, and took a much needed nap (the kids did, of course mommy was getting everything ready), we headed out to dinner. My parents were able to come and visit so they came along with us. We went to Kolton's favorite place -Red Robin (yumm..)

After Kolton stuffed his face of onion rings, corn dogs, and fries they were sweet enough to bring out a sundae for him and sing happy birthday. The waitress we had was one that we've had several times, so she remembered us and said she'd "hook the birthday boy up." They were so sweet to him.

He loved them singing, but I think he enjoyed the sundae even more.. lol


After dinner we came home and let Kolton enjoy the dirt cake I had made for him.




I had such a fun day with my two year old sweetie, and I hope he had an awesome birthday. We love you Kolton!! :)

A rootin' tootin' good time!

As one of Kolton's birthday presents (that's right in less than a week he'll be 2) we took him to see Disney's Toy Story 3 on Ice. We were kind of testing the waters with something like this, but we couldn't pass up the chance of atleast trying. Kolton LOVES him some Toy Story so it seemed that he would be fine. (We tried taking him to the movies and it just didn't work out. We had to leave RIGHT when the movie started. Why do they make previews so long these days!) So we had a friend keep Emma so we could have Kolton feel even more special having all of mommy and daddy's attention, and not taking the chance of Emma being fussy during the show. Which worked out perfectly. Apparently Emma is much more okay with being away from mommy than I thought? ha! Kolton had a blast. From the second we walked into the building and he noticed Buzz and Woody items were everywhere he was in heaven. He kept pointing and shouting and getting so excited. He took his picture with Buzz and Woody too, it was the cutest thing ever. Once we got in and the show started he just sat on our laps watching in amazement. Adam and I came to an agreement that we probably could have cried any second of how amazed we are and proud of him. Our little boy is growing up so fast, and now he can do the things that when he was born we wished he'd be able to do. Like sit through a movie and enjoy it. We love that little boy so much and he (and his sister) tug at our hearts every day. I hope he had as much fun as we did just watching him (and I'm sure he did)

Here's some pictures that I took with my phone and a little video. I started to be a little picture crazy at first, but then I forced myself to put my camera away and enjoy our time with Kolton.

An amazing weekend.

Our weekends have been packed full with events for the past couple months. My friend the other day said "You sure go to a lot of birthday parties!" Ha! I suppose we do. This weekend we didn't have any birthday plans, but we still had something pretty spectacular to do. We participated in the Light the night Walk in DC. It's the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's walk and fundraising event to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. My friend Melissa organized it in memory of her boyfriend's childhood best friend whom he lost to leukemia.

Let me just back up a few steps for you and tell you that we were a little nervous about how the kids were going to do. The walk itself didn't start until 7 and as we all know that's usually when my kids are in bed. We met at the metro at 5, which again we were nervous that Kolton would be a little freaked out. Boy were we wrong. He loved it. He kept saying "Choo choo!" Once we got to the city we tried to find someplace to have a quick dinner before going to the event. It was so crazy, it was like every place to eat was close.. except for McDonalds. and I'm pretty sure every person from DC and the surround area was in that McDs. We did have one small (Ha!) melt down from my son in there. You should know that my son is in l-o-v-e with balloons. Well, there was several people with that balloons, and he wanted them. So after a (very) quick bite to eat, we took of to the event. First stop..

The balloon tent!

From there we were ready to rock and roll. The city was pretty much closed off to us, and we just walked in memory and honor of all the survivors and in support of all those still struggling and families who support them everyday. It was pretty magical seeing the city lit up with all the balloons.
After the walk they had a band, bouncy houses, face painting, and food stands from a local restaurant giving out chili, chips, and water. After we ate some of the chili we headed back to the metro where Emma fell asleep in the stroller and Kolton flirted with Melissa. lol! Once we got back to the car both kids slept the whole way home AND slept until 8:30 the next morning! I think it's safe to say they had a blast, too! I'm so proud of how well they did, and thankful they can experience stuff like this with us. I swear these babies have done more in their 2/1 years than I did until I was 18!

We felt so lucky to have a hand in such an amazing event. Thank you so much Melissa for putting it together!

Are they twins?

I couldn't tell you how many times I've been asked if the kids are twins. I swear, probably atleast 2 times EVERYTIME we go out. In the store, while they're in the stroller.. heck we'll be in the Starbucks drive thru and they'll ask if they are twins. It use to be where people who knew they weren't twins -like friends and family- would even think it's hilarious, but now THEY even say they look like twins. I get it though, especially the older Emma gets.. they do look ALOT alike. Like in this picture..


and the other day while I was waiting for friends to show up for our lunch date I sent this picture to my husband and he responded with "They look like twins in that picture." Ha!



Many of my close friends know that we were originally pregnant with twins with Kolton. Adam and I just can't help but think of the irony that is of our situation. About a year later we have Emma who is a spitting image of Kolton. From looks to personality. I believe everything happens for a reason, and in my book they might as well be twins.. I was just given a year break before the REAL chaos began, ha!

I tell you what though, they are two peas in a pod..

Lazy days..

Isn't this what life is all about?

Get your pumpkin patch on!

Just recently we made a trip to a local REAL pumpkin patch with some friends. You know me, I love me some fall so I think I was more excited than most of the kids! We met two other friends with their kids there. Adam didn't have to work like the other husbands so we had him tag along with us to be a extra set of hands.

It was SO fun. They had a petting zoo, hayride, corn maze, and the kids even got to pick out their own pumpkins to take home. I just loved seeing how much fun Kolton was having with his best friends, and how much of a big boy he is. It still boggles my mind how fast he's growing up! The weather was perfect for the day too! After all the awesome pumpkin patch activities we walked to the country store they had on the "farm" and ate some ice cream. I got the pumpkin soft serve and it was DIVINE! We were in such a great company, and had such a great day.



And of course Emma was there with her best friend Avery. I ADORE seeing these girls together. I just know they're going to be best friends!
Isn't this the cutest picture ever? It looks like Emma is telling Avery a secret and Avery is saying "Whaaat?" Ha! I love it!

We had such a great day, and we're already planning our next pumpkin patch trip!

I've got a feeling..

that I have some pretty amazing friends. A very dear friend made me a video of Emma's first year. I'm so thankful to have such close friends who care enough about me and my kids to do something like this. The thought of making one for her crossed my mind, but honestly I completely forgot about it with the manics that go on daily. Having this given to me as a gift makes my heart do backflips. It reminds me that I have some awesome people in my life that I wouldn't trade for a million bucks. Two million... maybe we'll talk. ;) Ha! Kidding.

Anyhoo, she did an amazing job on capturing all my favorite pictures, including Kolton, and picking out the perfect song. To my amazing friend --I owe you big! :)

Emotional

My husband and I were talking last weekend about life before kids. I asked him if he remembered what our weekends were like pre-kids, and he just laughed. At that very moment we were on our way to a friend of Kolton's 4th birthday party . So that very moment my husband was missing college football. We then laughed about the irony of birthday parties, zoo trips, and whatever else you do to keep kids from going stir crazy in the house taking place of college game day, shopping, going out with friends, and whatever else adults do to have fun. To remember the days where we could just pack a bag for us and drive 3 hours to the beach and not have to worry about 28 bags of diapers, bottles, snacks, juice, and then make that 3 hour road trip turn into 6 because someone is sick, wants out of the car, or needs a potty break (that's usually me ha!). But also do you know how many times I'll ask Adam "What was life like before kids?" ...boring! Sure, I'm sure all the stuff we did was fun, but none of that has much substance once you have kids. While we're cracking up at Kolton doing a funny dance or Emma growling like a monster, or Kolton wearing his rainboots to bed and Emma dancing to the Calliou theme song, or even when Kolton is throwing a fit because his Mr Potato Head wont cooperate (as he's doing right now) or when Emma is keeping us up all night because her teeth are coming in... even THEN I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing.

And I'm sure you've all noticed we have two birthdays coming up. Kolton will turn 2 on the 29th of October and Emma will turn ONE on November 3rd. Have you noticed that I haven't talked about it AT ALL. Other than talking about her party, I can't bring myself to talk about my babies getting older. I'm VERY emotional over it. I want Emma to stay the sweet cuddly baby she is, and it seems like every day Kolton gets more independent and doesn't need his momma anymore. Of course it makes me very proud that Kolton is growing up and becoming a smart little boy, but really where does the time go? Kolton is starting to say so many more words and it make me so proud. Emma is so close to walking it's unreal. Didn't I just bring these babies home?! REALLY!

Another thing I'm emotional over? NOT having a teeny tiny baby in the house. I know, I know.. we wont even go there.

So, anyhoo. I had a friend say to me yesterday "Adam must really love you because he's missing football!" ha! I had dragged my husband out to DC for the millionth time this month. He did miss football, but I guess it's because he realizes that football doesn't matter when you have family.. No? Okay, well I'm sure it's because he has the ESPN APP on his phone AND the fact that the most important game to him (WVU vs LSU) didn't come on until 9pm.. lol

So, yes.. we do devote alot of time to our *FAMILY* but we wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Our Awesome Little Family

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

I'm pretty sure there isn't one individual that doesn't LOVE pumpkin. Well, maybe a few here and there, but you have to admit yourself it's pretty good. I'm not sure if I love it more because it's yummy or because it's a sign of fall. Have you ever had Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Muffins? Holy, moly. They're the bomb. My husband was genius enough to find a copy cat recipe and made them this weekend. And they were as well THE BOMB! The recipe makes 24, and I'm pretty sure Kolton ate 15 himself! They were THAT good! So I just had to share the recipe with you.

Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

1 box of spice cake
1 15 oz can Pumpkin Pie
1 3.4 oz box vanilla pudding
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
1 tbsp. sour cream
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 c. brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

mix cake mix, pumpkin, pudding and vanilla

Add sour cream, eggs, oil, spice

Once combined scoop one large scoop(pampered chef large scoop)into lined cupcake cups. sprinkle each one with brown sugar and place on stone, or cookie sheet. bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30 min or until toothpick comes out clean.

We found the recipe here. If you notice it calls for a 30oz can of pumpkin puree, after reading reviews that suggested that it was too much we only used a 15oz can and it was PERFECT! You have to try these. It's easy and I swear you'll feel cozy just smelling them bake!!

DC Housewife

All of my friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about my love for Washington DC, but I can't help it. I LOVE that city. Any chance we have to go there, I grab it. Adam had an extra day off after my family left so we decided to head into the city and see what we could get into ( I mean there's only a million things to do!)

First we hit up the Smithsonian National Zoo. This zoo/park is pretty cool AND it's free! That's right, you only pay for parking! Kolton has been to Disney World, but he was only 6 months, so now he's at the age where he can enjoy things like this, and boy did he! I forgot my good camera at home, because this was a last minute decision. But you know what, I'm actually glad I forgot it. I sometimes consume myself with trying so hard to snap every expression that *I* don't actually get to enjoy it. I did snap some with my camera phone.. you couldn't really expect me to not take ANY pictures!? But for the most part we walked, we talked, we took notice of everything, we really enjoyed everything, and we enjoyed watching Kolton&Emma enjoy everything. Have I said that I love my little family :)

After we left the zoo we headed to Georgetown Cupcake and grabbed lunch at a yummy BBQ place named Rocklands. It was SUCH a good day, and I'm so lucky to have such a beautiful city at my fingertips and a beautiful family to enjoy it with. I don't want to leave here feeling like I didn't take advantage of it. I tell Adam our future plan is to have our beautiful house in Savannah, Georgia and a condo in Georgetown. The kids will go to college in Georgetown and they'll stay there and we'll come visit them. :) Who knows maybe you'll see me on Real Housewives of DC one day.. ;) Ha!

Labor Day Weekend.

For Labor Day weekend my sister and her family came to visit us. We always love having company, but I enjoy having my sister and her family so much. She has 3 kid, my niece Mackenzie and my 2 twin nephews Maximus and Matthias. Kolton LOVES playing with his cousins! We took advantage of the weather and mostly played outside. It was also the opening day of college football, so Adam grilled and we watched more football and played outside. And of course we did the mandatory Bert's Diner milkshake run! The house is pretty loud when all of the kids get together, but they all play SO well together, and I LOVE it. I wish they could have stayed longer, but they'll be back for our traditional Thanksgiving dinner. :)



While they were here I snapped some pictures for them. They haven't had professional pictures taken since before the boys were born, and I wanted to take some for them. I'm sure you can imagine with having 3 kids, a full time job, my sister just finished up school -it'd be a little hard finding time. Plus, my sister pointed out, everytime they had it planned, someone would fall and get a bruise, black eye, scratch or something and then they wouldn't be able to have them taken.. so I did it! I'm in no way professional, but I've had several of the pictures I have taken printed, and I think their pictures turned out great. Here's a few..





We had a great weekend with my family, and I can NOT wait until they come back until Thanksgiving. Emma will probably be right in the mix of chaos with them then!

More (very) little projects..

I'm probably the least crafty person you will ever meet in your life. Really, ask my friend Jenifer about a lamp shade I made out of bamboo.. it was AWFUL. I'm pretty sure she's still embarrassed for me over that lamp. I did however win Ms Art my senior year... but it was kind of a joke. And the art teacher was FURIOUS that my classmates voted me. So yes, I'm horrible with anything crafty. So when I do get something that is a little decent -I'm pretty proud. It helps that I read lots of DIY blogs and copy their steps word for word (and my stuff still isn't as good as their's) but I'm pretty happy with two projects I did.

First is a canvas that was in our kitchen. When we first moved in the previous owners left all their decor for us and it was a chef themed, but when we redid the kitchen we took it all out. So I tried to fancy it up.

The before


The after


and here's this another I did today.


I've been trying to figure out something to do with that wall. I was telling Adam the unused wall space in this house drives me nuts. I knew that I wanted to get that picture printed. I was thinking about getting it put on canvas but I wanted to see it on an 8x10 before I paid that much money. The picture was taken with my Canon Rebel and I just wanted to make sure the picture wouldn't distort being blown up that big. (and it didn't!) I like this so much, I might not even get it printed on a canvas! I found the decals around the frame on clearance, so between the 12 dollar frame, the 3 dollar print, and the 5 dollar decals I did two projects today for 20 bucks! ( I had everything already for the first project)

Lately I've been reading blogs that show cute home decorating projects like this one or this one. I get two ways when I read these type of blogs -motivated and -jealous. Mostly jealous though. I get jealous for several reasons.. these people seem to have TONS of awesome stuff just hanging around the house they can fix up or distress and toss in a corner and it looks awesome, and another reason even if I had awesome stuff hanging around I'm not nearly crafty or chic enough to know how to fix it up and make it look awesome. However, this morning I realized we had some pictures of Em's 7 month photo shoot that needed to be put up. So I had a bright idea to put them in the foyer. My foyer kind of drives me insane. It's not big enough to put a buffet table or something in, but yet it was lacking some sort of furniture. So I decided to steal one of the end tables from my upstairs living and see how it worked in it. I'm pretty sure I love how it looks. Atleast until I can get a table that REALLY works in the area. Here's how it turned out.




I plan on getting a vinyl quote to put above the pictures. Please don't judge my "designing" (Ha!) skills. I'm not Martha Stewart, but you have to admit it doesn't look too bad, right? (I wish I had a before picture!)

Also, here's the space I took the end table from. Which just so happens to be my next project. I need to find something to do with the toys that are taking over my living room.

Boots

Kolton's current favorite thing besides balls and balloons (his favorite movie is Up) is shoes. This boy LOVES shoes. It's borderline an obsession. So when I found these Toy Story Rainboots on sale I just had to pick them up. I knew he'd love them, but I didn't think they'd be plastered to his feet constantly.


Kolton was pretty persistent about what he wanted to wear to bed last night. We were okay with the fact that the top and bottoms don't match, but really, he had to have the boots. We knew were weren't going to be able to get them off his feet for bedtime so we went ahead and laid him down with them on. I thought "Oh, he'll slip them off when he realizes how difficult it is to sleep with shoes on." WRONG! When I went to check on him I found this -


I tried to slip them off his feet but he immediately woke up and said "Shoes!" You have to pick your battles right? So he slept with his boots on last night. Haha!

This past weekend we took a trip to Arundel Mills -one of my favorite malls in this area. The kids love it because all the decor inside is brightly colored, so every time we go we get a good couple hours of shopping. And that's a good thing because this place has TONS of stores. We always find ourselves hitting up the baby stores first, and then we shop for ourselves. I told my husband next trip we make will be focused on OUR stuff because the kids have ENOUGH clothes!

While we were there we ate at Chevys. They have THE BEST guacamole. You can literally smell it down the mall!

I'm pretty sure this picture doesn't even do it justice.


I always love getting out with my family and going shopping is a plus too. ;)