Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Some Many Great Things, So Little Time!

I'm going on hiatus until after the holidays, my friends.
So many great things going on.
So little time to document the holiday hoopla.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years,
and I'll see you after Ryan and I return from
watching the ball drop in the big city of
NEW YORK!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Don't Forget The Bus Driver!

I decided to give the boys' bus driver, Mr. Allen, a little something
for Christmas to thank him for being so great.
The kids love him.
He's awesome.
He pulls right up to our front walk to pick the boys up every morning,
waits patiently if one of them is taking a little more time putting
on a coat or finding a missing left shoe and never complains.
He greets them by name, sings songs and runs an orderly "ship".

Since Mr. Allen loves movies, we opted for a movie gift card.
Here's what I started with:
I had everything on hand other than the glass container,
school bus, red letter stickers and gift card, all purchased at Walmart.
The first step is to tape off a square on the jar to spray with chalkboard paint.
Easy.
While waiting for it to dry,
I decided to work on a quick gift tag to attach to the jar.
Place the premade tag
{You can buy these at any craft store.}
on scrapbook paper, tracing and then cutting it out.
Easy.
Next you'll need these guys:
Glue the paper to the tag, punch a hole for the ribbon
and ink the edges to give it a more finished look.
Easy.
Wrap some ribbon around the tag,
and tie that bad daddy in the front or back.
Easy.
Notice a trend.
I'm easy.
You know what I mean.
Add an embellishment annnnnnnnddddddd DONE.
Later you'll add a ribbon through the whole to attach it to the jar.
Oh, look.
It's dry.
Pull off the painter's tape, and what do ya know.
It's a chalkboard right there on the jar.
Awesome.
Fill it with peppermint candy.
Write Merry Christmas...or whatever your message is...with chalk or a chalk marker...love those things.
I added his name to the top.
What's the #25 for?
His bus number of course.
I placed that toy bus inside just for fun. 
Tucked the gift card down in the jar
Tied a ribbon around the jar, and that's it!

Don't forget your child's bus driver!
Off to make Rice Crispy treats with the boys.
I love this time of year!

Linking to:

My Guest Project Post!

Go checkout my Christmas project tutorial over at
I am so excited!
Happy
Thursday, friends!!!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Artwork & A Teacher Gift

Sweet little Carter is an artist.
He is constantly drawing, coloring, cutting, gluing, creating.
Ms. Levy is his teacher.
I love that her loves her.
He told me that his teacher taught him how to make a butterfly.
Yes, she did!
Sometimes he makes a little something for me.
Priceless.
Carter's portrait of an airplane.
Love it, although it kind of looks like the guy in the back has a gun in his hand.
He assured me he was just knocking on the bathroom door.
Thank goodness.
I've begun framing his artwork.
He loves it.
Cheap $5.00 matted frames from Walmart made him so happy.
That makes me happy.
I did the same with my other budding artist's work.
I love his creativity!
Preston's gallery.
His frames came from IKEA.
They're so proud of their work, and so am I!

On another note, the boys' teacher gifts have been bought.
I was going to make something for them,
but I found these chalkboard signs at Frisco Mercantile...shocker...and knew they were perfect.
I changed out the bow they came with,
wrote "Merry Christmas" on them with a chalkboard marker
and had the boys write their names on the back.
When I was a teacher, I loved when students did that for me.
That way I could remember who the gift came from years later.
The gingerbread man has a magnet on the back,
so you can remove it and replace with one fitting the occasion.
A cake for a birthday, a pumpkin for Halloween, a firecracker for the 4th of July.
Super cute.
I hope they like them!

Happy Thursday, friends!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Time is Flying!

Can you  believe it!?

I can't.
Eleven days.
Time is flying, my friends.
Elfie is running out of places to hide.
Beating.
All the presents are wrapped and under the tree.
We have had to threaten the boys with
giving their gifts away if the pick them up.
Why, you ask?
In years past, presents have "accidentally"
been ripped open a bit after having small hands all over them repeatedly.
Oops, it ripped.
Maybe I can peek in and see what it is.
Catch my drift?

Everything usually seems so rushed during the holidays,
but for some reason...maybe because I'm not working...things seem more calm.
I finished Christmas shopping so early this year,
and as the presents were bought or came in the mail,
they were wrapped and placed under the tree.
Typically Ryan and I rush at the last minute wrapping all the gifts at once.

I am so excited to have our little family all together
for Christmas Eve and Christmas day this year.
It only happens every other year,
and when it does,
it's a very special time.
Cannot wait.

Know what else is exciting?
Ryan and I are leaving for New York in 12 days.
Awesome.
  
On a random note, guess who is doing a guest post at
this Thursday?!
Yep...ME!!!
How cool is that!?
I was completely honored when she asked me
back in October to do a Christmas tutorial on her blog.
Be sure to check it out!

Lots more ahead this week.
I am volunteering at Carter's holiday party at school,
we have Ryan's work Christmas party on Friday,
and a kid free weekend full of newlywed fun.
Is it really only Tuesday?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Weekend Recap!

What a great family weekend.
It was cold outside, my friends.
 Lots of fun together indoors.
The boys played non stop and got along so well all weekend long.
That can be a challenge when you have 4 boys under the same roof.
Trust me.
Even better, the Teenager was a complete joy to be around all weekend.
That too can be a challenge.
Trust me.

Speaking of The Teenager, he accompanied me on a
few errands Saturday, where I picked
up a few things for a little Christmas vignette for the foyer.
Ryan thinks this Santa looks creepy.
No, Ryan.
He looks vintage.
Not creepy.
Ok. Maybe a little, but I like him.
Can you see the squirrel?
You likey?
I decked out the stairs this weekend.
That's always such a beating, but I like how it looks.
I spent all day Sunday in the kitchen making
THE Pioneer Woman's
for a neighborhood cookie exchange.
SIX dozen of them.
Ryan squeezed and zested...is that a word?...about 36 lemons for me...that's a good man...
while the boys made homemade lemonade.
Yum.
Trysten helped me out.
Sweet boy.
Layered greatness.
Aren't they pretty?


Remember the pic Ryan and I took
holding our local newspaper in NOLA?
The boys were super impressed this weekend
to see we made into the current printing.
Pretty cool.
And last, but certainly not least,
the tooth fairy made an appearance this weekend.
How cute is this smile!?

Happy Monday!!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Christmas at Home 2010

Welcome to our
first Christmas in our new home!

What better place to start than the tree!
I love the ribbon with the ball trim.
And the garland.
Lots of new ornaments added this year.
I love seeing them on the tree and remembering their significance.
These 2 from our family trip to New York after Christmas last year.
Cracks me up to think about those cab rides.
From the Soladay Caliventure this past summer:
Such great memories.
The latest addition from Ryan's and my most recent trip to New Orleans.
Good times fo sho.
Still recovering from that little getaway.
The boys all have their initials on the tree this year.
I decided to include the boys' initials of their first and last names this year.
I want them to feel that Ryan and I love and celebrate all parts of our blended family unit.
Love those crazy kids.
This year's homemade ornaments:
The mantle received a healthy dose of Christmas cheer!
Ryan added the bow to the mirror.
Smart and creative.
Score.
Carter walks by this sign all the time and yells,
"NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SANTA!"
He's so darn cute.
Hello Santa.
Little touches of Christmas everywhere!
The trees that my sweet mother brought
to make with the boys while she and my dad stayed with
them last Thursday night.
Wonder where my love of crafts came from?
Thanks, Mimi!
Ryan's salt and pepper shakers from his bachelor days.
Love it.
Just sayin'.
How cute is this little guy?!
The wreath hung from strips of red burlap.
Last but not least...
the Soladay family stocking passed down 
to us from my in laws.
We love it!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!
Happy Holidays from
The Soladays!

Linking up to



LinkWithin

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Some Many Great Things, So Little Time!

I'm going on hiatus until after the holidays, my friends.
So many great things going on.
So little time to document the holiday hoopla.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years,
and I'll see you after Ryan and I return from
watching the ball drop in the big city of
NEW YORK!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Don't Forget The Bus Driver!

I decided to give the boys' bus driver, Mr. Allen, a little something
for Christmas to thank him for being so great.
The kids love him.
He's awesome.
He pulls right up to our front walk to pick the boys up every morning,
waits patiently if one of them is taking a little more time putting
on a coat or finding a missing left shoe and never complains.
He greets them by name, sings songs and runs an orderly "ship".

Since Mr. Allen loves movies, we opted for a movie gift card.
Here's what I started with:
I had everything on hand other than the glass container,
school bus, red letter stickers and gift card, all purchased at Walmart.
The first step is to tape off a square on the jar to spray with chalkboard paint.
Easy.
While waiting for it to dry,
I decided to work on a quick gift tag to attach to the jar.
Place the premade tag
{You can buy these at any craft store.}
on scrapbook paper, tracing and then cutting it out.
Easy.
Next you'll need these guys:
Glue the paper to the tag, punch a hole for the ribbon
and ink the edges to give it a more finished look.
Easy.
Wrap some ribbon around the tag,
and tie that bad daddy in the front or back.
Easy.
Notice a trend.
I'm easy.
You know what I mean.
Add an embellishment annnnnnnnddddddd DONE.
Later you'll add a ribbon through the whole to attach it to the jar.
Oh, look.
It's dry.
Pull off the painter's tape, and what do ya know.
It's a chalkboard right there on the jar.
Awesome.
Fill it with peppermint candy.
Write Merry Christmas...or whatever your message is...with chalk or a chalk marker...love those things.
I added his name to the top.
What's the #25 for?
His bus number of course.
I placed that toy bus inside just for fun. 
Tucked the gift card down in the jar
Tied a ribbon around the jar, and that's it!

Don't forget your child's bus driver!
Off to make Rice Crispy treats with the boys.
I love this time of year!

Linking to:

My Guest Project Post!

Go checkout my Christmas project tutorial over at
I am so excited!
Happy
Thursday, friends!!!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Artwork & A Teacher Gift

Sweet little Carter is an artist.
He is constantly drawing, coloring, cutting, gluing, creating.
Ms. Levy is his teacher.
I love that her loves her.
He told me that his teacher taught him how to make a butterfly.
Yes, she did!
Sometimes he makes a little something for me.
Priceless.
Carter's portrait of an airplane.
Love it, although it kind of looks like the guy in the back has a gun in his hand.
He assured me he was just knocking on the bathroom door.
Thank goodness.
I've begun framing his artwork.
He loves it.
Cheap $5.00 matted frames from Walmart made him so happy.
That makes me happy.
I did the same with my other budding artist's work.
I love his creativity!
Preston's gallery.
His frames came from IKEA.
They're so proud of their work, and so am I!

On another note, the boys' teacher gifts have been bought.
I was going to make something for them,
but I found these chalkboard signs at Frisco Mercantile...shocker...and knew they were perfect.
I changed out the bow they came with,
wrote "Merry Christmas" on them with a chalkboard marker
and had the boys write their names on the back.
When I was a teacher, I loved when students did that for me.
That way I could remember who the gift came from years later.
The gingerbread man has a magnet on the back,
so you can remove it and replace with one fitting the occasion.
A cake for a birthday, a pumpkin for Halloween, a firecracker for the 4th of July.
Super cute.
I hope they like them!

Happy Thursday, friends!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Time is Flying!

Can you  believe it!?

I can't.
Eleven days.
Time is flying, my friends.
Elfie is running out of places to hide.
Beating.
All the presents are wrapped and under the tree.
We have had to threaten the boys with
giving their gifts away if the pick them up.
Why, you ask?
In years past, presents have "accidentally"
been ripped open a bit after having small hands all over them repeatedly.
Oops, it ripped.
Maybe I can peek in and see what it is.
Catch my drift?

Everything usually seems so rushed during the holidays,
but for some reason...maybe because I'm not working...things seem more calm.
I finished Christmas shopping so early this year,
and as the presents were bought or came in the mail,
they were wrapped and placed under the tree.
Typically Ryan and I rush at the last minute wrapping all the gifts at once.

I am so excited to have our little family all together
for Christmas Eve and Christmas day this year.
It only happens every other year,
and when it does,
it's a very special time.
Cannot wait.

Know what else is exciting?
Ryan and I are leaving for New York in 12 days.
Awesome.
  
On a random note, guess who is doing a guest post at
this Thursday?!
Yep...ME!!!
How cool is that!?
I was completely honored when she asked me
back in October to do a Christmas tutorial on her blog.
Be sure to check it out!

Lots more ahead this week.
I am volunteering at Carter's holiday party at school,
we have Ryan's work Christmas party on Friday,
and a kid free weekend full of newlywed fun.
Is it really only Tuesday?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Weekend Recap!

What a great family weekend.
It was cold outside, my friends.
 Lots of fun together indoors.
The boys played non stop and got along so well all weekend long.
That can be a challenge when you have 4 boys under the same roof.
Trust me.
Even better, the Teenager was a complete joy to be around all weekend.
That too can be a challenge.
Trust me.

Speaking of The Teenager, he accompanied me on a
few errands Saturday, where I picked
up a few things for a little Christmas vignette for the foyer.
Ryan thinks this Santa looks creepy.
No, Ryan.
He looks vintage.
Not creepy.
Ok. Maybe a little, but I like him.
Can you see the squirrel?
You likey?
I decked out the stairs this weekend.
That's always such a beating, but I like how it looks.
I spent all day Sunday in the kitchen making
THE Pioneer Woman's
for a neighborhood cookie exchange.
SIX dozen of them.
Ryan squeezed and zested...is that a word?...about 36 lemons for me...that's a good man...
while the boys made homemade lemonade.
Yum.
Trysten helped me out.
Sweet boy.
Layered greatness.
Aren't they pretty?


Remember the pic Ryan and I took
holding our local newspaper in NOLA?
The boys were super impressed this weekend
to see we made into the current printing.
Pretty cool.
And last, but certainly not least,
the tooth fairy made an appearance this weekend.
How cute is this smile!?

Happy Monday!!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Christmas at Home 2010

Welcome to our
first Christmas in our new home!

What better place to start than the tree!
I love the ribbon with the ball trim.
And the garland.
Lots of new ornaments added this year.
I love seeing them on the tree and remembering their significance.
These 2 from our family trip to New York after Christmas last year.
Cracks me up to think about those cab rides.
From the Soladay Caliventure this past summer:
Such great memories.
The latest addition from Ryan's and my most recent trip to New Orleans.
Good times fo sho.
Still recovering from that little getaway.
The boys all have their initials on the tree this year.
I decided to include the boys' initials of their first and last names this year.
I want them to feel that Ryan and I love and celebrate all parts of our blended family unit.
Love those crazy kids.
This year's homemade ornaments:
The mantle received a healthy dose of Christmas cheer!
Ryan added the bow to the mirror.
Smart and creative.
Score.
Carter walks by this sign all the time and yells,
"NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SANTA!"
He's so darn cute.
Hello Santa.
Little touches of Christmas everywhere!
The trees that my sweet mother brought
to make with the boys while she and my dad stayed with
them last Thursday night.
Wonder where my love of crafts came from?
Thanks, Mimi!
Ryan's salt and pepper shakers from his bachelor days.
Love it.
Just sayin'.
How cute is this little guy?!
The wreath hung from strips of red burlap.
Last but not least...
the Soladay family stocking passed down 
to us from my in laws.
We love it!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!
Happy Holidays from
The Soladays!

Linking up to