Southern-Style

So, we have been in Music City going on eight months now. I'd have to say we've all adjusted quite well. Some things have been easier than others. We have each embraced our new lifestyle in a different way but I believe each have contributed to the family's transition as a whole.

Earl has been busying learning about country celebrities as they come into his dealership ever so often. LeAnn Rimes has had her Porsche in, he's spotted Clint Black and even worked on Naomi Judd's Jaguar.

Annabelle has been busying learning the southern twang. I know it seems like a lot of extra work for a first grader to add to her already heavy school load, but she seems to be managing well. She's just that smart, I guess.

Emily has embraced nature. She loves being surrounded by bugs & critters and seems to be a true country-girl at heart. We have actually told her on more than one occasion, "Emily, put that spider down!"

I have come back to my southern roots as well. After a 10 year boycott of country music (it was a little bit of an overload in my house growing up with the radio in one room tuned to one country station while each of TV's tuned to different music videos), I purchased two Taylor Swift CD's this month.

I am sure you are wondering how possibly could little Molly contribute to this new lifestyle we have accepted. Well, she has been working hardest of all! Molly has embraced some true Southern-Style:

THE MULLET

Yep, that's right.

She's all business in the front.

Party in the back.

Oh, little Molly! You're such a team player.

Orange, Ruffled Cuteness

Ah, Orange & Felt--Two of my FAVORITE things.

Please come. Admire. Softly touch the pretty ORANGE ruffles. But, please do not place your head or for heaven's sake your bottom on my pretty, ORANGE, ruffled, felt cuteness.

*want to make one of your own? i support that. find instructions here.*

I Did Not Turn 29

On Thursday my mom and grandma came for a visit. My sweet grandma made me a triple layer strawberry cake, but I did NOT turn 29. I opened presents from family and friends, but I did NOT turn 29. On Friday I had lunch with Annabelle at her school. She was precious. She held my hand and gave me hugs and kisses--even in front of her friends. I did NOT turn 29. I went on a Target shopping spree with a $30 gift card that I received, but NOT because I turned 29. I spent $103 over the $30 gift card on some really great deals. I did NOT spoil myself because I turned 29. I listened to my best friend sing me a song over the phone, but it was NOT because I turned 29--I think she just really likes me. On Friday night, my mom and grandma took us all out to dinner. It was delicious. There was no talk over dinner about anyone's age, because I did NOT turn 29 Earl and I left dinner early to catch a movie. We saw Avatar in 3D. It was BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING. We did NOT go on a date because I turned 29. On Saturday morning Earl and I got up and went to the Temple. We did work for 24 people, though I did NOT turn 29. We all went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch. We had some pizza and played some games. I had a really great weekend in which I did NOT turn 29 and I will most certainly NOT being turning 30 next year.

Valentine's

I'm not sure how it really happened, hehe, but my girls have developed some strong opinions about crafty-type things. I found a really cute idea for Valentine's for them to make for the little friends at school. Of course, my idea was met with protest from Annabelle. After 20 minutes of disagreeing and searching the internet for ideas, we settled. Annabelle wanted lollipop roses for the girls, but of course didn't want to give those to the boys. We came up with lollipop mustaches for the boys. I was able to convince little Em to use my great idea, but once Annabelle picked a different one to make for the boys, she had to have a different one for the boys as well. Goodness!

After several hours of work, here's what we came up with.

For Annabelle's girl friends:

found this idea here.

For Annabelle's and Emily's boy friends:

found this idea here

And my favorite:

found this idea here

Happy Valentine’s Day!

S-U-C-C-E-S-S, That's the Way We Spell Success!

When I was younger and my mom was feeling a bit silly, she would do this little cheer to which she would sing, S-U-C-C-E-S-S, that's the way we spell success! I've been singing that song for the last hour.

Last month I volunteered to host playgroup at my house this week to celebrate Valentine's Day. Seeing has how I NEVER have a car on a Wednesday morning, I have only made it to playgroup twice since moving here and that was because my dear friend, Zoni, was gracious enough to drive me. I figured I would take a week to host at my house so that I would be able to participate. What better week to do that than Valentine's? You know I always like to have a theme!

Well, when it came down to the day before, it was snowing. Schools got cancelled yet again and I was worried that people weren't going to make it. I put a lot of thought into the activity. We were going to have a "heart hunt" (like an Easter egg hunt, but with hearts) with prizes and I planned this elaborate treat that was about a 6-hour process. I was reluctant to even start it because I was afraid playgroup would be cancelled and my treat wouldn't last a week until it could be rescheduled. I sent out an email late on Tuesday night, begging people to come. I started the treat and was up until 1:30AM.

Around 10AM people started showing up. By 10:45 there were more and more people and by 11AM there were 27 children and 11 moms in my little house! Did you read that? 27 children. My 1200 sq. foot house was busting at the seams. Well, my bedroom door was locked (like I was really going to let anyone in there!) so really it was more like 1000 sq. feet. It was crazy and loud and so much fun. I only had 51 hears hidden, so I franticly made some more at the last minute. I only had 5 prizes for the winners, so I had to dip the stash of lollipops for the girls classes to make sure everyone got a prize. Amazingly, all the children were good sports and no one complained about only getting candy. After the kids' game I had a "mom game" in honor of Valentine's. We played Twilight Trivia and the winner got a handsome prize--a box of conversation hearts with Edward's face on it.

It was the biggest turn out playgroup has ever had and I felt honored. It's also always fun to have people appreciate all the crazy, over-the-top work I put into the things I do. Here's the treat I made.

D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S

Want to make your own? Instructions can be found here.

NOT A HAIR OUT OF PLACE

This project took me two days to complete, but it was worth it. I am so pleased with the results.

I tried to follow the instructions from my earlier post, but was unable to reproduce her method. After several failed attempts at machine stitching these little guys, I went to my trusty fall back--hot glue. haha. Needle and thread doesn't go through hot glue that easily, so there is just a dab at the tip to keep the felt together while I stitched it by hand. Aren't they cute?! The girls love them too!

Which one is your favorite?

I'm Gettin' Crafty

The crafty-fun has begun at the Bennett house! Check out these stinkin' cute flowers I made. I could just sit and stare at them for hours with a big ol' smile on my face.

I have never ever been a fan of those fabricy, plasticy artificial flowers, so when I came across this alternative I HAD to HAVE them. I made them from some leftover yarn and I found this aqua glass vase for $9.99--which I consider a steal! Such a fun, cheap project. Instructions can be found here. The only thing I altered was getting 12 gauge wire instead of the smaller wire she suggested. I found it MUCH sturdier.

I can't wait to see what crafting you've been up to!

Snow Day #5

...has proven great for snowman making.