{carzz}

This little man has "carzz" strung about the house everywhere!!! He plays with his cars in the bathroom, under the kitchen sink, in Maisey's Barbie house (which he empties all 3 stories of furniture onto the floor first), outside, on every window seal, table, and pretty much every place you step. The minute we clean them up, he has them back out. I've come to agree, toy cars are like Barbie's to a kid, you can never have too many of them!I guess these cars are taking a cargo plane.

{alterations}

The nice thing about knowing how to sew a little is that you can "alter" things to fit. Since Maisey isn't the tallest girl around, I altered this skirt some. However, since I am new at sewing, I took a little too much off at first. I took 2" from the top, 3" from the middle (the best part), and another 2" from the bottom. Afterwards, I realized that is some serious length- and as much as this little girl wants to be worldly and wear a "mini skirt," it ain't happening! So, I decided to add the 2" back on to the top (+ 1" for good measure), and I decided to use the same pattern from the middle rather than the original sage green I picked out. I did a lot of gathering in the middle and in the end I like how the top sets the ruffles down a bit lower. I'm ready to make another this week, only it will be like the one before this. But it was nice to try something new. I am becoming a little more confident and brave with each stitch I take

{Family Game Time}

Family games aren't that easy with a toddler in the house. For the last year or so our "game time" has been rather limited. However, Bingo tonight wasn't so bad. I guess this is how Ryley plays "Blackout."

I think he's getting it.

{phases}

Looking back now, I have to say the little man has been pretty good to us. As long as he has his blanket and binky, he's been a great self-soother (not that I don't miss being the one and only person who can make my baby content). However, children are like seasons and they go through different phases.

*

Phase 1- No Crib

About 2 weeks ago out of the blue, Ryley decided he would NOT sleep in his crib. He never climbed out, but he would arch his back and have a panic attack if we even got close to it. We tried to convert it into the toddler bed that it is also designed to be, however, he would not go for that either.

**

Phase 2- No Naps

So, now he has a new toddler bed. We are still trying to work on getting him to fall asleep in it without one of us the room at night. Ryley has pretty much given up naps as well! Now that he can get out of bed, he is sleeping less at night, and almost nothing during the day!

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Phase 3- Make Dressing Impossible

The worst of things yet is the fact Ryley does not want to be changed! He puts up a HUGE fight when he needs his diaper or his clothes changed. I've tried everything and I cannot get him to cooperate. I hope this phase doesn't last long. And Baby Center, he could care less if he gets to choose his clothes!

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Phase 4- Undecided

Since we're stumbling through all these changes right now, and since Ryley doesn't want to be changed, we brought out the Baby Bjorn potty chairs, bought some Thomas the Train underwear, and we're waiting patiently. I'm not going to push potty training right now, but it's waiting when Ryley decides to switch things up on us!

Last but not least, I'm wondering when this little man is going to get use to haircuts? He is nearly 2, and we're about to hit 20 and he still screams and yells "Ouch!" I really don't think I can handle any more resistance on this!

I also never believed int he "Terrible Two's," and I will keep telling myself that when the days are long and I find myself saying 3 prayers BEFORE 6:30 AM!!!

But, no matter how challenging things can get, I wouldn't trade it for the world!

[latest project]

This past week I attempted to make Maisey a skirt. I've made her skirts before, but this one was made with a little frustration too. I had friends to help me, and the second half of the project was more successful than the first! I planned to do it all at once, but the initial time just happened to be a late night when I had 1/2 a brain. It started out when I used my friends measurements for a much smaller sized skirt, coupled with Maisey's correct measurements. All and all it was easy and I hope to sew another this week- the fabric is already cut. It turned out way cute! I love homemade projects!!!

Thanks so much Lori (and Diana) for the "pattern" and help!

{Valentines Day}

I just finished this wreath tonight and with little time to spare. I can see it needs some definite tweaking, but I love how it turned out (thanks for the idea Jamie- and this great blog which I stole a couple things from this season)!

I also need to find it a good home- this is in the hallway... But really, it will only be up for a day since tomorrow is "the day."

I didn't decorate much this year, but I did manage to get my LOVE-ly baking done throughout the past two weeks and I am ready for tomorrow. After church we will have dinner with extended family, along with a "Dance It-Up Competition." The girls (Maisey and 2ND cousins Miranda and Michelle) will have so much fun- as they always do together!

I really have come to LOVE Valentine's Day... Not only for the cute color scheme I allow myself to decorate with for the month of February, but because I LOVE all the people in my life!!!

{Love}

LOVE these cute cookies on a stick! My creative and inspiring friend Jamie made them for us last Valentine's Day and I couldn't resist making them this year.

The Glace icing makes things a little tedious because of it's consistency... And, I think I like the cookies better without the piping. But the end result is so worth it!

If you think so too, go and make your own cookie pops (click to get directions)! I love the colors and decorations this time of year!

{not too long}

In the near future my little girl will completely disagree with me on EVERYTHING I like. I know it sounds grim, but she already battles me on her clothes, hair styles and accessories, shoes, jewelry, and pretty much everything else.

Lately, the princess in me has been fighting the urge to buy her more "ballerina skirts" (anything with tulle), and I am so proud of myself since she is well equipped for the time. If she surprises me , and still likes them when her others no longer fit, I will happily buy more-and they are everywhere right now, in every size but mine!

Yesterday, she told me she doesn't want to wear skirts anymore and that she will only wear dresses to church on Sunday's. Well honey, I cleaned out your wardrobe later on in the day, and you still have about 15 skirts that will take you through summer!

Hopefully she will comply because I hate it when she switches things up on me!