Happy Turkey Day!

We had a great time today at Pop's Pond! Campbell caught her 1st fish - all done while wearing a princess dress, of course! I'm also attaching a picture of the Turkey (Cupcake) Cake that I brought....isn't this cute?!

Happy Meals!

Are you tired of begging your picky eater to take just one more bite? Please?

So was I! So I came up with a quick and easy solution that actually worked. Although I don't have the time to do this at every meal - I try to get creative with meals so that my kids will eat them. My almost 4 year old loves this - and eats EVERY bite when I make her a "happy meal"....

Get creative and maybe your kids will eat a little more!

These cute placemats can be found on Etsy from Kiddie Mats - great Christmas gift idea!

Have fun!

Cute little customer

How cute is she!?!!! Thank you, Claire, for sending this ADORABLE picture of your daughter. I love it!

Happy Halloween!

We had a little party over here lastnight for all the kids - and had a great time! Everyone decorated cookies - and I think Charlie must have eaten at least 5! All the kids were so cute. Here is a picture of Charlotte, Lilly Faye, and Campbell on the way to the neighborhood party - aren't they cute?

Here is Campbell the cat - this is from last weekend at her school carnival. She did not want to wash this off!

Possibilities for Petticoat

Here are two ideas for you!

Save space + get organized in your kitchen!

Instead of taking a picture of my own kitchen and our wonderful shelves - I found this picture on Domino Magazine's website. These pull out shleves make organization of pots and pans (or spices or canned goods or snacks) SO EASY! We were lucky enough to move in with these pull out shelves already in stalled in our kitchen (the previous owners did a wonderful job renovating!).

Check out lots more GREAT kitchen organizing tips on Domino's website: http://www.dominomag.com/howtos/advice/2007/12/organizing_kitchens?slide=14

You can also find more tips on WFMW over at Rocks in My Dryer!

Have a great day!

These are TONS of great ideas in this article

Adorable customer

This little girl received one of our "sibling gift sets" - she is the big sister. They loved it so much that she wore this for some professional photos! I love seeing customers in their little tees!

Cutest Tees

Here are the newest tees to littlecupcakescompany.com - they are adorable! Order now for Christmas gifts!

Helpful Tip to get your Tot to Eat Fruits + Veggies!

Here's a fun trick to get your kids to eat fruits and veggies -- or a great little snack for you -- FRUIT KABOBS! (or Veggie Kabobs)

The main thing is tricking their little eyes into thinking it is something new and interesting -- and therefore, they should taste it!

Simply buy a box of toothpicks and create your own fruit kabobs! So easy! And kids just love helping to make them as well. A great afternoon activity and a health snack

Have fun!

For other Works for Me Wednesday ideas - head over to http://www.rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/!

It's been too long!

Has it really been almost a month? My poor blog. Things have been pretty busy around here!

We had a wonderful time in Martha's Vineyard. What a gorgeous place. As soon as I make my first million, I will buy a house there! I love it so very much.

We had a nice time visiting Keith and Karin - and more importantly, spending time with Bonnie and Daddy Ken. They are amazing people - and I only hope I can be half as wonderful when I am 85 and 86!

Here are some pictures from the trip....

A great trip to New Hampshire and Martha's Vineyard!

We had such a great time in NH and Martha's Vineyard! The kids were really good the whole time - with a few minor meltdowns here & there - of course! We arrived in Boston on Sunday 8/31 at 2 pm EST. We hopped in the car and got to Moutlonborough, NH around 5:30 p.m. We were amazed at how beatiful Keith & Karin's house / location was! They live right on a lake looking into some mountains in the distance. A truly peaceful place. We got to have dinner with Bonnie & Daddy Ken that night - which was a great treat as DK has only been to dinner (out) 4 times since May. He seemed in good spirits - and Bonnie seemed very happy to have us there.

Headed to Martha's Vineyard!

We are headed up to Boston tomorrow to visit Ken's grandparents (actually in New Hampshire). We'll then head to Martha's Vineyard to see Uncle Casey and Papa Kim...should be a great time!

We can't wait for Lobster Rolls!!!

Watermelon Popsicles

Here is a quick, easy, and fun activity to do with your kids (or make these for yourself)!

A great little snack or treat on a warm afternoon!

Watermelon Popsicles :

2 Cups Watermelon

1 Cup Apple Juice

Pour both into a blender, mix, pour into popsicle molds, freeze, and enjoy!

These are so EASY & fun - my daughter just loved helping me make them (and she also loved posing for the "yummmm" picture after tasting a sample directly from the pitcher b/f pouring & freezing them).

For more fun tips, to Works For Me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer.

HAVE FUN!

Quote of the Day

I came across this today....and I love it. A perfect reminder of why we are all here!

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!"-Emerson

Cowboy Boots

It has been a while since I wrote anything! Things have been busy around here. We've been trying to stay out of the 100+ degree Texas weather - and stay cool! We made a quick trip down to Austin last week to visit Sarah and see her new house. What an adorable house! I loved it so much...every detail. We spent the day hopping around Austin to lots of fun spots - and Campbell & Charlie loved spending the day with their honorary Auntie Sarah. We even went to Toy Joy where Sarah let Campbell (her Goddaughter) pick out something. She picked a Hello Kitty purse with lip gloss - surprise, surprise! We took Charlie to S.Congress and bought him some Red cowboy boots. An instant favorite of the little guy!

Here are a few pictures of Campbell & Charlie in their cowboy boots (notice the animals on the table in the background - Campbell set this photo shoot backdrop up). They LOVE their boots. They also picked up these cowboy hats at the Mesquite Rodeo a few weeks ago with John & George. Seems to be a theme around here! Yeeeehawww!

And the winner is....

Congratulations, Molly!

Please contact me within in 48 hours to claim your prize!

Thanks everyone for participating & for such nice comments!

Bloggy Giveaway!

Chances are, you have a little one having a birthday soon - or you have a family member or friend with a birthday on the way!

Celebrate in style with one of little cupcakes co.'s CUSTOM BIRTHDAY SHIRTS!

It's that time for Bloggy Giveaways Carnival!

Reader who wins can pick ANY custom birthday shirt or initial t-shirt from the website - http://www.littlecupcakescompany.com/!

Here are a few samples of what you can choose from:

*To enter: Leave a comment here with a way to contact you - either blog or e-mail.

*Contest ends Friday, August 1, 2008 at 12pm CST. I will 'draw' one name & that lucky person can pick their design! Allow 1 week for delivery.

Thanks for playing!

Easy Game for Tired Moms!

Here is a little tip for Works for Me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer....

A simple and easy game for the tired mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, friend, or babysitter!

A few weeks ago, we were walking out of Cafe Express after dinner, and I heard this mom counting to ten in a loud voice. Before I could see her, I assumed someone was getting in trouble. However, when we rounded the corner, I saw this mother of 4 counting to 10 - timing each child as they ran from one side of the fence to the other. All she had to do was sit & count -- and her kids were LOVING it and getting so tired. A win for everyone before bedtime!

After seeing this simple and genious game, I tried it...and my kids love it. Wherever you are - you can play this game...and kids will come running to join. On the playground, this has happened to me 3 times now where I practically had the whole group of kids running around the slide or sandbox. All the other moms watching love me for entertaining their kids & wearing them out! :)

Enjoy and have fun counting!

Beautiful picture of baby Katelin!

One of my wonderful Etsy customers sent this link to me today. She gave this little K onesie to baby Katelin a few weeks ago - and she wore it in her baby pictures with Lisa Lorraine Photography...how cute is she?!

Pretty Little Princesses

Yesterday was Shelby's 3rd birthday party. The party was a Princess Party - and Campbell was beside herself getting dressed to go over there. The party was a huge hit - Sleeping Beauty showed up and all the girls sat with their jaws on the floor. They absolutely loved her. I took this picture of Shelby and Campbell - cousins that LOVE each other - can't you tell?

Get more done each day!

In an effort to get more accomplished each day and spend more time with my kids, I have implemented a new time saver in my life..........

TURN OFF THE COMPUTER!!

I know, an earth shattering idea. There are so many mornings (and afternoons) where I try to get things accomplished on my computer (website updates, email returns, photo editing, etc)...and before I know it, 2 hours have gone by! I continually check emails, my Etsy shop, my website....all the while - I could check this 2-3 times per day & see the same thing!

So, I've decided to turn off my laptop from 3-7 p.m. everyday. It is AMAZING how much I can accomplish around the house w/o stopping every 5 minutes to check email. Also, my kids LOVE to have my undivided attention - and they LOVE not having the computer in the middle!

Take a little time each day and TURN IT OFF! You will be amazed at what you can accomplish!

Pity the Fool!

I wanted to share this hilarious picture of my little boy, Charlie. I found this classic Mr.T appliqued t-shirt on Etsy from Bambina Mia. He is just learning to talk...and his sweet big sister taught him to say "Pity da Foo!"

Little Cupcakes goes to Camp!

One of my customers sent this picture to me yesterday. She gave her niece, Adelaide, this a few months ago...and she loved it so much that she brought with her to her first time at summer camp! Aren't they cute!?

Fun new products on our website!

We are SO excited about our newest addition! These adorable oilcloth splat mats are great for summer picnics or for art projects inside when it gets too hot (esp. here in TX!).


We also have these great oilcloth aprons for boys and girls. We love the chalkcloth fabric on the front that allows you to fill in your little one's name or a fun saying - so cute!




A great birthday gift for those summer parties!!

New Uses for Old Items - Get Organized & Recycle!

In search of a way to save money and make space in my always shrinking home, I found a great article from Real Simple about creative ideas for outgrown or older children's items such as old cowboy boots, a baby changing table, and even outgrown girl's skirts!

Here are a few:

Cowboy Boots: Use these as bookends for your child's bookshelf or really any bookshelf in your home. I'm thinking about painting a pair of my son's little boots light blue or red so they will match with his room.

Diaper Changing Table: Use it to organize gardening tools and supplies in your garage. I think it is also a great place to put baskets and organize all of those books and toys that seem to creep out every day!

Find lots more here and over at Rocks in my Dryer!

A Puerto Rican 4th of July!

OOPS, I was a little early on the Works For Me Wed. post! It is only Tuesday....oh well! I guess my head is already at the beach! We leave for Puerto Rico at 9 am tomorrow! No kids! Debby & Glenn are coming down again for 5 days to stay with Campbell & Charlie. We are so lucky to have them!

I have to go to the costume store today to look for a mustache & a wig! Ha! We are having a costume party on the 4th of July...."Wigs & Mustaches"....should be hilarious! Pictures to follow!

Paula Deen's Mudslide Pie for July 4th!

Here is an incredible recipe - 5 ingredients or less - per Works-For-Me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer:

PAULA DEEN'S DELICIOUS MUDSLIDE PIE!

Who could resist this delicious and EASY pie made with crushed oreo crust and coffee ice cream filling! YUM! I will be making this for 4th of July (in Puerto Rico)! I am going to add crushed Heath bar to the top of ours!








Ingredients:

1.) 7 ounces chocolate cookie crumbs, plus more for garnish
2.) 2 tablespoons butter, melted
3.) 3 (1-quart) containers coffee ice cream
4. ) Chocolate sauce
5.) Chopped nuts (optional)





Using a large mixing bowl, place cookie crumbs and melted butter.
Mix until the ingredients are well blended and moist.
Keep mixture at room temperature until needed for pie shells.
Lightly spray 2 pie tins with vegetable oil.
Place the prepared crust into the pie tins and press firmly on the bottom and sides of each tin, forming a smooth and even thickness approximately 1/8-inch thick.
Use a ladle to even out the crusts.
Place piecrusts in freezer before ice cream can be placed into crusts.
Equally portion the ice cream into the pie shells.
Mound the ice cream to create a 3-inch high dome.
Use a glove and napkin to help with this process.
Place pies on a sheet pan and place in the freezer for approximately 6 hours or more.
To serve, Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with more cookie crumbs and chopped nuts, if desired.

Another favorite find - Pink Posy Maryjanes!

I absolutely love love love these shoes! I found them today on Etsy...and they are just precious. I ordered a pair for my friend Megan who is having a baby girl in August.

Here is a picture of Sarah, Megan, and myself from Wednesday night's dinner at Rise....the new restaurant by my house which serves only souffles....such an amazing interior...and even more delicious food! We were a little overserved with wine (except prego lady) and had a great time catching up and laughing.

Super Harry!

I was trying to come up with something fun to send to our friends who just had their 3rd child - and their first boy! His name is Harry Holland, and he is destined to be one hilarious & crazy guy....so I thought this design was fitting for him....... Superrrrrrrr Harrry! I'd like to add a cape, but didn't have time.

Reflections of Bonnie's 85th

Finally, I have some pictures from last weekend. Before we left, I did not have time to go and get a new lithium battery, and after a failed attempt at Wal-Mart, I could not find the size I needed in the small town in Florida where we were staying. So, I had to rely on my father-in-law a.k.a. Papa Kim to snap some shots. Well, I got so ancy around Saturday afternoon when I saw him just sitting there missing so many great shots...so I asked to take a few. About 100 pictures later, I got some great ones of the kids at the beach...and also some shots of little Charlie taking a sip of his first beer (aww, how cute).

We spent all day Saturday at the Kuersteiners family beach house. I think it has been in their family for over 75 years. Their mother, Martha Lee Kuersteiner, has EIGHT children. Wow! And her sister, Bonnie, who is my husband's grandmother, had SIX. You can only imagine how many cousins, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, etc. etc. that were there! It was crazy. But, they were all so wonderful.

On Saturday night, there was a big dinner to honor Bonnie - and almost 60 people were there - ALL RELATED! Crazy. Everyone stood up and gave toasts to Bonnie, and it was truly touching to hear all of the stories. As a parent, I think you hear things differently....all of her children had such loving words and such wonderful memories to share. However, what struck me the most was how much her grandchildren had to say. Almost every grandchild stood up (there are 17) and said something about Bonnie. They all had such specific memories of her singing to them, taking them places, and doing special things with them. It made me realize how MUCH time she spent with them - and really, that is all that matters! We spend so much time trying to give our kids things - when really, all they want - is our time!

Bonnie said one thing in her speech that really rang true to me...she said: "Money is not important, nothing is important in this life - except for LOVE and passing down Love and Values to your children..so that they can pass them on to theirs".....so true.

Here is a family photo of my family + all of Ken's brothers, their dad, and Bonnie. We had a wonderful time!

A few favorites...

Favorite quote for today:

"LIVE IN THE MOMENT AND MAKE IT SO BEAUTIFUL THAT IT WILL BE WORTH REMEMBERING"

- Fanny Crosby

Favorite new stationery find on Etsy from Sweetgrass Prints:

Another cute birthday girl!

Another recent customer just sent this photo - isn't she cute?!?

Firetruck Birthday

Here are 2 pictures of sweet William in his #1 firetruck birthday shirt - isn't he cute?! Thanks for sending these, Claire!

Bonnie's turning 85!

Tomorrow we are heading to Florida for Bonnie's 85th birthday celebration....we are excited to see all of the extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. etc. We have not seen baby Colin in a year - he is now almost 2!! Crazy how time flies. I think Charlie and Colin will have fun playing together on the beach and eating sand. The bummer of the trip is that we leave/take off at 7:00 a.m. which means getting everyone up at 5 am!! Yikes...should be a long & lovely day. Ha. When we arrive at the Pensacola airport, we then drive for 3 hours to get to St. Theresa, FL. Wow. At least we know that we'll be hitting the beach as soon as we get there!

Here are a few recent pictures of Campbell & Charlie.....thought I would share!




Campbell was thrilled when we came home the other day....and the sprinklers shot on!! Immediately in her favorite bathing suit and running like crazy!




Charlie at his first haircut.....this was taken BEFORE he realized that the woman had scissors and was going to snip his hair....lots of tears and screams followed this picture...priceless!



LOTS more pictures to follow next week of our adventure in Florida, I'm sure!

SAMPLE SALE!

I'm trying to clear out some of the samples from spring shows! I listed a few in my Etsy shop today, and I will be listing lots more each day! I hope they sell!