Puppies and Fairies

WOW! What a week. One of the longest for sure.  Anytime one of the kids is sick that just causes for extra patience right off the bat, but we also had 2 birthday parties, a dance dress rehearsal and a dance recital. Not to mention, a new addition to our family.

Last minute Doug and I decided to stay with our plans to attend the NorthEast Foundation's annual cruise (benefit dinner and auction).  I had bought the dress, the babysitter was scheduled...so we did it. It was so exciting to dress up and attend an adult function. (Took me back a little to prom, but only at first) Wine, good food and socializing.  Oh, and an adorable puppy up for bid. Take some wine, hand me a live auction paddle and through in a little of my competitiveness and it makes for one interesting evening...and interesting household.

We narrowed down our choices for a name and let Abby pick from there. She's a huge fan of Lady and the Tramp, so of course, Lady was one choice. Bella is another name Abby also likes. Not sure where she first heard it but it seemed like anything she named was "Bella".  Funny that the puppies' mother's name was Miller's Midnight Bella.  Lastly, I'm a little obsessed with English Royalty. Being an English Black Lab I liked calling her Lady. Soooo.... her official name at this point is 'Lady Bella' . She's working on being a Lady (still nipping at our feet) but I think she's a smart pup and will come along quickly. Hopefully the trainer will help us this week.

She's made herself right at home. Getting friendly with Gordy and Sergie. Both don't seemed to bothered by her too much. I'm thankful that they've reacted so well. Even the kids have given up their favorite spots for her.

On top of trying to train a puppy to use the outdoors and keep her from chewing my shoes and kids, I squeezed in making a cute crayon apron for one of the birthday parties Abby was invited to. It was quick and came out really cute. I'm hoping to make more of these to add to my Etsy Shop.  I still have a few orders to fill and trying to make some things for the kids to wear at their birthday party on June 4th.

To end the week we attended Abby's First Dance Rehearsal and Recital. I can't say enough how proud I am of Abby. She started dance this year not too sure if she wanted to be there. There were a lot of tears and few classes of just sitting near the door watching everyone else dance. By the end of the year, she was following directions, learned her dance routine and performed like a beautiful little fairy princess. SHE LOVED IT!! I actually wish that we didn't have to take the summer off and she could continue all year round.  I really thing dancing on the 'big stage' was a big deal for her. It was like she already realized what all that work was for and it was really rewarding for her. Wow! How awesome to see your little girl do something you once did as a kid!

And nothing is better than some flowers from Daddy! She held them all the way home and shopping through Lowe's.

Strawberries!

What a wonderful day! Mommy and Abby spent the day at the Farm. I  realized today that we don't take the opportunity to spend time alone together often...doing something fun. Sure, we run errands a lot, but that's not good, quality time together.  What a sweetheart Abby is!
We arrived a few minutes before the puppet show, so we took a peek at the animals and took a few photos. Here's a favorite!  Who would have thought it...we had the perfect shirt to go with our day "Pick me!"

Abby was so excited to be at the Farm. It's one of her favorite places. She absolutely loves anything to do with farm animals. The playground and ice cream were just bonuses.

With so few people at the Farm today, we were able to see everything and even get a special up close look at the tractor. Abby was a little nervous up there, but a good sport.

She would much rather ride in the wagon or on one more her size!

She's such a great driver and I'm happy to say she stayed under the speed limit!

The Farm had rows and rows of strawberries to pick, but we only needed a little section. We filled our basket quickly...and even snuck a few : )

It was one of the best days I've spent with my little girl in a long time. And it was extra special to spend it a few days before Mother's Day. I can't wait to spend a day like this with Ben. (who wasn't feeling well and was home with Daddy).

Painting and Planting

Wow! Two posts in one week. I'm on a roll!
Trying to do this one while making lunch and keeping on eye on my curious little monkey You know him. (not George, Ben!).

I love mornings in North Carolina. It's spring but we already try to plan our day around the weather. Mornings are perfect. Afternoons heat up and evenings bring on that strange southern 20 minute thunderstorm.

This morning was a day of planting and painting. The crazy shopper I am, I purchased this huge blow up easel years ago. I think Abby was a few months old.  I finally took it out of the attic today and got my workout blowing it up. That little pump is great for legs and arms!
Abby enjoyed painting the most but Ben soon joined in on the mess....I mean fun.

The best way to paint is in your bathing suit. No stress for Mom. That doesn't keep the hands from getting dirty though. Abby soon gave up the paintbrush (maybe when Ben took it) and found the fun in fingerpainting.  Perfect opportunity to sing one of our favorite songs right now. "Oh, Oh, look at my hands, look at my hands, they're dirty". (Signing Time). Abby LOVES sign language and especially "saying" that her hands are dirty.

Not only did Ben help with the painting, but he also enjoyed playing in the house and helping Mommy water the small deck garden.  But probably his favorite, was finally discovering the strawberry plant. Boy, is it fun to smash strawberries!

Hope you enjoyed sharing our morning with us. Lunch is almost finished! (I burnt Ben's burger a little..oops).

Two Little Monkeys

Hello! I figured I'd give this another try. But in addition to posting about life with our Two Little Monkeys, I'd like to try and post about my sewing and my Etsy Shop.  After all, most of what I sew is for them...

I hope you find this blog entertaining and interesting. I'll do my best to keep it that way, but I'm afraid I'm not the best with words, especially if I'm updating it late at night (as I have a feeling I will be doing).

We have a lot of fun things planned as the weather gets warmer and summer approaches. We just returned from a week visiting Gram in Hilton Head. What wonderful weather and a great way to spend Easter. Nothing better than the pool and the beach.  Both our monkeys LOVED the water! and the Easter Egg Hunt. I was able to capture some beautiful pictures that I can't wait to share. Of course, the kids were decked out in some of their finest from Mommy.

My handsome little man wearing his Easter Tie!

Matching Abby's Skirt and check out those flip flops!

I'm excited that Abby is getting more and more into taking pictures. I think I have school to thank for that. And its a good thing. Between that, dance and my addiction for photos, she's got a job to do. We had our own little photo shoot in Gram's backyard and at the marina while Ben was napping. This was a dress that I had made for her a little while back but it didn't look right alone. I paired it with the peasant dress...it's gorgeous! I can't wait to make more. 

I love the open back of this dress.