Christmas Card Photo Out-takes

It seems as if my plans to get things done early so I wouldn't be stressed during the holiday season is just becoming a way for me get stressed earlier.  

Last week, I made the girls a jumper and skirt for our Christmas pictures.  I love the squirrel cordoroy print from Joann's and Simplicity pattern 9854-that I'm sure I will be using again. 

So on Saturday's agenda was our family photo shoot.  I always am tempted to show all our out-takes and attempts to get the one kind of acceptable picture we'll use.  If last years attempt was tough with 3 kids, this years photo-now with 4, should have been no surprise. 

Happy Holidays!

The Steam Mop that Swagbucks Bought...

The little one is almost crawling...well technically she is army crawling. And any day now it will be full-force.  And my floors are gross.

So thanks to my Swagbucks, that I've gradually traded in for $5 Amazon gift cards, I ordered the Eureka Enviro Steam Mop. 

So excited!

Do you swag?  so worth it...



On a disclaiming side note:
You may have noticed Pajama Mama no longer has sponsors.  This is my choice.  It is freeing to me to blog as I choose as often as I choose and not feel pressure to sell anything to anyone who cares to read about my life.  Swagbucks is not a sponsor, and gains little from me posing about them.  But You may benefit -like I benefit.  I earn a $5 Amazon gift card about every other week just from using their search engine.  This is nothing, I realize. But it is everything to a stay at home mom who needs very little to make her happy.  A new book, a movie, a steam mop, school supplies.  That is all I've gotten from Swagbucks.  If you're interested, try it out!-And to disclose fully, if you start swagging from my referral link, I also earn a few more bucks-just like you will when you tell your friends!
Nuff said.

THE GIRLS' ROOM

Belle turned 7 last week.  Her wish was to move into her new room with Baby Girl.  The room is now filled with girliness.   I love it.  We finished moving their clothes in this afternoon.

So, there you have it-our girls' room!

Handmade Holidays Quick Sew:: Pacifier Clips

Is it too early for Handmade Holidays?  Here's one for the babies on my list...

Joanne's had a 50% off sale on notions last week.  I think I wiped the Plano store out of suspender clips.  I'm loving homemade pacifier clips...I'll give a few a way, but now BabyGirl no longer has to worry about her pacifier clip clashing with her outfit.  Whew-I know she'll sleep better now. 

Happy

To be honest (and truly grateful), I don't think there exists a better baby, and one more perfect for our family.  I pray that we are what she needs, too!  The other kids adore her, each in their own way.  

Belle is enjoying being a second mommy to BabyGirl, 

Boo is a cuddle-er and loves hugging on his newest sister.  

And BigBoy.  

BigBoy and BabyGirl are two peas in a pod.  They look at each other and laugh.  They speak the same language.  I love their relationship and pray it's always close.  

She is sleeping almost every night through the night, although now morning is earlier for us.  I'm wondering if waking in the middle of night really wasn't such a bad thing, when we got to sleep in a little more...

but it is a season.  

We had our readoption hearing Wednesday-everything went quickly and smoothly and now we wait for her new birth certificate.  Then I'll apply for her SSN and citizenship.  

Then we are done, right?  

I think so.

Drawing with Children's Books

Have you read Drummer Hoff?  We brought home a copy from the library on our last trip.  And each of us have commented on the texture of the illustrations...very cool.  Here's a page:

Source

So yesterday I had to try the style myself:

Have you ever tried to imitate an illustration style? just for fun?

Quick Sew:: Kids' Tool Belt

I mentioned Belle's taking Woodworking this semester.  She's really loving it.  She brought home a hot pink trivet last week and it's been used every night since.

Remember these fabrics?  They're medium weight canvas, so I lined it all with flannel.

I've missed sewing lately. What have you been making? 

How to throw a Miserable Hot Air Balloon Party in 3 sad steps

1.  Try to make miniature hot air balloons with helium balloons, Yogurtville cups, twine and masking tape.  Do this outside, so the balloons can escape leaving the cups behind.   This sets the tone for the entire evening.   Sad moments to come.

2.  Take beloved child outside in the 100 degree heat and take MANY pictures when he clearly does not want to be outside.  These will be memories you will want to forget for years to come!

3.  Finally, take all your beloved children out in the heat to honor the birthday boy with a 2 mile trek in flip-flops from the parking lot to the entrance to the Balloon Fest.   Make sure there are HUGE crowds and nothing a 3 foot child could see beyond the backsides of every other Balloon Fest go-er.

Boo, you are such a special boy.  Thank you for having such low expectations that you are rarely disappointed.  I am blessed to call you my son.  Next year will be better, I promise.  Or not.