Loving ButterBeans&ChicPeas & Day 109. 256 Days Left.

About a month ago, I ordered the first of two adorable outfits from ButterBeans&ChicPeas.

I have ordered a number of handmade outfits and always find I am disappointed by the length of time it takes to arrive and the quality.

I found myself poking around on Beverly L’s facebook fan page and Esty shop, always loving what I see and how sweet her adorable daughter looks modeling the outfits, I just had to order Addison something.

I decided on a custom pillow case dress with matching headband for the Fourth of July. They arrived in less than a week and I was so happy to receive them that I made Addison try it on that night! She looked so adorable we decided we just had to go out; what better than icecream!

(matching headband)

I love the fact that it is a one-of-a-kind item I'm able to give to my daughter that no one else has. The best part Addison loves the dress too!

The second outfit was a must have. No sooner than Beverly posted the picture I had one ordered for Addison.

Seriously, how cute is this sunsuit and matching headscarf?!

The quality of her work is incredible. The outfits came with cute brand name tags which add a lovely touch.

If you are interested in unique, handmade items for your little ones or even yourself, I definitly recommend checking out ButterBeans&ChicPeas. You will certainly find something both you and your little ones will love!

On Facebook: ButterBeans&ChicPeas

Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BLauzonSews
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Day 109
A weekend covered in sand

Getting Crafty & Day 83. 282 Days Left.

Today I decided to let Addison forgo naptime with Jackson for a little craft time with mommy.

We have had such a busy week with traveling and numerous doctor appointments; I thought I would give her a break in routine, especially with all the” lay down it is naptime” and “no’s” I throw at her.

What we did...

I found Easter egg pintables and had an idea for craft time fun; an Easter egg tree. I printed the eggs and Addison colored them.

I traced her hand down to her wrist onto a piece of construction paper which she colored brown (we were out of brown). I cut out the hand print and we glued it onto another piece of construction paper. This is our tree trunk.


While Addison was adding a sun, flowers, clouds, grass and gluing the tree trunk I was busy cutting out her colored eggs.

Once I finished cutting out the eggs, I had her glue them onto the tree limbs.

Her finished masterpiece.



I loved spending one on one time together and seeing her face light up as she hung her picture on the frig.

That hour, amazing- even though now, at 11pm, she is an overtired monster refusing to go to bed.

Have you done any crafts with your children lately? What are their favorites?
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Day 79
baking cookies

Lets Play! & Day 73. 292 Days Left.

Today I took the kids to my oldest friend’s house for a playdate with her daughter.

The age difference between Bina and Addison is only 6 months. From the very first moment they just connected; much like Fluff and me. I have known Fluff for 26 years… WOW! That really dates us… we were in the same Kindergarten class and became inseparable. How amazing it is to watch our children grow together.

What I love about playdates is that the kids develop relationships along with a strong sense of self and they learn important concepts like sharing. What I love most about playdates is that I get to engage in adult conversations with a mommy who understands everything I am experiencing. Also, because Fluff and I have been close for so many years the conversation is easy, comfortable, enjoyable… effortless.

The girls just love one another but Fluff recently has added a new member to our growing playgroup and needed some time before I threw Addison and Jackson back in her face. Her daughter Bella is 2 ½ months and growing fast. Poor Jackson is going to be so out numbered.

Spinning Addison in the egg chair


writing letters... until Jackson tried drawing on other surfaces


Snack break


Lunch time


Today was a great success; Jackson did not break anything.
Just a little mishap with markers and a table of water which made for great splashing fun!

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Day 73
Addison first slushy

Hooray for Package Day & Day 59. 306 Days Left.

The doorbell rings, the dogs bark, Addison and Jackson come running out of their room half naked because the only time I dress them is when we leave the house- I digress…

This can only mean one thing… it is package day! There is a twinkle in Addison’s eyes as she jumps up and down waiting for me to sign and get the package in the house. I ask her “who do you think this is from?” and without hesitation she shouts “memaw and pa-pa S.”

I open rip open the package with the help of a one and three year old; they throw the paper and peanuts in every direction. It is a competition to see who can get to the goodies first. The clothes get a brief glance and go flying… what they really want – the toys! Today’s package came loaded with clothes (which mommy loves) and musical books. Thomas the Train for Jackson and Tinker Bell for Addison. They both jump up and down, grabbing and anxiously waiting for me to rip open the cellophane and hand over the prized goodies (as if they don’t have a room full).

I finally hand over the goods and they each play with their new books; only momentarily. They want what the other one has. They switch back and forth for 15 minutes before deciding Addison decides which book suits her best. Today it was Thomas the Train. Sorry Jackson, Tinker Bell it is.

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Day 59
Picking Flowers

Thirty-Something & Day 41. 324 Days Left.

I have officially hit thirty-something. I feel nothing; well, other than tired. I can’t really say I feel older, though I am, can’t say I am excited about my birthday, because I am not, today really just feels like another day.

I did spend the day the only way I would dream of spending my birthday, with the hubby, my mom and my two little blessings. The hubby made my favorite breakfast, eggs benedict. The kids hated it but oh, well some part of today had to be about me. (Because after all today will forever be remembered as the day I went into labor with Addison. Her birthday is tomorrow.)

The afternoon was spent at St. Jerome Fall Festival. Their annual church carnival. (I went to St. Jerome from K-8th grade so I was excited about sharing this with my children and equally exciting,it was the first time either has been to a fair.) As we were preparing Addison for the day, I told her we were going to a fair and there would be rides and games. She looked at the hubby and me and said “and boys?” Fabulous, we are going to be in a shit load of trouble come middle school. Boys. She is three. Now I definitely feel my age...Thirty-something.
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Day 41
Our Day at the Fair



Jackson enjoys his first funnel cake. He ate the entire fried dough goodness. The first time he didn't throw his food overboard.

we take a little break


We celebrate my turning thirty-something...
make a wish

Although, I already have ALL that I have wished for.

Day 38: Addison's 3rd Birthday Party. 327 Days Left.

As most of you know, we are huge Yo Gabba Gabba fans in this house.

So, for Addison's 3rd birthday, we kicked it Yo Gabba style...

Addison started watching Yo Gabba Gabba when she was 6 months old, she would get this huge smile on her face and shake her feet and arms all around. Jackson was also immediately drawn to the show; dancing his way through each episode.

When I originally looked online I saw that there wasn't much Yo Gabba birthday stuff to buy. I was extremely disappointed.
Then I went to NickJr.com and found a ton of really cool ideas and was like "Ok, I can do this!"

So here are some pictures of my daughter's 3rd birthday.

The Decorations and kid's party favors were made by using printables from Nick Jr's Yo Gabba Gabba selections. For the boom boxes, I printed copies from Nick Jr's party printables. I cut and glued a boom box to each side of the animal cracker box. They fit perfectly.



I made both Addison's and Jackson's shirts by using the Foofa and Brobee iron on printables.



We purchased Addison's cake.
I do not attempt to decorate cakes. They typically end up smashed because I get so pissed off. I bought the cake and added a few new Gabba toys for her collection.



Ultimately, Addison had an AWESOME third birthday!

A Day Late: Day 29. 336 Days Left.

This comes to you a day late.
My excuse: With the preparations, excitement of the day and having family in town, I was too exhausted to post anything.

Yesterday we celebrated Jackson's first birthday. On October 2nd, one year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy who made our small family complete.

Thank you to all of our family and friends for helping to make Jackson's first birthday so special. We had an amazing day. I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband, willing and able to tolerate all the shit I dish, a beautiful little girl, my number one little guy and awesome family and friends.

With that being said;
Day 29
Happy 1st Birthday Jackson