Christmas card preview...

So, this year I have decided to make my own Christmas cards. You know...with all of the free time that I'm going to have I thought it would be a great idea...hahaha! Anyway...the design is already done which is the hard part. I have all of the materials which I will cut and assemble ahead of time. All I'm waiting on is the arrival of baby #5 because I'm going to include a family picture on inside with a personalized greeting from the entire family.

When I showed Jeff the card he had his usual expression...not overly excited:) Then he asked me, "Wouldn't it be easier just to do a card through Snapfish like we've always done?" Sure, that would be a TON easier...but where's the fun??? the challenge??? the sense of accomplishment when a big project is done???

So, for those of you who are on my Christmas card list I hope my cards don't disappoint in person!

Well, that's all for now...

Birth announcements...

So here are pictures of the birth announcements that I have been working on.

Girl announcement

- the funny thing about this sample is that the picture is of Logan as a baby...I didn't have any of either of the girls head on with their eyes open.

Boy announcement

~this is truly a picture of Frank.

Here is a preview of the announcement that I will be sending out with baby #5. I kept the colors neutral so, as I find out the gender of the baby the bow will either remain pink or I'll change it to blue. By keeping things neutral I will be able to have most of the card assembled before the baby arrives and then add the pictures and the appropriate color of ribbon. So, it looks like I'll have 110 to make before next Thursday...wish me luck!

Well, that's all for now...

The Wedding...

This past weekend my brother in law (Paul...the one I did the programs for) got married. It was a perfect day for a wedding! The weather was ideal, the bride (my new sister in law Krista) looked amazing, Claire (the flower girl) successfully made it down the isle, and my kids had a blast at the reception! Everything went off without a hitch...and although I'm as big as a VW bug I had a great time myself!

On Thursday evening I took a few of my friends up on their offer to help me finish up the wedding programs. It was a huge help to have the extra hands. I can't imagine how long I would have been up finishing the project without them...plus it's always fun to hang out with the girls! So, a BIG BIG thanks to Julie, Sarah, and Melanie for their help!

Friday was the rehearsal...and all went well! As we woke up Saturday morning I immediately felt the full agenda of the day on my shoulders. Since Jeff was in the wedding he had to be to his brother's house at noon so I had a bulk of the day left up to me. I had to take everyone to Frank's soccer game at 11:00. After the game we grabbed lunch on the way home then all four kids went down for a nap.

At 3:00 my sister showed up with all of her hair styling equipment to do Claire's hair. (Yeah, my grand idea with Claire's hair was a no-go so I called my sister Friday night for backup and she saved the day! She did an absolutely amazing job on Claire's hair! So, a huge thanks to my sister Kim!) As my sister was working on Claire I began getting the other three kids and myself dressed. By 4:30 we were all in the car heading to the church.

Claire and her stylist...Aunt Kim!

The crew before the wedding.

Everything at the church was perfect...(as I said before) Claire successfully made it down the isle in her adorable dress (that my Mom made...thanks Mom!), Krista and Paul looked so happy, the pictures afterwards were quick, and then we were off to the reception.

Claire and my nephew Tyler coming down the isle.

Krista, Paul, and their ring bearer and flower girl!

Since my kids had never been to a wedding before they had no idea what to expect. I kept trying to explain the dancing, the food, the cake, etc. But the questions kept coming and I knew the only true way they would understand is to see it for themselves. Needless to say...they had an awesome time! They danced themselves silly with their cousins and drank so much pop (Sprite of course) that I was positive I would be changing someones sheets in the middle of the night. I was shocked at 10:45 to see that the reception had worn them out (not the other way around) and everyone was asking if the party was over yet?

Everyone getting down at the reception!

As you might have guessed everyone feel asleep on the way home and slept in the next day. A great time was had by all! Thanks to everyone who helped me out with this big day!...and congratulations to Krista and Paul!