Friends

Gabby and her friend Shannon...

maybe it is just the mommy in me, but aren't these ladies gorgeous?

I love Shannon's beautiful blue eyes and Gabby's sunny smile to match her hair...

heart breakers in the making!

My Dream Home.... sigh!

Can you tell I like the color turquoise?

These photos and much much more can be found here!

Potty Time! Excellent!

So AJ has really started taking an interest in going potty. We had a really easy time of it with Gabby, she just trained herself one day when she was about two and a half. We really can't take credit for her success in the potty arena. But, realizing that are girls are so different, we decided to take a different approach with AJ.

First we had her practice wiping herself, a very important thing if you are a little girl! Then we had her sit on the potty when we went, so she can see what we do. AJ actually had a few successful trips to the potty this way. So this weekend we decided on Sunday to just let her go around in a tee shirt and undies, so that she can feel what an accident feels like and get the idea more of pulling panties up and down. (We did try Pull-Ups, but they are too close to diapers for her to get the idea enough). And what a day! In the morning there were a lot of accidents and I was thanking my lucky stars that we had hard wood floors. But, the afternoon was accident free, which I consider to be a VERY good indication that we are on the right track.

Later today, after nap time, we will resume Panty Time in Casa de Krebs! Hopefully, more updates to follow!

Print & Give- Halloween Lunchbox Notes

I love putting little notes in Gabby and Klint's lunchboxes, just little notes to remind them how much I appreciate them and miss them when they are away. Here is a printable for this upcoming week with 5 Halloween themed notes, just a little something extra to celebrate this spooky season! Hope your loved one likes them as much as mine do!!

download the full sized edition here

The List 2.3

It seems like it has been awhile since I posted a list... there is so much going on with Halloween here, holidays coming up, and the weather changing I guess time got away from me! Here are some really cool links to projects, decor, party ideas, and more!

Poetry is fun as it is with kids, but I think this cute list poetry would be really fun with Gabby, especially since she is on a zombie kick! (@ Let's Explore)

It is early to be thinking about Christmas, but I might want to get a jump start on this adorable wooden spool advent calendar... (@ Just Something I Made)

We love dressing up in costumes around here, but sometimes all you need is a mask and tail to transform into that favorite woodland critter! (@ Oeuf)

With Christmas only 9 weeks away I am not only thinking about gift giving but also charitable giving. Here are some great ideas to get you started on a very charitable holiday season with your family!  (@ Simple Mom)

Now that the weather is a bit chillier I know that I am going to have to have some tricks up my sleeve to keep all my little ones busy. This DIY Chair Tent would be perfect and looks so easy! (@ Instructables)

We have a Japanese platform bed and Gabby wants one too, but I love the look of a headboard. This is why these wall sticker headboards are a easy, cheap, and fun solution! (@ Blik)  ---->

If I was going to throw a monster bash I hope it would have food like this one!! (@ A Home Grown Life)

Leave it to Jill to not only make a cute homemade playhouse for her son, Oscar, but to do it so beautifully with felt! I wish I had sewing skills like these!! (@ Homemade by Jill)

Currently we are having Nerf Sword battles at our house... but I think if my family (especially the hubby) had their hands on these marshmallow guns, I would have to duck and seek cover more often! (@ FangleTronics)

If you thought all embroidery was about girly cuteness think again... total hotness in thread here...mmmm (@ Feeling Stitchy)

As the mommy of a biter, hiter, and toy taker I think that these "I'm sorry my kid is naughty" cards are a much needed addition to my stationary! (@ Tan-ja-reen)

Well that is it folks! Hope you have a lovely evening!

Apples to Apples

(pics courtesy of Melissa!)

Yesterday we went apple picking at an awesome orchard about 30 mins south of Cleveland. I am seriously a HUGE fan of this particular farm- Pick N Save. Not only do they have an enormous selection of apple trees, but the prices are beyond reasonable, they have a beautiful Friesian horse who loves to be fed apples, and there are even honey hives and chickens to look at! (Yes, I am a city girl and yes, chickens intrigue me!)


Last time AJ and I went with some great friends we got about 11 lbs of apples... and ate them all in 2 weeks. So this time around we got almost 20 lbs to cook, snack on, and make into lovely desserts! AJ loves picking apples, especially the bitty ones that she fondly calls her "baby apples". I love the realness of it all, the smells of the fallen fruit, and knowing exactly where they have come from. I was unaware that apples you get in the grocery store are actually LAST year's apples.... ugh! No wonder they have to color, wax, and chemical the heck out of them!


So look forward to some posts about apple crisp, apple dumplings, and such.... oh and be sure to send some links to YOUR favorite recipes my way!!! (20 lbs is a LOT of apples!)

Doing the Unthinkable

Today I started running... and knowing me and the fact that if I don't have some real motivation to keep at it I will wuss out, I started a new blog documenting the journey from now until June 2010 when I hope to reach my goal of cutting my jean size in half. Come check it out, give me some encouragement because heaven knows I will need it, and feel free to leave some running tips and tricks! Presenting Chubby Chick Running!!

Swapping My Designs!

Have any of you out there in Blogland heard of Swap Mamas? If not and you are a fan of thrifty shopping and easy decluttering- this is the site for you!

Here is the jist of it: You go to the site, get a free page, list everything you have to swap and also everything you are looking for. You join some groups for fun that interest you, then people come to your page, check out your stuff and make you offers. You also go to their page to see what you want from them. It is totally money free and runs with the idea that "one man's trash is another man's treasure"!

Anyhow, I joined a month or two ago and am a complete addict. Seriously, I live on this site once the kids go down for bedtime! Well since I don't really have anything material to trade I decided to barter my lovely design work for some awesome bags, clothes, books, quilt... lol! And somehow, after creating a notepad to keep track of all my trades, I caught the eye of Queen Swap Mama herself- yay!

So now I am officially designing some items for Swap Mamas... swapping of course, for some awesome advertising space! Fun fun fun!!! Here are some recent creations!




Seriously, go check this site out... it is totally worth it!

i love...

the colors of fall>> long sweater coats >> warm apple crisp >> snuggling under blankets >> reading with my girls >> pumpkin decorating >> diy russian nesting dolls >> fall cleaning >> my new vera bradley all in one wristlet (yippee!!) >> roasted caramel almonds >> fall festivals >> zucchini bread >> chubby black squirrels >> halloween costumes >> this cute diy play kitchen >>pinecones >> living here in Lakewood >> going to the zoo with aj anytime she wants >> ballet flats >> packing gabby's lunch >> homemade chicken noodle soup >> the promise of a new day

The Creative Family

I just got this book in the mail from Amazon and am devouring it! I am searching for guidance on how to simplify our life and home and this gem of a book does not disappoint.
From great tips on how to create a home that is close and full of creativity to ways to find (and organize) inspiration, I love that all the projects are simple and functional. There are lovely ideas on things to do with your children to make your home...well a home. How to slow down, how to create a space that encourages a creative spirit, and a great list of things to consider when bringing toys into your home.
It didn't surprise me to realize that this is a Waldorf home, especially with the ideas on how to decorate a seasonal table. More and more, this parenting/life philosophy is appealing to Klint and I. I can't wait to get Homemade Home, also by Soule, as my "something to read" for Christmas!