Party like its 1994! & I Heart Crafting for the Holidays...

Whew...it has been soooo busy these days!! (...in a good way.) Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone. We had a wonderful time over at Mom & Dad's. The food was delicious and the company even better ;) Jasper took after his Daddy and LOVED Thanksgiving dinner...I think it is his fav munchies to date! Here are the few pics I took...

Whoa...It is so golden and BEAUTIFUL!

Jasper looking adorable, per usual.

Little Trouble Makers, (by the way lil Rose has been walking for over a month now!...and loving every minute of it.)

Where is Brade?....(hiding in his new birthday camoflouge.)

There he is!!!

The night after Thanksgiving, Pj and I attended my 15 year high school reunion. OMG! We had a blast! Maybe, it had something to do with it being our first night out together without the little one? I like to think it had more to do with the people! It was wonderful to see everyone again. We all looked damn good to say the least. Plus - I discovered I have some fans out there, Shout out to Kelley....HOLLA! Anyhoo - I was in charge of the decorations...and they were a big hit. I made a welcome banner, loads of glittery blue streak cut outs and customized table tents for all of the tables and bar. Unfortunately (like usual) I brought my camera BUT forgot to take even ONE picture! Luckily, my co-graduates took some great shots that I confiscated off of their facebook pages. GO BLUE STREAKS! (Did I mention I had absolutely NO budget? Oh well, it took me back old school, literally.)

The banner I created with scanned HS senior photos, and cheap white cloth. I actually hand-drew the letters, cut them out and sewed all of these letters on!

The awesome HHS decorating commitee, Leslie, me, Jenn & Julez #1, (Julie would actually sign all of her class assignments as that. I love her.)

Here is an example of the table tents I made for each senior superlative (Yes, I made 10 different tents.) Each side had a picture from the yearbook and then relevant early 90's trivia. They took me WAY too long to do...but were a great conversation piece for everyone.

"Funniest" circa 2009.

Yes, the picture is crude...but funny. (Heather just had a babe 3 wks prior to this photo! Doesn't she look great?!!)

Heather and Julez #1 posing with their tabletents. (Heather stole hers...she heart-ed it soooo much.)

Jump Around, jump around, jump up jump up and get down... (click on link to take you back, hahahaha i love it so much.)

Dan the Man, the original doing his infamous scissor dance to his theme song mentioned above. I would like to add, this pic doesn't do his jump justice.

On to the Christmas preprations and celebrations! This year I finally created cards for our loved ones. Note to all those out there going to Kinko's...I think their printers stink! I tangled with the representative over their print quality. The actual printed cards didn't display JJ's blue eyes...and the shadows were WAY too dark. To all of those who received a card...THIS is what it was supposed to look like. Oh well, I didn't have time to go somewhere else. My lesson learned in procrastination. It's the thought that counts, right!?

Happy Holidays!

I am so excited about decorating this year! 1. We finally have a home with walls AND 2. It was a reason to sew together some fabric garland I have been salivating over since Jen made some at my baby shower last fall!

All of the perfectly cut and sewn fabric triangles.

The different patterns used. I was able to purchase this whole set of fat quarters on Etsy.com (Much cheaper and they have cooler fabrics available.)

I became so wrapped-up in the Xmas decorating mode, I even spiced up our photographs around the house...

You can't tell from this picture, but those Santa hats are miniscule...We're talking pencil erasure small. They crack me up everytime I walk by.

Well, I tried to take pictures of our Christmas tree...but they all came out fuzzy. This year is monumental, so I have to document. It is the first year all of my ornaments from my childhood are represented. I swear, it is just like that Hallmark commercial...the young mother is opening a package from her mother with each year's ornament opening the flood gates of memories. I swear, I teared up with some of these.

Jasper inspecting the looming green giant in front of him. As of yet, he still has not crawled within 2 feet of the tree and gifts.

A couple of weekends ago it snowed, and I thought that was it until March...A few pics below.) Little did I know that we would recieve 24 inches last night!!!No joke, we can't even see our cars parked on the street! I am too bummed about the cancellation of Jasper's birthday party today, so I didn't celebrate this latest snowfall with any pictures. I am sure I will give in tomorrow. Ugh. Notice the light in the pics below...a gorgeous blue! (We were up WAY too early with Jasper's latest 4:30am wake-up schedule.)

Later - gonna go eat some Christmas cookies!

Happy Halloweeeeeen! (Yeah, I am aware that it was yesterday)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

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Quick post today...we had a wonderful time all day yesterday. We were introduced to the new Bio Channel series, Celebrity Ghost Stories. Lucky for us there was a marathon on, score. (If you are slightly inclined to believe in energy after death...this show is for you! Some stories were creepy, but the majority of them were more comforting then anything else.)
We also experienced our first Sherwood street Halloween house party! We had the pleasure of meeting a nice family on a few of our walks along this adorable street and they were kind enough to invite us to their Halloween party. Little did we know that the ENTIRE street shuts down and it turns into a Mardi Gras for children. Seriously, it was insane! I wish I had pictures. Soooooo many fantastic costumes and house decor. I can't even explain it. Plus - as we stepped up to our new friends, the Hewit's home we saw a familiar face! Both Pj and I recognized a pal from different phases in both of our lives. (Mine from high school and his from college!) Small world, I say. We were so happy to get re-acquainted with Ann Marie and to meet her new husband, Jeff. The get-together was filled with other couples manuevering the life of a first child, (all under the age of 1.) It was kind of surreal actually...meeting so many couples basically in the same life place as you. Unfortunately, we had to leave early and didn't get to partake in the latter adult festivities, (Jasper's bedtime was way past due) but we had a wonderful time meeting everyone. Thank you Ellen, Tad & Britton for opening your home to us!

(Ugh, still stewing over my lack of pics from the street party...)

Single White Female, Fashions Always Return & MORE J.J.

Well, I just finished reading my gal pal, Jen's latest blog post, and she reminded me of the surprise birthday party we had for my Mother a few years ago. She was turning 60 and we wanted to make a big stink about it. Jen shared an idea they had used for her sister that same year...I HAD TO USE IT! **"Yes", I totally copied the "Timeless Deserves a Celebration" theme, down to the Mona Lisa image. I am shameless, indeed. Let me tell ya, Jen is my creative muse, and I always L-O-V-E everything she comes up with. I am trying to refute the idea that I am on any Single White Female level. (Okay - I began utilizing her signature font, BUT I asked for her permission!! Now, if I start wearing black trousers everyday, and purchasing Marc Jacobs & Balenciaga satchels, someone have an intervention stat. But I digress...) Back to the party, I did work-up some additional images on my own and they are CRACKING me up...

The poster that greeted you at the door...

**I forgot there weren't hi-res images back in the day...please excuse the pixelation on some of these images!

I love the use of 70's relevant gold and brown combo...

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Speaking of Mom...when she was 16 her older brother invited her to a fraternity party at Roanoke College. Oh, the days in which civilized parties were organized, and big brothers brought their little sisters as dates. So ADORABLE. I think she actually saved the pin or ring they gave dates at the party as well. Anyhoo, she also saved the dress she wore. It is another timeless item...so timeless infact that my niece, Molly wore it to her Homecoming last month! (I wish I had a pic of my Mom in it as well for the full effect. ugh.)

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It fit her like a glove! Doesn't she look gorgeous!?!?!?

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I have another fashion throwback I would like to share! Below is a picture of Pop, my gandfather. (He actually would have celebrated his birthday yesterday. We miss you Pop!) Wonderfully, our family had saved the precious little gown, and it was inevitable that we did a photoshoot with JJ. (Plus - I was very excited, given this may be the ONLY time I get to put a baby in a dress.)

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Pop, age unknown...I am thinking around 1 1/2 or so?)

Jasper getting into the proper undergarments...Yes, the gown came with a slip. Love it.

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My boy has some gunzzz, notice the dress is a bit tight around the shoulders! He is only around 8 months in these images! (Compared to the gown being a bit more flowy on Pop twice his age.)

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Look at those sweet pudgy hands...(they remind me of the Peanuts characters.)

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Melting hearts around the world...

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Our cuteasabutton little boy, Jasper has been very active these days, to say the least. One of his favorite pasttimes is to bang things with anything resembling a stick. (My sister has insisted this is universally a boy-thing, which will lead to swords & septors.)In the meantime, I have set-up make-shift drum sets for him to explore different sounds. He has become very particular about how the drums are arranged and placed on the floor...

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In Action!

I think we have a budding John Bonham on our hands!

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Besides his love for drumming everything within reach, Jasper has taken a liking to playing peek-a-boo, pulling Mommy's hair, playing with the neighbors cat & working out on his walker. Here a few images for your viewing pleasure...

Jasper with is new gift from TiTi Sharon. He is extremely serious about his work outs. (**Please ignore my obnoxvious voice! It is embarrassing.)

Here kitty-kitty...

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I am slightly embarrassed about sharing my love for the Redskins these days. But JJ proudly wore this outfit, and the Redskins won their only game of this season. Coincidence? I think not...

Rowdy Mowrer is finally here!, Baby Gilmore on the way & Beach Extravaganza 2009!

Well, we just got back from the beach last weekend, and someone very special entered the wonderful world while we were gone! Please allow me to introduce...

William Rowdy Mowrer!

Isn't he adorable?!?! All of that white hair and pink soft skin has me thinking maybe I am ready for another one myself. (Um, maybe not.) But you have to admit, he is certainly a charmer...I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with the Mowrer family. They are all extremely loveable folks.

Check out the happy parents, Jen & Matt with their sweet bundle

Sweet & proud Lottie Sue with her brand new baby brother. She is giving him a big kiss, and he seems very content about it!

On to more baby news, Shon and Chris are expecting their first baby at the turn of February. She posted this pic on her facebook account, and I couldn't resist stealing it for the blog.

She is perfectly round and gorgeous

OMG! I foresee chubby cheeks and a squeezable buddha belly in the Gilmore's future! I think he already has Shon's nose. What a cutie-pie!

As I mentioned before, we just got back from Beach Bonanza 2009 with the family, (my parents and Matthew, Marie & baby Rose.) We had a blast. I wish it could last longer! We decided that one of these summers, we are going to do a two week trip unless we win the lottery when we shall stay an entire summer at our summer home. THAT would be so wonderful. Unfortunately, my sister, Tracey and the rest of the Smith clan couldn't make it. I have to say the house was oddly quiet and the sodas/snacks amazingly made it back home with us. We missed you Tracey, Ryder, Molly, Ryan, Parker and Brade!!!

Jasper's first time on the Beach

JJ contemplating the questions of life...(or maybe just wondering where the gigantic bath toys were)

This was baby Rose's first time at the beach as well and Marie was planned for it! She brought along this cute pink wagon for photo-ops. We then thought it would be a great opportunity for Jasper to show off his muscles and pull the wagon. I mean...could the picture get any cuter!? (See the results of over-ambitious staging parents below...)

Perfect Fit!

As you can see, Jasper was MUCH happier in the arms of GrandMary

Slide show time! Here are some more random pics through-out the week...

Happy family of Three!

Matt & Rose (nothing is better than riding on a Daddy's shoulders!)

I just can't stop kissing him!!! (I swear, I am going to be one of those mothers kissing her 17 year old son while dropping him off at high school baseball practice.)

We thought the sand along the water's edge would be firm enough for these light weight strollers...

We thought wrong!

Look at these handsome fellas!

Besides it being the first time to the ocean for these little tikes, it was also their first time in the grown-up swimming pool. I was a little worried about JJ, being that he seems to have the opposite reaction to anything I feel he might enjoy. Luckily for both of us, this time I was right on the money. He LOVED the pool. On a side note, JJ was terribly behind on the poolside fashion front. He was wearing a pair of diaper-swimmies (which I thought he looked awfully cute in until...)

Rose came down sporting THIS! (her outfit certainly could compete with any fashionistas at Miami's Shore Club)

One of the many great things about going to the beach is the food! We always plan delicious meals...some of our staples consist of a Mexi-night (complete with homemade tamales) & Surf & Turf. This year we cracked open some crabs. It took a couple crustaceans to get back into the swing of deconstructing, but they were worth the work.


I deem PJ the master of cracking crabs. As I was struggling, pulling a hairpin's worth of meat out of each leg...the Peej was beside me pulling out WHOLE CHUNKS!! ...seething with jealousy, I was.

**CHAMPION**

Here are some additional Jasper & Rose moments. These are examples of pics that only parents enjoy! The small things are children do that bring us soooo much joy. It is ridiculous.

Jasper taking control and showing Rose how to play. Look at the determination on that little guy's face!

A friendly game of Tug-o-War

They found the beer/soda stash...this pic may not be as cute in about 15 years.

Pj thought this was hil-AR-ious. Tears were streaming down his face. Not sure what the big deal was but worth noting in our blog album. (Very familiar to the JJ milk-jug video.)

Marie and I came back from the beach one day and walked by this...

I think Jasper would be very happy to make remote controls his new lovey (*cellphones would probably work too)

GrandMary distracts from the remote with her fancy sunglasses. (I am not sure she completely thought that one through...crappy universal remote -or- expensive plastic with hinges that JJ can bend, drop and chew on...hmmmm...)

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer! Here's to vacations and spending time with loved ones! In the wise words of my dear friend, Doug George, "CHEERS EVERYBODY CHEERS"

One of our last night views, (Matt swore he saw a rainbow in the clouds...Awww, the magic of the beach.)

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