Retro Plants

Happy FIRST Birthday Baby Jude!

2012-02-05T20:25:00.001-08:00

i can't believe it. . . my little baby Jude is officially ONE YEAR OLD!
oh how this year has flown by!
i cannot express the love that baby Jude has brought into the life of my two little girls and myself.
he is what makes our little fam whole. he was meant to be.
he is *SO* special in my eyes. . .
not only is he my only boy. . . he came at a time when hope was hard for me to find.
he radiates joy. he radiates hope. he is an angel. Jude is perfect.
i am so happy and proud that i get to be his momma.

Jude is a very smart, happy baby. so happy!
his smile is infectious and he has the sweetest giggle.
he loves to eat. . . A LOT.
he loves to play. (especially with electronics!;)
he loves to snuggle.
he loves to flirt! goodness this boy flirts. . . i am in trouble when this guy gets older! good gravy.
Jude has taken his first steps and i am sure he will be running circles around us girls by summer!
he is mischievous and literally finds it hilarious to do things to rile up his sisters. . . he purposely ruffles the feathers in our house all the while sporting a HUGE two tooth grin on his cute, fat face! it is a hoot.

Jude is rough and tumble and certainly ALL BOY.
i love this little guy and cannot wait for all the fun and adventures we will have together.
although i am taking the time to enjoy him as a baby. . . he is growing up to be quite the little man.
Happy Birthday my Baby Jude!
we love you!

Animal Love

2012-01-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

cute, adorable and *FREE* from HP. . .
Animal Love
Kids Mini Valentines!
perfect for the month to come. . .
Mr. and Mrs. Panda are my *fav*!

Happy Birthday Danielle

2012-01-16T13:09:00.001-08:00

happy birthday to my dear BFF Danielle!

i met Danielle back in 2008 through her *SUPER* inspiring blog. . .
made some comments on her posts. . .
e-mails followed. . .
and the rest is history. . .
we were instant friends!

we have never actually "met" but i love her to death!
she has always been there for me and even if they are only phone calls and e-mails i feel like i have known her for forever.
we are kitschy lovin' soul sistas!

hope your day is marvelous Danielle!
love you.

New Do For My Ju Ju Bee

2012-01-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

OK. so Jude's hair has been a love/hate thing for me for the past little while.

it's cute. . . SOOOO cute when it is all curled up just like a 1950's Kewpie doll but NOT SO cute when all matted down (which is usually the norm since he is a baby and putting product in his hair to look like the Gerber baby isn't ideal for daily wear) and it usually just ends up in his eyes.

cute, right???
the lollipop kids called. . . they want their adorable hair do back.
(alas. . . too bad it doesn't always look this cute!)

his hair grows FAST. SUPER FAST.
i have already trimmed the top at least five times in his 11 months here on Mother Earth and he is definitely not keen nor willing to have his hair cut THAT much.
something had to give but i really didn't want to cut his hair! his cute, sweet baby curls define him as my baby boy and it is hard to let that go. i kept telling myself that since he is a baby he should try to "pull off" his do until he got a bit older. . . he is only a baby once, you know; but, his hair is super fine and thin. . . just like mine (he'll love that when he gets older, cough, NOT!). . . and his curls were starting to look a bit like an old man comb over. NOT ATTRACTIVE! (baby or not)

so it was an impulse the other day to trim his hair down and let his inner punk rocker shine through.
grabbed my dad's trimmers and went to work.
i didn't plan on his hair being a mo-hawk. . . pinkie swear! but honestly. . . i *LOVE* it! love it.
he will probably hate me when he is older for the style; but for now it is adorable and totally rocked out.
check it, Jude's hair is heinous. word.

see? ugh! somewhat old man looking. . .
stringy and just not cute.

much more polished in all it's mo-hawk glory.
i love it!
hey. . . at least it isn't a mullet, right?
(my brother told me that just as long as i don't *pop* his collar, it's coo. . . tee hee!)

Love

2012-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

getting excited for one of my *favorite* holidays. . .
the day of love. . . Valentines!
although over a month early. . .
we are already making hearts to festoon our home.
all you need is love.

New Year Wishes

2012-01-02T09:32:00.001-08:00

hope your new year is full of love and cheer. . .
2012, here we come!

baby Jude is looking dashingly dapper in his awesome onesie made by: Lou and Lee
and gifted by: auntie Danielle {thanks D!}

Having a Blue Christmas

2011-12-21T08:44:00.001-08:00

this holiday season is bitter sweet.
it is going to be a blue Christmas.

it is my official first year as a separated woman (no, the divorce is not final. . . soon? i can always hope).
it is also my first year not having my kids for Christmas. . . the "ex" gets all the kiddos for both Christmas Eve and Christmas. :(

we are totally making the best of it and the kids are very excited
(what kid wouldn't want two Christmas'???). . . but it is not the same, especially for them.
kids want their parents to be together and their is no other time more important for family then the holidays and i can sense it in my children.
they are happy but it is different when your family dynamic is not a whole unit all the time.

although my immediate family and I have made herculean efforts to minimize the feelings of separation for them (and if i am being honest, us) it is going to be a hard week.

we did have an "early" Christmas Eve and Christmas day this past weekend and i have to admit that it was one of the best Christmas' that i can remember.
the kids were in heaven, pure heaven. Santa sent them an incredible letter and explained that due to their new homes he was making a special trip to visit them at both places. i can't describe the joy the kids radiated. they felt so special. they are. it was an experience i will never forget.
i remember indiana exclaiming. . . "mom! the letter even smells like the North Pole!"
talk about melting hearts.

i will focus on that this week. i know my kids love me and i know i love them.
i love them more than anything. i would do anything for them.
i guess Christmas is really a state of mind.
it doesn't matter the day. . . Christmas is what we make of it.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-16T13:13:00.001-08:00

i hope it snows this year. nothing like a White Christmas!
growing up my sister and i used to dance around the kitchen table while listening to Bing. . . Mele Kalikimaka!

Harajuku Mini for Xmas

2011-12-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Harajuku Mini at Target??? yes, please!

this is going to be under the tree for Jude. . . SANTA could *not* resist!:

*WISHING* these are under the tree for the girls. . . make note SANTA:

Mid Century DIY Printables

2011-12-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

i am in love with these incredibly, retro DIY mid century printables!
they can be ornaments or make a swoon worthy mini Christmas diorama.
i am fixing to do both!
one of my BFF's is the creative mastermind behind these beauties. . .
head on over and visit Danielle Thompson's blog to get your printables.
thank you Danielle!
Kitschy Digitals always delivers.

Indy and Baby Jude

2011-12-12T15:01:00.001-08:00

Kendy and Baby Jude

2011-12-12T10:20:00.001-08:00

Faux Christmas Tree

2011-12-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

because anything faux and from the 60s is the cat's meow!
i simply love the bright colors and use of tissue.
wouldn't this be fun to make on Christmas morning after all the presents are unwrapped with the torn up, leftover wrapping paper?
*SO* going to make this with the kiddos. they will be in retro craft heaven.
thanks "Tattered and Lost" for sharing!

Halloween wishes

2011-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Happy WAY belated Halloween!
our spooky wishes are late but i thought that all of my kiddos looked *so* stellar in their Halloween costumes that i had to share a pic.
each costume fit each of their personalities perfectly.
we love Halloween at our home and this year was our best yet! full of family and chili and trick or treating. . . the candy hauls the kiddos got was insane! they barely ate the last pieces just this past week. . . lucky kiddos! ;)

Tis the Season for Retro!

2011-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

source

Still in the process of getting out our Christmas decor;
some of it broke on its way to its new home (2,000 miles is a long journey for humble Xmas decor!) but most survived so that is A+ tops in my book!

Desperately wanting to make a wreath like this.
Heaven knows I have the supplies.
Thrifting adventures have acquired me quite a nice collection of retro Christmas. . . .
awww. . . retro Christmas!
Retro warms my heart.

What craft are you itching to make this holiday season?
Please post links and share!
I always love *new, groovy* ideas.

Seriously. . . April was my last post!?! WT??? well, Merry Christmas!

2011-12-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Merry, Merry! all you lovely peeps. . .

here is Karli, baby Jude, Indy and Kendy wishing you a *very* happy Christmas!

i am so behind. WAY BEHIND. such an understatement.

what a year. WHAT A YEAR. another understatement.
"understatement" is a fun word to say.
try it. it's fun.

we are here.
we are alive.
we are happy. :)

can you believe it? HAPPY??? yes, HAPPY!
happiness.
happiness seems so intangible at times; like it is the hardest thing in the world to achieve. . . but it is so simple to achieve. SO SIMPLE.
one ingredient: love.

this past year, since December fifth 2010(if we are being EXACT), has been tumultuous.
very hard. full of heart ache, devastating grief and sorrow.
Kleenex made some good money off me i tell's you what!

this past year has also been full of *SO* many tender mercies and the best thing of all in life, love.
so much love and happiness. pure joy.

i want to thank all of you for being there for us and helping me and my wonderful kiddos this past year. although our lives have not turned out the way we necessarily wanted. . . our lives are still great and full of promise. full of friends and family and all the utmost important things in life.

to all of those in Buffalo, HEAPS OF THANKS AND LOVE!
you lifted me up in my darkest hours and prayed for my little family. you have been there for us when we needed you and even when we didn't.
you helped me and my kids move. . . some of you helped for the THIRD TIME! three times? you deserve medals.
you showed me the true meaning of being Christian and i will always remember your sweet kindness and love. it pulled us through. BFF's forever!

to all of those in Utah, THANK YOU FOR STILL BEING THERE FOR ME! what joy has come from moving back home to Utah. what love and friendship awaited me and my kiddos here. it has meant the world and continues to. thank you for loving us and for being our friends and continuing to unceasingly keep us in your thoughts and prayers. we are so blessed. xoxo

to all of my friends. . . where ever you may be, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND! thank you for loving my kids and i and boosting me up and showing us what friendship is really all about.
you motivate me each day to be a better friend and a better mother and a better person! love you.

to my family, THANK YOU THE MOST! my dear, wonderful and perfectly *AWESOME AND RADICAL* family. you took care of my kids and i when we had no one else in the world. you help(ed) me each and every day to know that i was going to be able to make it through the storm. . . and not only that. . .thrive through it.
i will never be able to repay you. ever. bottom line.
I LOVE YOU!

i love you all and hope that this holiday season finds you well and happy.
i am looking forward to a new year and new beginnings.
here, here! to many happy days ahead!

*disclaimer: i cannot promise to blog before April 2012. good grief Karli Plant!
you would think you had nothing else on God's green Earth to distract you!?! *~*

One Buch Wednesday. . . Felt Feathers

2011-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

i am SO stoked when Wednesday comes. . . why, may you ask?
it's because i can get some *killer* digital scrapping product for only one dolla!
easy on my wallet and very pretty for my expanding scrapbooks. . .
ONE BUCK WEDNESDAY!!! yay (^_^)!

this week Danielle of Kitschy Digitals is offering her felt feathers kit for only one dollar. . .
hurry in peeps. . . this is a MUST HAVE digi kit!
way to go Kitschy Digitals. . . i love thee. :)

ALSO cool on the Kitschy Digital Front. . .
jewel toned butterflies kit!
wowza.

Baby Jude Laughs

2011-04-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

oh boy, oh howdy!
Baby boy is already laughing. . . exactly on his two month birthday (^0^)
just too adorable. . . don't you think?
don't mind my weird, high pitched voice. . .
i'll do anything ridiculous to make this boy laugh like that.
with all that is going on right now for our little fam. . .
this is what makes it all worth it!
do i have stories to share!
for another time. . . i think. ;)
meanwhile. . . enjoy Jude's laugh. . . and know that the kids and i are still kicking and living!
be back soon.
(i know i keep saying that. . . but this time it is FOR REALS. . . word)
p.s. quality of vid SUCKS. took it on my ipod. . . sorry folks

The Girls

2011-03-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

these girls are *so* cute and make me the happiest momma alive!
the baby boy has been getting LOTS of focus lately. . .
but i wanted to showcase my two little ruby gems too (^-^)
these kids are muy importante to me. . . the most important thing ever!
they make my life bright and full.

February was a BUSY, BUSY month for us. . .
and March is looking to be even MORE busy and chaotic. . .
like that could be possible!?!

Indiana has been such a trooper with all that is going on and it makes me happy to know she is such an energetic and loving little girl.
she is already making lots of friends here and she is always keeping everyone around her in stitches. . . she says the cutest things!

we were talking about commercials on T.V. and Indiana was telling me about a Hot Wheels car wash that she is SO stoked about and wants for her birthday (which is in July. . . but it's never TOO early to know what you want!).
she was getting so animated about it and describing how the cars "change" their paint when they get wet. . .
any hoots. . . i reminded her that she had already told me about 20 other things that she "has to have for her birthday". . .
and she said. . .
"well. . . just buy them all. they will make me SO happy."
i informed her that we don't have endless amounts of money and so she will just have to pick and choose a few of her favorite things she wants when her birthday comes around.
she was not excited about that idea!
i told her that having all those things wouldn't make her happy anyway and she retorted. . .
"yes they would! i would be ridiculously happy if i had ALL those things!".
so much for an "after school special" message from her mother! ;)

Kennedy is such a stink. . . but cute to boot.
lately she has been going around declaring. . .
"i'm the baby!"
fake crying and wanting her "baba". . . the whole bit!
she loves it when we all coddle her and rock her and baby the crap out of her. which of course we all do willingly. . . she is just too cute to resisit!

we were trying to get Kendy off the binky. . . but this poor little girl has been sick pretty much non-stop since Christmas. i don't have the heart to take it away. . . too much traumatic things going on anyway!
from ear infections to the flu. . . she just can't seem to get a break in the illness department (poor thing never has!).
SO. . . the binky is still around and it is SO funny when my dad gets around her and takes it away! she points and cries and says. . .
"Papa more bobo!"
(bobo = binky)
even when Papa is gone during the week for work she will point to her "bobo" and say. . .
"Papa? mine!"
because let's face it. . . momma and nana just give in and give her the dang binky. . . we need a break in some department :)

as for me. . . hanging on.
just picture that photograph of the kitty hanging from a tree branch.
that's me! ;)
i will be making some digi kits soon (excited about that!) lots of ideas in my head and some already being materialized.
i will also open up "thegnomehut" etsy shop again soon too. . . our "vacation" will end soon enough! hallelujah!

Pirate Rockstar

2011-03-03T14:27:00.001-08:00

those baby Blues

2011-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

oh good golly. . . Jude's eyes are just too cute. like pools of deep water.

can't wait to see what color they will eventually end up being :)

my kiddos

2011-02-24T16:12:00.001-08:00

some new scrapbook pages. . .

a very hard thing to accomplish with three kiddos!
as are MOST tasks (^0^)

oh well. . .
kiddos are the spice of life and my life could not be any more zesty!

Baby Jude

2011-02-13T18:27:00.001-08:00

he makes my heart melt

Boy oh Boy!

2011-02-08T16:29:00.001-08:00

He has finally come! My baby boy!

JUDE MICHAEL

born on his due date (Feb.5th) he is a WHOPPER of a guy at:

9 lbs 4 oz and 22 in long

i was having hard contractions Friday night around 6:00 p.m. and went to the ER shortly after. . .they were REALLY busy and sent me home. . . dang.
my contractions were not HARD enough. . .
tell that to me will ya! not hard enough my eye!
the nurse was like. . . "see you in the morning!" ;)
and guess what!?! i was back at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning!
it was a long labor but he was totally worth it.
i didn't have to push for very long. . . about 30 minutes and then he was out at 3:21 p.m.
he had some complications with swallowing liquid during birth and had to be in a pre-NICU for a short time :(
thankfully he recouped quickly and was soon able to join me breathing perfectly normal. . . yay!

other than being EXHAUSTED and very, very sore. . . everyone is happy and healthy.
baby Jude LOVES to eat and i feed him on the hour. . . every hour.
talk about my Jabba the Hut man!
he eats more than my Kendy did! and i NEVER thought that would be a possibility ;)

Indiana LOVES him and is such a good big sister.
you should have heard her when we brought him home!
"it's my baby brother! he is FINALLY here! he came out of your stomach mom. . . your not fat anymore." tee hee!
Kendy is a good big sister too. . . but a bit more out of joint than Indy is.
she gets jealous when Jude is in my arms (which is A LOT) but she still loves to get him his "BoBo" (binky) and help when it is time to feed him :)

of course i think he is totally adorable and having a boy is better than i could have ever imagined.
just love the little/big guy!

thanks everyone for all your love and prayers. . . we feel it all!

MAN!

2011-01-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

man. . . no baby yet.
plenty of contractions. . .
but NO cute baby boy :(

we'll give her another week then! (^0^)

transitions

2011-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

sometimes life is fun.

sometimes life is crazy.

sometimes life sucks.

and sometimes transitions are needed.

right now me and the kids are in "transition" phase and will be back as soon as we can.

going to have this baby boy.

going to make a move.

and going to start a new life.

wish us luck.

see you soon (^0^)

Holiday Hiatus

2010-12-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

taking a "holiday hiatus" from the blog.
not sure when i will be back. . . keep you all posted.

for now. . .
Merry Christmas to you and yours and have a *TERRIFIC* holiday!!!

Christmas Cards and Christmas Movies

2010-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

getting started on our annual Christmas Card photo shoot. . .

here is a HINT:

i am SOOOOO stoked to share the final product. . .
it's gonna be kitschy!

don't you just love the movie Rudolph!?!
it is a Plant House tradition to watch it every Christmas season
(over and over and over. . . to be exact!).
i think it is *THE* best Holiday special out there.

what do you and your fam like to watch around this time of year?
are you into kiddo movies like "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" or something more traditional like "White Christmas"?
personally. . . i love most of them!
we will also be watching:

"Home Alone"

"Miracle on 34th Street"

"Mr. Kruegar's Christmas"
(if you haven't seen this. . . you MUST!!! Jimmy Stewart is *amazing* in this movie. . . and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sure can skate! a very touching show that reminds you of the reason for the season)

"White Christmas"

"Just Friends"
(purely for adults! but purely funny!)

"Mickey's Christmas Carol"

"Muppet's Christmas Carol"

"Frosty the Snowman"

"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"

"A Christmas Story"

"Elf"

"Christmas Vacation"

"The Santa Clause"

"Garfield's Christmas Special"

AND. . . . . .

i would LOVE to get my hands on
"Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas". . .
do you remember this beauty?

featuring the *oh so* popular California Raisins?
i remember this special as a kid and want to watch it with my girls.
i am pretty sure it is an acid trip!

*whew*! we will have to watch a movie a day, no? (^0^)

FREE retro Christmas tags!

2010-12-01T15:55:00.001-08:00

i just love finding bright and cheerful retro graphics.

(i especially LOVE finding them when they are *FREE*!)

check out these *free* Christmas tags i came across online today. . .

they are sure to brighten and retro-fy all of your holiday packages this year.
now to get to the wrapping!

i found them at "Free Christmas Clip Art". . .
along with these jolly Santas:

i can't wait to use them for some kitschy Christmas cards, presents and projects!
(i am particularly partial to the "Big Guy" with blue eyes. . .
reminds me of a 1960's Christmas!
wouldn't he look grand hanging over a fireplace mantle!?!)

overwhelmed

2010-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

feeling overwhelmed today.
maybe it's because the house is a disaster.
(and i seriously DON'T want to do anything about it. . . cleaning! yuck.)

maybe it's because no matter how hard i try. . . i CAN'T get comfortable!
(already at "that" stage of prego life. . . being huge is zero fun.)

or maybe it's because the girls are grumpy and sick.
(when will we NOT be sick around here! argh.)

don't know.
i am just overwhelmed!
any thoughts lovely people to make me feel "under"whelmed?
(^0^)

tis the season

2010-11-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

tis the season to stay up *crazy* late and shop some deals for Christmas cuz Black Friday is here. . .
anyone else with me on this !?!

Gobble, Gobble

2010-11-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

{thanksgiving last year. . .
the girls sure have grown a LOT since then!}

Happy Turkey Day everyone!

we are planning a very low key Thanksgiving here at our home. . .
full of relaxation. . .
each others company. . .
and *of course* food!

i am *SO* grateful for all that i have and i am glad i have this season to remember that and express it too.
i hope your day is full of love and family.

Happy Thanksgiving
(^>^)

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

2010-11-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

i just love computing.

but when they *crash*. . . it becomes a bit of a hassle!
i have been experiencing technical difficulties with my desktop for about a week now.
but. . . it is back from the "doctor" and i can start up my geeky computing once again!
yay!

having no computer really is the pits!
let's hope getting this new hard drive will make everything better :)

(and thank heavens everything was backed up! or we would have lost it all. . .
the pictures. . . the scrap pages. . . the downloads!
eek! makes me sweat just thinking about it. . .
especially losing the pics! talk about break your heart!
its all thanks to my hubby Pace. . . what a guy!)

Baby Boy Bedding

2010-11-15T13:21:00.001-08:00

been doing a *LOT* of "baby boy" searching lately.
boys are a whole different animal than what i have grown used too and research is definitely needed. (^-^)
"boy" stuff is easier to find than it used to be. . .
or so i have been told and from what i have seen!

since our crib bedding is WAY more "girly-fied" than i want our boy to have. . .
i am going to overhaul everything we already own.
a somewhat green decision!

i bought these coordinating fabrics to make the skirt, quilt and bumpers.
(now before you chastise me on using crib bumpers. . .
keep in mind our crib was made in the fifties!
i think the bumpers will be safer than having the slats too far apart.
*NOW* you may proceed to chastise me on having a crib that is about sixty years old!!!!
talk about RECALL! maybe we should just buy a new one?)

very retro with a splash of kitsch and WAY more boy oriented than flowers and PINK.
can't wait till they come in the mail!
then the sewing begins.

School Pictures

2010-11-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Indiana had her school pictures taken a couple of months ago. . .
this is what she wore and how cute she looked!
what a turkey girl.

she got her picture package back this week from school.
(and no. . . she didn't do fish lips for that pic! tee hee!)
so exciting to get that *FIRST* school picture of my little gal!

i remember getting my Pre-K pictures taken. . .
i was snuggly sitting next to the teacher (teacher's pet from day one!)
and we had them taken in our teachers side yard.
see. . . we had our Pre-K at somebody's home. . . not at a school!
it's SO fancy here.
the East does things very differently than what i grew up with (^0^)

Good Day Toffee!

2010-11-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

brand spanking *new* magazine mates!

Toffee
issue one
all digital and *ALL* about indie arts and crafts!
from crafting printables to the latest goods that you should be making. . . Toffee is a great mix of inspiration and can-do FUN hip projects.
founded by an Aussies with style. . . you know it's going to be good!

and guess who landed the FRONT cover for the FIRST issue!?!
none other than my *best bud* Danielle Thompson!
isn't she lovely?
purchase this beaut of a mag and get the low-down on Danielle and her kitschy, crafty life!

buy the mag. . . download the mag. . . read the mag. . . LOVE the mag.
that's what i did (^0^)

One Buck Wednesday. . . Fresh Blooms

2010-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

these Fresh Blooms are perfect to brighten up any craft/scrapping project!
One BUCK. . .
*today only*. . .
so HURRY over to Jessica Sprague to grab yours! (^0^)

good gravy. . . it's November.

2010-11-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

first off. . .

*THANK YOU SO MUCH!*
for all your sweet comments and thoughts about Megan and her lovely family.
it sure is heartbreaking and still hard for me to understand and cope with. . .
but, i am sure the Smith Family can feel all your love and prayers!
they really need it. so keep it coming!

doesn't this November seem to be FLYING by?
although. . .
that is good since i *can't* wait for turkey day.
yum yum.
nothing like indulging on plate after plate of mashed tators, turkey and gravy.
yum yum.

i also LOVE November since it is always good to remember how thankful i am for my family, friends and wonderful life.
we really do have *SO* much and i am grateful for that. (^0^)

i am also grateful for gravy.
delicious, thick gravy.
yum yum.

the loss of a dear friend

2010-11-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

this morning i found out that we have lost a dear, sweet friend. . .

and my tears won't stop flowing.

Megan Smith is a wonderful woman that i met when we first moved here to Buffalo.
always upbeat and smiling. full of laughter and fun. . . she was a joy to be around!
we hit it off from the start and she became a very good friend to me and my family.
her hubby Ryan and my hubby Pace even started a business together!
it was kismet that we met in this life.

it is heartbreaking to say. . . but today. . . in the early hours of the morning. . .
Megan lost her fight to Leukemia.
it's hard to understand why such a wonderful, beautiful young woman would be taken away from this Earth so soon. . .
but, Heavenly Father must have needed her more.
she fought her battle hard. . . but now she can be at peace.

we want everyone out there to send their thoughts. . . prayers. . . and love towards Megan's family and loved ones. . .
*especially* to her husband Ryan and their sweet baby girl Rylee.

you can visit this site to find out more about Megan, Ryan and Rylee and their *incredible* story, strength and character.

Prayers for Megan

we will love and miss you Megan SO much.
this world won't be the same with out you.

oh that Indy!

2010-11-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

my heart melted this morning.

as we were waking up for the day Indiana came into our bedroom.
i was still in "snuggle" mode on the bed. . . i.e. wrapped up warmly in blankets not wanting to face the cold morning!
and she came up to the side of my bed and started to stroke my cheeks with the palm of her hands. . .
then she said. . .
"your SO sweet mom. sweeter than a cookie."

oh that Indy!
instant heart melt! (^0^)

cookie by Minitoko

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T08:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

we had a great Halloween. . . a bit frigid. . . but FUN.
we carved pumpkins. . . watched Hocus Pocus. . . ate chili and donuts (more than i should have!). . . and went trick-or-treating.

the girls just LOVE this holiday and i do too.
reminds me of being a kid.
plus. . . their is NOTHING like a Halloween out in the East.
so full of color and fall spirit.
the tall trees. . . the colonial homes. . . the farms. . .
it's like being in Sleepy Hollow.
it got very cold JUST in time for Halloween weekend and so the "trick-or-treating" part of our Halloween was cut shorter than usual.
we were freezing our niblets off!
Indiana was the first to complain. . . and that is SO not like her!
but. . . the girls got their candy (and even some FULL size ones! talk about making a kids Halloween!) and it was a frightfully good All Hallow's Eve.

here's a lowdown of Halloween pics:

Carving Pumpkins:

Indiana's very own pumpkin. . .
she drew the design and then had some adult supervision for carving. . . i.e. ME :)

Pace carved this bad boy. . .
notice something a bit off?
well. . . we bought our pumpkins at the beginning of the month and the squirrels took advantage of that! notice the chew marks? not to mention the HUGE chunk they ate of the side of our poor pumpkin (it began to rot!) . . . what to do!?!
we didn't want to waste this bad boy and NOT carve it . . . so, we noticed that the "chunk" looked kind of like an eye. . . so, Pace carved a mirror eye on the other side and it became Jack Skellington! how crazy. that squirrel was ONE good artist, no?

the finished products. . . spooky!

Church Halloween Party:

we had a church party for Halloween and the girls dressed up in different costumes than those they wore on Halloween. . . two costumes in one year. . . lucky girls!

Indiana was a gnome.
Kennedy was a Native American.

Halloween Costumes 2010:

Indiana went as a bat.
she's been talking about this costume for months!
my madre was sweet enough to send me the bat costume that i used to wear as a little girl! neat-o, right?
it was pretty awesome to see the costume that i wore and LOVED on my little one.
brought back many wonderful memories!
and she looked pretty DARN cute in it!
we went to the cemetery to take some Halloween pics and when we were exploring the different tombstones we noticed one that said: "BATT"!
i was stoked! we had to take some pics next to it (^0^)
what are the odds!?!

Kendy went as an Ewok.
it's the same costume that Indy wore at the same age. . .
but, she fit the costume perfectly!
(WAY more than Indiana did!)
Kendy literally is our Ewok.
she talks like one. . . acts like one. . . dances like one. . . it's just too much!
but, it's what makes her adorable!
we also didn't get any pics of Kendy at the cemetery :(
she was SO ornery (kicking, screaming, tantrum!) and fell asleep on the way. . .
H-E-double hockey sticks would have to freeze over for me to wake her!
so, her pics aren't as "cool". . . but i guess their is still time to go and do some "re-shoots" (^-^) but, we will see!
notice she didn't cooperate for these pics either. . .
when will these "terrible two's" be over!?!

Happy Halloween folks!
how was yours?

Halloween "Posie style"

2010-10-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

totally cute Posie dolls all decked out for Halloween!
made by Kitschy Digitals
find them HERE.

doesn't Danielle take the BEST photos!

perfect for your kid's to take to school as treats for All Hallow's Eve. . .
or pass them out on the BIG night itself!

so versatile. . . i made this:

Pumpkin Festival

2010-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

since living here in the East we have found that FALL is a wonderful time to be a New Yorker!
with all the beautiful trees and leaves, pumpkins and farms
it sure is a sight to see (^0^)
sleepy hollow eat your heart out.

the weather is nice. . . a happy medium :)
not too cold (which BY HEAVENS that will come too soon!)
and not too hot (because the humidity KILLS in the summer. . . talk about schveting!)

every year we make it to the "Pumpkin Festival". . . basically a carnival with TONS of pumpkins!
which equals lots of fun for our little fam.

this is a page from October 2008. . .

kits used: Kitschy Digitals, Cosmo Cricket

Indy was barely two and Kendy was just four months. . . a wee little babe.
where *oh* where have those TWO years gone!?!
it seems to me it was a blink of an eye.

pics from this year:

pretty soon number three will be with us in the pics next year!

Sacred Grove

2010-10-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

we had a chance to visit the Sacred Grove and the Smith Family Farm a couple weekends ago. . .
talk about a GORGEOUS autumn day!
it was warm and bright and full of sunshine.
the leaves were changing and the air was full of crisp.
i just love this time of year!

Smith Family Farm
(Sacred Grove in foreground)

Smith Farm House Kitchen (number one). . .
basically a log cabin. . . can you imagine cooking over that fireplace!?!
(also the home where Moroni visited Joseph Smith) (^0^)

Joseph Smith's bed?
who knows.
they are not positive where Joseph slept when he experienced his visions. . .
but, the tour guide pointed out that it is the "air space" that Moroni actually appeared in to Joseph at night. . .
pretty neat-o!

Smith Family Farm House (number two)
a very nice upgraded home the Smith Family lived in for a while. . .
just down the street from their original log cabin home.

the second home they lived in was MUCH nicer and had a LOT more upgrades.
including a bigger and improved kitchen and dining area. . .
complete with pantry! how modern.

a log and mushroom on the floor of the Sacred Grove

Calico Dreamin!

2010-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

it's ONE buck Wednesday folks and you know what that means. . .
cool digi scrap goods for a FANTABULOUS deal!
you can get one of my *fav* KitschyDigitals kits
"Calico Dreams"
for one buck!
very neat-o.
and groovy (^_^)

Premium PuglyPixel

2010-10-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

oh man! oh boy!
am i excited!

the CUTE Katrina of Pugly Pixel is now offering Premium memberships to her blog where you can download *special* content of ALL of her digital goodies for
only FIVE bucks a month!
so cool.
really.
you get TONS of bonuses *plus* upgrades to all of her kits.

check out what i made using the digital Premium PuglyPixel goodies for October. . .

Premium PuglyPixel kits used: cabachons, scalloped borders, vintage hankies, fabric deco shapes
PuglyPixel kits used: colored dots, washi tape
Paper: Echo Park

go and give it a look. . . you will be super happy you did! (^-^)

this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

2010-10-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

spooky tidings to all!
Halloween is in the air.

(kits used: Kitschy Digitals, Minitoko, Creativity by Crystal, Cosmo Cricket)

parenting isn't for everyone. . .

2010-10-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

source

holy scary GRIMACE!!!
if that kid wasn't traumatized by this for the REST of his life. . .
i don't know what would!

cute candy coated flowers. . . One Buck!

2010-10-06T11:17:00.001-07:00

it's One Buck Wednesday peeps. . . and guess what?
you can get the *tastiest* candy coated flowers for only One Dollar!!!
go HERE to get your sweet on!

School Days

2010-10-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

"School Days" photo shoot with little miss Indiana herself.
i just love this girl to pieces!
she always brings her personality into the photos i take of her. . . always.
i didn't ask her to pose like this!
she just does it by her own accord (^0^)
did i mention i LOVE this girl!
she really is a sweetie pie.
and a ham for the camera :)

come on!
tell me you can resist this face!?!
states the proud mama. . .
i said proud. . .
not humble. ha!

on a side-note. . .
the BW photo above reminds me of a sixties wild child. . .
quite appropriate for this wild child of mine (>0<)
love it.
ok, ok.
enough mama bragging for one night!
but, she is cute, right? ;)

Braided

2010-09-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

new braided kit from Kitschy Digitals!!!
so sweet.
it makes me want to eat some cotton candy!
you can buy it HERE (^0^)

the Force

2010-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

what do you do with your time in the middle of the night when you have a MILLION other things you *should* be doing?
well. . . if you are a geek like me. . . this:

original

*WAY* better than the original

may the force be with you.
always.

Halloween is just around the corner

2010-09-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

i am pretty stoked for Halloween this year.
(well. . . i guess technically i am EVERY year!)

the girls get me super pumped about All Hallows Eve and i can't wait to start decorating and making some cute ~spooky~ crafts *new* for this year!

Halloween is just around the corner. . .
i have seen it *pop* up all over in the stores.
(including those delectable, irresistible FUN sized candy bars!!! *drool* speaking of which. . . i would kill for a Butterfinger right now.)

also. . . the new line of Martha Stewart Halloween stuff is just to DIE for! (no pun intended)
i thinks i will be buying mucho gusto of it :)

all products found at Michaels

Kendy Photo Shoot (number one)

2010-09-20T07:07:00.001-07:00

i've decided i have NOT been taking enough pictures of the girls all decked out and "set up" for adorability.

i am a huge fan of candid, sweet photos. . . let's face it. . . pretty much my entire photo library is candid moments (which i LOVE!) but, sometimes a girl wants some other types of shots!

i am committing to taking some "fu-fu" pictures of the girls once a month.
i have a ton of ideas for photo shoots and this is a great way to get them out of my brain and into my camera :)

Kendy photo shoot number one:

Kendy was pretty grumpy when we took the shots (notice the "pout" picture!). . . but we managed to squeeze a few smiles out of her!
she is not the best when it comes to "let's sit still and be cute and get our picture taken". . .
i leave that to Indy!

Typical Reaction

2010-09-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

typical reaction i get when i ask. . .
"just ONE more photo, please!"

First Day of School. . . Indiana Style

2010-09-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

Indiana had her *FIRST* day of PreK this past Monday!
it was quite exciting and yet quite sad :(
it's hard to see your little ones grow up so fast and begin life on their own.

Indy's outfit for the first day of school. . .
she picked it out ALL by herself :)

Indiana (of course) was ecstatic to start having real "school time". . .
she really does LOVE to learn. . . and play. . . and did i mention she is a social butterfly?

her teacher's are *amazing* and SO fun.
since she has started on Monday they have:

played in the "water tank"
painted pictures
had family style lunches (including pizza! she was REAL excited for that!)
played dress up
looked for buried treasure
had music class
learned *new* songs to sing
sculpted play doh
read books
and so on and so forth. . .

she really has enjoyed this time apart from home and just thinks it's the coolest that she gets to ride the bus!

lucky, lucky girl (>0<)

Beach Babes

2010-09-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

Crystal Beach
Summer 2010

Pink or Blue? It's. . . ?

2010-09-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

BLUE!

can you honking believe that!?!
a blue Plant bean.
a cute baby boy!!!
we are *very* excited!!! but, a bit apprehensive!. . .
what do you do with boys!?! (^0^)

i have been in girl zone ALL the way for four years now. . .
i guess it's no time like the present to switch them gears!

the ultrasound went great but, baby boy Plant was not being very cooperative!
we didn't get a profile pic of his face. . . darn boy!
see!?!
already difficult and WAY different than my girls :)

everything was wonderful physically and the babes is. . . as Dr. White said. . .
"a perfect, cute baby boy!"

but enough of my jibber jabber. . .
let's get on to the winner of the giveaway!!!
nine of you lovely peeps guessed "blue/boy". . .
here is the random number generator:
and the fifth comment/person to vote "blue". . . IS. . . :
Fritzi Marie!!!

"I'm voting blue.
A baby boy will mix things up a bit.
Regardless, that baby will be the cutest.
hugs, Fritzi Marie"

congrats to you Kat! love you girl!
i will be e-mailing you soon about your surprise :)

thanks to everyone and your *sweet, thoughtful* comments!
your all amazing. . .
we LOVE being able to share this exciting time with you.

now, to come up with a name????

Minitoko and The Gnome Hut freebie collab!

2010-09-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Julie from Minitoko (aka: queen of kawaii) is the SWEETEST gal around and agreed to collaborate with me (the Gnome Hut) on a *FREE* digi kit for all the world to enjoy!

introducing. . .
"Bambi Rainbow"

it's Bambi. . .
it's Rainbow. . .
and it's all put together in a kitsch-i-fied digital freebie!

sample pages:

Julie's scrapping genius!
. . . and *beautiful* baby boy. . . Oto!

my sweet indy. . .
hanging with monsieur Bambi (^0^)

i can't handle the *sweetness* of this kit!
vintage Bambi's!!!!
get outta town CUTE!
did you know that the vintage Bambie collection belongs to miss Julie?
really?. . . how dang *neat-o* is that!?!
(p.s. her house rocks the casba!)

i really have to give Julie many, MANY props and kudos. . .
she did pretty much MOST of this kit and i couldn't have asked for a better collab partner. . .
i love you Julie!!! your tops!

so click HERE to get some "Bambi Rainbow".
let's hope this is NOT the last of many collabs to come! (huh, Julie? ;)

Vintage Fabric Deco Tape. . . freebie!

2010-09-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

could these be *ANY* sweeter and vintage!?!
they remind me of the good ol' days. . . back when people worked the land. . . made quilts. . . and had *hot* steaming apple pies on their window sills.

made by the *FANTASTIC* Katrina of Pugly Pixel . . .
and guess what? they are FREE. . .
click HERE to get yours.

thanks Kat!

Pink or Blue? giveaway

2010-08-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

what's it going to be. . . pink or blue?

one week from today we are going to find out what the new baby Plant is going to be. . . that's right. . . NO waiting for this gal!
i have to know if the little bean is a girl or boy! (^0^)

since we are so excited to find out the gender. . . we want you all in on the fun!
post a comment below of what you think the sex of the new babes is going to be (pink or blue? girl or boy?) and on next Tues. (Sept. 7th) i will draw a correct comment at random to win a fun surprise from this Plant house to yours!

so what is it. . . pink or blue?
guess right and you might be the *lucky* winner!

kits used: Minitoko

Better Late than Never?

2010-08-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

i know that i promised to have the Vintage Blythe Sized Magazines in my Etsy shop last week. . . but, as the world can tell. . . that did NOT happen!
how about better late than never?

the Vintage Blythe Sized Magazines are now up for sale in my Etsy shop ! yay!
stop by for a peek.
they are vintage.
they are retro.
and they are mini.
neat-o.

Vintage Wallpaper

2010-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

vintage wallpaper has been buzzing in my brain. . .
i pretty much think it is TOPS!

maybe someday when we have our own home i can decorate it all pretty with some radical vintage wallpaper like these:

source
i SOOO wish i could put this in the new baby's nursery. . . darling!

source
wouldn't the girls room look divine with this hung up?

source
and how about this in a seventies, groovy kitchen!?!

to dream a vintage wallpaper dream!

all image sources found here at LarkingAbout

Summer Sweetie

2010-08-25T07:42:00.001-07:00

it's amazing HOW much this girl has grown up this summer.
she sure is sweet (^0^)

Blythe Mags and wall art

2010-08-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

been meaning to put these Blythe mags in my Etsy shop for a while now. . .
they haven't arrived YET. . . *but*, they will be there sometime this week.
i'll keep all you lovelies posted about it!

(seriously. . . these have been hanging around the Plant abode since SPRING! wowza!
i am SOOOO behind in all my endeavors!)

another one of my endeavors is to completely OVERHAUL this house of ours.
i need change.
i need more organization.
and, i am out to get it!
been getting rid of TONS of junk (and bringing in some new junk!) to get the home looking the way i'd like.

it can be a good thing. . . and a *bad* thing!
thank heavens i have a VERY patient family that allows me to be creative and kooky!

so, new wall art has been in order and i couldn't WAIT to hang up my handmade Minitoko in the baby's new room!
(that's right. . . Kendy has been "kicked" out of her room to make way for baby.
really, she wasn't "kicked" out. . . we weren't that harsh!
she insisted on sleeping with Indy. . .
because she really does LOVE Indiana's company and having a room buddy. . .
it's just a shame that Indiana isn't SO keen on the idea! ha!)

Niagra Falls Summer 2010

2010-08-22T20:59:00.001-07:00

this little miss would have jumped over if we would have let her. . .
can you imagine her in a barrel? ;)

"dad, do you have a quarter?"

an over the border *MUST*. . .
poutin!
yum yum in my tum tum!

SOOO much mist this day. . .
humidity, check!!!

two love bird NERDS!
(really, i think Pace would *DIE* if he saw i posted this pic!
he would comment on his chipmunk cheeks! tee hee!)

Get your Geek On

2010-08-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

come on folks. . . who doesn't want to "get their geek on?" is a BETTER question!

i am SOOO looking forward to this course offered by Katrina of PuglyPixel!!!
how about you?

WakiWaki

2010-08-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

cool new kawaii site. . . well, new to me!
WakiWaki.net

check her out folks. . . the illustrations are just grand.

wardrobe Expansion

2010-08-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

i really am NOT one of those women who "loves" to be pregnant.

it's not that i am that vain or anything (i was fat before. . . and still am! ha!)
but. . . it's still rough to notice that NONE of your clothes are fitting the way they used too and that your pants are getting smaller and smaller and smaller.
granted. . . i am only four months. . . but it's already hitting. . .
i need a wardrobe Expansion. . . and mostly in the waistband area!

i was thinking of getting some Vintage Maternity items. . . but, they are harder to find than i thought.
this dress is a good alternative "retro" inspired choice:

i LOVE the detail of the skull buttons! so punk momma!
dress found HERE

i could always buy some Vintage Patterns and make something (that's all you can really find online that is PURE vintage). . . check out these AWESOME Maternity ones:

Betty Draper called. . . she wants her Maternity clothes back!
the bright colors and fun A-lines are right up this momma's ally!
found on ETSY

cool and comfy. . . just what i need!
don't you dig the floral fabric?
found on ETSY

anyone know any other places that have some cute, non-frump Maternity wear?

Calico Dreaming and S'mores

2010-08-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Calico Dreaming on such a summer's day!

awesome *new* kit from Kitschy Digitals. . .
"Calico Dream" .. . super cute seventies groovy, no?
LOVE!

and guess what!?!
it's on sale until Sunday!

even better?
ALL Kitschy Digitals kits offered through Jessica Sprague will be 30% off until this upcoming Sunday!
talk about SUPER GROOVY.

i was *so* happy to see this new kit. . .
especially since i had *THE PERFECT* pictures to go with it!
on our trip to Utah we went to North Fork to sizzle up some S'mores. . .
we had a blast enjoying the fresh mountain air and eating enough chocolate to fill up Willy Wonka's Factory! ;)

me and my mom are two peas in a pod!
check out all her *totally happening* vintage seventies picnic goods. . .
made the S'mores taste that much better!

Book Choice of the Week

2010-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

found this children's book while thrift shopping at the D.I. this summer. . .

"Goldie Locks has Chicken Pox" by: Erin Dealy

it is a CHOICE book and i highly recommend it!
the girls really enjoy me reading it at bedtime.
did i mention that the illustrations would make *any* retro heart palpitate!
too cute.

Schooler Family

2010-08-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

being in Utah made me realize how *important* family is!

(also *how much* i MISS the mountains! Rocky Mountain High, baby.)

we sure miss being able to see all of our loved ones on a regular basis and it was a real treat to spend some FUN, QUALITY time together!
see, i wasn't always a "Plant". . .
i was once a "Schooler".
the Schooler family is cool.
real cool.

padre Schooler

sister Sarah and Madre Schooler

nephew Liam Schooler

sil Erin and brother Kristopher Schooler

niece Avery Schooler and Indiana Plant

all the cousins
(Liam, Kendy, Ellie, Indy, Avery)

One Buck Wednesday. . . Granny's Attic!

2010-08-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

oh my laws!

can it be?
Granny's Attic is only one dolla!?!

Kitschy Digitals digi kit "Granny's Attic" is one dollar *TODAY ONLY* over at JessicaSprague.com
hurry in. . .
it's too good to be true! (>0<)

Help these two Adopt!

2010-08-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

since moving to New York i have had the immense pleasure of meeting some pretty NEAT-O people. . .
and *definitely* among those "neat-o peeps'" is Ryan and Rachel.

talk about people you want to mold your life after.
loving, giving, selfless and just plain rad.
Ryan and Rachel *really* want children. . .
and honestly, i don't know any other couple who would make better parents.
please click HERE to read more about this wonderful pair and how maybe you can help them adopt a sweet, precious baby.

POKETO. . . at Target!

2010-08-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Poketo at Target!?!
wowza.
already bought a purse bunch and camera bag. . . and i am just beginning!
check here for some more FUN things to buy from Poketo!

swim, swim, swim!

2010-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

we had a blast on our trip to Utah. . .

and mostly what we did was swim, swim, SWIM!

my mom and dad (aka: Nana and Papa) have a *very* nice swimming pool in their backyard. . . *oh so* convenient and *oh so* FUN!
with 101 degree weather. . . you can't justify doing much else (^0^)!

my madre and i found the COOLEST pair of vintage "Ken" swim goggles at the D.I.
the girls couldn't wait to try them on!

and who could blame them?
super cool.

Dental Boards? check!

2010-08-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

Pace got his Boards back and he. . . PASSED!
way to go Pace hubby!
so proud am i (^-^)

Four on the Fourth of July

2010-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

i know that the Fourth of July has come and gone. . .

but we were gone for this special occasion and i couldn't let my Indiana's Fourth Birthday just come and go with no acknowledgment. . .

Happy Birthday Indiana!
four on the fourth

to meet Indy is to know sweetness.
but, don't get me wrong. . .
she was born on the Fourth of July for a reason and she IS our little firecracker!

we love you Indy. . .
Happy Birthday!

can you believe this was Indy?

by the way. . .
thanks so much for all your well wishes and congratulations on our new pea in the pod. . .
it means a lot to this Plant Fam!
but. . . if you ask Indiana about the new baby. . . she would say:
"No. you don't have a baby in your belly. . . Kendy is enough!"

uno! dos! . . . tres?

2010-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

source

don't they say it's as easy as A, B, C. . . 1,2,3?
uno, dos, tres?

well. . . i don't know about that. . .
but three IS a magical number and *now* it is going to be the number of our children! ;0

you betcha kiddos. . . the RetroPlants are expanding (and one member in particular, ME!).

i am three months along now with Plant baby numero tres and just been having a blast with "morning sickness". . . ha! it should be called "all day AND night sickness!" (^0^)
does anyone know how one tiny little bean can cause SO much trouble? ;)

needless to say we are *very* excited for the new one and should be expecting the bundle of joy around Feb. 5th. . .
so middle of winter. . . here we come! ;)
(yikes! three!?!)

RetroPlants is in the house

2010-07-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

has it been a month?
close too it?
well. . . the RetroPlants are in the house! (whether you want us to be or not! ;)

some good news on our front. . . the hubby (Pace) has taken his Boards and now we are in the "waiting period" to see if he passed. . . (psst. . . i KNOW he did!)
what a guy!
i am so proud of him for buckling down and doing what i would NEVER want to do. . . study NON-STOP for two weeks straight!
bleh! right?
(it is times like this that i am glad that i am NOT the one in Dental School!)

us girls took off to Utah and let Pace be a bachelor for the time (for the said studying). . .
if was fun but we all got sick :(. . .
good thing we got to spend some time with family and swim, swim, swim our little hearts out!

i think that was the MOST sun we have gotten in years!
it's too dark here to get some real Vitamin D (^_^)
i literally felt like bacon at one point. burnt, delicious bacon!
good ol' Utah summers. . . 101 degrees and still rising :)

we are home. . . and happy to be!
love you all and can't wait to "catch up" with you. . .
what have YOU been up too this glorious summer? ;)

Taking a Break. . . be back soon!

2010-06-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

man! i need a break (^0^). . .

a nice summer break.

so guess what?
i am taking one!

with our summer lives SO busy this year my days of blogging are going to be limited. . .
and i am taking a month off!

don't you fret! i will be back ;)
but. . . you won't see me here at RetroPlants for a good month.

lots of love and happy summer!
(see you soon!)

Polaroid Indiana

2010-06-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

playing around with mama's Polaroid camera

Polaroid Friday. . . vintage sheets

2010-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

i have been collecting vintage sheets here and there. . .
at this thrift store or that estate sale. . .
and guess what?
they are just sitting pretty waiting for me to do something with them!
so. . .
i think it is time to get my buns in gear and make them into a quilt for all of our retro summer outings this year!

these pics have been inspiring me:

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Japanese Emoticons

2010-06-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

falling HEAD OVER HEALS in love with Japanese emoticons!
oh man. . .
my "kawaii meter" is off the charts happy!

(^_^)
happy

(*0*)
incredible

(=^_^=)
kitty

(n_n)
smile

*(^o^)*
happier

(>0<)
yuck!

{0_0}
seriously?

(~_^)
wink!

i want to use these guys ALL the time now!

Rainy Day

2010-06-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

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it is a *blah* kind of day here.
lots of rain and a touch of gloom.
let's hope the sun comes out soon!

Pucker Up!

2010-06-08T10:10:00.001-07:00

credits: Kitschy Digitals, Minitoko

where has the time gone?

2010-06-07T12:38:00.001-07:00

look as these girls. . .
where has the time gone!?!

July 2008

{no. . . the "bigger" one isn't Kennedy. . . that's Indiana!
and check out our chunkers Kendy. . . she has really grown up SOOO much. . .
i hadn't really noticed until going down memory lane last night. . . *sigh*. . . i miss my babies!}

my girls now. . .

May 2010
a LOT changes in a couple of short years

psst. . . i wish Kendy still had her "curly-Q" mo hawk!
sooo super adorable!

Why not us?

2010-06-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

the Plant Fam has seen it's FAIR share of grief and strife.
from cars to health to fires to floods. . . we've seen it all.
name something under the sun. . . it happened. . . to us.
we seem to have VERY bad luck. . . but you know what. . .
Why not us?

bad things happen ALL the time. . . so i guess i can handle all that comes our way. . . including flooding.
yes. it's happened again.
in a *new* place.
the ENTIRE basement.
*ugh*!

EVER SINGLE HOME WE HAVE *EVER* LIVED IN HAS FLOODED IN SOME WAY OR ANOTHER. including sewage. . . holy gross!

we have lived in four homes in our (almost) five years of marriage and EVERY single place we've called home has flooded. . . sometimes more than once.

good thing i got wise and invested in TONS of plastic totes.
so like i said. . . Why not us?
we have plastic totes.
we can suck up water until we puke.
bring it on!
we can handle it.

every day something new. . .
some problem to solve. . .
drama to encounter. . .
nerves to strain and tears to cry. . .
good thing i have my box of tissues and a brand *new* wet vac!

"Hama" it up!

2010-06-04T13:13:00.001-07:00

free kawaii hama beads?
get them HERE.

go Minitoko!

credits: Minitoko, Kitschy Digitals (Polaroid frame)

Polaroid Friday. . . Vintage Fisher Price

2010-06-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

i collect it.
i LOVE it.
i am a bit TOO obsessed with it. . . vintage Fisher Price!

from Little People. . . to pull toys. . . to play food. . . vintage Fisher Price is *tops* in my book :)
so. . .
for the love of Fisher Price. . . polaroid style!

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Sweet

2010-06-03T10:47:00.001-07:00

credits: MabyMej, Minitoko, Kitschy Digitals

TWO on the SECOND!

2010-06-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNEDY!!!!

my baby girl is TWO years old today.
wow.
the time has gone too fast for me :(

even though you came sooner to our family then planned. . .
you came at JUST the right time!
we wouldn't have it any other way. . .
you bring SO much joy and love to our little family!

your my wild girl.
your my snuggler.
and your the sweetest little girl on the planet!

we love you Kendy girl!

Picking

2010-05-30T08:35:00.001-07:00

introducing. . .

"picking a kodak moment"

late polaroid Friday. . . meet me at the Fair

2010-05-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

summer time weather is getting me all nostalgic and ready for some outdoor FUN!

let's all grab some cotton candy and meet up at the fair!

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did you hear???

2010-05-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

that Julie from Minitoko opened up a *new* website to sell all of her kitschy, kawaii wares?
check out Minitoko*ville!
you will be SO super happy that you did!

psst!
did you also hear that you can pick and choose your own ideal Minitoko digi kit?
you heard me right. . . YOU PICK YOUR OWN DIGITAL KITS!?!
you can check out the awesome "digi kit on demand" HERE.

Vintage Photo Frames

2010-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Danielle has done it again!
new Kitschy Digitals. . . Vintage Photo Frames!

so *neat-o* daddio that they will liven up any of you cool cat's albums out there! ;)
find HERE

because they are kawaii

2010-05-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

gifts from Julie!

it's a mod, mod world

2010-05-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

mod is cool.

mod is neat-o.
mod paper dolls are cool *and* neat-o!

been adding some vintage mod paper dolls to my collection. . .
boy howdy!
it sure is F-U-N.
this set is super mod and my new *fav*!

page made using:
PuglyPixel
Minitoko
Kitschy Digitals
stock images. . .
with added extra kawaii by me!

all you can eat

2010-05-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

my lovley, dear friend Katrina {PuglyPixel} has done it again. . .
all you can eat style!

an All you Can Eat. . . Paper Buffet!?!
what!?!
an entire free digital clipart kit CHOCK full of Paper delights!
from vellum envelopes to doilies to paper bags to index cards. . .
it is *literally* an all you can eat paper buffet!
so download and enjoy!
bon appetit!

thanks Katrina!
you rule.

Polaroid Friday. . . Rainbow Party!

2010-05-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

it has come to my attention that Kennedy is going to be turning two years old in a couple of short, SHORT weeks :)
holy cow.
my baby is going to be two!
yay!
(well. . . yay! for birthdays. . . not for the terrible two's! ha!)

last year i did a whole "she-bang" for her first birthday. . . do you remember?
and well. . . i just don't have that kind of energy this year!

so. . . i have been thinking of some low key party ideas that we could do as a family and i have been quite inspired by the rainbow colored cake pictures that i have seen *popping* up in the computer world.

party theme accomplished!

get some colorful/rainbow-y decorations, gift wrap, cake and pinata and there you have it!
rainbow party this year! yay!
simple and *oh so* darling. . . if it is good enough for Rainbow Brite. . . it is good enough for us!
{sidenote: go Rainbow Brite! she rocks.}

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Retro Plants

Happy FIRST Birthday Baby Jude!

Animal Love

Happy Birthday Danielle

New Do For My Ju Ju Bee

Love

New Year Wishes

Having a Blue Christmas

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Harajuku Mini for Xmas

Mid Century DIY Printables

Indy and Baby Jude

Kendy and Baby Jude

Faux Christmas Tree

Halloween wishes

Tis the Season for Retro!

Seriously. . . April was my last post!?! WT??? well, Merry Christmas!

One Buch Wednesday. . . Felt Feathers

Baby Jude Laughs

The Girls

Pirate Rockstar

those baby Blues

my kiddos

Baby Jude

Boy *oh* Boy!

MAN!

transitions

Holiday Hiatus

Christmas Cards and Christmas Movies

*FREE* retro Christmas tags!

overwhelmed

tis the season

Gobble, Gobble

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Baby Boy Bedding

School Pictures

Good Day Toffee!

One Buck Wednesday. . . Fresh Blooms

good gravy. . . it's November.

the loss of a dear friend

oh that Indy!

Halloween 2010

Halloween "Posie style"

Pumpkin Festival

Sacred Grove

Calico Dreamin!

Premium PuglyPixel

this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

parenting isn't for everyone. . .

cute candy coated flowers. . . One Buck!

School Days

Braided

the Force

Halloween is just around the corner

Kendy Photo Shoot (number one)

Typical Reaction

First Day of School. . . Indiana Style

Beach Babes

Pink or Blue? It's. . . ?

Minitoko and The Gnome Hut freebie collab!

Vintage Fabric Deco Tape. . . freebie!

Pink or Blue? giveaway

Better Late than Never?

Vintage Wallpaper

Summer Sweetie

Blythe Mags and wall art

Niagra Falls Summer 2010

Get your Geek On

WakiWaki

wardrobe Expansion

Calico Dreaming and S'mores

Book Choice of the Week

Schooler Family

One Buck Wednesday. . . Granny's Attic!

Help these two Adopt!

POKETO. . . at Target!

swim, swim, swim!

Dental Boards? check!

Four on the Fourth of July

uno! dos! . . . tres?

Boy oh Boy!

FREE retro Christmas tags!