Our little honey pie!

I have no idea when we took these photos, but I had to share them. Because, after all, I do think our baby is just beautiful (both of the girls are) and I have to share their pictures. Don't all parents?I feel like MC is just getting longer and longer. She's had several trips to the doctor lately (due to ear infections) and I keep thinking that she'll pass the 16 lb mark, but she hasn't.
She loves to eat mums, probably because she can feed them to herself. She's had a few finger foods and she does well with them, but because she only has two bottom teeth, I still get nervous.
She's drooling a lot lately, so i'm hoping that we'll have some new teeth pop in soon!
And I feel like her hair is getting longer and longer. I know by age 1, G had a little bob and chin length hair, so i'm hoping that MCs will be just as long, and I'm certain that it'll be close.

We get tons of compliments on her hair and her eyes.

She loves to wave, and will just sit in the living room waving at us. She was babbling 'la la la' a few weeks ago, but she stayed home with DJ one day and she can now babble 'dada'. We're working on 'mama' but I don't think it's as important to her.

There are times when she is so happy, and there are other times where I want to pull my hair out because she just won't let me put her down. G wasn't like that. I could put her down and she could entertain herself, and she still does. Not MC. She wants your constant attention and affection.

DJ says I asked for that. That when G was a baby, I would wish that she would just let me hold and cuddle on her. That wish came true with MC. It's partly one reason that I'm so behind on everything.

But, I know she's our last baby (at least, our last planned baby) and i'm trying to enjoy it all, because she'll be a year old in just a few months and i'm already planning her first birthday party!

I'm glad that God gave her to us. I think we needed her in our family and that she adds such a balance. She makes me thankful to, that she's healthy and growing and so sweet. I try to predict what her personality will be when she gets older. I think she'll be soft spoken, but I also think that G will try to get her in trouble, and that she'll take the blame for a lot of things. It'll be interesting to see if I'm right.

Some new HPA items

I'm slowly getting back into sewing, crafting, and making hair bows. It's not been the transition that I wanted, because I wanted to dive in head first, but I still feel the need to take it slow and figure out how I can maintain my business, my family, my job, and not feel like i'm completely overwhelmed.

Here's a few items I've been able to complete over the past few weeks.

My sister in law asked me to make a tie appliqué for my nephews 6 month pictures. She wanted a black and white polk a dot fabric, so that's what she got! I love how it turned out and can't wait to see his photos!

The color of the above photo is awful. But, both of my girls will be wearing a fuchsia red chiffon floral heart on their shirts for Valentine's day. MCs shirt is the one above. G has a black shirt.

I love these pink and cream chiffon ruffled leg warmers that I ordered for a customer- fabulous!

And, I attempted a nagorie feather hair clip. I made two of these, that i'm keeping for both of my girls. But, i'm willing to sell these to customers upon request. They are simply stunning.

Winner! J. Pogo Pea Pod Necklace

Congratulations to Jessica Clark! You've won the hand crafted pea pod necklace from J. Pogo Designs! I've sent you an email, and you'll have 24 hours to respond!

Thanks so much to J. Pogo Designs for sponsoring this giveaway! And, to all of you that entered!

G's 4 year old pictures

G had school pictures taken again in January. This is the 2nd time this school year, and I'm pretty sure she has them again in the spring. DJ and I discussed not purchasing them, but you received a free 8x10 just for looking at the photos, and I was suckered in.
I thought they were fun that she could dress up, and it's a type of picture that we wouldn't have personally have made of her. G was so excited that she was able to play dress up at school! I think they had around 10 different poses of her in all this dress up garb, but I settled on these two.

I'm going to frame the one above and put it in her room.
All the grandparents will receive a wallet of the picture above, and we have the other one framed in our living room. I thought it was all "Toddlers and Tiara's" like, except that those are her real eyes and teeth and she's not wearing any make up or fake hair!

The pictures were taken about 2 weeks before her 4th birthday, so i'm glad we were able to get some pictures of her around this time.

Are you a sucker for school pictures or any pictures too? I seem to love them!

TU basketball game

TU finally played a Saturday night basketball game and we decided to go! They typically play on Wednesday night and DJ has been wanting to go to a game and to take G. They've been to one game already this season. But, she takes dance on Wednesdays and I'd hate for her to miss her classes.

When I saw that TU was playing at home on a Saturday, I told DJ that we'd be going. I was excited to see our basketball players in action, and attend my first basketball game here.
The girls did really good at the game. MC just sat in our laps and G ate popcorn.
Our section also won match play money for a local casino. DJ and I totaled $50.00 in match play. Too bad we 1) don't gamble and 2) it expired within a week!
During half time a cheerleader came to talk to her mom and G was mesmerized by her. The cheerleader asked if we wanted to take their picture together and G was pretty excited!
It was so fun to have a family night out and enjoy each other's company!

And, TU won!

Goodnight G!

We check on G every night before we go to bed. There are some nights where we go into her room and wonder what in the world was she doing after we tucked her in and said good night. She decided to get her sleeping bag out, undress her babies, and make them sleep on the floor.
Then, she decided to sleep in the closet.

Gee's House

My grandma was staying with us last week, because DJ and I went out of town for a few days and MC's daycare was closed on Wednesday and Thursday. We left Friday evening to take my grandma back to her house and we stayed the weekend with Gee (my mom).

I love simple weekends where we just get to be a family, and when my brother, sister-in-law, and all the cousins are there.

We got in late Friday night and just went to bed. Friday was a rough night because MC had slept in the car and she was starting to not feel well. She ended up sleeping with DJ and I while G slept with her Gee. But, the three of us did not sleep well, as MC was up about 3 times in the middle of the night.

We were suppose to meet one of my friends for lunch on Saturday, and the guy that she's dating, for lunch, but it didn't work out. I was disappointed to not see them, but it gave me a chance to take a nap that morning, and my sister-in-law, mom, and the two babies, and I went to Rhea Lana's consignment sale for some shopping.

We scored some fabulous deals while shopping! G ended up getting two pants & shirt outfits as well as 2 dresses and MC got a handful of clothes and dresses as well. I paid about $3.50 for one outfit that was brand new with tags!

After shopping, we headed home to the boys cooking ribs and smoked potatoes. We enjoyed the babies and the evening just talking and planning my niece's first birthday coming up!

We also built a fire and stayed cozy! It's turned off crazy cold and we're suppose to get snow tonight! I'm only looking forward to that because if schools are closed tomorrow, I won't feel near as bad if I need to stay home with MC who is still not feeling very well.

So, here's hoping to at least 1-2 inches, because we know that it'll shut down anything in the south!

J. Pogo Designs ~ Giveaway~

I am so excited to sponsor this giveaway from J. Pogo Designs!!! At J. Pogo, you'll find gorgeous custom, hand-made jewelry pieces that are the perfect way to treat yourself or someone close to your heart!

Tina, the designer, has been making jewelry and venturing in other businesses since September 2010. She is also hosting her very first design show this weekend in Scottsdale, Az! When you visit her Etsy page, you'll fall in love with some of these pieces:

I have been eyeing this ring for weeks now! And, i'm trying to find a way to convince DJ that I need this! I know Valentine's is right around the corner, but I think it would be perfect for Mother's day (both of my girls' names have the meaning of pearl) The ring features a Swarovski pearl that is just stunning! And, it's a steal at $22.00
The Natalie necklace features a 34 mm crystal bermuda blue swarovski teardrop pendant. I love that it can be worn at an elegant cocktail party or with jeans and a simple tank.
She also makes custom hand stamped jewelry! You can order this piece with your children's name, your spouses' name, or send it to the grandparents with their grandchildren's names! This hand stamped piece also features two swarovski crystals.

Aren't you falling in love?

Tina has given you the opportunity to WIN a piece of her very own jewelry!

You can win this adorable hand wrapped pea pod necklace! It features a light green and mauve swarovski crystal pearls. There's even a little tendril to make this piece that much cuter! Just keep reading to find out how to win!

If you make a purchase, please know that your order will be shipped within 5-7 business days, unless you have ordered a custom designed piece. Every jewelry piece is shipped via USPS ground/first class in a bubble wrapped envelope marked with fragile. And, your order comes ready for gift giving in a complimentary gift box!

Tina has also offered a discount to anyone that makes a purchase after reading this blog post! To receive 25% off simply use the code: CUST 25 at checkout.

Okay, I know you're ready to find out how to win the beautiful pea pod necklace!

Required: Head on over to J. Pogo Designs Etsy store and leave me a comment with your favorite piece as well as your email address! (This must be done before any other entries!)

~ Let me know who you will give the necklace to, or if you plan on keeping it for yourself!

~ Follow HPA's blog via google friend connect. Leave me a comment letting me know you're following!

~ "Like" J. Pogo Designs on Facebook.

~ "Like" Honey Pie Accessories on Facebook.

The giveaway will end at midnight Valentine's night (February 14). The winner will be announced on February 15. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to respond with their shipping address or another winner will be chosen. Please leave 1 comment for each entry, so if you complete each entry, you should have 5 separate comments!

I can't wait to see who will win this piece! And, just so you know, i'm super jealous!

Party Day!

I'm finally getting a chance to upload pictures from G's pirate birthday party last weekend! I'm glad I ended up breaking up the posts, because after uploading my pictures for this one post, I'm realizing the other's would've been a mile long!

I think I can finally relax about the party now that it's over, and as I looked back at the pictures, I finally realized that it was so much fun! I was entirely too stressed last weekend to enjoy it!
G wanted to dress like Izzy from Jake & the Neverland Pirates, but she also wanted to be a princess. I bought her skinny jeans and she wore her boots over those. I had been making her a fabric tutu skirt (I started this several weeks ago, just because) and decided it would work great for her party. We had purchased her a red shirt with ruffles at the top in November, and I thought it had a pirate flair, even though Izzy wears pink. I made her matching pigtail hair bows, and I hot glued red sparkles to look like buttons on her pirate hat. (So her hat would be set apart from everyone else's).
We took a few pirate family pictures before the party. I really love how these turned out!
Gee and grandpa even got in on the action!
I mentioned in a previous post, that I took photos of all the kids dressed as a pirate, and they'll receive their pictures along with their thank you cards. I had to share at least one picture!
In all of the hectic party schedule, we didn't even get a picture of us singing or of G blowing out her candles! But, she enjoyed her cupcake!
Here's a few of the kids at the table! We served cupcakes, ice cream, grapes, cucumbers, and cannon balls!
The guests enjoyed playing our treasure map game! But, at age 4, they're old enough to be fully blind folded! Some of the kids were a little shy, and I didn't want to scare them by blind folding both eyes, so I made them wear 1 eye patch and spin in a circle. I think only 2 kids missed putting their treasure chest on the 'x'.
Our next door neighbor came over and since she was older, I did make her wear 2 eye patches so she couldn't see!
Then we opened presents! I think I enjoy presents on Christmas morning better, because DJ and I are able to give them one at a time and we all take turns opening gifts. But, G and her friends were just going after them.
I think she read 2 or 3 cards, and her friends kept helping her open the gifts. I was busy taking pictures and DJ was busy taking video, but one of us should've been trying to help a little bit! I don't think I could tell you what all she received and from who she received it from!
I just know that it went super fast and as we cleaned up the mess, we found several unopened cards!
I know she received a Barbie doll, 2 new pony's, Cinderella, her prince, and 2 outfits for Cinderella, a Tinkerbell book, an art marker board, and a My Little Pony brush.

We gave her a princess tent, a pair of pink tennis shoes, a strawberry shortcake toy, and a My Little Pony toy.
She was super excited about this My Little Pony toy! I think this one was from our good friend Mrs. Kelly!
My brother & his wife gave her a cardboard princess house that she can color. My brother was so proud that he picked it out all by himself, and then he said, "I spent all that money on cardboard!"

DJ and I are trying to save this for a rainy day, and I know that she'll have so much fun playing with it and coloring it!
Her friend A from dance class came, and G opened the gift from her. She was so excited that A came and kept asking and asking if she'd be able to come! They also go to preschool together, but they're in different classes.
After the guests had gone and things were slightly cleaned up, G enjoyed riding on her new scooter from her gee & grandpa!

I'm so glad that we did this party! It was so much work, but so much fun!

And yes, I think we already have a theme for next year's party!!!

Pirate Party Decorations

I'm breaking G's birthday party into two posts. I wanted to show the decorations separately from the party fun, or else we'd have a super long blog post today!

We had a blast in our 'photo booth'. I made beards, mustaches, and balloon signs for props, and had pirate hats, hooks, telescopes, and eye patches! I purchased most of the pirate hats at Hobby Lobby when they were on sale after Christmas, and I found some in Target's $1.00 section around Halloween!

I took each little pirate's picture, and they'll be receiving it in a few days!

The props were easy to make with just scrapbook paper and paint stirrer sticks; you can also use dowel rods, but I didn't want to pay for them :)
I made a sign to hang on the door as our party guests entered. I hung the sign with twine, distressed it with ink, and hot glued three gold coins on it.

I made a treasure map using shipping paper, that I purchased from the $1.00 store. I printed off images that you would find on a treasure map (island, ship, volcano, palm trees, totem poles) and glued them on. I then added dash lines and a giant red X. We used this as our photo backdrop as well as a "Pin the treasure chest on the X" game.

You could also distress each of the pictures with your ink pad, crinkle the paper, and burn the edges.

I stored our photo props in a basket, and we had a large treasure chest for our pirates to dig through and take home their very own treasures!
Inside the treasure chest, the pirates found compass', necklaces, gold coins, chocolate coins, pirate themed silly bands, diamond rings, and telescopes!

I made the telescopes using left over scrapbook paper from the invitations. I glued it around the tube, and added hot pink paper to some of them where the paper didn't evenly meet the bottom of the tube. (Place on paper clips to hold the paper down while it dries.)
I ordered treasure map placemats from Oriental Trading, and purchased the Pirate ship from Target.
I made a "Happy Birthday" banner using scrapbook paper and twine to hang on the mantle. I also added red candles and necklaces on the mantle.

I would really like to know if i'm the only person that does this, but I color coordinate our wrapping paper with the party theme! Please tell me, i'm not alone! I purchased red wrapping paper, and added pink, gold, black, black/silver, and twine as the bows!
Each child received their very own pirate cup for their party drink (ale) and they were able to take it home with them! I found these in Target's $1.00 section this summer.
We served Cannon Balls (oreo truffles)
Deep Sea Creatures (cucumbers)
and "Octopus eyes" (grapes)

The cucumbers and grapes were placed on sword skewers from a party supply store.

I placed the food on gold & silver charges.

Guests were served chocolate or vanilla cupcakes with red whipped icing and pirate sticks.

I made the cupcake stand by purchasing two gold plates and a hot gluing a glass candlestick between them, and a silver necklace around the top tray.