SWEET DOLLIES

There isn't much time these days to sew, but I did manage to get some in while True was at school, Soul and Glow were napping, and Brave was occupied with Charlotte's Web. Two of these dollies are making a little trip north to this house just in time for Christmas and one is going to be gifted to Soulie for her birthday. My baby turns two this Saturday!

These two dollies are a new little twist on my Lela doll, which I made many moons ago. Then the ballerina doll below is fashioned after the ballerina one I made for True awhile ago too. I did change things up slightly with my favorite part being her ballet shoe laces.

I must admit having four girls is a whole lot of fun when it comes to crafting and sewing. That is what got me sewing in the first place. After I had True, all I wanted to do was sew her dresses and skirts and ever since then my sewing machine has been busy!

OUT TO SCHOOL: WEEK THIRTEEN

{where from again? vintage dress: 3ringcircus; leggings: gap kids; boots: thrifted.}

This little lady was quite helpful and got herself ready for school all by herself. Kinda nice since it frees me up so I can get changed and the other girls ready. I think she was going for her own sort of bohemian look. Kid version. Ooh! Gives me an idea... I should make her a long flowy skirt. I think she would love that. Will definitely add that to my project list!

Ah! It's the last day of November. I can hardly believe it!

SLOW MONDAY

I seriously slept in up until the minute Ben declared he was leaving for work. He is such a trooper in the mornings, getting all the three big girls fed, making his own lunch, and ironing is his own clothes. Once this baby starts sleeping through the night, I definitely want to get back to waking up a tad earlier.

This was definitely a slow Monday after the long holiday weekend. I did need a jumpstart of pumpkin bread sprinkled with chocolate chips, warmed up a bit, and served with a side of pumpkin ice cream to help with the laziness. That was a perfect cure to the lazies. Then, it was off to (home)school we go.

It is amazing to watch the progress of True and Brave. Seriously. I know I was a teacher before, but I was very skeptical of my ability to teach them how to read. I taught fourth grade, not kinder, so I was quite scared of the whole beginning process. I love upper grade curriculum, so teaching little ones scared the daylights out of me. I think now we are at the point where they are able to put sounds together and make words and can read short sentences, so I am breathing much more easily.

More fun comes in when I am able to take history and science lessons and make a bit more fun out of it. I remember when I was teaching, I loved making pictorial charts to teach concepts and am so glad that my girls are visual learners too. As I talk about a story in history or science, I draw it out and it really sticks to their minds so much more and it helps when they have to retell it back to me. For those curious, I use Story of the World for my history and My Body for science. Some days I miss the challenge of being in the classroom, but I am glad that now I get the best of both worlds by making my home a classroom and having my girls for students.

AN AUTUMN DATE

Thanks to Ben's mom and sister, we were able to escape a bit and go on a date. I got dolled up for my husband and we ventured out to go watch Breaking Dawn. It was really quite nice to hold hands and not strollers.

on me: tele-visionary top, c/o modcloth. black velvet blazer, vintage (was my mom's). jeans, gap (love these so much!). shoes, seychelles. bracelets, some vintage and some from handmade by anne potter.

on ben: shirt, vintage. jeans, diesel. shoes, nike.

And I really was so excited to find a little spot with pretty Autumn leaves. You don't see tree color changes much here in Southern California, so you can imagine my giddiness to find this little patch of Autumn perfection.

I love dates with my husband. I am already itching to go on another one. Have you gone on any fun dates lately?

**********

Leave a comment on my HOUZZ ideabook and you get a chance to win $250 gift certificate to any online retailer of your choice if my ideabook wins with the most votes (anthropologie is an online retailer, is it not?!)! Each comment gets one vote. Out of 30 ideabooks, our chances aren't so bad. Contest ends Dec. 2nd. See here for more details.

**********

LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

We never got a proper Thanksgiving picture as a family of six, but this one will have to do. We were always running late to the family get togethers we went to and when we got there, it was immediately filled with lots of busy and eating. Still we made sure to get one in this weekend, even if it wasn't on Thanksgiving day. This still marks the occasion and the special milestone as a family of six. And cause we are a family of six, it is hard to get everyone perfectly still and smiling, but I think this one describes our season of life exactly.

Hope your Thanksgiving weekend was just as swell!

HUZZAH!

This Thanksgiving was extra special because we got to spend it with both our families. Our hearts are filled with lots of thanksgiving everyday for everything God has done. God is really so good!

Things we are thankful for...

- Our little Glow. She makes our days brighter.

- God's constant forgiveness and patience with us. We fail so often, yet his love remains steadfast and unchanging.

- Our temporal good health.

- Family and friends who we love and sometimes fight with. God uses all our relationships to love and depend on him even more.

- Christ's redeeming work he did on the cross for my behalf. I am so undeserving.

I can't say that my heart is constantly filled with joy and thanksgiving because I get frustrated and complain too often, but I am asking God to grow that part of me.

Hope your every days are filled with thanksgiving and joy!!!

THANKSGIVING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN

We spent last night at my mom's house filling our tummies with turkey and stuffing and we are soon headed off to Ben's cousin's house to do more of the same. For all you stateside folk, Happy Thanksgiving and to all others, I am thankful for you too!

Then, tomorrow the insane shopping crazies begin. I am not really brave enough to join in on the fun, but I don't mind joining in online. I already started off by getting this dress (will probably use a belt I already have) and these shoes for my Christmas outfit, and just need some pretty necklace to spice it up. It was such a great deal and couldn't resist a simple, pretty black dress. Anyone headed out to do some shopping tomorrow?

BLOGGERS IN REAL LIFE GUEST POSTS

Creating, sharing, and inspiring connects us all together. Every day we are drawn to blogs that make us feel something, and we take a little piece of it with us. Behind every one of our favorite blogs, there's a person. A person with real emotions, fears, goals, and weird quirks that we never really get to experience first hand. We've brought together your favorite bloggers to give you a more intimate take on their lives, so you can catch the little details that make them who they are. Every Wednesday, we'll be capturing the lives of the people behind your daily reads in a way that you wont experience anywhere else.

So get ready. We have lots to share! xoxo

Each week on Casey's blog, you will hear a more personal story about one of your favorite bloggers.... why they are the way they are, stories on loss or happiness, struggles or triumphs...we want to have them share the happiest moment of their life, or a time that they grew stronger because of an enormous trial placed in their path.

On Ashley's blog, they will be sharing any advice they have for you readers. It can be about fashion, being a mom or wife, how to grow your blog, how to start your own business, etc. Whatever their niche is, you will hear their expert advice!

***********

I am honored that they have asked me to take part in this. I talk about my mommy meltdowns here and I answer the common question, "How do I grow my blog?" here. Hope you find these little bits helpful! Thank you Ashley and Casey for allowing me to share with your readers today!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING UP

We had this sign converted into a little sign for Thanksgiving, but it didn't quite make it there because we already re-did the room for Christmas! Auntia Suzi & Grandmama (Ben's mom and sister) just came into town and we wanted it all Christmas-ed out for them, so it is already Christmas in our home, even though we have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving.

We are excited about the festivities that will ensue with family these next few days. I love turkey and stuffing and kinda missed out last year cause we went on vacation to San Diego instead of a traditional Thanksgiving, so you bet I will be making up for it this year. My tummy will be undoubtedly full after Thursday!

I left to do a few errands (so thankful for Grandmama and Auntia for watching the girls) and I come back to see my girls have already started writing to Santa! I guess we switched modes in our house real fast!!!

Anyone start with their Christmas shopping yet? I am almost done. Kinda. I have the list of what to buy, I just need to officially buy it. Well, if you need some help one of my fave etsy shops Ms. Tips is having a great 30% off sale until midnight Sunday night and she always has fabulous things!!!

MONDAY MORNING

Officially, True has the week off school, but since we didn't get to do much school on Friday we did some this morning. Oh the beauty of homeschooling! It's such a cozy Monday morning, since we had a day full of rain yesterday, so today will be spent watching movies and relaxing (with one errand to run with all four girls thrown in for fun!). We have a fun busy holiday week ahead of us, so we will get all the cuddly cozies in now. What does your monday morning consist of?

Anyone remember the wool felt string light garland I made a few years ago? Well, I unearthed a couple extras yesterday while doing Christmas decorating and put one in the shop here. SOLD.

**********

Leave a comment on my HOUZZ ideabook and you get a chance to win $250 gift certificate to any online retailer of your choice if my ideabook wins with the most votes (anthropologie is an online retailer, is it not?!)! Each comment gets one vote. Out of 30 ideabooks, our chances aren't so bad. Contest ends Dec. 2nd. See here for more details.

**********

SPONSORS FOR DECEMBER

Sponsorship is a great way to get your blog or shop out there and December couldn't be a more perfect time with all the holiday shopping going on! If interested, just send me an email. Also, don't forget to check out some of the wonderful sponsors I already have!

HUZZAH!

This here is True's first official school picture. Seriously. No joke. This is a classic and will for sure make it into her wedding slideshow. I tell her that every time we look at the picture, but she swears she is never getting married because she is never growing up. Somehow I doubt that, especially since she is eagerly awaiting her 6th birthday in a few months. She already put her birthday request in and she says she wants to stay in a hotel and for us to sing happy birthday with a vegetable cake.

We went to take the picture and she didn't even want to stand in front of the camera. When she got there, she didn't want to look up. Well, if I hadn't paid online before we got to the school, I would have just turned around and gone home, but I paid and got myself and the other girls dressed to leave the house, so we weren't leaving without a picture. The photographer said we can come back for make-up day, but honestly, she would be the same way that day too. After 30 minutes, with 15 of those her crying, and a few moms helping, we got her back in front of the camera and I just told them to take the picture. Eyes closed tight, mouth wide open, and drool coming down, that is how they took it. Obviously. I figure she has tons of "pretty" pictures, I think this one will be hilarious. So what if her first yearbook ever will have this face among the faces of her classmates who are smiling pretty for the camera. This is hilarious and despite what she says, will for sure be going in her wedding slideshow. I can't wait!

Learned and links...

- Now that True has the pictures in her hands, I think she will smile next time.

- Brave is my romantic child, but that is for a whole other post.

- Go to this and this pop-up shop this weekend. Get that Christmas shopping done early. I am almost done!

- We need some lighting over our dining table. I want a vintage spanish chandelier. Here some other faves of mine.

- I renewed items in my vintage shop and put this polkadot dress up for sale. I saw the dress at an antique store with my BFF and Ben surprised me by buying it for me last Christmas. But then I got pregnant and couldn't wear it and it will be awhile until I can wear it since there are no buttons down the middle (and I don't fit it at all anymore), so I am selling it. I hope someone gives it a good home! Use coupon code HELLOFALL and get 10% off any order.

- Don't forget to leave a comment here! If I get the most comments, then one of you will win a $250 gift certificate to any online retailer of your choice. Last I checked, anthropologie was an online retailer, right?!!

I have a massive headache and I think I will just put on a movie and watch with my little girlies. Enjoy your weekend friends!

VINTAGE HERE, VINTAGE THERE: COOL DAYS AHEAD

Having four girls is fun because I love dressing them up! Also, they love playing dress up and getting dressed up, but sometimes it isn't so fun to clean up the mess they make after they take down all their clothes to play with. 'Tis a house full of girls and I am sure the closet wars will only get worse from here. One day it won't be me battling them about their clothes everywhere, but they will be battling each other about who gets to wear what and when. Those days will be crazy I am sure.

For now though, I enjoy having a say in what they wear and that they love the clothes I pick out for them (most days). This day though, True and I had a battle (look at her face in these pictures, it is obvious I won). She wanted to wear a dress, but I wanted her to wear this romper. If this romper were in my size, I would wear it!

We had to go to my BFF's mom's house for her birthday dinner and I welcomed the chance to get dress and leave the house! That is a rarity these days, since we are waiting for Glow's 3 month to officially take her out, so if she stays home, so do I because I am her source of food.

I am not wearing much vintage here, except one of my bracelets. I love vintage a lot and a lot of my closet is comprised of it, but I (and I am sure Rachel too) do not wear it everyday. We don't get dressed up everyday either! I do try to look a little put together daily, but that is only if the stars are aligned in the morning and all the kids are cooperating and I can sneak off to shower. But I also have those days where I don't even get to brush my teeth until right before Ben comes home. This is real life folks!

on me: oriole fashioned flattery dress: c/o modcloth. boots: dolce vita. thick gold bracelet: vintage. thin leather & gold bracelets: handmade by anne potter.

on true: plaid romper: c/o minikin. knee highs: target. boots: h&m.

on brave: shirt & jumper: vintage. leggings: misha lulu (we love these a lot!). boots: last year siaomimi via gilt.

on soul: bow: made by me. dress: vintage. sweater: vintage. leggings: target. shoes: pediped.

I am totally loving all boots and all those deep yellows, oranges, and reds in clothing. Fall is my favorite season and though we don't get that gorgeous change of color here in SoCal, I still love this time of year so much. If maneuvering about with 4 kids were easy, we definitely would be taking advantage of the nice fall weather and leave the house more often, but I am not that brave of a mama!

Some vintage lovelies for fall: fringe mocs, yellow shirtdress, wicker handbag, red & navy stripe vest, and gingham dress.

Some new lovelies for fall: wild ochre cardigan, basket beauty flat, moreno abstract dress, bene bow dress, and banoffee floral dress.

I love seeing Rachel's posts and living my dream fall through them. It seems that Springfield is so gorgeous this time of year and everyone can get all cute and bundled up! Make sure you head over to Rachel's and see what pretties they are wearing because her and her gang, especially that little Miss Ruby is always a whole load of style inspiration!

p.s. socal friends... you should go to this pop-up shop this weekend! lots of pretty kid goodies!!!

**********

Leave a comment on my HOUZZ ideabook and you get a chance to win $250 gift certificate to any online retailer if my ideabook wins with the most votes! Each comment gets one vote. Out of 30 ideabooks, our chances aren't so bad. Contest ends Dec. 2nd. See here for more details.

**********

THESE DAYS

Days are blurred over here and filled with lots of busyness. I had a reader recently ask how I do it all and the answer is... I don't do it all. I have a dishwasher full of clean dishes that haven't been put away for two days and a whole sink full of dirty dishes that have been there for two days because I haven't put away the clean ones. I gave up vacuuming about 6 months ago and only get to that once a month. Thus, we have colored pencil shavings all over the place. Really. I have a huge pile of clean laundry sitting at the foot of my bed and just this morning Ben asked, "Do I have any clean white shirts or boxers?" My reply, "Um... sorry never had a chance to do the laundry. Plus, we are out of detergent." My craft area looks like this again and our school table (as you can see above) is full of piles. The to-dos and mess list could go on and on over here.

Most of the day is spent doing school, changing diapers, feeding the baby baby, a whole lot of managing and a whole lot of referee-ing the big girls. We get cuddles in when we can, but there is also a whole lot of yelling (probably more on my end), and most times I get frustrated that I easily get frustrated. So really, I don't do it all.

So when do I blog or have time to plan a dinner party? Well, all three big girls go to bed at around 7pm. 7:30 at the latest. That is my time to try and get things done. Now, sometimes things don't always get done because baby baby might want to throw a hissy fit and well, there goes that, but on good nights, I get plenty done and still manage to go to bed around 11pm.

To anyone who thinks I am super mom, I most certainly am not. You don't see the messes and the fits of anger that go on over here. When someone asks me how I am doing, my reply is, "I am crazy most of the time." It is really only God who allows me to get through the daily messes cause if it weren't for Him, I would be crying all the time! No joke.

Now, wish me luck because hopefully today I could at least get those dishes put away!

**********

Leave a comment on my HOUZZ ideabook and you get a chance to win $250 gift certificate to any online retailer if my ideabook wins with the most votes! Each comment gets one vote. Out of 30 ideabooks, our chances aren't so bad. Contest ends Dec. 2nd. See here for more details.

**********