Haus of Girls

Ten on ten, January 2012.

2012-01-16T12:30:00.001-08:00

I love playing along with my friend Mel’s “Ten on Ten.”
On the 10th of every month, take a photo every hour for ten hours.

My attempt isn’t exactly accurate, as I wasn’t able to snap off every hour.
However, here is ten random shots from January 10, 2012.

Finally getting breakfast after my girls have left for school and I’ve welcomed eight other children.
Pumpkin bread and coffee to the rescue!

I laughed out loud at this.

Naptime crafting and reading.

We finally got Gracie in to see our new pediatrician so he could check out her little crazy lungs.
Pneumonia, just as we were suspecting. Albuterol and prednisone for our tiny tot for the next five days.

After school homework and drawing.

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken for dinner.
Make it, now. You can thank me later.

Nightly routine of medicine. May I remind you that I despise medicine.

Gracie’s artwork, up close.

Mean Green juicing clean up.

After juicing the green veges, I blended the juice with frozen blueberries, strawberries, almond milk and yogurt. The girls can’t get enough and it’s filled with gazillions of vitamins and minerals.

Hope you are having a fantastic, illness free, January and maybe next month you’ll play along as well!

Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Rude, Impolite Bullies.

2011-12-30T13:54:00.001-08:00

I often chose to use my blog as a place to preserve joy and memories to always have to look back on and for my girls to cherish as they grow older. I like to use Haus of Girls as a place to encourage, enlighten and give hope to other moms that are busy, multi-tasking and, at times, overwhelmed, just like myself.

But today I feel the need to write about a few things that have been weighing heavy on my heart as I often find myself looking around at the next generation of children with great sadness.

I want to reach out to other moms and encourage them to be the best they can be.
To not give up and throw in the towel just because this is what society is telling you to do.

Everywhere I look, parents seem to be filling their children with things, PRESENTS.
However, what your children need is your PRESENCE. For you to be there.
For you to WANT to be there.

Everyday I see the lack of PRESENCE in so many kids’ lives that is leaves me speechless.
Therefor, I type.

I type to any and all who will read and make a change to be a better parent.
Our future needs you to step up to the plate and raise kind, loving members of society who FEEL LOVED.
Not self-centered children who are desperate for attention and love seeking it in all the wrong places, pushing others down to get ahead in life, struggling to discover who they are by bullying and being cruel.

If more parents took the time to invest in their children’s lives and spirit, rather than investing in their wardrobe, fancy cars or image, I would have hope for our future. But unfortunately, that is all I see around me. Sad, overwhelmed, unfulfilled adults unable to emotionally fulfill their duties as a parent. Leaving their sweet children in the dust.

Remember the song, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys?”
I feel like my message, if it were a song, would be “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Rude, Impolite Bullies.”

Our future depends on all you moms and dads.
Invest in raising your children to be good, kind and loving human beings.

A fun thing that I did to bring back old school politeness earlier this summer was a politeness marble jar.
Every time I hear one of my girls being polite, especially saying “yes ma’am” rather than the awful, “yea” or “uh-huh” I give them a marble in their special jar. Once it’s filled they get to pick out a prize.
They love when I catch them being polite and the sound of the marble dropping into the glass jar.
It reinforces positive behavior in a fun way rather than always harping on their bad behavior.

It has worked really well for our family. One day this past fall, a teacher that works at my big girls’ school ran into my Mom at the salon. When she found out that Sophie was her granddaughter, she referred to her as the “most polite little girl in the school.”

This made me so proud.
Proud of the way my girls represent our family and what we stand for.
Proud that they choose to make good choices, even in a world that makes it so easy not to do so.
Proud that Steve and I have made it our first priority to instill behaviors in our children that effect everyone around them in a positive uplifting way.

Since I spend my days surrounded by children, I know how wonderful it feels when a child is respectful, polite and kind to me, as well as their friends. When I hand them something and hear the sweetest, “thank you, Marta!” it makes my day.

Today, I am challenging you to bring back the basics in life that are meaningful and reintroduce them to your children and home. For example, teaching your children the importance of treating adults with kindness and respect, not being rude and playing on your phone during a family get together, writing thank you notes, showing people love rather than an attitude, saying please and thank you and overall being happy for others.

Where have these things gone?

I like to dream about growing up in the 1950’s when life was simpler.
Like in “Back to the Future.” Best movie ever.
Life was not about things.
People cared about others, not just themselves…except Biff.
Mamas raised their children to be respectful, thoughtful and kind, not self-centered and superficial only caring about the latest and greatest iPhone. Barf.

Stop and think about who you want your children to become rather than what makes your life easier in the moment. Raising loving and kind children is not easy, but it’s worth the extra effort in the end when you look back at your life when you’re 85 years old sitting in a rocking chair.

Sure handing them a video game or phone keeps them entertained and makes your life less stressful for the moment. But will it truly create happy and whole human beings?

In the end you will ask yourself “Did I give my children enough love and encouragement and the tools needed to be good people? To be a good friend not a bully? To be an encourager not a spirit breaker?”

I’ve worked with children for five years in my home and have had my own children for almost eight years.
What I have noticed over the years is heartbreaking.
Broken spirits, sad and snippy children who aren’t respectful to their parents or adults, unhappiness that leads to putting down other children.
I’ve seen this all first hand. With my own eyes. When I see a “friend” of my daughter’s put them down for liking something that they don’t like anymore because “it’s for babies”, or arguing about something they know nothing about because they are just crabby and sad, it breaks my heart for our future and for my daughters. I want them to surround themselves with positive happy loving friends. But I often wonder, are there any of these left for them?

Luckily I had three of them, my sisters, and needed not to search far.
I am so thankful my girls have each other. But, maybe this can be a wake up call to all the parents to make a change. It’s NEVER to late to start.
Politeness boot camp, talking with them about the true meaning of living a life filled with happiness and being a GOOD FRIEND.

I say this everyday to my girls as they leave me, BE A GOOD FRIEND.

I am creating a challenge to encourage more parents to do the same.
Let’s do all WE can to stop bullying and hurtful behavior and words.
Take it upon yourself to be a better role model and encourager of the kind of behavior you should expect from your children. Don’t let them get lost in the shuffle.

Too many children are being hurt with words these days.
Smashing spirits has become a new hobby. It was not like this when I was growing up.
Let’s change this bullying, sassy, impolite epidemic. It starts with you.

So please won’t you join me?

What are a few things you could change in your home to encourage better behavior from your children?
Maybe it’s as simple as opening the lines of communication about how important it is to treat people kindly?
Or that words and negative comments are just as hurtful as physically hitting someone.

Link up your posts on this and let’s make a difference in 2012.

Joy to the World

2011-12-27T17:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011.
It came and it went and now I’m going to pout all week.

However, I did receive the most amazing Christmas gift from my mom and dad, which has helped to cheer me up a bit.

A Breville juicer. Get one.
I’ve already used it several times and my post-Christmas depression seems to be easing ever so slowly.

This little girl helps as well.
Gracie, proudly wearing several of her favorite Christmas gifts all day, ducky rain boots and a fancy tutu, can be found reading her new favorite books in her favorite reading chair. All. Day. Long.
Love.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
I’m off to chug a “mean green” juice for dinner.

Reason #4,561,230,625 Why My Life is Rad

2011-12-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, I live for summer, but lately the tides have slowly be turning here at Haus of Girls.
This December has been filled with more joy than I can ever recall in past Decembers.
I’ve been a mom for seven and a half years, but this Christmas season seemed extra joyful in the mommy department.

Maybe it’s because each day, I take the time to remind myself how lucky I am, more that I have in the past.
Lucky to spend everyday at home. Never having to rush anywhere.
I get to spend every minute of every day with Gracie, except when she’s at school.
I get to see my two big girls off to school and welcome them home as well every single day.
I can’t imagine anything different.

The memories I am making with my girls seem more important and meaningful as I age.
At thirty- two I probably have over five billion laugh out loud moments that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
They make my life perfect filled with very few regrets.

And here are a few other reasons why I’ve been so joyful this month….

I get to witness my girls excitedly search for “Clyde” every morning.

I happily get to bake for my sweet clients and friends while all ten children sleep at one time.

I get to laugh all day at this crazy girl who is really into “layering” this winter.
She has NINE shirts on in this picture.

I get to eat hundreds of candy canes while my sweet hubby keeps refilling the supply on our tree.

I get to anxiously wait for Gracie to wake after finding her at 11 pm fast asleep with underwear on her head. When she finally awoke at her usual time, 8:45 am, she decided to keep the undies on as they “really keeps my hair out of my face, mom.”

I get to enjoy an early evening tea party.

I get to sew my girls fun shirts and then take 2,000 pictures of them posing in the cold.
They hate me now, but will love me when they are grown.

I get to make fun little presents for my girls to hand out to all their teachers at school…. PE, art, music and even the bus driver. I’ve always tried to teach my girls how just a simple gesture goes a long way.
Making someone smile and feel appreciated is one of the most important things in life.

Speaking of feeling special, I received the most amazing and thoughtful Christmas gifts from my clients this year. I wish they could know how much this means to me. From wine, to a pedicure, to handmade thank you notes, to an amazing book (one thousand gifts) I can’t wait to read, I am so grateful and thankful.
For them to take the time out of their busy schedule to do something kind for me, has me smiling from ear to ear. For them to make me feel noticed and appreciated for caring for their sweet children all year, is absolutely the best feeling in the world.

I even get to lock my self out of Steve’s car when attempting to finish up my Christmas shopping.
The good thing about that was that I was at Target.

As usual for this crazy family, there have been several nights out filled with fun.
This particular night we were celebrating my mom, as well as my brother in law Austin’s birthdays.
We started at the Burger Bar, then moved into the attached casino, got kicked out of there, and then walked down the street to another bar. Yes, we got kicked out of a casino. Long story.
We officially entered into a “club,” parents in tow, and had the best time dancing.

I have three best friends (sisters) who don’t mind my creepy dance moves.
What could be better than that?

Well, I guess these three are pretty awesome.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Water for Christmas and a Winner!

2011-12-19T20:58:00.001-08:00

Guess what happened on Sunday?
We funded another well!!!
Can you believe it?

We raised $5,130 raised in one week.
So many lives will be changed because of your kindness and willingness to open your hearts and donate!
Thank you to all of you who donated and a HUGE thank you to all who donated to my bundle.

Project 320 was named because of the verse Ephesians 3:20:
"Now glory be to God! By HIS mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

His mighty power at work within us…..
He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we….

Can anything ring more true that what we just witnessed?
On Friday we hadn’t even hit the halfway mark to raising $5000.

But over the weekend, our doubts were crushed and once again, we “accomplished infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

Thank you!!!

And, I have a winner for my bundle!!!

#14, Kendra!
You won my “Girls Rule” bundle!
Yay!!!

Thanks again to everyone who donated to my bundle and to our well.
What a wonderful Christmas gift this year!

“Girls Rule” Giveaway Bundle: Project 320

2011-12-12T04:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday to you all!
Are you ready to build another well together?

This is how it is going to work:
For each $10 donation to our Project 320 well page, through the charity:water, you will earn ONE entry to ONE blog giveaway.
There is no limit to how many times, or how many giveaways you can enter, as long as you adhere to the $10/ one entry rule.

One comment = one entry.

Here is what I am giving away this year: "Girls Rule."

1. Plain Jane 5 pack of felt bows from Kristyn at Chic Baby Rose

2. Two zip pouches and a pair of adorable fabric covered button earrings from Amber at Good Night Moon the Shop

3. A “Peace” Vintage Dictionary Pendant & Pretty Flower Coffee Cuff from Jaime at Little Bird Creations.

5. Several adorable items from Tara at Plum Posh.
A Red Flower Hair Clip with Feather, a Black and White Silk Fabric Flower Clip, three Yoga No Tug
Elastic Pony Tail Holders / Bracelets " Team Edward " and a $10 gift card to Plum Posh Boutique as well!

6. A $10 Starbucks Gift Card
Kindly donated by my sister Maggie’s brand new sister-in-law, Heather McRoy.

7. An adorable clutch wallet handmade by a family friend, Kathy Tucker.

8. $20 Store Credit to my Etsy shop, Haus of Girls

9. A personalized light up bucket from Erin at Lizzie Jeans Cookies.

10. A pair of adorable handmade rosette earrings made by my sister Maggie Viefhaus Panter.

11. Two super cute handmade picture frames made by my friend Stacie at EST.

12. Two items of your choice from Heather at CM Handmade!
The cutest little boys' bowties or bowtie headbands for the girls.

13. A $10 ITunes gift card donated by my sweet friend, Kelly Berg.

14. And finally, how about this adorable Brown Lid…

…and Pink Tee from Kara at Eli’s Lids?
Can you handle the cuteness?!

Amazing right?
I know you want to win it all. So, how do you enter?

One $10 donation to the Project 320 Well equals ONE entry.

First, Donate at the Project 320 Charity:Water page.

Then come back to this post and leave one comment for each entry.
$10 equals one entry.
$50 equals five entries.

*Please make sure that either your email is attached to your profile, or is included in each comment.

Comments will stay open until midnight pacific time on Sunday, December 19th.
One winner will be chosen on Sunday, December 18th.

The winner will receive all 14 prizes in this Girls Rule Bundle of Goodness!

Think about it.....$10 will give one person in Africa clean water for 10 years!
(For us, $10 is 2 Starbucks. Wow.)

Help build another well this year.
Win prizes & Save lives.
Thank you for making a difference this Christmas!

Don’t forget to go check out the the Project 320 Blog to see all the other fantastic giveaway bundles to be won.

Good luck!

‘Tis the Season

2011-12-07T12:36:00.001-08:00

For building a well.
Who is ready to help us do this again?

Just like last year, you can enter any of the amazing giveaway bundles that we will have next week by donating $10 to our Project 320 Well.
For every $10 donated, you can enter once to win any of the bundles.
So one comment = one entry.
Get it? Easy peasy.

Let’s do this.

I will have a fun little bundle next week that I’m pretty sure every single one of you will want to win.
It will be filled with clutches, zipper pouch wallets, dresses, Starbucks, rosette earrings and more!

Until then, here’s a little Christmas cheer from Haus of Girls.
Gracie Lou, brilliantly performing a rendition of Jingle Bells in her very own unique sing-mumble fashion.
Enjoy!

It’s OK to be Different.

2011-12-05T18:37:00.001-08:00

Photo taken from here.

Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of things like this.
It’s ok to be different. It’s ok to be yourself.

I showed this to my girls tonight, who are a tad bit obsessed with horses, and it was cute to see their faces light up. They all wanted a copy framed and on their wall immediately.
Then after the oooohhs and ahhhhs, we talked about the photo and what they thought about it.

Mia loved how the “different” horse was black because, just like Black Beauty, black horses are her favorite.
Sophie felt it was the perfect example that not all of us look the same on the outside, but that doesn’t matter as much as what’s on the inside.
Gracie cheered, “go horsies, go!” and started yelling “giddy up!” at the top of her lungs while sprinting around our upstairs hallway in her undies.

Three year olds are my fave.

Sunday JOY

2011-12-04T10:30:00.001-08:00

Hoping your weekend was filled with JOY!

We went to see Santa Claus yesterday and two out of three girls loved him.
Can you guess which little girl did not?

*For only a few more days, you can get your very own set of my JOY letters in my shop.
They are perfect for your cuties to wear for a fun and unique Christmas card photo!

Wedding Recap

2011-11-22T18:42:00.001-08:00

I’m baaaaack! Sort of.

What a whirlwind the past few months have been for us!
Between our beloved St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series and my hubby going to almost every home game throughout the series, to planning my sister’s couples costume wedding shower, to spreading joy with the Happy Day project and then finally living it up during my sister Maggie’s actual wedding weekend, it’s been a complete circus. Here, there and everywhere. And I have loved every minute.
And now, it’s almost THANKSGIVING? Seriously?

I want to catch up on some photos from the past few weeks so here we go…

The Day the Cards Became World Champs…. Again:

For game seven of the World Series, my whole family headed downtown to celebrate if they won.
Some of us were actually in the stadium and a few of us were outside pretending to be in.
They won and we had so much fun partying like rock stars (middle-aged ones) with the entire city of St. Louis.

The Day of the Couples Shower:

Maggie and Austin kindly took my girls to a park for a few hours so Steve and I could set up for the shower.

And set up we did. Haley made all the desserts like pumpkin shaped peanut butter cookies and mini vanilla wafer sandwiches with peanut butter and banana centers surrounded by sprinkles.
She also made those fabulous candy apples with real sticks from the back yard.
She’s amazing.

Steve and I were Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf.

Maggie and Austin were Snooki and the Situation.

Adie was a paper doll and Haley was the Toy Story Barbie.
Such a fun night!

The Happy Day Project:

The girls loved participating in The Happy Day Project.
I mean, really, really loved.
Every morning they would run downstairs to read what our task was for the day.
Since it was the week before Maggie’s wedding, we didn’t quite succeed on all of them, but we did pretty good making so many people smile and feel special.

Monday:
Fresh baked cookies delivered to some of our favorite neighbors by these three crazy girls.

Tuesday:
Handwritten notes to all my faves.

On top of the happy day fun, I helped make some programs, a CARDS holder and some fun hair bling for some super cute flower girls.

We read this book 500 times and broke out the cookie cutters…. and Christmas music.
I love this time of year!

The Rehearsal Dinner:

The rehearsal begins. My dad, mom, Maggie and Austin listening to this…

This is one of Maggie’s students.
He’s amazing.

Dinner time!
Maggie and Austin loved the little scrapbook the girls and I made for them.

Me and my momma.

The Wedding Day:

Salon fun.

I loved my hair so much.
Thank you Elli!

And Gracie loved hers too, all thanks to Aunt Haley’s mad skills.

The flower girls all ready to go.

The beautiful couple after their I Do’s.

Family photo, thanks to Hales, after the ceremony.

Taking over Maggie and Austin’s favorite little bar, Chick ‘N Elly’s, after the party bus fun.
Yes, they have fried Twinkies.

Family wedding photos in an old window on the table next to the entrance to the reception hall.

Their guestbook.
Thumbprints along with guest’s signatures on this cute tree Adie drew.

Wheat centerpieces from Austin’s father’s farm.

Father daughter dance. Love.
Also notice the cute wheat boutonniere all the men wore.

Four sisters.
Four married sisters.

Girls rule.
As do the wedding party’s personalized mason jar mugs!

Gracie and her new boyfriend, Bryce. The Michigan groom’s cake made by our friend Erin.

Rock concert or wedding reception?

A family tradition.
The “Alligator Dance” to Proud Mary.
Yes, we are rolling on the floor.

Steve and I slow dancing like pros.

My parents leading the train throughout the hotel.

Maggie’s cute cowgirl boots sparkling like crazy as Austin went in for the garter.

Late night dance with daddy in their jammies.

And the perfect ending to a perfect day?
A white castle wedding cake hand crafted by Haley’s hubby, Jimmy.

Claaaaaasic Jimmy.

The happy couple reenacting the white castle cake topper.

Claaaaaasic Viefhaus family evening full of LAUGHTER, LOVE and MEMORIES.

11.12.11

My Sister’s Wedding: A Sneak Peek!

2011-11-15T21:04:00.001-08:00

Truly one of the best days of my life.

One of the most beautiful couples on Earth.

The most adorable flower girls, in cowgirl boots, ever.

Father Daughter dance at it’s best.

Love.

Rock concert or wedding?
(Maggie’s still clinching tight to her mason jar beer mug!)

Four sisters.
All married.

The perfect ending to the perfect day?
A stacked White Castle wedding cake.
I love my family.

Introducing The Happy Day Project.

2011-11-03T21:40:00.001-07:00

Today was the revealing of the Happy Day project.
It was inspired by this random act of kindness post, and I can’t wait to be a part of all the goodness.

I love using my blog to inspire people to spread joy, and that is exactly what The Happy Day project will do.
Here are the deets:

Won’t you please join me?
Link up over here and help spread happiness and love.

Pumpkins, a Vampire, a Peacock and a Little Duck.

2011-11-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

We carved pumpkins Sunday night, finally, after weeks of the girls asking when we’d get to do it.

Each grew got to draw their own faces this year. Mia was ready to scoop out the guts!
(Of course Sophie’s had eyelashes.)

Our resident carver.

Gracie went for all circles this year.

Last night was Halloween!
We had a scary vampire, a sweet little Ducky and a pretty peacock!

My sister Maggie came over with her fiancé Austin and brought the girls some goodies.
She also helped add some wire to Sophie’s much requested “stick-up-in-the-air braid.”

Can you tell how much they love their Aunt Maggie?

Spooktacular!

A close up of Mia’s scary make-up.

Peacocks get make-up too!

Quack!

Loading up in Dad’s trailer for our hay ride through our hilly neighborhood….. minus the hay.

Ready to roll!

The whole gang!

Hope you all had a very happy Halloween!

*Here’s a sneak peek at tomorrow’s post from my sister Maggie’s costume couples shower this past Saturday at my house……

Can you can you guess who we all went as?

A $4 Halloween Decoration

2011-10-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love a little spooky Halloween decor?
I sure do! And for $4, you should too.

What you’ll need:
1.) One old window (selected from the two I’ve had sitting in my computer room for weeks waiting for a fun project) that your sweet sister gave you when her house was being renovated.
Or, if you don’t have a stellar sister getting a brand new rad house, then you can also find old windows at garage sales, on Craigslist or antique shops for really cheap.
2.) Some super cute Martha Stewart Halloween themed “clings” that are on sale for 40% off.

Stick the removable and reusable clings on the window glass….

…add some cheesecloth on the corner of the window to look like spider webs
(then later make super cool ghosts to dangle on your chandy using something new to me, Stiffy)

..and top things off by ordering a super fun dangly spider runner off eBay for $10 with free shipping.

Viola.
Spooky. Fun. Festive.
For $4.

Have fun!

Pity Party Alert

2011-10-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

I’m in hiding.
Not by choice.
The culprit?
A nasty, fast-spreading stomach bug.

At least I have these three “pumpkins” to make me laugh.
Along with…

good food…

good books…

good friends who post funny things on my Facebook wall….

new projects…..

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Haus of Girls

and of course, the St. Louis Cardinals to cheer for in the World Series!!!

Hope you are having a happy and HEALTHY week!
Go Cards!

Insta Friday- Double Duty Version

2011-10-14T12:49:00.001-07:00

Our life the past two weeks as seen through my iPhone camera lens.
The simple daily events that makes this Haus of Girls unique and special…

I came home to this two Fridays ago. Guess what I made for a special nephew’s birthday
Nothing better than a s’more. party the next day?

The same special nephew is Sophie’s BFF                             Sunday we told Maggie we were going to an “estate
so she had to create a special gift just from her.               sale” when really her high school softball team at
                                                                                                            O’Fallon Christian surprised her with a wedding shower!

He’s baaaaack!                                                                              The Missoni’s have been spying in my bedroom
Mr. Ghosty is back in our front tree.                                         window again. Chevron is all the rage right now,
                                                                                                             but Grandma Viefhaus has been making these
                                                                                                             for years!

My every afternoon. The amazing (front and back) invites to Maggie and
Austin’s couples shower. Halloween themed, obvees.

The night before the rodeo. VIP access. Happy Birthday on October 7th to my favorite hubby.

My sister Haley’s mad hair styling skills. A Cardinals win for Steve on his birthday! Woot!

Off to dinner to cheer on Michigan and then….. rodeo fun!

Ready for our favorite day of the year. The church we go to every year for the annual
Mia snapped off this picture of Sophie and I. Sausage Supper, every second Sunday in October.

Sister shot (minus Maggie) at the winery. Happy Anniversary to me! 9 years.
How fast time flies.

A good luck rainbow. 6:30 am sewing.

RBD (real big deal). AND Gracie came home with her first certificate.
Sharing bag and preschool picture day. She now knows her full name, birthday and address.

Pumpkins x three. Another reason to live in St. Louis… Merb’s Bionic
Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch with Steve’s Apples. OMG.
sweet family.

Link up your everyday moments over at Life Rearranged.

Insta-Friday

2011-09-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!
Here’s a little look at our simple everyday life at Haus of Girls this past week via my Instagram phone photos.

Last Friday our family walked in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Light The Night” walk after raising money for my second cousin, Trevor.

Everyone attending, which numbers were in the thousands, received a balloon filled with a tiny light. As everyone paraded through the city it was such a beautiful sight for a beautiful cause.

Saturday we celebrated a special little boy’s fifth birthday with all things Mario.

Happy birthday Mason!

I killed this scary creature. Sophie practiced patterns.

I got baby snuggles while watching the sidewalk chalk gang.

I tried on my purty shoes for my sister Maggie’s upcoming wedding.
And might I just say, thank goodness for online shopping or I never would have found the time to forage the malls for cute yellow shoes with a small-ish heel. Gotta love being almost six feet tall.

This biker chick was all smiles despite her atrocious cough.

Someone used her special “wear a hat” coupon that she earned thanks to good behavior.

Thoughtful at it’s best.

It has arrived!

Gracie’s alphabet skills. My kid corralling skills.

I am linking up with Jeannett over at Life Rearranged, are you?

A Thoughtful Thursday

2011-09-29T11:59:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share a quote I heard last week from the film critic Roger Ebert’s new book.
After recently learning about all the hardship he has endured facing cancer, which resulting in him losing his entire bottom jaw, his statement really stuck with me.
Although he is unable to speak and can only communicate by either writing or by entering words into a computer, which in turn reads aloud his typed words, he still has such a powerful presence and outlook on life.

“We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out. “

I just love this statement. Its says so much. Someone contributed much joy to my crazy world filled with sick kids this morning….

My sweet friend Val brought me a random thoughtful package. ”Just a little thank you,” she said. The words in her card made me tear up. ”Thank you for being the second mom to my kids while I work. I admire your organization, cleanliness, creativity, willingness to help, your energy and LOVE. I truly believe you are a beautiful mom, wife, friend, sister and sitter on the inside and out. You deserve a Starbucks everyday!” Seriously? To read words like this are so encouraging and wonderful. Especially when I am in a line of work that sometimes seems so under appreciated our in society. So thank you Val for making me smile, on a day that I know was so sad for you. Brightening my (pity party for being sick and having sick kids) day. Reminding me of what kind of friend and person I always want to be. A person just like you. Someone that chooses to spread JOY.

Lend Me Your Eyes.

2011-09-27T09:28:00.001-07:00

Today, this little guy was hanging out on my laundry room door.
No, it’s not a Halloween decoration! It’s for real people.
So what did I so? I screamed and then I smashed him with my flip flop, like any normal housewife would do.

However, now my mom has me worried that it was perhaps a poisonous Brown Recluse.
I have 20/20 vision, but given the circumstances, I don’t want to be worrying that I have a creepy brown recluse spider family crawling around here.

I need your eyes.
Check out the chart below.

I think it looks more like the grass spider.
What do you think?

Here’s hoping I won’t have to change the name of my blog to Haus of Spiders!

Thanks for your help!

The Countdown is On.

2011-09-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

Until the final Viefhaus sister ties the knot.

Just 48 days until these lovebirds get married.

I cannot wait.
But, I really have to, because there is still so much left to do…

Here is the flower girl inspiration.
My girls all have their cowgirl boots and the most adorable sweater dresses.
Now, I just need to make their flower headbands.
(You all know I have already recruited Erin to assist me in this quest.)

My hair inspiration is the girl on the far right.
Yay or Nay?

I just purchased these cute shoes to wear with my flowy green gown on the big day.

And, I will say, the search for shoes was my least favorite so far.
Wearing a 10.5/11 is always a challenge, which I’m well aware, but I was so stunned to see that all the search results for size 11 were for men who liked to dress as women. Weird.
If I may, I’d like to remind the shoe industry that real women wear size 11 too.

As Maggie and Austin’s wedding inches closer and closer, everything will work out.
The to-do list items will get checked off.
It will be a perfect day.

However, the most important question is, will Maggie and Austin conduct a better “train” at their reception than Steve and I did circa 2002?

Only time will tell, but I seriously doubt it.

Happy Monday!

Team Trevor: $1 Goes a long way

2011-09-23T11:54:00.001-07:00

Dear blog readers,

Meet my (second) cousin Trevor.
He is the epitome of courage, strength and character.

Trevor was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in January and has been “kicking lymphoma’s bootie” ever since!

Tonight I will be walking in the Light The Night Walk which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraising walk to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer.
Hundreds of thousands of participants raise funds for lifesaving research and patient services.

I want to help.
My goal is to raise $100 today before I walk .
If I can get 100 people that read my blog to donate $1 here: I would be forever grateful.

Please help me, help Trevor.
Just $1 goes a long way.

Tonight Trevor will be in the bone marrow unit at Children's Hospital and unable to attend the walk, but hopefully with your support, it will help medical advancements that is giving him a chance at life!

*A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.

*A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.

*A donation of $100 (my goal!) helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.

Please join our team's effort today by making a $1 donation. Click here.
Your participation in the Light The Night Walk will help save lives.

Let’s do it!

You Are Good.

2011-09-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

This is a little note I saved from Mia when she was just a tiny Kindergartner, still attempting to master the peace sign.

I have this note hanging up in my computer armoire and every time I look at it I smile.
It’s a little pep talk from my daughter.
“You are good.”
And coming from a five year old, that’s saying a lot.

So never forget to be good.
For yourself, but also for your children.

Insta Friday- Fair Fun Edition

2011-09-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

It’s Friday, yet again. (Creepy how fast a week goes by.)
You know what this means.
Insta Friday time.

Here’s a little glimpse at what happened around here this past week:

Parade watching.
(Look how adorable little Meade is waving at the firemen.)

Ferris wheel riding.

Posing.

Car riding.

Snake touching.

Hand holding.

Feathering.

More posing.

Milk spilling.

American Girl dreaming.

Dental drama.

Restocking.

Regretting hubby’s other re-stock.

Chilly morning running.

Snuggling.

What did you do this week?

I am linking up over at Life Rearranged.

Happy Friday!

They are watching you.

2011-09-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

Just in case it slipped your mind, they are watching your every move.
They want to be just like you, act like you, treat people like you do, say the things you do.
You are their first teacher.
Remember this always.

I was happily reminded of this fact as I watched Gracie “reading” one afternoon…

I wonder where she learned this cool “turn the pages better” trick?

Insta-Friday: My sister’s dream house

2011-09-09T17:36:00.001-07:00

A glance at our fun week, and trip to my sister Haley’s, via my Instagram phone photos.

Gracie had her heart on winning our “sleep contest” in the car on the two hour trip to Haley’s, so she covered up for the entire trip.

We finally got to check out her new renovations when we arrived!
Her bathroom is out of control!

Love the chandy!

Amazing.

I was lucky enough to test out their incredible shower.

There was room for our whole family!

Posting outside of the kitchen renovation side…. hip pop.

Time for a walk.

Photo op on our walk .

The perfect day for us girls while the boys golfed.

The cutest baby in town.

Racing to Haley’s front door!

When we returned home it was time to get back in the swing of things. Gracie had her first day of Preschool on Tuesday and I had no children (of my own!) at home for the first time in seven years.

The fancy china came out for waffles in the morning and then there were a few tears from Mommy.
Even Mia and Sophie, at the thought of their little sister growing up so fast, shed some tears!

Thank God for good friends who knew I would be a little down this week with all my girls gone.
Candy and magazines did the trick! Thank you Kelly!

A very pink sky and some bike riding on Thursday night.

And a Rollo McFlurry completed my crazy, hectic, tear-filled week.
Skinny.

I am linking up over at Life Rearranged, are you?
Happy Friday!

Insta-Friday: As Summer Fades

2011-09-02T10:24:00.001-07:00

A little look into our happy week through the lens of my phone camera.

Mia’s first fall softball game.

After our Saturday trip to Walgreens to get Mia’s A hat and braids (no time for shower) kind of day.
medicine (we must refill every ten days!) and their
special ”politeness jar” prizes.

The sky on our drive home from Sunday dinner at my parent’s house.

Gracie pulled these out of her closet on Monday to “dust ‘em off” so they’d be ready for her to wear on her first day of preschool. Tears.

On our drive up into our hilly subdivision returning home from Gracie’s preschool open house, Sophie glanced up and exclaimed, “Look Mom! It’s heaven!”

A night full of fun with a tube of Aquaphor = one greasy child in the morning.
It’s now three days later and her hair is still extra shiny. Live and learn.

An alphabet computer game tutorial for Grace from her two big sisters.
Sophie managed to multi-task by simultaneously rocking out on the microphone to Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly.”.

My chair for a little pre-bedtime runway show. The runway.

A little glimpse at one of the (crazy duck loving) models.

A haus of girls is always entertaining.
Hope your weeks was great!

I am linking up over at Life Rearranged for InstaFriday!

Insta-Friday: Back to School Week

2011-08-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

A peek into our crazy back to school week(s) via my Instagram phone pictures…..

A morning sunrise run. My hair dryer.

Learning something new…. craps! My free spirited third child’s fashion statement.

Dinner after the girl’s open house. First day of school!

True story. Ripped pants, a side ponytail and a protein shake.
Who’s jealous?

I love my days! Matchers.

Block party fun! A spooktacular craft.

Can you guess the new Superhero bucket in my shop? Sophie the artist.

Clients that bring me gifts are awesome. No smiles. Only tongue.

A glimpse at one of my runs. Guess what I was eating?

And finally, my fave this week: Gracie demonstrating her lasso technique in the backyard.
“Mom, I’m a cowgirl!” she yells.
She can’t wait for our annual trip to the rodeo coming up in October!

Now it’s your turn! Head over to Life Rearranged and link up your fun phone pictures.

Up Close & Personal with Taylor Swift

2011-08-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

Two weekends ago Mia and I saw Taylor Swift in concert.
Mia’s first convert EVER.
She’s going to have very high expectations for her next concert with the VIP treatment we had, all thanks to my sister Haley’s husband Jimmy.

Remember this card from Mia’s birthday?
Two tickets to a sold out Taylor Swift concert!!!

So off we went in our cute Taylor Swift tees my friend Mark from Taylortelli (also a big Taylor Swift fan) made for us.

Mia held my phone the entire drive into the city so she could snap some shots of the arch.
Here is her favorite one.

Mia ready to rock and roll, posing in front of the arch, with her fabulous Taylor Swift earrings and necklace that we made last year for her Taylor Swift themed birthday party!

She loved all of the huge trucks!

We were so excited to meet up with her friend Mia when we got to the concert arena!
Their family ended up buying tickets THAT DAY just a few rows in front of us. CRAZINESS!!!

Adorable.

Mia and her mom, my friend Kelly, posed with my Mia and I in front of the signature Taylor Swift “heart.”

Taylor time!
We were so super close!!!

Just a stone’s throw to the front stage.

Two very excited girls!

“Why you gotta be so mean?”

Self photo time to catch Mia’s huge happy grin.

“Back to December” snow.

One of my favorite pictures from the night.
Love the lighting on her and how she’s rocking her guitar.
I want to be her when I grown up.

“Dear John.”
One of our faves.

Note Mia’s blonde head above Kelly’s video filming arm.
She was staring in amazement as Taylor came down the aisle next to us!

Also note Kelly’s stellar Taylor Swift wrist band. Her sweet husband bought Mia and I one as well, and we were fist pumping in those all night!

There she goes!

Loving every minute!

“Love Story” was the finale!

After she flew all around above the crowd, she came back to the stage and confetti fell.

Taking a bow.

Thank you Uncle Jimmy for helping to create so many amazing memories for Mia!
Pretty much the best night ever as it it will always make me want to sing to Mia “I had the best day, with you, today.”

Insta-Friday: Summer Recap Version

2011-08-12T08:45:00.001-07:00

A little peek into our life, and the past few weeks of summer fun, via my Instagram phone pictures…

Our everyday life here at Haus of Girls.

Mia’s final summer softball game.

Checking off several items of on our 2011 Summer Bucket List.

Dance parties.

Block Parties.

Halloween costume selecting.

Sight seeing.

Antiquing.

Balloon chasing.

Cousin reading.

Faux movie theater experiences in the basement.

Baby legs.

Doing my own wedding hair….

and then, of course, taking it down later in the night.

Celebrating Papa Great’s birthday….

surrounded by these views!

Jumping.

Early morning running.

My birthday gift from my hubby.

Mean mom boot camp mandatory daily walks.

Our “healthy chart” where each girl can “check” off their daily mandatory walk.

Family fun!

Sophie, the dog whisperer.

Mia has her first pen pal, Megan, from California! Happy Birthday, Megan!

American Girl Doll car rides.

Evening walks.

Popsicles at the ballpark…. and no wet wipes!

Big girls get to crack their own peanut shells open.

Cool moms put pink stripes in their kids’ hair. Just sayin’.

Follow me on Pinterest for fun hair ideas like this….. my very first Pinterest copy.

Helping my sister Maggie run a select softball team tryout.
I caught in for the outfielders and realized just how old thirty-two is.

Quiet coffee mornings as I welcome my eight daycare clients before my three girls wake up.

Another bug catcher convention on my deck.

And finally, guess where Mia and I will be tomorrow night?
Yes, that’s right! Seven rows back from our favorite singer, Taylor Swift!
Thanks to my sister Haley’s husband Jimmy, we will be having the time of our life and singing the words to Mine, Sparks Fly, Mean, Back to December, Story of Us, Never Grow Up and my fave, Enchanted!!!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Hope you are all having a fabulous summer!

Now come join in the fun and link up your beautiful every day moments at Life Rearranged.

This Will Be Us In a Few Days

2011-08-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

Mia and I are viewing as many YouTube clips as we possibly can of Taylor Swift performing live as we prepare to see her…on stage… with our very own eyes…in 12 days.
Not that we are counting or anything.
And I’m definitely not having my friend whip up a fun Taylor Swift shirt to wear that night either.

Insta-Friday: Bachelorette Party Version

2011-07-29T11:57:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek into this Haus of Girls’ week as I prepared to host a fantastic Bachelorette party/weekend for my sister Maggie. She had several college friends visiting from all over, so we had a massive slumber party extravaganza on Friday and Saturday with a float trip, night out filled with line dancing and even a shower mixed in. Crazy fun. Memories made.

These are just a few of the 400+ photos I took so next week I will post the real photos of the entire weekend.

Maggie’s gift from my mom and I. A super fun antique table which was the inspiration for the weekend of fun.

One day, in the midst of being a psycho Bachelorette party planner, as well as a caring for about eight kids everyday last week, I was able to sneak in some reading during nap time one day. It was a cool 100 degrees. I have never burned so many calories from sweating in my entire life. All while simply sitting.

A classic example of our days. All of the children I care for were picked up, except Lily and Ryker.
Poor Ryker is all I can say.
However, I think in a few years he will be wishing he was back in this bikini clad girl-filled room again.

I put my hubby to work. Painting our bedroom the perfect shade of blue.

Practicing for the float trip on Saturday…

Another late night dinner after our adventures. The girls rocking out to Selena Gomez’s “Love You Like a Love Song.”

Writing her new pen pal, Megan, which happens to be this fab lady’s sweet daughter.

Off to Cali it goes!

Midnight. Washing vintage china for Maggie’s shower on Sunday.
The table my mom and I got her inspired an old fashioned, vintage and rustic themed weekend.

Steve slaving away on my birthday present chalkboard for my kitchen.
Also at midnight.

A check at the forecast. The float trip on Saturday will be a hot one!!!

Friday night as we anxiously waited for her friends to arrive, Maggie tried on her cowgirl bride bling my sister Adie made her. Amazing what some tulle, spray paint and bling can do!

Skinnygirl Margs and the “Bachelorette” tank I got her.

Yay for friends! (And lots o’ guacamole!)

Our destination Saturday night was full of cowgirl boots, line dancing and Richard.

Maggie was serenading by the band.

“I told you so…….!”

Sunday……Happy Birthday to me!
I can’t think of anything more perfect to celebrate my thirty-second (gasp!) birthday than with a fantastic vintage rustic wedding shower with all Maggie’s friends!

One of my favorite gifts were these fun glasses that my mom got me.
I was stalking them at an antique shop a few weeks ago!

Birthday dinner = shrimp and chicken kabobs.
Best birthday (weekend) yet.

Join in the fun that is Insta-Friday, and link up all your fun phone pictures with Jeanett!

Get Happy {My Challenge to You}

2011-07-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

I have always been intrigued by what makes people truly happy.
I am a simple kind of girl that needs little, materially speaking, to feel fulfilled.
Just give me four walls and my family, I’m happy. Oh, and maybe some cheetos.
I don’t feel the need to surround myself with things in order to feel satisfied. Things, as far as I’m concerned, are such a momentary thrill. Before long, the short-term boost wears off, leaving us feeling no happier than before. The new thing becomes an old thing. Then you are back to square one.

I thought it was interesting that after a visit to North America, Mother Teresa observed that she had ever seen such an abundance of material wealth. But she had also never seen such poverty of the spirit, of loneliness, and being unwanted.

How can this be? In this glorious country, filled with all the luxuries of the world, the people living in it are not very happy. Maybe because because people are so preoccupied with pressing deadlines, that we rush past the homeless on our way to work. Stuck in a crowd at rush hour, we brush by the woman who struggles to lift her baby’s carriage onto the bus. In a sprint for material wealth and our relentless efforts to fulfill our own definition of success, we often leave others behind. Probably the greatest casualty in this is our own personal happiness.

Here there is such a gap between our society’s soaring monetary wealth and the true wealth of happiness and well-being that all of us deserve to enjoy.

One striking thing I read yesterday completely reiterated what I’ve always felt, even from a very early age. “Money itself doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness and neither does what it often takes to obtain it: time. The fact is, we only have so much time, and once it’s gone we ever get it back. When we get caught up in the race to get ahead, taking time away from our spouses and our children, we risk falling victim to an overwhelming emptiness.” The authors of “Me to We” call this the “rich-but-poor phenomenon.”

Your life is your journey. We only have so much time.
Once it’s gone, we never get it back.
Say this over and over to yourself.

In the struggle to meet deadlines, impress clients, and advance through the ranks, it’s easy to become so focused on accomplishing specific tasks that we lose sight of how our actions impact our personal well-being, not to mention that of those around us. Don’t fall trap and work long hours because of the responsibility to others trying to provide “only the best” for your family. Because at the end of the day they are not the best for your family, or yourself.

If you’re like me, you want to play with your kids, get a good night sleep and spend quality time with family, loved ones, or get together with friends. But sometimes you can’t because you have a project to finish, emails to reply to or a deadline looming. When the choices you make in your life leave you with no time, energy, or incentive to focus on anyone but ourselves, there’s a problem.

My challenge to you?
Make some changes now that will move you in the direction of happiness.
You only get one life.

Let me know the changes you will make to get happy, and link up to this post.
The Haus of Girls Get Happy! challenge starts now.

Little changes make a big difference…Ready, Set, Go!

A New Look at Home and Happiness

2011-07-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

We excel at making a living but often fail at making a life.
We celebrate our prosperity but yearn for purpose.
We cherish our freedoms but long for connection.
In an age of plenty, we feel spiritual hunger."

_David G. Myers

A quote taken straight from this book that my sister Adie gave me.

My nap time reading (if I am so lucky to have a few minutes lately) for the past few weeks.
Read it now.
Life changing.

a puppy party

2011-07-14T11:41:00.001-07:00

This year Mia wanted a Puppy Party.
And, like I mentioned in this post, she decided that this year, instead of her guests bringing gifts for her, she requested they bring something to donate for the homeless dogs that live in a shelters.

I was so proud of my big girl and the puppy-filled extravaganza couldn’t have been better.

How cute is this bone cake my friend Erin made?

She also made the fun paw print favor cookies that Mia handed out to all of her cousins.

Mia helped me decorate the donation box.

And I sewed up a fun bone bunting.

I made some brownies with malt balls and chocolate chips paw prints.

Our back sliding glass doors where paw printed as well.

And our crooked, yet cute, front door welcomed guests to “Mia’s Puppy Pound.”

Our traditional cake pose.
(Extra special since it included Daddy’s “Steve’s Roadkill Cafe” sign from Uncle Meade!)

Time to sing!

Make a wish.

My wish is that I can continue to instill in my girls just how important it is to think of others as you go through life. Mia and I talked about how her choice, to use her birthday as a way to help others, resulted in some very sad, lonely, homeless puppies’ lives being changed forever. All because of her choices.
Many tails will be wagging with joy all because of her.

The lesson? Anyone of us can make a difference. No matter your age.
It may be small thing, but it matters in a big way.

She was so excited to deliver the goodies with Daddy and her sisters!
(I just love how the SUN is shining right in their eyes in this photo!)

Delivering the goodies!!!

We get to visit the puppies that she helped this weekend.
She can’t wait to pet and play with them all!

On top of her puppy donations, she got a few other gifts as well.
This bike, from Mimo and Grandpa, is one of her faves.

And don’t even get me started on this….

I wanted to get Taylor Swift concert tickets a few months ago when they first went on sale.
No dice. Sold out. In like five minutes.
My hopeful idea of surprising Mia with the most exciting gift of the century was gone.

But thanks to Jimmy, Haley, Ella and Tyler, Mia will now get the chance to see her idol on stage strummin’ away, and make memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Mia’s seventh birthday so special and memorable in every way.
Your thoughtfulness is so inspiring and appreciated by our entire family!

from six to seven

2011-07-12T10:14:00.001-07:00

I said goodnight to a six year old…

and good morning to a seven year old.
It hasn’t registered in my brain yet.

Her birthday morning surprise!
A retired American girl doll appropriately named, Mia.

Seven is the perfect age to introduce all things American Girl.
It was love at first sight.

Mia was so exhausted for playing all day that she needed a nap before heading out that night for some birthday fun!

Her first road trip. Too cute for words.

Mia’s request was a night at a huge local indoor sports facility.
There was this trampoline basketball game…

a giant bounce house obstacle course…

rock wall climbing (go Daddy!) …

a giant jungle gym…

and even laser tag.
But as you can tell by this picture, one particular seven year old got a little too scuuuured to try it out.
The rest of us old kids did not. We had a blast and guess who won in our guys verses girls competition?

Don’t even get me started on the dodge ball game of guys verses girls. No pictures of that, thank goodness.

To end our night of fun, Aunt Maggie had the girls pose for a special little etched key chain.
Adorable to the max.

I love summer.
I love birthdays.
I love my family.

seven

2011-07-08T09:03:00.001-07:00

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN!

all taken on or around July 8th.
one of my favorite days of all time.

happy birthday, Mia!

“Me to We” and everything in between

2011-07-05T13:02:00.001-07:00

My sister Adie gave me this book a few weeks ago and, so far, it’s outstanding.
“Finding meaning in a material world” is what I am constantly trying to do on a daily basis, so this book is the perfect fit to get me thinking and spark those important teachable moments with my girls.

After reading a few parts of it with Mia (she especially liked Oprah’s excerpt) it got her thinking.
She realized that even though she’s a child, her actions are impactful, important and can make a difference.

For her birthday this year, she is asking all of her guests at her Puppy Party to bring something for the dogs that live in shelters and do not have a family.
Instead of bringing a gift for her, she wants to use her special day as a way to make a difference in the world. She is excited to collect these goodies and personally deliver them to the Humane Society!

I can’t believe our little girl will be seven on Friday. SEVEN!
But I’m happy she still has the heart of a two year old at times and likes to snuggle next to Mommy during nap time and doodle a “happy town.”

A few nights ago Mia had some special fans at her softball game.
Is there anything better than cousins?

I don’t think so.

In other random news, Mia recently played a softball game on my old elementary school field.

The very same one I grew up playing kick ball on, when I was her age, in Mrs. Kreuger’s PE class, as well as softball when I was in fourth grade on the Ballwin Babes.

This view of the back of my school brings back so many memories.

This dress is also just a memory.
After some MAJOR bridesmaid dress drama, thanks to a David’s Bridal employee saying, “I’m so sorry but the dress your sister selected for you and all the other bridesmaids to wear is discontinued and there are only 8 left in the entire country.”
Then she proceeded to hand us the sheet with the sizes to select from…… 2, 18, 22, 24.
Obviously those would not work for any of the final girls who still needed to order them.
We panicked and started trying on NEW dresses. Vera Wang to be exact. Love.

But, sadly, short and sassy ruffles don’t mesh well with a six foot thirty-one year old mom of three with some stunning varicose veins. The good news is that Maggie, my bride-to-be sister located the correct dress in my size in Kentucky! I bought it that day, highly discounted, and it arrived on my front porch this past weekend. Holla!

This is what all the bridesmaids and I will be wearing instead. In a fern green color.
Classy, LONG and flowy. Just our style.

And speaking of Bridesmaids…. have you seen the movie yet?
Hilarious. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants.

I went with two of my sisters, Adie and Maggie, Maggie’s fiancé Austin and my parents.
My dad was DYING at the bride’s future sister-in-law.

If you need a good laugh, go see this.
But take it from me, you may want to wear a diaper.

Insta Friday

2011-06-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

New to Insta Friday?

Share your cell phone pics from the week…take a bunch of grainy pictures that aren’t blog able on their own, but together make a fun post!

Any cell phone pictures work, I just happen to have an iPhone and use the Instagram app!

Here are my pictures from Instagram this past Father’s Day week…

Happy Father’s Day, 2011.

First lemonade stand of the summer.

Which quickly turned into a fundraiser for our neighbor’s daughter who is battling lung cancer.

Sophie’s first haircut ever.

Mia got the “posh” cut.

I inhaled this Rollo McFlurry in less than five minutes.

My girls created a frog hotel.

I tried not to barf.

Mia had her second visit with her immunologist and had to have more blood work done.
She’s so brave and getting quite accustomed to the procedure being that it’s her eleventh time to do so.
She told me how she was able to watch this time and not count to fifty.

I used my flat iron for the first time in weeks and actually put on makeup.
Call the cops.
Margs with friends on a random Thursday is just what the doctor ordered for this Momma who’s been caring for sickies for the past few weeks.

Now it’s your turn crazy kids!
Show me what you did last week and link up here!

two new ‘dos

2011-06-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

A big milestone at Haus of Girls last night…
Sophie’s FIRST haircut…. ever.
She’s five. So this is a crazy big deal.

After the stress induced hair loss of 2008, we let it grow for almost three years.

January 2008. I was pregnant with Gracie. Sophie had all her hair.
I went into the hospital in April and didn’t return home until May causing this reaction in Sophie…

Major hair loss. So sad!!!
Thank God she loved her sister so much, otherwise who knows if her hair would have ever grown back from all the stress. Ha!

The before shot. Five years old and three years of growing her blonde locks out.

Her favorite part of the Elle Salon and Spa experience!
(Don’t mind her bleeding knee! She wiped out big time hustling down to their lemonade stand right before we headed to the Salon. And of course we were out of Band-Aids!)

My sweet friend Elli cutting away.

After = Adorable!

Guess who else jumped up in the chair?

Just call her mini Posh.

After weeks of contemplating, I am so happy she decided to go for it.

Her first ever “above the shoulder neck showing” haircut. Love!

Thank you Elli for such a fun night filled with memories and cute new hair!

*PS If you are local and looking for a new salon to call home, visit Ellie at Elle Salon and Spa!
Tell her Marta sent you!
Elli is amazing and the customer service is incredible!
Can you say hand massage?

Also, check out these photos to see how adorable it is inside!
The girls and I love how it’s an old house transformed into the coolest salon in town.
They have spray tanning, a massage therapist, stylists and even a nail technician!
Next up for Haus of Girls? Pedicures!

Insta Friday

2011-06-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Our week, plus a few days, via Instagram:

We sat down with the girls and made a list of some things we want to do this summer.

This sick creature is a cicada and the past few weeks they took over the trees behind our house, as well as the entire Midwest. Loud and creepy. When I say they were everywhere, I mean it. One landed on Gracie's nose at Mia's softball game and her scream was so loud that the game paused for a moment. They have all died off for the most part, and their eggs will hatch and they will reappear in 13 years. Gross.

My awesome neighbors brought over a freshly brewed latte one night when I was home alone thanks to Vacation Bible School. Can you say bliss?

The next night, on one of our "one kid only walks" while the two big girls were at VBS, we ran into Gracie's cow pals in the cul-de-sac down from ours.

Last weekend we headed to my sister Haley's house to celebrate her daughter Ella and son Tyler's birthdays!
Ernie, Oscar, Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster stopped by the sensational Sesame Street celebration!

I had to "cheers" Erin, my fellow Stella Artois lover from Haley's house!

The view in Haley's backyard. Jealous?
I sure am.
My backyard = Cicadas overload.
Her backyard = A hotel resort somewhere exotic.

Hotel I tell ya.

The "disease" I have had for weeks spread to Sophie this week. A cough and a super high fever.
This is what 103.7 looks like.

Mia had a car wash with dad.

And did some holla hoopin' during her break.

A full moon in action above our lit up little town.

Now go link up your beautiful and ordinary moments, as well, at
Life Rearranged

lyrics to live by

2011-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

As you know by now, this Haus of Girls love music.
Every aspect.... the melodies, the instruments and especially the lyrics.
The girls and I recently fell in love with Shania Twain's new song that isn't even released yet, and sing it daily.

The lyrics are so inspiring and uplifting and I feel that if I were ever to write a song for my girls, it would most likely include several of these phrases.

Phrases such as:

You got what it takes you can win,
Today is your day to begin.
Don’t give up here, don’t you quit.
The moment is now, this is it

Today is your day
And everything’s goin’ your way
Today is your day
And nothing can stand in your way

Just take one step at a time
Oh I promise that you will be fine

When somebody throws sticks and stones,
All they can break are your bones.

Life's gonna kick you around,
Then kick you again when your down.
But don't ya let that get you down...
Because today is your day!

Enjoy!

gracie’s three!

2011-06-08T13:41:00.001-07:00

It seems like yesterday I was lying in a hospital bed for the longest seventeen days of my life.
Trying to keep you in my belly until it was safe for you to come out.
I went in for a routine thirty-one week checkup in April (1 cm dilated and 80% effaced) and wasn’t able to come back home until the next month.
No walking.
No moving.
No going outside.

When I finally was able to come home in May, I felt so incredibly thankful to be able to live life normally again without feeling scared that you wouldn’t be ok. I had made it through seventeen days of worrying and fear, and one night of actually going into labor resulting in having to have some creepy shot that completely stops all contractions.

One of the last photos of me before you made your arrival on May 28th, 2008.
Large and in charge.

A few minutes after you arrived, after a few pushes, a few minutes after midnight.

So happy you were finally safe in my arms.

Two very excited and proud big sisters that never wanted to let you go.

And now look how big you’ve grown.

Proudly showing your new age while eating your yummy birthday lunch at the lake.

Nana even brought more Sunshine cookies to help us celebrate!

Happy Birthday to our funny, silly, sassy girl, Gracie!

Dance Recital 2011

2011-06-07T15:34:00.001-07:00

My girls had their dance recital this past weekend. It was such a fun and special weekend of glitz and glamour! Make-up, wavy/curly hair, fancy lime green and pink costumes, ruffles and zebra.
Seriously, what could be better?

My favorite pose of the day!

Sophie looking so pretty.

Mia posing like a pro.

Ready to twirl on stage!

A sister shot just before walking in.

Mia and her best friend at dance, Ella. They are too cute together!

Sophie’s adorable class ready to dance their “Limbo” routine.

Go Sophie!

The girls posing with our neighbor’s sweet little girl, Lily, in their aprons (that my sister Haley made them!) for their “Pizza Dance.”

Thank you to my sister Maggie and her fiancé Austin for coming to support our girls!

And a fun shot with Mimo and Grandpa.

Our little family, and a not so little hole in Mia’s tights.

After day two of the recital, a fun trip to Red Robin with Nana and Papa!

Thank you Nana and Papa for coming to watch Mia and Sophie on the big stage and for their fun books!

This is one of my new favorite photos by the way.
Adorable.

It’s after their performance on Sunday. Mia’s already changed into her uniform, because a weekend wouldn’t be complete without a 6 pm recital on Saturday followed by Applebee’s with Mimo and Grandpa getting home around 10:30 pm, then another show on Sunday at 2 pm followed by Red Robin with Nana and Papa, then heading off to Mia’s 6 pm softball game!
An on-the-go and exhausting weekend? Yes.
But so worth the chaos for all the fun.

A Sunshine Party

2011-06-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

Guess who just turned three years old?!

You guessed it!
Gracie!

So we celebrated a few weeks ago, with a "Sunshine" themed party at the park. Her favorite color is still yellow, because of Ducky, so she randomly decided to have a Sunshine Party! It's all she talked about the entire month of May.

I whipped up this fun framed piece the day of the party. I took an old glassless frame that was in my basement and some used poster board. I spray painted the poster board yellow and cut it to fit in the opening of the frame. Then I cut out the fun words to Gracie's new favorite song, You Are My Sunshine. Applying the words was a tad bit more difficult than I originally thought it would be, but so worth sweating to complete during my two hour chaotic nap time break. I thought this would the perfect extra touch for her party!

I found the perfect shirt at Target and just sewed some yellow tulle around the bottom to make it extra special! She loved it so much and couldn’t stop twirling around…

Party favor bags were filled with yellow candy and on the sun tags I wrote, " Thanks for brightening my day! Love, Gracie"

I decided to just desserts only for this party, which is a first for me, so I made some Oreo pops dipped in yellow candy coating, brownie covered Oreos, which are Gracie's favorite and yellow Funfetti cupcakes. I also had to have lemon heads to go with the yellow theme and my sister Adie made these cupcakes, with yellow icing, that were absolutely delish! Thank you Mel, for the amazing recipe!

The Sunshine cookies that my favorite mother in law Barb brought were a huge hit!
Gracie probably ate three....

One of her favorite gifts was the huge tub of cheese balls from my sister Maggie and her fiancé Austin.... they may or may not have been eaten within a few days.

Cake and ice cream time!

So excited!

Our annual cake pose.

Look at all the cuties!

The playground next to our pavilion was perfect!

Cousins rule.

Neighbors rule.

Hugs rule.

Cutest couple ever, my sister Maggie and her fiancé, Austin.

Piñata time!

Waiting patiently for their turn….

Go Meade boy!

Get it Abigail!

And finally, after a very ironic WINDY and rainy Sunshine themed party, the sun came out…. just in time to set.
Here’s a cute shot of some of the kids playing whiffle ball with my sister Maggie, aka, Olympic Softball star and college All American ….

We even got some sunset pics with Haley’s camera. Here is Hales and Jimmy modeling.

My friend Selena and her husband Paige posed as well.

And Steve and I getting a shot in front of the sunset.

And at the end of the party we were even so lucky to see this funky rainbow.
Just one stripe of color. Too bad it wasn’t yellow!

Please Pray

2011-05-25T12:44:00.001-07:00

Horrifying photos of the tornado devastation in Joplin, Missouri, just a few hours from here.

Families searching for missing loved ones.
Babies ripped from their mothers’ arms.
Hundreds of people killed.

Please click HERE if you would like more information on where you can send donations to help these families left with nothing.

(The sky at my house today.)

And please pray as we are literally headed down to the basement again right now for another round of tornadoes effecting Missouri all evening.

Bye Bye Preschool

2011-05-19T12:24:00.001-07:00

Sophie poses with her big sis on her last day of Preschool…. ever.

It was beach day so she rocked her SURF tee and side pony, of course.

Mrs. Wheeler, who was also Mia’s preschool teacher for two years, is by far the most kind, loving and wonderful teacher in the entire world. I am so grateful for all she’s done for my girls and excited that our little Gracie will be in her class next year!

Mommy was strong and did not cry until she got back in her car after dropping her off.

After school we may or may not have gotten a special treat.

And Daddy had flowers sent to her to celebrate!
This girl loves flowers more than anyone I’ve ever met.

I took a few minutes to look back at Mia’s preschool graduation pictures and two years ago our life looked like this…

Mia proudly posing with Aunt Adie, her new baby cousin Meade and her pretty flowers from Adie on her preschool graduation day.

We had a baby…

and Sophie was practically a baby herself at three year old.

This year looked so different, yet similar as Sophie had to wear the same dress that Mia did when she graduated preschool…

Sisters rule.

Nana and Papa rule.

And Mimo rules.

I realized, after tonight, that I only have two more years with children at home.
Then it’s gone all day for the rest of their lives. :(

What will I do with myself?!

I Feel Pretty…Unpretty

2011-05-17T10:43:00.001-07:00

The girls and I love Glee.
Well, what I should say is that the girls and I love music.
Therefore, we love watching Glee.
We love hearing all the fun ways our favorite songs are interpreted and transformed.
We grab the nearest microphones (hairbrushes, pens, etc.) and belt out along with the television.
The “mash up” below was on a couple weeks ago and I loved the message it conveyed.

Being from a very un-plastic surgerized family, it seems so foreign and creepy. But at the same time, I know that the majority of other people I meet have most likely had something “changed.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am totally a supporter of making the most of the medically advanced world we live in today, and there are so many people who need and deserve to alter their appearance. I just had my vein lasered remember? That was awesome.
And who wouldn’t love to change their “flap jacks” for boobs after breast feeding three girls in less that four years? (The inflation and deflation that occurred so rapidly in such a short amount of time is mind boggling!)

But, I truly feel so sad that the world we live in today forces so many people to feel that they must change things about themselves on the outside to conform to what society thinks is beautiful, instead of embracing what God gave you. Valuing what you inherited from your parents, rather than looking for ways to change it.

It took me awhile to accept that I would always, for the rest of my life, when entering a room, be one of the tallest people in there. The stares, comments and glances at my shoes to see how high the heels were, have always made me feel a bit embarrassed. But I know that I can never change it and that it’s just the way I’m supposed to be. I embrace it and stick to wearing flats. :)

Now having three daughters of my own, I struggle trying to balance what I teach them about the importance of beauty. I want to tell them how beautiful they are so that they know they are perfect just the way they are. Encouraging the growth of their self esteem so that they never feel insecure being who God made them. Hoping to enhance their confidence. But I also don’t want to put so much value in the outside appearance. I want them to always know that the most important thing in life is to treat people kindly and with respect. Being a good friend is so much more important than being a pretty friend.

Do you tell them how beautiful they are, or does that only stress that beauty is important?
If you don’t tell them they are pretty and perfect, does that inhibit the growth of their self esteem and confidence?
What a balancing act.

“My outsides are cool. My insides are blue…..

You can buy your hair if it won’t grown.
You can fix your nose if he says so.
You can buy all the makeup that man can make, but if you can’t look inside you, find out who am I to be in the position to make me feel so damn unpretty.”

All I can hope for are three confident daughters who know who they are.
Three daughters who don’t feel they need to be someone else to fit in.
Three daughters with high self-esteem and positive feelings about themselves, because in the end, each one of us will be old and wrinkly one day (no matter how much Botox you inject) and will most likely think back to our youth and wish we would have loved ourselves, imperfections and all, a little bit more.
After all, when you compare what you have at age 90 to what you once had, you will realize just how beautiful and perfect we really were!

So how about not waiting until your 90 years old to realize just how lucky you are to be you and be grateful for what God has given you. Don’t waste any precious time unhappy with the things you can’t change, because in the end your nose and chin mean nothing at all.

I feel that if everyone stopped focusing on the negative things you wish you could change, and simply focused on being the best/happy/healthiest YOU you can be, our world would be a much happier place.

Random Recap Randomness

2011-05-09T12:20:00.001-07:00

Steve and I had a fun night out at my Brother in Law’s bar, Pinch Penny Pub, last weekend in Carbondale, where we both went to college. It was Steve’s baseball alumni weekend, however, since I was friends with all his baseball teammates during college as well, it was double the fun catching up with all of our old friends.

This was my view in the bathroom stall.
See how fun it is to be six foot tall? Wow.

On our way home I couldn’t believe how badly everything was flooding.
I snapped a picture of a field next to the highway. It looked like a lake.

I have been busy with some “super” big party favors orders the past few weeks. It’s nice to be able to make extra grocery/medical bill money from the cozy comfort of my own couch, and I just love creating these fun favors unique to each birthday girl or boy!
So holla at me if you are in the market for some personalized party favor buckets for your next party!
I can create almost any image and design you have in mind.

Randomly last Friday night, after pulling up to a Whole Foods market to buy Mia some probiotics (for her belly pain due to enduring a 65 day, and counting, stretch of antibiotics to keep her infection free) she spots a Great Clips.
She says to me, “Mom! A Great Clips!!! Can I please get my hair cut and surprise Daddy!”
Sure enough, we walked in and she decided to chop it off!

Before.

During.

After.

See ya later six inches of gorgeous flowing blonde locks!

Gracie’s really been obsessed with our two dogs lately.
Here she is squeezing away on Strini.
If Strini could talk, I think she would have been saying, “Help me!”

The girls are really into self “photography” these days…

and twirling…

and posing…

and picking out their own clothes for school.

Happy Random Monday!

From Rain Forest to Rainbows

2011-04-28T19:48:00.001-07:00

This entire week we have had about five total hours of sunlight.
It has rained and rained and rained some more.
We have lived in our own version of a rain forest and I'm not going to lie, it's been gloomy.

So you can only imagine our excitement today, when rocking on the front porch, we see this!

There is light at the end of the rainy tunnel!

The girls were able to have a few minutes of sunshine on Wednesday to pick me some "wishing flowers."

And the baby tree in our front yard was able to get enough rays of sunshine to finally start blooming!

Several gloomy days in a row followed by sunshine and rainbows never fails to remind me that, no matter how dark and depressing stormy days can feel, it's worth fighting through it and keeping your spirits high, because inevitably the dark clouds will pass and the sun will again shine creating something so beautiful that it takes your breath away.

Life is beautiful and God is good.