Spring Fun Follow Up!

{Sweet Things}

Ahhh, spring.  Its nice to see you again.

And before summer comes, lets follow up with that Easter post! 

{Egg Theme}

Creating a "theme" for our colored eggs was great fun this year.  Instead of pastel eggs that sat around...

we had a pirate party!  The eggs became our friends in adventure.  We got this little kit at Target and the had more "egg-citement" than we knew what to do with. 

{Edible Chow Mein Nests}
And if you've been wondering how we made these yummy nests, here's the recipe!

3 TBL Butter
1 10 oz package of marshmallows
1 6 oz package of rice or chow mein noodles.
(We tried the rice noodles this year and they turned out great!)

Melt the butter and marshmallow over low heat.  Add noodles and mix together.

To make the nests butter up your fingers and grab a glob!  Form an egg shape and allow to cool.  Add some little chocolate eggs and its a treat made in spring heaven!

{Fabric Bird Houses}
Every bird deserves a nice place to "eat out".  With so many fabric scraps laying around this place I just knew that I could do something with fabric to spice up these little houses we picked up at the dollar store.

It was a quick, easy project...just like the boys and I like 'em.  And I"m sure we'll be the hit of every bird in the area! :)

{Playdough}

Easy & fun. If you've never made playdough before prepare to have your life changed.  (Well, if you have playdough loving little people running around!)

It was a great addition to our Easter baskets...

And so easy to make!  Here's the recipe from a previous post.  Have fun!

Happy Spring!

XOXO
Toad

Playdough & Progress

{Giant Gumballs}

Ethan: "Wow, that's creative Emily.  They look like giant gumballs!"   

Now that's a actually a great idea!  Who wouldn't love to get a sore jaw from chewing a gumball that size!:)

{And yes, sometimes Ethan and I are on a 1st name basis.  Although its usually when other moms are around because he thinks its less confusing and he knows he'll get my attention.  My dad doesn't really like it, but I don't mind.  I just told Ethan only 2 people in the whole world can call me mom and he's lucky to be one of them...;)}

{The Playdough Recipe}

What do you do when you miss your cousin's 3rd birthday party?  Make something fun for him of course!  {Oh, and sorry we haven't mailed it yet Greyson!  We'll get it to you soon!:)}

If you've never made playdough before.... well, you've never done anything so easy that is so much fun.  You just mix it all up and heat it on the stove.

At first I thought it would be fun to send the playdough balls all wrapped up like this,

but then I remember I had this empty, clean ;) plastic mayo jar! Oh yeah!

This is what happened next...

And yes, another random printable to save the day. Want one? It would actually be pretty darn cool around a 2 Liter of pop too! 

{PS I just have to warn you that the paper was about 1/2" to short when I put it around the jar.  I just tapped it that way and it turned out fine.}

Click Here to get yours!

{Batman Baby}
And since Greyson was having a Lego Batman party... how about some memory/go fish/old maid/ or whatever else you can think of cards!  I just googled the pictures, made 2 of each, and pulled out that laminator...

And what kid wouldn't be happy with this combo?!:) 

Could I be any more random? Really?:)

{Open Eyes}
And on a different note...sometimes its hard for me to see how things or people close to me change over time.  I think its partly because I've lost a few brain cells during pregnancy and I have a terrible memory {really, i'm not kidding;)}, but mostly because each day I'm so focused on the boys and trying to keep some sort of balance in my life.

However, these last few weeks my eyes have been opened to some great progress happening in our home...

{The John}

Ethan is totally growing up.  Boo. 

As I stood at the door of the men's bathroom at Costco yelling, "Are you Ok?!" over and over, I couldn't believe he was brave enough to go into the men's by himself.  This was the 1st time in a public place I let him do it, but I guess any mother passing by could have told you that.  Boy that makes me nervous. But we he did it. 

Boo hoo hoo...

He's also been  praying "the bad guys turn good" and "that the good guys will be happy."  His teachers at church told me that in one prayer he asked that Satan will turn good.  Hmmm...once again I'm schooled in understanding why we are commanded to become like little children...

And talk about growing up...he's also starting to really grasp the concept of money.  As we left Costco he thanked me for spending my money so that we could have food. I know.

He is also trying terribly to save up for a remote control R2D2 so he's been trying to add items to his little Etsy shop.  I can't tell you how thrilled he was when a cake decorator in AZ ordered some sticks.  {Okay, I have to admit I was excited too...}

And here's the latest product added to Sticks and Things!  I mean what pre-schooled aged crafter couldn't use a set of these!:)

{Hey, I wouldn't be a good mom if I didn't "plug" his shop...right?:)}

{Mountain Climbing}
Progress for this next family member has come in a different way.  Aidan is 2 1/2 and is about 9 months behind in his speech development.  The last few months have been full of testing, speech education, and many breakdowns for both of us. 

Turns out even without any major physical, emotional, or cognitive issues, speech delay is somewhat common for boys these days.  Aidan scored in the 90th percentile in his fine motor and problem solving skills and 1% on his speech.   I've been learning a TON, but one of the most important thing is that early intervention is so important.  By the time kids are 3 they won't qualify for help from most community programs...thank goodness for my Aunt Diane who encouraged me to "just get him tested."

And if I didn't love him so much...

Our frustration levels have been high.  I'm trying desperately to understand and help him form new words, and he is doing his best to let me know what he wants and needs...

My empathy for parents with special needs kids has multiplied by a million.   I think God blesses them with gifts the rest of us don't have or need to have.

Using the techiniques I've been learning from our awesome speech therapist and from my own reading and studying we've seen great progress.  Aidan has gone from about 10 words to 35 in a matter of weeks.  We still have a ways to go, but we've started hiking the switchbacks that will help us conquer this mountain.

{The Husband}
And I wouldn't be a good wife if I didn't tell Bob what great progress he making with his "lifestyle" change!  He started on Nutrisystems in January and has lost about 18 lbs!  Healthy? Yes.  And look at those jeans starting to get a little baggy...;)

 {Me}
And as for me?  I've become a historian. 

Okay, maybe not officially, but I've been compiling and editing the life history of one of the greatest examples in my life, my Grandpa Johnson. 

Its taken many late hours and naptimes to work on it, but I just finished the 1st rough draft.
 

I'll be headed to visit him next week and we'll work out more details.  By our next family reunion his posterity should have a book for the ages.

(This pictured was taken in 2006 at his 90th birthday party and family reunion.)

{Shy guy}

And as far as project progress goes...this little friend is just about ready to make his big debut!  I'm in the final "pattern and tutorial" stages, and I'll see if I can't convince him to come out soon!

So in conclusion...

May your March days be full of "giant gumballs" and "opened eyes" as you recognize more progress than you know what to do with!:)

Loves Ya,

Toady

Behind the Scenes {Star Wars Party}

{Party "not so" Secrets}
So, I'm feeling a bit guilty.  I think I have misled many into thinking that I'm cooler than I really am.

How?

Well, I've received a lot of great feedback on this SW party. Now I must confess:  It was a TON easier than it looked. 

To make things right, I've decided to give you a peak behind the scenes.  Please don't think any less of me, but I'm a pretty practical gal.  Just watch. I'll show ya.

{Party Prep}
If there's one thing that has helped me with parties, its starting early & involving anyone/everyone who is willing to help. {My sisters, Dennis, & husband are nodding about now.;)

I really love my "birthday boy" to help out as much as possible, so I pretty much cater to him.  We did a trial run of the cookies, craft {using what we had on hand}, and made the fondant and light sabers days before the party.  They make for super fun afternoon activities.  Ethan is great with scissors, so I had him cut as much as possible...the stickers, banner {with help from Stooph}, name tags, etc.

The night before we put together the party bags.  Well, "we" being my sister Steph, Ethan, & I.  My recruiting for party help had already begun. 

Sidebar: When I asked Ethan what he wanted to do at his party had said he wanted to open his presents 1st...so we did.  I mean really...who wouldn't?:)

{The Light-Saber Cake}
It was all about the easy marshmellow fondant. {Fondant is that smooth looking frosting used mostly for decoration. Watch the Cake Boss for more...;)}

If you can make rice krispie squares you can make this fondant!
I'm not kidding.

I just baked a box cake mix, cut it up length wise to make the light saber, covered it with buttercream frosting {except for the hand grip which is chocolate}, and put the fondant on top.

Here's the recipe I used right off of the Wilton website.  Ethan and I had a ball making it {no pun intended};) ...kneading it is like playing with playdough!

EASY Marshmellow Fondant
by Wilton

Ingredients:
•1 package (16 ounces) white mini marshmallows (use a good quality brand)
•2-5 tablespoons water
•2 pounds (about 8 cups) sifted confectioners' sugar
•1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

Makes: About 2 pounds marshmallow fondant.

Instructions:

To make marshmallow fondant, place marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds on high; stir until mixed well. Continue microwaving 30 seconds more; stir again. Continue until melted (about 2 1/2 minutes).

Place 3/4 of the confectioners' sugar on top of the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold sugar into marshmallow mixture. Flavoring can be added at this point if desired. Place solid vegetable shortening in easily accessed bowl so you can reach into it with fingers as you are working. Grease hands and counter GENEROUSLY; turn marshmallow mixture onto counter. Start kneading like you would dough. Continue kneading, adding additional confectioners' sugar and re-greasing hands and counter so the fondant doesn't stick. If the marshmallow fondant is tearing easily, it is too dry; add water (about 1/2 tablespoon at a time) kneading until fondant forms a firm, smooth elastic ball that will stretch without tearing, about 8 minutes.

It's best to allow Marshmallow Fondant to sit, double-wrapped, overnight. Prepare the fondant for storing by coating with a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening, wrap in plastic wrap and then place in resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Marshmallow Fondant will keep well in refrigerator for several weeks.

When not working with fondant, make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in a bag to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, knead fondant until smooth. Roll out fondant 1/8 in. thick.

To color fondant: If you need to tint the entire batch of fondant, add a little icing color to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding confectioners' sugar. For smaller amounts of tinted fondant, add icing color to portions of fondant as needed.

Yes, its that easy.

{Sticker Mania}
I {heart} stickers, and these are GREAT...especially if you have a party theme that may not be "main stream".  I'm pretty sure I broke all sorts of copyright laws, but since Legos and Star Wars are seperate we had to get creative. 

PS You didn't hear it from me...;)

{Basic Banner}
Out of paper bags. Yes, I know--so simple.  And listen,  you can do this for any occasion!   Just print out big letters and glue 'em right on!

{Light Sabers}
Ethan and I had a great time making these. 

Here's what we used...

and...

 of course.

{Busy Bodies}
If there's one thing I've learned about kid parties its to keep them BUSY! {Oh, and that 1 1/2 hours is the PERFECT party length...you may already know what I'm talking about.}

Scavengar hunts, treasure hunts, dancing games, obstacles courses, etc...have always been a kid favorite at our parties. {And they are sure fun to watch!}

Can you find the fabric with the letter on it?

{Getting Creative}
I can't help that I'm practical.  I always try to come up with something that the kids might actually use after the party! 

So, for around $5 at Walmart you can get a pack of 6 t-shirts.  Save your Joann's coupon and get some iron on transfer paper & print it out your design on your ink-jet printer at home! Easy Peezy.
{I reinforced my design by ironing it on thicker material and then sewing it onto the shirts...so that's optional of course.}

{Happy Me and Ethan}
 And now I feel much better having made this confession.

I won't "force" you to do any of these things, but only hope you will follow your heart when planning your next party. And instead of saying "maybe I'll TRY that", just understand that there is no "TRY", only "DO".;)

{And remember you can always email me with any questions.;)}

  XOXO-Emily

+Emily Ashby

An oldy but goody!

When was the last time you made homemade playdough?! Ethan & I gave it a go last week and made some purple "valentines" dough. I'd forgotten how fun it was to make it yourself. (Usually I just pick it up at the dollar store.:) It was easy & made for a great afternoon activity.

The recipe we used was:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 TBS oil
1 tsp cream of tarter
1 cup water

Combine all ingredients and cook together until the mixture forms a soft ball (about 1 minute). Knead for 30 seconds and give it to the kids to enjoy!