Toad's Treasures Lifestyle Family Blog by Emily Ashby: April 2011

Mother's Day Countdown

{May 8}

Just to warn you...2 weeks after Easter is Mother's Day. I know. Not sure who made the calendar this year, but its a quick turn around!:)

I was thinking of some past projects that might make some great mday gifts. See what you think.

{Not mine}

I was not the brains behind these 1st two ideas, but love them.

For the links to more info just click on the pictures. {And if that doesn't work I'll fix it next chance I get...or you can search my blog for them.}

{Grab some Glue}
This cute pencil holder was a fun afternoon project. Perfect for mothers...great for scissors, pens, or whatever. Good for fathers too, although most already have their own pencil holders. {Hee, hee}

{Eat Tuna}
Same concept. Perfect bday gift for Bob's mom. Ethan water this baby everyday...and look at that spring grass starting to pop up! She has it in her window cell right now and its super cute if I do say so myself.;)

{Craft Pail}
All in one holder. What mom couldn't use one of these bad boys?

{Tradition}
For old times sake...

{Younger Mom}
Love this. Use my all the time. Clutch Diaper Changing Pad. Super easy to make. {You may need to give yourself one this year!:)}

And I'm off to bed. But stay tuned for some wild times...well, if you want to know what a Mormon mom and her two boys do in Vegas! Yes, I'm heading south for the spring... while I'm longing for summer.

XOXO-Toad

A Little Peak {35}

{35}
Just a little peak into my world this past year...

Highlights...food, fun, and of course, family.

Visiting Oregon and heading to the U-pick blueberry fields with the boys to stuff ourselves silly was wonderful...

Working on my sweet grandpa's life history picture book. He'll be 95 this summer. I love him.

One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is when this kid wraps his little arms around my neck. The world flies out the window.

My 1st homemade blueberry pie...recipe via The Pioneer Woman...

and my 1st shot at homemade marionberry jam.

My favorite Christmas gift to give so far...{you can get this printable here they are at the end of the post.}

This needs no explanation...

Love this kid. I've never seen anyone so into Star Wars in my life. I've learned more about the force than I ever thougth possible.;)

Oh, and I learned a big lesson. If you have a sweet-tender hearted little man in your life, its not a good idea to use the phrases that can be taken literally such as, "If I tell you I'll have to kill you." And when he says you shouldn't talk on the phone while you drive...he's probably right. I can't imagnie my day without him. I miss him while he's at school & can't wait for our next adventure together.

Could I love these two any more? I can't imagine it. They made my year and continue to make my life. I'm so blessed.

Thanks are in order for my loving Father in Heaven.

I am truly blessed & grateful.

May I love, serve, and live this next year to its fullest!

Toad

Audrey's Wise Words

{Beauty}

Great words from a great "chick"...

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."

Audrey Hepburn

Hey chicks, let's be beautiful.;)

XOXO-Toad

Dear Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,

We think you do great work and we love all of the seasons.

We were just wondering if you didn't get the memo about Spring already being here.

You see, last week it was in the high 60's for two days and we had a super great time in the great outdoors! Ethan has been working hard at the monkey bars & that's tough when you have arms like little noodles.

And this guy? Well, he's a wild man and just needs to run and run. Do you remember being 2 1/2 Mother Nature? If not, let me just tell you that they need to be outside playing and exploring as often as possible...for everyone's sanity.

But now we hear there a few more snowy storms heading our way.

We need your help.

Silly string just isn't an indoor activity. Outside in short sleeves is the way to go...

And you can even use it and REAL string?! I never would have guessed...just leave it to Ethan to start creating out of silly string!