Homemade Playdough

For the past several weeks I have had so much fun doing "tot school," with Cohen (and Hayes if he is not at preschool).  Most days I keep it super simple with a book, a little project/activity, and a snack. For example, to learn about the color blue we read, "The Little Blue Truck," made some blue play dough, and had blueberries for a snack.  Simple, but the boys love that time with mom. I thought I'd post our homemade playdough recipe because it is so easy, takes 5 minutes, and it's super soft!


Playdough

1 Cup Water
2 Tbsps. Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup Salt
1 Cup Flour
2 tsp.  Cream of Tarter

Cook on stovetop (medium heat) until it pulls away from the pan.  Mix in food coloring.  Store in air-tight container.

I had to add this picture of cute Tayte, playing with his little blocks on the side. :)

P.s. If you didn't already notice, Cohen never wants his pants on... That kid is way too comfortable being naked haha. 

Sunny St. George

I just really hate this never ending winter we've been having. We're all getting a little stir crazy being cooped up inside. I convinced Joe to take us on a quick trip to St. George, because I desperately needed some sun! It was like high 60's most of the time and it felt amazing. Seriously, I'm ready to move. We spent our time swimming, playing outside, Joe and Hayes did a little golfing, we went to the children's museum and just enjoyed a change in scenery! Where are you Spring?!

This little fishy loved the pool!

Nap time!

Couple of cuties enjoying the warm weather!

The boys couldn't resist the splash pad.
They ended up taking off their shoes and getting their pants soaked.
Hey, if they're happy, I'm happy.

They never wanted to leave the Children's Museum.

Documenting that I was also on the trip...

One of the days, Joe took Hayes golfing during nap time and
I made up some Valentine's for Hayes's Preschool party.
 He came back to the finished product and said, "Well, those aren't really that awesome, mom."
Dang. Haha. I think next year I'll just have him pick some out at the store...

Thanks for getting us out of the house and saving me from my crazy, babe!

Cupid's DIY Bow & Arrow

I've done my research and have come to the conclusion that Valentine's Day is a girl's holiday. Haha.  I've been trying to think of some fun things I can do with the boys for Valentines that aren't so girly or that don't involve all things pink! Easier said than done...  We made a simple version of these fun bow and arrows last year. We decided to make a "super awesome one," this year with the arrow holders and all.  I thought I'd do a really quick tutorial for making these cute bow and arrows, that both girls and boys can enjoy!

First, you'll need an empty container for the arrow holder.
I emptied some old oats containers.
I saved the oats in tupperware container to use for a sensory bin another day.
Win, win! 

Cover the container with paper or card stock.
I just taped mine. You could also use glue or Mod Podge.

Hayes wasn't into putting hearts all over them, so I used a ruler to make a simple arrow template to decorate it.
Go as crazy as you want decorating.
Stickers, crayons, paper hearts, jewels, etc.

Next I measured my boys and cut some ribbon as straps for the holders.
Glue one side of the ribbon to the bottom and one side on the inside of the container.

Bow & Arrows Supplies: Sticks - Felt - String
We found a couple of sticks that were somewhat flexible and tied a string to both sides for the bow.
For the arrows, cut hearts out of felt and hot glue them together at the end of the sticks.
Simple. Simple.

Ta Da! You're finished!

2016

Is any one else over their New Year's resolutions already? Haha. I always make goals for the new year in January and usually at least one or two are physical goals.  I love to work-out and always have but... I straight up eat like crap.  I have such a sweet tooth, and am a self-diagnosed treataholic.  You offer me a cookie or a sandwich for lunch and I'll usually take the cookie. Haha.  We're going to Costa Rica in March, so that has been a good motivator for me to stick with my goal and try to eat a little healthier lately!  Smoothies for breakfast and lots of salads for lunch have been on the menu for the last few weeks and I am really over them. Ha! I need some new ideas that are quick and easy, so pass them on if you have some!

A few other resolutions on my list this year are conquering my laundry, spending more time with my husband, and being more present with my kids.
What are you working on in 2016?!

I've kind of been a Debbie downer this month.  January has me so uninspired haha.  Joe has been sweetest to leave me little notes and surprises to brighten my day.   Last week he surprised me with this cute Nike outfit that I seriously love! (Best hubby award) I'm thinking I should have him shop for me more often!

Here is to fruit, vegetables, and staying on the treadmill for the full 2 hours of the Bachelor!

Holiday Highlights

I'm still reminiscing over how wonderful our holidays were this year (or I guess last year.)  We have a lot of holiday traditions that always make them extra special and fun.  Sledding, baking, caroling, story-telling, playing games, delicious food, and being with family were all part of our December and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I had our Christmas decor up for a good part of November and was still so sad to take it down.  I'm making a goal to keep the warm, cozy feeling that Christmas brings in our home year round this year.  Hope every one had a Merry Christmas!

Onto New Year's resolutions and browsing Pinterest for Valentine's Day inspiration ;)

A little sugar cookie station I set up for the kids decorate cookies for Santa!

Just telling Bampa some important stuff.

Making candy on Christmas Eve has been one of my favorite traditions since I was a little girl. 

Caroling and delivering goodies.

3 cute boys in their Christmas jammies!

Joe gave me these amazingly delicious macaroons!
 I've literally been trying to make them last as long as possible.
There is still one left in my freezer haha.

Playing in the snow at Grams house on Christmas day.

The Webb clan!

Documenting this cutie on his first Christmas!

Phone pic = poor quality.
I had to take one last picture before I took all of the Christmas cozy down!

Hayes did such a good job at his little preschool program.  Here is a clip from his cute part in the program!

Hayes Preschool Program from Haven Andelin on Vimeo.

Is It Just Me?

Is it just me? Or do strangers say dumb things to you too? I don’t think most people are trying to be rude- they just must not think before they say things.  I usually let things run off my shoulders pretty easily, or I’ll tell Joe later and be like wasn’t that so dumb that they said that?!… and then get over it. I really don’t get my feelings hurt easily, but I keep getting these same comments over and over lately and I just need to put it out there...so I can get over it. Haha

We were at Joe’s work dinner last night and the conversation led to skiing. I was talking about how Joe has been dying for me to learn to ski for a while, but I’m always pregnant or have just had a baby so haven’t been able to learn yet.  This girl that I had never met interrupts me from clear across the table, “Wait... you’ve been pregnant multiple times?” To which I just responded with, “Yeah, I had our 3 kids in just under 4 years.” She looked at me like I was thee craziest person and rudely says, “I’m sorry.” I was so taken back that this random girl I had just met, would say that.  Just, "I'm sorry."  I didn’t know how to respond and can’t even remember what I said, but after that I just sat quietly crunching my croutons, feeling baffled.  

Maybe I am being sensitive and maybe my wanting to punch her in the face wasn't justified, but I have gotten so many comments like this lately and they just rub me the wrong way.

Yes, I did have kids quickly.  Yes, I am still young.  Yes, I have probably had to grow up much faster than most people my age.  It was not my plan to have 3 kids by 25. No, I am not sorry.  No, you should not be "sorry" either.  Most people must not understand that this has always been my dream. Others pursue traveling, adventures, careers or whatever, and that is so great! Maybe it’s not as picture perfect or as easy as I may have thought, but being a mom is what I prepared my whole life for. 

A few years ago, when Hayes was a baby and I was only 21, I was having a hard time not having things to find self-esteem in.  I was used to sports and dancing and academics and friends, and all of the sudden, I was just home all day in a quiet house with a baby. I didn’t stay in close contact with many of my college friends, Joe was gone to work all day, and it was just me trying to figure out how to take care of a baby.   I watched my friends, most of whom were not even married yet, going out and doing fun things and activities and it was kind of tough for me.  I started questioning if I had jumped aboard the grown-up train too fast.  But, one day I was struck with the thought- why am I feeling sorry for myself?  Isn’t this what I always dreamed of?  So what if it’s not always that dreamy!  It is my calling, and I know it.  I made a goal that day to be the best mother I could be.  That is where I was going to put all of my efforts into and that’s where I would draw my esteem. My home. My family. My kids.  Seem silly? Maybe.  But, it worked.  I have 3 perfectly healthy, and ever so sweet little boys.  Seriously, they are such good kids.  I have never found more joy or found such hard work to be so fulfilling.  You’ll hear me jokingly complain about how crazy my life is, but we’re slowly adjusting and I am so, so grateful that life has found me here, at such a young age, with so much to be grateful for. 

So, to the stranger who is feeling sorry for me across the table- don't.  I dreamed of this chaos ;)

Thought I'd add some cuteness of our night looking at Christmas lights, visiting Santa's reindeer, and warming up with hot cocoa. I love these fellas!