Tuesday, April 28, 2009

It was a Blog-worthy Weekend

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Jeez Louise, you people are really nice! Glad y'all liked the bathroom. You know, I kinda thought it turned out cute but y'all made it sound like it was much better than it actually is! So thank you. You blog stalkers are such an encouragement to me and I appreciate it so much when you take time to drop a comment in the box... even if there is already a stack in there.

I feel as though I will never ever run out of blog material after the questions post and soon I will bring you Round 3, but for now, I'm going to recap our weekend {because it was a delightful one}.

It started Friday night while two older children were pawned off on grandparents so I could put the final touches on the house for the baby shower when the UPS man rang the bell and dropped off a very suspicious package.


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Had nothing been tucked inside, I would have been completely content in just looking at the very well designed return address label. If the label was any prediction of what might be inside... I knew I'd love it. If you're new around here I've mentioned before that I have a weakness for teacher supply stores. I also have a weakness for old school houses, Mom & DaddyBoy {my parents} have one on their farm. Put the two together on one really great label and how could I not photograph it?

Included was a very kind letter, that I read first and then passed over for Justin {and his dirty toe} to read...

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Next time I say "no one pays me to do this" y'all stomp your feet then email me to remind of the nice people in the world who selflessly send packages to complete strangers, ok? So, this person is not a complete stranger... are you ready for the connection? A girl I went to high school with {Heather}, who just so happened to marry a guy I went to college with {Ryan}, has a younger sister {Ashley}, who is married to a man, who has an uncle {Jason} who owns a school supply store in Birmingham, AL. Jason reads the blog, has 3 kids my kids age, and thought {correctly} that we might enjoy a few goodies from his store. Did you follow? Now, if I told you I was disappointed my kids weren't home to open the package I would be lying, because we had so much fun opening it with out them. There was no: "Morgan, let Paige see that!" "Girls, you have got to share!" It went more like this... "Justin, hold that up to your eye and let me get a picture" followed by roaring laughter. Then, Justin says to me, "You hold that up to your eye and let me get a picture" followed by more roaring laughter.

Eye Spy

And now you can see why I have to curl my stubby little lashes. If I don't, it looks like I don't have any! Oh... yeah, back to the box. It was chocked full...

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of really fun stuff! They even went so far as to think about things they had seen on the blog as inspiration for the package!!

When the girls got home we let them have a turn opening it... they loved it all as much as we did. I walked in the playroom the next day and caught Raiger resting while holding her Watercolor Wands. She seriously carried them around until Monday morning when I finally rolled out the paper and let her go to town with them.

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Thank you, Jason & Ashley! Y'all go check out http://www.schoolhouseAL.com/ or check them out in person! I hope to make my way there one day soon! I'm afraid I'd have to have another garage sale before I went though, I'm sure I'd like one of everything they have.

Next up, the BABY SHOWER!

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It was a huge success and a lot of fun! I took more pictures but most included people who were eating and I know they don't want their pictures on the internet with food in their mouths!

Following the shower we made our way to the pool. The weather was perfect, the water a little chilly, but children never seem to mind!

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We even had a chance to watch 2 male anoles have a territorial "exchange", I honestly thought they were going to eat each other. Thankfully, they didn't.

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If you live in the deep south these guys are quite common. In fact, more often than I like, I find them running around my house. Usually, it's the females that are out running around. These are the males and they're twice as big. At first, I thought they were baby iguanas. :)

Last but not least, I leave you with another snack idea. My husband has deemed it blog-worthy. If you happen to be on a diet, have given up carbs or chocolate, you may want to stop reading NOW. Or if you have no self-control, keep reading, try it, and then go back on your diet.

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News flash:: the ham bullion people make cookies too! And they can be found near the ham bullion in the ethnic food aisle. Or you could make your way to your local Tienda de Latina. They are unbelievable! Light, crunchy, not too sweet and really good smothered in... Sunbutter and Nutella. My friend, Marie, enlightened me to the Sunbutter and let me tell you folks... do I dare say it's better than peanut butter!? We fortunately don't have peanut allergies but I'm seriously considering never buying peanut butter again!! It's "natural" so you have to stir and if you don't want it to re-seperate you should keep it in the frige. But, unlike natural peanut butter, when you pull it out of the frige it's still spreadable. As for the Nutella... I can't really think of words to describe it, if you haven't tried... just trust me, it makes any canned frosting taste like a can of shortening.

If you have a puppy baby, let them try the cookies too! John Martin LOVES them and they're not anywhere near as messy as those biter biscuits!

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Later gators!!

47 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Darby -
I laughed so hard at those pictures. When I was about 12, my mom gave me a box with "Miss Elizabeth's School on it." It had everything I needed to play teacher with my 3 little sisters. I loved it! When my husband started teaching I gave him a big pack of stickers to put on the papers he was grading (despite the fact that he was teaching calculus...)

L said...

Mmm, that sounds delicious! I hope I can find those cookies at the store tonight.

I forgot to write earlier, but I too loved your bathroom. I know you didn't think it was spectacular, but I think making the most of what you have on a budget is more inspiring than sky's the limit decorating. :)

Stephanie said...

I loooooooove Nutella... and had kinda forgotten about that fact. Gee, thanks for reminding this girl who needs to diet! ;)

Anonymous said...

Darby,
I am long time stalker, Katelyn R. Tidwell's mom, and I must say you are delightful! Thank you so much for allowing me to watch over your shoulder as you pursue the joys of motherhood! Please keep up the blogging you are a blessing to many!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Just saw your bathroom redo & had to tell you it is absolutely gorgeous. Way to take an outdated bathroom & bring it WAY up to the current century. I love how you enveloped the orange, even though it probably wasn't your first choice.

Bravo!

Ashley said...

Yea!! I am so glad ya'll liked it. We had the BEST time putting it together. We kept walking around the store saying "oh what about this and ooh this?" I have to admit...I was tempted to play the tell me a story cards myself, and I thought maybe the Go Fish cards would be right up Erika's alley too with colors like chartreuse and turquoise :)Please come visit us if you make it up this way! We'd love to have you {and the kids} check out the Schoolhouse.

Tara said...

Nutella is my favorite! I will definitely try your snack. My husband and I dip honey-wheat braided pretzels in it. Yum! Great post - looks like you had a wonderful weekend!

Ryan and Christen said...

Seeing the baby shower pictures makes me miss living in Dothan. Ashlea, Ann, and I all took smocking lessons together from Sharri. I know yall had a blast. P.S. Your bathroom is great...all true Auburn fans love orange!

KM said...

SO cute Darby!

Candice said...

the package is amazing, the play food that was stir-fry, so cute and thoughtfull. I love the snack idea, it's right up my ally, chocolate and cookies, yummy!

erika said...

you KILL me with those magnifying glasses. and the chairs lined up in the den... i assume for the shower? I love you. You make me want to move to Dothan. I'd rather you move here though.
your husband should be here any minute... I'm loading him up with some fun stuff for you.
xo
mommasis

duchess said...

So glad you had a great weekend. What fun. I'm a lover of school supplies as well - guess it's handy that I started homeschooling my kids, huh?
My daughter loves Nutella - she eats it as a sandwich.
Great pictures, btw.

Mandy said...

I teach high school English b/c I love school supplies....I use some little kid stuff with my big kids and they love it....And now, you have me wanting some Nutella at 9:15 at night, which is not good for my soon to be in a bathing suit, 3 months postpartum figure...hmmmm....the pictures are precious...I am still loving that orange bathroom...I pull for those other tigers in the south so we are partial to a little orange! Night, Night...Mandy

Mommy Harris said...

What a sweet sweet gift and a fun weekend! Bathroom remodel has me inspired girl!!!

Jill said...

How sweet of Jason and his family! It is people like him that make me want to "pay it forward."

I too ADORE nutella, I have craved it during both pregnancies :)

Christina said...

Cool school supplies. My kiddos have the fruit instead of the stir fry. I love to sit and cut through the velcro---is that weird?? : )

We are a Sunbutter family. We do have severe peanut allergies, so it is a must for us, but I agree w/you that it is delish! I wish we could have nutella though---our son has other nut allergies too. It has been years, 12 to be exact, since we have had any in the house. Yum!

The ham bullion people---lol

Tara said...

You had me at Nutella...love it! I'm the blog stalker who requested the info about the owl applique a few months ago. I'm addicted to that website now. Also, I wanted to comment on your post a few weeks ago about your college major...I too am an Auburn grad...WAR EAGLE by the way...and I didn't take Organic Gardening either, but now wish I had. Oh well, I'll encourage my daughter to take it when she's a freshman in 2026!

Kat said...

Oh my! The comment about your husband's dirty toe was hysterical as were the pics of you two with the magnifying glass. Priceless. I would have completely lost my mind if a box like that was delivered to my house. What a wonderful yet unexpected surprise!

:o) mg said...

The magnifying glass pictures remind me of silly pictures we each took of ourselves several years back..... y'know those google-y eye things that kids put on brown paper lunch bags when they are making puppets... y'know, with the black part that moves all around? Well, we had a pair of really big ones ('bout the size of half dollars). Everytime I see those pictures I nearly wet my pants laughing.
Oh, and Nutella..... surely evil cannot taste THAT good.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Just found your blog and love it. I added you to my blog list...and will be back soon to read more.

I am a new blogger and am making new friends everyday...

Anonymous said...

LOVE the pictures! I work at a teacher supply store in Dothan, and don't know HOW I haven't saw you there before! I could spend my whole paycheck every month on things, and can't imagine what I would spend if I had babies! Great job on the bathroom makeover! Extreme Home Makeover should hire you :)

beachy in the burbs said...

How sweet that they sent you the package and how cute are you two with the magnifying glasses! :) Love your blog by the way!

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

LURVE all the toys! I'll have to visit that store! What a fun connection. i think I'll need a flow chart for that. And the eye pictures a-la- Sherlock Holmes are awesome.
Glad the shower was a success and I need those snacks!! We have tried Nutella, but not the sun butter. We go with Soy Nut and the Wal-mart generic brand is {and I never thought I'd say this} THE BEST!!!

Dianne said...

Could I go by Erika's and be loaded up with fun stuff, please? LOL You are so cute and take great delight in life...I admire that in you. The shower looked like fun. Bravo on the bathroom.

Southern Living: Preppy Style said...

We LOVE Nutella and sunflower butter at our house! Nutella has always been around, and we were introduced to sunflower butter when my daughter couldn't take peanut products to school due to an allergy. She loves it, and she's not a big fan of real sweet stuff, so even better, since sunflower butter isn't too sweet!

Love Being A Nonny said...

WOW! What a great gift! Wanted to let you know I did a blog post about your labels....and linked to your blog. Hope that was ok! LOVE the labels...by the way, how do you cut yours out?

Unknown said...

Yummm. Glad to know there's natural peanut butter that you can actually spread! Good to know:) Can't wait to take a dip in the pool!! Very soon! I love you and can't wait to see everyone!
XOXO
Cous

mom2three said...

thanks so much for sharing about Sunbutter- my oldest has peanut allergy and she is always terrified of trying any new foods. I went on their website and I think after she sees it she'll be willing to give it a try. I look forward to your blog every day- thanks for the inspiration and all the great tips!

Steph said...

Just wanted to say you're awesome (even though I don't even know you but who cares!), and so is your blog. I love all your pics! You give me inspiration to be more positive each day. :)

Ashley said...

LOVE the school supplies~~ I am a former teacher, and can't get enough either!! I think I need to order my Spice some of those watercolor wands! Thanks for sharing!!!:)

Margaret said...

This is my first comment, but I read your blog all the time and love it! :)

I was at the grocery store this morning and got the ingredients for your snack----OH MY GOODNESS, I think I'm in Heaven!! So delicious, I've already had four and I'm sure I'll have a few more when my kiddos nap this afternoon. Thanks for the suggestion! :)

jeana said...

Just checking in with you, Darby... I always love reading your blog! My boys were asking who these girls are.. and they want to play with them. :) wish we lived closer to each other and they could!

Your transparency and confidence in Christ and His Gospel are continual blessings to me. Through your blog, I feel like I am on this journey with you. You inspire me to enjoy the ride and to not take it too seriously.... especially when it comes to the challenges of raising three little people. :) I always laugh and relate so much when you say things like you rarely leave home with all three b/c it is so hard! Right there with ya sister. :)

Love you friend... Jeana

The Buchanan Family said...

where did you get the picture of the lemons in your kitchen? I have been looking for one!

Megan Shropshire said...

Thank you so much for posting pictures from your shower! I've been hoping to see a picture of Ann pregnant with twins! She is too cute! Hope you are well!

PS-By the way...I tried your last snack idea...apples, PB and sunflower seeds...YUMMY! I hooked! Thanks for that too!

Rachel said...

How very thoughtful!! That store is located just down the street from my office. I will definitely have to check them out for my nephews one day!

meredith said...

Love it!! I especially like the "stir fry" kit Justin is holding. I am fascinated by fake food. Even those candles they make to look like ice cream sundaes and such. Also, I love love love the bathroom! Talk about an amazing transformation! Great job! Can you come to my house and help me?

~Meredith

Jacci said...

Hi, Darby :) I wanted to introduce myself after reading through your LIFE for the last few days, lol. I wanted to tell you that your blog is a huge encouragement to me - we just bought a dark wood panelled fixer-upper, too, and (I have to admit) it's gotten me down more than a few times this winter. It seems like eveywhere I look there's another hole or dark, dated mess... and we just can't possibly get to it all at once. What a blessing to read the analogy of how a worn-out house is like our souls apart from Christ Jesus and a remodel like the saving and sanctifying work of the Spirit! I praise God for that post. Really :)

We're *almost* Calvinists, too, btw - just the Baptist variety. I went to a PCA church all through college in Lexington and have a definite warm place in my heart for those brethren :)

May the Lord continue to bless you and your sweet family!

Jacci
Wife to Sam and mom to 4 blessings

Grace said...

Darby, you are a woman after my own heart. Nutella... :sigh:
:)

I can't get Sunbutter (or even good peanut butter, for that matter) where I live so I'll just have to imagine that part, but I do eat Nutella by the spoonful right out of the jar.

Oops...did I just say that on the internet?

Debra said...

School supplies, art supplies, office supplies-I love it all! What a fun treat for the kiddos.
And your sweet treat... yikes-that would be dangerous for me!

Cherish Stockdale said...

Those lizards are crazy! Great pictures, I love the pictures you take :)... Tried the snack and I am hooked. Keep all the good ideas coming.

Becky said...

little lady, while i'm sure i'm gonna give sunbutter a try, i just can't believe the blasphemy of the possibility of giving up peanut butter. you know where you live, right?? and another thing...someone asked you if you tanned in your Q&A session. i'm gonna venture out that you may indeed be part meh-hee-cona b/c you sure seem to spend a lot of time in that particular aisle of the grocery store. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Your blog is amazing, I love your sense of humor and writing style! And the orange bath transformation, great job and congrats on the nod you got from the Washington Post!!

Mommy Harris said...

DID YOU SEE
THIS!?http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042901204.html

WAY TO GO DARBY!!!

Lindsey said...

okay, that is killing me! your blog made it on to the washington post's blog watch?! what in the world. you are no doubt famous for sure! now i'm really gonna make a point to actually meet you the next time we're in dothan:)! have a great weekend!

our little love nest said...

Love your blog. I found it through another reader and had to come take a look. :)

Beth said...

Just had to say the two pregnant woman are so cute! They both look great. :)

No.35style said...

i don't think i've tried nutella?? i'm sure everyone loved the shower and how sweet of those people to send you the goodies! can i say i am jealous of the pool??? i soo want one!