Day.Forty.Eight.

Today started off bright and early as John and I finished our taxes online and I went downtown to pay the city taxes. We actually got money back this year. That is unheard of! We have always had to pay. It is coming at a welcome time. A time where we can try to get ahead of the bills and focus on the important things. (I am determined to get my patio this summer!)

After the taxes were done, I headed to Polaris to look for some suit pants for the interview. My skirt is a little big and I thought pants would be nice too. Well, after 4 different stores, I gave up, bought panty hose and decided I would wear the skirt. Looking back, good choice!

On my hunt for the suit pants, I always stop in the baby sections to see if I can find anything for the arrival of the twins. I found the CUTEST onesie for twin girl. (I searched for a match for baby boy, but to no avail) Look how cute! (and only $6.00-can't be beat!)

On my way home from my shopping fail/find, I decided to stop at John's team's double header. It was raining, but I know they play in the rain if there is no lightning. So, I decided to watch from the comfort of the car. I was dry... and warm. They won the first game (I saw the last inning) and then they fixed the field up, ate a snack, and were ready to play game two. After the 5th pitch in, it started to rain HARD. So, I just left and headed to the grocery.

At Meijer, I decided I would try to find the materials for a craft/tool that we could use at school. During one of our literacy night meetings we talked about how, at the Dublin Literacy Conference, they talked about the importance of students seeing us as readers as well. We thought it would be neat to create something to hang outside of our doors to show what we are reading. I decided I would take on that task.... I will keep you updated! (a tutorial will follow)

I came home and tried to relax, but that is NOT happening with everything about tomorrow on my mind. I had everything packed and ready to go for my quick change after school, but I was antsy. So, I decided to start the project. Here it goes...

I will try to get some sleep...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.One.

He is Risen...He is Risen Indeed! (Happy Easter to all!)

This morning, John and I tried out a new church that is pretty close to us with our friends Braden and Heather. It was a very small church, but I like it like that! It was so great to be greeted and included. It was like a piece of home had come to Columbus. I love that about my church at home... so inviting, kind, and chatty. The pastor was kind and the company was around our age with small/new families. It was nice to 'fit in' and not be the babies of the church. They showed one of the cutest videos I have ever seen. I don't know if it is because I teach kindergarteners or everyone thinks it is cute. (It just is funny how kids think sometimes...new perspective) Check it out here (and watch the whole thing): http://youtu.be/_NYxTWO3gWk

They even had extra Easter Lilies and we got to take one home! :) I think we will go back next week!

After church, we stopped by the house to gather our goodies, and headed to Pete and Tiff's house to celebrate with some family (John's side). When I say some... I mean a lot. There are a total of 10 adults and 9 children. 19! It is a packed house that is always fun and eventful. After a delicious lunch, we headed outside for an egg hunt. I helped out Sebastian and Remae. They had so much fun! The kids all colored eggs, made crafts, and just hung out like cousins do. The adults were all in food comas, so we sat and watched the Masters. Check out some of the goodies John and I made to share:

 (Rainbow Fruit Skewers)

 (Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries with Chocolate Drizzle)

 (Deviled Eggs...)

(Close Up and Colorful)

After eating a ton at Easter, we headed to meet up with Kristi and Nate at Pei Wei. KJ and I met when we were younger at Camp Presmont. Church camp was so much fun for the years we attended! Alissa and I always made sure we had the most food for our cabin. KJ and I have kept in touch and it was great to get to see her! We got to catch up and talk about her newest adventure... TWINS! (I am glad my friends are having twins.. it makes my chances smaller.. haha) It is always great to see friends! I can't wait to meet the two little misses or misters! 

Back home to our babes, Adi and Aspen. We have been so busy.. they probably think we hate them. Tonight, they have been running around like crazies! I am glad they are getting their exercise now.. not when I head to bed! 

*I hope you all had a blessed and wonderful Easter. It is a wonderful reminder of how magnificent our God really is and what he did for EACH of us. In church today, the topic was... we should START celebrating now! He is RISEN. He is Risen Indeed!*

-Alexis

Day.Thirty.Six.

I have to really get focused and stay on top of this blog! Write EVERY day. That is the goal. I am going to get on that!

Today, after work, I headed for the chiropractor. I definitely needed it. My lower back was really bothering me. I got my re-scans done to check on my back's progress. I am feeling much better now that I have seen the chiropractor. He is amazing!

Off to Beavercreek :)
I love to organize.. anyone who knows me knows, everything has a place.. and it should be in that place! (haha) I headed to help Michelle sort through all of the shower gifts from this past weekend and set it all up. The nursery color is fabulous and the twins are definitely blessed. I got to spend time with Michelle as we folded tiny clothes, organized butt cremes, and stacked towels. I am so excited for her. It is going to be such an amazing experience and I can't wait to babysit! ;)

After all of that organizing, I headed home. (It is normally about an hour-hour fifteen minute drive..) As I was driving up the road, with no warning, there are signs EVERYWHERE, "Road Closed". So, I had to figure out another way to get home. whew. Tack on a few (20) minutes.

When I got home, I passed out in the chair. I don't remember going to bed!
Up and at em' early for SACC! It is a busy, crazy, tiring life.. but I don't know how else to live. I work hard and succeed. Look at this fun quote to keep me motivated:

(what is another 10 minutes?)

-Alexis-

Day.Thirty.Four.B.

*Two*Peas*In*A*Pod*

Michelle's baby shower was RIGHT after the baptism. I am uploading the pictures from the shower. I was in charge of decorations, cake, and cupcakes. I think that it all turned out wonderfully! It looked great and the twins are going to be well dressed, diapered, and spoiled. Special thanks to Laurienne for helping with the decor! :)

Here are the details: 

 Cupcake/Cake Tower

 A Bit Closer...

 *New Cupcake Stand*

 Yummy!

 Two Peas <3

 -Sign In Table- 

 Frame, BABIES, Advice Cards/Jars, and Banner Fun

 Gift Table

-Homemade Banner: Two Peas In A Pod- 

 Close up...

 -Table Setting-

 Frozen Peas in the Jar (just a fun touch)

 Place Setting with Cake Pop Pea Favor :)

 *TWO PEAS*

 -Cupcakes-

 Cake Topper

 Family at the Shower

 Momma<3

*Best Friends*

If you have any questions about how anything was made or where it was found, let me know and I will be sure to contact you via comment on how! Many things were inspired by pinterest... of course.. :)

Off to start my spring break... with a nap!

-Alexis-

Day.Twenty.Eight.

Sunday. A Day of REST. (not so much...)

I got to sleep in and John made me eggs and toast! Yumm!

Then, it was off to get work done. I have a long list of things that need to get done. It is painful to look at!

First on the list, get things prepped for this weekend for the shower and for the baptisms. My goal today was to make a list of needed things as well as make the Easter basket filler for Mia and Zooey. I made it and had to blog! It is so cute, easy, and reusable! Perfect!
Here are the simple directions... pictures included:

1. Choose your fabric(s) <I used remnants>, pinking shears, and ribbon.

2. Cut the fabric with the pinking shears into pieces/strips. Mine were about 2.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall. (I just used the folds in the fabric to guide the scissors) They do not have to be perfect. Because I wanted the colors on both sides of the tie, I kept the fabric folded partially, so it was "two-sided".

3. String the ribbon (the length you want) between two chairs.

4. Start tying! I did just a single tie, then moved on. I did one color at at time to create the pattern. On my second one, I cut ALL of the fabric, and I just had to tie, tie, tie. It was easier to have it all cut then to tie.

 (yellow)

 (yellow and blue)

(yellow, blue and pink)

(yellow, blue, pink and green)

5. After all of the pieces are tied on, I spread them out and 'fluffed' them. They were still taught because of my tying, so I fluffed.

All Fluffy!!

6. Find a cute basket... (I only had this box, still cute) and lay it inside! Then, fill with goodies!!

I, personally, think they turned out super cute! 

**I think that this could be used in photos too... I made some for my favorite twins, so they might get to use them in their newborn pictures! :) **

Happy Crafting!
Off to do some more for the shower! <3

-Alexis

Day.Ten.

Today was very productive on the homemaker side of the picture! I got to go to the chiropractor. Who would have thought that an alignment would alleviate so much pain. I went to the store and got to get the invitations for my best friend's baby shower! She is expecting twins, and I am nominating myself as an official aunt. She is going to be blessed with a little girl and a little boy! I am looking forward to getting the decorations for the shower and helping with the nursery!

As many are thinking, it is only a matter of time...well, yes, but I would like to keep my dream alive to become a full time classroom teacher. I know that is sounds silly when I read it back, but the truth is, I have worked and worked to become a better teacher. I have continued my education, worked in different grade levels. I am ready! I want to reach my goal, get settled in, and then think about adding to our family.

I must be on my way... I have invitations to rhinestone! Every girl needs a little rhinestone in her life... or maybe that is the dancer talking!

Here is how they turned out--> *blurred for privacy*

-Alexis-