Julia & the Black Dragon

Miss Julia turned 3 and no surprise to me she requested a black dragon party.  (For those of you who don't know the black dragon is named Toothless and is from the movie "How to Train Your Dragon.")  Lucky for me our family has embraced the color black and I have a slight obsession with black and white polka dots.  I had everything on hand and am so thankful Renee was able to whip up some art for her "theme".  Thanks again Renee!

My Mom was in charge of the chalkboard.  We did a little "Viking" theme.  It was fun.  I thought I photographed the food but sadly did not.  Oh well you get it....

Avery insisted everyone wear black.  Don't tell Jude he is wearing his sisters shirt :)

Happy Birthday sweet girl!  You are definitely your own person and have quite the personality.  We love you so much!  

Just for fun here is the link to her 2nd birthday.  The girl loves a good party!

Pinterest Challenge

My best friend Renee was given the honor of co-hosting the Spring Pinterest challenge.  In blog world this is a BIG DEAL.  We attempted to explain this concept to our husbands....they didn't get it.  But I know all of my loyal readers know :)  So since Renee was hosting I figured I could attempt to get my act together and join in on the fun.  For those of you who don't know Pinterest is a wonderful site that lets you gather all sort of inspiration and always have the original source.  I love it and have been known to go a bit crazy. 

Follow me over on Pinterest!

 Back to the challenge.....the entire goal is to stop pinning and start doing.  I decided to FINALLY tackle my mantel and side table in the living room.  I have MANY inspirational pictures on my various boards but I decided to gather a few and finally tackle my mantel.  It's still not "done" but I think it's much better.

Pinterest inspiration via

The topiaries were made downtown at 509.  For all of my local readers please do stop down there as Julie has a WONDERFUL selection of all things home.

After I worked on the mantel I directed my attention to the other side of the room.

Above is the before....look at that sad little table :(

I decided to swap out my old pedestal for an old dresser we had on hand.  I like how it fits the space much better.  (sorry for the poor photo).  I also love the added storage!

PS Don't worry the sad little table is no longer sad in it's new home in the basement!

Pinterest inspiration via

The only new items are the green orb and the willow branch.  I had to laugh at my little "bust" I found it while cleaning out my piano bench from childhood.

This photo was not a part of the challenge but while at 509 I was going on and on about a sunburst mirror that I passed up years ago.  Julie happened to have this one on hand and told me to try it out.  I am aware it needs to be hung a tad higher (it's on the nail we already had) but I am debating on painting it a light silver or even white....thoughts?  Jacob loves it as is and says it must stay.  Let me know what you think as I love hearing from you!

Pinterest inspiration via

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Rachel Boe

Way back in December I had a baby.  The second day home from the hospital I had a newborn photo shoot scheduled.  (It makes me tired just thinking about it).  I'm not new to the whole children's photo shoots... in fact I'm embarssed to tell you how many my kids have had.  BUT this time was different.  Instead of packing up the entire family, plus 10 outfits and accessories I had Rachel come to me!  It was WONDERFUL.  I didn't even sweat through my clothing.  It was a miracle.  I highly recommend doing a lifestyle shoot and having a photographer visit you at home.  I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't cost much more than her normal sitting fee.  It was very relaxing and I think the pictures turned out great.  It doesn't hurt that Rachel is wonderful and takes great pictures. 

See for yourself!

Of course she took plenty more, I just had to pick a few to show you.  I'm long overdue on this post but better late than never!

Go visit Rachel at her new website or facebook page. Make sure to tell her I sent you!  My plan is to invite Rachel over again and shoot some pictures of the house.  Don't hold your breath as I seem to be moving at a snails pace these days.

Two, Three

No I'm not referencing March Madness & zone defense......(although moving from 2 kids to 3 kids has thrown us from man to man to zone defense).  I'm talking about Jude's 2month & 3 month picture & wait for it.....it's about that time for me to snap his 4 month picture!

True to form I only have the 2 month and 3 month ready to go.

2 Months

3 Months

Just for fun here is the link to Month 1  I know I'm biased but he is pretty cute!

Happy Monday!

A long long time ago.....

we invited ourselves to Terri and Jerry's to do some sledding.  I had casually demanded mentioned to Jerry to create a sledding hill for my children.  You see where I am from there are hills and bluffs and sledding hills right in your backyard.  BUT on the prairie such hills do not exist so my poor children think sledding is quite the novelty.  I'm working hard to change that....

PS this was WAY back in January and it was so freezing cold.  I'd like to give Kim H. a shout out since I didn't actually brave the cold weather to snap these shots.... Thanks Kim!

PPS Not only did the kids sled for quite some time but some of the adults wanted in on the action!

Thank goodness Roshawn didn't actually hit the tree.

Fast forward to February and we again invited ourselves over.  Keep in mind we usually give them about an hour notice.  Aren't we fun!  Thankfully they welcomed us with open arms AND Jerry always shleps my kids up and down the hill.

Doesn't Jacob look thrilled :)

I'm the first to say I LOVE winter but I am so happy the snow is almost gone and spring is on it's way.

Happy Happy Birthday

We recently celebrated Gary's birthday.  Instead of our typical sit down dinner we decided to head to a resort and enjoy time together!  Since there are 4 children ages 5 and under we felt a kid friendly place would be the best idea.

We made the trek to Arrowwood and enjoyed their pool and water park.  Avery and Jacob went down this crazy long and dark slide.  I was shocked Avery went all by herself.  ( I was not aware of this until later on that day as I was wrestling the two little ones while they were sliding) 

I think she has a future as a lifeguard...thoughts?

I wasn't able to document anymore of our lovely weekend.  It seems 3 children does not allow me a free arm to shoot pictures.  Oh well.  Follow me on instagram (@angelagfahl) as I am much better with my phone!