DIY Bird Frame

Ta-dah! Here's the finished product for Marlene's bird frame. This craft was a lot of fun to make, and only cost me $3.50 (a can of spray paint for the frame). Guess what I used for the colored paper...free paint swatches from Wal-Mart! One of my secret shames is that I grab those every now and then to do crafts.

Finding the perfect bird cut out to use was kind of hard, so I created my own. I'm happy 
with how it turned out.

Click here for my

Bird Template

Trace your birds onto some cardboard and then break out the x-acto knife and cut them out. Once all my shapes were cut out, I attached my paper using those scrapbooking adhesive squares. I figured glue would make it bumpy.

To attach the twine, you can put very short screws in the frame on both sides, and then loop it around. I was lucky enough that the frame I used had hardware already on there. 

Like I mentioned earlier, this craft was pretty cheap. Ways you can save money on it are:
-buying a frame at DI.
-Using paint swatches for the colors
-Raid your craft supplies for string
-Print out a coupon to use on spray paint
(If you go to a store like Michael's.)

Weeknight Cooking: Just Add Chicken

Guys, let me introduce you to my new best friend. 

This chicken is the best thing we could have ever discovered! About a month ago it was on sale at Sam's Club so we thought we'd give it a try. 

I was a little skeptical because in the past, chicken like this has not reheated well, and gotten pretty gross. But this stuff is amazing! What we love about it is that its not just for fajitas, and you can throw it into so many different recipes for a quick weeknight dinner.

So far these are the things we've been able to make:

-BBQ chicken pizza

-Chicken alfredo pasta

-Chicken chow mein

-Two Timin' Pasta Bake (Not as quick, but provides lots of yummy leftovers for later!)

-Chicken Caesar salad

-Chicken quesadillas
-Chicken wrap

-Fajitas

-Teriyaki chicken bowls

-Chicken tacos

Those are just a few, the possibilities are endless. Our little one also loves this chicken by itself. We just zap it in the microwave for 10 seconds, and then her dinner is ready! 

I've done a post in the past about Easy Chicken Dinners using canned chicken as well, which is great too! But sometimes you just don't want to fuss with a can opener and those recipes actually take a little more time. 

I've seen this brand of chicken also at Wal-Mart, but in a smaller bag. I'm going to stick with this kind now that I know it reheats well and gives us so many options 

for busy weeknight dinners. 

Give it a try!

One Year Pictures

A week before Marlene's birthday we were able to get her one year pictures taken. We used Megan Hauze Photography again and couldn't have been more happy with 

the way they turned out! 

Marlene's First Birthday

We celebrated Marlene's first birthday on two different days. First, we celebrated as a family of three on her actual birthday last Thursday. The day started off pretty normal, and once Marlene went down for her nap we got started putting together her presents.

We got her a ball pit and play tent that we set up, so that once she woke up they would be ready. Once she woke up we had her open her wrapped presents in our room, and then brought her into the living room to see her "big" toys.

She loved seeing her presents unwrapped (I did the unwrapping, because she hasn't figured out how to do it yet). It was so cute to see her face light up each time. She loved them so much, she didn't want to leave them to see the other stuff. 

(I know this is a bit long, but it is mostly for the benefit of our families.)

Once we brought her into the living room she went straight to the ball pit, and had so much fun! At first she was pretty timid and didn't know how to climb in, but now 
she pretty much dives in there. 

Later in the day we went and did some shopping and then had a birthday dinner at Olive Garden. Marlene did great and ate some chicken from my soup, break sticks, 
and a mint for dessert. 

 Saturday was the day of Marlene's party. We spent the day with family and friends and just had lots of fun. Marley was so happy all day and loved playing 
with her cousins and new toys. 

Thanks to everyone who shared in her special day!

12 Month Update

Is this real life? Is my baby really already one?! I know it sounds cliche, but it seriously feels like yesterday she was this tiny little thing. Its really hard to believe.

Marley surprises us everyday with new things she does. She has been taking timid steps here and there, but never more than 3-4. Over the last few days she has gotten a lot more confidence and is starting to move FAST. 

She still has 8 teeth, with a few more that might make a debut soon. Marley is putting those teeth to good use, and loves feeding herself. Right now she is really enjoying chicken and wheat bread. We're still struggling with getting her to try new things, but its a good start. 

Here's how other things are going...

Marley Likes

Watching Mickey Mouse

Digging through the toy/burp cloth bins

Mimicking sounds she hears (usually sounds of other kids)

Making a break for it when she notices a door left open to a room she's not allowed in 

(The bedrooms & bathroom).

Sleeping in funny positions

Snuggling her teddy bear or blanket while sleeping

Playing with her bath toys

Skyping

Seeing pictures of herself/Her reflection
Climbing into this "nook" between one of the cabinets and the stove

When Daddy comes home from school/work

Clapping her hands
Trying to get into the kitchen cabinets and drawers

Feeding herself, her favorites right now are: veggie straws, grilled chicken, 

wheat bread, and nilla wafers.

Marley Doesn't Like

Getting in the car seat

Wearing shoes

Getting dressed if the clothes are too tight

Raisins

Falling over (she has several bumps and bruises)

 Sitting still
When Mommy or Daddy realizes she's getting into something


I could go on and on talking about all the funny things this girl does. She brightens every day with her amazing personality. She's constantly smiling and making us laugh. 

People always ask me how come she is so happy and I usually respond with, "We named her after someone who was always happy and that's probably why." 

My Grandma Marlene was very loving, patient, and kind and I'm so glad we named our daughter after her. Not just because it's (supposedly) made Marley a happy baby, but because the name is a constant reminder of someone I have striven to be like all my life. 

Can't wait to see what the next year brings! 

First Year Video Round Up

Its time to celebrate a year of cuteness! Our sweet baby girl will officially be one this week, and I thought I would share some of my favorite videos from this past year:

Isn't she just the best?! We have such a fun, crazy girl. Can't wait to see what she has in store for us this next year...