Rainbow Cupcakes

Last year, my oldest was obsessed with Tangled. So, when her birthday came around she had to have a Tangled cake. She wanted it to be rainbow inside, so I made a rainbow layer cake & handed it off to the family cake maker, Aunt Lisa. She did an amazing job on the cake & it was so cool to see my little girl's eyes lit up when she saw it. 

Her birthday falls on St. Patrick's day, so we have done a couple of Irish/rainbow themed parties in her day. This year she wanted another rainbow cake; but, this year her little sister is on the move so I don't have the time to be in the kitchen for 2 hours straight. Some how I convinced her to do cupcakes instead & they turned out great! Here is the tutorial should you want to make some for yourself.

What You'll Need:

{This yielded 16 very big cupcakes for me}

* 2 boxes of white cake mix & whatever it requires

* 6 bowls

* 6 spoons

* Food Coloring

* Cupcake pans

First you'll want to make the cake mix according to the box; then you'll divide it into the 6 bowls. Add food coloring until the desire shade of each color is achieved. I ended up using the whole red one because I used it for red, orange & purple. 

Line your cupcake pans. How cute is this? The baby wanted to help make cupcakes! 

Start with the purple and add a small spoonful. Aww, she is so cute, I just could help but let her help :)

 

Next spoon blue on top of the purple & continue working backward through the rainbow bowls. Here is what it will look like. Instead of taking a picture after each color, I just did this to show you.

By the time you reach red, you should reach the top of the liner. Don't worry, it will make up & muffin over. The kids all went crazy at the size & color of these cupcakes, so it'll be ok. ;)

Yum!!

Look at what it did to the wrappers ~ so cool!

As always,
Happy Crafting!

Party Games on the Brain!

The count down is on to party day and the big question is . . . how do you keep a bunch of little kids entertained at a party? With fun games of course. Here are a few games that I found via Pinterest.

1. From Girlygirl109.hubpages.com, I found this awesome carnival themed Party! How great would that be!

2. I found this great activity to use in lieu of a pinata from Celebrate the Big and the Small

3. From Calebandshelley.blogspot.com, I found this fun game. I have already played it and it DOES NOT disappoint. So fun!

 4. This is a great game too, from One Charming Party. I have also played this with my kids before but we used sponges to carry the water from bucket to bucket.

I Love all of this inspiration that I get from Pinterest. It is so much fun to see what other people are doing! I can't wait to show you what we do!

Happy Party!

XOXO,

 Amy

Party on the Brain

I feeling myself switch gears to all out party mode. I have one daughter with a birthday party on Thursday and one with a birthday party on Friday. In that past I have combined these two birthdays parties but it all starts adding up to a lot of body management. It all comes down to how many kids I can really handle and still enjoy the event.  So we broke of the days and limited the guests. One Party has a Lalaloopsy Them and one has a Hello, Kitty! Theme. I just wanted to share some of the cute results I found.

----

First off, from Partygamesplus.com,  I found this. It is a great website with dozens of themes and games all planned out for you. In some cases they even have free printables. (click hi-lighted word for source info)

Next, from Cake central.com I found this:

 and this:

 and this:

 and this:

Now will I be able to make these adorable cakes? Not a chance. Had a planned better could I have ordered them? Absolutely! Maybe you can learn form my mistakes:)
Even still, I am feeling more inspired and though I know the clock is ticking, I am sure that thanks to these sites, I will be able to pull of something that feels wonderful:)

Party On!
XOXO,
 Amy

Birthday on the Brain

In my family we will soon celebrate two birthdays almost back to back. My two oldest girls are two years apart with brithdays three days apart. It is almost like Christmas all over again as far a gifts are concerned. Maybe more so since we only get the kids roughly three gifts each for Christmas. Anyhow, My oldest daughters class has a tradition of spot lighting the birthday kid with an "all about me" poster that is displayed in the classroom. I started to rummage through old scrapbooks for pictures to display and quickly realized, I needed something more. Something to make the poster stick out 3D style. It is some much more appealing to the eye:) I had seen cute little scrapbook paper banners here and there and thought they were cute. So I thought it was time I try out making my own.

I stole a triangle from a shape puzzle that my kids rarely play with anymore and began tracing.

Then I cut out the triangle shape and glued them to a thin grosgrain ribbon and my banner was done- so easy and yet so satisfying!

Next . . .

I wanted to make some kind of flower embellishment. I got the idea for these cute tissue flowers badges here, from Fave Crafts:

Unfortunately, I didn't have all the same scrapbooking tools that she has. So I folded the blue tissue paper so that I would be cutting through four layers, then I traced the shape of a large plastic cup and a small glass cup with a pencil and cut the paper using the scissors above. Then I scrunched them up until I was happy with the "badge look" and hot glued them together (using just a tiny dap of glue in the center of each tissue petal). Then I printed out my phase and cut it in the circular shape you see in the picture and hot glued that on too! Then I used my favorite zebra print ribbon, cut two short strips, cut a triangle shape in the middle by folding the ribbon and cutting on the fold toward the top of the fold.

I think these made perfect embellishments for an otherwise boring poster. Cambria said all the kids in her class thought it was the fanciest poster they had ever seen! I'll take the compliment. My other daughter also took pause to compliment my craftiness. I'll take the compliments now before they get to the age where they think I don't know anything:)

Here are some other fun banners to look at: From Bandy Canyon:

From the Toy Maker, Happy Spring Banner- thetoymaker.com

From:  At Second Street  An America Banner

Hope You find some inspiration for your  next event!

Happy Crafting!

XOXO,

 Amy

Family Home Evening Lesson

I've got your Family Home Evening all planned for you tonight. It is simple and short but it will bring you together in a fun way that won't lose attention spans.

Cambria’s Talk: Theme: I came to earth as part of a family

This single piece of spaghetti is easy to break.

But when I have a large handful of spaghetti, it is much harder to break. (let your kids try to break both sizes of spaghetti)

This is just like us. Heavenly Father sent us to earth to live with a family because he knew that our family would make us stronger.

I came to earth as part of family. Heavenly father knows I need a family to help me learn and grow. President Hinkley said that we can make our family strong.

Adam and Eve were the very first family on earth. Heavenly Father wanted them to have a strong family. He asked Adam and Eve to teach their children about the gospel. They their children to love Heavenly Father.

We learn important things from our families. We learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus. We learn to choose the right. We learn how to treat others. When we grow up we will teach our children the same things.

We are part of a family. These things can make our family strong.

Read scriptures together

Say prayers together

Have family home evening

Do fun activities together

Even though I am just a little child I can make my family strong. I can be kind to my brother and sister. I can obey my parents. I can be quick to say I am sorry and I can be quick to forgive.

Heavenly Father blesses us when we do what is right.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

In closing play a round of hide and seek ( it is still fun to hide when you are an adult. Make your kids work hard to find you!) and then serve this mouth watering "Easy Cheese Danish" from The Country Cook!

It'll be a good night!

xoxo,

Amy

Sunday Evening Ramblings

Once a month in our church we have what is called a fast and testimony meeting. People are encouraged to fast for at least 2 meals & then some members of the congregation will share their testimonies about gospel principles and things that they are thankful for. Today I was so overcome by an event that happened this week that I shared mine; I am still feeling overcome by it and wanted to share it here too. Here is what I shared:

 

The hubby and I have been praying a lot for opportunities to serve and be more charitable because we both feel like it will help us to become better people all around. 

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by a mom who wanted some information about Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, so I gave it to her.She mentioned that her daughter was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy {SMA}, and will need to be in diapers for the rest of her life; so, she was looking for a diaper that  would have lots of room to grow.

After I emailed her I had this overwhelming feeling that her email was an answer to our prayers for opportunities to serve. So I emailed her back and told her that I would love to share an amazing idea I had with her and that I would love to speak to her over the phone.

We were able to speak and it turns out that she lives in Orange County too! We made plans to meet up and take some pictures of her and her daughter with their new lifetime supply of diapers.

 Let me tell you, I have been strengthened so much through meeting this amazing mommy and daughter combo! The mommy is so in tune with her daughter's every need, she really is the guardian angel known as Mommy. The baby is 2 1/2 years and can say a few words, but most of their communication is through facial movements and a mother's intuition. It really was an amazing thing to watch. The mommy told us that when her daughter was first diagnosed, she felt like her whole world was turned upside down; but, now she can say that she wouldn't change one thing about their life & cherishes every minute that her little miracle is still here. *WOW* She is such a great example of faith, strength and determination!

Even though she has told me that she doesn't know how to say thank you enough for our service to her, I have been feeling more and more like I don't know how to thank her enough for the testimony building spiritual experience that was afforded to Sean & I through meeting the two of them. 

I know that Heavenly Father is real and knows me & loves me personally; but, this experience has really reminded me that not only does He know me individually, He knows exactly what trials I am capable of handling and He knows exactly what blessings I am capable of handling as well. I am so thankful that he doesn't give me trials that I can't handle & that everything I have been through has brought me closer to Him. 

I am grateful for the people that He has brought in to my life to teach me all the wonderful lessons that I have learned. I am so thankful for this mom who reached out to me & taught me through her great faith and love for her daughter. I am especially thankful for my husband and our daughters and the lessons that I learn everyday because of them. I am thankful that every time I feel like my life is hard, someone is put in my path that makes me wonder why I complain about my trials when they smile through things I couldn't even imagine going through.

Ever since we left the photo shoot, I have felt a powerful change in me. It has made me more determined to make sure that my family knows how much they mean to me. I don't want to take any moment that I have with them for granted.

My husband is leaving for boot camp on July 31, and it is becoming more and more of a reality to me how long he is really going to be gone as the days go by. Thanks to this experience I have been making more of an effort to be a better wife & just forgive him of any perceived wrongs instead of allowing myself to be offended. It has taught me that it is more important to just love than it will ever be to be right. And, most importantly it has strengthened our marriage and brought an added measure of peace to us. Wow, we have also been praying for those things! Its kind of cool how sometimes the answers to prayer come in ways you least expect.

Sunday Special

"Life isn't about discovering yourself, it's about discovering who God created you to be."

Find someone who needs to be lifted then put your back into it:)

Lucky Day Sweepstakes Winner

Congrats To Cindy B!!!

You won a handmade crochet sock monkey beanie!!

Thank you all who entered and participated in this event!

Wedding Bells

I have another love besides crafting. I love capturing life through a lens. This is what has been taking all of my attention. Meet the Allison's. May they live happily ever after.

Happy crafting!
xoxo,
 Amy

Booty Buns Go Green ♥ Give Charity Giveaway

Welcome to the Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers! Over 175 blogs have teamed up to present this amazing cloth diaper giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering.

Here's your chance to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

 

This amazing cloth diaper prize pack includes:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

(these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!)

20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes

40 microfiber inserts

20 cotton flannel liners

(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)

First, a little about Booty Buns...

 

In case you haven't heard about them, Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are incredible one-size cloth diapers that truly fit from birth to potty training! They feature a snap-down rise with 5 different snap settings (most one-size diapers only have 3!) and a waist with 10 regular snap settings plus 2 crossover snap settings. The diapers have hip snaps to prevent wing droop on smaller sizes. The incredible size range of this diaper fits from 3-45 lbs!

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are pocket diapers and each diaper includes 2 snap-on microfiber inserts that can be stuffed into the diaper or laid on top with the included cotton flannel liner against your child's skin. The diapers have a waterproof PUL outer and a soft suedecloth inner with dual gussets on the inner lining to ensure everything stays IN the diaper! Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers come in an assortment of bright colors and each diaper includes a matching handmade flannel/terry wipe. You can find out more about the diapers at Booty Buns, or check out the detailed Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diaper Review at Daily Mothering!

Booty Buns is dedicated to encouraging others to "go green" and "give charity." Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, leads by example. For every diaper that Booty Buns sells, she donates one Booty Buns Cloth Diaper to a child in need in a third-world country. Booty Buns is the exclusive cloth diapers donator for Operation Showers Of Appreciation, and they are also donating diapers to babies that have severe medical issues here in the US. Shannon hopes to donate a lifetime supply of cloth diapers {20 diapers} to every baby in need around the globe. You can join in this effort by purchasing your own set of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers and telling your friends about Booty Buns!

Make sure to stop by and follow Booty Buns via Facebook, Twitter and Blog for news and giveaways!

And now for the giveaway!!

ONE WINNER will receive this gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546!

And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Sign in using your Facebook account OR your name and email address.

Click "Do It" for instructions on how to complete each entry.

There is no mandatory entry. Complete as many entries as you wish.

The more entries you submit, the better odds you have of winning!

Sneak Peek: $500+ Cloth Diaper Giveaway Starts Saturday!

Would you like to win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of cloth diapers?!

The Go Green ? Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers starts this Saturday, March 24th! Over 175 blogs are coming together to present this fantastic fluffy giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering. Mark your calendar because you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

ONE WINNER will receive a gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546! And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This amazing prize pack will include:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers (these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!) 20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes 40 microfiber inserts 20 cotton flannel liners

(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)

This giveaway will be open to U.S. and Canada.

Come back March 24-31 for your chance to win it all!

 

Good Luck Giveaway Hop

Today may be your lucky day – so hop down and win some of these giveaways! 

This is the Good Luck Giveaway Hop, hosted by MamaNYC! This event will run from March 14-19th. 

We have over 60+ bloggers each giving away some amazing prizes! Be sure to hop down the list when you are done with this giveaway!

Amy's Craft Bucket will be giving away a crochet cocoon handmade by Shanni C. in the winner's choice of colors. This is a $30 value. Colors include:

*white
*back
*tan
*green
*blue
*purple
*pink

Please use this Rafflecopter form to enter. Good Luck!!!