It's a SUPER BAT. Kind of Christmas!

I guess I should explain because I'm sure you are wondering what exactly is a "SUPER-BAT". Super-Bat comes from my children's love of all things Superman and Batman. Any time I find a Batman something or another I always have to find a Superman, and visa versa. Trust me this is not as easy as it looks.

   Anyways several years ago we had a Superman/ Batman birthday party, Batman even visited us! So when the Invites went out we officially dubbed it the SUPER-BAT party. That same Christmas my Mother-in-law, got the boys a Superman and a Batman ornament for the Christmas tree. Fast forward 4 years we now have 4 Superman Ornaments and 4 Batman ornaments and a stocking for each with their character on it. This love of Superman and Batman has extended to pjs, Tshirts and other clothing,  Stuffed characters, Action figures,  Halloween costumes, Wall Decor, 2 years worth of school supplies, and the list goes on (and on, and on, and on, and on, and on... you get the idea).

There are so many I couldn't even find all of them!

Christmas was one time where I never thought that I'd have a "Super-Bat" invasion. So when I asked the boys to go pick out our wrapping paper, I never in my wildest dreams expected them to walk back with batman and superman themed Christmas wrapping paper.  Needless to say I was flabbergasted. Yes , I know I have a problem saying no to my kids. I mean I say no (obviously because we don't live in a Krypton style mansion, and I don't drive the bat mobile.) But no within reason just isn't in my vocabulary.  Expecailly when I can tell they were really excited about the paper.  I sucked it up and bought the paper.

Our Wrapping Paper

My Ideal Christmas tree looks like this. (no it isn't my picture I googled Angel Christmas tree and this was one of many it brought up)  Since I was a young girl I have collected Angel Christmas Ornaments and I have tons, but when the boys came along and then started crawling there went the idea of having all my glass pretties on our tree.

Sort Of what I wish our tree looked like



So we did the plain Jane plastic balls instead. It wasn't perfect but it was safe and the boys love it. Their favorite colors are Blue and Green. So the first year it was just Blue and Green ornaments on the tree. Then the next we added Purple and Black, and then all colors a couple of years ago. Then we've collected a few kid themed ornaments along the way. So our actual ornaments are few and far between they hold special meaning to us.

Unlit tree

All SHINY

But I must say even though "Super-Bat" invaded my Christmas,  I'm surprised at the results. I don't totally hate it, and the boys compromised and let me put plain colored paper with it so it isn't ALL "super" themed, But it's actually kind of cute. At least Its secluded to the inside not outside. (so far....)

These pictures were taken from my actual House and yard THIS Christmas.

What have you decorated your tree with?

10 Reasons NOT to take your 6 year old to play Mini-Golf

After recently taking our 6 year old twin sons to play a round of mini golf, My husband and I decided to compile a list of warning for those parents who haven't ventured out to the local mini golf place with their children.

Reason # 1- They learn to cheat at a really young age

Reason # 2- They pass gas every time they putt or pick up the ball and blame you for it.

Reason # 3- They complain about the weather more than the elderly. " It's too hot!"

Reason # 4- They try to go swimming in the cement ponds.

Reason # 5- They turn their putters into Hatchets.

Reason # 6- It takes 15 minutes PER hole Minimum to play a round.

Reason # 7- They fight and give each other a hard time.

Reason # 8- Any time you think you may have just putted a hole in one their club suddenly becomes and obstacle in your balls path.

Reason #9- They have absolutely NO concept of the game no matter how thoroughly you explain it, it just goes WAY WAY (OUTER SPACE WAY) over their head!

Reason #10- They don't sell Life insurance policies at the mini golf place, which you'd need because playing with them is like playing Russian Roulette with a loaded gun.

If you manage to read this list and STILL do not heed our warning, you are guaranteed to laugh and make some excellent family memories! (At least I know we did.) Oh and If you really want a laugh make sure to WATCH THE VIDEOS! (still trying to fiugre out why they wont upload)

Cute charmed picture frame necklaces

Okie dokie folks, I am WAY behind on my crafting posts lately. So I'm trying to fix that little blunder now. I saw these absolutely adorable picture-frame necklaces and just had to make one of my own. It's so easy you should make one too!

All materials can be found at your local craft store ( walmart sells some cheaper versions, but I must say its worth a few extra dollars for the better quality, and snazzy looking ones) Or you can get a supply bundle here. (please note if you are using a glass tile kit without a frame there are a couple of differences in the technique.These instructions are for framed pictures only.)

You will need:

Scissors
Small needle nosed pliers
Fasteners (also known to the technically inclined myself not included as BAILS)
Picture frame kit of your choosing
Chain of some sort
Picture re sized to 1x1 inch (or however big you want your pictures)
and Charms of any sort you wish

1st- Re size your picture and cut it out the size of the frame: mine was 1x1 inch and I used the glass insert for a stencil.

2nd- Open the frame but be careful not to bend it too far or it will break.

3rd- Insert picture into the frame (between the glass of course)

4th- Careful not to bend too much or force too hard, close the glass in the opened picture frame.

5th- Open the fastener- and close the "loop" from the picture frame inside. Again careful not to bend too far.

6th- Slide it on your chain along with any charm or embellishment you'd like and TA DA there is your super fancy new necklace! I've seen them done with all kinds of insides from pressed flowers to beads, to pictures of cities ect. One of the things I loved about them was that it's completely customizable and can be changed again and again with pictures to suit your mood.

*Please note these necklaces are not waterproof. 

So do you think Hand-made Christmas gifts are ok to give and receive?