The Amazing, Always Joyous 2014 Canton Adventure Begins!

We leave for Canton in the morning - ohh, the treasures to behold! The year 2014 marks 30 years since the Crewe of Canton began their Trade Days Adventures - and the 1st time to have THREE UHauls in tow.
 

{Read about the history of this tradition from Lady Di herself here.} 

 Here's a little photo flashback:

Ladies of the High Court of the Crewe of Canton 2013 in uniform ;) and me - 5 months pregnant!

 We're the kind of ladies that like to STAND OUT! I can't tell you how many times people asked us where we got our witch hats. They really came in handy when you got lost, too.

I will be able to tell Evangeline that she went to Canton Trade Days before she was even born. She is the first born girl of the third generation North Louisiana Crewe that will be able to attend when she starts making her own shopping money! Remember - girls ONLY! Sorry, Hudson and Andrew.

One thing to remember before entering a flea market:

Look past the scratches, dust, and dirt; focus on the possibilities.

Can you believe it has been a year since we moved in? My budget is very limited this year since we just redid the floors in our house. This means it's time to get creative. I'm taking my money to the junkyard and turning some trash to treasure!

Remember last year when I found a bassinet, rocking chair, and bookshelf? There's nothing a little Annie Sloan paint can't do.

View past Canton Trade Days Adventures here!

Andrew turns 2...

Andrew,
  You are the cutest 2 year old I know. I love it when you run to greet me with a big hug. I love it when you shine that crooked smile. I love seeing you play with your big brother - you both really like the movie Cars or any kind of tractor, train, car, or truck! I love how you say "red car lightning" and "baby Evangeline." And I LOVE YOU!

Your mom did such a good job with your train themed 2 year old birthday party. She is making it hard for the rest of us to follow.

Mrs. Jordan and Aiden came to celebrate. Your mama made your blue cake with blue icing like you specifically requested.

Your cousin, Evangeline, got to celebrate with you this year. You also looked adorable in your conductor hat. It was just a tiny bit too big for your head, which made it even cuter.

Aunt Cyn, Aunt Pam, and DeeDee would never miss your birthday party!

CHOOOooo - Chooooo!

You received lots of presents from your sweet friends. Big brother Hudson made sure you could open our presents. He did a great job opening them - errr - I mean overseeing your progress.

Godfather Joseph had a good time.

Apparently the new way to do a piñata is not by hitting it, but everyone grabs a string that is attached underneath and pulls until the candy comes out. Your dad decided that was silly so we took a broom stick to it.

He busted it open, but hit your mother in the head with part of it in the process! oopsy!

See Andrew's first birthday party here!

we're going to see the sunflowers, baby!

"We're going to see the sunflowers, baby!" is what Hudson kept telling Evangeline on our drive to Carmel, La; just a quick road trip to view a field full of sunflowers at my mom's friend Vivian's home in the country. With over 175 acres of property to play with, Mr. Faler wanted some sunflowers on his land. He is more than generous to invite us over to reap the benefits of his hard work :) Upon arrival we were offered a beer and a four wheeler - my kind of afternoon!

After a fun ride around the property, we grabbed our buckets and scissors and got to work. My sister, Lauren, said, "Isn't it funny how some of them just call out to you to pick them?!" and it's true!

 Thanks for having us! We can't wait to come back. What do you think about a bonfire this fall ;) ??

Boneheads brings it...

Dinner out with the hubby, parents, and one adorable baby:

 Have you tried Boneheads on Youree Drive yet?

The atmosphere is clean and nautical.

My favorite thing we ordered was the Boneheads Shrimp appetizer. The batter has the perfect crunch.

We also enjoyed all the sauce options. Welcome to Shreveport, Boneheads!

never say never...

Never say never unless you want to eat your words.

When I was pregnant, my sister Lauren, the experienced mother of two, went with me to register for the baby necessities at Babies R Us. There were many things that went on the registry that I had no idea I would be using so regularly once baby girl arrived. To be honest, I got only half way up the aisles before handing the registry gun over to Lauren and asking her to just do it! I was overwhelmed by the amount of decisions and products needed for one little bundle of joy! There was one product in particular though that I refused to let her zap with the gun. I said, "Lauren! There is no way I will EVER do that! That is disgusting!"

And then.... Evangeline got her first real deal snotty mess-of-a-cold this week.

Yesterday I was calling Lauren to bring over her nose sucker (and eating my words.) I now know the three secrets to surviving a baby's runny nose when the hospital grade nose bulb thingy just won't cut it.

1.  Sterile Saline Nasal Mist (This really gets it running.)
2. The most essential step - NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator: The SnotSucker!!!!!
3. Then clean up with Boogie Wipes (They are different than regular wipes - news to me.)

And voilà - she can breathe out of her nose again.

Can you guess which one of the three items I said I would never use? Yeah, you probably guessed the one where you suck - yes, suck- the snot out of your child's nose.

I'm here to say it works. Put it on your registry. Never say never. Just do it. She absolutely hates it while I'm doing it. Arms are batting at me- head is wiggling side to side, but when I'm done she can breathe. I am sure this is just one in the long line of things I will do for her own good.

Oh, and sorry I ever questioned you Mrs. Lauren :)

 (December 2013 - 7 months preggo - just thinkin' i knew somethin' about somethin' - HA!)

OMG! How can it be?

My baby girl is 6 months old!

This little sweetie is getting so so active! I'm pretty excited about seeing her personality shine through. Although, because she is such a mover and a shaker, she is losing her leg rolls - nooooooo!!! She is also sleeping from 8:00 pm - 5:00 am at night. I am secretly missing our nightly mom and daughter rendezvous, but I'm also very proud of my growing girl. The only constant is change, right?

{Miss E had 2 teeth show up in one day. I heard this is one of the MOST painful things we ever experience - we just don't remember. What a trooper! Aaaand look who's sitting up now! Get it, girl.}

"When I'm trying really hard to do something new I stick out my tongue. It's super cute, mom says. Sometimes I try to stand on my tippy toes, but I face plant. And other times......success!"

my little Catholic baby...

We baptized Evangeline on Sunday. She was so precious. Everyone kept saying they had never seen a baby not make a single peep in the ceremony. That's my girl!

Before the big day, we wanted to have the godparents over for a "rehearsal" if you will. Tison cooked crock-pot ribs and everyone pitched in with potato salad, salad, and bbq beans. Justin and Sara, who traveled from Dallas, brought some Texas craft brews for us to try. The Revolver: Blood and Honey was very complex. I want one right now, actually.

We gathered on Sunday at St. Joseph Catholic Church (where I was baptized) for the sacrament of baptism and were joined by family and a few close friends. Evangeline wore my baptismal gown that my godmother bought for me many moons ago. My sisters were baptized in it, as well as Hudson and Andrew - kind of a special garment!

A special thank you to everyone who took pictures of this special moment for our family! My hands were getting a little shaky without my camera - ha.

The reception at DeeDee's was special. The house was full of love and FOOD! The menu: dips, finger sandwiches, beautiful personalized cookies, cake balls, pecan sandies, lemon squares, fruit and veggie trays, beer, champagne and punch. -pheew!

Now we've got a little cat-lic' bebe ;) 

Jordan and Justin- y'all are now officially family! Thanks for being a part of Miss E's life.

Click here for Hudson or Andrew's baptismal day.