4th of July Shirt

This year I decided that I wanted to make 4th of July shirts for the kids. I have always bought shirts or a outfit, and my kids have always been cute for the big day

See what I mean. :)

But this year, I wanted to save some money and make something cute, so I took to Pinterest. I found this and decided that it was just what I was looking for - cheap, easy, and I could add my own touch.

I started with grey t-shirts, mostly because I had them. I bought acrylic paint at the craft store in red, white, and blue. Probably should have bought fabric paint. Live and learn.

 My secret addition to the shirts - glow in the dark paint!

The stamp is made with pipe cleaners. I used white so I could more easily see where the paint was on my stamp.

To make the stamp, take 4 pipe cleaners.

Fold in half and twist. Then fan out the ends to look like a starburst.

I put a plastic bag on a hanger and then hung my shirt up. Protected the inside of the shirt and made hanging up to dry a breeze.

I also used plastic bags for my paint. Plates weren't big enough to get my stamp on. The plastic bags made clean-up so easy!

I started with red. Just swirl your stamper around in the paint and press on the shirt. I wasn't too concerned with full coverage. The color imperfect color lines look more like fireworks.

I added colors until I got the effect I wanted. I didn't wait for anything to dry between adding colors. I did red, white, blue, and then the glow in the dark. I did 1 stamp of each color to start, and 2 of the glow in the dark. I went back and did a 2nd stamp of each color, and some more glow in the dark. The glow in the dark paint dries almost clear (a slight greenish tint) so I felt I could add as much as I wanted.

Tadah!!

And it glows, though an awful picture.

So super, easy and they will love wearing them!!

Halloween Wreath

I was over my Halloween wreath. It was 5 years old and, gasp, store bought. I wanted to find something that said Halloween, but didn't scream it.

Of course, I went straight to Pintrest. This was my insipration.

Simple and cute. Perfect. The third requirement was to not break the bank. Chevron fabric is in, and the fabric stores know that. An alternative was needed. 

Not to shabby. :)

Total cost was $3. Yes, $3. I had the spider rings (2 on flowers are not glued, so they can be removed if I get tired of them. The dangling one if just tied with fishing line.) I also had the wreath form from another wreath that I decided I hated. I also already had the Happy Halloween sign from my previous wreath. All I needed was 3 fat quarters. I only used 1 1/2 of the black/white and 1/2 of the orange, so really it cost less than $3.

Happy 4th!

This year wasn't as hot as last year on the 4th (thank the Lord!), so we were able to do the parade in my parents neighborhood. It's so much fun to see all of the kids decorate their bikes and follow the fire truck during the parade. Back in the day, they would even use the hose at the end to get everyone wet. After your walk, you get a popsicle - little kid heaven.

Afterwards,we all headed to my sisters house for swimming, food, and of course fireworks. The kids liked the swimming and marshmallows best, though Lyla showed the veggie dip who was boss.

At least the cake was good. 

Caiti's surprised face.

Why is it that my daughter is the one who looks drunk?

Easter

Easter has come and gone and thankfully we had some good weather, after a long, cold winter. David had talked at school (and church) for weeks about Easter and what it meant. He was so excited when it was finally here!

Photo bomb ahead.

David's basket (note the lack of candy - he made out like a bandit at school and at the church Easter egg hunt. The bunny decided to not leave much at our house.)

Molley's basket

HOTWHEELS!! (My son is a car snob. He will only play with Hotwheels cars.)

At least they are looking the same way. (I love this picture.)

This is as good as it gets with both kids looking at the camera.
 

Ready to hunt!

These fools think we're all going to smile at the camera at the same time. Silly adults!