Cold Play

Create some cool artwork with homemade, frozen watercolors. I found this idea in a magazine a few weeks ago, dug it out of my heaping project pile and gave it a try today with 5 little ones. Definitely fun, pretty and cool however a bit messy. Once the ice cubes started melting I had red, purple and blue drops all throughout my kitchen. Maybe its a good outside project especially on a hot day like this.

1. Place 1 tsp. of tempera paint (I used washable crayola paint) in each section of an ice-cube tray.

2. Fill with water and stir with toothpicks. Let stand for 10 minutes and stir again.

3. Place in freezer until frozen. Pop out and start painting! Using think paper, card stock or butcher paper is best.




















Have fun!

Sand and Sunscreen

Finally we were able to go to the beach! Status said open, forecast was correct and schedules aligned. Tenney Beach did not disappoint today, the water was warm and pretty clear, ducks casually swimming by and sand toys being passed around. Lots of sunscreened little bodies sculpted castles and splish splashed. Three new mamas even joined us making it that much better.





























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My latest project of adding color back into our main level with a small budget continues. The fireplace mantel has been transformed, still trying to decide on just the right layout but it's a start. Bright pillows added to the couch and a few fun accessories for the shelf. A painted end table and spruced up tv stand still to come.

Before and After


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Did you know...

-the early bird catches the worm.

-a spot filled with fish is called the honey hole.

-5 years old is the magic age in the Moll house for a Canada fishing trip with daddy.

This can only mean one thing, a fishing birthday is in the works. Lots more to come.

Sun and Shade

Summer seems to have finally arrived and I am trying to balance time between sun and shade. My mind loves the sun, warm temperatures and the thought of being golden brown. My body on the other hand likes the shade. From a very young age I've had super sensitive skin; my cheeks would break out from spaghetti sauce, arms itchy from the garden and swollen bug bites bigger than a dime. Now in my late 20's (really, do I have to consider 26 late 20's, I don't want to!) this skin hasn't changed much.




Hats are a staple for me in the summer (Pacey had a rough weekend).






I listen to my mind, lay out in the sun and wham...an instant headache, legs covered in red rash and the delicate skin on my face boiling with anger. My skin just doesn't like the sun, it desires shade so I am done fighting and am embracing my whiteness. Yes I have close to glowing white skin, will occasionally get red in the summer but won't be tan and would rather be inside sewing instead of soaking up the rays. I've learned...the summer shade is just as enjoyable as the summer sun.

Today's PB & J Day was perfect for the shade lovers. Town of Burke Park was peaceful, shaded and an amazing play date spot. I had the treat of being a mama to only one today as Trex stayed with his Nama. It was a shocking difference, I actually chatted with other mamas, held my littlest and didn't leave exhausted. Although I missed my eldest and felt sad as his friends one by one asked where he was, it was much needed bonding for Pacey Pie and I.














Hope you are enjoying the sun and shade, soaking up the season and enjoying this moment right now.

Green Thumb

I have never had a green thumb and have no desire to garden. My mother-in-law loves gardening, has a beautiful yard and has done most of our gardening. I enjoy how pretty and peaceful gardens are but just don't like the outdoors enough to put all that time and energy into a garden.

However my husband has been talking about a vegetable garden for a few years now. Honestly I think he should have been born in Amish country or something, he is all about living off the land, eating locally grown foods and being self sufficient. I go in phases, jump on board for a while and then fall back into my place of liking the outdoors because my boys do, eating organic when possible and picking my battles.

A vegetable garden was not worth battling about so we now have fresh green beans sprouting up. I love green beans and am excited (don't tell him) but am participating in gardening by taking pictures and encouraging the boys to help daddy. All this inspired our garden theme this week and we sure had fun. A garden tour at Oma's house, played in the water because everything needs water, played hot tomato, painted with potatoes, planted grass, played pin the flower on the stem and made hand print flowers.


























Maybe someday a green thumb will appear but for now I'd rather use my thumbs crafting indoors!

Summer Park Tour

A really good friend of mine and PB & J mama was talking about the summer and what she could do to entertain her four year old without spending a lot of money. At the time we didn't come up with much but as I was sewing that afternoon my mind was of course going faster than they machine and I got an idea. What about a summer park tour... a list of really cool parks all over the Madison area that moms could take their kids to each week. You could visit a new park each week or two in one, pack a picnic, invite others and the only cost would be gas for the car. This option is flexible for weather, works with kids of all ages and could always be combined with mommy errands.

So after my sewing time I created the "Summer Park Tour". I researched and found some awesome parks around the Madison, WI area, included their address and made a table listing out common park features. This way your kids can check off the park features when found making it a little more thought provoking and like a scavenger hunt.

At the end of summer any family who participates can turn in their Summer Park Tour table for a fantastic prize! Have fun.