66 In Life

I am a Friday Night Blogger

Hello friends… as I type a space heater is warming my frozen toes and Justin’s working on a building a roaring fire. It’s cold here, but “cold” is very relative so I won’t tell you how cold. And, I come with more randomness. And anyone who might be wondering what Rover is doing while I type, he’s standing by my side digging through the garbage can!

First, I’ll offer a few sources from the last post. The Rover’s sweater romper was a gift from MommaSis {thanks, Sister!} from Old Navy. And Sloaney Bologna has it in pink. It seems to run true to size.

sweaterromper

His leather shoes are from Target.

puppyslippers

My sweater vest from the bruise picture is from Forever 21.

sweater

I love everything about it except for the fact that it’s acrylic. It will likely only last one season before pilling.

By the way, it’s very out of the ordinary for me to mention clothing or fashion. My sister is pretty much my sole provider of clothing and also any fashion advice. She should really be the one informing you of any “fashion sources” but I did manage to pick this sweater out by myself and she didn’t wear it first. 🙂 I will also go ahead and tell you that I love Forever 21. A lot. I don’t necessarily like their rockstar corsets and other things of that nature but overall I really like their clothes. I think they’re fun, fashionable and I can actually afford to buy them which is the best part. The sad part is that there isn’t one within 100 miles of me. Mom and I hit it when we were in Chicago.

When I was looking for the sweater on their website I found this and really thought I “needed” it and then I realized I really just “wanted it” so I had a little self control… but don’t think it’s not in my favorites. It’s silk and only $27.80.

forever21top

I’m going to be brave and tell you that I would pair it with skinny jeans and these boots {below}. Which, btw, I realized when I was in Chicago that I may be one of the last people on the planet in Chicago who still wears their jeans on the outside of their boots/shoes.

boots 

And now if there is someone reading this who has a great sense of fashion, would you tell me if that ensemble works or not? Justin would have to take me on a date or out to a fun party because if I wore it to preschool to pick up the girls people would likely stop me and ask where I was going. I got “dressed” and put on make up a few weeks ago and 2 people asked me where I was going. It still makes me laugh. 

Before I change the subject, I’ll let you in on another Forever 21 secret, these long sleeved t-shirts  {they have a little spandex so they actually hold their shape} for $5.50 each… I got three while I was there!

ls tee

Subject change

The girls preschool pictures came in this week.

schoolpictures

They pretty much make me laugh and cry at the same time, especially the Raiger. I tried to cheap out and not buy any but Justin said, “We had to!” They’re just one grade apart, look a like but are SO very different. Raiger looks a little sad and it’s likely she was scared of the camera man. She’s about as shy as they come, except at home. It’s December and she still cries when we drop her off at school {just 2 days a week}. There’s little doubt she’ll be the child that convinces me to home school.

The Raige also has an addiction problem. I asked Justin if he thought there was rehab center for 3 year olds who are addicted to pacifiers. He said, “Probably not!” I took problems into my own hands and took her pacis away yesterday. Really, I was scared to death. Scared to death. Scared to death. And I was convinced she’d never sleep again. We traded pacis for nail polish, eye shadow, shimmer cream, and lip gloss {because she wants to be a mommy} and I pray she never looks back! We’re about 36 hours in and she’s doing so much better than I ever thought she would. We have prayed and prayed for the Lord to help her not need it. I left her in her room yesterday for her nap, she came out 30 minutes later and told me in the sweetest & saddest voice that she had been praying to God but he didn’t bring her pacis back. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to cry for her or run to Target for more pacis. She didn’t nap but slept like a champ last night and napped today without her paci. I’m so proud of her!! Mothers of addicted children, you can do it! I promise thinking about taking them away is so much worse than actually doing it! A little incentive {make up, dolls, toys} goes a long way with children! I’m not a fan of bribing under normal circumstances but I love to be able to offer a reward for something as monumental as this! Go Raiger, you’re a big girl now!!

rufflepants

I’ve still yet to accomplish much Christmas-wise but I managed to crank out a pair of pants for Morgan this morning and I thought I’d offer a quick ruffle tip for anyone who sews. Under normal circumstances I only like to sew with 100% cotton fabric but for ruffles I like to make them with a poly/cotton blend. I actually take a long strip of fabric and fold it in half rather than hem it. The poly/cotton holds it’s shape so well and never needs to be ironed… and trust me, no one wants to iron a ruffle! Mary, thank you for our PRECIOUS shirts… we’ve got our outfits and now we just need to get a picture for our card!

Ok, I really must go… people I’ve never met before are coming to my house in less than 1 hour for dessert! I can’t wait to finally meet them but I’m a mess and so is my house!

Merry Christmas, friends! I know I said it last time but y’all really are so much fun… I sat in here and cried over my emails last night. I pray for y’all and thank God for the encouragement you give me!

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  • Brittan
    December 11, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    love it all! i will have to order some of those shitrs, always looking for great shitrs that are no hassle! the children;s shirts are so cute! merry christmas!!

  • Emily@remodelingthislife
    December 11, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    I still wear my jeans on the outside of my boots. I always try to tuck them but then I feel ridiculous and pull them back out.

  • Victoria
    December 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    Oh my gosh, I love the school pics. Ours are always terrible, even the good one’s are bad! I hate spending money on bad pictures but someday their kids can look at them and laugh.
    I was so stressed out when I had to take the bottle away from my son. He was at least 2 and my husband used to tease me and say he would be the 1st kid to drink beer from one in college. He loved his bottles and would not drink milk any other way (and hardly eats). Of course we took them away and he drank from the cup – no fuss! Congrats, it a big step!

  • Brandi
    December 11, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    It’s funny how us mother’s feel like we HAVE to buy those pics from school when our own turn out so much better. I don’t understand it. Love your fashion pics. I may have to run out pic up some of those t-shirts. Can’t have enough of them. I have a Forever 21 across the street. Which could be dangerous I suppose 😉 Have fun with your guests. Can’t wait to see your tree when its’ up!!

  • Mandy
    December 11, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    It’s “cold” here too (in Southern CA) and I never say just how cold either because people tend to throw things at me (or wish they could). We have the pink romper from Old Navy. I love their stuff. It’s cute, good quality and best of all, the right price.

  • Brooke G
    December 11, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    Hee hee… glad I am not the only one bloggin’ on a Friday night. I don’t feel so bad. I will also admit that I LIVE in Chicago and haven’t yet done the skinny jean/boot combo. Darn! Now that you’ve made the switch, I probably AM the last one who wears their pants on the outside of their boots! LOL 🙂
    Stay warm and just be glad you didn’t travel to Chicago this week. It is COLD – like single digits COLD!!!!!!!

  • Tonia Hobbs
    December 11, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    I am the “no-fashion queen”!!! I am always try to nice, but I feel like its never right! Thank you for posting the t-shirts, that is so very my style! Little ruffle pants are precious. Pics are precious. Merry Christmas to you.

    I heart your blog. My little girl (6 years old) sits on my lap alot while we catch up on my blog roll. Anyways, she has decided she wants her hair cut like your little girls! So over Christmas break that is going to be one of her special treats.

  • Lane
    December 11, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    I don’t tuck my jeans into my shoes either! I love the look, but don’t think I could quite pull it off. Whenever I hang out with my BFF she always tries to give me fashion advice and tells me I can’t look like I’m a mom when I’m around her! 🙂 I’d like to think of my style as classic…. :)I’m definitley not into too many trends!

    This was a fun post!

  • Kathy
    December 11, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    As usual, you make me laugh! I think boots look great on other people, but I find them to be uncomfortable and make my feet hot. I would feel silly with my jeans tucked in my boots, even though I see it everywhere. In winter, I live in long sleeve t-shirts. Gap has some terrific ones called favorites. Great fit. The school pics of your girls are adorable. Have a wonderful weekend!

  • Jennifer
    December 11, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    GO PAIGE! GO PAIGE! GO PAIGE GO!

  • Amber
    December 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    I loved the photos of your little guy yesterday. My littlest, who is three, had that exact outfit. Same Target Robeez knockoffs and all. I just love little guys in one piece outfits, so sweet.

  • Kristi
    December 11, 2009 at 10:57 pm

    I don’t wear my jeans tucked in either. I love the way it looks on others, but don’t feel I look right wearing the style. We just dropped the paci too. I had planned on doing it soon, but my little one ended up getting sick and I couldn’t make myself do it. Then her cold got so bad she couldn’t breath through her nose and suck the paci. So we started from there. We are going on about a week and a half. It hasn’t been as bad as I thought either. I think I took it harder because I felt like she wasn’t a baby anymore! haha I always take things harder than her!

  • Jessica
    December 11, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    We got rid of the paci right before Adriana turned 3 in November – it was SO much easier than I thought it would be…I put it off for so long because I was dreading it! She had a few days where she cried a little and sometimes still talks about how the truck (garbage truck)took her pacis away… so glad to hear Paige is doing good so far with it! Those are the cutest school pictures ever – you’ll be so glad you ordered some. That’s funny about the jeans/boots…I’m on a mission tomorrow for a new pair of skinny jeans (post-baby) since I have boots but no jeans to wear with them. love the pants you made for the girls! Can’t wait to see the Christmas card picture 🙂

  • Sarah
    December 11, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    love that the blue stripped romper is from Old Navy. now my little man, Ry can get one. boots are definitely “in” right now. I would love a new pair but with two boys in tow when shopping it’s hard to have the time to try any shoes on. although I like the pair you shared.
    your little ladies school pics are too cute.
    hope you warm up!

  • Kimberly
    December 12, 2009 at 12:48 am

    it’s so funny to hear you talk about the jeans tucked in boots. I just did it for the first time this past weekend and it was great. i think it was easier because i was out of town on a mini vaca and my sis-in law convinced me i looked cute, so if i did look silly, who cares, i don’t know anyone, but i did feel pretty cute. I wore some boots similar to the ones you show, but i bought them at Walmart for $25 and they were surprisingly very comfortable. I walked all day in them and my feet never hurt. And i think your ensemble idea totally works! i agree to wear for a special occasion. it makes it easier to be brave at least the first time. my husband and i are going for a night away in jan and i think i’ll try to pull it off again.

  • Sarah's Fab Day
    December 12, 2009 at 12:54 am

    Oh Darby, my 3 year old had no problem giving up his paci. In fact Daddy decided to do it when I was gone for the night. All my Little said to him was, “I want Mommy.” because he knows I’m a big softie and would have caved. But my poor Big is in kindy and is a thumb sucker. I have NO idea how I’m going to break him of that (well actually I do, but it will be so sad and hard I can’t even think of it without feeling bad.) Ugh such a dilemma. What to do??

  • Megan
    December 12, 2009 at 12:55 am

    You are NOT the only one who wears boots inside your jeans! I only wear my boots outside of my jeans in the snow, because it’s better than having wet pants, but I DESPISE the look of jeans outside pants!

    I love Paige’s preschool pic! So so so precious, both of them.

  • dawson
    December 12, 2009 at 4:30 am

    such a funny post! i just moved to london from birmingham, alabama. talk about culture shock. my sister is my fashion person as well. i have gone from running around town in b’ham in nike shorts, tshirts and running shoes (even if i wasn’t working out that day) to doing my version of “dressing up” every.single.day. moms look put together even at the park! i have worn exercise clothes twice out of the house in the past 2 months (when not exercising) and i felt like such a rebel here in london. and i’ve worn my boots under jeans the past two days. everyone has them inside their boots here too. again. rebel. thanks for sharing such fun things from your life. i can’t wait to try cinnamon butter!

  • eringianni
    December 12, 2009 at 5:46 am

    Oh goodness, the paci problem! Did I ever tell you that Stella was possibly the worlds biggest paci addict in history? The girl not only slept with them, she LIVED with them. ALL day long, in ALL situations. SHe even ate with one which she would remove to chew and replace in mouth between bites. I can still hear her funny little voice as she spoke with a paci in her mouth. At around 3 years old I freaked that she was actually turning into a little paci freak. Someone advised me to take them cold turkey so that’s what we did. We took them all away, telling her about poor little babies in the world with no pacis, we put her in bed telling her that the paci fairy would come and take them away and leave her loads of presents (think Santa style) and that she would be happy and make other babies happy too. Well, we hunkered down for total disaster, which to my surprise, NEVER came. She went to bed, slept, we filled her room with new toys and she woke up enchanted with the fairy’s generosity. I was and am to this day SO proud of her. Looks like maybe I was more addicted to the idea that she was addicted?! Good job Raiger!!! And if it makes you feel any better, Stella still cries when I take her to school. Not everyday, but most. I’ve actually seriously been considering the pros and cons and reality of homeschooling. Not to save her from her tears, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a part of my reasoning. She just doesn’t seem to be clicking with the whole vibe of school… we need to email about this later! xoxo

  • edie
    December 12, 2009 at 7:36 am

    I was JUST at forever 21 yesterday and bought the cutest sweater for cheap! I’ve always loved their stuff for a more trendy look but like you—-have to travel a little ways to get there. I may just have to post my chez chic/chez cheap ensemble!! And I’ve always been a ‘jeans-tucker’. And as a matter of fact, if I don’t tuck, one of my girls will ask why the no-tucking.

    And if you’re the Friday night blogger, I’m the 4 am blogger. I get up way too early and that’s a fact.

    Thanks so much for the flickr tips the other day. I’ve been using Flickr almost exclusively lately and had no idea that all that photo information was available on all the pics. Very handy.

    Well, I must trek out to the grocery store this frosty Saturday morning because I suppose my troops will be hungry—and my grocery shopping apparently hasn’t been any more of a priority than my Christmas decorating. I’d really like to finish this weekend though!
    Love to you friend
    edie

  • Melissa
    December 12, 2009 at 8:49 am

    Oh. My. Goodness! Those have to be the cutest Christmas outfits ever! That’s the only thing about having boys…no cute ruffles! 🙂 I don’t tuck my jeans in my boots either. Actually, I don’t have any knee-high boots, but I really, really want some. I love the ones you posted. Looks like the perfect combination of toe shape/heel height. I really want the toes to be a little pointy, but usually they have 3 inch heels! My bday is coming up, so maybe….Stay warm this weekend!

  • Alison Todd
    December 12, 2009 at 9:40 am

    I wish I could make Forever 21 look as good as you. I never find anything as cute as what you have pointed out. And don’t worry about the tucking the jeans in the boots…I have two pairs of boots and couldn’t get my jeans in them if I tired…and trust me…I have. 😉

  • Betty
    December 12, 2009 at 9:54 am

    Not buy the school pictures???? They are adorable!!! Congratulations to Raiger for giving up her paci. My first child(who is now 28,smile) also had his paci until age 3, but his mother wasn’t brave. We actually lost it outside at Grandma and Grandpa’s house and even though we looked, we never found it. He was ok with that.

  • Michelle
    December 12, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Don’t stress about the pacifier thing. 1. They can smell fear. 2. This too shall pass.
    3. I realized when I went through it with both of my boys that it was only hard for a couple of days.
    Thanks for all of your inspiration! You are adorable.

  • Ann
    December 12, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Hi Darby. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now. I learned about it through Kendall Boggs – we live in Nashville and we knew them when they lived here. I just adore your blog! It is so real and like staying in touch with a long lost friend.

    I just felt compelled to leave a comment this time b/c of your paci victory. I am about to go through this with my 2 year old, Massey, with the bottle. I am totally terrified of how it’s going to go down, but we are doing it over Christmas holiday. Hopefully, she (and we) will make it just fine!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! Maybe you will find the Forever 21 shirt under the tree!!!
    Ann

  • b.a.
    December 12, 2009 at 10:35 am

    oh darby, i don’t know ya but i just love ya!
    i think your f21 date outfit is great (love that top!) and don’t worry, my sister still wears her jeans outside of her boots too! 😉
    also, i have an “addicted” 2 1/2 year old. every day i contemplate just chucking them out the window and starting the rehab process. my sister had the idea of having her put them in her stocking on christmas eve in exchange for goodies. let santa be the bad guy. we’ll see…

  • Sherry
    December 12, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Love the shirts. I’m ordering some. They are way cheaper than others I’ve seen. Thanks for the tip. Also, I was the hit of the Xmas party last night when I showed up with festive jars of your butter. I’ve already gotten 3 messages this morning from people saying how good it is. Thanks for making me feel like a rock star with the buttah!

  • rachael
    December 12, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Hey, just thought I’d tell you that we have a Forever 21 in Bel Air Mall in Mobile! It’s HUGE, too! ;o)

  • Sally
    December 12, 2009 at 11:38 am

    Hi! Last week I posted school pics on my blog too. I never buy school pictures either, but my last one was so sassy that it HAS to be a purchase! BTW, a friend of mine made your cinnamon/honey butter for some friends and me and it is FAB-U-LOUS! I have eaten my WEIGHT in it this morning and already know that I will HAVE to make more! Thanks for sharing!

  • Andrea
    December 12, 2009 at 11:54 am

    Pilling sweaters – I have a little battery operated “sweater shaver” and it works wonders! I think you can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond or someplace similar. Just don’t get over zealous and press really hard with the shaver, as it can shave a hole right through your sweater (I learned that the hard way)

  • Kelly J
    December 12, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Oh Darby… I can’t believe I’m admitting this… but when I saw this post in my RSS, all I saw of the Rover’s sweater romper was the hood and 3 stripes or so… and before reading, I got REALLY excited since I thought it was a woman’s sweater!

    I guess Rover and I share fashion sense!

  • Meredith
    December 12, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Hi! Love your blog, but rarely comment. I just had to comment about this one though. Paige’s school picture reminds me so much of my daugther’s. She is almost 3 and she is a blabbermouth at home, but so SHY otherwise. She would never smile at a stranger (camera man) if her life depended on it! She doesn’t cry when she goes to preschool, but it took her almost 2 months before she would so much as play (much less talk) at preschool. The teachers told me that she would just stand in the corner and watch the other kids play. She is beginning to open up now though, which is a relief! It is so funny how every child has such different personalities! Merry Christmas!

  • Courtney
    December 12, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    THANK YOU for posting the romper! old navy should give you some of the profit! 🙂

  • kc
    December 12, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    i love those rompers… bought one for my niece for christmas! It was great to see it on a lil one before I give it to her! I LOVE that top my forever its been in my “basket” for the last week I stopped in the store but it is SO hard to find things in there! i love jeans in boots and think it would be a cute outfit… make the switch you’ll feel super cute and look it too you could pull off a paperbag!

  • Melanie Malone
    December 12, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    Darby, you posts are always so funny and your pictures so cute. I can relate to everything you write about. I hope your family has a wonderful Christmas, I can”t wait to see more pics.

  • Mandy
    December 12, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    Hey…so cute! We are all hoarded in here in Charleston…it is cold here, too…42 is the high….Glad Raiger is doing well without the paci….my kids are thumb suckers and I remember how Morgan was able to stop…I may work on that after the holidays! I like your fashion choices…so cute! Yea, the boots and top are cute but I get how spit up, drool, pb&j, etc…doesn’t work with that look! I work part-time and have to dress daily but when I get home…I transform into my “home” look…dressing stylish and hip just is not practical for life with little ones…I am feeling crafty but have so much I NEED to do…hmmm…I think I will just sit here and eat my THIRD chocolate chip cookie! Have a good weekend…Mandy

  • Lauren
    December 12, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Rover was adorable in that romper. I ordered one for my little girl (pink) and little boy scheduled to arrive Wednesday!!!! Love your Christmas outfits too!! Can’t wait to see your Christmas photos. And just to let you know, I still wear my boots under my jeans also. 🙂
    Merry Christmas

  • Bonnie
    December 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    Darby, I’ve been a silent viewer of your blog for about five months now. I read an article about you and your family in the Wiregrass Christian Living magazine that led me to your blog. Your blog is so endearing and inspiring. AND… it lead me to learn all about the fun blogging world out there. It has amazed me how many young mothers encourage one another as well as the gardening, tablescaping, interior decorating, etc. wonderful blogs that are out there. Thanks for sharing your creativity and helpful ideas so generously and most of all for being so real. Merry Christmas.

  • Jeni
    December 12, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    Cute clothes!! Oh how I miss a romper on a little boy, my boy just turned 13 last Friday and I now shop for him in the MENS section of the Gap. I have never even thought of going in Forever 21, seeing as I am half way through my 30’s I thought I was way too old. But after seeing these I’m going to venture in the next time I’m 85 miles out of town near a Forever 21.

    Good luck with the paci, my baby (5) sucks her thumb and the problem with that is that we can’t get rid of it:)

  • Marianna
    December 12, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    My Maggie will be 3 in February and we are on day 7 of NO PACI’S! Woo Hoo! This is the 2nd attempt and hopefully it’s going to stick. Out of these 7 days there have only been 2 naps and that has been rough! Getting to bed is a challenge, but it seems to get easier every night. HANG IN THERE! The Paci Fairy came and took the Paci’s and left presents. She’s told me every night since: “Mom, please go call that Paci Fairy and tell her I want my paci’s back. I don’t want these presents anymore.” Ahhh, Kids! Love the Blog!

  • marianne
    December 12, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    I was just wondering (because I really enjoy your site) do you have any friends who are of a race other than caucasian? We are an ethnically mixed family and it just seems that that is not a factor in your day. I am beginning to share my on-line interests with my daughter, but I am seeking a balance. We are Christian, but I am finding, overwhelmingly that her ethnic background is not very well represented on websites such as yours. Perhaps, I have just not spent enough time looking? If you could provide me with some directions, I would be very appreciative! Thank oyu for your time.

  • Beth Goff
    December 12, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    Can you teach us how to make pictures larger on the blog? I cannot figure it out for the life of me how you get your pictures so big.

  • Shae
    December 12, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Oh my goodness…I don’t even know how I first found your blog (that is what I love about blogs!) but now it is one of my favs. I copied your urns on your front porch (b/c I clicked back through your house re-do- love it!). But this post made me come out of hiding…b/c I have a 15 month old that is ADDICTED! And I don’t think I can ever take it away from her- it makes me so sad just to THINK about it- ugh! B/c it just brings her such comfort – ya know? I just read your blog post outloud to my husband to show him that 15 months is NOTHIN’! I said, see..she can still have it when she is three! Anyway- love your blog- and your love for the Lord.

  • Victoria
    December 12, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    I read your blog every day but rarely comment. I had to tonight to let you know that we just broke my 4 year old’s thumb sucking addiction. Thank the Lord it was easier than we thought it would be! In the past we tried band aids, medical tape, you name it but it has never worked. In Sept we started her wearing mittens at night and we had several nights of tears but she got used to them and even started reminding us if we forgot her mittens. At 30 days we gave her a barbie and took her out for a special dinner. She made it to 45 days and then she got the flu and fever and mittens don’t mix so we took them off. She has not looked back once and is no longer sucking her thumb!!! WAHOO!!!

    Love the school pictures. At first I thought they were the same child. 🙂

    Enjoy your blog immensely!

  • Lindsey
    December 12, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    hey darby! so glad to have finally met you! wish we could have hung out a lot longer. i haven’t laughed that hard in a LONG time! your girls were just precious and i’m sure i would have adored john martin too, had we made it before his bedtime. please know you guys can stop at our house anytime on your trips to your fam. we’re just a couple minutes off the interstate and we have enough sockets for grady and rover to share?! and if you stay long enough, we can go to forever 21 in bham:). thanks again for having us. it was a blessing!

  • Melise
    December 12, 2009 at 11:03 pm

    Ok the paci thing…..thank you for the encouragement but I’m convinced that she’ll walk down the isle with it and I’ll have to run up there and snatch the stupid thing out of her mouth so she can say “I do”! And then it’s her new hubby’s problem! I can’t do it, I just cant!

    LOL 😉

  • Katie
    December 12, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    Haha. I am the same way with my boots! Seriously there are very few of us who actuall wear our jeans normal! haha

  • natalie @ our old southern house
    December 13, 2009 at 8:42 am

    i ordered mary margaret one of those rompers! too cute and at $12 plus free shipping plus 20% off…it was hard to resist!! 🙂

  • allison
    December 13, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I love forever 21…I call it the poor man’s Anthropologie! I feel silly sometimes in there being a thrity-something shopping with teenie boppers, so online ordering is fab!! Just be careful, they have a weird return policy…

    And about the piling…all of their clothes pretty much will fall apart at one point or another, but they are inexpensive so….

  • Dina
    December 13, 2009 at 9:03 am

    1. I love the outfit-I’d never know where your clothes came from if you didn’t tell us, you put them together SO well!
    2. I too still wear my jeans outside my tall boots, but just ventured out and bought a pair of skinny jeans-Maternity mind you-because I realized regular jeans look terrible inside my riding boots! I’ll let you know if I look like a pear on toothpicks!
    3. Thank you so much for the sewing machine info. My Christmas present this year is a sewing machine, so different from other years, but as a first-time mom to be, you’ve been inspiring me for a long time now and I want to sew like Darby does!
    Merry Weekend!

  • Michele
    December 13, 2009 at 9:31 am

    Oh Darby. Just love ya’. Where else can I get fashion tips, addiction advice, and inspiration?! You’re a rock star…the best kind, I mean. You know my 4-year old still*** asks me “mommy, when can we go to the toy store so I can pick out a toy so I stop sucking my fingers? You know, like that girl on your computer.” LOL Oh my. Maybe it’s time…
    Wishing you all a blessed Christmas in celebrating our sweet Savior!

  • Dianne
    December 13, 2009 at 10:24 am

    You are an angel on earth. Thank you so much for sharing your family life with us. It really gives my day much joy. We are still in need of prayer Darby, thank you for this too. xoxo

  • Mag
    December 13, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    We tuck in the jeans in our boots for a reason, which I sure you all can guess why? To keep the sloppy, dirty, slushy snow off the pant legs. I made the mistake of wearing light colored cords last night and they are just black at the bottom! Ah, to live in a snow free zone- that would be nice!!

  • Ashley
    December 13, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    Hey! I do not comment much, but I’m definitely a stalker 🙂 I love everything about this post! 1) The outfit that you have saved to your favorites will be SUPER DUPER CUTE! I think you should let Santa purchase it for you and then also let him take you out in a date 🙂 THEN post the picture for us to see!! 2) I think you did the right thing with Paige! Mom tells me that one day several years ago (I’m 20 now) she told me that the mail man needed my passies to give to other children, so we put them in an envelope, mailed them off, and then I would cry and cry whenever I saw a mail man because he “took my passies away!” Haha 3) LOVE the pants that you just “cranked out!” 🙂 I surely do wish that I could crank out something that cute in just a few minutes!!

  • Tess
    December 13, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Hi Darby,

    Thanks! I live in Chicago, and can’t get enough of Forever 21 (and TJ Maxx) ((And Nordstrom Rack))….the list could go on. It’s a great store to stock up on cute pieces that don’t rock the bank. Thanks for answering!

    -Tess

  • Jenna
    December 14, 2009 at 12:21 am

    Hi Darby! I just wanted to let you know my friends and I decided to make crafts for our “girl Christmas” this past weekend, and I made the apron from your tutorial! It turned out really well, I am going to make it for family now too! My last post has pictures of it if you want to take a look! We all read your blog and love it 🙂
    Jenna

  • Brook
    December 14, 2009 at 10:38 am

    I love the sweater outfit from Old Navy. My runny-nosed drooler has it in the brown. I wanted the navy, but they were out of his size. I wear my boots inside my jeans too. Maybe it’s a south Alabama thing. 🙂

  • Pat
    December 14, 2009 at 10:40 am

    My son saw a friend’s little boy (2 1/2) still using a pacifier 24 hours a day and immediately decided his otherwise perfect son (1 1/2 yrs old) would stop using one. And, he did – cold turkey no fussing. My daughter in law (and I) was quite impressed.

  • Melissa
    December 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    Love the school photos. So sweet and they look so much alike that fun to see the different personalities. Good luck with the pacifiers!! I was a thumb sucker until 5ish and bribes worked for me.

  • Kristen
    December 14, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    This post made me chuckle! I thought it was funny how you felt like the last person in Chicago who wears their pants outside their boots! I live in Chicago and I have to admit, I always tuck pants into boots now, I don’t know where the trend came from, but it is pretty cute (at least I think so!). That shirt from Forever looks really cool! It’s amazing the kind of things you can find there if you just do a little searching. If you ever wear the ensemble you came up with, you’ll have to post a picture!! You would look so cute 🙂

  • Christie
    December 14, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Hopefully y’all are still doing well with no paci! I thought taking the paci away was so much easier than getting a child to stop thumb-sucking. In fact, I still haven’t found the answer to that one. We have been praying and praying among many other things, but it is still going full-swing. I am trying to be patient, but it is so difficult. And now I have another thumb-sucker. I am thinking about trying to get him to use a paci so that I can later take it away. I don’t think anyone would look too kindly on me if I just chopped off my kids’ thumbs! 😉

  • Allyson
    December 14, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    Oh my! We are giving up the paci at Christmas….I am dreading it. At 2 1/2 she needs to be in Paci’s Anonymous. The funny thing is she goes all day without it at daycare! but the minute we get in the car she asks for it! I am off work for two weeks so I figure now is the time. I am doing paci before potty! So excited that yall are paci free!!!! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!!!!

  • this blessed nest
    December 14, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    i don’t know where i’ve been, but i have just recently discovered both yours & your twins sisters’ blog. perhaps, since i have twins and a 3 y.o. maybe that is why i have been missing your incredible blog with all of these incredible photos, and “mad” writing skills.

    anyways, i cannot thank you enough for all of your camera info on your link. thankfully, the husb & i are treating ourselves to a new camera this Christmas, and I think i now know what to get. thanks, to you & some friend recommendations. you make it all sounds so simple. i know it will be many practices, trial & errors for us. but looking forward to it.

    thanks again. have a lovely week.
    kellie

  • MommaMe
    December 16, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    What pattern do use for the girls cute ruffled pants?

  • Tracie
    December 16, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Thank you for the words of encouragment, we will be giving up the “paci” for the new year and before my son turns 3. I do believe it is more about me than him, I keep telling myself that he sleeps so well and why would I mess that up (although the dds. says his bite is not so good anymore). I just found your blog and can’t wait to set some time aside to browse but first I have to make the butter by Friday morning to give to the teachers!!! Yikes…Happy Holidays

  • Lori-Anne
    December 16, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    I just discovered your blog from a link on Heather Bullard’s, and really enjoy your writing. Here’s a tip that’s probably too late for your daughter’s addiction but might help at some point with your son, if he has the same craving. When my son was 18 months old, I cut his ‘dummy’ down the centre before presenting it to him and saying, “uh-oh, dummy’s broken!” He took it, popped it in his mouth, sucked a couple of times and took it out and examined it. I gave it to him whenever he wanted it, but since it was not working anymore, he soon stopped asking. And that, as they say, was that.