What a difference a year can make.

Oh, you poor little neglected blog of mine, I'm so sorry I left you for so long! Things got a little crazy last year, but now we're back and ready for action!

So many things happened in 2014, but here are some of the highlights:

Ella and Madeline turned 2 and Willow turned 5 this year. Where did my babies go?!

I started my own children's accessories business called Willow's Whimsies.  I make bows, headbands, chunky necklaces and other fun accessories for little girls. It's become a fun little family adventure with the girls sometimes joining in to help.

The girls got to take their little cousin Amelia on her first trip to Disney World for her birthday. There's nothing like making magical memories with family.

Willow graduated from both speech and occupational therapy! She's now on level with her peers for speech, and she's gained control of many of her PDD-NOS and SPD "quirks". She still has some work to do on her social skills, but she's come so far!

To celebrate Willow's "graduation" we went on a mini vacation to St. Augustine, which now tops our list of favorite places. The girls had so much fun exploring the streets of the oldest city in the US, visiting the Fountain of Youth, and becoming Jr. Rangers at the Castillo.

We moved into a new place, but it didn't last long. We're moving again in March to a bigger house in a neighborhood with multiple parks and a splash pad for the kids! It's so much nicer and more child friendly then our current condo.

Zach got a new job with a raise, it'll be a great help to our growing family...

We're expecting a new little person in July. A sweet baby girl, we can't wait to meet you Holland Claire!

Pinned It, Made it! No Sew Tree Skirt

Now that Thanksgiving it over, it's time to move on to Christmas decorating! Willow asked to put the tree up the other night and that's when I realized that we don't own a tree skirt! I've had this no sew tree skirt pinned for awhile and decided it was time to make it! You can follow my Pinterest boards here.

Original Pin:

I chose to go with a bright white and red to go with our "Dr. Seuss" tree. Our theme is red, lime green, silver and white. Nothing fancy, just fun, funky and unbreakable!

Our Version:

What you Need

• 4-1/2' x 4-1/2' piece of canvas (a painter's canvas works great)
• 4 yards of material - If you're alternating colors you may need slightly more of the one color then the other.
• sharp scissors
• hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Optional Materials:

• Fray  Block Glue
• Ribbon
• Old Tree Skirt

How to Make it:

Fold the square into quarters, then over itself to form a triangle with the folded center at point. Cut base in a quarter circle .Cut a small quarter circle out of the point  Open the skirt until it's folded in half and cut along the radius on one side of the center hole only. This will provide a hole for the tree trunk and a slit in the fabric so the skirt can be placed under the tree.

Cut your material into 2 inch stripes.

Preheat hot glue gun. Apply a line of hot glue approximately 1 1/2 inches from outside edge of skirt. Create ruffles by pinching linen with fingers and pushing gathers down onto hot glue .Work in small sections, no more than about 12 inches at a time. Continue this process around the entire skirt edge. Start the next row approximately 1 1/2 inches above the previous row. Continue adding rows until entire canvas base is covered. Add ribbon ties if you want them them, I left them off!

Our finished product:

Ignore the fact that I only have 1 ribbon, the others are being "recurled" because my kids like to pull them straight. Plus a bonus picture of our tree decor!

Melissa and Doug- Win Your Wishlist Event Cyber Monday 11/26

The Win Your Wishlist Event is happening Cyber Monday 11/26 on Melissa and Doug's Facebook Page! It's super easy to enter, just fill out the Wish List  that will be available on their Facebook page Monday morning. Throughout the day they'll select 3 winners who will each receive $100 towards their wishlist!

Make sure to check out their Cyber Deals too which include FREE personalization and up to 40% off select items!

Melissa and Doug Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy Giveaway ends 11/19

Christmas is right around the corner! To help you get a head start on your holiday shopping, Melissa and Doug has put together their Terrific Twenty Holiday Gift Guide for 2012. For the next 20 days they'll be giving away hosting a giveaway a day, where one lucky Facebook fan will win one of the toys on the gift guide list. To celebrate they're also giving one lucky Life Unexpected reader a Rattle Rumble Toddler Push Toy!

"This sturdy push toy rattles and rumbles along with a toddler's early steps! Colorful toys tumble around in three clear canisters as this wooden toy moves forward or backward. It's a toddler classic that will have beginning walkers on a roll!"

Dimensions: 24.75" x 15.5" x 7.5" Assembled

Recommended Ages: 1+ year(s)

Adult assembly required. Adult supervision required.

The Rattle Rumble has a retail value of $69.99 and would be a great gift for any new walker! You can win a Rattle Rumble of your own by entering using the Rafflecopter Below! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner?! Struggling with ideas on what to get your little ones? Melissa & Doug has you covered with their Terrific Twenty Holiday Gifts List. They've put together a list of 20 great toys that your children are sure to love. From the littlest ones on your list to the big kids at heart there's something for everyone! To make things even easier starting November 6th (that's today!) they'll be giving away one of each toy on the list for the next 20 days! Check out Melissa and Doug's Facebook page for your chance to win!

We'll be giving away one of the Terrific Twenty on Life Unexpected as well, stop by tomorrow for your chance to win!
    

Willow, Ella, and Madeline Fall Pictures

We recently had a friend do a photoshoot with the girls and I thought it was time to share some updated pictures of all of the kids. We took them to the local courthouse and railroad tracks to play and Elizabeth chased them around snapping pictures. They really reflect our girls' personality much more than a a traditional studio shoot. I can't believe how big my "little" girls are! If you're in the Central Florida Area, you can visit Elizabeth's website to set up your own photoshoot!

Ella Elizabeth

Madeline Quinn

 Willow Genevieve