Anne with an "e"- Coming Soon

The Anne of Green Gables series is a classic treasure that has been enjoyed by many generation after generation. I first read this collection as a young girl and fell in love with the characters and story, sometimes pretending I was right there next to Anne! Lucy Maud Montgomery's writing style draws the reader in allowing them to feel, touch and even smell the many experiences the characters in her story are experiencing. For true fans of Montgomery and her writing there are many stories outside of the Anne series that are just as engaging and enjoyable to read. If you haven't read the other stories written by Montgomery you won't have to wait much longer! Coming soon is a wonderful ebook collection of the Anne books as well as many other stories written by L.M. Montgomery. Once published I will post here with the link to purchase this ultimate collection! Stay Tuned......

All images courtesy of Sullivan Entertainment.

Are You Ready to See Your Fixer Upper?

The Magnolia Story

When we hear this question there is no doubt who is asking! Of course this famous line belongs to the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Whether it is your first time watching or hundredth time you might find yourself asking different series of questions, like—Who are these people? Why do they only choose homes in the Waco area? What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? Through the many episodes of the show Fixer Upper, fans have a front row seat into the delightful and engaging lives and work of the shows stars Chip and Joanna.

Fans are given a detailed look at their life together through their first book, The Magnolia Story. The story engages readers as Chip and Joanna take them through their first renovation project that nearly cost them everything, the story of how they met and many other twists and turns that led them to the life they share on their farm today.

The stories in their book allow readers to see the quirky, vulnerable, and real lives the Gaines live including their struggles and triumphs. Their voice is clear and consistent with what their fans see on the show allowing their down to earth family oriented style shine through. They have truly become America’s new best friends.

Pick up this book today on Amazon!

Improve Your Child's Fine Motor Skills With This Fun Game

Improve Your Child's Fine Motor Skills With This Simple Game

A lot is happening in those little growing bodies! For most 3-5 year old children their growth spurts happen rapidly and can create some frustrations when it comes to fine motor skills. Developing hand eye coordination through simple yet fun games is a way to help them as they grow. 

I've created a handmade game perfect for helping hone those fine motor skills! Oh, and did I mention you can use this game to help them with color recognition skills at the same time! 

This brightly colored felt fishing game comes with four felt fish in different colors. Each fish has one soft velcro "eye" instead of the traditional magnet eye most games have. The wooden fishing pole has a short leather line with a felt hook that has the rough side of the velcro. Since velcro sticks to felt (and the soft velcro eye) your child can use the fishing pole and hook to catch as many felt fish as they desire. 

When we play this game at home I like to call out a color and see if my little one can catch that color fish first. It is a great way to occupy your child while helping them as they grow!

Find these great games in my etsy shop here!

Instant Picture Camera

If your are looking for a modern twist on the old Polaroid look no further! The Fujifilm Instax Camera might be just what you are looking for! Want a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card that you could use to purchase this sweet little camera? Well there is a give-away happening now over at the great blog MADE . The giveaway began on 3/21/16 and end 4/30/16. You can receive 2 total entries (ways to enter are listed on the website blog). Good luck!

disclosure I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post

Thanks!
Erin

Two Months Old!

Josh is now 2 months old - can you believe it! Here are some pics of our little guy along with a great picture of all the kids in their pj's relaxing in the morning. Josh is staring to smile and almost giggle. He is a lot of fun and everyone is really enjoying him.

Introducing .....Josh Allen Evans

We are so proud to announce the arrival of our newest bundle of joy! Josh Allen Evans was born on Tuesday February 12 at 7:15 pm. He weighed 8lbs and measured 20 1/2 " long. After two long days of labor it was all worth it when he arrived. Here are some pics of Josh and our family:

Daddy Daughter Dance 2013

Gary took the girls to the annual daddy daughter dance along with the Knolls, Vandekerkoffs & Noahs. All the girls looked lovely all dressed up. The girls got to do crafts, make-n-takes, eat doughnuts and dance til they dropped! Here are some pics of the night:

Rian, Avaree, Gillian, Kami & Jillian

Our Poor Stapler

Who knew this could happen to office supplies..... (message left by the kids) Glad is isn't getting too smelly!

Baby #4 Ultrasound Pics

So I'm way behind posting these but since we haven't actually had the baby yet I think I have some wiggle room here. Earlier this month we had our first ultrasound done for baby #4. We DID NOT find out what the baby's gender is - this will be a surprise to all until the baby is born. We love these kinds of surprises!! The kids came with us to see the baby. The girls knew what to expect since they have "been there, done that" before. Poor Drew however was so confused - he thought the doctor was going to take the baby out for a bit and then put it back in. He was bored after five  minutes until he discovered the "jelly" spread over my stomach. Every once in awhile I felt a little finger playing with the jelly along the side of my stomach.

So anyway here are some pics of our little #4:

Late Summer Fun

There is a great park in Jenison, a small town close to Grand Rapids where we try to take the kids at least once a year. The entire playground is constructed from wood in the shape of a large ship (we think it is a pirate ship!). There are tons of places throughout the structure to explore, hide or climb. Even the grownups can't resist a little play time on the pirate ship! Here are some pics of the kids finding great adventures within the ship (hidden tire swing under the hull - yes sir!!) Enjoy!