Nesting

My kids and I were doing some yard work at Maple Memories when they discovered a nest. Of course, they could only see the bottom of the nest while looking up and they HAD to know if it had something inside. So we got out the ladder to take a peek...

How exciting!!! We'll keep you posted on how our 4 latest additions are doing in the upcoming days and weeks (as Momma bird allows!).

Supporting Joplin

3 women...1 mission. Supporting Joplin. I am blessed with some very caring friends. Ones that don't just say that they wish they could help, but ones that do. Today, we made a trip to the store and put together toiletry packs (male and female) to take to Joplin. We are planning on making a trip soon (after the initial search and rescue is over) to help with the clean up. Today we filled 40 bags with shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, chapstick, toothbrush, toothpaste, tampons, ponytail holders, lotion, Q-tips, Cotton balls, hand wipes, and soap. Our goal is to fill at least 80 more (but we'd love to provide more).

All the contact lens solution and cases seen on the left...donated by the lovely man working in the eyeglasses place at Wal-Mart. There was a sign next to the samples that said take one and one for a friend. We told him we were taking things to Joplin...he said take them all!! AND then he went into the back and got us several more big boxes full! People are good and I believe he will be blessed for his actions.

Female Kits

Male Kits

If you'd like to help, we'd gladly accept any of the items above.  We would also like to take larger (non-travel size) bottles of Bug Spray, Hand Sanitizer, and Sunscreen for the people working and doing clean up.  A few other items that would be useful: blankets, individual bottles or gallons of water and/or gatorade, baby formula, diapers, wipes, and any first aid kit items.  If you want to donate, contact me at shannon@maplememories.com.

More Mother's Day Gift Ideas...

Here are some more handmade ideas...

A Customized Family Name Tile by Summer at SugarBritches Designs.

These camera straps from Cotton Candy by Natalie are fun and fashionable.  She has tons of patterns to choose from!

I know I already posted gift ideas from The Rusted Chain, but Beki just released a new Sports Mom design that is too perfect for Mother's Day!!  Soccer, Baseball, Football, Volleyball...whatever sports mom you are with your child's number!  I love it!

This is so simple and cute.  What Mom wouldn't love to hear that!?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas - Made by other Mommas!

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Here are some wonderful and unique gifts made by other mommas that I thought I'd share.

Custom hand stamped jewelry from The Rusted Chain, full of meaning and inspiration! A bit rustic, a bit elegant, a lot gorgeous. Use MAMA20 for 20% off.  Hurry because the offer expires 4/23/11.  Click here to go directly to the shop.

Head on over to Aedriel Originals for these adorable plates.  Great idea for Grandma too!

She also has this mug that would be great for the Stay-at-Home Mom.  So many wonderful creations...go ahead check them out!

Le Papier Studio has a unique way for a Mom to show off her incredible family...

Ok, I'll be back tomorrow with some more great finds.  Drop me a line at shannon@maplememories.com if you know of any other great shops or gift ideas made by other Moms!

Tie Dye Cupcakes

I made these tie dye cupcakes for my daughter to take to school to celebrate her 10th birthday.  It's times like these that I'm thankful to live in a small town that lets you take in homemade goodies.  They were fun to make and she was so excited to take them to school. You can find the recipe here.

Oh, and for the frosting, I just bought the Duncan Hines Whipped Frosting.  It was easy...and sometimes, like when you are making cupcakes at 10pm the night before they are needed, mom's need easy!

Giving Back

We want to give money to YOUR school. Book a weekend in May 2011 and we'll donate $100 to the school of YOUR choice. Staying during the week? We'll give YOUR school $25 for each day you stay! Contact us for more details and to book your stay!! Email shannon@maplememories.com or call 620-480-1357.

Survey

There are so many different ways to edit photographs. People like different "looks". Just out of curiosity, which style do you prefer? Photograph 1 or Photograph 2?