***The winner of the PostalPix credit is Lesley!!! Congrats!****
Simple, sweet, and grainy!
Let’s put those instagrams to good use! (I’m jeannettg)
I had so much success with our birdhouse craft, I was stoked to see these canvas kits on clearance at Target for $1.48.
Hideous and weird? Yes.
Kept the kids quiet for a half hour? Yes.
Will they find themselves in the trash because neon frogs aren’t really my gig? Yes.
Am I mean? Yes.
Do I care? No.
Jilly’s IEP is next month.
It’s basically a big, giant meeting with the school district to go over her Individualized Education Plan for the next year (she’s only three, but that’s when kids move to the school district).
I was basically gonna show up solo and just fill Andy in on what they said.
Turns out, it’s a MUCH bigger deal than that. MUCH. And I’ve been informed by special needs parents all over the country that it can be hideous and one of the hardest days of my entire year. I had NO idea.
So I bought some books
Rubber gloves, a replica of a pelvis, and a tiny little itty bitty plastic uterus.
So sweet.
Doctor appointments are frequent at this point in my pregnancy.
Isn’t being a woman grand?
This weird thing happens when you read blogs: you feel like you know the blogger.
And then certain things totally remind you of a blogger when you’re out and about.
For me, whenever I see a white owl, I think of Nester. (I also think of her when I see fur covered chairs…which isn’t often but I do).
If I’m shopping and I see a squirrel or starfish, I think of Julie.
It makes me wonder if people think of me when they see something?
Hideously yellow kitchen islands, perhaps?
Oh wait. You don’t see that. Because other people don’t do that. On purpose.
I have super powers of suggestion.
Subtle. Discreet. Sweet.
My husband should get an award for putting up with me.
A medal of valor or something.
Ten minutes later? What did I have in my hot little eight month pregnant hand?
Yes, that’s right.
Take notes ladies.
Speaking of hot little hands…
NAUGHTY!
Six freshly cut, incredibly fragrant roses from my garden.
So pretty and happy, minding their own cotton pickin’ business decorating my living room.
Punk. Just you wait until your first boyfriend brings you roses. Then we’ll see how you like it.
(Kidding. Unless I don’t approve of him. Which I probably won’t. So all bets are off blondie. Muahahahaha!)
If you’re like me, you are irrevocably in love with Instagram.
And honestly, even though I have a big fancy DSLR, I find that many of my absolute favorite pictures are the ones I snapped with my cell phone. They capture the little things. The everyday. The simple moments otherwise overlooked and long forgotten.
Which is why I also love InstaFriday. And not because I host it. But because it paints the picture of our life.
So when I stumbled across Postal Pix, an app where you can order prints of your Instagrams right from your phone, I was in love. So many blog posts I’ve seen about printing instas talk about making a big collage in your computer and then printing it poster size at Costco and then cutting them all apart. Um, nothankyou. Too much work.
Download the Postal Pix app (in the app store), click a few buttons on your screen, pick your favorite instas right from your camera roll, and three days later I had a stack of thirty four 4×4 prints in my mailbox.
The quality was great, ordering was super duper easy, and shipping was fast. I’m a fan. I will be back.
I found a couple of (kinda ugly) bulletin board type things at Kohl’s on clearance for $9.99 each. I spraypainted the frames a crisp white and simply push pinned my instas right on. I purposely didn’t frame them behind glass because I want to be able to change them out easily.
I made sure to include things besides just pictures of the kids. I really wanted these two boards to tell the story of our life: the very necessary cup of morning coffee, the dishwasher filled with dishes, the flowers on the coffee table. Superhero capes at Costco, swim class, and trampolines. All of those things are life at the Gibson’s.
These two cork boards make me insanely happy. I cannot help but look at them and break out in a smile. Which is especially helpful when the kids are being insane. It makes me like them again. At least for a bit.
I have all these grand ideas for gifts. Dad’s office needs some insta love. Grandmas. Cousins. Postal Pix has a cool gallery of things their customers have done with their prints. My favorite is the instas hanging from helium balloons at a birthday party.
I asked Postal Pix if they’d be willing to hook you guys up too. And guess what? They said YES!
For starters, they are offering all of you 25% OFF YOUR ORDER from June 1 to June 3 with code: lifepix. Promo code ends 11:59 p.m. PST. So that gives you until midnight on Sunday! Go now! I got 34 prints for ten bucks at regular price!
And one of you lucky linker uppers will win a $10 PLUS free shipping credit to Postal Pix!!!! (giveaway now closed)
Now grab a button, link up, and leave comment love on at least two other InstaFridayers!
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I think you just made my whole weekend with this postal pix business. Sweet deal!
Carissa at lowercase letters´s last blog post ..life lately.
Thank you SO much. I just downloaded the Postal Pix app and I can’t wait to place an order!! You just made my whole day :) And I just went thru the IEP process again for my 9 year old and next week I’m doing one for my 4 year old. If you are prepared, know what you absolutely will not budge on and what you can compromise, it’s not that bad. I always make a list beforehand of the points I want covered, what I deem an absolute necessity and then the things I wish would happen. It helps me to remember that I don’t have to sign anything I don’t agree with. Good luck :)
Delilah´s last blog post ..Life in an Instagram
Love your little conversation with Jilly about the roses. Hilarious!
Brandy´s last blog post ..Insta-Friday Letters
Love the canvas idea! Im pregnant too, anything for some peace and this point!! Thank you so much for the Postal Pix app info!!
Jill @ Momma Totally in Love
Oh, hot little hands… they get to me!
As a former special education teacher (3 to 5 year olds) I wish you the best in Jill’s upcoming IEP! I always tried to be incredibly prepared and keep the IEP meeting under an hour. I hope your school district does, too, for everybody’s sake! It helps to come prepared with what realistic expectations you have for your child and a willingness to do what is best for her. I have seen wonderful educators and parents bless the lives of the children they teach by implementing good IEP practices. Best of luck to you and your sweet family!
That app looks awesome! Too bad I don’t have an iPhone :( Jill is too cute, little cutie looks so innocent! :)
I want your table under the picture boards! I painted a half circle table in my entry way the ever so awesome mermaid net and it looks horrible! I think it must be the metal legs..just doesn’t work.
Forgot to tell you that I painted my island too, even after you did yours. I matched the paint to my aqua Fiestaware, it was HIDEOUS!! Thankfully I only painted a small part so I was able to cover it quickly! I don’t understand why it looks so great on everyone elses?? haha..gonna attempt to paint my laundry room rug with it, I can throw it away if its another FAIL..
Definitely good call on brushing up some skills for the IEP meeting! You are even allowed to bring a “family advocate” (aka someone that you know/trust that has also been through the IEP process) if you want. Just make sure you call the school beforehand and let them know. Also, don’t be afraid to ask 1230934 questions! A lot of times in meetings like that, many of the people on the school side are used to using certain jargon that they hear every day, don’t be discouraged if you “don’t understand”. It’s them, not you. Really. Good luck!
LOVE the subtle text to your hubby. Glad to see that I’m not the only wife who does that. Good luck with the school district. Awesome of PostalPics to offer a discount. I’ve ordered from them before and was VERY happy. Can’t wait to order more! Thanks for the hookup friend! Have a great weekend!
Alyson @EisleyRae´s last blog post ..happy friday!
Good luck with the meeting. I go to 40 plus a year ……speaking from the district side (although not your district) most people who work with students with special needs do so because they love the kids and they want what’s best for them. In my state you have the right to call an IEP meeting at any time so if something comes up after the meeting, don’t think you have to wait an entire year to revisit it.
On another note, I too see things in real life and am reminded of my cyber friends.
I’ve been meaning to order some Postal Pix so I guess now I better get around to it!
Stephanie C.´s last blog post ..Insta-Friday
I totally think of other bloggers when I’m out and about. And I took note on the texting McFlurry subliminal message! Great idea!
I think of you every time I see stick families. And injured animals. Goodbye.
Jessica Johnson´s last blog post ..Hello, Monday.
Good idea to educate yourself on the IEP. I too heard the horror stories so I was very nervous about our first one. We had decided to waive services for a few months when my son started and the school staff were at a loss as to how to complete the paperwork because nobody waives services. They were great and we could tell they were on edge as to how we would react since it was our first IEP. We’ve never had a bad experience in the four years we’ve been doing IEPs. I try to be easy to work with while keeping in mind my son’s priorities. I think a willingness to work with the staff helps. I definitely don’t go in demanding and being rigid-however-if the occasion calls for it, I can be someone’s worst enemey. Even though we’ve had nothing but good experiences, I still dread going to IEP meetings. I think mostly because it’s a reminder of how others see my son. We get caught up in the day to day and how we interact with him. Even thought the school staff are always positive, it can be an eye opener to learn how he interacts with others when we’re not around.
Hehe… I can’t be subtle with my husband, he just doesn’t get it. ;)
Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia}´s last blog post ..photo dump!
I LOVE those Postal Pics! I have to try that. Such a great idea!
I totally cracked up when I saw the picture of your daughter with the rose petals all around her. So mischeivious! My son is the exact same way!
Have a great weekend! :)
Stephanie´s last blog post ..instafriday
I’ve heard all about Postal Pix…now I HAVE to check it out!
I remember sending pregnant texts like that :)
Can’t link because I’m awesome like that. I did, however, spot the postal pix link on your instagram feed a while back and downloaded the app right then and there. My objective is to download enough prints to frame for my father-in-law for fathers day. Thanks again for the inspiration =0)
Cheers,
Caryl
This is so fun!!! thanks for hosting! I just found and started following you on Instagram. :)
Hilani-Handmade by Hilani´s last blog post ..{Sisboom} Fabric – Mini Messenger Purse
I am SO glad to hear that I am not the only parent who buys crafts and then throws them away once the kids complete them ;)
I hope your IEP goes well. I’d like to be a voice of hope and let you know that sometimes, they DO go well. Two of my 3 children have had IEPs (one still does) and its never been the nightmare others post/talk about, thankfully.
Love your Friday posts. Always link up. We live in So Cal and my son’s first IEP is next week (he’s almost three like your Jilly).
xoxo.
I am a 4th grade teacher and also have a degree in Special Education. One thing I can say from my experiences in IEP meetings is that when any one in the team asks if you have any questions. ASK THEM! When you make the IEP a plan, it is a document that becomes a “law” for your child. Be certain that what you agree to HAPPENS. Too many times I have watched parents quietly agree to crap. Know your child, trust the teachers and their knowledge of kids. Teachers aren’t evil, they just don’t know your child as well as you do. They will grow to love her nearly as much as you do and want to do their best. Be willing to work together, make suggestions when you can, and ask questions.
Can’t wait to read more about it. You are going to be a great mom for an IEP meeting, because you KNOW and LOVE your child. You see GOOD in her future. Sadly, not all parents I’ve dealt with do.,
I love Postal Pix! I’ve used them a couple of times and I’m crazy happy about the prints. Now I just need to find some wall space somewhere in my house to display them. I really like your bulletin board idea. :)
If only they posted to Australia. Boo!!
Selina´s last blog post ..45/366
Loved this!
Kerry @ Made For Real´s last blog post ..This week’s “Wow! Thing”
always so late to my favorite party – i LOVE that i capture all of the little things in life with my iphone camera! they are my favorite pictures as well! thank you for being such a wonderful hostess!
i downloaded postal pix way back when i first got the iphone, but have yet to order, think i will be taking advantage of your discount code! thank you!!!
jenni´s last blog post ..InstaFriday – Hello Summer!
Utterly LOVE that tip!! I will be hitting the app store stat!
thanks so much. I HOPE I WIN!!!
Looks like you had quite a week! Love your blog, love this link up. MUST FIND YOU ON IG.
I’m so excited that I found your blog and your meme! Not only am I addicted to blogging but I’m also addicted to Instagram so what better to combine them! I look forward to joining you every week and sharing our pics!
Thanks! Steph, As Told By Steph
Steph´s last blog post ..Insta-Friday
So glad I found this link-up! Joining for the first time. :) And I’m glad your “subtle” McFlurry text worked out haha.
I love what you did with the Postal Pix! I’m ordering some ASAP!
Krissa´s last blog post ..Camera Phone Friday {6.1.12}
Absolutely LOVe your bulletin boards. I may have to steal the idea. I like how you left them without glass so you can switch up the photos. Very cool. Off to check out the photo ordering app!
Lisa B.´s last blog post ..Insta-Friday Newbie
I can NOT wait til Postal Pix is available for android… I really want to do the bulletin board thing – it looks so fantastic!
wendy´s last blog post ..InstaFriday
Oh I will pray that your IEP experience is a good one!! I am an Autism Support teacher and IEPs are my LIFE (I have 8 of them on Monday – yikes!!). There are always going to be good districts and bad districts, good & bad supervisors, OTs, PTs, SLPs, and teachers. I know that we work hard as a team together at my school, and it’s almost always a positive time when we have meetings – celebrating strengths, reviewing needs, and developing a plan for the next year. I hope everything works out really well for you guys!!!
Christina @ Christina’s Adventures´s last blog post ..20 Below Thursday #75