Maybe not so OCD ...

So I took a moment to scrapbook something that has been pretty important to me and I wanted to post it before the new year. Last year I participated in Ali Edwards concept of "one little word". If you haven't seen this before you can go HERE.

This is not a hokey-pokey kind of thing. It is the one thing you want for your year. Last year I needed a gentle reminder that what I did with my time, my life, my energy - was MY CHOICE! So my word for 2011 was choice.
I wrote it a chalkboard that is placed prominantly in our home to remind me as I walked by. I am always feeling guilty for saying NO to things - so I rarely do. Instead, I pile myself up with event after event, task after task, all the while leaving the important things behind (in a manner of speaking). I often reminded myself of it when the phone rang or the email/text came. Sometimes I didn't say no, but the ability within myself to consider it was present.

Did this fix all my life's problems - by no means! But it helped some of them. It allowed me to ask for help when I needed it so that I could spend time doing the "important" things.

My word for 2012 is BALANCE. Now that I know it is my choice - how do I balance what I have chosen? That my friends is a very large "one little word". I hope you think about this and maybe you can use it to help you through what is sure to be an interesting New Year!

Peace to you all.

Because I am OCD...

I must post things in the order in which they occur! Thus - Christmas will have to wait until I put up these birthday pics.

The twins decided on separate celebrations this year so we did a family lunch after school on their birthday (it was a half day) at Olive Garden.

What I love about this pic is that my children are learning to take photos of things other than people. The wrapping paper, the presents (unopened), etc which I think it cool. Documenting can never be done "wrong".

Here is Grandma's wrapping this year - handmade!

We bought them each a Nook - can you tell they were excited?!?

I won't ruin the excitement of these pictures with the sad story of what happened to their Nooks and how one might (or might not) be severly under the weather. It's what happens when trying to "hide your valuables" when heading into Wal-mart.

Abbi chose a pedicure, lunch and cupcakes with a few close friends. I won't show their faces (cause I haven't asked their parents and am too impatient to wait for permission) but I figured and toe ( and hand) shot would be just fine!

In all, it was a fun day of celebrating with the girls and alot less stress than a huge party. Not sure I would want to forego a party every year but this was a nice change. Happy Thursday everyone and I will post a wonderful layout I did for my niece tomorrow - I am determined to do more scrapbooking this New Year:)

Christmas Shirt (and a preview!)

So I have actually done a few things crafty recently - this seems to be one of the hits for sure. I saw this on pinterest a LONG time ago and have had the stuff for a while so now it was time. It is a cute tree design out of ribbon onto a basic red (or whatever color you want) tee shirt. We happen to be a fan of red any time of year.

Here is my model - though she is more the focus here than the shirt:) That smile cracks me up! She is usually squinting and showing all her teeth so we have been practicing to smile with her mouth closed because somehow that has stopped the "ow, the sun is so bright" look (even when there was no sun) She is so pretty!


Here is an upclose of the tree. I would suggest using wide ribbon = less sewing. I cut the bottom loops (5 in all) and then each row became one less loop and about .5 to 1 inch shorter. I AM NOT the best bow maker so we will be adding some sort of rhinestone right in the middle to cover up my knot. TIP*** double sided ribbon is the BOMB! I didn't use it and sorely wished I had thought of it before I was finished.

Merry Christmas to you all - Hope you enjoy your time at the Savior's house and with all your family!

p.s. - this is post 198. On post 200 I will be hosting a give-away! Emily - have your friends follow!

It CANNOT be true!

NOOO!!! It can't be happening - they ARE growing up before my eyes. I don't like it. I DO. NOT. LIKE. IT!!! I once wished they would..... start walking...go potty on their own .... start school ..... dress themselves.....and that list goes on.

Today, ELEVEN years later, I want it all to stop! I am not ready for the next step. Literally. I am not ready for them to not be in children's church anymore. I am not ready for them to head into youth on Friday night. I AM NOT ready for middle school!!!

But I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God is ready. He brought us here. It has not been easy every day but there has been sooo much joy along with the sorrow. I just can't imagine how we got here so quickly.

HE:

is the biggest goofball in the world!
LOVES his electronics - fav thing right now is his iPod touch.
is sensitive to spiritual things
wants desperately to fit in.
is learning to appreciate his musical abilities.
is more ready for this journey than the rest of us.

SHE:

is the more serious one.
LOVES soccer and anything outdoors.
is finally becoming a big girly. Painted her own snowflake on her nails! and it was impressive:)
works hard for her grades and fits in easily at school.
is not outwardly affectionate but has a sweet heart.
knows who she wants to be surrounded by and isn't swayed with peer pressure.


I:

am so proud of both of them and just pray that I don't make too many "epic fails" as they call it!


Happy Birthday to my sweet Mason and Abbi!!!

Canada, eh?

So we are back and hopefully getting into some version of normal - Lord knows this past week wasn't it but maybe next week will be better?!? I was informed that my blog was lacking so I thought my first order would be to share some of our Canada trip photos today. This was one of the most relaxing trips we've ever had. We enjoyed the snow and despite our Florida roots, went outside every day for something adventurous. Today pics are primarily of the snow shoe hike we went on on Wednesday.

Isn't this amazing?!? Clouds hovering but sun above and below. iphones could not do this one justice!
It is impossible to appear thin by any stretch of the imagine while wearing all this gear. By the end of this three hour hike I was sweaty and ready start shedding some layers.

If only Grandma's house had been over these rivers and through these woods!

Instead, was this amazing view of the setting sun skimming the tops of the trees in the valley below - God's amazing handiwork for sure!

For just a few minutes our guide left us to check out a section of the trail - when he came back we followed him to this amazing edge of the mountain - completely snow covered and untouched - stunning!

This was me playing with my F-stop on my camera - worked out well considering the branches are clear and the background is NOT:)

We try to never forget how truely blessed we are and have been to travel this great globe. We have visited Canada twice and it has been such a blessing.

I can share more of our adventures real soon but seeing as how my tree has no decorations except for its pre-lit ones, I figure I should get busy doing all that. Funny little story first ... I told the kids I thought we might just put up their 3-foot tree and call it done. Abbi's reply ... "you can't do that, it's ILLEGAL!!!" Where are those Christmas police???

Turkey Shirts!

Sooo, you still have time to make a cute Turkey Shirt (never fear, I will be right there with ya as my daughter whom I presumed would think she was too old now wants one too!) Here is a tutorial (the best I can do right now)..

The finished product...

Of course you start with a brown shirt - I guess you could change colors if you wanted - orange could be super cute too!

Then I traced the turkey body on the reverse side of my brown polka dot material. I used this because I already had it on hand.

Then I adhered one sided fusible webbing so the turkey would be "fluffy" - he is about to experience Thanksgiving right?

Then I began to attach the feathers. I used all different colors and patterns to be festive (and these were also items I already had on hand from my ribbon wreath from last year) Ribbon is something I can never throw away until the spool is empty.

I pinned each piece on (sewing only a couple at a time and then placing the turkey body on to make sure the stitchin is covered up.

Then I sewed on the turkey body. I used a zigzag stitch but also set it on the button hole so it looks like it is embroidered - kinda!

Anyway, I am hoping the two little sweeties I made these for are super excited to wear them!

Happy Tuesday - we have playdates and some early Christmas shopping to handle today - FUN STUFF!!!

Celebrate...

Love, a Baby, or any important date! This was done for someone to celebrate their daughters anniversary date. But these can be customized to any date you like. All items can be personalized in your color scheme, font of choice, etc.

If you are interested just leave me a comment and I'll be happy to return it promptly!

Abbi and I are off to celebrate one final Gator win of the season - we hope!

Happy Weekend

It can't be....

Christmas yet! We haven't event had Thanksgiving!! There is still so much to do for Thanksgiving and I refuse to entirely give in and celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving.

We did however have the chance to play at Holly Fair this weekend with the rest of our piano taking buddies. Here is my sweet boy with Santa! I love that he doesn't think he's too big for this little shot. We don't ever do this at the mall so it is cute - forgive the shaky picture, my hands have been giving me fits lately:(

I have BIG plans for these next two weeks. Some cute Thanksgiving "gifts" and a little packing for the snow! Yay and boo - gonna miss my kiddos but hope to have some great fun with my husband. These last two weeks have been tough and tomorrow will be the culmination of those two weeks - whew - almost over!

Come back soon for some crafty stuff! Happy Monday.

Happy "Halloweens Over" Day! I don't know about you but I am glad to have yesterday behind us and focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas (yep, I said Christmas!)

Today I have an easy sewing project for a cute baby gift - a diaper bib! This was a gift for Braden's teacher whose daughter had a baby a few weeks ago. He was LARGE - like TEN lbs large - quite shocking to someone who had two babies that didn't weight that much combined! I said that to say that everyone around here is worried it won't fit him!

Here is a bit of the process (not quite officially a tutorial). I used some leftover fabric from another project and a thick cloth diaper. Diaper was the front side and the fabric and neck tie were the polka dot.

After cutting out the two pieces I pinned them together and just straight stiched the edges.

Almost done...

Then I pinned the tie on and used a zigzag stitch to sew it into place - I think that gives it a bit more of an appliqued feel.

Tadah!!!!

I love it - do you? Imagine some for the Christmas holiday or think pink for the girls. Want one? Just let me know!

Happy Tuesday - we're off to have school spirit night at Chick-fil-a of all places - what could be better? Dinner "out" and money for the school! Yes sir, quite a deal.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Fall (again!)

So here is a quick post of a project I did this am. I love it! It's rustic but still not so much so that it looks like a two year old did it:)

I had some pillows whose pillow covers were sad to say the least - I too was sad because they were a RARE Pottery Barn purchase and their time was clearly gone. So I pulled out the pillow be measured and began a new life for the first one (the next one might not be done until the Christmas season)

I am in love with the burlap trend but do not want to over do it so one side of the pillow cover was good. The other side allows for my obsession with orange. The ruffles just tie it in from my post a few back with the fall table runner. A girl with a "theme" is never a bad thing - right Lisa?!?

So I cut the two squares first. Then I attached my ruffles to one corner (not too many ruffles). Here are the ruffles...


I wanted the cover to fight well so I had to resize and trim some off because it was too "floppy" to start with.

I just LOVE it... I loved it even better when the kids came in and saw it and said "cool pillow, where'd that come from?" What do ya think? Want one? Let me know!

Happy weekending! We are off to the big metropolis of Daphne, Alabama for a soccer tournament - weather should be AMAZING!

Will Break for Princesses!

So recently, these Princesses -
Along with the grown-up Princesses....

Took a little girl break to see some more famous princesses! After lunch at the Red Elephant we made our way to the Civic Center to see The Three Princesses:0) So much fun. First up was Snow White:

She was a bit scarey - not her actually - but the evil queen. I loved their faces! I hate that Taylor was scared but I wasn't too offended that she wanted to sit in my lap for the rest of the show. Loved it! Check out how the head is down but the eyes are looking up - shows a little indecision as to whether this is part she wants to watch or not.

As Taylors said "I knew Cinderella would be next!" and of course she was, in all her glory.

And finally was Belle. I loved Lumiare (sp?) and "Be our Guest" I could just "dance" to that all day.

And a grand final dance with all three princesses. And don't forget Mickey and Minnie with Donald and Goofy! No Disney show is complete without those guys.

We came home and played our hearts out until it was time for church (that could or could not be why these little girls fell fast asleep immediately after the music began) I hope it will be as great of memories for the little princesses as it was for this grown up version.

Happy Tuesday! Promise a cute craft for tomorrows post ( hopefully - ha!)

Fall Ideas for the Home

First, I would like to say how proud I am that it hasn't been a month since my last post - I would love even better if it had only been a few days but one turns into two turns into eight! Would say I don't know how it happens - but that would be a lie - so I'll just hope to do better real soon.

I wanted to share my most recent camera strap for a friend - fall colors! She thinks she might want one for each season and I am totally cool with that:) If you should want one just comment below or email me. We can surely make it happen!
Next up is a table runner I made for my dining room table. The cool thing about my table is it's basically big enough for all the "grown-ups" who might grace the table for Holidays, etc. The bad part is that it is hard to find table runners long enough to extend beyond the table and that is wht I wanted.

I had been looking for something to use burlap for and this just fit perfectly. I basically cut the burlap to the width I wanted and then cut strips of "coordinating" fabrics - kinda proud of my ability to let go of perfect matches and be a bit eclectic - there is orange in every pattern so that matches - right? Anywho, I cut the fabric a bit longer in an effort to have ruffles. Didn't ruffle quite like I would've liked but every new project is a learning experience - right?!?

Here is a shot of the table scape with the runner in place. I liked how it turned out:) This too could be purchased if your heart so chooses. If you want different material/patterns, totally cool with me.

Thanks so much for taking time to look! I hope your fall is coming along just great and that soon we will be feeling the cooler temps - as opposed to 85 degress in the middle of October!

This is NOT....

MY to-do list! Ha - this is Braden's to do list. What I love about this is that it shows how simply he sees life. Notice there is no laundry, no dishes, etc. He is full of bike, swim, run, etc. He did include homework which made his mama proud. Why am I sharing this with you? Because it reminded me to slow down, to add some fun to my "to-do" list. It also reminded me of how much our children take after us. His list includes wake-up (apparently he must be reminded to do that), brush teeth (Lord knows he has to be reminded to do that!) and I am struck by how they follow our lead.

I am a constant list maker! They see that I like a schedule and a routine and they have followed suit. Just a sweet reminer today to take a look around, see how your children are seeing their lives, and how they are following you. Is it what you want? If not, it's not too late to work on that. If it is, KUDOS to you! I would love to hear what you saw when you looked around your living space.

Happy Tuesday

Almost a month???

So I can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last post. Somedays it feels like nothing worth posting. Other days, you wouldn't want to hear what was knockin' around in this feeble mind of mine. Sorry this is not a crafty post - it's a life post. I won't put it all out there in one post - might be too much to digest so we'll start slow. As most of you know, I did a Sprint Level Triathlon two weeks ago. This my friends was no small miracle. I try to down play it and not be proud. I should be proud! Why can't I say "Oh, YEAH!! I am amazing!!!" I guess we're taught not to do that but deep inside, I was proud. I beat my self-imposed goal of two and a half hours by over 30 minutes!!!! I made it in under two hours which just amazes me still. To prove it here is a picture of my time - Ignore the first column - the time is the second column. Ignore the other names and notice the one about 2/3rds of the way down - that is MY name! 8th in my bracket (there may have only been nine but that just doesn't matter) I FINISHED A TRIATHLON!
Along with that we have commenced soccer. Sooo much fun but sooo time consuming. Beginning tomorrow we have games so that adds a third day at the soccer field so if you need me before Thanksgiving, check the Callaway rec. center - i'm sure it's where i'll be!

I have worked quite a bit too - love those little kiddos - one today exclaimed "Now I get it!" so cool and totally the point of teaching:)

Other stuff will come soon I hope. Have a fall camera strap cover I made and if you would like one just "holler."

This week was full of very difficult events. Unfortunate events. Injuries. Life.

For now, have a great weekend. I am so ready for this week to be over and have some version of a fresh start.

A Link Up - again:)

So I linked up to another party - this one has only a few so far so go check them out and add your own: HERE @ Your Way Wednesday with Elle Belle.

This is all for today - I ran, I showered, I subbed, now I must do housework in an attempt to stay ahead of next week - wish me luck (or say a few prayers would be better!)

Celebrate a Great First Week (mini tutorial - sorta?)

So it's halfway through the first week of school and minus a little allergy issue with Mason - we are having a FANTASTIC start! Praise be to the Lord in Heaven - those with kiddos know what a true blessing this is.

We have a new situation for all of this year - TWO (count 'em two) MALE teachers! This is great in nearly every way except when it comes to gift giving. The frilly stuff just won't do. So we made this little gift card holder that hold a Starbucks gift card. I took a few pics along the way to maybe resemble a tutorial - i think i left out one part but I will try to explain it well so you can do this.


I first measured the gift card and gave allowance on the top and sides for the stitching. Because the back side of my paper was white it took a little thinking to make sure when I folded no white showed. Anyway - this piece of paper was 9x4.

Next I turned the paper over and placed the gift card on it to guide me. I folded the bottom half to where it covered approx. 2/3 of the gift card - needed a little to poke out the top.

Then I folded the top portion over to make neat lines. Here's the part I didn't picture. The shorter half should be folded down first and adhered. I just used my tape runner by any adhesive will do since you will be stitchin it anyway.

Once you adhere the shorter section - you can stitch the sides. . . and then place your gift card in. Of course, I'm a sucker for little sayings and I like the thing about the grind since it was coffee - TOTAL SUCKER for that stuff. Anyway, I left this one pretty basic (for the men) but I'm sure some of those lady teachers would love it and you could make it larger and really dress it up a bit!

Happy Crafting

The beginning & the End...

of an era. The beginning of the end of elementary school for my twins.

I tear up thinking of when they were so little..on machines...so new.

Now...the "seniors" of elementary school (Abbi's term, not mine)

I am so proud of them. Both smart in their own way. so talented. Personalities that bloom more every day. I think of how they won't quit growing. They won't stay small forever.


I read a blog the other day that really got me worked up - in a bad way. It talked about liking your children and basically proceeded to berate anyone who might have a hint of excitement that their children were headed back to school. Even seemed to question those parents love for their children and the list went on. It really got me to thinking.

I love my children - I believe most of you know that. I have challenges with each of them in different areas - I pray the mother of that blog doesn't experience some of the challenges that I have with her children (5,3,1 year olds - who is she to judge when her's aren't even school age)
Who are any of us to judge. We can all say "my child will never!" HA!!! Your child will for sure, so just be prepared. It's how you respond that makes you different from that mother/father.

My children cannot grow like they should within only the confines of my four walls. They must experience other children, they must learn that not every child is just like them, otherwise, they will be ignorant and naive. I love watching my children interact with others - it is a good gauge as to the areas we need to work on. Just this week I had a talk (at a little restaurant where we had a soda) with one of mine about their attitude, lack of grattitude, and how I have been where she is (even though she is convinced I don't remember it cause it was tooooo long ago!)

As you can tell this is still a bit of a raw nerve - I want my kids to grow, be compassionate, show love and not judge. When I look at this guy my heart aches because I see a glimpse into what the future could hold - some good, some not so much. He is so tall and handsome and yet still so in need of his Daddy and Me. How love them and keep them close while learning to let go just a bit at a time - that is the balance all parents must find.
So whether your children are school age or not, I am praying that will all have a greater compassion on others. We don't know their situation, where they come from, what they face on a daily basis. Each child is different - some with disabilities - others with quirks that make you want to give them a disability! Whatever their situation, every child needs someone to love them more and judge them less. Lord, Help me to be that person for both my children and those who are so wonderfully placed in my care.

Have a sweet Tuesday!

It's in the Air -

the excitement.

the anticipation.

School began today - what will this year hold? Only our Father in Heaven knows.

But we are excited! We have GREAT teachers and some "normalcy" is returning.

On a real recent post I posted the pic of the pencil bucket I made. Once I saw it finished, I knew I had to make it a partner. Here is the bucket for the sad, sad pencils that are awaiting their turn at the sharpener. Not as decorated (on purpose since it's "the dull group" - get it!

The crafty spirit is also in the air. Here is the room sign I made for my niece who began her first day of teaching the first grade. Her theme is surfing so here's what I made for her. I LOVE the paper dolls. I left the face blank on purpose. This is a simple 12X12 scrapbook layout frame. I made the layout and then just placed it in the frame. - simple, huh? I stapled ribbon to the back of the frame so she can hang it on her door.

So, the air is changing our here for sure. Excitement, nerves, reflection, anticipation, and tons of other emotions that may or may not appear in future blogs.

Hope your first day back to school was AMAZING - ours was celebrated with a cupcake from One Hot Cupcake - PB&J (for the teacher) , Nilla Pudding, White Trash, and Cappucino. A sweet ending:)