Memories in Bloom

There is snow somewhere!

2012-02-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

I found the zip drive of our TreeTrek in Canada and thought you might enjoy seeing our adventure. Here is a shot of how high we climbed to then be sent flying down the wire - it was AMAZING! We have done this before but in a different country with MUCH different weather. The snow added a whole new element:
See...we totally enjoyed ourselves!

Look ma... not hands:)

Hopefully I can be back to a "normal" blogging schedule soon. My to-do list has apparently eaten it's Wheaties because it won't.quite.growing!!

Why I Save SOOOO Much Stuff --

2012-01-23T09:16:00.001-08:00

So again I say, Boy layouts are much tougher than girl layouts - at least for me. I want to do fun without crossing the line to girly and now that he is "older" I don't want it too baby-ish either. This layout sorta evolved (you know how that is - no idea really but then it sorta morphs into something good).
I had NO plan for a pocket when I first started (I feel like every school layout has those - enough already) however, when I found this writing of his that coincided with the dates of the photos - I couldn't leave it out. We try to get them to write as often as possible. Mason is excellent at writing and as he gets older it only gets more descriptive. If you read this you see he is very matter of fact on this page about what had happened. Apparently I had been trying to drive home the point of "you are responsible for your own actions" and this is how it translated in his mind - misspelled words and all. I love how matter of fact (logical) he is!

I journaled above and below what he had written instead of where it is visible on the page. Some pages the journaling gets lost.

I still can get away with buttons (I think) so I added one here in the middle of the cardstock sticker for dimension/texture.

Here I used a brad again for texture - orange is NOT a girl color!

It sure is fun finding little treasures like this which is exactly why I save so much stuff - one day I think he will treasure it as much as I do - or at least his wife and children will for sure!

What are you up to today - would sure love to hear it! I am going to try to make a belated gift that will now most likely turn into an early Valentine's present. Decorate for Valentines and some other misc. stuff. Enjoy the new week.

Products: Brad/Buttons - Paper Studio

Paper - Basic Grey

Cardstock stickers/alpha - Echo Park

Winner!!!

2012-01-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Soooo, our winner of the Lisa Bearnson Scrapbook Kit and the Creating Keepsake magazine stash is Bridget!! Thank you Bridget for taking the time to comment and I know you will enjoy your goodies:) I will bring them to you tonight!

I hope to be back tomorrow with more inspiration and some Valentine's Decor.

More Inspiration

2012-01-19T15:19:00.001-08:00

Sooo, apparently the best thing to get the juices flowing, is to just get going with it. I have been so hapy to be getting some pages done of my oldest guy. It is a joy looking back at these photos and seeing how he has grown. It hasn't all been a breeze but it is a joy.

These photos are of our 2009 trip to Serenbe. I like the "natural" look of the kraft paper and the wooden letters. Boy stuff really is tougher than girl pages.

Here is the cluster of clock/gears to symbolize time sorta "standing still" while we are at this lovely place and the wooden letters by K & Company.

These photos also reminded me of the time we had with Mason and his hair pulling. This is why his hair is so short in these photos. We tried everything to get him to stop! It seems as though it was primarily stress related and once he moved to the next grade - he was "fine" Amazing - he still pulls his eyebrows and front of his hair sometimes when he is concentrating or frustrated.

On to the little lady - we got a new camera a few weeks back and I am still "playing" with it but I found this little jewel that David had taken and just had to share - isn't she lovely!?!?

REMEMBER: I will pick a winner tomorrow morning for the giveaway listed below. Just leave a comment on that post to be entered. Have a great weekend - we are hoping this weather clears up for some family photos this afternoon!

Double Layout!!!

2012-01-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be back to scrapbooking my own children's photos! I didn't realize how far behind I was and now it is a real "mission" to get caught up. One "good" thing I am finding is that the pictures are less - not as many "firsts" as when they were itty bitties - so the process is a bit streamlined - mabybe???

This was of my birthday weekend and our "discovery" of Big Kahuna's. What fun we had (with many more days of this to follow)

I couldn't resist including this photo of my boys being silly - just makes me laugh!

I wanted some texture as I am NOT a fan of "white" space (I hear Lisa saying amen!) I used havey thread for buttons in a "sand" color just to give a bit of texture there. Just a few lines of it and I was satisfied. I struggled with these two pages for nearly a week. They are not perfect but they are done!

Another great shot of the three of them - despite the fact Braden might be on the verge of choking them both - they are having fun TOGETHER!

Hope you are inspired to get your pages "out of the computer" and onto the page!

The two wallpaper pages are American Crafts. The orange "center' page is My Minds Eye (So Sophie) and the journaling tag is Cosmo Cricut. Not entirely sure who to give credit to for the brads and baubles as I took them out of the package long ago and can't be certain - sorry:(

Giveaway Extended!!!

2012-01-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

So I am extended the giveaway as I might've caused a little confusion... you must comment on this post (not just like on Facebook) if you want to be entered. I am gonna extend the giveaway through Friday and I will pick a winner Saturday a.m. This is a really great giveaway if you are looking for an easy way to document an event, a life, or even maybe a baby boys first day/year. It is by the wonderful Lisa Bearnson and has all the elements you need (just add pics). It is titled "Definitions" and has step by step instructions on how to put the pages together.

Here are all the parts all wrapped up nicely - I never even opened them!

Also I have some scrappy inspiration for you - 8 creating Keepsakes magazines for you to enjoy while looking for your next great page or to help when you are "stuck" in your creative mindset.

Thanks for playing along and I hope to see MANY comments this week - Happy Monday:)

Framed Layout as Gift

2012-01-09T08:02:00.001-08:00

So I said a while back I did a layout for a gift for someone for Christmas. My niece asked me to create a layout for her mother for Christmas of her first grandson Eli. This was so fun!

Here is the finished product:
This is almost exclusively GCD Studios from their line Funhouse. I threw in a few sentiments from October Afternoon, some alphas, and of course his name is THICKERS - American Crafts.

Want a hear a funny - Braden looks at it and his only comment was: That e is supposed to be capital! At least he's learning something while he's at school:) Enjoy your day.

Christmas Morning & a double giveaway!!!

2012-01-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hello there! This is my 201st post! WOW!!!! So glad you have hung in and keep coming back. One of my goals this year is to grow my blog so THANK YOU for investing your time.

I promised Christmas Photos (I also promised a giveaway on post 200 so I'm one late there) So I will start with the first half of the day: our overhead lights were burnt out and my camera doesn't do well in dim light so this was the best I could get of the tree - not bad?
In our effort to keep the day about Jesus's birthday - we start the morning by reading the story of Jesus's birth. Mason's turn this year - he reads so well out loud - not every child enjoys that but he seems to.

We opened gifts and it was a wonderful time. We even got to go to church that morning since it fell on Sunday, such a sweet time it was.

Then, there was this "small" miracle... Family pictures! Weird thing was we all wore black, grey, and red. (The only ones missing were Bryan's clan and they were in a hurry to get home so they will be in tomorrow's photos)

The McGuire Gang:

Almost the entire family (this was where the miracle part came in:)

The Legg Gang: 5 smiles and all eyes looking at the camera!

The Mommy and Daddy (again) to be:

It was a sweet morning and a great day - the best one in a VERY long time! Again, miracles do still happen:)

Here is the giveaway #1:

We cannot all keep everything and I have been purging the kids stuff and figured it was my turn as well. I collected a "few" of my scrapbook magazines for you to use for your inspiration. Some of us really do prefer the feel of the paper and turning the page.

Giveaway #2: This is a mini-kit themed around various definitions: celebrate, priceless, time, etc. I never even opened the packaging.

See how deep the box is? Lot of goodies. And a step by step guide to building the book using the pieces included.

If you are interested, please leave a comment and I will draw a name next Sunday afternoon! Please tell your friends and the more comments the better (at least it makes it fair-er)

Have a great week and I will be back soon with a layout or two - I ordered a ton of pics right after Christmas and they arrived a few days ago - nothing better to get your "mojo" back than a fresh batch of photos!

Outside the Box ~

2012-01-02T11:34:00.001-08:00

So it is the New Year and we all have goals. Some call them resolutions - I prefer to just use this time to reaffirm and reorganize my priorities. It's a fresh start for all of us if we allow it to be. In some ways it's a continuation of yesterday and in other ways - a clean slate. I choose to use both approaches.

So I have decided to tackle some things I have put off for a while. Life will get busy again so I must take advantage while I can - maybe that will become habit - taking advantage of the time I have been given and not wasting it.

On to the project:
I have wanted lanterns on my back porch for some time. The idea comes from Pottery Barn but I am not keen on the Pottery Barn price list. So it has sat on the back shelf for a WHILE. Recently (and by that I mean within 2-3 months) David and I were at Pier One and found lanterns. Exactly like I wanted - except they were the wrong color. UGH! So what's a girl to do - think outside the box - and get some spraypaint!

Here is the final project hanging this morning:

Here were the originals, a bit too chinese for my taste (unless we're talking food and then I'm in!)

It wasn't too difficult I just had to make myself finish a project. The most tedious part was removing the glass (and then replacing it when finished)

One good thing is the little ones always are in when it comes to paint:

Now I have four lovely lanterns that match my patio furniture and hopefully will enhance the mood when we have family/friends to enjoy the evening outside with.

What project do you need to think outside the box with? I'd love to see your results!

Maybe not so OCD ...

2011-12-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-29T08:33:00.001-08:00

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!)

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-12-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-10T12:03:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-22T07:46:00.001-08:00

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...

2011-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

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....

2011-11-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-10-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

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!)

2011-10-21T14:16:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-10-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-12T13:55:00.001-07:00

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....

2011-10-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

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???

2011-09-23T13:21:00.001-07:00

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:)

2011-08-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

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?)

2011-08-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

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 -

2011-08-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

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:)

For a good cause....

2011-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I follow a nice lady who is creative but also, apparently, caring - great combination! She is having a giveaway and asked us to share (bribed us with a giveaway too!) So go HERE and check it out!

HodgePodge Friday & Relfections

2011-08-19T07:33:00.001-07:00

So I just linked my Back 2 School Pencil Bucket to Hodgpodge Friday HERE so check it out as well as some other REALLY cool stuff!

So I have some confessions to make - not for your sake but for my memory keeping. Lately, I have been:

* less organized than I normally am - not cool!

*obsessed with very little - which is a break for my OCD!

*working hard not to drown. These are pictures of my little swim practice last Saturday in Sarasota. Ilooked pretty confident here. I was setting my watch (at least I thought I was) and quite oblivious to the size of these waves. Now I know they don't look too big here but if you really study them I was only knee deep here and they are rolling a fair bit.
*This was me approximately 15 min later. Thinking "Dear Lord, please just let my feet touch the ground. For a non-natural-swimmer, feet not touching the ground is quite frightening. I am sure I made some promise about never doing this again if I survived. Seriously, the most afraid I have been for my life in a VERY long time, maybe ever.

* not in the best of moods which has resulted in some unseemly behavior - sorry to all involved there. Being out of control of things tends to do that to one previously admitted OCD kinda girl.

*ready for a schedule! Today that is in sight - just days away actually and I am feeling a bit brighter and energized this morning. I am sure you are glad to hear that - hee hee!

Just keeping it real folks! Hope you have a great weekend =)

oops!

2011-08-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

So I forgot to put this picture in for the last post. (and when I tried it just made me crazy so a second post is in order)

This is how I disguised the shortage of paper. Layered paper square with alpha's! To balance the project I did the exact same thing on the other side but with 1,2,3. Easy fix.

Back to School - ahhh!

2011-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm back (with a bit of a vengence) with a "Back to School" teacher gift. I saw this here on a blog and modified it for my stash of randomness just lying around. As a substitute teacher I learned many things....one of which is that there are NEVER enough sharpened pencils and that happens on purpose I think because little ones LOVE to go sharpen their own pencil which was previously sharp but they ground it down just to make the trip to the sharpener! Remember that as a kiddo? Most teachers had a container where the children could exchange their dull pencils for an already sharpened one (hence removing 19 trips to the sharpener and ten more minutes before valuable lesson time!) So I made this....

This will hold their sharpened pencils and hence the term "one sharp bunch" (clever, right?)

So I started with an empty decorative paint can and covered it with two layers of random (well not so random because I was trying to do blue/green for our school colors) The first layer was 4 inches X 12 inches. Here is where I didn't really think ahead. The standard 12X12 paper doesn't go all the way around - but I fixed that - you'll see in a bit.

Next I added a decorative little trim. This too was leftover stuff and I loved adding the yellow/orange to the color scheme. I primarily did this to ground the project as well as give a backdrop for the word SHARP. I wanted the kiddos to know this was the already sharpened bunch of pencils.

Then I added the "title." American Crafts thickers are just amazing - these poolside (blue) were great because they were glittered and that was just too much fun!

So another thing I learned is that teachers (genenerally speaking) are super grateful people. They are just so happy that you thought of them. This will go to Braden's teacher who is new but we are already in LOVE with. I will be back tomorrow to show you a little something for the "big kids" teachers.

Hope you have a great day (and a great last week of summer)!

You might want to know ( hint - sweet giveaway!)

2011-08-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

So I don't do this often but there are several of you who have little ones in your life and I thought you might be interested. Mrs. Lindsay is having a giveaway HERE and it is CUTE stuff! Go check it out!

a quick view

2011-08-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Here's another little collage of our trip - ziplining! Fishing for their dinner - minnows with spaghetti as their back-up. A little country "fair" that had the worlds tallest inflatable slide - 53 feet of pure adrenaline & fun! The rock that we found that looked like a heart that Abbi brought back to Grandma - since she was supposed to go but missed out due to health reasons - boo! Also in here in that pic of the water falls that were so beautiful and worth every step!

Enjoy your Thursday evening - we are having Family Movie Night at home (with a quick run squeezed in there) and are off to the Water Park tomorrow. Haven't used thosed passses enough.

Just a Piece

2011-08-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

After all my groaning yesterday about one photo from picasso I discovered the collage option. I played with it for just a bit and got this great little set-up. One of the MAJOR places we spent our time was in the creek. It was so gorgeous, peaceful, like it was carved out just for us (not sure God was specifically thinking of our vacay when he made it but we are super thankful for it) It is one of the reasons we want to go back to this cabin as opposed to somewhere further North (closer to the rafting)

The kids moved rocks around all over the place. Made their own damns - better than little beavers and it kept them busy forever! They found "rock stations" where there were large rocks (BTW amazed at how strong my little man is!) there were small rocks stations they found just filled with the little pebbles to fill their tiny holes, and then we discussed what diversity and variety were and there were "varity rock stations" AKA places in the creek where all types of rocks were present in one place. Seriously, we visited the creek AT LEAST once a day and most days it was a morning and afternoon affair.

The Smores were fun too but our marshmallows were a bit too big - the second time we cut them in half before roasting!

Thanks for sharing in our vacation memories. Here's hoping I will finish a craft/LO today and share that tomorrow!

Instantly Home

2011-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we went to the Mountains - we were all so looking forward to the break and hoping the website was accurate of our lodging. Praise the Lord - it was AMAZING! The place was just as pictured and we were all in love instantly. This is the first vacation in a while (at least with kids in tow) that when it was time to come home NONE of us were ready. Had it not been that we wanted to be back for church on Sunday - we would've stayed another day (or two, or three!) There were so many fun things we didn't get to do and then some fun things we would've loved to do again. We're already making plans for next year! More fun pics to come if I can figure out how to load more than one photo at a time ( I loaded them to picasso, trying to blog from there and not sure how to do more than one at a time - all up for tips on that!)

Life in the "Strenuous" Lane

2011-07-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I should really be doing something else right now but I wanted to poke my head back into the blog world even if only for a minute. We have been crazy for the last bit and no signs of slowing down at least until next week. It's ok - manageable (for now) - just crazy busy! I took this pic of the sign at Amacalola Falls in Blue Ridge on our Georgia vacation last week. Sometimes life is strenuous - no way around it - but with Jesus holding our hand we will make it to the top!

There will be many little pics of our vacay thrown in over the next few posts - we had an amazing time despite injured toes, bicycle falls, and mini-meltdowns (each of us had at least one, even the grown-ups!) But as the pics will show, God's creation is gorgeous and full of great joy!

Happy Wednesday

Subway Art

2011-07-14T14:39:00.001-07:00

So FINALLY I finished it! I have been seeing this type art projects for over a year now in blog land and I think they are really cool - and wanted to do one for the house. However, life is busy and it took some time so I decided instead of doing one for a particular holiday (i.e. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter) I would do a full season so the time pressure wasn't so much.

Next thought - I need some decor for around the pool/patio/etc. So I decided on subway art for the "backyard" activities. And here it is.....
It includes many of the things that take place in our backyard. I used my cricut to make the stencils in all different fonts and sizes. I used paper - not what I would recommend when doing this project. The paper gets wet from the paint and sometimes leaves pieces behind.

This project is made of 2X4 pieces of wood = way too heavy! Maybe outside it will be fine but inside i think 1X4 would be good or even a canvas. Here is a shot of the back where the strips of moulding type wood were nailed to keep it all together.

I painted three layers on here. The first was a chocolate brown, the next was the light aqua, and the last the sage/mossy green. These are the colors of our patio furniture so it should look great. I didn't try to get all the uneven places on the wood perfection and that was he point. I like the aqua showing through and maybe as it wears some of the brown will show through also. Hope you like it - it's on my list of 37 things for this year - "create all those beauties I've been admiring on blogs" Hope you like it!

p.s. - we will be going out of town on Saturday for a week and I hope to get some scheduled posts but if not - see you after a relaxing week (fingers crossed!) in the Mountains of Georgia!

Paper & Thread

2011-07-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have a scrappy post today. I pulled out the sewing machine and changed the thread (my least favorite part of that hobby and the reason why I don't do it as often - lame - I know!) to do some 4th of July shirts for the children, to be shared in a later post as I forgot to take photos before they were actually on said children. And since my thread was white it worked "perfectly" on this layout.

Now as you look at this layout you may not recognize these people. It's o.k., you're not going crazy! This is my super fun military customer who is currently stationed in Italy. She and her cute little family get to go all kinds of AMAZING places and she gives me the honor of preserving those memories.

I have done most of the album in real travel inspired, neutral-ish colors but the bathing suit and water in this one was calling for some color. I mimic the suns rays and "mounted" the pic of her daughter and then tied it in with the title block.

Instead of a drawn line border, double zig-zag stitch worked great.

These suns rays were hand drawn and crafted by yours truly, Intended to be a bit "abstract" but I think they worked out pretty well.

Whether it's stitching or not, I hope this post inspires you to pull out an old tool and use it again. Happy Monday.

Grateful

2011-07-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

grateful for my freedom.

grateful to be able to serve my Lord without fear.

grateful for those who put their lives on the line for my freedom.

grateful to be able to enjoy all that this great world offers.

grateful to be able to make my own choices.

grateful that my husband and children are close at night.

grateful to be able to travel without fear.

grateful to be free to explore.

grateful for all the many blessings I often take for granted.

grateful for even the smallest things that can bring moments of joy.

grateful to be able to express my thankfulness to those of you who either have served in our military, stood by those who have served, lost someone who served, or just said "thank you" to a soldier just passing by.

today, I am grateful.

Happy Independence Day!

Use it as a SKETCH!

2011-06-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

So there are days when you feel you have it all together, you are on top of all the chores, the house looks great (well, not a disaster) and your children appear to be angels. Today, is NOT that day!!! Nor have the past few weeks - just when you think you have one area under control, another one goes swirling out of control. Praying this little "break" to Chicago will be just what we need - otherwise, it could get ugly:(

We made it through Father's Day and this was the card I made for Abbi to give to David. When I asked her what color she wanted it to be she quicly replied, "Pink, cause real mean wear pink!" I love it! I know it's too late for Father's Day cards but use this as a skectch, a jumping off point for another occasion but a basic place to start. I used all leftover papers here and alphas in varying styles. She and David had their pedi-date last night and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Unfortunately Daddy doesn't think too often to take a pic of these sorts of things.

Hope you are having a great Wednesday and thanks for checking in - not sure how much blogging I'll get to do until mid-week so don't think I've jumped off a bridge - just trying to spend some quality time with the hubby and the two bigs in the Windy City:)

It's Not too late for Father's Day!

2011-06-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

So I'm totally hoping this works and makes things easier for you and also hoping if it does work I can remeber how to do it again in the future - HA!

I can safely post this today as my husband does not read my blog - sad, I know:(

This is his Father's Day Card from the boys. I got this word search idea from a blog - if you know which one please let m know and I'll give proper credit - sorry!

Not sure if you can see but the top portion has the words we, love, you and then the bottom has and think you are amazing! Hope he thinks ths is fun. He is an AWESOME daddy and deserves the fun that the kids have in store for him. Each of them have planned dates and mommy pre-paid so all he has to do is ENJOY some time with his kiddos! Thanks Martha for the idea (Stewart that is)

Now here is the "lets hope it works part" I tried to attach the word search that I did and saved so that all you have to do is print on your fav cardstock and be done. If you use this I would love to know how it worked - of course I'm gonna try it myself once this post is up. So I apologize in advance if it doesn't work the way I hope it will!

wordsearchfile

Thanks for looking and Happy Father's Day weekend!

Pros of Procrastination

2011-06-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

There is one good thing about procrastination (trying to see the up side of things - ha ha!) Is that when you don't actually photograph your sisters birthday card until the day of her birthday, you don't have to wait for weeks to post it on the blog! Happy Birthday Teresa - hope it was a special one!
One would think the blog would get extra attention during the summer but we are busy crossing things off our "fun things to do during summer" list and hope to be posting a crafty project once I am finished with it maybe tomorrow - it's cool and my kids have finally quit asking me "that is an art project? are you sure? how is that an art project?" Like seriously, they have NO faith in their mother apparently:(

Here is a quick snapshot of multi-tasking: enjoying the outside while getting in your Bible reading for Doves and your 15 minute "required" reading for the day.

Oh, it's Friday - enjoy your weekend people!

A New Year - A Better Me!

2011-06-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

As I grow older I want to reflect more...on where I've been but just as importantly...where I want to go. I do not believe my life just floats on a raft without any control from me. I do believe that as a Christian I must pray, seek guidance, and then act upon those instructions. I want to be better everyday and that only comes with a conscious desire to please the Lord. I got this idea from a great blogger: ThisGreatBlog

37 ......

(things to accomplish & words to live by)

* the only person I can control is: ME!

* make pillows for my swing & couches.

*use more coupons (minus the 3ring binder per Abbi)

* require my children to clean up after themselves - more personal responsibility is the goal.

* run a half marathon.

*"What you see is what you get" (courtesy of my FIL)

*decorate for the particular holiday season before said holiday is nearly over. experience talking

*take family canoeing.

*eat less processed foods and more "real" food - this will make my mother happy for sure!

*remember my 2011 Word of the Year - CHOICE.

*make curtains for the office.

* "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's how you carry it." Lena Horne

* bake more.

* submit something, anything for publishing. Just to get over the fear of it.

* Be a quality friend-the kind I'd like to have.

* buy a new camera.

* eat less.

* exercise consistently.

* teach my kids to have a more grateful heart.

*put more money in savings.

* eat at home more.

* quit looking and start doing. (i.e. - all those beautiful blog projects I admire - do them!)

*The two most imortant things she learned was there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. (this hangs on my wall in my office to remind me.)

* find a good bread pudding recipe and spruce it up.

* don't speak ugly of my husband to others.

*get to where I am only one year behind in childrens scrapbooks.

* speak regularly to my children about God's provisions.

*lose the "last 10 pounds!" (A girl can always hope!)

* speak kindness to those who offend me

*waste less.

* study my Bible more. Not just read, really study.

* learn to say no more - not to be rude but in order to keep my priorites in order.

* read more books.

* "To live a creative life we must lose the fear of being wrong."

* survive the Sprint Triathlon swim portion - and try to look good doing it!

* "Judge not that ye be not judged" The Holy Bible

My intentions are to scrapbook this list real soon so it can be posted prominantly in my space. Maybe even where they can be checked off as we go. Look for that real soon.

Thank you to all my family & friends who love me despite the fact that all these things above are still on a to do list - I am grateful for you place in my life and am happy to have another year to spend with you all:)

Curiosity (a layout)

2011-06-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

This one sat for a few days waiting to be "perfect" - well that ain't gonna happen! So I know there is something missing but can't really figure out what or exactly where it goes so we are moving on. I still loe the circles on the background which kind look like some of the science things we saw during this Spring Break trip two years ago to the Brogan Children's Museum in Tallahassee.

I'm trying to be eclectic (a little bit) and used several different brands: Scenic Route is the curiosity "badge", Jenni Bowlin is the journaling card and the bingo button. and Maya Road for the ticket. I got alot of this on our trip to San Diego so I'm trying to begin incorporating it into layouts. Thought the twine was a boyish option for ribbon!

Hope this will inspire you to step outside your comfort level a bit with whatever you do in your free time. Here's hoping this is a rainy Monday afternoon (and not just all noise!)

Birthday Boy Recap

2011-06-01T14:39:00.001-07:00

So we had a birthday over the long weekend - this week boy is SEVEN! Where did all the time go? I used to be asked that when the twins were little and I knew exactly where it had gone - bottles, diapers, laundry, potty training and the list goes on. Don't get me wrong - these things still exist - but I'm learning to let them have the back seat.

This guy is SWEET! His eyes are truely the window to his soul. Whatever he is feeling, it shows. He doesn't mind cuddling an extra bit and cannot tell a lie to save his life (a good thing where I'm concerned). He thinks of others regularly. He wants to play nice but occasionally gets overwhelmed. He enjoys a few moments of silence amidst crowds and we will often find that he has disappeared from a "party" and find him in his room playing, etc. I love that he knows when to take a break, and actually listens to those feelings inside.

He love the Lord. Heard him belting out the other day "let the poor say I am rich, let the weak say I am strong!" and I just love that. He says the most genuine prayers at dinner. I love to hear him say the blessing and you always know what we did that day based on what he is thanking the Lord for i.e. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this day and for this food, and for letting Charlie come over, and help us to worship you good tomorrow at church, and please bless this food to our body, AMEN!" It often creates a bit of a giggle down inside because he's so genuine.

I just wish he could stay little like this forever!
He didn't have the grandest of parties (by previou standards) but he loved it just the same. He said when the water slide arrived "This is the BEST birthday ever!" and said Thank You to me multiple times throughout the day.

We may have started a new tradition. While worried about how and what kind of cake I was gonna get, Mason said "I'll bake his cake for $10" I thought, why not? He wanted a water themed cake so we set out to gather supplies. The twins worked together, using their watches to time the mixing.

And when you don't clearly communicate with self starters this is what happens: they baked both boxes of cake mix instead of saving one for back-up like I had planned in my mind. It's just cake!

Here is the finished product: not bad! We just gumballs for beachballs. Gel icing for the pool and grass. Abbi wrote the sentiment. We used Air Head Extreme candy cut into smaller pieces for beach towels. Easy enough.

This party didn't have even a single balloon - helium tank was empty - no one seemed to notice (or care) and fun was had by all. Happy Birthday Ray-Ray!

He wanted Bananas Foster French Toast on the morning of - just minus the bananas! That's the Mister-I-don't-like-anything-but-sugar boy that I have.

Saturday we played outside nearly all day long. Very Immediate family came over and we had a "bring your own steak" dinner! My dad wanted to give Braden cash and this went over well. He told Braden he could have one of any of the bills in his wallet. Braden quickly spread them all out and headed straight for the $20 - "cause that one is the most" he said - smart boy!

Happy Wednesday :P

Soccer Star!

2011-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

So here we go - we may use a bit of soccer "jargon" that we learned a couple of weeks ago (but I promise I'll exlain). Abbi was asked to play in an all girls tourny (tournament - ha) a couple of weekends backs. We agreed since she had never been "selected" before and it was a once in a while thing. It was sooooo much fun but also a TON of stress - not sure how the mama's who do this every weekend handle it - honestly!

Here's the recap:

Pre-game warm-ups: I may be weird but the "rituals" of the sports are often my favorite parts - stretches, post-game handshakes, etc. Love that the coach is running with them.

and back.

We won the first game 5-1. Abbi scored 3 of our goals! We started off amazing!

Then we ran into Tallahassee.. these "little" girls were goooodddd (and fast!) oh my. This number 8 gave our entire team a run for their money. We lost 2-0. I do love this action shot of Abbi - red #17.

Another part I love is team strategy meetings - so cool - I would say cute but that might not be very appropriate for these fierce girls.

So the breakdown goes like this: Game 1 - 5 to 1 - we won. Game 2 - 2 to 0 - we lost. Game 3 - 2-0 we won (this was by far the "grittiest" (hard fought) game of the tourny) This one had losts of pushing, shoving by the opposing team which turned out to put the first in our girls and we made it to the Championship game. Game 4 - 3 to 2 - we lost by penalty kicks! This is Abbi "burying" hers _ code for shot it right past the goalie who didn't have a chance of stopping it!

We (mean David and I) are convinced games should not be decided this way. Totally not cool:(

On the bright side, the Arnsenal came in second! It's the very first time they have played together as a team. (The winners - Tallahassee - have been playing together since last fall) We were very proud. Here she is receiving her trophy from Coach Rigby - this was a huge curve for her since she's only had one soccer coach the entire time and let's just say, personality wise, Coach Rigby is NOT Coach Brent! In the end, we grew to enjoy him but man was it a transition.

Group Shot!

This was a great time and I can see we will be back for more if they invitie us - maybe?!?

End of School Festivities

2011-05-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

So first we'll start with the crafty stuff - a "quick" card that is indicative of what I'm trying to work towards. Eclective without looking over the top. None of these supplie are from the same mfg company (except the papers are both GCD) I used pieces and parts and I loved the way it turned out.

So 1st grade had their awards in their individual classrooms. We have LOVED Ms. G and are so hoping things work out for next year that he might get her again (please, oh, please!) Braden earned Academic Excellence (all A's for the year), Student of the Month, and Most Inquisitive - shocker, right? ha!

Thursday night there was a musical performance. Mason played several instruments. Proud of how he just does what he needs to. No tom-foolery today!

Braden played one of the 10 little monkeys (except here Ms. Delmar lost count and there were 11) He did so good!

After school let out on Friday - we made a trek to the beach to see David's aunt. This is a pic of the child did NOT want to get in the water - note he is almost over his head.

Again, enjoying what he didn't want to do.

Boogie boards might be on the list of must have summer items.

Here's hoping your summer is off to as great a start as ours is!

It's Happening!

2011-05-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

That old scrapbook feeling is coming back! So excited to be slowly getting back in the groove:) I know this isn't the best photo but the page makes me so happy (and proud - I used alot of stuff I've been hoarding from the out of town LSS trips!)

This is a "collage" of sorts of various trips to the park that spring. I found this cool "film Ribbon" by Tim Holtz and thought it would work perfect for this sort of page. And then maybe it was cheesy but Snapshot of Spring played great into the title. Used some Webster's Pages, more Tim Holtz for the "clock", 7 Gypsies for the chipboard, Cosmo Cricut for the small type... see what I mean?!?

My fav element is the film ribbon. It was clear so what I decided to do was use a self-adhesive ribbon behind it to make it pop even more. I like how it turned out.

Hope you are even slightly inspired to pull out your hoarding goodies and get to scrappin':)

p.s. - on a personal note, David is gone back to Mayo Clinic with his folks. His mom will be having some pretty major surgery tomorrow. Removal of a melanoma on her cheek and a neck dissection to remove her thyroid that has a cyst on it. Prayers are appreciated (for them and me!)

Are you sitting down?

2011-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

'cause I'm sure you'll need to be when you actually see a "fresh" layout! I know it has been a while and I am aware this isn't my "best" work but I have been out of the loop and just needed to bite the bullet to get my juices flowing. This was the twins 8th birthday party (see how out of the loop I am?!?)

I was proud of me for coming up with the "splash" water affect with the crystals since we used crystals on the invitation. Cheap and easy way - well, and thickers in this bright blue are amazing too:)

And for a tear jerker ending (hoping you can read some of this) I found this under my pile of "stuff" on my desk. He gave it to me after Mother's Day and it was hectic at school so it must've gotten thrown in with other stuff. Just when you think you're ready to strangle a child - his heart is exposed and your heart swells with even more love. Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday!!!

Weekend Wrap-up Party

2011-05-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

So I having been playing today (as you can probably tell) and even chose to link-up to a weekend party at Tatertots&Jello Go check out some really great things out there in blogland for some weekend inspiration - even some amazing recipes too!

Again, no post is complete without a photo:

That is Mason's lower half sliding into home plate at the Teacher vs. Student Kickball Game back in the fall.

Cool Giveaway

2011-05-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

So there's this blog Brittney who does this thing called "Freebie Friday" and if I tell all you about it I get two entries for some really cute Bella Blvd scrapping supplies. I don't usually do his but I love her style and I am in the market for some stuff that isn't currently mine. So go there and check it out and leave a comment too!

And since no one loves a blog post without photos:

I will share with you what happens when my children are actually getting along - their sister gets a free pedicure from her brothers! Sweet - I kow!

Spring Green Wreath

2011-05-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

So I won't say how long this project sat on my dining room table - moss strewn about but let's just say the original season one version was intended for came and went without even a single piece being added. Ugh - hate it when that happens.

Lately, green has replaced all others as my favorite color. Not sure how long it will last but for now - I love all things green. So I was inspired by the general Pottery Barn catalog and the moss idea. Think the feathers add a bit of whimsey.
I loved this little bird - He is metal and I think was intended to hang from something but I liked him resting in this little "nest" and thought this little patch balanced the big "bunch" on the bottom. Hope you like it! Have you created a wreath - I'm starting to think of my 4th of July one already!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great weekend!

"LAZY" Teacher Appreciation + Race Judicata

2011-05-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

First off I want to say THANK YOU to my new followers! I love clicking on that button and seeing the number go up - it has been slow but thank you for getting on my wagon!

Click here to see my "big" Teacher Appreciation gift from last year. http://staceylegg.blogspot.com/2010/05/teacher-appreciation-mission.html

I filled it with coordinating teacher goodies like binder clips, paper clips, push pins, and a little extra chocolate! Can't hurt right? I am foregoing this gift this time and gave nice gift cards to their favorite restaurants. I know these teacher ALOT better than in previous years and know they are well stocked in supplies department. Please leave me a comment with a link to what you did - I love great ideas (especially since I have at least 4 more years of this!)

So the Race Judicata kicks my behind! I did not feel well at all after that race so my goal is to do much better in preparing in hopes to not feel like garbage when all is over. However, I LOVE doing this! It gives me bonding time with my girls ( Abbi, Melissa, and Taylor all participated as well as my friend Jennifer who ran for herfirst 5K - shout out to you girlie!) 4 of the 5 came home with a "prize" (aka coffee mug) for placing in our age division.

Abbi beat her mama by a whole TWO minutes! She's gonna be a track star:)

I finished 4th in my age division! I know fourth doesn't sound like much but I've never placed before so that was kinda cool.

Melissa placed but I can't remember if it was 2nd or 3rd. We were kinda busy talking and we missed the particulars - sorry Melissa!

Taylor placed first her age division - GOOOO TAYLOR! She is so cute and just grins from ear to ear the entire 1/2 mile. I can't express how fun it is to see our girls into running.

Have a happy Wednesday! One of these days soon I am hoping to have a layout!

Easy Last Minute Teacher Gift

2011-05-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: In case you haven't noticed - tomorrow starts Teacher Appreciation Week! Ha! That was sorta my way of making a joke, however, if you haven't had a chance to work on this thought and you are like me - INCREDIBLY BLESSED with some great teachers, here is a SUPER QUICK and SUPER EASY picker-upper.

To follow with my theme of "things teachers need but shouldn't have to buy for themselves because they take care of our kids all day" (whew, that was a mouthful!) I thought a box of Band-Aids would be great. Kiddos are always aquiring little boo-boos throughout the day and here is something the teacher always needs on hand.

I did a simple wording "Thank you for ALWAYS coming to my AID!" Gotta love cardstock and then punched two small holes on either side of the tag and ran the ribbon through. EASY! (and quick!)

Here's hoping by the end of this week your child/ren's teacher will know just how appreciated he or she is:) Let me know your great ideas - I'd love to see them and if you leave me a link, I'll share it with everyone else.

I have one more thing to share tomorrow so please come back!

Giveaway winner + more inspiration...

2011-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

SSOOOOOOO.....drumroll please .......... the very randomly picked winner is:

Yay for Emily! Let me know how/when you want to get your goodies and they are yours!

Next week I hope to have sorted out some more stuff and am considering giving away my original Cricut to one lucky reader - thinking maybe once I hit 25 readers so be sure to tell all your friend - I would appreciate it!

So today's Teacher Appreciation Inspiration is another little goodie rom Bath & Body - portable scent/air freshener! Ever smelled those kiddos after they have had recess of P.E. - you need some fresh air- LOL!

Start with the freshener that looks like this - it's great because they can hang it just about anywhere in the room and out of reach of tiny hands.

I made another little wording: "You have been SCENT-sational!" (Get it scent?) I printed it on cardstock and then punched it with a scalloped circle punch (1 7/8 inch) and then mounted it with a solid blue and punched that with a second punch (2 5/16).

I tried to use a relatively coordinating ribbon and tied it to the back. This took me outside my box cause I would've prefered the tag be readable from the front of the give but there was no good way to tie it on.

This is the finished product - hands are shakey today but I'm sure you get the point.

Thanks so much for playing along so far, I still have a few more Teacher gifts to share so stay tuned!

Happy Weekend:0

Teacher Appreciation (there may be a theme here?)

2011-04-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

As the week begins to unfold you may see a theme in my gifts to the kiddos teachers - maybe?!? One of the things I wanted to try to do was give them things that would help them in the classroom. For today's gift - something a classroom can never have too much of.......

Hand Sanitizer!

So I took advantage of B & BW when they had a sale - think ahead people when possible:)

(sorry the pic isn't so great but you see the point!)

Then I printed the words "HANDS DOWN we think you're the best!!!" onto white cardstock. I then had Braden put his hand over it, I traced it and cut it out. I then mounted the white hand onto a coordinating piece of cardstock and trimed it to fit the hand. Finally, we finished it off with an elastic bow (in coordinating colors, of course!) and voia - a $5 gift for day two!

Don't forget to go to the previous post & comment for the giveaway - cute stuff!

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Wednesday:)

Giveaway + Teacher Appreciation

2011-04-26T16:06:00.001-07:00

So here it is (a bit later than I hoped since we have had computer "issues"). I promised I would be giving away some goodies here since I am trying to do a bit of spring cleaning. Habits change and styles change and so here I am with way more stuff than I'll ever use.

This first giveaway consists of a Creative Memories scrapbook tote filled with over 50 sheets of assorted papers! There is GCD, Creative Memories, Colorbok, and more! All you have to do is leave me a comment - it can be about anything you want.

Here is the inside of the tote:

and a shot of all the papers - oh and there i a mini album in there too!

Only catch is you must be local where I can get it to you without it costing a fortune to ship. Thanks for following my corner of the world!

Now, if you have little ones in school (or big ones too I guess) you probably already know Teacher Appreciation is right upon us (1st week of May). Last year we did a 4-part series on that and this the first one of this year - trying not to do the exact same things!

Here is gift #1 - to do list and note cards. I purchased both of these items at Michaels in their dolloar section and the ribbon was left over from my fall wreath so this only cost me $2 (nothing immediately since I actually thought ahead!)

I simply tied the two together with the "coordinating" ribbon and then put on a tag that reads:

Take NOTE: We think you're amazing!

Quite simple, quick, but effective I think. Come back tomorrow for another!

Don't forget to comment for the giveaway - I will pick a random number first thing Friday a.m. - Good Luck!

a simple card..and a lifetime love

2011-04-21T18:03:00.001-07:00

A very sweet lady we know from church recently had surgery and this is her get well card. Very easy! I used the patterned paper with the cricket and cut out the sentiment (this would clearly work with any words of encouragement) and then placed a piece of solid cardstock behind it so the letters show through. Placed the two of those on a white folded cardstock and there was a simple card. I added some flowers/pearls for embellishment (cause that's just how I roll!) I'd love to see what you have made! Maybe even something I have inspired:)

On my last post a shared some of my sister's wedding pics..this time I will share some of my "14th honeymoon" pics. When we finally arrived to Amelia Island it was pretty dark.. but beauty doesn't end when the sun goes down. Here is a lovely picture (or so it was in real life) of the moon reflecting off the ocean (it really was the ocean this time) with the palm trees blowing in front of it. What a blessing to spend time with my love in the ocean breezes!

I was very disciplined this time and went for a run 3 or 4 days of the five we were gone - had to make up for the great food somehow.

Here is Cheesecake Factory on our actual anniversary after a day of shopping. Oh, How I love this man. Want to know why.......

He will wash my stinky running clothes in the tub of the b &b! (Not that that's the only reason but a man who will do this for you will surely do about anything;)

Atlantic Ocean view from our room (call me bias but I still think our beaches are prettier)

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget I will sharing some of the items I am clearing out tomorrow and will start the giveaways on Monday. Even considering my original Cricut to be in the mix so tell all your friends to follow - only need 4 more!

Wedded Bliss

2011-04-16T15:55:00.001-07:00

SooO, in honor of nearly a month of wedded bliss for my sister and Shawn, I give you the following photos. I liked the shot - different perspective/angle. What happesn when you give Tori a cupcake - priceless! Grand exit:)

I loved this pic of Teresa - isn't she sooo pretty?!?

Off they go!

Hope you enjoyed - maybe something crafty next time!

Spring cookies and climbing a tree (retold)

2011-04-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Nope, not crazy - just WAY behind on blogging and hate to overwhelm you in one layout with like 50 pics. Here are some I didn't post about when Taylor spend the night during Spring Break. We made cookies (well I made and then they decorated) I was so happy to have had bunny rabbits and some gel and sprinkles. Taylor was very clear on her color palette. I will save you the play-by-play but here are Abbi's finished bunnies.

They enjoyed themselves and for the most part they still resembled bunnies when it was all over.

Here they enjoyed a "pushie ride" (Braden's term from when he was small) Involves big kids pulling the little ones on the hard wood. LOTS of laughs!

Followed by a fun game of hide and seek. I don't usually recommend this in the house but the kids did great with it. I loved that Taylor didn't peek and was just so patient with her counting.

Here is one of Daddy helping her up the tree. He was so careful and was worried she would fall. Scraped his foot pretty bad trying to get down before she made her way down.

Sweet, Sweet, Sweet!

Dear Family - hope you enjoyed these!

Quick Sympathy Card

2011-04-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick card for today. This went to one of our teachers at school. Basic but I used a grey background and then some older GCD Studios papers. Love reversible paper because it usually coordinates so well with the opposing side. I did one thing here that I am not normally into - I cut out a "flower" and then layered it (basically matted it) and then for a extra touch used the bezeled jewel brad. (FYI - these cause higher postage cost but in this case it was totally worth it!) So if you're thinking of someone today - tell them! Happy Weekend:)

Half-a-Dress!!!

2011-04-06T14:07:00.001-07:00

Yeah - two days in a row (but don't get used to it!) Just kidding - I am however getting into a groove again after the ridiculousness that last Saturday was - more on that in another post! About a month or so ago, I decided I was finally gonna do a fashion remake on one of Abbi's dresses. Now please imagine that I took this picture prior to actually cutting the dress. I measured how much length I needed based on her height. She is tall and it is super hard to find things that are long enough without being ridiculously big all over (must be liking the word ridiculous about now) So I measured that length and added a couple inches for the waist seam/elastic, etc. Folded it over, made a pocket, inserted elastic and..... Wala! A new skirt for Sunday. She got a new white cardigan and tank to go with it and it took this originally fallish dress and made it a skirt! I have to say she was excited and I was pretty proud as well. I hate wasting things! Even used the original tie-backs to make this cute hair rosette!

Sorry the pics are not the best - gonna start a class the next three Mondays to learn how to use MY camera! Woo Hoo - early Mother's Day or Birthday gift for me:)

Showers of Love - hee he!

2011-04-05T07:33:00.001-07:00

I know CHEEZY title - couldn't resist! I won't bore you with what caused it to take FOREVER to blog these (or any other) pictures. I will just shut-up and let you enjoy them. My lovely sister was married on March 19th and these are photos from her bridal shower. It was sweet and intimate with a real focus on what really makes marriages work which was very refreshing. She's joining a father with his three children and we know there will be some tough days ahead ... but the cleaning products around her home will remind her just how to handle her man! Here she is with her cake.

Purple was the color!

A real show of love from her friends.

The mother-in-law and daugher to be (well already are now!)

The bride and Mrs. Holly - the "Jill of all Trades!"

Teresa - hope you enjoyed these and sorry I am soooo far behind!

New Endeavors (and an easy card!) and a sneak peek!

2011-03-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, this won't surprise most of you, but I am NOT a fry-girl! I have never event attempted fried chicken, the closest thing is a pan saute. But lately I'm trying to be a big girl and take on things that I normally would say "ehh, that's too much work" and try it. So because my dear boy loves fried shrimp I thought I would try this Rachel Ray recipe. Cast iron skillet and all!

They were dusted with poppy and sesame seeds as well as garlic salt and pepper.

Kinda tasted like a kicked-up version of Captain D's. Cornbread wasn't too great - no flavor even with added cheese - neede some jalapenos. But the rest was a huge hit and they can't wait to do it again.

And an easy card - white base, three varying sizes of circles, and a sentiment. This went to my niece who had a sweet boy in January - Eli.

WARNING: Total Cuteness Alert - if you can't handle cute - close this out now!

Taylor got to spend the night since it is Spring Break (for my kiddos at least!) and poor Tori had to stay home cause she had "diarina" (diahrrea for the rest of us) and vomitting -poor thing!

When Daddy came to pick Taylor up, it took Tori a bit to warm up and she still kept saying "i don't want a picture!" but Aunt Stacey snuck a couple in anyway. Here is my fav - LOVE that face!

Taylor just couldn't stand being a by-stander as Braden climbed the tree - before you know it there were three monkey's in the tree at once - I'll make you wait til next post to see which ones those were!

Moral - don't be afraid to try something new - you just might like it! Happy Tuesday:)

Where in the Sam Hill's Have you Been?

2011-03-10T14:48:00.001-08:00

That's what my mother used to say when she hadn't been able to locate me - that's what you might be saying since it's been so long since I've posted. Several, several things keeping me busy and here are a few.....

Wonderworks field trip. That's us in the picture - he loved changing the screen.

A birthday party with Sweet Bella - you can't get a better face!

Except for maybe this sweet one!!! (I might, just might, be a little partial?!?)

Here is my latest sold project - camera strap cover with zebra fabric and a ruffle. My first ruffle and it too had it's learning curves but it was cute in the end.

Close up - of course the camera never gets the colors exact - ugh!!!

In the midst of all this is church, bridal showers (pics posted later), work, volunteering, etc. The big day is in just 9 days (if I'm counting right) and 10 days til my vacay. Spring Break, who needs Spring Break - Teresa and I are both going on Honeymoons (to separate places of course) so we won't mind working through Spring Break to get to that magical day!

Happy Friday (early!)

$8 - SERIOUSLY!!!

2011-03-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

So, I make cards because I love to do it! It's a quick, creative burst that let's my friends know "She really cares enough!" Whatever enough is? Anyway, So this one was for the kid's friends birthday a few weeks back. Cute, with layers, and some rub-ons and Thickers (who doesn't love thickers?) and if I love ya enough to use them on your card - then I love ya! Ha Ha!

This however is a very distant secondary reason for making cards - $8.04! REALLY?!?! YES!!! I meant to make a card, time got away (very seriously away from me!) and so on the way to a party on Saturday I asked David to pick up the card I almost bought Friday night and decided I would make one. So I sent him in after it - when he came out he said "You really should make your own cards! I had no idea it was $8 or I never would've told him to get that one! Anywho - hope you are inspired to save $ and use "old" stash to make your next card.

Happy Tuesday!

Valentine's Recap

2011-02-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

So, Valentine's is one of my FAVORITE holidays...is it the chance to unashamedly show your love, is it the sweets, is it the color RED, most likely all of the above! This Valentine's was a bit different since I had been a bit busy with birthday parties and working.

Well I did get some cute stuff together. I have had this desire for a "real" sifter but the old standards are hard to find. However, my dad went on a visit to N. Carolina and found this great one for me. Couldn't have been more excited to use it. I made banana nut bread for the kids teachers for V-day!

Here is the little tag I made with my Cricut Zooballoo cartridge - not red or pink but super cute!

I went to Bradens class and we decorated sugar cookies - they loved it!

Here is a card I made for a friend - I stitched the ribbon and then ran it through the Xyron (cause apparently I have the wrong needle for paper it it messes up everytime!)

A special shout-out to my friends (you know who you are) who check up on me when I am a bit spaced out! I love you and I appreciate your love and friendship! Happy Late Valentine's Day to you all!

Life as I know it right now.

2011-02-16T12:48:00.001-08:00

I saw this post HERE and thought I would like to copy it. Maybe it'll save a bit of where I am right now for when I might actually get to scrapbook about it (which seems VERY far off right now) My only ME thing I've done in a bit is buy myself a new wallet (great but kinda necessary) and posting this post. Kinda pitiful: anyway, on to the post.

Outside my window.....It is AMAZING 72 degrees and gorgeous! This, people, is why we live in Florida
I am thinking......of how good it feels today not to have anything that HAS to be done with regards to school.
We are learning .... by we I mean me (but that would be bad grammer!) to take deep breaths and use the word NO more often, just not nearly as often as I should just yet.
I am Thankful for.....my amazing husband. He gets upset at me but is always there to support and help me in all the things I am crazy enough to take on.
From the kitchen......will be frozen pizza tonight. It's Wednesday and that just works out best.
I am wearing...khaki's and a new sweater from LOFT. Oh, and the great bracelet Mason got me for Christmas.
I am going....to keep my sanity for at least one more day - that's all I can promise.
I am reading.....PTO by-laws in an effort to create our personal set - boring, I know.
I am creating .... scrapbook pages for other people. and a random card or two.
I am Hoping .... for five minutes silence at the end of the day to put my feet up.
I am Hearing... my kiddos practice piano.
Around the House....it feels like it is a disaster even though it was just pretty clean two days ago.
My Favorite Thing....is hard to know for sure.
The Rest of the Week ..... PTO meeting, soccer practice, possible hair cut, lingerie shower for my sister, and possibly a free day on Saturday, followed up by church on Sunday.
My Picture to Share....is at Zachary's Restaurant where my love and I went for Valentine's Dinner on Friday night. Followed up by a lovely concert of Phillips, Craig, and Dean.

Try it, it might just feel good to write it all down. Happy Wednesday!

A Good Reason for a Party!

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

So there's this really great girl I know...she is a wife, a mother, an employee, a runner, oh and did I mention - she's now a CPA! As you might know, my SIL Melissa recently passed the final stage of her CPA exam. After many years of school, several years of study - the wait is over! Now, I am not one who has to look hard to have a party but this one was a while in the making and boy was it a blast to do! Primarily because, Melissa deserves it!

If I were half the blogger I hope to be I would've been better behind the camera, Melissa did alot of picture taking and I'm too impatient to wait for copies so I'm posting what I have.

Here is a little behind the scenes:

The balloons kept Braden busy for a while - he would gather them all up while standing in a chair on his tippy toes and then move them to the other side of the room and then proceed to do the whole thing over again!

The party was a numbers theme (Lisa so loves a theme and as my like-minded party planning friend - we ate that up in about 30 seconds flat) We used black & white with "splashes" of yellow since that is said honoree's favorite color. It turned out really cute. Our prize area was this dessert table. Whatcha think?

This little area was kinda cute too - props to Lisa who bought that candle stand for 25 cents and painted black was quite a hit.

This is an after party pic with the silver candlesticks missing but this looked pretty neat too - very grand with the silver candlesticks - as I said - blogger in training I guess.

p.s. - this number banner for the mantle was my absolute favorite part - probably because it was my brainchild and I did the work myself on this part - either way, I thought it was cute and can imagine so many different ideas for different themes.

We had some little darlings running around too who were quite proud of Mommy as well (and Mommy's cupcakes!)

And of course, very little darlings who enjoyed a little special time (or at least the big one enjoyed her time with the littlest darling)

Once again, a super HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Melissa and a huge THANK YOU to Lisa for helping put this together - it was certainly a highlight!

A Quick Card

2011-02-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

and super easy! I just cut a piece of white paper to the width of my chosen envelope and folded it in half. Then I cut the pretty "Vera Bradley" style paper (Abbi's words) to be just shy of all four edges. Instead of cutting a white oval and placing it on top - I cut out an oval from the patterned paper and then placed the letters across the opening. I used my slick writer to line the inside just to ground it with the black letters. This card took a total of EIGHT minutes! Sweet easy and used up some supplies - a good thing!

Hope you can use this for your next "on the fly" card - Happy Tuesday:)

Candy Crazy!

2011-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

**disclaimer*** these are not in perfect order - just too many to worry about that! also, my children can make some "ugly" faces so please don't judge?!?

These two finally got to have their party and boy was it a party - sugar of every shape and size was in attendance. Here is their pre-party pose (thus showing all kinds of faces)

Our wonderful friend, Sis. Jennifer, made us a "crooked" cake upon Abbi's request and just iced it plainly for us. We (and with a little supervision, I mean they) took over from there. They added skittles, M&M's, gummie lifesavers, candy buttons and a giant lollipop - it was quite the hit (and tasted GREAT too!)

Here is a view of it all - not really but that was IMPOSSIBLE!

Can you see the excitement? His quote: "This is the best party I have ever been too, except for mine" Hilarious!

We decorated our own cupcakes and Taylor was totally into it - I picked this pic to post (say that fast 3X) because you can see the intent look on her face as she decides where to place her candies.

Bella enjoy hers!

See: proof of "ugly" faces - what was that?!?

Exhibit B: "ugly" faces caused by too much sugar.

We tried to do some "minute to win it" style games and this one apparently needs special 2 liter bottles and some crazy strong tape/glue or whatever. The kids enjoyed it but it wasn't quite Golden Globe worthy execution on our parts.

We had a bubble blowing contest - Daddy would've won had he been eligible to compete - apparetnly Dubble Bubble gum isn't the best choice - oops again!

Grant tried but bubble blowing is not his forte:(

Kids of all ages rediscovered their love of candy - Bryan sharing Fun Dip with Tori - gotta love those eyebrows she has!

And the end of the goodie bag line - a new TOOTHBRUSH - figured that might come in handy and be cheaper than a trip to the dentist!

Over all it was fun party, the kids had a blast and will have great memories to share. Thank you to all who attended or played even the smalled part in making it all happen! We love you:)

Why I Am A Crazy Lady (this week anyway!)

2011-01-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

because it's PARTY TIME!!! Although the twins birthday is in December (just 5 days prior to Christmas) we always do their party in January because it's supposed to be more calm. Not sure that theory applies this year but, oh well.

So of course once you begin making hand-made invites, the kids expect nothing less, and truthfully, I would be disappointed to change plans now. So here is what we started out with...cardstock, buttons, brads, ribbon, lollipop sticks, a circle punch (thanks to my hero Lisa for stepping in there!), and some pop dots (think that gets it all)

After much deliberation - these are the final product - of course a boy version and girl version. The bow wasn't Mason's fav part. Actually kinda happy about that!

I think the green one turned out to be my favorite overall. Now we are waiting on our shipment of gumballs,lollipops, sweetarts, zots, and rock candy - can hardly wait! Gonna be a fun, fun party.

Happy Thursday!

Christmas in January???

2011-01-18T15:12:00.001-08:00

Well, not really, but this post is WAY late but I think I'm in the swing of things a bit better now. The new year brought some not so welcome events and we are just getting back to ourselves. Hope you enjoy these Christmas pics and descriptions. On to the new year with the next post!

I was actually relatively pleased with this family pic - no ridiculous faces, or eye-rolls, overall, not too bad.

The present from Aunt Terri - air hockey table - Braden likes to say that this is "the present that was too heavy for Aunt Terri to carry!"

We always read the Christmas story and have prayer before we open our gifts. Sometimes we read from the Bible but this year Braden read most of it so we used this very accurate version so that he could read - I tried to upload the video but it would work - super cute though!

The gift of the season - homemade bathrobes by their mother! They were SUPER thrilled as these pics show - love that the homemade item made them the happiest!

Of course, a Vera Bradley lunchbox will bring a smile to this girls face too and runs a close second to the robe. She is obsessed:)

We had Christmas with my family on Christmas day and although Tori was there she didn't really pose for too many pics so Taylor gets the spotlight here. She loved the princess roller skates we got her but.......

The Cinderella dress-up from Aunt Teresa stole the show - she wanted to get dressed immediately!

Hope you enjoyed these and I'll be back tomorrow hopefully with something more crafty!

Before Christmas can truly begin....

2010-12-26T14:10:00.001-08:00

our boy & girl has to turn ten! It is hard to convey the emotions that these few days hold. If I had posted this before Tuesday I'm sure some of it would've held different emotions - maybe not. This week was not an easy one for us for multiple reasons. However, my love for these sweet children is still the same.

Our first celebration started Sunday night after church with Aunt Lisa & Uncle Roger. When the "birthday desert" came, the singing began. Aunt Lisa sang desperately out of tune on purpose and poor Abbi could barely contain herself - note the bright shade of red and plugged ears.

I don't know that I've ever seen her face this red (the blushing seems to be a new thing) but it was funny for us to watch.

"Old" friends surely make the best friends - I love you Lisa!

We celebrated the actual day with a dinner to Outback - they opened gifts, ate, and enjoyed more birthday dessert.

The poor girl had been salivating over black nikes ever since her Daddy and Brother got a pair - finally her new "kicks"

Of course, the video game makes this one all smiles.

I love this sweet boy but sometimes it's not easy. The next day was truly one of the worst days I've had parenting him. Who knows how one child can be so different from the others in the home. I am writing this more as a release for me than for your benefit (of course) I never want him to question how much I love him, I want to be able to show him that, help guide him in the right paths, use his gifts to the fullest of potential. I pray that we have both learned from this week. I know I've said this before but being a parent is beyond words the hardest job on earth! I will never understand it all I just pray the Lord helps me to be the best mother to him I can. Thank you to every person who has ever encouraged us, prayed for us, or just been our friend. Thank you so much!

May this next year hold great joy and peace for all of us as we struggle to please the Lord and walk in His perfect will!

Happy New Year!

Finally...

2010-12-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

a crafty post! I haven't taken much time lately to do anything crafty but the closer Christmas gets there are a few cards necessary - so I get to make them and this one was inspired by a very simple card but I like the geometric nature of it none-the-less.

Two version:
This is just cardstock and jewels. Don't worry - these are the kind that come in a strip so I didn't sit and put each one on individually - HA!

Version 2:
I can't decide which I like best - this one is going to Braden's teacher who LOVES some bling - hope she likes it (of course she'll probably enjoy the handwritten note by him on the inside saying she is a cool teacher the most)

And to finish off this post - a rare shot with all 3 looking the same direction, at the same time, with a version of a smile - a true Christmas miracle!

If I don't get to blog again before then, MERRY CHRISTMAS and enjoy all your blessings - thre greatest being our Savior Jesus Christ!

"Thank You Daddy. . . .

2010-12-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

for bringing us here!" were the sweet words spoken by Braden on the evening of our arrival to "The Happiest Place on Earth" They were overwhelmed with it all and I was so excited they were - didn't want them to be bored by it all - this world has a tendency to do that to us.

We had a long drive (longer than usual as we suppose that everyone who traveled North for Thanksgiving decided to travel back South the same day as us) Stand still traffic on I-75! Anyway, by the time we got there it was dark but just in time to watch the fireworks across the lake from the Castle.

I love these two boys explaining things to one another!

Here is that castle lit up for Christmas - GORGEOUS!!!

Day One - pre-trip photo - they were super excited!

There were times in this trip I wanted to pull my hair out and other times I just smiled at the sweet love - this one makes me MELT! Love the two heads together and the arms wrapped tight:)

Another spontaneous show of love to help the little guy along - at this stage these are rare but oh how sweet when they do it on their own!

Toy Story Interactive game - Daddy was serious!

Even brought out the tongue for concentration - so glad to have captured this even if it wasn't on purpose.

We met a few characters along the way - was surprised that the big kids were interested in autographs but also grateful when they weren't interested enough to wait in a few of the mile long lines - gotta have balance right?

Can't leave the magic kingdom without riding Dumbo!

Thank you again Daddy for this fun adventure - we really did share some fun times and we are so blessed to be able to do this type of stuff with our children.

Where Dreams Come True!

Around the House

2010-11-29T15:14:00.000-08:00

I would LOVE for pottery barn to come and decorate my house for Christmas. However, since that won't work out anytime soon - I try to imitate the magazines. Here is the dinner table centerpiece - it isn't perfect - I need a runner but it'll work until I get back.

Here are one of my fav things - some trees I got from Michaels a few years ago - they are in a simple clean line of three on the side board. With a nice clean gold runner. Easy to move when it's time for the food to take over.

Have a happy Monday!

We did it!

2010-11-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

We got the tree up and decorated before leaving for vacation - WHEW! I wondered if we could and we did. Here is a little run down of how this worked this time in our house:

Mama went for a run early with Aunt Melissa while Daddy put the tree up - he is clearly more efficient in that dept. than me.

However, I then spent what felt like a solid hour "fluffing" the parts that had been smushed from being in a box for 11 months or so. While I'm doing this I'm listening to Christmas music as well as the "music" children make when you're not moving fast enough for their liking - they were sooo anxious to help but weren't interested at all in the fluffing.

Here is glimpse of one of my fav ornaments - it sparkles so well in the night with just the tree lights on.

The front of the tree is clearly decorated more heavily by 9 and 6 yr olds. They didn't quite understand that the whole tree must be decorated as close to evenly as possible.

Abbi was distracted thankfully when we remembered they had their own tree with their own ornaments - sweet!

This little guys tells us that "God is really happy with us because we put out alot of decorations to celebrate His birthday!" Love the way he thinks.

The almost final product as we need a new topper - star or angel - not sure yet.

Thanks for looking and I hope your Holidays were Thankful and Bright!

No crafty - just crazy fun!

2010-11-24T13:13:00.001-08:00

So, I'm a bit frustrated with my crafty motivation lately - not the ideas - just the desire to execute. Everything seems to be more important at the moment - even if it actually isn't. Even wound up not getting the "Thank You" cards done for my children's teachers - at least they weren't expecting them!

Looking forward to a few days off work but here is a flashback of the last few hours & days!

A trip to The Swamp to see the Mighty Gators play - they were at least mighty for one day! Which was all I could ask for my little girl. I surprised her with the Tebow Jersey as an early birthday present so she could wear it to the game - she was pretty excited and clearly ready to get the show on the road as exhibited here where she left us grown-ups in the dust.

Pre-game pose - thanks Aunt Teresa!

Post game exhaustion - poor girl was feeling so bad she slept through part of the 3/4th qtr. You know she's sick when she can sleep in a stadium filled with 90,000 of your best friends!

So today was a 1/2 day which at most schools are useless - NOT at DPES! We used it to bond as a family and I mean that. It was teachers vs. kids in a kickball game - SUPER FUN! Tho Mr. Willis is in this shot Mason scored a run - those are his legs bent backwards as he slid into home plate. This was such a fun experience for everybody. Teachers won by a single point but that's o.k. - I hear a rematch is brewing for the 1/2 day before Christmas:)

I think Abbi has the classic runner's stride - wonder if track might be in her future?

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving and are able to take a look back over the year and see your many blessings - even in the midst of crazy, busy, hectic lives, we surely are a blessed people!

Where we've been- (if you were wondering)

2010-11-19T13:29:00.001-08:00

We (I mean me) have been over our head! I think maybe the Lord is using this to teach me to be a "one-day-at-a-time" kinda girl. I am such a planner but right it's coming at me so fast I can't hardly breathe. We have had canned food drives, Thanksgiving lunches, piano recitals to practice for, soccer tournaments, and the lists go on - I know you have those list too so i'm not saying mine is busier than yours, just busier than mine has EVER been.

My kids drive me crazy but in the same breath, keep me laughing so I don't literally go crazy. Thought I'd share this with you. The other day while David was working, Mason came and asked if they could give Abbi a pedicure. huh? yeah, i guess, where? in your bedroom, NO, but in my bathroom I said. A few minutes later I had the "wisdom" to take a photo - this is what I found:

They are all clearly enjoying themselves - Abbi, of course. I say, "why r u doing this?" just wondering what promptly such a lovely gesture. They say, "she's gonna buy us something at Disney World" ahh, the real motive is revealed! (hint* another reason why I'm crazy is that I have to pack for FIVE people to go to Disney for six days just three days after Thanksgiving and trying to figure out when to shop for Christmas, decorate my house, and put up a tree!)

Another place we were pleased to go (though it took up a bit of our Saturday) was a 3V3 tournament Abbi was asked to play in. She loved it (except when she lost of course) but it was great experience - she got to play along side of the traveling team girls and learn a new version of soccer - pretty cool!

I keep saying I hope to be to normal real soon but that ain't happening - probably never - which means I need a new reality. i want to scrap but absolutely don't have the time. the fabric i bought to make thanksgiving placements is still sitting on the table neatly folded like the fabric lady folded it. fortunately thanksgiving is at the in-laws so no one will miss them!

just a glimpse of where we've been! happy weekend:)

Miracle Strip Reborn!

2010-11-13T14:56:00.001-08:00

So, it's not that we went there alot when I was a child - we had no extra $ - we did go occasionally when relatives or friends took us. So what is totally cool is that now my children are able to enjoy a few pieces of this Panhandle History.

We went on Veteran's Day for a bit with the cousins and here are some shots of the day:

Taylor loved this obviously:)

Boys are trying to figure out how it works - no surpirse here.

Aunt Melissa and the girlies.

Justin waving to our adoring fans.

Abbi chasing Tori - this is probably my fav foto of the day:)

Please take me to Vera Bradly? No, why not? Please???

The sweet smile after Aunt Melissa said they wouldn't leave without a Vera Bradley stop. R.O.T.T.E.N!

The family pyramid - I try this everytime and sometimes it works and sometime it doesn't.

The future inhabitant of the Butterfly Pavilion.

Taylor being brave and checking it all out.

so sorry some of my pics are grainy - I think I have determined it is the cheapo memory card I had to buy "on the fly" recently when I left my other one at home. Hope you enjoy and Happy Weekend!

Fall - yep, it's just about to pass me by!

2010-11-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

so I am gonna schedule another post just so it won't be forever before I do this again. I do feel like life is passing me by. Subbing, PTO'ing, Wed. nite class, wife-ing, and mothering, whew, I can barely keep my head above water - if you see tiny bubbles, come in after me!

I don't have my fall decor out because I hate doing it before Halloween because I wouldn't want anyone to think I was celebrating that - so, this little arrangement (and my ribbon wreath) are the only real signs of fall at our house. I hope to change that this weekend which almost seems worthless and I should just skip to the Christmas ones! I used large waltnuts and other assorted nuts for filler because I kinda get tired of the rocks or the marbles or whatever else we always put in there.

Another sign of fall is canned food drives - they are wonderful teachers to our children. We pray they will always realize how blessed they are and here's what mine decided to do. The school is doing a food drive. they have asked for like 20 cans EACH nearly EVERY day. I told them we would need a food drive if they kept that up. Their idea ... panhandle the neighborhood for cans. So with wagon in tow (and a sheet of paper to keep track of donations) they proceeded. I was proud of them for their willingness to get "cans for the needy" and they came back with just over 20 items. If you're counting that's 7 more each to take to school tomorrow. Teachable moments!

And one random that David and I just loved. We couldn't find Mason, called and called but no answer. When David finally looked out the back, there he was, READING, comfortably with dog in tow - some days you just see that you will survive and that he has the potential inside him to be an AMAZING man.

Hope this will feed your need of photos for my kiddos until next time. Probably not tomorrow but soon.

Almost 2 Weeks...Really????

2010-10-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

So I didn't realize it had been TWO weeks - was thinking more like one or so - sorry!

I have worked at the school in the first grade everyday this last week and just getting used to that is quite an exhausting task - Love the kids but man it is hard to be with 18 all day long and then come home to three of my own with very much patience at all - gotta work on that.

On to more exciting (and cute) things - our first grade won a field trip and chose Rock-it Lanes. Super cute to have 60 or so 6 year olds bowling and skating.

Here is my man and his friend Zachary - can't have the pics without the bunny ears right?

Look how much fun she was having - she is our neighbor and Braden's new best friend.

And these little prisses in the making are just too much. Poor Abby is about to throw out her hip in that pose and the one with the yellow headband has captured Braden's little heart - she is Alli. I think she may show up somwhere on this blog in times to come.

Hope to be back tomorrow with some crafty stuff. Have a great week!

My Life in Lists . . .

2010-10-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Any one else ever feel this way? Your life can be defined by one HUGE list. Mine always feels like an ever evolving "to do" list but the other day while in Books-a-Million I ran across these two "books" which I think will be appearing on my Christmas List somewhere.

One of the greatest reasons I scrapbook is for history. I do not keep a diary/journal well at all - I have the best intentions but those quickly go out the window each evening when sleep calls just a bit louder. I have tried so many times it is just ridiculous. However, I thought these books would be cool. I could even rip them out and make a scrapbook page with them if time allowed and desire hit me (surely it would at some point)

The one on the right was a bit more exhaustive but it was such a cute "journal" of lists. Two really great things in one that didn't require them to be done chronologically (which most of you know is a must around here!) and would be a glimpse into my heart/mind right now.

So to leave you today (since there isn't a crafty thing to show 'cause I made two cards this weekend, neither of which go their picture taken - ugh!) with this phrase:

"A Clean House is a sign of a Wasted Life!" I must be living it up then:) Happy Monday!

It's a Hodge Podge Friday!

2010-10-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

So I did it! I actually linked up on the actual day - I normally procrastinate and then it's too late! Go check out this cool blog: HodgePodgeLife There are so many cool people doing really great stuff! Let me know if you see mine!

Where I Am Right Now ...

2010-10-14T14:24:00.001-07:00

* TOTALLY over Halloween! I hate this holiday and wish it didn't exist!!! I am so ready to move on to Thanksgiving and may just do so without any one else's permission:)
*is trying to decide on the wrapping paper/color scheme for Christmas so I can begin making gift tags - Lisa, I'm thinking of you here!
*is working to keep life in balance. Realizing that on the scales it takes alot more on the "God" side of the scales than the "world" side of the scales. Someone said blend - not balance. Not sure how I feel about that but I'm thinking on it.
*working to keep the right perspective on the things going on around me.
*praying for miracles - not small ones, BIG, HUGE ones. I know they aren't huge to God but they sure seem HUGE to me.
*enjoying spending alot of time at the kid's school. They totally light up when they see me - how cool is that?!?
*enjoying my sweet girl tell her brother "Desperate times call for desperate measures" you know what that means "You gotta do what you gotta do!" I LOVE that girl:)

And since a post can't go without a pic - and my sister borrowed my camera to get herself some good pics (BTW - hope that worked out) I have an older one that might make you laugh - My chef trying to clean up "all" his mess!

Happy Thursday!

Tribute to "Tator Bug"

2010-10-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know, we recently celebrated Taylor's (left) 4th Birthday. She is such a sweet girl - sometime she's moody like her daddy - hee hee! - but she has a great heart, she's a big helper and we just LOVE her.

She started her "party day" by watching Abbi & Mason play soccer. It wasn't a very exciting game - felt bad for them - final score was 0-0. But I think they still had fun playing around. Here they are walking our way and I couldn't resist this sweet photo op!

Here is another cute one - I love how Taylor's eyes are "squinched" trying to really concentrate on what Braden is showing her.

Here she is opening "our" present. I made her a matching skirt like I did Abbi a few weeks back - but added a little t-shirt with her initial on it. She wore it the next day and was totally cute! Of course!!!

The most fun thing at Pump-it-Up is this slide - can't you tell?

A quick shot of the cousins~

I didn't buy her this toy - but man I wish I would've! I love how much she loved it and I love thinking of the fun my brother will have listening to her enjoy it - life is SWEET!

And I guess this is how you feel when you don't get to sit in the big chair and eat your cake!

Taylor we love you and can't believe how quickly you're growing. You are the sweetest little girl!!!

I think it's here!?!

2010-10-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Fall that is! Maybe, we can "cross our fingers" can't we? The weather today is AMAZING! and my children actually went out to play without being forced or threatened with punishment - that too is AMAZING considering the hottest summer in what feels like forever. So, I had this card to make, a little late for World Card Making Day but it needed to be made. Today's cooler weather inspired me to go fall for it.

SUPPLIES: American Crafts (plaid paper and striped flair), alphas by October Afternoon, Pebbles for the brad, ribbon (paper & actual) is Hobby Lobby.

This one came together very, very quickly (less than 15 min - honestly!) Hope you like it!

And here is glimpse of what we do on fall days - we apparently take the Dominoes on the front porch and play with them there. I took this through my front door because I didn't want to mess it up by them knowing I was taking a photo. Love how well these two play together!

Off to organize! I was inspired by this blog and so I'm off to tackle Braden's closet and all the "hand-me-downs" from Mason. Enjoy this weather - I think I might open some windows while I'm at it.

Crafty Memo Board - NO SEW!

2010-09-30T14:31:00.001-07:00

So, this project has been 1/2 done for at least a month - pitiful, I know! However, today has brought with it an attitude which requires all things unfinished to at least be attempted. This is a very easy project, with no sewing! Just some straight pins and a glue gun (that I remembered I forgot to turn off - be right back!)

This isn't an exact tutorial but I think you'll get the jist of how to do this (assuming you want to!)

SUPPLIES: Foam board cut to desired size, adhesive spray, batting, straight pins, hot glue gun, misc. buttons, thread and ribbon (one for the cross pieces and one for the "hanger") I used less than one roll for each items.

Begin by spraying the board with adhesive on one side and applying the batting to it. Once that is set, cover the board with your desired fabric. I used straight pins to keep the fabric on the board and tight. The number of pins depends on your level of OCD - I obviously used quite a few! ha! Scroll down to the next photo to see the corners and back for reference - sorry they are out of order.

Once you have the front adhered you could easily apply the ribbon and hang it but for a more finished look I added the criss-cross pieces and the buttons. Since there is batting it looks a bit "quilted"

I hot glued the tied bow to the ribbon hanger because the ribbon is one sided and I didn't want too much of the white showing. If you had a double-sided ribbon this step could probably be eleminated.

I am hoping for an old-fashioned hook at some point but for now a standard nail will have to do! Hope you like it!

Have a great weekend and do something fun - mine will be filled with soccer games and a birthday party for my sweet niece Taylor! (Oh and this reminds me it's my brother's birthday too - better not forget that!)

"You've been pretty crafty today!"

2010-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Was the direct quote from my child yesterday as I was on project #2 (which was her skirt) Project #1 isn't finished due to insufficient supplies - ugh!

This was very simple! Seriously! I found some fat quarters at Hobby Lobby that were fall colors and coordinated (so I don't have to do that part) and that's pretty much the only supply. I did add the grosgrain ribbon as a ruffle as an after thought and I had that from my fall wreath from the previous post left over. Love it when that happens!

Anyway, I cut each quarter into equal strips and then decided which order I wanted them in. I just sewed each section together. Once all of the pieces were sewn together I made a "pocket" for the elastic to go through and finished the top off very simply. I gather the ribbon (kind of a chore) and then attached it as my finishing touch.

Our model was VERY EXCITED to have this! and that make this mommy VERY EXCITED! I did this in less than 1/2 a day and between football games, cooking dinner, laundry, etc. Due to the simple nature it didn't require a ton of dedicated thought process.

Hope this inspired you to do something fun and crafty. The whole skirt cost less than probably $8 - that is cool, very cool!

What to do this weekend?

2010-09-24T13:22:00.001-07:00

a Fall ribbon wreath! Huh, you say? Well it's super easy and took approx. 45 min to one hour. You can do that while watching the Gators (or your team of choice) play football this weekend. There is little brain power or even attention to detail required.

So let's start. You will need a straw wreath, fall colored ribbon, and scissors. That's all! I used an 18 inch wreath and approx. 30 yards of ribbon. Hurry, Hobby Lobby has all this at 50% off this week!

Start with your first roll and cut and sporadically (sp)? tie pieces of ribbon (maybe 8 inches or so - test it and see. I didn't measure I just eyeballed it) Continue this process with all the different color/patterns of ribbon.

There is one thing I discovered. If you are like me (and I know at least one of you out there is -LISA!) then you will want to cover as much of the straw as possible. This can be better accomplished when you tie your knots at different spots on the wreath. i.e.l - to the inside, then to the outside, then the middle and start over again. if you tie them all in the middle it doesn't look as whimsical.

And here is the finished product on my front door! LOVE it - David actually walked through while I was making it and said, Hey, I like that, it looks cool! Love kudos from the hubby:)

I think I might craft something to hang from the bottom that says Happy Fall or Harvest of something but for now it works great and it's up - that is half the battle these days! Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think. I think it would be neat for Valentines Day or 4th of july which is when I origianlly wanted to do this project - see how far behind I am - ha!

Almost No Sew Project

2010-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sew to continue on my theme of Teacher Apprec. (mini-version) I wanted to do a banner. those are so trendy right now, right? but i didn't have a ton of time. here's what i used: bandana of choice (ours are school colors) wonder under, felt, and a role of ribbon. of course your sewing machine. you could actually even use brads to attach the penants together for a whole diffrerent look.

first i adhered the wonder under to the felt. then i cut out a letter template with my cricut and traced it to the back side of the felt. (tip: make sure if your letter is side specific and you don't want it on backwards, trace it backwards and then flip it over before adhering it to penant) I cut my penants with a sharp pair of fabric scissors - no real measuring here. i cut the first one and then used it as a "rough" template for the rest. then i decided on the order of the penants, adhered the letter and then ran one long stitch.

i am not very good at explaining these things but it was really easy and i know most of you could figure it out just by seeing the photos. The teachers were impressed and here it is displayed at school in the teacher eating area.

If you try it, let me know!

"Salmon" Apple Cupcakes?

2010-09-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Red icing - REALLY! That is a chore that I was not prepared for. Not mentally, physically. I did not buy enough red food coloring - not even sure the store had that much anyway. We did a THANK YOU for all our teachers and all the hard work they put together for our new school I saw this idea HERE and thought - ahhh - perfect! Well, i don't normally try to show my interpretation of a great thing when it goes wrong but I just can't help it. Look at hers - how round they are, the leaves are cute, etc. Anyway mine tasted good and the teachers were thrilled.

48 of these red babies (or salmon colored as I liked to call them) all over the counter, all afternoon. i still have pink in my nails!

Here is how they looked once they were on the plate...who knew tootsie rolls would melt in room temp - i guess if you live in florida, anything can melt.

It's the thought that counts, right? That's what I'm telling myself anyway. Happy Tuesday:)

All I Want for Christmas....

2010-09-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

is my two front teeth! At least that's what he's hoping to be singing! This was nothing short of drama. For a solid week he whined, cried, was petrified to lose his tooth. He almost skipped out on Big Kahuna's the last time because he was afraid he would lose it in the water, swallow it, or God forbid . . . it might hurt for a second - ugh!

Well, last Sunday morning while eating his cinnamon roll - it came out! He was just as excited as he had been scared!!! I love this kid:) He is all heart - good or bad. He hasn't a care in the world but yet is so sensitive. He shared his money and used part of it for "junk" food at school. He's not worried about saving it or using it in the future. It's the here and now. Sometimes I wish I could be more like this, sometimes.

He wasn't in his birthday suit but was sporting some undies here - meant to edit it but couldn't and still keep the tooth in there. Though the loss of the first tooth changes them from a baby forever, I am excited about what his future brings.

See you soon with my apple cupcake saga.....

The new "normal" -

2010-09-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

So often I find myself in a routine. I like a routine. Clearly a little too much because I am struggling with this new "normal" I once said to my pastor - "I just want my family to be normal" I meant: get along, enjoy each other, tease without offending, those types of things. His response: "you are normal" By this he meant we are all dysfunctional to a degree. Sometimes I remember this and it always makes me rest a bit easier.

Lately my life has taken some turns...some changes. Not huge changes.. just alot of small changes. The largest is the "part-time" job of substitute teaching. I enjoy it (most days) and I particularly enjoy receiving great reviews which is probably why I continue (that and I want a few things here and there - ha!) Anyway, I am adjusting to this..some days better than others. One day last week I didn't do so well..it was my Dad's birthday.. and I remembered it ahead of time but not the day of!!!! HORRIBLE (to use one of Braden's robust vocab. words) So I had to make up for it, spend a bit more maybe than normal and I made him a card. I sure hope he liked it and I tried to remind him that this was in no way an indication of my lack of love for him and I sure hope he believes me:( Here is the card I made.

Used some great goodies I got back when we went to Sarasota at a LSS and just couldn't wait to use them (a month later) The paper is standard. Tabs are October Afternoon (LOVE!!) and the alphas are stamped and K&Co.

See how "not normal" my life is - look at all these goodies and I hadn't touched a one of them. Maybe soon, real soon!

Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to hear your experience with a new "normal"

Sew Fun!

2010-09-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

So my love for sewing cannot be categorized into normal sewing. I don't just want to do a pattern - they frustrate me! I will not be defeated by them but every now and again I enjoy the things that don't require a pattern, just a little brain power (and a few scrapping tools:))

I made this little shirt for our friend Carter's first birthday party this weekend. It was a cupcake party and we tried to match the colors. Needless to say, I want some of the online fabrics desperately and just know that is an obsession waiting to happen.

Here is the sweet boy in his shirt - looks just like his older brother if you ask me.

And here's the damage caused post-birthday-cake-throwing-on-the-floor episode. He was too cute and really didn't want any - literally tried to dump the huge cupcake onto the floor! Only at age one can you get away with that huh?

Thanks for stopping by - tomorrow is my first day off of work in over a week and boy do I have a "pile" of things to do - not to mention I never told my Dad happy birthday so I better be making up for that with a good gift. see you soon.

The First Sign...

2010-09-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

is the last sign ... Last Saturday is the last time we'll see this sign until next summer which is one sign that summer is "officially"over:( We made several trips this summer to Big Kahuna's and were excited to have Melissa and the girls join us for the last half of the summer. Here are a few shots from our "farewell" visit.

She loves to ride but this day she was way more into the book that Daddy had previewed (see previous post for more info)

Taylor loved the "whale" which is part of the kiddie area and is a collection of slides. Loved catching her from "behind the bush"

The frog! Oh my, due to all the water and our previous locations I was never able to get a good shot of this - one of Taylor and Tori's original favorite spots is this frog slide - can't you just imagine why.

Clearly not up for the camera but SUPER CUTE anyway!

This trip Uncle Bryan graced us with his presence - and although rare - we did get a semi-smile out of him and the group in the wave pool.

Sweet eyes!

So clearly these days take it out of us all - however, this is the first time he has EVER fallen asleep at the water park. I knew he didn't feel well and has been suffering with a cold ever since. Love that the bag of popcorn is still tightly within his grasp.

So, until next year we say farewell to Big Kahuna's - It was fun while it lasted!!!!

Hubby Love!

2010-09-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

My husband doesn't read my blog (or at least he doesn't unless he happens to be standing over my shoulder as I'm posting it - which right now he is soundly sleeping) So I feel free to share without appearing too mushy. My husband IS NOT a read-for-fun kind of guy!!! I have NEVER in 13.5 years of marriage seen him read a book - EVER! If it is a spa manual, a TV instruction manual, and annually a midnight read of toy instructions just before Christmas Day - then maybe.

However, we recently went on a business trip to Sarasota and were looking to bring home "surprises" for our children. This happened to be books - school has started again and they need to be reading - plus i want them to love it (or at least like it more than their father does.) Anyway, we found a book for Mason (finding age appropriate books for boys is about as difficult as finding age appropriate clothes for girls) Anyway, it was by John Grisham but it was supposed to be for kids. We decided someone needed to read it first:

and low and behold - David did it! He read for three days solid at bedtime until he finished it. It was a lengthy book and he would laugh outloud which I love. And I love him for stepping outside his "comfort zone" to look out for his child! He's such a great husband and father!

Hope to be back next week with some crafty stuff - working on a couple of projects and hopefully a bit of sewing - hopefully!

The face of the earth ~

2010-08-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

is still squarely beneath my feet! I haven't fallen off - deep into the abyss - though it feels like it some days! We have just been crazy and I seem more distracted than ever with regards to some things. I have done some crafting but it was for my customer so not really share-able. Here is what I'm thinking right now:

I really need to be at home today: not headed to the dr. office for a possible case of strep!

I want to do something fun but am so exhausted I can't see straight to figure out what that is.

Wish I didn't feel the financial strain of life right now - medical bills (see photos to below for reference), a broken over (who knows how much that will cost) AND and empending gum surgery for myself. Can anybody say thank goodness for a Christmas savings account or Lord knows that would be added to that list!

I want to make a tablecloth and napkins for the fall season but see reference to $ strain above.

school seems to be kicking my behind trying to keep them all organized. the teachers are more organized than previous experiences which makes the parents (me) feel that my ducks need to be more tightly in their row.

Well enough rambling - I would share a few other photos except I can't get my camera open to get the card out - hoping my stronger hubby can handle that for me in a bit. Below I posted a few phone pics we took of Mason while he was so pitifully suffering in the hospital - that's all I got for now due to camera issues. hopefully i'll see ya back here REAL soon!

Isn't that face just pitiful - trying to smile but not working so well:)

Love ya all!

Penguins & Martha Love:

2010-08-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Crazy title, I know, but it got your attention didn't it? I love how life can be so random - one minute we're engrossed in one thing and the next minute - something totally different. Doesn't mean we aren't focused - it just means we are multi-taskers!

Today I took a picture of a piece of our lives right now (and maybe yours too) Silly Bands! Today, I found a penguin in my washer - yes, that's right, a penguin. He's not black and white, living in the arctic, he's all white living in my child's pockets:) And as I emptied the washer found about 20 more of these jewels - at least they didn't make it to the dryer, that could've been a mess for sure.

Next is my affection for Martha - I have been stalking this border punch for a WHILE after seeing on several blogs (particularly Stephanie Howell) and I just wanted it - so I saved my coupon for 40% off and now it's mine! I've already used it on two projects and have barely had it a week. The other punch was the butterfly. These are everywhere right now on everything and my next goal is to get one a step bigger! Most of this card is GCD Melody Ross stuff and the ribbon is an older LYB.

Thanks for stopping by! Life is a bit busy right now - I substituted at Bozeman on Thursday pm and Friday. It was such an eye-opener and I am so grateful for my children and their health (mentally and physically) and I pray it continues. Apparently I was so engrossed in "teaching" math that I didn't notice the administrator or the speech person as they passed through the room - kinda embarrassing but they were pleased with the work so I might be at that school more than I had anticipated - eeekk!

Next week is Recognition Night for our classes on Wednesday night which is a big event for me since I am responsible for the reception - yikes! It's not a new thing it's just very important to me and I want it to be perfect (I know you ladies can appreciate that) Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to balance it all so it doesn't come crashing down around me?!?

Happy rest of the weekend:)