dance like no one's watching

Got lost in these websites...

2011-05-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

http://toostinkincute.blogspot.com/ Love the wishing tree and all the random inspiration!!!! Also has party ideas!

http://www.rocktheshotforum.com/ Aweseome Photography Idea Site! :)

Love these ideas!!

2011-01-15T09:08:00.004-07:00

All the pictures are linked...

A TUBE SLIDE INTO THEIR BASEMENT!!!!

Genius Ideas!

2010-09-08T18:07:00.002-06:00

I want to make one of these out of a kid's table... our lab that the kid's get x-rays, etc. at has a car one and we all LOVE it!

Toy Jail : set a timer and any toys not put away by that time "go to jail" until Saturday!

Back to School

2010-08-20T10:36:00.004-06:00

Well, I love traditions... so, some that I'm considering/doing this year come from here and here and from my head... We already did separate date with mommy school shopping days. Kylie chose a movie on hers and Ari the escalators and play place at the mall and a stuffed animal.

I think that we are going to do the school fairy (treat in bookbags which are hung on their doors) (Like the 12 days of Christmas).

A spoonful of sugar to make you have a sweet year on the morning of...

A giant cookie to celebrate the end of the first day...

And, my own version of the Kissing Hand... I'm going to get a little container for notes and a Hershey's Kiss everyday...

Look at these AWESOME ideas!!!!

2010-08-06T07:39:00.000-06:00

UNDER THE SYCAMORE

cool blog

2010-07-19T15:16:00.000-06:00

wish i was like this... totally inspiring... http://makeitblog.com/

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T15:20:00.001-06:00

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

“When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handed your responsibilities even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come to your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to e everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw….When you thought I wasn’t looking.”

What Am I Going to Be?

2010-04-16T08:05:00.002-06:00

I remember feeling overwhelmed with what I should do or go my senior year... Then, for 3 years, I was perfectly content and happy, knowing that I was where I should be teaching... I loved it... Then, I became a full time mom, totally happy with what I was and loving it... But, it was also a difficult decision at the time... Now, I am coming up to another stage... Should I go back to school and teach a bit again with great benefits and the ability to travel/ pay off the house after the first year? (But that's all really scary to go back to school and interview!) Should I get a part time temporary type job without as much money, but a little less preparation- still fear of the finding it part? Or, should I just volunteer and work around the house? Or, should I pursue photography- also scary because I don't know how to start a buisness? Yikes!!! I am so unsure and lost and scared... need to pray!!!

Exciting New Website!!!

2010-03-31T08:16:00.001-06:00

I just heard about a website that has just about everything that I'm interested in right now! And, they are having their launch tomorrow!!! Vanilla Bees

Ideas for Ari's B-day Party... (or for a fun theme day)

2010-03-10T05:48:00.002-07:00

Bugs: Ari's choice for this year, and what I'm mostly searching for...
bug hats and recipes
suckers with grasshoppers
oriental trading company- awesome bug stuff!
Bug Unit with TONS of books and cool ideas

Where the Wild Things Are: tons of FUN crafts!!!!!

CUUUUTe site...

2010-02-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

Pickles

Valentines Ideas :)

2010-02-01T11:22:00.005-07:00

I LOOOOVE Valentine's Day- actually almost any holiday, but this is a definite favorite!!! So, I've been looking around for fun things to do with the girls! Here are a few that I might add to the traditional one (our candy trail from bedroom to their valentine big treat and message)... All ideas are linked...

Decorate Bandaids with Valentine Messages!

Pink and Green Mama makes these crayon creations for classmates! I'm thinking we might do this too!! :)

Thought this was a cute little idea for Grandmas!

*** Visits From the Love Bugs***

(this is one of my favorite finds!!)

Aren't these little gnomes so cute!?! I maybe would use more valentiney fabric...

Cool ideas...

2010-01-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/01/mini-bunting-birthday-card.html

Chloe's Home and Video

2010-01-23T11:44:00.004-07:00

On Monday, tiny Chloe got to come home from the NICU! After 4 1/2 months, it was such an awesome day!!!! I was honored that they asked me to come along to take pictures and get to watch!! Here's Chloe's video (with pictures from her blog) and ones from when she came home!!!! http://ouryoungshootchloe.blogspot.com/2010/01/chloes-nicu-video.html You will have to download Active X probably before watching it... My friend Ann said that she couldn't see it with her Apple computer though :( So, she helped me with a spot that might work for Apple users... I will come back after I upload to there to give a link for that video! :)

2010-01-12T15:10:00.005-07:00

Here's something I want to make a little closer to February from my favorite craft site Roots & Wings!!

Doing not Getting Done

2010-01-08T19:16:00.003-07:00

"I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”

See project @ Live in the Moment

I think I'm going to make a version of this for the white room... I've been surfing around the web looking for inspiration for the room... I'm going to do one aqua-ish wall (with possible chocolate stripe), one chocolate brown (with photos all over it), and two a tan-ish/ beige color because they will go down the hall and into the kitchen so they have to match those rooms...

I found these cool things while surfing:

Here's how to make it: link

tutorial: link

some pictures from today...

2010-01-06T21:18:00.004-07:00

Today, we painted paper snowflakes with crayons over the stove! Then, we sprinkled on some glitter! Super fun! All of us tried it-even Jas! :)

Found this idea from Family Fun Digital Magazine (we altered it with food coloring and sprinkled in some bird seed to see what would happen)... We're going to hang them up outside tomorrow after they freeze.

Ari woke up from her nap with Pippi Longstocking hair! :)

Crayon Painting!

2010-01-05T18:22:00.002-07:00

Look at this! Ari and I are going to try it tomorrow after going to storytime (if Kylie doesn't have a delay for the 3rd time in a row!). I'm going to do a little snow theme with her this week (so original, isn't it?! lol!)

one little word

2010-01-01T22:12:00.001-07:00

I got this idea from Ali Edwards... One Little Word

my word is "dance" i want to revel in being with my girls (we always dance during the credits of a movie and it's such a fun memory), be close to my husband and SHOW him how much he's loved, talk to God about the little things and enjoy being in His presence, exercise regularly because i'm almost done losing my weight!

resolutions

2010-01-01T21:52:00.002-07:00

i want to:

complete project 365 this year
learn how to make teas
enjoy many family times
use my blog more
do one little word
pray more- just little prayers throughout the day
make goal at weight watchers
show jas how much i care often through little things

Project 365.... Again

2010-01-01T20:44:00.001-07:00

I love the idea of a photo journal for the year... I am attempting to do Project 365 again this year... Last year, I made it for the longest yet- about 3 months! This year, I hope to make it super easy for myself to finish... I'm not always going to process the pictures or put frames on them or anything... It will just be the picture that makes me think of something special or important from that day (and it doesn't have to be a pretty picture either)... So, here goes! You can find my Project 365 here: 365 Moments

Love this little blog...

2009-12-22T18:52:00.001-07:00

Lovely Design is a very inspiring little corner of the internet for me... :)

Jessie Tree

2009-12-02T14:26:00.007-07:00

Devotions to go with it...

http://www.jesse-trees.com/what-is-a-jesse-tree.html

I just saw someone asking about the Jessie Tree on Facebook and looked it up! I love the idea of doing something special that is all about Jesus (since that's what Christmas is all about)! Anyway, I'm going to use this site for some of the ideas for symbols http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=545 I think we might just use the polymer clay that i bought for making little mice and make these instead... Hopefully, they will last then for the next year... we could use our little tree or one of the tiny ones for the girl's room to hang them on... We are only a day behind so I think it will work out... Love that the verses are right there to read and then they can make a craft... next year we can be more organized... :) Just found out why they call it a Jessie Tree ( "A shoot will come up from the stem of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit." Isaiah 11:1) Cool! :)

Here's some adult ones to go along with the kid's ones... don't know how good they are, but i might read along with them... http://www.jesse-trees.com/parent/parent-devotions.html

New Team!!!!

2009-11-29T18:56:00.003-07:00

It has been a very long time since I've joined any creative teams, and I'm so excited that Leora (Little Dreamer Designs) has invited me to be part of hers!!!!!!!! I LOVE her clean, textured designs and her scrapping style! Plus, she's got some awesome photo overlays!!!! Here is her blog which will be having some things you won't want to miss during December! YAY!!!!!

Contest!

2009-11-23T10:13:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it!! I actually am moving to round 3!!!!!! There were so many wonderful pages that I'm so suprised to see my name on the list!!!! MSA Ultimate Artist Contest

Here's week two's entry...

2009-11-18T19:05:00.004-07:00

We had to use this journal page for inspiration in making our own...

On to Round 2 and Christmas Gifts....

2009-11-15T18:51:00.006-07:00

I actually was shocked to see my name on the list of people at MSA that were going on to Round 2!!!!!! I'm so excited to see what the challenge will be tomorrow!!!!!!

Some new purchases from Crystal Livesay!!!

Here's what I'm planning to do with the girls for little presents!!! Aren't they ADORABLE?! They are made with clay... I have to figure out if we have some nuts to use and get a sheet of felt and some clay... I am so making these myself too!!!!!! I bet I want to make them more than they will!!! This idea is from one of my favorite idea spots... Roots & Wings

Random Searching gave me this idea... why not fill little mittens with gifts for kiddos? Then, they can use them after Christmas... stashing it as a fun wrapping idea for sometime...

Valentine's Day idea... personalized puzzle from Walmart (make my own)

I wish this had a picture, but it's so cute! Maybe I will make it for a school snack or teacher gifts or for the girls or who knows?! OH! And, have you ever heard little marshmellows called "snowman poop"?! Totally cracks me up! I'm going to use that every time we make hot cocoa!!!! lol!

Snowman Soup

The Soup:

1 Pkg. Hot Chocolate Mix

3 Hershey Kisses

15 Marshmallows (More If Needed)

1 candy cane
"Put items in colored plastic wrap"

The Poem:

Put on paper and give with items in a mug
Was told you've been real good this year

Always glad to hear it

With freezing weather drawing near

You'll need to warm the spirit

So here's a little Snowman Soup

Complete with stirring stick

Add hot water, sip it slow

It's sure to do the trick!

And, here's what I wish for... :) Isn't it pretty?!! LOL!!!

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8

I entered a contest!

2009-11-11T22:00:00.004-07:00

I won't win, but it's fun to try, right?! :) Here's my page for week one of the Ultimate Artist Challenge at MSA... Oh, and you can read all that journaling if you click on the page!! ;)

2009-11-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I had a great morning with ari doing "school"! We read the book Billy & Milly Short & Silly and then made a Mommy & Ari Short & Silly book with the "ug" family... I asked her what she wanted her book to be about, and she said bugs... So, we wrote down all the words that rhymed with bug and formed a funny 5 word story using some of them... Here's what it said (one word + illustration per page... "mug, bug, jug, dug, hug" (There was a mug and a bug. The bug flew into the jug. A girl dug the bug out, and the bug hugged her.)

Ari's been reading from this book (which is really my friend Heather's, but would probably fall under the stolen category by now since we've had it for a couple years now...lol! It's really amazing, simple, and effective!

She practiced E today... then finger painted it.

I got out my blue math bag from college, and we dug around until we found something interesting... Then, with the help of some flashcards, we did some math.

Muffin Tin Monday (ok, so it's a little late)... we made it from Ari's book... deviled egg bugs, jug of peaches, dug (with a fork for the salad)... don't really know how the carrots were connected! ha!! :)

thinnerware

2009-11-05T12:37:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! What a COOL idea!!! Take a look here!

Great ideas for thanksgiving and Christmas projects!

2009-11-05T08:18:00.003-07:00

I love to check this blog, and they really got me thinking about what to do for our Thanksgiving Jar... Here was my inspiration.... Katrina's Thankful Tree and Thankful Turkey. Here's a great Christmas idea! artwork mugs

Thank You Jars and Polka Bats

2009-11-03T18:24:00.006-07:00

The girls and I were reading some books tonight because we are taking them back the library tomorrow. Everyone cracked up at this poem from Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks by Calef Brown

Polkabats

The Polkabats are on the loose,

a flapping flock of flying fury.

All the spotted bats are out

(except the ones on jury duty).

Loudly screeching nasty words

like "Stroganoff"

to scare the birds

while dropping smelly polka-turds

on people down below.

I was wanting to do something for the girls this month dealing with the thankful theme, and came up with the Thank You Jar. It's fast, small, and effective so far! yay!! I sorta got the idea from a vase we had mod podged a long time ago and this book:

Ari used a little sponge and applied the mod podge after we made a bowl full of tissue paper pieces (save your gift tissue- it comes in so handy!!) I wrote things like "thank you jar" "thanks" and "thank you" on some of the pieces before she glued them on the jar. Then, she shook on some white glitter to make it sparkle.

Every night after supper, we each put one thing that we are thankful for on a strip of scrapbooking paper (stuff that I have that I don't like too much)... Then, we add our name and share and drop it in the jar... We should have a nice collection by the end of the month! :)

Ari draws pictures on hers because she wanted to fill them out too just like all of us do... (I write what they are after she's done.) Tonight, she made a picture of a porcupine and said she was thankful for them... lol!!! :)

Awesome song...

2009-10-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTsYAZvHsEQ

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!!

2009-09-30T17:35:00.001-06:00

Check this video out!! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7fkAF4nElA

New pages!!!

2009-09-18T19:46:00.002-06:00

This page is for my friend Cyndi... Click on the picture to read the quote and get full credits.

This is Kylie on her first day this year.

Pictures are here! :)

2009-09-18T09:07:00.001-06:00

http://dandeliondreamsphotography.blogspot.com/

Some Quotes

2009-09-14T18:34:00.002-06:00

I LOVE quotes... I just love when someone can say something really meaningful in a short sentence. Anyway, I was hunting for a quote for a page I'm making when I came across these... :) I think most of them are by Dr. Seuss who had an amazing way with words!

"And that Yopp…That one small, extra Yopp put it over! Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover. Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean. And the elephant smiled. “Do you see what I mean?…They’ve proved they ARE persons, no matter how small. And their whole world was saved by the smallest of All!” “How true! Yes, how true,” said the big kangaroo.“And, from now on, you know what I’m planning to do?…From now on, I’m going to protect them with you!”And the young kangaroo in her pouch said…“…ME, TOO!”“From the sun in the summer. From rain when it’s fall-ish, I’m going to protect them. No matter how small-ish!”

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."-- Dr. Seuss

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

"One of the hardest things to teach a child is that the truth is more important than the consequences.”

“We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

Thanks!! :)

2009-09-14T09:29:00.003-06:00

Cyndi wanted me to pass this on to all of you who have been following their story and praying...

"Please thank all your friends for the prayers and concern. I've even received some messages from them on the blog. Such wonderful sweet ladies!"

Thank you, and keep praying!! This little family is really needing God's extra special blessing right now!!

And, if you are like me, I love pictures... and here are some VERY precious ones!! Just look at those little eyes!!! :) Keep fighting, Chloe!!!

Scrapbooking Again!!!

2009-09-12T20:31:00.003-06:00

I have been sick for the last couple days and just needed to relax... So, I have been busy using some of the new goodies from TaylorMade and Paisley Press (Oscraps) and Syrin (Catscrap)! Click on images for credits!

Today, I got up from a nap with Ari and found 2 new books from a series that I was reading near my computer! Jason had gone to Target and gotten them as a suprise... Isn't that so sweet?!

Kylie seems to be fighting off the germs and is the only one that isn't sick... Poor Jas had to work all day today in spite of feeling bad.

Seems like my friends are having a terrible weekends... I feel so bad for everyone. I hope this week brings a lot of happiness their way!! Cyndi texted me tonight and said that there is hope for Chloe... So, that is a huge answer to prayer!! Last night, Jas just hugged me and prayed with me while I sobbed... I just can't even imagine having to see your baby like that...

I need to get busy on pictures again... just haven't felt up to concentrating on it...

And, since school started, I'm just "Mom" instead of "Mommy"... It makes me sad... Kylie has been trying to switch all summer; but now, I think it's official. :(

Song

2009-09-11T11:52:00.003-06:00

The girls and I have been listening to a CD from our church lately, and I love the words to this song... They ask me to play this one over and over in the van because it's one that they know from Sunday School. This is a version from YouTube... (see sidebar)

Cyndi's blog

2009-09-10T09:06:00.004-06:00

You have to read this... http://ouryoungshootchloe.blogspot.com/ . My friend Cyndi and her little family are going through so much... They need your prayers.

Here's my prayer for Cyndi for today... I couldn't visit with her today... Ari and I are feeling sick, and I don't want to risk giving it to them. We were going to meet for lunch at the park...

God, I know you know what is going on and you really care. I feel so bad for Cyndi, Dave, Solana, and Chloe. It seems like they just have one bad thing after another and they must be so tired. Please make Chloe strong. Please help her grow in an amazing way this week. Please comfort Cyndi and keep her safe as she drives back and forth. Please help her to know she's doing her best and give her peace. Please help Solana at school. Help her to have fun and keep her from catching any sicknesses. Please be with Dave- give him extra strength to make it through work and moving and being able to support his family. God, please give little Leila a hug from us. Please wrap your arms around this little family and be extra close to them today. I love you. Amen.

I have a website!!!

2009-08-27T19:01:00.001-06:00

Come take a look around!!!!

Dandelion Dreams Photography

Free Cool Templates!

2009-08-10T18:21:00.002-06:00

Have you seen this girl's templates?! For the second time, I clicked on someone's LO and found another template from her! So, I just had to find and share her blog!! Enjoy! Cre'a Bouille

a new shoot!

2009-08-07T07:18:00.004-06:00

I got to take pictures for our neighbor's kids yesterday! I was going to take pictures of Jason's cousins' little boy (Long story... but, yep! they are BOTH his cousins and totally not related to each other! haha! We could have sat on both sides of the church for that wedding!) , but he had a bad night; so, we are just going to do them next week... Anyway, we went to a metropark, and I got to try out my new lens... Many of the pictures were blurry; so, I need to get used to it, but some turned out really cool (I LOVE MY NEW LEN'S CREAMY BACKGROUNDS!!!)... So, anyway, I am trying really hard not to share all of the pictures until I can try out a trial movie maker... I only have it for this month, and I can't wait to try it out... :) But, there are 2 sneak peek pics on there if you want to see... :) Dandelion Dreams

2009-07-22T17:07:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple pages that I made lately...

Using Lynne Marie's White Linens Kit from Catscrap:

(featured at inspiration 4 scrap)

made with Oscrap's goodies...

(made for DeAnna to celebrate her new addition to the family!!)

Tea Party- 7 years old

2009-07-19T19:57:00.005-06:00

She's been going since she was 4... This time was a little more relaxing than all the others... We had fun and spent exactly the right amount of time there... I loved seeing all the pictures of Kylie smiling... It's not as easy to get pictures of real smiles with her, but she was totally happy and having a great time! Sugar cubes, as always, were a HUGE hit, and the girls emptied the bowl (all but 3 which they took home)... Kylie had 2 cups of coffee and LOVED the banana bread again... It was incredible how fast it disappeared!!! Ari, suprisingly, loved the rye bread that the cucumber sandwiches were on... Kylie picked out a pill box with pink and pearls on top for her gift this year... She's showed it to daddy and other people since so it is a treasure! :) And, it didn't rain this time!!!

Wookiie for her birthday...

2009-07-12T21:29:00.003-06:00

Isn't she adorable?!!!!!!! Happy birthday, Kylie!!! :) I will have a ton more pictures and tell about her more later!!

I scrapped!

2009-07-10T20:16:00.003-06:00

I saw a kid's book named Feathers at the library the other day... It had the quote from Emily Dickinson about hope... Well, I have seen and loved that quote from her in the past, and I just had to somehow use it... So, I used these pictures of Ari (not feathers, but wings...kinda close, right?)

It's been a long time, but I finally finished a page! I have been in love with Maria W's pages lately, and I had to lift one (maybe more in the near future! :) Anyway, here's what I did using mostly TaylorMade goodies!! Click on the image for full credits...

2009-07-10T08:25:00.001-06:00

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul
- and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.
-Emily Dickinson

New Pictures!!!!!!

2009-07-08T12:20:00.003-06:00

I got to take some 3 month pictures of Michael and his little family! (I photographed him as a newborn)... If you would like to see.... http://dandeliondreamsphotography.blogspot.com/

Back from PA

2009-07-04T21:39:00.002-06:00

We went to Pennsylvania for a week and got back yesterday... Jeremy and Nicole (Jason's cousin and wife) went with us for the weekend to ride the dirt bikes and camp one night... It was really fun, but too short... Jas left on Sunday evening. Mom had the week off; so, it was nice to have some extra time with her! I got to take pictures for two families on Monday and Tuesday! Both were really fun-except for the rain during the first one! :) The girls loved playing with DeAnna's 4 year old twins!! Wednesday was spent visiting with my cousins. Michelle and her 3 boys came down to have a bonfire and run around together. Then we went to Andy and Susan's where the girls got to collect eggs (ari thought the eggs were chocolate eggs at the store just a week or two ago... she got to see that they were brown there... :) When Susan told Ari to put the egg in the can, Ari dropped it from about a foot up... oops!! :) Then, we played a game for a while... Thursday, we went with Grandpa and Mom to the park in Franklin for the penny carnival!!! It was really fun even though it was chilly and rainy... The girls got to play a bunch of games and get a little prize at each one... Ari played the one with the creepy finger prize 3 times... she was so happy! They rode ponies and loved it! They also had a petting zoo with a pig, llamas, emus, kittens (Kylie's favorite- she wanted to hold the lively one, not the sleeping one), bunnies, birds (one totally flapped in Ari's face)... Then, we all ate at Pizza Hut. It was fun, but very busy... I am really excited to be home again too... We had a pretty bad day today, but it ended well with fireworks and a snack/ shoe throwing fight... more about that in another post... :)
You can see some new pics on my photo blog! :)

New Pictures!

2009-06-23T22:10:00.008-06:00

I posted some new pictures on my photography blog if you want to check them out! :)

Dandelion Dreams Photography

I love Christian's newest Lightroom Presets available at Catscrap!! I used them mostly in these pictures!! See them here .

Drive-In Movie with a Twist...

2009-06-23T12:18:00.003-06:00

I have only been to one drive-in movie, and I LOVED it! I would love to take the girls to one, but this is a fun alternative that is FREE!!!! We just dragged the tv outside, ordered pizza, popped popcorn, and had icecream/ popsicles. :) Totally weird and crazy fun!!! (Actually, the first movie was a flop, but we switched to Sponge Bob and it was great! :)

End of School/ Beginning of Summer pics

2009-06-22T06:51:00.009-06:00

Kylie and Alison @ the Recognition Breakfast- Star Students!! :)

Rock climbing wall for the last day

First day of summer vacation... we went to the

creation museum with daddy, andy, susan, and family

kylie doesn't know that a dinosaur is about to eat her...

watching one of the many movies at the museum

waiting with daddy is always interesting

camel kisses...lol

a donkey and zebra mix!

if you visit cincinnati, you have to eat at skyline!!

I want to win!! :)

2009-06-16T21:33:00.001-06:00

Check out the cool things being given away today!!! :)

gourmet doggie treats!

2009-06-16T21:28:00.003-06:00

I just found these! And, I think that we have all the ingredients! Ha! The girls would love that they could make treats for the dog (and they're cheap!!!) and create their own shapes! Then, we could even make a little package for grandma's dog too!

Recipe from Gourmet Mom on-the-Go

one of my favorite sites...

2009-06-16T07:00:00.003-06:00

This is an awesome place for all sorts of ideas!!! I love it!!!

And, there's a big give-away today too!! Here's the info:

Tip Junkie is 2 years old! To celebrate as well as feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shops, I have set up the Going Dot Com Birthday Bash where there will be 10 winners every day this week! Click on the first image to go check it out!!! :)

Muffin Tin Monday Moms Rock!!!

2009-06-15T19:00:00.008-06:00

I just have to say, when I start looking at the tins on Monday (or whatever day we end up doing ours), I get so side-tracked! These moms are awesome resources for cool ideas! I love what people come up with, and we usually end up doing something fun because of it!

Here's something that I found today Apple Pie in a Jar!

I think I would do cherry and could make an apple crisp or something so that it would be lighter in fat (using Splenda brown sugar and sugar free pie filling). I love that she puts a ribbon on it and gives it away to the neighbors!!! Filing this away for a rainy day (like this whole week!)

Here's something that I found one day while surfing around the mom sites, but I can't remember where I found it... Someone had saved old coffee grinds to let the kids play in... then put them on the garden. The girls (especially Ari who also loved sniffing them) had a great time, and Kylie enjoyed putting them around the plants. :) Who would have thought that something so simple could be so much fun?!

Ari decided to go over and check out the tree. Then, they started climbing it. Then, the best part... they discovered the sticky sap stuff... Then, they collected it... :)

The girls washed up and decorated their summer bags (got this idea from someone too and modified it with some canvas bags from Hobby Lobby ($4 but you can also wait until a sale). I love the pockets on these ones! They can use them at the library or for times when we have to wait somewhere. :) Like tomorrow at Weight Watchers! :) I was really impressed with Ari's ability to stay in the lines with the nail polish on the stamps! She's really pretty crafty- I hadn't noticed this before! Kylie wanted to do it all on her own and quickly- so fun how differently they craft! She is so creative and artistic! :)

We used all sorts of stuff from around the house... nail polish (our house was full of fumes! whew!), acrylic paint, left over glitter paint, stencils from teaching, stamps left over from regular scrapbooking, and some iron ons that we never ironed on! lol!

Lowes Has Free Projects for Kids!!!

2009-06-15T12:09:00.003-06:00

Check this out!!!

I signed the girls up for both of the classes! They will love it!! They provide tools and even give them an apron and goggles and teach them how! :) I found this thanks to the muffin tin website!!! Thanks!! Oh, and Home Depot has projects for kids too! :) I liked these more, but they were nice too!!

Muffin Tin Monday and Summer Officially Begins!!!

2009-06-15T10:58:00.008-06:00

Ok, I got confused... I thought it was "copy cat week" this week, but it was actually "No Theme". Either way, our theme started with "Dump Trucks" and somehow ended up being "Making World-Winning Recipes"! Just goes to show that kids will come up with stuff that you would have never thought up! And, they loved it!! :)

I decided to copy this one from Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile. Her theme was about trucks. So, she filled the tin with stuff to load in a dump truck and "wheels".

Here are some pictures from our lunch...

I thought we would just improvise (because we don't have any dump trucks). So, I just got out some Lego vehicles, some string, and a clip that they could "haul things" with. Well, Kylie started out by doing this and then just rabbit trailed into dumping ingredients together. Then, the girls and I shared our "recipes" with each other. If the other two liked the recipe and gave it a thumbs up, it became a "World-Winning Recipe". It's amazing what they thought was good! The ingredients that they had to work with were: marshmellows, bacon bits (later for my recipe, i got these out), cheetos, raisins, crackers, Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese (which was new to all of us, and we all LOVED it!!! only 1 point for 1 wedge!!!), and cashews. I think this would definitely be a fun Muffin Tin to repeat with other "ingredients"!!

Today, we went over to one of the school's playgrounds. We love this one because it has moths to chase and an AWESOME playground! The best thing is that we have it ALL to OURSELVES!!! :) After our nap, we are going to decorate canvas bags for each of the girls to take their stuff in this summer and to use at the library... :)

Our Summer List

2009-06-14T19:33:00.002-06:00

I got the idea from Emily Powers and her sister Angela to write a list of things that we want to accomplish this summer. I thought this was a brilliant idea, and here's a list that we've been adding to over the last couple weeks...

1. Bike ride and picnic
2. Plant a watermellon and garden
3. Zoo
4. Plant poppies
5. Boonshoft Date
6. icecream from icecream truck
7. Go to the beach/ Florida
8. Go camping
9. Collect shells from the beach
10. Clean garage
11. Redo white room
12. Go to a metropark
13. Sign up for a class available from parks and recreation
14. visit great grandma
15. have a tea party at the tea house (kylie's birthday)
16. have a friend party for kylie
17. have kylie's friends over for fun
18. play with friends from the library
19. have the neighbors over to jump on the trampoline
20. lemonade stand
21. have our friends over (at least two couples)
22. COSI
23. stain the swingset
24. set up photography stuff somewhere in the house
25. take a load of stuff to Salvation Army
26. go to the nursing home and do puzzles or games
27. aquarium on a Tuesday
28. sleep on trampoline one night
29. read some chapter books together
30. go to tennessee on the motorcycle (just jas and i) and stay in a cabin
31. go to reading time at the library
32. do one class at the library
33. catch fireflies
34. have movie night in the backyard with our family and someone else
35. go to a drive-in movie with the girls
36. free movie day at the theatre
37. decorate aprons
38. make a restaurant (beginning to end-cook, menus, serve, etc...)
39. Creation Museum
40. go through a car wash
41. go on a walk with flashlights
42. make decorations, food, tea, coffee, invitations and have the grandmas over
43. pray for people daily
44. help at a food kitchen
45. make a meal for children's hospital
46. learn the books of the Bible
47. finish learning verses in Romans
48. make canvas bags
49. do muffin tin monday
50. invite someone to muffin tin monday sometime
52. go to the park several times
53. make little bags of food for the neighbors
54. girls go on a date on the motorcycle
55. try food from another country (India)
56. complete the summer reading program
57. go to the dog park
58. devotions with the girls everyday
59. run in the hose on the trampoline again
60. finger paint on a big sheet of paper in the backyard
61. have a carnival and have a friend over to play
62. do crafts from the basket
63. make little potholders
64. research a butterfly garden
65. start a butterfly garden
66. go to fireworks

I'm sure we will be adding and crossing off stuff... I know we've already done some of them...

Here's what Jason got today... :)

2009-06-10T21:01:00.004-06:00

Almost Over!!

2009-06-10T10:50:00.002-06:00

This week has been busy, but it has turned out pretty great! :) Yesterday, I went to Weight Watchers, and at least lost instead of staying the same or gaining... only 1/2 pound, but I'll take it! Then, I took Ari to gymnastics... Last night, I got everything ready for our big day today...
Today, so far, has gone very smoothly! We had to leave at 8:00 and got out by 8:13 (after taking pictures of the last day!) We had to go with Plan B (the closer gas station) for Kylie's teacher's coffee. Kylie picked and pushed the button for the coffee, we paid, then assembled the little gift... Then, were only slightly late getting into the school for the Recognition Breakfast! So, we had to sit on the floor, but I got to visit with Brett's (Kylie's little crush) mom. She has 3 boys and seems really nice... She said, "Wouldn't it be funny if they ended up getting married in 30 years?! Well, that would be really cute- he's like a carbon copy of Jas (thin, orange-red hair, very energetic, and loves to make people laugh!) Kinda weird how much alike they are!! Anyhoo, then, cute little Alison (Kylie's friend from her class) came in late without a Mommy; so, we helped her get her doughnut and juice and visited a little... Then, we went to say goodbye to the 2nd grade teacher that I always thought was amazing while i was teaching there... She's retiring (right before kylie could be in her class...:( But, she really likes the other second grade teacher and talked highly of her! I found out today that she goes to the Nazarene church here in town... So, that's really cool! :) Anyway, then Ari and I went to the library for story time and to pick out some books... That was really fun, and I didn't have to go to the bank after! Turns out that Andy (my cousin) and his wife and 3 kids won't be staying the night tomorrow; so, we won't be cleaning tonight... That's a little more relaxing... We will just go to the Creation Museum tomorrow with them! I'm looking forward to that... Jas is coming, and it will be a great way to start off Kylie's summer break!!! I just got the 6 1/2 lb. pork roasts in the oven, and they will be ready for making pulled pork sandwiches with homemade coleslaw tonight for supper... Jas will be coming home after 2:00; so that he can go pick up his new....

Well, I will show you a picture of that tomorrow!!! But, it's going to be totally FUN!!!!!! Yay!!!!

Here's where we are going tomorrow!!! Creation Museum

Teacher/ Grad Gifts and Time to Vent...

2009-06-08T14:32:00.005-06:00

Here's the teacher gift I made... I hope that it's ok... I'm not talented in the sewing area!!! lol!!!

Sometimes, just a couple things can make an already busy week almost unbearable... We started out the week with a crazy bang...

Saturday, we planted the garden (which is actually 4 mini gardens wherever there is a little space for them... Then, we stained the swingset (Ari stained Ari). Then, we ate lunch, stained more, showered everyone, and napped. Then, we made porkchops (on the grill) and "fried" potatoes and ate outside... This was followed by watermellon (even for the dog!) and another quick shower for the sticky girls. Then, I read to the girls before bed... Awesome family day!

Sunday, we went to church in the morning and stayed for a very long VBS meeting... At around 1:00, we got home, ate lunch, and napped... Then, got up and tried to find clothes for the girls to wear to Grandma and Grandpa's church... I could not find their skirts ANYWHERE! Don't know why that really set me off, but it did... Anyway, then we watched the girls sing their solos for their last PeeWee performance... They were so cute! Then, we stayed late for them to have their icecream party...

so... as you can see... it started busy...

Then, the night seemed to get worse... Jas and I weren't feeling well all day... [I felt like my head was full of helium and my eyes couldn't keep up with my head's movements... Jas had terrible heartburn during our church, and we had a nasty little fight because we were in bad moods...] So, after we got the kids in bed, we started watching some cage fighting that we'd been looking forward to... But, somewhere in there he got more depressed (don't know what triggered it) and went from very loving to really nasty... So, we had another nasty fight and went to bed...

This morning, things looked a bit better, but I had to go get a sonogram on my thyroid (the dr. noticed that it was swollen on Friday's visit) and some blood taken... So, I worked on Kylie's teacher's gift this morning... Then, dropped her at Grandma's and went to the hospital... very late for my appointment, but it worked out... Then, I had to have a young guy do the sonogram which made me nervous a bit, but at least it was funny. Once he said something about a gloiter, and I was like, "I hope I don't have one of those because that sounds gross!" Turns out, I dont' think i have one of those... lol... Blood work went the same as always... the poke, Angela turns green, cold sweat, feet up, cool paper towel... but this nurse was not very nice or compassionate... even caught her drumming her fingers on the counter... nice. Anyway, everyone else was really nice there; so, it was ok. Then, I was going to Walmart and Janet was already there with Ari... So, we met and I took Ari. Then, I rushed to try to gather everything we needed, but was unsuccessful... Had to ask Janet to get Kylie from school because I wasn't going to make it... Picked up subs, then Kylie (and Ari's groceries that she told grandma that we needed-milk, cheetos, bananas...lol!!). Then, unloaded groceries. Finished as Jas arrived. Sat down to eat subs... same not so happy attitude landed us upset again... so, i hope tonight to work on a picture order and try to not yell at each other. I have two more graduation coffee gift card thingies to make too... or, i may just spend the night crying... we will see... when Jas gets depressed, it really affects things... I hope he feels better soon...

2009-06-05T14:22:00.004-06:00

I wanted to show you a lift of a VERY talented scrapper (Eva) who is being spotlighted over at Catscrap... You can also participate in this challenge in the forum and win a $10 GC!!

My Page: "a new me"

Journaling: I started weight watchers about 3 1/2 months ago. Since then, I've lost 17 pounds and feel so much better about myself! A couple weeks ago, I got my hair cut short and finally colored it blonde! I've wanted to do this for about 3 years, but just haven't followed through... A friend, who hadn’t seen me in a while, didn’t recognize me at church Sunday! She said I looked really good. Jas told me I looked gorgeous when I showed him my new outfit (from the junior’s section!!!!) the other day! He said I looked like I did when we got married and that he was proud of me! I’m so happy that my MIL invited me to WW, and that I will be able to be a more confident me this summer... I’m hoping to sport a bikini on vacation!!!

Click image for credits (mostly from Creashens and Joana @ Catscrap)

Eva's page: "sjarmtroll" And, I was shocked to find out that I have a page in the scrapper awards @ DST for Best Use of Negative Space ! So many of my friends also won awards... You can check out all the beautiful pages here!

new fun websites!

2009-05-29T21:41:00.004-06:00

Can't wait to check out this list- especially the one about summer vacation ideas! I used Emily Power's idea of listing out 100 things you and your family would like to do this summer... We don't have that many yet, but I can't wait to get started on our list... I need to type it out so I can have it on the computer too! :)

http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2009/05/sitscation-creative-bliss-birthday-bash.html and http://www.sitscation.com/2009/05/sitstacations-education.html

little tradition

2009-05-29T20:51:00.003-06:00

We started doing this every once in a while, and it's really nice for all of us, i think.

We all take turns saying something nice about everyone else in our family. Seems simple, but I know that I love hearing what my family likes about me. And, since Kylie was the one who suggested doing it again the other night at supper, she must feel the same. :)

Here's what my girls said about me the last 2 times we played:

Ari:
1) She liked that I'm so soft and squishy. lol!
2) She liked that I snuggle with her and feel bad for her when she's sick. (awww!)

Kylie:
1) She likes that I itch her back. :)
2) She likes that ______ ? I can't think of it, but I will come back later when I do...

Anyway, I love this simple game we play...
Jas is loved for his craziness and wrestling.
And, the girls like that the other one plays with them. :)

cool quote

2009-05-29T20:49:00.000-06:00

just had to write this down before i forget it...

When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments;
tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.

-Louis Pasteur

for mom and dad... love you guys!!!

2009-05-20T14:36:00.002-06:00

happy anniversary!

39 years!!!

xoxo

(click for credits)

TaylorMade FREEBIES- come and get 'em!!!!!

2009-05-17T21:59:00.004-06:00

TaylorMade's Composure Kit Add-On available for FREE in the Catscrap forums

Amanda is running a challenge this week at Catscrap!!!! And, you don't want to miss it! She's giving away an add-on kit and template! And, if you come to the chat on May 22nd at 12pm (noon) CST, there will be even more freebies!!! So, run over to Catscrap and submit your pages for the chance to win some AWESOME prizes!!!

Lyrics from Richie Mcdonald's 6 Foot Teddy Bear (click to hear it):

This is one of my new favorite songs! I love the words because they are a lot like Jason! He's had his toenails painted, hair cut, and so many other things; and he loves his girls!!

Here are the words on my LO:
"and i'm a six foot teddy bear youngins runnin' every where "honey do" ,"daddy please" huggin and kissin me more than enough to make any grown man melt barbie doll, bubble bath wearing mickey mouse's hat saying prayers, singing songs spongebob marathon and on and on and when they get done with me oh anyone could see standin' there is a six foot teddy bear oh, another tea party read dr.seuss yeah tuck em into bed if the guys down at work only knew last night they painted my toe nails red"

Muffin Tin Friday - Our Pinkalicious Picnic

2009-05-15T20:36:00.004-06:00

Today (Friday), we had Muffin Tin Monday...lol... because I felt almost up to it.

We've been so sick for over a week. And, today I just needed to get us out of the house!

The theme was to make a tin about a book, and the girls love this one.

Ari made cupcakes all by herself yesterday before 3 of the 4 of us went to our doctors...

We were going to have the tins last night, but Jason's mom was so nice to make us supper!! :)

The Book:

Pinkalicious is about a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and ends up turning pink and then red. In order to turn herself back to normal the Dr. tells her to eat tons of green foods...

In our Tins:

Green Beans, Spinach and Broccoli salad, Lima Beans, Pomagranate and Cherry Yougart, Turkey on a Stick, and (of course) the Pink Cupcakes (with a cherry on top because Ari really wanted that)

We had our "Pinkalicious Picnic" on our trampoline.

Kylie actually liked the lima beans and turkey and ate almost everything!

Giving it the "thumbs up for poppy" (Spongebob quote that we use frequently)

Ari still isn't eating very well, but she did try everything including yougart mixed with lima beans... She doesn't like lima beans but did like one of the turkey sticks. She mostly ate the cupcake... :)

Then, we read a whole bunch of books on the trampoline. (Ari and

I had gotten a bunch of new ones at the library this morning.)

There were a bunch of helicopters on the trampoline, and the girls were having fun collecting them to throw up into the air while I laid there. :) Jas came home from work after our picnic supper, and he ate while we read. Then, he cut our jungle grass which had grown uncontrollably while we were sick... :)

Have a happy weekend everyone!! :)

FREE!!!

2009-05-13T14:11:00.002-06:00

You can get TaylorMade's newest kit REVIVE for FREE!!!!

Just sign up for the Flourish Newsletter at MSA, and it will be yours in June!!!

Quote and Journaling:

"We've been given only one piece of life's jigsaw puzzle, and only God has the cover of the box."
I hope that you always know that He sees the big picture while we only see our tiny piece... So, we need to ask Him for direction and let Him be in control of our piece since He knows best...

Good end to a Bad day...

2009-05-10T20:48:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to let you know that the day ended well... We had our little tea party (with coffee). Although it wasn't as dressy and perfect as I had imagined it, it was really, really nice! Actually, it was better than it would have been if I had put tons of time into dressing everyone up and making everything "perfect"! We had little crackers with meat and cheese, veggies and dip, angel food cake, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping (only 1 point for this!), and Nilla wafers with Nutella and banana (not so good for you, but small! :) We found hats from around the house and enjoyed our coffee and supper! :)

my girls...love you!!!!! xoxo

look at that one eye... but still smiling

done with taking pictures...lol

good sport

oooh!!! I'm a blogging maniac today!!! :)

2009-05-10T15:12:00.003-06:00

I found a really cool site!!!! Now, I just want to go make all these cool projects for Kylie's teacher!!!!

I mostly love the angel wings poem in this post!!! http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/05/brownie-mix-teachers-gift.html

And, I love the idea of getting phone numbers (cause Kylie has a summer birthday, and it's hard to get addresses AFTER school is out! lol!) And, just look at that goldfish snack idea!!!! Perfect for Kylie's last party!!!! Yay!!! http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/05/class-phone-book-template.html

And, I love the smores container!!! :) http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/05/smore-teacher-appreciation-gifts-paper.html

I think Kylie's teacher likes coffee so I want to do this for her!!!! http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/04/teacher-appreciation-week-is-may-4th.html

Mommy Interview

2009-05-10T14:43:00.002-06:00

I found this site through Her Cup Runneth Over blog (on my sidebar)... It's such a fun idea and a fun site too!! Check it out HERE (and on my sidebar).

Coffee Giveaway...

2009-05-10T11:28:00.003-06:00

Had to try to win this! It looks yummy!! You can try for the free giveaway too... here

Happy Mother's Day?????

2009-05-10T10:22:00.003-06:00

LOL!! I have to share my Mother's Day so far... I'm sure that there's other moms that will relate to these kind of holidays!! lol!!

This Mother's Day might be really funny someday...
It started out on Friday by taking the girls to the doctor and finding out that Kylie had pink eye, a sinus infection, and fluid on her ears and Ari had a sinus infection and double ear infections...

We have to give eye drops 4 times a day for 10 days because of the pink eye... Kylie was terrified and went bolistic, and I totally lost my temper with her on the 3rd time we had to give them yesterday. I've never yelled at the kids, but I did yesterday... It was just crazy... She's nuts when it comes to getting them!

Then, Jas was getting really sick too and wasn't in the happiest of moods... ;)
We had his mom and dad over for a movie and popcorn for mother's day (which was fun!).

At the end, Ari accidentally bashed my lip with the back of her head and my lip swelled up right away... I looked hideous!!! lol!!

After that, I was planning a slumber party with the girls.... It turned into a NO slumber party because Ari was now sick with croup and we spent the night steaming in the bathroom, with her head in the freezer (for the cold air), or blowing her nose. Oh, and I tried to go to the bathroom once; and, as soon as I sat down, I heard loud screaching at pitches that you can only imagine... Ari was mad at Kylie again for something again... She had been yelling at her for her feet on her side, for taking the blankets, etc... throughout the night... YIKES!!

Now, Ari's eye is leaking the yucky stuff, and so we had to start the eye drops with her...

We were going to have a tea party and make little cute snacks today, but I'm not sure we will get around to that or that we will even survive the day...lol!!

For my mom...

2009-05-09T20:39:00.004-06:00

Journaling:

I love this picture of you, Mom! You are so pretty! I wish that I could put into words how thankful I am for all you did and still do for me. The things you did as a mom will mostly go unrecognized, but I am so glad that you did them every day-over and over... You sacrificed your body, your dreams, your time, your sanity, and the things you loved to raise us. You spent hours cooking food that we would complain about. You took us to fun places knowing that we would often whine and ruin it for you. You made holidays special even when we wouldn’t realize and thank you for all that went into the preparation. You slept on the floor in our rooms when we were scared even though you would be tired the next day. You soothed us when we were sick knowing that we would be grumpy and mean to you. You listened to endless talking about whatever was on my mind even though you might have wanted to talk about your day too. You were interested in every friend or thing that I was into even though they might have been weird or uninteresting to you. You loved me even when I said terrible things to you and was embarrassed of you. You took care of me in the night even after I had my own family. You still listen to me and love me and are willing to try anything with me! You are an extraordinary person, and you deserve to be treated like a star... But, you are a mom and will never get the star treatment that you deserve here on earth... But, I want you to know that it was worth it! You are beautiful inside and out, and I love you, Mom!!! xoxo -May 9, 2009

(credits: mostly from the Awakening Collab by TaylorMade, Ida, and Scarlettheels @ Catscrap... Also Charmed and From the Heart by TaylorMade)

Very Creative!

2009-05-09T08:53:00.004-06:00

Look at these photographs by jan von holeben! I love the one with the flower shoes and fin wings!!! This looks like so much fun!!!! :)

You Are My Sunshine - Dance Mix :)

2009-05-07T12:09:00.003-06:00

your laugh for the day...

2009-05-07T10:53:00.002-06:00

Someone forwarded this women's health issue to me: (made me laugh, so I had to share it)

Girlfriends:
Do you have feelings of inadequacy? Do you suffer from shyness? Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.

You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone.. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration
Erotic lustfulness
Loss of motor control
Loss of clothing
Loss of money
Loss of virginity
Table dancing
Headache
Dehydration
Dry mouth
And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas. Thank you.

Weight Watchers and Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T06:42:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, I lost 1 pound... Now, I've lost the equivalent of a baby Scimitar-Horned Oryx (??!!!!) I've never heard of one of these before, but this one weighed 15 lbs! LOL!!

Today is Cinco de Mayo. So, tonight, maybe we will have some Mexican Sushi Bites . They seem pretty light on calories if we use fat free cream cheese... maybe some nachos and cheese for a treat for the girls...

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup salsa, plus more for dipping
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, lightly sprinkle the avocado with the lime juice to prevent browning. 2. Trim each tortilla to make a roughly 6-1/2-inch square. Spread 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on a tortilla. Arrange 2 rows of spinach in the center of the tortilla, then top them with a row each of red pepper, yellow pepper, and avocado. Roll the tortilla up tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap. Repeat for the remaining tortillas. Refrigerate the rolls for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. 3. Right before serving, slice the rolls crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and spoon extra salsa into a bowl for dipping.Serves 10 to 12.

And, maybe we will make one of these pinatas for fun... I hope the weather stays sunny so we can do it outside...

Oh! And, here's a cool playlist for the party: http://www.nutsie.com/playlist/Cinco%20de%20Mayo%20Playlist/2451215

Thoughts...

2009-05-05T06:27:00.002-06:00

Today, I read about Josiah (2 Chronicles 34). I need to read more about him to understand what all was going on. But, he was only 8 when he became king, and it says that when he was 16 (I think), he started seeking God and fixing up all the bad stuff in his land... I was thinking about how young he was and how much he could do for God even though he was young. I need to be really teaching our girls about God and what He wants them to do right now... They can be a huge influence even while they are little... And, I may not always be here... never know what could happen... I can't always think, "I could do that tomorrow." Now's the time...
And, mostly, I just need to be real and love God deeply myself... They will learn the most from watching to see if I live what I teach... I don't remember what my dad and mom said so much, but I do remember how they acted. I remember knowing that my dad was always up early studying the Bible in the basement. I knew that I could talk to them about God and expect an answer... (Actually, I still ask them questions.) So, I want to do the same for my kids!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
-- Psalm 139:23-24

New Photography Blog

2009-05-01T20:44:00.002-06:00

I am working on a new blog that is for practicing and eventually to use a buisness blog... If you want to see, click on this: Dandelion Dreams Photography. It will also be on the sidebar...

Muffin Tin Monday

2009-05-01T19:05:00.003-06:00

Monday's Supper:

Well, it's Friday, but here's what we did on Monday and Tuesday (because I was inspired by another lady's idea on the Muffin Tin Website... I even tried to make a small version for Kylie's school treat, but they had to have the bait and fish in the same little cups... lol!! The theme was "Under the Sea" . We had imitation crab, some veggies (seaweed), goldfish and bubbles (yogos), cheese (fish eggs), and pistachio pudding with food coloring and Swedish fish. :) I didn't fix up the pictures so you will have to enjoy the fishing one while turning your head sideways! lol! Isn't it so cute to "fish" for the toppings?!!!

Tuesday's Lunch and Kylie's snack for school:

neglected blog and scrapping again...

2009-05-01T18:20:00.006-06:00

wow! what a week! I feel like a hampster in one of those little wheels! And, this weekend is just as crazy... birthday party for G. Grandma tonight. Tomorrow... soccer sign-ups, Mother/ daughter banquet, birthday party #2 for Nicole. Sunday... church, Jas will take the girls to do their PeeWee performance at Grandma's church at night while I go to a baby shower... Then, Weight Watchers and gymnastics on Monday...etc...

Ok, enough of that... I am also working on pictures from last weekend's photoshoots (5 of them!) and a new photography blog that will have those pictures on it... Oh, and last night, after figuring out how to get my blog somewhat like I liked (at least a start), Ann emailed me and asked if that was how to spell "dandelions"... And, since I'm a terrible speller, I found out that another girl had apparently had the EXACT same thought for a name (Dandelion Wishes)... So, I had to go back and redo everything because I can't spell! lol!!!!

Today, I scrapped a page with TaylorMade's Composure Kit: Available @ Catscrap during her Guest Spot there! It's awesome having my two CTs at the same place for a month!!! :) Click for credits:

Here's some pages that I haven't posted in the galleries yet... oops!! The first 3 were for the last two issues of The Daily Scrapper. The first one used Ida and Gabi's collab @ Catscrap (It's a Girl Thing) The last one is from Creashen's sprung kit @ The Digi Files for May and on June 1, Sprung will be available at CatScrap .

Oh, I lost 2 lbs. last week at Weight Watchers! That makes 14! :) Almost 3 of these that I'm not carrying around with me!!!! Mom pointed that out to me the other day! That's a lot when you visualize it!

I looked it up, and I have lost the equivalent of a large one of these! LOL!!!

It's Weight Watcher's and Biggest Loser Day!

2009-04-21T13:04:00.002-06:00

...And, I lost 1.8 lbs.!!!! So, that makes 13! At 16, I will have lost 10% of my weight! But, when I started looking at how much more I have to lose, I got discouraged... So, I need to just be happy for the little bits at a time! Poor Janet stayed the same today... I felt bad for her... I hope that she has some encouraging news next week!
Tonight's the Biggest Loser! I love to watch that!!! :)

Insert Happy Smilie Here...

2009-04-20T21:27:00.003-06:00

They spotlighted me over at Catscrap! See here. These girls all made me feel so happy and special! They are all such sweeties, and many of them have become good friends from all over the world! We always say how funny it would be for all of us to get together and meet someday! Wait until you see their lifts of LOs from my gallery!! They are all so AMAZINGLY talented!!!

Our Muffin Tin Monday

2009-04-20T20:04:00.002-06:00

Here's our Muffin Tin Monday! The theme was "goes AWOL". So, we had our meal in a tent and had a camping theme. We had food that you could cook on a campout- grilled cheese, apples, and smores (I had to improvise with tiny marshmellows, M&Ms for the chocolate, and animal crackers for the graham crackers.) Oh, and there was hot chocolate too! Then, it's Poetry month, and the library has a little prize for people who read 30 poems this month. So, the girls and I read poems in the tent up until bedtime. Lots of fun! :)

Wish I could have thought of that first... :)

2009-04-20T18:55:00.003-06:00

I love this photography website (the cool intro words and the books in the galleries!)... From the Tree Top and the name and music in the other one (and pictures/textures) Muse Imagerie. I need a clever name or look for my little photography buisness... Any ideas? :) I would love to hear them! :)

I want to do mostly children's, infant's, and family portraits...
I love creative poses, props, and showing personalities...
I want to have something fun, but professional sounding. :)

Muffin Tin Monday!

2009-04-20T10:19:00.005-06:00

My mom told me I needed to check the dailydigi.com for their post about muffin tins! And, it was SO COOL! I totally want to do this with my kids (especially this summer!) Here's the site to check for a theme each Monday... My Cup Overfloweth. Then, you just load up the muffin tins. I had never heard of Bento Boxes, but they also look cool (very similiar idea). I could get these for a lunch box for school for Kylie maybe. But, back to the muffin tins... I didn't know about this in time, but next week's theme is an underwater one! I'm so excited for this one because it sounds like so much fun!!!

Crack me up!

2009-04-18T07:40:00.003-06:00

This morning, I was getting ready and listening to the girls play. They totally cracked me up when I heard them say this about the ring pops they were playing pretend with...

Kylie: "Is this candy because I'm on a diet?"
Ari: "Yes, but it's sugar free. No points."

Here's a couple other funny things they've said in April:

Ari when getting a box of candy from Great Grandma on Easter: "Is it fat free?"

Ari when Grandma was putting the spray butter on something: "That's good for you. It doesn't have any points."

Ari when Nicole asked her if the Easter bunny had come to visit: "It's not about that. It's all about God."

WOOOHOOOO!!!

2009-04-14T09:17:00.003-06:00

Today was a suprise... I was just hoping that I didn't gain too much, but I lost a whole pound! This puts me at about 11 lbs!!! My mom has lost 11 lbs. and Janet lost over 3 lbs. today!! That puts her at 16 lbs.!! I'm so proud of Mom, Janet, and my Aunt Barb!!! They have really stuck with it- even when they got stuck for a while!!! GREAT JOB, everyone!!! Keep up the good work, and just say "no"! lol!!! :)

2009-04-13T12:36:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-10T20:21:00.002-06:00

I just read this and thought it was so good to remember why there's an Easter...

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

I hope that you all have a very Happy Easter!! :)

The Daily Scrapper

2009-04-10T19:41:00.003-06:00

I was featured in The Daily Scrapper this month! :) I will also have two pages in the next issue! They feature kits from different stores and designers and also feature one guest scrapper each issue... :) This is the LO that I made for the newspaper using MKDesign's A Place in the Sun. :) The featured kits have coupon codes!! :)

Pictures from this weekend

2009-04-08T12:32:00.005-06:00

We went to PA to visit the fam this weekend... I posted some pictures on my other blog if you want to see... http://365momentsinmylife.blogspot.com/ :) We had a really fun and relaxing time. Ari was feeling badly on Friday and only seemed to get worse. So, after Weight Watchers yesterday, I took her to the doctor. I told the girls that we paid $20 to have the doctor tell us that she needs to burp! lol! The antibiotic apparently didn't agree with her stomach and the doctor prescribed- POP! :) Which, of course, Ari doesn't like! So, I coaxed her to drink a small glass and we rejoiced when we heard a loud fart! Hooray! The things that we celebrate when we are moms!! lol!! Oh, and get this! I had to lose 1/2 lb. to get my 10 lb. ribbon at Weight Watchers! I lost 1/4! Go figure! lol!!

Today

2009-04-02T19:14:00.002-06:00

I had such a fun morning with Ari! We had to go mail a Netflix movie that we'd lost the free sending sleeve for.. So, I had to get postage for it... As we were walking in, Ari kept grabbing her jeans, and I discovered that they were on totally backwards! So, after we fixed that, we went to the library to drop off and pick up some books... We got some really fun ones and found out it was storytime day! So, we went in to that, and they had cute songs and fingerplay things and 3 cute books... Ari participated in all the motions and LOVED it!! She was just so much fun!! We are hoping to go back again to more of these.. She had remembered going before but it's been a long time. She likes so many things that Kylie didn't really care that much for.... So, I have to remember that if Kylie wasn't totally into some things, that doesn't mean that Ari won't be... I feel bad that I'd kinda given up doing some of these things... I want to start trying some with Ari this year.... It will be my last with her at home... *sniff* I made Kylie some dirt cake in little cups with little spoons and fake flowers for her snack for the spring party tomorrow... And, Jas and I packed the little eggs with tiny chocolate bunnies for her egg hunt at school tomorrow... It's been a busy but pretty great day!! :) Thankfully, Bill and Janet took the girls to gymnastics and supper tonight so that we could get some stuff done!!! Oh, and I was a pound less this morning!!! I hope to hit 10 lbs. at Weight Watchers this week!! :)

TaylorMade is in the Spotlight!

2009-03-31T14:43:00.005-06:00

Amanda has 3 awesome freebies and 3 inspiring challenges @ Oscraps!

Here is my LO for challenge #2

And, she has a kit that co-ordinates with her freebies called Mere Modesty!

2009-03-30T18:40:00.003-06:00

Here's a new layout from me... I used "Once Upon a Time" from Colors with Caryn . She's a really sweet person who has just opened her store @ Enchanted Studio Scraps. :)

Today, we actually felt better for the first time in 2 weeks!!! The sun was shining, Kylie didn't cough any when she woke up, Ari ate well, and I had some energy! It was great!!! I went shopping for a couple dresses for Kylie since she doesn't have any clothes for the spring... She's outgrown almost everything from last year! :) And, she must be wearing size 11 shoes! Yikes, her feet have really grown, and I'm going to have to take back the cute sandals I found for her at Target...