scraps of me...

Holiday Decorating

Christmas. That's about the only holiday we decorate for. It's the only holiday I have decorations for. The rest of the year, our home looks the same.

Sad, isn't it.

I don't like it...but I don't have a lot of money to spend on decorations either.

I've been collecting cute ideas in my blog reader...now I just need to find some time to get creative....

Like these cute little pumpkins...

Or this colorful candy corn bunting...

We don't typically do much for Halloween, but these jugs are so simple...

and this fun little subway art piece...

How great are these striped and polka-dotted pumpkins...

**Do you have any other (cheap and easy) ideas to share? 

Bookworm

I've been a bookworm lately. Reading. a lot. My library card (and sometimes even the kids') are maxed out and our basket is overflowing.

I've been reading...

Mysteries/Crime novels.
--James Patterson
--Janet Evanovich

Cookbooks.
--Cookies
--Muffins
--Healthy Snacks

Crafting books.
--Sewing
--Embroidery
--Home Decorating

Inspirational books.
--Simply Living
--Weight Loss
--Family Memory-making

Kid's books.
--The Lightning Thief
--The Penderwicks
--Beautiful Picture Books'

I'm relaxing. I'm taking the time to make reading a priority in my day.

However, I've been gathering for some time now.

information.
recipes.
ideas.

I feel like soon, this season will come to an end. I feel motivated to DO something.

Sew a skirt...or maybe some curtains.
Bake some muffins...or make a yummy snack to share.
Create a scrapbook layout...or try out digital scrapping.
Make some memories with the kids...start a new tradition.

I'm inspired. :)

Oh, and if you want to see the actual books I'm currently reading, check over in the sidebar. You can also join in on Goodreads, and then we can be "friends" and I can see what you've been reading too.

Scrapbooking?

What's that?

I'm not sure I know how to anymore. Or maybe my whole idea of "memory-keeping" has changed.

Last March, Erin, Jennifer and I went to Texas for a long weekend of shopping, scrapbooking, and fun-filled girl time.

I worked a long time before hand to plan a lot of layout with the thought that I'd get most of them completed while there.

Um...it didn't really work out that way.

This is the box today. Still half full of planned layouts: paper, embellishments, photos. Over a year later. I haven't touched it once.

Maybe it's because we're homeschooling and I just don't have much spare time anymore.

But I really think it started even before that considering we didn't start homeschooling until November of last year.

Sure, I've made a few cards for birthdays here and there...

but truthfully, the girls raid my stash more than I do.

I don't shop. I don't buy supplies.

I just don't care anymore.

Yet...I'm scared to get rid of it all...or even any of it.

Someday....maybe...I might want to do a layout again.

maybe.

And the chance of it happening it getting slimmer and slimmer by the day.

I do enjoy creating our yearly "Project 365" photo books. That's memory-keeping.

And I've even considered dipping my toes into the big ocean of digital scrapbooking. It's portable. It's faster and more versatile. I wouldn't have to have a ton of supplies, if any, on hand. And I can create photo books with the layouts or have them printed and put them in an album.

So do I give up traditional scrapping completely? Do I get rid of all my out-dated supplies? Do I stick to photo books? Do I explore the idea of digital scrapping?

I don't know yet.

But until then...I think this box will continue to collect dust...

What's your thoughts?  

03.28.2009

Shopping at Ikea (and a bunch of other stores, but Ikea was the highlight.)

Eating fabulous food (prepared by a professional chef.)

Jamming to some fun music (the Grease soundtrack at the moment.)

Watching a lot of chick flicks (most with Matthew McConaughey.)

And scrapping of course (18 layouts and 4 cards so far.)

Having a blast at the retreat!! (but still looking forward to getting home tomorrow.)

02.20.2009

Wow. What a week it's been. cr-a-zeee!

I'm a homebody...a hermit, if you want to call it that.

This week, I've been on the go so much more than I like to be. It's left me feeling a bit behind and frazzled.

I'm so thankful there's not much on the calendar for next week. :)

Anyway...here's some random bits from our week...

• Austin made a bird feed from an apple, peanut butter, a dowel rod, and bird seed, at cub scouts on Monday. He's been disappointed all week because it didn't look like there had been any nibbles off of it. He'll be happy to know that I saw no less than 10 birds out in our tree this morning fighting over it.
• Our home is now free of girl scout cookies. yay. The temptation is gone and I'm happy to report that in the past month, I've eaten only 1 box of samoas. :) Some may think that's 1 too many for somebody with at lest 70 pounds to lose...but they tasted so good.
• Kaitlin and I both had eye doctor appointments. She does not need glasses and my prescription hasn't changed. yay. I picked out some frames to get a pair of sunglasses instead. They surprisingly have a little 'bling' on them. super cute.
• Austin and Meghan went to school today with their reading glasses for the first time. They look so different...so much older...maybe even 'smarter'...with them on. :)
• I've been making a bunch of cards this week...at least 20 (half of them are for you, Becky.) I still have some more to make...but I think I'm going to spend today planning layouts instead.
• I was reading a blog this morning...of course, I don't remember which one...but she was talking about to-do lists...and ya'll know how much I love my to-do lists. ;) Anyway...she said that she organizes her's by the following categories: Now, Soon, and Eventually. I thought that was so cool. There are things I put on my list that I sometimes forget don't have to be done NOW, yet I wrongfully give these things a high priority, sometimes even above my family. I think maybe writing them down in a different way will help me keep my priorities in check and realize that I can't do it all, everyday. It'll still be there tomorrow, next week, etc. Let things go.
• I had a check-up this week as well...with a new doctor. loved her. The appointment went good and all is fine. But I did realize one thing...I no longer dread stepping onto the scale at a doctor's office. It doesn't stress me out. I don't get a knot in my stomache. I don't have to listen to them tell me I'm overweight (duh, as if I didn't already know). Yes, I'm still overweight...but when they see how far I've come already, they congatulate me instead. It's a great feeling.
• And last, but certainly not least, today is Austin's 9th Birthday!! He was so excited and slap-happy, yesterday, and even more so today. I haven't taken the obligatory birthday photo yet...but I will after school. He's having about 5 of his good friends over tonight, for pizza, a cookie-cake, football, and video games. I'm hoping to escape with Kaitlin and Meghan to Erin's house for awhile, but I doubt Troy will let me. hee hee. Austin keeps reminding me that he'll be driving in ONLY 7 years. YIKES! I suddenly feel so old. :)

Anyway...it's high time I get off this computer and get busy. Hope ya'll have a great Friday!

Scrappy Saturday

I think I'm going to make Saturdays my day to post anything scrappy/creative that I worked on in the past week since I tend to forget to post them here otherwise.

And actually, it was last Friday when I created these layouts...but I'm just getting around to scanning them. And since I didn't do any other scrapbooking this week, I figured I'd just share these...

Of course, I realized after the fact, that on the first two layouts, I put '2006' and it was actually '2007'...so I'll have to go back and fix that...no biggie though.

 

 

   

I need to get going on the 100 layout challenge that Erin and I have decided to start over again in the new year....and now our s-i-l, Jennifer, is joining us. Hoping to get some scrappy time in the coming week. :)

Resolutions...Goals

...whatever you want to call them.

This year, I'm calling them 'to-do's'. Maybe that's because to-do's are a part of my day-to-day life. Every Sunday I sit down and make out my lists for the week in my to-do notebook. Every night I re-evaluate the next day and add/subtract as needed depending on what's going on and what's changed or come up unexpectantly.

To-do lists work for me.

So here it is...

 

(in order of importance)

God:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

• continue my daily quiet time (Bible, devotional, journaling)
• read the Bible in one year
• talk to God throughout the day, before I get totally stressed and to my breaking point

Troy:
A worthy wife is a crown for her husband. Proverbs 12:4

• plan more date-nights, either at home or out on the town
• build him up, encourage more, nag less
• write in our notebook more

Kids:
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalms 127:3

• read the Bible or find a fun family devotional to do with them
• talk more with them instead of at them
• cut back on tv and video games, spend more time doing stuff with them

Myself:
Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19

• exercise 5-6 times a week
• eat well--more natural, simple, more fruits and veggies
• budget in more time for hobbies

Home:
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:27

• keep up with my weekly zones (organizing and deep cleaning)
• start updating the house with paint and stuff, focusing more on decorating
• simply move more...sit less

Daycare:
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:27

• play outside more
• get a year's worth of crafts and activities planned
• read more to them

Others/Activities:
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.  1 Peter 4:9

• crop once a month with Erin and/or Jennifer
• start a monthly bookclub meeting
• invite friends and family to share a meal or some fun in our home frequently

Re-reading all of that...it seems like to much. Yet really, it's just about making simple choices each and every day. It's not really something I can cross off my to-do list...just something to work towards. For me, it's all about finding the balance, day-to-day, in my life. Somedays, I won't exercise. Some weeks, the house won't get cleaned. Some months, I may not be able to scrapbook. I need to learn to say 'That's okay.' and continue striving for balance.

So that's it, my 2009 to-do list.

**Did anyone else make any 'resolutions' this year?**

Color Inspiration

I love this blog! Kristina posts an amazing color inspiration challenge each week.

 

This is the first one I've actually participated it. I don't know the actual Stampin' Up colors...but I just chose colors similar (according to my computer monitor, which may be 'off' a bit).

This was fun...and I'm hoping to join in every week. :) Thanks, Kristina!

11.15.2008

This week I've been scrappy. It felt great!

Erin and I have decided to start a little challenge amongst ourselves...

First one to get to 100 layouts gets a
'free ride' on a Girl's Night Out!

Translation: the loser has to pay. :D

I don't like to lose...
just in case you were wondering.

So here's what I've gotten done so far...

        

A few simple cards (every two cards count as a layout)...

   

 

And also an album cover for a new challenge over at Just 4 Keeps...

 

And there you have it, my scrappy week. Hopefully I keep up the momentum and kick some big sis butt.

hee hee.

Did I really just say 'butt' on my blog? yikes! :D

The Quilt

Many years ago (I don't remember exactly when it was) I was at Mom and Dad's rummaging through Mom's craft stuff, as usual. She expected  me to do it...every time. She was a collector of anything that might possibly be used on a craft project...fabric, vintage lace and trims, old notecards, playing cards, and various other knick knacks. I usually went home with a treasure or two.

On this particular day, we might've been working on a project, I don't remember, but anyways, we were going through her fabric scraps. I made a comment about how many different fabrics she had with stars on it and how it'd be neat to make a wallhanging for my living room (which was currently an Americana theme of sorts).

So a new project was started. We cut stars out of the many star fabrics. We used Wonder Under to fuse the stars to squares of fabric. Mom taught me how to do a blanket stitch around the edges of the star. And very slowly, I worked on it in the evenings while watching tv with Troy.

As with most big projects I start, I get tired of working on it and give up set it aside for awhile. It was the same with the stars.

 

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Fast forward many years to last October. Mom has just passed away. Erin and I are at Mom and Dad's house, rummaging once again. Not trying to find treasures to swipe from Mom's 'stash'. Instead, we're looking for photographs, knick knacks, scrapbooks, things that meant a lot to Mom and represented her life, to put on a Memory Table at her funeral. It was a heartbreaking process.

We opened up the antique wardrobe where Mom kept all the old quilts, thinking that we could use one as a tablecloth on the Memory Table. Imagine my surprise when I unfolded this...

 

She swiped the star squares from my house!

She finished blanket stitching around all the ones that I gave up on.

She found all the fabrics in her stash again and cut rectangles to match.

She assembled it all, not into a wall hanging, but into a quilt!

I had no idea she'd done any of this...or even when she did it.

But it didn't matter...still doesn't. It means the world to me that she did it. period.

I hugged it to my chest, showed it to Erin, and took it home with me that day.

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Fast forward to a year later, and the quilt top is still in my closet. The weather is getting cooler, and I'd love to be able to snuggle up under this quilt this winter.

Troy surprises me by talking to the Ladies' Quilting Group at Epworth Villa where he, and my Dad, both work. Troy told them the story of the quilt. They feel honored that we would ask them to finish it for our family.

Troy and I went shopping a few weeks ago. To the same quilt shop that my Mom used to shop in. Batting. Fabric for the border and binding around the edge.Fabric for the back of the quilt.

 

Troy's taking it all to work tomorrow to give to the wonderful group of ladies there.

They're going to hand-stitch around every single star that Mom and I also stitched around.

I know it'll take some time to finish...but I'm anxious to get it back already.

To curl up and be hugged by Mom once again.

Check this out...

 

Go. Sign up. I think it's going to be great!

Click here for more details.  :)

catching up...

Finally, actually posting pictures here. :)

Tuesday, Oct. 14th: Cozy-ing up on the couch during naptime with a good book, wearing my favorite faded and frayed pair of jeans. They're at least 3 sizes too big and look like clown pants...but still so comfy!

 

Wednesday, Oct. 15th - Friday, Oct. 17th: Troy's mom and stepdad, Tom were here visiting from Indiana. We had a great time, simply hanging out around the house, doing a bit of shopping, going out to eat, and playing video games. Troy's Mom even hopped on the back of his motorcycle for a ride! I guess I really don't have any excuse not to do it myself now, huh?

     

Saturday, Oct. 18th: A nice day at home as a family...went to the library and thrift store, cleaned the house, took naps, and then church and a trip to Walmart. Here's Meghan and I coloring a picture from the coloring book we bought at a new toy store downtown in Guthrie.

 

Sunday, Oct. 19th: Troy worked a CNA shift and the kids and I stayed home. I got a lot of daycare paperwork done, make Kaitlin's bedtime chart, changed bed sheets, washed a ton of laundry, and worked/played outside with the kids. It was a great day! The kids thought it was a good idea to wind-down before bed by lounging in the laundry baskets. lol.

 

Monday, Oct. 20th: Today I had an extra little one (thanks Kim for letting me play with Jack!). I also finished up this book for the writing circle I'm in. Peggy started it awhile back, and I just got my first set of notes the other day! It's so fun and exciting to get hand-written notes and get to know these great ladies! I made a card (forgot to scan it), wrote a note, and sent them all on their way to the next lady in the circle. I can't wait for it all to come back to me again! I'm going to keep all the addresses, as well as little details in this book so I can remember who's who. :)

 

And now I'm off to do a bit of curriculum planning for November and maybe make a card or two.

Hope ya'll are having a great Monday!

binders and stuff

Hope you have an hour of free time...because this is going to be one long post. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or water... whatever you prefer...maybe a snack too. Chocolate sounds good...and then read (or skim) to your heart's delight.

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I have a bit of a binder fetish. I like notebooks too. Journals. Blank books. They all just make me happy. Strange, I know.

So I thought I'd share a bit of my 'system' for keeping up with my daycare business, our home, and my hobbies.

Meet my Binders:

I don't typically have them all together like this...but it looks pretty, huh?

Anyway...sorry...I told you binders make me happy. lol.

I'll go through them from left to right for you...just kinda tell you what I keep in them, some in more detail than others...

Binder Number One: Scrapbooking Sketches

I used to have them all just kinda thrown in a binder, but I recently took the time to cut all my sketches apart, whether they were from a magazine or from Page Maps, etc. I organized them by the number of photos on the layout (1, 2, 3, 4, +5), then glued them to a piece of white paper and slid it into a plastic sleeve. I also have a section for card sketches when I love to grab when making cards.

Binder Number Two: Scrapbooking Misc.

This one was fun to set up...It has a bit of everything scrappy related it. My tabs are:

• To-Do's (on-going projects like the kid's school albums, etc.)
• Shopping (supplies I need, things I want, cool stuff I see in magazines and online, etc.)
• Misc (this has some journaling that I've scribbled here or there without a particular photo in mind, some ideas for mini albums, etc.)
• Magazine Ads (ads that I've torn out of Real Simple, etc that I think would make a cool layout)
• Themed (layout ideas for a specific holiday, event, etc that I want to 'scraplift')
• Words (journaling and title ideas)
• How To's (techniques that I might someday try out)
• Altered (cool gift ideas, notebooks, kid stuff)
• Home (ideas using scrappy supplies for home decorations)

Binder Number Three: Daycare Business

This (and the next one) aren't very exciting, but still necessary. This one holds...

•  receipts that I need to quicken and then file for expenses that I can deduct.
• Important daycare phone numbers
• calendars for attendance and payments
• Child information sheets, shot records, and contracts
• DHS Info (insurance card, business license, fire and tornado drill calendar, staff info sheets, training documentation, training certificates, CPR and first aid cards
• DHS Monitoring Reports (the forms that DHS fills out when they come for a visit to check everything)
• Helping Hands Stuff: This is a state (or maybe it's federally) funded food program that reimburses me for following a menu and feeding the kids healthy well-balanced meals. I keep my contract, menus, meal times, newletters, etc. here.
• extra copies of my Parent Handbooks

Binder Number Four: Daycare Curriculm

This one simply contains my themes, alphabet workbooks (that I make copies of), and other ideas for crafts and activities with the kids.

Binder Number Five: Fun Stuff

In this binder, I keep just fun ideas that I'd love to do someday...mostly that I've torn out of magazines or printed from the internet. I had them all thrown together not too long ago, but could never find ideas when I wanted them, so I've recently divided them up and it's much better. The tabs are:

• Winter (Christmas, Valentines' Day, etc.)
• Spring (Easter, nature, etc.)
• Summer (outdoor get-togethers, backyard fun, etc.)
• Fall (back to school (like the pencil brownie), halloween, thanksgiving, etc.)
• Celebrations (birthdays, weddings, gift ideas, etc.)
• Kids (fun crafts, like friendship bracelets (remember those?), clay creations, puppets, potato stamping, basically anything I think my 3 kids would enjoy but is too complicated for the daycare kids)
• Amy (weight loss inspiration, gardening, books, anything I love except for scrapbooking)
• Crafts (mostly sewing, quilting (which I'd love to learn how to do, and misc crafty stuff that doesn't really fit anywhere else)

I love pulling out this binder when I want to do something special for my family.

and finally...

the big one...

Binder Number Six: Household Management

This one's the doozy...this one I couldn't live without. It recently went through a major overhaul...I added some things...eliminated somethings...and moved some things (like the seasonal/crafty ideas) to another binder. It's kind of my version of Fly Lady's Control Journal.

So here goes...all the details:

1. Katie the Scrapbook Lady's Amazing Month of Memories: I bought this cool little pdf file awhile back. It's basically a year's worth of little holidays and special days with fun journal prompts, photo inspiration,  and scrapbook layout ideas for each day of the year. I haven't really used it a lot...but I did discover that August 12th is Naional Middle Children's Day! See we are sorely overlooked...so much so that there's a holiday just for us! :D

2. Rachel Anne's Home Sanctuary: I love this blog's little challenges each day that turn our frazzled homes little by little into Home Sanctuaries...somewhere our husband, children...and ourselves...can relax and be ourselves. It's fun to keep track of points and enter her prize drawing each month too...but that's just a bonus to a better home.

3. Family Calendar: A day runner calendar I picked up at walmart. Already 3-holed punched and each month spreads over 2 pages. It's for 18 months, I believe...and basically just gives me a place to have the 'year at a glance' and fill in upcoming events, appointments, birthdays, etc.

4.Daily Routines: This is just a rough outline of how a 'perfect' day would look. It rarely happens the same way it's on the paper...but I do my best and go with the flow. For example, in my morning routine I have my quiet time, wake up the kids, breakfast, etc. Mid-Day is Lunch, Nap, mommy time, snacks, prep dinner, etc. Evening starts with dinner, homework, baths, stories and prayers, exercise, time with troy, etc.

5. Weekly Routines: Day by Day, what I try to do throughout the week...

• Monday: paperwork, filing, quicken (for home and daycare), curriculm planning, clean out my purse, update the calendars...basically office type stuff
• Tuesday: Home Blessing: just a quick clean of the whole house (bathrooms, kitchen, dust, vacuum, mop, change kid's sheets)
• Wednesday: clean out fridge, plan menu and make grocery list, spend 15-30 minutes in my weekly zone decluttering and straightening
• Thursday: detailed zone cleaning (more in a minute)
• Friday: Home Blessing (yes, again...but only because our home gets really dirty with the daycare and people in and out so much during the week)

6. Zone Cleaning: Each week I focus on a zone on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In these 'zones' I declutter and organize (dressers, cabinets, closets, etc.) and then clean (cobwebs, mini blinds, baseboards, ceiling fans, etc)...basically all the 'big' jobs that I don't do during my home blessings. My zones are as follows:

1. Master Bedroom and Bathroom
2. Kids Bathroom, Laundry room, and Hallway
3. Kids Bedrooms
4. Fun Week: This week, which typically falls on the last week of the month, I take a break from cleaning and catch up on misc. stuff. My list is: edit and order photos, make cards for next month's birthdays, freshen up my blog (design, etc.), get curriculm ready for next month, clean out and organize the fridge and freezer in the garage, and clean front porch (sweep, hose off, cobwebs, etc.)
5. Entry and Living Room
6. Dining Room and Kitchen
7. Play Room/Office
8. Another Fun Week (see above)

So basically, every 2 months the whole house is getting a good 'deep' cleaning. I used to try to do it all once a month, but it was just too overwhelming. This works out much easier for me. Of course, everyone's zones will be different, depending on how many rooms are in your house. For instance, I kind of wish my kitchen and dining room were on separate weeks, but I've learned to just let some things slide...I may not wipe out every single cabinet in the kitchen every time it rolls around...but that's okay with me. I just can't do it all all the time.

7. Groceries: This section includes a pantry list (if you'd like a copy of it, let me know, I'll email it to you), grocery coupons (in a plastic sleeve) and an on-going list that I add to when I finish up or run out of something.

8. Financial: All the Money stuff goes here. I have a 2-pocket folder for bills to be paid and then they move to the opposite side when they're paid and need to be filed. Our budget, important passwords, and credit card and bank info. I know...at first it bothered me having that type of info just in a binder. Shouldn't it be under lock and key...someplace more secure?! But here's my thinking...If we had a fire, or tornado, or whatever...I need to be able to grab something quick and accessible with all our important family info all in one place. This works for me. The binder doesn't leave this house. And let's just say, hypothetical, if someone were to break in...what's the chances of them taking a 3-ring binder. seriously. Probably slim-to-none.

9. Address Book: I think this one is self-explanatory. ;)

10. Medical: Important phone numbers (doctor's, pharmacies, etc.), Life insurance info (not the policies themselves, just info), medical insurance info, and then I've included a sheet with each family members name, date of birth, ss#, and room for other medical info I might need to add over the years. Shelby has a spot here too. lol.

11. Home: Here I have our home warranty info, home insurance info, and some papers to keep track of home repairs and updates on. I also decided to do the same for the automobiles...so there's auto insurance info and repairs as well.

So that's it...that's my binder system...oh, except I forgot my recipe binder (just full of my recipes). Did I overwhelm everyboday?!? Are you scared to do it yourself? I promise...it seems like SO much more typed out like this! And everyone's situations are different, so you might not even need a binder...yet alone six! And please realize...I did not set all of these up overnight...not even in a week...it's been a work in progress for a few years...trying to find a system that worked for me. I posted all this in the hopes that even one of my few readers might get one idea to help their life run a bit smoother. Please...let me know if you have any questions...want help setting up your own...or even just to let me know that I'm totally wacko!

I'm okay with that. :D

Um...

I think I found my scrappy groove...

Somebody help me...I can't seem to stop! lol.

And I had every intention of posting them...but typepad keeps giving me some strange error box. *shrugs*

I'll post them over there >>>>>>>>> in my gallery instead...they'll probably be the last 3 layouts and 4 cards posted.

And now I MUST go tend to my neglected family and home. :D

**pictures coming soon...promise.

05.28.2008

So we've been fish-sitting for one of my daycare family's goldfish, won at the 89'ers Day carnival this year. Goldie is residing in a glass vase for travelling purposes. I don't think he's happy here...he just hangs out at the bottom of the vase a lot. But at least he's eating now...he didn't for the first day or two. maybe he's just tired of me checking on him constantly to make sure he's still alive. Please say a prayer that he'll last another 12 hours until Gavin and Shelly rescue him. lol. I would hate to have to make a midnight run to Wal-Mart to find a new Goldie. ;-)

Today I've kept busy getting some cookies baked...

(aren't they purty?!?)

And making cards for teachers...

Tomorrow's the last day of school for Austin and Meghan...then begins the looooooooooooooooong summer. :D

Still getting stuff ready for vacation next week...so looking forward to it! Hope ya'll are having a great week so far!

05.05.2008

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

No, we're not from Mexico...but I still like an excuse to have Tacos for dinner! YUM! ;)

Anyway...

It was a busy weekend...so here's recap...

The Relay for Life went really well...for the most part. Troy got a tummy bug and didn't feel well...but our team one the gold medal for the most $ raised...over $7600.00!!!  It was SOO cold...but it was still such an emotional, sensitive, touching night. I'm so glad that my dad, brother, sister, spouses, and friends were all there to experience it together! Here's some photos from the night..

(the survivors' lap...I was totally wishing my mom was there to walk with them...yet I couldn't help applauding through my tears for their bravery and courage.)

(our team)

(the four of us: dad, erin, j.r., and i)

and lastly, the luminary in memory of my Mom:

and here's the back of it...it was so windy that a lot of the luminaries were catching fire...take a look at this....

do you see it? the burned heart? She was there...in all of our hearts that night!

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Saturday, after getting some much needed sleep...we headed down to the city to pick up Troy's new motorcycle...

(the light was kinda goofy...so you can't see much of the bike...but I'll get some pics of it soon.)

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Sunday, I scrapbooked...made cards, actually...almost all day...while Troy and the kiddos went to Walmart, came home with Mario Kart for the Wii, and spent the rest of the afternoon playing it.

And now...I'm off to clean up my desk...since it still looks the exact same as this photo..messy!

I'll be back later with my Monday Meanderings. :)

04.18.2008

So my avoidance of the to-do list lasted until today when I realized it's Friday and I've yet to make a dent in anything. ACK! So I've made a new list of things to tackle before Monday (hopefully)...

Places to Go:

• Car wash (my van is just gross)
• Library (laminate craft and chore chart stuff, check out a few books and/or movies)
• Walmart (the list just keeps on growing)
• Storage unit (Take: suitcases, daycare paperwork from years past, and the girl's clothes for next season. Pick up: black backdrop, any other clothes that may fit the kids now, and hopefully try to find my missing box of books)
• Church (sat night), Konnect and Life Group (sun night)
• Maybe Hobby Lobby (I want to pick up some more photo boxes so I can implement a new system outlined in the book below)

Things (I have) to do:

• May crafts ready for daycare kids
• Stitch up my tank-top
• Make to-do lists for next week
• Sweep broken glass up in the barn (and take a peek at the metal shelving that I spotted hiding out there and see if it's use-able in the house somewhere)
• Finish making the chore charts for the kids
• Update weight loss goals
• Do my weight loss card challenge using inspirational quotes
• Clean the kitchen and dining room (chandelier, mini blinds, fridge, microwave, inside of cabinets)
• May Daycare Newsletter
• Make strawberry shortcake (for life group sunday)

Things I'd like to do:

• Scripture card challenges
• Read Photo Freedom book
• Start organizing photos
• Write some Bible verses on notecards and hang around the house
• Start planning some crafts for this summer for daycare kids
• Play spaceheroes with the kids...Kaitlin already has a 'helmet' from Hat Week here at Amy's daycare. hee hee.

Here's to a productive, yet relaxing, weekend!!

Happy Friday, Ya'll!!!

04.16.2008

I've avoiding my to-do list by taking pictures of pretty flowers...

(our first iris is blooming!!)

and scrapping...

Ack. I just realized Troy and the kids will be home in about a half-hour. Guess I better get going. :)

04.15.2008

Well, technically, it's now the 16th...but I figure it's early enough in the day to call this yesterday's post. lol.

I spent the day doing this...

Cleaning out the outgrown and out-of-season clothing.
Making piles for the thrift store, storage, and keepers.
Re-folding, organizing, and stacking neatly in cabinets and drawers.

But the kids' clothes are DONE!

Now I need to tackle mine. lol. Thankfully, I don't have as many clothes as they do...especially now that most of mine don't fit anymore anyways. :D

----------------------------

I rewarded myself with a bit of scrapping last night while Troy was out weed-whacking and mowing the yard.

Today? I'm tackling the pantry. YIKES!
Please send the rescue crew if I don't emerge by this afternoon! It means I'm probably buried in canned goods and baking supplies. :D

04.08.2008

This post is going to be filled with lots of random gibberish...but that's just the way I'm feeling today...probably due to my lack of sleep last night. Welcome to Spring in Oklahoma...

Nope, that's not snow...it's hail! Quarter-sized at least! The storms kept the kids up half the night...which of course, meant I was up as well.

I received some bad news yesterday...one of my daycare kids is leaving to go to a large center here in town. It's sad. I first met her mom when she was only 6 months pregnant with Lauren. She started here at 1 month old!! She's now 15 months...her little personality really emerging. She makes me laugh every day...*sigh*. It's hard when they're like your own children!

I also lost one of my part-timers a few weeks ago...so if you know anyone needing daycare in Guthrie...please send them my way. lol.

Thankfully, Troy now has his CNA license and can pick up a few extra shifts on the weekends to make up for my loss of income.

And now onto funny stuff...

I overheard Kaitlin playing in her bedroom with her doll house saying "WOW! I'm the photo of the day today?!? Thanks Mom!!"

hee hee.

I think I've warped my children's minds. She's such a silly one.

I haven't updated my 'Going all the Weigh' page in awhile...not sure why. I'm still trucking along though...slowly but surely...it's coming off. Here's a few cards I made these past two weeks though...just to inspire me and keep me motivated to continue...

 

(sorry, must have resized them differently)

They're a lot of fun to make though.

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And one last thing, before I need to get to folding laundry...

I started reading Taking Care of the Me in Mommy yesterday. Wow. I had forgotten so much of the good stuff in it...and I only made it through the introduction. lol.

Here's just a few great points Lisa Whelchel makes:

"As mom's, we get so busy doing and giving that we often don't take the time to rest and receive. We've bought into the world view that we can havie it all and then believed the self-talk that insists, "If I don't do it, it won't get done." Isn't it ironic that at the same time we are feeling more and more driven, we are usually running on empty or, at the very least, on exhaust fumes? (You know what I mean: we're either 'exhausted' or 'fuming'.) We are worn out trying to do it all. No wonder there is such an epidemic of mom burnout!"

"Moms give and give. But if you never learn to receive, then you have nothing left to give. If you won't take time for yourself, then take time for yourself for your family. By filling up you tank regularly, you will have the energy to drive your childre to all their activities, drive your husband wild with desire, drive back the enemy with prayer, and drive a hard bargin at the latest clearance sale. You can't do any of these things if you're broken down and out of gas on the side of the road.
It's time to recharge and refuel. the first thing to do is plug into the Power Source and jump-start your day. Jesus says, "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

I really struggle with all of this...taking time for me. I always feel so guilty doing it, even though I know that ultimately, I'm a better wife and mom when I do. And not just taking time for myself...but taking time out to spend with Jesus each and every day. It does refuel and recharge me...but why is it so hard somedays to ignore the housekeeping and daily busy-ness to spend some quiet time in prayer and with my Bible?

She has the book divided into 3 sections: spirit, body, and soul. I'm going to start at the beginnging and try to read one chapter every day or two...and really dig in and apply it.

Here's what she said at the end of the introduction...

"The following chapters will be full of encouragement and realistic ways for you, as a busy mom, to find time to sit at the feet of Jesus and receive the strength to continue pouring out your life for your family."

Good stuff.

04.05.2008

The weekend's here!! Time for...

cooking dinner on the grill...

playing outside...

mowing the yard...

hanging up our new birdfeeder...

exercising...

taking naps...(not necessarily in that order. lol)

doing laundry...

going to Incredible Pizza...

going to church...

catching up on tivo'd shows...

working some overtime...

transplanting some flowers...

exercising some more...

scrapping a bit...

going to life group and Konnect...

curling up with a good book...

and then starting another week!

Can you tell I LOVE the weekends?!?

04.02.2008

*yawn*

so sleepy today. must go to bed earlier if I plan to continue getting up at 5 am to exercise.

here's a few photos:

kaitlin...and another one of her adventures in dressing herself. at least she matches today. lol.

and here's two of the scripture cards i've done so far. maybe i'll get around to working on a few more later today...maybe.

i couldn't narrow it down to just one verse about faith, so i chose two.

Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

and

Colossians 2:7
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught...

the next focus word is "kindness".

kindness is an outer expression of inner goodness.

do you have a favorite Bible verse about faith or kindness?

03.25.2008

Laundry? What's that?

Dishes? Just throw 'em in the sink.

Exercise? I'll do it later...maybe...if I have time.

What's for dinner? I dunno.

Yup, I was a slacker today. I scrapbooked. All. day. long.

With a few small breaks to play with the kids and change a few diapers and make some lunch.

I kinda heard about a little contest over at J4K at the last minute. You had to create a mini album about your career, at least 12 pages long. Winner receives a $50 gift certificate!! So I jumped right on it and actually emailed it in a whole 4 hours before the deadline. hee hee. I can't wait to post it here...but I can't quite yet.

But I can share a cute picture of Kaitlin chillin' outside waiting for Austin and Meghan to get off the bus this afternoon! It was sooo beautiful out today!

And now, I'm off to exercise...now that I'm completed the album! YAY!

03.18.2008

Q: What do you do when you're cooped up with a bunch of kids while it's raining cats and dogs for 2 days straight?

A: You play LOTS of board games...especially Sorry!

I usually lose...

and speaking of losers...

The Biggest Loser is on tonight! YAY!

And speaking of Biggest Loser...

I lost another 3.5 lbs this week for a total of 25 so far!! Woohoo!!

Troy informed me that I only have a few more pounds until I weigh less than he does! This is so exciting and motivating to me because I don't think I've EVER weighed less than him!

And speaking of weight loss...

I started a weight loss/get healthy challenge over at Just 4 Keeps. Click here if you'd like to join in.

And speaking of challenges...

I'm hoping to do a bit of scrapping tonight and work on the scripture card challenge.

And speaking of scrapping...

Here's two of the layouts I did Friday night at the crop...

How was that for a random peek into Amy's thought process? hee hee.

03.12.2008

The never-ending row of cars...Kaitlin started it, and then told all the other kids which hot wheels to put where....which might explain the story that one of my daycare parents told me last week...

I'm not sure what exactly was going on prior to this exchange...but here's what I was told...

carly's mom: Who's the boss? (thinking Carly, 3 yrs old, would either reply with 'Miss Amy' or 'You, Mommy, etc.')

carly: KAITLIN!!

Ack! My daycare kids think that Kaitlin's the boss?!?! Oh boy....but I have to admit...it was pretty funny to both of us (Carly's mom and myself).

Oh...and guess what?!? I actually scrapbooked today. A real layout. Start to Finish. Here it is...

Kaitlin was drawing love notes to daddy while he was on a mission trip to Mexico back in Feb. 2006 (yes, I'm that far behind. *sigh*)

03.10.2008

Ack! I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged...why are the weekends so short and so busy?!? Why can't they be 3-days long instead? Maybe it was that hour that we lost to day-light savings time that's thrown me way behind. I can get a lot done in an hour...when I'm feeling ambitious...I'm great at multi-tasking. lol.

Anyway...here's the run-down from the past 5 days...

Thursday - I spent a lot of time working on this advent album. Yes, I know it's March. ;) I started this waaaay back in November...got sick in December...and never got around to finishing it. (I was only on day 9 anyway.) But now...IT'S DONE! And ready to sit for another 9 months until we're ready to dig into it this coming December.

Friday - Or any given morning for that matter...this is the site I see when I emerge from a good's night slumber...the kiddos snacking on cereal and watching cartoons a highly educational children's show.

Saturday - The girl's and I were invited to see Elmo LIVE with my friend (and daycare parent) Shelly and her son, Gavin. We had a great time and incredible seats!

While we were there, my dad, Troy, and Austin went bowling...but of course, the other camera was left at home. *sigh* men. hee hee.

Sunday - I We spent most of the day working on my Troy's homework assignment...a poster about Electrical Shock, listing the causes, symptoms, first aid treatment, and including as many graphic informational photos as possible. Troy did the research, I did the typing. He chose the photos, I edited and printed them. I chose the colors, he okay'd them. He used my Quickutz tool and alphabets, I sat nervously by watching him (now I know how he feels when I raid his toolbox. hee hee). I lined things up, arranging and rearranging and finally gluing everything down while he grilled steaks for lunch (I thought that was a fair trade-off). And in an effort to keep my blog G-rated (family-friendly) I've blurred the graphic photos as much as possible, so you might not want to click on it and make this one bigger if you have a weak stomache. hee hee.

I also finished up this project for the girl's bedroom. I bought the frame at Goodwill for 99 cents and just re-painted it. I had everything else in my scrappy stash. Meghan asked this morning if the buttons were the sunflower seeds. :D

And today...I'm trying to get a ton of stuff done...and guess what time it is?

Nope, not 12:18...it's actually 1:18. hee hee. Troy didn't get around to changing this clock...but in reality, it doesn't matter because either way...it's nap time! My favorite time of day! The only time of day that I seem to be able to sit here long enough to blog. :)

So here goes my Monday Meanderings...

On my Bookshelf:
I have a HUGE stack of magazines that Kris has given me. I love to flip through them, find ideas for the house to use someday...find cool ads and color combos to use as inspiration for scrapbook layouts. I'm going to try to go through at least 1 or 2 a day...that should keep me busy for at least a few weeks. lol.
I'm also working on chapter 2 in The Power of a Positive Wife.

On my Must-Do List:
-Austin's birthday thank you's (running so late doing these)
-Organize and clean the laundry room, kid's bathroom, and hallway

On our Dinner Table:
Mon - Chicken Lasagna Florentine and salad
Tue - Breakfast Casserole, muffins, strawberries
Wed - Chicken Spaghetti and green beans
Thu - Chef Salads and garlic bread
Fri - Zesty Beef and Vegetable Soup and bread 'n butter
Sat - Troy's Favorite Chicken, sweet and sour cucumbers, and rice
Sun - Chicago Style Pan Pizza

On the Go: It's a CRAZY week around here!
Troy has school Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I have a chiropractor appointment Tuesday afternoon (a friend is coming to sit with the kids while they nap)
I need to get to the library and Walmart Tuesday night.
Thursday at noon Kaitlin and I go to register for Pre-K! And then she gets to have a fun day with Mrs. Blair (aka, she's goes shopping and comes home with stuff I'd never buy her and she goes out to eat stuff I don't usually let her, and has a great time getting spoiled).
That night we have Parent/Teacher Conferences for Austin and Meghan.
Friday I'm going to crop at Just 4 Keeps with Erin, Jennifer, and some friends.
Saturday night is church.

On my Desk:
A few cards need to be made, the scripture challenges (I'm definitely starting on these this week!!), and I'd like to plan some layouts for Friday night instead of 'winging' it.

On my Heart and Mind:
I'm feeling a bit burned out on the whole healthy eating/exercising. It's hard work...and it takes a lot of time...I know it's worth it...I'm worth it...but gosh, some days that doesn't make it any easier. But last night, without even telling Troy I was feeling this way...he totally bribed motivated me. Here's a little background...

Almost 13 years ago, Troy proposed and gave me this ring...

About 2 years ago, the prongs holding the diamond broke and we just never got it fixed...and truthfully...it might not have even been worth it, financially anyway. I'm so not a girlie-girl, caught up about jewelry, etc...but about a year and a half ago, I really wanted something...a band...anything to wear. So we bought a new cheap very reasonably priced temporary one with the plan to get a 'real' one soon. I really like this ring...but it's getting too big on me already...and once again, not worth fixing/re-sizing.

So last night, Troy, out of the blue, told me that when I get to where I want to be (I'm not putting a number on it because I really just want to be able to shop in a normal store and not in the plus-sized section and I just want to feel healthy, energetic, great!) to let him know and we're going to get me a new ring...a NICE ring!! Woohoo!! Talk about motivation! hee hee. I'm totally pumped back up and ready to get back in the groove! Thanks babe!

So anyway...nap time is about over...so I better get moving...hope ya'll have a great week!!

02.27.2008

I'm so ready for spring...so much so that it was time to take down my winter-y wreath and freshen up the front door. So I got crafty this morning...how stinkin' adorable is this?!?

Heee. Just makes me happy today!!

01.08.2008

Yesterday was another beautiful day here in Oklahoma...I love having the windows open with a fresh breeze blowing through the house. ahhhh....
I just had to sit and read and enjoy it a bit while the kids napped yesterday...

And I also got busy and finished up my notebooks. I'm looking forward to 'playing' in them tonight after the kids go to bed while I wait for Troy to get home and to hear about his first night in class...

I'm off to get some laundry done, the dishwasher unloaded, and dinner prepped. Super Mommy's on duty tonight...and I'm totally looking forward to it!

01.02.2008

The last day before Austin and Meghan go back to school. Is it wrong of me to be excited about that?!? hee hee. And apparently, Austin has found a new best friend. Meet Little Bob, the finger puppet...

I think he should be called 'Little Austin'...bald, smiley, and quite the trouble-maker.

Oh...and here are the few layouts that I got done at the crop Saturday...there was one other...but it was ugly and not worth my time to scan and share it. lol.