Emmy Mom--One Day at a Time

We found the Holy Grail!

2012-02-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Wait, don't leave- yes you made it to Emmy Mom's blog-- just a whole new look. What do you think? I used to love my old design and it was still great, I just get itchy and needed something new. Plus I just wanted a little cleaner look. Don't forget I have my new button over on the sidebar to go with my new look that you can grab.

Are you ready for some exciting news?

We found the Holy Grail!!

This weekend Lourie (CA Girl) and I were out thrifting and we could not believe our eyes!We found some other treasures too, like a shirt Lourie bought for herself that is not too friendly with the girls. Or the skirt she bought for her daughter that doesn't fit. Or the dress she bought for her other daughter that is too short.

Dang.

Good thing we found the holy grail.

And had a yummy lunch at Panera Bread--
oh and did I tell you that Lourie had the exact same thing- she totally copied me.

I did find these adorable pictures for Ryder's room- at $1.48 each
And our trip to Tai Pan left me drooling over thisAnd we got our required pictureSo despite a few flops, it was an awesome day.

Do you thrift? (Is that even the proper use of the word? Or did I just create it and so am super cool and inventive?-- even if it's real just stroke my ego I won't mind)

P.S. TOMORROW is Ten Things to Smile About this month. I have loved how many of you have been linking up and looking back and finding ten things that made you smile in February. You can see some examples and more info here

Winner and Fairy Hobmother

2012-02-24T05:30:00.002-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! Is it just me or has this been a long week? But it's Friday and I have some happy news.

First-- time to announce the winner to the Sneakpeeq $25 gift certificate.I let Rafflecopter randomly pick the winner- and it is Grateful Grumpy Mom!! Congrats! I already contacted the company and the money will be deposited into your account. Thank you so much to everyone who entered.

Did I ever tell you what one of my summer jobs was? After my freshmen year of college I entered data from regular catalogs to make online catalogs. Yes, so weird thinking of that having to happen- but all of that information had to get onto the internet somehow.

The summer I was working there we mostly did a lot of work for restaurant suppliers and hardware stores. I loved looking at the big stoves, and the cups and tumblers-- always have had a thing for kitchen stuff I guess. So when the the Fairy Hobmother asked if I would let you know about Appliances Online as they wanted to spread some cheer through the blogworld by giving me a nice little gift- I said, yes, I would love to- especially this week, I need that extra cheer. And well I did have fun looking at Appliances Online looking at all the pretty fridges and stoves-- yes I did just call them pretty.

So here is hoping for a nice relaxing weekend and a good fun week next week.

Do you have any plans this weekend?

Proud Mommy Moments: The Report Card

2012-02-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday which means it's time for Proud Mommy Moments! This is your chance to brag about the awesome things your kids, nieces, nephews, etc did and no one will judge because we told you to you to. Or you can do the opposite and tell us about those moments your kids made you so "proud"- i.e. something totally embarrassing.

Please grab the button for your post and visit my co-host Kmama.

I saw all the kids with the little envelopes, some where pulling out the papers inside, others just holding them protectively. I recognized what they were, it was report card time again.

I wasn't too worried as I knew Lucas had been doing well. I pulled out his report card and was very happy with what I saw. Lots of O's for outstanding, a couple of G's for good and lots and lots of + for doing great. There were several areas where last trimester he had only gotten checks that were now + signs. They also did a standardize math test- starting at 80% it was considered advanced- Lucas got 100%, his teacher even wrote "wow"next to his score. I was so happy.

Later that night Eric talked to Lucas about how proud he was and asked him if he knew why he should do good in school?

"Yes, because if I do good and am nice, then people will be happy and I will have friends and feel good inside."

"Yes, that is good, but not quite what I meant."

Eric then talked with him about college and what a good education can get you.
I am proud of a son who does well in school and a husband who helps teach the importance of a good education.

What is your Proud Mommy Moment this week?

P.S. This Tuesday the 28th will be Ten Things to Smile About this Month!

New Things and Guests

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

First did you happen to notice something new on my sidebar??

I've got a new blog button!!

If you happen to have my blog button on your side bar (which makes me so so happy that you do) just copy the code below the button and update it if you don't mind.

And this design is inspired from my business/blog card (which a friend from high school designed for me totally to be nice as the card I was making needed some help)And this card and button is soon going to be the inspiration for how my entire blog looks! If I can ever find time to do it that is.

But today- today I am happy to say that I am guest posting over on a newer blog Emily's Thoughts Blog

So head on over to hear about why I became a photographer.

Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet: Aviator Theme

2012-02-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

In my church all of the service positions are volunteer. Several months ago I was asked to serve as the Cub Scout Committee Chair. I accepted and then freaked a bit as I know nothing about Cub Scouts. Luckily with some training and help I have settled in pretty well and this last month helped plan the Blue and Gold Banquet.
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Our Blue and Gold Banquet was an aviator theme.

As the families arrived the boys played pin the plane on the map. The boys made the planes during a den meeting earlier in the month. Before the game was played, the planes were part of the table decor.Part of the decor also included the little planes and helicopters the boys had painted during an earlier den meeting.We then did the flag ceremony and the boys were given their awards they had earned.

Then we had dinner. We took the easy route and did a couple of platters of Subway subs, some salads, individual bags of chips and bottled water. At the end we had cake for dessert, I made the cake.
While everyone was finishing eating, the scouts were given some glider plane kits (purchased from Oriental trading). They put them together with the help of their families and then had a race to see who's would go the furthest.The boys then had their box-plane "race".The month before, during scouts the boys learned about planes, how they work, different types of fighter planes from different eras and then they made their box planes. They each modeled them after a different World War Era fighter plane and all chose a call name.
We placed the box on one of those square four wheel scooters and the Cub Master announced each boy, by their call name, told about their plane and what plane it was built after and then a family member quickly pushed the cub scout riding in his plane around the track. Everyone loved it.

There was a paper airplane station set up, with paper and instructions so anyone could build paper airplanes throughout the night.We ended the night with cake.

It was a great successful event that everyone seemed to really enjoy. Now we just have to prepare for the pinewood Derby next month.

Have you ever been involved in any type of scouts?

Fancy Family Valentines Dinner

2012-02-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

Last year we began a tradition which will probably be around for a while, our fancy family Valentines dinner.
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Eric and I went out last Friday- helping avoid the crowds, and saving Valentine's Day for something special for our family.

We got the table all ready-- with supplies from the Dollar Store
Decor:
-Table Cloth
-Heart plates, red plastic silverware, napkins
-Fancy heart plastic cups
-Tissue paper folder in square in center
-candle holders, candles
-heart tinsel/garland
-Heart dollies (under plates)
-Mailbox- that I made (instructions here) (only thing not from $ store)
-Gift Boxes- filled with little treats/toys from dollar store

Menu:
-Heart Shaped tortellini
-Garlic Bread
-Mixed Vegetables
-Root-beer
-Chocolate covered strawberries
-Sushi- for Eric and I
-Heart shaped cake for dessert

My daughter begged for the chocolate covered strawberries, as she loves strawberries (they keep her hair red you know- just ask her)-- she even helped me dip them all- but in the end she did not like them and just wanted plain strawberries! Silly girl

And yes we even ate by candle lightIt was a wonderful night that we all fully enjoyed and we will definitely be doing it again next year.

Do you have any fun family traditions?

Linking this post up here today

Proud Mommy Moments: The Dishes

2012-02-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday! In case you are new that means it is time for Proud Mommy Moments. What are Proud Mommy Moments? It is a weekly meme (every Thursday) that Kmama and I host together. It is your chance to tell about those things that make you just so proud- your free pass to brag away-- or tell about those moments that make you so "proud"- i.e. totally embarrassed but hey, it's funny after the fact right?

So grab the button (just copy the code below the button) link up to your Proud Mommy Moment post and enjoy! And remember only link up if you are participating in Proud Mommy Moments.

"Time to go unload the dishwasher" I reminded Alex.
She went right over to do it. I smiled, happy with how well our new family economy system was working out.

It was so nice not having to do it all myself and nice not having to remind the kids a million times as that was part of the system.

I heard the silverware cling into the drawer. I came into the kitchen to help clean up a few things.

"What are you doing?" I squealed.

There was Alex putting away the silverware....
with her mouth.

She looked up at me confused wondering what was so bad about her new cleaning method.

I quickly grabbed all of the forks from the silverware drawer and put them into the sink and we had yet again another little talk about germs.

Ah, so glad to have such great helpers.

What is your Proud Mommy Moment this week?

But Does He Have Friends?

2012-02-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

Does he have any friends? I asked during the parent teacher conference.

Later I realized my question was never answered, somehow brushed aside the subject changed.

So that question still hung, plaguing my mind.

He would talk about the kids that were his friends in school but we never had any of them over. He never asked to have friends over.

He got invited to birthday parties, but so did the rest of the kids in his class.

He was oozing with kindness and compliments so most adults liked him-even several girls wrote him cute notes. But what about the boys?

Did he have any friends?

I watched him interact with the kids at the party. First fitting in, playing right along- but then he takes it a step too far- missing the social cues coming from the other kids.

I see them.

They are painfully obvious to me. My stomach tightens.

When he happens to look my way I gave him a look- 'just relax, step back' I try and say with my gaze.

He isn't doing anything to cause a scene and I am definitely not going to cause one myself.

But I ache. I ache for him and the cues he seems to miss, the shrugs of the shoulder, the eye rolls and boys turning away.

Ever golden, ever good, so ever confident it just glazes right over him. But maybe this is good- maybe he is safe. He is unaware, he is happy.

He knows who he is.

I just cry a little for him. Demons and memories from my own past shadowing my view.

Just trust. I tell myself. Trust-trust that it will all be okay. That he will forever be strong, be good, be above the glazes and glares of others as he knows who he is.

I love you my son.

Linking up today with Shell's Pour Your Heart Out (though her blog currently down)

V-Day Gift To You: Sneakpeeq Giveaway

2012-02-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's a day of love- and so what better then a gift for my readers to say how much I love having you all be part of my blogging world.

Have you heard of Sneakpeeq? It is one of the fastest growing social shopping companies on Facebook. It is a site that has distinctive home, food and fashion products for 70% off! You all know I love a good bargain.

And today Sneakpeeq is giving away to my lovely readers 20% off your next purchase just for entering, plus a chance at the Grand Prize: one winner will receive a $25 gift card to use in sneakpeeq’s amazingly low-priced boutiques!And what am I getting for this? Nothing-other than a chance to give one of you a great gift card and I will most likely be taking advantage of the 20% off too!!

So the nitty gritty

This giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry their rules not mine). Also, this giveaway is only eligible for NEW users of Sneakpeeq.

To enter:
First: You MUST click this link- just click here-- to go sign up (or click link in rafflecopter)

Then for additional entries- well lookie, just follow the instructions on the nifty rafflecopter.

You can enter now through February 22nd.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day- we are having our fancy family dinner tonight- don't worry there will be lots of pictures soon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Party That Went All Long

2012-02-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

What is the longest kid's birthday party you have ever been to? I am not talking about a family member's party where you stay for hours afterwards as it's family. I am talking about a friend from school kid's birthday party. I hit a new personal record this weekend.

I took Lucas to a birthday party for a friend from school that was scheduled from 12:00-5:00-- but wait check that, the party didn't end, or I should say we didn't leave the party (it wasn't close to over) at 5:40 PM.

That is almost six hours people.

It was a pool party, it had been beautiful all week. On Saturday it started raining (halfway through my 4 mile run as a matter of fact-- my second half trying to get back to my car was a bit faster) So, I called the parents assuming maybe it would be cancelled thanks to the rain and the high in the low 60's- but the party was on. The pool would be all heated up.

When we arrived at 12:20 there was only one other guest there. I passed a lot of time talking to the 17-year-old brother that got roped into bringing his younger brother to the party. But after about two hours I was done. And then when it started raining but the kids continued to swim- I was really done.

Lucas however, was not. Having the time of his life, being more brave in a pool than he has ever been. So we stayed. The heat from the pool and the cool air soon made steam rise from the water and off of the kids whenever they would get out of the water to go down the slide.
Around 4:30 I convinced Lucas to get out of the pool, we were ready to make our departure but wait- they are about to do the pinata! And they did- at 5:00, and then wait- there is a second pinata-- and now cake! Finally at 5:40, we walked out the door, Lucas carrying his cake on a paper plate. As this momma was ready to go.

Do you have a record to beat that?

Proud Mommy Moments: Golden Rule

2012-02-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

So grab the button (just copy the code below the button) link up to your Proud Mommy Moment post and enjoy! And remember only link up if you are participating in Proud Mommy Moments.

I love having the "not proud" moments as they really make for good blog material and it helps to laugh in life- but something truly good happened this last week that I just have to share-

"Mom, I didn't get to eat all of my lunch today." Lucas told me when he arrived home from school.

"Why not?" I questioned.

"Because "A" pushed his lunchbox into mine and my food fell on the floor."

My heart broke a little.

A week later.

""A" was being mean again today."

"Oh no, I am sorry."

"Yes, I don't know why he is mean. I try and be nice to him."

Me: "Well I am glad you are still being kind and doing the right thing."

Lucas: "Yes, I follow the golden rule. "A" doesn't follow it; his mom told him if someone is mean to you to be mean back to him. His mom is 36, how does she not know the golden rule?"

Oh my sweet Lucas, Lucas the golden hearted- may you forever be this good.What is your Proud Mommy Moment this week?

Craft Time: Love Sign

2012-02-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

This is my second post for today, easier to keep different projects separate, but wanted to show you how to make these before Valentines Day was over too. These were both projects I made for my antique wind0w- but you could make these to hang anywhere. Love Sign

Supplies:
-Little tag cards (got mine from PickYourPlum)
-Scrapbook paper
-mod podge
-scissors
-paint brush
-paint (optional)
-string to hang cards from

1. Choose paper and cut to shape of your tag, I choose to not cover the top where the hole is on my cards (see step 2)2. Optional- If not covering the top with paper, paint the card in desired color

3. When paint dry- Mod Podge paper to tag, by painting thin layer of mod podge on tag, make sure you smooth out any bumps

4. When dry add layer of mod podge to top, to get that shiny finish

5. Add letters- mine were vinyl cut with Silhouette, but could use stickers or paint on6. String each letter, tie in not, hang and enjoy
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Linking up with

How to Make a Tissue Paper Heart

2012-02-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I showed you the Valentines Decorations hanging in my window and so yes, crafts two days in a row, but I wanted to show you these before Valentines day passes as these are so easy!

In this post I will teach you about the Tissue Paper Heart

Tissue Paper Heart

Supplies:
Tissue paper in desired colors (got mine from $ store)
Cardboard
Exacto Knife or something to cut cardboard
Scissors
Pencil
Elmer's Glue

1.Cut a heart shape from your cardboard. I folded my cardboard in half and cut out half of the heart (like they teach you in elementary school), it didn't cut all the way through the second side, but left marks so I knew where to cut.2. Cut your tissue paper into little squares (approx 1"X1") does not have to even or even neat

3. Place eraser of pencil in middle of tissue paper 4. Twist paper down around pencil (the more you twist, the tighter flower it will be)
5. Place dot of glue on end6. Place down onto cardboard, pull pencil away7. Repeat many many times- then enjoy!

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Note: I tapped string to back of heart to hang

I am linking up with the 14 days of Love craft party

How To Use an Old Window for Decor

2012-02-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

I like doing projects, I feel great satisfaction in creating something- but this one- this one just made me giddy. I give you my antique window decor.
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I really wanted a window with four sections, but was only able to find ones with two- but the window was only $5- so I decided to make it 4 by adding some mullions (those dividing boards on the window)
To add the mullions, I used a thin molding strip, Gorilla glue, and paint. I even used my husband's miter box and saw to cut it myself! I was so proud.I then used acrylic paint and painted a base coat of brown. I then dry brushed white over it, doing it very messy and then even sanding it to match the old look of the rest of the window. Just use a very thin coat of gorilla glue in the middle as it expands and after an hour of drying it was not going anywhere.The night we were mounting the hardware to it to hang, well if you are trying to step over it and miss and step on the glass-the glass will break.

But as in most projects you have to roll with the punches. Since the window was old it was fairly easy to remove the glass-- though amazingly difficult to break the glass purposely to remove it from the other side.

When the glass came off, so did my carefully crafted mullions. Luckily I had enough extra to cut a couple of more. This time I cut them slightly larger so that I could slide them and they were a very tight fit; I did add a little gorilla glue to the ends before sliding it into place. And in the end, I like it a lot better without the glass.

In The Window Decor
I knew I wanted to do something with my kids handprints, yet I also wanted the option for changing things up someday. I found a piece of cloth I liked at the fabric store and used black acrylic paint to do my kinds hand-prints on the fabric. I then attached the fabric with just regular tape to a piece of a card-box box that I cut(it was the box my canvases got shipped in-look at me upcycling!). Unfortunately I didn't quite measure the material accurately the first time, so I had to add some extra to help cover up the entire cardboard, roll with the punches!I then found this poem online- it actually says Ten Little Fingers- but I just took off ten to match the hand-prints better. I used my Silhouette to cut out some vinyl letters; I intended to stick them to a matching piece of fabric-- but NOTE: regular vinyl does not just stay on fabric-- yea, so I ended up cutting another piece of cardboard from the box

I painted it with a base-coat of white and dry-brushed brown. When you dry brush start from the edges and work in, to ensure that the thicker applications of paint are on the edge.Then I applied the letters to the cardboard and it worked perfectly!I simply duct taped both pieces of cardboard to the back of the window.
For the other two squares I added some seasonal decor- both of which I made for super cheap and easy-- I will teach you how to make the heart and the Love letters tomorrow.I had four canvases from my kids latest photo shoot printed, all 12X12 that I got from Winkflash for 60% off. I was very surprisingly happy with the quality and print (I was a bit worried- but black and white are great from there)

And success!
Every holiday or month I plan on changing the decor in the two holiday areas. And you know I think I am going to love it forever!
Since it is Tuesday I am linking up with Impulsive Addict and Seriously Shawn

And all my favorite crafting parties

I am linking this post up at the following crafting blogs

The Eyes

2012-02-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

I made you run a bunch of errands with me again today, but this time it was a few less stores.

But you still fell asleep on the way home. I lay you down on the couch and you continued to sleep. You woke up an hour later- eyes half sleepy with the sweetest smile for me- almost like you had a special secret you were sharing with me. A special secret and love. This is the smile you always give me when you first wake up, it is my favorite.

You sit up and cuddle with me, then scoot over only to lay back down again. A minute later you sit back up, the movements and static in the air are very apparent in your hair.
I can't help but smile, and take a picture of course.

Later as I try and get a few things done, you bring your drawing board over to me and put it on my lap to show me what you have done- when I look, you look right into my eyes not looking away making sure I really see.

You erase the picture and draw another, loops, circles, swirls. You look back up again- looking longer than most adults would deem comfortable. Your eyes seem to be piercing- challenging me, ensuring that I am really there- really watching your every move, truly present. And those eyes, that gaze- it has worked. I am fully yours.

The Weekend Just for Me

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

"I'm here" I texted to my husband.

My hands began to shake, nerves suddenly overtaking my body. 'Just breath' I told myself, making a quick mental note of all of the times I had already been the new girl. I sent a quick note to my best friend Lourie "I am totally shaking". She assured me I would be fine.

I stepped out of the car and walked towards the house. A banner hung from the porch.

I was about to walk into my first conference, not a blogging conference that all the buzz is about lately, but something different, something amazing.

As moms we work hard, really hard. And sometimes we flounder and stumble and have no idea what we are doing. Some of us work corporate jobs and will receive special training and attend retreats- so why don't we as moms have this? We do.

That is what the Power of Moms is all about.

Friday we learned all about the M.O.M organizational system.

As April Perry said, her goal is the clear the counters of America- something that would make my husband do a happy dance. We learned not only how to deal with all of those papers, but all of our in-boxes-- even the ones in our heads so that we could organize, file, and clear enabling us to be present in the moment. To be really there- not worrying about what we need to do next, as we know we will get to it and we are organized and have it recorded so we will not forget. I already implemented the MOM system with my email and my inbox has gone from 300 emails to zero. No, I am not getting any less e-mails- but now it is organized, clean and I am taking care of it when there is time.
And we ended the evening with a wonderful dinner, lots of fun conversations and a crazy game of group charades.
Saturday we were joined by several more women, about 65 in all, to learn about taking care of ourselves, the family system, discipline, the family economy, and more. It was during this session that I had my ah-ah moment and figured out my word for the year-Present.

We broke into discussion groups and talked about real life application to the things we learned. And all weekend long it never felt clicky or inclusive. The circles were always expanding letting another mom in.

I left feeling inspired, rejuvenated and completely exhausted! But it was good.

We have already implemented our version of the Family economy that we learned about which has been a life savor this last week as Eric has been out of town and I have needed extra help. So while I still think it would be awesome to go to a blogging conference, I am so grateful I went to this retreat- as this one helped me remember what truly matters most-- and my house is a lot cleaner this week too!

If you have any questions about the Power of Moms please let me know. I had never heard of it until about a month ago- but I am a full supporter of it now as I truly believe there is something every mom could gain from it. And you don't have to go to a conference-- just check out the Power of Moms website, so so many great resources!

Proud Mommy Moments: Peer Pressure

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday! In case you are new that means it is time for Proud Mommy Moments. What are Proud Mommy Moments? It is a weekly meme (every Thursday) that Kmama and I host together. It is your chance to tell about those things that make you just so proud- your free pass to brag away-- or tell about those moments that make you so "proud"- i.e. totally embarrassed but hey, it's funny after the fact right?

So grab the button (just copy the code below the button) link up to your Proud Mommy Moment post and enjoy! And remember only link up if you are participating in Proud Mommy Moments.

If you have read my blog for a while you know that my daughter Alex often makes my Proud Mommy Moments, but it often isn't for bragging purposes. Well today that changes. Three days a week I join a lot of ladies at church for a butt kicking workout. The kids run around the gym and play while the moms work up a good sweat.

Overall the kids do great and there aren't too many problems- but there is one big temptation- the stage. What little kid doesn't want to go up and dance on a stage? The trouble is with lots of little kids accidents happen. After one little girl fell of the stage one week I told Alex she was absolutely not allowed to go on the stage.

On Monday, the kids were playing and running around as usual. Soon one of the little boys pushed a chair over and climbed up onto the stage, soon another and another joined including Alex's best friend. Alex stood at the base of the stage looking up.

"Alex" I simply called. She looked at me and then looked back at her friends. I continued grunting through the situps keeping my eyes on her. Several minutes passed. Eventually some of the moms came and got their kids down. Alex- she was still on the floor where she remained the whole time.

I was very proud and made sure to talk with her on the way home about how proud I was, especially when all of the other kids were doing it. Now let's just hope she continues to make me proud like this.

My awesome girl

What is your Proud Mommy moment this week?

Valentines Mailbox

2012-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

So my great blogging friend Janette is part of a great new meme with another amazing blogger Ashley.
They have hooked up with Pick Your Plum, an awesome site to get amazing discounts on all sorts of fun items and want to help spread the word and show off what things you can do with the things from Pick Your Plum.

So here is what I made.
I got inspiration from this on Pinterest. I bought this chalkboard paper from PYP.

It was really simple and really inexpensiveMaterials:
-Red mailbox from Michaels
-Red ribbon from discount bin
-Candle holder (I got from thrift store)
-Valentines stickers (also from thrift store)
-Chalkboard stickers (from PYP)
-Crazy glue

1) I used crazy glue to glue the candle holder to the mailbox
2) I folded the chalkboard paper in half and cut out a heart
3) Add stickers
4) Tie red ribbon
5) Enjoy!

See so simple and easy, and it is going to be part of my table centerpiece for our Fancy Family Valentines Dinner.

So check out Janette and Ashely's blog and PYP all awesome sites!
Also will be linking this up with when it is time for the V-day decor

P.S. Tomorrow is Proud Mommy Moments! Write yours and link up with Kmama and me!

Ten Things to Smile About

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those months that are just so glad it is over? But you also know you need to find something that makes you happy and help you realize everything is okay? Or just have had a great month where things just went right. Then join me for Ten Things to Smile About this Month. Write a list, add some pictures if you like, and copy the code from the button below to add to your post and link up. It makes me smile!

Ten Things to Smile About: January

1. Starting up the project 366 again this year- with a journal twist

2. A couple of awesome thrift store shopping trips this month3. Ryder's potty joke

4. Finally being able to show off some of the Christmas presents I made - here and here 5. Getting to spend a beyond amazing weekend at the Power of Mom's retreat- not only helping me refocus on what truly maters but teaching me so many amazing ideas to make my job that much easier.

6. Dirty boys and the adorable pictures it makes- and I was even poetic!
7. Friday Night Dinners out with the family

8. Sweet notes from my oldest
9. Watching Fear Factor and American Idol during the week

10. Selling my husband's truck in one afternoon- and getting his asking price and celebrating with a fun night out with the family
What made you smile this month?

And a special bonus- since it's Tuesday linking up with Impulsive Addict and Seriously Shawn

My Word

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

I have finally figured it out. I know what my word is for 2012. I haven't really set formal resolutions but I wanted to come up with a word, like so many others have done. I figured mine out this weeknd at the amazing Power of Moms retreat- which I will tell you all about on Friday so what is my word

Present

I want to be present in life, I want to be present and focused in the moment. I don't want to waste my days away doing three things at once. But I want to be really present when my kids say, mom look at this. I want to be present when they say, will you play with me?

So this year, I am going to be present.

Do you have a word?

Please don't forget about Ten Things to Smile About tomorrow! I started this meme after a very rough month and I needed to find something good, something worth smiling about. You can simply write a list or include pictures- which I always do of course; but it would make me smile if you linked up.

What Do You See?

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Look at this picture what do you see? The boy nicely doing his homework?

Me? I see the bag- the bag that contains his blanket that I tossed outside in a minute of frustration.

You see, he was sitting down nicely and doing his work, but then he decided to get up and terrorize his sister stealing her blanket-a blanket that just the day before had been missing and caused the end of the world (you can read about that on my photo blog here)-- so I calmly went up to his room, grabbed his blanket from his bed, put it in a bag, and tossed it outside- telling him he would get it back when homework was done.

See this picture, what do you see?
Me? I see a boy nicely doing his homework.

And that is some good news.

Linking up with

P.S. Next week on Tuesday the 31st- it will be the next round of Ten Things to Smile About- spread the word, tell your friends, great way to look back and find the good things in the month as even in the worst months there is always something that makes us smile.

Proud Mommy Moments: Daddy Doesn't Lie

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday! Time for Proud Mommy Moments! Proud Mommy Moments (#PMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kmama and myself. It is your chance to brag about your kids, tell us the things they did and/or tell us about those things that make you so so "proud"-i.e. totally embarrassed- but hey at least it makes for good blogging material. Grab the button, link up and play along.

Last week I let a few extra links up slide, but please do not link up unless you are linking up a PMM and please add the button to spread the word.

Some noise and commotion arose from the family room. Lucas and Alex were at it again- both equally guilty, both doing things back and forth.
Then suddenly Alex comes running in.
Alex: "Mom, Lucas is kicking me!"
Eric sarcastically replied: "Mom, Alex is breathing the same air as me."

Alex stopped in her tracks. "Dad, you tell the truth; you don't tell on people."
I think I snorted then asked: "So why do you?"
Alex: "Because Mom, because... because I.... because I am supposed to."

And that my friends is the the sort of things I deal with on a daily basis. Jealous?

P.S. This Tuesday the 31st will be Ten Things to Smile About for January! Spread the word and link up!!

What is your Proud Mommy Moment this week?

What To Wear On the 100th Day of School

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

If you have a kid in elementary school you are probably well aware of the the 100th day of school. Not only do they count down to it, but they have a party for it. And of course if there is a party there is usually things the kids have to do, like bring in 100 of something and my son has to wear something for the 100th day.

Since we recently failed at a mini science project (more about that next week) I wanted it to be something good. The paper suggested a chain with 100 beads, a shirt with 100 safety pins and other ideas. We came up with 100 Fingers for the 100th day of School

There are five people in our family- so each member did their hand prints twice- once on the front, once on the back. Our hands all fit nicely, even with my husband's huge hands (he is 6'8"- his hands match his body).

Lucas wrote the names of each family member and I wrote 100 days.Cute huh? We thought about doing our feet on the back- but decided that with my husband's size 15 feet it would be a tight fit.

Tips: We did one side a night- so plan ahead- or leave time to dry before flipping. Also, I stuck a flat box inside the shirt while painting each side to ensure the paint did not soak through. We used regular acrylic paint. We used a sponge brush to brush the paint onto our hands, rather than dipping, to ensure an even coating and not too much paint. What are you doing for the 100th day?

Easy School Lunch Ideas

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

The reason I joined Pinterest (follow me here if you are pinterest)) many months ago was for lunches; specifically school lunches. I hate lunch! Why? I never know what to make for it, and now I have to make a lunch for my son to take to school everyday? Trust me, I tried to get him to buy school lunches, but when we went through the menu there was about one thing a week that he agreed to eat.

I started searching for lunch ideas- but I realized a problem, there was no way my son would eat half of the things I was pinning. At home, he might eat them with ~~bribes~~ prompting but at school on his own, I knew right where all those lunches would end up.

So I used the ideas I found and scaled it down a notch- or ten- as yes, I am crafty and creative but I am not going to spend 20 minutes creating a house from a sandwich.

The Lunch Box:
I looked into all of those sites with great lunch boxes with the containers with dividers and was all set to buy one, but then at Target I happened to stumble upon this lunch box and went to the Tupperware section and found Ziploc divided containers.Some of the lunch box sites talk about how the Ziploc ones are inferior and wear out, I bought two sets of four and have used them for 5 months now and they are still in perfect shape and a fraction of the price.

Easy Lunch Ideas:
*feel free to modify these with what your kid likes.

What is your favorite school lunch idea?

And it's Tuesday so linking up with IA and Shawn

And linking up with these amazing craft/project parties

I am linking this post up at the following crafting blogs

Some Days

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

Some days I feel guilty for letting my daughter watch one too many shows;
Some days I don't care as I need a break.

Some days I rock at the whole housekeeping thing, laundry, dishes, floors swept;
Some days I wonder how I will make it to the other side of the room because of the mess.

Some days I put on cute clothes, pants that fight just right and know I am smoking hot;
Some days I look in the mirror and wonder when the circles and lines got so big and dark.

Some days I find whatever snack looks good and is within my reach;
Some days I eat good healthy meals even getting all of my vegetables for the day.

Some days I just don't know how I will do it and don't even want to;
Some days it just seems so easy.

Every day no matter what that someday may have brought, I know that I am a daughter of God who loves me and wants so much more for me, some days I just remember it more than others.