LIFE: Capture, Create, Commemorate

My latest addiction ~

2011-04-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

_inside of the cake pop

cake balls ( so yummy )

cake " burgers"

another look inside...

I am having so much fun with this... making cake pops ! Starbucks is now carrying cake pops and after buying Maddy one or two... okay maybe a half dozen or more.... with each time I drive through for my caffeine fix... I decided to " google " cake pops and how to make them... so simple, but there is an art to making them look so pretty and I am working on it... Have you heard of "Bakerella" ? You'll find her HERE and she also has written a "Cake Pop" book. The possibilities are endless... I'll share some I have made so far... please keep in mind,I am working on the creative and " pretty " factor. I also found Bakerella on Youtube... with video instruction & tips ! This is great when you have to make something for a party or for your kids' class.

Happy Mardi Gras !

2011-03-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fat Tuesday aka Mardi Gras Day !
image credit

I love a traditional Mardi Gras King cake . I love mine cream cheese filled ! I am happy to report that I consumed almost an entire King Cake a few weeks ago thanks to my Aunt Donna ! When we lived in PA , we had aunts from Billy's side send them to us ... they are so fun and so good ! If you don't the story of the King Cake...
allow me....
At long last our journey was joyfully fulfilled. The star we followed shined brightly over the stable where we found the holy baby Jesus. This is now known as the twelfth night of Christmas, january 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. With much revelry, this is now the beginning of the Mardi Gras season and is celebrated with the oval shaped king cake commemorating out journey and decorated in the carnival colors of green for FAITH, yellow for POWER, and purple for JUSTICE. As it is served, look for the baby representing " our finding the baby Jesus" , for you who finds the baby buys the kink cake for the next party!

In the name of tradition, The Three Kings

In Pennsylvania, they celebrate Fat Tuesday by consuming gluttonous potato donuts. They are very delicious also... SEE THEM HERE And this is why the Pennsylvania Dutch began the tradition of Fastnachts, a Pa. Dutch Shrove Tuesday Tradition

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, March 8th, Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent, is known as "Fastnacht Day." The Pennsylvania Dutch celebrate Shrove Tuesday by eating yeast raised potato doughnuts, which are lovingly known as "Fastnachts."The name "Fastnacht" is German for "Fast Night." Fastnacht Day is a day to forget about dieting and a slim waistline and feast on doughnuts! It's a custom that had its beginnings with the Plain People. Making Fastnachts helped to use up the fat and sugar they had on hand before the Lenten fast began.

Mardi Gras in Mobile

2011-03-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

We were able to travel to Mobile a couple of weekends back and take the kids to the Saturday parades. They had so much fun ! It was so neat to share this with them, part of Mobile culture... I grew up doing every year !

"Arriving" in true Mardi Gras spirit. Jackson wasn't interested in donning the mask I picked up for him ! Grant wore his for a short time. Maddy had hers on most of the day and the ink from it transferred to her face and she was pink for the next few days!

I love catching the beads and cups at Mardi Gras , my kids however love the fact that stuffed animals are a popular item to be caught... now, we have just moved and keep in mind, I have already made at least 4 trips to Goodwill dropping off donations. I really don't need 20 more stuffed animals coming home with me ! It is my opinion that these revelers retrieve these stuffed animals from their kids in donations boxes perhaps the mom has sorted them into.. and this saves them money on buying their throws ! THANKS mister... thanks a lot !

No matter .. . I will always love Mobile Mardi Gras !

And my kids will too !

SERIOUSLY ! ? It's snowing here ! ?

2011-02-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

I'm glad I knew right where the snow gear was packed, because after a week here in Olive Branch, we had seen snow for a third time... and this one was a significant snow for this area. They are not equipped for this.

This is not familiar to people here at all... a snow plow. (I snapped this photo in PA of the plow truck) . There are no salt houses here. I think there was a truck out treating the roads with brine, but I'm sure that is not plentiful here either. It's just not necessary... ( usually), but this has been an unusual Winter for the South.

The Move ...

2011-02-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is what Jackson thought about moving. Why wouldn't he... he is loving life, in the fifth grade, has a lot of friends in PA, hanging out at Spring Mount Snowboarding every chance he gets ! He had the greatest teacher for 5th grade, he was involved in the student council , in the chorus, and variety show practice was about to start. And I am feeling terrible about the situation. A situation that I know we have wanted for a very long time, an opportunity to get back closer to our families , yet I am having a hard time getting excited about it. I never ever expected to have this tug at my heart like this has.

Grant & Maddy among the boxes. Amazing, it is how quickly 3 men can pack up your life and load it into a truck in 2 days ! On that morning we woke up in PA and that same night we lay our heads to rest in MS.

Jackson on the plane. The trip was great... it was a very early flight. Grant & Maddy slept during the flight. We finally get to see Olive Branch ! We finally get to see our new home and the kids new schools !

Fear, Excitement, Sadness, Loss ...

2011-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

Katrina Kenison best describes my current existence ...

Home was this whole perfectly contained universe-town, friends, acquaintances, the streets we traveled everyday, the restaurants... the baseball diamonds... the library, the church."

And we were about to leave it all. Panic stopped me in my tracks, heart hammering in my chest and eyes filling with tears...

In her book " The Gift of an Ordinary Day "

So, friends ask me "How are you doing?" To be honest, I am trying to not think about it all and push my emotions to the side... "FOCUS" I tell myself ~ at the same time putting off what I should be doing to get ready for the next few days ! Trying to make the most of our days left here !

Dear God, Please get me through this week and let this be easier for my kids than it seems to be for myself. Please hold me up and don't let me fall apart ! Amen

Home is where your heart is, and my heart is scattered from Alabama to Pennsylvania and very soon will land in Mississippi. I will definately be leaving a big piece of my heart here. So many memories , so many wonderful friends.

It's all going to be fine... I know this. It's just not an easy thing to do....

Will blog again soon.... from Olive Branch !

The Olive Branch...

2010-12-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

The Olive Branch is known as a symbol of peace & goodwill. In the book of Genesis, following the great flood, Noah sent out a dove to find dry land. On the third flight the dove returned with an olive branch which meant that the waters had receded and there was dry land. It would be a new beginning for Noah and his family. Ironically, the Olive Branch will become a symbol of a new beginning for my family.

image credit

My husband has been offered a position in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We will be moving there soon after Christmas. It is exciting and scary. We will be closer to family. Still a 6 hour drive, but it sure beats a 22 hour drive ! The kids will be changing schools and that's never easy to do. It's not easy to leave a place you've called home for nearly six years. A place where my daughter was born and my boys have lived more of their lives here than their birthplace of Alabama. A place that holds so many memories we have strived to make as a family. A wonderful suburban little town. This is much harder to do than I thought it would be. If I allow myself to think about it , (lately) I just fall apart. So, I try not to . There have been so many treasures I have discovered here in beautiful PA. The treasure of watching four seasons turn. I'll start with Summer...my first memory after arriving here in July of 2005, was it being in the wee hours of the morning, getting to the apartment we were in temporarily, and there were so many fire flies flittering all around us ! It was just beautiful and the boys were chasing them all around. Summers... catching fireflies and playing at the creek. Fall... the most beautiful, vibrant pallet of colors I have ever seen. Collecting & crunching leaves with my kids. Pumpkin patches and all things Fall. It is my favorite season here. Winter... while I do not love the freezing cold... my kids do not seem to mind it. They love the snow. Snow IS beautiful when it is fresh and falling ! I love watching my kids playing in the snow , making snow angels, snowmen, sledding & snowboarding. Spring blooms here are so pretty. Buttercups and tulips are plentiful. The purple crocus peaking up through the snow covered ground. And my favorite is the return of the robins. Something I never paid attention to , ever. Robins everywhere, collecting items to build their nests, then collecting worms to feed the baby birds.

And these are the four seasons I have known for the past 5 and a half years here. I will never forget our days here. I will never forget our friends who have become like a family to us. I really hope that we will return to visit friends & this beautiful place one day.

A New Beginning. It is exciting and overwhelming. It is fearing the unknown. It will be challenging to put a new home back together after being off loaded from a moving truck . It will be ambitious...meeting new people... getting involved in schools and community and church. It will be crazy at first... but it WILL BE OK .
I pray and I pray and I pray... that it will be okay and it is the place we are meant to be at this time in our lives... Olive Branch , Mississippi.

My trust lies completely in my God and he tells me..

For I know the plans I have for you , declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you , plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29 : 11

Posting "catch up"

2010-12-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

October was Maddy's Birthday ... we took a trip over to NY and her big birthday gift and memory was getting her American Girl Doll. It was a perfect day. We got to show the boys some things there. Went to Central Park. Wish we could've done more, but I am grateful that we went over, even for a quick trip.

Central Park

2010-11-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here are my kids in Central Park. I really cannot believe that we took them all to NYC ! It was a quick day trip, on My girl Maddy's Birthday ! We were making a memory on this day ! ( I can explain later ). It was a beautiful October day and not crazy crowded in the city ! After the drive to Jersey, train ride to NYC and alot of walking.. I'm glad we did it !

Getting crafty...

2010-11-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love these apothecary jars ! sooo many ways to use them all year long !
I cannot remember what blog I took the " Boo " idea from. sorry. If I find it I will edit to credit!

I found this awesome idea HERE and it was so super easy. I have loved these fancy pumpkins! I hope they store well for next year !

Beautiful Mums

2010-11-01T18:31:00.001-07:00

Pennsylvania Fall ~

2010-11-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of year is Fall ! Especially here in PA . I have such an appreciation for all the beauty found in Fall.

First Day of School

2010-09-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

NEW SHOES .... Check

BACKPACKS... Check

HAIRCUTS .... check

My 5th grader and 2nd grader... first day of school !

I'm so happy they had a great first day !

Cookie Dough !

2010-08-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

I love love love cookie dough ! I love eating the cookie dough better than eating the cookies after being baked ! NOT such a great idea, since there is a recall on eggs right now.

I am so excited about finding a recipe for egg~less cookie dough. I never knew ! I found it HERE on My Computer is My Canvas blog.

What could be better than SAFE for you to eat cookie dough... chocolate covered cookie dough ! I can't wait to mix these up & share with my kids ! they love cookie dough too. I always discourage them eating it while I bake... they will be excited about this too !

Results...

2010-08-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Trying to make a few home improvements around here. Nothing major, mostly aesthetic. So, back in June I posted THIS IDEA and today I completed THIS :

The lighting is terrible, it's a bathroom with no window... and energy efficient light bulbs ! But I am happy with the finished look. I may have spent $10 in all.
The wooden plaques are very inexpensive. Scrapbook paper... very inexpensive also.
Movin' on ... ready to conquer the next home project ! Have a great weekend !

In our Backyard.... ( sort of)

2010-08-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

We have the pleasure of seeing this quiet a bit. The Hot Air balloons over Spring Mount. Usually they are drifting on the other side of the mountain and farther away. Yesterday this balloon cought Grant's eye, from a distance it looked
(to him) like it was going to land in our back yard ! By the way, would not even be possible, since we practically have no back yard. This balloon was on the side of Spring Mount closer to our house. It was so close that we could actually see the people in the basket. Yes, we waved to them !

Where is Home ?

2010-07-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

My family and myself have returned home from our visit "home" to Alabama. Yes, Sweet Home Alabama. This visit was extended to over 2 weeks which is the longest we have stayed since we moved away 5 years ago. Since it was a longer stay, I have pondered the question where is home? Is home where your Heart is? Is home where you are planted. Is home closer to family? It is a difficult question for me with a most uncertain answer. I must say upfront that I refrain from offering too much personal ( probably boring ) information on this blog of mine. If you didn't know this about my family... We relocated to PA 5 years ago. I do love most things here. It is a beautiful place to live. I am so aware of God's creation with appreciation for watching four very distinct seasons morph before my eyes. ( something the South does not get to see ). The snow is beautiful & fun (for a while) . While my heart has always longed to return closer to "home" one day, I have come to terms with the fact Billy's job is here and that my children have close friends here and are involved with community sports and they love their school and they love the snow. It is really difficult living so far away from family. We have had 4 or more medical emergencies involving family members that require a quick travel " home" . Holidays are quiet but sometimes I appreciate not hustling to visit everyone. This visit back to Alabama, my kids surprised me by not wanting to leave. Asking questions like " why can't we live here again? " I did not expect this.

I feel like we have lived in "limbo" since we moved here. We are a family of 5 in very tight living quarters ( a town home). I feel like the more I purge it seems like more new and must have stuff finds it's way into the house & garage, and truthfully, that is very exhausting. Limbo , I say because we want to be in a single family home again and we want to reside in a place within a reasonable driving distance from our families in Alabama. ( 6-8 hours or less is reasonable to me). Where a family emergency does not require a plane ticket "home" . We always have our eyes and ears open to opportunities. I do believe in Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
I believe in "You are here, exactly where you are suppose to be." or something to that affect. So, until an opportunity presents itself and we can trust in God that it is part of HIS plan for us... I will stay in limbo.

You never know where life will take you. I never dreamed that I would be watching my kids snowboard down Spring Mount and make snow angels instead of sand castles. I am such a warm weather girl ! You begin to love what your kids love ( what makes them happy makes you happy ). And this is my heart today spilled onto this computer monitor. Any and all insightful comments are welcome. Enjoy your weekend.

4th of July project with kids

2010-06-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

I love it when I can recycle / re purpose something in my little craft world. How many kids crafts are there using toilet paper rolls ! Dozens or more ! I collect these rolls for church , VBS , and pre school.

I saw this really neat idea, but more of a grown up decor version over on
Rhonna's blog

And this is what I did with my kids on Monday...

And if you like this idea, check this image out:
toilet paper roll wall art

Have a safe & Happy 4th !

project on my mind

2010-06-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am becoming such a slacker with blogging ! Could it be I am bored with blogging? More likely~ I am boring you, the reader. I think I just want a change and trying to figure that all out. In the meantime I found this fabulous craft to share with you. I am going to give this one a try ! These plaques are so inexpensive in craft stores ( remember to use that 40% coupon ! ) This is a fabulous way to fill the space on a wall ! This idea found HERE
Paper and Plaques

Use those pretty bits and pieces of paper you can't bear to part with for this wall-art project. Local crafts stores carry inexpensive wood plaques in tons of shapes and sizes. Paint the plaques, cut the paper accordingly, and adhere. Finish with a coat of polyurethane if desired.

Last Day of School

2010-06-17T17:37:00.001-07:00

Friday is the last day of school ! It's going to be a long Summer ! This is a teacher gift for Grant's teacher... Mrs. Sturman. Jackson's teacher is a Mr. and he was given an itunes gift card.
( craftiness is probably not the way to go for him! )
The kids had a great school year ! Now, the task at hand is to fill these calendar days with activities. Library, Summer reading, Bible schools a few weeks, and some day trips and play dates> I am also hoping to provide opportunities for community service... helping at the local food pantry, cleaning up at the local library, visiting a senior center, helping others. I will try to update more regularly !
This is a link crediting the crayon monogram project Here is a link for some great ideas for Summer.
I am making a " Boredom Busters " jar that will hopefully
curb the whining on low key days.
Have a Great Summer !

Friends at the Zoo

2010-06-03T06:37:00.001-07:00

How can you pass these Lemurs without singing... "I like to move it move it"
everyone did ! it was pretty funny !

Creatures of Habitat~ LEGO

2010-06-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Monkey'in around

2010-06-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

My parents were here for a quick visit during the Memorial Day weekend. We went to the Philadelphia zoo !

2010-06-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

A few more flowers ! These are so great to "add on" to a gift ! I used these on
cards for the pre school teachers ( that held giftcards ) for end of the year !

Scary FUN ~ this was !

2010-05-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

I found this great tutorial for making these fabric flowers. Not only this peony, but a variety of beautiful fabric flowers on Rhonna's blog. She even linked a video and the templates you will need for this project.
HERE

It was a little scary, not because of the flame, (but you'll need to exercise caution with this technique) , but scary to me because I had spent alot of thought and mental preparation, serious brain cells used in fabric ( colors) selection, and planning which piece of my day I could fit this attempt into. Whew, that's alot of energy... scary, because after all of that, I wanted it to turn out right the first time! I was so excited... when it turned out so beautiful.. yes, the first attempt ! It was so easy and fun.

I attached mine to one of those alligator clips ( hair clip ). Then cut a slit in the card I used it on... to later be removed from the special recipient and enjoyed in countless possible ways. In your hair, as a bracelet, on a sweater or shirt, on a belt. ( you'll see what I mean, when you get to Rhonna's blog post). So, I used the alligator clip, you can sew these flowers onto anything, you could use a pin to attach it to .

and .... Voila ! I can't wait to make a bunch more ! I am going to stitch some onto a few t shirts ! Headbands and hair clips for my daughter ! Such a great gift idea for girls... so pretty !

I should post something !

2010-05-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Don't you love that catchy phrase from the Mastercard commercial ...
" LIFE COMES AT YOU FAST " and it certainly does ! Spring has been busy with ( as I mentioned before ) the school's variety show that the boys participated in and all 3 of them are playing ball this year. I am so ready for a break.

Jackson did an individual act to the Addam's Family theme song.

Jackson also joined his 4th grade level act.

Grant in the 1st grade level act. This was so cute to the theme of " Happy Days "

Will blog again....

2010-04-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy busy this Month ! All 3 kids are playing ball and the boys are performing in their school's variety show. Life is ... ball games , ball practice, variety show practice, league day , parade, picture day, more ball games, variety show prop design for Jackson and costumes for 1st grade. Fishing Derby and hikes for Scouting. 4th grade field trips, school Art show, and Social Studies projects. Orders for baby wipes cases and heat wraps and my new found craft... bottle cap jewelry and glass tile pendants. Studying photography basics and editing. I have a few pictures posted on my FB of various activities.
I will blog again soon.... and post pictures of all the busy ~ ness ! Hope you are having a wonderful Spring ! Check back later !

Easter

2010-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled that Easter in PA this year was a warm one ! We have hunted eggs in snow flurries before. It is not unusual to be dressed in your Easter's best but bundled up in Winter coats! I am forever thankful for this georgous weather we had on Easter and the days before and after. I hope your Easter was splendid too !

Easter Re cap

2010-04-11T17:33:00.001-07:00

Our church held an Easter Fun Fair the weekend before Easter.

Maddy with Mrs. Easter Bunny.

The kids on the back of the #89 Ladder truck.

Lovin' Spring !

2010-03-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am a blog stalker... love being inspired by such amazingly talented women... I found that Patty posted a super easy tutorial of a Spring baby grass wreath. I love this and this is what I came up with:

I love that " grass " ! I just can't wait untill the trees are green again here !
I also found several Easter ideas at The Idea Room. Thinking about planting grass seeds in my deck flower boxes and adding Easter Eggs to them when it sprouts ! So many ideas !

I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately ! I hate that I allow life to get that way for me at times! I don't think I have too much to do , just that I am terrible at time managing ! Prioritizing ( or is it procrastinating ? ) is sometimes a dilemma of mine. I know in the long run I will know I made the right decision to let the housework go while I play with my kids or help them with HW and make costumes for variety shows, and help in their Sunday School classrooms and so on. This is when I become overwhelmed, when it all piles high for me to tackle ( the stinkin house work) and I have thousands of other things that need to be done as well, not to mention thousands more idea that collect in my head of what I'd like to do one day...
hmmm such as taking up photography professionally (ha!) and open an online store of this & that ... cupcake pin cushions , fabric journals, key chains, hot/cold packs and baby wipes cases and designer fabric burp cloths ! ( ha! ha! ). OH, and the daunting task of managaing my own personal photos ! Someday !

camera bags and huge give away

2010-03-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

I am posting to tell you about a huge give away and some georgous camera bags! Liberating women photographers everywhere ! ( got that from the website !) so get over there and check it out ! The contest is open till April 1st , I believe . Winner selection on April 2 !
Good Luck !

I challenge you ...

2010-03-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

Do any of you remember what a stamp looks like... or even how much one costs these days? When is the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to a friend? It is becoming sad to me that people rarely even talk on the phone anymore. Seems like everyone is texting and instant messaging. My husband travels frequently with his job and on his way home from California today, he called me on his cell from the airport(we do not have a texting plan) and conveyed to me how awkward he must look with his phone actually to his ear and talking on it. Everyone around him with their "smart phones" and heads bowed just texting away or playing with their apps or updating their status on their social network... even tweeting ! I'm sure it is convenient and quick. I admit, I don't love getting stuck on a phone call that it is difficult to break away from , but it is so quickly becoming impersonal to keep this trend going... My challenge to you is two parts... have a telephone conversation with the next person you consider texting : "how r u?" and the second part is to sit down with a pen and paper and write some one a letter. I have 2 people in mind that I am writing to this week. Think of how wonderful it will be for that person to check their mail and receive your letter among the bills we all hate and the junk mail. I bet it will make them smile. check out the youtube video I posted about the Indianapolis teacher... very touching story. (remember to turn off my playlist before playing ) and leave me a comment if you decide to take my challenge ! Oh, and by the way , a stamp costs 44 cents.

Life is Good

2010-02-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Life is Good ! So don't miss it !

doesn't take much...

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

to bring smiles to my face... simple things like listening to Maddy play with her dolls or hearing Grant's cutest, contagious belly laughs or watching Jackson do something he loves like snowboarding (where we're headed tonight~ Spring Mount).
Today this is what makes me smile... these so stinkin' cute "Birds in Boots" I just bought these from Patty's Etsy shop ... check her out HERE I think she's showing some signs of Spring Fever and I bet she will have some super cute Spring goodies popping up there real soon, not to mention the great items already listed in her shop! I LOVE these birds! Can't wait to get them ! Thanks Patty !

New Banner

2010-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Beautiful red roses from Billy ~ Thank You ~ I love ya bunches !
As promised, I did get the Valenine banner down with reasonable timing. I now have a new banner and a title ~ less blog. Our computer crashed and while I am excited to have a new one, it comes with the price of waiting to get all my stuff from the old drive reinstalled onto this new one... things like photoshop ( so I can title my banner) and all my photos and other fun downloads I have collected oh, not to mention all the links I had book marked ! oh well...

I mentioned we were snowed in last week... starting last Wed my kids had a "snowcation" that lasted 6 days ( including the weekend and the holiday on Monday)
so, we took a couple of day trips. On Valentine's day we took the kids to the "Sweetest Place on Earth" Hershey's Chocolate world. And another day we went to the historic home of the 1st commercial pretzel baker.. Julius Sturgis. I can share the pictures I took.

And here is a glimpse of the snow... here.

I think there will be snow on the ground here till May ! This has been a crazy Winter ! I'm so ready for Spring... for Sun and for the birds and flowers !

Have a great week !

Finally...

2010-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

I finally got the Christmas coutur down and replaced it with this nice seasonal Valentine banner...compliments of the House of 3 ! Enjoy, for what... 4 days or so and hopefully I can get it replaced sooner that the last one.

We're snowed in today. The kids have a snow day and we are getting pounded. I had this Valentine project to post , should have put here earlier... found the idea HERE

needle & thread

2010-02-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

oh the things you can create & repair with simply a needle and thread. Maddy & I found this oh so soft hat at Target. It kinda kept slipping over her eyes, so I found in my button jar, these really cute jumbo buttons I had bought for a project that never happened, and decided to put them to good use... and voila ! She can see again !

2010-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to say " Hello" to any of you who keep popping in to see if there is a new post. Sorry... only this... coffee mug, that I must have ! You can shop HERE they even have a poster ! That's what I really need... staring at me all day as a reminder! I love it !

So, basicly, it's been busy with 2 boys in basketball , I'm working more weekends/month for now, and Grant is in cub scouts and busy with Pinewood Derby stuff. Jackson is snowboarding with the 4th grade season pass. But, I will have a cute valentine craft to post soon.

Did you go to the " Canvas People " yet and order your free canvas? I still need to get that done ! Very long list of " to do's " !
As in ... need to get the Christmas blog banner down ! ( but hey, at least my Christmas tree is down ! ) I found a really cute Valentine one... having trouble in photoshop though... I always have trouble in ps , can never remember what I did before to get the results I want ! soon, I hope.

Have a good weekend !

cool free stuff....

2010-01-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

This is a great free download. A goals and motivational countdown of lists! Go to:
House of 3

This is a great way to begin the year... getting organized... click HERE
to print pages to create and customize a binder to get yourself organized ! While you are at this site... be sure to checkout their giveaway directory !

This is a great way to keep track of important dates... just go HERE for the free download.

Canvas People Have an offer for a FREE 8x10 canvas ! I have done these from another photo site ! I absolutely love the way it looks! If you want to upgrade to a larger size... they discount it the value of the free 8x10 ! I am absolutely taking advantage of this one !
Have a great week !

A New Year....

2010-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Another New Year. We are still in PA . I never, ever thought we would be be here nearly 5 years after we relocated. But, this year I am okay with it. I'm letting go of the life I planned for me ( yeah... got that from the song lyrics... credit to Francesca Battistelli ) and my motto for the New year is to " Let go and Let God"
(credit to my mom, since she is from whom I first heard this catch phrase).
Image Credit
I have always considered myself to exercise enormous amounts of faith.
I know without a doubt that God has a plan and that there is a time for everything. I have resolved to stop searching for the way and pray harder for the guidance and God will reveal HIS plan when He is ready. I wish you well and tremendous luck with your " New You " resolutions and very " blessed wishes " in 2010 ! Oh, and thanks for checking in on me ! : )

Christmas Rewind...

2009-12-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

We got Snow, about 12-15 inches of the white stuff,5 days before Christmas !
The kids had alot of fun snowboarding and sledding ! Now, wouldn't this have been a really great Christmas Photo card... with their Santa Hats !

Maddy had her preschool Christmas program. Kids are so cute at this age. She participated nicely, but the tights made her " itchy" ( see last pic.. !) Funny !

I snapped Maddy's picture on our way out going to Christmas Eve Church Service. At our church We got all three of them to cooperate for a quick pic. Our tradition on Christmas Eve is to attend church service, then we open gifts that are sent to us from the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and from each other. That's alot of gifts and it's a little crazy ! So, they were very good at church and had patiently waited the entire day for this !

READY....SET.... O P E N !!!!!

This is my traditional " before bedtime " photo of the kids in front of the tree...
with their " Jingle Jammies " from Old Navy !

This is Christmas Morning....

We wish you a Happy & Healthy New Years ! Hope that many blessings are in store for you in 2010! I am so ever grateful to God for carrying us through another year here in PA. We are already so blessed ! Be careful & be safe when you celebrate .

A few favorites...

2009-12-18T22:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite decorations around our home this Christmas.

Because we at least visit Hershey's Chocolate World once a year.

My NaNa made several of these one Christmas when she was still with us. She collected the plastic rings from the milk gallon caps and crocheted a wreath.

My absolute favorites are made by the kids at their school and includes a picture if them from the year. This is Grant in Preschool.

This is Jackson in first grade. Maddy made a magnet in preschool, I think I'll come up with a way to turn it into an ornament.

This is a very small Nativity set, I got it this year at Walgreens. Maddy loves it and she carried it everywhere for about a week. I have 2 Nativity sets that are packed away in boxes where all my China and serving dishes are... Since we have lived here in the townhome, I love this little one.

The stockings hung from the chimney with care....

A Christmas Button Tree My girlfriend Annette made and sent to me last year !

A snowman ornament that I decided to hang in the center of the wreath above the fireplace.

Preschool...

2009-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

Preschool was a "wrap" last week. Maddy's Christmas program was Thurs. The class also shared treat bags, I enjoyed doing this the most this year, because I don't get to do this for my boys anymore, and because I can reference Christ since it is a Christian preschool. Oh, and at this age, children believe that Santa's reindeer will be at your home on Christmas eve and it is magical to throw out the reindeer food that night.

Treat bags for preschool friends.

Reindeer food for treat bags. Label & recipe found HERE

Santa giving a goodie bag to Maddy !

sewing like crazy !

2009-12-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

I bet I have put together about 20 of these key chains so far...I love them...can't wait to make mine !

I also made heat packs filled with flax seed and juniper / menthol sea salts. I say I've made about a dozen of these ! Another item, I wish I had but have not made myself one yet!

I got the idea for this "corsage tee" from this terrific blog HERE. I may need to make one of these for myself too ! I only need a white tee in my size and about 12 more hours in the day! I really think I should have started back in September! Feeling the crunch ! Whoa... is it 6 days left!

At the Ballet

2009-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I took Maddy to see the Nutcracker this past weekend. It was a very nice production and it was at the local middle school which makes it very convenient, in the sense that I didn't have to travel to Philly. It was also nice, because no matter where your seats were... it was a pretty good view of the show and that makes the little people happy ! We had met friends there ( another mother /daughter ) and Maddy was excited to be there with her friend Amanda ! I was thrilled that Dana came
armed with lollies to share ! That was a lifesaver during the last few scenes! Thanks Dana !

I am lovin' these !

2009-12-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

I posted about these a few days ago (okay, maybe it was weeks ago). These are so simple to make... thanks to Heidi Swapp's blog & video HERE. I downloaded a Christmas digital kit from House of 3 and have made several tall candles.

I picked up these cute 3" candles from Wal Mart today and made them using the fabulous downloads that Rhonna shared on her blog for the 21 Day Challenge. I love how they look for gifts !

They really are as easy as 1 2 3 . Buy the candles , print and heat !

The hardest part for me was the packaging / wrapping ! I am terrible with that sort of thing ! As crazy as it sounds, I love to papercraft but HATE gift wrapping !

Can't wait to give mine as gifts !
Thank You Heidi Swapp !

Quick Post...

2009-12-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Found a few more great gift and craft ideas I want to share quickly with you...
If you go to Nordstrom's website.... ( no, I wasn't shopping there! I received by mistake someone elses Nordstroms catalog in the mail and there is a tear out of gift tags and a link for more ideas on their site )
Go HERE
and you can download PDF files to create 3 dimentional birdhouses... would look pretty with sparkle and bling added too! Could be used as ornaments.

I just love Heidi Swapp and she has a video tutorial on her blog on how to create these beautiful pillar candles using digital images from House of 3 . Soooo easy and looks soooo beautiful, you gotta take a look at what she did! Her blog is linked on my sidebar under "Ephemera" Heidi Swapp Blog. House of 3 is also linked on right.
Then, my BFF in ALA , made these very adorable nativity sets. This would be a neat craft for the kids to do. I think she posted that she used them for a center piece for the Advent retreat at her church. You'll find Annette linked on sidebar under friends...
She also has a great Etsy shop , if you still need gifts ! ; )

First Snow

2009-12-05T14:47:00.001-08:00

Today we have the first snow of the Season. It's very pretty. Makes it feel like a White Christmas, although we still have 20 more days to go....

I wanted to post sooner about the projects I am aiming to get completed in the next few weeks. Title of that post " Can she do it ? " It is beginning to seem like I may not, but there again I work better under the pressure of getting it done the night before I need it. Alot of my plans are sewing projects, and I really should leave room for error ! I'm telling you , I am getting some fabulous ideas from Amy's
Idea Room blog ! Awesome ideas there! I'm also considering a few things I saw on Heidi Swapp's blog... or look on
The House of Three site for great kits and ideas...sidebar badge link.

I need ideas for a male teacher.... Jackson is in 4th grade and has a male teacher.
probably will go with a giftcard on that one!

I hope you're all enjoying the season. Remembering Jesus as God's gift to us. I hope to post finished projects soon ! Have a Merry Merry Christmas !

Great Gift Ideas...

2009-11-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a few great places to shop for gifts this CHRISTMAS season. These are gifts that give back...

These are among hundreds that you can shop among on The Hunger Site and select items from this site will help fund food for the needy.

This bracelet is crafted by a fair trade group of women. Purchases from this site will help fund schooling for children in their community. Shop here:
Greenraising

And my favorite is St. Jude. Purchase this little tube of hot chocolate and 100% pf the proceeds go toward finding a cure & treating pediatric cancers. There is a nice variety of other items on the site too , check it out: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

So, take a look at these sites and feel good about the gifts you are giving. Since it's my favorite way of shopping ... online, it's stress free ! Sure beats that Black Friday craziness ! Handmade gifts are really a great thing to give too ! ; )
My new favorite blog these days is this one: The Idea Room She has the best stuff on here and is so kind to share. Several tutorials and tips and recipes! Check her out!
Have a good weekend !

Squeezed in the last bit of Fall left

2009-11-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

Since we went to Disney in October, we missed out on a few of our traditional Fall activities. I do miss the apple orchards and pumpkin patches and hay rides. When we returned from Disney the leaves were in their peak, but it rained for several days and had no good opportunities for photos. This is what is left of Fall here.
There is a nursery down the street from me with the most beautiful mums.
The Winter is on it's way !

Halloween 2009

2009-11-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Three little Jack O Lanterns sitting on my porch. Well, essentially, I guess I don't have a "porch" or even a " patio" . Jackson ( my oldest) made me aware of this recently. The front door just opens up to the walkway. Now, I miss having a porch. Since we have been living here, we probably have always called it the
"porch" and now realizing that it's really not, makes me want a house even more ... with a porch !
Okay, enought of that....

This is " Bunny " Maddy ! This is the only Halloween night photo I got! My boys took off when their friends came by our house ( supervised, of course). Maddy was later getting started. We were only able to make to a few houses on our street before the rain came ! I miss not having a picture of all 3 of my kids this year! I guess this is what happens as they get older!

The Process. My requirement for carving Jack O Lanterns is that the kids have to participate and get their hands slimy too ! This year we even roasted the seeds!

my new favorite picture

2009-11-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

I think this is just a sweet picture of this little girl with her big brothers!

This is Maddy sitting " ladylike" in her dress. We have alot of talks about how to sit ladylike in her dresses. It's been a challenge for her, since she is not in dresses everyday. She's my rough & tumble little girl ! Sometimes even more wild than her brothers ever were ! These were taken at Disney too. We were at the Grand Floridian for "Dining with Cinderella."

Maddy's " Fancy Nancy" party

2009-11-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

My Maddy girl turned 4 while we were in Disney, but we just had to celebrate here when we returned, with friends ! She had a " Fancy Nancy" party at the library!
The library is a fantastic and very inexpensive place to hold a party ! We played a fun dress up game and I was very lucky to find a " purse " cake... well, they were the cupcakes alligned together & iced to look like a cake. She was a little pouty at first, and reluctant to participate. She finally did have fun playing dress up and her favorite part was opening her presents! WOW ! My youngest is 4 ! No more babies around here !

Disney !

2009-11-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

We had the best time at Disney ! This was the first visit for my kids! It was great to have 7 days, but still feel like there's so much we didn't do ! Guess we'll have to plan another trip ! ; ) Here are a few of my favorite photos.

We also took advantage of photopass photographers. I am having a really hard time narrowing the pics I want from photopass, they are ridiculously priced and are only available in the site for 30 days. I just got a handle on the 500 + pictures I took ! My favorite part of Disney, other than watching my kids be there, were the parades! The night parades were " Spectacular" !

Disney !

2009-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

We just made it back from Disney ! It was a fun time ! I think I had been to Disney 4 time as a child and Billy & I went to Disney on our honeymoon ! : )
WOW that was almost 15 years ago! This trip was the first time for all 3 kids! It was the most amazing thing to share this magic with them ! Priceless! I have over 600 pictures of the trip ! Hope to put a slide show up of a few highlights soon !

She's Four ! ( on Saturday !)

2009-10-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Maddy Girl !

quick craft

2009-10-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, here in PA there is a local winery, several actually. Chadsford is one, and they make a really good " spiced apple " wine for this season! So, the bottle is perfect for an idea I saw in a magazine. In a vase or bottle was placed a tree branch. So simple, but very pretty! I love the label on this wine bottle, as I was washing it out, I intentionally left a hint of the label on then added to it. Madelyn & I had fun collecting leaves and branches. We had some really large acorns with caps, from a previous walk at Valley Forge, wish I had remembered to lay them around! Oh well ! Enjoy the Season !

Take time to notice the leaves turning. Watch showers of them falling swirling twirling down to the ground! Walk through a pile of leaves and listen to them crunch ! Rake a bunch of them in a pile, and ( i dare you...to) run & jump in ! Or just watch your children playing is just as fun !

lately....

2009-10-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the " happenings" around this Sullivan's life & home! Grant joined the scouts ! He's in 1st grade now and can be a "tiger" cub scout. This is a picture before his 1st Pack meeting. Now I have some patches to sew on. I am excited for him, I know he will love this !

Jackson is taking band at school and decided to play the alto saxaphone. He really loves it and I think is going to do well. It actually sounds pretty good ! I am thrilled that he is excited about it !

Madelyn is taking gymnastics again ! She loves it and she loves her teacher! This is who she is... a climber, a jumper and a tumbler !

Maddy is also in preschool this year. Her class just had a field trip to Freddy Hill's pumpkin patch ! Always fun!

I hope you are having a wonderful Fall season! Thanks for looking !

CREATE

2009-10-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

remember to
turn volume off on play list toward bottom of right sidebar, then play video.

Creating

2009-09-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

I finally had a moment free to create! I mentioned the "21 challenge" that Rhonna hosted on her blog, She was so generous to offer her art on each of the 21 day challenges. I did not art journal this but I used an awesome idea from Heidi Swapp, click & scroll down HERE to use the challenges as reminders of my goals and the kind of person I want to be!

Also, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I have a friend who was just diagnosed and is just beginning this fight. I think I am going to send some of the inspirational quotes and words of Rhonna's along to her in this cute envelope... (another Heidi Swapp idea) some scripture verses and anything uplifting for her !

This is just for fun... We are going to Disney in a few weeks and I altered the Disney clipboard to keep all my papers, maps, vouchers, and dining details in one place. My girl Maddy will be there on her birthday ! Sooo exciting !

And finally, I have made 3 cupcakes with 2 more cut out & ready to sew! I am also going to sew a few fabric journals and maybe another item or two and can hopefully set up a store on Etsy.

I have also added to and played around with my "prayer" journal. I first blogged about HEREthen scroll down a bit. I love it ! I have alot of packets and envelopes to add to and take away and update .. always evolving ! I have jotted my personal prayer requests and song lyrics and prayers for my children, and my favorite scripture verses inside!

So, there you have it ! The surge of creativity I had been needing to find time for ! Feel much better now ! : ) Thanks for looking !

Amazing, huh !

2009-09-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Just Amazing. Wanted to share. ( and still nothing creative yet. soon I hope)!

ch ch ch changes....

2009-09-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Changing things up a bit. Playing with my new blog banner (from Hof3) trying to tweek it in photoshop. Update is... I am failing miserably at the 21 challenge from Rhonna's blog. Should have started with small...very small changes. I'm too hopeful... beyond my abilities. I am not giving up, I still try every day ... will never give up ! Feeling overwhelmed with the way things are, fixated on a worry that I don't need to be. Wishing there were an extra eight hours in my day ! Wishing I were not sooo exhausted everyday ! I'll get it all together soon enough and have either news or relief to share with you and hopefully something creative ! ; )

Lately....

2009-09-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

After Jackson's birthday came the 1st day of school. After the kids 1st day of school came a long 4 day weekend with the Labor Day holiday. We did nothing. Really, nothing. The excitement for the day was driving thru Chick Fil A to get the free Chicken Sandwich if you were wearing a team jersey ! I am working the weekends.
I have been trying to get all the school forms filled out & returned and some organiztion to having 3 kids in school now... 4th grade, 1st grade and Maddy will start pre school next week. All of this along with 4th grade math homework has made my brain tired! I am wanting to loose myself in creating something... anything.. I am a better person whan I am creating! I am a cranky person when I have a million things I want to do but can't seem to get around to starting ! So, Rhonna Farrer has an awesome " 21 Day " challenge up on her blog.... Ronna Designs. I am trying it and it really comes in 2 parts... the challenge for the day and the art journaling . You should check it out. She is sharing some of her talent and art also along the journey.... downloads and printable images! She is Awesome !

I hope to get some art journaling done over the weekend and can post nextweek.
Have a great weekend !

yeah, Life is Good !

2009-08-31T07:40:00.001-07:00

Today he's 9 !

2009-08-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jackson ! My firstborn ! I can remember the day so well, when he was born. I labored all day... 16 hours of contractions & dilating before he arrived ! Isn't that the most precious thing in the world, to have your newborn placed in your arms. Now, he's nine! He'll be starting school Wed going into 4th grade! He's a good boy and I am very proud of him ! We love you Jackson ! All of you ! Even when you're driving us all nuts, we love you !

Jackson's B'day cake...

2009-08-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Jackson asked for a skateboard cake for his B'day this year. He wil turn 9 on August 31. We had his cake this past weekend. He went to see X games the movie in 3D with 2 of his friends. Grant is already putting his cake request in for his birthday. This cake decorating / designing is not such an easy thing for me... then to have it just cut into, eaten or demolished... such as last year's volcano cake...click herethen scroll down a bit to see volcano cake, that was "demolished" ! I'm just thrilled to "impress" my 9 year old critic ! He's happy, I'm happy ! Still have 7 more days till school starts!

So Girly !

2009-08-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Madelyn and Grant had friends over last week for a playdate. I took this picture in Maddy's room of the girls playing... sooo girly ! I just need to paint the bedroom walls pink and then it will really be a girly bedroom ! : )

Grant went to preschool with Amanda's brother Jason. Took this picture of the boys playing LEGOS ! They all played great together !

Our " Stay~cation" in PA

2009-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

So, this year our " vacation " was a trip " home " to Alabama over the Summer. Not what I would call a vacation... it's always a very rushed visit with as much friends and family you can arrange to see, not to mention the long drive ( 18hours+ over the course of 2 days). Exhausting, but nice to see everyone we miss so much and the kids have a blast doing all that they get to do there! So, last weekend my brother in law
and S I L and nephew, Justin made there way up here for a visit. She has family in Jersey, and they skipped on over to see us before driving back to Alabama. We went to Valley Forge, Knoebels amusement park, and showed them our Perkiomen Creek & trails. It was a nice visit. Comical, because we always go to Valley Forge, it has been a favorite place of ours since we have lived here...always amazed by the deer that inhabit the park. When we think of VF, we think of all the deer, then George Washington, the Memorial Arch, the battles and... oh yeah, sledding in the Winter ! So, I think it is funny, the photo of my family in front of the cabins... we've seen a million times ! I posted slideshows below of the " Stay~cation" Enjoy ! We still have a little over a week before school starts back !

Valley Forge

2009-08-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Ride to Elysburg ( Knoebels)...

2009-08-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

It maybe took an hour & a half to drive to the amusement park. It was very pretty scenery on the way there. These PA mountains are the most beautiful , I've decided, when they are GREEN !

Knoebels

2009-08-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Perkiomen Creek

2009-08-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

how cute is this....

2009-08-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Me cell phone is not high tech, I do not text, I'm not among the iphone or blackberry
users. Just a simple Samsung camera phone, but look what I did...

Better than bling... my monogram ! I am crazy over all things personlized and monogrammed ! I love it !

ever " grilled" a pizza?

2009-08-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is how you do it ... it's fun to make & tastes great !

You will need...
A variety of toppings. I found mini pepperonies, and used all natural Mozzerella and fresh Basil to top the first pizza we did.

I used a can of tomato sauce ( I'm all about shortcuts in the kitchen). I also added some minced garlic and some fresh basil and gave it a quick whirl in the "rocket" (it's like the " Magic Bullet" ... blender).

and the crust of course. I picked up some whole wheat dough at the market (shortcut)

Have all of your toppings ready to go and near the grill. Roll out the dough into about 6-8 inch rounds ( smaller transfers easiest to grill). Make sure the dough is floured very well. Transfer to your grill ( that you preheated to high then reduced to med/low). Cook for about 30 seconds then rotate the crust 90 degrees cook 30 more seconds then flip to other side & repeat. Remove your crust from grill then top it with what you like.

Once you have topped your pizza, return to grill and cover to melt the cheese and heat the sauce & toppings. I topped with fresh basil just before taking it off the grill or you will end up with "dried" basil.

If your crust is still has some flour after cooking, try brushing the crust with olive oil before topping & returning to grill ! This tastes just like a "brick oven" pizza ! Enjoy !

A trip to the Zoo

2009-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Just a visit to a locacl zoo. We have not been to the Phila zoo this year. In the past, we had gotten a membership to the Phila zoo, and so we have been many times and we decided today we would visit the Elmwood Zoo. Smaller than the Phila zoo and makes it simpler for the kids to walk without whining ! Get through the zoo much sooner.

My very favorite were the sooo cute Prairie Dogs! We all just wanted to take one home with us !

Back in PA

2009-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

picking up from where I left, returning home from AL. These are some pictures of what we do here in PA ... visiting the creek and parks, hiking local trails.

Will Post Again soon...

2009-08-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Neglecting my blog. I know ! Summer is busy ! I want to post zoo pics, NYC pics,
parks, creeks, and skate parks. Family visiting from AL . Kids will be in VBS next week, hopefully can re~cap Summer so far on the blog... Hope you are having a fun filled Summer ! Can't believe only a few more weeks left then back to school !
Leave you with this to think about....

It reads... " You are Here"
then the small print reads... " Right where you are meant to be"
I remind myself of this all the time !

In search of...

2009-07-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Lemonade Morning"

I am searching for prints of Lynn Hays. Anyone ever hear of her? Her work was once sold in the Bombay stores. I have one of her prints and am looking for her other pieces. I searched art.com and E bay but nothing turned up. If you have any suggestions... please share. :)

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-07-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is Justin in the pic... our cousin in Alabama, we miss alot!

The Shed... in Mississippi

2009-07-12T14:42:00.001-07:00

Fountains at Eastern Shore Centre

2009-07-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

one of my very BFF's is Annette. We met about 7+ years ago through a playgroup of about 5 little boys. Little boys... toddling around at parks and at Gymboree and bookstores. This is her son Christopher with Jackson. They are 8 yrs old now!

Gulf Shores, AL

2009-07-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Home from Alabama....

2009-07-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

have sooo many pictures to share... trying to choose what to post. We just returned from Alabama, the dreaded road trip we take each year... 16 drive we do in 2 days ...
The kids got to spend time with grandparents & cousins and friends. Will post soon.

July 1, 2005

2009-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

July 1st marks another anniversary... it is our 4th year in PA ! I love this photo of Billy at the ticket counter in the Mobile, AL airport. This is the day we all fly out on a one way ticket to begin our lives here. My sweet aunt Donna snapped this photo of a very pivotal moment in life !

This photo of the boys is our first month here. We are walking on the Perkiomen trail. I was pregnant with Maddy ! WOW ! They were 4 and 2 yrs old ! Today they are 8 and 6 yrs old !

I love this !

2009-06-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at an entirely fabric album ! I made for my cousin who graduated HS this year. Can't wait to give it to her! I am so inspired by Donna Downey. LOVE all of her fabric projects! I gotta make one for myself ! So, you can buy " photo fabric" at the craft stores , I used a heavy canvas for the pages , pretty fabric for the front & back and alot of fabric accents! I used artist canvas for the tags and captions. not sure if you're able to read any of them, you should be able to click on an image to enlarge! I tried to make it a mini book of memories , great quotes, scripture verses etc... ( advise for life, perhaps) I saw a funny card the other day it read... " take my advise, I'm not using it!" now that's funny ! Enjoy !

June 24, 1995

2009-06-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary ! Married for 14 years today ! Together for 17 years ! WOW !
I love this guy !

Jon & Kate or ( Kate - Jon)...

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

I really used to be a fan of this show. I read her book ( Multiple Blessings) and bought into their story. Truly believed they were an authentic family and admired the two of them , their teamwork with multiple children, desire to create family traditions, and their devotion to God. I am sad that they are divorcing. It is very sad for their children. So, does anyone else follow the Gosselin family? Watch the show? Read the tabloids? Just curious what your thoughts are...

My anniversary is tomorrow, and marriage is not easy and we all grow and change in relationships. I just think that 10 years and 8 children is such a huge investment to call it quits in a matter of 6,7,or 8 troublesome months. Prayers that they would work it out.

Happy Father's Day !

2009-06-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated Father's Day early. Billy got 2 new visors and a Clint Eastwood DVD. Kinda bummed about it raining all day ! We're busy at church most of the day on Sunday. He'll be going O O T again on Monday !

Here he is playing dress up with Maddy ! I just stumbled upon this in action and pleaded for a picture! Isn't he the best ! We love him !

Indoors Adventure....

2009-06-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

Not sure what kind of adventure is going on inside her head, but with the "princess" swim goggles, her brothers laser lights gun in her pretty polka dot PJ's ... she's ready for it ! Too cute.. had to share !
Have A Great Weekend ! Enjoy the Fathers in your life !

cereal aisle & toilet plungers...

2009-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a slice of life with you who read. My life, whose husband is o-o-t quiet a bit lately(this week, in South America!). School schedules are just crazy with Grant dismissing at 10:30 in the morning and Jackson is out at 12:15 I had no time to make my trip to the market... I should say... " supercenter" on thursday morning, before Grant got home.
So, this afternoon, against my better judgement, I loaded all 3 kids in the minivan and off to the market ( supercenter) we went. This trip that is typically made with only one of my children. My 2 boys together ...are partners in crime !

Enter the store. I had explained that no one is to ask me for one single item. I had asked for suggestions on cereal and snacks. First thing that catches Jackson's eye is a beach towell that he MUST have because tomorrow at school, is "beach party"
day and " mom, last year everyone made fun of me" (I question why I am just now hearing of this mockery). SO, okay. Maybe by nine years old most boys have outgrown Power Rangers. But I am NOT buying a $15 AC/DC towell ! ! We have others he can make a selection from when he gets home. ( just gotta dig them out of storage)

Paper Products aisle: As I am trying to decide if I should buy the 8 rolls of paper towells in a pack this week, or just grab a 2 pack and keep moving through the store... My boys are playing with the toilet plungers ( located on that aisle also)
sticking them to the floor, poking at each other with them ! and yes, there are other people on the same aisle watching !

Cereal Aisle... I posed my question again " Have you guys agreed on a cereal yet?"
Of course not, they all want a different one. Jackson shouts out, " who wants Honey butts? " and is referring to Honey Smacks! I give him the " look" and he says to me.. " what? don't you think they look like butts?" ( OMGosh!~ get me outta here)!

Frozen foods..." thank you God, we are close to check out time !" There is an argument over which popsicles to buy ! But mom wins this one....store brand "twin pops" at $1.80 for 18 TWIN pops !

Maddy did great by staying in the shopping cart the entire time! Only misbehaved by stretching her gum about 12 inches from her mouth and playing with it.... till I took it from her !

Chance to win....

2009-06-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Click over to this cool blog... " The Meanest Mom " for a chance to enter & win $ 100 cash .. sponsered by Western Union ! It's a Father's Day giveaway !
Good Luck !

Amy Introduces me to Lilly....

2009-06-07T19:52:00.001-07:00

My very good friend from childhood, Amy came to visit me for the weekend. She has introduced me to Lilly Pulitzer. ( I had never heard of this fashion icon , I'm not very fashionable, I suppose. If I can pick up milk, paper towels and school supplies while shopping at Target... AND they have some great Tees and cargo pants or "athletic" wear for me.... hey, I am all about 1 stop shopping !) So, apparently, Lilly Pulitzer is based out of King of Prussia. Their is a boutique in the KOP mall and they hold a crazy warehouse sale bi-annually in KOP. Amy was able to meet up with a few other " Lilly fans" at the sale, whom she knew and we were able to tag along on a private tour of the LP headquarters ! That was really cool ! Seeing the process of design ! I really enjoyed catching up with Amy and will hopefully get to see her again when we visit Mobile, AL later this month ! Thanks Amy !

in case you didn't know...

2009-06-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is the Story of Lilly....

in trouble now...

2009-06-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

I am in big trouble now, knowing Lilly ! This is why ...

I'm on the prowl now for " bargain" Lilly ! I could also become an " off season " shopper to get great deals ! The warehouse had buy one get one free on childrens clothing and I was able to get Maddy 4 items at about $12.00 and $15.00 a piece ! That's awesome, considering what it retails for !

Phillies Coaches Clinic

2009-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jackson got to participate in a Phillies Coaches Clinic last weekend and watch the game afterwards. Here are a few pictures....

lately...

2009-05-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

i just gotta love Jackson's 3rd grade teacher. She had just returned to school last Fall after having a new baby, so I sent in a " gift " for her when Jackson started school. Since then, she has ordered seven of these baby wipes cases...and has 1 more to order ( waiting on baby gender)... THANK YOU ... Jackson's teacher....and Thank You , Annette for telling me how to make these stinkin' cute covered wipes cases! ( Ha ! did you catch the pun !)

How my kids see me...

2009-05-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, I shut myself in the bathroom, and began acting silly ! Wondered what I looked like to my kids... as I am always snapping pictures of them ! Always behind the camera, capturing those precious moments! Enjoy !

Art in the Valley.....

2009-05-21T08:02:00.001-07:00

This week is the district wide Art show. Grant had a piece of his artwork selected to be on display this year ! Very exciting ! So, we headed up to the High School to check it all out !

This is his Piece. There is an incredible amount of talent displayed here. Jackson was very impressed by the graphic design pieces!

Jackson being inspired.... I am suspecting we will see some form of skateboard art around our house soon.

Jackson also had a class project selected to be on display at the district office. This is his Native American project. The district sends letters out announcing that "your child's work" has been selected.... and that is really neat to see their response and I am always so proud to admire their abilities !

another cupcake ...

2009-05-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

Made another cupcake tonight ! I'm thinkin... I may make a few of these "treats" along with a few fabric journals and.... hmmm, if I could only find the time or steal the time ! I'd love to sell on Etsy ! We'll see. My resources for extra income have expired with school only weeks away from Summer break. I had been keeping a neighborhood friend's daughter after half day kindergarten... and working in the childcare for MOPS at my church once a month. I can always work on the weekends, which is what I do... but when my boys are playing ball, I try not to miss a game and I haven't worked my "real" job since March ( I think)... So, I may try it one day soon... list on Etsy.

My Mother's Day...

2009-05-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

Ahh! Luscious GREEN ! We haven't seen , for months now. I love you, Green ! You see, when trees sleep for the Winter, and there is no green for months, it is oh so soothing to the eyes. I can truly appreciate simple things , such as beautiful green trees & foilage, now that I live through 4 seasons !

Mother's Day, we decided to go on a hike along a trail at Valley Forge. An absolute essential for hiking is a good walking stick

ME... The Mommy ! Mom ! I am the Mother ! With my 3 little "sillies".
( behind the camera this time... The Dad !).

Madelyn love this " exploring " hiking/adventure ! Did you know, there is a new Fancy Nancy book... " Explorer Extraordinare " ?

Hope you enjoyed your day too !
My favorite were their precious handmade cards ! Oh, and hearing them tell me
" Happy Mother's Day " So glad I get to be their mom ! : )