capturing lifes moments

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #11 Hair Extensions

2012-02-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

#11 Hair Extensions!

This is my friend Carrie. She's been wanting to put some red in her hair but she didn't want to mess with bleach and dye and having to repeat the process constantly to maintain her color. So I offered to put extensions in her hair that would allow her to keep the same, vibrant color until she was ready to take them out. We spent about an hour this morning putting the base extensions in and then she went to the salon to have them texturized and faded into her hair, since I am strictly forbidden by my sister to ever put scissors to hair. Then later she came back and I added some light, off-weft extensions to her hairline to help make the overall look a little more complete. It was so much fun, I can't wait for her to change colors :)

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #10 3-D Paper Ball Ornaments

2012-02-10T21:58:00.000-05:00

3-D Paper Ball Ornaments

I found the instructions for this ornament here. I think the all white style is my favorite. I want to make some more of these in all kinds of sizes. I also want to try making a large one out of clear plastic or vellum and then insert a small, low watt light bulb inside to hang as a pendant light. I think that could be amazing!

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #9 Felt Valentines

2012-02-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

Felt Valentines

I saw somewhere on the 'net some felt valentine ornaments, but I am running out of places to hang things so I left off the ribbon and made these to nestle in a bowl. Unfortunately, the bowl I wanted wasn't available, so I stuck them in my mondo mug. I think they're cute and I got to practice my blanket stitch again :)

Also, they were made completely with supplies I had on hand AND they are stuffed with scraps! Waste not, want not. I used up the scraps from these hearts in 3 of them and then pulled out a bag of fabric scraps from a bag I made a couple years ago. Yes, I kept my scraps for that long. Yes, I always keep the scraps. You never know when you may need a patch, or a small bit for another craft :)

Thing-A-Day 2012 - #8 Felt Heart Bunting

2012-02-08T19:07:00.000-05:00

#8 - Felt Heart Bunting

I had a huge stack of felt that I bought several years ago for another craft that I never got around to finishing. I've seen these heart buntings around the 'net for awhile now, not only in felt, but paper as well. It took me longer than I thought to hand cut all those hearts and in the end I had to cut some more to complete the entire room. On the up side, I did use up most of my felt bits and instead of tossing all those scraps I stuffed them into an old mason jar, tied it with a bow and called it "bonus craft!"

And later I can pull those scraps out and do something else with them ;)

There is nothing better than making something awesome out of scraps that would normally go in the trash.

Thing-a-Day 2012: #7 - Valentine Specimen Art

2012-02-07T14:39:00.001-05:00

Valentine Specimen Art

I already had the frame and tons of paper scraps so this craft was a no-brainer. I do wish I'd had a heart punch to make this go a little faster. I didn't enjoy hand-cutting 20 little hearts for this. I think I'll need to skip my next craft because it requires almost 100 tiny hearts. I need a heart punch. I'll leave that craft on the list for next year, I guess. I'll also add the punch to my Christmas Wish list :)

Side note: I missed days 4-6 because I was sick - as in really, really sick. It rarely happens that I am so sick I'm stuck in bed for 3 days. I was so bummed that I missed out on completing the Thing-a-Day challenge this year. Ah well...can't win 'em all.

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #3 Circle Ornaments

2012-02-03T21:58:00.000-05:00

Paper Circle Ornaments

I've seen these around the 'net and in several magazines lately, so I thought I'd give them a try. And goodness knows I have plenty of paper laying around to play with :)

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #2 Kitty Cat Origami

2012-02-02T17:22:00.000-05:00

Thing-a-Day No. 2: Kitty Cat Origami

I have this Origami calendar from 2005 that I threw in my craft supply box, since the origami paper is still in good condition and I knew I could use it at a later date. And I have. Several times! A few years ago I made origami hearts and fish and things for the thing-a-day challenge. This year I have several origami bits I'd like to make. I especially like this kitty because, if I change the color to something a bit more orange-ish it could look like a fox! Way cool :)

Thing-a-Day 2012 - #1 Wire Snowflakes

2012-02-01T23:46:00.002-05:00

You know those annoying, plastic-coated wires that are used to fasten toys to their boxes? I save those. Just for this reason: to reuse as a craft supply! Today for craft #1 of the Thing-a-Day 2012 challenge I used some of my wire stash to make these snowflakes. They are now hanging in my kitchen window to help remind me that it really is winter here, despite the fickleness of the snow this season!

4x12 January 2012

2012-01-31T22:58:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

4X12: October 2011

2011-11-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

This year I made sure we got ourselves out to the local corn maze. Not only did we have an afternoon full of crazy maze fun, we also went home with a giant bag of apples, half a dozen pumpkins, 2 gallons of fresh apple cider, some acorn squash, and various peppers.

4x12: September 2011

2011-11-09T15:02:00.002-05:00

September was a crazy month, what with school starting and all. Now that The Girl is in High School our days are all wonky. It's going to take us some time to adjust the new schedule. So this month's picture was a few days late in being taken. Every time I wanted to head out to take the pictures the weather turned or someone had to be somewhere or people were cranky ( like me! ). It's becoming more and more of a challenge to find good places to take these family photos. With winter on its way we're going to have to think inside the box!

4x12: August 2011

2011-08-31T17:17:00.004-04:00

Here it is! The August family picture. We're 8 months into this challenge and they still complain every time I announce "family picture time". Maybe by next year they'll be used to it?

4x12: May, June, July 2011

2011-07-27T10:35:00.004-04:00

May 2011: I realized on our way out the door to the kids baseball/softball games that it was the last day of the month and we still needed our family picture! Three of us have lived in these uniforms all month, so this is a good representation of our lives right now.

June 2011: The seasonal campers are in full swing at the campground now. We've been spending the weekends hanging out around the fire. I grabbed this one really quickly while hanging out and goofing around.

July 2011: This was taken at a wedding reception. I was hoping the kids would agree to dress up a bit more. But I'll take what I can get!

Spring Ball

2011-05-24T15:44:00.000-04:00

Baseball season is fully underway, and with both kids playing this spring, our schedules are overly packed. We've had a game or practice 6 days out of 7 for the last 3 weeks! Sometimes, the kids have games on the same day, which means Dad takes Little Man and I take The Girl. Plus, The Mr. is a Coach this year so he really needs to be at every game even if Little Man isn't playing that day.

It's difficult for me to get photos of Little Man since I often do the scorebook. So I'm going to have to take a game off here and there so I can get some more pictures of him in action.

This is The Girl's first year playing on a team. Because they offer a girls softball league here, they wouldn't let her play baseball. She was not happy. And the coaches are having a hard time retraining her! She doesn't throw like a girl :)

And she loves to slide! Here I caught her stealing home. Which she does quite often. She's also managed to get pretty banged up while doing it. That's my Girl :)

Little Man's 13th Birthday

2011-05-23T15:31:00.000-04:00

The Big 13! I can't believe it. The day started off with a light breakfast. We then went to a movie, and CiCi's for lunch. While at lunch, Little Man opened some gifts.

After lunch we did a little shopping, got some DQ and then headed to the Silver Hawks game. We had a birthday message put on the board. I think they should give us a refund since they misspelled his name :( During the 7th inning stretch Little Man got to play a relay game. He wasn't too thrilled with how it went down. But you can't tell from the grin on his face!

Later that weekend we had a little family party and I made the obligatory baseball themed cake. I think this makes 4 years in a row?

Next year he says I just have to make a baseball stadium just like they did on Ace of Cakes! I think I'd best start planning now...

4x12: April

2011-05-22T15:23:00.003-04:00

Once again I found myself scrambling to get in a picture. I almost have to make sure we have a big event scheduled sometime during the month to get us all in the same place at the same time. Hopefully with the warmer weather we'll have more opportunities for fun family photos :)

I had the Pastor snap this for me. We were all meeting up at the church that afternoon to send the youth group to the Aquire the Fire conference in Lansing. So while we were waiting for everyone to show up, I asked the family to sit for our monthly photo :)

The "Anti-virus" Virus

2011-05-09T22:27:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago all three of our laptops got zapped with this nasty virus. Talk about chaos! By the time we realized what was happening, the virus had eaten all of my photo files that were saved on Little Man's computer, since I use his computer for all of my online work. (My personal computer died a year ago and has not been replaced yet.) The Girl's laptop got so messed up it wouldn't let us update or reinstall her virus protection software. She can no longer go online for ANY reason. Then the Mr's laptop got attacked and acted all wonky, but he managed to get rid of the virus before any real damage was done. So Little Man's computer suffered the most damage. And I was very upset. Losing all of my photos makes me very angry.

The funny thing is, the computer said all those files were still there. But when we searched for the files all we got were empty file folders. Grrr...

Yesterday, (being Mother's Day), I had the afternoon all to myself, just as I do every Sunday afternoon. I sat down to work on balancing the checkbook and make entries into my Quickbooks program. And guess what? The virus ate those too!

So I went to the help site for Quickbooks to see if there was a way to recover them. Turns out there is. So I read the directions a half dozen times and took a shot at it. Unfortunately, I didn't recover my financial records. BUT, I used the same procedure to search for my photo files, on the off chance it might work, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear as every single missing file began filling up my window! I could have gotten up and danced a jig, except I didn't want to take a chance that they'd disappear again! So I recovered all of my photo files and then plugged the computer into the external backup and copied ALL of those files. Now I know they are all safe and sound if another virus decides to attack. Which is more than likely. Sadly.

So everyone learn a lesson here: Go back up your computers!

Now I just need some luck finding those financial files...

The Mr's 40th Birthday

2011-05-09T22:24:00.004-04:00

He wanted a little cake with a lot of candles. All for effect :)

4x12: March

2011-04-25T13:40:00.006-04:00

Better late than never, I suppose! Not having my own computer to work with really hampers my creative time online. One of these days, I'm sure I'll break down and buy a new computer. In fact, it'll probably be sooner rather than later...

March 31 was the Mr's 40th Birthday! To celebrate we blew up 40 balloons after he went to bed so that when he woke up in the morning he would have a birthday surprise. It worked out pretty well. But when it came time to take pictures we found that most of the balloons wouldn't float any higher than our heads. So we blew up the rest of the balloons to give us a nice big bunch for the pictures. So the Mr's birthday pictures are pulling double duty this year!

A simple family picture turned into quite the production. Little Man turned his funny bone on its side and gave me plenty of photo ops:

He's such a goof ball! I suppose that's because he takes after his father...

Even The Girl got in on the fun!

Project 365

2011-03-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

Opening page of the 2011 Album.

Project 365 is well under way. I've been doing a lot more digital work this year. Some of the pictures I use for the everyday shots come with a few more pictures I'd like to include, so I'm making extra pages to put into the binder. I'm also adding a lot more ephemera. There's so much stuff sometimes! I have a bunch of layouts at the printer right now. I can't wait til they get here so I can get the binder caught up! I sometimes wish I could print my pictures everyday, but I know that it just isn't economical, and definitely not practical to our lifestyle. So once a month I send in my order and once a month it feels like Christmas when I open my package and see all the memories!

Spring has almost Sprung!

2011-03-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

It's almost time! We went out to the RV park this past weekend and got the RV put back into place, all lined up and ready to hook up for the summer. We didn't have time, or the suppies, to do any cleaning, but that will come soon enough! We have lots to do!

New Polish Color

2011-03-22T12:22:00.000-04:00

"Flat Iron Green" by NYC In a New York Color Minute, Quick Dry Nail Polish

Okay, so I saw this color in a magazine and immediately fell in love with it. In the light it's very green, but without the benefit of UV, it's an almost black color! I just had to find it! So, I scoured the shelves until I found it on the very bottom of the display at the local Wally-World. I thought for sure this would become my new favorite polish. But I was completely unprepared for this. I expected, with it being one of those 60-seconds-to-dry type polishes, that it would also be a one-coat polish. WRONG! It took 4 coats total. And it dries so fast, sometimes I couldn't get the entire nail painted before the drying kicked in. Lots of streaking going on.

On the up side, it didn't chip right away like most polishes. A couple days after applying it, I trimmed my nails and gave them another coat. And now it's the color, and coverage, I want! While not technically a "spring" color, it does a good job of playing with spring. This probably won't be one of my go-to polishes since it takes so many coats before it's looking pretty, but when I have the time for multiple coats, it'll be right up there at the top of my list.

Something pretty...

2011-03-21T09:19:00.000-04:00

to look at! found on pinterest. A very cool website!

I would love to have the chair and mirror in my master suite...that is, ehem, if I had a master suite...

Literally Literary

2011-03-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

I love a good book. Good books seem to be hard to find anymore. I peruse the shelves of the local libraries for hours on end sometimes and only find a gem or two to take home and curl up with for a spell. It seems I have to search longer and harder these days to find something enjoyable.

Today I discovered a web page that just may change all that. It's called Good Reads. Why didn't I think to look for something like this a long time ago?! So many books! So little time!

My reading list for 2011 is quite sparse. My reading time this year has been pathetic. But I hope to change all of that. I hope to scope out some good reads in the near future and buff up my reading list real quick like...

And if anyone out there has any favorites to suggest... please do!

Crazy Cake Adventures

2011-03-18T11:51:00.000-04:00

No one should take on two really important cakes the morning after getting back from a vacation. But, lucky me, the Mr. didn't give me much of a choice. I had to bake and decorate these cakes in less than 24 hrs! I baked cakes from 7 - 10:30 pm one night and went back to frost at 7am the next day! Craziness indeed. And I didn't get to make all the decorations I wanted to make. I was seriously dissapointed. But I did have fun working the frosting designs. I'd like to make some more of these...but mini-sized! Wouldn't they be so cute?!

This is a 2-layer, 14" strawberry cake with buttercream frosting, decorated with stippling.

This is a 2-layer, 9" strawberry cake with butter cream frosting, decorated with ribbon swirls.

I really, really wanted to make some chocolate butterflies to set on top, but I just plain ran out of time and I was soooo tired from the trip I just couldn't function. I guess I'll save that little bit of fun for some other time.

Vacation!

2011-03-17T10:35:00.000-04:00

First things first: a good lunch! When in Atlanta, Georgia it is essential that we eat sushi.
While the Mr. was out working, the kids and I hung out with John at one of the local malls. There were some pretty fun things to do. The kids were super psyched to race the radio control cars for a little while.

And then they just had to climb the rock wall at Cabella's. It was quite the challenge for both of them. Little Man had some difficulty with the holds being a little too far apart. The Girl made it up the wall waaaay further than any other person who attempted it that day. Girls got skillz!

On the way out Little Man shook hands with some of the local wildlife...

And then we were off to Orlando. First stop: Braves vs. Tigers Spring Training Game. It was quite a snoozer up until the 9th inning and just when it was getting interesting, the game was over! Little Man was stoked to watch Chipper Jones play.

Then we went to the WGLL Opening Ceremonies. Little Man hung out with some of his friends while The Girl caught up with some of her friends.

That night we went to Universal Studios. Our first stop was the Hogwarts Express! I wish it was an actual ride you could take into Hogsmeade. I haven't seen it during daylight hours, but at night it's pretty magical!

And then it was time for the Mardi Gras parade. The Girl came away with another 50 necklaces, at least!

And no trip to Universal is complete without picking up breakfast on the way out! mmm...

The next day we did the Universal thing again, but the kids took one of their friends with them. They wanted to be left alone, so the Mr. and I went Ninja on them! It was too much fun :)

And then we were back in Atlanta, needing something to eat late at night. Way to be there, Panda!

Next day, the Mr. had to work so the kids and I hung out at Dave&Busters. What a cool place! Unfortunately, we spend way too much money there. But it was a lot of fun :)

And then the trip home. We all found the rivers and waterfalls along the roadways to be beautiful. The kids and I usually try to sleep through the hills so we don't get sick, but it was just too pretty to miss!

Vacation is nice, but home is heavenly...you'd think that was the end of the week, but no, we were home for only a day and a half before we had to pack up and be gone for the weekend! The Mr. and I were asked to be chaperones for the Acquire the Fire conference so we didn't get any rest until several days after vacation. Man, were we wiped out! So glad to have my own pillow again...

Are these your glasses, Mom?!

2011-03-16T22:55:00.004-04:00

I may be old, little man, but I'm not that old!

Saturday, February 28th, our friends and family tricked us into showing up for a surprise party to celebrate our 40th birthdays. Mine passed by on the 6th and the Mr's will be coming up on March 31st. So somewhere in the middle totally caught us off guard! Well done, people, well done.

I like this. My sis-in-law really loves me. She came up with 20/20 just for me! The Mr. gets stuck with the Big 4-0.

It was really great to see so many of our friends make the trip for our party. It has been too many years since we last saw each other. We can't let that happen again. Thank you, friends and family, for all the hard work putting the party together and actually managing to keep it a secret! Well done, indeed. :)

Ice, Ice, Baby

2011-02-26T13:29:00.008-05:00

Well, then. A frozen winter became a close encounter with spring for 5 warm days, and then BAM! ice storm! and back to winter we go...

I would have preferred to take some ice photos with sunshine, but it wasn't meant to be. We didn't get any sun for 3 days and by then the ice was gone. So I'm glad I took the time to get these pictures when I did. It was bitter, bitter cold outside and my fingers were sore cold. They hurt so bad and I thought I might have gotten frostbite. But luckily they warmed up nicely and everything works :) I need some photographers gloves. Do they make those? I wonder...

Knitwit Files Vol 7: Slouch Hat and Pattern

2011-02-19T09:35:00.001-05:00

Trial run with my first pattern inspired by some others I'd read but written by me! It's not slouchy enough for my dreads, but it works quite well for The Girl. She snagged it up before it was even finished! The next one will have to have an excessive amount of slouch and a bit bigger headband if it's going to fit me. And if I make it big enough, I make even get to keep it! :)

Here's the pattern if anyone would like it.

1. CO 68 stitches in the round. Place marker, join round, be careful not to twist!
2. K2P2 Rib for 1 1/2" on #8 - 16" circular knitting needle. It's gonna be tight, but it'll get easier soon enough.
3. Time to increase: K1M1 all the way around. You should now have 136 stitches.
4. Knit until body is 6 1/2"
5. On last knit row, place marker every 34 stitches (use color other than 1st one so you know where the beginning of the round starts)
6. Begin decrease: Row 1*K2 K2tog(15 times) K2* repeat ** 3 times - make sure to move markers. 76 stitches left
7. Row 2: *K3 K2tog(7 times) K2* repeat ** 3 times making sure to move markers - 48 stitches left
8. Row 3: *K2 K2tog(4 times) K2* repeat ** 3 times, moving markers - 32 stitches left
9. Switch to (4)DPNs
10. K32 putting 8 stitches on each DPN - 32 stitches
11. K2 K2tog(2 times) K2 -all the way around. 24 stitches left
12. Cut tail of thread at least 18", thread on needle and pull through all stitches, pulling tight to close up opening. Weave in ends.

Materials: #8 16" circ, #8 DPNs, stitch markers, tapestry needle, yarn #4 worsted acrylic blend about 200 yds (244yd skein)

4x12: February

2011-02-18T23:10:00.003-05:00

Walkin' on, walkin' on, broken gla-aass...

Welcome to Lake Michigan! A frozen Lake Michigan, that is. It was so very cold that the lake froze all the way across - something I've never seen before. It was also unusual because normally there are mini mountains along the shoreline in the winter, due to the waves. The cold snap hit so fast and so hard the lake just froze in its tracks. Quite the sight to see. And we were lucky to see it this year. We made it just in time. The day before this was taken it was still extremely solid. The day this was taken (Monday, Feb. 15) it had already started to melt. And now because of the super warm weather we've been having (40s!) its no longer safe to clamber across. So I'm glad we did this when we did. It makes for a wonderful backdrop :)

This makes photo #2! 4 people 12 times makes for a great challenge. They still whine when I tell them we'll be taking a family photo, but I know eventually they'll see it coming and just fall in line :)

The Knitwit Files Vol 6: Warm Hat

2011-02-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

This has was knitted flat using 2 strands of #4 worsted held together: one in snow white and the other in navy/white mottled. They are both a wool blend. The yarns were super slippery to work and I am so glad I worked this one flat. It only took a few evenings to knit this one up. I will most definitely use this pattern again.

Winter Storm 2011

2011-02-02T22:00:00.005-05:00

Once we got the tire fixed and back on the tractor, Great-Grandpa made the attempt to make a path up to the driveway. There was too much snow so I went ahead of him with a shovel and broke a path so that the snowblower could get through. Even so, he still got stuck a couple times. Once he got up to the drive the kids helped me clean up the path so he could get the tractor back to the barn.

The Girl came out to help after we already had quite a bit finished. Here she's helping to clear out the path from the driveway to the little barn out back.

This is the driveway. It is completely drifted closed and the drifts are definitely over Little Man's knees. He started digging it out, but I set him on another task since Great-Grandpa planned on using the snow blower on the driveway.

Clearing the path from the back door to the little barn. The wind blew so hard it came down off the roof and made those huge drifts.

It took almost 3 hours to clean up all that snow. While Grandpa was working on the drive, the kids and I took turns clearing the paths and I cleaned up around the truck and car and widened the outside edge a bit so I had room to squeeze the car out when I get parked in.

Once the work was done the kids took a little side trip out into the untouched drifts of snow along the barn. They didn't get far before turning back! They put the shovels away, brushed the snow off and headed inside for some hot cocoa.

Project 365 - 2011 Edition

2011-02-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

I'm getting a bit of a late start this year. Not having a computer of my own to work on whenever I need to/want to has been as much a bane and it has been a blessing. I've been working on making my journaling cards and design cards a little at a time. I decided to go with stripes and polka dots this year. Creating my projects in Photoshop Elements 2.0 actually came much easier this year due to all the practice I had last year - even making some digital scrapbook layouts!

I already have my binder and divided page protector sheets - all assembled and ready to go. My photo file is constantly being updated with daily pictures - edited, labeled and ready to upload and print.

My big challenge now is getting everything printed. I've located two online printers who do 12x12 scrapbook pages. I'm thinking I'll send an order to both and see which one I like better before ordering the cards for the entire year. And then I have to get all the photos printed. I've always used Shutterfly for my photo printing. Of all the online printers I've used in the past, I like them the best.

Eventually, I'll be able to put everything in the binder. And hopefully, that day will come soon!

Kids Photography

2011-01-31T10:01:00.000-05:00

I LOVE giving my kids the camera and letting them take hundreds of pictures! They have such an unique perspective and they are not afraid to lay on the floor or hang from weird positions to get the picture they want. I can't wait to see their pictures and videos when I get the camera back from them. Our point-and-shoot pocket camera has got to be one of the best investments we've made in the last couple years. Here are some of my latest favorites:

This is actually a picture of The Girl. Little Man had the camera this time. When I loaded this photo my first instinct was to delete it, but then I really looked at it. I know no one will know who is in this shot, but I could use it for any number of applications, including as a background for scrapbook page.

For this shot they either set the camera on the floor or one of them got down on the floor. They've seen me lay on the floor for pictures before so maybe I'm rubbing off on them a little :) Now they just need a little primer on the Rule of Thirds.

The Knitwit Files Vol 5: Bold Stripes

2011-01-30T18:49:00.005-05:00

Just before Christmas I had found some acrylic "fun yarn" at a local discount store. I planned on using it to practice different stitches, but when The Girl saw the purple she immediately claimed it for her next scarf. So I went back and picked up enough black to make a nice long scarf for her. I also picked up a little extra black for an animiguri project that I'm still working on.

The scarf is knitted in straight stitch. It went fairly quickly. The hardest part of the whole project was weaving in all the ends left from switching colors. One of these days I'll figure out how to carry the yarns up the side. I don't care for the texture of this yarn at all. It kept snagging on my bamboo needles. Cheap acrylic yarn is NOT pleasant to work with. I'm glad I only have a couple more skeins of this stuff. I may just use it for the cores of my Japanese Temari balls (see here) that I make and skip the frustrations and unpleasantness of knitting with it.

4x12: January

2011-01-25T21:27:00.008-05:00

After reading about this project on the Scrapbook Lady I just knew this had to be one of my new goals for 2011! It is really difficult to get pictures of the kids, but all four of us in one frame?! Where's my wand?....Ridiculous! I made my plans well known to the crew and reminded them several days in a row that I would be rounding them up for a family picture. The picture we took isn't the one I had in mind, but it's still pretty cool. And it documents our family-day trip to the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo this week!

This photo is a good shot of us, but I took an even better picture of The Girl. She wanted to goof around a bit and I was feeling game so I hunkered down on the floor with my little point-and-shoot camera and we had some fun taking goofy pictures. This picture is my favorite :)

Doesn't she look like she's floating?! Just brilliant! :D

The Knitwit Files Vol 4: Mohawk Hat

2011-01-23T17:41:00.006-05:00

Little Man's new winter sport hat

Let me first start by saying, I did NOT knit this hat. Little Man saw it (sans 'hawk styling) lollygagging around at Penney's when we picked up his winter coat. Being the "in" thing to wear this season it immediately caught and held his attention. I gave in and bought the silly thing and it laid around the house for some time, getting no use whatsoever.

A couple of nights ago I just couldn't stand it any longer so I gave the poor little dear a bit of a makeover. I picked up some yarn to match the braids and cut about a zillion 4" pieces and stacked them next to my chair. While watching TV I was able to latch hook these bits of string into the stitches of the hat, creating a lovely faux-hawk along the top center. (Any of you fashionistas out there will have seen several of these types of hats available at the local mall.)

No longer a skinny little nothing, this hat now has some major 'tude. Little Man was suitably impressed with his momma's crafting skills. I daresay this hat is about to see a wild and crazy time!

It's Almost Time...

2011-01-17T18:00:00.003-05:00

Today we went out to the RV to pull out Little Man's baseball gear. I told him to make sure he grabbed his cleats as well, but he said he outgrew those a long time ago. And since in past years we've gone through 2 pairs of cleats each season, I don't doubt him!

This Thursday we go to the Little League meeting to sign up. As soon as they form the teams they'll begin practicing. Now that there are indoor training facilities available here, they can get a jump on spring and do a lot of drills and batting/pitching training before the season gets underway. And it's a good thing, because...

Baseball is our favorite season of the year!

New YMCA Members!

2011-01-14T18:30:00.003-05:00

We joined the gym! yay! The kids have been languishing in front of their TVs and computers for so long, they don't know what "active" means anymore. I've been wanting to start my marathon training so we joined the local YMCA. We went twice this week. Both days the kids played basketball while I did laps around the indoor track. I think joining the gym will really be a huge benefit to making progress on one of my goals this year: getting the family healthy! So here's to many more trips to the gym (and possibly a smaller waistband!)

The Last One...

2011-01-13T18:42:00.002-05:00

This is it. The last one. I drank the last Dr. Pepper exactly 9 days ago. I didn't even crave it until tonight. I've been wanting one all day. Grrr.... and now I'm having pizza for dinner and nothing goes better with pizza than an ice cold can of Dr. Pepper! It's a good thing there's none in the house and I'm already in for the night or I'd give in and down one in a flash.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-13T11:04:00.000-05:00

The winter weather has been quite active recently. It's left a delightful covering of cotton-ball tufts on the trees and mounds of glistening flakes everywhere else. I find the sight rather diverting. So diverting I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road! I do love me some winter snow :)

Girls Night Out

2011-01-12T23:20:00.003-05:00

I love Girls Night Out!

Once a month the girls have been getting together for coffee. Last night's get-together was hosted by Samantha. She made a delicious roast, parsnip-mashed potatoes, a salad, and rolls. It was sooooo good! We always have fun when we get together, and it's even better when we have a good meal. Thanks, Sam! Can't wait for the next GNO!

New Nail Colors!

2011-01-10T18:32:00.004-05:00

I am in love with these new(ish - I actually got these last October) nail colors from Avon! From Left to Right: Violetta and Grey Cement (both matte finish), Jade and Vintage Blue (both from the Nailwear Pro line). I love the look of the matte colors, unfortunately, they chip rather quickly. The Violetta even leaves a bit of color behind when it's removed. The Jade is soft and luscious and the Vintage Blue makes my heart beat just a little faster. eeek!

I think I may be a little bit addicted...I want to try some new colors!

Family Day Activities

2011-01-08T17:39:00.006-05:00

Yesterday Chad took most of the day off of work so we could have a family day before his trip to Atlanta next week. We decided to surprise the kids with a trip to Strikes and Spares in Mishawaka. They had wanted to go bowling so we thought we'd give them a little bonus. We had so much fun!

The indoor go karts were definitely a big hit! We spent most of our time cruising the track and perfecting our "drifting".

We only played one round of black-light mini-golf. Some of the holes were a challenge, but most of them were fairly easy. I'm sure that's because it's only 9 holes and it has to be little-kid friendly. Apparently, my camera (little point-and-shoot Cybershot) doesn't care for black-light. Oh well.

Then we did some bowling. Chad and Little Man played one round and then went back to the go kart track. The Girl and I bowled a second round and then went to join them.

By the time we'd used up our 3-hour wristband, we were quite worn out. Strikes and Spares is at the top of our Activities list!

Planting the Seeds of Servanthood

2011-01-06T16:36:00.003-05:00

FMSC.org

Yesterday, The Girl went with her cousins and some friends to volunteer at one of the packing centers for Feed My Starving Children. They packed thousands of bags. Those bags contained a mixture of rice and other nutritious items that could be mixed with boiling water. One bag contained enough for 6 meals.

She came home last night full of information about starving children and how this organization is feeding them all around the world. The bags they packed yesterday were scheduled to be delivered to children in Haiti. It was all she could talk about. And this morning we spent some time looking at their website and looking for more opportunities to volunteer.

The seeds of servanthood, planted so many years ago, have been watered and nurtured once again. And the fruits of this labor of love will bring hope to all the children of the world. Can we ask for anything more?

Inspiration Station: Upcycled TP Tubes

2011-01-05T21:03:00.002-05:00

found on flickr

Isn't this amazing?! Who would have thought that the lowly, empty toilet-paper tube could be turned into something so lovely? I think I might start saving those cardboard tubes and have a little fun :)

One Little Word 2011

2011-01-04T16:32:00.003-05:00

During the days following Christmas I started thinking about what I wanted my word to be for 2011. I didn't have to think long. In fact, it made perfect sense. All ACTION must be followed by some kind of FOCUS. I got the ball rolling with 2010's ACTION. Now I need to keep that momentum going in 2011 and really get FOCUSED on what's most important to me...to all of us.

Obviously I'm going to really FOCUS on my goals list for 2011. My goals list is mostly tangible things, things I can put my hands on, difinitive lines in the proverbial sand, as it were. The following list is (with the exception of #5) made of those things that you can't really put your finger on...but they mean more than anything else to me.

1. Spriritual Walk. I really want to dig in this year. It's time to get back into the trenches. This is war.

2. Family Day. Every week I want us spending quality time together, playing games, going out and enjoying activities together. I want more memories of time spent together, especially now that the kids are getting older and are being pulled away from us by friends and other activities. I'd also like to extend this to family gatherings. I'm thinking every couple months it'd be nice to get the extended family together for a meal and some laughs. It'd be nice to get everyone together throughout the year, instead of waiting for the holidays when we are so consumed with all the happenings of the holidays that we really don't have any time left for just being with each other.

3. Date Nights. Or mornings :) We need to be more intentional about the time Chad and I spend together. We were doing fairly well for a while, having coffee together on Friday mornings. But eventually work, life, etc. started to creep in and we've stopped having those moments together. Time to get out the day-planner!

4. Family Health. I want to continue working towards a healthy, happy family. I got off to a good start with more home-cooked meals last year. I've learned how important it is to have a healthy diet and I want to expand on that. Now, more than ever, I want us to be intentional about eating meals together...at the table! Not having enough space in RV made this difficult. But once we're in a house, with a table, family dinners will make a comeback.

5. Memory-keeping. All the little bits and pieces of our lives need to be organized and tucked away. Time for all those bags and shoeboxes to hit the road. 2011 will be the year of the memory-keeper. The scrapbooks will be full of all the wonderful memories we've made over the years. I plan to get the kids and Chad in on the action as well by having them tell their stories and share their memories. And at the same time, we'll be making new memories!

6. Everyday Moments. Our days are swept by in a swirl of activity: do this, go there, get that, make this...where did the day go? I want to be intentional about how I spend my days. There are no refunds. So I want every day to count and I want to count every day as treasured. Slowing down, ditching the cell phone, walking instead of driving, breathing instead of rushing, savoring the day...this is what I want for 2011 and the rest of my life.

Goals for 2011

2011-01-03T19:40:00.003-05:00

Here it is! The 2011 Goals List!

Goal #1: Keep Blogging! I did really well up until the move and computer issues. I think 2011 will be even better, even though I still have no computer and we still need to move into a house at some point! I may even get some iniative and put all my blogs in one place! :)

Goal #2: Marathon! I am absolutely determined to do that marathon. Nothing is going to stop me this time. Nothing.

Goal #3: Family Photo Challenge. I read a blog about a mom that made a point of taking a family photo once a month for the whole year. I think this is a great idea and I'm going to do it. So at some point each month I will beg, bribe, and/or trick my family into a group photo.

Goal #4: Project 365. I will once again be continuing the Project 365 challenge. I've done it for 2 years and I think it helps capture our lives very well. I just hope P365 for 2011 stays caught up. I may change the format to make it a little easier for me this time around.

Goal #5: Webstore. I'm going to continue to develop my webstore. The goal is to have the store up and running by September. If I can't make it happen by then, it'll never happen. Sad, but true.

Goal #6: Debt. We will continue to pay down our debt. It's a sizeable amount, so I know we won't get it all paid this year, but we're going to make a huge dent in it!

Goal #7: Stay Positive! I sometimes let my "pragmatism" get in the way and tend toward the negative. I really want to get away from that. No more sarcasm, no more cynisism, no more. There's no room for negativity here anymore.

Goal #8: Crafting. This year's new skill will be Tatting. I've found several wonderful websites dedicated to Tatting, so I know I'll be able to find help. I'll be slowly acquiring the equipment and then this summer I will begin! I imagine most everyone will get a tatted snowflake for Christmas this year :)

Goal #9: Reading. I'm not going to set a number, because that would take all the fun out of reading. But I do want to read a bit more than the last couple years. So if I make it to 60 or 70 books this year, I'll be happy.

Assessing 2010

2011-01-02T16:56:00.011-05:00

My goals list for 2010 was varied and long. I was able to accomplish a few of the items, but most of them are still in progress. 2011 will see the completion of a few more of those goals as well as the birth of some new ones...but I'll post about that later.

1. Blogging. Blogging everyday went really well until my laptop died. I managed to use one of the kids computers for a few weeks until we started the process of moving back to Michigan. With all the hustle and bustle, blogging fell by the wayside. We are still not settled yet, but I've been feeling guilty about my neglected blog, so I thought a recap of 2010 might be a good way to put things into perspective. I still have no computer to call my own, so blogging for 2011 will still be sporadic, though I'm hoping to make a better job at keeping it up this time around.

2. Project 365. Ugh! I really, really tried to make sure I took at least one picture every single day. At first I was upset with myself for missing a day or two, and then a whole span of 11 days went by without a single snapshot. So now I've come to realize that it just wasn't meant to be and I shouldn't beat myself up about it. I haven't printed pictures at all since May. (shudder!) I have been keeping track of my photos and making notes here and there for when I'm ready to assemble the scrapbook, but I'm not nearly as on top of it as I was in 2009. Let's hope 2011 goes a little smoother.

3. Marathon. I started my training right on time. I did very well keeping up, with only a few lazy days. I made it to 15 miles and then we began the very unorganized move to Michigan. Once again my plans to participate in a marathon race have been derailed. But not in 2011! Oh, no! This is the year. I'm doing it.

4. Web Store. I designed the blog header, worked on graphics for the webstore page, even signed up with my store name. I made a handful of objects d'art to sell but never got around to adding them to the site. Again, moving takes a lot out of you.

5. Photo Challenges. Pull out tissue...My Rebel sat in a padded cell for 6 months without a single click of the lens to brighten its days. I didn't take any pictures until Christmas and then it was just normal Christmas stuff. I've had neither the time nor the inclination to participate in a photo challenge...sniff...so sad.

6. Book List. My goal was to double 2009's reading list. I don't think I made it to 82 books this year. I was keeping a detailed list on my laptop, but since it died over 6 months ago I couldn't tell you how many books I've read in 2010. I do know that it's probably very close to the same number as '09. I'm hoping 2011 will see an increase in leisure time for reading as well as better documentation of said reading list!

7. One Little Word: ACTION. The first half of the year saw a lot of action. I was doing quite well with my goals. Moving across the country put a damper on most of those goals, but I still kept them in mind, turning them over, examining them, re-evaluating them. I have a new word in mind for 2011. I'm still mulling it over. I'll let you know what it is as soon as I know for sure that my word choice is the correct one for the new year. That one little word is going to have a huge impact - so it needs to be the right word!

8. Debt. We did manage to pay off the truck loan early, and got rid of one credit card. That was as far as we got. We are still in debt. I seriously dislike being in debt. Debt reduction is still on the goals list for 2011.

9. Homeschool. Things got off to a fairly good start this fall. Even with the moving around the kids were able to maintain their workload. The holidays always set us back, but now that it's the new year, school will once again become our focus. Good things are happening.

2010 Top 10

2011-01-01T22:27:00.011-05:00

In celebration of the last year, here are my Top 10 photos of 2010. Making my "2010 Favorites" file was so fun. The last year has seen a lot of changes for our family. So many good memories here! I'm excited to see what 2011 brings!

This photo is fun because you can see us in the reflection in the left lens of Mickey's sunglasses.

Our home away from home: Winter Garden Little League fields

Little Man at baseball camp, knocking out some batting practice

The Girl's new hair cut, with some fun color :)

Little Man in his All-Star uniform

Friday morning coffee dates

Making the trek north to Michigan

Enjoying the fall colors

The first big snow storm of the year

Playing with Christmas lights

Mama's Holiday Wish List Meme

2010-11-26T08:24:00.002-05:00

Today's Mama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? My holiday wish for my family this year is that we really stop to enjoy each other and take hold of the memories we are making together. Our days slip by so quickly and time passes before we know it. We need to slow down this season and keep things simple.

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?Every year the entire family meets at my mother-in-law's house for Christmas morning. We have a quick breakfast and then let the kids have some fun ripping open packages. Then we take a break and slow things down, each person opening one gift at a time in turn, so we can all enjoy the excitement and wonder of Christmas. It is always an all day event!

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? My one decadent wish would be for a new car all my own. I always get the hand-me-down car. And if I could have my car it would be a Lexus.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?We spend a lot of time in the kitchen together. We bake cookies, cookies, and some more cookies. And a recent new tradition: the Gingerbread House! The highlight of Christmas week is finishing up the Gingergbread House and sampling all the little candies we decorate with!

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?Growing up, we played the game of LIFE, Monopoly, Trouble, and Sorry! As we got older, my mom would let us play with her Flinch! game. All of these games are still family favorites.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?The only family tradition from my side of the family to survive is having the whole family together on New Year's Day to celebrate together, and we always serve Grape Leaves and Kibi, and occasionally Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. The in-laws celebrate Christmas as a 2-day event. Beginning on Christmas Eve with fondue, opening stocking gifts and going to the Christmas Eve Service. Christmas Day is spent eating, laughing, and opening gifts. It's a full day of fun!

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?I wouldn't go anywhere. We've spent the last 4 years living across the US from the rest of our family. We were unable to get home for Christmas last year and it was a very difficult season for me. I would choose to stay home for Christmas. But, if the whole family could go on a trip, I think it would wonderful to spend the holiday travelling Europe together! Wouldn't that be a Christmas to remember?!

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?
Our family's top 3 would be: PS3 system since ours died recently, the XBox 360 Kinect, obviously, and the latest, greatest Guitar Hero/RockBand stuff. We like to rock around here!

Gimme S'more!

2010-08-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

Nothing says summer like a bonfire and some marshmallows! Not long after setting up camp The Girl and Little Man met all the neighbor kids. A couple days later we were the hang out spot.

We picked up a bunch of old firewood from out behind the sawmill. It was so dry it burned very, very quickly. It was all gone before the weekend was done. We went through 2 boxes of graham crackers, 10 chocolate bars, and 3 bags of marshmallows that weekend. Good times! :)

In the Kitchen

2010-08-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

Chad and Little Man made dinner! Home Economics class is in session :) Eventually we'll have a full-sized kitchen and then family cooking will be much easier. Until then, we take turns :)

While I was snapping pictures and watching them cook, it hit me that they were dressed practically the same! Silly boys!

Summer Lovin'

2010-08-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

Is there anything better than enjoying fresh picked, locally grown fruits and vegetables?! I love summer's harvest of goodness. We've been enjoying sweet corn, yellow squash and zuchinni, tomatoes, peaches, and blueberries. So yummy!

Buy me some peanuts!

2010-08-24T09:21:00.006-04:00

Family day this week was an evening treat. We scored front row, home plate tickets to the South Bend Silverhawks game last night!

What a great view of the game. The only, and I do mean only, drawback to the seats was the view along the 3rd base line was blocked by the visitors dugout. But you could stand up and watch the play in left field if you really needed to see what was going on back there! The best part was the foot rest :) We had a lot of fun and snacked on $1 hot dogs and sodas.

Little Man was totally into the game until the hecklers started getting obnoxious. I tried to calm him down but he was completely distracted from the game the last 2 innings. He and The Girl were so unused to the rudeness toward the visiting team that I think it may have ruined the experience for them. I hope not. I'd really like to get season tickets next year.

I WANT THIS BOOK!!!

2010-08-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

Cake Pops by Bakerella

Back in April I made some of these as baseballs for Little Man's baseball team and I love doing these! I so want to make a set of Star Wars cake pops :)

Summer isn't over...

2010-08-22T15:34:00.001-04:00

until the school bell rings! ~Nora Roberts

As invariably happens, summer is winding to a close. The days are becoming shorter. The air is turning cooler. And the frenzy of back-to-school shopping has begun!

I'm working on organizing the kids school curriculum for the upcoming year, but in the back of my mind all I can think is "summer isn't over yet!"

I have this whole list of summer activites I want to do as a family, and we haven't gotten to very many of them. So many sights to see, smells to take in, memories to be made!

Some of my ideas for the rest of summer (and maybe right on into fall!)

Build a sand castle
Go to a museum
Fly kites
Go to a county or state fair
Go to a professional baseball game
Make home made ice cream
Build a fort
Go to the zoo
Have a pic nic
Go to a drive-in theater
Rollerskating
Make sushi
Take a Road trip
Climb a tree
Go on a scavenger hunt
Go thrifting/yard sales
Blow bubbles
Go bowling
Play board games/card games all day
Have a water balloon fight
Go star gazing
Tie-dye party!
Make fresh lemonade

and oh, so many more....

Super Cute Piggie Cookies

2010-08-21T17:09:00.010-04:00

My project this week: Pig Cookies!

And Detroit Piggies :)

I totally busted out the Mad-Martha skills and made these little pigs for my mom's restaurant anniversary celebration. We didn't know what to do about a pig cookie cutter, but turns out my sister actually had one! I also got the recipe from her cookbook. I'm so ready to make some more of these sugar cookies. This recipe is one of the most amazing recipes I've come across! They baked up nice and flat and didn't distort. Perfect for flood-work frosting! Bring on Christmas, baby!

Highways and Byways: From Florida to Michigan

2010-08-07T21:59:00.005-04:00

Just when you think you've got it all planned out you get a curve ball.

The plan went awry waaaaay back in June when we found out J had made the All-Stars team. Which is awesome and I'm super proud of him because he worked so hard to make it. But it did push our schedule back since the games would be in July. No biggie. We just pushed the departure date back a bit.

July playoffs come along and don't you know - they win the District 14 title! Way to go Winter Garden All-Stars! But, another set back all the same. At least the sectionals were at the end of July. So I go ahead with our plans and drive to Michigan to work for a week or so and then fly back for the games. Not a curve ball this time - we got hit by the pitch! The car broke down in Atlanta, costing me a one day delay and a Greyhound ticket. Plus the car is now stuck in GA.

So I work the week and a few days, saving every penny, only to have to pay extra for the plane ticket back because I had to wait to purchase it. Oh well. What do you do?

The weekend of playoffs was a wet one. It rained and rained. So many delays! But the weekend was finally over. The team came in 3rd place. I half wish they'd won to go on to State, but at the same time I'm glad we could finally get moving.

We loaded up the RV and pulled out the next day. Only to find the A/C was out on the truck and the heat index was over 100! No way were we driving without A/C! So another delay. Several hours and several hundred dollars later we were finally ready to head out. And then I discover that K's fish died. :( He hadn't been looking so well the last few days so I knew it was coming. And really, just as well he stay in Florida. K took it. She said it was a sign. A sign that we were not supposed to leave Florida. But leaving we were!

After an agonizing 6 hour delay we were finally on the road. We stopped for the night outside Atlanta to get a good nights rest. By morning we were infested with sugar ants.

I couldn't make this stuff up!

We dumped a bunch of ant stuff all over the counters and hit the road. By 1 am we were ready to stop outside Indy. We pulled open the RV to fall into our beds, but the ants were still crawling all over the place. And the inside of the RV was at least 90 degrees! No rest for us. Back into the truck and back out onto the highway. We finally arrived in Michigan at the break of dawn. We grabbed our pillows and crashed in the basement at Chad's moms. When we went out to the truck the next morning...the back tire on the truck was flat. I don't mean low or squishy...I mean FLAT!

You think I'm kidding don't you?

Luckily Grandpa had an air compressor and we filled it up. After dropping the RV we took off for Niles to get the tire fixed. Wouldn't you know it, they wouldn't fix the tire. So we went to Sam's in Mishawaka where we'd purchased the tires. Another 2 hour delay and the tire was fixed. But it still had a leak. So they put the spare on and tossed the old one. Another hour and we were on the road back to Dowagiac.

Later that week we moved the RV to a resort outside Decatur where it now sits in the shade of two lovely maple trees. After all the misery of that trip, it deserves a nice place to rest.

After all that, we're still not sure where we're going and what we're doing. All we know is that Life certainly takes some funny twists and turns.

Round Up Time! June 2010

2010-07-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

1. What books/magazines did I read this month?
Two books: The Queen's Handmaiden, Around the World in 80 Days. Magazines: Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks Etc, Relevant.

2. What movies/TV shows/plays/ect did I watch this month?
The Red Baron, Season 1 of Merlin, Iron Man, Season 1 of Bones, one episode of season 2 of The Tudors, and the pilot for LOST.

3. What fun things did I do with my family/friends this month?
Went to watch the Majors team in playoffs, went to lunch with the Cressman family afterwards. We spent 5 days at the end of the month volunteering at the Little League fields during the 9-10 yr. old tournaments. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of fun, and very tiring :) Mid-month Uncle Todd and Max came to Orlando for a convention. We were able to squeeze in an afternoon of pizza and mini-golf.

Chad and J also had the experience of a lifetime a couple weeks ago when they were invited to go deep sea fishing with some of our baseball friends. They had some amazing fish tales to tell when they got back that night!

4. What gifts did I give/receive?
Father's Day was low key - just a card and an afternoon together. I sent out several birthday and anniversary cards this month.

5. What special or unusual purchases did I make this month?
I went thrifting: purple dress, galoshes, camera bag. I also treated myself to the new Skillet CD.

6. What illnesses or health concerns did I have this month?
We're all doing pretty well. J smashed his left index finger in a door. He will definitely be losing the nail. Hopefully it's not too sore next week for his All Star tournaments! He also hasn't had that growth spurt yet. I know it's coming, though. He started complaining about his knee hurting...

7. What were my accomplishments?
Marathon training is in full swing! The kids are almost finished with all their school work for the year.

8. What were my disappointments?
Due to the week of tournaments, my training schedule is off. I missed the last week because we were out so late (and bone weary) that I just could not get up in the mornings to walk.

9. How did I do on my goals?
Posting to my blog everyday has been a challenge, between the virus on my computer and waiting to borrow one of the kids' computers, and the crazy schedules we've been keeping, blogging has taken a back seat. I still have the marathon in my sights and I'm still working on my various photography projects.

10. Anything else noteworthy? Yes! On June 15, 2010 J got the call he's be working towards for 2 1/2 years: The All Stars call! J made the All Stars team this year. Way to go buddy! We're so proud of you :)

I like Free Stuff!

2010-06-24T12:24:00.003-04:00

GO TO ARTSCOW RIGHT NOW! get free stuff! and if you really like me,
use my link so I can get some free stuff too!

Make Do or Do Without...

2010-06-20T16:58:00.003-04:00

Currently doing without most days. An occasional make-do moment sneaks its way in, but mostly doing without.

I have pictures piling up on my memory cards, I have photo editing that's getting way too far behind again. I have blog posts that will never see the light of day. I have downloads to download, but nowhere to download them. I have craft ideas saved that I can't get to, and blogs are being posted to every moment and I can't read them. Not having my computer has really put a kink in my day-to-day life.

What to do, what to do... I can't even add a fun photo to this post!
:(

Currently Reading...

2010-06-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

found on Amazon or your local library :)

I have to admit, I actually started reading this book some time ago. I managed to read about a third of the way into it and then set it aside to read something else. I kept telling myself I just needed to read it and get it over with. I think my problem is that I saw the movie some years ago and it's interferring with my reading. I like to read the book before I see the movie. That way I can visualize the characters my way and enjoy the story from my perspective, rather than the perspective of some Hollywood producer and a gaggle of writers who all want to put their own two cents into it. Hopefully, I can get past the movie scenes playing in my head and enjoy the story my way :)

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-06-16T09:03:00.000-04:00

Technical Difficulties

2010-06-15T08:53:00.000-04:00

I really dislike technology at the moment. My computer has been under attack for a couple weeks and it has finally succumbed to the incessant prying of a virus. It's my own fault. My virus protection was expiring and I didn't renew it because the brand that was on my computer was waaaaay too expensive for me to renew. I've also been unable to find a suitable replacement that fits my budget. So now, my computer sits, unused, on the kitchen table; a daily reminder that virus protection should be purchased and installed at ANY cost, because a dead computer is a bad thing. Especially when one relies on said computer for not only email, but research and homeschooling.

So, that being said, if my blog posts get behind, it's because I'm not able to beg a computer from another family member. I'll try to pre-schedule posts so I don't miss any, but there are no guarantees...

Project 365: Week 23

2010-06-14T09:02:00.003-04:00

Sunday, May 30, 2010 What else do you do on a hot, summery afternoon but play in the water?

Monday, May 31, 2010 Another warm day. This time dad took the kids to the pool.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 I saw some decorated baggies on the 'net and couldn't resist trying it myself. This could become addicting!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 New dreaddies in the works. Brown base with yellow and orange for fun :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010 J's Nerf arsenal.

Friday, June 4, 2010 I went thrifting for the first time in a long while. Found a few goodies :)

Saturday, June 5, 2010 Time to get all the June birthday/anniversary cards ready!

Marathon Training Update: Week 1

2010-06-13T09:06:00.002-04:00

Well. Week One is complete. Three short, 3-mile training days during the week and a longer, 6-mile training day on Saturday. I finished the shorter walks in 48-49 minutes. The long walk came to 1 hour and 37 mintues. Not bad, not bad. Today is a cross training day. After the sun goes down a bit I'll take my bike out for good long ride, or maybe go for a swim. Personally, I think living life is cross-training enough!

I still haven't found a race to compete in. I do have a few options. It really depends on where we are going to be living, so I have to wait a few more weeks to make that decision. Right now I'm leaning toward the Springfield, MO race in October. There's also a race in Indianapolis. There are options in November as well, though I don't know if I want to go that far into fall since most of my training will be done in the excessive heat and humidity of summer. But, since I can't register until I know where we are going to relocate, that decision is on hold.

Training commences! 17 weeks to go :)

Inspiration Station: Embroidery

2010-06-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

I am so in love! Not only is it Queen Elizabeth I, but it's embroidery! The dress, the fencing, those trees! So amazing! This is definitely going on my "to-craft" list!

tutorial here

Here's a close up look at one of those trees:
Truely amazing work!

Project 365: Week 22

2010-06-11T09:02:00.002-04:00

Sunday, May 23, 2010 J decided to eat breakfast outside this morning while waiting for everyone to show up to go to church.

Monday, May 24, 2010 Time to go through the library books again. I also have some knitting projects to get started on soon

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 We're having another go at the Mexican Rice recipe. I tweaked it a bit and it was waaaay better this time around!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 K decided to do some of her schoolwork while laying on the couch. I usually see J there, but today he sat at the table.

Thursday, May 27, 2010 I spent 3 days making some striped rocket popsicles and the kids finally got to enjoy them today

Friday, May 28, 2010 Daddy's day off. "I heard that." I thought he was asleep, turns out he wasn't quite there yet :)

Saturday, May 29, 2010 J hit an out-of-the-park homerun a few days ago and he had me label it and then he put it in one of his baseball boxes. Way to go, Slugger!

On the hunt for...

2010-06-10T09:12:00.002-04:00

THE PERFECT BEACH TOWEL!!!

Find the tutorial here
Because I want to make this! A couple years ago I had a lovely pink striped beach towel. But it joined the group going to the water park one fine day and became lost in lounger land. Sadly, it's never been replaced. But now the hunt is on. I need a nice big, thin pile beach towel to turn into this amazing swimsuit cover-up dress. I figure if I make my beach towel into a dress, it's unlikely anyone in my family will want to borrow it! *crossing my fingers!*

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-06-09T09:02:00.001-04:00

Journaling Me: Music

2010-06-08T08:57:00.003-04:00

What kind of band do you see yourself fronting?

Hmmm...fun question. I could see several possibilites, really. I could see playing my violin in a rock-driven, folksy band. Or going electic with it in a more metal/edge type band. I don't have a voice for fronting a band, but I love harmonizing. So a band that has some depth to their vocals for sure. I'd love to be in a band with some industrial sound and clever bass lines.

I like the sounds of Clear, Natalie Grant, Todd Agnew, Skillet, Flyleaf, Casting Crowns, and about a zillion others. I think I should take some pics of my disc collection!

Photo Shoot with R2-D2

2010-06-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

R2-D2 was in the neighborhood and wanted to take a look around. I always thought the grass was cut a little short, but for R2 it's a jungle out there!

We didn't get far when he stopped to smell some flowers.

It was getting warm and the kids were in the pool, so we stopped by to see what was going on. R2 decided to get some sun and see what he could do about his pasty exterior.

While lounging around R2 decided he wanted to get a look at things from a new vantage point. Choosing a new perspective is always a good thing. Just don't fall, okay? We don't have any spare parts.

The day was slipping by and R2 was a little tired. He called Chewie for a pick up, but he chose the wrong place to wait. No parking here my friend.

Marathon Training Update: May 2010 Progress

2010-06-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

Progress? I don't believe so. I walked all of 2 days in May. It got so very hot. We took a week for vacation. Baseball was time consuming. Craziness.
Here's the stats:

Current Weight: 183 lbs. - Weight Lost: 0 Total 12 lbs.
Steps: 18,974 - Total Steps: 206,473
Total Miles: 8 - YTD Miles: 76
Longest Distance Walk: 5 miles - Time: 1:20
Avg. mph: 15.875
Cross Training: baseball

I sort of anticipated that May was going to be a difficult month. Maybe I set myself up for that? Anyway. The Chicago Marathon is out. Registration met the 45,000 limit way back in March. A bummer that. So now I'm looking for another marathon somewhere around the same date as the Chi-town race. Hopefully I run across something soon so I can get registered!

My official training starts tomorrow. With a day off :) Mondays and Fridays will be my days off for cross training and rest. 18 weeks to race day! somewhere...

Thrifty Finds!

2010-06-05T20:19:00.000-04:00

It has been far too long since I've enjoyed a trip to the thrift shops. I only hit one this time around, mostly because I'd spent my budget! Too many great deals :) I went with the intention of finding some skirts and dresses and hopefully some workout shorts/gear. And after trying on at least 20lbs of possibilities, I walked away with one dress.

This purple dress! I can't wait to get it washed and start wearing it! Best part - it was brand new. What a deal. On my way to checkout I remembered that I wanted to look for a bag to convert to a camera bag. And wouldn't you just know it; I totally lucked out!

When I spotted this bag I actually squealed a little and started hopping up and down in pure joy! Not only is it the perfect shape and depth, it's the most beautiful color. I love it! And then I just happened to spot another sweet bag, one that I've been craving for some time now...

The perfect straw bag! The lining is in desperate need of replacement, but that's okay because I got this bag for a song! At this point I decided to get in line, but then I happened to glance over at the "new" stuff shelves and I couldn't believe my eyes! A brand new pair of galoshes!

I saw all the pretty galoshes on the Target website and instantly fell in love. I never did get to order a pair. This colorway wouldn't have been what I ordered, but it was on my top 5. And while I was still glowing with happiness over the boots, I glanced up and saw these

beautiful ribbony things! The birthday ribbons will go right into my scrapbooking box. The green plastic wire is very interesting. It's a foam/plastic wrapped wire made for use in the garden. I can't wait to play with it. And I'm wondering if I'll be able to find any more of that stuff.

It was a pretty good thrift day, even if I didn't find skirts. Maybe next time!

Project 365: Week 21

2010-06-04T09:01:00.002-04:00

Sunday, May 16, 2010 Our Texan friends are visiting Orlando for the week so we are spending time with them at Calypso Cay. We really like the pool there!

Monday, May 17, 2010 We spent the day at Downtown Disney. Chad and the boys played "Monkey See, Monkey Do". They're so funny.

Tuesday, May 19, 2010 After breakfast, K challenged Dad to an arm wrestling contest. She almost won :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2010 While our friends were at Disney, Chad and I took J to play a round of disc golf. K doesn't enjoy the game anymore so she stayed at home.

Thursday, May 21, 2010 We played the Braves this game. J got to pitch!

Friday, May 22, 2010 I used my last disc to copy pictures for my friend and needed to go buy some more to backup all of my pictures. I got a little behind this last couple months. But now, I'm happy to say, everything has been backed up, multiple times!

Saturday, May 22, 2010 Finally got around to doing some grocery shopping. Fresh fruits! Yum! If only the blueberries weren't so expensive!

Round Up Time! - May 2010

2010-06-03T09:04:00.001-04:00

It's that time again. Another month has flown right on by. Here's the scoop:

1. What books/magazines did I read this month?

I read two fiction books: A Murderous Glaze and Hugh and Bess. It took quite some time to get through the first one, but I flew through the second book. Historical books are so much easier for me to enjoy! As far as non-fiction goes, I've read bits and pieces of Homesteading as well as numerous mexican cookbooks and craft/knitting books. The usual suspects when it comes to magazines, but I did get a new one this month: Creative Knitting. I don't know if I'm going to keep this one. It didn't seem to have too many projects I'd like to undertake.

2. What TV shows/movies/plays did I watch this month?
The usual, though most of my shows have ended and are only running sporadic reruns. I did get the discs from season one of Eureka. That was funny and I plan on watching the rest of the seasons. Movies: Independence Day, Julie and Julia, The Sum of All Fears, Avatar, Blindside, Karate Kid 2, Honey I Blew up the Kid, Sweet Home Alabama, Daybreakers, Sherlock Holmes, Up, Star Trek; the Voyage Home, A League of their Own. I guess we've watched a lot of movies lately since our TV shows are finished.

3. What fun things did I do with my family/friends this month?
Our friends from Texas came to visit for a week and we stayed in the condo with them for a few days. We had fun walking around Downtown Disney and spent lots of time together at the pool! Chad and I have gone on a date almost every Friday morning this month. During vacation week we actually got to play a round of disc golf. J went with us because it had been such a long time since we'd played.

"Monkey see, Monkey do"

4. What gifts did I give/receive this month?
J went to a birthday party this month and he gave his friend (what else?) a baseball bat/ball set... made by Nerf! The ball has this patch on it that helps you make it curve. They had so much fun. And now J wants one for himself :) J and I both received a certificate from J's baseball coach at the end of the season. J for completing his first year in Majors and me for being the scorebook keeper.

5. What special or unusual purchases did I make this month?
I bought myself a cheap pair of tennis shoes. And K immediately tried to steal them...again. She won't give back my purple shoes, so I'm guarding these new ones very carefully!

6. What illnesses/health concerns did I have this month?
None, really. I'm a little concerned with J's diet lately. He seems to be putting on some weight despite being very active. I hope that means a growth spurt is on the way.

7. What were my accomplishments this month?
I finally got the artwork for my online craft store finished. I signed up for a store on shophandmade.org and I made three sets of napkin rings. I have a few more items to finish before I'll post anything though. I want to have a few more options for potential customers to look through.

8. What were my disappointments this month?
I didn't walk much this month and I can feel the difference. I am determined to knuckle down and get back on it though. The offical training schedule starts in a couple weeks! eek!

9. How did I do on my goals this month?
It's 50/50. I didn't walk much, but I got a lot done on the crafting front. I didn't take any photo challenges, but I've been close to getting my pictures every day. I didn't blog every single day, but I did blog most days.

10. Anything else noteworthy for the month?
Chad's work has been on again off again. We're still trying to make plans to move back up north soon. The kids have made a lot of friends this last year (we have too) and that is making things difficult.

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-06-02T09:02:00.001-04:00

I would imagine the Roswell incident was accompanied by a foudroyant flash of crystalline light. At least the nerdy sci-fi part of my brain would like to think.

"Twelve on a Tuesday"

2010-06-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

I was reading on this lovely blog some time ago about posting any twelve photos just for the fun of it. I thought it was a great idea, especially since I have a ton of favorite photos! So here are twelve photos that make me smile:

2005 J's toothless grin; a once-in-a-lifetime photo op

2005 SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida. Chad and the kids were spying on Santa in his workshop.

2005 New Years Eve - yes it's upside down - that's how I took it!

2006 New York road trip. My favorite mittens, chosen for me by my daughter when she was 3 - and a lost-and-found scarf that I hope "I" never lose!

2006 Playing around at the Eclipse

2006 Finally got my new camera!

2006 DD's first haircut in years. Donated to Locks of Love

2006 Epcot, Orlando, Florida. Chad is such a ham!

2007 Worlds Greatest Sandwich Ingredients

2007 "A squirrel peed on me!" LOL! No, not really. J was pulling my leg.

2007 Birthday Sushi yum!

2007 Halloween fun. I love making their costumes!

Photo-frustration

2010-05-31T09:12:00.001-04:00

graphic found on The Graphics Fairy

I am having a really difficult time remembering to take (or even wanting to take) pictures every day. The Week in the Life project really threw me under the bus. I just don't feel like picking up my camera most days. My pictures are starting to feel forced, rather than fun, spontaneous moments of everyday life captured for all time for the enjoyment of future generations. :p

I think some photo play is in order. Time for another photo challenge!

In Memory: My Dad

2010-05-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

My Dad - circa 1959

Today in church the Pastor briefly asked those of us with ties to loved ones and friends who have served or are serving in the military to please stand in recognition of their commitments and sacrifices. While I chose not to stand, I did reflect on my Dad and his brief tour of duty in Germany. I don't know much about it really, only that he was stationed there.

The date along the side of the print says June 1959. I know he went to Germany, but I don't know if that's where these were taken. So many things I don't know that I wish I did. I never really listened when he talked about it when I was younger, and now that he's gone, I can't ask.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-05-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Journaling Me: Hobbies

2010-05-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

Have you ever reread books; what's the criteria for doing so?

Yes! A most emphatic Yes! I do reread books. It has been years since I've done so, as all of my favorites are in storage in MI while we are here in FL. But someday I will have all my books about me again!

The biggest criteria for rereading a book is its entertainment value. A book that is highly engaging and makes me smile, or even chuckle out loud is a shoe-in for the "read it again" list. Which means that most books I reread are very much fictional, and most usually historical in nature. One exception (to the historical category) is the Harry Potter series. I've not reread any of them yet, but I most certainly intend to do so! I'm even planning on knitting a scarf in the Gryffindor colors! Cheeky...

I do read a lot of non-fiction books, though few would be read again. One book I enjoy every time I pick it up is Ali Edwards book "A Designers Eye for Scrapbooking". I also tend to borrow craft and decorating books multiple times a year from the local libraries.

I love books! At any one time I could have as many as 60 library books out! Mostly books for me, with a few school books sprinkled in for good measure. Our current library system here in Orange County allows patrons to borrow up to 100 books/movies/etc at any one time. I've never hit 100, but have gotten very close in the mid-90s :) I checked out so many books, that they started providing laundry baskets to haul them out! ha! I always used my library bags, but I noticed other homeschooling moms using the baskets. Very nice of them to think of us. Not many libraries would be so accomodating.

It has always been my dream that when I have a house I will have one room designated as the Library. I certainly own plenty of books to get one started! I also like to collect the turn of the century primers that libraries try desperately to get rid of in their book sales. I have a nice collection, some with the owners lovely signatures enscribed in the flyleafs. They are getting harder to find now that mixed media artists are using them as part of their art.

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-05-26T09:10:00.000-04:00

Wishful thinking is not at all salubrious to one's mental health.

Project 365: Week 20

2010-05-26T09:08:00.002-04:00

Sunday, May 9, 2010 All the things I use to get ready in the morning.

Monday, May 10, 2010 After the ball game, J relaxed with a bit of play-dough time...and what does he make? A baseball player!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Napkin rings are finished. I need to make 2 more for the Independence set. I think I may make one more set before posting these...

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 My eye keeps landing on this frame next to the door. We've lived in our new trailer for over a year and I still haven't done anything with this picture frame. Sad...sad, I tell ya.

Thursday, May 13, 2010 Week in the Life taught me that I need to take more pictures of me. So here is one of me enjoying a rare treat: Dr. Pepper!

Friday, May 14, 2010 Normally I'd post a pic of J during the game, but the sunset over the ballfield was too gorgeous not to share!

Saturday, May 15, 2010 The season is over. But we still see J's baseball stuff everywhere! Now we wait to see if he made the All-Star team.

Project 365: Week 19

2010-05-25T10:46:00.001-04:00

Sunday, May 2, 2010 I spent the day looking through my magazines. I also sorted and stored a few since I'd read them several times and had received the newest issues. I love art/craft/scrap magazines!

Monday, May 3, 2010 Look at my cactus grow!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 When the hot weather rolls around we start making a lot of these. I'm thinking about hopping into Target for another set!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Crafting day! Making some napkin rings for the new webstore!

Thursday, May 6, 2010 It's not often I get bored. I was sitting at the table among my crafting/sewing things and found J's little R2D2 toy. I started fiddling around with it and ended up having some fun :)

Friday, May 7, 2010 The kids don't have school today. And J decided to stay in his PJs for a while and watch some cartoons.

Saturday, May 8, 2010 Is it too early to be thinking about Halloween?! Not for me! It's time to start crafting/sewing the costumes!

What's up with Blogger?

2010-05-23T20:34:00.000-04:00

Well, I was going to post my P365 pictures for the last couple weeks. But Blogger is a mess! For some reason, Blogger has gone old school. :(
What's up with that?! I'd like to have the new version back, please.

All Good Things...

2010-05-21T23:40:00.002-04:00

Vacation has come to a close. Our friends headed home to Texas this morning. Safe travels, friends!

We had a lot of fun hanging out together. It was a very relaxing vacation. Only one deviation for baseball practice and then the last 2 games last night and tonight.

We spent plenty of time water logged

Did some monkeying around

Had some Lego fun!

And generally goofed off

It's been a great week. And now it's the weekend! :)

A little down time...

2010-05-16T13:44:00.000-04:00

We have friends in town visiting from Texas. So we are hanging out with them!

Doing this:

We'll be spending plenty of time in the pool area, and maybe go to a park? I'll share the fun later!

In the Good Ole Summertime!

2010-05-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

When the hot weather rolls around, we start making a lot of freezer pops. So many in fact, that I think it's time I popped into Target and bought a couple more of these. For now we just make kool-aid pops, but I want to start making some yogurt and fruit pops as well. The heat lasts quite a while around these parts so I have plenty of time to experiment with my freezer pops!

Last Lift-Off for Space Shuttle Atlantis

2010-05-14T17:53:00.001-04:00

The last lift off for Space Shuttle Atlantis, as viewed from the baseball fields at 2:20 pm today.

Our first viewing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, waaaay back in Sept. 2006. We drove to Titusville and watched the lift off from an old pier out in the water.

Watching the shuttles and rockets lift off has been incredible. It's one of the things I actually like about living in Orlando.

Web Store in the works!

2010-05-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

I am finally getting somewhere with my webstore. I've been wanting to do this for quite some time and it's one of the goals on my 2010 Goal List. I'm almost there!

I spent most of my free time yesterday working on the designs for my store name and logos. I thought I'd had finally settled on the name Thimblina. When I started putting it all together the name just wasn't working for me. So I started playing with my grandma's name, then my name, my initials, which led to a cute name : DIBS Designs. I thought that would work, but then I typed in Dibble Street, which is where my piano teacher lived when I took lessons all those years ago. Which then led to Thimble Street. And that is where I am! I really wanted to keep the thimble theme, especially since I use thimbles all the time. So there it is: the name and logo for my new webstore! I'll let you all know when it's online and stocked with goodies! For now, here's the new Thimble Street blog.

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-05-12T09:06:00.000-04:00

MUMPSIMUS

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Origin:

1520–30; from a story, which perh. originated with Erasmus, of an illiterate priest who said mumpsimus rather than sūmpsimus (1st pl. perfect indic. of L sūmere to pick up; see consume) while reciting the liturgy, and refused to change the word when corrected.

I can think of a few people who suffer from this particular malady :)

Project 365: Week 18

2010-05-11T09:09:00.002-04:00

Sunday, April 25, 2010 Yummy Gingerbread Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Monday, April 26, 2010 Game time!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 K now likes to take pics of her shoes, too!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 J taking a little break after school.

Thursday, April 29, 2010 Working on editing photos and making collages for Week in the Life

Friday, April 30, 2010 Game time!

Saturday, May 1, 2010 I read this book cover to cover and typed up every recipe! I love it! I love it so much I even blogged about it :)

Inspiration Station: The Kitchen Plates

2010-05-10T22:07:00.001-04:00

Look at these pretties! I found this on DesignSponge. Which was inpired by

Lisa Congdon's clever kitchen post on Design Sponge. I like this idea and fully intend to copy it when I finally have a house again :) Especially since I loooooove collecting interesting old plates and things. What a fun collection!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:07:00.001-04:00

I'm taking the day off...sorta...

Busy Busy Day

2010-05-08T22:38:00.000-04:00

Every Saturday is a baseball day. It starts with watching a game or two in the morning, followed by practice in the afternoon and doing the concession stand inventory into the evening. It really does make for a very long day. Add to that the excessive heat and humidity we're already feeling here in sunny FL and it makes it pretty miserable too.

Only a couple weeks of the regular season remain. If J's team can hold onto the number one spot they'll go on to the district tournaments. J also has a chance of making All-Stars this year. So baseball may not be coming to an end just yet. And it's only going to get hotter...

Look at 'em grow!

2010-05-07T09:12:00.001-04:00

My aloe plant has teeth!

The paddle cactus has sprouted 5 new paddles - look at those spikes!

Even my poor little Jade plant has survived being mauled by rampant squirrels and is taking new root and sprouting new growth!

The best part? - I didn't do a thing! When the temps climbed to 90 that's when things got moving. The hotter and more humid it got, the more the little buggars sprouted. Amazing. Before too much longer I'll need to separate some of them before someone gets hurt...

The Knitwit Files vol. 3: Knotty Wrap - Complete!

2010-05-06T09:06:00.001-04:00

Finally! It's finished!

I finally finished assembling my wrap. It only took 4 tries to get it to work. It needs a bit of shaping. It doesn't stay on my shoulders correctly and doesn't hang quite as low as I thought it would. But it still turned out pretty nice. On to the next project!

What's the Word Wednesday!

2010-05-05T09:06:00.001-04:00

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