From my home...

Valentine decorations

2012-02-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

When you walk into teh house the first thing that greets you is my coat rack shelf.

My Mantel-Bookslef to right of Mantel.

Garland from Micheals, Pink bird and Love blocks from Target, Love printable from Sprink Space and Large printable from Eighteen25.

Almost time

2012-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

It is almost time for my retreat. I have worked hard planning it and is a great reward when I am there with all the girls and I see them all enjoying themselves.
Layouts are ready, OK all but 3. But I will be ready Thursday.

Craft Retreat To Dos

2012-01-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

So I am geating all ready for the craft retreat I plan every year. I am getting very excited, only 22 more days and the 3 days of scrapbooking. YAY!

Things to do to get ready for Craft Retreat

_X_ Go through pictures on computer and make full pic list

_X_ Mark which ones will be for layouts

_X_ Check for layouts already done

_X_ See what pics I already have prints of

___ Order prints from Costco

___ Start going through pics and find layouts I want to do

___ Make up layout page plans for each months

___ January
___ February
___ March
___ April
___ May
___ June
___ July
___ August
___ September
___ October
___ November ___ December

Thicker organization

2011-12-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

My poor Thickers are crammed into this one little container. I had to save them. :)I also had a bunch of them sitting on top of the others because there was just no room.I went to Target and bought these nice plastic containers. Sorted by color.And slapped on some labels.

Our Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas eve. With some old and new traditions.

(NEW) We started out by going to the casino buffet for dinner, had some prime rib and dessert. I think we will add this every year. It was allot of fun.
*and Wyatt is making the face cause he was trying to hide the pizza in his mouth, LOL.

(OLD) We drive and do this every year earlier in the month, but never got around to it until this day. I really liked it though, nice thing to do right after dinner.
(OLD) Christmas Ever service at church.

(NEW/OLD) We always read a book, but we did the recorded ones that Grandma Marylee made for us. Which was nice cause I got to drink my hot chocolate instead of reading.

All in all it was a great day.

Boys Christmas

2011-12-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

We had Colton, Ryan and Zach for the first week of winter break. They were going home the morning of Christmas Eve so we let them do there Christmas on Tuesday. Colton of course didn't want his picture taken, darn kid.Ryan and Zach were pretty excited we got them (used) IPod Touches.Colton got a ton of new tools.I love this pic of them. With their Christmas money they got from us and Grandma Marylee they all got Air Soft guns. They had so much fun, 3 days of being out side shooting each other. LOL

It was a great, loud, crazy week and I miss them all ready.

Coram Deo Kids Choir

2011-12-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

This year our church's first kids choir. Wyatt wasn't to sure about singing and being in front of everyone. He did stand up there, but no singing.

WYA graduation

2011-12-20T10:03:00.001-08:00

Class off 2011-2Our group. Colton's dad Charles, his littel sister, Nana and Papa, Wyatt, Zach, Ryan, Jeff Woods *(colton's mentor) Derek and me.The Governor of our Stae, Gregoire, was there to. I guess she is a huge supporter of this program and she has been at every graduation they have had since they opened. Pretty cool!It was hard to get a pic cause the kids move so fast. This is one od Colton's Cadre, but the funny thing is he is also one of Derek's friends who we haven't seen in several years. So Colton being at the Academy got them back together.

Puckit's adventure to San Diego

2011-12-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

Dec.7- This is how Wyatt found Puckit on Wednesday, kind of a clue that he would be taking an adventure that day. he was pretty excited when I should up at his school and picked him up early. Dec.8- Wyatt was so amazed that Puckit found us down in Sand Diego. Here he is watching tv with his cousin's dolls.

Dec.9- We found Puckit eating his breakfast right out of the box.Dec.10- The kids found him eating jello in the fridge. It was kind of cool, the cousin's. are old enough to know that the Elf isn't real, but they played along great for Wyatt's sake.Dec.12- We found Puckit trying to help us unpack. Such a great Elf since I wasn't feeling to good.

Dec.13- No Puckit pic today. Took a day off he was just hanging out on the shelf.

December Daily

2011-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

Dec.11- We head home today. And it was not a fun trip at all. we got there in plenty of time, but they wouldn't let me take my carry on onto the plane and they just argued and said they didn't care I carried it on before, blah blah.
Then I just could shake the yucky feeling in the my tummy and had it the whole plane ride. Also they had problems with the air conditioner and had to wait for the mechanics to look at it, that put us an hour and twenty minutes late.
As we landed I finally threw up and felt really faint and light headed so they had me take a wheel chair to the shuttle (which was taking us to the car)Dec.10- Poor Wyatt spent the day sick and throwing up. He wasn't to happy to spend his last day like this. Dec. 9- We took Wyatt to the Lego Store. I wanted to do Lego Land, but man that place is expensive. He had a great time picking things out. Dec. 8- Our first morning in San Diego and we woke up to SUN. So nice to see in the middle of winter.

Had to add this pic of grace to cause she is a cute sleeper.Dec. 7- Today I surprised Wyatt with a trip to San Diego. It wasn't until he heard the pilot say about ten times the word Sand Diego that he figured it out. He still wasn't sure why we were there till he saw Aunt Dani waiting for us at the gate.Dec 6.- Today I climbed the tree and up up our lights outside.

My Christmas Mantel

2011-12-09T19:11:00.001-08:00

My mantelMy tac tree I made. took almost 900 of them.

Puckit the Elf

2011-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dec. 5 Wyatt found Puckit waiting by his glue and cotton balls today. Wyatt brought home a cute santa count down.Sorry about the bad pics, but my camera just doesn't work to well in this house.Dec. 6- Today Puckit was found trying to pack a lunch for Wyatt for his field trip. Wyatt was not to excited about this trip so I was hoping that finding this in the morning might help. He was worried about being gone for so long. He doesn't get home till 545p. They are headed off the Seattle for the day.

DD and a little Elf

2011-12-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Puckit the Elf got caught riding Wyatt's train out of his room. Last night he got into the cookies and ate them all. Yup that is my story and I am sticking to it.

December Daily Day 3-

Finally got my garland I purchased and got the mantel al done. Still need to do a few things, but for now it is fine.

December Daily

2011-12-02T18:49:00.001-08:00

December 1
Wyatt brought home this book from the school library, so we spent all day making planes.December 2

Today we picked up our Elf, meet Puckit.

Our House is all Decorated

2011-12-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

I don't have a table to decorate, it is being used for my craft table so I thought I would share my house decorations instead.
The coat rack by our front door. Here is the pom pom tree and ribbon tree I made.

The new bookshelf in my ~~Dining~~ Craft room.Our Tree. Decorated with the pom pom garland I made last year and lots of decorations from my younger years and the boys too.I love my red button tree and I found this cute little gingerbread man at Joann's in the dollar section. He is just the perfect addition to my Hallmark Gingerbread house. My button tree I made several years ago.

My bookshelf.Lots of goodies on here. I love the idea of old pictures from the seasons past. My walmart snowmen, my hallmark tree, candy and the cute little house I got at Joann's.And now my little bit of Vintagey Kitchen. Here is the window above the sink.I just got the little house on the top shelf at St.Vinnies. And my Santa mug from my mom from when we were kids. (love it)My open cupboard.

So there you have it a little bit of our house all decorated. I still have my mantel to do, but I am waiting on some garland I ordered that is being made.

Linking to 30 Handmade Days.
The Lettered Cottage, Between Naps on the Porch,
My 1929 Charmer

Thanks for stopping by.

Featured

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

ooh very excited. I check out Landee See, Landee Do everyday to see what new things she has posted. And today I got a big surprise and saw my button tree being featured. Make sure you check out her blog it is pretty awesome.

Christmas Crafts

2011-11-17T07:37:00.001-08:00

So here are my crafts for this season. I am very excited about doing these. I usually try to do some easy ones and at least one that will take more time. This wreath idea was from BHG site. I went to St.Vinny's yesterday and bought up all their cutters, but I don't think I have enough yet.

You can find the instructions for this one this site. The Jingle all the way had to be ordered from Stampin Up, but I have a friend who sells it so it worked out great and is on its way. YAY!

I love these thumb tack tress. I got this idea from Landee See, Landee Do. I will only make one and it will just sit with all my other trees I have made in the past. (Button, Pom pom and Ribbon trees)

Today I am off to buy as many of the supplies as I can to make these. What are you crafting this year?

Crockpot recipe

2011-11-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

We love this recipe, perfect for fall.

Rosemary Chicken with White Beans

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cans great northern or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup sliced fresh carrots
½ cup sliced celery
2/3 cup Italian salad dressing
2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
½ tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

In a skillet, brown chicken in oil in batches on both sides. Place the beans, carrots and celery in slow cooker; top with chicken.Combine the salad dressing, rosemary, salt and pepper; pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken juices run clear.( usually cook for severl more hours, till the chicken shreds.
Makes 6 servings.`

Linking up to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom: Crockpot Thursday

Advent Ideas

2011-11-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

So I searched Pintrest for some ideas on Advent calenders. Every year I say I want to do it, but december comes and goes and I never make one. Here are all the ideas I found, some I know I won't do. but for my brain I had to post them so I won't forget why I don't like it.

This one I think is my favorite, plain and simple. Cute number tags on the envelopes. Make or buy envelopes in different sizes and either put an activity idea for the day or a small treat inside. Here is the link. I thought this was cute, wrap idea around a old thread spool. It would be hard to find enough of the spools. It was also sitting on a cute stand. Here is the link for it.

This is kind of like the first one, but she put the numbers on the clothes pins. Love the different size envelopes. Here is the link.

Here is a cute idea with envelopes, but you actually hang them on a bulletin board. To bad by board is all full. It also shows how you can also add small gifts instead of things to do. Here is the link.

This was a cute idea using magnetic tins. I was thinking you could put them on your fridge if it was a central part of the house (mine is not). She uses just a board for hers. Here is the link.

I thought the trees was a cute idea if I had the room to store them all. Here is the link. She even gives you the tree templates.You probably have seen this one all over, using the pails. I love this ideas, but that is allot of pails to buy. Here is the link.

This is a great low cost one, using a muffin tin. Just cover the tops to hide a surprise. Here is the link. She also shows some other great Advent idea.

All the Small Things has some great ideas for activities to us for your advent calendar.

End to a great weekend

2011-11-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

So first we went to a local church's Trunk or Treating. We have gone to this since Wyat was little.

After we went to the neighbor hood down the street and did a little door to door trick or treating.

We had a great Halloween!!!

Halloween Weekend

2011-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

So this wasn't from this weekend, but it is getting ready for Halloween. We are carving with power tools. Derek said it like it the old fashion tools so no power tools for him.

Friday we went to Wyatt's Harvest Party as school. He has a lot of fun.

Saturday we went to a Halloween Party at friends house. Derek and I dressed as each other. We even won the best costume prize.

No picture of Wyatt on this one he wasn't really to interested and was having more fun playing outside with the older kids.

So tonight we are going Trunk or Treating and maybe some house to house trick or treating. Pics to come.

Meal Planning

2011-10-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

So how do you meal plan??

Allot of people have asked that question. I seem to do the same thing every time and I guess it must work for me. And really it is pretty simple.

1. I search my favorite meal plan site, every Monday she has a link party and over 200 people post their menus. I go through lots of the sites and see what ideas I can find, some have recipes some don't. Meal Plan Monday from Orgjunkie.

2. If I have an idea already and just want a recipe with a certain food I want to use I search on All Recipes. They are awesome.

3. While searching I have a piece of paper next to me and write down each meal. Then on the back of the paper as I am looking at the recipe I write down what groceries I am gonna need to buy.
Now I do not give my recipes assigned days. To much is happening and I feel to obligated if they are assigned.

4. I then save each recipe in a folder marked This weeks Recipes in my Favorites toolbar.

5. I then usually if feeling up to it will post the menu on this blog with all recipe links if I have them.

I also have a few favorite sites I go to and see what recipes they have posted lately. Here are a few of them.

A Good Appetite
Two Novice Chefs, One Tiny Kitchen
Full Bellies, Happy Kids

Casserole Week

2011-10-15T18:10:00.001-07:00

So casserole Week was a success. Yes I know they aren't the healthiest for you, but I promised my husband a week of them and I think I succeeded. His only complaint, to much chicken not enough beef ones,LOL.

-Cowboy Casserole (otherwise know as Tater tot Casserole)

-Chili Dog Casserole

-Dorito Casserole

-Cheez wiz Casserole

-Pizza Breadstick Casserole

Now I need to figure out next weeks menu. OY does it ever end, haha.

Fall Decorations

2011-10-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

So I love decorating the house, every holiday and even seasons. I think it stems from liking to change things up and since I can't move furniture around whenever I want I have to change the decorations. I will probably change things around a little bit when Halloween is over to add new fall stuff I make or get and to take down the Halloween stuff.

So far I am loving the mantel so far. The skull I got at Target for $5, the orange lantern flowers are from Micheal's (they were on sale for $1.99 each) and the owl is from World Market $5.99. After the holiday I think I am gonna spray paint him white to keep him around all year.

And I would like the thank my sister Jenefer for the use of her mirror. I looked every where for a cheap one, just couldn't see spending $45 for one when I was gonna change and use my Ikea cherry blossoms prints after the new year.The Halloween Subway art was free from eighteen25. The crow is from the dollar tree and I must say it stands up better than the one I got for $5 at a local craft store. And as you saw in a previous post I got the idea from the spider plate from Crap I've Made, using Martha Stewart glitter paint. One of my favs I made I think. And just added a little moss also, which made a mess I must say. I did two shelves on my bookcase with Halloween stuff. Top shelf I added pictures of past Halloweens of the boys. candy corn in jar and a few nick knacks. Bottom shelf I added some art I got from The House of Smiths. The skeletons in the jar are from Micheal's and the jar is from Dollar Tree. The spider shadow box idea I got from Bee in our Bonnet. (love her site)So I also had to share this cute pic of our puppy, Dasher, he wasn't sure who the other doggy in the mirror starring at him was. It was pretty funny to watch him.

I linked this post up to Clean & Scentsible

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

So the first two meals I didn't get to last week so I will try again this week. The Chicken with Gravy is more of a stand by. If we never get to it it is no big deal. So again these should get us through next weekend. If you are looking for more great menu ideas visit the OrjJunkie.

Chicken enchilada pasta

Chicken w/sauce, mashed potatoes, creamed corn

Fajita, Mexican rice

Homemade Chili over noodles (Cincinnati Chili)

Crock pot Tilapia, Gnocchi, broccoli

Roll up chicken, Succotash, 7 up Rolls

So this all turned out awesome. A few things I did differently to the Succotash was I did 3 T butter instead of 1. Did 1/2 C water and 1/2 sour cream (you could use cream too) instead of 1 C water.

My Crafty Day

2011-09-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

So I am really bad at wanting to make a craft and never doing it. And it always holiday type ones. This year I am making myself do them. Here are a few I did this last tuesday and below are the links of the lovely blogs I found them on.

Spider Plate

Spider Shadow Box

Pumpkin Jars

I have one more jar to do, but just haven't emptied it out yet, LOL. I am linking this over at Thirty Handmade Days.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my menu for the week. One night we have friends over for dinner and to watch Sons of Anarchy so I am not sure what we will have that night, but otherwise this will feed us till next week. YAY! So glad I have been keeping up on this menu planning thing it just makes my brain feel less stressed. LOL

Sunday BBQ side dish needed- Best Black Beans

Chicken w/ Mushroom Gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed corn

Chicken Enchilada pasta, small salad

Crockpot Broccolli Beef w/ Rice

Meatball Hashbrown Caaerole

Saturday Night BBQ at friends

I always put this up early, but it is cause Saturday is my plan and shop day. If you want a thousand other ideas check out Org. Junkie's Menu Plan Monday Link Party.

My First Grader

2011-09-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

First Grade
Mrs. Bathgate
Pine Crest Elementary

Can you believe he is in first grade? He did so good this year, no crying and he actually wanted to be there. LOL.

Put on paper for the world to see

2011-09-04T09:55:00.001-07:00

So it is that time of year, time for change not only am I changing my living room, but I think it is time for change in my life.

I am tired of feeling in the rut, with my weight, eating , tiredness, crafting, etc. I am not sure if it is the new school year that makes me feel like a new routine, kind of like the start of a new year.

My hubby made a comment yesterday that sparked some of this. He said that some of his t-shirts were to small. And I weigh more now then I ever have, but just have no motivation to do anything about it. So with him bringing it out there also I think it means our eating habits need to change and change now. So starting are next meal plan we will be eating healthier. Shh but don't tell him. Also my drinking habits too. No not alcohol, soda, coffee, etc. Time to switch to water and diet drinks (cause I don't know if I could give up my Dr.P).

I am hoping putting it here will help get me started and maybe if I start blogging more it will help. So I will be seeing you alot more I hope. (haha) We will see how well I do.

Change

2011-09-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

So I am changing the living room around. Not furniture wise, just color. This house is really dark and I know with fall and winter coming it is time to lighten things up a bit.
The wall is a blue, but I noticed from when my sister lived here they seem to lighten up a bit with lighter objects in the room. So I will be adding white, pinks, and hoping some birch wood. I am adding the birch to maybe keep it manly so my husband doesn't feel like he is walking into a single girls house. LOL. Plus I really myself don't want it to be to girly, but more outdoorsy.

Here is the living room now.

These are my pictures in my room I got from IKEA, I will be moving these above the mantel.Here are a few things I will add to the room. White frames, some birch accents, and pink items from IKEA.
So stay tuned and I will show you when it is all finished, just have to get a few more items before I can switch it around.

Chili Pork Burritos

2011-08-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

CHILI PORK BURRITOS

1 pound lean pork (I used Pork Loin roast, boneless) , cut into 1/2 inch to 1 inch pieces

1 small onion, cut in half and then cut into thin slices against the grain

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1-2 TBSP vegetable or olive oil

1 8-oz. can of tomato sauce

2 8oz. cans of water (just use the sauce can)

1 7-oz. can diced green chilis (not jalapenos!)

1 tsp Cumin

salt & pepper to taste

refried beans

flour tortillas (large size ones)

shredded cheese (optional)

Put the flour into a bag; add pork pieces and shake until all pieces are coated (you can add a little salt and pepper to the flour if desired). Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan; when oil is hot add pork pieces and onion, and saute over medium-high heat until pork is browned and onion are semi-soft, being careful not to burn the pork. Add the can of tomato sauce and 2 cans of water; stir to bring up the “crunchy bits” from the bottom of the pan. Add the can of diced chilis and cumin, salt & pepper to taste. Simmer for at least one hour over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and reduces by at least one-third to one-half.

To make burritos, warm the flour tortillas. Place a small amount of refried beans near one side of a tortilla, top with a large spoonful of the sauce (and cheese, if you are using it). Fold over the top, fold up the sides and then fold again to wrap everything up. Place on a plate and cover with two large spoonfuls of the sauce. If you want to take them on a picnic, add a little more sauce inside and skip the sauce on top.

I got the recipe from this site, but added on here my own changes. Which really was only adding cumin and less water.

My Organizing future

2011-08-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just love going through organizing blogs and seeing all the ideas they have. It is so inspiring and gets me all jazzed to organize something in the house. Some things I would like to organize in the next week or two-

-get all school areas ready (folder, bin,backpack, etc)
-The office cabinet in my craft room
-The rest of my refrigerator
-The craft room plastic containers
-Go through my 3 ring binder cookbook
-My household binder
-Getting better at menus
-Fall decorations (going through them and seeing what I want/need to buy)

I have been reading allot of blogs these last couple days to get inspired and pumped. Now not all of them are organizing blogs, some are crafty, decorating, menu or recipes. But they all are inspiring.
Here are some of them-

Simply 101
I'm an Organized Junkie
Life as Mom
Melissa's Bargains
Eighteen25
Landee See, Landee Do

Meal Plan Monday

2011-08-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

I didn't make much of what was on the menu last week, just never made it to the store so we ate what we had. Or I ran to the store at the last minute to buy something. But really need to work on that and get into the habit of it again just to expensive the other way and way more stressful.

My son, Colton, comes home for his first home pass on Sunday and that night I will make his favorite and then Monday is a BBQ for him before he goes back on Tuesday. So those days are scheduled otherwise I just plan meals and make what sounds good that morning.

-Cream Cheese Chicken (half way down page)

-Meatloaf, veggies, mac n Cheese

-French Dip sandwiches, Chips or fries

-Chili Pork burritos, Spanish rice

-Meet and greet BBQ at school (Thursday)

-Life Group potluck(Friday)

-Brushetta Bake (Sunday)

-BBQ (Monday)

Backpack Station dilemma

2011-08-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have a dilemma, I want to figure out where to have Wyatt put his backpack every day when he get home. Now you would think by his coat and the door would be the best place, but I started thinking. I will be taking it into the dinning room when he gets home to unpack it and take paperwork and homework out. So it seems like maybe that is where it should be hung. ???? Hmmm.

What do you think??

Organizing a mess

2011-08-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Laundry room organization= $5 Not to much of a change, but everything is hidden now. Plus there is some color in there now.

This is the room that is connected to the laundry room and it is closed off by a black curtain. It just holds alot of mess and stuff from parties I have had. It was time to organize and put stuff away where it should be.

So much better.

MPM

2011-08-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

So it is that time of year again. Time to start meal planning. I usually take the summer off since I never know what is going to happen.

But school starts here soon and I am going to start getting us all back on a schedule slowly. I am gonna start Wyatt back getting to bed earier, this week is 830, next week 8, and 730 the week after. So I figured this would be how I would start getting back in the swing of things, menus.

- Meatloaf, veggie, mac n cheese

-Italian beef, veggie, and either mashed potatoes or Gnocchi

-Chili Pork burritos, Mex rice

-Pan roasted sausage, peppers and potatoes, salad, bread

- Free night for something simple.

Camping

2011-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2011
We went camping last weekend with our friends from Life Group. Wyatt had so much fun playing on the swing with all the kids, shooting his new homemade bow and arrow, and learning to carve with a knife.

HAHA Derek on the swing.

My turn.

Beach Day

2011-08-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

The boys and I had a great day at the beach last week; the boys played in the water, built sand castles and Ryan buried Wyatt in the sand.

Bumble Bee Baby Shower

2011-06-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Thank you gifts.My sister Kim drew the pictures for the gifts. Here is a bee hive I made from a wicker pear I found at St.Vinney's. I painted it yellow and hot glued the little clay bees my sister and I made onto it.

The decorations.

I put bee stickers on the pom poms and lanterns.

The clay bees were also put onto wire and put in the flower bouquets.

The food all had a honey theme.

Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin, mashed potatoes. rolls with butter and honey. I also made lemonade and added honey to it, everyone loved it.

The cupcakes. I made fondant bees to place ontop.

Linked up to-

The Inspiration Board

Tip Junkie

So much to get done.

2011-06-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here ( 7 days by Wyatt's school calender, LOL) and it is time to figure how I am gonna fit the fun side and the work side in.
The fun side brings; parks, zoo trips, beaches, camping trips, play dates, etc.
The work side brings cleaning, organizing, party planning (that could go on both sides) and I also have a chance to help out in an office several times a week.
But how do I fit all this in a week.
Plus what makes it hard is alot of our fun trips depend on the weather. So if it super nice out some trips get planned at a spur of the moment.
Derek and I have decided for me to be a stay at home mom so I can be there with Wyatt (and the boys). Since he is now in school all day, summer is our time to be together and do fun things. But I have been doing a little extra side work to help out with bills. Which worked out great while Wyatt was in school, but now he will be out for the summer. So what to do.
Anyway thanks for listening to my rambling.

Moved in

2011-05-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

Linen Closet fully labeled.

Wyatt's room.

Living room. Dining room/Craft room/ My office
Kitchen.

So we are fully moved in. We have bought everything we need to make this house a home. Derek wouldn't rest until it was ALL done.

Will post a few more pics of the laundry room and boys room later.

Star Wars party is DONE!!

2011-05-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Some of the decorations I did. I hung paper chains, the silver star garlan and I made the black star garland. They were just black star cardboard cutouts that I got on clearance at Party city and then I sewed them into a garland. I made a star wall with black plastic tablecothes and I got the stars at OTC.

Everyone had a great time at the party.

After we ate and the kids played for ever we sang happy birthday and blew out the Darth Vader candle.Wyatt couldn't wait to open his presents. Seriously he asked every 15 minutes, LOL. I never did get a picture of Wyatt of the kids in thier costume, but I did get one of them all playing. And I am so glad it was nice out, they all got to play outside most of the time.I got this box from a friend. It was her couch box and then it was a pirate ship at her sons peter pan party. And today it turned into a star ship.The food table. I saw all these cool food tags on the internet. I am not usually one for labeling my food, but come on Yoda ears (pickle spears) how cute is that.
I also made these light sabers with melting chocolate and pretzels rods. They were a huge hit and all three dozen were eaten.

The table and centerpieces turned out great. We had the dark and light side tables. The centerpieces were Wyatt's drawings that I scanned and copied. The poor kid got tired of drawing though so I ended up mixing in a few silver and gold star wars labels.

The Cupcakes my good friend, Nette, made. She is also the one who made the popcorn cupcakes last year for his carnival party.

Star Wars gift bags

2011-04-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of the gift bags for Wyatt's Star Wars party tomorrow. They turned out super cute I think.
I started with a black bag from Oriental Trading Co. The bag was to tall though so I cute several inches off the top and then made new holes and restrung the handles. Wyatt wanted to help put the star stickers on, but that lasted long enough for 1 bag.
I did up the bags by family since there were alot of siblings gonna be there, but each bag has girl/boy items in them. Also everything I got was either on sale of clearance. Items in the bags our-
Star Wars puzzle from Dollar tree
Star glasses & necklace
Star Wars Silly bands (from valentines day)
Glow in dark braclet
Pixie Sticks (lightsabers)
Star Wars stickers and fruit snacks
Glow in the dark stars

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

So taking a break from Star Wars party stuff (it will return in the next post, LOL) I thought I'd share a few pic of our Easter.
We started the morning with the Easter basket of course (thanks Gma Marylee for the Clone Wars towel, he loved it) but that I must say wasn't the hit of the day.

This year the church rented out the local colleges Student Center. It was a packed house for sure.(The hit of the day was this)Then later in the grass outside they hosted a Easter egg hunt for all the kids. These were the eggs I helped stuff on one of the Craft nights for the ladies. I think we stuff over 2000 of them, so there was NO shortage of eggs for the kids for sure.Wyatt is using the milk jug basket he made at Kid's Craft day the day before.

It was an awesome day with friends and family (dinner later that night with Rick and Dani, tater tot nachos)

Wyatt's Drawings

2011-04-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

So Wyatt's loves to draw Star Wars pictures, here are a few of them. I have decided to use these as a centerpiece for his birthday Party. Anakin and Clone.

Red Clone

This is the furry guy that takes Luke.

This a Rolling droid, the dude with all the arms and someone else. He is sleeping or I would ask him, so you will just have to take my description. LOL

And the great Wookie, R2 and C3PO.

Obi and another Clone (think it is Rex)

So those are the ones he has drawn so far. He totally loves to draw and I haven't seen many drawings of 5 yo, but I don't think he is that bad. I know I know I am his mom or course I would think he is good. :)

Time to get busy

2011-04-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Very Excited we are getting closer to

Kid's Craft day

and Wyatt's Birthday Party.

This is going to be a busy and full 2 weeks. Because with these two things comes a long list of things that need to get done this week (kid's Craft day at the church is this Saturday) and then things that need to be done by next week for Wyatt's party (which is on Saturday the 30th)

Kids Craft Day

-I still need to buy all the left over items for craft day, long Micheals list

-Get rest of egg cartons from Candy

-Cut the egg cartons

-Cut paper for hand tracing

-Get people to help cut milk jugs

-get soil (see if Tomisha will do this)

-buy stuff for yogurt bar(maybe see if Jenn W. will do this)

-Make samples to display

-Set up for it Friday night after Good Friday Service

-Wyatt actually has Lowe's build and Grow that morning too

Wyatt's Star Wars Party

-Hand out invites today

-Scan Wyatt's pics

-Make centerpieces

-make paper chains

-Put label and stars on gift bags

-Package gift bags

-But roll of black table runner

-Make space ship out of large box

-Find out what food people are bringing

-Buy food (make list)

-Make food labels

-Make another star garland (found two more packs of stars)

I am sure there is more to add, but this is a good start for me. Also to add to these 4 housese to clean these weeks and helping Ester out at least once a week. I just need to print this out and get going on it. No slacking for me.

What do you have going on this week? Do you have any tips and how to stay sain in all this?

Easter baskets

2011-04-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

I really like doing themed baskets. I really wish I would have gotten a picture last year but he was to quick finding it. Is it sad also that I have to do some research to even find out what I got him. just have no clue what I got him I want to say it was crafty things, like markers and things. This year I am doing a outdoor fun basket it willl include a pair of sun glasses, water football, dirt hand shovel from IKEA, bubbles, water gun, bug viewfinder, and his grandma is sending him a Clone wars beach towel. I know he would probaly prefer Star wars items, but his birthday party is a week after and I am sure most of his presents will be Star Wars items. In 2009 he got a garden tool basket. It had a shovel, pick, hand tools, gloves, markers and bubbles.

I miss him this small :(

What kind of basket are you doing?? Do you do theme or just buy items?

Lists are my Friend

2011-04-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

So this week is gonna be very hectic and super busy. I have made several lists around the house so I hopefully won't forget anything. LOL
Monday
9-wyatt to school
920-interview for new house to clean
1030-help ester
330-pick wyatt up

Tuesday
9-wyatt to school
920-interview for new cleaning job
1030-help ester
330-pick wyatt up
6-BBQ w/friends

Wednesday
9-wyatt to school
130-pick wyatt up
200-wyatt are going to Target to make a birthday list
Place OTC order

Thursday
9-wyatt to school
930- help Ester
330-pick wyatt up

Friday
9-wyatt to school
12-clean house
330- pick wyatt up

Saturday
2-Wyatt has goes to SuperCross

So on top of all this of course the usual household things like; dishes,vacuum, sweep, cooking, laundry, etc.
-make star garland (use moms sewing machine)
-Print Wyatt's invites
-make labels for party food
-Call for oil change
-call DSHS
-make menu
-grocery shopping (poor dogs are out of dog food)
-get egg cartons from Candy
-Need to talk to ladies at church and get help with prepping for Kids Craft Day (April 23)

I really need to keep on this list, the next several weeks will all be like this with planning and having Wyatt's party and Kid's craft day, finding out and making the choice about the house, Easter Service, and planning Kylie's Farm Party. Planning and lists will hopefully make this easier and go smoothly.
Also my week while Wyatt is in school is gone, if I am not cleaning I will be with Ester and helping her out.

I need a change

2011-04-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

So I have the spring fever itch and I need to decorate something, paint something, plant something or rearrange something. You ever feel like that?

So I have been looking at making some changes in our house. One thing that I will be doing is Wyatt's room, finally getting rid of the last of the toddler stuff and going big boy. He really is in to Star Wars, but I try to just add little touches of it and keep everything else pretty neutral so it can be used with any theme.

The grandmas are getting him this desk for his birthday. In the shelves I will put his craft boxes and crayon buckets. And the nice thing about this desk is they have a bookshelf, dresser, hutch, nightstand, and head board to match so if later he has his own room we can get this stuff to match the desk.

I would love to get him a solar system to put in his room. I will also be putting glow in the dark stars up (they are a party favor for his birthday.) Now of course with adding the desk I will be having to rearrange his room to make it fit, but hey that is what I love. :)

Oh and OMG how cool is this, I found it at Pottery Barn. I have to get it. :)

Decorating your party

2011-04-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

In my quest for the perfectly decorated party I am seeing alot of new decorating ideas. I thought I would share them all in one post and see what you all think and see if maybe you have some new ideas.

This idea was cute, just running strips of paper through your sewing machine.

Here they just cut slits into crepe paper. A great idea.

Of course this idea has been really popular this last year, the tissue paper pom pom (how to link). And the lanterns were purchased at Party City for $5

I love this idea of a zig zag streamer. So easy and quick just cutting construction paper.

I thought this was a cute idea covering a balloon with paste and string.

And the newest trend I am seeing around the Internet is paper chains, yes you heard me right those simple cheap things we used to make when we were kids. They look super cute though right.

And of course one of the biggest trends of all banners and candy bars.

You have any ideas you have done or seen I would love to see them.

Coram Deo Kids Crafts Days

2011-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

So I have this great friend Nette, when I met her she was a nanny to her nieces. She loves to craft with kids so every month she would host a craft day at her house and all the kids loved it. Nette always had a dream to host a BIG craft day for all the kids in the neighborhood, since her house can only hold so many. This was my dream to so we were a perfect match. I ~~pushed~~ encouraged and helped her to do it back in August last year at our church. See the girls were getting older and their mom wanted them to head to preschool. So Nette was gonna head back to school which meant no more craft days. So we now are doing less of them, but added 30 plus kids. LOL. Yes we are crazy. Our friend Tomisha also helped in this task.

First we pick a day and theme. August was a End of Summer/back to school one. We have also done a fall and Christmas . In February we hosted a Love one for Valentines day, but there are no pics for this one. It was actually one of are busiest. We had 40 kids and 35 adults.

At the end of April we are hosting a spring time one with lost of Easter and spring crafts. We have lots of great ideas already.

-We are going to get these pots (they are only .49, which is great since I have to buy 40 of them)from IKEA and have the kids plants flower seeds.

-Are church the next day will have church service and an egg hunt so we are gong to have the kids make baskets out of milk jugs.

-We will make butterflies with eggs cartons. that is a great easy one. The kids will you water colors to paint the wings instead of regular paint.

-We found this great project making an empty tomb with a paper plate.

-Last is this handprint cross. So the plan is set now it is time to start buying and prepping. I hope to see you there.

All around town

2011-03-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

I am loving driving around town right now. Cherry bloosoms every where.

Which makes me think I need to buy or make some to put up around the house.

To bad I will never have a girl so I could do it for a theme for the room. But instead I just need to get my tatoo so I can enjoy them all year round.

I just love cherry blossoms!!!

Princess Party

2011-03-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

So I was asked by a friend, Etta, to plan her daughter 4th Birthday party. They wanted a princess party with lots of pink and purple. Which for a mom with no girls it was so nice to do. Here are some pics of the decorations. Wish I could have done more, but with such a big space and limited money I did my best and she loved it so I am super happy.

This was the crown craft table where the kids got to decorate their own crown.

The food and cake tables. I had a friend make wand cookies for everyone to take home.The Birthday Girl.My friend and also Aunt of the birthday girl made the cake and cupcakes. (she is also the one who made the popcorn cupcakes for my son Wyatt's carnival party) Here is the dress up area, There was lots of dress up and play time.The wands were from Oriental trading Co and I made the swords. The boys had a ton of fun with swords.

Dasher loves ballooons

2011-03-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Dixie on the other hand DOES NOT!

This weeks To Dos

2011-03-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

edited 03/16
So it is almost the day of the Princess Party (March 19). Time to make a list of all the little things that are left to do and all my house weekly things that also have to be done.

~~Buy another cute jar for candy table.~~ Don't need to, my sister had one.
~~Make pink and white covered pretzels.~~
~~Make 2 purple tissue paper pom poms.~~
~~Finish big centerpiece.~~
Finish Crown Banner- find ribbon, cut paste word Princess
Get stand up mirror from friend.
~~Buy stuff from Party City- candy, lanterns, big plates and napkins, and order balloons.~~
~~Make bags.~~
~~Put together bags.~~
Get key form Candy for CC.
Friday decorate Community Center.

~~Go to Ikea with Dani.~~
Call for Oil Change.
grocery shop for week.
Clean Bremerton and Tahuya house on Thursday.

And then of course during the week added to it will be dishes, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, etc. LOL

Ladies Craft Night

2011-03-10T13:12:00.001-08:00

So last month at our Ladies Craft Night at church I did two layouts, sorry it took so long to post.

Figured I should post these since tomorrow night is another craft night, LOL.

Wish these wouldn't be so bringht, but I really need a new camera.

Knight Swords

2011-03-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

So I finished the swords for the Princess Party. I got for free 5 gl and 1 gl stir sticks from the paint store. Duck tape and black electrical tape for less than $5 with coupons. These were really easy to make. I decided to use tape instead of paint, because I didn't want to spend the time sanding. I applies the metallic tape the long way as to not waste it wrapping it around the other way. I then hot glued a a cut 1 gl stick to the 5 gl one and wrapped it with black electrical tape.
The boys are gonna love these.

You can also check out the gift bags I made here, the centerpieces here, and the invites here.

Check out this site for more great ideas.

My kind of week

2011-03-06T03:58:00.001-08:00

So this week is gonna be super busy, but it's totally my kind of week. I have a ton of stuff i ~~want~~ need to get done. Seems I feel so much more productive (and really do like) when I am kept busy. Don't get me wrong I do LOVE my lazy days too. LOL. BUT I do crash hard if I try to do to much in a small amount of time. I then have trouble getting back into the swing of things. Hence the no meal planning for like the last 3 months. It all just has to be proportioned out right.
I have several things coming up, Saturday is my House party so I really want to finish going through the house and getting stuff sorted, picked up and cleaned (maybe a little spring cleaning). And I still have lots I want to do for the Princess Birthday party in 2 weeks. So I need a good list of what needs to get done and what is going on so I don't get forgetful or lost.

Sunday
Church
Derek is helping friend building ramp
Grocery Shopping?
Dinner- Chorizo Stuffed Peppers

Monday
Make centerpieces w/ Jenefer & Tomisha
get white table cloth from mom's
Dinner- Salad w/ Chicken

Tuesday
Make pom poms For Princess party
Finish up Crown Banner for P. party
Dinner- Fiesta Barley Casserole, french Bread

Wednesday
Wyatt half day out 130
Clean bathroom (all)
Clean oven
Make gift bags for House Party
Dinner- Pulled Pork sandwiches, Sweet potato fries (crockpot)

Thursday
Clean 2 houses (Belfair & Etta)
Life Group? Dinner?

Friday
Wyatt half day out 130
Shop for food for House Party
Clean MY house
Derek get Colton
Ladies Craft Night at church 6pm (relax) Bring snack
Dinner- Boys fend for selves, I will eat at Craft Night

Saturday
MY Birthday (woo hoo)
Cook and set up for party (doing 4 dishes)
3pm Philly House Party
Dinner- No cooking for me :)

With all that there are some things that don't have a particular day, but need to get done.
-Grocery List
-Figure out 4 meals for House Party
-Pay IRS
-Appt. for oil Change
-clip dogs nails
-Grocery Shop
-Run to Micheals for gems (use coupon)
-Target-get necklaces on clearance rack for Wyatt's party (yes I know this is early,but they only had 3 left and I need two, got to get them while they are cheap and there)
-Party City for lanterns
-Find the glitter that I need to finish crowns for centerpieces
-Finish knight swords

Princess Centerpieces

2011-03-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

I have come to find that I do very well if I have awhile to plan parties. I am one of those that has to think and try out several different ideas until I have exactly what I want to do. Until I love it. I kind of knew what I wanted but it took me alost a week to get it just right.
Again just like the bags I used Dollar tree (balloon weights), Target dollar spot (pails) and coupons (Styrofoam balls at Joanns). The wands, crown and flowers I actually borrowed from my friend Candy who is throwing a princess party in a month. So she let me use them and then she will use my centerpieces in trade. Great way to save money.
Here is the finish product.

Final cost for 6 of them was under $20. The pails cost the most at $1 each.
Now I just have 5 more to put together.

Princess Party Gift bags

2011-03-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

So I had to find a way to make a boy and girl bag form this party. Really wish I could have found more knight stuff (like pencil and stickers), but what I found I think they will enjoy.

The girls will get a princess pencil and eraser, heart chalk, bracelets and ring and pearl like necklace (these two last items will actually be set by a stand up mirror so they can play dress up).
The bag is a die cut from our local scrapbook store and I made the tag from a picture I found online. As well as the same as the boys bag.

With the boys bag I went with a darker purple. They received chalk, bubbles and they will each get 2 knight characters (either a dragon, knight, or horse).
Funny story with the knights characters, my sister and I hit 4 or 5 stores searching for something knight related and found a tube of them at Joann's. We were super excited about it after half an afternoon of looking. I found alot of this stuff clearance, at Dollar tree or used a coupon. For 24 bags it only cost me about $50. Which isn't bad, less than $2 a bag. You can't buy that at any party store online.

Princess Party Invites

2011-03-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Lots of crafting going on for the Princess Party.My sister, Kim, drew the picture for me. I then inserted the pic in Word and put a text box over the pic to enter all the wording. I then glittered the castle tops, flags and girls dress.AND theeeen... (remember from Dude where's my car)LOL. No really I then stapled a ribbon onto top so you can pull it out of the envelope.Now the envelopes are a whole nother story in themselves. My sister and I searched all over and couldn't find an envelope the size I needed. then she saw a long skinny one and had teh idea to cut it in half. It worked perfect.

2011-02-27T18:48:00.001-08:00

Birthday Tickers

#600...

2011-02-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

and a bit of randomness.

So this is my 600th post, Wow not bad, and you are gonna get a bit of randomness today.

I am so not in tune with my house right now. You know that feeling when you just love your house and love hanging out there. Whether it just be to craft, watch tv, cook, or heck even just clean. But no matter what you are doing you are happy you are home, you are comfortable. I am so not there right now. Not sure why.

So yes this is all I had to say. LOL. Though maybe if I got it down it would take me out of my house funk.

What we're reading now!

2011-02-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

So Wyatt has moved on to books with no pictures, just the ones in his head. We went to the library on Wednesday after school and he went straight for the Star Wars chapter books. Not sure how he knew where they were, but we picked one out and brought it home. He picked no other picture books, just this one. So every night we are reading a chapter and a few extras in between too.
Dasher has to get in on the action too. The puppy loves to walk on our laptops like they aren't even there.

Star Wars Party Ideas

2011-02-22T10:22:00.001-08:00

So I am going to do something like this at the party. But my stars will just be big silver foil ones. Not sure if they will be made or if I will buy them. I love this idea of the black cups and colored stars, might even try to get stars that the kids can keep. Like the curly one.

And of course I will be having Nette make a R2D2 cake. Have to have that.

I would love to find enough wrapping paper rolls to make these light sabers.

I love this idea, Yoda Soda. Sprite and green sherbet. Will have to go into a big punch bowl so you can see the cool green. We'll see though.

Ok and the biggest thing is I would love to find one of the guys to dress up like Darth Vadar and come visit, but we will see on cost.

Party Ideas

2011-02-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

So here are some ideas I have found online for the princess parties.

I also want to put a pink curtain up on the main door, there will be lots of ballons too. I need to get moving on the centerpeices and figure out what I am gonna do. I have some ideas, but sure they will change as I am putting them together.

Lots of planning

2011-02-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of lots and lots of planning. Right now I am planning for 4 parties plus one.

-Princess 4th birthday on March 19

-Philly Cooking Creme House Party on March 12

-Wyatt's Star Wars 6th Birthday Party in May

-Helping wiht Summer's Princess Party in May

-Plus Spring Break is coming up

-And a Surprise hopefully in the works, not sure yet though if it will work

My Philly House Party will be here at the house and I am hoping for 15-20 ladies to attend. With this comes alot of stuff- I will be precooking and figuring out what I want to make, making gift bags to hand out to the ladies (the company sends me stuff to hand out, but I will also have some stuff of my own to add), cooking for the party, and doing so house cleaning. And with all those ladies coming to my hosue it makes me want to go through the house. People coming over always gets me inspired to purge and do some magor cleaning. I love it, I really really do. It doesn't seem like a chore for me then when then end result is sharing my home.
Now there is no way I would probably ever be motivated enough to do it otherwise. LOL. Yes I am wierd I know.

Lots of ideas and thoughts going on with planning the Star Wars and Princess parties, will keep you posted as I get things done and find pics.

A little bit of Randomness

2011-02-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

It is so windy out today. Very sunny though too. It looks all nice out, but it is very deceiving this weather. When you walk out side it is brrrr cold. My computer says it is 39. ya that is cold. And the wind gusts aren't helping any either.

So I was excepted to host a House party for Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cooking Creams. Very excited- one because the party will be on my birthday and two because they are sending lots of fun stuff for me (the host) and my guests. I am already thinking of other fun stuff to put in the guest bags. Any ideas please share!?! More randomness...
Isn't he the cutest ever. Dasher has gotten so big since he came to stay on Christmas. He is such a cuddler. He will follow me around the house and then whine at the couch when he wants me to sit so he can snuggle. Right now both doggies are asleep at my feet on the bed while I type this. I will say one thing that gets old is all the playing, LOL. Dasher can get pretty loud. The two of them play so well together. It just seems like if I am in the room they have to be leaning against me while they play, so I get the occasional head butt on the shins or teeth stabbed into my legs.
Otherwise life is still going on. Even with all our issues we are having right now, life still happens and we are just strengthening our relationship with God and each other.

I finished two layouts last night at our Church's Ladies Craft Night so I will post those after I do a few more layouts tonight.

retreat layouts

2011-02-13T10:21:00.001-08:00

Here are the layouts I finished on my retreat a few weeks ago. I had so much fun and can't wait for next year already. Might have to find one in the summer to tide me over for a while.

Real Men wear aprons was done using Little Yellow Bicycle.

Used Dear Lizzy rose ribbon on this Emma layout, also some Heidi Swap and Thickers.

I just loved using American Crafts Dear Lizzy Christmas products on these three layouts. I think all my Chritmas layouts have Diear Lizzy on them.

Used Echo Parks Products on these last two layouts.

Almost time!

2011-01-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

4 more days and I am off on a 4 day weekend of scrapbooking. I am hoping to gets lots done. My goal is all of 2010. Yup that is right. Last year I did 20. Not sure how many I have prepped for this weekend, but I know it is more than 20.

Here's to hoping my weekend is a productive one.

new and next year...

2010-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

So Derek has really been into starting new traditions this year. he was very persistent. So of course for him it had to be about food. One word.

Gravy...

A meal on Christmas day will have some form of gravy on it. Yes I am serious, and if you know my husband at all you KNOW i am serious. LOL. This year we had biscuits and gravy (even the doggies got in on it)

He really wanted to have country fried steaks, but I guess this is what happens when you decide to do this tradition at 9 pm on Christmas eve and all stores are closed (except Jack in the box). We decided to that is won't be just one meal it will include anything with gravy in it.

Also a few things I want to remember for next year-

1. I want to do an advent calender.

2. Make my Christams cards in November. Waiting till December means they go out to late.

3. Still didn't make it to Zoo lights, maybe next year.

4. Outside lights, lots more. Dave talked about having a contest between all of us friends to see who has the better lights.

What kind of new things would you like to do next year?

I would love to be like you

2010-12-18T00:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just wanted to be like someone else. Now don't get me wrong I love who I am, but I would love to...

dress, Decorate my house and be as cute as Serena from Farm Chicks.

scrapbook and be brave enough to hunt (yes hunt, Derek would love that) like Megan K.

have a cute scrapbook line like Elizabeth K.

Would love to be as busy and clean as well as the Merry Maids.

give great Organizational tips on my blog like her.

look as good in tattoos and dress like Kimi (my sister)

be as crunchy as my sister, Beth.

cook as well as The Pioneer Woman as often as she does.

be as thrifty and as Collin from Hip2Save.

I just look at these people and am like I wish I was more like them. Do you ever feel like that. Like you could be doing more. hmmm thanks for listening and I really hope to be on here more come the new year.

Christmas Cone trees

2010-12-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

So this last few weeks I made a few Cone trees. Here is my white pom pom cone tree and my ribbon cone tree (the red pom pom, my sister Jenefer made for me).And then just to share 2 years ago I made this button cone tree. Still one of my favorites.

Thanks for stopping by. What have you made this year, share yours in the comments for me to see.

Excited for the month to come

2010-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

I love December, just as much as the summer time. All the planning of things we want to do, enjoying family time and the season.
I have lots on my December To Dos-

-Zoo lights
-mail cmas cards
-go sledding
-see Santa
-Clear Creek Nursery to see the camel, Santa and reindeer
-make a snowman with Wyatt
-build a ginger bread house
-finish decorating the church
-have a cmas party for the kids
-my 3rd annual wrapping party
-My my get together Chex football party on this Monday
-cookie exchange
-have to have a ladies craft night
-a few friends house for holiday parties
-make some Christmas treats

I am sure there is more, but that is all I can think of right now.
What do you have planned this season?

Advent Calenders ideas

2010-11-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to make a Advent calender for Wyatt. All other years I just find lots of stuff to do and we do them and that is it, but I thought it might be fun for him to pick something everyday. Just another memory I guess.

So I have been looking for different ideas that you could put into it and their our lots so I thought I would compile all I could find into this one post.

-Write letters to Santa.

-Watch 'It's a Wonderful Life'

-Put up indoor decorations, but leave tree for another day.

-Decorate the yard, porch and any other outside areas of your home for the holidays.

-Take food to the local food pantry or shelter.

-Buy a gift for a needy child or family.

-Make Christmas cookies. Make sure to make enough for family and friends.

-Get your tree and if you use a live one put up and decorate your tree.

-Read from the bible the Angel visits Mary. (Mark 1: 1-8)

-Go Christmas Shopping.

-Make cinnamon apple sauce ornaments.

-String popcorn to hang on your tree.

-Wrap Christmas presents.

-Deliver Christmas gifts.

-Drive around town and look at Christmas lights.

-Go Christmas caroling.

-Watch 'The Nativity' together.

-Build a snowman.

-Go sledding.

-Read a Christmas book

-Make gifts for friends

-Color a Christmas picture.

-Make and decorate the house with snowflakes.

-Draw a Christmas picture.

-Make or buy your Christmas cards.

-Stuff envelopes and mail Christmas cards.

-Watch a Christmas movie or show

-Eat a candy cane

-Take a picture in Santa hats.

-Read the Christmas story.

-Do something kind for someone today.

-Go to your local Zoo lights

-Go sledding.

-Decorate Gingerbread houses.

-Visit Santa.

-Take a bath with Christmas confetti.

-Host a Christmas party.

-Host a kids craft day.

-Learn about how another country celebrates Christmas and eat foods from that country.

-Play a game together while having Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

Check out this site for some cute Advent calender ideas. Here's another cute one from Lazy Mom. Here is a cute baker inspired one from nesting project. Another one How does she. Here is the one I made in 2008. Mine isn't so much a advent calender as more of just a count down, but this year I will put slips of paper under the magnets for Wyatt to find.

Do you have a calender or our you planning on making one this season? Would love to see them. Or if you have any more ideas to add to the list please let me know them.

All things STAR WARS

2010-11-20T22:17:00.000-08:00

So if you remember Wyatt just many months ago was all things Thomas the train (here is a layout I did about it). This all changed when his friend Connor intoduced him into Star Wars. Thomas then fell off the tracks poor guy. Wyatt had, toys, shoes, lunch boxes, blankets, cups, back packs, lantern, clothes, bed sheets, heck if they sold it I think he had most of it.

But now we have hit that stride with Star Wars. Most days he is wearing a star wars shirt, he has toys, star wars legos, poster, all the movies, a few books, bed sheets, halloween costume, lunch box, light sabers and the newest member of the family a Bulid a Bear Star Wars character. He loves this guy.

Not sure what else we can buy, but I am sure he will find it. I will say one thing at least, all his items wheather they were Thomas or Star Wars, he has gottn his use out of them all. Nothing has ever just sat around.

Christmas craft ideas

2010-11-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again, time to start thinking of the things I want to make for our house for the holidays. In the past I have made a button tree, Believe ornament swag and a December calender using a cookie sheet. So what to do this year?? Here are a few ideas.

Here is a picture of a beaded snowflake, kind of what I want to do, but not exactly. I am going to make a ton of these and hang in different lenghts on my big kitchen windows. I think. (won't be using sports these though, only pic I could find I liked.

I thought Wyatt could make this bow wreath himself for his bedroom or our bathroom door.

I would love to make this yo yo tree, might see if my mom could help with this one.

FALLing back into blogging

2010-11-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed the nice warm fall weather by jumping in the leaves.Here is Dixie running around in the leaves. She was pretty funny and wild, didn't stop running in circles for like 10 minutes, just around and around.How big he has gotten. Here he is in Oct. 2007 enjoying the same tree. What a cutie.

It has been a long time since I blogged last and a real long time since I shared pics of Wyatt. Facebook has turned me, I know, it is just so easy to post pics on there for all to see.

Tonight though I looked though all my past blog post, a trip down memory lane you might say and it made me realize that this blog is our online scrapbook. There are things on here I can't see in my scrapbooks, video of Wyatt counting to 6 or playing peek a boo. I really do love looking back and see what was happening last year at this time.

Hope you enjoy the newest pics and you WILL see me again very soon.

This weeks Homework- mail pile

2010-10-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

I can only help so much in organizing your house, I believe there are some things that need to be done by you, homework I like to call it. I just can't go through that mail stack, junk drawer, toy chest, or those kitchen gadgets. I can't know what you want to keep or throw away, only you do. So while organizing I will ask my clients to do homework till the next time I come.
I figured not everyone is close enough to have me come help them or just can't do it. So I thought I could start a weekly homework to share with everyone to help them start getting organized and clutter free. I can't tell you how nice it is to only have in my house what I need, nothing extra.
So this weeks homework is to go through that mail stack, you know the one sitting on your counter taking up space. We all have those spots were all your mail, magazines, school notes and junk goes. I will admit I have one too. Mine is a tray given to me by my mother in law. It started as my coupon spot, but now holds all kinds of stuff. So every few weeks I go through it and do some purging of expired coupons and such.
One thing that usually doesn't sit in there is mail. Everyday when I pick up the mail I go through it and I urge you to also. Don't just stack it up, GO THROUGH IT DAILY. Put your bills where they go. Put junk in the recycle bin. And hang up any invites or things you need to see on your command center.
Have any questions please let me know and I can't wait to see what how you do. Find me on Facebook over at MY mission is YOUR organization.

MY mission is YOUR organization

2010-10-04T10:13:00.001-07:00

I have started a new Facebook page, MY mission is YOUR organization.

I have gotten my house so organized there is nothing left to do so I am taking a run at helping others get their houses organized. Also this includes some house cleaning.

So stop by and become a fan.

Riding is like...

2010-10-02T11:20:00.001-07:00

On a long ride if I was in a car I would be looking at facebook on my phone or texting one of my sister, but on the back of the bike I just have lots of time to think. Like..

How riding is like taking a hike with out all the walking. I have seen the scenery so close it is just nothing like riding in the car. No steel and windows in your way.

Now don't get me wrong this brings up a con about riding. When in the car you can chit chat and laugh with your friends. I do miss this while on the bike. Yes we have special signals and I am getting really good at charades. But it jsut isn't the same.

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

A good day for Wyatt, but not the mom. I didn't cry, but did get a little sad to see him walk into the school and leave outside alone. I will miss him and can't wait to pick him up and hear all about his day.

Walking to bus stop.

Wyatt's new friend that is at his bus stop, he also is in kindergarten just not the same class.They got a quick play on the playground beofre it was time to line up.In line. I think Wyatt got a littel nervous as the realization started to set in, he kept asking me for one more hug.Finding his seat. I got a few pics in before the teacher shut the door on us parents staring in.

Meet and Greet

2010-08-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Wyatt had his meet and greet at school. His normal teacher wasn't there because she is recovering from surgery, but we meet his substitute. Wyatt is very excited about starting school.

Change means Organizing

2010-08-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

I love that my blog can be my soap box and journal at the same time.

So sad that summer is almost over. Lots of changes gonna happen in the next few weeks. Yes I know change always happens and can be good, but doesn't mean i have to like it. Change can be scary and I have never liked it, even had problems as a kid with it.
Funny thing is when it does all happen and we get in the swing of things I know I will love it, but thinking about it scares me.

Wyatt will be starting all day kindergarten on Sept.1. I am a little scared for him, that is a long day for a kid that age, i think. Plus he is a grazer when it comes to eating and seems to do better attitude wise when he does eat like this and am a little worried about it.

Also with Wyatt being gone all day I don't have enough here to keep me busy, so I will be getting a part time job. I probably could find enough to keep me busy. I will still be doing all the house chores (Derek's job is to hard, long and stressful for him to be any help), volunteering at Wyatt's school and wanting to help out more at the church (I did sign up to help teach his Sunday school class once a month). The job will just part time so I will be able to be home when Wyatt gets home. That was very important to me, being the first person he talks to after school. Man I am going to be one busy lady. A stay at home mom in one sense and a working mom in the other. I guess only if you can consider 15-20 hours or so a week working.

So any way I know with the grace from god I can and will make it through all these changes and one way I do this is by organizing. Not sure why, but it always helps me cope with change. So I am now starting on a Command Central on my fridge. It will have our calendar, school calender, menu, and any invites. I did kind of have this before just with out all the calendars. Post finished pics later.

It's coming...

2010-08-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

Christmas Countdown - Christmas Layouts

I know I know it is to early to think about Christmas coming, but if you don't the next thing you know it is right around the corner and smacking you upside the head. Here is a great site, Organized Christmas, with lots of Organizational ideas and calenders to help start planning this upcoming event.

Not only that but if you are a planner they have printable calendars all the way till Dec. 2011.

Mark one off the list

2010-08-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

July 23- Wyatt convinced daddy to camp outside with him. Poor daddy didn't get any sleep with the next door dog barking all night and the mice in the garage fighting over my bird seed.

Wyatt swims

2010-07-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

OK here is a repost, this one should work ok.

Wyatt swimming

2010-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun

2010-07-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Wow I haven't been on here in forever, I think it is because it is so much easier to upload pics to facebook for everyone to see. I will try to be better though.

We are having the best busy summer so far. Wyatt told me the other day that 'I am the best mom and he was having a fun summer'. Him noticing and having fun makes it all worth it.

We have-

camped
seen a movie
gone to the zoo twice
been to the beach twice (once with his brothers)
gone to a movie with his brothers
been to the fountain park
played on the slip n slide
gone to the park
played miniture golf
We have had lots of BBQs with friends
Scrapbooked at a crop
Went to a fun 4th of July party and watched fireworks
I got to go on a bike ride wiht Derek and friends (loved it)
We are now just hanging out with my sister and their kids

Our WANT TO STILL TO LIST-

Seattle Zoo
See Toys Story 3 with wyatt
more zoo trips to tacoma
Drive In
Over night bike trip with Derek
We still need to go out on the boat
Wyatt wants to campout in the backyard one night
love to get girls together for a day of scrapping
camping trip on east side so boys can go
And lots more fun adventures with our friends

This is want I wanted summer to be like, no sitting around in the house to much, no hearing I am bored. Which of course still happens on the days we don't do anything because we are so worn out, LOL.
Hope you are enjoying your summer.

A few new layouts

2010-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I did this layout for Derek for his first ride using The Story Matters June sketch. I used the Little yellow bicycle gear die cut sheet and punched it out wiht a 3 in circle. I also used the stamp I got in my new Studio Calico kit. Love this.

I did this layout using the Echo Park Paper Sweet Summertime line. I got the idea for the layout from Creating Keepsakes July/Aug. 2010 pg.47.

Water slide

2010-06-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

Wyatt had a GREAT idea (that is how he says it I have a great idea..) He wanted to play in the water yesterday and he decided to make a water slide out of it. He had alot of fun.

Dixie loves to lay in the sun.

Playdate #2

2010-06-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last week Wyatt and I joined the Ormond family at Scenic Beach in Seabeck. It wasn't as warm as we hoped it was gonna be, but the kids had alot of fun digging in the sand/rocks.
We actually stopped and picked up our friend Summer and brought her too so she wouldn't have to spend the day in day care. She was very happy.This is a log cabin they have down there that the kids can play in. We also let them play at the park for a few minutes too. All in all it was a good play date.
Last week was actually pretty busy for us, Wyatt had three play dates that week. Monday he went to his friend Connors house, Wednesday the beach and Summer came back to play the rest of the day, then Thursday we watched his friend Ethan for the afternoon. Wyatt loved every minute of it all.

Sad and Happy Day

2010-06-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

The layout idea is from a mixture of things- I used Studio Calico's sunday sketch and several elements from Megan's work. (love her stuff) Not sure if you can see it, but I mixed a few colors of paint with glitter. Cut out clouds and painted over them with my paint mixture. The glitter gives it a nice hint of sparkle.

I used paper from teh Sweet Summertime line from Echo Park Paper Co.

Journaling reads- You woke up in the morning to find your caterpillar in a cocoon. YOu were not very happy and said you wanted it back. "I like my caterpillar"

Fountain park

2010-05-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was such a nice hot day so several of us from Wyatt's preschool decided to head down to the fountain park and let the kids play. The kids had alot of fun. Wyatt and the boys from school trying to climb up the big rock and watch the ferry come in. Ethan, Bubba, Wyatt and John.

Wyatt, Jon and Bubba.

Wyatt didn't realize that the volcano was gonna go off. He ran up to touch it and then ran off very quickly.

Finished product

2010-05-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is Wyatt on the second day chipping away.Here is Wyatt and daddy putting the dinosaur together. We spread this out over 3 days just to give Wyatt and Derek a little something to do every night.What a discovery!!!Here is a video of Wyatt and daddy doing a little discovering. Wyatt had his Star Wars birthday card playing in the background, he said they need a theme song while they worked.

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The Dinosaur finder.

2010-05-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party Tuesday at Chuck E Cheese. We brought with us all of Wyatt's receipts we have been saving since his 4th birthday party there. We had 1590 points to spend and Wyatt picked out this Dinosaur Excavation Kit. So him and daddy put on their work goggles and started picking away.

Wyatt loves using the little brush that comes with it. The hammer has a pretty short handle so daddy has had to do most of the hammering.

They are having alot of fun and it may take a few days, but we are excited to find all the bones and put the dinosaur together.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-05-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

- Italian Meatball sandwich Casserole

-Bulgar beef casserole, salad

-Stuffed buffalo Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans

-Taco pasta, salad

-Pork steaks, brocolli, side dish?

-Chili Dogs (wed. night Ultimate fight night Sharie and dave come over that night so we share items in the meal)

Wow 3 in. in a year

2010-05-04T10:40:00.001-07:00

Wyatt has gaied 2 lbs and grown 3 inches since last year. Happy Birthday my big boy!!

Wyatt's carnival Party

2010-05-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

The birthday Boy!

Everyone was a good sport wearing the clown nose.

We had a Wyatt's party at a Community Center a friend of mine works for. It is an awesome place, it has a kitchen and lots of room. We actaully do most of our parties here. Alot of my decorations I got from Oriental Trading Co.

I made these signs wiht cardboard and some paint.I think Wyatt was in shock when he walked in.

My mom made this awesome striped curtain to hook on the front door.The place look awesome. I had lots of help from some great friends. We used the big rolls of plastic table cloth to make tent like top from the ceiling.Not sure if you can see on the walls, but I ordered old circus posters form a website. And they were only $4 each. Awesome price. Not sure if you can see in the pics, but the centerpieces were metal buckets with pin wheels in them surronded by peanuts. They turned out super cute. Here is a link to a better picture of them.Our buddy Matt who lives down the road from the community Center brought his tractor down and gave all the kids a hay ride. It went over very well, they all loved it.We had lots of games set up for the kids to play. Some home made other bought at Party City. The signs were also from Party City.I got a 5x7 picture from each of Wyatt's past birthdays and had them on display. So sad and happy to see him growing so much. :)The presant table. We also had circus music playing in the back ground.My parents brought there grill out and Ezra was nice enough to cook up the burgers and dogs.

I taped red crepe paper to a white plastic table cloth for the food table. And everyone was so nice and all offered to bring a side dish to share. This helped alot on cutting cost.

We had a huge candy table. The ferris wheel I ordered of Hobby Lobby website and alot of the candy came from the dollar tree. The awesome popcorn cupcakes my friend Nette made. The red and white wrappers are the Oriental trading co. and she had the popcorn label made at staples.
I got the gift boxes from Oriental Trading Co. and the favors are from party City and the suckers where also from OTC. I filled littel ziplock bags at the end of the party and put the candy in the kids gift boxes. Here is all what Wyatt got. Are day was as big as this pile.

Here is a link to one of my posts with some of my inspirational ideas while I was plannign the party and some things that I did use. Like the napkins and plates and invite. Enjoy and have a look around.

2010-05-03T13:29:00.001-07:00

Wyatt got this Star wars card from Brian, for his birthday, it plays the theme song. So I showed him how he could play it and play with his light saber and listen to the music (yesterday he was humming the song). So I caught him doing this this morning.

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