New Upcycle Ideas 796
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Showing posts with label pinterest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pinterest. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. tylenol, advil, inhalers...
Oh yes, the Stuffs of the Holidays. We have been dealing with colds and flus for over three weeks now. It's getting frustrating. I have been worried more than once, and praying for direction and wisdom in dealing with kids' illnesses, but thankfully things haven't gotten worse. I am thankful that we have been able to deal with things at home and haven't needed intervention. (other than a doctor's visit to confirm that things didn't need more serious medical attention)
2. nebulizer
I am so very thankful for our nebulizer. This was purchased many years ago and it has come in handy so many times. I like to think that it has kept us out of the ER a few times too.
I wasn't happy that I had to pull it out for Kai this week though, but I was thankful that we had it and it was an option that could help.
3. Painting
The Youngers spent some of their afternoon painting....while still in the pjs. I love the colours they pull out and the work they do, even if it is it mostly scribbles still.
I am thankful for creativity and for distractions and enthusiasm to be artsy!
4. Somewhat normal
I am thankful that even though I had to call in a Sick Day when the kids were supposed to be returning to school, we managed to have a Somewhat Normal day the next day. Where two of the four made it to school! It's a start!
5. Quick Visits
I am thankful for friends who call ahead and ask to stop by. It is always nice to see friends; especially if you have been stuck indoors with sickies for a while. I am also thankful for the warning as it gave me just enough time for a quick clean up, which means I am also thankful for energy to clean, and for well-enough kids to help out.
6. Quiet Time Outs
I am thankful for a husband who knows when I need a break and time out, like I did this week. I have been a *bit* stressed and frustrated with not enough sleep, too much asthma, toddler tantrums, and thinking too much, and my own attitude sucked. I am not thankful for that! But I am thankful that I was able to go out and let my Hunny take care of bedtimes and walk around Walmart for a few hours in quiet.
7. Prep work
I spent some of my free time distracting myself from other stuff (read: housework. It doesn't end, I can't fight it, sometimes I just give up on it!) and painted and prepped for an upcoming craft fair. I'm slightly excited, but mostly freaking out!
8. Pinterest
Yes, I am thankful for this website. It is seriously addicting and a great time-waster and an easy way to avoid doing things you should be doing! (read: housework...refer to #7) But I am mostly thankful for the many ideas that it has given me and the courage and for the inspirations. In some ways, I feel prepared for my craft fair (in one month, eek!) and (somewhat) confident in how it will be.
9. board games
The kids got an assortment of board games for Christmas from their Grandma Lynn. We haven't been able to play too many with young kids in the house, but the Olders are now old enough to sit still and play and enjoy the challenge, without losing pieces. And that is so good to see! The Youngers still need work though... I cringe every time I see Eden pull open a game; I know it is going to get dumped out and half of it missing. (I am already doing a search for the players to her Chautes and Ladders game. *sigh*)
I was especially happy that one of them got the game of Clue (I think it was Abi). I love that game! It was one that I could play with my siblings and had a remote chance of winning! My brother dominated any type of stragetic game like Monopoly or Risk! But in Clue, it was an even playing field! It was random and sleuthing and seeing who could get to the room fast enough and narrowing down suspects. I loved it!
We played the new version, which has updated charcter profiles (I always had to be Col. Mustard, who is now some young guy!) and new rules and even a flip board, so you can play in the mansion or the boardwalk!
I am thankful that we are entering this stage in life. Fun times lay ahead!
10. Immediate answers to prayer
I was having a rough day, just dealing with tantruming toddlers and not enough sleep, and I began to think of the song "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North. I don't know if I have posted this one before or not, but I will add the video below. I felt weary and weighed down with a lot of thoughts and I just needed Him. I needed to feel that weight lifted off of me. I needed to get rid of this stress and to feel peace.
As I got Eden into the van several minutes later and ready to leave to pick up the boys from school, I was thinking about how much I needed to hear that song right then. And, lo and behold, I turn on the van and it was playing!
God is good! I felt overwhelmed that it was on just as I was asking for it. It reminded me that He listens. He cares. He is Emmanuel. God with us.
So that's just a glimpse of my first week of the New Year! I hope that yours has been good. We have so much to be thankful for, even in those rough sick days. What are you thankful for?
Saturday, January 3, 2015
This is a post that I have been working on a while now. I've had trouble putting thoughts into words, so I kept putting it off. How do I explain ideas, hopes, and fears over things that aren't even to pass yet?
If you remember, back in October I took a huge jump and booked a table at a local craft fair. Without a clue what I'd be offering as a vendor. But with a ton of ideas and excitement to carry me.
I met with my parents on the day I agreed to the craft fair, and my excitement was catching; my Dad wanted to join in and make projects too! I showed him some pictures of items I was going to make, and we talked about what we could do and what we'd work on, and it was just a quick meeting that made me feel energized and ready to start something new! It was amazing how stepping out and doing something completely new and unusal for me could make me feel so happy!
I decided to tackle making projects that I'd always wanted to try and had pinned to my Pinterest boards, which is what got me started in attempting to make my own chalkboard paint and my own chalkboard frame to greet my husband when he returned from his trip in October. That was quite the challenge! I have decided that even though making your own chalkboard paint at home is much more cost-saving than buying a small jar...it is also a lot more work, and a lot more frustrating!
I used this tutorial on making and colouring your own chalkboard paint found on A Beautiful Mess.
Just a FYI: unless you are doing a huge batch, don't be deceived into thinking that stirring a cupfull will be enough. I tried various methods and I used less or more amounts on the paint and on the grout mix, but each and every one ended up lumpy. It was seriously disheartening. I have no idea how these other DIYers were able to make theirs without any lumps just hand stirring. After a good six attempts, I had to give in and just accept the bottle of chalkboard spray paint from my Dad! If you do happen to make your own chalkboard paint up, please please tell me how you did it! I am obviously missing a step (or two)!
Now you know. Just a few tips because I care.
And because I remember how frustrated I was.
You're welcome.
I ended up distressing and painting frames for the chalkboard. I was pleased with how they turned out! I also hand painted some signs. My Hunny, the Mountain Man, had found some pallets at work that he was able to take home for me, so I tried my hand at that. I also painted some new pine wood signs, which I wasn't too sure about at first, but ended up liking the most. Go figure! My father made shelves and sconces and votive holders that turned out beautiful. (I grew up with him always building furniture. He has made almost all of the cabinets and shelves in my parent's home. I admit to wishing that I could build like him.)
When the day of the craft fair came up, I admit to having feelings of doubt (would we have enough stuff? would anyone buy our items? what if we didn't sell anything? what if we sold out too soon? what if I just sucked at this?) and to having thoughts that we'd do great (who wouldn't like our products? or us? we're fun and our hand made items are beautiful and priced well.)
The craft fair was a super short one. Just only four hours, and the first hour was spent walking around and seeing if we could barter with other vendors for items before the doors were opened. I had my eyes on some jewelry, some essential oils, some lotion and books, but not every one had items to trade or wanted to, which was disappointing, but I guess that's ok too. The more I traded, the less I had to sell.
Except it was so poorly attended that I really didn't have anything to worry about. It sure would've been nice to sell out early that afternoon! Instead, we spend our time chatting with the neighbouring vendor (check out Dirty Hippie Naturals on FB. She has some great lotions and soaps, plus she's nice!) and trying to keep warm in an old school gymnasium with open doors on a chilly October day. I made two sales. Just two. And one of them was an item that Abi had made. I guess technically I made three since I had traded one of my chalkboard frames with another vendor for some earrings and rings. If you include that, I ended up making just a measily $5. (taking into account the cost of the table at the fair) So it really wasn't worth our time and efforts at all.
A part of me blames the organizer. After all, it was up to her to promote the craft fair. (There were no signs at the school when we arrived and none to be seen as we left at the building or at any intersecting streets, or even a handmade one at the main street in town) I did see that she posted about it on a few FB groups though. But I really think that she was hoping that we'd all tell our friends and customers (for those with existing buisinesses. There were a lot of home-based companies there, like Mary Kay and Usborne Books and Jamberry Nails and Fifth Avenue Collections, plus a good 7 others!) I'm sure we all did our part. But it wasn't enough.
Despite the fact that there was such a poor turn out and so little sales going on, I was encouraged by a few things. First that it wasn't just us that didn't sell, but every vendor. It was a good thought that it wasn't our products or our prices. Second, we enjoyed ourselves despite it being disappointing. It wasn't boring or awkward. Thirdly, we met some great people (like Jen at Dirty Hippie Naturals!) and were introduced to the crafting business world. And for our first venture, it wasn't terrible.
We went away feeling hopeful for our next show.
But with the holiday season so soon upon us, and us being so busy with up coming events, and some fairs being too late to join in, we weren't able to attempt another show. Which was also disappointing. So much for recouping our costs somewhere. But we have to remain hopeful and confident that our items will sell, just not now. Instead, we spent our time checking out the other fairs that were happening. We looked at what other companies were selling, what was similar to ours and their prices, and what we could change. We checked out the bigger fairs too, the ones that have been around a while that had attracted a following (such as Crafty Affaire and Great Candian Craft's Fall fair we went to) And while I do have a healthy dose of inadequacy in comparison to the many other established companies out there, we are also willing to try this out! And that makes me excited!
Watch out for more crafty goodness and more challenges and more posts about this new venture!
If you remember, back in October I took a huge jump and booked a table at a local craft fair. Without a clue what I'd be offering as a vendor. But with a ton of ideas and excitement to carry me.
I met with my parents on the day I agreed to the craft fair, and my excitement was catching; my Dad wanted to join in and make projects too! I showed him some pictures of items I was going to make, and we talked about what we could do and what we'd work on, and it was just a quick meeting that made me feel energized and ready to start something new! It was amazing how stepping out and doing something completely new and unusal for me could make me feel so happy!
I decided to tackle making projects that I'd always wanted to try and had pinned to my Pinterest boards, which is what got me started in attempting to make my own chalkboard paint and my own chalkboard frame to greet my husband when he returned from his trip in October. That was quite the challenge! I have decided that even though making your own chalkboard paint at home is much more cost-saving than buying a small jar...it is also a lot more work, and a lot more frustrating!
I used this tutorial on making and colouring your own chalkboard paint found on A Beautiful Mess.
Just a FYI: unless you are doing a huge batch, don't be deceived into thinking that stirring a cupfull will be enough. I tried various methods and I used less or more amounts on the paint and on the grout mix, but each and every one ended up lumpy. It was seriously disheartening. I have no idea how these other DIYers were able to make theirs without any lumps just hand stirring. After a good six attempts, I had to give in and just accept the bottle of chalkboard spray paint from my Dad! If you do happen to make your own chalkboard paint up, please please tell me how you did it! I am obviously missing a step (or two)!
Now you know. Just a few tips because I care.
And because I remember how frustrated I was.
You're welcome.
I ended up distressing and painting frames for the chalkboard. I was pleased with how they turned out! I also hand painted some signs. My Hunny, the Mountain Man, had found some pallets at work that he was able to take home for me, so I tried my hand at that. I also painted some new pine wood signs, which I wasn't too sure about at first, but ended up liking the most. Go figure! My father made shelves and sconces and votive holders that turned out beautiful. (I grew up with him always building furniture. He has made almost all of the cabinets and shelves in my parent's home. I admit to wishing that I could build like him.)
{my favourite sign. I was torn on even wanting it to sell!}
{I made some chalkboard labels for these mason jars. it wasn't easy, but they turned out so good in the end....after four attempts. I also made some shabby lace rosettes, which I love!}
{I had to make a Canadian flag sign!}
{my dad's beautiful rustic wall candle holders}
When the day of the craft fair came up, I admit to having feelings of doubt (would we have enough stuff? would anyone buy our items? what if we didn't sell anything? what if we sold out too soon? what if I just sucked at this?) and to having thoughts that we'd do great (who wouldn't like our products? or us? we're fun and our hand made items are beautiful and priced well.)
The craft fair was a super short one. Just only four hours, and the first hour was spent walking around and seeing if we could barter with other vendors for items before the doors were opened. I had my eyes on some jewelry, some essential oils, some lotion and books, but not every one had items to trade or wanted to, which was disappointing, but I guess that's ok too. The more I traded, the less I had to sell.
{All ready to go! Abi helped out and even made a few items too! Craftiness runs in the family!}
Except it was so poorly attended that I really didn't have anything to worry about. It sure would've been nice to sell out early that afternoon! Instead, we spend our time chatting with the neighbouring vendor (check out Dirty Hippie Naturals on FB. She has some great lotions and soaps, plus she's nice!) and trying to keep warm in an old school gymnasium with open doors on a chilly October day. I made two sales. Just two. And one of them was an item that Abi had made. I guess technically I made three since I had traded one of my chalkboard frames with another vendor for some earrings and rings. If you include that, I ended up making just a measily $5. (taking into account the cost of the table at the fair) So it really wasn't worth our time and efforts at all.
A part of me blames the organizer. After all, it was up to her to promote the craft fair. (There were no signs at the school when we arrived and none to be seen as we left at the building or at any intersecting streets, or even a handmade one at the main street in town) I did see that she posted about it on a few FB groups though. But I really think that she was hoping that we'd all tell our friends and customers (for those with existing buisinesses. There were a lot of home-based companies there, like Mary Kay and Usborne Books and Jamberry Nails and Fifth Avenue Collections, plus a good 7 others!) I'm sure we all did our part. But it wasn't enough.
Despite the fact that there was such a poor turn out and so little sales going on, I was encouraged by a few things. First that it wasn't just us that didn't sell, but every vendor. It was a good thought that it wasn't our products or our prices. Second, we enjoyed ourselves despite it being disappointing. It wasn't boring or awkward. Thirdly, we met some great people (like Jen at Dirty Hippie Naturals!) and were introduced to the crafting business world. And for our first venture, it wasn't terrible.
We went away feeling hopeful for our next show.
But with the holiday season so soon upon us, and us being so busy with up coming events, and some fairs being too late to join in, we weren't able to attempt another show. Which was also disappointing. So much for recouping our costs somewhere. But we have to remain hopeful and confident that our items will sell, just not now. Instead, we spent our time checking out the other fairs that were happening. We looked at what other companies were selling, what was similar to ours and their prices, and what we could change. We checked out the bigger fairs too, the ones that have been around a while that had attracted a following (such as Crafty Affaire and Great Candian Craft's Fall fair we went to) And while I do have a healthy dose of inadequacy in comparison to the many other established companies out there, we are also willing to try this out! And that makes me excited!
Watch out for more crafty goodness and more challenges and more posts about this new venture!
Friday, December 26, 2014
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. A Baby Born in Blefleham
On the last day of school, Rhys' Kindergarten class had a party and the kids all sang a few song for us parents. These were songs they performed at Grandparents' Day (not for the Christmas concert, but for the visiting grandparents) Oh goodness, could they be any cuter?
I am in love with this boy. I love that he enthusiastically sings and does the actions and signs, and I love that he pronounces it "Blef-le-hem".
2. Not Mono and Good friends
Abi was diagnosed with strep throat (yes, again!) and was told that she couldn't go back to school, which meant that she missed all of the last week. It was disappointing for her. She wasn't too sick, but she was bored at home. I am so thankful that the test came back negative for mono though. We thought that was a possibilty, more so than strep, but thankfully it was "just plain ol' strep" for her. I am also thankful for antibiotics!
On the last day, I went in to see her teacher and drop off his Christmas gift from us, and a friend of Abi's gave me a gift to give to her. I thought it was a sweet guesture. Her friend, Hannah, had all of their group of friends sign a Get Well/Merry Christmas card for her, and she included a few small gifts.
She has good friends and that makes me happy. I am thankful for them, and for making her year a bit better.
3. Teacher's Gifts
I managed to get all of the Teacher's Gifts done and ready in time to give them away on the last day of school! I ended up putting together 4 gift bags: two for Rhys' class (for Mrs E and Mrs. V, the EA) and two for Kai's class (for Ms. S and Ms. S, the EA). I didn't end up giving one to Bryn's teacher (although she is wonderful), but that is because two other Moms were collecting money for a joint gift. (which they completely spoiled her with; wow, I was impressed!) Abi's teacher is a man, so these gifts wouldn't have worked for him as much (maybe his wife?... who coincidentally taught my sister and our friends in high school!); I had to go a bit more "boring" and picked him up a gift card to Chapters. Doesn't every teacher love books and want to buy more though? I know I do, and I'm not a teacher!
I ended up making a lilac sugar scrub (I found the tutorial HERE) and a peppermint foot soak (see tutorial HERE). I had pinned the tutorials on Pinterest a while ago. I just put them in these cute spice jars I picked up at the Dollorama (3 for $2.50) and added a cute ribbon and label: so easy! (I just had to triple the recipes to fit the jar sizes, which wasn't hard) I figure that teachers need to relax a bit too! I hope they liked them. I am thankful for the love, care and interest they have put into my kids' lives. I am thankful that this year is going along well so far; I feel that we are working together as a team for the kids, and I appreciate them.
4. Gifts
Sometimes it can feel a bit stressful for gift buying. There is the cost, the time and the actual shopping.... We get our kids to pick names for sibling gifts and then we take them out and let them pick out what they want to buy. For the most part, they do choose good gifts for each other; only a small few times have we had to steer them from an idea that may not have gone well!
I love seeing their creativity in gift choices, and their excitement in wrapping and anticipation for giving. There is something fun and wonderful about giving a gift to someone else.
5. Movie nights at home
We don't watch a lot of Christmas movies, but we managed to all snuggle up together downstairs and watch a few as a family one night. We watched the original Frosty the Snowman. It was an interesting movie. I hadn't seen it before. I know! My Hunny had grown up watching it. (the kids and I watched Frosty Returns on Netflix one night a few weeks ago...that was lame. I don't recommend it!) Then there was a short cartoon called The Boy With The Magic Skates, a Canadian show, on after that we watched. (Don Cherry played the voice of the hockey coach) That one we liked!
I love moments where we all sit together and spend evenings as a family. I am thankful for memories like that.
6. Sunbeams
I managed to snap a picture of the beautiful sky as we were driving in to see my parents. This was over in the Abbotsford flat lands. The sunbeams breaking through the clouds was just so peaceful to see.
I am thankful for a visual reminder of how His love shines down on us.
7. Christmas display
This is actually from my parents' house, but it makes me very happy. (**I must've taken the picture at a slight angle. The shelf really is on straight!)
My Dad made the shelf and handpainted the sign, and my Mom decorated the dresser top. The pine tree was given to them from Bryn when he was in Kindergarten! That's impressive; I kill every plant they give to me! *blush* The chalkboard clipboard was also made by my Dad, and my Mom wrote Ere Zij God on it. (which means Glory To God in Dutch. It's a Christmas carol that my Mom grew up singing.)
8. Advent
I am thankful for a few quiet evenings where the family was able to remember what we are waiting for (Christ' return one day) and what we are celebrating (Jesus' birth that fulfills a promise God made) and what a marvelous gift that is.
9. Date Nights
Yes, it may only have happened because we had to go out and get some of our Christmas shopping done, but it was so nice to be able to walk around with my Hunny and spend time together. We walked through the mall (a place we rarely ever go) and we held hands, and we took our time, and we had fun conspiring and planning and buying for our children. And it was so nice. We don't do that often enough!
10. Blessings
This is just a brief glimpse of my list this week. What are you thankful for?
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. this girl
I am so thankful for Abi; for all that she is to our family. She babysits for us when Hunny and I need to go out somewhere (like our parent-teacher interviews at the schools, or for grocery shopping, or even just a quick step out for a coffee and a breather), even when she sometimes finds it frustrating. (we do pay her often. Sometimes in small gifts of a latte, and sometimes in cash, or in paying for new books for her to read, like we did this week!)
I am also so very thankful for her creativity and resourcefulness. When I was out at my dental appt recently, and Hunny was working late, she saw to dinner plans and made something for everyone. It was so good of her and I was so blessed by her thoughtfulness and her ability to fill a need. I don't know how I ended up with a girl like her!
2. this silly girl
The Fiesty One decided to cut her own hair one morning while I was still in bed. I know that a lot of kids do this; I certainly did as a kid, and even into my teens! But it still made me nervous to see her own handiwork!
I was thankful that it didn't really look too bad! I felt mixed on whether I should commend her on her abilities or tell her how it was a bad idea!
3. A friend of ours had her story published!
A friend wrote a story for a grade five class project two years ago, and her teacher suggested she publish it, so her mom loked into it this year! A small company accepted it and the book came out just recently! It's so exciting! I see many years ahead of her developing her writing skills and growing her talent; she is already a great storyteller!
Check out more information on this story, and how you can get your own copy! We should support young talent, and local talent! the lotus princess
4. a shameless promotion
I don't join these things to gain followers, but I thought it was neat that Pinterest was using one of my boards in their "you may want to check this out" email this week! *patting myself on the back for being awesome* It was neat to think that Pinterest wanted to promote me and my silly board on building projects! It made me feel pretty good! I'm thankful for small and un-important things like this that make me feel happy.
5. Jamberry party
For Abi's birthday party, she wanted to have friends over for a sleepover, but also do something fun, so we invited a woman over for a Jamberry party. I had heard about Jamberry this year, but had never had a chance to try it out myself, or to go to a party, so when we saw someone at a craft fair promoting their own business, we thought we'd try it out!
I'm a nail biter...I know, I know. It's a terrible habit. I really thought I would be over it by the time I hit my 30's, but by then the habit was set strong, and habits are hard to break. I had heard that having a manicure would help, but since I don't have the money or time (or interest, really) to have one, I had heard that having pretty nail decor would help too.
My nails looked good! My cousin's wife said that it helped her out, but if she had a snag or it bubbled up or frayed, she would pick at it, and I found out that to be true for me as well! Sadly, they did not make it a week! But I am going to try it again (after all, I did buy a few sets!) and hopefully I will be stronger this time!
I thought it was cute that even Eden was included! Our nail instructor, Kelly, applied Eden's nails for her, which I thought was very nice, considering I wasn't expecting her too. (you never know how some people will respond to a toddler, you know, when it involves their business, but Kelly was so wonderful!) She loved them! *
6. Christmas music
I pulled out my Christmas cds the last week of November! I have a small collection that I listen to often, and I would say that my absolute favourites are the ones by Michael W. Smith. He has three...no, wait, I think he just came out with a new one, a Christmas with Friends one where he duets with others. I love his Christmas music, they really do touch my heart. I love that he adds a symphony orchestra and many choirs. Oh, my heart is so happy and at peace when I listen to it.
I was so happy to find his cds on youtube, so I've been listening on our tablet to the mix' while I prepare dinner. It really has helped with my peace!
All is Well (the song in the picture above) is a song off of his first Christmas cd, way back in 1989! It is actually sung by the American Boy Choir, and wow, it is so touching. Especially if you listen to Frank Peretti read his story of the same title. *tears* (I think you can listen to the story here. I'm not too sure since my computer isn't running very well right now, so I can't test it.)
7. custom card order
I don't know if you are aware of this, but I love making cards and I really love making cards for other people. So I was pretty excited to have a custom order of 20 thank you cards to make for a friend!
8. Medication!
My thyroid is kind of ...off...this week. I have been in a lot of all-over body pain, having heart palpitations, feeling so so so cold, dealing with insomnia as well as fatigue, and been angry and frustrated yet also apathetic and depressed. It's been a really rough week! So I was so thankful that my doctor called in my prescription to the pharmacy for me when mine ran out and I struggled.
I may not always feel like my doctor is doing enough for my thyroid care, but I am sure thankful to have something to take that helps just a bit! Hopefully this will let me feel more..normal...again.
9. Snow!!!
The first snowfall of the season is always exciting! Usually when it snows in other parts of the Lower Mainland, it won't fall at our house since we live at the bottom of two or three big hills, so I was quite surprised, and very happy, to see how much we received in the end! And ours lasted longer than my parents' house in Chilliwack!
The kids were going to go play in it, but that lasted hardly even 10 minutes. It was just too cold! We still have this arctic chill going on! Brr!
10. Swim lessons
We finished up our swimming lessons. The Youngers had a blast! They loved learning to swim, and they loved their teachers, and they were proud of themselves for what they accomplished; they started out timid and gained new skills. They didn't pass their levels, but that's okay. They learned so much and are able to now get their faces/heads wet, and that's a big step from when we started!
They keep asking about swimming, so I definitely see us repeating this in the Spring!
So that's my week in a nutshell! There is so much to be thankful for! What are you thankful for? If you start a list, let me know. I'd love to share your happy news too!
* I was curious as to how long Eden would keep her nails on, just to find that she had pulled them off in bed that very night! haha. Of course, she wanted new ones on the next day!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
I admit it: I am a huge Pinterest junkie! I can spend hours on there repinning pics and links for tutorials that I may or may not ever reproduce in my lifetime. It is wonderful! It's a time waster, but oh so fun! I have boards on how to decorate my home with items I don't own, how to cook dinners with foods we don't eat, how to raise my kids with tips I'll never remember.... I feel very productive when I pin things to read later!
Anyone else with this fixation?
No one?
Okay then...
It has been my intent this year to find items on my boards that I can and will actually recreate. So far it's been mostly the crafty things, but well, that's what interests me the most. (I like the idea of cooking these wonderfully different and healthy dinners, but I can't be too sure it will actually happen or not...so I've stopped pinning to that board!)
I was so excited when I finally took that jump and made a chalkboard picture! It was a lot of fun. I got my crafty on with Abi and there was a lot of oohs and ahhs and uh-ohs! (making your own chalkboard paint is messy business!) We managed to put this together just in time for my Mountain Man to come home, so this sign is what greeted him on Thursday night:
I don't have a mantle ...I know, what? It was on my wish-list for when we bought a house over 10 years ago, but all I got was a chimney just to let me know that there used to be a fireplace in this house! (I did get my French Doors though!) No fireplace, no cozy nights curling up and reading a book by a fire, no s'mores, no stockings to hang by the fireplace with care, no mantle to decorate. I have seen so many beautiful mantles out there! People go out of their way to decorate these things every season! How fun! That would be so awesome! But yeah, no mantle.
I do, however, have a cute dresser sitting at the top of our stairs right now (the one I got for free that I still need to fix up), so that served as my decorating area. I thought it looked cute with the pumpkins we just got and the jar I am making. (Isn't Eden's painted pumpkin lovely?) It's not nearly as fancy as the ones I see on Pinterest, but it's a start! I have to work my way up, I think, and maybe one day get an actual place dedicated to seasonal decorating!
Anyone else with this fixation?
No one?
Okay then...
It has been my intent this year to find items on my boards that I can and will actually recreate. So far it's been mostly the crafty things, but well, that's what interests me the most. (I like the idea of cooking these wonderfully different and healthy dinners, but I can't be too sure it will actually happen or not...so I've stopped pinning to that board!)
I was so excited when I finally took that jump and made a chalkboard picture! It was a lot of fun. I got my crafty on with Abi and there was a lot of oohs and ahhs and uh-ohs! (making your own chalkboard paint is messy business!) We managed to put this together just in time for my Mountain Man to come home, so this sign is what greeted him on Thursday night:
I don't have a mantle ...I know, what? It was on my wish-list for when we bought a house over 10 years ago, but all I got was a chimney just to let me know that there used to be a fireplace in this house! (I did get my French Doors though!) No fireplace, no cozy nights curling up and reading a book by a fire, no s'mores, no stockings to hang by the fireplace with care, no mantle to decorate. I have seen so many beautiful mantles out there! People go out of their way to decorate these things every season! How fun! That would be so awesome! But yeah, no mantle.
I do, however, have a cute dresser sitting at the top of our stairs right now (the one I got for free that I still need to fix up), so that served as my decorating area. I thought it looked cute with the pumpkins we just got and the jar I am making. (Isn't Eden's painted pumpkin lovely?) It's not nearly as fancy as the ones I see on Pinterest, but it's a start! I have to work my way up, I think, and maybe one day get an actual place dedicated to seasonal decorating!
Monday, October 6, 2014
World Card Making Day falls on the first Saturday of October, which was this past weekend. If I didn't participate in some way, I wouldn't be much of a dedicated card maker! Unfortunately, since I have been sick the past few days, I wasn't able to get down to my Stamp Room until the next night.
I wasn't too sure what I was going to create, but thankfully I have a huge board on Pinterest to help me out! I was very pleased with my results
My first card is a CASE from Sarah Sagert, found here on her Stampin' Up website blog. It is so cute! I would've loved to add some stitching, but it was just too much effort for me! There is a reason she was on the SU Artisan Design team! I didn't put as many embellishments on my card, but I do like how mine turned out. I used all retired SU supplies, except for the gold sequin trim.
My second card is a CASE from Catherine Joy Stockley at Catherine Loves Stamps. I love her tag and I wish I had those stamps, but I had to use what was in my supplies. So I used the tag that I made from my Big Shot (I used the negative die cut on the first card. I was happy to find a use right away for the polka-dot Chalk Talk framelits) and found something suitable. At first, I wasn't happy with the end result of the card, but looking at it more, I am pleased.
I didn't have the washi tape she did, but mine worked good, and I added ribbon as well. I also pulled out the gold sequin trim for this card. I had bought that a few months ago and had finally pulled it out of it's plastic wrap! Pulling the sequins off of the string wasn't too hard and they make cute embellishments!
Did you do any card making for WCMD? Or anything crafty this weekend? It really speaks to my soul when I am able to create something. (even if it is just to copy someone else' idea.) I can't wait to show you what I created with Abi! That will come soon. Promise!
I wasn't too sure what I was going to create, but thankfully I have a huge board on Pinterest to help me out! I was very pleased with my results
My first card is a CASE from Sarah Sagert, found here on her Stampin' Up website blog. It is so cute! I would've loved to add some stitching, but it was just too much effort for me! There is a reason she was on the SU Artisan Design team! I didn't put as many embellishments on my card, but I do like how mine turned out. I used all retired SU supplies, except for the gold sequin trim.
My second card is a CASE from Catherine Joy Stockley at Catherine Loves Stamps. I love her tag and I wish I had those stamps, but I had to use what was in my supplies. So I used the tag that I made from my Big Shot (I used the negative die cut on the first card. I was happy to find a use right away for the polka-dot Chalk Talk framelits) and found something suitable. At first, I wasn't happy with the end result of the card, but looking at it more, I am pleased.
I didn't have the washi tape she did, but mine worked good, and I added ribbon as well. I also pulled out the gold sequin trim for this card. I had bought that a few months ago and had finally pulled it out of it's plastic wrap! Pulling the sequins off of the string wasn't too hard and they make cute embellishments!
Did you do any card making for WCMD? Or anything crafty this weekend? It really speaks to my soul when I am able to create something. (even if it is just to copy someone else' idea.) I can't wait to show you what I created with Abi! That will come soon. Promise!
Friday, September 26, 2014
Another Public Service Announcement (PSA), just to let you know.
If you run out of eggs in your house, but you don't want to pack up all of the kids to run to the store just to pick up some since it will result in a full basket of extras and whiney children all asking for junk food snacks.... but you NEED eggs so that you can make some cupcakes for the other kids since they aren't exactly invited to their brother's pool party and you feel guilty and are trying to make things better....
If you happened to read online all these wonderful ideas on how to successfully substitute eggs from a recipe and thought that it sounded easy....
If you are wondering if you can possibly use something else instead of eggs in your box cake recipe, I am here to help you out!
You can not substitute eggs with water, oil and baking powder in a box cake. Although it will make your cupcakes super de-dooper fluffy, they will just make them all crumbly.
We were not able to take a cupcake out of the pan without it falling apart. It was disappointing. The Youngers didn't get to have cupcakes...or go to the pool party. Boos all around!
Now you know.
You are welcome.
***If you are wondering about making your own crayons in the oven, here is my other PSA
If you run out of eggs in your house, but you don't want to pack up all of the kids to run to the store just to pick up some since it will result in a full basket of extras and whiney children all asking for junk food snacks.... but you NEED eggs so that you can make some cupcakes for the other kids since they aren't exactly invited to their brother's pool party and you feel guilty and are trying to make things better....
If you happened to read online all these wonderful ideas on how to successfully substitute eggs from a recipe and thought that it sounded easy....
If you are wondering if you can possibly use something else instead of eggs in your box cake recipe, I am here to help you out!
You can not substitute eggs with water, oil and baking powder in a box cake. Although it will make your cupcakes super de-dooper fluffy, they will just make them all crumbly.
We were not able to take a cupcake out of the pan without it falling apart. It was disappointing. The Youngers didn't get to have cupcakes...or go to the pool party. Boos all around!
Now you know.
You are welcome.
***If you are wondering about making your own crayons in the oven, here is my other PSA
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Just to let you know...A public service announcement.
If you ever get the urge to make yourself some crayons by melting old existing crayons and you are thinking of just grabbing your ice cube tray, the new one that your sister just picked you up from Ikea so that you could use it specifically to prepare and plan for your son's upcoming birthday party, and thinking it will be great to melt them in the oven....
just in case you decided to check online first, to make sure that your silicone ice cube tray is safe in the oven, and you found sites that said it was just fine, it worked for them, and a few that said no, don't risk it, but you are thinking there are more people saying that it is good to do....
if you are wondering if you should try that one project you saw on Pinterest, I am here to help you out!
The PLASTIS ice cube tray from IKEA does not handle oven heat well.
It is synthetic rubber, not silicone. With a name like Plastis, it should've been more obvious. Oops.
Now you know.
You are welcome.
If you ever get the urge to make yourself some crayons by melting old existing crayons and you are thinking of just grabbing your ice cube tray, the new one that your sister just picked you up from Ikea so that you could use it specifically to prepare and plan for your son's upcoming birthday party, and thinking it will be great to melt them in the oven....
just in case you decided to check online first, to make sure that your silicone ice cube tray is safe in the oven, and you found sites that said it was just fine, it worked for them, and a few that said no, don't risk it, but you are thinking there are more people saying that it is good to do....
if you are wondering if you should try that one project you saw on Pinterest, I am here to help you out!
The PLASTIS ice cube tray from IKEA does not handle oven heat well.
It is synthetic rubber, not silicone. With a name like Plastis, it should've been more obvious. Oops.
Now you know.
You are welcome.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
This guy turned seven at the beginning of the month, but due to camping and family events, we didn't get to celebrate until last week.
If you have kids, you have probably heard of Minecraft. Abi learned of it when all the boys in her class used it for their presentations and such, which got Hunny to look into it, which meant that our family got a copy too. It's like a LEGO computer game. Maybe that isn't the proper way to explain it, but I don't play it. I don't "get it". I can't visualize it like everyone else can. But you get to create a whole world using blocks. My kids like playing in Creative, which means they get to make whatever they want. But you can also play in Survivor Mode, which has all of the Mobs full of Creepers, Zombies, Endermen, and such that can kill you. I found a few great ideas in my searches and came up with a great birthday party!
The only problems we encountered were that we couldn't get many of his friends to attend since a lot were away then (that's the downfall of having a summer birthday), and I wasn't able to go out and pick up a lot of the supplies until the day before, and I was out until 2am the night before the party going night sliding with Abi and the Youth Group. (which was a BLAST, but didn't give me enough sleep!) I am good at planning parties but not good at executing them. I was begging Hunny to help me out! He is good at it! He knows how to command a group of kids. He really does have a talent with them. I love it!
We did Mob target shooting
Check out our lovely handmade targets. The kids and I had fun making them. I should've taken a better picture. That's a Creeper, and Enderman and a Zombie, if you can tell!
Rhys had a lot of fun shooting the guns!
After the kids shot those a few times, we went outside to play Creeper Tag. (I found the rules to it here) Originally we had planned on hosting the party at the park, but the weather forecast spoke of rain, so we decided to move it to our house. (which meant a mad panic cleaning spree!) Of course, it did not rain in the end! But having it at home made it easier in that we didn't have to haul all the party supplies to a park, have to find a place to set up, and have to keep an extra vigilant eye on wandering and curious children! It also meant that we would have shelter if it did decide to sprinkle us with liquid sunshine.
Since our front yard is not nearly as big as the park we were anticipating running around in, the game didn't go quite as I imagined it would! The Creepers were tagging out the Miners must too fast! I was so grateful that Hunny was able to come up with new rules and he changed things up. Instead of splitting the teams into two, he made Bryn and his friend, Josh, the Creepers, and set up Night/Day Mode. I the game, when the sun is up, the Creepers attack, but at night, they sleep. I didn't know this! So whenever he called out "Night!" the Creepers had to walk super slowly and couldn't tag anyone out! I was worried this made it an incredible disadvantage for the game, but the kids all thought it was fun! So there you go! A tip if you ever decide to play!
After that, the kids were all tired so we went back inside for something to drink! That's when Hunny also decided to wander from my list of Party Activities! He had all the kids surround Bryn, and each grab and arm or leg, and they sang "Happy Birthday" to him while giving him Birthday Bumps!!! He loved it! So did the kids!
(Kai made Bryn his Creeper t-shirt! I had seen it online, done with stencils and fabric paint, or with iron-on transfers, but we didn't get that far. Instead, as a last minute, we found the green shirt at the Dollarama near us and picked up cheap black electrical tape for decorations. Kai used the tape on the shirt! It lasted great all day...but didn't hold up in the wash!)
After singing and gift opening, we sent the kids into the spare bedroom for a scavenger hunt, telling them they had to find 12 blocks each. Bryn didn't have much of an opinion on what type of party he wanted, but he was clear that he definitely wanted to have a scavenger hunt! I found a great idea on a blog that incorporated a hunt with the mining they do in the game. Sweet! I also used her idea on the wiki-craft table. She had better blocks than we did, but I was proud of my creativity of using LEGO pieces into blocks! We were still short a bunch though, so I picked up a bunch of dice sets and the kids and I wrapped each one in coloured electrical tape! *big cheesy grin*
We offered a whole bunch of different things for the kids to trade in: dart guns, jump ropes, candy (which was by far the most popular, and easiest to trade in for), bubbles, flying discs, marbles, goo (which my kids fought over), temporary tattoos. About half of the guests had already played Minecraft, so we still had to explain the process of how you "mine" and collect items and get to trade them in for real items in the game to the others. With the many coloured blocks they found, they could put them onto the craft table to get their own prize, or they could trade amongst their friends for blocks they wanted. I thought this would go over well as it made their take-home goodie bag up to them! The kids were a bit perplexed by it though and took a long time trying to figure out colour combinations. In the end, we had leftover prizes, so we handed them out to whomever wanted them!
Abi wanted to "man" the craft table and hand out the prizes! She thought that was pretty cool!
After all the cake was eaten and the blocks all traded in, we took the kids outside for one last fun game. I had seen this Blow Up The TNT game online and thought it totally fit with my kids' Minecraft interest and Mythbusters fascination! I didn't do up a box like TNT though, I ran out of time, but the kids still thought it was awesome! My Hunny gave them a brief scientific explanation of how Diet Coke and mentos react to eacher, and then gave them a demonstration!
He called on a brave volunteer to try it out as well! This boy is the second youngest of 6 boys, so I don't think he minded being sticky or exploding pop all over the place!
My Husband wanted to know what would happen if you could get a mentos into a bottle, and get the cap on, and shook it up. So he and Abi played toss for a little bit!
Abi got a bit sticky, but she secretly loved it!
Next year I think we'll have to do a Mythbusters party! Thanks to Pinterest, I'm sure I'll find someone who's already done it!
All in all, it was a great birthday! Bryn had fun and so did his friends!I really am blessed by this boy. He is different than the others in many ways. He has a confidence and adventuresome spirit, is always making jokes and being silly, and will do what he can to make someone laugh. He is kind and sensitive and thinks of others and wants to include his siblings. On his birthday, his dad took him out for a special breakfast treat at Starbucks, and he came home and shared his snack with everyone! He did the same thing later when he got to go out with his Grandma Lynn for special birthday shopping and shared his treats with everyone. I love his heart. No only does he share his toys and snacks with everyone, but he also is brave and shares his love and beliefs of God with his friends! He is matter-of-fact about it too and I love that he isn't too caught up in worrying if he should be ashamed or about the reactions of others. He can really teach me a thing or two!
It's hard for me to believe that this crazy fun seven year old started out as a tiny preemie born 7 weeks too early!
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