tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36025464887502421202024-02-21T18:55:46.240-07:00Between the PagesDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-69349417800039707332013-01-31T19:15:00.001-07:002013-01-31T19:17:09.446-07:00Valentine’s Décor and Girl Scouts<p>I haven’t posted here in a long while.  It’s been since mid-November, but it certainly doesn’t seem that long ago.  The months are flying by in a blur these days!</p> <p>I wanted to share a couple of Valentine’s projects I copy crafted from <a href="http://pinterest.com/donnary/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.  Don’t you just love Pinterest?  I do, I’m sorta addicted.  Sometimes copy crafts don’t turn out at all like the originals, but I’m thinking this time they turned out almost just as cute.  </p> <p>My Blue Heart Bunting is a copy of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/111886371964307684/" target="_blank">this</a> one.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrg8pEWZ57RBhS3Zc3qJyJZzSdfefGofhuxr5SPESkZqadosIQF70CYDvaglP2BcFhKY2ttoI5TebnYiacVvaywdaVZ2WEVgQcLyUZ15F5pnm2AnydHCGe0b-klREgIGUDUUeZ-FEgW8/s1600-h/Blue-Heart-Bunting4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blue Heart Bunting" border="0" alt="Blue Heart Bunting" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aPXtUU0UJAA/UQslJGpFV8I/AAAAAAAAGMI/L9lKSLhAcjk/Blue-Heart-Bunting_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="473" /></a></p> <p>It’s hard to see the contrasting stitches in the above pic, but you can see it below and I think it adds a nice touch.  The felt hearts I just sewed on with a stitched X.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QfCpSEm6Ng4/UQslJuhwtTI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/1wMoeYQdkvs/s1600-h/IMG_49214.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4921" border="0" alt="IMG_4921" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cbG4zAnP874/UQslKJV3sbI/AAAAAAAAGMY/PYZvwT6HCF4/IMG_4921_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="488" /></a></p> <p>My Burlap & Hearts wreath is a copy of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/111886371964286826/" target="_blank">this</a> adorable argyle yarn and hearts wreath.  I originally started with yarn, but it just wasn’t working on the straw wreath form I was using.  I realized I had some left-over burlap from a fall bunting so I cut that into strips and wrapped it around the wreath form.  I pulled out burlap “threads” from one of the strips to tie the hearts on.  I’m loving the aqua blue and red color combo.  Oh, and I also added a felt flower…I just happened to have a button in the right color, so things just came together on this one!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3HUQdvhRK34/UQslKiS6baI/AAAAAAAAGMg/WjeCXXWdulE/s1600-h/Burlap-and-Hearts5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Burlap and Hearts" border="0" alt="Burlap and Hearts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPBjYK8lVXj4OteZ9fmHWSeRD2AOo5OT2UW-0zz6nxTidBYK9_DFFIBf7SBT05vx_WcKAhGghCOJvjSnxnqesKgyO2XmLhiojcLLFcVkkfNtlIXgIblkxoJ6Ncy9aKc0Z_GEoDXcSVeI/?imgmax=800" width="441" height="601" /></a></p> <p>For this Hugs & Kisses sign, I just used wooden letters from Michaels, painted the edges blue, and covered them in scrapbook paper with some glittery stripes on it.  I painted the edges of a wooden board in red, covered it with scrapbook paper leaving a border and then attached the letters using pop dots to add some dimension.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZCMeCunQCQikschuHtMgLraIN-JeRulrAVHpbZ7eYC7FnrY5Zgm0RowrGGrhrV8hDfAIyOMC3guofWXPjGrSpsoUDwI0n3PZoCVEODk0g49-pluuhP0xDqy-P-Ji9TnWS8Q8s3L-cPM/s1600-h/Hugs-and-Kisses6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hugs and Kisses" border="0" alt="Hugs and Kisses" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hyGmMQ4098A/UQslL4Urc-I/AAAAAAAAGM4/Ny1lstdOrIU/Hugs-and-Kisses_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="610" /></a></p> <p>I knew when Lauren started kindergarten I also wanted to get her started in scouting.  Now I’m a Daisy Girl Scout troop leader for this school year and we have a troop of 8 kindergarteners and first graders.  They are a great bunch of girls and totally adorable in their little Daisy vests.  We are right in thick of cookie season right now, and I wanted an activity to help the girls learn the different types of cookies.  I remembered seeing a blog post at one point suggesting a game of Twister, so I created the game below complete with a spinner. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AHacS4XvdkA/UQslMWYnDvI/AAAAAAAAGNA/GV1s6dHTdzU/s1600-h/IMG_49382.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4938" border="0" alt="IMG_4938" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q29xL37Xj9Y/UQslMy6eXTI/AAAAAAAAGNI/mToo_0_jqs4/IMG_4938_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="499" /></a></p> <p>The girls had a lot of fun trying to find all the cookies and keep their balance while tied up like a pretzel!  If you’re local and selling these types of cookies, email me at the link in my right sidebar if you would like JPEG’s of the spinner/arrow or cookie images.  I would be happy to share. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0srSmtP-HlY/UQslpIBhbRI/AAAAAAAAGNw/nbdPztA63fA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d2Ja647VgyM/UQslNav1eaI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/pwPu0FyFYW0/s1600-h/IMG_4930%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4930" border="0" alt="IMG_4930" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xLkaA6t-X0Y/UQslNgZbisI/AAAAAAAAGNY/gBDCa5oAIHE/IMG_4930_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="304" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTaDXMOC0eOG-fXQK73qtUcaKoANu8et1ZfzdvyXMOVV8cDI56E7c65mF82ZL9zVfeIS3MmUV69w8TcM63vEWR7TV_MXRFmssCUwFB_pOO7bjwI9Rn8kgdZtk_gdXAGuFUtay9oFp9qY/s1600-h/IMG_4932%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4932" border="0" alt="IMG_4932" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJ98NZI0RtA/UQslOc8Le2I/AAAAAAAAGNo/-Gpvw8RFGu4/IMG_4932_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="304" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-84520235242348096032012-11-13T21:31:00.001-07:002012-11-13T21:31:28.782-07:00Artwork and Homework Display Gallery<p>I’ve seen these boards around Pinterest and really liked the idea of making one for the hallway so Lauren can display her school and art work.  </p> <p>I picked up a piece of 1/4” thick particle board at Lowes and we cut it to 50” x 4”.  I painted the edges and the top 2” of the board with several layers of green craft paint.  Then I cut 2” strips of scrapbook paper and used Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the bottom half of the board.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vUvOseetmDA/UKMeixLM92I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/16blv-v6K4E/s1600-h/IMG_4745%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4745" border="0" alt="IMG_4745" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KxBAB49YiSQ/UKMejUHjFzI/AAAAAAAAGIY/oZROSPUZo9o/IMG_4745_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="307" /></a></p> <p>I covered the edges where the paint and paper meet in the middle with some ribbon using hot glue and then glued on some clips I picked up at Staples.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LparDa__yck/UKMej1rvjeI/AAAAAAAAGIg/a6r-feooQ9c/s1600-h/IMG_4739%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4739" border="0" alt="IMG_4739" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JdBJs023P04/UKMekfHy4KI/AAAAAAAAGIo/BnLp3b6zpT4/IMG_4739_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="702" height="293" /></a></p> <p>Then I pulled out my Cricut and some vinyl I bought ages ago on <a href="http://pickyourplum.com/" target="_blank">Pick your Plum</a>.  I’ve never cut vinyl and was a little nervous to try it.  I set the pressure on high and turned the blade setting to 6 (the highest).  It came out great on the first try.  For those of you who never tried it, I peeled up the vinyl and was left with just the words stuck to the paper backing.  I used the little Cricut spatula to remove the little centers from the “a’s” and “e’s”, then I stuck a piece of clear Contact paper on top of all the words and lifted them up off the paper.  Now I had a sheet of Contact paper with all the words stuck to the back of it.  I cut each word out, positioned it where I wanted it, rubbed the vinyl letters down, and carefully lifted the Contact paper to leave the letters behind.  Worked like a charm…no need for expensive transfer paper from the vinyl shops!  I got a huge roll of clear Contact at Walmart from the shelf lining display for next to nothing.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R8K8toxwNno/UKMek3cCgsI/AAAAAAAAGIw/aWkNQnsklv4/s1600-h/IMG_4741%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4741" border="0" alt="IMG_4741" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VsUDjalSd-I/UKMelhAtzKI/AAAAAAAAGI4/hDf7DEoDq4E/IMG_4741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="261" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZbO37MGbNZg/UKMemImQU8I/AAAAAAAAGJA/_HfEN6ak68c/s1600-h/IMG_4742%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4742" border="0" alt="IMG_4742" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w_XbyzQn6JA/UKMemuQXoVI/AAAAAAAAGJI/5KdsMhhxyiQ/IMG_4742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="261" /></a></p> <p>Best part of all is that Lauren LOVES her new gallery!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wL1lkR9pAtY/UKMenEkHA5I/AAAAAAAAGJQ/nPieFCT0vuo/s1600-h/IMG_4743%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4743" border="0" alt="IMG_4743" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4TuTxEaf7Vg/UKMenmRIBPI/AAAAAAAAGJY/LpP6zo-zKYU/IMG_4743_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="481" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-65641973371247263722012-11-12T09:46:00.001-07:002012-11-12T09:46:05.735-07:00Weekend stuff<p>Last weekend my brother and sister-in-law’s niece got married and it was a beautiful wedding.  Here’s the bride and groom with my mother.  They are a gorgeous couple and have such a bright future together.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xUIJHYwTzA/UKEnch1gy8I/AAAAAAAAGEI/7d2_r-txP6s/s1600-h/IMG_4703%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4703" border="0" alt="IMG_4703" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ay_nmS3vO-I/UKEndd9_JfI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/_5KMTlkz2sw/IMG_4703_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="489" /></a></p> <p>Here’s a couple of pics before we headed out.  I found Lauren’s cute dress at JC Penney…the bright pink looks really nice on her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s33tU0qoKrg/UKEneMjKIeI/AAAAAAAAGEY/85QAj4M9AyA/s1600-h/IMG_4680%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4680" border="0" alt="IMG_4680" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FPpRlMgLEOQ/UKEnfM92L0I/AAAAAAAAGEg/eCtONIBfkWk/IMG_4680_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="402" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SHo64F-CWl4/UKEngjeZVaI/AAAAAAAAGEo/kyQBfyqUgGw/s1600-h/IMG_4682%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4682" border="0" alt="IMG_4682" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UHsJx2A_PBg/UKEnhEKuA6I/AAAAAAAAGEw/O_9e36OoPss/IMG_4682_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="403" /></a></p> <p>Here’s grandma with her two youngest grandkids…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IOu0oUI0ytI/UKEnh7jYfKI/AAAAAAAAGE4/8K4ThhczQJA/s1600-h/IMG_4707%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4707" border="0" alt="IMG_4707" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MPK0rqfxafg/UKEniwb1bUI/AAAAAAAAGFA/JfmX1pA4Eps/IMG_4707_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="525" /></a></p> <p>Lauren had a blast on the dance floor.  Here she is with her cousin, Emily, and with Uncle Jim and Aunt Stephanie…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ExRQbi6NNW8/UKEnj7LqWZI/AAAAAAAAGFI/sLathjFO9ag/s1600-h/IMG_4700%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4700" border="0" alt="IMG_4700" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_a0Ej4nSQ-Y/UKEnks6hZJI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/-HGUqtg077E/IMG_4700_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="278" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GEVilHnmfoE/UKEnlcy6tzI/AAAAAAAAGFY/UQKeHyrKxM4/s1600-h/IMG_4718%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4718" border="0" alt="IMG_4718" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HZ6J0xdNyGQ/UKEnmEq1evI/AAAAAAAAGFg/nKtfbBsZDGI/IMG_4718_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="276" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NFbVzieYS9I/UKEnm0m0RzI/AAAAAAAAGFo/rJQxXxLij_4/s1600-h/IMG_4723%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4723" border="0" alt="IMG_4723" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wUrcOXcrnVA/UKEnndsDynI/AAAAAAAAGFw/IynwkNJeK_E/IMG_4723_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="275" /></a></p> <p>and she danced with the bride for the money dance…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--8zj2D4gncs/UKEnonP17UI/AAAAAAAAGF4/8BlnEWtKneM/s1600-h/IMG_4714%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4714" border="0" alt="IMG_4714" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BTZbeKBeo4E/UKEnpSMXB1I/AAAAAAAAGGA/zpa3zOZOwTc/IMG_4714_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="428" /></a></p> <p>She sat still just long enough for a quick pic with Daddy…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkJ58GhH1rZRhBZBVHyY-qd6DU0-bDkH7CR5Wh3TfdzKc-I3FGExHlY9Za_axagCbaGJk2h5H9zJ1rByTwDtf5456B_NOu4LT1IjO6OgM-UgndWHTRTvuGwm3VyDblUdkpY1M6KYStWk/s1600-h/IMG_4706%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4706" border="0" alt="IMG_4706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_csTydyk8E-0oTCeGwaYNzafLqhTANynX-F72ERgPaw3hK-sCpQKbJDLs2zuVhcm4u4YCGVYgUZ2g8HWK2MOtOiRJxkFaTK3najh16YQyksMghacE7nDt6uX9zHPDjtcUDnSyyENDmE/?imgmax=800" width="343" height="464" /></a></p> <p>This weekend we had a garage sale.  It was the first really chilly morning here in the Phoenix area, so Lauren’s lemonade stand was converted to a hot cocoa stand.  Now who wouldn’t buy cocoa and cookies from these two cuties…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yI6yOgT28Yw/UKEnrnJdPNI/AAAAAAAAGGY/oeKli8bsUBg/s1600-h/IMG_4727%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4727" border="0" alt="IMG_4727" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Km_JNiUV1M/UKEnsT5Ot6I/AAAAAAAAGGg/56vppR5cazo/IMG_4727_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="436" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QlbD79NC384/UKEntOKHHOI/AAAAAAAAGGo/sSehxTQFHNY/s1600-h/IMG_4728%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4728" border="0" alt="IMG_4728" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_GTpX3u2Lu4/UKEntowe1fI/AAAAAAAAGGw/FyChC72yyJo/IMG_4728_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="436" /></a></p> <p>Actually, Grandma, who was supposed to be the assistant hot cocoa sales person, ended up manning the table most of the time and made the majority of the sales.  There’s now $10 more dollars in her piggy bank.  </p> <p>I had SO many of Lauren’s old clothes bagged up in the garage and was so happy to get rid of them…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f6ugEjoq_HY/UKEnueSituI/AAAAAAAAGG4/2XTASUbKsV0/s1600-h/IMG_4730%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4730" border="0" alt="IMG_4730" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gXemgHIlS0g/UKEnvCWb_OI/AAAAAAAAGHA/OMqw0W48cms/IMG_4730_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="265" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SNxmYV5K_no/UKEnv2vrgHI/AAAAAAAAGHI/wcxZOG6_e0g/s1600-h/IMG_4731%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4731" border="0" alt="IMG_4731" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FEllkrOxbGU/UKEnwXAVQjI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/uIbNv6P7k7M/IMG_4731_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="262" /></a></p> <p>After seeing all these clothes go out the door for next to nothing, her fall and winter wardrobes for this year will be MUCH smaller!  Oh, and same thing for the toys this Christmas…</p> <p>The girls had a blast playing and goofing around.  Here’s Lauren with our good friends, Nancy and Lily…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6JM5J0CpzA4/UKEnxcwNU7I/AAAAAAAAGHY/7yuLy82edSE/s1600-h/IMG_4735%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4735" border="0" alt="IMG_4735" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZFEWL3nC5pE/UKEnx7NRfZI/AAAAAAAAGHg/BICOkE5Y4BY/IMG_4735_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="519" /></a></p> <p>Ruby, our best doggy friend, was the official garage sale mascot…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sY21wS2auU4/UKEnyWP49ZI/AAAAAAAAGHo/5NF383CSA8g/s1600-h/IMG_4733%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4733" border="0" alt="IMG_4733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJFsE64zOPu7cb5SPLKmdVwcSocvBw47dVOdlwBdSZHmE2Vw_mJWcOMLxY9B_m_7KzBDhBjT12ieQUz8TyIMbNkoNPtCXvjtYX5jzBOeCMq8blnvgfqGidJQo6Z7UdizfRBZGkL3Gj9c/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="566" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-9325008358709329282012-10-31T21:59:00.001-07:002012-10-31T21:59:08.007-07:00Halloween<p>Another great Halloween in the books.  Lauren had an amazing time trick or treating with three little friends.  <br /> <br />My pretty little Minnie Mouse…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--sIavqLskpM/UJIBiu8bt6I/AAAAAAAAGCw/H8RcoG-5xB4/s1600-h/IMG_4640%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4640" border="0" alt="IMG_4640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXjk04uPi-JSwhv2QPA-D5aoDVszCyCfaQTIlAclXjUEPua6xo_Yi9SXbxZi1trUlN5CLYtKKqRwNKwS1Ek-XTX7yCQb5H1E-KYzCeKrPlUUcRIBgktEXG_LPbPuRCa-LlIFeGGErL8U/?imgmax=800" width="401" height="542" /></a></p> <p>With Grandma before heading out for the night…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kWFFup11PC0/UJIBjvtMQiI/AAAAAAAAGDA/J2Ut3EN6RG4/s1600-h/IMG_4638%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4638" border="0" alt="IMG_4638" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dsc2D69WLs/UJIBke4S5uI/AAAAAAAAGDI/4bsjmSwEwYc/IMG_4638_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="549" /></a></p> <p>I was talking to a friend of mine while we were out with the kids and we were both reflecting on all the years of handing out candy and feeling so jealous of all the parents with their little ones.  It was one of those moments when we were both so thankful to finally be parents and we were just enjoying every minute of watching our kids have so much fun.  I think waiting so long to become a mom has really made me live in the moment and enjoy all the little things…nothing is taken for granted.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTz0goFEuf0WpTukGA6r-Gnu-z11_W-i8-0mP5eRBhN-5ObDnR7js7JMiEZfLIZhVFgB8K0o7M-L6yWvxnayT3DHBLv8vLXfYVjFo4zgoNxfYoGQ8GArqebROl9g23JaFY4Qx2mupN5k/s1600-h/IMG_4643%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4643" border="0" alt="IMG_4643" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zLjZeveiAYEwr_CMAP7Gvdp9Tn6nKz59B8ImuUKv_tvpRQYBw4gnjQC3b1sE_LX1cKV6HHTbN7EUUsROIPHt9kIl5qJMm4pN_uN74NfdOy_WWa66rnAf_VFJWQex4LxW9bN_RTBftF8/?imgmax=800" width="309" height="417" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-30935234345400191572012-10-29T18:13:00.001-07:002012-11-02T22:55:16.369-07:00Faux Roman Shade<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p4ARwEQBCOI/UI8pntbrrnI/AAAAAAAAGBs/1Agx0TOxwsE/s1600-h/Roman%252520Shade%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Roman Shade" border="0" height="603" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OxjS6fejZt8/UI8poOiaJ-I/AAAAAAAAGB0/SF5HelADmCM/Roman%252520Shade_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roman Shade" width="450" /></a><br />
We have one of those dated, glass block windows in my master bathroom over the tub. It’s the only window on the west side of the house and the afternoon/early evening sun is way too much. <br />
About 5 years ago I made a real roman shade for this window. You know, the kind with a pulley and strings, wooden dowels, and plastic rings that you can pull up and down? Well, I’m kind of giving my bedroom a mini makeover and the old roman shade just isn’t in my color scheme or style any more. Isn’t it amazing how you can love something one day and a few years later you’re wondering what the heck you were thinking? I do that all the time. <br />
I bought curtain panels at IKEA a while back for my bedroom and bought an extra package thinking I may need them later. On Sunday, I decided I was going to get rid of the ugly roman shade and use one of the curtain panels to make something new. Remembering back to the day when I said NEVER AGAIN am I making another roman shade, I knew it needed to be something much faster and easier. After taking a few quick measurements of the old shade and the IKEA curtain panel, I knew just what to do…a faux roman shade. I already had three tension rods tucked away that I bought for another project and never used…perfect. So, here’s what I did…<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2UkZ--ZWHp0/UI8pojByjNI/AAAAAAAAGB8/oMuKhRlcjtc/s1600-h/IMG_4637%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4637" border="0" height="496" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MfW76v-Gdvk/UI8po6Ag6rI/AAAAAAAAGCE/iSkz3B1N6K8/IMG_4637_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4637" width="646" /></a> <br />
The curtain panel was lined and just happened to be almost the exact width (total luck out). I used the hem already on the curtain and cut to size from the top. Then I measured and marked to sew three 1” casings (one for each tension rod). I just cut little slits close to the edge on the back side (liner side) to slip the rods through. Then I stapled the top to a wooden board that fits in the window casing at the top. My curtain was a tiny bit too wide, so I stapled in two pleats (one on each side of the shade) to take up a little slack. <br />
Here’s a side view…you can’t even see the tension rods, since I cut the insert slits in from the edge about the width of the rubber stoppers on the rod. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HSl7KwvYeD0/UI8ppR3MnqI/AAAAAAAAGCM/IdsGCPLWmog/s1600-h/IMG_4634%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4634" border="0" height="461" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--s8WrA6viDg/UI8pp5gxgLI/AAAAAAAAGCU/7euPXSkCZpA/IMG_4634_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4634" width="341" /></a><br />
I’m REALLY happy with the end result! It matches the bedroom and it’s such a bright, pretty change from my old dark roman shade. <br />
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<a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simply Designing</a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-54801864438574747292012-10-21T17:43:00.001-07:002012-10-21T17:48:07.346-07:00Pumpkin French Toast…yum!<p><font size="3">The other day Lauren and I decided to make breakfast for dinner and I remembered I had some leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge.  We put this together and both really enjoyed it.  Hope you do to…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-60mCtsz-o48/UISWk2PZl2I/AAAAAAAAGBI/KNPq2t4N79M/s1600-h/Pumpkin%252520French%252520Toast%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pumpkin French Toast" border="0" alt="Pumpkin French Toast" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TDISzDPNRBE/UISWljKFxfI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/gi8uZrs0yak/Pumpkin%252520French%252520Toast_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="452" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">2 eggs <br />1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling) <br />1/4 cup milk or half & half <br />1 tsp vanilla <br />1 tbsp sugar <br />1 tsp cinnamon <br />1/2 tsp ground nutmeg <br />1/2 tsp allspice <br />1/4 tsp cloves <br />4 to 6 slices of bread (depending on the size) <br /> <br />Whisk together the ingredients while the skillet is heating up.  Dip both sides of bread and cook on the skillet until browned on both sides.  Serve with syrup or butter and cinnamon sugar.</font></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-55674929206988373482012-10-11T22:07:00.002-07:002012-10-11T22:07:24.462-07:00Disney trip<span style="font-size: large;">We took Lauren to Disneyland for Fall break and had a GREAT time! She is the perfect age and absolutely loved it. We had three day hopper passes and spent two days at Disneyland and one day at California Adventure. Disneyland was decked out for Halloween and the Haunted Mansion was transformed into The Nightmare before Christmas. It's amazing the work they put into changing up this atttraction for the holiday...we rode this one twice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lauren loved any fast ride including the new Radiator Springs Racers, Thunder Mountain and the Matterhorn. She also loved all the rides in Fantasyland with Peter Pan and Dumbo being her favorites. She was thrilled when she got to ride up front with the driver on the Monorail. I think the most fun she had was the Minnie Mouse & Friends character breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Main Street and at the Jedi Training Academy show in Tomorrowland. She got selected to "train" as a Jedi during the show complete with brown, hooded robe and light saber. She got to fight up on stage with Darth Vader (video below) and got a certificate at the end.</span> <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyXbwZ5Ast4Q8qRrm3jgndwxDAqh8LTWMjE7hoqN7edrMaJtHihWOQ5-Zxdpwfv7YONN56e8rlKN_AtDIpmaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see all our trip pics on my </span><a href="http://laurenmakesthree.shutterfly.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly site</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Here are some of my favorites...</span><br />
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-76316839344605235352012-08-22T19:10:00.001-07:002012-08-22T19:10:50.372-07:00Tortilla bowls…<p><font size="3">Okay, I saw this somewhere out in the Pinterest world and I have to say that it actually works.  Take a jumbo muffin pan, turn it upside down and spray lightly with olive oil Pam between four of the cups (although you may not actually need to do this).  Now take a small tortilla and place it on the pan like this…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i67VeZEuqvk/UDWRItLacLI/AAAAAAAAF-0/Bpk3VtaWls0/s1600-h/IMG_4319%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4319" border="0" alt="IMG_4319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-89vHJu1ppyY/UDWRJSaGcnI/AAAAAAAAF-8/yBhP7zxgu-U/IMG_4319_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="503" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I baked at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes until it was crispy then filled with refried beans, turkey taco meat and some shredded cheese.  YUM! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2GJKoibg-9k/UDWRJt4hIhI/AAAAAAAAF_E/uSrYn4VEabM/s1600-h/IMG_4320%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4320" border="0" alt="IMG_4320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5Dg5Wl6iGGg/UDWRKA4R_eI/AAAAAAAAF_M/ak0c2Ac5BCU/IMG_4320_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="474" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Wow to figure out what to bake a large tortilla on without buying one of those expensive, single purpose tortilla bakers.  Hmmm…maybe a stainless or glass bowl?  Although you wouldn’t get the same look.  Any ideas out there?</font></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-43997864096957852702012-08-19T18:36:00.001-07:002012-08-19T18:36:55.354-07:00Pinterest crafting…<p><font size="3">I decided to try some of the crafts I’ve had on my <em>Crafts to Make Someday</em> <a href="http://pinterest.com/donnary/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.  I’ve been pinning like crazy, but haven’t taken much time to actually craft and that’s the fun part!</font></p> <p><font size="3">First off, this cute bracelet is a copy of </font><a href="http://www.iammommahearmeroar.net/2011/09/super-simple-beaded-bracelet.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">this one</font></a><font size="3">.  All you need is wooden beads, leather lace and a pretty button.  I like how I can wear it with the button in the front to show it off or in the back.   </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZKQ-fzSM4s/UDGUnx7fOGI/AAAAAAAAF9E/IKgZc1gxkxM/s1600-h/IMG_42884.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4288" border="0" alt="IMG_4288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRioL7L5EMD1xWaqcpnNTbPvQ52W4x58ZZbOkVRIEKXJe3eBm6tZVgm4zypEx1imrBiTAGzXlqbcOEtGWyh62ibl2CZXVC68tkUMH-POzzI3w3ujpz5EhIG9zNBNsRHccUiJoTu-dOw1Q/?imgmax=800" width="536" height="412" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next up was to make a copy of </font><a href="http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-bird-nest-necklace.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">this bird nest necklace</font></a><font size="3">.  I think it turned out pretty cute for my first attempt. What do you think?  I used the 24 gauge wire, but you can also use 20 gauge for a more delicate look.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0HfGIC7_Dq0/UDGUo_HXdkI/AAAAAAAAF9U/uMCMTdmBTj4/s1600-h/IMG_42939.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4293" border="0" alt="IMG_4293" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_FEQ2KixbMU/UDGUpPj_gqI/AAAAAAAAF9c/cfbaDzndkAA/IMG_4293_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="536" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I saw this </font><a href="http://amazingmae.blogspot.com.au/2009/06/road-trip-pillow-cases.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">road trip pillow case</font></a><font size="3"> and thought it would be perfect for our Disney trip coming up over Fall break.  It has a big pocket on the front to stow night time reading and a little friend.  Lauren is loving the color blue right now and she loves puppy dogs, so when she saw this fabric at Joann’s she grabbed the bolt right off the rack.  I picked up a yard of fabric, a package of jumbo rickrack, a craft felt square, two fat quarters of fabric for the pocket, and a piece of webbing for the handle.  I think it turned out darn cute and she loves it.   </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ygo36kE3aFQ/UDGUpkil4FI/AAAAAAAAF9k/RuBjGnqCqh8/s1600-h/IMG_4303%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4303" border="0" alt="IMG_4303" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3YSeqgrk_NY/UDGUp8f5nOI/AAAAAAAAF9s/oS_T54n9hL0/IMG_4303_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="457" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I made a run to Michael’s yesterday and they had a bunch of the $1 toy aisle stuff on clearance, so I picked up a spiral notebook for .25 cents and a piece of Disney scrapbook paper.  I remembered </font><a href="http://www.thiscrazyblessedlife.com/2011/09/tutorial-disney-autograph-books.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">this idea</font></a><font size="3"> I saw the other day.  I cut out a Mickey head, a bow and used my Cricut for the letters.  Now Lauren has her own personalized autograph book for Disney.  She LOVES it and can’t wait to get all her favorites to sign!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1oYaOg5M3qQ/UDGUqbrmwkI/AAAAAAAAF90/uNNEJpX-8_g/s1600-h/IMG_4315%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4315" border="0" alt="IMG_4315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3J83RAFo3Y8/UDGUq97B_9I/AAAAAAAAF98/1PJ4J1Gv3Pw/IMG_4315_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="567" height="440" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Lauren also got in on the jewelry making and made a little stretch bracelet.  Thanks, Nancy, for the little beading kit!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VF0c9rNUbpY/UDGUrVDNSKI/AAAAAAAAF-E/gL9_wJPyYlw/s1600-h/IMG_42795.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4279" border="0" alt="IMG_4279" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ty9l4NKYFlU/UDGUrhZUucI/AAAAAAAAF-M/IpvZBCUfWXQ/IMG_4279_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="380" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVrzuoWHxV2kIiOTY9yQnaBnUc2rQ2O4dmGlAuM811JegL0G_vtVVBVXXM970J2zdHVGcvUBaqgUjh3_ajfUP7qfbizcBzlaHfVPCNMsWuOFMobOChhOZU87eH6pPrYMhGGwLOOSgJr8/s1600-h/IMG_42965.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4296" border="0" alt="IMG_4296" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C3YApwH_Q8c/UDGUtVHxAAI/AAAAAAAAF-c/qyccN4vJdso/IMG_4296_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="380" /></a></p> <p>Well, it was a fun and productive craft weekend.  Now to think about what to try next.  </p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-68190796974422662662012-08-06T10:22:00.001-07:002012-08-06T10:22:29.339-07:00First day of kindergarten…<p>I took today off so Joe and I both could see her off to school today.  We got up extra early since we weren’t quite sure how the morning traffic would be at this time.  I’m usually on the freeway by 6:15am to make it to work by 7am.  At that time traffic is light, but school doesn’t start until 7:45am so I was expecting it to be pretty bad.  We have her enrolled out of district, so the school is about 12 miles away.  </p> <p>I got her up for breakfast at about 6:15am and she was pretty excited to get her big day started.  We read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Kindergarten-Natasha-Wing/dp/0448425009/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344273147&sr=1-1&keywords=the+night+before+kindergarten" target="_blank"><em>The Night Before Kindergarten</em></a> before bed last night and talked all about how the morning and day would go.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoPd9Vz1Adeo2D2EO5d9xEaz93JDFBWiuq1eIHhTbiYkMXTwCvMTeEbdOZV0PRDyr5HRWBICOswnIiyoD57yf4mcCeop_dHBlqw0jAzR-7H2cJg_O7-9bhmeKcfQNnbR4MDmBfbbtRp0/s1600-h/IMG_4257%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4257" border="0" alt="IMG_4257" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2dx84MdRyTE/UB_9MpkRbdI/AAAAAAAAF6U/UzjsSDkt8Ek/IMG_4257_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="416" /></a></p> <p>Here’s my big kindergartener girl!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8hlSNvspslA/UB_9MxwUqWI/AAAAAAAAF6c/tHlSsR4fyT4/s1600-h/IMG_4262%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4262" border="0" alt="IMG_4262" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gIaWu8WyOqs/UB_9NdHgzII/AAAAAAAAF6k/Y8kBLY-dVfU/IMG_4262_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="629" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_CmI6G7Puwg/UB_9N-yP4yI/AAAAAAAAF6s/vsYPw9TVBkI/s1600-h/IMG_4263%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4263" border="0" alt="IMG_4263" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZbkKPvLivuA/UB_9OD_P6gI/AAAAAAAAF60/tF4WqPge61I/IMG_4263_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="628" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WaMjhLv2npA/UB_9OmSPTvI/AAAAAAAAF64/MTfFYkRA1nU/s1600-h/IMG_4267%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4267" border="0" alt="IMG_4267" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FQ0QCIaZnD0/UB_9PL3Ui4I/AAAAAAAAF7E/4pfIxFfS0B8/IMG_4267_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="477" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bORi3usUulY/UB_9Pyz6glI/AAAAAAAAF7M/wbVJfk-pexI/s1600-h/IMG_4270%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4270" border="0" alt="IMG_4270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblT9ql-gfCbcS1uSeiO1vgKzzmkAZYMS44IS52o2QoPCiIt19X6hWFvN5RMHqh0MCkMB428EosmV__i0FWH8lknA9WtK46xg8CKw1NTAVN44_D8umJENhKu6NdIVEDOu7iFFceo4L1II/?imgmax=800" width="376" height="477" /></a></p> <p>The classes meet in the playground and the teacher leads the line of kids into the building.  It was organized chaos with cameras snapping everywhere! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UuAeAmRYbgI/UB_9QxF9kMI/AAAAAAAAF7c/OgXr5zOIwJY/s1600-h/IMG_4272%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4272" border="0" alt="IMG_4272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iZVcrZiOBOc/UB_9RYRxyoI/AAAAAAAAF7k/C0jiDV56nXk/IMG_4272_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="359" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n99mlr3s5mM/UB_9RjqH-gI/AAAAAAAAF7s/A7F1TORKwOM/s1600-h/IMG_4273%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4273" border="0" alt="IMG_4273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AysYk53D3EyhpQYQtTbuj98W0sDGvokYF1FULQOx_-sQeaOyAnHgcv6sOV4lpJp3Md7xo6U1IbLqSYONe_VqSXy6hMC2a51WdXBD295KuM5OAioYh6zd9y_xj88LJTSPdVE1CxXzLjk/?imgmax=800" width="460" height="354" /></a></p> <p>She was all smiles until the other lines started going in…then she was a bit apprehensive.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vJw8GPU75k0/UB_9SkBSNYI/AAAAAAAAF78/J3If6u0Oxu8/s1600-h/IMG_4271%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4271" border="0" alt="IMG_4271" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m8-1h-Aiz_8/UB_9TC7EDZI/AAAAAAAAF8E/oX_LHnV3hYk/IMG_4271_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="355" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w0CUMjeojQo/UB_9Tp6EyHI/AAAAAAAAF8M/-qhGz3rby78/s1600-h/IMG_4275%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4275" border="0" alt="IMG_4275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZT5BVlpI5z-PaDdSUre-OkyGmAvhTAyTiTThsVSDWxpJrRs8nQDkn3raIMt7wHT-FR2BsqQexqaDQK2hFegx3O80NPSX_sVxkFC_kT_Gi46r2qYv1ldwfnOjjnqxtU70PM5eC2pzRi0/?imgmax=800" width="260" height="355" /></a></p> <p>But when her line started to move, she went right in with no tearful good-bye.  With a final snap of the camera she was gone.  Off she went to the very first day of school.  As soon as she was out of sight, my heart sank for a second and the tears started.  My baby was off on her own to a whole new adventure and I wasn’t going along…sniff, sniff.  It’s so hard to let go.  I can’t wait to pick her up and hear all about her first big day.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NyXMA4lu6Tg/UB_9UtD7KAI/AAAAAAAAF8c/jx9xXdi_l0I/s1600-h/IMG_4276%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4276" border="0" alt="IMG_4276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OdMWVKV2vsM/UB_9VI6fBmI/AAAAAAAAF8k/I1rYeZC35gI/IMG_4276_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="389" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-34902390706349726802012-08-05T17:39:00.001-07:002012-08-05T17:39:59.864-07:00Craft day…<p>Yesterday I had some friends over for crafting.  Lauren was so excited for the day and I love this big smiley hug I caught.  This is her BFF, Lily, who stayed the night on Friday.  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yoc1_UA0llk/UB8SAyOd0pI/AAAAAAAAF20/eaL2gVVMfr8/s1600-h/IMG_4240%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4240" border="0" alt="IMG_4240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6u0qxC0DUsg/UB8SBuVLNEI/AAAAAAAAF28/x5DowscyhCs/IMG_4240_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="454" /></a></p> <p>Before everyone arrived, I sneaked a squeeze in with the girls…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LDRyn2CSiko/UB8SCIjxCvI/AAAAAAAAF3A/wIKmKw4b-Ug/s1600-h/IMG_4241%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4241" border="0" alt="IMG_4241" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qmknSYjnwE8/UB8SCpNXmBI/AAAAAAAAF3M/J1XbECs3GbM/IMG_4241_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="359" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jvF1YTVpF8o/UB8SCxrVWoI/AAAAAAAAF3U/d69_WS-ragw/s1600-h/IMG_4243%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4243" border="0" alt="IMG_4243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aEHRYdPA4xE/UB8SDow1RrI/AAAAAAAAF3c/HIBmttq3A3U/IMG_4243_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="339" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XZ41Zczs2-A/UB8SEyZcXII/AAAAAAAAF3k/oPxgrgnGshk/s1600-h/IMG_4251%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4251" border="0" alt="IMG_4251" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2nfE2dEqt2M/UB8SFWZ9O_I/AAAAAAAAF3s/kpcoq2vNPBM/IMG_4251_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="338" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFmnYgvqgtY/UB8SFqcEvkI/AAAAAAAAF30/fxkPB9VDH6Y/s1600-h/IMG_4245%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4245" border="0" alt="IMG_4245" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QIXAc7G0PRs/UB8SGDGOYJI/AAAAAAAAF38/d6M_EsT8VG8/IMG_4245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="337" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIKa9USTh7AcqTf0ZkVDPwd-fZMuVYgMTZLV8mWh8-SY8v1HMpVMYlVz-F2lV7QWoIyXGnPbRn6n2jmvd5duQPu_daGeKm3dj537xavKs-SgTlmqQkNth1TuKbpDXNDKNkXPzlrDQejo/s1600-h/IMG_4244%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4244" border="0" alt="IMG_4244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ehHelmFLmOM/UB8SOdcpwwI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/pe5fzFH8dNc/IMG_4244_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="336" /></a></p> <p>For lunch we had fresh fruit, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-deen/grilled-lemon-and-rosemary-chicken-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">lemon rosemary chicken</a> and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-deen/bow-tie-pasta-salad-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">roasted veggie pasta salad</a>. Both recipes were from Jamie Deen’s new show Home for Dinner and both were big hits!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pXOhjyrhPIc/UB8SOxmAB8I/AAAAAAAAF4g/6jRziCB9vEY/s1600-h/IMG_4242%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4242" border="0" alt="IMG_4242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SRALByZ2Drg/UB8SP8e9oeI/AAAAAAAAF4k/kWg9Go0cvj8/IMG_4242_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="336" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CsSxCHAzk6k/UB8SSNgmMfI/AAAAAAAAF4w/wuD61J9UYc8/s1600-h/IMG_4246%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4246" border="0" alt="IMG_4246" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x0RT8IRtmfA/UB8SS9aoEuI/AAAAAAAAF44/CssiavvyAfY/IMG_4246_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="335" /></a></p> <p>I was thrilled to actually finish the craft I had in mind for the day.  I had this idea pinned on <a href="http://pinterest.com/donnary/" target="_blank">my Pinterest board</a> for a while.  It’s super simple and I think the whole project costs about $7.  I painted a 16” x 20” canvas and used five coordinated sheets of 12” x 12” scrapbook paper cut into leaves.  I stuck them down with <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Zots-Dots-45;-Memory-Small-45;-300-pk/2903.016/425680.html" target="_blank">Zots</a> clear adhesive dots.  In the <a href="http://itsdoable.squarespace.com/blog/2012/1/23/its-doablethe-flower-wall-art.html#comments" target="_blank">tutorial</a>, she uses a hot glue gun but I figured that would be messy and cause clumping under the leaves.  The dots are flat and so easy to use.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_ryr6exi9g/UB8STXKA7pI/AAAAAAAAF5A/yiVh6AXii4I/s1600-h/IMG_4256%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4256" border="0" alt="IMG_4256" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WjtPu3qqAgQ/UB8ST8_qyTI/AAAAAAAAF5I/cZ2T8S3-MCM/IMG_4256_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="696" /></a></p> <p>On the edge, just wrap the leaves around the side of the canvas and stick it down with the adhesive dots.  Before I glued any leaves down, I positioned them in place and sort of moved them around and trimmed as needed until I liked the pattern.   Big thanks to my friend, Heather, who has a fantastic eye for color and patterns.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ei2Asc2xaEg/UB8SUWZyeSI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/7eHUHqAb3q8/s1600-h/IMG_4255%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4255" border="0" alt="IMG_4255" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V8hTpsF2-xw/UB8SUgI2w-I/AAAAAAAAF5Y/vszT0klK3PU/IMG_4255_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="549" /></a></p> <p>Here’s our little “artists” caught red handed chalking up the play center.  By the time we busted them they had chalk everywhere including the inside walks of the clubhouse.  Thanks goodness it was only chalk and the hose took it right off!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EhBYqPna7Gk/UB8SVKiQllI/AAAAAAAAF5g/6cCWye-VsgU/s1600-h/IMG_4249%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4249" border="0" alt="IMG_4249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuZLFJxVcEPbQQFzRvuFn1LtNG9EhTWNhPp-q4XIMk-LD2VyXqB3LT5rtKohrD1vhj4yFFiNg7uClpee9qDstNFBLP4HoSxzYVJHcMRr006Y7PMiYsUOyq80Jq0dy7iwOG5t5PIiJ94k/?imgmax=800" width="303" height="414" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtybrTjb99a_IuOihbL62C0lx_D1hRKyf4zZVr98PmALWdq8WvrtCRlqaoSpRHt3VmV3HszYluiGZL_m1MIhPEveelcPdvK1BYZ4aNqXjsAXWv6gtOYIF-463Tkylu6QYEOttJSuR6ZA/s1600-h/IMG_4250%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4250" border="0" alt="IMG_4250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lj3GUwHr3N8/UB8SXsIVwdI/AAAAAAAAF54/gnMovSjAMLo/IMG_4250_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="415" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-48116086583467356352012-07-16T18:12:00.001-07:002012-07-16T18:12:03.157-07:00July 4th and catch-up<p>We had some pretty crazy weather here this July 4th.  They said on the news it was the coolest 4th in 100 years!  It should have been around 110 degrees, but instead it was overcast, rainy and in the low 90’s.  Lauren was thrilled to get her barely used Minnie Mouse umbrella out…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xRjdOH-_oPQ/UAS7xA7upfI/AAAAAAAAF0o/OeJQJ736B-A/s1600-h/IMG_41355.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4135" border="0" alt="IMG_4135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XbQ-SWliHNE/UAS7yJwQIrI/AAAAAAAAF0w/yKLUqROUpqA/IMG_4135_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="404" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ugr8wfjABHY/UAS7yXkOhgI/AAAAAAAAF04/S4moqQ2zBVc/s1600-h/IMG_41376.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4137" border="0" alt="IMG_4137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EZuCOvZmu_w/UAS7y4SUWGI/AAAAAAAAF1A/Mtr2jo-LJb8/IMG_4137_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="400" /></a></p> <p>and climb around on her playset.  Since it wasn’t that hot, we decided to head out to the fireworks display at the local park.  Lauren had a great time and she actually complained she was chilly during the display.  Now that’s unheard of in July around here!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jWO1lElh9VA/UAS7zL0KLHI/AAAAAAAAF1I/6MkD-dwDc14/s1600-h/IMG_414117.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4141" border="0" alt="IMG_4141" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hili6CQlzIA/UAS7zrWKpgI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/NU2C2cK0-Zw/IMG_4141_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6p4WY9AWksI/UAS70P9PyRI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/ACg_Z-ZoEbc/s1600-h/IMG_41437.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4143" border="0" alt="IMG_4143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q5KUIDY09rk/UAS70XP1u-I/AAAAAAAAF1g/qRf-HJlYSCU/IMG_4143_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rnyr9GgnMZA/UAS7022_ddI/AAAAAAAAF1o/QfjStDl18lU/s1600-h/IMG_41514.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4151" border="0" alt="IMG_4151" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izfaTbh0LAM/UAS72J20y4I/AAAAAAAAF1w/fsMZp7uOSm4/IMG_4151_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="393" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GD1yqNhLXNY/UAS72ueEZyI/AAAAAAAAF14/Eq97GUaO5xw/s1600-h/IMG_41544.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4154" border="0" alt="IMG_4154" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4ANIZjjZ-48/UAS724fVNPI/AAAAAAAAF2A/KOyDgQB5tTk/IMG_4154_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="393" /></a></p> <p>There’s a couple of new things going on in the kitchen.  I made a TV chart so Lauren can keep track of how many shows she’s watching.  She gets six half hour shows from the Disney channel or Nick Jr. per day.  She’s been really good about marking the chart after each show.  The hardest part for her has been managing her morning shows so she has a show to watch in the evening.  Since Dad is home with her during the day and she’s not in school right now, she tends to crawl into bed with Dad in the morning and watches Disney channel before they get up for the day.  She can kill three shows right there.  If anyone else has ideas for how they manage TV watching, I’d love to hear about it.  </p> <p>The other side of the fridge holds a few cups mounted with magnets so Lauren can grab one and get her own water whenever she wants.  I got kinda tired of hearing “Mom, I need some water”.  Now she gets her own.  I borrowed this idea from <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/06/tutorial-fridge-magnet-cups.html" target="_blank">Made</a> and it’s been working great.    </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yG5Z4JctEvM/UAS73RxlN0I/AAAAAAAAF2I/wyQXBtx00LU/s1600-h/IMG_41314.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4131" border="0" alt="IMG_4131" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jFlIPmo5qS0/UAS73-2-AjI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/PGFi0RNKx1g/IMG_4131_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="388" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mM5kIwZF1hI/UAS734FpzpI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/OICtk2ILKUQ/s1600-h/IMG_41334.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4133" border="0" alt="IMG_4133" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5f177psuKeY/UAS74Ym-BII/AAAAAAAAF2g/JQi-QbJt3qI/IMG_4133_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="388" /></a></p> <p>I haven’t had time to sit down and work on our yearly photo albums, but with Shutterfly’s new on-line scrapbooking software I put this book together quickly to send out to Grandpa and Grandma to show them what we’ve been up to so far this year…</p> <object width="425" height="425" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0EYt2bNq5aMldh&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0EYt2bNq5aMldh&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object> <p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; width: 425px"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EYt2bNq5aMnuQ&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></p> <div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 10px; width: 425px">Shutterfly offers exclusive <a style="color: #6666cc" href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">photobook layouts</a> so you can make your book just the way you want.</div> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-83416751128553511372012-06-10T15:51:00.001-07:002012-06-10T15:51:54.927-07:00Kiddie Pool Swim Party<p><font size="3">Lauren has been asking to have a pool party…too bad we don’t have a pool!  No problem, she had a kiddie pool party instead complete with water guns, beach ball, watermelon and ice pops.  For dinner we made our own pizza…yum.  I love Trader Joe’s pizza dough.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">It was a super hot day yesterday, but the girls had tons of fun and that’s all that matters to me.  Us moms cooled off with them in the kiddie pool, got splashed and sprayed with water guns and I loved every minute of it.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GDPeJkJ766s/T9Uk7d1JAMI/AAAAAAAAFyc/2irI-DDk6b4/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2HPQiGnOnxY/T9Uk787bfCI/AAAAAAAAFyk/5eiEpAjNnEI/s1600-h/IMG_4109%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4109" border="0" alt="IMG_4109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NDUNvbmKKb4/T9Uk8ISmC9I/AAAAAAAAFys/sx1RvqjAms0/IMG_4109_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="381" /></a>      <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L52zTVIImfU/T9Uk8hlqv8I/AAAAAAAAFy0/owwpZhZbBqY/s1600-h/IMG_4116%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4116" border="0" alt="IMG_4116" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-47OeDeveNbQ/T9Uk9fC9UYI/AAAAAAAAFy8/zplArpJnPjg/IMG_4116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3xrKMnbCV0M/T9Uk9xj6Q-I/AAAAAAAAFzE/A-6YP_Ty_E8/s1600-h/IMG_4118%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4118" border="0" alt="IMG_4118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kzeaWrh8fFY/T9Uk-NAStZI/AAAAAAAAFzM/-GslJsmzYBg/IMG_4118_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381" /></a>     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kmkCzn6oXO8/T9Uk-pDoWeI/AAAAAAAAFzU/pNFshl__mhE/s1600-h/IMG_4119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4119" border="0" alt="IMG_4119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierQN0SmnH3TWe5ByP4EYjiQSTD0c25r2emfdc5EDXvbbR7xCJOj-_lYhwQXEzgWmGCChGJIVO03mUoC4Fq3i8_HZMG2AO3VwH_xGd0tL0V4AJyKZmtKFtgM9LOFxkKrIncwYJoxDubTs/?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdZGSeR6i3DkOhu7iZTDVXb_s9S7fy0bNk8fQLu3LIfFsRRKGDfmQD4LAZxyNyt9ksDLB3v262545ARFjxGAIkCDiLq35RnicgI6CW0CiZPPkffn_RtKJlNka1n0LO2i0eYVjishdKX4/s1600-h/IMG_4104%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4104" border="0" alt="IMG_4104" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bFTRxcL-t_4/T9Uk_kgeDdI/AAAAAAAAFzs/fM6IMKQbDO0/IMG_4104_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381" /></a>     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z5A2q7BSPDI/T9UlAKiamFI/AAAAAAAAFz0/1SQkeiPC4ig/s1600-h/IMG_4105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4105" border="0" alt="IMG_4105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif861VwAhyzX6NHuYu2IvyWq-M8avyq7T4PTY39UQNf4tlHPM86ZRtY0mOc0xm5TpnKxksL3OzT4GojbEVV4bnWOcwDbu8G6m-sNb73DuoXJrZ-7DiRNdybS9ueD2mFesJmwIWaQHzWEU/?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M6Wlp7_Ub7E/T9UlA0eW-MI/AAAAAAAAF0E/8kU-MGKoDsI/s1600-h/IMG_4114%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4114" border="0" alt="IMG_4114" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iyYGa-MLV38/T9UlBOp1vyI/AAAAAAAAF0M/PKvfoNf7t9I/IMG_4114_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="308" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1jdtHlBAQvA/T9UlBuYUNuI/AAAAAAAAF0U/Cw8Zkaps81c/s1600-h/IMG_4107%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4107" border="0" alt="IMG_4107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CiIHgXe-VdA/T9UlB6BL5tI/AAAAAAAAF0c/sigc2qgz5UM/IMG_4107_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="308" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-37403341885294305762012-04-30T17:46:00.001-07:002012-05-02T19:18:30.623-07:00Crafty Weekend<span style="font-size: small;">So, one of my friends wanted a big chalkboard that’s also magnetic for her kitchen. We headed to a local antique mall and she found a big old frame already painted in a super light robin’s egg blue and ruffed up a bit…perfect!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JIxsDcBQgnU/T58yV2hwGlI/AAAAAAAAFaE/59VoPMJhHIA/s1600-h/IMG_39684.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3968" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Wf4uPr_UNM/T58yWTadUGI/AAAAAAAAFaM/9xllK5UhXxA/IMG_3968_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3968" width="446" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It had a mirror in it, but that’s okay. We took off the old frame backing and removed the mirror. There were a million little staples very tightly holding the mirror in, so it took quite a bit of elbow grease.</span> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BIis4sngKn4/T58yWtsxnDI/AAAAAAAAFaU/_1rrDG2wy88/s1600-h/IMG_39665.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3966" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_610RdtF_Qo/T58yW4NjWvI/AAAAAAAAFac/qgSeQF5Uwd4/IMG_3966_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3966" width="314" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bo5u21XzXm4/T58yXZharQI/AAAAAAAAFak/c1QIhUHzaRQ/s1600-h/IMG_39675.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3967" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z8VZk3I2DS0/T58yXhy8LLI/AAAAAAAAFas/IsAqJq5ugXU/IMG_3967_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3967" width="327" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After that we picked up a piece of sheet metal at Home Depot and cut it with tin snips to fit the frame insert. Something to note…aluminum sheeting is NOT sheet metal and it’s NOT magnetic…just sayin. Not that we bought aluminum sheeting and cut it just to find out that our magnets didn’t stick. Nope, not us, we didn’t do that!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aNa39XwTd6U/T58yYIxp6cI/AAAAAAAAFa0/lG-j3ZYAsH8/s1600-h/IMG_39755.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3975" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oFqPv1bOiZM/T58yYdKTUzI/AAAAAAAAFa8/I1LoezNmQYQ/IMG_3975_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3975" width="370" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course the sheet metal didn’t fit exactly as expected, so it took some trimming to get it just right. Does this always happen to everyone or just me?</span> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mHpc5DlPscQ/T58yYvnm1qI/AAAAAAAAFbE/zEViZHSiDzI/s1600-h/IMG_39776.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3977" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mRlVceUv9yE/T58yZBGmHkI/AAAAAAAAFbM/JNuEqcQuGZ8/IMG_3977_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3977" width="296" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The next step was to paint the sheet metal with about a gazillion coats of chalkboard paint. Actually it was about 5 or 6 coats, but it felt like a gazillion! Even with all those coats it’s not a perfectly even black surface, but it’s pretty close. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n_HCkbzjl9U/T58yZikslNI/AAAAAAAAFbU/4JBs-McXkA0/s1600-h/IMG_39815.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3981" border="0" height="348" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mBwt-U0VGrI/T58yZwGbRtI/AAAAAAAAFbc/o2LlYbYzJ38/IMG_3981_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3981" width="255" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QoUdG2NdI2I/T58yaSO6kCI/AAAAAAAAFbk/hPkLCjUO4io/s1600-h/IMG_39804.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3980" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO76ulCuLUmjbM9zux0rznXtoky-uz-mhwRIIxXv0LiACB2VEDdcusgjXQQ6vAQEE5Scq-IjRLzLW2yyq_A7dhWKHJGWCqv48Q39-fgLH0TxApxyVo5acgAdLj2Cp9Ovi3gvmSP_WIDA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3980" width="262" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now, instead of of putting the big, heavy original frame backing back on, we decided to pick up some foam core and good old Duck Tape. We put the chalkboard into the frame, backed it with foam core we cut to size and taped it all around with the Duck Tape. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9KIWgJjiRqk/T58ybGYWLvI/AAAAAAAAFb0/xiTYnnXNZA8/s1600-h/IMG_39985.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_3998" border="0" height="234" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yZmYgQnOzTs/T58ybe5KwmI/AAAAAAAAFb8/O_MT0J0dSvk/IMG_3998_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3998" width="299" /></span></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J95PIGz8294/T58yb5x1UAI/AAAAAAAAFcE/qg-mGmweGcc/s1600-h/IMG_39965.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_3996" border="0" height="356" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-myVSpDGAfx0/T58ycCNkaKI/AAAAAAAAFcM/NP_4l0YOpr4/IMG_3996_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3996" width="261" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s the finished board. It works great and it’s magnetic. Not that pathetic, almost not existent magnetic strength you get with magnetic paint, but a super strong magnetic hold. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hXKqgqAea6Y/T58zIIHcfaI/AAAAAAAAFdk/hZurcczYXa4/s1600-h/IMG_40055.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jvBmFdRbxSo/T58zIacVxsI/AAAAAAAAFds/LCQD4NGr7hU/s1600-h/IMG_4005%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4005" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qiGaKK89wMU/T58ydbvztxI/AAAAAAAAFck/rQ-qJUnT0Zw/IMG_4005_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4005" width="585" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While we had the chalkboard paint out, we made these basket labels using a package of little wooden signs we got at Michaels. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mZTxN-SPzpo/T58yd6zj3TI/AAAAAAAAFcs/MXqQ7_YBTTg/s1600-h/IMG_39935.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_3993" border="0" height="247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XJp_R4LghRU/T58yeKXbL9I/AAAAAAAAFc0/kcOs_y-hm90/IMG_3993_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3993" width="443" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I also made this magnetic chalkboard for my office door at work. The frame is from </span><a href="http://www.cutitoutalready.com/index.php"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut it Out</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> and the wooden flower cut-out came from </span><a href="http://pickyourplum.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Pick Your Plum</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. I just painted the frame and mod podged some scrapbook paper onto the flower. I sanded both and used some antiquing gel. I love how it turned out. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yYxk-7jxQlM/T58yeStUejI/AAAAAAAAFc8/GhnTJCyms7w/s1600-h/IMG_40105.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_4010" border="0" height="470" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lya1Ih48tOU/T58ye4atyhI/AAAAAAAAFdE/mOrfnoERBuE/IMG_4010_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_4010" width="344" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s another project using a </span><a href="http://www.cutitoutalready.com/index.php"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut it Out</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> frame, but this one is scrapbook paper over a sheet metal insert to make it magnetic for hanging notes or photos. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K61vgwUSkww/T58yfJp6XoI/AAAAAAAAFdM/WpgDh3SGTt8/s1600-h/IMG_39875.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_3987" border="0" height="445" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l5r5gjiwMDc/T58yfnspr2I/AAAAAAAAFdY/mr7x6EJtEnE/IMG_3987_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3987" width="326" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Now, what’s the next project going to be?? </span><br />
<br />
Linking up at Somewhat Simple...<br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" src="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2000/01/125-button1.png" /></a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-27945068906671722962012-04-21T13:17:00.001-07:002012-04-21T13:19:22.404-07:00Yo Gabba Gabba party details<p>Even though I already posted a video, I also wanted to put up some pics from Lauren’s Yo Gabba Gabba party.  I figured anyone planning this theme soon could get some decorating ideas.  Also, I would be happy to share any of the JPEG’s I created from clip art I found on the web.  </p> <p>For this banner I cut everything with my Cricut, but you can also do this by hand.  I just used a Sharpie marker for the eyelashes.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0CCLkYWNteo/T5MVpsAOvsI/AAAAAAAAFR4/w-cdPrG4fRY/s1600-h/Birthday%252520Banner%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Birthday Banner" border="0" alt="Birthday Banner" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dM9CHUia0wU/T5MVp6v0mkI/AAAAAAAAFSA/IOxVPRmqemU/Birthday%252520Banner_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="250" /></a></p> <p>I made these bottlecap necklaces for the favor bags with supplies from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fizzypops" target="_blank">Fizzy Pops</a>.  I cropped the characters from some clip art and created a dotted circle to go around them.  I printed the images on photo paper so they would be nice and sharp.  If you would like the images in PDF form, just email me from the link on my sidebar and I would be happy to share.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AokY5V-QQk0/T5MVqfj-7YI/AAAAAAAAFSI/coDraGQPvJo/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />   </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2jQIWVdvI0c/T5MVqtY9V-I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/t6UdfVd3NaQ/s1600-h/Bottlecap%252520Necklaces%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bottlecap Necklaces" border="0" alt="Bottlecap Necklaces" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pFWrpoEg2W8/T5MVq1BIFTI/AAAAAAAAFSU/mfWCdCvN9vs/Bottlecap%252520Necklaces_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="246" /></a></p> <p>For the centerpieces, I used the same images as the necklaces, just a little bigger, and put them on sticks.  A friend of mine (thank you Nancy) painted plain terra cotta pots for me and I added the ribbon detail.  I put some styrofoam on the bottom, popped in some pinwheels, the characters and some lollipops and topped with paper shred.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J5sr6Pp1-Nc/T5MVrO0QhmI/AAAAAAAAFSg/kSgtpIJ24hA/s1600-h/IMG_3798%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3798" border="0" alt="IMG_3798" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-feN-rDDIgQM/T5MVrbjkp2I/AAAAAAAAFSo/uKqLAOvZcYE/IMG_3798_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="467" /></a></p> <p>I took the pinwheel centers out replaced them with this image from the Yo Gabba logo.  Towards the end of the party, I told all the kids to grab a lollipop.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GfExPZNoc3M/T5MVrlF04-I/AAAAAAAAFSw/EbrJjqVha1s/s1600-h/IMG_3801%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3801" border="0" alt="IMG_3801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CLpb4tUh8m8/T5MVse1zeUI/AAAAAAAAFS4/mriZ1tM--uw/IMG_3801_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="504" /></a></p> <p>Instead of buying expensive Yo Gabba décor from Birthday Express, I just cropped some character pictures and glued them double-sided to some curling ribbon.  I hung these above the buffet too.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RsVMhFEGAYU/T5MVsi85TeI/AAAAAAAAFTA/qKJ1SVXJZOI/s1600-h/IMG_3809%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3809" border="0" alt="IMG_3809" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6EL-KmRIyh8/T5MVszbmDnI/AAAAAAAAFTI/cKzEsomOLUU/IMG_3809_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="510" /></a></p> <p>For the hats, I totally lucked out and found SVG images of all the characters.  This type of image can be cut on the Cricut if you have one of the bootleg software programs purchased BEFORE ProvoCraft won their lawsuit to stop these programs from working with Cricut.  I have the Make the Cut software (purchased before the lawsuit win) and I couldn’t imagine having my Cricut with it!  If you are lucky enough to have one of these programs still working and would like the SVG’s, let me know and I’d be happy to pass them along.    </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-63i30PMMNmc/T5MVtfV3raI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/1RlcmhlXoSA/s1600-h/IMG_3819%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3819" border="0" alt="IMG_3819" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b0S377emUo8/T5MVtqGmkEI/AAAAAAAAFTY/uQxkpYFY7zk/IMG_3819_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="509" /></a></p> <p>I used my necklace images once again on the party blow-outs…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7GZUdxeK4Nw/T5MVtxpUTwI/AAAAAAAAFTg/QXGinDSewaY/s1600-h/IMG_3820%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3820" border="0" alt="IMG_3820" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S2XFdXTZELI/T5MVuCt98HI/AAAAAAAAFTo/cLQkMN9mpDc/IMG_3820_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="431" /></a></p> <p>The sand art station was a hit with the kids, although I only recommend this as an outdoor activity since it’s messy.  I bought colored sand in Yo Gabba colors and little bottles at Hobby Lobby</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iMPaOvjbHFU/T5MVulxHSUI/AAAAAAAAFTw/V_g5vmnn83Q/s1600-h/IMG_3812%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3812" border="0" alt="IMG_3812" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mMaK8ABqKb8/T5MVu--RoxI/AAAAAAAAFT4/fOO3r9BR2cY/IMG_3812_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="278" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AOD46I3Z2Vg/T5MVvLdjeqI/AAAAAAAAFUA/ZNZmVtX-uI4/s1600-h/IMG_3831%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3831" border="0" alt="IMG_3831" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AWsPpJwO6kU/T5MVvTrksrI/AAAAAAAAFUI/GU2_o52U9Ks/IMG_3831_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="278" /></a></p> <p>To the bottles, I printed some images on sticker paper and popped them on…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CEJUcqANAeo/T5MVvuD8_uI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/qIlA69GEZxw/s1600-h/IMG_3835%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3835" border="0" alt="IMG_3835" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wEyIyTF79Xg/T5MVwE3XQiI/AAAAAAAAFUY/P7IJv4mxWLs/IMG_3835_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="339" /></a></p> <p>I made this game with tons of help from my friend, Nancy, who drew the character out on poster board.  I printed red, green and yellow apples on my Cricut and the kids wrote their names on them before we blindfolded them to play.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylmEjn5_1xSzDkNNi-gMpcqkHtSnDoSJJ1hhhTvjleVpH9PXOCb7edYmUnHrGRaUXJ6XqgQpLtYn4-GUeiFiGVc1dIq9JB5QCaQMrtSko7etMjzqHAvTOYJ0Wu7Hlm3P7GecwpzPZjGI/s1600-h/IMG_3840%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3840" border="0" alt="IMG_3840" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kLNQ3kOEMwM/T5MVw2lscUI/AAAAAAAAFUo/M2f2KAqvowE/IMG_3840_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="385" /></a></p> <p>The Brobee cake is a 2-layer 12-inch round covered with tinted buttercream frosting and I covered rice krispie treats in fondant for the horns.  This cake was super simple, but very time consuming…it took much longer than I thought it would from start to finish.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TksvgT-C9cM/T5MVxJRuCvI/AAAAAAAAFUw/GiZFBTo1x8Y/s1600-h/IMG_3843%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3843" border="0" alt="IMG_3843" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tUTaaWeWDt8/T5MVxYvOnjI/AAAAAAAAFU4/OwQZkut9uuc/IMG_3843_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="381" /></a></p> <p>For the candy bar wrappers, I doctored up some clipart and substituted Lauren’s pic for one of the characters.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDhowZkSwww/T5MVxrcPR3I/AAAAAAAAFVA/YnclXjwh9T0/s1600-h/IMG_3878%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3878" border="0" alt="IMG_3878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z-nI5RE66hc/T5MVx0m7mpI/AAAAAAAAFVI/S8vR6xzqW_g/IMG_3878_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="392" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ki2Pf9SwmC0/T5MVyUJtvNI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/VZVQXYTxEWg/s1600-h/IMG_3879%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3879" border="0" alt="IMG_3879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hZcmQdvuycQ/T5MVyglawGI/AAAAAAAAFVY/Q45VKeAoy3s/IMG_3879_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="392" /></a></p> <p>These little cards were on the buffet…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qcaPMUtqLGs/T5MVy2ZCCuI/AAAAAAAAFVg/A5-ZuLtCS30/s1600-h/IMG_3893%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3893" border="0" alt="IMG_3893" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvr7SwhnXy-Zxg6KR5uVnYrG7oNn8yK842No2TH9A6NHJYxbgUvZswwHKtMF1xjQqXGP-nYLaPATQIXrPqz2hqDLS5e_veP38Lz52QCnIrw8hpqPeNpc4aNvZfQgarY68v5pbN9eGzuQ/?imgmax=800" width="429" height="334" /></a></p> <p>and this was on the front door.  I wanted to make one of these really cute wreaths made with balloons that aren’t blown up, but I ran out of time and energy!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KsAA41HomBk/T5MVzrNiHkI/AAAAAAAAFVs/s2B9w9TczSU/s1600-h/IMG_3877%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3877" border="0" alt="IMG_3877" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hfhxt0_9DkI/T5MVz7KBNgI/AAAAAAAAFV4/E0jQVy1uE80/IMG_3877_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="413" /></a></p> <p>When all was said and done, Lauren had a great day and she LOVED everything.  That was  enough to make me feel like like all the crafty work was well worth it!   </p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-76790762738273879732012-04-09T17:53:00.003-07:002012-04-09T19:00:49.923-07:00Easter<p>We had a very nice, low key Easter this year. We colored eggs while Joe was off work on Friday night. Lauren was very proud of her blue egg covered in stickers…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zTyTaeOHSTU/T4OEYiChXeI/AAAAAAAAFHU/kOP92yqYcxQ/s1600-h/IMG_3909%25255B88%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3909" border="0" alt="IMG_3909" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jy1W6ifWVyQ/T4OEZLd3T1I/AAAAAAAAFHc/WKi6G099hfQ/IMG_3909_thumb%25255B85%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a5434M9nqoQ/T4OEZp2Ea_I/AAAAAAAAFHk/gsng0aJwsL0/s1600-h/IMG_3914%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3914" border="0" alt="IMG_3914" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b7bMwqZtFnw/T4OEZ6GFYtI/AAAAAAAAFHs/tW59pv1ed40/IMG_3914_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a></p> <p>He worked on Easter Sunday and had to go in early, but was home to see Lauren go through her basket goodies and hunt for eggs in the backyard. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_O0dB0RjMGA/T4OEaFWTlGI/AAAAAAAAFH0/1aW0OEVPiWU/s1600-h/IMG_3934%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3934" border="0" alt="IMG_3934" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4WWaZyLMyF4/T4OEau5_Q7I/AAAAAAAAFH8/L69GHtO29n4/IMG_3934_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9mvtkcwQ9r4/T4OEaxujEBI/AAAAAAAAFIE/XMSsIldEzqs/s1600-h/IMG_3938%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3938" border="0" alt="IMG_3938" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kVDmXBQ_YII/T4OEbD7NULI/AAAAAAAAFIM/m0tuO9Ez-NI/IMG_3938_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ilEkw2eDUFQ/T4OEbW3gm5I/AAAAAAAAFIU/5dahdiIKPZE/s1600-h/IMG_3940%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3940" border="0" alt="IMG_3940" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gpnd4eTARY0/T4OEbpRBUII/AAAAAAAAFIc/isRIkPbeaz0/IMG_3940_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MNxYVywigsI/T4OEcH1L0LI/AAAAAAAAFIk/dR-3gZ0B9MQ/s1600-h/IMG_3950%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3950" border="0" alt="IMG_3950" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gFc3SfuW1mU/T4OEcTBoLbI/AAAAAAAAFIs/YbUTwNuj_zU/IMG_3950_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="352" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lZI6lOzp07g/T4OEc96vMFI/AAAAAAAAFI0/5hg_gW5aWCU/s1600-h/IMG_3961%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3961" border="0" alt="IMG_3961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oIuv7u1zac0/T4OEdcWadGI/AAAAAAAAFI8/eggTck5y4GA/IMG_3961_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="522" /></a></p> <p>How cute is this…I love cards with her writing on them! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb9DUpzODmYNNLV_2oF5amE7niT66gbrWOTH-Q66iiRFtWpMDkAU1tmJrrt9Y2bA1HE9YrYg8VeHkK-OT633bufz7hpNzrdn-aafOyB0qwkGPje00gbqOum_GZN84XAA5eoh-3b4dQaQ/s1600-h/IMG_3951%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3951" border="0" alt="IMG_3951" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ODsW0vDYQRg/T4OEeES0cVI/AAAAAAAAFJM/P6sL6xCfmdY/IMG_3951_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A1W5sTtbJL4/T4OEeYAXMxI/AAAAAAAAFJU/zhpSds3vmQ4/s1600-h/IMG_3952%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3952" border="0" alt="IMG_3952" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uBuPsDhY74g/T4OEevO0o2I/AAAAAAAAFJc/CLjK_5MoenE/IMG_3952_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>I took these cupcakes for Easter dinner at my brother and sister-in-law’s house. We had a wonderful spiral ham dinner. It was super casual and very laid back…just how I like it. Lauren had a great time with her cousins. She follows her cousin, Josh, around like a shadow and he is SO good with her. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GvH2RwzB8rk/T4OEexNMbMI/AAAAAAAAFJk/-Giwczmiga4/s1600-h/IMG_3953%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3953" border="0" alt="IMG_3953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mHQxEDkdVqc/T4OEfDshRkI/AAAAAAAAFJs/s_EU6kqB5yA/IMG_3953_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="394" /></a></p> <p>For these cupcakes, just cut mini-marshmallows on the diagonal and throw them into a bag of sugar sprinkles. The sprinkles stick to the cut parts and look like little petals. I can totally see these in red for Christmas. I saw this idea on <a href="http://www.salsainchina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">M3’s</a> blog…she made these with the girls. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCYAKEnHQcLlPfJBnMmpR7ljT0bw5peB7yww2Djq2PVr5OZElIRqXnSlQ1ahnTtnUdyHbelgbYK0FLuRmXW88S0zCk6VDE8IDWFTnq1gtDjrYO25nugvI1UU-h6yr2UxdG7mb4OEUtWk/s1600-h/IMG_3960%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3960" border="0" alt="IMG_3960" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pCKCZmvEbi8/T4OEf0XQBDI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/TJcEdyYsZwA/IMG_3960_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="386" /></a></p>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-13342899186825903922012-03-26T17:49:00.001-07:002012-03-26T17:50:06.989-07:00Lauren’s Birthday<p><font size="3">I haven’t posted for over a month and I have no idea where the time went!  So far, this year is moving at the speed of light and I wish it would slow the heck down!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Lauren’s birthday was just yesterday and we had her party on Saturday.  I can’t believe she’s 5 and starting kindergarten this year.  I had our China travel album out for the party and was flipping through it with a friend of mine.  It seems like yesterday and so very long ago all at the same time.  Lauren’s come SO incredibly far since then and seeing the pain on her face in those pictures always makes my heart sink.  These days she is a happy, fun loving, sweet, smart, forever smiling little girl and we love her so much.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s a little video of her party.  She had debated on her party theme for months and got it narrowed down to Olivia and Yo Gabba Gabba.  Well, once her party was over she told me she wants to do Olivia next year.  I told her that next year is very far away and we can decide on that later!</font></p> <p><iframe id="viddler-8960a28e" height="383" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/8960a28e/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=101210200&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" frameborder="0" width="545"></iframe></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-51659186859434542112012-02-11T17:39:00.001-07:002012-02-11T17:39:52.898-07:00Weekend stuff…<p><font size="3">We got the treats ready today for Lauren’s preschool friends for Valentine’s Day.  Tomorrow we’ll work on baking the teacher’s gifts and we have a special project planned for the grandparents.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z3Y14i3RsgA/TzcKILicC0I/AAAAAAAAEwo/-wrtv_ifnWE/s1600-h/IMG_3739%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3739" border="0" alt="IMG_3739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbQU_S1Olikj_Q-o4fuI-0SQV1Uq-3T1GqQ9KqzQHjdt9tiPhQ10jkvpjqxhLJZ-ig7HomzEBkE7V9ceyp7lWPoDNSGJO_yPolONPo3Mn2fCm2DMHznovqBiHxnBMcQbz9KJo2d6Dt5k/?imgmax=800" width="366" height="472" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Lauren finally expressed some interest in using her art easel today, so I quickly pulled out all the markers and crayons she got for Christmas.  This easel has been in her room since day one and she’s never given it a second glance.  We also have paint and those spill proof cups, so I’m anxious to get those out next time.  </font></p> <p><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DC3XhpXHYGc/TzcKIxZ6r3I/AAAAAAAAEw4/9_v7-CwfS1Q/s1600-h/IMG_3742%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3742" border="0" alt="IMG_3742" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aSwjVzNcs5w/TzcKJOgLNuI/AAAAAAAAExA/jg-MX_8crlc/IMG_3742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="468" /></font></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-eXbBhRY52Rq55eyXhJG1q1w6uamX0QmlkSdMKuIJqDLAFUXwvNfN8mktHgttnx3rrvLd39qrjezx-Fowgs01fVI-hoJafBOG4tD3OoXBanz0b0eKYwJm1eT1nnKZi-Cbd12mgP6ga4/s1600-h/IMG_3743%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3743" border="0" alt="IMG_3743" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DNNwj2YHFGw/TzcKJxUGIpI/AAAAAAAAExQ/OY0OHDF7pB8/IMG_3743_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="468" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Well, we are off to see the Muppet Movie this evening.  It’s playing at the dollar theater and that price is right for me!  </font></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-81427930256109178642012-01-30T10:22:00.001-07:002012-01-30T10:22:29.070-07:00Chinese New Year Festival fun…<p><font size="3">It was a beautiful day on Saturday, a warm 75 degrees, for the annual Chinese New Year Festival at the Phoenix Cultural Center. It was great to get out and see families from our local FCC who we haven’t seen in quite a while.  Our FCC group here in Phoenix has slowed WAY down over the past few years and it’s membership seems to have hit rock bottom as there are little to no waiting or returning from China families.  The group used to host a Chinese New Year festival all it’s own, but now only has a booth at this Phx festival.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here are the two little dance groups that FCC has left…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c1GCkfURRx8/TybRtyYktoI/AAAAAAAAEto/YJ9GDXPTzs8/s1600-h/IMG_3535%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3535" border="0" alt="IMG_3535" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vhV2CiHXP-4/TybRuCKtIQI/AAAAAAAAEtw/B0Q6J-y6zWU/IMG_3535_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="284" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hE_g8flEhjs/TybRuh1Rj6I/AAAAAAAAEt4/vG3QhEvSwXE/s1600-h/IMG_3540%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3540" border="0" alt="IMG_3540" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eaPrWJuhy0Y/TybRu4-rxnI/AAAAAAAAEuA/umdms5wuUXs/IMG_3540_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="284" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s Lauren with her BFF, Lily, and twins Jenna and Jadyn.  Aren’t they the cutest in their dance outfits??</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lTNnGlbndFg/TybRvFlSswI/AAAAAAAAEuI/Xj41qBKA3XA/s1600-h/IMG_3544%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3544" border="0" alt="IMG_3544" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fA7_HCUHwko/TybRvvehVyI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/GfEhL47p59E/IMG_3544_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="433" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">They always have Koy for sale at the festival.  Lauren thought they were pretty cool, but very stinky!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F7HMzsrJy74/TybRv6xDiXI/AAAAAAAAEuY/uIzkWFXjlAE/s1600-h/IMG_3545%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3545" border="0" alt="IMG_3545" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tTROIYSmfjQ/TybRwCakACI/AAAAAAAAEug/t6gLxAK43Mw/IMG_3545_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="481" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course, she had to ride all the kiddie rides.  Here she is trying to be fearless holding her arms up, even though she’s seat belted in AND in a cage!  Oh well, she was definitely having fun.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0k-dKZSVepM/TybRwjnNyjI/AAAAAAAAEuo/9gx3BA67OPs/s1600-h/IMG_3547%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3547" border="0" alt="IMG_3547" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cwABdTVEzyk/TybRwzdhQFI/AAAAAAAAEuw/LQb30PhjDqM/IMG_3547_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="471" /></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jzWmI2j3kuk/TybRxEpNZVI/AAAAAAAAEu4/xv65_4C5L-Y/s1600-h/IMG_3548%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3548" border="0" alt="IMG_3548" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iia4doi7x-k/TybRxuWdVjI/AAAAAAAAEvA/07yJ755vlVY/IMG_3548_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">She loved the train and her personal favorite, the bounce house…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BU26Nie6aHo/TybRx7QZkoI/AAAAAAAAEvI/GTRNjYAjc7U/s1600-h/IMG_3549%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3549" border="0" alt="IMG_3549" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JJA2FcfcrWc/TybRyVKFenI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/k__lgkesMts/IMG_3549_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="445" /></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MfeCokf74rs/TybRyjD7ahI/AAAAAAAAEvY/IfMPhji6d-o/s1600-h/IMG_3553%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3553" border="0" alt="IMG_3553" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZfMrMfTQCFY/TybRy6LdRpI/AAAAAAAAEvg/rzaQVunLUwo/IMG_3553_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Then it was onto the glitter tattoos for a sparkly unicorn in blue.  By the way, her favorite color is either blue or green, depending on which way the wind in blowing at the time.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QDs_Jj01mYk/TybRzLiL0SI/AAAAAAAAEvo/D019ibLghdU/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NXtsFLwwdrg/TybRzhmwO3I/AAAAAAAAEvw/ElhMvgdmszo/s1600-h/IMG_3555%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3555" border="0" alt="IMG_3555" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ip1s1UrEbfo/TybRzzsYepI/AAAAAAAAEv4/ThsYa-9tcoU/IMG_3555_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="434" /></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_lVdyrvFmZ8/TybR0MZEkbI/AAAAAAAAEwA/1SfS2PaCMl0/s1600-h/IMG_3557%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3557" border="0" alt="IMG_3557" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xEgBFhrbgNU/TybR0auvaqI/AAAAAAAAEwI/-bNw5UgOtkk/IMG_3557_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="434" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">After that, we were off to the Chinese craft booth to make some dragons.  Lily made a Fire Dragon and Lauren’s is a Mountain Dragon, according to the very sweet Chinese women who helped the girls put their craft together.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--w5Uf1fwkRI/TybR09SyHyI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/I0hna7Ry3Qk/s1600-h/IMG_3559%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3559" border="0" alt="IMG_3559" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tyFycb8cEAc/TybR1Me2UZI/AAAAAAAAEwY/xy2D5cGyQ-Q/IMG_3559_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="501" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">At the festival, we also got to meet up with a family from our China travel group who just relocated here from Ohio.  It was SO nice to see them again and I’m so happy to have them close by now!  I think there’s a bit of a special connection between families who go through the China travel experience together.</font></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-43958162807527618162012-01-12T00:00:00.004-07:002012-01-12T00:00:07.089-07:00Three years ago today…<p><span style="font-size:100%;">…we were handed the most precious baby girl and our lives changed forever in a flash. We went from not being parents to having an almost 2 year old at the blink of an eye. Those two weeks in China watching our new baby girl grieve for everything she’s ever known was the toughest thing ever. Her face in this picture shortly after we got her says it all….</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-98YRwCPw7ys/Tw5r5lqsdPI/AAAAAAAAEs4/ItiQSsLqW_Q/s1600-h/IMG_0029%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_0029" border="0" alt="IMG_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4BzSG_KUSQo/Tw5r6DmFxGI/AAAAAAAAEtA/zi7A3_m6e2M/IMG_0029_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="541" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Lauren has come so far in the past three years and we feel so very lucky to be her parents. She’s a cutie on the outside, but it’s her inner beauty that really shines like a bright light. She’s brought incredible joy to our lives in just the few years we’ve been together and we can’t wait to see what the future brings. </span></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rqiLW97acDs/Tw5r6Xyqw-I/AAAAAAAAEtI/zw1NmU6EsuE/s1600-h/IMG_3403%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px currentColor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="IMG_3403" border="0" alt="IMG_3403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-So3zKGn3eAo/Tw5r7IxDP2I/AAAAAAAAEtQ/-1LLp1QLrU8/IMG_3403_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="450" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Here’s some random facts about my girl (in no particular order)…</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she will be 5 years old in March and starts kindergarten this year</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves her baths and could play in the tub forever</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s very enthusiastic about learning new things</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">her smile lights up a room and she giggles and laughs all the time</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves her friends and talks about them all the time </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she melts my heart when she says “I love you” </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves broccoli and will order it as a side with her kid’s meal </span></li> <!--EndFragment--> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she always says “excuse me” at the proper times</span></li><li>she loves to sit on my lap and snuggle</li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s such a happy girl </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">her excitement is contagious</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s constantly pulling up her socks</span></li><li>she's a brave girl and not afraid of the dark</li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she sleeps with six “friends” and they need to be lined up just perfectly before she goes to sleep</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she likes to ride on her daddy’s shoulders </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves chocolate ice cream with sprinkles from Dairy Queen</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">no matter how cold she gets, she won’t wear her robe or slippers</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she gives the biggest, best hugs</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she doesn’t like mac & cheese or chicken strips </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">her favorite color was blue, but now it’s green</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she thinks hot cocoa with marshmallows is the best treat ever</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s like a groupie to her cousin Josh and follows him around everywhere when she’s with them</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s a champ at taking medication when she’s sick</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves preschool and can’t wait to go every morning</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">her favorite shows are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Yo Gabba Gabba </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she loves tomato soup and could eat it everyday</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">at bedtime after I read a book she always wants me to tell her a story</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she must listen to her music in the car and knows exactly which song she wants to hear at any given time</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">if she thinks I’m not paying attention she says “mom, you need to focus”…too funny!</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s not really into crayons and coloring books</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s a grandma’s girl </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she likes tacos with plenty of salsa</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">her favorite store is Target (imagine that) and she loves to go there and cruise the toy aisles</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:100%;">she’s full of joy and has an inner light all her own</span></li> </ul>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-19243181536843723462012-01-02T19:32:00.001-07:002012-01-02T19:36:34.471-07:00And the New Year’s cleaning starts…<p><font size="3">Okay, I’ve earned some major relaxation time with my laptop tonight.  I’ve been in the toy room ALL  AFTERNOON doing a major clean-out.  I don’t have a “before” picture, but imagine a scene from that Hoarders show and you might have some idea of the original condition.  It started out me and Joe tackling the room together, but he had to leave a few hours in to go to work (poor thing) leaving me to finish up.</font></p> <p><font size="3">My motivation for finally getting this done after months of procrastination was wanting to get all the new toys from Christmas out of the living and family room, especially the huge Barbie house that had taken us residence on our living room coffee table.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Ahhhh…it’s like a breath of fresh air.  We can actually walk into the room with out risking a broken ankle or worse!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--PlxaK1Wj3w/TwJous6bdoI/AAAAAAAAErQ/yK5jtdqtpJc/s1600-h/IMG_3511%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3511" border="0" alt="IMG_3511" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ryx6Ce0rv3g/TwJouyyr9RI/AAAAAAAAErY/L84hv1WhJDY/IMG_3511_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="658" height="510" /></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TYcW9iJ6_jY/TwJovpj3OBI/AAAAAAAAErg/QGg_C7MpSM4/s1600-h/IMG_3510%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3510" border="0" alt="IMG_3510" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q3syo8SW5vE/TwJov1IlnXI/AAAAAAAAEro/FPdoRAsyQSs/IMG_3510_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="442" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lIzQ6MmgcV0/TwJowCTbECI/AAAAAAAAErw/W-ojyQs-JDk/s1600-h/IMG_3513%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3513" border="0" alt="IMG_3513" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ortm4yA0KBU/TwJowsQvv4I/AAAAAAAAEr4/VcfpO4IYDcg/IMG_3513_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="442" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s her adorable little kitchen from last Christmas that she NEVER plays with unless maybe there is a friend over to play.  I thought about selling it, but think I’ll keep it another year and if she still doesn’t touch it I’ll sell it before Christmas next year.  Joe just hung the orange net thing from IKEA today and Lauren put a baby doll in each level…cute.  It took me forever just to go through her books.  This case was packed and I had a big overflow basket.  I’m so proud that I cleaned it out to just these books and we have a big box for the next garage sale.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NWVNdxpAU-o/TwJow01DDWI/AAAAAAAAEsA/yKAgAnEESAQ/s1600-h/IMG_3514%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3514" border="0" alt="IMG_3514" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1-JfwxVOggM/TwJoxIkFN6I/AAAAAAAAEsI/FzktFcrfEwk/IMG_3514_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="411" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I like how the flower and ladybug lights glow cast a neat glow when the room is dark…they are great nightlights.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lo4pVNuT-FM/TwJoxb5yD7I/AAAAAAAAEsQ/tAQPJb5iA8Q/s1600-h/IMG_3516%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3516" border="0" alt="IMG_3516" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LlyauSL7sLk/TwJoxvmtOII/AAAAAAAAEsY/_PEoajXDrGU/IMG_3516_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="439" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s the aftermath minus the big box of books Joe already put in the garage.  We pulled out two bags of junk for the garbage pile and four bags of toys to put aside for the next garage sale.  Plus, I emptied those two big baskets…one had random junk (game and puzzle pieces, etc. ) and one was filled with books.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyhbr5ABEAw/TwJox1pTWgI/AAAAAAAAEsg/pfVZGJxiRRg/s1600-h/IMG_3517%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3517" border="0" alt="IMG_3517" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j32vPeVsl6o/TwJoyULecfI/AAAAAAAAEso/YP_30W8xcds/IMG_3517_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="552" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I feels VERY rewarding to finally get this done, but I’m totally exhausted and Lauren has asked me to play with her about 4 times just while typing this post!  Paper dolls, here I come…</font></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-57057738471728044312011-12-28T21:15:00.001-07:002011-12-28T21:15:25.821-07:00It was a great holiday!<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://lifehappensbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2011/12/it-was-great-holiday.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><font size="3">It’s hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone.  It seems like one big whirlwind since December 1st!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Now to take all the decorations down (not my favorite part for sure) and figure out where to put all the new toys.  I seriously need to get Lauren’s playroom organized starting with a massive clean-out, toy donation/sale and then some organization of what’s left.  I ordered some vinyl so I can make labels for the slide out toy bins with my Cricut.  I’ve been wanting to try cutting vinyl for a long time, but never get around to it.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Instead of posting a bunch of pics from the holiday, I’m just posting the video I put together.  I’m trying to be good at making videos so Lauren has them when she’s older.  I just downloaded </font><a href="http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-movie-maker-get-started"><font size="3">Windows Live Essentials: Movie Maker</font></a><font size="3"> and it’s SOOO easy to slap something together using all your pics and video snippets.  They even improved on regular Window’s Movie Maker, which is what I used to use.</font>  </p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ad7f94c5-1e51-4ff3-9434-68e6bcfd89aa" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="559" height="472" id="viddler_b175c3d2"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/b175c3d2/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/b175c3d2/" width="559" height="472" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler_b175c3d2"></embed></object></div></div></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-81569837502745524052011-12-13T21:59:00.001-07:002011-12-15T21:10:29.745-07:00Teacher’s gifts…<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://lifehappensbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2011/12/teachers-gifts.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p>Well, I just finished up the holiday gifts for the three teachers at Lauren’s preschool.  I’ve been having so much fun playing with subway art lately, that I decided to make something personalized for the teachers.  I included their names, the school name and the classroom names along with all the other teacher related words.  I used <a href="http://www.cutitoutalready.com/product_info.php?products_id=202">these</a> totally fun and funky unfinished frames from <a href="http://www.cutitoutalready.com">Cut it Out</a>.  These frames are SO reasonable and the 5x7 size includes the glass.  Perfect!</p> <p>I found some cute flower stickers at Michael’s and coordinated the paint color and subway art to the flowers.  I used CraftSmart acrylic paint in Apple Tart and used a varnish over the top to give it a sheen.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r9oWoOqrMYM/TugtIJpnoiI/AAAAAAAAEqk/KOrd-o0R34w/s1600-h/IMG_3425%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3425" border="0" alt="IMG_3425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y9_wenZ5WZNRpTl5fc1Qmxav329b5XygDnRiqas4l6VdXosG1_zAhFbigw5-HnGb7DTBJaWUuTpWvEDKNmr7U_rziMGCL3m7ZBcsmBm7ZVBv0f0Ea3zlTdzdJLAPDqNOz_InYyTK77Q/?imgmax=800" width="574" height="737" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-crzrdhY1lAA/TugtIi4C0WI/AAAAAAAAEq0/v-hDvMAlIgs/s1600-h/IMG_3421%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3421" border="0" alt="IMG_3421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nprEIQJmoZY/TugtJZH6CnI/AAAAAAAAEq8/zH9NbZqax0k/IMG_3421_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="639" /></a></p> <p>I hope the teachers appreciate home made gifts.  Not quite as useful as a nice gift certificate to Starbucks, but at least there’s no calories involved!  </p> <p>Linking up at <a href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/2011/12/craft-catwalk-no-60.html">Embellishing Life</a> and <a href="<a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png' /></a>">">Somewhat Simple</a>.  </p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-52531771950792963802011-12-11T21:41:00.001-07:002011-12-11T21:41:41.954-07:00Holiday fun<p>One of our local dairy farms has an annual holiday event they call “Joy to the Herd”.  We met some friends there last weekend and Lauren had a blast.  They take you on a tour of the farm including the milking facility and then they have a video on how the milk get processed at the distribution plant.  After the tour, they drop you off at a big red barn where you meet Santa and Roxie, their cow mascot.  Everyone gets a chocolate milk and they have crafts and face painting.  Outside the barn, they have a big pile of snow and a snow slide for the kids.  Lauren’s favorite part was the slide and throwing snowballs…remember, we don’t see snow around here!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZHsjtSRbcJM/TuWF9Au2OhI/AAAAAAAAEpE/kEoJrXYwDtI/s1600-h/Shamrock-Farms7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Shamrock Farms" border="0" alt="Shamrock Farms" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kKIUb-IFsK0/TuWF9gDDNLI/AAAAAAAAEpM/kIlej0XF6wo/Shamrock-Farms_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="627" /></a></p> <p>Yesterday evening we went to an outdoor mall with a very festive Christmas feel.  All the trees are lit up and they have carriage rides, Santa and a mini light show.  They were having a special event last night and Lauren got to take a pony ride.  At the end of night I asked what what she liked the best and this was it!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ec1E10KCPhQ/TuWF-Dem_dI/AAAAAAAAEpU/I4xoEnGXSiE/s1600-h/IMG_3400%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3400" border="0" alt="IMG_3400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01OupKo9T_PEUmvFxushQFxJLCsGJcosU5Ct5cFxt4a_FtqHx_fuMLjM7QdPIsYiiBVSDExHPQGy8FB5LWIdmKDgGy5SQRsfeFpebD7FfFWXmmWuRrhnmIQKpkibIlT2PB1_JnaJ2fh0/?imgmax=800" width="530" height="415" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qSkcCrZ0Vq19P2fcJuTf1Yx3CBxlXFmOOhdsox-JD4NCfmPktiAkvUQftt7XcUjSeI20km_Tq3nGZeJo1MQ7N2FVMk21P0bEVAfyv0eJ1EuVxqt2U4taIk5aRJ6_bwQmwuHveLSfw_8/s1600-h/IMG_3403%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3403" border="0" alt="IMG_3403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xbRzSPOTwuw/TuWF_hre-SI/AAAAAAAAEps/dvrc1UDrZz4/IMG_3403_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="393" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tiB7qbQfWQA/TuWF__N3HUI/AAAAAAAAEp0/Yc8GOcXyHA4/s1600-h/IMG_3404%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3404" border="0" alt="IMG_3404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OepAhfwN_kY/TuWGAGb741I/AAAAAAAAEp8/qz0AeVShuHY/IMG_3404_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="393" /></a></p> <p>And here she is with the big man himself…she sure LOVES Santa!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GBPVKkGaEzc/TuWGAvcy4uI/AAAAAAAAEqE/PIguPyAAxAM/s1600-h/Santa-pic-312.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santa pic 3" border="0" alt="Santa pic 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jUE0o3uEfOQ/TuWGBaGUBnI/AAAAAAAAEqM/xizd53oGmOc/Santa-pic-3_thumb17.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="682" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3602546488750242120.post-13652518198811472022011-12-02T17:18:00.001-07:002011-12-02T17:18:20.519-07:00Kickin off the season<p>I finally got the house decorated for Christmas and the boxes put away.  It’s a nice feeling to have this done so we can enjoy holiday crafting, baking and activities.  </p> <p>Lauren is SO excited this year and anxiously awaiting Santa Claus.  I decided to start the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year and here’s our elf, Jingle.  Lauren has been having a lot of fun already finding Jingle each morning.  So far, he’s just been hanging out around the Christmas tree, but I’m sure he’ll be making his way into other rooms in the house soon.  ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xhZ5LOrg15k/TtlquK6lK7I/AAAAAAAAEnA/EgvJGOJKIdY/s1600-h/IMG_3312%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3312" border="0" alt="IMG_3312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KR91qyuCt0/Ttlqvd2Y-xI/AAAAAAAAEnI/n9fBAXixHGo/IMG_3312_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="372" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iYtvE7PEU38/Ttlqv7xTgaI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/CIiLKICTZuQ/s1600-h/IMG_3297%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3297" border="0" alt="IMG_3297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZpFGkSPzSWM/TtlqwIE71MI/AAAAAAAAEnY/ELWEOCih-cA/IMG_3297_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="365" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vykVFB4Mz0Q/TtlqwYSL0pI/AAAAAAAAEng/FrRqygX517o/s1600-h/IMG_3321%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3321" border="0" alt="IMG_3321" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KRfvykY0xd0/Ttlqwg3GLJI/AAAAAAAAEno/rI6P0JTy-ns/IMG_3321_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="365" /></a></p> <p>Last night a couple of friends and I made these countdown calendars with vinyl from <a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/" target="_blank">Pick your Plum</a>, which I’m totally addicted too.  If you like to craft, get on their daily email list!  We spray painted dollar store pizza pans, placed the vinyl on them and attached ribbon for hanging.  Oh, and we hot glued a magnet onto a little star ornament to count the days down.  Simple and cute. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1R7KxrENUEM/Ttlqw4Sza0I/AAAAAAAAEnw/dlf5seT3W-U/s1600-h/IMG_3318%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3318" border="0" alt="IMG_3318" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7W2usC7kwFk/TtlqxPvCJkI/AAAAAAAAEn4/2q1dRgl_N8c/IMG_3318_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="548" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s our tree this year.  We left the skinny tree in the box and used our nice, fluffy tree.  Unfortunately, we had to do the lights ourselves on this one which is always a test in patience.  We all get spoiled with the pre-lit trees.  You can definitely tell that Lauren preferred to hang the ornaments along the bottom, as that area is well covered! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-doNQMiBtRas/TtlqxZGEeiI/AAAAAAAAEoA/cfJLoX_Tg6w/s1600-h/IMG_3316%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3316" border="0" alt="IMG_3316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJz93XOf6LybeTc0V3yMk3ynNae17PyYWk2oQZNGUfczk-VHKNiFTTKERUaa9ObPeCGTX2ZbaGv9e17Pv_6Lyi14otBfH6rBuqRgNOIjQhWsbZMaaYwR8d6P6zueIP8UuVKbbeif9of-0/?imgmax=800" width="420" height="547" /></a></p> <p>Our old front door wreath was a little tired looking, so I put this together for the front door.  Hobby Lobby had all their Christmas ribbon on sale for 50% off and I thought this pattern was bright and cheery.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4_buKDjx3U/Ttlqx4T89KI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/n3t7kvX1OiE/s1600-h/IMG_3327%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3327" border="0" alt="IMG_3327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1ZWdNL8jS8/TtlqyXIjHkI/AAAAAAAAEoY/SngR_H2BwuE/IMG_3327_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="548" /></a></p> <p>For my fellow Tarjay shoppers, check out the cute throw pillows they have on sale right now.  Two of these Santa pillows jumped into my cart yesterday.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xeYI5H_am7k/TtlqygE4DHI/AAAAAAAAEog/2TZXPMn_OLQ/s1600-h/IMG_3298%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3298" border="0" alt="IMG_3298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADknlCUtsnNuYh6n5qGVOJQaruf-mwS_FS9-5xRxa8YnVqeOSp3r72_7hRI-w4V-M7xxJHE0HN6np0-KCi0Ref3m5u3Vy8MB8faBZZ4_AIG_TRBXnwE5M5Un0ZGYTn-tArr2w2CXFYIU/?imgmax=800" width="335" height="435" /></a></p> Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959431323672023236noreply@blogger.com3