. . . and they are off

My two oldest headed back to school today! I have to admit that I was looking forward to the school year starting. Not that I do not love my kids to pieces because I do - but I think I am a better mother when I have a little time to myself.

That being said it's now 11:30 and Gavin (my youngest) is at a playdate and my house is soooo quiet and I secretly have to admit that I miss them like crazy right now. But I will let that be our little secret - shhhh don't tell ;))

So bright and early this morning we headed out for some pictures. My kids are starting to not like the crazy Mom with the camera everywhere they go - but I keep reminding them that one day they will realize just how lucky they are to have a crazy mom that cares to document their life moments. This statement is usually then followed up with "and until then you're just going to have to deal with it!

Jackson is in 5th grade this year! It's so crazy knowing that this will be his last year before he starts middle school! Poor kid - never fails he comes down with allergies right as school is starting (note the red eyes). Jackson is a little "TC" (too cool) for the school picture scene so I snapped a few (okay like 50 or so) before school. Here's a couple SOOC (straight out of camera).

Ashlee is growing like a weed and starting first grade this year. This is her first year attending school all day long. I am pretty sure she is going to come home pretty tired today. I took so many photos of her today because she's not "TC" (as defined by Jackson too cool) yet - LOL. However, because these are my kids and I am a protective Mama I have decided not to post any of her photos at her school. But here's a few SOOC (straight out of camera) shots of her this morning.


This last one makes me giggle! I told Chad that I am going to start sharing more of our "real moments" here - and this was such a real moment this morning. Not always smiles but it's all good :)

So after dropping the kids off for their first day Gavin, Chad and I headed to McDonald's for breakfast! A little "celebration" of sorts if you will :) Gavin was sure happy to have alone time with Mom and Dad - what a treat! He even pulled it over on Chad convincing him to slurge $2 on this little McDonald's toy (insert eye roll here).

Well it looks like I am going to have to get moving so I can actually accomplish something today.

Have a great Monday everyone!

How to make a Taffy Pin Wheel

Summertime is the perfect time for getting together with family and friends! I love hosting parties and my kids love having their friends over – to me there is nothing better.

When we host a get together – I love to have something extra special for the kids! Today I am going to share with you a quick and fun idea to make ahead for the kids for your next get together.

Taffy Pin Wheels:

Supplies Needed:
~ Taffy
~ Craft or floral wire
~ 3mm clear beads
~ GCD Pattern Paper
~ Scissors
~ Ruler
~ Skewers
~ Ribbon




Step 1:

Cut your pattern paper into a 4x4 inch square.

Step 2:
Using your ruler find the center point and draw a line from one point to the opposite point and then do it again to the other side (so you end up with and x on your paper) (oh and do this on the side that will not be showing ;))

Step 3:

Cut along the lines making sure to leave enough space in the center to fold up the sides.

Step 4: (optional) I found it useful to cut the corners off the end you are going to fold up to the middle because it's attached to a wire and putting a hole at the end can make it tear.

Step 5: Punch holes in the center and on one of each of the opposite corners.




Step 6:

On the non-pointed side cut off some floral wire and wrap it around the top. Add a round bead to the top (this is how your pinwheel will spin).

Step 7:

Put the wire through the center of the paper and fold up the corners by putting the wire through the holes to secure.

Step 8:

Attach another round bead to the center and pull up the remaining wire and then tuck back into the bead to secure.

Step 9:

On the pointed end add on the taffy by poking a hole into the taffy and "threading" it up onto the stick. When you are done adding the taffy cut off the pointed end with your scissors (to prevent small children from getting hurt). Tie a ribbon on the bottom and you are done.

There you have it - a super simple idea to brighten someone's day!

Have a super day everyone!

All through the town . . . and CHIPART tool giveway!!!

Before I share my project I have to tell you about the GCD Studios Chipart tool giveaway! I know you will love this tool - and guess what here's your chance to win one! woot! Check out all the details HERE

But wait . . . before you leave check out this layout about my town :)

For some reason I have the “wheels on the bus” song playing in my head today. Perhaps it’s the fact that I use to sing it for hours on end when my kids were toddlers or it could be that today is my turn to show you “all through my town”.

That’s right this month each of us will take a turn to give you a glimse of our town! I am really excited because it’s like a month of travel – virtual travel :0

So, how about “traveling” with me to Greeley Colorado:

While I might not be able to convince you to move to my town anytime soon – I think it’s a great place to raise a family and I may be partial here but Colorado really does have the most magnificent scenery and sunsets! Not to mention that we have 300 days of sunshine a year – I know snow plus sun!

My journaling reads:

We have lived in several different parts of the country during our 12+ years of marriage but Greeley, CO has been where we have called home now for the past 8+ years. While it took some getting use to (the smell of Montfort Beef) for the most party we have really enjoyed living here.

Some of our favorite things about Greeley include the closeness of the mountains, the small knit community, the beautiful parks and ton of outdoor activities. We also enjoy the local bakeries such as Eileen’s cookies and as well as local restaurants like Red
Dogs and Doughnuts.

Education is important to us (with 3 small children) and we have been very happy with the schools and teachers. Our three active kids also enjoy the various sports that the city leagues offer and I enjoy photographing them – so it’s a win for everyone.

While it’s true that you will not find any amazing theme parks or crazy local attractions in our community – the trade off is that it’s a safe and beautiful community to raise a family and that’s what’s most important to us. 7/2010


Thanks for letting me share a bit of my community with you today! Have a super day everyone!

I'm the August Cover Girl!!!

Someone pinch me! I feel so honored to have my little altered bucket featured on the front cover of the August 2010 Simply Handmade Magazine! This bucket is made using the Artsy Urban Collection from GCD Studios - I love everything about this line!

Last Thursday night I received a call from Heidi Sonboul saying - um did you know that you are on the cover of the August issue?!? Um no! I have been so busy with my kids that I haven't had any downtime (something I am sure most mother's can relate to). Anyway, the issue is out at stores now - so head out and grab yourself one!

Some projects

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you are enjoying an amazing weekend with your family! I know we sure have had a nice weekend filled with lots of laughs and memories - awh summer :)

Speaking of summer I never planned on being the mom that wished her kids were going back to school but I have to admit this summer has been a bit tricky with the 3 kiddos and I am really looking forward to a normal schedule again. Although with that being said I am sure I will be tearing up when it actually happens. (but the upside is that I will have lots more to share with you and craft for that matter since I will have more time to think about something other than playdates, swimming lessons, and entertaining kids 24/7 ;))

Today I have a few projects to share that I created using momenta products! (and since my family is waiting on me to head out for a bike ride - I will just share these quickly).

So here they are:

I used my unity stamps on this one . . .

Travel Notebook - awh I wish I was on a cruise right now . . .

A layout:
A gift set . . .

And a card . . .
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Lots coming this week (I promise) so check back :)