So I learned something today

They say you are never to old to learn. I'll attest to that because I learned something today! I learned that when you go out it's advisable to put deodorant on under both arms!

Yup, what more can you say to that?

Simple Gifts

I love making gifts for family and friends but don't always have a ton of time. Therefore I have to look for something that is cute but fast. These binder clip photo/card holders fit that description to a "T".

I found this idea right before the MemoryWorks retreat and so I just had to make up a bunch for the Home Office Staff and the Creative Team. (From the smiles on their faces I think they liked them *grin*)

To make you simply take a Jumbo binder clip and cover the clip part with modge podge, and cover with patterned paper or card stock. Tuck your edges in and cover with a few coats of modge podge. When dry, use glue dots to add embellishments and then tuck in a photo or card in the silver "handle" part and voila' fast and fabulous gift. They make a cute arrangement when you use photos of different heights too.

For more detailed instructions and another idea on how to use them check out Faithfully Yours . This project is part of their Friday ezine and in the September Ministry Guide.

What the ????

So last night I was exhausted! i was ready for bed as soon as I got the kids home from Awana's and in PJ's. I crawled into bed about 9 and rolled over to fall asleep. Next thing I know I hear my cat rustling around in my closet. She sleeps in there so I didn't think much of it, Then I hear her start to climb up the clothes, UH OH....I rolled over to see what was happening. She was now in the upper shelf of my closet (that hangs over the hallway for extra storage) rummaging around. Things start flying off the shelf (at me 4-5 feet away in bed) to the point I turn on the light to see what she is doing. Rummaging around for my glasses (and not finding them in my bleary-eyed non focusing really need my glasses to SEE state) I tried to figure out what she was doing.

I still don't know. There wasn't anything "up there" (THANK THE LORD....I HATE MICE) so she started climbing down. Then hopped on my bed started purring and curled up into a ball looking at me like why aren't you coming to bed??????

MATH

I think we have got it!! My oldest DD has struggled with math, I have tried this and tried that. I finally decided to just up and change curriculums and lo and behold we actually had SMILES during math today!!! I couldn't believe it we also had her first double set of 100s on both her practice test and homework today!!!! Yeah things are clicking and things are working and she GOT IT!!!

I have been feeling so horrible (like I have been letting her down) after all I am her teacher and her mom and suppose to TEACH her and things just were not clicking. I couldn't figure out WHAT her problem was after all "I" LOVED MATH as a kid, her father took accounting in College cause he loves the numbers so what was up with that??? After some research I decided to do some placement tests with Saxon found out she was right about where she should be (whew) and then took the plunge and purchased new curriculum. I'm glad we made the switch. Especially now that someone has created a video unit to go with it (D.I.V.E) we haven't actually had to use it yet (I've done the teaching thus far) but we are both excited that there is this to use when we need it.

Saxon is paced a bit differently I think that is what makes the difference. I am so thankful to have found something that works! At least at the moment the year is just begun. Regardless things are off to a great start!!!

Sunday napping

What is it about a Sunday afternoon that just SCREAMS "take a nap?" When the kids were younger, it was natural to take a nap after lunch on Sunday afternoon. Since the house is small and the kids didn't actually "sleep" if they thought something else more exciting was going on we got into the habit of napping on Sunday afternoon along with them.

Now that the kids are older they want nothing to do with taking a nap but oh I still do. There is something wonderfully delicious about being able to take an hour (or two ;) ) to do NOTHING, just close my eyes and take a sweet blissful rest. That nap seems to do me so much good, I wake up have a snack, and am raring to go with preparations for the week. That short rest rejuvenates me. Just being able to take some time off for well nothing. Seems to allow not only my body to rest but my mind to stop and be able to refocus for the week.

At first it seemed like a luxury, but as time went on I realized that when I got my nap the rest of the week seemed to run a bit smoother, I had a bit more energy to accomplish all that needed to be done. That seemed to be all the motivation I needed to keep up with the Sunday tradition. (That and the fact hubby notices when I don't get my nap..."Gee honey you seem a bit crabby did you get your nap today???) So if you are looking for me on a Sunday afternoon, look no further than my couch cause I'm probably napping!

Friends!

I have been truly blessed! The Lord puts special people in my life. People to laugh with, cry with, shop with, pray with, just BE me with! People I can call Friends!
(Layout was made with Heidi Grace Orchard collection,)

It's a Par-tay!

Check us out all decked out in our party hats!!! (Thanks Gretchen!) I love the fiskateer board! They are such a great community and have such fun online crops (they have fun off line stuff too but that's another story)

This weekend Angela (one of the leads) is holding an online crop! Come join in the fun!--->  Fiskateers

This photo is of Stacy Julian and I at the MemoryWorks retreat! (I found out Stacy J was a fiskateer at CHA this summer so it's only fitting she joined the party!!!)

Aim Happy

Life has it's ups and down, but I am a true believer that you will drive towards what you focus on. If you focus on the joy in life you are sure to find it. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow. But it will come. When you find it hold onto it for all it's worth!

Cherish Family

We recently celebrated a family milestone. My Grandfather celebrated his 84th birthday. To celebrate, the family gathered at my aunt and uncles. It was great seeing the family together (well except my cousin her hubby and son but they had Cubs tix and well who could blame them) I gave my Grandpa this altered canvas for a birthday present. The picture was of all of us at my sons graduation. It's times like that I reminded of how special those moments are and have to remind myself to celebrate more of them!