Moms Make Memories

The Mom of the two cutest boys I know had a great idea for Father's Day ... she just needed a couple of quick shots to finish the perfect gift. So we met at the park. I did "force" her to jump in a couple of photos - every child needs a great picture alone with his/her momma!!

Beach Boy

This little guy does not live on a beach ... but he does look like the ultimate California kid!! He truly is too cool. He did such a great job smiling and posing. However, towards the end, the creek was just too tempting.

No Ordinary Family

Knowing my family story, you can imagine my attraction to this family. Single mom...raising five small children on her own. I am constantly amazed by her inner strength and the positive influence she is on her children and those around her.

After repeatedly telling her I am not a photographer ... I gave in and met her and the kids at the park. I brought Rachel and Oliver (the guinea pig) with me. Don't laugh ... I needed a guaranteed focal point with these small boys. It worked!! The downside was that Rach kept putting Oliver on my head to make them laugh ... and oh how they laughed! The only problem was that I was using the monopod and it caused a little more movement that I wanted. Several of the shots weren't as crisp as I would have liked. The lighting is bugging me too ... their faces have too much light in several, but I'm not sure what I did there either!

The good news is that Jer agreed to give me photoshop lessons to help me fix some of my natural mistakes! Wish me luck!!

When I Grow Up .....

So ... I have been looking for a way to capture my development and growth as a photographer. One day, I would like to be really good at taking pictures. Right now, I have a decent eye for it ... but I am lacking in the technical knowledge! I know I need to take a class and really learn it, but life seems to give me several reasons why that isn't going to happen right now.

I talk people into letting me play photographer ... usually it is my own kids and they are getting really used to the random photo shoots.

I am going to start posting pictures as I take them. This is really just for me, but if anyone else would love to jump in ... feel free! I would love to hear what you like and what you think could be improved.

I look forward to this journey. Who knows ... maybe someday ... when I grow up ... I may get comfortable enough to call myself a professional photographer! :)

Activities That Teach

So ... I have had the distinct pleasure of planning two separate family reunions over the past few months. For both reunions, we tried to bring in some activities that also teach a lesson. Some worked for the entire group and others were just for the kids. I found a couple of great books to share with you! They are both available on Amazon.

The biggest reason I love these books is because the activities work with any group - church, family, school, etc. They are real flexible and adapt easily.

If you try any of the activities, let us know how it went!!

Ladybugs

We've been a little behind at my house on the crafting lately.....but we thought this one looked fun. Paint the rocks - add the eyes - add the dots - and you have a fancy spring ladybug!!

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Teen Girls

Dale Carnegie is considered by many to be one of the most influential people of our time. His book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is regularly seen on the bookshelf in many offices. His daughter took many of his key concepts and wrote a book - "How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls" - specifically targeting the challenges faced by teen girls.....peer pressure, teen girl friendships, boys, popularity, parents, school, etc. Right now, it's cheap on Amazon!

I thought some of the information was basic - which can be considered a good thing. Overall, I think it is a great tool for young girls to help develop that inner strength and happiness!

Super Kids - Homework Helpers

This website will let you make your own review sheets - great tool for doing timed tests at home and practicing key skills!


http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/


The math worksheets are our favorites!

Help With Spelling

Megan's teacher posts her spelling lists every week. No worries if your child's teacher doesn't use the website - you can enter in your own words and the program will test your child and help prepare for those Friday tests!


www.spellingcity.com


Happy spelling!!

Tip Junkie

I may be the last one to find this.....but I LOVE this website. Really cute and creative ideas!

www.tipjunkie.blogspot.com

I added a new section - "Mom Inspiration" - Feel free to add any other websites that you refer to often.

40 SUCKS

My friend Angi is crazy creative when it comes to crafty/food gifts.  This is the sucker tree she made for my birthday.....40 Sucks!!

Love it!!

Fleece ROCKS

I don't sew.....and I am not really motivated to learn right now, but every once in a while you have to create a costume for the school play.  That is why fleece rocks.  It doesn't fray or get nasty.....and it is extremely versatile.  Love it!!

I love Fruit by the Foot

Mini cupcakes.....Fruit by the Foot - LOVE IT!!!

Are you ready for some Football?

Just in case the girls want something to eat at the Super Bowl Party!  It also works great if you are hosting a shower.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

1 (8oz) pkg creme cheese

1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/2 spinach (frozen, chopped or steamed)

1/4 cup of mayonnaise

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, finely minced 

1/2 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil

1/4 mozzarella cheese

1/4 tsp garlic salt

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cream together mayonnaise, parmesan, garlic, basil and garlic salt.  Add the artichoke hearts and spinach (drain the spinach well), and mix until blended.  Spray pie pan with Pam, pour in dip, and top with mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly.

Can be served with anything - bread, crackers, etc.

An Hour to Live - An Hour to Love

At some point, I am going to learn not to read this stuff on airplanes!!  People stare when the tears start and I have to go back to a People magazine.

 

I LOVED it - such a great reminder to take advantage of every day and not put off those things that are the most important.  It is an interesting thing to think about --- If you knew you only had one hour to live.....Who would you call?  What would you say?

The Light Bulb and the Toilet Bowl

Lex brought his home from seminary this week - I LOVE IT!!!

The Light Bult and the Toilet Bowl

Have you ever tried to flush a light bulb down the toilet? Well, take it from me, it is impossible to flush a light bulb down the toilet.

WHY??

Simply because it floats. The only way a light bult ever sinks is if it cracks and takes on water.

Life is much like a light bulb in a toilet bowl. We are confronted with many challenges...careers, money, politics, relationships, injustice, tragedies, ill health, and so much more.

We must endure trials as a light bulb in a toilet bowl by floating above all the turbulence and crap that is dumped on us. The only way we (as a light bulb) will ever sink is if we allow ourselves to crack and take upon ourselves the unpleasant, negative effects of the elements and conditions around us.

So, in these chaotic times.....Let your light shine.....and don't get flushed!

Christmas Idea

Idea submitted by Janice Rawe:

Take your holiday story books and wrap each one individually. Put them under the tree. During each night in December, let your kids take turns selecting one book and opening it. Read the story as a family before bedtime.

On Christmas Eve, there is a special package. It is the Bible. Unwrap it and read the Christmas story from the book of Luke.

Christmas Craftiness

Lexie, Rachel and I gave the wreath a try!  We switched it up a little bit and added silver.  If you want to use gold, there are fancier balls to use as accents.  We all really like how it turned out.

Singingtime Fun

This works great at church, preschool, normal school choir - anywhere you have kids under the age of 12 who are singing!

Bubble-Blowing Billy
Take a full size poster board and draw a cute face and draw the mouth like he is whistling or blowing kisses. Cut a hole in the center of the mouth. Have another adult stand behind the poster board and put a balloon through the hole in the mouth. Tell the kids that the size of the bubble Billy blows will depend upon how well they sing. As the song is louder and the words are clear, the bubble grows. The kids will not see the adult, they will just see the cute face on the poster board with a bubble coming out of his mouth.

For older kids, you can blow the bubble until it pops. Cool factor for you.....and the kids get a big kick out of the loud pop!

Giving back during the holidays

We are always looking for experiences where my girls can give back. I saw this one the other day and thought it was really cool:

"On Thanksgiving, our family decides on a set amount of money to put aside, then we secretly spend it in a random, kindhearted way. Each of us has until Christmas Eve to complete the task. Then, we get together as a family and reveal what we did to the rest of the family."

The author returned to the nursing home where her Grandfather had spent the last years of his life and gave small gifts to the residents who didn't have families. Her Grandmother was thrilled on Christmas to learn of her random act of kindness.

I'm not sure what we're going to do this year - I'll keep you posted!!