You're Egg-stra special

I am in the middle of a 4 day stretch at work. (I work 12 hour night shifts.) You never sleep as well or as deep when you sleep during the day. By the end of my days I could be dragging pretty well. Nothing a good NIGHTS sleep won't fix though. We truely are not meant to be nocturnal creatures. Tonight could be interesting trying to stay away. ;-) awhhh the joys of shift work. 

Time is short so today I am leaving you with this fun little word art....

Now to figure something for dinner. hmmmm, any ideas?!

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Hippity, Hoppity, Happy Easter

We spent the weekend doing work on our house before selling it. Needless to say our Easter weekend was NOT all that we wanted. Still the boys got to enjoy some fun egg hunts with family and friends. We are back home hoping to relax before everyone returns to work and school. In the meantime I took advantage of my sweet hubby being home to do up some fun Easter word art. I will be posting one each day this week so come back, share your fun stories and pick up something fun to go with all your Easter pictures.

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Smile- it's contagious

      I have an amazing friend in Idaho. She is the ultimate optimist! I have seen her struggle through life's challenges that would beat down the best of us with a smile on her face. She is forever happy. She thrives on life and the challenges it brings. When we had to make an unexpected and truthfully, unwanted move her words to me were, "what a GRAND adventure you will have!" I struggled with the move that took me away from the town, friends, and family that I hold so dear. I was so homesick and struggled to make our new house and town a home. If those words were a quilt they would be rags from all the times I have thought of her cheerful advice. They wrapped me in a warm embrace as I tried to learn from her amazing example.

     We taught cub scouts together for 5 years. Trust me, a group of 9 year old boys can wear you down. Not Rebekah though. She could smile and laugh off any of the boys antics. She is wise and caring. Her children are amazing and strong and well behaved. I have always been in awe of how she can mold a child; how she can teach a child without them realizing they just learned. It all comes so natural. Her cup is always half full or more. She truly has a smile that is contagious to those blessed to share it! I try to remember her quick and easy laughter. It really does make the day lighter.

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Still Discovering...

My boys are growing so very fast!

Josh is now over 6' tall. I'm tall but have to look up to him. I told him there have been few men in my life I've looked up too, then gave him a hug. Keegan is learning the joys, and frustrations, of having a cell phone. Tyler is discovering the ups and downs of friends. And Matthew is learning about increased responsibility. I love what each stage of development brings. Even when they were all little, I seldom found remorse in what we were leaving behind because of the excitement of what was to come. I am trading the training wheels, preschool class, and nap times in for dating, driving, and late nights. I love it when they come home jabbering away at the latest activity at school or wanting to go explore with friends cuz it's just not cool to stay home anymore. About the time I wish they were little ones wrapped in my arms Josh comes home with a story to tell or opens up to mom. He loves to hate it when mom makes him break a smile through his crusty scowl. It lets me know, I'm still his mommy.

It's lives lesson I think. To see the adventure in every challenge. My friend, Rebekah taught me that. So today we are "Still Discovering"! Discovering life, love, friends, and family.

And today....I still love it all!

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Learning Life's Lessons

I have been trying to get back to my scrap booking, and making a little progress. I have started to focus more on less. It's hard but I have a greater sense of accomplishment by doing so. I want to be able to do it all, who doesn't, but I am learning to do better with fewer. I am learning to say no more often and not feel guilty. I am learning that I am only one. I am learning to fill my own bucket and take time for me. I am learning that in so doing I am a better wife, mom, friend. A better me! I am learning to focus. I am learning to slow down even though the world wants to push me fast. Through it all I am learning I'm enough. My husband loves me, my boys love me, my parents love me and my Father in Heaven loves me. That is MORE than enough for me. Yep, it's a good day. I'll take it!

I hope you are learning life's lessons with few bumps and bruises along the way. Enjoy life and love yourself! 

I am trying to have a new word art for you each week. Usually on Mondays. Come back often. Share your thoughts and let me know how you used my word art. 

Hugs!! 

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You are my Sunshine

While the East is getting pounded with heavy snow, those of us in the West are struggling to get the snow we need to see us through the summer. We have been having April style weather lately. While I admit it is lovely to feel the warm sun and go out without a jacket, I am worried. I fear we will have a cold snap just as the trees have come out of hibernation, freezing all the blossoms and killing the potential harvest. It's gonna be a long hot summer I'm afraid.

With temps forcasted to continue near 70, I am going to enjoy what I can before it either freezes or gets too hot to function. So what better thought than this on a warm sunny day? ;-)

Oh, and if anyone wants to send some of the white stuff this way, we will gladly accept it.
Enjoy a little sunshine from me!
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Can I borrow a Kiss?

We try to spend time with each of our boys but as they have gotten older and less time we haven't been as good about it. When we do they usually choose time with their dad. He is the fun one always up for a good board game or video game. Lately however, they have been clamoring to have "dates" with mom. I have to admit how happy that makes me. It can be tough to fit in with crazy schedules but I have really enjoyed my nights out on the town with my boys. So far it's been movies but later this week I get escorted to a BYU basketball game. Josh has been to several college games of various sorts and is thoroughly enjoying them. He text me on the way home with his dad a couple of weeks ago asking if I would accompany him to a game on Valentines day. Unfortunantly I have to work that night but he managed to get tickets for a game earlier in the week. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to it. One on one time is a great chance to talk and see what is going on with my boys.

With Valentines around the corner I thought I'd do a fun quote for the occassion. Now I'm off to plan something for my sweetheart. It's gonna have to be creative with my work schedule and my "other" date. lol

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Love is an Adventure

Although I have a house of boys we are more likely to be found hiking, camping, and fishing than on the soccor, baseball, or football fields. We often joke we are a house of nerds, and proud of it. My brother was the ultimate jock. The coaches were sorely disappointed when his little sister came up the ranks. No hope to help the girls basketball team. Now Youth Legislature, yep, I was all over that.

Now, my boys are following mom and dads footsteps, ehehehehe, seldom any sports....

except tonight. Yep, Superbowl is one day you will find us wrapped around a ball game. Some of the boys like it...others eh, not so much.  Still, we enjoy a good game. Don't ask who we are rooting for, its usually supporting a family or friends team. This year, Patriots vs. Sea hawks...it's a toss up. My dad is Patriots fan and my father in law is all Sea hawks. Does that make us a house divided? Nah! Just a bunch of nerds having fun.

It gives mom an excuse to try new treats and some old ones too as we enjoy a snacks and finger foods. Last year was a hit, this year, not so much. On the menu, hot wings, little smokies with mac and cheese, chili con queso dip and caramel corn. My idea to cook things in mini crockpots missed the mark but the caramel corn is always a hit.

For the rest of the week here is what we have on the menu....

Homemade spaghetti

Broccoli and Chicken Alfredo

Chili Mac

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

 Pizza

Cream Cheese Taquitos

What are your superbowl favs?

While watching the superbowl I did up some word art perfect for February.

I hope you enjoy it.

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Small changes

Every day I lay out a plan of what I hope to accomplish that day. Somedays I get it all done but most of the time, not so much. Between work, kids, family, school, church....so much pulls at me and my time. BUT I know  that over time, step by step, we are making it. We are reaching our goals. Whether they be losing weight, getting out of debt, saving for a mission, taking a family vacation, or just making it to the next day, we get there one step at a time. That is why I loved this quote. A reminder of small steps.

"Small changes eventually ad up to Huge results"

This week I am hoping to add a few drops to each of my goal buckets. 

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Never give up- Free wordart

It's a beautiful sunny Sunday. I thought it would be a great day to sit down and design a bit. I am hoping to get back to my blog. It's fun for me to look for a project but end up getting lost in memory lane. My projects have become a bookmark of what was going on with me and our family at the time. I am also hoping that a little digital wordart designing will help drive me back to my scrapbooking. So many other things have gotten in the way over the last couple of years that I am falling impossibly behind. Once upon a time I kept up on the memory books rather well. Reflecting back, I realized it was when I spent my Sundays scrapbooking. I want that again. So here is the first of (hopefully) many more wordarts. 

Last year I broke down and bought a new paper planner. I am such a list maker I fell in love with it. Each week allows for thoughts and inspiration to be jotted down. I find great thoughts and write a theme of sorts for the week. I've tried to fill my planner out in advance. It has been so helpful to keep me organized and on task with the goals I have set. Last weeks theme was "Focus".

This past week was a rough one for me. I have been fighting- literally- to lose weight with no success. I know I need to see an endocrinologist but until then I'm eating right and working out.I usually do well. I really do like going to the gym. I just feel better. I am healthy. But....

Last week though I broke.

Discouragement set in. I was tired of fighting and not seeing results. Most days I'm good but some are sooo hard. My body seems to fight me at every turn. Sacrifice is hard when there's no reward. I was in tears as I struggled to maintain my fitness level, let alone improve it. It seemed so unfair to work so hard and not reach my goals year and year. My good friend and trainer lifted my spirits to live for another day. "We have all been there. What I won't accept is not believing in yourself. You are an amazing resilient woman physically and mentally. Set backs humble us and are what makes our successes that much sweeter" she said. I love this lady! Sometimes it's hard to believe in ourselves but there is someone who does believe in us- Always!

 After a forgettable workout I sat down to plan the rest of my day. Trying to stay on track I opened my planner. It was the first time in the week I had been able to look at it. My quote for the week,

"No matter how you feel, Get up, Dress up, Show up & Never Give up!"

I wrote this quote on THIS week a couple of weeks ago. 

I stopped.

I thought.

I cried.

I said a little prayer of thanks for my Fathers inspiration;

 For knowing what I would need, when I would need it before I even knew I would need it.

The rest of the day and even the week that became my motto. I wish I could say the struggle was better, perhaps it was only a smidge but my resolve was renewed and I recommitted to continue the fight to a better me. One day I will get there. Until then I am never giving up!

Whatever YOUR challenge,

NEVER GIVE UP!

Fight for it and keep a strong support system nearby for those moments of weakness and discouragement. As Steph said, "we all have them"!

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Pinewood Derby Certificate Printable

It's that time of year again.

PINEWOOD DERBY!
The ultimate pack meeting that every cub scout looks forward to all year long. 

Okay! It's also got the dads all in a mess as well. 

It's always so fun to watch what the boys come up with and the creativity and personality that shows through in their cars. 

I also smirk at the dads. We have a couple who are wonderful dads and great examples to my own boys. They are also just a TAD BIT competetive. My dear husband noticed an ever so slight fist pump by the most reserved, quiet man I know. Yep, even THAT dad couldn't hold back his anticipation and excitment at seeing HIS boys car cross the line in first place. 

We are blessed to have healthy competition that doesn't get out of line. It's a great evening for everyone. 

For a scout leader.....it's also a TON of work! The payoff comes in the boys faces lighting up. I just LOVE it!!

This year I am not a cub scout leader *sniff* but I had a request for some of the certificates I have previously done. So I did a little editing so that you can print one for your little pack and hopefully save you a little time and headache. 

 Here is my original post when we used this certificate. It was a couple of years ago. So fun to look through those old pictures.

You can download it 2 ways. Just click on the link you want:

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And the pit pass. Just print it and make the copies you need. I laminated mine and made lanyards for all the boys. They absolutely LOVED it!

Here are the links for the pit pass:
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Have fun!!

Girls Camp Menu

Project 17 of 52

I am all about structure. Having the schedule posted at girls camp was a must for me. We wanted to encourage the girls to go to all the activities and lead the younger girls. Knowing the schedule of activities and menu allowed them (I hoped) to step out and lead with minimal adult intervention. 

(At least that was the plan)

We had each of the girls list their top menu choices for each meal. Then we compiled them for the weeks menu. It was simple. Most of the girls wanted the same things. We adjusted a little to stay on budget. Here is what we came up with.

 

This is the daily schedule set by the stake camp leadership. Tomorrow I will be sharing my idea for posting the menu and schedule each day. It turned out to be one of my favorite ideas. So helpful.

Baptismal Covenants Kit Kat wrapper

Project 16 of 52

My dear friend needed help making a handout for her lesson next month. Of course she had found something on Pinterest, it's better than Google, and asked if we could do it. She is doing a lesson on baptismal covenants for the young women. This is what we came up with.

 I think it turned out great. Our young women will love it.

You get to benefit too. It's 3 wrappers per sheet so print what you want. They wrap around a full size kit kat.
Print it. Wrap it. And tie it up with a bow. VOILA! You're set.

As Sister Hinckley was fond of saying, 

"We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other..."

I love to find something that I can just print and assemble. It's usually times of desperation when I haven't been able to get something of my own but OH how thankful I am to find something quick that finishes my latest....whatever I'm working on.
Kaylyn loves it too. She always tells me to make sure I post what we do. 

Yep, it's all about sticking together to help each other. 

HUGS! 

4share download HERE

You can also get the download from Dropbox 

HERE

Girls Camp Handouts

Project 15 of 52

Life has gotten crazy and doesn't seem to ever slow down. I love staying busy, really it's a coping skill for my sanity, but I have encountered whole new levels of "busy"! My family is growing so fast and there is never enough of me to go around. Because of all this, I have had to let my blog go. In the back of my mind I often think I need to add to this blog. I enjoy looking back at my ideas and projects but really couldn't find the time to compose and share anything. I have taken pictures of many of my projects but they sit waiting to be edited and posted.I had almost decided to just let this blog go. I didn't have the time- that old 4-lettered word.....

....That is until lately. I have had repeated comments and references to my blog. Tonight some friends were looking through my blog after I shared some of my craft and decor ideas with them. I seldom come up with a totally new idea but it was fun to look back through all that I have done. It was a stroll down memory lane. Combined with a few other reminders I decided it was time to get things updated. Perhaps it is more for me than anyone else. Either way, this blog, I've decided, is my way of leaving a mark. It is my place to share and vent and journal and download all that is in my mind and heart. One day my boys will look back and see, perhaps, a glimpse of my thoughts. Besides, it makes me smile to see what I can accomplish over the years.

So with no further adieu here are some of my summer projects.

Remember girls camp?

Yeah our 11 hour adventure?

These are the handouts I made for each of the girls. Print them off and feel free to use them for your own girls.

Our princess was Cinderella. Each day I wanted to highlight the transition she made from servant to princess.

Day 1 they (would have) received a bandana with this quote:

"Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others" Gordon B. Hinckley

Day 2 they (would have) received a "glass" slipper filled with skittles. 

 Here is the quote to go with this..."Never look back. If Cinderella had gone back to get her shoe, she never would have become a Princess"

Day 3 they (would have) received a crown.  Sorry, I forgot to get a picture of this but here is the quote.

"CS Lewis once said that if we could recognize who we were, we would realize that we were walking with possible Gods & Goddesses whom, if we could see them in all their eternal dignity and glory we would be tempted to fall down and worship. Because this is true, we need to think more highly of ourselves and we need to think more highly of each other" Jeffrey R. Holland

I love CS Lewis. I would love to have met him. It amazes me how inspired he was. 

Click on each of the quote pictures to go to drop box and download them.

I will be back soon with more fun things from our camp adventure.

Girls Camp: Testimony Tissues printable

Project 14 of 52

Girls camp is coming up...FAST!

I think I am about ready. I have been working on so many projects for it but want them to be a surprise. Many of my girls follow me on Pinterest, FB, and also know about my blog. That means I have had to wait to post most of my goodies in order to keep it a surprise. Never fear though! The rest of summer will be filled with lots of ideas and projects. The gals at work think I am utterly mad (secretly, I am just this side of mad) and wonder how I get it all done. I just can't sit still long enough to wonder myself. It has been so fun to do girly things although I still love my cub scouts. 

I am one that always needs tissues. Allergies consume me nearly everyday, year round, but these tissues are for testimony meeting. I found this quote and thought it perfect to set the tone. I plan on passing them out the evening before testimony meeting. 

And I have made simple printables for you too. I used Avery 2x4 label stickers. Just print them out and stick them on. It's a great little something to do while you visit with friends or family. My mother in law helped me with these while we visited. I loved it! It's great to get some girl time to talk but I have to keep my hands busy so assembling something simple is a double win for me.
Download 4share HERE or click on the picture.
Or for dropbox download HERE

Father's Day gift idea

 

Summer is upon us and that means Father's Day is just around the corner. If you are stumped and need an idea I am still doing Priesthood Line of Authority pictures for anyone wanting one. I have enjoyed doing these and they don't take long so send me your info and I can get it back to you in a couple of days. 

Beware- if you wait until the last minute I may take longer. I am in charge of girls camp and we leave the week after Father's day....so get me your info. ;-)

Check out my original post for the link to get your records.

Young Women's Handout- Sariah

Project 12 of 52

I have been very busy lately. I have several projects to blog about but finished this one tonight and wanted to share it. We are getting ready for girls camp. I shared one of my projects HERE but this is what we will be working on this week. We want to the girls to get to know some of the leading ladies in the scriptures, the less known ones. Our ward has Sariah, wife of Lehi. I have been doing a bit of my own research and put this handout together to guide the girls in our discussion. I hope they like it. I hope you find it helpful. Click on the picture below to go to the download.

PTA fundraiser ideas and a printable.

We have a wonderful PTA. We work hard to send each class on a field trip, increase technology in each classroom, and support our teachers and show them how much we care. This year we have decided to do away with kids selling products in favor of other fundraisers. I am thrilled! They are going to be fantastic!

This is what we are planning:

1- A Flea Market sale

2- Our annual Halloween Carnival

3- Santa's Sweet Gift Shop

4- Penny Wars

5- Fun run/walk

We have done the middle 3 yearly but added the other 2 this year.

I am in charge of the Flea Market and I couldn't be more excited with how it is going. We hope to turn it into an annual event. I wanted to have 80 spaces 'rented' and have so far gotten over 60 with 3 weeks left. The PTA is renting the parking spaces to those with yard sale goods, homemade crafts, or small businesses. We have such a variety of vendors already signed up. From DoTerra, Tupperware, and Pauperauzzi, to Custom concrete, Maxi skirts, and homemade treats. All the money the vendors make is theirs to keep. Our money comes from the space rental making it a win/win deal. Now to pray the weather holds. I think I will be getting quite a bit of Christmas shopping done myself.

Although we have done the Santa shop in the past we decided to stock it ourselves. We felt the company we used in the past charged too much for...well...basically junk. As frugal moms we just couldn't handle our kiddos paying for useless junk. We thought we could do better. So over the past year we have shopped after season clearance sales, made crafts and requested donations. I think it is going to be so much better. We only made a small amount last year because of the large overhead. It is such a great time for the kids to be able to shop for their family without mom or dad that we wanted to continue it but wanted to provide better quality products for them. I have been putting together crafts big and small. I was tasked with gifts for dads, grandpas, and brothers...all the boy gifts. It made sense with 4 boys but boy gifts are a bit harder than girls and they are not found on sale as easily. Still, I have to admit it has gone well. I have more to make and need to pull out my sewing machine but we are getting there. I will let you know how well we do in December.

Last year we had the Penny wars among the classes. Those little kiddos brought in over $1500 in coins from their piggy banks! How awesome is that. A little healthy competition can go a long way. The bonus was just watching all the kids get excited to see their jars fill up. This year we found a couple of spiral wishing wells that will add to our penny wars. We plan to have "vs" wars with them. For example iphone vs android, vote for your favorite. Should be fun. Besides ya gotta admit those funnels are just cool to watch.

Our other new fundraiser this year is the fun run/walk. It will be our spring event. Although I am not a runner races are always a great way to build support. 

Our Halloween Carnival is our biggest event. It is a huge undertaking but the kids and community love it! After all what is Halloween without a school carnival. ;-)

I will keep you posted on the success of our adventures. We are also working on grants and bigger company programs like box tops, Walmart, and Target gift cards. What are some of the fundraising events you have had success with? I would love to hear your ideas. Our parents have been thrilled with the idea of not selling products. This momma included!

I thought I would share a printable freebie. This is the sign I made up for our Flea Market. Hope you have fun using it too. Just click on the photo to download.

Back 2 School wordart freebie

Summer seems to be quickly winding down. I have been spending more and more time canning jams and vegi's. We will love that later this year. I even pulled a nice big carrot up today while weeding. Each week I am able to do another batch of fresh strawberry jam.Fall is my favorite season and I am thrilled that it is just around the corner. The cool nights and warm days are perfect for me. The pumpkin spice, harvest baking and changing colors is wonderful. Plus it means Christmas, the BEST time of the year, is drawing close. After school gets started then I get to start focusing on Christmas shopping. We don't go all out on gifts but I prefer to break it up over several months. It makes it a tad bit easier on the budget. 

PTA is picking up too so I will be busy with that. Which also means I will be posting fun PTA ideas and boards. 

We might get in one or two more camping trips. With that I will be sharing more fantastic tips to keep your trip running smoothly. 

And last but not least my fabulous mother in law is putting together a post of ways to use everyday supplies in paper crafting. You won't want to miss it. She is amazing!

So lots of changes right along with the season. Exciting times!

Are you ready? Ready for back to school? Better get ready, it's coming....

Enjoy another freebie!

Back 2 School Download

ABC....123 Download

Elementary wordart freebie

This is the first year I have really looked forward to school starting- really! I usually love having my boys home but they have been quite rambunctious lately. Time for more structure. My youngest starts school this year too. We will see how that goes. I think I am excited for that. He has been in preschool the last couple of years so he has been gone several hours 3 days a week already. I have lots of plans to spend my quiet time although running back and forth to the school several times each day will put a damper on those plans. I really wish they bussed here but alas they don't. It won't be too bad until winter sets in and they can't ride their bikes or scooters...which reminds me we need to get going on bike lessons. The big boys have taught him how to ride a scooter but he still needs to work on his bike. 

I am also getting ready for PTA projects. I am PTA VP. It's not as bad as it sounds but I still am kept plenty busy. I have some meetings, help the teachers, and do monthly bulletin boards. It is fun but keeps me on my toes. Everything has to be written down or it just doesn't happen. 

This week we will be laying tile in our storage room. Not a bad project for the hot summer days. Just working in the cool basement. It actually excites me. I love to walk in and see clean organization. We won't finish the room entirely but I wanted to add insulation and cover the cement floor. I just picked up the sticky laminate. Nothing fancy but it adds a nice touch. I will post pictures when we get it all done. The trick has been moving the stuff out. My boys did a fantastic job of that. Heck, there's 4 of them and only 1 of me. They should be able to get it done 4 times as fast right?! ;-)

Enjoy my latest back 2 school wordart. I seriously need to get to my own photos. My goal this year is to finish 2013 with the year in print. Let's see if I can do it!

You should be able to just click on the picture. Enjoy!