Anyway, my cutie nephew came to a game last week and as the sun was setting, I took my camera off the game and focused on him (and his bright, big smiles!! :).
(photos of actual baseball to come!)
Cousins
(searching for lost baseball) :)
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Good Day for (not) Watching Baseball
Our lives have been overwhelmed with the wonderful season of baseball. Both kids are playing and that means lots of time in the stands (or, in our case, collapsable camping chairs - it's only little league, after all).
Anyway, my cutie nephew came to a game last week and as the sun was setting, I took my camera off the game and focused on him (and his bright, big smiles!! :).
(photos of actual baseball to come!)
Anyway, my cutie nephew came to a game last week and as the sun was setting, I took my camera off the game and focused on him (and his bright, big smiles!! :).
(photos of actual baseball to come!)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
My Messy Places
You will thank me at the end of this post.
Blogs today provide a wealth of resources for us moms. You can read everything you want about anything you want - gardening, photography, parenting, organizing, cooking, baking, running. . . and the list goes on and on. They are inspirational and give tons of ideas of how to, as Oprah would say, "live your best life".
Although I think these are great, they can by psychologically harmful as well. When you read blogs, you're usually reading posts of people putting their best foot forward - their glory stories, their parenting triumphs, their perfectly set table for a beautiful dinner party, etc. When reading about others perfection, it can be easy to compare yourself as not as good, not as talented, not as organized, not as creative. . .
I reject that.
I'll admit, I do love seeing pictures of perfect looking, well decorated, happy places of bliss.
But, that's not my reality. And I would guess. . . it's not many of yours either.
Instead of showing you the spaces in my house with the perfect photo collage, the most clever jewelry display, the color coded filing system, exceptionally decorated living space - I'm going to show you the spaces in my house that need help.
Serious help.
And as you view the following photos, please bask in the enjoyment of feeling better about yourself and home after seeing the disasters of mine. :)
(**Disclaimer: I know there are many out there who can in no way relate to these messy places. This post is not for you. Warning: you may even feel dizzy, lightheaded and extremely uncomfortable if you choose to read on. Please view with your own discretion.) :)
Blogs today provide a wealth of resources for us moms. You can read everything you want about anything you want - gardening, photography, parenting, organizing, cooking, baking, running. . . and the list goes on and on. They are inspirational and give tons of ideas of how to, as Oprah would say, "live your best life".
Although I think these are great, they can by psychologically harmful as well. When you read blogs, you're usually reading posts of people putting their best foot forward - their glory stories, their parenting triumphs, their perfectly set table for a beautiful dinner party, etc. When reading about others perfection, it can be easy to compare yourself as not as good, not as talented, not as organized, not as creative. . .
I reject that.
I'll admit, I do love seeing pictures of perfect looking, well decorated, happy places of bliss.
But, that's not my reality. And I would guess. . . it's not many of yours either.
Instead of showing you the spaces in my house with the perfect photo collage, the most clever jewelry display, the color coded filing system, exceptionally decorated living space - I'm going to show you the spaces in my house that need help.
Serious help.
And as you view the following photos, please bask in the enjoyment of feeling better about yourself and home after seeing the disasters of mine. :)
(**Disclaimer: I know there are many out there who can in no way relate to these messy places. This post is not for you. Warning: you may even feel dizzy, lightheaded and extremely uncomfortable if you choose to read on. Please view with your own discretion.) :)
Desk area
Daughter's room
Front closet
Wow, that's bad.
Shelf in laundry area
Somebody help me.
Kitchen table
(not that bad, but still not lookin' too great)
Hall pantry
I'm starting to really feel embarrassed now.
And for the grande finale - drum roll please . . . .
8 year-old son's closet
You are welcome.
Friday, May 20, 2011
House on the Horizon!!!
I don't know how to express such exciting news on the internet except by trying to SHOUT it through a blog post:
THE MCNEILS HAVE FOUND A HOME!!!!!!
Backstory:
Matt and Shannon McNeil are good friends from college, who have two beautiful kids with a terminal illness - Waverly and Oliver. A couple of years ago, my friend Michele and I started a fundraiser called A Hundred for a Home.
The goal was to get 4000 people to donate $100 to raise $400,000 in order to help buy the McNeil's a home. They have been in a small, two bedroom apartment for the last several years. Check out this video to see the story:
Matt and Shannon have found a beautiful home that meets their needs for the kids. Just a few days ago, they made an offer that was accepted!! Since the house is a short sale, they have to patiently wait for the deal to go through.
With the help of hundreds of friends, family and strangers from over 43 states and 10 countries, A Hundred for a Home has raised $170,000!!! We would love to get to $200,000 to minimized their mortgage payment as much as possible. If you'd like to be a part of giving this gift of a home to the McNeil family, please go to the Hundred for a Home website and donate today!!!
If you'd like to read more about Shannon and her family, please check out her blog. :)
THE MCNEILS HAVE FOUND A HOME!!!!!!
Backstory:
Matt and Shannon McNeil are good friends from college, who have two beautiful kids with a terminal illness - Waverly and Oliver. A couple of years ago, my friend Michele and I started a fundraiser called A Hundred for a Home.
Me, Shannon and Michele
The goal was to get 4000 people to donate $100 to raise $400,000 in order to help buy the McNeil's a home. They have been in a small, two bedroom apartment for the last several years. Check out this video to see the story:
Matt and Shannon have found a beautiful home that meets their needs for the kids. Just a few days ago, they made an offer that was accepted!! Since the house is a short sale, they have to patiently wait for the deal to go through.
With the help of hundreds of friends, family and strangers from over 43 states and 10 countries, A Hundred for a Home has raised $170,000!!! We would love to get to $200,000 to minimized their mortgage payment as much as possible. If you'd like to be a part of giving this gift of a home to the McNeil family, please go to the Hundred for a Home website and donate today!!!
If you'd like to read more about Shannon and her family, please check out her blog. :)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Recipe Binder - Part 2
Last week I posted a link to iheartorganizing where a recipe binder I created was featured. Part of this system includes index pages to help keep track of recipes from magazines and cookbooks.
I've posted all twelve of the index pages I use if you'd like to get started on a binder of your own. Go to my website to download them.
If you missed the post about how the binder is organized, click here to see!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Mother's Day Love
I think that Mother's Day gets a little better every year as my kids get older.
When my kids were toddlers, I received handprints and half colored pictures that they created in preschool. Now, as they are both able to read and write, they can create their own cards and gifts, with a little more personal thought.
This year I was especially blessed by the little bits of love from my kids.
From my daughter:
When I first saw the black marker on the counter, I knew it was a Sharpie. Sharpies are not allowed freely for use by our kids for obvious reasons - they are permanent. However, my daughter, for some reason, has an affinity for that which she cannot have. When I confronted her about it, she admitted using one (and that it bled through on the counter) but said, "It's because of something I made for you mom. . . for Mother's Day. You'll see!!!"
Something special for moi?
Well, I guess it's OK then.
Later that night, I walked into my bedroom and found this sitting on our dresser:
Touched by the simplicity of the napkin card, I opened it. Illegal Sharpie use or not, it was a super sweet attempt from my 6 year old. It simple said, "You are a grat(e) mom".
My son:
He had a school assignment where he compared me to different things - the underlined parts are the blanks he had to fill in.
"If my mom were a flower, she would be a daisy because she lights up my day.
(so sweet)
"If my mom were a super hero, she would be batwoman because she's never scared.
(I'm glad he thinks that)
"If my mom were a candy, she would be sweet tarts because she can be sweet and sour.
(I think the 'sour' refers to me with either 1) no coffee in the morning or 2) lack of sleep)
"If my mom were a car, she would be a limo because she's shiny.
(um...I don't know what that means)
Already looking forward to next year. :)
When my kids were toddlers, I received handprints and half colored pictures that they created in preschool. Now, as they are both able to read and write, they can create their own cards and gifts, with a little more personal thought.
This year I was especially blessed by the little bits of love from my kids.
From my daughter:
When I first saw the black marker on the counter, I knew it was a Sharpie. Sharpies are not allowed freely for use by our kids for obvious reasons - they are permanent. However, my daughter, for some reason, has an affinity for that which she cannot have. When I confronted her about it, she admitted using one (and that it bled through on the counter) but said, "It's because of something I made for you mom. . . for Mother's Day. You'll see!!!"
Something special for moi?
Well, I guess it's OK then.
Later that night, I walked into my bedroom and found this sitting on our dresser:
Touched by the simplicity of the napkin card, I opened it. Illegal Sharpie use or not, it was a super sweet attempt from my 6 year old. It simple said, "You are a grat(e) mom".
My son:
He had a school assignment where he compared me to different things - the underlined parts are the blanks he had to fill in.
"If my mom were a flower, she would be a daisy because she lights up my day.
(so sweet)
"If my mom were a super hero, she would be batwoman because she's never scared.
(I'm glad he thinks that)
"If my mom were a TV show, she would be SpongeBob because she's very funny.
(interesting fact - he doesn't even watch SpongeBob)"If my mom were a candy, she would be sweet tarts because she can be sweet and sour.
(I think the 'sour' refers to me with either 1) no coffee in the morning or 2) lack of sleep)
"If my mom were an animal, she would be a cheetah, because she's fast.
(he's watched me run a 5K before - he must have mistaken me for someone else)"If my mom were a car, she would be a limo because she's shiny.
(um...I don't know what that means)
Already looking forward to next year. :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sweet E
I had the privilege of taking newborn photos of a great friend of our family two weeks ago. Their baby girl, E, is a BEAUTY!!! See for yourself!
I Heart Organizing - Recipes!!!
A few years ago, fed up with my unorganized system of recipes, I created a recipe binder with maximum organization!!!!
Being a fan of IHeart Organizing, I sent some photos of my binder to Jen and she's featuring it on her blog !!! Go check out the binder and if you're interested in starting one of your own, you can do one of the following:
1. go to the end of her post and print the great printable she created
2. I've updated my index pages for you to print and get started!!!
3. create your own!!
Being a fan of IHeart Organizing, I sent some photos of my binder to Jen and she's featuring it on her blog !!! Go check out the binder and if you're interested in starting one of your own, you can do one of the following:
1. go to the end of her post and print the great printable she created
2. I've updated my index pages for you to print and get started!!!
3. create your own!!
Below is the order of food categories I have in my 'Main Dishes' binder. I also have a binder for 'Appetizers and Desserts' and one for 'Breads and Sides'. (I love to cook!!)
I have three ready to print and more will be available in the next week or so. You can find the first three HERE at my website.
I have three ready to print and more will be available in the next week or so. You can find the first three HERE at my website.
My MAIN DISHES Binder:
Poultry
Beef
Pasta
Pasta
Seafood
Grill
Crock Pot
Soups
Salads
Sandwiches
Ethnic
Breakfast
Misc
Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you'll check back and get your own recipes ORGANIZED!!!
Happy Cooking!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Go Kart - Back to Life
The final phase of the go kart is complete - putting it all back together was the last task. Since it was frigid that night, we had to close the garage door and keep a heater going. (not the best lighting for photos, but I tried!)
Girl job = hold the light source.
Father, son and grandson.
TA-DA!!!!
The first runs:
The Go Kart Lives On!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Attention All Moms!!!!
I'm excited to share with you today one of my favorite new blogs!!!!
My wonderful friend and neighbor across the street, Jane, is the amazing author:
Her blog is loaded with creative ideas on how to infuse teaching, faith and fun with your children. Whether it be planning family challenges or using placemats to help with manners. . . her goal is to share ways to create teachable moments in everyday life. And may I also say, that her photos aren't too bad, either! (wink, wink)
My wonderful friend and neighbor across the street, Jane, is the amazing author:
Her blog is loaded with creative ideas on how to infuse teaching, faith and fun with your children. Whether it be planning family challenges or using placemats to help with manners. . . her goal is to share ways to create teachable moments in everyday life. And may I also say, that her photos aren't too bad, either! (wink, wink)
Visit The Unofficial Homeschooler today!
A+ for you, Jane!! :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Go-Kart - Phase 2
Contain your excitement, people.
I know you've been waiting to see the progress of the go-kart. This is the second of three installments so although I will give you a peek at it's progress, you'll have to wait just a tad longer to see it racing in all it's glory again. I know - the anticipation is almost more than you can bear.
I know you've been waiting to see the progress of the go-kart. This is the second of three installments so although I will give you a peek at it's progress, you'll have to wait just a tad longer to see it racing in all it's glory again. I know - the anticipation is almost more than you can bear.
Phase 2 - Paint.
Black was the chosen color.
Yes, this is slightly posed.
OK, completely posed.
I wanted to add that our friend, Nick, was so great to help Ryan take the go-kart apart and assess what new parts needed to be ordered. He was instrumental in bringing the go-kart back to life. Thanks for your help Nick !!
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