4 Growing Boys

You're Egg-stra special

2015-04-08T15:36:00.001-06:00

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

2015-04-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

2015-04-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

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...

2015-03-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

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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A Journey in Dual Language Immersion

2015-03-25T12:28:00.000-06:00

     This year we have the privilege of starting our youngest, Mr Matthew, in a dual language immersion (DLI) program. Our school district made the fantastic decision to introduce all 5 languages offered in the states DLI program, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese. This is an opportunity I would not miss out on. Our school school was chosen for German. My sweet hubby is fluent in German having served an LDS mission there and although a bit rusty he still enjoys speaking this language and stays in touch with friends. We were thrilled that Matthew would be able to learn German. Our oldest, Josh, also entered his first year of German in high school.
     Matthew spends 50% of his school day in German and 50% in English classes. His German teacher speaks only German to the students. They learn math, German culture and various other lessons in German. After the holidays the students were further challenged to only speak German to each other as well. It's challenging to be sure but allows his brain to focus on understanding and deciphering German.
     Our dinner conversations have been fun with many laughs as the boys share new words and try to stump each other. We knew it would be an adventurous year when the second week of school Matthew was making wise cracks to Josh...in German. Yeah, little brother thought he was ALL THAT!
     What I find amazing is how much faster Matthew is picking up the language than Josh. Earlier this week dad was thrilled to have a conversation with Matthew in German. He needed a few cues but Matthew was able to share his thoughts and feelings on the topic, why he was too big for "Cars" underwear.
     In sharing this fun moment with Matthew's teacher, Frau Page, she asked why I thought it was that Matthew was surpassing his older brother. Both are strong students. Both have the advantage of a fluent parent. Both are maintaining their grades and proficiency in other studies but Matthew is moving toward conversation passing Josh in language skill. Is it because of an aptitude for language or another reason? The answer is clear...AGE! Matthew's 6 year old brain is still hard wired for language development. He has an advantage over Josh despite prior language challenges.
   Matthew had a significant speech delay. At 12 months he spoke 6 words then...nothing. He stopped speaking. Life was good. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. No trauma or outside influences to prevent him from speaking. We have another son who also had a speech delay so we set to work using the skills and tools we had learned from Keegan's speech therapy to help Matthew. It took a year and weekly speech therapy before Matthew repeated an easy word he previously knew, bye. I was in tears to hear my little boys voice break through again. We heard all the usual reasons why he wouldn't or couldn't speak but none of them fit. Our speech therapist was stumped. He did not know why Matthew was not talking. Matthew learned to communicate through sign to avoid frustration. It took years, but he finally took off talking and caught up to his peers. In fact, this is the first year he has not had speech therapy so it is interesting to me to see him pick up a second language with such ease.
     I love to hear Matthew share his latest German song, phrase, or just a new word. He even corrects moms pronunciation. Josh continues to learn as well but quizzes his little brother a little less...it's not so cool when little brother is no longer stumped by your "quizzes". Matthew is loving his DLI. He is learning to love the language, culture, and people. We are learning as a family as well. Next year we are even looking forward to having a German exchange student.
     The world is growing smaller. The internet has put the world at our finger tips. The opportunities my boys will have increase everyday. The opportunities Matthew will have by participating in and learning German are limitless. I am thrilled and so thankful our school has this opportunity. How could I NOT have my boys participate in Dual Language Immersion.

Learning Life's Lessons

2015-03-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

2015-02-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2015-02-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2015-02-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2015-01-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

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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Homemade Wheat Bread

2015-01-27T13:57:00.002-07:00

Several of my friends saw my post on FB about making bread and asked for the recipe. So here you are guys! This is my go to recipe. I have tried several others but still go back to this.

Yummy Homemade Wheat Bread

This recipe came from a Relief Society meeting on self reliance. I don't have the name of the lady and I don't remember the ward I was a guest speaker for. These are proportions for a Bosch mixer. If you have a Kitchenaid, just cut it in half and that will work.

Bake: 350
Yield: 4 large loaves
Time: about 2 hours including rise time

Ingredients
14-16 cups whole wheat flour
2 rounded Tbs yeast
1/2 cup high-gluten flour
1/4 cup dough enhancer (or 2Tbs lemon juice or 500 mg Vit C)
6 cups very warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey or brown sugar (honey is best)
1 1/2 Tbs salt

Directions: Place 9 cups fresh flour into mixer with kneading arm. Add dry yeast and gluten. Pulse to mix. Add water and mix for 1 minute. Turn off mixer, cover, and let dough sponge for 10 minutes. This makes the bread have a lighter texture. Add oil, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Turn on mixer, and quickly add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time until dough forms a mass and clean the sides of the bowl. I generally use a mix of wheat and white flour. Turn mixer to high and knead for 8 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead at least 12 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.

Preheat oven to 150 during this time. Lightly oil hands and counter surface. Divide dough into equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in greased bread pans. Turn off oven. Place bread in oven, arranging pans with space to allow heat to circulate freely. Set kitchen timer and watch closely. Let rise until almost double in bulk, about 20-30 minutes. Leave bread in oven and turn heat to 350. Bread will continue to rise a little more. Bake for 30 minutes until light golden brown. Immediately remove from pans and let cool on wire rack. Beware of ravaging children. Use extreme caution if there is butter or jam nearby!
Enjoy all the Yumminess!

Never give up- Free wordart

2015-01-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2015-01-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

How to make an Easle

2014-08-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Project 18 of 52

I needed a way to display information to the girls during camp. After going up for pre-camp clean up I realized there were not many trees to hang signs from. There were plenty of trees, just not in the right spot for signs. So I set out to make my own. I mean, how hard can an easle be to make right!?!

RIGHT!

Here's what I did:

Supplies: 1x4x8 boards (I think I got 3)

Gorilla glue

screws 2" I think

Hardboard

Corner brackets

Hinges

spray paint

I wanted this to be about 5 feet tall. I wanted it to be a focal point in our camp. Something everyone would see easily. I cut 2 1x4 boards 5 feet. The cross boards are 16 3/4 inches. I found the easiest way to mark the small boards was to lay them across and mark from inside of one long board to the inside of the other board.

Then use gorilla glue or wood glue to secure it to the hardboard. We clamped each board and let it dry over night to be sure it was secure.

After gluing each side we put the corner brackets on. I wanted added support at each corner so as it gets tugged on it won't split at the weak corners.

My sweet hubby wanted to surprise me and helped to finish it from here so I missed some pictures, but I was so thankful for his help. He used basic hinges secured to the top so that it would fold flat.

Then I got to paint it. A bright Krylon Turquoise worked well. I used a whole can but had great coverage.

I didn't bother spray painting the outside of the hardboard. Instead I used my chalkboard paint for it. You just paint the chalkboard on, wait for it to cure a couple of days then rub chalk over the whole thing to prep the board. Each time we use it it wipes off easier but at first it doesn't wipe off well.

One side was for writing notes.....

I screwed decorative clips to the other side to hold our menu and schedule for each day.

I love how it turned out. I wanted to put a chain across the side to prevent it from slipping but it's heavy enough we didn't have that problem. I also thought about a tray for the chalk but didn't get that done. Being relatively flat made it travel nicely packed in the pickup.

Now I have something to help with scouts and PTA events. I see this little beauty getting A LOT of use!

Girls Camp Menu

2014-08-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

2014-08-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

Alec Baldwin's official approval

2014-08-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

My sweet hubby had a fantastic time at Comic Con this spring. This is pure heaven for any true blue nerd/geek. He had asked me back in December to make him a Jayne Cobb hat.
"A what!?" I asked.
How well he knows me. He had already found some pins and patterns for me to use. Gotta love that man. He didn't have to beg too much, just enough to make me smile. Anyway, I crocheted one for him. I thought it turned out great but only when we got the official Seal of Approval from Alec Baldwin did I hit the home run. Several other guys were dressed as Jayne Cobb with hats purchased online. Both Alec and Nathan Finnion commented to my sweet hubby specifically "nice hat!" They both said how much they liked it and asked about where he got it. He proudly informed them his wife had made it.

He had several other guys ask if I could make them one. His response, "I don't think so."
Yeah, only made with extra love for a special guy! Throughout the day he regularly had people comment on his hat. He even won a $30 photo voucher because of it. He was thrilled.

This was his photo op with Alec Baldwin. He had it all planned out what to do. He got up there, handed Alec his other gun to which Alec said, "back to back?".

"Back to back"!

Just like a kid in a candy store.
Here is the pattern I based mine off of. I made some adjustments but this was my favorite pattern. I wish I could knit but that is one thing I don't do.

Girls Camp Handouts

2014-08-24T17:17:00.000-06:00

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

2014-06-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

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

2014-05-21T13:10:00.001-06:00

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.

Castle block

2014-04-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Project 13 of 52

I love this thought. Back HERE I shared this download. Although the thought is not my original the photo and wordart are. What better time to share this than with my girls at camp. I want something simple to always remind them of their Eternal Perspective.

This is such a simple project. Just a 2x6 cut in 4inch segments then painted white. I think other colors would be wonderful too but with 30 girls to plan for I kept it simple, just one paint color to buy.

I used mod podge to attach the picture. I like the rough edges but we won't have an electric sander at camp and let's be honest, hand sanding just isn't for me. ;-p Tie it up with a bow. They have 4 different colored ribbon, teal, red, pink, yellow, to chose from although the kits are already all together with the ribbon in them.

My mother in law has taught me that presentation of the smallest gift makes the biggest difference. So I decided to put the 'kit' together in a brown bag with a paper doilie stapled to the front. I wonder if the girls will notice but I even used my colored, pink, staples. Now I have them all together ready to go in a storage bin. I included all the supplies so nothing is forgotten and it is all in one place.

Scouting has taught me KISMIF....Keep It Simple, Make It Fun. I think this will be a HIT! (at least I hope)

Young Women's Handout- Sariah

2014-03-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Go for the Gold candy wrapper.

2014-03-06T17:34:00.002-07:00

Project 11 of 52

We had our Blue and Gold celebration last month for cub scouts. It is a celebration of the birthday of cub scouts. With the Olympics going on what better theme than Olympics!? I had a little different idea in mind for these rolos but this was easier and turned out fantastic.

I made 20 of them for each of my scouts.

Just a little glue and...

VOILA!
Easy peasy.

They went great with the tickets I made for invites to the event.

The boys and parents all loved it. I will share pictures of all the decorations and finished event soon.
Here is the candy labels if you want to make some of your own. Just click on the picture. Have fun!

Once upon a time bookmark

2014-02-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Project 10 of 52
Update: I have fixed the download so daughters is spelled correctly.
I just didn't retake all the pictures.

I have been putting together projects and crafts for our upcoming girls camp. It isn't until June but I have to plan ahead. Between PTA, Cub Scouts, and Girls Camp...yeah, I am just a wee bit busy.
I love it!

This is the bookmark I made for my girls going to camp. Our theme is Camp ROYAL.
Reflect On Your Amazing Light.
The youth leaders came up with it. It's perfect. The each group will have a Disney princess and a scripture heroine. We drew Cinderella and Sariah. It's going to be a wonderful time. As a mom of all boys it is fun to get to do some girly stuff in pinks and purples.

These bookmarks are just one of the projects I have been working on. I can't tell you how much fun this has been for me. I am excited! So many ideas and I have to narrow it down to fit into 3 days.

The quote is from President Uchtdorf's talk "Your Happily Ever After."
"Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are Princesses destined to become Queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your once upon a time is now."

I am thrilled with how these turned out. The bottle cap glitters and sparkles, the ribbon shines and the thought moves the heart. I love this inspired talk by President Uchtdorf. I want the girls to feel as special as they are. I want them to feel the love of their Heavenly Father. I want this to be a week they will remember.

Here are the instructions and printables to make your own.

Punch out the crowns with a 1" punch. Watch the corners because it is close, sorry.

Glue them into your bottle caps.

Paint a bit of glitter paint on the crown then let it dry.

Once it's dry smooth a thin layer of glossy Modge Podge.

Secure the cap to a large paper clip. I used super glue.

Let it dry completely. Add a bit of ribbon.

Then add to the printout.

I made these, printed, and laminated them.

I love to see someone's eyes light up when they are given something. My sweet mother in law has taught me that even simple things can bring a smile to anyone's face.

My hope is that at the end of the week the girls will know they are loved, they are valued, they are a Daughter of a King, a Princess!

Recipe Organization

2014-02-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Project 9 of 52

Ever notice how much of a difference even little things can make in our lives. The crazy thing too, is sometimes it doesn't take that much time to accomplish. It's more a matter of just sitting down and doing it.

Well, this is the dilema I have been facing for a while. I love to try new recipes. You know the down home kinda cooking recipes. The ones with ingredients I have in the pantry; NORMAL ingredients. I print them off and give them a try. Most of the time they are successful. There have been a couple that we tossed and ordered pizza but hey, we tried something new. And my boys are great sports about it too. They have their favs and eh, not so favs but all in all the taste it all.

I toss the recipes that are anything but a big hit. I just put them in a sheet protector in a 3-ring binder. Until recently that binder was quite a mess. I didn't have enough sheet protectors and too many untried recipes. So I sat down one day, soaked in the vitamin D and fixed my problem. I didn't take a before picture but trust me...it wasn't pretty!

I added the sheet protectors....tossed unwanted recipes...added page dividers and labels....

I even typed them up in a fun goofy font.

Such a simple thing but ahhh, it feels so good to have my recipes neat and tidy. It makes me smile to pull it out and use now.

I also love to plan my menu. I always have, even before we had kids. It frustrates me to start a recipe and find out I am missing 1 ingredient. Not to mention how it helps the budget and grocery shopping.

I found these menu plans on Pinterest. They are 4 weeks at a time and slip in the front of my binder.

I put the current menu plan on the fridge and leave the blank ones in the binder to be filled out next time.

I even color coded it with corrdinating tabs. I had to make it simple for my hubby and oldest son. They help stick with the plan more if I make it easy for 'em. ;-)

Now I just have to grab the post it for that week and do my shopping.

LOVE IT!