fuzzysheep crafts. all the craziness that ensues...

Kohler Kidz

2012-02-03T18:18:00.002-06:00

This past weekend Team FuzzySheep decided to hop in the Buick and do a little "Driving the Midwest" and explore some areas we hadn't been to before. We pointed the car due North and ended up in Kohler, Wi. You might remember that I have been to Kohler before, but we decided to check it out to see what they had to offer for some good old fashioned family fun.

We learned that the town of Kohler was hosting its annual WinterFest, and that The American Club has a new program called Kolher Kidz that is perfect for young families looking for fun. The drive was great: Wisconsin really is beautiful in the winter. Gently rolling hills dotted with red barns, blue skies as far as the eye can see. And it's only about 2 hours north of the greater Chicago area, so a perfect weekend getaway - just what we were aiming for!

We checked into The Inn on Woodlake, where the kids were greeted by name and given Kohler Kidz Welcome Bags, stuffed with fun goodies just for them and a "credit card" good for treats and amenities around the resort. SpacePirate especially loved his hat and LittleMiss declared that it was "soooooo cool that the man at the desk knew who I was!"

The room was cozy with a wonderful view of a lake full of ice skaters and people show shoeing. The bathroom was FABULOUS, being Kohler and all. I wanted to just stay in the room and experience the shower, but the kids were already begging to go sledding and then swimming. We headed right out and watched some crazy guys play snow golf, checked out a couple of huge snow sculptures, and there was a dog sledding demonstration and rides for older kids.

Unfortunately, most of winter had already past, but we made the best of it, and the folks around Kohler made sure that the events went off without a hitch. The kids really wanted to go sledding, so we headed for the sledding hill and bundled up. The weather was perfect, the kids had a blast and Mom and Dad had huge grins from the great times. Be sure to warm up afterwards at Craverie with free cupcakes for Kohler Kidz members and probably the best mocha we've ever had! X's favorite was the malted mocha.

Right down from the chocolate shop is the most wondeful little toy store called Movers and Shakers. The kids' cards earned them a couple of little goodies here. LittleMiss got to make some sparkling lip gloss and the boy made a chocolate bath scrub (the treats did seem geared more towards girls, but he didn't care). We also got "color your own" t-shirts which SpacePirate thinks are the best thing ever! We spent at least two hours in here doing crafts and exploring all the little rooms filled to the brim with the sweetest toys. I really recommend checking out this shop, it's exactly my dream for my own shop one day. Cute, quirky, friendly and fun!

It was made just for me, right? It has our name on it!

Afterwards, we swam for a while at Sports Core (the town gym), which is included in your room rate. I was so proud of both kids, they swam unaided in deep water! Where did my babies go?! They had been begging the whole ride up to go swimming, so we definitely couldn't turn that down!

Now, for Mom and Dad's favorite part of the entire trip: the kids were signed up for Kohler Kidz Dinner and a Movie. They got to spend the evening hanging out with a childcare professional, have dinner and a movie, popcorn and games. Mom and Dad were treated to dinner in The Wisconsin Room at The American Club. Dinner away from the kids when on a family getaway is a real luxury, and we all truly enjoyed it. The kids weren't into the movie (Pete's Dragon), but their caretaker, Ginger, kept them happy and entertained the whole night. We were definitely very thankful for this luxury. Oh, and be sure to go to the Wisconsin Room - dinner was great - but at the very least order the "Baked Wisconsin". Ah-maze-ing. I totally didn't care that we were on a detox plan, we devoured that little crispy cold ball of maple-y goodness. Trust me... Order it!

We spent the next day experiencing more fun actitives around Kohler. The kids and Daddy climbed a giant snow mountain, went skating on the lake and had more treats at Cravier. Where was Mommy? Having a wonderfully relaxing facial at the Waters Spa. It was so peaceful and relaxing, I didn't water to leave. I had that same problem last time, too! But, I knew that daddy and the kids wanted to go snowshoeing, so I couldn't stay.

I had no idea how much fun snow shoeing would be! I was honestly afraid I would get tangled in my own feet and somehow fall into a ravine or something. Anyway, I didn't! I had a blast, and it was a great workout. You rent the shoes right from Sports Core and there are trails just out the back door of the gym. It was so quiet and peaceful. The kids had a blast and we talked about all kinds of great things.

OH! And don't forget, the kids get a free meal at the Horse & Plow as part of the Kidz program. YUM-O! The cheese curds are to-die-for!

Having a weekend of no screens, no distractions, was perfect. Just us. Together. As a family.

Team FuzzySheep highly recommends checking out Kohler, Wisconsin and the American Club. The Kohler Kidz program was a hit with our family, and were sure it will be with yours, too! We would also like to thank everyone at the resort for showing us every hospitality and making the kids feel so welcome. :)

Minions Assemble!

2012-01-25T10:59:00.001-06:00

For the Chaos Twins' Birthdays this year, I wanted to do something funny and special for them. We opted not to do the birthday party route this year, choosing instead a whole weekend of fun family activities.

I saw these cupcakes posted on Pinterest just a few days before and knew that I had to make them. We love Despicable Me! around here, so I knew the kids would love them.

And they sure did!

I made boy and girl Minions, and made them with decorators gel and mini marshmallows. If there were ever to be a "Next Time" I would use melted chocolate for the details, the decorators gel is kind gross.

I also learned that I have great resolve. I took one single bite of a cupcake and threw it away. Go me! Oh, and Twinkies? Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Just... Yuck.

What do you think? Are you going to assemble your own army of Minions?

My life could be a soundtrack...

2012-01-20T08:27:00.001-06:00

Seriously, there really is a song out there for every moment in my life. It's all kinds of awesome.

I cry each and every time this song comes on. I had to pull the car over the other day, even.

Happy 5th Birthday, LittleMiss!

2012-01-18T10:08:00.001-06:00

Wow! Five already? Where has the time gone?

You are our Little Performer - always seeking the limelight! You put on impromptu ballet recitals, puppet shows and story times, whenever the mood strikes you.

You are sassy, strong willed, sweet and silly. You are a Leader, never a follower. You love to "direct" people, and can often be heard correcting Mommy, SpacePirate or Daddy.

Our daily art sessions are an endless source of entertainment for you. You love to read, write and draw - and you are getting better every day. Whenever Mommy is working on a project, you are nearby asking for the scraps so you can create something of your own. Mommy has even taught you to knit a few stitches with her help this year!

You asked Mommy if you join the Daisy Scouts so you can earn badges, and Mommy is excited to start that with you. :)

You are already (!!!!) boy crazy, proudly declaring that you have three boyfriends. Your brother is one of them, another is a mysterious boy who you refer to only as "Captain Underpants".

You are still a vegetarian, and you basically only eat veggies -but only if they are raw! Spaghettios are a favorite of yours, and you've recently started eating Mac-n-Cheese again.

You love your little brother, and the fact that for a few short hours each year you are real twins. Daddy is the best guy in the whole world to you, and you prefer him over Mommy unless you are hurt - and you have him figured out, that's for sure!

We are so very glad you are part of our family. You are the bright ray of sunshine to wake us each day, and you always keep us going. You are wise beyond your 5 short years, and we can't wait to see your reach your dreams!

Happy 4th Birthday, SpacePirate!

2012-01-17T11:06:00.001-06:00

Four and half years ago we were given the surprise of our lives when they told us you'd be joining our family- and we are so so so glad you did.

You are our little joker, always telling the funniest jokes. You love to make faces, too.

You love Buzz Lightyear. A lot. You love anything Space related (especially the Saturn V). You are our collector, and you are often found collecting things into boxes and carrying them around.

Your favorite things to eat are chicken nuggets, chocolate (Nutella) and bacon.

Your bestest friend in whole wide world is your sister. You love her so much, sometimes just running up and hugging her for no reason at all. She also frustrates you to no end. :)

You love to snuggle with Mommy (especially during movie time, or whenever Mommy is feeling sad), but you prefer to play with Daddy - he tosses you and treats you to piggyback rides whenever you want.

You still ask Mommyto sing her "Sunshine Songs" just for you, usually when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed with something.

One of your favorite activities is to steal Mommy's camera and run around the house taking silly pictures of the most random things.

Your favorite books at bedtime are The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the "Puppy Pirate Book" and your book all about the Apollo11 mission. You can recite all of them, and usually tell us when we get something wrong.

Happy Birthday, LittleMan. You are a ray of sunshine in our lives, and we love you so very much. You'll always be "Mommy's Favorite Baby Boy" - no matter how big you get.

The View From Here 2012 #2

2012-01-13T10:12:00.001-06:00

First real snow of the winter. Shoveling the driveway in my Jammie's. Didn't fall over once, as I usually do.

An extra view for you. I promise and swear I haven't fallen off the wagon or forsaken my resolutions already. My ChaosTwins have their birthdays this weekend, and I have something up my sleeve for them. If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have an inkling what I am up to. :)

It will be hard, but I am only going to have one cupcake after we sing. It is a special day, after all. And I should get a reward every year for having a sweet baby girl and then exactly one year later bringing my sweet baby boy into the world. Right?

The Most Beautiful Things

2012-01-12T18:08:00.001-06:00

I love this image. I snapped it from the last page of my latest Woman's Day issue. The quote is from Helen Keller and I love everything about this one. The sentiment, the font, the color... Everything!

The View From Here 2012 #1

2012-01-11T17:29:00.001-06:00

I am planning to share special memories with you, my readers, in a special way. A picture combining where I stand, and what I see. I am calling it "The View From Here 2012." I have a dream in my head to create a chronological collage with this shots at the end of the year. Won't that pretty cool?

I won't be posting these every day, rather whenever the fancy strikes. The pictures may not tell the whole story, more of a glimpse. I may, or may not, tell you what's going on or where we are at the time, but the general idea is to share with you what is making me happy this year, as I am on a mission to find the joy through the murk.

Today, we enjoyed the extraordinary weather before a snow storm hits. Admiring LittleMiss' chalk drawings of a family in love and watching the sun dip below the horizon in a halo of color.

Best Person I Know

2012-01-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

Edgar Wright turned me onto this song. Cat's Eye- Best Person I Know.

Seemed pretty fitting.

ShineOn!

happy moments 2012 #1

2012-01-09T13:39:00.001-06:00

I am sitting here thinking of what to write about, and it stuck me... I am happy.

There are reasons I shouldn't be, but I am. And I am sitting here feeling stronger, braver and more empowered than ever. I have been working hard lately to find myself, and now I am sure I am on the right path. I think I'm going to like this girl...

The picture above is representing a small reason for my happiness today. The sun is streaming hot and bright through the window at my back, and I am drinking a cold unsweetened ice tea and completely enjoying it.

I am also so so so so glad that winter isn't brutal this year. The last thing I need this winter is to be battling with my SAD and the other issues at hand. So so so so so glad. Having the warm sunshine on my otherwise "cloudy" days has been a saving grace, for sure.

Finally an update on "Project CBear 2012"

I lost 5.5lbs since New Years Day. I have had one 8oz Diet Coke and a bite of chocolate (last night as a reward for finishing a very huge project). The next few weeks will be a test for my resolve, we are jam packed with fun events and celebrations.

Well, off to tackle a new workout!

ShineOn!

New

2012-01-05T08:36:00.001-06:00

One of my major personal resolutions is to make a "New Me" - a kind of reinvention, retooling, strengthening.

So far, the hair has changed quite drastically. And I freakin' ROCK IT.

AND a great bonus is that a certain someone in my life thinks its pretty hot!

Up next? Just wait and see...

Edited to add: I am admitting I stole a few M&Ms from my kids yesterday. Still going strong on the NO SODA. Coffee consumption is up though... A fitness monitor has been acquired as of this morning. I'm logging food again and have joined a couple of different support situations.

I've also accomplished some steps in my very personal resolution and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes the tiniest of steps can make a huge impact toward healing, moving on and reaching goals. I am proud of the fact that I am on the "high road" so to speak and always have been.

There's A Song For That...

2012-01-04T09:41:00.001-06:00

This song has a special meaning for me, and I thought I'd share it with you all.

This is going to be hard

2012-01-03T09:36:00.001-06:00

I have a very dear friend who has a motto "Life is about Diet Coke"

For me, it could be "Life is Diet Coke and Chocolate"

The first couple of days have been hard, I had no idea that quitting Diet Coke would result in withdrawal. Chocolate won't be so hard, I've done it before... But the soda? Yikes!

I've taken steps to get my other resolutions in order, and I'm working on a least one secret project that will prove useful to me.

Resolutions

2012-01-01T20:57:00.001-06:00

2011 is gone, and I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to see it gone. Sure, there were some great memories scattered in there, but the year contained a situation I never thought I'd see. As a result, I want to forget the whole damn year. It's easier that way.

2012 holds some changes for me on many fronts. I am not sure how it'll all unfold, but I am forging ahead. Head held high, shoulders strong, a smile on my face.

I don't normally make New Years Resolutions, because - honestly - why set yourself up for failure? This year, however, I have made some really serious ones. Some I won't be sharing publicly (or with anyone but myself for that matter), but there are a few I'd love to have you all join me on. They are personal, they are crafty, they are inspirational -well, at least I think they are! I'd love the support, that's for sure!

Personal Resolutions

1. No carbonated beverages

2. No sugars (diet, artificial, corn syrup) except in my morning coffee creamer

3. One glass of red wine a month (!!!!!!!)

4. Take 10,000 steps each day*

5. Take a trip somewhere by myself

Crafting Resolutions

1. Make at least 4 quilts from stash on hand

2. Make both kids birthday presents completely, no commercial gifts

3. Crafting is only to be done from stash on hand, with the exception of gifts

4. Try my hand at a craft I've never done before (perhaps painting?)

5. Clean, organize and destash the craft room

*can anyone suggest a good pedometer that they love?

11 Years

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Almost 20 years ago I fell hard for the kid sitting in front of me in Physics class. He was so cute, funny and smart. And if I ever needed anything, chances are he had it in his pockets.

12 years ago he asked me to marry him while we were in London, down on one knee in the middle of Waterloo Bridge - traffic whizzing by, honking. In the background, St. Paul's cathedral glowing as red as fire from the sunset. He wouldn't let me hold my ring because he was afraid I was going to chuck it in the Thames because I was so giddy and excited...

11 years ago today we were married. The picture above is the only picture of us from that day. It was taken by a retired judge who was older than old, we were in his home. The Poloroid he took this picture with shouted obscenities at you. Yep. We had wedding music in the form of hundreds of singing Christmas stuffed animals, all singing different tunes.

I wouldn't change a thing about any of it.

Sweetheart, we've been through so much this past year, but we're only stronger because of it. I love you to the moon and back. Forever and always.

New Moon Dough Ocean Pals Review

2011-12-15T07:46:00.001-06:00

Remember when I posted about Moondough, I didnt exactly give it a glowing review. It was messy. Fun, but messy... Well, Moon Dough has re-engineered, coming up with a new and improved formula for their dough. I was recently sent their new Push N’ Pop Ocean Pals playset to see what I thought (and, of course, the Chaos Twins)

With this set, we can create whales, turtles, octopus, and starfish, for magical under sea adventures. The new Moon Dough Push N’ Pop Ocean Pals Set allow kids to create a unique adventure with new one step Push N” Pop tools, and includes three Push & Pop Tools, Twisty Animal Molds, two colors of Moon Dough, and one Themed Mat.

Moon Dough is great for kids ages 3 and up because it never dries out. It’s also wheat free, if that is of concern.

The Chaos Twins love the new Moondough because Mommy doesn't fuss at them so much to clean up. It really does hold together much better, and the marshmallow-y texture is quite enjoyable. The set comes with pretty purple and a great green Moon Dough tubs, but the kids love to mix the colors, so now we have a huge ball of muddy grey, but the kids still love it.

The Moon Dough Push N’ Pop Ocean Pals Set retails for $9.99 and is available at Toys R’ Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, and Amazon.com, and more.
For more information, visit http://www.moondough.com

I received a Moon Dough Push N’ Pop Ocean Pals Set described above for review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.

A Night at the Museum

2011-12-04T11:01:00.001-06:00

Last night I felt like the only girl in the world.

He was handsome and sweet to me.

We had the Field Museum to ourselves and got to wander, smooch in dark corners and be ourselves.

He told me I was beautiful and that he loves me. Forever. Always.

I am so lucky!

Thank you sweetheart. We got this, babe!

Angry Birds Ornaments

2011-11-29T14:20:00.001-06:00

Six sets of Angry Birds Ornaments are ready to be delivered to the local boutique!

Think they'll cause trouble?

Xiris helped me so much with these, and if I didn't know any better, I think he kind of liked it! :)

I know for sure he'll be glad to see the paint, glitter, glues and Mop-n-Glo gone from the dining room.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T18:25:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Wish

2011-11-11T07:56:00.001-06:00

I am not usually a superstitious type of person, but I think that today is one of those days that one must forget all that and make the biggest, hugest, most important wish EVER!

At precisely 11:11.11 am I will be crossing all my fingers, looking to the sky and wishing my hardest. What for?

Well, I can't tell you or it won't come true, silly. I will admit that I struggled in my head whether to use my wish for good or evil... Good won, of course, because I am a fantabulously good person and evil doesn't deserve a place in my life.

Will you be making a wish? Will you use your wish for good or evil? Hah.

He's an Angry Elf

2011-11-08T14:15:00.001-06:00

I giggle every time I see this picture. Xiris snapped this over the weekend. LittleMan was trying to act mad without smiling.

The result is hilarious. Of course Elf ears and goggles don't help one bit...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. HeeHee. :)

Angry Birds and Ornaments

2011-11-07T11:33:00.001-06:00

First set, many more to come!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. HeeHee. :)

Honestly, I think I'm addicted

2011-11-03T12:38:00.001-05:00

This whole Mop&Glo and glitter thing? I just can't stop now...

Speaking of glitter? JoAnn's had these fine glitters on special not long ago. Nothing particularly special glitter wise, it's fine and holographic... But I am totally geeking out about the funnel built into the container. O.M.G! The cheapskate in me just pee'd a little!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. HeeHee. :)

8 Unique Christmas Decorations to Make eBook

2011-11-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for some inspiration for cute, quick handmade decorations for Christmas - be sure to check out this free ebook.

My Handy Reindeer are one of the featured projects!

Be sure to check it out, and let me know if you make anything!

More Ornaments

2011-11-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

Any guesses where I am going with these?

Glittery Goodness

Be prepared for a bunch more posts like these. I am keeping myself busy with extra crafting because my other half is out of town this week and its especially very hard with him being gone right now. Keeping my mind and fingers busy is helping a bit.

Up next? Bacon, Bulbs and Pudding.