Color Dash 1-10-2014

Ella and I finished our 4th 5K on Saturday. She did SOOOOOO much better than the first 3.  She actually ran about 2/3 of the race.  Love doing these with her.  Our next one will be coming up in March I think...a UV night color run.   Sounds interesting
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Girl Scout Christmas Caroling and Party

This past Sunday Ella and I went Christmas caroling with the Girl Scouts.  I am not big on caroling, but Ella loves it.  She had a blast, especially since all of the old people were in love the girls singing to them.  I hid in the background and tried to not be seen.  I did not succeed to well with that!

After the caroling we had the Girl Scout Christmas party.  This was a lot of fun.  There was food and crafts for us all to do.

I am glad we went together.

Turkey Trot 2013

I am always looking for something that Ella and I can do together.  So a couple of months ago I signed us up for the Color Dash here in Havasu.  We had a lot of fun and so I thought I would sign us up for the Turkey Trot.  Ella was super excited about it.

The morning of the run was a bit chilly, but we had our knee high socks on to keep us warm.  Ella took off too fast in the beginning...she needs to remember she doesn't run often.  She told me she did not want to finish last.  It definitely takes her a while to warm up...the first 1 1/2 miles she whined.  I thought she was going to quiet...or I was!  After we passed Kevin she kicked it into gear and finished with a smile on her face.  She was definitely tired, and I think she might actually want to practice before the next race. 

Crafting Challenge

I realized that I don't have as many crafting pins as I thought I did.  So, I didn't exactly stop my challenge...I actually finished it, I guess.  I am searching for a new craft to do. 

Day 10-11-12

Ok, so I am not with posting everyday...or even completing the projects on time.  I am trying and actually get a lot of my projects completed. 

Day 10:  Wine Cork Key Chains.  Amy gave me an entire bag of wine corks from Sarah Brown.  I just haven't done anything with them yet.  I saw this idea of using corks to make key chains and fridge magnets.  I tried cutting the corks in half for magnets...and was not successful.  I did just find a tutorial on how to soak the corks and then cut them...so I guess I will try that on another day.  Since, the magnets didn't exactly workout, I moved on to the key chains.  I found the little hooks at the dollar store, in a container with nails, hooks, and frame hangers.  Those will come in handy for a project I have planned for Rachel's birthday.  Anyway...a bit of super glue and screwing the hooks in and attaching the loop for the keys (which I already had)...Presto!  Project cost less than $1 for the 2.

 

 

Day 11:  Measuring and cutting the fabric to turn an old $5 thrift store ottoman into something awesome!!  I found fabric that matched the pillows I had already bought from Wal-Mart. I used my 40% off coupon to get 2 yards of fabric for $35. 

Day12:  Sewing day!  First I tackled sewing my fabric to complete my ottoman project.  Thankfully, my mom had given me some sewing needles and told me what type of fabric they are used for.  I actually wrote notes on the needle package.  It paid off...I was able to figure out what needle I needed and I didn't have any issues with the tension or fabric slipping.  I started by attaching the sides to the top and then sewed up the side sem. I was sooooo happy when I slipped it on and it fit.  My measurements were a bit bigger than needed, but it works.  I turned the ottoman over and started stapling!  I love it and now I have a new ottoman for $40.

 

My next project was to turn a simple, boring shirt into something a bit more special.  I found this shirt at Ross for $7.  Cute and have found a bunch of outfits on Pintrest that I can create with this top.  I sewed 2 small scraps of fabric to the inside of the shirt, laced the ribbon through, bunched/ruched the fabric, and tied a bow! 

 

AFTER

 

Total expenses for all 3 projects...$48.

Day 8-9 Crafting Challenge...and a little bit of fun!

Day 8 involves my little crockpot and some blackboard spray paint.  Love the idea of being able to transform the ugly looking crockpot into something new and cute.  Added bonus...I can write what is in the crockpot with some chalk!

 

Day 9---Solves the dishwasher problem!  Ella being a kid, does not like to look and/or pay attention to whether the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty.  I would say she puts dirty dishes in with the clean stuff at least twice a week.  I was thinking of scrapbooking a little clean and dirty sign, but then I saw this!  I love the Scrabble tiles.  I actually had them in my scrapbooking letters because they were from a game that was missing letters.  A little bit of hot glue and some magnet strips and I now have a way of helping Ella know if the dishes are clean!

Total amount for each of these projects...$0!  Yes, that is correct.  I didn't spend a sent.  I used items that I already had around the house!  Can't beat that!

And while I was crafting, Ella turned the kitchen table into a fort.  Since it is 110+ outside, she has to find ways to entertain herself inside! 

 

Day 6-7 Crafting Challenge

Yesterday, I did some more artwork for the "playroom".  I found the butterflies at the dollar store and I had the piece of wood next to the shed.  A little leftover paint and about an hour of time.  Not bad and Ella loves it!

I am super excited about today's project.  My friend Teri gave me some bathing suits and the bottoms just were not right...or at least I didn't like the way they fit.  I love the ruc


hed sides of the bottoms and had seen a pin about how to ruche the butt.  I am in love with the way they turned out and the way they now fit!  I will be doing this for a few other on my bottoms now!

BEFORE

AFTER



 

Tomorrow, will involve chalkboard spray paint and my crockpot! 



Day 5 Crafting Challenge

Last week Ella was complaining that all of her L.O.W. shirts were too small.  So I thought this was a perfect craft for her to help with.  I bought a shirt from the Dollar Tree, grabbed some of my scrapbooking stickers, and put a little bleach in a squirt bottle.  I showed her what to do and then she took over.  WARNING...do this project outside.  The bleach can really be irritating!  Craft project total...dollar and some change. 

Day 3/4 Crafting Challenge

So yesterday I was a SLACKER and did not do a craft :( To make up for it, I did 2 projects today.  Both are ones I had started but never finished. 

Project 1:  Turning ugly owls into pretty white owls to add some decoration to my bedroom.  It is amazing what a can of white spray paint can do.  They aren't perfect...you can see some of the original color peaking out.  Makes them look aged a bit.  3 pretty little owls for less than $10.  Bought 2 of the owls at a dollar store, 1 at Ross, and a can of spray paint.

 

Project 2:  Turning old tuna cans and Christmas tins into decorative storage containers for my master bathroom.  I have found I don't have a lot of storage in my bathroom...or maybe I have too many things.  Either way, I needed to do something.  So, I asked the lunch ladies to save me some of their large cans and I found some old tins for 10 cents at the thrift store.  A little hot glue and some twine from Hobby Lobby and I have 3 new bins to store my "stuff"!  Project total: under $10...and that is just because I couldn't find the twine at the thrift store :)

 

I already know what I am doing tomorrow...actually Ella will be doing a project!  See you all tomorrow.
 





Day 2 Crafting Challenge

I know it is only day 2, but I am super excited to have completed another crafty project.  Today I actually combined 2 different projects I saw.  I loved the quote and the splatter paint was super easy for Ella to help with.  Tomorrow I will find a special place to hang this in the playroom/shed. 

Too bad I could not figure out how to turn the picture right side up!

Day 1 Crafting Challenge

Today is day 1 of my self imposed Crafting Challenge.  I am determined to finish and/or create the many DIY Projects I have pinned on Pintrest.  So today I finished a wreath I started a few months ago. 

The minute I saw this wreath I forwarded the picture to Rachel.  She is a huge Saints fan...I mean HUGE.  Of course, her response was...you will need to make that for me.  Sooooo, I did.  Well, at least I started the wreath. And today was the day I was going to FINISH the wreath!  So I did.  :)

Day 1 check!

I am back!

I am back blogging...or at least I am going to try!!!  I had an idea that could help me get back into blogging and share Ella and my adventure.  This idea came to me because I have been participating in a 30 day photo challenge for the month of May.  I have loved doing it and it has been great to see everyone's reactions and comments to what I have been photographing (even if it has just been with my phone).  So my idea is...to do a 30 day craft challenge.  I have been pinning tons of cute ideas on Pintrest, so now is the time to start creating some of those crafts.  Each day I will go to my craft board and pick 1 of the ideas to create.  Starting June 1st I will be creating and posting!  Wish me luck.

Country Girls!

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth...just been busy and have not had any motivation to blog.

BUT....Jasen and Luke have changed my mind and I am motivated.

A few months ago Anne mentioned that Jasen Alden and Luke Bryan were going to be playing in Phoenix...did Trisha and I want to go?  DUH, come on Anne!   Trisha and I took a half day off of work and headed down to Phoenix...taking time off of work is something neither one of us really does.  Cowboys were enough to convince us it was worth it.  In fact it was so worth it we spend the entire weekend down in Phoenix.

Thursday night was tail gating and the concert...

 

Can't believe how crazy expensive beers are at a concert.  Good thing we tailgated. We had so much fun!  Can't wait for Eric Church...hint hint girls!

Friday, was a typical Girls' Day.  Started with Trish and I headed to the store for caffeine and aspirin...she had a headache and I fell down a stair and got a bruise the size of my entire left butt cheek!  Next up was mimosas and bloody mary's at Mimi's.  They were both wonderful.  Then off for manis and pedis...who knew my lady was going to take almost 2 hours. UGH!  Then shopping at Ross...lots of shopping.  Then grocery shopping so we could fill our tummys before we headed to the Sandbar!

I love how each time I am at the Sandbar there is a completely different group of people.  It is always a great place for people watching.  Trisha and Anne burned up the dance floor.  So proud of Trisha and her 4 inch red high heels.  I did my typical "make friends" thing!  It was a blast...but of course after any night at the Sandbar you have to stop at Jack in the Box for some greasy food. 

Cupz and Crepes Saturday morning with our blue eyed tattooed waiter was wonderful.  I love that it is like eating dessert for breakfast! 

A little last minute shopping...trying to find some jeans for another night out on the town with my girls!  No luck there...so off to the pool we went.  It was nice to sit and relax and talk in the pool.  Off to old town Scottsdale for wine tasting and then and outdoor bar.  Not a wine girl, but the food was great and the few wines I did try were pretty yummy.  Loved laughing with my girls and 2 new friends. 

 

 

Made some friends from Philly...Teddie, Ricky, Bobby, and Jimmie...no I am not making that up.  They were in town for the Eagles/Cardinals game.
 

Sunday, brought and end to our little getaway.  Trisha and I hit the road early and headed towards home.  I hate that drive especially after such a wonderful time.

I love my Pistol Annies...Hell on Heels is our theme song!

Summer Camp

From this title of this you would think that Ella is at Summer Camp....No it is me!  I am at Summer Camp down in Tucson learning how to incorporate technology into my vocabulary instruction.  I know it doesn't sound like fun, but it is.  The hardest thing is using a Mac computer.  2 more days and then I am back home and to reality!



Here is my Summer Camp photo...I know I am so cheesy!

Foodie Friday---Pizza Rolls

Today we have another installment of Foodie Friday (Ella came up with a great name). On the menu today is Pizza Rolls (thanks Pintrest). Super simple! Great kid friendly meal...or adult drinking snack food! Think I will have to keep crescent rolls in the fridge for nights when Ella is making dinner. Enjoy!

Click on the video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJMa9eRThzI&feature=youtu.be

In the desert????

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Ella DOES have ICE SKATES on her feet. Yes, she is in Havasu. No hell did not freeze over. Someone actually has brought in a portable ice skating rink!!! It didn't start off to well....minor problem with getting the water to freeze...DUH this is the desert, one of the hottest places on earth (next to Death Valley and 1 spot in the Sahara Desert)! They did finally get it frozen and the kids have been busy skating around. Uncle Nate took Ella the other night and she had a blast. I am not 100% sure it was just because of the skating. She pretty much LOVES her Uncle Natey Pants! Nate said she caught on very fast and this video proves it. Thanks Natey for taking Ella on a date to the ice skating rink.

Shhh...I am a cheater!

A few weeks ago while I was sitting on the couch I signed all of the Christmas cards, put return address labels on, and forever stamps. I know...you are thinking, "Why is this on the blog???" Well....these are my cards for Christmas 2012...yes, you read that right! I have my cards already for next year and they are now being packed away in my decorations. So when it comes time to decorate next year, I will just have to put mailing address labels on the cards and put a new picture inside. I know it is cheating....but oh well!

Tamale How To!

Ok, this post is mostly for Anne. However, I am sure Amy and Mom will get a good laugh at Ella and my video debut. Good luck Anne. Call me if you need any help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r16L29fX7ms

Should I or Shouldn't I????

Well, that is the question.

I am started P90X again today, and I WILL finish it before i go to Vegas with Anne for our birthdays.

So, now my question....should I post the picture i just took of myself on day 1. My plan was to take a picture every Wednesday to show my progress. I think it will motivate me to keep up with it.

Well, I guess I will take another picture next week and make a decision.

Royal Knights

Tonight was Ella's first game of the soccer season. She has been doing so well at practice these last couple of weeks. I think she is finally "getting it"!!!!! As she was getting ready I realized 2 things....1. CRAP her socks are white. How am I going to keep those clean all season???? 2. CRAP I forgot that she has softball cleats and not soccer cleats. Just in case you don't know...the only different between the two is that softball cleats have an extra cleat right in the front. So what does this cheap creative mom do???? I sawed off the front cleat!!! Oh yes, I did! I changed into my matching uniform top (yes, I am that soccer mom) and out the door we went. Now, we live in the desert and most of the time I will not complain about the temperature, but it is FREAKING cold outside...50s and I don't like it one bit. Ella on the other hand seems to be oblivious to the fact that it is cold outside. I had to fight with her to wear a long sleeved shirt under her uniform. Anyway, I digress. I had to bundle up in a blanket in order to watch her play. And BOY DID SHE PLAY WELL...like I said she is "getting it". She played about half of the game and SCORED 1 of her team's 2 scores!!! Yippee, she was super excited and had to call Papa, Daddy, and Nany/Nate...and text her Auntie Anne. The Royal Knights didn't win, but did a fabulous job. Next game is on Saturday.