Thursday, November 4, 2010

I almost forgot!

I never mentioned Carrick got his braces off! It was during football season right after his birthday. He may be totally done (with the exception of wearing his retainer at night) now and not have to have any more work done! Yay! Now I only have one more to go (Cole is already in braces, Cade is next).
Doesn't he look handsome?
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

I'm thinking of Christmas...!

...cards, that is! I like to get mine done early and out of the way. In the past I have done a yearly wrap-up letter, but this year I think I'll just stick to the card. I picked up my cards in the beginning of summer. Summer, yes! I know that this is the best time to pick them up at the Hallmark store in the clearance section. I think that I got a box of cards for around $3.50, so that equals about .29¢ each! (I bought 5 boxes.)

I also like to include a photo card each year so that those we longer see on a regular basis can see how the kids have grown. I love all the options they have at Shutterfly. Something for everyone! You can see for yourself here. I think that I will be picking "Merry & Bright".

The size works with my card and I like the clean design. Now I just have to get the kids to cooperate in the photo-taking department!

I also usually do a yearly calendar for relatives each year. Works well for those "you-don't-know-what-to-buy" people on your list. I have ordered yearly calendars from Shutterfly in the past and they were high-quality and looked great. They also shipped fast, too. Not sure if I will go with a Desk Calendar or a Wall Calendar .  What's even better, they're on sale right now, 30% off after you buy the first one at full-price!

I really like the Photo Gallery Style and the fact that you can add in dates to be printed right on the calendar.

So there you have it. Easier ways to get some of that Christmas stuff done before the rush starts! Now I'd better get cracking!

Change of Seasons

Here's all the Halloween stuff together, ready to be put away for another year. Sad to see it all go, but it's time to move on to the next season! And it's almost Christmas. I love to decorate for each season.

The mantle was all cleaned off and is ready for Thanksgiving/Fall decorating.

Last night I did my weekly shopping. I had plenty of places to go (returns at Michaels and Target), prescription to pick up at Walgreens, Kohls to look at sweatshirts for the Coaches gift (I'll get your opinion on this soon), and my grocery/household shopping
at Walmart. I also made a stop at Marshalls for pants for DH. I love to see what I can find there and I know that when I find something I like, I'd better buy it or be out of luck. Last night I found Shiny-Brite ornaments, KD Sparkling Icicles and a bottlebrush tree. All for about $25. I love to decorate for Christmas (my kids do, too) and I like to change it up each year with a few new things. When I put things away for the season, I go through what I haven't used in a while and decide if it is "keep" or "pitch". If it is still useable, I donate it to the Veterans. Otherwise I throw it away. I no longer have the space or inclination to keep everything just in case I might use it.

If you are ready to get in the Christmas spirit, check out Amy Powers Inspired Ideas Christmas magazine.
It has so many great ideas for crafting and inspiration!



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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Patriotic Day

 
Last night was the PTA Veteran's Day Program featuring the 3rd Graders. I didn't get very good photos as you can see above, but they are still precious. It was wonderful to see all the Veterans get a little recognition. I was surprised to see how many in the audience were Veterans. I brought a tear to my eye and a swell in my heart.
The students sang about 5 songs and some of the students were picked to read their poems they wrote. Cade was picked, but Cole was not. He was upset about this because he thought his poem was better than his classmates, and also I think because Cade got to read his.

I voted this morning too. I was number 184 I think (at about 10:30). Mark voted before he went to work at was 7th in line. I am so glad that I have the right to vote. I hope you all vote too!
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Monday, November 1, 2010

Some Layouts


I got some layouts done recently. The first I've done in many months. I have a bunch of kits to use up even though I stopped my Studio Calico sub because I couldn't justify keeping it going since I wasn't using them and money is tight. I do use a lot of stuff from my stash along with what is in the kits.



This one is a recap of my son Carrick's 2nd year of playing football. He had an awesome year, starting on both offense and defense. Such a difference from last year because he hardly got to play. They even made it to the playoffs this year (last year the same team only won one game). So proud of him! I based the LO on one that was featured at 2 Peas called My Little Pirate. I wanted to add in a photo I had taken at each of the games. He's in each of the photos.

This one had been sitting on my desk from July. I hadn't gotten to it since I was working on items for my Etsy shop (I only ended up selling 2 items, so I'm not sure it was even worth the effort :( ). So now I am getting back to scrapping and doing things that make me happy. I've had a rough time of it lately. I'm not sure if it is just me, but things have been not too sunny. Here's to hoping things brighten up. Send me some good thoughts.

Finally, here's the delicious cookies my mom made for the boys. She always made us cookies for all the holidays when I was growing up and they are so good! Today I have to make cookies for the twins' Veteran's Day program they are doing at the PTA meeting tonight. They are so proud that they get to sing patriotic songs and Cade even had his poem selected to be read. Yay!

Tomorrow is election day. I will be glad that I don't have to see any more political ads or get any more phone calls. I plan on voting. Do you?
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