J. Graduates!

Yep! It has happened- J. graduated high school this May. I could say I'm excited about that. I could say I am sad about that. Or, I could say, I am both excited and sad, and that would be the truth! It is an amazing thing- the way God allows our children to bless us. Just when I thought J. could not be any more wonderful than he already is, he becomes more- more thoughtful, more enjoyable, more funny, more of a blessing! I used to think that God would prepare my heart for my children to leave home by making them less content and less enjoyable to be around. However, quite the contrary. It just makes it that much more of a challenge to let him go. But I will- and I will love that he has a future ahead of him that will be better than he or I could even imagine or plan.

 

I Have 2 Sons!

Based on previous postings, you would not conclude that I do in fact have 2 sons! They are both equally amazing! I am thankful beyond measure for these two! I have been blessed more than I deserve with boys that love and respect me as much as I do them! My main goal for them when they were born is that they would be kind and loving boys- they have not disappointed me. Amazingly, they have far exceeded those expectations and have become so much more.!
This first pic is of J. at prom. He is not one to really enjoy dressing up, but I think he looks stunning. He had a good time with his friends.

 The picture below is of J.'s boutonniere and I.'s corsage. These were made from candy. They had floral ones to wear for pics then they were to wear these. I think they are so creative. I would love to try to make them for something.

Trip With the Hubby!

For our anniversary we went to Branson. It was an eventful trip- to say the least. When we left home we were leaving about 20 inches of snow behind. The highway was covered except for a small section where everyone had been driving- about 35 to 40 mph! As we got closer to Branson, the snow really picked up and we were a bit fearful. We made it to our room, and later decided, against our better judgement, to go to dinner. While we ate, it snowed about 3-4 more inches. When we left, we got into quite a traffic jam. The roads are hilly and were slick. We tried to make a go for it to get past a really dangerous section of the road. As we went another car started to slide into us and we had to swerve to avoid them and ended up in the ditch. Within moments someone came and knocked on our window and offered to pull us out with their truck. It was amazing! They pulled us to safety, we paid them and we were off. It wasn't until later that we thought about what could have happened. We trusted that these people were honest and helpful.

Here are some of DH's fun gifts that I gave him over the weekend. He is not a sweets eater like I am so finding little treats that were not sweet was a challenge for me! But, I did it. These first two pictures are of a can of nuts that I decorated. I used the Create a Critter cartridge to make the squirrel and the words!

The next night we watched a movie so I wrapped up some microwave popcorn.

On the last morning of our trip I gave DH a journal. He loves to take notes at church during Sunday School and Worship. The journal is made from a composition notebook that I covered. I didn't have a Cricut cartridge with a cross so I used a lowercase "t." I also decorated a bag to put the journal in. I noticed that he is not near as excited as I am about the packaging of the gifts, but it's fun for me, so I do it!

We had a great time. We got home safely, and the snow was just about all gone! Can't wait 'til we go again!

I Got a CRICUT!

I sure did not expect to receive a Cricut for my birthday, but I am so thankful that my DH got it for me. It has made so many of my spare moments very enjoyable.  I can sit and play with it for hours.  Both of my sisters, Mom and Aunt all have one now.  We haven't planned a Cricut weekend getaway, but as soon as it's warm again, that will be in the works! :)  Below are some things that have been created with the help of my Cricut.

This is a card I made for the little girl we sponsor in the Philippines through World Vision.  We have not had the privilege of meeting her yet, but I enjoy sending and receiving cards and letters.  As you can see, her name is Fatima- beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

This next card is for a little boy named Caine.  He was a young man in my class that just stole my heart.  Due to some unfortunate circumstances he has moved to Illinois.  I try to send him a card when I get a chance.  It is sometimes painful to think of him.  I think of him often and pray that his little life is happy.



These pics are of my son CLS.  He has the most precious fiancee in the world- KDR.  They have been together since they were 16 and they are now 21.  I will have to make another post for the two of them.



Post-It Note Holders

Many of you have seen these Post-It Note holders on various blogs.  I think they are a great little gift.  I made some for the teachers I worked with in Summer School.  I love using what I make for presents.

This set was for my friend Dawn.  She absolutely loves the beach and the color yellow! I got the idea for the bag at Inking Idaho.  She has a tutorial available for making this bag.  I have made many of these bags.  I even taught my sister and her friend how to make them.  They are easy but look complicated.  The little item on the right is a post it note holder as well. Once Dawn received this, she made several of her own to give for Christmas presents.

Ha Ha Tonka

Today G. and I took C. and K. to Ha Ha Tonka.  It is a State Park here in MO.  Oh my goodness- it was a beautiful place.  I know my pics will not give it the justice it deserves.  But, the beauty of God's handiwork was simply breathtaking.  We walked trails and saw an old castle that had burned.  It was a beautiful Fall day and we took in every moment possible.

This was at the beginning of the day.  We were rested and ready for a lot of walking.  Notice the posture in this one- it won't be there later!  :) 

We are standing here in front of this old water tower.  It was amazing to learn how water was taken from the spring, through this water tower and then to the castle up the hill. 

Well, that's all for now.  We had a great time and took some fun pictures.  I look forward to visiting this park again!

As Promised- Pics of Girls Getaway Weekend

 These are two little gift bags that I bought at The Dollar Tree.  They come in a package of 12 in the wedding section.  I layered pink cardstock with black and white paper on the front and back of each of the gift bags.  The letters are alphabet brads.  In each bag was a small tube of lotion and a pink, black and white bracelet that I made for each of them. 

CHOCOLATE!   You can not have a  Girls Getaway Weekend without chocolate, and you must have these candy bars especially wrapped for your girls.  I took off the original wrapper and used it as a pattern to cut the paper I wanted to use.  Then I wrapped a piece of sheer ribbon around the candy bar.  Finally I added a stamped bird to a scalloped punched circle and attached it to the ribbon. 

As I was preparing for this special weekend, everywhere I went I had my eyes open for pink/black/white items.  I think it's safe to say that I know where almost every pink/black/white item is that exists in Wal-Mart.  I know the candy, cookies, lotions, soaps, drinks, etc. that might have fit my color theme.  I was starting to drive myself and son crazy- he accompanied me on a few shopping adventures.  I promised they would be quick but they rarely were!
You can see that this is a bottle of flavored water with a hanger on the front of it.  I started with a 4" x 11" piece of black cardstock.  I scored it at 2 1/2" and 3".  I turned up the 3" section and used mini brads to hold it in place.  I think the felt flower on the front was a nice addition.  Then of course, I found pink gum with black writing on the package.  I had no idea what flavor it was, but the colors were right!