These are the good times

Why isn't this my reaction?

2010-10-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Part 3

2010-09-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

here are a few more fun pics of the day....

the purchaser of the ebay item found money transferred INTO their account!

I hope that you all enjoyed this little project as much as I did. Giving to others can be so simple, it's just a state of mind. Thanks to all who participated and thanks, Gary, for setting a great example!

Happy Birthday Gary-part two

2010-09-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

here are some updates from the morning so far....

The Gibson's from Arizona treated co-workers and complete strangers to lunch this week in honor of Gary...something Gary loves to do as well.

Joe White seized the opportunity to pass on a little of his own legacy to Gary's grandkids. He sent an I'm third note and pen reminding them to to honor Gary. Love it!

here are some quarters left at a carwash.

Marlene payed it forward at the Costco snack bar.

Pam payed for the car behind her at McDonalds.

Happy Birthday Gary-part one

2010-09-16T14:35:00.001-07:00

Mission "Random Act of Kindness" has officially begun-- The Intelligent Kindness Team set out to the streets to give out seventy dollars in honor of 70 years! I can't wait to see how this little experiment turns out--stay tuned.....

it's a dream come true

2010-09-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

well, not exactly, but kinda. My real dream (never realized) was to be published in Creating Keepsakes magazine. But that never happened, but my brother did--that's another story for my next counseling appointment. But if I ever thought I would make a video, I would have only dreamed that it would be put on Worship House Media. And a week ago it did--yay!! Sam and I had a lot of fun (and hard work) making this stop motion video. It started as a project for Sam and turned into bonding time for the two of us. I will have to post some pictures later of our "set". We need to give credit to the tolerant family that endured our kitchen table turned studio for a week. Anyway, the kind people at Worshiphousekids and worshiphousemedia liked it enough to offer it up on their website. I think what makes this really special is that I am a big fan of their own productions (igniter media) and a frequent customer. So maybe this will help me move on from feeling of scrapbooking rejection.....

A Peace Offering

2010-06-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

I asked Lucy and Gwen to take Maya for a walk today. Evidentally, she pooped in a neighbor's yard and it was NOT well received. The girls came back a little shaken because the lady who lived there came out yelling at them. After they went back to clean up Maya's mess they asked if they could make some cookies. I found this bag as I was cleaning up. What a sweet little peace offering. I knew exactly who they were intended for, but when I asked them if they were going to take them to her they said "no, they didn't turn out. It just looks like a bag of crumbs." I do think they were on to something though....

the latest escapades

2010-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

The kids have learned a little bit about stop motion animation. Sam has been a little video making maniac (and I am loving seeing his creativity!) Here are a couple off his highlight reel.

He can't understand this one is my favorite, but I'm sure you will get it. I mean, I just never expected him to make bottle caps four square. I didn't even know he knew anything about four square (except the game four square which is totally different.)

A Dinner Of Fools

2010-04-02T07:31:00.001-07:00

The boys are getting to that age where they are a little harder to "fool" on April Fool's day. So Andy switched around their dresser drawers while they were sleeping--it about led to a fist fight but they finally figured it out. Next, I added a couple drops of food coloring to the cereal bowls for some moldy milk--funny how they seemed to lose their appetite. After I dropped the kids off for school I played an joke on myself by leaving my purse at home (which really messed up my time line for the day)

For dinner that night we had some of our favorite people (the Self's) over for our "Dinner of Fools". Tonya and I had so much fun--I guess it was the artists in us :) We banned the kids from the kitchen as we set everything up. The kids thought nothing of it since they were more than happy to be outside playing.

On the menu:

grilled cheese=pound cake and yellow frosting (Tonya even toasted a few to make them look real)--Lucy thinks these were the most realistic

mini burgers=pecan sandies, choc covered oreos, frosting and coconut flakes

cupcakes= meatloaf and mashed potatoes

salad with booger dressing--it's hard to disguise salad, but what was really funny is that everything else was disguised so they thought it was something else.

kool-aid=jell-o

sugar cookies=crescent rolls cut into star shapes (this was a bit of a stretch but we felt we needed another non sweet thing)

mashed potatoes=ice cream with carmel

The kids came in and we weren't disappointed with the reactions. They were on to the hamburgers but we even fooled Clay with the grilled cheese. Here's Lucy's reaction after she bit into the grilled cheese--sweet innocence...

We also had my niece Tori over, she got the quote of the night "Stephanie, I don't know if I will be able to trust you again after this." She's a hoot! Seriously, she didn't see this coming at all. Sorry Tori, I will try to re-earn your trust;)

(look at Tori, she does not know what to think!)

It wasn't the most healthy dinner, but we had a lot of fun, and best of all, we created memories with our kids--makes it all worth it! Looking forward to more times with the Self's.

Steph

The lost envelopes

2010-03-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

My mom had some envelopes that she got in the mail. My dad gave them to her while she was on the computer and I was drawing. Inside the envelopes were checks and she was so tiered she put them aside.

A few days later she asked me if I remembered when dad gave her the mail and what she did with two envelopes. She said that she looked EVERYWHERE including the trash(and there was a lot of trash) I said no but when I went upstairs I looked a little bit. I came back down stairs and told her I looked a little bit in her room. Then I remembered that one time she told me that when you pray to God, he will help you. So I prayed to God for her. Later that night she came in my room and told me that she found her envelopes and she asked "guess were I found them?" and she told me that they were in her Bible. Then she said that was totally a God thing because I had prayed.

xoxo

Lucy

I've got a new blog partner

2010-03-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about my little blog. I really do want to blog regularly and find it very difficult. I've never been good at journaling either. Then it occurred to me---I have a little mini-me that would love to help fill in the gaps! So now we have to look for a new blog name. It's going to be a joint effort between me and Lucy. I am looking forward to what she has to say :)

Emma's Day

2010-03-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Emma was so exited about her baptism. She slept in her cloths that she was going to get "bathtised" in. She was so exited she said to our dog Maya " Maya I'm getting "bathtised" today, aren't you proud of me?"

She said that she got a hug from almost every body after she got baptized. After church mom and dad asked where she wanted to eat to celebrate and she chose Chili's.

Emma got baptized because she asked Jesus into her heart. Then she wanted to tell EVERYONE when she got back to school. It was a day we will never forget!

xoxo

Lucy

bring on the Valentines

2010-02-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

Lucy and emma are ready for their big Valentines party--oh excuse me, Lucy isn't having a party they are just not doing any work all day, playing valentines games and having special snacks. Regardless, they are both rockin' their "applique in reverse" t-shirts. I love it when a plan comes together (thanks to the snow days).

and here is Lucy's valentines for her class. We got the idea from One Pretty Thing (only the coolest website ever!)

And lastly, another sock monkey-her name is Polka.

And some exciting news, I sold my first sock monkey on Etsy. Mr. Puckles will be leaving us today--hope he likes his new home.

Hope you have a love filled weekend!

The Pavlov Effect

2010-02-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but every time it snows I feel compelled to craft. There's just something about that beautiful sight that sends me to a happy crafting bliss. I hear a forecast of snow and I am more concerned of my craft stash than my food supply. I think if I ever wanted to be a full time crafter I would have to move to some little northern town that doesn't have a good snow removal system. Here's a recap:

I've been wanting to make sock monkeys for a while, but Lucy had feared hers wouldn't be "special" anymore. I humored that thinking for a year and finally told her to get a grip...here are a few of the cuties...

we made some hair accessories...

and some valentines day shirts--applique in reverse!

Now I have to clean up--ugg!

better late than never

2010-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

I just discovered that Beth Moore has a blog!! I mean, I can't believe it's been there for a few YEARS and I just now found it! I guess today is the day that I NEEDED to find it. I have felt very dry lately (and when I say lately I mean for a while). I've been trying to dig my way out of this spiritual ditch I've driven in and it has been touch and go. Last year Beth did a scripture memory challenge. Learn a new scripture on the 1st and the 15th of each month and at the end of the year you have learned 24 scriptures. Here's the link, she explains the whole thing really well (I never knew you would need a video tutorial on scripture memory but it's actually helpful--and you know I love a good tutorial). So I'm putting this out on cyber space as some form of accountability. If you want to join me we can start our own little scripture memory team. I am going to start with Isaiah 33:6 NET (New English Translation) "He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear him."

when life gives you snow... make crafts!

2010-01-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

The snow came in all it's glory, cancelling school along with the "Pure Joy" event that was planned for the weekend. Although I was disappointed we couldn't hold the event, I have to admit that I soooo love being stuck at home. It was a flury of crafts (my studio doesn't know what hit it). I got to use my Yudo machine again (for those of you who don't go to Michaels on a daily basis, it's a screen printer). I had a couple projects in minds so I got to work burning a screen. It's a simple process, but takes a little planning and patience. After my visit to Anthropologie on our girls weekend, I had been wanting to make some cool dishtowels. I had a lot of fun making them, but I think I might get a little crazy if my kids actually USED them so I will have to give them away so that I do not scar my children for life.

On to the next craft...you guessed it, American girl accessories (pictures to come). Lucy bought a white shirt for her doll at Michaels, we had to spruce that up a bit, then we needed a matching barrette. It was a little too big for Kit so it became Lucy's. Now Kit still needs a barrette and now Lucy needs a shirt to match her barrette. Do you see the viscous cycle?

We ended the day by watching Miss America. I am beginning to question my parenting skills. First Sam walks in the room during the swim suit competition. He shields his eyes and exclaims--"what are you watching!?!" Then Emma stands up and practices her pageant walk and disappears for a few minutes. She comes out with one of her Disney dress' on. I guess she doesn't feel pretty and asks if I will make her a gown like the ladies on TV--tonight, before I go to bed. Um, no. This doesn't compute in her little mind. She goes to bed thinking her mom is totally unreasonable, funny!

Meet Rebecca

2010-01-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

After all the hoopla around Kit, Emma needed an American Girl too. Meet Rebecca--she is a lively New York girl with a flair for dramatics (when we saw that one of her accessories is a dress up trunk, we knew that she was the girl for Emma)

All the kids helped her save chips to "earn" it (I was a little more generous with the chips) Anyway, as usual, Emma does things her own way (do you sense my twitching). So, Emma wants me to make some outfits for her doll and I am more than happy to oblige. I offer some sweet pjs--no. A cute little jumper with a shirt underneath-no, I mean why pick something I've ALREADY done. No, Emma proceeds to look through the pattern book and order "this dress, only with these sleeves, oh and this little thing here.... And to top it off, she wanted it in royal blue satin (I just threw up a little in my mouth). She chose the blue satin because that was pretty much the only thing shiny in my fabric bin. I found this dress at Wal-Mart on clearance from Christmas for $5. Emma wanted to keep it as a dress up dress and still go with the blue satin, but I convinced her it was too small and would make a really cute dress for Rebecca. Here's the finished product (don't look too close) but it was perfect for Emma and Rebecca. All kidding aside, I love that Emma is so different from me and so wonderfully herself. No body is going to put her in a box, that is for sure!

American Girl Party--continued

2010-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

Lucy got an American girl cookbook so we made lots of little fun food--here is lucy with her triple scoop ice cream cone.

The donuts weren't exacly picuresque so here is what you can do with multigrain Cheerios if you wanted to, we had a couple cute ones but they were eaten too quick to get a picture.

So nice the girls are old enough to do some of these things themselves! I knew it would pay off eventually.

I think the little smores were the cutest and the tastiest of all the things we tried, the girls all like the ice cream the best.

Caitlynn and Kara sporting their matching necklaces.

Tori and Lily with their necklaces and headbands.

Well, I have to admit that I think I had more fun at this party than anyone else. Now I am thinking about how I can re-create Kit's treehouse for Lucy's Christmas present (it's only 11 months away!)

A party for my American girl--part 1

2010-01-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a long time since I've blogged. I really want to blog, I'm just busy doing the stuff I want to blog about that I never get around to it. I thought I would try again, this time, with Lucy's 9th birthday celebration. She is not a girl who wants a big to-do come birthday time, just a small celebration with those she feels most comfortable with. We had the best of both worlds with 2 of her cousins and her sweet friend Caitlynn. I think this is a birthday she will always remember.

We made each doll a pj and slippers for the sleepover, and my mom made them all a little party dress. We had more crafts than time, but there is always tomorrow--here are a few of the high lights...

A funny note about the cake, Tori made Lucy an ice cream cake for her actual birthday (which was half eaten) so I had to make her a whole cake for her party...the cake is still whole. Everyone had ice cream cake. We were all singing the praises of the DQ!

Lucy got a couple of outfits from MeeMa. MeeMa is a doll lover and collector. She was quite the seamstress and made beautiful doll clothes. Lucy will treasure these!

We made mini pizzas with mini pepperonis . More mini food to come.

Personalizing mini clip boards (Lucy loves using my Slice cutter).

Caitlynn and Gwen and mod podge--
Here we are on craft #2, matching necklaces for the girls and their dolls.
The finished products...
Recipe for these cute little necklaces. So fun and easy!|

We ended the night with a movie, of course it was "Kit Kittredge, An American Girl" Tomorrow, we have a couple more crafts and some mini cooking to do.

Good night, sweet dreams!

2009-06-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Are you in? For anything? A friend of mine was telling me that her little boy was wanting to have a Thomas the Train birthday party for another year--I love it! He's already showing signs at 4 years old that he has passion. The only encouragement I could give her is that Sam has had the same party theme for 7 years (and the same halloween costume), and once I learned to embrace it, my life got a lot easier. Sam loves football, and the Razorbacks, and his newest "thing", golf. He has passion--to put it mildly.

Our pastor recently did a series on serving titled "all in". I realized that not everyone has found where they want to get "all in". Personally, I've found too many things. This little piece of floor art inspired me to ask the question--R U in? This is the time to make your mark, we can all make a difference in our little corner of the world.

65 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MOM!!

2009-04-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom! In honor of your 65 years, I have come up with

65 things I love about you!

She's Hip
generous
patient
notices what makes each of her grandkids unique and special
her pies
she's giving
fun
she loves to shop with me
she will stay at the park/pool/etc.. until the KIDS are ready to leave--which could mean hours!
smart
techy
creative
encouraging
classy
her unique pronunciation of certain words gives me a good laugh
sense of humor
talented
always sees the best in people
protective
her dinner rolls
she took me to CKU--still a highlight!!
honest
patient
fun-loving
the way she and dad are caring for grandma
she takes on my projects
she's a life long learner
she's lookin' GOOD at 65
I can always count on her
fun to be around
created awesome memories
was a great example
helpful
supportive
looks over wrongs
fun to be around
always believes in me
faith in God no matter the circumstance
life of the party
thoughtful
caring
good grandmother
incredible writer
EBAY--enough said :)
Instilled excellence in us as kids
goes the extra mile
there when I need her
patient
full of conversation
hard working
sweet
encourage our learning
great photographer
gracious hostess
her door is always open
light hearted
soft place to land
did I mention she is really patient
her special baby blankets
she loves all the things I make her--even if it's ugly
she started children's church at Northvale Baptist
humble
accepts me for who I am
loves my dad
she's the best mom in the WORLD!!

I could have gone on and on, mom you really are one special lady--Happy Birthday, I love you!

Here is an album I created for her 60th birthday--

A Tutorial

2009-04-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yay! My first tutorial!! I have always wanted to do a tutorial. I really love tutorials myself and I think it would be really awesome of me to do tutorials for others. Also, I like the word tutorials. I think it sounds kind of studious. I've really never been all that studious so this tutorial should help with that (I think I sound smarter already). Anyway....today we are making an Easter Bracelet. The first thing you have to do is purchase this PDF for $3 from this lovely website. The other things you will need are,

-a color printer

-shrinky dink paper for a laser printer

-a paper bag

-jump rings

-a jewelry clasp

-small buttons

Step 1

Print out the pdf file on regular paper (I used the one with smaller images). Then take the piece of shrinky dink paper and attach it to the printed paper using a couple pieces of two-sided tape (this is because the shrinky dink paper is smaller than printer paper--if you don't do this, some of the images will be cut off). Make sure that when you tape it to the printer paper, it is covering all the images. Then print again onto the shrinky dink paper.

Step 2

Cut out the shapes you want and punch holes on 2 sides.

Step 3

Bake the shrinky dinks according to the package instructions (I found that it took a little longer than the instructions recommended.) Wait for them to shrivel up and then flatten back out. Some take longer than others, I don't know why.

before

after

Step 4

Now this is really important. I overlooked this in the instructions and found out the hard way--YOU HAVE TO SEAL THEM! I used an acrylic sealer--I think any will do. They usually come in an aerosol can.

Step 5

Use needle nose pliers to open the jump rings and make a pattern--jump ring, button, jump ring, shrinky dink, repeat (I used 4 shrinky dinks to make a child's size). Finish it of by adding a clasp. Then, ta da!

A cute little Easter accessory. The possibilities are endless--just think of all the things you could make!

Where is the resolve?

2009-04-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

I know this doesn't look irresistible, but...it is. Strawberry shortcake. I usually don't mix fruit with desert, but for this--I will make an exception. I have been doing weight watchers for a few months, and its been going so well....I have been vigilant with keeping up with my points. Getting results. Nothing was going to shake me, then POOF. Gone. What I'm wondering is, where does it come from, and how do I get it back? I mean, Valerie Bertinelli did it, why can't I.

Well, I feel better. Thanks.

Welcome Spring

2009-03-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We still have the threat of snow this weekend, but these glorious 60-70 degree days have been therapy to my sun-deprived soul. Tonight we had a pancake celebration of spring (thanks Ann for the cute pancake molds). Occasionally we like to have breakfast for dinner for a couple of reasons--a) I'm in NO mood first thing in the morning to lovingly make molded pancakes, and b) when you've eaten beef for like 5 days in a row (anyone who has ever had a cow slaughtered knows what I'm talking about), peanut butter pancakes sound really good. And here are some more springish pictures to brighten your day....

Sam and Roy opted for Mickey

Here is Lucy in her bunny t-shirt lovingly appliqued by yours truely. You can find instructions here, it's my new favorite blog. She is visiting her teacher, Mrs. Hogan, who just had a baby.

I'm thinking of stacking some books like this. I just hope it will look intentional, and not like I'm a hoarder.

Meet Rooty

2009-03-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

Rooty
Originally uploaded by stephaniewatson

She's a sweet and friendly gal. A little off beat, but we love her anyway. She is the product of Mommy/Lucy tonsil recovery time while the rest of the fam was at church. We think she's kind of lonely, so stay tuned.....

My Happy Place

2009-03-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

After reading the posts that I wrote at the beginning of this blog back in September, I realized I had some updating to do. At the time, Disney World seemed like wishful thinking. It's fun to read what I wrote and then see what God actually did. January 30th, the Watson family flew to Orlando for a week at Disney World! How did it happen--nothing that seemed too miraculous--a combination of good deals, condo connections, a little savings, a great bonus, and a tax return. Put it all together, and we have a vacation of a lifetime. It was tiring, a little stressful, expensive and TOTALLY MAGICAL! We had an amazing time. We were so thankful and realized that God had orchestrated it all. The kids were at perfect ages to enjoy and appreciate the whole experience (with the exception of Emma). Now, it's my happy place. No need to turn on the TV to lull myself to sleep. Just close my eyes and take a walk down main street!

taking another stab

2009-03-24T07:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, so thus far, my blogging efforts have been less than stellar. I don't know how I managed to fizzle off after only 2 days of blogging, but I am going to give it another stab. Give it another try. Take a new approach. This blog is going to be more about things that inspire me, new ideas I'm trying, and pretty much whatever floats my boat. I figure I have nothing to lose since I have only one or two faithful followers (thanks mom and dad!). So today--drum roll please--I am going to introduce you to..I haven't even decided yet, I'm thinking...I'm asking Lucy...my latest baby gift --the tag monster! I know what you must be thinking--"wow! She's amazing!" Well, this is the part that I get real with all you people, I just followed a simple pattern I found on the world wide web. Simply click here to download a pdf pattern of this cutie and before you know it, you will be crafting the night away. I'm off to deliver my tag monster to a lucky little baby. See ya in a few months--just kiddng ;)

Diamond in the rough

2008-09-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today Emma came to us with this diamond she had found in the dirt outside La Hacienda (or you may know it as “La Ha”). At first I thought it was just some costume piece, but as we took a closer look we thought it could be real. It was large in size—maybe 2 carats! I’m thinking that there is no way it is real, but it looks sooo real. I called my friend who has experience with diamonds and he said if it was real, it would be worth around $20,000—Disney here we come!!! I took it to Zales to see if it were an actual diamond and not a “CZ” (I knew I had to find out before I booked Cinderella’s castle for Emma). Even the jewelry lady thought it was possible--but it wasn’t.

It was a good reminder for me. Even though my diamond wasn’t real, it could have been. God can do anything, in any way He pleases. It would be just like Him to send us to Disney World with a diamond that Emma found in the dirt. Now, I know that going to Disney isn’t the most pressing thing my family is facing, but it’s important to me. I really want to take my little princess to Disney while she is still little. I can’t wait to see how we get there. God has shown me over and over that he provides for my needs, but he also loves to give me my hearts desires.

Your gonna miss this—

2008-09-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Summer is over. I'm pretty sad about it. Even though it was tiresome most of the time, it was sooo fun! I love taking the kids to the pool, or White Water, or to the creek. I love that I get to be with them every day. And although there were times when all I wanted was to be ALONE, I loved my summer. Towards the end, I was starting to wear out. One day, I wanted the kids to clean their rooms and it seemed the only way it was going to get done was to A) do it myself or B) yell and scream. I knew neither option was good so I just went into my room to take deep cleansing breaths. I remembered a Trace Atkins song, "You're going to miss this" so I pulled it up. Before I knew it, I was sitting in my room bawling. Is there no way to keep our kids from growing up?? I think the only way we are going to be able to not look back with aching hearts at what is no longer, it to enjoy what we have now. Be in the moment and soak it in. I can't believe I have no more preschoolers in my home! From now on, I am going to enjoy every minute I have with my kids. They are a gift, and they are growing before my eyes--someday I'm going to miss these days, but I'm not going to have any regrets! Well, probably a few--hey, I'm human!

So my tip for the day is to listen to the words of this song. They are so true. Don't we always wish for the next phase of life? When you find yourself frustrated or discontent, listen again and again. No matter where you are in life, these are the good times! Watch Here