navigation

navigation

Thursday, January 31, 2013

It's the little things





Yesterday, Dawson made a million paper airplanes, for Corbin and himself. They flew them all over the house, laughing like crazy. 

After a while I had this bad boy thrown at me. 


Thinking nothing of it, I started to throw it back at him. When he yelled "No! Open it! It's for you" 

This is what was written inside. 

It says " I love you Mom. Thank you for everything you've done"

The sweetest thing ever. It really is the little things in life that make all the difference. 

Do you have any sweet stories to share?  

It's ok..

Its Ok Thursdays


I'm definitely in a complaining type mood today, so let's hope I don't sound like a giant whiner. 

It's ok that....

I want to cry that the house I fell in love with is SOLD

I spent 3 hrs of my time last night going through funny pictures at www.dumpaday.com. When I probably should have been doing something productive.

I've spent my morning Voxing with Jess, (who you can find here) instead of writing this post.

I feel like I'm winning at life because my children are absolutely obsessed with the little masks I made them last night. (You can find the mask printables here)
  


To temporarily dislike David because I'm sick and life carries on, unlike when he's sick and the world stops so he can sleep for 3 days straight. Yes, I'm bitter.

Nothing I ate yesterday had any nutritional value to it. 

and finally...

It's ok that I'm done writing this post because I've sneezed all over my keyboard way too many times in the past 20 min. I'm off to find my lysol. 

Have a great day!   

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

DIY Fancy Clipboards


Once again, this is another project that I can thank Target's dollar spot for. I found these clipboards there and thought they would be perfect for Dylan with his bracelet making.The designs were kinda lame, but I didn't need them for their pretty factor.

But then I got bored.

I decided to fancy them up with some scrapbook paper and mod podge. I'm going to try my best to explain how I made them.

First, you need these supplies. A clipboard, scrapbook paper (the thinner kind works better), mod podge, sand paper, a file (I used metal files, but I've also used brand new nail or foot files in the past) a paint brush and something to cut your paper. If you're like me and you can't find adult scissors, go ahead and use child safety scissors. 
   
First, trace around the outside of your clipboard and cut it out. I prefer to leave a little extra hanging to file it flush to the edge, but feel free to cut it so you won't have to file it.

Now comes the tricky part. I didn't want the original design around the actual clip showing. First I thought maybe I could remove the clip since it was held on with simple rivets, but David informed me we don't have a rivet gun (what kind of man doesn't have a rivet gun??). So I played around and realized that I could slip my paper underneath the clip. **This may not work with all clipboards** 

So I marked the edges of the paper, like so.
   
Using a ruler, I connected the lines so and ended up with the box that need to be cut out to slip under the clip. Make sure you don't throw that little slip away!
   
You should end up with paper that fits exactly over the clip.

Now it's time to mod podge the paper on. Before you do, take your sandpaper and lightly sand the clipboard to remove any shine and give the paper a surface to grab on.

We'll start with the clip, since it's really hard to attach it after you do the large section. Trust me, I tried.

Slip your paper underneath the clip. It may take a little bit of lifting at the edge of the clip and a lot of wiggling, but you should be able to get it underneath. DO NOT put mod podge on first! You won't get it under there. Trust me again. Learn from my mistakes.
     
Once you have your paper underneath, use a small paintbrush and sneak Mod Podge underneath the paper and press it down firmly for a minute.

Now you can mod podge the rest of the paper on. I use my pencil to press it all smooth and work out any bubbles. Once you have done that, set it aside to dry for a little while. 30 min should be enough time.  

Go drink a glass of wine. It's ok, I give you permission. 

Once you come back and the mod podge is dry, you need to file the edges flush. Use your file at an angle and start filing in only one direction. The paper will come start coming off.
  
   Once all the paper is filed off, you can add your embellishments. I went easy and added paper letters. Put a layer of Mod Podge on, place your embellishements on top of it and press it down to make it stick and follow with another coat of Mod Podge.

Once you have everything on there that you want, add another coat, or 2 ( I always do 2) of Mod Podge over the top to seal it all in and you are done!  




If you make a clipboard like this, I would love to see it! Come back and tell me how the project goes!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

My tearful Mommy Confession




This is Corbin. He will be turning 4 in May. He's my goofy, stubborn, crazy little monster. 

 
Corbin has been potty trained since he was 2. Up until last week, he was still wearing pull ups to bed. He didn't have accidents at night a lot, but enough that I wasn't ready to keep him in underwear all night long. 

Last week, Corbin decided he was done with pull ups. He was a "Big Boy" and didn't need them anymore. 

I should be ecstatic about this. I should be jumping for joy that I don't have to spend the money every month on pull ups and wipes anymore.  I should be proud of him for taking that step to wake up and use the bathroom.

But I'm not. I'm just sad. :'(

Corbin is my last little Monster. To me, this is the last little bit of baby he had left. It officially means he's a grown up. Before I know it he'll be driving, graduating and moving out. Noooo!! I'm not ready!
To add salt to the wound, a few days ago we got a packet in the mail. A preschool packet. We have to sign my little baby up for preschool by February 15th. Waaaaaahhh!!!
 
I just want this back. 
 

Monday, January 28, 2013

It was one of those days...

Do you ever have one of those days where nothing goes right? Where it's 11 am and it your deciding if you should make and adult beverage or go back to bed?

Today has been one of those days for me.

The day started out great. I woke up early (well early for me) at 7:15. That's kind of a miracle. I took my time getting the kids ready. Enjoyed my coffee. Was feeling great.

Then I returned from dropping Dawson off at school.

My phone was sitting on the table next to me, locked, and decided to call a friend of mine. All of the sudden I heard "Hello?" and I looked over it had connected with my dear friend, Jessi. Luckily she knows I'm crazy so she laughed it off. It's possessed. It needs an exorcism, but T-mobile doesn't offer those, only upgrades.

After a bit more relaxing, I decided to make waffle sticks in my new handy dandy waffle stick maker (post to come soon) so I could freeze them for the Monster's breakfasts.

First I tried a recipe for Strawberry yogurt waffles that came with the maker.  

Fail. They wouldn't stay together. I don't know what when on here.


So I decided to try another recipe from the book for chocolate waffle sitcks. The last recipe was really small and only made about ten sticks so I ASSumed this recipe would be small too and doubled it. Instead I ended up with the worlds largest bowl of waffle batter. 

After about 30 min of stick making, I had around 50 waffle sticks and only 1/3 of my batter was gone.
 
I made a huge mess with waffle batter drips all over the kitchen. I HATE making a mess in the kitchen.

I burnt my finger.

I broke a nail, which normally I wouldn't care about, but it's the annoyance factor. (yes, I need a manicure.)
 

My Panini press broke. It still works, but the light on the top broke. I just got it for Christmas and I use it almost daily.  That hole in the top shouldn't be there.

David's car is ticking. Very loudly. He says from the small audio clip I sent him that it sounds like the motor. Nooooo! We can't get a new car right now. We just can't. I mean we can afford it, but I don't want a car payment until after we get a house, which we don't have yet. 

Mondays are the days David works late, which I hate.

Ugh. Not my day at all! 

But enough about the bad. Tomorrow will be a new day! It's David's Birthday! YAY! He took the day off so we can go to an archery place near us, WITHOUT THE KIDS! Yay! I'm excited to give him the awesome presents I bought him and excited to spend the day with him.

I can't wait to share a post about his Birthday with you all! 

Thanks for listening to me whine.  


Chocolate peanut butter Valentines Candy

Is anyone else obsessed with Targets Dollar Spot? I love it. I can't enter target without going to it and buying a bunch of crap I don't need. The other day I bought these silicone ice cube trays from there. I actually think they were $3, but I'm not 100% sure since I just grabbed them and ran.


Corbin begged and begged for days to make something in them, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to make yet.

I found a recipe for Chocolate covered peanut butter balls from Praying Twice .

My assistants and I headed to the kitchen.
 
I brought my phone with because that is what I use to keep my recipes. I take a picture of the recipe on the computer. Don't judge.

The boys helped me mix up everything, at least until it got really hard to mix and I had to dig in with my hands to finish it up.

They also helped me put the delicious peanut butter mixture into the molds...ever so cleanly


Don't worry, I swooped in when they were done and cleaned it up, which was not an easy task.


I placed the molds in the freezer for about an hour while we put the kids to bed. They slid out of the molds perfectly. 

 
My new assistant helped me cover them with chocolate. We both have methods we think work better. Eventually I realized the easiest method for me was to let him do the work while I sprinkled on the sprinkles. 

They turned out super cute and they are amazingly delicious! Very similar to peanut butter cups, with a light crunch. 


Here is the recipe 
(I personally cut it in half, my thighs don't need this much deliciousness laying around.)

Chocolate Covered Peanut butter hearts
 
2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cup rice krispies
1lb (3cup) powdered sugar
 1/4 cup melted butter
2-3 bags of chocolate chips

Mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter. Add the Rice Krispies until well mixed. Mine was a tiny bit crumbly still, so I added atiny bit of extra peanut butter, if it's too sticky add more powdered sugar.

If you are using molds, press the mixture into the molds and freeze until they are solid before removing them. If you are doing balls, no freezing is required.

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and use it to cover the peanut butter mixture. 

Feel free to add sprinkles for a little extra fun!

Allow to harden and enjoy!! 

If you make these, come back and let me know what you thought of them!      

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Sunday Social week 34

Sunday Social


1. What is your ideal way to relax?
 Reading a book, well actually, my kindle (or phone) while drinking some coffee. I love me some coffee.


2. Where is your favorite place to be?
My parents have a large plot of land on a lake a few hours away from us. It's gorgeous. It's relaxing. There is always lots of four wheeling, boating, fishing and general laziness going on. I actually have a post with pictures of it, which is Here.


3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?
 Hmmm...I honestly don't think I can narrow it down to just one. There are so many people I look up to for so many reasons. Everyone I admire brings their own special things to the table. My Mom, all my best friends, David, the kids and I'm sure I'm not listing a ton of people that should be listed. 


4. What does your life look like in 3 years?
Right now, I'm trying to focus on what my life will look like in 10 months! We have sooo many plans for the next 10 months that I can't even think that far ahead. It makes my head hurt. 


5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?
I don't know if it counts as a decision, but I really wish I (or we) had managed our money better in our younger years. It has taken us a long time to fix our credit and get us where we are today. If we had started out better, it wouldn't have taken this long.


6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?
As cliche as this sounds, my Monsters (for you new followers, that's what I call my boys). 

 I'm so proud of them and all of their achievements. I love watching them learn new things, watching them grow, listening to them talk about anything and everything. My heart swells with pride every time someone compliments us on them. They are truly amazing.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Nope, can't do it.


David loves Lemon Meringue pie. LOVES it. Being the loving Fiance I am, I have tried to make it for him. Tried and failed. 3 times. 

I can't make the meringue. I don't know why, but I just can't do it. After the 3rd attempt I gave up and told him he would only get store bought from that point on.  

David, being the cocky loving Fiance he is, bragged that he's sure he can do it. Of course he didn't try until recently. 

The boys had found this recipe they wanted for Strawberry Clouds. Basically they are meringue bowls topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

I bought the stuff and told David it was time for him to prove his abilities. 

He got to mixing...with our sad little mixer. Someday I will own a kitchenAid!


He mixed and mixed. 

And he failed.

Somewhere in the mixing process something went wrong. In hindsight, we probably should have looked up tips before he started, but we don't work that way. Logical thinking is not one of our strong points. 

I'm beginning to think we are going to be a "No Meringue" household. Sigh.      

On the plus side, David can't make meringue either. That deserves a happy, in your face, dance.


Do you have any tips for us in case we decided to try again? 

My first Happies and Crappies

Scissors and a Whisk: Happies and Crappies Link Up




Happies!!


We booked our wedding Venue on Wednesday! Woo hoo!! That's a huge step that's finally done!

David took off next tuesday, his Birthday, at my request! I can't wait to hang out with him, kid free, for the afternoon.

I've actually been consistently blogging. Go me! I even have 4 posts ready to go for the next week. 

My lovely cousin went through her son's toys and decided to get rid of a bunch of them that he didn't play with anymore. I offered to take the Legos off of her hands and we ended up with a Garbage bag full! I was not expecting that! The best part is that the Hogwarts castle was one of the sets in the bag. The boys were soooo excited (and I was too!).

David got choosen to be the coach for Dawson's soccer team that starts up in March. I love watching him coach and Dawson loves having him be the coach!

I went on my first ever (in almost 8 yrs) "Mom's weekend", with my dear friend, Jessi. We went and stayed the night at the casino. It was a much needed night. We had tons of fun and I really hope we can do it again.
 
Now, onto the crappies. :(


We have sickness running through our house. David has a stomach bug, Corbin has a cold. Dawson, so far, is healthy, I'm feeling pretty blah and hoping I don't catch anything.

This week has been COLD. Negative temps most of the week.

Because of this cold my body has been so achy. I feel like a 90 yr old who can tell the weather by the way her body feels.

Dawson didn't go to his hockey all week. Saturday we didn't wake up in time to get him to his 9 am practice and his Tues/Thurs practice is outdoors and it was way too cold to go.

I haven't worked out all week. I know, it's my fault, I'm just not feeling it. 

Dawson threw away 3 containers from his lunch yesterday. I know it's a small thing, but dang it! I hate losing containers! He's never thrown a container away, so I'm not sure what he was thinking.

I haven't done anything concerning wedding planning in the last 2 weeks. Oops. At least we have until October to figure everything out.