Simple Label Frames {Set 4} Freebie Download

Okay everyone, here's my last post and freebie for the week! Y'all have a safe 4th of July holiday! Happy Independence Day!

Click Image to go to download page.

*****If you are having trouble with the download, email me directly and I'll send the .zip file backatcha.

Another Label Frame Freebie Download

I've said it once and I'll say it again... I'm always looking for digi-scrap label frame downloads. And by "looking" I mean looking for FREE digi-scrap downloads.

So, enjoy this bit of free! FREE IS GOOD!

Click image to download!

Looking for sets 1& 2?

• Simple Label Frames Set 1
• Simple Label Frames Set 2

Some of you are having problems with the download page. Send me an email and I'll send the .zip file to you directly! Sorry!

Neglected

Dear blog, You poor neglected blog. My heart is sad because I have not visited you lately. It's not you... it's me. I'm just so busy right now and I don't have the time it takes to properly manage our relationship. Please forgive me. Signed, Me

Of course, I'm only joking. Sort've.

We have been busier than a one-toothed man in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest.

The girls finished up two weeks of swimming lessons last week, only to begin soccer camp this week. This is the 1st of three soccer camps they are participating in this summer. Throw in YMCA volleyball and indoor soccer and you have the makin's of some very busy (and tired) little girls. And a mama who's running around ragged.

For those who don't live around here, we got rain yesterday. And the angel's sang out "Hallelujah!" Because truth be told, we're in Drought 2011. Why is it that our weather is always characterized as "__________ 2011" or some such something or another. We just can't have normal weather around here. It has to be extreme in some way.

I'm in week 4 of my 1/2 marathon training. So far so good, but I'll tell you... it's about to ramp up to seven miles (on my long run) and I'm not sure how I'll fare. We'll see. Six miles seems to be my limit. But, doggone it... I want to run a 1/2 marathon before I turn 40. Hopefully, I can do just that.

Yesterday, I bought my FIRST pair of prescription sunglasses! Y'all, I've been wearing glasses since the first grade and I've never had a nice pair of sunglasses. I ordered them from Sam's. Sam's is offering a special, $15.00 off select Coppertone sunglasses until mid-July. I walked out paying only $80. I know, that still sounds like a lot of money, and it is... but when I've priced sunglasses in the past, it was around $150.00 a pair. So, I think $80 is a smokin' hot deal!

So, Elisan's birthday is coming up and I've been working (under her supervision) on the party invitation and printables that she wants for her party. I have to admit, it's turning out cute and can't wait to see it all come together. Here's a sneak peek!


I gotta run. Gotta get the girls off to soccer camp and myself to the gym. I have 4 miles to run today. Joy!

Freebie Alert! "Sun Rays 'n Rainbows" Printables and Digital Kit

About a month ago, my friend Erica whose family is stationed in Okinawa asked me to create a birthday party idea for her two little girls who are having a birthday party in the summer. She wanted something that was bright and fun, that included rainbows. Being a mom of two girls as well, this one was easy! I just envisioned what my two girls would love for a birthday party theme!

Y'all this printable kit is huge. I just couldn't stop myself. In this kit you'll find fully customizable:

• cupcake wrappers - 2x page (.pdf)
  
• water bottle labels -5x page (.pdf)
• fold-over food labels - 4x page (.pdf)
• fold-over goodie bag tags - 3x page (.pdf)
• thank you tags -12x page (.pdf)
• write in invitations - 4x page (.pdf)
• customizable write in invitation (.jpg)
  
• 4 pages of elements ready to print and/or punch -great for party crafts! (.pdf)
• 10 12x12 papers (.jpg file)
  
• 9 digital elements (.png files)

Below is a preview of the kit. Click here to go to download page. Please note, because of the size of the downloads, I've included individual links, so you can download only the items you are interested in.

PRINTING TIP:
Bring your own cardstock into your local Kinko's and save a ton of money!

Annoyed much?

Okay, another rant. I just can't help myself.

Yesterday while in the checkout line at the grocery store, the woman ahead of me was talking on her cell phone. She was talking as she was unloading her groceries from the cart to the conveyer. She was talking while she was counting out her money ($125.00 worth of groceries... she was paying in cash.) And she continued talking on the phone while the cashier attempted to complete the transaction.

My oldest looked at me and said, "Mom, that woman is being rude. She's been talking on the phone this entire time." My 9 year old even thought it was inconsiderate!

When it was my turn, I asked the cashier, "Does that just burn you up?" And she said, "Yes! It's very rude. I'm just trying to do my job and some people can't get off the phone long enough to pay for their groceries!"

So, people... if you are one of those people who talk on the phone while you are checking out at a store, please... put the phone down. Of, you may have a 9 year old giving you the stink eye next time.

Next rant... texting while grocery shopping.

Merry Mermaids Digi Kit Freebie!

I was recently asked by one of my good friends to create a birthday design for her little girl who is turning 7. When she told me the theme was mermaids, I was so excited to begin working on a cute design!

This kit would be so adorable to do custom mermaid favors for each party attendee. The possibilities are endless!

(Click image to download)

This "Merry Mermaids" digital kit includes 17 high resolution digital elements (.png) and 1-12x12 background (.jpg)

Here's a sample birthday party invitation using this kit!

I interrupt blog cheeriness to bring you a rant!

Y'all, I just have to rant. Seriously... someone needs to tell the people at JUSTICE JUST FOR GIRLS to give it a rest!

Today, I made an exchange at Justice. One color tank for a different color tank. It was the same price, same style, etc. All I wanted was a different color. While I was there, I needed to buy a gift card for an upcoming birthday party.

This is the conversation that followed:

Salesgirl: "Your phone number?"

Me: "xxx-xxx-xxxx" (I knew it was coming and I usually don't give it out, but this time, I relented and gave her my phone number.)

Salesgirl: she's clicking away on her register and then, "Your email address?"

Me: "We're on your e-mail list. You can skip that part."

Salesgirl: "The girls' date of birth? It's for special promotions."

Me: "Y'all have it already. You don't need it again."

Salesgirl: Getting defensive she says, "It's not me, it's the system."

Me: "Well, skip that portion."

Then, she has the nerve to ask me...

Salesgirl: "Your home address?"

Me: "Why in the world do you need my home address?"

Salesgirl: "For the exchange. It's our store policy in case something is wrong with the item."

At this point, I darn near take the tank back and tell her to stick her store policy where the sun don't shine, but my girls were standing there melting into the background. So, I gave her my home address.

And then I say...

Me: "Next y'all will want a blood draw and social security number. This is ridiculous."

Salesgirl: Quickly sends me on my way

I realize she is not making the rules here. What I can't understand is why JUSTICE JUST FOR GIRLS asks for my:

1. Phone number
2. Email
3. Birthdates of my children
4. Home address

ALL FOR ONE TRANSACTION!

I'm "this close" to writing a complaint. No, scratch that... I think I will. That's way over the top and just not reasonable.

So, I'm curious, anyone else experience the same run-around at this store?

RRCA Talent Show Performance

I'm so proud of Elisan.
She performed in the school talent show on the last day of school!

9 months later...

Drawing Winner!

Congrats to Tamrah

who won the Non-Slip Headband!
Tamrah, I sent you an email with some particulars!

Y'all have a great Friday!

What else? A blog brain dump!

It's another installment of blog brain dump. (I know, classy right?) But really, there's so much going on in my head... you're just gonna have to bear with me.

So, I got my hair highlighted last week and let me say... I LOVE IT. And, I love my new hairdresser. She's talented, amazing, beautiful and loves the Lord with her entire heart! Her hair salon is called "Happy Hair Beauty Parlor" and let me be the first to say (here)... my hair is happy again! She works by customer referrals, so consider this your personal invitation to try Alison at Happy Hair Beauty Parlor. You can get her contact info on her website. Oh, and please tell her that ERICA sent you! (She has summer specials running right now, so be sure to check it out!)

Yesterday was Awards day at school. Both girls did ah-mazing and I'm so proud of each of them. I wish I could brag to the fullest extent about their awards, but I fear that I would be "braggin" not "bloggin". I will say that I'm extremely impressed and continually counting my blessing for such awesome little girls.

Also in school news, I'm happy to report that Elisan was selected to be on the 5th grade praise and worship team at school. Their team is called "Rock the Flock". She auditioned last week and after a long weekend of waiting on pins and needles, she finally learned yesterday that she made the team. I haven't seen her so giddy in a long time! (If that's even possible. She's always giddy!)

As promised, I have a fun giveaway for big or little girls! As you know, I've been making non-slip headbands for the girls and me. We love them and they really work. I recently made several using sequins and they are so adorable!

Leave a comment on this blog entry to enter.

I'll draw a winner on Friday! If you are selected, you can choose between hot pink, turquoise or silver.

And if you think these are only for little girls... think again! I've made two for a fellow mom and one for myself! Bring a little bling to your workout!

I made the switch!

For nearly a year, Randy has been begging/bribing me to make the switch from my beloved Sprint cell phone service and move to Boost $50 unlimited (text, internet/data, minutes) service plan.

Okay, I'll admit... it's not really my "beloved" Sprint service...it's more like my beloved phone number I've had forever.

I'll be honest here, I loathe getting emails from people that say, "please update my contact information with this new phone number" because truth be told, I rarely do. Unless, it's like my mom or someone as equally as important. And I didn't want my new phone number to to fall prey to laziness. (Tell me I'm not alone here!)

For the last several weeks, Randy has been hitting me up pretty hard about making the switch to Boost, since my Sprint contract would expire in May. But I kept telling him I didn't want to change phone numbers.

So, he did a bit of research and because Sprint owns Boost (and Boost operates on Sprint's network) there really was no need to change numbers. People, this is contrary to what EVERY Sprint representative has ever told us. I can't tell you how many times Randy and I went into a Sprint store looking for someone to tell us that, yes, in fact, I would be able to keep my phone number after all. But, no such luck! Maybe something about Sprint not wanting to lose business/income to it's "no-contract-step-sister" called Boost.

In effort to keep the peace in my family (and increase my calling plan) I finally agreed to make the switch to Boost... AND, with that, I agreed to get a new number if I had to.

Well, to make a long story short... After staying on the phone for nearly 30 minutes, Randy was able to get my new Galaxy Prevail Android (Boost) phone activated with my current phone number!

Y'all my husband ROCKS! This totally made my day!

And, if you are wondering... I love my new phone.

One of the coolest features on my phone is the voice activated typing. So neat! I can send emails without typing a thing! Same goes for using Facebook, etc. And because it's a Android phone, I have most (if not all) of the same apps I'm used to using on my iPod.

All of this for $50.00 a month (with the purchase of the phone, of course.) I'm totally sold on Boost!

Full Throttle

Y'all, it's that time of the year when our little life is at full throttle.

Trust me, I'm loathing the fact that I haven't updated my little piece of real estate I call a blog in over a week. Truth is... I can't spare a square.

Or rather, I can't spare a reasonable block of time to think, write, edit (oh, who am I kidding... I don't edit) a blog entry.

I will tell you I've got a few things that I'm excited about, including some new summer-style digi kits! I'll need a coupla more weeks to finish them up, but I think they will be great for summer!

I'm also planning a summertime girly girl giveaway (for little girls) before school is out. So, hang in there peeps.

And finally, I leave you with this... if you are a Coach purse fan, Coach Outlet now has a website. I got a "secret" email today about a sale offering an additional 30% of already reduced outlet prices. There are some great deals there... sigh, too bad I can't justify owning another purse.

So much for secrets. Let that be a lesson learned.

(No, not really. I can keep secrets... just not about secret sales!)

In Texas, we only have Hummer Limos

I'm not sure where in cyber-space this post ended up, but I'm "reposting for posterity"! (Say that 5 times fast!)

As promised... because I KNOW you have been waiting anxiously for...

The Limo Re-Cap

I chaperoned a group of 10 - 1st and 2nd graders.
Here they are saying "Limo Ride!"

And.... we're off!

A fun-filled lunch of pizza and games!

Our driver, who by the way was kind of creepy.

Here's Elisan's group of 4th and 5th graders.
Apparently telling the kids to say "Limo Ride" as I was snapping a picture
was "SO NOT COOL MOM", as I was told later that day.

Here's Elisan waving goodbye (already, woman!)

Blog Brain Dump

This is going to be quick and I'm going to admit, I'll probably not proofread this entry... which really isn't anything new, but I thought I'd throw that disclaimer out there. Just for grins.

So, this weekend was Mother's Day. And let me say, I'm truly blessed beyond measure. And not just because they gave me bling for Mother's day, but because my two little girls and awesome husband are just th' bomb. No seriously, they are.

And speaking of bling... Randy took the girls to Hannah D's so they could each pick out a thing or two for Mother's day. And when I say bling, I mean... bling. Kyla picked out a necklace set for me that can only be descibed as the "crown jewels" but in turquoise. Um, yeah. Honestly, I want to love it, I really do, but something tells me I won't be going to prom anytime soon.

I gently told her that although I LOVE what she picked out for me, my wardrobe doesn't have anything that would qualify for such blingity bling and that maybe we should go back and pick something out that mommy would indeed be able to wear. She happily agreed because she's a girl and loves the opportunity to shop.

Speaking of shopping (how about that for a segue...) I've found something "new" to me that I love. Y'all, I'm not very adventurous when it comes to milk (or milk type products). I like 1% milk and I've always been happy with it. Until HEB had their Almond Milk on sale the other day for $1.00 off. I bought a 1/2 gallon of the unsweetened vanilla flavored Almond Milk and OH.MY.GOODNESS! It's like dessert in a glass. And for 40 calories per 8oz... I'm hooked. Apparently Almond Milk has similar nutrients as regular milk, but with less calories. It also has less protein than cow's milk, but I don't lack in the protein department. I definitely recommend trying it. It took a time or two for me to embrace the flavor, but now, I really love it! (photo credit: www.savingwithshellie.com)

Tomorrow, the girls' are going on a Hummer Limo ride to Gattiland as a prize for raising a certain amount of money for the school's fundraiser. Yep, a Hummer Limo. Fancy, right? So, I got a call last week asking if I wanted to chaperone a group of kids who were also going on the limo ride and my answer, "HECK YEAH!" So, tomorrow, I too will be riding in a Hummer Limo. I'll definitely get pictures and post them later this week.

Maybe my prom necklace will come in handy afterall?

So, I'm curious...A follow up

Thank you to everyone who replied to the "So, I'm curious..." post a couple of weeks ago. If you're not familiar with this post about friendship, then by all means, please catch up.

We'll wait.

Heidi (Minnesota Mom) suggested a follow up blog entry to "So, I'm curious..." and I agree. The topic of friendship... close, endearing, long lasting friendships seemed to be on all of our hearts.

Each of you had great insight and comments.

Melissa wrote: "I am always watching for other women because I crave friendships."

I crave friendships too, but like Pam, who wrote: "...when I get to know the person, if it's not a good fit, I try to set good boundaries." So true.
I think Pam brings up an important point. Sometimes, we're just not a good fit for another. It's almost like dating. When you were dating your husband, you didn't know beforehand that he might be "THE ONE". It might have taken weeks or months to realize that, 'hey, this guy is great and I want to hang on to him.'

Of course, you could have an situation like Kendi, who wrote: "And yet (for) some people it is instant as if you were both looking for each other all your life... when everything lines up just so, it is such a gift."

Have you ever seen a woman at church, the gym, your kids' school and thought, "I could definitely be friends with her." Yep, me too. But, sadly, I rarely act upon it. Why is that?

Heather brings up a point I know I've thought before. "(I have) one very close friend, but is she my best friend? Maybe? Am I her best friend? I don't know. Hmmm. " I've been there too. You get emotionally invested, but is she?

Heidi also echos this same thought, "I have one "friend with potential" but she's the type who has a million friends, so I don't know that I'd ever be her best friend even if she was mine."

Kendi mentioned, "I think it scares women when you get real with them. And suddenly you are vulnerable and they are backing up."

I think we all agree that our husbands are our number one "best" friends. I consider my husband to be my best friend, but does he really care when we blather on and on about something so insignificant (to him!) that, let's be honest girls... can sometimes EAT OUR LUNCH! I know of a particular event that happened several weeks ago that I wanted to discuss AT LENGTH with Randy and he would have nothing to do with it. ACK! I needed him to listen to me vent, but he could care less because he asked me straight up, "Do you want me to solve this problem for you?" And I said no! And he said, "Well, I can't help you then!" MEN! (Sigh...)

I mentioned being intimidated by other women in my first post and Shanna agreed that she can be intimidated by other women too. But, Shanna also mentioned, "I think that I am not approached often because I put off a snobby vibe, although it is not intentional and probably my own insecurities shining through." I know I do this too. Honestly, I'm NOT a snob, but definitely carry that vibe around. I think it's shyness mistaken for aloofness. Perhaps?

Heidi also mentioned, "I became an introvert somewhere over the last decade, and I tend to keep to myself unless I'm drawn out." Me too... (sigh)

Or, you can be like Amanda, who said, "I crave solitude more than social interaction, so I tend to neglect my friendships." (I've known Amanda for 30 years... tsk, tsk Amanda!)

Stephanie brought up an excellent point about social media outlets that probably deserves it's own post. Stephanie said, "social media these days really gives a false sense of intimacy. You see pictures and updates and think you know what's going on in peoples' lives, but it's not the same as a face-to-face relationship!" AMEN Sister!

We have the potential to become so disconnected because of social media outlets like Facebook (and even email) because we rely on that outlet to communicate for us. Even passive communication like status updates and birthday shout-outs. When is the last time you sent an actual birthday card in the mail? (I'm just as guilty! I'm not pointing any fingers!)

I love what Marcie wrote: "I've had bad luck with friends. I prayed that God would take the desire out of my heart to have friends. God spoke to me one time during a service that it was time for me to start reaching out. It was clear that it was time for me to start being a friend to others so that I could start having friends. I wasn't ready to start making friends because I wasn't ready to get hurt. However, I showed myself friendly." She was obedient to God's voice and mentioned she is "showered with a great group of ladies now. It has been a true blessing."

I also love what Pam wrote: "I have found with my friends they stretch me to become who God has called me to be!" Isn't that something we all struggle with? Becoming what God has called us to be? I definitely know it's something that is constantly on my mind.

This has been such an eye opening topic for me. I thought I privately struggled with (finding, making, keeping) friendships. I'm glad to know I'm not alone, but also sad to know that I am indeed not alone. But, at least that gives me some hope, knowing that perhaps the next time I reach out to someone, they will be receptive to me.

So, the next time you see a woman and think, "I could be friends with her..." maybe, just maybe, you can be. And, maybe just maybe, she's looking out for you too.

(Certainly advice I need to follow as well!)

Am I in a minority here?

Okay, so Elisan has always been peculiar about what she eats and how she eats. She's a neat eater, always has been. But, she's developed an eating habit that NO ONE in our (immediate) family shares. And, it's gotten worse.

She does not like her food to touch on her plate.

So, time to 'fess up. Are you a "my-food-can't-touch-on-my-plate" kind of person? AND, if so... please enlighten the rest of us.

I'll admit. Her little oddity is driving me crazy! Especially as I'm trying to dish out dinner.

So, I bought her a divided plate today while I was at HEB. I'm probably just fostering her weirdness... but at least her food won't touch!

This picture posted upside down. Strange...

Whew.... What a week/weekend!

We've had a busy five days! And since you all are mainly friends, not family, I'll spare the nitty gritty details and hit the highlights only!

Wednesday was the first grade Easter egg hunt and class party! I just love how Kyla is pushing that BIG boy out of her way. She got that honest y'all. Don't judge.

Thursday was the first grade Easter production. They sang songs, dressed in big dresses and hats and were utterly adorable! Afterwards, we brought them to a local retirement community and they performed there as well. Kyla had a special speaking part. She was cute! Here's a blog post from Elisan's first grade Easter performance. And, look... they are both wearing the same dress and hat combo.

(Good) Friday, the girls and I had the privilege to care for my friend Kristi's baby boy, Read! I've been needed to get my hands on that little man because he's so adorable and sweet. So, when I told her we wanted to keep him one afternoon, she jumped at the chance to have a lunch date with her hubby. (And I now remember how hard it is to care for a 5 month old baby. Randy's glad I remembered as well!)

Saturday was Kyla's soccer game. After the game, we rushed home ate lunch and cleaned up for church. We attended the Saturday afternoon service. And, yes... that's the same Easter dresses the girls wore last year. It was their idea... really. It was.

Sunday, we were invited to spend the day at Lake Buchanan with one of Randy's co-workers and his family and friends. We had a nice time.

The girls went tubing for the first time ever and had a blast. We also walked along the shore collecting rocks and had an Easter egg hunt. We had a nice time and it was a great way to spend Easter Sunday afternoon. We also met a "friend" while hiding Easter eggs.

And finally, I leave you with this. This really deserves it's OWN post.

It's Randy's hair.

He's growing out. Against my wishes. Oh, y'all, it's just big, thick and out of control.

I told him his hair was going to eventually look like John F. Kennedy Jr.'s hair. He was all over that! He said, "Of course! Why wouldn't I want to look like the s e x i e s t man alive."

Sigh.... pray for me.

It's worth hearing over and over again

Randy's grandfather (God rest his soul...) used to always joke to his wife (God rest her soul...)

"Why do I need to tell you I love you? I told you on our wedding day, didn't I?"

Of course, he was joking. He adored his wife. But, it's always nice to hear it right? Over and over again.

I don't know about you, but I grew up knowing without a shadow of a doubt that my parents loved me. They always told me they loved me and I never had any reason to doubt it. I also knew they would love me no matter the circumstances. The funny thing is though... I don't remember ever hearing that from them. And because I don't remember ever hearing it, I'm not so sure I truly believed it or felt it. You know what I mean?

(I'm sure at this point my mom is speed dialing me to set me straight!)

I guess, the point I'm trying to make is this. As much as we tell our kids that we love them, we should also tell them that we will love them no matter what.

No matter how badly they screw up.

No matter how much trouble they cause.

No matter how badly they embarrass us or tear down our carefully constructed reputation.

Because at the end of the day... they are still our kids. And we're still their parents.

So, while WE may know that we'll always love them, no matter what... THEY might need a reminder more than we realize. I don't know about you, but I don't want to wake up one day and find my girls in a heap of trouble, afraid to come to me or their dad because we never told them that no matter what... we will always love them.

So, I'm curious...

So, today I finally decided to put into words a topic that I needed to get some honest feedback about.

The topic that has been on my mind for quite some time? Friendship.

I recently read a passage in the book "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere and she writes about friendships and other women:

• (pg. 66) "Other women are watching for you! They want to be your friends. They are just not sure how to approach you. Perhaps they are at your school. Maybe they are women searching for friends in the marketplace. I know the daughters in the house of God are looking for companions. Women the world over are looking for someone who will understand their hopes and fears as only another woman can. Open your eyes and look around you."

So, what do you think of that? Do you believe this statement?

These words have been haunting me (to say the least) since I read them. But, the fact is... I have a hard time believing what she writes. I'm not saying that what she writes is NOT true... I just have a hard time believing it.

Are YOU watching other women... hoping to be their friend? Trying to get closer to them so as to be apart of their lives? To make a connection? I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but... I think to some extent what she writes is true.

But, I'm not sure I'm watching out for other women as much as I should.

Maybe that's because I'm easily intimidated by other women?

Thinking I don't measure up?

Maybe I've isolated myself on purpose?

See the fact of the matter is... I have friends. But, I have very few close friends. In fact, I really only have 1 (what I'd consider) best friend. And unfortunately, we live far apart and don't get to share our day to day stuff with each other.

Oh certainly, I can depend on my nearby friends and casual acquaintances... if I had an emergency, prayer need, support, etc... but these friends are not ones that know my everyday struggles and triumphs. These are not the friends who know me as well as I know myself.

I'm praying for a close friend... a tight knit companion who can relate to me. But, I wonder if I'm ready for her? Does God need to do some work in me?

So, my questions are:

1. Do you believe that other women are watching for you?
2. Do you look for friendships? Or do you wait for them to find you?
3. Do you believe you are approachable to other women to befriend you? If not, why?
4. Do you have a close (best) friend that knows your ups and downs? Does she live near or far?
   

Don't just leave me dangling here... comment and leave me some honest feedback. All feedback is welcomed and appreciated!

Blog Brain Dump Friday Edition

Hi All!

Quick. I need to brain dump, but I don't have much time. Bullet points only.

• I had success clothes shopping. Pictures to come later... if I remember.
• A new family rule was incorporated at our house and it is not going over well. In order to have dessert, one must have had exercised that day. i.e. soccer game, team sport practices, etc. If not, then one must run a 'family mile' with daddy (or mommy or both). The new rule brought tears to the girls' eyes... but, they've only declined dessert once. They've actually been running the mile! (Hey, whatever doesn't kill you will make your stronger... or build character... or cut caloric intake... whatever)
  
• So, I'm trying to begin eating clean(er). Oh you know, the whole "eat clean" diet. I can't go whole hog, but I can do more around here in the way of meal prep, etc. Last night, we had (super lean) steak and veggie kabobs and fruit salad. Yummy... and "clean". I just can't give up meat. Don't even go there.
• The girls had their "Jog-A-Thon" today. Both girls missed the 'most laps run' in their class by a fraction. Kyla missed it by one lap. Elisan missed it by 2 laps. I guess the family mile is beginning to pay off.
• Speaking of laps run, I was a lap counter today. My job was to count the laps of the five students in my group. One little girl questioned my lap counting skills not once, not twice... but at least 10 times. I finally gave up and told her to put down the number she thought she had run. Nice.
• Glad it's a Friday.
• That is all.
  

Oh, what I'd do for a clothes stylist!

It's that time of the year, y'all. The time of year where I start thinking about Spring clothes. And shopping. And then head out to various stores. Proceed to get mad and frustrated. Leave empty handed. Repeat.

Dressing for winter is easy. Jeans and long-sleeved shirt. Throw on a jacket or vest. There ya go.

Spring and Summer... I have the hardest time finding stuff that I like. Or, let me rephrase... I have the hardest time finding stuff that I like for my AGE. There seems to be a huge gap between 20-somethings and 50-somethings. Can I get a witness?

I mean, really.... haven't I exhausted this topic enough over the last several years? I don't want to dress like my babysitter, yet I don't want to dress like my grandmother!

I loathe:

• Clothing Bling. It's cute on little girls, but 38 year old women? Not so much. Yet, it's everywhere. Bling wouldn't be so bad if you could promise me that the bling would stay put and not fall off.

• Shorts.... that are too short. What happened to mid-thigh length shorts? And I'm not talking bermuda styled shorts - those type tend to be too tight in the thigh area. I'm talking about "walking shorts". Oh, don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. And, yes, I've seen them at the GAP and call me crazy, but I personally think $40 for a pair of short is ridiculous!

• Stretchy/flimsy material. How many shirts have you seen on the racks lately that are made of that flimsy thin polyester blend material? Enough already.

• Flowing Tops. See "stretchy/flimsy" and now add it to a flowing top, that has some ruching on the sides, or a twist at the neck, or is a low cut tank top... Not everyone can pull that look off. Especially if you are like me and are big chested. Those tops only accentuate the chest... which is one area I'd like to NOT accentuate.

• Capri pants. Blech. I'm sooo tired of capri pants. And once the temps hit 95+, anything below the knee is near torture.

• Denim Shorts. Most denim short I've seen lately have bling AND are too short. Nice. (NOT!) Oh, and if you can find a pair of denim shorts that don't ride up your behind, PLEASE let me know!

I found a few outfits I liked on the CAbi website in hopes of trying to replicate. I mean, I can't afford CAbi stuff, but I can at least try to copy it, right? Although, I can't wrap my head around white jeans... I'm not there yet.


So, off I go (again) today to look for a few items to update my Spring wardrobe. Hopefully, I won't get mad and leave empty handed. I'll keep ya posted.

Make this salad!

Salad before chicken and final toppings

Asian Chicken & Orzo Salad (by Lauren; posted on "Tasty Kitchen")

• FOR THE DRESSING/MARINADE: ** See Erica's note below
  
• ¼ cups White Vinegar
• ¼ cups Canola Oil
• ¼ cups Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
• 6 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger
• ⅛ teaspoons Salt
• ¼ teaspoons Black Pepper
• 1 clove Garlic, Minced

• FOR THE SALAD:
• 1 pound Orzo Pasta
• 4 whole Green Onions, Chopped
• 1 cup Diced Carrot (1 Cup Is About 2 Large)
• 1 whole Red Pepper, Diced
• 2 stalks Celery, Diced
• 1 whole Handful Of Fresh Baby Spinach, Chopped
• ½ cups Slivered Almonds, Toasted
• ½ cups Ramen Noodles, Crushed
• 6 whole Chicken Cutlets Or 3 Large Chicken Breasts Pounded Flat And Sliced Into Two
• Sesame Seeds, For Garnish

Mix all ingredients for the marinade/dressing together in a small bowl. Pour half of the mixture into a large zip top bag. Place chicken pieces into the marinade in the bag and seal. Move chicken around in bag to coat in marinade and store in refrigerator until ready to grill. Keep the other half of the dressing in a bowl for serving with the salad.

To make orzo salad, bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain completely and pour cooked orzo into a large bowl. Top with onions, carrot, red pepper, spinach and celery. Pour the other half of the dressing (the reserved dressing) over salad and toss to coat completely. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

To cook chicken, heat grill to high. Place chicken onto hot grill and cover. Cook 3-5 minutes per side. Cooking times may vary according to the thickness of the meat. **(I used my George Foreman Grill because I was short on time... Tasted great!)

To assemble, pour the orzo salad into a large serving dish. Top with toasted almonds and ramen noodles if desired. Place cooked chicken over top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

**Erica's Note: I had a bottle of Ken's Low Calorie Asian Sesame (w/Soy and Ginger) in my fridge and it tasted exactly like the dressing recipe above. So, if you are short on time and don't care that it contains corn syrup & MSG... [I say this because I know some of you do!]... then I'd suggest using this salad dressing to save time.

Aloha Luau Digital Kit Freebie

Last summer, Elisan decided she wanted a Luau themed birthday party. I found some really cute luau party platters at Hobby Lobby and decorated around those pieces. As a result, I was "inspired" by these pieces and created a few digital elements to go along with her birthday party invitation and theme.

With summer quickly approaching (at least here in Texas!) I decided it was time to offer up those digital elements as a freebie digital kit.

Enjoy!

Click image to download!

Sample Birthday Invitation

What should be a joyful experience

So, we're in the market for furniture.

To make a long story short... we purchased new living room furniture in 2004. The craftsmanship was terrible, thus... it is has not held up well.

It has been a long two years trying to convince my "frugal" husband to agree that we needed new stuff to sit on. Finally, after much debate, he's seen the light and has decided that we indeed need new stuff to sit on.

Last Saturday marked our second excursion to various furniture stores looking for the perfect living room furniture. I can honestly say... what SHOULD be a fun/exciting experience, has turned into a situation where I'm nearly convinced that the stuff we have now is just fine for another year or two.

Why?

Well, furniture is expensive. At least the stuff we like. Second, there is no perfect furniture, unless you go custom made (and even then...). Honestly, I don't want to pay the custom-made premium and then wait 45-60 days for it to arrive. Third, I can't help but "envision" what the furniture will look like once it's been used for 3 years. Squished down cushions, flattened down pillows... stains, rips, tears, etc. Blah.

I guess if we hadn't have the recent experience of needing to replace our microwave that was only 3 years old, I wouldn't be so uptight about it. But, seriously, replacing a microwave after only three years? That's ridiculous. I wasn't aware that microwaves were disposable.

Granted, I don't want to buy furniture with the intent of sitting on it until I die... certainly no... but if that's what we decided to do, then I'd like to know it will stand the test of time.

I had a friend tell me... "Just buy furniture that is cheap and then replace it again in 3-4 years. You'll want a new look by then anyway!" GAH! Really? We (unwittingly) tried that already. In 2004.

Tell me I'm not the only person who wants something to last longer than 3-4 years?!

So, anyway... for now, I'm tired of looking at furniture.

Other than dragging my husband and kids around Austin on Saturday to look for furniture, we had a pretty good weekend enjoying the beautiful (WINDY) weather!

Elisan & Kyla - April 3, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

March Madras Madness - Freebie

Oooooh, you cannot know how happy I am to see madras making a comeback this Spring!

I'm mad for plaid... especially madras plaid. And with March Madness underway... I couldn't think of a better time to offer up a freebie madras paper pack!

Click here to download the entire paper pack! Enjoy!

Blog Brain Dump Friday Edition

I'm so proud of me! I made it to the gym 5 times this week! That's darn near impossible these days, what with my busy lifestyle and all. I also wanted to share an exercise that is rocking my world... at least it's rocking my quads, calves, buttocks, back and core! I love all in one exercises.

It's called the hip supine extension with leg curl. All you need is a stability ball to do this exercise. Rather than have me demonstrate for y'all, I found this nifty little video on Youtube that will show you how to do it. Or, you can just look at this picture and get the gist. Please do not hold me accountable if you perform this exercise and you cannot move your legs/butt the next day. I'm not a trainer and I do not pretend to be. I do know that with this exercise I can only do about 15 reps at a time because my backside is burning so bad I need to rest.

Speaking of the gym... on my WAY to the gym today, I got rear-ended at a red light. There was no damage and the girl was nice enough to pull over and at least speak to me about it. Ironically, she was employed with Progressive Insurance.

As a former claims adjuster with Farmer's Insurance, I can tell you with certainty that I saw many (many, many) "claims" of rear-ending accidents where the car had no damage, but the claimant insisted they were injured with whip-lash which required chiropractic care in addition to the "pain & suffering" settlement dollars needed to get back to 100%. (Rolling eyes... WHATEVER!) I can imagine if this accident had occurred in Beaumont by a claims shyster and they saw "Progressive Insurance" on the side of that vehicle, they would've thought they had hit the jackpot! If only I were kidding.... (sigh)

Here's a new blog to love: "My Favorite Paint Colors"
I love it because it shows the color of the paint, in a normal everyday room, with the paint color name and store where it was purchased. Okay, I just scanned this blog... SOME pictures are not normal everyday pictures. Some are clearly professionally taken, but still, I love the concept.

So, last night I served broccoli for dinner. We're not broccoli people. Never have been, never will be. But, Randy's been asking me to prepare a wider selection of fresh vegetables at dinnertime, so who am I to deny him broccoli? By the way, he loathes broccoli, yet he must be tired of green beans and corn... who knew? I can eat broccoli just fine, but I don't prefer it, unless it is boiled and covered with velvetta.

But, back to the story. We placed one SMALL piece of broccoli on each girls' plate. Elisan ate it first because she's like me... get the painful stuff out of the way first. She's no procrastinator when it comes to offensive food on her plate. Kyla on the other hand, waited to see if it would disappear on it's own. It did not.

So, she took her broccoli bite, chewed it up a bit, began crying and then spit it out into her water glass. Nice.

Broccoli. Never again. It's just not worth the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

We're in the market for a new microwave. Our current microwave is only 3 years old, but is nearly rusted completely through the bottom. And for the record.... It's a GE PROFILE model. Don't buy GE PROFILE! (Public service announcement.) So, Randy wants to buy a rust proof microwave with a stainless steel cavity. Just go ahead and tack on another couple hundred bucks for that feature.

Truth be told, we're kind of at that place where several of our appliances will be needing to be replaced soon. We're just waiting for our refrigerator to go out any day now. And our dishwasher... well, it's horrible (Maytag) and it's only 4 years old. Apparently we don't have good luck with appliances that take a beating around here.

Well, that's all for today's installment of blog brain dump. Y'all have a good weekend and wear sunscreen for goodness sakes if you're going to be outside this weekend!

Sometimes, it's good to ask

A few days ago, I popped into Kinko's to have some things printed. The young lady helping me was wearing a scarf over her head, as if to cover her head from hair loss. I've seen this particular lady in Kinko's many, many times, but never with a head wrap. I was curious, but didn't say anything.

Yesterday, I walked into Kinko's and there she was. The same young lady, but yesterday she was wearing a newsboy cap. There was no one else in the store but the two of us.

My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her what type of treatment she was receiving to make her lose her hair. She began to tell me about her cancer.

Y'all. This girl has had three different types of cancer throughout the last 7 years. Her first battle was leukemia. Her second battle was with breast cancer, which required a radical mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Her current battle is with the residual effects of breast cancer - cancer found in her chest, liver and spine.

She is 29.

My heart broke for her and I could not hold back my tears... standing right there in Kinko's. It definitely makes you stop and realize that all of the crap we worry about, really pales in comparison to what this young lady is facing.

We spoke about God and she told me she is a Christian and that she thanks God everyday for his grace and provision. She was excited because the new treatments she is receiving (that was recently approved by the FDA in 2010) is working!

I touched her hand as I was leaving and we said our goodbyes. I know I'll see Amy again and I can't wait to hear an update from her.

I was glad I asked Amy a question that I was reluctant to ask.

Because now I can... Pray for Amy and her husband. And, pray that God do a work in her that is so amazing...because she has a testimony that is powerful.

I must be slow

I must be slow because I just realized over the weekend that Easter is on April 24th this year. That's late people!

I kept thinking I needed to get ready for Easter (i.e. dresses for the girls, plastic grass, Bunny candy... the works!) until I researched it and discovered that Easter is still a month away.

In my "research" I discovered a few fun facts:

• March 22nd is the earliest date that Easter can occur
• April 25th is the latest date that Easter can occur
• The next Easter to fall on April 24th will be in the year 2095

Here's a table that shows some interesting Easter dates. Notice that in 428 years, Easter has occurred on March 24th only 2 times!

Okay, that's enough nerdiness for one day. Have a good one!

I'm having fun! Another Digital Design Freebie!

One of my new year's resolutions was to "cultivate my digital design work style" and what better way to do this, than to offer up another digital design scrapbooking freebie.

Again, with the label frames! I love ornate label frames. I love them even better when they are free! Click here to download the entire set (or to download individually, click here.)

Also, still up for grabs is the Simple Label Frames (set 1) from last week!
Click here to download the entire set.

Another successful outing

Iif we're "friends" on Facebook, you've probably already seen this little nugget of fun.

Randy and I took the girls out for soccer practice/"fun time with daddy" down at the local university. It's a great outlet for the girls (and for the mommy and daddy as well!) plus, the grass is lush green and the fields are immaculate.

About 45 minutes into our fun, Randy took Elisan down to the ground in an attempt to allow Kyla Mae to score a goal. Oh sure, Elisan is rough and tumble on HER terms, but when daddy does it... that's a whole 'nuther ballgame. (In other words... she can dish it, but she can't take it!)

Here's the blow-by-blow:

As we were loading up in the van (shortly thereafter, I might add) Randy and I chuckled a bit and I said, "You know you've had a successful day at the soccer fields when someone ends up crying." Ah, such is (our) life.

And finally, here are a few pictures that I took when everyone was in a good mood. I just love, love, love my camera!!