Let the good times roll! - SOON please

Ok so life has been good- maybe to good. I've spent most of the last years doing all the things working mom's do or mom's who don't know how to say "NO" do. Girl Scout leader, PTA board, still crafting and about a year ago I signed up to sell Thirty-one. In the mean time my kids have gotten older and we've continued to make memories.  Last year (2012) I decided my motto was Simplify- OK those who know me stop laughing it wasn't a joke and I tried it and I did succeed in some ways!

My first holiday to "simplify" was Valentine's Day. I took my kids to the store and we bought store valentines (stop gasping in horror, it was hard). We filled them out and all was well. Until the morning they had to go to school. They had the valentines like all kids do but, they didn't have treat bags to go with them.  I didn't mention this as I thought it was just me who was dying inside and noticed- Nope it was Hunter (the kindergartner) who began crying cause he didn't have anything but, paper to give his friends! I tried to tell him all would be well (feeling like a failure and then decided we'd find a different way to simplify).  In the grand skeam of life, these few years I have to stay up til the wee hours of the morning making cute treats and bags ARE worth it! As when I'm dead or laying in a hospital bed someplace my kids WILL remember it and it won't be the SIMPLE things it will be BIG thing to them as it was that day. Lesson learned. 

I did go on to simplify my job. I moved to a new school where I teach only one subject 8th grade Geography.  That has added a lot of simplicity to my life.  I miss many of my friends at my old school but, my new kids behave so much better and many want to learn! It was a great simplify choice and in the next little bit you'll see it may have been divine inspiration!

We stayed home this summer, we didn't visit anyone just Disneyland and Hollywood for 4 days and I took my Girl Scouts to SeaWorld Sleepover.  I don't think I even spent the night at my BFF's house.  I did teach Summer school in June and July flew by! Oh I went to Atlanta for the 31 national conference alone- It was beautiful and simple to fly alone! :)

School started, I did my first booth at Art In the Park as Lollipops and Bows and it was a great success (not sure how that simplified but, it was good). My birthday came and my dad was here to visit.

Oh I'm forgetting that in the need to simplify I needed to simplify my waistline as well.  I joined Weight Watches in March and by my b day was down to my goal size of 14 (Got the coolest pair of GAP jeans for my B day (thanks Dad), they were even baggy today))- !!  Almost 60 pounds gone and many lifestyle changes to keep them gone which has been hard the past 13 weeks. 

I have come to realize how blessed and easy my life has been for many years! I knew it was but, I had truly forgotten what the roller coaster felt like! I don't like it and will be glad to get off any day now!

I will spare this blog all the details as the story isn't all mine to tell but, will sum it up that on Oct. 22nd my mom called at 5:30 in excruciating pain. I took her to hospital then and then back again around 1:00 as they discharged her the first time saying it was carpel tunnel. It turned out to be Narcotizing Facitis (flesh eating Bacteria).  That was almost 13 weeks ago and she is still in the hospital and it's blog of it's own that I hope to someday share. I hope to highlight some things I've learned here:

• You can pick yourself up off the floor- yup I thought it was a saying but, it can be done. Now I'm not naive enough to believe I did it alone I KNOW Heavenly Father had to be helping me. In fact I'm sure he has spent a lot of time holding up that first 3 weeks.
• I CAN DO THIS! I was so blessed from the very beginning to have this statement come to mind and it has been my motto! The positive attitude has helped me to have few meltdowns
• I have great friends-Kaylene- made sure my family ate and my kids were safe, even coming another morning for an early call as I ran out the door to get to the hospital.  Tanya- who has taken Clarissa to school daily. The Crossmans- who took my carpool turns for a few weeks and even my kids a day or two.  Christy- who has spent many hours on the phone putting my back together and listening to me weep and wail and plan for the what if's and listen to me say 100's of time I CAN DO THIS- cause if I keep saying it, it will be true.  My husband- as I've spent hours at hospitals, in tears, etc.  Aurora- for listening and fielding phone calls when I couldn't say it all one more time! My family- for being there, coming for holidays and listening.  For a great Visiting Teachers and Friends with encouraging words. Co- workers who put out plans and covered classes for the "new" teacher. 
• Satin is real and despite the miracles you see he will try to get you! (My mom should not be here. When she went into the first surgery I was told she probably wouldn't be back alive. Evidence of this the CEO of the hospital sat in the room with Kent and I during the surgery. ) I have asked for 8 weeks for my mom to get the sacrament and  it didn't happen long story short her bishopric, didn't want to have to wear and gown and gloves. That would be a direct quote from them. Her VT have been great and have been up weekly as have other sisters.  The Priesthood from her ward- not since the 1st surgery. My ward has been great but, that isn't the point.  I let their lack of service and their stupidity shake my faith. This time last week I was willing to throw away all that I knew so well to be true. Let' say this time last week I had hit an I CAN'T DO IT! - 3 months and 3 holidays is a long time to go through this trial. That being said, I've come to my senses, realized how blessed my life has been.  I can't wait to get back to that life. Back to SIMPLE, even if it's not simple for everyone else, it is for me!
• My life really was great and I can't wait to get back to it!

It's still great today just trying as I try to be teacher, mother, wife, scout leader, primary teacher, daughter- who goes to the hospital daily. (yes, I've missed a few but, until January I had only missed 4!) This month I've missed a few more, this week we had the flu and didn't want to take that up there!

** One reason I stopped blogging is I do it late and they are all drafts, If I have to revise, edit, final copy, I'll never get it done! Sorry, either enjoy and see what's going on or don't, I don't need, want or care to hear about the mistakes, esp from others ;)

Happy 9th Anniversary!

Yep it's been 9 years already- 41 more I told Kent. Why you say?  Well, I made him promise me 50 years (who on earth would change after that). We both come from families where our grand parents were married until death but, our parents not so much. So I figured 50 was a great number!

To 9 great years and 41+ more!

9 reasons I love you!

1. You are my best friend, why you say you can't read my mind as time goes on you are getting good at it.

2. You are a great father, you share all your passions and interest with your family. You include us in Hunting, fishing, biking and camping.

3. You allow me to be me. You support me in all my endeavors, from crafting to traveling.

4. You understand my obsession with over planning, esp. helping to make our kids parties the best every year, even if it means late nights designing. It means the world to me and to them.

5. You continue to see to my custom needs for furniture, counters, house projects and crafts.

6. Because you love me even when I'm being obstinate!

7. You understand that my career is as important as my family, and support me in that.

8. You understand craft supplies are sometimes better than flowers, and the crafty people aren't always the cleanest.  (someday I will keep it all in my room, promise)
9. Because your you and you are the best match for ME (dogs and all)

fun 4th of July treat

I saw a version of this at my favorite blog. Eighteen25. The ladies of this blog host the last craft show I do every year.  They are so cool. I wish I was related or atleast on their super cool friends list.  

I just counldn't give a plain pop or give it in the packaged bag, so we choose made a bag tag and put a few in the bag and took them to some of our favorite people.  The kids each choose some and went knocking with these cute bags.  We still have a few to deliver. It was super fun. A little odd treat, maybe, I had been thinking of earlier in the day what to do and had thought of giving watermelons, that could have been odder.

 I couldn't decide if we liked the circle or squars best so we did some of each.

I like each of the designs for diffferent reasons.  Can you tell there are ring pops in there. Clarissa is in summer school and I was trying to figure out what she was going to take to school on her last day (Thursday) and to the Summer school staff. This is it.  Hope they enjoy! Hope you enjoy this little treat in the lovely land of the free, May FREEDOM always ring on this great nation!

Happy 4th of July!

Hunter 5 b day

  I will let you in on a little secret. My camera died as I was taking pictures before guest arrived so I had to get dh’s and hurry so I don’t have the best pictures of the set up.  So far this has been my favorite party but, don’t tell the red head! To tell you the truth the blue eyes parties have been more fund from Toy Story to M&M’s to Clifford and the Circus

The living Room was the photo Booth and Al’s toy barn. We brought  the magic carpet  in here to open presents at the end.  See those cute Aliens.  My lovely husband cut them out and painted them for me.  They were my last minute add in.  (They are going on his bedroom wall).

Al’s Toy Barn shot, Check out those army men coming down to protect the toys!

Next the kitchen I mean Pizza Planet

Equipped with THE CLAW game. Each child got to pick up a stuffed beanie baby with the claw and take it homeI’d do a few things differently but, I hadn’t planned on the box it just happened yeappers the last hour.

Pizza Planet sign! Yep it’s the real logo. Down loaded vectorized and made of Vinyl- Planet blow up toy. Ball we got at target. Cool huh!

Real pizza boxes with real pizza planet signage.  This was the counter display.  The pizza was set on them.  Check out the cute signs I got from this  cool site.

Looks like the picture of the Dino Nuggets are missing  You can see the bowl of Jessie Juice (Capri Suns) and rocket Fuel (lemon Aide for adults)

Now for the good Stuff Cup Cakes, Candy, Sweet stuff

Check out that seen from TS1 remember when Sid put Buzz and Woody in the create? Yes, I watched the movies a few times to decorate.  Those are Bulls eye bullets (brownies) and little green men to ear.  On the right and on the left you have  alien pops (choc, dipped large marshmallows). Fruit Rockets added at the time to eat   The Aliens in the background are the treat bags.  The pictures on the board in the back are replicas I found on the Internet from the movie!  Yes, I did a lot of research! It was to much fun!

Aliens are treat bags! Bulls eyes bullets (brownies) Alien heads

 

Green Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows! (they are my newest addiction!

One kind of cupcake would not do for me :) Hamm and Mr. Prickle pants, were a hit.  The dino heads were spotted by the birthday boy and requested, couldn't resist.

 

Treat bags that everyone took home, Filled with TS items.

we also had fruit space rockets.

The bd boy decided it was time to start.  While we were waiting for people to arrive there was the TS 3 to watch and color pages.  He has a 5 shirt on made of TS 3 fabric from his Tutu.

We then played the following games:
      We have an uncanning amount of potato heads they kids played with them while pictures were taken in the photo booth in the living room. (See first picture) I also use the TS rug to keep kids on while others are taking turns (it's the teacher or Girl Scout leader in me).

      Rocket Toss, we made the rockets from 3L bottles and tubing from Lowe's.
      Toss the snake in the boot
      Pin the face on the Potato Heads- This was a lot of fun too.  
      Army Man Hunt- The birthday boy spread army men in the yard and they found them before we did the pinata.
      Pinata
      The Claw game- They got to pick up a New Beanie Baby with the claw and take it home!

Oh and lastly they got to visit the Candy Buffet- It was so much fun
Baby Lotso (gummy bears), Prospector's Gold (Gold Coins),  Bonnie's Secret Ingredient (Jelly Beans), Star Burst from Star command

 I used his bed spread as a decoration in front of the snake in my boots game. It was perfect with Woody being so big on it.

 I'll add a few more photos later, the computer is being sllllllllllooooooooooowwwwwwww. 

Hope you enjoyed. 

We had the cutest invites It will have to come later!

Ready to hunt and pull the pinata!

This was hanging on the front door! I made that etcha a sketch. Cool Huh! Took all of 10 minutes. Now this hangs on his bedroom door!

laying it all out

OK. Here it goes. I'm laying it all out. I'm reading the book  (yes, I have a cute craft idea planned for it too)

 by Merilee Boyack- She is  my idol,  my inspiration, someday I want to be her! It's even make a fleeing stop in my brain to go to law school so I could be like her. OK, my deep secret is this is one of my regrets in life (I didn't make it to 30 with out being married, so I didn't make it to law school) but, my life is not over. I may be the oldest lady in law school but, I still need that doctorate degree and well maybe just maybe that will be how I will get it.  But, for now I'll pay on my many other degrees and get back on topic.

She is often at Education week at BYU and someday maybe she'll be in Las Vegas! Heck let's go for the gold someday she may even know my name! I can dream this is MY blog! Let's just hope it's not for being crazy but, for being compassionate, caring, loving and full of service.  Ok or Crafty I could handle that. Maybe she has a granddaugther I could make bows for and stalk her.  I'll have to check into that!

So she says I'm afraid that's why I don't do some of the things I want, yeah kind of. So I came home ( I was reading while Rissa was at Cheer practice) and got busy, I don't take being called a chicken lightly especially when it may just be true! So I completed the flyer's I stared a month ago, made a face book invite and posted on all my blogs!
Yep craft parties.
check em out. Hope you enjoy!

I'm hosting my premier craft party

in you are in the Las Vegas area e mail me at lollipopsandbows@gmail.com for an invite!

What will be making?

you choose chicks or bunnies

each kit contains 1lg and 1 small

you get to personalize your chick or bunny- to me this is the fun of this product line is it has personality.  You can see some of the adorable ideas below and hopefully more to come.

How much are one of these adorable kits you ask?

The premier kit is $15.00 for one large and one small on all orders placed by March 31st the night of my premier party.   You want both well Okay just this once both kits for $25.00.

What you want it for FREE? 

Host a party in the southern nevada/ Utah area with 10 friends and it can be yours for free.

If you not in our area place an order for 10 kits and the 11th is yours FREE!

Set a date to party and paint with the girls NOW!

Now and then...

Feb 2011 vs

March 2009

 Where have my babies gone?  Oh how times change.  I keep thinking I have aprox 1/3 of my job done of raising Clarissa.  I mean in 11 years she will be off at college- Don't worry I'm not planning her life away. I just remember all the fun and excitement my college years were. I met the best friends of my life.  I had more fun and heart break than any other time in my life.  I found and defined who I was.   OK back to today.  It's just hard to believe how fast time is flying soon I will be registering my baby for Kinder.  I'm currently planning his 5th birthday party.  I don't know about you but, the number 5 seems so big.  Clarissa currently can't wait to be 8, so she can be baptized.  I think she'd skip her 7th b day if she could.  I'm so excited for her.  She is doing so much better at her new school.  We are till working hard and she is being tutored 3 days a week.  Hunter is loving per K and can't wait to go to Kinder if he has Ms. Linares.  Clarissa is going on her first real field trip Thursday to the children's museum and is real excited.  As you can see they are both growing up real fast!  They are bright, energetic children who know how to love and bug each other.  I love that they are best friends and while they may need a short breaks from each other.  Give them an hour and they will be missing the other one!

Oh where is all the time going?

Ok so I'm not so good at updating.  I have my own theories and may or may not share but, I do have a few post I've started.  I did want to upload this adorable- no I'm not bias picture of my kids.  I'm sure you will all agree!  Doesn't that look like the future president or CEO of a company?

one thing checked off, and one little boy who's not so little.

I've had this idea for a while but, it never seems to make it to the top of the to do list.  Well here it is
PICK UP cards  (Do they look blurry?, does anyone know how I can change that?)I made them myself, so they can use some work but, hey I'm learning and I know they will help Hunter be successful in cleaning is room.  I told him one by one what to pick up the other day and he did a pretty good job, except for the left over stuff he stuffed in his closet, Isn't 4 to  young to be doing that.  OK, he's almost 5.  The other night I asked him if he'd always by my baby boy. He looked at me very seriously and said "Mom, someday I'll be 16 you know." I explained he could still be my baby then.  That being said my first baby is turning 16 this Sunday.  While he may not be mine be mine, I've been around since he was Clarissa's age. I remember his kinder grad.  My brother in law Keith will be 16 on Sunday. He's going on his first date on Saturday to the military ball (he's in ROTC). sniff sniff. Soon he'll be off too college. I so need to get pictures on my new computer. Keka or Keithy we love you. we are so blessed you have you as an uncle and brother in law.  I just hope you know how much Clarissa and Hunter look up to you.  Clarissa said the best part of our 6,000 mile road trip this summer is that you were with us!  It was so fun to spend July with you and to show you where I spent part of my life. YOU ARE GROWING UP TO BE AN AMAZING YOUNG MAN, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU AND THE CHOICES YOU'VE MADE THUS FAR. I'LL BE SAD TO SEND YOU OFF TO THE MILITARY SOME DAY BUT, PROUD TO WATCH YOU SERVE OUR COUNTRY.  Hunter and Keka @ Disneyland Oct 2010
 Legoland Summer 2009? See what a great boy he is, he always follows my wear a certain color suggestions.

Simplify

It's time to reveal my plan for 2011. All in all it can be summed up in one word.

SIMPLIFY

Just what does this mean you ask. Well I'm not sure I know 100% but, I have some ideas.

1. PURGE- I've been reading a friends blog who got rid of a bag (walmart size) of things every day for all most 6 months. I know that seems crazy but, how much do we keep that we don't need to. My problem is I always want to find someone who will treasure my junk (yes, I've lost my mind). I have a bag of Hunter's Gymboree clothes 2T I think for someone to treasure on my door for months. If you'll treasure them they are yours! Think Hunter must have read my mind as we were cleaning his room tonight he found a nice size box and started a box to go to daycare (Sunnyside-from Toy Story 3), silly boy but, hey it helped him purge. I was surprised at what he got rid of and why. I only persuaded him to keep one thing (that's where you say good mom). He also made a pile for college (thanks Disney).
   
2. If we don't use it purge it!- sometimes I think Mormonism leads to hordism (yes, I made up that word). We are to have a year supply or at least 3 months of food. I think most of us have a years supply of other things as well. I have the craft supplies covered. I think we may have the clothes covered too. (I tend to buy my kids clothes at the end of the season for the next year). We are purging in closets too. Bye cute dresses I loathe from my skinny days, I have to tell my self the 90's are over and so are those cute clothes. However I will keep those size 3 CK jeans FOREVER! PROOF! They once fit. I even in my craziness told Kent we needed to make a jean quilt, to inspire him to clean his closet. See a way to USE IT!
   
3. Complete projects that have started or that are on my list.- Kizerian Kommand center is one of the first on my list.
   
4. USE the list I make- I love list but, I think I only love to make them. So my goal for this year is to use the list! (crazy but, hey I do teach middle school, so we know I'm a little off). Included in this is to make master lists. Example Holiday meal list make the grocery list and recipe so I'm not redoing it year after year. (yes, I'm a traditionalist, we have the same meal every year, sorry guys no variety here.)
   
5. This may go with my list making but here it is DO THINGS EARLY. For example I have the kids valentines picked out we are making cute magnetic bookmarks. My goal is that they are made by Feb. 1^st! We already have the treat bags and the stuff to stuff them so they too can be ready by then. I will teach my children to be the woman I once was, not the last minute woman I have become! – (tonight I did reports due on Monday, while it's not way early, it's not the very last minute, YEAH!, I even have dinner started for tomorrow)
   
6. PLAN- I once had everything planned especially meals, I miss that part of me, I miss those meals, I know Kent does! For the record yes, I do have Hunter's party started (Toy Story 3, I may even start the treat bags. I was thinking I could have it all done by the end of March, let's hope). Sorry Christy simplify does not mean simplify the party- parties are who I am- they will still be full of details and fun. I will admit it here and now the party and fun is for the kids but, I get my fun in planning the party and in the details. I'm still impressed with Hunter's M & M party from a few years ago. I don't think I've topped it yet, But, we'll try someday1
   
7. SAVE- $$ that is. I try to be prepared for any thing. I have a closet full of gifts (see no.2), I buy them on sale at my favorite store. I'm going to try to be prepared by have $$ not stuff. Yeah this will be hard I love my shopping but, we'll be spending our time using or purging, or so I hope.
   
8. My craft room- yeah the dark hole of the house- I'm going to purge in there too. Use or purge. I'm going to start Now for craft season. So I can simplify in the fall and sleep that thing- I miss Sept- Dec. All those little things I just bought WILL be ready to sell by Sept. 1^st I'm going to work on something every month! If I have all the parts, which I do, why do I wait? Plus, this year I have 2 weddings to help with in September so I need to be ahead of my game and I think I'm staying home this summer L.
   
9. Calendar- this will be the hard one. Simplifying my calendar is going to be tricky. This week I did great! Next week isn't looking so good. :? 3 busy days but, if I plan well I can have dinner ready each night. And I'll have everything done early so it shouldn't be all bad! I hope.
   

   
    

   TO SUM IT UP BY THE TIME 2012 GETS HERE WE SHOULD ONCE AGAIN BE ORGANIZED! I'M HAVING VISIONS OF MY ONCE ALPHABITIZED CAN GOODS REAPPEARING, THE CLOSETS THAT WERE ORGANIZED WITH CUTE LITTLE LABELS COMING BACK(yes, soon after we were married, I got a dymno and Kent went hunting for the weekend, he came home to the whole house labeled, it was my dream come true, then we moved while pregnant, had a cute little girl then a handsome boy and life overtook me but I will once again rein! I have visions of labels and closets that I'm proud of. I have 51 weeks to get it started! I'm hoping to share my journey with you! Come along if you will!
   

   
    

   So if you see something missing from my house, it may have been simplified or organized. (I think I'll keep my 2 crock pots, I use them, but, that roaster from George Foreman may have to go). Maybe Dymno will even want to sponsor my blog by the end! J
   

   
    

   
    

a new year, a new post

I've brainstormed a million things to blog about including: Changes over the past decade, 2010 in review, rites of passage, holiday happenings and more. 
But, as i tell my students I need to stop thinking and start writing.  I had planned to go to bed early tonight well early for me but, am waiting til midnight so I can announce Girl Scout cookie sales have begun on facebook.  Yes, there is no rest for the wicked, kind of I didn't do a lot this past week, I've been fighting a cold or something and I practiced resting which is a first for me.  But it was nice to be lazy.  I now just have to put up Christmas decorations and finish laundry but, hey it was my break! 

so this will be a random post.
Girl Scout cookie - yep it's true COOKIE TIME is here we'd be happy to take your orders.  They are $4.00 a box.  Clarissa's goal is to sell 400 boxes again this year.  Yes, I said again, she did it last year on accident so now we gotta do it again! I'm sure we will, we are good at goals and selling!  She is excited!

I'm so excited Clarissa starts a new school today (Monday), She will be a Brookman Builder.  She has had such a hard time at school this year. I'm applaud to be a teacher with some of the thinks Clarissa has endured this year.  Applaud that teachers care so little, But, that is a post for another time. I'm just thankful for friends and prayers being answered. I'm happy to put a girl to bed tonight, who is excited to go to school tomorrow and not crying or scared.  No first grader should be crying or fearful to go to school.  It's been nice to see my spunky red head back the past 2 weeks.  She is set for school once again, a new back pack, lunch box and a new outfit, an outfit she bought with her Christmas money and a shirt nana gave her for Christmas.  She is way excited to be in Ms. Allen's class tomorrow! I can't wait for her.  I can't wait for that love of learning to return.  Parents listen to your children, but more importantly listen to what they are not saying.  C's actions have been tellling me for months she was in the wrong place, I only wish I had acted sooner.  I pray the harm that has been done will be quickly over come with the love I felt from her new teacher already. 

what about Hunter you ask, He's all boy and sweet as pie!  He's momma's boy!  As of right now he's in all day pre K at C's old school, hoping that stays but, it could change since she's not there. But, I had to do what has best for her.  We are going to start working on sight words and see if we can't get him reading soon.  He loves to run jump land on his knees and find dirt!  Oh yeah he loves to talk about poop, burp and make weird noises, Yep he's a boy n. Dirt with noise!  Best of all he is a great hugger and kisser.  I love to get Hunter hugs, I love how he pats your back with his little hands.  He's getting so big.  OK so he can really still wear a 3t except he's gotten to tall for them.  He loves to tell knock knock jokes or should I say make up knock knock jokes that don't make sense but, he has fun, He is a jokester.  On a recent trip to Disney while in the haunted mansion the lights go out on cue he yells "Hey who turned the lights out", the whole room laughed.  He seems to have a knack for finding funny things and keeps up laughing. I'm scared for him to get in school.  He also loves to antagonize his sister and even tells her he's antagonizing her.  He hates baths, seat belts and cleaning his room (he use to be so good at that).

My goal is to post once a week, that seems doable right, My theme for the year is one word Simplify! Yes, this will be hard for me but, I'll try~ No this doesn't mean my kid's birthdays will be less, that's to much fun. Yes, I've already started Hunter's party. It's Toy Story and I can't wait! It's a miracle but, roo hasn't chosen a theme yet, I've tried to get her to wait. She loves to plan parties, not sure where she got that at?  We skipped a Halloween and Christmas this year so she insist she must have a Valentines party.  I'm sure she will since she'll have some new friends and life is settling down since craft show season is over. so 2011 is now underway, it's snowing in some places here in vegas and I'm not praying for a snow day I'm ready to get back to work.  ready to make my kids buckle down and hit the books! CRT's are coming and we have something to prove, we have been working hard.  I have a great bunch of students this year, I have been truly blessed!

MAY YOUR 2011 BE BLESSED! I LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING IN TOUCH THIS YEAR!