2011 Summer Photo Challenge: Outdoor Play

Show Us Some Outdoor Play!

Earlier in the week, we had some rain and the kids were bouncing off the wall.  We just needed to get out of the house and run off some energy.  I hesitated when Noah asked if he could go out and ride his bike.  Really?  Riding in the rain?

But then again, why not?  Clothes are washable.  Little boys are washable.  Memories are forever.

So that's what we're doing at our house.  Are you ready to Show us some outdoor play?  Did you take pictures this week?  Join us as we chronicle our lives this summer and document what makes each of us special.  Link up to a specific post below and don't forget to invite others to join us.  The more of us that get involved, the more fun!

Next week's challenge: What's Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?  Or Summer Drink?

*Linked to these Parties and Weekend Bloggy Reading

Winner, Winner...

Yeah!  We have a winner for our We Choose Virtues Giveaway.

Out of 19 entries, the random number is ....

#10!

Congratulations, Leah!

I'll be contacting you for your mailing address.

If you didn't win, don't forget to use the available codes for purchasing either the Virtues Flashcards, the Virtues Poster, or both.  Check out the original post for more details.

Practicing Hospitality: Hospitality and Strangers

Welcome to our chapter two discussion of Practicing Hospitality.  For eight weeks, we'll take a chapter and open it up for discussion.  I'll start us off with a summary of the chapter and then open the linky for questions and thoughts.  Even if you're not reading the book, feel free to add to the conversation.  May you be blessed!

Past chapters:

Hospitality and Character

Chapter Two: Hospitality and Strangers

How many of us have the attitude of being willing to do anything and everything for our friends, maybe even friends of friends?  

Now, what thoughts run through your head when you heard "Hospitality and Strangers?"

The authors zero in on Romans 12:13: "Share with the Lord's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality."

Practice... We're not asked to be Martha Stewart or Paula Deen (I love my Paula).  No, we're practicing. We're starting where we're at and taking steps forward.  Which means we will have to risk failure.  But we're really risking success.  

The authors go on to speak about the attitude behind hospitality, one of joyful giving.  Biblical hospitality being characterized by joy. And generosity.  If we're not willing to be generous with our time, or food, or home, we will serve with a grudging heart.  One that's unable to show Christ's love.

Biblical hospitality is also a daily discipline.  While that doesn't mean a six course meal served at my house every night, it does speak to an attitude to welcomes others even in the most mundane moments of life.  And who might we be showing hospitality to: fellow believers, widow and orphans, unbelievers, poor and needy, missionaries, refugees, etc (pg 55).  

Hospitality focuses on the needs of others: food, lodging, possessions, rest, encouragement, a listening ear, someone to pray with, etc.  The idea of hospitality really opens up to take the focus off us and onto those we're reaching out to.  

Four principles are discussed in demonstrating Old Testament hospitality:

1. Hospitality was viewed as a duty 

2. Hospitality was offered with sincerity

3. Hospitality was inclusive of all people

4. Hospitality was mutually respected--reciprocated with loyalty and friendship

I loved this concluding thought: "... hospitality is a reflection of God's nature.  God is a welcoming God. He pursues and extends relationship, meeting needs and providing safety.  As we model a life of invitation, employing our resources to meet the needs of others, we provide the world with a picture of a much greater spiritual truth--God invites all to his safe embrace" (pg 65).

As a side note, I came across this article from Raising Homemakers that touches on hospitality.  Well-worth the read!

This week's discussion:

1. Write a personal definition of hospitality.  Review key Scriptures to guide your thoughts and support your explanation (Rom 12:13, Heb 13: 1-2, and I Pet 4:9).

2. If you are unfamiliar with the rich theological truths found in Roman 1-11, take some time to familiarize yourself withe the amazing grace of God.  Once you see the context for the command to pursue hospitality (Rom 12:13), consider the following questions:

*Do I reflect my gratitude for God's love for me by how I love others?

*Do I enthusiastically pursue hospitality?

*Do I sacrifice for the needs of others?

*Do I model God's love through hospitality?

3. You are commanded to practice hospitality without complaining (I Pet 4:9).  How can you personally practice hospitality "without grumbling"?  List several application ideas.  What hinders you from practicing hospitality?  What changes do you need to make to eliminate these barriers to hospitality?

Next week:

Join us next Thursday July 7 for Hospitality and Family.

Linky Party:

Feel free to link up below if you're discussing Practicing Hospitality on your blog.  We love hearing your thoughts and being encouraged in this journey together.  Can't wait to hear what you're thinking.

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Wonderful Giveaway...

Be sure to check out this awesome giveaway at I Take Joy.  Sally Clarkson is graciously giving away three copies of Educating the Wholehearted Child.

Good luck to everyone!

Inspiration...

Inspiration...

We all long for it.  Especially as writers.  We're constantly seeking it.

It's that elusive ... well, what is it exactly?

It's like a wind... a breath... a whisper...

You can't see it, but you sure know what it feels like.  And more than that, it has the power to shake your world.

That's what this young woman is doing.  She is inspiring, refreshing, and shaking up a whole lot of people.

(Image Credit: Smockity Frocks)

Meet Madison.  She's 16 and she's a world changer.  At 16, most girls are thinking about cars, shopping, and Friday night football games.  This girl... she's thinking about a well.

You see for Madison's 16th birthday she didn't ask for anything for herself.  She asked for water.

Focused, determined, and unrelenting, this girl inspired a community to build a well.  Through the generous help of others, Madison organized a bake sale that raised over $4,000.

$4,000... 


A BAKE SALE!


And Madison's story still continues to inspire.  Through her mother's blog, another $5,500 was raised for wells.  That's the power of what the Lord can do with a 16 year old who just wants some water and won't take NO for an answer.

Matthew 25:37-40 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “

To read Madison's story, check out Smockity Frocks.

Or to learn how you can help with the global water crisis, go to Healing Hands International or Living Water International. 

*Linked to these Parties, Writer's Workshop, and Weekend Bloggy Reading.

Summer Challenge #19

Today's Topic: Summer Reading

We love to read in this house.  Between the kids and I, our library check outs can easily top 20 books at a time.  Dave and I often comment that we hope this habit keeps up into adulthood.

Since we spend so much time reading anyways, I signed both of the kids up for the library reading program this summer.  Noah's reading all by himself 20 minutes a day and I'm reading to Lydia for hers. The kids fill up one bookmark and win prizes every week.  The library also has a summer program with singers, dancers, puppets, and animals over the course of about 8 weeks.  The first week we went, the Latin dancers were incredible.  I wish I had taken my camera.

As a family we've been reading, the Little House series and we're currently on These Happy Golden Years.  Even though it's over their heads, the kids love it.  And it's brought up some fun conversations as well.  Like why they had to make their own food or mend torn socks.

I just finished Siblings without Rivalry.  Can you tell what's been going on at our house?  Not my favorite book on the subject, but I think my kids were just a little too small to implement most of the suggestions.

And of course, I just posted my review of Praying for your Future Husband.  Good reading for high school/college age.  Love that it had application questions as well.

For more books, we've been reading lately, check out our 2011 Book List.

So what have you been reading?  Do you have any suggestions for us as we finish the Little House series?  What's the next series we should start?

*This post DOES NOT contain affiliate links.

Praying for your Future Husband {Review}

Have you ever wondered about the man you'll marry?  Has God laid it on your heart to begin praying for him even now?  Are you a mom looking to guide your daughter in "waiting for God's best?"  Or are you a youth leader simply hoping to encourage your girls in seeking God in all things?  If so, Praying for your Future Husband may be the book to get you pointed in the right direction.

Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer have written a book that logically lays out several areas of prayer for your future husband.  Topics include praying for patience, understanding, loyalty, protection, and so much more.  Gunn and Goyer's focus on prayer is extensive as each chapter not only instructs, but also gives sample prayers for both your future spouse and yourself to grow in these areas.  Also included in each chapter are real reader letters of how prayer affects marriage, fill-in space for reflection, and group/accountability questions for discussion.

From a married woman's perspective, this book touches on so many of the issues that I still pray for my husband.  The topics are relevant and the focus is on both partners growing closer to God.  Written to high school/ early college age, I would whole heartedly recommend this book to the women in my life.

*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book to review for Blogging for Books.  All opinions are my own.

Fourth of July Inspiration

We've invited a bunch of family to come visit us this weekend, so I'm baking and organizing my heart out.  It's always fun to see what kind of celebratory things we can come up with and I'm excited to have everyone in our home.  

I've been looking around and there's tons of 4th of July inspiration out there.  If you're planning on hosting this weekend, or just want to make the holiday special for your family, here's some great ideas:

Firework Cookies @ Red Couch Recipes

Uncle Sam Ice Cream Cones @ Family Fun

Fourth of July Cookie Cake @ My Plum Pudding

Fourth of July Jello Cake @ Creative2xmom

4th of July Fruit Sparklers @ Creative2xmom

4th of July Printables @ While He Was Napping

Shabby Chic Wreath @ Simply Sweet Home

Glitter Pinecones @ Craftionary

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Made by Me Monday

Hey y'all,

How was your weekend?  Where you at home or doing some summer travel?  I can't believe we're in the final week of June already.  Amazing!  

We had a nice little cool off this weekend.  Mid-90's and perfect for what we had planned.  The VBS that Noah had been attending did a big block party on Saturday and invited the surrounding neighborhood for a BBQ and party.  Noah was excited to show us what he'd been learning and it's a great opportunity to get out in the community.  We just had a great time.

Did a little crafting, a little baking, and lots of one on one time with the kids.  This past week was crazy with T-ball practice, gymnastics, home group, and meeting up with some gals.  So I tried to take a little more time to spend with the kids this weekend.  Tried to unplug more this weekend and did lots of reading.  Do other bloggers find that they're reading addicts too?  I love to read.

I spent some time last week doing a 4th of July round up that I'm posting tomorrow and came across this photo from last year.  I had completely forgotten about it.  We found ourselves at home last year and I wanted to make a flag cake.  But really, who needs an entire cake for two adults and two kids?  Let's not kid ourselves.  I would have eaten the whole thing by myself.  

So instead we made a 4th of July Jello "Cake."  Instead of cake, I mixed up two boxes of jello, let them set, and decorated with whipped cream and fruit.  It was SO good.  Plus with the triple digit temps, it was cool and refreshing.  So if you're looking for a twist on the flag cake, try this one.  It's Yummy!

Time for a crazy week.  We've got swim lessons, gymnastics, T-ball, home group, and a whole house load of family coming in for the weekend.  Yikes!

Here's what else we have going on this week:

Our Menu:
Monday: Healthier Chicken Parmesan, green salad
Tuesday: Grilled Veggie Sandwiches, pea salad
Wednesday: Orzo with Shrimp and peas
Thursday: BBQ Kebabs and pasta salad
Friday: ???
Saturday: Taco Salad
Sunday: Pizza Night

Projects I'm tackling this week:
Finishing Disney album
Prepping food
Cleaning house for company

Posts coming up this week:
Round-up of 4th of July ideas
Next book club post
2011 Summer Photo Challenge
and Much More!

This will be the last Made By Me Monday for awhile.  I'll be taking a break while the summer months are busy.  I'll still be posting projects here and there, but no link-up for a season.

So let's send this Made By Me Monday out with a bang.  Time to start partying.  Write a blog post highlighting your project with a link back here so that others can join in on the fun.  Then link up below to the blog post itself.  You can post more than one project; just add more than one link.  Are you ready?

*Linked to these Parties

*Linked to Menu Monday

Lee's To Do List

These Greek Summer Recipes (@ Disney's Go To Girl) look perfect for the hot summer ahead.  They'll be on our menu soon.

Love this list of $0 Craft Ideas (@ Full of Great Ideas).  Showing how to be creative while sticking to a budget.

We may have finished 52 First Dates, but there are still 50 Ideas to Inspire Your Husband (@ Family Life).  Which one will you take on as a personal challenge this week?

What a wonderful reminder of the 3 Benefits of God-sized Dreams (@ Michael Hyatt).  What will you dream?

Check out these cute Interchangeable Flip Flop Backstraps (@ Make it and Love it).  How easy are they?

2011 Summer Photo Challenge: Fruit Basket

What's in your Fruit Basket?

Peaches!

Yummy, Yummy Peaches!

Summer is my favorite time of year for produce.  Peaches, nectarines, watermelon, plums... we love it all.  Things are finally coming into season so we broke out of our apples and bananas rut and bought some peaches and strawberries.  Just love this time of year!

So that's what we're eating in our house.  What's in your Fruit Basket?  Did you take pictures this week?  Join us as we chronicle our lives this summer and document what makes each of us special.  Link up to a specific post below and don't forget to invite others to join us.  The more os us that get involved, the more fun!

Next week's challenge: Show us some outdoor play!

*Linked to these Parties and Weekend Bloggy Reading

Practicing Hospitality: Hospitality and Character

Welcome to our chapter one discussion of Practicing Hospitality.  For eight weeks, we'll take a chapter and open it up for discussion.  I'll start us off with a summary of the chapter, then open up the linky for questions and discussion.  Even if you're not reading the book, feel free to add to the conversation.  May you be blessed!

Chapter One: Hospitality and Character

The book opens with the idea that our standards for hospitality don't conform to the world's standards.  Rather, we are to be "imitators of Christ" (I Cor 11:1).  So our standards shouldn't be coming from the latest edition of Martha Stewart Living (which I love), but rather from the example of Christ himself.  As the author insightfully states, "I am challenged to embrace his standard of femininity- a quality that, from a biblical perspecitve, has little to do with appearance and everything to do with character" (20).

The author purposefully takes us through the character necessary to demonstrate biblical hospitality.  Using "hospitality" as an acronym, these are the characteristics outlined:

H- Humble

O- Obedient

S- Sincere

P- Prayerful

I- Interested in Integrity

T- Trustworthy

A- Adopted into God's Family

L- Led by the Spirit

I- Instrumental in Producing Righteousness

T- Thankful

Y- Yielded

This was a challenging chapter for me to read.  As a busy Mama of two, I wanted to skim through it and get to the "meat."  Character... schmaracter...  Did anyone else feel like that?  

However, as Christians, don't we find that character is the foundation?  Or should be the foundation?

Fads and trends will come and go, even in opening our homes and extending hospitality.  There will always be more recipes to try and more holidays to decorate for.  But the reasons why we open our homes, the personal conviction to do so, and the way in which we relate to those that walk through the front door, ... those are the things that make our efforts worthwhile.

Last week, I asked the question, "Why extend hospitality?"  Don't we extend hospitality as a way of expressing Christ's love?  But look at the definitions above.  Let's take thankfulness as an example.  If we've yet to cultivate thankfulness, we will be expressing frustration or jealousy.  If we've yet to cultivate trustworthiness, we're expressing gossip.  And the list could go on.

Developing a life of character is what makes it possible for us to express Christ's love.  And yes, we will have areas that we're constantly working on.  Areas that we have to revisit from time to time.  But being aware of the importance of character, reminds us to take time for it in our preparations.

This week's discussion:

1.  Which of these characteristics are you lacking in?  How can you begin to develop 1-2 of those characteristics in the coming weeks?

2. What is your greatest obstacle in embracing the joy of hospitality?

3. Look at your calendar and begin to plan opening your home in the next week.  Which characteristic can you meditate on in preparation for the event?

Next Week:

Join us next Thursday, June 30th for Hospitality and Strangers.

Link Party:

Feel free to link up before if you're discussing Practicing Hospitality on your blog.  We love hearing your thoughts and being encouraged in this journey together.  Can't wait to hear what you're thinking.

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties.

Silhouette Tutorial

Back in May, I took a girls' trip with three good friends.  It was a fun weekend of food, laughter, and memories.  It was a much needed break and I'm so thankful for the chance to get away.

While we were there, my friend Larrissa prepped this awesome project for us to make silhouettes of our children.  I wasn't prepared for how nice they were going to come out.  I love the classic look of a silhouette, but having them made is so expensive.  With a project like this, it's inexpensive and it only took me about a half hour.  Hope you love them as much as I do.

Here's what you'll need:

*Side photos of your children

*Ink pen

*Printer paper (on hand)

*Carbon paper

*Black and white cardstock (on hand)

*Matting (@ Dollar Store)

*Frames (@ Dollar Store)

 1. Take profile photos of your children.  I took one of my daughter as well, but her hair was wet.  These come out better when long hair is fixed.

2. Stack your photo, carbon paper, and printer paper in that order.  Use an ink pen to trace around your child's silhouette.

3. When you remove your photo, this is what you'll have.  I added the slope on the bottom.

4. Measure your matting around your outline to make sure it fits and is centered.

5. Cut your black cardstock to fit your frame.

6. Center your silhouette in the matting and staple printer paper to black cardstock.  Use more than one staple.

7. Cut around silhouette.

8. Layer white cardstock, black cardstock, matting, and frame.  

I think I'm gonna add the kids' names and ages on the bottom.  That's so my Noah. As soon as I was done cutting out the lips and nose, I could see him.

What do you think?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

We Choose Virtues {Review & Giveaway}

Recently I had an opportunity to review the We Choose Virtues Flash Cards and Virtues poster with my kids.  I had heard a little bit about this company and jumped at the chance to do this review.  And I was absolutely not disappointed.

All the products are printed in excellent quality with fantastic colors.  That's one of the things my kids first noticed: the bright colors and fun characters.  We started by using the Virtues Flash Cards in our morning devotions.  They include such characteristics as honesty, obedience, and self-control.  The backs of each card has a definition, the virtue's antonym, and a Scripture to go with it.  My kids jumped right on board with learning the definitions which are written in simple kid language and easy to remember.  We've found them to be great teaching tools and excellent jumping off points for our morning discussion.

Twelve virtues in all, they also come listed on the Virtues poster which is a great reference guide.  Posted in a high traffic area of your home, it's a great tool for reminding children of the behavior you expect.

And guess what?  You can win a set.

For one lucky reader, I have a set of 12 Virtues Flash Cards and a Virtues poster!

Here's all you have to do:

Mandatory Entry:

*Follow Creative2xmom and check out We Choose Virtues.

Leave a comment on this post telling me what product interests you the most.

Optional Entries:

* Follow Creative2xmom on Facebook

*Follow Creative2xmom on Twitter

*Blog, Facebook, or Tweet this giveaway (one entry per method)

Leave me a separate comment for each entry.

Entries will close at midnight on June 27th.

Can't wait to win?

For a limited time, use the promo code "Robin" to purchase the Virtues Flash Cards (faith or community based), a $19.99 value, for just $11.99.

You can also use the promo code "family" to purchase the Virtue Poster for just $11.99 as well.

Both codes can be used at the same time and shipping is only $5.

Good luck to all the entrants!

*Linked to these Parties
*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Summer Challenge #11

Oops!  Looks like I missed a couple of days.  Such is life and having a life.  Sometimes the blog goes on the back burner and life goes on.

Today's Topic: Refreshing Beverages

My favorites:

(Image Credit)

  Harry & David's Watermelon Tea

Frozen Limeade

(Image Credit)

Cranberry Squirt

What's your favorite?

Made by Me Monday

Wow!  I had a crazy busy weekend.  How about you?  Is summer in full swing in your house?

Last Thursday I took the kids and met my mother in law at the half way point.  The kids were going to be gone for a few days and I had a list a mile long to tackle.  Isn't that the ways it always goes?  Spent Friday hanging out with my husband.  We went and saw Soul Survivor.  Much better than even I thought it would be.  My husband had to agree as well.  Then spent Saturday scrapbooking and reading mostly.  Ignored the house cleaning other than the laundry and just did stuff I don't have time to do when the kids are here.

Finished up these silhouettes that I want to share with you later in the week.

Sunday we went down to Sacramento and went to a baseball game for Father's Day.  Noah really got into it and enjoyed watching.  Lydia was just trying to catch a cat nap on Mama's lap.  Came home last night and the house is recovering with little ones running around and routine to be found again.

What about you?  What have you been up to lately?

Here's what else is going on at our house this week:

Menu:
Monday: Sloppy Joe's, green salad
Tuesday: Taco Salad
Wednesday: Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
Thursday: Something light
Friday: Pizza night!
Saturday: Stirfry
Sunday: Grilled chicken salad

Projects I'm tackling this week:
Journaling in Disney album
Scrapbook Easter photos
Baking

Posts coming up this week:
A review and GIVEAWAY
Shilouette Tutorial
Our book club
and the next Summer Photo Challenge

Should we get started partying?  Write a blog post highlighting your project with a link back here so that others can join in on the fun.  Then link up below to the blog post itself.  You can post more than one project; just add more than one link.  So let's get started!

*Linked to these Parties

*Linked to Menu Monday

Lee's To Do List

I've always wanted to try Grilled Pizza (@ The Farm Chicks).  How would you top yours?

These Smores Cheesecake Bars (@ Annie's Eats) would be perfect for 4th of July coming up.  And a lot less messy!

Love this article about Pursuing Sexual Purity in Your Marriage (@ Eternal Perspective Ministries).  Tips that are relevant and accurate.

How to Homemaker posts this idea for Making your own Reed Diffuser.  Perfect for brighting your home for summer guests.

2011 Summer Photo Challenge: Gardens

Show Us Your Garden

 Love my roses

 In the strawberry patch

Backyard flowers

Cucumber starters

I love having a summer garden.  I love digging in the dirt, planting a seed and watching that seed grow into a living plant.  I love it.  Love watering and waiting... and producing healthy nutritious food to serve my family.  Love growing roses for our table and walking into a beautiful backyard.  

But the truth is ... I have a black thumb.  We moved into this beautiful home two years ago and I dreaded what I might do to our backyard.  Would it all die?

Still here we are, that same two years later, and it's not dead.  The roses don't get pruned as much as they should and truthfully this is the first year my tomato plants have survived.  But they have.  And I'm learning.  I think this year we've finally found the right spot for the tomatoes and cucumbers.  And we're expanding the strawberry patch.  It's been a lot of fun.

So here it is.  What about your garden?  Did you take pictures this week?  Join us as we chronicle our lives this summer and document what makes each of us special.  Link up to a specific post below and don't forget to invite others to join us.  The more os us that get involved, the more fun!

Next week's challenge: What's in your Fruit Basket?

*Linked to these Parties and Weekend Bloggy Reading

Practicing Hospitality: Let's Get Started

We're finally here.  I've been so excited to share this book with you.  So let's pick up Practicing Hospitality and start reading this week.  Our first chapter discussion is set for Thursday June 23.  That gives you a week to prayerfully read through chapter 1.  

Each week, I'll post a link up for us to discuss what we read as well as some practical ideas for implementing what we're learning.  By the title, this book is for practicing.  We're all starting at different places, but it's all about practicing, God meeting us where we are.

So for this week, here's a question to get you started:

Why extend hospitality?  Why is it important?  Is it important?

Where are you at in your journey: party at your house, sometimes hostess, once a year BBQ?

I can't wait to explore this topic with you.  So let's get started with Chapter 1 and I'll meet you back here next week.  Happy Reading!

*Linked to these Parties and Weekend Bloggy Reading

Summer Challenge Day #6

Did you ever have a lemonade stand?

I grew up in an itty bitty town.  There was no traffic to go by my house and I lived down an old dirt road.  However, I did have cousins that picked blackberries and sold them by the gallon.  Not bad money if you didn't mind the scratches.

These days I'm more of a limeade girl.  Last summer, we made a frozen one with blueberries and this year, I'm working on a raspberry recipe.  I love the tartness with just a hint of sweet.  Yummy!

Did you ever have a lemonade stand?

Felt Flower Tutorial

These cute little flowers were so easy to make.  I want one in every color.  But I'm really happy with the pink and red.  They just pop!  

Plus I can't help but think what great gifts these would make.  Mother's Day, birthdays, Christmas...  Maybe even 4th of July with the red.  

Here's what you need:

2 sheets of felt in color of choice

Coordinating thread

Needle

Scissors

Hot glue

Coordinating button

1. Cut 6 large petals and 6 small petals out of the felt.  Also cut a circle to act as your base.

2. Fold petal and stitch up the back, about half way.  Back stitch on both ends to secure.  Repeat for all 12 petals.

3. Slightly press open each petal.  Begin laying out your petals on the base.  Play with your design before glueing.  I ended up only using 5 petals on each layer, but you can make yours as thick as you'd like.

4. Glue both layers of petals on to your base.

5. Finally add your coordinating button and a pin to the back.

You can create so many looks depending on the design of your petals what buttons you choose.  They're lots of fun and don't take a much time.  Hope you like them!

What are you creating these days?

*Linked to these Parties and Weekend Bloggy Reading

2011 Summer To-Do List

Here are just a few things we came up in our brainstorming session this week.  Hope it inspires you toward more creativity!


*Kids go to Nana and Papa's
*Kids go to Grandma's
*Swim Lessons
*Gymnastics
*Summer Reading Program
*Pick and preserve blackberries
*Pick and preserve apples
*Beach Trip!
*Throw one great creative party!
*Oregon Shakespeare Theater
*Go to frozen yogurt!
*Picnics in the park
*Lots of swimming
*Movies on the trampoline
*Lots of smores
*Play in the Fantasy Fountains at the park
*Make Homemade Ice Cream
*VBS
*Family Reunion
*Make watercolors, play-doh, and crayons

Summer Challenge Day #5

Summer Vacation?

We love our summers and seem to plan (maybe too much) a lot for our summers.  Our families live a ways away and we love our beach break each summer.  So the kids will be going to Nana and Papa's in a few days:

And they (probably me too) will go to my mom's later this summer:

And we'll go to the beach in July:

That's really our vacation plans for the summer.

Are you planning a vacation this summer?