~*~*~*Fun Magnets~*~*~*

Lookie here...you can turn those little glass thingy majiggies into magnets! I bought these at Michael's and can't remember what they are called. I threw the package away....so I will just call them glass stones. They are the decorative things you put in vases. (I think?) Anyway, if you have small enough pictures, you can turn them into adorable magnets. (or use cute cardstock!)

It's pretty simple....1. trace picture

2. cut

3. glue to "stone". I used some stuff called DIAMOND GLAZE...

 4. press magnet on back (I cut some long strip magnets to fit the back)

and BOOM! You're done!

You can also make really cute magnets out of any cardstock for little gifts. Just remember these are not for little munchkins to get a hold of since they will probably put them in their mouth. (I know my 15 mo. old would most likely try it~!) Happy Creating!!! Let me know how yours turn out!

Flower Bed Makeover

Happy Memorial Day....it's been a great weekend weather-wise! We got rain today, but it was needed! The bummer is that the girls have been sick. Tess is the worst...croup & an ear infection. Poor girlie! We're hoping with each day, we all get better and get the "sickies" out of the way for a fun summer ahead. ☺

I was able to tackle one project that was kind of fun. On Saturday I worked on the back flower bed. Now to appreciate the transformation, here are a few pics of the "BEFORE". ☺

This is an area no one (the general public!) really sees since it's behind the garage....but kind of an eye sore for us because WE see it from the deck or backyard.

So, I just started in and didn't have a big plan for how it would all turn out. But, grabbing this and that...little by little it all came together. I found this red collinder at a garage sale for a whopping TEN CENTS! You'll see it in the "AFTER" pics...I spray painted it white and added a flower for a neat planter.

The window I actually got on Middlefield trash day about a week ago! There was a whole pile of windows and my nephew Carter was in the van with me as we drove by....so he helped me load up three windows!!! Aren't FREEBIES great?!!!


And now for some AFTER pictures!!!

Now, I have to say something about the little squirrel. I know...he's a little corny looking...but, it's a sentimental thing. I'm pretty sure he used to belong to my grandparents, ♥ so--naturally he has a place in my garden. ☺

My mom gave me a few of the wooden things...the yellow bench, the angel hanging on the fence, the three tiered stand...

The rocks we had laying around and I spray painted them with white and yellow...gave them a different look. And the big tin can is holding ivy--FAKE ivy! ☺Shhhh! It's my little secret!

I love the white lights on at night...

And now a few photos of my girlies being goofy. (this is before they started to get sick!)

In the background you'll notice a white chandelier hanging...this is project that isn't quite finished. When it's done, I'll be sure to tell you all about it!

Coupons...coupons...coupons....do they really pay in the end?

I've been learning how to do this whole coupon thing....and want to encourage any of you out there that might think it really wouldn't work for you. Here's a picture of a few items that I got totally FREE last week!

What you see here is three 4 packs of Activia, one 4 pack of Danimals Crush cups and YES---two Canoles! (I just couldn't resist them at the bakery display!) This week Giant Eagle has yogurt 4 for $8 and an instant $2 off. I had four .75 cent coupons (and GE doubles) so I had $6 worth of coupons to get all the yogurt FREE! I also had a $3 off coupon from GE....so the Canoles were free too! ☺ Off course there were some other good deals that I took advantage of too!

There are blogs out there that break down the sales for the week and tell you exactly WHERE to find the coupons. (whether it is from the paper or where to go online to print them) Here are two blogs that I've used:

http://ccherrypicker.blogspot.com/

http://www.stretchingabuckblog.com/

Once you learn the "how to" you begin to look for the deals each week!

This week CVS has an AWESOME deal on the men's body wash! You pay $4 buckaroos for either Gillette or Old Spice body wash and you $4 extra bucks back RIGHT AWAY--printed out on your receipt. I had a coupon for $4 off two...so guess what? I made money on this! In the end, for 2 body washes I paid $4 and got $8 extra bucks back! ☺ They have a limit of 2 per family....but you can still buy them for $4 each. So, I had some other coupons for "buy one, get one free"....I got four more and paid $8--which is $2 bucks a piece. Not too bad and will make GREAT gifties!☺ (all the men in my fam will be smelling real fine!)

My point is this....I'm sure some of you think "Oh, I just buy the generic stuff because it's cheaper than the name brands--even using coupons". Right? Well, maybe not! Here is an example of something I wouldn't normally buy, but with a deal like this--it's just too good to pass up! Just a couple weeks ago CVS had the Crest Pro Health toothpaste---you know, the expensive stuff. Well, with extra bucks and coupons it was a money maker in the end.  Here is the breakdown....


Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $3.50
$3.50 ECB (extra care bucks)
Limit TWO
Use $.75 from 5/02/PG
= 75¢ PROFIT


The trick is to clip all the coupons (and SAVE them) and wait until things go on sale. You wouldn't believe the money you save and the deals you will find! I'm NOT an expert. I know there is a lot more for me to learn. (In fact, our church is having a little seminar type class this week that I'll be attending!) But, I am having some fun with the whole coupon thing!

On a side note...for those of you that shop online! Check out: http://shopping.fuelperksmall.com/welcome

This is the Giant Eagle mall that lists tons of stores to shop at online. The advantage? By "clicking" thru the sites on this website, you will get fuelperks for all your purchases!!! So, if you like to shop at Kohls (LIKE I DO!!!), then click thru the Kohls logo on this site and anything you spend will go towards fuelperks. (every $50 earns .10 cents off per gallon at GetGo) Oh, you do have to register your Giant Eagle card, but it's worth the extra few minutes!

And another thing about Giant Eagle...starting the 27th, the Middlefield GetGo is doing FoodPerks~! Scan your GE card at GetGo even if you're not redeeming your fuelperks. Every 10 gallons you buy will get you 1% off your food bill. (and you can save up and use on one of those WHOPPER shopping trips--up to 20%!) Go here to learn all about it: http://www.get-go.com/foodperks/home  and be sure to watch the video and earn an extra 5%!!!

A new use for my garage sale find!

So, I had my annual garage sale last week! Whew--glad that is over for another year. ☺There were a few others that brought stuff over to sell....and I found a GREAT DEAL! This wire hanger (usually used in the kitchen for food) was a whopping .50 cents!!! (Thanks, Mrs. Watson!)

I love the way it looks in my flower bed holding a few plants/flowers.

It's so true...one man's junk is anothers treasure!

Glass pendant necklaces

So, I tried my hand at making these VERY cool necklaces and I have to say they are fairly easy and make nice gifts! Hopefully I'll get this posted in time for anyone that might want to make them for end of the year teacher gifts!

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about....

And I'm going to post two links of where you can go and learn how to make them.

http://www.theidearoom.net/2009/04/glass-tile-pendants.html

http://treyandlucy.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-these.html

I bought the glass tiles and bails on ebay. I also found the Diamond Glaze on ebay too. I am in the process of looking for the little ball chains....just haven't had time. I did find them at Michaels for $2.99 each....but I know that I can do a lot better. Personally I like the ball chain look, but you can use ribbon or anything you want to hang them.

I had plenty of scrapbooking paper to choose from! I think these would be so neat with your childs photo too! Happy Creating!!!

I've been bit by the bug to "create"!

Lately my world has opened up to countless "BLOGS" that have given me tons of inspiration to create, recreate, repurpose, reuse, refashion....well, you get the point. One blog will lead to another blog...and another...there are just way too many out there for this little brain to handle!

This couldn't come at a better time of year....GARAGE SALE TIME! So, today I found some really neat deals and I wanted to post a little something I whipped up that is totally do-able by ANYONE! It's a little treat pedestal....here's how it came to be....

I found these glass fancies at one sale today. The bigger one was .50 cents and the two taller ones were both for .75 cents total.

I'm one of those people that when I get an idea--I HAVE TO DO IT NOW! (ask my mom!) I cannot wait until I have the "proper" tools. So, for this project I used super glue. I have no idea if this will hold up in the long run. If I made a living making these, I would invest in the proper glue, but it seemed to work fine for this one.

Anyway, I found a box of medium dessert plates in my attic that I never used. I took one and used it for the top part....flipping the glass upside down and applying the super glue around the rim of the base....and pressing the glass plate on top of that.

AND WA---LA!!! Here is a dessert stand that cost .50 cents! I put a little pink ribbon on it and added a fake flower under the glass part.

And here it is as a "layered" look with my cake pedestal...I can't wait to make some fun goodies and have a party!
I also think this would look SO COOL if you put one of those little battery powered tealights under the glass for a neat look at night! Or, this would make a nice candle stand too. The possibilities are endless. ☺

I found a few other "treasures" today. Maybe I'll make this a habit and post what I'm up to!

Once Upon A Family

http://www.shopouaf.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=OUFD&Affiliate=erevak

So here's the deal....I was an independent consultant with Once Upon A Family and last year they decided to eliminate the consultants and offer their products thru purchases on their website. I LOVE this company!!! They have so many great ideas. (please contact me for some free handouts and very CREATIVE ideas for special holidays) Anyways, they have offered former consultants to become involved in their affiliate program. So...that is what this link is for. You can click "thru" the above link and shop OUAF items. I get a little kickback for advertising for them.

I have learned and gained so much from this company....and one of the neatest things I've started doing is writing a letter to my children on their birthday. They have a product called the "Dear Sweet Child Letter Box". I think this will impact my family in a way I can't even imagine!!! It's never too late to start...what a gift...that is truly priceless.

Another birthday...another year older

I just passed my 36th birthday...and I learned yesterday that I am 432 months old! Wow! Erik decorated the kitchen up with balloons and streamers before he left for work. It was really special that he did that for me. I love celebrating and hoopla! :-)
We were snowed in and spent the day at home...warm and cozy. (the girls and me)

I made cupcakes and they sure enjoyed eating the frosting!

I’m not sure what the Lord has in store for this coming year. I am looking forward to a new baby and not feeling so BIG and STRETCHED! :-) I washed baby clothes the other day and it was wonderful to smell the scent of “baby” from the laundry soap I used. It is hard to believe I will actually be holding my blessing in a couple months. We still don't have a name picked out, but God knows and hopefully we'll figure it out SOON!

One word that has popped out to me recently is PEACE. I’ve heard or read it in a few verses and I think this is the theme the Lord wants me to focus on. One verse was in a birthday card from my dear friend, Mrs. Parsons.

“...The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

Another verse I read out of the New American Standard says “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee. For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

I am learning that trust and peace go together. To get peace, I must trust...and if I trust, I’ll get peace. Sounds pretty simple to me. But to live it out....now that is another story.
The whole aspect of PEACE is an area that I need to grow in...especially in my home. When I find myself raising my voice (ok, yelling!) at my children–it certainly doesn’t reflect peace. I know there are a lot of angles and aspects yet to learn. I’m actually excited to discover more and I know there are secrets just waiting to be uncovered in this whole area.

Today I received a beautiful bouquet of white tulips...so pretty. What an unexpected blessing and surprise. Truly the "blessing of the day". I started a little book to record these random and wonderful things that happen...it's my "BLESSING OF THE DAY" book. I haven't written it in for so long, but need to get back at it. It's good to reflect on the little and big things that happen in our lives. For me--I tend to forget them. By keeping a reminder, it will encourage me when I look back and read the events that made an ordinary day--just a little bit more extraordinary! And I want my girls to read about these things too! Thanks Jodie, Mrs. B, Ingers and Xoshilth for the sunshine through the flowers you sent!

So, I guess this next year a resolution is to write down more of God's blessings that happen in my life!

I celebrated with my family this past weekend. We had a family dinner at mom & dads. We were also celebrating Suzie's birthday too. (there are 5 of us kids that have birthdays within a month of each other!)We did get a family shot of us since we were all dressed up and looked half put together!
Well, I will end this entry. I wonder how long it will be before I write again! :-) I keep up more with Facebook--adding lots of photos and stuff.

Well...well...well...where has time gone?!

I blink and here it is the end of October! Whew! Well, life seems to stay busy and one days rushes into the next. The girls make life full of action. Right now they have little coughs/colds....it's that season.

Yesterday it was SO beautiful out...we walked to the coffee shop. (Paige loves going there...like mommy, like daughter!) And they played in the back yard. Today is quite a different story. It was rainy, cold, gray...a Autumn day for sure. I actually kinda like these days every now and then. It's exciting to get to wear your sweaters again.

Paige is in a gymnastics class and is loving it! She especially loves the beam and bars. It's so cute to watch her. She also is in Cubbies (in the Awana program--where you memorize Bible verses every week) at a local church. She enjoys that too. She was happy to see her friend Olivia there.

We are getting ready for the big Christmas Open House next month. We put an addition on the barn, so the guys are busy working on getting things finished. There still is so much work to be done. But, nothing like a time pressure to make it all happen!

Erik & I will celebrate our 5th anniversary on Friday!!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! We plan on going out to eat AND to the movies! I think the last time the two of us went to a movie was when I was pregnant with Paige! I'm looking forward to our special time.

A few weeks back the girls and I rode down with Todd & Suzie to North Carolina. They dropped us off at my girlfriends house for a week. We visited Heather (Perkins) Dufek. She has two little boys Joey & Bobby. It was a great time to see each other again and catch up on life. The last time we were together--neither one of us was married...let alone had children! It's funny because we both married within a week of each other. Anyway, hope to post a few pictures if I can.

Better scram for now. I'm really supposed to be in the basement crafting right now! It's so much easier to do it at night when the girls are in bed.

Geauga County Fair 2007!

We had fun at the fair today! Paige & Addie LOVED seeing the animals and petting some too. Erik & I enjoyed the great food. :-) It was beautiful out--sunny & warm. Here are some pictures...

SUMMER!

It's been almost THREE months since I posted something?!!! Well, there's no way to catch up. I'll throw in a few pictures and will try to update you on life. Hmmmm....let's see....the girls are growing for sure! Addie is skooching (very funny to watch), crawling, pulling herself up to furniture..etc. She cut two teeth and they look so cute. Paige LOVES seeing her baby teeth on the bottom. They are best friends. It's amazing to see how much they love each other and have bonded.

We are truly loving summer life...sunshine, swimming, being outside. Erik got a bike trailer for Father's Day, but I think I love it just as much or more! I'm adding a picture from just last night! He took the girls on a ride and they fell asleep! Rach said I should have them take their baths, get in jammies and have him do this every night! They looked so adorable and I couldn't believe they fell asleep!

My little business is going great. I love sharing the ideas with people and I'm so excited for others to find out about Once Upon a Family!

Well, I'm sure there is MUCH more to update on, but gotta jet. We're going to fireworks later. Hopefully Addie will enjoy it--her first time! :-) We'll see....

Happy Easter!

We celebrated Easter today and Aunt Christie and Uncle Nate's house....and then at Gram & Gramps Bakers this evening. What a full day! We truly are grateful that CHRIST IS RISEN!

We have probably a couple feet of snow on the ground. I'll have to take a picture and post that soon. It's hard to beleive we had near 80 degree weather just last week--we were out enjoying the sunshine. Now we're bundled up and trudging through piles of snow!

The first picture is at the Bakers....all seven kids included Paige, Addie and the three cousins--Logan, Carter & Parker...and then their 2 cousins David & Daniel Campbell.

The second pix is Paige, Jacob, Addie (on Jacob's lap) and Mya.

Addie's first haircut!

Addie got her FIRST haircut this past week....and sissy Paige got one too! I have to admit when all was said and done, Ad's looked like a little Amish boy! I had to laugh. :-) She was pretty good, a little wiggly, but overall not a bad experience. She was a couple months older then Paige was for her first one...but Addie doesn't have quite as much hair as Paigie did.

looking for warm weather...???

We are so ready to get out in the warm weather. We've had a bit here and there. Addie seems to really love it! Today it's supposed to get into the 60's--which is warm for us! So, I hope we can go out for a walk or enjoy a little sun later on.

We have some major projects to tackle with the warmer weather. We had some problems with all the snow and ice this winter and as a result, our back wall of the house needs repaired. So, we are going to get that done and reside the house too. I'm so excited about this and can't wait to see a new look!

Well, Addie is squacking and Paige is "hungry". Gotta scram.

Check it out!

Next week I host my first "Celebration" as a Once Upon A Family consultant. Check things out at www.enjoythelittlethings.com This will redirect you to my webpage at the Once Upon A Family website! You will see and learn about so many creative ideas and traditions you can do in your own family. I'm so excited to share little stories I've heard and interesting ways to make family memories.

Addie is growing....

It seems like recently Addie is doing new things and becoming more vocal. Erik noticed her kinda waiving I think it was last week! She loves playing chase and peek-a-boo too! And she is starting her baby talk....baa-baa (and today I know she said ma-ma!). She is so smiley and lights up whenever Paige is around. They are bonded and whenever Addie wakes up Paige is practically jumping hurdles to get in the room to see her. :-)

We are all ready for Spring. We had such a nice day last week and were able to go on a walk. Addie seemed to enjoy it and Paige loved riding her new bike. (A Christmas gift from my parents.) But, we are back to chilly weather and even snow today.

I recently rejoined our local CURVES hoping to get in shape before summer!!!

I will be posting again soon on a new venture I have taken on....and I'm so excited about it! I joined a company called "Once Upon A Family" as an Independent Consultant. This is still very new and I'm just getting started. I'll be sure to fill you in on things as I get more knowledgable about the product line and have my link to the website all set up.

Gotta jet for tonight. Dancing with the Stars is on!

A quick post...

Just posting a couple pictures...

Things Paige says...

I've been trying to write down the funny things Paige says every now and then. Thought I'd share these with you....you may not get the humor in all of them, but living with her daily--they make me laugh!

June 21–“Can I have cotton candy”?
“There’s a mouse in my mouth”

June ?? She looked in the mirror and said she looked fancy.

June 26–Paige told me Micky (mouse) says “Oh, gosh”
“Can I say oh, gosh?”
Of course I told her no.....

June 30–
Paige: “Knock-knock”
Mommy: “Who’s there?”
Paige: “Owl”
Mommy: “Owl who?”
Paige: “Whooo else?”
(She heard this joke on little bear and remembered it!)

August???
She said I had to get more milk and put it in my milk shelf.....I asked what my milk shelf was and she pointed you know where!

Sept. 20th
At the dinner table Paige said she wanted to say Grace....so daddy let her and that’s what she said....”Grace”! We laughed...

Sept. 21-
She was writing something on her paper and then read it....”Baby Addie is handsome”


Oct. 3rd
Calling from the bathtub Paige asks “Why did you throw my scrunchie out?” My reply “because it was getting old”....and to that she asks “Is it gonna die?”

Nov. 17th
Paige was sitting in the living room with her head turned away from the TV....saying “It’s bad”. I had just told her if something was bad on TV not to watch it! Wow....she obeyed!

Nov. 19th
I asked Paige what she was going to be when she grew up....she said “A cooker!”. Then Erik said “I thought you were going to race cars”....and she replied “after I’m done cooking”.

Dec. 29th
I was trying to see if Paige knew what to do in case of emergency. I asked her if I fell and couldn’t wake up who she would call. She said “Uncle Tim–he’s a policeman”.

Jan. 2nd, 2007
The other day I bought fake nails to “try” and today Paige found one and called it a Lizard claw! (From the crocodile movie!!!)

Feb. 16th
“What’s a tailspin?”

Hope you all have a great day!!! Signing off for now....

Burrrrrr! It's cold outside!

We've been in the midst of an winter blast of COLD air! So, we haven't gone out much lately. Especially with Addie being so little...it's just better to look at the snow from the window and crank up the heat!

We have been busy remodeling the bathroom. Thanks to my brother, Joe, it's looking pretty good! We were without a shower for a few days, but now we have the shower, toilet, sink, flooring and baseboards all in. We're working on the walls and eventually the ceiling. It's the little things that take the time and make it look finished. I'll post pix soon.