Casa Camacho

100th Day Project...!

2012-01-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

A 100th Day Project can basically be whatever you want it to be....! That is the beauty of it. A collection of 100 things...!

I suggest getting a poster board to draw or cut a shape out of and attach 100 things onto it.

My daughter's favorite thing in the world {aside from Dragons} is Minnie Mouse.

After pondering making 100 dragon scales or adding 100 teeth to a dragon....we decided upon Minnie since we just did the Chinese New Year project.

Noe searched the Internet for a Minnie picture and got to work sketching it.

She had to put 100 circle dots onto Minnie's Outfit.

Since, we guesstimated wrong....he drew a mushroom besides her really fast to use up the last sticker dots.

We counted to 100 again and again.

Counting to 100 can be FUN....!

I'm Stuck On YOU...!

2012-01-24T01:37:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how much I love our Valentines this year?

It's my blog, so I can...! {hehe}

It all started with a stamp that I saw in the Dollar Section at Michael's. It was a little Porcupine that says "I'm Stuck On You!" So adorable. I decided to get it and find something to work with it.

After brainstorming....bubble gum, stickers, band aids, peanut butter and jelly {brainstorming here.} I asked the hubby. Immediately he tells me, "What do the kids love to play with that are sticky? Sticky Hands!"

Ummm....YES!

It just so happened that I have a gift card to Oriental Trading Co that I got around Christmas. I know...I'm lucky or blessed sometimes...one or the other. I ordered up these bad boys 72 for $7. I needed at least 90 for 3 kids classes....so I ordered 2 packages and have leftovers.

Once I got them in, I had to decide how to make them into Valentines. I found a pack of Doilies in my Art Supplies and the rest was history.

These are seriously so easy, that I told Noe "I feel like I'm being Lazy." He said "You're making Homemade Valentines, how are you being lazy? You are so weird." Leave it to your man to put things into perspective.

My favorite thing about these is that they aren't edible.

I'm usually having to stay up late the night before parties getting 90 {30+ in my 3 kids classes} treats ready. With these, I can start early. I've been doing a bit each night.

The kids are going to write their names on the back....and we are good to go...!

Plus, they LOVE Sticky Hands.

Chinese New Year Frames.

2012-01-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year...!

We celebrated today with just a wee bit of fun.

It's the Year of the Dragon, which is my son's Zodiac Sign.

We talked about Chinese New Year and the history around the holiday. I read the children their Zodiac Signs and the characterstics in which they are supposed to have.

They then did a craft project.

I had looked up some Written Chinese and copied some of the words onto a piece of paper; words that I thought the kids would like.

I had them choose a word and the copy it's character onto a piece of paper.

Once they were finished, they got to decorate around it however they wanted.

With a hot glue gun, I glued chopsticks around the paper. I asked them if they wanted to decorate the frame and they chose to put some pompoms on there.

Lastly, I hot glued some red ribbon to the back for them to hang the frame up.

Maelyn's "Beautiful" Frame.

My 4 year old chose the word "Dragon." She tried to write it at the bottom. Don't you love that early developmental stage of writing...? When they run out of room and don't quite understand how a word works, so they write the rest of the word above it. Darling.

Patience chose the word "Faith."

My son practiced writing the Chinese Characters on a piece of paper. He's older and finds it fascinating.

For dinner, we made Orange Chicken, Fried Rice and Pierogies....and we didn't forget the fortune cookies...!

My fortune said "I Inspire Others With My Principles."

I like that {Wink!}

Year of the DRAGON.

2012-01-21T02:16:00.000-08:00

2012 is the Year of the Dragon for Chinese New Year....!

How fun...we love DRAGONS.

My husband and I worked together on creating this dragon project with my daughter.

He set out designing the body, yes, he is a perfectionist....unlike all my sloppy projects.

I worked with Carmendee on the handprint scales.

For the scales, we mixed green...red....gold..and gold glitter paint onto her hands.

Pressed down on a piece of paper and then when dried...cut out.

Noe used several pieces of green construction paper to create the body and just taped them together.

Carmendee glued the handprints onto the body. She also made more scales using her thumbprints.

I am digging our Chinese New Year Dragon.

Next, comes my favorite part....celebrating with a delicious dinner...!

Envelope Mini Album.

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up and I really wanted a Mini Album to celebrate how much I love my Kiddos...!

What to make a Mini Album out of???? How about Envelopes? I have a bunch of them.

Now, I realize there are a bazillion Envelope Mini Albums out there, so if you do yours a different way...awesome. This is just how I did mine, this particular time. Everything totally FREE with what I have. No fancy machines to bind it together. Nothing like that.....good old fashioned envelopes and paper...!

{Decided to do my tutorial on the pictures...click them if you need bigger. Let's see how this tutorial turns out that way?!}

Fairly simple right?

I toyed with some titles like "10 reasons I love you.."

The album is going to get fatter as I add my photos and all my embellishments.

Hope this is a craft that you try or have tried....because I think it's adorable!

*Disclaimer: My Posts are from my Life as a Stay-At-Home Mommy. I do not get compensation on the majority of my posts {not that I haven't thought about earning some more moolah..wink!} The reason being, I want to post what I want, when I want to post it....no advertising that I don't approve of and if criticism of my posts occur...I can delete it. I'm just me :) No pressure to live up to...!

Maelyn Jules

2012-01-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter turned 9 years old this past weekend....!

Maelyn Jules.

My girl.

Strong-willed. Opinionated. Prissy. Intelligent. Leader.

When we moved from her hometown, she missed her opportunity to be on the cheerleading squad with her friends. So, when my best friend told me about a Cheer Camp in town...I asked if that is what she would like to do for her birthday. She said "Yes!"

The CSUB Cheerleaders put on the camp.

She learned a Justin Beiber dance routine and some cheers.

They performed at the Women's and Men's Basketball Games.

The Cheerleaders were extremely nice. She had such a great time...!

Maelyn asked for a Cheerleading Cake with Blue and Yellow for her birthday...!

Grandma took her to Build-A-Bear and out to lunch at the Golden Corral.

She loves her special times alone...!

My daughter is officially 9 years old...!

Proverbs 22:6

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

Angry Snack...!

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

Kids these days and their video games {ha} I sound old...!

My kiddos love the Angry Bird Game on my phone.

I thought that an Angry Bird Snack was in order.

We put an English Muffin with Pizza Sauce...Mozzarella, Olives and Orange Peppers into the toaster oven for a few minutes.

Fun and simple snack...!

*On a side note...I so want to throw an Angry Bird Party. Oh the fun. Please friends let me plan one for you {wink!}

MY 2011 Favorites...!

2012-01-03T02:29:00.000-08:00

Why Happy New Year's Folks?!

Hope you have an amazing upcoming year in 2012.

This is a time for New Beginnings. I'm excited, aren't you?!

Moving on to the next year of blogging, but first....won't you reminisce with me on some of my favorite posts for last year.

Home Management Binder

Let's put our excuses behind us, and Redefine our Lives this year...!

I wish you all the best, friends.

The Last Elf-Capades For 2011.

2012-01-03T02:02:00.000-08:00

Our time with Emilio our Elf came to an end on Christmas Eve. He had to leave to help Santa. Fear not, he's going to be back next weekend for my daughters birthday. She sent Santa a letter asking if he can visit.

Emilio was busy every night at our house.....here are a couple more things he did when he came to life at night....

My SIL bought this Gingerbread House. The kids were coloring it each day.

So, she had Emilio assemble it one night...!

He had a fun filled night of Snowball Fights with his friends...!

The kids got to eat the Snowy Donuts for breakfast...!

On his last day, he left Treats for the kids with a note.....

Santa picked him up when he filled the stockings.

The kids love their time with their own special Elf. The only thing is I caught them telling the kids at school, they need to ask Santa for an Elf of their own....aye...I don't want parents mad at me...!

New Year's Treat.

2011-12-31T13:04:00.000-08:00

Decorate some Sugar Cones with the family...!

*Mine looks like a Santa Hat...shaking my head. Ohh...idea for next Christmas?! My daughters had gumdrops around the base...that's more party-licious for New Years...!

Put on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt...!

Easy and fun treat...!

Handprint Calendar....!

2011-12-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

`Memba last year when I posted that I give the Grandparents Photo Calendars each year for Christmas? No, well....this post shall refresh your memory...!

Last year, I took my time and scrapbooked the calendars for the families. They turned out really cute....my fav so far. I thought that I would do that every year from then on out...!

Well, this year....I procrastinated. Literally. Up until 2 days before Christmas.

Feeling overwhelmed about taking all my scrapbooking supplies and having an Aha! moment while Guest Posting at Handprint and Footprint Arts and Crafts.....I decided to do Amanda's Calendar idea.

Let me tell you....this might be my favorite yet....wasn't even going to post it....but I think it's so adorable!

Yes, it's not photo's....but I'm loving it...!

Isn't it cute...?! Squeal*

I know, I'm bad today about the bragging. I just think my kids handprints are adorable.

I purchase my blank calendars at Scrapbook Supply stores.

Homemade Calendars on the wall....brightens up my year...! I love looking at them.

Handprint Gingerbread House

2011-12-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

I'm Guest Posting over at Handprint and Footprint Arts and Crafts today....!

Come visit me and look around at Amanda's blog for some amazing ideas.

Have a productive week getting Christmas ready...!

Elf-Capades 2011...!

2011-12-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Emilio has been up to the same old Shenanigans...!

Each morning, the kids find him doing something different.

This is when he put mustaches on Noe and I...!

Yes, I wake up looking this scary...! EEK!

He made coffee for us one morning, but couldn't help himself by making Coffee Angels in the grinds.

One night, he took our car and got himself fast food...!

He was all tangled up this day in Christmas Lights...!

Emilio is always a fun addition around the holidays.

Christmas is coming soon and he'll be leaving then.

Letter Xx Week.

2011-12-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

Our Last Letter post for Casa Camacho is Letter Xx...!

We've posted some projects over the years that we've done for each letter.

Carmendee is my last little one at home and going to start Kindergarden this next year. She's pretty much done with the letters. Onto other things.

These Xx ideas were from No Time For Flashcards.

They were super fun to make...!

Xx marks the SPOT on a Treasure Map...!

There are not too many words that she knew that started with an Xx, but a X ending is a different story.

We practiced writing some words that ended with the letter X.

We practiced writing the letter Xx by playing Tic-Tac-Toe...!

I might file projects under the letter's of the week from time to time. Other than that though, we are done with our Letter's of the Week portion of the blog. My babies are growing up let me tell you. Since this week, we've been blending sounds and practicing writing simple words.

*To view other Letters of the Week, click on the tab in my "Labels" section.

Christmas Card 2011...!

2011-12-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

So, I saw this cheetah dress at Target and thought it was adorable....so I grabbed it for my middle daughter and decided to find similiar styles for the other girls to take Christmas pictures.

I had a cute theme already planned but the dress didn't really fit into my country-er plan.

I ended up thinking more rock-starish....we looked for cool looking buildings and the backside of bars in alleys. I know...my poor kids. It was an adventure...!

Have a ROCKIN Christmas Season...!

Elf-Capades...!

2011-12-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Emilio our Christmas Elf is back from the North Pole.

He comes around the first of December and leaves on Christmas Eve to help Santa pass out gifts around the world.

We woke up to a scavenger hunt to find him.....

He left treats for the kids.

Emilio eats crackers and water.

We have to sprinkle magical snowflakes on him each night in order for him to come alive.

One night he made a fort in the panty.

Another morning, the kids looked for him for about 2 hours before they found him in the freezer...!

He made himself an Apple Jack necklace...!

He is really silly.

One morning we caught him reading.

Another time we woke up to him riding a monster truck.

The kids thought it was really funny when he drew mustaches on Noe and I when we were asleep one night.

The fun continues for a couple more weeks.

*Elf Magic is the website where we got him. You choose what you want your Elf to look like.

Tree Ornament.

2011-12-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

For Girl Scouts, my Service Unit is having a Potluck to celebrate Christmas.

We're supposed to bring an ornament to exchange.

I thought it would be neat to make some type of ornament with Girl Scouts on it...!

I got this clear plastic ornament at Michaels. The original price is $1.49. It was on sale for 50% off.

I just took my GS Scrapbooking paper and cut it into 6 inch strips. Then I wrapped it around the end of a paintbrush handle to make the circles...and stuff them into the ornament.

You can add more stuff inside like glitter or buttons...etc...!

I printed out the GS Logo and cut it with a scalloped cutter. I attached it to the top with ribbon and added more ribbon..!

Simple.

I SO want to get my own ornament at the party...! {LOL}
I guess that's a good thing...if I love my own craft.

CoRnUcOpIa

2011-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

To get into the Thanksgiving Spirit, I had my preschooler make a Cornucopia.

It was just a simple project. Fortunately, someone sent us Thanksgiving card with one on the front of it, so she could see what it was.

I started off by making a cone with brown construction paper and taping it together. We wrinkled up the end a little to make a horn shape. I cut the opening a little bit wider as well. Carmendee used marker to make strips on the horn.

My original thought was to tape a few food items onto the front inside of the cornucopia, but going through the magazine to cut out foods....she wanted to cut everything.

So, once she cut all her favorite things out.....we just laid them inside.

Plus, she keeps taking them out to show everyone what she likes.

She had a great time with this project.

One of her favorite things to do is CUT!

Letter Yy Week.

2011-11-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

Carmendee and I are pretty much done with all the letters of the alphabet.

I just need to post our Letter Xx week that we did, then onto doing simple words which I will be posting next. My preschooler is growing up.

This week she made a Yellow Collage.

Letter Yy on Yellow Paper with pieces of YARN glued onto it.

She painted YOLK onto an egg.

I try to keep printables at all times in folders for her to do. She mostly does them when her brother and sisters do their homework. She tells me to get her "homework."

I found these printables online...

Yay! For Letter Yy Week...!

Friday Book Project {Yoko}

2011-11-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

For Letter Yy week, we read the book Yoko by Rosemary Wells. This book is a favorite of mine. It can be used to teach so many lessons. I decided to take my daughter to the park and share our lunch together like at the end of the book when Yoko and Timothy push their desks together to share their lunches.

So we did....we shared....and she ate my sushi and left her sandwich...!

After we read the book again and ate.....we got to play...!

Friday Book Project this week was a success....!

Scouting....

2011-11-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

Boy Scouting through my eleven year old son's eyes.

When I saw his pictures that he took.....wow...wish I was there. Beautiful pictures.

Future Photographer?

Present-day Boy Scout.

Letter Nn Week.....

2011-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Letter Nn started off Noodly.

Carmendee created this N with NOODLES glued onto it.

Another day, she got to work on making a NEST.

We read a "N" Book.

Learned about NOSES.

Talked about NUTRITION.

She got to count with NUMBERS this week.

Some printables that I FOUND...did not create myself.

Have a NERDY Nn Week.....

2011-10-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Dollar Tree has instantly became more awesome...!

First, I found wreath forms amany.....next, I found apothecary jars.

They had small jars and an even larger size than this. You just have to stalk up....have to...!

This was an easy decoration and only $3.

I just made the scalloped circle with my Stampin Up 2 3/8. Printed a Halloween Stamp in the middle. Distressed the edges. Picked out cute ribbon and fray checked it.

Put some delicious candy inside.....instantly spooky.

I was thinking of putting vinyl on the glass, but I thought these would be perfect for any get together....so I just tied the ribbon around the glass.

Hope you are having a spectacular Halloween Season...!

CaNnEd FuN!

2011-10-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than No Cost Decorations...! Right?

Halloween is a fun time of year to decorate. There are so many fun things to do as well.

These Canned Decorations can be made by the kids or parents.

The Pop Top Cans have sharp edges which is why I put tape on the top. When filled, you can't see it at all.

Use your imagination and have some fun with it...Mummies...Vampires.....oh the possibilies with cans...!

aPpLe PiCkInG...!

2011-09-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

My life equals craziness right now.....! Maybe that's what the voices in my head try to make me think? {LOL}

I'm still haven't got my groove of a schedule, really trying though, just not a smooth groove.

My husband got into the County Fire Academy, so that is busyness in of itself.

Hopefully, things will settle down. I'm trying to make things normal...still do our bedtime routine and after school routines. I'm a creature of habit and so is my family, so I need those normal-cies.

We snuck off to a local farm for a bit this weekend to pick some apples...!

After church the next day, I got to bake.

The apples were so fresh and delicious. They taste so much better right off a tree...!

I made these Apple Muffins with this recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting on some.

We also made Apple Crisp.....Mmmmm.... vanilla ice cream on top...drooling....

It was an awesome weekend centered around family and apples...!

Letter {Oo} Week

2011-09-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Letter Oo was a pretty easy week for the kiddos.

They recognized the Oo's right off the bat.

My SIL made O OCTOPI with the preschoolers.

Aren't they cute? With the middles cut out, she had them color them ORANGE.

Another day, we made OCEANS.

These O OWL'S are made out of leftover scrapbook paper.

They cut their handprints out for the wings.

Can't have O week without OSCAR the Grouch....!

Here's a printout that we went over. Can't remember where I found it to link it back up. I printed it at night for lesson plans the next morning. Sorry.

Have an OUTSTANDING Oo Week....!

T-Shirt Bag.

2011-09-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ironically, when I'm looking at my Blogger Stats...my top post is where I complain about the Homemade Ice Cream. Sheesh! I feel like a complainer now. I'm really not, I pinkie promise. I just pointed out that I personally did not have an easy time with the Ice Cream. I feel like my complaint is stuck in history forever. I'll suck it up and keep the post up though.

Onward to my project.....I remember making these bags out of t-shirts when I was a youngin' in Girl Scouts. {I did not make it up....it's an old craft from years ago....wanna give credit to Girl Scouts somewhere in Southern California {winks!}}

So, I went to Goodwill and found a bunch of these "Go Green" T-Shirts .95 cents a piece....!

I cut the sleeves off of the shirt. Try to keep the hemline on to make the bag stronger, but obviously I didn't practice what I preach because I messed up the back of one sleeve on this one...!

Cut the neckline off. You can use a circle template if you want....or just wing it...!

Turn the shirt inside out and stitch along the bottom.

I first did a basic stitch then a zig zag to make it stronger just since it's made to hold stuff in it.

Turn it right side out and you have a Recycled Bag.

Cute huh? Admit it...! Come on....she's adorable with the bag...!

Letter Ii Week

2011-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

We started off our "School Year" with the Letter Ii since we made Homemade Ice Cream and it's still summer, I thought that would be fun for Carmendee.

Monday, she started off by making her Letter Ii Ice Cream.

We've been doing the letters from No Time For Flashcards for a couple of years now. The kids love them...! It's an exciting way to start their week.

The girls made Igloo's out of an applesauce container flipped over and marshmallows glued to it. I made sure to show them pictures so they know what an Igloo was for the learning process.

Her Iguana worksheet that she wanted to make rainbow colored.

We read I Wanna Iguana. {click the link for the youtube video if you don't have the book}

Just practicing......

Itsy Bitsy Spiders climbing up the water spout.

We went over that nursery rhyme all week for the letter Ii in Itsy.

Just learning.....

I went over the Insects with Carm and she got to use these fun stamps to add onto the Insect Paper.

Letter Ii was an Interesting week in the new house. Having yet still to get used to a new routine and way of doing things around here and I've been here a month. Learning slowly....!

Onward to start our Letter Oo Lessons for the week....!

Have a great week friends!

Bye Bye Small Town.

2011-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

We have already moved and started the new school.

Before school started, we went back into our old town to say Good-Bye.

We brought the school staff some cookies and visited for awhile.

The library is one of our favorite places.

The kids would play in the water fountain on Wednesdays.

They had the Farmer's Market in the morning and then afterward we would play in the water.

Sno Fun is the place to get Snow Cones in town. It's so refreshing on a hot day.

We visited a many other places as well. It was a good day. They said "Bye" to each place we went to. Most of the time they had a story of something that happened there.

Good-Bye Small Town.

Hello City Slickers.

Homemade Ice Cream?

2011-08-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Homemade Ice Cream sounded like so much fun.....doesn't it?

Actually doing it with 7 kids, was a big mess.

This Family Fun recipe mislead me into believing it was so cinchy {ok I'm just jealous that ours didn't turn out perfectly like theirs}

I think I'll pay the $5 to buy it and save this for a once a year activity.

*Although, I did google other homemade ice cream recipes and I might just try some while kids are asleep.

The After Math.

Spilled Milk.

Sprinkles Spilled.

Sticky Mess.

Nuts Everywhere.

S'mores Brownies.

2011-08-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Last week was National S'mores Day and we wanted to celebrate it over here....!

BTW....yes, I am settled into our new place for awhile. We have a few rooms to organize, but it's almost finished...a light at the end of the tunnel. Moving is alot of work..!

We've been doing regular S'mores all summer between Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and family camping trips....I was a little S'mored out.

I found this recipe for S'mores Brownies and had to try it...!

Graham Cracker crust. Brownies in the middle. Marshmallows on the top.

Oh ya...!

Here is where I found the recipe. 

Enjoy....!

2011-07-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

I took a little break from packing...ok...so I ran out of boxes.....and played around with some of my fabric.

First, we made some Braided Fabric Bracelets.

I had them choose what fabric they wanted but once big sissy picked hers...all the girls wanted the same colors. So, we made look-alike bracelets. They just chose different buttons.

We then made some Fabric Flower Clips.

They chose their fabric for these as well.

I absolutely love the results...! Thinking of making a Braided Fabric Necklace. I just burned my pinkie so bad with the hot glue gun though. It's hurting to type even. It's all bubbly. Yuck...! Let's see if I can craft through the pain...!

Moving.

2011-07-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Moving Day is almost here for us....!

Our family is moving in with my Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law for awhile.

It's a brand new town. Brand new school. Brand new everything.

I'm just a little apprehensive. Just because I really like my small town. I'm moving to a bigger town/city. I'm kind of nervous. We've lived here forever. The kids have always been to the same school. I know the School Board and City Council and seems like just about everyone here. As scared as I may be, I can't show it in front of the kids....because they are even more scared about a new school. The one thing that is helping is that their cousins will be there and my Sister-in-law is usually there at the school.

So, I have a plan....I think it's a plan....I hope it's a good plan, to ease the children into moving.

1. My SIL and I worked out where the kids will sleep and how things will function....and the kiddos are actually excited about that.

2. I created some Address Books for the children to write down their friends' phone numbers and addresses. Hopefully, we can visit while in town and become pen pals. We always have playdates and friends over....so keeping in touch is a big deal to us.

3. Make sure to say our Goodbyes to everyone before we leave.

4. Visit all our favorite places around town before we move {library, water fountain, Sno Cone place, School, etc}

5. Take a tour of the new neighborhood. Visit the new library, stores, post office, etc.

6. Have a "celebration" dinner. {pizza?}

7. Join a church.

8. PRAY...!

I have never moved my kids before. So, if you have any tips, tricks, traditions....please help me. My stomach is in knots worrying about the kids. Thank you so much friends....!

*PS....on the S'mores Trail Mix below, some asked what it was. I wasn't able to write those people back because their email is not linked to their comments. Sorry about that. It's Golden Graham Cereal, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips.

Cousin's Camp {{OUT}}

2011-07-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had Cousin's Camp over here at Casa Camacho.

You might remember last year's camp. During the year, it is difficult to get the cousins together for sleepovers....so in the summer, my sister-in-law and I try to have some one-on-one time with the kids.

I had a whole theme planned out and activities until I was talking with my nephew and he said that he had never camped out in a tent before.

So, I decided to change it to a Cousin's Camp OUT.

The table was just stuff I collected from around the house. I had everything except for the green $1 Tablecloth that I bought and the plaid cups which were 4th of July cups at Party City and on clearance right now.

I made this fun cake for dessert. I found the idea off of FamilyFun.com

Flashlights for Tag in the dark. I bought these off of Oriental Trading....never buy them, ever. The light lasts about 5 minutes each. Next time, I will either invest in flashlights to keep each year or do what we do in Girl Scouts and have them bring their own....for more fun!

I made a big bowl on S'more Trail Mix....then I put it into bags for the next day's lunch. This was the leftover. I love this stuff...no leftovers for very much longer.

I also bought binoculars from Oriental Trading Co. These actually worked. The strap comes off easily, but it's a quick fix.

Printed decorations....cheap and cute.

The kiddos decided to have Sleeping Bag Races.

Meals were quick.

Dinner: Hotdogs, Bananas and Frito Boats {chili and cheese and spoon put straight into bag}

Breakfast: Waffles, Scrambled Eggs and Fruit

Lunch: Brown Bags with PB & J's, Trail Mix, Juice Box

Dessert: S'mores, Cake and Watermelon

My husband was a nerd for Halloween, hence the hat and suspenders below. The kids took turns wearing them. They make their own fun...!

The last thing I purchased from Oriental Trading were these Fabric Backpacks which were a great deal. My only complaint {I cringe at complaining but just so you know what I envisioned} was they are called Blank Backpacks on the site so I thought they were "Blank" and the kids fill them in. But they came with a bear picture on them. The older kids flipped them over and drew with fabric markers their own pictures....but I just thought they were blank. Yes, the picture showed a complete, filled in backpack...but I just thought it was to show that you draw on them.

The cousin's having Dessert.

Time for Campfire Songs.

Roasting Marshmallows for S'mores.

The Cousins were in charge of bringing the S'mores.

Sleeping in the tent.

They put up and took down the tent with help.

The next morning, we went on a Scavenger Hunt.

What my husband did was get up early and took pictures of things in our neighborhood. He then came home and made a checklist with the pictures and printed one for each of the kids. They took their backpacks with a water bottle and binoculars and a pencil to check off.

In back of our housing track is a soccer field, so we walk over there alot.

Today they Rested, did Wheelbarrow Races, played Freeze Tag and chased Dragonflies.

Since they took down the tent, we also put up our pool in the back to swim for a time filler.

They had their Sack Lunches with their names so they can nibble whenever hungry.

They got certificates that said they "Survived Cousin's Camp Out."

For time fillers, they also colored and play with sidewalk chalk, etc...!

It was a Good Cousin's Camp OUT this year. My kids were really looking forward to it. They love spending time with their cousins.

I remember spending summers with my cousins. It is something you remember always...!

Photo Booth.

2011-07-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

If it's not FUN, you're not doing it RIGHT!

{Patriotic} Muffin Tin

2011-07-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mexican Food may not be your typical Fourth of July meal.....but my MIL made a ton of beans and rice and well, I wanted to eat them please.

We had our Muffin Tin Lunch this weekend and it was delicious....!

It consisted of:

{White} Tortilla Chips, {Red} Salsa, {Red} Strawberries with {Blue} Cheesecake Stuffing Inside, Patriotic Tostada with {White} Star Tortilla {White} Refried Beans {Red} Spanish Rice and Stars and Stripes.
***

To view more Patriotic-ness visit Michelle at Muffin Tin Mom.

GOD Bless America....and all it's delicious melting pot of food....!

Juggling Balls

2011-07-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make some Juggling Balls so badly for our Circus Theme.

So, I started Googling when I came across this tutorial.

They were so incredibly easy to make and turned out stupendous.

First, you start off with two balloons.

Next, you cut off the tops of them.

Fill a bag with some rice. However, much rice you put in it determines how big your Juggling Ball will be. I cut the closing part of the sandwich bag and tied it.

Stuff your bag of rice in the first balloon.

Lastly, put the second balloon on top of the other one.

If your balloon says something on it, turn it inside out.

Make other Juggling Balls.

Practice Juggling.

I wish I could record myself. I'm kind of an awesome Juggler. {LOL!}

Lady Liberty.

2011-06-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

These Lady Liberty Cupcakes are love at first sight....!

I saw them on the FamilyFun website and thought they were a perfect treat for the kids when they learn about the Statue of Liberty.

All I did was fill the cones with batter about 3/4 of the way up and baked.

For the tops, I used Tip 32.

To get the red in the frosting....

In the decorating bag, I put a stripe or two of red piping gel-then- scooped the frosting in. It gives it that 2 dimensional look.

God Bless America....my home sweet home.....!

{Ice} Treasures

2011-06-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

If you've read my Summer Bucket List, you probably saw "Ice Treasures" on that baby.

What is an Ice Treasure.....? Some of you must know? My husband has been doing it for a few years now in the summer... so I don't know really how it came about? Maybe it's an Urban Legend of some sorts?

Basically, you make a giant ice cube and freeze treasures inside of it.

The trick is......

you do it layer by layer.

So, add a layer of water in a bowl. You can add food coloring if you want and stick some treasures in it. Freeze it...!

Then repeat. Get it out of the freezer, add another layer of water on top of the last layer, food coloring if you want and some treasures. Freeze it...!

Then repeat. Until you fill up the bowl with water and treasure.

When you want to take it outside for the kids to play with, fill up your sink with some hot water and place your bowl in it, to unfreeze the Ice Treasure around the edges.

Dump it upside down now outside.

Give the kiddos some waterguns and have them keep spraying it until treasures come out.

They absolutely look forward to this every year.

This year, Noe accidently dumped my Lemon Extract into the water thinking it was food coloring, so it was lemony smelling and the kids kept licking it like a popsicle...!

It's summer fun, who cares....no rules....!

Our Very Hungry Caterpillars.

2011-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

The very first project we did for our Eric Carle Week, was our Hungry Caterpillars.

I found a link for them here at Not Just Cute....!

They are Texture Caterpillars.

The first thing they did was paint on another piece of paper using green paint and a little section of red paint for the head. They used whatever we could find in the house to paint with.....sponges, Q-tips, toothbrush, cottonballs, etc.

Once dried, they cut them out into circles for the caterpillars body.

I gave them large pieces of construction paper and they used Dot Paint Rollers to get the bottom "Eric Carle" look.

While they were doing that, I cut out antennae, eyes and noses for them.

Once the dots were dried, they glued all the pieces together.

My perfectionist children said we had to add the feet and hair on his back....!

So, they drew it on with marker.

These Textured Caterpillars were a great addition to the reading lesson.....!

It was a fun week reading.
It put us over the top for the Summer Reading Program at our Library....big plus...!

Panda Bear Bread.

2011-06-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

We have the book "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?" and wanted to step outside the craft box for something to do with it.

I saw this recipe on tablespoon.com and thought it was totally awesome...!

So.....her bread is on the top.

My bread is on the bottom. {LOL} Poor beat up Panda. Well, we tried. I think next time I'll start it off with my bread machine. The bread was delicious though. We had it with our meatloaf and veggies tonight....hot out of the oven.

It was an interesting process and once I figure out some tips on how to do it....I'm thinking I can make basically any type of shape out of bread. Maybe a Minnie Mouse would be easy?

Try it though.....it was fun to bake with the kids.

Brown {Beans} Bear

2011-06-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Eric Carle is one of my favorite children's authors....right after Dr. Seuss.

He has some fun and creative books that are just so catchy.

There are a ton of projects out there to celebrate his birthday. Teach Preschool has a post with linkys up that various parents and teachers did with their kiddos this week.

I decided to do projects with the books we already own since our library here in town isn't open that often...even though I fell in love with some of those other projects..!

Want to know why I love this book so much?

When my daughter was 3 years old, she knew every page word for word of it. So, even when we read it this week....she could tell me the words on the next page before I turned...and she's 4 now....so still doesn't read yet.

For this project, I traced the Brown Bear cover with computer paper because it's nice and thin.

The girls used Pinto Beans and filled it in.

This is defintely a project that takes awhile, so perfect for summer when they have time to spear.

{8 year old}

{4 year old}

{6 year old}

Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see?

I see awesome bloggers looking at me...!

Grouchy Lady Bugs.

2011-06-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Eric Carle's birthday this week by doing a few fun things.... crafts, having snacks, wearing cute shirts....!

We had some Grouchy Lady Bugs during our movie night this weekend.

Ritz Crackers, Pepperoni and Olives.....some had Cream Cheese {we have a couple non-cheese eaters.}

Delicious grouchiness...!

Clowning Around.

2011-06-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

This project was so much fun for the kiddos.

They keep showing everyone the pictures of them being clowns.

We started off with tissue paper, small red pom poms, photos of the kids, cardstock, markers and glue.

The first part, I did for them.

With an X-acto Knife, I cut their hair out of the pictures.

Since my littlest daughter had her hair back in the picture I had of her, I made it bigger like clown hair.

For Maelyn's picture, she glued her picture on first to the cardstock.

She then crumbled up her paper and glued it inside the missing hair. She was going for a curlier haired clown look.

Lastly, she glued her clown nose onto the picture.

For Carmendee and Patience's pictures...

They put the picture on top, not gluing it down and traced where the hair goes {easy enough for all ages.}

They removed the picture and where they traced, put glue.

They tore little bits of tissue paper into strips and put it where the hair goes.

Then, we glued the picture on top of the hair.

If the kids have access tissue paper coming out of the top or sides of picture....no worries....the X-acto Knife took it right off.

Have them add a nose.

The very last thing they did was choose their clown names and we wrote them on their pictures when they dried.

My Clowns.....Giggles, Bubbles and Juggles.

Earring Make-Over.

2011-06-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Craft-o-manic totally inspired me to makeover some of my jewelry.

I haven't worn some of my pieces lately. They either look old and dingy or don't fit my style as of now.

In both of these sets of earrings below, they were turning dark and discolored.

So, I decided to spray paint them and give them a makeover.

It gave them new life...!

I'm going to be wearing them again.

Kid Summer Necklaces.

2011-06-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Need something for the kiddos to do indoors without them making a disaster in the house?

How about making Straw Necklaces?

Materials needed....

Prima Flowers or Luau Flowers

Yarn

Masking Tape

Straws

Have them cut up a bazillion staws.

Put masking tape on the end of yarn so they can easily get the straws and flowers onto the necklaces.

String them.

Tie them.

Easy fun.

They love their Straw Necklaces.

Sewing Completed.

2011-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Complete Sewing Projects {Check} on my Summer Bucket List.

~~Crossed that off.~~

BTW....I now know why it took me so long to read that book, I'm just not into it. I'm forcing myself to read it because I hate wasting money...!

I had some projects in mind that I wanted done.

Basically, I searched in etsy.com for some ideas to things that I wanted to make.

Once I found the idea, I tried to figure out how they did it...!

This is my Sewing Machine Cover.

It's Reversible. The colors match my bedroom since my Craft Room is in there.

Out of all the projects, so embarrassing, but this was the hardest for me to figure out. I had to use the seam ripper a couple of times.

I made an IPOD case for my daughter and a Camera case for our camera.

The last sewing project that I tackled was a Camera Strap.

This picture isn't that flattering, but it's actually pretty cute...!

Noe bought me a Sewing Machine for Valentine's Day.

I'm just getting the hang out it...! It is so user friendly and I love it. He had made the cutest card that said "I love you Sew much..." and all the reasons.

The only problem with a new machine is I'm figuring out...maybe it wasn't my other machine that messed up....maybe it was just me? LOL

Recycled Clip Board.

2011-06-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

My hubby is a big Frisbee Golf man.

When he wants to do something fun for exercise, him and his co-workers head to the park and play.

For Father's Day, I bought him a Disc Bag to carry his Disc's and a special disc that he's been wanting.

I also printed out some of these{CLICK} Score Cards.

I then got to thinking of an easy way for them to use the score cards like a little clipboard.

I started off with an old cardboard book that really has seen better days.

I was going to throw it one time but decided to keep it for something.

I then cut some scrapbook paper to the size of the cardboard.

Using a thin layer of Mod Podge, the paper was added to the clipboard.

I did the same thing with the back side.

Another thin layer of Mod Podge was applied on top of the paper on each side to seal it.

I cut the paper a teensy weensy to small for my liking, so I painted the edges so the cardboard book didn't show.

Let it all dry...!

Lastly, I hot glued a clip onto the front side of the clipboard.

I slipped it in the bag and it's ready for a game of Frisbee Golf.

A Clipboard made out of everything that I already had...!

I hope Noe likes it...!

Clown Cupcakes.

2011-06-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

Clown Cupcakes are fun for a Circus or Carnival Theme....except if you are terrified of them of course.

My husband said they are creepy, but I think they're fun...!

Despite the alleged "creepiness" I decided to show you how to make them anyways.

When I took my Wilton class, one of the very first things they taught was the Building Up technique.

First, frost your cupcakes.

{I used a 12 tip on these}

Using a 21 Tip, start in the middle and Build your mound. Squeeze alot of frosting at the base to support your mound....then gradually let go as you go up. This is your clown body.

{The cupcake in the bottom right was not centered and is going to eventually tip over.}

Using the same 21 Tip, start at the bottom....squeeze a little and make a straight line for a leg.....then another.

For the arms, use the same tip, start at the shoulder and squeeze down.

Next choose a different color to make hands and feet.

{For the body, I usually like a yellow color...however, I had orange frosting leftover in the fridge and just went with it}

Use a 3 Tip.

Make some feet, hands and buttons.

Lastly, put your Wilton Clown picks on the top.

The Circus is so much fun...!

Sit back, relax and look at the awesomeness.

It looks so much harder than it actually is...!

Pie WAR....!

2011-06-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

One, two, three four....

I declare a Pie War....!

So maybe it's not Carnival-y, but I thought a Pie War would be awesome.

I asked the grocery store if they would give me their old pies and the price wasn't as reasonable as I wanted....so we just did some whipped cream in pie tins.

3 bottles was good because we got really sticky in the sun. For more fun though, double the amount...!

{I don't mind looking horrible for the world to see. It's all about having fun!}

Pie War was as awesome as we thought it would be...!

Homemade Corn Dogs

2011-06-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

Each summer we pick a theme to roll with for our crafts and food.....we've done Camping, Space, Ocean Themed... and others before I had a blog {click on the side to view.}

This Summer we are working with a Circus/Carnival Theme.

What better way to start that theme then with Homemade Corn Dogs?

Got this recipe a couple years ago from Allrecipes.com

You mix together:

1 cup Yellow Cornmeal

1 cup Flour

1/4 tsp Salt

1/8 tsp Pepper

1/4 cup Sugar

Then add:

1 Egg

1 cup Milk

Mix.

Depending if you want mini corn dogs or not, cut in half.

We use hot dogs with a tougher skin like Hebrew National.

The hardest part is finding those sticks that are flat. I can never find them so I use wooden dowels or popsicle sticks {do not use colored ones, the color leaks.}
Fully dip in the batter.

If you do not have a fryer, fill a pan with oil. Wait until it gets hot. It needs to cook the hotdogs instantly when dipped in. Takes about 2-3 minutes.

Your kids will love you for making these.

These are the days when I see them eat the most!

2011 Summer Bucket List.

2011-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

I wasn't originally going to post our Summer Bucket List, just in case someone holds us to it {LOL}

We are moving this summer, not quite sure when....we've just been packing a little at a time. Due to fires, Noe hasn't had a day off in over 2 weeks.

Anyways, I saw this Bucket List idea with the pail over at this site {click on the link.} I thought it was super cool. We decided just to make one big pail and put all the kids ideas on this one and then the little shovel is my list that I really want to do.

It's been a great summer so far.

Busy and fun.

I'm hoping that I get my stuff checked off before theirs. {hehe} Sounds selfish, but my list has pretty much been the same for months now!

Have a Blessed Summer Friends!

Enjoy your time together.

Minnie Ears.

2011-06-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

First off, I just wanted to show off this Birthday Announcement that I got off etsy.com.

It's so my daughter. Hot pink, Minnie Mouse, Zebra....it's a little Diva's Dream.

She was wearing one of her Minnie dresses around the house, this one my Mom made for her....when I thought she could use some Minnie Clippies to go with it.

She has a headband already, but really prefers little clips in her hair.

The first thing I did was take a piece of black felt and folded it into fourths. First hotdog way, then hamburger way...um...how do you explain to adults and not children? Horizontal in half, then vertical in half.

I cut ear shapes out all at the same time so they are the same size.

I opened each one up and hot glued in the center. I attached an alligator clip to the glue.

Lastly, I added hot glue onto the ear part in the middle to make them close.

With red sparkly felt, I cut a bow then hot glued it onto one ear.

The end results of our Minnie Ears.....

Seriously, the easiest Minnie Ears ever.

You could make a bazillion of them for a party in a half hour I bet.

She loves them. I have to force her to take them off for bath and bed.

My little Minnie.

School's Out.....!

2011-06-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

Face Painting Fun.

2011-05-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween, I've had a little hobby of Face Painting.

I got some cheap paints from Party City, just to give it a whirl.

I subscribed to facepainting.com which sends me tips and videos all the time in my email.

So much fun...!

I learn a tip or trick every time I try a new thing. I'm just learning as I go along.

This Dolphin Crown, I think was my very first one.

Patience's Lady Bug Crown.

The site suggests doing more crowns and if we're doing "cheeky" art to put it up high on the cheekbone.

The Butterfly is my favorite so far because I love working with the sponges. I think the sponges are easier to work with and turn out so cute....!

My Superman was really good...until it was time to put the yellow inside. I haven't figured out quite what it is yet....either my cheap paints or the type of brush....but it was not fun. It blended all together and turned orange.

Maelyn's Swan Crown

I learned a good trick on this Dolphin and started getting the hang of it more.

Patience as a Kitty Cat.

It's just a fun thing to do when we are bored. I'm sure the neighbors think we're nuts. The kids have their faces painted playing outside all the time. They enjoy dressing up and I'm enjoying learning a new type of art....!

Have A "Refreshing" Summer

2011-05-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's the last week of school for the year...!

2 and a half more days.

We wanted to end the school year with one more Teacher's Gift.

So, I walked around the Dollar Store for an hour last night trying to think of what to do...nope, the kids were not with me for the first time....which is why I could think!

For the classroom treats, we are doing "Have a Cool Summer" so I was going along that theme for Teacher Gifts. I had Cool Ranch Chips, Cool Mint Gum, etc...in my cart.

I spotted some cute Coca Cola glasses which got me thinking about a refreshing summer.....I tried to shove a plastic bottle and then a can of Coca Cola in that thing. LOL

I left the store with these cute cups and the candy.

Stopped by Sonic and picked up some Gift Cards.

Made a card to go with it....!

It's just a little something to end the school year and welcome their summer.

Wondering: how often or when do you give teacher's gifts?

Mouse Inspired Dinner.

2011-05-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

After our Unicorn Lunch, my little Carmendee asked if we could have Minnie Mouse food.

Minnie Mouse is her favorite thing next to Dragons....in the entire world.

It's what she lives for right now....I wish life was that simple for adults....!

We made some Mouse Pizzas for dinner.

I couldn't decide how they would look the best, so we made two different styles.

This is the before oven picture.

When they came out of the oven, I put green onion whiskers on some of them.

Daddy and me liked the green onion pizza's...the kids liked the cheese whiskers.

Glad I made both...!

Along side the Mouse Pizza's, we had "Hot Dogs, Hot Dogs, Hot Diggity Dogs!"

We used our Minnie Mouse plates that are super cute to put the food on.

For dessert, I scooped Strawberry Ice Cream into a Minnie Mouse cupcake liner.

I put the new Oreo cookies as "Minnie" ears into the ice cream...then stuck them back in the freezer until it was dessert time.

A fun dinner for my Mouse-keteers....!

Rainbow Tail...!

2011-05-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

In order to become a Unicorn, you need two things....a Horn of course {Make them just like a party hat but skinnier. We made ours out of glittery scrapbook paper and they are so cute!} and a Tail.

Tails are super easy to make.

Take some yarn, any colors. Pink and purple is great for a fantasy.

We used this Rainbow Yarn {around $2 at Walmart.}

I cut the yarn into 24 inch strips and about 20 of them was good.

You can make thicker if you would like...!

I cut another piece of yarn to tie the tail together.

I then tied it in a knot to a safety pin on the side that doesn't move.

There you have it...!

Clip it onto their jeans or clothes.

Another fun thing to add to their Fantasy Dress Up Clothes....!

We had a great week with our Unicorn Activities. I love family time...!

Mexican Corn.

2011-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

I live in an area where the Corn Man walks down our street all the time....almost everyday in good weather.

The kids love to buy corn from them.

On Tablespoon.com, I found a simple recipe for making Mexican Street Corn.

We BBQed some burgers and had some of this corn....great dinner.

You'll need:

Cotija Cheese {grated}

Cayenne Pepper

Mayo or Mexican Creme

Lime Juice

Corn

Wash your corn on the cob.

Put them on the grill for about 15-20 minutes until cooked.

Pull the husks off and wash.

Spread a thin layer of Mayo or Mexican Creme.
Roll in the Cotija Cheese.
Sprinkle with Cayenne Pepper.
Sprinkle with Lime Juice.

Seriously, it's so delicious...! 

We can have our favorite corn anytime now...!

Unicorn Hunt.

2011-05-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

For Family Day, we took a little trip to Hart Park to find Unicorns.

To get ready for the trip, Daddy made these Fairies to hang onto a tree.

So....

Daddy's friend told him that he had seen Unicorns at the Park.

In order to find a Unicorn, Daddy has to ask one Fairy at a time where the Unicorns are.

The first Fairy saw one over by a tree with Star Leaves.

We must have just missed the Unicorn.

We found it's Horseshoe instead.

So, we went back and asked another Fairy.

She said she saw one by the river with the tall grass.

We must have just missed the Unicorn again.

So, we asked another Fairy and she said it usually hangs out by the broken tree with no top.

No luck...! Just a Horseshoe.

The last Fairy said she didn't know....but the Goblin would know.

The Goblin likes to sneak in car windows if they are left down.

The Goblin had a task for us first.

We had to shoot cans off the top of the car with our Pea Shooters.

Once we did that, he told us where to find a Unicorn.

We missed him again because Unicorns are Magical Creatures and have to remain a Mystery.

He left us Rainbow Bits for almost catching him.

{BTW....I used Trolli Sour Eggs....Omgeee....I really don't like candy too much...but I actually ate them. They were delicious!}

Me and my Girls.

My Boys {below} with their Pea Shooters.

We visited the Peacocks at the park before we left.

They seem so magical and beautiful to me....!

It was a wonderous day exploring.

I'm pretty sure people thought we were nuts since the park was so packed....but oh well...the things we do for our families right?

Unicorn Lunch.

2011-05-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

In honor of Patience and her birthday, we decided to do a couple of fun Unicorn Activities.

This little girl is obsessed with Rainbows and Unicorns.

We made a Unicorn Themed Lunch.

Unicorn Calzones: Cresent rolls brushed with butter, turkey and chunks of string cheese inside.

Rainbow Fruit Salad...all cut up by my kiddos. They did a great job...!

Of course, you have to have the Heart Muffin Cup, Purple Plate and Turquoise Napkin....to complete the look.

For Dessert, we had Unicorn Horns.

I melted Almond Bark and dipped the ends of the Sugar Cone into it....then dipped in sprinkles and let dry.

We filled them with Pink Ice Cream and Whipped Cream and Cherries.

We had our fill of an Enchanted Lunch...!

Happy Birthday Patience...!

2011-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

My little Sunshine turned 6 years old...!

Happy Birthday to the Girliest of all Girls...!
The Sparkles in all that Glitters...!
The Pink in everything Pinkalicious...!
The Happy Ending in every Fairy Tale...!

We love you.

Bracelets with a {Spanish Flair!}

2011-05-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

The girls and I made some really cute bracelets for Cinco De Mayo.

At our last Girl Scout meeting, we made Paper Mache Friendship Bracelets. So, I had a few extra toliet paper rolls already cut up, ready to craft with.

Step 1: Spray paint the toliet paper roll any color you have in the garage...! Let dry.

Step 2: Embellish with these cute doillies I found in the Dollar Section of Michaels. Adhere onto the bracelet.

Step 3: Make Crepe Paper Flowers. Add onto bracelet. I used hot glue on all of mine.

Step 4: Hole punch the ends and tie a ribbon through. I skipped this step at first and used mine as a bangle. After the first day though of it coming off while I was doing laundry, etc...I added the ribbon.

*The girls made theirs with Pinto Beans glued on first.

*We Spray Painted after that.

*They then embellished with a Crepe Paper Flower.

Feliz Dia De Los Madres.

2011-05-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my Hot Mama Friends out there!

No matter if you celebrate on Sunday or on the 10th...you all deserve your day {ok so many more days but we're too busy} to relax and feel special.

For my Special Day....I woke up early...I know me?! I must have been excited.

The kids wanted me to open gifts before I left.

I love their homemade gifts. They are so special.

Noe got me a really nice digital frame and installed pictures and music into it. So when I woke, it was already set up. I love it...!

Me and my Sissy's and Mom headed out for Breakfast and Pedicures and Shopping.

{Let me tell you waking up early is so worth it....no lines anywhere...but when we were leaving and driving, things were getting BUSY!}

It was a nice, relaxing time.

Later on, we went to my Mother-In-Law's house, mi Suegra, to celebrate with her.

Noe and a couple of his brothers. There are 6 siblings all together.

My Sister-in-law {you might remember her from a Guest Post!}, my Mother-in-Law and I with all the Grandkids. Yes, 2 of us made all that cuteness...!

We had some fun. Relaxed. Talked. Ate some food. Visited.

Noe made me Dinner and a Chocolate Banana Pie {recipe HERE!}

I even took a 15 minute nap in between there somehow...maybe it was 10 minutes but it really felt like an hour. I needed it. Any day with a nap is amazing...!

Hope your Day was Incredible!

Teacher Appreciation Gift-Card...!

2011-05-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

So after reviewing a million websites and discussion boards on what Teacher's actually like to get...I think it's unanimous on the Number #1 Thing {besides letters from the kids} being Gift Cards.

I thought I might as well make the Gift Card cute...!

I took card stock and cut it into a card.

Have your children tell you what their Teacher's favorite colors are...and if they don't know...just let them choose themselves.

My girls are on a turquoise and hot pink kick....so that's what they chose. My son, doesn't really care. He told me to choose, so I did them all the same.

Cut your piece of colored card stock a little smaller than the card and adhere on to the front.

Next, choose a shape that you want the Gift Card to be inside.

We chose the present on my Doodlecharm Cricut Cartridge because it's a gift and it already has a slit in the middle...the baskets on that cartridge do as well. {BTW...4 inches is the perfect size to slip a card into.}

You can also cut a shape out of have your kids do one if you don't have a Cricut.

Adhere your shape onto the front of the card ONLY around the sides....not in the middle or where the slit is.

Once dry, embellish.

We added ribbon onto our package and stamped "Thanks" at the top.

Slip your Gift Card inside.

Inside the card, the kids wrote their teachers messages. Their own words, whatever they wanted to say to them.

We appreciate our Teacher's and the School Staff so much...!

Inexpensive Topiaries.

2011-05-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's Teacher Appreciation Week which means PTO is putting together a breakfast for our Staff.

We needed some inexpensive table decor for the breakfast to make everything look nice.

I thought Crepe Paper Flowers would be perfect...consulted with our President and we were good to go. $1 Store stuff, is always great.

Instead of using a vase to put the flowers into, I found these sytrofoam balls in my supplies. Score...!

First, make your Crepe Paper Flowers.

I did mine just like I would with any fabric. Crepe Paper is versatile.

Hot glue the ends.

Next, hot glue them onto the sytrofoam ball.

This ball used about 12 Flowers. The crepe paper to begin with was cut to 18 inches.

I would have preferred a little larger sytrofoam ball for a topiary, but got to work with what you have...!

Insert a lollipop stick into the ball. It's already white and you don't have to cut it unlike a wooden dowel.

Next, grab a tin from the Dollar Section at Target.

Insert some styrofoam into the tin.

Stick your topiary into the foam.

Lastly, add some moss into the tins.

Tie a ribbon around the stick of your topiary. Put a little hot glue to ensure it stays into place.

I know it's for the Teachers, but I want one!

Looks cute in my bedroom...!

May Flowers.

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Wasn't Heather's Guest Post awesome?

We're making chicken this week!

If you would like to Guest Post please email me. I would love it. I am too busy sometimes to keep up with a blog. I need some Mama help.

Celebrate May this month by making a Flower Project....!

Take some cheapie paper plates and have the kids use dot paint rollers to paint them, just one 1 side. {I suggested dotting the "baskets" but kids have minds of their owns!}

When dry, fold the plate over and staple around the edges.

Cut Flowers for them to paste on and circles for the middles. I used my Doodlecharm Cricut Cartridge but really anyway would work. I cut all colors and sizes.

Have them glue the flowers on. {I suggested putting the flowers at the top of the basket, but kids again have a mind of their own!}

*You can add a handle if you want, but the kids didn't want to because they have minds of their owns..!

Let it all dry.

Cute and easy project for kids that have minds of their owns...!

Guest Blogger: Heather Wilson

2011-04-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

We have a fantabulous Guest Blogger over here at Casa Camacho...!

I knew that would spark your attention...!

Her name is Heather Wilson from over at WonderWilson.

I actually grew up with her and her sisters so I knew that she needed to come give all of us some of her awesome tips...!

I am totally thrilled to be guest blogging for Bobbi today!! She has so many great ideas that I steal all the time! I didn't know if I could come up with something to meet the bar (I wouldn't want to disappoint her readers), but I do have an idea that still impresses me, sometimes, when I manage to pull it off. So here it is:

ONE CHICKEN, THREE DINNERS!

Do you ever buy whole fryer chickens? They are a great deal if you're willing to put in a little effort to cut them apart yourself. That, in itself, can be a chore, but with a little practice and a really sharp knife, it can be very easy.

I like to buy whole fryer chickens for a couple of reasons: they're very inexpensive (usually around a dollar a pound), and they make for great versatility! Typically, I buy a five to six pound chicken for about $5 - $7. For my small family of four, one chicken can feed us for about three meals if I take the time to do a bit of careful planning and a little prep work. That's an average of $1.66- $2.33 per meal! I try to keep a least two whole chickens in my freezer at all times so I can get creative when money is tight or if I'm ever in a pinch.

The first thing I do is cut the chicken into 8 pieces - 2 wings, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 breasts. Save the carcass! As well as anything that you may have found inside the bird (giblets, neck, etc.). I put those into a gallon size plastic bag and either freeze it for later use, or put it in the fridge if I know I'm going to use it within the next few days.

DINNER #1 - Bone-in Chicken

Cook up those wings, thighs, and drumsticks. Sometimes I make fried chicken, sometimes I bake it. Other good options are coq au vin (if you like to cook with wine, and I do!) or chicken and dumplings! My kids are only five and three, and they're both girls, so they don't eat too much. Six pieces of chicken is usually just enough for us for one meal, but if your family eats a little more, use up one of those chicken breasts, as well.

DINNER #2 - Casserole

Dice up the chicken breasts and brown them in a skillet, season them however you like. Use the cooked chicken in a casserole. Casseroles are great because you can get away with using less meat than you would a regular meal where protein is a major portion of the plate. Some of my favorite casseroles are Chicken Divan, Italian Chicken Casserole, lasagna (with chicken, of course), and enchiladas. Casseroles are also a great way to sneak in extra veggies or new veggies that the kiddos might be leery of if presented whole. There are countless other recipes out there, pick one that your family will love! Another way to use up the cooked, diced chicken breasts is to make a pot pie. That is one of my husband's all time favorites!

DINNER #3 - Soup

Remember that chicken carcass? Now is the time to get some good use out of it by making your own chicken stock as a base for your favorite soup recipe. In a large pot, boil the chicken bones and any other parts you may have saved (including any skin you may have removed from other chicken pieces) with some celery, carrots, onion, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. There are lots of different recipes out there for how to make chicken stock, but they all use the same basic ingredients. After simmering for 2-4 hours (depending on the recipe you used), strain all the solids out of the stock (don't throw them out yet!) and transfer the clear liquid to a large bowl and put it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the fat to rise to the top and solidify. Then, when you're ready to use it, gently remove the solid fat and you'll be left with a great soup base. I use mine to make chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, pasta fagioli, and so many others.

About those solids I told you not to throw out... depending on how well I cut up my whole chicken, I'm usually left with several chunks of chicken meat on the backbone. After boiling it for the stock, I can often find as much as a whole cup of chicken meat still attached to the bone! I pick it right off and save it for something else. Maybe I can add it to the soup I'll be making later, maybe another casserole, or perhaps a little chicken salad or chicken salad sandwich. Hurray for bonus chicken!

I hope you can find a few recipes that your family will love from the above suggestions and save a little money in the process. If your family is larger than mine (or just eats more) you can always adapt this same idea to the use of two chickens... or maybe three? However you need to apply it to your family's needs, it will definitely help to save a few bucks at the dinner table.

Thank YOU Heather for your Wonderful post...!

Go on over to WonderWilson and look at her site...word of advice....don't go when hungry...!

You will find yourself drooling. It's a highly addictive site.

New Bunny Money.

2011-04-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard of our Bunny Money, here is the original post.

Basically, instead of putting candy in the plastic eggs...we put "Bunny Money" inside.

We then set up a "Bunny Store" which has little things for the kids to choose from and buy with their money.

For the past few years, we've done alot of pre-packaged snacks also at the store because our kids don't usually get that type of snack throughout the year so it's a big treat for them.

We made a NEW printable of Bunny Money.

After all these years, I noticed that Noe spelled Bunny wrong on the bills.

Here is our NEW version to download.

Crown Of Thorns.

2011-04-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, some friends and I from church would get together each month and do a Craft.

A woman from church would show us how to create the cutest crafts.

One month we made these Barbed Wire Wreaths.

I absolutely love how these turned out....! We decorate our home with them each year since....!

You'll need:

Gloves

Spray Paint

Ribbon

Barbed Wire

Wire Cutters

Wire

Directions:

Put your Gloves on and Cut Barbed Wire with the Wire Cutters {We live in farm country with barbed wire accessible. Most people will give some to you for free if you just ask! If you're driving by a field, ask!}
Try to coil up your Barbed Wire into a wreath shape. Tie it with some wire in a few different places.
Spray paint your Crown of Thorns whatever color you like!
When dried, add a pretty ribbon and embellishments.

One of my friends made a bunch of these for Christmas gifts.

They serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us....!

And they are oh so cute...!

Wall Decor.

2011-04-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am in love with filling my walls up with cute decor...!

Every little bare space has a future project in mind that I haven't gotten to yet.

I bought this Letter C at Hobby Lobby awhile back. It's just been sitting in my craft stuff waiting for me. Poor guy...! I was thinking of glueing {not knowing how to spell glueing is driving me crazy...all the online dictionaries say it could be written either way glueing or gluing}moss onto it for a nice Springy look. But when I saw this frame in my "Unfinished Projects" drawer, that I had started to make an earring holder with.....I decided to put them together...!

This was an old frame...yep, old. Hate to say it but I've hate it since I was a baby, so old. My Great Aunt crocheted a Precious Moments figure that looked like me and put it in this frame.

After my kids ruined the picture by drawing on it, I decided to use the frame still.

I love the curves on it. So pretty.

I had painted it a cool turquoise color.

If you don't have any extra frames to refurbish, try Goodwill. Find the ugliest frame possible and spray paint it. {LOL} Seriously, the gaudiest frames usually have the neatest accents and when spray painted that perfect color, can really look nice.

I just started at the end with my yarn and covered it all using hot glue spread throughout. Just put a dot of glue here and there because you can kind of see it.

This is one layer of yarn.

I wanted to add an extra layer for thickness since I didn't paint the letter to begin with.

Plus, I thought it would be fun for texture, to criss-cross it in some places.

This is the second layer.

My favorite part of course, embellishing...!

I added some twine onto the letter Cc in some places.

I then added some twine on the side of the frame.

The last thing I did was put some ribbon onto my trusted key {in the Dollar Bins at Michaels} and hot glue it onto the letter.

Hot glue everything in place...!

I love it...!

I made it pretty plain which is what I was going for. I had flowers on stand-by and was thinking of doing some bunting across the top. Maybe in the future? For now, I'm liking it...!

Not bad for a couple of bucks?

Noah Turbough.

2011-04-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the school year. Just thought that I would brag on this boy.

My oldest. My only boy.

He's in 5th grade now. 5th grade...!

Noah is such a sweet boy.

He is just and fair....kind of like a Super Hero...!

He stands up for people when he doesn't think they are being treated fairly.

He isn't afraid to speak his mind when he thinks that someone is behaving wrongly. When I'm angry about something, he'll even tell me to be nice and talk kindly.

He walks away from a crowd when they are saying bad words or being crude.

Noah always eats whatever I make and compliments me when I cook...!

His room is usually neat and cleaned and organized.

He can read an entire chapter book {like Harry Potter thick} in two days.

He loves soccer.

This year alone, he scored Advanced all on his tests.

He got straight A's all year round.

He got numerous awards and certificates.

He was Tiger of the Month for trait of Creative.

Noah plays the trumpet and went from beginner to intermediate within a year...!

He scored the highest reading level out of the entire school, reading at a second semester Freshman level.

I am bursting with joy and pride from this boy.

He makes me happy everyday.

I loved this speech his teacher wrote about him for the assembly.

Just thought that I would share.

"Since the first day of school, you've impressed me with many creative qualities. You are very expressive in your writing. It comes alive and grabs the attention of the reader because of your ability to add creative elements. The use of adjectives and adverbs in "My Favorite Foods" made my mouth water! I could almost taste the popcorn shrimp, chicken salad and strawberry swirled cheesecake!

You are also eager to share the creative ways you have found to solve many math problems. You're creativity as well as critical thinking skills have provided opportunities for your group and the entire class to learn different strategies and techniques to be successful.

Noah, you are also able to express yourself verbally in ways that indicate you have knowledge beyond your years. You're intelligent, have a great sense of humor, and an imagintation that has shaped you into a creative and special young man. It is a pleasure to have you as my student!"

Baby Chicks...!

2011-04-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

A simple, cost-effective project for the classroom at Spring Time would have to be Baby Chicks.

They're so sweet to create...!

I'm sure you have all seen some type of Chickie.

When I was gathering materials, a teacher next to me was checking how much yellow pom poms were to make this same project in her classroom. She said she usually uses cottonballs for it. I told her that I add feathers, so we walked to the feathers together and she picked up a bag as well.

I like to think the egg carton part is a nest which is why I had all the kids paint it brown. Everyone else thought it was a chick hatching from an egg...! So maybe paint it white or use white egg cartons if going in that direction? You can recycle, use whatever you have on hand and still be able to pull off a great craft.

Spring Chickens are super cute...!

Exploring Easter Activities.

2011-04-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

One evening I was reading my Focus On The Family Magazine and I came across this article called Exploring Easter.

Lately, it seems like I've seen or done it all in magazines or even online...and I've been feeling sort of un-inspired. I haven't been posting things we do around here because I feel like it's maybe something people have seen before as well....even when I think I come up with it.

This article however, brought me back to the Reason for Easter.

Normally, I would never copy an article and put it on here...but I don't want to change the wording too much. I want you to get the jest of the activities.

North Americans celebrate Easter in a variety of ways — treat-filled baskets, egg hunts, new Sunday clothes. Although there is nothing wrong with these traditions, Easter is so much bigger than dyed eggs and bunnies. As Christians, we celebrate Christ's resurrection and the new life He gives us.

To help you bring the Easter story to life for your children, the editors of Thriving Family have compiled a week of Christ-focused activities. They are not meant to replace your family's traditional Easter activities, but to help your children learn more about Jesus' sacrifice and victory over death at Easter.

Palm Sunday

In Jesus' time, palm branches were used in celebrations or to honor dignitaries. Read John 12:12-13. Have your kids make palm branches out of green construction paper and decorate the dinner table with their creations. Place extra "branches" on a path from the entryway to the table to mark a path of honor. Before dinner, discuss the meaning of Hosanna, which could have been an appeal for divine help or salvation, or a way to praise Jesus. Ask your children what they might shout if they saw Jesus coming down the road today.

Monday

Bake bread as a family, and discuss why Jesus called himself the Bread of Life. Point out that just as bread gives us nutrition and sustains us physically, Jesus offers us eternal life and sustains us spiritually. Put the bread in a basket. Then add some Easter goodies and at least one item that shares the Easter message, such as a bookmark, tract or Biblezine (for tweens). Deliver the basket to someone who may need an extra dose of kindness this week.

Tuesday

Make an Easter picture tree. Anchor a small branch in a pot. Have your kids look through magazines and cut out images that remind them of Jesus. Examples: A lamp because He is the Light of the World or a road because He is the one way to heaven. Glue pictures on card stock, attach short pieces of string, and hang the pictures on the branches.

Wednesday

Send your children on an Easter scavenger hunt. Instruct them to find items that symbolize different parts of the Easter story. Examples: A rock (the tomb), two sticks (the Cross), something black (sin), something red (blood), something white (a clean heart), something green (growing in Christ). Older children can go on a digital scavenger hunt, taking photographs of items that remind them of Easter.

Thursday

1.Experience your own Maundy Thursday foot-washing ceremony. Fill a bucket with water. Grab a few towels, gather your family, and share the story found in John 13:1-17. Then take turns washing each other's feet and praying for one another.

2.Read Luke 22:39-46. Visit a garden or park and pray there. Chat about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Have your kids talk about what plans they have for tomorrow and what Jesus may have been thinking about for the next day.

3.Talk with your children about a time when a friend hurt their feelings. Read Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56. Then give your children a dollar bill. Ask if they would trade it for five nickels. Thirty pennies? Determine which has the most value. Discuss how Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins and what a poor trade he made. Ask your children how Jesus must have felt when His friend betrayed Him.

Friday

1.Make a cross out of wood scraps. Ask each family member to think of an attitude or action from the past week that they knew didn't make God happy. Have family members write their thoughts on a piece of paper, fold it and pin it to the cross. Talk about how Jesus suffered the punishment for all of our sins so that we would not have to.

2.Place a white carnation in a vase. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19. Discuss with your children what it meant that Jesus was a "lamb without blemish or defect." Add a dozen drops of red food coloring to the water. Watch what happens over the next two or three days. Use the red flower petals as a reminder that Jesus took our sins upon himself when He died on the Cross.

3.Have your kids take turns sharing stories about bullies from school or cyberbullies online. Talk about how people often treat others unkindly because they are hurting inside, and point out that they need forgiveness just like we do. Read the story about the repentant criminal who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). Let your children tell how they may have acted unkind when they didn't take the thoughts or feelings of another into consideration. Lead them in prayer, confessing your failings in this area. Allow your kids time (but don't force them) to confess, also.

Saturday

1.Take a morning walk around your neighborhood. Talk about how spring reminds us of the new life Jesus gives us. Point out the signs of new life that are starting to appear.

2.Let your kids help you clean your windows. Talk about how much better they can see through them afterward. Read Luke 18:31-34. Explain that the disciples did not see clearly at first. They did not understand that Jesus had to die and rise from the dead — until He did!

3.That evening, decorate a plain white tablecloth with fabric markers or a disposable plastic one with Sharpies. Let your children illustrate the tablecloth with symbols of Easter. Use the tablecloth for Easter dinner the following day.

Easter Sunday

1.Read Matthew 27:57-61. Then ask your children for a volunteer. Wrap him or her in toilet paper, or "grave clothes." After your kids have stopped giggling, allow the volunteer to break free from the toilet paper. Talk about how sad the disciples must have felt and how happy they must have been when they saw that Jesus had conquered death.

2.Go to a park, search for an oversized boulder and try to move it. Read Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-4. Discuss how a large stone couldn't keep Jesus in the tomb and how surprised the soldiers must have been when it was rolled away.

3.During Easter dinner, have cupcakes for dessert with one candle on each. Use trick candles to show how Jesus, the Light of the World, appeared to be extinguished but wasn't. Light the candles and together blow them out. When the candles relight themselves, talk about how everyone thought Jesus' light had disappeared, but it hadn't. He was and still is alive!

4.Take a night hike as a family. Observe how a flashlight ensures safe stepping. Remind your children how Jesus came into the world to guide our steps and show us the way to God.

Weren't these wonderful ideas?

Easter is one of my favorite times of year for traditions and making memories.

It reminds me that no matter what I am going through in life...God is good. He can get me through anything. I need to count my Blessings!

I am going to keep our regular family traditions and incorporate these into the week before Easter.

I hope this article inspires and benefits your Thriving Family!

The link for this article.

Muffin Tin Monday {Easter Themed}

2011-04-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Over at Muffin Tin Mom's Blogsite the theme for this month is Easter/Spring.

So, we thought we'd go with an Easter Theme for our lunch today....a religious Easter Theme since Jesus is the reason we have Easter in the first place....!

Our Muffin Tin Lunch was:

Palm Leaves {lettuce for sandwich}

Cross {turkey sandwich}

Bread of Life {Hawaiian Roll}

Nails {carrots}

Spears {asparagus}

Stones {Rock Candy}

Royal Purple Cloth for the King of Kings {fruit leather}

For He has Risen...! He has Risen Indeed...!

Organizing Finances.

2011-04-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

A Bowl Full Of Lemons Weekly Challenge: Finances

The most important thing to Organize, I believe... is Finances.

You can have the clean house, the expensive cars...but if you're drowning in debt...there really cannot be that sense of peace in your heart.

A Bowl Full Of Lemons will take you step-by-step in organizing finances.

The very first thing to do, is sit down with your spouse and make a Monthly Budget.

What we use are these Dave Ramsey's Forms, The Byrd's Nest has them all right on her blogsite instead of searching for them, I just bookmarked her page.

Noe and I started off by filling out the Monthly Cash Flow Plan. Once we filled that out {make a ton of copies for each month} we used the Basic Quickie Budget Form.

I know it's alot of sitting and filling out, but doing it each month will really really benefit you, your marriage and your family...plus give you that sense of peace.

You can also do the bills like on the movie Confessions Of A Shopaholic with a shot of alcohol every time you open a bill {LOL!}

Next, we have to fill out a Irregular Income Planning Form. Our family does this form because my husband takes home different amounts of money each check...which is one reason we had such a hard time budgeting and planning in the first place. Fill out the form if you are in the same boat as us with an Irregular Income.

Place your Budget somewhere...!

Track ALL of your spending for 1 week and see where your money goes.

{Our family has actually tried doing it for a month to see how many times we eat out, etc. }

Keep all your receipts. We keep notepads with us to write down what we spent.

Create an Envelope System.

{More about the Envelope System here}
Once you establish your budget, start paying cash for your things.
Most bills can be paid online and then you take out your cash from the bank to carry with you using an Envelope System.
When I was getting married 10 years ago, I had no clue about Dave Ramsey...but I used my own envelope system to pay for the wedding. It truly helped us. Over the years, when we noticed we were getting mixed up in our finances...we would revert back to a cash system. It helps to keep the debt down...for us.
This is our Envelope System. There are SO many cute ones out there and trust me, I've contemplated scrapbooking mine up...but my husband and I just share this...and it works for us.
Our envelope also has
1. Food
2. Gasoline
3. Clothing
4. School Expenses
5. Entertainment

A rule of the Envelope System is once you have spent the budget for each category, you cannot take from another envelope. It defeats the purpose of budgeting.

The next step in the Challenge was to create a Budget Box or Budget Binder.

A Bowl Full Of Lemons goes into detail on the categories of the Budget Box here.

We have a Budget Filing System.

In our File Cabinet, we carry a box of Billing Supplies like Stamp, Envelopes, Calculator, Check Book, etc.

On our computer desk, for easy access, is our Budget Filing System.

{Got it at the Container Store}

It contains our Bills, Paid Bills, Savings Accounts, Dave Ramsey Forms, Receipts, etc.

It is so convenient for Noe and I to both know where everything is...!

The last step in Organizing Your Finances is to Create Your Debt Snowball.

Details of the Debt Snowball are here.

Use the Debt Snowball Form found here.

List your Debts in order from Smallest to Largest that you want to pay off. Follow the instructions on the form.

These are Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps...remember the key word...baby steps. You can be on step #2 paying of all your debt for years, but don't get discouraged. Keep at it...!

Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps:

1. $1000 to start an Emergency Fund

2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball

3. 3-6 months of expenses in savings

4. Invest 15% of income into Roth IRAs & pre-tax retirement

5. College fund for children

6. Pay off home early

7. Build wealth and give!

Finances are easy for some people...and difficult for others.

How I was raised is completely different than how my husband was raised. So, we've budded heads many times over the years about this subject. We're still learning. I'm still learning.

We're almost debt free. Almost...! No loans or credit cards or anything like that. I finally paid off my doctor bills after 2 years from surgeries...and if you've noticed from previous posts my daughter was recently sick and in the hospital. Now we have doctors, hospital and ambulance bills again.

I recommend to pray first. Really truly pray about your finances. Be on the same page as the Lord and as your husband...!

I'll pray blessings on my readers families as well....!

Peeps...!

2011-04-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I never liked Peeps when I was little?

Poor innocent Peeps.

I gave them a second chance as I got older and you know what...they are pretty darn good....!

This little guy and I are friends...!

For Family Night, we made some Peep S'Mores.

Peep Bars are delicious...!

{BTW...whatever you do....don't Google Peep Bars. LOL Big Mistake on my part!}

If you downloaded my Monthly Home Evening Lessons for April, there are some cute recipes on there....Resurrection Rolls and Bunny S'mores in a jar {I wish I found my jar picture from last year to put on here, but Google S'more in a jar and you'll get the idea!}

These Bunny Peep Bars in a jar are great gifts for teachers, family, friends and neighbors.

If you're making them at home:

Combine 11/2 cups of Crushed Graham Crakers {1 sleeve}

1 1/2 cups of Marshmallows or 8 Peeps

1 1/12 cups of M&M's or Chocolate Chips

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

Mix all together and add 1/2 cup Melted Butter and 1 tsp Vanilla.

Press into a baking pan.

If you're using Peeps, put them on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Give these babies another chance if you haven't already....!

Kitchen Organization...!

2011-04-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

A Bowl Full Of Lemons Weekly Challenge: Kitchen Organization...!

I got busy trying to organize the kitchen as inexpensive and space saavy as I could right now.

Here is my little place that it seems like I spend all day in....!

{Click on pictures to make bigger}

I needed my coffee this morning...!

I have a ton of Baking Stuff.

This is actually really organized. When I pulled it all out, I was thinking how in the world I get an entire baking aisle in one cupboard space?

Although, my MIL saw my pans and showed me how to scrub them correctly! {LOL} I guess I needed the lesson. Seriously! It's better than buying new stuff.

To be honest, my Kitchen was pretty organized already. I did take everything out of the cupboards...wipe them all down...and rearrange some...which is why it took me so long.

This contact paper was from the Dollar Tree.

Isn't it pretty?!

Containers and everything from Dollar Tree as well.

This is under the Kitchen Sink.

I had to show my stove. This baby took 2 days to scrub down.

I did the trick with the grates where you stick them in a storage sized plastic bag with ammonia overnight. The stuff came off easier. I still had to scrub, let me tell you...but not as much as I was before.

Thanks for visiting Our Heart Of The Home...!

Spring Cleaning {Refrigerator}

2011-04-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

We're Spring Cleaning around here and the kitchen was the first thing that needed to be scrubbed...!

Despite, Noe protesting posting these embarrassing pictures...I decided to...we're all human right? Nobody is perfect. Certaintly not my fridge!

The contractor who built our house, for some reason put our fridge in by the window and then built the ledge of the window sill. So, we cannot pull the refrigerator out or in and cannot open the fridge door all the way. Makes no sense! I haven't been able to clean my fridge for 4 years now. Yep, 4 years of crude on the bottom!

I was determined to inch that fridge out little by little....I almost took a saw and cut my window sill off to be able to open the fridge door all the way!

Noe got them out after a whole lotta trying...!

Here are my before pictures....

Eeewww.....

Now......

It's so white and sparkly, almost blinding...!

Smells great...!

I almost hated filling it back up.

These are the kids snack buckets. Each time we go grocery shopping, we fill them up.

It's so much better.

We cleaned the freezer also...!

Isn't it amazing how good a little elbow grease and organization can give some butterflies?!