Are you in? For anything?  A friend of mine was telling me that her little boy was wanting to have a Thomas the Train birthday party for another year--I love it! He's already showing signs at 4 years old that he has passion.  The only encouragement I could give her is that Sam has had the same party theme for 7 years (and the same halloween costume), and once I learned to embrace it, my life got a lot easier. Sam loves football, and the Razorbacks, and his newest "thing", golf.  He has passion--to put it mildly.

Our pastor recently did a series on serving titled "all in".  I realized that not everyone has found where they want to get "all in". Personally, I've found too many things.  This little piece of floor art inspired me to ask the question--R U in? This is the time to make your mark, we can all make a difference in our little corner of the world.

65 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MOM!!

Happy Birthday Mom! In honor of your 65 years, I have come up with 

65 things I love about you!

1. She's Hip
   
2. generous
3. patient
4. notices what makes each of her grandkids unique and special
5. her pies
6. she's giving
7. fun
8. she loves to shop with me
9. she will stay at the park/pool/etc.. until the KIDS are ready to leave--which could mean hours!
10. smart
11. techy
12. creative
13. encouraging
14. classy
15. her unique pronunciation of certain words gives me a good laugh
16. sense of humor
17. talented
18. always sees the best in people
19. protective
20. her dinner rolls
21. she took me to CKU--still a highlight!!
22. honest
23. patient
24. fun-loving
25. the way she and dad are caring for grandma
26. she takes on my projects
27. she's a life long learner
28. she's lookin' GOOD at 65
29. I can always count on her
30. fun to be around
31. created awesome memories
32. was a great example
33. helpful 
34. supportive
35. looks over wrongs
36. fun to be around
37. always believes in me
38. faith in God no matter the circumstance
39. life of the party
40. thoughtful
41. caring
42. good grandmother
43. incredible writer
44. EBAY--enough said :)
45. Instilled excellence in us as kids
46. goes the extra mile
47. there when I need her
48. patient
49. full of conversation
50. hard working
51. sweet 
52. encourage our learning
53. great photographer
54. gracious hostess
55. her door is always open
56. light hearted
57. soft place to land
58. did I mention she is really patient
59. her special baby blankets
60. she loves all the things I make her--even if it's ugly
61. she started children's church at Northvale Baptist
62. humble
63. accepts me for who I am
64. loves my dad
65. she's the best mom in the WORLD!!

I could have gone on and on, mom you really are one special lady--Happy Birthday, I love you!

Here is an album I created for her 60th birthday--

more about tutorials!

I may have mentioned in my last post that I really like tutorials.  Today is a good day because I found the mother ship of tutorials here!

I think I was born with the desire to create things. I remember when I was young, pilfering through my mom's desk to see what I could find so that I could "make" something.  Over the years I have spent countless hours and dollars crafting. I wish I had a photo montage of every single project.  That would be funny.  Well, I am off to look over these 100 free tutorials and decide what my next project is going to be :)

A Tutorial

Yay! My first tutorial!! I have always wanted to do a tutorial. I really love tutorials myself and I think it would be really awesome of me to do tutorials for others. Also, I like the word tutorials. I think it sounds kind of studious. I've really never been all that studious so this tutorial should help with that (I think I sound smarter already). Anyway....today we are making an Easter Bracelet.  The first thing you have to do is purchase this PDF for $3 from this lovely website.  The other things you will need are,

-a color printer

-shrinky dink paper for a laser printer

-a paper bag

-jump rings

-a jewelry clasp

-small buttons

Step 1

Print out the pdf file on regular paper (I used the one with smaller images). Then take the piece of shrinky dink paper and attach it to the printed paper using a couple pieces of two-sided tape (this is because the shrinky dink paper is smaller than printer paper--if you don't do this, some of the images will be cut off).  Make sure that when you tape it to the printer paper, it is covering all the images.  Then print again onto the shrinky dink paper.

Step 2

Cut out the shapes you want and punch holes on 2 sides.

Step 3

Bake the shrinky dinks according to the package instructions (I found that it took a little longer than the instructions recommended.)  Wait for them to shrivel up and then flatten back out. Some take longer than others, I don't know why.

before

after

Step 4

Now this is really important. I overlooked this in the instructions and found out the hard way--YOU HAVE TO SEAL THEM! I used an acrylic sealer--I think any will do.  They usually come in an aerosol can.

Step 5

Use needle nose pliers to open the jump rings and make a pattern--jump ring, button, jump ring, shrinky dink, repeat (I used 4 shrinky dinks to make a child's size). Finish it of by adding a clasp. Then, ta da!

 A cute little Easter accessory. The possibilities are endless--just think of all the things you could make!

Where is the resolve?

I know this doesn't look irresistible, but...it is.  Strawberry shortcake.  I usually don't mix fruit with desert, but for this--I will make an exception. I have been doing weight watchers for a few months, and its been going so well....I have been vigilant with keeping up with my points.  Getting results. Nothing was going to shake me, then POOF.  Gone.  What I'm wondering is, where does it come from, and how do I get it back?  I mean, Valerie Bertinelli did it, why can't I.  

Well, I feel better. Thanks.

Welcome Spring

Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  We still have the threat of snow this weekend, but these glorious 60-70 degree days have been therapy to my sun-deprived soul. Tonight we had a pancake celebration of spring (thanks Ann for the cute pancake molds).  Occasionally we like to have breakfast for dinner for a couple of reasons--a) I'm in NO mood first thing in the morning to lovingly make molded pancakes, and b) when you've eaten beef for like 5 days in a row (anyone who has ever had a cow slaughtered knows what I'm talking about), peanut butter pancakes sound really good.  And here are some more springish pictures to brighten your day....

Sam and Roy opted for Mickey

Here is Lucy in her bunny t-shirt lovingly appliqued by yours truely. You can find instructions here, it's my new favorite blog.  She is visiting her teacher, Mrs. Hogan, who just had a baby.

I'm thinking of stacking some books like this. I just hope it will look intentional, and not like I'm a hoarder.

Meet Rooty

Rooty
Originally uploaded by stephaniewatson

She's a sweet and friendly gal. A little off beat, but we love her anyway. She is the product of Mommy/Lucy tonsil recovery time while the rest of the fam was at church. We think she's kind of lonely, so stay tuned.....

My Happy Place

After reading the posts that I wrote at the beginning of this blog back in September, I realized I had some updating to do.  At the time, Disney World seemed like wishful thinking. It's fun to read what I wrote and then see what God actually did.   January 30th, the Watson family flew to Orlando for a week at Disney World! How did it happen--nothing that seemed too miraculous--a combination of good deals, condo connections, a little savings, a great bonus, and a tax return. Put it all together, and we have a vacation of a lifetime. It was tiring, a little stressful, expensive and TOTALLY MAGICAL! We had an amazing time. We were so thankful and realized that God had orchestrated it all.  The kids were at perfect ages to enjoy and appreciate the whole experience (with the exception of Emma).  Now, it's my happy place. No need to turn on the TV to lull myself to sleep. Just close my eyes and take a walk down main street!

taking another stab

Ok, so thus far, my blogging efforts have been less than stellar. I don't know how I managed to fizzle off after only 2 days of blogging, but I am going to give it another stab. Give it another try. Take a new approach.  This blog is going to be more about things that inspire me, new ideas I'm trying, and pretty much whatever floats my boat.  I figure I have nothing to lose since I have only one or two faithful followers (thanks mom and dad!).  So today--drum roll please--I am going to introduce you to..I haven't even decided yet, I'm thinking...I'm asking Lucy...my latest baby gift --the tag monster!  I know what you must be thinking--"wow! She's amazing!"  Well, this is the part that I get real with all you people, I just followed a simple pattern I found on the world wide web.  Simply click here to download a pdf pattern of this cutie and before you know it, you will be crafting the night away.  I'm off to deliver my tag monster to a lucky little baby.  See ya in a few months--just kiddng ;)