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At the Autism walk in Orange County Ella sang the National Anthem again for the 3rd year. She did so well, looked great and had fun. Any mother, father, grandparent, loved one out there with a little one with Autism please know there is HOPE. Ella is proof of early intervention. Proof of hard work (both her and us). Proof of never giving up the fight.
The facts of having a large family (I really do not think it is large but most people do)… We buy 6 gallons of milk at a time (that is all we can fit in our fridge), they can eat 14 waffles at one sitting (the kids alone), I need to drink a ton of coffee to get thru the day (3 cups at a time), I sometimes wake up the baby in the middle of the night just to get some alone time with him, you always have someone to play with, we now drive a 12 passenger van, having a girl to do nails with just makes my everyday, watching Quinn play football is the highlight of my week, every family has a clown (and by these photos you can clearly see who our family clown is), seeing curls on Davis makes me happy, out of all the library books we borrow we have only lost 1 (pretty good odds) and finally to share this life with Jerry has made every diaper change and vomit cleanup much much much more enjoyable.
If you are local or plan on coming to
Braeden took a while to warm up to being 400 feet up in the air. But the other 4 kiddos loved it. Davis held onto Jerry and would not let go for anything. Ella's face had an endless smile. Quinn wanted to go higher. And Holden woke up from a nap high in the sky!
Ella grew out her hair and donated it! She has a head full of hair that grows so fast. Last year she donated 10 inches to locks of love in the spring and now in the winter she has cut and sent off another 8 inches to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. She loves her new haircut and so do I. Jerry on the other hand is getting use to it and was very shocked when she came home from the salon. It reminds me of when she was younger. When ponytails and braids where difficult to keep in. In hopes for someday it to be long enough to style etc. But knowing what I know now, she has got enough hair for several people. And she is willing to share it. Thank you little Ella for being so kind and being so you.
Getting ready for Christmas around here includes party planning, Santa’s lists, and crafting, shopping, card making along side the every day jobs. Having a new baby in the mix too! This year I am going to find 1 thing to make and hopefully it will work for a number of gifts. Teachers, nieces, friends, sisters etc. While I am searching I wanted to share some of years past handmade holiday ideas… Hopefully I will get on schedule soon, running behind this year!
handmade crayons
letter blocks
chalk board mat
personalized score cards
Momma and baby are doing well... Thank you for all the blessings and kind wishes.
School has come at last…After count downs, getting ready, countless supplies, meeting teachers, getting class assignments, preparing backpacks and lunches ready and off they went. I am always one of those moms ready and excited for school to start. But again on the first 2 weeks of school those feelings I keep forgetting about come rushing on to me. The feelings of them being in an environment I am not in control of. I am afraid of every little thing… bathroom breaks, eating enough, getting enough liquids… I am a worrier! It has been a VERY rough 2 weeks. I am praying next week will go better.
Here is a summer recap before the kids are off to school. Balboa Fun Zone, Fishing at a local lake, backyard camping and lemonade stands were just a few things. I am hopeful the kids will remember with fond and fun memories.
Kids love all this old school local fun. I love how the photos come out all bright and colorful!
We still do not use bait…Shhhhhhh do not tell them this is why we have never caught anything.
Our neighbors really came out for this one. The kids had a blast!
Slowly each child, adult and animal came in one at a time except for Ella and Daddy… They wanted to rough it all night long!
Baseball is over… We had a rookie player on the Giants. For his first year he was amazing hitting every ball (it was t-ball) and only picking the grass one time! Braeden LOVED t-ball and when asked what is the best part he says… “The snack shack!”
Quinn had a wonderful season ending it on a huge game. Hitting a triple and a grand slam home run… I just love watching my kiddos playing sports. It really is fun to me.
Good job boys! Get ready for fall sports.
You guys are the best. Hanging out in the backyard all day made my day so relaxing and fun. Thank you for making me a mother. I love you, Momma
Ella has decided to cut her hair!!! With the weather getting so hot here and the fact that she and I both hate to brush out her hair 2 times a day, she has decided to get it cut. I thought this would be perfect for a chance to do locks of love. Ella and I read over all the requirements and off to the hair salon we went. Ten inches were cut for the charity and a couple inches to make her new look complete. She just loves it (and so do I). Good job Ella…
Braeden turned 5 today and for the 3rd year in a row he did not want to change to the next age… Last year on his birthday it was a sore subject to say he was turning 4 and this year he is feeling the same way. He wants to not turn 5! This just makes me smile, this is so Braeden. I tell him that is fine he can be any age he wants. No one is making him grow up. I am glad he has his very own opinion on what he wants…
His birthday party was a blast. The book theme went as planned. The only issues were that I had a house full of sick kids the week before and I was not up for any last minute planning so I am glad I had done what I had before. I turned target t-shirts into "brown bear brown bear" iron on shirts. Party hats were made out of old books. The food was all the food in the book "Very Hungry Caterpillar". Read books. Made bookmarks. We played musical chairs, hot potato, pin the hat on the cat, and had a piñata… I found these book bags and the decorations that I did not make from Highsmith, a library resource on-line. Breaden loved it and so did I. Happy birthday baby Braeden, I love you.
Ella did a wonderful job at her first ever Girl Scout Olympics... She ran, jumped, threw and made life long memories! She won several ribbons and of course the patch for her daisy bib. She is all about the patches! It is very difficult for me to let her spread her wings and experience all of these types of things but she is doing perfectly. I saw a sign the other day that said, "Worrying is you telling God he is not in control"... I have got to work on this I worry about my little ones more then anything.
A paper-covered clipboard with a funny pad of paper attached is a creative Christmas gift. Why conjure up the same information for the babysitter over and over again? Parents can now keep the kids safe and happy the fill-in-the-blank way. With prompts for all possibilities, you’ll remember to clarify everything from food quirks to bedtime rituals. “Don’t Kill The Kids” is found here…
Major momma points… I survived the overnight camping trip with the cub scouts. We have never camped with the kids before they were so excited, counting down the days. We got all of the necessary equipment well ahead of time. Tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, tarps etc. I was so nervous about all of the unknowns. Tent camping with Quinn was something I knew he would LOVE but it would take a lot of juggling of the other kiddos in order to make it happen.
After figuring it all out… Jerry would sleep over on Friday and I would go down on Saturday after leaving baby with loving auntie in a warm house. Ella, Braeden and I met Jerry and Quinn at the lake to fish and start our adventure… WOW it was an adventure. Fishing, bb gun shooting, archery, slingshots, and tomahawks. This was a heaven for little boys. Meeting the professional boy scouts that work at the camp was an adventure too… let me just say I hope Quinn has as much passion about his job someday as these boy scouts have about being boy scouts. After all of the days activities and another Auntie coming to pickup Ella and Braeden by midday it was time for just Quinn and I at the hands of the cub scouts. We had dinner, campfire songs, skits, prayer and called it a day. After crawling into our tent and sleeping bags we fell fast asleep… until 2 am when it started RAINING. I could not believe it. All I could do was laugh. And laugh and laugh. It lasted about ½ hour… a long ½ if you ask me. After all to do I am hopeful Quinn has earned his badge but truthfully I too am hopeful to have earned a badge too. I am putting that thing on my purse! Not only a camping badge but do they make a “porta potty” badge??? I could not have asked for all of the memories I have made this weekend with Quinn. I am hopeful he will remember this forever… he better!
Squash Bowling How-To
First, make the pins: Attach vinyl sticker numbers to 10 butternut squashes. With painters' tape, cover portions of each squash to create stripes. Fill in stripes using acrylic craft paint, and let dry. Carefully peel off stickers and tape. Designate a lane, and set up the pins, placing lower numbers in front and higher ones in back. Have each player stand about 15 feet away, grip a small pumpkin by the stem, and bowl. (Should the stem fall off after a few tries, players can grab onto the whole pumpkin.) Give everyone two turns, and award each player the number of points on the pins knocked down.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX595 rocks!!! This printer is perfect for my everyday printing needs. We had big plans in this house to go to the Veggie Tale concert yesterday and of course I thought to myself I had to make them all shirts to wear to the big show. Together the kids and I printed, colored, scanned and finished these shirts with the Epson Stylus Photo RX595. This is how we did it…
First we printed the coloring sheets off of the Veggie Tales website. The kids colored the sheets as best as they could. Having done this before I suggest they use markers (I even shared my markers with them, they thought it was a very big deal I was sharing my stuff with them) crayons don’t come out as vibrant. After all the finishing touches were on their masterpieces I scanned them and printed out the image onto Iron On Transfers.
I also would recommend if doing “text” on your image you will need to reverse or flip your image in order for the next step to come out. We then placed the image where we wanted them and simply ironed and peeled the backing off.
Ella really got into this part. I have done this before for birthday parties and some of their favorite artwork they bring home from school…
“Look Mom I am wearing my fish that I made at school on my shirt ”. Having the Epson Stylus Photo RX595 made this project and my
everyday printing just what I need! You never know when you are going to need to whip out a photo project right?
The "back to school" teacher gift was a quick last min put together. Our apple tree is over flowing with green apples again. So I took the similar project from last year and made it a bit bigger with a full size Carmel dip and apples to fill a cellophane bag. I attached a tag made out of chipboard and paper. I had to use one of my favorite stamps to write on so that the teachers would know who it was from. Quick and easy…
My back to school check list continues with lunch box love notes. Here are a couple of ideas to get you going… I have found some great ones at Target and Hallmark. They are very different but fun none the less. One you can write on the back and are more child like and the other has a re-positional back like a post it note! Another idea is to take some of those flash cards that are missing the complete set and hand write a note to your little one. Even some left over party napkins have filled in a pinch for me as well. The kids get a little surprise and hopefully bring a smile to their face.
I have not blogged about some fun finds lately. When I was in labor to pass the time Jerry bought me some magazines. While reading through Women’s Day I came across an article they had about meal planning that I have to share. They have planned out an entire month of menus for us complete with a grocery list broken down week by week. For a busy mom that tends to put more creative juice into paper crafting (or anything else really) then dinner this was perfect! Some adjustments can be made easily; a new eye to our family meal plans is welcomed!
Making these letter blocks was a project I wanted to make for my daughter that is addicted to learning! What a fun addiction for me to watch because I enjoy so much seeing her grow. Reading and spelling is actually fun for her! I cannot wait to see her in kindergarten soaking it all up!
I took Creative Imaginations blocks and painted them all with one coat with one color. Then another color on top of that when it was all dried. Sanding the edges to expose the under side color. Next apply letter stickers making sure there is several of the same letters on every block so the little one can make any word they can come up with.
The final step is to modge podge the entire block in order to get the shinny finish. Sit back and enjoy your little loved one playing and learning all at the same time.
Putting the kids names on their backpacks is something I try to do every year in a different way. This year I did an easy back stitch over a piece of paper.... when I was done I tore off the paper to see the name!!!
Summer fun in our very own back yard… we have finished the splash zone and upper patio along with a fire ring. The kids are using it just about every week (some times more). Last night was Davis’ first fire along with s’mores. As we sat there Jerry and I talked about how truly blessed we are with all of these babies in our lives. Truth is our back yard is way bigger then our house so as we are sitting holding baby talking about our blessings the older ones are screaming running around being kids… Not very peaceful, but the chaos is a blessing to us.
Making custom baby rags is another check off my list. I made these for all the babies when they were born and I wanted to share them with you...
Super simple how to:
I cut and sewed on the fabric with white thread and made sure to add the extra stitching to the center panel to match the existing panel.
I finished the edges differently of them. Some had edges that were folded in to that is was a clean edge. The other edge I did was a frayed edge. I simple sewed the fabric panel directly on top of the diaper and cut the edges every 1/2 inch. Washed them and the edged them became frayed!
Recycling your old or broken crayons into new and fun shapes can make everyone’s HOT summer day a bit more exciting! Here is how to do it!
1. Unwrap all broken crayons
2. Place unwrapped crayons into a plastic zip lock bag
3. Hammer the pieces into chunks (the kids loved this part)
4. Place pieces into desired combinations into mini muffin tins (here you can get creative by using different shapes, imagine stars, animals, numbers, letters etc.).
5. Bake at 150degrees for 10 min (I used a toaster oven. A larger oven may take more time to melt crayon pieces).
6. Take out the melted crayons from tin after all is cooled. You can even throw the entire thing into the freezer and they will just pop right out!
I finished the “ boredom buster” chalkboard mats for the kiddos. Some people use these to keep their kids occupied when eating out or Dr. offices. We do not eat out much with the kids but we can bring these when we do. They are easily cleaned off with wipes. I made 3 of them so I can give them to Quinn, Ella and Braeden when I am in the hospital and they come to visit. This was another simple project but I had never worked with chalkboard fabric or oilcloth so it took a bit to get use to. Hopefully with these tips you will be successful!
I was eager to make a few so I bought 3 yards of each the front and the back. After making 3 I have a ton left over so if you plan to make 1 or 2 don’t buy too much like I did… I cut the oilcloth and the chalkboard fabric 12”x17”, I wanted minimal waste. I put the correct sides together and sewed around the edges leaving an unsown part to pull thru. Then stitching again around the entire project to close the edge and finish the edge. You cannot iron this fabric… well I did not even want to try! So I pushed the edges from the inside with one hand to make sure I would get a straight edge… I did not want to use pins either, thinking that would make holes. I used some binding to hold on the chalk. I next punched a hole in the binding and added an eyelet for the ribbon which was the tie to close it. I think ribbon could do that job as well!
The only thing I may try next time is to use some deckle scissors and sew the edge wrong sides together (one time around only would be quicker as well). Pulling the project inside out was a bit challenging. This fabric is not very forgiving. I would love to see yours if you try it… E-mail it to me J
Nursing apron is done! One thing that I can check off my list. My endless list of things to do before I have this baby is getting done slowly. I have made this nursing apron for myself… I am not much of a clothing sewer but I think this is not really clothes right? It was easy enough here is how I did it…
Materials needed: 2 yards of decorative patterned fabric (one on each side) I made this one reversible. 17” of boning. ¼ yard of 3rd decorative fabric (for strap). 2 silver “D” rings for strap.
I simply sewed the right sides together like you would if making a pillowcase. Leaving an opening, I pulled through the fabric. Ironed and sewed around the entire rectangle again. Cut the fabric for the strap 4” wide and sewed the right sides together again. Pulled the fabric so it was correct, ironed and re-sewed the edges (just like above just a different shape). Cutting 3” off one side for the “D” rings I used the remainder for the other side of the strap. This made it adjustable. I then folded down the entire top of the apron 1” and put in the boning. I added the boning so that when I am wearing it and nursing I can see the little guy but no one else will. Finishing the edges of the straps I simply turned them into a point and sewed them to the apron.
Here is the list of projects I still need to finish or even start before d-day… which is by the way about 4 weeks away!
Burp rags, pacifier holders, quilt, boredom buster for older kids and shirts for the older kids to wear to meet the new little guy… I think that is it! Yeikes. Pray for me J
This week is teacher appreciation week and today we brought flowers to the teachers. I am too practical (or is it cheep) to buy cut flowers and prefer myself to get plants. This is what I have come up with. I hope you find some inspiration and think this is fun. The kids looked cute caring them to their teacher.
For birthday cards I have been caring on this tradition of pre making large, laminated, bound cards that the guests at the party can all sign. This is a fun way to get all of your family and friends to sign one card and you can discard (or re-use like I do) all of the birthday cards when you are ready! I make a 2-page 12x12 card with miscellaneous photos from the year along with patterned paper (scraps) and solid cardstock. I always include how old they are turning and get it laminated and bound before the party even starts. I then tie a permanent pen to the corner and pass it along at the party. 
You can even make it and leave it by your front door for the month so when you get any guests for the month of the birthday kiddo you will have all of there wishes. My kid’s love looking at the previous years and our friends and family even look forward to signing them every year. I started this tradition at there 1st birthday for each child… I will have quite a collection I am sure!
Today has been an emotional day for our house. I had an ultra sound appointment this morning to make sure everything is going well with the development with baby number 4. Oh yes and to find out if it was a boy or a girl. The last 3 ultra sounds with my Dr. in his office the legs were crossed. So today was the day. We found out that we are blessed with another BOY!!! I am in a bit of shock; I thought for sure it was a GIRL. Everyone here is so excited and cannot wait. If you have any boy names that you would love to share please do so! And prayers are good too. I was ready for 4 kids, I hope I will be ready to be a mother of 3 boys!
This is a little late from last year but I saw one proud Mom post this on her blog (thanks Debbi) so I had to share... Here is little Ella and her best little buddy at the 2007 talent show. My very talented girlfriend at Angel Baby Clothes made this gorgeous dress. They did so well and boy did I cry seeing my little girl who has worked so hard become this singing little girl with so much growth. Watch out talent show 2008, I have no idea of music as of yet. But this proud Momma is sure of a hit. If you have an idea please do share here…
Christmas here is exactly what you would expect with 3 little ones. Fun, Fun, Fun… The kids were so excited even over the littlest things. Waking up at 4 am saying, “He came Mom… he brought us gifts Dad wake up!” Started our day that I will always cherish. Knowing full well that these days will not be here forever I am so blessed to be able to witness this. We do not shower them with gifts but believe me they got their fill. Between grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends they were seeing the wrapping paper fly! What a joyous year we have had as a family. How do you bring in the New Year? I would love to hear about it. I will share how we did ours next week!
Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is our signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
Saturday November 17, 2007 was the walk for us here in Orange County. $338,157.00 is the total raised from that walk! For the 3rd year in a row this is an event that is very beneficial to a Mom and anyone that is affected by autism. There are a number of informational booths with all of the newest therapies and hope! We walk under the name “My Sister Ella” and have a ball!
This is our Christmas card photo from 2005 and now I am on the search for doing the most creative Christmas card that I can think of… This one is funny, putting tape on the kid’s mouth and saying “Silent Night”. Makes me laugh but seems a bit to rough for even me. A few things I need to include are the photos (or photo) of the kids some how and not traditional. I want this year to be funny and creative. Those are my only requirements. If you have seen something or have a grand idea for my 3 little ones please do share. I do have something up my sleeve and of course will be sharing as soon as the Christmas season approaches us but like I normally work I need to be sure. Thanks so much for your thoughts and I look forward to seeing your works of art as well! Just e-mail me [email protected]
Last week I tried the starch ghosts and do not feel this is the best craft project for this year... It worked out great but I am worried that the overnight drying time will be a problem. So here is the other option for the craft project, we have done this before at a Halloween Party and it went well. Wish me luck!
Create a ghoulish Halloween candy face with a variety of candy, but be sure to warn children not to eat the candy on the face.
Tools and Materials
Good & Plenty
Miniature marshmallows
Twizzler licorice bites (Black)
Gummy teeth
Licorice wheels
Candy corn
Neapolitan licorice
Ball pins
Glass canisters
Scissors
Small pumpkin
Halloween-Candy Face How-To
1. Secure the candy to the pumpkin with ball pins that match the color of the treats so they aren't too noticeable. Tip: Chewy candy is easier to bend and snip.
2. Place pumpkin on glass canisters or reuse large glass jars for candy.
I am so excited to plan the Halloween Party for my sons classroom. From now and then I will post the ideas that I plan on using. If you have any additional ideas please share them. Today we found a fun site with Halloween games and activities that Quinn just loved! I thought I would take the coloring sheets as a back up activities incase the original station activities run a bit short, or in case someone would rather color then to what I am going to plan. You never know with little ones right? I am planning the party to have four different stations where five kids at each will rotate. Hoping that I can get four Moms to help, one at each station.
The craft station will be these Gauzy ghosts...
It takes practically nothing to make this family of mischievous sprites.
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CRAFT MATERIALS: | |
Different-size plastic milk jugs or juice bottles | |
Laundry starch | |
Aluminum foil | |
Paper towels | |
White gauze or cheesecloth | |
| |
1. Top each jug or bottle with a ball of crumpled aluminum foil.
2. Cut white gauze or cheesecloth into 18-inch squares (one square for each ghost). Dip the gauze squares into a bowl filled with laundry starch. Pull them out one at a time and squeeze out the excess moisture. Drape a square over each bottle.
3. To shape the ghosts' shoulders and arms, loosely pile crumpled aluminum foil near the bottle and drape the gauze over it. Flare out the lower edges of the gauze and let dry overnight. (To make a dog, simply drape a small square of gauze over shaped foil.)
4. Once they've dried, carefully lift the ghosts from their bottles. They should stand freely on a flat surface.
Its guests will never forget a two year olds birthday if you plan it right! Having a hot wheel theme with cars galore is a fun way to celebrate your little ones day! Complete with little burger sliders for them to chow down on. Road walkways and décor with the details on the street make this one party they will not even want to leave. Have your guest arrive on his or her own wheels (bike, boards anything will work) and have a parade as one of the events. 
Something I joined years ago keeps coming up. Fieldwork Market Researching is something I found out about from reading Parents when the babies were newborn and I was not taking many clients. I am taking Quinn today for his first focus group. He is soooooo excited, well more for the $75.00 cash that he is getting from playing with toys for 1 hour while Mom watches from another room. Go sign up, it is easy and it pays cash!
Earn cash for your opinions.
Do you buy clothes, listen to the radio, use a bank? If you do, you can get paid $50, $60, even $100 for participating in Focus Groups.
WHAT'S A FOCUS GROUP?
A Focus Group is a round-table discussion on products and services that you use. The discussions are moderated by market research professionals and usually last between 1-2 hours. When you're done, you are paid cash for your time and opinions! Fieldwork hosts focus groups on every kind of topic, from video games to breakfast cereal to real estate.
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