Project 365/300 Unexpected Week Off

Last night the Superintendent of our school closed our school for the rest of the week due to H1N1. MJ had 10 kids in her class leave sick on Monday! The kids are thrilled to have this unexpected week off, I'm happy that so far we all have dodged this flu. The kids will be vaccinated in 2 weeks. JD is spending his time shooting hoops, so far the boredom has not struck yet, and maybe it is the chore list that I have that has kept him busy.

Unexpected week off

Project 365/299 Bruiser

Monday I ran out to pick MJ up from dance and on the way back home I got a call from Hubby telling that Syd fell and hit her head on the cupboard and it was swelling and looked bad (I could barely hear him over Syd screaming in the background). It was large and purple and scared me a tad. We put a call into first Hubby's sister (a former NICU nurse at Bronson Hospital) and then to her Doctor. It took nearly 45 minutes for the on call doc to call back and by then the bump had gone down and Syd was comfortably playing and back to normal. I had to wake her every hour until 12:30. She is fine and will just have a nasty bruise for a few days.

Bruiser

Project 365/298 Carving concentration

Sunday we spent the afternoon at my mom's house for our annual pumpkin carving. The older two had loads of fun while the little girls took a ride home with Hubby because it was well over nap time and they were a hair breathe from melting down. When I returned with the van most everyone was finished with their pumpkins and there sat MJ, poking pin holes through her cat pattern. She painstakingly poked and poked and finally she was finished, she pulled off the paper to carve and was disappointed that she could not see the holes and proceeded to carve a simply face instead! It happened that way last year too, maybe next year she just start out carving the simply face and finish with the others.

Carving concentration

Off to crop

Saturday I got away for over 12 hours! I had breakfast with my brother and his family and spent the rest of the day with my SIL, Heather, scrapbooking. CJ woke before I left and was fussy about me leaving so I had Hubby take our photo so she could look at it if she missed me (I don't think she thought of me until I got back but it made leaving easier for her.)

I worked on updating my Project 365 album.

and finished 7 layouts:

All in all it was a very wonderful day and productive to boot! Only 4 more weeks until the next crop and it is a 2 day over night stay! I can't wait!

Project 365/297 Seasons end

Saturday was the last game for JD. I was not in attendance, I was at a crop but Hubby said he played more this game than in the past games. JD tells me he played more positions as well. The team did win this game 20-12; I think the first win of the season. JD was so jazzed by the amount of play time he got that he claims that he is signing up next year for sure. It's a year away, a lot can change in a 13 year old's life in a year so we will see. I'm just glad that the season ended with no injuries.

Seasons end

Project 365/296 Wet parade

Friday was the homecoming parade. It was chilly and rainy, not great parade weather. MJ rode with her CC team and tossed candy. JD was still side lined due to his ickies so he was the designated candy-picker-upper as we stayed in the van with the girls. MJ had a great time and the girls liked most everything except the fire truck siren.

Wet parade

Sticky post

project 365/295 relaxing with the pooches

Thursday MJ was just sitting on the couch giving both dogs lovins She told me that if Ruby were a cat she would be purring! If you have a keen eye you might notice the muzzle on Ruby, more on that another day, lets just say the chewing needs to stop or else! So far it seems to be working.

Relaxing with the pooches

Project 365/294 Home Sick

Wednesday I had to pick JD up from school, he felt sick. No fever, no H1N1 thank goodness! His throat was hurting him and it looked very red and bumpy so I took him the doctor. The result: fluid in his ears, swollen lymph nodes, upset stomach = 2 scripts & 3 days home from school! I nearly laughed when the doctor said no school until Monday, he is acting completely normal and not like he is sick enough to warrant 3 days off! He is driving me crazy already and it is only day 1, thankfully he is not so sick that he is in bed but he only complains that his throat hurts and he need an icy from BK every hour! I've contacted his teachers and have requested homework (please), they and granted my wish and given homework (but not nearly enough:).

Home sick

Charms have arrived!

I got my charms today from the Halloween Charm swap Saucy put on. MJ and I have been waiting for them to come. What talented ladies! I love everyone of the charms. I even got 2 on the long skeleton and made a necklace for MJ with it! She thinks it cool. I used the black ribbon that came from the long skeleton packaging and wove in through the rings to fill it up a bit. I hope I can get in on the Christmas Charm swap!

project 365/293 Whatcha got?

Tuesday I got the charms from my Halloween Charm Swap. (More on that in the next post) As MJ and I were admiring all the charms and where they came from JD spotted this large fuzzy spider charm and claimed it for his own. I gave him a ball chain necklace to put it on. CJ got a kick out of it, she was trying to blow it off his hand!

Whatcha got?

Project 365/292 The last few

This week is the last of Football and CC. Soon my evenings and JD's will be quiet, no more dashing from one practice to another and no more full Saturdays. I think we are all looking forward to some down time.

The last few

Glass Tile Pendants

Glass Tile Pendants are now available for purchase:

These tiles are 7/8" sq & hang with a silver bail.

1 pendant for $5.50
2 Pendants for $10.00
3 pendants for $15.00

All come standard without a chain.

I do however have Ball Chains available.
They are 24" but can easily be trimmed with
household scissors to whatever length you desire.

1 24" Silver plated BC Necklace for $1.50 each

So far the pendants that I have available are geared toward girls tweens to teens (My oldest daughter is 11 and has been instrumental and picking out the graphics that I have used.)

***Please leave a note in the Pay Pal shopping cart with code number of the tile you would like.

All pictures are can be enlarged by clicking on them.

The above photos are just to give you an idea of the styles I offer, all will come with a silver bail. The tile will become clearer when the graphic is adhered to it, the tiles in the photos without the bails are not finished, the glass tile is just laid over the graphic so you can see the options.

These are water-resistant but not water-proof. Remove before you swim, shower or bathe . These are not intended for small children, they are small and pose a choking hazard.

project 365/291 The best part of fall

Sunday MJ raked the front lawn (without being asked). Her whole goal was to get a big pile of leaves to jump in. She invited the little girls to join in the fun but they both avoided the pile of leaves. JD didn't want to jump in either, something to do with not knowing what might be mixed in with the leaves (bad experience at his uncle's house), but he did get in on the leaf fight. It didn't stop her though she jumped in repeatedly.

The best part of fall

Project 365/290 Run Run Run

Saturday was all about running! Hubby ran in the Deerfield 1/2 marathon. His time was 1:58:34 (not official yet, waiting on the results posting here) I didn't go to watch him as I was watching JD and MJ run in Ogemaw. So no pictures of Hubby running his longest race to date but I did take photos of his blood toes when he got home but I will not share those with you. The kids times are not posted yet as well but I will update when I get more info. I do know they both came in 16th in their races. After the meet we had to run back home to get JD changed for a football game in Reed City. All the girls stayed with Grandma with much joy, they all were tired of riding in the van and being strapped in the stroller most of the morning. JD team lost by 30 some points but he had a good time. We finally ended the day around 10:30; I think we all were exhausted.

Project 365/289 Costume dress rehearsal

Friday out of shear boredom I dressed the little girls in their Halloween costumes. It was a good thing I did I found out the CJ refuses to wear the monkey costume that I planned on her wearing but will wear the Ladybug costume I planned for Syd! Once she seen Syd wearing it and getting all the attention she had to put it on. Syd, on the other hand, loved both and look so darn cute walking around in the puffy outfits that I sat down and laughed and laughed as her toddled around in both costumes. Her little pudgy face was all you see of her and she just was smiling so big. I loved it! I have since added yellow bows to the monkey's ears so it looks more girlie. This Halloween is going to be so fun!

Costume dress rehearsal

Project 365/388 Good vibrations

Thursday Hubby was getting some running in, he is prepping for his 1/2 marathon this weekend. Lately when he runs on the treadmill Syd has been sitting on the front part of the treadmill. I assume to feel the vibrations. We know this is a no-no and do not encourage it by no means but tonight she was determined to stand in front of daddy, she only accomplished it once safely. After I snapped this photo she stepped on the belt and Hubby caught her before she rode it to the end. I think it scared her enough she will stay clear for the next little while! She is our little dare devil.

Good vibrations

Project 365/287 It was chilly

Wednesday the kids had a mid-week CC meet. MJ was so cold in her tank and shorts that I had to strip the warm up pants off her myself, she was not going to remove them! I don't blame her , I had my winter coat on and was still a bit chilled when the wind blew! They both ran well, JD ran 2 miles in 13:36. MJ ran 1 mile but I don't have her official time yet.

It was chilly

Project 365/286 What fun

Who knew an exercise ball could provide so much fun! Tuesday night, when she should have been in bed, CJ was running around rolling the ball just as fast she could trying to keep it away from JD. She would squeal every time he got close to her. They were having so much fun!

What fun

Project 365/285 The fixers

Monday night I decided to mix up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I brought out my Kitchenaid mixer and had the hardest time tilting it up to put the beater on and lock the bowl in place. I had to use all my might to raise it once the batter was mixed up. When Hubby got home I told him of my troubles. The last time I used the mixer was September 16th (day before MJ birthday) and I mixed frosting and it was working just fine, and to my knowledge it has not been moved let alone dropped since. Hubby proceeds to unscrew this and that until he thought he had figured it out. It looks like it is off its course. He then proceeded to bang it , pound it and even stood on it. The result: I now can't even raise the head at all!! I have put it back in the cupboard and I don't know what is next? I do not want a replacement mixer for Christmas. (just in case that was in Hubby's plan). The little girls just loved it when Daddy was down on the floor; they came over to help him "fix" it.

The fixers

A give away at The Vintage Pearl

The Vintage Pearl is have a give away. She makes adorable little charms from stamped tin. I really like this one, (Hubby do remember the email I sent you????) Anyway head over and check out these little treasures.

project 365/284 Miss No Smiles

Sunday we had a photo shoot at Dow Gardens. It started out a shoot for Syd (we have yet to get her picture taken) and then I thought we could get CJ taken as well (she has not had hers taken since she was 6 months). The photographer is a co-worker of Hubby's and she wanted to take family shots as well. Okay that sounds like a plan. We all got dressed in matching colors (black/dark gray with jeans), the little girls had matching outfits (See below) very cute, I thought. Right from the start CJ and Syd would not smile and did not want to sit still. I can't even count the number of pictures that I take of the girls with beaming smiles (100's ) and they would not smile for the photographer! I only hope she has something she can work with to get a usable shot. I know she got wonderful shots of MJ and JD. I felt so bad; I hope we did not waste her time. I'll keep you posted!

Miss No Smiles

Project 365/283 They're coming up fast

Saturday JD had a CC meet. It was 2 miles again. He didn't think he was going to race due "a hip injury", his words. In reality it was a bruise the size of a half dollar or so caused from another CC team member crashing into him when coming down a hill in practice. I'm sure it hurt but not enough not to run.
He was the first from his team to cross the finish line with a time of 14:29. The two other runners you see in the photo did pass him before the finish line. The one in green by probable 5-7 seconds but JD gave the one in yellow a chase and the two officials had a hard time deciding who came in first. In the end they gave it the buy in yellow, much to JD's annoyance. I warned him when he passed that he had two runners coming up fast behind him but he didn't have enough left to stop them from getting by him.

They're coming up fast

project 365/282 Alone Time

Friday a caught Syd in a rare moment, and I do mean moment. She was sitting alone looking at a book. I grabbed the camera and CJ caught sight of what I was doing and wanted to "play" with Syd all of a sudden. In reality she was trying to steal the book and "read to Syd". Syd is always trying to play with what CJ has and that usually bugs CJ but the rare moments that Syd finds something to entertain herself, CJ comes looking for her, it rarely ends well. Sibling rivalry already!

Alone Time

Project 365/281 Clean Sweep

Thursday Syd cleaned the entry way of every pair of shoes. She tossed them over the gate between the entryway and the laundry room. What a mess, we have too many shoes! Now why would a 16 month old do this you ask.....

Clean sweep

So she could dance on the shoe mats of course!

I have to admit the entryway does look better without the shoe mess! Maybe she is on to something here.

project 365/280 The last class

Wednesday I snapped a picture of CJ right before leaving for dance class. When I took the picture I thought I would be talking about the glasses and how darn cute she looks but the day turned out a little different than I expected. This was class 4, she had been getting better until last week; she failed to take a nap before class and was not very well behaved and we left 15 minutes early so we didn't disturb the rest of the class. Today I made sure she had her nap and was ready to go and listen. Well that was not her plan. After last weeks class she thought that she could run around and not listen to the teachers, we did not even make it past attendance before I removed her from class. She is just too young, you live and learn. I will call the teacher and let her know that I'm sorry and we won't be back this year, I will give it try again next fall.

the last class

project 365/279 Raspberry applesauce

Tuesday I snapped a picture of CJ enjoying one of her favorite snacks, raspberry applesauce. She won't even touch regular plain old applesauce. I personal don't care for the plain stuff myself so I don't blame her. I just wish I could find this stuff in a jar instead of just the snack cups, it might save me some $$

Raspberry applesauce

Project 365/278 She is finally old enough

Monday Hubby was enjoying a little wrestling with the little girls. Syd is finally old enough for the mild rough play that daddy like to give out (there was a lot of tickling involved). This stage is his favorite, they are both walking and they do some the silliest, cutest things. Everyday when he gets him they are the most excited to see him, they run to him shrieking and screaming "hi dad" over and over. He does enjoy that a lot.

She is finally old enough

project 365/277 Male bonding

I never thought I would see this. Sundays in the fall/winter have always been all about football for Hubby. He has been the only one in this house that had the football bug until this year. JD has taken an interest in watching the NFL with dad. Since he started playing this year he likes watching the plays and loves the silly man commercials (and I had high hope for him! a mom can only do so much when it come to the stupid humor that make these men laugh) Ruby joined them but she could care less what's on the screen she just like to nap on the bed.

Male bonding

Project 365/276 Bring him in

Saturday the older two had a CC meet. MJ ran first, 3/4 mile with a time of 10:16, a bit slower that last year at the same race. She is happy with her results. JD ran next, 2 miles in 14:58, that was 15th place. He was 3rd in for his school which concerned MJ a bit. (This is where my heart swells a bit) When she saw him come around the last curve and head for the finish she ran next to him, she was checking him out and talking with him to give him encouragement to finish strong! In the end she had a reason to be concerned, he said that just after the start he heard a pop in his knee and he was favoring it. There was no damage to the knee it was just tender for a few days. He played football that same evening so I guess it did not hurt that bad:)

Bring him in

Project 365/275 Sleeping tight

Friday night Hubby and I were watching our Tivoed shows when CJ decided she needed to snuggle. Once the shows were over I looked over to find they both were fast asleep. They looked so peaceful. CJ didn't even care that I carried her off to her crib for the night.

Sleeping tight

Look what I've been up to... Mini Books

Yesterday I was checking out Stacy Julian new site and she was talking about a little mini book challenge that she had last October. Mini books made from a 3x3 Bazzill Mono Mini Albums. I searched high and low for these albums and the are discontinued. I've never been one for mini books, I like them but finished very few. But I was disappointed that I could not get my hands on just one, In desperation I post on twopeas forum and fairly quickly someone had 2 orange ones sitting around and is mailing them to me ASAP. Wow, that was very nice of her! While I wait for the mail I decided to try to make one of my own. I didn't do half bad! I chose not to have the window cut out but I think it would be very easy to do with the Cricut and the center button. I should test it out with the next one.

The sage green one is my first and it turned out so well MJ asked me to make her one (the one with the heart with wings) and then she had a wonderful idea to make on for Hubby's mom. MJ spent some time in Grandma's garden this summer with my camera. So we are getting the best pictures of her flowers printed and she will give it her. Grandma has stated; no more plants for gifts, her sun room is overflowing! (in my defense I buy her a basket of hanging flowers every Mothers day, they are annuals and should be thrown away after the season, but she has golden green thumb and all her baskets are loved back to life the next year!) Not a bad problem to have. So with Grandma's request MJ thought this would be better. I have to agree!

Just a look at the inside, no photos yet.

Project 365/274 Going gray

NO NOT ME, I will pluck them as they come! Our beloved Pepper girl is getting so gray. She is now 9 years old and is still playful but a lot calmer. It only took a litter of puppies and time to get her to calm down. Hubby and I have said it often, that since Cally passed away Pepper seemed older. I think that Cally was so old and slow that Pepper looked hyper in comparison. But now we have Ruby who is young, energetic and hyper, Pepper is now the old dog. She is still a great dog, the best we've ever had.

Going gray