Today I'm Happy I Feel Good.

Day 11 of the 30 Day Challenge.

I'm supposed to post a pic of something I hate.



It's hard to post a picture of sickness and this pic was a surprise shot from Tony when I was in my first trimester with Ash.  This is the only picture I have of myself while sick (thankfully!).  Morning sickness is no fun.  Just like the flu, headaches, sinus infections, or anything else that hurts you or puts you off your game.  Call me a big wuss, but I just cannot function if I don't feel well.  Everything goes to pot.  My whole day, my plans, EVERYTHING.  So, I hate being ill with a passion.  It bothers me when it's my kids or other loved ones that are suffering, but I think it's worse when I'm the sickie because sooooooo much depends on me and it's not like I stop feeling guilty about not getting it all done!  I'd rather have to fight 20 tarantulas everyday!  I think.

Today I Wasn't Very Adventuresome.

Day 10 of the 30 Day Challenge.
Well, I'm supposed to post a pic of the person I do the most adventurous things with, but my adventures right now involve babies, bugs, grass, dirt, rocks, trees, and other such things we can find in our backyard. To be honest, I'm not sure you could have ever called me an adventurer at any point in my life.
But I have to give a nod to my dear friend Lilana. She's from Mexico City. We served as missionaries together in Houston for a short but very fun time. We were roommates and basically together 24/7. Our adventures? We got almost mugged right at our front door one night. Scared us spit-less. We endured a Nigerian man who borderline stalked poor Lilana and persistently proposed marriage to her. Drove her crazy! We saved several baby kittens. We went bowling a lot. We walked all over Alief (a rather ghetto place in Houston, Texas) without fear, no matter the time of day or night. I would never do that now! We laughed, talked, and giggled a lot. I'm sure there is plenty I'm forgetting. I'll have to direct her to this post and beg her to remind me of any "adventures" that have slipped my mind.






I know I have more pictures, but I don't know where.

Have you been on any exciting adventures?

Today I Need Potty Training Advice.

For those of you who have toilet trained a child or two, will you please either comment or e-mail your tricks and sure fire ideas to me?  spontaneousday@gmail.com

Ash is there.  I am soooo ready for her to be out of diapers.  She is 2.5 and according to the "experts" that is the average ideal time.  If it helps to know a bit about Ash, she is a dreamer and very into her little projects.  She often has to be dragged away from her play to have meals.  I think her biggest obstacle will be making herself go to the potty when she'd rather keep on digging in the sand box. 

So, what books do I need to read, if any?  Or is it really more simple than that?  My mom always used candy but sometimes that wasn't enough motivation (depending on the child).  I doubt charts or stickers would be all that exciting for Ash.  Diapers are very convenient for kids and sometimes that is hard for them to give up.  So, it's gotta be a better trade.

Very excited to hear the voices of experience on this!

(i have no idea who this is but i thought it was a funny pic.  source)

And now to announce the Giveaway Winner! 

Amy of Chapterhouse Lane said, "Someday, I'd love to read this to my kids. We got a collection starting already! Just a small one.  I love that you want to give your kids a library. That is so. cool.!!!" and random.org drew her number! 

Congrats!  I was totally collecting books for my kids 10 years before I started having them.  :)  As soon as I get my book order, I'll be sending Wynken, Blynken, and Nod to you.  I'll just need a mailing address. 

Thanks to everyone else for participating.  Check back in next Friday for another humble giveaway. 

Today I Thought About My Trials.

Day 09 of the 30 Day Challenge.  A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most. 

Well, God has gotten me through everything.  But we're talking about people, as in humans.  So - it's a tie between my parents and my husband.  I've been through some tough stuff since being married, but I also had plenty of trials while still living under my parents' roof.  So - I've gotta give credit where credit is due. 


(Tony at the gum wall.  one of the dates we went on, pre-marriage, was to Pike Place Market)


(i may have posted this pic before, but I really like it.  Tony and I at our wedding reception)


(my mom and dad, in their teens.  those of you who actually know them will get a kick out of this pic.  lol.)


(and to follow along with the wedding reception theme, a pic taken of my father at my reception)


(mom and i at my reception)

Thanks to Dad, Mom, and Tony for each being the knot at the end of my rope at different times in my life.  I love you guys MUCHISMO!

Today I Ordered Books.

I love books.  I'm addicted to books.  For years I wanted to be a children's librarian.  I even volunteer helped the local children's librarian in my early teens.  It was a blast!  All during my growing up I would check out piles of kids books and read to my siblings.  When I became a teacher, I would do the same for my students.  Now I do the same for my kiddos and I have to really limit myself because I don't want to just GO to the library, I want to GIVE my kids a library!  So every once in a while I'll order a book or two.  Today I did just that.  I got myself some crafting books and the kids some books and I got a book for today's giveaway!  :)  Giveaway #3 of my Unnecessary Necessities or Things That I Love That I Want to Share With You.

(sorry about the blurry pic)

We have this book and enjoy it.  Instead of coming up with the words to describe it, I'm borrowing the review from Children's Book of the Month Club: "A new generation of sleepyheads will love sailing away to dreamland in a wooden shoe with Wynken, Blynken, and Nod with this whimsical picture book that breathes new life into the classic bedtime rhyme! It’s illustrator Giselle Potter’s quirky folk-art style paintings that are sure to make poet Eugene W. Field’s most famous lullaby (originally called “Dutch Lullaby”) such a joy to share with your little one. Your child’s imagination will soar as the tale of three wee fishermen on a journey through the stars unfolds, because each illustration—from the boys casting their nets to catch the herring that light up the night sky to the laughing old moon—is more magical and wonderful than the next."

If you'd like to win this new book of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, just

1. be a follower
2. have a blog
3. want the book for a child, friend, niece, nephew, grandkid or yourself
4. leave a comment

That's it!  Giveaway ends Tuesday night (because I'm getting this up so late).  Open internationally.  Hope you each have a wonderful weekend!

Today I Smashed a Spider.

Taking a little break from the 30 Day Challenge to recount an incident that occurred this afternoon. 

Do you remember how I told you about my trying to set a good example, around the bugs, for my girls?  I was determined that they would not learn to fear creepy-crawlies from me. 

Today I was in the bathroom and since Ash saw me headed there, she followed - whining.  I wanted at least two minutes to myself (is that so bad?) and quickly ran ahead and shut the door.  She did her fake cry as she followed me up the stairs but it quickly became real cries.  That meant that I didn't get even two minutes but had to rush-rush.  I went out to give her a lecture and found her wrapped around the banister, jabbering in horror, and pointing towards the twin of this nasty creature....

(source)

I was a bit taken aback myself.  It was the size of my thumbnail and unlike any spider I'd ever seen before.  I grabbed the closest item, which was a book, to keep it from going under the cabinet in the hall.  It was a fighter!!  It attacked the book and put out it's front legs like a crab!  It was probably biting too.  I couldn't believe how it stood its ground!  I called downstairs to my sister, asking for a shoe.  She obliged and the beastie speedily went to arachnid heaven. 

I am so irritated that despite my efforts to model fearless-towards-the-bugs behavior, Ash has instead picked up the attitude of her five year old aunts and uncles (who are all afraid of every bug, including flies).  Grrrr.  On the upside, by facing my fears I have actually become more brave.  That certainly is a plus.

Today I Laughed.

Day 08 of the 30 Day Challenge.  A picture that makes you laugh.

Uhhhhh.  Only ONE?  No can do.  Sorry folks.  You get a whole bunch of pictures that make me laugh.  All of my kiddos.  :D 



I love this one.  It was the first time Ash had ever rolled over in bed.  She was all stretched out long and funny looking.  I snapped a couple of pics and rolled her back over.  She was 4 months at the time.



This was so embarrassing.  Whenever I put her car seat in the middle, it did this.  I hadn't figured that out and had gone to the car dealer to drop the car off.  I opened the back door to get Ash out and she was like this - sideways.  All the guys there laughed so loud and made fun of me.  I took pictures anyway.  Ash was 5.5 months.



Ash had found my underwear drawer and pulled everything out.  She decked herself with just about everything before I discovered her.  Taken when she was 15 months (which is how old Britt is now). 



4.5 month old Britt sucking her favorite fingers.  She has been doing this from the very beginning and still does.  Hahaha!  I love it.  Sooooo cute!  And it's so handy (no pun intended) because we don't have to look for lost binkies and it soothes her very quickly (when she wants to calm down).  And it looks so funny!



Ash has always preferred putting her stickers on herself.  Hahaha!  Her whole body was covered with them.  21 months.



**munch, munch**  Hahahah!  Britt at just about 6 months. 



Britt at 9 months.  Not sure if I just caught her at a bad time or if she was truly grumpy.  Either way it's hysterical, to me.  Though, on second look, I'm guessing the poor mite didn't feel well.  Kinda got some green stuff in her nose. 


Everything about this photo is funny.  Quinn's tongue and lack of shirt.  Ash hiding behind the flowers and making that silly face.  This was at my mom's most recent birthday party.  So Ash was just a couple months past 2.



Another pic, taken right after the last.  Now we get a funny kissy face.  Haha!


Hope some of these at least made you smile!  How are you liking the 30 Day Challenge?  I'm liking that it's making me think AND go through old photos (always a pleasure).  But I miss the spontaneity of how I usually post.  Oh well, I'm no quitter.  Stickin' it out until the 30 days are up!  :)

Today I Spent Some Time With My Laptop.

Day 07 of the 30 Day Challenge.  A picture of my most treasured item. 
Meaning an inanimate object, right? 

(boring pic, i know, but it's what i supposed to post)

My computer.  It's got all my pictures on it.  A lot of my writing creativity.  Ideas Galore.  Not to mention, being connected to Internet.  :)

Today I Thought About Going to a Concert.

Day 06 of the 30 Day Challenge.  A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day. 
I would trade with Taylor Swift.  Two reasons.  ONE.  It would be fun to have a day off to treat myself in a super fab way, leaving Swift to take care of my kiddos (and who wouldn't completely dig that???).  TWO (biggest reason).  My sister Rachel, would basically get to spend a day with the celebrity and it would totally blow her little, Taylor Swift-loving mind.  Hehe.  That would be funny.

(source)

Taylor is coming to Tacoma.  I'm so tempted to take Rachel.  Bet those tickets cost an arm and a leg though.


P.S.  Winner of Friday's Kids Coupon Book Giveaway is.....

ALISSA!  Her blog is The Apel's and she said: "I follow you and have a blog. Super fun. Right now we just put chores in a jar and they pull one out to do. I didn't think about having something for fun to do."

Such a good idea! 

Thanks to everyone who entered.  Must have been extra exciting for the entrants.  The odds were in everyones favor!

Today I Was Looking for Fun Activities to Do With My Kids.

I meant to get this post up sooner but the Internet was down most of the day.  It's Friday. 

#2 of 10 of My Unnecessary Necessities or Things I Love That I Want to Share With You (in blog and giveaway form).

Being that I helped my mom homeschool my younger siblings while I was growing up and I also taught pre-school for many years - I really like coming up with fun activities and exercises to do with my kids. 

Somedays we just play outside.  Sometimes we just watch a movie together.  Other days we just read stories or color (Ash and I color while Britt eats crayons).  When we need something new and different I pull out my books and folders full of ideas and we go from there.  I'd like to say I'm full of original ideas, but that would be a lie. 

So - maybe this is a stretch fitting into the category of these giveaways, but really, it's not.  Remember how I told you I hoard ideas?  Well, that would include activities for toddlers, families, and date nights.  I've got enough ideas for us to do until we're 122. 

I've been saving this cute little coupon book.  It's full of fun ideas, rewards, and sweet messages.  My kids still have a couple of years before they are old enough to "get it."  So - instead of holding onto it, I'm gonna put it out there for someone to use and enjoy now.  I'd say it's appropriate for ages 4-12.  Most of it is gender neutral. 

Once again, to enter,  I just ask that you be one of my followers, have a blog of your own, WANT this coupon book, and leave a comment.  Easy-peasy!  Open Internationally.  :)  Ends Monday night (June 20th).

Hope you all have a great weekend, full of fun activities with the people you love most! 

Today I Recalled Good Times.

For Day 04 of the 30 Day Challenge I'm instructed to share a picture of my favorite memory.  Seriously?!?!  Does anyone out there have only ONE fave memory???  I don't.  I can think of a bunch.  My wedding day, my honeymoon to Washington DC, Ash's birth, Britt's birth, the first time each of my babies' smiled at me, the trip Tony and I took (when he proposed to me) Memorial Day weekend in 2007, baptisms and Bible studies I had with many different people in Houston, going to Nauvoo, Illinois at age 12 with my dad and my brother, Matt, and the list goes on and on.  Those were just the ones that came to mind first.
So, I'm just going to share pictures from our honeymoon (taken in July 2007), in no particular order.  Enjoy!


(Tony and I in the Capitol Building)


(In the Library of Congress)


(My brother, Matt was interning for a senator that summer and he gave us a tour.  That was the first time he and Tony ever met.)


(Me and Ben Franklin)


(Me and Nathan Hale)


(Me and President Lincoln)


(Tony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall)


(Me and the Capitol Building)


(Lovebirds)


(Handsome Hubby in the Old Post Office)

Today I Blogged.

Kind of a "no, duh!" title.  But it goes along with Day 04 of the 30 Day Challenge.  :)  I'm supposed to post a pic of my night.    Boring, if you ask me.  Here you go anyway.

(all the clean laundry I had to fold and put away tonight, along with my computer.  chores & blogging.  sums up most of my evenings.)

I know I should use my short nights to rest and relax but there are always several things that didn't get done on my to-do list.  So, once Tony and I get the girls into bed I do a last minute chores and then blog.  Sometimes I do blogging at nap time (albeit rarely) and then I read at night. 

And that's it.  How's that for a short but sweet post?  :)

Today I Didn't Watch My Favorite TV Show.

It's Day 03 of the 30 Day Challenge.  I'm supposed to share a picture of the cast from my favorite show.  This one definitely posed a problem.  I've watched a little of everything and haven't stuck with anything.  I've enjoyed many but not enough to go back and be a groupie to the very end.

Except for one. 

Merlin. 

Funny thing is, I have to wait until Netflix offers the whole entire season before I can watch anything.  Because it's a British tv show.  So jealous. 

I like Merlin because I've always adored the stories steeped in magic, medieval romance, sword play, and monsters.  King Arthur and Robin Hood are just a few fun ones.  I like the actors in this show, especially Merlin and Arthur.  I love the costumes and how each episode has plenty of humor.  I just wish I didn't have to wait sooooo long to see Season 3. 

One happy thought:  I've heard there will be a Season 4!!!  **happy dance**

What is your favorite show?

Today I Talked to My Mom.

Nothing new, really.  I talk to my mum everyday.  No matter where I've lived, I have talked to my mother pretty much everyday.  The exception would be the 18 months when I was on a church mission in Houston.  Otherwise I talk to my mom in person, on the phone or through email.  If she ever jumps on the Facebook band wagon I'll be able to add that to the communication methods list.

It's Day 02 of the 30 Day Challenge.  I'm supposed to post a pic of myself with someone I've been close to for a while.

Obviously, I'd love to choose my husband.  But 4 years is hardly "a while."  But, Mom?  I've been close to her for 31 years.  Ok, so some years were more chummy than others.  I'm assuming we started out close.  I mean, she carried me for 9 months, forced herself to eat yucky proteins for me, refused to take any form of pain killer during my labor and delivery, and has pretty much based all other decisions on what would be best for me (and the rest of my siblings that soon followed).  She's pretty selfless and has been an amazing example of a woman.  I know I went through several years where Dad was my best bud, but once I hit puberty it was all about Mom.  She's been my confidante, my benefactress, my steady rock, and my cohort in crime (or maybe just mischief). 

(taken in 1980 - my second Christmas & Mom's twenty-sixth)

She's the first born in her family just like I am.  So it was pretty cool that I had a girl first too.  Now if only Ash can keep the trend up...... many, MANY years from now!

P.S.  The winner of the Ghirardelli Toffee Interlude Chocolate Bar is..... BECKY!   She said, "Dude!!!  I would do anything for chocolate!"    Haha!  Well, here you go!  Coming right up! 

Thanks to everyone else who played.  You'll get another chance to win something next Friday. 



Today I'm Eating Chocolate.

I also had an AWESOME smoothie made with frozen strawberries, milk, and sugar. It was pink perfection and I highly recommend you make some for yourself. Yum!

But I digress.


Guess what? Today is the first of 10 giveaways I'll be having on Fridays (assuming I remember, which could be expecting a lot, so feel free to remind me).

#1 of 10 of My Unnecessary Necessities or Things I Love That I Want to Share with You.

Am I the only one who can never remember how to spell necessary? Spell check gets me every time!

Anyways. The loves I am giving away are just another way to share a bit about myself and they are in no particular order of favoritism.

Today's giveaway? Chocolate!

I triple time heart this particular chocolate bar BIG TIME!

Ghirardelli? Yes, please!! With toffee?!?!?! OMG (as in oh my goodness). yes, yes, YES!

My mouth thinks I've died and gone to heaven every time I indulge in a bite of this baby.

The rules (yawn, I know, but ya gotta have them):

1. You need to be a follower, have a blog of your own, actually want the chocolate bar, have a mailing address AND leave a comment.

Open internationally.

I can't promise that you will receive the actual bar in the picture. It probably won't last until the end of the giveaway (which will be Monday - the 13th), but I can assure you that the winner will receive a Ghirardelli Toffee Interlude Chocolate Bar that has not been previously sampled. :)

Good luck! And have a great weekend!

Today I'm Helping You Get To Know Me Better.

Like you really wanted to.  **laugh**  It's Day 01 of the 30 Day Challenge!

1.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  So yes, that means I read the Book of Mormon and the Bible.  No, we are not polygamists. 

2.  I was home schooled most of my life.  I loved it.  Tony and I are going to home school our kids.  I'll be using several different philosophies - mostly Montessori and the unschooling methods.  Whatever works is what we'll do!  I'm not into paper/busy work but love hands-on learning!

3.  I really, REALLY dislike talking on the phone.  If I can't talk to you in person I'd rather e-mail, text, or message on Facebook. 

4.  I do not have a number of children planned (neither does Tony).  I believe that we were spirit children of Heavenly Father's before coming to earth (getting a phyiscal body) and that we are all here for a reason.  If God has more than a couple of children in mind for our family, then so be it.  We'll just eat more rice and beans!

5.  I love to read.  I read voraciously as a child.  I'd do my chores while reading (vacuuming, scrubbing, etc).  I'd take frequent breaks from homework to read another chapter.  I'd stuff the crack under my door with a blanket so my parents wouldn't know I was up past midnight finishing a book.  I still read as much as I can, though it happens in spurts now.  Looks like Ash is following in my footsteps and I couldn't be more pleased!

6.  I don't tan.  I burn.   And then when the burn fades it goes back to the same pasty white.  I've tried so many different kinds of tan in a bottle and it never looks quite right.  When is alabaster skin gonna be in again!?!?

7.  I play piano.  Well, I should probably say I played piano.  It's true what they say about losing it if you aren't using it.   I used to be quite good (to toot my own horn), but I'm actually quite terrible now.  Someday I'm going to get back into it.

8.  I took a guitar 101 class in college.  I got an A and still don't know how to play guitar (I'm just good at testing and I know theory).  Haha!

9.  I love my girls but I am soooooo stoked when bedtime rolls around.  Is that bad?

10.  I met my husband in Houston, got to know him when we were on the same flights going home (we're both from the Seattle area) in March of '07, and then started dating in April '07.  We got married in June (yes, same year), honeymooned in July and had our reception in August.  We had Ash in November of '08 and Britt in March of '10.  Our 4 year anniversary is this month.  Crrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy!  Oh, and I didn't get to wear my actual wedding dress when I got married.  It wasn't ready in time.  How sad is that?  Luckily our reception was so far out because I, at least, got to wear it then.

11.  I love getting mail and sending mail.  It's just so much fun to find something to open in the mailbox!  And it's equally as exciting to know that you're doing the same for someone else.  Which reminds me that I need to get pictures sent to all the grandparents this month!

12.  If I could go anywhere in the world right now, it would be Ireland.  Tony would say the same thing.  I wanna go there so so so so sooooooooooo bad!  I love movies that are set there just for the scenery (have you seen P.S. I Love You?).  Someday.  I AM going there.

13.  I used to collect shoes.  Ask Tony.  He was flabbergasted when we first got married.  He couldn't believe the amount of shoes I had.  I haven't really bought any new shoes in several years.  So - the collection has dwindled as shoes have died.  Now I collect baby clothes!  And Tony is completely fed up with it.  But he doesn't fight me on it either.  :D  We all collect something, right?  Right?

14.  I used to live and sleep in my car.  I wasn't homeless.  I commuted 1.5 hours, each way, everyday to get to college and I realized that I could skip the return commute and stay out late with friends if I crashed at friends' houses or in my car.  I kept a sleeping bag in my trunk and slept in church parking lots (sounds safe, right?) when I didn't have a willing friend (or didn't feel like asking).  I'd go back home on the weekends.  That was 10 years ago.  I look back on it now and just shake my head.  Luckily my poor mother had no idea.  So NOT smart. 

15.  I have had sooooo many career paths.  Preschool teacher, piano teacher, receptionist, librarian (just the book filer, though I'd like to be a real one someday), mommy, day care worker, etc.  At one point I was going to go into Spanish - that didn't last long and no, I don't speak Spanish.  One time, I had also declared my major as family history something-or-other.  Haha!  I just like everything.  I'd like to go into natural medicine.  I'd like to be a photographer.  I'd like to be a writer.  Someday I will.  :) 



About the pic.  That is me 7 years ago, on my mission in Houston with a girl I've long since lost track of.  Why did I choose this pic?  It was the first one I clicked on.  That's all.  Where is my tag you ask?  I don't know.  Maybe on my jacket. 

Today I'm Starting the 30 Day Challenge.

Sounds like a couponing or weight loss program, doesn't it?  Well, it's not.  It's an idea I got from my friend, Kari.  She's been doing the 30 Day Challenge and it has been really fun to see what she's been posting.  So here's is how it works.  I'll be posting a pic and short description to go with the photo almost every weekday, following this outline:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for awhile.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most adventurous things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Let me know if you end up doing this too so I can see what you do. 
 
Also, I'm going to be having giveaways for the next 10 Fridays!  Why, you ask?  Because I thought it sounded like fun.  The theme is Ten of My Favorite Things I Could Live Without But Won't.  Hehe.  Obviously we're talking about superficial, but enjoyed items.  So two fun things to look forward to here on my little bit of the Internet.  I know I'm stoked.
 
Anyways, this is day 00 of the 30 Day Challenge. Check back tomorrow for 01!  :P

Today I Rediscovered a Cool Blog.

The blog is called Someday Crafts.  Basically it a whole bunch of fun ideas this gal has gleaned from other websites.  She's got more than just that going on, but that is the main theme.  It's all about the fun things she's gonna do...someday...when she has time.  Haha!  I could TOTALLY do a blog like that.  All about the things I'm gonna do.  Maybe I should switch.  Instead of "what I did today," I'll do "what I'm doing tomorrow....maybe."  Hahaha!  I'm the queen of good intentions.  I have a thick, fatty binder full of magazine pages of crafts and activities I want to do.....someday.  I even have a HUGE folder on my computer stuffed with MORE crafts and projects I still fully intend to get to.  **laughs at self behind hand**  Delusions of grandeur, I know.  Here are a few of those projects (and we're talkin' tip of the iceberg few):

(rain gutter book shelves.  i seriously need these, like, yesterday.  Source.)

(fabric mat for photos.  so cute and easy!  and the local fabric store is like a visual candy shop - just GIVE me an excuse to go there!  Source.)

(braided headbands.  i thought this was such a fun way to use up fabric scraps.  you could even make matching ones for the clothes you sew.  like how I said, "you" sew?  yeah, I haven't sewn any clothes yet.  YET!  Source)

(date ideas.  this one is so easy and simple, there is no reason for me to not already have done it.  i simply forgot about it.  easy to do when there are hundreds of links in my folder.  Source)

(a-stinkin'-dorable toddler top.  what's not love about this one?  the print she chose is too cute and she gives the pattern away for fa-ree!  and now i've got two toddlers, seriously need to get hoppin'.  Source)

Really and truly.  I'm going to craft more.  **sigh**  I do enjoy creating.  It just seems to take a back burner to everything else going on in life. 

I think I should do another someday crafts inspired post.  I have soooooooooo much saved up - I'm an idea hoarder!  Maybe if one of you does one of these crafts I'll feel like I can let it go.  Hahaha!  Yeah, I know, insane.  ;)

Today I Didn't Do Anything Of Interest.

Mondays.  Bleh.  Back to the routine.  Lacking in so much luster after the fun and relaxation of the weekend.  Boooooo-riiiiing! 

Seriously, I didn't do anything today that I haven't already blogged about.  So, I'm just posting pics from Mother's Day that I forgot to share with you. 





Am I the only one who feels this way about Mondays?

Today I Stepped Out.

So - not the best pics.  I didn't make it into them (which is fine since I'm not feeling all that photogenic today).  Tony was busy studying for finals so I didn't want to bug him about being our photographer.  And the girls aren't even wearing what they went out in.  We went to the beach.  I got a royal sunburn.  I know, I know.  Stupid.  I put sunscreen on the girls, but not on myself.  So now my chances of getting skin cancer are higher.  Boo.  We had fun though.  It was Britt's first time playing in the the sand.  We had a picnic.  It was nice and relaxing.  Then we went home and took naps.  I loved today (minus the burn).