The Game/Play Room

Welcome to the most abused room in our house.  We have 3 kids under the age of 6.  Now you understand.  This is where the play happens.  It occasionally spills into the kitchen, living room, bathroom (even I have no idea how that happens) but I try to keep it mostly confined to this area.  (I apologize for the horrible lighting.  It is apparently never a good time to photograph this room.)

When we had 1 child and even after we had 2 little girls filling the house with laughter,  a small cabinet in the kitchen was perfect to house our small toy collection.

A few more years, another kid, and somehow the toys have outgrown this space and it was time to kick them out of the kitchen.

I told you I was addicted to Sterilite Shoe Boxes!  Each box houses a different type of toy.  We have Polly Pockets, Barbies, Hello Kitty, cars, Happy Meal toys, Little People, etc.  I've found when the toys are organized in this way, the kids play longer with their toys, and they also put them away by themselves easier.  They are learning that they can not get out another box until the first box is put away.

My wonderfully creative and handy husband built the shelves and the window seat. I love seeing the girls with a book sitting on the seat reading.  It's also a great view to the bird feeders in the backyard.  We could watch the birds for hours!

Here's a peek at the rest of the room.

 Jeremy & I make a pretty good pair.  He made the rack for all the pool table gear and I painted the art.  I'm no artist, I just like abstract, bright paintings and I'm too cheap to pay someone else to scribble on canvas when I can scribble some paint on my own.

I think this is really supposed to be a formal living room/dining area.  But we're not formal people so this works much better for us.  Don't you LOVE the red wall?  It's one of my favorite things about our home.  Oh, and the cornice boards!  My parents-in-law and husband helped me put them together! I'm a black leather jacket kinda girl so black "pleather" was used for the window treatment.  (Yeah, It's another favorite thing.) Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you're enjoying the tour!


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My Craft Closet

I love to craft.  I sew, paint, crochet, sort of knit, and it must be hereditary because my children also love to create things with their hands.  All this crafting can take up a lot of space.  From Fabric to Pipe cleaners, Pom poms & paint, we've got quite a collection.  I've tried several different storage solutions, but I must say, I think I've finally found something that works for us.

My name is Dana & I have an addiction to Sterilite Shoe Boxes.

This is just a few of the many that I use to store all my stuff.  I used my Dymo LetraTag to label each of the boxes.  Before this system I had everything in 2 huge crates that I had to almost completely unpack to find 1 item.  Now I can just grab the box with the supplies I need and work quickly and easily!  I find I'm much more apt to craft if I can get to things easily.  My husband really appreciates that things can be put away easily, too!  I even have a box labeled "in progress".  This helps me keep my start ups under control and hopefully I'll begin finishing things completely before starting something new.  Well, hopefully.  I also store items waiting to be purchased from my etsy shop here.

This closet is under our stairwell and also serves as our family shoe closet.  This is by no means all of our shoes, but they are the most often worn.  The rest of the collection is stored in our bedroom closets.

 

And talk about your Mutli-purpose room!  This also serves to store our collection of board and card games.  If you haven't played Things, it is a must play for your next family get together.  It's guaranteed to produce some great laughs!

A few chairs and a folding table round off the storage in this little closet that really does a lot!  Jeremy used wire shelving from Home Depot to create my shelves.  Each shelf holds up to 80 lbs.  I love them!  Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!



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A Peek into the Mack House

Here's a peek into our kitchen. When we moved in a little over 8 years ago, I was in love with all the space above the cabinets.  Over the years they've been adorned with Fiestaware, Christmas Garland, and even a traffic light.  I love to have conversation pieces mixed into my decor.  When I found the "Fingers crossed" piece in Home Goods a couple of years ago, I knew I had to have it.  I continually joke that I cross my fingers with every meal hoping it is a success!  You'll also notice "JOY" and "Blessed" placed there.  Sometimes it's important to have a reminder of just how good I have it.  I'm very "blessed" so there is no reason to not have "Joy"! 

I use the big black basket to corral all the items that need to make their way upstairs to the office.  It gets a little overrun most of the time, but it helps keep the counter clear and lets me tote everything up with ease.

I made these little pumpkins a couple of years ago.  They were really easy and are a fun way to add some Fall into the house. Even when it's still 100 degrees outside!  Thanks, Martha Stewart!

 This was my answer to the phone jack that we no longer use that was right at eye level next to the pantry.  I think it's a much better way to enter the kitchen and to start our day!

Just one last photo of the hallway/pantry.  Oh, and I made the wreath myself, too!  I hope you enjoy and get some inspiration! Have a joyfully blessed day!

Zoan's Butterfly Birthday Party

So....There's this new thing I'm a little addicted to.  It's Pinterest.  If you haven't heard of it, but you're one of those people who hear of something new and immediately google it or do whatever you can to find out what it is, just know, You Have Been Warned!  It's dangerous!  It's like clipping pictures from magazines and filing them away, only with easier access and less clutter.

For Zoan's 5th Birthday, I used Pinterest to help me gather ideas.  There were so many good ideas!  I enjoyed being able to plan things out months in advance and have a place to collect my plans without a lot of paper clutter plus it was easy to access.  Zoan loved it all and afterward told me it was "The best day ever!"  I'm so glad it's easy to make her feel that way right now.  Here are some of my own pics from the day.  Enjoy!

The Proposal

For winter break my Senior year at SAGU Jeremy asked my parents if he could spend the first week or so with them, then he and I would drive out to Arizona to be with his family.

If you have never had the pleasure of meeting my parents let me give you a little insight.  The only seasonings found in my parents house are salt, pepper, cayenne & on occasion, Cavender's Seasoning.  My dad grills meat.  Every. Chance. He. Gets.  Every night we were with my parents, Daddy grilled, and every night Jeremy stood outside talking to him.  Jeremy tells me it was about the 3rd night before he finally got up the courage to ask Daddy for my hand in marriage.  My dad's reply, "You can marry my daughter, but if you ever hurt her, I'll kill you."  Permission granted.  I do think that to reinforce the "I'll kill you" promise, Daddy added a little extra cayenne to Jeremy's burger.  Point taken.

We had an early Christmas with my family and then drove out to Arizona in the Honda Accord.  New Mexico is very icy in December.  At one point we slid off the road and spun a lot.  Scary!!!  We got back on the road, and safely made it to Phoenix.  I finally got to meet Jeanene.  I'm not sure she liked me at first.  I think most of it had to do with the fact that she hadn't met me before and Jeremy was going to marry me. (I think I've grown on her through the years.)  We spent a little time in Phoenix before flying to Minnesota to be with Ranae's side of the family.  Again I was amazed at this gracious, kind and loving family.  They took me in like I was their own. I remember sitting at the dinner table and Grandpa Hofer coming behind me and squeezing my shoulders.  With a smile on his face he called me his new grand daughter. I felt so welcomed and hoped that would one day be true.

The next day we all went to church in the morning and then went tubing in the snow.  That evening, several family members mentioned that maybe Jeremy & I would like to go out to dinner, just the two of us.  I was having so much fun with the family that I didn't want to miss out spending time with them.  I had no idea that Jeremy had been planning this very day for MONTHS!  I dressed in a black velvet dress, and Jeremy's Aunt Pam let me wear her beautiful mink coat.  Just before we left we played a quick game of Spanish Race Horses in which Uncle Kevin had the honor of being "Ar'ted".  We took Rachelle's car to dinner at Kincaid's.  We had a seat by a window and could see the snow falling outside.  Absolutely beautiful!  I don't remember what we ate, but I remember Jeremy getting a phone call from the family.  He said it was something about a movie they were going to watch or something.  We finished our meal and began to walk out to the car where a limousine was waiting.  I remarked, "Wow!  Some girl is pretty lucky!"  Jeremy told me to get in.  The sound teenage girls make at a Jonas or Justin Bieber concert?  That was the sound in my head right then. 

We drove around Minneapolis and looked at Christmas lights adorning some amazing homes.  In one particularly stunning neighborhood we came across a Santa Claus walking down the center of the street.  He was walking like a drunk and asked our driver if he could have a ride.  This small town girl was scared!  What in the world was a drunk Santa doing stopping our car and asking for a ride?!  The driver told him he'd have to ask us so Jeremy started rolling down the window.  I learned later I was supposed to get out of the car, but I was so nervous I nearly pushed Jeremy out the opposite side of the car trying to stay as far away from Santa as I could!  He offered us his very last present if we would only give him a ride.  Jeremy finally talked me into at least checking out the gift.  Inside was an engagement ring.  Jeremy got down on one knee in the limo and asked me to be his wife.   In case you haven't figured it out, I said "YES!"  As we drove back to Pam & Randy's house we called my parents and shared the good news.

When we arrived, everyone acted as if they had no idea what had occurred.  I showed off my ring and they all acted surprised.  I guess we had left Santa on the curb after we got the ring because he started knocking on the back door while we were telling the story.  I didn't realize it, but "Santa" was really Jeremy's Uncle Kevin, whom I had just met that morning at church!  After Santa arrived, they asked if we wanted to watch a movie.  These sneaky folks had been video taping the ENTIRE EVENING!  We watched footage of us getting into the limo and of the whole escapade with Santa!  They'd been watching from a mini-van on the side of the street the whole time!

I'm not sure what ever happened to the video, but this has to be one of my favorite memories of all time.  I knew from the start that this was going to be a wonderful family belong to.  I know the future husbands of Zion & Zoan are going to have a lot to live up to, as Jeremy has set the bar high for our daughters expectations, and our son is learning how to respect and honor a woman from a pro!

It's been 11 1/2 years since that proposal and every moment has been more wonderful than the last.  Jeremy and I just celebrated our 11th anniversary this past weekend.  I think the quote from Dr. Seuss says it best.  "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."

More about us...

The spring semester flew by.  We went on lots of group dates, ate lots of breakfasts together and grew more and more fond of each other.   One conversation that stood out to me was when Jeremy asked me, "if I could be any animal, what would I be?"  My first choice was a white tiger and my second, a black panther.  His choices were an eagle and a wolf.  Apparently it was some psychology quiz where your choices represent something else.  The first choice is how you perceive yourself and the second represented what traits you would want in a mate.

We celebrated our birthdays in April.  I gave him a stuffed wolf. (wink, wink)  He gave me a leather journal he had made himself.  Loved it, wrote in it often, filled it with stories of our days together and what God was speaking in my life at that time. 

We were both planning our internships for the summer, he with his dad in Phoenix, and I in Colorado with my uncle.  Before the summer began, I flew out to Phoenix.  The days I spent there were so full!  We went to a baseball game, jet skied at the lake, went to church, and I loved every minute!  I remember thinking, "How did I get this blessed? This family is amazing!" 

The only glitch was trying to get Elwin to understand what I was saying.  My Texas accent was still pretty thick and trying to explain that my dad worked in the oil field proved very difficult.  Elwin, "What does your dad do?"  Me, "He works in the 'ol' field." Elwin, "What is that?"  Me, "You know, the 'ol' field."  I finally resorted to spelling.  "O I L,  he works in the 'ol field."  It took me a while, but I finally learned to say "oy ill".

In July he came to visit me in Colorado.  We had a great time and he met more of my extended family.  They approved and teased me incessantly.

We emailed every day, sometimes several times a day.  We didn't know it at the time, but we had each printed off every email we received.  He was better than I and printed off all that he sent and received!  We still have those emails in sequential order in our file cabinet.  I need to have them bound in a book so they will keep forever.  I still get a laugh when I read back to some of the things we shared. I still have all the snail mail we sent that summer as well.  Maybe someday the Mack Pack will want to read all the mushy letters of their parents.  If not, that's okay, I still get all tingly when I read my letters from Jeremy.  (Happy sigh)

We came back to SAGU in the Fall and continued to fall in love with each other, still not having uttered the words.  Oh, and the first time we held hands....briefly in the airport as I was heading back to Oklahoma after meeting his parents.  

He Meets My Parents!

Easter Break.  I had no car.  Arizona is far from Waxahachie.  Jeremy offered to take me to visit my family for the weekend.  This would be the first time for him to meet my parents and my sister.  We headed out and on our way stopped for lunch at this little Bar-b-que beef place.  It was just a road side stand, but always a favorite stop.  While we ate he informed me that his BTR boys (bachelors till the rapture) had made him promise not to hold my hand or "anything" while we were visiting.  He was letting me in on the promise so I would be aware of his intentions as well.  And again, I felt honored and respected.  The time on the road seemed to pass quickly as we drove the 3 1/2 hours to my parents house.
*Interesting fact:  I had only been to my parent's house once because they moved from Texas to Oklahoma during winter break so I was very unfamiliar with the town.  We arrived to find the house empty but the answering machine blinking.  I checked the messages to be informed that my mom & sister had been in a car accident and were at the hospital.  We had to check the phone book for the address to the hospital!  I had no idea where to go or what we'd find when we got there.
We found our way across the small town and were met my family's pastor & his wife.  My mom & sister were okay, but Mom was suffering a little amnesia.  The pastors took this opportunity to have a little fun with my mom and told her I was coming to visit with my husband.  We were allowed to check Mom out of the hospital and as we wheeled her out in a wheelchair, she looked up at Jeremy and said "I don't know who you are, but you sure are good lookin'!"  (We've had quite a few laughs at that over the years for sure!)
We got home, put Mom to bed to rest and started working on cooking the dinner that had kind of been started before the accident.   Dad was driving a truck and would be home later that evening.  I warned Jeremy on our 3 1/2 hour drive that the best way to figure out if my dad liked him was if he stayed up and talked or if he went to bed.  Dad got home and STAYED UP talking to Jeremy till after midnight!  Definitely a good sign!  I found out things about my dad that I never knew and realized he & Jeremy had quite a lot in common.  They both raised pigeons as kids.  I had no idea! 
While we were there, Jeremy also got to meet some of my mom's family that lived there at the time.  He met with all of their approval. We were at church that Sunday morning and headed back to Waxahachie that evening.  So far so good!

Games & Crafts for Camping

This past Memorial Day weekend our family went camping with our church family.   It was windy & as the weekend came to a close, it got COLD!  We sat around the fire, ate lots of yummy food, and just enjoyed being together. We had some really fun activities that were a hit with the little people.  

One of the teens made a couple of swings for the kids to play on and they got hours and hours of use.  Thanks, Michael!  I don't think Zion liked it at all.

One of the things the younger kids enjoyed most was our Treasure Hunt.  I took some empty coffee cans from home and filled them with fun items from the Target Dollar Spot.  We had silly putty, water guns, note pads, bubbles, a beach ball, a word find, and other little goodies tucked away in them.  Christy & Michelle helped me hide the cans around the area where there were several trees and lots of pine needles.  Each kid found a treasure and I think they had as much fun on the search as they did playing with the treasures!  Zoan said, "This is the Best Day Ever!"  Mission accomplished!  I will definitely be incorporating this activity into future camping trips.  I may even step it up a notch to make it even more difficult.  These kids were way too quick!

Another activity we did was for the birds.  Really.  We made pine cone bird feeders.  Sorry, there are no pictures of the feeders.  You'll just have to trust me when I tell you how cool they were.  A while ago I purchased some peanut butter that did not meet with my family's approval.  I can't throw anything away so I took them with us on the camping trip with some twine and bird seed.  I sent the kids to look for some pine cones.  I helped them tie on the twine around the top, handed them a spoon and had them cover the entire thing in peanut butter.  I filled a cup with seeds and once their pine cones were peanut buttered, they dipped them in and covered the peanut butter with seed.  They each chose the "perfect" spot for their feeder and with a little help from some taller people, hung them carefully and waited for some feathered friends to visit.  Shortly after, we saw a beautiful Red Robin fly through the campsite. 

We can't wait till we get to do this again!

The First Date

As Jeremy & I became better and better friends we went out with large groups of other friends. Not really a "date" and never alone.

In the spring of my Junior year there was an event being put on by the R.A's of Savell & Kendrick called "Pick a Date For Your Roommate".  We had done it the year before and it was a lot of fun to go out with a big group of friends on a "blind" date that your roommate picked for you.

Susan was my roommate and I'm sure she had already had an ear full of my talking about Jeremy.  She told me she was setting me up for the "Pick a Date" but with someone... we'll just say, "Not Jeremy".

As far as what was "planned" for the evening, we were to be picked up in the lobby of our dorm, then we'd have dinner with our "dates" in the Student Union building.  It was decorated nicely and couples could have their pictures taken if they wanted.

I remember nervously waiting in the lobby of Kendrick for whomever Susan asked to come pick me up.  I was the last one sitting in the lobby. Then around the corner holding a white rose (my favorite flower, but unknown to him at that time) was Jeremy!!!  Whew!  I knew Susan had been joking, but when he was late, I started to wonder.

We went for dinner,I think it was chicken.  We talked and had such a good time that we went out for coffee afterward with my friend Tiffany-you remember, the one who tipped me off to my "stalker", and her date.  I'm so sorry I don't remember who Tiffany's date was!  I was pretty oblivious to most everything and kept thinking this guy is so great!  I couldn't believe he was interested in ME! 

When we came back to campus he walked me to Kendrick we said our goodbyes.  I distinctly remember that he didn't even give me a side-hug!  The girls on my hall were quite disappointed when they asked about every detail of the night, but I was even more impressed by this gentleman.  I felt respected, honored and wanted to spend more time with him after that evening.

"I Love You" was a phrase I was keeping for that special man who would someday come along.  Susan knew this.  I told Susan that night, "I love that boy!"  The conversation continued, Susan: "You didn't tell HIM did you?" Me: "No, but I'm gonna tell him someday! He is so perfect for me!"  Susan: "Okay, but you gotta tell me when."

The next few months got even better.  Next post: He Meets My Parents

Update on Project Baby B

I got an e-mail from my friend Andrea yesterday letting me know that Daniel & Lyndsie are in the process of adopting a baby boy!  The original intent of the fundraiser for them was to help with the adoption costs; however, since those things are falling into place Andrea said I could remove my donation.  Having 3 kids of my own, I know that babies aren't cheap!  It costs a lot to provide for a child so I told Andrea, I'd love to keep my item available so whatever funds are raised can go towards inevitable expenses that come with babies.  All of the other sponsors requested to keep their items available as well!  The fundraiser is open until June 10th so there is still time to help this wonderful family.  Click on the link to be directed to Andrea's blog where you can read more.  Thanks!

Update on Project Baby B

Project Baby B with The Worley House

I told you guys a few days ago about the awesome opportunity I was given to help a very deserving couple reach their dreams of adoption.  Daniel & Lyndsie's story touched my heart so much I knew I had to be a part of this.  Jeremy & I have been very blessed with 3 children of our own and love being parents.  My heart aches for those who long to be parents but have not had the privilege.  I'm not sure what is in store for The Booker's future, but I hope with our help, parenthood is on the way.  Check out my friend Andrea's blog to see how you can help.The Worley House.  For every $10 donated you get 1 entry towards winning all the fabulous items listed on Andrea's blog.  One of which is my own Hot Lips Oven Mitt & Apron. 


Thanks for stopping by and have a VERY Blessed Day!

~Dana

Our Story

Over the years I've been blessed to recount the story of Jeremy & me.  It's been an awesome adventure from the beginning and I love living more of the adventure with him every day.  As we approach our 11th anniversary next month, it's obvious there's a lot of "story" there.  So I'll break this down into a few different parts so you don't have to read a novel in one sitting.

The Stalking

My junior year of college at Southwestern Assemblies of God University was when it all began.  I was working on my Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry and was excited to work with teenagers.  I was a Resident Assistant for Kendrick Hall and life was good.  I had no idea it was about to get even more amazing!

Jeremy arrived on campus about a week or two late as he had just returned from a Missions trip to China.  He was jet-lagged and not feeling well at all.  His friends, self-claimed "Bachelor's Till The Rapture," of which he was a founding member, were apparently talking about all the beautiful girls on campus.  He told them he didn't see what they were talking about.  So one of them pulled out the previous year's year book and they started flipping pages.  My maiden name starts with "A" so I was one of the first faces he saw.  He casually mentioned to them that he wouldn't mind getting to know me.  And THIS is when is starts to get really interesting!

The next day I sat down in front of him and his friend Josh.  He tells me after I put down my bag and went to scan my i.d. card, he kept jabbing his friend saying "That's Her!  That's Her!"  Josh introduced us.  I briefly remember the meeting, but didn't think much about it.

As the weeks went by I learned from my friend Tiffany that Jeremy was asking EVERYONE about me. Guys I had dated, former roommates, teachers, EVERYONE!  I told her I thought he was a dork.  "If he wants to get to know about me, why doesn't he just talk to me!" I said.  She told him I thought he was a dork and for him, the challenge was on.

The next day he asked to sit with me at breakfast.  We talked and I remember thinking, "Wow."  I was clearly no match for his charm.  I began eating breakfast every morning in hopes of seeing him.  I wasn't going to make any moves on my own, but I was definitely going to make sure I gave myself every advantage possible!

We became better friends over breakfasts during the next month or so and exchanged home numbers so we could keep in touch over the holidays.  The boy I thought was a dork for "stalking" me was slowly but surely becoming the man of my dreams.

Next post:  Our first "Date"

Project Baby B with The Worley House

My friend Andrea asked me a few weeks ago to help with a project she is working on.  I asked for more info and when she shared Daniel & Lyndsie's Story with me, I instantly knew I had to be a part of this.  Andrea will be sharing more on her blog in the days to come so be sure to start following her to see what is in store and how you can be a part of this awesome opportunity as well.  Here's more information.

I'll keep updating as Andrea updates her blog so you can keep up to date, too.  I know once you "meet" the Brookers, your heart will be stirred as mine was.


~Dana

Faux Chenille Baby Blanket

I love making handcrafted gifts for friends and family.  My recent creation is this gift set for my soon coming niece.  She's not due until June, but I love making these faux chenille blankets so much I had to make her one ASAP.  I hope she and her parents enjoy it as much as I have.  It has taken me a little over a week to put all the details together, but it came together nicely.  In addition to the blanket, I made a matching burp cloth and pillow with some of the left over fabric.  Jeremy bought me a ruffler attachment for my Bernina for my birthday and I love any excuse to use it.  It made creating the flowers on the pillow a breeze!

I found the tutorial from Dana at MADE before Christmas last year and this is my 5th one to make.  The others had rounded corners, this one is squared up, I can't decide which I prefer, but I will say, the rounded corners take a little more finesse when sewing the binding on.

Faux Chenille Tutorial

She uses several different colors of 100% cotton for her chenille.  I have done that, but most of the ones I've made have been a single color of flannel.  I use 4 layers of flannel plus the patterned cotton for the backing.  I've also used satin binding on all of mine.  It makes it so lovable.  Who doesn't like the feel of satin against their cheek?

And just in case you're interested, that other Dana from MADE has so many great ideas!  She's great!  If you need some inspiration, she's a great source.  Enjoy!

If you would like to order a similar gift set, visit my etsy shop and convo me what colors you'd like and any other special requests. 
ZsMommyMadeIt

A Few of My Favorite Things

Chazaq has worn an Amber Teething Necklace since he was about 6 months old.  He currently has 6 teeth and he seems to have done pretty well with it.  My most clear observation is a marked reduction in drool.  Plus it just looks super cute!

















I got one of these for a mommy friend of mine.  I need to get another for myself.  I like to wear jewelry, but I don't like my children breaking it or gnawing on my nice pearls.  This is a great solution for this season in my life!















And every mommy needs a bangle to go with her necklace!
















Neither of my girls were much into loveys.  Chazaq got a great little Tigger security blanket when he was born and he HAS to have it to sleep.  It's not easy to find a replacement.  My nieces have Douglas Blankets (not the exact one featured below, there are lots of options)-the bonus with these-you can always order a replacement easily.  Trust me, that is a BIG Bonus!
















In the search for the perfect sippy cup we have tried many.  Most have been found lacking in the spill proof department.   Over the last 6 years, the ones we have kept returning to are the Gerber Fun Grips.  they have stood the test of time and have been the ones we have used for the Z girls and have returned to again for Chazaq.   They are the best. 

Teacher Appreciation

Throughout my life I have had many teachers.  I have learned something from each of them.  I wish I could do a little something for each of them to show them how much they have meant to me over the years, but since that's not possible, I'm going to start by making sure the teachers that teach my children feel very appreciated.  The job they do is no small task and I want them to know I appreciate them. 

This year the teacher I get to recognize is Zion's Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Ranger.  Kindergarten is a very memorable year.  Zion has learned so much and has been challenged by Ms. Ranger to step out beyond what comes easy to her and to try new things.  Zion does many things well on the first attempt and being the perfectionist that she is, (I have no idea where she gets that from) gets frustrated when something doesn't come to her naturally.  Ms. Ranger has been patient and understanding and Zion has begun to flourish under her tutelage. 

I have found many blog posts from other moms who have shared ideas for honoring teachers.  Here is what we are doing for Ms. Ranger.  I got the template for the book mark from this great resource.

 Cute As A Bug Pencil Toppers

We made these with pom poms, pipe cleaners and googly eyes then hot glued them to the top of pencils. 

We added a few other goodies in our Teacher Survival kit.  Coffee is a must, a couple of note pads a little book mark and a gift card to Starbucks.

We tucked it all in and put it in Zion's backpack to be delivered to Ms. Ranger on Teacher Appreciation Day!






We've all got a teacher in our lives to thank.  Who helped shape you into who you are? 

Just Have To Brag On My Husband

New Year's Resolutions come and go and many times meet with disappointment year after year.  This year has been different.  Seeing success makes the resolution that much easier to hold to and gives renewed confidence to the victor.  In 3 months Jeremy has lost 27 lbs.  January was a rough start.  But in the last 2 months he has broken through his previous plateau and is gaining momentum.  He even put on a pair of pants this past week that he hasn't worn since our first child was born!  Way to go, Babe!  You're looking good!