Later 2012

Time is running out and 2013 is almost here. While 2012 was full of some heartbreak and a new found sense of world insecurity, I hope we each take a moment to realize all the good things, and good people, that still exist. If the Mayan's were wrong, and the world didn't end on the 21st please enjoy this blog post of 2012.

I like making a quick list of all the good from this year. It's a good way to keep track of my identity, and I encourage you all to take a minute to take a personal inventory of your accomplishments. It's so much easier to remember mistakes, but forgive, forget and focus on how many things you did right.

The Best Things in 2012
Our kids all got older. Which is great because they are more responsible and are becoming the amazing people they were intended to be.


Andy went back to school and I am so grateful not only for the opportunities that made this possible, but for his willingness to go. I know it's not easy balancing his very full plate, but I am so glad we can enjoy this school adventure together.

I finally got a phone that can text. I have now moved into the 21st century. I don't use it a ton, but WOW! what an ingenious invention.

My friend Ben McAdams won his election as local county mayor. He will do a great job and it was truly an honor and pleasure to work for him. I hope someday our paths will cross again. He is proof that hard work really does pay off. Thank you Ben, for letting me be part of the process.

I learned to say No. If you are a woman, you know how this is. I don't want upset anyone or not do everything, all together and at the same time. I am a fantastic multi-tasker, but had to step away from some projects. I miss being involved in the kids' classes, but there is a time and season...I am sure my guilt will dissipate at some point.

We all know how much I love THE city...Washington, DC was the highlight of my year. I loved the travel and hanging out without an agenda (ok, well a non-kid related agenda). Our memories will last a lifetime, cuz I've scrapbooked about a million pictures, and it will be impossible to not return soon.

I look forward to more good things next year---and hope as a community and nation we can look for the good that surrounds us.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Gift Ideas

This is one of the last posts of 2012. I am so glad some of you are still with me. It's been a busy year, as you can tell by the dramatic decline in posts here, but it's been eventful.

And as Christmas approaches I am finishing up some last minute neighbor gifts. I found this great link here from my thrifty-nifty friend Paul. Enjoy these ideas for some cute last minute gifts.

Enjoy the season!

Favorites from 2012

The year is winding down. It seems the older I get, the faster time flies. Wasn't it just June? Anyway I have a few new things I discovered on my adventures this year. Try them! You will love them as much as I do.
Disclaimer: These are my own thoughts/opinions. I was not paid for any of the following.

Favorites 2012

Victoria's Secret "Secret Charm" body cream. It's delightful! Jasmine and Honeysuckle....yummy smelling and doesn't dry your skin.

Glitter. Think about how much fun you can have. Edible glitter for cupcakes; glitter for art projects; glitter in fabric paint and spray paint; glitter for lip gloss, lotion and soap. It's sparkly, shiny and fun!

Glass beads. I made a great pair of earrings this year and I love them.
Right along with that are Statement Necklaces. Easy way to add fun to any outfit. I want this so bad!


Crest Mouthwash. I hate flossing. My teeth are tight and floss shreds all the time. This stuff tastes great and does a great job keeping things fresh.

And still my favorite things that I have been crazy about for years...

Lip gloss- I love the new VS winter flavors for Christmas
Freegal music--free, downloadable music from the library to my iPod
Cook Once, Eat Twice Meals- Baked Ziti, Lasagne, Enchiladas--just double the recipe (for a big family) or divide the dish in two (for smaller families) and you have spent the same amount of time, but made two meals at once. Brilliant!

These are some of my favorite things....maybe Santa will leave me one or two under the tree. What do you want from Santa this year???

Crafty Kids

The Winter Break is fast approaching...not fast enough if you ask my kids. We will have 2 weeks off to just hang out with our families. I am sure that after the first 3 days, we will all just be sittin' around looking at each other without a clue of what to do. I am sure that I will hear, "Mom, I'm bored" about 1,000 times. Hopefully Santa will remedy some of that. In the mean time I've got a plan....

I used an old canvas apron, some fabric paint with glitter, some jewels and eyes, and some creativity to create this new apron for D. She loves to help me cook, and now she looks super cute doing it. La La actually came up with this design- -with some help from some freezer paper and a Cricut. and suggested I add the words, "Kiss the Cook" to it. Great idea! 

The baby is obsessed with dogs, so Sydie made her this apron. Totally cute!

This is an easy project to do with kids. Cut your stencils out of freezer paper-either by machine or hand. Iron the waxy side onto the material. Use craft paint and decorations--make sure it's all permanent and won't wash off--and let your inner artist out! I let my designs dry 20 min. in between the 2 coats of paint I used. Once the design is dry, gently peel the freezer paper off, and there you have it! Easy, cheap, fun...and it may just save your sanity this holiday season!

Happy Crafting
~Katie