Trying...

I spend a good portion of my time searching for things.  For example, today I am on a rescue mission to locate Brian's Scout information back to the date of his Arrow of Light award.  I'm sure those cards and things are spread from here to the ends of Missouri.

But one of the Scout leaders gave me a great idea for organizing the little cards that come with the achievements and merit badges and rank awards.  Get the plastic baseball card sleeves and tuck everything in the pockets.  How easy is that, and why didn't I think of it?


Something else I am always searching for are the elusive papers from school.  The papers that need signing, initialing, or any other attentioning from me.  We are usually scrambling at the last minute to try to locate those.  I've tried putting information in folders, but then I'd forget that I put it there.  I'm a very "out of sight, out of mind" type, so I came up with a clip-up method to help with that.

I just used plain clothespins (thought about painting them, but why mess with a perfect product?)  I punched out a 2.25" scallop circle,  then a 1.5" circle to go on top.  Then I used an initial for each of the four kids.

Since I did not want to mess with drilling holes in the pins or nailing into the wood, I used some extra Command strips to hang the clothespins on the inside of the computer cabinet.

So far, so good.  I've been able to locate login information for the kids' school accounts and class lists, and even homework for the two little boys.  At least I can find SOMEthing!

Too bad I can't use this clothespin system in my brain. Life would be a whole lot easier.

Hanging out with the kids today...

And they have been amazingly cooperative. With me and with each other. I'm not sure what's going on here; perhaps a shift in the space/time continuum or an answer to my prayers.

Today we have accomplished:

• cleaning the living room and family room (they are both smallish rooms)
• cleaning off the counter that attracts all of the junk
• continuous laundry washing/drying/folding/disbursing
• dinner halfway done (we're having the missionaries over tonight)
• dessert in the oven

All this and it's not even lunch time!

Just a couple of things to share.  First, my book wreath.  The picture isn't great, as usual since I'm obviously not a photographer, but I love the look of the book wreaths, and I've been wanting to make one for ages.  I finally busted out the glue gun and a Reader's Digest Condensed book from the '60's (after reading it) that I bought for a quarter at the thrift store.

I looked at some tutorials from Living With Lindsay and Apartment Therapy, then decided to do it my way.

Sometimes not the best ideas, but I made it work.  I used a straw wreath form, and not remembering what sized they used in the tutorials, bought the largest size.

Not the best idea, but again, I made it work.  I recommend using a smaller form so the wreath isn't as big and gangly like the wreath I made.  I made the whole wreath from one book and lots and lots of glue sticks.  The finished size is about 3 feet across.

 I hung it over the bed, which kind of scared Andy, but like the look of it.  Sorry for the dark picture, though!  The sun has been hiding behind the clouds the past few days.

This is one of the Valentines that I made for the kids.  I pulled out some pink, red and white supplies and put them together for a simple card.

My valentine from Monkey.  So sweet it made me cry.  It says "Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is Sweet and I LOVE YOU" inside.

The house mini album that I made for my mom is on the Say It With Letters blog today. Go check out the post!  Thanks, Deb, for liking it so much!

I'm participating in these blog hops today:

We all have our moments...

Joe is working on a project for school.  He had to choose a famous American and give an oral presentation, in front of the class and everything.  He chose Mark Twain, which I thought was a great idea! 

The other night we were listening to some an Elvis album {you know, the real vinyl record type!} and I said to Andy, "Joe could have done his report on Elvis!" 

To which Natalia replied, "Yeah, Mark Twain is boring.  He could have picked Thomas Jefferson.  At least he invented the lightbulb!"

Oh, yeah, she's my daughter.

Give a little bit of love...

Happy Valentine's Day!  We had a great night...

• Valentine treats
• Yummy dinner
• Dancing to Elvis 
• Early to bed for the kids

We almost always use cloth napkins, but I whipped up some new napkins out of pretty pink fabric I had in my stash.  I also used a big piece of pink fabric from my Grandma for a tablecloth, and Mario wanted to use the "Professional" glasses (cobalt blue goblets out of the china cabinet) and the Chinese cups (I'm guessing he called them "Chinese" because they were in the chine cabinet) for the Jello hearts we made in a silicone heart mold.

Menu consisted of:  Chicken Divan with rice, the above mentioned Jello hearts, Mixed green salad with red wine vinaigrette, Sourdough bread, and a little box of chocolates for each of the kids.

Joe had the best day ever at school.  That's what he called it, the best day ever.  It might have had something to do with the little stuffed bear that he was given as a special Valentine from one of his friends.  Who just might be a sweet little girl.  So cute!!!  Then he and Monkey sat down on the floor, dumped out their valentine boxes, and proceeded to trade candy.  The negotiations came to a standstill, though, until Monkey said,"Well, I'll trade you a Skittles for a Skittles, then!"  ???

Brian got a special Valentine, too.  He got 5 different carnations delivered to him at five different time during the school day, each with a note attached:

1. S (Sophomore)
2. C (Class)
3. U (Upside-down)
4. D (Dance)
5. ?

Yes, a girl asked him to the girl's choice dance.  And he's 16 and old enough to go.  And all of those times I've told him that he's not 16 yet and can't date are done with.  {SIGH}  I'm not ready.

My Valentine came home bearing an extra large dark chocolate bar.  Boy, does he know me.

Sunday morning with Cinnamon Rolls, Andrea Bocelli, and the MOTAB...

...HEAVEN!