HaLLoWeEn BoTTLeS!

Somewhere around here I took some step by step pictures of how I made these bottles--but I don't know where they are--story of my life! I decided to make some cute Halloween bottles for fun. I have been trying to keep myself busy and relaxed about the upcoming move. (I 'm a little anxious) I went to the DI the other day and found these bottles. They cost me a total of $1.25. I went to a website and was able to print the labels for free!! (I am sorry, but I can't remember what website it was. I just googled 'Halloween Bottle Labels'.) I mod podged the labels on to the bottles and filled them with some floral gems. They were super easy and look adorable next to my candelabra! YAY for crafts!!

"Bow"-tiful Bow Holder

Check out how I made this cute little bow holder on the Mommy Blog! I was super excited to have it finished!!

Halloween DIY Candelabra

I blogged all about this on the Mommy Blog and put pictures on facebook. I am so excited to share so go check it out!! Halloween Candelabra.

Let me know what you think! I am super proud of it! :)

I Can't Find My SD Card!

Like so many of you, I too, have put blogging on the back burner this summer. It just seems like every time I want to blog--I get busy! Now I can't find my SD card. :/ NO BUENO! However, I will try to do my best to explain in words the past month!

-WEST VIRGINIA/VIRGINIA-

I got to spend 2.5 weeks, kid free, in West Virginia. Isn't that awesome?! My Dad and Step Mom offered to pay for me to come out and visit--if I would be willing to fly out and entertain my step siblings for a couple of weeks. It was a wonderful trip. I got to go to MY home ward. I got to visit friends from High School. I slept in. I ate like I was 14. And I only got myself ready for 2 weeks. I think every Mom deserves a break like that. Plus, it was just awesome to spend time with my Dad. I have posted a ton of pictures on facebook. If you are one of my facebook friends go check them out!

-Back to School-

The boys started back to school this week! YAY!! My most favorite thing about back to school...the fact that they are both there all day now! My other favorite thing... the fact that I have to leave work right on time now!!! I pulled so many long days all summer--since the kids were with me! The boys are very excited. Preston is in Mrs. Christensen's 3rd grade class. Tyson is in Mrs. Coleman's 1st grade class. The boys seem to be loving being back, walking home with the kids from church, and eating breakfast at school again!!! (They think that rocks!) They have back to school pictures on facebook too! When I reminded Tyson that he would be staying all day...he said, "Ugh! That's going to be so boring!" I hope he changes his mind. Or it may be a long year!

-Back to Reality-

-Reality hit me like crazy the past few weeks! It was like I stepped of the plane and jumped right back into insanity! We are still in North Ogden...we haven't found a house yet. However, I am just enjoying still being here.

-I signed Addyson up for Cheer Camp at Weber High this week. I am really excited to see how she interacts! If she does well--it may be time for dance!! Is anyone else doing Cheer Camp?

-And the big news... Well I started back to school myself this past week. Am I crazy? Yes. Do I have time for this? Probably not. It's always been my dream to finish school and have my college education. I have been making excuses for years. Then my Dad said to me... "Celeste, if you never try, it wont work out." It was sort of like a slap in the face. He is right. So I am trying. I am sure it will take me longer then the norm to finish. I think that as long as I keep trying--I will excel! I have decided to Major in Family Studies. Which is a combination of both my love for children and psychology. I haven't decided on a minor--but I do have some thoughts on that. I was enrolled at SLCC. Then as I was trying to finish up enrollment I changed my mind! I am attending WSU. Right now I am trying online classes--we will see how this works out. I just didn't know how to go to school and take care of the kids. So wish me luck--and if I don't keep up on my blogging you will know why! I will try to keep posting pictures on facebook though!

28!

I turned 28 on Friday! Wow—I’m feeling old. The realization that 30 is approaching is hitting me! Nevertheless, it was an awesome birthday! I worked for a few hours. Then spent the afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Then later that evening I went to dinner and to see Harry Potter 7.2 with some friend, my brother, and my Mom. I was given a free babysitter for the night—which was wonderful! My co-workers made me a cake, a big Happy Birthday Banner, and a crown! It was hilarious. Every time I walked through the classrooms the kids would sing to me. I got lots of birthday wishes and phone calls. Which was really nice! And Harry Potter was amazing! I loved it! I really want to go see it again! Let’s see… I had some fun birthday gifts…. 2 new dresses, lotion, A.J. is donating money to my iPod or iPhone fund, a new shirt, and one of my favorites..a GLEE towel! My friends know me too well! It was a great birthday! I am very blessed to have such great friends and family to celebrate with! I decided that I don’t look terrible for being 28 with 4 kids! And as long as I can keep dying my hair, no will know about all my premature grays! :)

“Rockin’” Teachers

On July 8th & 9th, my boss, took us to Park City for the weekend. It was a blast! It’s kind of fun to have a “teenager moment” from time to time. We stayed at the Marriott. It was gorgeous! We had dinner and breakfast there. We played minute to win it games. Spent time in the awesome pool. We had a Pajama contest. Stayed up too late and enjoyed laughing/visiting. My boss gave us $20.00 gift cards to Tanger Outlets. So we spent Saturday shopping. On or way home I made my car full of people go to Taggart’s Grill! MMMMM! I love that place. We sat on the patio and enjoyed our dinner and the beautiful views. I love my co-workers. And have made some of my best friends at work! It made me miss some of you that have left too! The center I work at made t-shirts that had “Teacher by day ROCKSTAR by night” printed on them. It caused a little drama. But it was still fun! We made up Rockstar names and made posters for each other. It was a pretty nice to get a way for the weekend!

Scratch That Idea & Sorry We've Been Busy

Well you probably all thought I fell off the face of the earth lately. I am still here. I figured I would catch my blogging up to the point right before the 4th of July. Then I will resume my catch up from that point.

We have been super busy this summer. I have been working some crazy hours. I hate it. That to me is the worst part of my job! It's been a weird summer and they can't seem to keep me on a consistent schedule.

The house we made an offer on didn't work out. So we are scratching the house from our list. I guess it keeps us in our ward that much longer. Now it's back to the "House Hunting".

Hope you guys are still having a great summer!

Oh, has anyone had trouble with blogger lately? When I post pictures and try to space them it goes all funky. Then I can't fix it. And at the top of my page it says 'Sign In' instead of 'Dashboard'. It's just really weird.

4th Of July Crafts

My friend and I had a good time a few weeks ago putting these together. We downloaded the prints from various websites. (They were free printables) Then we had fun decorating cheap dollar store frames. It really got me in the patriotic mood! If you want the websites I have them on my facebook page.

A Hunting We Will Go...

...House Hunting that is!

(And other news...)

I had forgotten how stressful this process was! I just need to vent so I am putting it here. I feel like Clint and I can't agree on anything when it comes to what we are looking for. Older vs. New, Fixer Upper vs. Time, Less Home vs. More Money, Schools vs. Schools!!! I am about ready to throw in the towel and wait for someone to make me leave this house. We have now seen close to 10 homes and I just can't decide. We found one this weekend that Clint really loves. I will admit for the lot size alone it's worth it. I feel like the house is lacking though. The kitchen was recently remodeled, but they didn't do a great job. Will this be the house for us?! I was comfortable just staying in my Dad's house until Clint finished school. Our rent was cheap, our wards been great, and I love our boys' school! Decisions, Decisions.

In other news...Clint was in the home stretch of school. Only needing 5 more classes. I was so excited-- then they hit us with a bomb! They wont let him minor and major in psychology anymore. (Which they have let others do in the past) So he has to take more classes now! Ugh, so annoying. The dept. head did say they would try to work with Clint. I can't wait!! I know we still have lots of school left. I just can't wait until he is done!

Our 10 year anniversary is coming up in June. I wasn't going to be here for it, but it looks like I will be now. Since I have the time off from work-- I want to do something fun!! I deserve it after being married to Clint for 10 years *laughing*. Does anyone have any fun suggestions or ideas??

Chocolate-Caramel Covered Pretzels

I love chocolate-caramel covered pretzels. I decided I was going to attempt to make some. I created my own little recipe (which of course was super easy) then I fixed these bad boys up. They were really yummy. They still didn't taste as good as the ones from Disneyland, or even the ones you can buy at Seagull Book. They were good enough for me though!

○Mother's Day 2011○

So grateful to be the Mother of 4 great kids! Even though they make me cRaAzY--I wouldn't trade them for the world!

I was showered with cards and gifts this year. I couldn't pick which ones to put on the blog...so I decided to pick them all! Tyson's card was awesome! Made me laugh out loud!!
His writing translates to; Your eyes shine like crystals, Your smile makes the family happy, Your hair is softer than fur, If we could spend the day together I would like to go to the movies,You remind me of a princess.
Preston's was just as fun!
He did pretty good guessing. However I am not 35, yet! ;) And I wouldn't tell you if I weighed that or not!

He makes me cry when he writes such nice things! Then his class made bracelets for their Mom's. It came home with this really cute poem!

He chose to make mine red! And I have been sporting it all day!

The girls' teachers made little plaques with their hand prints! Funny--they are almost the same size! Addyson's is the pink one, Kaitlon's is the black one! (Shhh--I was the one who cut the vinyl!)

Then Preston made me this at cub scouts!! I love it!! It has inspired my Mother's Day gifts for my Mothers next year!! It also found it's home next to my Willow Tree figurines--because they are the ones holding the babies! ;)Then I asked to be a little more spoiled for Mother's Day this year! I know that's selfish!! I have been needing a table to go under my calender. I kept putting it off--and putting it off! Then I asked Clint to please let me have it!! I just need a place to put the pens, dry erase markers, etc.. So he told me I could have it! Yay! I wont even lie--I will decorate it up cute too!! So that's kind of exciting. New projects!! :] I did however use a coupon--so I saved some money!!

We went to church, had dinner with my Mom, lounged around, and got to talk to my brother David!! (Who is doing awesome--btw!!) It was a nice day! I am lucky to have a great husband and kids!

We ♥ Teachers!

I come from a LONNNNG line of teachers. Being one myself, even though it's for the little folks, I enjoy this week of the year. I always try to make a point to my children's teachers so they know how much we love and care for them. And how grateful we are for their service to our kids. This week for FHE we made cards for our teachers. The boys' turned out so sweet. I loved reading them. (Preston cheated and wrote Tyson's).
I also had to come up with a couple cute gifts. The first one I did was for a guy teacher. (I knew he wouldn't appreciate the cute girl teacher gift.) I bought a 6-pack of IBC Rootbeer and some Boston's Baked Bean candies. Then we tied it all up cute and said: "You make my day a "Rootin'-Tootin'" good time."
Then it was on to the rest of the gifts! All the girl teachers got this cute Subway Art. I made it in Picasa and Photo Shop. I had them printed off at Costco. Then we mated it (is that a word?). I spray painted all-a-dollar pictures frames. I thought black would look the best. Then I used a very strong craft bond and glued the ribbon to the back. After it was dried I tied it into a bow so it could hang. And TA-DA--a cute gift.

I only spent $24.00 to make gifts for the 7 different teachers. So less then $3.50/per teacher. That's pretty good--at least I think! :) And a big thank you to all of the teachers out there. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Um, here we go again. I have really been slacking in the blogging department. I was supposed to finish this yesterday—but it didn’t happen.

Day #23: A Picture of Your Favorite Book.

This would have to be an all time favorite. I really need to read it again.

Day #24: A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change.

Well that would have to be the amount of money I had in my bank account!! :)

Day #25: A Picture Of Your Day.

My day starts with getting ready, taking care of kids, going to work, taking care of kids, coming home, taking care of kids, doing housework, while taking care of kids, and if I am lucky relaxing.

Day #26: A Picture of Something That Means A Lot to You.

This ring belonged to my Grandma. When she died my Mom gave it to me. It was my 20th birthday gift. I love it because it reminds me of my Grandma. It also reminds me of when I was a little girl and I would dress up in her jewelry.

Day #27: A Picture of You and A Family Member.

I couldn’t pick just one family member. This picture has several. My Dad, Step Mom, Husband, Brothers, Mom, Aunt, Uncle, and myself. We were at the temple together. It was a nice time to see David prepare for his mission.

Day#28: A Picture of Something You Are Afraid Of.

Normally I would say that I am afraid of the Unknown. Which is true—I hate not knowing. That was kind of hard to take a picture of and the internet pictures were freaky. So I picked the next thing: one of my biggest fears is that Clint will give up on school and will never graduate. I think it also scares me that I will never be able to finish my degree. It’s for sure something I plan to do, just when I will have time is the fear. Maybe I should just quit being wishy-washy and just do it already!

Day#29: A Picture of Something That Always Makes Me Smile.

Pictures of my kids. They always make me smile. Always.

Day #30: A Picture of Someone You Miss.

My Grandparents. I miss them so much. I wish they were still here with us. They both died of cancer and it was very hard to see them go. I have complete faith that I will see them again one day. Laugh with them and talk with them.

Our Week...

Wow! This week has been a doozie! I am not even sure where to begin.

Clint did work this week. Yay! However, he is not full time yet. They can't bring him on full time until all their certifications have come through. This has absolutely nothing to do with Clint, it's just how new businesses start. So things are still not normal around here. It's kind of frustrating. I am glad that he has a job, but I am so ready for him to work the 9 hour day then come home. You know...like a normal life?! Yes, normal. That would be nice. Since he isn't working full-time we still do not have a full-time income coming in, so I have been pulling crazy hours again at work. I am exhausted, more then usual. I think the stress of all of this is catching up with me. (But I guess I have been saying that for a while.)

We did have some fun this week, though.

Monday: We were busy! Work. School. An appointment. Then I found a killer deal on a dress at the Down East Outlet in Ogden. I am really starting to LOVE that store. It was on the clearance rack for $7.00. So I tried it on, loved it, checked out, and it was an additional 20% off. I only paid $5.98 for it! That was exciting.

Tuesday: Work. School. Cub Scouts. Babysitting. I hate loading all 6 kids in the car to take Preston to scouts. Just to come home and unload. Then turn around and do it all again in 45 minutes. It's really annoying! Since the weather is warming up (hopefully) I think we are going to make this our Tuesday routine; Take Preston to scouts, hang at the park! It's so close to his scout leader. It was so nice to get the kids out of the house too! We played tag--and even I had a blast!Wednesday: Oh, that day was fun! NOT!! One of my co-workers didn't show for work. Which meant they had to cover her. I spent all day at work--literally. I even had to pick Preston and Tyson up from school and take them back with me. Which never happens. Oh man! I was tired. After work, I had to help a friend pick some things out for a project, so I didn't get home until 9:30pm.

Thursday: Same thing...work. School. St. Patrick's Day! We had a little Leprechaun visit our house. He got green paint all over my floor. I haven't even mopped it up yet! He left the kids little pots of gold chocolate and green candies. The kids all got to wear green and have class parties. We had broccoli cheese soup and homemadeLee's made green oreo cookies. (Don't judge---please. I really wanted to do festive green food. I was even going to make it. It just wasn't happening this week!)

Friday: More work. School. Craft Night!! Okay, so that project I was helping my friend with...turned into craft night. Some co-workers came over and I was able to teach them how to make those cute blocks. The ones with scrapbook paper and vinyl. She was making them for a baby shower gift. They turned out adorable. With everything we made for the baby shower...we were up until 2 am. I am too old to stay up that late! It was a lot of fun. Her blocks turned out great and so did her other projects. I didn't have a chance to finish mine until Saturday, but I still loved the way they turned out. I am addicted to those things. I think I am going to be making more!!

Saturday: Relax. Well sort of. I had a huge mess to clean up from craft night. I babysat. Then we spent Saturday evening searching for white bunk beds for the girls. I hate how expensive furniture is. I just don't know what to do!! Spend a little more for better quality and cuter style VS. Cheaper and uglier. It shouldn't be that big of a debate...but in my head it is!

Sunday: Church. Babysitting. Catching up on this blog of mine. Can't wait to watch a movie and lay in bed!!