100 Inchies Project #41-50

Here are my "Under The Sea" themed Inchies for the 100 inchies Project on Swap-Bot. I had a hard time with this one, I just couldn't find a way to blend my style with the theme so although I do like the way they came out, they don't feel "me" but I guess that is all a part of taking on challenges.... sigh....!

Some Fun in the Sun

Last Friday (before the infamous stomach flu attacked) the weather was so beautiful that an impromptu trip to the beach was mandatory! So Jen, Kelli and I loaded 2 vans with 8 little boys and headed out for some fun in the sun!

Of course there was some sand eating, toddler chasing, and body surfing wipe-outs but overall it was a wonderful (but sandy) day!

p.s. is there anyone else in the world besides me who can not hear the word "infamous" without thinking of "El Guapo" from the Three Amigo's? Just wondering.......

I'm Lovin' it Monday

Between Spring Break, the Nana in town, one of my best friends moving to Idaho and this fun stomach bug circulating through the house- it has been a while since my last post. Is anything worse then then a toddler with the stomache flu? It just breaks my heart, they have no idea what is going on and their eyes just plead for help. Hopefully, the worst of it is over!


So let's start out the week with a fun freebie that I Am Lovin'! These great calling cards by Cameron Blazer of Cottage Industrialist. I love these for playdates, what mommy doesn't deserve her own mommy calling cards! To check them out and download the pdf, click here

Also, be on the look out for a fun new look that Lisa over at Yummy Web Studio has been working on for me!

Thursday Thought To Ponder

"The greatest of all arts is the art of losing ourselves in service of others"

To me, this is just so beautifully said. Sometimes we get into so consumed by our own identity and our own "world" that we tend focus our attentions on what makes us happy instead of what makes our Heavenly Father happy. We are reminded time and time again that charity and service to others are so much of our purpose in this life and sharing our talents and our time are such an easy way to do that!

I'm Lovin' It Monday

This Monday I am Lovin' this great custom ribbon over at J Caroline Creative. She has turned these great prints from fabric designers Jessica Jones and Patty Young into these great jaquard ribbons and I love the Proud Grosgrains by Keri Beyer!
They are a little pricey but worth it for an extra special project! What else am I lovin'? I am lovin' my Meiko CD , she has such an amazing voice and you can't help but sing along!

My Online Pledge

I pledge today that I will do NO online shopping for one month! I realize this sounds strange for someone to pledge who makes their income from online shopping but I do 80% of my non-necessity shopping online. Why? Well, for one, with five boys in the house I just don't have enough hands to run to the store unless it is absolutely necessary. Secondly, I find it is cheaper. If I go to the store I am highly unlikely just to buy the one thing I went to get. A quick trip can turn into a big spending trip in a blink of an eye. If I go anywhere near Target, I have to at least glimpse at the clothes, which leads to looking, which leads to loving, which leads to a $200 trip for diapers. And don't get me started on what happens when I go near a craft store.......Third, I love some particular clothing stores that aren't available in California and they keep coming out with new lines.....

So, by taking this pledge I am really pledging not to do any unncecessary spending for 30 days which is a challenge for a shop-a-holic but I also love a challenge. So wish me luck, strength and anything else!

p.s. of course before typing my pledge I did make two quick online purchases but that is okay because it starts......now!

Thursday Thought To Ponder

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache. "

I love this quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley, it really rings true to me. Lately, life has been such a whirlwind! With our three boys and two foster sons (both under 2) that were surprises, what was supposed to be a temporary situation has been over four months now and has changed our life dramatically. As we were finally adjusting to the situation, drama broke out in one case and then our poor Cooper has been so sick and not responding to any antibiotics. I have been to the doctor with him every day this week and finally the aggressive treatment is over (after $125 in co-pays). It has been heart wrenching taking a child who was already petrified of the doctor's office there every day to sit for an hour and have shots while he cries and begs to go home. After yesterday's round I was worn down and needed a little celebration with the family. So we all went out to a fun dinner at Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger.....no more sickness, no more being trapped in the house, free at last!

Fun right? Well, it was until little Christopher, who had refused to eat dinner (VERY unlike him), looks up and then proceeds to throw up all over the table in a crowded restaurant. As I ran over to cover up the mess from the other customers, he continues all over himself and me. So I scooped him up like a football and ran outside. Another sickling, public embarrassment, cry or laugh? I am choosing to laugh!