A TARDIS Valentine...

My younger boys and I love watching Doctor Who.  If you don't know what or who that is, you have to start watching BBC America!  You are completely missing out!  Word of warning, don't watching anything dealing the Weeping Angels by yourself or in the dark.  Just saying.

 

Anyway, my youngest is in fifth grade and wanted to have an "epic Valentine box, Mom!"  So, on to the calendar it went and the search for parts began.  Of course, life happened during all of this and it got put on the back burner.  As usual, and as many parents will agree, the night before it's due is ALWAYS a good time.  Especially if you are on your way home from work.  I mean, why not?

 

I lucked out and discovered TARDIS Blue foam core board at Wal-Mart!  Duct tape, some foam tape, a 6x6 wooden canvas form to provide stability at the base.  OOH!  Lookie!  A dark blue paint marker!  Yahooey!  Yes, this was the dialog going through my head.

 

I get home around 8:30pm and start immediately.  After shrinking clip art found on Pinterest (thank you, fellow Whovians who posted diagrams and clip art!) down to a more appropriate size and miraculously NOT cutting myself, I ended up with THIS:

 

 

I did cut a little flap in the back to use as a "mail slot" and the top if hinged with duct tape and a smaller piece of foam core board that just fits inside to provide more stability.  It IS going to school with a fifth grader...

 

As for his Valentines, he wanted something unique.  So, off to Pinterest I went.  Can I just say, WOW!  The amount of amazing and unique Valentine ideas is astounding!  We decided on this.  With my son's desire to continue the Doctor Who theme, we changed it a bit with color and here is what we ended with:

 

 

 

He loved the blue rulers!  Since there aren't many girls in his class he chose to give them a special color, though.  They get red!  I used a utility knife to cut a slit in the card stock a little wider than the ruler so it slid in easily.  I then wrote the "To" and "From" on the back tabs that rest on the underside of the ruler.

 

Hopefully, these go over well.

{DIY} Easy Fire Starters

With Hubby and I doing more outdoor activities with the boys, I have been doing more research into things that will help during these adventures.  Hubby also leans more towards the survival part of our outings but that's just the Marine in him (Oorah!).

What to Gather:

Unscented Candle (any color)
100% Cotton Cosmetic Pads
Wax Paper
Tongs
Sauce Pan
Container for Wax (not pictured but it's just a screw top plastic container)

Step 1:  Once you have your items together, count out how many pads you want to do in this batch so you have enough room.  I did 12 count batches.

Step 2:  Put the candle in the sauce pan and turn the heat to LOW and wait.

Step 3: (okay, so I wasn't too good at waiting for ALL the wax to melt but you get the point...)

Drop your pad in the wax.

Step 4:  Let the whole thing turn color or show that it is covered in wax.

(This is why colored wax is a good idea)

Step 5:  Use your tongs and fish it out of the wax.

Let the excess drip off a little and then...

Step 6:  Put on the wax paper.  They take about 10 minutes to set up.

Put in a container or plastic bag til you need them.

Grab a few of those silica packs that come in just about any pair of shoes you buy and toss them in with the Starters.  It will keep the moisture out and prevent them from sticking too badly to each other.

Hubby lit one for me but I forgot the camera inside.  This was taken after about two minutes.

It burned for about 6 minutes.





{DIY} Liquid Hand Soap from Bar Soap

First, I will give credit where is is due!  I found the tutorial I used through Pinterest and it sent me HERE.  Several great ideas on her blog and I plan to make use of them in the future.  I figured I would showcase this DIY because it is such a money saver and we all can use a little of savings!

What to Gather:

A cheese/box grater
1 Gallon - DISTILLED water (KEEP THE JUG!)
2 TBSP - Liquid Glycerin
1- 8 oz Bar of Soap (don't use Dove, it won't work)
Pot (I am using my canning pot)
Spoon or Spatula
Cutting Board
Stove top

Step 1:  Pour the DISTILLED water and 2 TBSP of Glycerin in to your pot and stir. 

Step 2:  Grate your soap.  (I had to use two bars of mine since they were only 4.25oz each)

Step 3:  Add Soap shavings and turn heat on to Medium/High.  Stir til all soap is dissolved (it will take a bit) and remove from heat.

(You are going to end up with cloudy, soapy water...with some bubbles!)

Step 4:  Wait.  10-12 Hours!

(Yes, that means you, Little Miss 6-year-old in a grown up body!  NO TOUCHY!)

...

...

...

Okay!  So, I am home from work (it's about 10pm now) and I just finished up the batch of liquid soap!

Step 5:  Grab a funnel and the gallon jug the water came in.  Grab your hubby or strong friend to help.  Mix the soap with a whisk or mixer so that you get everything the consistency of snot (Gross, I know.  But seriously...snot!).  Pour CAREFULLY and SLOWLY through the funnel into the jug.  Label it and be happy!

So, this was my first ever tutorial so, be gentle!  Hope you are able to follow it!

Good luck with your own Inspirations!

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Updates!

*Try using a hand held blender after you dump the soap shavings into the water.  It blends it all, of course, and takes about 15-20 minutes off your time waiting for the soap to dissolve.  Heat it up after its all combined, then remove from the heat sourse and wait!

Gone Fishin'

Hubby and I took our boys fishing at the river a week ago.  No, we didn't catch any fish but I did catch a few good pictures!  This is my favorite! 

We are going camping next week and I can hardly wait!  I am so excited!  We have picked up a new tent for the two boys and camp beds for them so they are a bit more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.  Hubby and I have to catalog all our gear so we know we have all the fishing stuff.  FISHING!!!!  I can't wait!  I went fishing just a few times as a kid and always had to borrow one of my brothers' fishing rods.  I never  had one of my own.  Until now!  It's PINK!  Okay, it has pink ON it.  Hubby got me a 6' Shakespeare Ugly Stick and a beautiful caster reel!  (that's my rod in the photo)

This is going to be an awesome trip.  Even if we don't catch any fish!

Making time to take pictures again.

Back Yard in a Bubble.

This my younger BIL's daughter.  I have tried to edit out the storage building and the grill but it changes the entire photo.   You loves that whimsical, carefree feel of her running through the yard, chasing bubbles.

Our Little Miracle

I'd like to introduce you to my grandson!  He is just a few days old here and is now almost two months.  He is so perfect!  I have only been able to see him once, so far.  We are hosting a baby shower this weekend (he came early) and our family is going to meet him for the first time! 

I am excited beyond words!  I have been cleaning for the last two weeks to get my house ready since we will hopefully have a full one.  My younger brother is coming in and I am so excited about that!  We have had some struggles with our relationship recently and I pray we can use some of this time together to be okay with one another.

A blessed adventure

About two months ago, I was sitting down with the hubby and kids after homework was done and we did something we don't usually have time for in the evenings during the school week.  We watched TV!  That night we stopped on TLC's Extreme Couponers show.  My boys were flabbergasted!

How in the world can they save that much money, Mom?! 

You know, Mom, you should try that. 

Oh!  Their basement is a grocery store!!!

Yeah, that was a funny night.  So, the boys just could not get over what they saw.  One Sunday we went to breakfast and hubby stopped and got a few Sunday papers just to see what we could do.  We  have been at this for just over a month and life has been interesting.

In the beginning I was organizing everything in an accordion wallet and hoping I remembered what I had.  Then B, my almost-13-y/o son, got an assignment in computers that dealt with Microsoft Excel.  He spent a week teaching me how to use the spreadsheet program from his class stuff and looking up instructions online with me.  We now have all our coupons in a spreadsheet organized by department and expiration date.  I print it out every week and take it with me.  When I need to print the updated version, I print on the opposite side so I don't waste paper too much.

I have since moved everything into a 3-Ring binder with a little accordion file in the front for my circulars and rain checks.  I use baseball card pages in each department section and have sheet protectors in the back for new coupons that have been clipped but need sorted.

Oh, and I just did all this for my MIL a few days ago!  I plan on taking her shopping on one of my days off this week!

I have just a few odds and ends to buy for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners (frozen bread rolls, potatoes, broccoli and cheese, pie crusts, veggies) but I have the major bones of the two.  I have enough VitaminWater to last the next few months (thank you, KROGER!  $1.25 each, MegaEvent sale price $0.75 if you buy 10 participating items, and THEN a coupon - several actually - for $2 of 10!!!  Final price?  $5.50 for 10!!  Lol!).  I have body wash for me and the guys for the next several months, deodorant that will last us til spring and mouthwash taking up an entire shelf.  Plus, I have a rain check for Crest toothpaste that will get me free toothpaste!!!

Am I going to create an entire room?  Heck, NO!  I don't have room for that!  These are items that I normally would spend too much money on and got for dirt cheap or free.  I don't have to buy these now.  I can take care of other things that need attention without worrying. 

Let's put it this way, I bought almost $200 worth of groceries a few days ago and took 63% off my total bill.  That money I saved paid my water bill.

Just a small Hello...

I know it has been a while since the last update and many things have happened.  Several of them that I am not going to air here.  Sometimes, the internet is just not the place for it. 

My soon-to-be 13 y/o son is now officially taller than his mother.  He's too happy about that!  Lol!

We had to get a new PC as our old one was on its last leg.  DH and the older boys have been after me to replace it for a few years now and I keep telling them "no".  It finally started acting up to the point it worried me.  I caved.  So, we got a new one.  Nothing fancy, just serviceable.  I do like that I don't have to worry as much about whether or not it will actually turn on, now!

Those of you that stop and check every once in a while, I wish you well and Happy Autumn!

A Growing Family...

I just wanted to share the great news somewhere! My oldest son, Isaac, proposed to his girlfriend, Bentlea, yesterday! She said YES! I am so happy for them! They are opposites that fit so well together. Both are planning on a long engagement to save up for the wedding which is a wonderful idea. With me working in the bridal industry, I am well aware of the costs that go toward planning the beginning of the marriage.

So, I thought I would share our good news!

So long...

Life has had its ups and downs during my time away from posting. I won't bore you with unnecessary details but I will share some recent photos (that have finally found their way off my camera card!).

The first is our second oldest graduating from the Le Cordon Bleu Pittsburgh with a degree in Patisserie & Baking. The rose is from my MIL's back garden. It started raining while I was taking photos with the sun still shining.

Last Sunday...

Last week DH heard on the radio that the LST 325 would be at the Heritage Port. We arrived too late that first night to take the tour but were thrilled to know they would be open early enough on Sunday for us to take the tour before I had to work.

The tour was fantastic. We wanted the boys to know that what they read in the history books isn't just words. Actual people lived and died to make it. If they stay too far removed from the sacrifices that are made they have no appreciation for it. This way they were able to see pictures, talk to veterans, ask question, hear stories, meet men that have taken time out of their lives to restore a piece of history and share it with the country. So, maybe next year we'll make a side trip to Evansville, Indiana.

First Day of school

They started a bit early this year, August 19th. They have grown so much.

A test of faith

Frustrated and disappointed. And no one will be able to hear my voice, hear my thoughts. So long I have watched him struggle to provide, been happy for others when they prospered, learned to enjoy my simple life. Now, when He has smiled on us, strife and discord follows.

Family that should be smiling and happy are blaming, jealous, threatening. A choice that was made could have ended with chaos, hardship never before faced but instead we have thrived. A leap of faith came with great spiritual reward, more stability. A blessing.

I know this is vague. It is hard to explain. Just struggling to contain my irritation, anger. God be with me. Take my inner turmoil and give me peace. Give him peace. Protect my children and their family name. Give those around them the common sense to know that bitter words do not ring true.

An Amazing Adventure...just a little look

A little sugar with a lot of fire...

One of my son's sugar sculptures from school. He made a royal icing jewelry box with a bouquet on top, as well. He is amazing!

Below are fireworks from our county show. Some are taken by me and some were taken by my two youngest.

A New Experience...

My husband's company had their summer get-together last Friday. The owner invited everyone to his home which is right on the river. My two youngest got a few new experiences that day.

The world of Music

My family loves music! Growing up, we had music surrounding us. From the family's gospel group, The Cousins, to the many years many of us have spent in band, we have grown up with music of great variety. Last week I watched the tradition continue.

This was his only concert he had for 5th Grade Beginner Band. He is also the only trombone player in the grade schools that feed into the Middle School in our city. You know, that trombone has been played by four different men in my family. My cousin Matt for one year, then my younger brother for seven years, my oldest son for eight years (WV schools start band one year earlier than Louisiana schools - where younger brother started), and now Mr. Rebel.

That weekend my husband and I woke up to a different type of music. We went camping as a dry run to prepare for this summer's trip to visit my brother and his family. It was wonderful waking up to the sounds of nature. As usual, there is more to the story than just the pictures but I am content to just post a few quick shots and get back to relaxing. I am exhausted! Lol!

A breath of normalcy

Yesterday, I had a rare day off of work. I spent most of it at the yarn shop with Mom and Miss Sandy visiting. I went to lunch with Hubby and then back to the shop. When the time came, I picked up the boys from the bus stop. Mom came with me since I volunteered to take her home and the boys got to spend a few hours running around Grandma's and Grandpap's yard. I got the much-neglected opportunity to take pictures! Oh, the joy! My cousin's husband stopped by to look at a few trees that Pap wants cut down. Since he and my cousin heat with wood, this will benefit both houses.

If you have a few moments during your day, please say a prayer or just think comforting thoughts for my husband's best friend. Her mother's cancer has spread and the doctor's have given her just a few weeks, if that. DH went to visit shortly after getting the call last night and didn't return til after midnight. It was bad. So, if you have a few minutes...