Last Games

Yesterday, Shane and Marin had their last official games of the season.  Big yay and a big boo at the same time.  Big yay, because that means that our schedule frees up a whole lot, but also a big boo because I'm really going to miss my kids out their playing their hearts out!

Shane's team, the Chargers, had a disappointing loss, but they all played hard!  And Shane got a sack!  As I was in the stands looking out at my boy, my heart was so full.  He worked his butt off during his first tackle season and learned so much discipline and skills.  This is something that he wanted and I did not see him give up in any way whatsoever.  I was sitting there hoping he knew how amazing he is.  How much his mom admires him.

Marin's team, the Purple Thunder, ended the season with a win!  Today everything just clicked as a team and they played very well!  But Marin.....I could see very quickly she was after a goal.  She kept shooting and shooting, where I even yelled at her, "Marin, you can taste that goal, can't you??!!?"  She smiled.  And then soon after, she got it.  Such a great game.  But for Marin, that was what she started the season wanting, that goal.  For her it was a personal triumph.

So two successful games in my eyes.  Two kids who will try and strive for their goals.  Figuratively and literally!  Love, love, love these two!  So blessed to have been chosen to be their mom.

Here I was

My silhouette, age 5.  My mom says one of her best presents.  I'm totally making these.  ;)

Some Inspiration

There's been quite a few sites that I've come across and bookmarked lately.  I think that maybe due to the season, I've been craving to make some things.  Either way, I really want to try and do these.  Maybe for some gifts??  I saw this blog, where she put up "Some Links to Looooove".  And I thought, great idea!  So here's what's been catching my eye and thought I'd share the ideas with you.....

Owl Pillows: There's no pattern or anything.  But I think I could easily use some scraps or pick some up and pull it together.  They are so cute!

Wax Paper and Crayon leaves:  Thought these would be fun for the kids.  Better get on this one, or the season will pass.

DIY Wrap Bracelets:  Love these.  And they look fairly easy to make!

Homemade Caramel Corn:  This is a yummy treat.  Again, I think the kids would like to make with me.  And looks SO good.  Mmmmmm.

Sky Lanterns:  This is more of a 'do' than a 'make'.  But since I've seen these maybe a year ago, I LOVE the idea.  Not sure if it's legal where I live though.  Gotta check on that.  But still....would love to have an occasion where I could let off some Sky Lanterns!

Silhouette Tutorial:  Silhouettes have been around for quite awhile.  I can remember one of me....or one of us kids at my parents house.  (hmmm....do they still have it??).  Anyway.  I kind of love the idea of making one of each of my kids.  They are growing up so fast, so I think it would be cool to capture their profile in silhouette.

So, I'm sure there's so much more out there.  These were just the few that caught my eye.  Hopefully I will actually do a few of them!

Things making me smile today....

Albertson's still has some pumpkins left.  Of course I grabbed a couple for seeds Thanksgiving decorations.

We don't have many trees changing colors here, but LOVE when I see this!

Totally made me smile to crunch on the leaves today on my run, jog, trot/walk.  :)

Pomegranate

When I was little we use to go this cabin.  It was owned by a fireman friend of my dad's and he'd let our whole family (extended family included) use it.  This cabin had a really big porch.  Lots of trees.  And a creek where we had our 'jacuzzi'.  But really we were away from everything, all together, and in the trees.  I think everyone knew it was special.

We'd explore the property.  And, maybe because it's a childhood memory, I think the property was pretty big.  Anyway, if you'd cross the creek and walk a little way, there was a pomegranate tree.  It was FULL of them.  We'd pick one off (or grab one from the ground), break it in half and just start picking away with our red stained fingers.

Good memory.  And in my opinion, really yum too.

Saw some pomegranates at the grocery store today and was thinking.  I don't know if my kids have ever had one.  Maybe had some seeds (because our county is all fancy and stuff and that's how it can be bought now).  But I don't think they had ever had the seeds straight from the fruit.  Anyway, it was a hit.  They both loved it.  Made me smile.

We'll be hitting rewind on this memory a few more times I think.  ;)

Halloween Fun

Oh Halloween.  We have so much fun here.  The kids had school on Halloween this year, so once they were out it was ready, set, go.......

First, we had some carving to do.  Was regretting that we left it for the last minute, but we HAD to carve the pumpkins!

Oh my gosh....and LOVE the seeds.  And we had puh-lenty of them.  YUM!!

We were all so happy to have the Petersen's here with us!  Emma came a little early and helped with some webs and did a little carving too!  Then we had some pizza and we were off!

Marin's costume was suppose to be a clown.  But then her big red nose bugged her too much, so when people asked her what she was she said "a clown 'slash' Katy Perry".  She was still super cute.  And so was Emma too.  Love their hair the most.  And Shane, well, his only requirement was a scary mask.  He's the clown.  With him, his friend Chase, Chandler and Orry.  The boys of course wanted to stretch their independence.  So the rule this year was they can walk on their own, but meet up at each corner before moving on.  Win-win.  ;)

And just because they are so stinkin' cute......

a little flashback

2003

2004

I love those plastic pumpkins!  Kinda wish I still had them....just because.  

Well, so we had a great night.  Hope yours was too!  

Craving Target

Today as I was leaving my Microbiology lab, walking across the campus to my Microbiology lecture,  I was thinking...I miss Target.  Haha, stupid I know.  But it's been a while since I've strolled through Target at my leisure.  It typically only takes me about 3 things on my Target list to get me there.  Total list maker here....I have a Target list, Costco list, Trader Joe list, etc., etc.  Kinda sick I think. Anyway, I digress.   I think really it's just the mindless strolling I crave.  Sometimes I'll get a soothing (and yummy I might add) Starbucks.  Start with a walk through the clothes, maybe even try something on.  And then make a big loop...stopping off at the books, sometimes board games, kitchen stuff....picking up my 3 "necessities" along the way.  *sigh*  I'm making myself laugh, but I seriously miss that place.  Oh!  And all that is sans kids of course!


This class has been kicking my butt.  Overall I'd have to say I always have this stressed out demeanor while in class (working on that).  But it's just getting harder and harder, so of course I've been getting worse.  Wish I would've appreciated the comparatively calmer semesters when I had them.  Actually, I'm probably still in the 'calm' compared to where I'll be later, haha.  Right now I'm super bummed about an exam I had on Monday.  Officially I haven't gotten my grade yet, but I just know.  I'm sure you can relate....when you just "know"???   My brain rolodex is going to bust.  I've gotten SO much info and my brain works slow (even with the normal stuff).   It takes me too much time to go through and grab what I need.  Urg.  What kills me the most though was how much I studied.  Harder than I have for anything yet, and still.....    Double Urg!


Anyway, I keep telling myself to let it go.  Keep on keeping on (got that from somewhere...want to say from when I worked with Senior's??  Haha...again, digress).  I have a lab quiz next week.  More studying to be done this weekend.  Also have some new lecture material.  Better get a jump start on that too.  7 more weeks until this class is over.  Trying to focus on that a bit.  Can't I do almost anything for 7 weeks???


Ran across this quote today.  


"So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don't sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we've satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late."
Lee Iacocca

Kinda loved it.  Encouraged me.  :)  Seriously, even if I have to take this class over (Often I have to take it to the worst scenario place cuz it's typically not a 'worst'), I take it over.  At least I'm doing something.  I have a goal and I'm moving toward it.  

Other encouragement lately...

"This is my command- be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9 

"For God did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7

On a super side note.... found these cupcake papers at a store recently.  I have no plans to make cupcakes, but am pretty certain I'll be making cupcakes at some point in the future.  The colors just make me happy.  :)  My girl was with me and I showed her them and said, "Aren't these cute?  They just make me happy."  And then she was going through the other choices and then grabbed the same as me and said, "Yah, these make me happy too."  Maybe you'll get a cupcake from me in these super happy wrappers.... do they make YOU happy too??

Noticed a little theme. 

Starbucks card and bookmark from a couple of years back.  All from different stores.  Guess I'm drawn to these happy little colors.  :)

Well, off to study...........