July 12 on 12 ~ Summertime and the livin' is easy!

Happy 12 on 12! I thought that I wouldn't have much to take pictures of since I didn't really have a big day planned, but I got some really special shots today...well, special to me, at least. For those of you asking - 12 on 12 is a fun challenge that is supposed to showcase just a day in your life every month. So on the 12th of each month, I take a bunch of pictures of our day (regardless of what we're doing) and then choose just 12 to represent that day.

Here's Taryn in her pink Converse. I love it when she wears these. They're sporty, yet...pink! Just like her!

Here's Oso. He doesn't change much. He is just as hyper as ever. I sometimes wish I could have the Dog Whisperer here. He's not bad...just hyper. What did I expect from a Chihuahua mixed with Jack Russell? I love this crazy pup!

Here's a nice shot of my Bogenvelia plant. I have one on each side of the backyard. Unfortunately, it is not within plain view. It's kind of tucked in the side-yards and I wish they were more visibile. I love the bright color of them, but hate the spikey thorns.

Here's some left over 4th of July stuff...we like it, so it's up still!

Hannah had Marco on the floaty and took him around the pool a few times. It wasn't long before he fell asleep. Oh yes...he does have Dora the Explorer Swimmers on. Oh, well! His cheap mom wants to use up the ones that Naomi never used. Hey! Those things aren't cheap. LOL

Hannah recently gave me a pedicure....thanks, Hannah!

Naomi doesn't like to go past the first step in the pool, so she sits there, on the edge and watches. Well, today something caught her eye. She saw these ants working the day away. At first, she was scared. Then her sister reminded her that Ni Hao Kai Lan (a cartoon) had ants on her show. After that she was very happy to let the ants continue in their work, unharmed.

What I could see from the floaty I was laying on in the pool. Ah, yes. That is blue sky!

Self-portrait - Yes, I was so relaxed that I don't even care that you see me like this!

These are the diving sticks that my girls love to play with. You throw them in and then race to gather them up.

Here she is...at the edge of the pool.

Last, but not least...here is my Big Guy who will be one year old on the 30th of this month. He got a little burnt today, but not too bad. His hair is getting curlier than ever. I love it. He's been having a rough week though, because he has a couple teeth that are coming out. Poor guy - cute as ever anyway!

So, that's it. Marco and I had to work tonight for a few hours, but other than that, pretty relaxing day with the family. I love Saturdays like this!

For Dad...

This is an altered tin (Altoid type) that I made for my dad. It holds pics of me, my dh and my kiddos. I also included some random gift cards of places he likes to eat and have coffee. I tried to keep it as foo-foo free as possible.

oh...and yes, it says "Love, Fred" - that's what he called me when I was little. =]

And since I am showing you something I recently made, here is something else that I did recently. I teach a Jr. High and High School girls Sunday School class at church. We are going to be starting on a new devotional book. The book encourages us to keep a journal as we go through the lessons are encouraged to meditate on God's Word and issues that are so important.

So, I went to Staples and bought these recycled, sugar-cane made spiral notebooks (less than $1.50 each). I gave one to each girl and then let them have at my collection of supplies (they love it when they walk in and see all my stuff there!). We took a heavy patterned cardstock, cut it to fit the front cover, and then applied it with a thin layer of mod podge. From there you can go as wild as you want. Add ribbon, chipboard shapes and letters, flowers, glitter...whatever! Hannah did the black one and I did the other one. Actually, I did most of it. Hannah added a bunch more ribbon to it for me.

The girls were instructed to bring it back every week for class. I hope they're as excited as I am about it!

My Place...

So...those of you that know me, know that I have a need to create. It is just something in me. I will go for a while without creating and then it hits. A craving, an itch...whatever you want to call it - I.must.create.
There's not a whole lot of extra space here in our house, so dear, sweet hubby told me to make the family room into my scrap space. Yup! He's awesome like that. He understands this obsession of mine. So here it is. My space. I love it. I still need to get some frames hung up and I would also like to get some words stenciled and painted around the room. Words that will inspire me, make me smile, bring me joy - yeah, those kind of words. Now, I leave you to look at the photos while I go create. Have a great week!


Here's the view from the living room looking into my scrap room/family room. Just painted the walls dark tan and chocolate. The chocolate wall is where I want to stencil some words in bold pink or white...love the MM organizer my hubby bought me!

This is one side of my work space. I have a magnetic knife strip from Ikea. It holds my little tins. I also added a bit of cork board to the wall to hold pictures and memorabilia.


This is my paper stash. I am still working on this area of organization. The valance was made using the bed skirt from the futon comforter set. I also took the fitted sheet and made it into a table cloth for the table. It was a twin set and the futon is a full.

I have more frames to hang in this area above the window.

Another shot of my work space. I keep all of my embellishments at arms reach. My Cuttlebug and larger items are stored in the cabinets underneath.

Wordless Wednesday: Mmmmm...

Thank you Trader Joes. I HEART you. *sigh*

Blog Challenge #23 - Happy 4th of July!

The kids with their annual 4th of July tees. =]

Cooking up a storm...

After a swim...not wanting my picture taken really. LOL

Trying to get it to work!

Taryn enjoying her bar-b-que!

The game is going strong!



This weeks blog challenge is brought to you by.... ME!
Independence Day is this Friday. For this weeks Blog Challenge, I would love to see how you spend the 4th of July. Is this a time for you and your family to get together and celebrate? Do you bar-b-que, watch fireworks at the same place every year, participate in a parade or block party? Is it a day that makes you feel more patriotic?
I realize that some of you may treat it like any other day...but write something! Most have it off from work, but if you don't, you could write about what you usually do for the Fourth.
This could even be a two part thing. Blog about past Independence Days and then after Friday, get one more in there to tell us what you actually did this year.
I hope to hear about traditions, favorite recipes, stories from the past. Maybe you could share pictures from past celebrations and/or add some more after Friday.
For those that do not live in the U.S., please tell me how you celebrate in your country for your Independence Day. I would LOVE to see pictures and read about your traditions.



Independence Day has always been a big deal in my house. Growing up, we would go to parades, bar-b-que with family and friends, go to the beach, and of course set off as many fireworks as possible. It all depended on where this Army brat lived at the time. I remember when my dad was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. We actually lived in El Paso. Somehow, we got caught up in some kind of "competition" with the neighbor when we were setting off some fireworks. My dad and the neighbor both ended up leaving after setting off the first round and coming back from 'who knows where?' with a box full of more fireworks. I am pretty sure they both went to the same Indian reservation to buy some not-so-legal ones! What a wonderful sight it was. My dad is such a strong, hard working man. I can't remember seeing him cry very often. Play Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" though, and he has to start "clearing his throat, coughing, etc." 'cause it will immediately bring up that cry to his throat!


We've always been taught to respect our flag, our country, and our leaders. Everyone of my siblings would agree with me on this.
It is no surprise that I would do the same for my family. I want it to be a big day, but as with other holidays, I want to make sure they know why we are celebrating.
Freedom is not free. It doesn't matter what country you live in, it doesn't matter what political party you are for. Freedom has a price and it did not come cheaply. I want my family to learn traditions and carry them on. I want them to teach their children as they celebrate and remember.


In years past we have gone to the Queen Mary to watch fireworks, but a few years ago, we started a tradition of going to Huntington Beach very early and staying late until the fireworks show off the pier. This year, we decided it might be too long for the little ones. That's fine. We now had a pool and a great backyard to entertain in. =]

The menu for the day was:
Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
Grilled Chicken
Carne Asada (grilled steak)
Quinoa
Peruvian Beans de la olla (like very light and melt in your mouth pinto beans)
Insalata Caprese (salad of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, evoo, balsamic vinegar)
All kinds of fruit
All sorts of chips
More of the Margurites (Marshmellow, peanut butter, ritz thingys)
Cheesecake....
*sigh*
We had family and friends over. We swam, played water polo, ate, hung out and then caught a fireworks show (from our driveway) that was going on at a park a few miles away.


The best thing about this day was that we were not in a rush to be anywhere or do anything. We just enjoyed each other and were thankful for our freedoms. God bless the U.S.A!

Blog Challenge #22 - Greatest Lesson Learned

This challenge is from my friend Lee.

In honour of Father's Day and since mine has been on my mind of late: tell me, what is the greatest lesson you ever learned from your father?

Just thinking about writing this challenge brought a cry to my throat. My dad is one of the most amazing people I know. He loves unconditionally. Next to my husband, he is the hardest working man I know. He served in the US Army for at least 20 years and did it with pride. I am his oldest. There are five of us. I always feel like I am more special and have that special place in his heart. Funny thing is, if you asked any of his children who the favorite is, they would each think it was themselves. That's how he is.

The greatest lesson I have learned from my dad is to persevere. No matter what challenges have come his way, he keeps going. I am sure that he would legally qualify for disability with all of his leg and back troubles, but does he quit? Never. It's almost frustrating to see him work so hard sometimes, but you can't do anything about it. It's in him. You should see his hands. Big, strong hands. Calloused, cracked...maybe even oil under his nails, yet with those same strong hands he will lovingly play with his grandchildren, help someone at the church where he faithfully serves. I love my father, I am a daddy's girl, and I believe that I am a better person because of him.

Blog Challenge #21 - Your Dash

This one is from MandaPanda:

Have you heard the anonymous quote: "Everyone’s tombstone will have two dates separated by a dash"? That little dash is your time on this planet measured against eternity. How do you plan to live out that dash? Your blogging challenge this week? Blog about your dash.If the above quote is truth, how do you plan to live out the dash in your life on this planet?

First, let me say that I really hope that my dash is not too little. LOL I'd like it to be a long, healthy dash. =]

Seriously though, I have an easy answer for this challenge. I plan to live out my dash as honestly as possible. I want to be true to my family, my friends, myself, and all those around me. If you know me personally, you know that I always say that it's better to "keep it real". Why lie? Why go around with this attitude that you know it all or that you've "arrived"? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You don't have to force yours down anybody's throat. Everyone makes mistakes. You don't have to act surprised or get offended if someone points yours out. We all have room to grow.

I want to live my dash in a way that will cause people to miss me and think about me in a positive way when I am gone. I want to live each day serving the Lord. That doesn't mean it needs to be out on the mission field or in a church building. It means that you show kindness and mercy to those around you. You take care of this planet. You take care of yourself.

Sometimes, my house is a mess. Sometimes, I get mad over nothing. Don't sweat it. You know you do to. It's okay. Let's make memories with our children. Let's show them how much we love them. Let's forgive wrongs - even if not asked. I know that I will try to. How about you?