Dress up those “Gift Cards”…

It is the most wonderful time of the year…for everyone but the people who make it happen! That’s right, I am talking about the pack mules, the photographers, the cooks, the cleaners, the Christmas spirit bringers…the MOMS (and some dads…just not in my house) And with all the trimmings and the trappings and the gifting and the gabbing, comes teacher gifts. You know, the people who give my children some knowledge and me the most glorious 6.25 hours a day alone, 180 days a year. With five … [Read more...]

Prom Already?! I Still Haven’t Finished Homecoming

By now, you may know I am a busy mom of 5 so even though I enjoy scrapbooking I don't necessarily keep up with it.  In preparing to order some photos I am enjoying revisiting my daughter's first homecoming dance and all the party preparations.  I must admit, as I sent my oldest child to high school a popular saying became my daily experience. "The days last forever but the years are gone in the blink of an eye." She is now attending the same school that both her dad and I went to which … [Read more...]

My Cups Runneth Over. A Lot.

With the number of kids running through my house at an all time high, (I can safely say it will never get higher 'cause this uterus is DONE) I needed to do something about the "I just need a sip of water" cup.  Which then becomes "Oh, I forgot my cup was just three inches away from me, I better get out two more." I was loading an entire top rack of the dishwasher with kid cups and my wine glass. (I keep one all day long. But that is a post for another day. :) ) "Ma-ommmmm - I just need a sip of … [Read more...]

My Least Favorite Day of School….

Aside from the LAST day of school (honesty IS the best policy), my least favorite day of school is the dreaded 100th DAY of SCHOOL celebration. Having five kids means I've been through about a gajillion classroom celebrations, and I flinch when I even hear the number 100. I finally got smart and solved the problem of "MOM! I need 100 of _____ today for school" at 8:03 in the morning.  I created a rainbow shirt of 100 buttons to pull out in such crisis situations. Supplies: White … [Read more...]

Kids Say the Darndest Things

When I had my first child, it was easy to remember all of the adorable things she said and did. As first time parents, each was not only etched in my mind, but was chronicled in photo and baby book journaling.  However, the minute the second pregnancy was on board, all bets were off and "Mommy Brain" was in full effect. We do not remember the days, we remember the  moments - unknown I knew I wanted to try to remember these sweet moments, so I bought a journal for each of my kids and started … [Read more...]

Kid Craft: Time Capsule Ornaments

As each year passes and my children get older, I am constantly reminded that it goes by FAST.   The school years bring less and less artwork and stories to remind me of each child at that age. Schedules are mandates rather than maybes and the days whiz by with screeching tires in different sports’ parking lots with sandwiches and apple slices (or fast food-let’s be honest) are hucked from row to row. I wanted to capture a glimpse of my kids each year for the Christmas tree to remind me of who … [Read more...]