Refresh

I apologize to all of you who visit to see a thrifty find or craft project. I have been heart-broken and sick for the past week, and my craft closet has remained untouched. Hopefully, I will have a fun "crafty" post on Friday. I have something up my sleeve. However, I also have a MESSY house, floors that are covered in dog hair, kiddos who need books read, and a hubby who needs a well deserved break!

I have always valued the importance of transparency, but the tragedy that occurred within the family of my dear friends has given me the desire to become even more transparent.

Our pastor (aka PS) has been sharing a series called, "REFRESH!"

I have spent the past few days in bed reflecting on the desperate need for a refreshing in my life and relationships.

TRANSPARENT: Our marriage needs a refreshing!

Maintaining a healthy marriage is such a hard task with the demands of jobs, parenting, finances, and sometimes even church responsibilities. PS said something to the effect...the marriage of your dreams takes commitment, hard work, and sacrifices. (Yuck!)

I have vowed to stop focusing on my sweet Scotty's short-comings (I know...it is difficult for some of you to believe that he has any!) and REMEMBER the countless reasons why I love him.

Scott's plate has been overflowing the past week. To top everything off, I have been sick. He has sacrificed so much of himself without complaining to pick up my slack.

This afternoon, O entered my classroom proudly displaying the note that she found in her lunch box. She said, "Fanks for the note momma!"

I just smiled because that special note was written by her dad!

What a guy!

REFRESHING!

This note was found in A's lunch box!

Isn't he a cutie!
I hope that my transparency encourages you to find "FRESH" love and appreciation for the ones that you treasure!

O's Pet Adoption Birthday Party

The Invitation ($2.40 for postage):

O's Birthday Pet Adoption
Come ready to adopt a stuffed animal that is in need of a loving home!
January 23 from 1:00-2:30
H Animal Shelter
RSVP Michelle , shelter director

One of the moms actually thought that we ran an animal shelter.

She was a little hesitant about coming.

Little does she know....I am a newly conformed dog dis-liker.

Sweet O sporting her face painting!
At the end of the summer, I stumbled across the garage sale of a former beanie baby collector.

I purchased 12 dog and cat beanie babies for $3.00.

Scotty and I hid the animals all over the house.

I started the party by telling the ladies and gentleman that I received a call informing me that there were many homeless animals hiding around the shelter.
Once the animals were safe in the shelter, the children were allowed to adopt the pet of their choice.

They then took their animals to see the veterinarian and to the Pet Salon.

At the Salon, the animals were bathed and received bows and/or bandannas. ($.87)

The children then helped me fill out their adoption certificates.

I purchased mailboxes from Target's Dollar Spot to use as dog houses. ($6.00)

The children used animal stickers to decorate the dog houses. ($2.87)

They also made a dog/cat collar using pony beads and a scrapbook tag. ($5.27- I could probably make 20 more with the supplies.) The newest member of our family sporting her pink bandanna, bow, and collar.
Scott set up an obstacle course that the children had to complete on their hands and knees. ($0)
We also held a relay race that involved scoops and dog food. ($2.00)
It was REALLY messy, but a lot of fun!
We ended the party with cat cupcakes, ice cream, and presents. ($9.98)

Each child took home her/his new pet, accessories, dog house, Scooby Doo cookies, and a candy necklace. ($7.00)

I also purchased napkins and balloons. ($3.38)

It was a fun, exciting, and inexpensive way to celebrate.
Total Spent: $42.77

I hope that you find an idea that might work for your party planning.

Kitty Cupcakes

We spent last week planning O's 4th b-day party!

We had so much fun, and I will share some of the details on Monday.

Of course every good party has a theme.

Our theme was O's Pet Adoption.

We needed 'creative cat' cupcakes.

I found my inspiration here.

However, we did make ours pink...pink...pink!O did all of the fun decorating...I just supervised and bit my tongue.

I think that they are full of personality just like my sweetheart!
I learned later that one of the moms is a professional cake decorator.
Yikes....I can only imagine what she was thinking.....

....Like Cats and Dogs

Let me start by saying that these 2 have nothing on ....... these 2!
This is sibling rivalry at its finest!
I know what you are thinking....
that poor little kitty cat!
Well, he does weigh 20+ pounds, and....
He ALWAYS wins!
The joys of being a family, and fighting like cats and dogs!
I encourage you to be a peacemaker today!
Happy Monday!

Like Father... Like Son...Like Grandson

What can I even say....the photos speak for themselves!

Scott's father stopped by this afternoon, and this is what happened!He grabbed his jacket from the car, and the photo shoot continued!
It doesn't take much to entertain this bunch!

A decided to spice it up a little...he added some entertainment!

A children's pastor in the making, or have we been spending too much time in Branson?

What a way to spend New Year's day!