One Proud Mama

Teghan will be starting a new school, Christ Our King, this August as she enters the 7th grade. I have encouraged her to keep an open mind and to tryout for any sports and activities that she may be interested in. I explained to her that it will be a great way for her to meet people and make friends. If you know Teghan, you know she is a very shy girl and it takes a while for her to open up. She has come to really love volleyball over the past year and was a great player on her team at Blessed Sacrament. She expressed interest in playing on the team this year at COK. Tryouts for the upcoming year were this past week and Teghan reluctantly went. She was nervous about being around all these new girls she has never met and I reassured her it would be fine. On tryout day 1 when I picked her up she got in the car and cried. As a mother this pulls at your heartstrings beyond belief, but I have to put on a smile and be strong for her. I told her that everyday would get better and she should not give up. Every day after that seemed to get a little better, but there were plenty of pep talks (along with tears) before I dropped her off. On the final tryout day the coach announced that the players who made the team would be posted outside the gym that evening after 7:30pm. Of course Teghan and I drove up to the school right at 7:30, if not a little earlier. Imagine my disappointment, and hers, when I saw that she did not make the team. She instantly began to cry and my motherly instincts kicked in-at that moment I wanted to go in that gym and tear into that coach. My initial thought was "How dare she do this to my child".
I knew in my heart that Teghan was an awesome volleyball player and that these tryouts were just getting the best of her nerves, but what was I to do? I could not go in there and plead with the coach to give her another try, this would not be a good start for Teghan in front of the girls or in the coaches eyes. At the start of this I assumed that every girl made it on the team and that the coach would place them and give them play time according to their skill level. I believe that middle school is a little early to begin making cuts, this can crush the spirit of a 12 yr. old. However, Teghan did get picked to be a Practice Player, along with one other girl. Practice Players are encouraged to come to the practices to improve their game, but cannot play in the games. I have convinced Teghan she should accept this position and be the bigger person. It's easy to say"I quit" and leave the game all together, but she is going to take the high road and show her coach how dedicated to this sport she really is. I'm so proud of her for her accomplishments this past week. Even though she did not make the team, she found the courage to give it her best. I know it's not easy walking into a new situation...new school, new coach, new girls, but she handled herself with grace and dignity. I love you, Teghan!

Winning the Battle

It's official, as of today I have lost 30 POUNDS!! I started the Weight Watchers plan this January and since then I have not looked back. I have struggled with my weight ever since I can remember. I have tried EVERY diet out there-if it exists I've done it, but I always find myself going back to Weight Watchers. It's the only plan that has ever really worked for me. I have been cooking all of my meals straight from the Weight Watcher's cookbooks and the whole family loves it! It really helps when you have support at home and everybody is "on board". I have also been putting in an extra effort to walk during the weekdays as well. I used to make excuses not to exercise because I am a busy mother of 3 , but I have found ways to fit it in. I usually put Cruz in the stroller and we walk the streets of our neighborhood. Cruz LOVES walking around the lake behind our house, he is fascinated by the ducks and birds. It's become a real bonding experience between us in the mornings. I also try to meet friends for a walk around the mall with our children in the strollers too. It's great when that works out because Cruz is getting to be around other children, I am exercising AND getting in some much needed adult conversation! I am finding that this time around it's getting easier as I go and watching the number on the scale go down each week is so motivating. I do have days where I struggle, but I am learning how to deal with them and keep going. I want to loose another 30-35 pounds and I can see that goal being attainable at this point. Honestly, I am a little nervous about summer approaching because I definitely do better when I am on a schedule. I JUST NEED TO STAY FOCUSED! I will keep attending my weekly meeting, planning my meals ahead of time and reminding myself how good it will feel to be comfortable in my own skin ( and in some really cute outfits too ;) . I am worth every effort!!!

So Long, Facebook!

Well, I did it! I finally deactivated my Facebook account. I have been thinking of doing this for a while and after several people I know made the decision it made things even more clear to me-this was the right thing to do. I will admit that I had some hesitation about clicking the "Deactivate" button, but I'm happy to report that I'm still alive after doing so. There may be people who benefit from this social network, but for me personally it was becoming an obstruction in my journey of becoming a better Christian and person as a whole. Some may use Facebook for positive purposes, but at times I allowed it to take over and feed into every jealous and bitter part I possessed in my FAR FROM PERFECT self. I found myself checking updates on people constantly, looking through photos to see what people were up to, sometimes secretly hoping they were not having more fun than me. At times my feelings would be hurt if I found out about events that took place and I was not invited. The problem? This is not the kind of person I want to be, as a Christian I should be hoping that all my friends or people I have felt offended by are having a great time and living their life to the fullest. And, when I was using Facebook for less destructive purposes, I was wasting my valuable and precious time. Time I could be doing something constructive, like spending time with my children, working on home improvements, crafting, or actually speaking with friends in the flesh. If you are really my friend, you know my number, where I live and how to get in touch with me. Social media is beginning to place of the telephone and personal visits. The fact is, rather than use the phone or drive to a friend's house we log on and plug in. I feel like a weight has lifted and I am FREE to live my life. In a nutshell, Facebook was creating too much mental clutter in my life that was unnecessary and it was time to deep clean!

Forgiveness

I do not believe that it's by accident that I find myself in church on Sunday morning and more often than not the message delivered seems like it was written just for me. Last week our pastor was preaching about forgiveness in order to move on. Forgiveness in friendships and relationships that somehow got off track along the way. I belive that people come into our lives for various reasons and in one way or another teach us some pretty important lessons in life and about ourselves. Some people can help show examples of the person we do- or do not desire to be, some people can help you discover things about yourself you never knew existed, some can bring out the best in you, and some can bring out the worst. It is up to you to determine whether or not relationships in your life are healthy for you and "in line" with the way you want to live your life. When it comes to relationships in my life that have gone astray I am learning that no matter the situation, as a Christian I need to forgive. I have prayed, talked with the Lord, and self reflected on the personal relationships I have been questioning. I have to accept that some people are just the way they are and I cannot change them. Do I wish that my Father took more interest in me and my children? Do I wish that my Grandmother would take advantage of the fact that she is still around to see her Great Grandchildren? Of course I do, but I cannot let their mistakes hold me hostage to feelings of resentment. I have to learn from this situation and promise myself that I will be a better example for my children. Everyday I am learning from the people who come in and out of my life and from my own mistakes. I am learning to accept things for the way they are...learn, forgive and move on.

6 years already?

I cannot believe my husband and I just celebrated our 6 yr. wedding anniversary...time really does fly when you are having fun!

I met my husband at a time in my life when I really was not looking for a serious relationship, but after our second date I knew he was the one I would marry . There was something definitely different about him, he was so kind, sincere, and honest. Above all, the one thing that really got me, was the way he treated me and especially my daughter. When I met Valmar I had a 4 year old daughter and he embraced the situation without hesitation. It takes a lot of maturity for a 26 year old, single man to commit himself to not only a woman, but a woman with a child...it really says a lot about who he is. To think that we started this journey 7 years ago and to look where we are now makes me so proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time. It definitely has not been an easy road, marriage takes a lot of work and dedication, but so does anything in life worth having.

7 years and 3 kids later you are still my hero. I love you forever and always.

All This In One Bottle??

If you have never worked with Mod Podge before, you are in for a treat!

I love this stuff for so many reasons. It's cheap, easy to work with, and you can create the most amazing "masterpieces" with it.

You can find Mod Podge at Walmart and your local craft store.

I wanted to share with you some of the things I have used Mod Podge to create in hopes of inspiring you to get creative with it!

Have empty paint cans at home? Try covering them with scrapbook paper or fabric!

First remove the handle from the paint can using pliers, then lay your paper pattern side down on a smooth surface. Roll the can along the paper while you trace the width and length needed. Cut your paper to size. Don't forget you need to make holes where your handle will fit back in. A whole punch is great for this, but if you do not have one just cut with scissors. Once you have your paper cut to size cover a section of the can with the Mod Podge using a sponge brush. Lay the paper on the section you have covered (making sure that your holes match up with the handle) and smooth down with your hands. Repeat these steps until the can is completely covered. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Once the can is covered apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the can with your sponge brush, let it dry. Then apply a second layer. Two coats should be good, but you may add more if desired. Tye ribbon around the handle and there you have it!
What a great little container for matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, hair accessories, etc. They make awesome gifts and I have even used them to give gifts in...so much cuter than wrapping paper or gift bags.
It may seem a little overwhelming, but I promise they are so easy to make.Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll be glad to help.

I made these frames using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. The wood cut-outs are from the craft store, you can buy these already painted.

You can buy the unfinshed frames at your local craft store for a very low price.

Before you get started paint your frame with an acrylic paint, using a coordinating color from your paper. Once the paint is dry, as with the paint cans, lay your paper pattern side down and trace the frame. Once traced, cut out your cover. Using your sponge brush, lighty coat the front of your frame. Lay your cover on top, be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Apply two coats of Mod Podge make sure each coat is dry before starting another. After all coats are COMPLETELY DRY, sand edges with sanding strips or sand block.

Once you have sanded the edges you can can glue on your wood cut-out..you can use any wood glue, but I use Gorilla Glue just to make sure that suckers not going anywhere :)

Other things I have made using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

All of the following materials were bought at my local craft store.

"Naked" letters were purchased then covered with paper using the same techniques as above projects.

Blocks for baby! This project was easy and fun. How cute for a baby shower gift!?

A stool I decoupaged for my daughter.

Clipboard frames!

All of these projects are easy and most impotantly they are INEXPENSIVE. They would all make great gifts, especially for someone on a budget.

In my earlier post I was telling you how to make inexpensive wall art. Here are more examples of that using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

Cover the back of each scrapbook piece with Mod Podge and lay on a canvas. Once all pieces are laid coat entire canvas with Mod Podge. Two coats should work and you have a beautiful piece of art work!

Remember the owl picture I made from pieces of scrapbook paper? This is another version of the same technique...I thought this was awesome.

This woman searched for art work for her daughter's nursey, but everything was too expensive. She made a replica of a piece of art she had fallen in love with , but could not afford. She used several pieces of canvas , painted them with acrylic paint then added leaves that she had cut from scrapbook paper. She applied the leaves using Mod Podge.

I LOVE THIS!

There really is no limit to what you can create with Mod Podge.

HAVE FUN!!

Don't Break the Bank

I know these days everyone is trying to save their pennies, so I wanted to pass along some great ideas for inexpensive wall art for your home.

Stretching fabric over a canvas is an inexpensive, beautiful way to create artwork for your home.
You can find a variety of fabrics in different themes and styles to suit your taste and to fit anywhere in your home. Most fabric stores have a remnant table with deep discounts given on the price or use SHEETS. :)

The only supplies you need to pull this off is your fabric, a canvas, scissors, and a staple gun - all found at your local craft store. Staple fabric around canvas as shown below.

I used Amy Butler's Mid West Modern fabric to make the curtains and pillows in my daughters room.

I wanted to incorporate the other patterns in this collection in her room as well, so I decided to stretch the remaining fabrics over canvas and place them over her bed.

BEFORE.....

AFTER....

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Another fabric wall art idea...fabric and cross stitching hoops.

I made this owl using a blank canvas, scrapbook paper, and Modge Podge decoupaging glue. You can cut basic shapes and decoupage them to the canvas to create any theme or look you desire-the skys the limit!!