Awesome friends

I have started a part-time job working from home. It allows me the time I need to build my business and finish my quickbooks proadvisor program. I am enjoying learning about an industry that is completely foreign to me-contractors. Anyway, back to the reason for this post. I have the BEST friends. They are my sounding board, my co-parents, my support system. I would be completely lost without them. They are also fun to hang out with. Mitzi had 2 extra tickets for Go Fest with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and invited me and Stephen to join her and Logan. Can I just say that Luke Bryan is HOT. This was our first experience with a country music concert. It was fun and definitely different than what we are used to.  THANK YOU, Mitzi :)

catching up (again)

We always seem to be busy. I just don't understand where the days go. Here's a recap of some of the things we have done recently. Stephen had his first middle school progress report. He has been doing a great job. He has been responsible in doing his homework and studying for his tests. All without any argument. To celebrate his success, I made red velvet cookies:

 

 

Vinnie, Stephen and I went to the Harvest Crusade at Dodger Stadium. This is becoming an annual event for us. Greg Laurie always has a timely message. The experience always leaves me feeling overwhelmed with God's love and grace. I am grateful that I can share this with my boys.

 

Stephen and I also attended a free concert at our church-Phil Wickham, It was GREAT.



projects

Stephen is at his first Middle School dance so I thought I would take advantage of some free time and post an update. I've been trying to change things up in our house without spending a lot of money.

I found this frame at Goodwill.
It was dark green. I sanded it down, used some Vaseline and spray paint to distress.  Not bad for my first try. I was going to post the link for the printable here. I can't find it. The saying is perfect for our home.

I needed a change in our bathroom. We had so much fun at the beach this summer, I decided to add some of those memories into our decor. 

We have been collecting shells for years and wanted to use them for my beach theme. I found these at the dollar store:

I glued them together with my hot glue gun, added some 'beach' sand from Walmart and came up with this: 

The smaller jars I have had for years. 

I needed something to hang my jewelry own. Pinterest is always inspiring. I took a piece of scrap wood that we had, scrapbook paper, mod podge, and new and used knobs. 

Walgreens had a free deal on an 8 x 10 collage. I found a frame at Home Goods. 

Here's how it all looks together:

The last thing I did was a new (old) vanity tray for my perfume. I found this old tray at Goodwill. 

I sanded it and then spray painted it white. 

Found this great scrapbook paper, mod podge and sealant. All done. 

Now it's time to start thinking about those holiday projects...........

School Days

We are still adjusting to a school routine. Middle school-more classes, longer days and a girlfriend. Really. My 6th grader has his first girlfriend. Not sure how I feel about that. He's growing up way too quickly. Scholastically, he is off to a good start. We are hopeful that Stephen will continue to work hard in school 

 It has been extremely hot and humid lately. UGH. As much as I love summer, I'm ready for a change. I continue to look for a job-no luck. In my never ending quest for knowledge, I have enrolled in the Quickbooks Pro Advisor certification program. I want to get into the 'what ifs' of Quickbooks. This program is very detailed and challenging. Hopefully, it will lead to some positive results in growing my business. Do you ever look around your house and realize that you need to change things up. That's where I have been lately. I have been donating and throwing away stuff like crazy. I swear it reproduces over night. Where does it all come from????  I have a few projects that are almost completed-pictures to be uploaded soon. Oh, and did I mention I'm feeling old today. My oldest child is 25. Happy Birthday, Vinnie. The years have flown by. 

6th grade

Wow! How did this happen? My baby is now in middle school. When I dropped him off this morning it felt like the first day of kindergarten all over again. I didn't cry, but I was a little teary eyed as I watched him go off to new adventures. He's grown so much in the past year (physically and emotionally). While sometimes I don't appreciate his attitude, I am proud of the young man he is becoming.



Randomness

I finished the classes for my accounting technician certification with a 3.6 gpa. Not too shabby. I hope to be able to continue at some point and get my AA. For now, my focus is trying to find work. Not an easy task in this economy. These past few weeks of summer have been incredibly HOT. I am grateful that the beach is not too far away. I've been trying to use my camera more and capture random stuff that I think is pretty cool.

This is on the floor of Crushcakes in Carpenteria. Definitely one of the best places for cupcakes. They also have a shop in Santa Barbara. Check it out if you are ever in the area.

In spite of the never ending threat of an earthquake, I love where we live.
We are never too far away from either the mountains or the beaches.

Stephen, Nathan and Logan thought it would be fun to play volleyball with a football.

This is one of my favorites. Thanks for the inspiration Mitzi :)

Summer Wrap-Up (2012)

Wow! I can't believe Stephen goes back to school on Monday as a middle schooler. The summer days flew by. Here's a recap of some of the fun things we did:

Beach Days

Mitzi took us to this great beach in Carpenteria.

 

 Stephen, Vinnie and I spent the day in Santa Barbara to escape the 105+ degree heat

        

Boogie Board injury

                             
             Vinnie is digging a hole to bury Stephen in

 Fun in the water:



                                         

                                                                           Being Silly

                

Spent lots of time with friends:

   

Swimming with Alex

                                 
                                                                   



                         



These 2 are hilarious when they are together.

We saw the weinermobile on our way to bowling-had to stop for a picture

 

We saw Ice Age 3, Spiderman, and Batman.

 Stephen spent a week with Grandma Kempe for VBS. Poor guy, still gets homesick. The biggest change for Stephen this summer..................................

BRACES

Stephen was excited to get braces. Weird, right? In another month, the bottom will be done and in 2 years he will have an awesome smile :)