Nana

 

My Nana passed away yesterday. She was 96 years old. For the past 10+ years she had been in a convalescent hospital and over time it became increasingly painful to visit her. The last time I went was a few years ago, she didn't know who I was, she didn't remember my kids. I made the choice then to remember how she was when I was growing up, not the woman lying in bed barely able to hear or eat, unable to walk, unable to recognize her loved ones, and slowly slipping away. I have wonderful childhood memories. Memories of my Nana teaching me to cook and bake. Something I love to do today. Memories of family get togethers, sleepovers with cousins, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune blaring so loudly on TV you could probably hear it on the next block :) She was there for me during good times and bad times. She gave me a place to live when I needed somewhere to go with my year old son. My Nana was one tough cookie. She endured multiple car accidents and the untimely death of her husband. And yet, she continued on. She was an active member of the community, involved in church and women's groups. She may not have always showed us or told us, but she loved her family. Tonight, she rests in peace. She is with her husband, her grandchildren who went before her, her siblings and her friends. I know that they will ALL be watching over those of us who remain until that day we are reunited.

My Nana:

Mother's Day Craft

Wishing all the wonderful Moms a very happy Mother's Day. We are on a tight budget and buying gifts for my Mom and Stepmom is never an easy process. A while back I pinned a craft idea on Pinterest-. found here  My stepmom saw it and hinted that she would like one and from there an idea was born. First, was locating the pencil boxes. I hit all the local craft stores (we don't have many) and finally found what I was looking for at Beverly's. I decided on scrapbook paper and mod podge. I used papers that I knew would complement the décor for each of my moms. I spray painted the boxes white, found some unfinished knobs at Home Depot and this is what I came up with:

                      

I made 2 for myself. It's a great way to store make-up brushes.

30 Day Squat Challenge

I saw multiple postings for a 30 day squat challenge on Facebook and Pinterest. In my never ending quest to be healthier, I thought this might be a good way to tone up muscles that weren't getting used when I walked. The first few days were fairly easy, little did I know that by the time I finished the first week at 100 squats, my legs would be very angry with me. My knees hurt, my legs hurt in areas that I didn't even know were there and it hurts when I walk upstairs. I am determined to see this through. In case you are wondering, day 30 is 250 squats. I have already warned my family that they may come home and find me on the floor unable to move. :)

Spring Break Roundup

 

Last week was Spring break for Stephen. My goal was to keep him busy as much as possible and away from the TV/computer and video games. I think I succeeded. Monday we met Stephen's Grandma and cousin for brunch and bowling. Wednesday Stephen spent the day/night with his brother. They spent the day cleaning out a storage unit (Stephen needed a few hours of service time for the Honor Society), playing disc golf and hanging out. I'm glad that my boys can still find a common ground even with the 13 year age difference. Mike and I took advantage of the kid free night and went to dinner. It's something we have not been able to do very often and we both miss having that one on one time together.  We spent Thursday at Magic Mountain. Now I love my roller coasters BUT there is one that has intimidated me for quite some time-Goliath. This ride has a 61 foot vertical drop. My goal 2 years ago was to start experiencing some of the more 'thrill rides' that Magic Mountain has to offer. Up until last week there were only 2 rides left to try-Goliath and Lex Luther.  Lex Luther was closed so that left Goliath. I have to tell you that I kept my eyes closed during most of the ride. I was scared-even with my eyes closed. Will I ride it again? Maybe. It's not going to be one of those rides that I want to ride each time we visit the park. Stephen's history class is studying ancient Greece. So Friday we ventured to the Getty Villa in Malibu. The museum is beautiful and very interesting. If you haven't visited the Getty, I definitely recommend it. Both locations are full of wonderful masterpieces of art and beautiful gardens. Saturday we met Stephen's dad for a round of mini golf and Sunday was a rest day. Unfortunately, the only picture I was able to capture was one from the Getty-Stephen is getting tired of me snapping pics every time we go somewhere.

                                      Doesn't he look thrilled

Catching up. Again.

Geez. Seems like I have been really busy lately, but doing what I don't know. I feel like I have been running around like a crazy lady the past few weeks. I have had a few job interviews with no offers extended. It is such a frustration trying to find a part-time or semi full -time position to gain some additional experience. I continue look for work and keep on strengthening my skills. I know that eventually something will happen-in God's time, not mine.  Being a mom and managing our household seems to be consuming a lot of my energy lately. Especially the mom part. Stephen is getting closer to the dreaded teenage years. The attitude and surliness begin. UGH!! Everyday is a new battle. Anyone have any words of wisdom to help me keep my sanity during these difficult years????
I finished up a Mother's Day project. Unfortunately, I can't post pictures yet-since my second mom reads this blog. :)
It's Easter weekend. Today we had a bbq with a few of Mike's friends from work and some of our neighbors. I love our neighbors. The weather was perfect, the food was great and everyone had a good time. Tomorrow is sunrise service at our church, a hike after breakfast and family dinner. Then we begin spring break-bowling, the Getty for an extra credit project for Stephen, brother time, date night, Magic Mountain, and mini golf.
Today my friend Mitzi took a few bunny pictures with Stephen. It's been a few years-
                            
Happy Easter!!

Creating Subway Art

I love Subway Art. I would put it everywhere in our house but I think Mike would object. He subscribes to the less is more philosophy. We have been in our house for 5 years and there are still bare walls. I decided it was time to tackle these areas one at a time. First was Stephen's bathroom. Now Stephen could care less if there is anything on the walls, but it is also the bathroom that is used when we have overnight guests. I made these using vintage looking scrapbook paper, canvas and Mod Podge. I'm not in love with them, but it is an improvement.
                              
The next thing I wanted to do was put some sort of motivational subway art in our bathroom where we can see it every day as a reminder. I spent hours on Pinterest searching for something and nothing felt right. So, I decided to use Google and find out how to make my own. I used Google Docs which was definitely easier that trying to create it through Word. I LOVE this and am quite pleased with myself for how it turned out. I can't wait to frame it and hang it in our bathroom.

And guess what? Now that I know how to do this, the possibilities are endless. ;)

Vanity Tray

The blogging world has opened up so many creative ideas for me. Yesterday I saw a post using an acrylic picture frame as a tray (click here for details). A few months ago I shared a redo on a tray I found at Goodwill. Unfortunately, it has not held up so well on our bathroom counter.

The acrylic frame seemed like a perfect solution to contain the chaos of perfume bottles. Today I ventured to Michael's to see what I could find. SCORE! I got all of this for $8.00.

The paper I used in the original tray was on clearance for $.14. I need to protect the paper from moisture so I glued it to a piece of cardboard from the frame, cut the scrapbook paper to size, sealed with Mod Podge and Mod Podge sealer. I love it. This couldn't have been any easier and the total cost was under $10.00.