Monthly Archives: April 2011

Apr20

scrapbooking

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scrapbooking

is something I have done solidly since 2001.  I dabbled in college, but a trip to Colorado with Matt was when I really got started.  It feels like something that I have always done.  It is a part of me, our home, and our lives.

The boys adore sitting around looking at their books, thinking that they “remember” that time they saw great grandma when they were 6 months old or their first trip to the zoo at 3 months old.  And yet, they kind of do. 

Through those books they are able to “remember” and to feel like they were aware of those times, places, and trips.  Isn’t that exactly what those books are supposed to do?  Tell the story of our lives and remind us of the big and little moments that fill up the 365 days in a year…  yes I believe it is.

I think that this is why last night I felt this pull to scrap.  And I did.  Nothing stellar or fantastic, just 3 layouts about moments in our lives:

  • Our 10th wedding anniversary in 2009 (yup – I am officially running behind now…) when we saw Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker at Wrigley Field.
  • This year’s St. Patrick’s Day nonsense – seriously my kids crack me up.
  • Jacob’s first chance to do sidewalk chalk this year.

These are all moments in time that I want to document and share with my family.  Someday, I am well aware, my boys will find it lame to do this (or at least that is what they will say repeatedly even if they don’t mean it), but I guarantee their wives and future children will thank me for it.  What is better than seeing goofy pictures of your parents?  It takes away some of the mystique about them and makes them real.  That’s what I want for my family - to see and understand who we all really were and what was important and special to us.

Lately I have been neglecting my scrappy side and pursuing other crafty passions.  At the end of the day, however, it all started with a Mary Engelbreit Scrapbook from her store that used to be at Woodfield Mall, a stack of stickers, some college pics, and (GASP!!!) a glue stick.  We all live and learn and grow, but we never forget the roots that took us to this new place of craftiness in our lives.  So, I will continue to enjoy my crafty adventures, but will also remember to sit down and scrap my life, my family’s life, and enjoy the pastime I love so much…

Happy Scrappin’ everyone!

Apr19

a bracelet…

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a bracelet…

born from the jar.

Inside that average looking little jar, was a mass of sparkly wonderment, vintagey goodness, and glorious & delightful bits that made up an amazing bracelet.  A bracelet that might not mean as much to others, but to me it means a lot. 

Let me explain.

For those of you who are unaware, “soar” is my word for the year.  Within this jar was a tiny wing charm that others might have overlooked, as well as a little bird.  If that was not a sign to create a bracelet that I can wear to help remind me to soar each and every day, I am not sure what is.

I quickly set about creating my bracelet with a renewed passion in jewelry making – something that I have not done is some time.  Luckily it is a skill I already posses, so I was able to make quick work of putting it together.  Mixing and matching the beads together, along with the charms, and little bits was like magic and an hour flew by then another…  it was wonderful.

Here are some images of what I did…

I began by adding a base bit to the head pin and then layered different combinations of the beads from the jar.

I folded and trimmed each head pin to create a unique bauble and added the tiny jump rings.

Next I added the two charm pieces to the actual bracelet chain.  I wanted these to be the first ones on and then build around them.

The final result.  I am so happy with it and am thrilled that it turned out as well as I had hoped. 

What is really wonderful is that there are still some bits left in that little jar.  Little bits that I am sure to put to good use, along with all of the goodness that arrived in that box as well…

I have a feeling more projects are in my future!

Apr18

a jar…

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a jar…

To the average person, this little jar is nothing but a bunch of random “stuff” that looks “old” and they would ignore it all together.

To me – it was an amazing little nugget tucked inside a box sent from a new friend as just one small part of the amazing glittery goodness. 

It sparked creativity. 

It sparked ideas.

It sparked passion.

It got me crafting again this week.

Thank you Shea. 

Thank you.

Apr18

Sunday Stir Fry

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Sunday Stir Fry

Yesterday got away from me before it even began.  With a list longer than my arm, Matt’s arm, and the boys’ arms all together, it became very clear it would not all get done. 

Lunch, cooked by me, however was not an option.  We go through this ebb and flow of eating out and eating in (which I much prefer since I can control what goes into the food).  The few days leading up had been a lot of eating out, so I knew it was time to put a meal together for the boys that was better for them and for me, too.

So – Sunday Stir Fry was what we had for lunch!  Quick, easy, and healthy.

Enjoy!

Sunday Stir Fry

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups spinach
  • 1 cup carrots chopped
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 T canola or veg oil
  • salt and pepper
  • red pepper flake (optional)
  • soy sauce
  • hot sauce (optional)

Stir Fry:

  1. Season your chicken.
  2. Heat up your wok or non-stick skillet – empty – until it is hot and ready to go.
  3. Add oil and quickly add chicken – watch for the splatter and be careful.
  4. Cook 5 minutes or so until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add in carrots, celery, onion, and peas.  Add small itty bitty pinch of salt.
  6. Once cooked down a bit – about 2-3 minutes – add in garlic and spinach to wilt.  Remove from heat.
  7. Put over rice.

Rice:

  • 3 cups brown rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock

Follow package directions.

Apr14

update

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update

So here’s my update.
Life is busy.

Over the last 3 weeks, I have:

  • made 3 trips to Illinois
  • finished(ing) up bowling leagues for Matt and the boys
  • been to Wrigely Field
  • hung out with family
  • worked, worked, and worked some more
  • played outside (woohoo for nice weather when we get it…)
  • crafted some fun stuff to share later – I swear!
  • set up 2 possible classes – more details coming soon
  • cooked a ton
  • ate even more than I cooked
  • went to Ohio
  • signed up for a 5K Susan G. Komen walk through work
  • worked, worked, worked and worked some more
  • drank some wine
  • spent quality time with the boys as much as possible
  • snuggled, read books, and was just mom
  • did what felt like 853 loads of laundry
  • celebrated my Grandpa’s 82nd birthday
  • held a new baby in the