Cousins Easter egg hunt 2015

When these 6 get together, laughter and craziness ensues. They're all 6 months to about a year apart in age and get along really well.
Mom, aka Nina usually has a egg hunt in her back yard for my three, this year we invited the cousins to join us.
Mom's backyard is a plethora of plants and garden decor, which makes hiding eggs fun.
The kids get ex amount of eggs apiece and one egg that has their initials on it. That egg has moolah. Mom is generous and gives each kid $5.

 My sister in law, Amanda and I lined the kids up, told them that they needed to find five eggs apiece and then the one egg with their initial. Mom made it more interesting by giving the girls one set of colors and the boys another.
Sadly, Mom had to work so I tried to snap pictures as the kids furiously snatched up eggs.
Boy, they were quick.
Once all the eggs were found, the gang went into the spare bedroom, opened the eggs and saw all the chocolate loot.

 When us mom's walked in to the bedroom, opened eggs and chocolate were in piles in front of each kid.
 A definite sugar high was had by most.
The best part is hearing the giggling coming from the room.

*Carrie*

Reid Park Zoo 2015

 We are pretty lucky to have a zoo and I don't go as often as I might like. During spring break last week the kids and I went one cloudy morning.
Our Malaysian tigers, heck any big cat for that matter is a favorite. This guy was just chillin in the corner licking his paw. I sometimes wonder what they are thinking as they watch us.

A new attraction to our zoo has been these camel rides. The zoo has two camels and for $7 a person you get one lap around the enclosure. They have two photo op stops but otherwise its

 just a lap around. I told the kids to enjoy because it was probably the only time they were going to ride a camel.
The zoo offers to take a photo but they want $10. Thankfully I can do my own.
Poor Kelly said she felt like she was going to slide off and Wyatt was almost too afraid to climb on. Once on, they laughed most of the way around. So overall I think it was a good experience.

One of the cool sights was seeing all the peacocks around the enclosure, they were on the top of most of the log fence and walking around. I really have no idea how many peacocks our zoo actually has, but man are they gorgeous.
To try from getting bored I've taken to keeping an eye out for actions or behavior that bring boring animal shots alive.
I think the giraffes fit the bill easily, with their chewing and long tongues. This guy was looking

 me like he was saying, hey, or he was about to

 stick out his tongue at me, not sure which. The giraffes are one of the biggest, no pun intended, attractions. I love the ability to feed these guys and the line can get crazy long to do so, so usually I hang out before the feeding frenzy starts.
As we walked around I was bummed that the elephants decided to play in their other area away from the crowds. I was really hoping to get some fun shots of the baby elephant Nandi but she hightailed it with the rest of her family.

 The semi new grizzlies bears were chillin in the habitat so I couldn't get any photos of them. I really miss our old polar bear.
 As we continued along the trail we came upon the tortoise exhibit. This little dude was awesome and just seemed so interested in Wyatt, he wouldn't look away.

Usually of my least favorite trails is the South American one. I'm not totally sure why and maybe that's starting to change. Lately the sun bear, seen here is actually awake and moving

 

 around and this time he actually looked at me!
Another reason why my feelings toward the trail are changing is because the last couple of times the jaguars have actually been playful. The zoo has two sisters and they're beautiful, but for years when I would visit they just laid around. My last two or three visits the girls have been playing around and talking to each other, which makes it fun for me. That weekend the girls had a birthday and turned 19.
Sadly my pictures didn't come out well this time.
 A new attraction is the pair of lemurs. King Julian here was pretty cool. I got shots of him scratching his armpits and sniffing butts but finally, and thankfully he came toward the fence.
Gosh, I love those eyes.
This visit we went into the bird sanctuary and poor Wyatt was chased by a crazy blue bird, this guy followed him almost all the way around the path, it was hilarious.
There are some very beautiful, freaky and creative looking birds that were flying around in there

 This yellow looking guy was just too pretty not to photograph.
Who knows, maybe I will add text to the picture and put a quote on it.
I was really hoping to get some good shots of the flamingos but the whole exhibit was off limits for cleaning.
Can't wait to go back for the flamingos, they're so cool.
Overall the kids had a good time, until Chelsea walked away from me and got lost, for like 30 seconds.

 I tried to get photos of the kids and when I had them sit down on this bench, I laughed because the giraffe turned and showed us his butt.
I love each kids expression. Trying to get one good photo of these wild, crazy kids is getting harder.
But, each one is starting to understand my desire to document as they grow and change. They in turn also like to see how much they have grown and changed.

Just as we were leaving, I went over one last time to our tiger. Yup, he's sticking his tongue out at me. Not much, can't be too cheeky but I definitely got the neener neener vibe.
Well played Mr. Tiger
*Carrie*

Cricut Cartridge Summer celebrations

The Summer Celebrations cart has tons to offer and I chose to use the 4th of July themed images.
I love night photography and taking pictures of lightning and fireworks is actually easy and fun. This last year we went to a parking garage at the U of A and could see fireworks from at least 3 directions. The best light show is probably from A mountain but the one from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was no slouch either. The top left photo was from the base, everything else was from A mountain.

I used stickles to bring out some pop and sparkle to my cuts and added some pop dots for dimension.
Now, like most card makers I need plenty of birthday cards and I thought that this cake one would be sophisticated for either guy or girl. I put it into design space and planned the sizing around what I thought I needed. The cut was planned for about 8x11. My thinking being that I would score this in half and have an 4x5.5 card. THIS is how it came out and I just giggled. Way bigger than needed BUT still perfectly usable, as long as I don't need an evelope, lol
The Handy Man card next to it is a 4.25x5.5 a big difference. It's a learning experience for sure. When I was in Design space I used the card canvas for sizing and thought that the card looked way to small. I'm sure I will go looking for a cricut card cheater guide to help me in future sizing.
I believe I am now officially "caught" up on my challenges. I have picked my next cartridge and it's....

*Carrie*

Handy Man Cricut cartridge challenge complete

 

 This Handy Man challenge took way longer than I planned because I kept changing my mind over where to place everything.
I'm super happy with how the tools card came out. I based all the tools on the Stanley brand and used my cuttlebug with the diamond plate folder and silver foil paper. A perfect card for my very handy husband.

Now, I've mentioned before that I haven't scrapbooked in about 3 years. I really want to but I have consistently made excuses or have found other things to occupy my creative time. So, if I tend to have lots of scrapbook pages, I'm really trying to get life documented. I am by no means a pro scrapper, I would even classify myself as a baby scrapper. My goal is to become more comfortable with using die cuts and getting bolder as I go.
This page was something that I wanted documented because, my hope is for the bed to become a family heirloom.
My Cricut Explore did an amazing job cutting out the everything but the stripes for the drill. No matter though because I just drew them in.
Overall I'm happy with how everything came together and I hope this will encourage someone to try out this cart.
My next challenge is to use...

*Carrie*

B is for boy challenge complete!

  As soon as I picked this cartridge, I was off and

designing. I've waited all weekend and today I had some time to hang out in my craft room and put everything together. I still keep looking to see if I want to add any more details, perfectionism can suck.
I am usually a very clean and simple person when it comes to crafting but I'm really trying to look for ways to add those special touches.
As my first project for my Cricut cartridge challenge I'm very happy. I hope the recipients of these cards will be happy also.
Both cards are 4 x 5.5 and my Cricut Explore cut everything out beautifully. My expression would have never been able to cut as small and as cleanly.

These were so fun to design and I kept a small notebook next to me to make notes on little extras I could do. If you knew me well, you would know I'm a cut it out, glue it together, and put it on the paper kinda girl. I get nervous using patterned paper because of previous attempts with tearing and I forget to use my cuttlebug folders for dimension, because I'm freezing up creatively.
Hopefully all this will start to change as I use my creativity more.
Now, because I finished with this challenge so fast I'm going to start working on the next cartridge. Which is...
Handyman!!
I remember buying this cart because we always seem to be working on home improvements around our house. I know I will be making at least one scrapbook page, but we will see. First, I need to go dig out some old pictures to inspire me.
Wish me luck!

*Carrie*

My Personal Cricut Cartridge Challenge

 I now own 228 cricut cartridges. Wow. Not bragging at all, just overwhelmed and jazzed at the same time. There are soooo many cool images to use.
I've talked about it before, how I've wanted to use each of my carts at least once. Otherwise I've wasted money and I despise wasting money.
So I went through my list and compared it to what Cricut Design space says that I have synced to make sure everything was up to date.
I then enlarged my list, printed it out and cut it up. I drew a slip and we are starting to with...
B is for Boy.
Now I will work on stretching my creativity and use at least one image on this cart. I'm not going

limit myself, if I need to use another cart for an image I will, but the highlight will be B is for boy cart.
I'm leaning towards cards today in my planning because I've had a couple of acquaintances that have recently had baby boys.
But, if I can find a couple of photos of Wyatt, who knows, I may do a scrapbook page.
I'm giving myself a week to get this done, and if I get done early, I may start on another cartridge. I've also added a couple of free choices so if I want to do an svg project, I can.
228 carts, its going to take a while, but I'm really excited to see what this will do to stretch my creativity.
Joann's is having a 50% sale on Cricut stuff and I've stocked up on blades, vinyl, iron on vinyl. I think I have more than everything I need. Deep breath, let's do this.
*Carrie*

Happy new year to me!!

I know that its actually March 1st, but life has been so over the top that when I've had a free moment I just veg out.
We've just finished up girl scout cookie season and this year I was cookie mom. Being cookie mom has been really cool and stressful at the same time. I have been blessed with some amazing moms and daughters that have made my experience fun. Of course Rob just sees it as time away from him, lol. My head has been filled with cookies for 6+ weeks. Inputting data, filling orders, running to council for more cookies between shifts at work. Cookie booths and making bank deposits. Text messages and facebook messages. I've been "on call" and part of me has relished the activity.

This is my cookie mom shirt that my wonderful leader, Kelly got for me. It brought tears to my eyes. My kids have grown and changed so much this past year.
January also brought something very special. Wyatt crossed over into Boy Scouts. We are so proud. But...that will be a post on its own.
Just coincidence, but today Rob and Wyatt came back from their first Boy scout camping trip to Patagonia lake. Another experience I need to blog about.
Big huge fat sigh.
This last Friday I created my first scrapbook page in 3 years. Oh the fear that gripped me. I did it project life style, to dip my toes back in the scrappy world. After my first page I started the task of getting the kids' school scrapbooks back on track.
Boy, did that bring back memories and had me in tears. It reminded my about why I blogged. So many moments from this last year...
Let's hope with my renewed desire to blog, my writing will get better too, lol
Onward and upward
*Carrie*

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
I begin by saying that this has been a great Christmas for us. I was able to get a big jump start on my shopping before Black Friday which lowered my stress level immensely. I'm thankful that Rob was able to work some overtime and that this year I have also been working part time. My whole attitude this holiday season has been so much brighter than last year.
One big bump in my road, this season was my inability to get Christmas cards done. I really should take Rob's advice and set aside a day a month and do nothing but cards so that when December rolls around I won't feel that added stress. Now to just find one day a month where I can do nothing but cards, hmmmm.... lol
Since I wasn't able to get cards done and ran out of time to even do a photo card (the easy way out) I ran over to my mother in laws to have a quick, fun shoot with the kids. I told them my "vision" and asked if they would be interested. Poor Chelsea was fighting a cold but was a trooper. First we did what I would call the perfect kid pose. Then we had the

fun part. Kelly giving Wyatt a noogie, Wyatt pulling Chelsea's hair and Chelsea going to punch Wyatt. They just had too much fun without actually hurting each other. I think this whole shoot took less than 10 minutes. I posted them to Facebook with a Christmas message to all our family and friends.

Christmas Day was really good, after opening gifts at our house we went to my moms and had breakfast and opened gifts, then off to my mother in laws for gifts and a late lunch, then we dropped everything off at home and went to my brothers house for another round of family fun. The 26th we spent just hanging around the house and the kids were able to open and play with all their gifts.
This year has centered around anything Frozen for Chelsea, anything Pokemon for Kelly and anything Lego or Star Wars for Wyatt. I must say I have loved shopping for them. Oh heck, I just love giving gifts. I was even able to surprise Rob this year when I got him JBL charge 2 speaker. The only clue he had was a color choice, blue or red.

 For me, I got some books that I asked for and a few other goodies. I am still recovering from getting a Cricut Explore with my birthday money and the 23 new embossing folders from an awesome Black Friday sale from Cartridges and More. Then my after Christmas gift of a few new cartridges that I bought cheap off ebay.
This leads me to something that I've reflected on once before, having so many Cricut cartridges and needing to use them. So one of the ideas, resolutions, whatever you want to call it, is to deliver on my notion to use every cartridge at least once.

As of right now I have 217 cartridges. So many options and choices. It is time to grow my creativity. I'm intrigued to see how much my creativity will grow and my own voice.
My goal for 2015 is to get back on track with documenting my family and using whatever talents I have to inspire and encourage people, especially my family.
2015 is going to start off with a bang, I have girl scout cookie sales starting and our cub scout blue & gold ceremony where Wyatt will be crossing over to Boy Scouts!

This is also the year where my awesome mom will be turning 60 and then I will be turning 40! Big party planning in the works.
So much happens and 2014 I pretty much showed me that I have to document.
Our story matters even if its just for us.
So here is to a fantastic 2015! May yours be awesome.

*Carrie*

This morning I woke up itching to write and say "hello".

I am coming off a sabbatical of some sort. No, not a sabbatical more like a hissy fit, only I didn't realize at the time it was a fit.
A couple of months ago I was at a retreat and I'm sort of the odd duck in the group. I talk about blogs, Pinterest, retreats center dreams and how I want to make a difference in people's lives. After being asked several questions, what boiled down for me is how many people is enough? Will it ever be enough for me? I basically stopped blogging because A) I was creatively depressed, I'm a jack of all trades master of none, why? B) I didn't feel I was growing my blog perfectly or how I thought it should go and so I gave up. Until I was ready to try again, I was having a blogging hissy fit.
What amazes me is what comes out of your mouth when you try to explain or give examples. The example I gave is what gave me, my aha moment. When I was a kid I rode my bike up to the store and locked it up, but I put the lock on upside down. When I went to unlock it I struggled. Frustrated and figuring I was going to be in a heap of trouble I starting crying. After about a minute or so I reapplied myself to get that lock off. It did eventually and I rode home. What I realized was that I have done this same strategy all my life. When I get frustrated I quit, walk away, calm down and then I go back and plug away until its how I want it. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it opened my eyes and for that I am grateful.
Most of this year has been me thinking about my blog. I've been reading articles from Pinterest, magazines about blogging, looking at how to use a blogging calendars, whatever I could find. I have also realized how much of the year I've missed blogging our story.
No matter what our story matters. To me, my kids and our family, for future generations. Its not perfect but its ours.
Nope, we are no where near having the "dream" lifestyle and I have to accept that and make the most out of what I do have right here and now, because I know it was given to me to take care of. I let my gratitude over my life be overcome by thoughts of why can't I be like her and have what she has. That green eyed monster, that thief of joy.
I have to accept what is in front of me and to take advantage of every opportunity that will grow me. No, my blog may never be huge but it makes a difference and maybe that it's just for me to learn and grow or one day my kids might understand me more.
*Carrie*

This summer is flying by and for that I am sad. I must be crazy because I'm dreading the start of school in a couple of weeks, I'm not ready emotionally.
While I dream of taking the kids on a grand adventure, the fact is we've been working through 100 things to do for the summer.

My focus this year is creating fun family memories. The kids go swimming a few days during the week, we've been playing games like Skipbo, Uno, Life almost nightly and we plan on trying Phase 10 with them sometime this week.



For the first time in years we've gone to see the fireworks at "A" mountain, Rob has smoked racks of ribs for BBQ's and just hanging out with friends.

But still some regret lingers, all those "I wish" moments. Dreams to take the kids to LEGOLAND, San Diego, Yosemite, Oregon, Michigan and Maryland, just to start.
I dream of exploring the world with my family. This world is so amazingly beautiful, even some of the man made stuff is pretty freaking awesome. For now I will dream and plan, who knows where we will go next year?

Carrie*

   

Due to a lack of party supplies for the Disney movie Frozen, I had to get a little crafty.

Once again my hoarding crafty tendencies came to the rescue. Have you seen this craft of Pinterest? I went (two years ago, holy cow really?) and bought the snowflakes to make this and they've been sitting in a bag atop a bookcase waiting for me to glue them all up. Instead they became this, our own winter wonderland in 105 degree heat. 

 I had planned on ordering a cake from our local grocery store but when I went to order they were out of the Frozen cake toppers, so I backed up and punted. Chelsea wanted chocolate cupcakes with blue frosting as an extra bonus I piped white chocolate snowflakes to go on top. making those snowflakes was both a pain in the rear and fun.
Chels was over the moon happy. I just love watching her appreciation for each of her gifts and the people who gave them.

 She twirled, sang, giggled the day, within a hour of everyone leaving, she was sacked out.



The patch on her eye is a daily thing for the next couple of months as we try and strengthen her right eye.

Summer is in full swing around here and I am loving it more than I thought I could. I really don't want to go back to school.
Am I suffering from a sickness? What the heck is wrong with me?
We've been playing Skipbo and Uno almost every day, we've gone to see Rio 2 at the cheap theatres, lots of swimming at the Y, and just plain hanging out. Can't forget those 6 hours I was in the hospital for kidney stones last Sunday night. No fun
The one sucky thing about living in southern AZ is that every day in June it has been 100+. At 7:00am it is usually 80+. Right now it's 10:30

and its 91. The monsoon season is getting ready to start so our dew point is starting to rise which makes evap coolers not work as well and you sweat more. The great thing about dew points and monsoon is that it brings afternoon rain and lightning pictures, whoo hoo. Because of my back last year I couldn't go out, but this year is looking pretty dang good and I'm getting excited.

We are ticking off our summer to do list and this weekend we are celebrating Chelsea's 6th birthday. Chelsea has chosen the Frozen theme and yeah, good luck finding decorations, everything is sold out. Thanks to Pinterest and a certain persons procrastinating tendencies, yes, I'm talking about me, I think we will have a really good party.

*Carrie*

last week the kids and I along with a bunch of girl scouts went to see Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus Legends.
Now I know this is going to sound cheesy, but when all the different acts came parading around the ring, the music building like a  I had tears in my eyes. The majesty and pageantry just caught my breath.
Does it sound like it was my first time?
Well it was. I know, how can that be?
 All I can say is that I either didn't want to go or we didn't have the money. What was I thinking?? Lol
The circus was so much fun, I wished some of the acts lasted longer, they were so cool and awe inspiring.
After the show Chelsea kept asking if we could go to a farm and get her a horse, love it.

I took a total of 459 photos that morning and yes, I did spend some time without my camera not attached to my head.

I have whittled it down to 388 but I know I need to knock it down more. I just like going through each photo and the memory of what happen next triggers all these happy feelings.

 My one let down was the trapeze act. they were so high up in the convention center that you couldn't see them all that well when they were flipping around, they were definitely in the rafters.

*Carrie*

School year finish line

 Back to our regular programming.
For the last few years I've tried to make the last day of school something to remember by crossing a finish line.
This year I wanted to create a wall of balloons that they could run through in the carport, but there was one problem, we were having 40+ mph winds. After some mass tangles and a couple of popped balloons I moved it all into our entry way.
It was interesting to say the least. The kids' expressions were hilarious. Because this was 

done indoors I had to use my flash which gave the kids multiple times to run through the balloons, I felt so sorry for them...Not!!

You might be wondering where Kelly was for all the fun? Ms. Kelly was gallivanting across the country to Ohio with my mom to go visit relatives. She had her own good time.
For Kelly it was her first time on a plane and she loved flying, it was the second state she has been in this year.

Hopefully I can get some photos from mom so I can have a more detailed photo editorial for a later date.
Because this is another staycation summer, ha ha, I've been looking over the summer to-do lists on Pinterest to keep us all away from the boredoms. So far, so good

    Hello world, I'm baaaack!!!!
Seriously, it's been more than six months since my last post.
I've lost my passion for most of my favorite hobbies the last few months and I don't know why. I haven't scrapbooked, art journaled, photographed anything for fun. I haven't made any cards that I even like. I'm inspired by things I've seen on Pinterest and for a brief time get excited but I lack the want to go and do or make.
This creative funk has really made me question why?? I can't stand the thought of all the money wasted if I just quit my hobbies.

In the meantime, I have enjoyed watching our lilies bloom. Rob and I bought a variety pack and we have found that we have 3 different blooms. This beautiful yellow is my favorite but we also have a solid white and an orange with darker orange that reminds me of tiger lilies.

I can't say all is bad.
Actually, I'm now out of my depression and really trying to find my zest for life.
I've become a school monitor at Wyatt and Chelsea's school. While the pay is minimum wage it is where I've been led and it works with the kids' schedule. I really like what I do and I enjoy the people I work with.

Summer vacation is in full swing around here and I for one am enjoying it. Movies, crafts, swimming, cub scout outings, ice cream nights.
Hopefully, I can get back to regular blogging and ramp up my creativity.
*Carrie*

*Carrie*