Challenge Day 4

I wish I didn't curse so much. I have a potty mouth and I know it. I don't really mean too, it is just a part of my daily language. I think it is because I grew up in a family of non-cussers (or so I thought), that were really just not wanting me to hear it. I got in so much trouble the first time my parents heard me say shit. It was so ridiculous. After that day, I learned I could cuss all the time as long as they never heard it. As an adult, I could care less (Really, I could give a rats ass but hey I'm trying! haha).

Maybe one day I will change my ways, but I highly doubt it.



Challenge Day 3

At the moment this is my favorite cast. I really enjoy getting lost watching Once Upon A Time on ABC. This show brings the more realistic side of those beloved fairy tales to light. It also links them all together in an interesting way. I would imagine beyond the "pictures" their normal everyday lives were probably a lot like this show portrays.

Everything is not as it seems in a photograph.

Challenge Day 2

This is a friend who I have known since I was in 7th grade.

It was my first year of PUBLIC school and I decided to join band. Well, as fate would have it, some of the best friends I have been blessed to have in my life I met in band. We were all awkward adolescents trying to figure out life and how to fit in.

Brandy and I just clicked. She made me laugh and would act silly with me. She would rock out to Spice Girls while dressed up to boot. Oh yeah, this is a  lifetime long type of friendship. 

We have been there by each others sides since we were those awkward teens. We became adults and married each other off, we have stood there for each other at the birth of our children. We have shared in the grief of lost friends and family members. We know each other well.

You see Brandy, or as I call her- Bean, and I were born only 20 short days apart. We have the same birth month. haha. We have always just understood each other. Even if we don't talk for a while its ok. We know that if the call is made it will be answered. We don't have to worry about this friendship, it has survived some crazy storms and some amazing joys.

So to one of the most beautiful women I know, Thank you for being my sister. I love you. :o)

A New Challenge

I have been trying to decide on something that I can do in order to remember who I am. As a mother, I sometimes get lost in everything that is happening with my children. This is normal, but I tend to begin to miss ME.

I have decided to start a 31 day challenge. I will post a picture and possibly a caption explaining each picture every day for 31 days. Wish me luck! The fun begins now!

Day 1

This is one a my favorite pictures of me.

Ten Facts about Heather
1. I'm a devoted wife
2. I love my children with every fiber of my being
3. I am currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Management and Supervision
4. I have one diverse and amazing family
5. I am a little obsessed with life after death, I believe in things most don't because of personal experiences
6. I worry way too much
7. I love to travel, I hope to be able to travel the world one day
8. Being wrapped up in my husband's arms makes me feel completely safe and at peace
9. I absolutely love talking with my Grandfather about the old days
10. I get weak and I cry. Sometimes a lot, sometimes just a single tear

Mother's Day Frames

My friend Brooke puts some amazing ideas on a budget on her blog Inside-Out Design.  It was after seeing her post on making a picture frame into something so much more that I got an idea of my own.  I was wondering if her technique would work with sand too!  So after asking Brooke what she thought I set out to the store in search of Mod Podge. 

I wanted to make a picture frame covered in sand to match our new family pictures that were taken on the beach. 

I found some clearance frames for $3.00!  Then found the Mod Podge, then I was at a loss.  I did not know it came in a Glossy Finish and a Matte Finish.  I pondered on my project for a moment and went with the Matte Finish.  I wanted the sand to look like sand. 

Frame Before

Sand, Matte Mod Podge, Sponge brushes, Frames, Timer, and a Plastic Bowl to put Mod Podge in (not pictured)

My handsome little helper Blake

1. First we painted the frames face as well as the inner and outer edges.

2. We placed the frames in the sand and pushed it up against all areas that had been painted with glue.  The picture above is what it looked like after one coat.

3. After allowing 15 minutes to dry, we painted the glue over the sand and dipped it in the sand again.

4. Repeat Step 3 until desired look.



2nd Dip

4th and Final Dip

5. After reaching the desired look, allow to dry 15 minutes.  Then thickly cover entire front and inner and outer edges with Mod Podge again. 

 6. Repeat step 5 after allowing frame to dry.

7. After allowing front of frame to dry, flip it over and seal the back with Mod Podge as well.

8. Repeat step 7 after allowing frame to dry.

Frame Detail

Finished Product!

I think they came out just as I had hoped!!!   Thank you for the inspiration Brooke!!!

**I used the timer because it allowed my son to know when it was time to start again.  It worked out great! Not having to hear "Is it time yet?" made the project more enjoyable for bothe of us!**



GRADUATION DAY!

Yesterday (May 16, 2011) was a very important day in my life.  I graduated college with my A.A. degree!  I currently have a GPA of 3.94 which has earned me High Honors so I recieved a Yellow Stole.  There were not many graduates with these yellow stoles so we stood out.

As all of the graduates were trying to line up into two lines by group (High Honors, Honors, Everyone else) I had already been standing where they wanted the High Honors to go, so everyone sort of lined up behind me.

Well guess what?!

Being that I was in the front, I was the first graduate in line marching behind the lead professor.  When I walked in the entire audience stood and applauded.  It was AMAZING and made me teary eyed. 

Then as my amazingly lucky day would have it, I happened to be leading the row that got to cross the stage first!

I was the FIRST graduate to walk across that stage, more than 300 grads walked behind me!  I got the longest stroll by myself across the stage because of this too.

I had been so nervous that my husband would get stuck at work and not make it, so whenever I got to see him the first place I wanted to be was in his arms.  He had made it and was so proud of me.

I love this picture, I didn't know it was being taken.

My best friend and her daughter came to my graduation too!  It meant the world to me that she was there.  There is no greater gift than a true friend.  I love her! 

My Dad and Mom were super proud!

My family and my cute lil niece <3

I have been working so hard to get to this point.  One degree down and two more to go!  Here We Go!!!!

Mother's Day

  I cannot believe that it is almost mothers day.  I remember my first mother's day like it was yesterday.  It was the day I got to bring home my first child.  That was the best mother's day gift that I could ever have, I got to bring my baby home with me.  My second mother's day was my handsome son's 1st birthday, and again this was a great way to celebrate mothers day.  I love that I get to celebrate mother's day by celebrating my son's birthday.  It makes me happy to see my child so happy.  What better gift to a mother than the smile of her child?!  

I am making mother's day gifts for my mom and mom in law with my son.  My daughter is still a little too small for this activity (as we are "painting" with mod podge).  I will post pictures whenever they are finished!  I got the idea for this gift from a friend of mine who is super crafty!  I will include a link to her blog whenever I post my final results!  :o)  

Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful Moms out there!