{Heart} Creations

The girls had a snow day on Monday, Feb 8th, so I spontaneously decided to take a snow day with them. I haven't had a snow day since I was in high school... I won't say how long ago that was 'cause that makes me feel OLD.

I asked he girls if they wanted to help me with a Valentine project, but to do it, I would have to ruin their Valentine surprise. They quickly agreed... only because they knew they got their Valentines early.

Kippy and I did some looking on-line for some Valentine hair-dos. She chose something that wasn't too hard and I managed to braid a heart into her hair. She was happy with the results and that is all that matters.
In case you have the misconception that my girls cooperate whenever I want to take their pictures, trust me... it isn't true. They are generally AGAINST taking pictures together and tend to do alot of crabbing and fussing, which is why I was not able to do a photo shoot for this past Christmas. Monday was different. I think the snow day set the tone and they were in good moods. They put on their early Valentine Day surprises (a new shirt for Abby and sweatshirt for Kippy, plus heart socks) and let me have some photo fun.

I picnik'ed a collage of some of my favorites along with a little quote "My whole heart for my whole life". Next we moved on to making something out of this.

I created a couple different sizes of the collage via Photoshop Elements to be able to print multiple copies on a 8x10 and 5x7 print. I downloaded to Walgreens and had the prints completed within a couple of hours because my home printer just doesn't have the quality I wanted for this.

I borrowed inspiration from my fabulous girlfriend, Lori, and used some scrap 2x6 that was cut into a square block 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" size. I found some coordinating scrapbook paper and my trusty matte Mod Podge glue.
I did some quick tracing of the sides and back of the block on the back of my scrapbook paper.

I cut out the paper shapes (nothing real precise) and used a very light coat of Mod Podge to adhere to the wooden block, smoothing the bubbles out with a credit card. I then sanded the edges to give it an over all distressed look. {NOTE: Distressing: is the best camouflage for imperfections and I highly recommend it}

Once the paper was glued to all sides and sanded, I added a little distressing ink around the edges and tied on a grosgrain ribbon and a heart embellishment.
The collage picture was sized to exactly 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 and Mod Podged to the front of the block just like the scrapbook paper and walla... done!

I got another block of 6x2 wood to make just one more {heart} creation. This time, I sized the collage photo down to 5"x5" so more of the wood would show. I used some black acrylic paint and painted the entire block of wood.

Then I sanded the edges of the block... love the distressed/imperfect texture... and again the camouflage.
I put Mod Podge on the front of the block to adhere the photo collage and then put another thin coat over the photo. I ended up putting two thin coats over the picture. Don't know why, two coats just felt right.

Then I drilled two holes into the top of the block and stuck some wire that I had twisted around a pliers. I printed out some "daddy" friendly Valentine quotes, glued them on some scrapbook paper and stuck them in the wire twists. "A Daughter my outgrow your lap, but never your heart." & "The greatest gift I ever had came from God; I call him Dad!"

I had the girls write a little something on the back and bada bing, bada boom... a {heart} creation for their dad is done. Abby wrote, "I knew from the start that you had my heart! A girl's first love is her Dad. I love you! Happy Valentine's Day." Kippy wrote, "I love you Dad. Happy Valentines Day! Daddy, you are the best. I love you with my all my hart." Should look nice on his desk at work, don't you think?

Treadmill Inspiration

I have spent a lot of time on my treadmill over the years. In fact, I am getting very close to 900 miles. Woo Hoo!! I have to admit logging those miles hasn't always been a big thrill for me since I much prefer running outside, however snow and ice aren't my thing, so I am forced indoors about 4 months out of the year.

I have tried a lot of different things to make the treadmill more interesting. Steve bought me remote headphones to make watching TV possible w/o blasting the TV volume up so high I risked damaging the kids' hearing. I have put together various playlists to listen to on my ipod. I have also tried reading, but can't master that while running, only if I am walking.

Two weeks ago, I found my ultimate treadmill motivation....


Can you guess what it is?



I'll give you a hint... I used something "old" in a "new" way.



Give up??....



It's my ipod, but used in a new way!

I had never done this before, but I purchased my motivation on iTunes. I got Season 1 of the Showtime series called The Tudor's. It is fabulous-ness on a tiny, tiny 2" x 1.5" screen!!! I have watched Seasons 2 and 3, but I missed the first season. I love this scandalous historical fiction based on Henry VIII. I only allowed myself to watch it while running, so 10 episodes later, I have put in 30 miles on the treadmill!

It helps that Jonathan Rhys Meyers is totally HOT. The final 4th season begins in April, so now I just need to figure out what I can get on iTunes to inspire and motivate me for the next two months, until this snow melts. Any suggestions?

All I Need to Know about Life I Learned From a Snowman

**I am borrowing this one as a tribute to my love of Snowpeople**

It’s okay if you’re a little bottom heavy.

Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.

Wearing white is always appropriate.

Winter is the best of the four seasons.

It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.

There’s nothing better than a foul weather friend.

The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.

It’s not the size of the carrot, but the placement that counts.

We’re all made up of mostly water.

You know you’ve made it when they write a song about you.

Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

Avoid yellow snow.

Don’t get too much sun.

It’s embarrassing when you can’t look down and see your feet.

It’s fun to hang out in your front yard.

Always put your best foot forward.

There’s no stopping you once you’re on a roll.

Nothin' but Mizuno

Not so long ago, I wasn't all that picky about what running shoe I used. I just tried on a few pairs to find something that fit my narrow heel well and didn't slip and went with it. Over the years, I have used ASICS, Sauscony, Adidas, & Nike. Gradually I have educated myself more. I have done research and I have had my stride evaluated. I learned that I have underpronation, which means my feet roll outward at the ankle. A great resource for evaluating your running shoe needs is through Shoe Dog. You answer a series of questions and get a list of shoes that are best for you. Having the right shoe reduces the risk of injury and I am all for that!

That is how I found out that Mizuno Wave Rider is the shoe for me. Once I tried them on, I knew it was a perfect match. My heel was snugged in and the toe box was wide and comfortable. They felt like air on my feet. It was TRUE LOVE, I tell you!
I replace my shoes every 400 miles or so. This is about the time that the support is wearing down and I can feel my knees and ankles protesting a bit. I just got my 4th pair of Mizuno Wave Rider's in the mail last week. LOVE the new color, which I think will hide dirt better than white.

I love my Mizuno's so much, that I can't seem to throw them away. I have become a Mizuno hoarder!

They are a work-of-art, I tell you!

Yup, I have some issues.

I have gone from Wave Rider 9 up to Wave Rider 13. Each year the model just gets better and better. The latest has a lining in the interior which is as soft as butter and makes my heart go pitter-patter. Yup, I definitely am in love with these shoes!

Bella's Make-Over

Every two months, Bella goes to her favorite place.... the groomer!!!! Actually, it is her least favorite place. She never complains and Roxanne (the groomer) says Bella is very well behaved, but Bella does tremble and get nervous every time we take her.
This morning, I decided to capture some before pictures to show what a total transformation Bella goes through when she is at the groomers. We are always amazed at how totally different Bella looks after a trip to Roxanne's.
Our furry little pooch was especially in need of a bath since she had climbed into the dishwasher and gotten some chicken curry sauce on her forehead the night before. We didn't bother to clean it up since we knew Roxanne would be giving her a cut and blow-out today.


But we were not prepared for just how DIFFERENT Miss Bella was going to look today.


You are going to be shocked.....


I'm serious....



Wait for it....



Wait....



WWWWWAAAAIIIIIITTTTTT....




Here is the after. Are you shocked?? I did a double-take on this hair-do. If it weren't for the "Bella" tag on her collar, I seriously wouldn't recognize her. Turns out, she had matted ear hair, so Roxanne had to cut her once flowing white ear hair short.
Miss Bella now has bangs. Not sure that I like them, but Roxanne said we would have to be more careful about combing the hair on her ears while we wait for it to grow back out into the cute bob again.
Her fur is incredibly soft and she smells great (for now). But boy, she looks strange, and kind of homely.

BEFORE and AFTER... one word WOW!

Look at that sad face.... I think she misses her long flowing ear hair, too. Sorry to tell you this Bella, but growing out your bangs is not a fun experience. Trust me... been there, done that.

Mardi Gras at OLV

The highlight of Catholic School's week at OLV School was the Mardi Gras carnival. Dressing-up, playing kids games, prize drawings, yummy food, and BINGO... all combine for a great day of family fun.

Kippy wore her mask for most of the day. She won two raffles and was excited about her Webkinz Hippo and LPS set.

We played several rounds of BINGO, but no winners at our table. Here is Luke concentrating on his card.
My little-almost-three-year-old friend Anna and I were dressed up as well. Check out the super cute butterfly on her cheek. It goes so well with her sparkly blond hair extensions.

I manned the "treat walk" game for 1 1/2 hours (which is why I dressed up). It is sometimes called the "cake walk", but in this case, there were lots of different kinds of treats to choose from for prizes. In fact, there were 4 tables full of goodies!!

Round and round they walked as the music played....

with a total of 12 different numbers to land on.

When the music stopped, one number was drawn and the lucky winner headed to the treat table to make their selection.
Unfortunately, Kippy & Steve came home today with TOO.MANY.TREATS including Lemon cake, Seven-Layer bars, and Triple-Chocolate Fudge bars. Needless to say, Steve is taking a bunch of them to work tomorrow because I can't have that much temptation in the house!!

Ahoy, me Matey!

Arrrgg! Thar be not enough loot in t' box!!

Hand o'er yer loot or I'll make ya walk t' plank unless ya want me ta run ya thru w' me sword!!!

On Saturday afternoon, we had perfect show for another snowman creation. I love diggin' into the dress up bin to see what we can find before heading out.

We had so much fun dressing up our fierce pirate, even though the huge snow ball head made it nearly impossible to get a bandanna to work properly. There was a lot of improvisation.

The treasure chest had a lot of detail, but it didn't show up well since it is all white. Bella also tried to come out and play with us, but she got overwhelmed quickly in the deep snow and had to be saved.

I antiqued out this photo to make it look more rugged. Not very fierce... how 'bout the next one?

Givin' our meanest "ARRRRGGGG" along with our one-eyed-missing-arm-with-a-hook look. Are ya frightened now??

Yo, ho, ho... its a pirate's life for me.