Band Members

My kiddos are making a smooth transition to public school, which is a huge answer to prayer! Both are proud members of the band at their schools, Gene is learning to play the trumpet, his class meets daily and Nicole is learning to play the flute, her class meets weekly, or at least I think that will be the schedule - they just met for the first time on Tuesday.

Perfect For Tasha!

Have you ever saw something that instantly reminded you of someone? It happens to me on occasion, like when I see sunflowers I always think of my friend Tracey, Sour Patch Kids candy reminds me of Lindsay who loved the candy when she was younger. You get the idea, well I saw a pair of earrings in a jewelry design book called Perfect Match Earrings, Designs for Every Occasion, (one of my favorite jewelry books), I instantly thought, "These would be perfect for Tasha!"

I made them yesterday while waiting for Gene's bus to come (he thought they were pretty by the way) - nothing like waiting until the last minute to get a gift ready; her birthday is Saturday! Tasha said that her favorite color is hot pink, so I used fuchsia Swarovski bicone crystals. The bicone crystals compliments the marquise shaped links perfectly, don't you think?



While I was arranging the earrings for their photo shoot, I came up with my own design, using all the same elements. Can you guess the arrangement? Leave me a comment if you think you know what the design is. Heck, just leave me a comment if you like them or even if you don't! I would love to hear from you and get your thoughts on the earrings.

I have a couple of unfinished jewelry projects that I'm working on, one is a beautiful labradorite necklace and I'm also working on a bracelet with those FREE lampwork beads I won. Hopefully, I will finish the bracelet this weekend, can't wait to show you. I'm off for now, have a super day!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for my kiddos - first day of public school, first day of riding a school bus, well first day for Gene anyway - Nicole missed her bus, the driver was WAY early, but she did get to ride the school bus home. Both kids enjoyed their first day, came home all smiles and full of chatter about this and that.

Here is Nicole after she got off the bus, she had quite an entourage waiting for her, three of the neighbor kids, Gene and me! All the kids (and Mom) were so excited to see Nicole and hear about her day, it was so cute.

I did manage to get a picture of Gene before we left to walk to the bus stop, I had planned to take pictures of him getting on the bus, but didn't think he would appreciate the "Mommy Moment" so decided just to take his picture before we left the house.


Back to School Survival Bag

I made the kids a Back to School Survival bag, click here to see where I got the cool idea. The picture above is all the loot for the bag, I had the hardest time finding those fruit roll ups and just could not find Hersey's Hugs, so I used Hersey's Kisses instead. The bag is filled with the treats and a letter from to encourage them to do their best at school and to always remember the Lord is with them. Here is list of the things I put in my bags.

Back to School Survival Guide

Fruit by the foot - Put your best foot forward

Pencils - We think you are sharp!

A rock with the word prayer written on with a simple sharpie

A lollipop - to remind you to stick to the scriptures to help you "lick" any obstacles this year

Eraser - to remind you you can start each new day with a clean slate

Rubber band - Stretch your mind this year

paper clips - You have all the tools to hold it together

Hershey Kiss - Just some extra kissess when you need them

Smarties - Smarties for the smartie

Tootsie Roll - to remind you to roll with the punches this year

Sponge - to remind you to soak it all in this year

Almond Joy candy bar - We hope this year brings you great joy


I printed out the cards using business cards on the computer, and used both glue dots and squares to adhere the loot to the business cards. The next time I do one of these I will skip the cards all together and just add the list/meaning to the body of the letter. Of course the bags were a big hit with Gene and Nicole, yeah - all my hard work paid off!

Bikes and Back to School

Can you guess the bicycle that belongs to a boy?



This is classic. Eric told me to look out the window, the two girls have used their kick stands and parked their bikes all neat and nice. The boys (there is another one laying on the ground but couldn't get it in the picture) just let their bikes fall where they stopped. Funny eh?

Back to school is just around the corner, the kids start the day after Labor Day. Tonight we will be going to Gene's orientation at the middle school, Nicole's orientation will be Thursday morning. My guys are really excited about going to public school for the first time.

I've been asked so many times about what my plans are now that we will no longer be home educating the kiddos. To be honest, I haven't given it much thought. After the kids get settled into the new routine of "going" to school, then I will give more thought and prayer to what is next for me.

Well I'd better get my hips up and finish dinner, have a super duper day!

New Wheels

Eric has new wheels! He bought a motorcycle yesterday, it's a Yamaha something or other. Here he is after unloading it from the trailer (smiling is not an option!).

Yeah a helmet. I don't understand why that is not mandatory in every state.



I didn't realize it was so much to do in order to drive a motorcycle. Eric took a motorcycle safety class on base, then took a written test at DMV to get her learners permit, I think he said that in 30 days he can take his road test. A lot right? Eric is as happy as a clam, even though you can't see the happy on his face in the pictures - he's happy on the inside!