My Well-Traveled Mind

Crafty-ness (part 2)

2010-03-02T22:04:00.001-06:00

As promised (albeit a little late) are some pictures of my jewelry crafty-ness. After doing this I realized that I haven't taken enough pictures of my jewelry. For the record I am NOT an LSU fan but I made a ton for my friends to sell at a game and took a nice picture but I have no pictures of my UT Longhorn pendants of which I AM a fan. I also made OU, A&M, Texas Tech and many others but alas, no proof. The picture with the two pendants shows a Scrabble Tile Pendant on the right. I made a TON of these and this is my only picture (sad).

I would like to thank my awesome, smart, crafty, gun totin' (biceps and triceps) friend Erica from Haphazard Happenstances for introducing me to Picasa and showing me how to make my pics AWESOME! I love it! It was so easy to install, it was fast, free and it uploads all your pictures in lighting fast speed.

I'll be sure to take pictures as I make more pendants and other jewelry. Take a look at my next project....I can't wait!

Crafty-ness (part 1)

2010-02-22T20:35:00.022-06:00

Thought I'd show some of the pretties I've made in the past. I get excited about a lot of little crafts that I want to try. Once I prove to myself that I can do it, it turns into a memory and nothing more. The longest "craft" I did was cake baking/decorating....take a look

Can you tell which one was one of my first? I really did like making these creations but they were so time consuming and I'm such a perfectionist that it took longer than it really should have not to mention the mess it left behind in my kitchen. Unfortunately the smell of butter cream icing turns my stomach now :(

I've also tried various forms of card making and stamping. I still do this craft on occasion. It really is fun and relaxing. I just wish I had more time to design and create them.

Of course being in Texas and all....mum making

That's all for now. I'll be back later this week to post some pictures of my jewelry "crafty-ness" and maybe some other crafts I've dabbled in.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!!!

2010-02-16T19:42:00.016-06:00

Here is what I did for the girls' classmates this year. I love finding new craft ideas to use and I fell in love with this one the moment I saw it! Thank you to La*T*Da for the idea.

It is a waffle cone with a ball of cotton candy! Isn't it adorable? I got so lucky with this one. Two Mondays ago we had a huge ladies event at my church. Our guest speaker was Lisa Bevere, whom I love, by the way, and an awesome Pink After Party wherein everything in the room was PINK! We have a member who makes wonderful cotton candy and I happen to run into him while he was making this wonderful concoction and just happen to ask how much he would charge me for a few bags of PINK cotton candy, which he blessed me with at no charge, by the way. I had most of the supplies needed to make this cute little treat (see below)

I also bought the Charm's Cotton Candy from the Dollar Tree just in case I didn't have enough and was surprised by the taste...it was actually pretty good. First I "balled" up the cotton candy and topped it on the waffle cone then I placed it in the triangle cello bag (found at Hobby Lobby in the party section) I then typed up a cute little saying in a very "valentiny" font from FontSpace

Punched the sayings out with the round punch and as you can see on the 1st batch I just left it round and on the 2nd batch I did use the scalloped scissors for a different look. Once that was done I punched a whole thru each tag, pulled a Valentine ribbon through and tied a simple tie and viola!

My girls loved them and couldn't wait to pass them out to their classmates...which makes me REALLY happy.

Is "would you like" better than "do you need"?

2010-02-06T19:31:00.003-06:00

This past week I encountered something that made me realize that I need to learn how to rephrase my comments and/or questions. Let me set the scene for you....

It had been cold and rainy all week. Our morning started off the same...breakfast, ironing of clothes, lunches and hurrying to get out the door. We have a good 30-40 minute commute every morning and even longer on bad weather days.

1st out the car is my son....kisses and reminders as he is grabbing his bags and rushing to get to class on time.

Next Ava and and I get off together. I love walking my kindergartner to class every morning...and giving her hugs and kisses before she walks into her classroom....I realize that this is mainly for my comfort so let's leave it at that. This particular morning my youngest stayed home with her daddy so after leaving Ava off in class I was ready for my commute back north but 1st I make a stop at the ladies room.

The ladies room is right around the corner from where the doors are that lead to the parking lot. The school has been trying to fix these doors the last few days. There are 2 handicap buttons that open the doors, one from the inside and one from the outside. Now, it's an unspoken understanding that whenever kids are around the adults don't open the doors because it is the highlight of almost all the kids to push these buttons for all to walk through. Well, these buttons were out of service and only 1 door would open manually for almost a week. So, as I turn the corner I notice a silver haired lady bending over putting several things down on the ground and I rushed over to open the door for her and I, a well brought up southern girl, proceed to ask "Do you need any help?" in which she RUDELY snapped "NO! I don't NEED any help!". Well, of course I was taken aback and somewhat startled by not just her words but mainly by her tone. After realizing what she had said I began walking to my car. I will admit though that her words did hurt me in the feelings a little bit.

Now I didn't give it much thought that day but I did start thinking about it a few times these last couple of days and it finally hit me last night. Maybe I should have worded it differently. Maybe I should have asked "WOULD you like any help?" or "Can I help you?" not "do you NEED any help". It didn't matter to me that she was an older/elderly woman, I would have asked to help if it was a teenage kid. I didn't by any means think she was incapable of completing her task I was just offering to help. I know I really shouldn't care about this and just chalk it up to her having a bad morning, the lack of sun putting her in a bad mood, maybe SHE didn't want to go to school that day or maybe she thought I was being sarcastic, who knows? It could have been any number of things.

The point is I NEED to change my approach. I NEED to be more mindful of who I am speaking to and what I am saying and/or asking. They may be simple words to me but the receiving party may take them a differently. So, the next time I see someone, ANYONE, that looks like they could use a hand...I will commence with "Would you like some help?"

Can You Say "B-U-S-Y"?

2010-02-04T20:06:00.005-06:00

Wow! So, 2009 is over and we are almost through the 1st quarter of 2010 and I haven't posted anything since last November! All I can say is I've been BUSY nothing else just....busy.

I have been looking for some really cute ideas for Valentine's Day. Trying to find something unique and fun for my girls to give to their classmates. Here's what I did last year and had a blast doing it.

I know my girls couldn't wait to pass them out. I've found some really cute and cheap ideas out in the blog world I plan on giving a try. I spend so much time clicking and reading all the blogs out there that I end up not "doing" anything....hence the "well-traveled mind" (smile)

Until the next time...Happy Traveling!

Gotta Have A 'Girl's Night Out'!

2009-11-23T16:46:00.004-06:00

Okay, I have to say that I truly enjoyed my 'GNO' on Friday. About 9 of us ladies headed out to see New Moon then to dinner. The movie was GREAT but the company was AWESOME! Some of the ladies that went I work with 5 days a week and even serve together on Sundays or other church events. The other ladies I work with but I don't "work" with them daily. It was really nice to spend time together enjoying a common "addiction".

But speaking of GNO, I hadn't been out with friends in a really long time. My husband and I go out every now and then and usually hang out with one of 3 different couples. I LOVE going out with my hubby but there is something about going out with a bunch of ladies that gives you a different kind of excitement. I'm sure the anticipation of the movie was one thing but I really do feel that knowing that we all had a "date" together was part of all the fun too.

I know I schedule play dates for my kiddos and I'm realizing that scheduling "play dates" for myself are all well and good. Sometimes you just need some "girl" time whether it's watching a movie together or just hanging out with a cup of coffee and catching up. It's good to get together and just be girls.

I Love Reconnecting

2009-11-11T14:41:00.006-06:00

This has been an amazing year so far. Of course it has gone by in a FLASH but it has been awesome none the less. What makes it even better or more amazing is that I am reconnecting with friends after years and years all thanks to Facebook!

I have to admit that I was very hesitant about doing it in the beginning and after I opened an account I didn't post anything or even put a picture up. But then out of nowhere I started getting requests for friends that I had lost touch with and now I'm all over FB. I have reconnected with friends that I lost touch with but never forgot. People that popped in my head from time to time, just wondering how they were doing, how their kids were doing etc. Now I know everyone is super busy these days and with kids it's not going to lighten up it's only gonna get busier and busier and that's okay because that's the way life is. With that said it is hard to keep in touch with everyone, unless you are superwoman and just has everything under control and has the time to call and write notes and cards on people's birthdays, has the time to call and just say "what's up" on top of being a mom, a wife, and for some a co-worker.

For those of us who aren't superwoman there is Facebook. It reminds you when it's a friend's birthday, you get to see pictures of your friend's families, you get a small glimpse into their lives (via their posts), you get to "chat" online and you can send "notes" to each other.

I know people either hate it (my hubby being one) or love it. Whatever the case may be I have to admit that I'm one of those that love it and I love that I'm back in my friend's lives and they in mine.

A Couple of My Favorite Sites

2009-11-08T10:00:00.005-06:00

The sites below have easily become my favorite sites to visit. I have to put myself on restrictions because I can totally get carried away and spend hours in front of my computer just "looking". Some of the projects I have done have all come from these sites.

If ever you're at a loss for ideas or your "creative" well has run dry you must check out this site, www.oneprettything.com They have TONS of ideas. It's a site that goes around looking for ideas to post. If they like what they see on your blog/website they will link it to their website. It's kind of a "one stop" shop. Most of my favorite blogs have been found through this site and as a result, I am now a follower of those blogs.

If you are looking for thing to buy handmade then www.etsy.com is the site for you. Well, actually it's a site for anyone and everyone who crafts. They sell supplies for all types of craft genres to actual items you can buy from people who make their living by way of their craft. I can spend hours...days just scrolling through all the neat treasures listed.

Glass Tile Pendants

2009-10-26T21:55:00.002-05:00

LSU Glass Pendant Necklaces
Originally uploaded by Txgal325

Take a look see....here are some glass tile pendants I finished up a couple of weeks ago. I'm currently working on some UT and A&M ones now.

I'm actually gonna be teaching how to make these at our Craft Small Group this Sunday. Now that I think about I think I'm supposed to teach the Scrabble Tile process....not too fond of the Scrabble tiles now that I've started working on the glass ones :)

I have a ton of sheets with little images that need to be cut. It shouldn't take long but I need to get it done before Sunday. This is gonna be a busy week. We will be hosting the Halloween Outreach at our house this Saturday and I have about 500 bags to fill with candy and rave cards....not to mention the 100 bags of cotton candy I need to pick up on Friday. I guess I should stop blogging and get to work, huh?

HA!

2009-10-26T16:09:00.004-05:00

Thought I forgot about you, huh? Well, I'm still here and I'm getting the fire lit under me! I have a couple of friends and a cousin who are considering starting a blog and I started to get excited then I realized I ALREADY have a blog :)

I have a ton to post and can't wait to get started. We finally got a new camera that is super easy to export so, as soon as I get home I'm gonna get started.

In my defense I have been really busy...the hubby and I are leading a small group for our church and I'm also co-leading in two other groups AND we are a house host for our Halloween Outreach this year. Plus I will be playing volleyball again starting in Nov. I've also started making some really cool Scrabble and glass tile pendants to wear.

However busy my life seems right now I must say that I am happy. I've reconnected with a friend after almost 10 years. I wish the circumstances were different but I am grateful none-the-less. She has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is in search for a bone marrow match. She is like a sister to me and I plan on going to get tested to see if I am a match for her because even after all this time...I would still do anything for her.

I've also been talking with my younger brother more. He is such a talented photographer and I want to start using some of his images for my pendants. We actually have more in common than we thought even with the 6 year difference :)

All is well in my life...

Congratulations to my Cousin, Sed!!!

2009-09-18T15:34:00.002-05:00

On Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 my cousin gave birth to her first baby! I totally hate that I couldn't be with her (she lives in California) or be with her now when she needs the most help (the weeks after having a baby) BUT her mommy is there now so I know she is doing fine.
I can't seem to upload pictures right now so I will attempt it again later tonight or this weekend.
Welcome baby Austin! I can't wait to see you!!! Congratulations Sedre and Christian.

Annie-Julie Aubry Giveaway

2009-09-03T15:10:00.003-05:00

If you've never seen Annie-Julie's artwork you are totally missing out! Her work is so beautiful and whimsical. I know I don't have any followers and this blog is fairly new but I would so love to win one of her pieces. So, here goes my long shot!
Click on this link for your chance to win too!

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Realizations

2009-09-01T19:04:00.002-05:00

On my way home from work today I had a memory of my mom back when I was 15 and she was 35 (35 being the exact same age I am now). I realized I am nowhere near the same maturity level she was at my age. I still feel like I'm in my 20's and sometimes younger. I know I don't FEEL 35 yet I'm feeling like I should maybe consider "growing up". But why? Do we all REALLY ever grow up? I love the way I feel, I love feeling young around my kids. I still even listen to a top 40 radio station, mainly because I love the morning group (they are all in their late 20's) and by doing so I know what songs are "in" right now. I'm actually on Facebook and Twitter (which my husband thinks is childish btw), I even LOVE Twilight! I'm reading the whole saga again for the second time (you know getting ready for the sequal that will be out on Friday, Nov. 20th) SEE??!?!?! Is this stuff I should know??

Oh, well...maybe I'll consider maturing a year or two.....SIKE!!!

Another Go!

2009-06-19T07:35:00.003-05:00

I'm gonna attempt this "Blog" thing....a-g-a-i-n. I love reading other people's blogs and I really want to make mine work. I just have to make TIME for it.

It's summer so the making TIME for it should be easier. If I can make it a habit during the summer then I think I can handle it for the rest of the year. My goal is to post at least once a day from wherever I am be it small & insignificant to huge and 'I can't wait to post this!'....the possibilities are endless!

Signing off for now

In The Motherhood

2009-02-26T00:05:00.004-06:00

I love 'In The Motherhood' webisodes. I just went to YouTube and saw all the old episodes again. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkewJlZRKPo You can't help but laugh out loud. It doesn't hurt that I'm a fan of the ladies that come out in it - Leah Remini, Chelsea Handler & Jenny McCarthy

AND in March it will be a new series on abc http://itm.abc.go.com/. Although, the original ladies will not be the stars of the t.v. series, it looks like it will still be pretty funny. Megan Mullally from "Will and Grace", Cheryl Hines from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and Jessica St. Clair of "Worst Week". I think once you are use to characters in a movie or show it's kind of hard to adjust to the new face. Kind of like when you read a book and then go see the movie that is supposedly based on the book then regret going to the movie but never the book. Reminds me of a saying I once read (on a t-shirt-I think) "Never judge a book by it's movie".

Either way I'm going to give it a chance. Anything that has to do with parenting & kids usually delivers. Plus the episodes are based on real mom experiences which are a lot like mine and I'm sure many others out there.

Tween Trials

2009-02-24T22:07:00.002-06:00

Well, today was a little disappointing. I had a talk with my son on the way to school. Now mind you, our "on the way to school" is about 30 minutes. We live outside of Austin and our children attend school in Austin. And anyone who lives here or has lived here knows that traffic on 35 is horrid at any given time of the day for that matter! But today the traffic was not too bad but the conversation wasn't really any better.

Long story short our son made a few comments that were very disheartening, he was disrespectful to an authority figure and according to him he didn't realize it. After we explained to him the possible ramifications of his words he then realized that what he said weren't just words.

Our son will soon be 13. He has been a straight "A" student all his school life. He is a very intelligent young man, he is funny, witty, friendly, charming.... He is everything a mom would want in a son. We are blessed that the Lord has entrusted him to us and I feel that we have done a good job in raising him so far. So, when stuff like this happens, which are far and few (very few) between, it kind of shocks us. My husband and I agree on what his punishment is but we are both left asking the same questions to each other...."why would he say that", "what was he thinking"? We've asked him and I feel he REALLY didn't see the severity of what he said. And if that's the case then we have some work to do. I know we will always have work to do when it comes to our children but some things shouldn't have to be retaught when they get to this age but we are learning also.

Our son is our first born and for almost 9 years it was just him and us and now that he's nearing his teenage years and he is having to share us with his two younger sisters. I've read enough books, listened to enough friends, gone to enough small groups to know that the tween and teenage years are critical. I just pray for continued wisdom and guidance from the Lord. I pray for the Lord to quicken our son's spirit. For that little voice in his head to be a little louder when it comes to making the right decision. And for us to listen to that little voice as well because had it not been for the Holy Spirit speaking (loudly) to me this morning, this very valuable and teachable moment would have been missed.

!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-23T23:55:00.003-06:00

I must apologize but I'm so excited right now. I spend so much time reading other people's blogs that I forget to update my own, well, I don't forget I just run out of time. Since I can't really get on until everyone is sleeping and I finish up cleaning this or that. And whatever little time I do have left I'm clicking here clicking there and before I know it, it's midnight or later and I realize if I got to bed now I'll get a good 5 hours of sleep....that' enough, right? So, I decided to get on and post an entry and just update on what's going on and what not. I click over to "view blog" because I love the way my blog looks, and I see this "1 comment" I actually gasped :)

One of the blogs that I follow http://girlystuffin.blogspot.com/ had mentioned on her most recent post that her book club was going to be reading The Shack soon and I commented that I had just finished reading it and for me, it was life changing (I will post on that subject later). I also mentioned that I would like to know her thoughts on it when she was done. Now I know this isn't exciting or glamorous in any way and I've commented on tons of blogs and never thought anything of it. Well! Girly Stuff commented on my blog!!! My first one! I know, isn't it exciting? I'm such a goof, I know, but I'm excited and I feel like I have a "blogland" friend. Although, Girly Stuff may be thinking "Oh no, what have I done" I promise I won't get stupid or silly by going on and on about my new friend but I just had to say something.

As you can see I don't even know how to "link" right and I'm sure I'm breaking some sort of blog etiquette and if I am I do apologize. I am reading up on how to do all this the right way.

Well, it's 12:35 am and I'm calculating how much sleep I will get tonight all-be-it very little........today it was worth it :)

Sick Kiddo

2009-02-12T09:19:00.002-06:00

My son is still sick. He was diagnosed with strep earlier this week but he still running a little fever and of course he has to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. This will be his 3rd day missing school and he will be missing his last basketball game as well. Needless to say, he is not happy.

I'm off to grab some work from the office and work from home today. I was really wanting to have some time to finish up my friend's valentine's gifts. We'll see how much I can get done work wise and house work wise. It's like my reward to work on my craft projects but only after I finish my chores....wow, some things just never change do they?

One Done!

2009-02-11T14:11:00.005-06:00

I actually finished a craft.....and in time!!! My girls' last day of school this week was Tuesday so of course they had their Valentine Parties. I attempted and succeeded in.....The melted crayola heart project! Take a look

I was pretty happy with the way they came out. I packaged them in little plastic bags with pretty metallic red and silver ribbon.

I printed out little tags saying "You color my world" and "You melt my heart". The girls and I had fun doing this little project. I actually had to go out and buy more crayons.

Blustery Day

2009-01-24T09:03:00.002-06:00

It's Saturday and it's cold, windy BUT at least it isn't raining :)

I just got back from leaving my son at his first SAT test. My husband is helping a friend put up siding. Our girls are with my MIL and I'm off to run errands.

I plan on getting something done in the house today (if I'm here long enough).

Be back soon...

Oh, Beautiful Sunday

2009-01-18T15:46:00.002-06:00

It's a lovely Sunday. The sun is shinning the birds are chirping the sky is a beautiful hue of blue and how am I enjoying it you ask??? Organizing my daughter's closets.

We have been blessed to have such great friends who pass down clothes that no longer fit their kiddos. My girls are 3 & 4 and they wear sizes 5 & 6 and a girlfriend of mine has two girls ages 7 & 8 and when she cleans out her closets....let's just say we hit the clothes lottery! This has been going on for about 2 years and let me just say...I don't have enough space! The clothes have now occupied 2 closets, one dresser and at least 2 laundry baskets. I've have asked DH to please put in two more closet rails (one in each closet) but after 2 years...nothing. I can't wait anymore. I've thought about installing them myself but then ran into this at WallyWorld. I put it together hung in the closet and tada! An extra rail to hang clothes. I only bought one thinking I may not like it but I was wrong. I will be returning to get at least 2 more.

I'm off to finish up.

Late Night

2009-01-14T06:28:00.002-06:00

I didn't leave work till 8:15 so getting home 3 hours later than usual didn't leave a lot of time to do much. But I am determined to do at least one thing to get a grip on my household duties. So, I sat and folded a whole section of clothes that were pilling up while watching Without A Trace. Oh, AND I put everything up. That's what seems to be my downfall....I do great with the washing, I'm mediocer with the folding (meaning I don't fold as soon as it's out of the dryer, it just kind of sits in a basket) but I completely fail with the "putting away" part of it. I can have 3 whold baskets folded and then I get up and start doing something and before you know it we're in the middle of the week pulling clothes from the floor that were once folded. So, anyone passing by would think "gee, she really needs to fold clothes". I'm pretty happy with myself for lastnight...I just have to keep it up.

I'm gonna work on getting my pic up for my organization idea for hair "pretties" tonight.

It's On!!

2009-01-13T07:20:00.002-06:00

I love this blog! Sarah is so creative and Thrifty. When I saw the Mission: Organize & Declutter I got really excited. I've already organized all the girl's "pretties" (hair bows, clips, ribbon...). I'm having trouble with my camera so, I may have to post a pic later.

There are so many ideas already posted I can't wait to go through all of them. I really thought I was the only one who couldn't get a grip on the everyday duties of keeping a house clean and organized. But now I know there are others out there and we are all in this together. So, I look forward to getting and giving great ideas to get our homes Organized & Decluttered.

I hate being sick!

2009-01-08T06:55:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm not off to a good start, am I? Maybe January wasn't a good month to start this only because work wise it's the busiest month for me. Not to mention this cold/allergy thing I have going on.

I'm not giving up though. I've already made a list of things that HAVE to get done in my house. I wrote down each room in the house and listed what needed to be done. I mean I could stand in any given room at any given time in this house and just feel completely overwhelmed and frustrated. I didn't know where to begin and trying to figure where to start was even worse. It would be so bad that nothing "major" would get done. I would end up doing something that was unnoticable. Does that make sense? I'VE HAD IT!!!

This weekend I tackled my living room. I vaccumed up all the things that get caught in the cushions, I went through all the detail work with a clean tooth brush to get all the dust out of all those little crevises. I'm a pretty visual person so I think this will be good. The best part is checking items off. My list is long but my desire to get this house organized and the way it should be is stronger.

Happy Birthday Ava

2008-04-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

I forgot to put this up yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA!!! My baby girl has turned 4. I took a video of her blowing out her candles and didn't take any pics. So, I don't have any to share. It was a nice day. We had family over to help celebrate. All in all it was a nice birthday.

Weekend....Over!

2008-04-27T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well, we survived the weekend. We went to Mary's Sweet 15 in Wimberly. The weather was nice, the service was nice, and the reception at my aunt's house was nice as well. The cake came out okay. I could have done a lot better but just ran out of time. I can't seem to manage my time in a realistic way. I plan it out in my head pretty well and I can picture it perfectly but then I just loose it. I need to work on this for my sake and my family's sake. I thank my husband for getting the girl's bathed and ready for the party which is a great big help for me. My other dilema is my kitchen. It's like a hurricane hit it when I finish a cake. It's one thing to finally have the cake done then another when you look at the aftermath.

So, last weekend I did the girl's birthday party cake, the sweet 15 cake for Saturday and today I did a baby shower cake. Here are some pics.

I'm going to help a friend of mine do her son's birthday cake on Friday and I have another baby shower cake for Saturday. Oh, and tonight I'm doing cupcakes for Ava's class to celebrate her birthday and I will make another cake for the family to get together and celebrate Ava turning 4! Looks like my week is gonna be busy again well, at least the kids don't have anything big going on. Other than the cakes, I think the week will be pretty calm.

Big Weekend

2008-04-24T06:56:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday and the weekend is coming fast. It's going to be pretty busy. I have 2 cakes to do this weekend. One is for a Sweet 15 on Saturday and the other is for a baby shower on Sunday. Needless to say I'll be pretty busy. I was thinking of starting up another blog for just my cakes and other hobbies. We'll see.
Arty has another game on Sunday. I messed up last Sunday. I thought his game was at 3:00 but was actually at 1:00 and I didn't get back from church till 1:00 so, he didn't even get to play last Sunday. He is really enjoying it. I'll post more pictures of him playing when I get some more.

It's Been A While

2008-04-23T06:37:00.000-05:00

It's been almost a month since I've posted anything. We've been pretty busy. Arty has started playing Lacrosse for his school and is really enjoying it. Ava & Ashlynn both have their birthdays this month and Arthur and I have been busy with work and church. We are all doing great and trying to stay on top of everything. Here are a few pictures of us doing what we do. Arty's Lacrosse pictures, Ava and Ashlynn at the Austin Zoo & Ava and Ashlynn on their first bikes.

Happy Easter!!!!

2008-03-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

What a Glorious Day! Our Lord is Risen.

We had such a lovely day. The kids did their Easter Egg hunt and spent about 20-30 minutes cracking cascarones. Then we just relaxed and shared time together. We had family and friends over and had great fellowship. The kids played outside and inside on the video games. It was a very nice day. It was a little cool and cloudy but other than that it was perfect.

Easter Saturday

2008-03-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday we got up and went walking/running at the local High School. Then we headed out to run errands all over Austin and back.

Once we got home I set the girls up to dye their cascarones (confetti eggs). They had a good time. We're getting ready for Easter!

Oh, Wonderful Friday

2008-03-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

Today was a wonderful day. We picked up my handsome husband from the airport. We went to lunch, had some ice cream and came home and relaxed. The girls didn't go down for a nap and had the giggles and wiggles so they watched "Enchanted" (which I thought, was a really good, clean movie) while I read my book, "The Other Boleyn Girl". I want to go see the movie but only after I finish the book. Needless to say our day was very nice and relaxing.

Arthur and I were invited to my friend and co-worker, Jennifer's birthday party at Buca Di Beppa in Austin. I didn't think we would make it since Arthur had just gotten home and was still taking his nap. But he ended up getting up around 6:00 and we got ready to go. I'm happy we went. Jennifer is such a nice person. She is also my work-out buddy. We've both started doing a condensed form of Krav Maga twice a week. I am truly blessed to get to know Jennifer and her family and look forward to becoming even better friends. The food & fellowship was great. The restaurant was really nice and I loved the pictures and decorations.

My mom-in-law came over to the house to watch our kiddos while we went out. When we got back I had a nice little surprise waiting for me. I left a load of laundry on the chair in the living room and when we got back home our lovely, beautiful 3 year old daughter, Ava had folded the clothes for me. My mom-in law said that she told Ava "why don't you fold the clothes for mommy?" and she did! She also said that she was going to her purse to give Ava a treat for folding clothes and Ashlynn (age 2) jumped up and folded the last 2 remaining articles of clothing :o)

Here are a couple of pictures of a job well done.

Easter Celebration @ School

2008-03-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

Today was the girls' 1st Easter Egg Hunt at their school. With it raining here the kids had to do their egg hunt indoors. I was happy that I was able to see both girls in action. All the kids were to bring 12 plastic eggs filled with candy, stickers or other fun stuff. I know when I pick them up they will be excited to open up all their eggs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day & Happy Birthday to my nephew, Aaron!

It was the kids first day back to school after spring break. The morning was a little rough. Although, traffic was rather nice this morning. I'm a little worried about how it will be tomorrow. The weather is supposed to get really bad tonight and stay that way throughout the day tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the girls first Easter Egg Hunt at their preschool. I was able to finish up my reports at work today (I stayed till 8:30 pm) so that I can take off tomorrow. Ava's class was planning on taking a walk to the park to do the egg hunt but since the weather will be factor they are going to do it in a room at the school.

I'll be back on tomorrow with some picture of the girls in action.

Pictures of the Girls

2008-03-16T18:10:00.000-05:00

I forgot to add some pictures of the girls playing outside while mom and brother cleaned. Ashlynn found her swimsuit and decided to put it on over her shirt. Ava is seen riding her bike. The girls love being outside. Well, sometimes. One of the pictures shows Ashlynn having a "fit".

Clean Garage

2008-03-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we didn't get to the movies yesterday but at least the garage is clean. I took some before and after pictures. Actually I took plenty of "after" pictures but only because the camera's battery was dead and I had already started clearing things out by the time it was charged enough to take pictures. The top one is part of the mess the second is with everything in it's place.

What a Beautiful Day

2008-03-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful day in Austin Texas. A little bit of a breeze, clear skies and a warm sun. Perfect! And how will the "Alvarados" spend it, you ask???? Cleaning the garage! What fun! Well, it'll actually be Arty and myself cleaning while the girls ride their bikes. To be honest, I'm looking forward to it. We utilize only half the garage to park the van and the other half to fill with junk that has started to slowly creep to the side where we park. I've been keeping it at bay with a stick on occassion but to no avail it is now time to actually clean it....organize it....throw out trash.....and donate to Goodwill the things we don't need or use anymore. Need to hurry though. I wanted to take the kids to see "Horton Sees A Who".
Happy Birthday to my brother, Jason.