First Day of School...Where did the years go?

Today I sent my only daughter off to her last day of high school. I can't believe how quickly the years have gone. As I look at these pictures I realize that we really only get these sweet children for a little while. I am so grateful to be her mom.
I also realize it's a good thing I only had one girl... I really don't know how to do hair... Poor Haley!

Silhouettes... Check! One bucket list item completed.

 I've seen silhouettes and have always wanted to make them. I thought they were difficult... at least the tutorials I had seen seemed time consuming. Then I saw this tutorial on Pinterest. It finally made sense to me and seemed simple enough that even I could do it. 
Here are some simplified directions:  (read tutorial from Pinterest for more detailed information) 

Take a profile picture in front of a window. Print out picture on regular paper  to fit frame.

Tape photo onto black scrapbooking paper and cut around edges with an exacto knife.

This gives you your silhouette. Mount this onto heavy drawing paper that has been cut to fit frame and write child's name and the year below.  

I have been collecting oval frames at Goodwill for a while. I spray painted them all black.  I added the pictures. It is fun to see the differences and similarities between my kids. I love the finished product. 

This hand is your hand...

After being inspired by this pin on Pinterest. I enlisted my kids to help show our patriotic spirit. Even my 2 year old was game and after watching his brother, did a great job. I mounted them on scrapbook paper and put them in frames from the dollar store. It was super easy and fun. 

Zinnias!

My favorite garden expert at Home Depot told me about planting Zinnia seeds. I was skeptical. Not much grows in the Arizona heat. I planted them in a grow box in my garden for cutting and in my front flower beds. The result.... beautiful flowers! My new favorite summer flower!

Christmas Caramels

  

Pinterest made me do it.

I have realized something about myself this year. Decorating is a stress reliever and fun for me. It doesn't stress me out, I look forward to an hour or two at night (or when a certain crazy toddler is napping) when I can decorate. My life is really crazier than it has ever been, but this Christmas I have enjoyed copying a few projects I've seen on Pinterest.  What an amazing resource to access the creativity of others!

Pinterest:

My interpretation:

Pinterest:

My interpretation: I pulled this from things I already had and made it pretty quickly. It was so much fun!

Pinterest: 

My interpretation: I could not believe my luck when I found this wooden hand carved out trough at Goodwill for $5.99. Amazing. I love Goodwill!

Pinterest: 

My interpretation: 

I had the best time the other night making my first homemade ornaments in years. I forgot how much I loved making things like that. I think I may just have to start up another ornament exchange next year. 

Pinterest: 

My interpretation: I found the wise men at Goodwill. They were 2.99 each and are hand painted and signed on the bottom from 1971. Amazing. I love them.

I Believe.

I decided a few years ago to narrow my Christmas decorations down a little and focus on a couple of things. Trees, nativities and Santas. It has been fun finding ones I love. I have purchased almost all from Goodwill. My mom has been nice enough to give me a couple as well. I didn't realize how big my collection had gotten until I got them out this year.