My friend Jess posted the following video on her blog the other day and I thought it was just wonderful.

The film is about a little boy who creates his own arcade out of cardboard boxes and how a filmmaker makes his dream come true.

I particularly love this story because it is about a child using his imagination to create something. In my opinion, that’s what childhood is about. Too often we have kids on video games, computers, leapsters, gameboys, or ipads to keep them occupied.

Instead, give them a box and see what they can create. I’m sure it will be a much more meaningful experience. Just think of all the brainstorming and problem solving involved with creating this arcade.

Watch the film. I promise you will love it.

Inspired?

One of my March goals was to complete a family art piece for our hallway.

Long ago I saw something similar to this piece and I knew I wanted to make one for our house.

source

My sister gave me a picture she no longer needed (Kelly, it’s the train picture from ZGalleria) and I held onto it for several years. Actually last year I spray painted the canvas white in an attempt at starting this project but sadly I never got any farther and it just sat in the garage.

Two weeks ago I finally completed the piece and just love it.

A look down the hallway

1) Spray paint canvas white

2) Cut out words on silhouette machine

3) Place the vinyl words on the canvas

4) Spray paint the canvas black

5) Peel off letters

6) Spend hours going over white area with white paint pen due to black paint “bleeding.”

I just bought 3 gallons of ice cream at the store yesterday because it was on sale, no other reason.

So yes, we do A LOT of ice cream.

We haven’t been at home much during this spring break so I’ve got nothing for you today.

Come back tomorrow when I share a sweet snack we made today which has everyone in our family wanting more.

Of course, I have discovered a helpful little tidbit of info today which I should share with you – When you google “yummy images,” you don’t always get something related to food – got the “heebie jeebies” now?

Life is funny.

And sad.

And joyful.

Yesterday there was no post because I was honestly not feeling witty or funny or crafty.

It’s been one year since I had to deliver my little guy in the hospital and say goodbye at the same time.

I know everyone is saying, “Aren’t you over it yet?”

While I know I will never forget that experience, I have moved on and find tons of joy in my life. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

It’s just that in the days building up to yesterday I was flooded with lots of memories which are still painful to remember.

So there was no post.

And then life gives you a wake up call that says, “That was enough saddness for the day, time to be thankful.”

I received an email from a friend telling me she has taken her nephew in for several months while his parents try and get their act together.

About an hour later I got an  email from another friend saying foster care is near and dear to her heart and she was organizing a project where duffle bags are collected for kids who have been abused or neglected.

She wrote,”They often leave their homes with all of their belongings placed in a black garbage bag – with the unspoken message that they and all of their belongings are no better than trash. The goal of this effort is to provide a child with a nice bag filled with essential items (like underwear and toothbrushes) that they can call their own and help provide comfort as they transition.”

These two emails gave me the momentum I needed to “do something” yesterday. What are the chances I would receive two emails on foster care in the same day when I’ve never received even one?

I gathered what items I could find at home and bought some to fill a box to send to my friend.

My day started slowly and sadly but it ended with a thankful feeling in my heart.

Thankful I have three healthy children.

Thankful I can give those kids a hug everyday.

Thankful for my husband.

Thankful for women who love and take care of others who are in need.

Thankful for a drawer full of clean underwear.

Thankful for my life.

Yesterday was a big day for me . You see, I got my car detailed. Remember my goal of “figuring out how to keep my car clean,” well I took the first step today. I cleaned out the car completely and took it to get professionally cleaned.

Here’s the nightmare before:

I emptied out approximately…

One hour and $55 dollars later it was AMAZING! I have never spent money to have anyone clean the inside or outside of my car but I can highly recommend it now.

When we got in I said, “Just smell that new car smell.”

Andrew quickly responded, “Don’t worry that will go away soon.”

So now I’ve got to keep the car clean…I’m thinking my method will involve designated boxes and lots of reminding. Any tips before I get started on this master car cleaning plan?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

What’s the perfect Valentine’s dinner to you?

Roses, french restaurant, a quiet atmosphere, candles?

Well, for this momma who has finally gotten sick after playing nurse to her kiddos for the past three weeks, this was the perfect Valentine’s night….

At home with pizza, hats, and presents.

Dinner with Davey Crockett….

Dinner with Snow White…

 Dinner with Harry Potter…

Dinner with…the ice cream man

Dinner with…a ZZ Top fan…I’m warning you this is a sick looking lady

Opening milk straws and books from mom and dad….

Yep, that was the perfect Valentine’s for me this year.

Our Mardi Gras party was this past weekend and I think it was a big success.

I’ll share more on it later but thought I’d share the door wreath I wiped up a few days before the party.

I took a foam wreath and …

I chose to use purple and pink beads instead of the typical Mardi Gras colors of green, purple, and gold, since our party was right around Valentine’s Day.

Mardi Gras is exactly a week away – hurry up and go order your king cake!

First it was this…

Then this…

And then this…

I am obviously a very slow learner.

Is anyone else spending a fortune on products which are supposed to last for 52 uses but you only get one use since your two year old considers them shower toys?