Zoo Album

Here's a mini-album I made for my boys. I had so many pictures of our trips to the zoo that I decided to just put them into a mini-album, instead of doing large 12x12 pages over and over. I think the album turned out really cool.


















These two pages are so touching to me. They are simple in style but say so much with the words and the pictures...years apart...still convey the same message of brothers who really care for each other. <3



I especially love the humor and boys' input on this last page...each boy wrote part of the saying and then signed their name below...I like that it incorporates their handwriting and that it is funny because it's totally us. :)



I wish I had information on all the items I used, but it is all stuff I collected over the years from swaps, purchases and my own creations as I put it together. I hope it's an inspiration for others. :) The album is about 24 pages, so I've put a lot here, but lucky for you not all..... thanks for looking! :)

Rhonda :)

March Lions and Lambs

We made these and hung them in the classroom throughout March. I make them each year with my students and am always in love with how different each turns out to be when we finish. The project does take a couple of sessions over a few days, but it is a great break from all the academics we have to do at 5 and 6 years-old...especially in February and with no snow days this year it has been a LONG winter. :)



Next up...rainbows for April!

Rhonda :)

Spring Break and post-it-note holders

Hello! Super happy to be on Spring Break this week. Spent time yesterday completing the Bridal shower invites I showed a week or so ago...each one ended up a little different...but they look nice I think.

Today I spent a little time working on my DS3's baby book...a little frustrated because I can't figure out the months for some of the pictures because my old camera didn't show the date...so I made it to month 4 and stopped for the day.

Before starting that project I made these super cute post-it-note holders for little gifts that I plan to give some friends when we return to school. Shhh...don't tell. ;)

The original idea is from mychicnscratch.com. I'm still new to this blog thing, since I never posted regularly in the past so it's like starting over everytime I do...lol. Anyway, I am hoping that I'm not breaking any rules, but if I'm not giving enough info on something please feel free to let me know. So, I mentioned the blog I found these at, and here is the addy: http://www.mychicnscratch.com/post-it-notes/

And here is my version:

This is the outside...

And here is the inside...

Isn't it fun...you can slip it in your purse, teaching bag, diaper bag, or spot in the car and have it when you need a quick note. These were easy and fun once I had the materials and figured out how to do it with the Cricut cartridge that I had here at home.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'll be sharing more this week since I am on SPRING BREAK! Ahhh...really need time off.

Rhonda :)

Kindness

All during Lent the kids and I are talking about how we can be more like Jesus...and even though they are super kind and loving kiddos, we push to do even more than usual. So, this year I created a 'Garden of Kindness'.

I sent home directions and little squares where they write what they do and bring it to school. Each day we spend time talking about their kind actions. Then they get to hang them under the 'Garden' and add a piece to our garden.

They get flower stems, leaves, flowers, centers, etc. We will also be adding butterflies, bees, caterpillars, lady bugs -- and whatever else we need as they do more and more good deeds during Lent.

Whatever the Cricut can cut, they will get to add. They are super excited, and it's fun to see what they come up with to do for others. I am so blessed to be with these kids each day...greatest job in the world. :)








Oh, and how cute are those frogs from Leap Day? Each one is so unique...found that idea last minute and they turned out so adorable. Love those last-minute finds...they are often the most treasured over time. :)

Edited 3/26/12...here are some updated pictures as our Garden of Kindness has grown. :)

Xbox Birthday!

I tried to make a super cool xbox cake for my DS3's 11th Birthday...well, not as easy as it sounds or looks on youtube.

It's nearly impossible for me as a less than expert-cook to make a cake that is not lopsided as it is...however this time I actually followed the directions and made not one but two fluffy French Vanilla cakes. Really, who knew that using a mixer vs. a whisk, and mixing it for the entire time rather than much shorter times would make such a difference? Okay, probably everyone but me. So, now I know how to make cakes after 40++ years. :)

Well, making the cake is easy, cutting it into an xbox controller shape is easy, however, stacking the super fluffy, moist cakes on top of each other and then trying to ice them is impossible. I know, should have used fondant, but they still would have fallen apart after I cut it.

So, on to cake 3 and 4....iciing container 3 and 4 too...and voila' I had an xbox cake for a great kid. Everyone enjoyed the story of the cake at my expense (no worry, I am strong), unfortunately me and DS2 could barely look at that cake after all the 'mistake' parts we had eaten as we worked on the final product earlier that morning.

Here's the cake...not going to get me on any baking show...but it was incredibly delicious (they say). ;) (DS3's name is blurred, it actually looked nice cut in green fondant.)

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

Since Dr. Seuss' Birthday was on the weekend (3/3) my class and I celebrated on Monday, 3/5. It was such fun! We have a retired librarian who comes in to read to the class each month, and she always comes as the Cat in the Hat in March. My class loved it!

We read books of course, and had other activities, but I really liked the One Fish, Two Fish jello and fish snacks...easy and cool for the kids. Thanks to my DH who bought the ingredients for me the night before when my 'to do' became more complicated than I expected on Sunday.

Here is a picture, not as great as the pic on Pinterest, but it's mine. :)

Shower Invitations

Since I am officially a Pinterest Addict - seriously, I have to only get on when I can devote 2 hours or more and then I must stick to the strict time limit or my butt would go numb - I have found so many great ideas on there for a bridal shower we are holding for my cousin.

However, I needed to come up with invitations, and it's hard to not only find what you like but to put it together in real life. Amazingly, last week after my DS3's 11th Birthday I threw this idea together and I have to say I *love* it. What do you think? :)

We are also including "Wishes" and "Recipe" cards to make a gift for her from everyone. Here is an example of the Recipe part...made with Stampin Up! stamps. I will edit or make my own for the Wishes part. :)



Now, of course I have 100s of great 'stolen' ideas for everything else...and I will be using many of them with my Mom's approval since this really is her shower for her Niece and I'm just helping..but Pinterest and my own imagination are making this FUN!