Snapshots

I can honestly say it has been a full week. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I'll let the images below do the talking:

Last weekend, Ryan, Bryce, and I took a road trip to Las Vegas for a friend's surprise birthday party. We had a blast showing Bryce our old house and the park he used to play at, visiting with old friends, and gaining 10 pounds from all the food we ate. 

Food, marvelous food.

We took a tour of the Neon Museum. The history behind the neon signs was fascinating. I can now cross it off my bucket list. It was my Disneyland.

On Tuesday, I started classes at the bible college in my church. 

My family will be celebrating Thanksgiving tonight, so I need to bust out my pie skills one more time. Last week, I made a Dutch apple pie and a pumpkin pie that were to die for. Let's hope lightning strikes twice.

It's a New Season

Last week marked the beginning of a new chapter in our family's life. My 3 year old, Gavin began his academic career. Yes, it was the first day of preschool. He had been ready to go to school. Armed with a new Thomas the Tank Engine backpack and school gear, he marched fearlessly into his classroom. He was a little apprehensive about us leaving, but adjusted quite nicely.  I'm the one having a hard time with this transition. My big boy is growing up!

As Gavin began school, I started a new part time job. I'm working with my husband as we launch a new ministry at our church. ONE is a ministry geared towards single adults. Our desire is to connect, grow, and love- both with God and each other. Check us out at http://onecapital.cc and spread the word!

Little Mister, Will You Be My Valentine?

Tomorrow, Bryce and I will a making his valentine box for his upcoming class party.

As a kid, Valentine's Day parties were my favorite. Nothing was better than passing out valentines to all of my friends, then opening my box to see what was in store. I would quickly rummage through my valentines to see if the boy I had a crush on would sign his name, "From, Ryan" or "Love, Ryan". That was the ultimate question. Top it off with some white conversation hearts and red hots, and you've got quite the partaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

Happy Valentines Day and I hope you receive a valentine signed, "Love".

Robot valentine craft- lisastorms.typepad.com
Captain America T-shirt- Old Navy
Bouncy ball valentine- thecraftingchicks.com
Super Suckers- zakkalife.blogspot.com
Puma- zappos.com

Check out, "Little Miss, Will You Be My Valentine?" . It is packed gift giving ideas for the little girls in your life!

What To Give To A Teacher

Bryce started at a new school this year and I wanted to start off the year right. What better way to initiate a relationship with a teacher than with a gift? Now, it was time to decide on what to give. Hmmm, what is cute, low cost, and not the traditional red apple? Luckily, I found a tub of caramel corn at Safeway on special for $1 and used the paper bag and ribbon that was extra from the boys' birthday parties. I love the results and so did the teachers. 

Mommy Likes...Packing Lunches

School is right around the corner and with it comes the responsibility of packing lunches again. Is it just me or does it seem like kids never like the lunch that their parents pack them? As a kid, I don't remember getting terribly excited about my school lunches. I see the same look of delight when I tell Bryce that I made him yet another peanut butter and honey sandwich. Maybe my son will never be thrilled with everything I make, however, I know he will definitely be excited about how it's packaged. Below are my picks for elements of a great lunch:

laptoplunches.com offers these great bento boxes. They come in different color combinations and what kid doesn't love opening little containers to see the surprise that awaits them? 

I chose this bag because of the Hello Kitty lover within me. I found this bag on reuseit.com and I love the cutesy, Japanese look. What a pleasant looking sandwich! How often is that statement made?

It does not matter how old your kid is, they always like notes from you. Instead of scribbling a note on a napkin, give them a mini lunch note. Each card has a colorful animal on the front and space on the back for a hand-written note. Check it out at potterybarnkids.com