tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891865678004902692024-02-07T01:02:18.029-07:00The Silva StoriesLaura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-16448923521361850582014-12-25T05:55:00.000-07:002024-01-31T10:57:56.261-07:00Merry Christmas 2014<p> From my family to yours, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas! No matter what you are celebrating this holiday season, I hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Merry-Christmas-2014.jpg"><img alt="Merry Christmas 2014" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4849" height="400" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Merry-Christmas-2014.jpg" width="600" /></a></p>
<p>This year has been amazing. I am so thankful to all of you for being here to support me. I would not be where I am today without all of you. I plan to take a little break from blogging from now until the new year so I can focus on my children and my family. I can't wait to see what the new year will bring!</p>
<p>So, until then, have a blessed holiday season!</p>
<p>Love, <br />Laura</p>
<p> </p>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-69673102195818662942014-07-21T20:37:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:00:53.361-07:00100 Happy Days<p>For the next 100 days, I am challenging myself to find something to be happy about every single day. It doesn't sound hard, but for a person who has suffered from depression off and on her entire adult life, sometimes focusing on the negative comes more easily than focusing on the positive. </p><p>My word for the year is '<a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/word-for-2014-happy" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Word for 2014: Happy">happy</a>', so when I learned about the <a href="https://www.100happydays.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">100 happy days challenge</a>, I knew this would be a perfect exercise for me to truly meet my goal this year!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Today-I-will-choose-joy.jpg"><img alt="Today I will choose joy" class="aligncenter wp-image-3756 size-medium" height="600" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Today-I-will-choose-joy-600x600.jpg" width="600" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have seen the #100happydays hashtag over and over again. I was curious about it, so I did a little more research. It is a movement that was created by <span style="color: #555555;"><a href="https://www.today.com/news/100happydays-story-behind-social-phenomenon-1D79801026" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dmitry Golubnichy</a>. He was feeling like he was in a slump. He challenged himself to find something happy in his day, every day, for 100 days. He chose to post on social media to keep himself accountable. As more and more people saw what he was doing, they wanted to join in, thus <a href="https://www.100happydays.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">100happydays.com</a> was born.</span></p>
<p>Once I read about it, I knew this was something that would be beneficial for me. For anyone who has suffered from depression, you know it can be challenging to find the good around you. You can <strong>know</strong> that you have a great marriage, sweet, healthy children, a roof over your head, you are doing the jobs you love - being a mom and sharing your creativity with others - and yet you still can't seem to <em>see</em> it. Even when it is right there staring you in the face. </p>
<p>So, for the next 100 days, I will be sharing my 100 happy moments. One for each day. I would love for you to follow along, or even join in. Simply post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag <strong>#100happydays</strong>. </p>
<p>I can only see good things coming from this challenge. We all have so much to be grateful for. Even when times are hard, there can always be a small light in the dark.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Most-folks-are-as-happy-as-they-make-their-minds-up-to-be.jpg"><img alt="Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be" class="aligncenter wp-image-3755 size-medium" height="600" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Most-folks-are-as-happy-as-they-make-their-minds-up-to-be-600x600.jpg" width="600" /></a></p>
<p>You can sign up for the challenge here: <a href="https://www.100happydays.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">100happydays.com</a></p>
<p><br /></p>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-86498288137818079222014-02-16T09:29:00.000-07:002023-04-12T11:53:24.687-07:00Update: 60 Day Weight Loss Challenge<p>Today is the anniversary of my mom's death. My mom passed away from breast cancer at age 36. I was only 8 years old when she died. I have been thinking about her today and the challenges she faced in fighting cancer. And thinking about her young death makes me think of my own mortality. I want to be around for a long time for my husband and children.</p>
<p>I have to admit, I haven't been doing the greatest job of taking care of myself lately. I was doing really well last year. Do you remember when I wrote about doing a <a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/2013/07/weight-loss-journey.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Weight Loss Journey">weight loss challenge</a>? One of the main reasons I joined the challenge last year was because of my mom. Her weight fluctuated off and on for as long as I could remember. I am sure that it played some role in her cancer. I am turning 35 this year and I am increasingly concerned about my health considering my mom's history.</p>
<p>I was by no means obese, but the extra weight had started creeping back on after I stopped nursing my youngest daughter. I knew what I needed to do to get healthy, but I needed the extra push to get motivated. I can be competitive and I am certainly a perfectionist. So, having a point-based system <em>and </em>a team that I didn't want to let down was perfect for me to succeed.</p>
<p>I ended up losing 16 pounds and 10.5 inches overall.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/60-day-weight-loss.jpg"><img alt="60 day weight loss" class="aligncenter wp-image-2790" height="1200" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/60-day-weight-loss.jpg" width="589" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">After the challenge ended, I thought for sure I would be able to keep up with the challenge requirements on my own. Unfortunately, with <a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/2014/01/word-for-2014-happy.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Word for 2014: Happy">dealing with depression</a> and being busy for the holidays I started to gain a few pounds back after the challenge was over.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I joined the maintenance challenge over the holiday season which kept the pounds off but, I wasn't as committed to that challenge, as the first one. After it was over, a couple more pounds crept back on. I wish I could say that I was still losing weight but I am not.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So, for the next few weeks, I am going to try to do what I was doing before when I was in the first challenge. If I can't stay motivated on my own, I will be joining the challenge again in April. It is important for me to stay at a healthy weight. Not only for me but to set a good example for my kids.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Two of the tools that are really helpful to me are the <a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal app</a> and the <a href="https://www.mapmyfitness.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MapMyFitness app</a>. With My Fitness Pal, you can track what you eat, how much you are exercising, and how much water you are drinking. I use Map My Fitness on my phone with the GPS when I walk to track my progress. And now, you can link the apps together to have your exercise imported into My Fitness Pal from Map My Fitness.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I <em>know</em> what I <em>need </em>to do. I just wish it wasn't so hard to stay on track. Even when I know how much better I feel when I eat right and exercise, it doesn't come easy for me. I am an emotional eater. And battling depression has made it difficult to stay on track with making good choices, both with eating right and getting in the amount of exercise I need.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For more information: <a href="https://www.60daybms.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">60 Day {Body, Mind, Spirit} Challenge</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>What tips do you have for getting and staying healthy?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-16957675614253323512014-01-21T19:22:00.001-07:002024-01-31T11:03:40.562-07:00Happy Birthday, Mom! {#62}<p>My mom would have turned 62 today. As I get older, even that age seems young to me, and already she has been gone for over 25 years! The thought of that - that she passed away just after her 36th birthday really hits me in the gut, as I am turning 35 this year. She was only one year older than me when she passed away from breast cancer.</p>
<p>I can't think about it too much or it just makes me too sad. Some days are harder than others. Birthdays and anniversaries definitely bring up a lot of emotions for me. I wish she could have been here for my daughter's birthday party this weekend. I wish she could be here to talk to me about all the things moms are supposed to talk to their daughters about.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Mom.jpg"><img alt="Mom" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2553" height="450" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Mom-600x450.jpg" width="600" /></a></p>
<p>I often find myself wondering if my mom did things like me when she was a mom. Or if she was clumsy like I am. We look just alike but I also wonder what other traits we share.</p>
<p>It makes me sad to say I don't really remember much about her. Don't get me wrong, I have memories of her, but I can't hear the way she talks, I can't imagine the way she laughs, I can't remember her mannerisms. This breaks my heart.</p>
<p>Now that I am a mom, I know how much of my heart and soul I have invested in my kids. I was only 8 when she passed away. (My kids are 7 and 4.) I think about how my husband and I are their whole worlds and I remember having that same feeling about <em>my</em> mom. So it seems strange to me I can't remember more about her.</p>
<p>I have a completely different perspective on her struggles and her life now that I am a mom myself. I hope she is having a fun birthday up there in heaven. I know she is smiling down on me, my brothers, and our children.</p>
<p>I love you, Mom! ♥</p>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-59786500821848079992013-07-23T14:39:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:06:30.960-07:00Weight Loss Journey<p>I can't believe I am going to show all of you these pictures, but I am really proud of the work I have been doing! At the end of June, I started a 60-day {body, mind, spirit} challenge run by the lovely April. After seeing her amazing transformation from doing a previous 60-day challenge, I was sold!</p>
<p>Basically, there are teams of 4 competing. Our competition includes 38 teams. We each paid $25 to be a part of the challenge, so there is some big prize money up for grabs! You earn points by doing positive things - eating right, exercising, doing random acts of kindness, etc. The reason this challenge appealed to me is because it was a total body challenge. We don't just focus on weight loss, but rather a new, healthier lifestyle!</p>
<p>The best part? After four weeks my team is number one for points, which means we 'could' win $1000 for our team! All the girls on my team have been doing so great!</p>
<p>I am down 9.8 pounds and 6.5 inches! That is just crazy to me! I can't wait to see where I am at in four more weeks at the end of the challenge.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/4-week-weight-loss.jpg"><img alt="4 week weight loss" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-468" height="546" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/4-week-weight-loss.jpg" width="550" /></a></p>
<p>I have been using the <a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> app to keep a diary of my food and exercise daily. I have tried using this app before with little success. Now that I am being held accountable for what I am supposed to be eating and exercising 6 days a week, it is much more motivating. I think my failure with the app before was I was trying to continue eating poorly and not exercising much and I just couldn't stay under my calorie goal. Now, there are days when I have to eat extra to get enough calories for the day.</p>
<p>This challenge has been hard at times, but it is totally doable! No crazy limitations or anything. Competing with a team has been great. We are all supporting each other to do better each week.</p>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-86469567506027379632013-07-03T15:49:00.001-07:002022-03-29T12:30:45.298-07:00Honoring the FallenMy heart has been heavy these last few days. As some of you may know, I live just outside of Prescott where the Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters were from. I know this story has impacted our nation, but it has especially affected me because it is so close to home. One of our best friends is a firefighter and although I am thankful to say he was not up here when tragedy struck, it still shook me to know he 'could' have been.<br />
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<a href="http://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-sT2PsL0kTKc/UdRE9NIgopI/AAAAAAAAJBU/XtpiAavESOI/s400/granite%2Bmoutain%2Bhotshots.png"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-sT2PsL0kTKc/UdRE9NIgopI/AAAAAAAAJBU/XtpiAavESOI/s1600/granite%2Bmoutain%2Bhotshots.png" /></a></div>
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Source: via Heroes Memorial Fund</div>
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My husband knew one of the firefighters and I have many friends who knew or went to school with some of those men. And even though I personally did not know them, I am deeply saddened by their sacrifice. I have been very distracted this week, so I haven't gotten the posts up I had planned. I cannot seem to escape all that is going on here. My personal Facebook page is flooded with outpourings of support and heart-wrenching stories about the families. Our local news is filled with images of the fire and the men's faces.<br />
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I will be the first to admit I am not very religious, but this whole tragedy has humbled me and I have been <i>praying. </i><br />
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Praying for the wives, children, parents, families, girlfriends, and friends of the firefighters to find strength.<br />
Praying for the lone survivor of the Hotshot crew to find peace about losing his 'brothers'.<br />
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Praying for rain to come and the winds to calm so the remaining firefighters can safely contain the fire.<br />
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Praying for the 250 families that lost their homes to this fire.<br />
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Praying for our state of Arizona during this scary wildfire season.<br />
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Praying for the families of firefighters everywhere that were so vividly reminded about how dangerous the job of these men and women can be.<br />
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I am blessed and grateful to live in a community that is able to come together in a time of tragedy and show such a great outpouring of love to honor the brave men that died on Sunday. Last night our community had a candlelight vigil to honor the fallen men. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but thousands of people from the community banded together to show support for the families and honor those brave men.<br />
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Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you. Words cannot really express all the things I am feeling. On my personal Facebook page last night I shared that I would love to give each and every one of the wives, children, girlfriends, parents, brothers, and sisters of those brave men a huge hug.<br />
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We honor those 19 men for their courage, bravery, and selflessness in order to keep the rest of us safe.Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-64665945150354410772013-06-21T04:00:00.000-07:002020-01-24T10:25:53.495-07:00We Love Otter Pops and Otter Art<em>This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jel Sert. All opinions are 100% mine.</em><br />
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True story. When I was pregnant with my son, I was so sick. I had terrible 'morning' sickness. But you couldn't really call it morning sickness. It should have been called morning until night (and sometimes while you are trying to sleep sickness). I had an awful time keeping anything down. For a while, Otter Pops were the only thing that I could keep down. Something about the sugar and the cold, I guess.<br />
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So, needless to say, I have a certain fondness for Otter Pops. (I used to joke with my husband that my son was going to come out as an ice-cube!) My kids definitely love Otter Pops, too. My daughter's favorite is Alexander the Grape (mine, too!) and my sons is Louie-Bloo Raspberry.<br />
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Summer is the perfect time for a cold treat. We love to go out on the porch in the afternoon to have a little snack. I love that Otter Pops are self-contained in their own wrapper. Regular popsicles on a stick always end up dripping in a sticky mess all over the floor, and all over hands and clothes!<br />
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In honor of our love for Otter Pops, the kids decorated their very own otter coloring pages I found online.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_mCco6lv0-ZQoSmK82eVCaTuP6dZeEN6OzfS3h4YY_pZmncaOtbrKHkfG0xEYDrwNv7SOLfWtqbOoUz-RFsR_ep8IxDN65Mnn0IDLvYMw5VlTkOjSVOYOadJE3Lmqa3uRgo-vjULMmuW/s550/otter%2520coloring%2520pages.jpg" /><br />
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I got out a bunch of art supplies and let them be creative!<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4E8FPy6cDT3xrxCHbCpxXnFzhqudikpDkr08m8XZKn73SfX7q-VvUY-IeaP6ZqANShIuPRxHSbJqov0j-PbpFLjwpYSl3Q7-tOaVjrboZejjIxX6Qm5Fh3mpuJo7IsEiN3051nzLzri_/s512/otter%2520art%2520supplies.jpg" /><br />
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Quick, impromptu art projects are a huge sanity saver for me over the summer months with both kids at home all day. I think the kids spent almost a full half-hour on their masterpieces! Aren't they cute? (My daughter is a fan of the HUGE google eyes!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/otter-art-collage.jpg"><img alt="otter art collage" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2649" height="430" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/otter-art-collage.jpg" width="550" /></a>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-47497516823166776242013-05-12T15:24:00.003-07:002023-05-31T15:15:50.788-07:00Happy Mother's Day<p> Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies and mommies-to-be out there! </p>
<p>Today always brings mixed emotions for me. For those of you that are new here, you may not know I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 8 years old. She was only 36 years old. I am approaching my 34th birthday next week and I can't even imagine that. I knew she was young when I was little, but the older I get the more I realize <i>how</i> young that truly is. I was only 4 when she was diagnosed. </p><p>So, every year on Mother's Day, I<i> </i>miss my mom. (If we are being honest here, I miss her and think about her every day, but holidays and anniversaries always sting a little harder). I wrote more about my mom <a href="https://www.thesilvastories.com/2012/01/remembering-mom-on-her-birthday.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-BiKLPHSCoOQ/UY-xIi0tJtI/AAAAAAAAH84/tYIjRJHI27A/s1600/mom%2Band%2Bme.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-BiKLPHSCoOQ/UY-xIi0tJtI/AAAAAAAAH84/tYIjRJHI27A/s400/mom%2Band%2Bme.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
<p>But, I am also so joyful! I have two great kids of my own now. My focus has shifted on this day to not spend my entire day mourning my loss but celebrating the fact that I am now a mom myself. It has been the most rewarding, frustrating, incredible, trying, and amazing journey I have ever been on. My kids teach me things about myself every day. Like, I have far less patience than I thought I did (oops!). Also, I have so much more love in my heart than I ever could have imagined.</p>
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-rr09pdpWfMw/UY-xIxJs5TI/AAAAAAAAH88/QgL4Nno_WdA/s1600/thomas%2Band%2Bolivia%2Bpumpkin%2Bfestival.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-rr09pdpWfMw/UY-xIxJs5TI/AAAAAAAAH88/QgL4Nno_WdA/s1600/thomas%2Band%2Bolivia%2Bpumpkin%2Bfestival.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>I remember shortly before my daughter was born, wondering how in the world I would ever love another person as much as I loved my son. I was so worried about not having enough love to share with them both. But, your heart is an incredible thing. The more you give, the bigger and stronger it gets!</p>
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-V2HeoWHZFUk/UY-xIUDDK2I/AAAAAAAAH80/ctewOp5Ghjk/s1600/mean%2Bface%2Bkiddos.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-V2HeoWHZFUk/UY-xIUDDK2I/AAAAAAAAH80/ctewOp5Ghjk/s640/mean%2Bface%2Bkiddos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>I am blessed to have other moms in my life. Of course, no one can ever take the place of <i>my </i>mom, but I have all these wonderful women in my life that make it a little easier. I have had a few friend's moms take me in over the years at different stages of my life and I appreciate each and every one of them.</div>
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<div>I have a great stepmom. Our relationship was rocky at first (mainly because of the loss of my mom), but we have grown to be friends over the years and I wouldn't have it any other way! Today is her first Mother's Day without her mom, and I know how hard that is. So, I am sending her a little extra love today. </div>
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<td><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-IMVnOnb4mRE/UY-y9y2Nz5I/AAAAAAAAH9U/N2diYQY8Zv0/s1600/jeanie%2Band%2Bgrandma%2Bdorothy.jpg"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-IMVnOnb4mRE/UY-y9y2Nz5I/AAAAAAAAH9U/N2diYQY8Zv0/s640/jeanie%2Band%2Bgrandma%2Bdorothy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td>
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<td>My stepmom and her mom</td>
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<div><br /></div><div>And now, my husband surprised me with a spa day today, so I get to go and get pampered. I don't get much time away by myself and this will be a wonderful way to recharge my batteries. I am sure there will be a lot of laughter and joy today, as well as a few tears shed.</div><div><br /></div>
<div>I hope all of you enjoy your Mother's Day. Celebrate <i>your</i> mom, either here on earth or up in heaven. Celebrate <i>being</i> a mom and what a joy that can be. Just celebrate! And thank you to all of you, who come here and allow me to share a little of my heart with you. I am so lucky to have made some of the connections I have from this blog.</div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-58856931953579459142013-04-24T23:10:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:36:08.770-07:00Confession Time<p>I have been thinking about writing this post for a while, and I decided it was finally time to just do it. I have been in a bit of a blogging funk lately. I have so much to blog about, but just can't seem to find the words to write.</p>
<p>In a world bombarded with social media - Facebook, Twitter, and especially Pinterest, I find myself constantly comparing myself to others. And all of this comparison makes me feel like I just don't quite measure up. Measure up to these impossible standards I have set for myself and society has set for me. I cannot do it all.</p>
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<td><a href="https://www.teandbaby.com/2012/04/i-cant-keep-up.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOzR93w6DSTWNb6qx6ys2dVG-46-JT2Y-pVPsZ42U2WZSw_Iup4SxjNvOfuZ4QnGumsGSF4_fBqNy0qNEfFY4Zc4xhUSXRvxMPA_2OcJF13Hk98bgDzUJEVDFTABFWv0mmJiWFIRKANxN/s1600/comparison+is+the+thief+of+joy.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td>Source: <a href="https://www.teandbaby.com/2012/04/i-cant-keep-up.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Life Unfluffled</a></td>
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<p>I am a mom, first and foremost. That is my number one priority, but lately, I have been feeling completely burnt out. I don't get a lot of time to myself and it is really starting to wear on me. </p><p>I feel like my creative juices are gone, at least temporarily. I haven't had a chance to recharge my batteries. Then, I read other blogs and surf Pinterest to hopefully find some motivation and get my spark back, when really it just makes me feel like I am not enough. Like, how can all these other wives, moms, and crafters do all of these things and I feel like I am barely keeping it together most days?</p>
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<td><a href="https://www.fromupnorth.com/inspiration-gallery-189-quotations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi0B_nCx83t2TJDK0w__5EOnu-dO8wYXtkRsuDKzfblypEXZ6_PDMFGxuiNuc8YU9smIzCNgs733q5iCOrj4a66yhQe0bbjOD6PeDD61zwXpQDw5573XcWt5E3fJ66zrpEprrYHBSYEzr/s1600/anything+not+everything.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td>Source: <a href="https://www.fromupnorth.com/inspiration-gallery-189-quotations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">From Up North</a></td>
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<p>This is completely unfair. Of course, the projects I look at all seem great. These are the "beauty shots" of these women's lives. What I am not seeing is the dishes not washed, the staying up late, way after the kids are in bed to finish the project for a deadline, the 2 days it actually took to finish a half-hour project because the kids are running around, and need something, and they come first.</p>
<p>I have posted before how 'comparison is the thief of joy' and it truly, truly is. If I really sit back and think about it, I love my life. I love being a mom. I love my home (even in its completely imperfect state). I love my husband. I love being able to be home with my kids and not having to have a 'real' job. I love being able to have a hobby that can hopefully someday provide my family with extra income. But the minute I start looking at what others are doing, even those ladies I admire and aspire to be more like, all I can think about is how what I am doing is not enough.</p>
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<td><a href="https://spirituallythinking.blogspot.com/2012/01/highlight-reel.html#ixzz1iYRTe6kc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70CMaQMjMWb0XXnBjq1UF-zWQmhkeF_SKOw43a5zn9ocuoNTZpS3mrxYH-jmpv840TVLoKQnw7PkYBPK1MN_VZ7aSeUCuGzo7DwD8ZzZRxFEhYJCXop8wMeTB6zJqBCD2U9yWXC_STkPm/s1600/HighlightReel.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td>Source: <a href="https://spirituallythinking.blogspot.com/2012/01/highlight-reel.html#ixzz1iYRTe6kc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">. . . and Spiritually Speaking</a></td>
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<p>I have been hesitant to show you all the spaces in my home because they will probably never be magazine-worthy. Even though I can organize spaces with the best of them, I cannot (and do not always want to) spend a fortune on bins and perfectly coordinated baskets. Maybe at another time in my life, I will be able to do that, but part of me will always be frugal. Even when we are doing great, financially. Part of me will always be earth-conscious and I would rather re-use something we have than go buy something new.</p>
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<td><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78462865/a-beautiful-place-11x17-poster-print?ref=af_you_favshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCxSefEqJvFqep3mPsxFdz1OHcevHWegr3Vkhuj6OWNqrSDjb6YYw0ZKyVAyKMHWDvo7SD9B7yFFsM-y85OWuA0nsYYrGo2WgvBKkhP0c0Gw8YkhQp45RaRb4Z57RZyMbASuRCPbTdA8D/s1600/beautiful+home.jpg" /></a></td>
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<td>Source: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78462865/a-beautiful-place-11x17-poster-print?ref=af_you_favshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blimp Cat Studio on Etsy</a></td>
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<p>And even though my house may never be featured in a glossy spread magazine, my home is my own. I love it and I love that I can organize and DIY it. In reality, there are probably more of you who live in a home that looks like mine than there are those who live in a perfectly styled magazine-ready home. So, I am vowing to myself to embrace my home. Embrace the fact that I love the heck out of it because we have poured blood, sweat, and tears into it. Embrace my home because it is a home and not just a house. Embrace the imperfections and all its little quirks. Embrace the fact that it isn't huge, but every square inch of it is used to its fullest potential.</p>
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<td><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5mj9Sn6Miq6T2LdQv9OxVjFzNCMBcxd25AcswDKddgf_I23D4a2YCyDKzaKxlQypDFM9akjhkgZ54nIGmrdTFb9eNUN8-Y84wyUbc7WimPGGZFx0foXzMT7CBtWlyA3uor4U8GMbHMgU/s1600/happiness.jpg" /></td>
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<td>Source: Hey Miss Awesome on Tumblr</td></tr></tbody></table>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-90662207095113825172013-01-23T22:04:00.001-07:002022-03-29T13:51:43.349-07:00Dear Olivia ...<div>Dear Olivia,</div>
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<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-AqG8WN7hzSQ/UQBTEYNm_HI/AAAAAAAAGLI/uJzuCn575I4/s1600/Olivia%2BBirth%2Bthrough%2BAge%2B4_edited.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-AqG8WN7hzSQ/UQBTEYNm_HI/AAAAAAAAGLI/uJzuCn575I4/s1600/Olivia%2BBirth%2Bthrough%2BAge%2B4_edited.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>Three years ago we welcomed your sweet face into this world. I was so thrilled to have a little girl. I couldn't wait for the day when we could play dress-up, dolls, and Barbies. Those days have finally arrived!</div>
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-MVDAmTH5iCA/UQBY3fqr3EI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Ang5vd2iGCM/s1600/Olivia%2Bdress_up.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-MVDAmTH5iCA/UQBY3fqr3EI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Ang5vd2iGCM/s1600/Olivia%2Bdress_up.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
You are such a little girly girl! You love to dress up like a princess. It is a daily occurrence that you will put on a princess dress, fancy shoes, a tiara, bracelets, rings, and your wand. Then, you will come to me and say, "Will you dance with me, Mama?" Yes. You say, "Mama." Just a few months ago you started calling me Mama instead of Mommy. It is so sweet and melts my heart every time.<div><br />
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-rta2rYPUJ-c/UQBY3sqjUAI/AAAAAAAAGNU/qZfC6O-GabE/s1600/Olivia%2Bin%2Bthe_mud.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-rta2rYPUJ-c/UQBY3sqjUAI/AAAAAAAAGNU/qZfC6O-GabE/s1600/Olivia%2Bin%2Bthe_mud.jpg" /></a></div>
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Even though you are so into dressing up, Barbies and dolls, you love to rough and tumble, too! You work so hard to keep up with your big brother. One of my favorite things to watch is when you two play together. You fight monsters, hunt bugs, and play in the mud! You are not afraid to get dirty and you are certainly not afraid of bugs. This summer it was common for me to find bugs all over the house that you had brought in from outside - even picking up the grasshoppers with your bare hands!</div><div><br />
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-_-InNJKuWSI/UQBY3604fmI/AAAAAAAAGNc/ZjW5ZS0X73s/s1600/stubborn_Olivia.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-_-InNJKuWSI/UQBY3604fmI/AAAAAAAAGNc/ZjW5ZS0X73s/s1600/stubborn_Olivia.jpg" /></a></div>
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You are a stubborn little girl. If you don't get your way, everyone in the whole house is going to hear about it. You are so persistent in whatever it is you want. I was like that as a little girl, too. So now I have a little insight into what my parents went through. (Sorry, by the way!)</div><div><br />
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-cTKMlW4a_jc/UQBbuO5mU0I/AAAAAAAAGO4/7Z-tLrXy1oM/s1600/Olivia_laughing.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-cTKMlW4a_jc/UQBbuO5mU0I/AAAAAAAAGO4/7Z-tLrXy1oM/s1600/Olivia_laughing.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
You have such an infectious laugh. Especially when you find something funny to do out of the blue. Like the time you asked everyone at the dinner table to "watch this" and crossed your eyes at us. One of the funniest moments we have had at the table!</div><div><br />
<div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-QQMoEw1C6-0/UQBY2Vy15kI/AAAAAAAAGNM/4szNTT-HqKM/s1600/Olivia%2Band%2BThomas_love.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-QQMoEw1C6-0/UQBY2Vy15kI/AAAAAAAAGNM/4szNTT-HqKM/s1600/Olivia%2Band%2BThomas_love.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
You have a heart of gold. You are always willing to share with your brother and all of us anything you have. You take care of us when we are not feeling well. You are the first one to pass out hugs if someone gets hurt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday, sweet girl! Mommy loves you so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love,
Mom <div><br /></div><div><i style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Disclosure: I am an affiliate for Life-n-Reflection. I receive products to try out and review. All opinions are 100% my own.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to Kristy at Life-n-Reflection for the great Parisian storyboard and wallets I enhanced my photos with for this post! To create the first photo collage, I used the Life-n-Reflection Dreamer Storyboard. For all of the other photos, I used the Parisian Photo Wallets. Aren't they beautiful? </div><div><br /></div><div>Click the following tutorial to learn how to create a storyboard like the one above in Photoshop: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XMG6VrTRzw&feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quick Page Video Tutorial</a></div></div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-32447885876948392832012-12-17T16:14:00.000-07:002017-06-09T11:49:02.711-07:00Heartbreak . . . This morning as I hugged and kissed my son and put him on his school bus, tears welled up in my eyes. Tears for the families who should be putting their kids on the school bus this morning and can't. Tears for the families that will have to put their kids back on the bus and send them to school after such a tragedy has occurred. Tears for my own son knowing there is no way I can protect him and keep him completely safe.<br />
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In the wake of Friday's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, I have been trying to compose my thoughts and feelings to share with you. The struggle comes in that there are absolutely no words. No words to describe how horrific the whole situation is. No words to express how completely heartbroken I am for those families involved.<br />
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I spent Friday watching the news, but mostly getting my information online so I wouldn't have to expose my kids to the tragedy. I had to spend the rest of the weekend with the news turned off because I simply could not watch it anymore.<br />
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I cannot begin to imagine what the families of those who lost their lives are going through. You expect to send your child to school and for them to return home safe. Those sweet children got up Friday morning, expecting it to be like any other day. Ready for the weekend to spend time with their families. Excited for Christmas to be here so soon. And all of that was taken from them. From their families. Twenty-six families will be spending the holidays with a huge hole in their hearts. How can they pick up the pieces and move on? I honestly do not know. All I know is it is devastatingly heart wrenching to even think about.<br />
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There is nothing anyone can do or say to help ease the grief those families must be feeling. All we can do is offer our empathy, love, and prayers.<br />
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I want to share the United Way page for Newtown in case you are looking for a tangible way to help. You can find the information for making a donation to help the victims. <a href="https://www.uwwesternct.org/sandyhook" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United Way of Western Connecticut</a>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-32295853779792194302012-08-29T19:14:00.047-07:002022-03-29T14:03:54.455-07:00Fake It Until You Make It<p>I originally started a blog as a way to stay connected with my family and friends and share my thoughts on mommyhood. </p><p>Over time, it evolved into a <a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">craft blog</a>. I realized I love to write, but also to share my creativity. I love to inspire others to realize you don't have to be super 'crafty' to be able to create beautiful things. I love to share tutorials with everyone, but I still want to be able to share snippets of my life with you. And that is part of the reason I separated out The Silva Stories from Laura's Crafty Life.</p><div>This has been weighing heavily on my mind. I have been debating whether or not to actually hit publish. I am not sure if I should share something so personal with all of the internet world to see. But, I also realize that by sharing, I might be able to help someone else going through something similar. So despite all my reservations about writing something so personal, I am going to hit publish. Today.</div><div> </div><div>I have to start off by giving a little background information. Two times in my past I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Once, in high school and another time at the end of my college years in 2001. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first time in high school I was still mourning my mother's death. She <a href="https://www.thesilvastories.com/2011/11/bittersweet.html">passed away when I was 8 years old</a>, and I don't think I had ever really processed my grief. After some serious counseling, I felt like myself again - actually even better than my old self.</div><div> </div><div>In my last semester of college, I was under immense stress to complete the two degrees I was working towards. I was completely burnt out from being a nearly straight-A student all my life. I put a ton of pressure on myself to excel and the weight of it just came down on me like a ton of bricks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, that was the worst semester I have ever had at school. That time around I was able to do cognitive behavioral therapy with a great therapist and it worked wonders! </div><div> </div><div>I have read studies showing that people who suffer depression once are much more susceptible to becoming depressed again. Since college, I have suffered some times of feeling not quite myself or a little sad, but nothing I couldn't pull myself out of. I used the techniques I learned in therapy to pull my mood around.</div><div> </div><div>Fast forward to the past few months. I am sinking. There is no other way to describe it other than I feel like I am drowning. And I can't seem to pull myself out of it this time. I don't enjoy doing the things I once enjoyed doing. The responsibilities of being a mom and a wife all just seem to be too much to bear. Even the littlest things take the most amount of energy.</div><div> </div><div>Let me preface this by saying there is a lot going on that is contributing to my not feeling so great. One of the biggest issues I have is a two and a half year old that still doesn't sleep through the night. </div><div><br /></div><div>That means more than 2 and a half years of not getting a good night's sleep. If you have ever missed a few nights' sleep, you know how this can negatively affect your mood. Times this by almost 1,000 days and you could see how this wouldn't be great. For anyone.</div><div> </div><div>I have also been feeling very isolated lately. I have a lot of friends but don't really have a 'best' friend (other than my husband). There is definitely something to be said for having a great girlfriend to talk to and share with. And right now in my life, there is not anyone that fills that void for me.</div><div> </div><div>I am so grateful to have such a loving, supportive husband. He is my rock in hard times. And I am so grateful that he has supported me in talking about all this with him. I have been shutting him out and that is not fair at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel so bad that right now I am not the wife he married. And I think by talking to him about it, sharing it with some of my family, and now sharing it here I am starting to feel like I can move forward.</div><div> </div><div>Depression is a strange thing. As much as you need or want to talk about it, you sometimes just can't. Some of that stems from being worried about people judging you. Some of it comes from the lack of energy to do anything, let alone have an emotional talk about what you are feeling (that more than likely the other person isn't really going to understand). And some of it comes from not wanting to admit to yourself that you are anything other than happy.</div><div> </div><div>But now that I have admitted to myself that I am heading down that road to depression again, which I so desperately want to avoid, I know what I need to do to move forward. Essentially, I have to 'fake it 'til I make it'. I have to just do those things that used to make me happy and I know eventually I will find some peace and happiness in those activities.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-vlkx6TdFYJ8/UD5hVanCosI/AAAAAAAADTM/Iz1ceP49Lrg/s1600/Fake%2BIt%2BUntil%2BYou%2BMake%2BIt-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-vlkx6TdFYJ8/UD5hVanCosI/AAAAAAAADTM/Iz1ceP49Lrg/s1600/Fake%2BIt%2BUntil%2BYou%2BMake%2BIt-001.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><p>And that is exactly what I am going to do. I am going to move forward and try to enjoy all of life's blessings because there truly are so so many.</p></div><div>I know this was an extremely heavy post. And I thank you to those of you who made it all the way to the end with me. I hope my experience can someone help someone else out there, if by nothing else than to help you realize you are not alone! </div><div> </div><div><i>Please note, I am not a therapist and if you are feeling overly sad or not quite right you should definitely see your doctor. It is always okay to seek the help you need.</i></div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-75821633750130489652012-08-22T20:46:00.000-07:002020-01-14T14:20:28.612-07:00Earrings and a Handmade CardI have been going through my digital picture files on my computer and getting them all organized (finally). I have been coming across pictures of projects I had planned on blogging about, but haven't gotten around to yet. For the next few weeks, you will be seeing some of these posts. And at the end, I will share a post with how I organize all those pictures on my computer. So a win, win for everyone, right? ;)<br />
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Last year for my sister-in-law's birthday, I handmade some earrings and a card for her birthday.<br />
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The earrings were made from silver findings and green glass beads. I really love the way they turned out. (And I am sure they look beautiful on her!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-socbIuX0Oe4/UDU_SmPsL2I/AAAAAAAADPQ/UH9GmpVNSMA/s1600/silver%2Band%2Bgreen%2Bglass%2Bbead%2Bearrings.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-socbIuX0Oe4/UDU_SmPsL2I/AAAAAAAADPQ/UH9GmpVNSMA/s1600/silver%2Band%2Bgreen%2Bglass%2Bbead%2Bearrings.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you have been scared to create earrings, don't be! These were very simple to make. To create each earring, I used a silver headpin, two green glass beads in two different sizes, a silver spacer bead, and a silver fishhook ear wire. </div>
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Start by stringing your beads onto the headpin. You will create a simple loop at the top of your headpin. Then, just attach the loop you just made to the loop on the fish hook ear wire. </div>
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Here is a great online tutorial on how to make the simple loop: <a href="https://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=691E" target="_blank">Making a Simple Loop</a></div>
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I got the idea for making this simple card from one of my favorite blogs, <a href="https://www.littleloveliesbyallison.com/2011/08/tutorial-fruit-mini-cards.html" target="_blank">Little Lovelies</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-y7Vfn8q_77s/UDU_SHsj8HI/AAAAAAAADPI/NZ_5kTc8hDA/s1600/happy%2Bbirthday%2Bhat%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-y7Vfn8q_77s/UDU_SHsj8HI/AAAAAAAADPI/NZ_5kTc8hDA/s1600/happy%2Bbirthday%2Bhat%2Bcard.jpg" /></a></div>
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To create the card, I cut a basic card shape from kraft card stock. Using my clear stamps, I stamped a birthday hat image three times onto the card as well as 'Happy Birthday'. I then stamped the birthday hat shape onto three different types of patterned paper. I cut out each hat shape and glued them over the stamped image on the card!</div>
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I hope this inspires you to make something handmade the next time you are giving a gift. I know, I always love to receive things someone took the time and care to make him/herself! Have you made any handmade gifts lately?</div>
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Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-78923591928963912732012-08-01T14:41:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:09:42.600-07:00Photo a Day July: Instagram<p>I followed along with <a href="https://fatmumslim.com.au/photo-a-day-july-see-the-list-join-the-challenge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fat Mum Slim</a>'s photo-a-day challenge via Instagram again this month. I did a little better in June with getting pictures taken, but it is still fun even if you don't get to all of them!</p><p> Basically, the idea is, that she gives you a photo prompt for the day, you take a picture using the prompt and share it via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or all three!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-BvltaD6Ybfg/UBhxNtfk1pI/AAAAAAAACtc/XDr6De4PelI/s1600/photo%2Ba%2Bday%2Bjuly%2Bcollage.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-BvltaD6Ybfg/UBhxNtfk1pI/AAAAAAAACtc/XDr6De4PelI/s640/photo%2Ba%2Bday%2Bjuly%2Bcollage.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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<div>Day 1: <b>self portrait</b>. This is as good as it gets after being outside and in the pool</div>
<p>Day 2: <b>Busy</b> with laundry and cleaning up the house <br />Day 3: <b>The best part of my day</b> - these sweet faces <br />Day 4: Family <b>fun</b> - mini golf with the kids<br />Day 5: <b>on the floor</b> - nothing! The house is picked up and the kiddos are in bed<br />Day 6: <b>Chair.</b> This chair is getting a lot of use in our house (by the 2-year-old,not the cat!) <br />Day 7: <b>Our garden</b><br />Day 8:<b> lunch</b> - frozen pizza and raspberries<br />Day 9: <b>Big</b> rain we finally filled up the dog's pool! It has been months.<br />Day 10: <b>my favorite color</b> - right now it is this really turquoise color<br />Day 11: <b>letter</b><br />Day 12:<b> texture</b> - homemade zucchini bread with zucchini from the garden<br />Day 13: So nice to have an <b>open</b> door with the cooler weather and rain<br />Day 14: Lego<b> building</b> is a daily occurrence at our house<br />Day 15: <b>Finger.</b> My nails are actually growing. I am excited.<br />Day 16: Sneak peek of a sign I made for my craft room<br />Day 17: <b>My addiction</b></p>
<div>Day 18: <b>Plate</b> - on my plate - giant blackberries from our vine</div>
<div>Day 19: <b>animal/insect/pet</b> - our outside "pet" Buddy </div>
<div>Day 20: <b>Eyes.</b> Can you guess if this is my son or my daughter?</div>
<div>Day 21:</div>
<div>Day 22: <b>Upside down </b></div>
<div>Day 23: <b>Mirror.</b> This was in my room when I was little. I redid it in college and will redo it again for my daughter. <br />Day 24: <br />Day 25:</div>
<div>Day 26: <b>Sunshine.</b></div>
<div>Day 27: <b>On the road</b> to a summer concert</div>
<div>Day 28: <b>Cup.</b> The only way I can drink water - with a straw!</div>
<div>Day 29: <b>last thing you bought</b> - school supplies! </div>
<div>Day 30: <b>Calm</b> = reading a good book in a freshly made bed<br />Day 31: <b>toothbrush</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Here were the challenges for July:
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-i0Yncd2W0JA/UBhxOdjwSaI/AAAAAAAACtk/EnQh7YCv788/s1600/photo%2Ba%2Bday%2Bjuly.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-i0Yncd2W0JA/UBhxOdjwSaI/AAAAAAAACtk/EnQh7YCv788/s400/photo%2Ba%2Bday%2Bjuly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>I ended up missing three days. I use Instagram on my iPod and don't always have it with me, so sometimes I have to play catch up and post a couple of photos in one day. I am excited to play along again this month. Maybe I will get all 30 pictures!</div>
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<div>Do you want to play along this month? Here is the <a href="https://fatmumslim.com.au/here-it-is-photo-a-day-august-challenge-list/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">list for Photo a Day August</a>. </div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-8743880268876725862012-07-02T01:40:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:11:23.014-07:00Photo a Day June: Instagram<p> This last month I decided I would follow along with <a href="https://fatmumslim.com.au/photo-a-day-june-its-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fat Mum Slim</a>'s photo-a-day challenge via Instagram. Basically she gives you a photo prompt for the day, you take a picture using the prompt and share it via Instagram, Facebook , Twitter, or all three!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-i4J_6btIHjY/T_Dnj1tHTcI/AAAAAAAACBs/6IH68kZyhQE/s1600/Photo%2Ba%2BDay%2BJune.png"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-i4J_6btIHjY/T_Dnj1tHTcI/AAAAAAAACBs/6IH68kZyhQE/s640/Photo%2Ba%2BDay%2BJune.png" width="523" /></a></div>
<p><br /><br />Here were the challenges for June!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIXMF07oGVbQqlMtdejwQcNzazmVDy7GI2U20ndzZHszPdNcflc6HSUhkTfKYzTvteDwdaFyAE7EfYZZxLqonnRrrz8SqXOX8TXOeASjpYPVv9lAKOFV673CKYV9u9PyElVejzNWWDak/s1600/photoadayjune-list-2.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIXMF07oGVbQqlMtdejwQcNzazmVDy7GI2U20ndzZHszPdNcflc6HSUhkTfKYzTvteDwdaFyAE7EfYZZxLqonnRrrz8SqXOX8TXOeASjpYPVv9lAKOFV673CKYV9u9PyElVejzNWWDak/s400/photoadayjune-list-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>Here are all the pictures I took!</div>
<p>Day 1: <b>Morning</b>.<br />Day 2: The pool is <b>empty</b> but not for long!<br />Day 3: <b>on your plate</b> - getting organized for the week! <br />Day 4: <b>closeup</b> of my beautiful garden roses <br />Day 5: Started walking (maybe running)? again. Saw this on my walk. <b>sign</b><br />Day 6: Gardening <b>hat</b> for this incredibly fair-skinned lady <br />Day 7: <b>drink</b> to get me through my afternoon slump <br />Day 8: <b>6:00 pm</b> Last t-ball game<br />Day 9: <b>My view</b> from my front porch<br />Day 10: <b>Best bit of my weekend?</b> Homemade strawberry ice cream<br />Day 11: Dirty <b>door</b>s are a way of life in a house full of kids and pets <br />Day 12: Picture of my favorite fur baby - <b>low angle</b> <br />Day 13: My favorite <b>art</b> (I am partial b/c I painted it!) <br />Day 14: Craft <b>time</b>! Just received my plaid crafts giveaway box<br />Day 15: My pretty <b>yellow</b> peony<br />Day 16: <b>Out and about</b><br />Day 17: <b>in my bag</b> - all the goodies needed to make my niece some doll clothes</p>
<div>Day 18: <b>Something you don't know about me?</b> I have a weird obsession with pens</div>
<div>Day 19: My <b>imperfect</b> mess of a craft room! </div>
<div>Day 20: </div>
<div>Day 21: <b>Where I slept</b> - kitties and all :) </div>
<div>Day 22: <b>high angle</b> - our little patch of the Midwest in the southwest </div>
<div>Day 23: <b>movement</b> - My kid's favorite game - run around, run around</div>
<div>Day 24: <b>On my mind</b> - all the things on my to-do list! </div>
<div>Day 25: <b>Something cute</b> - my cat Smeagol</div>
<div>Day 26: <b>Where I shop</b> - the greatest store ever. </div>
<div>Day 27: My hideous baby poop-colored <b>bathroom</b>. Nice huh? </div>
<div>Day 28: My favorite butterfly jar <b>on my</b> kitchen <b>shelf</b> </div>
<div>Day 29: <b>Soft</b>. My favorite blanket to snuggle with on the couch</div>
<div>Day 30: <b>Friend</b>. A picture of me and my best friend (my hubby)</div>
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<div>This was my first time playing along. I did pretty well and only completely missed one day (day 20). I use Instagram on my iPod and don't always have it with me, so sometimes I have to play catch up. It was definitely fun to capture moments from everyday life! This would make such a great photo book at the end of the year! </div>
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<div>Do you want to play along this month? Here is the <a href="https://fatmumslim.com.au/photo-a-day-july/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">list for Photo a Day July</a>. </div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-80494765791529474002012-06-02T23:31:00.000-07:002020-05-26T14:37:36.690-07:00Summer Fun 2012Summer break has officially started for us. I am slowly coming up with ideas to keep the kids busy (and Mommy from going crazy from repeated - "I'm bored" - requests).<br />
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I created a list of fun activities we can do as a family throughout the summer. Some are pre-planned activities I know we are doing and others are activities to do when we don't have any plans. These particular activities will likely be done on the weekends when Dad is home with us.<br />
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<a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-FTUto7uD-ps/T8qfyAubX1I/AAAAAAAABA4/EI_MkJ6IQDc/s1600/summer%2Bfun%2B2012.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-FTUto7uD-ps/T8qfyAubX1I/AAAAAAAABA4/EI_MkJ6IQDc/s1600/summer%2Bfun%2B2012.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our list of activities: </div>
<ul>
<li>fishing</li>
<li>camping</li>
<li>local pool</li>
<li>zoo</li>
<li>baseball game</li>
<li>bubbles</li>
<li>sprinklers</li>
<li>summer movies (our local theater has inexpensive summer kid's movies)</li>
<li>homemade ice cream </li>
<li>go on a hike</li>
<li>picnic</li>
<li>pink jeep tour</li>
<li>library program (our children's library has a summer reading program with a lot of fun local guests to entertain and educate the kids)</li>
<li><a href="https://apresfete.blogspot.com/2011/04/mad-men-40th-birthday-party.html#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tabletop s' mores</a></li>
<li>pool party</li>
<li>mini golf</li>
<li>summer concert</li>
<li>water balloon fight</li>
<li>garden</li>
<li>playdates</li>
<li>chalk</li>
<li>fly a kite</li>
</ul>
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Being a <a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/" target="_blank">craft blogger</a>, I had the overwhelming urge to go all out and make something with card stock and embellishments and basically just over-do it. But, this time, I just needed to keep it simple. I used a large piece of kid's art paper and different colored markers. Anyone can do this in about 10 minutes. It helps to include the kids in coming up with some ideas of fun things they would like to do.</div>
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We have already checked one item off the list - camping, and tomorrow we get to cross off another - pink jeep tour in Sedona.</div>
Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-49791882575697506722012-05-16T20:00:00.000-07:002017-06-04T15:17:53.869-07:00Happy Birthday . . . to Me!Today is my birthday. I am turning 33. I got the sweetest good morning from my son. I woke up a little bit before him. He walked out into the living room with his super sleepy eyes and before he said anything else, he said to me in his super excited voice, "Happy Birthday Mommy. Now you are 33!". It was one of those moments that makes being a mommy all worthwhile.<br />
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I have to admit. Lately, I have been in a real funk. I can't put my finger on what is not right, but it is <i>something</i>. Mostly I am just burnt out! I don't like to use the word 'should', but I should be happy. I have a great husband, two awesome kids, I get to be a stay at home mom like I always wanted. Somewhere along the way, though, I think I have lost a little of myself.</div>
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I am sure some of you other moms out there can relate. I tend to put myself last. I am the last one to start eating at dinner. Only after everyone has what they need do I sit down and actually eat myself. I am the last one to get dressed and ready in the morning, only after the kids are up and ready to go. I make their breakfast, comb hair, help them get dressed, get their teeth brushed, get all of our stuff ready to go, pack snacks and diapers and anything else we might need while we are out. Then, and only then, do I get ready myself.<br />
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Now, please don't think I am complaining. I love being a mom, but I am having a hard time having anything to give them right now since I am not taking very good care of myself. For me, it is so hard. I feel tremendous guilt when I do things for myself. As if I <i>should</i> be doing something else! It is so silly. How can I think I can take care of anyone else if I am not taking care of myself? I have written about <a href="http://www.laurascraftylife.com/2011/10/smart-thinking-lifestyle-tips.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taking care of yourself as a mom</a> before, and it is the time I take some of my own advice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU32J_8pojl7L2no_5zSSaFncIvUSA6-v8VCsHSnGESh-sY6fPf_eWDxYT9zEg0jQz2SduNJRhYD0sLfFWOjcBScxGkJTjq3GTvdcOal4wSFxTFZ6bjRNpQe7ts_eywNHEnAw7CVgikKs/s1600/Greener+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU32J_8pojl7L2no_5zSSaFncIvUSA6-v8VCsHSnGESh-sY6fPf_eWDxYT9zEg0jQz2SduNJRhYD0sLfFWOjcBScxGkJTjq3GTvdcOal4wSFxTFZ6bjRNpQe7ts_eywNHEnAw7CVgikKs/s320/Greener+grass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, with this new birthday, I am going to start taking care of myself. Putting my needs first. I can't do that all time, nor should I, but at least some of the time I need to do things I want to do, just because I want to do them. I need to stop making excuses for why I can't/won't/shouldn't get out of the house without the kids. And I really need to start making exercise and sleep a priority so that when the kiddos are in bed I am not completely wiped out and can focus on what I love to do - crafting!<br />
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Thank you for reading along with me on this journey we call life! I am excited to start feeling like myself again.Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-53835768959110224122012-05-04T21:25:00.001-07:002022-03-29T14:07:52.530-07:00WIW: Wedding<p>Monday was my seven-year wedding anniversary. It also happened to be Megan's (from <a href="http://absolutemommy.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Absolute Mommy</a>) seventh wedding anniversary as well. She is doing a <a href="https://absolutemommy.blogspot.com/2012/04/wiw-wedding-7th-anniversary.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linky party for WIW: Weddings</a>. I knew right away I wanted to join in the fun!</p><div>As a DIY kind of gal, I handmade most of our wedding decorations myself. Pretty much anything that you could have hired out or purchased was made by me (with a little help from family and friends). Every moment of our entire wedding celebration I had some hand in. This made our wedding affordable, but also so meaningful to me. Some day I will have to share a post or two about all of those projects - they were long before my blogging days!</div><div> </div><div>It truly was one of the happiest days of my life, especially because I married my best friend! I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and happy life.</div><div> </div><div>Now, onto the pictures. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/--F8n02E6mjQ/T6RFXL9iu4I/AAAAAAAAA4w/bqzsmG5gxrs/s1600/LAHW0015.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/--F8n02E6mjQ/T6RFXL9iu4I/AAAAAAAAA4w/bqzsmG5gxrs/s640/LAHW0015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Dress: David's Bridal</div><div>Shoes: Dillard's (clearance for about $10!)</div><div>Veil: Handmade by me</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-o9EOJD3xqB4/T6RFUFdonMI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nq5mP3Zl7Sk/s1600/LAHW0001.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-o9EOJD3xqB4/T6RFUFdonMI/AAAAAAAAA4o/nq5mP3Zl7Sk/s640/LAHW0001.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I loved my dress. I wanted a white gown, but with my fair skin, I ended up getting one that was ivory and it was perfect!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-WIdkFu98RcU/T6RFgxDbnDI/AAAAAAAAA5A/_AOl8Z7uZeQ/s1600/LAHW0236.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-WIdkFu98RcU/T6RFgxDbnDI/AAAAAAAAA5A/_AOl8Z7uZeQ/s400/LAHW0236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div> </div><div>My earrings and my bracelet belonged to my mom. This was really important to me to include special items that belonged to her. (For those of you who are new to my blog - my mom passed away from breast cancer when I was 8 years old.) My something blue was my garter. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-8LN06IguXTo/T6RFkMOtWWI/AAAAAAAAA5I/4rxxTIP90_I/s1600/LAHW0286.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-8LN06IguXTo/T6RFkMOtWWI/AAAAAAAAA5I/4rxxTIP90_I/s640/LAHW0286.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I didn't know the photographer took this one, but it is one of my favorites! I loved that he captured me coming out the door, not knowing my picture was being taken. I guess you could say this truly captures 'me'.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-bG6WWWG35kE/T6RFcl77Y9I/AAAAAAAAA44/dOzox61vnvI/s1600/LAHW0100.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-bG6WWWG35kE/T6RFcl77Y9I/AAAAAAAAA44/dOzox61vnvI/s640/LAHW0100.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>My tiara I ordered on eBay and the flowers I arranged myself the night before the wedding. My bridesmaids helped me to create all the flowers for the wedding party.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-PDEgWlGlSkU/T6RFoXivEFI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/vuut63j6MJo/s1600/LAHW0322.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-PDEgWlGlSkU/T6RFoXivEFI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/vuut63j6MJo/s640/LAHW0322.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-9nhjtu86VLQ/T6RFrvmrapI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/vQWjr9ibMfc/s1600/LAHW0507.jpg"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-9nhjtu86VLQ/T6RFrvmrapI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/vQWjr9ibMfc/s640/LAHW0507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Here I was waiting (a little nervously I might add) to be walked down the aisle. The funny thing was, I was airing myself out. I was so hot and sweaty, I think partly because of nerves. I was incredibly happy, but I am not a huge fan of having all eyes on me.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-umDBrJSwAjo/T6RFviL4huI/AAAAAAAAA5g/QGFIfCmM4Kw/s1600/LAHW0725.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-umDBrJSwAjo/T6RFviL4huI/AAAAAAAAA5g/QGFIfCmM4Kw/s640/LAHW0725.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div> </div><div>The happy couple! :)</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-1luHq9b8Upk/T6RFy8R51rI/AAAAAAAAA5o/PYgPgAp9XhY/s1600/LAHW0831.jpg"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-1luHq9b8Upk/T6RFy8R51rI/AAAAAAAAA5o/PYgPgAp9XhY/s640/LAHW0831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> </p><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-3jw6eiVV4z0/T6RF1boxJAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/cM9lr4zd-Qw/s1600/LAHW0880.jpg"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-3jw6eiVV4z0/T6RF1boxJAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/cM9lr4zd-Qw/s640/LAHW0880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-ky6dztHe_Hs/T6RKGA7a7iI/AAAAAAAAA6E/jjmQda76BQM/s1600/LAHW0983.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-ky6dztHe_Hs/T6RKGA7a7iI/AAAAAAAAA6E/jjmQda76BQM/s640/LAHW0983.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>In this picture, you can see more details of the dress. It was beaded all along the bust and halter. It also had beading all along the bottom.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-WdyH41LmFR4/T6RKJuPaJRI/AAAAAAAAA6M/MIHyaDzefx4/s1600/LAHW1149.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-WdyH41LmFR4/T6RKJuPaJRI/AAAAAAAAA6M/MIHyaDzefx4/s640/LAHW1149.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Cutting the cake - would you believe we got the cake from a grocery store bakery? The flowers on the top I made myself. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-HIjWlGOEJRk/T6RKNSwJxSI/AAAAAAAAA6U/rxObG-6rZHM/s1600/LAHW1154.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-HIjWlGOEJRk/T6RKNSwJxSI/AAAAAAAAA6U/rxObG-6rZHM/s640/LAHW1154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I was nice about feeding the cake . . .</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-be3NiM7_i2E/T6RKQrpt8LI/AAAAAAAAA6c/jW09M6TJg-U/s1600/LAHW1157.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-be3NiM7_i2E/T6RKQrpt8LI/AAAAAAAAA6c/jW09M6TJg-U/s640/LAHW1157.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div> </div><div>My new husband, not so much! He actually only got me a little bit on the tip of my nose.</div><div> </div><div>Just looking at these pictures makes me happy. It was nice to have a walk down memory lane!</div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-33023291481064877552012-03-21T21:10:00.000-07:002020-05-26T14:57:49.859-07:00Spring is Here!Remember when I posted about <a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/2011/11/there-is-still-time-to-plant-bulbs.html">how much I love bulbs</a> last year? This is why . . .<br />
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Just as I am beginning to think spring will never come, these little beauties pop out of the ground. They are so sunny and happy and definitely make me think "Spring"!<br />
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And I love that they take so little effort. I am a low maintenance kind of gardener (except for my actual vegetable garden).<br />
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Soon, we will be getting blooms from our irises and tulips, also. I can't wait.</div>
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The craziest part? Two days ago, we had this weather:<br />
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See that arrow? That is where one of the little daffodils was buried! It had already bloomed, so I figured for sure it would be dead after this freak snowstorm we had. But, luckily those little guys survived. And the weather this weekend is supposed to be beautiful and in the high 60s! </div>
Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-13263208980305646762012-01-24T16:53:00.000-07:002024-01-31T11:14:59.168-07:00My Memories Suite Software v3<p><br /></p><div><div>
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<p> For those of you not familiar with this software, head on over to their website and check it out. From the My Memories website:</p></div></div>
<p><i>"</i>MyMemories Suite v3 software is a complete digital scrapbooking solution that provides a comprehensive powerful set of creative tools no other scrapbook software can offer. With its intuitive workspace and enhanced time-saving features, this application is perfect for a beginner to create a complete album in minutes, or to empower the design pro to build a scrapbook album masterpiece. "</p>
<p>They offer an easy-to-use digital scrapbooking software that you can use to create beautiful scrapbook pages in just minutes. And sharing your pages is as easy as a click of your mouse. You can build a page from scratch or use one of their many pre-designed templates.</p>
<p>Following are a couple of pages I made with the software:</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-ddu-vuwWI4Y/Tx7XiiybBCI/AAAAAAAAAIU/r208HnHUuTk/s1600/Giveaway%2B1_24-001.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.laurascraftylife.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-ddu-vuwWI4Y/Tx7XiiybBCI/AAAAAAAAAIU/r208HnHUuTk/s400/Giveaway%2B1_24-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>The above page was made using the May Flowers Quickpage that I downloaded for free from the My Memories website. I added my pictures from my daughter's birthday. Then, I added the Happy Birthday and 2012 text. Lastly, I added brads in each corner (these are included in a ton of colors and styles within the software).</div>
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<div>A new feature that was added when they created version 3 was the calendar template. You can easily create customizable calendars. This feature is included with the software. The above calendar was created using elements from the Eskimo Kiss free download (no longer available). </div><div><br /></div><div>I added the calendar template, used a paper background, and then added embellishments - snow border on the bottom, icicles on the top and snowflakes throughout. The options are really endless here for making a calendar.</div>
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<div>Remember this Important Dates Sign I made last year? I created this with the My Memories software as well! There is just so much you can do with this software!</div>
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<div>From downloading the software to creating a page, My Memories Suite v3 software is easy enough for a beginner but has enough elements to make even a seasoned scrapbooker happy. They offer so many free and inexpensive downloads on their website.</div>
<div> </div><div></div>Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-86338067801337184892012-01-21T20:46:00.000-07:002020-05-26T14:54:26.616-07:00Remembering Mom on her BirthdayI have so many thoughts and emotions swirling through my head and heart today. Today is what would have been my mom's 60th birthday!<br />
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For those of you who are new to my blog, my mom passed away when I was 8 years old from breast cancer. She was only 32 when she was first diagnosed. This year has been particularly hard for me because I am now 32. My son is the same age I was when my mom was diagnosed. It is hard to imagine what she must have gone through. Now that I am a mom myself, I can not even begin to imagine what that would have been like. And the thought of it terrifies me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom and Me</td></tr>
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I guess what amazes me even more than the fact that she got breast cancer, was her upbeat attitude about it. I know I have a skewed perception of what she was going through since I was only a child, but if I remember nothing else, I remember her always being there for me. And even going above and beyond in so many ways. She sewed clothes for me and my dolls. She was my Brownie Troop leader, she attended my brother's sporting events. If it were me, I don't know that I would have even been able to get out of bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom in High School</td></tr>
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On anniversaries like this, I often find myself playing the "what if" game. I know it doesn't get me anywhere and it is hardly productive, but it is hard not to. What would my life be like if she hadn't died when I was so young? Would I live in Arizona? Would I have chosen a different career path? Would we be best friends? Would I be a better seamstress? Would I know how to crochet and knit? Would we have had a falling out in my teen years as so many kids and their parents do?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom with me and my two brothers</td></tr>
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Would I be a different person? Obviously the answer is yes and no. I would be a completely different person than I am now, and I would also be the same. These are the thoughts that go through my head. Are they logical? Probably not.<br />
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I was talking with my husband today about it being my mom's birthday. My son (age 5) overheard our conversation. Here is what he said,<br />
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<i>Thomas: "Did your mommy die?"</i><br />
<i> Me: "Yes."</i><br />
<i> Thomas: "But today is her birthday?"</i><br />
<i> Me: "Yes."</i><br />
<i> Thomas: "Are we going to celebrate it?"</i><br />
<i> Me: "No, we aren't."</i><br />
<i> Thomas: "But every year when someone has a birthday they grow and grow."</i><br />
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</i> How do you respond to that? It breaks my heart each and every day my children have never met my mom. And there are fleeting moments, when I will look at my son or daughter and see my mom's face staring back at me. I try to make it a point to talk about my mom to my kids, but I hardly knew her myself.<br />
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Favorite picture of my Mom with her brothers</div>
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She looks so happy!</div>
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I miss my mom. I wish I could give her a hug. I wish she could come over and take care of me when I am sick. I wish she could hug and hold her grandchildren. I wish she could have met my husband and seen me get married. I wish I could have her over for a weekly dinner. I wish for so many things.<br />
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But most of all, I wish my mom a Happy Birthday up in heaven! I know she is smiling down on my brothers and me right now.<br />
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I love you, Mom.Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-88147240097230930432011-12-24T19:19:00.000-07:002020-01-14T14:15:35.274-07:00Happy Holidays!Happy Holidays!<br />
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Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!<br />
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From my family to yours, I wish you a very happy holiday season! Enjoy this time with your family and friends. Many blessings to all of you for the new year! Thank you to each and every one of you that take time out of your day to read my blog.<br />
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I will be taking a small blogging break until the New Year to enjoy this time with my family. I am excited for what is in store for this upcoming year!<br />
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See you in 2012!!Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-62624383233112931982011-12-03T02:21:00.000-07:002020-01-14T14:13:04.716-07:00Handmade OrnamentsI made these ornaments in 2009 before I started blogging. They were a easy, inexpensive way to make some really beautiful ornaments to give as gifts.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
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<li>Glass ornaments</li>
<li>Scrapbook paper</li>
<li>Paper Trimmer</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
<li>Embellishments (Optional)</li>
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Step One:</div>
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I used scrapbook paper that had different Christmas/holiday sayings on it. Cut the words into long strips</div>
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Step Two:</div>
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Open the top of the ornament and place the strips of paper inside.</div>
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Step Three:</div>
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Put the top back in place and secure a ribbon on the top. I added some small snowflake shapes I found near the buttons to the ribbon. I just added a jump ring to the snowflake and attached it to the top.</div>
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Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-42819018680270938242011-11-24T19:00:00.000-07:002019-11-08T14:18:32.117-07:00Happy Thanksgiving 2011In honor of this great holiday, I thought I would share a few blessings in my life. So without further ado, in no particular order:<br />
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I am thankful . . .<br />
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<li>for my family</li>
<li>for my children and all that they teach ME</li>
<li>for my husband and how wonderful he is to me and our kids</li>
<li>my 22-month-old daughter is FINALLY sleeping through the night (at least most nights)</li>
<li>for my friends</li>
<li>for my furbabies - our kitties and our dog</li>
<li>for my health and my family's health</li>
<li>each day we have food on our table</li>
<li>we have everything we could possibly <i>need</i></li>
<li>for this blog and having a place to share my creativity</li>
<li>for ice cream (in particular, Chubby Hubby)</li>
<li>to have hot chocolate on a cold night</li>
<li>for snuggles on the couch in the morning with my two kiddos</li>
<li>for date night (even though they can be few and far between, sometimes)</li>
<li>I get to be a stay at home mom</li>
<li>for the first snow of the season</li>
<li>for a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning</li>
<li>enjoying holidays surrounded by my family and wonderful things to eat</li>
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!</div>
Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89186567800490269.post-63561486487901622802011-11-11T20:41:00.000-07:002020-01-14T14:10:13.766-07:00Bittersweet . . .The holidays are a magical time.<br />
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It seems as if we get to do so much more with family friends. People tend to be a little nicer, give a little more. Everything seems a little more sparkly and pretty!<br />
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And me? I am the hostess. Especially ever since we expanded our family to include children, we always celebrate the holidays at our house. And I love it that way. I love cooking, baking, and decorating, welcoming a houseful of family and friends into our home. Even not around the holidays, I love to plan parties and have friends over. It makes my heart feel full to be surrounded by the people that I care about most.<br />
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But, every year, especially around the holidays, I am reminded someone is missing.<br />
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My mom.<br />
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She passed away when I was only 8 years old. It seems to me like it was a lifetime ago. And really it has been. I have finished grade school, middle school, had my first kiss, learned to drive a car, graduated from highschool, graduated from college, got married, bought my first house, brought my first baby home from the hospital, brought my second baby home from the hospital, celebrated 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th birthdays of her grandchildren - all without her there.<br />
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I know she was there is spirit, but it just isn't the same. I can't hug her. I can't call her on the phone to tell her about the rotten day I am having with my kids, with her responding about some way I misbehaved as a child. I can't ask her for advice about my life.<br />
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Most days I am fine. Don't get me wrong. I think of her every. single. day. But the days that make me want to crawl back in bed because my heart is breaking from missing her so badly don't happen nearly as often. I suppose that is what happens after 24 years of her being gone.<br />
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But then there are those days where it just hits me like a speeding truck. Bam. Your mom is not here.<br />
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For example, at the dentist last week, he was asking me if I sucked my thumb when I was little. I told him I didn't know if I did or not. So he says to me, "I guess that is something you will have to ask your mom."<br />
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What a simple, logical thing for the dentist to say. But, for me, it made my heart break a little more. Because I can't ask her. I am sure he didn't think anything of it, but I have been thinking about that visit ever since it happened. And every holiday, as much as I am so filled with joy and love, it will always be a little bittersweet for me that my mom is not there.Laura's Crafty Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937486414150288071noreply@blogger.com0