Teacher Appreciation Projects

For those of you who have kids in school, you know that this week was teacher appreciation week. My oldest is in Kindergarten so we had to step up our game a little more this year. Not that I didn't want to shower her teacher in gifts because she is just flat out A-MAZING, but we also wanted to give a little something to her art teacher, music teacher, technology teacher, and PE teacher to say "THANK YOU" for all that you do. If you add that up that makes 5 teachers! So I wanted to do something creative, inexpensive and yummy (because frankly, who doesn't like a good sweet treat!)

Here is what we decided on:

 Here is how you make them:
1. Make a cake as instructed on the box or from scratch. You want the cake baked through and not 
    gooey. (I used a Pillsbury Traditional Yellow Cake Mix)
2. Let the cake cool completely
3. Use a food processor or a fork and break the cake up into tiny crumbs.

 

4. Mix the cake crumbs with a can of frosting. (You can use any kind of frosting, but I used Pillsbury 

    Creamy Supreme Cream Cheese Frosting)

5. Once mixture is thoroughly mixed put it in the freezer. Leave in there until its nice and firm. (I left 

    it in the freezer for about 1 hour)

6. Once mixture is nice and firm, roll into golf ball sized balls. Place the cake balls on wax paper or 

    tin foil lined on a cookie sheet for easy clean up.

7. Put the cake balls back into the freezer to get them firm again.

The next step is where it gets tricky. Mine started out good, but went downhill fast. Here is what I used: (Melting chocolate, food coloring and pretzel sticks) After learning the hard way that food coloring and chocolate don't mix, take my advice and buy chocolate that is already colored red. Michael's has some red candy melts.

 8. Melt your chocolate in a sauce pan on the stove or in a microwavable bowl in the microwave. It's
     important to melt it slowly to prevent it from burning.
9. Take a pretzel stick, dip it in your chocolate and insert it into the cake balls. Let them set and
    harden up for a few minutes.

10. Dip the cake balls into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing
     back onto the cookie sheet.
11. For the leaves I colored some of my chocolate green and molded it into a leaf shape and placed on the top of the cake pop, but you could also color some icing green and use that for the leaf as well.

And this is what you get:

Our other project for Teacher Appreciation Week was a class project.

We took 2 16x20 canvases and painted the top blue and bottom green. Then added a tree trunk. Then we painted each child's hand and placed their hand prints on the canvases like leaves on the tree.

Running Family

(I usually start blogging by naming my title first. But I'm not going to this time because I'm not quite sure where this blog post is going to go so I'm going to do that part last.)

Before I started running about 3 years ago I always thought runners were a little "crazy." Not only did they enjoy running, but they always seemed like they were in some secret society. Like they were part of some brother/sisterhood. I never quite understood it until 1. I got addicted to running and 2. I completed my first half marathon in January. I think anytime a group of people work hard, push themselves and strive to achieve a common goal it automatically ties them together. And after the physical, mental and emotional exertion (that's the best word I could think of, sorry) of running a half marathon, let alone those who run a FULL marathon, I totally got it. I automatically felt like a part of that "society" that I hadn't understood before. I found myself finishing my race and going to the finish line to cheer on my fellow runners (You can read about my race here). I was proud of those that completed races after mine. I was proud to be "a half marathoner." Call me crazy, but that's just how I felt.

Fast forward to yesterday when I went on my first run on the road since my half marathon. I've been running on the treadmill at the gym, but haven't been on the pavement since January. And I must say, it felt great! But I ran with a heavy heart. I couldn't help but think of all of those runners whose either accomplishment will forever be tarnished or they never got to complete one of the hardest things they had ever trained for. My race (read about it here) was such an emotional day for me with feelings of relief (to finally be accomplishing something I had been working so hard for), of happiness as I passed by children holding up signs for their parents (including my children) and strangers cheering us on, of appreciation for my parents as I see them on the side of the road with my children holding up signs and cheering me on as well as appreciation for my husband who decided just days before the race that he would run it with me since my friend who was originally suppose to run it with me was unable to. And then there were feelings of tiredness when I got to about mile 10, and silliness as I sang out "Call Me Maybe" as it played from my ipod because it reminds me of my girls and all of the times we have sang and danced to it together. It was a day of such wide range of emotions, but one that I never had to experience was fear. Or terror. Or sadness. These are all things the runners at the Boston Marathon experienced. And one of the greatest feelings a lot of them didn't get to feel was accomplishment and sheer joy as they crossed the finish line. Because they had to run in the opposite direction of the finish line. I can't even begin to imagine what was going through their minds that day. And sadly what some of them witnessed that day.
I ended up doing a lot of praying on my run. Praying for those injured, those heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect others, those who helped out and have done and seen things unimaginable, and those whose loved one were there that day and didn't get to come home. I know God is so much greater than the evil in the world and there was so much goodness that far surpassed the evil that happened that day. I know my God will prevail. I love hearing all of the amazing stories that happened that day. And I am so thankful to be a part of that "crazy, running brother/sisterhood."

One of my favorite things about Texas

We have now lived in Texas almost 5 years. There are a lot of great things about living in Texas but one of my most favorites are the bluebonnets in the spring. They are beautiful and make AMAZING pictures!
There is a field close by that everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) goes to to take pictures. It's sometimes tricky to "crop out" everyone from your pictures but its big enough that everyone can have their own little spot without having other people in your picture.
Here is my favorite picture from last year:

And here is my favorite from this year:

I can't believe how much they have changed in one year. My babies are no longer babies! They actually had fun this year taking pictures except the sun was in their eyes and they kept squinting in most of the pictures. But I did manage to get a few good ones.

Officially a soccer mom!

I'm so proud of L. She played her first soccer game this morning and did a GREAT job! She was running the whole time and for never playing before and only having 2 practices, she looked like she knew what she was doing most of the time. And they won 5-0!
Here are a few pictures from the game:

 With her coach

 Cheering on sister

 The whole team ready to play!

 Throwing in the ball

Go Seattle Green Dragons!

Bountiful Blessings

I have to say, I'm feeling like a pretty lucky girl these days. Yesterday we found out our oldest daughter, who is in Kindergarten, was accepted into the gifted and talented program. We are so proud of her!
We've also been blessed with having my hubby around since December 23rd. He has had to work some from home, but has only had to "go into work" about 10 days since October! I have appreciated having him home so much! He cooks, does laundry and helps out with the girls so much. I really couldn't ask for a better partner.
And to go along with that, we'll be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary on Friday. I know everyone says this, but I really can't believe it has been 10 years. We have been through, seen and been blessed with so much over these past 10 years and I am so thankful for all God has done in our lives. We are truly in such a great place right now and have so much to be thankful for.
And now for my newest, biggest blessing: a new job opportunity! I guess I thought I didn't have enough on my plate, but I am so excited for this new opportunity. I am starting my own business and partnering up with my good friend/realtor to begin doing something I love and am passionate about. My dream job!! Its called OSD: Organizing, Staging and Decorating. One aspect of it will be working with Michelle Rowe, Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens, Gary Greene. I will be consulting with her listing clients regarding staging advice, implementing the staging and then taking pictures for her listings. I was blessed with my first job this weekend. She listed the house on Monday and on Wednesday had an offer! Here are a few before and after pictures:

And here are a few of my favorites of the house:

I am so thankful for this opportunity. And not only will I be staging homes, but I will be offering organizing and decorating services. These are all something I'm very passionate about and enjoy so much. Each day I pray for God's guidance and I truly feel He has led me to this amazing opportunity and I can't wait to see what all is in store!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 107:1 

Happy Valentine's Day!

"I really 'DIG' you Valentine!"   

Easy Weeknight Taco Soup

My family will probably tell you I make this way too much, but it's easy, cheap and quick. It makes a great last minute, throw together meal (which is usually how I cook) and only uses one pot. Oh yeah, and it taste good too! Here is the recipe:
2 lbs. hamburger
1 packet of taco season mix
1 small onion, diced
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn
1 can of diced tomatoes

Brown the hamburger meat in large pot. Add the taco season packet. Combine. Add onions and cook until onions are soft. Add cans of kidney beans, black beans, corn and diced tomatoes. Cook on medium to low heat for approximately 15 minutes or until slowly boiling. Serve in bowls and top bowls of soup with desired toppings. We like shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips. My husband likes to add jalapenos too!

Dry Erase Calendar

 I custom made this cute Dry Erase Calendar as a special request for the store, Belles and Beaus Boutique, that I sell some of my things in. I think it turned out to be one of my new favorite things. You can write on it with a dry erase marker and simply wipe it clean and start over every month (or throughout the month if you schedule is anything like mine.....always changing!)

My husband has a crazy work schedule so I'm always having to cross out things on my paper calendar and re-write them on different dates. This kills my OCD self and I've learned to write it all down in pencil, but you can still see the marks even after you erase it!

And this calendar is 16x20 so there is plenty of room to get it all on there!! You can find more details about it on my Facebook store here. And right now you can enter to win a chance for a $30 gift card! Go to facebook.com/blueliliesdesigns to get more details in how you can enter to win!

My first half marathon is in the books!

I did it!!

With an official time of 2 hours, 7 minutes and 49 seconds I completed my first half marathon! 

Let me start at the beginning. I started prepping a week before the race. My race was on Sunday, January 27th and unfortunately on the Sunday prior to my race I got food poisoning. But I quickly got over it and on Monday I started drinking as much water as I could throughout the day. My tumbler was full of water and by my side for the next 6 days. I knew hydrating myself was going to be crucial. I ran my final run on Wednesday. I ran 6 miles and then rested for the rest of the week. On Thursday I started carbing up. I didn't over do it, but didn't feel bad eating those carbs either. I had pasta for dinner Thursday night, spaghetti for dinner Friday night and then pizza for dinner on Saturday night before the race. So at that point I had the carbs and water covered. I also drank a few Gatorades on Friday and Saturday to get those extra electrolytes. 

The week before my race my friend, who I was suppose to run the race with, decided that for many reasons she was not going to be able to run it. I totally understood, but she was my partner for my first race so I was a little bummed we couldn't run this one together too. BUT, my amazing husband immediately stepped up and volunteered to "run it with me." He had not been training for a race, so I was a little hesitant. But he was the one who got me into running 2 years ago after he ran his first FULL marathon. So I knew he was capable, but still nervous for him. He assured me he would take it easy and start out with me but did not plan on keeping up with me. This meant the world to me! I was already a little nervous about the race and the thought of having to do it all by myself was something I didn't want to do. So I was so grateful when he came to my rescue.

On Saturday my Mom and sister-in-law helped the girls make signs to hold up for us. They were so excited to do this!

Saturday night we went to bed around 9:00, but it was a very restless night for me with not a whole lot of sleep. We had to wake up at 4:45 a.m. We were on the road shortly after 5. I had grabbed some greek yogurt, a banana and some Gatorade to eat on the way there. We had about a 40 minute drive there so it gave me some time to wake up, eat and get my nerves calmed. But honestly, I wasn't that nervous. We got parked easily and headed to the event. I wanted to go ahead and go to the bathroom and thankfully I did because the line was CRAZY and getting through the line took up most of the time until it was race time. 7:00 was race time. I was ready to go! Actually, I was ready to get it over with!! I wanted to conquer this and get it behind me.

We started the race and the hubby and I stayed together for about a mile. It was so crowded and hard to navigate through the people that we lost each other pretty quickly. I was kind of upset because I didn't get to tell him goodbye or good luck, but thankfully in the beginning there were a couple of loops where we got to pass by each other and give each other a high five and thumbs up. It was just what I needed to keep me going. 

 The first 6 miles felt great and went by so quickly. They were also the most emotional. I was so happy and in awe that I was getting to run this race, laughed when I saw some of the amazing signs the crowd was holding up, near tears when I saw the children holding up signs for their parents, and dancing when my girls favorite song "Call Me Maybe" came on my playlist. THEN, I knew my parents, girls and sisters-in-law were right past the 6 mile marker and my excitement was growing. I couldn't wait to see them! At this point I was running a pace of 9:43-9:54. I was so happy with that because I wanted to stay around a 10 minute pace but felt I was going much slower.

Finally around mile 6 I saw my family. What a beautiful sight it was! 

 

(Here are 2 of the 6 of them)

I had originally planned on stopping to take a picture with them, but they were on the other side of the road so I couldn't really get to them. However, the hubby made a stop to get some love.

 I soon after stopped for a quick bathroom break. This threw me off for a little bit. It was hard for me to get back into it. Plus after mile 6 the fans kind of disappeared and the scenery wasn't nearly as great. But by mile 7 I was going again. Then around mile 8 there were 2 slight hills. That was another hurdle, but I got through it. Mile 10 is where I hit my wall. During my training I was only able to get up to 10 miles and my body knew it. Thankfully around mile 10 is where I crossed paths with hubby again. He encouraged me and gave me that fuel I needed. At this point I had not stopped to walk except for 4 water stops to grab a quick swallow of water and a bathroom break and I was not about to walk now! I knew I was about to see my family again around mile 11 so I kept going with the anticipation of seeing my girls. It was amazing how they were at the miles I needed to see them the most. When I saw them I was still at such a great pace I couldn't make myself stop. So I got high fives and the encouragements I needed to get me to mile 12.

 I knew I was so close but I was struggling pretty bad. I kept up the pace, but I was hurting. At the end of the race we turned off of the main road and headed down the entrance to the University of Houston at Sugar Land to the finish line. Once I turned down University Road I started sprinting. It might have been a quarter of a mile, but I ran as fast as my legs would allow me. I crossed that finish line with a lump in my throat. I was first of all amazed to see that the clock said 2 hours and 9 minutes because my goal was to be under 2 hours and 30 minutes and then my second goal was to maintain a 10 minute mile pace for at least half of the race and I knew I was under that for the whole race. I actually ran to the finish line so fast that my family had just made it there when they heard my name announced. 

 

It felt so amazing when they put that medal on my neck. And then to see my parents and girls was such an emotional moment. It was so special to have them there. 

Me and my Dad. (I sadly didn't get a picture with my Mom)

 My biggest fans!

After I finished, stretched and drank some water we headed over to the tents and got some goodies and snacks. Then we headed over to the finish line to wait for hubby to come in. His sister and sister-in-law were waiting at mile 11 to see him and let us know when he was getting close. They finally called and so once we spotted him the girls and I went and ran the rest of the way in with him. 

 

His time was 3 hours and 3 minutes. I was so proud of him and amazed that he ran a half marathon with no training! And I am even more thankful we got to do this together.

 

 

I am so thankful God has given me the ability to run because 2 1/2 years ago I would have told you there was no way I could ever do it. And I am also thankful for my amazing family. They truly made it an amazing experience.