Just For Fun- prom retrospective

I was set up to get a picture of the skirt I sewed. Then my cute wedges found a pothole and the skirt and I went a tumbling down. We both survived- the skirt better than me- and Rotten, in the baby carrier was surprised, but unharmed. So. for fun, here's this instead today.

I gathered up all our pictures from the proms we've attended. these are going backwards from this year to 2004, with 2010 missing- we were unable to go. It was fun to look back on them to see what changes (my waist and hair length) and what doesn't (my step-into-the-sun-and-I-just-might-sparkle skin) . Hope you enjoy them.

Sunday Inspiration

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.”

David A. Bednar,

Family Hike at the Nature Center

"Mom," Stinky began, "If I went deep into the woods, you would miss me so much. So all of us should go into the woods together." A few months ago at preschool, we took a trip to the nature center, which has trails to hike, animals to see in the center, and a beautiful playground. They're easy trails, and there are lots of things to see, so we decided to try a family hike, and we went into the woods together.

The trails offer options for how long you can hike, and I'm proud to say Stinky only said he was tired once when we decided to take the long route. He loved listening for and looking for the animals.

Despite this face, Rotten was a good sport in the carrier for the hike, occasionally babbling to us as we walked. Other hikers chatted up Stinky about the waterbugs and woodpeckers.

The playground at the nature center is a great bribe for "if you make it to the end of the hike and don't complain...." All of the climbers and slides are made to look like logs or trees. There's also a water pump and tree house to play in, so Stinky and WBH ran all over. Rotten mostly tried to eat bark.

We'll be back for another hike, without a doubt. Next time we plan to print out one of the brochures and explore the markers along the trails a little more.

Pardon the celebrating...

But WBH is home for the summer, starting at 3:05 today, and we're ecstatic. That whooping and hollering and shouts of hooray I'm sure your hearing? That's us. We'll calm down later. For now, we're going to celebrate having him home for the next two months, as well as today being his birthday. I know I filled up Sunday's post with mush, but I'm so grateful for you, WBH! Happy Birthday to the best thing ever to happen to me!

I Made it Monday: Dinosaur Planters Tutorial

Have you seen the awesome dinosaur planters that are popping up online? Considering how much Stinky loves his dinosaurs, I'm just surprised it took me this long to get around to making them.

You score a bajillion bonus points if you name the show. When I picked up the dinosaurs it was all I could do not to start re-enacting this scene in the middle of Goodwill.

You'll need:

A sharp serrated knife

Toy Dinosaurs

small cup or container to fit inside dinosaur toy

soil

seeds or plant

File (optional, but reccomended)

First, cut your container to about an inch tall and make a drainage hole

Then, draw an approximation of the shape of your cup on your dino's back. Stab and cut. Be careful, please.

Cut the hole out of his back, then file away the shredded plastic. It's optional, but it makes it look a lot nicer.

You'll have to crumple up your cup probably, but fit it inside the dinosaur's back. Fill with dirt and plant seeds, or fit your plant inside. TaDa!

I'm going to admit that I've taken out this plant from the brachiosaurus and the stegosaurus and planted basil in them. Why? Because they're herb-ivores. And you thought the TV show reference would be the geekiest part of this post.

You can also spray paint these for an added pop of color, which is fun. Succulents and herbs are a good choice for these, as they won't grow too much for the size of the container. Enjoy!

shared at skip to my lou and 733

My BabyDaddy

for the days you come home and start working all over again,

or take over for me when I'm going to lose it,

for the ways you teach our boys to be men,

just by being a really good one,

for the way you overlook my shortcomings,

and help make up for them,

and for the way I look at our son's faces ,

and love them even more because they're half you,

I love you so much.

Happy Father's Day

Sunday Inspiration

Clyde, protecting our refuge.

We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes.

L. Tom Perry