Summer from A to Z

I always say that those of us who live in the snowy tundra part of the Midwest appreciate summer more than any other part of the country. We take those 3 short months of glorious weather and take advantage of it as much as we can. And I never want to hear my kids say they didn't do anything fun over summer. And to prove it- I have their summer from A to Z!

Asleep on the bathroom floor (Ellie) 

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Bowling, Bike Car Wash

Camping in the Backyard, ChalkFest,

Dad's birthday, Despicable Me 2

Eyeglasses for Bennet, Eau Claire night for Kari,

Fishing and Fireworks, Felt Monster craft, Farm Animals at the Wisconsin Valley Fair, 

Grandma and Grandpa Camp in MN,

Haircuts, Hot dogs (so many hot dogs!) 

Ice Cream Man, I Spy Walk,  

Jumping off the diving board at Kaiser (Bennet), 

Krolow (Maddie and Izzy) girls babysitter extraordinaires! 

Lost teeth (Scout) and new teeth (Spenser) 

Movie in the Park (Wreck It Ralph),  

New nephew/cousin Miles Paul, 

Outdoor related bumps and scrapes 

Pontoon ride on Poor Lake, Pottery painting at Clay Corner

Quarrels and Quiet time 

Reading on the patio, Rocket launches

Soccer, Spa Day Manicures, Splash Pad, Swimming with clothes on, Summer School, Stepping Stones, Sewing

Tubing, Two Wheeler riding for Scout, Tye Dye shirts, 

Under the stairs forts, 

Volume always on 11, 

Wausau Woodchucks Game, 

Xeroxed coloring pages, 

YWCA Guys Who Grill event for Kari and Nick, 

Zoo (Petting Zoo at the YWCA and Wildwood Wildlife Park) 

Courage and Bravery

I want to remember this. 

Last weekend Bennet and Scout were playing with the large umbrella that belongs on the water/sand table in the backyard. Since it's an expensive part of the equipment I asked them several times to stop spinning it like Mary Poppins and put it back where it belongs. Monday night as we were tidying up the yard Nick noticed that there was a huge gash in the umbrella. They clearly didn't follow directions or treat it with respect. 

I believe that poor decisions that lead to damage require consequences. Monday night is Ice Cream Truck night. Since Bennet and Scout didn't follow directions I told them that they would not be able to get ice cream from the truck tonight. 

Bennet cried. Scout ran to her room and pitched a fit. 

Shortly after we heard the tell-tale music from the truck as it approached our street. As I stood at the ice cream truck with Ellie I could see Scout across the street, huddled behind the tree, crying. I couldn't hear what she was saying and figured she was still whining about the punishment. 

As I walked back across the street I finally heard what she was saying through the tears, "Mom- Bennet deserves ice cream. She deserves ice cream. I did it! I broke the umbrella. Bennet deserves ice cream!"

My heart simultaneously hurt and swelled with pride. I swooped her up and took her into the house. As we sat on the couch I told her how proud I was of her for telling the truth. I told her that it took Super Hero type courage to be honest like that. I told her that she was brave. I told her that I know it wasn't easy. I told her that sometimes its scary to tell the truth. I looked her in the eyes and told her that I had fireworks in my heart! I told her I loved her. 

Growing up is tough. Sometimes I forget that it's not easy being a kid. Learning how to make choices. Deciding which path to follow. Trying to figure it all out. Just like adults, they don't always get it right the first time. But when they do- you better believe we celebrate! 

Mystery Adventure Saturday

Last Saturday we found ourselves without any firm commitments. A wide open day to do whatever we wanted. We decided to load up the car for an impromptu trip head to the cabin. Construction is still in full swing on the new cabin so we couldn't make a weekend of it. But we could still spend the day on the lake fishing, swimming and tubing.  Plus we were all anxious to see the new place. 

We were loaded and ready to go at 7:15 a.m. ROCKSTARS. Barely get going and turn around to get Bennet's fishing tackle. Strike 1. 

Stop for gas, snacks and drivethru breakfast and realize that we left the boat battery at home. Turn around again to get that. Strike 2. 

Finally on the road. 

We got to the cabin and realized that both sets of Boat House keys were back in Wausau. We only brought 1 fishing pole with us. Oh well- we'll make do. Strike 3. 

Get the pontoon prepped for a day on the lake. As I'm sitting there I think to myself, "Hundred bucks says the life jackets are in the Boat House too." I check under the seats. Yep. No lifejackets. Can't cruise the chain without them. WE'RE OUT! Not today. . . 

Because it was still fun .At this point we just kind of laughed. We didn't have concrete plans. Nothing was ruined. We were just seeing where the day took us. Mystery Adventure Saturday. 

We gave the kids 2 options. Option 1: Cut off the locks and stick with the original plan or Option 2: Swim a little bit, pack up and go to Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua and perhaps stop at Aunt Jenny & Uncle Tony's cabin on the way home . They chose Option 2. 

On the way to Wildwood Wildlife Park. All four kids asleep at the same time. Miracle. 

New to the park since our last visit (summer 2011) were 2 baby giraffes and a zebra. Scout LOVES zebras so she was over the moon.  And Bennet saw owls which made her literally squeal. 

This giraffe is the same age as Spenser. Ellie thought I was soooo silly when I told her we should bring him home with us. 

Then it was off to Tony & Jenny's cabin. The kids hung out with their cousin Morgan and their pups Harley and Spenser. They swam some more. We drank Bloody Mary's and Nick grilled some bbq chicken. Bennet took a ride with Tony on the paddle board. 

It was one of those days that was imperfectly perfect. We all went with the flow. The kids got along.  Spenser was a perfect 9 month old. The 6 of us were just happy being together. I guess sometimes you just need to lower expectations and let the day take you where it will. Take those bumps in the road and spin them to your advantage. You never know- you may end up with the perfect summer day. 

WooHoo Wednesday- July 17

Scout lost her first tooth last week. Timely since we made Tooth Fairy Wands for our WooHoo Wednesday project. Precut dowels, glittery paint, washi tape, eye screws and ribbon- done!

Scout dropped her tooth down the sink so she left a note. Receipt idea found here

10 Things on Thursday

1. Nick celebrated his 39th birthday this week. I made a delicious coconut cake. Until my birthday in November our ages say we're 2 years apart. I like that. 

2. Recently spent a Friday night in Eau Claire with some of my best friends from college. I love these people. And I love that over 15 years later we still get together. But as Melissa said, I need to remember that I'm closer to 40 than 20. Ouch! 

3.  Still watching True Blood but it is so messed up. 

4. Bennet Snapshot: Bennet is all about staying up late to hang out with Dad on the patio. 

5. Scout Snapshot:  Who needs swimming suits? Mom says go for it! All 3 girls jumped in a friends pool and ended up wet from head to toe and LOVED it! 

6.  Ellie Snapshot:  11 p.m. Bennet- "Mom- Ellie is asleep on the bathroom floor!" Sure enough. 

7. Spenser Snapshot: Turned 9 months old yesterday. Crawling everywhere. 2 teeth, happy baby! 

8. Read this last week. I recommend it! 

9.  I liked the author so much that I picked up her debut novel from the library. Reading now: 

10. Weekend: Zero plans which is AWESOME! Where will we go? What will we do? 

WooHoo Wednesday- July 10

Wednesday, July 3rd we were at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin on vacation so the whole day was pretty WOO HOO! 

July 10th

I Spy Walk

IDEA SOURCE:  Here. 

We went on an I Spy walk through the neighborhood and ended at the park. I left 2 spaces that said "Mom's Choice"  I created the sheet with free clip art. The items were simple but they really enjoyed it. Who knew finding an ant would solicit excitement! 

Summer of Scout Chapter 2

Scout's Summer List  

As of 7/7/13
1. Read lots of books. (When asked how many 'lots' was she responded, "Like 1000")
2. Learn how to ride a two-wheeler.
3. Learn how to tie her shoes.
4. Catch the ice cream man. 
5. Learn how to open a cat of Cat food on her own.
6. Loose a tooth.
7. Catch a fish.

3. Learn how to tie her shoes
Last week she learned how to tie her shoes in 5 minutes flat. CHECK!
5. Learn how to open a cat of Cat food on her own.  CHECK! Ready for 1st grade now!
7. Catch a fish.  CHECK! She caught 4 while on vacation at G&G Trunnell's cabin.

While on vacation she added a couple things to her list too.

8. Conquer her fear of spiders. She walked into the cabin and said, "That's it! I'm going to do it!" To which I replied, "Do what Scoutie?" She grabbed a tissue and responded, "I'm going to conquer my fear and just kill that spider". And she did. And we both were proud.

9. Tube behind the boat. She was cautious at first. She wasn't quite sure she wanted to go. But by the end she was giving the "thumbs up" sign for Grandpa to go faster. When she was done she said, "That is going on my list EVERY summer!

Scraplifting Myself

A couple weekends ago I vowed to create at least one layout. During naptime I was able to get 3 layouts 80% done. The trick? I only used my scraps and I lifted myself.

Original Layout (Sept 2011):

New spin on it:

Original (November 2011):

New spin on it:

WooHoo Wednesday- June 2013

Here is a re-cap of WooHoo Wednesdays for June 2013. 

June 5, 2013
Ellie's End of the Year Celebration at the YWCA. She dressed herself. 

 June 12, 2013

I had every intention of doing a Father's Day craft project but then this happened. Sometimes you just have to say "when". 

June 19, 2013
Playing with clay
We made little heart pendants. Ellie made a "beautiful thing" and B made a little birdhouse.

Summer of Scout

When we started the summer Scout had 4 things on her Summer Bucket List.

1. Read lots of books.
2. Learn how to ride a two-wheeler.
3. Learn how to tie her shoes.
4. Catch the ice cream man. 

On the 3rd day of summer vacation she her list looked like this.
1. Read lots of books.
2. Learn how to ride a two-wheeler.
3. Learn how to tie her shoes.
4. Catch the ice cream man.

On the 6th day of summer vacation she her list looked like this.
1. Read lots of books.
2. Learn how to ride a two-wheeler.
3. Learn how to tie her shoes.
4. Catch the ice cream man. 

Only took us 4 summers.

On the 7th day of summer vacation she her list looked like this.
1. Read lots of books.
2. Learn how to ride a two-wheeler.
3. Learn how to tie her shoes.
4. Catch the ice cream man. 
5. Learn how to open a cat of Cat food on her own.
6. Loose a tooth.

She's working on #6. Her bottom 2 teeth are loose. The fact that she is 5 (almost 6) and Bennet was 6 1/2 when she lost her first tooth makes her soooo happy! It's rare that she does something first/younger than her big sister so she's relishing in the moment.

WooHoo Wednesdays- May 2013

Once the snow melts in Wisconsin, Wednesday's turn into WooHoo Wednesday's. Nick has golf league every Wed. He really enjoys golfing with his brothers. I love that this gives him a chance to get out of the house and socialize with other adults. I also love that is gives me some quality time with the kids. 

This is the 6th year we've done it. I try to plan something fun every week. Some weeks it is something as simple as popcorn and a movie. Other weeks it could be a craft. Bennet and Scout are old enough now where they actively ask "What are we doing this week for Woo Hoo Wednesday?" Spenser is just along for the ride. 

Here is a re-cap of May 2013. 

May 1, 2013 
Felt Monsters for my monsters.
The girls picked the colors and shapes- I did the sewing. Templates found here 

May 15, 2013
Dessert B4 Dinner Night.

May 8, 2013
Mother's Day gifts inspired by this tutorial
I asked the kids what they loved about each Grandma and wrote it on the mug. We also made paint handprints to use as flowers, but that was a crafting fail. Oh well- the Grandma's liked the mugs all the same.

May 22, 2013
Indoor picnic at Grandma Barb's house. 

May 29, 2013
Trip to the library. 
Reading in the tub. B & Scout signed up for their own cards. Bennet said, "I'm like readings #1 fan!"

More scrap paper put to use

TITLE: I Make This Look Good

Bennet playing with my sunglasses last summer. 

TITLE: Your Biggest Fan
The first of many layouts featuring Scout and Spenser.

He's our Sweetheart

I'm challenging myself to make at least 10 layouts ONLY using scraps that are on my desk.

Layout #5
TITLE: Sweet Heart
I can't stop making bow ties for him. He's just too cute!

Depleting the Scrap Pile

I'm challenging myself to make at least 10 layouts ONLY using scraps that are on my desk. I am having so much fun with it. 

The photo for this layout has been on my to-do list for close to 2 years. Why? Because I love the image so much that I wanted to find the perfect paper, blah blah blah. With my current challenge of only using what is in my scrap paper pile that wasn't an option. And guess what? It came together in under 45 minutes. Go me! 

Layout #4
Title: The Walking Dead
Photo of Bennet as a Zombie School Girl (All her idea) from Halloween 2011. 

Why yes. . . I do still scrapbook

To answer a question that no one other than me may be asking, YES. I do still scrapbook. I recently did a deep clean/organization of my studio and organized all my scraps. I'm challenging myself to make at least 10 layouts ONLY using scraps that are on my desk. It's liberating! And I am scrapping super quick- no going back and forth about which product to use. LOVE IT!

Without any further ado

Layout #1 
One of Scout's favorite things of 2012 was her date with Dad to see The Avengers. Inspired by this layout. 

Layout #2

Layout #3

More to come!