The Chronicles of Chip

Have you heard of Elf on a Shelf? If not it is such a wonderful and fun holiday tradition we started a few years ago. Here is how it works, each elf comes with a story explaining the magic. Your child/children get to name the elf, which it half the fun! Ours is named Chip. Then each night Chip heads back to the North Pole to report to Santa how everyone behaved. Each morning when he returns he finds a new spot to sit...so you can imagine the fun in finding where Chip is every morning! Chip arrived at our house this morning with a special note:

I can't wait to see what crazy things this elf has planned for this year!!

(Don't worry I plan to keep you updated!)

Busy

Well the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has begun! I started working a part-time job at a children's clothing store, for some extra $$. It will help to get some of those bills paid off and put a little extra away for some fun activities! With Thanksgiving approaching we all stop to think about what we are thankful for...now although I haven't done a daily post on this I have a list of 30 things I am thankful for. There are so many more I could list...

1. My Hubby, he is my rock and is always there for me. Knows when to make me laugh, when to lend his shoulder and most of all when to tell me to CHILL OUT!!
2. Emmah, she is my first born the one who first made me a mom. She has grown up so much this last year and really made some postitive changes. I am more and more proud of her everyday!
3. Jake, he is a goofy one and I don't know what we would do without him. I love my little momma's boy, he is growing into quite the little athlete and young man.
4. My job. I work with some truly AWESOME people!!
5. My other job. Those guys are AWESOME too!!
6. My mom. She was one totally awesome lady and taught me so much. I wouldn't be half the mom I am today if not for her. I miss her so much everyday and especially around the hoidays...
7. My extended family! I have 5 great brothers and sisters who, even though we are years and miles apart are there when it counts!
8. My house. It is even more special to me since it is the one I grew up in and have so many memories in, now my kids get to make memories here too!
9. Freedom, I have the rights to do so many things.
10. Our Servicemen & women...they protect all the freedoms we enjoy and sacrifice so much for our country.
11. My crafty business (Bloem & Grow)
12. My blog, it has been a great place for me to share my joy, frustrations, and sadness. Even some craftiness too!!
13. Teachers, after having a rough year last year my kids this year have some really GREAT teachers and they are learning so much!
14. My education...I was so very lucky to get to go to college and get my Masters as well.
15. My dad...he may be getting older, but he a good guy and my kids are so lucky to have him. I'm so glad he is there whenever I need him.
16. Coffee, especially Peppermint Mocha...mmmm yummy!!
17. My in-laws. They are so great, they help when we need it and are always there when we need them. They welcomed me into their family with open arms and made me feel comfortable.
18. Vacations, I am so glad we get to take one this year. Can't wait!
19. My friends, we have some truly great friends who are there always for a laugh, a smile, a joke or a cry!
20. Aunt Marcia cookies....OMG these things are the best cookies in the world!
21. School friends, sorry their different they make my job so much cooler!
22. Cupcake bites, I love creating these things and well I LOVE all the joy they bring to people!
23. Chocolate. I mean who doesn't love a good piece of chocolate once in awhile.
24. Music. Holiday, Rock, Pop...I love it all! It makes car rides more fun and always makes me want to get up and dance!
25. Faith, it has helped through the most difficult of times.
26. Pinterest!! It has helped me find some awesome party ideas, recipes, crafts, and teaching ideas!
27. Health, I am so thankful that I have been healthy and that my family is too!!
28. Doctors...we have finally found the right ones who are helping us to head in the right direction with Emmah and for that we are forever grateful!
29. Sports, we have some good times as family enjoying sports together. Packers & Pizza Sunday is definitely a fav!
30. Life, I really have a great life and although things might not go exactly how I think they should I know there is a plan out there for me. I am happy, healthy and get to take the ride of life with some WONDERFUL people and that is just AWESOME!

What are you thankful for? 

Our Nest

Pinterest is up to its usual tricks again!! I have seen many of the nest necklaces and always wanted one, well when I found a tutorial I just knew I had to give it a try! Sarah posted a great tutorial over at Love Stitched and so off I went to pick up supplies!!Well since I am sure you will want to make one of your own...Here is what you need:

• 20-24 gage jewelry wire
• small beads or pearls
• jump ring
• necklace chain

 Gather your supplies

To get started put the number of beads you want onto your wire. Then begin to wrap the wire around them.

Once you have it started continue to wrap the wire around forming a circle/nest around the beads. In between the beads wrap around the outside, gather the wire. To end take the wire underneath and wrap through. Then VIOLA!!! Your very own nest necklace!

 I just love how this turned out and can't wait to try with some different beads! 

Fall Hike

This past weekend we went on a Boy Scout hike. Now anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT a nature girl! But since a few of my mom friends were going and they assured me this was not too outdoorsy...I figured WHY NOT!So we headed out early and had quite the adventure. Lots of fun skills were learned.Including learning to shoot a BB gun:

Archery:

Even Emmah got to join in the fun!

At the end of the day we were definitely tired, but we all learned some fun new things, Jake earned some belt loops, enjoyed the company of friends and family and just had a good time!!

*Family*

On Sunday we did full family photos...and when I say full I mean not only ours, but my in-laws, brother-in-law and his family and my sister-in-law. I was excited to take some new ones since it had awhile.Our photographer was AWESOME!! She is not only related to us, but I would call her a friend and she is super talented! Here are a few previews:   If your local you should definitely check out Captured Memories!! I can't wait to see the rest!Thanks Jen!