2008 May — We are THAT Family

DIYP -Birthday Platter

7:00 am Bykristen

Project #1: Birthday Platter

I’m not artistic. But I’m a talented copier. I saw personalized platters at a craft show. And they cost a fortune. I made one for my daughter’s birthday. I made one for her friend’s party. And I’ve been making them for teacher, retirement, baby shower and congratulations gifts. I’ve even had people ask if I take orders. And, no, I don’t.

Buy a platter or plate. I bought mine at Garden Ridge Pottery. They were $1. You can’t beat that.

You can use colored Sharpees, if this is going to be a keepsake item. If you want to eat on the plate too, I suggest buying porcelain markers, they are a bit pricey, but they last forever.

Draw a cupcake (or something that signifies the occasion). And don’t say, “I can’t do that.” It’s really simple. And we’re going for whimsy here, so no two look alike.

The great thing about Sharpees is they wash off with ~~spit~~ water. So, if you goof, just use your fingernail, scratch it off and start over.

Color in the cupcake. Write Happy Birthday, personalize with a name and there you have it!

(Here’s one I have waiting in my craft cabinet).

I like to wrap them in pretty tulle and attach a Sharpee marker for guests to sign the platter.

You have an inexpensive fun present! These are also great for anniversary gifts too! Everyone just loves them because they are personalized and a memento to remember the special occasion. To keep the ink on permanently, bake the plate/platter in the oven on 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

This is the finished project. (This is one we gave to my daughter’s friend).

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Go for a Weekend DIYP!

1:30 pm Bykristen

I’m a do-it-yourself kind of gal.

It’s not that I’m an expert with a glue gun or a wiz on the sewing machine.

Seriously. I’m not.

I like do-it-yourself projects because I’m cheap and I’m smart.

Yeah, that pretty much sums me up, at least the first part.

My hubby and I were Pastor’s for 10 years on one income, can you say ‘Oh, the miracles God wrought?‘ He did, my friend. But we also learned the art of being frugal and creative.

I can’t tell you how many times I’d see something I LOVED, only to hear my hubby say, “I can make that,” or “We could totally do that ourselves.” It irritated me at first. Because we didn’t have the money to buy it, and this was my hubby’s way of saying, ‘no, you can’t have it, but that’s okay because we can do something better.’

And you know what? We did. Time and time again. My hubby has helped me with countless projects. We became innovative and resourceful.

The amazing thing? We could afford to buy some of those things now, but guess what? Why buy it, when you can do-it-yourself?

I want to share some of the ideas with you every weekend. I will share ideas I’ve actually tried or plan to try when I get the chance: home decor, home improvements, gifts, kids items, and more!

:Spoiler: I’m not talking knock down the walls renovations, here. We’re just gonna get a little crafty. But don’t be afraid. I will hold your hand.

So, the water’s just right. Do you want to go for a weekend DIYP (Do It Yourself Project)?

Join me tomorrow for the first one!

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A Date to Play

7:00 am Bykristen

*UPDATE*

I feel like I just sat down and visited with my friends over a cup o Joe (I’ve always wanted to say that). Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately because we’re faced with it weekly. To all you Moms with little ones, just wait! I remember being shocked at invitations for sleep overs for my Kindergartner and play dates with people I’d never met before. I’m not a popular mom with these parents, but that’s okay with me. My kids know we don’t do sleep overs and they accept the rules. Because I think deep down they know it’s all out of love. And remember, It’s okay to say, “No, thank you.” Oh, and thanks for making me feel not so paranoid after all.

Hi.

Can we talk a minute?

I don’t love play dates. Is that bad?

Just felt like I needed to get that out. I feel much better now.

My kids love them, though. And so we make dates to play, carefully.

During the school year, my kids are away from me for nearly 40 hours a week. When they get home, besides homework and studying for tests, we have karate once a week. And church. And you know, dinner and Wii bowling tournaments, together. My kids also miss seeing one another during the day and they like to play and catch up after school.

And, did I mention I miss them?

So there’s that. And then there’s the worry.

My kids enjoy playing with their cousins and with friends from church. We know a few neighbors, but we definitely enjoy our privacy, so we keep to ourselves some. And classmates? Other than an occasional snippet from the classroom, do I really know what these kid’s homes are like?

Am I the only mother who worries about my child playing in a neighborhood home of someone I hardly know? I can’t help but wonder, “Are their guns in your home, pit bulls, pedophiles?” I’m just saying.

Did you know that over 40% of homes with children have a gun and many of those guns are left unlocked or unloaded? I ran across this info from the A.S.K. gun safety campaign (Asking Saves Kids).

I have good friends who think I’m a little paranoid. And, I’m sure they are right. Their kids spend several afternoons a week in play dates and seem safe and happy.

And now, with summer here and loads of free time, I know the doorbell will be ringing.

My nature and personality demands some guidelines:

1. I schedule play dates about once or twice a month for each of my older kids (this gives me time to plan and gives my kids an incentive and something to look forward to).

2. I do not do ‘spur of the moment’ play dates because I feel pressured by an acquaintance at my front door.

3. The friend plays in my home first. I want to know the kind of relationships my children are developing.

4. I make sure I can answer these questions: If there are guns, are they locked away and out of the reach of children? Do they have scary dogs? What does my gut instinct say about this family? Will they be cared for and be safe without me?

So, what about you?

Food for the Soul:

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”- Psalm 103:17-18

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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You- A Star is Born

7:00 am Bykristen

Welcome to this week’s Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You Carnival. If you want to join in, you can read the guidelines here. A flashback giveaway next week for linky participants!

I have always loved drama. As a young girl, I would spend hours crafting plays.

Starring me.

When I got into high school, I joined the drama team. It was pretty pathetic. Mainly because I was an untalented introvert with a love for the stage, not exactly a dynamic combo.

But I continued to try out for school plays. I landed an understudy role. (Which commits you to a lot of work, no glory and a sick dream of the true actress getting hurt, so you can take her place.)

I did land the role of a ghost with two lines when I was a sophomore. The director reminded me at every practice to ‘get into my character.’ I had difficulty with this.

You know, since I was alive.

My junior year, my church drama department took a chance on me for a huge part in their annual play.

I just new this would be my big break.

And although this a part I hope I never play again, it was a true moment of glory.

Because I was born to be a star.

Okay. Let’s hear it!

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You Lie, You Fry!

7:01 am Bykristen

I was raised in a strict, religious home.

We rarely missed church and I got saved on a regular basis.

You know, because I didn’t want to go to Hell. It was dangled over us because it was the destination for the sinful.

Oh, yeah, it was one of those churches. And boy, could I tell you some stories.

Looking back, I don’t have any huge regrets for my upbringing.

Because, I turned out so swell.

But when I became a parent, my hubby and I decided we wanted grace to be the prevalent theme in our home rather than condemnation.

And so, we strive to teach our children to obey out of love for God and love for others. Not because there’s a deep, dark hot place for those who don’t.

That’s gone pretty well.

The other day, my daughter and son were being silly at dinner. My daughter tried to trick us with a story. I started teasing her, trying to get her to tell the truth.

Without thinking, I said, “Oh, you lie, you fry!”

“What?” she asked.

And so I tried to explain the saying I remembered from my childhood. “You know, if you tell a lie, you go down there . . . “ and I pointed to the ground and I laughed.

She looked alarmed.

Oops.

The more I tried to explain, the more confused she looked. And of course, now I had my son’s attention too.

My kids know we expect the truth and that lying is wrong.

But frying in Hell? That changed things up a bit.

I started to change the subject with my daughter because I regretted my teasing. But my son caught my attention. He had moved from the dinner table and bowed his head.

I nearly laughed when I realized he was praying!

When he finished, he looked at me, shrugged, and said, “I was praying, you know, just in case. I can’t remember if I’ve lied lately, but I don’t want to fry!”

Hmmm…. Maybe that little saying would come in handy, once in awhile.

Food for the Soul:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”- Romans 12:15