Craft Camp 2013 | Reminder Cards.

Craft Camp 2013 is officially over. While I'm sad cheery little girls won't be my craft companions for the whole summer, I'm excited to share with you the projects we made. 

To start camp off I like to send a little something to the girls in the mail the week before to get them excited. In the past I made friendship bracelets for all the campers and decided to go that route again this year. I found silver heart charms at Hobby Lobby and strung them on an adjustable little bracelet I made of colored waxed twine. I used washi tape to adhere them to personalized reminder cards made by Lovely Lindsay. The bracelets were simple and inexpensive to create and worth every penny when the girls showed up to camp wearing them.

Dad's Day 2013.

Aren't dads the best? I know my children love me but they ADORE Ryan. He will drop everything to jump on the trampoline, shoot hoops or listen to a silly joke. He is affectionate and supportive. He bakes bread and makes milkshakes. It's obvious why he's the favorite around here. I have to tell you, this man is just so very wonderful. Our children are lucky to have him. And so am I.

Floral Arranging 101: Wild English Garden Arrangement.

The second homework assignment from the Floral Arranging 101 course I'm taking was to create a wild english garden arrangement. This assignment was a lot more difficult than I anticipated. Who knew so much work went in to something you were trying to make look completely effortless?

I used roses and peonies from my garden and bought the rest of the flowers and greenery from a local flower shop.

I had a rough start putting this arrangement together. After getting frustrated with how it was turning out I threw in the towel for the night and started over in the morning. With a fresh set of eyes, I took everything a part and ended up being so much happier with the end result.

I have two assignments left to squeeze in before the end of the week but already feel that the class has been totally worth the investment. I've learned so much and Chelsea has been very encouraging along the way. Up next: A head wreath and a bridal bouquet + boutonniere! Wish me luck!

Goodbye, Preschool.

Our little Audrey graduated from preschool last weekend. The program was short and sweet and included each of the children taking the microphone to spell their first and last names. Audrey spelled her name so quickly I didn't even have enough time to snap a picture. This girl is sharp and capable and is so ready to hop on the school bus and head off to Kindergarten. Too bad summer vacation has to get in the way.

Chewy Peanut Butter Bars.

Lately I've been in a recipe slump. One evening while searching Pinterest for inspiration I somehow convinced Ryan to sign up for his own account. I thought it would be great for him to pin recipes he found appetizing then we could sit down and plan our weekly menu together. So far it's worked like a charm. Not every new recipe I've made has been a hit with the children but we're trying hard to eat new things and we're even spending less out of our grocery budget by sticking to the menu and not running to the store everyday. 

One of the recipes that Ryan pinned and made for the family were these yummy peanut butter bars. They're really simple to prepare and you don't have to bake them. The children LOVE them as an after school snack and I like to take one with me when I'm on the go. (You know how nursing hunger can hit.)

When Ryan makes them he follows the recipe but adds about half of the honey called for. We thought they were a bit too sweet and cutting back on the honey made them even better. Do you have any favorite new recipes? Please share!

p.s. You can see some of the dinner recipes we've been trying right here on my new Supper Time board.