Well....Hello there! I'm back!

     I  know I've been gone for awhile,but I'm back.  Crafting, writing, blogging away!   I have decided to pour everything I own into myself and just go for it.  I've been busy writing kids books and I am now in the process of trying to get them published.

   I'm a little scared,but I decided better being scared than always wondering what if.

   Don't worry, I will keep you posted. I will also  be sharing some of my writing here on my blog.
 
     I also have some wonderful news!  I have lost  at least 40 pounds!   I'm so happy!  I can now where the same shirts as my girls!  Don't you just love when your wardrobe  doubles in size  and it doesn't cost you a thing.  I hope you are all doing well and stay with me on my journey of discovering life!

 

Rainny day fun

  Well... with Iowa weather you just never know what its going to be like. One day its sunny and 50 and the next its freezing rain. Yup! Today its freezing rain out, so all 6 of us are stuck inside for the day.  God help us all. lol

  I took the day to catch up on some much over do crafting and computer work that need to get done.  All while answering every "Mom, I wanna watch this, or Mom bubba won't leave me alone call in the house from the kiddos.  The house seems so big at times,but when we are all stuck inside because of weather it seems to shrink in size. lol

Here are some of my fun crafts from today along with the ornaments from the order I was working on before.  I just loved how everything came out.


  I hope wherever you are  you are safe and warm tonight.

   

New Year, New things?

  Well.... it is now the 8th day of the new year. Can't really say alot has changed.  My kids went back to school today. The house is so quiet without them in it.   It will be really different when they move out in a few years. Not too sure I'm gonna like that.


  Anywhoo, this is a new year and lots of new things for me to try.  I found lots of new crafts I would like to do like: the ruffle scarf. Have you seen these?  I just love them!  I found the yarn and hoping this weekend to make one. Stay tuned. 


  Right now, I'm finishing up an order I got. Having fun making these ornaments.   I will have to post some pictures later when they are done.


  I'm also getting geared up for another craft show in March. I have to figure out what I'm gonna make for this.  My kids are excited too, because I let them sell some of their creations too.


   I've decide I'm gonna try and publish an e book on Barnes and Noble site. Wish me luck!


  What kind of new things are you trying this year?  I would love to hear all about your upcoming adventures. Leave me a comment!


  Have a Happy time in the New year!

Blessings!

2nd day of the New year!

   Well.... it is officially the second day of the new year. 2013, can hardly believe it! 2012 has just flown by!  Had a lot of ups and downs that year. Hoping for the best in 2013. 

   I thought this first post for 2013 I would recap some of my fond memories of 2012.

  So many new adventures happened. I started my business, started this awesome blog, I took a chance and sent in a book idea. No I haven't heard back from them yet,but that's okay. I did it, that's all that matters.  I tried. I haven't given up yet though.

 I   went and did my first craft show!   I started the Iowa chapter of Hats for hope initiative. Thanks to an awesome girl named Emily for inspiring so many people.   Had so many great memories with my family. 


   2012 was a great year despite the troubles. I can't wait for all the adventures that 2013 has for myself and my family.


   I don't really do resolutions,but I do  like to set goals and see if I  can come close, I know it kinda sounds the same,but  its not. lol

This year I hope  to expand my business, do more craft shows, maybe join farmers market, try to blog at least once a week, sorry got a little behind in 2012. Most of all I'm going to enjoy my family more and remember to look for at least one good thing each day.

    I honestly believe that every day  has at least one good thing in it and sometimes we really have to look for it. I'm gonna focus more on the good this year and try not to let the bad weigh me down.


   Hoping everyone has a Great New Year 2013 is where its at!  Happy New Year everyone!

First Craft show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  I'm so excited, at the beginning of December I got to partcicpate in my first craft show!    It was so much fun!    This one sounded like so much fun! The whole thing was geared  towards the kids. Like a secret santa. A place for kids to shop.  Adults too,but it was all geared towards the little ones. No one minded little ones looking and touching their items, asking questions.
    They even had a gift wrapping station!  Such a blast!

   The people that  were running it did an amazing job organizing it!  They were so friendly and helpful!  They made me more excited for this new adventure of mine.
   There was so many great crafters,  lots of  fun and nice people to talk to.  So many people came!

  Oh did mention even the big guy came by? Yup! That's right even Santa came by for a visit!  I can't mention enough how much fun this was.
 
       My son had  so much fun shopping at all the different vendors.  He got all his  christmas shopping done in one afternoon. It was so much fun watching him decide what to get each person he was shopping for.

   I have to admitt though, I was a little nervous. what if they didn't like my items?  Who am I gonna talk to?   Is this even worth my time? Am I just being silly?



   Well..... it was amazing, so many people was  shopping, talking, and  having a good time. The afternoon flew by!


  I'm so glad  I ventured out of my comfort zone and tried this new experience. I hope to  try some more in the next year, especially if these ladies run one again!

    Here are some pictures from that day!

 Have  a blessed night!

Yarn Prty | Wheatley | Online Store Powered by Storenvy

Yarn Prty | Wheatley | Online Store Powered by Storenvy

The Principal's Blog: Salsa Stories

The Principal's Blog: Salsa Stories: Salsa Stories Last night was 5th Grade Night!  The students and there families joined the 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Shiltz & Mrs. Smysor, a...

  This was such a fun night!  We are so greatful to have such a wonderful school that puts on these fun activites! my children look forward to them!

  I'm the one in the eyeore shirt.   I even learned how to make salsa which is something I've always wanted to do!

have a wonderful night!

Another cold morning!

   Well....  It is another cold morning here in Iowa!   We went from 72  degrees down to 21 degrees! Wow! Drastic change!  I  love the change,but sometimes, okay alot of the times I'm not ready for it.

  Not only does it make it harder for us to get up and moving in the mornings, it really messes with my boys breathing. 

  As soon as the weather gets under control so will their breathing it just makes for some long nights.

     Anywhoo... on to better news!  I will be participating in a craft show just for kids. It is like the secret santa shops they have at schools,but it will all be handmade items from local vendors! They will have food, gift wrapping stations and more!

     I can't wait!   This will be a great way to start off the Christmas season! It will also be my first craft show!  I will post more about this along with some pictures after. Stay tuned!


     I would love to share one of my favorite cards that I've made!

http://nvy.gd/LHzvLU

 

I just love this get well card!  I don't know if it is the butterflies or the sparkle or just both!

 

The kids and I are busy knitting hats for https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowas-Hats-For-Hope-Initiative/443314749023226?ref=hl

WE will be sending 50 hats and gloves out by the end of the month to help out East. The kids are very excited about this. After this donation we will be starting on our next one for a shelter down the street from us.

 

Time for me to get the kiddos ready for school! Hope everyone has a warm and blessed day!

Happy Tuesday!

 

Hello Fall!

   Oh my! I've been so busy I haven't had time to blog!  I'm going to have to get better at this.



   Well....  We have been going to alot of activites lately more than we usually do. I guess that is what happens when the kiddos get older and start going clubs and stuff.

   The kids have  been in the Halloween parades. I've lived here my whole life and never went to them. It was a blast!  All the floats and people. We even got to see the Zombies come out! So much fun! Gonna have to go again next year!

     I just love this time of year. the changing leaves, which are now all over my yard! lol

 That's okay, I love seeing my kids playing in them. They are talking about snow here in Iowa soon. I've got mixed emotions about that.  I love it,but hate driving in it.


  My oldest is studying to get her drivers permitt. I'm nervous and excited for her at the same time. I'll have to keep you posted.


   Well.... I have to get off here and get the kiddos to school!

  Oh! I haven't given up on my book yet. I haven't heard anything back yet,but I did send it to some other places.

  My shop is doing great!  I'm having a sale use code fall12 to get 12% off your order!
http://katzcraftycloset.storenvy.com/

  Okay, now I really have to go


 Have a wonderful day and please remember to keep the people on the east coast in your thoughts and prayers. They are in mine as I have friends out there.

Happy Thursday!

Fridays Finds! 9-14-12

  Well... as you can guess by now that I've combined this blog to go along with the opening of my online shop!   I decided to just write about everything in this blog. My life, my kids, my business, and my interests. 

   So from time to time I will be posting items from my shop and from other people who have some awesome items that catch my eye! 


    So without further ado!  Here are my Friday Finds!  These are the items that  have caught my eye this week!

  Enjoy and have a blessed weekend!

http://nvy.gd/TKOmaI

   this next store is one of my favorites! She is just an awesome lady!
 go on over and take a peek!
http://www.storenvy.com/products/556932-september-featured-item-sale-autumn-themed-tree

Angry Birds Party!

    This past weekend was my son's 8th birthday and we decided  on an Angry Birds Party!  He had such a blast from building the slingshot to tearing into the cupcakes!  


   Thanks to the wonderful people on my computer I was able to print off lots of items for this party and be the most awesome mom ever in my son's eyes!

    It was a beautiful sunny day and we were able to have a great time at the park!


  First up I wanna show you the sling shot that my hubby and kids made. wouldn't be an angry birds party without a sling shot, right?

Here's my boys building it.

Here is what it looks like finished, great right?

we set up boxes and cans we painted to  look like piggies and just let the kids have fun. Okay, mom had to try it too. lol

 

 

My son had so much fun with the sling shot and just knocking the boxes down!

  For the cake I decided to do cupcakes. Now keep in mind I of course wanted to do something really special. I stayed up to midnight tryin and  trying to make these one kind of cupcakes,but finally gave in and made these really cute ones instead. They were a big hit! They were so yummy!

Everyone had a great time and thanks to this great website, http://www.squidoo.com/angry-birds-party-ideas  I was able to pull off the greatest angry birds party for my son!
Thanks guys!

    All in all it was a fun day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!


   Happy Birthday to my 8 year old!

Rainny Days

   Rainy Days, are just wonderful days to be lazy!  I've recently had a rainy day this week end and decided to spend it baking.   Rainy days and cooler weather is just right for new recipes!  Nothing like the aroma of baked goods in my kitchen!


   I decided to bake some brownies, rice crispy treats with a twist and some dip.  Today I thought I'd share the recipes with you for your next rainy day.

http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/2011/08/golden-graham-smore-bars.html

These were so yummy!  Loved them!

 

 

After making two batches of these, yup they were that good. I made some brownies! Now for some brownies and I usually don't get along. For some reason brownies are just one thing I just can't bake.  Once I saw these though I just knew I had to try making brownies again.

 

http://springraine.blogspot.com/2012/02/marshmallow-brownie-cupcakes.html

 

These were good. Just a word of advice. Don't over cook these or  the marshmallows  will go all over.Also don't over fill the batter.  I think next time I will use the mini marshmallows instead of the big ones.

 

Now at my house we are big on nachos, chips and dips! If chips are involved we are all over it!

So my next rainy day recipe is for an awesome dip!

This was  delicious!  My hubby says next time to add some chicken to it.

http://www.food.com/recipe/rotel-corn-374887

 

 

 

Well.....I've hoped you enjoyed my rainy day recipes! Remember

 

 

 

Giant kit kat!

  I came across this and I just had to share this post on how to make a giant kit kat candy bar!



  I'm in love! wouldn't this make a great  gift for a chocolate lover!

enjoy!

http://www.theentertainingelf.com/everyday-fun/how-to-make-a-huge-kit-kat/

Time where does it all go?

 Time where does it all go?  We have 24 hours in a day, should be enough time to get everything done that one needs to do in a day, right? Wrong.  funny thing is, I never seem to have enough time. When I'm doing one thing, I feel like I should be doing another. Isn't that silly.

  Once again time has slipped by me a whole lot quicker than I expected and I'm left with a week or two to plan my two boys parties. Which I can't wait! The themes are angry birds and staches and strikes themes. They boys are so excited! 


  I was planning on making their invitations,but I just don't have the time to. Thankfully, there are so many creative people out there they have saved me and I can just print them off!

thanks to them I'm redeemed as the coolest mom ever! That's what my youngest said when he saw his invitations to his party! 

I have to give a shout out to:http://partyinvitationshq.com/free-printable-angry-birds-invitations/  for once again allowing me to be cool!


 I'm also printing out my older son's birthday invites. He is turning 13 so we are having a stache and strikes theme. Gonna be at a bowling alley with moustaches as a theme! He thinks its fun! wait till you see the straws!

Thanks to another great person I now have this fun invite for his party!
http://www.digitalmomblog.com/blog/2012/02/27/free-moustache-birthday-invitation-printable/

As always, I never have enough time. I have to end now to go get the kiddos from school.

Please remember when using items online to make sure that you have the right to print out the images.  Also please try to remember to give credit where credit is due. Everyone works so hard on all their items.

  More post later with pictures from the boys parties!

Have a Happy Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An interesting article

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/rhonda-abrams-art-making-money-crafts/story?id=17068340

 

Helping out

 With my kids getting older them and myself are getting more involved in volunteering for different casuses. It is so great to see my kids get excited about all these great causes.  I just love seeing their faces when they find something they  are passionate about.


  We  have started the Iowa hats for hope initiative. Which is where we knit and collect hats,gloves and scarfs for the poor and working poor in the state of Iowa. This is off to a great start. Our first donation goes out at the end of Sept. We are so excited.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowas-Hats-For-Hope-Initiative/443314749023226?ref=hl


Today though I wanted to talk about the crayons for cancer cause.  This is such a fun and rewarding cause to get behind. Would be great for any family to do,or a troop to do as an activity!

They send you what you need. you melt the crayons in fun little shapes and sell them. All proceeds go to them!


http://www.facebook.com/#!/crayonsforcancer


Check out this awesome activity to get behind.


What volunteer activities  do you and your family like to do?  I would love to hear!


Have a wonderful Saturday!

Swing of things!

 Wow! I can't believe its been about a week since my last post. That is just crazy! Time is sure flying by.

   Life seems to be moving in fastforward here.  The kids are all in school now, which means we are all trying to get used to the new routine and time schedule.  With all the new activites the kids are in plus 3 different schools, it gets a little hectic trying to remember everything that is going on when. 

  So far the kiddos are loving school! Everyone seems to have so much to report after school each day they sometimes talk over eachother just so they can get their stories told.  I love being able to hear all of it!

    With summer coming to an end, the kiddos are excited about our up coming garage sale. They look forward to it every year!
    They are making room for all the new items they will be getting for christmas and their birthdays.  Its hard to believe they are already making their christmas list.

  Still working away on the boys birthday parties. More on that later.


   I'm still plugging away at my  online shop.  I'm excited, I've signed up for my first craft fair in october. I can't wait.

  Haven't heard anything yet about my book I wrote,but  I havent given up hope yet. I'm even working on another book to put out there. Keep your fingers crossed for me.  :)
  
    Hope your week is going great! Gonna leave you with a little thought. I just love quotes! they are so much fun!

 

Caroline's Crafty Corner: Kids Picnic Table Redo

Caroline's Crafty Corner: Kids Picnic Table Redo:   This is what the table looked like when I bought it except a little  more faded. I got it from a yard sale and I hated the colors in my ki...

Shery K Designs: Free Printable Birthday Kit | Angry Birds

Shery K Designs: Free Printable Birthday Kit | Angry Birds: Free Printable Bithday Kit | Angry Birds 9 Banners, 8 CupCake Toppers, 4 Clipart, 4 CupCake Wrapper, 1 Favors Bag, 1 Blank Invitatio...

Big Ideas 2: Angry Birds for Hailey

Big Ideas 2: Angry Birds for Hailey: When my GF Jan told me that her daughter Hailey wanted an Angry Bird's party and was looking for invitations, I didn't think I could pull it...