Mom and Dad in Marshalltown.

This is for you, Mom and Dad. 

 

BOUNCE Summer Camp

It has been awhile but here is a bit about how I spent my summer....
BOUNCE is an evidence based camp for middle school girls that focuses on fitness, nutrition, and self esteem. This is our 2nd year having it and it is a great camp. Middle school girls are targeted because they are at an age where they can start to make their own decisions regarding health. Camp is Mon - Fri from 8:00-1:00pm for 4 weeks!

Yes, it is tiring, exhausting, and lots of fun. Just in case you are wondering, here are some of the things we do to entertain the girls.

- Visits to the YMCA twice a week
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Zumba
- Turbo Kick
- Water Aerobics (yes..with the old folks :)...they loved having us)
- Hip Hop class (instructor: Kelly Talley, Dallas Cowboys Hip Hop Dancer and Baylor Cheer Coach)
- Cooking Classes 3X a week
- scrapbooking
- Baylor Challenge Course (think walking a course 35 feet in the air strapped to a harnest)
- HEB Scavenger Hunt
- Basketball Skills Camp
- Lots of Fun!!


It takes sooo much energy to be "with them" and keep them entertained but when you see the progress and increase in knowledge, it does make me smile inside (and out).

DIY Date Night.

Every week we try to go on a date, usually Friday. I realize that this is a luxury that is not afforded to everyone. I also realize it becomes more difficult as a family grows so I am not taking it for granted.

Sometimes we get caught in a rut.

 "Where do you want to go?"  

"Are there any movies you want to see?" 

In an attempt to spice up our date nights, I created a DIY date for the two of us.

 This was the scene of our date:

At the kitchen table with music playing in the background.

I put out all the supplies we would need and explained the one "rule" - paint me. 

We sat across from the table and painted each other's portrait. 

Yes, we realized quickly that it is harder than it sounds!

We quickly made a promise to each other that we would not laugh at the others.

But, I couldn't help laugh at my own.

Our masterpieces....

See the similarities?  :)

I thought it was fun and it was easy on the wallet, too!

I think they are adorable and made for very unique quality time :)

Any ideas for future DIY dates???

Happiness Commandments.

A few months ago I mentioned "studying" happiness. One of the books I read, The Happiness Project, caught my full attention. In it the author researches happiness and tries to manipulate small parts of her life/personality to become happier. In the process she develops her personal Commandments of Happiness. I thought I would try. These are small things I can focus on to make day-to-day life a happier place.

1. Be intentional.

       If everything we do has purpose behind it, everything is worth doing - A workout routine, kisses,  conversations, etc.

2. Anything that can be done in 60 seconds or less needs to be done. Now.

 I have realized that much of my procrastination involves things that are tedious but take no time at all. Plus, I think we forget how long a minute actually is.

3. Make the bed every morning.

Nothing beats coming home to a peaceful resting place.

Clutter stresses me out so if the bed is made, I tend to be less stresed out.  

4. Pray with my husband daily.

Lots you can say about this one but it helps to have a teammate in life :)

5. Act the way I want to feel.

This came from the book but I think about it ALL the time. And it works.

If you want to be happy, smile, fake being happy and eventually you are.

Also, if you want to feel sad (which sometimes I do), mope, cry, etc.

6. Learn to say NO.

I am a people pleaser and if someone asks me to work late, I do.

Make avacado dip for the 4th time this month for another potluck, I do.

Sit on a committee for something I am not passionate about, I do.

Everyone has limits, though. 

7. Look good, feel good. Feel good, do good.
I don't intend to be vain or dwell on looks but I do think that there is happiness associated with a fair level of confidence. 

These are just the few I thought I would share.

Minnesota. Gull Lake. Nisswa. Happiness.

There is nothing like a good family vacation. 

This time I got to have a double family vacation...both my parents and my in-laws.

We stay at the family lake house on GULL LAKE and it is perfect.

 

 The weather is always nice for 

sailing......

 tubing...

 jetskiing...

water skiing, boating, tanning, games, food, walking, biking, ladder ball, carpet ball, and shopping. 

I had such a great time and got in some much needed relaxation.

I already can't wait till next year :)

Free Letter Art.

Personalized gifts are my favorite. 

Nowadays, it is much easier not only to find ideas but to find resources.

I found this website through Pinterest that has 100s of FREE letters. 

Using only that website, I created this anniversary gift for my new parents.

I think they would be great on coasters for a family or newlyweds, a poster in an office, on wood chips for a matching game...the possibilities are endless!

I'm all about sharing resources...so enjoy! And show me what you make :)

It is August.

I cannot believe it already August! I love August!

- High School starts

- Vacation occurs

 - Mom's Birthday

- Dad's Birthday

- Baylor football is gearing up

- It is closer to fall weather

- The Olympics are on

Its going to be a fun one! Stay tuned!

I love my little life :)