August 6, 2012

Pinterest Possibilites

Making an inexpensive wreath is a claim many pins suggest possible. One such suggestion is creating a large wreath using a pool noodle. Several months back I went in search of a pool noodle. According to one pin you should find a plethera of cheap ones at the dollar store. My local discount dealer sold only noodles that, when bent to wreath form, were smaller than premade wreaths at the same location. Keeping my eyes open throughout the following 6 weeks eventually landed two long noodles from a local thrift store.

Next came the ribbon. $6 for a 50 yd spool of red indoor/outdoor ribbon from my local craft store, $5 more for other fancy ribbons, and $3 for a big ol' letter 'B'.
No one in the family liked the finished product. Though the size of the wreath is indeed perfect for our 4' wide x 8' high door - it greatly lacked  what C. labeled 'fluff'.
So.....$10 more for flowers from the same craft store gave a slightly fuller wreath.
I'm still deciding if I should add to this or just wait till the fall and start again.

August 5, 2012

Mr. G.Q.


Water Polo Championships

After a fun summer of water polo competitions we made it to FINALS. Ranked second, Knollwood worked hard to maintain their position and come in 2nd in the end. They played 5 games over the course of 6 hours. It was a long, hard, and fun day.

Congratulating the winners

Coach Kyle, Ast. Coach Steven, C, and friends

Practicing the 2nd Amendment

The family had the opportunity to vist a gun range and practice their marksmanship skills. This was C.'s first time out. They all had a blast



July 14, 2012

I tried it....it failed

I'm attempting to do these Try Its on Tuesday when I have more time, but today I actually solved the challenge I was facing....

Pinned Image
A few months ago I found the following idea for organizing scarves. I had extra shower rings sitting in a box, so decided to give it a try. This concept, though creative, doesn't work. I found that every time I looked through the rings to select one they would become unballanced and all fall to one side - thereby creating a messy look with a tippsy hanger. Not my idea of neat.

Jump to today...I found a solution. Bed, Bath, & Beyond had a nice little device that I purchased for $5. I didn't break the bank and now the scarves are neat and staying where I intend them to be.
Heart Belt Organizer

June 19, 2012

Put, Put...... Hole in 11?

The June birthdays and Father's Day was celebrated at a miniature golf course.






Cousins




and the winner of the competition:
My Gentleman!
2nd: Sister-in-law
3rd: Sister of Brother-in-law

Advancing

The day began with fun, games, practice, and set up.......
keeping out of trouble

Makin Flowers



The Duct tape girls

June 15, 2012

Yes, No, and Wait

The past year appears filled with No's and Waits. Many of the plans that were set in motion recently ran into massive, concrete monstrosities that will not be breached. The Lord is freeing up my time in ways I don't quite understand. Part of me has a sense of foreboding, the other a wait and see mentality. I know that all things are from Him. All things are for our good. All things are used to draw us closer to Him, make us more like Him. He will supply all our needs, even give us some of our silly wants. I want to praise Him for the No's, while my carnality desires to rail on that which built the concrete edifice infront of me. Therefore....I wait.

June 7, 2012

Family Date Night


The debonair gentleman got the family tickets to see Zelda in Symphony. Though the family enjoys playing the game we are a far cry from some of the enthusiasts out there. We viewed many small children dressed as Link or Zelda. It was cute. We also couldn't fail to notice those adults that I think enjoy living in the fairy tale world more than reality. While some costumes were quite remarkable, I found it slightly sad how much time and money they 'waste' on the hobby. I understand the enjoyment one receives from playing a game, the fun of solving riddles, and battling monsters. Our family likes the pleasures of the joystick and buttons, the firefights, challenges, story lines, and the occasional discussion surrounding the solving of mysteries and riddles - but we leave that 'world' where it belongs. What I found disheartening was the way some have made this an idol. They live their lives to get back to the game, to become the character that is found in the story. The sad thing is some of those individuals didn't appear to have a friend with them. It didn't appear to be 'just in fun'. They sat in the seating closest to the stage, had their pictures taken with many, and didn't talk with a soul.
The eclectic group of people in attendance was comedic
- The Die Hard fan wearing elaborate costumes that were expertly designed and crafted. They took up many of the front row seats, paying dearly for the chance to be a close as possible.
- The 'Typical' gamer wearing the fan t-shirt they live in, hair disheveled more like that of a bird's nest than an adornment for the head, playing the game on their hand held devices they were there to listen to, buying overpriced t-shirts and posters they could take home to display more pride in the art of the chaff.
- The Refined gamer: Those who enjoy the art of the game for the challenge, opportunity to relax, unwind, and appreciate the fun. They wore normal clothes, some with fan t-shirts but obviously had not been their primary method of modesty and been laundered & folded prior to wearing. They had a life and a job outside of the entertainment 'box.'
-The Family: Parents who brought their children to hear music they could relate to but experience the world of culture and refinement orchestra music can bring.

The night was quite enjoyable. It was a thrill to hear simple music expanded and designed for symphonic orchestration. The composer did a remarkable job evoking emotion through the use of strings, brass, and percussion. My favorites were the 3 pieces played at the end. They were beautiful and moving. It was a delight to see the kids enjoy the evening and atmosphere, to laugh at points in the music that brought back a funny incident from the game while turning to share it with the rest of us.


June 6, 2012

Family Date Night

My Gentleman got the family discounted tickets through Goldstar to go see
The kiddos don't know where we are going. It should be fun, though I am skeptical.