BARTERING

Recently, my 2nd-grader was learning about bartering at school.  I wondered if people still bartered.  After all, it's a great idea.  A couple of weeks later I took my boys to get their pictures taken by Jennifer @ Moments and Memories.  She really loved the ties I made for my boys to wear during their photo session.
 

my handsome little guys

 She asked if I would make her some ties in exchange for some prints of my boys.  Umm, yes!!!  So I made these ties...

Tutorial by Very Homemade, found here.

I just LOVE all those dots!

 And I got some fabulous pics of my boys in return.  Here are a few of my favorites.

A big thanks to Jennifer!  I couldn't be happier with the shots you captured of my little guys!

Do you barter?

Smiles
~Beth

BEING A MOTHER

I always knew I wanted to be a Mother.  I looked forward to cuddling a newborn in my arms, staring into my child's eyes, hearing "mama" for the first time and kissing boo~boos away.  The thought of getting up at night, changing diapers and getting peed on occasionally (with 3 boys, it's inevitable!) didn't bother me at all.  What I didn't know then was that I would fall in love with each of children.  Not the way I fell in love with their Dad but in a way I can't explain with words (if you are a Mom, I am sure you know what I mean).  Over the last (almost) 11 years I have realized that being a Mom is both the hardest and most rewarding role I will ever play in my life.  It hasn't always been as easy as just kissing the boo~boos away and there have definately been some challenges along the way but being a Mother is best feeling in the world (well, for me it is)!

Thanks to my wonderful husband for making me a Mother, to my Mom for showing me the way it's done and to my 3 little men for being the 3 biggest accomplishments of my life!

We wish all the Mothers reading this a very happy Mother's Day!

Smiles
~Beth

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: GIFT 5

Today is the last day of Teacher Appreciation week gifts.  The boys were asked to write a letter or draw a picture to their teacher.  Nathan wrote a poem to his teacher which will be compiled into a book (made by a fellow 5th-grade parent) and Sam made a top 5 list of why his teacher ROCKS.   They both did a great job expressing their appreciation.  I am so proud of them!

I wanted to give the Teachers a little something too.  I think these sum up how I feel about them...

I had this free download printed at Wal-Mart (You could easily make one yourself using any photoshop program and print it at home, I was just being lazy & I am almost out of ink!).  While I was there I picked up a couple simple wood frames and then spray painted them red (Be sure to allow yourself enough drying time). 

Well, this concludes the gifts but definately doesn't end our appreciation for the wonderful Teachers in our lives.  Thanks to all of the Teachers out there!  You deserve so much more!

Smiles
~Beth

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: GIFT 4

Happy Thursday!  We are still celebrating our Teachers!  Today's theme is "donate a book for the classroom".  Such a great idea!  I wasn't sure what kinds of books the teachers needed to I was going to get them gift cards.  The boys weren't happy about that idea so we headed to the book store and I let each of them pick a new book to donate.  It was so much fun watching them pick out books for their classrooms.  They were so excited.  You woulda thought I took them to the candy store! 

Although I really LOVE the idea of giving a book to the class I still wanted to do a little something just for the teachers.  I have also been wanting to try my hand at etching glass.  I put both thoughts together and came up with this...

I had to put some fabric in the glass so you could see the monogram better.

I bought a 4-pack of glass tumblers at Target, grabbed some glass etching cream at Michael's and put my Silhouette to work for me once again.

Paired with a favorite drink, I think the boys' teachers will enjoy this little something.

You could also make these for each member of your family or give a full set as a wedding/shower gift.  Oh, the possibilities!

Smiles
~Beth 

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: GIFT 3

Today the boys were asked to wear their teacher's favorite color to school...green. 

A fellow 5th-grade parent came up with the idea of making a shirt for Mrs. T to wear as well (thanks, Patsy!).  I absolutely loved the idea and happily offered to make a shirt for her.

I loved the way it turned out so I made one for all of the boys' teachers!

I purchased the shirts at Hobby Lobby and prewashed them before I got started.  I used heat transfer t-shirt vinyl that I had on hand (ordered from Expressions Vinyl).  And, of course, I use my Silhouette to cut the vinyl shapes.  I hope they like them as much as I do!

Don't worry if you don't have a Silhouette, you can still easily make a shirt like this by using printable heat transfer sheets (also found at your local craft store), scissors and some clip art. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Smiles
~Beth

*So happy to have received an e-mail from Sam's 2nd grade teacher this morning saying "I have to tell you - I LOVE my t-shirt.  It is my favorite shirt of all time.  I am changing into it my first chance today and I will wear it until I wear it out!  Thank you so much!".  You're welcome, Mrs. W!  You deserve SO much more!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: GIFT 2

Today's idea for Teacher Appreciation Week was to send some supplies the teacher could use in the classroom.  

I completely stole this idea from Eighteen25....thanks girls!!  All items came from Wal-Mart (even the box).  You gotta love 1-stop shopping! 

One of my readers shared this great idea with me yesterday.  Very cute, you should definately check it out.  Thanks, Jamie!

If you haven't had a chance to pick up your child's teacher a gift this week or just don't have the funds, don't worry, it's only Tuesday & teachers enjoy a homemade card just as much :)  Grab some paper, crayons, scissors and a glue stick to see what magic your child can create!

Smiles

~Beth

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: GIFT 1

There are lots of great gift ideas out in blogland for Teacher appreciation week like this, this and this.

The head room rep from our Elementary School sent out some ideas for each day of the week.  Monday is "bring your teacher a flower" day.

Very simple to put together.  I got the Gerbera daisies and cute striped pots at Wal-Mart.  I had the ribbon and colored card stock on hand.  I used a 3" hole punch for the circles and my Silhouette for the "thank you".

I will be back tomorrow to share gift #2.  Do you have any fun, easy Teacher appreciation gift ideas?

I hope everyone is enjoying their Monday!

Smiles
~Beth