Long live the ghetto van

So, I had to work today (Black Friday) and all I wanted to do was kick my feet up and possibly go to bed early tonight.

I got a call around 8:30pm from Nick that the Volvo (RT's car) died and needed to be jumped.  So, there I am, grabbing jumper cables and going to help Nick jump a car.

 

Jumper cables?

Jump starting a car?

SOOOO not me....

Running errands

 I had  a few errands that I had to get done today (my day off). I park quite a distance away from the store(s) I went to and (literally) ran into the store. It was a nice sprint from my car into the store.

I think I put the "run" back into "running errands."  

Is there a big party going on at my house while I'm at work?  I think I do more dishes now that I'm working than I did when I was at home. 

Clean up after yourselves!

I'm a little worried about RT and this whole stay at home thing. He is already plotting on how to rile up the office worker at Bella's school.  She is grumpy and gets annoyed when answering the phone. (she's grumpy in person, too)

It's actually pretty funny what he wants to do (call and take his time asking a question).  I would let him go ahead with it, but we have three more years at that school. 

Saw a guy shaving in his car on my way to work this morning. I was going to tell him he missed a spot, but the light turned green. 

RT now has the cold.  Probably because he has been the stay at home mom the last couple of days.

Nick and I are taking our vitamins and "trying" to stay as far away from the others.

Let's hope it passes quickly without any other victims.

Two down, one to go

My third day of work today. 

Bella stayed home yesterday (she was sick). 

Today, Bella and Alex are at home, sick. 

Of course, I had to get Pippen all worked up before I left for work. 

Should be a fun day for RT today. 

Girl Scout Way - Legacy Patch

This is for Brownies.  The Girl Scout Way Legacy patch.

We earned this patch over a couple of meetings.  I thought I would share a little about what we did in order to earn this patch and maybe offer a few suggestions, too.

This badge is to show the sisterhood, celebrate traditions and make the world a better place.

These are the steps to achieve the Girl Scout Way patch.

1.  Sing everywhere.
2.  Celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's birthday.
3.  Share sisterhood.
4.  Leave a place better than you found it.
5.  Enjoy Girl Scout Traditions.

For "Sing Everywhere" we learned several new songs.  I was only going to have them sing one or two, but, the girls insisted on singing all of them! 

I listed the songs in this post HERE so you can take a look at them.  They are pretty easy (and fun) to sing.

Luckily, for "Celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday" we were doing this around the end of October (JGL's birthday is October 31).  We talked about JGL and how she founded Girl Scouts.  We did two interactive stories.  We sang "Happy Birthday" to JGL and we celebrated with cupcakes! 

*If you are doing this at a different time of year,  you can celebrate Girl Scout's birthday (March 12).  You can talk about JGL and how she started girl scouts. 

For "Share Sisterhood" we wrote thank you notes to a (daisy) troop that sent us friendship bracelets and cards.
*another idea would be to make a gift for another troop.

For "Leave a place better than you found it" we had the girls write what they can do to have their room clean (most added a few chores in the morning).  We also talked about how to keep our meeting room neat and how it is important to clean up when we are done.  At this point, we learned the Tidying Up Song (listed in the Brown Brownie book)  A song from the 1960's sung to the tune of "London Bridge"

Weave the magic in and out, in and out, in and out.
Weave the magic in and out for we are Brownies.

We have tidied everything, everything, everything
We have tidied everything for we are Brownies.

The girls LOVED this song SO SO much that they kept singing it until our meeting room was neat and tidy!

Finally, for "Enjoy Girl Scout Traditions" we went outside for this part.  We played a couple of games that are played by other girls scouts in other countries.

One of the games was played in Sweden.  One girl is the bear who is sleeping.  The other girls stand around her and ask, "Mr. Bear, are you awake?"  (the sleeping bear ignores them)  The girls then yell, "MR. BEAR ARE YOU AWAKE?"  At that, Mr. Bear gets up and chases the girls (who run to safety) and tries to tag as many girls as she can.  The girls that are tagged become cubs and help Mr. Bear the next time around.

We also played a game from Africa, the Hawk and the Hens.  There are two safe areas (almost like running bases).  The "Hawk" stands in the center and says, "Come out little hens."  The hen's have to run from one safe spot to the other without getting tagged.  If they are tagged, they have to sit out.

We did this over two meetings (believe it or not).  Our meetings last one hour (no snack).

Pickup/Drop off Lane

There's always one in the pickup/drop off lane and I happened to be right behind her. 

Today at pick up (I have been driving the boys brother this week) the woman in front of me had to reach around in her car looking for her car tag (almost causing an accident ).  She waited awhile (in the lane for opposing traffic, due to her inability to find the car tag while driving) before turning into the pick up lane.  And, of course, would not move up when all of the other cars in front of her moved causing a huge line of traffic in the street. 

Glad I only do this once on awhile. 

Temporary Hair Dye

Seems like a really cool gift to get a young girl.  Who doesn't want to add a little color to their hair?

The hair dye comes in small bottles and you just paint it onto your hair. (More like combing it into your hair).   It's very popular with younger girls (ages 8+).  It's a fun way to add some color to your hair (temporarily).

The one thing the box forgets to mention is that the dye can stain your counter top.  It does say to keep away from your clothes, but, no mention of the counter top.

Currently, my formica bathroom counter top has a few pink stains on it.

I got a job

So, before I went on that group interview I ran out and applied at a couple more places. Deep down, I did not want to take a job working at the mall in a clothing store during the hollidays (can you say nightmare?).

One of the places that I applied at called me Monday morning. I interviewed with them(a toy store) that day, accepted the job and started the next day (it's a seasonal job).

So far, so good. 

Wish me luck. 

*by the way, the clothing store called (after I accepted this job and started working) to tell me I got the job. I guess it takes some time. It also helps that it's the holliday season. 

Favorite Toy

How can a toy sit around, untouched for months on end, finally gets picked up by one kid, and all of a sudden it's all of the kids favorite toy?

"That's my favorite toy!"  

"No, that's my favorite toy!"

I wrote about favorite toys awhile back in THIS post. I think this haunts every parent at least once during their parenting career. Unfortunately, for me, it's been more than once. 

Earlier today Bella went to a friends house.  She brought over half the contents of her room. I said to make sure she remembers everything. (of course she will remember everything!) 

As we are going to bed tonight, she runs to one of the bags she used to carry all of her stuff to her friends house and starts fishing around. Turns out she forgot her Beanie Boo ("Slush") at her friends house.  She has a million other stuffed animals in her room but she HAS TO HAVE "Slush."

I was finally able to calm her down and get her to bed (without Slush).  I promised that I would retrieve Slush tomorrow and bring him back to the safety of her room.

Mom to the rescue. 

All is right with the world.

Girl Scout Songs

Thought I would list a few songs that we learned in our brownie troop the other day.  The girls absolutely loved these songs.  I thought we would sing just one or two songs and save the rest for another meeting.  The girls insisted on singing all of them.  We had a great time with them.

Here they are:

We are Brownies

(to the tune: "Are You Sleeping?")

We are Brownies, we are Brownies,
In a ring, in a ring.
We are Girl Scout Brownies, we are Girl Scout Brownies
Hear us sing, hear us sing.

We discover, we discover
Things to do, things to do.
We are ready helpers, we are ready helpers.
How about you, how about you? (point)

I'm a Girl Scout

(to the tune of "Brother John")

I'm a Girl Scout.
I'm a Girl Scout.
Who are you?
Who are you?
Can't you tell by looking?
Can't you tell by looking?
I'm one too.
I'm one too.

All Girl Scouts

 (Cadence)

I don't know but I've been told,
All Girl Scouts are good as gold.
I am one and I say it's true,
Scouting's great for me and you.

Sound off: 1, 2,
Sound off: 3,4,
Bring it on down: 1,2, 3, 4
1,2,- 3,4.

Daisy's have a disc of blue,
They are Scouts that are brand new.
They are cute and they are sweet,
Daisy Scouts are fun to meet.

Brownies have a disc of green,
They are second on the scene,
They wear a uniform that's brown,
Their smile song can erase a frown .

Junior level is the next,
A yellow disk is on their vest,
They say that camping is big fun,
And they earn badges one by one.

Cadettes are teens that care a lot,
Their service projects hit the spot,
white disc is the one they wear,
The name Girl Scouts they're proud to wear.

Seniors disc are red, I know,
They are Girl Scouts on the go,
With Wider Opportunities,
Some Girl Scouts go overseas.

Leaders have no disc at all,
They come all sizes, big and small,
They share their time and talents too,
They make Girl Scouting great for you.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

(Girl Scout Version)

He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Dainty, Dainty Daisies in His hands
He's got the Dainty, Dainty Daisies in His hands
He's got the Dainty, Dainty Daisies in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Busy, Busy Brownies in His hands
He's got the Busy, Busy Brownies in His hands
He's got the Busy, Busy Brownies in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Jazzy, Jazzy Juniors in His hands
He's got the Jazzy, Jazzy Juniors in His hands
He's got the Jazzy, Jazzy Juniors in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Crazy, Crazy Cadettes in His hands
He's got the Crazy, Crazy Cadettes in His hands
He's got the Crazy, Crazy Cadettes in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Sassy, Sassy Seniors in His hands
He's got the Sassy, Sassy Seniors in His hands
He's got the Sassy, Sassy Seniors in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the Lovely, Lovely Leaders in His hands
He's got the Lovely, Lovely Leaders in His hands
He's got the Lovely, Lovely Leaders in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

Let me know if you have any favorite Girl Scout songs!  I would love to hear them!

Social anxiety

I would have written this post sooner but I have been in the closet curled up in the fetal position.

That's how I feel sometimes when being thrown into unknown situations. I do try  to make the best of every situation. Taking it as a challenge and, hopefully as a learning experience. My Dad's words always ring heavily in my ears, "The good time is within you. If you don't have a good time, there's something wrong with you."

After a long time of filling out applications, I finally got an interview (with a company I did not apply to).  It really isn't my dream job, but, hey, it's a job.

This all went down on Saturday.

My interview was with a popular clothing store in the mall (two places I don't want to be at, especially during the holiday season).  It was a group interview.  My first group interview.  That's where you interview with the manager and other job candidates.

Believe it or not, I was the oldest candidate.  I know.  I know.  Me?  Yea.  I couldn't believe it either. 

It was a fun interview.  Very interactive.  We all got to answer the questions (the manager would ask a question, then we would each take a turn and give our answer).  Then we were instructed to pick out an outfit that someone could wear to a business meeting and then a piece that they can take off to turn it into an outfit they can wear out on a date.  I think I did pretty good on that one.  (so did everyone else...I loved all of the outfits that were chosen)

We were then told that we would all get a call back within a day or two.

Outside of the store (in the mall) several of us gathered to discuss what just happened (that's where the age thing came up).

Each person was unique.  One was from Kenya, one was from Pakistan and another from Poland.  We talked for awhile then wished everyone luck as we said our goodbyes. 

I came out of the experience thinking it was quite enjoyable. As the one woman said, "I try to enjoy every minute. I don't get nervous. I take this as something new to experience."

Wise words. 

Fort Hotel Day

It's one of those cozy up days. 

Make a fort and hang out in the house. 

Here is Bella's fort hotel. 

The board to your left is to let you know who is in. You have to leave your drivers license. (Post-it note with hand drawn picture)

Probably because he's afraid to go inside the fort (he's afraid of pillows and blankets). 

Have a great day!

Pumpkin Drop

As promised, HERE is a link to the famous Pumpkin Drop that our church does every year.  This one was pretty cool.  Hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget the cake! Owl Cup cakes and Owl Cake

What is a birthday party without cake (or cupcakes)?

And for an owl birthday you must have owl cupcakes.  Maybe an owl cake.  Or, how about  both cake and cupcakes?  Everybody likes cake.

For our cupcakes:

 

Frost your cupcakes (you can use vanilla or chocolate frosting).  Split apart sandwich cookies (or oreo cookies).  Put a dab of frosting onto an M&M and place onto center of cookie.  Use candy corn for the owl beak.  We made some owls with kooky eyes.

For the cake:

Bella decorated the cake.  I think she did a great job. 

Frost your cake (we used vanilla frosting).  Chocolate chips for the big eyes (and wings).  Candy corn to make the owl's beak.

I think that's it for owls for awhile....it's hard to pass the spa socks in the store without thinking what a cute owl it would make 

Happy Birthday, Bella!

Wood Owl Key Chain

Another owl birthday party post.

Another activity that the girls got to do was to color wooden owls.  I purchased small, plain wood owls from Michaels craft store.  The owls can be painted or decorated however you choose.  Since we were working in a certain time frame, I decided to have the girls use colored markers to decorate their owl. 

Supplies needed:
Wooden owl
markers
modge podge
brush
ball chain and closures
scissors

I had RT drill a hole at the top center of the owls (so we can then put the chain in for the key chain).

The girls colored their owls using the markers.  We put a coat of Modge Podge on both sides of the owl.  I used the satin finish.  Makes them look sparkly.  :)  

Make sure that your chain is cut with the closures attached.  I made them so the girls could attach them to their backpacks.  About 2" long.

Once the owl is dry, thread the chain through the hole, close it and you are done!

The girls had such fun making these key chains.

Owl sock plush animals - Fuzzy Owls

Bella decided on an Owl theme for her birthday.  She says she likes the colorful owls.  I like the colorful owls, too and thought that would be a fun birthday theme.  Of course, then I had to scour the Internet for owl birthday party activities.  Oh, the life of the birthday party planner....

Bella mentioned that she loved when she had her veterinarian party and a box of puppies appeared on our front door step (stuffed animals,  not real puppies) and all of the girls got to adopt a puppy.   I thought, why not adopt an owl?  A cute, colorful owl.  

I had a hard time finding little, cute owls that the girls could adopt so, I did what any normal person would do.....I decided to make them.  AHHHH!! 

Thankfully, I found this wonderful tutorial HERE an appropriately named blog that is titled, How to make a Sock Owl.  Great pictures and easy to follow instructions on making a sock owl.

My first sock owl

I did make a few adjustments (of course).  I used fuzzy spa socks I found at the dollar store.  I purchased both children's socks and some adult socks for this project.  I found that for the adult sock, you can make two owls out of each sock. 

they multiply pretty fast if you let them

I had felt (white for the eye and a light beige felt for the outer eye, and an orangy yellow for the beak) and buttons for the eye balls and I even had some stuffing on hand (SCORE!). 

Just follow the instructions on the blog.  The children's socks I used worked out great.  They can be cut a little shorter if you want.

On some of the owls I used Adult spa socks.  The only difference: cut socks straight across at the heal.  You will have to trim where you made the cut (to straighten it out a little) before you start the entire owl making process. 

With this cut, you can then make two owls (one from the top piece and one from the bottom piece).  They will be a little smaller, but, they turn out adorable.  We are calling them baby owlettes.

Oh, and don't forget the owl adoption certificate!  That official piece of paper needed for all owl adoptions.  I went quite simple with this one.  I made the certificate on my computer, printed it out and glued it onto some pretty scrapbook paper.   I made a small owl template and using scrapbook paper, made an owl to put onto the certificate.

"Owl be your friend forever!"

Love it!

 

These sock owls are so much fun to make that when I was finished, I still wanted to make more!  I think Alex was right.  He will come home one day and find his room full of stuffed owls.




 

Maybe I should make one HUGE owl for him????

Owl Birthday Party

I thought I would share some of the craziness that has been taking up my life for the last month.

I briefly talked about sewing owls.  If you missed that most you can find that right HERE.

Bella mentioned that she wanted an owl Birthday Party.  "The colorful owls."   I thought that would be fun to do and I'm always up for a challenge.  Little did  I know I would be making 8 stuffed owls for the girls.....

Let's start with the invitations.  I made an owl template by folding my piece of paper in half and drawing half of the owl. 

I made it very simple and made sure that the piece of paper is a little smaller than the size of my card.  Open up the template when done cutting and then start drawing your owls on your paper.

I made a second template of the owl and cut out wings so I can use them as a wing template.  I used some of my pretty paper for the owls.

Inside it reads:

 

Guess WHOOOOO is turning 8? 

Bella! 

Come on over and help her celebrate. 

Date

Time

Place: (last name here)'s  nest

RSVP

So, once all of that is done....

I had to start making stuffed owls.

 

This is the part where Alex was worried because of the multiplying owls.

There are owls everywhere in our house.

Tune in tomorrow to learn more about how to make stuffed owls.  You won't want to miss it.