One Friday this summer

I'm  not much of a blogger apparently. I read lots of blogs. But preparing and writing posts myself...not much at all! This week I bumped into a new challenge blog as well as the fact that it's FWF at Unity and I've been sufficiently motivated to post a little something myself.  But it's been a busy day!

First we finished up a week of soccer camp:

Then we got our free slurpees at 7Eleven:

Now the kids are chilled out after a tiring week and I was able to finish my tag that was inspired by the inaugural Tag You're It challenge! Here's the inspiration photo.

And here is my tag! I mostly used the colors and tag shape.

 The tag base is from the latest Unity SMAK kit, All in the Numbers. The papers are old scraps - CTMH and MME I think. The little birdie is Colorbox and the sentiment is CTMH. 

It's a wonderful summer weekend now. Enjoy!

It's a beautiful life!

Sadly, a childhood friend of mine is currently in the final stage of losing her mom to cancer. The diagnosis is only about a month old and it was too late for treatment. Her family and mom were a big part of my life as I was growing up through elementary school and junior high. Even though I haven't seen any of them for more than 15 years, I feel a real bond with them. For sure, this is a family that embraces all the fun, togetherness and joy in life. So even though right now life is as horrible and painful as it has ever been for them, I know my friend's mom would agree with the sentiment of this card.

Credits: Stamps: Sunny Happy Skies, Tiny Vintage Banners, SMAK 12/11 Make Every Day Count all by Unity Stamp Co.; 
Inks: Close To My Heart; Papers: My Minds Eye

I didn't realize it until I stamped it out, but I LOVE that sentiment! Its part of a stamp that is kind of like a journaling space, part of last December's SMAK kit. I masked off the accounting paper style lines that were next to these words. That balloon is so fun too...I'll have to remember to use it more!

All the stamps are from Unity Stamp Co, and I'm entering it in the current Ippity Chick Challenge, and also sharing it on this weeks Friends With Flair!

How I love summer!

I'm in love with this picture of my boy. He's dirty, it's sunny and warm, and he's showing me the worm he's holding. Perfection!

The boys are about to turn 6. How does it all go by so fast? I just want to bottle all this adorableness up and keep it forever!

Summer Vacation Bliss!

Well, we made it. We went on a wonderfully long and relaxing vacation to Texas. We visited family, friends and sealife too! I have literally 1000+ new photos to get through and figure out which ones I want to scrap. I did a fun little digi layout while on the road. The kids were LOVING the Texas heat and the opportunity for water play around every corner! It was all such a good time. I'll be back with some highlights of the journey soon!

We had two birthdays!

My twin boys celebrated their 4th birthday a couple weeks ago. It was a cold, rainy day and we of course had a big outdoor backyard party planned. Oh well! We made due since we are used to this here in Pacific NW.

The theme was Hot Wheels since the boys are really into them these days. We had rented a NASCAR bouncy house...luckily it had a roof. The rain still got inside which made it slippery, but we just kept wiping it off with towels. The kids loved it.

My favorite part is how fun the cakes turned out. I made them myself - I always make each twin their own cake. It's not their fault they were born the same day! In this house we live by the motto that everyone should be special on their birthday. Anyway, one boy asked me to make a cake "like at the airport", which meant the spiral ramps in the parking garage. And I did! It took a while but went together just how I imagined. Phew!

I got these wonderful reactions "[Brother], come look at the awesome cakes mom made us!" and "Mom, you make the best cakes in the whole world!"

Definitely worth all the work for happiness like that. :)