DC day

A few weeks ago we took a day trip up to DC so that the Bean could enjoy some hand's on learning for what she's covering in school right now. Gotta love homeschool field trips! Everyone benefits from it!

It was such a beautiful day! The weather was just perfect for roaming one of the greatest cities in these United States of ours.  

 On the way. The oldest nephew who is FOUR, randomly decided to hold Madalee's hand. Sweet moment that comes and goes too quickly with that boy!

 The Pudge.

 Mess.

 Packed trip!

 Love this view!

 The Bean and the Poc!

 Living on the edge, skating with a 3 month old.

 Don't know what he was thinking.

Snoozing to DC traffic.

first taste of jewelry making

 I did get a lot of stuff done this summer! Just nothing to show for it yet. YET! 

This is one of my latest projects! Needle nose pliers were my BFF for like life...at least the life of this project!

Hope to inspire you! 

Because of my part time - no work this summer I was on a budget...big time! 

These are my supplies! 

I nabbed this key charm from Hobby Lobby. All jewelry was 50% off that day so I walked out the door with this beauty for $1. Oh yea!

 While in Walmart a day or two later this package of chain was hanging on the clearance rack for $2. Originally $3, it wasn't a HUGE discount but I was thrilled to buy it with a clearance sticker anyway!

 Of course a pack of jump rings is valuable so for $1.50 it wasn't a huge break in the bank but drove me CRAZY to have to purchase it full price. Yes, I am that kind of person! I justified it by knowing I would use all 500 pieces like in 450 different projects!

The last piece was an antique that has been floating around my family for years. There are some discrepancies on it's origins!

 I measured the chain around my neck and snipped what I wanted away! Then I connected the two ends with a jump ring!

 Then I jump ringed the first charm on. I wanted my charms stationary so I chained them to the connector.

 Because of the age of the charm I wanted to be SURE that it wasn't going anywhere. Some of the prongs holding the glass part in were loose so I grabbed some super glue and tacked them down well.

 Then I attached the key the same way as the charm.

Love the result for $4.50 + tax. Yeah baby!

50 Sister Dates

Over the last few years I have tried to work really hard on my relationships with my two younger sisters. With two married sisters, the three of us younger sisters spend quite a bit of time together. I have always loved my sisters and value time spent with them. The last few years and activities have encouraged that more so!

I decided to start something called sister dates. Every other month I alternate between sister, and the three of us. For example, October will be Madalee's birthday so October will be Madalee's turn, November will be Bean's turn, and then December we'll go out the three of us. Some times it gets out order and that's ok. I never want it to become a "have to" or strict thing. But, it is a priority for me to spend that time with each of them.

Benefits:
1 - it opens up that line of communication with that sister individually.
2 - it shows the worth of that sister by giving deference to her tastes and desires.
3 - it takes away the crazy and focuses on the moment.
4 - it builds that bridge from me to them.
5 - it allows me to get to know them. Any time spent one on one with anyone will allow you to get to know them well.

Date ideas! All sister approved! 

#1 - go choose a fun new nail polish color and nail stickers and do each others nails.

#2 - find a local theater and enjoy a play (CYT, homeshchool groups, etc.)

#3 - try a new ethnic food.

#4 - look on this list for birthday freebies. If it's your birthday, use the freebies on yourself and pay for them. If it is their birthday sign them up and pay for yourself.

#5 - Sonic Happy Hour and a walk in a park

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#6 -Look for a yummy recipe on Pinterest, go to the store together to get the items needed, and make it!

#7 - research something that interests them and go do it. Horseback riding, roller skating, karate, petting zoo, shopping, etc.

#8 - make some jewelry together. Like this, or this, or this, or these, or this.

#9 - grab some stale bread and head to a pond to feed the ducks.

#10 - volunteer! We love this one! Last Christmas Madalee and I volunteered for Show Hope at a local concert. Research volunteer opportunities in your areas and have at it! 

#11 - Sweet Frog (who wouldn't love that!?)

#12 - Thrift store shopping and trying on the craziest outfits you find (still trying to convince my youngest sister that this is a fun idea!).

#13- make someone a meal and take it to them.

#14 - go Christmas or birthday gift shopping for other members of the family. Perfect time for parent gift shopping!

#15 - babysit. Doesn't sound like something that would go on the list. HOWEVER, there are SO many reason why it should! Time is time. Learning and teaching moments. 

#16 - bake cookies and take them to firemen, policemen, and hospital workers.

#17 - plan a surprise party for another family member.

#18 - ask them if they would like for you to teach them a skill you know.

#19 - in turn, ask them to teach you something they are interested in.

#20 - photoshoot. Let them dress up, do their hair, make signs, choose a location, and click away. When you're done, print one off and frame. Great gift for mom or grandma that just says thinking of you! 

#21 - 1/2 priced Sonic Milkshakes and a game of 20 questions.

#22 - take a class together. Cake decorating, certification of some kind, ASL, etc.

#23 - go buy the first letter of your names and decorate them! Great ideas here, or here, or here.

#24 - redbox a movie and pop some popcorn.

#25 - bless another sibling together by doing their chores.

#26 - memorize scripture together.

#27 - Take a stroll down memory lane by viewing some old photos. Maybe recreate one or two!

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#28 - go on a scavenger hunt around your house, neighborhood, or city.

#27 - participate in Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a. Go all out! Dress up like crazy and enjoy your free food! Half the fun is getting there! They will appreciate your enthusiasm in being a little silly as well!

#28 - plan a Random Act Of Kindness day and enjoy blessing others together!

#29 - tie dye

#30 - train and run a race together

#31 - organize a part of your house that needs some attention

#32 - make your mom or dad's favorite dessert and surprise them with it.

#33 - Enjoy a dinner out at the restaurant of their choice.

#34 - buy a roll of cookie dough, pop some in the oven and let them choose a game to play.

#35 - go for a bike ride.

#36 - go to 5 below and set a price, $10 or less, and let them go crazy (within reason)!

#37 - go Operation Christmas Child shoebox shopping.

#38 - go eat dessert somewhere you've always wanted to try but were too stuffed to eat it when you ate dinner there!

#39 - make a movie...well, kind of. Plan out scenes and a script and have at it with whatever camera is availible! 

#40 - go to a food festival.

#41 - go on a picnic with some fun picnic food!

#42 - go do some work at your grandparents. My sisters and I spent some time at my grandma's house the other day fixing her computer, oohing and ahhing over her dog, and spending time with her!

#43 - research your name meanings and do a word art and frame it.

#44 - mini golf.

#45 - have a sleep over, grab a pillow and a blanket and bunk in their room for the night. Tell stories until you fall asleep.

#46 - go pick out some flowers and plant a garden together.

#47 - go strawberry or blueberry or whatever is in season picking.

#48 - have a wii play off.

#49 - choose a tshirt and decorate it with paint and anything else you have.

#50 - go to the 1 portion icecream section at your grocery store and choose flavors to share. Enjoy some icecream and a night of conversation.

Add your ideas and enjoy some time with the sisters! Such fun and blessings!