There's An App For That!

It is no secret that I love my I-Phone!

However, I do not have the patience or desire to search through the millions of apps.

I WANT to have lots of apps -- I think it's cool when you have to slide through pages just to find the one you need! :) In fact, we were sitting behind a woman at the rodeo the other night who was going through her apps. I leaned over to Chris and told him how sad I was for her because she could use more apps!!

The best way for me to find a great one is by personal recommendation. My boys tell me all about the games and music ones. My girlfriend tells me about cooking/grocery list ones. My sister tells me about exercising ones. I even have some on my phone that Kelly Ripa suggested!!

But, my favorite ones are the ones that do fun stuff with photos that I take. I have a few...

...like this one that makes everything black and white and then lets you color in one object:

...or this one that lets you morph a picture in all kinds of crazy ways:

But, I found a new one this weekend that I really love!

You can give your photos extra color and frame it in a vignette:


...or, you can make the photo look scratched!

...OR, make it look like it is really old and the photo is peeling!
Now, if only I could get my family to pose for a new picture everyday, I'd be in business!!

Warning: Do Not Get Suckered In!!

I've been hearing about this new thing out there for nails -- essentially, you get them "painted" and they will not chip or peel for 2-4 weeks!! That sounded like a modern miracle to me!!

Once upon a time, I kept my fingernails all painted and pretty. Then, I became a housewife and a mom! It just wasn't worth the hassle. I would spend and hour filing, buffing, and painting them only to go wash a dish or fold some laundry and they would be ruined. It was easier to forget about them.

So, this "Shellac-ing" sounded perfect for me.

After going back and forth about it, I decided to give it a whirl! I went Wednesday and while having my hair colored, I had the lady shellac my nails! I felt like a princess -- one lady working on my hair; another on my nails. And, then, not even worrying about how long my nails would stay pretty was just so exciting! In fact, the lady said in 2-4 weeks, after my nail had grown out enough, I would have to come back to get the stuff off because only 100% acetone would take it off. Wonderful!!

Add to that that Chris has been out of town, so cooking and washing dishes have been pretty nil lately -- this should last forever!!

Two days passed and my balloon of hope and amazement popped! One nail was bare.

Three days passed and another nail was bare.

It is now day five and three nails are bare.

You know that saying "If it's too good to be true, it probably is?"...Shellac-ing IS too good to be true! I am here to tell you to not waste your money -- it will just go up in that popped balloon!!

Here are my half-painted hands...luckily I chose a neutral color! Urg!!!

My Baby Is Not A Baby Anymore

Colby is a Fourth Grader...for nine more weeks.

Where we live, elementary school is kindergarten-4th grade. Then they go to Intermediate School for 5th-6th grade. Then they go to Junior High for 7th -8th grade. Then they go to a 9th grade campus. And, finally, they go to the "Main Campus" for 10th-12th grade.

When we first moved here and Connor was in 1st grade, I thought how ridiculous it was that there was so much moving around for these students. However, I have learned to appreciated this craziness. I really do think this progression prepares our students for each next step.

I also have to say that, so far, we have had wonderful teachers and administrators. We are very blessed to live in this community. Our boys are receiving an excellent education.

Since we moved here nine years ago, one of our boys has attended the elementary school in our neighborhood -- nine years at the same school! I never fathomed we would be anywhere for that long! It is a school where we have met most of our best friends, where I have volunteered many hours, where my boys have been encouraged to broaden and strengthen their talents and abilities. They have participated in class musicals, Fun Runs, Jump Rope for the Heart, Wax Museums, and Reading Restaurants!

So when Colby put on his Fourth Grade Class t-shirt this morning, I got a little verclempt! I am excited to see what lies ahead for Colby...but I am sad that he is growing up so fast. And, truth be told, I am a little sad that I will not walk through those elementary doors anymore.

What Does Your Husband Do On His Vacation??

Chris had yesterday and today off to spend the last few days of Spring Break with us. I had been making a list of little "Honey Do" items for him -- not to do while he was on "vacation"; just so I wouldn't forget to have him get some things done. As with anything, the list grew and grew. He looked at it and went to town! I am so thankful I married a handy man! He is amazing!!

Change Versus Variety

I am not a fan of change. When I was growing up, I ate the same lunch for years -- turkey sandwich, chips, grapes and three cookies...funny, I pack the same sort of lunch for my boys EVERYDAY!

Throughout the years I have had to learn how to at least accept change. The first 11 years of marriage, we moved nine times -- and not just to different houses but to different cities and states. Not easy for a girl who lived in only two houses before she was married!

As much as I like "sameness", I also like variety. For instance, I am always ready for the school bus to come by every morning! Following a schedule makes me feel in control. However, I was definitely ready for Spring Break this year and the ability to sleep in and hang out. We really have no plans and that feels good. Shoot, I may even let the boys eat Pop Tarts and drink Iced Tea for breakfast! That's variety!!

I decided that I like variety this weekend when we went plant shopping. I LOVE this time of year. Finally breaking out of the cold, seeing hints of color popping up and feeling the warm sun on my skin. I was ready for some color in my yard.

We headed to the garden center TWICE this weekend and have transformed our flower beds. Instead of getting the same ole same ole, we bought new and different plants. I decided it is OK not to have petunias and geraniums! This year we went all out and got daisies!! And, a Yucca!! And, all kinds of New Mexico-looking succulents.

Yes, I think my new motto is "Variety adds spice to life"! HAM sandwich anyone?!?