now that life is slowing down a bit...

Perhaps I'll have a chance to try a few fun projects!  Here are a couple of ideas...

• Maybe I could use these when writing to my campers?!?!  Super simple and inexpensive...but thoughtful, of course.  :)
• This is one of those things that would be fun to do with kids...however, we're short on those around here.  So, I'm thinking this might be fun for our next family gathering.  My brothers would go for it, but my dad might take a bit of convincing.
• Maybe I should make a few of these sets now...then I'll have them on hand for any upcoming baby showers.  Too cute!
• After this last week at camp, I've decided that it might make sense to have some traveling pillowcases.  Instead, we've been using old, mis-matched cases (one of mine is Lion King, the other is a floral pattern - Ben got stuck with a plain, nasty colored green case).  Now, if I were to make these, adjustments would have to be incorporated for Ben's.  The super-girly look would not fly!  :)
• So simple.  So unique.  So easy to try on my own.  I can't wait to play around with this one.
• This makes so much sense!  I have some new towels that I picked up the other day...so, a transformation is in order.
• Finally, I did something like this a while ago...only they were enclosed balls.  This seems more useful and I really like the overall look.

I have a few pictures to post from camp, along with some of the crafting I've done lately.  Ben's cousin Ashley (I refer to her as my cousin-in-law) is getting married later this month and I've had the privilege of making some things for the festivities leading up to the big event.  I've got pictures to prove it too.

sioux falls...

I failed at photographing our time in Sioux Falls.  Since I didn't have the nice, big camera, I slacked-off.  Wish I would have captured a bit more...at least Julia came through with a boat-load of pictures.

We'll begin with Ben's bug bites...

Oh, and here are a few more...

Next up, I had a chance to go on a nice date with these three.  We had a delicious dinner and then hit up a movie.  Good times!  ;)

Finally (yep, that's all I captured), we've got the group pictures - minus the bride and groom.  My bad!  These guys were such troopers...most of them had just woken up and we were on our way back to Minnesota with Patti & Jason.  So, it was now or never.  (Blake is missing from this photo.) 

Here's the next family portrait minus Scott...but now you're able to see Blake in the mix.

We were teasing Scott that perhaps he should simply have his own solo shot.  I think he liked the idea.

Now, for a much better section of photos, I would encourage the rest of the world to take a look at the fun here.

I would like to think that we were having way too much fun to stop and take pictures.  Although we certainly had a blast, I think that excuse is rather weak. 

I had no clue that Sioux Falls could bring so much joy to someone's life...I think it might have something to do with the entire Iversen clan!  :)  We were blessed beyond measure to spend a few days with these fun folks who love each other and Jesus.  I can see why Ben has enjoyed them so much over the years!  I can't wait for the next big event.  (Hint, hint: Janelle, Blake?)

for evie & ella...

Uncle Ben and Auntie Anne ran into the Backyardigans while on vacation.  So, these pictures are for Evie & Ella.  We love you both and can't wait to see you!  :)

suggestions, please...

The summer is right around the corner - Thursday at 9:26am is when it truly begins for me.  In the meantime, I've got some things to do here at work (yes, I'm here on a beautiful Saturday).  My room has to be cleaned, my grades posted, papers graded, books organized, supplies tallied, etc.  To keep me sane - and motivated - I want need some new music.  So, please feel free to leave me a comment with your recommendations!

I promise to think of you as I close-up shop for the year and blast my music!  :)

following directions...

...or not!

Here's what we did in class today.  This lesson never gets old, NEVER!  :)

(Please excuse the quality of these photos.  I had used the Print Screen option to make this show up.)

Any of you actually follow the directions? 

I had 2 kids in my 1/2 block (of 32) who did what they were supposed to.  The rest of the class simply untied their shoelaces, crawled under their desks, spun around a few times and failed to carefully read the assignment.  Regardless, this task always creates great discussion...and a reminder as to why we read directions!  

a few of my summer plans...

The countdown is on...there are only 17 days of school left (including today).  So, with more free time on the horizon, I've got a few creative plans.

• I would really like to make a cover for my camera strap.  This one is pretty cute and so is this one!  It's also possible that I'll modify mine to include a ruffle.  We'll see.
• One of my missions this summer is to make enough cards to last me until next summer.  This is a simple design that's super sweet!
• Every spring, I host a classroom party.  We celebrate everyone's birthday on the same day...that way those born in the summer aren't left out.  This little party looks similar to an end-of-the-year celebration.  We play games, create teams based on birthday months, and enjoy some yummy snacks - what's a party without food?!?!  I want to make these for the annual celebration.  They would hold-up well and keep me from having to buy streamers each year.
• Some people belong to a book club, others are party of a dinner club.  However, I'm thinking I should start some sort of craft club.  One of the first projects I would tackle?  This one!  It looks so cute...and seems pretty simple too.
• I would love to have these on hand for those rare occasions when we have folks over for dinner.
• This is a brilliant idea!  I need to get these made ASAP...that way I can use them throughout the summer.
• I wonder if Gavin or the twins would find this book to be kind of fun?!?!
• When the sun finally decides to stick around for a while, I want to try this little recipe.  It seems easy enough.

There are a ton of ideas I have saved here on my computer.  Perhaps I'll post a few more as I get a bit closer to summer vacation.  In the meantime, please feel free to share any ideas you might have!

can you imagine...

...how much fun this would be!  :)

When you get to the post, make sure you scroll down to the actual video footage.

(This was posted on one of the crafty blogs I read.  I couldn't pass it up.)