Simple Joys

The simple joy of playing a game on my phone. Not only for me, but the kids as well. It really is a help when we are out to eat and need a little distraction.





The simple joy of a new haircut (and double dipping- my phone). It is amazing how good it feels to get a new hairstyle.

Junior-my silly cat. I love him!!! He was a stray and very matted many years ago. He was so scared and unloving. These days he's a big softy, but he doesn't want anyone to know.
Kisses-even with globs of lipgloss. Morgan was very sad, because no one wanted a kiss from her....in the end she got her kisses. How can you resist that face???

Who would have thought there would be snow in the desert? Just a short drive and the hot 120* days are all but a memory. We were able to drive to Mount Charleston and enjoy the snow. (Mostly from the inside of the truck since we are all sick) This picture shows two of my simple joys-not only the snow, but it was edited with my new software Lightroom 3. <3 it !!!!

Simple Joys

So after a long vacation away from writing the blog, here I am again. I have to start by letting everyone know that this traditional school schedule really cuts into my creative time. Therefore, I'm attempting the impossible. Thanks to two friends (Stacy and Jeny) I am going to participate in their crazy idea of a picture a day for a year. Since I'm pretty sure I can't post daily-I'll take my pictures and post on the weekends. Hey why set yourself up for failure.....I know there is NO WAY I would post a pic a day. To make good on my word and as a show of good faith, here are my first three pictures.




My first simple joy is a craft project that Christi and I made earlier in 2010. I love to get my craft on during the weekends, when I can. Since I no longer get track breaks to play I have to play whenever I get the chance. Don't you just love this twine heart. I do....so simple! (however, I do not love the dust that collected on the frame...my other simple joys that will appear over and over again this year take priority over dusting)

Okay this is actually my runner up for day number 2, but I just love how this kid makes me laugh daily...here Morgan is seen sporting her chocolate mustache. In her best dinosaur roar she tells me, "I am a masterpiece!" Yes you are Morgan!!!
My actual day 2 pic. We went for a Sunday drive out to Red Rock. I enjoy off roading and discovering new parts of the valley. I spotted this tree near our truck and just loved the branches. It was very cold and snow flurries were starting to fall a few miles away. These branches just scream WINTER and in the desert any temperature below 120* is a simple joy.
Okay just noticed my numbers on the bottom of the pics are wrong (I'll have to fix that) the meds are my January 3rd picture. Not that I am joyous over everyone being sick, but the marvel of modern day medicine is a simple joy in our household tonight. Everyone in the house has been sick lately. Our afternoon was spent in quick care again today. After waiting an eternity we finally got a prescription only to go to the grocery and wait again....here lately the Eveleigh's are on a liquid diet! Thank goodness for medicine!!

Okay so there you have it. 3 days down and 362 days and pictures to go.......see you on the weekend.

Mount Charleston Hiking

Well Vegas is getting hot, hot, HOT!! So this past Sunday we escaped to Mt. Charleston to have some fun. We met our friends there and played the whole afternoon. Maegan, Morgan, Autumn, and Cody had fun playing in the stream. Of course they all had to get wet. Even Dawn and I walked in the stream for a bit. It was freezing and I thought my toes might fall off. Amazing that none of the kids seemed to mind at all!!! It was so nice to be outside without the miserable heat. Barry, Dawn's husband, and I have talked our families into going camping. Today I overheard the girls planning the trip afterschool. They even turned my classroom into a pretend campground. I'm excited I haven't been camping in years and I think Morgan is going to love it. I am concerned about losing her in the woods. My mom has suggested that I put a padlock on the tent door. Soooo, I guess now we will be gathering the camping supplies. I sure hope Mark hasn't forgotten all that military training.

Daddy and his girls.

Water FUN
Autumn being the champ and Cody teaching Morgan to drink from the stream. Thanks Cody!!!

Fourth of July

We went to a BBQ at our friend's house. The girls had a great time swimming in the pool and thankfully they were both well enough to have some fun. Morgan is a regular water bug. She LUVS to swim. No fear as she jumped into the deep end and even tried to swim underwater. Maegan is more cautious. She did practice holding her nose and putting her head underwater. She may need a few swim lessons in the future. After many hours of swimming Shannon helped the kids make smores as they watched fireworks. We had a great time-thanks for having us over Tom and Shannon!

Sickies

Well, I thought I would be back to the wonderful world of blogging since I'm on vacation now, but so far the week keeps unfolding with more sickies. Seems like everyone in the house (except Mark) has been sick and with something different. So far for my fun filled vacation of getting something done around the house. I hope I am all patched up and good to go in the morning, because Christi and I have some thrifting to do. We are on the search for some bargins. I am in the process of redoing the kitchen and have decided to fill it with my favorite things, who cares if it doesn't all go...as long as it makes me happy. Hopefully next week I can have some new fun pictures to share...until then here's an oldie that always makes me laugh! Silly girls-



& how can I not laugh at this post? Well she is a Vegas girl!

You'll Be Blown Away By These Pictures

Actually we were almost blown away taking these pictures. Some more than others (right Stacy?) Anyway we all piled up in an 18 passenger van and took off for Red Rock. Three moms and six kids. We must be nuts!! The wind was very aggressive, but we had fun anyway. Who wouldn't have fun with us and our kids?? A laugh a minute...then a few fights...then back to laughing. The kids did really well. We saw burros, caterpillars in nests, lizards, and Joshua trees. After getting blown around at Red Rock we stopped off at Bonnie Springs. The kids had a great time running on the grass and playing hide and go seek. They also found a water fountain and spent lots of time "getting a drink." We had a fun day with friends and can't wait to play again this weekend. ***no one needed technology today! A day without TV and DSi!! woohoo now I'm going for that mom of the year award!

St. Patty's Day

Today has been an exciting day for someone in the Eveleigh family. Maegan lost her first tooth today. She was so excited. I'm sure the Tooth Fairy is on her way. Check out Maegan's blog for the full story.
So I still have a wee bit o'crafty left in me...from mine and Christi's craft-o-rama last week. I had been thinking of making the girls St.Patrick's shirts. Of course I waited to the last minute. Here is what I came up with....the graphics are a free download from a great blogger site (How Does She?) They actually are meant to be cupcake picks, but I transformed them. Maegan gets the big bows because she's actually a Southern girl at heart- and Morgan...well her idea of a bow is a ponytail holder. So I had to go lite on hers. I made them new bows for their hair (clipped to the side of the shirt waiting for the morning get ready shuffle.) I love Maegan's bow. I've been wanting to try out that technique for awhile now. Finally played around and for my first try I was pleasantly surprised.
Hopefully the shirts will hold up for tomorrow...for a two hour project..NOT BAD!!
Happy St. Patty's Day (I'll claim a lil Irish here- my great gma was Irish-just don't tell the Welshman Mark)

Almost Over

Well my vacation is coming to an end...so sad! So I'm making the most of it this week. Christi and I have been crafting up a storm. We've started so many projects and actually finished a few. I think Dave (Chrisit's fiance) will be glad when I go back to work so he can come home and RELAX! Mark will also be grateful when I stop asking him to help gather my supplies and give me a crash course in working power tools. What can I say? its therapy and we all need it from time to time. I'll post some picutres later today of our projects. I don't have time to download now..I'm on my way to Lowe's to pick up our next batch of supplies.

We also did our Family Fun Nite last night-we extended it to Family & Friends Fun Nite-not only do Christi and I craft, but we cook and bake! HA
For dinner last night we made French Dip Sandwiches-YUMMO and rainbow cupcakes- the cupcakes were inspired by a blog and they turned out super cute. The kids helped us decorate. Pic to come later and we are already planning the next bit o business!

Family Fiesta

Okay so I've had some time on my hands lately(since I've been on vacation) and I read alot of blogs. Which leads me to Family Fun Nite. I thought this was a neat concept to take family time (meal time) to another level. And well as much as I like to coordinate and have a theme..this just seems logical that we do this.
Our first family night was tonight... Family Fiesta. The kids helped me plan the menu: fajitas and burritos. We also made sombrero hat cookies. The kids and I tried to add in a few extra touches-while we were out thrifting today..is thrifting a word? anyway we found the Ole cups and plates. Next time I really want to add some flare and have everyone dress up. We did have the mariachi music playing in the background, but we didn't have a hat to perform the hat dance. We finished off the night by watching the girls dance to the music, watching some iCarly (yep even Mark) and we put together two dinosaur puzzles that I scored today! Of course next time we will have a pinata and we will have to watch Dora or something. Mark wasn't thrilled when I announced my plans for the next Fiesta night (but he did like the idea of having margaritas). I'm already planning my May 6th shopping spree. Hurry Up Cinco de Mayo!
Anyhow-now I have to start thinking of next week's theme. Any ideas?? Eventually I want to work in some cultural history so the girls can learn about other countries...that gives me an idea-maybe I'll make a family passport and we can travel the world right here in our kitchen..hmm good thing I have another week off!

O&E odds and ends

A hodge podge of the last few days...my mom left Tuesday morning and the girls and I have been taking it easy. We were going full force the last week with my mom and I think I was just pooped out!! Yesterday was Mark's birthday. The girls and I made him cookie brownies. Maegan asked me if we had enough candles to put on daddy's brownie? I laughed because NO way were that many candles fitting on one lil brownie-but rather than explain-I just told her no because the house would burn down. I also got around to using the arugula that I bought at Malto's Farmer's Market. That was a neat experience. I found a great recipe for Cajun Grilled Steak with Mustard Horseradish Cream...YUmmO!!! at least I thought so. And finally I decided to get creative. Maegan has been telling me for the last week that we don't have enough St. Patrick's Day decorations. ?What? not that I normally go overboard- I mean isn't one wall hanging enough??? So rather than disappoint I got out the Cricut and went to work. Overall I felt pretty pleased about being "Lucky!"

Busy, Busy, Busy

This weekend has been really busy! Today we went to NASCAR-Sprint Cup at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway! Great day! Mark really spoils us...we got suite passes to the race. It included an All-Access Pass that allowed us to go to the Neon Garage and Pit Road. This is the same deal he got last year. Last year Mom and I spent more time running around trying to find drivers, this year I just took it easy. Strolled around before the races and spent most of the race on the roof. I've become very spoiled...a suite is the only way to go with kids (at least its the only way I'm going). Mom is making this a tradition. She is coming every year for Jeff Gordon. Too bad he gave up the race the last three laps.





Saturday we went to Boulder City to ride the train. It was a wet,FrEezInG cold day. The girls really enjoy riding the train and Gaga had never crossed a street on a train- other than Disney World. We bought another cookie cutter to add to our engine. We will be making train sugar cookies this week. This time our "train ride" will be in the warmth of our home.



Friday night we made Gingerbread cookies. I know a little late in the season, but we didn't get to see Gaga at Christmas. We have to push all the holdiays we can into her visit. We were hoping to do Easter pictures while she was here, but Morgan has gotten one bump after another. Easter pictures may have to wait. At least we finally finished up Christmas. Besides waiting for Gaga before decorating cookies, it takes two of us to clean up the mess afterwards.

Sorry for the long post...but sometimes-that is just how life goes. Have a great week!

Tule Springs Ranch

A day at the ranch...but no divorce for us! (If you are wondering the Tule Springs Ranch was once known as the "divorce ranch." It was a waiting place for many women while waiting out the residency requirements for NV. Many came to stay on the ranch while waiting for their divorce. It was later a resort for the community and socialites. Very neat story and beautiful place back in the day. Click on the above title for information on Floyd Lamb State Park (Tule Springs)
Okay history lesson aside...
The girls had a great time. They actually went a few weeks ago with their dad. I took them back yesterday with my mom. We had a picnic on the grounds and then went exploring some of the historical buildings. One of our highlights of the day was when I fed the geese some bread. They were very aggressive and I dropped the bag. The flock of appox. 50 geese decided to attack because there wasn't enough bread for everyone. I ran inside the restroom and my mom and girls retreated to a picnic table. Of course I helped them escape...but only after taking pictures and laughing as Morgan screamed, THE DUCKS ARE COMIN' TO GET ME!!!!!!!!!!!! We continued the rest of our tour without incident until..I started taking pictures of the peacocks. These birds are so beautiful. I have NEVER seen a solid white peacock before. I was able to get so close to them. (as long as the girls weren't around) I guess a peacock and I were getting too friendly and the guard geese came back. These two ran us away and ran the peacock back to the ranch. We barely escaped and ran to the car. Morgan ran to the picnic tables again still screaming, THE DUCKS GOING TO GET ME! So we've learned our lesson...next time take more bread or risk your rump getting a chomp. Here are a few pages from our day- I took over a hundred bird pictures. I guess because they were so friendly. Check out Princess Maegan on the side bar for some of Maegan's pictures.

Walking with the Dinosaurs

Today was Dino Day. We went to the Nature Discovery Park and had a dino dig. The girls were super excited. We stopped at Subway to grab some lunch and they had the cutest dino lunch sacks with the kid meal. PERFECT!! We took our dino bags and went to hunt for fossils. The girls ran around for a solid hour before stopping. Morgan loved the dirt, of course. She also liked the swings and running in the dino skeleton. Maegan liked climbing to the top of the tower and sliding down. They even talked Gaga into sliding down one of the tubes. I don't think she will do it again. And if she even thinks about it ...I have pictures to prove why she shouldn't :) It was very chilly so we didn't stay as long as we would have liked...so tomorrow another adventure. I'm thinking Farmer's Market and the duck pond!

Wild Wild West

Our adventures today started with Morgan playing beauty shop and painting both of her hands with fingernail polish. She then decided to apply it as lip gloss. She missed the lips and swiped the chin. After holding her down (it took both my mom and me) we removed all polish and set out on our way. We spent the day in Boulder City. I really love that town and wish I could afford to live there. I like how the community preserves the town's heritage. So..Jeny, Mary Jo, beware I could be lurking on your front doorstep someday. First we stopped off and the kids had a blast running around the park. Mom and I tried to snap some pictures, but mostly chased the kids. We then went to Lake Mead and walked the old railroad tunnels. I failed to see the sign that said first tunnel 1 mile. Of course after you walk a mile to see the first tunnel you might as well go ahead and walk the rest. Our overall trip 3 miles......3 loooong miles and the best part Morgan decided that on the way back she wanted to rest. Her code: "Hug Me" that means please carry. So that's what I did all 1.5 miles back!!! I've been watching Man vs. Wild with "Bear" so I was well prepared to make a sling out of my jean jacket. I thought we were going to have to set up camp if the sun went down, so I was started to look for possible locations. In the desert it gets cold at night so we put it in high gear and hoofed it back to the car. Here is our day in pictures. My mom told the girls there were bats in the tunnels so everyone screamed and "flew" through. All in all it was a blast and I got a DQ blizzard as a reward for carrying 35 extra pounds for the trip back...tomorrow dino park!