Harvest Wreath

So I got the idea in my head that I wanted a harvest wreath (I like to pretend that AZ has seasons) I new what I wanted it to look like but decided I did not want to pay more than $20. I went to Joanne's yesterday and they had harvest wreaths normal price: $29.99 on sale for $17.99 ... great, right in my price range, but I did not really like any of them. So any of you who know me "I can make one I like" Any of the crafty folk know that making it yourself is usually now days more expensive...And those of you who know me ... know how many do-it-myself projects I have in my scrapbook room. Well to make a long story even longer ... all the stuff I needed was on sale I only spent $18 and some change and gave myself until today to make it or I was going to return the stuff.

(to avoid adding another unfinished project to the pile)

So here it is my harvest wreath finished on time and looks pretty dang good if I don't say so myself. I also have enough stuff that if I spend another $3.99 on a grapevine wreath I can make another one.

Yeah for me!!!!

Budget

Only those of you who have a budget or have ever tried to have one will appreciate this. I decided our family needed a budget. My budget for groceries is $100 a week. Monday was my first shopping trip with said budget. If you can not see it in the picture my total with tax was $100.00. I was and still am so excited.

Flagstaff

Oh how I LOVE Flagstaff.

Even if my Auntie Jane didn't live there I would still love it. My Aunt living there just adds to the charm! The weather is PERFECT! (very comparable to San Jose) The views are amazing! (especially from Tom & Jane's house) The kids can play outside ALL day and they love it. Fresh air ... green grass .... trees .... especially the aspen ... raspberry bushes (in the backyard)...dogs running free...kids running off all of their energy...what is there not to love!!?!! Eric and I did happen to spend out honeymoon in Flagstaff 6 1/2 years ago (my first time in falling snow!) Since my Aunt married Tom (now Uncle Tom) we make it a point to visit at least a few times a year. Unfortunately the entire summer went by and the begining of September was the first visit of the summer. It was great, very relaxing, five star hotel accomadations. 3 short days and back to the heat of the valley (which I did not miss) but it was nice to be back home, kids back on schedule, and my own bed to sleep in ..... Next time we go to Flag hopefully there will be snow on the ground.

(Christmas does not always bring snow to Flagstaff)

First day for Addison

Today was the first day of preschool for Addison.

We had been talking about it ever since we signed her up a little over a week ago, and she has been so excited to tell EVERYONE. Well this morning she was not so excited about it and did not want to go. She wanted mommy to stay with her if she did go. Well we went and I had to trick her so I could leave. Mrs. Udy (her teacher) said that she cried for just a minute then she was great. Addison had a lot of fun and it is all she could talk about for the rest of the day. I am so glad that she enjoyed it and I know she will do great.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Deanna!

Tonight we celebrated Deanna's Birthday. We went to Gecko Grill in Queen Creek. (super yummy Mexican food) After dinner we went to Bahama Bucks, which is our families ultimate favorite. When we were in high school we went there all the time. Deanna - Jamaican Rum Christine - Strawberry Daiquiri

We are so excited that there is one in Queen Creek now. I am sure it will the place for future girls night out. I hope Deanna had a great forever 25 birthday!

Family Reunion 2007

McCleve Family

This Labor day weekend we went to the Goodman reunion in Vernon, AZ.
It was the first time our entire little family had gone camping. Addisons first time EVER. She loved it. We all had a great time! The weather was GREAT nice and cool, a little sprinkle here and there. The food was great! It was really good to catch up with family that we had not seen in a while. The kids had a BLAST getting to do "whatever they wanted" running all around with thier cousins. Guhner and Addison were able to sleep with Tyler and McKenna in a tent in the back of the horse trailer. Thier story is they stayed up ALL night. I think all night is about 10:30. Eric and I took the third row out of our suburban and put in an air matress, it was very nice and cozy.

The kids went with Eric to the cinder pits to go shooting. We caught a horney toad and took turns holding it (the kids, not me, I like to admire from afar). The best of all was each night we had SMORES. (my kids first time ever....I know someone please call CPS) The kids didn't ever want to leave (who can blame them). But I can say that I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight!

Dr. McCleve at your service!

Per my previous post, here is a picture of my finger! Today was day 10 (when my stitches could come out) being the holiday, my appointment was on Tuesday. Well I wanted to go swimming with the kids today, so I took the stitches out myself in my mother-in-laws kitchen with what I believe was scrapbook scissors. If you look at the top of the picture you can see the stitches that I took out. It didn't really hurt. The only reason I think it hurt a little is because 3 of the four stitches were actually through my nail. Just call me Dr. McCleve, although I am not taking appointments yet.... I probably shouldn't have done that. My finger is oozing a little. In my own defence I don't think that they did that great of a job of putting the stitches in.