RIP-Bernard

So, yesterday while myself and Alex were holding our beloved rat, Bernard, the dog attacked him, causing serious internal injury.  He was ultimately put to sleep. 

This was Alex's first real dealing with death, and let me tell you, it was hard on both of us.  I am heartbroken over the loss of my baby, but what made it worse?  Seeing Alex heart broken over it.  She keeps crying over him still today.  I keep telling her that he's in rat heaven, and I taught her how to pray to him.  I explained to her how wonderful rat heaven is, and that he is going to live there forever.  Nothing helps. 

So now, dear Bernard is laid to rest under a beautiful tree in our back yard, which I plan to plant flowers over.  Here's to Bernard- you will be missed little buddy.

In Memory of Caylee Marie

There are many horrible things that have to do with this story, but let's all remember the darling little angel whose life was lost.  Let us remember darling little Caylee Marie.

This song was written for Caylee

Crochet for Beginners

I recently began crocheting again, and decided to encourage more people to do it. It's a great hobby, it keeps you busy and you have actual, usable items when you are done.  It's also not all that expensive.  If you have not tried crochet, I encourage it.  It's very easy to start up.  I suggest to start with something small, and easy, like a hat(it's what I started off with).  Here is a video that should really help get you started with a simple chain stitch (credit for the video goes to theknitwitch on youtube)

DIY- Lip balm

Here is a nice and easy home made lip balm. I havent personally tried this yet, but I have heard good things about it.  And, it seems cheap and easy enough that it won't be a huge bummer if it doesn't work.

What you need
A "pot" of some sort (I'm going to use an empty pot from my last lip balm)
Petroleum Jelly
Aloe Vera Gel

Simply fill half the pot with the petroleum jelly, and the other half with the aloe vera.  Stir with a toothpick until they are very well mixed.  No need to perfectly measure anything, just remember that if it is too slick, add more petroleum jelly, and if its too goopy and hard to spread, add more aloe.  This is supposed to work very well for very dry lips

Kid's Snack- Dirt Cups

This is a very well-known snack used by school, daycares, and just about anywhere kids frequent.  And what's best, it's super easy to make.

What you'll need
Chocolate pudding
Gummy Worms
oreo cookies

Simply, add the pudding into a cup or bowl.  Put the gummy worms in the pudding so that most of the worm is hanging out.  Now, crush up the oreos and cover the top of the pudding.  Kids love it!!

Craft- Seashell Picture Frame

What you need
Any sized picture frame
Hot Glue
Small/medium seashells
Summer photo

This is a fun and easy craft that I loved doing with my mom when I was a kid.  Simply glue the seashells onto the frame using the hot glue, however you would like.  You can also use glitter and paint to decorate the shells before you put them on the frame.  Once the frame is covered in shells, add the photo, and you have a very beautiful summer photo in a lovely, customized summer fun frame!

Valentine's Day Craft- Piggy Card

What you need
Pink Construction Paper
Scissors
Markers
Glue

Cut out a large heart out of pink construction paper. This will be the piggy's head.  On another sheet of pink paper, cut out two triangles (ears) and another, smaller heart(nose).  Also cut two 1/2 inch strips.  Glue the ears in place, and add detail if you'd like.  Take the two strips, and glue the ends together perpendicularly(in an L shape).  Now, fold the bottom paper over the top.  This should make it into another L.  Keep doing this to make a spring, and glue the tops together.  Once it dries, glue the base of the spring into the middle of the heart, where the nose will be.  Now, glue the heart shaped nose on the top of the spring, to make a pop-out nose.  Color two nostrils onto the nose.  Now, draw two heart eyes, and a pretty little smile.

You can add your own personal message to the piggy.