hand and foot ornament!

Daniel recently pointed out how crafty I have been this year. Perhaps I do have the craft bug? Or perhaps it's our seriously lacking budget for misc holiday decorations... either way, I have been doing more homemade projects. Here is one I wanted to share for all of you that have kiddos; a hand and foot reindeer ornament. SO easy and I ADORE mine!

Supplies:
1. 12x 12 cardstock style scrap book paper in whatever colors match your home decor/style. I used two different colors but you could do one if you wanted!
2. Scissors
3. Hot glue and glue gun
4. Crafty poof ball or even a cotton ball.
5. Gem, google eyes, or even a marker can make the eyes.
6. Ribbon or string to hang!

Instructions:
1. Take your over tired/cranky child and wrangle them down to out line both hands on one set of paper and just one of their feet on the other paper.
(This step goes by easier/faster if you have help to hold them down while you outline). Wish I had a picture for you but as you can imagine this was hard enough to do without trying to get a picture of it. SORRY!

2. Cut them out!


3. Arrange and hot glue the hands and feet like so...



4. Arrange jewels and cotton ball puff like this...


5. Take about 5-6in ribbon and fold two ends on itself to make loop... much like awareness ribbons.


6. Glue to back of ornament near the top for hanging.


7. I added some little glitter snow flakes I had lying around for a little extra funk but in the end you're done! The best part is being able to be as crazy or modest as you want! A little keepsake to remember your little one each christmas year... and a great gift for grand parents!


I made one for some family and friends! So adorable and EASY...


And here is ours hanging beautifully on our tree! Best of luck and have fun!

Happy Holidays 2011,
The Opfels

the leaves are-a-changin'

Ahhhhh, smell that? That is the smell of autumn! It is officially fall (as of Friday) and I am officially 10 times happier than the rest of the year. I can't help it, this time of year always brings out the best in me. Maybe it's the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice? Or maybe its the changing of leaves or the cool mountain air? Or maybe it's knowing that October always marks another successful year of marriage? I don't know the exact reason, maybe all of them. Regardless, it makes my soul so full of love and happiness.

There is one thing about this time of year that I absolutely love and that is pulling out boxes of holiday decorations. Daniel and I always argue about when to take them out because it requires him to dig through our spider infested storage shed. Whichhhhhhh he obviously hates. I would take them out on September 1st if he would let me but typically he can convince me to wait until the end of September to actually get them ALL out. There is one teensy-tiny problem with this method... as a result of having to wait, I find myself picking up little things to put out NOW until we get out my already owned decor. This is clearly not a problem in my world but in Daniel's world and my storage shed's world, this is a HUGE problem. My collection has grown to rather epic proportions and, unfortunately, my house lacks the space for it all. I'm trying to be better but the little ginger witch in me wants to add and add AND ADD!!

Whats the solution? I don't know. You tell me? I am too busy enjoying my little nic-nacs I've collected along the way. Or "crooks and nannies" as Daniel so fondly likes to say. Dork. How are you decorating this year? Any ideas of your own?







I am constantly browsing the web for cute homemade decorative ideas. This one I found through my blog stalking (see it pays to stalk)! So easy and so cheap. All it is is two vases, two votive holders (came as a pack of 2), votives, and a bag of candy corn! All from the dollar store! Look how adorable. And add that up... yup, $5! I already had candles so that was $4 for me!! They are now in my front window flanking my owl! I love benefiting from someone elses creativity.


Alright, I am going to go but share your fall ideas and recipes with me! You'll only add to my happiness which, common, wouldn't that just make your day? It would certainly make mine! Wink!
-Laura

PS: Funny store. I am at the dollar store today and I am in a GREAT mood. I am walking the isles with no particular place to go but suddenly I am trapped. A lady looking at glasses is blocking my way through... by just a hair.
Me: "Excuse me, would you mind if I squeezed past you please?"
Lady: "Uh, I'll try" (moves cart a couple inches, I squeeze pass).
Lady:"You know these isles go both ways."
Me: "I am sorry it was such an inconvenience that I asked you to squeeze by."
Lady: "Well... it was."

What are we coming to these days people? Show a little love. It is NOT that hard. I am telling myself she was having a not-so-good, very bad day. So I just laughed and said, "okay." She definitely put a funk in my day though. I almost stopped shopping. I am so glad I didn't though... I found a pair of jeans at Old Navy for 36cents!! HOLY SCORE!! So anyway... laugh a little and stop taking life so seriously, just for today (or even just this moment while you read this).

my big beautiful boy

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be"

Bitter of Dead

There is an old Turkish Proverb that goes something like this...
"Patience is bitter but it bears sweet fruit."

I am reminded of this quote today as lately I have found myself to be bitter and dare I say a little impatient (wink). When did I turn into such a cynic about life? I find myself always wishing, wanting, and desiring... never quite being still enough to enjoy what is mine already. The important thing for you to remember is that I am not unappreciative. I love my family. Have you met my husband, Daniel? He is amazing. He is one of those people that everybody loves. I wish I were exaggerating but it borderlines atrocious how much people adore him. Rushton, he is the light in my life. Yes we have our "moments" so-to-say but at the end of the day I have no idea how I lived a single moment without him. He is my world. I have an amazing job, I own a home, I can pay my bills, I have clothes on my back, and food in my belly and I am so thankful to God everyday for the blessings in my life.

And yet I yearn for more for my life. I let my inpatience get the best of me. Instead of sitting back and enjoying the ride, I want to jump in the driver's seat and make all the decisions. And deep down, don't we all want to be in control? Because if we aren't in control we are vulnerable to disappointment. I hate being disappointed.

But life is a funny thing as I have mentioned before and God has an interesting way of determining which direction your life goes. And tonight, I have never been more grateful. As I sit at work I find myself doing what I often do to pass the 3am lull, which is to blog stalk. HEY YOU, put away your judging eyes and your whispers. Anyone in the blog world stalks... I just stalk a little... kind of. Okay! ALOT but whatever ;o) The point is I stumbled across a blog post about desires. And basically this blog talked about how our desires can transform into obessions when we let our impatience get in the way of God's plan. "Humm" I think to myself, this sounds like someone I know but I can't quite put my finger on it.

Oh sh*t, it's me.

And here is the truth for you to read. My heart was broken... shattered when Daniel and I lost our baby in April. I am really tired of people telling me, "well at least it was early." As if it should hurt less or as if it makes it less significant. My life is filled with constant reminders of what I lost. But as my heart heals, I find that my desire to expand our family has grown. However, what I didn't realize along the way is that I let my desire transcend into an obession. And the more impatient I became, the more bitter I felt. Why us? Why them? Why not? How long? Tell me, I angerly ask God, demanding answers as if I deserved one. Today I looked at my schedule and I work on our babies birthday, 11-11-11... I wanted to cry. I couldn't tell you why. Maybe it was the idea that somehow this very special day was going to be like any other. Go to work, do my job, go home... nothing missed. No sweet new baby kisses. No gazing into the eyes of our new baby. No explaining to Rushton that he is now a big brother. No smelling the sweet scent of a baby or whispering "I love you's" into that soft baby cheek. I will work and life will go on and my heart will break again. I am so sad about this that I cry, even now at work, hoping that no one notices...

But I learned tonight that I do have the answers to all of my questions. The answer is to believe. To have faith that everything in this life is meant to be. That His plan for me will be better than any I could have hoped for myself. I do not understand why Heavenly Father needed our baby then but I understand now that it must have been important. That our baby must have been apart of a bigger plan. And that a new baby will grace our lives when He sees fit and I feel comfort knowing that it will be at the right time, in the right way. Does my heart feel mended? Not entirely and I am learning that that is okay. But understanding tonight what I have failed to understand these past 5months makes tomorrow seem a little better and I am forever grateful for that. I am forever grateful that Heavenly Father is in the drivers seat and I can breathe a little better knowing that I can enjoy the ride.

good night readers... oh and blog stalkers, *wink!
-laura

life, liberty, and the pursuit of peace and quiet.

Motherhood is such a funny thing. One day you feel like the Michael Jordan of mothers. You've conquered, for that day, the job that so often leaves a woman scratching her head asking, "how the hell did that just happen?" Some days you master the perfect funny faces, you smell the stink diaper across the room, you've cooked the chicken nuggets ever so splendidly, you've become the dream mom. You've become the mom you read about in the parenting books that have the best read lives... or do they?

Anyway, today is not a Michael Jordan sort of day... it's not even a Shaq kind of day... it's more like, humm... bench of the HS basketball team sort of day. These days are equally as important as the good days and for this reason I am airing my dirty laundry for you to read and judge (and maybe understand) the life of a mother. The real life. I think all mothers have these days. You know, the one they don't REALLY talk about in the parenting books for fear they may be reported to CPS. And if you haven't found yourself meeting face-to-face with this day, just know it is around the corner and you will wish it hadn't come as much as the next mom. What am I talking about? Let me tell you...

Today started like any other day. We woke up around 7 this morning and dad had already made breakfast. Eggs, bacon, and sliced banana. An Opfel favorite. Rushton eats a few bites (he eats better than most kids) and then feeds the dogs by throwing the rest of the food on the floor. Breathe, I tell myself. Dad left for school and we watch backyardigans while getting ready for the day and picking up our breakfast mess. We load up into the car around 9. And I really mean "load up" as you turn into a sack of potatoes when you realize we are no longer going outside to play but rather to get in the car to run errands. Target is a success. With your own bag of popcorn you willingly walk the isles with mama telling her all sorts of interesting things. "mama, baby" (points at picture of baby). "Ma, poopoo" (points at baby again)... we discuss how babies and poopoo are not the same.---> tender moments like these get me through the rest of our afternoon.

After Target I take my well behaved baby to the park. I ask you, "do you want to swing?"... and you sweetly reply, "I do." And we swing. We laugh. I am Michael Jordan. It's getting late so mom tells you we have to go home, time to say bye-bye to the park. Insert melt down #1. You are now screaming at the top of your lungs at the park. You will not walk. In fact, in lieu of walking you are kicking the earth and head butting the ground. I embarrassingly scoop you up and take you to the car while you are repeatedly head butting me in the face. You are now in the car seat and I am taking 10seconds outside the car before I get in. You cry most the drive home. I can physically feel my blood pressure rising... one point... two points...dare I say 20points? Probably not too far from the truth. We finally get home.

You happily get out of your seat when you see our dog in the window (who has broken our blinds... lovely). Wait, you are screaming and crying again. I'm confused? What happened? It can't be... no... Break down #2? Why yes it is. You have hit your head on the car door and have run away in anger. I chase you to try and "fix" your booboo but you are no fool. You know mom telling you "it's okay," in fact, does not make things okay. Smart child. You start throwing your body back, screaming, I can feel the neighbors peering out their windows. You head butt me in the face again. This time I am mad. I LIGHTLY swat your butt and tell you no more. You crumble in the door way into our house. I step around you to put the bags in the house and swoop you up again.

And that's when it happened. I almost didn't get it at first. I don't know how long you were there doing it but I can tell you it took about 5 WHOLE seconds for me to react. YOU WERE BITING ME! For the first time ever your little rabbit teeth were clenching the inner portion of my upper arm. I was stunned. I think our eyes may have locked and we may have been in a Texas wild west show down at that very moment. I screamed, you weren't letting go. I pinch your cheeks and finally you release. Now what happens next happened whether I chose to tell you or not. I am not proud. But these are the very real moments of motherhood that we tend to skimp over when gushing to our newly pregnant friend about how MARVELOUS being a mother is. I spanked my sons butt... pretty hard. I did it before I even had time to think. I spanked him and carried him to his crib and shut the door. I was fuming. He was crying. It was horrible. Horrible. I felt awful for what I had done. He is a kid and I know better. He was reacting and so was I; neither of us were right. I quickly opened the door again, he stood up and put his arms around me. We both cried. I said I was sorry and kissed him at least 50times. He never let go of me. Not once. I made him a bottle and rocked him in my arms. I think both our eyes and hearts softened. So this is motherhood?

This is motherhood. Sometimes it's messy. We often don't know what we are doing. The days we are Michael Jordan are awesome but I think it's how we react on our HS basketball team day's that define us... as a woman... as a mother. We all make snap judgements, bad decisions, but we own up to our behaviors, we say we are sorry, and we hope to be better tomorrow. Rushton and I are both NOT HURT. My ego is a little bruised... and my arm has a nice little trophy on it but we'll both survive. I hope this story has made you realize that motherhood is not all dress up, trips to park, quiet happy babies that sleep on time and eat all their vegetables. As long as you have love, forgiveness, and understanding in your heart- you will always be the Michael Jordan to your little guy. At least, that's what I am telling myself to get through the rest of today. Now for a bath and a little peace and quiet.

-Laura
Oh, and here is a picture of the bite. Why? Because despite how horribly it hurts, it is kind of cool...

cheese

rushton learned to say cheese for the camera and it melts my heart.
how was I ever without him?


And just for the record; these feet have magic healing powers when you bite them. especially if dirt covered. nom nom.

where has the time gone?

Summer is coming to an end and I find myself asking, where in the heck has the time gone? Flagstaff in the summer is unbeatable. We've enjoyed trips to california, walks to the park, evenings spent in the front yard just enjoying the grass and the cool mountain air. Summer 2011 was a success. Daniel will be starting the nursing program on Monday and I couldn't be more excited for him. He will be such a fantastic nurse. His personality is so contagious, people just love him. I am very excited to have my husband as my co worker. Best of luck, Daniel! I'm so proud of you!

In different news, Rushton is now 18months old! I think at this point he is officially considered a toddler which breaks my heart. Where did my baby go? I was looking at photos of him as a newborn today and I am SHOCKED how much he has grown and changed. He talks, runs, climbs, jumps, throws, and, yes, even has the terrible two melt downs. He is such a blessing. Some days, like yesterday for example, being a mother is the HARDEST thing I have ever done. However, tonight when I see him running the sprinklers with the love and the innocence a young child has, my heart melts. I love that crazy little boy of mine.

New Born Rushton:

Rushton Just Today:



Work has been steady as of lately which I think is a good thing. I am so grateful to have a job I enjoy during such horrible economic times. I still feel a little silly when people ask when I do and I say I am a nurse. Still hard to believe I guess. I love my job though. Has the right mixture of challenges and successes that I truly feel like I am making a difference in the lives of the women of our community. And their families for that matter. I am so glad I get to work with mommies and babies! I have been sick for 2 weeks though so it has been rough. I have had to call in sick a couple of times which is unfortunate. Apparently I may have bronchitis and an ear infection. I am on antibiotics now so I'll be back soon enough.

I wish I had more pressing things to discuss but I don't. My mom always says that no news is good news so consider this my no news for the month! I hope to have something exciting to share in the months ahead but for now this will have to do! I've missed you fellow bloggers... did you miss me, too?

XoXo-Laura

5K? What was I thinking...

Yes, the rumors are true!.. Wait, what rumors? Yes ladies and gents, I've signed up for a 5K this August! OH MY GOSH, what was I thinking? I'll tell you what I was thinking. I am thinking 1) I am 24 years old and I should be able to run 3+miles without hackin' up a lung 2) my friend Erin is super encouraging and convinced me I was a running supa-star at 1am at work so I signed up 3) because it's time to do something for me.

I am mortified. I don't run, I can't run... or can I? Every great person starts somewhere and that is usually at the bottom. So as much as I hate to admit it, I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to, which I guess means I'll be running a 5K this August (and maybe be President one day... hey a girl can dream, right?). Erin (one of my very favorite people ever- she is an amazing human being) helped me put together a running schedule, talked to me about the importance of good footwear, and has me convinced that I will not only be able to run 3miles but that I might actually enjoy it, too!
Here is to hoping, right?

Day 1

Day one is finally drawing to a close and I have successfully gone 24hours without a soda. I wish you could truly understand just how huge this is for me. I am so unbelievably proud of myself. I must admit that I almost hiccuped today at the grocery store. While picking up a few things I found myself walking down the soda isle on the way to check out. Instinctively I went to grab a 2liter of DP for the cart only to soon realize, oh yeah, that is definitely a no-go. It was crazy how it was just a simple reflex for me to buy soda. How depressing, when did I get to this place? I am so glad I made the decision to ditch the dang thing. Here was me this morning through my first soda withdraw...


On a much brighter note, I went roller blading today. Remember when that sounded like fun? Definitely NOT the case any longer. I thought it would be a good way to enjoy the holiday and the weather in Flag was so beautiful today. It was only about 5 minutes into the ordeal that I realized that instead of roller blading, I was not so gracefully flailing about, resembling more of a dying pigeon on wheels than a roller blader. I am not old so how is it that physically I am incapable of doing "leisurely" activities such as roller blading, like I did when I was a kid? Any of you find that you are incapable of doing things now that you could when you were a kid? Give me some motivation here and tell me about them... Me? Roller blading for one; walking barefoot anywhere, jumping on a pogo stick, riding a bike with no hands, riding a bike at all, the list truly goes on. Share your experiences so we can all laugh about it together. Well, this is it for me. I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day. Here is how Rush celebrated it;


Dang. He is cute huh? Such a little heart throb!

true colors

Today, while reading a fitness magazine, I decided it was time to change my life. It has taken a long time for me to realize that much of my unhappiness stems from my inability to stay motivated. I am constantly setting goals for myself, only to find that within a week my once sought after dream has been thrown by the wayside. I figure the first logical step is to, one, start talking about my goals. Alas, we are here and I am telling you my most intimates. Please note that I am not an all around unhappy person. However, like most everybody I know, I have my faults... my weaknesses shall we say and like you, I too would love to be free of my bad habits.
I decided the only way I am going to stick to my guns, beyond a week that is, is to set one goal at a time. First runner up? Soda. Yes, I plan to kick my soda addiction. Recently my dear friend Regan was poking fun at her brother-in-law for never drinking water during his day. She said to me, “Laura, he drinks soda all day long. He never has water... ever. It's weird and gross. That is so unhealthy.” I didn't say anything at the time but I thought oh lord she totally just described me. I mean I do have water but sips here and there; nothing compared to the 64oz a day that is most popularly suggested. Now I know you are sitting there in your judging chair, with your judging eyes, thinking; seriously, you never drink water? What do you drink? I am a being sincere when I say soda or nothing. Yes, I am truly the definition of a sodaholic.
But here I am baring it (bashfully) to you all in hopes that your positive thoughts and your judging eyes keep me motivated. I hope that this is the first step to a lot of positive changes I hope to see in myself. The next “goal” I hope to work on is running. We'll save that battle/story for another time. So here we go, day one starts tomorrow. Why tomorrow? Why not. I'll keep you posted. I plan to blog daily about my goals and how they are working out. I'd love to hear what goals you are working on, too. Maybe we can all get motivated to obtain our dreams together? Too corny?... Ah, who cares *wink.




The New Found,
-Laura

silhouettes

For the longest time Daniel and I had two LARGE empty pictures frames boxing in our hutch in the front room. I hated them being empty, it's the first thing you see when you walk in... not to mention we have a HUGE 8x8 window in our living room making them visible from outside, too. The problem was that I was unable to think of anything to do with them. Originally I was going to put pictures of rush but then I thought that may be unfair to future babies. Then while blog stalking one day, I came across the idea of making your own silhouettes. It was SO easy and not to mention the perfect thing for our sad-empty frames. Here is the result. Sorry for the image quality, I just snapped the photos quickly with my phone!!

Things That Make Me Shine

Things that make me happy lately...

This swimsuit. Adorable. I love that old is new again; I definitely love all things vintage.


The unbeatable Flagstaff summer that is rapidly approaching. Daniel and I are reseeding the front yard this weekend and have plans to put some rock in, too!


Gardening. Yes I realize I am an 80year old woman stuck in a 35year old body (who is actually only 24 *wink)... But I ADORE gardening. So relaxing and instant rewards. I probably could garden all day. What do you think the odds are I can make what I make now by planting flowers all day long? Oh, in a perfect world.


Collecting misc vintage items like the 1941 Sunbeam Mixer I found at good will for only $2! Seriously life changing. I think I may have run over an old man, annnnd shoved a small child to get to it before anyone else but I did... and it is awesome!


Watching movies with Daniel after Rush has gone to bed. Daniel is my absolute best friend. I can't believe how much we laugh together. I recently video recorded him showing my how to do "the wave" with his eyebrows. I can't figure out how to upload it but rest assured it is HILARIOUS! Love that husband of mine...


Diet sodas. Yes, my name is Laura and I am a sodaholic. I use to drink just regular sodas until daniel pointed out the difference of 300calories with regular soda versus 0 calories with diet. I really hope one day to shake the whole soda addiction all together but for now I can be happy that I am on the diet soda wagon. My favorite? Diet pepsi with lime. Seriously? Yum.



And of course, last, but CERTAINLY not least... Rushton. He is the light of my life. Everything about him makes me happy. Even when he is having his little baby temper tantrums I smile. Being a mother is my favorite thing in the world. I could stare at his beautiful face all day long. How am I so blessed?

goodbye flagstaff, hello san diego

... oh sweet, sweet vacation how we are SO looking forward to you! no babies, no dogs, no work, no dirty house, or unkempt yards. just daniel, me, the waves, and the sand for 3 days. any romantic ideas? we've got a few of our own but open to suggestions. any hidden treasures that must be seen? or hole-in-the walls that must be tried?

daniel and me march 09' at huntington beach...


daniel and laura 2011 mission beach...


(okay, okay so this isn't us. what gave it away? the anorexically skinny chick or the dude with hair? Ah hell, we'll give our best but no guarantees we'll have photo ops like this between all the mischief will be making. WATCH OUT SAN DIEGO, the opfels are comin' for you *insert evil laugh*)!!!

word vomit

I really have wanted to blog about how I've been feeling but, truthfully, I don't know that I have completely digested everything. This past friday I spent my afternoon at the doctors for my post operative appointment instead of listening to our babies heart beat for the first time. I cried a little that day.

Actually, I cry a little everyday. Well, maybe not every day but it seems like alot. Many of my friends are expecting babies in this upcoming year and it's been challenging to keep a smile on my face. The hardships of this experience are far from over. On top of the miscarriage I also had to have a D and C. The procedure itself wasn't bad, just meant more bleeding and a horrible anesthesia headache. Because of this experience I missed a bunch of work, which led to a verbal warning for too many absences! Of course my work understands the situation but they have to follow procedures. Despite their understanding, I am still having a hard time swallowing that last one. And now the bills are rolling in, yet another reminder. All of this is salt in a very open wound.

Over these last few days I feel like the past is starting to be put behind us. I get asked alot if Daniel and I are going to try for another baby any time soon. I don't have a good answer but we know that when it is time, we will be ready. Some days I am angry, some days I feel annoyed, or sad, or confused. The good news is, with each passing day I feel better and better. Thank you every one for your love and support. It's meant the word to me and Daniel. We know that Papa Bill and my grandpa are looking after our angel baby.

- The Opfels

a boy & his balloon

here is a short story that daniel and I like to call
a boy and his ballooon. no captions needed.






Yes, sadly this is how rush spent a portion of his easter. don't worry, despite the horrific wind storm that particular day, we were able to retrieve the balloon from the nearby bushes. However, shortly after we "retrieved" said balloon, Rush promptly bit and popped the thing. I should really just start burning dollar bills. Oh well, it brought him several seconds of happiness (and maybe even a little despair) which we were fortunate enough to catch on camera!

mischief maker

being a mom is the most unique experience.
with mother's day rapidly approaching I find myself thinking about
what it means to be a mother. I like to think of myself as a good
mom but only time will tell. However, even if I am the worlds
worst mother here are a list of things I LOVE about being Rushton's Mama:

1. He will stop crying if I sing to him.
2. He cuddles me when he doesn't feel good or wants to watch TV.
3. He giggles at me when I dance (my dancing is giggle worthy).
4. He will only brush his teeth if I sing the Brush Em' song from grease!
5. His smile warms my heart and his curiosity tests my patiences.
6. He will fight me for my food and says "mmm" when he wants a drink.
7. He thinks I'm hilarious when I bock like a chicken as he eats chicken nuggets!
8. He scowls at me with his hands on his hips or side when I am reprimanding him.
9. He doesn't fight afternoon naps with me (usually).
10. he makes me proud to be alive. he makes me a better, more loving, more compassionate, more tolerable (wink) woman. I am so grateful for him, every day.


Congratulations to ALL Mother's this mothers day!! You have the BEST job in the entire world! Its hard work but the reward is oh so-so sweet!

my life is perfect

I am so blessed. Take a minute to smile
at the things that make your heart warm.