The Scratch Offs

I finally have pictures of some of the things that I am creating for the baby shower and wanted to post them. So here are the scratch-offs. (I referred to these in a previous post). First make two designs - one for the winner and one for the non-winner. Since our theme is the Hungry Caterpillar, I used the caterpillar as the winner for the scratch-offs. Then go to a craft store and find clear contact paper - I think I found 6 sheets for $6 and I didn't use all of it for this project. I used a scrapbooking circle punch and punched out enough circles for each of the "tickets." They become clear stickers that you place over the part to be scratched off.

Then take craft paint and mix it with dish soap. Typically 2 parts paint to 1 part soap and paint over the part that is covered by the contact paper. Let dry and ta-da! You have some fun scratch-offs.

Here is an example - they actually scratch off pretty easily. It's a fun and in-expensive little game to play.

And speaking of games to play, here is a picture of the Game Program that I made for the shower too. I was able to print them in color for pretty cheap at bestvaluecopy.com - they are awesome and I highly recommend them.

Cars and Appointments and To-Do Lists...Oh My!

Well it has certainly been an interesting couple of days. Tornados are a blowin' here in the midwest but luckily we haven't been hit. Lot's of rain and wind last night, which makes for an exciting drive home.

In baby news: today marks my 32nd week/56 days left assuming Baby Charlie gets here on time, which of course I am not expecting, but slightly hoping. Both my brother and I were over 2 weeks late so that's a sign right there. Nana pointed out that it looks like I will be having a large baby so that's also fun. I am running out of things to wear (currently fashioning my husband's white undershirt and a black stretchy skirt - thank god the undershirt isn't one of the ones with the pit stains). Plus getting a little more uncomfortable than I would like...but that's how it goes I guess.

Time does seem to move pretty fast though - I can't believe 4th of July is right around the corner...so I know it won't be too long before the baby gets here...I am just anxious I guess. I started filling out his baby book yesterday and it is super cute (thanks mom).

Now with just about 2 months left, the timeline is starting to creep on me a little bit and I am feeling more and more pressure to get things done. We still have so many appointments to schedule before he arrives and I am just feeling overwhelmed. Plus, we thought it would be a good idea to purchase a car too so not only do we have the pressure of what car to buy, we also have 20 million car salesmen calling every day. And then leave it to me to think of different projects to get done too. I swear I think I am super woman or something. It will all come together, but as I said before, I am nervous, anxious and overwhelmed. Yay for sanity!

Numero Dos

So I just stumbled upon my old blog - see I told you that I am an awful blogger. I completely forgot what I even titled the blog. So this is promising right? Well anyways, I am getting geared up for the baby shower on July 9th. With only 1 month to go, we still have a bit of work to do. Now, I realized that it is a bit taboo for the mother-to-be to interfere in the planning of the shower. However, grandma (my mom) is more of the financier versus a planner and asked me to contribute. So of course my brain and ideas went into high gear and we have been working for quite some time. The theme is "The Hungry Little Caterpillar" and all guests have been asked to bring in their favorite book for the baby's nursery vs. buying a card. I can't wait to see it all come together. Pictures are a must here.

Some of the things we are creating:
Door Prize Scratch Offs - Yes, you can make your own scratch-offs and it actually is pretty inexpensive if done right (The key is done right, remember to use the dish soap in the paint mixture) This idea is from ArtMind http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-make-scratch-off-lottery-tickets.html

Baby Game Program - I saw this "program" idea at a bridal shower and absolutely loved it. This tri-folded piece has all of the games that we can play during the shower. This gives the attendees the opportunity to complete the game at their convenience vs. telling them when it's time to complete a game. Just depending on the make-up of the group they may not all know each other and so it may be a great way to fill some of the time, especially with opening presents. Pictures to be posted soon.

Centerpieces - Well Kohls has been extremely instrumental in this theme because from time to time they have stuffed animals and books for $5 http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/kohlscares/kidscausemerchandise/PRD~c22283/Kohls+Cares+Eric+Carle+The+Hungry+Caterpillar+Collection.jsp
And as luck would have it, they were doing an Eric Carle theme a few months back so we got the caterpillar stuffed toy and book (which will be used as the guest book).

Stay tuned for more ideas and pictures as the time draws near.

In Baby Arquilla news - we are T - 64 days and counting until the little bundle joins our happy family. Feel free to visit our website!http://kristincharliebaby.ourbabychannel.com/view/7482118977182775/4886645

Oh to blog or not to blog?

Well it seems that most of my friends with kids have blogs to keep their family and friends in touch. I love reading them even if the person who writes the blog sits across my office from me. Really though, it's quite entertaining and I know that it helps when there are family members across the country or even across the world.

So then I asked myself, should I start a blog? With a new baby on the way, yep, 10 weeks to be exact; it may not hurt to have a place to record all of the crazy things that go on and the crazy things that this baby will bring to my family. I really only have 1 member of my family that lives far away and I don't think "Uncle Jack" will be reading the posts, but it's nice to have out there I guess. My out of town friends may visit the blog too.

But then, there is the fact that I am lazy and forgetful. I mean really lazy and forgetful. I was never one of those kids to keep and sustain a diary. I would start one (typically on January 1st) and write in it consistently for a good 3 weeks, then dunzo! I have actually started blogs before and have been unsuccessful with keeping them up. So I apologize in advance for stealing this url and wasting it because I know there are two wasted url's out there already- my bad.

However, seeing the blogs of my friends and seeing their cute family pictures and stories - well it makes me want to have that...how cool would it be to save these pieces and memories for when my little kiddo grows up? I know...it is cool!

So the point is, I am gonna do it this time - I am gonna be a blogger. Not a great blogger. Not a frequent blogger. But a blogger non-the-less. And perhaps people will want to read about the crazy ANTICS of the Arquilla family. Cause trust me - there are some and what better way to air my laundry then to post about them here.