Amy Scott's Thoughts

Sharing the thoughts that bounce around in my brain!

Feels Like Fall September 3, 2013

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Getting Creative,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 6:08 pm
New class bulletin board!

New class bulletin board!

I know that fall doesn’t technically start until later in the month, but for me, the beginning of September is the beginning of a new season. As you know from previous posts, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this new season and now it’s finally here! It’s finally fall! Hurray! This morning I woke up to rain outside my window. I watched the school bus drive down my street to pick up kiddos. My husband is now officially into hunting season and he took off early this morning in hopes of killing an elk. These are all signs that fall has arrived. Not to mention that I put my small amount of fall decorations out this weekend. I love driving home and seeing an autumn wreath on my door. It just does something for me! I’m also in the midst of preparing for my new class of girls tomorrow night. The 4th graders are now 5th graders and will be moving up! I’ve been planning and preparing for this new class and now it’s right around the corner. Of course, with a new year comes a new bulletin board. I always love decorating the classroom fresh and new. We’ll make a new poster tomorrow with all our names on it and we’ll decorate pumpkin picture frames to put up around the classroom. These days are some of my favorites! After two weeks off, I’m also back to baking for my girls, so tonight I made oatmeal M&M cookies. Good stuff! Even oatmeal seems fall like! Okay, I think I’m an autumn high! It’s just so good! What are some things you are looking forward to in this new season?

 

Meaningful Artwork July 24, 2013

Filed under: Getting Creative,Parenthood — Amy Scott @ 4:13 pm

It was very apparent to me once we had all the furniture in place in the nursery that we were going to be in need of artwork to liven up the walls. Jeremy had tacked up the fabric art pieces that came with our nursery set on the largest wall and while they are adorable, they are just a little too small for that wall. I already had envisioned them in another spot, so that left me still pondering the large wall.

If any of you know me well, you know that I am a researcher. I took to the internet for inspiration. I looked a lot over Etsy and other websites trying to find artwork that will match our theme. The hard thing is that none of the forest animals I saw where a close enough match to the ones on our bedding. This lead me way from looking at animals and started me down the focus of words. A lot of people put cute sayings, phrases and quotes on their baby’s wall. Did I want to do that? I guess the answer is yes, but I skipped the cutesy stuff and went straight to the Bible. If I was going to frame words, I want to frame Scripture. I want that to be what I see when I walk into our little guy’s room. I want him to know these verses, but as a parent, I want these verses to be familiar to me as well. I decided on four different passages that meant a lot to me and I thought would reflect well in a babies room. My first attempt at creating the artwork was a fail. I had a family member print them on a laser printer, but the colors didn’t match quite right.

My second attempt look me down a little more professional route. I went back to Esty and downloaded a wood grain scrapbook paper set. I do believe the download had about 24 colors to choose from. Jeremy really like the wood grain theme because it fit the room, but it wasn’t too busy. I set to work recreating verses on this wood grain pattern. I then had the images printed at Shutterfly on 11 x 14 matte paper. I also ordered some 11 x 14 frames online and they should arrive soon.

The artwork from Shutterfly arrived today and I will admit that I was nervous to open the package. With my first more homemade attempt at artwork, the colors didn’t print right and I was hoping that I wouldn’t have the same problem this time. I’m happy to report that the prints turned out really well! They were rolled up in the package, so I have them laying out with books to flatten them. When the frames arrive and I get everything up on the wall, I will be sure to post a picture of the finished product!

Artwork can be very expensive. Making it myself and using coupons and gift cards made this project relatively cheap in comparison to what I could have spent. More than it being cost effective to do it myself, I love the fact that I created something that will go up in the baby’s room. I love that it’s Scripture because it’s presence can be comforting, encouraging and prophetic. It means something. At least it does to me and hopefully someday it will mean something to our son as well. Maybe the artwork won’t be cherished, but hopefully the words will!

Scripture verses with a wood grain background.

Scripture verses with a wood grain background.

 

T-Shirt Designer! April 28, 2013

Filed under: Getting Creative,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 5:50 pm

As you know, I have many skills! *Wink* Now I can add T-Shirt Designer to the list. For our upcoming family trip to Hawaii, my mom had requested that we make matching t-shirts with our Hawaiian names on the back of them. I volunteered for the job, but I’m not sure why I did! It can be stressful trying to come up with something everyone will like! The funny thing about the shirts is picking the color was probably the hardest part. At one point, gray was our leading contender and I was floored that the Vitzthum clan would want to head to Hawaii looking like little Washington rain clouds! Since blue was the second runner up, my sister and I veto gray and went with a heather blue. It’s not bright and tropical, but we won’t look like a rain cloud, so I think that is a win. The shirt arrived earlier than expected last week so I had my mom pick them up so they wouldn’t be outside my house while I was away. Today my mom brought me Jeremy and I’s shirts and I have to say that they turned out better than I expected. I used CustomInk and it was very easy to use. They have a selection of clip art and graphics that I used for the front of the shirt. For the back, I listed everyone’s Hawaiian name and t-shirt size so the right name got on the right sized shirt. It’s was fairly simple and I’m happy with the results. I figured out everyone’s Hawaiian names using an app I had downloaded on my iPhone. Everyone has such cool sounding names – expect for me. Amy translates to Ame. Wow. What a difference! Jeremy translates to Kelemi! Even my dog has a cooler Hawaiian name than me. Toby translates to Kopi! Note: my dog didn’t get a t-shirt and no, he is not going to Hawaii. I guess I need to be thankful for my simple name even if it’s not that interesting in Hawaiian. Here is a glance at the shirts! Maybe in a few months you’ll see a picture of us actually wearing them in Maui! We’ll see!

Hawaii - Front

Amy = Ame

Jeremy = Kelemi

 

Not Your Average Sunday! September 2, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Getting Creative,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 10:15 pm

Today was certainly not an average Sunday. That is for sure! Our church put on a block party for our community that featured two wild animals shows, a car show, free food, a dunk tank, inflatables, etc. Lots to do and see. The day was filled with fun. I think the highlight for me was seeing my hubby in the dunk tank. I honestly thought I was going be the first in line, but nope, I had to get in line behind many of our students. It was really cool to see how many kids wanted to dunk him. It means something if you are cool enough to get dunked. I paid the extra money just to go up and push the button. I throw like a girl… and I’m not ashamed of that fact. However, I didn’t want the whole world to see just how poorly I can throw. Plus, if I missed all three times, then I would have missed my shot at actually dunking him! The animal show was also a great part of the day. I loved the wolves, cougar and arctic foxes. I could have done without each and every snake they pulled out! Ick! Overall, it was a fun way to spend my day, but sooooo not like normal church. It has me a little thrown off now. Doesn’t quite feel like a Sunday.

I was on doggie duty, so I left the block party before Jeremy so I could free Toby from his crate.  I has started to brainstorm a craft project before bed last night so I decided in my few hours of downtime I would create. I used leftover canvas from crafting with April. I also used left over paper from my Missionettes bulletin board two years ago. It’s fun to do a project when I have all the supplies on hand and I can use up stuff that is just sitting my closet. Most of the paper pieces have staple holes in them, but when cut strategically you would never know they were a bulletin board in a past life! I think I like how it turned out. I keep moving the location on which I’ll display it. I had originally thought on the wall by the door, but now I’m thinking on the wood stove with my pumpkin display. We’ll see if it stays there or moves again… or goes away all together. It’s not professional artwork, but it does feel good to get creative every now and again.  Any day I can use a glue gun and Mod Podge is a good day. Does anyone else agree?

Hope you’re enjoying your Labor Day weekend!

Hubby in the dunk tank!

Decorating for Fall!

 

A sign that Fall is coming! August 28, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Getting Creative — Amy Scott @ 8:36 pm

Today I got to do one of my favorite things! I got to redecorate my class bulletin board for another year! Every year I take down the bulletin board and give away all the pictures on it to my 5th/6th grade girls on Wednesday night. We take down all our posters and the room looks very bare for a few weeks. Next Wednesday will be the first class with my new girls. I had to get the room ready for them. Each class deserves a fresh slate! Plus, I really enjoy getting in touch with my crafty side. The current theme is centered on “Back to School” so I’ll probably change it again in a couple months. When I saw the paper in the store, I just couldn’t pass it up! It’s crazy to believe that the kids will be back in school next week and September is right around the corner. Autumn is my most favoritest of seasons, so I can’t say I mind one bit! I’m looking forward to another great year of loving on girls and teaching them about God’s Word.

A new board for a new year!

 

Celebrating Life August 22, 2012

Filed under: Getting Creative,Simply Me,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 9:57 pm

Jessica and Amy through the years!

Celebrating her 17th birthday with blizzards and fries!

One of the best parts of mentoring and ministry is sharing life with others. It means walking through the ups and downs. Today I got to celebrate with a lovely young lady that will be turning 17 tomorrow. When I first met Jessica it was Easter weekend in 2007. She’s been a part of my life ever since and a BIG blessing to me. We’ve been hanging out on a weekly basis this summer. It’s been fun to stay caught up the daily happenings of her ever busy, ever crazy life. But that is how life is. Mine is the same way. It’s crucial that the important relationship in life don’t fall to the wayside just because the calendar is full. It’s been a fun summer spent laughing, praying, reading and discussing the drama of life together. I mentioned a few blogs back that I had made a craft project that I couldn’t display the end result until after I’ve given it the birthday girl. Today I gave away the beloved piece of art that I put all that time and detail into. I wanted to share something with Jessica that wasn’t store bought and was really from the heart. I chose pictures from the years of  our friendship and highlighted the span of time we’ve shared. I then added verses about love and faith. These are the things I hope she reads on her wall from time to time. Hopefully they will strengthen her when the day is hard and faith far away. These are the things I hope grow and develop in her life. More than anything, I cover this gift with a prayer – that she would love God more than any other and that she would know that she’s never alone. These are the highlights of friendship, of doing life together. I’m am blessed to share this journey with so many kindred spirits and Jess is definitely one of them! Happy birthday!

 

Sister Time! August 19, 2012

Filed under: Family Time,Getting Creative — Amy Scott @ 2:07 pm

Dinner in the Park!

It seems like my sister and I have had opposite schedules this summer. We haven’t had a chance to hang out too much in July and August was starting to shape up the same way. Back in June, April and I made plans to go down to Saturday Market in Portland, OR while our hubby’s climbed Mt. St. Helen’s. The only thing that might have kept us from going was if April had to work this weekend, which thankfully she didn’t! We had a great time catching up while the our boys went fishing, camping, and hiking a mountain. I like camping, but the fishing and hiking part, I was glad to do without!

April’s project!

Friday night, April, Toby Dog, and I enjoyed Taco Ball in a local park. We sat a log and munch on our cheap Mexican food. April got to tell me a bit about her family reunion the weekend before with her husband’s family. Toby wanted to eat a taco and was generally a hot dog since temps had been in the mid 90’s on Friday! We took off for my house and planned a night of crafting. April had text messaged me earlier that week saying that she had the itch to craft. I jumped on the bandwagon and we prepared for a night of art projects! April’s project turned out great! She’s got really creative and the result was what she calls “The Leviathan”. My project turned out great and I was super happy with it. However, it is a birthday present for a student and on the off chance that she reads this blog, I don’t want to describe it or post pictures until after I give it to her.

With all our creative juices spent, we moved over the couch to watch Lifetime movies about troubled teens. It was great to just veg and be chill. This is probably one of the best things that April and I do together. We’re good at being active together, but we can always just kick back and relax. No need to be impressive or entertaining. It’s nice to just sit and be myself.

Saturday Market on the Portland Waterfront!

Saturday morning we were up early to head down to Portland for a wonderful time hanging out in downtown. April and I both have a special fondness for Portland and it’s been our favorite spot for years! Since we grew up in the area, there is a bit of childhood magic still associated with the land of no sales tax! We wandered around Saturday Market and walked to Pioneer Place. It was a lot of fun to look through the shops and get excited for fall shopping! Back to school shopping and sales were in full swing.

By mid-afternoon, we needed to head home to let my crazy dog out of the crate. It wasn’t a full, long day in the city, but it was perfect! This was the first time that April and I had gone to downtown Portland just the two of us. Usually we have parents or hubbys with us. It was nice to prove to myself that I could drive around downtown and not kill us! We made it everywhere we hopped to go with getting attacked or getting lost. The day was full of Starbucks, good food, window shopping, and lots of walking!

It was nice to spend some one on one with my sister and catch-up at the end of a busy summer. The boys had a great time hiking Mt. St. Helen’s. Both survived and Jeremy had many tales to tell me when he got home last night. The next adventure of the summer will be next weekend when Jeremy, April, Toby Dog, and I go camping! We still haven’t decided on a location, but camping is always a blast and I was super excited to find out that April’s work schedule allows her to come. The only downside is April’s husband, Andrew, has to work so we’ll be short a family member. I guess that means April get an air mattress all to herself! Unless Toby wants to share it with her!

 

Photo Book Fun! August 13, 2012

Filed under: Family Time,Getting Creative,Recollections — Amy Scott @ 12:22 pm

My Photo Books!

About a year ago, I discovered the website Shutterfly. I had heard of it before, but had never visited it. When  I got my new camera last fall, I was given a free photo book to make on Shutterfly. Right from the start, I was hooked! It’s a great tool and resource. I’ve become a fan of making photo books (or digital scrapbooking as some call it). Since the first book was free, I used it to document my family trip to Chicago. Once I made a book, I started to get emails on their savings. I will admit that they send more emails than I like, but they always have a sale or discounts! I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price for anything on the website.  Because of all the deals they offer, I decided to use them for Christmas cards and I plan on doing it again this year! They have more layouts for cards than Walmart (which had been my standard for Christmas cards in the past). Since that first book, I have made a book of Jeremy and I’s honeymoon. This was really the realization of a well-intended project. When I first got married, I was super diligent and put together a wedding scrapbook in no time. I had intended that same scrapbook to include our honeymoon and first year of marriage. The honeymoon portion was half finished and the first year of marriage portion only went through September (we were married in July – so not far)! Using Shutterfly, I was able to document both of these phases. The honeymoon book was free thanks to a promo and the first year of marriage book was $10 off. As I was planning for our road trip this summer, I already knew I was going to come home and make another book! This one was 40% off and covers the many highlights of our trip to California! Now that I’ve started, I plan on waiting for sales and going back through a lot of our major travels and making books for those as well. The great thing is that they have a photo book template for every occasion – not just travels! It’s a great way to document life! Shutterfly also has awesome deals on prints. At the beginning of the summer I got 100 prints for free and then my sister-in-law sent me a coupon for another 100 free prints. I know the day of the printed photo might seem over, but I remember how much fun it was as a kid to flip through my baby pictures or my parent’s old photos. I want my future kids to have the same experience. All these free prints also help me keep my picture frames up to date with new photos! The hardest part about Shutterfly is not wanting to buy everything they offer – which is a lot! It’s like a candy store for me and pictures!