Wooden Letters Weekend Craft!

Happy Monday!!

This morning I decided that I wanted to share my newest DIY!!

My kitchen is ALMOST done (probably not, are we ever done upgrading?)

Walls are put back up, recessed lighting in, fan installed, baseboards, bench and sconces to name a few :)

My new wall in my kitchen was rather bare....

Thus, this weeks DIY was born!

<3

My goal is to start some thrifting and get some vintage frames and have pictures of friends, family and of course…my beloved animals!

Wooden Letters are so fun to decorate because the options are limitless.

Below is how I made mine and who knows, you might learn something new, or spark some ideas of your own!

I did each letter differently.

Remember, I live on a ranch so my decor is very....mismatched : )

F

You will need:

1. Mod Podge

2. A brush

3. Fabric

4. Wooden Letter

For the F, I picked out a fabric that had clocks on it.

First, you flip the fabric over so the print side is facing down.

Then, place the letter on the fabric also face down.

Trace the letter, but be sure to leave a little room so you can completely cover the sides of the letter.

Cut the traced shape out.

On the front side of the letter, paint on the Mod Podge.

Since I wanted the sides covered with fabric as well, I also put Mod Podge on the sides.

The piece of fabric was a little shorter then my letter.

NO WORRIES!

I just used a piece of left over fabric and some burlap to cover the connecting line and you can't even tell!

I dressed the letter up with a "vintage" flower and vintage buttons.

A

You will need:

1. Two different colors of acrylic paint

2. Vaseline

3. 80 grit sand paper

4. Wooden letter

5. Paint Brush

I decided to go with a more distressed look for my A.

First, you paint the areas that you would like the second color to show.

This is really optional, but makes the sanding ALOT easier...put Vaseline on the areas of the letter you want the top color to show through.

A very very light amount of Vaseline, or the top coat will not stick at all and just get all over the place.

Then paint the entire letter with your lighter top coat.

Once completely dried, start sanding in the areas that the Vaseline was put, or any where you painted till the bottom coat comes through.

Keep sanding until you get your desired look!

M

1. Elmer's Glue

2. Top and bottom paint colors (acrylic)

3. Paint brush

4. Wooden Letters

I love the way the M turned out.

I did a crackle effect for this one, and I really LOVE it!

First, paint the letter with your desired bottom color (what will come through the cracks)

Then completely cover the letter with Elmer's glue (using a paint brush)

I did mine kind of thick hoping it would show up in the pictures.

Now, here's the tricky part....

Don't paint too soon or it will not work at all, the glue will get all over and it will be a mess; don't paint too late or it will hardly crack.

Patience.

Wait until it is "tacky" or super sticky

I waited about 5 min or so and then would lightly touch areas and if it didn't feel sticky, then I would wait until it did.

Once the glue feels pretty sticky, go ahead and paint your second color right on top of it.

Now this part is fun!

You really get to see your work come alive!

As the glue dries, your top coat will begin to "crack"

Cool huh?!

I

The I is very similar to the F, but instead of using a fabric, I used a piece of scrap book paper.

What you will need:

1. Scrap book paper

2. Mod Podge

3. Sand Paper

4. Wooden Letter

The I by far was the easiest.

So I started off the same way as I did with the F.

Flip the scrap book paper face down and place the wooden letter face down on the fabric.

Then trace the letter.

I traced exactly along the I instead of leaving room for the edges (paper wouldn't wrap as nicely as the fabric would).

I then used an exact-o blade and cut along the traced letter.

On the front of the letter, paint on a thin layer of mod podge and place the cut out on top

Once the paper and letter are COMPLETELY dry, lightly sand the edges of the letter to give a more "finished" look.

I also dressed this letter up with burlap and a flower.

L

The L by far took the longest, but it ended up being my FAVORITE!

What you will need:

1. Twin

2. Glue gun and LOTS of glue sticks

3. Wooden Letter

First things first.... When doing this project, I did ALL my lines horizontal.

So since I knew all the main wraps would be going in one direction, I first had to cover the parts that wouldn't be able to be covered by the horizontal wraps.

Start cutting a bunch of little pieces of twin and let  the gluing begin!!

Once all the areas that don't make the horizontal line cut are covered, glue an uncut piece of twine at the VERY top of the letter (on the BACK) and begin to wrap, and wrap and wrap!

I would put hot glue across the back of the letter every third wrap or so.

This part takes some time!

Make sure the twin is tight and as close together as you can get it!

Almost done!

If there are areas that you can see the letter, just cut a piece of twin and fit it right in!

Once I got all my visible white areas covered, I wanted to dress this letter up too!

I used some lace flowers I had left over from my wedding crafts.

Now you see why this one is my favorite ;)

Y

The Y I did the same way as the M

I did crackle paint.

Except I used a pastel pink and yellow as my colors

I decided to add some purls, lace and butterfly's to give it a different look then the M

Again, I like mismatched!

Sorry the actual wall pictures came out so DARK!

I took them this morning on my way to work at 4:30 in the MORNING!

"...because my horse is my legs."

Okay so South Point Super Show just passed a few weeks ago.

So many things I wanted to let the world know about...

1. I ran a 15.014 on my friends 22 yr old horse! (that put him in the 2D, out of the money but still the 2D! unreal)

2. My friend Jen AND her mom both ran and had AMAZING runs!

and 3... (which obviously is what my blog is going to be about : ) )

3. Matt helped a girl that inspired not only me or him, but a ton of people!

I had an amazing weekend... I was given memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life, but I wanted to make this blog about this young girl because she is what being a cowgirl is all about.

.     .     .     .     .

When we first unloaded our horses and got them settled into their stalls, I noticed we were next to a young girl who was in a wheel chair.

We were all running around trying to get ready for time only's, and the weekend ahead of us, that I didn't think I would see her again.

I wanted to know what her name was so I could watch her run and cheer her on... but I didn't catch it.

I had my run Friday night, I was super happy with my time, but I hit the first barrel so I was given a no time.

I was down and out and being hard on myself inside my head.

So on Saturday afternoon we went to the barn and decided to walk the horses around to stretch their legs out to get them ready for their run that night. I noticed the girl I mentioned earlier was on her horse standing by her stall.

I didn't know if she was waiting for the other young girl she was riding with or someone else.

After 10 mins or so she asked Matt if he could help her.

I was putting the horses away and watched Matt get her wheel chair out of her horse's stall, unbuckle what looked like a seat belt and put her in his arms to bring her down to her chair.

She then started to untack her horse.

I was so touched by her in SO many ways.

I began to wonder "does she KNOW how influential she is?"

I mean, I don't even know this young girl's name and she left me leaving that barn thinking about her...and Matt kept thinking about her too!

We talked about her a few times in our home. I would keep telling Matt "I wish I got her name."

Well...I woke one morning and my friend Jen, who was obviously thinking about her too, found a story through one of her facebook friends about this girl!

Amberley Snyder's Story

.     .     .     .

Click on the link above to read about Amberley Snyder and her true love for rodeo.

You will take so many wonderful messages from this brave cowgirl, but I wanted to let everyone know what this young girl, Amberley Snyder, someone who I never shook hands with, someone who doesn't even know who I am, has done for me.

.     .     .     .

Like I said, the day I watched Matt help her, my thoughts started just racing through my head.

The thoughts didn't become words until Matt; over supper one night asked me, "Do you remember that girl I helped off that horse?"

I knew right then he was having the same thoughts as I was so I just blurted out all my feelings (as I always do).

I was so upset about my run not being the best it could have been to the point I was obsessing over it.

I think God intended for that exact moment to happen with Amberley at that exact time.

To teach me about bravery, dedication and what the love for rodeo really means.

To try and get me to understand that we are all going to have bad runs and sometimes we are going to have bad runs ALOT more often than good runs.

To help me learn that others are fighting other battles then hitting the first barrel.

To get it through my stubborn head...never let your failures define the rest of your journey!

I love in that story when Amerley says, "You feel really free when you're on a horse. I feel very content, and I feel very at peace when I'm on my horses. And, especially now, that is the place where I feel the most free, because my horse is my legs".

Is that not amazing?!

This is a young girl who is completely paralyzed from the waist down and was told she could never walk again is proving all of her doctors wrong.

She is walking, running and barrel racing again thanks to her four legged companion.

If you are still with me, and I hope you are, take this moment to appreciate the amazing things and moments in life.

I want to say THANK YOU AMBERLEY!

You over came the obstacles from your car accident and are still running out your dream.

You have taught the world and personally myself that hitting barrels is not an excuse and "I can't" is not an option.

You are a TRUE Cowgirl!

Super mom!

A few blogs back I wanted to share someone's personal success story.

I knew who I wanted to write about, but I want her to come to me ;)

Well she did.

She gave me the "ok" to share her story some time ago.

I have been busy and wanted to make sure I could really write something heart felt about this wonderful woman.

I met this heck of a mom, Shelby, a few years ago in college.

She is a military wife, accounting college grad, and the mother of two BEAUTIFUL children.

I just found out some news from Shelby yesterday, and I will talk about that in a few.

Here is what she sent me.

She is so humble so read what I have to say after what she wrote :)

. . . .

When I started my journey back in 06-07, I didn't know about Crossfit or Paleo. As a matter of fact, I didn't know a whole lot about eating right or exercise. I didn’t want to go to an actual gym because I was self-conscious. So I bought some regular gym equipment for my house. However, 3 years ago my husband stumbled upon Crossfit, got his level one cert and started slowly easing me into it. Then we found the zone diet and then moved on to Paleo. Paleo is easy because you know what you CAN'T eat. Paleo is difficult because of the things you can't eat. Preparation is key for successful Paleo. I still cheat, probably more then I should, but for the most part I stick to meat, veggies, fruit, seeds & nuts. Anyhow, when I started, I weighed 270lbs size 26 and now I am 160lbs size 10-12 at 38 years old. I feel better then I ever have. I still have my ups and downs of eating bad and some weeks I don't get workouts in like I should, but I'm an Air Force Wife of 17 years, and a working mom of two. Sometimes life just happens :) I will never go back to the way I was. If I can do this then anyone can do this…I promise!

                       

. . . .

Doesn't she look AMAZING!

Look at those arms!

Okay now I want to share a bit more about her, we all know how I LOVE to get sentimental : )

When I met Shelby, we were in Accounting 201, and then tried to take the same accounting courses together (and any other) each semester on.

Her husband is in the Air force and had to travel while she was still going to college and taking care of their kids.

Can you say super mom??!

She moved to Florida for her husband’s work, but she has a forever Vegas friend :)

Yesterday, I found out some devastating news.

Shelby has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

(I'm starting to get a lump in my throat)

What do you say to someone when you find something like that out?

Pray.

Pray.

Pray.

After seeing Shelby's amazing transformation, and being the super mom/wife that I know she is, I know she can get through this.

She has touched more lives than just the ones in her home.

Especially mine.

Knowing Shelby had a whole house hold to take care of and was still showing up to class every day, studied every night, and never missed a deadline, that taught me no excuses and pure dedication.

She always has a smile on her face, is hard working and is a fighter.

With that being said I KNOW she will beat this.

There is so much love for this women and I know everyone will come together for support and care for her and her family.

I know God will make sure this wonder mom and family will be taken care of.

We are all praying for you Shelby, you will beat this!

If you can get through McAllister's accounting course you can get through anything.

So much love headed your way friend.

May God bless you and your family.

The ocean reminded me.

Hi Readers!

I have had a few ask me how I am doing with my challenge, and honestly, not the greatest.

I am behind on my work out schedule AND I want to share my friends AMAZING weight loss story.

But we have been go, go go!

If you read a few blogs ago, you would know that we are renovating our master shower, kitchen AND just laid grass.

So, in other words, we have been BUSY.

As soon as we laid our grass I had to head to Carlsbad for a business trip for a week (poor me).

I haven't seen the ocean in about 5 years, maybe more! I really can't remember the last time.

Despite having to be in training during my trip, I made sure to have some ME time on the beach the last day there.

.     .     .     .     .

I have always been extremely curious by nature, questioning everything.

Some people don't take well to that.

When someone tells me something they believe or feel, I will challenge them to tell me "why".

I do that because I want to understand them, learn about their soul, who they are and what makes them...well them!

But as I was sitting there on the beach watching a school of dolphins swim by, it hit me, I don't challenge myself.

I sat there, closed my eyes and just listened.

I could hear the sounds of the water, the crash of the waves coming to shore, the flap of the seagulls wings flying by me.

And I think in THAT exact moment I realized that there is SO much in this world people miss out on.

I've been so focused on bettering my outer appearance that I have completely neglected my inner appearance, my soul!

I started to wonder...did God really intend for this to be what we choose to do with our lives. Wake up at 4 a.m. every day; drive 45 min to work and sit behind a computer for 10 hours.

Did the Creator really bring butterflies, lady bugs, and flowers of all species for us to just hurry by then with our starbucks in hand trying to make a meeting on time?

I might be getting carried away with this, but it really hit me while I was actually listening to the ocean and really seeing it, not just "looking" at it.

So as we all live our busy day to day life try and still take notice to all the amazing things around you!

I am just as guilty as the rest of the world for take advantage of the so many amazing blessings we have been given.

.     .     .     .

Going to the Helldorado Rodeo with some fab friends so hopefully I will have great updates from the local Cowgirls!

xo

My 25 Lessons of Life

So for THREE weeks we have been doing non stop projects!

What may you ask?

Well...

1. Painted pantry and pantry shelves.

2. New walls in the kitchen AND new electrical work! (will post pictures) as this is still in progress.

3. Ripped off the baseboards in the kitchen and planning on getting taller ones.

and.....

1800 sq feet of sod!

We have grass!

This is the before. What a difference.

.     .     .     .

Through the hectic-ness, I turned 25!

Yup I am officially a quarter of a century old.

I feel like I have accomplished ALOT in my 25 years, and learned ALOT!

So I thought I would share

.     .     .     .

Dana's 25 lessons of life

1. Never, ever under any circumstances go grocery shopping when you're hungry. Your shopping list of toothpaste and trash bags will turn into $150 worth of food, fast!

2. Bad decisions lead to good stories.

3. It’s always better to try and carry 10 plastic shopping bags, filling each arm up completely, then having to make two trips.

4. Unless you want your trash constantly knocked over, blinds eaten, sunglasses destroyed, never own a puggle.

5. Be careful what rut you choose. You may be in it the rest of your life.

6. Never be judgmental of anyone. I was told this weekend that I was the least judgmental friend anyone has ever had. Best compliment I have ever received.

7. Mom and Dad are always right. Always.

8. Take chances, even if you are scared to death. And if you fail, have NO regrets.

9. A baby sitter is a teenager acting like an adult while the adults are out acting like teenagers.

10. Follow your heart no matter what others say. If it feels right to you then it is right.

11. If you can't pay off your credit card at the end of the month then you shouldn't be using it. Credit card debt devours souls.

12. It is 100 times harder to burn calories than it is to refrain from consuming them.

13. Learn to keep your thoughts and words kind. These are the two things that will define you and how others will see you.

14. Never stop educating yourself.

15. Do nice things for others with no self benefit. That is a true friend.

16. Live simple.

17. Nothing...ever...goes how you pictured it. To let this affect you will break you.

18. Love.

19. Learn to admit when things are your fault and when you were wrong.

20. If you can't be honest to yourself about who you are, how do you expect to be honest to others?

21. "Ah yes, the past can hurt, but the way I see it is you can either run from it or learn from it" ~Lion King

22. Everything seems to go better if you don't schedule anything, learn to go with the flow.

23. You know you are going to do what you want anyways, it’s just your conscience that keeps you from enjoying it!

24. Don't be upset when others don't take your advice, chances are you didn't listen to anyone's advice either.

And last, but certainly not least.

25. People WILL hurt you, let you down, lie to you, break your heart; you must try to learn to FORGIVE. Learn to understand that everyone makes mistakes and learning to let go of anger, sadness and grudges will give you a truly peaceful life.

.     .     .     .

Well there you have it!

My life lessons...

I hope you enjoyed them!

xo

The heart of a Cowgirl

Oh me, oh my!

Busy, busy, busy!! That is the only way I can describe my life right now.

We decided to do everything in the house ourselves. Save some $$!

Just to demo our shower and the walls we wanted replaced we got quoted a couple grand, we did it all for the price of F.R.E.E!

However, I won't have a master shower for quit some time, but the dry wall guy comes this Friday to quote for dry wall repair and painting of my kitchen!

Despite all the hectic vibes we have going on in the house, I still managed to make it out to a double header barrel race this weekend.

The relationship between a horse and rider is like nothing I can explain.

Trust, loyalty, partnership and love.

Missile and I have had our ups and downs.

Her going in and out of being lame, and me not "helping" her enough around the barrels. We both have a long way to go.

I haven't, in a long time...if ever, came out saying, "that was an awesome ride."

I am most of the time leaving the gate thinking "what was I DOING!"

Well, the race this weekend, I was in the holding pen waiting for my drag (five runners per drag) and notice that I was about to run in the same line up with Jill Moody.

Don't know Jill?

She is a PRCA Camp and has made it to the NFR multiple years in a row.

She's one heck of a cowgirl.

So as IF that wasn't pressure enough the runner right before me clocked the fastest time they had that day so far.

Of course she did.

In my head I am thinking about all that I have been trained to do...

"don't hold her back, kick, slide your hand, look, GO ON"

Simple enough?

You would think! I completely blew past not only my first, but my second and did more of a roll back then a turn on my third.

I CHOKED!

I was (and still am) so angry with myself.

Here comes some honesty...

The first thoughts that went through my head were, maybe I'm in the wrong sport.

Let me elaborate...

I am by NO MEANS aggressive, so being an aggressive rider? Will I ever be that?

The second thought I had was about the condition of my mare. I think about her well being obsessively.

Her age.

the fact that she has the potential to go lame (aaaalot easier then other horses)

Her arthritis.

Do I ride well? Yes! I know I do. I ride center, I ride quite, I FEEL my horse.

I finally call myself a good rider after Matt brought home Atlas and I was able to make him a better horse (even though he still has "holes")

The horse I have and the knowledge I have been given by my trainer have made me a good rider.

But does that make me a good competitor?

I am trying to keep up in a high speed, competitive sport.

I try to keep telling myself that every one of those cowgirls at NFR has blown past a barrel.

Every one of them has HIT a barrel.

They have had their bad runs, their great runs, runs they wish no one else saw.

But they NEVER gave up.

As I am writing I am still frustrated and at the point where I want "to take a break"

Focus on my fiance and his needs and wants in life because I know most of his time goes into me and my horses.

But then I go back to, if I take time off, that is only going to set me back!

Although I am having feelings of doubt, frustration, anger (at myself) and feelings of wanting to give up, I know its not what I really want deep down in my heart.

I feel that some people search their entire life trying to find happiness, what they were meant to do, who they were meant to be and I am blessed to have found the answer to all those.

I have loved horses my entire life and I knew after the first time I did barrel racing, even though I almost flew out of my saddle, it is all I wanted to do the rest of my life.

I may not be a pro rider.

I may not be the greatest rider.

I may not have the fastest horse.

But I AM a Cowgirl, and I will NOT give up.

This is who I am, and who I was born to be.

Now...if I could ONLY enter the gate with that much confidence.... ;)

I love ending things with a quote, especially if it is relevant, which, this is.

"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it."

When does a Cowboy become old?

Happy Birthday Matthew!!

Today is my fiancé’s birthday!

We celebrated last night by eating a home cooked Paleo meal, opening gifts and sharing a piece of cake from Freed's Bakery.

It was nice to enjoy time together through the hustle and bustle of the past couple of days.

I have always teased Matt about being "old" but he really is far from it!

Despite all the bumps and bruises this cowboy has endured, he still raises a little hell every now and then, riding tall in his saddle and working till the sun goes down.

Every day with Matt I still learn new things about him.

Things he did, things he broke (mainly) things he wish he did.

So in honor of his day,I thought I would share some Matt Facts!

.     .     .     .

1. No surprise, Matt is an ex-bull rider. But did you know he rodeoed in Europe?

2. He's a Veteran and fought in 3 wars.

3. He's is an amazing cook!

4. He plays random notes and chords on the guitar and says he knows how to play...yes, dear.

5. He was a "pirate"? I still don't understand this one all I know is he was Captain Jack Handlebars.

6. He used to have a lip ring and wear eyeliner, boy have things changed!

7. His laugh is contagious.

8. He's deaf in one ear, I'm sure this works in his favor when I'm nagging.

9. He can build/fix anything, and if he doesn't know how, he figures it out.

10. The only movie that can get him choked up is 8 Seconds.

11. He plays with the goat by using the top of a trash can as his shield and a stick as his sword.

12. He trained his wild, uncontrollable dog in German. Worst idea ever!

13. He's the most loyal, honest and trust worthy person I have ever met!

.     .     .     .

I wonder when age will get to him?

When will he finally say, "No, I need to sit this one out"?

When will he finally rest and let those old injuries heal?

Well, the honest answer to this is as long as he's breathing, you won't be able to keep him out of the saddle.

.     .     .     .

There's a hundred years of history
and a hundred before that
All gathered in the thinkin'
Goin' on beneath this hat.

The cold flame burns within him
'Til his skin's as cold as ice
And the dues he paid to get here
Are worth every sacrifice.

All the miles spend sleepy drivin'
All the money down the drain,
All the 'if I's' and 'nearly's,'
All the bandages and pain,

All the female tears left dryin',
All the fever and the fight
Are just a small down payment
On the ride he makes tonight.

It's guts and love and glory,
One mortal's chance at fame.
His legacy is rodeo
And cowboy is his name.

Happy Birthday Matt! I love you!

xo