Carly's AZ Ancient Indian Dwelling Project

That's right folks, it is time for the 4th grade parent project of the year... ooops, did I say that out loud?? 

I meant to say, it is the parent/student project of the year and Carly & I rocked this indian dwelling.

Carly chose to make a Mogollon Cliff Dwelling. We whipped this project together and we are both very proud of the outcome! Wouldn't you agree??? 

One neat fact Carly used in her report is, that her Great Grandpa Gordon was an archeologist and spent his life studying and researching the Ancient Native Americans. He even worked at Montezuma's castle up near Flagstaff, AZ for a time.

After learning more about these brave builders, we decided we should take a day trip and check out some real Mogollon Cliff Dwellings in person. We are planning a trip up north soon!

Carly thanks for being such a hard worker and great student! I love you girl! It was fun working with you! Your ladders are AMAZING girl! ;)

 Hey, and we just found out we got an A+ on this project too! oh yeah! Hi-five ;)

cough, sniff, sneeze... PEEE-EEW Poo Pests...."Rock" it solution... & My LOVES!!!

So I have been absent again for a while now... what is up??? Well our months of January & February have been filled to the brim with this cold and that cold.... Strep throat, croup, fevers, tummy aches, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, phlegm galore! Nothing super serious, just the obnoxious winter aliments that seem to plague one family member after the next and back again. So I feel like I have had a good excuse to take a leave of absence. Thankfully, we are all feeling great, I better get blogging :)  I have some catching up to do!

 Even though everyone here at the Zito house has felt like this...

It doesn't stop us from one project or two :)

So we have been having a smelly, pesty, poo problem over here at the Zito's. And NO, it is not the tummy aches causing the trouble ;) You see, our front yard has recently been transformed into the neighborhood cat litter box...

 By these furry critters, some call pets. My problem is with the multiple Stray cats and people's "pets" that they let roam free has marked my front yard as their personal toilet. I have NOT been happy about this problem at all. I have been wanting to catch these little poop bandits red handed, but they are sneaky little stinks!!!

I don't have pets for this reason. I don't want to clean up after them. I am allergic to cats too. so there! ;) I don't mind cats from a distance. If you want them as a pet, GREAT!!! just keep your pet at YOUR house and not crapping in my yard :) ~ SMILES ~

Every morning I wake up to a fresh pile of poo right here by the front door of my home. Trust me it STINKS!!!!  

 I've looked online for homemade cat deterrents... i have used and entire bottle of vinegar, cayenne pepper, orange peels... and everyday I am left a little "present"!!!

AAAAHHHHHH!!!!! I want to pull my hair out. I am seriously having dreams while I sleep about these stinking stray cats. I toss and turn. I hate the horrid smell and the mess I get to clean up! This has got to stop!

This is what I think the neighborhood cats think of all my cat deterrent home remedies!!!

Alright Mr. Smelly Poo.... THIS IS WAR!!!!!

 I picked up this Critter Ridder powder at my local home depot and....

 I picked up his POO for the LAST TIME!!!!

 I am pulling out the BIG GUNS NOW!!!! 8 ton of rock has been delivered to my house and I plan to cover your stinky poop hole with 4-5 inches of rock.... That'll teach ya :)

 All I need is a trusty wheel barrow, a good solid shovel, a fresh pair of hands & my Studly Hubby Lenny to GET er' DONE!!

I like to call it TEAM WORK! :)

Not to mention, the rock in our yard has dwindled down to mere thin blanket barely covering our precious dirt floor that the cats have adopted as their personal pooping grounds. We have lived in our home for 10 years.... (wow happy anniversary to us ;) and all the years of yard work, we have pretty much tossed handfuls of rock with every yard cleaning. It was time to get our yard looking crisp and clean. The Pesty Poo problem is just the motivation I need to finally fork out the dough on more rock to beautify our landscaping. 

 8 TON of Rock is a 8 TONS of rock = Countless wheelbarrow trips! Made for a super good workout for Leonard and I. He shoveled the rock and dropped me piles of rock in the yard. I raked them into place. HOLY AB workout! :) my arms and hands were blasted. But it was worth all the sweat and pain...because guess who I scared away???

OH YEAH!!!! Eat that you stinky, sneaky, dander ridden, paw lickin, MR. CAT YOU!!!

HA!!! Not only did I smother your pooping grounds, our yard looks AMAZING!!!

 oooh, aaah!!! so crisp and clean :)

 The Old Poop Pit.... Now 4-5 inches thick of Desert Brown 1" screened rock :)

 Come on you can OOOH and AAAAH if you want to :)

The backyard even got some loving TLC too! I feel like we moved to a new home :) Gotta love home improvement projects and winning the WAR over pesty neighborhood cats! YESSSS!!!!

~ FEELING THE LOVE ~

My last Post was my Valentines Home decor post! 

We were ready for the LOVERS Holiday :)

My sweet Lover surprised me with a yummy delicious valentine treat! Not 1 dozen of Chocolate covered strawberries, but 2 dozen Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!! Talk about Spoiled with a capital S! :)

I was so glad to have so many yummies... so i could gladly share with all the Loves in my life, namely... Leonard, Kaitlyn, Carly & Blake.  Thank you Leonard! I love you so much! You are my everything :)

~ Treats for my Sweets ~

I love my little Valentines and I am so blessed to have 3 awesome kids! 

I made these sweets to celebrate our LOVE day and to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our great state of Arizona! She turned 99 this year! She's looking good ;)

Oh, I had to share this sweet little munchkin that is the most recent addition to the family.

Meet Rook James Zaccardi

Born Jan 18, 2011

This handsome guy belongs to my sweet sister Celeste and her hubby Matt.

It has been quite the rocky journey for Rook's mom and dad to get him here. 

Rook's daddy Matt was in that serious, near fatal dirt bike accident back in september 2010. Celeste was 5 months pregnant with this little guy. Matt was in the ICU for 22 days with a serious brain injury and a badly broken leg. then in the neuro rehab hospital for 9 days. He has had extensive physical therapy.  While he was in the hospital they closed on a new home and life was very crazy and stressful. Thank heavens for Priesthood blessing and the power of fasting and prayers, because Matt is doing remarkably well. It is truly a miracle! Matt is walking again and back to work. In fact, the week he was "allowed" to walk was the same week the baby was born. Wow, what a blessing!

Van is the big brother and he loves little baby Rook! We are so happy to have our Zaccardi family close by. They are a blessing in our life! We LOVE You Guys! Congrats!

I HEART my PARKA!!!!

This is a very random blog post isn't it??? Well, speaking of LOVES.... I did get my Swim Parka right before Christmas. I really started putting it to good use in between illnesses in January as I braved the FREEZING early morning temperatures to head to the pool and swim with my my narwhals.... a.k.a. Mesa Masters Swim Team :) 

Doesn't it look so Warm??? well it is and when I get home from the pool I have a hard time taking it off. It is so cozy and comfy and warms my chilled bones :)

 My favorite part of my fancy parka, Is my NAME embossed on the front! I feel special wearing it :) I can't lie! 

I can't believe I have almost been swimming with Masters for a year, this spring break. WOW!!! Time flies! I think I am a better swimmer by now. I am ashamed to say I did take off a month as I prepared for my 150 mile bike ride, (looking back, that was a mistake!)  and then I was injured on that blasted ride which kept me from the pool for at least 2 months or so :( 

It made me very sad. I feel like I lost all my momentum. I was started to forget my love of the water and glide of my freestyle. The longer I stayed away... the easier it got to forget and then I turned into a chicken when I was cleared to head back to the pool.  I finally mustered up the courage last month and started going again, a pretty regular 4-5 days a week. It was scary, it was hard and I was SLOW!!! I felt like I had to re-learn to swim. I have had some discouraging days... but I am just trying to get back into the habit again. " Just keeping swimming" as Dori on Finding Nemo says  ;)  There is a National Swim Meet in the end of April. It will be hosted at my pool, Kino and I am tinkering with the idea of competing... but then I get really scared and I feel sick thinking about signing up... I am not that fast!? I don't want to come in last???   I am still trying to find the Old Loree.  " Just keep swimming" is the only thing that is keeping me going! I know I will get back up to speed. Just give it some time :) And I am more than happy to wear my fancy schmancy Parka all day long to remind me of that goal... just keep swimming :)

 My other goal is to get back out on the running trails. I wore out my old running shoes and I just got me a fresh pair last week. I never thought I would miss running... well it is more like slow jogging :) and I miss it. Especially noticing how all my clothes are tightening up during my 2 month exercise break. boo hiss! I actually haven't run since july.... way to long.... note to self.... don't take that long of a break ever again if you can help it!

I plan to get these bad boys all dirty and dusty and hopefully I will wear out the soles too! Wish me luck!

Motivation only comes when you move... the more you get moving the more motivated you become! 

I wish motivation came easily and first... but it isn't until i really get moving that I feel motivated. Does that make sense? 

Talk about Motivation...

My Lenny is a STUD!!! A crazy one some may think... He is my inspiration. He is doing a ultra-distance cycling event. They call it a brevet... (pronounced  bree - vay) it is 4 races in the event and he has already accomplished 2 of these crazy rides. The first one was 200k or 125 miles in one ride. 2nd race was a 300k or 190 miles in one sitting and this weekend he is setting out to conquer the 400k race which is 257 miles in one sitting. Can u believe it? My sit bones just ache thinking about that amount of sitting in the saddle. He is estimating it will take about 22 hours of riding straight. He is hoping to shaving a hour or 2 off that estimate. He is riding with a good cycling buddy... one who i have previously referred to as " our Bike Guru, Mike" I still think he holds that awesome title :)  anyhow, The last race in this series is a 600k or 380 mile journey... riding your bike     the      entire     time!.... although, this ride there is a sleep stop. so that is good. This fun ride will be in the middle of March. If you'd like to read all about the nitty gritty details and stats, check out Leonard's blog here!

I have been on my bike several times this year... it has been bothersome to my arms/hands. (stinking nerve damage - i don't like you!) although, I did just get another bike fit adjustment and I took it out for a spin yesterday and I am hopeful that I too will be back on the bike like the good ol' days!

Man oh man, another LOOONG blog post from me! Thanks for reading or browsing, and then going back when you have time, or are bored and want to read this long post ;) hee hee hee!

Feeling the LOVE

I have been so excited about decorating for Valentines this year. I think I felt jipped from last year... I was recovering from surgery and wasn't feeling festive. I am making up for it this year... can I just say, I am FEELING the LOVE over here! 

I found some cute stuff over at my favorite place... Hobby Lobby... and got the cute stuff before they sold out! I think Valentines Day kinda sneaks up on you and by the time you think about decorating for it... only the un-cute stuff is left to buy. or "crafting ingredients" you need for a cute little project is not in stock, so I jumped the gun and my home has been looking very " lovey" for a couple weeks now and it is so fun! 

Here is the LOWDOWN on crafts, projects & decor in collage #1... up there 

My friend Lisa made me the super cute wood block picture holder with her signature fabric rosettes for Christmas! I simply adore it. I couldn't wait to have it hold something "valentinesy" so I whipped up the I HEART U card... My Cricut comes in very handy for these fun projects :)

The XOXO is chipboard letters that I painted RED and then added a heavy dusting of my Favorite Red Martha Stewart Glitter! I WANT EVERY COLOR in that fancy glitter :) I seriously did this project in less than 15 minutes! they are so sparkly and i LOVE them :)

Hobby Lobby had some cute heart picks I added to my greenery :) easy and cheap

When I saw that Red Feathered Heart at HL.... I had to have it.... lucky for me I ALWAYS have a few 40% of coupons handy in my pocket to use in case of crafting emergencies :) So this little cutie came home with me. I was trying to find the perfect place for it to go and I found it.... I have a tin on that easel i display on my kitchen counter. I wrapped it in my must have black & white polka dot wrapping paper... sold at HL during the christmas season.... did you get your roll or 2??? anyhow. I think it looks really "lovey" so it is perfect :)

 Thank you Target Dollar spot for the CA-UTE  Valentines blocks for only  $2.50... that's a bargain :) and to my pal Leah for letting me in on the deal :) Yes... I got the LAST ONE too phew!

I Love filling my apothecary jars with pretty things... I am talking RED & Sparkly for LOVE DAY!

I even put some silk roses in a couple. might look cheap to some.... but I like cheap :)

I bought the Curvy LOVE sign last year at christmas time and was happily surprised when I remembered about it this year... That heart wreath was a lucky find at Hobby Lobby... you know before they sell all the good stuff... I also was able to use an EMERGENCY ONLY ;) 40% off coupon for this little edition.

I even spread the LOVE to my hall bathroom.... I know what you are thinking...girl give it up already :)

I was on a roll and couldn't help my self :)

 Feeling the Love in the Front room too!!!! Lots of HEARTS and Glittery Goodness going on :)

 I think my FAVORITE "lovey" decor is the new banner I made!!! Isn't she so cute???

 ~ BE MINE ~

I got together with my good friend Lisa and we made these cuties together!!! Guess where we got the goods??? HL you are correct :)

 Teamwork is what you need to make a cute banner like this :) I was in charge of the Cricut cutting the pennants and Lisa painted and glittered the lettering.  We had a fun afternoon together! I love crafting, but crafting with friends makes it so much more enjoyable :) Thanks Lisa... til the next project :)

 Stepping back and Feeling the LOVE!!!! 

This part of the post isn't "valentinesy", but another project I have recently tackled was organizing my desk and crafting corner. I had let the little corner next to my desk become a catch all for crafting supplies and miscellaneous junk. I was needing to get it under control and make some new homes for my stuff. I was on the hunt for a bookshelf that would fit in my little corner and for baskets that would do the job and be pleasing to my eye... after much searching... I found what I was looking for. I should have taken a before picture, since most of you won't believe it was a mess.... but it was! SERENITY NOW!!! 

I am so glad that organization project is FINALLY behind me and I love the results :) I feel more at peace in my little corner. oh and I love having our family Splash Mtn. pic on display for a good laugh and smile when I look at it :) isn't that a super cute frame too??? :)

Oh and I changed out my collage frame with updated pics of my family! it is a YEARLY chore, but one I look forward to!

So are you Feeling the LOVE yet? I sure hope so! You still have time to make something adorable and "lovey" too!... get creative ~ You can do it :)

My Fall Decor, New Valances and More Pretty Things :)

I Love this time of year! Arizona finally has a chill in the air and for that I am thankful! I 'm also thankful for pretty things! They make me smile and adds beauty and a festive feel to our home especially around the holidays. I did decorate for this Thanksgiving season, and since it is just a day away, I thought I would post my latest Fall Decor for you all ;) before the Zito's halls get decked out with Christmas decor!!! ooooh I can't wait... I have my Christmas music all ready to go and the tree is calling my name!  just a couple more days :)

But first.... enjoy the Fall Display ;)

A week ago or so I finally decided on what to do about making valances for my kitchen and family room.

This is what I came up with. One day of work and Voila!!

Really easy.... my favorite secret to share is that it was all glued with fabric glue...shhhhh! don't tell a soul ;)

Curtain rods -  from Hobby Lobby

Ring Clips - from Jo-Ann Fabrics

Fabric - left over from my bedroom valance material. It goes perfect in my kitchen too

Trim - from Hobby Lobby

I think they turned out mighty fine! Lenny was wonderful and helped me put up the rods late one night. I sure love that man!

A view of all 3.... me likey ;)

Before the valances were done, hey even before the cabinets were painted. I got itching to repaint my kitchen lighting fixture. It was pewter and I gave it a little Spray Painting TLC makeover and I am IN LOVE!!! We even bought a ceiling hook and more chain to finally hang it center over the kitchen table. it only took 10 years ;) I also found the black crystals charms at Hobby Lobby in the clearance section. The best part is that the "charms" are magnetic!  but don't tell the kids ;) Pretty Fancy hu?

Here are the other 2 hanging light fixtures in my front room in their original condition. Not Bad! but I want a change and dark metal is what i am looking for today. I begged my dad and Leonard to climb a 25 ft ladder and try not to break their necks and take them down so I can work my magic. They were both so kind and off to work I went.

 The garage is my work space for the day. Gotta LOVE spray paint with a CAPITAL L!

 I sweet talked Leonard into reinstalling the new and improved light fixtures that same evening! I don't mess around when it come to projects! I get'em done!!!
Those tall wobbly ladders make my heart stop. But thankfully, we did it and nobody got injured. PHEW!!! I love them, what do you think? I think they make my front room look warmer ;)

 I've been itching to replace my honey maple kitchen table and chairs, but I just can't justify it yet ;) so to give our chairs a comfy new look, I found these CUTE chair cushions at Home Goods. My family's bums thank me for this purchase :) every time we sit down at the table you hear sighs of relief and shouts for joy! We like a soft place to rest our hineys ;)

 I bought this wreath and wreath stand in Utah this summer with Lisa and I have wanted to display it when it can get noticed. I thought about getting some trunks to set it on next to the entertainment center . Lucky for me, I was at ROSS and I found these cool Zebra trunks. The Pic on the left shows u how bright white they were. Kinda clashes with the cream berries. So I rubbed down the trunks with a bit of wood stain and it warmed them up a bit. A little more creamy... just what I wanted. I am tempted to warm them up a little more??? hmmmmm 

I think the cream goes well with the new rug I found too :)

PS...too bad I didn't have the trunks for Kaitlyn's b-day party! Would have matched perfectly! 

Here is the old rug.... and lots of cute girls :) My good old Plaid country rug! I have had it for 10 years and it has really held up pretty darn good.  It has gotten in a few fights with my vacuum but has limped along for enough years to wear out it's welcome. I was ready to retire it and move on to something a little more non-country ;)

 Here she is.... the replacement!

LOVE IT!!!

 I found her ON SALE...clearance might I add... at Home Fabrics!

It ties in with my new entertainment center and the gold and black in the valances.  I just couldn't be more thrilled! It is soft as can be and the kids love to lay on it, relax and watch a movie! This room is feeling more and more complete :) hooray!

Last but not least, I have played with some ideas for decor on top of my kitchen cabinets and so far I am digging it :) nothing like decorating from your own home. I complied all this stuff from other "homes" in my house.  I still need to put photo's or quotes in the picture frames...but you get the idea :)

Ps..... I am still deeply in love with my kitchen cabinets... I am also happy with leaving the counter tops plum :)

My next project on the docket is finishing a GORGEOUS Tin Shelf I was lucky enough to get my hands on....stay tuned!

Well, I all hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanks for stopping by and taking the tour of some of my lovelies :)