4 Quotes to Pin or Print {just for fun}

 It has been quite the week around here.  I actually damaged my eye from crying. I didn't know you could do that. It kind of hurts. oops. So I have been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and praying, and finding some fun quotes. Quotes are good medicine for the soul I think.

 I love quotes.  I could wallpaper my house with them.{There is a long string of my faves - if you scroll down all the way on this blog.}    Here are a few others....Click on them to save in a jpeg or pin... they should all be in a 8 by 10 format.

Hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer!

Preschool Graduation Celebration

I thought I would share a few photos of our preschool graduation celebration we had today.
Since my preschool is in my house, these photos are in my living/great room, not the preschool room- it is just too small.
The ending of preschool is bittersweet. I am going to miss those sweet children who have blessed my life the past few years. It has been a blessing to share in their education. I love each one of them so much. There were lots of tears today- from me- as I said goodbye to these darling children. That is the sweet part. Here is the bitter part: I am not going to miss the many nights I sacrificed my health by staying up until 1 or 2 a.m. getting preschool stuff done. If you are a  teacher-you would understand that part. May has been one of the most stressful months of my life- it always is-for teachers...at least I think so.

Overall, it was a wonderful preschool year! I am excited to enjoy the summer with my family! It is the summer of family fun! And I'm gonna blog more often now--hopefully!

In the meantime- come get healthy with me- over here. And do me a favor- let me know how that blog reads on your computer or whatever you read it on- I think some of the settings may be messed up.
  I'd love for you to come to share your stories with me there too!

Happy Summer!

NEW WINNER of the PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION from BLUEBIRD PICTURES!

Word to the wise: If you enter a give-a-way- PLEASE make sure you check to see if you won-or at the very least- provide contact information! I hate when I have to pick a new winner...but that is how it goes. SO ....
HERE is the new winner of the photography give-a-way!

THE FAUXES!

PLEASE contact me within 48 hours- at little gems crafts (all one word) at gmail (dot) com so I can get you hooked up! Otherwise... I'll have to pick a new winner!
THANKS FOR PLAYING EVERYONE!

Special Event Today At DownEast In Tucson Mall!

For those of you in the Tucson area- I just found out about this special event at the DownEast Store in Tucson Mall! If you can RUSH over NOW!  Everything 50% off??!! Go now!

Mommy Bloggers Stats & a very good read

above infographic source

Did you see this article? Or this one? Makes me kind of happy {and proud} to be a Utah girl.

Pretty cool statistics on mommy bloggers.

One very popular blogger, has been on morning T.V. a lot lately. I am currently reading her wonderful book-which is on the NY TIMES best seller list right now,  I highly recommend it!  She is a wonderful example of motherhood, of overcoming trials, of clinging to hope, and having faith is something bigger than yourself.

Reading "Heaven Is Here" will change your life. Or at least your perspective.

Don't forget to enter the photography give-a-way for a free photo session!!

That's all for today! Thanks for Reading!

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles

Are you in UT? Don't forget to enter the give-a-way for a free photo session from Bluebird Pictures!

 Who is excited for summer? Who is excited to eat a popsicle and run through the sprinklers? We have been doing just that...since today we reach 100 degrees here in Arizona. So we made some very yummy Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles. The kids loved these! And what is even more fun, this recipe is so simple, your kids can help you make them!

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
(makes 24)
*I don't have 24 Popsicle molds, so we stored the leftovers in the fridge and made 12. When we had finished the first batch and washed the molds,  we simply poured the rest into the molds and made more.
(this recipe was modified from one found on all recipes)

In a blender combine:
1 cup skim milk (or any milk)
2 - 2 1/2 cups strawberries (not frozen)
Blend until pureed.
In a bowl combine:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (we used fat free)
3 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups plain yogurt (we used fat free)

Combine the two mixers and mix well with a mixer. When thoroughly combined, pour into Popsicle molds. Freeze until solid.  When frozen, carefully remove from the molds (run under a little warm water) and enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Photo Session Give-a-way from Bluebird Pictures in Utah Valley

I have an awesome give-a-way for you today! This give-a-way is open to UTAH followers only.
How would you like a full photo session? From an incredibly talented photographer? Bree from Bluebird Pictures will give you just that! Recently, her photo won the "Cutest Kid Contest" in Utah Valley Magazine. We recently had our photos done by her- and I must say - she is really wonderful with kids! I have had several people take my boys photos, and Bree was by far the BEST photographer we have had! She also happens to be my cousin. Lucky me!

 Here are a few samples of some of her work. You can see more on the Bluebird Pictures Blog.

 These 4 handsome guys happen to call me MOM. Bree did such a great job with them!

SO...would you like a free photo session? Do you live in UT? Here is what is up for grabs today:

 A Free Photo Session from Bluebird Pictures which includes: Time, Talent, 15 edited images in color/bw, an 11x14 to www.prodigitialphotos.com and a print release!!

TO ENTER: (must live in UT to enter)
Each item counts for one entry-(yes this is one of those multiple entry give-a-ways! BUT- you need to leave a comment for each entry-thanks!) I know it is kind of a pain...but if you really want to win you'll do it right? :)
1. Follow Bluebird Pictures
2. Follow My Little Gems
3. Share this give-a-way on your blog of Facebook page
4. Like Bluebird Pictures on FB-https://www.facebook.com/Bluebirdpictures

OK...that should be it! This ends on FRIDAY May 18th. Winner announced on Saturday, May 19th.
p.s. I am going to start doing the give-a-ways on Mondays...if you would like to sponsor a give-a-way or product review- email me at little gems crafts (at) gmail (dot) com.