6.29.2006

Bloggin'

I am a lucky girl! I got to host the blogger challenge on 2Peas for today. I am filling in for the girl who normally does it. She does a fabulous job! I hope everyone likes the prompt.

I asked why they blog. What got them started? Have they considered doing a layout about what bloggin' means to them.

I have kept a journal for as long as I can remember. In fact I can hardly pass blank books in a store without stopping. They call to me. There is no rhyme or reason to what attracts me. I love them. I probably have over a dozen of them sitting on my book shelf waiting to be filled. I have at least 15 that have been filled with all of the little details that make me, me. So why blog? Why turn to the computer instead of the written page? Time mostly. It just seems so much more convenient to sit here and type. Plus, I have this nifty backspace key. I can erase anything I want to. Still I can't be as personal on here as I would in my books. I don't have the satisfaction of completed journals but, I do have an occasional comment from a reader. That thrills me. Fills the need I have always had to be a writer. So there you have it. I blog because I am compelled to. It is my outlet, my record. A connection!

I think that doing a layout about it would make a really great ME page. If I do you can bet I will share it here. On my blog....
Happy Friday~

Dream Vacation!!!

The Blogger challenge is to write about your dream Summer vacation. I love going to new places. I love the "Road Trip". Plenty of good tunes, some snacks, and the open highway. Since being married my road trip days have become far and few between. A little due to money, lack of time, we now have two kids in carseats. My Taylor is just not the road tip type. When he was 2 months old we traveled from Spokane, WA to Portland, OR. It's a little less then 6 hours. He screamed almost the whole way. I kid you not! My usually quiet little man hates being stuck in his car seat, and isn't afraid to express his disdain in screams.

I love going places on an airplane too. I am always a little envious when we take someone to the airport because they get to go somewhere on a plane. My hubby hates to fly so my airplane days are also far and few between. I would love to be one of those people who jets off somewhere on a whim.

My dream vacation includes a few different places that I would like to see. Europe, I know who doesn't want to see Europe. Besides my husband! LOL! I want to got to Australia. I have had a crush on Australia since I was a teen. Ok yes It did start out as a crush on an Australian but, now it is just the country. Need to go back to Canada and have another look around!
Boston to see the sites and see my sister Teresa! I would definitely throw in someplace tropical because, I have never been and the pictures look amazing. When I was younger I had this picture that I cut out of a magazine. It was this hotel, that was more like bungalows on stilts stretching our into the aquamarine ocean! So fabulous!
For now my Summer vacation will probably take me as far as a local state park for the day.... Something is better then nothing right?!~

6.28.2006

What I've been working on!


The layouts that I made yesterday and today!

Fruit Loops

Riley loves him some sugar cereal! Probably because Mommy never buys it for him. I buy cheerios or Chex but, Daddy bought him some Fruit Loops. He is in love, I am not sure if it's the ultra bright colors, or the uber sweet taste but, he loves them. He is sitting with his bowl going yum, yum, yum, yum, after each bite. Too funny! Of course there is always the possibility that my darling husband bought them for himself (secretly of course). LOL!
Peace, Love, & Fruit Loops!

6.27.2006

4 Months Old!!!


My little Taylor is 4 months old today!!!!!!!!!!

Love you little dude!!!!!!!

Still HOT

It was 102 degrees here yesterday, and I can tell that it's warming up already at 8am. The babies don't do so well in the heat. Riley kept waking up crying. Poor little dude. Although he did enjoy playing in the water at his Grandma's house yesterday~ I'll try to show you a picture later. I don't have them on this computer.

In response to yesterdays post about my website www.alwaysscrappin.com, I got a little bit of traffic from it. No sales but, still I am happy to have visitors. In case you didn't know I am having a monthly drawing for new additions to my guestbook! There are only a few more days left in the month to get in on that! Also, I am offering a free scrapbooking newsletter! Just so you know!

Did you see the scrapbooking hour on QVC yesterday? Well they have this fabulous little tote-ally cute scrapbooking tote by AMM. I think I am in love!


I haven't checked out the two peas blog challenge yet this morning. I may need to update. Until then I am off to make my normal web rounds! Peace~

6.26.2006

BEAVERS WIN!!!!

The Oregon State Beavers just won the NCAA title!
Being an Oregon girl, I am mighty proud! Just had to share that with you!
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!

Online Shopping

The Blog challenge today is about online shopping~

This is really interesting for me. If you read my blog then you know that I am trying to start my own business and part of that is my online store www.alwaysscrappin.com . Before I had a store I loved shopping online. I loved surfing around for great deals. Now I realize how hard it is to offer those great deals and still make money. I won't bore you with the details. What is even harder is that people are visiting my site but not buying anything. I am curious as to why this is. Any feedback would be appreciated!
When I was just an online shopper I loved sites like www.concroption.com , and www.twopeasinabucket.com. Such great places to find scrapbook products to feed my *ahem* addiction as my husband calls it. He really might not be far off from the truth!~
In other news, it was 101 degrees here yesterday. Too dang HOT to get much of anything done. I was way cranky, and I don't like being that way! KWIM? I couldn't believe how it affected my little ones. They pretty much just wanted to sleep. We stayed indoors most of the day, and forced the fluids into them. The last thing I needed was for Riley to get Sun stroke again! No Way! I learned my lesson on parade day!
Have a fabulous day people! I am off to get something done before it gets too
HOT!

6.25.2006

Advil... The headache medicine!

So you know those guys in high school that everyone wants to hang out with? And that party that everyone wants to be at but, only the cool kids attend? I was at that party last night, with those same guys. The big difference is that I am 25 now and they really aren't as cool as they were back then. Well, that and I am no longer the wallflower that I was. And apparently I am not a drinker because two margaritas and I feel it this morning. I don't know if that is really, really sad or a good thing? To tell you the truth it was pretty damn funny watching the guys play drunk croquet in the dark. My husband was the only sober one playing (he doesn't drink). I tried to take pictures but my battery died on my digi. DANG! Oh, well I would say better luck next time but, I kinda hope there isn't a next time. I am just not meant for the sauce~

I went to my Stampin Up party and it was so much fun! We made two really cute cards and I ordered two retiring stamp sets. There are so many that I wanted but, I have to be good. Especially right now with Andy not working. I will show you pics of them when I get them. Should be 10 days or so she said.

It's gonna be like 100 degrees here today. Soooo dang HOT! I just want to take a nap... Coffee calls me~

6.24.2006

Some like it hot!

I got up early this morning and opened up the house. Trying to let some of the cool morning air in. It is going to be HOT today. I don't normally like the heat. I love to be warm in the Winter (hate to be cold actually) but, not to crazy about the heat.
I have a Stampin' Up party to go to this morning. I am looking forward to it. Love stamps! Hopefully I will be able to buy something yummy. I know I probably shouldn't be buying product from a company other then mine but, have you seen there product? http://www.stampinup.com . A scrapbookers dream! I bought one set of stamps that last time I was there and I have already used them to make a dozen or so cards. Very much worth the $$$$$.
I need to go make the pasta salad for my sister's BBQ. It's one of those recipes that I make for almost every large gathering. People gobble it down! It's usually better if you make it the night before, but I fell asleep.

Italian Pasta Salad
2 packages Rainbow Rotini
2 Bottle Bernsteins Italian dressing
1 Bag Italian Cheese
1 Can olives (quartered)
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil
Cook the pasta
coat in olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Let cool
When Cool, Add 1 bottle Dressing, olives, & Cheese
Cover and let sit overnight in refridgerator
Before you serve it Pour additional dressing as needed.
Toss and Serve!
This makes a ton, so if you aren't planning on feeding a small army you might want to scale it down a bit. Also, I have made it the same day before, just allow enough time for it to cool properly!
Enjoy~!

6.23.2006

Part of a well balanced breakfast!

So Riley and I are sitting on the couch eating cheese & garlic croutons for breakfast. That's kinds of like eating cereal right? Uhhh, I think maybe we need to go grocery shopping today. He thinks it's great. He has crumbs all over his little face. He keeps saying "Mow, mow! That's more in Riley speak.

In other news.... I have noticed that when my husband and son play they think that the grossest things are really funny. It must be a boy thing because I didn't teach our 19 month old that noisy bodily functions are hilarious. They just laugh and laugh at each other. I will look at the bright side. At least they are spending time together... Yeah, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! LOL!

6.22.2006

Random Questions

1. FIRST NAME? Stephanie
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not really
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Sometimes last week
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I am awesome! LOL!
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Too many to count
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Who me? Never!
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I wear ones with no laces
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Probably stronger then I realize
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Strawberry
16. SHOE SIZE? Are you gonna buy me shoes?
17. RED OR PINK? Red
18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My temper
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Me, my mind is completely shot!
20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Portland, OR 11/17
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Pink pj pants, No shoes
22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Brownie
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My son breath, my pc hum.
24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Clear
25. FAVORITE SMELL? My sons new little head
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? My sister
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Their smile
28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?. Oh yes, I can read minds! LOL!
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Hockey
31. HAIR COLOR? Brown
32. EYE COLOR? Brown
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Only when I want to see
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Endings
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Simply Irresistable
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? No Eye Can See ,Jane Kirkpatrick
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No Mouse pad
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Silence
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Monkees
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME Victoria Canada
46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD THEY BE? Ali Edwards & Donna Downey. I think it could be one hell of a good time! Although I would have to have Cathy Z there too!

6.21.2006

Sore Head, Throat Ache

I am hoping that this is just allergies. As if anyone wishes for allergies. Although it could be the June curse. Every year since I was 16 I have gotten a cold in June. Perhaps my body doesn't react well to the sudden rise in temperature. I just don't know. I had thought that I was gonna make it through this June but, my sore throat and raging headache suggest otherwise. I need a nap. Now if only the kids would cooperate!

6.20.2006

Crazy Internet

I am still working on my website. http://www.alwaysscrappin.com
People are slowly visiting but, not signing the guestbook, or even *GASP* buying anything. I know that it takes time. That things will be better when I can offer to take credit cards and not just paypal. Still day to day it's a bit frustrating. I would love feedback, or creative criticism. Feel free to visit and tell me what you think. I would really appreciate it!
thanks,
Stephanie

6.17.2006

Mary Kay

I don't normally do this kinda of thing but, I have a fabulous opportunity for you!!!

My sister Jessica is a Mary Kay Independent Beauty consultant. She has been challenged by her director to sell $3500 by June 30th in order for her unit to become a pink Cadillac unit! She needs your help, and so do I! I am hosting an internet order party for her, and I get hostess credit for all orders placed on her website between now and June 30th.
www.marykay.com/jomalley83

To show her appreciation for your support, she is offering free shipping on all orders $20.00 or more. In addition, she is offering 10% off of all orders $40.00 or more. And, for orders $100.00 and up you receive free shipping, 10% off and a free lipstick ($13.00 value)! These great deals are available only to you, and your friends between now and June 30, 2006! Take advantage now, before it's to late! If you have questions feel free to email Jessica at JOMalley83@marykay.com, or call her at 971-227-8789.
Thank you for your support, hope to hear from you soon!
Happy shopping!

6.16.2006

Good Coffee, Strong Coffee

I have been up since 4somethingAM. The baby woke up and wanted to play. If you could see his cute little smile you probably would have gotten up to. I have been busy. Too busy to blog. Some days almost to busy to check my email. If you know me, this is huge. Too busy to check her email. It's a tragedy really. It has made me feel disconnected a little. However we did get to have a fabulous weekend. Saturday we went to the Rose Festival Parade. Very fun. I must admit that although I have live here my entire life and Rose Festival is a staple for this city, I have never been to the parade.*GASP*. I know, I have no good excuse. I will share a few pics with you. My DH Andy wearing a fabulous paper parade hat!!!

The marching bands were pretty good! It was fun to see everyone marching together. Felt a little sorry for them because it was pretty warm. That's our fabulous friend Kim in the lower right. We love you KIM!

After the parade we went to my friend Angela's wedding. I had a really good time! I would love to share pictures with you but, husband has hid them somewhere and I can not get to them. I will share more fabulous weekend photos with you later.

I need some coffee!

6.02.2006

Business

I have been working online most of the night. Working on getting my business off of the ground. At least my website is mostly functional. All that's missing is the ability to take credit cards, instead of just pay pal. It's a lot of work, but that's what it's all about right. Oh, and I figured out how to add a link to my website on my side bar. Love it when I figure out something for myself. KWIM?
Have a great weekend!

Mindless Mumbo Jumbo

It's Friday! Hubby is watching Regis & Kelly. We don't have cable and I think he's starting to get board. Stir crazy is more like it. He is driving himself crazy and well I was probably already there. LOL! This darn laptop (grateful as I am for it) is having major issues. Now when you plug it into the wall you have about a 20% chance of it realizing it. Very irritating. Still working on the wedding album for my friend. Slowly but, surely. I think maybe I am just being to picky, trying to make everything to perfect. In reality I am probably the only one who will notice the difference. This will probably have to be it for now. I never know when the battery is going to die. Have a great weekend all!

6.01.2006

Scenes From The Beach

The view from the Astoria Column...


Riley running in the sand. He was having so much fun!!!

Riley & Hannah digging in the sand!

My sister Jessica & my sweet neice Ashlynn, her first time @ the beach.

Things to do at 4AM...

So my favorite things to do at 4 am is sleep. However, I have a 1 year old who has different ideas. Thus, I am awake. I really can't say what his deal is but, does not want to sleep. I have a feeling that this is going to be a VERY long day KWIM???? Hmm, maybe I'll go make pancakes for breakfast, I mean who says that no sleep has to be accompanied by hunger???