Burnt Toast

Where have I been?

2008-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

You can catch me here.... http://www.stampinwithsteph.typepad.com

Change~

2008-02-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Change~ This word has been on my mind a lot lately.

Mostly I don't like change. I like the constant.

Well, sometimes change is not only good, it's completely necessary.

Did I tell you I started Weight Watchers?

Let me back up.

I started out the year doing Atkins. I had done it before and felt I could do it again. Well, I did it for a few weeks and lost 15LBS. However, I hated the things I was eating, and although I was losing weight I didn't feel healthy. That's when I decided to "weigh" my options, and made the switch. So, far I really love it. I have also started walking. 2 times a day when I can manage it. My favorite time is in the morning. The world seems so still. Let me tell you it is not only a time for body excercise but, mind too! Change, it's a good thing!

One thing I have noticed is that I cannot keep everything in my life running at top speed. My scrapping has really slowed down from lasts months marathon pace (almost 50 pages). I did manage to get one page done yesterday.

Sorry, for the crappy pic. I was actually holding Hailey at the time. I just couldn't get the glare to not be there. Anyway, thought I had better get her 4 month page finished since she will be 5 months in 6 days! LOL!

Ok, I better scoot. Have a fabulous day all!

Peace, love, & fat free popcorn~

Tagged by Monica~

2008-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

You must post the rules before you give your answers.- You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter.- If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. - After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.- At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

Thanks for the tag Monica! Ok, here goes

M~ Messy

A~ Artistic

R~ Reliable

I~ Introspective

E~ Eclectic

Now for the tagging~

Sandy

Lauren

Kimberly

Gloria

Nathalia

Have a Fabulous Friday!

2008-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

So, I got the coolest thing in the mail today! I am participating in Designing With 2008 challenge on 2 peas in a bucket. I won Pat's challenge for January. Well, I got my prize from her today. What can I say? WOW! It's huge! Like having a scrapbook store delivered right to my door. So, thank you so much Pat! You ROCK!

Yes, it is so much loot that I had to take 3 pictures to show it all to you.

Ok, now I gotta go play!

My scraps~

2008-01-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

This has been a productive scrapbooking month. So far I have completed 27 12x12's and a 20 page 6x6 baby album for a friend. It could have something to do with all of the challenges I am participating in right now. It's kinda crazy really, but fun. I think I'll share a few with you. I mean we need pictures right!

~

2008-01-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

So, the new year is finally here. The holidays are over. Have you gotten back into the swing of things? I have to admit that I still have twinkle lights up around my living room. They are just so pretty, I don't want to take them down.
I have myself a steaming mug of HOT coffee. My sister will be here soon with my niece. I am watching her today. I only mention it because it'll be slightly crazy. Me, 3 toddlers, and an infant. It's all good though!

I have been scrapping a lot this year. 16 12x12 pages and a 20 page 6x6 album (baby gift). Not bad really! My goal for this year is 200 pages but, really it's just to create something everyday. I am currently in like 6 or 7 different challenges over on 2Peas. I like the challenge of combining challenges in my pages. It keeps things interesting and helps me stretch my creative muscles. Always a good thing I think! I am still hosting the Life Artist challenges on 2Peas based on Ali Edward's book. If you haven't checked it out you should. For the next 3 week I will be giving away prizes. I'll add a link at the end of this post. It sounds like the little ones are stirring. Must mean it's time to make breakfast. Have a good one~
http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2456993

2008-01-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Blessings

2007-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

Does it get any sweeter then this??? Hailey got her blessing last night and she was a complete angel!

Busy, busy, busy~

2007-12-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

This is such a crazy, busy time of year.

I do have more Christmas journal pages to share with you but, not tonight. I wanted to post these two holiday cards that I made for Andy's boss's. I love the way that they turned out. I wish the cards that I sent this year looked this good! Huh!

You get two views of each card, for your viewing pleasure!

Can you believe how close Christmas is? It just seems to have come upon us so quickly. Perhaps I wasn't paying attention. Life with little kids will do that to you I suppose. Keeps you busy and distracted

Well I better get my tired self to bed. Just wanted to share the cards with you. I also managed to knit a scarf this afternoon. Will try to post pics tomorrow.

Goodnight all~

On the first day of Christmas~

2007-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here are my first 6 entries for Journal your Christmas...

Sorry it's taken me so long to post them. I have been sick (still).

Plus, our computer has been having some issues.

I have an ever growing list of holiday stuff to accomplish today.

So wish me luck!~

A Journey~

2007-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Once again the time has come to journal my Christmas.

With some inspiration from Shimelle!

Here is the manifesto~

********************************

I Declare my intention to journal my Christmas. Writing something down every day. Creating a little bit whenever possible. Getting my stories documented for myself and maybe for others to read too.

I hope by taking a little time each day to reflect, to write, to create. I will keep my Christmas alive and well. Despite the commercial pressure that exists outside my door. Family, friends, and hot beverages will help.

I may meet others taking this same journey. I may share my work from time to time. I may remember just why I loved Christmas in the first place, and that may be a very magical moment indeed.

**************************

I will share my finished page later when I get a chance.

I am so excited about this project.

Have a great Saturday!

Peace, love & Spice cake~

Holiday Cheer~

2007-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time again.

The holidays are here.

Yesterday the kids and I cranked up the holiday music and broke out the decorations. Time for a little holiday cheer!

I made these wall hangings for my Life Artist challenge over on Two Peas.

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2425922

It's all about blog inspiration. I got the inspiration for this from Ali Edward's blog. She has some really awesome holiday projects in her gallery. Check them out if you can!

http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

I have lots to share, still sick, Thanksgiving was great. We had an awesome time tree hunting, and we even managed to take our family Christmas card picture. I just don't have to energy to write about it all right now. This cold has taken over and I am a messy cranky ball of sickness. YUCK!

So, I am out. I have knitting to do, projects to finish, projects to start.

It's the holidays!

Two MOnths~

2007-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Look who went and turned 2 months old!!!

She is getting so big, so fast!

I feel like I can hardly keep up with her changes.

This weeks promises to be jam packed and it's only Monday morning.

We are having a birthday dinner for one of the missionaries next door tonight.

I made him a scarf (it's cold here). Well actually I need to finish it.

Gotta clean the house and make dinner and dessert (peach cobbler).

I am going to a baby shower on Friday and I am making a 6x6 mini album for it. I only have Tuesday and Wednesday to make it. Some time in those two days I have to go shopping for Thanksgiving groceries and I have some baking to do.

Thursday is Thanksgiving (beyond jam packed). We split the holiday between Andy's family and mine. Lovely to see so much family in one day but makes for way too much food consumed and a really long day!

Friday, I wanted to get some shopping in but, I really don't think I am hard core enough for it. LOL! I have the baby shower in the evening.

Saturday, we are going into the woods to get Christmas trees. It's a tradition that My husband's family does. We live in a small apartment and won't actually have a tree but, we will probably give it to someone in the ward. It's about the experience they tell me. At any rate it should give me a chance to get some pictures of the boys playing in the snow.

So, you see it's Monday morning and I already feel tired. Ahh, the maintenance guy is blowing the leaves out of our entry way. It's super loud. Taylor comes running to me half crying because he's freaked out. So now he's sitting in my lap. Riley runs up to the door and yells at it "Get away from my house!". My crazy kids.

If i don't get back on here for the rest of the week, have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Days go by~

2007-11-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

It's cold, wet, and rainy out today.

I am enjoying a hot mug of peach tea while my babies are napping.

Yep, all 3 at once. It's like a miracle or a gift.

Tomorrow I turn 27.

I am feeling old but, I'll get over it.

It's not that I think 27 is old, I just feel like I am not where I thought I would be in terms of life goals.

With the exception of being married and having kids.

The worst part is now I am not sure I know what I want for MY life.

Not my kid's lives or my husband's but mine.

I really should think about this but, deep thought like that would require more energy then I currently possess. So for now I will just enjoy my tea.

Have a good weekend~

3~

2007-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it happened. My sweet Riley went and turned 3!

It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing his tiny little self home from the hospital.

He was so small. Barely 5 LBS.

He had a birthday party on Saturday. I think he had a really good time.

Since we celebrated on Saturday today is going to be pretty much business as usual. I was thinking about making him some fun pancakes for breakfast. Well if we still have power that is. We are in the midst of a huge storm. The wind has been slapping against the side of our house for a good hour now. It woke me up. Gotta love these pre-winter storms. PLus, it's raining buckets. My poor husband has to go work in it all day. He's gonna get soaked and beyond.

It's Christmas craft time again. All of the gift giving gears have been activated in my head. I have made two fabulous little altered holiday planners. One for my sister and one for my sister-in-law. You can see pics on it here. There are just too many pictures to download them now! http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1258226

I have decided to make very few things this holiday. Bought some cute little christmas cards at Michaels for a dollar a box. I am making something for my two neices and nephew and for my mother-in-law. Although I have not narrowed down what to make her. So if you know of a fairly easy and inexpensive project please let me know. Well, the birthday boy woke up so no more bloggin'

Have a good one~

Productive~

2007-11-05T19:48:00.001-08:00

I have been productive in the scrapbooking department the last week. Sit back and get ready for the Layout parade.

There are more but, blogger decided not to let me post any more pics.

It's a shame really because my sweet little sugar lump is 6 weeks and I wanted to post a picture of her from Halloween. Man, was she adorable!

Can you believe that it's November already? It's my favorite month. It always flies by so quickly though. We literally have every weekend booked before the month even starts. My sister's birthday was Saturday. Riley's birthday party is next Saturday. Mine is the 17th, I will celebrate with my Brother in law 'cause his b-day is the 14th. . Insane!

Well, Hailey beckons. Ciao!

Bad Blogger~

2007-10-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Life has just sort of been happening & I haven't been blogging.

I have been scrapping though! So, it's all good. Right?

I forgot to tell you about the "adventure" that we had last Sunday.
To properly tell this little tale I need to give you a little background info.

My husband being the boy that he is LOVES mud.

Particularly mud puddles. Mostly just driving through them. In fact I'm not sure which he loves more, mud puddles or his car. The combination is like manna to him!

He has had quite a few cars/trucks over the years. Nothing fancy and certainly not a one that should have been able to go down the muddy roads that he adventured to. So fast forward to this last Spring and my darling husband finally buys a CRV with 4 wheel drive. He is like a kid in a candy store! Now I have to tell you that in all of his years of adventures he has NEVER once gotten his vehicle stuck. Well until last Sunday that is. So, we went for our usual Sunday drive. Packed up the kids and got donuts. We like to go for little drives. See where we end up. Hubby says to me that he wants to drive out to the pumpkin patch because he knows there will be mud. Now if you remember we did the P-patch last weekend. I was trying to avoid the rain and muck. He only wants to drive in it so I think I will be nice and say "Sure". It's been raining all day Friday and all day Saturday. He says no I found a muddy road not to far from here (the donut shop) last week. I don't say anything (after 9 years together I am use to muddy roads). So we drive over to this road (if you could call it that). The puddles are HUGE!!!! He doesn't hesitate, why would he? I mean he finally has 4 wheel drive, right? WRONG! The first, yes very first puddle that he forges we get stuck. Not just stuck but, stuck for 2 hours need a tow truck to get us out stuck!! Or as my two year old said "Stuck in the muck"! Yeah, that's right we were not moving. We called my sister to see if she could pull us out with her CRV. Well that only made us sink deeper and at this point I look down and realize that water is starting to come in on my side. Lucky for me that I wore my boots that day. My purse got ruined, and he ended up taking out all of the carpet and cleaning it. The babies were so good the whole time. I think they liked the adventure. I was OK with it (for the most part) until my purse got ruined. So, much for Hubby having 4-wheel drive! I would like to think that there will be no more muddy roads but, I know him better then that. So, that was our little Sunday drive err, sit!

2007-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

A hot mug of coffee, feeding the baby and some quiet.

This is the way we start our day (well when I am lucky).

You are not gonna believe it but, today my little sugar lump is 1 month old!

{insert picture here}

blogger isn't working...

Anyway, time sure has been flyin'!

I also have some LO's for you but again no pics.

Sorry for such a boring post.

Do something fun this weekend.

I'm gone~

The weekend, a new book, and a challenge~

2007-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

My copy of Ali Edwards Life Artist book came in the mail on Saturday.

It was really inspiring!

So much so that I started a challenge over at 2Peas inspired by the book.

Life Artist Challenge~

The first challenge is PLAY!

This is my layout for the challenge.

So nice just to be creating again!

If you can come play with us!

We went to the pumpkin patch this weekend.

I was really excited to go until we got there.

It was packed, I would say probably 500 people or more.

We didn't stay long.

We didn't get a pumpkin, or even a pic of one.

Oh, well!

Sorry the pics are sideways. I was tired of fighting with them.

Have a good day!

Insanity~

2007-10-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry that it's taken me so long to post. Yesterday was insanity.

I know I owe you the name of the giveaway winner and I will give to you in a minute.

Let me say a little about my day yesterday.

CRAZY!

Did I mention that we haven't had a fridge since Sunday (when it broke).

Well we finally got a new one last night (at like 8pm).

So, my day yesterday was all about what to make 2 toddlers to eat that doesn't require anything perishable. Oh, and can be made quickly. It just made everything a little bit more stressful.

End of rant.

Now on to our winner(s).

There was originally only going to be 1 winner.

However, in letting my 2 year old choose the name

He decided that there should be 3.

He must have been feeling very generous!

So without further ado.

Nikki (NC2004)

Linda (shakerboxblog)

Toners

You have a little scrap snack coming your way!!!

As soon as I get your info that is.

To the rest of you, thanks so much fo visiting my blog and playing!

In other news:

Yesterday was my little sugar lump's "due date"

and today she is 3 weeks old!

I can hardly believe it.

She is even starting to look older.

Time sure flies!

Kind of a funny pic I know. She loves to have her hands on her face.

Anyway, have a good day all!

FALLing Leaves...

2007-10-08T02:40:00.002-07:00

So, I really noticed this weekend that Fall is indeed here.

The leaves are changing colors.

There is a crisp chill in the air, as well as that wonderful smokey smell.

Some people have started to decorate with pumpkins and scarecrows.

I LOVE IT!

This is my absolute favorite time of year!

So, to honor that and my new baby I thought it would be fun to give away a scrap snack or two.

I will pick a random winner on Tuesday (10-9-07 "Hailey's Due Date") at 5pm PST.

Simply leave a comment on here telling me what you love most about this time of year!

One entry per person please.

Thanks!

* Edit- If you are posting anonymously please be sure to leave me your email addy so I contact you if you win. Thanks!

Something Witty...

2007-10-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

As the coffee was brewing this morning I was composing a witty blog post in my mind.

Do you ever do this?

Of course by the time I had sat down with my coffee, got the baby somewhat content, fixed breakfast for the boys and checked my email my fabulous post had disappeared into the vast cavern that is my mind. C'est La Vie!

Today is day 13 with the new baby. My DH has started referring to her as the girl.

It bugs me a lot! I know he doesn't mean anything by it but, still it bugs me!

I have noticed how I seem to accomplish less and less in a day. Last night I managed to make dinner. Well it was frozen Chicken nuggets and tater tots. I consider this meal to be only a tiny step up from fast food. The boys enjoyed it even though it didn't come with a toy surprise. Oh, I did make them eat green beans. So, that is something at least. Right?

I think I need to seriously re-evaluate my sense of what accomplishing something in a day now means. I mean everyone got fed, diapers got changed, and the boys had baths (courtesy of DH). That is something right? Now the dishes didn't get done and the laundry is threatening to take over the hallway. One day at a time right? Today the baby has a DR. appointment so that means leaving the house. Lucky for me my brother is going to come over and watch the boys.

I am thankful for that!

On the creative front I did manage to make a mock-up of Hailey's birth announcement. I am using the Stampin Up Bundle of Joy set. I think I may have gone a little overboard but, they will be cute it'll be worth it. The design is simple but, has a lot of pieces that need to be cut out. Times that by 40 and I have my work cut out for me (no pun intended).

Ok, enough rambling. Have a great day all!

I am leaving you with this picture of my little sugar lump. She was sunbathing due to jaundice.

Finding the mojo...

2007-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, up until yesterday I hadn't scrapped for me in 9 months!

For some reason being preggers took away all of my scrappin' mojo.

Well, despite the craziness that was yesterday I managed to break the streak and create!

It felt good too!

Nothing fancy, just easin' back into it. It's amazing how rusty I feel.

I also thought i'd share a few cards and a frame I made pre-baby.

That's all for now. Have a good one!

It seems like only yesterday...

2007-09-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

That this sweet little man changed our lives.

Of course that was almost 3 years ago and now he is a fiery little ball of energy!

Always into something and asking WHY about everything.... That was only the beginning for our family. 16 months later we were blessed with this little man.

If we thought Riley kept us hoppin' then we just didn't know what that meant until Taylor came along. He is sweet and fearless! Always smiling! If you had told me that just 18 months later I would have the privilege to introduce to you the sweetest little angel.

She was completed our little family.

Meet Hailey

Hailey graced and surprised us with her presence one week ago.

Born 3 weeks early (9-19-07) @ 10:09pm after 18 hours.

She is a healthy 5LBS 11oz beauty.

She already has her brothers wrapped around her little finger.

Hailey enjoys being cuddled, late night feedings and charming everyone she meets.

Somehow I just know that life is never going to be boring for this Mommy again!

I am blessed!

Pink~

2007-09-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

My Baby shower was Saturday.

It was a giant, very girly pink party.

I was overwhelmed by the people who attended and their generocity.

I feel so spoiled!

We now have everything that we need for Hailey to make her big debut.

We just have to wait!

Here are a few pics from the party.

These are the little nugget purses my sister and I made as favors. They were so cute and dainty (sorry the pic is sideways).

Fabulous cake from Cosco!

Opening presents!

That's about all for now. I think Taylor needs a change.

Thus is the exciting life of this mommy!

FRIDAY~

2007-09-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Made a needed trip to Michaels yesterday.

I can never get out of that place without things that I never intended to purchase.

They had some yummy clearance yarn.

Although I have 2 other projects currently on needles I felt the need to start a third.

This should knit up really quickly.

A nice little scarf, made of bold colors that shimmer.
I am thinking about adding it to the prize basket for my baby shower. Do you think it would make a weird gift item?

Let me know, I need some feedback.

Well I am off to finish knitting it!

Have a great weekend!

35 Weeks and Counting....

2007-09-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

The days are just ticking away on the old baby meter.

But, that is just what days do!

The boys are still sleeping.

Thought I would take the time to actually post.

Busy weekend.

Andy worked all but Sunday.

Although the whole Monday holiday has my days thrown out of wack.

Does that ever happen to you?

My brain thinks it's Tuesday.

Finally registered at Babiesrus.

Half the stuff didn't make it on to my registry.

Oh, well!

We don't need that much else thankfully.

Mostly it was just the "Oh, that is so cute!" factor.

I can't believe that September is here,

School is back in session and

the sun seems to have been replaced by gray clouds.

always loved this time of year but, for some reason I am not quite ready to let the Summer go yet.

Well, better get going.

There are plenty of other things to do before the boys wake up.

Like finish my tea!

Cheers~

Decaf Please~

2007-08-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Actually it's one of those mornings that I could go for regular.

Alas, decaf it is.

Taylor slept horribly. He woke up crying every few hours.

For the most part I let him cry himself back to sleep.

A tough thing for both of us.

With a new baby a few weeks away he needs to be able to self sooth a little.

Still this Mommy felt so sad about it.

And now she is tired.

I managed to put together a few more cards. Sorry that the pics are so washed out. I just didn't have the energy to retake them.

I am now 36 weeks.

I still need to pack my hospital bag.

Do the baby's laundry.

Yesterday I set up her bed.

We still need to register.

Mostly just for clothes, and a new diaper bag.

I wanted to make the bag myself but, I don't sew so, not gonna happen.

Well, that's about all for now.

The natives are getting restless.

Have a great day all~

Mondays

2007-08-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's back to the daily grind.

Laundry, dishes, feed the kids. Wait those things don't stop just because of the weekend.

LOL! Oh well!

I picked up my first issue of Stampers Sampler on Saturday.

Man am I hooked.

Such an awesome variety of stamping artistry!

It made me want to create something all weekend.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the time.

Plus, I was feeling a bit rusty.

I haven't scrapped in 8 months.

I popped over to 2Peas and checked out their stamping forum.

Decided to play along with the sketch challenge.

Here is my version.

It looks kinda washed out here. Oh, well. So, happy to have created something.

If my boys would cooperate I would sit and make cards all day.

Probably not gonna happen.

At least I have this little piece to remind me that my creativity is not completely dead!

Have a good day!

Hey There~

2007-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoy blogs that have regular updates.

I have so much respect for those bloggers.

Where do you find the time?

I wish I was one of them.

Unfortunately, I am just not.

Anyway, I have been juggling a list of things lately.

Finally finished the baby blanket last night.

I'll post pics as soon as I can find the camera.

Love the way it turned out.

Not bad for my first attempt I think!

I also have a baby sock and a hat left on my needles, waiting to be finished.

I have been in baby shower planning mode the last few days.

The Grandma's are throwing the shower but, I just can't help "helping"

I made the invites (with Mom's help).

Have been in card making mode ever since.

Have surfed some really awesome and inspiring blogs of talented women who make cards.

To be that creative!

Anyway, I am trying to come up with a few really nice gifts for the shower games.

I am hoping to give things that are made or altered.

That is after all half of the fun!

Plus, if anyone knows of unique favor ideas please share.

I am thinking of doing candy bars wrapped in pretty paper but, not sure yet.

Please share if you have any good ideas.

As this is my last baby and first girl I want this shower to be really fun.

I am really getting into the girlyness (is that a word?) of it all.

A big stretch for me since I am so not girly!

Well that about wraps it up for now.

Have a great weekend!

4 Years~

2007-08-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Married for 4 years!

Together for 9!

What an amazing journey this has been.

I am so glad I found the person I was meant to spend this life with so soon!

Forever and Always,

I Love You!

Distracted~

2007-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

I burnt my bagel this morning.

This is just typical to how things have been for me lately.

I am so distracted.

It probably doesn't help that my ulcer is acting up,

that I am tired, that the boys have been giving the cat & dog routine a workout,

or that my 32 week pregnant body is starting to feel seriously uncomfortable.

One would think with the third child that everything would already be stretch out and comfortable. Like your favorite pair of jeans. Unfortunately, it's more like an over stretched rubber band. Add in that this little lady is a serious kicker and well you get the picture. Not so comfortable.

So, yesterday I decided that we needed to go get a coming home outfit for the baby. Each of the kids has always had their own special outfit for the occasion. I am trying to get my hospital bag packed. Trying to be better about being proactive.

This called for a little family field trip, as Andy wanted to help pick out the outfit.

So what do you get when you take

A: Two toddlers

B: at 5pm

C: who have had a twenty minute nap (enough to make them cranky)

D: and want snacks that some how got left at home

E: into a clothing store?

Well, I will tell you. You get public tantrums, stacks of clothes knocked over, a frustrated Dad, and an apologetic Mom. After about 12 minutes of dealing with all of this Andy had to take Riley to the car. This left me with Taylor (who wanted Daddy, of course). So there I was at the register, holding a squirmy toddler, preggo stomach getting in my way, holding the outfit that I chose in the 12 minutes that I had to shop (to which Andy said "It's pink!" I said "Yeah, our baby is a girl!" Like it had never occurred to him).

I was distracted!

Until the sales lady gave me my total.

$49.95.

What! For 4 little pieces that our baby will wear for like 12 minutes. Now that may not seem like much money to some people but, to me that is a lot for one outfit. Even if the outfit is adorable. I shudder to think of what the outfit would have cost if I hadn't gone to the outlet store and got 25% off.

Can't make this go the right way!

I still need to find a pair of socks to match.

Oh well! I finished all of the squares for the blanket. Just need to whip stitch them together.

I had to take a break and make a birthday present for my niece.

This scarf is super soft and floaty. Knit in seed stitch, my own pattern. Definitely very girly. Nice and light for the fall. You can't see them but, there are iridescent beads throughout. I hope she loves it!

My next adventure is knitting a few hats for Afghans for Afghans (see banner in sidebar). I just learned how to knit in the round. Should be interesting.

Well, that's about all for today. I am trying to keep myself away from QVC and buying the 8,000 piece scrapbook kit. I just love when everything matches. Will take some willpower!

Have a great day!

I never mean to

2007-08-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

wait so long between blog posts.

It's just what happens.

Life happens really.

I think about blogging all of the time. Like this or that would make a cute post.

By the time I get the time to sit at the computer it's gone.

I wonder if this happens to other busy, mom bloggers?

I am on my last square of the baby blanket.

So close to stitching it all together.

I can't wait!

If only the boys would cooperate and let me knit.

Probably not gonna happen until Andy comes home from work.

Only 8 weeks until our due date.

So much to be done still.

So much change and transition in our home right now.

I usually don't love change.

It's all for the best but still I resist.

Andy's birthday party was last weekend.

The boys were so cute and charming.

The loved helping open presents.

He got a huge tent from his parents.

Now we can go camping without borrowing one.

The boys LOVE it!

The think it's their own little house.

I need to get some pictures of them in it.

For now I leave you with a picture of my two little hams,

waiting "patiently" to go bye-bye.

Have a great weekend!

Potty Training Blues~

2007-07-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

So we actively started potty training Riley (2 1/2) a week ago.

He has been showing signs that he was ready for awhile.

I can get him to sit on the potty for a good 20 minutes but, no business.

In fact he cries when he thinks that he actually has to go on the potty.

Now Taylor loves the potty (1 1/2).

He has used int several times with my help.

He can't get his own pants on or off and that sort of thing.

I am trying to stay positive.

Although I would love suggestions and such.

I know that it's still early.

Yesterday was my baby brother's birthday.

He turned 14!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

I will try to post pics once I locate the camera.

It's muggy again today.

We have been having the strangest weather!

Well I have reading to do and a baby blanket that isn't going to work on itself!

TTYL~

Blah

2007-07-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

2 Peas blogging challenge:
5 things that you do everyday without fail.

1. Kiss my boys good morning.
2. Make them breakfast
3. Brush my teeth
4. Wonder what to make for dinner
5. Drink a lot of water

Well that is a fairly boring list. What can I say. That is just my world. There are more exciting things but, they don't happen on a daily basis.

I had a Dr. appointment yesterday. Everything is good. The baby is growing nicely. I had to drink that glucose stuff. Not my idea of fun at 8:30am. It gave me a headache. Oddly enough I don't remember drinking it with either if of the boys but, I know that I did. How quickly we forget the details. It's raining today. Quite a change from the HOT weather that we were having. It just seems so dreary. We are having company over this evening, so that means I have to get off of my lazy lump and clean the house. It should be an interesting day. I just wish this was a more interesting post. I am going to enjoy my vanilla coffee (decaf) now.

2007-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was feeling ambitious this morning so I made the boys waffles for breakfast.

Of course halfway through the waffle making process Riley says to me. "Mommy I want eggs." I told him " There are eggs in your waffle." Kids! What's a mom to do?

Andy is working today so it's just the boys and me. It's too hot to go outside and play. I think I would last for maybe 10 minutes. It's not so much the heat really as chasing the boys. I am starting to get to big for real chasing. That is not a good thing when you have to very active little boys. They are very good about it though. I think maybe we will go to Grandma's tonight and they can swim. They love it! Especially Taylor. He loves putting his face in the water. So fearless for only being 16 months. Too fearless at times.

Well it's time for me to go make lunch. Maybe I will get some more progress made on the baby blanket. I am halfway now. Need to get cracking! I mean I am almost 28 weeks.

Have a great weekend~

Progress

2007-07-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking some pictures of the baby blanket in progress.

It's going to be 9 squares all together. 5 of the lavender squares and 4 of the quarter square squares. Those squares are made up of the Spring green and also a lovely blue. All of the yarn is Lions brand HomeSpun. I can't wait to see the finished product.

I'll keep you posted~

Celebration~

2007-07-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

I hope that you can enjoy a safe and happy day with those that you care about!

It's gonna be HOT here.

I am looking forward to watching the boys run through the sprinkler and then enjoying a BBQ at the in-laws.

Have a fabulous day!

Sundays~

2007-06-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Home from church.

Yes, we actually went today.

The boys were pretty good.

Meaning that they lasted for 20 whole minutes before Andy had to take them out.

It's a work in progress.

Working on the baby's blanket.

I am hungry and she is kicking.

Guess she is hungry too!

Made a pasta salad but, it has to sit.

Wanna make some cards.

Might take more effort then I have.

We shall see.

Have a great week all~

Back to life~

2007-06-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hey there sports fans.

I am back.

Well mostly.

I am starting to feel more like myself these days.

A good thing for sure.

There was a period of time there where it was touch and go.

But I am still here.

The baby is growing nicely.

We are 22 weeks along.

Oh and we found out that it's a GIRL.

A fabulous compliment to our 2 boys.

a nice way to round out and complete or family.

I bought some yarn today to start a baby blanket for her.

I can't think about scrapping right now.

But knitting I can do.

i will try to post pics of my progress.

For now the supplies are sitting on my dining room floor in a plastic sack.

I am tired.

There is always tomorrow.

Good night~

Good Morning~

2007-03-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of the well wishes.
I am still feeling pretty sick.
Sick and disconnected.
Not a great combination.

Taylor is playing with my feet.
He thinks it's really funny.
Anyone else and it might creep me out.
Funny little kiddo.

Easter is just around the corner.
Are you ready?
Not I.
I better get hoppin'.

Sorry couldn't resist.

Have a great weekened~

# 13 in the making~

2007-03-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

You may wonder why I have been pretty much MIA lately. Well I will tell you why.

I have been sick. Very sick. This is thanks to life goal # 13 which will be completed in October.

Most days it's all I can do to function long enough to take care of the boys.

Riley is super excited!

So now you know. I am really hoping to be back to feeling somewhat normal in about 3 more weeks. But, who can say. I just hope this sick feeling is not for the long haul.

Have a good week~

Sick

2007-02-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

No I didn't fall off of the planet.
I have been sick.
Still am actually.
Nothing else interesting to report.

Well actually Taylor went and turned 1 yesterday.
Have a really cute picture of him on the camera.
Would require getting up and getting it and the messing with the upload process.
Not gonna do that.
But he is really cute.

Peace~

2007-02-14T09:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

30 before I am 30~

2007-02-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

I have finally gotten around to making my 30 before I am 30 list.
I am planning on making this an album. One page for everything that I complete.
The whole point of this list is for me to live life to the fullest.
It's so easy for us to get caught up in the everyday. Life has a way of sort of sweeping us away, and before we know it we are a certain age and haven't really accomplished the things that we thought that we would. If you have a life that feels completely fulfilled then good for you.
That however is not me. I do love my life, great husband, wonderful kids.
These 30 things are not about them.
They are about me.
Things that I want for my life.

Today I will share the first 15 with you.
I actually have 4 more to list but, have run out of ideas.
Feel free to make some suggestions.
Thanks~

1. Go somewhere on a plane.
2. Make a Souffle
3. Weigh 140 LBS
4. Buy and wear a little black dress
5. Get published (this is actually a life long dream, I originally wanted to be a writer)
6. Run a mile
7. Read the Bible cover to cover
8. Keep a journal for 365 days
9. Buy a house
10. Knit a blanket
11. Learn to quilt
12. Complete my wedding album
13. Have another baby
14. Win a contest
15. Learn a new skill.

These are my personal life goals. What are yours???

2007-01-31T06:24:00.000-08:00

I suppose I should tell you what is going on.

But I am not gonna. It's way early. This whole week is jam packed.

I don't like weeks like that.

I need a nap.

Farewell~

2007-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is my BIL Matt & Riley.

Matt is going away for 2 years on his mission.

I am excited for him and a little sad for me.

My boys adore him.

He gets down on the floor and plays with them.

Plus they all share a love of dirt.

This weekend is all about him.

All about me keeping my shit together, while saying goodbye.

Tuesday he leaves on a plane and that is that.

Sometimes there aren't words for the things that we feel inside.

Now is one of those times.

I am most likely gonna be down and out until then.

We shall see....

Uhhh Yeah~

2007-01-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

My eye is running. Non-stop.

Don't you just hate that?

It's 6:50pm on a Friday night and I am ready for bed.

Sad, sad, sad.

I remember, not so long ago when Friday night was date night.

of course that was before kids & diapers & mommyness.

Oh, well!

I finished the scarf for my BIL. It's just basic black.

Required for him mission.

Nothing fancy!

Well, I have nothing else to write about.

I could really go for a grande vanilla latte right about now.

Or maybe just my PJ's and pillow.

Happy Weekend all!

There's Something About Donna~

2007-01-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

So, I suppose you want to hear all about my fabulous time meeting Donna (aka. Sparkles).

If you ever have the opportunity to meet her, I recommend it.

She is hilarious, her projects rock. Did I mention that she is funny? The first day she started this little joke. Everyone got new names. I suppose you had to be there. Anyway, I was Irma. Funny thing is, I forgot to take my name tag off when I went to dinner and the waiter kept calling me Irma. The names got crazier after Irma (Paris, Boom Boom, Zsa Zsa) and countless others. Too Funny. The projects are adorable. I have learned some awesome skills! Unfortunately, I didn't get very good pictures.

Donna Teaching.

Sheri (Scrapbook Attack's Fabulous owner) & Donna

The bling bling scarf I made for Donna. She loves green you know.

Donna & Pebbles (My baby sis)

Her pic turned out a million times cuter then mine!

The Fabulous Karlala (Aka Boom Boom)

My Clock.

Totally got the creative juices flowing here.

Loved the paint!

Ok, I am off to start my day. My BIL leaves for his mission on Tuesday and I have to finish the scarf I am making for him.

Have a great day~

Introducing~

2007-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

~Henry Alexander~

Born 1/20/07

10:17 am

9lbs 13oz

He is the cutest, sweetest little man.

His picture does not do him justice.

Mom is resting and recovering wonderfully.

Will update later with info from my fabulous weekend.

Am sicker then sick!

The Day~

2007-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

I am off. Will update when I can.

P.S. My SIL still has not had that baby. She has been in labor for 24 hours now. Poor thing!

Have a great weekend~

24 Hours~

2007-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

That's right. Just read Donna's blog (www.donnadowney.typepad.com) and it reminded me that she will be here in 24 hours.....

I am excited!!!

Can't help myself. Gonna be fun.

Have so much to do.

Must do some laundry and normal stuff.

Taylor is still sick, I am feeling better.

Thanks to everyone who wishes us well and gave me good advice.

My sister in law is at this moment in labor.

Soon we will get to meet our newest member of this crazy family.

Come on Henry, your cousins want to play.

I will update when I can!

Have a great weekend peeps~

Awake

2007-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

I feel very awake right now.

This really shouldn't be the case.

Been up since 5 something.

Baby had a bad night and slept with me.

Yes, I am weak.

Paid for it by waking up in a pool of water (from bottle).

Been letting him have it to sleep.

Partially because of fever and also for comfort.

Although he obviously didn't want it and I wore it instead.

Want to scrap. Have pounding head ache.

Have 20 something LO's waiting for me

All ready to be put together.

Must wait for the crop.

Must finish class homework.

Must figure out how to print index sheets of my pictures.

Anyone else take Donna D's Blossom Chipboard album class?

How many index prints do I really need???

Need more hot coffee for scratchy throat.

G'day Mates~

P.S. It snowed yesterday.

The most snow I have ever seen at one time.

Glad I had no where to go.

Woe is me....

2007-01-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

Trying desperately hard not to get sick.

I have pretty much sequestered us for the past few weeks.

I mean I had to, right?

I have Donna Downey classes at the end of the week.

And a 12 hour crop.

I can not miss it!!!!!

Things have been well.

Until yesterday.....

I woke up with an irritated eye that persisted to a swollen eyelid.

Flushed the eye, took some meds & cold compressed it.

Swelling gone. Eye better.

This morning poor listless Taylor has a fever and a cough.....

He wants Mama to hold him.

As his Mama I am ok with holding him.

It's my job. I am holding him right now.

Still, I can't get sick.

I keep chanting it, as if that would help.

Say it with me.

"I will not get sick. I will not get sick"

Keep you posted~

Remember~

2007-01-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

Today I am remembering....

It's the 11th anniversary of the passing of a dear friend & his family.

After all of this time it still makes me cry.

Although mostly I remember the good things.

My friend Nick's death shaped me in ways that I could never have imagined.

I was only 15.

Some thoughts are too personal to touch.

I just couldn't let today slip away without a visible acknowledgement.

Sorry this is so depressing peeps.

Enjoy your day! Go hug someone you love!

Peace!

Holy crap, (aka, the weatherman was right!)

2007-01-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Woke up to this!

It's really coming down too!

Riley can't remember seeing snow before now.

He is in awe!

Remember what that was like?

Being a kid.

Being so excited because giant white flakes were falling from the sky.

Just to keep some balance.

My new favorite of Tay~

And lastly my latest creation!

A little gift for my sister!

Shhh, don't tell her!

Have a fabulous day all!

2007-01-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

I'm a Dodge Viper!

You're all about raw power. You're tough, you're loud, and you don't take crap from anyone. Leave finesse to the other cars, the ones eating your dust.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Did You Miss Me?

2007-01-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I missed me too!

Poor Hubby has been sick since last Saturday.

My days have been filled with tending and not much else.

I did manage to clean my wrecked house yesterday.

DH is back to work today and I feel like I am back on track.

Did manage to take down Christmas. Well all but the "winter" lights that I strung around the living room. The boys really like them!

Finished the scarf I was working on. Blogger won't let me share pictures with you.

I have done 2 layouts in the last 2 weeks. Not including my Christmas art journal. I am still working on it. Tomorrow is the last prompt. I am hoping to catch up today!

Found out that I get to go to all 6 of Donna Downey's classes & her crop when she is here in 2 weeks. The crop is 12 hours long. I am sketching layouts like crazy. Trying to remember how to do a power layout so that everything will be ready for the crop. Need to print a gang of pictures. Can anyone recommend an online photo lab? I want some place that won't charge a lot for s&h and won't auto crop my pics like some do.

Anyway, have a great day all!

Out with the old~

2007-01-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

Looks like 2006 is down for the count and it might be time to put a few resolutions down on the proverbial paper. I for one slept my way into the new year. What can I say? I never know when the babies are going to wake up. Sleep is a precious commodity.

~Resolutions~

1. of course the old stand by lose weight!

2. We are going Soda free in '07!

3. No scrapping after Andy gets home.

That is family time!

4. To be more satisfied with the choices that I make.

5. To see the return of my *gulp* 4 outstanding CJ's!

6. To tell my kids how much I love them everyday!

7. To not sweat the little things.

8. To finish my Christmas Art Journal.

9. To complete more pages with my stash. No new product in '07. At least until I make a dent. That doesn't include gifts & or adhesive! LOL!

10. To be happy & thankful everyday. I think I might actually start writing one thing a day in my journal that meets that criteria.

Pretty good list huh? I see it less as a list of to do's and more as a road map for where I want my life to go! happier and healthier in 2007. Don't you just love good intentions?

I still intend to make out my 30 before I am 30 list. I haven't forgotten. I am just compiling the list carefully!

So here's to the new year! May it find us better then we were before!

Cheers!

Good Cheer~

2006-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Still here!
Been Crazy busy.
Working on my Christmas Art Journal.
Catching up to normal life.
I'll share as soon as I get around to taking pictures of my pages.
Resolutions to make.
Thank you cards to write.

Cheers!

2006-12-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas is so close now...

Can you feel it?

Here are my day 20 & 21 pages.

Thanks for looking!

20~

Unexpected Greetings

Things I have received in the mail that I wasn't expecting.

21~

A picture of how my house looks right now.

I chose to take a picture of my kitchen table.

That's where the real action is.

Total chaos!

Sorry for the horrible pictures.

It's crunch time!

My goal is to finish all Christmas projects today.

So that I may actually enjoy the Christmasing the is upon us!

Cheers!

Peace, Love & Yule Logs~

Merry & Bright~

2006-12-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Days 17-19 for your viewing pleasure!

Day 17~

The perfect gift....

Day 18~

Christmas Dinner.

I am going to add a photo of us at dinner after Christmas.

Day 19~

Dear Santa,

My Christmas Wish list!

Are we having fun yet?

Christmas is getting so close.

Still many projects to finish.

Peace, Love, & Tinsel~

7 Days~

2006-12-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

This will be brief.

I wanted to get my day 15 & 16 pages posted.

Day 15~

Keepin' it simple.

We are the visitors on Christmas day.

Splitting the holiday between my family & Andy's.

Day 16~

Grateful.

A list of the things that I am grateful for right now.

Christmas is going to be here before we know it. So much to still do. I am wishing for productive days and less stress.

Happy Holidays!

Peace, Love, & Curly Ribbon~

9 days and counting~

2006-12-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Day 14~

Yes I am starting to get a little behind.

Things have gotten so crazy around here.

Here's my simple entry about the my favorite Christmas song.

Silent Night

Today is my niece's first birthday. She is one.

I remebered this morning that I didn't make her a card.

I hope you can make a few minutes for rest and relaxation in this busy time.

I am off to do a little last minute on-line shopping.

Why do I always leave it to the last minute?

Peace, Love, & Cupcakes~

10 days left~

2006-12-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, kids we are in serious panic mode. Only 10 days left until thee day!

Here are my day 12 & 13 pages!

Day 12~

Christmas Past

The remember is a mirror. Couldn't get it to not look black.

Day 13~

Special Delivery

How the presents are handed out!

Have a good day people. Hope it's productive for you!

Peace, Love & Gift Wrapped Packages~

Day 11~

2006-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Day 12 is still sitting on my table. I am not quite done with it yet. The time is just getting away from me.

Here's day 11~

Sorry about the glare. This is all about the Christmas tree. I was amazed by the fact that I (who takes hundreds of pictures of the most random things) don't have decent pics of our past Christmas trees. Go figure!

Anyway, Can you believe how close Christmas is?

I got all of the cards out for the soldier card drive.

323 cards!!!

Isn't that amazing? I thought it was.

It's an on-going card drive so if you wanted to contribute cards but, were too busy this season you can email me @ cards4troops@msn.com and contribute after the holidays. My goal is to bring them cheer throughout the year! Not just at the holidays.

Busy day ahead. So much too do! Have a good one!

Peace, Love, and Twinkle lights~

What Season are you?

2006-12-13T06:28:00.001-08:00

You Belong in Winter

Quiet, calm, and totally at peace...
You're happy to be at home, wrapped in a blanket, completely snowed in
Whether you're lighting a fire or having a snowball fight, you always feel best in the winter.

What Season Are You?

What kind of ornament are you?

2006-12-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

8, 9, & 10~

2006-12-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Here are pages 8,9, & 10. I am just now getting a chance to post them.

Things are getting pretty crazy around here.

Day 8~

Signs of the season!

Day 9~

Traditions.

I like how this page turned out!

There's hidden journaling under the sewn flap~

Day 10~

The idea was to keep it simple.

I was in a hurry and don't really like how it turned out.

I guess you can't love them all~

The ribbon is metallic green. Not sure why it looks black.

Tomorrow is addressing day for the soldier card drive.

We collected over 300 cards. I am so excited!

Wish me luck and no writers cramp!

Peace, Love & postage stamps~

We have a Winner~

2006-12-10T00:27:00.000-08:00

There were 851 M&M's in the vase!

The closest guess was 858.

Jan (JNH @ 2 Peas) is the winner of the RAK!

Thank to everyone who played!

Now I must go to bed.

Peace, Love and candy coated dreams~

Day7~

2006-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

The holiday shopping~

The mad dash to get something for everyone on your list.

I kept it very simple. A Starbucks gift card that was hanging around. A receipt, tag from my son's pants and the LIST. Well not the actual list. No that one is buried somewhere very secret. So secret I might not even remember where it when. Some yarn from a project I am working on. As I am making a lot of the gifts this year. Keep it simple.

Got a baby shower to attend tonight. Actually co-hosting it. Should be interesting, Don't really know anyone who will be there besides the Mom-to-be. Have a good weekend!

Peace, Love & Happy Crafting~

Memories~

2006-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Day 6~

Christmas Memories.

One good, one bad.

Kept it simple.

The Good memory-

Christmas Eve- Every year Mom gives us each a new ornament. Then I read The Night before Christmas and The Polar Express to the kids.

Bad Memory-

Christmas Eve 2002- Stayed up way too late wrapping presents. Was too tired on Christmas to enjoy anything. Never again!

Thanks for looking.

Be sure to checkout my earlier post for my Christmas contest!

Peace, Love & fuzzy socks~

RAK a Go-Go~

2006-12-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a little festive

and I want to share some of the Christmas spirit with you.

This 9"x3.5" vase is filled with lovely red and green m&m's.

Guess how many there are...

The person who comes the closest will win a lovely little scrap snack!

~The Rules~

Leave your guesses in the comment field

(make sure I have an email address that I can reach you at if you win)

One guess per person.

Guessing will close Saturday 12/9/06 @ 8am PST.

Here are two more pics to give you some perspective!

Peace, Love & Happy Holidays!

Countdown~

2006-12-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Day 5~

I got stuck on this one.

The countdown to Christmas.

The traditions that go with it.

Journaling

"The countdown to Christmas is a grand tradition. Growing up we always had advents calendars that sat on the piano. This is a tradition that I have passed down to Hannah and soon Ry and Taylor."

I liked the grid pattern of this paper!

Thank for looking.

A Friend sent me this and I thought it was kinda cute!

Finished another scarf yesterday and some Christmas cards.

I am feeling festive these days.

Tomorrow I will be having a little Christmas contest with a RAK ,so stay tuned!

Peace, Love & M&M's~

Seasons Dreaming!

2006-12-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Day 4

Dream Christmas~

Busy day! Lots of loose end tying.

Loving my Christmas journal. Sorry about the glare in the pic.

Have a great Tuesday all!

Peace, love & scotch tape~

Day 3~

2006-12-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Day 3 Christmas Art Journal pages.

It's all about the Christmas card today!

I actually typed all of this up last night and blogger ate my post.

Close up of the half with the Christmas card. The journaling is in the card.

The second half is home to the envelope.

When I am done with my Christmas cards this year I will put a list of who I sent them to inside!

The journaling reads~

"I have been sending Christmas cards for years! Until this year they have always been store bought. Mostly purchased on sale the year before. I like to have a variety of cards to choose from. I sit down with my cards, Christmas Pen, address box, list, and stamps. For hours I will write away summarizing our year and sending wishes of love and good cheer. Then I will send them off and hope they reach their destinations. I really LOVE getting Christmas cards. I display them proudly for all to see. There is something so amazing about being sent a Christmas card! I mean our lives are busy, mess, complicated. But they took the time to send it to me. PRICELESS! This year I have made cards in 38 different designs for the soldier card drive. Just my little way to say "Thank you"! The holidays are an amazing time and the Christmas card is a big part of it to me!

Cheers! "

That's it in a nutshell. More Christmas presents to make today. Day 4 page & ornaments.

Have a happy Monday all!

Peace, Love, & Egg NoG~

Day 2~

2006-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Here's my day 2 page of my Christmas Journal!

Have a great Sunday!

Peace, Love & AppleJacks~

2006-12-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Coffee, yes coffee is good and hot this morning. I haven't fully adjusted to the cold mornings yet. I stayed up late last night, after everyone was asleep and finished my first page in my Christmas Journal and added Shimelle's Manifesto. I also worked on my Christmas ornaments and scrapped an LO. Had to be up anyway, figured I might get something done. My BIL was having ankle surgery and I was waiting for the call that said he was ok, and they were letting him go home. It came at 11pm. I guess they work late at the hospital. Good thing for BIL.

Anyway, back to the scrappage. Here is the page with Shimelle's Manifesto.

My Manifesto

Riley @ 3 months. Trying to catch up. Harder when you don't scrap chronologically. Sorry it's so dark.

Anyway, we have a full day planned and I need to get to it!

Peace, Love & Chicken Wings~

Declaring our intentions~

2006-11-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

Manifesto: Noun. A declaration of one’s intentions.

Starting December first, I will keep a Christmas journal. In it, I will write something every day to reflect on the holidays of my past, enjoy the holidays of the present and dream about the holidays of my future. To some, this will be a stack of papers and trivial scribbles, but not to me. I am taking back my Christmas, I am letting it be something I relish and, most importantly, I am giving at least fifteen minutes every day to myself no matter how crazy this season becomes. I hope you will share, encourage and understand as I make something with my own hands, my own words and my own memories.

This is taken from Shimelle's blog regarding the Christmas Art Journal class. I finished my cover. Can't wait to get started on the inside! It's gonna be a good month!

I might add a little more *BLING* later but, for now I am happy with it!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Peace, Love, & Caramel Corn~

Signs of the season~

2006-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Overslept this morning and don't even feel guilty about it. I do have a lot to do today so I better get crackin'. Got a steaming cup of hot goodness (coffee). I am set!

The dinner party was a little awkward but, nice. It's a very small company but, they have doubled their employees in the last year. It was nice not to be the new people like last year. It was also nice having a meal with adults. Plus, it's one more thing I can cross off of my to do list.

Finished my first slit scarf. One down, two to go! I gotta tell you I was pretty proud of myself for teaching myself how to bind off!

I am also working on my homemade ornaments. ATC Christmas Ornaments. I hope my family likes them, gets them, and doesn't think that I am cheap. Each on is an original piece of my art work. These are the front and back view(s). I think they are super cute but, I made them.

Riley and I made a small attempt at decorating the apartment. When I say small, I mean small. I am not even sure how we are going to have a Christmas tree this year. Partially because of space and because I know that Ry & Tay will attack it!

Oh, well at least we have stockings!

I signed up for Shimelle's Christmas Art Journal class.
I almost passed on this one but, when I started looking at other people's work from last year I felt so inspired. After the dinner party Andy and I made a mad dash for the Craft Warehouse down the street from the restaurant. They were 10 minutes from closing when we got there. We raised around the store trying to find a book that would work for what I have in my mind. No small feat if you know my brain. I settled on a spiral bound 6x9 sketch book. The only drawback is that the cover is this horrible brown color and will need to be covered. Oh, well I was probably going to alter it anyway. LOL! I am just happy to be taking this class and hope that I make time to enjoy it and actually finish. I am planning on decorating the cover today!

Peace, Love, & knitting needles*

Brrrr!

2006-11-29T07:18:00.000-08:00

It is cold this morning. I think yesterday might have been a record cold for us. I for one am not a fan of the cold. OK I am done whining. I actually have to get back to my knitting. I went and made more work for myself. J's had their fun fur yarn on sale and I need three Christmas presents for some very nice little ladies that are not going to have much in way of a Christmas. So now I have to get busy. I don't knit very fast either. Probably because someone is needing my attention every two seconds. Oh, well. I got 4 different colors and I hope they turn out alright!

I also finished the Layouts for my nieces Christmas present. Well part of her present. She is getting 5 layouts that my sister just has to add pictures and journaling to for her album. I am making some for her baby sister too.

That's what's up in a nutshell. I have a dinner party to go to tonight for my husbands company. I always feel weird going to them. The people are nice but, I still don't quite feel like I fit in and I think part of me wishes that I had my own work party to go to. Don't get me wrong, I love being the one to take care of my kids and this is totally where I need to be right now. It's just that I loved my job and the people that I worked for and some days I miss it. Today is going to be one of those days. OK enough with the whining. I promise this time!

Peace, love & Christmas Trees*

Blog Rotation~

2006-11-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

I love the counter on my blog. I love that I can tell how many people visited my little blog since I was last here. I wonder if this means I have made it into some daily blog rotations. You know those daily blogs that you regularly check to see what's going on with the person that you don't really know outside of the realm of blogdom or Peadom in the case of a lot of the peeps who read my little blogity blog. Now I am feeling a certain amount of pressure to create an entry that is worth reading. I am not sure if it's going to happen this morning. I mean come on, it's Monday morning. It's 7:26am. I am just trying to get a little something blogged before the baby demands my attention. The afore mentioned baby is 9months old today. I can hardly believe it myself. He is getting so big and so independent. Standing up and trying to walk. Playing happily by himself. Almost sleeping through the night and such. It's a beautiful thing!

I almost forgot the tell you. The card drive has crested 200 cards and counting. I am thrilled! It is amazing to start out with something like this and actually see it come to fruition. So thank you to everyone for the effort. I appreciate it dearly!

Ok peeps, have a great day! I have breakfasts and a lunch to make.

Peace*

Late night!

2006-11-24T22:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I have had a late night post. I should be sleeping. My eyes are all blurry, a sure sign that I need sleep. I am waiting for Andy to get home. He's on call this weekend. The busiest weekend of the year for drain cleaners I hear. I guess it's all of that starchy Thanksgiving foods going down the sinks.

We found out tonight that my brother is going to Albuquerque, New Mexico for his mission. I am thankful that he is staying in the states. If nothing else at least I won't have to fill out customs forms to send him care packages. LOL!

2Peas Blogger Challenge:
Blog about how you keep in touch with family/friends over the holidays... via the written word. Do you send cards... store bought or handmade? Do you send a Christmas letter???

I love Christmas... Love Christmas cards. I love sending them out. I have been doing it for years. This is the first year that I have made cards. I don't have any scanned to show you. So far I have made 40 cards for the card drive. Friends and family will get a mix of store bought (last years sales) and home made. Good times. I especially love getting cards! Such a great time of year!

We Need You~

2006-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
We are well on our way to making the 200 card goal but, we are not there yet. The shipping deadline is quickly approaching but, there is still a little time if you still wanted to participate in the card drive. I know it's a busy time of year. Every card helps! I have already sent out a few cards for the past holidays and today recieved a thank you card from a platoon of soliders. The gratitude that was expressed in that one card makes me want to reach and surpass our goal even more. I can't do it without your help. Let me know if you are still interested in participating. I really appreciate it.
Thank you & Happy holidays,
Stephanie

Thanksgiving 2006~

2006-11-24T08:32:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my digital camera. Although I really got mostly terrible pictures. Al least I have pictures. Riley wouldn't let me take his picture but, Taylor was all for the picture taking. Good thing since it was his first turkey day. Here are are my favs:

Taylor & Mommy.

My Sweet Niece Ashlynn.

Her first Thanksgiving too!

2006-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Happiest of Thanksgivings to Everyone!!!

I am off to finish making homemade rolls~

A little scrappage~

2006-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share this layout with you. I completed it on Friday. Trying to work through some of the photos from when we first had Riley. It's really hard for me to scrap anything that isn't current.

I made this simple little Thanksgiving card for the card drive.

You are probably tired of hearing about the card drive. Well I have to say that we are so close to reaching our 200 card goal (55 cards to go). There is still time if you want to whip up a few cards for a really great cause and pop them in the mail. I am sending them out the second week in December. email me @ cards4troops@msn.com . Thanks!

I made three of these layout for a Mom in Canada who has brain cancer. She is trying to complete albums for her three girls. All three are the same except the name. I also made one for my neice. I am making her some pages for Christmas. Sorry for the terrible picture. It says "Things you Say."

Anywho, lots of baking to do today and some Christmas ornaments to make. I am pretty proud of them this year and will share them when I am finished with them. Have a great day!

Sleep, It does exist~

2006-11-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

So I guess this would be part two of my last post. How am I applying my leaf turning you ask? Well let me start by telling you about my AWESOME birthday surprises. For me birthdays are all about who remembers, not what I get. Well the day was decending and I was getting kind of bummed because, I hadn't heard from my sister. DH was late getting home from work and we were suppose to go to dinner after we took the boys to his mom's. We get there and there is a huge surprise party for my. My family and friends. It was amazing. And the best party was that my sweet, darling DH pulled it off all by himself and in only 24hours. These people came to my party with only such little notice! And there was food and laughter. A good time was had by well at least me!!!! My sister and I took some insanly silly pictures with the digi and laughed until we almost peed. That is what a new leaf is all about. Having a good time, enjoying life in the moment. You wanna know what else. In the spirit of living, I let me brother take pictures of my doing the traditional birthday things (cake, presents etc...) this is big for me. Usually I grimace and try to dodge the camera. No more, I am gonna be present in my life and have the pictures to prove it.

Speaking of presents I got some major love from my party guests. I am not gloating I swear. I am so thankful that they came. My DH had a another birthday surprise up his sleeve. A Cricut all for me. I was so surprised! I would never have asked for one because they are so expensive. My in laws bought me two cartridges to go with it. I was like a kid in a candy store. Actually I felt a little embarrassed. Expensive things always make me feel that way. So, DH's Mom took the boys overnight. That was huge for me as Taylor has never slept overnight anywhere yet. We get home and take the Cricut out and I make the first cut and then DH (who was more excited then I was) spends the next two hours playing with it. It was soooo funny. I haven't seen him that excited about anything in a long time. He just wanted to keep cutting stuff out.

The good times continued throughout the weekend. We realized that this would be the last weekend until the first of the year to relax and we did. Now I can get down to business in a major way! I have started making my Christmas ornaments. Preparing the last of the greeting cards for the soldiers. So much to be done but, it'll be fun.

I am still composing my 30 before I am 30 list. Updates to follow.....

2006-11-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

'What" will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

26~

2006-11-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

I have been resisting turning 26. As if I could actually do anything to slow down time. I just feel like I haven't accomplished what I should have by now.

Well no more~

I want to turn over a new leaf. I have been thinking a lot lately about something I read on Heidi Swapp's blog "She designed a life she loved!". I want that to be me. What the heck am I waiting for anyway? I always say someday or we should do that. Well now is that time. I am going to make myself a list of all the things I want to accomplish before I turn 30. I am gonna scrap it as I accomplish each goal. It will be for me. On a more environmental level I am gonna make some changes around here.

I just hope my family can handle to changes.

Have a great day people & a fabulous weekend.

Life is what you make of it, so make it something that you love!

P.S. I have the sweetest boys in my life. Yep, I am blessed!

Happy Birthday!

2006-11-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Steph!

Love You,
Andy, Riley & Taylor

Terrible Two's? Let's Party!

2006-11-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Riley turned 2!

He had a Cars birthday family with family and friends. It amazes me that we can take over 200 pictures at an event and have only a hand full of usable pics. I have included a few of my favorites for your viewing pleasure.

It's all birthdays this week. I know someone with a birthday every day this week except Thursday & Saturday.

Super Duper Busy~

2006-11-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

nO i DID noT go and forgeT about my Sweet liTtle bloGaroo. I havE been crazY buSy. To busY to even list the borIng detAils. Just Know that all Is welL and wIth the eXception of a Nasty coLd I am sUper duPer. RilEy's BirtHday pArty is saTurDay. Also it's nOt to lAte to paRticiPate in the cArd dRive foR soLdiers. If yoU are interesTed let me Know. It'S a reaL gooD CauSe!

Cards4troops@msn.com

HaVe a gReat dAy aLl!

And Now Your Regularly Scheduled Program~

2006-10-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am back,at least in body. The move went well and we are mostly unpacked. However, I am in a funk. I don't feel like creating, or reading, or anything much really. I have a ton of projects to do. My keyboard misses letters and the spacebar sticks. Driving me nuts. I have a cold, am hungry but don't want to eat. Can I have some wine with my cheese. Please! ok,enough about me. Riley is watching the presidential news conference. That kids amazes me, doesn't have the patience to play with play-doh but, watch a Looooong speech, ok!

Have a good one people~

Step away from the blog~

2006-10-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow bloggers, or at least blog readers. How was the weekend? Mine was super duper busy. Had big packing/cleaning plans and our laptop died. Now it's in the shop, I am using a loaner.
Moving on Saturday. Am also taking Shimelle's new class. Lots going on which means that other things will have to be left undone. So I am most likely not going to be blogging this week. Just can't commit the time and such. So have a great week and if you read my blog check back next week. Hopefully we will have set up the computer @ our new place.

Cheers~

Out with the old...

2006-10-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, I confess. I am an addict. Addicted to throwing things away that is. Seriously I am on a major kick, I can't stop. Could be worse I suppose.

I was playing around with photoshop yesterday and created the new banner. I need to get a book on it because man is it ever a complicated program.

Ok, I know this is a super short post but, I have things to throw away.

Have a great weekend!

Introducing Capt. Whiner & his sidekick Mr. Dribbles

2006-10-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's 6:33am, still dark outside. However, thanks to DH's super early meeting this A.M. we are up. Riley is being uber whiney. He wants his brother's bottle, he wants to sit next to me, he doesn't want me to touch him. On, and on and on. Normally I can handle the whining ( a new thing for Ry's age) but, at this hour it's tough. I am sure that coffee was invented for just such a morning.

I spend yesterday cleaning, sorting & cutting paper for my paper swap. I am trying to balance packing with this deadline for the swap. Cutting hundreds of sheets of paper gets pretty boring quick. So, I try to change it up with the cleaning and packing. It seems to be working pretty well on both fronts. I was in one of those great but, rare throw everything away moods. Where I suddenly have no emotional or otherwise attachment to all of our crap. I am hoping to be graced with the same mood today. Although I have a feeling that a nap is going to be needed. Or maybe I can at least get the duo to take one so that I can think.
Enough rambling...

Sharing

2006-10-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Went to the LSS yesterday looking for Journal Spots & masks. They didn't have either of them but, I still got some goodies. Who could resist all of the newness that is pouring in daily?? Not I.
Mostly PP (some 7 Gypsies, Scenic Route & the cutest new line from EK Success.) Open stock Metal letters. Slide mounts & some orange brads for a friend.
I am trying out a new 2 part scrapping philosophy. Not every page has to be a masterpiece & Why am I saving the good stuff. I am hoping that this will free me to create more & enjoy the process.

I managed to complete 4 layouts yesterday too! That is major considering the creative rut I have been in the last few ummmm MONTHS.

The last one uses some of my new paper! Well that will have to do it for this post. Riley is sick and I have major deadlines.

Cheers!

Lazy Saturday~

2006-10-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have been fighting with this LO for days. There is nothing complicated about it but, for some reason I had the hardest time making it come together. I think it turned out pretty cute though. I though it might be nice to get Ry's first halloween pics scrapped before his 2nd. LOL!

Have a great weekend all!

here we go again

2006-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have a meeting with someone who I haven't seen in awhile. I am a little nervous. It's an emotionally charged meeting, not all good. I want to be cool. Please, let me be cool. I need to vacuum. I would rather Pea and not think........