take my stuff, please

I'm trying really, *really* hard to get rid of stuff I don't need. I used to just pile stuff all over the place but I am getting better. (especially with mail - it used to overtake the house but now it goes from the mailbox directly to the trash/file box/bill clip - so much easier to manager now)

So, I have a couple of things (totally random stuff, I know) to get rid of and while normally, I'd either trash or donate it, I thought these two things might find a better home this way.

First off, who needs an Elmo birthday cake pan? Seriously, I haven't been able to part with it but I will never make another Elmo cake. Might I suggest that you not take it if your child has a hard time distinguishing between the *actual* Elmo and an Elmo cake. Because said child will not eat a hunk of face cut from their Sesame Street buddy. Trust me on this. Also, if you use Wilton food coloring to dye your frosting lovely shades of red and black, your cake will taste like ass. There was some trauma involved when Jake turned 2. It went a little something like this: (click it if you really want to read it)

That's how it went down for real. Wouldn't touch it. Not a bite. Everyone else felt obligated to eat the ass-tasting cake though since I slaved over it for hours (Zack was 10 days old at the time so they were doubly obligated) PS. How freaking cute was Jake back then? *Sob*...almost three years ago! (frames are from Film Fun and font is Tell a Story.)

Second, this is an envelope album I made for the July BHG. Kind of a catch all for an expecting mom. Envelopes to save appointment cards, sonogram pics, notes, etc...a spot for monthly photos, pictures of the developmental stages. First one who claims it (for themselves or an expecting friend) gets it.



The sweater - I knitted a sleeve yesterday. Think I'll do the second today. And then, the part I'm really dreading, putting all of the pieces together. Should be ugly. I'm not sure even the cuteness of a 2 1/2" model can overcome the results I'm expecting. Never fear though, I swatched for Wicked last night (the Swish Superwash, Elizabeth - you were right...SO soft and squishy!) and I'm positive that one's going to come out much better (and FASTER) than my poor Bonita.

Finally, a layout. That I did last night. For no reason at all other than I bought these MM glitter letters (they ROCK by the way...no flaking glitter at all!) and the Stemma rub-ons (also, rocketh) to use on a page together a few weeks ago and finally just made some time to play! My moms and nephew last weekend at her surprise birthday party :D A little Love, Elsie paper and that's it!



It's the weekend! (this really has no meaning for our family thanks to C's funky schedule but I know that it's reason for most normal people to celebrate) So have a good one :D

one sock, two socks...

Socks are done! Well, actually they have been for awhile but I finally took some photos for sharing :) I enjoyed knitting them ok...not sure I'll do them regularly though. I started the second as soon as I finished the first to avoid the dreaded second sock syndrome. I finished the second in less than two days!

Check out my cute model (in his bathing suit no less ;-)



Started: May 26th (after ripping out my May 25th toe up version)
Finished: June 11th.
Size 2 Knitpicks Option Circs
Eclipse-Hand Dyed Superwash Merino, Bamboo and Nylon Sock Yarn

Look! They even fit me :)


I have quite a bit of yarn leftover...not sure what I'm going to use it for...any ideas?

AND, I was good and only bought a little yarn on a trip last week to Heritage last week...my first time there - gorgeous store!



A Hemp/Cotton mix that I think might become Rusted Root when I finally finish the Bonita sweater (not starting anything else until that thing is DONE...hold me to it!)

And, just for the heck of it, a layout share...did this one a few weeks ago - all of the digi goodies are from Gina Cabrera at Digital Design Essentials.



Now, I'm off to dinner with my hubby...ALONE (and the heavens opened and the angels sung...)

Have a great night!

To all of the dads...Happy Father's Day

To my dad (who would never know how to find his way to my blog ;) Thank you for being the dad you are...caring, selfless, encouraging, funny (often unintentionally :D) devoted dad and grandpa.

The layout (copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com) was done as a layout of the day a few months ago. I need to get a new photo of us together today...there aren't a lot (I'm sure there are *some* since I graduated, lol, but not many!)

Also to my step dad...who loves and cares for my mom and spoils his grandchildren despite loud and vigorous protest from his kids.

I'm very lucky to have the family that I do!

And, to my husband, who could not possibly be a better dad to our children. More times than not, he's the parent who figures out how to solve the tough issues that our kids seem to present us on a daily basis. He's the one that makes them belly laugh the hardest. He's the one that daydreams about the camping and fishing trips, the golf and hockey lessons, all of the things he wants to teach them. He's the one that shows them how to respect and treat women. I love him dearly, that's a fact.

This photo was taken at the Tiger's Game we went to on Thursday with my mom and step-dad. They lost (of course...despite being on a tear as of late...we just missed the Verlander no-hitter by a couple of days!) I used Rhonna's Vintage Photo Tool Kit on the photo. A few more photos from the day:

Tiger Stadium aka Comerica Park (I hate that all of the Stadiums and concert venues are now named after the sponsors...HATE it)



My brother-in-law acting completely crazy in a commercial that is broadcast in Tiger Stadium (if you knew him, you would know that this is completely uncharacteristic for him...hence the reason I had to get some photos!)



Durbin (before getting pulled) and Sheffield with a big whiff.



Jake's favorite part of the game: The Icee :D (It probably would have been my favorite part too!) It certainly revved him up after getting a little sluggish mid game :p



I have more pictures to sahre of other stuff but I'd say that's enough for now. Have a great Sunday and Father's Day!

a worthy cause and my embarrassment for the day

I stumbled upon this site the other day and thought it was brilliant. A testament to the caring community that scrapbookers and digital designers have created.

The premise is that each month, a digital designer will create a kit. All of the proceeds from the sale of the kit (after Paypal fees) will be donated to a different charity each month. This kit is obviously gorgeous but because this month, all monies will be donated to the American Diabetes Association, I knew I absolutely had to purchase it.

Both my mom and my sister are dealing with Type 1 Diabetes. My mom, since I was a teenager and my sister, just a few months ago. Both are dealing with it well and thriving but it's not an easy road and every advancement towards eliminating the disease puts them one step closer to better health and longevity.

So, I thought it only fitting that I use the kit to do a layout about my mom. And in the process, I realized that I need more pictures of her because this one is almost a year old! And my sister, yup, her too. That will be a priority the next time I see both of them. Everything you see here is in the kit so if you're a digital scrapper or digi-interested, check it out!

Speaking of my mom, today was the first day of the cardio/strength training class we decided to take together (aka, my embarrassment for the day)

We walked in at 9 am and discovered that the class was comprised of about 15 senior citizens and us. We thought we were in the wrong class. We *asked* if there was another class. We know that the class wasn't listed as a specifically senior class and yet, there we were. I joked to my mom as we were about to start "gee, hope I can keep up!" hardy har har. Guess what. I couldn't. Those old ladies KICKED MY ASS. I had to take a breather because I got a little light headed. I have a long list of excuses...I was doing the full moves while most of the students were doing modified versions according to their abilities...I just got over a sinus infection and my equilibrium is a bit off still...I didn't have anything for breakfast but a cup of coffe (Kona, the good stuff :D). Excuses aside, I'm just out of shape! Apparently the cardio I've been doing the past few weeks did nothing to prepare me for the strength training aspect. I'm sore. And in more ways than one...kind of bruises the ego to have someone twice your age console you after class and reassure you that "it will get easier."

It will get easier. I can laugh about it. Try not to laugh too hard *at* me.

Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, check out the new Garden Girls at 2peas...all excellent choices in my opinion! I'm excited to see what they come up with!

Later gators!