remember this layout?

 

It was done a looooooong time ago, lol.

Check him out now!



WHEN did he get so big?? (And thanks for all the photography pointers! Don't know that I did anything different this time but I do dig these shots :D) 

help from the photographers, please

OK, so I know I'm not a great photographer. I'm ok, but I'd like to be better. I positively LOVE these shots of Z. My outdoor shots always make me happier than the indoor shots. I know it has everything to do with the lighting but I know that my indoor shots CAN be better, sharper, and well-exposed with some basic adjustments to my camera. So, please tell me (sloooowly) what I can do to get better, sharper, well-exposed shots INSIDE (and I have pretty decent light in my house too so I know it can be done!) 

busy, busy

updating ...I wanted a new look - something cleaner. So, I've been working on it for the past week or so and I'm really happy with how it came out. I've also added a couple of options and hope to get more up in the next few days! I now have some card templates (mainly for photographers who need some variety to offer their clients) as well as a storyboard template available for free download. So, if you get a chance, check it out and let me know what you think!

OK, off to meet the fabulous Ashley for lunch :) Have a great day!

without further ado

the new 'do

 

disclaimer #1 - weird crop but it's all I could do with an arm extended :p

disclaimer #2 - please excuse the bags and wrinkles...I am 30 afterall 

my hair smells good...

'cuz I went to the salon tonight and got it cut ;)

Summer CHA...

next month - I know it's short notice but I'm thinking about going. SO, all my blogging buddies, anyone going that might need a roomie still?

One more...

(taken at the same time as the last post)

 

and YES, he's still up to something :p 

trust me...

he's up to something...

  

my kids are rock stars...

 

that's all :-) 

hope Maureen wasn't holding her breath...

so it's been a few days since I blogged...I'm not very good at this so I may just give it up.

Couldn't resist sharing this pic of Jake though after his haircut Saturday. Z has the same cut and they both look pretty darn cute but holy cow - Jake looks like he's six! Where did my baby go?



In other stunning news, potty training has officially been completed. He resisited for a long, LONG (longlonglonglonglonglong) time but he's finally among the land of the toilet users. He occasionally has an accident at night but we're sticking to the underwear 24/7 and he's doing as AWESOME job. Mkaes for some happy parents!

Hope you all had an awesome weekend! No promises about the next blog entry this time :p

a teaser...

Thanks for the birthday wishes for C...he got a kick out of them! We camped this weekend in honor of his big day - a little sneaker from the shots I got. SUCH a good weekend - I'll share more this week :) (And yup, that's ZACK flying a kite...the boys got skillz!)

Happy Birthday, Carlos!!

Today is my darling husband's birthday. And I am a lousy wife. I've known about his birthday all year long (HA!) but time slipped away from me way too fast and I didn't get a good surprise together like I normally try to. SO, please indulge me...let me ramble about my C, and wish him a happy -- birthday ;)

• he is HOT
• he is an awesome, AWESOME dad (Jake thought it was the coolest to run into our room this morning and wish him a Happy Birthday...three times no less...each time telling me to stay out because "I can HANdle it!")
• he takes great (I mean GREAT) care of me. Especially when I was pregnant. And he teaches our boys to do the same thing.
• he is HOT
• he is a hard worker. He can learn how to do anything in no time at all and isn't satisfied with being anything less than the best.
• he is handy and can build me cool stuff :)
• he loves the same music as me and has expanded my tastes considerably
• he is teaching our kids how to golf and nothing is cuter than seeing them shake their butts when they tee up :p
• he is hot
• he loves ME...and for a long time, I wasn't sure if there was anyone out there that *would* ever love me.

SO, Happy Birthday, Carlos - I love you!

(the digital elements in the photo are by Gina Cabrera at DDE!)

OK, totally goofy pictures yesterday...

Cute ones today. My boys LOVE their bath (well, except for when I dump water over their heads :p) They will play in their until the water is cold and their fingers are prunes (I get a lot of good readin done in the bathroom while they play, lol)

How I Spent My Sunday Night...

aka a total waste of time as I could have been working on assignments, laundry, reading a book, etc...

I need a change, my hair is boring. I get some highlights or layers (or go RED) from time to time but I bore quickly. I want to go short. So, I played around a little bit in PSE (a very little bit...obviously done rather quickly :p) last night and came up with these freaky little collages. Clockwise from top left, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon and Sharon Stone. Meg and Sharon are out but I thought I would share them anyway for your amusement (what is it about Meg's style that makes me look like I have fisheyes?!?



So, if you have hair like this - tell me, is it a TOTAL pain to maintain and style? Because I don't do that, lol.

OK, here are the funny ones - C wanted in on the act too so I give you C as Steven Cojacaru (have you ever seen him on the Today show? I think he's hilarious but Carlos thinks he's annoying :p) and as John Travolta back in the day.



And finally...the grand finale (some of you will get this more than others ;-) Scroll down for the ultimate hair makeover

















































Bwahahahaha!

OK, for real, gimme some hair advice.

happy sunday...

...from our happy house to yours (yup, that's what he called it...man, I love that kid :) He also *asked* for me to take his picture. And then proceeded to make that face - stinker.



Also, check this out. Very cool project that will benefit Women for Women International. A very worthy cause that I'm proud to play a small part in. And DUDE, check out that MEGA-talented list of people participating...a trip just to see my name amongst them all. I definitely have to get in on that action (and hopefully I don't win a layout scrapped by myself :p)

he's not eating dinner...

and he is STUBBORN.



OK, off to answer a few days worth of email so if I owe you one, it's coming!

Diwasawr...RAAAAAAHHR

Totally shocked when Jake drew this yesterday - how COOL is this drawing?!?

And this is a close runner up on the coolness meter. Such an honor.

April 5, 2006

a better shot of "the haircut"

And a new banner courtesy of Mr Jake (he has better drawings - clowns of all things - scary! but this one is of the four of us :D)

check me out...

This weekend, I:

Cleaned the house REALLY well (I am a crazy-sucky housekeeper...this is big for me...I vacuumed under the couch and between the cushions...I dusted (even MOVED stuff to dust underneath :p)

Made a yummy lasagna dinner [;-) Shelby]

Almost got all my laundry caught up

Started our taxes

Purged a TON of scrapbook supplies

Paid bills

Got a bunch of packages ready to mail

Scrapbooked a quick, simple page



And finally...cried for my lost baby



The concensus:



...It's growing on me (and sorry about the blurry pics - he will NOT sit still...and not because he doesn't want his picture taken - in fact, he DOES...he just wants to see it right away and runs for the camera viewfinder when the focus beeps rather than when the shutter clicks :p)

how cute is this kid?

My cutie pie nephew Tyler..."slamming" in our backyard yesterday...it was SIXTY AND SUNNY here, people!

This morning it's raining but I have to go to work anyway so I'm fine with it :D

Had an awesome dinner Saturday night at Mongolian thanks to Jeremy and Jenni...still full from that one I think :p

And did you SEE the Sopranos last night?!? I don't watch any show regularly but I've been waiting for the new season of the Sopranos to start for months. Totally didn't see that one coming! LOVE it!

Have a great week!

reasons 30 isn't so bad...

1) Amazing friends and family



2) Adorable kids that get smarter and funnier every day



3) Going out with J&J tomorrow night for Mongolian (jealous, Mel?)

4) My creative juices flowing again after MONTHS of not doing layouts.

5) Good things happening at


Thanks to you ALL for your support!

Love you guys - happy weekend!

ready for a deep one?

Originally, this post was just going to be a "tell me what's so GREAT about 30" kind of deal. That angle was bothering me though...it implies that I'm dreading thirty and need you all to cheer me up. That the age itself; the 3 decade duration - is troublesome to me. And that's not the case. I don't think thirty is "old." As a matter of fact, I'm much happier now than I've ever been before. I have my husband and sons and am close to my parents and siblings. I'm more content with my appearance than I've ever been (sure, they're are wrinkles and a few pounds to drop but I'm good with that!) I'm working (not my dream job but I'm grateful for it at this point!) and I'm enjoying a hobby that is *more* than a hobby. Life is good.

I've spent the past few days kind of short with my family, a little irrational, a lot emotional. It was pissing me off that making the transition from 29 to 30 was affecting me that way. Normally, I'm not short, irrational or overly-emotional...at least I don't think so...

Then, yesterday, I think I realized what's really bothering me. I wanted to make a statement for my 30th birthday. Not a big party or day out. I wanted to do something, for myself, that would really stand out as a milestone years from now. It isn't something anyone else could have done for me - it was all about me doing something, ANYTHING, to remember this time, this moment, this *only* day ever that I'll be this age - an age most people consider a milestone.

So, I'm a bit disappointed in myself. Disappointed that I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to pinpont the cause of my malaise, waiting for my epiphany, rather than doing something to correct it.

These words will go in my scrapbook. Or maybe a time capsule to be opened in *9* years...that will remind me what a loser I was this year (kidding!) and give me a year headstart on 40. Yeah, that will be the legacy of 30...a time capsule of sorts. Life at 30 to be compared to life at 40. What do you think?

(OK, so it wan't really that deep afterall...)

first bloody nose...

and the lollipop that saved the day . Poor kid :( Kills me when they get hurt!



All is well now though ;) And forgive the less than spectacular photo!

Blog update...

...courtesy of miss Shelby :) and a scrapbooking related entry at that.

What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike? *most* premade stuff (Jolies and the like...although I have used the little flowers a time or two), *most* stickers unless they are of the letter variety, realistic patterned paper (think water or wood, lol)

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to scrap? pictures of myself :p trying harder though...

What technique do you use more than anything else? hmmmm, handcutting perhaps? :p

What is the smallest scrap of paper you save? I used to save EVERYTHING but once I had a 5 lb box of unused scraps I trashed them all...now I only save larger stuff - probably at least 3" in width

Have you ever had any scrapbook related injuries? amazingly enough, no (and if you know me, you know I'm the clutsiest of the clutsy)

Finish this sentence, "If I wasn't a scrapbooker/stamper, I would
spend my money on..." hmmmm, probably nothing :p I'm not so much a shopper, lol ok, maybe more books (since I would have SO much more time on my hands!)

Give us your best storage or organizational idea. this AWESOME storage thing I had C build for me...I will take a photo in a couple of days to show ;)

When you received your first publication notification, who did you
tell? And if you are not yet pubbed, who will be the first person you
share the news with? C first...I'd never have submitted if it weren't for him encouraging me!

After answering the questions, tag four of your buddies.

I've been so bad about blogging lately...no clue who has done this one yet so I'm just tagging the first 4 "scrap-booky" type people that commented on my last entry...so, Jen (HA!), Hilary, Peg, and Melissa...you're it!

A few things...

First off, thank you all SO much for the positive thoughts and words, well-wishes, concern and prayers for Zack and our family. He really is doing so much better now (despite still fighting off a cold) and we're definitely past the shock of last Friday.

Second, I just added a few Valentine's Day card templates to EHD. You can see them here!

Finally, I was tagged by Jen (thanks a LOT Jen...can you hear my dripping sarcasm? hehe - KIDDING! I think you owed me one anyway :p) I love Jen because she is a fellow Coldplay lover :D

The rules for this particular tagging are as follows: Remove the blog name in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add yourself to the bottom slot.

Teresa
Keisha
Cindy
Jen
Erica

Then you get to select five people to pass the love (haha!) on to.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Almost 20...had just transferred from Central Michigan University to Oaklnad University (for a boy )

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Showing our house - trying to sell it in preparation for the big cross-country move! Nothing like total strangers judging your home and lifestyle, lol.

Five snacks you enjoy:
Mexican dip (YUM)
chocolate (in various forms)
pizza rolls (so much goodness in such a petite little package :p)
chocolate
geez, I don't know, chocolate?
(I'm pretty much an equal opportunity snacker - so hard to narrow it down)

Five songs to which you KNOW all the lyrics:
Baby Got Back
I'm a Goofy Goober
Brass Monkey
The Alphabet song (yup, I know I'm smart :p)
Fix You

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire (I'm basically just gonna copy yours Jen):
buy a house
college funds for J, Z and T
quit my job and go back to school
get another Jeep
never wear the same socks or underwear twice


Five bad habits:
procrastinating
picking at my nails
taking on more than I can handle
trying to make everyone happy (see 3)
eating (too much!)

Five things you like doing:
scrapbooking
reading
napping
photography
family time

Five things you would never wear, buy, or get again:
pegged/safety pinned pants
a Michael Jackson album
jelly shoes
Pampers (Huggies are SO much better :p)
Rum

Five favorite toys:
camera
iPod
aaaaaand, that's all the toys I have :p

First time you got kissed: How was it?
gross. that's all I'm saying

First time you drove a car: What kind of car?
hmmmmm, I guess it was an S-10 pickup?

First time you scrapbooked: When you look at your page do you love it?
I still do :) It pretty much sucks but I was proud of it. And I still love the memories it reminds me of!

First time you went on a date: Where did you go and with who?
don't even remember...sad, isn't it?

First time you got on a plane: Where did you go Were you scared?
I think to Florida when I was a baby...nope, not scared :p

First time you shaved your legs: Did you cut yourself?
I don't think so...seems like it took about 45 minutes to complete though, lol.

First time you put on make up: Looking back how did you do? Did you look good or like a clown?
I probably looked like a clown - pre-teens do NOT need Foundation :p

First time you moved out of your home: Was it an apartment, house, etc?
college dorm

I'm pretty sure everyone has done this one (right?) So I'll spare any potential tagees, hehe.

ave a great weekend!

E

February 02, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please read this.

I've been a terrible emailer and blogger lately...I'm sorry for that. Been trying to spend more time scrapbooking and with my family. I do have a part time job now as well. I'll tell you about that later but right now, I have to share something else.

We had a big scare with Zachary yesterday. He's been sick for a few days with a little viral infection. Thursday night he developed a slight fever. We gave him Tylenol and put him to bed. Friday morning he woke up at five. Still had a fever and felt a bit warmer than the previous night but not HOT in a scary way. More Tylenol and we napped together on the couch. By 7 when we woke up his fever was gone. At 8:30, he had a seizure. And I'm crying again just typing this. My baby boy just laid down on the floor and started shaking. His left hand was up in the air twitching. His eyes were open but he couldn't see me when I was holding him. His head fell back and his whole body went limp. I called 911 and the ambulance took us both to the hospital.

He'd had a febrile seizure. If you have small children or will ever have the opportunity to care for one, please read the link. I'm hoping I'm in the minority of parents who aren't familiar with them. If I had known more, it might not have been quite as scary. There shouldn't be any long term health effects and *hopefully* he won't have any more. If he does though, at least we'll be better prepared. His temperature at the hospital was right around 102...not terribly high. The onset of the seizures is caused by the rapidity of the temperature rise, not necessarily the actual temperature. His temperature rose approximately 3 degrees in a matter of minutes. Just educate yourself so you know what to expect better than we did. Yesterday was one of the scariest days of my life.

tagged by...

Robyn AND Brandi AND Shelby AND Rachel (anyone else? hehe)

four jobs you have had in your life:
1. counter jockey at Arbys (YUM)
2. trainer at Boeing
3. Supervisor at General Motors
4. Supervisor at Gallo Winery

four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Godfather (I and II...burn III)
2. A Christmas Story
3. Say Anything (:p)
4. Napolean Dynamite

four places you have lived:
1. Waterford, Michigan
2. Mt. Pleasant, MI
3. Renton, WA
4. Fresno, CA

four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Dora
2. Spongebob
3. Jimmy Neutron
4. Max & Ruby
:p (I've totally fallen out of the habit of watching any shows regularly)

four places you have been on vacation:
1. this
2. question
3. really
4. sucks

four websites I visit daily:
1. gmail
2. 2peas
3. I Love Photography
4. Erica Hernandez Designs (wink, wink)

four of my favorite foods:
1. thai
2. chinese
3. italian
4. mexican

four places I would rather be right now:
1. bed
2. bathtub
3. Hawaii
4. Starbucks

four bloggers I am tagging (keeping it local this time :D):
1. Jen
2. Wendy
3. Brandi
4. Ashley

check it out!

Lots of pics people...

The approach (please note, our boy Jake tossed these balls all by himself...about 13 or 14 frames worth until he discovered something else further down this post - they took a little while to get down the lane, especially towards the end, but for a three year old - not too shabby! Mommy and daddy alternated standing by to make sure he didn't run down the lane himself :p)



The toss!



The wait (excrutiating, lol)



The celebration - yay!



The score (and, let the record show that the very FIRST ball Jake through was a strike! Mommy was still messing with the scoreboard though so it didn't register:-( )



And here is what Jake *really* wanted to be doing once he spotted it...stupid video games :p



Sorry the pics aren't that great - I was trying to take pics, help Jake and bowl myself all at the same time. My mom and stepdad Scott came too and it was a blast! So glad we did it...Jake is already asking to "go bowing" again though I suspect it has something to do with the Racing game and the M&Ms...

OH, and by the way...size 11 bowling shoes with velcro are about the cutest things ever!

Lots more planned for us this weekend (well, compared to a usual weekend, lol) hope you all have a good one!

you guys are awesome...

Seriously, thank you all for your advice and insight, your friendship and your uplifting words. I'm overwhelmed by your kindness to me. I'm doing my level best to stay positive about the whole situation and will definitely continue to work on my interviewing skills and my networking.

Again, thanks to you all :D

blog schmog...

at least, that's what I said to a friend yesterday. I've thought about getting rid of it but on that rare occasion that I actually have something important to write down, it's an invaluable resource. So, today I vent (and ask for advice, if you have any to spare.)

I've been looking for a job now for months. This is hard for me, harder than I could ever articulate. I want to go back to work badly. Seems no one wants me though. I've had a lot of really good jobs. And I've always gotten every job I wanted and interviewed for. Boeing, GM, Gallo...these are BIG companies. I'm a good worker, I learn quickly if I don't already know, I would be a great resource to any company that would give me a chance. No one will allow me that chance to prove myself though.

I've applied to more places than I can count. I've had interviews with three pretty large companies. No second interviews though (this, is hard! if I'm not even getting second intervies, will anyone EVER want to hire me??) Michigan's economy pretty much bites right now (last I heard, our unemplyment rate was highest in the country.) Add to that the fact that I haven't worked in over three years and the odds are pretty much stacked against me. So tell me, what do I do? How do I get employers to take a second look at me? How do I convince them to hire me for jobs I'm clearly overqualified for (I'm ok with that, I understnad that after three years, I'm not going to be able to step back in right where I left off.) Honestly, I don't *need* to ever be in management again. I'm content to just be a worker bee with BENEFITS for my children. That would please me. Greatly.

I think the worst incident so far was receiving a nice little envelope, very much resembling a Christmas card, handwritten to Erica Hernandez, tucked into the middle of all the other holiday cards I received on CHRISTMAS EVE, telling me that I hadn't made the cut to be interviewed for an Admin position with a local school district. Ouch. And Happy Holidays to you as well Clarkston schools :p

The good news? According to Kelly Services most recent newsletter, by 2013 there will be more jobs than employees :p Think I can get hired then?

OK, on to happier stuff, I have a stack of older Scrapworks paper and alphadotz sitting here that I need to get rid of (out with the old, in with the new!) Probably 50 or so sheets of paper and 15 or 20 sheets of alphadots (with a few missing...probably less than 10 total) First person that lets me know they're interested will get it :)

And my funny for the day? Looked at my hit stats for this blog the other day and saw that someone had found my blog by searching for "androgynous haircuts." I thought that was funny :) There have been a few humorous searches that led to my log but that's my favorite so far :p

A quickie layout I did of Zack yesterday...haven't been scrapping very much in the last month or so and I'm hoping to redisocver the groove I was in a few weeks ago. He's such a little stuf.



Okey doke, so have a nice Wednesday! My family is coming over tonight for lasagna dinner (yum!) looking forward to that! Later gators!

Apparently

I haven't been blogging often enough for some people's tastes...so, here we are:

Hot Chocolate or Egg nog.

Neither! Yuck! I love chocolate but hot chocolate? Nu-uh.

Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree.

Wraps 'em! Unless they are too big (like the train table Santa brought for the boys this year :p)

Colored or white lights on the tree/house?

I like both but this year it was all white as I was lazy and bought a pre-lit tree (please don't gasp in horror but I didn't even put any ornaments on it this year!)

Do you hang mistletoe?

I have but didn't this year (sensing a trend yet?)

When do you decorate?

The day/weekend after Thanksgiving usually :)

What is your favorite holiday dish?

Anything I didn't have to make (except green bean casserole - blech!)

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Hmmmm, I honestly couldn't say. I have all good memories of holidays as a child!

How and when did you learn the truth about Santa?

Don't remember! Weird?

Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?

Usually PJs for the boys and maybe Carlos and I exchange a gift or five because we just can't wait any longer :)

What kind of cookies do you set out for Santa on Christmas Eve?

This was our first year leaving cookies for Santa...chocolate chip this year (and spoiled milk...Carlos, errrr, Santa, was none too pleased :p)

Snow! Love it or hate it?

Love it if it starts Christmas Eve after we are in for the night and melts the day after Christmas for the rest of the season :p

Can you ice skate?

Sure :p

Do you remember your favorite gift?

Wow Maureen! I found out I was preggo with Jake that Christmas as well! Christmas morning 2001 was my favorite Christmas gift :)

What’s your favorite holiday dessert?

ALL :D

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

All of them...I'm all about traditions (but really, only at Christmas) :D

What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

Don't think I could pick just one...maybe the theme song from Charlie Brown Christmas ;)

Are they fake or real? Er, I mean...What type of tree?

I prefer real but we've done fake for the most part. (And anyone who has met me knows that there is no way they are fake :p)

Satisfied now Maureen??

drum roll please...

OK, the participants in my challenge:

Kirsten - on the far right (who found my blog through Melanie's, very cool :)



Julie (H-O-T-T Stuff!)

Hilary (hey, I was a band geek too :D)

Robin who sent me this (she pretty much rocks)



Kristina's entry (give her some love 2Peas style :)
Back in the Day

April (a whole retrospective...pretty freaking cool)

Peg - I-don't-want-to-hear-about-your-androgynous-haircut-because-have-you-SEEN-mine who also did a nice little layout based on our inspiration for this little game ;)

And last but certainly not least, the totally sucky Shannon (check out that DUMMY!)

And I big ppppplllllbbbbbttttt to the host of others who *said* they were going to play and never did, I thumb my nose at you :p

OK, after a tightly monitored drawing (done by Jake, who has no stake in the results and can't fully read yet anyway :p), the winner is:



KRISTINA!!

And, just because I'm feeling generous, I had Jake draw one more name for another smaller package to be sent out (and by the way, the *first* second name he drew was ALSO Kristina - you need to play the lotto, it's apparently your lucky day!) And that package will go out to April.

Thanks to all who played - this was FUN!

an update and a challenge...

OK, first off, I have a new EHD newsletter available for viewing! You can check it out here for a list of new and coming soon info!

Secondly, I'm loving the response to my last post...so, to continue the fun and piggybacking on the suggestion of my friend Melanie, I'm issuing a challenge. I'll give you until Sunday night to post here if you've accepted the challenge ;) I have more scrapbook stuff that I could *EVER* use so there is your prize...anyone who posts a picture of themselves during their "awkward" stage (and we ALL had them...if you didn't, well then, I guess I just don't want to be your friend anymore :p) on their blog OR emails me a picture that.I.can.post.here...will be entered in a random drawing for the box of goodies. AND, if you do a LAYOUT with said photo and post it for everyone's viewing pleasure, I'll enter your name TWICE.

SO, get digging in your shoeboxes and scrapbooks for those pictures...can't WAIT to see what you guys do!

OH, and in case you missed it, Jenni posted my brother picture with the ginormous crayon...good stuff :)

you guys are funny...

You know, after I made that last post, I almost went back and edited to add something about "if you're looking for some deep and meaningful reading, perhaps my blog is not the place for you :p"

Then you all went and left me a ton of comments (which I LOVE by the way)

So, I guess my audience is *not* looking for deep and meaningful reading ;) I embrace you :D

I've had a few messages about not updating in a week but honestly, I was just REALLY hoping to be able to regale you all with my tales of good luck this past week.

Obviously, I'm not going to be able to do that. I have heard some good bird poop stories though and really, who can beat that?

So, instead...a little public service announcement. Braces are a GOOD thing for your children parents! And please, for the love of God, try your damndest to talk your little girl out of this haircut. (OK, so I guess I *am* lucky in the sense that my awkward phase only last 10 years or so...I've finally grown out of it - I think) Thanks to my stepdad Scott for emailing this picture...no thanks a lot, I mean it {dripping sarcasm} And, I would have included the picture of my brother with his GIANT crayon but I'll leave it to Jenni to do it for me :)

Lucky?

Did you know it's said to be good luck if a bird poops on your head?

At least that's what Carlos says.

I'll let you know if it's true.

Blech.

have I told you about my bad habit?

Well, I have many.

MANY.

OK, but just one for today. I could probably make this like a weekly feature and not finish until sometime in 2008.

Drumroll please.......I'm a big time procrastinator. I know, I know, we ALL say that. I am though in a BIG, BAD way. See this picture? We got that crack in MARCH. The picture was taken in APRIL. the crack is STILL THERE.



(and I apologize for looking so psychotic in the pic)

Phone calls, paying the bills, going to the post office...they are just a huge pain in the ass. They all get done but man do I put it off until the last possible instant. This is why I made such a big deal about starting my Christmas shopping so early, I am normally *starting* right around this time. I have a todo list a mile long and if I put my mind to it, I could probably knock half of it out tomorrow. If I put my mind to it. Which I won't. Because I have more important things to do (like lay around, read a book, read blogs, scrap, wash dishes, change diapers, feed the kids, etc, etc, etc) Seriously, I'm gonna make at least one important phone call tomorrow...and if I make one, maybe I'll make another. And the post office is a must for tomorrow too...yeah, gotta do the PO too.

Seriously, bug me tomorrow and make sure I've done it.

Thanks bunches.

yeah, I'm doing it again

Just a little plug for my website. I've added some cool new holiday features so if you get a chance, check it out! I've included some free holiday card downloads for the slackers amongst us - just drag and drop over your holiday photos for a quick and easy card!

You can see my latest newsletter here and if you'd like to be included on the mailing list, sign up here.

And, as a side note, I REALLY appreciate everyone's advice and support on this - you've been GREAT! Thank you all.

computer issues...eesh

How did we ever survive without computers?

I had some issues for a few days but things seem to be cleared up now. If I owe you an email, I'll get you one SOON. Slowly working my way through them...

Hope everyone had a fabulous turkey day! I know I have so much to be grateful for in my life and encourage you all do take the time to appreciate the good things in your lives as well.

More soon!

E

happy birthday to my brother...

The big two-six for my brother Jeremy today...how do you like the card? hehe, picked it up in Ann Arbor when my and Miss Mel hung out a few weeks ago. How could I *not* get this?? Too funny! They have a website too...oplusd...warning, some pretty off color stuff if you're offended by stuff like that. Also some really cool graphics though.

what happened?

To all my interesting thoughts and witty anecdotes? (Feel free to keep it to yourself if you find me neither interesting nor witty.) I can't come up with anything fun to share. I also can't scrap any pages to save my life. I did remember that I never shared this photo though. And it's a good one. Pretty much sums up what our kids think of our discipline :p Pay particular attention to the look on Z's face, hehe)

Oh, and before I get any indignant comments about our disciplinary tactics, let me clarify that Carlos looks much more menacing in the photo than he did in real life :p i just happened to snap this shot with perfect timing. He is not happy that I'm sharing, lol.



Happy Thursday ya'll :)

I'm sorry, I'm sorry

I *want* to be better about the whole blog experience. I'm trying, I am. So this will just be a hodge podge of stuff...

- Check this out. How cool is Kah-Mei for doing this? I did the "Z" yup, I did. Hope the bidding goes well past the $500 she has promised to match. What a great cause...I'm proud that I was involved.

- My website - added a new service/product to my website today. I've had a couple of dear friends use my services to design business cards for their photography businesses so I went ahead and added that to my product list. Hoping to update it more in the coming days!

- My kids - they are amazing us lately with all the cool stuff they are doing! Jake is speaking in full sentences (and FUNNY ones at that!). He's drawing these amazing pictures and GET THIS: the other day he spelled MOM. And he knew what he was spelling! He said "mommy" while he was writing and I said "does that spell 'mommy' and he said 'MOM' and underlined it. He also figured out how to tie a knot; the little bugger! Couldn't be prouder. And Zack. He's starting to emulate the alphabet song. Carlos started "ABCDEFG" and Zack followed up with "HI" Incredibly cool.

- Our weekend was great for the most part. Saturday we did our bi-weekly bowling night with my bro and (almost) SIL. Apparently Jeremy is the week link (KIDDING J!) as he couldn't make it and the rest of us ended up smashing out averages :p Let's make this clear. We suck. Badly. We our dead last in our league. We named ourselves the Gutterballs for a reason (OK, well, a couple of reasons). We have SO.MUCH.FUN though it should be against the law.

Sunday was CHRISTMAS shopping - woohoo! Now, really, if you know me you know I hate shopping. But the prospect of knocking it out early is appealing for so many reasons. The best reason for finishing early though is the thought of sitting around at the mall with a cup of hot coffee watching all the nutcases frantically buy the last of the ugly ties, stinky perfumes and waxy chocolates to "gift" upon their loved ones. All while you sit happy with the knowledge that you gifts have been bought and wrapped (and PAID for) for weeks. Yup, that'll be me in about 5.5 weeks :) I went with my sister Wendy and my (almost) SIL Jen and we had a blast! And yes, coffee was involved. As were pretzels. Yum.

ok...I've been tagged...

by Desiree. So, here we go (especially good timing since I've been so lazy about updating lately!)

names you go by
1. E
2. mommymommymommymommymommymommymommy

2 parts of your heritage
1. Irish
2. English
(yup, inner conflict rules)

2 things that scare you
1. anything happening to my boys
2. bumps in the night when I'm all alone

2 of your everyday essentials
1. boy hugs
2. Burts Bees chapstick

2 things you are wearing right now
1. snowflake pajama pants
2. turtleneck shirt (yup, I'm stylin!)

2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
1. Coldplay
2. Our Lady Peace

2 favorite songs (at the moment)
1. Where are You (Our Lady Peace)
2. We are all on Drugs (Weezer)

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)
1. laughter
2. understanding

2 truths
1. dishes and laundry are my arch enemies
2. I'm happier now than I've ever been before

2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex)
1. mouth
2. sense of humor

2 of your favorite hobbies (besides scrapbooking??)<--- yes, that's the obvious
1. photography
2. reading

2 things you want really badly
1. to FIND A JOB
2. to be able to buy our own house again

2 places you want to go on vacation
1. England (to see where my grandparents were married)
2. A driving trip down the east coast

2 things you want to do before you die
1. own a successful business
2. learn how to knit
(yeah, I'm a real fun gal)

2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick
1. I freaking HATE killing bugs
2. I like my cozy clothing
(the easier question would have been how are you NOT a stereotypical chick :p)

2 things you are thinking about now
1. what I'm going to do today
2. what I'm going to have for breakfast

2 stores
1. Target
2. Old Navy
(I'm a thrifty kind of gal)

OK, I tag Alison (because she never updates her blog...ever) and Jen.

OK...ready to share

This is what I've been working on for the past couple of weeks. It's not totally done but enough to open up shop. I appreciate any feedback you guys have for me! (you can click on the logo to take you to the site :)



Thanks to everyone who already gave me advie and help with the design - I APPRECIATE it so much!

DUDE...

So apparently (according to no less than three such reminders over the course of the last two days) I'm a bad blogger and need to update this thing. 'Tis true, I've been pretty lazy about it. I just don't really have anything interesting to say. Despite my friendly spammers who tell me repreatedly "what a great blog I have here" I think maybe those enticing invitations to "come visit my candle\road construction safety\manic depression related website" are more interesting than anything I have to contribute. So, I give you some rambling nonsense to appease the fans ;)

- What is it about sleeping during daylight hours that makes you feel ever-so-much-more refreshed than sleeping at night? Yup, you guessed it, I got a freaking NAP today. It pretty much rocked. Big ups to my hubby C for keeping the kid-generated noise to a minimum so I could rest for a bit.

- Little boy haircuts...too cute. Check out my littlest man sporting his very first barber shop haircut (I've done it twice at home but this is the REAL DEAL.) He also got to enjoy his very first sucker complete with hair clippings from his premier haircut. Nice.



- This boy:



used the potty today THREE times. What a huge step for him finally...We're all very proud :)

- Zack had to go to the doctor today for a check up...he got bunches of shots and had some blood drawn but he's quite the little trooper and seems to be fine. Me...not so much (hence the nap this afternoon.)

- I've been working on something that I hope to have ready to share by the end of the weekend...no plans other than cleaning this house top to bottom tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to get it done! I'll show you guys as soon as it's "done"!

Everyone have an awesome weekend!

E