the first one of the year is the best...

the first corn-on-the-cob - YUM. the boys are slightly obsessed with it (as I think their daddy is too...ok, perhaps I fall into the same category)

a fun dinner tonight - steak, baked potatoes and *OF COURSE* corn-on-the-cob races. Not me, but daddy, jake and zackie. The winner is the one that finishes a row of corn 'typewriter style' and smiles a big, kernely smile first (yeah, we teach our kids great manners :p)


ps. zack makes the bestest faces :D

More to say but I'll spread it out since I'm trying to be a bit more regular in my posting :p

cheesy.

you think? hehe Zack looks almost embarrassed to be next to Jake. Poor kid can't help that he got my squint-in-the-sun gene. That 'cheese' smile though, that's all four-year-old boy!

Anyway, this was taken Saturday at the park where we got to spend a lovely afternoon with Ashley, Griffin and Ava. Griffin, super polite and a nature and animal genius. And Ava, the beautiful little daredevil. And Ashley, she's just a smartass but that is one of the chief reasons we get along so well :) She makes a mean cheese ravioli though and that makes most anyone good in my book! The boys had a fantastic time making friends with the Gailey kids...until Jake had a meltdown of epic proportions when it was time to leave. Asleep in the car 3 minutes after we left and out for the night. Yeah, he maybe a tidge tired from all of the excitement!

In knitting news, I've made a little progress on the baby sweater that's been languishing for months. A couple more miters done. Other than that, nada. I'm pretty sure sleeves will be my downfall on every sweater I knit. Maybe only tanks from now on?

Scrappy stuff - a new garden at 2peas yesterday :) Loved so much of it but as if we needed further proof that Lisa McGarvey is a freaking scrapbooking goddess, check out her ideas for organizing layouts, photos and papers of different sizes. I'd love to see her at work in real life. That would be such a treat! And here I was *just* the other day telling someone how I've been thinking about maybe giving 12 x 12 a shot here and there but didn't want to think about the album aspect of it all and along comes Lisa with the solution to my dilemma. I also loved this, this, this and this. So much talent - I'm feeling very fortunate that I get to be a part of it!

Added a bunch of new stuff to my site...logos and card templates. There is so much I *want* to do and just not enough time. I'm sure none of you understand that feeling, right?

Oh, and this...tagged by the delightful Jen (this was a long post, huh? should buy me at least a week or 10 days until I'm due to post again!)

Here are the rules: each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to blog about their seven things and post the rules as well . At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I'm weird about meat. I hate, hate, HATE touching raw meat - when Carlos is feeling generous, he'll do it for me :p. Also, I can't eat meat off of a bone. Totally grosses me out.
   
2. I have this weird psychological balance thing...it's hard to explain but if I'm doing something and feel like I'm using one hand or leg or foot more predominantly than the other, I have to switch to the other side. There's no counting or timing involved, just a *feeling* that I'm not balanced very well. I know. I should seek professional help.
   
3. All of my nightmares are either about something bad happening to my children *OR* about being chased. I've been chased by witches (when I was a kid), people, robots (all started with the Transformers)...in my dreams, I'm chased forever...I never get caught and I never safely escape. What do you think it means?
4. I'm a crazy list-maker...I make lists of lists. I put things on my lists that I've already done just for the pleasure of crossing them back off. Need a list? Give me a call.
5. The mere thought of touching or using chalk makes my skin crawl and my teeth hurt. My stomach is in knots right now even typing about it...
6. When I was in 5th grade, I totally beat my teacher in our math marathon. I took advanced calculus in high school and college. Since I had kids, I practically need a calculator to count. (where do all of those brain cells go anyway?)
7. Thinking of seven weird things about myself should not be this hard. But I'm quitting here :p

And, since I'm an avid blog reader but totally lazy about commenting, I'm not tagging anyone...because that just wouldn't be fair.

Happy Wednesday!

So a few weeks ago, on a little shopping/lunch excursion with Stacey, I picked up Mason-Dixon Knitting because I saw the mitered squares blanket and had to have one of my own. I sat on it for awhile, trying to figure out what yarn I wanted to use. Then I started seeing a favorite knitting blogger, january one, start posting pictures of her miter progress...and that was just the kick in the ass I needed to get going on it! (seriously, read her blog - awesome pictures and fabulous writing) I was debating between the Tahki that the book uses and something really cheap. In the end I decided to go with the KnitPicks Shine Worsted. So glad I went with the Knitpicks - nowhere near as many color choices but clearly, I'm pretty indecisive so that's probably a good thing. It's knitting up really nicely - even stitches and really soft. I haven't put the first block of four miters together yet but you get the idea. One down, 1,583,974 to go. Apparently, january one blogger can do a miter in an hour. It takes me more like two but I suspect each will go just a bit faster than the last. I've just finished two sqares (so eight miters) so far but I never intended on this being a fast project. Also, maybe soon (finally!) a pic of a finished sweater (yay!)

Honestly, I've thought of tons of things I keep meaning to blog about but then I just never get around to it. I don't feel a ton of pressure to update this thing regularly (and I don't think I have legions of readers balanced precariously on the edge of their seats waiting for a new entry) but I do enjoy having a regular, safe place to record the mundane details. So, I promise to keep at it but won't make any promises as to frequency. But really, my intentions are good...so we'll see what happens :)

Happy Wednesday, folks :)

little bit nostalgic...

I simply adore this photo of my grandma...makes me feel really close to her, lol. Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I can sleep anytime, anywhere, for extensive periods of time. She passed the trait down to my dad, who in turn, passed it on to me. My mom isn't so bad it either, hehe.

Another reason I love this photo? My grandpa's handwritten note on the back...it says:

Having a bigger sleep.

I'm not sure *exactly* what it means but I love the sound of it. Makes me warm and happy (and, longing for a nap - a bigger one at that.) I had to scan it and include it on the layout.

In other news...I've been busy. Check <---this out. That hasn't happened since I set up my gmail! If you're waiting on an email from me, better send me a reminder :p

We're all set for Easter...dyed eggs yesterday and stickered them up this morning. The Easter Bunny has baskets ready...a good mix of cavity inducing candy and boy spoiling goodies. I have fond memories of Easter from when I was a kid - I hope my boys will when they're adults as well! I distinctly remember "seeing" the Easter Bunny in our house when I was probably 6 or 7. My bedroom door was cracked just an inch. I had one of those doll heads with the long braided yarn hair that was used to hold all of my different colored barrettes. In my mind, I was convinced that those flashes of color, just barely visible through the cracked door, were actually stripes on the shorts the Easter Bunny was surely sporting. He was peeking in on me...in his striped shorts...just making sure I was asleep. I held my eyes squinted tight forever, just allowing enough of a slit to keep my blurry vision trained on him. After what seemed like HOURS, I finally gave in and closed my eyes, figuring he wasn't leaving until he knew I was back to sleep. Amazing what our imaginations can convince us of!

I also remember seeing the Tooth Fairy - that's a story for another day though. Maybe when Jake loses his first tooth (which is will surely surprise me in it's occurrence.)

Share your good Easter memories...because I'm in the mood to be nostalgic :)

Work related stuff - I'm cranking out logos, and may even have time to do a kit or two to release mid month at Two Peas (fingers crossed - it's been awhile!) I have tons of ideas but lack the time and the skill to execute them very well...any digital scrappers out there - requests for what you'd like to see? I can't promise anything but I'm always up for a challenge :)

OK, that was a long one from me! It's been a long time coming though...next time, maybe some more knitting photos (I know, you're all on the edge of your seats!)

knitting & purging

First, the knitting...I'm working on a cute little bag and an afghan (yes, I am crazy) but the sweaters...that's where I've made the most progress and that's what will (hopefully) be finished soon! First, the bonita:


The back is done and the front is *almost* done. Then I can do the cap sleeves and do the finishing (the part I'm DREADING.) I went like gangbusters on this for awhile but haven't touched it in a couple of weeks. Hoping to possibly finish it up this weekend - fingers crossed!

I also started this one awhile ago...a sleevelss cowl neck design. Here is the front, almost complete. Have to say I really refer knitting in the round. Hopefully soon I'll be proficient enough to convert patterns so I don't have to do as much piecing after the fact! The bottom will look much nicer after blocking and it will be finished off with a thin ribbon. Hopefully I'll have it done in the next few weeks as well!


Yesterday I cleaned, organized and purged. Seems I do it once a month and somehow, the piles grow and multiply in the blink of an eye. I'll probably be posting stuff here and there that I'm looking to unload but am to lazy to list on eBay :p My laziness means freebies for my readers - all 15 of you :D Can any one use an HP 96 black ink cartridge let me know and I'll send it off to you!

because I like it random.

Look what Carlos got in the mail today...a special invitation and tickets to Donald J. Trump's conference next month. A special VIP invitation straight from the Don himself. Guess they need some seat fillers pretty badly, lol. I mean, I know we've been doing a great job of socking away some house dough and all but I seriously doubt we're next in line to become "America's next Billionaire Real Estate Guru" (that oughtta generate some google hits :p) Anybody want 'em...I think we're busy that day (although George...wouldn't mind meeting him!)

This boy has a major Mario complex lately. Carlos got the boys the Super Mario boxed set a few months ago and Jake has been obsessed ever since. He knows all of the words, he wants a Mario bedroom, and now, he wants to wear a mustache and a hat like Mario. He dances, sings, lives, breathes Mario. Do you guys remember the show? Mario is Captain Lou Albano people...of the famed WWF Albano's...Cindy Lauper's buddy Lou. It's star-studded. On the first disk alone there are cameos by Cindy herself, Nicole-someone-or other (from CHARLES IN CHARGE!), Winnie from the Wonder Years. These are major stars (heh.) So anyway, Jacob in full Mario mode right here. He's a star for sure.
This boy...need a haircut ('nuf said)
(but he also totally digs Mario)

both frames are from Katie Pertiet

Oh, and this is a cool deal too so check it out and think about applying! You could be a star ;-)

And this, because DUDE, what a cool little tool for scrapbookers!

And this 'cause it just looks fun :)

OK, anyway...so back to work! Later gators!

Toronto Re-cap...kind of

So, I wanted to share pictures and maybe a layout or two from our Toronto trip but I haven't edited anything yet.

It's two weeks past though, so, I'll just say it was awesome - exactly what we needed. We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame where I'm fairly certain, Carlos had an out-of-body experience. We saw Phantom of the Opera...I've seen it before (twice) but it's still well worth it. We walked the city in freezing cold temperatures and 50 mile per hour winds but we also ate well and slept well in a gorgeous room with an awesome view. (Priceline ROCKS btw...hotel, right on the water with a view of the CN Tower. SUPER cheap, thankyouverymuch)

We got out of town just in time Monday morning - less than 30 minutes after we left, they closed the expressway next to our hotel because huge sheets of ice were falling off of the CN Tower (kind of dangerous, eh?) Drove home in a nasty snowstorm (6 hours home vs 4 hours there) but made it home fine. To two sick kids. Who seem to have *finally* recovered.

I wanted to share some Toronto layouts but instead, I'll share this one. Did it last night while scrapping with my step-mom :) Have a great weekend!

(7Gypsies and Crate Paper, Fontwerks stamp, Maya Road chipboard "A", AC chipboard heart)

geez...been awhile!

Sorry about that! Time just got away from me. And just when I was patting myself on the back for posting semi-regularly :p I want to be better about keeping this up - especially since I found this site on my friend Maureen's blog a few weeks ago. I have my 2005 blog stuff organized and ready to print. Next up is 2006. I'd love to have a volume for each year! So, I need to update more so each volume is more than 10 pages !

So, since I last posted, I turned 31, left my boys with my parents for a WHOLE WEEKEND while Carlos and I went to Toronto for the weekend and spent the past week trying to nurse these boys back to health...oy, it's been a rough week! I also knit a hat, *almost* finished up Bonita and started on another sweater!

I've been so busy with work stuff but itching to scrap so I did a quickie digital page of one of our Toronto photos...tomorrow, I'll give a Toronto re-cap and try to take some knitting photos to share on Tuesday! Hope you all had a great weekend!



Tracy Robinson papers, Katie Pertiet photo frame and label, Miss Mint cardboard and string closure, Tia Bennett stitches, Kate Teague lace.

Wood.

That's the traditional gift for a fifth wedding anniversary. The modern suggestion is silverware. Equally thrilling, right?

Today is my fifth anniversary. I did this layout for the mid-month Garden at 2peas - a lift of the guest garden girl flyingmichelle

We've definitely had a crazy 5 years. Lots of hard times for sure but we've always been *together* And at this point in our lives, we're more positive than ever. In a better position to better our lives that we've ever been before. We get each other. We compliment each other. We balance each other.

I'm a lucky girl.

mi vida...

my life, correct? It's good, thanks for asking!

this was the extent of our Valentine's Day celebration...sugaring up the kids at 9 am thanks to grandma and grandpa :) I figured I might as well let them have it early so they could burn it up long before bedtime. And burn it they did - they were madmen today! The good news is that Zack is long asleep (at 7:20 pm) and Jake will be there shortly! Good news for me as I have a buttload of work to do!

And I know you're all on the edge of your seats waiting for my Bonita update. Bonita is doing well :) I've got the simple lace pattern down and I've done a couple of waist shaping decreases...check it out:

I've done about 3 rows since starting on the second skein...I had 5 skeins to start and I don't think I'll need much of the last one so I'm about 20-25% done (although, I'm guessing the neckline and sleeves will be a challenge) I just love the way the pattern builds and grows with each trip around the needles. It's so relaxing...so gratifying. And if this thing actually fits when I'm done, I will wear it with supreme satisfaction. I've had a hard time getting an accurate representation of the color of the yarn. This is the yarn I'm using though. It's the perfect weight for a summer top and I love the way it's starting to drape!

Up close and personal with the stitch pattern. The pattern calls for some embroidered flowers but I'm forgoing those because 1. I'm lazy, 2. it's a bit too "frilly" for me and 3. I really like the pattern and don't think it needs any additional embellishment. I wish I had more time to put into this but I'm busy right now with a lot of other "stuff" so, I give myself a little time each day just so I don't forget what I'm doing and then get back to work!

I love that my little knitting obsession has hooked me up with other crafty scrapbooking/knitters! Sue, who I met because she works at the greatest scrapbook store in Michigan, possibly the world :) She's even got me convinced that I need to try my hand at socks when I SWORE I would never.knit.socks. Tonya who can even write her patterns (jealous!) Elizabeth who had a kick-ass set-up on Grammy night :p Seriously - check out all of them because even if you aren't a knitter, their scrapbooking rocks as well!

Oh, and the response to the parking site was so overwhelming (hehe) that I've decided that the FIRST person to provide a picture of a notice in action will get a SWEET RAK from moi ;) Get to it!

Happy love day all :)

look ma...a HEM!

OK, I realize this doesn't look like much...but this is the most intense knitting I've done so far. And I'm proud that I got this far without having to pull the whole damn thing out.

So, to get to this point (warning: technical "yarn talk" to follow...) I had to do a crocheted chain stitch with waste yarn (new skill: crochet) pick up stitches from the chain stitch (new skill: picking up stitches from a chain stitch :p also called a provisional cast-on) knit and knit and knit for about 11 rows (not a new skill) knit a row to a larger set of needles (nope, not new) pull out the waste yarn leaving LIVE STITCHES - yikes (so a new skill...scared me to death :p) thread the live stitches on another set of circular needles, fold the piece in half so that the *two* pairs of needles were parallel and then knit through two sets of stitches to create a folded hem. Then I knit one more round. And this is what I have. Should be easier from this point on (although the sweater does have a few new stitches for me...and the cap sleeves that I'll have to join to the body in the end - that's almost like sewing!)

Good thing it's a light summer-weight type of sweater because I don't see myself finishing it for awhile...maybe not the best choice for my first sweater project (and do you see how TINY those stitches are??) But, I'm pleased with how it's turning out so far :)

A couple of cool sites not to be missed:

• I know the majority of my handful of readers are scrapbookers so I'm sure this will come in handy to someone out there ;-) Seriously, how funny is the name? Even though the product itself is more than questionable.
• And this made me laugh out loud and almost, *almost* actually print out a few notices to keep in my glovebox :p
  

And a quote from Little Miss Sunshine:

"sarcasm is the refuge of losers"

You think that's true? If so, I'm a raging loser.

It's Friday, yo!

for you, Ashley ;)

She beat me again...we crop together way too rarely but whenever we do, both Ashley and I invariably end up with one, two, ten unfinished layouts. She finished her unfinished layouts before me *yet* again. But here's mine. The last one.

How cute is that picture? I took it from really far away but you can still see what's going on. My boy Z and my nephew T giving a little hug on Christmas day. They were playing out in the backyard and I was watching from inside the house so they did this all on their own. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Tyler will call me up from time to time and ask for "za-TA-wee" (wish you could hear him say it!)

Just a quick and dirty layout that I had initially planned on using in the garden but it didn't quite meet my standards ;) But, I like how it turned out in the end! Lots of MM goodies, my handwriting (gasp!) and sticker letters for the title (double gasp!) Oh, and I ususally post a disclaimer about it not being so crooked in real life...this one really *is* that crooked :p

I posted a layout on the Look Book blog this morning as well - be sure to check the blog out for a chance to win some shtuff!

OK, back to work...have a good rest of the week!

cool stuff

• the new Look Book blog (still wondering what *I'm* doing over there!)

• the fact that my taxes are done and filed (and we don't owe - yay!)

• CHA Chicago roommates and hotel are all squared away (and plans have begun for the great Mel birthday bash of 2007 while we're there ;-)

• conversations like this that happened last night while we were getting ready to leave my dad's...jake was giving the puppy, Romeo (who is "so tiny and cute, mom!") goodbye hugs. He's 3 lbs so hugs have to be *really* gentle...Jake = not-so-gentle so Romeo nipped at him (no damage done other than a scared Jake)

Jake: Romeo's a BAD dog.
Me: He's not bad, sweetie...he's just little so you have to be gentle. You scared him.
Jake: I scared him?
Me: Yup
Jake: 'cause I'm a ghost?

OK, so maybe you had to be there. It was freaking hilarious at the time though :D (and
jake's all set to go visit Romeo again...not scared anymore :-)

• the weather...not just cool but crazy COLD. Like crunchy-snow-frozen-nostril-achy-joint-no-school-kinda-cold. We went sledding on Friday when it was in the 20's but now, we are cozied up in the house for the forseeable future!

• this contest at 2Peas - so many beautiful and thoughtful entries! I'm completely inspired by these pages :) Did you enter?

• something new I'm trying out for EHD...marketing template sets. my first set: fresh & clean

what's cool in your world this week?

zack's army

I had a CRAPPY night. Really, don't even want to think about it. But, since bedtime, I've downloaded and watched an entire Christmas iTunes gift certificate worth of The Office while I did some major catch up on email, logos and assignments.

And the past hour has been spent scanning drawings and making this nifty little brush set I like to call Zack's Army. He's drawing faces with legs now and he's so proud of himself :) They're actually rather cute and saving them into something I can use again seriously improved my mood.

The green balloons are courtesy of Jake but I thought they added to the mood nicely. Hope your night was better than mine!

do you ever feel like?

you're in a music video (not one of those booty videos :p) and you're the lead singer that's walking in slow motion through the middle of a tornado or a hurricane or some similar natural disaster? You're not getting injured or anything but the tornado goes on like you're not even there. Furniture and cows are flying all over the place and you can yell stop! or go to your room! or no TV for a week! but the tornado doesn't even acknowledge your existence?

now double the tornado. seriously man, they are 2 and 4...pretty sure I'll be blogging from the loony bin in short order.

and just because I can, a funny picture of the younger tornado. (apparently the eye protection was a safety precaution while orbiting around with the 4 year old tornado)

yesterday

(all my troubles seemed so far away....)

Sorry, I had no intentions of doing that until I typed the post title and the rest came flowing out. Have you seen there is a new Beatles album? I need it, I want it, I gotta have it. No Beatles tunage on iTunes though so I actually have to leave my house to get it. Bummer.

So anyway, yesterday we built a fort and hung out in it a good part of the day. We played legos and listened to a lot of Jack Johnson and Laurie Berkner. I knit and was able to finish up Carlos' scarf and hat combo. Now to start on my own in a lovely shade of cornflower blue. (I have scarves, oh yes I do, but in shades of lime green and a creamy tweed...and no hats yet - I'll need one soon!)

Then, we played Twister. OK, mostly I spun and the boys played...because I'm too old ;-)

Then I stayed up way too late working. I'll do the same tonight.

Today, it's snowing. And if I were a good mom, I'd take the boys out to play. But they don't have any boots. And I hate the snow. So, I'll grocery shop instead.

Have a great Wednesday! (Wednesday, right?)

I scrapbooked :D

Goofy, huh? I needed somewhere to put these pictures from the first 200 Jake shot with his Christmas camera :) My buddy Annie challenged me to use an owl on a layout...because, who uses owls on their layouts? This one was cute though...and gave my exacto a workout ;) The lightbulb moment to combine the owl and the pictures provided me an inordinate amount of satisfaction. I'm sure you're all jealous that I lead such an exciting life :p

I admit...

I'm a fan of juvenile humor :p

pretty, huh?

The result of a little ice storm the other day.

The not-so-pretty? The $500 we had to fork over to the glass place to repair the rear quarter panel window on the truck. Seems the decrepit old tree in the front yard couldn't handle the extra weight of the pretty ice and we lost a few branches. One rather large branch that came down on the car mere minutes after Carlos got home and parked it. Perfect. Full disclosure time...that $500 also included our *front* windshield that cracked almost 2 years ago :p Guess it was time to do something about that, huh?

Every time we have an ice storm, I'm reminded by my mom or dad of the day I was born. The big ice storm of March, 1976...cited by many as "one of the worst natural disasters in Michigan's history." What an excellent sign of things to come for their first-born :p I think my ill-fated beginnings were just a case of bad timing though as overall, I've had a pretty good life. Just a little trip down memory lane today...happy Wednesday!

lazy days...

Well, I *finally* took my tree down today. Seriously procrastinated on that one (and yes, this is the same tree that took three minutes to set up)

You know how when you have a mess around for long enough, you learn to completely ignore it? I figured it was time to go when Zack told me this morning "Christmas over, mommy? Tree. Put away."

OK, point taken. So, it's stowed away in the basement. The cards are staying up for awhile longer though because I love seeing them everyday and being reminded of my friends and family. And the Autumn Leaves snowflakes and BasicGrey ornaments that I hung on the twine remind me of the winter season as much as the Christmas holiday. It was a practical solution to little hands pulling cards down and ripping them apart. And I love them swaying in the breeze created by little boys running through the living room.

Tonight, dinner with my parents. And knitting...because I *dont* have any jobs/assignments due tonight...tomorrow is another story :)

Be safe. Here's to a healthy, happy, prosperous 2007 :)

from the StoryPeople :)

(why yes, I am obsessed)

A peek at the other hobby...

So, I've been knitting for a few months now and I love it so much. It's so relaxing and having the finished product to wear or give just makes me happy and fulfilled. Lots of people have asked to see some of my stuff and I finally broke down and took a couple of pictures. This is a simple project - haven't ventured out too much beyond scarves and bags and hats and such...I do have my first sweater on my needles now though so *hopefully* I'll have that to share here (I'm not guaranteeing anything though :p)

Jake asked me for a scarf so this will go into his Christmas stocking (the whole exchange from me to Santa could be tricky but I'm determined to make it work ;) A simple cabled pattern but I'm excited to see him wear it - he's been very excited since I started on it. Maybe I'll be able to whip up a matching hat before Sunday as well!

So, anyway, there you go. This is what has taken up my spare scrapbooking time as of late. I've whittled my in-progress projects from like 6 down to 2 so I'm proud of myself and ready to get started on something else!

I know it's dark...

but I like it that way. My seven week old nephew - see how he's looking at her? *Only* mamas get that look :) Makes my heart swell up. Sorry, Wen - I'll get them to you tomorrow, for SURE!

Shopping is done, cards are all gone. Spirit still MIA...

has anyone seen my Christmas spirit?

It's December 18th and it *still* hasn't shown up...which is a bummer because despite my annual mad-dash-to-get-everything-done-in-time, I still REALLY love the holiday season. So this weekend, I really put a conscious effort into locating my lost spirit. I'm closer, but still not there.

I changed my banner ^ up there, see? Actually the whole blog...a little brighter because even *I* was having a hard time looking at it after awhile...I can only assume you guys were too - you all are so polite :)

I made this my new desktop background.

I got this in an email from a sweet friend and listened to the choir for 20 minutes and then I found this site with a list of streaming Christmas music...I've been listening every time I work :) My fave so far is KOIT San Francisco...right now, Bruce Springsteen is telling me that the E Street band is getting a new saxophone from Santa this Christmas. Love iTunes radio!

I mailed my cards and finished my shopping except for stocking stuffers. I watched A Christmas Story and Elf. (FYI...the guy that plays Ralphie in A Christmas Story *also* has a bit part in Elf...I'm sure your day is complete with that bit of useless trivia!) A friendly and timely reminder that today is the last day you can order one of these in time for Christmas delivery!

Oh yeah, AND we saw Santa on Saturday. The big guy was slightly less than enthused but the boys didn't seem to notice...*too* much. Took z a little while to warm up but it's a decent picture. Jake told Santa he'd "open all your presents...I'll RIP the paper!" and was talking about the wrapped boxes that made up the photo backdrop :p

(photo corner from Rhonna's Snowflakes kit)

Anyway, I'm working on the whole spirit thing. On this week's agenda? Cookies. And wrapping. And assignments. And getting ready for the new year (backing pictures up, filing, site updates...basically, getting ready to make a fresh start in the new year!)

Happy Monday!

day...aww hell, I have no clue - 14, right?

So, the first day I missed a post, there was a little guilt...I mean, those last couple of posts I was really forcing anyway (you noticed, no?) but when I laid down to sleep, I fret about the missing post. Wondered if any of my loyal readers were sitting in front of their computer, intently refreshing every 30 seconds or so waiting for the heavens to open up and the angels to sing the refrains of blog wonderfulness.The second night, there was still a fleeting thought as I closed my eyes. The little voice in my ear telling me that "you are a FAILURE at the daily blog post." I quickly shut that voice up though...she hasn't been back since. Bottom line, I shouldn't make promises I can't keep :p

Let's pretend the last few days didn't happen, shall we?

I'm currently shopping (online, that is.) Tomorrow is my deadline. What has not been purchased by tomorrow must be in real life. Heh. When I typed "in real life," I heard it like a TV announcer was reading it in that booming voice right in my ear...like he was actually giving a little tug on the lobe to allow the soundwaves to *really* penetrate my cerebellum (can't type cerebellum without snickering either...any Dane Cook fans?) It echoes...it haunts me.

I'm on the Lego site...did you know that you can build something online with 3D techno legos and they will ship you the kit of legos necessary to construct it IN REAL LIFE...yeah, that's a time sucker :p In the end, I'm just going with a big old tub-o-blocks though...something that will stretch their burgeoning imaginations...something that will imprint tiny circles in the soles of my feet as I tiptoe to the bathroom in the middle of the night. That's good stuff right there.

My cards are millimeters from being dropped in the mailbox - tomorrow, they will be gone...I'm itching at the thought of dropping those suckers into the great blue abyss. One more tick mark on my to-do list! I would go off on a CVS rant right now but it's not good for me to get all stressed out right before bed. Bottom line, don't make the mistake of ordering your Christmas photos from there :p

I also made one of these tonight. I chose much more festive papers though..some fine double sided KI goodness. It was a nice little diversion and the boys think I am the most talented mom on earth :) Mine is fairly large but I'm thinking about making some teeny ones for the tree tomorrow...finished a project for the new Garden and did a little scrappy shopping too. Ate dinner (out! gasp!) with dear husband and braved Target (who am I kidding...I freaking LOVE Target!)

Finally, while driving home tonight from grandma and grandpa's house, we discussed the menu for Christmas Eve...not *us* but Santa and even moreso, the reindeer. Jake doesn't think cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer are suitable. Instead, he thinks the reindeer need sloppy joes. And chicken nuggets...always thinking, that kid. Also, the new addition to our bedtime routine, after reading a book, jake's hand puppet (who seems to be with him ALL THE TIME) takes a deep bow and says "ladies & gentlemen...goodnight" followed by a supreme flourish. man I love that kid!

this must be getting boring for you all...

It's still the 8th...by 7 minutes...so I haven't broken my streak :)

Just up working on some logos and stuff - trying desperately to get caught up so I can enjoy a couple of job-free weeks. Finished up some kits to be released mid-month at 2peas today as well...simple stuff but hopefully something that a few people will be able to put to use!

I also got my 2Peas goodies today so I got a little more decorating done. No pics yet but I'll try to get some over the weekend (trust me, it's nothing spectacular :p)

Going to FINALLY get these boys out of the house tomorrow for a bit - we've all been sick and I don't think they poor things have been out anywhere since Thanksgiving! Some fresh air will do them good. Going to breakfast with my family to celebrate my step-moms birthday (Happy Birthday, Michelle!)

That's about it today - just playing catch up. Oh, I also got the supplies for my Christmas cards today (thanks, dad) so *hopefully* those will be ready to mail out Monday!

I feel like I'm living the tortoise and the hare story...like I'm the tortoise and Christmas is the Hare and I'll just beat the damn rabbit out my millimeters on December 24th :p Ever feel that way?

just seven...

still feeling not-so-well so, I picked one more winner for the Look Book and now I'm off to bed!

My handy random number generator picked 14 this time...so Mel, please send me your address!

gratuitous picture of Zack added since Jake got his day :p)

In an effort to be as nerdy as possible...

I'm going to use a random number generator to choose the Look Book winner.

32 comments...and the winner is


















Erin (it says 28)! Congrats, Erin :) Send me an email with your address and I'll get the book out by the weekend!

And, with that, I'm off to bed. Sick, tired, head pounding.

I did get a bit more shopping done today though. Three more people DONE. Good feeling...I'll get there!

this one's about Jake...

On the fifth day, she did nothing Christmasy...well, she did finish a tiny bit of shopping for a little Secret Santa action that needs to be mailed ASAP...and moved a couple of things this way a tidge and a couple of things that way a smidge on the Christmas card.

Other than that though...nada.

Thanks to everyone for the nice words and congratulations on C's job sitch. It's a very good thing for him and our family.

I'm getting close to finishing up all of my EHD jobs so that's a good feeling...working on a couple of kits to be released mid-month at 2Peas (that cute felt star is from one of my November releases...Fancy Little Christmas and the font is called Enchanted Prairie Dog - how could anyone pass up a font name like that?)

But enough about all of that...this one is about Jake.

Seriously man, this kid can be sweet.as.pie. And he has been just really, really good since he started recovering from this nasty virus they've both been fighting off...guess he's just grateful to be feeling a little more like his old self. A funny from the bad part of the sickness though...while taking a fever induced nap on the couch a few days ago, he sang the entire Oobi song WITH accompanying hand motions in his sleep. That my friends, takes talent.

Night everyone...tomorrow, I'll pick a winner for the AL book :)

la, la, la...

who's still here? Better yet, who thought *I'd* still be here?

Lots of pictures to share...none that great but hey, we do what we can to entertain you.

Mr. Z learned thumbs up last night.













Today, this came down




















And this went up (yup, I went down to the basement and found it my own damn self :p) it's my wreath - you can't tell by this stellar photo??




















And our super-fanstastic, uber-sensational, ultra terrific news?




















Carlos started his new job today - see how happy he looks :) It's an awesome job with benefits that start today...not in 90 days, but TODAY. We haven't had benefits for almost 2 years. Some of you know the whole back story but in a nutshell, it's been a rough couple of years for us and today marks a *real* turning point in our lives. We're all excited and I am SO happy and SO proud of Carlos. Seriously guys, this job rocks and the company he's with is amazing. We're feeling very fortunate right now :)

And oh yeah, this came today.

Features some SUPERSTARS...some total idols of mine in this little scrapbooking universe...people like, oh, Lisa McGarvey and Shelley Laming...Maria Grace Abuzman and Tara Whitney...Jackie Bonette, Jamie Waters, Jenni Bowlin, Kelli Crowe, Danielle Thompson, Elsie Flannigan, Teresa McFayden and Mellette Berezoski...I'm sure you are familiar with some of them :) Oh yeah, and some chick names Erica but her stuff kind of sucks next to everyone elses :p

I'll pick a name from the comments section on this post to send a copy to :) I'll post the winner on my Day 6 post...sound good?

and it's started...

I shopped today. Two different online retailers have some of my money now :p I've got a long way to go but it feels so GOOD to have a start at least! And I got good deals. And money in the boys' Upromise accounts (Ashley? Hmmmmm?)

I also knocked out a couple of jobs. I've decided not to take on any more work until after the new year...just get caught up on what I have and then concentrate on *enjoying* the rest of the season. I feel really good about that decision.

I ALSO got started on my cards. keeping them simple but again, relieved just to have a start on them. Still no wreath because every time I ask Carlos where it is, he tells me he knows and will get it for me...still waiting ;)

Tomorrow is a big day for us but I'll share more about that tomorrow night...have to ensure I have a steady flow of info to share!

Email caught up? Check.
Dishes, dinner, laundry? Check.
Jake still sleeping from his afternoon nap? Check. Damn...it's almost 7. This does not bode well for my evening!

Oh, and that cute little tree chipboard thingy? From Shannon's awesome debut digi kit at 2Peas - serious cuteness there!

December 2nd...

I can see already that you guys won't allow me to miss a day :) That's good...I need to be held accountable!

So, no Christmas prep today really other than rigging up a fancy card display...I'll take a picture when it's a bit more presentable (awaiting a 2peas order :)) I did put some serious thought into my Christmas card though, so that counts for something, right? I still need to get a picture of the boys but poor dears with their snotty noses and runny eyes - maybe not the best time to torture them with the camera.

I've been filling my days with logo design and knitting. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to bring in a little extra money doing some design work. Plus, it gives me the chance to ogle some seriously amazing photographs. And the knitting. Oh I love the knitting. My new obsession is knitting blogs. I must say I'm fairly certain that knitting blogs have the scrapbooking blogs beat in terms of sheer numbers. And there are some talented and creative women out there. And they enable as well as scrapbookers with their talk of yarn and books and needles :) Someday, I'll take some pictures of the knitting I've done. Hats and scarves and bags mainly but I just started my first sweater this week...pretty sure this project will either completely solidify my love for the hobby or send me into hair-pulling fits. Fingers crossed for the former! Any knitters out there? I need a go-to for questions!

Oh, and the scrapbooking...not too much of that unfortunately. I'm pretty sure the only stuff I've done in the past month has been for the Garden (which was oh-so-delicious when it bloomed yesterday...check it if you haven't yet!) Hoping to squeeze in some fun stuff for me this month (should probably shop and stuff first though, huh?)

OK, my day 2 update. And one more thing I have to mention. I'm 100% positive that my friend Joanna is bar-none, the most generous and thoughtful girl around. Don't you agree? Not too mention sweet, and funny and mom to a couple of amazing kiddos. Love to Joanna this weekend :)

think I can do it?

I'm gonna try it. And for those 4 people who still check my blog out on a regular basis, you know it would be quite the feat if I pulled it off :p I'm going to *try* (and those asterisks indicate an emphasis on the "try" part) to do a blog entry a day for the month of December...well, at least up until the Christmas part of December.

SO. Today. Today I put up the tree. Normally, it would have gone up over the weekend but the boys got sick. And they're still sick but today is the first day of December! have to have the tree up so we can put on the ornaments I made for my advent calendar journal. It was strenuous. It took at LEAST three minutes. I'm not kidding. I'm spent. But it was worth it. Zack just told me "I love ye tree, mom" (yup, mom. my 2 year old is already past mommy...tear :(

Need Holiday Help?

Contact Lindsay! My sister is so industrious...and smart...and funny :)