My Daily Ramblings

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T10:14:00.006-04:00

I am so excited to be celebrating my 2nd Mother's Day. It feels good to have a special week just for me. This week was full of so much drama and unproductive conversations and I am happy to just put it to rest. Yesterday the husband took me to the Farmer's Market and let me go crazy. I bought enough plants to finally landscape one side of the house. . .pics coming once the mulch is down. Today we are off to my grandmother's for a cookout and much needed family time.

I want to share some layouts of the special little girl that makes this day perfect! (as always click on image for credits)

YAY ME!!!

2010-04-23T17:32:00.001-04:00

I announced last week that I had been chosen to participate in the Little Dreamer Apprentice Program - and thanks to all that wished me luck. This week we began our challenges and the actual competition. The challenge was as follows: create 1 glitter element, 1 metal element, 1 stitching element, at least one of these have to have a shadow, and then an element of our choice. Here is my entry

To download your copy just click here

here is a sample layout I did with my elements and the help of some Erin Ink products:

Winners will be chosen by the amount of comments, amount of downloads, and amount of entries into the gallery. The LD Creative Team will also be voting on each entry. Wish me luck!

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT

2010-04-10T13:54:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to make this announcement. As most of you know I am a crazy person when it comes to Digital Scrapbooking. I have said it at least a 100 times or more on this blog. I just can't express how much I love it!! When I started scrapping I never really thought about designing papers. I started my Etsy shop and concentrated on my collage sheets. Every now and then I threw in some papers, elements, etc. I think Scrapbooking supplies are great for use in jewelry, cards, etc. Then one day I was reading my blogs and I saw that Little Dreamers - a great Scrapbook Site and Gallery - was having an open call for an Apprentice program. I thought holy cow what a great opportunity. Michelle, the owner, would basically teach me everything she knows and if by grace and luck I actually won I would have a chance to sell my product through her shop. Needless to say I applied and BELIEVE IT OR NOT she CHOSE ME to participate!!!! I am so freaking excited I can't even put it into words!

Here is my mini kit that I created and just FYI it is available for FREE here:

and here are two layouts I created with it:

I will keep you updated on my progress in this competion. The other ladies are so talented and I seriously doubt I win but the things I am going to learn makes it OK!!!!!!!

Wish Me Luck :)

LOVE

2010-04-10T11:42:00.003-04:00

Click for credit

click for credits

Ordinary Day

2010-04-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I love to scrapbook is because I get to document these types of memories :

credits here

I Scrapped Again

2010-03-24T22:12:00.002-04:00

I did a lot more other stuff but its so much I can't remember hahaha so I will just post these layouts. Click on the image to see the credits.

Latest Pages

2010-03-10T12:18:00.003-05:00

It's been a minute since I loaded any pages. Here are a few of the latest ones - as always click on the layout for credit.

A little about me

2010-02-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

So I am working on a new book one that is all about me! I hope that one day I can look back and see how I have grown but more importantly I want Aubrey to really know me! Here is this first layout:

click image for credits

37 | MouseTrap

2010-02-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

ahhhhhh Saturday - my day - my escape. Saturdays are days that I get caught up with scrapbooking, emails, bills and Etsy. Today I literally sat in front of the computer all day. I need to get organized so I don't do this anymore.

February 6
"How we spend our days is,
of course, how we spend our lives."
Ann Dillard

36 | Loved

2010-02-05T22:15:00.001-05:00

Today was a day from HELL. Everything about this day has sucked. I think the worst part of it was my attitude and how I have been dealing lately. After I gave Aubrey a bath I noticed "baby" had a pretty bad day as well. However, baby was over loved. . . maybe that's my problem too much love.

February 5

"God loves us the way we are, but not too much to leave us that way"

Leighton Ford

35 | Memories

2010-02-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

This has been a really busy week for me. I have so many orders, I am trying to get ready for New Release Monday and of course this awesome new book template that Erin Ink is releasing next week. I was so excited when she asked me to be one of the first ones to do a book and I knew which book I would do. I have been waiting for some inspiration for Aubrey's First Birthday Party Book and this did not let me down!

February 4

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love,

the things you are, the things you never want to lose. "

~From the television show The Wonder Years

Here's the complete book:

Click here to view this photo book.

34 | Out At Sea

2010-02-03T21:35:00.000-05:00

Today was going to be a good day. I took Aubrey to my mom's early this morning so that I could have the entire day to get caught up on everything. I just can't seem to get my head above water. On the way home I got a speeding ticket . . . which set the tone for the rest of the day. Needless to say not much productivity happened.

I decided to relax in the tub only to lean back on Aubrey's toy - do you see the horns on this thing? Yeah I didn't either.

February 3

“You know it's a bad day when

you put your bra on backwards and it fits better.”

33 | Adventure

2010-02-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

Today we went outside. Only because we had to pick up Joey from work - lol. When we got home Aubrey insisted on walking in the "snow" and it was the funniest thing. Thank God JoJo had on shoes that didn't slip because my poor baby was sliding all over the place!

February 2

"When in doubt take more time"

John Zimmerman

32 | Peek

2010-02-01T23:06:00.001-05:00

Joey had to go to work today and Aubrey and I stayed home all day. We peeked outside when we took the dogs out and we noticed all that pretty white stuff was actually one big sheet of ice. So glad we stayed home!

February 1

"If you are going to walk on ice, you might as well dance"

31 | Still Home

2010-01-31T23:03:00.001-05:00

We are still snowed in . . . . . and I am still loving it!

January 31

"With every falling flake, a unique spark of interest falls from heaven."P. Miller - 8th Grade

30 | Warmth

2010-01-30T19:26:00.001-05:00

We are still snowed in! We have gathered in the living room in front of the fire - which I love. I have to admit I kind of being stuck with them for the weekend :)

January 30

"He who wants to warm himself in old age

must build a fireplace in his youth"

~ German Proverb

29 | Brrrrrr

2010-01-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

They have been warning us all week about the snow. They said that it would come in tonight after midnight. So while JoJo taught his class I ran to the grocery store to make sure we had enough Juice and Milk. On my way to pick him up it started snowing. About 2 hours later is was coming down so beautiful. This is a shot from our front porch.

January 29

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake,

one must stand in the cold"

28 | Plans

2010-01-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today Aubrey and I hung out at the house. She is getting to be more and more of handful everyday. She has discovered the toilet and that things can go in there and disappear. . . this is not a good thing. She also has taken up a love for JoJo's Football and Basketball. This is quite cute- they are so big but she tries her hardest to throw them - in the bathtub. As a result I trip over a football everytime I go into the bathroom.

JoJo had an interview today at a local high school. He has always wanted to be a coach and I really hope that he gets to do this. He was late to the interview because the person that was suppose to fill in for him didn't show up but they didn't seem to hold it against - at least I hope.

January 28

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.

If you can dream it, you can become it."

-William Arthur Ward

Holla!

2010-01-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been asked to be on a Digital Scrapbooking Creative Team *waits for the cheers to stop*. Yes I am very excited! Last week I received an email from Erin Ink saying that she has always enjoyed my work and asked if I would like to join her team. I immediately knew who she was becaus I have been a fan of her layouts for a while but more than that I kept seeing her designs in the Scrapartist Newsletter. About a month ago I even googled her to see if she had a blog. I guess you figured out by now I said YES!!

I delayed the announcement post because I wanted to have some layouts to show you using her designs so I present to you my latest 3 layouts (as always click on the layout for credits) :

27 | Sunrise

2010-01-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

This morning I tried a new schedule. I woke up when Joey left for the gym. I wanted to see how much I could do before she woke up so that I could spend more time watching and playing with her. I was surprised to see the sun come up. . . . its been a long time since I have seen the sunrise. This early morning time was good, I was really productive!

January 27
"With each sunrise, we start anew."

26 | Drenched

2010-01-26T19:12:00.000-05:00

So much for the beautiful weather. It feels like it will never stop raining and at any moment an ark is going to come down the street. I spent a lot of the day taking photos of our backyard and the neighbors yard. We are trying to get the city to come out and fix a drainage problem. The hill behind our house turns into Niagara Falls whenever we have heavy rains and floods everyones back yard. It is driving me insane!!

January 26
"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."
~Roger Miller

25 | Sun On My Face

2010-01-25T23:45:00.002-05:00

Today was a beautiful day. When we left the gym around lunch time I looked at my thermometer and realized it was 63. Now thats the kind of winter I am used to :)

January 25
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow."
Helen Keller

24 | Individuality

2010-01-24T23:19:00.000-05:00

We had most of the day to ourselves so we did what any couple who hasnt had any alone time in months. Joey cleaned and I worked - HA!! That afternoon my mom brought Aubrey home and we ate dinner and put her to bed. Of course she found the 3D glasses and had to wear them throughout dinner - such a ham!

January 24
"If I'm going to sing like someone else
then I don't need to sing at all"
~Billie Holiday

23 | Right In Front Of You

2010-01-23T23:22:00.001-05:00

Aubrey went to Nana's to have a slumber party with Riley. Joey and I decided to have a date night. . .and the best part about it - IT WAS FREE. For valentine's last year I gave him a movie gift certificate and then last week my mom gave me one to TGIFridays. We put those suckers to use and went to dinner and then went to see AVATAR - I loved it! It was a beautiful story and everyone should go see it and think about it!!

January 23
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times,
always with the same person."
~Mignon McLaughlin

22 | Good For You

2010-01-22T22:13:00.001-05:00

Every day I get up I tell myself this day is going to be different. This day I am going to spend more time with her, I am going to eat better, I am going to exercise today. . . . everyday life gets the best of me. I get my work done while keeping and eye on her, I eat what is quick and I am too tired to make it to the gym. I have to make the decision that I HAVE TO DO THIS!!

January 22
"Do not consider painful what is good for you"
Euripides

21 | Nourishment

2010-01-21T21:58:00.001-05:00

I spent the entire day at home - just Aubrey and I. I was so excited because for the first time since we met I had dinner cooked and on the table for Joey when he got home. . . .he was late, Aubrey and I ate by ourselves. I had a frustrated housewife moment later that night!

PS its funny that butter and Salt have prime position - hahaha!

January 21
"When you discover something that nourishes
your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself
to make room for it in your life"
Jean Shinoda Bolen

20 | Reflect

2010-01-20T21:00:00.002-05:00

This day was INSANE!!!! My mom came up so I could take her to the fabric store we were rushed because a friend of mine was coming over to take some photos of Aubrey and show me some tips on the camera. We set up a make shift studio in the garage turned the iPod on and watched Aubrey ham it up. We then had to rush downtown to pick Joey up from work and since I didn't do a bit of work when I got home I stayed in front of the computer ALL NIGHT!!!

January 20

"You will never find time for anything.

If you want time you must make it. "

~Charles Buxton

19 | Standoff

2010-01-19T20:03:00.001-05:00

I had so much to do today so Aubrey and I decided to stay home. That afternoon we had to pick up Joey from work and Aubrey got to wear some of her new "spring" clothes - she is so freaking cute. That night she was on the floor playing and sat on Dakota, who doesn't like to be sat on at all. Of course she immediately got up and their was a brief stand off before Aubrey gave in and moved. Poor Dakota!

January 19
"Focused. I'm a hustler.

And my hustle is trying to figure out

the best ways to do what I like

without having to do much else. "

Mos Def

18 | Open Doors

2010-01-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

My sister has this great opportunity. . a local vintage shop is looking someone to sell their items on Etsy and blog about vintage items - THE PERFECT JOB FOR HER! In order to help her prepare for the interview I took her out and showed her how to shoot product shops. She has some great ideas all I had to do was show her settings on the camera. While out I got this shot of an old building near my mom's house.

January 18

"Every wall is a door. "

Ralph Waldo Emerson

17 | Silver Lining

2010-01-17T20:57:00.000-05:00

The weather has been awful the past couple of days. For about an hour today I thought that we were going to have a beautiful. When I walked outside I saw the light peeking through the clouds but very quickly the weather turned awful again.

Toya brought Jordan over today to spend some time with JoJo. He thinks the world of him and they never get to see each other it was much needed time by both of them. He was suppose to only work a couple of hours but as usual he had to stay late and take care of problems. He was so upset because he missed calling and telling Ayden Happy Birthday!

January 17

"After every storm the sun will smile;

for every problem there is a solution,

and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer. "

~William R. Alger

16 | Happiness

2010-01-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Joey kept all the girls entertained today and still managed to clean the house! That night I decided I wanted to take photos of him and Aubrey and I caught this one of him while he wasn't paying attention and I just fell in love with it. I love the expression his face, it reassures me that he is where he wants to be :)

January 16

"All men have a sweetness in their life.

That is what helps them go on. It is towards

that they turn when they feel too worn out."

ALBERT CAMUS:

15 | Expression

2010-01-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

This day was way too busy! From the moment we got up we have been going full speed. Joey had a client this morning, then we had to pick Jordy up from school, Aubrey up from my moms, back home so Joey could teach his FIRST set of classes. Yes, I took the classes and YES I AM TIRED. We then picked all 3 girls up from my sisters for a slumber party. That night I caught Aubrey and Riley drawing on the walls - Thank God for the magic eraser!

January 15

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,

and paints his own nature into his pictures."

~Henry Ward Beecher

14 | Style

2010-01-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

We are back to our regular schedule today - going to my moms. While waiting for Joey to pick us up Aubrey walked into the room and sat down on her bear to read a book. However she had altered the outfit I put on her. I put a white tshirt on her and she apparently thought it wasn't stylish enough so she pulled one arm out of the sleeve and wore it. Her daddy didn't like this style at all and immediately put her arm back in the sleeve. . . .hahahahaha

January 14

"Create your own visual style let it be

unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others"

~Orson Wells

13 | Grin and Bear It

2010-01-13T09:42:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the ones where you feel like you could pack your car up and drive away and change your name, dye your hair, and never come back (not that I have thought it through or anything). Yeah that was my day. Everything just seemed to hit me today. I was stressed out, overwhelmed about all the projects I had to finish, trying to clean up with a 16 month old and tired.

Poor Sable knew exactly how I felt. She was lying on her bed when Aubrey decided she needed a little attention.

January 13

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

12 | Organized Chaos

2010-01-12T21:12:00.003-05:00

We didn't follow our typical Tuesday schedule . . . we stayed home instead of going to my mom's. I was able to get some work done and spend some time with her at the same time. I felt pretty accomplished. I have had some kind of nesting urge take me over the last couple of days. I spent most of my day cleaning and not just surface cleaning, I am talking cleaning the baseboards with a toothbrush kind of clean. I guess Aubrey caught the bug as well because when we went to the gym to pick up Joey she decided that all the magazines on the table needed to be moved so she flipped through a couple and then piled them all on top of each other. (I shot this with my camera phone)

January 12

Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to

cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.

~Nadia Boulanger

11 | Independence

2010-01-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

Mondays are always a low key day for us. Gym, home, Yo Gabba Gabba, Nap, Pick up daddy, dinner, bath bed. However tonight Aubrey decided to throw a little twist into dinner - SHE ATE WITH A SPOON ALL BY HERSELF!! We usually give her one to play with and hope that she will figure it. She can get the food on the spoon, up to her mouth and then she usually dumps it in her lap - NOT TONIGHT it made it to the mouth!!!! We are so proud of her!

January 11

Your child will be better prepared to tackle the bumps on the road

of life if he has been given the gift of guided independence.

Jacquie McTaggart

10 | Instinct

2010-01-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

It was daddy daughter date day. Joey and Bre were gone most of the afternoon which gave me some much needed time to get caught up on some custom orders. When they got home that evening we all headed down to the kitchen to cook dinner. While we were cooking Aubrey grabbed her doll and sat in the middle of the floor to play. It's amazing how quickly she became interested in dolls and how much of a little mommy she is. Maybe thats a good sign that I am doing something right.

January 10

A girl is Innocence playing in the mud,

Beauty standing on its head,

and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot

9 | A Birthday Surprise

2010-01-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

Today we attended Nona's 2nd Birthday Party. It was a Yo Gabba Gabba theme and we knew that Aubrey would love it. However, EVERYONE was so surprised to DJ Lance show up and hand out goody bags. Aubrey was in aww and freaked out at the same time.

January 9

"Children learn to dance before

they learn there is anything that isn't music"

~William Stafford

8 | Life in a Fish Bowl

2010-01-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

Cindy, the fish, and I had a connection today. Dawn was explaining to me that Cindy was pissed because she had put snails in her bowl to help keep the water clean and Cindy didn't like the snails. I thought well maybe Cindy just wants some Cindy time. I mean she sits here in this bowl all day every day and she entertains you and she allows people to come up to her bowl and stare at her whenever they feel like no matter what she is doing. She gives and gives and what do you do in return. . . . . you give her something else to look after!

Sometimes Cindy needs to hear that you appreciate how beautiful she swims, and how beautiful and clean she keeps her bowl. Sometimes Cindy may need a day to herself without the snails so that she can sit in her little fishbowl and scrapbook or surf the internet or maybe just veg out.

Don't worry Cindy I understand you!

January 8

"If today were a fish I would throw it back"

7 | Disconnected

2010-01-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

My sister, Aubrey and I spent the day at our mom's. I got a few hours of work done while they kept Aubrey occupied. Later that night I was so frustrated by our stupid wireless internet. It refuses to run or at least run as fast as I want it to. The cable company assured me that it was my computer or the router. However the router is brand new and my computer works fine on my moms wireless. . . . .hmmm Time Warner my faith in you is being tested!!!

January 7

"Lo! Men have become the tools of their tools"

6 | Fly High

2010-01-06T22:57:00.002-05:00

It was a pretty awesome day today!! I had an AMAZING day on Etsy. I was asked to be a featured artist on Cara's Blog and wait for it. . . . Shutterfly featured my Words of Wisdom Book in their gallery. Later this evening we had to pick Joey up from work and they were getting ready for some event and had balloons all over the place. I thought how appropriate because the SKY IS THE LIMIT :)

January 6

"Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon"

5| You Mocha Me Happy

2010-01-05T23:12:00.000-05:00

We rarely stray from our Tuesday routine. Get up, Get dressed, Get Aubrey a Hashbrown, Get mommy a Peppermint Mocha, head to Nana's. It is a great day for everyone. I get to work, Nana gets grandbaby time and Aubrey gets spoiled. On some days like today I get to throw in some errands and the world is at peace :)

January 5

"Sleep is a symptom of caffeine deprivation."

4 | Independence

2010-01-04T22:49:00.006-05:00

One my goals this year is to balance work, Aubrey time, husband time, with me time. I spend all day with Aubrey but not that much time with her if that makes sense. I decided to save my work for her nap time and the evening when Joey comes home. Today she made me realize that was the best decision I could make. I noticed today just how grown she has become.

January 4

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,

yet we forget that he is someone today"

While these photos didn't make the POTD I had to include them. . . they are tooo cute.

she picked out her own socks today!

she was given a baby for Christmas

and she has become the best mommy.

Today I caught her rocking her baby!

3 | Mommy Time

2010-01-03T23:48:00.004-05:00

I love nap time! It is the time of day that I don't feel guilty for working on stuff I need to work on. Today Joey decided to join Bre and Mr. Bear for a nap. Virgil gave her Mr. Bear for Christmas and it is literally bigger than she is but she carries it EVERYWHERE!

Nap Time - January 3

"No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap."

2 | Business Minded

2010-01-02T23:42:00.002-05:00

Today was my 1st Quarter Sale at my Etsy shop. One of my goals this year is to make this a business that will thrive outside of Etsy.

Digital Sheet Catalog - January 2

“Success in any endeavor requires

single-minded attention to detail and total concentration.”

1 | A New Beginning

2010-01-01T11:35:00.001-05:00

It's a new year which means a new 365 project. I have decided to post my 365 photos on this blog to cut down on all the blogs that I have to maintain. . . . so here we go:

Sunset - January 1

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly,

and do every day what should be done,

and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.”

Christmas Wrap Up

2010-01-01T11:10:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it? Can you believe that 2009 is over? This year has gone by in a flash for me. If you had asked me January 1 2009 where do you think you will end up 365 days from now I would have not even come close to describing my life as it is today - I will discuss more of the details when I do my post on the 2009 wrap up (cliffhanger lol).

I wanted to take a moment to wrap up our Christmas and Aubrey's first REAL Christmas. Last year she was 4 months old and none of this stuff even mattered to her. I can't honestly say that any of it mattered to her this year but hey at least she was aware of it all - hahahaa. I loved this Christmas - for some reason I was in more of a Christmas spirit than I have ever been. Maybe it was I was experiencing it through the eyes of Aubrey, someone who was seeing it all for the first time. Maybe I have just learned to appreciate things more this year? Whatever the reason was I am not complaining it was a great Christmas.

| THE DECORATIONS |
This was the first time we decorated the outside of the house and I have already warned JoJo (husband) next year there will be climbing and a ladder involved!!!!

The Wreath - gotta love Target

The Windows - I used real garland

The Mantle

The Christmas Tree - we have used the same ornaments
and tree since we moved into our house 3 years ago.
I really do love it!

I love a tree with gifts under it and every year I match
all my wrapping paper to my tree - hahaha!

| MEETING SANTA |

We were so excited to take her to see Santa. Everything was going great. . . she loved standing in line talking with the other kids. She loved all the decorations that were up and she seemed sort of interested in Santa. . . until she met him and then it all went down hill!

Enjoying the wait and the decorations.

Still happy. . . .

Not so happy anymore!

| THE GIFTS |
Of course the gifts we mostly handmade. This year I stepped it up a notch and created shuttefly books. I decided I would create one for my 3 oldest cousins (18, 15, 14). I used my photography plus some family pictures. I then searched the internet for some really great quotes and words of wisdom. This is what I came up with (completely inspired by Brit Girl):

Click here to view this photo book.

** photos were processed using Totally Rad Actions**
**photobook was created with products from designerdigitals.com**

my neck, my back. . .

2009-12-08T15:36:00.008-05:00

okay so that might have been a little tacky to use that line from that song but for some reason that is the only song that pops into my head whenever I say "My back". That could be telling me something about me! I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted - almost a month! I have been really busy with the Etsy store. I meet my goal every week and I am constantly thinking of ideas to get my customers to become repeat customers. I spend more time designing for my store than I do scrapbooking *gasp*.

I did make some time to scrapbook this weekend. I actually had nothing else I could do. Somehow on Saturday morning I pulled something in my back and I embarrassed to say that I did flushing the toilet!! Yes you read that right. I got up, went to the bathroom, flushed the toilet and my back cramped up and I hit the floor. Thank God Joey was here. I managed to crawl to the bedroom and scream for him to come help me. Ever since then I have been walking around here like a 90 year old women and he has been laughing at me!! I finally feel a lot better this morning! Anyway back to scrapbooking. . . . . These are the 3 layouts I did over the weekend (remember click on the photo for credits)

sorry Hayley and Dawn I know this one made you cry!

In other news I had a complete emotional meltdown last night because for some reason I have started gaining some of my weight back. We have a Christmas Party this Friday night and I thought I was going to wear my little black dress. . . . I may not be wearing it! You will have to stay tuned to find out if I am able to pull off a miracle this week. It is true what they say about having kids - you lose your identity and you pretty much plan your life around them, house, husband, etc. I have found that over the last couple of months that is exactly what I have done. Yes I take time every now and then to scrapbook but again that really is for Bre and the family - not just me. You can tell just by looking at me if you ever see me out. Bre will be cute! Outfit will match, hair will be cute, she will look well put together. Me on the other hand, I usually have a baseball cap on, a sweater, jeans and sneakers. . . . . not a cute look at all.

Ok that's all I have time for today I have a lot to sneak in before the monster wakes up from her nap and besides I hear the sorry neighbor screaming at his dog again. . . .and well we all know how I feel about that!

That Time Of Today

2009-11-19T14:40:00.003-05:00

Yes it is that time of day, nap time! I so look forward to this time. Usually by now she is so ill she can't stand herself or much less me. With the help of some milk and Noggin we both get much needed relief!

Today has been extra hard for both of us. She has spent the last 2 days at Nana's getting to do what she wants to do and I have spent the last 2 days sleeping and trying to get over this "cold". Which means I have to deal with a spoiled 14month old while trying to get caught up on 2 days worth of stuff - can anyone say frustration?!?!

I a feeling a lot better today, my eye still hurts and it looks like I have gone about 2 rounds with Tyson - yeah I am that bad ass I could last 2 rounds *insert laugh here*. I also have a new idea of what mommy/wife life should look like. For the past 2 years I have been concentrated on 2 people and neither of them are me. I have let a lot of things about myself change some for the good some for the bad. I decided while lying in bed these past 2 days and after watching my new hero - Liz from the biggest loser, that I need to start getting some of me back. It is going to be a process because honestly I don't even remember what me looks like or what I want it to look like. So the first step is going back vegetarian.

Around 2000 I gave up meat for health reasons and it changed my life. I lost weight, I felt better, I was happier and I never ever ever got sick! Then when I got pregnant I was told that I was anemic and I wasn't getting enough iron, protein, vitamins. I tried to take supplements but it just made me sick and honestly I was craving Bojangles Fried Chicken. So I started eating meat with the thought of well once I have the baby I will just stop. 14 months later I have not stopped. I have lost the will power to stop. It is just easier to eat what she eats and what Joseph eats. As a result I have held on to about 25 pounds of baby weight and I am a walking cold. So NO MEAT! Today is day 2 and I feel good.

Woe is me. . .

2009-11-17T18:34:00.003-05:00

So I have some virus, I don't think it's the flu but I did send Aubrey to my mom's house just to be on the safe side. I feel like someone has beat me with a stick. My eye is starting to swell - I think it may be a sty but since Aubrey scratched my cornea 2 months ago I am going to go to the eye doctor tomorrow to have it checked out.

Despite the feeling of a 300lb man sitting on my head I have been pretty busy. I am knocking out designs for my etsy shop, I finished a shutterfly book just in time to have it printed for FREE. The only thing is I haven't found anytime to scrap but Joseph assures me that Friday is my dad - unless of course I am in a Nyquil Coma.

Sad news from my mom yesterday. My dad took Lexus to the vet yesterday morning and they had to put her down last night. About 15 years ago I was on my way back to college and I saw this car pull over and let these 2 little dogs out. I, of course, stopped, picked them up and drove them to my parent's house. At first my dad was so mad. "YOU CAN'T KEEP BRINGING HOME STRAYS FOR US TO FEED" However within a few months the little girl had one his heart. We found a good home for the little boy and then right after Lexus had puppies. We found homes for 1 but the other 2 died. Then Lexus moved into the house and became my daddy's baby. They were quite disgusting. HE LOVES HER SO MUCH and she LOVES HIM SO MUCH. When he would pull up into the yard she would immediately run to the door and cry until we let her out so she could greet him. They went every Saturday to take the trash to the landfill and he would stop and get her nuggets on the way home. We will miss you Lexus you were a great dog!!

I am living in the dark ages. . . .

2009-11-13T20:50:00.004-05:00

or so it has felt that way all day today. How did we ever survive on dial-up internet?!?!

Today has been so frustrating for me. Friday's are special to me, they are my days. On Friday's Joseph doesn't work and him and Aubrey spend the day together which means I get the day to myself to do what I want to do - which usually means scrapbooking, designing for Etsy or blogging. However today my router had different plans for me. Today I have not been able to get a good internet connection at all. It takes about 5minutes for my freaking email to load and we won't even talk about how long it takes for me to try to blog or load a page with graphics. I have been on the phone with Apple Care all day and we have done everything possible to make sure its not the brand new iMac with over 200GB still available that is running slow - but yet TimeWarner assures me its not their problem . . . . .there is obviously a problem somewhere and I need someone to help me figure this out quickly - before I lose my mind.

I have been working on my 365 book all week, getting photos updated and the layouts designed. I plan to get a lot of scrapping in this weekend. My cousins daughter has come to spend the weekend with us so that she can entertain Aubrey and CLEAN THE HOUSE! Sheesh I love this kid!!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2009-11-08T20:20:00.005-05:00

All in all this was a good weekend! Did I get all the things done that I wanted to get done. . not even close!!! I did however get some scrappin' done, I did get to spend the day at the handmade market, I did discover a new absolutely fabulous artist and I did get to sleep all night on Saturday night. I guess you could say that was a good weekend.

First I would like to introduce you to Jaime Zollars she is an illustrator that was selling her prints at the Handmade Market this weekend and let me just say THEY ARE GORGEOUS!!!! This was my favorite:
Doesn't it just speak a thousand words?!?! My first question was "do you illustrate children's books" she sadly said no. That publishers of children's books no longer want Fairy Tales because they don't sale - isn't that the saddest thing you have ever heard!!!

Saturday night Aubrey stayed with her "nana" and Joey and I slept ALL NIGHT!!! It was great and it has been 14 months since we have done that!

I am off now to watch a movie with the husband but before I go I will leave you with 3 layouts that I was able to get done this weekend. . . . it was so nice to just sit down and scrap! It truly is my creative outlet now that I am not working. (dont forget click on any layout for credits)

Still getting the hang of this. . .

2009-11-06T20:57:00.003-05:00

No matter how long I have had this I have not yet fully grasped the blogging thing. I mean I love to share my thoughts and my ideas and my scrapbook layouts with people but honestly who cares about my stuff?!?! Sometimes I feel a little silly blogging, I feel like I am just talking to myself but well I guess I do that anyway so why not share the humor with others - right?!?!

I am reallly excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow morning I am going to get up bright and early sit down in front of my computer with a coffee and stay there all day - scrapbooking. It is the final quarter sales at Designer Digitals and they will be doing all day chats and be giving away all kinds of great things and I plan to be there!!!!! I've checked out the chat schedule and I am looking forward to Cathy's chat - I admire how she can keep it simple but somehow manage to make it look different EVERY TIME!!!! And of course Anna - I swear I love everything that woman does and when I grow up I plan to be just as creative.

Who knew 5 years ago when my ideal Saturday would include sleeping, dinner with friends, drinks and then the club I would be here at this point in my life. Have I officially become the old married woman?!? Joey laughs at me sometimes when I tell him "I LOVE TO SCRAPBOOK" and honestly I giggle to myself becuase how many of us used to think at one point in our life that it was a hobby for grandmas who had nothing else to do. . . . . I did.

Off to watch Season 2 of Mad Men - I LOVE THIS SHOW and curses to my sister who introduced me to another show that I must watch!!!

I <3 Apple

2009-11-04T02:38:00.005-05:00

So my husband is a professional football player - arena - or at least he was until the league decided to cancel the season then the entire league *insert boo here*. He has been working really hard at staying in shape in hopes that by the grace of God they will resume. He works as a personal trainer and a guy at them gym heard about him and went up and introduced himself. Apparently this guy is a sports agent and wants to help Joseph get on a NFL team *insert cheers here*. He told him he would need a highlight tape to shop to all the teams and of course Joey (that's what I call him because it annoys him hahaha) went into panic because he forgets how to check email and making a highlight tape may cause him to stroke out. So I did what all good wives would do. I sat down at my computer (APPLE) and I started googling instructions on how to work iMovie and iDVD and 2 days later VOILA a highlight film.

I am so proud of myself and once I figure out how to post it online I will post it. I love Apple and how easy it makes my life!

Halloween Wrap Up

2009-11-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

This year was Aubrey’s first year trick or treating. I still don’t know if she understood what was going on but we had fun. We talked for months about what we were going to dress her up as. I thought I was set on a Fairy, afterall I had those amazing fairy wings and I wanted her to use them again and again. If it was up to me she would wear them EVERYDAY!!! Then as stated in the last post we changed our mind :)

A lot of folks won’t believe this but when we put the jacket on her she actually started walking backwards!! We fell out - we both said IS SHE MOONWALKING?!?!?! Here she is doing the thriller dance - at least that is what we say :)

My niece dressed up as “something so scary that when other kids see me they drop their candy and run”. I think she accomplished her goal:

My husband took them door to door and held the iPod and played Thriller. Everyone got a kick out of it and we all had a great time!

it's close to midnight. . . .

2009-10-31T23:12:00.000-04:00

Is it wrong that we have only been home for 2 hours and I have already made this layout?

click image for credits

About a week ago Joey mentioned that we let her go as Michael Jackson, after all they share the same birthday and curl. I guess he thought I would say "NO WAY" I did the opposite I instantly said YES and set out on a mission for the perfect costume which I could not find. So I found some red and black duct tape and VOILA!!!!

Bed Hair and Creative Inspiration

2009-10-29T09:17:00.000-04:00

So the ladies at the Creative Inspiration blog have a new Copy Cat Wednesday posted. Here is my take on it:

click for credits

I took a bunch of photos of Aubrey in the bath and when I was processing them I noticed just how "CRAZY" her hair looked. While taking them I thought "Oh these are going to make a great layout about bath time" but of course as you see I took an entirely different path with them. . . . .she cracks me up!!!

Happy "Late" Birthday To Me

2009-10-19T23:16:00.001-04:00

I just may have the best husband on the planet. It is about 2 weeks late but for my birthday I got this:

I have been saving my own money to make the purchase after the holidays. Not only will it come in handy for those dreadful workouts but it actually will hook into our portable DVD player and allow me to play videos. This is great for Aubrey - I no longer have to buy DVDs or transport them in the car. All I have to do is load them to my iPod and we are good to go! HOLLA!!!

and exhale

2009-10-10T20:55:00.002-04:00

Finally it is done. . . . I have been married 1 month and 5 days and I have already finished my 58 page wedding album. I had over 4000 photos to flip through but I did it. I guess when I get inspired there is no stopping me. Check it out if you get a chance:

Click here to view this photo book.

TOOT TOOT!

2009-09-23T16:49:00.002-04:00

I love love love the Creative Inspiration Blog and to my surprise I have been featured for Copy Cat Wednesday. HOLLA!!!!
Here's the layout they chose:

click here to view the challenge

I pick my niece up from school everyday and on this day Joseph and I took her and Aubrey to Coldstone for Ice Cream. Aubrey loooooooooooved the ice cream, she was suppose to be sharing with her daddy but it didn't quite work out that way.

Anyway thanks lady for the compliment I am so flattered!

Meet Me At The Alter

2009-09-05T00:28:00.001-04:00

so I'm getting married in the morning. . . . . .

TOOT TOOT!

2009-05-09T11:16:00.001-04:00

The more time you spend on this blog the more you will realize that I love Digital Scrapbooking. I love everything about it. I remember a time in my life when I would snicker at the thought of scrapbooking. I mean seriously SCRAPBOOKING, I’m way to cool for that. . . . . I TAKE IT ALL BACK. I love the idea of being able to look back on years of my life and remember all the details, especially with these amazing Shutterfly books!!!

How great is it going to be for Aubrey (my daughter) to be able to sit down with her kids and pull out her FIRST YEAR scrapbook. She will be able to show them her first steps, her first tooth, her first day eating and be able to tell them the exact day it happened. Not to mention all the little stories that you always think you will remember but never do. . . . . anyway I am rambling back to the subject of the post.

So I have been scrapbooking for about 9 months now and I really love posting my layouts to this one site - Designer Digitals. They have some really amazing products and the community is pretty awesome. The ladies there offer a lot of support and great feedback. So on Saturday I sat down at my computer to check my email and I receive this awesome email:

Congratulations! I’ve chosen your layout:
Genuine Joy
as layout of the week this weekend!!
In addtion to being featured in tonight’s newsletter, here’s a $5 discount for the store.
Enjoy & Thanks for being a part of our community!
Katie

I was so freaking excited. Here is the layout (click for credits):