My DigiDare Layout...

Have you seen the DigiDare site? What a fun and inspirational idea! Here is my take on the first dare...

Our summer recap... Journaling: What a fun summer we had: We went camping twice - it was Natalie’s first time, we traveled to Grandma & Grandpa’s farm, we visited the zoo, we had a blast at the Rascal’s game, we played outside on our new swing set, A LOT, Corinne went to cheerleading camp and started kindergarten, & we got to spend a bunch of time with each other. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Credits: Papers, elements and word art from Bohemian Summer by Summer Simmons, Sunray Template by Jen Caputo, Sanded overlay by Christine Smith, Canvas photo action by Aly's vintage actions, fonts used are Modern no 20 and Papyrus.

potty training woes

ACK!! I forgot just how fun it is to potty train! Fortunately, when Corinne was training, she was in preschool, and they did most of the work. Now I am am on my own with Natalie. She has been VERY interested in the potty for a couple of months. So, I decided to give it a shot while the weather was still warm, and she didn't have to wear a lot of clothes. Natalie is a very strong willed little girl. She will not do anything unless it is her idea, or unless you really sell her on it. Knowing this, I have been going by her cues. And I am trying not to push the matter. I let her decide if she wants to go potty, some days she does, some she doesn't. That is perfectly fine with me. She is only 26 months old, so I know she is young. But there has been quite a few occasions where she has stated that she needed to go potty, and when you take her to the bathroom, she is dry and she goes in the potty. So I think she is ready.

But on to my complaint - now she has decided that she can not stand to have a wet or dirty diaper. Okay, fine. But when she is in bed *napping* or sleeping, she decides to change her own diaper, and go to bed naked. Or, I suspect, she even goes in the corner of her room so her diaper stays dry. GROSS! I don't want to keep her little potty in her room, but I also don't know if she will ever sleep if I leave the door open. I am trying to put her on a schedule of going potty, but it hasn't worked yet. What really frustrates me, is she is so quiet about doing this. I have a monitor right there, and I think she is sleeping, but NOOO. Part of me says go cold turkey ~ just put her in panties and she will eventually learn not to go. But she rarely wakes up dry at night, so I don't think that will completely work. Any advice or just words of encouragement??

bad, bad, blogger!!

I have been so neglectful the past couple of weeks! I have just been off doing my own thing, not taking the time to reflect and journal. Shame on me.

Okay, now that the hard part is done, on to some fun stuff. FALL TV!! The full lineup is still weeks away, but this week brought the premier of Prison Break! I love that show! It is so intriguing and thrilling. My palms sweat the whole way through. I am curious to see how this year goes now that they have done the *break.* I am also still very much enjoying Rock Star SuperNova! My prediction is the final 3 will be Delania, Ryan Starr, and Magni. I can see any of them winning. And, I can't wait until some of my other faves return! Lost, Desperate Housewives, The Office, Las Vegas and My name is Earl are all on my must see list! I am also looking forward to seeing Studio 60. It has a great cast, I hope it lives up to the hype!

What a week it has been for Corinne!! She was the STAR student in her class which meant she got to be the line leader all week! She also got to bring in photos of her and talk about some exciting things that she likes. I think she was going to talk about the color pink, going camping and fishing, and her loose tooth. She even got to bring in her Doodle Bear for show-and-tell! This is a storyboard I did a while ago of Corinne picking flowers after Church on Easter Morning. The quote is by Frank Lloyd Wright: "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." This is one of the photos she chose to share with her class.

Of course the week wasn't all fun and games. Corinne came home yesterday with a nice size raspberry on the side of her face. Apparently, she had been playing near the swings, and wasn't paying attention, and she got kicked in the face by someone on the swing. Poor baby! At least it didn't hit her eye. And if that wasn't bad enough, today is school picture day! She was so disappointed, but I think we hill be okay. I applied a little makeup to cover the bruise, and showed her how to twist her head just so. I know her boo-boo will heal, but hopefully the photo will turn out!

And Natalie is being her own sweet, silly, independent self. We are slowly easing into potty training. I got the Big Girl Panties out, we are switching to pull-ups, and she has been using the potty at least once a day. I think she should be easy to train (ohh, I hope I didn't jinx myself) but it is going to be on her terms. She is also talking so well! I find myself having actual, back-and-forth conversations with her. She is speaking fairly clearly, and in complete sentences, for the most part. I can't believe she is only 26 months old!

Since it has been so long since I blogged, I have quite a few LOs to share!

Natalie's first time *fishing.* She didn't catch anything, but she had fun trying! Credits: Papers, alpha, and embellishments from *one fish, two fish* by Heather Roselli, available at the DigiChick. I also used Christine Smith's sanded overlays and Holly McCaig's Purty Pic actions. Font used is kids.

Natalie's 1st Tea Party! Credits: Paper and Elements from *All A Flutter* by Laura Alpuche and Robin Carlton available at The DigiChick. Purty Pic Photo Action by Holly McCaig; Gel Letter Action by Atomic Cupcake Fonts used: 2Ps Rubber Ducky and 2Ps Wild Child.

Here are a few fun photos, and one kinda goofy one (it was taken after a lot of martini's :o) from my 30th birthday party last year. Credits: All papers and elements from *B-day Bash* by Heather Roselli available at The DigiChick. Font used: Fabulous 50s

This is my LO for the Chick Walk Challenge. Journaling: Okay, so maybe not 10,000, but I have walked A LOT of miles in the past 6 weeks. And boy, do my shoes look tired! They, along with my now broken pedometer have been to festivals, ball games, the botanical gardens, target, camping trips, and even just around my block. Now if only my body will reward me by fitting into those darn jeans!! Credits: Paper and Elements from Cool Cool Summer by Mari K and Sarah J available here at TDC! Distressed Alpha and sanded overlay from Christine Smith. Purty Pic Photo Action by Holly McCaig

So I think that is enough from me! I am off tonight to do something I haven't done in A LONG, LONG time. I am going to be a good Alumna and go to my sorority's rush. It should be fun! Have a great weekend!

late night blogging...

Oh, my head is aching. I should go take some ibuprophen, but that would require getting up. So I will just suffer and complain, lol. It is late, and I have a full day tomorrow in continuing ed for my real estate license. UCK!! And I have so much to do!! But I have accomplished quite a bit on my list!

√ VOTE TOMORROW!! (mostly primaries, but I still think it is important)
~ do laundry and clean the house (why did I make this one item? I got the laundry done, but I can't check it off yet!)
~ pack for camping this weekend ~ mostly done
√ Scrap (of course)
√ grocery shopping
√ room parents meeting
x Book club? rescheduled
~ Real Estate License Continuing Ed
√ walk (if I can)
~ send out fundraiser email to friends and family for Corinne's School
~ go camping with four other families, and our FIVE 2-year olds one 5-year old (yes we are nuts)

*sigh* still more to do, but I am getting there.

So, the Room Parent's meeting was tonight at Corinne's school, and I am happy (I think) to say that I am the Head Room Parent for her class. What does that entail, you ask? Well I apparently have to through THREE killer parties for an entire kindergarten class on a very very limited budget. Oh, my! What did I get myself into? Did I mention that the reason I am Head Room Mom is because nobody else volunteered? Hmmm... And long gone are the class parties with a 2 liter and a bunch of cupcakes! Oh no, we need crafts, games, goodies, and healthy-prepackaged-served-with-plastic-gloves-contains-no-peanuts food. I really don't know what I was thinking! But, honestly, I think it will be fun. And Corinne is excited. And that is what is most important.

Now on to scrapping stuff!

First off, BIG TOOT FOR ME!!! I am getting my *my sister, my friend* LO published in the DigiChick's monthly Magazine - DeZine!! Whoo Hoo! It was a contest they heldover the weekend, and myself and three others were chosen for the honor!!

Also, my Fishies LO (see below) was chosen by DawnMcD for a scraplift challenge with a twist over at DigiShopTalk. She will Scraplift my page, and I got to answer some fun questions, and then choose a layout of hers to scraplift myself. Make sense? lol! Here is the LO I lifted from her original *She's Got Style*. Journaling:90% OF THE TIME YOU ARE THE MOST GRACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL GIRL. BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, MY CLUMBSINESS COMES OUT IN YOU. RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THIS PHOTO, YOU TWIRLED RIGHT IN TO THE CLOSET DOOR. IT WAS PRICELESS! Credits: Papers, ribbon and chipboard from KristinCB's *Cherry Cheescake* Flowers from Lanne's *Faraway Friends* Pen and Ink Flower Collection Metal charm, Pin, and stitching from Jan Crowley's *Little Black Dress* Photo Action is Aly's High Res Memory Lane, Fonts used are Modern No.20 and 2Ps Ribbons.

Now I better head off, and get some rest. I have a bunch of stuff to get done so we can leave for camping Friday!!

no more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Natalie's visit to the doctor for her two year check up was a big success! She is measuring in the 90th percentile in height and the 75th in weight. She is the exact same size that Corinne was at 2. The doctor was impressed with her speaking, and the fact that she went to the potty like a big girl while we were there. She also wasn't too concerned about Natalie's picky eating, and her lack of naps. It is all typical toddler behavior, so no worries! (easy for her to say, of course :O) Apparently, Natalie picked up on a lot the the doctor said, and yesterday as I laid her down for her *nap* I told her not to take her diaper off (another one of her fun games), and she said *yes, mommy, the doctor said!* It was so cute, and I was impressed. I figured I ought to use this doctor thing to my advantage. So one of the last times I went in to check on her during her *nap* I said, *you need to stay in your big girl bed! Do you remember what the doctor said?* Her response? *No more monkeys jumping on the bed!* LOL!! Ahhh, well. She IS only TWO!

Now that Corinne is in Kindergarten all day, I don't have as many stories to tell about her. I have her recaps of her exciting days, and I know that she is doing well because she comes home with smiley stars every day. But, I really miss her being around! I know that she is having a BLAST at school, and that is what is most important. One thing she did do that she is VERY proud of, is that she can do the monkey bars on her swing set all the way to the fourth rung! Of course, I know she could do more, but her courage only lasts so long!

So my walking had been coming along well. I don't know that I've lost a bunch of weight, but I feel better overall. That is, until yesterday evening when I hurt my toe! It is so sore now, I have it taped to the toe next to it. I don't think it is broken, but boy is is tender. And the worst part of it is that I just stubbed it on a door jam. I wasn't even doing something that would have a risk of hurting oneself. I am such a clumsy dork! And now I am afraid to put my tennis shoes on, so I missed walking this morning. I hope to be better by tomorrow. Grrr....

On my to do list for this week:
~ VOTE TOMORROW!! (mostly primaries, but I still think it is important)
~ do laundry and clean the house
~ pack for camping this weekend
~ Scrap (of course)
~ grocery shopping
~ room parents meeting
~ Book club?
~ Real Estate License Continuing Ed
~ walk (if I can)
~ send out fundraiser email to friends and family for Corinne's School
~ go camping with four other families, and our FIVE 2-year olds one 5-year old (yes we are nuts)

I will leave you with two cards that I made for the Friendship Day Challenge at the DigiChick...

Credits: *Vintage Diva* kit by Laura Alpuche and Fee Jardine available right here at The Digi Chick. Overlay from Jan Crowley's *Little Black Dress* also available here at TDC. Font used: Edwardian script.

Credits:Summer Wishes by Heather Roselli and White Paper is from Little Black Dress by Jan Crowley. Paper Chalking is from Atomic Cupcake.

Have a great week!!

Saturday's Post, take two...

I just closed the window with my completed blog post for today. Without saving. Grrr, Way To Go, Ashleigh!

So what was I saying? Oh yes, I was sharing some of my latest layouts...

I never had the joy of having a sister, and I think that may be why I love the relationship my daughters have. They fight, wrestle, aggravate, play and hug, all in the same minute. It is such a special bond, I know that they will be best friends forever. I created this layout for a Friendship Day Challenge at The DigiChick. The alpha, papers, and elements are from the awesome new double up kit *Pajama Party* by Kathy Moore and Heather Roselli, available at The Digi Chick. Inked edges by Kim Hill, Chalked Edge action by Atomic Cupcake. Font used is Baskerville.

Last week, Natalie and I met some friends at The Missouri Botanical Gardens. Here she is feeding the giant koi. It was such an exciting experience for her! Credits: Papers and Elements are from Heather Roselli's new kit *Summer Wishes* available at the Digi Chick. Doodle frame from Laura Alpuche's *frameworks* also available at TDC. Font used is 2Ps Architect.

I did this layout for the Chick Walk Challenge. It is a trading card about me :O) I am really enjoying being a part of this walking challenge. I find that being part of a team that is counting on me is very motivating! And since the only time I can walk by myself is at 6:30 am, I am even starting to break my bad habit of staying up late! I used Jan Crowley's *Little Black Dress* available where? You guessed it, The Digi Chick! That site rocks! LOL!

Thanks for looking! And have a happy Saturday!

Wednesday's Blog

Aaahhhh... my scrappers block seems to have passed! I am finally feeling creative again, and boy am I playing catch-up! And now I have so many ideas, I just don't seem to have enough time! Here are the two layouts that I created yesterday...

~*~Queen~*~ The bright side of being a mom of princesses, you get to be the queen! Credits: All Papers and Elements are from the *Vintage Diva* kit by Laura Alpuche and Fee Jardine available later this week at The DigiChick. Fonts used: Edwardian Script and Bookman Old Style.

*Dad's Day* We got my hubby a telescope for Father's Day, and this kit was a perfect fit! Credits: All Papers and Elements are from the *Space Odyssey* kit by Heather Roselli available at The Digi Chick. Fonts used: 2Ps Antique and Copperplate.

So my birthday was this past Sunday, and no, I don't feel any older :). But I did get some wonderful gifts, including some new ear buds for my ipod, the new SheDaisy CD, some pretty earings and ring that Corinne picked out for me, and some shopping money!! Yea!! Now, the really fun part: deciding what to buy with my $$. Clothes, shoes, accessories? Ahh, too many choices. I think I am going to wait and get a new fall outfit. Unfortunately, I am just not diggin' the *new* styles. Everything is SOOO 80s inspired. I already spent a good portion of my youth looking ridiculous, I really don't want to do it again. What is up with wearing a sundress over jeans? Not my thing! Or the striped off the shoulder tunic and leggins? YUCK! I think this style might look cute on some people, but not on me. I would just feel like a complete a$$. LOL!

Today we are off to Natalie's 2 year check up. I am a couple months behind, but whatyagonnado? She is getting so big! I am curious to see if she is bigger than Corinne was at this age. If she is, I will be completely surprised, because she is such a picky eater! But I guess she is getting what she needs, because she is definitely a growing girl. I just can't believe she is not a baby anymore. The big girl bed is working well. We are at about 50% for naps, and she sleeps great in it at night. She hasn't even fallen out, yet! And we are going to start getting serious about potty training in the next few weeks. She seems really interested, so I figured I would give it a shot!