creative thinking

change is beauty

2008-05-29T11:18:00.002-05:00

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
~ Maya Angelou

my list

2008-05-29T10:32:00.003-05:00

As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my head in the clouds. I was going to be a rock star, an actress, Snow White. I was creative, passionate, and I knew who I was. As I got older, my goals became a little more realistic (I can not sing!), but I still reached for the stars. I did some modeling, I went to architecture school. Slowly, though, fear of failure took over, and I stopped trying. I followed the path of least resistance, did what was expected of me, and chose the easy way. I love where I ended up at, but I think I have lost a little of myself along the way. There is a me that is not a wife and mother. And I am working to find that me, to determine my purpose.

As a mom, I see the potential that my girls have. The world is theirs for the taking. Is that true for me, too? I know that it once was. Being a mom is fantastic, and wonderful, and important, but it isn't all that I am. And I believe that it will be beneficial for my girls to see their mom as someone what has interests outside of motherhood.

With all that in mind, I decided to start a list expressing some of my goals (in no particular order of importance):
1. Write a book about something and promote it on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
2. Learn how to play the guitar
3. Paint paintings
4. Get my Masters Degree in School Counseling
5. Go back to Jamaica with Adrian
6. Finish reading A New Earth
7. Complete heritage album, continue collecting resources on genealogy
8. Learn to surf
9. Volunteer time to a political campaign (maybe my own?)
10. Get over my fear of flying so that I can travel again
11. Learn a foreign language
12. Put in a pool, and have lots of pool parties
13. Volunteer at Planned Parenthood
...

The Sweetest Life

2008-05-27T14:11:00.002-05:00

Just over a year ago, I began practicing positive thinking. I've always been analytical, over-achieving, and a bit of a pessimist (wow, that was hard to admit). And I found myself in a bit of a "worst-case scenario" with our business. I was so caught up in worry and blame, that I began to lose my joy. Stress was a euphemism. I knew I had to change. I began searching inside for answers. I began praying that God would help me learn whatever lesson I was supposed to learn so I could just move on. And then Oprah began preaching The Secret. It immediately clicked with me. I realized that while I can't control other's actions, I can control my reaction to them. And I learned that most of our actions, while subconscious, are controlled by our own thought patterns. Most importantly, I learned what it truly means to forgive. I decided that I will be happy again, my relationship with my husband will be strong again and our financial outlook will be just fine. And I learned to find the blessings in even the darkest of times. I am now joyful. And my life is so full of blessings, many that were always there, I was just too stressed to truly appreciate them. When I begin to loose my way, I am always pulled back. My journey brings me to a new book, a new song (see below), a new friend. We do create the lives we desire. And I have the sweetest life.

my song

2008-05-27T12:47:00.003-05:00

There's just something about this song! It takes me back to simpler times, and reminds me of how blessed I am. Enjoy!

back at it

2008-05-27T12:40:00.003-05:00

hmmm, I think it's time to dust this baby off and get bloggin' again. It's been a while, so I need to update some links, and maybe design a new header. I guess we'll see how it goes...

Happy Easter!

2007-04-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

Long time no see! Been busy, been scrappin! Here are some recent LOs...

It's Spring Credits

Four-Leaf Clover Credits

Birthday Princess Credits

My Wish Credits

Who Knew? Credits

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Credits

Family~Love~Together Credits

And I will leave you with a little youtube entertainment...

...till we meet again!

January update...

2007-01-12T15:38:00.000-06:00

wow, has it really been THAT long? I thought for sure I had updated at SOME point during the holidays. Ah well...

I have been busy lately. I have done LOTS of scrapping, and I learned that a mini album I created was requested by Scrapbook Trends Magazine to be published in their Mini-Albums Idea Book II. WHOO HOO!! It is my first time ever being published, I am so excited. Of course, I haven't told many people IRL because I don't know that they would GET how exciting this is, and I also wont believe that I actually got published until I see it, lol!

The chaos of the holidays have also spilt right into the new year for me. I put off a lot of stuff last month so that I could focus on the celebrations. So my To-Do list is huge right now! I have to deal with changing my real estate license, going to the dentist, dealing with our shoddy health insurance agent, preparing our finances for tax season, all such FUN stuff. I guess you understand why I put it off, lol.

Also, Natalie decided she wanted to potty train!! Wonderful news, except we have been stuck at home for nearly two weeks! I don't yet feel comfortable being too far from a bathroom that I know she will use. I am about to go out of my mind with cabin fever!! And I have spent the better part of the last 10 days in a bathroom. FUN. She is wearing BGP.a.n.t.i.e.s all day except nap and bed time, and the only outings we have had were to my parents. The good news is that she is doing really well - she uses the regular toilet with a seat on it, she has only had 1 small accident in the past couple of days, and she went poop in the potty (once)!! But we still have a ways to go... Boy, it was so much easier when Corinne's school trained her :) Our big test is going to be this weekend- we are planning on taking the girls ice skating Saturday, and we have a birthday party Sunday.

Corinne is happy to be back at school. She had nearly three weeks off for Christmas, and I really think she was getting bored towards the end of that time. She is also SOOO excited that her birthday is next month. She is turning SIX *sniff*. I don't know where the years have gone! Just look at what a beautiful girl she is becoming...
Credits:Papers & embellishments from Andrea Burns CT Call kit ~ Sanded overlay by Christine Smith ~ Swirl brushes from sheshido ~ Paper tear action by Atomic Cupcake ~ Font used is 2ps piano recital

Credits: Papers, ricrac, & title from the DigiChick Designer's *Heart and Soul* ~ Flower template, doodles, gem from Christine Smith's *Freestyle Flowers 2* ~ White paper from Heather Roselli's *Key Ingredients*

And this is my Natalie-bug during one of her sweeter moments!
Credits:Papers, alpha and Elements from Heather Roselli's *Sweetie Pie* ~Clothing tag is from Heather Roselli's *Girl Clothing Tags* ~Date stamp from Heather Roselli's *Day Planner*~All are available at The DigiChick. ~ Font used is 2Ps Piano Recital

I would love to say that I resolved to update my blog more, but I think my thighs & butt need more attention right now, lol. But I am going to try and pop in much more than once a quarter!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2006-10-28T23:05:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been so caught up in the Cards playing in, and wining the WORLD SERIES, that I nearly forgot that Halloween was this week!!! Okay, I didn't really forget, but it sure snuck up on me! I so love Halloween - my house is decorated with Jack-o-lanterns, hanging bats and witches shoes! This year, Corinne is going to be Ariel and Natalie will be Snow White! They look so sweet in their costumes. Here are some pics from last year... Credits: Duplicates Layered Template by Rachael Giallongo & Heather Roselli (Let's Pretend with Halloween Add-On) available at The Digi Chick; Alpha from Let's Pretend by Heather Roselli, also available at The DigiChick

The only down side to Halloween is that it is usually unseasonably cold and rainy! YUCK! And sure enough, while the next couple of days are supposed to be beautiful, rain is predicted to arrive Tuesday night. I saw this comic today that really made me laugh!! I just love the kids standing in the door to the mini-van!! So appropriate.

So here's to a safe, fun, and DRY Halloween!!

good excuse for my absence...

2006-10-26T23:47:00.000-05:00

I have been glued to my TV for the past few weeks, and just have one thing to say... GO CARDS!!

Go Cards!!!

2006-10-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

Once again, our hometown team has advanced to the National League Championship Series!!! Whoo Hooo!! The atmosphere her is so great when the Cardinals are in the playoffs. Fortunately, we got to take Corinne to a game a couple of weeks ago. It was a blast! There is just nothing like being a Cardinals Fan!

I admit it, I have been so bad about blogging. But I have also been neglecting my scrapping, too. Corinne has been on cycle break the last two weeks, and I just have not found my *groove.* But she goes back next Monday, and she is so excited!! And I'll admit it, I am too. I just can't seem to keep her entertained. Also, I have been working for my dad, and selling some of the girls' outgrown stuff, and just watching the days fly by. But I have gotten a couple of pages done! The first was so easy to do! I just used a *Duplicates* page... Journaling: Corinne’s 1st tooth finally fell out at breakfast, but she swallowed it! She was worried the toothfairy would not come, so she wrote her a note, and the next morning, Corinne was $3 richer!! Credits: Duplicates Layered Template by Rachael Giallongo & Heather Roselli (Sugary Sweet) at The Digi Chick; Date stamp from Day Planner by Heather Roselli available at The DigiChick; Purty Pic action by Holly McCaig; Font used is palatino.

And here's a page I did using a template. It should further explain what I spend my days doing instead of scrapping :O) Credits: Journaling: Is it any wonder why I never seem to get anything accomplished? As I was cleaning your room, look at what you were busy doing in the playroom! Credits: Layered Template by Rachael Giallongo; Papers, elements & stamped alpha from *Toddler Time* a double up kit by Heather Roselli and Angela Barton; Purty Pic action by Holly McCaig; Font used is century schoolbook.

Well, I am off to straighten my house for a playdate!

wow, has it really been that long?

2006-10-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

Whoops!!

Well I have been very busy lately - first came the Fall Cleaning, then the Fall Colds, and now my Fall Passion.

Every other October is an especially exciting for me- it is election time!! Most people grumble and groan when they see the endless political commercials on television. Me? I get fired up! For me, a new election brings a renewed sense of hope and promise. I hope that those who represent my position will be elected, or re-elected, and that the vision that I have for America will continue to come together. Election day for me is like the Superbowl is for Football fans. Only there is more at stake.

And what is my vision for America? Well, for starters, I feel that we should have honest leaders. I don't think assuming all politicians are crooks and liars makes it okay for them to actually be crooks and liars. I also feel that we should uphold our proud tradition of diplomacy, to strive for peace, and to use war only as a last resort. I believe very strongly in the constitution, and that the liberties outlined in it are for EVERY American, not just the ones who agree with you. I also hope, pray, dream for a national health care policy. We should have healthcare that helps prevent, not just treat. And we should have a policy that will allow everyone to be insured. I would also love to see more money spent SMARTLY on education. I believe that we should work night and day to end the poverty that plagues our nation. I also feel that our government should stay away from the trend of legislating religious beliefs. I also think that America needs to be better citizens of the world, beginning with doing more to protect the environment. I know my view is very simplistic and very idealistic, but I love my country, and know we can be better if we try. I want my daughters to be as proud to be an American and I am. And what I love most about my country is that if its citizens believe that it is not heading in the right direction, they can change it!!

I think in another life, or maybe later in this one, I would love to be more involved in politics. Right now, I am content with joining organizations, going to Rallies, signing petitions, reminding others to vote, and putting signs in my yard. But, hopefully, when my little ones are older, I will have more time to make more of an impact. I don't have the spine to actually run for office, but I could be part of a campaign.

So, what got me thinking about all of this? Well my local paper had an editorial that I thought was very poignant. And it really expressed some of my views in a way I don't think I could...

Be liberal on flag and patriotism
O'Fallon Mo Journal

no title today

2006-09-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

Wow, is it really Thursday, already? Where do the days go? This week has not been a great one for the simple fact that I have been sick since Sunday. I thought it was just allergies, but now I am thinking it is a cold. Today, I am feeling better, so I hope to do some scrapping tonight.

Here is a page that I did this past weekend..It is a Scraplift of Shine... Journaling: Corinne, this photo is so completely... you! The side pose, tilted head, partially shrugged shoulder & the sweet, bright smile - your trademark pose! And what I really love, is that this is the pose I got when I asked you to show me the magnifying glass you were using to look at bugs. Always the princess, that’s YOU! Credits:Papers and ribbon from *my pjs* by Mari K; Flowers (re-colored) from *cool, cool summer* by Mari K and Sarah J; Staples (re-colored) and rhinestone brads from *bobby socks* by Laura Alpuche; All available at The DigiChick. Inked edges by Kim Hill; Chipboard action by Atomic Cupcake; Purty Pic Action by Holly McCaig. Fonts used: Papyrus and Baskerville

Update on Natalie's, uh hum, issue: we have resorted to taping the diaper on using packing tape. So far, it is working, as long as we wrap it completely around, and make it tight enough that she can't pull it off (but not too tight, of course). Hopefully this will get us through our little phase, then we can return to potty training.

Also, Corinne has a big night tomorrow... It is her official cheerleading debut! She did a future cheerleader clinic last week, and tomorrow she gets to preform at half time at a local high school football game! Whoo hoo! She is so excited, although a bit nervous. I am hoping to get there early, so we can get some good pics!

Yay, it is SEPTEMBER!!!

2006-09-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

Can I say how totally excited I am that it is September?!?!? I love this time of year. And to make it even sweeter, the weather this week has been awesome!! I don't think it has hit 80 degrees all week. Granted that is a tad unseasonal for us, but I'll take it!! While I do love summer, I can only take the heat if I am in a pool or on a beach. So I am soooo ready for Fall. I think I will get out my fall decorations next week! My house is decorated in mostly fall colors, so my pumpkins really look good with the rest of my decor.

Speaking of my house, boy do I have some projects lined up for the fall. Now that the hustle and bustle of the summer is winding down, I really feel like I want to get some things done around here. My hubby is going to stain our fence this weekend, and I need to do some deep cleaning. I also have some furniture to refinish, and I need to work on Corinne's new bedroom, so we can move Natalie to a big girl bed. I have decided to switch the girls rooms, since Corinne wanted something more Girly Girl. Here is the room that is Corinne's now, but will be Natalie's soon. It is a surfer girl room, it even has a pink surfboard on the wall (lovingly donated and painted by my husband). I loved putting this room together!

So Corinne's wants her new room to have a butterfly theme. I have slowly accumulated what I need, and I think I am close to beginning the room. The walls will be a light aqua blue, and the quilt that I got (on clearance from PBK :o) is bright pink. I bought a few big, bright pink butterflies at Bombay Kids and a canopy to go around her headboard. I also found some great furniture on Craigslist. The lines are awesome, though it needs some work. I am going to paint it all white and do some slight distressing. I was able to get the dresser, chest, nightstand and mirror! I also am eyeing a great iron bed from jcpenny's to tie the furniture together. I think it is going to come together so awesome, I can't wait!!

Also on my fall *to-do* list is landscaping. Or RE-landscaping. Our hostas and mums are taking over the place, so we are going to split them and start a new planter along the side of our home. I am just looking for some new plants to add variety, and I FINALLY want to plant some bulbs. I always forget to do it until it is too late in the season.

And if that wasn't enough to accomplish, I also really need to clear out and hopefully sell a lot of my baby stuff. I donated and sold a bunch of stuff last year, but boy I am still overwhelmed with what I have accumulated!!

So, that is how my fall is shaping up so far, I sure hope I can get out of the house and enjoy it, lol!!

My DigiDare Layout...

2006-08-31T15:58:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

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!!

2006-08-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-08-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-08-07T14:28:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-08-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

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

2006-08-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

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!

update

2006-07-27T15:12:00.000-05:00

So I changed Natalie's wave machine so the occasional seagull will fly by, and I set her Nemo toys on her pillow. I told her that if she moved, Nemo would fall down, and that she needed to lay still so she can here the birdies. And guess what?! Not a peep out of her for over an hour! SHE IS SLEEPING!! WHOO HOO *doing the very quiet happy dance*!! Now I am off to revel in the silence :O)

exhausted

2006-07-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

So Natalie has not taken a nap in 3 days. I am beat!! I forget how much I rely on her down time. I use that time to clean, scrap, return emails, blog, whatever. And now I am so behind! And she so NEEDS her naps. Without them she is such a pill! She puts the *Terrible* into Terrible Twos. And she normally not like this.

I am racking my brain trying to figure out why she is just not napping. Is is because Sissy is at school, and Natalie is just out of sorts? Probably. Or is it because she working on some new skill? Likely. I also wonder if it is because she is tired of being trapped in her crib? Maybe. I have tried everything that I can think of to make her nap: wear her out playing, running errands, pushing naptime back an hour or so, giving her milk, what ever I can think of. But to no avail. I am so frustrated.

My last idea was to transform her crib into a daybed. So yesterday, we made a big production out of taking the front of her crib off, and we went to Target to get a big girl pillow. She didn't take a nap, grrrr, but she did go right to sleep last night, and she slept all night in her new *big girl bed*! I hope this is a good sign! I know it is just a phase, but I am so ready for her to be back to her sweet, pleasant, napping self!

Natalie SLEEPING in her Big Girl Bed! Aahh, a sight for sore eyes :O)

And speaking of getting back to normal, my mom and dad finally have their electricity. They had lost it initially last Wednesday when the first storms rolled through. But it came back on about 3 am Thursday morning. Then about 10 am that same morning, my mom saw the transformer blow, and they were dark again. Friday, of course, brought a new round of storms and damage, and they didn't get any power until last night. They were out for one week! Yuck. And with the temperatures as high as they have been, things have been pretty miserable for them. Not to mention the fact that my dad relies on his computer for business, and my brother needs his for school. I can only imagine how long it will take for them to catch up with what they need to do. Some 43,000 customers in the area still don't have power. I hope the powers that be see this as a wake up call to do something to prevent this from happening again. The most widespread outages occurred where there are older lines that are not run underground, and are near large, older trees. What a mess this has been for our area.

my birthday week!

2006-07-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

It is my birthday week!!! I am turning twenty~nine for the 3rd time on Sunday! So I am really looking forward to this weekend! I know it is only Monday, lol, but I love having fun stuff to look forward too! On Saturday, we are getting together with my girlfriends and their families for a bbq. Fun! Fun! And Sunday (my actual birthday) is also my dad's birthday. So we will do something with my parents and my brothers.

Of course, I have no idea what I want for my birthday. I really like surprises, so I am usually tickled with whatever I receive! I would love a Wacom tablet, but $$ is a little tight, I would feel so guilty getting it. Maybe for Christmas :O)

I did a little scrapbooking today. I have gotten some fun new kits lately that I wanted to play around with...
Corinne's first day of kindergarten!!! She is now a *school-ager* Credits: Tan paper and inked edge from Jan Crowley's *Little Black Dress;* Orange, Blue, Green and Yellow papers from Heather Roselli's *April Showers;* Flower template and inked edges from Christine Smith's *Freestyle Flowers II;* All kits are available at The DigiChick. I also used Atomic Cupcake inked Edges, Dani Mogistad's circle stitch, and the font is Vintage Typewriter.

And thank you ladies for suggesting some good walking tunes! You gave me some great ideas that I hadn't thought of!! I am really enjoying my morning strolls! I feel better already! My goal is to fit into my new jeans by September. Wish me luck!!

Finally Friday!

2006-07-21T09:21:00.000-05:00

What a week it has been! I have just been out of sorts all week, and very little seemed to go my way. But today is a new day, so I will embrace it!!

With everything, I was still able to get a little scrapbooking done...
Here's my 2 yo enjoying the lazy days of summer! Journaling: Ahh, the life of a two year old! No cares, no worries! It doesn’t get much better than this! ~ Natalie Anne ~ July 2, 2006 Credits: Papers, elements, and alpha from Heather Roselli's fun new *Tropical Summer* kit, available at The DigiChick. Fonts used: 2Ps Gingersnap & Baskerville

And I have still been walking! I walked for an hour today - whoo hoo! I just need to find something new to listen to on my ipod. So far I have walked to Maroon5, 3 Doors Down, John Mayer, and Train. I like to mix things up a bit, but I am running out of upbeat tunes. I have a lot of country and jazz, and some R&B on my ipod, but they just don't motivate me to move. Any suggestions?

We are celebrating my friends birthday tomorrow, so I am off to go find her the perfect gift, on a limited budget. FUN! I am usually way ahead of the game when it comes to gifts, I like to buy months in advanced. But I have not been inspired! My own birthday is next weekend, and I haven't a clue what I want, either. I guess I will just wander around the store until THE PERFECT GIFT jumps in my lap. I may be a while, lol!

Have a great weekend!

Corinne's First Day of Kindergarten!

2006-07-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

ahh, yes, the BIG day has arrived! Our district goes year-round, so school starts early. And so far no tears :O) While I didn't expect any from Corinne, I wasn't sure how her dad and I would react. My hubby, Adrian, had already claimed he was going to cry like a baby, but he is doing a great job holding it together!

Last night was *meet the teacher night*, so we went up to Corinne's school to drop of some school supplies and to see her teacher. We found Corinne's seat, her cubby, and her hook. She had some questions that she wanted to ask her teacher, so they had a nice chat. Her big question was *what kind of homework will we have?* She is so excited to learn, and to make new friends, and to do homework!! We took a couple of pics, of course :O) Natalie was so excited, too, that she even wore her own backpack!

Corinne and her kindergarten teacher!

Last night, Corinne had a little trouble falling asleep, but once she did, she slept really well. She woke me up about 7:30 and we got her all ready. She was so excited and ready! I don't think she was very nervous at all. We took lots more pics, and then the time came - the School Bus had arrived. With barely a look back, she got on the bus and was off!!

I just can't believe my baby is in Kindergarten!

there is a reason...

2006-07-18T15:13:00.000-05:00

I am grateful. Very grateful. I have two very happy, very healthy little girls. I have a loving and respectful husband who provides me with the opportunity to stay home and raise my girls. I have a wonderful extended family, and amazing friends and neighbors who make my life so rich. I live in a beautiful home, drive a reliable car, and I am healthy. In a time where there is so much pain, suffering, and unhappiness in this world, I know that I am truly blessed. I just have to believe that the bad days are meant to remind me of what is really important. I have to have faith in that.

dread...

2006-07-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

You know that feeling you get at the pit of your stomach when you are uneasy about something? Yeah, that's the one. Well last night I started to get that feeling. I am having a hard time shaking it, too. And before I went to bed I tried to put my finger on what was causing it... the hospital bill from Natalie's run in with the coffee table last year? my long awaited float trip that is now over? my 31st birthday, coming up next week? the piles and piles of laundry that need to be put away? the impending deadline to sign up for my master's program, if I want to go? our building in the city that just isn't selling? my baby's first day of kindergarten that is coming up on Thursday?

AH HA!! That's it! I so totally thought I was okay with her starting school. Oh, was I wrong. I am really not looking forward to Thursday. And my hubby is already saying that he is going to cry. My goodness, we are going to be a mess. And my sweet Corinne, she has been looking forward to this day for years. She is so excited! She got her haircut short today, so that she would look like a *school ager.* She is growing so fast! Why can't time just slow down a little? Well, I am excited for her, she is ready. But I am going to miss her so much. Her school is full day, she wont get home until 4:30 :o( I have to remind myself that she isn't going to college, it is just kindergarten. Enough of my feeling sad, though. I did make a LO to highlight her new school clothes that we bought last week...

Journaling: July 11 - Mommy and grandma took me shopping to buy some new clothes for me to wear to Kindergarten!! I got a new backpack, some cute outfits & my favorite - a new pair of shoes!!!
Credits: Papers and Alpha are from Heather Roselli's brand new *Teddy Bear Picnic* kit available at the DigiChick. Atomic Cupcake chalked edges. Kids Font.

We're off again!

2006-07-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

I am jumping on really quick to say bye! I am heading off on my luxury vacation - 3 days, 2 nights tent camping and rafting down the river in Bourbon Missouri! Ahhh, the good 'ole midwestern life! We like to get to the camp early and set up, so we will probably leave here in a couple of hours. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I will see ya'll when I return!!

bad days and mojo

2006-07-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a day yesterday turned out to be. It just seemed like the bad news just kept on coming. Nothing too serious, just crap with finances and my hubby's real estate business. But all you can do is press on, and learn your lessons. I am just so thankful that my hubby has been able to follow his dreams, even if the sacrifices have been more than we bargained for. I know we will succeed, I just hope that it is soon.

I have to say that I was afraid the bad day was affecting my scrap mojo, but I worked it all out with a scraplift!

This is lifted from Zoe Pearn's LO for Heather's Scraplift Challenge at TDC. I hope I did it justice :O) Credits: Papers and Elements from Laura Alpuche's *Poolside Paradise* available from the DigiChick. Messy frame from Laura Alpuche's *frameworks* series, also available at TDC. Font is Papyrus.

I also created another fun layout that I can not share just yet!

I have to go now, Natalie is starting to get into things, and she has been known to destroy a room in under 10 seconds flat. TTFN!

new school shoes!

2006-07-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Sniff, sniff. My baby starts kindergarten in 8 days!!!! Our district goes year round, so this milestone is especially early. To mark the occasion, my mom and I took Corinne out to do some school shopping. She got a new backpack, some fun outfits, and best of all, NEW SHOES!! They were a special treat from Grandma, and I hardly think she has taken them off since yesterday :O) Aren't they cute?

I am also very happy that I got to walk again today!!! It was only for 30 minutes, but it feels great! And I am stoked that The DigiChick is starting a new challenge that will help motivate me to keep up my new habit! Checkout the details here!

Now I have to go clean and pack. We are going camping again this weekend, but this time WITHOUT the girls~ YEAHHHHHH!!!!!! Can you tell I am excited? lol!

got 'er done!

2006-07-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I really couldn't think of a better title. I know it is bad :o) . But, I finished the LO that I lost earlier!! Yea!!

Credits: All papers, elements, and alpha are from Laura Alpuche's new kit *Poolside Paradise* available at The DigiChick. Paper tear is Atomic Cupcake's and the font is vintage typewriter.

lesson learned...

2006-07-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

I know, I know! ALWAYS save your work!! GRRR!!!

I was just completing a couple of LOs that I had been working on, and right in the middle of running an action, *POOF!* my 2-page LO was gone! I should have saved my work. I know. There really is no excuse. All I can do is hang my head in shame and laugh. But I know next time I will be more diligent about saving.

The bad news is that instead of having a cool new layout to share, all I have today is my frustration. Sorry!

Hopefully I will be able to recreate my LO.

Something to think about...

2006-07-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

I got this from a friend, it really gave me something to think about. I hope you enjoy it...

A POEM ABOUT OUR GIRLFRIENDS.........

Someone will always be prettier.
Some will always be smarter.
Some of their houses will be bigger.
Some will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
And their husband will fix more things around the house.

So let it go, and love you and your circumstances.

Think about it!

The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes.... might be lonely.

And the word says, "If I have not Love, I am nothing."
So, again, love you. Love who you are.
Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say,

"I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed, to be disappointed!"
"Winners make things happen-- Losers let things happen."

Be "blessed" ladies.....

Have a wonderful day!!!

fabulous friday!

2006-07-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

So, Friday is here already! And what a Friday it will be. I have so much to do! (Run errands, pack for camping, go to grocery store, clean - nothing like waiting until the last minute!) But I am also very proud of myself, I actually woke up at 6:30 (AM!) and walked with my neighbor. It is amazing how great it feels to get some exercise and shower before my girls wake up! I have been dragging my feet about getting started, I stay up way too late on this computer. But I really needed to do it! And now I hope to continue! We'll see!

Rock Stars, Book Clubs and more!!

2006-07-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Did ya watch RockStar last night? Oh, I had forgotten how much I enjoy this show!! I was addicted last summer, and I am very excited that it is back. There are some pretty incredible artists competing this season. They performed everything from Janis Joplin to Coldplay. It will just be interesting to see what the band, SuperNova, is looking for. I have a couple of faves, but I think it is too early to really see how good they are.

Tonight is my book club meeting! Whoo hoo! There are a few other moms in my neighborhood who have girls that are my daughter's age. And we try to get together every month or so, but truthfully, we hardly discuss the book. But it is a lot of fun to get together and chat without the little ones trying to get our attention. Tonight we are supposed to meet at Bahama Breeze - Yum!! And the last book we read was called "A Girl Named Zippy"...

FROM THE PUBLISHER
"When Haven Kimmel was born in 1965, Mooreland, Indiana was a sleepy little hamlet of three hundred people. Nicknamed "Zippy" for the way she would run around like a circus monkey, this small girl was possessed of big eyes and even bigger ears. In this lovingly told memoir, Kimmel takes readers back in time to when small-town America was still trapped in the amber of the innocent post-war period—people help their neighbors, go to church, keep barnyard animals in their backyards. "To three-year-old Zippy, it makes perfect sense to strike a bargain with her father to keep her baby bottle—never mind that when she does, it's the first time she's ever spoken. The words never stop once Zippy finds her voice, and it is a voice that Kimmel captures perfectly page after page. In her nonplussed family, Zippy has the ideal supporting cast: her beautiful yet dour brother, Danny, a seeker of the true faith; her sweetly sensible sister, Lindy, who wins the local beauty pageant; her mother, Delonda, who dispenses wisdom from the corner of the couch; and her father, Bob Jarvis, who never met a bet he didn't take. The world seen through Zippy's eyes is vivid and occasionally mind-boggling, especially when Zippy grapples with the meaning of time and has to go lie in a "worm hole" to recover. "Whether describing a serious case of chicken love, another episode with the evil old woman across the street, or the night Zippy's dad borrows thirty-six coon dogs and a raccoon to prove to the complaining neighbors just how quiet his two dogs are, Kimmel treats readers to a heroine as appealing, naive, and knowing as Scout Finch as she navigates the quirky adult world surrounding Zippy."

I really enjoyed reading the book. The author was a bit of a trouble maker, and I loved seeing the world through her eyes. The book was a very quick read, and also very touching. I would definitely recommend this book!

On to fun stuff! Here are a couple of layouts that I have completed this week...

I finally scrapped Natalie's Birth Story! Here she is at her second birthday party. Credits: Papers and Elements from Heather Roselli's brand new *Growth Spurt* kit available today at The DigiChick. I used Laura Alpuche's Arrows from her *Stampworks* series, also available at The DigiChick. Fonts are kids and ashleighshand.

Here are my girls with Grandma and Grandpa the morning of July 4th. They were going to a parade!! Credits: Papers, Elements, Word Art, and Alpha from Heather Roselli's brand new *i pledge* kit available today at The DigiChick. I used Laura Alpuche's Messy Frame from her *Frameworks* series, also available at The DigiChick.

Thanks for looking!

my family

2006-07-05T22:56:00.000-05:00

credits: Red paper from Heather Roselli's new kit *i pledge* and heart stamp from Laura Alpuche's Stampworks series. Both are avialable at The Digi Chick! Font used is Papyrus.

ahhh! It's Wednesday already!!

2006-07-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

As much as I LOVE long, relaxing holiday weekends, I can't help but feel way behind the next day! And this week is no different. I keep thinking today is Monday, and that I have plenty of time to accomplish my weekly tasks. But NOOOO, it is Wednesday, already! AHH! I have been doing laundry all morning, and making lists of all the things I need to get done this week. And we are taking the kids camping Saturday. So I have to add packing and planning to my list. I have so much to do!! So I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Add to that, all I want to do is play with my pics that I took from this weekend! Hopefully, I will get a bunch of stuff done this afternoon, and when the girls go to bed, I can scrap.

TOOT!!!

2006-07-02T08:52:00.000-05:00

My holiday weekend started off very well! On Friday, I learned that I was one of 6 chosen to join Heather Roselli's Creative Team ~ yeah!!! I am so excited and honored to join such a talented group of ladies. Everyone is very supportive and creative, I know I am going to have a blast on this team! Throughout the contest, I created some fun layouts. Here are the two that were my official submissions...

Credits: Papers and elements are from Heather Roselli's *Simply Delightful* kit available at The DigiChick. I used Atomic Cupcake's gel letter action on the title.

Credits: All Papers and Elements are from Heather Roselli's new kit *Boys Love Critters* available at The DigiChick. Atomic Cupcake Chipboard action used on title.

I can not believe that it is the Fourth of July already. This year has just flown by!! I hope everyone has a very safe and happy 4th!

it's a start

2006-06-29T15:52:00.000-05:00

I got a header of sorts (look above :o). Not real thrilled with it, but it's better than nothing. Right before I fell asleep, I thought of the most amazing design for a header. But I can't remember what it was, so for now, I'll stick with what I got.

I have been itching to create some pages today, but I have so much to do! My house really needs to be cleaned, I have laundry waiting to be put away, and the dishes, well they need to be put away, too. If only I had a maid!

hmm... needs somethiing

2006-06-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

I really need to pretty this place up a bit! It could use a little something - maybe a picture or two, some color on the walls, new fonts, something! Hopefully I can come up with some ideas, and soon!

new blog

2006-06-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have had this account for months, but I have yet to get my blog set up!! I guess today is the day!