And...here we go!
1. I'd really like for someone to deliver lunch right now.
2. Son of a #&%!!$?#%!!!! is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe. This is often something quite harmless like "son of a biscuit eater", etc....)
3. Possession is not what its all about.
4. I have a major crush on Captain Jack Sparrow. Lucky for Jason my crushes are always fictional characters.
5. Marshmallows and fire go together like boats on water.
6. This post could go on and on, but I spent too much time filling out the 25 things on Facebook and need to get the kids dressed!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to Sears for paperwork, tomorrow my plans include going to my in-laws and Sunday, I want to watch the Super Bowl(well actually just hang out while Jason watches the game!)
Catch ya'll later! Have a fantastic snowy weekend(except for Mandy, so jealous!)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I've got Sunshine on my Shoulder
OK, so I wish, right? I did take the littles around the Ovals at Lake MI today(no sunshine) and we dreamed of playing on the beach after dropping Summer off at the school. I picture bringing fruit and coffee and a sketch book. And a basket of sand toys. With the wind, smell of the lake, and annoying seagulls. Doesn't that just sound magical? I can't wait....
Thanks for a the sweet things ya said. I feel pathetic that I get so whiny. I added the link to a blog(on the sidebar) that I've been reading for quite some time. Now if their story isn't enough to pull ya out of a pissy mood, nothing is. But its not just the family's current situation. Nie was such an enlightened person before the accident. Oh and her style...wow. And she made silhouette portraits like me(although her method is different)! lets just say that I would rather read through her archives than watch pretty much any TV show. Except LOST. So enjoying this season. Love getting some answers! But seriously, go read through that blog if you never have before.
Couple other new developments- 1st, I won a challenge at Method Playground for my Crayon Resist layout! Yeah! And I won a random drawing for some fab Valentine goodies at Elle's Studio! Love her labels and tags! www.shopellesstudio.com. I feel like I need to win one one more thing to round it out to 3. Snicker.....You never know. I have entered a ton of contest because all the new releases (in the scrapbook world) came out this week and there were lots of giveaways!
And lastly, I have managed to pick up a very part time job at (of all places)Sears. Not a lot of hours(I just can't do it) but enough to get out in the world, and feel a tiny bit more flexible with $. Plus, I get a really good vibe there. Everyone is funny and nice. I did not get this vibe at Younkers. I know it sounds weird, but Younkers was kind of a miserable place, and I was there for 1 day. The store manager at Sears pulled me aside to talk, and spoke of how they were more of a family and that they have a really low turn over of help. No one could even remember the last time they had a new hire! To me that speaks volumes of a business. Not a real exciting job, but I get enough excitement around here. Yes, I never thought this is what I would be doing at 31 years old, but I never pictured myself with 3 kids either. As the Rolling Stones say, " You can't always get what you want...."
I truly do have what I need:)
Thanks for a the sweet things ya said. I feel pathetic that I get so whiny. I added the link to a blog(on the sidebar) that I've been reading for quite some time. Now if their story isn't enough to pull ya out of a pissy mood, nothing is. But its not just the family's current situation. Nie was such an enlightened person before the accident. Oh and her style...wow. And she made silhouette portraits like me(although her method is different)! lets just say that I would rather read through her archives than watch pretty much any TV show. Except LOST. So enjoying this season. Love getting some answers! But seriously, go read through that blog if you never have before.
Couple other new developments- 1st, I won a challenge at Method Playground for my Crayon Resist layout! Yeah! And I won a random drawing for some fab Valentine goodies at Elle's Studio! Love her labels and tags! www.shopellesstudio.com. I feel like I need to win one one more thing to round it out to 3. Snicker.....You never know. I have entered a ton of contest because all the new releases (in the scrapbook world) came out this week and there were lots of giveaways!
And lastly, I have managed to pick up a very part time job at (of all places)Sears. Not a lot of hours(I just can't do it) but enough to get out in the world, and feel a tiny bit more flexible with $. Plus, I get a really good vibe there. Everyone is funny and nice. I did not get this vibe at Younkers. I know it sounds weird, but Younkers was kind of a miserable place, and I was there for 1 day. The store manager at Sears pulled me aside to talk, and spoke of how they were more of a family and that they have a really low turn over of help. No one could even remember the last time they had a new hire! To me that speaks volumes of a business. Not a real exciting job, but I get enough excitement around here. Yes, I never thought this is what I would be doing at 31 years old, but I never pictured myself with 3 kids either. As the Rolling Stones say, " You can't always get what you want...."
I truly do have what I need:)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
still here...
Sorry, I've just been in such a slump lately. No interest in blogging at all. Just wishing I could get away.
But some things you cannot escape, and when you come home they will still be waiting and will be even worse. The news, the weather, the economy are getting to me. And I hate being a bloggie downer. One of those "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." kinda things. I have not slept well for a while. Either Teagen or Grady is getting us up for no reason. Teagen caught on that she could bug Summer for things (a drink, putting a movie on for her to watch- at 3am) and avoid coming downstairs where she would ultimately get into trouble. That lead to Summer waking up very(understandably) grumpy. So we are trying to switch bedrooms around so that Summer can be alone, and Grady and Teagen can just bug each other. But now they are both coming down to our room several times a night. Its getting to me. As is the total confusion as to whos room is whos(Summer now has a train table in "her room??) Where should each kids stuff be, and I really can't redecorate to suite each child. And then when Teagen starts school in the fall, I think I would like her back to rooming with Summer. And yadda,yadda,yadda. Sweating the small stuff. I hate it. But I also hate the lack of bedrooms in this house. Nothing I can do about it, short of buying a lotto ticket.
So to lighten my mood, and because the budget won't allow for the redecorating I want to do through the entire house, I am changing things up here on the blog. See if the fresh look helps me some.
Not that I still don't laugh a lot every day.
Here is the scene as I type....
Ol' Griffin. Whats with the leg hanging off the couch, doofus? Its like he realizes that he really is not supposed to be up there, so the one leg down is like a compromise.
But some things you cannot escape, and when you come home they will still be waiting and will be even worse. The news, the weather, the economy are getting to me. And I hate being a bloggie downer. One of those "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." kinda things. I have not slept well for a while. Either Teagen or Grady is getting us up for no reason. Teagen caught on that she could bug Summer for things (a drink, putting a movie on for her to watch- at 3am) and avoid coming downstairs where she would ultimately get into trouble. That lead to Summer waking up very(understandably) grumpy. So we are trying to switch bedrooms around so that Summer can be alone, and Grady and Teagen can just bug each other. But now they are both coming down to our room several times a night. Its getting to me. As is the total confusion as to whos room is whos(Summer now has a train table in "her room??) Where should each kids stuff be, and I really can't redecorate to suite each child. And then when Teagen starts school in the fall, I think I would like her back to rooming with Summer. And yadda,yadda,yadda. Sweating the small stuff. I hate it. But I also hate the lack of bedrooms in this house. Nothing I can do about it, short of buying a lotto ticket.
So to lighten my mood, and because the budget won't allow for the redecorating I want to do through the entire house, I am changing things up here on the blog. See if the fresh look helps me some.
Not that I still don't laugh a lot every day.
Here is the scene as I type....
Ol' Griffin. Whats with the leg hanging off the couch, doofus? Its like he realizes that he really is not supposed to be up there, so the one leg down is like a compromise.Sometime I swear he is part Whitetail Deer. I tell Jason not to take him running in the woods in the Fall.
Oh yeah, there is still plenty to laugh about here.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
I couldn't resist...
My friend Marie sent this to me today, and I have not done one in a very long time, so I thought I would indulge here on the ol' bloggie instead of email:)
Just for fun....
The 2009 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to change the answers after you copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!
1. What is your occupation right now? Stay-At-Home-Mom. Best job on the planet.
2. What color are your socks right now? White Nike's, one with a red swoosh, one with a black swoosh. Living on the wild side over here, people.
3. What are you listening to right now? Sadly, The Backyardagains. And the kids are not even watching.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Slice of homemade banana bread for breakfast.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? NO, not at all. And I rarely pump gas. Or have to brush snow off my car.Thankyouverymuch, Jason.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Rachael, this morning.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I adore her. Can't wait for her to be a mama very very soon:)
8. How old are you today? 31-and I am good with that.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Redwings, for sure. Or does Competition Cheer count?
10. What is your favorite drink? I love drinks. Coffee, frappachino,DIET PEPSI, tea, White Russians, Woodchuck, some wines...I could go on and on....
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? What, me? Ya mean this doesn't look natural? I have no idea what you could possibly be saying...
12. Favorite food? Mexican. Specifically the Fajita Quesadilla from El Burrito. With a big ol Margarita. And Fried Ice Cream. Dream.
13. What is the last movie you watched? "Seven Pounds" for girls night a few weeks ago.
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Day. Or the 4th of July. Just because its usually hot and we are at the lake.
15. How do you vent anger? Yelling. Sorry, its genetic. Rachael caught it too.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie whatever. And stuffed animal whatever. Never 1 specific thing. Our favorite thing to play was probably "little guys" which was just boxes of random,well, little guys. We would set up villages and play for hours. Even days.
17. What is your favorite season? Summer. I miss it so.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries are one of my favorite foods ever. I wish I had some right now...
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Sure, if they want....or do a blog post.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Hmmmm.....
21. Who is least likely to respond? Hmmmmm...
22. Living arrangements? Living here for almost 10 years, with my remarkable husband, 2 lovely daughters, 1 delightful son, 2 sweet old dogs and a rude cat.
23. When was the last time you cried? oh a day or so ago. I was nearly knocked unconscious. That's a funny story...
24. What is on the floor of your closet? a pile of clothes, and Teagens Birthday gifts
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Kristin, since the 3rd grade:)
26. What did you do last night? Watched LOST. Loved it! But its gonna be a looonnnggg season of getting back to the island, isn't it?
27. What are you most afraid of? Losing Jason or one of my kids. Or being taken from them.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Plain
29. Favorite dog breed(s)? Mutts all the way. Natural selection is a very good thing.
30. Favorite day of the week? Friday. So much potential for the weekend!
31. How many states have you lived in? Just one. Say YES! To Michigan(if you still have a job)
32. Diamonds or pearls? I think this is a stupid question. Duh-duh-duh-diamonds.
33. What is your favorite flower? Has always been tulips. But so loving big clumps of hydrangeas. And a mom HAS to love a dirty little fist full of dandelions;)
Just for fun....
The 2009 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to change the answers after you copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!
1. What is your occupation right now? Stay-At-Home-Mom. Best job on the planet.
2. What color are your socks right now? White Nike's, one with a red swoosh, one with a black swoosh. Living on the wild side over here, people.
3. What are you listening to right now? Sadly, The Backyardagains. And the kids are not even watching.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Slice of homemade banana bread for breakfast.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? NO, not at all. And I rarely pump gas. Or have to brush snow off my car.Thankyouverymuch, Jason.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Rachael, this morning.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I adore her. Can't wait for her to be a mama very very soon:)
8. How old are you today? 31-and I am good with that.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Redwings, for sure. Or does Competition Cheer count?
10. What is your favorite drink? I love drinks. Coffee, frappachino,DIET PEPSI, tea, White Russians, Woodchuck, some wines...I could go on and on....
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? What, me? Ya mean this doesn't look natural? I have no idea what you could possibly be saying...
12. Favorite food? Mexican. Specifically the Fajita Quesadilla from El Burrito. With a big ol Margarita. And Fried Ice Cream. Dream.
13. What is the last movie you watched? "Seven Pounds" for girls night a few weeks ago.
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Day. Or the 4th of July. Just because its usually hot and we are at the lake.
15. How do you vent anger? Yelling. Sorry, its genetic. Rachael caught it too.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie whatever. And stuffed animal whatever. Never 1 specific thing. Our favorite thing to play was probably "little guys" which was just boxes of random,well, little guys. We would set up villages and play for hours. Even days.
17. What is your favorite season? Summer. I miss it so.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries are one of my favorite foods ever. I wish I had some right now...
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Sure, if they want....or do a blog post.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Hmmmm.....
21. Who is least likely to respond? Hmmmmm...
22. Living arrangements? Living here for almost 10 years, with my remarkable husband, 2 lovely daughters, 1 delightful son, 2 sweet old dogs and a rude cat.
23. When was the last time you cried? oh a day or so ago. I was nearly knocked unconscious. That's a funny story...
24. What is on the floor of your closet? a pile of clothes, and Teagens Birthday gifts
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Kristin, since the 3rd grade:)
26. What did you do last night? Watched LOST. Loved it! But its gonna be a looonnnggg season of getting back to the island, isn't it?
27. What are you most afraid of? Losing Jason or one of my kids. Or being taken from them.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Plain
29. Favorite dog breed(s)? Mutts all the way. Natural selection is a very good thing.
30. Favorite day of the week? Friday. So much potential for the weekend!
31. How many states have you lived in? Just one. Say YES! To Michigan(if you still have a job)
32. Diamonds or pearls? I think this is a stupid question. Duh-duh-duh-diamonds.
33. What is your favorite flower? Has always been tulips. But so loving big clumps of hydrangeas. And a mom HAS to love a dirty little fist full of dandelions;)
scrappiness
Last Saturday I went to a BIG local crop with Mya, Miranda, Angie and Jodi. The weather was CRAZY-AWFUL, and the place was half empty. Very disappointing to those hosting, I am sure. But I got more done than I have ever before in one day. And we all won great prizes. Mya won 3 times!! All really great things too. I won some magnetic date stamp, so I was pretty happy about that. And I got to bring home Jodi's Xyron machine and refill because she had to leave early and I had to pretend I was her! I felt like a big winner:) Which was good because I really didn't enjoy brushing the 18 inches of snow off my jeep. At midnight. Yuck.
So here is a few of the layouts I got done. I did a few more, but after taking the photos of them, I realize that they need something more. Especially layouts of Grady. I need to figure out a plan to be better about boy stuff. Thank you Miranda for bringing this to my attention:)
Here is my favorite, using Jenni Bowlin Studios supplies....
The little bird is actually a mirror, from Heidi Swapp. Teagen has always been my little bird, so I thought is was fitting.
My Guy-Used Little Yellow Bicycle product. One of my Faves for boy stuff...
Summer Jaye- Thats brown seam binding making that ruffle on the side. And I LOVE the vintage french perfume label. Came in a kit, and I 've been hanging on to it for a while.
Here is a rare layout...no children!!
Thanks for looking:)
So here is a few of the layouts I got done. I did a few more, but after taking the photos of them, I realize that they need something more. Especially layouts of Grady. I need to figure out a plan to be better about boy stuff. Thank you Miranda for bringing this to my attention:)
Here is my favorite, using Jenni Bowlin Studios supplies....
The little bird is actually a mirror, from Heidi Swapp. Teagen has always been my little bird, so I thought is was fitting.
My Guy-Used Little Yellow Bicycle product. One of my Faves for boy stuff...
Summer Jaye- Thats brown seam binding making that ruffle on the side. And I LOVE the vintage french perfume label. Came in a kit, and I 've been hanging on to it for a while.
Here is a rare layout...no children!!
Thanks for looking:)
Grosgrain: New Year's Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!
Grosgrain: New Year's Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!
cutie cutie!
I am just always so amazed at the time she spends setting up for photo shoots of stuff she's giving away.
I truely enjoy stalking her blogs.
:)
cutie cutie!
I am just always so amazed at the time she spends setting up for photo shoots of stuff she's giving away.
I truely enjoy stalking her blogs.
:)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Pirates and Princesses
Yeah, I realize this dress is showing up in a lot of photos. Its her favorite ever. It is actually quite a find(TJ Maxx). The original tag was priced $60 and I got it for about $12. It fits her like it was custom made. Right after I took this picture, she spilled my cold coffee all down the front of it, so its soaking in the sink as I write. Ah, that's a child's life. When you love something,you just love it to death:)
Grady's current favorite, some captain jack accessories.
Grady's current favorite, some captain jack accessories.
A pirate has to have treasure...
discussing the rules of Never Never Land....
I hear a lot of "Arrrgghh"s around here.
discussing the rules of Never Never Land....
I hear a lot of "Arrrgghh"s around here.
These 2 drive me crazy, but are a huge part of my dream come true.
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Cold enough for ya?
I am not going to pretend that I love winter. I do not. At all. But for me to complain as much as I want to will only make it more miserable. So I try to find some beauty or good in it. I mean just imagine how big and vicious mosquitoes would get if they didn't die off from the first freeze. YIKES. And for the record, Muskegon is the HOT ZONE of the west side of the state today. Boasting a heat wave of 1 degree!!! I'll take it with 14 below in the towns to the north and to the south. Ouch!
But it just gets to a point where the kids cannot stand being indoors any longer. Jason (bless his heart) took them out yesterday. Me, I'm just not a good sport about the cold. Plus, all I do is chase Grady around making him put his mittens back on and picking him up when he falls and is too puffy to get back up on his own. In other words, misery for me. So thanks Jason for taking one for the team:)
Teagen was fine when she was out there, but instantly began to cry when she came inside. She was frozen!
I am not sure if Summer would ever come in if we didn't make her. I am not kidding. She never complained that she was cold.
I think Grady was down more than he was walking around and playing. Like a flipped turtle.
He couldn't even walk in the back yard, so Jason started shoveling to make him a path. Since the kids had really wanted a snowman, and its so cold that the snow wont pack, Jason made a pile snowman. Summer wanted him to be mad.
But then Jason started carving him out and look how cool he is now!!! I told them that I want one for the front yard. Look how huge he is!
Apparently after Jason brought the camera in, Teagen decided that the snowman needed some buns and used a sand shovel to create a "crack". She is such a sassy little thing....and currently has a rear-end obsession. But thats for another post;)
But it just gets to a point where the kids cannot stand being indoors any longer. Jason (bless his heart) took them out yesterday. Me, I'm just not a good sport about the cold. Plus, all I do is chase Grady around making him put his mittens back on and picking him up when he falls and is too puffy to get back up on his own. In other words, misery for me. So thanks Jason for taking one for the team:)
Teagen was fine when she was out there, but instantly began to cry when she came inside. She was frozen!
I am not sure if Summer would ever come in if we didn't make her. I am not kidding. She never complained that she was cold.
I think Grady was down more than he was walking around and playing. Like a flipped turtle.
He couldn't even walk in the back yard, so Jason started shoveling to make him a path. Since the kids had really wanted a snowman, and its so cold that the snow wont pack, Jason made a pile snowman. Summer wanted him to be mad.
But then Jason started carving him out and look how cool he is now!!! I told them that I want one for the front yard. Look how huge he is!
Apparently after Jason brought the camera in, Teagen decided that the snowman needed some buns and used a sand shovel to create a "crack". She is such a sassy little thing....and currently has a rear-end obsession. But thats for another post;)Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday Fill Ins and More!
1. Enough with the insane cold temperatures already. What fun is the snow if you can't even go out in it?
2. Living in this state causes me to be conflicted. I hate the winters here, but I think I would hate the bugs, creepy-crawlies and the critters down south even more.
3. I've been craving anything warm.
4. Summer, Teagen,Grady and especially Jason makes me laugh.
5. I wish I could go to The Caribbean next week.
6. Finding a little job has been on my mind lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Jason cooking dinner and then chillin on the couch, tomorrow my plans include scrapbooking ALL DAY with some friends(YAHOO!!!) and Sunday, I want to get the stuff done around the house that I didn't get to on Saturday!
So looking forward to this weekend. Summer doesn't have school today(records day and then MLK Day on Monday!) So we are all hanging in our Pjs.Tomorrow is my favorite scrapbook crop ever.
Cold news- I am completely cold free. I kept a balance of Vit C and zinc, drank tons of coffee and water(and even a beer, which I am sure helped;) ) I am using regular soap in my house and antibacterial gel in my car, I am sleeping like a champ and getting tons of giggles from the crazies I live with(as well as a few extra laughs from smartass friends-you know who you are!) The sore throat lasted only 2 days! Awesome. Thanks for all the tips.
Oh, I have another question... Do any of you let your kids play "Club Penguin"? I just read about it in Good Housekeeping and Summer has been asking. Looking for some real mom opinions. If your kids are younger or you just have no clue what I am talking about, Club Penguin is like a virtual world for kids where they have penguin avatars. I believe its Disney. Just not sure I am ready to branch beyond Webkinz.
2. Living in this state causes me to be conflicted. I hate the winters here, but I think I would hate the bugs, creepy-crawlies and the critters down south even more.
3. I've been craving anything warm.
4. Summer, Teagen,Grady and especially Jason makes me laugh.
5. I wish I could go to The Caribbean next week.
6. Finding a little job has been on my mind lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Jason cooking dinner and then chillin on the couch, tomorrow my plans include scrapbooking ALL DAY with some friends(YAHOO!!!) and Sunday, I want to get the stuff done around the house that I didn't get to on Saturday!
So looking forward to this weekend. Summer doesn't have school today(records day and then MLK Day on Monday!) So we are all hanging in our Pjs.Tomorrow is my favorite scrapbook crop ever.
Cold news- I am completely cold free. I kept a balance of Vit C and zinc, drank tons of coffee and water(and even a beer, which I am sure helped;) ) I am using regular soap in my house and antibacterial gel in my car, I am sleeping like a champ and getting tons of giggles from the crazies I live with(as well as a few extra laughs from smartass friends-you know who you are!) The sore throat lasted only 2 days! Awesome. Thanks for all the tips.
Oh, I have another question... Do any of you let your kids play "Club Penguin"? I just read about it in Good Housekeeping and Summer has been asking. Looking for some real mom opinions. If your kids are younger or you just have no clue what I am talking about, Club Penguin is like a virtual world for kids where they have penguin avatars. I believe its Disney. Just not sure I am ready to branch beyond Webkinz.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New Releases
It is almost time for CHA(the BIG craft and hobby show for you non-paper obcessed people) And many of the companies are giving sneaks of their latest and greatest. One of my favorite companies, Cosmo Cricket, has amazing new releases. Here is a little sample of a new boy line,"Little man"
The colors are so fun and retro! Love it. Today on thier blog, they are giving away the line if you post a comment. And if you post a comment saying that I sent you, and one of us wins, we both get the entire line! SO go visit http://www.cosmocricket.blogspot.com/ and tell them Jennie sent ya:)
Other sneaks to check out are http://www.americancrafts.typepad.com/ and also http://www.jennibowlin.blogspot.com/ is supposed to be showing some sneaks today too.
I am on a pretty serious spending freeze until I find a job, but a girl can dream, right?
The colors are so fun and retro! Love it. Today on thier blog, they are giving away the line if you post a comment. And if you post a comment saying that I sent you, and one of us wins, we both get the entire line! SO go visit http://www.cosmocricket.blogspot.com/ and tell them Jennie sent ya:)Other sneaks to check out are http://www.americancrafts.typepad.com/ and also http://www.jennibowlin.blogspot.com/ is supposed to be showing some sneaks today too.
I am on a pretty serious spending freeze until I find a job, but a girl can dream, right?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
well this post is all over the place...
Teagen enjoys keeping shoes in order. That is her job. She only does it once in a while, so today I took this shot after her organizing. After playing with the photo for a bit, I realized that photography is just not my thing. I do love to capture moments, but all the technical stuff...not for me. I never have been a perfectionist. Maybe someday when I get a "real" camera, but for now this will have to do.
The shot does say a lot about our life right now. The kids wear these year round. for quick trips out. Even Grady can get them on by himself. I think wellies are probably one of the most convenient things of my day. And they are super-cute too.
So today. truth is, I woke up with a bit of a sore throat. Not a good sign. Its kinda weird, but I have a serious fear of being ill. In high school I was never sick. Never. Had perfect attendance(most of the time) Then I started working, and eating and sleeping like crap. I basically have had strep throat every year since graduation. Then once I starting working with the public(the credit union, curves,tanning salon etc...) I seem to get sick a ton. And that's not even counting illness brought home by kids and my constant struggles with food poisoning! And lets not forget motion sickness, and the time spent with morning sickness. Ugghh. Do I sound like a hypochondriac yet? Well, I am happy to report that along with saving money, Jason and I eat out a ton less than in the past, and in turn I have not had food poisoning since last year.(honestly I think my system is just a bit more sensitive to bacteria than most)And the only cold I've had was in October and somehow only lasted 2 days. But the fear is still there. Every time my tummy gurgles, I am sure I will be up all night with my head in the toilet. Great attitude, right? Sorry, its truly a problem.
So how come I haven't gotten sick? What have I done different? Some things have changed for last year. First being that I am not working. And I don't have Leighton bringing bugs over anymore either. There are 2 biggies. Also, I try to take a vitamin C and a zinc EVERY DAY. NO clue if it works, but a pharmacist suggested it when I was nursing, so I have tried to keep up with it. I have always been a crazy hand washer, but being home all day has me doing it even more. To the point of my hands being VERY dry. ewwe. And I am drinking coffee every day, not just when I go to Starbucks. Could that possibly help? But both my fruit and water consumption are down. So I need to work on that. My sleeping is still kinda iffy, but nothing like having back to back babies. So I suppose that little difference is something to note.
I bet that if I get on the treadmill, drink more h2o and eat some fruit, I will really be rockin'!
I am hoping that this sore throat is just because I cleaned out the horrible filter in the vacuum yesterday(which had me sneezing all day and night) and that the dust is affecting me. I know
I need to find a new doctor. The one I was seeing is kinda crazy and keeps moving, and I think now my records are with a nurse practitioner that I never liked in the 1st place and now really don't want to see(due to her sons current criminal status-if you are from Whitehall, you know what I am talking about). So I need to transfer my info BEFORE I get sick.
My to do list: Find new Dr.
Drink water
Workout
Eat fruit
Anyone with some staying well hints, please share. I will try (almost) anything.
The shot does say a lot about our life right now. The kids wear these year round. for quick trips out. Even Grady can get them on by himself. I think wellies are probably one of the most convenient things of my day. And they are super-cute too.So today. truth is, I woke up with a bit of a sore throat. Not a good sign. Its kinda weird, but I have a serious fear of being ill. In high school I was never sick. Never. Had perfect attendance(most of the time) Then I started working, and eating and sleeping like crap. I basically have had strep throat every year since graduation. Then once I starting working with the public(the credit union, curves,tanning salon etc...) I seem to get sick a ton. And that's not even counting illness brought home by kids and my constant struggles with food poisoning! And lets not forget motion sickness, and the time spent with morning sickness. Ugghh. Do I sound like a hypochondriac yet? Well, I am happy to report that along with saving money, Jason and I eat out a ton less than in the past, and in turn I have not had food poisoning since last year.(honestly I think my system is just a bit more sensitive to bacteria than most)And the only cold I've had was in October and somehow only lasted 2 days. But the fear is still there. Every time my tummy gurgles, I am sure I will be up all night with my head in the toilet. Great attitude, right? Sorry, its truly a problem.
So how come I haven't gotten sick? What have I done different? Some things have changed for last year. First being that I am not working. And I don't have Leighton bringing bugs over anymore either. There are 2 biggies. Also, I try to take a vitamin C and a zinc EVERY DAY. NO clue if it works, but a pharmacist suggested it when I was nursing, so I have tried to keep up with it. I have always been a crazy hand washer, but being home all day has me doing it even more. To the point of my hands being VERY dry. ewwe. And I am drinking coffee every day, not just when I go to Starbucks. Could that possibly help? But both my fruit and water consumption are down. So I need to work on that. My sleeping is still kinda iffy, but nothing like having back to back babies. So I suppose that little difference is something to note.
I bet that if I get on the treadmill, drink more h2o and eat some fruit, I will really be rockin'!
I am hoping that this sore throat is just because I cleaned out the horrible filter in the vacuum yesterday(which had me sneezing all day and night) and that the dust is affecting me. I know
I need to find a new doctor. The one I was seeing is kinda crazy and keeps moving, and I think now my records are with a nurse practitioner that I never liked in the 1st place and now really don't want to see(due to her sons current criminal status-if you are from Whitehall, you know what I am talking about). So I need to transfer my info BEFORE I get sick.
My to do list: Find new Dr.
Drink water
Workout
Eat fruit
Anyone with some staying well hints, please share. I will try (almost) anything.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Method Playground- Crayon Resist
Well, since I freshened up the ol studio, I decided to jump back in and do another challenge. Excuse this pic and all its yellowness....
This one is better, but looks a little wrinkled. The assignment was to use white crayon resist. That's the frame around the photo and the word dreamer. Next time I will actually use watercolor paper(duh) I also used plain old crayola watercolors. And that bit of yellow by the butterfly is nothing but a piece of party streamers(crepe paper) Love the challenges at www.methodplayground.blogspot.com.
BTW-I took this pic of Teagen with my Dads awesome camera. I had no clue what I was doing, but I love how her eyes look.
Here is one I started back in November at a crop that was nearly over. Needless to say, with the December Daily and all the craziness of the holiday, it got put on the back burner.
Thanks for looking!
This one is better, but looks a little wrinkled. The assignment was to use white crayon resist. That's the frame around the photo and the word dreamer. Next time I will actually use watercolor paper(duh) I also used plain old crayola watercolors. And that bit of yellow by the butterfly is nothing but a piece of party streamers(crepe paper) Love the challenges at www.methodplayground.blogspot.com.BTW-I took this pic of Teagen with my Dads awesome camera. I had no clue what I was doing, but I love how her eyes look.
Here is one I started back in November at a crop that was nearly over. Needless to say, with the December Daily and all the craziness of the holiday, it got put on the back burner.
Thanks for looking!
:)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday Sledding
The promise of sledding has been thrown around for over a month around here. We really have no excuse(other than utter exhaustion) with there being a sledding hill around the corner. Considering we have some subzero temps in the near future, we decided today was as good a day as any to go. What a production even to get out of the house! warm clothes, snow pants matching mittens, hats that fit, boots that fit(these people could slow down on the whole growing up thing, seriously). And after spending 10 minutes buckling everyone into their seats, we took the 1.5 minute drive to the hill.
And it was snowing like crazy.
Not really conducive to taking pictures, but I still love what I got.
Like this one of my little dare devil.
For the record, this coat does actually fit when there are no snow pants involved. He was so puffy, he could not even walk.
Yeah, Teagen was not impressed. She went down this time and then 1 other time right before we left.
My little speedy. She flies like a rocket.
Grady was getting a ride here, and the snow was falling so hard that he had his little face all smushed up!
Teagen told me here that she found her very own tree.
Me and the Red Man.
That rosy glow stayed with Summer all day. This child was born to be outdoors. I barely got any pics of her because she never stopped moving!
We came home, put Grady down for a nap and enjoyed hot chocolate(girls) and Mexican Coffee(the Red Man and Me) Laura, you have created a monster with the whole Mexican Coffee thing;) Yummmmm.......
And it was snowing like crazy.
Not really conducive to taking pictures, but I still love what I got.
Like this one of my little dare devil.
For the record, this coat does actually fit when there are no snow pants involved. He was so puffy, he could not even walk.
Yeah, Teagen was not impressed. She went down this time and then 1 other time right before we left.
My little speedy. She flies like a rocket.
Grady was getting a ride here, and the snow was falling so hard that he had his little face all smushed up!
Teagen told me here that she found her very own tree.
Me and the Red Man.
That rosy glow stayed with Summer all day. This child was born to be outdoors. I barely got any pics of her because she never stopped moving!
We came home, put Grady down for a nap and enjoyed hot chocolate(girls) and Mexican Coffee(the Red Man and Me) Laura, you have created a monster with the whole Mexican Coffee thing;) Yummmmm.......We spent the rest of the afternoon hot glueing all the tracks and buildings to Grady's train table. Lots of work, but totally worth it!!! Now it has moved to his room and my living room is starting to look normal again. Except now I want a new(old)coffee table and pillows for the couch. And drapes! Oh well.
:)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Fill Ins
Happy Friday! I figured why stop a good thing? So here we go!
1. It's January; so of course Jason is ice fishing.
2. Hot beverages is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like ummm...I hate when I have little cork floaties in my wine.
4. Sunlight is so nourishing.(can you tell I am missing it?)
5. Let us dare to walk out of the house without make-up.
6. I want to redecorate my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillin with the littles, tomorrow my plans include loads of housework and Sunday, I want to just be with Jason and the kids having fun. Its so nice to have a break after the nutty holidays!
1. It's January; so of course Jason is ice fishing.
2. Hot beverages is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like ummm...I hate when I have little cork floaties in my wine.
4. Sunlight is so nourishing.(can you tell I am missing it?)
5. Let us dare to walk out of the house without make-up.
6. I want to redecorate my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillin with the littles, tomorrow my plans include loads of housework and Sunday, I want to just be with Jason and the kids having fun. Its so nice to have a break after the nutty holidays!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Random Wonderful
I am a collector. But I am also poor.So I collect photos of stuff I think is really fabulous to refer back to when I have a bit o cash or just want to be inspired. lately I have come across some really great things that you can't just pick up at WalMart and thought I would share.
Chalk Markers. I have mentioned these before, but just found a new source. If you have(or want) chalk board walls (or doors like me) They are a MUST. NO dust!! And so vivid. This company has lots of colors available. The website also has examples of others artwork using them. http://www.chalkinkworldstore.com/
Chalk Markers. I have mentioned these before, but just found a new source. If you have(or want) chalk board walls (or doors like me) They are a MUST. NO dust!! And so vivid. This company has lots of colors available. The website also has examples of others artwork using them. http://www.chalkinkworldstore.com/
For my husband. He's been a fan for a long time. 
For real, this is me. http://www.craftster.org/ is an awesome site and has tons of cute tees.
Like this one...
And this one too...
BTW- I read on http://www.coolmompicks.com/ that the CPSC is passing a law or something that would require special testing on all toys and child products. Which is fine except that also includes all handmade stuff (dolls,bibs,hats, blankets hair acessories etc) and the $1000s it cost to have the testing would basically kill any crafter who sells her goods on etsy or craftshows and the stores that sell hand made too. Leave it to the USA to take it to such an extreme. The problem is with CHINA. Not gramma knitting bonnets. Uggghh.
I really want to do this to all Summer's jeans that are WAY too short. The kid could still be wearing 6s except that they would go half way up her calf. Solution? Add a cuff of super-cute fabric. Love.
The Etsy finds. Oh what a dreamworld Etsy is. I have posted this guys stuff before. But what a great Valentine for someone not-so-sappy like me. Squirrels are funny critters.
If you have ever stepped foot in Etsy, you have probably seen the Black Apple. Her work is very Alice in Wonderland, dreamy and cozy. I love it. I want to paint like that. But ya know, in my own style;)
I've been eying this for a while. I need a new everyday necklace, I love the idea of my 3 sweet peas. The artist is Sudlow.
Well, I wanted this, but its a one-of-a-kind and sold. I was torn because of its adjustable nature. that makes me think cheap. Plus I kept thinking I loved it because of the presentation. Love it photographed on the print.
Wow. this pic stinks. I love nests. Love them. I want a giant print in black and white in my home of a nest. Because it just means home to me. They do these in necklaces and rings. They are precious, arn't they? My 3 little eggs. Adore. There are a lot of artist on etsy who make these.
OK, enough Etsy. How about this challenge for my knitters out there? I want to learn to knit JUST to make this hat. Can you imagine on Teagen? Mandy, you think its hideous, don't you?
For real, this is me. http://www.craftster.org/ is an awesome site and has tons of cute tees.
Like this one...
And this one too...
BTW- I read on http://www.coolmompicks.com/ that the CPSC is passing a law or something that would require special testing on all toys and child products. Which is fine except that also includes all handmade stuff (dolls,bibs,hats, blankets hair acessories etc) and the $1000s it cost to have the testing would basically kill any crafter who sells her goods on etsy or craftshows and the stores that sell hand made too. Leave it to the USA to take it to such an extreme. The problem is with CHINA. Not gramma knitting bonnets. Uggghh.
I really want to do this to all Summer's jeans that are WAY too short. The kid could still be wearing 6s except that they would go half way up her calf. Solution? Add a cuff of super-cute fabric. Love.The Etsy finds. Oh what a dreamworld Etsy is. I have posted this guys stuff before. But what a great Valentine for someone not-so-sappy like me. Squirrels are funny critters.
If you have ever stepped foot in Etsy, you have probably seen the Black Apple. Her work is very Alice in Wonderland, dreamy and cozy. I love it. I want to paint like that. But ya know, in my own style;)
I've been eying this for a while. I need a new everyday necklace, I love the idea of my 3 sweet peas. The artist is Sudlow.
Well, I wanted this, but its a one-of-a-kind and sold. I was torn because of its adjustable nature. that makes me think cheap. Plus I kept thinking I loved it because of the presentation. Love it photographed on the print.
Wow. this pic stinks. I love nests. Love them. I want a giant print in black and white in my home of a nest. Because it just means home to me. They do these in necklaces and rings. They are precious, arn't they? My 3 little eggs. Adore. There are a lot of artist on etsy who make these.
OK, enough Etsy. How about this challenge for my knitters out there? I want to learn to knit JUST to make this hat. Can you imagine on Teagen? Mandy, you think its hideous, don't you?
Oh I just love it. I may go get my needles out yet...
Last but no least, more Lisa Leonard. http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/ One thing that is really inspiring, is the whole Ali Edwards movement of choosing a word to represent your life in 2009. If you don't follow Ali, some examples are faith, organize, calm, simplify, create, aspire etc etc etc. Ways you want life to be better in the year. And people are putting there words on Lisa's jewelery. How cool! I am still working on a word. So far I like ORDER. As in, doing things in the "right" order (priorities) and as in order in my home and life(organization). Not set in stone(or sterling) but I like it. And goodness knows I need it.
One last thing, I am sslloowwllyy reading "The Shack". It takes me time to absorb anything when it comes to spirituality, and I want to fully understand the message the writer is sending. So has anyone else read it?(beside Julie who loaned it to me, I'll talk to you when I am done)Just wondering about other opinions.
Last but no least, more Lisa Leonard. http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/ One thing that is really inspiring, is the whole Ali Edwards movement of choosing a word to represent your life in 2009. If you don't follow Ali, some examples are faith, organize, calm, simplify, create, aspire etc etc etc. Ways you want life to be better in the year. And people are putting there words on Lisa's jewelery. How cool! I am still working on a word. So far I like ORDER. As in, doing things in the "right" order (priorities) and as in order in my home and life(organization). Not set in stone(or sterling) but I like it. And goodness knows I need it.
One last thing, I am sslloowwllyy reading "The Shack". It takes me time to absorb anything when it comes to spirituality, and I want to fully understand the message the writer is sending. So has anyone else read it?(beside Julie who loaned it to me, I'll talk to you when I am done)Just wondering about other opinions.
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