Country Girl

Lincoln Logs

2012-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

The current challenge at Child's Play Challenges is Lincoln Logs. When I saw this I thought it would be a great time to start scrapping the Elf on the Shelf pictures from this year.

This was our first year for Elf on the Shelf. Ours ended up getting named Lumberjack, due to the fact that he when he first arrived he was hiding in our Christmas tree.

One day he was found playing with the kids Lincoln Logs they had received from one of my coworkers. He had built this nice little house.

I found a vintage picture of a Lincoln Logs container, and thought it would go well on my page.

At the bottom I added a little house made out of brown paper strips, with the hopes of getting the effect of a Lincoln Log house.

Go check out what the other Design Team members and participants have done with this fun challenge.

I made the Design Team!!!

2012-01-30T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I made the Design Team for a new scrapbooking challenge blog.

I am so excited to work with the other Design Team members and start on the challenges. Be sure to go play along.

Live to Rock

2012-01-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

Creative Scrappers Sketch

Beauty * ful Girl

2012-01-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

I love this little girl. She is so sweet and fits right in as the baby of our family.

This isn't a story I have shared on here before...when I was pregnant with her, I thought many times she wasn't going to make it. The pregnancy with her started off just like the first miscarriage I had. I was pregnant with her after having two perfect textbook pregnancies, but before Memphis was born I had 2 miscarriages. I had to call my husband many times to come to the ultrasound clinic after a doctors apt, because there was yet again no heartbeat detected at the doctor's office. Each time I would prepare myself for the worst.

During the beginning of the pregnancy when I would go to the doctor because I was having problems, he was very optimistic. He would tell me since I had already carried a boy and a girl perfectly it wasn't likely to miscarry. He would tell me to go home and take it easy. Even when he wasn't able to get a heartbeat at 12, and then again at 17 weeks he was optimistic. The ultrasounds would show a strong heart. By the time my 20 week dr apt came and he couldn't get a heartbeat in the dr office, he wasn't quite as hopeful as he sent me for my ultrasound. When we got there for the ultrasound she (we didn't know she was a she. We waited until she was born.)was perfectly fine. This little stinker gave us many scares. Finally at 24 weeks we could hear her heartbeat in the dr office, and my pregnancy started going smoothly.

This little girl had me dropping to my knees each time something wasn't right...praying that she would be ok. Now that I look back on it, I am sure that is the reason. God was trying to draw me closer and trust in him.

I did this layout from a sketch at Pencil Lines.

2012 One Word

2012-01-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

I think I will get better at this art journal stuff eventually. For now I am just having fun getting my thoughts onto paper. I didn't have time to be too messy today, so I made a page without much mess. The prompt was from here. It was to pick one word for the year that you wanted to live by.

My word is Revival. Yesterday at church our preacher said this year our church was going to have a theme of personal revival. This got me thinking about the word revival. Usually I just think of a week long revival at church, but the word means so much more. It is to make something new to revive it. I have decided to have a personal revival that is about my spiritual health, physical health, family, love, time, creativity, and myself. I am ready to grow in God and as a person this year.

2012 is going to be a great year!

Child's Play Challenges

2012-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

I love scrapbook challenge blogs. There is a new one that I am really excited about. It is Child's Play Challenges. Right now they are having a design team call.

I have decided to enter, and this is the layout I have created. Be sure to check out the new challenge blog.

When You are in Love Free Printable

2012-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a free Dr. Seuss Printable for Valentine's Day. I hope you enjoy it.

Just click on the picture.

Have a happy Saturday!!!

Free Digital Torn Hearts for Valentine's Day

2012-01-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Free for you...
Great for Valentine's Day pages plus lots more....
Click here to download yours :)

Fitness Journal - Week 2 Goals

2012-01-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

This week the prompt, on Fit Mumma, for the fitness journal challenge is goals. My pictures uploaded in the opposite order that I wanted them too, but after a day at work where I was on the computer all day, I'm just not gonna reload them...sorry.

This goal page is about running. It says I'm a runner. I want to feel like a runner. I have ran off and on for the past 2 years, but this year I want to become a runner. Before I had kids I was a runner. Almost no day went by without me running. I needed to run. I want to get back to that. It is such a great stress reliever. On this page I will keep track of my miles this year. I am kinda excited to see exactly how many I collect in a years time.

This page are my goals in general. They include:

Get off my butt - exercising 6 days a week.

Good Mornings - getting up to get a 5 am strength workout in before work.

Finish Line - I want to run at least 2 races this year. (my coworker just sent me a list of 6 races he expects me to run with him this year. They include a few 5ks, the Warrior Dash, a marathon relay, and finishing up the year with a 1/2 marathon. I have bugged him about starting running with me...I guess he has decided it is time.)

Half Marathon - see above

Warrior Dash - I think playing in the mud while running would be so fun.

Meals - Eating 5 small HEALTHY meals a day....so far I am doing this well.

I also included my first reward...a new pair of running shoes once I have lost 20 pounds.

Here are my pages side by side. The robot on the left is a scrapbook page I am working on that had to get in the picture.

What are your fitness goals for 2012??? I would love to hear. Maybe we can encourage each other in this challenge.

Christmas Layout

2012-01-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Pencil Lines had a sketch that works perfect for a Christmas layout this week. Here is my layout using their sketch.

Due to it being already dark the pictures aren't the best, and the colors don't show up as well as they do in person. Being as impatient as I am though, I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to upload the layout. :)

I got this pom pom yarn as part of the packaging of an Etsy purchase. I have been waiting to use it for quite awhile. I think it fits this layout well.

Head over to Pencil Lines to see some awesome layouts.

Free Print

2012-01-07T09:37:00.001-08:00

Enjoy!

I linked up here:

Hard Work...Determination....

2012-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

is my new running mantra...I needed a little help getting through the mental aspect of running. I thought a running mantra might help, and so for so good. I am down 6 pounds!!!

"If you want something better...then you have to do something different." - Unknown

Fitness Art Journal

2012-01-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about starting an art journal. I already scrapbook, but that is mostly about the kids. I want a place with info about me to leave behind. I had already bought an old book that was on the $1 rack at the library. I was considering making the first one I do about my weight lose journey. In 2010 I lost 50 pounds, and in 2011 I maintained that 50 pound loss. Now in 2011 I want to get to my goal weight and run a few races.

As I was googling journaling prompts the other night I found this blog. It is a fitness blog, and she had decided to do a fitness art journal for 2012! She is going to post a journaling prompt every week. I could not be more excited!!!

Here is the cover I made. I thought this quote by John F. Kennedy was a perfect fit for a creative outlet for journaling about fitness.

The first weeks prompt is achievements. She just did 2011, but I wanted to show what I had done in 2010 too, since that is when I lost the weight. It was a lot of fun to make, and I am sure I will get better at it.

Of course when the kids saw me painting on a book they had to get involved.

The older two have both started their own journals.

Brookie got involved by doing a little finger painting :)

I think working on an art journal was the perfect way to start the New Year. What did you do today?

I linked my journal up here:

Free Valentine's Quatrefoil Digital Paper Download

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

We don't do much for New Year's Eve, because the hubby always has to be at work early on the first. That makes the next holiday to get excited about Valentine's Day :) I have a new Valentine's Day Board on Pintrest that is becoming full of stuff that makes me smile :)

I thought I might share a digital paper download that might make some of you smile. Enjoy :)

Creative Scrappers Sketch185

2011-12-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is my take on Creative Scrappers sketch 185.

I got to play with some of the new scrapbooking supplies Chris got me for Christmas :) I choose to hide my journaling, because it is a message just to her.

Look at that sweet smile on her face.

It was a fun sketch to play with.

We are going to miss this little guy

2011-12-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

This was our first year for Elf on the Shelf. Ours is named Lumberjack (because he was in our tree the first night.) The kids have loved him. He has colored our milk green, brought birthday cupcakes to Memphis and Brookie, toilet papered our Christmas tree, put undies on the Christmas tree, had snowball fights with the marshmallows, dumped all the rice out and got stuck in the box, read our books, slept all day, played with our toys, and left us notes.

He has been a busy little guy, and I think we have a new tradition.

Break Time!!!! :)

2011-12-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Break time is finally here. The kids are out of school, and because I work for the most awesome, Big 12 Championship winning, University, I get off work for 2 weeks too :) We are all in need of a break. We have been busy busy busy. I don't know that we have been home at night in 3 weeks straight. We have 2 Netflix movies that we got the week of Thanksgiving, and they are still in the closed envelopes. We plan to change that tonight :)

Our too cute elf at the school Christmas Play. The school they go to first has all the classes sing, and then they do the actual story of Jesus Christ. Love it!

This last week has been hectic for us. Tuesday at school Albany dislocated her elbow. When I say she dislocated, I mean she got her elbow dislocated. The teachers assistant in the gym was swinging her around by 1 arm. They got it popped back in, and the dr said there wasn't much else they could do for it at that point. Well....

Brookie helping Memphis out at his class party.

by the next day she couldn't move it at all and was in terrible pain. Her fingers were purple and swollen. We took her to her pediatrician who x-rayed it. He said it was just slightly out, but wanted her sent to the hospital for more x-rays on a machine that could see her growth plates better. We got to the hospital, and there were not fractures in her growth plate, so they were able to pop it back in all the way. Within no time she was back to her sassy self.

Albany so happy with one of her gifts at her first ever school Christmas Party.

Needless to say this momma was not too happy. The school administration did a good job of handling the situation though. Both the assistant and the coach were reprimanded, and new policies have been put in place.

Is this not the most precious Mary you have ever seen. She played Mary in our church Christmas play.

With the stress of Albany getting hurt, 2 Christmas plays, me working late 2 nights (part of my alcohol prevention job is to work with police to make sure alcohol vendors are not selling to minors, and this must be done at night to be more realistic), all of us being in the Christmas parade, a birthday party for Memphis and Brookie, a birthday party for my mother-in-law, and a work dinner party it has been so crazy busy around here.

Memphis played a mighty handsome Shepard.

For the next 2 weeks, with the exception of Christmas activities, we are just chillin. We plan on making cookies, crafting, scrapbooking, playing, watching cartoons, going to the library (we had to miss our Saturday library day the last 2 weeks resulting in me getting a slip in the mail for late books yesterday. Thankfully our library doesn't have fines.), and hanging out with friends we haven't got to see because of our hectic schedule. We started it all off today by sleeping in :)

What a Hoot!

2011-12-11T16:31:00.001-08:00

I love love love this Sassafras owl paper. I have had it forever. I have had such a hard time using the papers from this line, because I like them so much. After seeing this sketch and adding these pictures of Brookie that Chris took, I knew it was just the right time to use the paper.

Want to know a secret??? I cute out a hole in the owl paper behind the cloud paper. I love it that much. I want to save every bit of it I can. Lol. Now I can use that piece on another project. :)

The owl on the tree is a digital embellishment made by me :)

The hat is crocheted by me. Isn't she just the cutest ever? She makes my heart happy :)

I made this little tree too :)

I think this may be one of my favorite layouts ever.

Big Helper

2011-12-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Pencil Lines is a blog that has sketch challenges. They have a new sketch challenge each week, and you have until the end of the month to complete the sketch. This is the first sketch for the month of December. It s a cute simple sketch.

I turned the sketch sideways, to fit my picture of Albany.

She is such a big helper. She is a bit sassy, but if she can help do something she is good.

Her teach always brags that she is such a helper already. She will have the same teacher next year, and she is already been designated as the "helper."

I have had these cute little bird stickers for quite a while. I have just been waiting for a good sketch to use them on. This one seemed like a good fit for one of them.

Citrus Flowers Download

2011-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have been playing around with making digital scrapbooking embellishments. I have decided to share some of them here with you. First here is a page I made with the citrus flowers.

Albany thinks she needs to change her clothes several times a day, and I wanted to document that.

Here are the citrus flowers. They have a torn edge look to them.

You can download them here.

Have fun with them. I would love to see what you are making with them :)

Hoo Are You!?

2011-12-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

1. Is all your Christmas shopping done?
Not hardly. I am bad about waiting last minute. Usually if I buy something early, I end up giving it to the person before Christmas.

2. Do you decorate for Christmas and if so when?
YES! We start by putting up our tree on Thanksgiving day. Then we add stuff all the way up until Christmas.

3. Do you bake during the Holiday season?
YES! I love to bake especially with my kids.

4. What are your favorite smells of this time of year?
Cinnamon and apples...but I don't like apple pie.

5. What are your favorite things to do during the Holiday Season?
Craft, shop, bake, and just hang out with my family. My job allows me the same Christmas break as most schools get, so I get to spend the time with my kids.

To play along go here:

House Divided

2011-12-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

We are a house divided when it comes to Oklahoma teams.

My husband is a long time Sooner fan, and after graduating and no working for OSU, I am a Pokes fan. Normally we both want the Oklahoma teams in general to do well.

Tonight is a different story! Its BEDLUM!!!!

I tried to cuddle with my hubby on the couch, and he informed me not during this game. lol

Right now OSU is kicking butt and taking names...now lets just hope it continues.

Wow I had almost forgot about this thing!

2011-11-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot I even had a blog once upon a time.

I finally am on Pintrest!!! I am so excited about this! My user name in Margaret14. Come see if you can find me.

Also look at my new photo on my blog header. My 3 babies are getting big!

Changing Directions

2011-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

As life changes so do our hobbies. My Etsy shop used to be (and still currently is) filled with paper goodies. For awhile now I just can't get motivated to make new paper goodies, but that doesn't mean I haven't been crafting. I have been playing with yarn, fabric, paint, and more, and I am having a blast at it.

Therefore, I think it is time for my shop to take a change in directions. I will soon begin to add all sorts of fun new items to my current shop: cgoriginals.etsy Here you will soon be able to find wreaths, signs, banners, garland, pillows, and more. All sorts of pretty happy things.

I have even opened a whole new shop: cgcrochet.etsy.com I bet you will never guess what will be in that shop.......

yep, its crochet items. The two hats above can be found there now. I'm so excited!!!

I also hope to move my blog in a more crafty direction. It should be lots of fun!!!

Crochet Fun!

2011-04-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

While in Washington D.C. in February I discovered I needed (yes needed) a scarf. I have never been a scarf person, but all my female coworkers had one. They all looked so cute. I went on a hunt for the perfect one. I found it at Union Station (which has all sorts of fun shopping plus an awesome bakery!) Well I found the perfect one for me, plus an adorable girls scarf made from granny square. I bought it for Albany, and thought I could make something like this.

So I did! Plus I added flowers.

Here it is as an accessory to her Wonder Woman outfit.

And Brookie had to get in on the photo fun. Isn't her little ponytail the cutest.

Oh and by the way I love my scarf I bought. I am a total scarf convert =) Maybe by fall I will have made myself a new scarf to wear.

I am linking here:

Here's the story...

2011-04-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

When I have been on diets in the past, I have never shared that I am on one. I feel then if I fail nobody will know.

My weight gain started after high school when I got married and quit playing all the sports I had loved as a teenager. After I had Memphis, I lost the weight quickly. Then when I had Albany, I gained a lot and it never came off.

I started off my last pregnancy with Brookie at my heaviest. I didn't gain much during my pregnancy, and she was my biggest at 9 lbs 6 oz. I left the hospital weighing less than when I became pregnant. That was great motivation.

In the 16 months, since she has been born, I have lost 56 pounds. I know it may not seem like much in the amount of time, but it is realistic for me. I feel different about dieting this time. It definitely is more of a lifestyle change. I allow my self times when I treat myself, and I am able to get right back to healthy eating.

I have also regained my love of being active. This year I have ran a 10k in a marathon relay, become a regular racquetball player, learned to play disc golf, started taking the stairs, and lift weights regularly. Plus recently my job has enacted a wellness policy where we can workout on the clock 1 hour a day. I went and got a membership at the local YMCA, and I go there on my workdays.

All of this has made me feel energized and so much better about myself. My degree is in Health Promotion. I am now living what I have been taught and what I am working to teach the community I work in.

Why am I telling you this? Well like I said, I usually hid diets when I go on one. After loosing 56 pounds it is kinda hard to hide it. Plus I feel I have made a real lifestyle change that will last, so I thought I would share it with you as well. Plus this will help to keep me accountable as I continue in this journey.

I still have a ways to go to reach my ideal weight. Plus I have more athletic goals I would like to reach. I am always looking for a new challenge to keep me going. When I saw the results this blogger had from Jillian's 30 day shred, I knew I had to try it out.

I bought this tonight. I will be starting first in the morning. This will not replace my hour workout that I do during work. It will just supplement it. I plan to take before pictures tomorrow, so I can show you at the end of 30 days. I will also try to find a before of me 56 pounds ago to show you the difference.

Plus I have told myself when I finish this 30 day shred I can have a pedicure :) A little extra motivation never hurt.

Butterfinger Cupcakes

2011-02-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

I got new cupcake pans for cheap a little bit ago. We finally got around to using them. Of course we had to use both pans, because Memphis wanted the big one and Albany wanted the little ones.

We decided on Butterfinger cupcakes.

Usually this is mad as a cake, but the cupcakes were just as easy. Plus with both of kinds being cooked in two parts, we got to add more of the topping in the middle of the cupcake.

YUM!

Anything But a Face!

2011-02-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

This week at i heart faces it is Anything But a Face week. For this theme, I decided to go back through my pics to see if I could find one I already had. The first one that came to mind was a picture we took in Washington D.C. where it is our feet with the Washington Monument in the distance.

Then I ran across the file with the photos of a day at the splash pad. I knew there was probably something good in there. I was right. I love this pic.

This was Brookie's first trip to the splash pad. She was about 7 months old. We started out just letting her put her feet in the water, but that didn't work for her. She wanted to get all in. So we striped her to her diaper, and she got right in the middle of all the sprinkler fun.

I love this picture, because it shows her chubby little legs and feet. It also shows Albany's feet playing with her. Her brother and sister don't venture far from her, and I think this captures that.

Go see all the other fun pictures.

I also linked this post here:

I'm Pooped

2011-02-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

Geez writing a grant is hard work. It's not the hard physical labor I think about when you usually talk about a job wearing you out. This is mentally tiring.

We have been working on gathering and brainstorming since November. Then we had days planned to write the grant in January, but Oklahoma was hit with snowapaloza. I work for a university, and they shut down during this time. Therefore, we had paid days off, but that didn't stop us. We all used SKYPE and worked on it, but you can't get as much done as you can face to face.

Then we had a week in DC.

As soon as we got back we got busy. It has been 2 weeks of nonstop grant writing. We were stuck in our conference room during all the nice weather, writing away into the night.

For the past 3 days a coworker and I have been all over the place getting last minute papers and getting copies printed.

This morning we were waiting at the copy place at 6:50. (They opened at 7.) Once they opened the doors we went in and started reviewing all the copies to make sure it was all exactly as it was suppose to be. We were at the copy place for almost an hour looking at each page of 6 copies of the grant.

Then we drove 2 hours and handed it over. It felt like handing over a child.

Now we just sit and wait.

Couponing

2011-02-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

Do you coupon?

At the beginning of this year we decided to give it a try. Right at the time we decided to try it out, the show about extreme coupon people came on TLC. The people they showed are go to crazy levels of "couponing", like dumpster diving for tossed papers. They also stock up on items and many of them have turned their garages into stock rooms.

We don't want to take it that far we just thought if we could save a few $$ off of our grocery bill then great.

I "liked" a few "couponing" Facebook pages, where I have learned some good tips. They also tell you when there are going to be really good deals. The key to saving lots of money is to wait until the item goes on sale and use a coupon you have.

I have had some big savings. Since I started I have saved at least 30% off of my bill, and sometimes it is up to 50-60% off. At Walgreens I got $64 of stuff for under $20. I have gotten Listerine, toothbrushes, toothpaste, makeup, Pringles, cleaning supplies, cereal, and more for just pennies. I have even scored free cans of Healthy Choice Soup!

Every Sunday I buy 2 newspapers. I clip out all the coupons with the help of this cutie:

Then I store them in a labeled binder that I have put baseball card holder sheets in. Then I wait for the sale paper to come out from the local store that doubles coupons. I figure my meals around that, and I go save.

It doesn't take as much time as I thought it would, and I think I may be hooked.

New pans

2011-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love after holiday sales. You can find some of the best things (that can be used year round) for really cheap.

My boss came in Tuesday telling me the large cupcake pans were on sale 1/2 off at Wal-Mart in the V-Day section. (She knows I like to cook and do crafts with the kids.) I didn't make it to Wal-Mart on Tuesday, but I went by Wednesday morning before work.

Not only did I get the big cupcake pan, but they also had a pan for making filled cupcakes. :)
My kids were so excited when they saw these. Of course they are the most excited about getting a big cupcake.

I can't wait to use them. Do you hit the after holiday sales often?

Cell Phone Pictures

2011-02-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

This week, on I Heart Faces, the challenge is cell phone pictures. I currently have 1000+ pictures on my cell phone, so I had plenty to choose from. I love this challenge, because it made me go back through all those photos I took with my phone. Usually the only way they get used is if they are posted on my Facebook. This challenge gives me a way to show off one of my favorites.

I love her expression in this picture. She is sitting on a broken bird bath at Grandma and Papa's.

Be sure to go check out all the other cell phone pictures.

Kindness

2011-02-20T07:01:00.001-08:00

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and Man."-- Proverbs 3:3-4

"Your own soul is nourished when you are kind." -- Proverbs 11:17

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Valentine's Day

2011-02-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day for us is pretty low key. Chris and the kids met me after work for a trip to Braums for a hamburger and ice cream. I was given new running shoes and Chris got new dress shoes.

I did take a break in my work day to run to Memphis's school party.

I can't imagine how much junk food he would get if he went to a more normal size school. All of this was from a class with only 10 students in it.

12 years ago (yesterday)

2011-02-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

12 years and 1 day ago the cutest boy in school asked me to be his girlfriend. I of course said yes.

This is us last week in Washington DC. I'll post more pics of our trip soon.

Little did I know it wouldn't be a typical short high school romance. Durning my senior year, his junior, he asked me to marry him. I of course said yes. We waited until the month after he graduated and became husband and wife 19 days before my 19th birthday.

Saying yes to him 12 years and 1 day ago was the best decision of my life. He is a Christian man who has to be about the most forgiving person I have ever met. He has supported me in everything I do. He is the best daddy you could ask for. While I was in college he worked hard to support our growing family, so I could study and stay home with the kids.

I am so happy I said yes.

I miss being crafty

2011-02-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

When I stayed at home it was so easy to be crafty. Now I hardly ever find the time to have some crafty fun. I have been making digital scrapbook kits for the shop and digitally scrapbooking for myself, but I mean something hands on. I also want to start doing the weekly crafts with the kids that I did all last summer.

I must get back to this, and I think this is the week to do it.

PINK

2010-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't participated in i Heart Faces in a while, but once I saw this weeks theme (pink) I knew I had to post this photo:Albany's middle name is Jean. Jean is for my name aunt, Tony Jean, who passed away from breast cancer when I was a senior in high school.

My mom has 15 brothers and sister. Out of those 15 I am the most like my Aunt Tony. I am a bit clumsy like her, and I obtained her love for crafting and sewing. What is weird to me, is that out of all 16 kids I look just like my Aunt Tony, and her daughter looks just like my mom.

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am posting Albany Jean in her favorite pink boots.

Be sure to go check out all the other entries.

HOOOOOOO Are You?? Link Party

2010-09-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm playing along with this fun link party called HOOOOO Are You? Each week there is a list of questions to answer, and then you go see everyone else's answers. What fun!!!

1. Do you type on a keyboard the correct way or do you peck like a cute little chick?

I type on a keyboard the correct way. I had 3 years of typing in Jr. High and High School. This was due to not having enough electives to choose from. Therefore, I can type pretty well.

2. Typically how long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

On days that Chris is off, and the girls get to stay home with him I can get Memphis and I ready in about 1 1/2 hours. If I have to get the girls and Memphis ready it takes me about 2 hours. If it is just me, I can get ready in about 45 minutes.

3. Do you prefer lip gloss or lipstick?

I'm a lip gloss girl. Lipstick is just too heavy, and usually tastes bad to me.

4. Do you take clothes to the dry cleaner or wash them yourself even if they say dry clean only?

I try not to buy dry clean clothes, but when I do I just wash them myself unless it is a special outfit I will only wear a few times.

5. Do you prefer Wal Mart or Target.

Target. Unfortunately I only have Wal-Mart close by. It is about an hour away to Target, so I go when I can.

My Own Pool

2010-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is my layout from Creative Scrappers sketch 118. Little Brookie is such a water bug. We used this bucket for her pool, and it worked out perfectly for her.

This weeks sketch worked great for my new line of digital scrapbook elements. The whole page is done with elements I made myself. Most of which are in my shop now. The others will be soon.

?????

2010-08-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

106 degrees today and the splash pad closed at 7???????

We got there at 7:04 :(

2010-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

As I set out here sweating in the humid Oklahoma afternoon, watching Brooklyn sleep in her stroller, and the other 2 run up my water bill playing with the hose, I am looking at all the great tutorials on the computer and some already saved in my files.

I always save them with good intentions, but I never seem to get around to them.

Tonight I found:

this quilt pattern (Brooklyn has a onsie with a really cute bird on it that I would use where the large flower is.)

this mini wallet (I have to carry business cards with me for work, and this would be perfect)

I have a whole list of more ready to post, but my kids are ready to dry up and go in.

Will you join me in trying out a few tutorials you have seen around blog world? If you do, be sure to let me know. I will post mine as I make them.

Sketch 112

2010-07-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is my take on this weeks sketch at Creative Scrappers.

Cleaning Out My Craft Room

2010-07-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have way too many craft supplies and a long long list of new ones that I want. I am cleaning out some of my stash, before I buy anymore new stuff.

This stack of paper of 12x12 paper and patterned cardstock has been divided into smaller stacks and will be going in the shop soon. I am in the process of adding sticker sheets right now. Plus I will be adding the fun handmade items from the last post soon.

Go check it out.

Long Weekend

2010-07-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

I had a long weekend that started at noon on Thursday and was scheduled to end Tuesday morning. I was sick all night though, so my work week didn't start back until today. I will have a whole 1 1/2 day workweek before I take another 4 day weekend. Man my schedule is tough. :)

I got several things done over my long weekend (not including Tuesday. All I did then was sleep and lay around).

I finished Albany's quilt. I have been working, off and on, on it forever. Almost a year, I think. It is finally done, and I love it. So does she. I think I may have been bitten by the quilting bug though. I still need to finish Memphis's, but I am already looking for fabric for Brooklyn on and one just for fun. I quilted it on my machine. I am so proud of that. My mom and I went in together and bought an old quilting machine last summer, but we haven't used it yet. I am hoping to use it for Memphis's quilt, because it will be larger.

I got a couple of scrapbook pages done. Both digital. The pictures are from February.

This is the first pillow I have ever made. It was simple and was very quick to make. I really like it. It does have a flaw on the bottom side, so it will be discounted in the shop. I have some more fun burlap projects in my head.

This is a ruffled messy flower key chain. It is kinda big but really light weight. If you are like me a big key chain would be helpful to find my keys in my purse :)

We also spent all day on the 4th with family. I haven't got the pictures off my camera yet.

Hopefully I will get as much done this weekend.

I loved this sketch.

2010-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pop in on my lunch break to share the layout I did with Creative Scrappers sketch 107. It is such a fun sketch.

Hope you are having a great Monday.

In no particular order we've been...

2010-06-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

making faces

making time to relax

making works of art

making stories

making line with sand

making yummy smores

making glitter toes (found the idea here)

making more art

making more faces

making initials (to hang in our tree)

what have you been making?

I'd love to see.

Just leave me a comment so I can go look.

2010-06-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

The hubs is gathering wood as we speak for our first pit fire. Hot dogs and smores here we come.

Yum :)

This is one of my favorite parts of summer.

WooHoo! 2 pages in one day!

2010-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! I got 2 pages done today for Creative Scrappers.I kinda cheated on this one. The frame I used was already put together in one of my digital kits. I started this page out with one of Brooklyn's 3 month pictures in mind. When I had the page done I realized that I had already scrapped the picture. A quick change of the picture and a change of the word months to years, and I had a layout for Albany.

Digital is a lot easier to make corrections to than traditional scrapping.

Now we are headed out to let the kids play in their little pool.

Creative Scrappers Sketch 104

2010-05-31T12:55:00.001-07:00

This was the perfect sketch for these pictures. Memphis's class went on a field trip to a Children's Museum. They had a bubble thing where you can get inside a bubble. The grown kids had as much fun with it as these little guys. I think it was one of my favorite things at the museum.I made the digital bubbles myself. So proud :)You can go to Creative Scrappers to see other layouts and more fun sketches.

How did I let that go so long?

2010-05-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

I don't often look at what my blog looks like. I usually just view it from the dashboard.

Today I looked at my blog.

The header is still of just my oldest 2.

I will have to fix that soon.

2010-05-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hopefully I'll be adding these to the shop this weekend. My plans for the weekend include crafting, scrapping, and sprinklers. The hubby has to work, so we didn't make any big plans.

What are your plans?

Birthday #3

2010-05-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

This little girly girl turned 3. She wanted all things girl for her party. Fancy Nancy, Disney Princesses, tutus and tiaras. We also rented a inflatable water slide.She doesn't like all of the attention to be on her. She loved the tutu until she realized everyone would start looking at her. It made it hard to get a good picture, because all she wanted to do was hide. I'll have to get some better pics when no one else is around.
Here is Brooklyn with her "Uncie". He is my hubby's twin brother. Brooklyn looks a lot like him. She had a tutu to match big sisters. She squealed when she realized she was getting to put one on. She loved chewing on it. She will be 6 months soon. Hard to believe.
Here is Bubba helping lick the icing off of the princesses on the cake. He has on no shirt, because it was hard to get him off the water slide long enough to eat and have cake.

We had a really fun day. It was just family. The kids had fun playing with their cousins. Last Monday we had 2 new additions to the group of cousins. My sister had a girl and a boy. The little boy is healthy and doing great. The little girl is having some lung and heart problems, and they are having a hard time getting her off oxygen. They have had her off several times, and it will look like she will come home. Then for some reason she needs the oxygen again. She has been off of it for almost 2 days at a time but not any longer. We are praying God will take care of her, and she will get to come home soon.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend.

Creative Scrappers Sketch 103

2010-05-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is the layout I came up with for sketch 103 over at Creative Scrappers. I really wanted to use the sketch for this photo, so I flipped the sketch. It is all digital.The picture is another one from the New Orleans' Zoo. Albany was playing is the mister.

At the Zoo

2010-05-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to New Orleans last week. We had a blast. It was a work trip for me, but I got to take Chris and the kids. We took this picture in a mirror at the zoo. I did this digital page for a challenge at My Life and Scrap.I'm not sure that I love the layout. It was a Speed Scrap, and they give you one instruction at a time. This is how it ended up. Maybe I'll do better next time.

I'll try to get around to posting some pictures from our trip soon.

Hope everyone has a great Mother's Day.

I'm running

2010-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

15 years ago, this last Monday, I was in the 6th grade. I went to a very small school (less than 20 per class) in Oklahoma. Word got around quickly that there had been a bombing in Oklahoma City. I remember hearing all about it, but I don't think, at 11 years old, the reality of it sank in. It took several years for me to understand what really happened. Now as I look at these pictures my eyes feel with tears. Why do people have to do things like this? Take people's children, moms, dads, sisters, brothers away from them in such a tragic way. Give survivors nightmares that will last for the rest of their lives. Make people feel unsafe.
This picture gets to me as well. This is one of the most powerful things at the memorial to me. The first time I went there was when I was in a photography class right after graduating from high school. I took a picture similar to this one.

I work with a guy used to be a paramedic. He was called to the scene when it happened. The person who was assigned to his ambulance didn't make it. He now has 10 year old triplets, and he named one of them after this person.

He has asked my husband and I, as well as 2 others, if we would run the marathon relay with him. This Sunday is the 10 year anniversary of the run. I was still pregnant when we decided to do this. 4 months after having a baby and 2 months after being released from my Dr. to start exercising again, I will be running a 10k. This will be my first race of any sort since high school track days. Before Chris and I had Memphis we ran all the time, but that has been over 5 years ago. I am not ready to run over 6 miles, so I will be walking some of my leg of the race. I am excited for it though. Chris is running the 12k.

We have already decided to sign up for a 5k in May. Wish us luck.

Shop Reopened and my Big Baby Girl

2010-04-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

I reopened my shop this morning, and I have already had a sell! I am super excited about that.

I have some new items I want to get posted. I need to find a time to take some pictures of them, and I will try to post them next week.

I took Brooklyn to the Dr. for her 4 month check up Tuesday. She is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Her Dr. said she is the size of a typical 6 month old, but I guess when you start out life at 9 lbs 6 oz you might be a little ahead of the game.

He said she is doing great (which I already knew). She is our easiest baby yet. I don't know if its that she is really easier, or if we are more relaxed from being through all of it twice before.

Hands On Fun

2010-02-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

This week I Heart Faces is all about hands. I had just been looking through a set of pictures from a day at the park when I saw this weeks theme. I knew I had to use one from my son on the monkey bars.

To see more hands pictures head over to i heart faces.

2 Weeks Layout

2010-01-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have discovered digital scrapbooking, and I love it. It is so much faster. I don't have to worry about the clean up or the kids getting into all my supplies while I am scrapbooking. Plus I get to use the same supplies over and over. LOVE IT!
It is also a lot easier to post them for the blog contests since I don't have to take a picture and upload it. I might actually have time to enter a few now.

Meet Brooklyn Ann

2010-01-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

Time has flown by, and I meant to post this sooner. She was a month old yesterday, and I can hardly believe it. She weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces. She was 21 inches long. I was induced, and it took me only 3 hours and 55 minutes to have her. We didn't have her name completely figured out until she was a few hours old. With the other 2 we had names as soon as I was pregnant. This time it was harder to decide. If she would have been a boy, we were going to use the name Boston. We didn't know what we were having until she was born. The doctor had Chris announce what she was.

She is amazing. She is laid back just like her brother. She already sleeps for about 5 hours at a time at night. Her big brother and sister love her very much. Albany had some trouble adjusting, but is doing much better now.

She has made the perfect addition to our family.

Update

2009-12-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

I was asked to give you an update about my pregnancy.

I am being induced tomorrow morning. My doctor is afraid that I will deliver faster than I can get to the hospital if I wait to go into labor on my own. At my last appointment I was already pretty progressed, and I have about a 1 1/2 hour drive to the hospital. He said by the time I actually realized I was in labor we would have a mad dash to make it.

So tomorrow will be the day we meet our new little one. We are all excited. We didn't find out if it is a boy or a girl, so we are excited to know.

We got most of our Christmas shopping done over the weekend, and today I am taking care of last minute details to be off work for the next 6 weeks. I have also been finding replacements for the Sunday School class I teach. I am just hoping that I am remembering to do everything that needs to be done. Even though this is baby number 3 for us, it is still hard to get everything ready.

I will let you know more in a few days.

Weekend to do list complete (almost)

2009-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

I made my to do list for the weekend, and checked everything off but one item.

Accomplished:
vacuuming the whole house
cleaning my craft room
sweeping and mopping
cleaning the bathrooms
did the laundry

making cards for an order in the shop
making a sign for the shop (which hopefully will get posted soon)
sewing the rest of Memphis's quilt strips together
making a plastic bag holder (I got it done, but messed up some on the bottom. I hope to try again soon.)

pre-registering at the hospital for delivery
going for a walk at least 1 time over the weekend (we only managed to go once, but I still got to mark it off my list)
Calling nursery workers to work extended session (I forgot to send out the reminder cards during the week, so I had to call them instead.)

Not accomplished:
dusting (oh well there is always next week :) I have already added it to my to do list for the week)

Next weekend (or sooner) I have down to dust, and to make a couple of layouts for the kids scrapbooks (the year is almost up, and I would like to be close to finishing this years scrapbooks before I need to start on the next years ones. Plus I will have 3 kids scrapbooks plus our family one to complete next year.) I also hope to get the kids quilt strips ironed and maybe even cut into squares this week.

What did you accomplished this weekend?

Only 11 more

2009-09-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

We just have 11 more weeks until we get to meet our new little one.

I am excited but kinda nervous. I have 2 hands, and there are 2 parents. Now we will have 3 kids though. I need to grow another arm, so I can keep hold of all of them at once.

We will be outnumbered.

Sometimes it takes a kid.

2009-09-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

As adults we get in such a rush with our own daily lives, that we sometimes forget about others. Sometimes it takes kids to slow us back down and think.

We know almost all of our neighbors. The majority of them have lived there since we have moved in. We know who they are, their kids, where they work, and if they go to church and where.

We do have a rent house on our road though. We don't know the current residents. I don't know that I have even seen them.

Sunday after church we had made it to the country road that we live on, and Memphis was telling us about what he had studied at church. He said that we needed to tell people about God, because there are people who don't know Him. Then right as we passed the rent house, he said, "do those people know God?"

I am sure it is not a coincidence that he picked the one house on our road that I am not sure about.

Maybe we need to get to know our newest neighbors better.

One step done.

2009-09-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

First, I know the photo isn't great. Its from my phone.
Last night I got all of the quilt strips sewed together for my daughter's quilt. I just love the colors, and she picked them out. I think they look awesome for a 2 year old to have chosen them. They weren't all together on one rack either.

I was sewing my son's together first, but last night I ran out of black thread. His will be much larger. Her quilt is just going to be a small one.

I am doing each step for both quilts before I move on to the next step. It just seems easier that way. Plus they will both be done at the same time, so no fighting over one quilt.

I hope to get Memphis's strips done soon, so I can start ironing and cutting them into blocks. Plus I found out I have a machine quilter just down the road from me. He does a great job and for a very great price. I was going to try to quilt them myself. I was going to use the sewing machine, and was kinda dreading that part. I have hand quilted with my grandma many times, but never on a sewing machine. Once I found out one lived so close, I will be taking it to him.

Hope you have a great day.

To Do Lists

2009-09-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Life gets hectic now that I am doing my internship, have 2 small kids, being pregnant (being tired, Dr. appointments), Memphis being in school now, trying to keep up with housework, trying to add new things to my shop. I have only about 7 more weeks to go before I finish my internship hours. I am looking forward to being a stay at home mom again, but will be so glad that I can say I have a college degree (finally). Then I am going to start my Master's while I stay at home with Albany and the new baby.

I have discovered the importance of lists these past few weeks. I have 2 datebooks. One for my internship and one for my personal life. Every morning I make a list of what needs to be done when I get to my internship and I also have a weekly to do list for myself. I also have 2 apps on my iPhone for lists and notes. I feel like I am actually getting something done when I can mark items off the lists. This weekend I had a house cleaning list, and I got to mark off all of the tasks on it. Yay. I feel so accomplished :)

What do you do to stay on top of things?

I just got through uploading 814 picture off my camera. I hope to share some of them with you this week.

Hope you had a great weekend.

A coffee drinker I am not, but...

2009-09-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

These are really good.(Sorry I know the picture is crappy. I took it with my phone, and the only light in my office is a desk lamp.)

They are Moolattes from Dairy Queen. Yes this is the large size. I got one this summer when we took the kids there for ice cream, and I love them.

Now that I am doing my internship, I go by DQ every time I go to a meeting, come to work, leave for home, or go to a meeting. I have been good though. This is the 5th week of my internship, and this is the first one I have gotten. I am sure this one has like 1000 calories in it. I needed a pick me up today though. I am tired. It has been raining all week, and it is making me sluggish.

This is my 200th post. Yay. I really wanted to do a fun post or a giveaway, but with my schedule I haven't found time to get one together. Maybe soon.

It has been lots of fun writing these posts. I know I don't have a lot of readers (and I've lost a few followers in the past few weeks due to no posts from me) but I love writing it for myself. I get to go back and take a look at all the fun times I've had, and it is great for helping me remember stories I want to scrapbook.

Plus it is lots of fun reading everyone's blogs. My favorites list has grown so long. Sorry that I am not commenting much here lately. I am reading them though (in Google Reader).

I hope to find time to do more posting and commenting soon.

Have a happy day.

Update

2009-08-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a quick update on us.

I have only 15 more weeks until we get to meet our new little one. We can't wait.
Memphis thinks it is the funniest thing that I can't see my feet, and he is always trying to tickle the baby. When I say it is kicking he says "poor momma". Albany has become very interested in her baby dolls lately and other people's babies. She loves the babies that come to nursery at church.

Memphis says school is "great" anytime he gets asked. It is getting easier letting him go. He is ready for his weekends though, and he takes really long naps.

Albany hasn't adjusted as easily to me now being at home with her. She is becoming clingy.

My internship is going great. I am 2 weeks into it now. The people there are very laid back, and are accepting me fully as a member of their staff. I have been working on a fitness challenge for the community. I am loving it. We have also been going to tons of meetings. My supervisor is already networking for me. Anytime he hears there may be a job opening he is giving them my name and saying I will be very qualified come December. I wasn't planning on going to work for at least another year, but if a job comes open that I just can't refuse I may rethink it. I will be praying about it.

I don't know if it is being pregnant or the nice weather (no higher than the 80's), but I have been in a cleaning and redoing mood. I am working on one of our bathrooms. I am putting up new decor. I did have farm stuff in it, but its not really me. Now it has fun colors, and the shower curtain is polka dots. I love it. I need to make a new curtain for it.

I also have been wanting to get a different table for my craft room. I want the kids to be able to come in and sit at it with me while we do craft projects. My now kitchen table is the perfect size. We are about to outgrow it anyway. I have been looking for a new table, and when I told my mom she said she had a long dining room table in storage. I remember the one she is talking about. It is really heavy wood. I told my husband about it, and we are going to redo it. Yay. I can't wait to get it done. I will try to take some pictures.

I also want to make Albany a new bed. (Well my husband will be making it. I'll just be supervising.) We are going to get the stuff for it today.

Have you seen any of the quilt alongs that other blogs are having. There is one here. Memphis has been asking me for one. He loves blankets. He doesn't have an attachment to a blankie. He just loves to have lots of blankets. These got me inspired to make him and Albany one. I am following the pattern that they are using, because it is quick and easy. I am making a few adjustments to mine though. Albany's is going to be smaller. I let them pick out their own fabrics. Memphis has Nascar and other car related fabrics with some solid colors. His room is orange and black, so it will look good. They aren't my favorite colors, but if it will make him happy it makes me happy. Albany also picked out her own colors. They are really pretty. She did a good job picking. I only got 6 colors for hers, because I am making her blocks smaller. I will show you when I take some pics of them.

I am hoping that after I get my craft room back in order I will get some new items in the shop. I have free shipping right now, so go take a peek.

Well enough for today. I have to go meet Chris.

Have a great day.

"I'm just going to cry"

2009-08-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was the first day that I had to leave Albany with my dad for my internship. Monday Chris was off.

While we were all getting ready she asked me where we were going. I said I am going to work, Memphis is going to school, and you get to stay with Papa. She gave me a dirty look and cried for about 10 minutes (I have stayed at home with her other than a few hours a week for classes until now.)

Then when my mom came to pick Memphis up for school, she said you be good to Papa today. Albany gave her a dirty look.

I dropped her off with her Papa, and she was still frowning. He asked her what they were going to do all day, and her response was "I'm just gonna cry."

Weird weather

2009-08-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

It is noon, and we have been outside most of the day. That is unusual for August in Oklahoma. It is normally already pretty hot by 9. The kids are covered up on the couch watching a few cartoons before I lay them down. We went to the dirt track races last night, and people were pulling out their jackets. Memphis laid down and covered up with the blankets that we took them to set on, and Albany cuddled up with us. Not that I am complaining, but this just isn't normal for August.

If you remember from my other post it took some convincing for Memphis to believe that it was ok to stay home from school for 2 days. This weekend he was ready for a day to sleep in. By Thursday it was hard to get him out of bed in the morning.

The school has a new coach this year. Memphis has said they are playing basketball everyday. He is loving it. The coach is teaching them ball handling and they are exercising. Basketball is the main sport played in the small schools around here. I am glad the coach is starting them already. We are going to put Memphis in a league to play basketball this winter, and after all he is doing at school I think he will be ready.

By the way does anybody have any fun lunch ideas for him? I don't want him to get bored with taking his lunch.

Hope you are having a great Saturday. I am planning on watching the track and field that is coming on now, and then some gymnastics later.

First Day of School Pictures

2009-08-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Memphis is loving school. On Saturday when he woke up he asked if he was going. I said no, and he said "I can't skip school that's lying."

This is the face he says he is going to make for his school pictures next week.

I think little kids who are carrying backpacks almost as big as them is so cute.

This is him in my mom's classroom. He goes in here before and after school.

Here is in in his classroom. There are 6 kids in the pre-K class. So cute

I handled letting him go a little better today. No tears :) It is still hard to be away from him all day, but we made the best of our weekend. We all went to the dirt track races. This was Albany's first time. We haven't taken her before, because she won't normally sit still for much. She loved it though, and did great. Memphis was all excited that we were going with him. Then Chris's twin brother showed up, so Memphis had someone to wrestle with during the yellow flags. The rest of the weekend we played mostly, and went shopping.

Does it get easier?

2009-08-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

The day finally came. Memphis started school yesterday. He is loving it, while I am so sad to see him go. Does it get easier to send them off each morning? Just typing this is making me teary eyed.

We took him yesterday, and Albany ate breakfast with him. Then we went to his classroom. His teacher is so nice, and it helps that he already knew her. I had to step out of the classroom, because I couldn't hold back the tears. One of the teacher's aides saw me (I know all of them, because my mom teaches there. It is a really small school with only 12 teachers.) I was trying to make it to the bathroom, because I don't like to cry in front of people. After the aide saw me though everyone knew I was crying. Memphis's teacher came out and gave me a hug, and said she hadn't lost one yet. I don't understand how I was the only mom who got emotional though.

This morning my mom picked him up for school, and it was hard today too. He was really ready to go though, and had trouble sitting to wait for her to get here.

There are only 6 kids in his class. They are in with the Kindergartners, so that makes the class size 11.

I'll post a picture of him when I get them uploaded to my computer.

Albany and I are about to head to my woman's Bible study. I think it is much needed today.

I am going to be starting my internship this next week. Therefore my posts won't be very regular. I will be spending my time at home with my hubby and kids. I might get a few posts in on the weekends and after they are in bed. I am ready to get the internship over. Then I will be staying at home with the new baby and Albany again.

Ok I have to get ready to go to church.

FREE SHIPPING and random thoughts

2009-08-05T05:20:00.000-07:00

I am offering a free shipping sale starting today. Come get your goodies while the sale is on. I am not sure how long I will run it.

Random thoughts:

My little boy starts school tomorrow. So hard to believe.

I wish we had a convenient store near by. A cherry Pepsi sounds so good, but not good enough to load the kids up in the car and drive almost 15 minutes to get one. That's probably a good thing though.

Albany's favorite word right now is awesome. I love it. So cute how she says it. She puts emphasis on the some. Her 3 favorite things to call awesome are cars, motorcycles, and bulls (we have been watching the rodeos). She is after her daddy's heart.

Hope you have an awesome day.

I heart faces - Summer Edition

2009-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

I heart faces is having a non judged week for your summer story.

These 2 pictures pretty much sum up our summer. Tons of playing in the water. We did it on a daily basis. The kids even had a few baths outside. I love their smiles in these photos.

Is it just us?

2009-08-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

We have a very sweetest, kindest 2 year old little girl, until we are home alone with her. Now don't get me wrong she is still sweet, caring, beautiful, and the apple of our eye, but she can act so rotten. She knows good and well what we are telling her to do, but she tells us no and goes on. She is mean to her brother. There are days where she is in time out more than not. We never had these issues with Memphis at this age.

When we are out with other people though, we get complements on how sweet and good she is, and she is when others are around. At church everyone talks about her being the sweetest kid, and they love to watch her in nursery. Many of the high school girls have taken to her, and they are constantly going in to play with her and get her.

I just don't know what gets into her sometimes at home. Is this terrible 2's. Will she outgrow it? (Please say yes, you can lie to me if you want).

Oh and nap time is hard with her. It usually takes an hour to get her down for one.

Any advice? I'm not saying she is horrible, cause she definitely isn't, and I am glad that if it has to be one or the other she chooses to be her best when we are out. It's just those certain times that we just don't know what has gotten into her.

Do you need a new house?

2009-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

This one is in my shop.

I love the colors. It is so fun. Lots of Sassafrass paper (one of my favs). It is upcycled from a whole grain Cheerios box.

My new mini album

2009-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

I don't normally make mini albums for myself. I love to decorate them, but I usually sell them or give them as gifts. I usually just stick to my large albums for myself.

I decided to do one for Albany's birthday. I think I am hooked now, and want one for each birthday for my kids. I bought this cute chipboard cupcake album when I was on vacation in Tennessee last Nov. It has been hanging in its package on my pegboard since then.

These are just 2 of Albany's many wardrobe changes throughout the day of her birthday. She loves clothes, and had to wear each outfit she got for a while even her swimsuit.

She loves Abby Cadabby.

This is some of her presents and her pinata which no one thought she would want to hit. She loved it though and still talks about hitting Abby.

I wrote her a little message on the back.

I thought it turned out cute. I have made a couple of mini albums for my shop too, which I hope to get posted soon.

It's official

2009-07-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

I enrolled my little boy in school today. It just doesn't seem possible.

He is so excited about it.

Everyone at the school already knows him, because it is where my mom teaches. When he walked in the office to enroll they were all excited.

I guess I am the least excited. I have to turn my baby boy over to other people to teach and mold for part of the day. I know he is ready though.

Just a few pics

2009-07-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of the activities we have been doing this week . We put food coloring in bubbles to make bubble prints. We got a couple done before Albany dumped out all the bubbles, and they mixed all the colors together.

We also made sidewalk paint. I have seen this on several blogs, and we thought we would give it a try. By the time they were done we had paint on the ground, the house (it came off with a water hose), both kids, and our poor old yellow lab. He sat there while they painted him blue and pink.

These also got all mixed together in a bowl. It turned into a pretty gray "chicken soup".

We have a little less than 2 weeks before Memphis has to start to school (they moved the start day back 1 day). We are trying to make the most of it. Do you have any other fun kids activities that we can try?

Giveaway at Littlebitfunky and my interview

2009-07-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Go over to Littlebitfunky for a great giveaway. It is a girly initial pillow. So cute and funky. Plus it is a great blog if you have never been.

I went to my first interview this morning in my search for an internship. This is the place that I have been hoping to get one. It isn't that far from home, and it is a great program. I got the internship on the spot. I am so excited. I even have my own office. Now I will be busy filling out all the paperwork and preparing for it. Yay!

Also I have had a few of you ask about the baby. We are doing great. I will be 20 weeks on Monday (half way there). I had an ultrasound at 17 weeks, and hopefully I will get the pictures scanned in soon. It was my 4th ultrasound. Two of them have been because of the babies position they can't get the heartbeat on a Doppler yet. They gave us an idea of what it might be, but it was still a little early to be sure. So I'm not going to tell ya'll just yet.

Albany and I are about to have a girls night in. We rented the first Twilight movie. I am just now getting around to reading the books. I am through the first 2. The boys are at the races. We school shopped for Memphis today after my interview. We are having a hard time finding jeans for him. He is so skinny and tall. We would take stacks into the dressing room and none of them fit right. For today we ended up with shorts, shirts, and shoes. We are going again tomorrow, and hopefully we find some jeans. It will be our 3rd trip.

Ok thats enough for now. I just meant to blog about the giveaway to get an extra entry, and I started rambling.

Have a great evening.

Crafty Stuff

2009-07-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have been getting up at 6am to get some scrapbooking done before the kids get up. This week I did two sketches from CreativeScrappers.

I have also gotten a few new items made for the shop. I am having a sale there too, 10% off your entire purchase until the end of July.

cupcake toppers

embellishments

Also I have an interview on Friday for my internship. I am so nervous. This will be my first one in my search for an internship. This is the place that I really hope to get one too. I could use some prayers.

Hope you are having a great day.

I Heart Faces - Feet

2009-07-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

I know this is my second post right in a row, but I had to post this one.

I found a new blog this week. It is all about pictures of faces. Except this week it is about feet. I thought I would try it out. I took this picture of Albany after she got out of the pool, and I think it is so cute. I love little toddler feet.

Go check out all the other feet pictures here.

While I have been gone we have been...

2009-07-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

doing lots of 1 armed push ups (of course),

playing hard,

making faces into shinny black cars,

looking at lots of nice cars,

riding trains,
riding bikes in our tutu,

playing in the button jar,

examining buttons closely,

chasing the dog,

trying to get it to chase us back,

drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated on the 100 + days,

growing these,

and these,

and of course these,

and playing with our best buddies.

What have you been up to?

Chatter

2009-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

There is the most amazing noise in my house right now.

It is coming from these two. They are chattering away with each other.

There is talk of:

Jesus and Moses (they are in different classes at church right now, so they each are learning something different)

Daddy at work

toys

ABC's and singing

"Thanks for coming" Albany keeps saying this, because during nursery the older kids were playing restaurant.

clothes (they have dragged out some clothes and are getting "dressed"

and much much more.

It is such a great sound to hear them getting along so well. We have been blessed that they do. I don't always take the time to stop and listen to their little conversations, but when I do I can tell they are magical.

I hope your house is full of chatter today.

Are you checking out all the sales on Etsy this weekend?

2009-06-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

There is an YART SALE (Yard + Art = Yart) going on at Etsy this weekend.

I decided to participate, and you can see my Yart section here. Items have already been marked down to their new Yart Sale price.

I did a search of Yart sale items, and here are a few of my favorites.
This necklace from Underglass is 50% off. You can get it this weekend for $6.00. The shop has a large Yart section to look at.

You can pick up these cute clips from PunkieGrace (I love that name.) When you spend $15 or more in this shop you get free shipping. Plus there is a large already marked down Yart section.

These are so cute. They are from Polishedtwo. You can pick up this pair for only $4.25. That's half off.

Wouldn't these brighten up your summer wardrobe? You'll get $2.00 off of these hair clips from Nomsa. You can find lots of great finds in the Yart section of this shop too.

This print is called Fiery Sunset. At dakotafire this weekend when you buy 1 print you get one of equal or lesser value free. You can't beat that deal. Go get some pretty new art for your walls.

Now go shop. If you find some great deals be sure to let me know.

A Sale and Tomatoes

2009-06-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

I am having a sale.

Head over to my shop for BOGO. I also have a marked down Yart section. We are getting tomatoes. (The pic isn't the best, because of the time of day it was.) We have 10 Roma, 2 Lemon Boy, and 4 Big Boy tomatoes growing. I can not wait. Memphis keeps saying, "I can't wait for a big juicy delicious tomato." He doesn't even like tomatoes. He has been eating lots of carrots and sugar snap peas from the garden though.

This weekend I am without my camera. :( My mom asked to take it on a trip. They are going to my cousins wedding. I hope nothing exciting happens that I need a picture of while it is gone.

I already took pictures of new gift tags that I have made, so those will be going into the shop one at a time over the weekend.

Since I won't be able to take any new pics, tomorrow I am doing a post over some of the YART sales on Etsy. There are so many great items at great prices. I will be posting some of my favorites.

Hope you have a great Friday.

Lots of random stuff

2009-06-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

This post is going to contain lots of random thoughts.

First the album goes to Dipaola Momma. She was the first to comment on the post. Go check out her blog.

On my birthday I had a Dr. appointment. It started out a little scary, but turned out good. They couldn't find the heart beat. They sent me for an ultrasound, and everything looked good. Its hear beat was 170. The baby is up higher than the nurse thought it would be. She kept going lower trying to find it. It was such a relief, because my first pregnancy ended at 12 weeks, when there wasn't a hear beat. God is good.

My little boy is growing up. He graduated from the Sunday School class that I teach 2 Sundays ago. Yesterday he went to his new class. He loved it. It is a small class, because we only had 5 from our class promote up. Out of the class he went to they all promoted up.

His teacher said he did great. He said he really liked it. The class I teach is now smaller too. Yesterday there was only 4 in the class. We have one 3 year old, and the rest are 2 and under.

This will also be the first year that Memphis can go to VBS. I volunteered to help, and they are going to have a nursery for the volunteers kids that aren't big enough for VBS yet. Albany will stay in there. I am the Recreation Coordinator. I take the kids outside in groups to play games. This will be my first VBS to help with.

Next month we have a trip planned to buy Memphis's school clothes. I can't believe it is time for him to start school already. 4 1/2 years has gone by so fast.

My day so far is going great. I got up at 6. As I was reading my daily Bible reading Albany got up. She went back to sleep in my nap, so I was able to finish my reading. Then she slept in the chair while I read blogs and crafted.

My super is already cooking (I love my crock pot). I had 2 helpers in making it. We has some leftover meat off the grill from last night, so I made soup with it. As I chopped all the veggies the kids ate some and put some in the pot. It already smells great. Chris will be home a little late tonight, so I figured it would be a good night for soup. If the kids get hungry before he gets home it will be ready and still be hot when Chris gets home.

He is going to play basketball with some coworkers. Last night one his co workers came here after work. Actually he came the last 2 nights. He is 18 and really looks up to Chris. Memphis loves him. When he comes he makes sure he spends lots of time with Memphis. Then he and Chris played basketball. They played horse, and Chris wanted me to play. I beat them both the first time. I was ahead the 2nd game, but they started shooting really long shots (way past the 3 pt line). I was a post player, and the 3 is about as far as I can go. Basketball is about the only thing I miss about high school.

Then Chris is off for the next two days. Tomorrow is library day, and then we plan on taking the kids to the park.

Ok if you haven't got bored and quit reading have a great day.

I am 26 today!

2009-06-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I have a Dr's apt at 2 then we are going out to eat Italian with my family. Yum. I can't wait.

So for my birthday I thought I would give this away. I am going to give it to the first person who tells me they want it. (Remember I have comment moderation on, so even if it says I have 0 comments someone else may have already commented before you.)

It is a girl paper bag album. The front says thank heaven for little girls. There is a tiny flaw in it though. One of the pages has a glue mark that is visible in light down it. (Albany tried to help me with it.) It could easily be covered with a picture or journaling. I am also having a sale in my shop. If you let me know you saw this post, you can have an additional 5% off on top of the sale.

So who wants a girly paper bag album?

I finally found one I could use

2009-06-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a way to get a new blog background. I have tried the ones on many sites, but they never turned out right. I finally found one that was simple enough for me to use. I got a new background and a new header. I am so excited. What do you think?

If you want some new stuff for your blog click on the button on the upper left corner of the background. Its all free and so easy to use.

Our first harvest

2009-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

We got to pick our first veggies out of the garden. Sugar snap peas. We didn't have a lot this time, but hopefully there will be more in a few weeks. We aren't expecting a great crop, because it is the first year for the garden spot.

These were really good and sweet. The kids loved them. I tried to get Albany to hold some in her shirt while we gathered them, but she ate everyone I put in.

We also have some carrots that are a couple of inches long. I can't wait for them to come off.

I am having a sale in my shop. You can save up to 30 percent off and a chance for free shipping.

Signs that Summertime is Near

2009-05-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

You know it is getting close when you get to slip n slide and eat watermelon.

This is the first time she has got to eat a slice of watermelon like this. We had to cut it up for her last year. She loved it and ate several slices.

Plus the summer reading program at the library starts today. That is where we are headed.

Planting Tomatoes

2009-05-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

I wish I had pictures of when we were planting the tomatoes, because I am a visual person. It was a pretty simple process, but if I confuse anyone just let me know. I'll try to clarify it.

The first thing we did was cut a hole in the brown grass that goes in the hanging basket. We made it about 2 inches across. We put the grass in the hanging basket. Then we used gallon milk jugs. We cut the bottom off about an inch from the bottom. We cut the part that narrows at the top off. You need to make it big enough that the limbs of the tomato plant will fit through. It is best to use plants that are still pretty small, so the hole doesn't have to be really big. We did have to cut one big though, and we just cut a pair of Albany's tights that don't fit her any more and tapped a piece over the hole. That way the water could drain through, but the dirt wouldn't all fall out.

It is best if you buy the tomatoes in the pots that dissolve on their own. This helps to keep the dirt all together. You can just stick the whole pot right in.

Put the limbs through the small hole at the top of the milk jug and turn it upside down. Then put the limbs through the hole in the brown grass and the hanging basket.

We used a five gallon bucket to set the basket in (where the tomato plant hangs into the bucket). My husband was holding it at first. We found it was better to have something to put it in. It is best to have an extra pair of hands to keep the milk jug upright, and it starts to get pretty heavy.

Then add your dirt in and around the milk jug. Plant flowers on the outside, and your done.

After a few weeks they look like this. Our humming birds like to sit on them.

You will have to water them more regularly than if they were in the ground, because the water drains out. We also give ours feed about once a week.

Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday like I said I would. Chris ended up getting all weekend and Monday off.

2009-05-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people ask for more info and a tutorial about my tomato plants (go down a few posts to see the original post about them).

I have never done a tutorial, but I will give it a try. I will try to take more pictures and post one hopefully by Monday.

Have a good night.

Albany's Birthday

2009-05-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Albany's birthday was last Saturday. We just had a very casual day at our house with people stopping by. We had planned a party at the lake, but 22 straight days of rain changed that. She had fun anyways. We had a little Wii fun.

We couldn't bring ourselves to light her Abby Cadabby candle, so she blew out plain ones.

She had several outfit changes. She got lots of new clothes and wanted to try them all. Most of the day was spent in her Tinkerbell outfit from Aunt Trina. I just love her face here.

We had an Abby pinata. None of the kids could break it, so Chris finally had to do it. We were afraid Albany wouldn't want people hitting Abby, but she had no problem with it.

Hope you are having a great day. I am off to make some more goodies for the shop. I don't know for sure when I will start listing them, but it will be soon. Along with a sale.

This is how we grow tomatoes

2009-05-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

My uncle who lives in south east Texas (who has been getting ripe tomatoes for quite some time now due to the warm weather) decided to grow his tomatoes in a milk jug. They did really well for him, so we decided we would try it.

These hanging baskets have been waiting on something to grow in them for a couple of years now. So we put our milk jugs in there then put dirt around them and planted flowers.

We have 3 types of tomatoes - Roma, Lemon Boy, and Big Boy. My husband (who won't even touch a tomato that is bought at a store) says the first thing he is going to make is a BLT when when get some tomatoes.

This was SEW simple to make!

2009-05-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

I know its a dorky title, but I just had to do it.

I have only sewn 1 dress for Albany, and it was when she was pretty little. My mom helped me do it. It turned out great. I am just not so sure about making one without my mom's help. During the school year (she is a teacher) I don't see her much, or at least not long enough to sew a dress.

The other day I saw this tutorial on Joy's blog. If you have not seen her blog you have to go take a looksie. It is great. It looked so simple, and Albany is in need of some new summer dresses. The materials only cost a few dollars, so I figured if I messed it up it wouldn't matter.

It was so easy to make. The hardest part was putting in the elastic, which wasn't all that hard just time consuming. I am sure there is an easier way. I just don't know it. If you know an easy way let me know.

I think it turned out very cute. My lovely model (who is now 2) didn't hurt either.

Know I am off to the store to get the stuff for Indian Tacos. We use my husband's grandma's recipe. They are so good. Chris has had a really bad viral infection that left a huge ulcer in his mouth, and he hasn't been able to eat or talk very well for almost a week now. The medicine is finally doing its job, and he called from work and said he wanted Indian Tacos, because he finally feels like he can eat them. Yay. I am so glad he is finally better.

Have a great day.

10 down, only 30 to go

2009-05-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

I have made it to being 10 weeks pregnant, and I am finally starting to feel better. With Memphis and Albany I only got sick every once in awhile. With this one I have been sick daily up until recently.

The kids got to go in with me for an ultra sound last Monday. They got excited when the tech told them what they were looking at. Albany got the most excited which surprised me. She had to run over for a closer look. I am going to scan pictures in soon and hopefully get them posted for you to see.

Now that I am feeling more like myself, I hope to be posting more often. I also have some pictures to share. I tried to upload some this morning, but they are not uploading for some reason. I will post them later.

I also am going to have to start making some new goodies for my poor neglected Etsy Shop. I had my best month for sales last month. This month I have only had a few. I am sure it is because I am not posting anything new.

Ok enough of my jabbering on and on. How have you all been? I have lots of blogs to catch up on.

Have a happy day.

Whats wrong reveal

2009-05-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

There were a couple of you who picked what was wrong with the picture. It is her shoes. She went a couple of days where she wanted to wear 2 different shoes.

And for a couple of answers to questions I have received:

My children are fine. I got them distracted before they could realize too much about the McDonald and PETA issue. Thanks for the concern.

Also, mine and Chris's 7 year anniversary is June 22.

Be sure to check out the great giveaways over at Polka Dot Moon. She is celebrating the 2 year anniversary of her blog and Etsy shop. She will be having 10 giveaways. Today's is an awesome wall decal.

Can you tell what's wrong with the picture?

2009-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it will be obvious or not, but there is something about the picture that is not quite right. Aren't they a cute group though?

Ok this really bothered me.

2009-04-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

First off let me say I do not agree with animal cruelty, but if you feel that it is going on there are much better ways of stating your opinion.

On Wednesday we were driving by a McDonald's in a town about an hour north of us. I see Ronald McDonald standing on the sidewalk. Then I see someone holding a sign that said PETA. Well my kids had already seen Ronald or I would have distracted them with something else to look at. There was also someone dressed up as a chicken. The chicken was hanging Ronald McDonald by the legs, and there was blood dripping from him.

I don't care if you have a problem with McDonald's or not. I do not feel that you should torture a children's character where children can see it. Thankfully, my kids didn't realize what was going on.

I think it is fine for them to state their opinion, I just do not feel that this was appropriate at all. I think that it was very immature of them.

Just thought I would vent about it.

It's over.

2009-04-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

I got through the panel interview. It was actually the only time I have ever been on an interview. I have worked in the past, but I was hired immediately without an interview.

The first part was strictly an interview just like if I were really applying. The whole time I kept thinking that I was messing up. I was being interviewed by 4 people.

Then they said the interview is up, and asked what I thought. I said that I thought I could have answered the questions better. I told them I had no idea what to expect due to this being my first interview. The boss said he couldn't believe it, because I did great. Everyone else agreed. I was so relieved. One guy said there really wasn't anything to say bad about it. Yay. They said they could tell I was a little nervous at the beginning, but that it went away.

I am so glad it is over.

Ok now it is 95 degrees here, and we are going out to play in the water.

Have a great day.