Do you remember that?

Baby it's cold outside...

2011-02-02T15:11:00.000-06:00

and man oh man, I am so over this being stuck inside stuff. and now a broken-frozen pipe. geez.
I mean, we are in Texas for goodness sake. this snow stuff is good for a couple good outside shots, a rare winter scrapbook page...and then I'm over it. come on sun!

Catching up

2011-01-16T20:43:00.000-06:00

made it through the holidays...and trying to get this Yesterday and Today project going...courtesy of the always inspiring and patient Ali Edwards. Signed up for her online class last week in hopes of learning some digital things to incorporate as well as do a "me" album. I have to admit after doing two days of Photoshop tutorials on my own and trying to play catch up...I am just freakin' frustrated at my inability to "go digital." I just hate it. I give up. I'm gonna live in the past. gonna go watch some movies on Beta tape.

see...I stink at this digi stuff! two days of work...cutting my losses.

I do love that I was given homework to go through old albums and categorize what I like and dislike. It made me realize I have waaaaay too many albums and pages and I love almost every single page. big stickers, bad photos, and not so hot handwriting.
But then, I got curious and started counting layouts as I glanced through every single one.
drum roll please...over 1460 12x12 layouts completed and in albums...

and none of them digital or hybrid.

187+ in a stack awaiting a page protector or one "final touch." OMG! I also came up with an estimate for contract layouts and projects and gifts...and ...well, it's crazy!!!
But I rationalize that I may have to divi everything up between three boys someday and did not want any of them to feel less loved. well, that's my excuse anyways. at this point they may just feel smothered in photos, adhesive, and embellishments. geez.
Gonna tackle more AE homework tonight between laundry and football...and try to work on that pile of 187. ugh.

Oh, my count would of been a few numbers higher BUT...we had quite the tragedy in my little studio last week. Actually, it was throughout our whole downstairs living area but my studio was HIT the worst. Long story short, our sweet Elly dog got hit by a car...survived -after lots of life-saving measures and medical intervention ( and $$$) had been recouperating at home confined to her little spot with all her dressings on...neglected to to put the "cone" on when I left. When I returned home I discoverd a crime scene like nothing I had ever seen...and most of it had happened in my scrapbook room. A bloody bloody mess. Mess does not even describe my room...murder scene. Haz mat crew needed. Needless the say, when the dust had settled and, the blood had already dried, and I had stopped crying and having a panic attack ( took care of Elly first) we tackled the clean up. some of that stack of layouts WERE laying open in an album on the floor. they had to be trashed. unbelievable. I was so upset. still upset. still gotta tear out all of the carpet as it is beyond saving. and now I'm also repairing a lot of layouts that got "hit." good thing I have a lot of other layouts. LOL.

thankful...

2010-11-28T19:11:00.000-06:00

ahh, thankful that the big warm-up meal to the big holiday season that was hosted at my house this year....is over. so much work, so many calories. It seems sad that Thanksgiving has turned into just a meal in preperation for this Black Friday craziness. I'm thinking that next year some retailers may just start offering a to-go turkey/stuffing/cranberry sauce dinner at the check-out line to make sure you spend your shopping dollars there. It really has gotten out of hand. oh well. I slept in and then started on third but not final dishwasher load to celebrate the holiday weekend. yup, Scrooge will be arriving by helicopter very soon. right on schedule.

Boo!

2010-09-14T18:03:00.000-05:00

long time, no see...

But have been way too busy with projects and.....hmmmmm.....life!
but here is a little peek at one of my newest little creations that I will be teaching at Anthologies next month. Thanks Cheryl for the inspiration!
And No, the kitchen is not done...but getting super close. All my plans of tackling the remaining paint and trim work seem to get bumped on the weekends by Football practice, scrapbook deadlines, yard work, sick children, missing dogs, car deals, school projects, work....you name it. Stuff! But I know, all us working moms are in the same sinking boat.

Anthologies goodies

2010-06-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

another month of kit creativity with Anthologies June collection " take flight." this kit has lots and lots of goodies (fabric,canvas,yarn,wire mesh) that I don't usually work so it was fun to play with it all except the wire which was due to a major...okay, minor bloody hand injury that occured because I tend to work/create/get inspired in the dark sometimes...but alas, that is another story.

the toad is smiling too!

2010-05-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

another month gone by and yet this home remodel lingers on...we are up and cooking at this point and have cleaned out all the nooks and crannies that formerly housed groceries, Christmas dishes, the "good" tupperware, and the wedding crystal....yes, ( bells, harps, and trumpets playing) we have cabinets up and countertop, and working appliances. Lots of trim and finish work to do but at least we don't have to eat dinner in another drive-thru line. So at least we're saving money there...but gotta pay for all this "updating." Ahh, but that's another tale.

Got my Anthologies kit and been a busy little BEE, working on layouts when inspiration hits and even sometimes when it doesn't...love the creative process right? Sneak peeks coming soon.

But tonight for Saturday night fun, after painting trim and crown molding all day, the boys went hunting, toad hunting that is. The first Toad of Summer has been caught, tagged, and released. And with that the official start of dirty boy Summer activities begins...even though there are still 3 ( ahhhhhh!) days of school left.

OMG!

2010-04-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

okay...for the rest of you that have functioning kitchens...AND cabinets...maybe this is no big deal. BUT, for me this is huge. we have cabinets hanging...and have for many nights ( even though Henry and I did it all ourselves.) Yup. were back in business baby. We don't have to keep the Cheerios in with my shoes and t-shirts anymore. We can move small appliances out of the bathrooms, use real cutlery, and buy some groceries. So what's my excuse for not getting lots of crafting projects done? hmmmm. Spring fever I think. just gotta be outside digging, weeding, cleaning, or something dirty. Also waiting to get my hands on next month's kit from Anthologies and see what goodies await me. Yup, saving up my creative energy.

No April Fools! Projects revealed today!

2010-04-01T07:18:00.002-05:00

okay, the big day is finally here...reveal day at Anthologies. This is a big deal! I had such fun playing and creating all the projects for this first month's kit. lots of pretties and whimsical stuff to spark your imagination. Be sure to check out the Anthologies Design Team monthly projects to see all of the wonderful projects that the team came up with. Amazing!

where's Waldo?

2010-03-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

well, no cleaning lady here obviously. just little ol' me, playing with my new Anthologies kit and making mess after mess. but...eventually scrapbooking ART! and lots and lots of it. Anthologies' first monthly kit will be available to all beginning April 1st so be sure to check out their link to get your hands on this little goodie! okay-back to work. I've got dishes to do in the Laundry Room.

2010-03-06T12:52:00.002-06:00

Oops, she did it again. Okay, me, not Brittany. Who knows what she is up to. But Yes...on the new Design Team at Anthologies! http://www.anthologiesbyme.blogspot.com/

I'm soooo excited to be part of this group...and what an awesome group it is! Lots and Lots of talent and variety. I just can't wait to get started and so looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.
But until then, ( heavy Charlie Brown sigh!) back to the overwhelming kitchen remodel that is my life. Six months in...and still preparing food in the hallway and laundry room...but maybe just maybe....we might get to some cabinetry and plywood countertops this weekend. ahhh, Heaven. And yes, we do all the work ourselves. I try to think of it as one GIANT unfinished scrapbook page with lots of tools, planning, embellishments, and $$$. So, with the Design Team announcement and the anticipation of not washing dishes in the bathroom...things are looking up up up!!!

did you hear that?

2010-03-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

I think I hear good news coming...

Season's Greetings

2009-12-19T17:20:00.000-06:00

Sweet Little Peyton is here! All are thankful for this little ( huge!) Thanksgiving and Christmas blessing and looking forward to celebrating lots of holidays with our newest little cousin.

2009-10-25T22:03:00.001-05:00

DUH! font type and background should NOT be the same color...and Yup! this guy is about to be a Grandpa again!

whassup?

2009-10-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

Geez, I keep posting updates but must be screwing it up...go figure! I'm still trying to comprehend voice mail technology!
All is well, everyone healthy, well-nourished and staying out of trouble...for the most part.

2009-10-21T13:40:00.000-05:00

Yup, still here. same ol' same ol'...
all is well, waiting on baby peyton to arrive---our long awaited baby niece.
staying busy with football, school, keyboard lessons for my little Ray Manzerik, Science club (lots of crystal growing), Destination Imagination, tutoring, home demolition aka home remodeling, special needs chihuahuas, scrabbooking of course...oh and keeping life SIMPLE and uncluttered. Its all good!

2009-10-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

Yup, still here... same ol' same ol' and that's okay! the boys are busy in school, keyboard lessons ( yes, I'm mother to the next Ray Manzerik), Science Club, Football, Destination Imagination, Legos, Halo, and eating eating eating...My goodness these guys are hungry all the time! Life is good!

2009-03-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

the obligatory Santa photo

...nothing says Christmas like a UK shirt and Charles Dicken hats!

Happy Christmas...oh so late

Ummm, I know everybody says it..."gosh I haven't blogged in a while" but GOSH, I HAVE NOT BLOGGED IN A WHILE! But I'm just gonna glaze over the last 5 months, say alot of stuff has been going on, some worth repeating and elaborating and some not, and just move on to the present. Be in the moment, live in the present, be right here right now...did you hear the little twinkling of chimes? There was a deep sigh, a moment of reflection, and a yoga pose that all just happened...OMMMMMMM.
Firstly, a family photo to send out to friends and family. No...I did not overlook anyone on my Christmas card list this year...just did not get to it, feel like doing it, or really even cared. I know that's such a "Scrooge" way to feel, but that's generally how I feel around the holidays and this year was no exception. But instead of giving in, and rushing around to do the obligatory photo session and card....I just skipped it. Bah Hum bug.
Upward and onward...Working on house and relocation details...lots more to happen in the next few days. Job front...also working on details and not ready to update.
School starts next week for the boys...Hooray! did you hear the twinkling of chimes again???

Saturday, August 11, 2007

So everybody has their own version of a superhero...there's Superman, Underdog, Whataburger Boy! Of course, able to suck down a large sprite in 20 seconds and eat a man-size portion of greasy fries all while wearing his supercape and oh so hip- super whataburger spectacles.

Man this kid cracks me up!

The whole house is bustling with excitement today...all for different reasons. Firstly, it's the weekend. We finally received our Playmobil shipment of the Romans and the Coliseum. This is a huge deal if you're into Playmobil. I mean,how many kids have their own beasts vs. the Christians play scenarios??? Of course you all do.

Eleanor, the newest member of our furry family finally gets to go home with us today. She is a little Australian Shepherd puppy that was rescued from some loser that threw her and her sister out in a box behind WalMart a few weeks ago. They were only 1 or 2 weeks old. A Rescue Agency has been fostering her. http://members.petfinder.com/~TX445/ The sister died and Eleanor has struggled but she is finally well enough and our family was chosen to be her new "forever family." I love that.

And....if that wasn't enough, the glorious Donna Downey http://donnadowney.typepad.com/ is in town at my LSS and teaching a few classes. We "cropped" last night and shared a cold Whataburger meal so I thought this little picture was appropriate. I plan to get by today for a few pics and say hello again. And then my old college roommate and friend and her two little ones are coming to visit. So there will be a little wine flowing and lots of chat of the good ol'e days and reminiscing about those non-mother years.

Ciao for now! We're off to dispose of a mole that was apparently murdered in our yard yesterday. Ahhh, life in the burbs.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Back among the living...

A little summer excursion to Corpus, a round trip to CHA in Chicago, and a house full of temperature-running kiddos...It's been a full summer already. And still, my scrapbook room remains cluttered and not-so-perfect but I promised I would get there by end of summer. Ahhh, two more weeks. As far as CHA, well just get your Visa and MasterCards out. So much cute stuff coming to the Scrapbook Pad and coming soon. I think the new KI stuff was my favorite because it's just so loud but some really adorable vintage-shabby-chic stuff from...oh, the name escapes me...is coming too. Just so different and cute cute cute. Oh, and Prima watercolor paper!!! It's just the coolest. Gosh...It's just sick to get this giddy about papercrafting products. Well, I'm in good company with all you other sickos at least.

Enjoy, Create, Observe

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Wahoo!!!

Envision Mary Tyler Moore throwing her hat up in the air as she walks the streets of Chicago in the opening of the Mary Tyler Moore show. She's happy, carefree, and celebrating something I think. Well, now that I've really dated myself...I just found out I have another published layout out there. And with Cosmo Cricket. Wahoo!!! Sure, almost anybody can be "published" these days but I'm still celebrating because I don't really want to work at this whole "being published" thing and let it happen if it happens...and it's happened again. I think I ended up getting pregnant 3 times with this same philosophy. LOL ! Just wanted to share...gotta go find my flying hat. I may just have to eat it later.
Speaking of eating, I started BOOT Camp today. Not U.S Army boot camp-which I have done by the way, but that is a whole other story-but Fitness Boot Camp. Have you heard of this??? It's a crash course in Fat kids Summer Camp I guess. Needless to say, after my work out this morning at 5:30, all I can think about is how sore I am and how some nachos, ice cream, or pizza would really just make it "all better." Ahhh, a full belly and a nap. I guess my Drill Sargeant did not yell or humiliate me enough this morning. There's no shaming me into being fat. Ugh! No,I'm gonna do it for a month and see how things go, clothes fit, etc... But for now, just celebrating my 15 split seconds of creative fame, even if it is only in my head.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Arggghh ye mateeeys!

Ahh, just in a piratey mood today. Been a workin' on paper mache treasure boxes, looty ( or booty) bags, and with lots of Teresa Collins Junkitz paperzzzz. ( that's in case ya' wern't detectin' the groggly pirate voice that is a-playin in me head) The boys have been dressing up and playing pirates for about a week now, tying each other up, and hiding treasure around the ole' houseboat, drinking pirate swill, and just having general piratey fun. Thank ye' Jack Sparrow for the inspiration. And THANK You Johnny Depp for being Jack Sparrow, but a'last ye' matey, that's another story for another day. Hope everyone is planning on tracking over to Arlington to the big Scrapbook Show and will say HI to the Scrapbook Pad Girls this weekend.

Oh another Buns story...my four your old took off his pajama shirt this morning and said "whew, thank goodness, I didn't grow any buns." Who writes this stuff???

Land HO!!!

2008-01-03T17:48:00.000-06:00

Firstly, a family photo to send out to friends and family. No...I did not overlook anyone on my Christmas card list this year...just did not get to it, feel like doing it, or really even cared. I know that's such a "Scrooge" way to feel, but that's generally how I feel around the holidays and this year was no exception. But instead of giving in, and rushing around to do the obligatory photo session and card....I just skipped it. Bah Hum bug.

Upward and onward...Working on house and relocation details...lots more to happen in the next few days. Job front...also working on details and not ready to update.

School starts next week for the boys...Hooray! did you hear the twinkling of chimes again???

2006-12-08T13:49:00.000-06:00

day 1 bloggin...in search of the greatest scrapbook layout in this galaxy...da dahhh dummm!