Krazy Life of the Armstrong K's

Mid year

2011-12-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

We are 3 weeks away from the end of the first semester. Where did it go? Poof in a blink of an eye, its all in the past.

We have had a fantastic year, school wise. I am SO proud of Kassel and all the heard work he has put into his school work. He's a real young kindergartner and has a small speech delay but he was worked so hard on his school work this year. He has has done awesome on his math and to my surprise has done great at phonics too. He's not too fond of History or Language arts, but usually doesn't give me too much trouble.

Kassel has speech therapy with a great therapist in an online classroom. He likes "going to speech" to play games with her. At the beginning of the year I was a little apprehensive about speech online, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

Kassel has also been going to preschool the last few months. I went to that preschool, Kaitlyn went to that preschool, how could I not send Kassel? We had to atleast try it. Some people thought it was weird for me to send him to preschool even though he is a kindergartener, but were a bit UN-ordinary. I'm OK with that. Unfortunately it just didn't seam to fit into our busy days. We will not be returning after the first of the year. We all had fun while we were there and thats what counts.

As for Kaitlyn, she's turning into a girl. Not a little girl, a girl. Full of sass, spunk, attitude, rebellion, etc. She's done amazing in school this year. I have to spend ALOT of time working with Kassel and Kaitlyn is just so easy to teach. I take a few minutes to introduce a new topic to her and send her on her way to work on it. I was really worried about teaching her multiplication and division, but even that she picked up real quick. She started writing some stories which she posted on a new blog I helped her create.

She has also joined a League Swim Team. She was on a summer league swim team over the summer and decided to join a year round team. She did great at her first two swim meets. She improved her times a lot. Enjoys the meets as well as practices everyday. Even when its cold and windy Kassel and I bundle up and watch her practice. She's a natural.

Today is Dec 6, 2011. 15 years ago today we lost my mom. I couldn't even be there when she passed for I was in another hospital. I can remember that day like it was yesterday. At other times it feels like a lifetime ago. I wish she was here everyday. I wish she was able to be a part of my children's life. I think life would be so different if she was still around. Love and miss you mom.

From us to you... sending love!

Will life every be normal again?

2011-12-06T21:16:00.001-08:00

I once used to have time to scrapbook, relax, see friends, bake, craft, blog, etc.

Not for awhile now. I've often thought of deleting my blog. But it used to have a lot of fun with it. A lot of my friends blogged and even meet other friends through blogging. Life just gets busy. I'm not sure if it just goes hand in hand with the kids getting older, or life choices we have made. I don't know why or how, but it has.

There has been a lot of ups and downs in life lately, but were all still alive and well and that's what truly matters in life.

School is in!

2011-08-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are one week into our 2011-2012 school year! Last week was a busy week. It's always hard getting back into a routine, especially a new routine! Last year we were tied down to a 9am-2pm M-Th school week. This year we will have a lot more flexibility but still trying to find some sort of a routine.

Our first day of school went GREAT! We all woke up excited and ready to go! We all woke up on time or early and got dressed, ate breakfast and ready to learn! We took some first day of school pictures and then we went on an alphabet hike around the block and had fun with that! Then started in! It went great! We have a busy week planned so we went ahead of schedule and got extra work done.

I wouldnt let the kids into the classroom until it was time to start school. It was killing them! :)

Back to school goodies!

I hope they stay this close forever!

family shadow!

Getting work done! (It was hot can you tell?)

Day two- Kaitlyn knows what shes supposed to do so shes no problem. Kassel, my little kindergartner on the other hand isn't too keen on doing his school work. It was a hard day! But still got at least the minimum done.

Day 3- Meet up at the movies! We met up with some old and brand new friends at the dollar movies. It was great to get out and meet some new people! then we came home and got some work done! Pretty successful day.

Day 4- Back to school party! We had a great back to school party with some friends. We were all dressed silly since we had a clown come and do face painting and a magic show! Great day with great friends! We got some school work done after we got home.

Day 5- Friday! My plan is for Fridays to be completely free of school work but depends on how busy our week is. This Friday we had a yard sale planned and we were busy doing that until 2pm which is when we had a play date scheduled. We got to the play date about an hour late but still were able to meet up with some new friends.

~WHEW!~
Week one, DONE! Mission completed!

Where does it all go??

2011-07-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many times I say this but really... Where has the time gone? I mean really, Where did summer go? Where did last school year go? Where did my childrens childhood go? Where did the last 9 years of marriage go? It just went 'Poof'! In a blink of an eye I've been married for 9 almost years, I have 2 amazing kids who are now entering 2nd grade and kindergarten! I was so looking forward to this summer and now its almost gone! I did enjoy the summer don't get me wrong. It was a great summer and I look forward to starting this new school year, actually very excited! We are going to enjoy the last bit of summer and then jump into school with both feet!

This year is going to be so much fun! We school with CAVA a virtual academy. We schooled with them last year but that was a totally different situation as it will be this year. This year we will have FREEDOM! We wont have to eat, get dressed, pack our backpacks and drive to school. This year we will have school in our own home! We will have the freedom to go on every field trip possible, within reason. We will have the freedom to go to Disneyland when we want. Can you tell I'm excited about being able to do what WE want to do?

School starts August 15th! Between now and then we have my cousins wedding this weekend that Kait and I are in. Then we are heading on vacation for a few days! The hubby is taking a whole week off work, which is pretty big for him! Then when we come back, we have one more week to prepare for school see friends and fun stuff like that. We are slowly getting the classroom ready and the kids are so excited to start school. I'm being mean and making them wait!

Enjoy the rest of your summer too! It will be gone all too soon!!!

Clean sweep!

2011-06-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Second day of summer vacation was another 'Get 'er done!' kinda day. Working on getting more Girl Scout stuff done. Didn't get anything done around the house though which stinks because it really needs some attention. But I did clean out one thing that always seams so overwhelming to me. Im not one to get rid of stuff. I'm NOT a hoarder like as in the show! Have you seen those people? WOW! But I do have tendencies like some of them. I always think "What if I need that later?" or "I can use that for something else later on". So yea getting rid of stuff is kinda hard for me. But I did it! I cleaned it ALL out! Clean sweeped my In BOX! Yes Emails! I didn't know that your AOL inbox could get full of emails but it happens to me often. So tonight I went in a cleaned it all out! Yes I will probably regret deleting a few of them. I will probably come back tomorrow and need something that I deleted but OH WELL! It's gone! Man it feels good! Just if it was that easy with other things.....

Knock Knock

2011-06-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

Knock Knock, Anyone there?

Just stumbled upon a friends blog and kicked my bootie into blog surfing again. It's been so long since I stopped blogging. Thinking back it started when the laptop crashed, and I could only log into blogger with the laptop, for some stupid reason. I guess its an IE thing because I'm on here now! As I was blog hoping I noticed a lot of people haven't been blogging lately. Not just people I know, I like to use the "last blog" button when I'm bored. So was blogging a trend that is going away? Maybe, but I know for some its therapeutic.

Ok, so who wants to make bets if I actually start blogging for real again? We shall see... place your bets!

So if I do actually start blogging what would I blog about? It started as a crafty blog but then turned into a blob (yes I meant to say blob) of everything with no real direction. I guess that's kinda how life is though. You start with a plan, or an idea and then all heck breaks loose and it turns into totally different directions. I mean really, did anyone really think we would be where we are now? Was this your plan? I'd have to say NO! This was not my plan. Parts of it, YES! Other parts, not so much. I guess no matter how old you are you still have those 'teaching moments", those "life lessons". I guess that's what keeps us on our toes.

Welcome!

2011-01-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2011!!!

I know I a week or so late but hey, better late then never! I want to Welcome 2011 and let it know I'm giving it the opportunity to be GREAT!! I really thing we deserve a good year by now. So far so good. Year we've been a little sick and Kassel has been going through his "I don't need to eat" thing but all and all its been pretty good.

This week we started back at school and that always makes things a bit crazy. Kaitlyn is doing great in first grade and excelling very well. Kassel loves spending time with the kinder and first graders and is always eager to do his pre K work. One day while I was teaching the first graders he was doing puzzles off to the side of the classroom and I told the first graders to come up with a word that starts with the 'th' combination. Kassel gets up and comes over to me and says "think!" I turned to him not sure what he was talking about and he said it again and then I realised he was answering the question I just gave the first graders! It was so cool! Defiantly a proud Mama moment! Before the first graders could think of a word he answered it! Even when he's not doing his work hes still learning!

The school that we have is s such a unique experience I just love it! Our junior high student asked if we could go whale watching and we told her we would look into it. with money being tight for everyone now days we didn't really think much about it. One day I was searching around for our next field trip and decided what the heck, lets check out whale watching and stumbled on an awesome deal! We are going in February! Everyone is so excited!! We just cant wait!!

Welcome 2011! Lets bring on a change! Looking forward to what our next adventures are!

Need a good....

2010-12-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

I need a good drink
a good cry
a good hug
a good nap
a good kiss
a good day
a good paycheck
a good.........

Perfect weather for baking!

2010-10-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

I was so excited last week when we had the perfect weather for baking! I decided Friday would be a baking day! Called Alicia and had it all planned out. Mother nature decided to not play fair and change the weather up on us and Friday was back up in the 90's! I couldn't let mother nature win, we still decided to bake. We ended up baking a pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and a chocolate cake for Ken for our anniversary. I've been craving empanadas(sp?) so I attempted to make them but it was a no go. Both kids helped a lot, usually only Kaitlyn is interested but this time Kassel actually wanted to help. He did great! I think he made the best taco pocket and empanada's!

*Notice Kaitlyn in the background with a camera in her hand? Taking after Mama in yet one more way! :)

Beach Day!

2010-10-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

It's been crazy lately and I haven't taken any time out for myself or the kids. So I decided to be spontaneous one day and pack up and head to the beach. The kids had no clue where we were going. they probably thought we were going to the grocery store of something but to their surprise we ended up at the beach! It was a beautiful day at the beach and the kids had an awesome time! I enjoyed being able to relax a little and just enjoy my kids having fun! I really need to make a point of doing more of this!

Beauty

2010-10-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

It was a lot prettier in person but either way BEAUTIFUL!

Archeological Dig

2010-10-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

We were learning about archeology the other day and the kids went on a dig... in the sandbox! The kids had a great time digging for treasures. Some of the treasures were pretty small and didn't really think they would find them in there, but they did! We started off carefully but that didn't last too long. All and all it was a great time!

I actually scrapped! A little.

2010-10-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago my old online scrapping friends (whom I have been neglecting due to my uber busy schedule) hosted an online crop. We used to do these all the time and it is always so much fun! I was able to participate a little bit. Here's what I accomplished: please keep in mind its been along time since I've scrapped so keep any critiquing to yourself! :)(positive comments ALWAYS welcome! )

He's SO big!

2010-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big my baby has gotten! He's going to be 4 soon! Where on earth did the time go? He has been doing so good at school! It's a huge adjustment for him and he's exhausted every day but he's learning so much! He can now write his name all on his own. If he goes a few days with writing it he kinda regresses but I'm still pretty impressed! I'm one proud Mama!

Long Beach Aquarium Field trip

2010-10-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yep, another field trip!
We decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity of the the home school day at the Long Beach Aquarium. The kids were really looking forward to it and was a great field trip! I cant express how much I LOVE not being strapped down to a time schedule! It's so nice to be able to stay as long as WE want, not having to be back to school at a certain time!
Here's some great pictures of the kids at the aquarium:

Adventures in Antarctica

2010-10-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

The kindergartners were scheduled to learn about Antarctica but since it was such a fun subject we decided to do it as a group with all the kids! One day we did all the book work then the next morning we brought a bunch of ice and poured it all around out airplane teeter-totter and we pretended to take a trip to Antarctica! Ohh can you feel the cold ice on your feet? Brrrr!! Gotta love homeschooling where we can make it fun for them! You gotta remember that we are in So Cal and its still basically summer here so the ice melted fast and the kids are in dresses and shorts, looks kinda funny but it was still a lot of fun!

After the photo shoot for each of the kids in the airplane, we pushed all the ice into the pool.

Girl Scout Camporee

2010-10-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we had our Girl Scout Camporee. With all the changes in Girl Scouting lately our Service unit had to spend or hand over the money in our account so they decided to spend it on the girls on a really cool Camporee!

We went to the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. Oh my gosh was this place cool! I never knew this place existed! I've been to the Irvine park before but this is a whole separate place and its HUGE!! We had three girls from our troop. I really wished more of our girls were able to come as it was an AWESOME trip! We set up our tent and got our area all set up and then the girls were able to play with old friends and make new friends. We brought dinner with us so we didn't have to cook then we went on a L-O-N-G hike. We weren't really supposed to but we kinda got lost trying to find the auditorium where the campfire and songs were at at. Then we went back to camp and settled in for a restful night sleep- HA! Right! Kaitlyn was up and crazy, nothing really new there! After the girls crashed Michele and I stayed up chatting and Pricella and I were texting. Yes texting at a campout... even tho we were only like 4 tents away! It was pretty funny!
Next morning we had to get up early (YAWN!) and be dressed and fed and ready to go. The girls were excited about the day so they did great! Since our girls were little we did some crafts; we made recycled musical instruments, photo art with photo paper and seashells and even a solar box oven! I remember doing a box oven when I was a Brownie so that was pretty cool to show the girls how they actually work and you CAN cook a pizza with just a box, aluminum foil and saran wrap! They were very impressed that they made the box and then were able to cook in it, and they ate the yummy pizza's too! I just love being a leader! (well, sometimes!) I love the special memories I am building with Kaitlyn. I have so many fond memories of my mom in scouting. My mom is long passed but I have all these great Girl Scout memories with me and I get to relive those when alos having the experiences with my daughter and other really awesome girls!
And able to hang out great friends like Michelle.

After lunch our girls were able to do archery. I was so excited about this! What an experience for a 6 year old to do real archery! Real bow and arrows! The girls were excited but kinda nervous to try it Here they are showing off their arm guards. The girls all did great and had a lot of fun with it!

There were alot of other things going on around the park. The older girls were able to do alot of fun things that out younger girls were not able to do.

BUT... Michelle and I decided we HAD to do the ZIP-LINE!!! We just couldn't resist! So off we went to do the zip-line. The girls were great for waiting patiently for us and we literally jumped off a cliff! Once you get all strapped in they tell you to go. So you really do just run and jump off a cliff! OMG! It was SO much fun!! Kinda scary but really fun too!
Then we went back to break down camp. We finished breaking down camp and loaded up the cars. Michelle needed to leave and Kaitlyn and I went on to the pool. They had a really nice pool facility with a long water slide. That finished off out exciting weekend. We all had a great time!!

Oops!

2010-10-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't mean to post the fair post that day, I had planned on coming back and finishing it but oh well. It posted and not in the mood to come back and write anymore on that! :)

Field Trip Time!!

2010-10-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our first field trip this year was to visit the LA County Fair! We went last year with school but of course was on a time table to get the kids back to school by the end of the day. One HUGE benefit of homeschooling and having such a small group of great kids and parents is that we don't HAVE to be anywhere by anytime! Most of the children had at least one parent go with them so it was more of a family event. We got to see a cow milking demonstration, the kids got to milk a goat, see lots and lots of animals, see a dinosaur exhibit, see a pirate show, play dress up in a fairy tale land, etc etc etc. So much fun! ALL before the fair was even open to the public! Then we got a chance to go on our own and either do ride, check out more exhibits or whatever we wanted! The weather had been REALLY hot but God blessed the day with cooler weather. What a perfect day!

Kassel and his friend per petting the babies.

Kaitlyn and Kassel in the petting a feeding zoo. Kaitlyn wasn't too into it this time. Maybe she remembers being freaked out when a hungry goat almost knocked her down last year to get the food! Kassel did pretty well feeding them.

The kids milking a goat.

What the...?!?!

Cute group pictures...

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Gotta love the wood cut outs for the kids faces! Too funny!!

TBC....

Homeschool-One month down!

2010-10-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Where did the past month go? It's already October! Seriously its all a blur! So much has happened this past month! We started school which in itself was a huge event! Kassel's first day of school, Kaitlyn's first day of first grade, my first day teaching, all of our first day of homeschooling! It was a blast! As I stated before we are not doing the traditional homeschooling. We are using a virtual academy, CAVA in conjunction with K 12. Its a mixture of hands on learning along with virtual education. Its all state mandated, funded etc. It IS a public school but yet were homeschooling! If that wasn't enough on my plate we have a small classroom with 8 students (not counting the Jr highers!) A friend of mine and I are teaching the kids in a a very small classroom setting using the K12 program. We have 2 preschoolers, 2 kinders and 4 first graders.
The first day of school just went by in a blink, but we all had fun! Kaitlyn and Kassel were so excited to start school!

Getting settled in the classroom and catching up with friends. Can you feel the excitement in the air?

School is in session. We start the morning with pledges and prayer and then on Monday mornings we have Bible. Starting with worship songs.

Here's our cute folders we made for each of the kids. I love the cute little backpack rack.

I plan on taking pictures of each of the kids each month to see how they have grown and to show the seasons. Here is our "school pictures" for September.

And the best part of homeschooling..... We go swimming!!!

More to come soon!

Count down Calendar

2010-08-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

We created an advent calendar today, counting down the day until school starts. She is so anxious to get started hopefully this will help her see how many more day as well as other things we have going on. First I had her draw a big apple tree while I cut the apples. She cut the leaves for the apples while I glued the all together. I wrote the numbers on the apples and ended it with one special green apples which represents the day we start school! As well as the numbers on the apples, I wrote other things we have going on. She gets to take one apple down a day. She was pretty proud of her project!

Two more weeks....

Girl Scout Recogitions

2010-08-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our Girl Scout recognitions. Kaitlyn and her friend both got awards for top sellers for fall product and cookies! They were both very excited and proud! This pictures makes me laugh, its not a good angle but both her feet are off the ground! Think she was a little excited about going up there?

Kaitlyn with our Service area leader.

Kaitlyn and her friend showing off their awards.

My co-leader and I with the girls and Kassel snuck in too.

Not a very good picture, but we pretty much never get family pictures so I like it!

Great job girls and congrats! Hope to do again this year!!!

The Set-up!

2010-08-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

We were so excited a week or two ago when we received all the curriculum. Kaitlyn and Kassel ran out to the UPS truck and couldn't wait to dig into the boxes!

We had alot of fun going through each box. Wow, was there alot of stuff!

Then Wednesday we got the computer! Even though we will not be doing school here (that's a story for a separate day) I still decided to set up the computer at home until we needed it at the one room school house. Here's our stack of curriculum and the computer.

And then here's her little set up for now.

Like I said she wont actually be doing her school work here but it's nice having an extra computer since the laptop decided it didn't want to work anymore and theres always a boy on the desk top! So now I'm able to start working on lesson plans and stuff like that on the new computer!
I think Im going to make Kaitlyn some sort of count down calendar for school to start, kinda like an advent calendar. Hmmm... ideas anyone?

17 more days!

Little bit crafty!

2010-08-12T22:38:00.001-07:00

Man, it's been SO long since I've been crafty! Crafting used to be my life. Then life got in the way! I'm not complaining because I've been very busy with Kaitlyn being in Kindergarden and helping alot there, Girl Scouts take alot of time, keeping Kassel entertained, etc etc, I do miss scrapping and crafting but theres been lots of other great things going on!
I joined a die cut swap on my scrapbook message board, which I have been badly neglecting. These are the goodies I made for that. I still need to work on one more category but having problems coming up with something. I don't love the lollipops, but the rest of them I'm really happy with! Oh I just noticed you cant see the details on the mermaids face! there is a face on her! lol

Then I decided to make something for myself! I love crafting but I very rarely make stuff for myself or my house for some reason. I love giving gifts to people so besides my scrapbook pages I don't usually make stuff for myself. Since I'm going to be teaching (I still cant believe I'm saying that!) I decided I needed an altered clipboard! I used to make and sell them, usually around the holidays but sometimes for the beginning of the school year, but this one is for me! I was aiming at doing the colors in our classroom (pink, green and blue) but then it was going to be pink and green, and then turned into black, white and pink. I LOVE it! Here's the front (that will usually be covered and cant have much detail or makes it hard to write on)

and the back (the pretty side that people will see when your holding it)

What do you think? Theres one thing I wish I added to it, but of course I'm my own worst critique!
Now don't go on expecting to see more crafty stuff! I don't see when I will have time, but thats defiantly where my heart is and I hope to eventually balance my life so I have more time for it! Until then, theres my craftiness.... signing out!

Not Your Ordinary Back To School

2010-08-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Let's see if I remember how to do this.... been a Loooonnnggggg time!

School started for pretty much everyone around here yesterday. Lots of sad moms. Lots of happy moms! Lots of free moms! I remember the first day of school for Kaitlyn like it was yesterday! I didn't want to leave, I bawled like a baby and then I stalked her school all day! Seriously it was BAD! Do you guys remember that day? Well that was basically a year ago and it seams like yesterday... and yet also years ago. Weird how that happens huh?

When I think about how much she has grown, how much she learned, how much more mature she is, it seams like years ago! How I remember sitting in the car in the parking lot crying and then not going more then 2 miles away from the school the whole day... yea that seams like yesterday!

This year things will be VERY different! As I posted before we decided to home school. There is a lot of different types of homeschooling. We decided on a charter school. CAVA, California Virtual Academy working with K12 is where she is enrolled. We are all REALLY looking forward to it! But.... the closer we get to starting school I'm starting to stress a little more and more. I KNOW once we start going and we have the routine down things will work out, but as for now its the unknown that's kinda scaring me. I'm excited that she will be able to progress as fast or as slow as her little mind can soak it all up. Nothing having to wait for the class! We start school August 30, the countdown begins....

18 more days!

Crazy!

2010-04-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

OK, yea I feel I've finally came to the point where I can openly admit I should be admitted! If I wasn't busy enough with Girl Scouts, Passion Party, being homeroom mom, and typical everyday tasks of being a SAHM of two and wife. We have decided we are going to home school next year. Yep you heard that right, I'm going to home school! Eeek!!! We have been sweeping this idea under the rug long enough and it finally came to the point where we had to seriously look into it. Now, don't get me wrong I LOVE and I mean really LOVE her school! Frankly we just can't afford the tuition anymore, it honestly breaks my heart. We are all really looking forward to our new adventure! I know it wont be easy and I know there will be points where I will regret this decision but I'm Really hoping overall we end up loving it!
I have 2 cyber friends that homeschool, one local friend who homeschools and I have come to find more acquaintances that do too! So I should be able to do it and have some assistance if I need it! We are planning on using a charter school called CAVA here in CA. Its a state run accredited charter school. I am still looking around to see other options to make sure I made the right decision on that. The beauty of homeschooling is that if it doesn't work we can change programs until we find one!
I'm not sure if I want to home school Kassel for preschool or send him to a preschool. Right now I think that all depends on finances. I would love for him to go to the same school that Kaitlyn and I went to, family tradition and all ya know? :)
So yea.. that's one of those huge things that have been putting even more undue stress on me, on top of the million other things!

PS. If you homeschool I'd love to hear from you! Any tips?

Finally got some love!

2010-04-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Kassel is always such a sweet boy BUT the past month or so he's been teasing me alot. I would tell him I love him and he would say "I no love you" I know he's just playing and teasing me because he says it with a big ole smile BUT it still hurts! I would give him a kiss and he wouldnt give me one back. Breaks mommies heart! Well yesterday he was my little snuggle bunny once again! He told me loved me many times, gave me random hugs and kisses! I LOVED IT!! Maybe he was just making me wait so I would appreciate them even more! I just had to share! :)

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

Today was such a special day! Kaitlyn and I went and enjoyed a great service at church first this thing morning. Then we rushed home to finish getting ready for my sisters family. They came over and we had a wonderful relaxing afternoon chatting, laughing and of course eating and sipping (ok, downing) Mimosa's! The kids colored some Easter Eggs, they did their Easter Egg hunt and then they finally opened their Easter basket!

After that I enjoyed a much needed nap while snuggling with my munchkins. Then got woken up by being asked if we felt the big earthquake. Well, being a So-Cal kid I'm pretty immune to most earthquakes, and so the answer is no. I did not feel the earthquake. I've been keeping track of this cool site that shows all the recent earthquakes, and its so interesting. I just checked a few minutes ago to find out there was another not too long ago. I guess it was like a 3.2 about 20 minutes or so away. Nop, didn't feel it!
Then it was time to head to the in-laws where I got to meet my brother-in-laws new baby! He is such a cute BIG baby! I was in love! His name is Buddy and he is an English and American Bulldog mix. So Adorable! We hung out with the puppy for awhile then went in to enjoy some grub and a movie. Then we sat in traffic on the way home! Joys! We are home, kids crashed and I'm not too far behind them!
Today was such a nice relaxing day. I hope everyone had a very special day!
Much loves!

Scrapping

2010-03-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been scraping much in the last year or so. Just too many things going on and being cranky doesn't help my scrappin mojo. This past month I think I have scrapped more then I have all year long! Last weekend I was able to scrap with some friends and then this weekend we had a cyber crop. I was doing really good Friday but then the sickies kicked in and I slept all weekend! I don't know if this is going to work or not but here is a link to my recent layouts.

Thanks for looking!
XOXO

As Promised....

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hey! It's a start!
So its been what about a year since I really blogged? Well, alot has changed. Alot has stayed the same. I'm still me! I'm still married to a pretty cool guy, we still have two amazing kids. For the most part we have just gotten older!

Kassel is a rambunctious 3 1/2 year old. Kaitlyn is almost 6. I am.... well, lets not go there! The kids have grown up so fast. Its just crazy. As I was giving the blog a face lift I was looking for a new picture of me to add as my avatar. The pictures I had on my laptop were from 2008! Kassel was still a little baby! He is NOT a baby anymore! He is defiantly a little boy now! Kaitlyn is just as smart as ever! She is going to an amazing school which I LOVE! She is excelling at everything and making lots of friends. Kassel and I help out in the class ALOT and he pretty much thinks he is one of the kids in the class! He stands in line and is defiantly quieter then most the other boys!

The school year is quickly coming to an end. I don't know where it went! We have had alot of fun, made alot of new friends. Summer will be here all too soon. Well, by the weather it is already here! I think it's been in the mid 80's for a week now!

As for whats new.... We moved in October. Not sure if I blogged about that... probably not since I haven't blogged about ANYTHING! lol We are still in the same town but alot closer to school and on a quieter street. Also in October I signed up to be a Passion Party Consultant. I have had alot of fun with that. Gets me out of the house and I make a little money here and there. Girl Scouts is still going well. Cookie season is finally over, WHEW! Cookie season is CRAZY to say the least! Our troop did great and Kait did awesome too! Her and one other girl in our troop reached their goal of selling 750 boxes in order to earn the "Cali Girl" trip, its a trip to Disney, stay overnight at the park, breakfast with the Princess's, all that good stuff! I'm so glad she worked so hard to get it! I have made the decision to home school Kaitlyn next year. It was a very tough decision for me but basically we cant afford the school she is in any longer and the public schools... well lets just say is not an option. So what other choice do I have? I have a few friends who home school, locally and cyber friends so I know I will have the support I will need, but its still a very scary decision for me. I always said "I would never be able to home school", well here I am!
I think that's the basic recap of all the big things. I'm sure theres plenty of other things I will bring up here and there but for now that's about it!

Let's Try it again!

2010-03-29T20:10:00.001-07:00

Ok, I gave the blog a slight makeover. Hoping THIS will inspire me to start blogging! There is and has been SO much going on lately that I dont know where to start!

I need to fix some of my links. So if your a blogger and your link doesnt work or I dont have it, let me know please!

Bed time for the kids and I PROMISE, seriously this time, I WILL be back! Atleast for one post! lol Hopefully more! :)

Muah!

Be Gone With you!

2009-12-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

Good Bye 2009!

I honestly have never been happier to say good bye to any other year.

2009 Just plain SUCKED!

I am defiantly ready for a new beginning, a fresh start! Anyone else feel like a new year is a fresh start? Or is it just another day? I'm usually one of those people who just thinks of it was another day, I mess up the date on a few checks. But that is about the only difference! Well, this time THERE BETTER BE A DIFFERENCE! I am bound and determined to make this a better year! Maybe I'm being delusional but one way or another it just has to be better!

We don't usually do anything for new years. We're an old married couple now. We play it safe. Even tho we never really did much even before we were married and had kids! But I still like to blame it on that! :) We will stay home, drink a bottle of bubbly and snuggle on the couch and watch a movie or something. I'm sure this will be me in the morning

but I just don't do morning! I know I need to sit down and start making plans and resolutions for the new year but I've got time... right? I still have 12 hours before the stroke of midnight! Plenty of time! Haha! I do have some in mind but want to consult the family, so that will be one of our tasks for evening. Hopefully before the bubbly hits me or else we'd probably end up with some interesting goals!

Do you make resolutions? Most people now days say they don't even bother. I think the reason for that is because we usually make crazy ones that are just not attainable! A few years ago I made the resolution that I would send a card for every ones birthdays and anniversary's that I have on my calendar. And I did it! I had planned on continuing that every year but then I lost my list of dates and addresses! So yea there went that! Maybe I need to make that one of my resolutions to get every ones dates and addresses again! We shall see! I think we should all make some sort of personal, family and professional goal every year BUT you have to make it attainable! So come on guys! Make some goals and lets make it happen!

Just off the top of my head I know my goals will be about spending more family time doing things OUT of the house! Professional goal is to continue to build my fun and exciting business! Personal, hmm defiantly building stronger friendships. I need to tweak them alittle and take some input from the family.

So, with that I wish all of you and your family a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Stay safe, have fun and lets make 2010 a year to remember!!

Like a Cozy Blanket

2009-12-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

You know when you haven't seen a friend in a long time and you wonder, do you really have much in common, will things be awkward or will things just fall back into place? Well, some friends are just like a cozy blanket and things just fit! I was so excited when I found out an old friend moved to town! We haven't seen each other in a year and even then it was for a birthday party that was pretty much it. It's just crazy to me how life really does get in the way of friendships. I don't get it! I mean what DO we do with all our time? Sometimes I think people now days we are all so busy but yet, doing what? Are we really too busy to keep up friendships? Too many friendship's have fallen to the wayside just because we don't put the effort into keeping them together. We all know how much work it takes to keep a marriage together. Really every relationship takes effort and time and YES of course it IS worth it! One of my new goals is to be a better friend. Try my best to stay in touch and DO THINGS with my friends! I mean I'm ALWAYS more then willing to do things for my friends if/when they need something. But I think that what we need most is friends!
If you all don't know me by now I do get a little sidetracked and YES I often ramble. My point to this post was to share my excitement about my friend moving to town! We went out last night and I showed her around town a little, in all actuality I'm sure I just confused the hell out of her! lol Turned her all around and I actually think I helped her! LOL Her little man that I think I've only seen like three times was SO cute and so sweet! I think he and Kassel (and Kaitlyn too I guess) will have alot of fun together!
Here's to reestablishing friendships!

Something's Gotta Give!

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

You know when things just NEED to change but you don't know what? Or maybe you want EVERYTHING to change? I've been fighting with this for awhile now. Well, it finally came to a header last night and SOMETHING HAD to GIVE! So.... I chopped about six inches off my hair! This is from someone who basically NEVER styles her hair! Even when I try to do something to my hair it doesn't work and just pisses me off to no end! So, no I don't know what I'm doing! lol I looked through some old and recent pictures and came to the decision that I want my hair short again! So... off to the bathroom and CHOP! I decided I needed bangs too. Its been about ... hmmm...20 years or so since I had bangs. So yea drastic change! Hubby helped me even out the back a little and today my niece is coming over to fix the rest of the little pieces that need help! But I actually like it! No picture yet but soon! :)

So... Now whats next???

Maybe i should make it cool like this I dunno, I really like it!

Decorations, Take them down or leave them up??

2009-12-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is MY holiday! I LOVE Christmas! BUT.... not so much this year! I usually leave all the Christmas decortations up as long as I posibly can! Yesterday I was so tempted to pull everything down and pack them away never to be seen again until next year, instead I slept all day! It was nice! So today, I slept in late. Got up, had some more goodies which is totally making my waistline grown (there goes my stress diet!) and now what? Do I take them down and say Good Bye Christmas? Do I leave them up? I just dont know!

What do you do?

What a Year!

2009-12-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

This year has been..... one hell of a year! No, not in a good way!
I am SO ready to say GOODBYE to 2009! Good Riddens!

This has been a very trying year for me and my family. Hence such little postings! I REALLY want to get back into posting as I find blogging so much fun! I've just been in a big ole funk lately and havent found pleasure in the things that use to be me hapiness.

This years recap- (positives only, trying to stay optomistic!)
1)Kaitlyn started kinder in an AMAZING school! Shes such a smart cookie, she has enjoyed every minute of school. We feel very blessed to be able to have her in such an awesome school and pray to God we can keep her there!
2)I have made some great new friends and have gotten back in touch with some old friends.
3) Kassel is comming into his own. He is such a funny, happy, sweet little boy!
4) Started a Girl Scout troop and is truely excited about sharing Girl Scouting with my girls! We have such a great troop of girls and moms!
5) We moved into a home that truely feels like home!
6) I started my own business! I am having so much fun being a consultant for Passion Parties! Going to a party every time I go to work, having a drink at work AND making some money to help out the family! Can't complain about the darn thing there! :)
7) Ken and I have lasted 7 years of marriage!
8) Took a very special trip to the North Pole to see Santa with friends!

We had an amazing Christmas and we hope you all had a great one as well! I plan on posting more often now, so hope you all can start poping in once in awhile again! Sorry I went AWOL on you guys! lol

Back to School!

2009-09-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the start a whole new world for us! I hope to be able to get back to blogging too! Today Kaitlyn started Kindergarten, and I honestly felt like I was leaving half my heart at school. It ached to leave her behind ALL DAY! Thats right shes in all day kinder! 8:30am- 2:45pm! As I was fighting off tears as we were getting kicked out of class the teacher hands us all notes. Once I got Kassel in the car and said goodbye to Ken I sat down in the car with my eyes full of tears and began to read the teachers note and I lost it! I started crying! Here's the note we received:

The First Day of School

I gave a little wink and smile
As you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
And know your child must stay.
You've been with him for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave him by my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks my flow
I'll love him as I would my own
And help him learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years pass.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love him and take him in
When you leave him at my door.

It is now time to get ready to get her and listen to her stories of the day. Hope she had a great one or my heart will break again. Pictures soon to come!

Blog Hop!

2009-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, today is Blog Hop day! But... I'm a huge slacker right now and have not been able to scrap in what feels like ages! We were suposed to do a layout with hidden journaling. Slip your journaling into a pocket, behind pictures or pretty much anything so that the journaling isn't visable when you first look at the layout but if you know its there you can pull it out and read it. Great for personal journaling or something you dont want just anyone to read! Sorry I'm a slacker and didn't do it. Click on the cute Blog Hop button on the right and see what everyone else did!

Happy Scrappin!

Round 2 of the RTTC

2009-06-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Round 2 of the Rise to the Challenge Contest
Week 1-
This week I challenge you to to play with 7's by using 7 of each of the following 7 things on your layout:
* 7 card stock papers
* 7 buttons
* 7 flowers
* 7 pattern papers
* 7 brads
* 7 letters or words in your title
* 7 techniques - Inking, paper tearing, sewing, punching, embossing, stamping, doodling
Photos are free....along with the items needed to complete your techniques.
These are the ONLY things you can use!! Good luck!!

This was my layout:

There was a bit of misunderstanding about the techniques required but whatever... I got dinged for it!
My Score: 18.86 out of 25
Judges Comments:
~Cute page. I really like the cluster of circles, flowers, and brads. I counted off because you only used 3 of the required techniques.
~Beautiful LO, but used different techniques than were listed in directions. I really like the colors in this set, the only thing I would change is the 'white space' in the upper left corner.. Looks kinda out of place.
~LOVE the picture, so cute and SWEET. Like how you did use 7 techniques, but hate that you missed 3 of the required ones. Like how you made exactly 7 scallops and filled them w/ 7 buttons!
~Very cute page! Sorry I had to take off points for the techniques!
~Wonderful LO! Very sweet! Love the tiny flowers on the circles. The little details are pretty. To bad about the use of the techniques otherwise great job!!

Week 2
Are you ready for the "Summer Heat"?I think my ideal summer temperature is 28 degrees. Celsius NOT Fahrenheit! I challenge you to use 28 embellishments of your choice on a summer themed page. If you're brave, you can try using 82 different embellishments! That's the temperature it would be in Fahrenheit!Requirements:1. 28 or 82 embellishments of your choice. (must list out) No more no less.2. Your LO must be of a "summer" theme3. Your technique to use this week is sanding (cause playing in the sand is summery)4. Must use the colors Blue(color of water) , Orange (color of the summer sun), and Brown (color of the sandy beaches).
My layout:

summer theme-yep Sanding- around sides of brown pp, around picturesblue, orange, brown- yep28 embellishments-2- pieces of felt9- cut out flowers4- inchies (didn't count if embellis came on the inchie, ie kim inchie w/ flower &bling, laceys inchie w/ flower & brad)1- 'got sand' tag1- monogram (jens swap item)11-pieces bling
My Score: 22.50 out of 25
Judges comments:
~My favorite of the week.
~Beautiful!! One of my favorite Los by you!!
~Great sanding!!Great use of the colors and theme. I like the cut-out flowers.
~I really love this page! Totally a summer page. I like that you pretty much used the color scheme given, and stuck with it through out.
~Very cute! Love the felt on this one!

Week 3 - Journal It!Yes you read correctly, but I want Raw Journaling. I want to be moved by your journaling. Scrapping is about preserving memories the good, the bad and even the ugly. I know it's difficult to scrap the bad and ugly, but I have to say from my experience when I have scrapped these events in my life I feel some sense of healing, and empowerment like I have overcome what was hurting. I can't wait to see what you all come up with.Additional Requirements:1. Use some sort if office supplies2. Use some household item to Stamp with {ie: lids, sponge, etc.} skies the limit.3. Technique - Distressing can be any kind of distressing - List all/any you use

My Layout:

My Score: 21.00 out of 25
Judges Comments:
~Amazing journaling. Makes me want to give you a big hug.
~Love it! Loving that cluster and the distressing on the page. I think some additional stamping would have tied in the blue a bit more.
~Very moving journaling and I love how you distressed the pictures, it ties in very well. Not sure your choice of brass brads goes with the whole LO- white might have looked better.
~Very pretty LO. I think the brads were a bit of a stretch since they are a a normal scrapbooking item.

I can't show the last one yet. As soon as we get judged on it I will post it! Thanks for looking!

Oh how I love the Cuttlebug!

2009-06-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so who doesn't the love the Cuttlebug? I don't know anyone who doesn't like it! Guess what a little birdie told me? I heard that the Cuttlebug blog is doing a giveaway! Who doesn't love giveaways? So go check it out! that blog is awesome and always full of cool challenges and ways for you to love your Cuttlebug even more! Go check it out!

Rise to the Challenge

2009-06-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

The scrapbook board I am on had a challenge while ago and I'm not sure if I ever shared the layouts or not, so here's a little blast from the past. Why? Well, because were doing it again and its so much fun, really pushes me to do more, less, or just plain something different.

Rise to the Challenge Round 1 Challenge 1

Simon Says
You all remember how to play right?! Have fun!!

Simon Says to use CS as your LO Base
Simon Says to use 3 PPs
Simon Says to use Buttons
Simon Says to use anything to attach your items to the paper
Simon Says to Distress your photos
Use ink to distress it
Simon Says to use ‘White Space’
Simon Says to Use 2 Photos

Sounds like fun right? HA! ok, so these aren't fun... well.... kinda! Its hard to explain, I have a love hate relationship with these kind of challenges. So this one my problem is that I DONT DO WHITE SPACE. I just dont, I love other peoples white space layouts, me I think I have done like 3 and yes all for challenges! lol I just dont do them! This is what I came up with:

and my score: 37 out of 50
Judges Comments:
~Cute LO, I like how you cut circles from the 3rd pp. The while space got covered up by all the buttons though, so not really ‘space’ anymore. The picture of your family is too cute!
~Kat - I love how you placed your buttons and pp circles around your pics, like champagne bubbles! I think this is one of my favorite LO's that I've seen of yours. Great job!!
~Love the circles and buttons. I think you should have had more white space, though. There isn’t much on this LO. Great choice to use the Celebrate pp.
~Love your overall creativity on this LO. The buttons and circles really flow well and help balance the white space. Love the bright colors and your use of a title. Glad you tried the distressing technique; however, it really doesn’t stand out and set your photos apart. Overall, it’s a really creative and neat LO!
~Nice work!!

Chellenge 2
Add Challenge!
Take this add and copy it in your layout.

And:
You must include a clear object on your LO (ie. recycle some plastic packaging, ghost shape..etc)
You must use at least 1 punch on your page (be creative!)
You must treat the Ad as a LIFT (not just inspiration of colors etc.)

I REALLY don't like add challenges, but I tried my best to 'lift' every aspect.
Here is my layout

And my score: 40 out of 50
Judges Comments:
~Awesome job. I love the flowers!!!!!!!! Great use of the punch too creative!
~Cute flowers and great job following the ad as a lift. I think the pictures are way too small though. Cute title!
~I like how you layered the pics on top of the flowers! Very cute. I would have liked to see more contrast between the middle pp and the bottom pp. Love how you layered the flowers and placed them on either side of your title.
~The greens don't seem to match in this LO. I like how you used the pics as the flower centers. Cute title.
~Very sweet LO!

Challenge 3
Focus on the picture!
Create a LO that the Photo(s) are the center of attention! Make sure your Photo is the focus of the LO. Higher points if you can add close up detail to your Photo by focusing in on one area of the main photo with an additional close up photo.Other requirements:
Technique - Doodling, you must doodle on your page....be creative!
Your page must include a pocket
Must include an arrow on your LO

Ok, Doodling is not my favorite thing to do but besides that I dont have much to complain about this challenge! Shocking huh?
Here is my layout:

My score- 34 out of 50
Judges Comments:
~Very cute LO. Perfect use of the close up pic!
~I love your arrow! The distressing and coloring, and the ribbon and pins on it, are perfect.
~love the papers, love the 2 different Thickers you used. Like the stick pins. The pocket seems out of place, however. I think the circle picture should have been matted.
~You did a great job on the arrow!

Then after that I had no creative juices anymore and the craziness at home caught up to me, so I didnt continue. I plan on doing this current series of challenges to the end. But here I am with one due today and nothing even started! Hope I get some motivation to do it soon! Wish me luck!

Dad's Day Shirts

2009-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

The kids made Ken Dad's Day shirts. I made a stencil with the cricut and freezer paper, then the kids painted it with fabric paint. They both did really good. I was impressed by how good Kassel did and he was so specific about getting every little corner! after that dried we painted their hands and made hand heart prints. they turned out cute. I don't expect Ken to wear them out in public or anything but around the house maybe. the kids loved doing it and giving it to him!

This was Fathers Day morning (not the bedhead on Kaitlyn! lol) Dad was spoiled with all the gifts from Girl Scouts, Preschool and the shirts we made at home!

Hope everyone had a great Fathers Day!!

Get back to work!

2009-06-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Kassel is ready for Mama to get back to work!

The MOMS club had a year end party and I volunteered to do chair massage. I really don't like chair massage but its a great teaser and marketing tool. I had to 'practice' on Ken, really just his excuse to get a massage from me. Kassel wanted one too but just giggles and squirms when I tried to give him one!

Our little getaway

2009-06-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

We love going to Pal Springs, just to get away from it all for a day or so. This was a few weeks ago but we left right after school one day and came back home the next afternoon. It was a great little getaway and we always enjoy it! Heres the kids ready to go swimming!

Ready set GO!

Proof I was there.. I dont seam to be any many pictures so here I am....

Sketch Blog Hop! 6/17

2009-06-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another blog hop! This month the challenge is a sketch challenge. Valerie Salmon was gracious enough to allow us to use her sketch 85 for this challenge. You can check out her other sketches at Got Sketch

Valerie Salmon's sketches are for personal use only and not for the purpose of publication submissions, contest entries, design team projects, class projects, and design templates.

I just love sketches! If it wasn't for sketches my pages would all look the same! Here is my layout from this sketch. I was pretty specific to the sketch. I was pretty pressed for time as I completely forgot about this until last night! oops! Good thing I had pictures that would (kinda) work for it!

Don't forget to click on the Blog Hop button to 'Hop' from blog to blog and see what the rest of the girls did with this awesome sketch!
Enjoy! and Happy Scrappin'!

Remember-Blog Hop!

2009-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

This months theme is "Remember" or "Time" and even though my layout doesn't have those words in it, it pretty much shows the passing of time. All of '08 in one page! It's not my favorite page but I'm pretty happy with it! I don't remember the last time I used so many pictures on one page! It was really difficult for me!

Continue to hop from blog to blog and see what the others did by clicking on the button on the top of this post or in the right sidebar!! Enjoy! Don't forget to leave a comment and if you played along with us leave me a link!
Happy Scrappin'!

Graduation!

2009-05-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn's Preschool Graduation

I had no idea what to expect of Kaitlyn's graduation. They put on a great Christmas program so I was sure it would be great. It was awesome! They did alot and all the kids were so good about standing up in front of so many people and doing their songs, the alphabet, their numbers, the pledge of alligence to the Christian flag, the Bible and the United States flag. Then they were each called up to say say hi to mom and dad at the microphone and then we were able to watch a great slideshow from the past year. Here's some great pictures...

Waiting before thr program to be able to go into class.

Last carpet time in preschool (wipe away the tears mom)

Walking up to the stage.

Shes the one in back in white, waving.

Congratulations Sweetie! You did awesome!

Crazy week!

2009-05-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

Wow what a crazy week! But what else is new lately. I feel like I've just been hanging on to sanity lately...
Monday we came back from the wedding in San Diego, we were all so tired but had a great time!
Tuesday- Splash park with school friends after school.
Wednesday- Funeral out of town, which we thought was at 5 but ended up being at 7.
Thursday- Kaitlyn's last day at one of her schools
Friday- Kaitlyn crashed and burned at school (CC) and got sent home with an "Owie Report"
-Graduation from preschool (OB) did an awesome job
-After graduation she had a bad fall from the playground and we had to call 911. Thank the Lord he protected her from being seriosuly injured!
Saturday- BBQ at my dads for my cousins' memorial
- Baseball Game with Girl Scouts and camped all night on the field
Sunday- Got booted from the field by 8am, yes I typed that right 8AM! Keep in mind we DON'T DO MORNINGS!
- Came home, emptied car, nap time by 11!

Hope everyone else had a great week, with a little less drama then we had!

My beautiful family

2009-05-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Flag Placing

2009-05-26T16:10:00.001-07:00

We went to the Crestlawn Memorial Park and placed poppies and flags for the Veterans on saterday. The girls did great and had fun too! We had 3 of our girls go, Kaitlyn, Jaeden and Kylie. Kaitlyn and I even placed my Grandfathers flag and poppy. My camera stopped working tho! Thankfully a a friend of ours had her camera and took some great shots for us!

Mud bath!

2009-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've been longing to go back to Glen Ivy Spa and have a mud bath and a great massage ya know all the comforts of life... well the kids showed me the other day we don't need to go to the spa for a great mud bath!

and yes that's her brand new white swim suit! ugh!!

Kassel was so cute just chillin in the sun enjoying the mud dry out and get all flaky!

Kaitlyn turns 5!

2009-05-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

How did time fly by so fast? My baby girl is 5, its not possible its just not! But I guess it really is...
We had a small party at Papas house with family and a few close friends. The girls all had a great time swimming, running around, eating, and all and all having a great time!
Kaitlyn got her first real bike for her birthday from Nana and Papa. Yes I said her first real bike. I know poor deprived child hasnt had a real bike yet. We have tons of little cars and even a few trikes but no real bikes. Its kinda hard on this busy street and no real place to ride, so yea.. anyways she got it and she LOVES it! We still need to get her a helmet but we're getting there!

Nana pulled out Adams old trike and Kassel enjoyed himself on that pretty much all day!

The girls never slowed down to take a good picture of them!

Until it was cake time!

Kaitlyn got some great gifts and enjoyed them all but is super excited about getting more money to buy HER TENT!!!!! She is SO excited to buy a tent to go camping in! We decided on an 8 man Coleman tent so we have plenty of room for some other Girl Scouts to camp with us!

I still can't beleive its been a whole 5 years! Crazy to me!

Slacker! Slacker!

2009-05-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I know! I know I have been SO bad w/ keeping this thing updated. Im REALLY hoping things start to settle down soon! HAHA, not in my lifetime huh? Well, maybe just a little!
Short recap, Kaitlyn just turned 5, Kassel is almost 2 1/2 now, Kaitlyn is graduting preschool this week , we have been busy with Girl Scout stuff, this past weekend we were in San Diego for Ken's best friend, Mikes wedding! It was a great time!

Coolest pet store ever!

2009-05-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party at a pet store.... kinda funny huh? At first I was like what the heck? A party at a pet store? Weird. Then I looked online and saw some pictures of their partys and I freaked out! Theres pictures of these huge snakes wraped around people... Oh HECK NO!!!! We went anyways. It was really cool! Heres some pictures. We had a great time!

Mothers Day Weekend Layouts

2009-05-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend I actually got some time to scrap! It's been a LONG time! I got a whole 13 layouts done! woohoo! Im excited!

Thanks for looking!!

Mom of the year award!

2009-05-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this! I wish everyone a very Happy Mothers Day!

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=YiSKjFGppVaeIcVhcD6khjI5MjU3NjQ-&referred_by=16124939-XQhENcx&p=moveon

ETA- grrr cant get the video to play here OR get it clickable, PITA! Sorry, you have to cut and paste it!

Mothers Day Blog Hop!!

2009-05-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Its that time again! For another Blog Hop! The theme this time is Mothers Day! I have not had a chance to work on much lately but here is two 'Mothers Day type' layouts I did not too long ago.
This is a layout of my mom and grandparents headstones. We go to the cemetary pretty often as a family and have a picnic there. The kids like to run around and I usually just relax by moms headstone and think about how much she would love to enjoy her grandkids that she never met.

This one is from this years Mom's Morning at Kaitlyn's preschool where we were able to go and do crafts with the kids. I really enjoyed it and I think Kaitlyn did too!

Dont forget to leave a comment and then continue hopping! Hope on over the Kelly's blog by clicking on the button and keep on goin!

The Hunt!

2009-05-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

The kids were so excited to go Easter Egg Hunting! They both had a blast! Kaitlyn stole a few right in front of Kassel but all and all they were good about it. Kaitlyn even took one out of her basket and hid it and then helped Kassel find it! What a great big sister!

Showing off their eggs!

Even Monchie got one! Why would anyone think Vinegar and egg would smell good? eeww!

And finally enjoying the eggs..

Hope everyone had a very Happy Easter!!!

Dying Easter Eggs!

2009-04-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun Easter Egg dying is!
The kids had a great time! We didn't do anything special just plain old one color... boring huh? Well... that's what happens when I didn't have time to do it ahead of time and had to do it RIGHT before hunting them! Here's the kids dying their eggs...

I had to try something new and so here are my eggs! What fun these were to do! I found the idea somewhere on the Internet, probably someones crafty blog but I'm so bad at remembering where I found it. Sorry if it was your idea!! These are dyed with silk ties!!

I was amazed at how awesome these turned out!

Girl Scout Cookie Time!!

2009-04-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Our Council extended cookie time and we were lucky enough to do a little bit of cookie selling! WooHoo!
Here's the kids ripping open the cases of cookies!

Kaitlyn getting ready to deliver her first cookie sell!

Kaitlyn's first sell!

School Egg hunt!

2009-04-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Easter egg hunt at Kaitlyn's preschool! Off they go!!!

She had SO many, not sure how she held them all!
Then she got smart and got a bucket from the playground to carry them in! Thats my girl! If theres a will, theres a way!

Krazy Kid!

2009-04-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Kassel found a new spot to fall asleep! He's so funny! He;s been doing this recently where while were watching a movie and hes supposed to be in bed he will crawl under the blanket I'm using and snugle under it. This has been a common scene latley!

Riverside National Cemetery

2009-04-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on updating my blog! oops!
A few weeks ago we went to the Riverside National Cemetary to have Ken's dads flag refolded. We mised the refolding of the flag but I got some nice pictures at the cemetary. Kens grandparents and father is buried there. It's a beautiful cemetary!

Earth Day Blog Hop!

2009-04-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Since today is Earth Day, use recycled material somewhere on your LO. It can be recycled paper or something non scrapbookish you add to your page.I know im a little early, so everyone else might not have theirs posted yet!)

That was the given challenge. These are always fun to do! Since I have been SO busy with Girl Scout stuff lately I didnt get a chance to get a layout done for this BUT we went totally green on our SWAP's for this weekends Camporee (day camp). We are a brand new troop and have pretty much no money so I was trying to think of what to do along the idea of the theme of the camp which is LOST (Learning Outdoor Skills Today) and cheap! We went with trail signs. At first I was thinking of using squares of foam or felt but thought 'Hey! What about cardboard!?!?' I have a bunch of boxes I've been meaning to fold down to get in the recycling box. Instead we made them into swaps, made our expence next to nothing for these babys! Totally fits into Earth Day too!

196 of these baby's! WooHoo!

And a little closer so you can see them. The Circle with the stone in the middle means begining of trail. Square inside square means end of trail. Arrows... I would hope would be self explanitory! lol

Incase your thinking WTH are those for? Girl Scouts at big gathering usually make SWAP's (I think it stands for Small Watchamacallit's of Appreciation for Pals, something like that!) the girls are supposed to make these and at the event they trade with other girls. It gets the girls to talk to the others and have funm meeting people they normally wouldnt. As well as have fun making them!

Click on the button of click HERE to hop on over to see what Kelly and everyone else did for their project! Did you do anything for Earth Day? If so lets see it!

The Plan

2009-04-20T10:51:00.001-07:00

Ok heres the plan!
We had so much fun with the blog hop that we decided to continue it! This wednesday (Earth Day) are all going to post something centered around a certain criteria. Then the Blog Hop continues! So check back on wednesday and see whats hopp'in!!
Participants include but are not limited to Shanna, Andrea, Erica, Ashley, Lori, Kelsy, Devon, Julia, Jen, Kelly, Crystal
Your more then welcome to join in, if you do a project within that certain criteria feel free to link us to a picture of the project!

What a sweetie!!

2009-04-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Kelsy sent me a RAOK (Random act of Kindness) She sent me some cool scrapbook goodies along with an awesome necklace that matches a pair of earings I bought off her Etsy store awhile ago. THANKS KELSY!!

(I will be back to post a picture of the necklace)

Daisy Girl Scout!

2009-04-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's official!!! Kaitlyn is now a Girl Scout! A Daisy Girl Scout!! Isn't that just adorable! We are very excited to start this awesome new adventure in Girl Scouting. We already have a day camp planned with our Service Unit! Where we plan on learning lots of fun girl scout songs and games. We might also be able to sneak in before the deadline and sell some girl scout cookies! How fun is that?!? (so if you want any let me know! wink wink)

Tiny Tot Olympics

2009-04-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Kaitlyn attended her second annual Tiny Tot Olympics organized through the city. Last year was a nightmare! She did one event then had a break down because she wanted donuts and didnt want to play anymore, so instead we jsut went home! This year she had A BLAST!! She did all the events and loved it all!
Here she is with her friend Ashley, So darn cute they are!!!

Getting ready to do the soccer kick.

25 yard dash

Javalin throw

basketball toss

Obstacle course

Fun stuff

Sad to say but....

2009-04-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

SoCalScrap is going out of business. Like many many other small business's its just starting to cost too much to stay in business. So pop on over and get some great deals!

A Scrappy Blog Hop

2009-04-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

I havent been scrapping much lately but if you want to check out my scrap stuff (since it burried in my blog somewhere) it is HERE. I have belonged to an online community of "friends" for about the last two years. Most of us met on Babycenter but left after they changed their format, others of us are friends of friends... anyway, we are a pretty tight knit group! It's a place for us to gossip, talk about our lives, kids, husbands, and of course SCRAP!!!

So, being that it's spring time and all, we decided to make like the Easter Bunny and start a blog "hop" to showcase each others work and blogs and just spread the word about some amazingly talented ladies.

The hoping continues on to Kelly she has some really cool simple scrapbook sketchs. Stop by and say hi and keep on hoppin! Enjoy!!

Science Discovery Museum

2009-03-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Kaitlyn played hookie from school and we went to play at the Science Discovery Museum. The kids had a great time playing with different things. Kaitlyn said it was all playing and NOT learning! lol Little does she know! Here's a few pictures from our trip!

We all had a great time and plan on going back soon!

Drag Boats are back to Lake Elsinore!!

2009-03-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

After about 10 years Drag boats are back to Lake Elsinore in the "Thunder in the Channel"

It was a cloudy chilly morning and afer a long walk to the waters edge we got to see some awesome races! The kids were great and had a fun time.

They learned to cover their ears when the races started.

Sadly we did watch one crash. It was kinda ironic because it was the first boat that had... crap I dont remember what they called it! Its kinda like a pod. Its a built in roll cage that releases from the boat if theres an accident. This is right after the crash with the water still up in the air.

Here is his pod on the rescue boat being raced to the dock for the EMT's to check him out. They said he was conscious but they rushed him to the ER.

Finally the races continued..

Some random cute pictures from the races...

ETA- SO SAD!!
We got an update on the driver of the boat that crashed. He was rushed to the ER and was in surgery for 6 hours. He is paralysed from the neck down. No work if its perminent or not. Sending prayers his way!

My heart aches.....

2009-03-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite men have walked out of my life this week....

I know I have introduced them to you before but just for the heck of it here we go again, as I'm very sad to see them go.

First theres Dr Christian Troy.

He is an amazing plastic surgeon who just this year moved out here to LA (maybe to be close to me!)He has had a rough patch in his life lately as he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast cancer, underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, then received the news the cancer is not gone and was given 6 months to a year to live. With that news he proposed and married his lesbian anesthesiologist/friend and created a family with his aids infested whore of a exgirlfriends son who she tried to pass off as his son, but was born African American, obviously NOT his! And now to the sad part.... he just left on his honeymoon with his new found 'family' Hurry back to me Dr Troy!! I already miss you!

Second man who walked out my life last night, well actually swam out...
Michael Westin.

This very smooth, sweet, serious ex spy was 'burned' which means pretty much he got fired from being a spy. Leaving him with no identity, no job or job references and a burning desire to find out who burned him. He meets up with a trigger happy ex girl friend, who I actually really like and yet another spy Sam, maybe I'm just partial to the name! Last night they 'took out' Carla AND Victor and met with the Management. He was given an altimatium and he opted for jumping out of a helicopter way above the ocean to take on anyone and everyone that is after him all on his own. Swim Michael swim! Swim back to me hunny!!

ETA- for those of you who are are lost.... I'm talking about my men on Nip/Tuck and Burn Notice. It was the season finale this week on both of my favorite shows, sad... very sad.... On the plus side, Burn Notice is comming back in JUNE!! WooHoo!

Picture a day finally updated!

2009-03-04T14:26:00.001-08:00

I really didnt think this picture a day challenge would be so difficult but IT IS!!

I just updated out Just Us 365 blog with a bunch of pictures from last month and so far up to date with this month! Woo Hoo! I missed some days but what can you expect im not very good at HAVING to do things everyday!

Scrapbook yardsale

2009-03-04T00:51:00.001-08:00

There will be at least 6 tables filled with scrapbook, paper craft stuff that their owners want you to take off their hands. Great deals to be had, for sure. One Scrapbooker's trash is another Scrapbooker's treasure!

We will also have a children's table set up so they can play and make some paper craft things for themselves. This table will not be supervised, but will be easily seen by all of us.

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. to Noon - No early birds please
Place: 533 San Miguel Dr.
Corona, CA 92879
Contact: 951-640-8678

We are still accepting vendors so if you are interested in setting up your own table e-mail RockinReddRobin@yahoo.com

Catch up and Mom's Birthday!

2009-02-17T20:15:00.001-08:00

Oh man, I'm so bummed! I didn't take pictures of the second set of Valentines. they turned out so cute! It was a goodie bag with some chocolate kisses and a shovel that says "I dig you!" We also made MnM cookies for that class!

Also, Last week Kassel had his first gymnastics class! We've been tossing the idea around on getting him into a class. Finally I made one last push, and off we went! He wasn't too thrilled with the idea of the stretches to start off the class, but who is! lol After we started going he LOVED IT!! He did great on the trampoline, obstacle course, balance beam and the bars! We looked thru the pictures together and he's excited to go back.

Another year has come and gone.... I turned another year older this weekend! We didn't really do anything except for a birthday dinner at my dads house. Dad smoked some tri tip with his extra special firewood that he got from up north (yea he's kinda crazy about this kind of stuff). Last time we were there and he BBQ'd I wanted to do smores but they didn't have the supplies. This time Chris made sure they had the stuff! WooHoo! I dont remember the last time I made smores! SO as soon as dinner was over I was all over it!

Since Kaitlyn had never made a smore before I had to teach her what this was all about. So we set up our crackers with the chocolate and put the marshmallows on the squires and off we went in the freezing cold to bbq a marshmallow!

And we all know that the best smore is a messy smore!

To end the night off I got a few gifts! I got some cool cupcake gifts! Cool book on how to make awesome
cupcakes AND a stacked cupcake carrier! WooHoo!!

Clear out the old!

2009-02-16T09:55:00.001-08:00

SoCalScrap has decided to clear out about 90% of my store.
There are huge discounts! HUGE!
You don't even have to worry about the shipping because all the money you save will cover it and more!

Check out all of the sales categories.
EVERYTHING .25 cents !!!!
EVERYTHING .50 cents!!!

$1 bin - Everything is $1!

****20% Off Sale
****30% Clearance Sale
****40% Clearance Sale!
****50% Clearance Sale!
****60% Clearance Sale!

Even if something is not on sale, you will always save at least 10% off the MSRP.
You can't go wrong at SoCalScrap.us!
Come and get your scrap supplies now before someone beats you to it.

Wordful- Valentine

2009-02-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

Another episode of Wordful Wednesday!
Today was Valentine prep day!
First due to a special request from Lacey to see Kaitlyn cooking we snapped some pictures of Kaitlyn and Kassel making some rice krispy treats. Not really sure if it is considered cooking or baking or whatever but either way the kids looks so cute all decked out in their aprons!

This is the finished product! Pink Rice Krispy treats with cute little hearts mixed in!

Then we got started making some valentines, mom was kinda putting things oiff to the last minute. So we pulled out one of our favorite toys, the Cuttlebug! Love that baby! The kids love to use it too!

So the kids took turns embossing the papers with the cuttlebug, then mom inked them and then Kaitlyn glues them together! She wrote her name on some of them... then got bored w/ doing so many! lol Pretty simple and kinda cheesy but oh well!

Stay tuned im sure tomorrow will be abother valentine prep day for fridays class.... man this would be easier of she only went to one school! lol

Tuesday Tribute

2009-02-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

A day late and a dollar short but here's my first attempt at Tribute Tuesday!

My friend Katy offered to give me her cake she made for her cake decorating class. The theme was cars. Isn't this the cutest cake ever?!?!?

Thanks for sharing Katy it was so cute... and very yummy!!

Musical Monday

2009-02-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

Im jumping on another bandwagon, atleast for today! I saw it posted on Angie's blogs and thought this is comthing right up my alley, I love music!

This song by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah brightman has always been one of those songs that Ken and I love. It was also a song that made it into out wedding song list, not sure where we fit it in. Maybe it didnt make sence and I dont want to say its 'ours song' because I dont want out song to be about saying good bye! lol but all and all we love this song!

Our other all time favorite song is a mix that was made after Keith Whitley passed away with Allison Krause. It came to the radio while we were planning our wedding and we LOVED it. The one on my song list (playing on the blog) is slightly slower then the one we used, not really sure how theres different ones but whatever! I searched and searched the web and the music stores, the song was impossble to find! So I wrote the radio station that played the song and asked them how the heck they got it. They explained that they created the mix and that its not out for purchase. I begged and begged and they finally sent me a tape of the mix. I was SO excited. That was our song for the first dance. It stinks that we stll have not been able to buy a CD with it on there, but in a way I think its kinda cool that our song is so special.
ETA- ok, were still having abit of 'discussion' here, Ken swears thats not Keith Whitley, I have to agree it DOES sound like Randy Travis but it says its Keith! Anyways... its not exactly our song but its as close as I can get!

Valentines

2009-02-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Considering its Valentine week, figured I would change up the blog a bit... might help me get into the mood! lol Valentine Day isn't usually anything special. Ken isn't the flower, chocolate, card kind of guy. I've gotten used to that. I usually buy myself something I want and tell myself Ken got it for me! lol Not to mention my birthday is the day after Valentine day and since all the restaurants and hotels are usually way too crowded we don't usually do much for that either. This year at least I can try to create something for Kaitlyn's class's. Not too much into that kind of mood right now either tho! lol We shall see what I come up with!

What I'm hoping for Valentine day and my birthday is a get away to the Scrapbook Expo in Costa Mesa! I went last year with my friend Erica and Andrea and had a BLAST! Got alot of goodies, made alot of make and take and just all and all had a great time with friends. Last year tho the expo was right after my birthday so I had plenty of birthday money to spend, this year... not so much. So I don't know if I'm going or not.. I cant tempt myself and go with out any money!

Scrappy Stuff

2009-02-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am hosting 2 challenges at SoCalScrap
First one is a Layout sketch challenge provided by my friend Andrea

I need to retake a picture of my layout from this sketch as the picture is really bad. I'll try to get it up soon!

Also a card sketch challenge sketch provided by my friend Shanna

This is my card created with that sketch, pretty simple but I had fun with it. I played with some felt and the fiskars edge punch, and some foam and a stick pen!

A few other layouts from other challenges:

This economy Sucks!

2009-02-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well, we all knew this year would get worse long before it would get better. I know many people that are hurting and now on Friday my hubby got this:

Man, this sucks! He tells me not to worry and that things will be fine but I'm stressing, stressing big time! Thank goodness recently we were able to take care of some debt but we still have the month to month living expenses..
Anyways I just wanted to vent a little... and all the rest of you who have been or are dealing w/ unemployment. I can now empathize. This sucks!

Just had to share

2009-01-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

My sister sent me a picture the other day of some adorable cupcakes that looked like fish bowls. I thought oh how cute is that, hopefully soon the letter of the week will be F. Walk into class on monday, sure enough letter os the week is F!! WooHoo! Mine didnt turn out nearly as cute as the picture she sent me but hey I tried and I think they are pretty cute! I had to change it a bit as the 'rocks' in the fish bowl was peanuts and the school is peanut free so I used granola.

This is snack tomorrow at school for Kaitlyns class! Thanks for looking! :)

Retreat Layouts

2009-01-28T11:07:00.001-08:00

I want Candy! Blog Candy!

2009-01-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

Stop by and say to Kim over at Crafty Makes she has an AWESOMe blog giveaway with some very cool Basic Grey paper and lots of embelishments!

Also Melissa has an amazing giveaway too over at Ink-Clinations!

More, More, More!

Angie over at 7 Clown Circus is having an amazing bracelet giveaway

thats all I got so far, but I will let you know if I find more! :)

ETA- One more!
The Crafty Crow has a great giveaway for a kids messenger bag! SO cute!!! Stop by anc heck it out and tell her Kat sent you!

Retreat

2009-01-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

Friday morning I packed the car, we got Kaitlyn to school, showed Ken how to pick her up, kissed the kids, got some gas, and then after this is when the trip got started!

Then we got there and got settled, this was scraproom for weekend.

And this was our view

Can't wait!

2009-01-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

MySpace Countdown Clocks

AND

MySpace Countdown Clocks

More Giveaways!

2009-01-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

Scrapperlicious is giving away some mini clear albums on her blog! I cant wait to see what else they have at CHA but I would LOVE to win these, wouldn't you??

AND

SocalScrap is giving away some awesome Valentine goodies!

Productive weekend

2009-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

I have been kinda been busy and not blogging lately, had alot on my plate.

This weekend was a very nice productive weekend. Sat was pretty kick back stuff we normally do. Sunday Ken had a kids birthday party that he took the kids to while I went shopping and attended my step sisters bridal shower. It was fun hanging out with old friends and family. And I was able to scrap some pages to complete my LOAD (layout a day) for January.

Then this extra day to the weekend I was able to finally take down, box up and put away all the Christmas stuff. Clean up the garage a bit, package up the recycling for my nephew. Then I made it back to the scraproom and worked on some layouts for Scrapper's Cafe so she could make kits. AND I think I finished packing kits for the retreat this weekend!

WHEW!

I'm BEAT!

NOW.... only 3 more days until I'm OUTTA here!!!

Heading up north along the coast for a nice weekend of friends and scrapping... my kind of getaway!!!! Then thats not the end of the awesome weekend, I have to leave early sunday morning to head to Anaheim Convention Center for CHA!!!!! If you dont know what it is then you probably wouldnt be excited for me, but Im SO VERY excited to go!

2009-01-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

My friend Kelsy is doing a giveaway of some goodies from her etsy store. I hate when people do giveaways but want you to blog about them because that just lowers your chance of winning! lol oh well, I'll do it for her! Look at these awesome earings and cute charm! Love it all! Go give her some love!

Wordful Wednesday- Gamer

2009-01-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

A day late and a dollar short. It's been crazy lately and I seam to only be getting to this late! Oh well, Im just tryig to keep my head above water right now!

Kassel was laughing and laughing playing his sisters leapster!! He was laughing so hard having the time of his life! He has no idea what he was doing or supposed to be doing on it but it was so funny! UhOh, do I have a future gamer on my hands?

Check out Angie at 7 Clown Circus for more Wordful Wednesday!

24

2009-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Another AWESOME show is back!!! YAY
Last night and tonight was the 2 day 4 hour season premier!! It's so nice to have Jack back! I would love to spill the beans on some shockers but I know alot of you have it on the DVR and haven't watched it yet, so I'll be nice! Hurry up and watch it tho!!!

So Cal Scrap Happy Hour

2009-01-12T20:58:00.000-08:00

Did you guys see last weeks Happy Hour at SoCalScrap? It was awesome! Check out the directions here. When you do the project be sure to upload it to the gallery so we can see how awesome yours is too!

And, a teaser for this weeks Happy Hour ....

Ooohhhh AAhhhhhhh....
Mark it down and don't forget about it! Friday at 7PST
If your not able to make it on Friday the directions stay on the board for you to come back and do it later!
Happy Scrappin'!

National Delurking Day

2009-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

I just read that today is national delurking day... SO if you're here, lurking on my blog and never comment, or even if you're not a lurker and always comment, LEAVE ME A COMMENT! Right here... right now... Come on... PLEASE?!?!?!

I totally just stole this whole post from my blogging friend Renee, im such a copy cat!

New Outfit!

2009-01-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

I had planed on making kaitlyn a skirt for Christmas eve but didnt get around to it, so what am I to do with red and white stripes fabric? Hmmm... maybe if I add pink to it, it wont be too Christmasy... What do you guys think? I also made the monogram shirt to go with it. It needs a flower or something on the monogram but didnt get around to it for school today!

THis was posted for my picture of the day but I just loved the outfit I had to share it here too!

Kaitlyn's First Krafty Tutorial!

2009-01-08T23:29:00.001-08:00

Kaitlyn loves making cards. She usually just makes them for me, or Ken or her penpal. I was making a bunch of Christmas cards and she wanted to as well. So I told her she could make cards for her friends at school. She loved the idea! So here is her card tutorial:
1) Have mom cut the card bases 2x3 and the patterned paper just shy of 2x3
2) Adhere patterned paper to front of card base

3) Admire all your hard work!

4)Cut and adhere triangle's (to look like trees) to the front, back inside, where ever the heck you want to!

5)Stamp Sentiment on inside of card (without getting all inky)

6)Write the name of who it goes to, and sign your name

7) Proudly give them away at school to all your friends! Hope they enjoyed them as much as she enjoyed making them!

Some holiday crafts....

2009-01-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Heres some holiday gifts I'm just now getting around to show off!
Picture frames for each of her teachers with a picture of the class. Picture frame for one of the school directors who oraganized yet another great christmas performance. Sillouette pictures of my friends 3 kids. I love how these look! I was torn on weather to leave them plain or add monograms. I left them plain and figured we could add monograms later of she wants them on. I think its cool being able to recognize each kids without their names or monograms on it!

I know I have more but I guess I didnt take pictures of all the crafts I made for people, oh well! Hope they enjoy them!

Project 365 part 3

2009-01-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Jan 7th-Ok, so at bedtime I took a picture! Kaitlyn has been complaing about not wanting to sleep by herself and I've been past ready to get Kassel out of our bed again! Its way too cold in his room to try to get him to sleep there again, so figure this was worth a shot!

Jan 8th- I wanted to post a picture of Kassel going potty all on his own, but he wouldnt stay there with his stuff was out of sight, so I decided on this picture for today! This is a scrapbook page I completed today. The picture was taken months ago when my friend Leiani was reading to Kaitlyn, it was so sweet!

From now on my picture a day pictures will be posted on a blog specifically for this purpose! Check it out http://justus365.blogspot.com/ as of right now its the same pictures that has alreday been posted here but from now on they will be posted there and this blog will continue to be my ramblings! lol

Project 365

2009-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Jan 3rd-As soon as I got this green cloth diaper for Kassel I knew I just had to take a picture of him in it by the Christmas tree. I couldn't take the tree down until I took this picture!

Jan 4th- Sadly this is the only picture we took on the 4th! It was a cold dreary day. Kaitlyn asked for some hot cocoa, hot tea sounded good to me. So we enjoyed out warm cups of goodness together!

Jan 5th- Christmas in January! My friend Erica and I dont usually get to get together until January some time to exchange gifts. This time we met at Chic-Fila and let the kids play for a bit!

Jan 6th- Oh man, not even a week into the year and I'm already missing days! Man, this is harder then I thought! Kaitlyn has stayed home from school this week, and then yesterday I started getting sick and has only gotten worse since. Maybe I should go give Kait the camera to take a picture of something! lol

Jan 7th-