Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Call me the Grinch

Yeah, that's going to be me this year. Just to fill you in a bit without this being a completely depressing post... Ari was sick all weekend with extrememly high fevers and coughing, turns out he has RSV. Yay. Well, being that I've been the one cuddling and wiping noses and all that jazz I'm fairly sure I have it now too. I'm exhausted, very exhausted to the point where I can barely get myself off the sofa. I don't think I've ever been this tired. I'm sure being pregnant isn't helping in the energy department but seriously today all I want to do is curl up in a ball and pass out.

So, to the Grinch part. I've decided that we are not sending out Christmas cards this year. We had the picture for it taken Friday but there's no way on Earth I have the energy to make and send however many cards are on my list. So... I'll be posting what was going to be our card here on the blog and emailing everyone the link. Sorry, it's the best I can do. Something has to give or I'm afraid I'll end up more sick than I need to be and this was it. I hope you all understand that I need to take care of myself and the little baby, the big baby (Ari) and Matt first. Don't hate me or if you do just don't tell me to my face!

I've also cancelled our Ohio Christmas trip. No way I'm taking a kid with a fever of 105 on an airplane... I'm sure you understand that one too! BTW, his fever is down to around 102-103 today so we're making progress but he's basically a bump on a log. I don't think he's played with a single toy yet today and he was asking to go to bed at 5:15 tonight! Poor baby. Cross your fingers that we all get over this ickiness and don't need to go back to the hospital!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Dang.

It's been a while~ Sorry. It's been a crazy week or so! First of all, I should show you my December Crop Addict creations. The kit was perfect for me this month. Half the papers were Christmas theme and the other half were white/blue/green and of course as soon as I saw them I knew they would be perfect for Ari's birthday pictures. His birthday is just a couple days after Christmas so I make sure to really seperate them. Anyway, here you go...







Oh, uh... yeah. That last one is mine, the test that is. We've been trying for several months now and had a little setback a few months ago. This one seems good though, I've been to the Dr. and everything looks fine. We will welcome a new little one next summer and couldn't be more thrilled. I feel great so far, just completely wiped out lately. I cleaned Ari's room today and we moved some furniture (Matt did the heavy stuff) and I had to take a nap after. Pathetic. I'm already chubby too which is slightly annoying but as my mother in law said, she doesn't really feel bad for me when my fat pants are a size 4. Hehe... whoops. I've heard your belly grows quicker with the second one too!

Other than the baby stuff we've been getting ready for Christmas. We cut our tree down this past week. I have yet to decorate it but plan to at least put the lights on tonight after Bean is in bed. It's next to impossible to do anything with him awake and I've been wanting to sleep while he's asleep lately so nothing is getting done 'round here. Oh well, we're the only ones that notice so it's no biggie. Hopefully I'll have it decorated before Santa arrives!

Well, it's time to put the kid to bed so I'm off. Enjoy your week if I don't make it back and cross your fingers that I don't get any visits from the morning sickness fairy!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I just realized something

Did anyone else notice that they completely skipped the video tape part of Twilight where James explains why he's there... all that stuff about Alice? Isn't that pretty important? How are they going to continue the story? I know, I'm a nerd but I just realized that and had to get it out. Leave a comment with your thoughts, I'd appreciate it!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

A new season, a new look

Thought I'd spruce up the blog a bit, what do you think? I think Christmas is my most favorite time of year and I love that I can have my blog reflect that! Next I'll change out the music but maybe tomorrow.

We got back from our Thanksgiving in Louisville last night and I'm still beat from the trip. Ari wasn't the smoothest traveller on the way there and it took a lot out of me. A LOT. I now know the cost of my sanity is $338, the price of a new stroller and car seat. I'll spare you the gory details... trust me, it was brutal. Anyway, once we arrived all was good again. I had my fantastic Mother In Law to the rescue, she even met me at the gate in the airport where I literally passed off my kid like a football. Good thing she was there, I needed her! She's always there when I need her though and I am incredibly grateful for that. Mother in laws get a bad rap but she is truly awesome, I am very lucky to have her in my life!

Anyway, we had an awesome holiday. Matt arrived Wednesday evening and we were able to spend Thanksgiving day as a family. Dick, my father in law, is an amazing cook and the turkey he prepared is easily the best I've ever had. I didn't take my camera but when they send me the pictures I'll be sure to post them. That bird was gorgeous and very tasty! We played cards and ate until we couldn't get up from the table, a truly perfect day.

As I mentioned, I didn't take my camera on the trip but I'll post pictures when they send them. It was a great week, we've only been home a day and I miss them already. Good thing Christmas and Ari's birthday are only a short 4 weeks away.

I hate to keep this short (and relatively boring, sorry) but I'm very sleepy and am going to go to bed early. Ari is in bed and Matt won't be home until later tonight so no harm done! Good night everyone, stay warm!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Today is THE day!



I'll be there tonight, just a few more hours... I cannot wait!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Whew, tagged again.

My friend Laura tagged me again and since I don't have anything interesting to report from Wiebke World I thought I'd spurt out some more random facts. I'm not going to tag anyone else though since I've run out of people :(

1. I watched ER last night and sobbed like a baby the whole time. Matt called to say goodnight and thought something was really wrong. I tend to get wrapped up in shows I love and this one was gut wrenching. I won't spoil it unless you'd TiVo'd it... just be sure to have a box of tissues near when you watch it.

2. I hate doing the dishes, like really hate it. If there's any way I can eat without using dishes that need to be washed I do it. That generally means I'm eating out of the container it was cooked in because I don't like to use paper or plastic either. I think it's wasteful. I've even skipped lunch once or twice because my kitchen has been cleaned and I don't want to mess it up.

3. I am a Democrat and I voted for Barack Obama. I try to keep politics and religion off my blog because those areas are so controversial but my faith in politics has been renewed recently. For the first time in nearly a decade I can say that I am proud to be an American and since this is my blog and all, why not share it here too. I cannot wait to see what the next four or eight years will bring!

4. I don't like fish. Only when my father in law cooks it (or my mother in law, she's awesome too) will I eat it and actually enjoy it.

5. I miss my family. My brother and my in laws. I haven't seen them enough recently and that makes me sad. I feel like Ari is growing by leaps and bounds and I wish they were closer to see it in person. I need to make time to go visit more often but it's hard, I don't want to bother anyone. *I just saw my dad last weekend, that's why he's not on this list. I usually miss him too, just as much as the others!

6. We got a Wii this week. Matt kicked my butt in boxing and tennis and bowling and every other game we played. How is it that I can practice and practice and he can pick it up once and knock my socks off? Men.

7. I don't believe in "gender roles" for children, or anyone for that matter. This issue was brought up on my moms website and many mommies feel their sons shouldn't be allowed to play with "girl" toys and won't allow it. I think that's a little wrong in my opinion and hope that I am raising a well rounded little boy. Not one that just wants to run around shooting stuff and scratching himself. Ari has a baby doll and a play kitchen as well as his cars and dinosaurs. If he shows interest in something I don't want to let society dictate wether it's appropriate. Does that make sense?

I'm sure I may have offended people with my random facts but I've had a lot of stuff weighing on me lately. I think I need to ponder some more but the other part of me says to just push it all aside and continue on my merry way. I have a lot on my plate right now so I think that's what I'll do. Anyway, sorry for all the randomness and I hope I haven't made anyone mad.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

And the winner is:

Jenn!!! Yay girlie, thanks for being such a loyal blog stalker ;) I'll get your goodies in the mail and promise to sit down and get you that email as soon as I get more than 2 minutes on the computer uninterrupted. Thank you to everyone that checks on me, I really appreciate it. I'll be back with an update and pictures from our Florida trip but I have a raging headache and a massive to do list for tomorrow so I think I need to hit the hay!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Holy Cow, a giveaway!

Wow, I just noticed that I have had over 10,000 hits on the ole' blog!! Wow, who knew my crazy life would be that interesting or that my scrap stuff would be so popular!! So, to celebrate I'll do a little giveaway. Leave a comment by Monday and I'll randomly pick one and send you some scrappy goodies. I have lots of stuff that I've just cleaned out, most of it is pretty new too. Thanks for reading along with me, I'll see you Monday!

Monday, November 3, 2008

More eye candy!

As you know I've been doing some work for a new scrapbook store here in town called Southern Scrapbooks. Holly, the owner, used to be a Fiskateer. In fact, she was the #1 Fiskateer and now a Legend and I think that is so totally cool! She and I were meant to be friends and working with her is amazingly fun. I find myself wanting to go to the store way too much but I guess that's not a bad thing. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my creations for the store.

Have you seen the new My Mind's Eye Laundry Line? Seriously, glitter papers and ribbons and stamps and super fun embellies... I am in love and want to buy the whole thing! Here's two layouts and a card. The first one is obviously Matt skiing in Wisconsin this year. He is such a rockstar, he can slalom and get up on just one ski, not two and have to drop one. It is so fun to watch him, as I was scrapping this last night I found myself wishing we were at the lake right now but it's probably snowing up there right now so not as fun.



This next one I used pictures that Holly gave me. It's the little girl that her mom babysit's I think and she is so adorable, I just want to squish her. I'm severely lacking in the "girl pictures" department so it was fun to glam it up.



And this one is just a little card that I had to make with the houndstooth glitter paper. I'm on a card making kick lately so this was fun to do. The stamp is from MME and I just used VersaMark, not ink. I love that watermark look on cardstock!



The titles for the layouts were cut with my new love, the QuicKutz. Seriously, love it. Getting one for myself ;) I used the Nutmeg font and the Blossom font and I think they are perfect. I love that you can cut out the letters you need, no more running out of 't' or 'e' since you can just cut another one!

I did a couple Christmas layouts too since it's so quickly approaching. Less than two months, sheesh. This first one I did to showcase the new Lil' Davis foil paper. I love this picture of Ari on Santa's lap, he was like "who is this and why am I sitting on his lap???". Too cute!



This next one I did for the QuicKutz class on Tuesday. I love this new border die of the Christmas lights. It's so easy to use, this whole layout took me under 15 minutes! Again, the Nutmeg font too and yes I realize the 'i' is missing... I think it got left at the store so I'll just add it when I go in today. Nothing slows me down though ;)



I also made a turkey tag napkin ring for Thanksgiving but it's not quite done yet. I can't decide if I want it to say "Gobble" or not and am letting Holly make that decision. I'll share it when I figure out what it will look like in the end. Well, I think that's enough for now. I have to go take the kid back to the Dr. in a few minutes. He's not doing any better, still pulling on his ears and just miserable so I think we need to alter his course of treatment. Wish us luck, I hate that my little man isn't feeling well. Although you should see him right now... he's watching a Jack's Big Music Show video and dancing with a tape measure singing "love, love" over and over... too cute.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Eye Candy!

It's November which means it's time to share my Crop Addict Kit creations! This month the kit was absolutely GORGEOUS! The whole Fancy Pants fall line plus Scrap Within Reach, lots of fun embellies and of course Bazzill cardstock. I had so much fun working with this kit. You can probably tell the layouts that I did before Ari got sick and the layout I did after~ sorry about that Debbie. I just totally fell off the creative wagon and am really not happy with the turnout but what can you do? I still have one more layout to add to this too but it's still sitting upstairs on my table. I'll get it posted after Matt gets home to help me out today.







In other news the kid is still sick. I tried weaning down the Tylenol and he woke up twice last night crying and rubbing his little head :( This morning he was pretty uncomfortable too, really sad and pulling on both ears. So, it looks like we're headed back to the doctor tomorrow. She said if he was still showing signs of discomfort to bring him back in. I feel so bad for him, I hate that he's in pain and it's really sad that when I ask him if he wants "drops" he runs to me yelling "Yeah!!". Poor baby. Thankfully Matt gets to come home today because we both need it. Well, I have a ton of cleaning to do and I think skipping breakfast was not a good idea because my tummy is rumbly. I'll be back later with more eye candy. Oh, I will be putting Ari's costume on at some point so look for those pics too!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Hmm, question:

Would it be totally stupid and nuts to put Ari in his costume today just so I have some pictures of him in it? We missed out on all the Halloween fun because he's sick but does that mean I have to miss out on all the scrappy goodness that goes along with it? What would you do? Help a scrap-addict out...

Friday, October 31, 2008

Tag, I'm it!

My friend Kim blog tagged me and since I have nothing better to write, here you go! Oh, even if I did have something better to write I'd still play along because these things are fun and I like my friend ;) So, here's how it goes... I tell you 7 things you may not know about me then I tag 7 people and link you to their blogs. They take it from there.

1. I don't like bananas. I love banana flavored things but actual bananas creep me out.
2. If I could live anywhere in the US it would probably be the New England coastal area. I love beaches and think it's gorgeous up there. I've sort of had enough of the south.
2. I'm really ready for another baby. We've been "trying" for 5 months to no avail and it's wearing on me. Ari came to us so easily which makes it even harder, plus I'm no good at waiting. All about instant gratification over here ;)
3. Like my friend Kim I think I have more online friends than real life friends. It's easier that way, I'm lazy!
4. I will probably have cereal for dinner tonight. I have a sick kid and he's sucking the brain power out of me, all I want to do is curl up and sleep but Mommies don't get sick days!
5. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I will be spending it alone on my couch. Ari is sick and Matt's at work. I don't even get any candy (insert pathetic whining now)...
6. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year, so much so that I'm done with my shopping! I can't wait to see Ari's reaction to the cool things Santa is bringing. I'm like a big ole' toddler at heart!
7. Man... I need to think of something good. My other "facts" are pretty lame... I'm fresh out though. If I think of something I'll come back, promise!

Now, I tag:

1. Christina
2. Virginia
3. Michelle
4. Jen and Amy (two for the price of one!!)
5. Deanna
6. Amanda
7. Jennifer

Well, the hubs is calling in between flights so I gotta run. Enjoy your halloween and cross your fingers that my little man gets over this double ear infection and cold pronto!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

9 more days

Until this election crap is behind us. I can't wait. I recently saw something that said "If only closed minds came with closed mouths" and that's how I've been feeling lately. I'm irked and I'm tired of the commercials and "campaigning" and can't wait for it all to be over with. Just had to get that off my chest.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Whew, what a week

Things are temporarily slowed down a bit here. I needed a break so I created one. Ari and I were supposed to go to a school carnival today but I had a massive headache so we stayed home and took a nap. I felt guilty for a few minutes but I really think if we had gone I would have ended up sick. I'm one of those "get a headache and it makes me SO nauseous" kind of people. If I don't get on top of it I can be out of commission for days and since Matt's at work I don't have the luxury of getting sick.

Anyway, yesterday we went to a birthday party for our neighbor boy, Cole. It was at a farm and they had tons of things to do. Cole was turning 6 and the party was obviously geared for 6 year olds so it was a little stressful for me. I've decided that from now on (until the kid is a few years older) that if we have a party to go to for older kids I will not go without Matt. I physically can't keep track of Ari and there were several unsafe situations that made me nervous. They have horses at the farm and they are fenced in but the fence is electric. That would be potential problem #1. They had a "cow train" that I thought would be fun for him too but they drove like maniacs and IF he would have gone near it I don't think I would have let him ride on it. Potential problem #2. Then, the slate stairs. Potentail problem #3. Oh, and the bonfire. I think I'll leave it at that. It was a super cool party though, don't get me wrong. Just way too much for this overprotective mamma. I will definately be keeping that place in mind for next year, maybe a Halloween/fall party with all of our friends and family. I didn't take any pictures because I had my hands full the whole time.

Did I tell you that we had family pictures taken last week? We went to Portrait Innovations because I had an awesome coupon and it's been almost a year since we've had a picture with the three of us in it. Terrible, I know. Anyway, here's a sneek peek...






Ari was a little difficult to work with but that's to be expected. He's almost 2 and the staff there was WONDERFUL. The photographer did a fantastic job. I wish we would have had our video camera or something so you could see how he was truly behaving. He was wiggly and squirmy and screaming and running away but you would never know it by the shots that she was able to get. She didn't mess around either, when she knew she had the shot she moved on and I greatly appreciated that. We were in and out with all of our pictures in less than an hour.

Tomorrow I think we may go to Michelle's to visit for a bit. Ari has been asking for "ewwa" all week and I feel bad that he hasn't been able to spend time with her. We have plans nearly every day during the week so if we don't do it tomorrow I don't know when we will have the chance.

I'll be back tomorrow with some scrappy eye candy too but that means I need to get my rear off the computer and actually create something. Ciao!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

No news is good news, right?

Man, I tell ya. I have every intention of blogging but tell myself, "I'll do it later" and later never seems to come. Things have been absolutely wonderful here and I have been thoroughly enjoying life lately. Ari has been going to a sitter twice a week for some away from Mommy time and I have enjoyed having a few hours to myself. He is back in Gymboree or "buree buree" as he calls it. He also has a new playgroup that meets on Monday mornings. It's more just for us moms to chat but the kids play wonderfully together. It's just him and two other toddlers and he thrives in small group settings so it's a win-win!

Speaking of the little one... He is growing by leaps and bounds! Not physically, he's still the same size he was last year but man is his vocabulary exploding. Every day he says at least a dozen new words and is starting to speak in short sentences! It's so cool, I find myself staring at him with my mouth wide open and more than a few times I've yelled "Did you hear that Daddy?" I am so in awe with him, even not so good days are still amazing. We're still having eating issues but are slowly working through it. I've gotten some great therapist referrals from some mommy friends and we're keeping that door open if we need to go that route in the near future.

I've been involved in some new and exciting ventures lately too. I'm participating in a vendor fair where I will be selling handmade cards and various other holiday items. I have some orders already and couldn't be more excited! Oh, I went out with a friend for coffee this morning and we stopped by a new scrapbook store in our town. While we were there I was chatting with the new owner, she's SO cute and sweet and lo & behold I walked out with a job! I know, shocking! It's not a "real" job, I will be designing for the store and I've already started three projects with three more on the horizon. I will be teaching classes also and I couldn't be more excited. How cool is it to be getting paid for doing something that you love so much. I am just waiting for things to come crashing down around me because no one can be this immensly happy and not have it fall apart. I'm just going to continue crossing my fingers!

I've mentioned a few new mommy friends and that's another good thing that's happened. I joined our local "branch" of The Mommies Network! It's an online community but local at the same time. I've met dozens of mommies and kiddos and made some great new friends. We have Moms Night Out at least once a month and endless playdates. Ari and I are both thriving and I think Matt is enjoying our new almost always happy and cheerful demeanor! Man, again it's a win-win for everyone involved!

Ari and I will be going to Florida to visit my dad in a few weeks. He has relocated to Jacksonville and while it wasn't technically his choice things seem to be going well. With this disaster of an economy you have to do what you have to do and while he gave up his dream location he gained a better paying job. In the end it will all work out I'm sure. Anyway, he called a few days ago and asked if I would be willing to come down and help him with a project. Of course I said yes and asked what was going on. Apparently there is an elementary school near his new workplace and 4 children that go to that school have died tragically this school year. One child was hit by a car speeding through the crosswalk after school. Another was a victim of domestic violence and died of a gunshot wound. Yet another was a victim of gunshot, he and his mom were carjacked. The fourth drowned in a swimming pool. More than once I have cried for these children and their families and as I type this the tears start again. My heart is broken, I don't even know what to say. I can say that I will NEVER take for granted how truly fortunate I am. There aren't words. I will be helping many volunteers build a memorial garden for these poor children, taking photographs of the memorial garden event and creating scrapbooks for each family and the school. It's the absolute least I can do.

Well, talk about ending on a sour note. I just don't know what else to follow that with. I'm heading to bed, I have some very full days ahead of me. We have a birthday party tomorrow for our adorable neighbor boy. It's at a lodge and there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, hayride and tons of other fun things. You can bet I'll be taking my camera!! Saturday we were invited to a local school carnival and I think it sounds fun, if for no other reason that to get some cotton candy. Yes, I am a big giant child at heart!! See you later, hopefully I'll have the energy to share some pictures with you.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Heads up!

This weekend Crop Addict is hosting a cyber crop! It started yesterday and runs through Sunday night. My challenge and game are about to start so head on over for tons of fun and fantastic prizes!!! Hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Randomness

*Vacation is over, the hubs is officially back to the grind. While I do miss him I have to say it's nice to have the TV back ;)

*I am so totally enamored with my lil' guy. He's getting WAY too big and amazes me all day long.

*Had a blast showing a new friend all about scrapbooking today, I think I may have created an addict! It's always fun to be an enabler ;)

*Watched CSI and ER tonight, bawled like a freakin' baby and now my head hurts.

*It's very blustery here today, all foggy and moist but still warm. Strange.

*Had little man try on his Halloween costume today, he's totally afraid of it and screams if I try to put him in it.

*Busted out the autumn and Halloween decorations, the house is all yummy with decorations!

Well, I guess that's all for now. I have a list of errands to run tomorrow and I'm beat. I think I hear my bed calling me...

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Can you believe

How absolutely adorable our little boy is? I mean seriously, how cute is this?



I know I'm biased but you have to admit that's a pretty cute face. We went pumpkin picking today and had such a good time! We listened to a little old lady dressed like a pumpkin talk about everything pumpkin related. Of course Ari was more interested in jumping off the little patio we were on than listening to the story. In his defense she was pretty boring but what can you do?

After the story we went on the hayride. She drove all around the farm and played cheesy kids music, there were several older kids on the hayride with us and they were singing along. It was pretty cute! Ari loved it, so did the rest of our group. Our babysitter Kristen and her 2 year old Sage came with us along with my new friend Sandy, her daughter Lilly and little Joel whom she babysits for. Michelle and Ella were supposed to come but since Ari might have a cold they decided to stay away :( Here's all of them, Sage is the 'big' girl in the back, the one that looks like she could be Ari's twin!



After the hayride we played on the playground and picked out our pumpkins. I'm glad we went today because they only had about three dozen pumpkins left. Ari was interested in them for... oh, about two seconds. The rest of the time he wanted to go down the slide with Daddy and Joel!






I learned today, too, that getting 4 kids to sit still long enough for a picture is no easier this year than it was last year. Guess it will be a little while before I can expect that. Everyone had a great time though, there was this sheltered area full of loose straw that the kids had an absolute blast playing in. They were all throwing handfuls in the air and giggling. It was priceless!





All in all it was a pretty great day! There were a couple little meltdowns but that's to be expected! We got some really cute pumpkins which is great since we're having a pumpkin carving party Sunday! I have at least 10 people coming and everyone is super excited. I can't wait either, I absolutely love Fall!!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Blah.

I started a post a couple days ago and have not had the energy to finish it. The kiddo is sick, he has a terrible cough :( A few days ago he was splish splashing in the bathtub and poured a whole cup of water right down on his face. He was holding the cup up over his head and trying to look in it, of course to see in the cup while it's over your head you have to tip it over. Thus the water in the face. His mouth was wide open, water was pouring out of his little nose and I'm fairly sure he inhaled a good bit of it. That's where the cough comes in.

We took him to the Dr. just to make sure, he's never coughed like this before. She said there's a fall cold going around and that he probably has a sore throat too. Poor guy. He's been very clingy and not sleeping well. We all know when the kid doesn't sleep neither do the parents.

Anyway, now I'm sick. I have a sore throat and am completely exhausted. It doesn't help that I drove all over creation today looking for a table for my foyer and every store I went to was closed. It's Monday people, Monday. I know I'm just crabby from lack of sleep and not feeling well but it's very frustrating, especially when gas is still very hard to find and pretty darn close to $4 a gallon.

I think I'm going to go take a nap. I have a million and one things to do today and it's making me even more tired to think about it. I'll catch up with you later, we're going pumpkin picking tomorrow so I'll have pictures to share!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Welcome October

I think October is one of my favorite months. There's so much to do, the weather starts cooling off and it's the jump start to my two favorite seasons. It's pleasant here today, in the high 70's but it started cool which is what I like.

Today was Gymboree day, we're officially back full swing. He is loving it, his class is fairly small and he can just run and have fun. We don't push him to do the structured activities, maybe we should but I think he's got enough time ahead where he'll be required to participate. I just want him to have fun now and go where he pleases. He's learning so much and I really don't want to stifle that. Is that the right word, stifle? You know what I mean though. Anyway, after Gymboree we went to lunch at PeiWei and ran a couple errands before coming home for nap time.

We played outside a bit this afternoon, I took pictures but they're still on my camera. We found two more massive ant hills so we came inside. Matt is boiling water as we speak. I can't believe how many there are, I don't remember them being this bad last year. Oh well, one more thing about the yard I guess. I think we're going to have Orkin come out and treat the yard and house. I don't feel comfortable letting Ari play outside with killer ants taking over. These are the kind that swarm you and bite and bite. It's terrible, I've truly never seen anything like it and it hurts SO bad for days!

Well, tonight I'm going to a show with Michelle at Blumenthal uptown. It's called Mother Lode and looks really funny. I'll tell you all about it when I get home but now I must feed the kid and get ready. I'll leave you with some more scrappy stuff. The manufacturer challenge this month is Scenic Route, LOVE them. Be sure to head over and play along. I can imagine the prize is going to be amazing!!



Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Windy Hill & some layouts

We finally found some gas for the car, it took about 4 days! We have enough to last another few days which is good since our area is still pretty much out of gas. The stations in our town, there are about 4, have been out for over a week and hopefully should get some tomorrow but who knows. They've been saying that for days but every pump still has a litle bag over it. Oh well, what can you do.

Anyway, since we had a full tank we decided to go apple picking yesterday. Silly me didn't even think to check the weather channel though and it was blazing hot. I'm talking over 80 at ten in the morning, way too hot for a fall activity. We got there and it turned out the tour we were supposed to take doesn't 'run' on Mondays so we just wandered around on our own. They had chickens and roosters out running around and Ari thought it was so fun to chase them. Matt was afraid he'd get pecked but I made him let Ari loose and it was too cute. Of course the chickens ran from him but he just ran right behind them. It was adorable. We took his wagon and I'm so glad we did because we walked quite a bit and he's not one to follow. He's much happier creating his own path and just takes off. It was fun but we didn't stay long since it was so stinkin' hot. Just as well, Ari fell asleep in the car on the way home. I did get some strawberry butter and pumpkin butter from the little stand that they had and oh boy is it delicious! I had some of the pumpkin butter on my pancakes this morning, yum!







So, all in all I'd go apple picking again but definately on a day when they have the tour and the weather is cooler.

Now, for some scrappy creations. It's the end of the month which means I can share my Crop Addict October layouts. This kit was so fun, crammed with KI Memories and Piggy Tales. I actually have a couple more things to make tonight but I thought I'd share what I already have done.







I have a few more thing to create tonight, like I mentioned before and I was lucky enough to work with a very generous manufacturer this month as well. I'll share those creations as soon as I'm given permission so stay tuned!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

smarty pants!

Lil' guy is getting too smart. He learned this in less than a week and trust me when I say he was completely unpromted in all of what you are about to see!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

I'm no good at this

Am I? Seems life has just been getting in the way lately.

I've been scrapping like mad, re-arranging my house and garage, playing with the kid (he's getting so stinkin' smart) and enjoying Matt's two week vacation. Are we going anywhere you ask?

No.

We don't have any gas. We were supposed to go apple picking today, no gas. When are we going to get some you ask? According to the gas station lady, "when the truck shows up". Fantastic.

Gives the term "staycation" a whole new meaning. Guess it's a good thing I have about a million and one things to do around here. I still don't like feeling trapped though. I can't go anywhere even if I want to and that makes me feel a little clausterphobic.

I did go to a Mom's Night Out tonight with my local mommies group. I wouldn't have been able to go were it not for a sweet new friend picking me up on her way! I should make her a card. Lord knows I have the time.

I promise I'll be back with pictures tomorrow but it's nearly midnight and I'm exhausted. The Bean is cutting teeth and was up about half a dozen times last night. Ouch.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Betcha think I forgot about you!

But I didn't! I've been out of town, I went on a fabulous scrapbook cruise with my friend Debbie and have been attempting to settle back into "normal" around here. I think the easiest way to tell you about my adventures this past week would be to break it down each day, so here we go!

Wednesday: Matt and Ari took me to the airport and I flew to Ft. Lauderdale to meet Debbie. We stayed in a hotel to make sure we were both there in time to board the ship. Debbie had a terrible sinus infection and didn't feel well at all so we had a quick dinner and went to bed fairly early. Ari did very well, he didn't cry at all when I left. I'm sure having Daddy and Grandma at his beck and call helped that, he was SO spoiled all week I'm sure!

Thursday: We headed to the pier to board the ship and tie up a few loose ends relating to the scrapbook part of our trip. The ship was incredible, by far the biggest boat I've ever seen. This was my first cruise so I was soaking it all in. There was a casino, night club, something like three pools and half a dozen hot tubs, a spa and a theatre for live shows in the evenings. Of course there was the formal dining room, it was two stories tall! Oh, and the rock climbing wall and bungee jumping too! We left the port around dinner time and it was such a strange feeling to be moving (fast, I might add) but not moving, if that makes sense.




Friday: We docked in Key West early in the morning. Debbie and I had breakfast at the Windjammer Marketplace which was the buffet area. Man, the food was incredible! Even for a buffet, it was so fresh and yummy. I think I gained about ten pounds last week, that's the only not so good part of the trip. Anyway, in Key West I really wanted to go to the Southernmost point in the US so we walked. It was very hot and humid but we survived. On the way to the point we passed the Lighthouse so we popped in. We walked up Duval Street on our way back to the pier and browsed the shops and bars. I like Key West, I'd love to go back someday when I have more time. We had to be back on the boat by 2 to set sail for Cozumel. We had a scrap class that afternoon and our Formal dinner that evening. I love to dress up so it was fun for me. Oh, and I totally ate escargo! Debbie even took pictures to prove it. It was pretty good, covered in a garlic butter sauce which makes pretty much anything good! Oh, while we're at dinner everynight our cabin steward comes by for turndown service. We had mints on our pillow and they made cute little towel animals out of our pool towels every day. So fun! We had another scrap class after dinner and went to bed after class.






Saturday: WooHoo, Cozumel!! We docked around 10 or so but we wanted to eat breakfast first. We had to be back on the ship at 1 to take care of some scrap things so we took a cab Downtown to do some shopping and sight seeing before lunch. It was really hot again but we still had fun. It's really fun for me just to watch people, especially in other countries, and see how they live on a day to day basis. I had a great time! We had lunch on the ship while we were checking on things and after lunch we rented a Jeep to drive to the beaches. Debbie has been to Cozumel before so she knew all the good spots. I'm thinking there was a pretty massive hurricane that hit the island a couple years ago and Debbie said it was AMAZING the amount of damage it left behind. The sand beaches were all but gone! In it's place were rocky cliffs with waves crashing all around. It was gorgeous to see but not swimmer friendly so we drove around until we found a better spot. I love seeing all the little roadside stands and bars and shops. There were a few guys kiteboarding, we watched them for a while then just sat on the beach and enjoyed the view. Back on the boat we had dinner in the dining room again and scrapped some that evening. We were both pretty worn out and didn't have much energy to scrap so we walked around the boat then went to the room and ordered room service. We were so excited because we thought we'd get to go to bed at a decent hour but by the time our room service arrived and we watched a movie and chatted it was after 1 in the morning. Oops! It was great fun though, I very much enjoyed getting to know Debbie even more!






Sunday we were at sea all day so we did a scrap class and walked around the ship a bit. Debbie is like, Goddess of the Sea so we were invited to take a tour of the Bridge (which is where they pilot the boat incase you are like me and didn't know, I thought it was a secret bridge to somewhere. Duh). Anyway, we met the crew and saw all the insturments that they use. It was pretty cool! It was actually a pretty relaxing day, did a little shopping on the boat, ate, ate some more... I can't wait to go back! We packed up our bags that evening since we were leaving pretty early the next morning. All in all it was an incredible week and just what I needed! I'm trying to talk Matt into letting me go in March to Western Mexico! I could use some help if anyone is willing ;)

Monday we disembarked the boat and headed to the airport to catch our flights home. I missed my guys SO much! I was fine while I was on the boat but once I was sitting alone in the boarding area it hit me. I was able to catch an earlier flight to Charlotte, ditch my bags in the car and fly to Louisville to pick up my little Bean! I called Sharon to check on him and she told me the power was out at their house! Apparently Ike did some serious damage while we were gone. I had no idea. As far as I know they still don't have power, going on 5 days now! Yikes! Matt got home last night from work so we're enjoying some nice quiet family time here at home, just the three of us. Ari and I went to a play date this morning then Matt and I took him to Gymboree. We're officially back in Gym classes, after seeing the sheer joy in Ari's face today I cannot take him out. He had SO much fun, clapping and yelling YAY the whole time. He did have a rough day though, he fell twice and has both a ginormous goose egg on his forhead and his first ever scrape under his little chin :( Poor guy. Anyway, I'll leave you with a picture of his adorable little face. I'm exhausted and this post took over an hour so I'm going to bed. I do have some scrappy creations to share with you later this week so stay tuned!