a sneak peek into my world.......

Catching up some more.....

2009-09-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

a few more LO's for the store and of course a chance to show off my guy....just turned 14 and started High School.......yes, that's what i said, High School.........i know i can't believe i have a kid in high school either........but yes, it's true ;) ...high school football too - so exciting!!!

Catching up......

2009-09-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Hi...remember me? The owner of this lonley little blog.........it's been awhile but for the 3 or 4 people that acutally look at this.....Hello!!!! Haven't been so great about turning my LO's in on time to TST, but better late than never right ML - hugs!!!! -this is me kissing up- ... :)

Well anyway, here are my latest creations that i wanted to share.....oh and thought i'd throw in a pic of my sweet girl on her first day of school....just turned 9 and started 4th grade this year......AMAZING!!!

Saturday Scrappin....

2009-07-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Wow.....i forgot how much i missed it!!!! Lookee what i got done for the store today....Ty's at football..Brooke's with a friend which means a quite house...my music (JJ) playin' and have nothing but time........that's something that i don't have too much of these days!!! Since i'm not working at the store anymore i really wanted to stay on the design team......there's no way i could be disconnected totally from my girls and the store!!! Well, i've been kinda busy with the new job, runnin' kids around and lots of other "fun" stuff so let's just say i was a little behind (OK....over 2 weeks behind) with my DT requirements. Well, here ya go..........whatcha think? =)

Survived recital.....

2009-07-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it......we survived recital for the 5th year!!! This year was a little bit of a learning curve. instead of just one dance, with one costume we had "THREE".........3 dances, 3 costumes and 2 days of performances. This year she was in the ballet and she was so excited. I never guessed my little sassy sporty girl would love ballet so much.......but she does and i think that is so awesome!!!

Friends since Kinder........

2009-07-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

Would you look at these kiddos.......they grow way too fast. We all met when the kids started kindergarten and now they start highschool in the fall. CRAZY!!!!

School's out for SUMMER............

2009-06-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it.......we made it thru another year and even bigger news is the little man is done with middle school and movin' on to high school.......yikes can that be???? Yep, it's true!!! Tho i'm sad to see him grow up so fast at the same time i love it....watching him thru the years, just in AWE of the person he is becoming. Plus, my sweet girl, all done with 3rd grade....movin' up to the "upper" grade status next year!!!! How exciting!!! So proud of both of them!!!! Oh and check out the "sweet" laptop Ty got.......a well deserved promotion present!!!!

2009-06-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

Doing my best to get back on track with my design team duties at my favorite little scrappy store TST.....I love working and being on the DT there. Life has been a little crazy but having this outlet has helped so much.....i have the best boss and what makes it even better is that she is my dear friend too!!! Michelle, just a little reminder how much i appreciate you........Thank you!!!!

Lookeeeee what i got done for the month of June.....

harvey blog....

2009-05-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

Hey...

OK, remember that very cool indie craft show i went to......take a look at the Harvey blog and see more fun pictures from that day.....do you recognize anyone ;)

http://seatbeltbags97.blogspot.com/

We've been busy.....

2009-05-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

OK.......so the end of the school year usually means "CRAZY" times! Last week - Field trip to the nature center with Brooke and 60 other crazy 3rd graders...too much fun...i loved it!!! Then it was openhouse night at school. I love going in and seeing all the great stuff my kids have been working on - they love sharing that......but this was one of the BEST openhouse events ever - such a great night!!!!!

Then next it was awards ceremony for Tyler - so cool - (ok here comes the bragging, but you guys are use to that) I love that the school recognizes the students that work so hard....but this award was straight from the president himself...."President's Award for Educational excellence" How awesome is that........signed by Obama himself (well, probably stamped - but still...........cool)

Then it was Mom's turn....off to see Jimmy Buffet. I was so lucky to get an invite from my concert buddy Sonja's friend Lynee....it was a blast (thanks girls). We ended up meeting some of her friends their for some tailgate fun and can you believe in that group was a girl i went to highschool with.........such a small world. We did some catching up on our crazy lives and chatted for a bit before the concert - so fun!!! Ok, let me tell you - these Jimmy Buffet fans are serious and there is a major party happenin'.........just people watching was entertainment enough but of course the concert was great too.

Then it was "Fun" friday - i was draggin' a bit but made it thro my day with a sweet coffee in the am and yummy lunch later - Thank U!!! Then a weekend full of poolside chats and a movie night........VERY fun!!!! Today was family time with my Dad and the gang.....swimming, playing baseball and just being together - perfect day........

so now i'm looking forward to another week of craziness........this is my life and i'm loving every minute of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

patchwork.....

2009-05-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

OK......so i went to the coolest indie craft show last Sunday called "patchwork". I found out about it thru the "harvey's" blog (you know those awesome seatbelt bags) any-who....I LOVED it.... such cool handmade goodies....live bands....the works. I could have gone nuts but because i am on a budget (blah blah blah) i was good but allowed myself one treat......oh and left with a ton of new ideas....can't wait to play!!!!

If you didn't get a chance to see that show check this out: www.theochandmadebrigade.com They have something going on every Saturday in June.........

long time - no see..........

2009-05-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Wow....it's been a while - i've had some "stuff" going on that's kept me a little preoccupied but now things are looking up!!! Still have a long road ahead of me but i like the path that i'm headed down and see good things - great things in my future!!!!

Mother's day was soooooooooooo perfect. The kiddos surprised me with breakfast in bed - my favs...coffee and p-nut butter toast!!! They gave me a beautiful necklace with their birthstone in it.....the card was the best!!! Brooke made me a cute little book and bookmark and my dear friend Sonja gave me "this" - so perfect!!!! This mother's day will be a special one for me for so many reasons!!!

So i finally was feeling scrappy and well let's face it, it was time to step-up to my Design Team duties at TST......so these are a few pages that i did for the store. I didn't realize how much i missed my creative time until i just put everything aside including my worries......sat down and just created!!

so much cuteness.....

2009-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Look what i just picked up at The Scrappin' Table . It's new papers from "my little shoe box" Are these the sweetest papers or what..........so much "cuteness" - i can hardly wait to play with them!!!!

don't you just.....

2009-02-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

love buttons!!!!

CHA inspiration.......

2009-02-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well i got inspired............CHA was full of energy and inspiration for me. Being there for all 4 days (and even Saturday night) may sound like TOO much but honestly, everyday i went back i would find something new that i had missed the time before. It was 5 busy inspiring days and i LOVED it!!! Just wait til you see what Michelle ordered for TST. You will want it ALL!!!!!!!!

So..........i took my inspiration and ran with it. Spent all day at the store Saturday and worked on these:

and these.........

2009-02-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is what i was up to all week.....

2009-01-31T00:11:00.001-08:00

So much fun and full of inspiration...so with that being said i am off to the Table tomorrow for some creative fun! More on CHA later!!!

How did this happen??????

2009-01-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

Gypsy girls.......

2009-01-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well, Jenn and I had our class Saturday and it was a blast. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ladies......i hope you enjoyed your day as much as i did!!!

New Favorite.....

2009-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love it..........Anthropologie!!!!!!!!

AG roadtrip......

2009-01-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, my kiddos had an extra day off of school and didn't have to go back until Tuesday. So, Brooke and i thought it was a perfect day to visit one of our favorite places............American Girl Place in LA.

Hair-do for doll: $15
New Jeans for doll: $10
Lunch @the Cafe: $50
Spending the day with my sweet girl: PRICELESS

We truly had a wonderful time!!!

Our Christmas..........

2009-01-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just wondering where the holidays went.............wow - it always goes by so fast. Hope you enjoyed yours!!! Happy New Year!!!!

a Christmas gift.......

2008-12-22T11:42:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been holding on to a picture from a magazine forever.........something that my step-mom really liked. Of course now that i want to refer back to it i can't find it............oh well - anyways this is what i ended up making. It started out way different but evolved into this. I hope she likes it!!!

a few things "Scrappy".........

2008-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this year i had a plan scrap all sorts of goodies for Christmas presents. So Christmas is just around the corner and well, looks like that's not gonna happen. Just when you think you have all the time in the world you decide to make "10" little mini books for the cute little soccer girls........wow - that took some time, but really i don't mind. They loved them and the parents did to. But back to Christmas gifts.....i did get these (see photos) done for my little nieces (Spencer's sister's girls) Olivia and Elena. Then put together a mini banner and covered a tin star to match.........(that's for ME!!!). Slowly but surly getting into the Holiday spirit...........now off to address 75+ Christmas cards..............good night!!!!

Special project........

2008-12-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Well forever I've been holding on to these beautiful buttons my grandmother gave me. Buttons that she had held on to for years as well. I've used very few on special projects but wanted a place to have them all together but not just sitting in a jar. Now, those buttons are part of my creative space and will bring a smile to my face remembering my sweet little grandma...........i miss her!!!!!

Thanksgiving re-cap.............

2008-12-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Well, Thanksgiving was so fun this year. We spent it up at my mother-in-laws for the first time. They live up north ~ so beautiful. If I were ever going to move this is one of the places that would be on my list. They have real seasons up there and the air is so crisp.......perfect weather for a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend.
Saturday after being on the road for 7 hours i got home got ready and was out the door to see Celine in concert. I had friends that really wanted to see her and was lucky enough to score some tickets for the box (thanks Dad!). I have never been a huge Celine fan - but she really is an amazing singer............her concert was great and I love being able to watch a "show" along with great music. The dancers were awesome!!

So now, December is here and the count down is on..............WOW - Christmas here we come!!!!

winter wonderland......

2008-12-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

Lookee where we are going ~ Beautiful!!!

Christmas Class........

2008-11-22T01:16:00.000-08:00

Well, i have a new class up at the store..........Mini-Book in a Tin......a little something to hold your Christmas memories. I say mini book but really it's not all that mini...........i hope you'll come join me at the TABLE.............

a scrappy day.........

2008-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

So Today i did this and that but mostly i did these!!!! I just love the new journaling cards TST got in from Prima - aren't they cute. I had to find some old pictures of my little guy - wasn't he so adorable (will, he still is but just look at how little he was). Played with some yummy pink paisley too - love the cupcake. Then off to TST for the night to work on a Christmas banner.......i'll post that later - still got some work to do. So nice to see you girls!!!!!

Fiska-FUN............

2008-11-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the super fun "Fisk-a-Friendzy"............Cheryl did an awesome job putting this together and i just want to thank HER, Fiskars, and all that contributed to this fabulous day. I recruited 3 new fiskateers but only 2 could join me and our table was full of crazy fun!!! Sonja, Sylvia and I sat with some great gals............Gina, Trish, Mitzi, Shawan, Daniella and Melita!!! I Got to see some familiar faces (Elena, Stephanie, Jennifer) and connected with some new ones too. We did a great make-n-take from one of my favorite scrappy gals Candice and of course came home with lots of goodies.........fiskars is so generous and they always make sure that we know they appreciate us crafters & fiskateers. Look at Sonja..........the big winner. Sylvia won too!!! I'm a little bummed that i didn't get more pictures......at least one of our table friends - we had so much fun!!!

Of course the day was a little clouded............with the fires and other sad news from a dear sweet hard working friend. I was enjoying my day as i was saying a prayer for All..............and still am praying!!!!

Thanks again Cheryl (& all)..............you out did yourself friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my little Brownie........

2008-11-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Just look how cute she is. This year we decided to give Girl Scouts a try and she is having a blast. I love it too........everything they teach the girls is so great and since our troop pools from 2 different schools she is making some new friends too. We just finished our first fund raiser but the very popular "cookie" sale is just around the corner.................so if you need any girl scout cookies you know where to come ;)

7G goodies................

2008-11-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

OK......would you look at all the FANTASTIC stuff i came home with from my 7 gypsies event - this isn't even all of it......some of it is tucked away in that AWESOME antique cigar box we each got. And hiding in the back is the very cool photo carousel that i have been dying to get my hands on....i can't wait to play with that. We had a great time and everyone was so nice!!!! We got 3 great classes, plus a bonus jewelry class (this is my favorite bracelet right now) FYI - you might see a few of these fun things at the store in the near future so watch out for some 7 gypsy fun coming your way.

A Witch and a Soccer Super Star......

2008-11-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

a hard loss............

2008-11-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well, last night was my son's last official game with Pop Warner football. For 4 years we've been a dedicated football family. Football 24/7 from August to November and we love it!!! I can't believe it's over and to end it like this was so hard. These boys had only lost one game this season making it into the play-offs and on their way to another shoot at the Orange Bowl. We played Yorba Linda - a tough team (the team we had our only loss too) but the boys were ready to win this one.............in the beginning of the game, maybe the 2nd play our quarterback dislocated his shoulder.......out for the rest of the game. Total worse case scenario..........not one that we were quite prepared for either. Our backup QB came in and did a great job..............but Yorba Linda played hard and with the loss of our first string QB we were unable to get the win. Watching these boys - crushed with tears coming down............my heart just broke. They had a great season and should be proud but it was a hard loss!!!!!!!!!!

DT deadline.......

2008-10-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

Wow.....3 LOs in one night. Nothing like a little deadline to get you motivated. I love it...it works for me and i at least get those 4 pages a month done to put in albums!!! 3 down and one more to go!

Boutique Noel.........

2008-10-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a day with my dear friend Kristine.......lunch and a visit to the Boutique Noel. Of Course i went to see Candice's stuff but there was so much to see. This is such a neat event and of course makes you feel so much better spending money when charity is involved. My friend's daughter is with the Assiteens and they are sponsoring there as well. Something i hope that Brooke will want to do when she gets to be that age. Oh, btw.....got a few names checked off my Christmas list. The most beautiful dessert plate and some other yummy goodies to put baskets together. Oh and just look at the great stuff i got from Peacoats & Party Hats.....she has the cutest stuff.

ColorStory Challenge #9.....

2008-10-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Lately my challenge has been to put all those creative ideas i have onto or into something real.....not sure why it has been such a struggle for me lately but it has ......soooooo frustrating!!!! I get so inspired and full of ideas for classes, projects, LO's....... but sitting down and and actually doing it - well that is another story.

I found this cool site ColorStory - some of you may already know about it but i had never seen it before. Very fun ~ It got me motivated - gave me a sketch, a color scheme and an extra challenge: putting text onto the actual photo. I love learning something new!!!! Check it out and see what you think.

Fun Mail............

2008-10-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love to check the mail.......don't ask me why, most of the time it's just bills or junk mail, but the occasional fun magazine or catalog arrives and it just makes me happy!! Well, today i was so surprised to see this little goodie. ~YIPPEE ~ the 7gypsies gang sent me a fun little itinerary all decked out in 7g style...........the event is just around the corner and i am so EXCITED!!!! JK and ML did you check your mail today???

Playin' with Polka Dots............

2008-10-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

Oh how i love polka dots............any color will do but of course the classic black and white are my all time favorite. If you look real close you can get a sneak peek at my up coming class at TST.....(more details coming soon) - oh and don't worry - you'll get to choose your own "team" color in this class..........my book is all about the "rockin' Golden Girls" (Brooke's team).

Love it...........

2008-10-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, i just love this - i wish they would have made it in a smaller version!!

15 Years - wow..............

2008-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was our 15 year wedding anniversary. It is so hard to believe - but you remember you have a thirteen year old son and then it makes more scence. We would have loved to have been able to get away, just the two of us, for a couple of days.........but, when you have kiddos in sports that makes it a little tricky. Plus, since our expensive summer we decided we didn't need to spend any money right now.

We did however set the day aside to spend with each other, which doesn't happen very often. We drove down to Carlsbad for the day. As soon as the kids were off to school we hit the road. Started with a Starbucks of course. We walked downtown Carlsbad thru some of their cute antique shops, a quilting shop, a coin shop & a couple LITTLE scrappy shops (one was so BAD - the other was more of a stamp store but had some great finds in it with lots of 7 gypsies). After that we headed over to Kings Fish House for lunch (where i took the silly picture of us) and the had just a little bit of time to walk thru about half of the outlet shops. I made sure to hit The Gap, Coach, Crate and Barrel...........i was very well behaved, just got some great little t-shirts at the Gap (which were on sale of course). Headed back and made it home right about 3:15.......my sweet friend Laurie helped with getting the kids and it all worked out great!!!

I make sure to remind myself everyday how lucky i am to have my hubby!!! He is so wonderful! We decided no gifts but i did put a little book together for him (real simple - nothing fancy).........he loved it!!!

our happy HOME........

2008-10-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my up coming class...........
Fall is one of my favorite seasons and i love to decorate in all those beautiful fall colors. Here is a little home decor piece that you can add to your fall decor. This project has so many options...it's a hanging with attached mini book or separate the two and use just the house as a hanging or you can have the house and mini book side by side right next to your fall center piece. This class is full of options.
Come join me at TST Sunday October 19th................

a work in progress.....

2008-09-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this was the perfect morning to stay home and clean!! I love this weather....thunder showers are so cool. Oh, but i did squeeze in my walk before it started to rain again........i was so happy - just felt like getting outside instead of on the treadmill.

Anyway.......just an update on my scrap space. Got the cleaning out of the way now for the fun part - ORGANIZING!! So far i've bought a couple of paper storage boxes.....haven't tackled the paper yet but i now know how i want to set it up: i think i like Jennifer P.'s style. Organize by color..........i've tried theme, i've tried vendor and of course the "just throw it all together" way - not working for me ~ so by color it is........Thanks Jennifer and to all my scrappy friends that gave me advice and a little push............Michelle - you always give me a challenge; i love it!!!!

Oh, and Saturday Brooke and I along with my SIL & niece went to see this live at the Honda Center.........very cool. Then last night my guys went here............you wouldn't catch me anywhere near that place!!! OK - back to work!!!!!!!!

HELP!

2008-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am on a constant quest to organize!!! Not just my scrap area, but my whole house needs help. But of course.......first things first - i would love to conquer this mess i have with my scrap space. Dear scrappy friends will you help??? Give me tips - anything........always trying to save money but willing to spend a little.........take a look at my space. See what i have to work with and tell me what you suggest!!! Oh, and pay no attention to the treadmill with stuff piled on it and the ironing board in front of it......can you tell it hasn't had a lot of attention lately......but, i did go for a walk today. Grabbed the ipod walked Brooke to school and kept on going...........felt so good!!!!!

Disney - Disney - Disney.............

2008-09-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Would you just look at what i got done last night ~ joined the group at TST for Friday night crop and got 5 whole LO's completed. I know - they are a bit simple but i kinda liked them that way and then after one was done i was on a roll!!!! Next time you should join us. They are too fun - laughing and sharing ideas and looking at all of JP's cool finds.........lovin' those berries!!!!

These LO's are of our Disney vacation. Parks and cruise.......of course i have a ton more photos but these are a few of my favorites. Doing these reminded me of what fun we really did have. I had a few complaints when i got back so that made people think i didn't enjoy......really i did......no it wasn't Hawaii but defiantly a trip of a lifetime. Just wish we would have had a little bit more time to prepare and research. There was still so much we didn't get to do. Next...........to scrap the cruise part (my favorite!!!!!).

Purple...........

2008-09-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Well, purple is the color to be seen in this year. Casual or dressy - that is what he likes right now. Today is the 8th grade class picture and also the first dance of the year. Just look at my handsome guy!!!

My fall class.....

2008-09-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hey there.....well I've been trying to get back into the swing of things - these past couple weeks have been a blur!

I have a fun little class coming up next month at TST. You know how i love home decor - - and who doesn't love mini-books (thanks for the input ML)......this class is full of options. We will decorate a cute little house and make a sweet little mini book with Jennie Bowlin papers (love her!). Use them as a hanging as fall decor or enjoy them separately...the choice is yours!!! I hope you'll join me at the "Table"!!!! Contact The Scrappin Table for all the details!!! And remember - if you can't make the class kits are always available!!!

A beautiful Life..........

2008-09-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Well, with everything going on i made time today to get these done. A double LO of my grandma.....she was most defiantly a Beautiful person through and through.

I did these is less that an hour (can you believe that ML?). Kinda on the simple side but the butterflies are cut out and popped up......can't see that in the picture tho. Thought these would be nice to have out at her service. Just wanted to share...............

Saying Goodbye...........

2008-09-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday i talked to my Grandma for the last time. She passed away Saturday morning about 3:30 am - she was 91 years old. She couldn't talk but my mom held the phone to her ear and said she moved her head up and down like she was agreeing with me..........that was one of the hardest things i have ever done. My grandmother meant the world to me. She was a huge part of my life growing up and even though she moved back to Oklahoma about 17 years ago we still remained close. I would call her and write her..........probably not enough but i tried and the best was just being able to pick up the phone, i would tell her that we could just pretend she was just down the street in Anaheim where she lived so many years before. I always made sure to plan my yearly visit. I know it wasn't much but that once a year we would spend together was so special. She lived on her own until about 3 years ago. Very independent even with the terrible pain of arthritis. Even when she moved into an assisted living home she didn't need much assistance...........the people there knew that Reva made her own bed - because she was the only one that knew how to do it RIGHT!!! They all loved her there!!!!! I am not selfish - i am sad and i will miss her but i know that she is happy and pain free now........She took me to Church and help build my foundation as a Christian........i am so thankful for that because i know that she is in a better place now with my Grandpa which she missed so much!!!!

This is a LO i did of us after her 90th birthday celebration....and the book is something i put together for her. Lots of pictures of her and her family when she was little. If you made it through this melancholy post..........thank you for letting me share!!!! I just can't say enough how much my grandmother meant to me. My favorite quote ever...........and it fit us so perfectly:

A Grandmother is

a little bit parent

a little bit teacher

a little bit best friend

Officially a Teenager......

2008-08-30T16:15:00.001-07:00

Wow.......we've had a busy week with school and birthdays - too much fun!!! Yesterday my son turned "13"..........yep i am a mother to a teenager now - yikes!!!!!!!!! I can hardly believe it. It goes so fast!!! Tyler - how do i describe him? The strong silent type would be the best way. Very sensitive but doesn't want anyone to know it. Mr. Independent which i love - but still likes it when mom helps out now and again........modest and shy..... I have to pry stuff out of him - doesn't share too much information!!!! Loves sports Football and Baseball..............He is just simply wonderful!!!!!

His birthday was a busy day - Brooke and i had a brownie outing at to the beach......yep her first time being in girl scouts. (Did you know they have a girl scout house in Laguna Beach! So cool and the troop got to spend the night.) While we did that Ty and Dad hit the road for a bike ride. That night we got ready for the first official game of the season............we love FOOTBALL!!! The boys did great and we won. After the game we went out for a Late dinner with friends to celebrate the birthday boy and the win. Today was a day filled with carting boys around.....first swimming at grandpa's house then back here where they had Mt. Dew floats and are outside having air soft wars (in our back yard of course) and jumping on the trampoline..........i hope their parents are OK with that!!!! Oh, and do you wonder what a 13 year old wants for his birthday.......well, besides a new phone, clothes, money all the usual stuff......this was his big gift. who knew????

I've been tagged..........

2008-08-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

OK......my friend Michelle tagged me so i will now reveal 7 random facts about ME:

1. I was in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics!!!!
2. For my 16th birthday i got a pink VW and never learned to drive it!!!!
3. I eat peanut butter toast with my coffee every morning!!!!
4. I play solitaire on my PDA every night to put me to sleep!!!
5. I've lived in Orange County all my life except for the 6 months we lived in Oklahoma.
6. I wear flip flops 365 days a year .
7. I love to get up in the morning before anyone else and read - my quiet time!!

There you go...........7 random facts about me. Now off to enjoy our last day of summer - school starts tomorrow in this house...............YIKES - where did the summer go?????
Hope your day is a happy one!!!!

8 years old tomorrow...........

2008-08-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wow.....i cannot believe it. My sweet girl will be 8 years old tomorrow. She is a special little girl. Loves soccer and her dance class too.........Would rather wear shorts than a skirt but loves to get dressed up all girly once in awhile......though she loves her American Girl Doll you will find her playing handball with the boys during recess.........would rather have her hair pulled back in a ponytail but lets me do braids sometimes......Fights with her Brother constantly but loves him more than words.......and though at times she drives me completely up a wall with her sassy little attitude........I couldn't ask for a sweeter, more caring little girl. Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!

Since i work tomorrow today just her and I hit the Mall.........had lunch here then headed straight here in search of fairies. Tomorrow she will wake up to birthday donuts with a candle and lots of gifts sitting in this .....I'm hoping this will become the "cool" reading chair....... reading is not her favorite thing to do!!!

New Class...........

2008-08-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Come Join me at The Scrappin' Table!!!!! Class information coming soon!!! Hope to see you there!!

Time Flys.........

2008-08-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize that it had been so long since i last posted. But that sometimes happens around here. Time flys when you are having fun - doing laundry - getting everyone to practice on time - doing laundry - school shopping - doing laundry - "trying" to scrap - oh and did i mention...DOING LAUNDRY!!!! OK, i'm done......

The boys went on a fishing trip last week with my Dad, brother & nephew....a beautiful charter all to themselves. I was a bit worried about Tyler - and yes he did get a bit seasick on the ride out to Catalina - but as soon as he was catching those fish he was a new man. He caught the most that day...........we made the best fish tacos too!!!! I guess my Hubby spent too much time worrying about Tyler and ended up with heat stroke after the trip. Not good. But everyone is better now and said the trip was well worth it all!!!!

Oh yes.......i have got to share some birthday pictures with you........this is the shirt my brother (really my sister-in-law) made...........can't wait to scrap these fun ones!!!

I've been a busy little scrapper......trying to get some of these creative thoughts into something real and into some classes @ TST. I will post a few sneak peeks soon........

Hope your day is a happy one!!!!!!!!!

Up at 4:30??? Yes I did!!!

2008-08-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

My scrappy friend Jenn from TST works for Disney. Some of you may not know this....i didn't....but every year the employees can participate in a canoe race. I forget how many teams started out but in the end Jenn's team made it to the finals and i got to go cheer her own. I was so excited to go........not just so I could get into Disney thru the back lot @ 5:30 in the morning (whole different world back there)....but this was my way to show her a little support. Sadly Jenn recently lost her mom to cancer and race day was an emotional day for her. She did it, did awesome and did it for her mom! And though they came in second they only lost by nine one-hundredths of a second.......can you believe that - so close!!! Way to go Two Bit Oars (love that team name)!!!!

Note the picture of Jenn and I..........as soon as she told me her team name i knew i had to make that sign.........what do you think???? Nothing too fancy.....it was midnight when i made it!!!

Friends-a-scrappin'...........

2008-08-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

Lucky Me.....
Another birthday celebration with friends, good food & scrappin'.......all that equals GOOD TIMES........Thanks again girls!!!!

Football and a day at the circus...........

2008-08-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

OK.......so it's August and to us that means our summer is pretty much over.....why you ask - well we have a football player in the HOUSE!!! Good thing we love football because it is pretty much an everyday thing. Oh, and the little princess starts soccer too - so busy days ahead!!!
Saturday was an early birthday celebration for Brooke.........because both the kiddos birthdays are right when school starts not to mention Labor Day too, their birthdays seem to get mixed up with all the other stuff going on - plus, friends usually have plans, just a busy time, so we decided to bump Brooke's party up this year and took her and some friends to the circus!!! It was too much fun - we were in the box (the moms were happy with that!) They were all so cute wearing the fun hats and clown noses I got them - oh and so happy with the $12 bag of sugar (cotton candy) they each got - but it came with a hat (whoopie) - but since Grandpa supplied the circus i splurged on the circus treats!!!

I survived.......

2008-07-30T22:11:00.001-07:00

Well, i did it...........i survived turning 40. My day was great from start to finish..........my dear friend Michelle treated me to a birthday Starbucks, then over to the store to finish some LO's (inspired by the very talented Jhoana) that will be going up in my newly decorated bathroom. After that we headed out to my Dad's for my big (little) b-day bash. I knew there was fun to be had since my brother could not wait for this day..........you see he is 3 years younger and loves to remind me of that. As soon as i drove up i had caution tape streamers and a blow-up walker there to greet me..............and the best of all- my sister-in-law made the cutest shirts for me and my brother (at his request)..........i will share pictures of those soon. Too much fun was had by all and I so enjoyed spending my special birthday with family and friends. My Dad and step-mom gave me the most gorgeous diamond necklace, got this cute stuff, and this awesome purse, and a little Nordy's and Starbucks $$$$ to play with - but most of all a night of memories to last and laugh about forever!!! THANK YOU everyone!!!!

Tomorrow..........

2008-07-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the day is near.............the big "40" tomorrow. WOW!!!!

Tonight was a good warm up.........first my little family made me a yummy spice cake, love it! Then just the hubby and I went to dinner HERE and at dinner he gave me the prettiest little blue box with THIS in it..........then off to a "Fabulous" party for my dear friend from high school, Donna.........she hit the big "40" a day before me. I got to see my high school friends......love getting together with these girls.........it may be only once every 6 months or even longer but we love to chat.....reminisce and LAUGH all night!!!!!!!!!! Fun stuff: A night of "old" friends, wonderful food, drinks and a little bit of Vegas.........oh, and a yummy cake too.

Well, off to bed..........this old lady needs some sleep......looking forward to tomorrow!!!!

Can you guess where we've been?

2008-07-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Squeezed in some scrappin'................

2008-07-09T23:03:00.001-07:00

OK...........i have no business doing this right now - i have so much going on but of course i made the time to make these cute things for Brooke's Dance class. Put a little book together for her teacher too. I gathered pictures from the past 4 years of recitals and made a cute little 4x4 board book with them. Used some Love, Elsie and some great new polka dot paper i got from a sweet "Friend" (thanks again Heather). Here are a of couple pages from 2005 and 2008.......

Just my little way of saying Thank You...........Oh, and got her a little Nordy's treat too!!!!

Dress rehearsal..........DONE!

2008-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

YES...........we made it thru dress rehearsal day. I didn't think we were going to. Fever broke but the ear is a problem now...........probably ear infection - poor thing. Couldn't sleep last night so had to take the curlers out. Not at curly as we normally can get it but for a sick little girl don't you think she looks pretty darn cute!!!! The girls always look so cute and did great up on stage. The big show is Saturday and I hope that the little princess will be all better by then.

Summer is flying by............

2008-07-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Wow........it's already into July. I know, I know..........we still have a lot of summer left but wow has it gone by quick so far. We've been hitting the beach at least once a week and swimming a lot - so much that my little one's hair has a hint of "green" to it. Ooops!!!! Took Brooke and my niece to see the new American Girl movie "Kit". Super cute!!! Spent the 4th with family at my Dad's and the hubby didn't have to work - Yippee!!! Hit the track at Pole Position. The boys love it and so do my nieces - but it was Brooke's first time......she was not sure but gave it a try. Of course pulling out onto the track she ran into a trash can (why they have it there i do not know) of course it was metal and made all kinds of noise........freaked her out. But the Pole Position guys talked her into giving it a try . Well all it took was one wipe out and she was done. I told her how brave she was............told her how when mommy was little i was not as brave and missed out on a lot of fun. I am so happy she is willing to try things - unlike me when i was little.............i was the biggest chicken!!!!! Poor thing - after that i could tell something was up..........and of course the fever set in and now sore throat and ear ache...........just in time for a busy busy week.....................not good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a nice fiskateer surprise...............

2008-07-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Will you just look at what i got today from a very sweet friend........I want to let her know that this just made my day...........i wasn't having the best day and then my hubby gets home and hands me this surprise. What a wonderful pick-me-up!!!!!!!! Scrappy goodies make me happy!

Thank you sooooooo much Cheryl.

RAK winner..........

2008-06-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, our little ploy to try and get some comments worked "a little" but that's OK.........it was fun. The winner from my comments was........SHERI!!!!! I will send your address to Michelle. Thanks to all that played!!!!!!!!!!

Friday night scrappin............

2008-06-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

Fun Friday........

2008-06-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Had a full day today. Worked for a bit, then had an appt. with the eye dr. After that raced over to Brooke's Basketball camp awards. So glad i was able to make it.......she won two things....one was for a contest and the other was an award given out the for the best hustle, one that really gave it their all out on the court.........i think i have a little "sports" girl on my hands; but i love the fact that she still takes dance........well rounded. These camps at Lu High are so great - they don't just teach the sport but teach a message along with it.......praying before and after practice, i love it!!!!!

Brooke went off to a sleep over, the boys left for the night and i had the house to my scrappy little self.........Yippee! Got a few pages done while listening to the Fray (i love them), made a salad, read some of my new book "The Choice"......... very relaxing night!!!!

Hope you had a Fun Friday too...............oh, side note, just got back from picking Brooke up....i guess that was an almost sleep over..........i was wondering how she would do with her first sleepover..............we'll try again.

What matters most............

2008-06-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

OK.......so my dear friend Michelle has a challenge for us. In trying to get some of our visitors to comment she wants us to blog "What Matters Most"..........It is true, us bloggers love to see who has visited us, who spends the time to get to know us through our blogs, who likes to see what scrappy stuff we have been creating..........but, most of the time our visitors just look but never comment. I'm guilty of that at times too. But hey, leave a comment here and you just may be the lucky winner of some great RAK! Yesterday we got report cards in the mail.....(a little background first)..........my little princess has been struggling in reading. This really came to a shock to us - we had no idea when she started 2nd grade that she was a behind. She took it well and worked hard!!!! Well, can i just tell you when she saw her grades - the happiness on her face the feeling of accomplishment that i could see in my 7 year old...........it was so awesome. To see how much she cared that her hard work paid off. I just had so much emotion looking at her as she ran to me with her report card. So proud of course, but it was just the fact that she was so proud of herself. That was just so awesome. My son............yesterday was closing ceremonies for baseball. He had a blast this year - this was his last season for little league. Every year they give out a special award to ONE 12 year old.........just one player that showed the best sportsmanship, leadership and fair play...........yep you guessed it.....My son was the recipient. I cried............i was so proud. He works so hard at everything he does..........school -A's and one B+ even with 2 honor classes..........his sports so important to him........I just watch him with such pride..........i can't even explain it.

So........if you have stuck with me through this longer than usual post what i am trying to get at is What Matters Most is that my children are becoming strong, confident and compassionate people. What Matters Most is that when I made that decision to leave my career of 10 years to stay home with my kids and trusted that my husband was right when he said we can do it ......It was all for the what i am seeing now in my children.

So proud...........

2008-06-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

If you remember not too long ago my hubby was awarded the medal of lifesaving from his department.....yes, i am bragging again so bare with me.....Tonight we were invited to the same type of awards ceremony but this time given by Anaheim PD. Again another memorable night. We are always proud of him as a husband, a father and a law enforcement officer everyday but it sure is nice to see when others recognize that as well

......see now that wasn't so bad. I didn't brag too much.........if you really want to hear it go to my old blog...........yikes i had way more to say that day!!!!!

Courtside seats..............

2008-06-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Check out who my dad hung out with at the Laker game - Will Smith. So Cool...... That's what happens when you get to sit courtside!!!! LUCKY!!!!! My dad said he was a really nice guy. I was happy to here that.....he always seemed like he would be a nice guy.

School's out for SUMMER........

2008-06-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

Wow........it's that time again - end of the school year crazy time. Fun but crazy. Yesterday my friend and I went and spent some time HERE in preparation for Summer ..... you know kiddos 24/7. The massage was awesome and I am sure i will need another one once the summer is over!

Last day for Ty was yesterday and Brooke was today. Not exactly sure why but, as i was reading a note Brooke's teacher sent home to all the parents i just started to cry. She was truly praising all of us about our children - that is how much she enjoyed teaching our kids this year! I am always bragging about her and rightfully so.........she is just the BEST there is!!!!!!!!!! I told her i am so sad that i don't have anymore kiddos for her to teach. My little one is going to be a 3rd grader next year. That is just so unbelievable..........and my son going to 8th grade. It's all going way to fast!!!!

i've been a busy scrapper.............

2008-06-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you a preview of what i have coming up at The Scrappin' Table using the very cool "Zach's Life" line from Little Yellow Bicycle (remember that bike i could have had :(.........date and time are yet to be confirmed but watch TST blog and calendar ~ they should be up soon.

Oh, and working on another too with these fun papers..............hope you can join me.

Saturday for the girls.........

2008-06-01T22:01:00.001-07:00

Well me and little "P" (princess) headed out to fashion island with her bestest friend ........the moms and girls had a visit to build-a-bear and then a yummy lunch at CPK. We celebrated birthday number 8 for Car..........wow if she is 8 that just means my little one will be 8 before i know it............where has the time gone - just take a look at them then and now. Makes me all emotional. I must be getting old.

Saturday for the boys..............

2008-06-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a fun filled day. First hubby and my son headed to UCLA for a day of football basic training @ UCLA. It was so awesome - my son was getting tips from the UCLA coaches. This was a great opportunity and UCLA was very generous giving their time!!! Just look at my son doing a drill with head coach Neuheisel even gave him a little fake out on that play.... and there with offensive coach Chow. I know my son will appreciate this even more years down the line - so, yes you may see a page or two scrapped of this day.

Scrappin @ TST.....................

2008-06-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

So after the Carnival I ran home threw together a scrappy bag full of goodies and headed over to TST for some Birthday scrappin..........We had a full house which was perfect cuz we were celebrating my dear friend Michelle's Birthday. Cindy made a cake and brownies that were so yummy and we got most of our TST crew there too. (Sorry Anne, we missed you!) Happy Birthday again Michelle and i have another little surprise for you (hee hee).
This is what i got done...........a LO of my daughter and her two little friends last year in 1st grade. This was the last day of school...........now that 2nd grade is coming to an end i can really see how these girls are growing - those crazy little Chicks!!!

School carnival.............

2008-06-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Wow.........what a weekend. Friday started with getting the finishing touches done on our classroom basket for the school carnival - it SO ROCKED!!! Got that done and then headed to the school to help set up. Wow........putting on a carnival is a huge job and we have the best gal in charge. Her and all that had a part in putting this on did a GREAT job............Thank you!!!! My hubby is always in charge of the "speed pitch" booth.........brings his radar gun and the kids love to see how fast they can throw the baseball. I helped out a little in the ticket booth and then chatted with some friends.............but then most important of all made my way to the basket raffle table............i bought lots of raffle tickets and checked out the ones that we gonna be a hit with the whole family. Ended up putting most of ours in the ROCKIN' basket and an awesome Angle Baseball basket and then a few random others..............i was so happy when i got the phone call from my friend that we had won the Guitar Hero........you know the basket that i helped put together........YIPPEE!!! Plus i won school portraits for Brooke next year..........a $60 value!!!! We definitely made out great. Brooke had so much fun............this was one of the first years that i didn't worry too much and let her run around with her friends and do her own thing - as long as she was checking in...........worked out great and i think they all had a blast. Even the jr high kids came for some fun and of course a impromptu football game in the field.

Love livin' in the OC............

2008-05-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

I know it seems we are busting at the seams here in the OC....life is always on FAST forward around the city and people aren't always the nicest.....But being born and raised here in Orange County i have to say that i am still a fan. Yea, sure there are a few other places that i dream of moving to but when it comes right down to it........the OC has my heart. Where else can you take a drive to the mountains or even the desert during the day and spend that evening watching the sunset on the beach. Gotta love that!!!!

(this is the new Cosmo Cricket line "hello sunshine" the whole line is adorable. It reminds me of vintage aprons - so pretty - come to the store and check it out.............TFL!!!)

all clipped up.................

2008-05-28T22:29:00.001-07:00

OK...... so i worked on my space a little bit more today. I am so excited, I have my clip-it up pretty much full and with all the extra space in my drawers i can see everything - i am sure i will use a lot more of my stash that i forgot i even had. That's whats so great about the clip-it up............it's right there next to you and if you can see it you will use it!! Even better if you scrap on the go or in a different room............just pick it up and you are a "mobile" scrapper!

Hope you are making progress with that quest for organization.............i know i am!!!

I even scrapped one LO and a card tonight. A clean space is to inviting!!!!!!!!!

another one bites the dust...........

2008-05-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Another one bites the dust..........now that's just mean isn't it? Yes, since i will be the next, and the last i might add, of us girls that hit the big "40". It was my dear friend Sheri's turn. Sunday we all drove up to her beautiful home in Arrowhead for the birthday bash. Friends and family were there and we had a blast..........oh and we had margaritas too!!!! We keep telling ourselves that "40" is the new "30"..................that will be my motto for the next year!!!!

Monday we spent the day at my Dad's for a traditional family BBQ and celebrated my sweet little niece Emma's birthday...........wow i can't believe she is already 5!!! Happy birthday Em!!!

Clip it up...............

2008-05-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

If you are like me you are on a constant quest to organize your "space". Well the newest item i have to help in that quest is the super cool "Clip it up". I've been working on this a little at at time but i wanted to share just a little of what i have so far. I've taken all my stickers, rub-ons and anything else i had in binders and "clipped them up"...........it is so amazing what you can fit on this thing. Check out how much room i still have left. I'll give you another peek at my progress soon.

Weekend Wrap-up.............

2008-05-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well the hubby is now officially "40"!!! The BBQ was fun - even though he did most of the work, you know, King of the Grill and all. We Celebrated Spence & Sonja, visited with friends, played a little badminton and watched the kids get crazy on the trampoline - -good times.

Then Sunday after he got home from work we (the kids and I) took him out to dinner since it was officially his birthday. He wanted fish so we headed to one of our favorites - King's Fish House. Love that place.....always eat way too much bread when i go there - how can something so bad for you taste SO good!!!! I hope he enjoyed his weekend - we agreed with the big vacation plans this year that we didn't plan on having any big birthday bashes, both of us just want to EASE into this whole "40" thing nice and mellow like. ;) ..................oh, and check out the new toy he got. He may be 40 but he is defiantly still a kid at heart. He LOVED it!!!!

Hope your weekend was full of fun and you survived your Monday too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday Fun Scrappin'..........

2008-05-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, last night I actually made it to the store for some Friday night scrappin'. It was a perfect night - a lot of my scrappy friends were there too............Heather, Anne, Erika and even Michelle got to play in between helping customers. Fun night ladies.........hope to do it again real soon!!! OK, it's no surprise -but i didn't get a whole lot done. Besides the fact that i can take MANY hours on a layout (working on that issue) we were chatting and i also made the Starbucks run - so there!!!! Got the page done for the Little League year book............the girls were teasing me cuz, well it's not your average layout. I had little space to put lots of in hopes that i got at least one of every player on there. Then i finished a couple others (i'll share later)..............still have some journaling to do but most of it is done!!! So, Thanks girls for a fun night! Now, to put on a birthday BBQ for my hubby and dear friend Sonja who, i might add, are both turning "40" tomorrow........hee hee!!!!!!!!!!

Yikes.........those boys!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-14T16:44:00.001-07:00

OK, so this is what happens when you take two 13 (and almost 13) year old boys - add in a Spanish extra credit project "Salsa tasting contest" and then you let them do their thing.............OMG what a mess!!! Good Times!!! Ty and Jess have been friends since Kindergarten. I love that my kids are growing up with their friends. We moved a lot when i was young so this is something that was important to me when i had kids. BTW............their salsa was so spicy - my mouth was on fire. After they saw me run to the fridge to extinguish the flames they gave each other that "cool" hand shake thing they do ........ you know the one that took the place of the "high-five" cuz that's just not cool anymore..............I think they achieved their goal.

OK......now that i got that mess cleaned up, I'm off to my class at TST.........Fun Fun!

A Happy Mom............

2008-05-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was so fun. I woke up and the kids had breakfast made for me (hubby had to work) coffee and peanut butter toast - my fav. ( I'm so lucky my son can make my coffee now.....one of the perks for having a pre-teen!!!)

As I walk into the living room i was surprised by this......my hubby has been wanting to get me one for so long. I talked him out of getting me the expensive kind last year when we were talking about it.......I just want to cruise on the beach or bike trails with the kids........not race up and down mountains!!!! OK, so i do have a confession - last night i was told NOT to go in the garage - i do not snoop, i love surprises - but i was up late, i just couldn't get to sleep after coming home from the airport and before bed would you believe i forgot and went out to the garage to grab a water...........oops - there was my cool bike - of course the kids don't know, i put on a good show this morning!!!

Then i opened the sweetest present of all...........Brooke made me this in school. It is a picture of me (doesn't it look just like me) and a poem of sorts about her mom "me"....it reads:

Mom

Kind, helpful, beautiful

Wishes to go to Hawaii

Dreams of roses

Wants to be a professional scrapbooker

Who wonders about my tests

Who is afraid of rats

Who likes reading

Who Believes in God

Who loves me

Mom

Is that the sweetest thing or what my heart just melts when i read that........she knows her mommy well!!!!!!! I will cherish this always!!!! I am so blessed to have my children even when they are driving me insane i love them to no end!!! I hope your mother's day was full of blessings too.

I'm back.........

2008-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been on the road a lot lately. Pismo a couple weeks ago with the girls and now i am just returning from Corn, Oklahoma. A little different than Pismo for sure!!! Why there you ask - well i took my mom there so we could visit my my sweet little grandma. She means the world to me and even though it's not much i go and see her at least once a year. She is 91 now and every time i leave i am in tears......(i don't let her see tho).........i am always wondering if it will be the last time. She is hanging in there but let's face it 91.........WOW.........i will be so sad when the day comes that she is gone but i am so lucky to have her in my life. I sometimes have trouble remembering things from my childhood.......but more than anything i can remember the times i spent with my grandma and grandpa.

Feeling a little Vintage!!!!

2008-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

I am so loving her and her............i'm not sure why but i am really loving the vintage stuff lately. That is so not my norm but it is so beautiful and these ladies so inspire that for me!!!!!
I've never ordered a monthly kit before, for obvious reasons, but hmmmmm - i'm thinkin i just might have to get this awesome kit from Jenni!!!!!!!!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week.........

2008-04-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at our school. I 'm room mom with another mom and we have the BEST teacher ever. I'm sure I have bragged about her before. She also taught my son 2nd too........5 years ago!!!! Anyway we have been putting some fun stuff together for her: Monday was The Queen Ocelot crown and wand - i know her well and knew she would be a good sport and where her Crown, and she did!!! Today we gave her Hydrangeas - her favorite flower. Wednesday will be a jar full of DARK chocolate also one of her favs. Thursday i scrapped a cute picture for her it reads "Thank you for teaching us to shine!" Friday we are giving her a Nordy's gift cert. and a BJ's gift cert.

I know she would be happy with anything but we put a little extra out for her. She is so awesome and goes above and beyond. Sometimes i will pass the school after 6 at night and see her car still in the school parking lot. She is so devoted to our kids and we want her to know how much we appreciate all she does. So, a little reminder if you haven't already.....thank you teacher, even a simple card will let them know that they are appreciated.

My Scrappy Weekend's Work..........

2008-04-28T21:37:00.001-07:00

I Love Pismo..............

2008-04-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back. Spent the weekend in Pismo with the girls.......did what we always do - shop, eat, scrap, laugh and shop some more. Visited a scrap store up there (forgot the name)- the owner was super nice. We talked shop a little and i browsed.........but was good and bought nothing, can you believe that??? We always stay at the same place right at the beach near the pier. The weather was incredible!!!! Read out on the patio (Jodi Picoult- "Harvesting the Heart"), watched the sun come down over the water, so relaxing. Got nine pages scrapped, not bad for someone that can take FOREVER to do one page. Since it wasn't just a 24-7 scrap trip i think i did pretty good over all.............really loved the pages i got done too. I will share later. Oh, and have to tell about this great store. We found it in Morro Bay and I fell in love with it. Just look at the name. All the Iron was 50% off...i tell you i could have spent some serious money in there but controlled myself.

Well, hope your weekend was full of sunshine and good times like mine. Tomorrow is Monday so make it a happy one!!!!

WOW - look at that hair................

2008-04-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

OK........so you are probably wondering why i am blogging a picture of myself on graduation day, right???? Well, tonight us girls from The Scrappin' Table took our super terrific boss, and friend, Michelle out to a surprise dinner - and we pulled it off too. She had no idea - hee hee!!!! While enjoying dinner we were chatting about scrapping photos from our past and then the subject of big hair came up - well here ya go girls is that some hair or what - and that make-up????? I just couldn't bring myself to put my prom picture here.....I'll share that with you another time - or not????

Of course i should be doing a hundred other things right now but i forgot how great it was to look through old photos. I've been wanting to pull out some old pictures and start scrapping those - this was a good way to get me going. Now - how do i scrap that "hair" picture????

Tonight was too much fun ladies. Hope we can do that more often!!!!!

Congrats to the new Leads.............

2008-04-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just heard the great news........Fiskars has chosen their new lead fiskateers and they are all great ladies. I have been lucky enough to meet most of them. They are super sweet and i am so excited to experience the Fiskar love with these wonderful ladies as leads!!!!!!!!

That is Cheryl and I at the Spring Fling....i have a cute picture of Angela, Wendy Jo and I from CHA - but i can't find it right now.........i will blog it when i do.

Congrats again ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Concert Buddy................

2008-04-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Would you just look at those crazy girls............those were our younger concert hopping days.....94' to be exact!!!! Check out the buckles and the boots..........we were just a "little bit country" back then. Too much fun............14 years, i can't believe it. Time really does fly when you are having fun. I feel so blessed to have a friend like Sonja in my life.............even now, the two of us out enjoying each other's company, kicking back people watching and singing with Elton John.........we went to see him last night at the Honda Center.........he always gives a great concert. Don't you just love those songs that even if you haven't listened to them in years you can still sing every word........that's Elton John for sure!!!!!

Sonja, my concert buddy, my shopping buddy, my coffee buddy, my everything buddy........I love her!!!!

Playing catch-up.............

2008-04-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Wow......it's been a week since i blogged - and i thought i was doing so good. Well, let's see if i can catcha' up a little:

Vacation plans are going good...........with the help of some sweet friends i think i have everything set just waiting for the hubby to confirm that he got the date change on his vacation request. Looks like we will get two tickets out of those miles we were going to use for Hawaii.........so pleased with B of A for returning those to me without a fuss!!!!! Hope to confirm everything this week and start making my reservations and such...........which i had no idea i even needed - thanks CP and ML for all your tips!!!!

Room mom stuff is starting hit in a big way...........door decorating, teacher appreciation, teacher b-day, carnival and more.............i have a great co-room mom and we will knock all that out NO problem.

Oh, see the cool pics of my son..........he joined his football team last weekend for a trip to a UCLA football practice where they got to meet and talk with the coach and some of the players.......it was very cool. After their visit to UCLA they rushed back home just in time to make most of his baseball game. Dad dropped him off just in time for him to be up at bat...............and would you believe while my hubby was parking the car our superstar hit a homerun. Talk about guilt-i wasn't there to see it either. Of course the one game i don't got to my big guy hits one out of the park..............so sorry i missed that bud - but Mom already knows how AWESOME you are!!!

What to do?????

2008-04-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, with all the airlines going out of business our Summer vacation is up for debate again. The more i look at the flights and crunch the numbers i started thinking........we ought to spend that kind of money on a new vacation destination........in other words i need to stop being so selfish!! Don't get me wrong the hubby and kids love Hawaii, but not like i do. I could go there a hundred times over and still be in love with it!!! So here is the latest............we are getting our money back from my credit card company for airfare and insurance and to my very pleasant surprise my 48,000 miles were credited back to me as well...........guess B of A came through for me after all. Just a little FYI.........travel insurance will cover a lot of things - trip delays, baggage issues, even if the airline goes on strike you are covered but if an airline goes out of business you are out of luck!!!!!!!!!!

So, it looks like we are leaning towards a Disney cruise.............most people plan for many months for a vacation like this but i think we will be able to pull it off. It's actually kind of exciting now that we are looking into it. Wow.......me being spontaneous............that doesn't happen everyday! I am such a planner!!!! Wish us luck...................

Oh, and wanted to share this layout i did last night for the store............Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Monday..........

2008-04-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well it was back to school today and there wasn't a happy face in the house this morning. It's hard going back after a nice long break...........but they survived the dreaded Monday!!!! Yesterday we spent the afternoon rollerskating........it was a birthday party that we have been practicing for. My hubby took her a couple times since she had never been on skates.........she is still trying to work it all out but she's not afraid to get out there.........unlike her mother. I am such a chicken!!!! Oh, take a look at what i made the birthday girl..............i hope she liked it, i know her mom did!!! I was so crafty this weekend...........I also made my dear friend Carey a gift...........it was her birthday on the 2nd. I'll blog pics later..............that is if i can part with it. Have you ever made something and just been in love with it............i love this little book i made her. I know how much she will love it too so i guess i will let her have her gift............just need to get it boxed up and shipped off to Idaho..........that's all for now. Hope you had a happy Monday!!

Rare Moments.............

2008-04-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Peaceful Beauty........

My Kids getting along.......

A California beach all to ourselves......

Spring Break..........

2008-04-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well it's spring break for the kids and we hit the road to Laguna. Wasn't sure what the weather would bring but we really got lucky. Even with some early clouds we hit the beach all three days.........YIPPEE!!!!!!!! The kids love to stay at a hotel and we love the beach so it was the perfect getaway.
Day 1 started out rocky..........i told the kids we could not check in until 3 so do not bug to leave first thing in the morning. Well, of course they were buggin' me by 10am. So for the next 2 hours i heard gripes and fighting........by the time i left the house they were both getting in big trouble and if it wasn't for the fact that it was too late to cancel i tell you i could have done it in a heart beat. On the way down to the beach i had to run into target for some sunscreen.......keep in mind i am still in a very bad mood.........well while in line i remembered i had a $10 off a $100 purchase that i tried to use at least twice before (can you believe my totals both times were less then $100) - so i decided to do a RAK to help put me in a better mood and passed on my coupon to the lady in front of me..........her total was already well over $100.........she was so thankful! After that i felt a little better and then both kids apologized and we started fresh!!!! Got to Laguna hit the beach. Later took a drive and grabbed dinner then back to the room for a round of scene-it disney until bed time. Day 2 we went for a walk......it was pretty cloudy so we decided to hit fashion island and ate at CPK one of my all time favs!!! Walked downtown Laguna and then the sun broke through and we hit the beach again. It was so nice sitting on the beach while the sun was coming down glistening on the water. Later off to the skate park then dinner and back to the room for some episodes of The Office I love that silly show. Day 3 the sun was out early and we hit the beach again before we had to check out. Loved it!!!! Then back to the skate park were the hubby met us ..... it was so funny since he was on duty - (in uniform) - Ty got the skate park to himself...........none of the other skater dudes wear helmets so afraid that my hubby would ticket them none of them rode. Oh, then on the way home i was on a mission to find my fiskars scallop border punch.............only took two targets and found it at the Irvine spectrum one.............Yippee!!!! Oh, besides that the only other souvenir i brought home is a huge cold sore on my lip.............nice huh??? I work all day tomorrow.........hope i don't scare any of the customers away!!!!!!!!!! Wow.........that was a long post. Hope i didn't bore you.

Spring Fling..............

2008-03-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun yesterday............i attended the first annual Fiskateer "Spring Fling" hosted by the very sweet Cheryl Waters........lead fiskateers. Wow - there was at least 50 people there and a great make-n-take for us to do. Of course the games and prizes were so fun and everyone left with a fiskars squeeze punch!!!! Fiskars is so generous and loves to give back in RAK!!!!!!!

Getting to see Cheryl was great. I actually met her through my husband. They work together - small world!!! We've been e-mailing for awhile and getting to know one another so it was nice to visit with her a bit. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet. Just another reason why being in the Fiskateer group is so wonderful! Also, got to see Stephanie from "Home & Heart" another fiskateer friend. If you haven't got ahold of her magazine yet go get it!!! It is filled with so many great ideas........it is one you will want to add to your paper crafting/scrapbooking magazine collections for sure!!!! I am so excited that i now have my very own "Stephanie Doodle" She made us all name tags.............she is so talented!!! Thank you so much Cheryl, Stephanie and all the other great Fiskateers that put on such a fun event. Looking forward to the next time we can get together!!!

Oh, one more thing.........just found out last night that Aloha Airlines is out of business............why am i blogging that little piece of info...............well, it just so happens that I have 4 seats on Aloha Airlines for our summer vacation to Maui. Already on the phone with the credit card company, plus i did buy insurance so hoping i will see all of our money back plus the points i used from my credit card. Don't worry............if you know me, you know i LOVE Hawaii.............we WILL be in Maui this summer!!!!

Baseball............

2008-03-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

OK, i am not a fan of baseball. But put my son in the game and I LOVE IT!!!! It is so exciting at this level and when he is behind the plate catching - wow - it is so intense. Just check out this picture my brother-in-law got at last Saturday's game. Take note to the "you're outta there" sign the umpire is giving!!!

My hubby.........

2008-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

I hope you don't mind me sharing some more about my hubby! I just think this is so cool!!!!!!!

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/muir-traffic-deputy-2003107-anaheim-victim

Fiskateer...........

2008-03-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that i applied for a position with Fiskars to be one of the lead Fiskateers. Well I got a call today and was told that I would not be going to the next round. Even though i knew it was a long shot, i have to admit i am a little sad. It sounded so exciting and the perfect job!!!! They were very nice and appreciated all the effort it took to apply. Not only did i have to fill out an application, send a resume, get 3 letters of reference - i also had to make a video. That was a riot.....trying to be all serious and not laugh with my husband taping me and my kids trying to peek in (i told them they couldn't watch). It was fun! One thing they did tell me was that one of the factors in my case was that i am so new to the fiskateer community. That is something i knew going into this and totally understand. There are some very talented Fiskateers out there that have been on board for a long time. I wish those ladies lots of luck and can't wait to see who will be the next Lead Fiskateers.