Blog Your Heart/Happy New Year to You!

(Not your typical Blog Your Heart photo...but that's my heart right there...all of it.  Erik had to work Christmas Eve so he read Twas the Night Before Christmas before his shift.)

So, it's once again time for "Blog Your Heart" as challenged/prompted by Stephanie Howell.  And, I think it's a perfect time, on the eve of a new year.  2011 was a weird year.  It was a year of change for us. I don't think I've ever had so much stress in all of my life.  I hardly crafted a thing this year.  Last year, I made it a point to be present in our photos, and this year I didn't.  So when I look back now, I'm not in any of the photos :(.  My dog died...my little girl that I had for sixteen years.  Erik's new job brought a major change to our lives.  Erik's mom and dad moved...to our property.  We were supposed to move there too, and build a new house and have a much different life.  But life happens sometimes and plans change.  I am so tired of this economy.  I wish things would pick up.  I really, really do.  One of my friends lost her son this year, and I know it's not a part of my daily life, but I mourn for her, and pray for her everyday.  There is not a day that I don't look at my children and be thankful.  Somehow, this year, everything got disorganized and behind.  

I'm so looking forward to putting this year behind us.  To start fresh, and for Erik to have a schedule that he keeps longer than 4 weeks.  I want to be organized and go through the clutter around here.  I want my office to be functional again.  I want to look forward to getting this house ready to sell, and build our dream home (if the economy can pick up).  And I want to go on a vacation with my husband, something he has been unable to do.  I'm looking forward to building my photography business.  It's something that I really like to do, and it helps us out financially.  Ali Edwards chooses one word a year to focus on...I will probably never participate in her project, not that it's not a good one, but I will will choose a word...okay two:  Organize and Balance.   

And so tonight, I will stay home with my boys.  We will have homemade hot fudge sundae's (my grandmother's recipe).  We will probably watch some marathon...and the kids will drink their blue bubble gum sodas, and have homemade popcorn.  And we will look forward to the new...to change...and to a fresh start.  Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Today we went to the mall for Santa Photos, and then we wandered through the mall and ended up at Chick-fil-A.  I was sitting at the table, and a baby started crying (no offense against babies), and I looked at my boys, with their handsome haircuts their daddy gave them.  And, I felt so BLESSED, and thankful for where I am in my life.  And so happy that I am surrounded by these three wild boys.  I felt true Joy, right there in the middle of a fast food restaurant.  And, so I am wishing you a beautiful and blessed Christmas.  Wishing that you have true Peace in your lives.  God Bless You All!  

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Vacation

We watched this movie last night...it's been a long time since I'd seen this movie.  I must have watched it about 25 to 30 times as a kid.  Me and my brothers would quote the movie lines such as:

"I don't know, Margo."

"I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke up in the morning with my head sewn to the carpet."

And now that I'm a grown up and can say hell:

"Take a look around, Helen, we're on the threshold of Hell."

I texted my brother the quotes last night while I watch the movie.  I'm sure he really appreciated it.  It's called spreading the Christmas spirt.   

Watching this movie lifted my Christmas spirit a bit.  It was nice to laugh.  It was nice to hear Erik chuckle at the movie.  We have a new perspective now that we're the adults, and parents.  I finally got one of the jokes in the movie for the very first time.  

Today, we woke up to snow!  It's still snowing.  The kids are going to help me wrap Christmas presents, we're going to take Santa pictures, and start our holiday baking.  Better late than never, and sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.  

Enjoy your day!

Not in the Christmas Spirit (Mariphone Photos too)

I'm not feeling too Christmasy this year.  I still have shopping to do and I have wrapped 0 presents.  I feel Blah about the whole thing.  I have taken just a few photos with Mariphone so I will share those now:

Beamer's Last Days...

Maddie gave her this blanket so she'd stay warm.

The Other Two Bad Dogs...aka...trash diggers

Christmas Program at Maddie's School

She's Gone...

We put my little doggy to sleep last night.  It was so hard and sad.  The vet came to our house and did it.  I've been so sad today.  It's really sad :(

Buried...

I am swamped here.  I'm trying to get everything ready for tomorrow.  It's the last day of school for the kids.  I'm also slammed with photo editing.  As soon as Christmas break comes, I will have more time to post.  In the meantime here is some cuteness.  P.S. my little doggy was doing better, but today, she had another bad day.

All products are Basic Grey and can be found here.

I don't know where this is going...

It's funny how this blog works...how I feel compelled to share my most innermost feelings on here sometimes.  It's so strange that I won't let my husband in the room while I type what I'm going to say, but he can read it when it comes to his email inbox.  My dog is dying.  She's old, very old.  But, she's been a part of my life for the past 16 years.  I'm 31, so that makes over half of my life.  This is hard.  To make a decision to put her down.  I cannot imagine not seeing her when I come home.  There are so many things I want to remember about her...the softness of her fur.  The way her ears smell.  She has a sweet smell to her, she always has.  She is my dog.  I bought her with my grade money.  I had to train her and love her and take care of her.  She is the last part of my childhood.  (not that I want to relive it, but she is the last thing there is left.)  Even though, I'm a wife, a mother, a homeowner, a teacher, and all the things that make you grown up, she is my last strand, my last grasp at a time I can never get back.  She has been through so much with me...high school, college, marriage, children.  She is my dog, and I love her.  All the tears in the world will not preserve her, will not keep her here with me.  But, I wish they could.  I love my little old Beamer...Thank you for everything and for all of the happiness you have given me over the years.  Thank you, and I love you...   :(

I Heart Faces/I made the TOP TEN!!!

I got 8th place for last week's entry...the picture of our feet!!  I can't believe it.  I almost didn't even check the results!

Mariphone Fun

It's time for another installment of randomness captured by Mariphone.  I haven't taken a ton of pictures with her lately, but here are some.

Wolfie

Weirdest way to clean the kitchen in your pajamas while wearing a ninja mask and a cap.

Dad's little shadow...where ever Erik goes JoJo follows.

JoJo assisting in the decoration of the Christmas tree.

I am SO SICK of coming home to this.

Delicious Yumminess

I don't even know if that title makes sense.  Anyhow, I'm sure there are a lot of you who enjoy Pinterest.  I know I sure do.  And, while Pinterest is AWESOME, it is a time sucker.  You really have to be careful not to spend hours on that website.  I may or may not have done it myself.  Anyhow, in my browsing time, I've come across a few recipes, that are delicious.  They are easy to make too.  I don't have tons of time for cooking most days.  I thought I would share a few with you.

Jenny's Journey Chicken Rollups:  These are so delicious, though not so healthy, and that is why I forced my children to eat a good salad with the meal.  You stuff crescent rolls with cream cheese, chicken, and cheese.  Yummy!!!

Chicken and Cheese Lasagna Rollups:  (okay apparently I like rolling food)  These are fun and easy to make.  It's a fun spin on regular lasagna.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese:  Who doesn't love a crock pot meal?  This was yummy and super quick to prepare.

Well those are just a few.  I am going to continue trying out new recipes because it really helps to have a bigger variety of meals.  The same old thing over and over can get really old...like Texas Hash that my mother made ALL the time and we had to eat day after day of left overs.  Seriously, I hated that stuff.  Then, she made it once when I was in college and I was like hey this stuff isn't half bad...if you're not forced to eat it 5 days in a row three weeks out of the month.  But, I digress...

P.S. sorry for no pictures.  I didn't want to use the other people's pictures without permission.  Happy Cooking!

Something Crafty

All supplies from November Memory Works Express (except letters which are American Crafts)

Please do not fall out of your chair as I am posting an actual craft project.  I made this large rosette wreath to put in my entry way.  I used Jennifer McGuire's instructions, which you can find here.  It's a video tutorial.  It is the perfect craft to make with children.  My son loves to make fans, the ones you accordion fold.  I made the creases in the paper, and he folded them.  He also chose the paper...it's a good thing everything in the kit is coordinated.

I Heart Faces/On Your Feet

I'm entering the I Heart Faces challenge this week...just for fun as I happened to have a picture of feet.  We went to the lake this summer and spent the entire day on a small little island.  The water was like bath water.  It had to have been at least 85 degrees.  It was lovely.  I took this right before we came in and had to get a little sunflare in the photo...

December Memory Works Express Kit

Vintage Findings

So pretty, I love vintage papers and embellishments.  As a side note, we have a snow day today!!!  Two years in a row.  I'm hoping to get the boys out and take a few pictures, though that might be harder than it sounds.  JoJo outright refuses to go out in the snow.  I am thankful for this extra little winter day off.  Have a good day.  And if you're interested in ordering the kit feel free to email me or leave a comment for info :)

Twin Sneak Peek (I'm not having twins and why I'm not posting projects)

Hi everyone.  I promise to post pictures of projects as soon as I can.  I've just been a little busy editing photos and shooting photos for families.  I just wanted to share this picture of these two beautiful girls.  Enjoy your Saturday!

My (Blog) Reading List

Hi everyone!  I'm sure I've talked about it before, but I LOVE blogs.  I mean, I really do.  I love to hear about different people and their experiences in life.  Each day I come home and read.  It is my time to unwind before the craziness of dinner, laundry, cleaning, dishes, homework, and 100 other things begin.  I wanted to share my daily reads.  Some are scrapbook related, and others are photography related, and some are a little of both or none at all.

Stephanie Howell:  Beautifully written and crafty
Kayla Aimee:  Chronicles of this crazy girl (I mean that with the utmost respect) and her micro preemie, Scarlette who is now 1!
Cathy Zielske:  Digital and Hybrid Craftiness plus her great personality.  I think we would be friends in real life...I'm not stalking her or anything...I promise.
Kelle Hampton:  Pure Beauty...wonderful pictures and stories of her life with her two children
Bobbi and Mike:  Photography Inspiration 101
Dear Lizzy:  Beautiful girl, beautiful pictures, beautiful crafts
Crave Photography:  Beautiful photos and beautiful processing.  I love her work.
Ali Edwards:  Such crafty inspiration
Dawn McVey:  Such a sweetie, and crafty inspiration
Jennifer McGuire:  Need I say more?  Craftiness, Craftiness, Craftiness
Katie Bee Creative:  She hasn't updated in a while, but I'm still a faithful follower.
Jody Wenke:  She hasn't updated in a while either, but she is crafty and has a heart warming story to share.
An Inch of Gray:  Beautifully written, but sad.  She lost her son in a freak flooding accident this year.  It's a hard thing to read.  Really hard, especially if you know someone who is going through the same thing, but it does give good insight to what they might be feeling.  I'm new to this blog...just started reading it a week or two ago.  


Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head.  Please feel free to share in the comments if you read any blogs that you think I'd like.  And for those of you who read my blog daily...thank you.  Really and truly, thank you for taking the time out of your day to see what is happening in mine.

ecoscrapbook

There is a little feature on ecoscrapbook about your's truly.  Ecoscrapbook is a blog that provides tips and advice for using earth friendly items.  So, head on over there are check out Danielle's (ecoscrapbook) blog.

And as a side note, it seems that by scrapbooking Mojo has returned.  I started a cute little album project using repurposed materials aka cardboard, that I will share when I finish.  I also have two more layouts done, and a card!  I'm on a roll.

I HAVE to finish ALL of the laundry this weekend...this will not be an easy or fun task.  I am not looking forward to it at all....And because I couldn't make this a pictureless post, I am including a couple of photos from Thanksgiving.  They are not traditional photos that include the turkey, etc., but they do include my very own personal turkeys :)

Erik took this one hence the out of focus look to it.  He is a man of many talents, but photography is not one of them.  That's my brother, Josh and JoJo, my grandmother, me and Wolfie, and Maddie.

Quick Card

Let me just preface the photo by saying, sorry!  The picture is not that great.  I had to take it with my iphone in a hurry because it is called:  I was running late to a party and was running around like an idiot.  The card was super quick to make.  I used the Simple Stories "Happy Day" cards and stickers to make it.

Happy Thanksgiving and a Layout

Hi all.  I just wanted to wish you a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.  I have so many things to be thankful for.  I put some of them in the layout below...it's pictureless...  It's the first pictureless layout I've done.  (When you don't have ink to print you're choices are limited.)  I actually really liked doing a pictureless layout.

Supplies are from Memory Works and Studio Calico Monthly Kits

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

(I will have a few more projects to share later this week)

Our Annual Year in Review Album

!!!!!!!!!!!!!DAD STOP READING THIS POST...THIS IS YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, everyone, I had to give that small disclaimer up at the top.  I know that last year I shared our photo book with you.  Here is this year's photo book.  I used Shutterfly again.  This year I used the Custom Path version.  I LOVED it.  I love this book.  I like the way it looks.  I love the way I was able to design the templates and add embellishments at text easily.  I hope you enjoy!  And right now, if you enter the code SHIP30 you can get free shipping on orders $30 or more.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.

Science Fair Fun

This week we finished up Wolfie's science fair project.  Let me just say that I think science fairs were some crazy idea dreamt up to torture parents.  Why else would you force a child to complete a complicated project that you have to pull their teeth to do?  During the process, I might have threatened that failure to complete the science project would result in Santa bringing sticks and coal for Christmas.  To which my "Genius Scientist" son said at least he would be able to make a fire with them.  (Last year or the year before the same threat was made regarding sticks and he replied that at least he could make a bow and arrow with them).  I'm glad my son is an optimist.  So here is a little picture of Erik and Wolfie working on his project.  (He took the actual board before I could take a picture of it.)

Here are some things I learned:  1.  Do not let your child use Cricut Letters...they will complain endlessly about gluing them down.  2.  My craft room is WAY too crowded.  We have too much furniture in here.  Something has got to go.  3.  I need to put a lock and key  on everything...my ruler was missing, there were no pencils, no erasers.  4.  For the Love of God, I need to put some WD40 on my trimmer...I think I have permanent hearing damage for the God awful sound it makes.  5.  Keep pets and small children away from the science fair project at all times.

All in all, it was a success...I just hope Wolfie learned something.  :)

Mariphone Randomness

Hi everyone!  This post will be random...and haphazard.  Sorry.  Here are a few photos I took with Mariphone this past week.

Wolfie's little story he wrote for his homework.  I thought it was pretty cute.

 Maddie's art work.  He's good for a six year old.  I think.

 Wolfie's Christmas list.  I hope he doesn't think he's getting everything on it.

Wolfie playing the video game with his hat, in his pajamas.  I thought it was funny.

The boys love their Dad!

Me, after scrubbing the toilets, cleaning the house, carting boys to and from catechism, grocery shopping, and doing numerous loads of laundry.

And just in case you were wondering about my lack of craftiness.  Here are some photos that show why I don't craft...everyone else has taken over my office.  This doesn't even show the floor.

Have a good night!