Simple Things

Little Switch

2007-11-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

Hi blog readers!
I am switching to a password protected typepad blog. No biggy. If you would like to join me over there, just leave a comment here and I will be sure to send the info your way!
Now, to see about one of those blog books so I can get this one published and in my hot little hands. Just couldn't leave it here to waste.
Oh, and if you have my email, you can ask for the info that way as well!
Mis

Tuesday 10

2007-11-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

1. Wow- it feels wierd to be home in the middle of the day on a Tuesday. Tuesday is our busy day with work for me/grammy's for Maya in the morning, then I swing back to grammy's and pick up Maya for school in the afternoon. I usually head back to the studio for some desk work while she is in school, but today I had to run home for a few things. Quiet house with just me in it. I kinda like it.

2. Thanksgiving was a great day. However, my camera did not make it out of it's case. Poor little buddy. That's ok, it was nice to have so much family time. The memories will remain in our hearts. Including going around the table to say what we're thankful for. There was the usual- family, friends.....and my daughter's-I am thankful for PIE! Love it!

3. Maya got to be an indian for her Thanksgiving feast at school. I got to be room mom for the party. They feasted on turkey lunchmeat, popcorn, corn muffins, cheese squares and grapes!

4. We had a little girls night last week. Maya has an incredible Godfamily that we totally adore and about two weeks ago we were at their house watching the Browns game and Maya invited the girls in the family, along with a favorite babysitter and her mom(we're all friends from church too) over to our house to watch High School Musical 2. Anyway- girls night was last Wednesday and we had fahitas and ice cream sundaes! These girls are the best and I couldn't ask for better role models for my little girl. She was in heaven with her "big sisters"!

5. We love Laurie Berkner at our house. A fabulous children's folk singer. Anyway, Ben had this great idea to do a children's sermon with the song, I'm not Perfect. God loves us any way we are. So he and Marie sang this to the kids and they loved it! Note- that's Lily entertaining the congregation with her singing and dancing!

6. I have a huge cart saved on Amazon. All I have to do it hit BUY. Ugh...at least it is easier than braving the stores during this holiday season.

7. Ben has almost all the studs up for the walls of the newly finished basement. The bathroom framing and the electric is next on the list!

8. I thought I had ten, but I am running low on ideas. I wish my hubby would take his cell phone with him to work as it is beeping in my ear as I type. Yup- the message is from me. I wonder how he'll get it if the phone is here and he is not.

9. Wow- an hour goes quick when you're home by yourself. Time to go pick up Maya from school and take her back to grammy's as I head into the studio for my second shift.

10. I know a secret. hee hee...you wanna know too?

Hee hee, Enabler..

2007-11-21T21:49:00.000-05:00

that's me!
So my mom calls me this afternoon and says, "guess where I am, your favorite store!"
Hmmmm, I thought, and before I could answer she says with excitement. "Gymboree! What does Maya need? I am Christmas shopping!"
I had to laugh. Yes I admit it, I am a gymboree junkie. The stuff is just so darned cute! Not to mention shopping for a little girl is so much fun. Especially there. So it ocurred to me that I got my mom hooked, especially when she says, "Come on, it's Gymbuck earning time and I have a 20% off coupon!" Go Nana! Eat your heart out! We love you!

Look who got a....

2007-11-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

Haircute!

Five on Friday

2007-11-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

1. It was 34 degrees when we woke up today.
2. Then it snowed so Maya and I baked quite possibly the best banana bread ever while listening to Amy Grant Christmas music.
3. I'm not bragging, it is simply the best banana bread ever and I will make this recipe always and forever.
4. Next week is the big Thanksgiving feast at preschool. I get to be the room mom that day and help out. Just a little excited! Pictures to come.
5. Ben is in the process of finishing our basement. We'll have a family room, Rec room(his ping pong table), playroom, 2nd bathroom, laundry room and my favorite-the long awaited craft room(insert heavenly angels singing ahhhhhh here).
Have a great weekend!

PS- here is the banana bread recipe courtesy of my friend Karen, courtesy of Emeril and the Food Network.
What I do different is no walnuts, and no food processor. Just a regular old hand mixer for everything. Enjoy!

The cupcakes that never were...

2007-11-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Last week Maya was star of the week at preschool. But- she only goes to preschool two days a week and one of those days she woke up with the flu. It happened to be the big Halloween parade day, the big Halloween party day, her first star of the week day, her bring a snack for the class day......we were very sad here at our house. So...to make a long story short, we made these very special cupcakes during the day on Monday. I put them in the basement to stay cool for Tuesday. She was sick Tuesday. I remembered them on Wednesday night and they were a melty orangy,brown and white mess. So Thursday for school we took scooby doo crackers and juice boxes.

The end.

A big shout out!!

2007-11-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

I come to you bright and early in all my morning bed head, no make up, pj's glory to say...

Congratulations Elizabeth Dillow on your book release day! I cannot wait to get this book and scrap my little heart away with all your fabulous ideas!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T13:44:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin yuckies...but she helped...it was all she could do to not get her hands dirty!

Meet Jack, or princess Jack as Maya called it.

Our little princess!

Trick or Treat!

We've been busy....

2007-10-24T10:05:00.000-04:00

Yup! We're still here, snuggling in our pj's watching the Doodlebops and drinking hot chocolate. Over the past couple weeks we have been hiking, attending my cousin's wedding, getting ready for Halloween, of course working, eating and sleeping, but also really enjoying the fall. It's my absolute favorite season! How about these two? Do you think they are just a little bit excited for
Boo at the Zoo? hee hee hee...

10 on Tuesday

2007-10-16T22:56:00.001-04:00

1. I have a cold
2. All last week I vowed to everyone and myself that I wasn't getting a cold. Well, I do and luckily it's almost gone.
3. Went to my cousin's wedding over the weekend. I'll try to get some shots up by the end of the week. The ceremony and reception was just beautiful.
4. Tonight was preschool open house. Maya was so excited to show us all her projects hanging up for all to see.
5. She wasn't all to excited to sing for us. After walking up the aisle with her class she spotted her daddy and I and ran to us crying. I don't want to sing. No, I'm not doing it. So- she sat on my lap as we watched her fellow preschool friends sing.
6. Good thing I forgot the camera. We really didn't need it.
7. Um hows come she danced for over 1000 people at last year's recital (2 TIMES) yet she won't do her little songs and finger plays in front of about 40?
8. We're going to work on this for the Christmas program. I hear that angel wings and halo's are in the works. We talked to her tonight about videoing it so she can see herself on TV. That may just work.
9. The Indians are slowly losing their huge lead....praying hard, real hard right now!
10. Tomorrow I'm getting my curtains hemmed to puddle on the floor. Going to put up some pictures too. I love decorating!

Field Trip!

2007-10-11T22:47:00.001-04:00

My first field trip as a parent. That's what my mom called it tonight. But more importantly it was Maya's first field trip! We had a blast down at the farm today, literally a blast as they had a pumpkin cannon. It sent about five 3 year olds into tears with moms running away holding their babies. Hee hee hee- yup that was mine until I told her it was just a loud noise and she could plug her ears. Then it was better.

Coloring projects

ummm milking a cow?

Adorable baby animals

The pumpkin cannon!

It was so amazing seeing her interact with little friends and talk with her teachers. Just things I can't see when she is away at preschool. On the very cold and rainy hay ride I was holding her close(it was a little bumpy and did I mention cold!) so she held me close and said I'll keep you warm and then looked up at me and said I love you. I felt so lucky and blessed to be sharing that time with her. Stories from the farmer's wife, snacks of animal crackers and fresh baked zucchini bread, a haystack maze and picking out pumpkins and apples! Hope you have a great fall weekend. I'll leave you with this: I got home from work this evening to find some daddy and daughter bonding time over cards. Warcraft on one side, Scooby Doo on the other. It made me giggle!

Tribe Time!!!

2007-10-09T00:06:00.000-04:00

OH Yah Baby!

Family fun and 5 o'clock shadow..

2007-10-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we had a impromptu campfire at Ben's brother's house. Roasted hot dogs and

s'mores! What could be better? How about some beautiful evening sunlight!

ooooh those cheekers!

tee hee heee, surprise Marie- yes I'll give you a copy of the cute little girly in the swing!

Couldn't you just eat her up!

My beautiful beautiful neice Charley! So photogenic!

As is her little sis Briggy!

October Baseball

2007-10-04T18:17:00.001-04:00

Go Tribe! Beat the Yanks. Oh how I love baseball in October!

Preschool Homework

2007-10-03T20:34:00.000-04:00

The assignment: Place a picture of your family on this sticky page with a cellophane cover.
The finished product:

Well- they said it was ok to be creative. Do you think they'll know Maya's mom is a scrapbooker? If she was older, do you think she'd be embarrassed that I totally went crafty on her homework? hee hee.....

Song Ideas, anyone? (prize involved)

2007-10-03T00:36:00.000-04:00

Guess what? Quiz time! I need song ideas for this year's recital theme. The theme you ask? The 4 Elements...Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.
Most needed are little kid songs. Slow songs too for ballet....
I will pick a winner(how do you win? I don't know, it's my blog and I'll decide:) and he/she will receive a special goody. Perhaps an itunes gift card. Definitely something music related. Ready.Set.Play!

Evidence

2007-09-26T09:17:00.001-04:00

Yes, we're still here and I'll prove it to you. 8:30 AM this morning, Maya "teachin the kids" as that is what we tell her when Ben or I go to work.

And my new curtains with a flower tie back, along with a newly painted wall. I may cover the chrome part with red ribbon as well.

Random..

2007-09-20T09:43:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel on top of the world, like yesterday when I loaded, ran, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, took Maya to the Doctor, picked up her prescription, movies and sick snacks with some crafty things to do while your sick, put some silk flowers in my curtain tie back holders, made a chicken broccoli braid for the fam for dinner and put it in the fridge, bathed and hairwashed the sick girl, went to work from 4-9.

Sometimes I feel at the bottom of the world like this morning when it took all that I have in me to get my 3 year old to take her medicine. Finally after the third time of her spitting it out, both of us were crying, she was in time out and had peed on the floor, I gave up.

Sometimes taking a hot shower and removing yourself from situations gives you a new outlook on things. This is what I decided about the whole medicine thing:

This is on our fridge. Yes, it's bribery folks. Does that make me a bad mommy. I hope not. Everyday she has to take her medicine two times. She will get a sticker each time. At the end of 10 days when the medicine is all gone(with no spitting it out), we will go to the store and get her most precious and coveted snow white halloween costume with a magic wand and sparkle shoes. I figure I have to get the halloween costume at some point anyway, so why not use it for these extenuating circumstances.

Especially for Nana- this was last week. She was so excited to go to school. Here she is in the car, getting ready to get out for school..
Here she is with one of her teachers that had to lean down to remind her to say goodbye to her mommy who was in the car frantically snapping pictures like the papparazi. So after missing school Tuesday for a sinus and ear infection we are going back for her second day today.

10 on T...nahh

2007-09-11T23:45:00.001-04:00

too tired for 10 on Tuesday...but here is a run down on what we've been up to!

The walls of my living room and hallway are now a beautiful pastel aqua and my china cabinet is now candy apple red on the inside:)

Before the first dance class of the year.

During the first dance class of the year(I'm not sure that she is all that into tap)

After the first dance class of the year, hmmm

Yum! Home-made salsa with tomatoes from our garden.

And today- my little preschooler. It was sort of the first day. They had a staggard entrance so she went for just an hour today and the mama's went too for a tour, introductions and explanations. Thursday is her first real day. Like the kind where I drop her off for two and a half hours and keep myself busy somewhere else...until it's time to go pick her up. She loved it by the way. Very into the fun dollhouse they had to play with and the project without paper. Yup- that's the kid of a scrapbooker. She sat down at the little table and the teacher announced it was time to do a project and Maya asks well, where is the paper? Hee hee! She made a little foam magnet with a clothespin on the back for our fridge. It will hold many more preschool projects for us to admire. She wasn't too into the singing yet, but that will come.

My big teeny tiny girl at the entrance of her education. Ok- preschool...

Today

2007-09-05T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today I went shopping with Marie and bought this(yup, its got teeny tiny polka dots), and this.
Today the power went out in the whole city.
Today I could not get out of my garage because the door is electric and I couldn't find the key for the side door. After much searching, I found it, got in, lifted the door, pulled out and pulled the door back down. I felt like I was in a movie where I could never get to where I wanted to go.
Today we went to preschool meet the teacher. sniff sniff.
Today Maya recognized her name in the preschool room without us showing it to her.
Today Maya has a runny nose and cough...um she just got over a flu virus Sunday. COME ON!
Today I got home at 8pm after a very busy day.

This and That...

2007-09-02T22:43:00.001-04:00

Aside from the laundry detergent, swiffer floor wipes and pj's, Target also provides a tired mama with a peaceful hour of alone time without the sick kiddo as she walks through every aisle just to pass the time before she has to go back to flu land.

Got the bathroom cleaned, the living room arranged, hallway and bedrooms vacuumed this morning and all the sheets changed. Felt very prosperous. Gotta get those germies out!

Why do McDonald's French Fries have to taste so good?

Here is my Aug. circle journal layout for Desiree's book. My scanner is so on the fritz...I apologize for the nasty scan and the cropped out words. The scanner makes it look so un-pretty. I was supposed to journal about my favorite flower. Well, I love flowers and couldn't pick just one, so I picked my Mother's Day Garden that Ben and Maya make for me every year.

House beautification project...

2007-08-28T23:32:00.000-04:00

Hallway painted - Check
Living Room painted - Check
Curtain Fabric has arrived - Check
First coat of candy apple red paint finished inside the china cabinet - Check
Fun Fun Fun!

Friday 5 in pictures(at Nana and Pop-pop's)

2007-08-24T09:22:00.000-04:00

1. Our favorite place on a recent zoo trip with Nana and Pop-Pop, the butterfly garden!

2. Me and my girl!

3. Funny Faces.

4. Sitting at the very piano I sat at growing up.

5. We loved seeing a baby polar bear at the zoo! I know he doesn't look very babyish, but you should have seen his mama!

We are home now and getting ready for dance, preschool, gymnastics, Daddy and Mommy going back to work, a new gym membership, painting and decorating our living room/hallway, finishing the basement and whatever else life holds for us this fall! So, not necessarily in that order and the time frame is flexible as teachers begin their year in September rather than January. Blogging less and working more, spending those precious moments with my fam. If you have a minute, say a quick prayer for my brother and his family. They are going through a really hard time right now. It just makes me appreciate all that I have and the wonderful life God has given me.

brief break(and some enabling)...

2007-08-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

Do you miss us? We're visiting Nana and Pop Pop for a couple days before the busy-ness of fall catches us as everything begins once again. Today we went to the zoo and our most favoritest part was the butterfly house! I promise pictures to come! See ya soon.

oh yah- the enabling part- Go here! Simply adorable and reasonable!

HSM2

2007-08-18T22:02:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I'll admit it...I loved High School Musical 2. I've watched it.......twice. And I even cried. Of course that's no surprise to those of you that know me. I did completely love the first one. But still...I thought the 2nd would be "just one of those sequels". The message is so positive and some would say, too positive, sappy, silly and teeny bopper. But I would say exactly. Kids need to know that the mean girl never wins, be confident in yourself and what you believe, be true to your friends, it's ok to have a cause, something you really care about....ok, I digress. Just needed to share...

10 on Tuesday, the eye issue...

2007-08-14T16:06:00.001-04:00

1. My eye swelled up again out of nowhere today.
2. I happened to be at the gym which was most embarrassing.
3. I do however love my new ipod arm band.
4. So I bought a new pair of slightly larger sunglasses to hide my eye. (I lost my most prized Oakley's at a wedding back in July).
5. I know that it won't exactly help my eye, but hide it very well at the baseball game tonight that we are heading to.
6. TJ Maxx is great for cheap yet functional and hopefully durable, also name brand sunglasses.
7. It's also great for a $3 swimsuit for Maya for next summer!
8. Maya's 3 year old(pre-preschool) check up is tomorrow.
9. I think I may have to sneak in a few questions about my wierd swollen eye at her appointment tomorrow. Not that I didn't already because I was at the Dr. twice last week because of it.
10. Off to put in more eye ointment. Just lovely!

One of those moments...

2007-08-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

I glanced in the back seat while driving Maya and myself to church this morning(Ben was already there setting up music stuff) and she grinned at me in her little fruit sundress with a pink star bead necklace around her neck, a pink jelly bracelet on her arm, pink strawberry sandels and topped off with her sparkle blue sunglasses. She said "Can you turn on My Heart is Set on You, please"(a great peppy little worship tune on the Girls of Grace cd) So I did and glanced back at her again as she bopped her little head to the beat, singing to herself while looking out the window. I teared up with an immense flooding of love for my little person in the back seat and thought I couldn't love her anymore than I did right then at that second. I mean I could, but that's the closest I can get to the feeling that I had. It's overwhelming the gifts that we are given. I think being a mommy is the greatest!

Five on Friday

2007-08-10T21:19:00.000-04:00

1. The beverage drive-thru did not have a gallon of milk tonight. Can someone please tell me it's ok I did not want to get out of my car again after errands with a toddler..
2. Getting ready to paint the living room. Sage, Candy Apple Red, pink and cream are my colors. So fun! Still looking for the right print(s) for curtains.

3. Stromboli and fresh steamed broccoli for dinner tonight. I love my steamer and I wish I used it more. Even Maya eats broccoli from the steamer.

4. Why do I get so excited when the UPS and FedEx trucks drive down our street even though I didn't order anything and it's for the neighbors?

5. Family zoo trip this morning! Check out these guys!

These two love birds were the talk of the zoo today.

Sassy Seal- he jumped right up under us and wailed away. Maya screamed so loud I thought we'd be kicked out of the zoo for scaring the animals. (sorry for the side view)

Kermit's relatives.

Wouldn't want to run into him in your garden would you?

This guy won over my heart. Zebra's are just beautiful!

peek a boo we see you!

beautiful rain forest flowers!

Sally the camel has 2 humps, sally the camel has two humps.

I know he's blurry, but whoa-he's a doozy isn't he!

2 days of doctors...

2007-08-09T22:15:00.000-04:00

So I woke up Monday with a swollen eye. I know, fabulous. Went about my day just thinking that it was nothing, took some benadryl and all is good. Tuesday, happened again, a little worse, so I went to the store and got some visine and more benadryl. It got better through out the day. Wednesday-very red eye and swollen underneath big time. My dr. office had closed at noon and of course I waited to call afternoon. So I went to the local med center. He said eye infection probably sinus related hence the swollen under eye by sinus cavity. Z pack and some drops. Ok- Wednesday night- 2 drops in eye once every hour. Feeling better. Thursday morning- very swollen eye again. The drop schedule today is 2 drops 4 times a day. Do my morning drops, go to work for a bit. Do my afternoon drops- big swollen eye with hives underneath and candy apple(my new favorite color) red eyeball. Soreness, itchiness and pressure in my cheek bone. So I head to my family dr. which is open today and I could get an appt within the hour. She says- I either was bit by something or something I was allergic to got in my eye. No sinus infection, no eye infection. AND....I was allergic to the drops the first Dr. gave me. Great! So I dumped the z-pack and the drops and now I am on a steroid for the inflammation and some wierd ointment that I.squeeze.into.MY EYE. EWWWWWWW

But I feel better, no more redness and it is only a little bit swollen underneath. And since posts are boring without pictures, I give you(no, not my swollen eye), a pic of my sweet girlie.

I know- she has food in her mouth, but I got her to look at me and smile so it was way worth it and I was practicing in AV mode so it's all ok.

What to do at 12:02

2007-08-04T00:19:00.001-04:00

AM that is... ***EDITED***
1. Read cool tutorials on aperture and F-stops. http://karenrussell.typepad.com/my_lifejust_not_on_the_ro/photography_tips/index.html
2. Read about picture file organization and realize you are crazy for not backing up your pictures.
3. Load over 3000 pictures onto CD's knowing that an external hard drive would also be a good idea, but the stores are closed right now and CD's is the next best thing until morning.
4. Play around with new photoshop tutorials you have found and actually understand them and see them work. I learned how to change(or enhance) eye color. Some turned out cool, yet some a little freaky. Examples below: http://www.sxc.hu/blog/post/623

before

after
5. Play with sweet sharpening tutorials.http://www.sxc.hu/blog/post/411
Examples below:

before

after
6. Blog(tee hee hee)
7. Think about what to make for a church picnic on Sunday(any ideas out there?)
8. Return emails from dance parents about the fall schedule(one more month of vacation)
9. Look up dance costumes for your performance groups.
10. Realize it's 12:30 and the computer has sucked you in with its magic powers. Time to go to bed.

July CJ entry

2007-08-02T00:23:00.000-04:00

So for some odd reason 2Peas is not allowing me to post this tonight. So I'll post it here.
Here is my July CJ entry for April. The theme is self portrait. I had fun searching out me...

Sand Sun and Fun!

2007-07-30T22:56:00.001-04:00

Just got back from Myrtle Beach last night! Had a wonderful trip. Highlights....the beach, the seafood, playin in the pool with my family...Just about everything. Loved it!

Here are some of my favorite pics!

This is at a rest stop in WV. The scenery-beautiful, the ride-nauseating.

My beautiful neice growing up so fast!

Kiddos watching the biggest carp I have ever seen!

Baby Mitchell!

I am in love with my sister in law's zoom lense. Perfect for those candid moments from afar.

First look at the ocean.

Flower Girl...

2007-07-21T23:00:00.001-04:00

Today was the day! I didn't as many pics as I wanted to. Being the flower girl's mom was hard work. Not to mention having to entertain a three year old from arrival time of 1:30 until heading home time of 9:30. From her perspective - Pictures, waiting, more pictures, more waiting, sprinkling the flowers time(the ceremony), more pictures and waiting, party place, dinner, dancing-wait too tired to dance, momma hold me, hold me, HOLD ME! All in all a beautiful day for a beautiful bride and a princess flower girl.

look at this little tiny nervous munchkin. How funny that she is looking right at the camera. She stood up there the whole ceremony. Then she stood in the receiving line! What a trooper!

Bag 'O Fun

2007-07-20T21:17:00.000-04:00

Shhhh...don't tell Maya(I don't think she reads my blog yet), but I got her this bag and filled it with:

a viewfinder with Charlotte's Web and Ariel discs
a new portable cd player with some Laurie Berkner, High School Musical, Special Marie Mix, Jack's Big Music Show and various other toddler favorites
a little sleeping beauty doll complete with 2 changes of shoes and a dress
stickers, a notebook and a cell phone calculator from the Target Dollar bins
This DVD(I will be sitting in the back seat for this one!) and various others from her stash at home.
A Dora paint with water doodle book. It's a brush that is hooked to its own water compartment.
The complete set of Laura Numeroff books(Give a mouse a cookie, and etc.)
Various little people and doll house people from her stash

A fun backpack of new and special surprises to go through. So- do you think that will keep her busy on the 12 hour drive to our vacation destination? Let's hope so! I'm thinkin positive here. Very positive. When in a jam-we will feed the child...fruitsnacks,goldfish, grapes-Oh My!

Slight detour..

2007-07-16T23:19:00.000-04:00

after "nastics" today. Call me crazy but I needed some color. Hope it brightens up your day as

much as it did mine.

This one is so so blurry, but it is hands down one of my fave fave favorites. Just this little bitethelipcuteheadtiltlittleorneryglintinthosesparklyblueishpurpleeyes...

"ok, like Moooommmmm, are we done yet?"

Random...

2007-07-15T23:51:00.000-04:00

2299- that's the number of pictures in my computer at the moment.
I thought I made a dent in them last night by loading July into a cart at Scrapbookpictures.com, burning them onto a cd and then deleting them from my computer. Oh yah- it was July of 2006.
I broke down and bought a copy of Scrapbook Trends Magazine. I am in love with it. Too expensive for multiple copies though. sigh.
Watched Music and Lyrics tonight. It was one of those movies where I wanted to know what happened after the end. Like most romantic comedies. Love em!
My hubby has chalked out my new craft room in the basement. This winter's project is starting the finishing process on our basement. Whoo hoo! Paint colors, hmmm.....
Cute Maya-ism today- She is looking out the front window this morning and says,"Daddy, where is the sun today?" Daddy says,"In the back yard, it hasn't reached the front yard yet, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west." Maya says pointedly, "Daddy, I don't know what that means."
Haircut and highlights tomorrow. Yay!
I am thinking these would be great for preschool.
That's all for tonight. Must get to bed. Night all!

Completed projects....

2007-07-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

yeah for completed projects. Here is the pictures I am hanging in Maya's birdy room. They match her quilt(at the top of my blog).

I also did some paper mache' letters for the wall.

Here they are up close.

Top 10 things we've been up to!

2007-07-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

1. Swimming with cousins who know how to fly!

2. Having a rockin garage sale!
3. Strippin wallpaper.

(oops- need some patch on aisle 3)
4. Jumpin the rope at "nastics" class

5. The best 4th of July parade ever! (complete with Uncle Sam, I mean Daddy playin guitar on the church float)

6. Have I mentioned swimming, swimming, swimming!

7. Our friend Kari's graduation party.

8. Sanding an old dresser and making it look beautiful and new.
9. Finishing up a flower/birdy project for Maya's room.(soon to come)
10. Went to see John Mayer/Ben Folds concert with some good good friends.

Circle Journal Time

2007-07-03T20:55:00.000-04:00

Beginning this month, I am taking part in a circle journal group. So excited to do this. The theme for my journal is I am thankful for...(here's a peek)

10 on Tuesday...

2007-07-03T09:32:00.001-04:00

The Before 10AM edition:
1. 7AM wake up call, "Daddy, Daddy!" (I think I have mentioned that I am not a morning person whatsoever. Gotta love Daddy home on summer break)
2. 8:15AM Mommy wakes up.
3. Memory is played.
4. Mommy has a cup of coffee
5. Candyland is played(yes- you know your little girl is growing up when she plays Candyland).

6. Daddy tries to check his email, but little girl crawls all over him.

7. Sugar Cookies are baked.

8. Laundry is folded, while little girl pretends she is snuffulafagus with a sheet on her head and a kitchen towel up her nose.
9. Kitchen towel goes back down to the dirty laundry pile.
10. Daddy takes little girl to Lowe's for an errand. Thank you Daddy.

A to-do-list

2007-06-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

written in 15 minutes as that is how long the wait is for Diff to saturate the ugly wallpaper in your living room and hallway that one is finally taking down.
1. Take down the wallpaper
2. Finish Circle Journal(by 7/1)
3. Paper Mache letters for Maya's room
4. Finish birdy and flower pictures for Maya's room
5. Find frames for above pictures
6. Hang letters and pictures with frames
7. Finish the Fall dance schedule
8. Paint hallway and living room
9. Weed out old scrapbook stuff for garage sale
10. Price all items for garage sale
I think I have too many projects going on at once. I started peeling wallpaper at 4pm. It's now 8:49pm. I did one wall. Picture a long narrow hallway. I did the wall at the end between the two long walls. My loving hubby scored an entire long wall. That's what I am diffing. Anyone ever tried a steamer? I may have better luck with that. I.will.never.wallpaper.EVER.

not working

2007-06-25T14:49:00.000-04:00

well, the restriction thing isn't working too well, neither my husbandly or I could get into my blog. I may be switching to typepad soon or else something else that just requires my readers to have a password rather than making them sign up for a google account. Hmpff!

I love it when...

2007-06-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

I go to tuck in a sleeping Maya and find all 10 of her library books in bed with her.

PS- I feel the time has come for this blog to be password protected. I love all of you and there has been nothing threatening, I just think it is time. Things are not perfect in our world, country, state....it would just make me feel better. So- you can leave your email here if you'd like the password and you can also drop me an email if you have my email address. I'll be more than happy to send you the password so you can share in all our simple things! Love-Mis

Over the Weekend we...

2007-06-17T22:20:00.001-04:00

picked up this- Maya will be a flower girl for a wedding in July

did this

and this- she thinks she is putting her face in the water, it's zero depth folks, but I don't

have the heart to tell her. She had us laughing so hard, that's for sure.

and for Susie, this

JUMP JUMP!

For Lo-Lo and the girls...

2007-06-14T19:35:00.000-04:00

Summer Sandals

The Grand Finale

2007-06-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

I'm here. The dance year has come to a close. I just needed the last few days to recoup. It was difficult being the director of the show as well as a mommy of a dancer. So my pictures are few.
I'll share a few moments backstage.

Maya was a Hawaiian girl in It's a Small World. We dressed up all the girls in a different costume from around the world. Here she is wishing luck to all her peeps.

My parents always come and help out. The recital is a family affair. Maya was lined up backstage when Pop-Pop came. She was so proud to tell him about her costume.

My instructors and I before our Motown Medly. We had a ball dancin!
I wish I had more including Maya's 2nd dance, Frere Jaques. Hopefully someone took some pics and I can get some copies.
So now that we're home everyday...

The past few days my goal has been to clean a room a day. So Monday was the bathroom, Tuesday-Maya's room and today- my room. Would you believe my winter sweaters were still in my drawers. Ugh! We hit the pool for an hour or so yesterday. I have a deadline to finish a scrapbook for a graduation party next Saturday. Just simple things...I love it!

Evidence

2007-06-06T10:34:00.000-04:00

I hereby proclaim, today, on this 6th day of June 2007, Maya had french braids in her hair for the very first time. What will happen to said braids throughout the day is neither here nor there. AND....she actually posed for the camera. Too bad it's a bit of a blurry shot.

A recent fave

2007-06-03T16:43:00.000-04:00

Fountain Fridays

2007-06-01T22:22:00.000-04:00

It's hot here. We started a summer tradition. Fountain Fridays!

Picture of the Day in May is...

2007-06-01T22:14:00.000-04:00

Completed!

Enjoy this pic of a couple of my teachers and I as we prepare for our recital number. A Motown Medly of sorts! Let's just say the audience is in for a few fun surprises!

last day of dance...

2007-06-01T00:28:00.000-04:00

Today was the last day of actual dance classes. Next week, stage rehearsals M-W and Thursday and Sunday are the dress rehearsal and recital(respectively). Today Maya pretty much sat in her own class. She's done. Sick of being there. I told her she needed to practice one more time for the big show on the stage. I bribed her with a lollipop and a game of animal action. She danced. Then it was off to errands galore with a quick lunch in the car. So tired tonight. Tomorrow is a day of rest and fun! For my little trooper.

Recital Prep

2007-05-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

Hello faithful blog readers...I am drowning in recital prep. Please excuse the lateness on Photo a day in May.

Tuesday

My adorable sis with her boyfriend. She just finished her junior year of college. I am so proud of her.
Wednesday

Daddy and Maya reading his favorite kids book of all time, Where The Wild Things Are. It is so fun introducing her to all the classics! Love children's books, love love love em!

Photo a Day Catch Ups

2007-05-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

Wednesday 5/23-my beautiful Fuscia that is opening up for summer!

Thursday 5/24 - Blowing Dandilion fluff. I so remember doing this as a kid!

Saturday 5/26- Cupcakes are ready for the birthday party!

Monday 5/28 -Zoo trip today! Look closely at her pouch. Sorry for the not so great picture. We were on a moving train and I tried my very best. It's not often you get to see a mama kangaroo with her joey!

"3"

2007-05-27T09:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Maya-bee!

Flashback Friday-Prom

2007-05-25T21:19:00.000-04:00

Here it is- Junior Prom, 1993. My date- Jeremy. He was my next door locker buddy, my friend from my dad's summer baseball team, one of the guys on the high school football team. We laughed and talked every day between classes. We finally figured out that neither of us had dates for prom. So we went as friends. Can I tell you my friends- it was a blast! After prom- bowling! The good ole'days! Not to mention- I wore the dress in a fashion show at the mall to promote the prom season and ended up getting it 40% off!

Now senior prom you ask, where is that picture? There is none folks. Yes, there was a prom. The story goes like this: I was dating Jim for awhile when I invited him to my prom. He kissed a friend of mine about two weeks before prom, we broke up. We still went to prom. What was I thinking. Anyway- we were going with two other couples and we girls decided to make up our own resturant(Destiny's) a.k.a - my parents dining room- and had my parents dress up in black and white to be our servers, we printed up menus, the works! The guys didn't know about this and had plans to take us out to dinner. They were quite pleased when they showed up at my house(too early-STRIKE 1) and found out about Destiny's. Shrimp cocktails(Jim was allergic-STRIKE 2) were appetizers, steak and baked potato for the main course. Got to prom- it was miserable so I left him sulking at the table and danced with my friends. Afterprom- at the local YMCA! Swimming, games, prizes, basketball, racquetball...you name it! Fun!! For about 30 minutes. Jim injured his ankle playing basketball in the gym(STRIKE 3) and we ended up in the emergency room for hours and hours the rest of the night. I think I cried myself to sleep that night. That's my prom horror story, but I am so thankful to also have the other fun prom story as well. Fun Flashback Friday, Sus!

PS- Wed and Thurs pictures coming for photo a day May....

if you blink..

2007-05-22T23:11:00.000-04:00

you'll miss her. I love taking pictures. Especially of Maya. Lately, this is what she does when the camera comes out. Runs away, fast. Hiding her face. Please no, not the paparazzi again!

Sunday's Pic...

2007-05-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

Yup- we got to visit Thomas the Train himself!

Complete with Sir Toppinhat!

Auntie again!!!

2007-05-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

Introducing...

Brady Edward

born May 20th at 10:52pm

7lbs 14oz 21 inches long

Mama and baby are doing great!

Rachel gave me permission to hijack her blog, but for some reason it didn't work.

PS- Sunday's picture of the day will be coming shortly.

Wednesday...thru...Saturday

2007-05-19T22:22:00.001-04:00

Posting this photo a day thing is hard! But, I've been practicing on my photoshop and my

photo-graphing! Love, love, loving this amazing art!

Ben's new favorite- Orange Rhodos. Hoping to get one for our yard soon!

My two favorite people!

We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary here on Friday night! What a blast! Nothing like crisp cool air, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, sittin under a blanket, enjoying America's favorite pastime. I love baseball. I always have, I always will. They won too, 9-4, against the Reds. Yah- battle of Ohio. Just a side note- the Cavs were playing at the same time in NJ. You should have heard the roar of the crowd when their final winning score was posted on the scoreboard at the baseball game. To be there when that happened- priceless!

Sneak peaks at "Cinderella". That's what Maya called her. We got to go take pictures before Maya's godsister left for prom tonight. Love that family, love their beauty, love their hearts. She was absolutely stunning and "the prince" so very handsome! More pics of them later- lots to proof!

Trying...to....get....caught.....up

2007-05-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

From Tuesday-

"There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good, she was very very good

When she was bad, she was horrid."

This shirt..

2007-05-14T22:18:00.000-04:00

..is every scrapbookers dream!
I am in love with the store H&M! My first time there was yesterday. I can't wait to go back!

Catching Up...

2007-05-13T22:46:00.000-04:00

Ok- so I owe you Picture of the Day Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Sorry for the hold up Mom(hee hee)

Friday

Mulch delivered- Check! (or as Maya calls it "stinky munch"

Saturday

Special flowers for mommy picked out by my two favorite people!

Sunday(and a Mother's Day Bonus!)

The completed yard compliments of a very hard working husbandly. Thank you and I love you! It was the best Mother's Day present ever!

***BONUS***

(mom, me and maya)

How blessed am I! I got to spend the day with my mom and my daughter at my grandma's house. Maya calls my grandma, Mimi. There is an old old song by Amy Grant called Mimi's House. Only feels right to quote it for today,

"No one is a stranger at Mimi's house,

cuz love has made His home here in her heart.

She's got that infectious way of laughing right out loud

that takes away my pain and lights the dark."

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Cement Painting...

2007-05-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

PS-Thanks Meesh! We had a ball!

Sneak Peak

2007-05-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

I am in a card exchange every other month. Worked on some today!

Picture Catch Up

2007-05-08T21:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry- I knew this was going to be difficult.

I owe you two pictures-so here's a bonus 3 in 1!

This is very common lately when I pull out the camera. Ok- let's look anywhere but where my mommy wants me to look.

Studio life- here's a peek. This is our big dance room. I think one day this month I will give you all more of a look inside the studio. This is a ballet class rehearsing their recital dance. The mirrors are all on the short wall so for big classes, we sometimes face the side.

NSD

2007-05-06T16:51:00.000-04:00

NSD- short for National Scrapbook Day. For some odd reason I am unable to sign in over at 2Peas, so I'll post here. Friday night I scrapped with my friend Karen. And- much to my excitement Satuday was National Scrapbook Day. Yes friends, a holiday just for us scrapbookers. I've realized how busy I've been and how much I need scrapbooking. Just something about letting that inner creativity out with pretty paper and pictures!

One word..

2007-05-05T17:15:00.000-04:00

Gymboree

The story- one morning this week as I was putting on my flip flops, Maya ran into my room, saw what I was doing and said,"I'm going to go get my flip flops!" This led to a bursting of tears when she realized she didn't have any flip flops yet for this season. She tried to make me get her last year's flip flops out of the storage tub(even though I had actually thrown them away). Needless to say it was a very sad morning. So I found these and we are quite pleased!

Bedtime Routine

2007-05-04T20:14:00.000-04:00

I think it is very important to have a bedtime routine. I know that Maya knows it to a T and won't let us forget a thing. First is bath(there is some leeway on that one), then some warm milk and Franklin(a little show about a turtle on Noggin- for me it was the Muppet Show growing up), then brush teeth, story, prayer and a kiss goodnight. Oh and don't forget the cd player with the lullaby songs. So- I learned on this Friday night that Maya has been practicing her routine on her daddy in the evenings before bed. I had another picture all planned, but this beats all pictures. Time to get your pj's on Daddy!

It's still May 3rd in CA!

2007-05-04T00:03:00.000-04:00

Picture of the day, Thursday May 3rd.

We had a blast at the park today!

Maya-isms and...

2007-05-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Picture a day in May....I will try to jump on the bandwagon and attempt this. Just remember you are in full knowlege that it is recital season and my life is crazy right now. And...I may not take the picture on the actual said day, but I will take a picture every day and try to post one every day.

So earlier today Maya says, "Remember when I was a little girl?"

and tonight she's giving me a hug and says,"I love you sweet honey."

Can I get an O MY GOODNESS! I can't stand all this growing up.

Picture a day, first of May

Picture a day, second of May. I surprised Maya and had a picnic for lunch in the backyard. We laid out a quilt and just basked in the sunlight and warm spring air. Gotta love the lounging look as she admires her pink toes. Notice the uneaten sandwich in the foreground. mmmhmmm- too excited to eat. Also, don't notice the ugly table in the background. (PS- this picture may or may not have happened today. Wouldn't you like to know. No talking Rachel!)

Tuesday 10

2007-05-01T23:55:00.000-04:00

1. I'm still here.
2. Remember Jams? My neighbor was wearing them the other day. hee hee
3. Joey Fatone rocks Dancin with the stars!
4. All the American Idol finalists can sing, but Blake makes music.
5. Neck pain for 5 days straight is no fun.
6. I think I need to lower my stress level.
7. Looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw today. Must keep exercising.
8. I had a tea party today with my almost 3 year old.
9. Recital is 41 days away and counting.
10. Ok, so now it is Wednesday,but I started this list on Tuesday. Goodnight!

....sunday too!

2007-04-24T00:38:00.000-04:00

Oriental sweetness...

and a baby shower for a friend

Our weekend in pictures...

2007-04-23T23:59:00.000-04:00

Busy busy busy on this wonderful weather weekend! We started it off with a trip to the park with cousins and friends. In the middle was an "Easter Photo Shoot" a week or two late, but who's counting, and at the end was a pretty oriental girl and a baby shower for a friend. My heart is full!

Friday - Fun at the park!

Easter again!

ummm yah- that's 8 kids, ages 6 and under. And Auntie Rachel has our 9th cousin on the way!
She has some amazing shots up on her blog of this picture session!

"Yesterday...

2007-04-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

was plain awful,

but that's not now, that's that!"

Recognize the song- my favorite from the movie Annie! With all the crazy sickies I had to steal some moments away to create. The scan pretty much ruined its tone, but it's bright red cardstock, and the flower is red too. The birdy is a pretty green(not grey). Anyway- thought I'd better work on Maya's last birthday before the next one comes up.

In the last 48 hours(10 on Tuesday)

2007-04-17T15:04:00.000-04:00

I have...
1. done 6 loads of laundry
2. unloaded, loaded and unloaded the diswasher
3. made 25 mailing envelopes for new prospective students
4. burnt 20 recital practice music cd's for current students
5. eaten 2 Hostess chocolate cupcakes(you know with the cute white rick rack on the top and filled with cream)
6. used my hand to intercept throwup from Maya's mouth to the couch
7. stayed up too late catching up on Oprah's and ER on DVR because I couldn't stand to go to bed while Maya was coughing her brains out.
8. took my sick daughter to the doctor and then to the pharmacy where we waited for 35 minutes to get her prescriptions. She was so good as she read me stories from the free "lower your blood pressure" magazine.
9. went to the grocery store and the bank
10. finished crafting my sister's 21st birthday presents
Somehow there are more not fun things on this list than fun ones. Calgone take me away....

24 in 15

2007-04-16T15:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday at church I was involved in a discussion about how moms try to do 24 things in 15 minutes. I had to laugh because today I am trying to do that very thing. Trying is the key word here. Can Monday be over yet?

Easter happenings.....

2007-04-10T15:12:00.000-04:00

So- I had one of those days where I brought the camera but didn't use it very much. We are having a family post-easter photo shoot pretty soon, so I hope to get some pictures then. Besides- it was 32 and snowing on Easter. Only in Ohio.....

All smiles dyeing eggs!

I can't even begin to express the excitement at our house by this 2.5 year old when above video was seen in her Easter basket. I swear, being the dance mom I am, that I did not train her, coax her or even push her to like this movie. It just happened. Am I proud of her though- very! Can I sing every song in this movie- yes. And I just happen to like it. Go ahead make fun...

Coons in them there parts (part 2)

2007-04-07T16:12:00.000-04:00

The Racoon doesn't like Q104. (that's a local radio station for you out of towners) After we left the garage radio and the lights on all night, the racoon decided to take up residence elsewhere. There were no babies and no nest. He just had enough of JT and Beyonce and walked his little self out the door. It's been 2 full days and no sign of the coon. But just in case he misses his little hotel, the lights and the radio are still on! All doors closed!

Coons in them there parts!

2007-04-05T22:47:00.000-04:00

It's contagious! Sure- I felt awful during Marie's awful encounter with racoons over at her house. But also relieved because it wasn't happening to me. Now it is. Over the past week, there have been strange things happening in our (new mind you) garage. We found two bags of bird seed that were never there before. Good timing though cuz Maya picked out a cute little bird house at Hobby Lobby and we put some in it to attract some birdies. Anyway- this morning I go to back out of my garage and I run over something. So I pull back up, look and our whole pile of lawn chairs was on the floor. Chalking it up to them just sliding down, I picked them up and put them back against the wall. When I looked up I saw some other mysterious things. Maya's little tykes basketball hoop fell over(we put it in the garage because it started SNOWING!). More birdseed on the floor, knocked over things....So I told Ben this afternoon when he got home from work. At around 4pm we all go into the garage(all meaning the three of us), Ben loads up my trunk with some newly delivered UPS boxes of dance costumes. I show him all the messed up things that have happened. As we are talking, I look up into the rafters- totally doing that not expecting to see anything- and there he is. THE RACOON! After Ben put the gutters on the garage last summer, he got black coiled piping to hook to the ends that runs the water down to the street. So he bought too much and threw the rest up into the rafters. Hence the racoon's nest. It wouldn't look at us. We quick put Maya in the car and just stared at it. Making loud noises to get its attention. It never looked up. So now- we are putting a trap in the garage tomorrow. I guess they like bacon. We have some bacon. Right this minute both cars are parked in the driveway, the garage light is on and the radio is blaring. Two things that racoons hate. Maybe this will cause it to leave on its own. Which would be great except, maybe it's a girl racoon and maybe there are baby racoons up there. lovely. one. big. happy. family. Stay tuned for part two of the saga-"coons in them there parts".

Just Random...

2007-04-04T22:15:00.000-04:00

American Idol- so how do you think Sanjaya feels seeing all these great singers go off before him. I cried right along with Gina tonight....

Candles- I know I have a toddler, but mmmmm I love me some freshly poured Candlelights on Broadway candles. I have missed candles so since having a child, but I decided if I put them in a high place and light them when she is sleeping they are soooo good. Brought me peace today when I really needed it.

Mom Fix- I had a fun surprise visit from my Mom today. I really miss her now more than ever. I think you just need your mom more when you become a mom yourself.

Cappucino- a vice, a favorite, a sweet warm afternoon reward. Enjoyed it with my candles and magazine after my mom left. Helped ease her leaving.

Weather- it's 30, yesterday it was 75 and we were playing with Maya's sand and water table outside in t-shirts and capri's. I...just...don't....get....it.

Dyeing eggs this weekend. Kind of excited because I think Maya will understand it and remember it this year.

What to make to bring for Easter dinner?

Thankful for family who jump in when you need them.

And since blog posts are boring without pictures(unaltered, unfixed because I haven't had time yet):

My beautiful blue eyed nephew next to a window- the natural light was scrumptious.

In a blur at the Church Easter egg hunt- my sweet daughter had her eye on the egg across the room as she dropped this one into her basket. It's funny how fast kids catch on to things.

Look Mommy!

"4"

2007-03-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

It was a sad time shopping as I found myself heading towards the girls section today....not the toddlers. 4T is very different from a 4. At least for a tall little girlie it is. Sigh. Another sign of growing up. I'm gonna miss that toddler section.

Sweet Birdy!

2007-03-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

Someone please tell me you were scared to go to bed the first night your toddler was in a "big girl(boy) bed" in fear that she(he) would be up roaming the house in the middle of the night.

the cute children....

2007-03-29T22:58:00.000-04:00

I pretty much kept getting the back of my daughter's head. She was not too keen on having her picture taken today. You can get a good look at her on my friend Shelly's blog though. Apparently she lets people other than her mommy take her picture..

Bittersweet...

2007-03-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

mmmmmm- I am saddened as today is Thursday and my spring break is coming to a close. It was a cloudless day with bright sunny sunshine. My sister-in-law Rachel came over for some maternity shots. Only she wasn't the photographer this time.....I was....Scary Larry! Actually I did ok, I think....We also had some very very very cute children playin around us.

10 on Tuesday...

2007-03-27T15:49:00.000-04:00

1. Made a huge lasagna for dinner tonight. (and brownies for dessert) I love being on spring break. More time to cook.
2. This morning I helped a friend sort through pictures for her daughter's graduation scrapbook album. My first paid scrapbook gig!
3. I have not 1 but 2 stampin up classes this week. Whooo hooo for craftin!
4. As I dressed Maya this morning, I noticed that a most recent spring purchase is already too small. They are not supposed to wear belly shirts at this age. Why do they grow so fast.
5. Number 4 means I'll just have to go shopping. Oh dear- you know how devastated that makes me. Wink Wink!
6. Right now, at this moment, Ben is creating a fool proof groundhog trap with chicken wire and mounds of dirt. There'll be no snackin on his broccoli in the garden this summer.
7. Maya's furniture is painted for her new room. I just have to run out for some last minute things and we will set her up this weekend! Binky is going to be sent to little baby cousins. We talked about no binky's in the big girl bed. Her baby cousins use binky's so I think we may be "mailing them out" to them. Do ya think it will work? I don't want to scar her for life....
8. Putting off the house cleaning. Like majorly...
9. Our Target's are becoming New and Enlarged Targets with Starbucks and Pizza Hut. Last night Ben went out looking for us because we "got lost in the wonderful new Target" tee hee hee. Must plan ahead now for Target trips. Need more time...
10. Off to do some studio planning for summer. Enjoying some time in the lawn chair outside. Hey- if I have to do work, at least I can do it while enjoying that spring sunshine in the back yard!

Playin...

2007-03-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Ben's brother and family came over to celebrate Spring. My neice Molly really wanted to ride her new bike and since we have that new long cement driveway on a dead end street....party at our house. We grilled hot dogs and enjoyed the sunny day! I love those impromtu gatherings...

The kid's table!

One cool little dude about to take a slide!

Check out the toothless grin!

How about I took 26 pictures of this little guy alone. He does tricks! Check out that beautiful grin!

I love the signs of new life!

Evidence of Spring...

2007-03-25T22:41:00.000-04:00

A very good day. More pics tomorrow, I promise.

Practicing...

2007-03-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

We(she) found the perfect jacket to go with the perfect hat. And to think I wanted to get the green jacket with the pink and white stripes. I guess it pays to let them make their own decisions sometimes...
.

Fridays...

2007-03-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

I love Fridays.
I love cuggling in Mama's bed and watching Playhouse Disney.
I love cooking scrambled eggs and having time to tidy the kitchen after.
I love playing dollhouse and giving the little people carriage rides in the my little pony carriage.
I love being in our pajamas until almost lunch.
I love spending time with Maya.
I love not having to go anywhere fast.
Fridays are special.

SST

2007-03-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

There used to be such a thing called Sassy Shoe Thursday. Well- these shoes may not be sassy, but it sure was fun to get them back out today after a long cold winter. It may be raining but it is 65 degrees and SPRING!

10 on Tuesday....

2007-03-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

1. Yesterday I went searching through everyone's blogs because I was so excited to read their Tuesday 10's. It was Monday.

2. The moon is stunning tonight. A bright crescent with the outline of the entire moon above it. Now who can tell me God isn't responsible for that beauty...

3. Spring Break starts in 3 days!

4. Maya has this new whine that cracks me up. Today she did it when I said it was time for a nap and I just started laughing. So she kept doing it and I kept laughing. It worked pretty well to get her mind off the nap.

5. She never took the nap.

6. I have so many projects in my head that I don't know where to begin. Do I start peeling the wallpaper in the living room now? Because if I do, I'll have to go all the way down the hall. Do I rent a steamer or go with the old Diff? Am I ready to paint now or in the summer?

7. Bought some really cute Easter shoes today. For the girl- not for me:(

8. Hopin for some scrappin mojo this weekend.

9. Want a secret ingredient for your meatloaf? Put some slices of swiss cheese in the middle before you spoon all the mixture in the pan. Yummmmmm! Thanks Mom!

10. I leave you with a picture of the 4 Heads or is it the foreheads? It's a barbershop quartet behind a puppet stage. Fun talent show at church this past weekend. Lots of talent for a great cause! This is my Ben, Marie's BJ, a friend Andrew and Ben's brother Kenny.

Pop-pop went to State in pictures...

2007-03-18T21:58:00.000-04:00

Pop-pop-an assistant girls varsity basketball coach. He is the head freshman girls coach, but they asked him to stay on and assist varsity in the post-season.

The brother of one of the girls on Pop-pop's
basketball team- otherwise known as Ben ROETHLISBERGER!
Ummmm- he sat right behind us! My mommy kept snapping
pictures and my Aunt Tina kept elbowing her to stop.

I got to stay up really really late, like 3 hours past
my bedtime(that's what my mommy kept saying)
and eat popcorn and sugar cookies with green sprinkles. And we all slept together in this big room, my very first big girl bed. Mommy didn't get a port-a-crib this time! I am a big girl but my mommy said I am still her baby especially in this picture with my binky(thanks michelle!)
I was soooo exhausted after I cheered and clapped for Pop-pop's team. I wanted to see him so
bad but he couldn't come over to us even when I puckered up my face
and stuck out my bottom lip and signaled my tiny little
hand for him to come to us. I could tell he was doing a very
important job and I wasn't worried, cuz tomorrow he was taking us to
breakfast and I would get to sit next to him and cuggle(snuggle and cuddle- my favorite word).

Thanks for a really fun weekend Pop-pop! I love you so much! Congratulations on getting
your team to the state finals! My daddy says that's an incredible feat!

A new do..

2007-03-15T13:54:00.000-04:00

Haircut today- too many mornings with snarls and crying. That would be snarls and crying the
both of us...hee hee hee.

I'm likin this style for her little pear face.

Crocs with Socks...

2007-03-13T23:18:00.000-04:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Tuesday 10 programming to bring you this special report(insert pigs in space voice here)....CROCS...WITH...SOCKS

Today it was 65 degrees- a wonderful peek at spring. We could hardly wait to get outside this morning. I think we pulled out every single outside toy! First the bike, then the bubbles, then the rocks and acorns- wait a minute, we found those, but they can make great toys!

Brought the ole camera out for some fresh spring pictures.

***disregard that pile 'o snow- just too stubborn to melt***Honest, it was 65!

I think I can I think I can- trying to pedal is hard work!

Some garage fun but with a stuffy nose.

Ok Mommy- here is my fake smile to satisfy you so that you will stop taking pictures in the garage and I can get to some serious playin!

Wild Weekend...

2007-03-11T23:39:00.000-04:00

Wow- can't believe it's Sunday night already. We had one of those weekends where you barely get a chance to sit down. Well- ok, I sat down and scrapped Friday night with the girls, but Saturday was a whirlwind! My daughter's godmother turned 40 and we had a huge surprise party for her. I have pictures galore including the lovely decorations I was in charge of.

And...how about that time change...it's just not workin for me. 11:42 and I'm exhausted! What happened to my 1AM bedtime? So- I leave you with some layouts until tomorrow. Happy October! (I mean March- who cares if I'm months behind on pictures!)

The Tuesday 10...

2007-03-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

1. I am on my 3rd 12oz bottle of water for today. Trying that recommendation of 8 glasses a day.

2. The talk of ballet stretch circle time this morning was throw up. I love how little kids will tell you anything.
3. Finally got these for Maya's big girl room. Unfinished and all wood! We found a wonderful little shop that sells all the unfinished furniture for your home you could possible want. Found the clearance scratch and dent section in the loft and went to town. We're painting them white so it really doesn't matter about a little wave in the wood that goes the wrong way.

4. I am into what's probably the very best nectarine I have ever purchased!
5. Enjoying some quiet time as the girlie is sleeping due to her 6:45am rise this morning.
6. How do you put on the coat/hat/boots/mittens of above said girlie when she does not want to leave her grammy and papa's and is throwing a terrible fit of limp rag doll? AND...she said she wanted the time out when I asked her. UGH! They are getting too smart.
7. How about I tripped over the girlie from excitement on the way to get the door when the airborne express truck pulled into the driveway. Um- it was my computer ink delivery. I am such a nerd.
8. Mailed a three page letter today and feeling very proud of it, yet at the same time nervous about the effects it may bring.
9. Submitted a couple of current projects here!
10. Off to get more water. Gotta shed about 15 pounds before the recital in June. Yes- I am going to try dancing in it this year after two years off. Drinking lots of water makes you not hungry right? Cuz I read that sometimes you think you are hungry but really you are thirsty and your body wants the H2O. We'll see.....

Journaling...

2007-03-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to making the cover of my new Lenten journal. I thought if I made a pretty cover, it would get used a lot more than other journals I have started and then soon forgot about. I bought one of those project planning notebooks. I liked the paper in it(very scrappable). Anyway- I really am going to try to keep this journal close by. Prayers, thoughts, Maya-ism's fly by every day, it be nice to jot them down to have a record of them.

Random Friday

2007-03-02T23:34:00.000-05:00

Ordered this tonight. I forsee a spring photo shoot in the works...
Thanks to Rachel for the disc of all my halloween pictures I gave her that she had to give back to me because they seemed to DISAPPEAR from my computer. Got them downloaded and ordered from scrapbookpictures.com tonight. The next project- Halloween '06.

Went searching for a white dresser yet again tonight for Maya's big girl room and have yet to find one of affordable cost that is not cardboard.

So thankful for friends that come over for an impromtu coffee/lunch/baby clothes exchange/mama talk while the kiddos play afternoon.

Thank you for all your thoughtful comments in my studio saga. It continued as of last night at work, but I was up late converting my not so nice thoughts into a professional letter and it worked wonders for my mind and heart. As did Susie's pictures of what dance is all about!

Some fun in photoshop E4 tonight

Stuff...

2007-02-28T21:18:00.000-05:00

My heart hurts by things going on lately at the dance studio. Why do people have to be so negative? Especially in a positive family atmosphere where beautiful innocent children are being filled with the magical art of dance. That's really the focus at a dance studio. A school for dance. A place where learning dance technique occurs. Along with enhancing one's creativity, team building, critical thinking, responsibility, memorization, expression, not to mention technique, balance, poise and flexibility. Bet you didn't know you could get all of that in a dance class. This is why I do what I do, no other reason than to make sure my students acheive one or all of these incredible traits. I do it because I was touched by a dance teacher that wanted these things for me. One who picks teaching dance as a career is not in it for the money(or lack there of). It's not about choosing the costume, music, who gets what solo, 1st or 2nd place in competition, waiting room coffee tables and so much more that it pains me to talk about. When people choose a school for their child whether it be a preschool, elementary school, music class, dance school....it's because they like it and what it has to offer. Not so that they can try to change it and start petitions saying they will pull their kid out if this this and this doesn't happen.(this and this and this being either outlandishly silly never to happen in ANY dance school or things that are on my to do list in the future but patience is a virtue). How about turning around and telling one crowd that, and then telling another crowd the exact opposite. Ummmm, can't stand that. Be real, you know! So I leave you with this, actually I need to go over it myself, over and over again to convince myself once again that I love this.
"Praise His name with dancing."
"Praise His name with dancing and tambourines."
"David danced before the Ark of the Lord."
"Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation."

2 on Tuesday

2007-02-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Maya woke up at 5:15 this morning. On normal days it takes all I have to get her out of bed by 8:30/9AM. Today was different. And she wasn't going back to sleep. Ben tried rocking, I tried having her in our bed. She just laid there looking at me as I kept my eyes closed hoping she'd get the hint. At 7AM, I put on playhouse disney. At 8- we made pancakes. It feels like midnight about now.
I am going to take a nap. I am not a morning person.