In Remembrance

Since it is Memorial weekend I would like to wish everyone a happy 3 day weekend. I will be taking a blogging break until Monday evening. If you are traveling, be safe. Hope your weekend rocks!

Photo of the Day!

for Friday, May 23
I cherish this one.

School's out forevah!

Today was Ben's official last day of school for 3 months. No Ben is not in school, he teaches! Ben is my husband.

He only had to go for a half day today and check out for teachers was 1pm. We went swimming this afternoon and totally ate McCrack, oops, McDonald's for lunch. Now he is mowing the lawn. I have a date with a novel I am currently reading. Harrison is watching a Thomas video. Life is sweet.
Check in with me in about a week and I will probably be complaining of spouse suffocation! LOL.

GR8TFUL

We are in for stormy weather these next two days. Boo.
My mom was laughing at me today for taking this pic of the sky...I will take a picture of just about anything!
So what have we been up to?
We spent the morning hanging out with my mom. We went to the thrift store because there is a local one that I just love. You find the best antiques there! I bought yet another shelf (addicted to them) and some vintage embroidery threads in 2 packages, some 60s print fabric and hoops. I am going to make something with it all. Can't wait to share!

H says he wants to "paint like Van Gogh." Unfortunately (for me) he prefers acrylic paint over watercolor or tempera. So picky.
Today he said the oddest thing. We were in the car and Ben and I were talking.
H said, "Mom look there is the American flag!"
Me: "Yes, I see it." (He is really into the American flag and Statue of Liberty).
H: "Let's look for the Mexican flag and the German flag next."
Me: A little shocked, turn to Ben and ask, "Did you teach him that?"
Ben: "No."
Me: "What does the Mexican flag look like H?"
H: "Red, white and green. It has an eagle with sharp beak and talons and its on a sharp cactus."
Crazy!
Now if I could just get his temper tantrums under control! He threw one today because he did not want to share a toy with a playmate.
After all that drama, we went outside to enjoy the little sun we had. We played in the sandbox.

Harrison found these worms and he declared them "sand snakes." He kept asking me to take pictures of them.

Oh, and his poor little green dump truck was half-eaten by Keely, our dog.

I liked this pic so much I used it in my new banner.



I wish H could really mow. :)
I took two more pictures but I love them so much that I am trying to be "good" and save them for Friday and Monday's Photo of the Day! :)

Photos of the Day

Wednesday, May 21

Sand rocks. Scoop the machine rocks. Harrison rocks.
Thursday, May22

I took a similar pic a few weeks back but I like the color on this one better, and the fact that the ball is more prominent in it.

links to love!!!!

Just click on the names. :)
Other Links!

Preschool Printables--good for keeping little ones busy during summer!

More Summer Fun

Rhyme Dictionary

Fashion Flashbacks

Don't Date Him Girl

Jones Soda Rocks!

Do You Look Like Your Dog?

Swap Baby Goods

RetroPlanet

Kid Crafts!

Very Important Info for Moms

Crafting and Scrapbook Links!

Scrapbooking Tshirts!

Barbie's Virtual Scrapbook

Memory Makers

CraftBits

Hero Arts Card/Stamp Techniques

Amy Butler-free pattern

Winnie the Pooh Clip Art and Coloring Sheets

Maggie's Rags-knitting

Make Shift Modern

Have fun surfing!

What is a Friend?

This is too cute to not post! :)

David vs. David

Thoughts?

Do you watch?? I tuned in during the auditions but have kept up every now and then watching E News and stuff. Who do you want to win?!?

New projects

I've been getting messy!
Here are two painted canvas/scrapbook projects I did over the weekend:
Canvas #1

I used a pic of Harrison to represent the letter H. The idea came from a scrapbook page I saw done by Tina Cockburn.
Canvas #2
A canvas representing myself.

Now I need to do one for Ben and then I can hang all 3 in our hallway!
Here is an Easter page I did,too~

I started another page on Harrison but ran out of time to work on it so it is still in my to do pile.

I {heart} Hello Kitty!

Sometimes I wanna move to Japan!

Hello Kitty is named Japan tourism ambassador

By TOMOKO A. HOSAKA, Associated Press WriterMon May 19, 3:11 PM ET

Hello Kitty — Japan's ubiquitous ambassador of cute — has built up an impressive resume over the years. Global marketing phenom. Fashion diva. Pop culture icon. Now the moonfaced feline can add "government envoy" to the list. The tourism ministry on Monday named Hello Kitty as its choice to represent the country in China and Hong Kong, two places where she is wildly popular among kids and young women.

Officials hope that tapping into that fan base will lead to a bigger flow of tourists into Japan, and closer toward their goal of attracting 10 million overseas visitors every year under the "Visit Japan" campaign.

Last year the number of foreign tourists traveling to Japan hit a record high of 8.35 million, up 60 percent since the government began the marketing effort in 2003.

Arrivals from China and Hong Kong, who accounted for 16.5 percent of visitors to Japan last year, are poised this year to become the second-largest group of tourists after South Koreans.

At a press conference, Sanrio Co. President Shintaro Tsuji called Hello Kitty's new appointment "an honor" and pledged to "work hard to attract many visitors."

Japan's other goodwill tourism ambassadors include Korean singer Younha, Japanese actress Yoshino Kimura and Japanese pop/rock duo Puffy AmiYumi.

Although this is the first time the tourism ministry has tapped a fictional character for the role, the foreign ministry in March inaugurated blue robo-cat Doraemon as Japan's "anime ambassador."

Designed in 1974 by Sanrio, Hello Kitty first appeared on a plastic coin purse. Her image today has become one of the most powerful brands in the world, adorning some 50,000 products in 60 countries.

In China, Kitty-fever has already broken out.

A multi-million-dollar musical featuring Hello Kitty opened earlier this year in Beijing and is in the midst of a national tour. "Hello Kitty's Dream Light Fantasy" is then scheduled to travel to Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S. over its three-year run.

According to her official profile from Sanrio, Hello Kitty lives with her family in London. It does not mention how often she visits Japan.

Source: Yahoo! News

Photos of the Day

Monday, May 19
Today we went to the park. It was hot so we only stayed about 20 minutes. Then we went out for slushes! It was a true miracle I got H to wear a hat.

Tuesday, May 20

I love summer. We have been swimming three times this week already.

The smell of fresh

I hope my previous post on digital vs. paper did not sound too rant-y and scare blog readers away! I promise I rarely ever get on my soapbox. :)
So on to the happy stuff!!!

I did the happy dance today because I got my new voter card!! I was an independent previously but I picked a new party because next time I would like to vote in the primaries and I have also changed a lot in the 12 years since I first registered. :)

Do you know what made my day?!? We got a rolling chair for the office. I know that sounds so silly but I had a really retro orange vinyl chair from the 50s. It was nice to look at but absolutely hurt the wazoo and this new chair is sooooo comfortable. Harrison thinks it is a new toy. I found him this morning on the floor because he was rolling in circles in it and fell off! Let's see how long this lasts before I have to put a safety gate in the office doorway!

So I have 3 days...3 days until my space is "invaded." Ben teaches and he will home for three months all day, every day! I really look forward to sleeping in while he stays up late with our tiny night owl because he can't say, "Well, I've got to go to work and get up early." I know we have a bajillion things on our to do list for the summer. The main focus is always on working on the house and yard.

I am starting a walking program within the next two weeks. Wish me luck! I just don't exercise at all and stress really gets to me so I hope this helps with my stress levels. I get tired of feeling "wimpy", too. When I was single I could open a pickle jar with no trouble (I had arm muscles!), and now I just sigh and hand the jar to Ben. I was planning on going walking with my mom each morning but her work schedule changed so M,W, F I will bring Ben and H along and they will play on the playground while I walk. Then when I get home I can relieve Ben and he can work out with his weights while I watch H. Well, this is how it works out in my brain anyway, let's see if we can actually follow a schedule!

Gas is so pricey that we may only take another mini vacation within the state again this year. I have lived in this state my whole life and not seen much outside of the metro at all.

Today are the Kentucky and Oregon primaries! I will be watching simply because I always watch the political news.
Happy Tuesday!

101 Uses for Ribbon!!!

101 things to do with your ribbon...
cut out these ideas and place in a jar. whether you need a challenge or
just some quick direction, grab an idea from the jar, add some ribbon
and smile. happy scrapping!

1. Cut a journaling block into horizontal strips. Tie a ribbon in a bow or knot to the left end of the first strip, then the right end of the second strip, and so on.

2. Create a page frame by stitching ribbon to each side of the page, then cover the joins with a button or another accent.

3. Collect scraps of ribbon and cover the spiral binding of a journal or album in bows.

4. Tie a bow on a paperclip.

5. Soften the look of metal mesh by knotting satin ribbons through the latticework.

6. Colourblock a layout, punch holes where the blocks meet and lace with ribbon.

7. Create a ribbon loop off the side of the page, securing with stitches or staples, to index sections in your album.

8. Stamp tiny tags with a single letter and use narrow ribbons to attach to your page for a quirky title.

9. Hold a bookplate in place by securing each side with a length of ribbon, fixing the ribbons onto the back of your layout.

10. Punch holes along one side of a photo or mat and finish with ribbons tied in loop knots.

11. Loop ribbon around one side of a metal frame, then tie with a tiny knot or bow.

12. Laminate a leaf or another found object, punch a hole and tie on a ribbon.

13. Dye ribbons to match anything perfectly.

14. Criss-cross two lengths of ribbon to create a pocket.

15. Turn bows on their side and place at either end of a title.

16. Stamp a name or date on a ribbon, fold around the corner of a photograph and secure with a paperclip.

17. Use ribbon to hang a locket holding something special.

18. Thread two metal rings onto a length of ribbon and secure them both in a loop at one end (you can use an eyelet, nail head, brad, stitches or staples to close the loop). Wrap around a journal, mini book or photo mat and pull the loose end of the ribbon through the rings, just like a belt.

19. Make a masculine tag by threading a plain washer onto a ribbon remnant, folding in half and stapling to the top of a tag.

20. Hide journaling or an additional photograph on your page. Using self-adhesive ribbon as a hinge, secure just one side of a cardstock block to the background.

21. Cover the join between two patterned papers with a length of ribbon.

22. Create a collage between two microscope slides or pieces of transparency, then tie ribbon around the glass sandwich.

23. Team up ribbon with anything else from the haberdashery section: ric-rac, upholstery trim, lace, fibers, snap trim, zips, elastic or a hook and eye set.

24. Layer a brightly coloured sheer ribbon over traditional black and white gingham to create a custom coloured gingham.

25. Stick ribbon over vellum to hide adhesive.

26. Make a flower with loops of ribbon plus a button in the middle.

27. Cover the edge of a border of patterned page with three inch lengths of mismatched ribbons.

28. Use letter stamps on ribbon for journaling or captions.

29. Use ric-rac as the stem for a flower accent.

30. Run a thread through a length of ribbon, making loose stitches, then pull the ribbon together to gather.

31. Apply rub-on letters to a twelve inch strip of ribbon to make a custom border.

32. Cover a scrap of cardstock with ribbon scraps in lines, then place a cut out shape over the top so the quilted design shows through.

33. Fray ribbon scraps, then overlap and sew to the page.

34. Place a ribbon in a tiny glass charm for a message in a bottle look.

35. Weave your ribbbons in big or little sections on your page.

36. Punch holes on one side of a photo mat, then lace the ribbon through and add a charm to one of the loops.

37. Make one long loop of ribbon around an entire page, then use shorter ribbons to tie knots and bows to that ribbon.

38. Make a bulletin board look by criss-crossing ribbons across the page and joining with brads or buttons.

39. Use frilly ribbons with rustic elements, mixing girly trims with twill tape or a wooden tag.

40. Create your journaling in widely spaced rows. Punch small holes around key words and thread ribbon through to box out or underline words with colour.

41. Hang a letter charm from ribbon and wrap around the bottom third of a photo.

42. Use a variety of green ribbons in short, overlapped lengths to represent grass for a summery layout.

43. Place your title and journaling blocks on your layout, then cut slits at the top and bottom. Run sheer ribbon through to ‘hold’ the blocks in place.

44. Spell a title by threading letter charms onto a longer length of ribbon, adding a knot between each letter.

45. Cut a variety of ribbons to six to eight inch lengths. Adhere at odd angles to the bottom of a double page layout, with the photos and accents above this border.

46. Place short lengths of ribbon over the four corners of a photo and secure in place with brads.

47. Place ribbons around the edge of a large circle shape.

48. Fold ribbon scraps in half and staple to one side of a photo mat.

49. Use a wide ribbon as you would a strip of patterned paper.

50. Stitch your ribbon with a zig-zag.

51. Thread silk or paper flowers onto ribbons to create a daisy chain.

52. Use polka-dot ribbon with striped patterned papers.

53. Tie a series of bows or knots to cover a length of wire, then attach the wire by punch two tiny holes in your page and threading it through to the back.

54. Run a simple border with one thin ribbon across the top of your page and two thin ribbons at the bottom.

55. Tie a group of tags together with brightly coloured ribbons.

56. Punch small holes and thread a border like you would lace your shoes.

57. Use sheer green ribbons to represent leaves on flowers.

58. Use your ribbons in vertical strips instead of horizontal.

59. Repeat just one ribbon pattern throughout your layout.

60. Hang tiny jingle bells on a Christmas page.

61. Select two ribbons of contrasting colour. Attach one to the left side of the page and the other to the right, then tie together in the middle. Repeat in the opposite colours to make a criss-cross if you wish.

62. Get out your eyelets and add to a paper accent, like a monogram letter. Thread ribbon through and tie in a knot.

63. Pin a safety pin through a bow or knot.

64. Tie a ribbon around the stem of any letter in your title.

65. Allow ribbons to come out the top of your {top-loading} page protector.

66. Place one bold strip of a patterned paper on your cardstock background. Add an angled strip of a colour-coordinated ribbon. Add an accent near where the two meet, and place the body of your layout in the remaining gap.

67. Punch or cut several small squares or circles. Punch a small hole and tie a ribbon on each, then line up for a border.

68. Line up several lengths of the same ribbon and secure the ends with brads, then place your title on top.

69. Punch a group of holes in any preprinted accent and add ribbons to make it your own.

70. Create a bold frame using short ribbon scraps around all four sides of the page.

71. Have just the ends of flat ribbons appear from one side of a photograph. Stick them directly to the page.

72. Use a series of ribbon-trimmed metal-rimmed tags to journal in list form.

73. Repeatedly wrap a ribbon around a block of cardstock, then tie with a charm, tag or stamped image.

74. Use only black and white ribbons plus one colour of cardstock.

75. Stick ribbon directly to the page and cover the ends with square or round accents.

76. Place several twelve inch lengths of ribbon to the page, leaving an inch gap in between. Number the lines of ribbon and add journaling for a ‘# of things I...’ layout.

77. Tie ribbons on bobby pins/hair grips and slide onto the edge of a photo.

78. Use ribbon inside a slide frame or book plate.

79. Create a pull tab with a loop of ribbon on a tucked away photo or tag.

80. Use just ginghams!

81. Attach tiny clothes pegs to a length of ribbon.

82. Use white sheer ribbons for angel wings.

83. Thread white letter beads onto ribbons for journaling.

84. Tie ribbons through button holes and tie on the top.

85. Attach pins or badges to a length of ribbon stuck straight to the background.

86. Put your title inside a circle frame, and hold it in place with ribbons on two or more sides. Tuck the ribbons over to the back of the page.

87. Thread on a buckle for a classy accent.

88. Spice up a simple layout with just three knots of ribbon near the corner of a the photo.

89. Create a pinwheel design by sticking down bright ribbons cut with an angle at the end.

90. Fold your ribbon in half then cut at an angle to get that little V at the end.

91. Instead of peeling your stickers from the backing, cut them out and treat like regular paper. Punch a hole, tie a ribbon and look at your sticker in a new way.

92. Create a layout with three blocks of cardstock, then hang multiple ribbons from the bottom of each block.

93. Make a summery layout with mismatched ribbons placed 3/4 of the way down one side, to mimic flags on a sail boat.

94. Make a mini book to hold extra photos and journaling, and make sure the sides wrap around to the front so the covers open to both the left and right. Secure ribbon on the back and tie on the front to close.

95. Thread circles on ribbons to mimic Christmas ornaments, then tuck the ribbons around the top of the page and secure on the back. Design the layout on top of the ornament background.

96. Make it simple: stick a length of ribbon directly to the cardstock. Tie a bow and stick it on top -- an easier way to make everything stay put.

97. Create your title with letters on individual blocks of cardstock, then thread together by punching holes and tying together with ribbons.

98. Use watermark ink to customise your ribbon with a design or phrase.

99. Make curly ribbons by wrapping tightly around a dowel rod or pencil (securing with pins if needed), spraying with corn starch and baking in the oven for about five minutes. Leave to cool and set over night, then remove from the dowel. Great for album covers and bindings.

100. Use ribbon to bind a small book of index prints on your layout, then add more ribbon to close or hang the book.

101. Grab your favourite ribbon of the moment and work your entire layout around that inspiration. Print your photos in black and white so you don’t have to worry about colour clashes and just have fun.
Source: scrapbook.com

Controversy over paper and glue...

There shouldn't be controversy over scrapbooking but in the scrapbook world there is!
I was a little steamed after reading this thread this morning:
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/mb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=96845&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
:( I just wish people would stop dissing stuff they have never tried or don't "get". Different is good,people!!
So I had to reply:

I read this earlier this morning and was a little disappointed. I see both sides. I have been a scrapper for 6 years, mainly paper. A year ago, I tried digi once, felt it was not for me. About two months ago I rediscovered it after first downloading the free kit from Jessica Sprague. I love it even though I still scrap both. Here are some reasons I like digi:
1. freebies--tons of them!
2. choices--you can change the color, texture of any embellishment, re-use it, and personalize it
3. yes some 3d stuff looks "fake" but that is really the old school style...if you search ex. Shabby Princess, Ikea Goddess sites you find free kits that look exactly like paper
4. cheap. I already have Photoshop 7.0 and CS3 because dh is an artist so I download freebies or buy kits for $1-4 (cheaper than paper kits). To print it costs $2 a print online for 12x12. Much cheaper compared to paper. Prints look really good,too. Not pixelated.
5. space--my scrapbooks are less lumpy when I do a digi page. Also, all I need is in my computer.
I suggest you do a search and see the work of Jessica Sprague or Rhonna Farrer, etc.
Like I said I think there is room for both. I have been disappointed because this thread and another on a pea site this week both made digi out to be "evil" or killing reg. paper scrapbooking. Um, there is room for both people. No need to knock one or the other. I suggest you try both before you dismiss it. And you know what? Digi is the same as reg. scrapbooking in my book because I spent 3 hours on a page last night. I use the same amount of creativity as I do on paper. I choose where things go, I choose colors,etc. It was work but it was fun!
Scrapbooking the traditional way is not ALWAYS handmade either--do you make each embellishment by hand yourself, do you make your own paper?? No, most of us buy products in the store and then decide how to arrange them. Same with digi. Let's not turn this into an east side, west side thang!!! Some people like Dr.Pepper, some people like Coke. No biggie.

We have a winner!!!

Yay!
We have a winner!!!
Congrats to poster #6! Crystal from http://chrysanthemoms.com! Crystal email me at harrisonsmommy1@gmail.com with your addy and I will mail out the prize asap! Thank you to everyone for playing! I am planning on doing a blog giveaway (some non-crafty,scrappy) every month because I have had so much fun meeting other bloggers!

People foods vs. your pets

Ben just emailed this to me and I thought it was valuable to pass along! I had no idea about candy!

‘People foods’ that can kill your pet

From chocolate to raisins, here’s what not to feed Fido — even if he begs

By Sloan Barnett

TODAYShow.com contributor

updated 4:07 p.m. CT, Fri., May. 9, 2008

It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.

In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.

Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:

Bad news foods
Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

Good news foods
There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.

Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.

Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.

Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK.

Fruit
Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!

Baked potatoes
Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked — no unripe potatoes or potato plants.

Bread
Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or raisins added.

Rice and pasta
Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal upset is present.

In case of emergency
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.

Source:MSNBC

Photo of the Day

for Thursday, May 15
theme:patterns

I love the floral pattern of this Basic Grey paper. It reminds me of a grandmother's wall paper.
for Friday, May 16

Our "groovy" picnic blanket. It has such a bold pattern that I love!

Last chance,last dance!

Yay! I want to give everyone one last chance to enter in case someone happens upon my blog today.I am going to use random number generator today at 5pm central time to choose the blog giveaway winner! See my May 12 post for info on the giveaway! I keep adding more goodies to the giveaway box! :)

Bloggers Unite!

http://unite.blogcatalog.com/
Time for me to put my serious hat on. Today is Blog Catalog's day for Bloggers to unite over an important issue. This year the topic is human rights. I have chosen to highlight two issues:
1. illegal detentions at Guantanamo Bay (torture, illegal detainment and having no rights)
and
2. and the fact that some illegal immigrants are being drugged for deportation. You can find out about both these issues by clicking my links:
Issue #1

Issue #2

:)

Almost Friday...

I see Friday on the horizon. Right now I am watching Jon and Kate plus 8. I have not watched the show in a year or so. The first season it just seemed like they were so unhappily married that it was painful to watch. But I think now that their kiddos are older they seem like the have more time for each other and joke more.

So this is my new mouse. I got it for Mother's Day and I lurve it! It lights up and changes to a new color every second. :) Little things make me happy...
like this~

Coke in a glass bottle. The best.
And here's an update on Angry and her baby kitten~

They are doing fine. In about 4 days the baby should open its eyes. Harrison calls the baby "Glitz-n-glisten". I have no idea where he got the name but three year olds have the best names. Angry's new home is under my scrapbook desk and she keeps the baby cuddled close to her at all times. :) Such a momma.
One more day until random number generator picks my blog winner! See my May 12 post for info if you would like to enter a scrappy/crafty giveaway! :)

Photo of the Day

May 14~Wednesday
theme~patterns

I love the striped patterns on Harrison's "Bill Cosby" sweater.

I need a vacation...from my family!!!

Only kidding!
So how was your Mother's Day weekend?!?
I was over the moon over the fact that I got a nap on Sunday!
I got some awesome gifts for MD~3 pairs of Nick and Nora pjs, a new mouse (it lights up/changes color!!), PedEgg (which I really,really wanted), $20 (cash is always good), some pj bottoms, panties that look like underwear (not so sure about that?!?), and a tiara to wear for the day (and yes, I did!).
My goal was to pamper myself, but every time I sat down to do something--even something simple like shave my legs or paint my nails--Ben and Harrison called for me. I really think if I ever disappeared, they would just sit in the living room and call my name all day. So the pampering was limited.
We did have a late breakfast date at Krispy Kreme! My eyes were bigger than my stomach because I chose 3 donuts with strawberry milk and could only eat 1 1/2.
Here are some pics of our adventure!

The hot donuts are the best.

I love the paper hats!

Krispy Kreme gave moms carnations. :) What a nice surprise!

I picked this one just for the color!

Photo(s) of the Day

The theme this week is patterns!
Monday, May 12

I love the daisy tires I found on this junebug. I love the patterns of the petals.

Tuesday, May 13
My mom's living room rug.

Life and Death

Yesterday was one of those days that made me wish I had stayed under the covers! I could not get "good" sleep. I was up at 4 am again. I was working on some photographs when I heard weird little mewing sounds. It sounded like someone imitating birds. It was coming from under the recliner.
So I gingerly lift it up and discover newborn kittens!!! What?!?
We had taken in a rescue cat and only had her for a week. Her name is Angry, btw, 3 year olds come up with the best names! We had no idea she was pregnant!?!
Angry had two kittens, one white and one orange. The orange one died a few hours later, and I took it so hard. I was sobbing on/off throughout the day. I think it really affected me because a) I'm a mom, and b) I witnessed it pass. At first I was in denial that it happened and I just left the room.
Then I returned an hour later and it really hit me. I called Ben at work. I could hear rowdy kids in the background (he teaches). He said, "Let me call you back in 10 minutes!" So he called me on his break and we talked for the whole hour. I just don't handle stuff like this well.
When Ben came home we dug a hole, buried little orange in a Thomas the train box (smallest one we had), and I put the antique cross my Mother-in-law had given me on the top of the box. We explained the situation to Harrison. We said a prayer and said goodbye.
What a Monday.

P.S. about the giveaway

I am also adding chipboard, flowers and letter stickers to it! :)

Giveaway!!!!--Giveaway is closed. But keep checking in as there will be a new giveaway every month!!!

I am so proud to be participating in MommyFest 2008!!!
So here is my giveaway~

3 acrylic stamp sets (vacation, girl,boy), a package filled with buttons, ribbon and doo-dads, and a package of 6 ribbon spools. Plus, whatever else little crafty goodies I can fit in the envelope!
Even if you are not into scrapbooking or crafts, you could have fun making something with your children.
So to enter my giveaway tell me (in the comments section) 4 reasons why you love being a mom (or if you are not a mom...why you love being a woman)!! I will use random number generator to pick a winner. Winner will be posted sometime this Friday!!
Good luck and God Bless! :)
You can find more info and giveaways at www.mommyfest.com!