Happy New Year's Eve!

Hello, lovely people! I hope you all have some fun plans for ringing in 2011. I have to admit, I really don't have anything particular planned. Generally, if I'm going to do something, I go out with friends. Well, for the last couple of years, I've had a compelling reason to stay home. :P And while there was some talk about getting together tonight with Jo and James, I'm not sure we'll be able to do it because Daniel has to work tomorrow at an ungodly early hour. So, we might be homebound. But that's ok... we'll have fun no matter what.

I have another layout that I finished a couple days ago.



Joe is rarely sick, so having a sick day layout is a different thing. Sure, he had lots of bumps and bruises from learning to walk, but fever and stuff? Not so much. (Thank goodness!) So I had to take the opportunity and run with it.

Ok, no other big news to report... other than that I am *so* excited to start the Journey for Weight Loss tomorrow! I can't wait to see who are our fellow journeymen and women are. It's going to get exciting! :D

Have a safe New Year celebration, everyone!

Accomplishment

I don't know if I had mentioned this before, but I was lucky enough to lay my greedy little mitts on a copy of CS5 this holiday season, and I'm loving it! I finally feel like I'm starting to get the basics firmly under my belt, so here shortly, I'm going to have to start learning to get past the basics. The fun thing about this, is the basics I am learning are really the nadir of what I had learned to accomplish already in GIMP, so that means I'll be able to take my scrapping to a whole new level... in less than a month's time! Since I spent an entire *year* initially learning all this, I find this incredibly exciting. I know that it's because of the similarities between the programs, but that doesn't make me any less happy about it.

So, this is my latest creation du jour:



I am almost halfway through catching up with myself in Joe's 2nd year album, so I'm feeling good about that. I know I didn't finish it for the holidays, but at least I'll have it ready for the family reunion. :)

I am taking part in a great program this year, and I am really excited about it. Linda and Carolyn have done it again and come up with another cool idea. This time, it's an art journaling program called "A Journey in Weight Loss."

I have seen some of the material, and I think everyone is going to be really impressed with how well this is made. If you want a few more details, be sure to check out the store! If you want some awesome support on your weight loss journey, I think you'll be glad you did.

Ok, I've gotta hop back into things. I've accomplished so many things today, I'm pretty impressed with myself, but that's no reason to rest on my laurels! Until next time, my dears.

Happy Holidays!

I hope this post finds you all well and happy. I've been lazing around today after going out to get Daddy (my husband Daniel) his big Christmas present; a new netbook. We really lucked out... the only one left of the one he wanted was a floor model, so we got a great discount on it. We didn't think that we would be able to afford to do that; he had already gotten some really nice work boots and a couple other little things, so he wasn't neglected. But that was partly because we had really thought there was no way to get him this. He's really sick, so he's been having a hard time getting all excited. But I can tell that he's really thrilled. So add him to the list of happy campers! Joe has been having so much fun. He was exhausted after that long day yesterday; he went from about 8 am to about 10 pm with only a 30 minute nap in the car between houses. Even so, he's still really excited and happy, which is a miracle when he's that tired. I'm proud of my munchkin; he was such a good boy all day yesterday and today. And I'm soooo glad he had so much fun for Christmas. Score!

In celebration, I decided to finally finish *last* Christmas' layout. So, here it is!



I hope everyone is still having a fantastic holiday season! Much love to you all. :)

Crossing the T's

I did an edit of all the names of the pages I had done for Joe's 2nd year album yesterday, and while I was doing so, I noticed something odd. Sure enough, a double check through the files confirmed it; I didn't scrap any holidays other than Easter! (hangs head in shame) So, I had to go back and fill in the spaces. No holiday should go unscrapped-ded!



Poor thing, he had such a bad booboo on his nose. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I'm pretty sure it involved a faceplant into a table. (We got rid of that table, btw.) Nevertheless, he had a blast. I mean, what toddler wouldn't love a dog that is almost exactly his size and likes to play chase? Oh, and he thinks dressing is Thanksgiving's gift to him. Take my word for it; that plate may look huge in front of him, but it was ALL GONE by the time he got done with it.

Moving on to Christmas... Can't believe I did that!

Thirty Days Hath September...

... but I took way more pictures than 30, and I'm having trouble catching up!



When we are home, Joe often plays with the little girls from next door, but I often don't have the camera on hand to catch it. So I was glad I caught a couple for this layout. Too bad I only caught Andy's back in one blurry picture (that didn't make it into the layout, sadly). They really have a lot of fun together, even though both Hannah and Joe have trouble sharing. They're trying to learn, but it's so hard! :D I've got deets on my Flickr page for the kit.



This one was a different story. I had too many pics to choose from, and I was afraid I was going to overload this layout, even if it did have so many slots! Still, I wish I'd had a better one of Jo Ann and Joe together, although those two are sweet. I think Joe was a little young to really get the whole feeling for it, but we all had a good time. It was hard to leave New Orleans after that!



And this layout. Oh, I was so mad at myself when I saw how few pictures I had taken while we were hanging out in New Orleans. I didn't even have one picture of Jo Ann or me! Go figure. Cuteness abounded with Joe, though, so I was happy to make him a nice page. Don't you love how he and Grammy bonded? Just wish I had gotten a picture of the goodbyes between Joe, Grammy, and Gramps! Ah, the pictures not taken. ;)

I am belatedly attempting to finish all the pages for Joe's Second Year book so that I can give out dvd's of it to family. Shucks, I don't think I'm going to make it. I am, however, much further along this year than I was last year, so there's a possibility that I might, someday, catch up. Of course, I only started scrapping last week of November last year, so that could be why the first year scrapbook took further into the next year to make. ;) And some day, I may even finish my wedding album. But I'm not holding my breath on that one... each page seems to take longer than the last, but oh! it's worth the wait! :D

I don't know if I will be blogging again before Christmas. I rather doubt it, actually; I've been rather congested and running behind on, well, everything. My family is coming down from Pennsylvania this week, and I may not even get to see them. That is, I can't visit with certain family members if I have a virus or bacterial infection because their immune systems can't cope with the stress. I am going to be so disappointed if I can't see them, but I'm going to be especially disappointed if Joe doesn't get to see them; he still has trouble remembering them between visits because he's so young, and I want him to know them all. I hope we'll be able to work it out.

In any case, since this is the last time before then, I hope all my Christian friends have a wonderful Christmas, and to those who celebrate other holidays, I hope they are holy indeed. Take care, and blessings for all of you and your families.

After a Bit

I know, I let things drop off right after I had been posting almost every day. I'm sorry about that. I've had a lot of drama going on, but I can't really talk about most of it. lol So, chalk it up to too much to blog about.

On a positive note, my husband went back to work full-time. Yay! So now we have health insurance again. This is a definite bright spot in a time when we have had a good bit to worry about. In light of this, I've been more relaxed and able to do some more creative things. I've even scrapped a few pages. I'm feeling good about it. This is good; I have so many Christmas things left to do, and the two year old is not helping. lol (He just made a sound like a wounded moose, according to the movie he's watching. Just had to share.) But he thinks that's a reason to start trying for a little girl. He must have missed out on the jealous fit Joe had when I picked up the 5 month old girl at daycare.

So, I'll be back again soon with some actual layouts and stuff, as soon as I get them uploaded. Until then, holiday love & joy to you all.

A Christmas Tree (and a confession)

We put up our Christmas tree last night! Yaya! We got a short-needled tree for a change (DH normally prefers pines and such). We haven't gotten any "real" ornaments on it yet, just some (break-resistant) silver and gold balls. We wanted Joe to get used to those before we put on anything fancy. Oh, and tinsel and lights. Joe keeps saying "Pretty tree" every time he's in the living room. Now, if we could only convince him that he doesn't have to rehang a ball every few seconds, we'd be a little safer. lol I got some pictures of him admiring the tree and "helping," so I'll have to post them later after I get them out of the camera. :)

Sadly, it is the last day of the meme. Bummer!

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.

Ok, I've wrangled this through my head for days now. What should I confess? I mean, I don't wanna go to jail over this one. I also don't wanna say something that will hurt someone's feelings too much... So what do I confess? Something unexpected? It's not like anything I confess will be earth-shattering. So, I decided to go for something bizarre that I don't think anyone knows about me (except for me, of course). So... ahem. I have to confess that I am... terrified of astronomy. Yes, absolutely terrified of it. When I was a little kid, I loved astronomy. I would look for the star formations, even had a telescope for a while. And I always loved looking at stars. But when I got a little older and started trying to wrap my brain around the reality of infinity... of what space is, and how it's formed, and what its properties are... Ok, I'm gonna leave it there. Yes. I am a (fairly) rational adult, I (mostly) function typically in daily life, and I am horrified about thinking too hard about astronomy. So there. Now you know.

This was so much fun! I'll have to see if I can find another meme. I have loved getting your responses. Makes the cyber world feel that much more friendly. :D So thank you so much. And I promise, as soon as I get my new Bamboo, I'll post some goodies for everyone! (((hugs)))

One year of scrapping!

Omg! Omg! Omg! Omg! I've been scrapping for one whole year. I know, strange thought. Sometimes it feels like I've been scrapping my entire adult life. And sometimes, I'm such a noob! Anyway, I've been thinking of how I wanted to celebrate it, but my husband took it out of my hands. So, here it is.... he's been saving pennies, and today, we ordered a Bamboo Craft for Christmas! OMG! (Yes, I know I sound like a squealing teen girl. Get over it. :P) I'll be able to take my scrapping to a whole new level. It'll be awesome. :D

So, yeah. My husband wins Christmas for Mommy.

However, he kinda nixed what I was planning on getting for him. :( So I'm still working on him. We're going to get our tree tonight, so maybe I can feel him out. I know a couple of "extra" things I'm getting to go with it that he'll like, but they're not enough. And I need to get some yarn to make some things for our clients at work for Christmas. We can do it. :)

Alright, on to day 9. Almost done with the meme! Sadness. :(

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.

Oh boy, this one is a bit tough. I don't do much variety in smilies! I have favs that I use over and over and that's pretty much it.

1. :P (my personal fav, always in season)
2. >:D (because I love to be naughty... lol)

Day 8 of More About Me

So, did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? We had a good time. Joe was out overnight with his Aunt Becca Wednesday night, which was good for Mommy (lol), but we were so glad to see one another when we got to his Papaw's house. He just laid on my shoulder for a couple minutes. You know, when your 2 year old does that, that you truly are loved. Definitely worth being thankful for. :)

Ok, so I took the day off yesterday from blogging, but in my defense, I did have said 2 year old sitting on my arm. I challenge you to write a coherent blog post with a 2 year old on your arm screaming for kitty kitty videos. lol

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.

Wait, didn't I cover this when I did eight ways to win my heart? Well, maybe not. :P

1. Let me play with your hair, please? I mean, I love hugs and touching, but let me play with your hair. Mmmm.

2. I love to give massages almost as much as I love getting massages. Either one will do. Or both. ;)

3. Look me in the eye and tell me how much you love me. Or say something suggestive. Or both. I'm an equal opportunity listener. lol

Day 7 of More About Me

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

Ok, four things that make me go ick.
1. Being a braggart is one of those things that just make my skin crawl, and I don't mean just the obvious braggarts. I also mean those people who always have just a little bit more, get it just a little bit worse, have done just a little bit better than everyone. Please, don't try to compete with me. That's no way to enjoy our time together.

2. Snobbishness is a HUGE turnoff. Honey, I've worked in fundraising for the opera world. I have met and talked to real millionaires on a regular basis, and guess what? They're no more impressive than anyone else is, unless there's something INSIDE that counts. The money just greases the wheels. I don't like the millionaire snobs, either.

3. Physical things? Well, um, if I have to dig through your hair to find you, it kinda scares me. Sorry guys.

4. Rudeness and plain old meanness just make me hurt (and everyone around you). I don't want it near me. You may leave.

(((hugs))) and *kisses*

Day 6 of More About Me

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

I'm sorry I missed a day. :( Joe and I had to run all around town yesterday, so we were really tired yesterday evening, and, well, that's the way it goes sometimes. But I'm back! We'll get it squared away.

Gosh, I've gone round and round about this one in my head. I mean, what if someone's feelings gets hurt because I forget them? So I've been trying to figure out how I can make this list without making a bad one. :/ So. I thought I would make it a list of some of my new friends on the Internet. I know, I'm still not going to get everyone I want. I hope you can forgive me. (((hugs)))

1. Linda, I miss you! I hope that you find the house you're looking for soon! I want you to be able to hike that trail. Purple nail polish would be a must. :) Besides that, I'll be Carolyn would be by your side the whole time, and me too in spirit.

2. Sila, we have a lot of fun together! Besides that, it's so nice to talk to someone who relates. I don't get to spend as much time as I like, but I enjoy when we are able to get together. You make me smile, you make me laugh, and you give the best snuggles. I highly approve. :D

3. Dan, you are such an inspiration to me! I tend to get caught up in my own "stuff" and forget to think outside, except for one person at a time. I'm a little hesitant to be out there for so many to see. Thank you for helping me see out that window. :)

4. Jacquie, I've been worried about you. I've hardly seen you online at all. But I'm still thinking about you and Yvano and your family. I hope that things are going to get better for you soon. (((hugs)))

5. Penny, I'm so enjoying watching you learn new things while you design. Your enthusiasm makes me smile and reminds me of why I started digiscrapping in the first place. I hope we see one another more often!

5.5. Because I couldn't resist, frazzledmommy... :) I am so happy to see into your busy world. Between you, Bubbe, and your husband, it's so fun (and moving) to see your family go about their lives. All I can really say, is Thank you. You're wonderful.

Day 5 of More About Me

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

This one is particularly difficult for me, because I generally adhere to the philosophy that I would never have gotten where I am today if I hadn't taken all these little steps, so I really can't waste time on regret. However, if I'm to do this list (lol), I guess I'll have to rewire this into my brain into "Six things I wouldn't have done if it wouldn't have changed my life's current splendoriferousness." Yeah, that's a word. Look it up. :P

1. I wouldn't have gotten a degree in music. Yeah, it was an amazing time of growth for me. But that medical technician degree would have been *much* more useful for making a living. Just sayin'.

2. I would have finished that library science degree. Because it really feels like a library is where I belong. Although I would prefer a medical library. But a public one would be fine, too.

3. I would have never given up playing the piano. It's one of those things missing in my life that feels like I lost an arm.

4. I would have never lived in a trailer. Sorry, this is my inner snob coming out. I like where we live ok. The last trailer (the one that we lost in the tornado) was a great place. But the whole tornado thing has really made me question my sanity in living in a place that can blow away. Just sayin'.

5. I wouldn't have taken the blame for others for lots of things. Yeah, I'm probably talking about that. I don't like being used. I like even worse being in the center of an argument that no one is willing to talk about but me.

6. I would probably have skipped the whole med tech thing and gone into psychology. Wait, I didn't go into med tech. Does this count?

6.5. Since the last one didn't count, I wish I could have been kinder to myself. My whole life. Including right now. Maybe that should be a goal instead of a regret. What do you think?

Day 4 of More About Me :D

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

1. Where's my water cup? (Daniel "borrows" it a lot when he can't find his.)

2. Where are the diapers? (Joe likes to drag them around the house for fun.)

3. Is it time yet?

4. Goodness, he's so beautiful. (To my son. :)

5. Good grief, that makes my head hurt. :/

6. Wait, what did you say?

7. Ooooooooh.... that's so beautiful! (awe)

(It's kind of boring in my head. lol)

Day 3 of More About Me

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

Gosh, this one is kind of hard for me.

1. Let me know that you find me attractive. I have yet to find something more attractive than someone who is actually into me.

2. Listen. I'm pretty good about giving you time to tell me about yourself. Why don't you extend me the same courtesy?

3. Be real. I have too many important things going on to play guessing games like "Who are you, really?"

4. Make me laugh. I love to laugh. Lots. :P

5. Share my reading interests with me. I'd love to read what you like, and I'd be shocked and pleased if you read some of what I read. Especially the fantasy and sci-fi.

6. Be gentle. They call me sensitive for a reason.

7. Challenge my mind. I love to learn about new things and think about deep things.

8. Let me win your heart. Sometimes, surrender is the only way to win the war of the sexes. And sometimes, a good hug is. :P

Day 2 of More about Me

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

So, nine things about myself. Let me see...

1. I am far more passionate than most people know, mostly because I am so driven to understand the point of view of others. So while I may disagree with you, I am always very interested to hear what you have to say, as long as you are not derogatory to what I think.

2. If you are derogatory to what I think, I'm more than likely to just drift away. I don't have the energy to spare to come to terms with more negativity in my life. And if I have to put up with you, look for the blank stare. That's me politely ignoring your bad attitude.

3. I love the wisdom writing of most religions and philosophies. Even if I don't agree with the gist of it, it makes me think, and I like that. Also, fascination and awe about humanity, life, and the way it works just plain does it for me.

4. I know that my baby is the most adorable thing he can possibly be, but it never hurts to remind me or him or to smile and let him know about it. And if I reciprocate, I hope you don't get mad. Your baby is sweet, too. Don't worry, I'm not the boogy man, and this is not a challenge to your au-thor-i-tay.

5. I miss making music every day, but I don't miss the time in my life when I did that. I can listen to my recordings now without flinching, and I couldn't say that when I was in school, or even a couple years after that.

6. Now that I know that I really *do* have physical coordination issues, I'm learning to be easier on myself. Besides that, I'm really grateful for my years of piano, gymnastics, and tai kwon do. Had I not had that, I think I'd be much worse off now.

7. I really wish I were better as a designer, or as a writer, or as a musician, or something. But since I'm just kinda good at a lot of different things, it's hard to choose one and stick with it. So sometimes, I have to step back and say that I'm doing it because I enjoy it, not because I want to impress someone.

8. I don't understand why I'm not led to write poetry now like I used to be led. I have lots of things in my head, but they don't necessarily come out poetically. Then again, maybe that's a good thing; poetry can be hard to read. lol

9. I always think about the Beatles when I see the number 9. Kind of like I think about the Answer when I see the number 42. I can't decide if that's a gift or a curse. But it's true.

Thanks for stopping by!

More about... me? Day 1. :)

You know, I've spent more time on this blog showing pictures of my family and friends than talking about myself. That was somewhat intentional; I often feel a little out of step with the rest of the world, and while I might get along well with people one on one, a crowd makes me... nervous. Which is why it's so ironic that I was in performance, oh, a lifetime ago. lol

So, I decided to borrow a meme from my new friend Sila so that I might start being a little more personal on my personal blog. Hope you all enjoy. Feel free to laugh with me at my idiosyncrasies. And for you people who are looking for scrapping, never fear; I'm not giving it up. I just wanted to inject more of my personality on the blog. :P

Ok, so the meme goes like this:
Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day Two: Nine things about yourself.
Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

So, as it is day 1 of this meme, here are ten things I'd like to say to ten different people right now.

1. Sila, I love this meme! You have set off my creativity just by sharing how wonderful you are as an individual. I hope you never lose your sense of joy and playful spirit. It's far more important than any of those silly things people have tried to make you do to "fit in" with the "normal" crowd.

2. Joe, I am almost envious of the joy and vivacity you show every day. Your intensity, your purity, I know they all most grow away eventually, but I am treasuring this brief time with you, whether you are laughing in complete abandon or screaming and crying as though your heart will break. I love you, my angel.

3. Daniel, I don't always remember how much I appreciate you in those moments where things seem to go "wrong." It isn't because I don't love you; it's because I feel safe enough with you that I don't have to hold back anything. Unfortunately, that means I don't even hold back my annoyance. Just remember, you are my one.

4. Linda, you have been such an inspiration and boost for me lately. Even without ever having met, you have gotten into my heart and made a special home for yourself. I know it's not much, but what little time I spend with you, I treasure it and your support. It means so much more to me than I can say.

5. Jo Ann, it breaks my heart to see you so sad and alienated. I wish there was a way I could show you that it doesn't have to be that way, but that would be assuming that I know the right things to do, and I'm not so sure I do. You are my heart sister, and I want you to be happy and fulfilled. If I can help you do that or give you some small encouragement toward it, I will.

6. Wayne, you are loud, talkative, and incredibly annoying when you get bored. But you know that already. But if you start sneaking up on me again, you might have a surprise. Pretend to hit me again just to jerk back just in time, and the surprise won't be pretty. I may care for you immensely, but pushing my buttons on purpose is so not cool. Oh, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Love working with you, boss!

7. Diana, you've broken my heart a million times. And yet, I know that you didn't do it on purpose. Unfortunately, that doesn't erase what did happen. You've been a huge influence on my life, and the more I tease things out, the more I realize that to simply characterize you as a monster is unfair and untrue. But that doesn't make the hurt go away. I owe you debts I can never repay. Hopefully, we'll eventually be even.

8. Daddy & Nita, I miss you so much. I know you had to go away, but it left a huge hole in my heart and my life. And now that I'm finally beginning to heal from that, I realize that I was never really fully an adult until I didn't have you there for me in that way any longer. You've given me a gift I cannot repay, and even through the struggles, it's been worth it. But I still miss you.

9. Jesse, I'm sorry. I'm a fool and a selfish idiot. But then again, I always was towards you. Somehow, I got on a little high horse and never learned that you had a perspective of your own when we were kids, and as an adult, I'm learning more and more that you are the better man (or person, in this case). Doesn't mean we'll always see eye to eye, but as the years go by, I respect you more and more. Shalom, little bro.

10. Sarah, you're a pretty neat gal. I don't tell you this nearly often enough, but you are so interesting to watch and to work things out with. You are smart and come to some amazing conclusions that I never saw coming. Don't bash yourself or give yourself a hard time; it'll come together when it's time. Oh, and Sarah? A little less computer time wouldn't hurt. Get outside and pet the kitty kitty. :P

Change of Pace

I recently had a request from someone at a board that I frequent on Sensory Processing Disorder to write a guest blog about being an SPD parent of an average-senses child (the board is called SPD International, check it out!). I haven't really talked about having SPD on this blog, primarily because I haven't exactly known about it for very long, and I suppose you could say I haven't "come out" about it to many people. Well, it's not really something that makes a huge difference to most of the people I know, you know? But the more people there are that have children who live in various parts of the autism spectrum, I think there is more of a dialogue about people who deal with sensory issues like mine, more or less. So, I was honored to be a guest at Living with Logan, a really lovely blog about a mother dealing with different issues her two year old twin son Logan has. I'm not the only guest there; she has had several guest blogs that are really moving and interesting, so, in addition to her own humorous, informative blogging, she also has all these other voices adding to the dialogue. Seriously, if you are interested in children with special needs, are a parent, or just want a laugh at the way life is, I think you'd enjoy visiting.

In addition to having featured a post that I wrote, she sent an award to me and some other contributors. So, I have an award! (blush)



This is definitely something I'll be proud to share.

In other news, I'm currently busy trying to figure out Christmas for the various people in my life, while frantically trying to finish up last minute stuff for Joe's birthday party. Yes, my little munchkin is going to be two next week. Eek! We're having his birthday at the park again, only this time, we're cooking burgers and hot dogs for the various folks in addition to the cake. Oh, and Aunt Jo is making a "surprise" birthday cake. She hasn't gotten to make a kid cake in years, so she's really excited to get a chance to do something cool. I don't even know what it's going to be, so I can't wait! We're getting Joe a big plastic digital camera so he can stop trying to steal Mommy's (shh, it's a surprise! lol).

I haven't felt so well lately, so I haven't done a lot of scrapping. What I have done, though, is all in the gallery over at The Digi Scrappers. I have a few cute things in there right now. ☺ Of course, they're all under mawkinberd's gallery. And if you haven't visited the forum yet, you're missing out. We have some fantastic information, including lists of places to get freebies and a list of current digiscrapping stores. Besides that, the people are nice. ☺

Alright, I'll stop bending your ear. Stay warm in this cool weather, mes cheris!

The Big Cheese Contest

I may have mentioned it before, but I am taking part in a contest currently over at Scraps with a Mouse called the Big Cheese! This is actually only the second contest I've ever entered, so that is exciting in itself. Another reason I'm excited is because the participants are all so fun! Everyone is incognito (sh! Don't tell anyone!), so we all have our own little mouse personas. And... best part of all, the grand prize winner gets a Wacom Bamboo tablet! And that's a great reason to cheer! :D

Now, part of being a part of this contest is that I should tell people about the Bamboo tablet. Before I had entered my first contest, I had never heard of a Bamboo tablet before, so I was very confused about why everyone would be so excited about winning one. Well, let me tell you, if you haven't looked at one before, you are missing out. Computers have come a long way in the last few years, and a Bamboo tablet is one of those fantastic gadgets that a digiscrapper will find to be utterly AWESOME to use. You draw on it with the special pen, and presto! It draws on your screen. Maybe it's because I'm old school and am old enough to remember using a rotary dial telephone all the way through elementary school and programming on an Apple IIc, but this is incredible to me. You can use it like a mouse, moving around the screen and clicking, or you can use it like a paint brush, varying how hard you press to make thicker or thinner strokes. And you can even journal in your blocks with your own handwriting! I mean, I'm having a hard time trying not to sound like an informercial. lol

Perhaps, if you're like me, you would find all this versatility a little overwhelming. Well, fear not! Wacom also has a great site call the Penscrappers, where they can fill you in on ways to make your tablet work for you. They have wonderful contests, wonderful prizes, wonderful people to answer your questions, and so much more. It really is a beautifully done site, and the variety of information there to make your Bamboo work even better is really impressive. If you want to get a feel for just how versatile the Bamboo tablet is, this is a great place to visit and revisit!

Most importantly to me, though, is that the more I have been around the digiscrapping community, the more I have been impressed with Wacom and what they do. There are a lot of different companies that are trying to cash in on the digiscrapping craze. Many of them are just blips on the radar, really; they have this or that to sell. Wacom is really the only company I have noticed reaching out and making good to the community and the world at large. The prizes they have offered have gone to all kinds of deserving places, and that really impresses me. I like what they have done and what they are doing. Take a look, and I'll bet you'll be impressed, too.

So, cross your fingers. This mousie would love to win one of these, but if not, I'll bet Santa will bring her one (if she's very, very good! lol). In the meantime, check out Scraps with a Mouse and see those Big Cheese contest layouts. Heck, join in a challenge or two! They're nice ladies over there, you'll be glad you did. :)

SWAM Blog Train! Choo Choo!

So, folks, it's the one you've been waiting for....

Doesn't it look lovely? :D I think there's a little something for everyone in this train. All different kind of styles and looks. Very fun!



(click preview to download at 4-shared)

So, ready for some more blog train fun? Give these other talented ladies a visit! I think you'll be glad you did. :)

@jacquies
Circle Of Life Scraps
inabluemoondesigns
Jacqui's Scraps
Mawkinberd's Nest (You are here!)
Happy Scrap Arts
PapillonCrea
Teresa Digi Designs
PJ's Designs
moments along the journey
Starlight Creations
mom2moo designs
Bonnie Blou Designs
Texas Girl Scraps
moments in times scraps
Get 2 Scrappin'

Thanks for visiting, and happy pink scrapping! :D

Pssst.... Hello?

I know, I've been hiding again. But it's been for a good cause; I've spent a lot of time working with Linda of Kelin Designs on changes and improvements to The Digi Scrappers' forum and galleries. Part of that task has been working on layouts for various things, so my gallery is filling up pretty well there. I'll eventually load them to Flickr as well, but for now, I've been concentrating on this place. Also, I've reposted some layouts I've done with Jacquie's beautiful word art in her special gallery, so if you missed 'em the first time around, you'll want to check them out. Her word art is the final word on these layouts! :P

In addition to that, I've also been helping out around Scraps with a Mouse. For instance, did you know that their first blog train will be starting Friday? Yep, we'll be doing a really fun theme, too; Think Pink! If you want to know a bit more about it, there are some previews in the forum, but I will also be posting the slideshow in the next day or so. And yes, I'm participating! I put together a little something pink for everyone to enjoy. And I have to say, there are some really beautiful entries in this one, so I think everyone will enjoy getting a chance to see these beauties! Don't miss this chance to get introduced to some of the Scraps with a Mouse designers and CT's!

Scraps with a Mouse is also hosting The Big Cheese Scrap-off in the next couple of weeks, and I am participating. Only catch is, I can't tell you who I am! We all have to be incognito as "cheesy" little mouse invaders. :P So, once the contest is over, I'll have a few layouts to show you that I'm doing "on the sly" with my little mousie friend. Don't worry, she doesn't bite anything but cheese!

So, lots going on right now. Hope you'll check out the new galleries (and the forum!) at The Digi Scrappers, and don't miss out on the Scraps with a Mouse blogtrain later this week!