saturated canary

Copics. and a...Walker.

2012-03-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Whew, this week flew by!! We've been really busy...and I'm not sure the weekend gets any less crazy!!:)

In order to keep my schedule a little more, hmmm..., shall I say "on track" (cuz my train de-rails quite frequently:), I will be closing my Etsy shop on Saturdays thru March. My blog designer is in the process of starting a new online shop for my digis (wa-hooooOOOO!), so I will be able to *hopefully* have the digis sent automatically on checkout very soon! How exciting is that!?! Anyways, I'm preparing some artwork for him to use...along with creating new digis...and getting ready to go on vacation with the family. So, needless to say, I need that one day a week for a breather this month:).

I did promise to share my favorite Copic technique from my recent class...so here it is! (I am sure most of you probably already know about this blender trick-- but I did not. I was so excited-- seeing how jeans are like my go to outfit! And I love to see the digis I make colored up like they are wearing denim. It's so cute!!)

Okay.
Color your digi's jeans in a blue/combo of blues.
Let it dry completely.
Take a little scrap square of denim.
Wet it with your blender...Really wet it.
Press it into the blue area of your girl's clothing.

And there you go! Your digi is now wearing authentic jeans-- down to the very fabric pattern! I loved this:).(You can also do effects with terri cloth, paper towels, sweater scraps...etc.)

And can I just say. You guys have AWESOME ideas for digital stamps:). I've closed the comments on my recent post, asking for ideas to be turned into digis, just to keep you all in suspense. There were well over 200 comments-- and it took me FOREVER to decide. And I didn't do a fabulous job of narrowing it down to ten:). I'm currently planning on a huge stamp release later this month. Thinking we will see about 14/15 new digis!! You all did too good a job, LOL! I'm drawing like CA_razy!!

Here is a *sneak* peek at quite possibly my favorite idea of all:). How have I not put a zombie in my shop yet?? Now. I just need to decide. Does she need a friend? I think she's looking for a boy with brains;)...so maybe she'll find him in time for the release:)

It's Titanic. Everything.

2012-02-29T16:32:00.001-05:00

This girl is on a Titanic kick.

Like, that is all she is talking about.

She has officially checked out every Titanic related book in her school library.

Has been stressing over the "women and children first" concept for the past two days. "She keeps saying, but then all the men I love are going to die..."

and I keep trying to explain

(while not breaking into a giggle, cuz she is just too cute)

that you are never going to be on the Titanice, babe!

We've been playing "My Heart Will Go On" during the car ride home from school in the afternoons.

And since Phil is working this weekend, the three of us have a date with Kate and Leo and some popcorn. (Phil hates this movie:)...so he might be glad to be at work on Saturday!)

Isn't it so fun to share a good movie you loved as a kid/teen with your own kiddos!? I love to relive the whole thing through their own excitement. They are just giddy for Saturday.

And yes. I loved that movie. How could you not as a teen girl?

I could just envision myself sailing away with my true love, standing on the front of a big ship. Curls blowing in the wind. Celine singing in the sky...

It's kinda funny-- because if I did that now with Phil....we would both be laughing so hard, we'd probably fall right into the ocean.

Oh...

Lots of you who have not Smashed before have asked exactly what this whole thing is all about. Well, I'll point you here (or, if you have a Michael's or craft store by you...chances are, it will carry Smash books).

It is basically a fun, easy, no stress way to journal...there are really no rules. You don't even need to write. You can just smash all the things inspiring you onto a page and then be done:). It's a super good time, especially if you love to save little things like ticket stubs or vacation brochures-- anything! Give it a try! They are relatively inexpensive to buy (without all the goodies) and kind of addicting actually! (I have everyone except the Yellow Book!)...

Okay.

Have a wonderful Wednesday night!

We are off to watch Veggie Tales at church;).

Night!

Smash Hop...get in on the fun...

2012-02-28T18:35:00.001-05:00

Hey Girls that *love* to SMASH! Make a little room in your Monday morning (March 5th), grab a coffee, and get your Smash on:)!We'd like to invite you to join us for a SMASH HOP!

Kellie, Lizzie, Carisa, Kira, Yani, Emma, and I are all getting together to offer some fun prizes and an inspiring string of posts filled with awesome projects/ideas/tips!!

We'd love to see you there;).
And be sure to Link Up your own Smash Post

...cuz we'd like to come over and

visit you as well:)!

Smash entry in my Pink book, inspired by my Mom:).

See you there!

My (Baby) Boy.

2012-02-27T22:56:00.000-05:00

I know. I probably shouldn't let them sleep in my bed as often as I do...but they are just too snuggly to resist. This is how they fell asleep the other night. As close as possible. Just the way I love them to be.

And my little Philly, holding onto maybe five different toys. I'm afraid to blink sometimes, because he is still so much a baby to me.

I know one day he won't snuggle his Cabbage Patch at night. Or his puppy. Or zombie boy. Or monkey. Or Sponge Bob. (Although, I think Sponge Bob will be the last to go...)

I can't tell you how long I've sat on the bed just starring at him. Thinking how sweet and tender his heart is. Thanking God for my Philip-- exactly the way he is.

When he gets in trouble, even if you explain it in the sweetest way, his eyes still fill up. His eyelids start to turn pink...and it just breaks my heart:).

He is all boy. But so gentle and sweet at the same time.

He is easily distracted. I think it is a boy thing...kinda spacey in a cute, unintentional kind of way.

And at the same time, he's very perceptive and emotional. Very kind and thoughtful...Like the time he heard me tell Phil I was having an "ugly day"...and he brought me a plastic "diamond" out of the dog's collar:). A priceless diamond that I have tucked away for safe keeping.

His new thing is the word, "inappropriate." Which he seems to only use when pointing out dresses to Niamh. Like he is somehow giving her the (big) brother "no way" already.

I love his hair. He kinda reminds me of a little hippie guy. It is probably a little too long. And sometimes he goes a full week without anyone ever seeing his eyes:), but the very thought of cutting it makes me want to cry.

He lost his first top tooth this week. And can I just say, I am dying over Mr. Toothless.:). Like, loving that smile to death!

And you want to know what he picked out with his tooth fairy money? (I chipped in. I couldn't resist.) A Little Brother La La Loopsy doll named "Matey 7." (Philly added the '7';)

All the action figures and cars and legos...and he chose something he could snuggle at night, something that would get him some extra play time with his doll-loving sister.

Don't get me wrong. The boy holds onto his football almost 24/7. And knows how to put on ESPN. And is in his glory playing outside with his dad.

But at the end of the day, he is snuggling his toys.

And is still my baby boy.

11 Things

2012-02-26T13:32:00.002-05:00

Danielle invited her blog readers to join in this fun post today. I'm not tagging specific people, but if you do post it on your blog, please leave a link, so I can go read!! (I'm nibby like that;)...And if you just want to leave a comment, pick a couple of my questions to answer! I'd love to read what you have to say!!

There are five rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.

I am NOT driving in this photo:)

11 Randoms

1. I love eating radishes. It's like an apple and an onion had a baby. I have two bunches in the fridge right now:).

2. Niamh was born on 8/8/2003 at 8:08am. Consequently, her favorite number is-- you guessed it. 8.

3. I love that my little brother is all grown up...but still my little brother:).

4. My dog eats socks. No joke. It's been a problem with her from the beginning. Something about worn, stinky socks just appeals to her. So gross. (And yes, she always chucks them back up. Lovely little mess for mama to clean up.)

5. Niamh is dressing up as Charlotte from Charlotte's Web tomorrow for school. She is so excited:).

6. If Philly was a girl, he was going to be named 'Muriel.'

7. I love Phil's back. He has a great, muscle-filled back, ladies:).

8. Niamh and I want a little tea cup pig as a house pet. We have not convinced Phil yet.

9. Phil and the kids are outside playing a game of football right now.

10. Philly is afraid of wind. He doesn't like a windy day at all. He just needs someone to hold onto when it starts to really whip him around...so he found the tallest kid in his class on Friday and hugged him during recess:). (I don't think it went over real well, because the child told on him. LOL.)

11. We are going to Disney World in September with Phil's family!!! I CANNOT wait.

Questions:

1. If you had to wear skirts for the rest of your life, or jeans for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
Jeans. I am obsessed with jeans:).

2. What was your favorite PBS kids show growing up?
I didn't like that channel.

3. Who is cooler? Zack Morris or Cory Matthews?
Matthews.

4. What is your least favorite smell in the world?
skunk road kill.

5. What's the worst injury you have ever had?
broke my nose into a bunch of pieces. yup, pieces.

6. What book have you read more than once?
I never read books twice.

7. What do you take the most photos of?
My babies.

8. What is the first perfume you ever purchased/wore?
Sunflower. LOL.

9. What is your ideal date?
Chick-fil-A and the bookstore.

10. Tell me your favorite thing about the state you live in.
I live relatively close to Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, DC...and I'm really close to the beach!! I love the East Coast:).

11. Most frequented website?
Modcloth.

**My Questions for you:**

1. Favorite nail color?

2. Pink or RED lipstick?...or are you a gloss kinda gal?

3. Favorite craft site?

4. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

5. Are you really chatty or super quiet? Or maybe somewhere in between??

6. What is one thing you want to accomplish this year?

7. What is your best talent/gift?

8. Do you have a tattoo?

9. What is one thing you'd like to learn more about?

10. You're alter ego would be a _______. (think occupation:)

11. What three people (past or present) would you like to meet?

Okay, your turn!!

This and That.

2012-02-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

New

Took out my dreads. I think for a long time. Just feel over them right now:).

Funny

A couple of guys who work in our Target store came over to me today and asked if I had a sister. I said, "Oh. Yeah. I actually have two." (We get this all.the.time.) One guy hits other guy's arm. Says, "See. I told you." Looks at me and says-- "You're sister has the dreads. I knew your face looked familiar."

the Real me.

As much as I love dresses. And live in a good pair of jeans. And am always up for a great pair of boots. As much.

My first, true love?

workout clothing.

like, full-on yoga garb.

(i don't actually do yoga, though. it's a front:)

Learned.

This week's sermon was on faith.

And what I loved was this quote:

Faith is refusing to panic.

Jesus is in the boat.

The storms will come.

But He has the power to deliver me.

March "To See" List.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

21 Jump Street

The Hunger Games

Mirror Mirror

Wrath of the Titans

(note: we hated the first Titans movie...but they made this second trailer so good...

with like awesome music in the background.

how can we not give it one more shot?)

Ridiculous.

I recently ordered two Pooters.

Current Faves.

Smashing.

Cashews.

Really different ideas for stamps.

Red hair.

or. Maybe blonde?

My L.A.M.B. boots.

Snuggled.Sandwiched.Smooshed.

between kids.

Bethenny Frankel

Doll house projects.

cozy. pink. sweatshirt.

Reading

The Five Love Languages

(More on this in the future:)

and

Naturally Thin

Hoping

To de-clutter everything in my life.

All the drawers. The closets. My schedule.

And then organize.

oh. And try more "natural" products. (we've converted to some already).

And try pilates.

(pilates is a random one. but really want to try them!)

Enjoy

each.new.day.

What's going on with you??

What would be something on your list?

Smash. Mailbox. Mermaid. And a Winner. (whew, what a mix!)

2012-02-21T23:38:00.000-05:00

My good friend Kellie introduced me to the Smash Journal through her blog. She posts just the sweetest smash pages. I joined her Facebook Smash*aholic group (yes. it's a smashing good time, my friends!), and I'm totally hooked. Even Niamh has a book. She loves to journal and decorate and write...so it is the perfect thing to get her creativity focused and flowing!

When I was much younger, I use to journal all the time. Everything. Dates. Special moments. Funny things said in conversations. Special thoughts. Dreams. Hopes. Wishes. Everything. I turned to scrapbooking after I had Niamh. And still did a little journaling, mostly the moments I never wanted to forget as a mom. I think the Smash Journals are a great way to combine both those hobbies, scrapbooking and journaling. I have four. (I know. I'm obsessed:)...My first two are just random books...things I want to document or remember...or just feel inspired by. Whatever. I think the second two books might get "themed." I am not sure what the theme of each will be, but I have a list of ideas already. Might just have to pick up a few more books:).

Here is a single page I did tonight. One of the teachers at Niamh and Philly's school gave me the nicest complement about them both today. (insert: beaming mama.) I was so happy and proud. So, I came home and smashed. (hehe...you gotta love the book, if only for the name and how many funny ways to use it.) Anyways, take a look!

I loved how it turned out:). And do you see that super-duper sweet mailbox stamp on there? One of my friends from high school recently got in contact with me...she is an artist herself and has recently opened her own Etsy shop full of sweet stamps! I went over to her house...and it was so lovely to sit and talk...and offer the little bits I've learned over the last year and a half of designing stamps (rubber and digital:). I'm so thrilled she has put out her own artwork, as I always thought she was crazy talented in high school!! Nothings changed! I love her style.

Rebecca's shop can be found here. Be sure to check her out. She's a super sweet mama. And a farm girl;). I went home with a dozen fresh eggs that day. Pretty cool:).

And, while you are here, this is a card I made for my sister's upcoming birthday. She loves mermaids. And I used my blender to give her a bit of a scaly look on the tail. I like this pull and pop-up style card- it is perfect to slip in a (couple) gift cards (Jen, if you are here-- go away;)...a nice little surprise and a fun way to find them:).

And hey-- if you are FaithnMe...you just won the Thermos Giveaway! Congrats, girly!

Please email me to claim your prize!

I have also begun to narrow down my selections for the 10 digi's created by you guys:). Once I have made the final choices, I will begin the artwork. I'm looking so forward to this release...probably the best so far. At least for me...because I love all the ideas! I can't wait for a fun blog hop in March!:)

Okay. I need to get to sleep:).

Night!

Borrowers.

2012-02-20T20:33:00.001-05:00

This past Thursday, we dropped off the kiddies at my sister's and headed 4 1/2 hours south to Virginia. I had my first Copics class, and we figured since it was just after Valentine's Day, we could combine it into a nice little get away. Driving down, I ended up feeling pretty bad...got a terrible head cold. And a nasty case of pink eye in both eyes. (What is it with me and this pink eye thing?...Always been susceptible, even as a kid!) Despite feeling yucky Thursday and Friday, I had a great time in class...And a fab time with the big guy;). We went out to dinner and saw a scary movie. And then he pushed me into a pitch black hotel room when we got back...and scared me half to death:). (I was so scared after that movie, I let him know flat out that I was gonna kick him if he didn't put a light on for me:). It was really a fun little get-away...and I learned so much! I finally learned what that blender Copic does. That one had baffled me for sometime:). I wouldn't say I've mastered the art of Copics just yet, but at least I have some new techniques...and I will no longer try to blend two different colors with the blender:).

I always miss the kids a lot when they stay over night away from us. So, Sunday we treated them to dinner out, the bookstore, and the movie, Arrietty. Ohhhhh....I loved the movie! I like really well done cartoon movies, and it was pretty perfect. My children are now obsessed with the thought of little people living below our floors:). We had to make a second stop (in two days) at the Hobby Lobby store and get some cardboard houses for them. I'm decorating the outsides tonight. Will have to show you our completed little "Borrower's" neighborhood later this week! Gotta say, I'm a little obsessed myself. I've always thought it was my fault I lost so many socks and hairbands and pins and change and....Anyways, now I know. It's just the Borrowers:). Hope they know they are welcomed here!

Have a great week my friends!

Back from Trip.

2012-02-18T15:06:00.000-05:00

You can find me over here today!

Hop on over to see my most favorite dress in the world.

Just got back from my Copics class.

OH.My.

Learned oodles!:)

Gonna share my favorite (newly learned) technique this week!

Happy Saturday! xx

A to Z LOVE.

2012-02-15T01:01:00.002-05:00

kiss tee/Alloy. tank, jeans/Target. boots/?

Airplanes. i love the old, vintage, WWI and II aircraft. and the artwork/pinups on the sides of them. Insert: future tattoo

Buttercream donuts.

Children's prayers. love listening to my kids talk to their Father.

Doodles.

ESPN.

Friday movie theater dates with the family:).

Going to the beach and renting an expensive house (for WAY cheaper) because it is off-season. and no one goes to the Jersey beaches in March. except my family. such a blast! cannot wait!

Happy hour at Sonic. yes. a Rout 44 Diet Cherry Coke for $1.21 can make.my.day.

Inglorious Bastards, possibly my most favoritest movie.ever.

Jesus.

K. it's my letter.

Lattes. particularly the green tea variety.

Monster High dolls.

Niamh. and how she says "already." it always, always comes out "early." "i early did that, mom."

Owning a sandwich maker. how did i ever live without it?
thanks mom and dad;)

Pull and peel Twizzlers. best candy in the world!

Q-tips. sorry. couldn't think of one for this. and I do appreciate a good q-tip.

Running. always feel good afterward.

Seinfeld episodes. love me some 1:00am Seinfeld watching.

Three. O. One. nevermind...THIS is my most favorite movie ever.

Underwear-- The Joke. if my child ever comes up to you and says, "what's under there?"save yourself the hassle, and just answer "underwear?" :)

Vacations. gonna go live it up with the hubs this weekend in Virginia:).

(it's actually just a coloring class. and he's gonna tag along to the hotel. and we'll probably just swim and workout and watch TV. but doesn't that sound so good...)

Walking Dead. i'm on Team Shane. and Daryl. and Rick. mostly Shane, though. (kinda crushing on that guy;)

X.mwah. love these cyber kisses;).

Yellow. but only because it makes me think of my mom. she loves yellow. and tote bags. pretty napkins. elephants. and happy faces--the yellow kind:).

Zippers. who doesn't love a good zipper? yeah...couldn't think of one for Z either.

Hope your (yester)day was filled with LOVE!

this is the Valentine's hug i'm sending each of you.

ps. yes, i'm wearing animal print pants at 32.

pss. and kinda loving them.

xoxo

Instagram.

2012-02-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

My bloggy friend Kellie does an Instagram Monday post each week. I'm linking up to her post today. I'm 12 hours or so behind her...So she is already onto Tuesday:), but I wanted to join in. Click the camera below to hop on over to her blog.

Now onto Valentine's Day! I'll see you all tomorrow.

Got a great big kiss for ya'll:).

10 Stamps-- from YOU!...A Giveaway!!

2012-02-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday lovely readers!:)

I have a fun giveaway for you today...Take a look...and checkout the entery 'rules':).

Isn't this just the prettiest flask ever!?! I think it must make whatever's inside taste doubly as yummy;). It is made by Disaster Designs and holds 0.5 liters of your favorite drink/soup. It made me think of spring...which still seems so far away, even though it is technically just around the corner for us. Maybe winning this pretty gift will bring it a little faster for some lucky girl;).

And that's not all:)

Ten girls will win a *custom made digi*.

Here's how that's gonna work. Leave a comment with your suggestion for a digital stamp. Maybe it is a little wacky;)...maybe something not seen in the digi world before...maybe something pretty typical, but with a twist. This is your chance to get your very own idea turned into a stamp:). Pretty fun, huh?!

I will choose my favorite 10 ideas for a March digital release. Those ten ladies will get their digi-idea-turned-stamp free. Like, before they officially come out! And we'll have a blog hop to go check them out on the release date! Should be a fun event!

Comments will be open for exactly one week (closes next Sunday, 4:00pm EST). After the giveaway closes, one random entry will be drawn to win the flask.

To enter your digi idea and secure a chance to win the flask:

~you must be a*follower* of my blog

~you must leave a comment with a digi idea

.............For extra chances to *win the flask*..............

~follow me on Facebook

~follow me on Bloglovin'

~link back to this post *on your own blog*

........then leave a separate comment for each extra entry!.........

I can't wait to read all your lovely ideas! Oh...

and there will be new stamps in my shop tomorrow morning!
**Search under "NEW" to find them easily;).

hugs and kisses!

Bunny Luv.

2012-02-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

Hello lovely friends! Friday is going by quick round these parts;). Looking forward to the weekend. Philly woke up this morning and made his best argument for why he shouldn't go to school today:). We are planning to take the kids to a movie tonight. So he had to get up and get movin'...cuz no school, no movie:).

This month is super.duper busy for us. Next week I have a Copics Cert class in Virginia. I have an awesome giveaway coming up. And our beach house vaca is just around the corner! Looking so forward to escaping to the deserted, chilly beach for part of March! Oh...and I'm releasing new *spring* digis on Monday! Yup. Bunnies. Chicks. Sweetie pies. A goose. And a couple rats. (Yes-- you read that correctly!)

Don't miss the release this Monday! And here is just a little teaser. She's in the shop for a limited time at a special price.

See you on Monday?

Hope so!

Sponsor.

2012-02-09T23:41:00.000-05:00

Sponsor Saturated Canary

check out rates/options here.

Sometimes...

2012-02-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I really went out of my way to love someone I feel wronged by. Love them. No strings attached. No apology required. No thought to self. Just reach out. Speak a gentle word. Give a warm hug.

~~Sometimes~~ that is a hard thing to do.

Sometimes I wish I could freeze the day or moment. When Philly smiles sideways. And his loose tooth kinda sticks out. And his hair is in his eyes. He is gonna melt a girl's heart. Someday. Today...It is just mama's heart:).

Sometimes I want to sneak off and go hang out at my mom and dad's. Just go by myself. In pajama pants and a sweatshirt. With my hair in a messy pile on top of my head. And just sit there. Feeling like I'm 15 again. It just feels like home.

Sometimes I wish the Giants could win another Superbowl.

Oh wait, never mind;).

Sometimes I take the long way home from running errands, just to drive by Niamh and Philly's school...Make sure everything looks okay. And blow kisses to them.

Sometimes I learn far more from my daughter than she learns from me.

Sometimes it's fun to turn down the TV and just listen to the kids playing,laughing,talking.

Sometimes I stick fake bugs or snakes in Phil's work gear. So when he opens his lunch or his bag that day, he gets a nice little surprise;).
(I know. I am incredibly mature.)

Sometimes we are running late in the morning. And I can't find matching socks for Philly. And one of those un-matching socks just happens to be Niamh's. The one with a pink stripe along the top. And I hope that he never remembers those mornings when I sent him to school in a girl sock.

Sometimes I wish we lived in a warmer climate. Because I am always cold. Already burnt out a heated blanket this winter. From over-using it.

Sometimes the kids ask questions that really make me think. Today Niamh asked, "If God doesn't need us, why did He make us."

Sometimes I have no answer.

Sometimes I'm tempted to not get up on time on a rainy morning.

Sometimes I succumb to that temptation:).

Sometimes I eat a left over slice of cold pizza for breakfast. Favorite breakfast in the world.

Sometimes it's just me awake late at night. And I kiss Phil on the forehead. And my babies on their little hands. And I just listen to them all breathing. Funny, how my life depends so much more on their breathing than my own.

Sunday Night.

2012-02-05T18:21:00.001-05:00

Superbowl.

Family.

Yummy food.

Enjoy the game, folks.

Now...LET'S GO GMEN!!

One Little Word Progress Video

2012-02-03T09:21:00.000-05:00

One Little Word, Ali Edwards

Click *here* for my Peace Flickr Photos...More coming soon:)!

Have a great weekend guys!!

mwah.x

Week.

2012-02-01T06:05:00.000-05:00

shirt/Target. skirt/FreePeople. Boots/?. tee/ Victorias Secret. tights/Target.

This week...

I'm excited for February. Only a month away from our beach vacation!

Super Bowl weekend. Spending it with Phil's family in Pennsylvania. My boys are over the moon.

GO GMEN!

Starting out the month with a nasty case of pink-eye in both eyes. But. On the upside. I could pass as a Cullen.

Philly is reading! Reading:). It is the cutest, slowest paced reading...but he is proud. So is mama.

Finishing (or at least hoping to!) new artwork. Get your colors ready girls:).

Loving long skirts. This is my favorite. It is also my most dangerous skirt. I almost landed face down in Target yesterday. Bit too long:)

New episodes of The Walking Dead are just around the corner. Have I mentioned, it is my most favorite show EVER??

Continuing my One Little Word project...Will have more photos this week!

Thinking about this post and this post to start my month...two of my favorite bloggers right now. Love these girls.

Loving spring weather in February. Today is gonna be over 60 degrees! Crazy!

A fun card swap for the kiddos! Check it out over here.

Oh. And we are already working on Valentines! (Got this for Niamh for Valentine's Day. Shhh!:) She doesn't have a clue! So excited to surprise her!)

What's going on in your week??

Anything exciting?

Pencil Topper Valentine

2012-01-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

headband/Agape Love

I am the mom in charge of the Valentine's party in Niamh's class this month. I've been looking for the perfect craft for kids her age...and stumbled upon this *super easy*, super cute pencil topper craft today. You can find the instructions here. It took all of three minutes to put together! So simple. I think this would be especially cute to take the place of traditional valentines for friends!

~~ Thank you to everyone who commented on my new blog design!! I am kinda loving it!:) My designer is Don Naylor, and he is obviously pretty amazing at what he does! You can find his blog here. He is actually working on a second design for my challenge blog, too:). Can't wait to see it finished! He really brought this place to life! Thanks, Don:)!!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Agape Love.

2012-01-28T07:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday!!

tee and jeans/ Alloy. headband and necklace/ Agape Love.

My beautiful friend Maria sent Niamh and I the sweetest headbands this past week. I've seen her wearing them on her blog and always liked how unique and pretty they looked. (And hey, she is gorgeous. I love the way she wears eye make-up. Just had to say it:)...Anyways, Niamh has been rocking her headbands all week at school...and I've worn mine twice this week. I'm hooked! So comfy and pretty!

Please pop over to Agape Love Designs, Maria's blog and say hello!

She is such a sweetie and I love her heart for the Lord!

And she is hosting a Facebook link-up party...so maybe you can join in the fun!:)

Have a great Saturday lovelies!

Mucho kisses!

Free Digi. Newsletter Woes.

2012-01-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

Hello dear friends!!

I know many of you are still waiting for your February newsletter and free digi. I have run into some issues over the last couple days, and feel it is in my best interest to post the newsletter on my blog as a download. The free digi is posted as well-- download away my friends!! And enjoy coloring her (oh...and be sure to post your creations to our Facebook page!!)...

This week I had to delete the sneak peek page from February's newsletter. And I am concerned that continuing to give my plans out beforehand each month will cause some issues I've encountered to continue/worsen.

There is an artist online who is attempting to copy and tweak many of my digi stamps. I was made aware of the artist and her sites/shops a couple months ago. Anyways, I'm not going to name names. I'm really honestly heartbroken that another artist is putting me in the position to even have to address it. It saddens me when artists don't encourage, promote, and protect one another.

Unfortunately, this artist has tried to profit from my own ideas, style, and (exact) stamp names; then sells them as her own. There is a line between 'being inspired by' and stealing. I've encountered even more issues with her copying this week. I feel unsure that sneak peeks of my upcoming releases in a newsletter won't be copied and put into her store before my actual release date for those digis. I'm choosing to remove the sneak peeks from my February newsletter. I'm going to discontinue the newsletter after the February issue. My newsletter is a way to introduce future ideas and blog events. I don't really feel comfortable releasing a lot of upcoming info right now. I'd rather just post things on my blog as I have them scheduled and avoid as many copy problems as I can.

I apologize for any inconvenience. I emailed out about a third of February's newsletter and then more issues with this artist were brought to my attention...so here we are. I have posted the last newsletter as a download. I just feel better having it dated, and part of a blog post. I have included a link to download the digi as well. It seems easier this way.

I didn't want to devote any part of any blog post to this issue. But I need to address pulling my newsletter so suddenly. I am a very honest person. And I always try to be very supportive of others. I enjoy seeing others succeed. This mess has really upset me, mostly because I didn't think people were actually like this.

I am not naming the company or individual(s) responsible for this because it isn't necessary. I just want to enjoy creating digis and know that my character and heart are in the right place. I hope that you all understand...and don't hate me for asking you to email me for nothing now:). **Find the download links at the end of this post.**

So.

On that note:).

I'm looking forward to creating tons more digis for your guys

...sharing in each other's creativity

...and most of all, finding ways to uplift and love one another.

It is an exciting thought--

the amount of inspiration available to us through building

good-hearted, real friendships in the craft world.

Now, let's get on to my week of Instagrams:). (Yes...this cutie is a new stamp. In shop now!....But wait till tomorrow to get her...I'll tell you why at the bottom of the post!!:)

I know. I have THE cleanest, most organized desk around. ;)

And, do you love my new necklace?? It was a gift from a dear friend. You can get one, too! Over here.

Finally...(you made it!)...I'm having a giveaway tomorrow (Saturday) over here. There will be a coupon code listed for my Etsy shop...A pretty good discount for you!:) Just sayin'...You might want to hold off on any purchases through tonight:).

PS! Don't forget your downloads!! (click the photos)

Love you guys!! mwah!xx

One Little Word. January.

2012-01-25T12:33:00.000-05:00

I just completed my January prompts for Ali Edward's One Little Word project. I admit, when I signed up for this, I wondered if the project would really help me make my chosen word a reality. Would I actually feel like my word [PEACE] was tangible and more a part of my heart and thoughts??...just from a scrapbooking project?? After today, I'm encouraged and thrilled that the answer to that question is YES. Just a couple hours working on the January homework, and I already feel like I've learned a little about who I am. And who I want to be. In relation to the word, peace.

We had to take a self photograph for the first page. (Yes. I have my dreads back. I will give you a heads-up, they are crazy and colorful...it's a shame I'm such a subtle person:). Then, for the second larger page, I filled in the class cards: the definition of PEACE, synonyms, my invitation, because, and a PEACE quote. It all made me reflect on why I chose this word for 2012. And where I hope it takes me.

It is a splendid project that I'm totally enjoying. Can't wait till February! Are any of you doing One Little Word?? Leave me a link to your posts! I'd love to peek at your own progress!!

**If you are looking to sign up for the free Valentine's Saturated Canary digi, click HERE. If you have signed up for the newsletter (and are itching to get your sweet, girly digi:), I will be sending them out tomorrow. Can't wait to see how you all color her...I really tried to give you something special...She is quick becoming one of my favorite characters to date:).

Thanks for stopping by, friends!!

Have a lovely day!

"Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace."

Amelia Earhart

Free Digi!

2012-01-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hello dear friends!

This is my Valentine to you:). A free digi!

In order to receive your new Saturated Canary digi, you

*must be a follower of my blog*

and

*be signed up for my newsletter*.
click here instead

**If you have already signed up and received my first issue, you need not email me again. You're on the list!:)

To be added to the mailing list and receive your free digi later this week, please email me at krista7smith@yahoo.com with the subject line 'NEWSLETTER'. I will be sending out February's letter in a couple days with this cutie attached:)!

Don't miss out!!

my Rock.

2012-01-19T02:28:00.000-05:00

The other morning I called Phil at work. I knew I'd been disconnected this week.

Sitting next to him in the evening, but not listening.
Or even talking.
Just working away.

He'd say something and then I'd catch the end of a question...(I always reply 'yup' in those situations and hope for the best;)...But he knows when my eyes glaze over and I'm just saying yup to give the appearance of a listening ear.

I felt like I hadn't talked-- really talked-- to my best friend all week.
Was he being distant?

Or was it all me??

We chalked this week up to being busy and tired (he works 6 out of 7 days this week, 12-hour shifts...I've been working just about that same amount myself.)

While I knew it was mostly me, those weird marriage weeks always leave me feeling jipped. Like, hellooooooo. Do you see how hard I work? Do you want to say anthinggggg????? (insert: you are the most lovely, hard working, perfectly amazing, ~~organized~~ (okay. went a little far with that one) wife ever. ever. ever.)

But all I got was silence (and the occasional tale-end of a question).
And that's pretty much all that was coming from me, too.

While I was driving the kiddies to school the other morning, we were listing to Tenth Avenue North. Funny how God puts in your ear just exactly what you need to hear sometimes. Yeah-- He definitely finds ways to speak very clearly to us. If we listen. The song I'd heard a hundred times before, but there was my answer to Generic Marriage Week. I hadn't taken very much time to spend with Him. I mean, I pray all the time with the kids...and we talk about the Lord constantly. But my time with Him was unaccounted for. Like. Zero.

How can I expect others who are having a tiring week to fill the voids that God should be filling in my heart? If I take delight in the fact the I'm living my hour.day.week. to His glory and praise, then I shouldn't feel 'jipped' when I don't get noticed by my zonked-out hubs on the couch. Only God can be everything that I need. And when I make time for Him, I can be more of what others need. Like, a listening, loving wife. A patient mama. A peaceful person. Here I am, barely paying attention to my favorite person in the world, wondering why he isn't paying attention to me. Kinda crazy:).

I remember hearing this example one time. Fill a jar half full of sand. Then try to fit a bunch of big rocks inside. Chances are, you won't get it all in. But. If you put the rocks in first, then dump the sand in...let it filter into all the tiny cracks...you won't have an overflow. That's exactly how life is. Put God first, and everything else will fall into place. You'll get it all in. Because your priorities are right. And built on The Rock.

He Made My Night.

2012-01-16T00:37:00.000-05:00

skirt, FreePeople/ thermal, Target/ jewelry, have no idea:)

Thank you, all, for the lovely birthday wishes! I had such a great day!

Phil surprised me with my favorite donuts for breakfast (buttercream...mmmm!! I ate exactly three that day. Which = my total weekly allowance of fat and calories:) and we all just hung out, played games, and had a lazy sort of day. My family threw a little party at my sister's house. We played Pictionary and shook our booties to JustDance3 (not simultaneously...although that could be a pretty awesome twist for the next party:). I am now the proud owner of a totally awesome sandwich maker (it was what I wanted. so bad!), gift cards to the craft store and salon/spa...a new perfume (my favorite as a teenager, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea), and a few other goodies to top it off. Oh. And we had delicious cherry crumb pie.

I have the best family in the whole world. I think my nephew made the night, though. He is six, just like Philly. Took me into his bedroom and told me, " You are not old, Krista. You are still so young!" I had to look away. Just felt my eyes instantly start stinging with tears. He's just the sweetest.

So 32.
You're lookin' not so bad:).
And apparently, you're pretty darn young.

At least that is what the six year olds are telling me!:)
xo

Sneakers and To Do Lists. Happy Girl!

2012-01-13T23:51:00.000-05:00

Well. He almost made it to my birthday:). Phil walked in from work tonight and made a bee-line to the bedroom. Brought me out my pressie:). I like waiting for gifts...it's the anticipation that makes it fun, but I didn't put up a fight. This is a record for him!! He has had it hidden for weeks. I'm actually really proud of the guy!And he knows how to make my day! Let me be honest-- sneakers are like diamonds to me. I LOVE getting a new pair of running shoes. I think Phil has bought me a new pair once a year since we've been married:). I get so excited when I see that shoe-shaped box in wrapping paper! New sneaks just put a spring in my step...get my butt movie' a bit faster on the treadmill! He also bought me my favorite running gear! I practically live half my life in Under Armour. I love it:). I'm one happy girl...and it isn't even my birthday yet!

Earlier in the day, I was running errands and discovered the craft store had put out loads of Valentines-themed embellishments, papers, and goodies. I couldn't stop grabbing things from the shelves. I really love making things for Valentines Day. I feel like every project really is filled with love!! (PS...peek at the new Valentine's stamp coming out tomorrow girlies!!...)

After bringing home all those new embellishments, I just had to play for a while! Sometimes on a super busy week, it is nice to take a crafting break and make something you just can't wait to try! Right? It's kinda refreshing:). Last night I wrote down my "To Do" list at my desk. I realized that I don't think in lists. I think in blocks. Sounds really funny, huh!?! (Phil looked at me cross-eyed when I tried to explain this to him tonight.) I group all my like things together in my mind...my to-do's are very categorized, as opposed to listed. Blocks. Maybe that is the meaning behind the word "blockhead." Yeah. I could definitely qualify as one of those:).

After that Ah-Ha moment;), I decided to try and make a to-do list that fit me better. Helped me visualize everything in my day better than a bunch of lines on a pad of paper stuck to the fridge. Here is what I came up with...And I used my Zutter bind-it machine to keep all my sheets together in a cute, little handmade book. I really like it:)! Here is my list for tomorrow...

I thought maybe there are more girls like me who could make good use of my To-Do Project, so if you want to print out sheets of your own, click here...

Coffee

2012-01-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

if you popped in to visit with us, (and yes, i'd totally love to have each of you over for coffee:)...you might find...

the four of us impressing each other with our ~~lack of~~ dance skillzzzzz, *party rocking* to JustDance3 in the living room

Niamh's pet elephant, 'Peanut', and manatee, 'Boone,' taking up the entire couch in our bedroom (they are real, my friends, and need to be "comfortable." the elephant alone is 5 feet long.:)

Phil and Philly having a catch in the living room

a mess. or two. or 25.

dishes in the sink. you know, i've never EVER owned a dishwasher. not once in my whole life!

bottles of water everywhere. it's like we are stuck in the movie Signs. at least if an alien ever breaks into our house, we will be prepared for him.

Phil would definitely ask if you wanted a cup of tea or coffee from his new coffee-maker. he is in love with this machine.

candles. i love lighting candles. my kids love to blow them out when i walk out of the room:).

i might invite you to a girls movie night over at my sister's house around the corner. during last night's movie I ate two HUGE pieces of carrot cake. kinda wish she wouldn't bake at all when i go over...because i cannot pass up her goodies!! must have gained 7 pounds over night!

i'd tell you that i am trying to feel peaceful. my word for the year. but it is hard for me. i'm glad i have an entire year to work on this.

Niamh would say something funny. because she is just hysterical. intentionally hysterical. i.e., today she told us her new line, "you just scared the hiccups out of me." pretty good, huh?!

Philly would say something funny, too. but he wouldn't mean to:). he is just so by-accident-funny:). i.e., tonight I put him in long-johns for bed. he told me, "i call them 'long' cause they are so long on me. and 'johns'...cuz...they look like johns!!" (what does that even mean?? he is so cute!)

you might find Storage Wars on TV (like. this moment:). or re-runs of Modern Family. or a Knicks game. oh, or Good Luck Charlie. (i admit it. sometimes i put that show on and i'm the only person awake in the house.)

Philly is probably somewhere attached to my body. he is such a snuggler.

Niamh will be with her dad if Philly is with me. she likes to make sure everyone feels loved.

i'd tell you that i turn 32 on Saturday (eep!) and that, for the first time EVER, Phil has NOT given me my present early:). (the guy cannot stand to wait until the special day. but, so far so good.)

i'd tell you that i am a total hypochondriac^2. my doctor just laughed at me today. told me to get out of her office and go enjoy the sunshine:). (i am Elaine in the Seinfeld episode where she is THAT patient!)

my kids would pop out of the bedroom at least once after i put them to bed. either to go potty. get one more drink of water. or one more hug. the last one is my favorite reason:).

i'd tell you that I'm working hard to be better at friendships. i'm really terrible at returning phone calls and making the time to do things with others. but i am working on it. little by little:).

Phil would make you feel at home. he is good at chit chat. i tell him he is charming;). that's why all the ladies love him. specially this one:).

oh. and you'd see how excited i am about going out to lunch with him tomorrow. he's taking me because i reached 1000 followers this week! he's that on top of things, girlfriends!:)

And i hope you'd feel like you had spent time with a true friend. and her family. even if the house is a little messy and the kids a little loud and my hair ~~a little~~ very crazy... we'd still be so glad to just get to know you, too! It really does sound fun!

you'll have to take us up on it sometime:).
Phil really does make a mean cup of Jo:).

****Winner of Casey's Sponsorship Giveaway****

Natasha Hanson

congrats girlie. i will email you shortly.

Week.End.

2012-01-08T14:03:00.000-05:00

I'm hopefully going to have a new look over here soon! I can't wait to give this blog another face lift:). I found a really awesome blog designer and gave a lot of thought about what changes I wanted to make. I'm so excited to see what he comes up with:)! Stay tuned...I'd love to hear your thoughts when it is installed, hopefully later this week:).

dress, Modcloth

jeans (not available now), UO

shoes, Target

turtleneck, Target

Valentine's Paper Box

2012-01-06T10:44:00.002-05:00

Here is a cute Valentine's idea, simple and pretty. I made mine for my tiny niece, Reese. She is almost three and just this little spitfire of personality and attitude. Sweet. Sassy. Gentle. And she even has trademarked her very own stink face:). I used my digi "Thank You" because this is her to a T. Even looks like her!!

I found this simple scrap-paper-box video produced by Etsy on Youtube. It takes no tape, glue-- nothing. Just a piece of paper! So easy. And it is the perfect place to put a few Valentine's goodies! I put just a couple treats in mine (a "key to my heart", stickers, and a kiss)...I'm still going to add a few little things. Like maybe a pair of earrings. But, you get the idea!

Here is the video link! Check it out!!

Scrap Paper Box Tutorial

Giveaway, The Wiegands

2012-01-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for this giveaway today! I first saw Casey's blog probably back in the spring. I saw her popping up all over blogland-- this gorgeous girl and her beautiful family. I fell in love with her blog on the first visit. She writes with such vulnerability, in an honest and loving way. I appreciated more than anything her love for the Lord. And the girl has amazing style to boot:).

Casey is offering a large add space on her blog to one of my blog readers ($100 dollar value!!). I love to sponsor her blog. Not only is it great exposure for my own niche of cyber space, but I love to support blogs that touch my heart. Whether she is writing about family moments (she does this great "if you stopped over for coffee" sort of post that I LOVE), fashion, co-sleeping (which I'm a HUGE advocate of), being a mama, her beliefs, or her art-- whatever the subject-- Casey has something to say worth reading my friends. Please stop over and give her some love. She is truly the sweetest person I've met through blogging.

TO ENTER, YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG.

additional entries (FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN;):

Fan her facebook HERE

Follow her blog HERE

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE

Like me on Facebook HERE

**PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!

Good luck lovelies!

Organizing.

2012-01-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

Each year after Christmas, I love how the stores put out stacks of storage containers. Every January it puts me in the mood to re-organize and de-clutter. I am also a serial furniture/room re-arranger. I even like to completely switch rooms in the house. Last year we moved our bedroom to the front room of our house. (The room that is meant to be more of a porch/sunroom than a bedroom. And has no baseboard heating. No heating, at all actually. And we FROZE our butts off.) This year, I think we will make more thought-out decisions:).

I am trying to get my drawing/craft area totally organized and re-done. Might even move it to another room completely. I have been browsing Pinterest for inspiration. I tend to gravitate to white/beige/cream wall colors. As much as I've tried to be that colorful wall person, at my core I'm pretty boring when it comes to paint. I really like pops of color, though. Pink, red, turquoise are some of my favorites! A couple days ago I purchased a bunch of storage containers for my art/craft supplies...but I'm still trying to think of some fun, unique ways to store my extra supplies.

Oh, and I promised Phil a "Man" area somewhere in the house...so thinking of ideas for there, too:). One of our rooms would be perfect to add a big cushy reading chair in the corner and a nice electric fireplace. (Phil asked for a bunch of bookshelves, too. He is a huge, huge reader.) Here are some of my favorites from Pinterest tonight.

We have a funny house. It is an A-frame. It's basically a triangle with two small additions. In one of our addition rooms, there is a funky space up in the wall being hid by ugly mirror doors. I'm pretty sure we could convert that to a nice little bed...Something to think about:) I love beds in the wall. And because of the weird shape of our home, we have a lot or wasted.weird.funky. spaces. Perfect for a project!

Oh. And those curtains are my favorites ever! From Urban Outftters. Think I might have to work in some good old pink!

Have you got the organizing/rearranging/sorting out bug??

Instagram.

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Via Instagram.

1. Niamh at kitchen sink. Such a random moment. And I love. it.

2. One of Niamhy's favorite Christmas presents this year. White boots from her Aunt Bec. (Mama said no to white boots all winter long. Apparently, my sister and daughter have similar shoe taste:).

3. My Niamh's collection of Monster High dolls. We She is up to 23. ~~I already have my eyes on two new ones.~~

4. New digi (coming soon). I know, I've already got two rainy day digis in my shop. But I just love this theme:).

5. New Year's nails. Kinda awesome for a ~~party~~ running around the house with two kids banging on pots screaming our heads off. (We set a car alarm off down the road. Yeah. Pretty awesome!)

6. A masterpiece.

7. Where we hid presents.

8. Philly sleeping in [TWO] NY Giants jerseys. Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks (aka "team nicks"). I'm so keyed up for these games. Mostly for the sake of this boy.

9. Another digi. First profile one. Profiles are hard for me-- but I really liked how she turned out:).

Peace.

2012-01-01T23:59:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow the kiddies return to school. I always feel sad when they go back. I just love having them home:). But vacation is over...and I told them, everyday you go to school means you're one day closer to summer.

Here is the cover to my One Little Word project. If you remember back in December, I posted about December Daily and my plans to post my DAILY (ha.ha.ha.) scrapbook pages documenting our holidays, 2011. Well. Let me just say. That is *A LOT* harder said then done!:) I think if I had really considered it, I would have known that this particular project was not meant for me:). But I was swept up in the fun of a 25 page count down to Christmas. I think I got to Day 6. Maybe 7.

Okay. So my book is a little skimpy:).

Anyways, just printing out the photos put me behind! I still have ideas for pages...but you know how hard it is to go back to a Christmas project once the holidays are past. So. Pushing forward:). One Little Word is not as intensive a project. And I really believe in the purpose of it. Peace is my chosen word (you can read about why here). I printed out the cover today and placed one of my girls on it, just because she looks so serene. Quiet. Hopeful. Still. I like how it turned out.

What projects are you working on early this year??

Any you decided to scrap? You can tell me:).

It will make me feel better!:)

Goodbye 20.11.

2011-12-31T22:35:00.000-05:00

Right now, I'm less than two hours from 2012. 2012! It's crazy. I remember when 2000 rolled around. My siblings, mom, and I standing in the kitchen-- just waiting for the lights to go out. (Remember all that Y2K hoopla??) Can't believe it's 12 years later!

I'm looking so forward to this coming year. 365 new days. It's such a refreshing thought. But, before I jump into the new year, I thought it would be fun to re-cap my first year of blogging. (I did have a previous blog for a few months-- but I hardly posted.) Anyways, here are some of my blogging highlights.

Trips with the family. Beach Days. Washington DC. And my favorite outing this year, a pre-seaon Giants game.

Celebrating life moments..Philly's first day at school. 10 year Anniversary. A new niece. And Christmas.

Fun crafting. Stamps. And projects.

Fashion posts. The good. The bad. And the "What the heck was I thinking??"

Fun with my babies:). Philly. Niamh. Being a mom is the greatest gift I've been given.

A year's worth of hair. Blue. Pink. And back to normal.

And just a few of my favorite posts. here. here. and here.

It has been an amazing year. One of the best. Full of love and excitement; happiness and tears. I am so thankful to the Lord for my family. For my children. For my best friend. And for a wonderful year full of memories.

Here's to 2012!

May the goodness and blessings continue!

Art.

2011-12-30T14:44:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to be re-opening my Etsy artwork shop very soon! It is one of my early 2012 goals. As much as I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. designing stamps, I also really enjoy making special pieces that are all mine:).

I have a few pieces still in the works, but hope to open in the first week of Jan! I have peeks of new stamps coming soon, too...for those of you who are waiting! I'm adding a couple older girls, so stay tuned! I'll try to have some posted by tomorrow. Just a teaser:).

One thing I struggle with is custom art. It takes an unbelievable amount of time for me to complete. (I still have two pre-Christmas ones I'm finishing sketching.) Between being a wife and mama (which always comes first), running my own business, chores, family nights, etc...it is hard to find the extra time to spend on those pieces. I have thought a lot about how to handle these requests. And hopefully come up with a decent solution. I seriously considered stopping them altogether, but I have a hard time telling people no:). So. I'm going to offer many of my new artwork prints in a variety of colors. Hair, eyes, skin tone. This way, I have a handle on it, but customers can still have a little say in making it their own:).

I'm so excited about the new pieces. I couldn't fall asleep until 5am this morning:). Just so much going on...it's hard for a girl to settle down and get some shut-eye!

wind.

2011-12-28T21:21:00.000-05:00

Almost every photo I took for this post came out with my hair wrapped around my face:). It was so windy today, but one of the only days this entire week I haven't spent the whole day in baggy pj's. Wind and messy hair aside, I love this outfit. I found this skirt on the Urban Outfitters sale rack this month ($10), and I love how versatile and comfy it is! Paired with a thermal, nerd glasses, and combat boots-- it's just me to a tee:).

I did finally just throw a hat on. We had some errands to run, and I was tired of eating my blowing around hair. I stopped for another drawing pad today, too. So ready to get cracking on new artwork for 2012!! Gonna pull a late nighter tonight and just draw/color away:). I have a full playlist DVR'd for just the occasion. Office and Modern Family re-runs. New Rachel Zoe episodes. And Storage Wars galore. (Is anybody else ADDICTED to this series??) Anyways, off to my desk for the night.

xoxo

FIT in 2012.

2011-12-27T23:57:00.000-05:00

We have been bumming the last few days. Like, really just chilling. PJ's. Snacks. Games. Music. Just the four of us hanging out, looking sloppy, and having fun:). With the new year just a couple days away, I am feeling the excitement of setting new goals, getting organized, and kicking up the workouts-- the same things I am always stoked about when January 1st rolls around. The past few days have been a last HU-RAH of sorts, a nice break before I get down to business:). I talked about my main focus for the new year in this post, but I am still going to set a few goals for 2012. I think it is good to set new health and fitness related goals each year, because it is important to focus on those things...especially as I get older. I love to run. And I love to lift weights. My goals are simple. Attainable. And focused: Workout faithfully. Eat right. (Relax and have a piece of pie now and then:). Shed fat. Get muscle. And finally, view it all as a *lifestyle*, not a program or routine.

Since I am a very visual person, I like to scour my fitness magazines (and Pinterest, too:) for motivation. It's why I have a board next to my treadmill covered with healthy, fit women. Capped shoulders. Rounded bums:). Toned legs. Flat tummies. (No sticks and bones. I like the look of a girl who actually eats food!) And between all the chiseled bodies are little phrases. Things I've cut out because they struck a chord. Made me want to run. Want to lift. Want to push my limits. And it all works. Two minutes being in front of my motivation board and I'm so ready to sweat. I sat today and really thought about what is motivating my fitness goals this year. I love the site Reasons to be Fit, so I have pulled some motivating thoughts and photos from there to give me that extra umph! and motivation to start the new year. Hope they inspire you as well!!

Right now I am focusing on speed for my runs. That is the best thing my body responds to in order to lean out. My short term goal for 2012: by the end of January, get my 4 mile run below 28 minutes. (at 29:40-ish right now). Long term goal for 2012: run a race/ marathon.

Mamas-- you need time by yourself to recharge, refocus, de-stress. Make the time to keep yourself healthy. It really does clear your mind and feed your soul.

Workouts empower me. I have more energy for the rest of my day.

Sorry. I couldn't resist:).

Not you, personally:).

Every time-- EVERY TIME-- we choose to workout, we are affecting our future. Our longevity. Each time we reach for healthy foods, we are choosing a healthy future over a moment of indulgence. I have finally reached the point where my fitness goals are first motivated by my health and desire to be around for my babies for a long time, rather than a number on a scale or a size of jeans.

Find your limits. And then blow past them my friends. It may take some sweat. And lots of tears. But limits are there to be broken. They aren't written in stone. How awesome is that?!

And finally. Sponge Bob lifts. If he can do it with those little toothpick arms, I better be able to push up some weight:).

What are your specific fitness goals for 2012??

What's the motivation behind them?

And if you are in need of some more motivation for your workouts-- hop over to Reasons to be Fit. Promise-- five minutes on that site and you'll be pulling on the sneaks.

Christmas Day.

2011-12-25T19:58:00.001-05:00

11.

2011-12-23T02:04:00.000-05:00

Eleven years ago today, I met you on a blind date. Set up by your mom:).

She told me you were a marine. A Christian. And that you had tattoos. I clearly remember thinking something along the lines of, that sounds gooooood. But, brushed the conversation off. Never expecting that a couple months later I'd meet my future husband. Never thought for a second that less than a year later, I'd be driving across country with that tattooed marine. Married. In love. And totally on cloud nine.

Thank you for loving me.
For loving all of me.
For lost bets.
New York teams.
For an addiction to ink.
And changing my opinion about The Beatles.

For your encouragement.
And thoughtfulness.
Twizzlers on Valentine's Day.
And for making me a perfume girl.
For sticking with me through all my hair colors.
All my impulsive puppy adoptions.
All my spazz moments.
All my messes, in the house and the truck.
Thanks for kisses on my forehead.
Phone calls every day.
And the occasional energy drink.
For Johnny Cash.
And your beautiful family.
And most of all, our babies.
Thank you for being an exceptional father.

You are the best 11 years of my life. Can't imagine there are two goofballs more perfect for each other than us:). Love you, babe.xo

Rest.

2011-12-22T07:11:00.000-05:00

Niamh's class decorated big gingerbread cookies yesterday. I'm not sure if she put more icing on the cookies or into her belly;), but either way, it was a blast. The art teacher is going to judge them and give awards for different categories. Crossing fingers this child's cookies get some kind of ribbon. She is so excited to get to school today! (She was awake before 6am. That's not a typical wake up time for her. me. any of us.:)

The other night after our Bible study, Phil and I drove a little down the road and showed Philly and Niamh this lovely house. All decked out. (Even the grass is covered with lights!) I use to *love* this particular house as a kid, so it was fun to hear their screams as we drove around the driveway. (Gotta admit, I was pretty excited myself. It's just so pretty!) I love having kiddos. I mean, that goes without saying...but I LOVE it. I can't even remember what life was like for Phil and I before them. They definitely bring back the magic of being a kid at Christmas. Getting to see their faces and feel the anticipation in their hearts is such a gift. And blessing. Our days are FILLED at this time of year. The kids are sweet and crazy with excitement and tired...but still wanting to go, go go. This time of year can catch up with them, too...And I know the exact moment their day is over-- when they need sleep, even if it is much earlier then normal. After we saw the Christmas lights, on the way back home, Philly and Niamh ended up in a teary argument about naming their brains. You got it:). Apparently, a brain needs a name. And Philly stole Niamh's brain's name. ("Brainy")...Before I knew it, all four of us had spent fifteen minutes talking/arguing/debating over Philly's brains name. One of those moments when Phil and I look at each other and just laugh. Are we seriously talking about naming our brains?? Anyways, Philly is officially "Baby Mega Mind." It is settled. And now I know, 9pm. That's the December bedtime limit:). Too much excitement and too many treats and too much holiday magic can just tire them out!

Make sure you all take time to rest and relax this holiday season!! Merry Christmas!!

love,

Phil, Krista, Brainy, and Baby Mega Mind;)

Outfit.

2011-12-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

Tonight I met with an old friend for dinner. Girls night out:). Well, dinner out. It was nice to catch up, especially with one of those friends that no matter what the distance or time apart, the conversation just picks right back up like it never stopped. It was a lovely night.

jeans, Alloy. turtleneck, Victorias Secret.

vest, Target. boots, Free People.

scarf,belt; Target.

Been rocking my running pants almost every day lately. I'm slightly obsessed with Under Armor. I get more excited over good running pants than beautiful heels. It' true. And they are so comfy, it's easy to find excuses to wear them all day. I finally made it out of them tonight:). So figured I'd better get an outfit post in on the oddball December day that I'm actually properly dressed:).

How are your Christmas preparations coming?? Just a few more gifts before I'm totally done everyone! Wa-hoo!:) I'm so excited for the kid's to open their gifts on Christmas day. This has been the year I've *most* enjoyed shopping for them. Although, I do say that every year...but, seriously, this has been the best!!

I can't wait for the 25th!:)

Instagram Photo Dump.

2011-12-18T21:36:00.000-05:00

I'll apologize now for the number of Instagram photos on here lately. Earlier this year, I bought a nice camera. Dropped her three times onto hard floors (what is with butter fingers here??) and then broke the lens almost completely by banging into a wall. (I do occasionally walk straight...but not on that day:). Anyways, I'm having trouble taking photos with it and am looking for a replacement now. Until I get it in the mail...I have to go this route for most photos. The camera just refuses to focus properly most of the time:(. So, on that note, here is a December photo dump. Hope you had a great weekend! Christmas is ALMOST here!!!!!

1. Our *pink* Christmas tree. Yes, it is actually pink:).

2. Partied out Niamh.

3. My boys. Handsome devils. Just sayin'.

4. Philly.

5. Phil and my brother Jeremiah. (brother I mentioned here.)

6. Christmas shopping/ bookstore date with Phil.

7. Scrapbook I'm working on for my baby niece, Elphie.
8. My desk.

9. Phil's parents Christmas tree. So beautiful!

10. Niamh's best friend. Also, her cousin:).

11. Phil and his dad listening to family karaoke.

12. Niamh opening presents from Phil's family.
13. Games with Phil's family.

14. Phil, B-I-L, and his sister doing karaoke.

15. Pooped after a weekend of traveling:).

16. Right now:).

Play.

2011-12-16T18:28:00.000-05:00

Last night, we all headed to the school Christmas play. Niamhy gets sooooo excited over this each year. It's so fun to watch her bounce up and down with the beat of the music, singing her little heart out. And Philly was adorable. He would suck in so much breath to start singing each chorus. I love watching his expressions during the music. Such a music guy!

He is only six. So I took advantage of his disregard for fashion and put suspenders on that boy:). And a mis-matchy tie and button down. Oh. And skinny skaterboy jeans:). I wanted to eat him up. It is my favorite Christmas outfit to date! I asked him if I could yell, "eat your hearts out girls!!" when I walked next to him later that night. He said exactly this: "well. okay. but I'm probably gonna regret this."

Niamh planned her outfit around her new "high heel" shoes. The ones I did not want to buy...but I remember what it was like to click around in pretty heels as a little girl. So, I gave in. It made her night. She felt so pretty. And the little farmer guy-- that is one of her best friends at school. I think there is a little crushing going on there...they seem kinda inseparable.

We came home and I made hot chocolate with marshmallows. And they were allowed to watch shows as late as they could stay up (I knew neither one would make it past 10pm:). They did such a wonderful job. I felt so blessed by the whole night. Watching all those children sing about Christ and the real meaning of Christmas warmed my heart. It was a lovely night!

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

2011-12-14T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hello, friends! Haven't been on here the last few days because we have so much going on this week! Christmas tea at church, the kiddo's christmas play at school, present shopping, sending orders, projects. Whew! Been so busy! But all of it has been fun and exciting, so loving it:).

I participated in Cold Hands Warm Hearts this year...It was such a blast. I got a swap buddy. Exchanged info. And swapped some snail mail pressies. How fun, right!?! My partner was Julie Ann. She is an artist as well (love her style!). She sent me such a lovely gift in the mail! An eternity scarf (my favorite:), finger-less gloves, cookie mix, and the sweetest notecards from her collection. Loved everything!

I'm glad the cookie recipe is already mixed and ready...just need to mix in an egg and plop the little dough balls into the oven...these are Christmas cookies I can handle!!:)

I love doing swaps. It is such a fun thing-- kinda like gaining a friend/penpal. I totally jumped at the chance once I saw the post on Much Love Illy! So glad I did:).

If you'd like to see all the fun presents sent through the mail (mine to Julie Ann is posted too:), check out Sandy's blog! There is a fun link party going on!

And a special, Christmas *hug* to Julie Ann.

Sending it all the way to Cali, friend.

You are such a talented, beautiful girl! Thanks for my lovely gift:). Muah!xx

Christmas Thought.

2011-12-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

A beautiful Christmas quote from our sermon today...

It’s not something we like to do; it’s uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of His eyes. Pretend He never snored or blew His nose or hit His thumb with a hammer.

He’s easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping Him divine that keeps Him distant, packaged, predictable.

But don’t do it. For heaven’s sake, don’t. Let Him be as human as He intended to be. Let Him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let Him in can He pull us out.

Max Lucado, God Came Near

Merry Christmas friends.

December Daily, 6-7-8.

2011-12-10T11:48:00.000-05:00

Here are my December Daily, Days 6, 7, and 8. I couldn't take photos earlier in the week because it was so rainy-- which means our house is just too dark. (We don't have an abundance of windows:)...Anyways, the sun is shining this morning...so I had enough natural light to get these posted:).

For days 6 and 7, I did a pocket of 10 things I love about each of the kiddos during the holidays.

We allow Philly and Niamh one wish each Christmas. This year, Niamh is asking for a guitar. Philly, for an xbox game. I did day 8 simple and colorful, with the 1 Wish theme:).

Hope your weekend is bright and happy!! xo

One Word.

2011-12-08T20:06:00.001-05:00

Now is the time of year when I begin to think about starting fresh. You know, resolutions. goals. hopes. dreams. All those ideas that flood my heart and mind before the New Year. I always make resolutions. Some years I have written them down. All the years, I have fallen short on something. Even when I keep them close and in front of me. I will always let a couple slip through. It is often too long a list to truly focus well enough to make noticeable, concrete changes to every resolution.

I stumbled on this December Daily deal through a bloggy friend right before the start of this month. I'm kinda hooked on Ali Edward's site/blog/everything right now:). She is an amazing and talented woman. She has this project called "One Little Word." You pick ONE WORD for the New Year. One thing you want to focus on in life throughout the coming year. It is rather brilliant.

I have chosen the word Peace.

Peace is a hard thing for me. I'm just not a naturally peaceful person inside. I'm always battling. Always re-working. Always trying. Even outwardly, it is something I have to work very hard at. You know that flight or fight response people tend to have?? This girl. She only got the fight part of it:). In a lot of things, that can be a good thing. In marriage and relationships, it is not. It is hard for me to be still. To not have a final word. To take conflict and bring it down a level. Instead of raising it up ten more notches on the crazy scale. It's weird, because I'm a very shy, quiet person. But, inside, I'm very tightly wound.

Peace. I think many good things flow from a peaceful heart: humility. kindness. gentleness. self control. love. compassion. forgiveness. Having peace slows down life just a little. There isn't such a frantic pace. No striving for things that don't really matter. Instead, all of these beautiful, godly characteristics can fill a soul.

I don't want to leave you with the impression that I'm a monster:). No...Just someone who is always in a hurry...always moving, working, going...and maybe a little fiery at times:). I'm naturally very aggressive. Whether it has to do with a family game of hockey in the basement, tackling a new project, or confronting someone who wronged a family member...I charge full speed ahead. Because as quiet as I am, I feel things.words. deeply. People matter to me. My goals and dreams matter to me. But I lose a sense of peace when all of those things take first place in my priorities and my day.

I don't want to replace who I am. I'd just like to find a calmer, more filled-with-peace version of myself. I like that I am passionate. That my shy/quiet/introverted personality is very opposite to the fire within. I don't wish to extinguish what makes me, me. Just replace some of the fireworks with a quiet flame. :)

So, I'm going to do this project. One Little Word, for 2012. I'm going to strive to feel peaceful. To be a peacemaker. To love and encourage others from a quiet and settled place within. And I'm excited. I didn't even need to think the word over. Peace was my first and only thought when I read about this project.

What is your ONE WORD for 2012?? One thing you want to make more a part of your

life and person

this coming

year??

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Matt 5:9

Tiny Stockings:)

2011-12-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

Day 5.
Miniature stockings made and hung by yours truly:). No words...Just some decorations.

I'm really loving this December Daily...I've got a very sweet book already...and I'm not even halfway through the month!;)

December Daily, Days 3 & 4

2011-12-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

December Daily

days three and four.

Sundays are For...

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Being encouraged by my husband's desire to make time for the Lord EVERY. SINGLE. day. It always seems so easy...and then my week ends, and I haven't read my Bible once. And I totally notice a difference in my attitude and heart when I make the time...Just comes down to making a very easy decision each day. Thanks for the reminder, babe.

Take-outs. I'm sure most people would insert 'home cooked meal' here. Weighing my home cooked meals against take-outs...gonna go take-outs;).

Church Christmas play tonight. I am the proud mama of a beautiful Mary and a sweet little shepherd:). And the aunt of one adorable, very talkative 2 year old manger animal who kinda stole the show!!

Running 5 miles.

Snuggling on the couch.

Smurf movie.

Football...as disappointing as it can be:). It was a good lesson in "your team can't always win" for one 6 year old little boy tonight.

Oh, and flannels. Are they too 90's to still rock proudly??:)? I don't care. I love a soft flannel shirt. It just goes with an afternoon of football, lounging, and snuggling!

Hope your weekend was beautiful and bright, friends!!

Day Two and Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-03T22:13:00.001-05:00

Day Two of December Daily I devoted to our Elf on the Shelf, Pokey. He is the holiday hit around here. Every morning the kids run out of the bedroom to find where Pokey is hiding:). They tell him things to ask/ tell Santa each night (it is hysterical, listening to them talk to this little guy!). He is adorable. And my favorite family tradition. And bedtimes during December-- perfectly quiet kiddies. It's amazing what that elf can do;).

We all went to my mom's school this morning to have breakfast with Santa. Philly can't decide what video game to ask for, so he told Santa "surprise me". Niamy wished for a pink guitar. It is another one of our Christmas traditions...yummy breakfast, crafts, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and wonderful memories:). And check out the cookie Philly made me! It is under the whole jar of sprinkles:)...

Happy Holidays, my friends!

December Daily, Cover and Day One

2011-12-02T06:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I began December Daily. My hope is to share an extra post each day, short and sweet, showing you how I document our December, 2011. This is my cover for the journal, as well as Day One. I can't wait to compile all the pages at the end of the month...and have a lovely little book of holiday treasures!:)

I use to scrapbook all the time...I've been getting back into it recently. I like to make my own journals and scrapbooks from scratch now, so this new project should give me lots of practice!!

xoxo

Currently...

2011-11-30T07:14:00.001-05:00

Saw this fun post idea yesterday on Danielle's blog...then on Tiffany's...then on Kellie's. And I want in:). So, here she goes...

Obsessing over: The Walking Dead. Blew me A.W.A.Y. this week! I have it DVR'd so I can re-watch. And re-watch. And...you guessed it! Re-watch:). And look at the awesome Mac cover I found!! I can't wait till it comes in the mail...mixes two of my favorite things, princesses and zombies:P!!

Working on: A couple hours ago, I finished up sending out my cyber-Monday orders! I think over 125 orders came in within 36 hours!! It was so fantastic...and a little crazy!:) Now that all the digi's are out, I'm focusing on:

Finishing my first newsletter
New artwork for my ART Etsy shop (opening back up after Christmas, revamped and all new!!)
Scrapbooking
Journaling
Christmas Gifts!!
New digi's (for release this Friday!)
Business Cards
And reading/ re-reading this girl's new e-course.

Thinking about: My dad. Just random thoughts because I love him so much!!:)

Anticipating: Giving gifts at Christmas. I SO love giving people gifts!!:) The kids are at *great* ages this year!! (I have said that every year to date...) Especially Niamh. She seems a bit older and is really into crafts, journals, perfumes, music...all things I am having a lot of fun shopping for!

Listening to: so far this morning (it's only 6:55am), the kids and I listened to Casting Crowns....and Niamh's penguins. She told me they were singing, but their voices are so tiny, you just can't hear.

To be a kid again:).

Drinking: Orange juice and a black coffee. Black because the lady at Dunkin Donuts didn't get my order quite right:).

Wishing: For more organization. More time. A cleaner house. And to loose my Thanksgiving pounds magically:). Since that probably won't happen magically, I got this for Phil and I...to give us a little nudge:). Can't wait to get my muscles on!

What's on your list?

Staying Cozy!

2011-11-27T01:45:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month, Robyn from Minimalist Knitter invited me to select an item from her Etsy shop. I'm sure by now, you know I love scarves, especially the handmade kind...so I picked out this lovely green scarf for winter. It's short and sweet and super cozy. A nice change from longer, bulkier scarves- especially if you don't want the added bulk, just the warmth:). I'm pretty hooked!:) (Think I might snag another for each of the kiddies, too. I always worry about sending them to school with long scarves, since the play on jungle gyms and climb sliding boards...I know it is me being a worry wart, but I just fear they might get tangled. These are THE perfect kiddy scarves! No wrapping or fixing for little hands.

Please head over to Robyn's blog (she has a little baby...he is the cutest!!) and say hello! Also, check out her beautiful assortment of handmade items here. (I bought my sister the Snug as a Bug Sleep Sack for my newborn niece, Elphie. She loved it...such a nice way to keep baby warm without worrying about covers!)

And some pics from our Saturday. Our old lady dog, Lilo:)...Getting rid of our pumpkins. (Philly cried...he thought you could keep them forever; so we took a picture for memory's sake:)...Bought the kid's footie- jamas. Philly picked Spongebob. He also sleeps on a Spongebob pillow. With Spongebob plushies for snuggling. (Do you notice a theme here?:) Niamh tried to talk me into the adult size pj's...but I just couldn't do it:). Oh...and Sally Hansen nail strips-- Christmas prints!! Now I'm candy-caned out!:)

Hope your Saturday was lovely and relaxing!! Any Christmas decorating going on??

I'm so ready to bust out the lights and tree!!:)

vest, target

jeans, ?

boots, dirty laundry/ lulus

cardigan, target

hat, goorin bros.

tank, target

earrings, target

XOXO

Something for YOU!!

2011-11-25T11:25:00.001-05:00

Hello lovelies!! So. Have any of you braved the hoards of shoppers today?? I always skip on Black Friday. I know lots of people love the excitement of the sales and kick-off to the holiday season...but it is not really my cup of tea:). I prefer to shop online anyways...so Cyber Monday is more my thing:).

However, since it is the biggest shopping day of the year, figured I'd throw out a little freebie for ya:). Just until end of day Monday. (So, if you think you might want to play with it later-- download it now and save it:). I will be removing it from the link once Tuesday morning rolls around:).

It's a foldable Christmas greeting card. Kind of like a Christmas Valentine...you know, the ones that fold easy for kids):. It would be perfect for a daughter to hand out to all her little girlfriends at school. It can be decorated and fastened together in so many cute ways...even makes a super cute gift tag for your Christmas pressies!!

To print, I open the file and choose to print two 5x7" size cards on the same 11X8.5" paper.

After printing, cut the card to be 5" tall. The middle image is 2 1/8" wide. Cut the sides of the first and third images so that they measure 2 1/8" as well. Score along grey lines. Fold in mountain/valley folds.

Have you ever been nervous to stand under a mistletoe?? This girl is, but eventually she puts herself center stage for anybody giving out Christmas kisses;). If you'd like to download the printable card, click the picture below.

**Please note: She may be used as a digi if you'd like to put her on a handmade card/craft instead. However, the printable card is MADE TO LOOK VINTAGEY AND I WILL NOT BE GIVIG IT OUT ANY DIFFERENTLY. (The image was drawn in pencil only, shaded, and the paper is speckled here and there...all intentional and not removable for download.) Please see above for printing/cutting/folding instructions.

I will also be re-opening my Etsy art shop after Christmas. The artwork available in the shop will be new and not available in digital form. So, everything will be unique...and most pieces customizable to your own color preferences for hair, eyes, skin tone, and clothing! I can't wait to open shop again-- I've been working on some really sweet new characters:). Here is a little sneak peek:)!...

And if you made it all the way down here:) before giving up on the reading:)...Kudos and a coupon to you!!:) (It is a CYBER MONDAY coupon...so it won't work till 12am Monday morning EST:)

CYBERMONDIGILOVE

For Monday only, receive 35% of your entire purchase of digi stamps from my Etsy shop and a NEW RELEASE DIGI for free with any stamp purchase (one per customer:)! The free digi will be a surprise...so you will have to wait for your order email to see her:).

That should be some pretty good savings...so you might want to sneak in those digs on your list while they are cheap:)!...And this coming Friday will be my last release of stamps before Christmas...I will have a group of really sweet ones ready for purchase-- from princesses to Valentine's inspired girls, bookworms to fashion girls. A nice variety available to keep you all busy through holiday crafting!:)

Okay. Whew...I feel worn out from all those announcements:). Hope you weren't bored to death...I hope you come visit me on Monday...I wish I had a real store sometimes-- so you all could come in and order digs with me over coffee and muffins:)...Guess we will just have to make a coffee date over the computer:)...Till then, HUGS my friends!

Linking to Casey's Follower Fest today...If it is your first time over here, please say hello and leave your link so I can come visit you as well! Muah!x

Feasts.

2011-11-23T22:58:00.000-05:00

The kiddies were feasting today at school. Both went as Indians. Niamh has to have her trademark howling wolf painted on her face. It has become a tradition ever since my sister drew it on her little cheeks three years ago. Philly went as Little Bear:). Because all I could come up with for his face was a bear print. And it didn't really compare to howling wolf girl-- so he got a name, too:).

It was Philly's first school feast. I asked him what his favorite part of the meal was. He said the popcorn and the 'white pa-nay-no-s' (mashed potatoes:). I never make them because mine always come out grossly slimy. (I know. Only I could manage to make slimy mashed potatoes every time!) Anyways, poor kiddo doesn't even know what they are called...but I just loved how he said it. So for now he loves pa-nay-no-s. Might even get some more tomorrow...I hope he says it again cuz it is too adorable.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Blue Hair and Teasing

2011-11-23T01:58:00.000-05:00

I loveeeee big hair:). It is a good thing, actually. Because mine is poofy and frizzy, so it tends to naturally be BIG:). I like to add little pops of color with clip in extensions, too. Which, again, creates even more hair. Add some big hoop earrings and my favorite eye make-up...and I probably look a little "Jersey-esque". Maybe 80's too. But I like. LOL.

Last week, I was mid-hair sharing with you and then my little niece was born. (I held her today. EEP. She is literally the sweetest. I told my sister about all your lovely comments...they made her day:). I wanted to share the Jersey hair with ya'll...So, finishing up last weeks series of fun hair posts with extensions and teasing:).

I normally part my hair in two places, and place these clip-ins around the back of my head. I wore blue today...and they look perfectly real (except for the color;). And I can curl or straighten them, so fun for styling, too!!

Next, I take the top section of my hair and part it into two sections. The back section I spray, tease spray. Repeat. And then brush the front section over it. It gives me a nice little oomph! in my hair and covers the extensions completely. **i learned how to 'properly' tease from the show Jerseylicious. please don't judge:). it is like one of those horrible things you just CAN. NOT. LOOK. AWAY. FROM...and my late night girly-show indulgence...

I usually have my hair straightened to start the whole process...just to keep the frizzing at a minimum:). After I've finished up my styling, I go around and curl sections of my hair/ extensions with a 1" curling iron. And that's it:).

It's never perfect. But it's me:). I need big hair. Or funky hair. Even over-the-top hair. I think it has to do with me being extremely shy:). It's how I say BAM! to the world:)...*giggle*.

Bloody Good

2011-11-19T22:55:00.001-05:00

Snuck off with sister tonight to see Breaking Dawn.

Twilight will always be my very favorite. Then New Moon. Eclipse I didn't like at all. Breaking Dawn, pretty good:).

It was fun. And the theater, packed. Elbow to elbow.

Favorite preview before movie-- Snow White and the Huntsman. That looks good. Snow White looks grungy and a little on the tomboy side. How cool is that!?!

****************************************************************in other news:)...

My youngest sister had a sweet baby girl this week. She went early and a little by surprise (got phone call at 415am:)...My mom, sister Becca, and myself were her cheerleaders:). Have to admit, mom's comments made me giggle (like only a mom's can), and sister kept me calm. I had never been on that end of it, literally:). It was beautiful and exhausting and wonderful. And now I have another little niece to love:).

Happy Birthday, Elphaba West!

7lb, 11oz

18 in

Put a Hat on IT.

2011-11-17T02:16:00.002-05:00

I'm half way through the week of hair styles. Today is my *all-time* favorite hairstyle cop-out:)...But before I get to that...

I started this week of hair just for fun. I love having a blog! It is such a fun and open way to make new fiends and share in people's lives (even if it's just a tiny bit) who I'd never otherwise meet. If you ask Phil, he even knows some of you by your comment names...because I talk about you guys:)...I like to tell him about the comments that makes me smile and laugh. And the ones that make me think. And all the little hellos-- I love 'em:). I have so much fun on here, sharing with you all!

So, last week I think everything sort of caught up with me a bit. And I just lost that thing-- is it mojo?:)...I don't know. I get a little ahead of myself some days, and all the things I want to get done pile up higher than my laundry pile. (that can be pretty high, just for the record:). The week of hair styles kinda gave me something to work on, so I can still be writing and enjoying this place-- but also has bought me a little time to get back in my groove:). I just wanted to be honest with all of you. Because I otherwise would never have devoted a week of posting to hair. I'm not really that stuck on it:). I mean, I love it...but most days...this is me:).

Yeah, in a hat. And jeans. And under armor--which is a whole other obsession of mine. I love that stuff. But back to the hats... I have a huge collection. I love them. I wear them backwards like boys. And straight brimmed, yup. (Didn't know I could go gangsta on you, did ya?!:)...I have pretty, girly ones. And trucker hats. And I love newsboy styles. It is my hair cop-out many days, but the reality is-- I just love hiding in them:)

...Anyways, this is how I wear my hair most days. And, this week of hair has definitely helped me get back into the swing of things and not stress out about feeling that icky lack of writing mojo:). Most of all, I have so enjoyed reading your comments about styles and funny things to do with your own hair. It is nice to know many of you have to tame yours as much as I do! Geez-- if the guys only knew the effort we put into this stuff!:)

And I'm still in one right this moment:). Trying to keep warm. (I'm the only one in the family who likes the heat on. And I like it HOT.:) It's a NY Giants hat:), for the game Phil and I are headed to this Sunday. Can't wait. Hope it keeps me warm enough to enjoy the action on the field.

Thanks for sticking with me through all this hairiness. LOL... I will have a little more variety for you next week:)!

Muah!x

SC.

2011-11-16T08:03:00.003-05:00

Saturated Canary?

What’s behind the name?

sat•u•rat•ed (sa chu-r at ed) adj. Unable to hold or contain more; full.

I love this word, because I want to be completely filled with the Lord, my family, and the abilities and possibilities He graciously gives me. ‘Canary’—I love my mom so much...She has always been a huge encourager and supporter of everything I try. Her favorite color is yellow. That is where it all comes from;).

After:)

2011-11-15T23:45:00.001-05:00

She woke up and JUMPED out of bed today. Funny what the prospects of gorgeous hair will do for a girl's Tuesday morning:).

ps...I learn so much from you girls across the ocean! never knew braids were called plaits in some places. i told phil this and he said, "well then, what do they call 'plates'?? thought you might enjoy a chuckle from us US people:).

xo

edit--> **pronounced 'plats'. thank you Sharon! will relay to hubs;)**

Mermaid Hair, Before:)

2011-11-14T23:49:00.000-05:00

I have the beginnings of mermaid hair tonight:). It takes a full sleep to go from human hair to mermaid hair, you know:). Anyways, it is the easiest thing ever, and you all have probably tried it before. It is Niamh's favorite! (She actually hates the process. Whenever you french braid wet hair, it doesn't feel too good-- lots of knots.) Always worth it in the morning, though! She can't wait to get to school and show her girlfriends her big, poofy, crimpy hair.

Need three things: newly washed hair, blow dryer, and products. I use my curly mousse, this heat-activated curl spray, and hair spray. Work the mousse/ spray/ gel-- whatever your preferred product-- through the hair, from roots to tips.

After I put the mousse and spray in her hair, I blow dry until it is only damp and not dripping wet. Some parts are even completely dry...but overall, it is still fairly damp. (Braiding completely wet, thick hair won't work. You're just gonna wake up with wet, slightly wavy hair:)

(This is Niamh's pain for beauty face:)

I section off her hair into three parts. And french braid each section. The more sections you use, the tighter your crimps in the morning. Niamh will sit still for three sections. That is her limit:).

Braid all the way to the very bottom, until you can't manage to go any further. Use a little elastic band. Sometimes the bigger elastic bands roll out during the night. (Insert: 1/3 of hair not crimped. not a great look. know this from experience.)

It's such an easy way to have her hair 90% done in the morning. I can't wait to show you her pretty hair tomorrow:). Mermaid hair. I always imagine mermaids must have either super crimpy, long hair (not sure how this works out in an all-water environment:) or super long colorful hair. (yes, we believe in mermaids;) Due to my hair's frizzy nature, I choose the colorful option for myself. And I'm going to completely cheat:). Here are my new dreads:). SO PRETTY. And I got them curled this time. Just for some extra sweetness! Might have them installed soon:).

What kind of hair do you guys have??

Long, short, curly, frizzy, straight, silky???

Do you love your hair...or do you fight with it?

I've had a couple throw downs with mine...but all in all, I kinda like it. Frizzy mess and all:)!!

Lattice

2011-11-13T19:49:00.001-05:00

Here is a pretty and delicate hairstyle my sister introduced Niamhy to a while ago. It reminds me of lattice...or maybe a web. I think it looks kinda whimsical...and added some butterflies to the elastic bands to really pixie her out:)

Start with a middle part. and pull two tiny sections from the part. Make sure they are an inch or two away from each other.

Bring the two pieces together in a "V" with a pony holder.

Repeat. And move around the part, all the way to the other side.

Split each new ponytail into two. Bring pieces from different ponytails together, just like above.

Finish with some pretty butterflies or flowers.

I like this hairstyle for Niamhy because it's so easy and unique. All she needs now are some fairy wings:).

7 Days. of Hairstyles:)

2011-11-12T02:15:00.000-05:00

Isn't it funny how we are so connected to our hair?? How it can totally change our attitude. Our perspective on the day. I know it probably sounds a little shallow...but it really is true.

Have you ever cut your hair to make a new start?? I have. Not intentionally...but looking back, a lot of my (shocking) haircuts/ colors came at changing moments in my life. Funny how that happens. New hair always makes me feel refreshed.

A lot of my colors reflect my different style stages. When I get into a grungy/tomboy phase, I usually go dark. Really dark. And then summer eventually rolls around and I feel so excited to wear girlie dresses and go to the beach...so I want to go light again. (you'd think i'd learn that this is an awful process...but nope.) And red is always my fallback color. Think I like it so much because I'm so shy...but that red hair makes me feel like I look bold:).

And then there is always my good old dreads:) They opened a whole new can of worms...now any color combo/ length is possible:)

Hair is a huge part of my artwork. The long, flowy hair girls seem to be favorites. Although, I have a cropped haircut steampunk girl in my stamp shop that sells out each week. Her hair is really unique and a style my sister has worn before. I love it on Becca...she has the perfect hair and face for that angled, short hair.

I thought it would be fun to do posts on my favorite styles this week-- from the recipe for "mermaid hair" (this is Niamh's favorite style:) to installing clip-in extensions to a Jersey teeeeeeeeezze (learned it from a reality show...but it works girls!:)...Cover all my favorites! Feel free to ask questions, comment or...just laugh:).

Oh...and a fun hair question for you each day...First one--

Would you shave all your hair off for the *possibility* of winning a million dollars??

(A few seasons back, on The Amazing Race, one of the girls did shave her head...And I'm pretty sure she did win. Kinda deserves it after that!!)

31.

2011-11-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

Figured I'd cop out a little and do an easy post tonight...I can't seem to shake the germs. I've been drinking lots of Vitamin C and taking cold meds...but still not back to normal. So, here is just a fun list of 31 things about me/us...(And I know I posted earlier in the week wearing the same sweater, but it's so comfy...especially when I feel blah! I've worn it almost everyday:)

i am 31.

i was valedictorian of my high school. had over a 4.0 GPA.

i love sports radio. i usually do orders and answer emails listening to Colin Cowherd (love those eyebrows), Mike and Mike, or Mike Francesa. i'm gonna call up one day just to tell Francesa that I like him. even if he is kinda grumpy and scary sometimes.

i only saw Phil 4 times before i married him. he was just made for me. and i for him. i love his big muscles and tattoos and gorgeous smile. and i love (the most) his spiritual leadership, especially the past few months. there is something special about this guy:).

i have two younger sisters and a younger brother. i love them so much it hurts:).

i love christmas lights. all year. any kind of tiny lights, really. i'd probably string them through my hair if i could:P. hmmm....

i hate to cook and bake. i'd be happy to just buy dinner the rest of my life.

i wrap the kids in cool, wet paper towels when they are sick and have fevers. because high fevers scare me.

sometimes the hymnals at church seem like the most beautiful music i've ever heard. even if they are traditional, old, and slow paced. when i concentrate on the words, my heart is filled with praise and wonder for my Lord.

my parents make me proud.

i tear up easily. and it has grown progressively worse as i've gotten older. i wish it would go away completely.

i am really, really shy. and super awkward at small talk. great at big talk, though. LOL.

we get these huge creepy spider-cricket bug things in our basement during the fall. i hate when i'm doing laundry and one jumps between me and the door. and just stands there, blocking me in. then i have to go around collecting things to throw at him, so he'll jump away. and then i have to clean up my mess. because i've never had great aim.

i went to a Christian school for 13 years. and now my kids go to the same one. even have some of the same teachers!

i started college wanting to be a storm chaser. then a math teacher. then a fashion designer. then a journalist. i ended up with a degree in civil engineering. and now i'm an artist. i either have a lot of interests or a very small attention span.

i don't like spas or massages or getting my nails or hair done.

i let the kids sleep in our bed whenever they want. i know it is bad, but i just can't say no. i love their snuggly little bodies.

philly was an emergency c-section. i went under not even knowing if he was alive. it was the most awful experience ever. and i cried about it for months. i just felt so bad about how he was born. when they brought him to me for the first time, i truly fell in love instantly. he had a little pig nose. and drank every bottle like it was his last. so precious.

niamh was natural. with no pain meds. she was so tiny and skinny:). and she had black hair with blonde tips. she calls it her 'angel hair'. i think i took her to the hospital 30 times her first year. everything scared me:).

i wrote in my 'diary' a lot in middle school. one of the criteria for a future husband was looking good in a backwards ballhat. shallow, i know. but phil looks super cute in them:). check.

i love playing sports. and running. and watching sports. and i wish i could find a women's fantasy football league:).

i hate water. beach water, pools, lakes...it just freaks me out. i'm a terrible swimmer and i hate having the kids in it. we do, however, take occasional baths:).

i play word games on my iphone every night before i fall asleep. and i still can't beat Phil in scrabble.

flying terrifies me. i ran off a plane once right before they closed the tunnel and called my parents. told them i was gonna hitchhike with truckers all the way home. my dad got on the phone. and i got my butt back on that plane:).

i say something funny to niamh every morning as she walks into school...just to get that 'i have the goofiest mom' look. (she loves goofiness. it's her thing.)

philly thinks we are getting married someday:).

my youngest sister is having a baby any day now...and asked me to help during the labor. i am excited and terrified. more excited, though.

i love big hair. and huge earrings. i'm not sure if it is an 80's obsession or the Jersey in me;).

My middle name is Leigh.

I've had my face pierced three times and my belly button done. I took them all out. (Love you, mom;)

Phil and I go to a couple's bible study every Tuesday night. We are learning how to respect and love each other in the Lord. It seems so simple...but anyone whose married knows it is not. I can't wait till next Tuesday...I love growing together!

And I just had to add this photo of Philly, my camera guy:). I just want to smoooooosssssshhhhh his cheeks together:)! Love him.

New Creations.

2011-11-09T01:06:00.000-05:00

Here are some new, crafty things I've worked on this week. A couple cards and a handmade book cover. (I got this so awesome book called Indie Publishing that is super inspiring...now I want to make lots of handmade books:)

I love the new group of Alice in Wonderland stamps used together:). The Mad Hatress is my favorite though. I collect hats, so I'm a little bias:).

Today I'm heading to Delaware to buy a new Mac Pro. I can't tell you all what a relief it will be to have a computer that is capable and fast!! I'm going to install Design Standard on it...so *hopefully* I can freshen things up around here with pretty new photos...maybe a scrapbooking line...and (just maybe) a self-published kid's book?? Oh. And the newsletter I promised before Christmas! The possibilities are endless!! Can't wait to hug it. Seriously, I am going to love and kiss and hug that machine all the way to my truck!

Sunday Instagrams

2011-11-06T15:40:00.000-05:00

For the last week or so, we have all passed around a version of the same cold/ stuffy feeling. The kids and I stayed home from church this morning; kept the germs away from our church family:). Phil made it, though. Anyways, our day has been totally low-key.

football

naps

haircut

artwork

treadmill

crafting

take-outs

and hopefully a Giants win:)

oh. and a terribly messy desk. so also a little cleaning later. *hopefully*

Hope your Sunday is lazy and relaxing, too!! xoxo

Perfect Sweater.

2011-11-05T02:02:00.002-04:00

Here is the perfect Mom Sweater.

Let me tell you why:)...

I would do anything for any one of my family members. I can feel my blood start to boil when one of them has been treated wrongly. When something is important to one of them, it means the world to me too. Because their happiness makes me happy. And their fears scare me. And their sadness ruins my day.

And then I had kids. And those feelings tripled. Didn't even know they could-- but it's so true. Having children really is like watching your heart walk around inside of someone else.

It's why I cry when their hearts are broken.

Why I almost passed out when Niamh got her stitches. (I really felt every stitch. Then I stopped feeling everything and the room started spinning:).

Why I turn the truck around and drive two miles the wrong direction-- because Philly is positive he just saw a moose in someone's front yard.

Why the kids and I have done the chinese fire drill in our driveway while blasting ACDC.

Why I wear an Edward t-shirt to the premier of each new Twilight movie. (Okay. that one is actually for myself. But please don't tell anyone:).

I live for these kiddies. I love being a part of their world. It's funny how tiny parts of their day mean so much to me.

Today I grabbed Philly out of class with two minutes to spare. (I was there for a meeting, and figured I'd just take him while I was in the building.) As he walked over to me, he purposely went out of his way. Over to his friend, Owen. Bent his head down, and looked him right in the eyes. And then said something softly. I could tell it was important. And a little sad. Philly looked like an adult, trying to comfort a little kid. It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen him do.

He came out of the class and said, Mommy, I feel sad.
I guess Owen had accidentally thrown his puppy behind a cabinet in the classroom. And now the puppy was gone forever. And that ruined Owen's day. And Philly's day, too.The teacher even tried to get it...but he was lost for good.

I thought he was gonna burst into tears. So I busted out the Mommy-Super-Hero-Cape, threw that sucker on, and said-- let's go get that puppy. (i don't actually own the cape...but how cool would that be??:)...

I went in and spoke to the substitute teacher. An older lady. Told her I needed to find the puppy. And she looked at me like I had lost my mind:). She was right in the middle of writing Owen's mama a note...And she had already tried to get him. I wasn't gonna have much luck either.

In the nicest way, I still offered to try. (pretty sure she thought I was nuts.)

Honestly, if I set my mind to it, I could probably push our house of its foundation:). Those filing cabinets in the way were no match for this chick:).

So, I climbed on a stool onto a cabinet. And in the most unlady-like pose, five feet in the air, bent over and rescued that old puppy toy with a yard stick. Thank goodness for my crazy long Anthro sweater:). (And I got it for like 100$$ less than its original price. I know. Total score. :) So, all this to say its kinda nice to have my sweater already come in handy. Covering up my behind in the air. Trying to rescue some other kid's toy, so my own son can have a nice start to his weekend:).

When Philly ran the toy over to his friend, the whole class cheered. Philly even got a little applause. And a huge, relieved smile from Owen. He just stood there like a happy hero in front of the whole kindergarten.

Kinda makes a mama's day:).

Letting Go, Just a bit.

2011-11-03T18:52:00.000-04:00

Sometimes God blesses us so that we can bless others. And sometimes that act of blessing someone else, whatever it is, requires some letting go on your own part. That right there-- that part is difficult for me when it comes to my artwork and online business. I've been working at this artwork thing for about a year and a half. It's definitely evolved over this time. I've tried different things. Some have worked and some have not. Over the last three months or so, I feel like I've taken a chisel and worked down all the rough spots on what I started and finally-- finally-- I see it starting to take shape. My work is at a place that excites me. Where I feel like I'm on the brink of what I'm suppose to do in this life. And it feels really good. I'm so happy that Phil supported me for so long when money trickled in so slowly. When I cried a lot. (Sometimes I still cry, but it is a lot less:). And through it all, I've tried my best to trust God. That is not something that comes naturally to me. For Phil, it does. I wish I were more like him that way...but I'm learning. Anyways, I know good things, even better projects and artwork, are just a few steps away. Steps that will require me to trust God fully. And trust others, too.

I opened up my stamp shop on September 2nd. It's the first day listed anything to sell. Today, I've sold over 3,000! You know, I wondered if I'd sell 50 a week!!! My super high, unrealistic goal was 100 a week. I'm trying to put this in perspective for you-- so you understand how excited, surprised, and thrilled I am!! I could not have done anything without the wonderful ladies who stop by my shop and buy the artwork. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I'm so thankful. You allow me to attend homeroom mom meetings...and go to field trips with my kids...to hang out with Phil a couple days a week...to do the things that mean the most to my heart. For that, I humbly and sincerely thank you all.

Because the shop took off so well...and because I have lots and lots of new ideas and projects that are constantly churning in my big old noggin (my head is huge...let's hope it's because I've got a big brain and not just a lot of empty real estate in there:)...because I love to create and keep moving forward-- I need some help. Major help:). I tried to avoid it for a while, but it kinda started to eat away at my sleep and health. (I feel like a walking zombie some days...and while I love The Walking Dead, I don't really want to resemble a drooling zombie:). I talked it over with Phil, and I have asked my sisters to help me out. Officially.

Youngest sister is named Jennifer. She is 9 months pregnant. I have asked her over the past couple weeks to take care of some project sort of things. She has really helped me out- so much!! I know that she will need special time with her new baby girl soon, but hopefully she will be able to join me again over the next year:). She is a sweetheart, and I'm so excited for her this fall. A new baby girl to buy cute shoes for!!! YAY!

My other younger sister is named Rebecca. She is almost 4 years younger than me...but feels much older. Not because she is an old lady at heart:)-- but because she just has it together. Becca plans and takes charge well. I do not. I need an assistant that can take over my orders and answer some emails and help plan new projects and timelines. And while it is scary to let go of a part of my business, I know it will lead to new and better things. And, it is giving me an opportunity to work with my sister...share together in the blessings the Lord provides for our families! I'm super excited!

I was over her house last night until 12:30 am. Talking. Giggling. Explaining how things work. It was fun and felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I want you all to know that I will still be reading every email. Every single one. But it is difficult to reply directly to every one when I get so many messages a day. I love you all-- and I'm looking forward to you meeting my sisters...They are such a beautiful part of my life. I can't imagine better best friends:).

I know that having help will allow me more time to create, to write (haven't been on here for a few days!), and pursue new opportunities as they arise. I am thankful for each of you, too...When I was explaining things to Becca last night, I told her...you'll start to get to know a lot of these girls. It's weird, because so many of you are oceans away-- but you are still so dear to my heart. I love you all!!

good bye weekend:).

2011-10-31T01:23:00.000-04:00

The weekend flew by in a heartbeat.

Went kinda like this...

sleepy babies are allowed to stay up as late as they can on Friday nights. always interesting to see what time they come out and ASK to be put to bed:). Philly is always first. Niamh is a trooper and sucks every moment out of her Friday nights:).

they both eventually just drop:). and mommy gets to sleep in with her snuggled babies on a rainy Saturday morning. it was lovely:).

Church on Sunday. Grandmom and Pop's house after. i even stole some deer meat from my dad's simmering pot-- and now phil has a special lunch today:). (and i had to put zero effort into this one. nice:).

sunday afternoon my sister's and i did a photoshoot for our girlfriends. they are sisters, not twins:). and so pretty. sister one (me) took photos. sister two (Becca) posed, directed, and applied make-up. sister three (Jen, who is also almost 9 months pregnant) cracked jokes and laughed at everything i said. (you gotta love having a laugher around...just makes everything so much fun:).

it was muddy.

and we were on property we didn't own.

and me and Becca were carrying (yes, carrying) the two pretty chicks over the muddy spots. in our church clothes.

think we need to do more photo shoots. think i laughed for two hours straight...

and ended up with pretty pics to boot:).

hope your weekend was filled with fun and laughter. and maybe even a nap and a nice snuggle with kiddies:).

Baby's First Christmas Ornament...A Craft.

2011-10-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

Hello!! I have a fun craft to share with you all today. I've seen these large glass Christmas ornaments sold at the craft store for the last couple years during this time of year....and always wanted to try and do a pretty ornament with them. But, I didn't want to do the sparkly/paint Christmas balls...because we already have a ba-jillion of those:). Here is what I came up with:)...

Okay. For starters, here are the supplies you need. The balls were sold in a set of four/ 6.99 (i think:). You will also need two-sided tape, scissors, needle and thread, pretty ribbon, and a cute image. I chose Baby Cakes for this one and colored her in Christmas colors:). I'm going to give it to my little sister who is due at the end of November with a sweet baby girl! Baby's First Christmas ornament:)...(Yes, I'm trying to beat everyone else to it, so I can give her the first one=). Alternate images for a baby's first Christmas can be found here and here.

Print your image normal. Then flip it, printing the mirror image. Color it up super pretty!:)

Add two-sided tape and attach the two images back to back. (Now, no matter how the ball turns, the image will be the same:)

Thread the string through the top of your image.

Pull the two ends of thread through the top of the ornament. And knot.

Without creasing the image, kind of roll it in a little and stick it down into the ball. (You should choose a thin image...not a wide one for this reason.) The paper should pop back open pretty good once it is through the opening.

You are almost ready to hang your new ornament! The last thing you need to do is attach a pretty ribbon and some raffia (or a hook) to hang it with. And then...

...You have a pretty, handmade Christmas ornament!! I'm going to make a bunch and use them for the little gifts that pop up as Christmas draws closer...the ones I don't really want to spend too much money on, but still want to show the person we care and are thinking of them:). Like teacher's gifts! Here is the one I made for Niamhy's teacher:). Cute, huh!?!

I am linking this post to the blog hop/party hosted by some of my favorite bloggers! You can check out their awesome fall party here!! Link up yourself!! I can't wait to get me a cup of warm apple cider in the morning and go visit the other links! And, if you are here from the hop, please say hi!! Love to meet cha:)!!

Have a lovely weekend!!

Creative. Pink. Johnny.

2011-10-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

The other day, I was driving in the truck and thinking up different projects I want to give a go...And I started thinking about that feeling of just wanting to create something. You know, I've got drawers filled with my 'creations'... some I keep tucked away for a future day. For the perfect time to give to the perfect person. Other things, well...they sit because I just don't know what else to do with them. Sometimes I try a new craft, love it, and then look back and really don't feel the same about it at all. Same thing can happen with my artwork. I use to feel bad...and maybe a little bummed about my proto-types or faded passions...but I've come to realize that they serve a good purpose. Everything I have attempted, tried, failed at, or moved on from...all those crafts and projects were a little stepping stone on the way to the creativity I feel right now--the projects I'm excited about at this moment. And the projects get a little better each time. I learn a little more with each one. And then my dreams get even bigger, too:). I'm glad I get that feeling of wanting to make something almost on a daily basis. It is never a waste to sit and create a piece of artwork or a new craft project.

It is the same for everything that requires passion and a desire to make something...whether you are a musician. or a writer. singer. baker. an artist. or even someone who has the gift of hospitality. It kinda just wells up inside until you can get an hour or two to create. Give life to your ideas. Make something beautiful just for the sake of creating-- totally independent of anything or anyone else. I love how God has given us that inner desire!

So this outfit verges on too girly for me:)...had to bounce out all that pink and fluff with some black tights and combat-esque boots:). Still wasn't sure if I was feeling it...until I got a package in the mail late in the day that added that extra touch of toughness that I like:). Take a peek...(And look at that beautiful packaging!! Prettiest I've ever seen!!)

I almost died when I opened it!! An up-cycled Cash tee-- now a totally awesome handbag!:) Phil was outside and I literally ran out of the house waving my new handmade bag at him:). I really need to be invited to a fun indie-music-cafe-marketplace-type thing, people:)...I just can't waste this awesome gift on the supermarket, ya know:)?

Who made this crazy-awesome piece?? One of my most cherished blog readers, Mel:). (I really love this chic!:). And you HAVE to go check out her blog (one of my very favorites in the whole bloggy world!:)! It is filled with the most unique and precious handmade gifts/crafts you could ever find! She is a true artist and a daily inspiration! Her family is sweet and she is so lovely, inside and out! Oh. And like-- hysterical! I never visit her blog and leave without laughing out loud:). If you want to treat yourself to a *truly beautiful* blog read, hop over to Needle and Nest Design...and add her to your daily dose of everything creative!!:)...BTW, this was her thank-you to me for winning one of my giveaway totes!!...how sweet is that!?!

So, what is on your Creative TO-DO List??

...I'd love to know!:) xo

Hello!

2011-10-25T17:25:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the girls who left lovely, heart-warming comments about my guest post on Casey's blog. I really enjoyed reading through all your insightful, encouraging thoughts! It is so fun to meet new readers, and I'm so thankful you guys took the time to say hello! I hope you will continue to find my blog a place for encouragement and friendship!

Because some of you are new readers, I thought I'd share a little about what I do. For the last year and a half, I have worked from home. I started selling artwork on Etsy April 2010...and that sort of morphed into designing digital stamps. I opened my second Etsy store this fall (September 2nd was the first day I listed items)...and I've barely caught a breath since opening!!:) I really love being involved in the crafting community; everyday I am inspired by other crafty, artistic women. It is a true joy! And it has allowed me to be at home with my husband and children...which I am so very thankful for!!

Here are some of my characters colored in for projects and fun little gifts...

They are a little quirky-- big eyes and most of the time puffy lips...and I like big feet, too:) LOL...I don't know why, but my character's feet tend to be a little over-emphasized:). You can check out more designs by clicking the link to my shop.

In other news...I've been MIA since Sunday. I didn't feel great this weekend. Just off. And then Philly was sent home from school yesterday with a sore throat and a fever. For some reason, he can go from totally great to super sick in a very short time. He seemed pretty good all afternoon after I brought him home. He chatted up the doctor (who also said he did not seem sick at all:)...And then last night he went down hill again:(. Ended up with 103 degree fever. So I wrapped him like a mummy in cold paper towels (something I find is really effective in bringing down fevers...and is a slightly better option than a chilly bath)...poor guy. We were both up until almost 4am. But, thankfully, avoided a hospital visit. (I go to the ER when fevers hit 104. I just get way too nervous.)

He is feeling much better today. He's such an easy going kiddo. And the sweetest, too. He didn't want me to give him a kiss last night because he was afraid I'd get sick:). I told him I'll take me chances. How can I not kiss that kid...wrapped up like the cutest mummy ever??:)

Hope you all have a lovely day...Thanks for stopping by:)xo

Guest Posting...

2011-10-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hi lovely readers!

I'm guest posting over at Casey's blog today!! (hop on over...cuz she is an amazing and inspiring chica!)

*have a beautiful Sunday!*

Track #4.

2011-10-21T23:37:00.000-04:00

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.

You are just a vapor that appears for a little while

and then vanishes away.

James 4:14

In high school, I had a teacher that would give extra credit if we observed certain stars/planets in the night sky. It isn’t too hard to walk outside at 8:30 at night-- so why extra credit you wonder? Well, most of the star clusters or planets we had to find seemed to make their way into my night sky in the wee morning hours. I woke up that year so many times between the hours of 2 and 4am to get extra credit. Although, the extra credit wasn’t the whole reason. Probably not even the biggest reason. (I didn’t need extra credit in science. It was kinda my thing)…

The mornings were cold. I’d roll out of my cozy bed and pull on my sneaks. And with my eyes half open, head outside. To stand in my nightgown. Freezing. And looking very chic. (sneakers and nightgowns are so lovely together, you know). I’d find my star or planet. I got good at it. My mom and dad even bought me a star gazing book for Christmas. (said book is in my living room now. i’m a little attached to it). But, after I’d done the homework part, I’d just stand. Under the night sky. Silence. And I’d think how small I must be.

You know, light travels fast. I mean, that is pretty much general knowledge. This speed is approximately 186,282 miles per second. And despite that speed, I’d stand in my yard and wonder what time I was viewing a star’s light from. The universe is so huge, I could be seeing the light emitted by a star years ago. Like thousands and thousands of years ago. It made the night sky seem so far beyond what my brain could handle. And it made God feel even bigger than that. And to a girl in a tiny town, shivering in her pajamas, and not really seeing any further than science class that afternoon…well, that was a feeling that scared me. It terrified me. It thrilled me. And I loved it.

Fast forward a bunch of years (okay. not a bunch. i’d prefer 'handful'), and the kids and I sing this song most mornings on the way to school…Take a listen. Because it is really beautiful.

The Bright and Morning Star. It makes my eyes burn a little with tears each morning we listen to it. Venus is called the Morning Star (also, the Evening Star), because you can view it low in the sky right before the sun comes up (or goes down). I think it is the third brightest light in our sky, after the sun and moon. And it was my favorite ‘extra credit’ assignment. It is so beautiful and bright. And the song brings back that feeling of being in complete amazement of my Creator. The same thing I felt standing in my yard.

You know, I never really liked the Bible verse that likened my life to a vapor. It kinda bummed me out actually. I mean, I want to be important. Remembered. I want to be big. Leave an impact. And a vapor. Seriously, Lord?? It didn’t leave me with a happy feeling. But, I think I was missing the point.

When you spread out everything before you. Your family history. The history you learned in school. The pages of all the science books you’ve had to study. The world that went before you. The world that will go on without you someday. The night sky. And a verse that tells you your life is like a vapor….you probably will feel pretty tiny. A lot like a vapor. A fading flower. A moment.

The point is not to take the wind out of our sails. It isn’t to pop our dream bubbles. It isn’t really to make us feel insignificant. Or just to prove how tiny we are.

The verse is revealing how big God’s love is for us.

That He even listens to my prayers baffles me. That He holds this chick in the same hands that created the stars…that is kind of…well, BIG. I am important to Him. My struggles and triumphs, they matter. It’s this feeling that still terrifies, scares, thrills me.

The things we did as kids…sometimes we just gotta go back for a second. Be simple and open and ready, like little kids are. Trust like a child. Believe in possibilities. Feel small-- but important. Feel treasured.

Even stand under a night sky.

Trick or Treat Bag...

2011-10-20T20:05:00.000-04:00

Here is a cute idea for the sweetest trick-or-treat goody bags on the block. They are so cute, the kids might be reluctant to rip them open and eat the candies inside. Okay. That's a long shot;), but still...I think they would make cute party favors or school treats, too!...Take a look.

Here is what you need...

Wrap your candy in a plastic bag.

Cut your paper bag into two squares *big enough to fit your candy in with a little extra room!*

Sew up three sides.

Slide the candy into your bag.

Sew up your last side:).

oh. And don't forget the back of your bag!!:)

Isn't it fun!?!

Hey-- and it could totally be a project for this challenge:)...

Wednesday Lovin'

2011-10-19T22:12:00.001-04:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I think I like it even more than Thanksgiving!! It's just so fun-- the kids look so forward to costumes and treats!! My family always tries to do some type of Halloween party for the adults. Well. We are all really still kids;)...but this year, my sister is throwing a party for the real kiddies in the family:) instead. I was thinking of some fun treats to giveaway to cousins and extended family...and here are my 5 favorites from browsing online:). So cute and fun-- puts me in the trick-or-treating spirit!!

via

So, my favorite?? It has to be the last one! I love how gross but cute they are!! And, with a gas stove, this would be pretty simple and easy to make (I'd want my marshmallows a little crispy on the ends:)! I also like the candy corn parfaits...These ones were made with a cheesecake mousse, but I think pudding or cake layers would work just as good! They look so fun for a kids party!!

What are your Halloween plans this year?? Any fun traditions?? Share!! xoxo

The Target Wolf.

2011-10-16T20:12:00.000-04:00

I believe in letting my children develop their own personal style.

I do pick outfits out most days...but sometimes they dress themselves. And sometimes they take the clothes I give them and add their own personal touch.

Like when Philly put his clothes on for church today. Sweater first. Thermal second. (I had to fix this personal touch...it was church after all:). And I am pretty sure he didn't get socks on before we left. Just sneaks.

And we have walked through stores with Niamh's face painted green (she went through a huge Wizard of Oz phase).

Pajamas have been street clothes. Especially the long, frilly princess ones. Niamh loves a gown. And a good twirl. For all to see.

I love when they are confident in their choice of clothing. Niamh feels pretty in her nightgowns. And Philly is happy to stuff his sweater into a thermal:). As shy as I am, I've always been one to wear what I like. So what if people don't get me. If it makes me feel happy, I'm gonna wear it. It makes me happy that both of them are the same way.

And so far, the kid's choices have worked out pretty good. Because people in the stores smile at me...with a look that says, "how cute, they dressed themselves."

But I've never had to swallow my mommy pride and walk around with a growling werewolf. Until yesterday.

Yesterday people didn't really give me the 'awww, that's sweet' look. Initially, they jumped. And looked rather scared. And then gave me the Really? eyes. Yes, fellow Target shoppers. He really wanted to be a warewolf yesterday. And he is the sweetest wolfie I ever met:). Sure, he needed to be told not to growl here and there throughout the afternoon...but he is all bark and no bite. I assure you:).

I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but Niamh has on these super big circle glasses. They totally look like Harry Potter ones. So I called her Harriet all day:). Harriet Potter and a werewolf. And I was wearing no makeup and messy workout clothes. We were a ragged bunch if there ever was one, but we got some good giggles out of it:).

BFF.

2011-10-14T20:54:00.001-04:00

headbands

Niamh is my very best girlfriend in the whole world.

I try and bring her to all me and my sisters' girl nights.(Except when the movie is too old, of course:)...

We have our moments, like all really good friends do. When she is ignoring me. And I am giving her my stinkiest eye. And there is huffing and puffing. From both of us.

Then there are sorrys. And, are you still my best friend? questions. And hugs. And more hugs. And pinches on the behind:). Cuz that makes her laugh. And me too:).

We think the same things are funny. We spend way too much time on my iphone Juxtaposer app...taking pictures of each other, then switching our heads. My head, her body/ her head, my body. Tonight, we put our heads on Monster High dolls:). Yeah, it was pretty awesome!

She is scared of the same things as me, which include (among other things): tornadoes, falling trees, daddy long-legs, and blood. Oh. And we are both hypochondriacs. To the tenth degree. (She thought she caught tuberculosis from a mummy at the museum we went to this week...on the brink of spazing in the mummy exhibit.)

Everything is special. And she saves her *most special* things in life for her future daughter...Which is really kinda cool. I know she understands that I loved her way before I ever met her. And that I often see myself as a little kid when I look at her.

She plays in my heels. And wears nightgowns after 4 pm. She hates tights. And loves to wear my lip gloss.

She is short and sweet. We like to tease her about how small she is. But I always tell her-- Some day you can be carried by a prince. For some of us, that is not in the cards:). Shortness seems kinda romantic this way.

And we made up a best friends handshake (her idea:). "Best Friends Foreva!!" Clap own hands. Clap each other's hands. Eskimo Kisses.

I know a lot about Selena Gomez. She knows a lot about Johnny Cash.

She has cried for her friends. In my bedroom. Because she loves deeply.

And when a boy on the playground told her tattoos were bad, she kicked him in the shins...

...Because she loves her family deeply, too:).

She is my favorite chick in the world. A total mix of all the girls in my family...from my mom, to my sisters, to myself...A little piece of each of us. And still very much her own.

I'm so thankful for her precious and sparkly heart.

what are some of the little, everyday

things you love most

about your

children??

Wednesday Lovin' ; Free People Edition:)

2011-10-13T20:47:00.000-04:00

I received the Free People October catalog in the mail this week. It is such a treat to find it in the mailbox! Like getting a free magazine that I love:)! It's just a beautifully presented clothing company. FP clothing is so boho-hippie-gypsy...I literally love almost every piece on the site:)! Here are some of my very favorites right now...

Out of the five, I think the first piece is calling my name the loudest:). I've been wanting a long, light sweater-jacket thing for fall...and this is so pretty! I'd love it with the twist back maxi over a pair of flared jeans! How cute would that be!?!

What's your favorite??...Are you a boho/hippie chick, too??...

10 Awesome Years.

2011-10-11T23:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Phil and I snuck off to the beach:). Last week we hit our ten year mark-- 10 years!! I still can't believe we've been married that long! We don't do anniversary presents, because we would rather use the money to go on a date. Since it's a nice round number...even a bit of a milestone...we drove 45 minutes east to our favorite place. Possibly on the planet:). Ocean City. My parents love this big, pink hotel right on the beach...and my mom convinced me to make reservations there when she raved about their morning omlettes for the third time in one phone conversation:). (i'm an omelette chick. you put a big fat cheese omelette in front of me, and i'm just goooooood:). It was a little pricey for one night, but we were right on the water. And left the sliding doors to the balcony open all night. Listened to the waves in our sleep:). It was my favorite anniversary date so far...and I think it might have to become a tradition. We already want to go back:).

I love spending time with Phil. And it is nice to know he really enjoys hanging out with wifey, too:). He is my greatest friend. I could talk endlessly about him, but I'll keep it short. So you get 10:).

1. We have had exactly 167 conversations about the movie 300 (one of my top three movies ever)...How every guy in that movie is air brushed (Phil's opinion:). And he calls himself my 301. *giggle*

2. In the middle of every throw-down (this is when he is tickling me relentlessly on the couch), he likes to add (just so I know), 'I'm only at 10% right now.'

3. He gave me a second family that I love more than life. His sisters, brother, parents, nieces and nephews, and brother-in-laws are a beautiful part of my life. I couldn't live without them. And he loves my family just like I do. As much as I do. And they adore him, too. Especially the girls;).

4. Phil and I like to have a catch outside. I love his face when I throw a wacky one waaaaaaay over his head...his annoyed, grumpy face:)...And the thing is, it just makes it even worse. Cuz then I'm trying so hard to throw the ball good, that I just suck the rest of the time:).

5. After we rent a scary movie, he turns all the lights off like he is going to bed...and then hides somewhere in the house. To scare me. Every. Single. Time.

6. He is a great dad. A really, really great dad.

7. He loves Halloween. He has a whole stash of masks in storage. Last week he bought a mask and drove around for 15 minutes doing errands with me as Freddy Krueger. Claw and all.

8. He buys me perfume once a year. Like the really good, expensive kind. And I'm not even a perfume person-- but I cannot wait till he hands me that package on my birthday:).

9. He told me once that he took a double take of me. Before he realized I was his wife. And that he was sorry:). I wasn't sure if I should punch him or kiss him. (I kissed him...I mean, how romantic is that??:)

10. Last month we were fixing the roof together. Not really getting along up there-- as we both new the 'correct way' to do it:). And it started raining. And thundering. And things were rolling off the roof onto the ground. And I was telling him I would NEVER work with him on a construction crew. And he was telling me that he'd never let me. And then I asked him for a kiss. Cause we'd never kissed on the roof before.

And he kissed me. A lot:).

It is a good feeling, after 10 years, to know we couldn't work on a construction crew together for more reasons than just butting heads;).

I love you more than life, 301.

Pink Hair. (just a little!)

2011-10-09T22:30:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies! Hope your weekend was super-duper great!!

skirt, UO. scarf, FP. tights, Target. tanks and hoodie, Target. boots, Wanted.

I tried clip-in hair extensions for the first time today, and I gotta say, I love them! It's a fun and quick way to add a pop of crazy color:). I put in two sections, one auburn and one hot pink. Curled my whole head of hair. Came out of bathroom. And hubby liked;). Figured I'd try to get by with some extensions till I go back to dreads. Speaking of which, half my next set is curled. They are so pretty, sometimes I just pull them out to look at them:). I'm trying my best to give my hair a break, though. Trying to be a good, no-dreads girl:).

If you want to check out the clip-in extensions, click here. It is my order from Damnation Hair. (Yes, I am her most pesky, loyal, and devoted customer:). OH!! And my digi shop will be **closed** Monday and Tuesday. It will re-open sometime *Wednesday*.

This girl is goin' on a mini vaca:).

Be back soon!! xoxo

Philly's Day:).

2011-10-08T00:35:00.000-04:00

The end of this week has been super-duper fun for the little guy! Yesterday was his sixth birthday. SIX. I still feel like he is a baby. He was always a big baby; not really pudgy-- just super solid. He weighed more at sixth months than most kids do at a year:). Our little football playa;). Maybe it's because he was always so big...or maybe because he still seems so small...but, it doesn't feel like he can possibly be six years old.

He use to drink his bottles so fast that milk would just run down the sides of his face. Didn't phase him at all...Still doesn't. That child has his last meal on his face until someone cleans it off for him. Just doesn't feel it, I guess:).

His first real word was 'ball.' Kinda fitting, seeing how he is always running from one end of the house to the other, re-enacting some type of football play, holding tight to his favorite ball:). He can already name most NFL teams just by seeing their uniform colors. Knows who the fastest NY Yankee is (this is more impressive than batting average at this age:). And he works a football and /or baseball theme into every homework assignment:). ( 'I' is for interception. 'T' is for touchdown. 'B' is for base. 'E' is for end zone...You get the idea.:)

He waits all day-- from the moment his eyes pop open until 7pm each night-- for Phil to get home. He loves his dad. LOVES him to death.

He indulges Niamh and saves her Barbies daily with his superheroes. And turns the lights on for her in every dark room:).

And, while he no longer cries walking into school in the mornings, he waved to me 11 times the other day before he entered the building.

Still my baby boy:).

I love being with him. Just hearing him talk makes me smile. Today I got to have him all to myself. His class went to the farm. And I got to be a chaperon. It was such a nice day! So much fun to see him run around with new friends. And hear him pray for the class lunch (he is the 'Prayer Bear' this week:). And in the middle of the day, he turned to me and said "I love you."

We have this thing.
I tell him 'I love you.'
He says it back...
And then I say, 'love you more.'
After that, we both scream as fast as we can, 'love you infinity-estics.' I have no idea what number or amount that is. But that's how much I love this kid. Can't even put it into (real) words.

A Walk in the Woods

2011-10-05T18:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Phil and I helped with Niamh's class. We went on a walk-a-thon, which raised money for the school. It is always a blast to spend the day with one of the kids...School trips are good for that. I think Niamhy felt special, just having us to herself for a while. Every time one of the kids got near Phil, she would grab his hand and say, "Move away, this is my dad." LOL. (Insert: Proud Papa;). By the end of the day, I don't know who was more tired, the kids or us:)! We both enjoyed it so much:).

Crafts During Football:)

2011-10-02T16:51:00.000-04:00

Ah, Sunday football on in the background (GO GMEN!)...kids painting quietly in the living room...sitting at my desk, enjoying a nice rainy Sunday afternoon!:) I had this idea for a while, to use a bunch of the pretty, girly images to make a banner for Niamh. (I LOVE banners!) Last night I started coloring up some images between emails and finished the girls up after church. It only took about an hour to put the pieces together...ribbons, butterfly cut-outs, clothes pins...all the little details...

And then, TADA!! Made my girl a banner for her room. Niamhy came over to my desk halfway through and was so excited:). She had fun picking out which girl was which one of her friends. She decided to be the mermaid:). Then the vampire....then back to the mermaid:). *giggle* I think it makes a really pretty handcrafted gift, too. Perfect to give a young girl or pre-teen to hang in her bedroom! All it needs is a gift box:). And a big pink bow! (Another idea-- just gift the parts of it...and let her make it herself. This is so different than the kid's craft kits in the stores!)

Pretty, huh?!!

So, what's on your agenda today?? Any football fans out there? Who's your team?...I'll love you even if you are an Eagles fan(seems us Giant fans have a particular dislike for the birds;)

(booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Eagles.)

xoxo

When All Else Fails, Shop in the Kids Section:)

2011-09-28T00:54:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I will end up as one of those parents that embarrasses their kids. I'd like to believe, and I really do, that my kids just won't be the type to get embarrassed. For sure I will never tolerate them not giving me kisses and hugs because it's not cool. Oh, I will hunt them down while applying my reddest lipstick and smooch them good. 37 times. Right on their sweet little faces!:) Our family is goofy. And loud. Really, really loud. (Is yours loud? Does it hurt your mama ears sometimes?:) We play jokes. And the kids talk openly about everything. We pray in the mornings before we walk into school. And if we forget, well...we stop and pray in the hallway real quick. I like how the four of us operate as a group. They know Phil is always good for a smackdown. And that mommy still thinks words like fart and booger are funny. (I do. You do too. Don't lie;) I even love the noise. Well...most of the time. And my hope is that all the noise and laughter and goofiness will keep us a little shielded from the world. And what others might expect as the kids grow. And especially keep Niamh and Philly protected from being aware of things like feeling embarrassed or silly or even grown up. For as long as possible:).

After the kiddies went to school, Phil and I went out to breakfast this morning. Then drove up to the bookstore. I was excited to browse more than just the kid's section this time;). Although, I did stop in there and buy a really cute Halloween storybook. I gotta say, I have gotten use to having this guy all to myself for a few hours each week. He definitely makes me laugh. Caught him lurking behind bookshelves a couple times, trying to sneak up on me. I guess we still haven't grown up. :)

Speaking of growing up. I'm just going to say it. I bought my vest in the little kid's section at Target this week. So. I have been looking for a big, furry vest for a month now. They are all so expensive. And I never found the one. Until I saw a rack full of THEE ONE's on the way to check out the other day. I stood forever at that clothing rack. Doing sweeps of my area, making sure no one was looking. Quickly holding it up to my shoulders to check the length. But, I wasn't sure it would fit around my back. Insert: trip to little boys section, between socks and pajamas...where no one else was in sight. I tried that sucker on so fast, I started sweating:). And it fit. LOL. So, if you like the vest...check the kids section at Target. It's only 24.99!!

And here are photos from the week of my two little rascals. Niamhy had to get stitches because she fell into a table at home. Twirling in living room + long hair in face = falling down ( + 6 stitches). She asks me at least 10 times a day if anymore of her eyebrow hairs have fallen out:). I keep telling her, Baby-- women pull them out all the time. You're ahead of the game! LOL...And my Papa Bear. *sigh* I just want to kiss his cheeks forever:).

I hope your week is treating you well...and that you get lots of chances to enjoy childhood...Whether it is through your own kids or just alive in you own heart. Or both.

xoxo