Sunday, January 30, 2011

digital scrapbooking convention!

digital scrapbooking convention...

Here I come!


and here are the two split layouts. Its a double page vertical design!



Tuesday, January 25, 2011

journal entry- 1/25, layouts,photos, and love!

so its sure been awhile since I've blogged.. ack I tend to do that sometime.

When I do that I always seem to have a lot that I want to talk about. I want to sit and tell you everything that I missed telling you. This last few weeks have been stressful, fun, and amazing all at the same time! We haven't had a lot going on, but more emotions it seems. One of the greatest things this week was...

You learned to giggle!! and its amazing to say the least. 

I finally grabbed a video. The laughing was seriously way louder, but by the time I got the video camera out... you were wearing down. I still captured the giggles.


We are also continuing the job searching... which is never easy. Not in the economy we have today. Its sad that its this way, but its very difficult for everyone.

We're clawing our way out of a recession that has spawned a year and a half of "jobless recovery."
We expect more jobs to open up this year.
But don't expect the pre-2008 job market to return.
Workplaces that downsized aren't likely to regain pre-recession strength. And new hiring isn't apt to fill the same jobs that were eliminated.


Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/25/2607825/2011-job-market-will-be-unfamiliar.html#ixzz1C76Wuygg

One thing mommy and daddy never try to do is lose hope. No matter what when things seem the roughest... is when you truly prevail.

I have some new photos to share. I love taking photos... and I so enjoy my subject material. I never get tired of taking photos of you.

we also did a photo shoot!! we got tons of amazing photos too!!!






Thursday, January 20, 2011

Project Love ME: prompt 4- Dream- Words of Wisdom

What dreams do you have for you loved ones? Do you have a message you’d want to share with them about pursuing dreams, re-visiting dreams or letting dreams go? What have you learned in your life about the role dreams can play in your life?

This prompt in its entirety explains why I'm here today, and why I created this blog for you. I want to preserve our memories, share stories,  and tell you the dreams and hopes I have for us.

In everything that it trickles down to I want you to know that I love you now, and will always love you the absolute rest of our existence. 

Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.

Albert Einstein

Project Love ME: prompt 3- Dream- Flipside



Dreams Unrealized
Scrap a layout about a dream that for one reason or another will never come true. What was your dream and why have you given it up?  How do you feel about that?  What have you learned through the process of not realizing this dream?

I want to tell you the story of a dream that I had, ever since I was a little girl. It was a dream I carried with me for a long time. I never thought about the fact that no matter what I did, it would never ever come true. 

I wanted to be an air force pilot. 


I thought about this all the time, so when the time came in high school to really start to think about my future.... I stopped and really thought of what I could do to peruse my dream. What stopped me?? I'm legally blind in my right eye. I had a cataract removed when I was in the 3rd grade. They always say that it developed around the time I turned 6 months old. Its something that never truly phased me... but all together with one simple sentence from a recruiter stopped the dream... You can't fly.   

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

journal entry- 1/19


credits: Grab Bag Collection

To my beautiful emma grace. Its been an amazing 3 month stretch we’ve had together. Its been full of amazing times, sad times, stressful times, joyful times, and all around fun times. You begin by simply putting the biggest smile on my face. Every new move you make, every new sound, and every giggle I hear makes me laugh. Every screaching cry and every painful somber, makes me cry. I take in everything, even though it feels like a ton of bricks resting on my chest. I never thought or knew what this would feel like, this overwhelming feeling of being a mother. A mother is a nurse, playdate, friend, comedian, scientist, imaginary tickle monster, snuggly cuddle bear, and psychic spy. I feel that I’m all those things every single day. I write you this letter so that one day you know exactly how I feel every second I’m with you. I know someday I’ll be able to show you and you know exactly what I’m saying, but for now I sit while you are asleep and think, pray, and journal down all my feelings this way. I show you all the love and affection I can every waking hour of my life. You are my life. You are everything to me. I spend my days waking up early in the morning and snuggling with you while you grab an additional hour or two of sleep. Then we head down steairs while I prep our breakfast. I usually grab a bowl of cereal and you a bottle. We both eat and I’m ready to begin the day. Somedays tough, we both sneak in an extra nap. Sometimes I take that time to do my hobbies like cleaning the house, scrapbooking, painting, or taking photographs. Usually you are my photographic inspiration so I do that when you are up. We spend our days playing, reading, singing, talking, taking pictures, watching educational television, or visiting places. Some of your favorite places to visit our your best boyfriends Brady and Evan. They are ttwin boys born to mommy’s good friends Stephanie and Mike. You also like to go to the mall and get pushed around as you check out all the faces. You love to go visit family. You have an amazing large and loving family that consist of Grandma Melody, Grandma Toby, Grandpa Ronnie, Grandpa Duane, and then your your 9 aunts and uncles. You learn so much from all ot them. Like grandma Melody taught you how to click your tongue, and Uncle Ryan taught you how to constantly stick out your tongue. It seems like you pick those things up easily. You are so stinking smart thats why! You are so far ahead on your developement that you’ve passed up most kids that are three months old. Well I look forward to all the time we still have left to spend together. I know I have a fun day planned of releaxing and cuddling, learning, singing, playing, and talking today!. Much love always.
xo Mommy

Monday, January 17, 2011

warning.. super cuteness enclosed

Warning super cuteness!! 


another new Emma video! 

shes a doll

Things I do in spare time??

So I'm sure you wonder what crazy things your momma does when shes bored?? 

lets see....

I create artwork! Mommy loves to grab out an old paint brush and a dirty shirt while I spend my afternoon covering a stretched white canvas with acrylic paints.

I love to photograph! I photograph mostly you, your puppy, mommy and daddy, and family and friends. 


then I love to digitally scrapbook!! its an amazing stress reliever and its a community full of amazing women.

I create digital layouts like this one!


and then I create and work for many amazing women at:

Scrap Orchard- full time
Lauren Grier- February *hopefully longer after that*
Log you rmemory- June 2011

So I spend a lot of time in their forums and chatting with people. 

then I spend time on Facebook

then I'm either working on your blog, exercising, working, motivating women, and then the majority of my time is doing my favorite thing in the whole world.....

SPENDING THE DAY WITH YOU!!!

xoxo Mommy 

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Journal entry- 1/13/11, photo a day, and to my readers

To my readers-

So like any type of daily journalistic blog... you don't always have the nicest posts. Since I'm here recording for the purpose of Emma, then I don't feel like I edit out and make everything seem... all Hunky Dorry, as Emma's great grandma would call it ;) The last few days many things have happened that is really personal and hard for us. Its things that I want Emma to know, so she knows that no matter how bad or low things get, you know you will always get over it. If you do everything you can do, you will preserver. 

- REMEMBER... this is real life blogging here ;) -

journal entry-

So like I said baby, we haven't had the best of luck the last few days. Its hard, but daddy has lost his job :( Since Daddy works as an Assistant Manager of a company called Blockbuster *which honestly will not be around when you are old enough to read this.


So since Mommy is a stay at home mom and I only work a couple days at Sally Beauty Supply, We are both out looking for new jobs. I know it will be hard for a little while, but in times like these you'll come out stronger than before.

Also last night around 12 you had really bad clammy sweats so Mommy had to call the nursing hotline. You slipped and bumped your head so they wanted to check you out. I knew you were okay I just called the nurse to check on it... and they have to tell you to come in. So around midnight we drove up after a terrible snow storm and sat in the er while the examined and made sure your head was okay. It was and you are completely healthy and fine. 

Honestly since its 1 am I just wanted to journal a bit about what has happened and show you the latest photos... I'll be on later to talk more.

On a sweeter side I'm helping the community of digital scrappers lose weight. I'll be taking on the challenge as well. My job is to gather up sponsors and keep the organization of people and sponsors.

and another really cool thing is... I won the


I won with this layout-

she said some super sweet words!! it made my day. In return shes making me a super cute blinkie to share with all the ladies doing the Skinny Jeans Challenge

I love that Susan spun the challenge to work for her. She writes about being a new parent and all of the things that she would like to do with her daughter. Things that she thinks of when they cuddle quietly together. That really touched me!
by Laura-


1-11-11

1-12-11

its Emma's first band from a hospital visit, and her and daddy looking super sweet!! 


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Journal entry- 1/9/11 Photo a day!

so super happy momma today! I've recently acquired some new people to create for! thats right I'll finally be able to digital scrapbook again. What is a creative team?? well what a creative team member does is work with a graphic designer/or group of graphic designers to create or make pages/projects with their work to showcase and help them advertise, in return... you get the products for free if you meet certain requirements such as advertising requirements and creative  requirements. Its a super great community of very talented women! I can't wait to share all the work I do with you, and maybe omg yes maybe one day... we can do it together!!! i guess if its still cool and all. lol So you'll be seeing amazing products/challenges/techniques/tips/and layouts from:


LogYourMemory (starting June)

and 

Lauren Grier Designs (temporary.. in hopes for a perm spot)

okay so this might sound funny... but all the women who do what I do, have what we call the "Dream Gig" or the "Dream Team" that we wanna work for. Its usually someone we buy from or someone we just admire... ect... well two nights ago Momma got her dream team!! its only what we call a "guest spot" (which means we will work for her for a month in hopes of working permanently) It was the best feeling ever!! 

Thats for the month of February I'll be working with the super amazing talent lady named Lauren Grier. 

also i have your photo a day photos...

1-7-11


1-8-11

1-9-11

xoxo mommy

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A new layout- I'm finally getting to scrap!!

Hey I finally got the chance to scrap you another layout! I'm in love with the kit I purchased so I keep getting inspired. I was also inspired by a great post from Laura B. over at we so scrappy!

Challenge: Scrapbook one page that highlights at least 10 things that you would like to do or accomplish in your life.

here is my inspirational page-

Project Love ME: prompt 2- Dream- Flashback


What were your dreams when you were younger? What did you used to dream about — whether it came true or not? What was important to you when you were growing up? Where did you think your life would take you?

I use to dream about running off and living in a exclusive and hippie island with exclusive lifestyle. I wanted to run around without any cares or worries in the world.

I wanted to hangout in a huge group of people around a bonfire and dance and relax. I wanted to sip drinks while I basked in the sun.



Photo a Day 2011!! ,Journal Entry 1-6-11 , 3 months milestone!!

1-4-11
1-5-11
1-6-11

1-1-11- Swinging
1-2-11- Bouncer
1-3-11- Toys
1-4-11- Sleeping w/ Mommy
1-5-11- Sleeping
1-6-11- Bumbo

Well to be honest, That is the most p365 I've ever kept up with!! I'm so happy for you, you are my inspiration!

Journal entry 1-6-11
So the last couple of days we've had a lot of fun! First off you got to visit Stephanie and Mike and their two babies Brady and Evan. They are actually the first babies you've met so far!!

so I always like to keep things up to date and share quickly with family... so i actually use facebook a lot! Facebook is a social network that everyone can connect to! You update your "status" and it lets everyone know what you are up too. Since so many people out there are on facebook, its a great way to network and have a relaxing time finding out what everyone is up too.
So here are some of my latest status updates... and it will let you know what you have been up too the last few days!! I actually find it a super duper easy way to do daily journaling!! Its pretty much how you connect to friends and family these days

here are some randomness posts from 1-4-11 to 1-6-11!! 

Anyone been on my ___ <-- yea myspace \:) lately? Its a black spaced advertising revenued version of facebook... But i have no idea what anyone that i know is doing?!? I got on the app version i didnt see one friend face that i know either! Oh the social networking... Ill stick to facebook because i totally wanna know what everyone did today!

Tues am.

I need a hairstylist!! hmm wonder who? I promise not to tell you how to do it the entire time ;)
Tues am.

70 boxes of shipment in 7 hours killed me!! according to breana logan im not alone!
Tues pm.

geez Emma is STILL asleep... don't get me wrong I love it I've never had this much free time in the morning! I'm prepping for major playing...

Weds. am

i have the freakin cutest daughter!! she just said growled at her uncle!! rawr!!


Wedspm

Its poker and drinks tonight!

Weds. pm

I officially have a 3 month old!!
Thurs. am

I finally have red hair again!!!
Thurs. pm

So thats pretty much how we spent the last 3 days. We visited friends, planned my hair makeover, bought you a new bumbo, played some poker, took some photos, played some games, cleaned house, and relaxed together!

so I'll share some photos! they sum up the last 3 days too!!
you with a hoodie... its my absolute favorite look on you.
you hanging out with the boys
playing poker!
you hanging out in your new bumbo!!

quick milestone list:
You are starting to laugh out loud!!
You are now making growling noises!!
Sleeping through the nights!!
Sitting up for 30 secs alone!!

Also you hit 3 months yesterday!!

Your 3-Month-Old Baby: Infant at Last

At three months, your baby officially becomes an infant! This milestone is marked by not only chubbier cheeks, but personality galore! Here's what else your three-month-old is up to these days.
He may not get an actual diploma, but this month marks your baby's official graduation from newborn to infant status. He's still got a lot to learn (obviously!), but one thing he definitely realizes now is there's more to life than eating, sleeping, and pooping! These days, he's likely to stay awake for longer stretches during the day and (with any luck) stay asleep for longer stretches at night. He's no doubt making you chuckle, and he's probably giggling himself by now (bring on the raspberries!) as well as bringing his little paws together (clap hands!). Some babies may even begin to bear a bit of weight on their legs, but don't worry if yours doesn't — he's just not ready and that's just fine.
One thing your 3-month-old baby is definitely ready to do is show you his budding personality. He may be serious, silly, gregarious, persnickety, or determined — the bottom line is he is who he is and he's all yours! Don't give in to the urge to compare him with other babies. His unique qualities are what make him special, just as yours do for you.
Now, besides the routine care and feeding of your little one, your job is also to stimulate his intellectual growth. That's less complicated than it sounds — singing and talking are two wonderful ways to help a baby's brain shift into high gear. Some new twists to try: Use different tones of voice as you speak, and sing songs with surprise endings ("Pop Goes the Weasel" is an oldie but goodie). When you tell a story or recite a nursery rhyme, insert your baby's name for a character's name so he gets used to hearing it in a variety of tones and situations. Another great way to increase his awareness of the world is to take him on expeditions. Go for a walk and watch him respond with glee as he watches leaves move and birds fly and listens to the sounds of dogs, cars, or just about anything that makes a noise.
At playtime, your baby's hands and fingers are still his favorite toys, but now he might be able to do more with them than just insert them in his mouth. During tummy time (which he should be becoming a pro at by now), try rolling a ball about two feet in front of him. With a little practice he'll soon be able to coordinate his hand and eye movements to reach for it. This is also the perfect time to break out a floor gym if you have one. It'll allow your baby to practice his kicks and reaches as he works on those cognitive skills (what's the colorful spinning thing and why does it jingle when I bat it?). Another thought-provoking play item: a child-safe activity mirror. Hang it on the side of his crib and you just might get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning while he entertains himself with the most amazing sight in the world — his very own face!


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

a new look

So I have our friend Laura coming by Friday to cut my hair... and I mean really cut my hair. I always give myself 3 options.





this is what I'm working with. I have a great length to go off. oh the decisions. 

I'll be picking up my color and stuff today! ohh you are heading to the beauty supply store. Trust me one day kid you'll love them!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Journal entry- 1/3/11

So its been a few days I think its time for a new journal entry. Always super fun to sit here while you are sleeping and gather my thoughts. You've been sleeping long enough for me to design 2 new canvas artwork sketches and surf through some of my favorite sites... that totals almost a 3+ hour nap during the day. Oh I hope you sleep tonight little lady. 

Before that we did another photoshoot!! We were in desperate need of one. They came out super cute, but I can't quite share them yet, with all the super fun editing that goes along with them.
Hopefully that will be something we start on soon. Its always something that mommy and daddy do together. We are a photo taking duo. 

i did take some snapshots today!
your 3 month shots the are a few days early but thats ok!

Em @ 3 months


3 months w/ daddy!! So this was taken during on of your favorite moments with daddy. Playing Halo! you are both so into it lol. You sit there and keep moving daddy's camera around and turning on his night vision goggles. 

and here is 3 months w/ mommy! This is a self portrait one because of earlier discussions of my hair up or down, or long or short! I said the always true test is the teenage self portrait! I think hair up is success. its usually that way since you like to grab it.


..............................
well after a super long break I'm back to finish up this post. As i was writing you woke up, so we had our fun night-time stuff. it starts with learning time. We play and talk and work on motor and sensory skills. We add in sitting and tummy time too. After all that we take a break and let you do something interactive with us. This time we did some exercises together then played some classic super mario brothers. You freaking love these games. Its fun moving characters, you get to sit on our laps, and it has fun buttons to push.


after that we ate dinner, changed your diaper, and played some more. After awhile it was time to get ready for bed. I've begun a little sleep time routine for you, and its working out really well. Its eat, bath, swaddle, walk and hold/storytime sometimes *sometimes you are just too tired tho*, and then holding until you are almost asleep, then swing or bassinet. It honestly depends on how sleepy I am. Sometimes its the perfect time for me to finish up late night tasks. When I put you in the swing I just end up out on the couch.

Oh we grabbed some more cute bath time photos... ahh we have an entire memory card of photos to sift though over the next couple of days! I can't wait to share them. Unfortunately I work my 9 hour shift tomorrow. I honestly don't get much done, because when I'm not working I'm spending my time with you.

Last note:
Eat Health Kick!!

Thats right mommy, daddy, and uncle ryan talked tonight and this household is turning into a super healthy household!!! We have our p90x *ryan* and our 30 day shred *for mommy* ready to go, We found out we can visit our local facilities to walk in until the weather gets nice *bout time we got your stroller out*, and we are doing a super healthy shop trip tomorrow!!

I'm going to do the yoplait 2 week tune up! I think. Mostly my diet will center around smoothies, yogurt, whole grain, and water... and water... and water!!!

here are some of the recipes and ideas I'll be trying


It's pretty simple!!

replace breakfast and lunch with yoplait, grain, and fruit *smoothies make all those in one drink ;)*
eat a sensible dinner! lean proteins are a plus 
eat a veggie snack!
3 additional servings of dairy
stay active 30-40 mins *with a 3 month old and a part time job.. no sweat there* 

some fun recipes I'll be trying are:

Crunchy Yogurt Sundaes
A "berry" sweet way to start or end the day, since this yummy vitamin- and mineral-packed yogurt sundae is both a stupendous breakfast and an extraordinary dessert!
Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:10 min
Makes:2 servings
INGREDIENTS
8medium strawberries
1cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch® cereal
11/3cups Yoplait® creamy strawberry yogurt (from 2lb container)
DIRECTIONS
1.Cut 6 of the strawberries into 4 slices each. Place 6 strawberry slices in each of 2 parfait glasses. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cereal over strawberries. Pour about 1/3 cup yogurt over cereal.
2.Make another layer of strawberries, cereal and yogurt. Top each sundae with whole strawberry. Serve immediately.



and I have a sample week plan but the idea is this

some example food options!
YOGURT
Any of the 33 flavors of Yoplait Light or Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy
GRAIN
1 cup plain Cheerios®
1 cup Multi-grain Cheerios®
1 cup Rice Chex®
FRUIT (1 SERVING)
1 small - medium apple
2 small tangerines
¾ cup of raspberries or blackberries
4 apricots
1 small - medium banana
VEGETABLES (1 SERVING 1 CUP COOKED OR RAW)
sugar snap peas
asparagus 
spinach 
tomato 
zucchini 
NON-FAT DAIRY (1 SERVING)
1 cup skim milk
¾ cup plain nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup nonfat cottage cheese
LEAN PROTEIN
6 oz. chicken or turkey breast
6 oz. canned tuna in water
6 oz. pork, tenderloin or fresh ham

and my 14 day plan which of course is always just ideas-