Wednesday, October 26, 2011

American Horror Story/Halloween- journal 10/26

So I've been spending my last few days working and spending time with you.. it has pretty much taken up all my time that is how much I work these days. Oh its nice.. and the paycheck is nice so honestly it doesn't bother me much. I just make sure that no matter what I still get to spend my time with you! 
I've also been spending some time working on a few things.. one of which isn't your Halloween costume. So your Halloween thing is Friday and I don't have a costume!! ahhhh

I have a couple things I'm trying to do last minute. I honestly don't have the time to make us both the tutu costume, so I'm going to put that one off. Now I'm trying to come up with something... anything else. I have my District Manager(Nicholi) trying to find you a Princess Leia costume. I can also order this by 3 pm tomorrow and get it overnight shipped. I just really don't want to chance it!! I'm kinda worried. I know I don't have any in my store that I like and want to get, but its always an option. I've looked around at most other stores and haven't cared for those either. I must decide something soon.


I've also been catching a couple of my all time favorite tv shows. I'm not usually a tv watcher unless its adult cartoons or food network. I've just been hooked on 
American Horror Story-

 American Horror Story revolves around the Harmons, a family of three who moved from Boston to Los Angeles as a means to reconcile past anguish. The all-star cast features Dylan McDermott as “Ben Harmon,” a psychiatrist; Connie Britton as “Vivien Harmon,” Ben’s wife; Taissa Farmiga as “Violet,” the Harmon’s teenage daughter; Jessica Lange in her first-ever regular series TV role as “Constance,” the Harmon’s neighbor; Evan Peters plays “Tate Langdon,” one of Ben’s patients; and Denis O’Hare as “Larry Harvey.” Guest stars for the series include Frances Conroy as the Harmon’s housekeeper; Alexandra Breckenridge as the Harmon’s housekeeper; and Jamie Brewer as Constance’s daughter.
The pilot episode of American Horror Story, shot in Los Angeles, was written by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, and it was directed by Murphy. In addition to Murphy and Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto will also serve as Executive Producer of the series.  American Horror Story is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.
and 

Vampire Diaries- 

Returning for its third season, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers who are obsessed with the same girl. In season one, Stefan (Paul Wesley, "Fallen") and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder, "Lost") returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons. Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev, the upcoming film, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"), who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce (also played by Dobrev), the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved - in 1864. Damon, on the other hand, was intent on releasing Katherine from the tomb where he believed she was trapped by a witch's spell all those years ago. In the explosive finale of season one, Elena's uncle Johnathan (guest star David Anders) set a plan in motion that resulted in Katherine's return.
In season two, Katherine's manipulations threw a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon, and the other residents of Mystic Falls were forced to choose sides as they fell victim to a new breed of danger. Stefan and Damon were later met with their greatest challenge yet - the arrivals of Elijah (guest star Daniel Gillies, "Spiderman 2") and Klaus (Joseph Morgan, "Ben-Hur"), two of the "Original" vampires. As Klaus went head-to-head with Damon and took a special interest in Stefan, he was also seemingly focused on breaking the "Sun and Moon" curse by sacrificing Elena. No matter what action the brothers took to protect Elena, Klaus would not be swayed from his mission, proving himself to be the most powerful vampire in existence. Ultimately, Klaus' sacrifice ritual proved deadly not for Elena but for her Aunt Jenna (Sara Canning, "Smallville"), whose violent death devastated both her family and her boyfriend, Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis, "Legally Blonde").
Season three opens the door to the history of Klaus and The Original Family, as Klaus' motives for wanting Stefan on his side are finally revealed. As Stefan sinks deeper into the dark side, Damon and Elena struggle with the guilt of their growing bond, even as they work together to bring Stefan back from the edge. The ghosts from Jeremy Gilbert's (Steven R. McQueen, "Everwood") past have a powerful message they're trying to deliver to him, not to mention the impact they're having on his relationship with Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham, "Honey 2"). After the emotional end of her relationship with Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig, "Friday Night Lights"), Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola, "Juno") grows closer to Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino, "Cane"), and a war erupts between their families.
Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "Dawson's Creek"), Julie Plec ("Kyle XY," "Wasteland"), Leslie Morgenstein ("Gossip Girl," "Private") and Bob Levy ("Gossip Girl," "Privileged").

well we are going to relax together, look up some more costumes on Spirit Halloween, and watch some South Park, and yes its midnight, but you are that kinda girl. 

xoxo Mommy

Thursday, October 13, 2011

omgosh I'm so excited!! Halloween costume decided.

So tonight I was randomly browsing through Pintrest and I found our Halloween costumes!!

I'm so stoked its unreal.

look at this!!!!!-

--
I'll probably edit a few things like I haven't decided if we will be witches... or something else, and I might alter the colors some, basic idea of it I'm stuck on!!

we will l0+
6ook... what Emma-

that is your attempt to help me write your blog posts... You are only slightly distracted by Despicable Me lol.

anyway child....

Mommy is on a mission! I'm making up my to do/to buy list and I'll be stuck on this project in all spare time that I have. **which isn't much** hmm shoulda thought that when I decided to run a Halloween store ;)

xo Mommy

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Project Life year 2 project planning and concept

So its time to move on from your 1st year baby album and start your second year. I spent so much time deciding and planning your first one and it went nothing how I planned. I sampled so many ways and found I like Ali Edwards concept with my own twist on it. Now its so eclectic that I LOVE it. I still have a few layouts and a couple things to write down, but overall its complete.

So I've spent the last few days gather all my "wishlist" items that I need to gather over the next month. Reason is one of my most important and favorite items wont be released until sometime in November. I'm not letting that hold me back and throw off how I want to do your album. I'll just have to wait for certain elements of it to come in at a later date. Whats okay about that is the way my approach to a new way of scrapbooking. I really can't get full 12x12 layouts done. In the last year I've only made 12.

So here is how I'll be doing the second year album. Mixed in with a couple other fun projects Ali does

Project Life album inspired by Ali Edwards with Project Life products from Becky Higgins

Here is how I like to lay it out. I've actually done part of your first year album like this... and I loved it! So I know its the way I want to go with the second year. I'm noticing now that there is so many little things I've lost, or things I haven't fully written out in a timely manner and now they are so much that I'm unable to write it all down.


I just feel great about the structural concept and the look of ease that comes with this type of scrapbooking. It captures my two favorite things... photos and journaling. 


I also love this basic spread. 

but I can always add more-

I've already began finding a few items from this week, taken some fantastic photos, and jotted a few things down on the blog I can grab and jot down on journaling cards. Its so fun and so easy!

I need to gather my basic supplies still-

I want this album from We r Memory Keepers
this Project Life kit from Becky Higgins


then I need some page inserts

I can't get anything until November tho. All I can get is the album, but I still can't get the inserts to add things yet so I'm just keeping everything organized so I can print it off in a month and add everything to it. It will take me some extra time then, but after that it will flow smoothly enough that I wont mind.

there are a few things I want to grab from Eva that are just extra for fun items.


and these stickers. also some other journal type stickers. Anything to stick to photos to help me date and label them

I want to grab a few things like tags, a black marker, stickers, washi tape, and little buttons and flowers just to add some more visual interest.

I love LoVe LOVE this album!! I'm so excited to get started and I can't wait to get everything put in.

Recap 1st year... My baby is 1!!

Its crazy.
I can't believe it.

You are officially 1! 


Its hard for me to believe, it seems like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant.
You've accomplished so much in such a short time too.
Everything in green we can check off...
Everything in yellow we are close...
and red we will be working on in the following months
normally 1 year olds-

Child's Age
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
1 monthLifts head when lying on tummy
Responds to sound
Stares at faces
Follows objects briefly with eyes
Vocalizes: oohs and aahs
Can see black-and-white patterns
Smiles, laughs
Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 monthsVocalizes: gurgles and coos
Follows objects across field of vision
Notices his hands
Holds head up for short periods
Smiles, laughs
Holds head at 45-degree angle
Makes smoother movements
Holds head steady
Can bear weight on legs
Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)
3 monthsRecognizes your face and scent
Holds head steady
Visually tracks moving objects
Squeals, gurgles, coos
Blows bubbles
Recognizes your voice
Does mini-pushup
Rolls over, from tummy to back
Turns toward loud sounds
Can bring hands together, bats at toys
4 monthsSmiles, laughs
Can bear weight on legs
Coos when you talk to him
Can grasp a toy
Rolls over, from tummy to back
Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada"
Cuts first tooth
May be ready for solid foods
5 monthsDistinguishes between bold colors
Plays with his hands and feet
Recognizes own name
Turns toward new sounds
Rolls over in both directions
Sits momentarily without support
Mouths objects
Separation anxiety may begin
6 monthsTurns toward sounds and voices
Imitates sounds
Rolls over in both directions
Is ready for solid foods
Sits without support
Mouths objects
Passes objectsfrom hand to hand
Lunges forward or starts crawling
Jabbers or combines syllables
Drags objects toward himself


Age
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
7 monthsSits without support
Drags objects toward herself
Lunges forward orstarts crawling
Jabbers or combines syllables
Starts to experiencestranger anxiety
Waves goodbye
Stands while holding onto something
Bangs objects together
Begins to understandobject permanence
8 monthsSays "mama" or "dada" to parents (isn't specific)
Passes objects from hand to hand
Stands while holding onto something
Crawls
Points at objects
Searches for hidden objects
Pulls self to standing,cruises
Picks things up with thumb-finger pincer grasp
Indicates wants with gestures
9 monthsStands while holding onto something
Jabbers or combines syllables
Understands object permanence
Cruises while holding onto furniture
Drinks from a sippy cup
Eats with fingers
Bangs objects together
Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo
Says "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent
10 monthsWaves goodbye
Picks things up withpincer grasp
Crawls well, with belly off the ground
Says "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent
Indicates wants with gestures
Stands alone for a couple of seconds
Puts objects into a container
11 monthsSays "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent
Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo
Stands alone for a couple of seconds
Cruises
Understands "no" and simple instructions
Puts objects into a container
Says one word besides "mama" or "dada"
Stoops from standing position
12 monthsImitates others' activities
Indicates wants with gestures
Takes a few steps
Says one word besides "mama" or "dada"
Walks alone
Scribbles with a crayonSays two words besides "mama" or "dada"
and what the next year brings

Child's Age
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
13 monthsUses two wordsskillfully (e.g., "hi" and "bye")
Bends over and picks up an object
Enjoys gazing at his reflection
Holds out arm or leg to help you dress him
Combines words and gestures to make needs known
Rolls a ball back and forth
14 monthsEats with fingers
Empties containers of contents
Imitates others
Toddles well
Initiates games

Points to one body part when asked
Responds to instructions (e.g., "give me a kiss")
Uses a spoon or fork
Matches lids with appropriate containers
Pushes and pulls toys while walking
15 monthsPlays with ball
Uses three wordsregularly

Walks backward
Scribbles with a crayon
Runs
Adopts "no" as his favorite word
"Helps" around the house
Puts his fingers to his mouth and says "shhh"
16 monthsTurns the pages of abook
Has temper tantrums when frustrated

Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object
Discovers the joy of climbing
Stacks three blocks

Uses spoon or fork
Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g., the telephone)
Takes off one piece of clothing by himself
Gets finicky about food
Switches from two naps to one
17 monthsUses six wordsregularly
Enjoys pretend games
Likes riding toys
Feeds doll
Speaks more clearly
Throws a ball underhand
Dances to music
Sorts toys by color, shape, or size
Kicks ball forward
18 monthsWill "read" board books on his own
Scribbles well
Strings two words together inphrases
Brushes teeth with help
Stacks four blocks
Throws a ball overhand
Takes toys apart and puts them back together
Shows signs of toilet training readiness
not bad!! You are doing so well for your age! I'm very very proud of that list above me.

So everything red and everything listed below will be what we will be doing for the next year.


Child's Age
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
19 monthsUses a spoon and fork
Runs
Throws a ball underhand
Enjoys helping around the house
Understands as many as 200 words
Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat)
Washes and dries own hands with help
Points to picture or object when you call it by name
May know when she needs to pee
20 monthsFeeds doll
Takes off own clothes
Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away
Learns words at a rate of ten or more a day
Can walk up stairs (but probably not down)
May start exploring genitals
Draws a straight line
Names several body parts
21 monthsCan walk up stairs
Able to set simple goals (e.g., deciding to put a toy in a certain place)
Throws a ball overhand
Kicks ball forward
Stacks six blocks
Names simple picture in a book
Can walk down stairs
22 monthsKicks ball forward
Follows two-step requests(e.g., "Get your doll and bring it here")
Does simple puzzles
Draws a straight line
Names several body parts
Puts on loose-fitting clothes
Might be ready for a big bed
Understands opposites (e.g., tall vs. short)
23 monthsNames simple picture in a book
Uses 50 to 70 words
Opens doors
Sings simple tunes
Takes more of an interest in playing with other kids
Talks about self (likes, dislikes)
Asks "why?"
24 monthsNames at least six body parts
Half of speech is understandable
Makes two- to three-word sentences
Talks about self
Arranges things in categories
Can walk down stairs
Begins to understand abstract concepts (e.g., sooner and later)
Becomes attuned to gender differences
Learns to jump
Looks like we will have a fun filled year ahead of us.

I can't believe that this last year was pretty jammed packed of stuff. 

Your everyday-
7 am Wake up bottle and diaper change by Daddy or Mommy
830 am Mommy is getting ready for work, and you are taking your first nap with Daddy.
The rest of the day you stay home with Daddy- you guys will nap and play, learn and eat. Cry and laugh, and watch your favorite movies like Despicable Me.
Mommy works somewhere between 8-12 hours running her own store. I manage a Halloween store/Toy store in the mall. 
I'm usually home in time to spend some fun time playing and dancing around. We will relax together, take a bath, read, watch a movie, eat snacks, and play outside.
11pm Daddy goes to work.
12am You are in bed for the night. 
You will usually sleep most nights in your bed all night, sometimes you cry and sneak in bed with me.

Some of your favorite activities are-
Playing outside
Playing with sticks! <-- yes sticks. if you are outside you'll have one in hand.
watching movies like Megamind and Rango
You love to eat cheerios, crackers, and baby puffs. 
You love your sippy cup full of apple juice/water
You still drink a 6oz bottle every 3-4 hours
You pretty much run the entire house. The floor is covered in every toy imaginable.

Some of the things you hate-
bows in your hair
getting dressed
and having your butt changed.

Here are some of my favorite photos and times from this last year-
the day you were born
our second family photo
our first easter
the first time you met your great grandfather
 the first time mommy caught the perfect photo
 first time swimming
 first trip to the zoo
 your first birthday
and your first Christmas eve. The most beautiful smile ever.

I also have some of the most amazing videos. Funny and amazing moments caught.



Monday, October 3, 2011

So many months later

I realize that I've obviously been ignoring your blog. My goal is to jump right back in. I really thought about how many memories would have been lost if I hadn't began this. I also think of what I may have forgotten over the last couple months. So as we approach our second year together I see it only fitting I try to get back into my memory keeping mission
Love.always
Mom