project life and december daily catching up!!

So I'm so in love with the Project life inspired by Ali Edwards and based of Becky Higgins. I'm waiting on the new project life kits to come out, but I had to start the week after your birthday to keep up with the album a year I'm attempting... so I found some super cute paper and bought Becky's journaling cards... and went from there. After the new kit comes out I'll plan on changing things around a bit, but this is the last 8 weeks.. all jammed into one post

;)

Title Page:

week 1-

so in the beginning I was still working out where I wanted photos and how I wanted to lay them out, I love the fact that I decided not to change anything even tho later on I change the way I lay it out. 

week2-

this week was a super special one because I was able to insert something from another family member. I haven't been able to do it again but I hope to try again. I also added your VERY FIRST DRAWING. This is what I love about this project... everything gets preserved and its all easily kept without the over concern of "Decorating" 

week 3- 

this week was centered around you. Your first coloring page and your 1 year doctor checkup.

unfortunately these things like your weight and height charts got lost... this year they wont because I'll have a place to put them without worrying later. I can say I'm just so in love with this way of memory keeping. I'm not the only one either, all your family members love this unique way at looking back at your every week.

 week 4-

this was Halloween Week. I was able to catch fun Halloween photos and I kept your Halloween cardboard cover. Also I wrote an awesome story about your first time Trick or Treating. 

week 5-

This week I centered around letting you know about what I do at work. Since this week was the end of my Halloween store and the start of the Toy store I thought it would be a perfect time to do it. This week all photos are centered around us setting up the new store.wa1

 week 6-

This week is a 4 page layout spread. This week was full since it was my birthday week. Showing you some photos from our dinner out, some family photos, a fun thing I did for daddy, and a movie I went to see for girls night. 

 week 7- 

This was another busy week full of stories and photos its another 4 page spread. This week was thanksgiving week. So I spent sometime showing you your family on mommy's side and your puppy! Next week will be photos from daddy's side. I'm trying to spend each week with some fun focals just like this week I showed what are favorite things were. Its fun to put some twists and some fantastic stories mixed in with photos. 

week 8 is coming soon!!

Next will be some quick glances at my foundation pages for my December Daily album. I'm combining this right in with the project life. It will be the same just themed with the holidays and will be daily rather than weekly. 

Its laid out directly after week 8 which will be the entire month of December. I started with a holiday paper cut 11x3 and added a ribbon down the side with a number. Next will be a 9 page pocket protector. One pocket is filled with a little decoration. The other 8 will be for wallet size photos or small journaling cards. I'll add journaling cards on the back of the "bookmark" and add some journaling there too. Next is the Ali Edwards Holiday overlay 8.5X11 page. I added a little holiday sticker and I'm going to use the open space for a 5x7 photo and below I'll write out a story or tell about the day. I continued it throughout. I didn't photograph all simply because I haven't gotten all the decorations in yet. 

*** sorry about the terrible photos... they were taken with my camera phone ***

keeping a post up to date?

I don't know, sometimes it seems impossible for me to keep your blog up to date. I do my best but certain things just seem to go to the wayside. I'm working on that lol but thats just simply a fact of life. You never want to load yourself with too many responsibilities, sometimes it sets you up for failure. Its simply because not one person can do it all! I've learned to narrow down my activities, hobbies, 

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this is you deciding you would like to help me with this post, get me off topic and all. you do that quite often. I walked away long enough to find you a pacifier, which you simply need to have but they are never anywhere you seem to look, but yes I walk away for that and I come back to you SITTING on my laptop! You are so funny! you are always doing something totally random yet super hilarious, usually something that's bad. 

okay okay I just finished up a whole day of thanksgiving and cooking, late night, early morning black friday, and now I've reached the end of all that and hit 12am on Saturday... I think that's a sign to sign off and get some sleep.

xo momma

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

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

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 month	Lifts 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 months	Vocalizes: 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 months	Recognizes 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 months	Smiles, 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 months	Distinguishes 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 months	Turns 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 months	Sits 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 months	Says "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 months	Stands 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 months	Waves 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 months	Says "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 months	Imitates 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 months	Uses 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 months	Eats 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 months	Plays 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 months	Turns 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 months	Uses 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 months	Will "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 months	Uses 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 months	Feeds 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 months	Can 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 months	Kicks 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 months	Names 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 months	Names 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.

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