This boy......

So, this morning Parker woke up bright and early. He was so excited you would have thought it was Christmas morning. This was the brief conversation that followed when I walked into his room to turn on the light.

Parker: "Hey Mom, I want you to get me this afternoon right after primetime begins, ok?"

Me: "Well Park, I will probably be there to pick you up about an hour after you get out of school."

P: "But Mom, I want to get home early" (Keep in mind that he is not trick or treating with us this year- he is going down to his dad's house-BOO!)

Me: "Well, Parker, I have to work. I will leave as early as I can to get home and meet your daddy."

P: "Mom, you need to go to Mr. Bill (my boss) and tell him that you son needs to celebrate Halloween really early."

Me: "Well, Parker I can't. Mr. Bill isn't even in the office today."

P: "Really? Well then why don't we get this party started right now!"

The kid cracks me up. How can my day be bad when that is what my day starts with?
Happy Halloween! Be safe!

Sweet niblets...

Can I just say that Life is Good? Really good. No particular reason.... just relishing in the fact that despite a bad economy, job layoffs, a crazy presidential election, falling stocks...... life is still really good. I have a happy and healthy (despite the little stomach bug) family that I love with all my heart. Despite all of the busyness, things are good. I guess it is good to be busy. It means you have a purpose. Either shuttling kids to places, going to the dr, fulfilling obligations with friends- you still have a purpose. It is nice to think about.
**insert smiling faces, rainbows, happy flowers various other cheesy happy stuff**

A few weeks ago, while standing in the pew at Veronica's wedding, I got to thinking. I promise I was paying attention but I was also trying my damndest not to cry. So, I got to thinking. Each girl in our circle has such different qualities. Some are those that are completely expected. I, for one, always cry. I can't hold back the tears. Ask Angie about her wedding.... and the massive amounts of tears that were shed. From me. All from me. Yeah, that was a memory.
Anne- she is the sweet one. The princess. Pink clouds and happy rainbows used to gather in her room in college. I hardly ever saw her unhappy and no matter what she always had that upbeat happy voice. And the tiara. She always wore her tiara. And the one thing that I love most about her is that she ends every phone call with "Love you". She makes me feel special every single time I talk to her on the phone.
Angie- is the athletic one. And the crazy one. She can make up dances like its no ones business. She can do cheerleading jumps in the middle of a Wal Mart at 2 am. She can also belt out a Barbra Streisand tune at the drop of a hat. She was my big sister in my sorority and is the closest thing that I have to a sister here on earth.
Veronica- my latino bud. I haven't told her this but I never would have guessed her to be of hispanic descent (please don't kill me if I got that wrong V) when I met her. She even kinda had a southern accent. But seeing her in her element, in Miami, was so very wonderful and funny at the same time. Never in my life have I heard an accent like that come out of such a sweet pretty girl. She can bless you up and down in spanish and turn around and smile with such a sweet innocent face. I know that if any man ever did anything to any of us girls, she would seriously kick their arse. I would be very afraid of her if she wasn't my friend. Love you V!
Shannon- I think I had to tell someone who was sitting at our table at V's wedding that we were afraid she might have Turrett's Syndrome. That girl will say anything that comes to her mind. She is so funny and animated. She also has two of the most adorable children. I swear that Luke can say anything and be adorable with that southern drawl. If you need insurance she is the one to call. Her picture is about to be all over Atlanta so it will be fun to see her on a billboard and be able to say "Hey, that girl is my friend".

It is just a funny thought how such different personalities came to be friends. These friends give you purpose. I, myself, think that I am mughty lucky that thses girls not only like me, they love me. For who I am. For the crazy qualities I possess. Just as I do for them.

It goes without saying that my husband and son give me purpose. They give me a reason to get up every morning. They give me a reason to breathe, to dream, to believe, to think, and to cherish. I have a wonderful extended family as well. They love me no matter what. Life is good. And I am so glad that I am at a place in my life where I can say that. Whew- what a ride.

Oh my gosh- it's Tuesday????

If it gets really quiet around here, I apologize in advance. Craziness abounds and if I still have a job on November 10, it will be a miracle. Between doctors, dentists, and halloween visitation with the ex- I am missing so much time from work. On top of it all I had to run out of the office yesterday afternoon in order to keep the Alabama police from hunting me down. I got a speeding ticket in Sept while driving back from my grandmothers. No problemo.... Mike sent in a check over two weeks ago thinking that allowed plenty of time for it to clear before my court date this morning. Well, I called yesterday and they had not received it. So, I ran all over Decatur trying to find a money order. I realized the post office did those so I could knock everything out in one fell swoop. After standing in line for 30 minutes, I was informed that even overnighting it to Dothan, AL would not work. Apparently since it was a small town it wouldn't get there until Wed afternoon (um, that is overnighting it?). So, Mike made some calls and got it all straightened out. Our friend Scott has a brother in law in Dothan and he helped take care of it. Augh.
So then this morning, I pull into the parking deck at work and get a call from Parker's teacher. Parker had gotten sick with a nasty stomach bug (I'll spare you the details) and I had to go get him. So I am now sitting at home.
I guess I will do a quick recap of the weekend. Parker had his last soccer game on Saturday. He finished the season with a whopping 31 goals. After the game, Mike and Parker went to the Little River Game Ranch. I was still kinda sick and didn't want to get worse. I stayed home and worked on books for my table at the fall festival. The rest of the weekend was somewhat uneventful. I did get the pleasure of hanging out at Scrap Chic on Sunday afternoon. It is so much fun to hang out with those girls. I got my hands on some on the new Tim Holtz seasonal grungeboard. I ran it through the sizzix in an embossing folder and it looks so good. I can't wait to spray it and distress it. It will be perfect on some christmas projects I have up my sleeve.
Here are some pics from the weekend:

World War 3 and subsequent peace talks

So yesterday morning there was a small war at my house. Over a sweatshirt. A stinking green (olive green) sweatshirt (supercute, from Gymboree, had cable knit sweater stuff around neck). 45 minutes we fought over that shirt. It finally ended in him putting the shirt on in the car while sitting in the carpool lane. Lemme tell ya, he wasn't happy about it. He let me know that by screaming "I hate you" as he got out of the car. Nice.
So all day long, I labor over the fact that I hate battles like that with my child. "Pick your battles" is a phrase I always keep at the forefront of my mind, although that wasn't an option over the sweatshirt because 1. it was really cold outside and 2. every other sweatshirt we had was way too small. Apparently someones arms grew exponentially over the summer.
So, as a mother, we face the guilt of feeling like we aren't a good parent. Much to my dismay, the hard part that I was warned of in the beginning was nothing compared to when the baby grows up and begins to walk and talk. Parenting is hard. Way harder than I could have ever guessed. But worth it. 150% worth it.
So, when I picked Parker up from school I was ready for the fighting to resume. I was braced for the worst. WHat was one of the first things out of his mouth? "Hey mom, this sweatshirt is really warm, I like it" Um, excuse me. I nearly fell over. We went home and had a good night of Mommy/Parker time. It was great. Never once did the tv get turned on. We ate cereal for dinner (don't even start), we read words on the boxes, he used the table centerpiece pumpkins to discuss bigger, smaller, shorter and taller, we read books and cuddled in bed.
One significant change in our bestime routine was made...... we laid out the clothes for the next day. Let's just say that this morning was peaceful and easy. I would say that the peace talks were sucessful.

fun stuff

Since it seems that I have had an abundance of spare time in bed over the last two months (between my jaw and this CRUD), my laptop has become my best friend. I can read blogs till the cows come home and peruse around eclectic little online shops to find stuff that I would love to buy, but never do. So, I have compiled many many favorites. And since I am a generous spirit (or just a plain bored one) I will share some finds with you.

My most favorite would be these

These little jewels are perfect for those folks who are always borrowing your pens yet never return them. "This set of 8 hilarious pens each measure 5" long, guarantee an impression and allows you to have a chuckle at someone else's expense! Pens Read: "Springfield Sexual Addiction Center," "Shecky the Clown-Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, Interventions," "Dr. Lance Hughes, Proctology," "Electrolysis Is Us," "Van Nuys Center for Cosmetic Surgery," "Verdant Fields Nudist Camp," "Stuffed with Love Taxidermy," and "Howie's House of Hair." These can be found at patinastores.com.

As always, I love etsy. Oh etsy..... such trouble for me to get into. The sheer fact that you can search things by color is so dangerous. Anything green is always on my list. As well as anything personalized, vintage, shabby chic, or involving cupcakes- they all lead me into temptation. Oh deliver me from evil......

from The Paper Princess











perverted cupcake magnets from seller KillTaupe

Or this jewel from seller wilibleu:

And....just in case you aren't yet impressed with my totally random stuff for the day, I have the following for you:

I will let you figure out what they say....

Tough it out Tuesday

So, the crud has officially invaded my body. I am the walking epitome of that old Nyquil commercial (Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, runny nose, etc.) I am convinced that dayquil is just orange jello in a little gel cap. It doesn't do a thing for me. Oh well. I gotta remember to bring a can of lysol to work tomorrow to disinfect the stinking cubicle I am in.

So, with the election quickly descending upon us, I have found some fun in the situation. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate debating politics and religion. I just don't do it. My take is that I like anyone who enjoys cupcakes and long walks in the park. No confrontation or debate on that one since I avoid confrontation at all costs. Anyways, I digress. Driving around town, I see this everywhere. Here in GA, more specifically right down the street from our house, there is apparently a guy named Mike Jacobs running for State Representative. His district ends just a few blocks from our house. I keep seeing the signs. Everytime I see them I can't help but crack up. I love it. As soon as Election day comes and goes, I am going to rip one down and permanently put it in our yard. Just to make me smile on a daily basis. To make matters worse, Mike has been getting calls concerning land disputes and zoning issues. I guess they get his number off the GA bar website. Hardy har har.

Another funny political moment came last night when Parker saw that one of his friends houses had an Obama/Biden sign in their yard. The poor little guy came home last night and asked if they could still be friends. Poor little guy. I had to explain to him that we are friends with people of every belief. Just because we may not all agree does not mean that we can't be friends. I am constantly reminded of how different the world must look through the eyes of a child. Oh I wish I could be that innocent and sweet again....

Monday Fun...

So, what a weekend. I was sick throughout most of it, but we still managed to have fun. Parker had a soccer game, we decorated for Halloween, finally found jeans for my size 6 slim boy, and went to a 5 year old's birthday party. I got one album almost done for my table at the fall festival. Guess who forgot to take their camera to any of the above events? Yep- what a great memory keeper I am.
I am hoping that we make it to the pumpkin patch this weekend with Parker. My sister in law Stephanie sent me pictures of my adorable nieces at the pumpkin patch. Caroline and Ella look like they had fun.


In other saddening news, the Boston Red Sox lost last night against the Rays. Boo Hoo. There is a definite mood change around our house when baseball season ends. We are a pretty dull bunch to be around until April. Normally we would just change gears and cheer for the Patriots, but that isn't fun anymore since Brady is out. What about the Boston Bruins or the Celtics? Is basketball season going on yet? Ha- I really have no idea. I can follow college football but we all know that Mikey isn't down with that. Seeing as how I didn't join a pick'em team this year, I am pretty disconnected from even college football. It's been a weird year.

I gotta go look at the sign up schedule for the YMCA. We are signing Parker up for Karate this winter. I have heard that this helps instill discipline into children so I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that this is true. After a successful hearing test, I know that Parker has perfect hearing. He is just not choosing to utilize it when words come out of my mouth. Such is life with a 5 year old boy....

I leave you with a little funny I got from my friend Angie. It cracked me up.
My Nine Names (this is fun!)

1. YOUR REAL NAME:

Amy

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.)

Amyizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)

Green chipmunk

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number)

Beth Seaman

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first

2 letters of your first name)

Jacam

6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink )

Orange Cosmopolitan

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name).

McJiby

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names).

Cherie Eugene

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets)

Black Leia

Keep Hope Alive......

Twas early in the morning
Just past twelve o'clock
Mike was downstairs
Amy sleeping like a rock

When all of a sudden
there arose such a clatter
Amy jumped out of bed
to see what was the matter

She got downstairs
to see Mike all excited
For the Red Sox season
had just been requited

Seven runs in two innings
Please say it is so
The poor Rays were left
shaking their heads saying "NO!!!"

They say it could be
the greatest come back of all
Its amazing what those boys
can do with a ball

The Red Sox season
has not ended yet
And given their history
I be willing to bet

The year 2008
just might be
the year for the Red Sox
to win #3.

Little Bits of Randomness

Yesterday was a fun day. Work was good, my yummy leftovers for lunch were good, and then I got a fabulous hair cut. Much like the Katie Holmes do.

Unfortunately, the day ended with me watching the Red Sox get slaughtered. And by watching, I mean laying my head in Mike's lap, falling asleep, and then waking up to hear the unfortunate score. I am so worried that this may not be our year. Who knew the Rays would be so good?

Also, my patience is being tested this week. The kit club I belong to is a little behind and so the kits have not shipped out yet. I love the club, Polka Dot Whimsy, and I know that this delay is not their fault. I am just really excited to get my hands on some of the great stuff that is in this months kit.


I am also getting sick. My voice is quickly fading away and my throat is scratchy. I generally get laryngitis around the change of seasons, so I guess it is time. Actually, it has been awhile since it has really affected me, so I guess I am due. Anyone that knows me knows that I love to talk. This is quite an impediment if I have no voice. Oh well. I am going to be working on stuff for my table at the craft table anyways so I won't really NEED to talk.

Oh well. Have a great day and pay it forward.

Get to know Amy today

1. How many songs are on your ipod?
I don't have an Ipod. I know, I know.... I am the only person on this planet with out one!


2.What music would you want played at your funeral?
I want hip hop music at my funeral. I think it would make Mikey laugh since he hates my music. Even after I go, I want him to smile when he thinks about me (assuming he is still alive).

3.What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, Scrapbook etc., Creating Keepsakes


4.What is your favorite scent?
See Post Below


5.If I had a million dolars that I could only spend on yourself, what would you do with it?
I would invest in a cook that would make our family low fat healthy meals and a personal trainer to whip me into shape.


6.What is your theme song?
Oh lordy- that's a tough one. I'm gonna go with "For Once in My Life" by Harry Connick Jr.

7.Do you trust easily?
Yes, and it has gotten me into trouble many times.


8.Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
I act before I think. Ask Mike.

9.Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Not really.


10.Do you have a good body image?
Not at all.

11.How do you spend your social networking (Facebook, etc.) time?
I am on the computer way too much, I spend time on Facebook & blogs.

12.What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Anything Sweet, but that is a constant.

13. What kind of person do you think you are?
Creative, funny, and compassionate.

15.What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
a nine inch nails songs from my high school years. I heard it last night and stopped in my tracks.


16.What's your favorite item of clothing?
My jeans.


17.Do you think Rice Crispies are yummy?
Yes, when they are a rice crispy treat!


18.What would you do if you saw a $100 lying on the ground?
If it is in a store I would go to the customer service department. If it's in a parking lot I would pick it up and go home excited!


19. What items could you not go without during the day?
Diet Coke and makeup.


20.What should you be doing right now?
Working.

Goodbye Old Friend

I am a sensitive soul. I am also one with sensitive sinuses. Many perfumes and fragrances give me terrible headaches. Either that or my electrifying personality turns the original scent into something totally stinkeriffic. So, I finally found something that was perfect. Not too heavy, not too floral-y, not too citrus-y, it was PERFECT. Brown Sugar and Fig from Bath and Body Works drew people to me like a moth to a flame (ok not really) but I did get a lot of compliments on it. And now sadly it has been discontinued. Why oh why? I am going to send a letter of anger to the good old Bath and Body Works tycoons. How dare they. Goodbye old friend. I love you (but not enough to pay three time what you were sold for, which is what you are going for on ebay). Anyone have any suggestions?

Holy Moly Monday

As if I needed further proof that I was getting older, I got another dose this weekend. Traveling wears me out. While I would like to blame it on high altitudes or some other anomoly, I have to face the fact that I am not 18 anymore. I slept a good part of the day yesterday and still feel hungover today.
But, all in all the weekend was great. The wedding was beautiful and Veronica looked great. It was so much fun traveling with Angie, Toby, Pam and little man Patrick. Angie is so blessed to have such a great baby. He is a perfect traveler and was such a little trooper.
I got home to a sick boy. Coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and a bit of a fever. Yuck. We hung out in bed yesterday and watched movies. It was fun. It gave me a little excuse to lay around. Mike had tackled most of the chores while I was gone (including my crazy messy closet) so I was very fortunate to not have to do anything yesterday. I was lazy.
In going through my stack of mail Saturday night, I was ecstatic to discover that on of my favorite stores is opening in Atlanta!!! FINALLY! This place is a dream to folks like me who love paper, stamps, and other cool stuff. And, better yet, it is opening next Saturday. Wow- what a treat. So, if anyone wants to know where I will be, you can find me down in Virginia Highlands next Sat. Yippee.
Well, I have some work to tackle since I was out on Friday, so I better get to it. Happy Monday...... here's hoping I can keep my eyes open.

My boy...

I just got a recap of this mornings soccer game. Parker got on the phone and (in a sad pitiful voice) said "Mom, it was a rough game. I got pushed on the shoulder and on the back. I got hurt. I think I need to go home and ice up" So I agreed and gave him my sympathy- this was the first time that he has ever had full contact with anyone and been pushed around. From what Mike said, it was a pretty rough team to play. Parker still managed to score 2 goals. Before I got off the phone, Parker asked Mike to talk to me again. He got back on the phone (still in that pitiful voice) said "Mom, I got a cut too." So I told him to have Mike get the bandaids out for him. I assured him that when I got home I would give him lots of TLC.
As Mike was hanging up though, I heard his little voice in the backgroud saying (loud and clear, mind you) "I wanna ride my bike this afternoon, Mikey."
Yeah, the kid is hurt and he wants to ride his bike. He SO has me milked for the fool. And I love it.

All you need is LOVE...

Wow- this has been a great trip. It was a crazy thought last night was the last "hurrah" for our group. No more weddings. However, that thought was quickly replaced by the fact that all 5 of us are in happy, wonderful relationships. It is a very cool thought.

Wow- what a beautiful wedding it was. Veronica looked magnificent- dress, hair, makeup, the look of being completely in love.... It was great. It was all so very perfect. I am so jealous that they are off to South Africa for two weeks. Wow! What an exciting trip.
I am excited to get home to my boys. It has been really weird to be away from them. I must admit, though, that I have enjoyed the silence and getting to sleep in. I feel like a princess in this big room alone. It doesn't take much to impress me.
Well, I better go and start packing. We have to check out, grab a bite to eat, drive 45 minutes to Ft. Lauderdale, and catch the plane. In 12 hours this little vacation will be over and it will be back to the daily grind. These little breaks from reality are such a nice way to refresh. Wish me luck flying. I get a little nervous everytime the plane takes off. I am sure it will all be fine. If not, I might have to get a bloody mary to calm me down. Happy saturday!

I'm going to Miami (Bienvenido a Miami)

Ooooh la la, my bags are packed. I have my laptop (since I just can't be away from internet for that long), lots of magazines, a Nicholas Sparks book, and the thought of having a hotel room all to myself. Silence. Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how nice that sounds. Being an only child, I need my silence- my alone time. I get very cranky if I don't have a little every now and then. I probably won't be in my room for too long by myself because I am going to try to sneak over to Angie's room as much as possible to see Mr. Cutie Pie Patrick.
Anne won't be with us though. My spirit has a small chip in it because I know that things will not be the same without her. We want Justin to get better though and she needs to be with him to make sure he behaves. She will be missed. I had to promise I would dance a jig though, just for her. And I will. I don't break promises.
I have some other exciting news today though. My work has yet again made it to the internet. I am so excited. If you get a chance to make it over here: http://scrapchicboutique.typepad.com/scrap_chic_boutique/ This place is the greatest. I have made such a fun group of friends there as we all have the love of all things paper related. And sticker, ribbon, buttons, glitter, pictures, and crop related. If you are ever in the Decatur area, please make sure to stop by. These girls are HILARIOUS.


Well, I will try to blog from my hotel but if not I will be home Sat. Wish me luck!

To make matters worse....

I am currently struggling to find pants for this guy- who now seems to be needing a 5 SLIM. Man, what a way to add insult to injury. I've got a kid who is too skinny. Go figure. God definetly has a sense of humor. :)

It's really gonna happen this time.

Dear Fat Ass,

It's me, Amy. You and me, we have a certain love/hate relationship. As in, I hate you for making me love all things not healthy. Despite years of trying you always seem to get the best of me. Cupcakes......... where? I somehow think I can outsmart you (by eating a lot of crap and thinking that you won't remember) but I think that, at 29, I have finally realized that you win, eventually.

I did weight watchers and did really well. I felt good and looked good. I think that the emotional turmoil around me really helped. Some call it the divorce diet. I think that I was just on such a limited income that it was either baby food or Amy food-- the baby food won. So there was no temptation.

Then Parker started eating real food and the battle began again. "What is that, Parker, you want a box of little debbie cakes?" "No mommy" "well maybe you will want them sometime in the near future." So, into the basket they went. And, lo and behold, when the time came that he did want them the box was long gone. And so it went. And the pounds came back on.

Then I joined the gym with my kick-butt friend, Cindy, who MADE me go to the gym at least three or four times a week. I lost weight and felt great. It was the skinniest I had been since college. Then Mikey Poo entered my life. We went to the gym together and things were grand. But, as usual, we got comfortable. We started eating out and talking each other out of going to the gym. We both discontinued our gym memberships when we moved.

But even then, Mike (being the wonderful guy that he is) went out and bought us so really cool equipment. A treadmill, an elliptical, a bicycle. We have a little home gym right in our living room. Do we use it? Heck no. Then we join the Y. Do we go? Heck No. (Actually Mike goes occasionally) We get the Wii Fit. I still use it occasionally, but nowhere near what I should. Meanwhile, I still eat out a lot and eat WAY too many sweets. I can eat icing out of the container, a handful of chips, and wash it down with a big, bad diet coke. See, diet coke..... That's good so that makes the other stuff ok as well, right? WRONG!!!!!!

So this is where we are. I am 60 pounds away from where I want to be. Every time I lose focus, you swoop right in and quickly tell my pants to make me suffer. You are quite good at that. You have also been good at telling other body parts to expand as well. And, while I am glad that all of my bodily organs communicate quite well, I wish that you would keep to yourself in this instance. It would be really nice if you would. But I know better.

However, be prepared. This is about to change. I am joining Weight Watchers next week and am going to start taking at least two to three classes a week at the Y. So, watch out metabolism. You aren't gonna know what to think. The only thing that you organs are gonna be telling each other is "Oh crap. She really means business"
And I really do.

Whew!

Well, the plans are pretty much set for this weekend. Miss V is gettin hitched and we are all going down to Miami to party. I am really getting excited. Patrick is coming too so there will be much fun to be had. Got rooms set up, got a limo picking us up from the airport (We don't need no stinkin cab), and got a dress that is acceptable to my hubby and my son. Actually bought three just to make sure I had some back ups. I might just take all three of them down there for the girls to help me decide.

When I get back, I will have an anxious child awaiting my arrival. Excited to see me? Nah, not quite. Excited to decorate the house for Halloween? Yes. I am actually pretty excited too. I love this time of year. I only wish that it was a bit cooler. I can't get excited about fall unless the high temp of the day does not exceed 70. Mid 80's just doesn't cut it for me. It is about time for me to start picking out a pumpkin carving pattern. Hmmmm, maybe I can do something Boston Red Sox related.

Another thing that I have to do when I get back is get busy in my scrap room. Now don't go thinking dirty or anything. I am setting up a table at the Fall Festival at Parker's school and I have to knock out a ton of Demos to set up for people to look at. I also have to design an order form and order business cards. It is a lot to do but I am so excited to do it. I want to get my name out there and someday become a scrapbooking superstar. Just kidding. I will be happy to get 5 orders. Oooooh wish me luck. I can't wait.

Oh Monday....

Well, the day started out chipper thanks to the help of some starbucks again. All went well...Parker to school (check), Mike up early (check), remember to grab lunch in fridge (check), make my way into work and log into my work email (check). But wait... The date on the most recent email is 10-26-07. Um, what? Yeah- system failure. Our computers were down all day. No emails, no blogs, no fun. It meant I actually had to work. Ha! Just kidding. Because to work you must have a word processing program- which we did NOT have since the system was down. So, I was stranded. I truly thought about going home to get my laptop. Not to work, but to go across the street to Starbicks and browse. Oh well.... one can dream.
So anyway. This weekend was great. While reading through some stuff that Parker brought home last week, I found that the PTA was offering to set up tables for people to pawn their goods. So, the wheels in my head began spinning furiously and I got really excited. I decided to set up and try to sell some of my stuff. Namely the word books. So, I am going to be a busy bee over the next month preparing demos albums. I also have to come up with some display ideas. Oooooh this is so much fun. I am off to order some business cards in just a few monutes.
I did get to meet up with my bestest buddy Angie, along with her hubby Toby and their precious little bundle of joy, Mr. Patrick. Oh my goodness guys, Patrick is sprouting some reddish hair on that perfect little head. Can I tell you how excited I am? I know how happy Ang is. She loves redheads. That is how we became big sis and lil sis in Alpha Gam. She picked me for my red hair. I think it was the best decision she ever made (well, besides marrying Toby and deciding to have a baby and all the really important stuff). We went together like peas and carrots, right from the beginning.
So, this weekend I got a lot of shopping done, found a dress to wear to the wedding, saw my best friend, slept in til 11 each day, and cleaned my house. What a fun weekend.
THis week is a short week for me as I am leaving for MIAMI on Thursday! Miss V is gettin married!! Oooh la la. What a party it is going to be. Can. not. wait.
I love weeks like this.

Happy Birthday Annie Poo!

Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I will never ever forget our days at the White House (1654 baby) with our pink bathroom and 3 million pets. CHOBEE!!!!!!!! The person that I was on the phone with when I turned over the EPT stick and when I walked out the door on the ex. I will never forget our talks and tears and the many, many laughs. Love ya girlie and can't wait to party with you next week in Miami.

Christmas is right around the corner..

Less than three months. And, being the true procrastinator that I am, I am usually the pesky person in the store until it closes on Christmas Eve. I am actually guilty of going to Walgreens on Christmas morning (Yes they are actually open!). So, in an effort to avoid all things stressful, I am starting early this year. I actually have one project 90% finished. Whew! I am trying to find some fun creative things for my child. He rarely plays with toys and we really limit video games and all that stuff. I am trying to get creative. I get so frustrated with toys that lose parts, stuff that gets played with for a few days before the interest is gone, things that are easily broken.... you get it. And as far as clothes go, I have lost all hope of getting him to wear preppy clothes that I love (don't even get me started on that rant). So, I generally have to have him with me to buy clothes. So, this is what I am looking at this year:



Heck- I think it will be fun for the whole family. I love science. I remember having a microscope when I was little and looked at bring shrimp and cells off my tongue. It was great. My dad used to get me these cool kits to build and test all kinds of scientific theories. Remember the potato clock? Those things were cool. So, instead of buying the crap that gets thrown away or broken the first few weeks of January, I am going to get educational. I think it would be great for him and a refresher course in biology for Mike and I. Plus, I can take pictures at each step and that will give me something to scrapbook. Hey, if I come to you wanting to show you a book about a tadpole or the ant farm, humor me. I am trying to mold a smart, scholary person. Hopefully it will be beneficial to Parker as well.

Fall is in the Air

And the blond is gone from my hair. Yippee. I am really getting back into the swing of things. Two days of very minor pain. Yay!
I had a good day at work, my favorite lunch with my friend Hillary (Spicy Basil Noodle bowl with shrimp at Noodle), a few hours to myself while Mike and Parker were at soccer practice, and a new magazine while setting up a new playlist for my blog. It has been a great day and it feels so fantastic to say that. It's been awhile.
I got a design team project *almost* done. It consists of some cute little houses decorated with halloween papers. I just have to get one more thing and I will post once it is finished.
Now that I found my card reader, I have been able to upload a few things. Here are the 10x10 canvases that I did in the cupcakes and coffee class:


I had to alter the original design but I really like the way it turned out. It makes me happy to walk in my scrap room. On another creative note, I made a cute little birdie pincushion this morning and I thought I would share.
Have a great evening. Go Red Sox. (I say this because I know that my husband will be MIA for the next couple of weeks during post season play. It's ok. After that, I have 4 months of downtime.
Keep your fingers crossed for me as I go to the oral surgeon tomorrow. I hope that we find a cause and a solution.