I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack!

Hey everyone! {crickets chirping}

Anyone miss me? {complete silence}

Well, it's been so long, I won't be surprised if this is simply a letter to myself. To put it simply, life got busy. Baseball, school,baseball, work, baseball, halloween, baseball, birthday parties, and all that fun stuff. Did I mention that Parker played baseball? HA!

Well, baseball is over for a whole 3 months! So, we can get back into our semi normal routine. Yay!. I thrive on routine. Monotony is my thing. Plus, with some extra downtime comes extra craft time for Moi!!! I read blogs all the time and have a bagillion ideas. Now I might actually find the time to make them happen.

Wanna see a few things I have up my sleeve for the holidays? This is our first Christmas in the new house, so I am super excited to decorate the place up!

First off, I guess you would call our front doors "French doors". There's two of them, so I need two wreaths. (Please forgive me if I sound ignorant, I really don't know if you call them double doors or french doors). But I digress...... Eddie Ross posted this tutorial for the ornament wreath. I spied some great bulbs at, of all places, The Dollar Tree. I believe they are plastic but they look pretty darn good, so I am going to give it a try. Our front porch isn't covered so plastic maybe better. I am thinking I can do both wreaths for about $30. Not bad!


Next up, I am going to hit up the local Goodwill for some gently loved sweaters. I want to make these adorable stockings to line my bannisters. life in grace has been posting 12 days to a homemade Christmas and I love these stockings. So cute and so easy! I have been needing to get my sewing area all set up and this inspires me to do just that!

The next thing also comes from life in grace. Banners!!! Banners and burlap are both pretty popular in the world of crafts right now. While I was at Hancock Fabrics the other day, I found that they make it is COLORS!!! Who knew? I got cream and red and cannot wait to use it. I have a feeling I may be going back for more. Here is a picture of the banner that I am going to try:
Don't be surprised if these pop up for all seasons! Aren't they cute???

Well, I think that's is for now. I'll keep searching and report back with more cuteness. For now I'll leave you with this:

Definetly not christmas-y, but I couldn't resist. What is you made the layers green, white and red? How cute would that be?????

Whew! I'm tired

1100 miles
5 iced coffees
8 Diet Cokes
3 Audio books
2 hotel rooms
2 sleepless nights
5 tanks of gas
7 potty breaks
4 100 calorie Cheese It packs
1 pack of double stuffed oreos (Hey, I eat when I am stressed)
1 steak
10 boxes of glassware
4 boxes of photo albums
1 mirror
2 pictures
24 glasses
2 glass pitchers
4 vases
2 2-tier cake stands
8 pillows
18 hours driving time
45 hours total time gone from my boys
2 days off work
and too many tears to count.

I said goodbye to a place where I grew up. My grandparents house sold and I drove to Arkansas to pack stuff up. I brought many, many memories home with me. So sad to see it go. So very glad to be home.

A case of the wants vs. the must haves

If there is one thing this whole moving experience has taught me(beside how important deoderant is) it is this: Be patient for the wants, be gracious for the must haves. As is the case with a new house, I have been wanting everything: new bedding, new decor, new pictures, new towels.... you name it. However, with the state of the world being what it is, I have tried to take the time to stand back and realize all that I do have. In unpacking my scrap room this weekend I was amazed by the sheer amount of "STUFF" I have for that one room. Way more than I think I could ever use in this lifetime, even if I made 2 scrapbooks a week. Again, the wants. The material things.

The must haves: people to love, a roof over your head, health, happiness, food to eat. And you know what? We have that. In abundance.

So, if you come to my house, it may not have the best art on the walls. And yes, I do have a mixture of black, gold, and silver frames above the mantel. But you know what? I have all of the must haves and for that I am eternally grateful. (And no I am not using this post as an excuse my my crappy decorating skills- ha ha. Just make sure to focus on the pictures and not the frames. Or the wallpaper with orange flowers. Or the holes in the walls.... they add a certain uniqueness to the place.)

I'm back

Yikes- moving consumes you. It consumes every waking moment. I have been looking at paint colors, decor ideas, tv's, refrigerators, and drywall repair. You name it, I have google'd it. So, that explains my absence. So many times it crossed my mind "Hey, that would be something funny to blog about. But, I never got around to it.

So here I am. The house is slowly becoming more familiar and things are finding their place ever so slowly. We are getting into routines and life is good. I can honestly tell you that the screened in porch is worth every single penny that we paid for this little haven. I love that room. We have eaten dinner out there every single night. It is peaceful. In the hectic pace of moving, I often found myself out there, in my folding chair, for a 5 minute reprieve.

So, this weekends project is to get moved into my scrap space. I am so excited. I need to get back into playing with paper. I need to paint. I need to have some "me" time down in the basement. It is my top priority this weekend. Well that and touch up the paint around the window treatments, finish hanging pictures, plant some herbs, go grocery shoping, texturize the bathroom walls and repair the two holes in the wall. Thats about it.

I promise to not be a stranger anymore. To return with some witty, entertaining stories and pictures. You know, all that fun stuff that I am known for.
Ok, not really......

Remember me?

You know, that crazy girl who talks a lot and makes things with glue and paper? Yeah, that girl. Except, I am a little lost because my glue and paper are packed away somewhere in one of the bagillion boxes in my house right now. Why?



WELL, BECAUSE WE ARE BUYING A HOUSE OF OUR OWN. YEP, A HOUSE. THAT IS ALL MINE.... TO PAINT, TO DECORATE, TO HANG AS MANY PICTURES AS I WANT, TO HAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR GUESTS TO SPEND THE NIGHT (Yes Jack, I know you are reading this and you will have a new place to stay by Christmas!!!!). More importantly a house to raise our family, to make new memories, to build our dreams and make our own. I am excited beyond belief.

Sorry for the absence. Life has pretty much been a whirlwind for the last month.

Random Tuesday Stuff

So, who is excited about Easter? I am. I can't wait. Not that we have any big plans or anything, but I am still excited. I love the colors, the candy, the eggs, the opportunity, the candy. Oh wait, did I say candy? Silly me, not candy for me, but for Parker. Yes him. Not me. I made the mistake of eating some of those sugar free chocolates last week. Not worth it. Lets just say that there is a warning on the box that YOU MUST HEED. You must. I won't elaborate further.

Nonetheless. I am primed for creativity. I spent a lot of time yesterday looking for cool projects. These play doh eggs look really fun. This easter egg banner looks easy as well. Of course, I had to see what fun stuff Martha was up to. She had some really cute ideas. Envelope bunnies looked easy enough for Parker and I to do together. We need to make some little things for the kids at Miss Maureen's so perhaps we will make those.

And then I happened upon this. Aren't those just beautiful???? But read the directions. Come on Martha. Any project that requires paper and a blender is crazy. Does M really think that people have time to sit and make their own paper and go through the 16 steps (And extra day of drying time)? I just had to laugh.

I am going to make some deviled eggs. I have never done so, but am excited. I LOVE them. I am going to find some yummy, but low in points, snacks for our weekend. We are looking at 12 houses on Saturday. This whole home buying thing is becoming real and I couldn't be more excited.

Life is good. Enjoy the holiday.

Hi!!!! {wildly waving hands above my head}

Hello there! Sorry for my extended absence. Life seems to have gotten in the way over the last few weeks. Mix that with a bit of a creative drought and you get me, Mrs. Absent Minded Blogger.

How bout a quick run down of things over the last month:
- Parker's fun birthday party. Lots of kids, lots of fun, lots of sheet cake leftover. Need I say more?
- Family in town. So very fun. We got lucky and got to see Grandma and Papa twice in March.
- Parker started Soccer. He has been bumped up to the 6-7 league which is quite competitive. Very different from last season.
- It snowed. Yep, Parker got a snow day for a birthday present. Did I get pictures? Some of the snow, but not of Lil P. Shame on me.
- I had to get a mole biopsied. I had a malignant melanoma when I was in tenth grade and have not been the best about getting screened every year like I am supposed to. Lo and behold, the dr. found something that she wanted to check. Luckily, everything was fine and benign. (Hey, that would make a great t-shirt, "Fine and Benign"- i like it)
- I started Weight Watchers. I lost 6 pounds in a week. It works, lemme tell you. I have now gotten the hubs on board so we are point counting fools. Last night, I had Parker hold up a french fry and ask "Is this 10 points?".
- Did some fun crafty things. Didn't take pictures. Will do that this weekend and add them next week.
- Got my hair chopped off really short. I really like it. Did I take pictures of it? What do you think? Nope.
- Settled about $600K worth of cases at work.

That's about it. What have you been up to?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hope you are all wearing green and having a wonderful day! This video has made me laugh countless times so, in honor of this day, I share it with you......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8

My Mini Me

Ok, so I am no picture scanning genius. But, take a look, closely, at the pictures. I am sure you can figure out who is who. Never in my life had I thought that Parker looked like me. It was pretty weird to see this picture because it looks so much like him. I look like him, he looks like me, we look like we.....

So, I got to thinking..... (I do that only on rare occasions), this child is so much like me. Not only in the bog toothy grin, but in many ways that drive me crazy on certain days.

1. He likes to talk. According to his teacher, a little too much, at times. I know it is hard to believe but, I too, have been plagued with this trait throughout my life.

2. He is curious. He asks questions. LOTS of them. Especially if you are in the middle of a good show or if your favorite song comes on the radio.....

3. He is athletic. Ok, this one is not like me. NOT AT ALL. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where that comes from. The closest thing I have done that resembles being "athletic" is the kickboxing class that Anne, Angie, and I took a few years ago. Even then I thought I was going to die and mysteriously had to take potty breaks every 5 (just to catch my freakin breath). The 60 year old lady next to me kept up better than I did.

Anyways, I digress.

4. Parker loves music. He loves all types. He and I share a thing for the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana. Yeah, that's right. Got a problem with it?

5. The kid can dance. He definetly is in tune with his white boy rhythm. Now, do I think he is going to bust out with a tap dance to New Kids On The Block like a certain someone did back in the day? Maybe not, but he can break it down when he wants.

6. He tends to be a bit dramatic. I might have been like that when I was little... (ok, mike informed me that I still am.... I disagree)

7. He has a crazy sense of style... Who says you can't wear a long sleeved red shirt under a teal short sleeved shirt? Yep, I have some pics of me in the 80's that would show what a killer color combo that is. My kid does the same.

8. He is crafty. Need I say more?

9. He is organizationally challenged. Take a peek into his room and then into my scrap room- you probably couldn't tell them apart.

10. He likes to cuddle.

#10 may be my favorite. Actually they all are. He is. Parker is my mini me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm lucky that way.

real quick

I have been a complete slacker. I have no pictures, not much to say. I promise to update with pictures either tomorrow or this weekend. Gosh, I can't believe it is Thursday!

Happy Birthday Baby!

From this:



To this:



Where in the world has 6 years gone? We are staying in today since the weather is so nasty. We might even get lucky enough to get some snow. Parker has 2 Star Wars Wii games, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie, and the entire first season of Ben 10. I think we are prepared.

Have a great day.

Oh Cupcakes, How do I love thee

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Is it just me, or do those frosting shots look like one of the best ideas in a long time?

I've been omnipresent

Is that even a word? What I'm trying to say is that I've been around, but I haven't. I have been sick and had elevated blood pressure for a few days. I haven't really felt like me. My body has a definite way of letting me know when it is stressed. It breaks down.... like a car.

But miraculously I seem to feel better now that our adoption is final. The ol blood pressure was back down to normal this morning so I guess I don't have to worry anymore. I feel better. Just a little sleepy because the sleeplessnights are now catching up with me. That is something I can deal with.

SO, happy news? (aside from the fact that OUR ADOPTION IS COMPLETE- did I mention that?) Parker's birthday is this weekend. He will be six. SIX. Where did the time go? I am excited to see all of our friends and family at Parker's party. I did the birthday shopping yesterday. I am now well versed in star wars stuff and Ben 10 paraphenalia. Storm troopers, clone wars, humongosaur, swampfire figures, alien goop. I got it.

Shopping for kids stuff is really fun. For a fleeting moment I thought of how much fun it would be to work in such a place.... seeing the happy faces of children with their new toys, running, laughing, skipping around.......... and then I thought of the kids skipping too much and then puking on the floor. The angry moms who just learned about the sold out toy they came to buy. Screaming, craziness, black friday sales..... Augh! See, I told you I wasn't really myself anymore.

While in my icky haze, I haven't felt very creative. Nothing significant to show.

I hope that the fog is lifting. I really think that I was more stressed out than I thought. But, it is over. The 6 year nightmare is finally over. And in the end, I have my family.

February 25, 2009

Technically, our wedding anniversary is September 23, 2006. However, our family was truly established on February 25, 2009. It is such a wonderful relief to say that. The Jacobs Family. The most perfect thing I have ever heard.

17 things on the 17th

1. Our adoption hearing was supposed to be today and got postponed.

2. I saw the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" on Sunday and am just so dang happy that I don't ever have to date again. I really didn't like that game. However, I won the grand prize so I am happy now.

3. I was reminded yesterday of the power of friendship. I forget how important girl time is until I have it.

4. My baby boy is turning 6 next week. I am really sad about that. (He was three when this picture was taken at our wedding..... sob.)

5. I will be 30 in 5 months. I have always wanted to be thirty. For some odd reason it was my dream age. Now that it is here, I am really freaked out by it. Don't ask me why.

6. I made a piece of carrot cake last almost 3 days. Seriously, that never happens. I love carrot cake ALMOST more than cupcakes with buttercream frosting. Almost.

7. House hunting is not nearly as exciting as I once believed.

8. I really need to get creative tonight. I can tell when I haven't been. I start getting a little depressed. Art is my therapy.

9. I actually considered downloading the Beach Boys Greatest Hits onto my Ipod this weekend. Don't ask me why, just a whim.

10. I got hooked on this last week. It is one of the most addicting things ever.

11. I am excited about Scrap Chic's two birthday party this weekend. Lots of giveaways and cool people.

12. We had a 30 minute discussion last night about Christmas Elves with Parker. He brought it up, don't ask me why. He said he wants another elf for his birthday?????????

13. This post was originally titled 16 things on the 16th but I never finished it yesterday.

14. I am really excited to see everyone next weekend at Parker's birthday party.

15. Parker starts soccer in two weeks. He got bumped up to the 6-7 team even though his birthday was after the cut off. He is like a young Pele.... ok not really, but he is good. (I also have a feeling we are going to have to buy new cleats- his feet have grown since October- BOO)

16. We got a great report last week from Parker's teacher although he seems to have a bit of a talking problem. As in, talking too much. I have NO idea where on earth he gets that from {insert sarcasm}. Ha!

17. I got Mike one of those music cards for Valentine's Day. It sang "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore". I thought it was by Air Supply, so it would have been perfect for my cheesy music loving husband. Never knew that it was by REO Speedwagon. Equally cheesy enough. We know about Mike's love for Air Supply though.... don't even get me started.

My Valentine

This is by far not the best scan. The entire thing would not fit on my flatbed scanner and I could not get in turned to save my life, but I figured you would get the gist of it. This boy is definitely like his mommy. Look at that glitter, the fabulous use of heart shaped sequins, and a doily(sp?)! I am so proud. Not quite sure what the "and" is for because he made a separate valentine for Mikey. What a sweetheart. How can I have a bad day with such a beautiful valentine sitting on my desk?

Quite simply, I am blessed.

Have a great day.

Confession Time

I hit a squirrel on the way to work. This hurts me. I tried to avoid it but he ran right into my path. Squirrels were my sorority mascot, so that fact weighs on my mind. Do I think twice about killing a spider? No. A waterbug? Hell no. But a squirrel who just lost his way while crossing the street? yes. I think the crushing sound under the tires and the subsequent rolling on the street I witnessed in my rear view mirror make it that more traumatic. RIP little squirrel.

Let's have a moment of silence.

one more thing

I found these goodies and had to post them. I love cherries, I love chocolate, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE real whipped cream. I think these were made just for me.

I know, I know...

I have been a very bad blogger. The past week was a little crazy. One of the attorneys in my office left last week. Seeing as how there are only 5 (now 4) of us in this office, transition is a big deal. So, we spent a good part of last week doing status updates on most of our cases and attempted to figure out this little place will operate in her absence. I know that all will be fine, but she will be missed.
But, now it is Monday. A new week, a new day. Mike is in trial today, so he spent a good part of the weekend working. Parker and I spent Saturday out and about. It was a beautiful weekend, but we had to stay inside yesterday due to the fact that Parker and I had the beginnings of a cold. Luckily, we are both feeling much better today.
Over the last few weeks, I have been finding so many fun projects online through other blogs. I thought I would share a few for you.
These were super easy to make and FREE! Just go to Schlosser Designs to print them out.

Next we have some yummy valentine treats. I love Bakerella's blog She always has yummy stuff. Such as cupcake pops and red velvet cookie sandwiches.



I made the cupcake pops once. They were really good but they take a lot of time to make. If you choose to do these, I would recommend making it a girls day project and have fun with friends while making them. You can buy colored candy melts to coordinate with whatever occasion you make them for. Mmmmmm mmmmmmm good!

Let love fill your week. See what happens......

Oh holy moly...

I was just reading through some medical records of a client and read that she had to have a nail avulsion due to a disorder called onychocryptosis. I googled it so that I would know exactly what was going on. Basically, it is the removal of an ingrown toenail. That is nasty enough- seeing as how I have a thing with feet. BUT, the site that I pulled up felt it was necessary to show a picture of said procedure.

I am now going to go throw up.


Please... whatever you do today......for the sake of all things good and holy.... don't ever google nail avulsion.

Consider this your PSA for the day.

I will be back later to discuss happier things.

My first sewing project

It feels so weird to say that I haven't scrapbooked in over a week. When my new Joann's flyer came in the mail, I flipped through looking at what fabrics were on sale. So very strange for me.

I found this tutorial and decided to give it a try. I learned that I still need a lot of help sewing a straight line. It isn't as obvious in the pictures (mainly because my picture taking skills leave a lot to be desired) but trust me it is there.




I made the second one a little easier by just using the owl fabric. This one didn't fit as well. I didn't do as good a job at pinning this one and then one of my pins got jammed in the presser foot. For some odd reason, sewing machines don't seem to like pins. So, anyway I got this one done yesterday.




Can I just say that I absolutely love that owl fabric? It just makes me happy.

I really want to start quilting. I am however finding it really hard to cut accurate size fabric squares. I am also having a hard time sewing straight lines. These two things add up to, what I can imagine, a pretty craptastic looking quilt. So, I am going to work my way up to that. My friend, Lydia, sent me some information on the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. It looks really great so I can hopefully take some classes there that can help me with some of my weaknesses. Any help is better than no help, right?

I organized my fabric stash this weekend. It felt good to really see what I have and what I need. I have a TON of felt. Any ideas on what to do with felt? I am going to try and run it through my die cut machine to see if I can cut shapes. Heck, I don't know what else to do with the stuff.

Well, I am off to find my next endeavor. I still need to find a use for my cupcake printed flannel. Mybe a nice cover for my heating pad? hmm.

25 things about me:

I have been tagged by my friend Lydia!

1. I am an only child.
2. My favorite color is green
3. I am a paralegal for a civil firm.
4. I long to do something creative with my life instead of type pleadings and discovery all day long.
5. I have been told I am a drama queen.
6. I love making people laugh.
7. I am currently learning how to sew and quilt.
8. I am the klutziest person you will ever meet!
9. I have a black lab named Allie (that we named after The Notebook)
10. I teach classes at a local scrapbook store and design stuff for them as well.
11. I think my husband is the smartest man I have ever met. And most loving. And most patient. And best looking.
12. I talk to myself when I cook and imagine I am on a cooking show.
13. I love cupcakes and anything with cupcakes on them.
14. I still have a red head temper even though the red hair has faded a bit.
15. I love to watch the Disney Channel at night with Parker.
16. I love my friends and consider them to be like sisters.
17. My favorite perfume just got discontinued and I am in mourning (Brown Sugar and Fig at BBW)
18. We are in the process of having my husband adopt my son. I am so very excited.
19. I NEVER want to plan a wedding ever again. I hated it.
20. I hate roaches. I get paralyzed with fear whenever I see one. I have called my hubby and had him come home from work to kill one.
21. I have never owned a brand new car.
22. I am buying a new house this summer.
23. I am not a neat person. Rather unorganized.
24. I have watched Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, and Mean Girls at least 100 times.
25. I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.

Oh lordy...

So, my child is learning something new every day. I am amazed on a constant basis. Kindergarten has been such a life changing year. I love watching him be so independent but it also breaks my heart on many levels. He doesn't need me as much anymore, he can dress himself, he can entertain himself when he wakes up at 6 am on weekends,and he has taken to wiping my kisses off of his face when I kiss him goodnight. Oh I wasn't prepared for that.
But, every now and then, he shows me his innocence and sweetness. The other night we were going over homework. he was talking about what he had been learning and he said "I know how to do shithappens" Um what???? Mike and I both heard it and asked him to repeat himself. "I am learning how to do shithappens". I told him that I couldn't understand what he was saying and asked him to explain. He got frustrated and said "You know, where you take numbers away from each other?" The lightbulb above my head flickered on and I realized he was trying to say...... SUBTRACTION.

And that, my friends, is just another fun story in our lives. It is one for the books and will definetly be one that all of his future girlfriends will hear.

How was your weekend?

Mine was good. Nothing in particular happened, but it was still good. I was, yet again, reassured that I have the greatest husband in the world. One who has been tested by those vows "In sickness and in health" and has passed with flying colors. I have had a lot of health issues over the last year, and Mike has been wonderful. I know that there are times when he drives me nutty, but I am always reassured, at the end of each day, that I am the luckiest girl on the planet. Yesterday afternoon, he even went out and bought me cupcakes.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that not a day goes by that the thought of a buttercream frosted cupcake does not go through my mind. I love them. LOVE THEM! I collect things with cupcakes on them, Anne got me a cupcake Christmas ornament this year, all of my friends call me to tell me where the cupcakes decorations are if they see them. I just love them. Look at the decor in my crappy cubicle... It doesn't take much to make me smile. I even own 2 yards of cupcake flannel. Not ever sure what to do with it, but I HAVE it, and that is what matters. (things with birds are a close second)
We went to the parenting seminar on Saturday and I feel like I learned a lot.If you ever get the chance to see Hal Runkel speak- go. He has been on The Today Show and is so great in person. He actually lives right here in Atlanta. I often found myself looking at Mike whenever Parker pulled a "parker" and we tried to figure out the "new" way of dealing with the situation. Mike was much better than I was. He generally is.
In a completely unrelated note, this week is the big Craft and Hobby Association show out in Anaheim CA. I was invited to go, but had to pass. Tickets to CA aren't cheap. So, I have just had to resign myself to obsessively looking at all of the new sneak peeks on the manufacturers website. Look at some of these new lines: Girl Friday by Cosmo Cricket (LOVE THIS!!)



Cherry Hill by October Afternoon








Sassfras Lass








And last but not least, a new company called Scribble Scrabble:



Ooooh I am so excited. I know that Tonya and the girls are out there right now. Hopefully they will be bringing back some great stuff for me to work with. I love the colors and patterns. I never knew paper could make a person so happy until I started this crazy hobby.

Have a wonderful evening and make sure to tell your special someone that you love them.

I'm alive..

Just not around. Life has been really crazy lately. It seems that all I do is work and heat/ice my sore bum. It sucks. If I had to have a broken bone, I wish it could be an arm or a leg. This tailbone thing is for the birds. Sitting at work is really hurting. The doughnut is pretty uncomfortable. All I do is complain. Yadda yadda yadda. The folks at work seem to love having me haul boxes, walk around and deliver documents to the courthouse, and crawl around on the floor to find out why our modem has been beeping sporadically. You know... all the things that I should NOT be doing. Quite literally, a real pain in the ass.

Watching Parker turn into a real little man has been really fun lately. Yesterday was his 100th day of school so they had to bring in 100 of something. He chose pennies and buttons, so he took 100 of each. Much to my surprise, that child sat and counted to 100 twice. With no mistakes. I was amazed. I could swear it was just last week that we were impressed he could count to 30. He also has his first spelling test tomorrow. Wow- that really takes me back in time. He has 4 words: can, ran, man, pan. And he knew them the first time we reveiwed them. Gosh, I am so proud.

I am really looking to the parenting conference that Mike and I are going to this weekend. It is about the 5 mistakes that every parent makes. I am sure that I make at least 5 A DAY. Parker has now taken to bringing me handfuls of change whenever he gets in trouble. I think he is trying to buy his way out. He is always coming up with something. I will elt you know what I learn on Saturday. I am more concerned with being able to sit for 90 minutes. I hope that the place is packed and I will be able to get up and walk around every few minutes. I am going to take my doughnut just in case. How embarassing.

I hope that I feel well enough in the next few days to start quilting. I went to hancock fabrics today and bought some fabric. Fabric doesn't seem to be a problem, it is just getting it pieced and put through a machine that is the issue. One thing at a time is the way I see it.

Well, have a great day. Enjoy being able to sit down without pain. It is a luxury like you would never imagine. (and yes I would like some cheese to go with my whine)

Couch to.....couch

Ok, so as discussed earlier, I was starting to do the couch to 5K program. I was ready to sign up for my first 5K that was going to be at the end of March. That was all fine and good until last Saturday night. I was going to let Allie, the sweetest doggie in the world, inside when I slipped on the stairs. I fell right smack on my tush. Unfortuately, Mike and Parker weren't at home, so I laid at the bottom of the steps for 15 minutes. I seriously felt like that old lady in those commercials who said "I've fallen and I can't get up". So sad but true.
I spent 4 days laying on the couch in serious pain. I finally came back to work yesterday. I am having to sit on one of those foam doughnut cushions- and there is an 80 year old man on the box that it came in. Again, sad but true. I think this might be nature's way of subtly letting me know that my 30th birthday is in 6 months. Obviously Mother Nature thinks she has a sense of humor. I disagree.
So, other that that, no other news. I am gearing up to teach two classes at Scrap Chic in the next month. One class is all about organizing your scrapbook stash. I seriously had to laugh when Tonya presented me with this venture because I am one of the most unorganized people in the world. But, I digress. I am going to at least be able to show you ways in which to make your organizational material LOOK pretty dang good. Using fabric, dollar store finds, and lots of other cool stuff. I am also teaching a "Handy Dandy Address Book" class. I merely told Tonya that I wanted to make a cute little address book, for my own personal use, and..... VOILA, it became a class. Should be fun. I love teaching, so I am super excited.
Before the fall last weekend, we went out to the Yellow River Game Ranch. Mike and Little P had gone before but I never had. It was seriously one of the most fun things we have done in quite some time. Cheap too! We had such a good time. Next on the to do list is to make a trip to Snow Mountain. I will only watch, not participate because I just might end up breaking something. I am too clutzy on solid ground so I better not push it. Parker will love it.

On a totally unrelated note, I found this picture of Angie and I 10 years ago. My how young we look. Another reminder that 30 is right around the corner. I want to go back 10 years and 60 pounds, but still have Mike and Parker in my life. Guess it isn't possible because that would mean that I was 13 when I gave birth. Nevermind- that's just weird.


Have a great weekend. I promise to be a better blogger next week.

I'm trying hard....

to stick to this diet. But, I must confess. I CHEATED. I did, I'm guilty. Today I had a meeting with a client for over 2 hours and I missed lunch. I was so hungry and I was starting to get shaky and lightheaded. I went over to Kroger to get some sushi, but they had one line open and it was clear down an aisle. I couldn't wait- I put the sushi back and left. I needed something fast and I looked up and saw the golden arches.......
It all went downhill from there. I feel bad. Really bad. Like I cheated myself. At least I do feel guilty. Before I would have just said to myself "It's ok, it's just one meal."
Nope. It isn't just one meal. It's a lifestyle. It's means maybe one more week of life. I gotta kick it up. Get committed. Evolve- into a skinnier Amy.

My new word for 2009

(picture courtesy of etsy seller abismythe)

So, my new word for the year is Evolve. Ali Edwards has hosted the word of the year campaign for the last two years and I finally jumped on the bandwagon.

e·volve (-vlv)
v. e·volved, e·volv·ing, e·volves
v.tr.
1.
a. To develop or achieve gradually: evolve a style of one's own.
b. To work (something) out; devise: "the schemes he evolved to line his purse" S.J. Perelman.
2. Biology To develop (a characteristic) by evolutionary processes.
3. To give off; emit.
v.intr.
1. To undergo gradual change; develop: an amateur acting group that evolved into a theatrical company.
2. Biology To develop or arise through evolutionary processes.

So, I hope to evolve as a person. As a wife. As a mother. As a friend. Spritually, physically, emotionally.

I really think that 2009 is going to be a big year. There are so many things to look forward to. Hold on tight because it is going to be a wild ride!

Knitting, Nosebleeds, and other Nonsense

So, I started knitting over the holidays. I have tried in the past but could never quite get the hang of it. Still haven't, but I discovered these handy little things that make it "look" like you have been knitting for years. I really wanted to learn how to "felt" things, but in order to felt, you have to have something TO felt. Hence the knitting. However, you need WOOL yarn. Don't tell that to the four skeins of poly yarn I have in my craft room. Oh well.... I am sure I can find another crafty project in which to use that stuff. Back to the knitting. So, I knitted a cap for Little P. Unfortunately, it was way too small. It looked like a kippah (one of those little hats that Jewish men wear-- thanks wikipedia). So needless to say, my knitting skills leave much to be desired. I did by a new loom that will help me knit a scarf. Don't be surprised if you get some funky looking socks- as they will be casualties of made-to-short scarves.

Next is nosebleeds. Parker has gotten them on a very frequent basis lately. Oh my goodness, I have never had an aversion to blood. It generally doesn't bother me. But when the blood is coming out of my precious son's body at an extremely rapid pace, one can get a little, um, hysterical. Me, not the kid. The other night he had it coming out of his nose and mouth. He calmly looked up at me and said, "Mom, my mouth and my nose are connected so it is just coming down into my mouth. It isn't bad." Yeah, a 5 yeah old basically telling his mother to chill out. After a quick trip to the dr on Friday, I was assured that it is normal and is nothing to get upset over. He isn't suffering from a brain hemmorhage and he isn't going to bleed to death. Thank you Lord!! Some might say I am a bit of a drama queen, but when blood is coming out of a child's mouth, I tend to fear the worst. But Alas, all is well.

And in addition to my fears being put to rest at the dr on Friday, we also learned that Parker has gained 7 pounds in the last 2 months. You know what that means? We will be making another trip to the store for blue jeans. All those slims I just bought are going in the recycle to worthy kids bin. I really was foolish enough to believe that one hellish trip for pants fulfilled my duty for the season, but apparently not. So, I guess that will be on the agenda for the night. Parker had been telling us that they were tight but we, the stellar parents that we are, just told him to give it some time and they will loosen up. Not so much. I'll take crappy parenting for $200, Alex. Go us!

Mike and I officially started training for the Peachtree Road Race yesterday. Mike did way better than I did. I quit early because I swore that the tendons in my ankles were going to tear away from the bone if I moved another inch. Man, for a non-runner trying to become a runner......... THIS SUCKS. How do those skinny people in my neighborhood make it look so easy? I am just going to set small goals for myself. Jog for 60 seconds for every 5 minutes of walking. Baby steps, right? As far as the diet is concerned, I am taking the same approach. Make it through till noon without wanting to consume every cupcake this side of the Mississippi. Then continue with that same notion through until bedtime. Repeat the next day. I need to work on the mental portion of it all. By yesterday afternoon, I was ready to kill a small animal to get my hands on a pint of Ben and Jerry's. But I didn't, I ate a pickle. That is a cucumber, so that counts right? I can do this. I know I can. I just have to put my mind to it. (I wish I could think of some corny phrase to sign out with but I can't. (If I had sugar, I might be witty but I will just be dull now) I'm starving and have a nice day.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Years

and all that jazz..... Gosh- I got all caught up in the holiday festivities which is a good thing. It also explains why I haven't posted in forever. Lots of food was consumed, lots of fun was had by all, and lots of wonderful memories were made. I think Parker got what he wanted from Santa- not so much with the parental units. We got him educational stuff which apparently was so not cool. But, it was still great. I am dreading the fact that I have to go back to work on Monday and work 5 whole days. Having to work 2 or 3 days a week suits me well, so it is kinda yucky to go back to the same ole, same ole. Oh well.

Let's see, how about some Holiday highlights?
- I knitted a hat for Parker
- I made sausage balls for the first time and they were really not good
- Parker snuck into the garage on Christmas Eve and found his new bike, but Mikey was able to come up with a good story and all was well with the world again
- lunch and shopping with Angie and Anne for our annual ornament exchange
- learned to play guitar hero and totally rocked it out multiple times
- stayed up past 12 on NYE
- reorganized Parker's playroom but didn't take before and after pictures
- rearranged my scraproom but again, forgot to take before and after pictures
- had a great time hanging out with family including going to ESPN Sports Zone with Mike's cousin Joey and his wife, Desiree
- utilized the Bionic Eye that Parker got from my parents and looked up noses, inside ears, zoomed in on table salt, and examined a live mosquito
- got a great picture of my neice in a batman mask
- watched my son have a wonderful Christmas which was the greatest gift of all.
- and got lots of sleep

So, now we are in 2009. I have very high hopes for this year. Mike and I are planning on completing the Peachtree Road Race in July. We have already modified our eating habits and started the couch to 5K program today.

Life is good. Christmas was crazy. I realized that I am surrounded by so many people that I love and that love me. I simply couldn't ask for more. I am a lucky girl.

Here are some photos from the season: