Thursday Book

Each of my girls were born on a Tuesday and brought home on a Thursday... My sister-in-law gave me a really nice book for photos but what pics would go in???
I looked at what day I consistently took photos of Lady G and it was Thursdays. I took her photo with the gifts she had been given by relatives, friends and students. Well, for each kiddo it's a tradition that Aunt Jenny give a special book to the baby... this time was no exception :) So every Thursday I will take Princess A's photo and slide it into her book. It shows so much how they change... here are the first 3 photos that were taken. I hope to take her to the Botanical Gardens and take her pic today... we'll see how the day pans out :)
Home
Bath
classic

where to begin...

Mr. T has just realized in the last few days that the baby is no longer in my tummy...
Mr T: where baby, mama?
me: what?
Mr T: baby not in tummy?
me: no, baby right here in my arms (snicker... )
Mr T: oh, gosh!!! she's coot! (otherwise known as cute!)

Queen V: oh, mama, why do you have to wake me at night for school?
me: the sun is coming up... take a look...
Queen V: I don't want to go to kindergarten... I'm just so tired!
me: get up and get going, you'll be late....
Queen V: what's the magic word? say it and I will get up...
(like bargaining with me is going to work.. if it were my mom she would have flicked on the light, shuffled over in her trademark slippers and sung "wake up, wake up with a heart full of cheer! wake up, wake up or I'll spit in your ear!" lol!)
me: Queen V. A. Z.... get your bottom out of that bed!
Queen V: that'll do... and she jumped out of bed...
see, once she's up she is good to go.. but dragging that bag monster out of bed is a difficult task.. I see this will be going on for a few years... my, how my little one loves to sleep! lol!

Lady G: I had a great day, Mama!
me: you did? tell me about it..
Lady G: I got to chase the boys!! We had a great time!
me: and the boys still want to play tag?
Lady G: oh yea, and we girls are catching up with them!
a little later we talked about the day...
Lady G: 3rd grade is fun.. it's not hard like you said...

everyone wants to hold the baby... oh, and Mr. T calls her George... and then laughs.. he knows he is funny.. he just cracks me up!!

as for me... I pulled the coffee pot out today... after being up since 3:20am I knew it would be a long day. I lost all the baby weight... yep, hate me now... lol! I am actually lighter than before I got pregnant with Princess A (aka George)and I hope it just keeps going off of me! I colored my hair but it needs a trim... maybe in a week when the girls are coming home more or less at the same time. Right now kindergarten is out at 11:30 and the rest of the school is out out at 3. It's not enough time for me to get to the other side of town and get it cut.

two little feet to walk right into our hearts

I have to share this...
yep, while I was getting stitched I got Jeff to send the camera my way :)
I waited for these little feet to pop up... all inked and ready for the baby book!!
c'mon...
a little higher...
a little higher baby girl...

gotcha!

home again, home again....

We are all home...
all 6 of my clan are home...
what a wonderful feeling to have such a full home.
We have been blessed with a little girl.
We are going to call her Princess A.
She was born August 12 and weighed 9 pounds 3 oz. and was a whopping 21 inches long!
She gave me one last kick before she left my womb... just one last reminder of how our relationship will be?? lol!

I am exhausted and need to rock a wee one...
thanks to all for the prayers, thoughts and emails :) They will all go in the baby book.
I am too tired to work on photos tonight but will get one up soon.

finally!

When I graduated college Mom gave me a tshirt that read
I'm OUTA here!!

well, after many hours of contractions I am headed to the horse-pistol to see who has been growing in me for the last 9 months...

Queen V is playing computer games
Lady G is practicing blowing bubbles with the last piece of bubblegum
Mr. T is sacked out in Daddy's arms

We are waiting for grandparents to arrive...
My mom has called and is ready to pounce... her BatCar is waiting to do multiple Bat Turns... those of you who have ridden with Mom know these turns well... hahahaha

If this turns out to be nothing I will have to take up high diving... seriously... this baby has got to come out.. DH just saw me do "the sway" and commented how he knew we were going to have a baby... he remembers my faces and how I move my body back and forth getting ready for the moment..

I better go grab my pillows.. hospital ones slurp!

**don't forget to say prayers for 10 fingers, 10 toes, cute little button nose... and no ripping on mama :) **

Mr. T turns 3!!

Happy Birthday, Mr. T!!!
So you wake up at 6:30 and come ripping into our room... "Ta chase me... Roar!"
Yep, another bad dream about Queen V chasing you around the house pretending to be a crazed horse...
Lots of snuggles follow and you sleep diagonal in our bed for another hour or so...
You wake smothering me and Daddy with kisses telling us you want Party Cake for breakfast... we tell you you have to wait... poor fella, can't have what you want for your own birthday breakfast..
We watch Fox & The Hound and you are mesmerized by the mean bear... I can imagine that will show up in dreams soon... go figure...
You wander out of our room only to see all the streamers in the hallway and tons of balloons in the front room.
Politely you ask if each of the presents on the hearth are yours... of course they are!! :)
You open Queen V's first... The Amazing Bubble Blower... there are batteries attatched and you tell us they are for Daddy... sweet boy!
Next you open the mit and ball Lady G gave you...
Next you open the Little Chef's cooking tools. YOu have had such a great time cutting and stirring with me in the kitchen lately that we thought you needed some of your own tools. Please don't whack your sisters with the whisk or rolling pin... you will now have 3 minutes of time out... oh, I can hear the tears now...
We run out to the back porch to see how amazing the Amazing Bubble blower is... it's pretty darn amazing!!
We still have to take you to go get your big present... your very own cowboy boots!!!
Grandparents come and we enjoy a great meal of Roar, babies, me cheese, memade and Party Cake... yummo, buddy!! You picked a great menu!!
Grandpa wasn't too keen on you licking the chocolate Teddy Grahams and putting them back on the Party CAke.... that's ok... we'll enjoy them later... well, you will... I don't care for prelicked cookies! lol!
Finally, after lunch we got to see you open presents from grandparents... tools, tools and more tools! Your very own desk, color wonders and bubblegum... what a treat!! Because we ran into nap time you pretty much came unglued and needed a nap. You woke to ask for yet more Party CAke and "me cheese."
We played a bit more and went outside to blow more bubbles....

mind you... all of this was done after MOmmy had been up since 4am with contractions that led to guess where... NO WHERE!! Nope, my son, you will not be sharing this day with a sibling but this day will forever be your day... perhaps tomorrow you will get the gift of being a big brother...

The night draws near and Daddy is playing a great game of Hide and Go Seek with you and the girls... lots of giggles and grins... what a great day!!

Mr. T's last day of being 2

wake up before everyone else- check
tell Daddy to wake up and play- check
ask Mommy to go outside and play- check
shut girls door really loudly so I don't wake them up- check
watch my pick of the library movies Mommy got- check
put on play clothes before Mommy changes my nighttime diaper- check
ask for cereal and then spill it on floor- check
pick it all up and make Mommy proud- check
get piggy back from Lady G- check
find girls' secret hiding place in Mommy and Daddy's closet- check
swim in pool- check!
hold Prince's leash- check
hand out pickles at pool picnic- check
swim more in Gran's pool- check
go home with Daddy and fall asleep in his arms for nappy- check
get up and find gummies to snack on - check
get dressed for Mass- check
get yummy Mac-n-cheese from grocery store deli
check Party CAke with Mommy- check
watch some Olympics with Mommy and Daddy- check
wonder where girls are and if I can help wrap presents- check
discuss party list and guests for tomorrow... Gran, Papa, Gandeeeeee, Daddy, Ta, Weeeeee.... hooray!!
Party Cake Me!!! check
fall asleep in Daddy's arms for nighttime- check
sleeping in big boy bed dreaming of "party cake"- check

Lucky or Unlucky???

so wehre is this bambino??
seriously
I have had enough contractions to kill a moose...
it's the luckiest day in China.. 8/8/08... what is this kiddo waiting for???
if he or she were born today "shim" would have his/her own birthday and would not have to share...
but... I would get to watch all the Olympics I wanted without someone asking me if I could change the channel... ha! I am an Olympic Hog.. it's true...
I love the Olympics...

do you have an Olympic story?? I do!!
When we were kids the kids on our street made our own Olympic Games.. it was 1976 and we had a great time... even though I got a javeline in my foot...

yep, you read that right!!
We had all sorts of track and field events...
high jump (we used the neighbor's horse jumps for that)
swimming (neighbors had a great pool)
diving (borrowed their pool again- super meter board with great spring!!)
tennis (back by the barn)
gymnastics (neighbor had a trampoline)
javeline (you know those flag things you put on the back of a kid's bike so cars can see them coming???... do you see this coming.. here is the story for the day....

I asked Norris to toss me the javeline so I could practice...
He threw it at me...
I thought I lifed my foot enough to have it just miss me..
nope...
it lodged in between my big toe and the one next to it..
I picked up my foot and the bike flag aka javeline was sticking out of my foot!!!
ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
I pulled it out and my neighbor, Jan, picked me up and carried me in her house to clean out this open wound... I cried and cried.. She told me to go home and tell my mom...
I hopped a few acres and got to Mom and told her the story of what we were doing...
She calmly called Dr. Miller and discussed stitches and such...
yikes!! all my siblings had had stitches but not me... I didn't want to do that!!!
So the result was I had to soak my foot in epsom salts and wait for it to heal from the inside out...
no more Olympic Dreams for me... I would have to watch Mark Spitz and Nadia Comeniche and be happy....
And for now???
Well, I can't curl my toes as much as I used to... I can on my right foot but not my left... bummer...
So, did I tell my kids about it? Yep... and warned them that if I caught them taking the flags off of their bikes they would be in big trouble! lol!
Live and learn...

GO TEAM USA!!

bet you thought the baby was born...

NOPE!
this kid is in there for the whole 40 weeks!! lol!
Mr. T's birthday is on Sunday.... what do you bet this one stays until then?? All Mr. T wants is "party cake... me!" He doesn't care where... just as long as the cake is where he is on his birthday!! lol!
Sooooooooooooo... we wait...

It's been so blinkin' hot that it's too much for me to get going on a big walk around here... 11 days at least over 100*. I did get out and swim today.. only because my kids let me get a decent nap in the afternoon. I was exhausted!!! So we went for a swim when we knew the sun would be behind some trees and we wouldn't have to use sunscreen but could just enjoy the pool...
Mr T jumped off the diving board again and again
Lady G and I had swim races back and forth in the pool... she can keep up pretty well with her mama :) I give her a head start but get into a zone and just swim. I love to stretch and make those muscles work, pulling the oxygen through me.. oh.. reminds me of when I would swim a mile (kid you not!) in Mom and Dad's pool. They would come out and watch me just find my rythym and let me swim away!! Soon I bet Lady G will be wanting to do the same. DH was there to watch the others while we raced.
Queen V pretended to be a puppy. She has the most graceful stroke for freestyle... Hard to believe she was frightened during swim lessons last year and now she is a fish!! She starts school in about 20 days... I can't believe it... It struck me so hard tonight when we were hanging out in the deep end just chatting... What a great kiddo, she just plugs right along, finding her own rythym... I hope the teachers in kindergarten realize what a gem she is when she starts. She has such a way about her...

My bedtime/labor curfew is coming up so I better sign off... tomorrow I have plans of getting some things from the Grocery Game and making more meals to stuff in the freezer for our family. The kids all have helped out and it is such a blessing!!

how a 5 year old explains it to a 2 year old...

A few weeks ago the girls went with me to see the doctor...
The doc wanted to check and see if I was dialated because I was telling her things were feeling a little different. Sure enough things had started. Well, when I went to pull down my shorts and Queen V says, "mom!!! Mom!!! What are you doing??? Mom!!! I see your tushy!!!" I laugh and tell her the doc has to check to see what is happening inside...
She turns and shields her eyes in the corner of the room....
When we go to pick up Mr. T Queen V tells him, "T, you are not going to believe what Mommy did today... " She procedes to tell him that the doc checked my tushy to see how the baby was doing.. because that is where the baby is going to come out!
silence fell in the van....
In a little voice you hear, "grossssssssssss!!!!"
I almost wrecked the van... so funny...
yes, my son... gross... but you will get to hold and snuggle your very own baby very soon... hahahahaha

I know it doesn't match with the Middle Wife but for Mr. T to listen, understand and come up with his own reasoning just cracked me up! His language is still pretty limited but he understoond this concept! ha!


Now... on to the story Aunt Lorine sent to me... it's called "The Middle Wife"
The 'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher.

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes,

pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.

She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'

'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.'

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.) 'My Dad called the middle wife.. She delivers babies, but she doe sn' t have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this. ' (Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.)

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)

'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Now you have two choices...laugh and close this page or pass this along to someone else to spread the laughs. I know what I did!!!


Live every day as if it is your LAST chance to make someone happy.

time keeps on tickin, tickin', tickin' into the future...

I wanna glide like an eagle
to the sea
la lalalalalala let my spirit carry me...

how does that song go??
Lady G took this photo of me before we went to my niece's First Holy Communioun. I think she did really well!! I have a new camera and she was learning how to back button focus... hard to do but she got the hang of it..

contractions are coming wheather I am sitting, standing or walking...
time keeps on tickin'./....

I grabbed a finger Rosary out of dh's drawer that belonged to his grandparents...
off to grab a few winks if anything turns serious...

labor map... mood map... bad hair day map...

ok.. had to share this link with you.. I find it really funny but at the same time my kids have followed these maps when they are born..
Yep, I guess there is the barametric pressure that plays with labor and delivery rooms?? hahahaha

Maps of all sorts

Anyway, click on the link and go check out what type of mood, hair and labor I could have... perhaps I should share this with Dr. Emily??? hahahahahha So the look for my area tomorrow I won't have labor but I will have a bad hair day (sounds like ponytail time to me...) and will be able to think clearly... perhaps I can make some casseroles and not get burned? ha!

since I am sharing things I am looking up I am looking at acupressure to deal with the pain. See, truth be known, labor kicks my butt!!! I don't take pain killers due to making labor longer, baby sleepy and I chose to be what is known as a crunchy granola mama... yep, that's me.
So here is the acupressure link to induce labor (if needed) and to control the pain (that is what I am after!!!) Controling the Pains of Labor And this is the e-book I am considering on getting... I think doing this will help me a bunch...
When I have my kiddos I have them so fast that.. well, let's just say the doc's comments have been "it's like putting a jigsaw puzzle back together... and I am there for quite some time while they stitch me up... last time it was way over an hour.. ouch! Oh, yea, the ebook... here it is:

Maternity Acupressure What could go wrong?? I have used acupressure before for my migraines and it works for me... again no drugs, just using the body to heal itself...
that and a few dozen Hail Mary's... right??
Wish me luck in the near future

and I have how long??

oh my
I have to run
just one more errand
make one more meal
fold one more set of laundry
check my bag... again...

I went to the doc today... She set me up on some machine that watches baby's heartbeat, counts contractions and when the baby moves, kicks or wiggles I push a button and it registers...
nurse walks in..
"hey, that was a big contraction.... did you feel that??"
uhhhhhhhhhhh, yeah... but it wasn't the pull the bottom lip over my head to handle the pain so it's all good...
right???? lol!
So Dr. Emily checks and I am effaced at 50% still.... but all those crazy contractions I had this last weekend finally got some dialation... to a 2
This is where I was the night before with my other 3... ack!

time to put it in hyperdrive....
I got the calendar to mark what the baby does and who comes to visit for the first year...
I have done this for all of my kids and it's always something fun to look at after the year is gone.. but also it helps when I have to go to the pediatrician to ask questions... I can never keep things straight...

I have been looking for a WaterBaby for Mr. T... he is not too happy that a baby will take over a crib. It's not imperative that we move the crib up but it sure does make for cute photo ops! lol! Anyway, a waterbaby is a dolly that can be filled with water so it has the weight of a baby rather than a doll. It does not poop, pee, cry or anything else... it is just there to be snuggled by the youngest sibling. The nurses are all into this at our hospital and know that we have done this for the other kiddos so they put warm water in the dolly, wrap it in a hospital blanket and put a cap on the baby just like the real baby. It is then put into the baby bassinet in the hospital room so that the sibling has a chance to meet her/his baby and take care of it.

So, one more thing... find the baby for Mr. T so he has a baby of his own....

checklist

focal point (photo of kids)
knobby thingy for back pain/labor
ponytail holder.. even though I chopped off my hair!
watch for counting contractions
Rosary to ask for Mary to guide me in my labor and to be a good mother to my children
brush
makeup
slippers
robe
camera
back up batteries
extra cards
scrappy paper for footy prints.. awwwwwwwwwww
presents for kids from baby (Polly Pockets and Waterbaby)
newborn onesies
clothes for going to hosp.
clothes for coming home
nightgown for hospital
car seat purchased

Need to do...
phone list
snacks in bag for kids to have when they come visit
pick name
have dh wash baby coming home outfit in Dreft (waiting for this one since we don't know if #4 is a boy or girl)
grab pillow
place car seat in van

I want to be a princess when I grow up...

Queen V:mama.... when I grow up I want to be a princess.
Me: oh really? (dh and I glance at each other)
Queen V:yep, I want to be a princess... like Princess Mia.. and people will call me Princess Mia.
DH: sweetie, I have news. You can't because I am not a king.
Queen V: oh, Daddy. You can be a king if that is what you dream. You can do whatever if you want to and be a king...... and tell us whatever you want us to do.
D: Whatever I want you to do, huh?

I just had to pop up from dinner and write this down so we didn't forget the wisdom of a 5 year old...

Just dream it and you can be it.

birthday girl... you mean the world to me!!

Our oldest turned 8 yesterday and as a child in our home you get to pick the menu and Mommy gets to figure out how to do it...
here was the 8 year old's menu
bacon wrapped shrimp (yummy)
pecan crusted trout (I cook this in olive oil on the stove)
risoto
dinner salad (compliments of Grandee)
fresh fruit: cantelope, grapes, strawberries (strawberries are a staple in this house since she arrived! lol!)
fruit juice mixed with sprite
desert was a Betty Crocker Icecream Torte It was so easy and so delicious!! Usually the kids test my ability to create this 3D cake with a barbie sticking her head out as a mermaid or some princess... not this time- strictly icecream and brownie! She said she wanted to keep it easy for me since I have been going so crazy with nesting and Braxton Hicks contractions...

So what does the birthday girl get?? Well, aside from that yummy meal she got a new bike!! She gave her older bike to her younger sister because she didn't have one. yep, that is the kind of kid she is... gives to others in need and turns the other cheek when needed... what a good kid. We had the bike specially made for her and it will last a while :) I am glad- she deserves it!!

materials used:
paper:coloriages by Fran
border: will have to look up, sorry.

oye- quick run down on my crazy week...

Monday: found out I am 50% effaced
Tuesday: took my kids and best friend to zoo and bought a big girl bike for my oldest... shshhhhhhhhhhhhh- it's a suprise for her birthday!
Wednesday: I can't remember so we will blame it on the baby sucking my brain cells from me....
Thursday: Bunco for the first time
Friday... today: dd's birthday :) Yippeee!!

side note...Mr. T is now getting a new name of "bruiser".. one because he is going around licking everyone... yep, even strangers... and he is continuously wrestling adn chasing the girls...
Lady G got her lip popped by him (I am not even sure how) and a remote thrown at her head...
Queen V had her neck sat on... he seems to be going for the neck.. ugh.. what is up with 2 year old boys??? sometimes I just don't get them!!

whew- what a week!
so.. tomorrow is a birthday party for both of my girls and then off we go to Mass followed by bed!!! I need sleep!
I hope to do more nesting on Sunday to get my ds's room in order.. it's a wreck!! Mr. T has been a tornado for sure!!

materials used for digi LO:
papers, bird, heart, flowers: Patricia Amaral
cluster frame: Welli Designs
quote: Elegant Word Art by Bethany
overlay: Lively Up Designs

old memories

So today dh and I packed up the kids to head back to his granparent's home. Nobody has lived in this home for 2 years now... we are just now going through items...
We all got to chose different things.
What was special to each one of us... the daughters had already gone through a bunch but today was more of a time of the grandkids to pick. Dh asked what was important to us...
a well worn quilt that perhaps his greatgrandma made
a Rosary made from the fruit of a sweet gum tree (that will go in our room, I think, and hang on the wall like Grandma and Grandpa had it.)
a Crusifix that will go above our bed
a Walter Cronkite autobiography we gave Grandpa for Father's Day in 1997
some pilsners that match highballs in my grandparent's home
and then the girls got to pick out some costume jewelry.. they were so happy!

What a day... full of memories.... and silly stories...

Meerkat, it's what's for dinner...

remember the old beef commercials with Sam Elliot talking in the background about how great beef was.. I can't remember the song that played but I can hear it in my head... at the end of the ad Sam comes on and says, "beef.. it's what's for dinner!"

Well, in Lion King 1 1/2 they say, "meerkat, it's what's for dinner... " Cracks me up.. this is all I can think when Queen V asks to see them at the zoo. She does a great meerkat impersonation and yes, I have pictures of it.. I need to put it on a LO. She cracks me up and when I start laughing she can't help but laugh about it too! lol!

Her little camera won't work so she and her sister took their summer writing journals to the zoo to draw photos of the animals they saw. From there they will journal or write poetry around the picture.

I just got this new action from Patricia Aranal.. the ribbon tie action.. it is so cool. I wanted to test it out on a LO before I try and create a few things for my photography clients. With the baby coming I will have to put my camera down and perhaps create some cards or templates to use for other photographers.

crazy settings... I don't know what I was thinking! lol!
f3.2
1/640
iso800

materials used:
template: Shandy Vogt
bow action: FafBr
papers : Patricia Amaral - Digital Designer
http://scrap-a-dream.blogspot.com

Change in Priorities coming full Circle

I was given this horse when I was 14 and she was 3. She was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen...
I was given her and her companion, Cloud, who was 6. Cloud died 2 years ago. YoYo has the pasture all to herself with neighbors bringing other horses in and out... She is something so cherished from my teenage years. Having grown up my priorities changed to being responsible toward my family more... She is an old lady now who grazes when she likes, where she likes, doesn't answer to the kick of my heel...
Now my own Lady G has taken a liking to horses... where will this lead our family in years to come??? hmmm


materials used:
QP: Rebecca Labbe
quote: Designer Digitals


Photograph:
f4.0
ss 1/125
iso 200
wb: cloudy

Happy Anniversary (a little late)

I just realized the date... and it is too late to call my sister and wish her a Happy Anniversary!!! Yep, the baby of the family got married a year ago and I was fortunate enough to be there to witness it!!!
She made a lovely bride!!!
She picked a great man who loves her dearly.... you can tell when you see them together....
What a sweet couple they make!

already in the first year of marriage they have experienced
1. birth of their first baby
2. new job for L
3. picking out a new home together... twice!!
4. getting ready for a move...

whew!! that's a lot to tackle in one year!!
Happy Anniversary, you guys!! I love you to pieces! to the moon and back!!!!
May you have many more wonderful years together, sharing each other's company and falling in love again each day!!!
Big hugs and kisses!
Me

Forever Cousins

since my scrappy room is an avalanche of paperwork from the end of school, dh taking over my space for a home office and constant artwork by my 2 little girls..
I am going to have to get serious about doing digi..
I have not done any scrapping in quite sometime
except for the occassional card to accompany a present
I took my dd out to the front pasture to get some sunshine shots
I saw how the sun hits the bitterweed my horse won't touch the other night and thought- THERE!! it's perfect there!!!
Well, instead of sunshine we got raindrops which we desperately need!
I still got to practice on my focus and exposure!
settings for photo:
f2.8
1/250
iso 200
I know the ap is pretty wide but I didn't want to raise my iso... should have since there was some noise on my photo but I still like it!!

materials used:
quote png: http://sonjascraftspot.blogspot.com/
paper/frame: http://www.digitalcandy.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=5901
tempate: http://jilljackscraps.blogspot.com/
soft blue paper: http://imaginebyfran.blogspot.com/

hello... anyone out there?

ok
I had to get my life in order
started to build my photography portfolio and it was really picking up the pace
I have a new niece that I photographed...
came home and thought God was done with us having more children
apparently not
we are blessed yet again
after so long of waiting
to have baby #4 coming into our lives in a few short weeks
I have kept it to myself
until I couldn't any more
there is no escaping
one gal at the park overheard me talking to a friend
another baby?
are you serious?
I could not dream of it.
I am 40
really??? so am I...
God has a great sense of humor...
I wanted to be a young mom.. playing with kids without knees creaking! lol
My mom says she is too young to have a daughter with gray hair
I guess not since I have a head full! lol!
I do not color my hair when I am pregnant.
Oh, sure, some people say it's ok
I cannot even dream of the risk.
We waited 9 long years
I had 9 surgeries
countless medications and procedures
and nothing...
until I had what I call my "come to Jesus meeting"
Now, every 2 years we are blessed... with beautiful children...
it's time as my oldest said.. she knew we would have another because the youngest is 2
I will try and write more and share more before this bundle arrives...
Here is a shot of me and my oldest on Father's Day...

Super Princess... you are remembered

May the angels carry you higher
May you feel the warmth of God
May your light shine in those who love you...

For those who have not heard me speak of or write aboutSheye or of her daughter, Ava this blog entry is all about the love a mother shows her children, her husband and her family. I started reading Sheye's blog a few years ago and so related to what she had to say about being a mom to a free spirit. I laughed and nodded as she typed and loved the way she captured her children on film. Last year a tragic accident occurred- but one with a lesson I quickly taught my children, my friends and anyone who would stand still long enough to hear about the Super Princess and how one day she found herself locked in her parent's car... not knowing how to get out. Teach your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren.. .how to get OUT of your car!!! Teach them how to crawl to the front, try the locks, try the door handles on "Mommy's side" and to lean on the horn!!!! It is so vitally important. It is Ava's lesson to us all.. .along with being a super princess.
Go to Sheye's blog and leave some love...
Go to Ava's website and light a memorial candle...

most of all.. hug your children, breathe in deep when you hug them... snuggle them to sleep- it won't spoil them.. just YOU!

tagged, Mr T and lovely conversations

my little guy with his new big boy hair cut.. his grandma cut his hair... he looks so cute!

These are the rules:-You must post the rules before you give your answers.You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details.

M is for Married.. to the best man ever!
A is for Aritisic when I find the time
R is for Real... I am a real person... take me as I am
I is for Inspiration... I find ispiration in people, things, stories to make me a better mom and wife
E is for Entertaining.. my dh says he married a cartoon character.. that is entertaining.. right?? and not something bad? lol

I am going to tag: Michelle(twistedsoda), Allison (again.. sorry sweetie!), Inkastamp (sorry, Ana.. I need help! lol!), I still need to find one for R and now E... hmmmm who will be next??

I found Sandy's blog by way of the Organized Junkie and boy, does she throw a party! She has a book that she swears by and posted about it here non her blog: The Reluctant Entertainer. I love a good conversation.. my parents would talk for hours and I want to have my kids see me and my husband do the same... communication is key for sure in a family...

5 things about me...

I have been tagged by the Garage Sale Diva!!
Five things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. teaching Texas history, department chair for the social studies dept, mentor to 5 teachers
2. completing my house plans
3. having surgery... again
4. watching the birth of my godson
5. sleeping as late as I wanted on the weekends

Five things on my to do list today:
1. make good Sunday breakfast
2. Laundry
3. make recipe of fresh guacamole! yummy
4. play with my kids outside
5. read to my kids

Five things I will do when I'm a millionaire:
1. pay off my bills
2. get dh flying lessons and his own plane
3. place enough aside for kids' college
4. get new furniture
5. give to worthy causes more often


Five things I'll never wear again:
1. peg leg pants
2. Huxtable sweaters
3. leg warmers
4. wedding dress (got married once and that is how it will be forever!)
5. Big, fluffy bows in my hair (diva said this and it made me crack up! lol!)


Five of my favorite toys: (I am going to make this from the past too...)
1. my camera
2. Adobe Photoshop
3. trampoline
4. my Geronimo horse I used to play with for hours on end as a kid
5. the tall pine tree in my parent's yard I used to climb all the time


Five banes of my existence:
1. people who don't say please, thank you or you're welcome (have some common courtesy people!)
2. liars
3. my weight
4. people telling me I am spoiling my kids
5. that the damn dryer eats socks!

I am going to tag...

1. Allison
2. Durcan Designs
3. Ana

more silliness from Queen V

as I go back to tuck in Queen V and Lady G...
Lady G: Mama, V said she smelled smoke.
Me: Probably the fires outside people are burning in their homes...
Lady G: no, she said she smelled smoke in here
Queen V: no... uh... it was just me, I farted...
Me: so it was smoke! hahahahaha
Queen V: no, G, it was me... my tushy stinks... (this in all seriousness)
Me: so, G, if you see smoke and fire especially coming from her tushy, call me! I'll come running! (laughing at this point)
G and V: fire from the tushy>??? (all serious.. I better turn this around... )
Me: girls, I am just kidding... it's all ok.. no fire coming from your tush or smoke... go to sleep...

and that is how my sweet darlings got tucked into bed last night... ahhhhh sweet dreams, little stinky ones!

by the way, the card is what Queen V made for her aunt for her birthday.. they are playing soccer and my dd's mouth is open yelling, "MMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!"

the world according to Queen V

love 4 year old intuition...
Queen V told her grandmother tonight....
"if you swallow an icecube you will become and iceberg!"
makes complete sense to me and to her grandmother...

created a quick "kickstand card" tonight.. super simple following SCS instructions!


now, if I could just get some sleep tonight minus the insomnia I have had lately... having that and chasing 3 kids is not a good thing... makes me quite grumpy and lethargic....

finally, some glue on my fingers!

it has been way too long since I had glue on my fingers...
I love glue, colors, paper... and checking out other blogs.. I love to go to Ana Wight's blog and this entry of Dirty Polly I swear looks just like my oldest with her hair in pigtails!!! I have to go get this one... it is just as sweet as my Lady G... and can't you just see this on the pages of my girl??
Well, I did a LO of her from a little photo shoot we did before Christmas. She was feeling like my budding photography business was creeping in the way of me being a full time Mommy... so this came from that. I asked her if she would be my model for trying different poses, letting me practice exposure and lighting.. My favorite is the one of her putting her foot in her mouth!!! She could have killed me when I put it on a LO! lol! love it anyway... shows her goofy side :)

She picked out her shot, her card and gave it to her very best girl friends... I love it! She did rather well! Now to get Valentine shots....

Shakin' in the New Year Crop at TSB

Our Shake Up the New Year's Crop is underway! Come join us for a great
time as we challenge you for 5 whole days. That's 5 days of cropping
goodness to get those projects completed.

Some of the fun we will be having include:

-- over 14 challenges to get your mojo moving
-- 3 FREE classes (from transparencies to dimensional sticker creation
to chipboard fun)
-- RAKS/DOOR PRIZES each day
-- Sponsor prizes from Paper Trey Ink, Doodlebug, Cosmo Cricket,
DragonFlaireStudios and more!
Shakin' in the New Year


Come join the fun. Sign in today to get your name in for a free RAK!

gaining speed!

I have so much to share with you! Our family is going at lightning speed and something had to give and this was it!

I get to read a few blogs here and there and one that keeps me going is 5 Minutes for Mom Being a mom of 3 I need 5 minutes! Just the other day my dh was shewing kids out of the potty while I was trying to take care of business... at least I can say my kids try using the potty early for being a part of this activity.. lol!

Anyway, have you been to 5 Min for Mom recently?? They have the coolest give aways! Today they are giving away a miniature Mustang!!! not a horse.. have one of those.. but a replica of a Ford Mustang.. we have a real one of those. Dh bought the body for the car when he was in 8th grade and by the time we were dating in college he had the AC put in place.... he drove this muscle car for quite some time until he had to drive through the canyon in Dallas.. if you drive Dallas traffic you know where this is... Also havin 2 horses at the time we needed a pickup truck to haul hay.

Here is the Pedal Car they are giving away. How cool is this?? The same year as dh's fast back!!!! Dig all the retro toys they have at this shop!! This totally takes me back to my childhood and why wouldn't you want to share parts of your own childhood with your children... makes it all so much sweeter!!! My kids have what dh and I call the Fred Flinstone mobile... you know- they move their feet and it goes... with these pedal cars the kids have to have that coordination used in riding a bike... but this is so much fun!! When we were kids we had a John Deer pedal tractor that we enjoyed so much!
If you have kids and want to relive a part of your childhood vicariously through them go join 5 Minutes for Mom and see what all the fun is about!!

been gone so long...

who knew that beginning a new adventure in my life would be so crazy~~
I started taking photos of friends and strangers to bring some income into our home. I knew it was the time to do it.. but now to make even tougher decisions...

I have to really think what is important to me..
to my family.. .
what is necessary and what is simply a want.

I finally scrapped this week but have not yet hooked up my computer to my scanner.. bummer. I have to get that done soon!!!
Christmas cards are being designed- even the envelopes have a stamp and extra inking on them- I think it makes it look just.. well, better!
What about you?? Do you put a little something extra on the envelope? It just takes a second of time.... it's like putting a bow on a package!

Scarecrow time!!

straw bales $50
costumes: $40
3 adorable children: priceless

photos coming soon!

so in the meantime.. here is a card with a scarecrow- I love this stamp!!!
some of the materials are from The Shaker Box Oct Kit

EEK!

I've almost missed my new niece's first Halloween!
Things have been crazy around here!!!
Yes, Sandra.. I have been a bit busy! ha! miss you man- think the donkey can get the postman to zip back and forth between Texas and Ct again? hahahahaha

anyway, I have lost part of my scrappy room to my dh. Yes... he needs the space so he will take it over.. I had to move my desk.. or rather he moved it back across a room and got a corner desk.. I love that desk. We got the other pieces from a friend of ours and just now found the corner piece on sale. I hope he doesn't live in the land of piles like he does everywhere else.. it stifles my creativity to have piles around me..
clutter around me clutters my brain. Is it like that for you?? I take his piles and move them.. .I know a dangerous thing for some but at least I don't throw things away like I used to.. well.. not that he notices! ha!
it's late and I have to get to bed!
I already have my LOs ready for the kid's photos on Wednesday!!! I am so excited about Halloween! I miss the cool weather but I must admit it will make it easier at night!!!
Happy Halloween a bit early!! EEK!

Paintable Papers!!

I am in love with the paintable papers that Michele placed in the Shaker Box kit this month!!!
yep, I colored, cut, xactoed.. is that a word?.. and shimmered this paper to death.. I love it and would love to get some more!!!
I took this photo of my Queen V last spring... everything was so pretty!!

My photography is taking off more.. yep, I have entered the portfolio building stage where I learn and the people I am photographing know I am learning... so it all works out for the better :) gotta love that! A win-win situation..


*seems I will have to wait till later to add the photo of the LO... blogger is having hotflashes..**

A little birdie told me..

a little birdie told me I was going to have a class at The Shaker Box on how to make this cute birdhouse.. wouldn't it be cute on a tree in December???

anticipation of cake

I love when the birthday song is sung by my little ones.
I love it when they take such pride in their creativity.
I love when my dh awaits the love they want to share.

but this picture says it all!!

been scrappin!

yep, found my desk and got busy!!
The Shaker Box has a kit club and Michele asked me to be one of her Kit Club girls!!! How exciting is that!!
Her kits are only $23 and some change!!! Usually, kits are way more than that because the people running the kits don't know how to run a website so she passes that onto her customers :)
anyway, here are some of the creations I have made lately in the wee hours of the night..
the photo of the baby is a new cousin!!! I got to photograph his mommy when she was pregnant and now him as a newborn!!! I love to use my skills in photography like this..
shhhhhhhhhhh
don't tell the mommy.. this is a gift for her!

need I say more?

Inspiration comes in so many ways...
I was reading Sheye's blog and shared with her this link of inspiration I love the book Tuesday's with Morrie and read it over my first dd's shoulder after each nursing... I tried to cherish each little momentof that special time.
As a former teacher I could see how much time I spent with other's children as they worked.... I knew I would be a stay at home mom. I wanted to be the first teacher.... to not have the latest and greatest is ok.. it will all come in time.

Queen V Wisdom

I can't wait to be 6..
why?
because 7 is right after.
uh huh
and besides, 4 is a boy number
and 6 would be what, Queen V?
a girl number, silly!

so.. 4 is a boy number.. 6 is a girl number.. got it...
and 7 is cool because you can blow bubble gum, go to friend's homes and have an underwater camera...

totally understand her logic!

Thinking Blogger.. is someone who

shares his or her talents because it is within them to share... it is part of them to give back....

my Thinking Blogger Awards go to:
Brenda Acuncius She is a fantastic photographer.. one I look forward to seeing more of in our area!! She does outstanding natural light portraiture and gives up and coming photographers a step in the right direction with her knowledge. Thanks, Brenda!

Shey Rosemeyer I found Shey's blog last Christmas or fall... She has a heartfelt blog and I think of her often. In February her beautiful Ava passed away in a tragic accidental locking of the car.. She had gone in to retrieve something and couldn't get out. Through her blog she talks about being a mom, a photographer, a wife... a woman. Please be sure to let your kids know how to get out of a car... honk the horn, try every door possible... teach them young!

Sweet Miss Daisy has a way with photography, stamping... life.. she takes it all in stride and will often comment back to you :)

Twisted Soda is the best.. a carefree artist... I love her muse... she makes me smile!

last but not least.. my IRL friend.... Dancing Queen Jeanine You know you mean the world to me, Jeanine!! I hope you are having a marvelous time in Hawaii... surf one for me, dude!

before I go.. I have to tell you.. I used up alllll my space on my external hard drive... I have to go through and cull!! ugh! lol! wish me well in this endeavor!!

A Thinking Blogger

I got an award!!!
I was awarded the
by Monkey Giggles
What a treat!!! I write what I think and as in life try not to offend. This is an open diary so even at times I keep more things to myself. I think I have to do this- for my own sanity. As my sister says, "some things must remain private." It's what holds us together.. our glue.. our secrets.
It has taken me a while to post this- sorry, Monkey Giggles, but I have had so much going on and didn't want to miss a beat with my kids.. it's what it's all about. My education of them- of our faith, of becoming a good person, a giving person all while knowing limitations, boundaries and yet striving for higher expectations...

so ... now I have to come up with 5 blogs that I think are "Thinking Blogs"
hmmmmm
it might take me a while so I will put this up and come back with an addition to this post.

Mr. T is TWO

and all of 2!
he has had a ball playing with his sisters today. Dh blew up 25 balloons and they have been twisting them into hats, belts and whatever they can imagine...
streamers every where
sweet boy....

he saw a photo on the computer from 2Peas and said, "baby" so clearly!! It was the first time he could put that word with what he was seeing!!! I am so lucky to be a SAHM to hear the first words... what a treasure!

gifts? what gifts did he get??

jelly bellies from Queen V (she bought it with her own money)
an original painting of himself by Lady G
a monkey that I picked up a the Door County Confectionery
Click Clack Moo!! I love this book and he sits so still when we read it at the library!
Fisher Price People to stick in his pocket...
new T shirt and swim trunks from dear friends in California
puzzle from his Godfather and wife

he loved it all but kept looking at the mantel asking for more to open... lol! He likes the boxes...
Dh made the monkey "talk" and it was hilarious!! I got photos - of course- those were the classic ones of his birthday. He actually gave the monkey "race cars" (for those of you who don't know it's the knocking of knuckles from one person to another... dh needed a son bad! lol!

edited to add.. I have found my limitations... I cannot make a cow cake.. the darn thing's head keeps falling off.... ugh! so when the rooster crows I will be purchasing a cake at the store and putting farm animals on it.. lol! Thank God for Fisher Price! lol!

Priceless Summer Night

hot evening
cool Lake Michigan
restless child
red moon
smooth sand
+gently lapping waves
======================
priceless summer night in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

gone digi..

well, the baby's fingers can't get cut by scissors..
I get to work on the photos even more!!
I have learned how to make a template.. something I knew how to do before but had diapers on my brain..

the template to the LO "Read" can be found here: Read

what is going on in our world..

Mr. T is swimming with a noodle- alllll over the pool!
Queen V is not afraid to practice her swimming- she thought everyone was going to laugh at her.
Lady G is learning to dive...

I lost my wallet today.. again.. I know, I know.. can't keep up.. ugh. I do know where my keys and shoes are though :)

The last photo shoot I did - maternity - had her baby today :) all are healthy and probably awake right now! lol! I can't wait to do the newborn shoot for them.
I went to Office Depot to gather a ledger, a file folder holder (too late to remember what that is called.. no, not a filing cabinet! lol!) and some other things for my photography. I have a feeling it is going to pick up some speed this fall.. so I want to be ready. I am coming up with templates for my cards to be given out at Christmas time. I have some great ideas and can't wait to get going on them!!! I also got business cards.. time to think up a color scheme and logo....

Hope all is well with you :)

sweet 7

my sweetie turned 7..
lost her first tooth
swims like a fish
had her first sleep over with her cousin
runs crooked
pretends to whistle while having a shrilling high pitched scream come from her mouth
slapped her sister in the face.. we can't all have good days, huh? lol... such changes 7 brings....

materials:
template, swass by Shandy Vogt
pp: Shabby Princess

going digi!

yep, I am back to scrappin'!! stampin' and yes, more photography!!!
I am in a class with MLK Studios in California and am learning a ton. I wish I wasn't so hesitant to share photos as I learn so much when I do...

anyway, a quick LO using digi elements... by ShandyVogtdesigns.com

one word answer tag

tagged by Taylored Expressions

Yourself: Silly
Your Partner: Giving
Your Hair: Straight
Your Mother: Prayerful
Your Father: Smart
Your Favorite Item: Canon XTi
Your Dream Last Night: photoshop
Your Favorite Drink: sangria
Your Dream Car: convertible
Your Dream Home: beach
The Room You Are In: study
Your Fear: death
Where You Want To Be In Ten Years: Healthy
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: husband
You're Not: Quiet
One of Your Wish List Items: organization
The Last Thing You Did: dishes
You Are Wearing: shorts
Your Favorite Weather: spring
Your Favorite Book: Tuesday's With Morie
Last Thing You Ate: slimfast
Your Life: chaotic
Your Mood: Happy
Your Best Friend: Husband
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Home
Your Car: minivan
What Are You Doing At The Moment: reading
Relationship Status: Married
What Is On Your TV: Nothing
What Is The Weather Like: Sunny
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: this morning

USM.. the big mystery!!

I am just getting the hang of this... my focus fell slightly on some recent photos and I wanted to get them back- the capture was so cute.. but how to make it look right??

well, use your USM in your photoshop. It's called UNSHARP MASK but it does seem to sharpen.. It has to do with how it was done in a real darkroom versus how we do it in a computer digitally. "It gets it's name because it unsharpens (de-focuses) the image and uses the difference with the original image ..." (this quote from Focus Magic)
Anyway..
there are 3 things to understand.
The first being amount which is measured by percentage.
The second being radius which is measured by pixels.
The third being threshold which is measured by levels.

I have some links to some sites and I would really like to get a discussion going on this great filter!!! What do you say?? are you ready to clear up some of your photos that are soft on focus??

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-usm.shtml
luminous landscape

this one is studied by a lot of people. He is right on in his explaining- some times a little technical but you might be into that!
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/unsharp-mask.htm

maybe you want a quick once over??
wikipedia

photos and diagrams here:
scan tips

this guy is really clear and explains it very well!! I love this site!
Earthbound Light

clear and concise with photos to go with the information! He shows you with the filter pulled down
Nature Scapes

explains different ways of how to use USM (from global to detailed to parts of a photo)
Creative Pro

another explanation with great photos for visual learners (tips inside this one!!)
http://docs.gimp.org/en/plug-in-unsharp-mask.html

about dot com always has tons of references!
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshoptutorialssharpen/Photoshop_Unsharp_Mask_and_Other_Sharpening_Methods_and_Tools.htm

another quick description:
http://www.steeldolphin-forums.com/htmltuts/unsharp.html

in podcast form:
http://kabili.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=155509

another great tutorial:
http://www.photocritic.org/articles/usm.php

for those of you using PaintShop Pro
http://www.scenic-route.com/tutorial/psp/tutor/unsharp/Unsharp.htm

tutorial with comments from others so you can learn from their mistakes:
http://www.cameronmoll.com/archives/000169.html

to show you that you can go TOO FAR with this
http://www.digicamhelp.com/processing-photos/advanced-editing/unsharp-mask.php

and the last tutorial/article came from the great Lone Star State!!
http://www.lonestardigital.com/usm_fade.htm