Sunday, December 30, 2007
2008 Calendar Pages
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A Tree for Christmas

Blessed with Friendships
As I sit today and actually comprehend everything that C has gone through over the past month, I am so thankful that she is in the hospital, under constant care as she recovers from this scary situation. I told her today, I know she doesn't want to be in the hospital, but as long as she's there and getting well taken care of, I would come and see her as often as she needs. I just want her to get well, and so do many other people. Literally hundreds of people all across the world are praying for her recovery. They love her because I love her!
I do not know what I would do if I did not have J or D to call at 8 am (who else is up that early)? We are going to get through this weight loss challenge and then we will celebrate. . . but we will continue to celebrate as we reach each milestone as well as every single pound that C gains back once she's on the road of recovery.
And although I am still getting to know M, I feel so blessed to be a part of her life. I love you more each day as I learn more and more about you!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's the MOST WONDERFUL Time of the Year
Last week, one of my best friends was admitted into the hospital for some extreme pain. She had already gone into surgery in November for similar pain and had her life turned upside down. This "extra" trip to the hospital put a kink in her Christmas celebration plans making her life stand still. Life or death decisions had to be made and things were looking very grim.
I must admit that as much as I wanted to continue our Christmas preparations, I put everything completely on hold so that I could focus on her condition.
It was wonderful to go up to the hospital and visit her with our other best friend. Having the three of us together for just a few moments was the best gift I could have ever received this Christmas. I'm sure C and J feel the same way. I am blessed.
C is doing fine. She did have to go into a 2nd surgery. J and I were on pins and needles until we learned of the outcome. Tears of joy streamed from my face when we learned that she was out of surgery and in recovery. It is going to be a spectacular Christmas!
It's hard to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life during this time of year. My daughter is really focused on this season. Every morning we do the Manager countdown. It's good to know she knows the reason for the season, but at the same time, she is still focused on presents and getting. The whining and crying frustrates me beyond reason, but I must remember, she's 4. Each year she grows a little more mature and a lot more independent.
I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas. Remember to hug your family and friends and take a moment to reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas ~ that tiny baby in a manger grew up to be our Savior. And PTL for that!
Usually I would jump into scrapping these next pictures, but I just don't have the time right now. I know there are some people though who really are anxious to see Hannah's PreSchool Christmas Program Pictures, so I thought I'd put a little slide show together:
Friday, December 7, 2007
Year in Review Brag Book
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
5 Minutes for Mom. . .
Tree's Been Up

And for some reason, I didn't post that here. We've had the tree up since the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We took out the Advent Calendar on the 1st. Each morning, Hannah wakes up and the first thing she says is, "Mommy, can we do the next part of the story?" I guess I should explain. We don't have an everyday advent calendar. We have a wooden advent calendar that every day we add a piece of the nativity scene to. It is very similar to this one, just an older model:

I found a video we took of Hannah from 2005. It was taken on either Christmas Eve or Christmas day. She's sing "The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy" and while looking our Advent Nativity Calendar. She was just soooo precious. I hope to share these special moments with Cayden this year as well.
And another one that is just too cute.Monday, December 3, 2007
Trying to Decide ~ Cayden's Room
I really want this set for his room, but it's from Pottery Barn Kids and is really pricey. Why can't I like something that isn't sooo expensive. Of course, we want something that will grow with him and this certainly will. They have it in Toddler - Full Size so all we would have to do is replace the sheets (which we would buy at Target).


Sunday, November 25, 2007
Busy, Busy
Hmmm. . . we got our tree up! And we hung our stockings, our Advent Wreath is ready, it just needs new candles. The Nativity Scene that we got when we were first married is still in great condition. Hannah had a blast trimming the tree. Once Stephen gets our computer together, I will post some photos. We've been doing loves of rearranging and rennovating the house. But it is all coming along nicely.
The guest bathroom is nearly finished. It just needs the ceiling and shelves painted white and new bathroom rugs and accessories. It looks sooo pretty, a soft sage green is the main color. Very neutral. This is a picture of the color of towels we have in the room. We made the main color green so that it ties these two towel patterns together:
We are happy to say that Hannah's room, aside from flooring is FINISHED! It's been rearranged and is now in the arrangement it will stay for a while. Gee, I hope she likes princesses forever because it is decked out. All we are lacking is a light switch plate and lamp. I did a scrapbook LO earlier today. We've got a photo of her painting her room, a photo of her name frame, her dresser (that she helped paint), and her princess bed (as she calls) it.
We got Cayden moved into his room. We haven't painted it yet. In fact, he doesn't even have curtains, but he is in his new to him bed (thanks to Crystal) and seems to be adjusting well. Naptime was really hard, but I think that had more to do with the fact that we couldn't darken the room. We're going to look at window shades for his room this weekend. And of course, we need to decide on a "theme" for his room. I think we're going to go with sports. We'll see how it all turns out. For now, we're just going to work on getting his dresser in his room.
We finally now have an office and a room for each kid, not to mention our own room! We will be putting the Ellipictal Trainer that my parents gave up in the office. We have a TV/Monitor Convertor so we'll be able to be an ET Potato and I actually might exercise!
As far as the weight loss front. I'm finally committed to really starting over. Last week I was 4 lbs from my heaviest weight and that really depressed me. BIG TIME. I've gained 20 lbs and hit rock bottom. But even with it being Thanksgiving, I start back on WW and am also using pointed from the ABS Diet (which is basically weight watchers but you split up your meals from 3 into 6). And as of today, I lost 4 lbs this week (WAHOO!!!!). Tuesday is the real deal. We'll see what WI reveals.
Okay, wow, I've really been talking up a storm. It's good to have so much to talk about!
Blessings, y'all!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Cayden is 18 months
YIKES
But we did move into our room last night!!! YEAH!!!! Cayden did great in our old room. We aren't going to move him into his room until E has moved all his things out and we have redone it. Which means scraping, painting, and pulling up the carpet.
I'm almost ready to take a picture of Hannah's completed room. Of course, that would involve it being cleaned. You know, yesterday she came to me when I was folding laundry and said, "Mommy, DO NOT go into my room!" I responded, "Well, honey, I have to go into your room to put away these clothes." She says, "I'm sorry mommy. I made a mess. I just had to do it."
I go into her room with the clothes to put away and find all her other clothes on the floor. She insists that she was having a sleepover and needed to decide what to wear. Together, we put up the clothing.
And then my husband and brother-in-law move our bed into our new room. Bless, Daniel. I can only imagine what was going through his head when he saw the disaster that was left behind in the room we've been living in for 3 years. I swear, I am in shock. I've been doing flylady! I clean out from under our bed once a month. Well, I thought I cleaned it out. The entire floor is covered with STUFF. Not trash, stuff. Yikes!!! Lots and lots of stuff. . scrap stuff, card stuff, books, kid stuff. I'm nauseated just thinking about it. I tried to clean it up by myself, but was overwhelmed. So much that I'm now on the computer.
Where's Stephen? you may ask. He's at the UT/Nebraska Game. He won the tickets that his office building gives away weekly. He's very excited and really wanted me to go, but as you can see, I've got lots to do.
Actually, I've been very busy. I inherited Granny's beautiful vanity dresser. And it comes with 12 drawers (and a mirror). It is now filled with my clothing. All of my clothes that belong in a dresser actually fit in the dresser with room to spare. I've been using Grandaddy's old dresser (which Stephen will start to use). We have an entire bedroom set that is just beautiful and we didn't pay a dime for it. It means so much to me that it was G&G's. I found a 20 year old letter that Bekah wrote Granny tucked away inside it last night. I think that's sooo awesome.
I moved all of Stephen's closet clothes into our closet. I've got the dining room table set up with a tablecloth (I don't think that's going to last). And would love to find the box with all the master bathroom stuff but it's lost in the tower of boxes out in the garage.
Hannah's with Grandma and Grandpa and her cousins. Cayden is in his crib asleep. And I'm working on scrapbook stuff.
It's been a long day and it's only 1/2 way over.
Monday, October 22, 2007
McIntyre House Update





Friday, October 12, 2007
First School Pictures

Things on the homefront are doing well. Ernie and Liz are busy working over at their place, trying to get it in a livable condition. They are replacing carpet and repainting the front rooms. Of course, the carpet guys came over to take measurements and discovered asbetos tile under the current carpet so E and L have to remove the tile before the carpet guys will come to put in the new carpet. E said things are coming along, but slowly. As much as I cannot wait to have the place to myself, we're not in any rush for them to move out. They let us stay with them for 3 years so it's the least we can do to let them stay with us until the house is ready.
We're planning on painting Hannah's room this weekend. Pink and Yellow. I'm going to do a stencil border as well and we're also planning on scrapping the ceiling (ugh). I will be sure to take a before and after picture!
After Hannah's room, we will move on to the playroom. The flooring we want is at Sam's for $20 for 35 sq. ft. so we'll get the playroom floor done for less than $150. We're very excited. We're taking things paycheck at a time and paying cash only to avoid more debt.
And then we'll move on to the kitchen. I have that all planned out in my head as well.
Anyway, that's how things are going for us.
Please keep my friend Stacey and her family in your prayers. They learned that their baby girl has passed away and are currently at the hospital awaiting her birth. Sad times. Also keep Heather and Eddie in your prayers as the anniversary of Elise's birth/death is approaching as well.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Just when you think
I feel like this house is full of germs. Since starting to watch Petra, someone has been sick at least once every two weeks, and sometimes, both kids are sick. Of course, Cayden gets over his bug, just in time for Hannah to start running a fever on Monday evening. We kept her home from school on Tuesday because she was still running a temperature, and by Tuesday evening, I was ready to lock her in the backyard. She drove me insane all day long.
I understand that she wasn't feeling well, but between her whining and chasing the two babies around, I was going to lose it. Of course, all Hannah wanted to do was "play in the water." It is very difficult to explain to your sick daughter that playing in the wading pool is probably not the best option for someone who has been running fever. Of course, she kept telling me, "I don't have fever anymore, let's play in the water." Ummm. . . no, Hannah. We are not playing in the water today. I finally let her play in the water on THURSDAY.
Thursday evening, I started to feel really, really bad. Turns out I was running a temperature. By Friday morning, I was a complete mess and Stephen took Hannah to school, worked for the morning, and then came home so I could go to bed. The stomach bug started Friday evening and today, Sunday, I am still dealing with it. UGH. . . thankfully, I'm not puking anymore. I know it's bad for kids to throw up, but when adults throw up, it's just not fair!!! We know what's going on and ick! Anyway, it took every ounce of energy for me to take a shower and now I'm lying in bed with Stephen's laptop. I'm about to take a nap, but I wanted to check in before doing so.
Now the dog has just woken up Cayden and we're still trying to unpack. Life as I know it.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Homeowners
Over the years, Stephen has received a wonderful promotion and helped us start to get our debt under control. After 1 1/2 years, Grandpa moved back home, and we continued to stay.
We became pregnant with Cayden and thought we'd move out in Spring 2006, but God led us to attend Financial Peace University with the McDaid's and wrote out a game plan. We attended Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University starting in October (maybe it was September). Stephen didn't really want to go, but I coherced him, and paid the $90 it costs to enroll in the program. For the first time in our lives, we felt in control of our finances. We're living on a budget and "attacking our debt with gazelle light intensity." There are several baby steps involved in finding Financial Peace.
We sat down and really looked at everything. We continued living with Stephen's folks (of course after talking with them) in hopes to be completely debt free in 1 1/2 to 2 years.
At the beginning of this summer, they told us they were looking at buying Grandaddy's old house. It's in a quieter neighborhood and very sentimental. So we initially started looking for places to rent and could not find anything with a reasonable rent payment. Stephen talked to his folks and they agreed to sell us this house for a very generous price of 20% under market value.
Each time we questioned if this was the right thing to do, God opened doors and He did it LOUDLY. Anytime we even contemplated it not happening, He shoved obstacles out of the way. It was meant to be!!!
Our "plan" is to live here for 5 years. We would like to be debt free (except for the house) and ready to move to a quieter area of town before Hannah starts Middle School. Stephen really wants to move before Cayden goes to kindergarten, but that's doubtful in my eyes.
We're ready to make this place ours. I now have a kitchen with MY dishes and appliances in it!!!! It's like Christmas!!!! :) :) :)
Thank you for all your love and prayers!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Remembering September 11th
I remember standing in a circle, holding hands with my students and praying. One of them actually prayed that the Lord forgive the men who had done this terrible act. I, myself, was reminded of what a loving God we have, and how much influence He had already had on my 10 year old class. Out of the mouth of babes.
I this year, I kept thinking, "why aren't more flags at half staff?? why do I have to bring my children up in a world of such evil? why do our men and women have to risk their lives and be away from their families to protect us?" And the question I really kept asking myself was "and how to I help others remember today. 9/11 is supposed to be Patriot Day. . . but are we really supposed to say, "Happy" Patriot's Day??? I'd rather say, "Thank God, I'm an American."
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Fat Lips and Closing Date
Anyway, the closing date is September 28th. We've got a few loose ends to tie up. We have to get Home Owner's Insurance and a Verbal Statement from Ernie and Liz in regards to the gift equity. But all in all, we're going to own this place by October.
Of course, E and L won't be moving out until Grandaddy's place is ready, which could be 6 weeks, but since we've lived here 3 years rent free, the trade off of 6 more weeks is completely worth it.
Have I told you we're sooooo excited????
We did go visit Bekah and the boys yesterday and had a little accident. Hannah was drying off from playing in the water with the boys and slipped in the garage. The fall went like this: Knees, Face. Yep. Knees, face. Poor baby. She's got a terrible Fat Lip. Teeth are okay. No concussion, no permanent teeth damage. She does have a bit of Whip Lash and threw her pelvis of balance, but Dr. Jones fixed her up today. She's doing lots better and will be going to school tomorrow morning.
I'm tired. . it's my anniversary. I'm going to relax for a bit.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
First Day of Pre-School
Then we let Hannah pick out her clothes. She really wanted to play with her dolls before we had to leave so she picked out a "beautiful dress." We got her dressed, teeth brushed, and hair up and then she was able to play while Mommy and Daddy got themselves and the babies dressed.
We took some pictures and I made some layouts. To view more of our fun layouts check out my scrappin' blog!

Created using Laughter by Mel from BusyBeeScrapper. LO inspired by Becky Higgins.
Journaling: Hannah, Today was your first day of Preschool. This is the first time that you will not be home with me every day all day. To be completely honest with you, I was very nervous about leaving you with a classroom full of kids and a new teacher. I know the days leading up to today were harder on me than they were on you. You are so excited about going to preschool and making new friends. You are so independent and still want to spend everywaking moment at home with me. As much as I know you’re growing up and need to experience the world without Mommy and Daddy around all the time, I cannot help but think about when you were a little baby and needed me to takecare of you - to dress you, feed you, and play with you. Now you pick our your own clothes, pick out your own lunch, and play with your friends without me alongside you. I’m really going to miss you, Hannah. You’re my baby girl and I love you so much. I know you think you’re “all growed up” but it is my prayer that the days start to creep by slower than the past 4 years. I’m ready to let you spread your tiny wings and learn to fly. But you’re only allowed to go as far away as preschool this year. I will cherish every moment you are four and not think about Kindergarten until next year. I love you! All my love, Mommy August 30, 2007
Created using Laughter by Mel from BusyBeeScrapper. LO inspired by Becky Higgins.
Journaling: The excitement you felt today is written all over your face. Here is a series of pictures from this morning: A. This picture was taken of you on the ride to school. You’re so excited!!B. I think this picture is so precious. Here you are giving Daddy a goodbye kiss before I take you to your classroom. Daddy couldn’t walk you to the door because he needed to sit in the car with the babies. I think this was harder on Daddy than you.C. Here you are walking so proudly to your classroom all by yourself. You did not want to hold my hand. You are growing up so quickly.D. Mrs. Kerrie stops to allow me to take your picture with her on the first day. Most of the kids in your class have been to preschool before so their mommies were not asking for pictures. Your mommy is so happy that Mrs. Kerrie didn’t mind this snapshot. It’s hard to believe your first day is over. It is even harder for me to admit that you had a blast. This morning when I dropped you off you told me, “I KNOW!” when I told you, “Love you Hannah.” You are a mess!!!
From Preschool we headed straight to the chiropractor for our monthly adjustment. Guess who fell asleep on the way there ~ NOT CAYDEN or Petra! Little Miss, I'm not Sleepy, Hannah. Hehehee!
Now she's happily playing with Playdoh and Cayden is down for a nap!
It's been a good day.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Utterly Exhausted
Hannah had a dentist appointment this morning. The babies went to Story time with my mom. She's so awesome. She is going to continue taking the toddlers to PBK Story Time throughout the school year while I take Martha shopping. What a great Mammaw!
Tomorrow we meet Hannah's teacher and take all her school supplies to her classroom. I'll update after the meeting (and after our last Play Group field trip to Krispy Kreme!)
I've lost 6 lbs in the past 2 weeks. Yipee!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Mom to a Pre-Schooler???
I've been home with Hannah since she was born. Life was very rough in the beginning. We could barely pay our rent, had to decide which bill to NOT pay so we could buy groceries. Then we moved in with my in laws. It's been such a blessing, but we were a family of 5 for a long time and added a 6th member April 2006.
And in a month, we will be a family of 4. Grandma and Grandpa are moving out. We're buying this house. We will have enough space to live. We will be able to pay our mortgage. Life will be so different and yet to good. We are blessed!!!
And still, I sit here trying to not cry as I prepare myself for the thought of me, the only "teacher" Hannah has had in her whole life aside from Sunday School and VBS, is going to School, to be in Mrs. Kerri's class, with her friends and not her mommy.
I really thought I was ready for this. She's been driving me crazy ALL SUMMER LONG. She's so independent yet wants to spend every waking moment with me. And I haven't allowed her. She's had her down time; quiet time; art time; music time; movie time; story time, etc and play dates all summer long. I've done a lot with her, with brother in tow. I was really looking forward to some one-on-one Mommy time with Cayden.
I am keeping a little girl, now, but she and Cayden play so well together that I don't think it's going to take away from my time with him. Hannah has a completely different set of demands than Cayden. I cannot wait to spend some time with just the babies.
But I am really going to miss Hannah. She's my baby girl. She told me the other day when I asked her, "What happened to my baby girl?"
"Well, mommy, I'm all growed up, don't ya know?"
I know she's growing up, and that's a good thing. It's time for me to let her spread her tiny wings and start to fly.
But. . . . only to pre-school.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hannah's 4 Year Well Check
They started out by weighing and measuring her height. She's finally averaging out after being super tall and super skinny for her age. She's 40 3/4 inches tall (still not old enough for the big rides at Sea World ~ She's pretty disappointed) and 34 lbs.
They did the hearing and vision screening, which Hannah actied like she didn't have time for. She was so funny. During the hearing check, she followed directions until she got bored, and then she started talking to me. The nurse reminded her to raise her hands whenever she heard the beeps, and Hannah's response was, "I've already been hearing all the beeps, I think I'm done." Of course she wasn't, so she was told, "You need to listen for 2 more beeps." She followed directions and as soon as she heard the final beep she said, "Okay, that's 2. I'm done!" and promptely took off the headphones.
On to the vision screening. They first show a couple of the pictures at normal sight to make sure she can recognize what's on the cards. Afterwards, she was told to look into the "funny goggles" for the pictures. And then with a pushpin, the nurse would point to pictures. One of the pictures was a birthday cake, so Hannah really focused on that object. She just wouldn't cooperate. But then they moved to letters, "What is next to the A?" and Hannah got everything correctly. She just really wanted to look at the birthday cake. . little stinker.
Of course, we discussed how awful bedtime is for us. It's a constant battle, and starting next week, it will be one that is not an issue because school is starting. And once Grandma and Grandpa are in their new home, we will not have to worry about disturbing anyone and can let her just pitch a fit. Regardless, we're going to try to slowly adapt back into a good routine. Stephen is working 10 - 6 pm now so his evening time with the kids is limited, BUT he can continue to do the bathtime routine he does with them.
The only "bad" thing about the whole visit is the shots. Hannah received 5 shots to get her caught up and ready for pre-school. Poor baby. But I told her, "You can cry, you can yell, Mommy can yell with you, but you cannot pull away." The nurse tried to distract her from looking at the needles, but she told Daddy afterward, "I got 5 shots, and they used the BIG needles, and they hurt me." Daddy's heart was broken.
Afterwards, she received a "BooBoo bear" and 5 stickers from the doctor, and then, Mommy took her to the Dollar Store and let her pick out 5 things. . . what did we come home with??? 5 little girl dollies to play with her Barbies.
This morning was storytime. The kids had a good time listening to the stories and singing with Mrs. Stacy. Cayden really loves the little chair so we may have to save up for Christmas and get him one.
Speaking of Christmas, with all the house stuff, we're going to start shopping, so I need Christmas lists from those for which we buy gifts. I guess I should let them know. Hehehe.
The appraiser rescheduled for Thursday. The house is starting to look really great since I've been "Fly-Ladying" and keeping things picked up. Grandpa is finishing the new thresholds today.
Ok, there has been a 3 hour break between typing this entire message. Now we're on to nap #2 for the babies and quiet time for Hannah, so I'm going to go and scrap a bit.
Blessings from Above ~ Rose
Sunday, August 19, 2007
ATTENTION SCRAPPERS
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I've Done It Again

Created with Beach Blanket Blues by Karla's Kaleidoscope Designs
And because I'm SO pleased with the LO, I decided to create a TEMPLATE to share!
Here's a preview:

Friday, August 17, 2007
House Update
We started the loan process this week. The Appraiser comes on the 22nd. If all goes as planned, we will close on the 28th of September. Ernie and Liz will close sometime in September. That's really all the update I have for everyone. Just continue to keep us in your prayers.
I'll post more LOs tomorrow. I'm so sleepy. Off to bed.
Sales!



Happy Scrapping!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Bringing Back Memories

Designer Credits: Mermaid's Haven by CanDesigns.
Text Reads: Your first beach trip was so much fun. Our family went to Freeport Beach for the first time on July, 31, 2004. Here you are having the time of your life in the waves. You LOVE the water.
Designer Credits: Mermaid's Haven by CanDesigns. Summer Word Art by CanDesigns as well. Visit her Blog or Stores: www.digibydesign.com , www.scrapperszone.com , http://www.stoneaccentsstudio.com/store/
Text reads: You loved walking on the beach with Daddy. As long as he was nearby, you were happy as can be. Your daddy/daughter time is very precious. You are so happy when you're in his arms.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
My First Freebie

Monday, August 13, 2007
Playing Catch Up
Okay, Hannah celebrated her birthday with our family yesterday. I think she had a lot of fun. She was able to play with her cousins and see some people we don't see very often. I'm so glad that Nickie and Joel came to visit with their beautiful girls. Time is flying by and everyone is growing up so quickly. Hannah is four! In 2 weeks she starts PreK four day a week. I think it will be so good for her.
Starting tomorrow I am going to be watching a little girl for my friend. She's around 18 months old and I will keep her 5 days a week along with my kiddos. This is really such a blessing to us. As we are figuring out the whole house thing (which seems to be moving forward), I now have some income to help out with the finances. Things are getting exciting and I'm ready for it all to be final. It's a wait and see game right now.
I am starting Weight Watchers again full time with several of my girlfriends. We are going to do this together. I'm really excited and finally have the support I've been needing. Of course, I need to find all my stuff since we aren't doing the meetings. That's just an added expense that I'm willing to give up since I haven't been going anyway. I'm doing the E-Tools so that's will hold me accountable, and having friends to cry and celebrate with is something that is so important for me.
I think that's all right now in our little family. Hannah is four and female as her daddy says. Cayden is all boy and is now trying to climb over the furniture, not just on it. LOL.
I've made a few LOs recently. Not a ton, but a couple.

Created this LO with Brayden's Birthday Kit by Traci Thompson. I recolored it to match Cayden's birthday cake! I'm pretty pleased with the results. I also used Traci Drane's Hanging Around Template.
And a LO recapping Cayden's summer!
Designer Credits: Kids Camp Papers and Sweet Summertime Wordart by CanDesigns; Arrows from My Favorite Boy by Jill D'zines; Summer Recap Template by Kristen Tilly
Journaling Reads: 1. You master walking! You started walking all the time on Father's Day 2007. You took your first steady steps at Uncle Les's house, walking into Aunt Cara's arms.2. GG, Aunt Lisa, Susie and Greg come to visit. We all went to Sea World. You and sister had a great time!3. On the 4th of July, we took you to the zoo for the very first time. You loved looking at the animals, but your favorites were the fish. Uncle Kenny took this photo!4. This summer is when we discovered you love to play outside, especially on the swings. You love to go "Weee."
This final LO of the evening, I whipped out just now. And now I'm off to bed. This is my sister-in-law and her youngest son.

Designer Credits: Template by Angela Sharrow; LO created with My Favorite Boy Sampler by Jill's D'zines.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Dog Bites and Birthdays
Hmm. . . Stephen's cousin, Christi, passed away from breast cancer. We really wanted to attend her Memorial Service but it was the exact same day and time as Hannah's 4th Birthday Party, from which I am still recovering. It was so wonderful though. Rapunzel make a special appearance, and the kids had a fantastic time. And it was so affordable. We'll have to try something else next year, though, since we've done Toys R Us two years in a row.
And then a good friend of my home church family passed away on Tuesday. His visitation was last night and the funeral was today. It was very hard for me since Stephen was unable to come with me. Just too hard.
Our playgroup is slowly coming to a close. We had Splash Day this week. I don't know what we're doing next week. Hannah and her two girlfriends also went swimming yesterday. I'm beat.
And to top it all off, Cayden got in the middle of my mom's two Pomeranians and ended up with a dog bite on his left arm. It shows in his 15 month pictures very nicely. He's fine. . .didn't really phase him once mom picked him up, and it's healing nicely. I thought my mom was going to kill her dogs though. They are fine, too. It wasn't out of aggression. The dogs were fighting over something and Cayden wound up in between them. I don't know exactly how, but I wasn't there, I was at Dance Class.
I've done a few LOs this week, but not many. I'm disappointed and planning on creating several this weekend. I'm excited. Tomorrow is my Calendar Stamp Camp with Cara. Nickie and the girls will be there. I miss them and are so excited to be able to spend some time with them this weekend. Hmmm. . . don't know what else is going on. LOL
Okay, here are a couple LOs. Now remember, creating and then actually getting them up on my blog are completely different stories. These LOs have been done for days.
This one was fun to create. I made it for a challenge at Make It Scrappy and DigibyDesign



Here's one to recap Hannah's summer. I love the template and know that I will use it for a LO with Cayden as well.

Credits: Sweet Stuff by Michelle Swadling. Music Notes (recolored) from Waterfall Melodies by Theresa Hernandez
Journaling Reads: The "A Little Rock and Roll" music class was so much fun for everyone. The kids were able to pound on these really big Sharing Drums. And boy did they pound. Even the littlest children were able to make some rhythm with the help of their mommies. July 18, 2006
For the August Ad Challenge at DigiScrapDivas.
Credits: Sweet Stuff by Michelle Swadling. Rock and Roll Elements by Tracy Drane
Journaling Reads: Mrs. Jennifer arranged for our playgroup to receive a free music class from Austin Lyric Opera. The class was called "A Little Rock and Roll," and it was led by Mr. Walter. He taught you a couple new songs, a few new games, and talked about how to have fun with music. You all had a blast. July 18, 2007
And finally, my two favorite LOs for of the week:
Created for Tracy's Template Challenge at Make it Scrappy
Credits: Jill D'zines My Favorite Boy Sampler; Paper and Glitter Elements from DST Birthday Glitz Kit; Cupcake Element from Brayden's Birthday Kit by Traci Thompson; Grin and Giggles Word Art from Giggle by J Cantrill; Fun Word Art by Amy Bleser from DigiScrapDivas Primary Fun Kit; Car and Bottlecap and Tag Elements from Little Boy Sampler by Sarah's Designs
That's all for now. :)