Must Make Some Changes

So, this New Year is the first in a while I have decided to make some resolutions. I normally don't because I never really commit. This year, there is a NEED to commit to some changes.

Here it goes:

• I MUST start working out more regularly.
• I WILL scrapbook at least a layout weekly.
• I love to make cards and WILL get better at sending out birthday, anniversary, get well, condolences or 'just because' cards.
• We, as a family need to become more aware of money. What goes in, what comes out, luxuries vs necessities. Must get personal finances in better shape.
• Roping in #5 into #1, must lose weight and inches. I'd love to be an inspiration to my daughters. And ultimately, healthy=happy.
• One very important thing I need to personally do is STOP procrastinating. I often put things off to the last minute and I stress myself out. This too, I believe will make me happier.

Well, here it goes! Wish me luck in 2011 to reach my goals and push myself in my personal challenges the the tough gets goin'. I'll blog weekly at least to post victories, challenges and anything in between! Here's to a Happy and Healthy NEW YEAR!!

SISTERS...friends

I used a combination of Hambly (black) and Bo Bunny Abbey Road. The layout is simple but I think the color combination is stunning! And to think, I almost went with a lavender accent!! For the frame I used my Silhouette and stretched it to a rectangle as opposed to the square shape that is the default. The letters are also cut off of the Silhouette, I believe the font is flat brush, it was not my first choice but to get the right size without the letters tearing from being too thin, this was a good option.

When I do a layout lately it seems to take the entire day!! But, in this case it was much worth it to me!!

FIrst Day of School!! YIPEE!

Well, both girls were quite excited to go back to school, I had to work at 4:30 so I didn't get to see them off but John was in charge of getting a couple photos of them on their first day back. Angelica didn't love her picture because John rushed her and she wasn't "ready" yet, hehehe, but they look beautiful and happy and it makes me feel wonderful! But I cropped this picture lengthwise on purpose, notice Jaclyn is wearing a lanyard with her school id on it! She's so proud of that thing!!! LOL!!

Being that Jaclyn started middle school today was sort of a milestone and well as for Angelica, we are on the downward slope :( I only have 2 more of these "first days" left that I can take pictures for!! Ok, I can't get into that now because I just realized how fast time is flying!!! OMG she's a sophmore........

Both of them posted on their facebook that it was a great first day of school, let's just hope they are saying the same thing about the 2nd, 3rd, 4th day etc.... etc....

Summer is fading...

So as I'm noticing the brisk feeling in the mornings, some of the grass is fading to a softer green I think of how I really love spring and fall weather. But I also get a slight sadness. I realize that fresh bing cherry season is close to over (probably my FAVORITE fruit, especially when you get that really dark, really sweet and 'crunchy' cherry!!). Along with no more cherries, no more green grass, no more flip flops, girls can't enjoy the outdoors as much (jumping on the trampoline and creating masterpieces with sidewalk chalk), popsicles on a hot day and just today I saw what I thought was a beautiful butterfly, but turned out it was a moth, but still it was beautiful and I don't think they are around in winter!! LOL!! Oh, and how can I forget, no more grilling!! Well, I guess we can grill but it's definitely more of a summer thing.

I am anxious for fall but today and lately I was feeling sorta... hmmm, well sorta bummed (don't wanna use the word sad, too strong) so I made a scrap page! Always makes me feel happy and accomplished (even though I'm running late for getting dinner on, so technically I'm running behind = unaccomplished-hehehe!) Yeah, I know, I sound like I care tremendously!!

Holding Hands

One of my favorite pics, simple but sweet.

Time to update my blog!! (...a year + later)

I have some projects to upload but first just a few pics of new baby in the family. This is Angelo, he was born on April Fool's Day (by mere minutes!!) He is super cute! He

is blonde and fair complected and he couldn't be more perfect!! The girls got to see him as we left on Easter Sunday.. only for a short while but long enough for us to fall in love with him!! We have not seen him since but the pictures sent to us... well... let's just say I can't believe my eyes!! He's HUGE!! Defintitely a (ahem) healthy baby! ;)

Ok, now on to updating some projects....

Birthday Card for Julie

This is a card I made for Julies Bday. I used one of basic grey lines, nestabilities oval scallop die cuts and ribbon from Michael's. I can't remember the stamp at the moment but the chalk ink is chocolate for the edges. To add some bling I added a dot of stickles around the scallop.

Changito Swap Card

I joined a swap on Splitcoasters.com and you could use Changito, Max the Mouse or Stampedous Bees... well I only have Changito, but I do have several so here is the first one I made. 5 more to go!!!

My Saturday Project

Well, my moms bday is Monday so I am late in getting this out but, it'll get into the mail on Monday. The patterned paper is by Bo Bunny (Summer Cottage Pottery).

Thanks Kelliannie

Thanks to Kelliannie, I was able to buy these stamps and make this card. I figured out why I like her stamps so much. They take me back to my Strawberry Shortcake days!!! I LOVE them!!

New Card

I was lucky enough to buy a couple of Kelliannie's new stamp sets. It came with some invite words and some other stuff but I just wanted to use the set. The little girl is so cute! Can't wait to get more ;)

Jaclyn Golfing

Jaclyn's

first week of golf lessons, she is really loving it so of course we took her to get her own set of clubs. She starts her next lesson tomorrow which lasts for the week.

More Sam and Jac

Jaclyn's reaction to her surprise visit from Samantha!

Jaclyn answered the door and it took her about 5 seconds to recognize Samantha, not because she looks different, but she wasn't expecting to see her! And when she did, she said, "Oh my God, Oh my God!" The moment was priceless, I really regret not having it on video but at least I got some pictures. They have not seen each other in over a year. I don't know how I'll outdo myself, that's how good it was!!!

A Day at the Lake

This was last year at Lake Dillon in CO. It was a bit cloudy and cold for fishing. You know, as a mom you have these bright ideas... well I had this vision of taking the girls fishing, wouldn't that be fun??

Well problem #1 with girls, usually have to pack soooo much stuff... you know... JUST IN CASE! So, not only did we have way too much food and drink (I guess I secretly thought we'd get lost and need to survive LOL) WE DIDN'T TAKE FISHING GEAR!!! I guess I thought we could rent??? Silly me... So there we go to the sporting goods store, to buy 4 fishing rods a tackle box, worms, the whole works. So there goes about $150. Oh well, this should be fun. Now we have to go down to the lake from the parking area..... no biggie...... oh crap, we have our cooler which is filled with ice+drinks+munchies= HEAVY! And how about that, I have flip flops on (I wanted minimal tan lines ya know)! Always thinkin' ahead, Marie.

Problem #2, we have to prepare the fishing lines. Oh, wait.... the bait we bought was... um... worms...and oh gosh they are ALIVE!!!!!!! EEW!!!!! Nice going Marie..

8th Grade is Over, I Officially Have a High Schooler!!! EEKS!

So today was last day of middle school for DD. Here is the card I made for her graduation. DH bought her an ipod base so she will quit taking mine and his!!! Was sort of a gift for us too, hehehe! Plus he bought her an itunes gift card. TFL.

Embellishments on "The Hug Says it All"

The Hug Says it All

This is the first 2 page LO of the book. Last summer DD friend came to CO to stay with us for a week to visit. Journaling reads:
left page- "a time to remember, 6/13/2007" (October Afternoon, Remember When stamp set)
right page- "The anticipation leading up to this moment was felt by travelers coming or going. I'm so glad I captured this reunion! It truely is priceless..."


This is the front inside cover of the book. I am actually making two because it is for a friends BDay, but I decided I'd put it off too long to make one for myself.

Birthday Project using Bind it All

This is the front cover for the scrapbook. Funny thing, I read my Scrapbook Etc. I got in the mail today and one of the Q&A's was about best advice or guidance you ever got was, ' there are no mistakes, just room for embellishment', which is how I got to embellish the two clips on the right, I accidentally didn't put the cover all the way into the BIA and it cut just a chip out of the edge. Grr, but it all worked out...

DD before 8th Grade Dance!