Daisy Blue

Grace

2011-06-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

So, lately I have felt frustrated & cranky a lot. I have no idea why, but today I felt it more. After having some frustrations with Emery, I thought to pray to God for patience and thought...oooooh...maybe not. "Please help me to not feel so frustrated & cranky," was the prayer I ended up sending up. Fast forward to Emery being asleep & me on the computer looking at blogs. Two that I don't normally check out on a regular basis led me to this & this and wow. Talk about grace. God gave me two things so fast that melted my heart, made me cry happy/relief tears, and gave me hope. So not feeling cranky now. Thanks be to God for leading me here & here! xo

He danced!

2011-06-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Last year this little boy plugged his ears and shook his head to music. He hated it. What a difference a year and wonderful help has made. We went to a wedding recently and he danced. Momma had some happy tears. Wow...HE DANCED! He was going TO town! I feel like screaming it to the world!

Amen

2011-05-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

“But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me” (Psalm 69:29).

hello beautiful

2011-04-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

So I am back but without expectations. No pressure. Wanted to share with you my happy from the other day. Enjoy! I am also thinking of changing my blog name...stay tuned. Xo

Allowing myself time

2011-03-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

So, two months came and went again. Wow. Obvioulsy there is too much going through my mind and life right now. Instead of disapointing myself and you one more time, I am going to take a break for a while. One that is said and not just happening without communication. Allowing myself time. Time to catch up, time to think, time to heal, time to process, time to just be without expectations over my head. Hopefully soon I will be back but I wanted to be sure to communicate which is something I have not been good at for a long time. xo

Wow

2011-01-01T19:09:00.001-08:00

WOW. How in the world did almost two months go by? Man, the holidays are crazy. But, in a good way. Hope all was great for you and yours. Ours was wonderful. Now, the new year. Wow again. 2011. I cannot keep saying that today. So weird.

So, today was a peaceful morning with Emery and I inside hanging out, playing, and cleaning up a bit. Joe took care of the yuck dog stuff outside. Around 4, we headed out to Barnes & Nobel and Target. The book store was fun as always. I love looking at journals, cards, the craft section, the art section, calendars, and bibles. So me. Emery had a great time with the trains in the kid section. He is so into trains right now having Geo-trax and Thomas-like ones. A few Thomas ones too and always looking at them. Another thing he is really into right now is mazes. Wow, the kid can do them and fast! It's amazing. I am not sure how he does it, but he just goes and goes fast right through them. We are all back home now and the boys are playing Lego Batman on the Wii. So fun.

My plan this year to is to journal as much as possible to help me to remember things more, have them more documented for scrapbooking with ease, and also to communicate better with all of you. The past year has been one of chaos and turmoil, but we are all on the up-mend now and I am looking forward to a great year of trust and growth.

Happy New Year to you and yours!
xo

Been busy...

2010-11-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Doing this...

Working on these...

And, enjoying him...

One of these days I will actually get caught up...I really will!
Hope your holidays are going well. Luvs...xo

Inspired by...

2010-11-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

this today...

http://stacyjulian.com/blog/?p=5973

Go check it out!

So, my scrapbooking why?

Because life goes way too fast.
Because some things are not forever.
Because I adore my family and friends.
Because I need to create to live.
Because it's so cool and far and wide.
Open with love and possibility to hold onto.
Things that fly by and pass before our eyes.
Maybe, just maybe a photo or a nice page will help it to stay.
And, the time with others that feel the same is precious.

What is your why?
xo

I sure do love fall

2010-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

You in Daddy's old jacket,
Us with snacks in a basket.

Pumpkin patches are my favorite,
while corn mazes come in second.

Animals love basking in the sun,
and hay rides sure are fun.

A box to play in with corn instead of sand,
the corn popper; a giant bouncy land.

A big slide with clear skies abound,
and momma's joy; hay rolls in mounds.

You with some independence,
tires to climb on in attendance.

My favorite part, the pouty face,
To get away from photos; it was a race.

I may certainly be sappy,
but the momma is oh so happy.

Stained glass

2010-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926-2004);
psychiatrist, author

Dear God, please help me to have more light from within. Amen.

Uh huh...

2010-09-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Please bear with me while I renovate...hee hee. (Trying to be patient with myself!) XO

Been busy...

2010-09-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

renovationing my blog. So sorry I've been so quiet. Just working on each piece of getting this right. For those of you who I have promised your blogs on my list...thanks for being patient with me. It's in progress! XO

And so it begins...

2010-08-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten. WOW. How does it happen so fast?

Catching up and moving on...

2010-08-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

I realized I needed to post this photo for those of you who remember this post from May of 2008. Really funny to me how it reflects where we are at these days. In a "time out" of sorts. Sorting, still unpacking, trying to have some stability, enjoying new changes, and trying to just be for a while. I am working on catching up on my blog. Thinking it's a good thing to go back once in a while and catch what I may have missed (like this photo). That way, I feel like I can move on. A good clean out is good. Organizing thoughts and plans is a fun thing to do. So, enjoy the photo and be looking for lots more posts coming up soon as I work my way through all of my old posts. I look forward to moving forward with you. XO

P.S. I miss times like these.

AND, wow...what a great reminder to self I need right now!

AND, really still liking this...
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure. To embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting. For in movement there is life. And in change there is power.
-Alan Cohen

Some photos that make me smile...

2010-07-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Been having a tough time over here, but these make me smile. Lots going on, lots to do, lots to pray about, lots to fix, lots to learn, lots to work on, lots to solve. I know with God, it will all work out just fine. XO

I wish...

2010-06-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

That everyone could get along.
For a rainbow everyday.
For everyone to feel healthy and happy all the time.
For world peace.
That things didn't wear out, people didn't die, and...
For more time in the day.

So, the other day Emery and I were in the drive-thru at McDonalds. As I go to pull out, this man in a truck behind me yells, "Get out of the way!" Ok, how rude. Wow. I really think something sad is happening to our world. It seems that people are getting more impatient these days. I really think we all just need to slow down and have some patience with each other. After all, we are in this together, yeah? What happened to the days when people took their time and actually had time? What happened to the days when people actually cared for the real answer and not just, "good" to the question "how are you?" No, really...how are you? I purposely do not do the self check out lines because I need to deal with a real person. I don't like the automated phone systems because I need a real person. I like people. I like talking with the check out lady or guy and really understanding how their day is going. I like getting to know the people at my favorite restaurant and having them use my name when I come in. I like running into people I know and like in stores or elsewhere. Ones that really care. I know there are good people in the world. Please join me in saying "amen" to that and I dare you next time you ask someone how they are, really expect and listen to how they really are. And, if you are that guy in line at McDonald's, understand that the lady in that car may be trying to deal with a 6 year old yelling at her to get the cool toy out already. Or, the person going too slow in your lane may just be trying to get his Grandma somewhere safely. Just think about how you would wish to be treated. How many more of you out there agree with me that we need more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control in the world? Amen.

Shut down days

2010-06-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.”
--Ashleigh Brilliant

So, I had one of those days yesterday when you just don't feel like doing anything but resting. Apparently I was exhausted because I had absolutely no motivation! And, was very overwhelmed. I think it's ok sometimes and somedays to have "shut down" days. We need them. Rest is good. Because I allowed myself this, my motivation kicked into gear about 5pm and I cleared one corner of the kitchen counter, picked up from Friday night fun, and vacumned. Yeah! I am feeling so much better today even with the laundry overtaking our home because of plumbing issues! Checking out a few blogs also helped me to not feel so alone. Do you ever have "shut down" days? Oh...and btw...it's my 40th birthday today! WOW.

Hope.

2010-06-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Been busy, busy clearing our way towards lots of new dreams. I just know it's gonna be good! Will do a catch up post soon with lots of photos, k? Until next time...

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly."--Lanston Hughes

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."

2010-06-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

So cool. That song keeps running through my head these days. Loving it. Been clearing a lot lately. It sure has been helping me in more ways than one. Took most of today to clear out our spare bedroom where a lot of clutter had built up. It's so fun to be able to walk in the hallway and also that room without running into things! Gonna take a break tomorrow (Sunday = rest day for me) and get back at it Monday. I am loving that clearing my clutter is also clearing my mind of negative thoughts too. Guessing more quiet time and this book are also helping a bit. Before I go for tonight, I want to share a story with you...

I was taking a bath earlier and looked up to see Emery's swimming trunks dripping. They are hanging to dry from the pool. My first response at the water falling at me was fear. I cringed and closed my eyes. Then, I thought of Kelly Rae's class and facing fears. So, I purposely watched that water drop fall. And, guess what? It did NOT fall on my face. And, you know what else? It was not just one drop...it was a triple drop...a large one that on the way down broke into three. It was so beautiful. It was art. Sounds kinda corny, but I thought it was pretty cool and a very good illustration of how when you face fear, most of the time you end up seeing things that are so beautiful that you never would have even imagined seeing if you had not. So cool. Thanks again Kelly Rae.

Where we have been lately...

2010-06-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Absolutely loving our local pool. Just being in the cool, fresh, blue water clears my head. Excited that Emery started swimming on his own today. WOW. After only 3 lessons! So cool. How is your summer going? Have you been in the water yet?

Dear world, please slow down.

2010-06-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

This girl has been doing a whole lot of thinking lately. Good stuff. The one thing I am sure of is that we all need to slow down. On that note, I am going to be clearing a lot these days. Clearing emails 723 of them btw, clearing dishes off the counter that got unpacked, clearing the clutter, clearing boxes, clearing my favorites bar, clearing my head) Maybe clear should be my new one word for this year! Guessing it's going to be hard to have stability (my first one word for this year) before all the clearing. Learning these days that it's all about progression. First things first. I am going to take my time to do what I need to do even though I feel like with life happening so fast all around me; that I might miss out. It will be ok. I just know I need to do this to make room for some really special stuff to come my way. I'll keep you updated on how it's going. Who knows, maybe I will finally be able to post the before and afters on our kitchen remodle soon! What about you. Do you think the world needs to slow down a bit too? XOXO

Ads from my school days...

2010-06-05T21:34:00.001-07:00

Curious which one you all like better? Leave me a comment and let me know, k?

And, oh my goodness...how much he has grown! WOW.

"Look Mom! It's wiggly-jiggly!"

2010-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, how cute is he!? These new soaps we got the other day at the grocery store. I liked the cheap price. Who would have known he would love the shape! So cool. Oh, and btw...his next sentence was, "Mom. We should buy more of these!" So fun.

Visiting an old friend.

2010-06-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

So, this class is so amazing. The women are inspiring and thoughtful and sweet. Kelly is the best. The true sense of her deepest soul open for all of us to see is such a breath of fresh air in what sometimes can be a stagnat world. More people should dare to be so open. We would all be so much better off. I have been soaking it all in and while I am still not ready to produce anything new with so many things in my life right now are already started and not finished, I have enjoyed taking some time to re-visit my work from school and prior play. I think I will share these with you as I can. These two pieces are just me playing in Corel paint. Such an old program, yet very fun. I have so much to learn, but I like the rawness of these two. Hope you enjoy! Loves...

Go! Sign up now. You will be so glad you did.

2010-05-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Join me on my journey with Kelly Rae and others! Click on that cute little button over there (pointing to the right) for more information. XO

Yep, it's official AGAIN!

2010-05-17T18:40:00.001-07:00

So, his second tooth came out on Saturday morning. Wow. They sure do grow up too fast! I keep telling him to slow down but he keeps telling me he can't. Time just passes and passes and passes, doesn't it? Peace to you.

We are back!

2010-05-03T15:01:00.001-07:00

So, isn't Utah just gorgeous!? WOW. We sure did enjoy our trip. Family, a very beautiful wedding, time off, fun, and lots of relaxing. Just what both of us so needed! Getting back into our routines here at home and trying real hard to not get overwhelmed by so much that needs to be done. Emery did wonderful on the planes back. I am so proud of him. And, wow...I cannot believe how grown up he looks in the plane photo! They sprout WAY too fast!!!!

Catching glimpses...

2010-04-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Of me. Loving that I am actually in this photo too via my shadow. So cool! Emery is enjoying the snow so much. I think it's melted now, but he would love to go again...

My favorite photos so far...

2010-04-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Really, really enjoying this process of a week in the life. I look forward to putting it all together. These are my favorite photos so far. Just Emery rolling on a hill, but I like the simpleness of it. A kid, a simple fun thing to do, and his joy. All good.

My little artist...

2010-04-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

Nice, quiet days at home and look what happens. I am learning the art of calm and to appreciate.

Happy Easter to all...

2010-04-03T17:11:00.001-07:00

May it be full of hope and joy and peace for all mankind. Amen.

You know you are frazzled when...

2010-03-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Oops! All day my friends...all day! Wow. I wondered why I got some weird looks yesterday! :)

Amen.

2010-03-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Love never reasons but profusely gives; gives, like a thoughtless prodigal, it's all, and trembles lest it has done too little."

--Hannah More

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

--Robert F. Kennedy

Yep...it's official!

2010-03-15T08:58:00.001-07:00

It started loosening on Thursday and fell out on Sunday. Bottom front left tooth. First one ever. He is so excited! Momma can't believe how fast they grow up! Wow.

Sweet boy showing off his tooth fairy money. He told me, "See! I told ya! She waved her magic wand."

I sure do love this boy.

2010-03-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ya all have a great night! XOXO Shanie :)

Right now...

2010-03-10T18:32:00.001-08:00

We have loads and loads of laundry. I cannot seem to keep up with it!

The cabinets, countertops, and floor are all done in the kitchen and the electric just got finished the other day too. Next is the plumber and I will finally have a sink and dishwasher and can finally cook! Living without a working kitchen for 5 months is not fun. Eating out gets old. Just living in chaos gets really old!

Steve (one of our black labs) is having some bladder issues we still have not figured out and are now on the third test. So far, his tests have all come back good even though he is getting so old so that is good! We actually have two 12 year olds, a 10 year old, a 3 year old (all dogs) and a 19 year old cat. I am just hoping the old ones hold out at least until Joe gets home.

Emery is having trouble in his school and overall adjusting to the move and having Daddy gone again. We are still in the process of figuring out what he needs. I am still not sure about this school, but am really looking forward to his Kindergarten for him in the Fall. That school seems that it will be great! We are about to enroll him in swim lessons and baseball lessons. And, he has decided to not play soccer. He also is losing his first tooth! Cool.

I have piles and piles of paper to do's still. Finances, things that go with the finances, Emery's medical/school stuff, daily planner stuff, computer to do's and my largest one...all of our files for the past 10+ years to go thru, sort, organize, throw out and shred. Whew!

We are missing Joe like crazy.

We are enjoying two parks in our area. Emery especially loves the one with the old school swings. For those of you who grew up before the 90's, remember how tall they were? We could swing so much higher because the chains were so long!

My creative piles and stuff are still not really accessible. This makes my heart sad and I sure hope soon that I am able to get past all this other stuff and start creating again already. I so need it!

My mind is swirling with ideas and thoughts for this house and also going back and forth as to what to do and what not to do because we are still not sure this is it.

Our silly remote fan/light is having to stay on all night tonight because the battery is dead and we don't have any so I cannot turn it off. I am thinking seriously of just unscrewing the bulb so we can rest without a ton of light shining on us! What is up with the new fancy dancy stuff out there? And, in a 1949 home! What were they thinking? Whatever happened to plain old switches?!

My car has died because I did not drive it. It's hard to balance two when I am the only one driving them. Arg!

I just started a new bible study and am loving it. How to discern the voice of God. Love it. Need it. So want it.

And, when I'm not doing all of that I am taking a few minutes here and there to pour over design books and magazines. My spirit has found a new sense of excitement in design.

Thanks so much for letting me vent! I love you all. XOXO

Monday

2010-03-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, mommies...do you ever feel like you cannot do ANYTHING right?! Whew...taking one FIT at a time. Thanks be to God it's almost bedtime! Maybe a bit of rest will do us both good!? Thinking that my word of the year STABILITY is really being challenged! I will make it thru it, I will make it thru it, I will, I WILL! :)

Breathe

2010-02-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."--Oprah Winfrey

So...I FINALLY moved food into the kitchen!

2010-02-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not know, I could not put food into our kitchen and feel good about it. This move has been so difficult in more ways than one. Little did we know, this house we chose had some not so nice stuff in the kitchen. We pretty much had to tear it all out and start over. Moving forward and new cabinets, flooring, and soon the rest of it I have finally put food in there. Still not moved in all the way yet, but will be able to when the electric, sink, dishwasher, and painting are done. Little steps my friends, little steps.

Heavy on my heart

2010-01-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Haiti. Wow. I ordinarily stay away from the news which is why I did not know about this until day 2 due to checking one of my favorite blogs. This time I cannot stay away from the news. Normally, I cannot handle all of the bad news out there. It hurts my heart. This does too, but it so needs to be out there as much as possible because even before a major earthquake hit Haiti, they needed our help. I am sorry that I did not know about Haiti prior to the earthquakes. Yep. I said earthquakeS. They continue to happen. The one good thing that has come out of these earthquakes is that now we are all aware. Aware of their suffering and their deep need. It's only been 8 days and already the news on the major networks is starting to dwindle. 8 days my friends. We need to keep this help and information going way longer than 8 days. So, if you want to help in any way, go here for legitimate agencies. Also, the lovely Miss Rebecca Sower has a beautiful thing going right now. Go here for her blog. Go here to help directly. I am forever grateful to her for opening my eyes. Thank you Rebecca. You have blessed me and continue to impact our world everyday with your kind heart.

Yes. Because, "I want to know God."

2010-01-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is what Emery said tonight after asking me who God was and me asking him if he would like to read the bible before bed to learn more about him. Wow. The words that melt your heart. I tell you, the joy that filled me when I heard those words was so unbelievable and very overwhelming in a good way. All I could do was look up and say thank you. To hear those words and to have him say them on his own is so unexplainable and leaves me with such peace.

You see, for those of you who do not know...Emery is five years old. Yes, we go to church most of the time and yes, we try our best to do the right thing, but we are not perfect by all means. We teach him things like God is who made him super smart and the cutest boy we know, but I have not always been the best at reading his bible to him or talking much more past that about him to him. Now he wants more and I am so glad he does.

Peace to all of you out there.

One very happy boy...

2010-01-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

And, some new Sponge Bob glasses! Isn't he just the cutest thing ever?! hee hee...you can see all my boxes in the background. Funny. Hopefully we will get the kitchen floor in this week so they can put in those cabinets already. What's happening in your world?

Right now, I am...

2010-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

Still recovering from 1 crazy move

Dealing with 2 scary diagnoses for my son

Getting through 1 long deployment

Looking forward to 1 new kitchen and also 2 new french doors

Cleaning like a maniac everyday

Not enjoying 2 mortgages and mounting debt

Really happy that 1 house is under contract now

All while taking care of 4 dogs, 1 cat, and a 5 year old

No wonder my word of the year is STABILITY!

What are you up to and what is your one word?

Too much t.v.?

2009-10-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Emery: Mom, I know about robins.

Me: Oh yeah?

Emery: Yeah. They have red tummies! I learned it on Caillou.

Me: Wow dude. That's so cool. You are so smart!

Emery: Yep. Kmart smart.

Me: (BIG laugh)

Later that same day...

Emery: What does the bee want from the flowers? Honey?

Me: Yep. But, what does the bee NEED from the flowers to MAKE honey?

Emery: Honey nut cherrios!

Think someone's been watching too many commercials or what?!

5 year olds are cool.

2009-09-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Emery: I was dreaming.

Me: Oh yeah? What were you dreaming about?

Emery: Sharks and alligators and crocodiles and sharks with a aa aah fins.

Me: Ooh. Those are scary dreams! You should have dreams about nice things like candy and God and family and home.

Emery: And, don't forget air conditioners!

Me: Yep. Air conditioners are good things, huh?

Emery: Yeah.

Me: Now, you have sweet, sweet happy dreams, ok? No scary ones.

Emery: Yeah. And poison fish too!

Me: Poison fish? No. That would be scary! Only good ones, ok?

Emery: Ok.

Snores a few minutes later.

Small Fry Triathalon

2009-07-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

He had so much fun & did really well! This was so cool with a bike, a run, and a run through sprinklers for the swim portion for 2-6 year olds. They all a chance to run through the tape & also a ribbon. So cool. Loves to you & yours...

Funny faces

2009-07-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just love fun breakfasts? Yep, living creatively everyday. Love making these for Emery. Try a fun face next time you make a breakfast for a little one! Loves...

Celebrating Daddy today...

2009-06-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

Thank you honey for all you do! Love us...

So, without further ado...

2009-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

The page! I am glad to finally share with you...thanks be to a great babysitter....yeah!! ;)

Supplies:

Cardstock-DCWV

Patterned papers-Dream Street Papers LLC (brown dots on green), Scenic Route Paper Co. (words), Bella Blvd (arrows)

Letters-Imaginisce (big E), My Minds Eye (mud)

Word stickers-Creative Imaginations

Epoxy sticker, bubble top brads, and ink pad-Colorbok

Journal stamp-Stampabilities

Corner rounder-EK Success

Pen-Sharpie Pen

Technique-sanding of the large photo for distressing

Adhesive-Creative Memories, Duck Easy Stick

Other-Microsoft Word, Snapfish photo printing

Thanks for stopping by! Loves...

Oh promises, promises...

2009-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love change? I do actually do. Well, my plan did not work out this week at all. But, the good thing is I have spent some time on my coffee piece (a peek behind me in this photo) & have been able to do a lot of staging of our home to sell it. As much as I wish I could have stuck to my list, I am learning to go with the flow. One thing I did manage to get done this week other than A LOT of cleaning & rearranging is a funky new haircut. I have had it short for a long time, but my way cool hairdresser did it all cool & funky this time around. I love how it's so imperfect & sticks up. Plus, it's SO easy! All I did this morning is run my hands through it, let it dry & then fluffed it later. Wow. So funky. So cool. So fun. Hopefully next week I can do some catching up on this here blog, but no more promises...k?! ;) Loves...

A boy's joy...

2009-05-11T17:05:00.001-07:00

So lovely to see. Love when he is happy. Photo from a "farm day" at school.

Also...

So, I think if I post here my plans, I might actually follow through & won't leave you all hanging!

So here goes:

Tuesday-post that page finally!

Wednesday-break for the LOST finale...yeah & boo hoo!

Thursday-work on my coffee piece. This one turned out WAY big, so it's gonna take some time.

Friday-Friday night movie fun with family.

Saturday-more time for coffee piece. Maybe an update post.

So, it looks like one-two posts this week not counting this one.

Until next time...loves! ;)

Happy Mothers Day to ALL women!

2009-05-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

All women are a type of mother to someone or something, so I send a large shout-out to all women today! You are beautiful. You are wonderful. You are the tie that binds. Have a great one! Loves...

Destination Inspiration

2009-04-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

So, my very sweet hubby suggested today that we go to one of my favorite clothing stores and a local small town coffee shop today to wait out the time we still had before picking up our son at school. We had gone to a meeting at school after dropping him off and there was not much time left, but enough to play. At the coffee shop, the owner had this coffee print on a wall that was so cool. Wishing now, I had taken a photo to share with you. I loved it so much; I sketched it in my planner for future inspiration. Normally, I do this and all of these nifty things get filed away and never used. One thing I am starting to do, starting today, is to go with the flow more. Let myself create whatever feels right at the moment, not necessarily what I have going on already or anything else that may be “in line or in order” at the moment. I have never been good at this. Being a perfectionist, I have always thought I needed to “do or organize this first” or “do or organize that first”. I am learning to move on and not worry so much about the creative piles that accumulate. Or the dust piles for that matter...ha ha! I have started my cool coffee art thingy and when I get a background for it & finish, I will post. But, the only thing is you will have to wait to see my other page I was working on until that fancy strikes me, too…k? Along with the other 4 piles over there. (Head pointing to my studio table) But, for now…some really cool finds I found while trying to find photos of coffee for sketching. So funny how you can get lost (in a good way) online, eh? What a fun idea...creating art with coffee & also creating journals out of old books. So cool. Thought you might enjoy. I especially love the Golden Book Journals. What can you find to inspire you today?

http://www.justcoffeeart.com/coffee%2Bcreativity=art.html

http://www.bookjournals.com/

At least he's in good spirits! ;)

2009-04-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

As of right now, we are to just watch Emery for any new changes & get used to the glasses. He is not in any immediate danger & the MRI was normal. We see the neurologist again on the 6th & the optomologist (unless we get referred out to a neuro-optimologist) on the 20th. As of today, he went back to school. Still seeing double but his eye is turning less. Thank you all for your kind thoughts & prayers. Check him out in his cute glasses!

Also, before all of this started...I was really glad to be here...

FINALLY!!!

And, I read this book...very powerful! Will post more soon about all of that. Loves...

Please keep my son Emery in your prayers...

2009-04-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

This week has been one big rollercoaster ride...a bad one with A LOT of ups & downs. It all started Monday night around 5pm when I noticed his left eye was turning inward and then he told me he saw two of me. Scared me. Checked with a nurse friend to make sure I was not panicking by taking him to emergency. Wanted to make sure it was not a brain thing before he slept. We got to the hospital around 6:30pm and made it home around 2:30am. He got a CT scan while there which turned up normal so the doc told us to see a neurologist and an optimologist the next day. Said he was not in any immediate danger and could sleep fine.

We saw a WONDERFUL pediatric neurologist on Tuesday and the pediatric optimologist on Wednesday. The neurologist pushed for a MRI while the optimologist said it’s just farsightedness. We also ordered glasses on Wednesday. The MRI was on Thursday and showed up normal as well. So, Friday we were back to “just needing glasses.”

Today, however, his right eye started doing the same thing so now he is basically cross-eyed and is still seeing double. Other than that, he is fine and quite happy. I spoke with the neurologist today about the second eye because I am to keep her informed of any changes and now she will be asking some other docs to try to figure out what is going on. We may be looking at more tests and possibly some kind of eye disease that comes from the central nervous system. We may also be seeing a pediatric neuro-optimologist. It is all just so scary. I want him to be able to see right. Poor little guy.

So, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We really would like some resolve on this whole thing. I also want to thank our pastor, Brother Joe for being right there with Emery and I through it while Daddy had to be away. Daddy is back now so that helps a lot.

Um yeah...

2009-04-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have been nowhere near where I want to be with my blog, but hey...life is all a work in progress, yeah? Been trying to catch up, take more time to get healthy, and lots and lots of play and relaxing. (I have not always been really good at that-we women tend to take real good care of others, don't we?) Plans...living, loving, and more creating. Lovin' that. I even got my projects out of my drawer! More later. Right now, I am off to give my dog Scooter (not the one in the photo-that one is Maya) a much needed haircut & bath. Loves for now...

YEAH for my MOM!! ;)

2009-02-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

Growing up, my Mom made us pajamas, name pillows, and stuffed animals. She has finally made them for the public. So proud of her. Check out her cool stuff...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6421418

WOW, WOW, and triple WOW!

2009-02-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

Man, I have REALLY really been out of the blog loop, eh?! Well, A LOT has been going on and I will fill you all in soon. But, for now I just wanted to let ya know I am alive and well. Listed our home for sale today. Changes. I just love 'em. Here is to exciting times to come. Loves...

No photos today, but...

2008-11-25T23:27:00.001-08:00

I just had to write that the last thing I chose to do on the computer tonight is check into my blog and am sitting with my eyes closed just enjoying the first song on my playlist. It is my wedding song and Joe is actually the one who picked it out. I still remember sitting on my bed in my room of my parents home in Arizona when he called me from San Diego to share with me this song he found for us. I had never heard of it. Listening to it now brings joy to my heart and a special memory to the surface of my brain. Things may be in chaos, but joys like this make it all worth it. Thanks for sharing in my joy. So happy together...yeah...even after 18 years! ;) Sending loves your way honey!!

I LOVE Fall!

2008-11-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

I always amazes me that the leaves do this wonderfully colorful dance right before they die. A nice lesson to learn about living fully...

Also, some creating fun! YEAH! Life is slowing down for us around here so I am able to speed up on the really cool stuff. These are a birthday card, a welcome baby card, and a recipe to attach to a yum yum dessert for friends. FUN, fun! Now, on to my next 3 large projects! ;)

Got the recipe here: http://www.southernliving.com/southern/

and below are the supply lists for each project. Loves...

BIRTHDAY CARD:

Bazzill cardstock

DCWVpatterned paper

Doodlebug Design Inc letters

EK Success heart punch

Duck easy stick adhesive

Hole punch

Sharpie pen (writing on back)

WELCOME BABY CARD:

Bazzill cardstock

EK Success letters

My Mind's Eye quote (on back)

Basic Grey buttons

Fiskars pop-up glue dots

Duck easy stick adhesive

Sharpie pen (writing on back)

RECIPE CARD:

Archiver's cardstock

Dream Street Papers patterned paper

Duck easy stick adhesive
Recipe

Fall fun...

2008-10-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been full of fall fun. Monday we went to a corn maze & pumpkin patch, Tuesday we did the same thing, different place along with a hayride...Em's first ever field trip with school, Wednesday we stayed home but played outside with moonsand, and today was school. I got a lot of errand type stuff done while he was there. I will post more photos soon, but for now I need to tend to a little one who has had a little too much "hay" fun. His allergies are acting up and he is very stuffy. Propped up on three pillows right now so he can breathe better and I have already given him some of his asthma meds just to make sure. He sounds great now, but I still plan to sleep with him. Pray for a peaceful night. Loves...

Sunday fun...

2008-10-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Children's church was super fun and very creative today. The teacher had the kids make pilgrim hats out of cookies, icing, peanut-butter cups, and m-n-m's. So fun...

I also hired a babysitter today for 4 hours of my own creative fun. This is what I got done...yeah! I really need to plan a specific time slot from now on!! That worked out great...

Snow book supply list:

Acrylic album: Maya Road
Patterned papers: My Mind’s Eye (red dots & writing), Cloud Nine Design (blue circles)
Cardstock: Archiver’s
Clear letters: Maya Road
Acrylic paint: Making Memories
Chalk ink: Color Box
Bold round brads: Queen & Co.
Rain dots: Cloud Nine Design
Corner rounder: EK Success
Silver pen: Creative Memories
Journaling card: Lisa Bearnson
Other: hole punch, sanding paper

So thankful for great Children's church teachers and amazing babysitters. Loves...

Jack-jackie

2008-10-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

So, this guy has heartworm. HEARTworm. So scary. So many thoughts, so many feelings. Poor guy. Yes, we have had all our pets on preventative medicines, but somehow. Anyway, he goes in Monday for treatment. They keep him a week (actually planned a few extra days to be able to do some Halloweeny fun with Emery) and we pick him up the following Monday. We have to keep him calm for 5 weeks. Yep, 5 weeks. If he is not calm, bad things could happen. Wow. It's interesting how life can just stop in an instant. We are doing ok and he has not even been looking or acting sick so I am glad they caught it on a routine exam before it got worse. God has a way of making sure even in scary times things will be ok. So, we plan to shut down over here as much as possible (less coming and going) to keep him calm. You will probably see me a lot more on here and wow, my home should end up a lot cleaner too! HA HA! I see some good playing, relaxing, and organizing in order. Please keep Jack in your prayers. Loves for now...

Anyone know how to link a file?

2008-10-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

So, I am trying to figure out how to get my portfolio on here since I am now officially done...but I cannot figure it out! Anyone out there know how to do this? It's a pdf. Thanks! And, loves to you...

So sad, ya know!?

2008-10-08T19:26:00.001-07:00

I am little disapointed in my school that I have been in for the last two years (minus a little break). It seems that just because I don't want to work in the "traditional" sense of what my degree is in, that somehow to them I don't fit. Scrapbooking IS important. It DOES mean something, many things in fact and should be looked at as just as IMPORTANT as traditional design. At least that is my opinion. What's yours? Loves...

"Don't know to worry! Underdog is here!!"

2008-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

I just love how he really gets into his movies!!
Don't ya just love the alteration on the phrase and also the socks?!? HEE HEE!! ;)

Bugs, play-school, Play-Doh, uniforms, and pumpkin head

2008-10-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone have ANY idea what kind of bug this is? I have only seen it here and I have no idea! They are friendly, but what in the heck are they?!?! Em loves to "play" school at home now and drew me this on the board to "teach" me. Hee hee. He even made me sit on the floor in front of him. Wishing I had someone to take the photo for that one!

Daddy sent this cool uni like his for Em. He loves it!!

SO, we of course just HAD to get the pumpkin for Halloween! FUN FUN. You know, you can only get away with it when your 4, so why not?!

Playing with this and having too much fun. He kept saying, "I'm a cookin' boy!" I love his words!
Will share another fun one from today another day. Loves for now...

SO...

2008-10-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

I got locked out of my own home today by my 4 year old! I only wish I had my camera to capture that giggle that made me so mad. Luckily after my neighbor came over and called the police to come help me, he unlocked the door. Crazy kid. ;)

My man...

2008-09-29T22:09:00.001-07:00

Ain't he just the handsomest thing ya ever did see?! Hee hee...Love ya honey! ;)

I am alive and well...

2008-09-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

hee hee. Been SUPER busy with school and getting not much rest. My emails are racking up, but it is almost over...2 weeks...YEAH! Anyway, it has been an interesting ride. Been putting together my portfolio. Hope to post it on here soon! Loves...

Checking in...

2008-08-28T17:17:00.001-07:00

Hey all...so sorry I have not been more regular on here! Been crazy crazy busy with school and getting ready for Joe to leave on Sunday for training. I have also been working on HOMEWORK with Emery. Wow, my little guy is SO growing up!! Funny thing is he can't seem to focus with Momma...good thing he does really good in school! Speaking of growing up, the little guy got out of the tub, got a towel, dried off, and got dressed in his p.j.'s all by himself tonight! We were amazed!! I promise...I will post more sometime soon! Loves for now...

For "Illustration Friday"...

2008-08-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

This site is fun and this is the first time I have ever been able to submit anything. I hope it works! ;)

The idea was to illustrate the word "routine". I used typography and color to do that. Loves...

Check this out!

2008-08-20T20:49:00.001-07:00

So, it isn't real yet and the link won't be active for very long; but I thought I would share some fun from class that I have been doing the last 5.5 weeks! Enjoy! Loves...

http://shanie.aisites.com/final/

Playing...

2008-08-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

with Adobe Illustrator. Just seeing what happy accidents I can make. Check out my abstract soda can! (Top view) ;) So fun to just try out the effects and see what happens! Loves to you all...

My little artist...

2008-08-12T18:03:00.001-07:00

So, give the little guy crayons and he will color for about 10 seconds. Give him paint and he will paint for hours. Interesting how that works! This particular night, I let Emery play with my Wacom tablet and Adobe Illustrator...he absolutely loved it and has asked several times since to do the "pen thingy." AND...WOW to what a four year old can do! ;)

LOVE IT!
Loves...

Florida it is...

2008-08-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

So, looks like we are moving to FL next year. This was the best choice for schools, crime, and many other reasons. I think Emery will love the beach. As for me these days, well...busy, busy, busy still! Had a meeting over here on Thursday, learning HTML and creating a website in class, prepping for Joe to go, planning a move, organizing my home, etc!! WOW! Anyway, just wanted to check in to let you all know I am still here! Till another day...I leave you with visual inspiration...

Loves...

Busy, busy, busy again!

2008-07-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Just been plain BUSY these past two weeks with school starting back up. WOW! Anyway, just wanted to check in and say I really REALLY hope to be posting regularly again soon! But, for now...I fixed my header...what' ya think?! Loves...

Work in progress...

2008-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I am learning all kinds of fun things about writing html in school right now and how computers work. As you can see, I have been playing around with my header, but it is definately a work in progress! I cannot seem to get it right right now and I must get some dinner and back to my school work! Stay tuned...

Snake

2008-07-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

My crazy hubby made me post this. Hee hee. For those of you who have no idea what this is, he was playing Ghost Recon with friends and took this screen shot of a fellow player. Enjoy guys! ;)

Pope John XXXIII-

2008-07-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

Love that quote! So true. Live it. Loves...

Pure sunshine...

2008-07-21T20:56:00.001-07:00

Can you believe these fields of sunflowers that we have here?! So beautiful. Pure joy!!!!

Busy as a bee

2008-07-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

I tell ya...what a busy busy week! Started school and am learning html code. Really cool, btw. Anyway, lets see...we had a trip to our local ceramics place to make some really fun stuff. And, Daddy and Em had a trip to the fire station...which happens a lot because it is diagonally across from our home. And, Em and I went to the free movie for the week...The Bee Movie. Always cute. Then, last night we went to dinner with some friends and watched a local attraction. Also taking care of our neighbors fish and mail for a while. Fun, fun stuff! Loves for now...

Checking in!

2008-07-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

So, just busy busy with school right now. Really hope to get the rest of those pages up soon and do some more creating! I NEED to create! :)

Extra time and just for fun...

2008-07-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Been busy busy tonight planning for the week and prepping for school, and now I find myself with some extra time...wow! Anyway, so...I thought I would go ahead and post that just for fun/just for me page and also another page for fun as well before I go to bed. Still keep your eye out in the future for that those pages from my article idea that flopped (oh well...all in good time). I am still gonna post it as an article if I can figure it out.

The just for fun/just for me page was an idea I got while flipping through magazines on our trip to Utah. I saw so much "visual prettiness" that I just loved and kept the idea floating around for when I got home to where my "tools" were. Using various magazines, adhesive, a circle punch, a couple of acrylic letters, a few buttons, stamps, chalk ink, a pen, and scissors; I created this art of things I love right now or things that are so me right now. The fun part of this project is that it's just for fun and just for me, but also how it changes over time so you could do these often...

The other page is of a short memory of Joe and Em at Walmart. I am so blessed to have such a great husband and he is such a good daddy! He always seems to come up with the cutest little things for Em and him to do...

Journaling: So, I am standing in line checking out at Walmart when I look over to see Joe taking these photos of Emery. When I get done, he shows them to me saying, "mad, madder, and happiest!" I say, "Ok, but what are these for?" And he says back to me, "I don't know...because we were bored I guess?!" Not much of a story. Just a daddy having fun with his son. But, to me it's one of the best stories of all. Thanks to good daddies and silly fun!

Loves...

Back to school!

2008-07-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all...I may be quiet for a few days because I start back in school for my last two classes tomorrow. It gets a little crazy at first, but I already have a good start. Also, I hope to be posting that just for fun/just for me scrapbook page soon and more fun pages/article idea to follow. I just moved some things around in my studio and I am clear headed and hopeful. Hope your days are happy, your health well, and your smiles many. Loves...

Cows and dogs

2008-07-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

So, Em says to me this morning shortly after waking up and while playing with his cars that have been out for the last few days because he is sick at home, "We need cows for our backyard." Ok, so where did he get this one?! Little ones are so funny! He cracks me up. So, I ask him, "Oh really...how many cows do we need?" and he tells me 2. I asked him what we should name them and he said, "Can't member."

More funnies...
Later, Joe tells me about something Em had said while I was out shopping and they were at home playing outside. They had gone out to skate, but Em's skates are now too small...boo hoo and way cool at the same time. Anyway, I guess one was laying out still and Em was on to something else but came up to Joe handing him his skate saying, "Here is your dog." I guess the strap reminded him of a leash!

4 year olds are so cool, ain't they?!
Loves. :)

Ain't he just the cutest thing?!

2008-07-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is Em's "mad" face. Silly guy. Doing ok with the chicken pox today, he is just SUPER quiet.

Nursing the...

2008-07-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

chicken pox over here. Poor 4 year old little guy! He is doing really well right now, we are just keeping him away from everyone else so he does not share.

New do! :)

2008-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

So, I chopped the rest of my hair super short today and I absolutely LOVE it! It is so easy, so light, and so cool (as in temperature-ha ha...very needed here in Tennessee where it is super HOT!) I cannot wait to try out all my cute little clips for the front part. Loves..

Yum-O!

2008-07-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

A trip to our local Orchard to pick blackberries and peaches...fun and yummy! Em had a great time and kept kinda singing, "blackberry hunting" over and over as he looked for them. Of course I had to make a peach pie because we picked like about 20 peaches. And, what do you do with the leftover pie crust? Make a small blackberry tart of course!

2008-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! Absolutely LOVING this new routine system. WOW. What a difference! My head is not full of junk so I can concentrate on the important stuff. Blowing bubbles in the house instead of outside? Sure! Stop cleaning to play a video game with a 4 year old? Sure! I am loving being more in the moment (something I was lacking in big time lately). My mind had gotten so wrapped up in all the to do's that I see everyday that I really felt I was missing out. After a lot of prayers about focus, balance, and peace; this is the general idea of what I did:

RE-group-prayers and decisions, decisions, decisions...including taking some stuff off my plate.
RE-assess-lots of thougths on what else needs to be changed and how to do it.
RE-structure-setting up a new everyday/weekly routine in a broad sense.
RE-organize-really getting down to the details of the new routine.

So, there ya have it. One happier and less stressed girl. Here's to changes and new routines! :)

Happy dayz

2008-07-06T15:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I am loving this new routine shedule. I have not actually started it yet (starts tomorrow-Monday), but just thinking in a different way has already cleared my head like you would not believe! Here's to change! Loves...

2008-07-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

And...one last one for tonight! I also have 7 more for a project...stay tuned! And, one just for me/just for fun...later! Have a great night and loves from me! :)

More!! :)

2008-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

More to come...

2008-07-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

Just figuring this all out! :)

Some of my play...

2008-07-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

Mom and Tam...I know you all have been wanting to see...so here goes! For those of you lucky enough to live close to family...enjoy it! And, I have supply lists if anyone wants to know what I used. Am I the only one that has such trouble getting these together?! I just want to CREATE! :)

So...finally...a photo! :)

2008-07-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Been busy busy working today on "getting back into school paperwork", balancing checkbooks, updating my blog, doing the church newsletter, laundry, and just enjoying the day...glad to share with you this fun from last night...

2008-07-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

Focus or lack there of! :)

2008-07-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure. To embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting. For in movement there is life. And in change there is power.
-Alan Cohen

Working on changing my normal everyday and weekly routines. Hopefully this will help me to have better focus...something I have been lacking in big time lately.

Also-look for lots of layout postings soon! ;)

Where I have been...

2008-07-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

...birthday fun and travel stories. We started off the birthday fun here at home and then onto Utah to visit family. We drove and enjoyed 5 states in the process...

Colorado mountains. One word-WOW!!

While in Utah, Emery got to go fishing with his Grandpa for the first time. He LOVED it and caught 3 fish. We LOVE the stories he tells of the "one that got away." Hee hee!

One of our adventures...my nephews baseball game...

We enjoyed a friends and family picnic on Saturday and Em found this caterpillar...

An amusement park on Sunday. Em got scared on the first ride and would only do the boats and cars for a while. He enventually ventured out to the bumper cars, a log ride, and a "race car" with Daddy...

His favorite part of all, though were the fountains as we were leaving for the day. Too bad I did not notice these before; I bet he would have spent all day there and loved it...

A scooter for a little boy from Auntie Tammy. She sure does know her boys! Just what he always wanted...

More of those gorgeous Colorado mountains. This time on the way back...

A cool car we saw in I think Missouri at a Dairy Queen. Looks just like "sheriff" in the movie Cars..one of Em's faves. We were laughing that we were not the only ones to stop and take a photo...

Love those little toes. If you ever need a hotel, Hyatt Place is THE place! WOW! The room was absolutely beautiful, the beds amazingly fluffy, and that t.v.-WOW! Anyway, we were thankful for this room the most. It was the best and actually cheaper than a few others we stayed at. Nice!

We loved our trip, loved seeing family, loved seeing the states, loved the time together, and love being home. Lots of loves...

And, one last thing. Aren't they just LOVEly...?! :)