There are so many perks to being my mother's daughter.

The latest and greatest perk is my mom's wedding anniversary gift from Peter. You may be wondering how a gift from Peter is a perk for me. Well let me tell you! It's Photoshop CS3! Did I not just mention that we were looking into our friend's son buying it for us through his school? Well, it's no longer an issue. Peter surprised my mom via an email receipt. It's bought and paid for and already shipped.

See! Definite perks!!!!

Create

This is a preview of a little something I'm whipping up for my mom's new scrap studio. I may find myself more motivated to complete this gift if a certain someone would drop another clue about a certain birthday gift.

What do you say mom???

One More For Thursday

I was going to wait until I actually get the kit, but I can't wait. Y'all know how much I love the Label Tulip kits, and now I've found another kit club to admire...sniff...fondle...create with.

Introducing........

I'm on the wait list for The Scarlet Lime's March kit. I want it...I need it...I CRAVE it! I have to get my hot little hands all over it! Boy, I sure bet Jason wishes I was talking about him:)

So for all you scrappers, go check it out! I guarantee you'll fall in love immediately!!

The Little Things They Do

Here are just a few of the cute things the boys do that make me so happy I'm a mommy:

1. After Jameson got dressed this morning, he put his winter hat on (backwards) and walked around with Ayden's SpongeBob slippers on. Too cute!
2. Ayden HAS to sleep with all of his "friends" at night. If he goes to bed and one of them are missing, he makes me find it.
3. Every night at dinner Ayden tells me who his friends are at school and what they did that day. Apparently Randy is not a very well behaved little girl since Ayden tells me he can't be her friend because she's always naughty. That's right buddy...stay away from the bad ones!
4. As soon as I say it's time for a bath, Jameson immediately strips off his pants. It doesn't matter where he is. Next the diaper is torn off and then he struggles with the shirt. Once he's naked he runs around the house laughing hysterically until I finally catch him and dump him in the tub.
5. I love how Ayden rides his 4wheeler. When he goes around the corner, he totally leans to the side like the pros do. The other day he leaned over too far and dumped the thing over. Good thing daddy had just gotten home work so he could rescue Ayden.
6. Jameson only likes the small stuffed animals. The smaller the better. His favorites are the freebies that come in a McDonalds happy meal. He likes them small because he sucks his thumb with the same hand holding his "friend". It's too much work if the friend is big.
7. I love the way the boys dance to Scooby Doo. When the theme song comes on at the beginning and end, they both get up from the couch and dance around the living room.
8. Their favorite movie is Scooby Doo and the Witches Ghost, starring the Hex Girls. When the Hex Girls sing their first song, Ayden sings along at the top of his lungs and plays the air guitar. When the song is over Jameson screams out a big "Yeeeeaaaaahhhh" and claps his hands. Makes me melt every time.
9. When Jameson is naughty and I have to discipline him (which is often), he runs crying to his brother for comfort. Ayden holds him tight and says "It's okay brudder". After Jameson is done crying, he rests his head on Ayden's lap. I love that Jameson goes to his brother for comfort...I hope it never ends.
10. I have to admit, I love it that Jameson makes his way to our room every morning between 3 and 4. I lift him into bed, he snuggles in close to me and falls back asleep. By the time I'm out of my shower, he's migrated across the bed and plastered himself against Jason. He's such a lover!

Garlic Chicken

Ah heck, why not one more yummy recipe? We had this for dinner last night and it's become a family favorite since I first made it last summer. Super easy to make and jam packed with flavor. If you like garlic, you'll love this chicken!

Ingredients:
2 tsp crushed garlic (use the real stuff folks and the more the better...I crush way more than 2 tsp)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 skinless, bonelss chicken breast halves (since ours come 3 to a package, I only make 3)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. in a small skillet, warm the garlic and olive oil to blend the flavors.
3. In a seperate dish, combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil/garlic mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. Place in a shallow backing dish.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until no longer pink.

I like the coating to get nice and brown so I normally cook mine the entire 35 minutes. The boys are addicted to Rice-A-Ronie, Creamy 4 Cheese blend so we had that along with some steamed broccoli. This is always an easy meal for me to make!

Enjoy!

Awesome Creamy Corn Casserole

As promised (to my mom)...

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8.5oz) package dry corn bread mix
1 (15oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14.75oz) can creamed corn
1 cup sour cream
1 small onion, chopped
pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Spoon mixture into prepared dish.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Sounds pretty difficult, huh? The original recipe didn't call for the the onion but we thought it needed a little something extra. Youre choice...onion or no onion.

Enjoy!

Rempel Family Meatloaf

I have no idea who the Rempel's are, but they make a mean meatloaf! I used to make the standard meatloaf, but once I made this tasty version there was no going back.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1/2 cup crushed butter round crackers
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (1oz) package dry onion soup mix
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons steak sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Mix the ground beef, crushed crackers, cheddar cheese and onion soup mix in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Wisk the eggs, ketchup and steak sauce in a seperate bowl until smooth. Mix the egg mixture into the meat until evenly combined. Press into a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center, 45-60 minutes.

In my oven, it takes exactly 50 minutes for it to be perfect. There will be some grease in the bottom of the pan due to the meat/cheese thing going on. I just pour it out before transferring the meatloaf to a plate.

We had this for dinner last night with Ranch Mashed Potatoes and Creamy Corn Casserole. I'll post the directions for the casserole some other time.

We Have A Birthday Girl!

Happy birthday Mima (aka Debbie)!

Weekend Recap (2/24/08)

The boys and I made raspberry oatmeal bars Friday night. Jameson wanted to make sure every last drop of raspberry jelly was out of the jar. After baking, we took a bath. Before bed, the boys snuggled on the couch and enjoyed a few Scooby Doo episodes. On Saturday, my mom, Judy, Pam and I went up to Archivers to check out the latest scrapbook supplies. Lunch at TGI Friday's turned out to be walk down memory lane...I learned a lot about the night before Judy's wedding:) Sunday was spent cleaning the house. Jameson found my sunglasses and became the afternoon entertainment. Ayden was not impressed so continued to draw on his Magnadoodle. After all the excitement of the day, the boys took a much needed nap. It was a treat to find Jameson like this when I went in to check on him.

Note: Click on mosaic to enlarge photos. I'm planning on posting a weekend recap every Sunday or Monday. Hope you like our latest addition.

Mosaic made using: Big Huge Labs Mosaic Maker

One More Thing

Check back here Monday for an exciting new addition to "Our Crazy Life".

No, I'm not pregnant.

If You Could Pick Any Career...

...what would it be?

I definitely did not pick accounting to be my career, it sort of picked me. I was working as a receptionist for a company in down town Chicago and there was an opening in their accouting department. Not really wanting to be a receptionist, I chose to take some accounting courses at the local community college and move into the accounts payable department. Okay, so I was technically the only person in the accounts payable department but I remember feeling so much more important...needed...appreciated. All of a sudden I had a goal. Continue my education and some day become a CPA (since they make very nice money). I moved from accounts payable to accounts receivable to staff accountant. When I moved back to Wisconsin I started out in accounts payable again. Shortly after I found myself moved into cost accounting. I finally got my associates degree in accouting shortly after marrying Jason. Now in Georgia, my concentration is in payroll. Don't get me wrong, I love my job...I just don't see me doing this for the rest of my life.

So if I could pick any career, it would be photography. I am in total awe of the amazing way photographers capture life. There is so much beauty in this world and it always seems to look better through the lens of a camera. Since I began scrapping, I've been trying to change the way I take my pictures. Learning to use your camera is so much fun! Editing your photos can be even more fun!

I never thought of myself as creative. I can't draw a stick person to save my life. I always thought you made art when you used paint or sculptured something...you had to use your hands. I never thought of photography as art. Boy was I wrong. There are so many photographers that I find so inspiring! Looking at their work gives me tingles...it lifts me up...it makes me see things differently.

So who knows, maybe 10 years down the road I won't be sitting in an office in front of a computer making sure everyone is paid on time. Maybe I'll be photographing someone's wedding. Making sure that the joy and love that they feel for eachother that day is captured forever. Or maybe I'll be photographing a newborn baby in such a way that it's parents will always remember how their baby smelled like lavendar and felt like silk.

What is your ideal career? Maybe you're already living it...

BTW - We have a contact at Savannah College of Art & Design (Chere's son, Dusty) who is looking into the cost of Photoshop CS3 with his student discount for us. There is no way I could ever spend $650 on this software so I hope he gets a good discount! Using this software, you can transform an every day photo into an amazing piece of art. I get the chills just thinking about it!

BTW 2 - I'm also going to add a new category to my sidebar. As I find photographers who inspire me, I'll add a link to their website/blog so you can check them out too.

Support System

With the crazy schedule that Jason and I have, it's so important to have a good support system. Not only to help with the day to day stuff, but emotional support as well. I look at being a good mother, maintaining our home and going to work all as my job. A job that I take pride in! Just like Jason takes pride in his work at Patriot. But sometimes I do get tired and frustrated. Sometimes I feel like I need to be doing more. Sometimes I feel like the responsibilty of it all is just too overwhelming. It's times like these that I rely on my fabulous support system and I don't even think they know how much they do for me.

In no specific order....

Jason - You are my world. It certainly hasn't always been easy, but I think we're finally figuring it all out. Thank you for letting me vent about work, helping so much with the boys, supporting my obsession with scrapping and understanding that getting away every once in a while is what keeps me sane. You are a fabulous husband and such a loving daddy. I fall in love with you all over again every time I see you with your children. Their eyes light up every time you walk in the door. I'm so proud of the man you have become. Trust me, no one can piss me off like you can, but no one can make me laugh like you can either.

Erin and Nikki - Do you know how much it means to me to be able to pick up the phone and just hear your voice? Listening to what's going on in your lives takes me away from mine...even if it's only for 5 minutes. I miss you both so much!

Mom & Peter - You rescue me when Jason is working such long, crazy hours. You go on trips with us, take us to dinner and lavish Ayden and Jameson with so much attention. Every time you pull the boys up on your lap for a cuddle, it's a couple of minutes that they're not demanding something of me. You fill their sippies with juice, go find their missing stuffed animal or make sure they're wrapped up in a blanket for some cartoon time. I appreciate everything that you do for your grandchildren because the end result is that you're helping me. I would truly be lost without you!

Debbie & Steve - Seriously, not only are you both such loving and generous grandparents but who else will travel a thousand miles away from home to help take care of my boys so I can have a little "me" time. I would never have been able to go to Hawaii last year if it weren't for Debbie. I love calling you on my way home from work to hear the family gossip. Thank you so much for raising such an amazing son. I love telling you what a great daddy he is and what a truly amazing man he is turning out to be. I know it can't be easy to be so far away from us, but you never make us feel guilty for making the move to Georgia. If anything, I think you understand most why it was so important for us.

Dad & Mary Joy - I truly believe that there is nothing you wouldn't do for your grandchildren. You are both so generous with your love. It's so reasuring to know that my daddy still worries about me and wants the best for me. You never fail to call and check up on us every Sunday. I look forward to 8:30am more than you know and have so much fun watching Ayden talk to his grandpa and grandma. I know if you could, you'd spend every second of vacation time that you have up at the cottage. So making a few trips down to see us every year means the world to me. I know it's not easy for you either...being so far away from us, but you've been very understanding of our need to start fresh in a new place.

Divas - (Mom, Chere, Judy & our newbie - Pam) Last but not least. What would I do without you? You always joke around that you can't understand why I choose to hange out with a group of women older than me. Why wouldn't I? Each of you are so amazing and I feel like we all bring our own special personalities to the group. We mesh so well! You're my friends, my inspiration and my traveling companions. I love that you share your life experiences with me because I need to know that everything that I'm going through is normal. Thanks girls!

Where in the world is all of the coming from? Well, in keeping with this year's plan to simplify I realized that it wouldn't be possible without my support system. Whether they know it or not, all of these people contribute to my sanity either by helping with the boys, making me laugh or giving me much needed advice. Their support is what keeps me going!

Thanks so much to you all!!!

Valentines Day

I had so much fun at Ayden's Vday party. It's hard not to when you're surrounded by 7 crazy preschoolers! The kids were so eager to eat their Vday feast of cookies, M&M's, goldfish and juice boxes. After snack time, the kids got to "deliver" their Vday cards to everyone's homemade, heartshaped "mailbox". So cute!

No woman should have to cook on Valentine's Day. Mom took charge and invited us to dinner at Wings & Things...one of our favorite kid friendly restaurants.

Ayden accidentally spit on Mimi while telling her an exciting story. Nothing like a little spray while eating boneless buffalo wings!To make matters worse, she also got her nose pinched! Happy Valentine's Day Mimi!!Jameson was handing out the love to daddy though. I love these moments between daddy and his boys.

It wasn't the most romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day, but I wouldn't have changed a thing!!

Week #2 (Homemaker)

My word for week #2 (last week) was homemaker. What better way to show this than by fresh laundry all neatly folded and ready to put away.

I'm still debating about what this week's word is going to be.

New Look

I can't believe this is my 100th post! I've had so much fun during the past 7 months sharing all the crazy happenings that go on in our family. This has truly turned into a wonderful place to pour out my feelings...good and bad. It's not always easy living in a house dominated by testosterone so I love that I have a place to go and get it all out.

I wanted this post to be special since it's my 100th post. Hence why you haven't heard from me in a while. I wanted to unveil a new project or have a great picture of the boys. Then I ran across this picture in Flickr and was so excited because it's my "word". I immediately thought that "Our Crazy Life" needed a new look. I knew I wanted to use this photo in the banner!

I have pictures from Ayden's Vday party to share and some others from this weekend, but I have yet to download them. Maybe tonight. In the mean time, here's a little family update.

Ayden - I'm going to check out a second school for Ayden on 3/21. I ran into one of the moms from Marguerite's. Her son left almost a year ago to attend Royal Learners and they love it. They offer cooking, gardening, music and foreign language on top of their other Pre-K curriculum. It's about $30 less expensive than The Primrose Academy and it's closer to home. They also allow for drop off as early as 6am and pick up as late as 7pm. Not that I want Ayden there that long, but it's nice to have in case of an emergency (traffic, car accident...etc.). He's excited about starting a new school and seemed impressed when we drove by to show him their playground. Other than that, he's obsessed with his Smart Cycle, arts and crafts and playdough. Now that the weather is getting warmer he also wants to play on his 4wheeler more.

Jameson - My poor little goober is suffering from yet another cold. We're fine during the day, it's at night that he has coughing attacks and can't breath. The vaporizer has been running non-stop and we put a pillow in his crib. He's taken an interest in removing his diaper and watches his brother use the potty. I think he'll be potty trained by the time he's two. I think it's funny that I could have a two year old using the potty but can't talk. Communication with Jameson is very frustrating. His new word is "mine" and will snatch anything and everything away from Ayden. Ayden is being very tolerant of his little brother and will often find something new to play with so that Jameson doesn't have a total meltdown.

Jason - After a lengthy conversation about the importance of family time, we've been seeing more of daddy. He was actually home both days this past weekend and we had such a nice time getting some things done around the house and relaxing. Nothing was rushed since we had two days instead of one. He's also making an attempt to be home for dinner at least 2 nights a week. Ayden and Jameson worship their daddy and I love watching their faces light up when he walks through the door. Jason struggles so much balancing work and family, but I appreciate his effort to value his time with us more.

Jamie - I've really been working on simplifying things lately. We've spent the last two weekends at home. I spend a lot of time playing with the boys but by the end of the day on Sunday, the basics are done...laundry, kitchen, bathrooms and vacuuming. This allows me to concentrate on enjoying my family time during the week. We also realize that going out to eat is very frustrating. Ayden is very well behaved, but Jameson just doesn't have the patience to sit still that long. So we've been eating almost every meal at home. I can't believe how much money we're saving by not running out for lunch or dinner on the weekends! I've been really busy at work. I'm hoping that things slow down by the end of February so I can concentrate on studying for my CPP exam. I have a fun Diva Day planned for Saturday. Judy, Pam, my mom and I are going up to Archivers to check out some of the new CHA releases and then we'll have a nice lunch. We leave around 8am and get back by early afternoon. Unfortunately Chere is going gambling that weekend and won't be able to join us but we'll see her the following Sunday for our monthly Diva Meeting. I'm excited to work on some new projects (hint hint...Mother's Day).

Last but not least. I feel like I need to appologize to anyone who is or has been a SAHM. Last week I was beyond busy and was very frustrated with the timing of Ayden's Vday party. There are so many good reasons for having it at that time but it's difficult for me to leave work in the middle of the day. That is my problem to work out though...not the other parent's. Ayden and Jameson come first in my life and I will always make time for their special events. The day my job interferes with my being a mom is the day I look for a new job.

Well, I hope you like the changes to our blog. I'll try and post some pictures later this evening.

Just Stuff

Medical - First I want to give a big thanks to everyone for their concern. My MRI and MRA results came back...there's a brain in there, but supposedly it's working just fine. Personally, I still feel like that one's still up for debate. The bulk of my bloodwork came back fine as well. The nurse told me that the tests they did for my Lupus came back high. When I asked if the levels were high for a "healthy" person or high for me, she couldn't say since they don't have my history from Dr. Wilson (my specialist). All of my test results were sent over to Dr. Wilson so I plan on giving him a call today to see if anything is wrong on that end. In the mean time, I haven't experienced any blurred vision in about 2 weeks. I still get lightheaded/dizzy but I can deal with that.

Weight Loss - After complaining yesterday about not seeing any results from my new workout routine, I have to report that I feel a little better today. I ironed a pair of khakis that I haven't worn in a couple of weeks. When I put them on I noticed they were significantly more loose in the stomach and thigh region. I certainly can't tell a difference when standing naked in front of the mirror, but today's khakis have given me an extra boost of motivation.

Weather - Today is dark and dreary. It looks like the sky is about to open and dump rain on the city. My only request is that it finishes up before I head home.

Annoyance - Tomorrow is Ayden's Valentine's Day party. I mean my next comment in no disrespect to stay-at-home-mom's (SAHM), but I have to get it out. Some moms work!!! Can you not try to remember that when planning these school parties? Not every mother gets the privilege to stay at home with their children. The room mother for Ayden's class decided to schedule their party from 11am-12pm. It couldn't have been 9am - 10am so we could all get on with our day?? Since there are only two working moms in the classroom, the room mother apparently didn't take into consideration our struggle to balance work and home life. I wouldn't miss Ayden's party for the world though so I'm coming into work at my usual time, will leave at 10:30 to rush back to Fayetteville, race Ayden back to Marguerite's after the party and attempt to get back to work by 1pm. I will then cram in as much work as I possible so that I can leave on time at 4 to pick the boys up. I just remember Ayden's good friend, Lucus, at the Christmas party. He was the ony child in the classroom without a parent there and he seemed so sad. I spent most of my time with Ayden and Lucus and stayed clear of the SAHM click.

Flickr - I'm going to take the time this weekend to figure out Flickr and upload some of our recent pictures. I love how my mom's slideshows look...much better than Kodak Gallery. I set up my account yesterday so I'm ready to get started. I may have to call mom for some pointers since she's now the expert. Wish me luck!

Where Are The Results??

I went to the gym today with my co-worker Sue. I love working out with her! We end up laughing so much that the time goes by much quicker than when I'm by myself. Today was treadmill day but Sue wasn't feeling very well so I decided to do the weight machines with her. Dumb. I did the weight machines yesterday...should've stuck to the treadmill. Now my arms are so sore that I'm having a hard time typing and can barely move my pen to write. At least I know I used some muscles!

I've been very dedicated and have been going over the gym 4 days a week. I told Jason that if I don't see some results soon though, I'm saving up for liposuction. Sue informed me today that sometimes it takes up to 3 months before you see any real change. Why does it take a matter of weeks to put on 15 lbs but it takes 6 months to burn it off? Getting older seriously sucks! Where did my metabolism from high school go???

10 Random Comments

1. I ate Taco Bell for lunch today...no, it's not on my diet but at least I worked out before shoving it into my mouth.
2. I'm totally ready to go home. I got a lot done at home this weekend and I want to pick up where I left off.
3. I had to take Clyde to the vet on Saturday because he had a clogged anal gland....what!?!? Yup, it looked like he had a tumor on his butt so I had to take him in to have it squeezed. Yuck!
4. I'm really inspired to get some fun projects done for Mother's Day this year. I just need to get started now so they're done on time.
5. I'm really looking forward to my birthday. Maybe Jason will remember it...he's forgotten the past 3 years.
6. I've gotten behind on my Scrap Etc Event homework. I need to get back on track.
7. I REALLY want to learn more about photography. I feel like that's the next step for me...better photographs=better layouts. Really looking forward to CPR!
8. I'm super excited about my cousins wedding. I can't believe it's only 5 months away!!
9. I'm hoping I can make something like this over the weekend. I think I get the most inspiration from Ali.
10. I had such a good day with Jason and the boys yesterday. It was one of those great family days...spent together...at home...getting along. Sets me up for a good week.

Okay....one more.
11. I'm still trying to figure out what this week's word is going to be. I'm thinking Lupus. Might as well get a depressing one out of the way:)

Have a good week!

Week #1 (Mother)

I started my "Me in 25" project this week. My first word...mother. This was an easy one since I always seem to have a camera aimed at least one of my boys! Hopefully I'll get my layout done this weekend.

What a precious baby.

It's a Sign!

When it was time to decide on my word for 2008, I knew immediately that it was going to be Simplify. So when I was cruising the isles at Hobby Lobby and saw this sign, I knew that I had to have it for my scrapping space. My wonderful bunny hung it up for me so it would be just perfect.

What a wonderful reminder that I need to simplify things this year!

Medical Update

I still haven't heard the results of my bloodwork since my doctor and I are playing phone tag. Yesterday I went to Piedmont Fayette Hospital for a MRI and MRA. It certainly wasn't a horrible experience, but not one that I want to repeat in the near future. I was told the radiologist would forward the results to my doctor within 2 days. The technician assured me that there was definitely a brain in there which was a relief since I was positive that I had lost it somewhere between the birth of Ayden and the birth of Jameson.

I'm not experiencing the full-blown blurred vision anymore, but still have moments of dizziness. Sometimes it seems like my peripheral vision is hazy. This is much better than the blurred vision when I was seeing multiples of everything, but still unsettling.

I will continue to give updates as I find out the results of my numerous tests. I'm still convinced it's going to be something simple.

To be continued....

Layouts

Here are a few recent layouts that I've done during the Scrap Diva meetings...

These are pictures of Jameson from last spring that I'm finally getting around to.

This is a great picture that my mom took of me and Ayden at Starr's Mill this past fall.

Another picture of Ayden at Starr's Mill...love how he's peaking around the tree with that cute little smile.

This photo was taken at Stone Mountain Christmas.

Journaling reads: Ayden, at 3 years old you're no longer our little baby. We blinked and you've become our little man.

Me In 25 Weeks

I've been reading so many cool ideas that people have this year to document 2008. I love the concept of taking a picture a day for 2008, but I missed out on the first half of January so gave that one up. I love the idea of documenting a story from each day of 2008, but again...sort of missed out on the entire month of January.

Another problem I have is time. I can't take a lot of time to do a project because I simply don't have enough of it. Being a working mom of 2 crazy boys takes up about 95% of my time and what's rest is spent with my hubby.

So I've come up with my own idea...sort of a mix of a bunch of concepts I've read about. I've been wanting to start a scrapbook that is all about me. Not because I'm vain and I love talking about myself, but because there's so much about me that no one else knows (except for you, mom). My boys won't really get to know me until they hit their 20's and they finally get their heads out of their butts and realize that the world doesn't revolve around them. I'm speaking from experience. I think it would be so much fun to hand this book to them in 20 years and say "This is who I was at 30". Or if I add to the book throughout the years, it will be fun to see how I evolved as a person.

I've come up with 25 words that describe me. You can choose as many words as you want, but I'm not that interesting of a person and could only come up with 25. Each week, I'm going to pick one word, not necessarily in the order that I've written them down, and take a picture that symbolizes that word. I may be in the picture and I may not. Depends on the word. I'm then going to do a layout (probably 8x8 to save on time) to explain how that word pertains to me. When everything is done, I'll have a book that should somewhat explain who I am. If I like the results I may continue adding words as time goes by....to be determined.

So I'm going to just throw myself out there and tell you my words in case my goal isn't quite clear.

1. woman
2. Diet Pepsi
3. impatient
4. loyal
5. SUV
6. cook
7. family
8. emotional
9. chick flicks
10. insecure
11. travel
12. Lupus
13. wine
14. photography
15. pink
16. OCD
17. dogs
18. wife
19. blog stalker
20. daughter
21. traditions
22. mother
23. creative
24. procrastinate
25. homemaker

Each week for 25 weeks, I'll randomly pick one of these words and take a picture that represents it. I'll then do a simple layout that will mostly consentrate on the photo and journaling. Make sense? You have no idea how hard this is going to be for me. Not only to commit to the project, but to be so open about myself. Some of these words are very personal to me and others are just funny.

If anyone else wants to join in, I'd love to see your words and/or layouts if you're willing to share! I think this would be fun to do as a group...even if it's through cyberspace.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Thank You Mr. UPS Man

There is nothing better than pulling in my driveway to see a box sitting on my front porch. Since I received January's Label Tulip kit last week, I knew this had to be from Two Peas! Two Peas had a sale on all 7Gypsies products last week so I just HAD to make a little purchase.

I've been wanting one of their Artist Trading Card Holders for a couple of months now. I can't wait to get creative with it. I think may do "A Year of The Paynes". I'll have a few cards for each month with some of my favorite pictures/memories. What a fun way to look back on 2008!

To see what Ali Edwards did with her's for a Christmas project, go to: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/photos/holiday_projects_2006/spinner_front.html

I also really liked these clear stamps. What a fabulous way to fit in some journaling about family vacations, celebrations and traditions. I can't wait to use them!

Last but not least, I ADORE these journaling cards. I love the variety of subjects and journaling cards make it so easy to document the story of your layout in such a simple format.

I'll be sure to post some of my "creations" from this weekend's diva meeting. Besides Chere, Judy, Deb and myself, I'm proud to announce that we also have a diva-in-training, Pam. Pam comes to us from Newnan, Ga and works at Porex with my mom. She's new to scrapping but has already caught the embellishment bug. Welcome to the group Pam!