RSC calls

August/September 2009 Page/Project calls for Ready-Set-Create

1. Color combo: green and yellow
2. Back to school
3. Labor day (the holiday OR pregnancy!)
4. Layouts or cards featuring Woodland/wildlife creatures (deer, owls, birds etc)
5. Family reunions

SUBMISSION FORM:
Email:
Project title:
By:
Supplies:

Deadline: July 10, 2009 MST at midnight

Please copy and paste the short submission form into an email to Jen@readysetcreate.com.
If your work is selected you will be notified, and receive a free downloadable copy of the issue your work appears in

Submissions must not be included in any online galleries, blogs, or stores until at least 30 days after the issue your work appears in has been released.

www.readysetcreate.com

Sprinkler Fun

Here's what the kids did on Saturday! (yes, I know he's in undies - swim suits haven't been purchased this year yet!)







when they were done I gave them baths and got them dressed for a few errands we had to run. They sat together on the couch and waited for Darren and I to be ready. Pictures like this just make me all mushy inside!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

the garden gnomes

ha! gnomes! that's a new funny name for my little people!

this is the latest we have ever planted our garden - but when you get 23+ days of rain what can you do? we thought of skipping it but the thought of not having our candy corn made us sad!

so here's little man with daddy's hat and rake - off to work he goes!




and here's little gal......dancing I do believe. maybe it's a good luck dance for the garden?? lol




and here she is again. supervising. "good work, dad. keep it up."


and no, you won't see me in the garden. believe me - it's better I stay out of it and behind the camera! :)

SUPER kids day!

Yesterday was Hailee's "Super Kids Day" (aka field day) at school. OF COURSE Braden and I went! Here are some photos.


{Braden outside before we left for the school - what a handsome little Devil}





{Hailee at the basketball "center". The playground was divided with different activities and every 15 minutes the groups would move. This was the only time I was able to get pictures of her. But I'll tell you now - she is NOT going to be pro basketball when she grows up! lol}




{and the after. one minute he's smiling at me because I'm taking him to Starbucks for chocolate milk...the next he's folded in half almost snoring!}

CBI31

The challenge at Cuttlebug challenges this week is to make a 3D project - and their sponsor is Create & Treasure! How perfect that I just made a mini using their board books! I also used my CB embossing folders so GO ME! This is a mini for Hailee's 7th birthday! enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

did you hear???

Use Your Stash is having a party! check it out!

www.useyourstash.blogspot.com

let's see...

first I have to say I'm excited that this morning my mom and I booked her flight and she'll be here July 7th! The kids will be in swim lessons so she'll get to watch them and take pictures for me!

next - I've been busy with the upcoming issue of RSC and the June stuff for the UYS blog - that means in June I'll be able to post pictures. Some of the things I've made are cards and they will be for sale - if you want to see them before I can show them publicly - just contact me and I'll send you the images.

what else....well, Hailee is almost done with 1st grade! Her last day is May 28th and that's late because of snow days.

I need to give a hout out to Neil and Jennifer - today is their 1 year anniversary!!!! Congrats you two!

I can't think of anything else so I'll just share a few things I've made for an online crop I did this weekend at Scrappy Jo's.

my journey.

March 23, 2009 I started a new weight loss journey. I know, I’ve said it before….but believe me, this time it’s different. I even surprised myself when I realized that this time it IS for real.

My realization came on Darren’s birthday, April 21^st. We were out to dinner and I had to really look at the menu and figure out what I could eat that would keep me under my 15 grams of fat maximum (I’ll explain that later). As I’m looking over the menu I think to myself “I can’t wait until I can order whatever I want without counting fat grams”. Later – as I’m eating – it hit me. I will NEVER be able to eat what I want. I’ve had a weight problem my entire life and that’s not going to change. So I need to change. This time I have. Here’s what I’m doing different.

1. I gave up candy – I haven’t had a Twizzler since day one, March 23^rd. That’s big for me. I like candy and I like sugar. (I do keep mini York Peppermint Patties in the freezer for emergencies - but I've only had a couple)
   

2. I no longer use sugar in my brewed coffee. I’m using Splenda along with fat-free creamer.

3. I drink water. Lots of water. I really don’t like it, but know it’s beneficial to my health and weight loss.

4. I gave up diet coke…at home☺ I still drink it when we go out, but at home it’s just water and coffee.

5. I don’t use butter or margarine. If I have toast for breakfast I use a small amount of peanut butter instead – it has the protein I need as well as the healthy fats I’m allowed.

6. I am no longer making myself 3 latte’s a day. Yes, I love my espresso machine and would drink 3 each day – but now I allow myself one, knowing the calories aren’t good – but the rest of the time it’s just brewed coffee. Yes, I do drink a lot of coffee – but after reading 1-5 I would think you could allow me my coffee without shaking any fingers at me! ♥

7. I’m taking Alli. On the Alli plan you can only have up to 15 grams of fat per meal. At first that was hard, but now I’m having a hard time getting enough. But with watching calories at the same time it can get confusing – it’s still something I’m working on but it is becoming easier every day. I’m learning what I can eat and how much and those are skills I need.

8. and here’s the kicker folks – I exercise! I bought a Jillian Michael’s DVD and I like it! In fact – my Mother’s Day present is 2 more of her video’s along with her book! I can’t believe one person has affected me so much! She’s the push I’ve needed.

Well, I’m down 8 pounds. No, it’s not much – but the best way to lose weight is to lose it slow. SOOO, if I keep at this pace I will be at my goal by March 23^rd of next year! With the support of my family, Darren especially, and my dearest friend, Kimmie (aka My Cheerleader), I know I can do it!

I’ve heard my daughter comment on my belly and butt on more than one occasion and that really hit home. I realized I needed to do something not only for myself, but for my kids. I am so strict about them eating healthy and playing outside for exercise that I must set a good example.

This is a life change – and I’m finally ready to make it. I wish I would’ve done this 20 pounds ago – or after Braden was born….would’ve made this task a lot easier! But – better late than never I hope.

If you’ve read this far – thank you. I just wanted to tell my story so my friends and family know where I’m at right now. I don’t want to be the fat sister – the fat daughter – or the fat mommy anymore.

I also know that you need a support team – so if anyone out there ever wants to talk – click on my email link on the side and drop me a line! I’m more than happy to listen!♥

GLITTER!

the new challenge has been posted at UYS - and it's to use GLITTER!

I had so many plans on using my glue pen and Martha glitter - but when I sat down to do my layout I ended up with glittery letters instead - which saved me a big mess :)

it goes so fast...

...time that is.

Seems like yesterday I brought this little guy home. There are days I want to turn back the clock and enjoy those chubby cheeks and arms a little longer.


Especially when this is him now! Look at my handsome little boy! He's turned out to be quite a lively, sweet, fun, busy addition to our family - and we wouldn't have it any other way!


Happy 3rd Birthday, Bubby!

We love you very much!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ Mommy, Daddy & Hailee