RESTED!!!

last night we had a breakthrough. Braden has had lots of trouble sleeping. At 2 months he'd sleep 3 or 4 hours at a time, then it slowly got worse. Tired of waking up to hear him yell every hour and a half finally got me mad. We put the play pen in the office last night to see what would happen. WOW! I put him down at 8pm and he woke at midnight to eat. For some reason he woke at 1:30am. I checked on him, burped him, and put him back to bed. Normally he'd lay in his crib and yell, not cry, yell. not last night. he went back to sleep until 4am when he woke to eat. I then put him back after feeding him and we heard him talk at 7:30, but he went back to sleep until 9am!!!!!! We think there's 2 reasons this worked so well. 1) he's not in our room, hearing us cough, toss & turn, whatever. 2) the office is warmer and he's not next to a window. He's opposite of Hailee, he likes to be warm when he sleeps so this was good for him. We're going to keep letting him sleep in the office until that stops working. Hopefully we'll get some projects done around the house this winter and will be able to do our conversion/remodel fall next year. Crossing our fingers on that.

and of course here's a picture! He's eating a graham cracker!

New pictures!

I'm sure it's because I'm their MOM, but man alive do I have gorgeous kids or what!?! Darren has been reading and researching how to take better photos so it's challenging me as well. One tip is to "get in there". Really get close to your subject to avoid "noise" in the background. Well, THAT WORKED!!! I just love these pictures. I really want to scrap them, but am intimidated. Funny huh?

let's catch up...

okay, let's see...Hailee is enjoying Fall. Her and her friend, Allison, love playing in the leaves in our front yard. They put them in a pile in the driveway and I had to convince them to move the pile to the grass so they wouldn't get hurt. Thankfully they listened.

Braden can just about sit up. Finally! The good thing, or scary thing, is that his legs have become pretty strong and he can stand so as soon as he gets the strength in his back he'll be able to stand on his own. Then he's mobile. WATCH OUT! BIG BOY COMING THROUGH!!! lol We're actually ready for him to be mobile, it will hopefully mean he'll need to be held less. hopefully.

I've been busy trying to get my Christmas gifts finished. I only have 3 left. I can do it. I am pretty sure. Now I have to help Hailee with her gifts/project. We'll get her started after school today. Let's hope I don't stress out watching a 4 year old with paint! lol

Here I am worrying about Christmas and Thanksgiving is next week! AAAAHHH!! I don't even have my menu planned yet! It's just us for TG and I'm glad. We'll be so busy when we're in Seattle for Christmas that I think the quiet turkey day will be wonderful! Watch movies and eat...yep, sounds like a great day!

Happy Holidays everyone!

The playground is looking for a few digi scrappers to join in the fun!

Are you a digital scrapper? Do you love challenges? Do you dare enter the Digital Conquest? Do you have what it takes to be the best? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Scrapbook Playground is the place for you. I am constantly amazed at some of the digital layouts posted in our idea gallery. Because of the rising numbers of digital scrappers, I thought it was only fair that we offer another "Showdown at the Playground" contest, but aimed at digital scrappers !

The Digital Conquest is a contest for all digital scrappers up for a good challenge! Here is how it will work. Entries will be accepted through December 31st. From these entries, the judges will choose 15- 20 digital designers to enter the competition. The competition will officially begin on January 7th with the first challenge. Each week for seven weeks, a new challenge will be issued and each week the contestants will be narrowed down until there are only 3 left. These three will compete for the title of Digital Champion and the winner will be invited to defend the title in next year's Digital Conquest as well as take home a nice prize package from our sponsors.

Judging will be done by the Scrapbook Playground design team only. In addition, each week, we will ask the public to vote for their favorite creation and one participant will be awarded the "Public Choice" award.

You are invited to be a part of this exciting contest! To enter your creation, please upload one completely digital layout to the Digital Conquest gallery by December 31st. Those being selected to participate will be contacted no later than January 4th.

www.scrapbookplayground.com

Needing a new member!!!!

Ready-Set-Create online magazine is looking for a new Creative Team Member. If you are interested in an application, please email Jen@readysetcreate.com.

What a day!

Yesterday I got to spend a day in preK. What a long 2 1/2 hours THAT was! lol I have great respect for Mrs. Snow. I took some pictures in class but don't know what the parents would say about me posting them so here are a couple of Hailee in her classroom. It was a fun day really. Wow, do they sing a lot. I didn't realize that you could sing just about anything to the tune of "Farmer in the Dell" lol. But, that's probably why Hailee knows her months and is getting better about days of the week. Now if I could just have Mrs. Snow sing a song about not coloring on anything but paper and not cutting hair we'd be good to go! (yes, Hailee cut her hair yesterday..this is the 2nd time!!!)

And now here is a new picture of Braden. He has 2 teeth now. Boy are they hard to photograph. Why does the camera add 10 pounds but only show part of the teeth??? lol

Happy 10th My Love!

Today, Darren and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary. Wow, I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach from our wedding day. I love him more now than I did then, and I didn't think that was possible. We have 2 beautiful children, a home, and a wonderful life together. I have so enjoyed the ups and downs of the first 10 years and am looking forward to the next!

Darren, I love you, more and more everyday.

GET YOUR FALL FREAK ON CROP!!!

October 27-29th!!!!!

We're having a Fall crop for everyone and we've got some fun things in store! Get your scissors, adhesive, paper and photos ready because we're kicking things off Friday night. Challenges will be posted and submissions will be judged with winners being announced Sunday night. Tell all your friends, the more the merrier!

Prizes are provided from the following companies:
Kimberly Giarrusso www.purescrapability.com
Pressed Petals
LatinOH
Wubie Prints
SEI
Fancy Pants Designs
Karen Foster
Deco-Pages
Scrapix-Design
Bazzill
Ready-Set-Create
Sassafrass Lass
Cats Pajamas rubber stamps
Peachy Keen Stamps
PM Designs
Magistical Memories
Scrappingham Palace

and more!!!!!

www.readysetcreate.com

A wonderful Sunday.

Yesterday was such a great day! We all went out to lunch and then to Pumpkin Town Pumpkin Patch! Both of the kids had a great time! Braden and I went on a wagon ride with Hailee, he loved when it got bumpy. Hailee got to ride a pony and of course loved that! We took lots of pictures of the kids with pumpkins and here are a few for you to see!

Then for dinner we had a picnic snack dinner in the living room on a blanket while watching Cars. It was a very nice day, just for the family. It's something we don't do often enough.

Cosmo Cricket's 12 Step Program!!

For all of us who can't stop using their product, here's the 12 steps! lol

Step 1: Admit you have a problem.
Step 2: Continue scrapbooking with your current supply of Cosmo Cricket products. If you don't you'll feel guilty for having spent the money on them.
Step 3: Put the pizza man on speed dial.
Step 4: Get your children flip-flops.
Step 5: Have husband watch the movie "Mr. Mom"
Step 6: Join a support group for women like yourself so that you can share your problems and products with each other. Your LSS probably offers a Friday night meeting.
Step 7: Apologize to the people your addiction has hurt by making them a really cute card.
Step 8: Have hair cut short into a hassle-free, 5 minute style.
Step 9: Don't stop scrapping to go to sleep. This will allow more time to use up your current supply, and you won't mess up your 5 minute style.
Step 10: Turn on ESPN, your husband will forget about dinner.
Step 11: Focus on the positive. You are creating something for people you love and neglect.
Step 12: Feed the addiction. Buy Cosmo Cricket products whenever you can, otherwise withdrawal symptoms will set in.

Just another kiddo update!

Isn't this funny? Look at how big Braden is, almost the same size as Hailee! lol

He's got his 2nd tooth coming in, can roll over, and is almost ready to sit up. Once he figures out to not fall forward onto his nose we'll be good to go! lol He's top heavy we say! Understandable considering the way he eats! He loves his oatmeal for breakfast, fruit for lunch, and veggies for dinner. So far nothing he doesn't like!

Hailee had a GREAT review at her parent/teacher conference. She's one of the best class helpers Mrs. Snow has. So for a reward we're taking her to CiCi's Pizza for dinner!

SCRAPBOOK PLAYGROUND CONTEST - THERE'S STILL TIME!!!

Submit your best layout using products from Flair Designs or One Heart, One Mind for your chance to win! Upload directly to the contest gallery. Deadline - October 31st

www.scrapbookplayground.com

My new fave!!!

I have a new favorite layout. But I can't take all the credit! At http://www.scrapbookplayground.com/ we highlighted Lisawd as our October PlayPal! The design team likes to do a scraplift of our playpals and I just love this Lisa's "Fly" layout. You can see it at http://scrapbookplayground.com. So, this is my take on it! I love this photo and am really glad I used it for this layout.Thank you, Lisa, for the inspiration! You rock girl!

The Playground Wants YOU!

We are looking for a guest designer to work with our design team for the month of November! To be considered, upload your 3 favorite layouts that depict your style in our gallery and link them here: http://www.scrapbookplayground.com ! The guest designer will be chosen and announced on October 20th.

Nikki tagged us!

Nikki tagged the girls at www.scrapbookeronline.com and since I didn't know what to post today I figured it would be fun to answer these questions! It's a nice break from talking about the kids! :)

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Montana...I'm just convinced that's where I want to live!

2. What's your favorite article of clothing? Sweaters...sure wish it wasn't going to be in the 90's all week....blech!

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? Smile....then shoulders...love them shoulders :)

4. What's the last CD that you bought? My mom bought me Alan Jackson's Like Red on a Rose, but I lost it before I could even listen to it :( gotta find that cd...

5. Where's your favorite place to be? if I'm out I like being in a scrapbook store...otherwise I love being home with my family!

6. Where is your least favorite place to be? the ob/gyn.

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? my back.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? mind

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? 2am, 4am, 6am, 8am.

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? dishwasher...I DO NOT like washing dishes.

11. What makes you really angry? road rage. some people shouldn't be allowed behind the wheel.

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? hmmm...tried the clarinet, that didn't work, so I'll say piano.

13. Favorite color? olive green.

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? SUV, but I don't have either.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? yes.

16. Favorite children's book? 10 Little Ladybugs; The Spooky Old Tree

17. What is your favorite season? FALL!!!!

18. What is your least favorite household chore? mopping. I don't do it.

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? invisible...then my kids wouldn't know I'm watching. lol

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? floral band around my ankle

21. Can you juggle? nope

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My Grandma Pudgie. I miss her so much. It's been 3 years and I still cry for her.

23. What's your favorite day? Monday. Darren doesn't work and we spend the day together, usually running errands.

24. What's in the trunk of your car? a stroller and a milk crate with car stuff in it.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? well since sushi is RAW FISH and I don't even eat cooked fish, I'll definitely say hamburger!

Holy Smokes I scrapped!!!

Wow! It seems like ages since I've created anything. And now I've done 2 layouts over 2 days! Granted, they're both simple, but they're done and they're mine. I just love the pics of the kids I used. They are so darn cute!

Come by www.scrapbookplayground.com this weekend and join in the challenges at the Scrap Party!

Today is September 30th, my day to say goodbye as a guest designer at www.scrapbookeronline.com. So sad. I've had so much fun and truly enjoyed being an official part of the team. The ladies are so stinkin talented. I don't feel I pulled my weight, though. I have to give a special thanks to MF for the opportunity and belief in me! Hugs big sis!

They're growing so fast!

So my mom is here and we've done a lot of shopping! I can't believe how fast my kids are growing! Hailee is in 3T bottoms now and 4T tops. Braden is in 12 month bottoms and 9 month tops! And he's not even 5 months old yet!

Hailee's proofs came back for her school picture. Her smile could've been better but it's still a cute picture. Her first school picture, awwww.

Braden is loving oatmeal mixed with applesauce. What a good eater he is!

I haven't done much scrapping lately since I've had company. I still need to do one more layout for the Pressed Petals feature at www.scrapbookplayground.com. Luckily I've got my WAT layout done already for www.scrapbookeronline.com or I may not have had it ready either since Mom doesn't leave until Thursday.

Vote for the Playground!!!!!!!!

We are on the ballot for the Reader's Choice awards for Creating Keepsakes Magazine! Please help us by voting for Scrapbook Playground! Pass the word to your friends and family and have them vote too! We are in the same category as some big name sites, so any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance!!!

http://www.iboutique.com/cgi-bin/myers/start.cgi/iboutique/orderform/ReadersChoice/ballot.html

Again, I'm just feeling so lucky!

and this is the reason why! Look at these two beautiful kids. I thank my lucky stars everyday for these two!

AAAAAHHHHH!

I am awake and refreshed. Why you ask? Because Braden slept from 11 pm to 7 am! wow!!!! I put him to bed at 9 pm in his car seat, because he is still so congested. He woke at 11 pm and I thought "well that didn't work, but let's try once more". So after he ate I put him back in the car seat. Voila! It worked! I woke up at 6 am and jumped out of bed to make sure he was okay! So he ate at 7 am then slept until 8:30, we all did. We all over slept and I have to say it felt great!!!!! Hailee may be a little off schedule today for school, but we'll get through!

Some of my work!

A new day...

Well, Hailee seems to be in the clear. No more "sickies" for her. Thanks goodness, I didn't want to have to keep her home from school tomorrow. Braden on the other hand is still down. He did better yesterday morning then it came back. He slept okay last night, 3 hours at a time, and he's napping now. I don't know how that poor little nose is so stuffy. And now Darren has a sore throat! ugh! Germs need to just get out of my house!

On a happier note....I was SO productive yesterday! I got a lot of stuff done for the Oct/Nov issue of Ready, Set, Create! Thank goodness because the deadline just sort of snuck up on me! I have one more to do today then I MUST get working on my WAT layout for www.scrapbookeronline.com. MF has really challenged me for this week! It's hard to believe this is my last month as the guest designer. It's been so much fun working with the fabulous design team. I just hope I didn't let anyone down. I had kind of a funk for a while and don't feel my layouts were up to par. And even though I'm not a huge fan of 7Gypsies (I know, I know, don't hate me!) I really like how my layouts turned out. I'm really excited to be working with Junkitz this month, though!

And at www.scrapbookplayground.com we're working with Pressed Petals this month! How cool is that? I'm so in love with their stuff and can't wait to just start whipping out the projects for this one! I have 2 done but know I'll get even more done before the 20th!

My poor babies.

Braden just woke from a nap in this picture and he's just daydreaming I suppose. Poor little guy.


Hailee napping...that's a sure sign she's sick.

I hope whatever they have passes quickly.

Nurses and Doctors and Dentists, oh my!

Yesterday was a full day. It started at the Doctors office for Hailee's 4 year check up (a tad late!) and Braden's 4 month check up. Hailee weighs 31 pounds (25 percentile) and is 38 inches (15 percentile) while Braden is 16.14 pounds (75 percentile) and 26 inches (90 percentile). Hailee is only a foot taller than her baby brother! lol Hailee's pigeon toed foot shows no reason for concern, she has full range, so we're relieved with that. Braden is gaining weight so no reason to be concerned with his continuous throw up, though I'll be getting another medication to try today.

After the doc, Hailee had to go to the dentist. The odd child she is actually likes it! She does so great, probably better than I did at that age! No cavities! yay!

So you'd think after going to the doc he'd be able to say "hey, Braden looks like he's coming down with something, don't expect to get much sleep tonight'. But no. He didn't tell me. So Braden's stuffiness and cough was a total shock to me! He couldn't sleep laying down so he slept on me while I sat up in bed! ugh! Tonight, I'll put him in his car seat, unless the doc says he can take some medicine to help him through the night.

I have such a great boy!

Look at this kid! Not only is he ADORABLE, but he's turning into such a good baby. I can eat just about everything (still no Mexican food or heavy garlic) I want. Such a relief because it was getting difficult trying to avoid pizza and red sauce :) . The best thing: He puts himself to sleep! WOW! It started about 3 nights ago. He woke up at 11:30 pm and I had to change his diaper...he ended up awake for an hour. He got tired but cried even more when I rocked him or cuddled him. So I put him in his bed and turned on his mobile. He sucked his thumb, made really cute soothing noises, and after 15 minutes he was asleep. I thought it was luck but he did it again the next day for his naps and has been doing it ever since! So different than Hailee. Darren and I had to "train" Hailee to fall asleep in her bed alone at 8 months. I'm so excited but at the same time it's wierd. I go in and check on him every half hour because I just can't believe he's fallen asleep, lol. This means I will have so much less stress when we travel over Christmas. Flying from Tulsa to Seattle is a long day, then 2 1/2 weeks visiting family makes for a long vacation.


So that's my good news for the day. Now I'll go pick Hailee up from school and hear all about the fun she had!

SBO Contest Time!!!!

It’s HOMECOMING at Scrapbooker Online You and a layout you love are invited to the Scrapbooker Online Homecoming Celebration. This is a chance to dust off one of your favorite layouts, a layout you may have submitted to a specific call or magazine assignment and it never got its chance to shine. We are inviting you and your best work to come out and party! There will be no wall flowers in our SBO gallery. Be seen and join us in creating one of the best September galleries the web has to offer!

Contest Rules/Details: • Submit a scrapbook layout that you have submitted to a specific call or magazine assignment and has never been picked up or published.
• Only one submission per person will be accepted.
• Include journaling, if possible.
• Please forward journaling in plain text along with the photo.
NOTE: No previously published work will be accepted.
1. All images will be displayed in our monthly contest gallery.
2. Open to US and Canada residents only
3. Please include a supply list.
4. Our winner will be notified by e-mail and must respond within 2 weeks of notification.
5. Winner will be announced in our monthly newsletter and on our site.
6. Winning Layout: Our Design Team will select one winning layout. The winner of this contest will receive a $25 gift certificate to our on line store and be crowned the SBO Homecoming Queen.
7. All entries must be received by September 28th, 2006. Submissions can be made by emailing September2006Contest@scrapbookeronline.com Or by uploading it to the "September 2006 – SBO Homecoming 2006" contest gallery. User registration is required September Contest Deadline is September 28th, 2006

Hailee's 1st day of school!

she had a great day! she colored, danced, sang, read, and even had a snack! She seems to really like her teacher, Mrs. Snow. I'm glad she's having fun! Soon she'll know everyone's name and will tell me all about them!

Scrapbook Playground needs a guest designer for October!

We are looking for a guest designer to work with our design team for the month of October! To be considered, upload your 3 favorite layouts that depict your style in our gallery and link them here: http://www.scrapbookplayground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10125! The guest designer will be chosen and announced on September 15th!!!


Congrats to Jen and Rita....September's guest designers!!!!

An adorable bad habit!

He's a thumb sucker. I'm not really happy with it, because you can't take the thumb away sometime in the future....well at least he looks cute doing it! He's just starting to grab and hold things, so Darren and I are hoping to get him switched to a pacifier.

Last night was a long night, he didn't sleep well for some reason. But tonight is good so far. He fell asleep at 8:00 pm when he ate and it's now after 11 and he isn't awake yet! Pray for lots of rest for this zombie mommy!

Only 6 more days until Hailee starts preK. She is getting so excited! I really hope she enjoys school and will make lots of new friends.

awwww!

aren't they just the cutest? I love how this picture looks, even if Braden didn't smile! I guess I need to go update all of my avatars now! :)

Scrapbook Playground is looking for a guest designer!!!!!

We are looking for a guest designer to work with our design team for the month of September! To be considered, upload your 3 favorite layouts that depict your style in our gallery and link them here http://www.scrapbookplayground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9908 ! The guest designer will be chosen and announced on August 15th!

Also, please congratulate Gine! She's the newest member of our fabulous design team!!!!!

3 months already???

Wow, how time flies! Braden is 3 months old as of August 1st! And to celebrate he let out his first belly laugh! It's so cute! I finally got him to do it for his Daddy so now I'm not the only one who's heard him! And he's getting to be such a good happy baby! He falls asleep in the swing now. Which is good. He used to only fall asleep if I was holding him or if we were in the car. He's taking good naps during the day...3 of them at least 1 1/2 hours each! Much better than Hailee ever did! I'm pleased to say I can eat red sauce again! YAY! I had spaghetti and he didn't have any troubles with it. That was so exciting that I thought I'd try Mexican food for lunch...no such luck. Boy was that a long day! Poor little guy.

Hailee starts school on the 17th! I can't believe it! I remember thinking "only a few more months" and here it is only a few more days! She's so excited. I'm curious how the first day will go. She gets so shy that she cries so I'm expecting a long goodbye that day.

Contest begins TODAY!!!!...August 1st.
SBO’s Progressive August Layout Contest
www.scrapbookeronline.com
Thanks to the wonderful contributions and participation in our July contest we have decided to keep the ball rolling at SBO and offer another progressive layout contest for the month of August. But this one has a little twist involved. For anyone who attended our Cyber Crop in June and participated in my challenge you will understand the contest rules below.

The contest will run for 4 weeks. Each, MONDAY by Midnight EST, you will upload the assignment for the week. There will be a designated contest gallery for each week of the contest.

The contest judging will not occur until the end of the month but to be eligible you will need to upload your assignment each week. Due to the fact this is a progressive contest you can not miss a week because each week will build off of the past weeks work.

Each Tuesday at Noon, EST, I will post the assignment. You will have a week to complete it and upload to the gallery.

The final layouts will be judged on the following: Overall craftsmanship, creativity, and interesting use of embellishments, journaling, and how well you followed the directions. The SBO DT will be judging this contest.

This contest is going to take some thought ladies. Each week you will need to use what you have done in the past and build on it. But, you will not know what you are to do next, until the assignment is posted. You also can NOT add anything to your layout that is not in the assignments. Good luck let me know if you have any questions.

The first assignment will be posted this Tuesday, August 1st. The first deadline will be Monday, August 7th at Midnight EST.

wow, has it been a while!

I just have to share this layout. but SHHHH! it's not going to be revealed until wicked awesome Thursday at www.scrapbookeronline.com! So don't tell big sis! lol
I love this paper by 7gypsies! perfect to show off my blessings! I look at my family every day and smile at how lucky I am.

so what to say?

Been a while since I've made a post, but now I can't think of much to talk about! lol Here's a layout I did this week. It will be in the August/September issue of www.readysetcreate.com and the sponsor was Pressed Petals! I just love their stuff!!!

I was supposed to try to get Braden switched to soy formula to see if he improves as far as gassy tummy and some fussiness, but that didn't work so I just bought some more Mylicon! I'll try again later. He enjoys nursing and I do, too, so why should I give it up? I mean it is the milk God intended him to drink, right?

These super hot temps are making us all cranky. Hailee can't go out to play for more than 15 minutes at a time before she's thirsty and bright red so having her under foot all day is adding to the crankies. Darren finally noticed yesterday, and he's been sick so he's spent the last 2 days just sleeping! Glad he's at work today, but wish I could find something to keep Munch busy.

I'm still waiting for airfares to drop. My mom and sister are going to come visit in September :) and then Darren & I and the kids are going to Seattle for Christmas!!! YAY!!!! Can't wait!!!!

It's Thursday

It was a long night with Braden last night. He woke every 2 hours and then I was up with him for over an hour at 6:20...then he only slept from 7:40 til 8:00!!! But, I got him down at 9:00am and he slept another 2 hours so I was able to get this layout done!

He is now on his 3rd nap, and he's going down nicely..no fighting it and waking back up the minute he touches the mattress! So now I'll clean my desk and fold some clothes...then maybe I'll do ANOTHER layout!!!

Thank you, JulieAnn!

Well, my dear friend, JulieAnn, saved me! She has a copy of my gdt application that I sent to MF so now I can share the work I submitted!!!

So I guess you could say these are my "WINNING" pieces! The pail is a gift for my sister, and I used all Crate Paper and a Bazzill blossom. The layout is using, of course, Basic Grey!! Lollipop Shoppe!!! and some Queen & Co. flowers.

**SHOCKED**

Well I am just SHOCKED!!! I will be one of the guest designers at www.scrapbookeronline.com from July - September! I can't believe it! Yes, I did apply, but I wasn't really expecting to get it...I just felt I had to apply, being a "sista" and all! lol I'm so excited...it will be such fun working from the "other side" with the wicked awesome design team and Sue, the other guest designer! I'm a little nervous though...WAT has always been something I admired and looked up to..now I'll be a part of it! OY! Gotta get my groove on so I don't disappoint anyone!

I was going to post the layouts I submitted, what I can now call my "winning" layouts...but I forget which ones I sent to MF! lol How bad is that? I know they were from my dt work at www.scrapbookplayground.com, but I can't remember which! oops!

Happy Father's Day!!!

well here are 2 layouts with Darren and his kids! I used Crate Paper!! They are sponsoring us this month at www.scrapbookplayground.com and you can see them in the gallery June 20th!!!!

Happy Father's Day, Darren! I love you and the kids love you!!! Thank you for such a beautiful family!

**SHOWDOWN AT THE PLAYGROUND**

The Showdown at the Playground!

Scrapbook Playground is having a HUGE contest! We will be taking submissions from now until June 25th. To enter, submit your best layout. The Playground Bullies (AKA as The Design Team) will pick their favorite 25 pages, and those lucky people will enter into the 8 week contest.
We are looking pages that are strong in photography, creativity, and overall design. Originality and creativity in all areas is very important. Layout entries will be judged on all of the above.
Queen of the playground is one who displays unique and inventive layouts that are clean, inspiring and creative. Does this sound like you? Come join the Showdown at the Playground, and you can become Queen!

Official Rules:

Dates of Contest
The Contest starts NOW. You have until June 25th to submit your best layout to be considered for participation in this contest.
This contest will run with the following dates:
June 26th-June 30th , 1st elimination round 2. We will go from 25 finalists to 20.
July 2nd to June 7th. Elimination round 3. We will go from 20 finalists to 15.
June 9th to July 14th. Elimination round 4. We will go from 15 finalists to 10.
June 16th to July 21th. Elimination round 5. We will go from 10 finalists to 8.
July 23th to July 28th. Elimination round 6. We will go from 8 finalists to 5
July 30th to Aug 4th. Elimination round 7. We will go from 5 finalists to 3.
Aug 5th to August 11st. Elimination round 8. We will go from 3 finalists to 2.
August 13st to August18th We will have our Scrapbook Queen of the Playground!

www.scrapbookplayground.com

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

Well aren't they just too cute!? I think so...but yet I'm they're mom so I guess that's expected. But this is a great picture of them together! They're both happy and looking at the camera! Not bad seeing how Braden is only 5 weeks old! lol





We took Braden to the ear, nose, throat doc today. He says he's fine, nothing wrong and it's just going to have to fix itself. Laryngomalacia. Big word for something not serious! But it's a relief, I was dreading surgery of any sort.

hmm...

it's been a while since I've posted anything so I guess I'll just ramble.

Hailee is pushing every button I have. She's trying to see how far I'm willing to budge. And I'm proud to say...I'm not budging!!! She's just going to have to get used to the idea that babies take time, and she still has to have manners and mind! She's wonderful with Braden, and loves to help out with him..but everything else she will challenge me on! Darren took 2 boxes of toys to the attic yesterday because she refused to clean her room up. Any other day she cleans up after herself...I needed her to do it yesterday since we're having company today and she would NOT do it. I made her stay in time out on her bed until she cleaned. That didn't help, so Darren packed up all the stuff on the floor! She helped! Didn't even phase her...she said "I have too many toys anyway". Good grief, 4 years old are fun! lol

Braden is still having breathing trouble, but the zantac the specialist put him on has really helped in reducing his spit up! That's nice, wish I would've had someone put Hailee on that! He sleeps really good at night, most nights, not so good during the day. But I wouldn't switch that around for anything! I was up with him from 4:30 until 6 this morning because he kept waking himself up trying to catch his breath.

well that's my rambling...here's a sneak peek at my latest layout! It can viewed in the gallery at www.scrapbookplayground.com on June 5th!!!

I finally scrapped!

I did my first layout since Braden's been born! It isn't my best, but it felt great to do it! So for those of you who read my blog, you get a sneak peek!!! This is a layout for www.scrapbookplayground.com . It will be uploaded in the gallery on May 20th for our Queen & Co. sponsorship!
So, it's my first layout since having a baby, first layout of the baby, and first layout using the AWESOME Basic Grey Oh Baby Boy papers!!!! Yes, it was FUN!!!

not much left...

not much left for me to eat or drink! This poor little baby can't handle red sauce (spaghetti, pizza, etc.), soda (the carbonation), anything spicy, and yesterday my decaf mocha upset his tummy! AAAAAHHHH!!! SO...nothing with flavor to eat and I'm down to just water to drink! The things I do for my kids! I would be devastated if I couldn't nurse so out goes all the good stuff from my diet! I'll be fine. As he gets a little bigger I can start adding things back in...hopefully not too long from now! I hate water. Really. I can't stand too much of it. So boring, no flavor. Blah.

My Family!

This is my new family. I couldn't be any prouder. Hailee is a fantastic big sister, and a great help. Of course she does get jealous when I'm nursing Braden because I can't focus on her, but I'm sure she'll get over that soon! (oh I do hope so!) Darren is a HUGE help! WOW! I guess it's because this time around he has experience and isn't as intimidated by a baby in the house. He isn't even mad when he gets woken at night! lol With Hailee it got to him when he'd hear me get up with her all night. And she was in her own room! Braden is in our room and I feed him on the bed. Darren either sleeps through it or wakes up and helps when I have to change a diaper or go to the bathroom! I feel like the luckiest mom and wife in the world (but I know all women feel that way!).

How Braden came into the world!

First I just want to say thanks to everyone who has sent me such nice emails and pm’s. You’re sweet thoughts and wishes mean a lot to me!

Okay, so we got to the hospital Sunday night about 5:45 pm. I was on an IV right away but the pitocin didn’t get hooked up until 7:30 pm. I was already dilated to 4cm!!! Wow! I went from 0 – 4 in under a week, what a relief. So I was told I could have my epidural when ever I wanted. That made me smile! The contractions were tolerable, but my back started to hurt real bad so I did get the epidural at 11:00 pm. That was awful. He had to give me so much numbing stuff that I couldn’t feel my boobs or shoulders when he was done! But once he got it right…aaahhh! Then they broke my water at 11:30 pm (they tried earlier but the doc thought he felt the umbilical cord so didn’t want to risk it). The contractions still went unnoticed but around 2:00 am I could really feel the pressure towards my butt and was uncomfortable. I kept pushing my epidural button but it did no good! Lol Around 4:00 am they had me do a test push because my cervix was gone except for what she called a “lip” on one side. So I pushed and it went away, but when I relaxed it came back…and Braden’s heart beat dropped to 96 and the nurse put me on oxygen and had to make me lay in a weird position because that’s what made the hb go back up. Then we tried pushing again at 5:00 am and was successful. So after 1 REALLY good push she said okay this is it. Then I did 2 more pushes and she stopped me, by putting her hand on Braden’s head and telling me to relax. Yeah, whatever! Lol The doc and more nurses came in to help push because I couldn’t reach the handles and my hands kept slipping off during a push. So with Darren on one side, a nurse on the other, they supported my legs and held my hands. One big push and out came his head. Then I had to work the shoulders. OH MY GOD! I’ve never felt pain like that before…I thought I was on fire! His shoulders started to come through but got stuck. I was SCREAMING!!! The epidurals are made now to only relieve contractions and some pain, they want mother’s to be able to push on their own so you don’t get numb down there anymore! Well then WHY did I get the epidural??? Well after 1 nurse and the doc pulled Braden, another nurse on the bed with me pushed my stomach, and Darren and the other nurse with my arms and legs…Braden was born at 5:33 am, Monday, May 1st, 2006. But does it stop there? NO! They cut the cord and rush him to the table (Darren was supposed to cut the cord but they didn’t give him the opportunity). It took them 2 minutes to get Braden to breathe. I flipped out. I kept asking what was wrong because I didn’t hear him, when Darren calmly said they’re getting him ready, I panicked. I just knew something was wrong...I went into hysterics…crying, asking for an answer, I almost hyperventilated. Darren stuck the oxygen back on me to get me to breathe better. Finally, a good cry came from my baby boy. Darren took the oxy mask off me and showed me where to look to see him moving and crying. So then I cry in relief some more. After that they’re working on him and checking all his stats and getting me cleaned up (by the way…no episiotomy, no tearing, NO STITCHES AT ALL!!!) the main nurse called another one in to look at him and they were whispering. So here comes the panic again. Come to find out they thought his shoulder was dislocated from being stuck for so long, but it was fine. Thank God! I didn’t get to hold my son until 6:30 am. What a relief to finally see him. Then of course more tears!

So glad I’m not doing that again.

Okay, so now I have my son and think all is well. Not so. The stuff with his kidneys is fine, no more fluid. Good. But now he has a new problem. His scrotum was real swollen but his testicles aren’t inside. They didn’t come down. Still not down. But they say that it will fix itself within the next couple weeks. I hope so. How awful to have to take my baby to a urologist to get him to find them! And his jaundice is not a major concern, but a concern. I have to take him to the doctor tomorrow at 1:00 pm to be rechecked.

So this sweet, adorable little boy has been causing “problems” since the day I found out about him. But he is oh so worth it! I’m am so blessed and whatever problems he has, will work out and I know I’m going to have a wonderful life with this little stinker!

Hailee is just in awe of him, constantly giving him kisses, rubbing his cheek, and telling him “I love you, Braden”.

so many emotions...

Well there is an end in sight. My doctor appointment wasn't very fun because I found out that even though I'm having strong contractions I'm still not dilated. But Dr. H did tell me that I am going in Sunday evening to be induced! YAY! I'm excited to know it's almost over, but I still have 4 more days to wait. Excited, disappointed, nervous, anxious. *sigh*

Tomorrow is going to be a sad day for this mommy. I have to go in to register Hailee for pre-k. Sad, proud, sad, excited, sad.... I can't believe she's old enough to start school. But she is so ready and that makes me so proud because I know she will love it...school, friends, teachers...it's what she plays when she's at home anyway! Just look at her...so big yet so small. It's going to be much more difficult for me to let her go everyday than for her to leave. At least I can admit that!

So not happy...

here it is 3 days after my due date and my contractions have pretty much stopped. This is getting to really irk me! This, I'm sure, means I still have not dilated. I really wasn't wanting a c-section but at this point I'll do whatever it takes to get this baby OUT! Besides, the doctor said if I have a c-section they'll be able to repair my hernia, too! So, you see, it could be a good thing.

well stink...

today's my due date and still NO baby! All this waiting is making me crazy. I had some good, hard contractions on Tuesday, then they slowed down. THEN yesterday I had some serious pains and was really considering a trip to the hospital, but they weren't contractions so I knew the doctors would just send me home anyway. I feel pretty cruddy today and my mother-in-law said she felt the same way before she went into labor with one of her kids so I'm hoping this crud is worth it!

Today is Darren's 35th birthday. Wow. I remember celebrating his 22nd with him right after we started seeing each other. How time flies. The best part is that I love him more now than I did then!

My two favorite ladies....

Aren't they beautiful? My mom and my daughter! This was taken 2 days ago before we went out for dinner. We did get some photos of me with them but who wants to see a big, fat, pregnant lady? Not me! lol

I'm anxiously awaiting my doctor appointment tomorrow. They are going to do an ultrasound to check Braden's kidneys. If he still has fluid around them then I may get induced. At least that's what they told me at my last check up. Mom is going with me so she'll remember to ask the important questions!

So I guess that's all for now, until I have more news. Cross your fingers for me...I want this little boy out asap, but I also want him healthy.