I feel like a NEW WOMAN!

It's amazing how one good day can turn your whole mood around. I've been in a funk the last month or so, teetering in and out of bliss and total witchiness. Today I spent a few unforgettable hours with one of my very best friends. We could have spent the entire day together, reconnecting and just enjoying each other's company. But the short time we had just seemed to recharge my spirit and make me feel sublimely happy again. I love that I found someone who could do that for me. I know how lucky I am to have it in my life :) I've been wearing a huge smile all day and have that sense that everything will work out for the best. It's so important to be happy with what we are given in life and not always dwell on what we wish we could have. What I do have is so much more that I even dreamed I would attain. I just need to stop stressing out quite so much. And I promise to do that. I felt like I was walking on air today and I want to keep that feeling for as long as possible. 324436

On an aside, I think it is totally hilarious that I am sitting on the phone with my dear friend Tracey and we have NOT spoken a word in at least five minutes. All we can hear is each other typing in the background, lol! Sometimes it just makes us happy to know we're on the phone together and break in to talk whenever we want. Gotta luv technology ;)

Sarah has been CRACKING me up lately. The things that come out of her mouth....hilarious! Her new thing this week is to ask us if we want to try the food she is eating by saying, "Mommy, ya wan sum? " So adorable! Then she tells you to open your mouth and she SHOVES the food in there. You seriously have to watch for tooth chipping when she has that fork in her hand. Her favorite show is now Backyardigans and The Wonder Pets.....which means that I have been singing both theme songs in my head non-stop. Gotta luv it. At least you can groove to some of the Backyardigans songs...wait..did I just say that?? :P She's also in love with her new ballerina tutu...she even spins with her hands in the air and points her toe. I swear one day I'm going to eat her up she is so cute!

Found them!

The shoe saga continues: As the long and arduous task of shoe shopping came to an end, I found myself gravitating toward my latest shopping hot spot....Old Navy. Surely, they might have the summer sandals I've been so desperately searching for. It was nearly 70 degrees today...there is absolutely no time to waste! As I combed through the already picked over section of summer kicks (undoubtedly filled with three inch wedge heals and the "ever-so-cute yet not-so-helpful to shorties like me" ballet flats, I FOUND WHAT I WAS SEARCHING FOR!! And in my size no less! Well, they're a little big in the toe, but I say it's a little extra wiggle room so my pedicure doesn't get ruined ;) They have a nice heal that won't kill me if I have to chase after my two year old and enough style to still feel gorgeous dahling.

I just finished creating one of my favorite layouts to date....and the thing took FOREVER to accomplish. I've never been so stumped by a design. But when it was finished, it felt soooooo good. The worst part is, I can't show anyone since it is for a super secret assignment I'm doing ;) Now let's hope the mojo stays around for some more scrapping goodness this week.

I caught the trailor to the new Pirates movie..gotta luv me some Jack. Here it is in case anyone missed it. Who am I kidding? I just want it on my blog so I can enjoy his gorgeous mug whenever I please ;)

Mommy, I have baby crack!

Heard from the backseat while driving home from Old Navy: "Mommy, Sarah has baby crack!" OK, ok..let me explain...it's not nearly as bad as it sounds, lol. Sarah is in love with jeans and "needs" to wear them when we go out. H&M makes the cutest ones that have elastic waists. But, lately, they have been pulling down her training diapers in the back and revealing a little baby crack. So, when I see it, I say "i see baby crack!" and she knows to pull up her pants. It's kind of an inside joke between her and me. At least that is what I thought until I heard her yelling it from the backseat of my car. Now it seems that I've been explaining this little "joke" to the many innocent bystanders who overhear her "crack" jokes. But I have to admit, I do enjoy the shocked look on some of these adults' faces...what could they be thinking!! I guess I won't be winning mother of the year in my town any time soon.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can say a huge congrats to Tracey, Jamie, and Kristi!! Enjoy your HOF year!! I'm so excited for all of you!!

I've been doing some shoe shopping lately and as a vertically challenged chick, I have to say that I am completely frustrated! It's either ballet flats or stacked wooden wedges that will no doubt lead to me landing on my nicely padded Colombian bootie. I'm on a mission to find some middle ground this weekend. I'll post my findings once this holy grail of shoes is found ;)

The Cookies have Landed!

I am the proud of owner of a delish box of Somoa cookies!! Truth be told...I WAS the proud owner...I am now mourning the loss of said cookies. I am, however, comforted by the thought that they will always be with me in my heart and on my hips....not. Dare I say, I need more? Yikes....summer isn't that close, right??

Anyway, haven't been up to much lately. Kinda feeling under the weather and sleeping a bunch while Trey is home. But I did manage to whip out another Urban Lily layout. And now I'm working with the Sassafrass that I love so much. Let's hope I can do it justice.

Sarah is now reciting her ABC's every chance she gets. It's truly adorable! And she can't get enough of the snow. If we're not playing in it, then we're watching it through Happy Feet. Finally she's picked a movie that I don't mind watching three times a day. The Wiggles...not so much.

And I would be remiss if I didn't send out a secret CONGRATS to my buddies who won HOF! Oh wait, that's right...I know nothing..nada...zip ;)

Listen

I love this song by Damien Rice called 9 Crimes...about two people who fell in love at the wrong time and can't be together while their "guns are loaded", meaning while their hearts are filled/taken. And I love it put to Lost. Gives me chills...check it out but get some kleenex!

Crazy Snow Storms Make for SNOW MUCH FUN!

We had one crazy storm here today. At first glance, it looks like regular old snow. But if you hold out your hand and let if fall against your skin, you'll find that it is really more like a collection of crystal orbs. Ok, otherwise known as hail or freezing rain, but really, it is so beautiful. When I walk through it, my boring winter boots turn instantly into glass slippers, which part the crystals in cascading waves of light. Their beauty nearly brought tears to my eyes. Such simplicities often catch me off guard and send my heart fluttering. I hope to teach little Sarah to relish those small miracles which I have chosen to overlook for so long. And what better way than to teach her by example.

Friends and a TOOT!

Here we are looking all sane at the start of our night out in nyc. This, of course, being way before the third bottle of Ruffino red wine (our favorite) was tapped, lol. Those pictures I am saving for future blackmail purposes ;) muwahahahahahahahaha


We're still talking about how much fun last weekend was. Hopefully we'll get another night out like that again in the next 6 months! The recovery time is just too much for this old lady. I AM almost 30 ya know :P
Is it weird to say that part of me would rather hang out with my daughter in her playroom after a delicious lunch of chicken fingers and blue cheese (a Sarah favorite) at the diner? I never thought I would say that but it is so true. It's amazing how much a child can change you for the better.


TOOT TOOT! I haven't tooted in so long so this opportunity has me flying high. I swear I've been wearing a perma-smile for the past two days, hehehehehe. I just learned that QVC UK is going to be featuring my Cafe Chic paper line (Dream Street Papers)!!!! I have to find out the schedule so I can watch it online. It's going to be BEYOND crazy to watch my papers being sold on live tv. This whole ride with Dream Street has been such a dream come true :) I think my whole family will be huddled around the computer watching with me. Too bad I don't know anyone in the UK or I would have them tape it for me. I would love to hear them talk about the line in their cool English accents. It's making me giddy just thinking about it.

I've been staring at a layout on my desk for the past two days. I like it but it just not coming together the way I want it too. So if you have any mojo to spare, send it my way...thanx :)

Planning for fun

Today has been a day of looking ahead. Plannng for the fun I want to have with my loving and always supportive family. It's one of the ways I've decided to keep myself smiling and looking on the bright side of life :)
So, here are five things I'm so thankful for:

1. My mother. I can tell her anything, and although she may not agree with all of my life choices, she would never tell my secrets to ANYONE and she will always love me unconditionally. Just her smile and the knowledge that she is by my side as my mother and my best friend gives me such comfort. Sarah loves her like her second mother as well. Plus, I don't know if there is anyone out there who can shop with me like she can!
2. My daughter. She is my EVERYTHING. There is no way to describe my love for her in words. It's all encompassing. It's everything that I am. I could never love anyone the way that I love her. She is my one true love.
3. My husband. He stands by me through thick and thin. He loves me unconditionally and although he can drive me a little batty with his southern ways, he's the most intelligent, hardworking and supportive man I have ever met. He does anything we need and tells me how beautiful he thinks I am (even when I know I'm looking not-so-hot). And the best part is, he never complains. . . he just loves. . .
4. The sound of the birds in the morning. They make me believe there is a new day dawning and that anything is possible.
5. The fact that I can stay home and raise my daughter. I am so thankful that my husband works hard so that I can spend these precious years with my daughter. I could never repay him for every minute I spend with her. I know how lucky I am to have found a man that can support us in this way. It is such a blessing.

5 things I'm looking forward to:

1. We're headed to Florida on vacation in about a month or so! WOOO HOOO! It's time to kick back and relax!
2. My 30th birthday is coming up and I have gotten some clues as to what Trey is planning for me. And can I just say "OH MY GOODNESS!"
3. The weather is going to be glorious soon and I'll be out in my backyard playing with Sarah and watching her have a wonderful time on all the new outdoor toys we just bought her :)
4. My mother and I are heading out to lunch with Sarah to our favorite restaurant next week. I love spending time with them.
5. I'm heading to Summer CHA in Chicago in a few months. I can't wait to see my girls again! Miss you guys :)

I love this painting by Kendra Binney. It's called "They're Saying Mean Things About You". I hate the fact that I know exactly how that feels sometimes. You'd think adults would know better. At least the educated ones do. . .

Just a Funny

This just made me LOL today. What will they think of next? I can just see those "Housewives of Orange County" wearing something like this. Heck, if I looked that good, I'd wear it too....but that's not in the cards :P

I did some shopping at the W today. I thought I kept myself on a budget, but I ended up spending way too much yet again. I just can't resist buying Sarah something cute! This time it was a little frilly pj set for the summer. Plus they had some great deals on Easter goodies. Somehow a new Littlest Pet Shop box got into my cart as well...oops...wasn't me ;)

Other than that, it's been a nice UNEVENTFUL Tuesday. I love those days :)

What a weekend!

I am just now getting back on my feet after a crazy weekend! For our anniversary, Trey and I and our good friends went to the restaurant where we had our first blind date. It amazed us that the place was still in biz so we just had to go. The food was fun and tasty, the live band rocked out with some of my favorite 80's tunes (no sugary-pop stuff, thank goodness), and the drinks were flowing. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of the night after around 1am but apparently I was quite entertaining. eeek! I really don't even want to know what I did :P We only got a few decent shots of all of us since the waitress (although hilarious and totally cool) couldn't work my camera very well. But I'm happy I remember to take any at all :)

I also just created this layout while I was resting my weary head on Sunday. It's made with the new Urban Lily with some Hambly thrown in for good measure. Gotta luv those colors.

On the shopping front, The Children's Place is having a really great sale on those comfy stretch pants and tops that Sarah just loves to hang out in (read: destroy). Unfortunately, they didn't have Sarah's size but I was able to get her some cute hair bows. Her hair is in the crazy state between being just long enough to style and being too short to control. Poor girl looks like a raggamuffin no matter how hard I try to keep those baby-fine flyaways in place. Either way, she's always beautiful to me.

It's been SIX years. . .

. . .since I married Trey! I can't believe we've been together for that long. Sometimes it feels like a drop in the bucket, and other times it feels like an eternity (just kiddin'...or not, lol). We've been through the highs and lows that every marriage goes through yet here we are with a beautiful daughter, a cute little house that I love, and a wonderful family who loves us. We're going out tonight to the restaurant where we had our first blind date over eight years ago. We'll also be spending the dinner with one of Trey's best friends (and mine by extension as well) and his girlfriend. It should be a great time....I'll spill the fun detials tomorrow :)

Here are a couple of layouts I created using my Story of Seed line from Dream Street and some new Hambly. The little girl in the layout is my dd...cutie, eh? The other layout has one of my favorite photos of my grandmother. I haven't been able to scrap about my dear abuelita (grandmother) who passed away this passed New Year's Eve. It was definately one of the hardest nights of my life. I've never felt so empty and heartbroken in my life. I still can't believe she is gone. This is the first layout I have done about her. It took a while to complete, but I'm happy with the result. I wanted it to be cheerful and happy. . .just like she was. Love you Awi.

A new obsession is brewing...

I"ve always been a collector. I blame it all my father. When I was a little girl my father fixed vending machines around NYC. He would come home each night with a little present for me. Unbeknownst to him, he was starting me on a habit that would last a lifetime. After a couple of months, he began bringing me home a little Smurf figurine (remember them!!) that I would place on the stairs in the foyer. I looked forward to those little Smurfs every single day. I counted them, played with them, lined them all up on the stairs and made them thier own little box. Eventually, the figurines stopped coming as I had collected them all, but I still cherished them like gold for years to come.

When I was about 6 - 10 years old, I collected Cabbage Patch Kids. I even remember when you couldn't get them in the stores because they were so popular. My mother would have this "friend" come over the house, park in our driveway and then open her trunk...a trunk filled with Cabbage Patch contriband, lol! You can imagine my excitement over getting them all stealth like that!

Then I moved on to collecting albums upon albums of stickers, ty beanie babies and Barbie dolls. As I got into my twenties, my taste got a little more expensive, much to my boyfriends' chagrin. I collected vintage tea cups and Limoges (which I still collect and display all around my house- my favorites are the ones I got with my mother in Paris). But once Sarah was born, I pretty much stopped collecting things, unless you count baby clothes, lol.

I thought the urge to collect had subsided for good. But just recently, I started to feel the "urge" to COLLECT once again. And this time, it came totally out of the blue. I would never have expected to be obsessed with a tiny toy at nearly 30 years old. But, alas, I AM!!! I am loving the Littlest Pet Shop animals! So much so that I'll oogle them in the toy store as Sarah plays with the toys. They make me smile...pure innocent happiness. I've restrained myself from buying every one I see. But I have taken my daughter's and put them high on the fridge (yes, they are magnetized too!) so she can't see them or, heaven forbid, touch them. Oh yes, I'm definately obsessed!! Is there a LPS 9-step program? If so, I need it now before this gets any worse. At least they're under 5 bucks a pop....i won't go bankrupt. But there are hundreds of them out there....oh someone hide my wallet ;)

I had a great lunch today at the diner with Sarah. It was one of those lunches that not only fills your stomach but your heart as well. My whole self feels recharged. Just sitting in a booth and looking into the eyes of someone you love can make all the difference in the world. I feel like I can go out and conquer anything right now :)

New Favorite Winter Occurence: Shocks: You know, the ones you get after dragging your feet on a carpet. But during the winter they are just so much more prevelant. My daughter and my mother get them all the time when they hug hello. I haven't gotten one yet this year. But I did today...and it was the most wonderful reminder of how much I love winter :)

Mini Album

Just finished this mini album using the new Urban Lily stash and some Hambly goodness. Check it out!

New Urban Lily in the House!

We just got our DT packages from Urban Lily (so cool to get a package all the way from Australia) and they were filled to the brim with AMAZING papers, chipboard and rubons. This has to be their best release to date! The colors combos are either bold and funky or soft and soothing....the perfect combination for schitzo scrappers like me, lol! I whipped out these layouts in two nights (a record for me) and I've got one other in the works. Not to mention the mini book I finished, too! I'll upload those tomorrow for your viewing pleasure.

Today was a fantastic day at home with Sarah. We did our usual rounds - Play-doh, books, abc match game, Wiggles, Jo Jo's Circus, hopscotch, Play-doh, coloring books, Little People, and finally bed time. She loves to fall asleep in her bed and then sneak into our bed before we get into it. It's the sweetest thing to find her all cuddled up in my sheets and on my pillow. I swear I could sleep on my head if it meant that I could smell her sweet skin and feel her warm little body cuddled with me.

Best Sarah Quote of the Day: "Hey Mommy, you're crazy" - said with attitude of course. I guess we're past the stage where she thinks my stupid antics are simply ridiculous rather than funny, lol.

Fabulous Weekend

Temps soared on Saturday so we spent the day outside playing with bubbles, washing the car and chatting with neighbors. It was so refreshing to be outdoors again after being in for so long. The best part was watching Sarah actually talk to the kids on teh block and PLAY with them. Last summer she just watched and played on her own since she was a bit too young to actually participate. I can't wait to see what this summer holds for her! She's been practicing her bike riding in the basement (totally Trey's idea) but still can't manage to figure out that she needs to "push" the petals to make them move. Which would concern me if I hadn't witnessed two of the most amazing things Sarah has done to date just the other night. . .

We went out to our favorite sushi restaurant Saturday night. Sarah has outgrown the use of the high chair and now proudly sits in a booster seat...that is, when she doesn't "need" to be in my lap. We ordered our traditional large hot sake to start off the meal. When the drinks came, they accidentally brought us an extra little sake cup. So Trey just put it to the side. We filled our sake cups, toasted, and drank. Almost immediately, Sarah was up and jumping across the table to get to the empty cup Trey had just put aside. She started waving the cup in the air and yelling "Cheers"..it was hilarious! We ended up filling her cup with orange juice. And wouldn't you know, this little one made her own (nonsensical) toast, cheered, and drank all without spilling a single drop! I'm telling you, this child makes life worth living! I can't tell you how many waiters did double takes and even stopped to inquire as to WHY we were giving our daughter sake. Thanks, but we're not THAT dumb :P

Then to top off our night, Sarah decided to prove us wrong when we told the waitress that Sarah couldn't use the chopsticks she brought her. Well, my little 2 year old picked those babies up, put them around her chicken, said "SQUEEZE", picked UP THE CHICKEN and placed it neatly in her mouth. MY mouth was on the FLOOR. And she continued to eat the rest of her meal in the exact same manner. She never ceases to amaze (or entertain) me! Kinda scares me tho..what in the WORLD could she have in store for us next. Hmmm, maybe she's got a hidden talent for doing laudry.......

It's the weekend...finally

This week seemed to take forever! I couldn't wait to get to the weekend and finally have a little "me" time. I absolutely ADORE taking care of dd all week, but by friday I've had my fill of the Grover dance, my nails are gross with multicolor Play-doh and I have a pile of stained laundry to tackle. Not to mention the fact that I can't begin to count the amount of times I've bent over and picked up little toys from every corner of my home. Having a day or two where I can get some help in those areas really recharges my batteries for another week in the life of a SAHM! Plus, it's wonderful to just enjoy Sarah and not have to worry about the meals, the cleaning, the bathing, yada yada yada....

No real plans for us this weekend. We'll probably go out for sushi tomorrow since I've been craving it for weeks. Even little Sarah loves it! (No I don't give her the raw stuff just yet!) And Sunday we have to register dd for SCHOOL!!!! Can you believe it's that time already. It just came way too fast.

Since her birthday misses the cutoff date by just two days, she has to enter into the 2year old class. Then she'll go to nursery school the following year, then pre-kindergarten and finally kindergarten. I was afraid that she would be the youngest person in the class, but thankfully she will now be the oldest. As a teacher, I always found it was harder for the younger children to keep up with the rest of the class. Whether it was due to the difference in development or maturity, it just seemed more difficult on them. Of course, there were always exceptions to the rule! But knowing that she'll be the oldest makes me feel much better. I just hope I won't be too much of a blubbering mess when it's time to send her.

I'm trying to tackle a layout about my Awi tonight. Since she passed away on New Year's Eve, I haven't been able to scrap about her. I want to make a minibook and document the last trip we had together. But it makes me way too sad to actually get through the process. So this first layout I am attempting is more on the 'fun' side. A happy memory with lots of color. Hopefully I'll get it done tomorrow and post it.

This layout is all about my brother. He's always been a great friend to me. He's in Amsterdam right now probably having the time of his life. I dieing to sit down over a bowl of mac and cheese and hear all the crazy stories he's got to tell. Maybe he'll let me scrap some of the pics, lol!