This is My life

I fixed the kids....

...that Jason "broke."

We are pretty strict on bedtimes.  Well, I usually would say "we" but I am starting to wonder if it is more "me."  Our kids (and us!) function much better with a regular routine, predictable schedules, and a good night's sleep.  Our kids go to bed at 7:30.  Every day.  Of course, there are exceptions, but really, 6 out of 7 nights the kids are in bed at 7:30. It is good for them and it is good for us. 

Amazingly, with three kids in one room, bedtime had been going great.  A gal we work with even said they were the easiest kids she had ever put to bed.  We would do our normal bedtime routine (jammies, teeth, prayers, kisses, bed) and we would walk out the door and that would be the end of it...

...until I got home from Chicago.  I got home and life (and bedtime) was chaos.  Caleb wouldn't want to go to bed, was getting up EARLY, and Levi thought bedtime was playtime.  The first few days were a nightmare (well to me..I don't have much patience in this area).  I would have to keep going in to try to get Caleb to stop playing, Levi to stop jumping, and almost always I had to pull one of the boys out of there so the others could sleep.  Caleb was falling asleep at odd hours of the day and all three kids were whiny and cranky. 

After a few days I asked Jason what in the world he did to them while I was gone.  "Not much" he said...you know, just later bed times, letting Caleb get out of bed, letting Caleb fall asleep during the day and not getting him up, etc.  So basically, he broke them.

Well, after a few days and nights of some hard work and rescheduling, we had our first very successful night last night.  All three kids in bed at 7:30 (well okay, 7:40) and I didn't hear a peep out of any of them. And my sweet Caleb is back --- he had been crank and stand offish all week but his sweet on-the-go personality is back. Phew.  Naps are back on schedule.  Kids are happy.  Mama is happy.  Husband is forgiven :)

So that is my major accomplishment for the week :)  Hey, I have to gloat in something because I haven't scrapped a page in a LONG time and my house has seen better days.  Trying to feel good about something :)

Hope you have a great Tuesday!  Mine will be full -- appointment this morning, then the boys will be home at 1:00 for another afternoon of hanging out at the pool and having fun together.  Plus, we get another boy today so we will work to settle him in. Things are good :)

Happy Monday!

Does anyone else have a hard time comprehending the fact that tomorrow is the last day of JULY?  Where oh WHERE does the time go??  I am just shocked.  It mean schools start up again soon, we'll start hearing about all sorts of "end of summer" stuff.  And then once that is done you know what happens?  Commercial America thinks that since school is in session then I MUST want to decorate my house for Christmas!  LOL!  I remember last year being in stores at the beginning of September being SHOCKED that there were Christmas decorations out!  I mean come on people, only HALF the year is done.  Can't Santa hold tight for a bit?   

Anyway...

We had a good weekend.  Our first two boys came yesterday and three more should come in the next few days.  Then two more next Sunday and we should have a nice number of seven for a while.  We max at 10 but I think it will be nice to have some time with a smaller group -- time for all of us to get to know each other.

Saturday we went to a picnic hosted by one of the board members.  They live on a lake so there was lots of fun stuff to do -- swimming, boating, jet skiing...the kids had a BLAST! 

I have to admit though...I don't know what was more fun for them...the water sports or the cake after lunch!  LOL!

And I can't decide what is more delicious...fresh yummy cake (I LOVE cake) or that adorable little messy face.  I just want to eat it up. Isn't he a DOLL???

Well, I must call it a day on the 'ol blog.  The boys are only in school until 1:00 for the first two weeks so the time we have off is short and we have a lot to do today...shopping, cleaning, hanging out. 

Have a great Monday!

Sorry for no post yesterday...

...but being at work at 8:30 am just does NOT leave much time in the morning for the non-essentials.  I think I need to find a new time of day to post because mornings are going to be a challenge from now on.  We'll see.  It will all get worked out and it is NOT the end of the world if I miss a day or two now and then.  I have to remind myself of that :)

It is hard to believe that our boys arrive tomorrow!  For so long we have been planning and waiting and the time is finally here.  I feel pretty good about things but the first few days are always a little scary and nerve-wracking.  We do get to ease into it a bit, though. I think we will have three tomorrow and then another two before Wednesday.  Then we will have two new ones next Sunday.  The first two weeks will be LONG -- the boys normally will be in school from 8:30 to 4:00 everyday (our off time) but the first two weeks they come home at 1:00. Sooo, it will make for a few long weeks.  But that's okay...we're rested and ready to go!

Just in case some of you are new to this blog, I will quickly explain what we do.

We are working in a Children's Home.  We will be house parents to 7-10 12 and 13 year-old boys.  We take care of them like parents.  These kids are away from home for various reasons.  They have discipline problems, schools problems, major family issues.  Our job is to care for them and to teach them life skills that many have not learned -- neatness, manners, hygiene, play, work, etc.  We teach them to function in an adult world while also trying to help them cope with some of the major life issues they are facing or have faced.  They live with us and see their parents only on occasion.  We are off during the day when they are at school, but when they aren't at school they are all ours -- mornings, nights, and weekends.

It sounds like a lot of work (and it is!) but it is very rewarding.  We have been doing this type of ministry since before we were married (eight years!) It is tiring and frustrating at times but it is also so incredibly rewarding.  Anyone who knows us knows that we are passionate about parenting.  Some kids haven't had the experience of two parents who love them unconditionally.  It is our hope to stand in that gap for them.

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So today we are going to a big staff picnic/party.  Alaina has been sooooo excited!  She has been talking about the "big lake party" all week.  Need to go help everyone get ready :)

Before I go, I wanted to show you a couple of LO's that are using some of Shabby Princess's new stuff that will be available some time this weekend.  There is sooooo much wonderful stuff.  I have had a lot of fun playing with it!

You NEED to go check out the Shabby Shoppe later this weekend.  You won't be disappointed!

Just saying hi...

I only have a minute...I chose sleeping in over blogging :)  Being up and moving and having all five people ready to go at 8:30 is definitely a new concept to me :) Gonna take some getting used to.

Anyway, yesterday was a good (but full!) day. We had meetings in the morning, part of the time in which the Sheriff's department gang unit came down to talk with us.  It wasn't completely new information to me, it was still interesting and reminded me how desperate kids are to fit in somewhere -- anywhere.  The kids we work with are at risk for this type of desire and lifestyle so it was good to think on it.

We had a staff pot luck for lunch which was nice. Then more meetings, getting our cottage ready, and then out to an Indian dinner with some friends.  Yummy.

I've been spending my evenings watching Netflixed copies of the Gilmore Girls (I never saw the show when it was on TV).  I still have this cold and cough so I have been laying low.  I did scrap a page last night though.

I used Shabby Princess's RUMMAGE CHIC kit and the stitching from her SPLENDID kit. Also, Amber Clegg's date stamp and tab.

Today is full of more meetings, lunch out with the staff ladies, and more getting our cottage ready. Tomorrow is more of the same and then Saturday we have a nice lunch out at one of the board members homes. Busy times, but good :)

Have a great day!

I'm a little rusty...

It's been a while since I tried to juggle everything so much -- being a momma to three, a full-time (albeit work-at-home) job, running a business on the side, scrapping, time with family, time OFF the computer (you know ~ reading, cooking, watching something), keeping house, etc etc.  Then there is the other stuff -- blogging, staying active on boards, other things that pop up in life. 

Now that I am back to work I am going to have to figure some things out -- figure out how to juggle without dropping things.  And if I continue to drop things, I will just have to set some things aside.  I don't really mind that, but figuring out WHAT to set aside is the tricky part.  I won't make any hasty decisions, though.  Once our life is into a "normal schedule" (in about two weeks) then I can get a feel for what things will be like on a day-to-day basis. Things may get easier, they may get harder.  I don't really know.  PLUS, I have to add home-schooling into my ever-so-full schedule so I am wondering if super-woman really will swoop down and sprinkle me with her power if I will just have to admit defeat and cut down. 

Anyway, I think all of that was more just talking to myself.  I tend to do that.  Somehow, if it isn't in words (written or spoken) I don't really feel it yet or I can't make sense of it.  Now, I don't want you to think I am stressed right now.  Actually, I am not.  But if I started thinking of all the things I would like to do or should do, the stress would flow quite easily.  But I am taking the "one small thing at a time" approach and it seems to be working fairly well.  Of course I will not get everything done and I will not live up to everyone's expectations, but hey, I am only human :)

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I feel like I have a bazillion things to catch you up on but we would be here all day. But I will try to give you the highlights.

CHA ~ it was fabulous.  The show itself was amazing -- there was so much BEAUTIFUL product.  If I had the space and the money I could see myself easily getting sucked into paper scrapping -- especially with all the cool tools available.  But since I know the space or money is not going to magically appear, I spent most of the time looking at the paper stuff and thinking about it from a digital perspective -- looking at which digital designers had paper stuff out, looking at how paper is trying to mimic digi, thinking of all the paper stuff that I actually HAVE in digi.  The stuff was amazing though, and I can totally understand the draw that paper scrapping has. I think my favorite part was actually seeing GOOD QUALITY 12x12 paper LO's in person.  Honestly, I don't think I have ever seen one in person before.  Everything I see is in the magazines.  But when they are in magazines, they are like digi -- flat.  But to see them in person...well, I can get what paper scrappers say when they say that if they went digi they would miss the "feel" of all the stuff.  I LOVE the dimension and the different feel of papers and elements!  I just wish more booths would have shown off their stuff in LO's!

Even more than the show itself, I LOVED getting to meet soooo many people!  I met people that I have been "talking" to for years, and others that I just "knew of."  So much sweetness, so much talent!  It would take me forever to list everyone so I will just mention a few people that I was most excited to meet and talk with...

Hollie -- we roomed together and have known each other for quite a while now.  It was good to finally meet in person!  Lots of meals out and late night talks ~ good times.

KellieP -- She crashed with us one night and we had a blast!  We have sooo much in common and she is just the sweetest thing -- the kind of person that goes out of her way to make people feel good.  She talked to people who had NO ONE at their booth, she was sweet and kind to all the bus drivers, etc.

Deann from DiscTalk Radio. This gal is AMAZING!  We went into the city on Friday night and so we had a ton of time to talk!  Her vision for the digi community is incredible and her desire to partner with people to bring the community together is so admirable.  I also loved being able to talk honestly about some of the issues in the community and the industry.

Jen Caputo --   I LOVE this girl.  Seriously.  Just because we sell the same product and keep winding up in the same shop doesn't mean we see each other as a threat.  Instead, we totally respect each other and admire each others work.  We met last December and it was so easy to just pick up where we left off and chat.  She is so fun and so talented -- I am honored to be a friend.

CD Muckosky -- Now, let me say, I don't usually stalk people.  But there aren't many people like CD.  We knew each other a bit from back in the 2Peas days...long before she was named Scrapbooker of the Year.  I came across her work and was amazed even back then.  Then she opened a blog and I asked her about some of the stuff on it and that is when she introduced me to Michelle Coleman's work.  Since that time, I have kept up with CD and her work.  I remember the night that they were going to announce the Scrapbooker of the Year.  I was staying up late pushing refresh over and over hoping soooooo much that she would win!  I love her art and even more, her spirit.  She loves life, her family and is a good reminder to "cherish this moment and give thanks for this day."  Anyway, she was one person I was really hoping to run into. Those of you that know me know that I NEVER introduce myself to people...well, unless I have a reason to talk with them.  But to go up to someone I admire and pretend like I am friends with them...well, not so much.  But Kellie talked me into it so I got to chat with her for a few minutes.  So fun!

Now there were tons of other great people that I met but if I start mentioning them all I am sure I will leave someone out.  I have a few pictures, thanks to Jen...

Kellie P, Lynne Stacey, Kim Hendricks, Maureen Spell, Kari Schoonover, Jen Caputo, Jen Wilson, me, and Hollie.

The lunch crowd --   

Left: Heather Ann Melzer, Deann McDaniel, Tracie Radtke, Jen Caputo, Mish Gasser

Right: Kristin Tilley, Terra Atkinson, Hollie, Kellie P, Me, Robin Cabana, Taran Conyers, Audra Little

Me and Jen

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Okay, well, time has completely gotten away from me so I will have to say goodbye.  Work starts in 30 minutes and I am no where close to ready!

Hope you all have a great day!

It's Monday...

Just wanted to pop in an say hello and say that I made it back safely last night from CHA.  It was a wonderful weekend and a great chance to get away, but as always, I am soooo happy to be home.  I missed my family!

We start our new jobs this morning so I don't have much time to share about the weekend.  Hopefully I can do that later!

Before I go I do want to show you this weeks dare for the DIGI DARES. 

Right when I saw this dare I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do!  I've had this LO in my mind for months and this was just the push I needed to get it done.

Journaling: If I got paid for every time a stranger looked at me and said, “Boy, you’ve got your hands full!” I would be rich. I even had a lady drive by my home and stop by my yard to tell me I had my hands full. For some reason, people think that having three kids under the age of four is a ticket to insanity. But the truth is, we LOVE it. Sure, life can be chaos at times but most o the time it is full of laughs and cuddles. So yes, you can say that my hands are full but don’t say it with that tone in your voice. My hands ARE full but my heart is MUCH fuller! (and yes, we want another one!)

Credits: Background paper by Gina Cabrera, patterned paper by Shabby Princess, glitter paint by Meredith Fenwick, stitching by Lisa Whitney, alpha, rubber bands, and doodled hearts all by Kate Hadfield. Fonts are Misproject and Mom’s Typewriter.

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Have a great Monday...hopefully I can pop back in later.  If not, "see" you tomorrow!

For the first time in five years...

I am flying by myself.  I have not flown without kids since, well, since I had them!  That doesn't mean we haven't flown -- Alaina is up to probably over 50 individual flights and the boys proportionately less.  I tell ya...flying with kids is soooo different.  My kids are GREAT with flying...we have rarely had a bad experience.  But, I would never say that it was FUN.  Just getting checked in and through security is enough to make you change your travel plans.  But oh my...this morning, I was through check-in AND security in less than TEN minutes! And, to make my morning even better, there is free wireless internet in the airport (where I am now, waiting for my flight and thinking that maybe I should grab something to eat before my 3+ hour flight).  I can't believe I can sit here quietly, not chasing anyone through the lounge or taking anyone to the bathroom. No stroller tags to get.  No seats to change (why oh why do airlines not get that a 2 year old CANNOT sit by themselves and that they HAVE to seat families together???)

It's going to be a good trip.  Off to find some breakfast :)

Feeling a bit better...

Sorry about no post yesterday.  The WHOLE morning was taken up with appointments (we left at 7:45 am!) and then when I got home at about 1:30 I was way too sick to even think about writing.  Whatever Jason had last week was kindly passed to me.  I felt like "death warmed over" as my mother used to say.  So basically, I did nothing.  I sat in bed and watched Netfllixed episodes of the Gilmore Girls. Other than that, not much got done.  I slept for two hours in the afternoon and then went to bed at 9:45 with a temperature over 100.  When I told Jason I felt like I had been run over by a steamroller, he kindly asked me if that was better or worse than the usual truck that runs me over. "Much, much worse honey."

Thankfully, today I am feeling better.  Definitely not anywhere near 100%, but since I was in the negative zone yesterday, I feel like there is life in me again. Which makes me VERY happy because I was getting really scared about my trip to Chicago this weekend.  But I seem to be on the up and up so hopefully by the time I leave tomorrow morning I will be fine. 

But there is sooooo much to do before I leave!  I have another appointment this morning and then I have lots of errands to run, packing to do, getting Jason ready for four days with the kids, a trip to the library, etc. etc.  AND I may still have to go do my First Aid class tonight.  I am soooo hoping to get out of it but we'll see.  And then I have to leave at something awful like 5:00 in the morning tomorrow!  Dumb me...when I booked my flight I booked a 7:45 am flight thinking that would be a good time to fly.  I was NOT thinking about being there two hours early OR the 45 minute drive to the airport.  My poor family.

I woke up at 5:00 this morning and actually got some stuff done!  Unfortunately, it isn't anything I can show you since it is all for fun and upcoming digi-products/and or projects.  But hopefully after this weekend I can make it up to you. 

Well, I need to call it a day for the 'ol blog.  I need to leave in half and hour and I am not even close to ready.  I have no idea when I will post next -- will depend on how things at CHA go.  I don't really have a schedule but I am soooo excited to meet soooo many wonderful people.  Hopefully I can post some pictures while I am there.  If not, I will see you Monday :)

Have a great day!

Sorry...

Taking a sick day.  Ugh.

Attack of the killer ants...

Well okay, I am exaggerating a little bit. They aren't killer ants. But the attack was NOT fun.

I went to be early last night -- 10:00.  Neither Jason or I have been feeling well so I decided that at 10:00, I should call it a night and get some sleep.  At 4:30 I woke up and needed to use the bathroom.  Now usually I really try NOT to get up in the night, even if I have to go, because once I am out of bed I have a really hard time going back to sleep.  But when I woke up I had a that really bad "I feel like a truck ran over me" feeling so I figured going back to sleep wouldn't be too hard. So I go into the bathroom and there are ants EVERYWHERE.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of them.  I made the mistake of moving the cats food int the bathroom so we could lock them out of our room and the kitchen area. BAD idea.  I don't know where the ants were coming from but they were everywhere.  So here I was, 4:30 in the morning, freaking out about an ant infestation.  I HATE ants.  I have lived with them for too long living in Asia...the least the states could do is keep the ants out of my house.So there I was, spraying them and risking the chance of waking up my kids as I vacuumed up those little suckers.  Yuck.  I am totally paranoid that they are crawling on my and well...just yuck.

At least I was able to go back to sleep.  That's a first.

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We had a nice weekend.  Friday night Jason went to a movie with some friends and so I took the kids to the pool and met the other two movie-widows and we played around there. Then we schemed about when we got our chance to go out and we decided that Saturday night would work for us.  I kindly informed my husband (who is so great about stuff like that) and we went out for Thai food.  After that one of the gals left and the other friend and I walked around the mall a bit and then came back to campus and talked for hours.  It was a good night.

On Sunday we tried yet another church (we are trying to visit as many as we can before we have to make a decision) and then went to lunch with some friends. We came home and Jason and Levi took long naps while Alaina, Caleb, and I cleaned and then read lots of books. We then all trooped to the store and picked up some things. The home for "breakfast for dinner" -- pancakes and bacon, then out for a nice walk.  So fun. 

I also did a lot of work on Saturday. I am working on some fun projects that may turn into some really neat opportunities.  We'll see :)

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Anyway...tonight Jason and I have to go to CPR/First Aid (soooo boring...I have taken this class soooo many times) and then we have to go back on Wednesday. So we are hoping to make it to the beach tomorrow if Jason is feeling better.  Then on Thursday I fly to Chicago for CHA and four days of no husband, no kids, no dishes, no diapers, no cooking. How WONDERFUL is that?  I LOVE being a mom...more than anything in the world...but I also know that time AWAY makes me a BETTER mom.  I haven't flown by myself since I had kids so a three hour flight sounds WONDERFUL! Need to find  a good book!  When I have kids, I usually buy one magazine at the airport to read and I almost NEVER get the chance to read it. Can't wait.

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I scrapped a bit last night.  I am totally out of practice when it comes to scrapping so these  took me forever and I am not even thrilled with them.  Oh well.  I used Meredith Fenwick's new LUCKY SEVEN collection.  Sooo pretty!

This is with the RETRO set along with paper tear by Steph Krush, photo frame by Nancy Comelab, and stitching bits by Lisa Whitney

This one uses a papers from her SWEETIE set along with kraft paper and alpha (overlaid with Mer's papers) by Gina Cabrera and stitching (modified) by Michelle Coleman.

I worked on another one but I am having a hard time figuring out where the journaling should go so I decided to wait to finish it.

Have a great Monday!