My Kind of Town

I have said it before, but I will say it again. Chicago is my kind of town. My Nenee has been taking me there since I was in 7th grade. Since then it has had a special place in my heart. Michigan Avenue for shopping, Navy Pier for the HUGE Ferris Wheel, boat tours on the lake and really just bummin' around doing nothing. Except for eating and people watching!

When, my bestie Elias and I were sophomores at Kansas State University My (our) Nenee took us both to Chicago for an adventure. The moment we landed Elias too was hooked. As soon as I went to college I knew that when I graduated I was to move to Chicago. For some reason I got cold feet (I am a Momma's girl) and decided to stay here in Kansas City. However, Elias forged on. As I gear up for another visit this Summer sometime I thought it was about time I shared a few pages from my last trip gallivanting around town with the other half of E Squared.


First, up was E Squared and The Bean at Millennium Park. The last few times I had been to Chicago we never made it to The Bean. So, this last time we finally did! Can you see me? Side note... the people watching there was fantastic!


On our way to somewhere we were waiting... and waiting... and waiting for the L. What do I do? Take out my camera of course. This pictures is my FAVORITE from the whole trip. Just whipped out the camera told Elias to stand in front of me while the train was passing. One snap of the shutter and perfection. The model isn't bad either!

This particular photograhy was post processed with the best--- Totally Rad Actions. The paper under the picture is a worn linen and the opacity of the photograph was brought down to about 50%-ish. In *real life* it looks worn and faded. I love it!


(Yes, I just noticed I forgot the s on days.) Now, this was really the highlight of the trip... pom fritz from Nordstrom Cafe. I think that we went there everyday I was there to partake it their goodness. Pom Fritz is just Nordstrom's fancy way of saying delish' french fries. Nordstrom is cool that way! I hope Elias doesn't kill me for posting these pics of him. Lucky for me... Elias didn't have a camera to shoot at me that day while I pigged out across the table.

*Most all of the elements and papers are Paislee Press Designs products and ideas were lifted from her CT team. Seriously, Paislee Press has the BEST digi-scrap products.*

So, Elias I can wait to forge through Chicago again... or maybe just through some Cold Stone on the couch while we catch up on our lives, gossip and memories! Hang in there and I'll see you soon!

Oh, Mama

This is late. Better late than never, right?

First off... everyone says that their Mom is the BEST, but I know that you all are wrong (no disrespect because MY MOM IS THE ROCKIN'-IST. Yes, in my world rockin'-ist is a real word.

I love Mother's Day! Number one, my Mom rocks it out like non other. She not only owns and operates her own dental practice, runs a home and baby-sits her grandson 5 evenings a week, but she is just her. She cracks me up daily with her jokes and wooo-whooo-wooo-whooo every time she seats a crown. I love her because she loves, my husband, David like he was one of her own. (Even though she is glad that he isn't because incest is gross.) Most of all I love my Mom because she is amazes me with her kind heart. I don't think in that respect she is any different from other mothers of the world. Enduring heart break for, with and because of the things she loves and values the most... her children. I love my Mom because she rocks it out 7 days a week, taught me to love who I am and be who I want to be! Happy Mother's Day!

See I told you my Mom rocks... just take a gander that her rockin' 80s headband!

For all of you, like me, without kids, this post is for you. Tracy is my graphic designer. So, in here words, I just want to remind you to please remember to not only thank the “traditional” moms out there but all those “other mothers” that fill in the blanks. And not just on Mother's Day, but all year round!

California, California

Can you hear me singing? You know... that song. The theme song from The OC. California, California. California, California. Sorry. That is all that I know. That one word. Who cares though! The first week in June I am out of here! Good-bye Kansas... HELLO CALIFORNIA!

I had the chance to hear Jasmine Star speak on the Free to Succeed tour this past Summer. Not only is she an amazing photographer (one of my favorites), but an amazing speaker to boot. I knew that photography was *me* and what I wanted to do for-ev-er (imaging me saying that like I am that kid in the The Sandlot), but she helped me realize that what David had been telling me was true... I can do this! That brings me to this... I am going to California for her Workshop!!!

The timing for this could not be more perfect. I was just about to launch my new blogsite and decided to hold off. Jasmine's branding is amazing and I am sure that I will learn a few things that I can do and add to my stuff. Secondly, some of David and my besties are moving to L.A. in a few weeks and we get to see them. Next, David's brother Dane, will be coming home from his two year mission in Canada the same week. Since Fresno is not all that far, David will be meeting me in California later in the week to drive and see him. Last... my BFF Anna is having her baby in May and I will get to see her and photograph her little bundle of joy. Could this get better? NO!

So, here's to me (and David) hanging with Nick and Stacy, going to the the beach and NORDSTROM RACK, seeing Dane, giving Anna a HUGE hug and photographing her new baby and hopefully a possible trip to Disneyland and um... attending Jasmine Star's Workshop!

Since no post is worth you reading all that for it to have no picture... here's to this year's wedding season. These are some pages I did awhile back trying to put a spin on my own wedding photos. All layouts inspired by Paislee Press Designs creative team.





Oh, yeah before I forget. Please forgive me for not posting my latest sessions here. I am saving them for my new blogsite!

I'll Cover You

I totally scraplifted this page from Janet Phillips because I am in love with it. I used the lyrics from one of my favorite songs from RENT! I had not heard this song in years and when it starting playing on my iTunes a few weeks ago while I was editing I was singin' my heart out!

I remember my college days RENTing-it-up (Yes, that is a real word... in my world.) with some of my best friends (who are still are my BFFs) Elias and Liz (HOLLLA!)! Oh, the days when my RENT was free (thanks Mom and Dad) and my life was carefree! Those were the days! Memories!

Paislee Press

I am in love. I am in love with Paislee Press Designs. Last weekend David was nice enough to let me go Internet shopping (Not at Nordstrom. Frownsmile.), but for some scrapbooking kits. I picked up these digital frames and I am especially loving Photogenic:



I am not sure why I did not know about this great digital scrapbooking designer before, but now that I do I am making up for lost time.







A few of the above pages were lifted from some of her great design team layouts. I think that I have scrapped about 10 pages with this kit so far. It has so many possibilities since it is not gender specific. Plus, it has some great elements. If you have not checked out Paislee Press Designs go for it!

I still have my eye on this quick fill album.

On This Day

On this day 3 years ago my now husband and I became engaged (insert ahhhhs here). Like I said before I knew from the moment I met him that we would be married. Nuts I know, but so true. Please don't get me wrong. I am not that flighty Mormon girl who falls in love with every guy that blinks her way, but with David I knew.

On April 15, 2006 David took me to the Loose Park Rose Garden and invited me to spend time and all eternity with him. I had a feeling that he was going to propose because we had been looking at rings, but I had no idea which one he ordered or when it was actually going to be ready. He knew that I wanted nothing to do with some big engagement scene. No hot air balloon rides, sky writing, jumbo tron proposal. Just us.

That is exactly what he did. Us in the garden, on what we now call our bench, in front of the fountain. There were people at the garden that day because it was beautiful outside, but I could only see and hear him. I had no idea anyone was even watching. I could see no further than him, on his knee, with my tear blurred vision.



I threw this page together with weekend with all my favorite scrapping stuff. Papers and most elements are from Heaven Sent by Amy Hutchinson. The font is by Fontoligy. Flower stems from Photogenic by Paislee Press, Buttons by Zoe Pearn. The stamp brush alpha is Schmoozy from Scrap Artist, but the best element of this page is my then engagement ring.

David says:
Memories of a perfect engagement: Free
Engagement Ring: He wishes it was free
Ring upgrades since: Priceless (or at least that he was he tells me as he grits through his teeth).

When this date comes around every year I start to welcome Spring with a smile!

Goodbye Love

I am a reality TV junkie. Sick, I know. It started with The Real World 10+ years ago and has just snowballed from there. Our DVR is often full to the brim with shows like John and Kate + 8, Hell's Kitchen, American Idol, Nashville Star, Bad Girls Club, Real Housewives on Bravo, What Not to Wear, Celebrity Rehab and many... many more favorites.

David and I had been discussing pulling the plug on our cable for quite sometime. See, we live in a rather big city-ish place, but we live very far West. This far West the only cable you can get is Comcast Cable. (Unless you want dish. Then, you have that ugly thing on your house and it goes out when it rains.) Sounds fun right? No. Comcast for some reason is just about as sucky as it gets. Our reception was a mess, high definition and DVR fees were outrageous and our bill was sky high. Finally we decided who really needs it. We really enjoy veggin' out in front of the tube, but it was beginning to enable our ability to move our butts off of our couches.

So, we did the unthinkable... we nixed the cable. Now, we just have HD network channels (Don't worry. I am still able to tune into Gossip Girl.) and some other fun ones (Can you hear my sarcasm?) like PBS. Hollllla! I thought that we would really miss it, but it has been 4 days and we are doing well. Neither of us has complained or wished it back yet.

Without TV I have had a lot of time for more important things like playing with the dogs, working on our business and cleaning. I have yet to clean, but I am sure when I do it will be a sight to behold. Instead of watching TV or cleaning I have been devoting my time to scrapbooking...


Scraplift and spin from a Paislee Press Layout.

sick I know. I am so far behind on preserving our memories I am ashamed. I better get to work. In the meantime we shall see how long David can go without ESPN during baseball season. We might just have to turn it back on for his sake and turn it off during Cricket Season. When ever that is.

Accounting 101

I am a superb shopper. I have super shopping senses. I can smell a sale from miles away and hear Nordstrom calling my name from its exit off of 1-35. Amazing, I know. Nonetheless, true. Some of these super skills is what did me in.

Since before David and I were married I was some how deemed our Finance Chair (That was total sorority lingo. Almost makes me wanna Rush again. Um... NO.). Neither David nor myself knows exactly how this happened, but it did. I have been the one balancing the check books for our accounts (by balancing I mean checking the accounts online), paying bills and whatever else I was supposed to do (I am sure I did it). This has been going on for three years and I am tired. I have asked David numerous times if he would take it all over and he always declines. He laughs, says no and runs from me. Much to my chagrin this last time I asked him to be in charge (That gets men all the time. They love to be in charge.) he accepted. I almost fainted.

So, as of the first of this month I have been free. I know it sounds dumb, but I woke up on the first of April with a skip in my step. I was ready for the new regime. Thanks to our new financial Czar I have had time to devote to things that really matter. My mind is no longer muddled with passwords and the date the mortgage is due, but more important things...









... and I have given this important task a really important sounding name. I am the head of our family's Memory Perserving. This job is serious. I know that it doesn't sound as important as Super Shopper, but The Czar has assured me that this new job is very important and I am in charge of all Memory Perserving aspects of our household. I am still trying to figure out what he was talking about when he said (with a very serious face) that I am on a spending freeze. Ahhhh, I love being in charge (can you hear the sacasim). This passing of the reigns if going to be tough.

Nordstrom... call me.

Weekend Update

I have nothing to terribly exciting to report today. My weekend was very low key. A few exciting (to me) things did happen, but this post would be so looooong if I got into them tonight. Those exciting (to me) things will be later this week.

Friday, I had a follow up appointment with the Doctor that did the surgery in my mouth last week. Everything is healing beautifully, she said, but was not looking exactly as we wanted. Since the Doctor had time and I didn't want to come back for another surgery she numbed me up and did it right then. This is good because it didn't give me another week to worry about going back, but bad because I looked SO cute... what a waste of a good outfit (if I do say so myself) and I had plans to meet a friend at Starbucks. So, having my mouth cut into yet again left my weekend (and David's) with much to be desired... to say the least.

This weekend was quite reminiscent of last weekend: sleep, sleep, sleep and scrapbooking. Here are some of the fruits of my labor. These three (I think that I did about 10 pages. I know... lame-o.) were my favorites from the weekend. Oddly enough, all of these pictures are from our trip to California last March when we met up with Ben and Anna at Disneyland.


Scraplift from Sweet Shoppe Gallery.


When I saw this picture I just cracked up. Technically this was my first photo session. It was with Anna and Anna's camera. I don't think that it is too bad for my first photo ever on an SLR.


I am not sure what it is about this one, but I love it.

Like I said before, my weekend was fascinating.

March Marches In

It is crazy to me how life just seems to whiz by me. I know that I am here, participating and enjoying my life, but it just seems to go by much too fast. Just when I was used to the fact that it was February, March had to march right in and burst my bubble. I feel like last week was just Thanksgiving, yesterday was Christmas and now it is Spring. I am not sure where the time has gone.

Let's play a little game of catch up...

I am still keeping up with my 525,600 Minutes Project, a.k.a. photo-a-day project. I chose to put weeks 6 through 9 together on a two page spread as the month of February. It worked out perfectly because February started on a Sunday and ended on a Saturday.



In this lay-out all of the frames are by Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals. It is actually a cluster of 9 frames, from her Photo Cluster No. 9 collection, that I cut and rearranged to make my cluster of 24. All of the papers and elements are from Amy Hutchinson's Heaven Sent Digital Kit. I have had this particular kit for quite sometime, but just recently I have been hooked and have been using it all the time. For example:

Scraplifted from Janet Phillips

Journaling Reads: At two days old this would be the last time we saw you so small and curly. Just 5 lbs. and already melting hearts.

This weekend just like the month of February was a blur. David and I originally had made plans to go out of town, but when an appointment opened up with one of my doctors we decided to stay home. On Friday morning I had some minor surgery. I have wanted to do some cosmetic dental work for quite sometime and the opportunity to get started began with this appointment. The surgery was the first step, something my Mom does not do, and then I am off to my Mom's dental chair to finish up. So, now I am on my way to a new smile... in about 6 to 10 weeks that is!

Really my weekend was spent sleeping, sleeping, recuperating, watching some TV and scrapbooking. Yeah, it was pretty much heaven for me (and David too. Since my talking was limited)!

Happy Monday!

Baby Mania

I have noticed something lately. Just about everyone I know is preggers! They are all just so cute that I cannot stand it. Well, I can, but you know what I mean! I think that there is something in the water... worldwide.

My friend Anna is one of those people who is preggers. I was so honored when she asked me if I would design her shower invitations. Of course I said yes! David and I just love Anna and Ben and are SO happy for them that they are getting to start their family.

This is what I came up with for Anna. Lucky for me I was able to work with my favorite color, PINK. Girl Power!





Anna's shower invites will be printed on a two sided pearl card stock paper. Yes, it will also have rounded corners. An extra girly touch I think!

Shameless Plug: Please keep me in mind for any of your invitation needs: birthday, anniversary, baby showers, weddings, graduations, etc... I make digital invitations (like the one above) and paper craft ones too!

Mr. B : 9 months

My family and I are all finding it pretty hard to believe that Mr. B. is 9 months old already! He is growing SO that we are having trouble keeping up with the little rascal! This weekend David and I (okay, lets be honest here... David(What a gem!)) hauled my photography gear and baby session necessities over to my Mom's house for an impromptu session. Mr. B is so stinkin' cute that my job wasn't too difficult.

This shot is David and my favorite. We think that he looks a bit like he should be staring in A Bugs Life at this angle! I am in love with those eyes...


These two are a few more of my favorites.

Mr. B sure knows how to rock a mohawk.

You know me. I could not resist scrapping our favorite shot from Saturday.


Of course here is my PROJECT 525,600 MINUTES layout for week 5. I cannot believe that I am already into the fifth week of this project. Time is flying by. Reviewing the year like this so far has really been a blast!


Whelp! Happy Monday! Oh, and Internet, a big thanks to all of you Big Sweeties who left comments, sent emails and called regarding Baron! It really meant a lot to us!

DOMINO

Domino is one of my favorite magazines ever! Yes, as you can tell I am serious! I just love this publication! Whitney is also one of my favorite friends ever! Yes, very serious, I know. A few weeks ago in the mail I received a note from Domino telling me that my very sweet and thoughtful friend, Whitney was giving me a years subscription as a gift. Hint: This is why it was on my Project 525,600 layout highlighted in week 3.



I think that Whitney has special powers and must have known that I needed a little pick me up! That particular day was pretty much crappy-to-the-max and her surprise was such a pick me up!

I am sad though. I was on my way to the Domino site this afternoon to surf for some home decor ideas (Yes, I am that lame! I save Pottery Barn magizines too!) and I saw a letter from the Editor! What? Domino is sadly not going to published anymore (tears)?!?!? Yep! Thank you to our craptastic economy they have had to cease all further issues of my favorite mag. Sorry Whit if I am the first to deliver you the bad news!

This happened to me with another mag that I subscribed to and the company, Creating Keepsakes, just changed my subscription to another publication similar to what I had be receiving. I guess that I should wait and see what happens because apparently Domino's last domino has fallen. Game over!

It's Not Perserverance... It's Love

My Mom and Dad have told me many times that they were always amazed by perseverance. The two of them together and separately said that when I put my mind to something there is just no stopping me.

My Dad told me that when I was younger I would call at the beginning and end of every month to all of my "charges" (people I baby-sat for) to get them scheduled. Mom and Dad said that when I wanted something, I would always come to them to "make a deal" (Is this surprising? No!). When I wanted to take dance lessons I found a reputable studio, signed myself up for classes and merely told them when, where and how much it was going to cost. In college when I really wanted or needed something I knew just how to get it. I would drive the 2+ hours home (with my really cute puppy, Binx... that my Dad just couldn't resist) and ask in person. The phone was just so informal. Some how everything always worked out.

Now, as of late I had been doing this same exact thing in concern to our Big Sweetie, Baron. I would search online for solutions, call the doctors, arrange the appointments and then tell David how much this particular visit was going to cost. I would take off of work, along with David, to drive Baron across town to see what this doctor suggested we try. David and I would go to Costco after long exhausting days at work to stock up on the ingredients we would need for Baron's Doggie Stew. Some people would call this perseverance. We just call it love.

As I sit here trying to type this post I have a sad heart and vision blurred with emotions of loss. After speaking with our specialist late this week it was confirmed that Baron had exhausted all of his options for better health. While David and I as humans, are by nature selfish, we had to think of Baron. He was tired, sick, itchy, skinny and had lost his puppy zest. Keeping him here for us was beginning to wear too hard on him. So, once again we scheduled the appointment, made the arrangements and set our hearts aside. On Saturday morning Baron, with a tummy full of his favorite foods and treats, left us in hopes of setting his soul free from his ailments here on Earth.

David and I are making it, as My Nenee would say, but the last 24 hours have been a struggle. Our dogs are our family here at the house and to say that we love them would be and understatement indeed. We are blessed to have great family around us here for support, along with awesome friends to help us. David and I are also thankful for our wonderful Primary Veterinarian, Dr. Immethun. Baron's litter mate, Daisy, and his little sister, Binx, are a bit depressed and confused, but we know they will perk up sooner than we will! We will all miss our Big Sweetie!

Week 4 : My 525,600 Minutes... the only predictive thing I managed to complete this afternoon after Church this afternoon...

Anyone who halfway knows me, at all, knows that Seasons of Love is my ALL TIME favorite song.  It is from my, favorite musical, RENT.  I have had the entire score from RENT memorized since I was probably 14 years old.  I have a RENT poster, signed by all of the original cast members, framed and hanging in my office.  This musical speaks to my heart.

When, I first heard about this, PROJECT 365, challenge a few years ago Seasons of Love was the first thing that popped into my head.  For those of you that are not familiar with PROJECT 365 it simply put is: a project/challenge designed to capture a week of your life for an entire year through photographs and journaling.  This is right up my alley, and a challenge indeed.  Last year I seriously conserded taking on PROJECT 365, but I was just too lazy.  I knew that it would be cool, but I also knew that I am not a person who starts things and doesn't finish them.  So, last year... I never started.

I personally made the decision to do this  because I love to document my family's, David's and my memories (shocking I know).  I also thought that it would be great for our children to someday see what their parents used to do before they came along.  So, this year, is the year that I am going to do this.  Not PROJECT 365, but my project, PROJECT 525,600 MINUTES. 

WEEK #1 : December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009

WEEK #2 : January 4, 2009-January 10, 2009

WEEK #3 : January 11, 2009-January 17-2009

Three weeks down... 49 to go.

Hey Good Lookin'

I was just cracking up the other day when I read a comment on this post from Whitney. First off, please let me introduce Whitney...

Whitney catching the "toss" bouquet at my wedding. She was quick and moved like a bobcat to catch that sucker! It was awesome! Someone sent me a lot of pictures from their point and shoot after my reception and this was one. I can't remember who it was that sent me them, but thanks again!


Whitney and I with the "toss" bouquet after her she defeated all the other single ladies at our Kansas reception. Yes, the bouquet the Bride throws is called a "toss" bouquet. The Bride does NOT throw her bridal bouquet... well not usually. In my case I just didn't want anyone else to have it, but me. hehehe

Whitney reminded me of a hilarious story about what my Mema said about David after David and my first date. She also asked me if I would share it to give her a good laugh, since she enjoyed the story so much the first time. David and I laughed our butts off yesterday just thinking of the riotous stuff My Mema says. It is fitting because I decided to break out my planner from 2006 and saw that today, January 7th is the anniversary of my first date with David. Maybe it was fate or just a coincidence. Who knows.


When David first called, on January 4, 2006 to ask me on our first date (Yes, I have a "David Log" in my planner from that year... I new he was that special from the beginning.) he insisted on picking me up at my parents'. Now, I did not like this. I always drove my own car so that I would not be stuck anywhere, ever. Finally after he insisted about 10 times (what a gentleman), I relented. When he came to pick me up at my parents' home My Mema just happened to be spending the night. David came in smelling nice and looking even nicer, wearing jeans and a black polo shirt (yes, I remember that too). Luckily for David and I my Dad was gone and My Mema, Mom and I were the only ones in the house. David introduced himself, like the good boy that he is, shook hands with my Mom and Mema and then we scooted on out the door.


Anyway, I said all that to get to this. The next morning was a Sunday. Everyone was getting ready for Church, but I was always ready earlier. The Singles Ward started earlier than my family's ward and was further away. I came down the stairs, grabbed a quick bite and was ready to go. Finally, my Mom and Mema could not take it anymore. They wanted to know how my date the night before went with David. I said the usual... as little as possible to get them off my back. My Mom then said that David seemed nice (the usual) and that she liked that he had a nice hand shake. Her exact words, his hand wasn't sweaty and he didn't squeeze my hand to hard. This is important to her. My Mema then pipes up and says, Hand shake? Who cares about his hand shake, Donna? I just liked his good looks! Of course the three of us just cracked up. So, much so that we were all gasping for air. My Mema then proceeded to tell me that just because she was old doesn't mean she can't admire a good looking lad. You have gotta love My Mema!



In case you couldn't figure it out from the picture... Mema is my Mom's Mom. Her 86th birthday was this past Monday, the 5th. Shhhhh, don't tell her I told you how young she is.

Thank you Whitney for the reminder of a funny story. It is always fun to take a trip down memory lane. Especially if it makes you laugh. Happy first date anniversary David!


Oh yeah, I was going through some old layouts tonight and I came across this layout. My bridesmaids are the cutiest!



Layout is a total scraplift, but I sure cannot remember who. I just remember it is from The Sweet Shoppe Gallery about a year ago.

My Guy

I have to say that in the past I had an aversion to New Year's celebrations.  Don't get me wrong.  I am a girl that loves the glitz, glamour and big parties; However, I am not one for New Year's resolutions I won't keep, waking up on the first day of the year in a serious stupor from my lack of sleep and listening to every woman in the world say, they are going to loose weight this year.  Like I said before though, that was all in the past.  I am a reformed woman.

David and I met on New Year's Eve in 2005.  Everyone thinks it was at the Single Adults Dance at Church (We came to find out later that neither of us wanted to even go that night), but they would be wrong.  We met that afternoon at the job I worked on Saturday mornings for fun.  

I cannot say that I was to into David that afternoon because I thought that he had a girlfriend.  I know, I know, but believe it or not that stopped me from persuing him.  Never mind the fact that every time I saw him around Church with her I thought, he would sure look great with me.  Like I said he had a girlfriend.  Lo a behold, that night when I (begrudging) met my friends at the dance I saw him... dancing... without his girlfriend... and I new that he would be mine.  I immediately asked my friends where his significant other was... they all pointed across the room... I grinned... they had recently broken-up.  Now, who am I to grin at another girls loss and misfortune?  I composed myself.  

At that moment I knew.  I told my friend, Whitney (one of my bridesmaids), that David was the man I was going to marry.  No, really, I said exact thing.  You can even ask her!  Now, please don't get me wrong.  I am not one of those flighty, boy crazy girls.  I just knew when I locked eyes with his blue beauties, (Okay, I couldn't tell they were blue at that particular moment, but you get my point.) he was mine. 

Ever since that fateful night in 2005 I love New Year's.  Especially New Year's Day because it is my blue eyed man's birthday.  Yep, be jealous.  Every year since 2005 and for an eternity I will be ringing in the New Year with the man I love, his blue eyes and a party.  How did I get so lucky?

As you can imagine we did a lot of stuff over this "holiday" break.  I can tell you that I am (kinda) ashamed regarding the amount of time I spent on this computer... scrapbooking.  Sick I know.  Hours were not logged, thank goodness, but I have about 20 new layouts to prove it.  You can take a look at the ones where my guy is the main attraction:

Journaling reads: David's 30th Birthday was such a blast!  Mom made a "crab leg fiesta" at her house in honour of the birthday boy.  She went all out for David's birthday meal on New Year's Eve: crab legs, grilled shrimp, corn on the cobb, roasted potatoes, cold tomato pasta salad and a yummy cake!  David loved his cake.  It was called a Black Forest Cake.  The cake was chocolate, with chocolate and cherry filling, topped with cherries and whipped frosting.  Delicious indeed!  After dinner David opened his gifts: a Royals Baseball gift certificate from Mom and Dad and a new wedding band from me.  David was so surprised and loved them both.  After dinner and gifts we pretended it was midnight and took pictures of each other for "midnight".  Even Braxton joined in the New Year's festivities.  David's 30th Birthday, the first day of 2009 was a blast!  Of course he and Nenee watched football all day.  Happy Birthday David!

David, 29 : Gilbert, Arizona : September 20, 2008

Journaling reads: I knew for months that I wanted to do something special for David on his 30th birthday.  He had mentioned in passing that he would like a new wedding band.  The second he said that I knew that would be what I would get him.  David mad it easy for me, too.  About two years ago he found a ring that he said he liked.  I had etched it in my mind not really knowing why.

Since I had been stashing away money for months I decided to go take a look.  I was lucky to find exactly what he wanted at they first store.  I was even luckier because they store only had one ring left at it was in David's size, 11 comfort fit.  I bought the ring right away and had a new store set into it.  Perfect for David.

The best part of it all is what I was able to keep the surprise a surprise for over a month.  I am a great secret keeper, but I am the worst at keeping surprises a surprise.  Well... this time I surprised David and even myself.  January 1, 2009.

I love this one.  I had David take a day or two and log is "Top 29 of 29":

Journaling reads: David's top 29 things to happen at 29: Disneyland, Billy Joel concert, new job at BE Aerospace, Braxton, Day for David, two year wedding anniversary, promotion, attending the big 12 championship at Arrowhead, Nintendo Wii, The Lion King on stage, XBox 360, Chiefs football games with Nenee, Ikea road trip to Chicago, being Erin's photography model and caddie, Baron & Daisy, Wicked the musical, swimming with Sean, Erin's Uggs, show boarding with Ben in Cali, building Erin's office, teaching the big dogs to fetch, crab let fiestas at they in-laws, baseball games (Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks), Culver's, The Office sitcom, President Elect Obama, Cibo Pizza and Crepes in Arizona, Worst Week sitcom.

Layout inspired by Janet Phillips.

Journaling reads:  This guy is loved beyond belief and cherished to no end.  He is what makes me an us.  This guy is adored by those who know him and remembered by those blessed to have him in their lives.

I did have one more layout that I found on my external hard drive.  I did it about this time last year.  For some reason it would not load properly from the site I use.  I tried it about a million times (David is my witness).  If you want to see it you can see it HERE.  I believe this photo was from the day David was born, way back in 1979.  He is 30 now you know.  The words in the background are from one of my favorite songs, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face sung by Roberta Flack.  She is singing the song about her Son.  You can read the full lyrics HERE.

Happy New Year.  Happy Birthday week to David.  Bless all of us that have to re-enter the real world tomorrow at work!

The Cutest QT

Isn't she cute?  I totally forgot that I had this until today when I was rummaging through my external hard drive.  

This past Spring I made my sister, Kyle's baby shower invitations.  For my time my sweet Mama bought me this little gal.  She is called a "QT" and she is a QT version of me.  One of the digital scrapping designers I like was making them.  I am a little weirded out by the eyes, but hey, who's perfect?  I just though that she (I) would be fun to share!

Look at my QT rockin' the spunky hair, camera and some serious bling.  Just the way I like it.  Holla!

Christmas in a Nutshell

(Sigh) Can you feel the weight starting to lift? I know that David and I can! This has been a great holiday season thus far! Now, I will not say that I am sad it's over, however, I will say that David and I had a blast with the fam (family). Since there is just WAY toooo much to post I did a few layouts for you to get the drift...

Of course I had to scrap two of my favorties for this holiday season. My UGGS! I think that I wore them everyday. They are just perfect for someone who is always cold like me!

The journaling reads: I have wanted UGGS for years, but every winter I talk myself out of it. Well... not this year!


Yes, my friends. This box is from one of my FAVORITE places... TIFFANY & COMPANY (a moment of silence please). I will scrap what was in it soon. Let me just say that I love this gift from David! What a winner... um... my gift and David of course!

This layout is the sweetest. Mr. B just loves his Uncle Dae-Dae (pronounced Day-Day) and David is a natural. The text reads: Hugs and loves with Uncle Dae-Dae, Christmas Day two thousand eight.

I cannot say enough how much fun I had with my family, friends and David these past 5 days. I think that it was just what I needed!

Have a great Monday tomorrow! Embrace the day and savor the rest of 2008!

Day After Christmas Baby

To my BFF, Liz!  Happy Birthday!

The Journaling Reads: I never would have known that when we met in college that we would become the friends that many people never find in a lifetime.  Alpha Chi Omega, RENT, date parties, broken hearts, phone tag, the Bahamas, late night chats, new houses, Chicago, cross country phone calls, new jobs, moving and marriage.  I am blessed to have you in my life and look forward to sharing more of life's milestones.

I love you!  See you tonight!