It's HERE!!

Go Get it! I have already looked through mine, and it is just gorgeous!! I have a LO on page 47, and a photo on page 75. This is just the best Digi Mag there is! So many awesome LO's and ideas, I can't stress enough how cool it is! You can get your copy HERE.

Not much new here... we just hung out last night at home, watched 2 weeks worth of taped My Name is Earl & The Office. We tape, b/c we watch CSI. Those shows are hysterical. The Office is so funny.... doesn't it make you feel awkward, like you are there right with them?

I finished Memiors of a Geisha~ SUPERB. Loved it, so happy about the ending. So tonight we rented the movie, and I can't wait to see the artistry come to life.

I have been designing my patooty off the last couple days. I have a paper pack coming to TDC on Thurs, and in the next couple of days I'll have a kit, a mini kit, and hopefully an alpha for ACOT.

(wink, wink.... be sure to come back on Moday... I'm going to have a *gift* for you. And I'm not announcing it anywhere, its just going to be for my lovely faithfuls)

OK, must run... DH is begging for some computer time!

New Glasses, New Frames, New Scrap, Oh My!

I went to get new lenses for my glasses last night, its been about 4 years, and things were too blurry. Except, apparently plastic dries out over time, and they said that my frames might break.... we had to get new frames and new lenses **choke**! Expensive! I am not even sure that I 100% love them... Good thing I have a 30 days Satisfaction Guarantee.

Glory! I can see though! I ended up with a frame very similar to what I used to have. I don't like nose pieces, and these plastic frames don't have them... they are an oh-so-fashionable dark brown. I'll try to get a pic soon, like when I have a bit of make-up on... no need to scare away the couple of readers I do have, ROFLOL!

Except, I don't have the band anymore, LOL! Right after that, we dropped it off at the jewelers, b/c my white gold needed re-rhodium plating. 5 yrs old, and it was looking a bit yellow, and it's going to be cheaper than I thought! Only $25.

And I saw what I want for my 5 Yr anniversary.... want to see?

Its a bit expensive, and my annivesary isn't until May 26, but I hear it calling my name! Its at Helzberg Diamonds, if you all have any of those near you. I have dropped so many hints to Nate... so here's to hoping! ....(sigh) ....so pretty!

Credits: Sweet Renewal kit, a gift along with the new March/ April Digital Memories Magazine. Century Gothic Font.

I scrapped! Aren't you proud? I used one of Alicia & Butch's new pics, along with DMM's new kit. Which, BTW~ it is This Close to being done! Like in a day or so! I am so excited to see it, the team worked so extra hard on this issue, and it's so fabulous!

Tell me this isn't the cutest thing? Look HERE. ValGal from TDC is going on a Missions Trip to Bangladesh... and her son has offered to auction off his 2 front teeth to donate for the cause. Isn't that sweet! More info at TDC HERE.

And since I just showed you a pic in the above scrap.. I'll only spare you 1 other pic today, LOL!

Have a HAPPY FRIDAY!

Coffee & Spiders....

I love coffee. I am Cuban, and my abuela was giving me expresso at age 3 (just sips, but still...). I love good gourme coffee. Nate and I LOVE Starbuck's coffee, and we order specialized coffee from Bean Central Coffee, a couple times a year. Do check them out, they are awesome! If you decide to try some, our favorite is Oodles, it has some cinnamon and nutty tones to it!

Anywhoo, this morning I was brewing some French Vanilla, when I opened the Grounds Basket.... I looked down and Saw EVIL! My body convulsed, my immediate reaction was to throw the basket across the kitchen, as I let loose a scream only a banshee could appreciate. Why, you ask? What was in it? Only my worst nightmare.... a spider (shivers).

I have the worst fear of those little buggers... When I was little, I used to live in Peru, South America. My dad was a missionary to the Shapibo Indians on the Ucayali river, near Pucallpa. We lived there the first 5 years of my life... and one of my chores was to help sweep out the floors in the morning. I remember cockroaches the size of my fist... and I remember the spiders. Tarantulas is you will. I remember them coming too close to me, I remember the tickle on my legs as a peruvian daddy long legs flitted across.

My mother will tell you the story about how, one of our first nights in Peru she had to use the bathroom. She got up to go, and when she turned on the light, she saw a big hairy spider, the size of an outstretched hand, curled around the toilet seat. She says she turned off the light, went to bed,.... and never used the bathroom at night again!

They just freak me out! I have so many spider stories to tell you! Like the time They were out to get me, or the time I sat watching one for 15 min, b/c I was waiting for Nate, and I didn't want it to get away. But I won't bore you any longer, I'll save those for later... maybe this weekend or what not.

Do you want a Sneak Peek? I worked on this yesterday.... coming soon to ACOT!

Here are 2 more from my Sister's Series....

I have an eye appointment this afternoon, it about time! I need new lenses, both contacts and for my glasses. Haven't decided yet if I will keep the glasses I have, or get a new pair. I also have my last Ritz Camera class, and its all about lighting... hopefully this one will be usefull, LOL!

Before I go.. here is a question for you... Are you deathly afraid of anything? What is your favorite Coffee or Tea flavor? Ok, thats 2 questions, but I would love to hear from you!

Some Good, Some Bad...

Living with such a busy toddler, is rather interesting! Seth has learned how to open the fridge. At first we thought this was cute, Great! Now Seth can get his own water or milk! Right... then reality set in, and we realize we need to buy a fridge lock, LOL! Two days ago we found him with his fist submreged in the butter... and a bunch of it smeared around his face! Yesterday I caught him sucking on the mustard! Gross!

Seth is a crankpot this morning... don't know if its b/c of the shots yesterday, or what, he's just relentless this morning.

AWESOME NEWS!! The twin girls have come home! Baby M went home earlier last week, and Baby T came home yesterday! Kim is so happy to have all of her family home! She is still working out feeding schedules, but says that it is all going great! We are so happy for you Kim, Praise God in His goodness for your family!

Some sad news too though... while I was gone, a dear family in our church lost their house to a devastating fire. Brian was working on the car when gas leaked into the open end of an extension cord, and everything went up... their home was their pride, they built it themselves. Pam is our Awana (children's church) leader/ coordinator, and they have 2 teens in our Youth Group. I am going to see them tonight, and I just want to hug them so close!

Anyone else starting to feel spread a bit thin? I love all of my sites, but I don't feel like I get to comment so much as much I'd like to. And I havn't scrapped a page in forever... erggg.

Anyways! A New Photo Series for you! My sis, Alicia, wanted some natural and fun romantic shots with her DH~ and I like how they turned out! I will show 2 a day till I run out!

Nikon D70s, 50mm, F1:8, 1/320

Digi-Gal of the Day...

What an honor! I was named Digi-Gal of the day over at 2Peas! You can see the thread HERE. They asked me to tell a bit about myself, so I told a bit of my story... here it is again!

I am completely self taught in Photography & PS. I picked up my first SLR in High School, when I found a dusty old darkroom in my communications class. I had the sort of teacher who didn't care what you did, so he let me in there to clean it up and play every day, so I soon taught myself the darkroom too! I graduated and went to Toccoa Falls College in NE GA, for my degree in Early Childhood Education... but you have no idea how many people thought I was really a Communications major b/c of the camera around my neck and my job as Photographer Editor of the college's yearbook. When I graduated I found myself shooting weddings for freinds.

I taught 1st grade for a few years before becoming a mommy. Before I gave birth, I was helping a local photographer Part time, as her assistant in weddings.

However, my boss was super-frustrating. She is the type of woman who couldn't just let go... she never let me have studio time, saying that "people were coming to the studio b/c of her, since her name was on the title". She also never took the time to teach my anything in PS... and thenwould get mad if I didn't do it right.

So needless to say I never returned after I gave birth, but last April, I noticed Digi Scrapping on my birth board over at Babycenter.com. I was immediately interested, b/c it was everything I wanted to do... photography, mixed with PS! So I bought CS2, and over the next couple months learned everyhting my old boss wouldn't show me (evil laugh inserted here.)

I am also now designing for TDC and ACOT, and am just having a blast being able to make 1 or 2 dollars playing on the computer, LOL! Now that I have written a novel... LOL! I am married to Nate (5 yrs in May), 1 son Seth (18 mos), 1 dog Sadie, and about 50 or so Dart Frogs....

I also like walks on Sunset Beaches... LOL!


By Request.... my recipes from yesterday!

Shrimp Enchilada~

3 lbs raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
olive oil
cumin, oregano, pepper
2 (8 oz) tomato sauce
4 oz dry white cooking wine

Cover bottom of skillet with olive oil; saute onion, garlic, & green pepper. Add spiced, tomato sauce and wine. Drop shrimp into Lg pot of boiling water& bring water back to a boil. Cover pot and remove from heat. Let stand 3-5 min, til pink. Drain & add to sauce. Cook on Med heat, and serve over rice OR thin spaghetti.
*** It is BEST to make the day before and refrigerate overnight~ flavors mingle better, so serve the next day!

and my Apple Pie~

3 red apples
3 green apples
1 TBS lemon juice
3/4 c. sugar
2 TBS flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves (my secret ingredient!)
1/2 c. chopped pecans (my ingredient no one expects, but loves!)
2 Pie crusts (I use store bought)

Peel and slice apples real thin. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Line pie plate with crust and put in filling. (this makes alot of filling- but don't be afraid! It'll bake down some, and you'll have a nice full pie.) Put top crust on, crimp edge as desired, and cut some vents in the top. Bake 375 degrees for 25 minutes with crusts covered in foil. Remove foil and bake 25 more minutes.
Andrea's Pie Hint!!!!! Go buy one of those DiGeorno's double crust deep dish pizzas from the frozen section. Not only are they a good pizza, but they supply a foil/tin pie plate cover. SO MUCH EASIER to bake a pie with this, since its reusable. No more folding and shaping alum. foil.


We just got back from Seth's 18 mos Wellness Check-up. Everything looks great! Little Man is right at 25 lbs. Turns out he has some sensitive skin, and that explains his red bumps on his face from time to time. He also got 3 shots today... 1 of them being a Hepetitis A shot, to combat outbreaks. Do you remember the Chi Chi's restaurant outbreaks about 1.5 yrs ago? That was right here, in the next county over, so now they are immunizing the children.

I have been reading Memiors of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I know, I know, I am so behind. I didn't read it for so long, b/c...well... I thought it was about prostitutes. I ahve learned though, that Geishas are really professional entertainers, like for company or in a Japenese Tea House. They do look for a danna, a man that will care and provide for them the rest of their life, but they are never expected to fall in love, nor to marry. It is a sort of slavery. Mr. Golden's imagery and language in the book is captivating. Needless to say, I am rather enjoying it!

Yesterday, we had a Froggy Shoot! Nate asked me to take pics of his Poison Dart Frogs... he is looking to sell prints along with his frogs at Frog Shows. Nate actually was my "wrangler" nudging them into place, scooping them up when they hopped too far. It was fun! Here are a few of my faves!

I still have to work on some fun pics I took on my trip... I also have to do some scrapping... and lets not mention finish a project, and start a couple more! Better go, before I feel overwhelmed!

Home With a Headache...

What a trip that was! 2000 miles round trip, a combined 24 hours in the car total, just me and Sethro. He isn't a bad traveler, but sometimes it is hard.. like when I need to use the restroom, LOL!

Visiting with my Grandparents is always such a joy. They are just so precious to me, and I want for them and Seth to experience each other, fully. They live in North Carolina, and I adore North Carolina. It is in my blood... I fully plan on living there someday. It was very hard to leave, and when I did tears were flowing on the freeway, LOL! It was especially hard b/c Spring is in full bloom there, and we are a month behind here.

Got back to my parent's on Thursday, just in time for my Dad's 51st Bday dinner. We celebrated with cuban Shrimp Enchilada and my special Apple Pie (Dad's fave!). Did a little bit of shopping with Mom, but really it was just a vegging out trip... so please explain to me why I am exaughsted! Chasing after Seth 24/7 really did it to me, I usually have more help with Nate around.

Came home yesterday, and just handed over Seth to Nate, complete with his black eye (falling magnet from my mom's fridge) and busted lip (fell down). Worse for the wear, but Nate just hugged us both so close and said... "I think he looks older."

FYI~ and Update! The Charming Alpha has been updated and corrected! There is now a #2, and the 5 is correctly named, so go have at it!! And while I was away, Voulme 3 & 4 of my AlphaBella series released, here are the previews! Go check them out too!

Be on the lookout this week! I took some amazing pics of my sis and her husband while I was away, if I do say so myself. I still need to get them on the computer, but I am thinking of doing another Picture A Day type series!

So Glad To Be Back!

HOME!!

I Am Home!!! YAY! Lots to tell... SO MUCH to Show! I can't wait to get started... even though, I am not quite sure where, LOL!

Hi there!!!

Checking in from my Parents house... this literaly took 5 minutes to dial up... shoot me now! The trip yesterday went well, Seth behaved the whole way, and was SO EXCITED to see that my parents have 2 (TWO!) dogs to play with and climb on. BTW, I am in the beautiful Eastern Shore, MD.

However last night, this "new place" (well, b/c he can't remember Thanksgiving) it really sunk in, and he was so scared to take a bath in a different tub. I guess it didn't help that the poor bubba had about 5 onlookers watching him, LOL!

Travelling has really messed him up... he was up 2 hours early (grooooan) this morning, and finally just went down for a nap (its 5 pm!).

Tomorrow we head 6 more hours to Durham, NC, to spend a few days with my beloved grandparents. Then back here on Thurs for my dad's Bday.

Just a quick note~ its about my Charming kit. Seems I have inadvertantly left out the number 2. I am so sorry if you have already purchased it~ I am also sorry to say tat I can't fix it till at least next week, when I go home. I will get it fixed and restored, ASAP.

I really miss you all! Hugs for everyone! Mom's calling me to go to Walmart with her, so I guess I better!

Dumplings Anyone?

Husbands, well really, MEN for that matter are funny creatures! If asked, Nate will kill any bug for me. He'll change the grossest diaper, clean up dog vomit, change the oil in a car, and even the occasional load of laundry. As soon I ask him to clip Seth's nails, you'd think I asked him to eat poop or something, LOL! His face cringes, and he just will not do it. Isn't that funny? He'll handle Poison Dart Frogs, but not touch our son's toe nails. What's ironic is that he will cut our dog's nails. Men!

Yesterday Nate had a meeting all day in Pittsburgh, so as a treat he brought hom take out from our favorite restaurant PF Chang's. (I have a link for you to click on to the right, under My Faves) It is DELISH chinese bistro. Before we had a baby, we literally ate there every 3 weeks, I can't get enough of it. We had Chang's Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Spring Rolls. We also tried something new, the Peking Dumplings... wow, just burst of beautiful flavor on my tongue~ they are pretty much Pot Stickers, and SO freakin' Yumm!

We watched Just Friends on DVD last night, with Ryan Renolds and Amy Smart, and it was so funny. I actually LOL many times~ I completely reccomend it! Tonight we are going to watch Walk The Line.

And, Lastly... the last pic of this week's series. How darling is this expression? Its just to die for!


Some recent LO's~

Journaling Reads: Before I had you, I lived carefree and very selfishly. Then one day... you were here, and my life changed forever. Your softness, your sweetness, the tenderness of your pat... how could I not love you forever? How could I not respond to your call or your cry? Now I live... before you it was surviving, now its living. Whether you are woofing at me, or asking me where the ball is, my day isn’t complete without us, being just that... US. You are my buddy, you are my son, most of all, you are my heart.

Scraplift of Kim's In My Daughter's Eye's LO, seen HERE

Credits: Mostly from Carrie Stephens Sunset Skies kit, lots of other elements from her other kits, Holly McCaig's number 3, and knotted bow. Sara Carling's Craft Paper. My letter B.

And here is a LO featuring on of my fave pics of Seth, and my new kit Charming, at The Digi Chick. Click HERE to get it.

Charming Kit by Andrea Burns at The Digi Chick

While you are there, be sure to check out the new DeZine. Fun stuff inside! (free kit anyone?)

Ciao Bella's...

Number 5~ Nate and I really like this one. Don't know specifically why, but I think its just darling! This was before the Ball throwing, and the smiles. See Jen~ I told you, it gets harder. AT least you can resort to Ella looking at the camera, LOL!


OK. Last night, I debated even posting this. But, I know that some of you faithful readers are God-fearing and God-loving, and I wanted to share it. Its so funny, how when something is so heavy on your heart, that its God's way of preparing you. Last night "The Lady" came to talk to me.

To make a long story short~she asked to talk with me in Nate's office, asked me to be honest with her.

I told her I didn't appreciate being embarassed the way I was, and the fact that I received 2 diff stories from her and her daughter. She had the gall to say that after the whole ordeal she was "over it" and to her suprise I wasn't... (Well DUH! You think you can yell at me in front of people, and it'll be OK?)

I told her that she didn't realize that I was under alot of stress that week, and that her girls told me they would be there, and 6 other people waited on them... and b/c I was in charge, when it didn't go well, it made ME look bad. I told her I was angry at the whole situation.I apologized for a few things, like my bad attitude and avoiding her... but in hind sight, she never uttered the words "I'm sorry" herself. She only said that she "shouldn't have handled it the way she did"

And that makes me sad. And tired. At the very end she asked if I could forget it, and I said "yes I could"

so I guess thats it.

Isn't that funny? That this whole week, this has consumed me... and now, for the most part it is taken care of. God does good things.

You know the new Digi Scrap Blog Site? Click on the flowered blinky under the "blogs I read" list, and you'll see it if you don't. If you love me here, leave me some love there!

On that note~ here is a warning!

I am leaving Sat morning for about a week~ making a huge 2000 mile trip by myself with Seth. Off to visit my parents, then to my Grandparents, and back. My parents have suicidal Dial Up, and my grandparents don't even know what a computer is~ So, you may not see me at all! What will I do?!?! No internet, nor PS? Anyways, Miss me a little ;) I will do my best to write some entries while away, but it may be middle of the night type stuff.

Preview Tuesday...

Here is numero quatro in this week's pic series! Little stinker wouldn't cooperate the first many shots, but as soon as Daddy started tossing a ball up and down, he let loose the smiles. I love his little lopsided hat, and that expression just squeezes my heart! How are there monsters in the world hurting small children like this? I just don't get it.


And now for the preview... Coming Thursday night to The Digi Chick~ Charming.

I think its great for little boys, but there is also such great potential for feminine LO's too! And while you are at The Digi Chick, come on by the forums and hang out a bit! We want to make TDC a happening place for you all to hang out, so come on by!!

Tell you what~ I want to hear from YOU! If you own a kit of mine, I would love to hear some feedback. What do you like? What don't you like? What do you want to see? I truly desire to be a great designer, well respected, and you could really help me out. Go ahead and drop me an email to andreaburnsct@hotmail.com. Now, haha! If you are reading this and am thinking of sending me junk~ don't bother, thats not my personal email, I'll only be checking it over the next couple days to read about your idea and CC. I know that I am getting better with each new kit, but am very open to your ideas.

Awesome news!!! We are getting a dishwasher! Its about time! We have this ancent one... and I mean ancient, it rolls and you have to hook it up to the sink! It broke a year ago, by releasing an ungodly amount of water all over my floor that dripped into my basement. Anyways, since then we have been doing things the old fashioned way. Not anymore! Tomorrow we go to look at new ones. You now... the new fangled ones that will get installed into the cabinet area! LOL! Can you tell I'm stoked?!

My Heart is Blessed...

Well my goodness, all! I guess being so honest was a great thing, as I never had so many compliments! Every single comment warmed my heart and helped strengthen my soul. It so comforting (yet also disheartening) to know that there are women out there in similar situations. Thanks so much for your encouragement... I truly appreciate it!

The coffee date went....well! Nothing was ever mentioned or brought up... which to me says that she truly asked me to coffee to just hang out for hanging out's sake! At one point in my mind I was thiking "if your going to do it, do itnow and get it over with" but it never came up.

See... what happened is, some students of mine told me they would be somewhere for me at a certain time. So some other students and I waited, and waited, and waited and they showed up finally, over an hour late. It caused us to comepletely mess our program up, and I was already stressed. My attitude may not have been right, and I do admit to being a bit sarcastic. After the fiasco program in church that night, their mother stopped me at the end of the pews, and demanded I apologize to her kids.

While everyone filed out around us.

Not only was I humiliated, but I know I was lied to by someone, as I recieved 2 different stories. You know what? Be mad at me, maybe I was wrong... but Do Not Yell At Me in front of other people. So I've been avoiding her. She has never apologized, even after I sucked it up and apologized to her kids.

Its made me angry, and its made me bitter. Some of you suggested trying to become closer friends with other pastor's wives... but thats very hard. I'm already not your convential PW. This is a very traditional area, and lets just say I am much younger and dress much younger than some of the other PW's. And it is so sad to say, but I can spot the "fakeness" in some of them. The obligatory laugh, the nod of the head while you talk, you know?

Nate and I have considered moving. But we don't fell led to. God still has work for us to do here. So we stay, for the time being.

Number 3 of this week's series... doesn't he look like a little model in this one? The turkey! The same day I caught these of Seth... I noticed the first Crocus peeking through, Spring is trying to appear! Come on Spring! Of course... Its a blizzard right now, and the poor crocus is probably dying.

You all have a Perfect Day! Thanks for stopping by and listen to me ramble!

Today's Thoughts...

Ever have one of those days, where there is lots to talk about, and not sure where to begin? I think that is today for me...

The temp has slipped to 60 degrees, and we are forecasted to catch all of the midwest's bad weather, get snow, and hit highs of 30 degrees by this weekend. I HATE living up here. Winter till April is sooo not cool. The grocery stores stink too. I got so used to 1 grocery store having everything I need... and since we have moved here Everything is split between 2 stores, and it drives me nutty.

We finally hit the WH this morning, and it was yumm! I crave their ham & cheese omelettes with ketchup smothered hashbrowns every now and then. As a Youth Pastor, Nate has Monday's off, so we slept in, well really till Seth was screaming so loudly Nate had to get him, then we headed on over.

I took some awesome pics yesterday of Seth out in front of the house, so I think I'll post a pic a day from the shoot this week.... you saw the first in yesterday's post, here is #2~

be sure to come back and visit this week so you can see the rest! (Nikon D70s, 50mm, ISO 500, F:1.8, 1/4000.)

Nate and I are feeling discouraged with ministering lately. Sometimes it is so silly. Nate preached last Sunday night, and one of the Elder's got complained to b/c his shirt was untucked. To me, that really shows where their heart is. That they are so distracted by an untucked shirt, that they can't listen to a message about God's love and providence. My situation with the woman is still very strained. I am actually meeting with a mutual friend this afternoon, b/c she invited me to coffee. I am nervous that it's really a plot to get me talking about this situation.

Both Nate and I are fairly lonely. But being a ministerial family, thats what normally happens. We moved to a strange city, so of course packs of friends and families have already been formed. I have tried hard to reach out, like last summer when I tried to start a Mommy & Me playtime at the local park. No one ever came. Seth & I don't get invited to other kid's Bday parties... I am not sure if its b/c we are The Pastor & Pastor's wife, and should be held at arm's length or what. Its just getting lonely and frustrating.

I think thats why I THRIVE on the Digi Scrap boards, b/c I am accepted completely there, and people actually talk to me. Don't get me wrong, this is a great church, and they take care of us, but there are some things lacking. So when yesterday when the lady invited me to coffee, I JUMPED on the chance... only later did I realize what it might be.

So anyways. This blog entry was very personal! LOL~ not sure yet if being so open, so publically is a good thing. Guess I'll find out.

A Good thing...

Its 70 degrees today, and Nate just put steaks on the grill. Its a good day!

(And Happiness! Karen had a baby girl! Helloooo darling!)

I Won!

Can you believe it?!? I got first place in the Chili Cookoff! Fabulous! I had a great time, I spent most of it showing off my scrapbooks. There is a lovely woman named Ruthie, who is an avid paper-scrapper, and she was very open to what I was showing her. She complimented my scraps and asked if I could teach her a few things! YAY! I told her about how there are some paper scrappers who hate digi scrappers, and she was like, "why?" Its all about preserving the memories and making our photos talk!

I forgot to mention earlier, but Nate and I are finally the proud owner of our VW Jetta! We finally paid that last stinkin' payment, and we got the deed in the mail this past week! How exciting! And a small burden has been lifted from our shoulders a bit. Havn't gotten to Waffle House yet... Monday morn (Nate promises!)

WDYT of the new header? I love it!

Gettin' Chili In Here...

Thanks somuch for leaving me some comments yesterday! Sometimes my insecurity gets to me and tells me that no one reads or enjoys my blog. Which is based on nothing! Thanks for your kind words and de-lurking, LOL! I hope I didn't come across as snarky yesterday when I wrote that, I looked back, and realized that it might have sounded worse than I intended! So THANKS again!

I am waiting patiently... one of my good friends is currently in labor with her second child, and I can't wait to hear whether its a girl or boy...

Update on the twins~ they are still doing fantastically! They are slowly gaining weight, 1 of them is over 3.5 lbs, the other right under. Their alarms are also sounding less frequently. The most awesome news I heard this week, is that Kim was finally able to nurse one! She has been so diligent in pumping, and her reward is now starting to pay off! I have seen pictures, and these girls are so beautiful!

Not much is happening here today or tonight. I do have to run out later and get everything I need to make my Crockpot Chili. My church is having a Chili Cookoff tomorrow, and I have entered. I do make a mean chili... and the funny thing is, is that it is so frighteningly easy! Here is the recipe, if you are interested~


Crockpot Chili

1 lg diced green pepper
1 lg diced onion
1 lg can tomato juice
1 can tomato paste
1 lg can kidney beans (I usually use 2 reg. sized cans)
1- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
5 TBS chili powder (or to taste)

Brown beef with salt and pepper and a dash of chili powder. Mix all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low till heated through, or about 2 hours. Add beans 1 hour before serving. Serve with grated cheese on top.


I have been craving (CRAVING) some Boston Market and some Waffle House! Hopefully I can talk Nate into taking me into one or the other this weekend. He'll probably go for the Waffle House, we both adore Breakfast out. And they do make the best Ham & Cheese Omelettes and hashbrowns.

I think I will leave you with this LO of Seth~ what a joy he is, how beautiful he is!

An April Day kit, by me, at The Digi Chick

Life is a Beach...

I am so flippin' excited! Nate and I have made vaction plans! And it doesn't involve us staying with one of our families! Its about time we, as our own little famly unit, took a vacation! We came across a great hotel coupon, so we made plans to go to the Outer Banks for 3 nights and 4 days in early Sept. Its a bonus that it is right after busy season, so rates are already down, and top it with the coupon, and we are so there! We LOVE the Outer Banks! Both our familes went there when we were kids and teens, respectively. We took our honeymoon there, so its just perfect for us! Its a wonderful Family Beach. Seth is going to love it! If you'd like to see more, there is a link to click under "Some of My Faves" to the right.

Browsing though the Digi Chick yesterday, I noticed someone used a kit of mine for an altered project! How fun is that? It is using my An April Day kit.



Altered CD Case by Elise

The other day I had given out some links to some very funny blogs, and I forgot to mention this hilarious blog, Freaks of Nature This guy's humor makes me giggle!

I am busy working on something new, hopefully it will be up in the Boutique next week.

Hey~ do me a favor, if you're reading let me know, OK?

Truly Genetic~

Nate and I got our Blood Doner Cards in the mail yesterday. Upon opening, Nate sees his O positive blood, and notices my O negative blood.

"See? Oposites really do attract!"

There you go. Genetic proof.

Playtime...

I was originally trying to take pics of Seth pointing to his belly button (a new milestone in this house). But he was more interested in playing, so I went with the moment. I adore how these turned out, they are the essence of my child. In the last one, he is LOL b/c my foot was on the front of the trike pushing him back. I am proud b/c I was able to cognitively control the settings... I knew to overexpose some, I was able to get these angles SOOC, I boosted my ISO to capture them quick! These images really remind me of Tara Whitney's style, but I wasn't consciously trying for that. TFL!

Nikon D70s, 50mm, F:2, ISO 500, 1/125

... and my favorite...

and please tell me when my baby went and got all growed up on me?

I have been needing some new jeans. Isn't it funny, that as women we own multiple pairs of denim... yet we only wear the same 2 or 3 pairs we love over and over? That's me anyways. Last fall I purchased some Gap Curvy jeans. Wow. Someone finally got the smarts to make some jeans that curve around the hips, and wait get this, smaller in the waist. Shock! I mean.. isn't that how most women are made? At least this cubanita is! Ok, off that tengent, I love those jeans! They are dark, with a crease down the front, so they make me look slimmer and taller, and b/c of the waist, I am not gaping in the back, nor hitching them up every few steps. (I hate belts b/c they make shirts pooch out in front... so not flattering.)

Anyways! I just ordered this pair of Gap curvy from gap.com They are a lighter color, and have just a tad distressing, which I love! I ordered them in an 8. The only thing is... I am not currently an 8, I am more of a fluffy 10, b/c of winter, and well, ice cream and chocolate! LOL! Don't worry though, or shake your head, b/c what you might not know about me yet, is that I am a runner. Its just too cold up here in Amish Country PA in the winter time to get outside. So in the next week I'll be back running 3 or 4 miles a day, 3 or 4 times a week. I'll be in those jeans, comfortably ('cuz you know I can still get in them tightly, now, LOL). I have also picked up some iof those Special K cereal bars, along with some Light Yoghert for my lunches.

Remember how I couldn't find dressy stuff for Seth? Well, I also picked up this sweater for him for next winter. I'tt be so cute with a white button down and some khaki's.

Lots o' LO's

LOL~ say that 3 times fast!

Both LO's above are Pretty Posies paper pack, Spring Blossoms, & AlphaBella V2, ALL by me at The Digi Chick.

Muddpuddles kit by me at A Cherry On Top.

I also finally got around to starting and finishing my Starbuck's Tumblers. I am pretty excited for them~ I am positive that my family is going to adore them. I plan on putting a "Coupon" inside with a "Turn this in for a new insert" type deal... I can't wait to see their faces!

Amy Tanabe's Sanibel Blues at ACOT

(Actually, I started "scrapping" his very masculine like... but he turned his nose up to it, and was like "I didn't want a "scrapped" one"... to which I snottily answered... "but thats what I do.") YEP! Our own pics of Our own Poison Dart Frogs! Microsoft Sans Serif font

Jen Wilson's Morning Breeze

Katie Pertiet's Rag Doll kit & flowers at Designer Digitals

Jen Wilson's Linen Closet

I am thrilled (and rather embarassed) that I just made a big order to Scrapbookpictures.com. I have 50 LO's coming! Finally! No more "wanna see my latest? Well, come up to my computer..." LOL! This is my 2nd order... my last being in early Sept, b/c I wanted Seth's Album for his 1st Bday party.... for shame, I know.

Fun Stuff

Ok, the number I picked was #5, so that was Julie Jewels! I just emailed you, so if you don't get it, get back to me with what alpha pack you'd like along with the Spring Blossoms.

I had a terrible photo shoot with Seth this morning. It was bad. I'm not even posting any pictures. I want to repress it.

I have come across some HYSTERICAL blogs across the web, and want to share with you, that way you can bookmark them, and ROFLOL along with me.

Go Fug Yourself

The Superficial

And of course~ Always a "refresh"ment~ you should prolly click HERE for link #11.

Hi Jodi! (waving wildly)

LOL~ Can I call you Jodi?

I am dying over here! My dear friend Katie actually knows Jodi Picoult, ya know... one of my fave authors Ev-ah! So Katie leaves me a message that she has passed my blog address to Ms Jodi herself... and OMGollyGosh! Jodi P read my blog! What a trip! I am doing the dorky dance over here! I am quite the nerd... but what an honor! So then to my horror... I look back at my post, and (huge grooooaan here) I had so many mispellings in that post! (blush) I can't believe that the one time I have an award winning author visit my blog, and I am writing like a second grader.

We are having lots of fun over at The Digi Chick! Come on by if you get a chance! HUGE 50% off EVERYTHING sale all day tomorrow (Sat, March 4). You know you want to support someone... maybe buy some more shoes for Little Man Sethro, LOL! (shameless... so sorry)

I sat my behind down the last couple days, and worked hard for something NEW at A Cherry On Top.

You can get it HERE. Mudpuddles is the perfect kit for a rainy, muddy day! Browns, yellows, greens, and greys combine in this kit to create the perfect layout of your little guy or gal playing in some puddles. This is also a great kit for masculine layouts and/or cards. Included in Mudpuddles is 8 textured papers, 3 crumpled tags, 3 twills, 3 rainy day word art, 3 decorative glass circles, and of course, some water drops. Also included is a full chipped paint alpha, number, and symbol set.

Also~ New at The Digi Chick are all of the previews below.... plus this new Spring Blossoms flower pack.

You know what? Lets have a quick contest! I have written down a number, and whatever comment post that is will be the winner of Spring Blossoms & Alpha of their choice! Good Luck!

ReOpen Celebration

I have really been enjoying rading Vanishing Act by Jodi Picoult! I find myslef engulfed by her story and drawn to the charcters. I am never disappointed by Mrs Picoult! She has a way of writing... her stories are so heartfelt and unordinary, but her words are so beautiful, the imagery written, an art unto itself. I find myself dog-earing pages just for quotes to use later... like:

"I can't imagine anything more terrifying than losing Sophie. When you are pregnant, you can think of nothing but having your own body back again: yet after giving birth you realize that the biggest part of you is now somehow external, subject to all sorts of dangers and disappearance, so you spend the rest of your life trying how to keep her close enough for comfort. Thats the stranges thing about being a mother: Until you have a baby, you don't realize how much you were missing one." (pg 7)

This story is incredible! The main character is a Search & Rescue woman, with hound dogs that helps find Missing Persons. Turns out that she herself was abducted as a young child. Jodi Picoult always writes such complex stories, Like in Plain Truth, where they find a murdered baby on an Amish Farm, or in Saving Grace, a young Jewish child who talks to God, or The Pact, a murder/suicide gone wrong, or one of my faves, Salem Falls, a man finally gets out of jail, just to be wrongly accused of the same crime Again! Her titles often have double meanings. If you want a fabulous read, check her out!

Here are a couple more pics of Melissa & I from the other day~

See Seth being a stinker, LOL! Poor kid has outgrown his shoes, so last night we ran to the mall looking for some. Two pairs, tennis shoes & brown leather ones. Can you believe that we couldn't find a single pair anywhere in the entire mall? Again I was so frustrated that there was hardly any boy stuff. We ended up finding both pairs at Target, for a total of $25. Not bad! But still! They were both in a teeny tiny section on a bottom shelf in the only boy isle, where the girls' had isles and isles. Urgg!

Oh yeah!! The Digi Chick is now open with its fabulous Makeover! Go See It!! It looks so great! With the help of the lovely Robin Laura's vision has come to fruition.