Unleashing the Artist Within....

My lil' Picasso... got so excited to paint his own little cars!




Speaking of art...

{yeah, I know... a little belated in creating... LOL!}

Credits HERE.

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And.... how about unleashing your child's very own MONSTER?

You will love this site, you (or your kids... of course!) can design your own monster! They are super cute and super affordable!

Curly Q Cuties

gross....

While in the check out line of our Grocery Store yesterday...

Seth: "mmm Mama, this gum is good."

Me: "what gum? I didn't give you gum? Where did you get that?" I'm thinking he opened a pack in the check out line and took it.

Seth: "right here!" and points to the underside of the cart bumper.

oh. gag.

I think I even saw the check out girl pale and then shudder.

****************

For credits, see HERE.

Journaling reads: My monkeys, creating laughter, making music, living art.

My Heart...

I am really blessed that my boys are great sleepers. We all sleep in till about 8:30 am. Well I've done something new the past 2 mornings. I've actually crawled out of bed when Nate's gotten up at 7:15, and then I've gone and ran my 3 miles. This is a stretch for me to get up and go, but its much cooler and its really opened up my day.

Tonight is our county's fair. I'm SO excited to take the boys. Hopefully we can all get on the Farris Wheel together.


First scrap in a long time! Felt good!

Journaling reads: Sometimes my heart does pitter patters when I look at you. I literally feel it break when I realize again how handsome you both are. My breath catches in my throat and then I rejoice in knowing you are all mine!

Credits: See HERE

As for questions from yesterday~ I just grab whatever album I like at Target, LOL! They are the 3 up albums, and they are primarily just our family snapshots. I store the albums in my China Cabinet. I used Snapfish to upload, host, and print the pictures. I feel that this is a GREAT idea, because Lord Forbid, if there is ever a fire or flood, I know I have my photos backed up online.

Goodies....

Credits: Love, Seth, Wild Rumpus, and Crayon Alpha by Andrea Burns at TDC. Meredith Fenwick Stand Up flourish, Kate Hadfield star, Natalie Braxton alpha, Kelly Mize Epoxy Alpha.

Journaling reads: What a messy face, you crayon eater, you! I can't seem to keep you away from those thankfully non-toxic delights. You just look at me with those big eyes as if to say "More please!"

****************

To my fellow sisters in Christ~

I wanted to share that recently I came across a neat Christian magazine geared towards real life women/ moms, and wanted to share it with ya'll too.

P31 Magazine

From the website:

What is the P31 Woman? The P31 Woman magazine is a full-color, 16-page monthly publication packed with information and inspiration. The articles challenge and inspire women on a wide range of topics, including spiritual growth, marriage, quiet times, organizing the home, parenting, managing busy schedules, developing friendships, prayer and mentoring. The magazine's biblically-sound content provides readers with a Godly perspective on the issues facing today's busy women.

It is shorter, but I find that the content is wonderful.... Sorry of this sounds like a commercial, LOL! But I just ordered a subscription, and I thought I'd pass the link in case any of ya'll wanted to help support their ministry.

Enjoy, and have a great day!

A Review....

Bet you didn't know it was still Christmas time.... LOL!

First Christmas

Credits HERE

Lucas

Credits HERE

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I did something yesterday that I hadn't done in a year. I saw a movie in the theater! I'm not even sure the last movie counts since it was Ratatouille, LOL! I saw The Other Boleyn Girl. I read the book, I loved the book. Did I like the movie? Not so much. I'm not sure the people who wrote the script of the movie actually read the book, since they strayed so far from it. I also feel that the movie rushed through too many things and left out vital details. What I really can't understand is how the movie's ending and the book's ending (the reason of Anne's imprisonment) were complete opposites.

Lucas' birthday party is this coming weekend. I am so sad about that! But I have some planning to do, like some food stuff. I thought about getting an Edible Arrangement but $75 for some pineapple on a stick didn't sit well with me, LOL!

Scraps Galore....

Just trying to get caught up! ;)



About time I made this LO.... lil' guy is already 11 mos old, LOL! On real portraits I would have fixed any blemishes.... but not here. I purposely left Lucas the way he came into this world. Credits HERE.



This was a gift Quick page from my dear friend Darla when Lucas was born.... so honestly, I have no idea what the credits are. Except for the bead, I know those are Kim Giarrusso's, and of course my Black and White photo action, LOL!

Just a picture to freeze that moment in time... ahhhh.... Credits HERE.

**As seen in Digital Artist Magazine, 9.07**

A simple yet effective LO, LOL! Credits HERE.

Hallelujah!

I can't believe that I forgot to share this tidbit of news with ya'll yesterday!

I wore honest-to-goodness HEELS to church on Sunday! WOOHOO! First time in four long months. I was getting really tired of tennis shoes and flats, LOL! Now my wardrobe has opened back to up to lots of potential! And, if anything, I do think it will help mt feet some. My toes are still really stiff on that foot and they don't move (or have the same range of movement) as my left foot's toes. I think by being up on heels, its helping to stretch the toes and will get them more limber. That's my theory anyways, LOL!

Adoration

See Credits HERE.

Journaling reads: Adoration is what we feel for each other. I adore you, you adore me. I love the way your face lights up when you see me. We just can't get enough of one another.

Like I mentioned yesterday Nate and I were out at the mall on Saturday (Rainforest Cafe.) Well, I came across the cutest dress at Delia*s! Perfect for Easter or a casual Summer day! I got the light grey cardigan to go with it. LOVE these colors, I honestly don't think these pictures do it justice.

Dress :::::: Cardigan

Well, have to dash! Today is our Olan Mills family portrait for our church's new directory, so I must go get the kiddos ready. OK, I admit... me ready. HA!

2007 Christmas Card

There is nothing like doing things at the last minute! Knowing that I was leaving town for the weekend, I realized that if we didn't get a tree up *like now* it would be mid- December before we got to it.

So last night we trekked out to Gaver Tree Farm to look for our Christmas tree. It was so cold and windy... we literally cut down the first decent sized one we came upon, LOL! And wouldn't you know it... our new living room is too small! Our couches are crammed right on top of each other, and Nate was chopping limbs off the back of the tree so they wouldn't touch the curtains. Hey~ I guess it will make for a cozy Christmas!

So, the REAL reason I needed our tree up, was so that I could get our Christmas picture taken and our card made. I needed to get my order in, so that I could actually get them sent out before the New Year! :c)

This morning we had a very quick and impromptu photo shoot, with Seth and Lucas in their matching Red Envelope Long Johns.

And behold... the *only* decent shot of them both. Seth isn't picking his nose, and Lucas... well... I cloned out his "worry lines" so he doesn't look quite so distressed.



And here is what I did with the card... I used a bunch of Michelle Coleman stuff and my own ribbon. I ordered them through Winkflash, b/c I like their folded cards, with the message on the inside.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cozy & Call To Act

Here is Cozy.... my first new item since the move and in over a month!

Get It Here

"Cozy" is just what I want to be when the leaves turn beautiful colors and the air is crisp. Cozy the kit is full of those warm autumn colors perfect for an autumn or back to school layout, or even Thanksgiving cards.

Included in Cozy are 8 artistic papers, 5 felty stitched leaves, 3 buttons, 3 tags, 2 frames, 2 ribbons, 2 flowers, 1 ribbon photo wrap, 1 swirl, and 1 string of beads. Enjoy!

** and as always! 20% Off today!

Here is a quick LO of the boys I did yesterday with Cozy~

And... wow... have you seen this yet? Call To Act at The Digi Chick.

Can you believe its free?

Call To Act is a kit created by your favorite designers from all over the community with a common desire to make a change. This kit is being given as a free gift to all scrapbookers that can show that they are taking action to help in their communities. This could be donating canned goods for needful families for Thanksgiving, clothes for those affected by the fires if you live in California, or volunteering your time at evacuation shelters, even being apart of a donation effort put together by your church or child's school for the holidays. Sometimes contributing monetarily isn’t always feasible. This kit is to encourage you to step up and step out into your community. As they say, give and you shall receive.


· Upload your receipt, or photo (blur out sensitive information of course) packing boxes, or participating in school donation events or such.


· Describe what you did to contribute in the credits area


· TDC Administrators will PM participants with a code to check out with the kit for free.


· Layouts must be uploaded to The Digichick gallery linked HERE to be eligible.

**************

I participated!

Here in Montgomery County there is a place called Stepping Stone Shelter for the homeless. They take up to 6 families for 3 months, and help teach work skills to the parents. They also try to help find work and suitable living places for them once their term is over.

I belong to a Mom's Group Bible Study at my church and very recently we donated items for their "Oct Wish List." Stuff like new socks, coffee, underwear.... stuff most of us take for granted even if we are tight for money.

We felt really convicted about the Holidays and wanted to contribute again, and they offered us the parents for Christmas. Everyone always wants to do the kids, so we felt great about pampering the parents a bit that day too.

My contribution was nail polish for the 6 mothers there. I wanted to give them something personal and JUST for them.... and a bit upscale too.

See the pic of nail polish HERE.

Halloween....

Yep, the title says it all! I am planning ahead, LOL! Old Navy put out the CUTEST costumes, and I went ahead and ordered costumes for the boys.

Seth has already been practicing his "Arrrgg!" because he is going to be a Pirate! How adorable is this? And for only $24! (Pottery Barn has one for $100! Holy!)



Lucas is going to be a sweet dragon..... I'm really hoping he is sitting up by Halloween, b/c how cute will the pictures be?

I've even got Nate into the spirit a little bit. I've talked him into dressing up with me (all of us!) this year. I think I want us to go as Dorothy and the Scarecrow. (we can use the costumes again next year and dress the boys as Lion and Tin Man. HOW CUTE!)

Packing is going well! yesterday we got most of the attic done (could I HAVE any more books?) and we packed up everything in the kitchen that we won't need for the next 2 weeks. Two weeks from today we load up the truck!

I just spent an hour changing the address of our magazine subscriptions.

And yet I still had time to create this..... The day Lucas came home, Seth was all smiles in his Big Bro Tee!

Credits: Andrea Burns color pop Photo Action and All That Glitters vol.2, Gina Cabrera Summertime Fun BG paper and alpha, ScrapArtist Dude papers, Michelle Coleman Frame and acrylic heart, Emily Merritt Word Topper, and Kellie Mize Epoxy Alpha.

So Much....

So much to talk about! I haven't really even had a chance to sit down and write anything out! I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to be insane.

First... house hunting. Well, we saw about 15 places in a 24 hour time period. They started blending together at one point. We became just overwhelmed with our options and choices. See.... the church itself is trying to sell its Parsonage. So we have decided to just move into that temporarily, just to get to know the area and take our time. We can't afford what the parsonage is going for, so that's not an option. But now we have peace of mind that our stuff has an address to get dropped off, LOL!

Second~ My birthday was Thursday. I'm a ripe 26... err... plus 2, LOL! Thursday was "OK." It was kind of a normal day, what with Nate having to work, and me finishing up some designs. You know you really like your job when you can work on your birthday and not mind!

I got a really pretty cushion cut garnet ring and 2 books I've had on my list forever. The Art of People Photography by Bambi Cantrell and Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Bambi's photography book is just stunning! I haven't had a chance to sit and read in depth, but her work inside is stunning and inspiring. I already have an idea for a new Burns' family portrait at the beach in a few weeks.

Third~ we started packing on Saturday. All of my walls are bare. My living and dining room are 80% packed. We literally have 2 weeks from Tuesday till we move. Deep breath Andrea, it will get done. I really abhor packing, this is torture to me. My mother in law is coming over tomorrow to help pack. I'm giving her the kitchen.

Believe it or not... but since people have heard that we've moved, my photography business has boomed! I've had 2 shoots in the past 4 days, and 2 more scheduled this week. I really rocked a male senior shoot... he looks like a rock star!

And that's about it! Here is a new layout from me.... Yummy.

Credits: Andrea Burns B&W photo action and Sticker Alpha, ScrapArtist Dude papers and painted stars, Lisa Whitney's Chalked Full of Fun's dotted border and swirl, Sausan Designs' Lil Jake's twine, Chere Kaye's Sequin Posie, Shabby Princess French Countryside alpha, Vera Lim Messy Glitters. Font, Susie's Hand.

Journaling reads: So delicious and delectable, I just want to inhale you.

Thanks for looking, and thanks for stopping by! :c)

New On This Thursday.....

Have ya'll heard about the earthquake that happened in Lima, Peru last night? I hadn't told you all this... but my middle sister Alicia is there right now! My parents just called to say that she was able to call them and tell them that she and her husband are fine, and are trying to get a flight out.

My dad was a missionary when I was a little girl, and we lived near Pucallpa, Peru for the first 5 years of my life. We moved back to the states when I started Kindergarten. Well, my sister Alicia was born there. She and her husband were just there for 10 days on a short term missions trip through their church. When we lived there 23 years ago, my dad built a little brick house. Apparently Alicia and her husband were able to follow my dad's rough map, and find the house! Isn't that cool!?!

Anyhoo, today was the day their team was scheduled to come home, but now we aren't sure what this earthquake means, if they'll be delayed or not.

****************

Thank you for all of your words of encouragement yesterday. I really appreciate it. Ya'll are very right. We will make new memories in our new home. And its not like we'll never come back here. It is on the way when we want to come visit Nate's family.

Last night was a little sad. At the end of Nate's lesson he told the kids that were there, and there was an awkward silence. One kid asked where we were going, and another asked why. We just said we were following the Lord's Will, and we had to go where He led us.

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There is some neat new stuff at The Digi Chick this week! And imagine... I have a couple things... LOL! ;)

This is the second volume to All That Glitters, expanded and improved! This pack is the perfect pack to add some sparkle and interest to your pages. use a little, use a lot, either way these are perfect!

Included in All That Glitters are 13 glitter splats and 8 glitter strokes. Not all are shown in the preview.

Get All That Glitters HERE

What a messy brush pack! Use these as brushes to layer paint like splats on your page, or use them in overlay mode to simulate water splats on your layout. Either way it adds a fun effect.

Included in Splat are 10 splat brushes in .png form. Not all are shown in the preview.

Get Splat Here

Guess What??? It's Homeroom Time!

That's right - the TDC designers have come up with a kit that just will knock your socks off or at least inspire you to create some really rockin' school layouts! This HUGE kit is on sale for a limited time - so make sure you go to the store and check it out now!

• 75 different elements from ribbons to paper clips to metal hardware and more! There are so many elements that not all of them would fit on the preview!**
• a set of 8 different school wordart elements
• 2 brushes
• a special exclusive font designed by Darcy Baldwin called "Chalk It Up"
• 48 different fun papers for you to create thousands of layouts with! **(note: the letters A, B & C are elements, not a full alpha)

Get Homeroom HERE

Here is my layout I created using the kit. You don't have to solely use it for school pages!

Other credits: Beads and beaded stars from my Wild Rumpus kit. Darcy Baldwin's Crimped Alpha, and Jacque Larson's Fun Frames.

How cool is that wrapped ribbon?!?! Emily Merritt just put out a whole element pack of them in addition to the few in the Homeroom kit. Check them out!

Playtime...

Layout numero dos this week.....

When We Play

Journaling reads: When we play.... we laugh. When we play... we love.

Credits: Stinkertoots kit, Jumbo Buttons, Glitter Star Explosion, Vintage Photo Frames, and Color and B&W Photo Action, all by me at The Digi Chick. Pinned Ribbon by Natalie Braxton, Susie's Hand Font.

I'm trying to think of something to write about... but today I have nothing. I'm too consumed by our big news, and I can't share that till tomorrow.

Five Months Young....

Take a look at the young man at my house who turned a whopping 5 months young yesterday. He's sitting tall, isn't he?

OK, I'll be honest, LOL! He flopped right on over after this photo. Isn't he looking older? And doesn't he look older than all of his 5 months? Lets compare..... below is his 1 month picture with Pooh......

Four months really makes a difference, huh? I can hardly believe that in a month's time he'll be celebrating his half birthday!

Yesterday was also another big day for Lucas. We gave him his first haircut. I'm not sure it even counts as a haircut though....

Before

After

Hardly anything was taken off. It was just the really random long pieces that we trimmed. What really makes it look different is that we trimmed back the luscious locks he had going over each ear. They were long! I think he looks a lot older, and now we can let it grow. Isn't he cute?

Remember when I was complaining about all of my mojo being gone? This past weekend I was able to scrap 3, that's right, count 'em, THREE layouts. I'll spread them out over the next 3 days, but here is the first one. I wanted this to be like a Welcome Home card from Seth to Lucas....

Those pictures really tug on my heart!

Journaling reads: Welcome home little brother. I will take care of you, love you and I will read to you.

For credits (and comments) please LOOK HERE. Thanks! :c)

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I have some news. Huge news. GINORMOUS news. Life-changing news.

I'll share it later this week though.

;)

Worried on This Wednesday....

I did it! I got a page done! Woot! Here is "L"~

For credits see L HERE.

What a charmer I have! How could anyone resist that face?

***************

So..... tomorrow I won't be around. It's Lucas' consultation with the Pediatric U.r.o.l.o.g.i.s.t. We are driving over an hour to take him to the specialist in Pittsburgh. My stomach is churning thinking about it. My poor baby. Better to get it done now than later, right? When he can't remember it, right?

As a quick recap.... I noticed very soon after Lucas' birth that his u.r.e.t.h.r.a opening looked like a small hole, very different from Seth's. I asked the Dr about it, and he said that it could cause discomfort and minor problems for him later in life. It is very possible that Lucas will have surgery to widen the opening.

You know how when you are pregnant with your first child, you do EVERYTHING by the book? Seth's pregnancy was textbook. I took prescription prenatal vitamins, didn't drink any caffeine.... etc. etc. With Lucas I was more relaxed.... I took over the counter prenatals, drank caffeine (albeit half-caff), I even wore self-tanner.

Now, I know deep down that this isn't my fault... but I can't help but wonder a bit.

So, Lucas' big consult is tomorrow morning. I hope it is good news, and nothing huge and major has to happen to my darling baby.

***************

Since I am going to be gone tomorrow, here are the previews to my new items hitting the Digi Chick Boutique tomorrow!

TDC is switching cart systems tomorrow, from Zen Cart to XCart.... so sadly there isn't a "New Products" button... yet ;) You will have to go into my shop and look for these alphabetically.

Sticker Alpha

Stickers are a hot trend right now. Here is a fun alphabet sure to suit whatever project you are working on. This alphabet comes straight AND slightly curled. Mix and match for an eye pleasing effect.

Included are 2 full alphabets and number sets and symbols.

Jumbo Buttons

These buttons are ginormous! They are 4 inches across! What a fun and unique element to add to your layout!

Included are 10 Jumbo Buttons.

Crayon Alpha

This fun childlike alpha was created with a real crayon. It will put just the *right touch* on your layout. This alpha compliments the Stinkertoots kit.

Included is a full alpha.

Stinkertoots Kit

Stinkertoots is the ultimate boy kit. There is so much "fun" happening in this kit! Fun color schemes, crayon doodles, and curled stickers will perfectly highlight the 'Stinkertoots" in your life.

Included in Stinkertoots kit are 8 textured and worn papers, 4 buttons, 3 curled stickers, 3 tags, 3 name tags, 3 crayon doodle brushes, 2 frames, 1 stitched button border, 1 crayon overlay, 1 stitched circle, and a Bonus Quick Page!

NEW FREE Andrea Burns' Sample

This mini kit is a sample of Andrea Burns' work. It is textured, worn, and a bit shabby.

Included in this gift are 5 papers, 3 tags, 3 buttons, 2 ribbons, and 2 photo corners.

Enjoy, and don't forget to come back for more!

In fact... would you like it early? A day before it is released? Alright, you twisted my arm! LOL~ I have been promising you something for me hitting the 100 mile mark in my running.

((DL's are all done.... please check it out in my shop at TDC))

If you download it, please leave me a note.... I LOVE hearing from ya'll! (and don't go sharing it.... LOL!)

She....

My new all about me page for TDC Staff LO's...

Journaling reads:

SHE

loves to run

hates to run

cooks by taste

prefers chocolate

dreams in vivid detail

prays for her boys' future wives

pulses with music

is passionate for a fantastic photograph

is captivated by laughter

still tries to impress her husband

smells like paradise (I Do! Its the name of my perfume... LOL!)

for credits: see HERE

Speaking of running......

Ugg. It never fails. It looks like I am going to lose my toenail. Again. For some reason, I always build up a blood blister under my 2nd toenail on my left foot. So it looks like I have a black nail, and the nail is actually raised up. Once the blister is drained... which I have to do... because Oh The Pressure! it leaves the nail bed hollow. Then the nail falls off. This happens every running season for me. I'm not sure why either.... my shoes fit right. It doesn't matter if I'm on a treadmill or outside, because I've tried both. This usually happens to my 2nd toenail on my right toe too... but its actually looking ok right now. It is a bit tender, but at least its not black.

We are getting ready for our LIFE convention trip. It's going to be over the July 4th holiday in Orlando. Its this HUGE event where Christian & Missionary Alliance Youth Groups from all over the country (And some from around the globe) get together for a few days of powerful speakers, wonderful concerts, and area work projects. It is life altering for every teen who goes. Its held every 3 years, and last time it was in July 2004 in Phoenix, AZ... and I was very pregnant with Seth, LOL! great times.... Anyways, I CANNOT wait! Hey! If you click on the LIFE link, you'll see Jimmy Donaruma in the bottom right hand corner... he was my very good friend back in college. What a nut, and what a great friend, I can't wait to see him again!

Oh-dokey-dokey. (Seth speak for okey-dokey.) I've written a novel today, and I have to dash. I've got some great new things up my sleeve that I need to finish!

;)

Three Months....

Happy Three Month Birthday to my Lucas! Does anyone else think this is going waaay fast? I need to take his monthly picture with the Pooh Bear today.

Yesterday's Pediatric visit was somewhat funny. My 3 month old is 15 lbs and 2 oz.... and he also has swimmer's ear! What the heck! Totally my mom's fault, she gave him his bath when we were visiting there last week, and I distinctly remember my sister standing next to me asking if his ears were supposed to be underwater like that.

(sigh) Anyways! We have special drops to put in his ear for the next few days.

I got another page done... and I think this is one of my new favorites....

Journaling reads: milk breath, sweetly sighing, all is well in the Land of Nod.

For credits see HERE.

I have an actual paid photo shoot tonight. I was supposed to do it Friday night, but that was the night tornadoes rolled through and the cars broke. So we rescheduled for tonight. Its going to be of a darling 18 month old boy. So cute!

Nate is gone the next couple days... he took a few of the Youth Group boys on a Backpacking trip.

BREAKTHROUGH! Seth hadn't gone number 2 in 2 days.... so we had him n.a.k.e.d and asking him constantly if he had to go... to which he always replied "Yot Yet." (Seth-speak for "not yet"). All of a sudden he said "Gotta P.O.O.P!" ran to the toilet by himself and proceeded to go. YESSS! He also tore all the TP to bits, but ah well, we'll let that slide, LOL!

My Blue Eyed Boy....

Tagged! And this time I was Tagged by Theresa. (thanks girlie!)

So here goes:

Four of my favorite jobs:
1. Digi Designing! (really!)
2. Photographer
3. First Grade teacher
4. Photographer at Camp Toccoa

Four of my favorite local places
1. Pitsburgh Zoo
2. Pierson Park
3. Ross Park Mall
4. The Waterfront (and PF CHang's ;)

Four of my favourite foods
1. chocolate
2. Starbucks' cinnamon dolce latte
3. shrimp & filet mignon
4. ice cream, with chocolate in it

Four of my favorite international places
1. London
2. Scotland
3. Egypt
4. Australia

Four names of people I am tagging
1. Shawna
2. Kellie P
3. Kimberly
4. Amy

And can you believe it? I have gotten some scrapping done! (clap clap!) YAY!




Credits: Andrea Burns: Brown paper (Elemental: Lunar kit) Orange paper (Elemental: Solar kit) Red Paper (Elemental: Fire kit) and buttons (Buttons Galore coming this thursday) For the rest of the credits see HERE.

Journaling reads: precious smile softly cooing snuggling close breathe deep my Blue Eyed Boy

****************

We had a really rough day with Lucas yesterday... he just kept crying and crying and he wouldn't eat all day.... Last night when Nate was bathing him he realized that whenever he touched his ear he would scream even louder! Poor baby! It looks like he might have an ear infection... so I'm taking him in at 1:30 today. I nursed him in the football hold last night and this morning and that helps.

I just feel bad that we didn't figure it out earlier... Seth has never been sick, can you believe it? Never thrown up or anything, so with Lucas its like learning from the beginning, LOL!

Nate did eventually get the Corolla together and we did get to the 2 parties. Today he is working on the Jetta.

Happy Monday!

My World....

For credits see HERE.

Journaling reads: Not a day goes by that I don't experience every emotion given to women. The three of you give me an abundance of love, joy, frustration, and fear. In this often dark world, it is the three of you who give me color and light in every shade imaginable.

And here is another gem from that quick shoot of Lucas... I like both versions, LOL!

My little Chunky Monkey!

Not much new to report here.... Nate and I are off to Maryland for a couple days, so I won't be back to post till Thursday. My sisters can't wait to meet Lucas. I'm actually supposed to be packing and getting the house ready and such... but here I am procrastinating, LOL!

Let me tell you something quickly about my father. He has done something so annoying....

He has taught Seth to call him by his first name. Oscar. My dad has earned a special name (He is Abuelo to my boys) and yet he keeps encouraging Seth to call him Oscar. So now whenever Seth sees him or hears that he is coming, he just yells "OSCAAAAARRR!"

Grrr! Its kinda cute in the same sense, but come on! Everyone else can call my dad by his first name... not my boys! This will be so fun to try and break, LOL!

Coolio....

Just something I made with my new kit....

And Check It Out!!! I'm so excited about that.... LOL!

Great news in the Burns' household.... Seth finally went number 2 on the potty! My word, what a battle that was! Its off to Chuck E Cheese for dinner, LOL!

Take a look at what I caught this morning......

awww.....