Kim's World

Reflections

2011-06-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

I am sharing this photo as part of a photo share at Love That Shot. This is a picture I took of Kacie and Teri at Richmond Park. It is their reflection in the channel into the pond. I had fun trying to figure out the right positioning so that they were in the picture, but I was not!

Check out the Love That Shot site!

New website - lenshero.com

2010-12-23T00:05:00.001-05:00

So a friend I met in my photography classes at GRCC gave me a link to a new site called LensHero! I went looking and found that it's a great way to see new lens' that would work for your particular camera in your price range! That has to be my favorite feature. First you select your camera model, next you select your price range, and finally you select what type of lens you are looking for. I like that with this site you are able to pick a max price. While I know there are MANY lenses out there that I can not afford at this time, it's nice to see things that will work for my needs AND my budget! I have now bookmarked this site!

Here, check it out:
lenshero.com

30 Things Before I'm 30!

2010-08-10T01:12:00.000-04:00

So, Michelle over at Scrapfreak posted a link to a blog today where Elise Blaha posted her mini album of 25 things to do before she turned 25. This reminded me that I also wanted to do a list of 30 things to do before I turn 30. And, well 30 isn't so far away anymore! So here it goes, this is my list of 30 things to do by January 15, 2012:

1. Get married

2. Earn a college degree

3. Own a home

4. plant a vegetable garden

5. learn to use a sewing machine

6. make a quilt

7. lose 15 lbs. and maintain it

8. buy a camper

9. read 10 books that I WANT to read (not for school)

10. learn how to make 15 new meals

11. scrap my wedding pictures

12. get a dog

13. train the new dog!

14. take a family vacation

15. join a moms group or scrap group

16. Take Julia to meet Bree, Mara, and GA friends

17. Go to GA to meet Baby Bree

18. update to a new camera (once I learn current camera!)

19. learn Photoshop in more detail

20. buy new living room furniture

21. create my "scraproom"

22. find a job I enjoy

23. restart my Disney movie collection

24. visit NYC

25. create a family budget-AND STICK TO IT!

26. make a handmade decor element for each room of my home

27. host and cook a major family meal (i.e. Thanksgiving or Christmas)

28. start holiday traditions for my family

29. make a doll for Julia

30. BLOG THIS-and keep it up to date!

Thanks Michelle for the push I needed to get this written down and get started!

Friday Fill-ins...

2010-07-02T18:17:00.000-04:00

1. When it's quiet I enjoy it! Quiet times are few and far between these days!

2. Julia has grown so much in what seems like a month.

3. My heart is full of love.

4. I can't believe it's already July.

5. In the town where I was born is where I still live. Boring, right?

6. Lou is a great Daddy. That is something I really love about my significant other / friend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Julia taking a nap, tomorrow my plans include possibly going to the guys show and Sunday, I want to spend the day with my family celebrating the 4th of July!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

2010-05-01T09:49:00.000-04:00

After nine long months, I am so happy to announce the arrival of my BABY GIRL, Julia Marie! She was born April 28th at 4:54pm.

Julia Marie

April 28, 2010

4:54 pm

7 lbs. 14 oz.

20 in. long

So, here is how it went. Tuesday night Lou and Matt went golfing and I was hanging out at home. I decided I would take a nap while they were out and then I would make dinner. Well, I layed down, but I wasn't able to nap because I had a lot of pressure in my back and started having contractions that were feeling different than the Braxton Hicks contractions that I had been getting used to. So, I got up and started making tacos to try to ignore it. I didn't want to get my hopes up! When Lou got home, I told him I thought this was real this time, but I still wasn't too sure myself. Well, the contractions kept going, but they weren't getting stronger or any closer together, so I figured it was just another false alarm. I decided around midnight I would just go lay down and try to get some sleep. I turned on the replay of the Tigers game and tried to go to bed. By the time the game was done I knew it was real this time. I was in labor!

We went to the hospital at about 4am. I was thinking my contractions were about 10 minutes apart, but when I was hooked to the monitors I saw that they were in fact 5 minutes apart, I just didn't realize that I was having back labor too. So, we were checked in and in a labor room by 6am. My doctor broke my water around 8am and shortly after I decided to get my epidural. After a couple hours my labor was not getting stonger, so they decided to give me Pitocin. I was a bit worried since I know of a few people that had negative results with Pitocin, but it worked for me! I was completely dialated and ready to push at about 3 pm, and our little girl made her way into the world at 4:54pm. So, about 12 hours after arriving to the hospital!

We didn't know if we were having a boy or girl. I thought through the whole pregnancy that I wanted a boy, but when I heard the doctor say "It's a Girl" I was so excited and couldn't imagine it any other way now!

Here are a few of the pictures my Mom took, I didn't really take any pictures in the hospital. I have taken some since we got home yesterday, so I will upload and share some of those soon.

Julia and Daddy

Julia and Grandpa

Julia and Aunt Kacie

Julia and Aunt Andi

Julia and Aunt Stephanie

A Week in the Life-Day 5

2010-04-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

No pictures for today! I woke up with a stomach bug and spent 90% of my day in bed. With the tv season ending, I didn't have much to watch from the Tivo, so I had to rely on Friday cable. Let me just tell you, Friday tv SUCKS! I did get out of bed for a bit to watch some basketball with Lou, but ended up getting blurry vision and a headache, so back to bed for me! On a good note, 7 DAYS UNTIL I'M DUE!!! While I am very excited to not be pregnant, I am also kind of nervous now that I am counting days rather than weeks!!!

A Week in the Life-Day 4

2010-04-24T15:49:00.001-04:00

I spent the morning relaxing and doing some exam prep for my Psych class. I also watched Zoe run around the house chasing every ball she could find. And if you know how much Lou plays golf in the house, you know that she had plenty of balls laying around to chase! She goes from one extreme to the other. Either she's tearing through the house after something, or she's laying around and gets mad if you happen to disturb her while she is relaxing!

Today I did a lot of running around. First I went through some of my clothes here, then I went to my parents house and went through some clothes. I am trying to get rid of some of the clutter I have by getting rid of things I don't need. I have a ton of clothes, but I really don't care for many of them and I know that I won't wear a lot of them after the baby, so it's time for them to go!

After that, Lou and I ran out to Babies R Us to exchange some things we got doubles of. All I ended up buying instead was a cover for the changing table pad. Nothing too exciting.

I then came home a scrapped some while Lou went golfing. Then I tried making homemade sloppy joe sauce. Matt Ford and Lou said it was good, so I guess it passed!

A Week in the Life-Day 3

2010-04-22T12:48:00.000-04:00

Today I woke up WAYYY to early. I was up and waiting for the 5am news to start. Needless to say, I checked up on things online, grabbed a pop tart and milk for breakfast, and then went and layed back in bed trying to sleep. Watched the news, then caught up on the rest of the shows on the Tivo. Called good 'ol Marvin at 8, then went and took a little nap.

I woke back up around 11, and took care of bills and doing our budget for the week. Got in the shower, got dressed and headed to my 38 week doctors appointment. The worst part about going to the doctor every week now is that they just squeeze you in between appointments. This usually means a lot of waiting. Good thing I have Facebook and games on my phone! Just a regular doctors visit. Measuring right on schedule, heart rate is 134. Dr. Edvenson did give me some scary news though, he said he guesses the baby is weighing in at the high end of 8 lbs. and if I go until my due date or over, the baby could reach 9 lbs! Umm, lets hope he's over estimating!

After the doctors appointment, Lou and I came home and relaxed a bit until time for Burger Night at KofC. We picked Annie up and went and grabbed burgers and fries. Can't beat $3.50 burger baskets! After that we went and hung out with Amy and the twins. Grandma Terry got the girls a Cadillac Escalade Power Wheels and they have been wanting to show it to Lou-Lou. The Power Wheels is so cool! The baby will be getting one of these when it's old enough for sure! (Maybe not pink if it's a boy!)

Ashley drove first. She was having a hard time keeping it on the sidewalk at first. She was too busy watching what everyone else was doing instead of watching where she was going. She got a little better on her second trip around the cul-de-sac.

Cassidy drove next. She is a very confident driver, but got frustrated if she did go off road a bit!

We had a nice walk while the girls practiced driving. Then we went back to play in the back yard and enjoy the nice weather.

We headed home around 8, I get tired so early these days! It was time for me to just sit home and relax. I am working on a mini album for the Scrapfreak May class. The best thing about moving the guest bed into my scrap room is that I can sit on the bed with my feet up and scrap. I think I could get used to this! Although Lou informed me that the bed is supposed to be for him and Zoe to hang out on while they are in here with me, so I should keep it cleared off!

Headed to bed around midnight and watched tv for a bit. I tried to read a book I have had laying around the house for a while, but I was too tired to concentrate, so I gave up and went to sleep!

A Week in The Life-Day 2

2010-04-21T23:33:00.000-04:00

I know it's Wednesday already, but I am just getting around to blogging Tuesday!

The Winter 2010 semester in coming to an end this week, so I spent a lot of my day finishing up my online Psych class, and writing my final paper for my Social Work 103 class. I have everything completed, now just need to take my exams on Monday, and I am done for the semester!

I also took a few breaks from school work to relax in bed and keep my feet up. I had Braxton Hicks contractions all day, so just laying down and taking it easy was neccessary. I have to say that I LOVE my Boppy pillow and Tivo more than a lot of things in life! I caught up on First 48, Runaway Squad, and Intervention. Not to mention the Season Finale and Reunion episode of 16 and Pregnant! I know, I watch way too much reality TV.

Nothing really exciting to report for today. With all the excitement that is sure to come my way soon, I appreciate having the time to lay in bed and relax!

A Week In the Life (inspired by Ali Edwards)

2010-04-20T00:09:00.000-04:00

The Daily Inspiration at Scrapfreak today is Ali Edwards "A Week in the Life" project. (Read more about it here.) I thought this would be something fun to do as a way to document the last few days until we have a baby in the house with us! So, manybe mine is more of a "Countdown to Baby" rather than a week in the life. If I have it my way, this won't last another week, but I think the baby has other plans and this could last longer than a week! There are a few things I want to get done around the house to prepare, and I also want a way to see how much things change once I am responsible for more than just myself! I want to scrap these days, but for now I am just going to post some unedited photos and my journaling here in case I don't get to it right away!

Day 1: Monday, April 19, 2010

Today I started the day by cleaning our bedroom so I could put the pack and play in ready for baby to come home. While I am still standing strongly on trying to get the baby on a good sleeping/eating schedule as soon as possible and having the baby sleep in it's crib right away, I am also not an idiot! I like my sleep and I know it will take me a little while to get used to getting up with the baby in the middle of the night, so I want to have the baby in our room for a little while. I decided to put the Pack 'n Play together in the living room. I wasn't thinking about having to fit it through the doorway into our room. Needless to say, I had to take the things almost completely apart to fit it through the door to our room and put it back up in there.

After getting my room ready, I organized a few more things in the baby's room. While I don't remember any more than just the stories, my mom said that I loved Beatrix Potter books when I was a toddler. She has told me many times about our trips to the library so I could get my books. This is something that I have always enjoyed hearing about, so with the baby's room, I have decided to do a Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter theme. The bedding I picked out is mostly blue, tan, and white. It is a bit boyish, but I decided that I can add flowers and other colors to the room after the baby is born if it is a girl. So, for now, things aren't completely done in there, but I di have everything assembled and washed! It is going to be a hard day for Zoe when she realizes that the crib is no longer hers! Everytime I am in the room, she comes in and sprawls out in the crib!

Tonight I invited my family over for dinner. Lou grilled burgers and hotdogs and we just hung out. I wanted to have them over for dinner one last time before the baby because I don't know when I will have the energy to make dinner for everyone again! It might be a while. Keira had so much fun having everyone around to play with her. She hung out with Uncle Louie for a while tonight without crying. She still isn't sure what to think of him!

And of course, there is the never-ending laundry! It is currently taking over a corner of the dining room because I wanted it out of our bedroom when I cleaned. So, you will be hearing more about laundry tomorrow as I attempt to get this mountian out of my dining room!!

Scrapfreak Kits!

2010-04-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

OK, I know, I'm a blog slacker again! I realized how much of a slacker I was when I decided that I would post a sneak peek of Scrapfreaks May kit and then I noticed I never posted April debut kit!

So, first off Scrapfreak has made some changes. They are now an embellishment kit club. I am so excited about this change. I have been looking for an embellishment kit for YEARS! I love to be able to try new things out without having to spend tons of money on a huge package of embellishements. How many chipboard flowers does one girl need? In the past I was only able to find an embellishment kit as an add-on to a full paper and embellishement kit that I don't need! Well, at long last there is a kit out there for people like me!

April was the first month for the embellishment kits, and it is a great kit.

Introducing the debut kit...

You can find more information on purchasing the kit here!

I have been able to use a few of the kit items over the last couple weeks, and I have to say I LOVE THEM!
Here is a layout I made of my neice Keira making fishy lips. She is seriously one of the cutest kids EVER. I already know that she is not going to be able to hide her feelings, her facial expressions give it all away. It's kind of funny to watch a 6 month old baby look at someone like they just want to tell them how stupid they are though.

For this layout, I used the corrugated alphabet, journal spots, flower centers, rub-ons, plastic flowers, and trim from the kit. And I still have LOTS of stuff to work with.

For this card I layered the clear acrylic flower and small plastic flowers from the kit. I have decided that I am in love with the plastic flowers. This is shocking to me since I am NOT a flower type girl. Something about the pearlesent plastic flowers is drawing me in!

Now that I have gotten a little bit more up to date, it's time to show a few sneak peeks of May's kit. If you liked the April kit, you are sure to LOVE the May kit.

Here is the sneak that is up right now at Scrapfreak.

And here are a couple sneaks at some of the projects I have made with this kit so far.

I can't wait to show the entire kit. I am so happy with the quality and amount of products. Be sure to check Scrapfreak on the 25th for the full reveal! You can find all the details on kit ordering here! And if you want even more eye candy, check out the sneak peeks on jessica*bree's blog!

My Baby Shower

2010-03-19T22:38:00.001-04:00

My mom, Kacie, Stephanie, Andi, and Casey had a baby shower for me last Sunday. It was tons of fun, but exhausting and a bit overwhelming too. I can't believe all the gifts I received! The baby's room is packed full of goodness right now.
It was nice to see Kelly, Nikki, and Lisa there and get to see how their pregnancies are going too. I am so excited that there will be so many new babies in the family this year. I loved growing up with so many cousins that were close in age to me. I am glad that my baby will get to experience that as well. Stephanie and I counted and from Sept. 2009 - Oct. 2010 the Lyon family is expecting 6 new babies! So far the first two born were girls, I'm next and hoping for a boy, Kelly & Dave are thinking about waiting to find out what they are having until the baby is born, and Nikki & Paul and Jaime & Amanda don't have their ultrasounds scheduled yet as far as I know.
When it came time to opening gifts, the kids were all excited to help! It was nice to have little hands to help when I couldn't reach past my belly, but WOW! that was a lot of help!

Max taking a nap with his Aunt Kimmy. The shower was exhausting for him too!

Aunt Donna N. and Jake made the baby a blanket and burp cloths with stars and moons on them. The blankie also has the minky fabric on the back, my favorite. I'm sure we will be using this A LOT cause Mommy wants to use it too!

Baby's first carseat. I ended up with two travel systems because of a mix up with taking things off the registry, but Babies R Us gladly gave me a store credit to use when I figure out what else we are needing before the baby is born.

Lucas was really excited to help me open my presents until he realized that there weren't any for him. The sad look on his face was priceless!

Like I said, I had lots of help with gift opening. The girls had it down to a science. Hailey handed the gift to me to open, then I handed it to Rhyan and she handed it to Kadymn. That way they all got a good look!

When I registered for a baby bath Andi suggested that I register for the one with a sprayer. She said it would be a lot easier to rinse off the baby that way. When Lou was loading up the truck after the shower he got a kick out of the fact that our baby has a Soothing Spa Tub!

And of course with my last name, I had to have a lion toy! Pam and Aunt Karen got the baby the cutest little lion that plays music and his fat little cheeks light up!

Our New Baby (and not the human one yet!)

2010-03-19T11:54:00.003-04:00

One night after hanging out with Pond, Lou came home to let me know that we were getting a snake. This is something we had discussed before since I was going to get him a snake for his birthday last year, so his announcement was fine, I didn't freak out or anything. The only stipulation to us having a snake is that I didn't want to be around when it was fed, and housing it's food in my home was NOT an option. While I am not scared of snakes, I am TERRIFIED of rats!

One thing I did not realize at first was how much care a snake requires. They have very strict heat and humidity requirements to keep them healthy. It took a little while to get her home ready for her, but once we did, I was really excited to meet her!

So, here she is. Introducing Miss Chemical Warfare! (I know crazy name, but Lou informed me that when he was a kid he always wanted to name his pet Chemical Warfare, and since you don't call your snake, it finally worked out!)

Here she is investigating Chris' face

One of her favorite things to do is try to climb into the back of the couch. She's quick too, if you're not paying attention she will be gone!

Lou, Mark Sr., and Chris spent a lot of time working on what I like to refer to as the "Snake Palace" for her. They built a 4'x2' house for her that takes up a whole wall of the living room. They did a great job and it's really cool to be able to watch her move around in there.

Andi brought Rhyan and Taylor over to meet her a few weeks ago. Rhyan wanted nothing to do with her. She was fine watching her in her cage, but she had no intentions of touching her. Taylor on the other hand, this child isn't scared of anything! She was a little nervous at first since she didn't know how to hold her, but once Lou showed her what to do, she was a pro!

And I took this picture today for the Foto Friday at Scrapfreak to show animals OTHER than the everyday pets. I like to call this one "Fat Girl in a Little Hide". When I was buying supplies for her cage, I hadn't met her yet. I had no idea how big she was and Lou underestimated her size when he was telling me about her. Needless to say, her hide was a tight fit to begin with, and she has already grown since we got her! Everytime I watch her slither back under her hide I think of the movie Tommy Boy!

So, that is the newest addition to our home. Hopefully the next time I blog about a new addition I will be telling you that I finally had this baby!

I'm a bad blogger!

2010-03-19T11:34:00.000-04:00

I am a horrible blogger. I know this. I have tried a few times to blog more frequently, but every time I fail. So, after Bree and my mom so lovingly pointed out my poor blogging skills, I will once again try this whole blog thing out! So, Mom and Bree, it is now up to you guys to help me to keep going!

The Name Game - WTG Challenge #2

2010-02-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

It's time again for a challenge from Who's That Girl. This week's challenge on Who's That Girl is to document a story about your name... it can be why your parents chose your name, how you ended up with a particular nickname or any other name related story.

I scrapped about the spelling of my name. My mom threw in an extra "e" just to make things confusing! So, my name is Kimberley rather than the common spelling of Kimberly. I have become used to everyone misspelling my name, even when I spell it out for them!

As if the challenge wasn't a fun enough reason to play, the RAK that Jessica*Bree is offering up this week is AMAZING! She is offering up these beautiful hand made embellies!

One more this in the Who's That Girl world is our monthly Crafy Idea! Each month one of the designers will be showing off a crafty idea. While this challenge blog is mainly about scrapping about you, its also about figuring out your style and enjoying this hobby! So we hope the design and technique ideas will help inspire you! This month Jessica*Bree is going to show you how to make fancy doo-dads. Okay, doo-dads may not be their official name, but this month she is going to be sharing ideas and tips for making your own cute little layered embellies like these:

Check out the blog for a great step by step tutorial!

Scrapfreak January DT Reveal...

2010-02-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

This month at Scrapfreak I worked with the Bella Blvd. Honey I'm Home Line. Ihave to admit, before I had it in my hands I did NOT think it was a line for me. I am the person that LOVES all things bright and obnoxious when it comes to scrap supplies. Once I had it in my hands I was very happy with it. Here is what I came up with this month.

To see more details and what the Team Freak girls did with these products, go here!

My scrap "helper"

2010-01-30T13:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not feeling good today, so I decided that I am going to hide away and scrap. Zoe is very happy with this idea. One of her favorite things to do is to "help" me scrap. She likes to grab things off my desk and run off with them. She likes to sit on my paper trimmer like it is her personal throne. And her all time favorite scrap activity...

That would be sitting right in the middle of what I am working on so that I don't forget about her!

(And, yes, that mess around her is the way I scrap!)

And the winner is...

2010-01-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone that participated in the Who's That Girl blog hop!!! It was great getting to know you all. I can't wait to see everyone's take on our first challenge. I have seen quite a few layouts already and they are GREAT!

So, I won't make you wait any longer. I used the random number generator to pick a winner of an embellishment pack and the winner is...

SARAH (redoaklines)!!!!!!!!

Sarah, please email your address to me (KimL141@aol.com) and I will get your prize in the mail!

Who's That Girl - Kick-off Blog Hop is HERE!!!

2010-01-15T09:45:00.002-05:00

Ok, so you girls want to have some fun and win prizes? Get to know the Who’s That Girl Design Team… We would LOVE to get to know YOU!

START THE HOP HERE @ THE WHO’S THAT GIRL CHALLENGE BLOG, then hop along to each team member’s blog to see their wonderful takes on our VERY FIRST CHALLENGE!

Our first challenge for 2010 is One Word. But not just any word, we want to know the word that describes who you are as a person. For this challenge pick a word that tells who you are and what you are all about!

Here is my layout for this challenge!

So after debating about my word, and in the end a long discussion with Bree, I determined my word is maternal! I am the oldest of three kids and have always been a little mom to both of my siblings. Kacie even refers to me as "Mom Number 2"! I have also always been the type of person that needs to make sure everyone is taken care of. I often put others first before myself just to make sure that everyone is OK. Then there is the biggest change that will be happening in my life soon. I am expecting my first child at the end of April. I have always wanted to be a Mom. So, ready or not... HERE IT COMES! Time to test those maternal instincts!

1. One lucky person who leaves a comment on all of our blogs in the DT blog hop will win this collection of goodies:

2. One person who does the challenge and posts in the Flickr group will win this collection of goodies:

3. Since it's my birthday today, I am also going to pick a random winner out of those of you that post a comment here and become a follower of my blog for an embellishment goodie pack!

Next, hop on over and check out MARA'S blog. ENJOY!

Here is the order in case you get lost along the way:

Who’s That Girl

Jessica*Bree

Kim

Mara

Cindy

Carla

Diana

Sara

Aimee

Fun news to share...

2010-01-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

So, I told you last week that I had news to share, but I couldn't just yet. Well, now I get to share. Jessica*Bree is once again doing a year long challenge blog, and I have been asked to be a design team member. This year the challenges are going to be All About Me challenges. I love AAM pages and I can't wait to get this started! You can find more information on the blog, but for now I have one more thing to share...

Working on my scrap room!

2010-01-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

I know, we've already lived here for a month. But, I just didn't feel the need to organize my scrap room yet. Today is going to be the day. I have just been scrapping out of boxes and unorganized drawers and I finally can't take it! Lou has been offering to help me in here for a while now. It kills him that it's so chaotic! Today I am going to take him up on the offer. I will post pictures later when I'm done!

A little sneak peek...

2010-01-05T14:36:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a little sneak peek of something that I have been working on.

Check back later this week for more information!!!

Jump Start Your Scrapping - 31 Days of Ideas to Jump Start Your Scrapping in 2010

2010-01-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

The first monthly event for 2010 has begun at Scrapfreak! This month we will have layout challenges EVERYDAY! Yes, you read that right. On top of the regular inspiration you can constantly find at Scrapfreak, we are adding daily challenges for the entire month of January!

Here's the scoop:
Most of us got started scrapping because we believe that documenting our family's memories is important, but sometimes its hard to find the time, the energy and the inspiration to create. Well we here at Scrapfreak want to help! January is our first month-long challenge of the year (look for more later this year) with a full 31 days of ideas to inspire you to scrap that stack of photos you have waiting for you!

Each day, the team will share a layout from the freak gallery by one of the many talented members here, along with a related challenge to get you creating. And to give you an extra push to create, we are kicking off the JSYS challenge with a mini-crop all day on the 1st featuring 10 fun challenges! No special supplies required. No crazy projects that will clutter up your house. Just 10 ideas for creating pages to help fill your scrapbooks!

Since this is our first month long challenge, a bit about how it works:

The event is open to everyone, including newbies! Just jump in
To play along, just share your projects in the challenge threads by uploading your pages to the scrapfreak gallery and linking back to the thread
Each month-long challenge will give you a chance to earn a special badge made just for that event (we all love cute siggies, right?)
And there will be a RAK offered at the end of month from a Team Freak member

The details for the January challenge:

To qualify for the badge you must complete 20 of the 40 challenges by February 7th (this is one week after the last challenge is posted)
Bree will be giving away a RAK to one person who completes at least 10 of the challenges. You get an extra chance to win for each challenge you do in addition to the 10 to qualify.
Each challenge is a layout challenge, but any size layout is fine. The point is not to create "work" for you but to help get you scrapping, so work in the size you like to work in most
Its okay to combine JSYS challenges with Freaky Friday challenges as long as you meet the requirements of both

Here is where you can find all the information you need as well as the daily challenges. I can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Scrapbook Challenges Blog Hop

2010-01-02T12:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Sarah (hippy_chick) I found a great new challenge site, Scrapbook Challenges. They are having a blog hop this weekend, so here's the info. I hope you take time to hop along!

Today is the start of the Scrapbook Challenge’s Blog Hop!! How exciting!! There is a HUGE giveaway for leaving comments on the participant’s blogs so be sure to leave some love!

The blog hop starts at Pamala’s Blog for the announcement of the new design team. Then check out Scrapbook Challenge’s Hop On Board for member’s who are participating.

It is sure to be inspiring!

Here is the sketch that we all started out with:

And here is my take on the sketch:

Journaling:

I was so excited for my ultra-sound! I counted the weeks, days, and hours until it was FINALLY Dec. 14th. I wasnted so badly to know if you are a boy or girl. You, however, had other plans! You sat Indian style through the whole thing! I did learn a few things about you while watching you on the screen though. You look like you have Daddy's lips and chin, you lay with your hands next to your face like Mommy, and you're stubborn like both of us!

Dec. 14, 2009-20weeks, 3 days

I hope you take some time to hop through the blogs and get some inspiration!

20 week ultrasound

2009-12-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Today Lou and I went for the 20 week ultrasound. We found out we are having a...

BABY!!!!!
Yeah, that's right. We already have a stubborn child! The baby was moving and making it difficult for the tech to get the images she needed, but failed to uncross it's legs the whole time! I even got up, used the bathroom, and walked around. Nothing! Still sitting indian style!
Although we still do not know if we are having a boy or girl, being able to "see" the baby was amazing. We even got a 4D ultrasound even though the tech wasn't supposed to do it. She was trying SOOO hard to find the sex of the baby. So, I don't have news about the gender, but I do have some pretty darn cute pictures.

This one is my favorite. I can't believe how much I can see! Doesn't the baby look so sweet and innocent there? Too bad I already know better than to believe that!

At this point we were laughing. The tech was talking to the baby asking it to put down the one hand that was in the way. Instead, we got two hands in the way!

This picture is a little creepy, but it makes me smile. I got to watch the baby try to get it's hand into it's mouth! And the baby kept sticking it's tounge out at us!

Here is the regular u/s picture. I love the profile pics. They are so sweet!

And just because they are also VERY cute (even if it's just to me), here is a leg and arm!

Here's to hoping that we do eventually get to know whether this little one is a boy or girl. I would love to be able to call the baby he or she rather than the baby or it! I also don't want to pick two names. We are having a hard enough time trying to pick ONE we agree on!

November Design Team Projects for Scrapfreak

2009-11-30T00:27:00.000-05:00

This month at Scrap Freak I worked with a few different lines. First was the Amplify line by Sassafras Lass. Although I am not a huge fan of purple, the second I saw this line I thought of my sister! She loves purple and the funky patterns were perfect for this page of her and the bedroom decor I made for her!

For this LO I used Sassafras Lass Paper Whimsies - Shindig, Sassafras Lass Amplify 12x12 - Marvel, Maya Road Trinket Pins - Clear Jewels, American Crafts Fabric Thickers - Delight - Black, and Distress Stickles™ Glitter Glue / Tim Holtz Designer Series - Rock Candy.

The other line I worked with was Pink Paislee Mistletoe and Co. It was a nice change from the traditional Christmas pattern paper. I loved it for my Christmas cards!

For these cards I used Pink Paislee Mistletoe and Co. 12x12 - Postcards, Distress Stickles™ Glitter Glue / Tim Holtz Designer Series - Rock Candy, and Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Rock Candy.

The last thing I did was work with the new Maya Road Christmas Tree mini. I have love making decorative minis without pictures lately!

I used a quote by Roy L Smith, "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." For this mini I used a bunch of hodgepodge supplies. It was lots of fun to make! I used Maya Road Mini Christmas Tree Book, Maya Road Mist - Avocado Metallic, Maya Road Trinket Beads - Hanging Chandelier, Maya Road Trinket Pins - Clear Jewels, American Crafts Fabric Thickers - Delight - Black, Jenni Bowlin Tiny Circle Alpha Cardstock Stickers - Vintage Red, and Sassafras Lass Amplify 12x12 Sweet Treat Stickers.

Black Friday Fill-Ins

2009-11-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget the food in the fridge for Thanksgiving.
2. Eating followed at once by sleeping.
3. The trouble is I'm starving NOW.
4. Most of my friends live many miles away.
5. With a faint pop my ear is feeling better.
6. The weather, shadowy and ominous.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving with my family, tomorrow my plans include Yvies baby shower and Sunday, I want to scrap!

Friday Fill-ins

2009-11-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

1. We need lots of things before we move. I need to go shopping!
2. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat today, and it made me smile.
3. If you want ... I got nothing for this one!
4. I'm sad because I'm not feeling well again.
5. Massachusetts has a proposed 5% sales tax on elective cosmetic surgery; I think it's kind of funny.
6. Being with my family makes for a happy holiday.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being lazy, tomorrow my plans include going to Flint for K's birthday party and Sunday, I want to go to Bronner's!

Friday Fill-ins (I know, it's Sunday!)

2009-11-15T06:40:00.002-05:00

1. The last band I saw live was Revelation.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is spending time with my family.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is not even started! I still don't know what I want to get anyone.
4. Thoughts of where in the heck I am going to live fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear pants with a button.
6. Bagpipes are weird.
7. And as for the weekend, it's almost over!

The Twins-Ashley and Cassidy

2009-08-04T20:39:00.008-04:00

The girls LOVE having their pictures taken. It helps that I bribed them with "basketball robbins" for ice cream when they were wanting to be done. And I also let them take a few pictures too. Here are some of my favorites.

Ashley just instantly starts posing when she see's a camera! She's definately the little diva!

Cassidy would rather be the one taking the pictures! She did let me get a few, but after a couple she said, "OK, now you sit in the chair and I'll take your picture!" Good try Cass!

Getting a picture of the girls together wasn't working so well! Darn, I'll just have to try again!

The Zoo (again!)

2009-08-04T01:38:00.010-04:00

Some of you may know this already, but the zoo is and has always been my favorite place in Grand Rapids. As far back as I can remember I have always loved the zoo. So, this year Lou and I decided to buy a membership. It was only $43 for the year and we can also use it at other zoos through out the country, so it just seemed like something that would be nice for us. We have already used it enough that it paid for itself, and we still have about 10 months left! (Not that I will be using it much in the dead of winter.)
Another new thing going on with me is my new camera. I bought a used DSLR off of ebay. Not something I would normally use, but it was a reputable seller, and I got a hell of a deal. It's a Canon Rebel 300D. It's a few years old, and it has some cosmetic wear, but the camera itself works great! I am really happy with it.

Well, lets combine my love of the zoo with the fact that I got a new camera and here is what you get:

The newest animals in the zoo are the Wallaby's and the Lemurs. The idea is pretty cool. They have an outdoor area that is set up so the wallaby's can come down and people can pet them. Well, apparently this guy had enough. He wouldn't even look at anyone. He just sat there pretending that no one was around!

The bears have been really active the last few times I visited. This time was no exception. Everytime the dark brown bear would get comfortable, the light brown bear would wander over and ruin it! Look how comfortable s/he looks, and two seconds later... DONE!

For as far back as I can remember there has been a Maned Wolf exhibit back behind the small waterfall and the Llama looking guys, but I have never actually seen said wolf. Well, I finally saw them! There were two of them. They were hiding really far up in their enclosure. You can barely see them in the pictures, but I have photographic evidence!

This is the small waterfall. It's nice because not as many people hang out and watch this one. It gave me a chance to try some of the different settings on my camera. This is the best shot I got.

One more thing about me that I think everyone knows is that I have an obsession with lions! I am so happy with the new lion enclosure! There is a rock that is right in front of the glass. This female lion is laying on it sunbathing almost everytime we have been to the zoo. I'm starting to feel like big cat diaries, but I know it is the same girl! Isn't she beautiful?

While the monkeys are cool to watch. I have to say, I'm glad I'm not one of the parents that has to explain to my kids "why do the monkeys have weird butts?" Not going to lie, it's kind of gross. But, I'll share with you anyway!

And this guy... Lou knows my obsession with taking pictures at the zoo. He is constantly helping me find good shots. So, he calls me over to a chimp that was hanging out on the stairs by himself. As I'm walking over he is pooping and sticking his finger up his butt. Sorry, but at this point I refuse to believe that people derived from chimps! After he was done doing his business he sat back on the steps and stared at Kacie! If she moved, so did he. It was great! This one makes me think of "The Thinker"!

And I'll finish this post off with my favorite picture of the day. It's not a wonderful picture, no special techinical elements, nothing like that. It's just a picture that reminds me of one of the reasons I fell in love with Lou. He has always been great with Kacie. He doesn't treat her like she will break, yet he always makes her feel good. He has always had a way with her, even back when she was shy and barely spoke to anyone except her family. And now that she is older, they always have fun picking on me together!

Just for fun...

2009-07-10T00:24:00.001-04:00

You Are Medium Maintenance

Like everyone else, you have some things you are particular about.

You're not too annoying about it, and you're able to go with the flow most of the time.

You've learned to stand your ground on what matters but also make compromises from time to time.

You have good taste. Too bad not everyone shares it.

Are You High Maintenance?

My green thumb...

2009-07-05T02:46:00.007-04:00

Lou and I have been working in the back yard all summer to get the grass growing, clean some areas up, and have pretty flowers. We didn't know a ton about gardening when we started, but it's been fun watching all of our hard work pay off!

Here are some pictures of the raised flower bed around the big tree and my homemade topsy turvies with tomato and pepper plants...

Just something to make you smile!

2009-06-29T16:40:00.002-04:00

HUGE news...

2009-06-26T18:38:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of this month the announcement was made that there would be an opening on the design team at Scrapfreak. I bit the bullet and decided that I needed to apply since I love the site and all of the people so much! Well, I got great news! I was selected to be part of Team Freak!!!!!!! I am so excited to join the team. I love all the girls and can't wait to work with them.

Sun poisoning

2009-06-26T18:32:00.003-04:00

Lou and I took Amy's girls to the Potter Park zoo yesterday. It was really cool. We bought a membership to the John Ball Park zoo this year and Potter Park is one of the recipricoal zoos we get to go to with our membership.
We mainly went because they have a Rhino exhibit, but when we got there we found out that they are redoing the exhibit, so there are no Rhinos right now!
While we were there the skies opened and there was a heavy downpur for about 10 minutes. We did find cover inside the feline exhibit, but not before we were all soaking wet. The bonus was that it really cooled us off! The girls were so well-behaved. I thought being soaking wet would ruin their fun, but they didn't seem to mind.
I want to go back in the fall when it cools off a bit! Oh and when the Rhino exhibit is open again.

Well, after all the fun we had I got in the car and felt weird bumps on my cheeks. By the time we got home, it had spread down my neck. Now it is on my face, neck, and arms. And, it's most likely sun poisoning. It doesn't hurt or itch just more annoying and I feel like I look weird!

New Get Meaningful Lesson

2009-06-24T23:41:00.003-04:00

There is a new lesson today on the Get Meaningful blog. Lesson 14 is about beliefs. This was a hard one for me at first because my beliefs are sort of off the wall. I am a Christian, but I don't believe that going to church and telling the world you are a Christian is all there is to it. So, in a lot of ways, I don't agree with a lot of peoples lifestyles. Oh well, to each their own. As long as I live my life in a way that I feel is right and I'm happy, that's what matters!

So after that tangent, here is the mini I made for this lesson:

A nice Father's Day

2009-06-21T23:02:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day and Father's Day have always been a big deal to me. I am very fortunate to have GREAT parents. When my brother and I were trying to figure out what to get my Dad for Father's Day, we had a hard time. My Dad has everything! So we decided since he like golf so much, the guys would take him golfing. I sent Lou in my place, because I don't golf! The guys enjoyed their time together, but neither Lou or Jason had a very good game. After golf we went to my brother's new place for dinner. It was nice sitting around with the family.

I made my Dad a 6x12 LO card instead of just a regular card. It was inspired by the Freaky Friday challenge at scrapfreak.com. You can find the challenge here. And here is my LO:

FREE class at Scrapfreak.com

2009-06-20T12:16:00.005-04:00

Just a bit of info to get everyone thinking about the July Class at Scrapfreak.com.

With the kids out of school, and most you taking some time to relax, its the perfect time to work on this fun mini-album!

Here are Bree's top 5 reasons why you should play!
1. You'll learn a fun new way to create your own mini-album using just cardstock!
2. The class is super easy... no deep topics or hard challenges, making it PERFECT for the summer
3. We'll be documenting some of you favorites in a fun new way!
4. I will be providing lots of ideas to help you get jump-started. If your mojo has been missing lately this could be a great way to restart it!
5. Last, you know I love give-aways so I am sure I will come up with some kind of challenge or prize. AND I am going to Singapore, so the prize my include something fun from overseas!

School's out for the summer...

2009-06-19T00:31:00.002-04:00

No more papers, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks! (is that how it goes?) I have loved going back to school, but I can say I am very happy that today was my last day. I should have my grades on Monday. Oh, and other good school news... I got a letter in the mail letting me know that I qualify for $1476 in financial aid!! It's not a ton, but it will help for sure.

In other news, I tried the Morning Star burgers tonight. I had the Tomato Basil Pizza burger. It was REALLY good. Now I want to try some of thier other foods.

Well, that's it for me today. Lou is on vacation starting tomorrow, so hopefully we will get some stuff done in the yard.

Bad blogger...

2009-06-18T02:08:00.005-04:00

So, I started a blog, then just let it go. I guess I need to get over the fact that I feel like I don't have much going on that is "blog worthy" and just blog what is really going on in my life.

A few fun things with me lately...

1. A friend of mine, Jessica Bree, is doing a year long scrap class called Get Meaningful. She has asked me to be part of her DT. It was such an honor to be asked to join her since I am a HUGE fan of her work. You can see the blog here.

2. Only one more day of school. I have to take an exam and then attend one last class! I am enjoying school, but I am ready for a break!

3. I am almost done paying for my car! It will be such a relief to have car payments behind me.

I will leave you with a few of the LO's I have done recently.

Well, I did it...

2009-04-21T19:30:00.002-04:00

I joined Weight Watchers online. Since being off of work, I have gained more weight than I care to talk about. I realized how bad it was when none of my Spring clothes from last year fit me right. I decided that Weight Watchers was a good fit for me. They talk a lot about the fact that cutting out everything that you love is starting out on the wrong track and I know that I have failed many times before. Today is day one, but so far I have done well and I feel good about it. I hope to lose 27 pounds minimum and keep it off! Wish me luck!

2009-04-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

A day spent enjoying the sunshine!

2009-04-18T13:49:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day on Friday. We spent the day playing outside. We even ate our lunch outside! I love it when the girls can just go out and run around and be kids! This winter was so long. It was so sunny that I even got a sunburn! (I'm not complaining. It doesn't hurt and at least there was sun!)

John Ball Zoo

2009-04-18T13:29:00.003-04:00

We spent Thursday afternoon at the zoo. It was so nice to be able to get outside! There is a lot of construction going on at the zoo right now and some of the animals aren't out yet, but we had fun. The animals that were out enjoyed the nice weather too.

The bears were liking the nice weather. They were taking a nice dip in the pool to cool down!

The new area opened for the lions last year. When we went this time there weren't very many people there, so we were able to get pretty close to the lions. One of the lionesses was as intrested in us as we were in her. She was almost pressing her nose to the glass! (Sorry the pictures were taken inside a cave so they aren't very good!)

The girls really wanted to go pet the goats. They were really sad when we got there and it was locked. Lou brought them to the fence and that was enough to make them happy. We spend forever petting the goats!

And, who doesn't remember climbing on the statue of John Ball as a kid?

Spring!!!

2009-04-18T12:41:00.007-04:00

It's finally here! Nice weather and sunshine. I spent the last few days enjoying the weather.
On Wednesday Lou and I went to AJ's and the guys hit the batting cages and then we played mini golf. He beat me, but I was holding my own for a while!

Here it begins...

2009-04-15T02:27:00.000-04:00

So, I have been trying to decide whether or not to start a blog for a while now. I finally decided, why not?!?